BattleForge Open Beta PC games released

Phenomic, an Electronic Arts studio, today announced that the real-time strategy (RTS) BattleForge will ship in North America and Europe on March 24 for PC. Prior to launch, players can get into the BattleForge Open Beta by registering at www.BattleForgeCardHunt.com. Worldwide, pre-order customers will receive four exclusive units, one from each faction: Fire, Frost, Nature and Shadow.
These units will feature exclusive card artwork and in-game animation. They will also be leveled-up, giving player’s a head start as they prepare for battle online. For more details on pre-ordering BattleForge, please visit www.battleforge.com.

Developed in Ingelheim, Germany, BattleForge is an epic RTS fantasy game that combines the pace of RTS gameplay with the customization of trading cards in an online environment where friends can play together. BattleForge pioneers strategy gaming with its online multiplayer design and robust community features.

In BattleForge, players use virtual trading cards to build the perfect army and lay waste to their foes. The cards are the tools of war each representing a spell, building or unit that is conjured directly onto the battlefield. This interface enables players to customize and combine factions, and play with a unique army of their own design. With no base building and production queues, BattleForge players are instantly immersed into fast-paced RTS action.

BattleForge features single-player and cooperative scenarios, as well as, Player vs. Player (PvP) ranked duels. Co-op battles are played in teams of two or four, or players can hurl themselves into epic 12 player battles for the greatest rewards. In these scenarios, players must work cooperatively to fulfill the mission and earn rewards. With co-op play, guilds, chat rooms, and a robust marketplace featuring direct trade, an auction hall, and in-game mail, BattleForge is the first RTS to combine the social and community aspects of an MMO with an exciting RTS.

Featuring action-packed co-op and PvP, the ability to build your own army, and robust community features, BattleForge offers unique RTS gameplay that is easy to learn but still prepared to handle expert players.

Developed at Phenomic Studio, BattleForge has been rated T for Teen by the ESRB and 12+ for PEGI. For more information about the BattleForge, visit www.BattleForge.com.

Legacy of Ys - Books I & II for Nintendo DS with soundtracks

It look oh-so-Ys-ee publishers Atlus announced that Legacy of Ys - Books I & II for Nintendo DS will ship two weeks later than originally scheduled, now slated to bump into retail stores on February 24, 2009.

This was of course immediately accepted because this delay would allow for each and every launch copy of the game to magically transform into a premium boxed release, with the soundtrack CD-formerly intended as a pre-order bonus-to physically be included with each and every copy of the game's first print run.

This unexpected upgrade signals the return of Atlus Spoils, a fan appreciation campaign intended to give a little extra something to the company's faithful followers as a thank you for their continued support. The program is planned to remain active indefinitely during 2009, meaning fans can expect additional bonuses and extras in future Atlus releases throughout the year.

"While we're never eager to announce delays for our products," began Tim Pivnicny, Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Atlus, "we are incredibly excited to be able to upgrade the final release of Legacy of Ys to a premium boxed package. The soundtrack CD, once a bonus for pre-orders, is now going to be offered to everyone who picks up a copy from the game's limited first print run."

One of the most heralded action RPG franchises of all time, Legacy of Ys: Books I & II delivers the first two epic adventures of the famed saga on one cartridge, presented with a series of never-before-seen enhancements. Now, the finished North American launch will be available in a special boxed release, with a soundtrack CD featuring the game's famed score included with each and every copy of the game's first print run.

Legacy of Ys: Books I & II is now scheduled for release on February 24, 2009, with an MSRP of $34.99.

About Legacy of Ys: Books I & II
Stories tell of a land of yore, now shrouded by centuries of time forgotten, called Ys. Despite its great knowledge, endless wealth, and bountiful prosperity, a sudden and unexpected cataclysm devastated the realm. Soon, its memory had faded completely from the minds of man.

Centuries later, a young adventurer named Adol set sail to explore the world and leave his mark on history. During his travels, he learned of the tragic tale of Esteria, a once prosperous island now inexplicably engulfed by a crippling storm. Adol plotted a course for the besieged isle, curious to unravel the mystery...

Key Features

• Two Legendary RPGs on One Cartridge! - Experience two all time classics that helped shape the action RPG genre... Now on a portable system!
• Upgraded Ys Experience - Behold remastered 3D graphics, a remixed musical score, and new enemies and equipment to discover. Touch control and local wireless multiplayer for up to four people deepen the adventure, while difficulty levels and dual control schemes tailor the experience to the gamer.
• The Definitive Story - Available to North American audiences for the first time, this ultimate translation delivers the most substantial version of the famous Ys story ever made!

Legacy of Ys: Books I & II has been rated "T" for Teen with Alcohol and Tobacco Reference, Animated Blood, Mild Fantasy Violence, Mild Language, Mild Suggestive Themes, and Partial Nudity by the ESRB.

Pranksterz - From Russia with Love PC game

In a new installment of the Pranksterz franchise, the player takes on the role of a Russian agent, working undercover in the United States. His main task is to piss off potential spy thus stopping his activity...

The concept of the game is similar to previous episodes; however, visuals and graphics have been greatly improved. Pranks have become more sophisticated and the enemy is much more artful.

Game Features:

• 13 episodes of pranks filled with fun
  
• Stylish 3D graphics with cartoonish characters
  
• Convenient interface and easy to use controls
  
• Captivating soundtrack
  
• Feel like you’re in the shoes of a Russian spy
  

Another explosive World to discover in Big Bang Mini!

ABYSS: The final world has you playing underwater.

Not only do you have to avoid shooting the red mines in the Abyss World, but you will have to keep picking up air bubbles to keep yourself from drowning at the same time.

Drag yourself over the air bubbles to keep your air supply up during each level. If you find that there are too many enemy bullets on screen, just use the Lasso to get rid of them.

Aim carefully, as hitting the mines will cause instant death. Try using the Homing Missiles until the amount of enemy fire becomes manageable with the Lasso. Slow pace and precision shooting will be necessary when mines are on screen.

The Lasso doesn’t need to recharge, so use it as much as you can in each level. World Upgrade: Lasso: The Lasso will cause all the enemy fire inside it to disappear. To create it, just draw a complete circle on the touch screen. Be aware, the enemy fire will take a second to disappear completely. The Lasso can be created anywhere on-screen, even with your ship on the inside.

SFX360 & Game Wars Host a Halo 3 & Gears of War 2 Tournament at Community Vibes IV

SFX360, along with GameWars, present an epic doubleheader tournament filled with plenty of fragging action as Battle Rifles and Lancers collide. The dual main event features a Halo 3 2v2 Tournament and a Gears of War 2 2v2 Tournament. The action takes place on Saturday, February 21st at Club Ecco in Miami, Florida during Gamertag Radio's "Community Vibes IV."

Both tournaments are FREE to enter, and will feature plenty of prizes for the top three teams. Prizes include gaming headsets from Tritton Technologies. Also there a wide variety of prizes from Mindzeye Studios, Entertainment Consumers Association (ECA), and Microsoft, as well as other random prizes.

Registration for both tournaments begin at 3:00 with the action beginning at 5:00 sharp so form your teams right now. By the way, both tournaments are FREE to enter. Before the events begin you can practice your skills on one of 32 screens. If your Halo 3 skills are not up to par, then take part in a special Halo 3 Clinic presented by South Florida MLG Pros, The Florida Jackalopes.

WHAT: Halo 3 and Gears of War 2 2v2 Tournaments

WHEN: Saturday, February 21, 2009

WHERE: Club Ecco: 168 SE 1st St. Unit 1A, Miami, FL 33131

WHO: SFX-360.COM, WWW.MYSPACE.COM/MYGAMEWARS, and you

COST: None, it's FREE!!

SFX360 is an Xbox Community site with a goal of bringing gamers face to face. In the past year, we have grown from a small meetup group to a large online community. SFX360 holds a monthly LAN on the first Saturday of each month where gamers can come together at Flipper's Cinema in Hollywood, Florida. SFX360 also takes part in a weekly game night on Sunday nights where we play the latest games online with our members and the Xbox community.

SFX360 features a weekly podcast where we recap the past week's news, review and preview the latest games, and plenty of banter. Our shows are unique and different from other sites, because we are live and anything goes. The show is hosted by JVB and SFX Lady J. Our staff have a true passion for gaming and frequently appear on our podcasts. They include SFX Pallidian, SFX BuzzKiller, SFX BigAnt, Dephin, SFX Jav and GI Jane PMS. We've also had special guests including Mike Capps (President of Epic Games) and Carlos Feros (Dom Santiago, Gears of War 1 & 2).

Whether your a hardcore noob pwner or even a casual weekend warrior, SFX360 is about coming together as a community and sharing a passion of what we love. This is no hobby or any sort of newtime fad, gaming is here to stay! We at SFX360 are here for you to keep you informed of the latest info as well as keep you entertained. Our passion for gaming is just like yours so what are you waiting for? Stop gaming alone and screaming at your tele and join the new revolution!

Cafe Sudoku video game on N-Gage

Become a part of the Café Community with the highly addictive Café Sudoku from Digital Chocolate on N-Gage. With an infinite number of puzzles to crack across five different difficulty levels, the fun is endless in this brand new numerical brain-teaser!

Create a character, form a café and share Sudoku strategies with other players in the Community, then grab a quick game on the go. Café Sudoku is suitable for all skill levels. In-game hints and tips give players the chance to learn how to play the game on the move and develop their Sudoku skills to unlock items for both their café and character.

Vibrant animations bring the dynamic gameplay to life and make Sudoku more exciting than ever in the most social Sudoku game yet. Flex your mental muscle in the game that anyone can play anytime, anywhere.

Sudoku has never been this mobile!

Café Sudoku is now available on
http://www.n-gage.com

Nobunaga's Ambition - Iron Triangle PlayStation 2 video game out in US

Build a massive military force and conquer Feudal Japan in this latest addition to KOEI's historical simulation series

KOEI, recognized worldwide as the premier brand of strategy and action games, today announced that Nobunaga’s Ambition - Iron Triangle has shipped to North American retailers. The historical simulation game set during Japan’s Feudal era will be available in stores starting today. Consumers can order the game now at Amazon, GameStop and GameFly.

Nobunaga’s Ambition: Iron Triangle is produced by Kou Shibusawa, and is exclusive to the PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system.

About Nobunaga’s Ambition: Iron Triangle

Compelled by a nation ravaged by war, it was legendary samurai Nobunaga Oda’s ambition to silence the cries of war and usher in a new era of lasting peace for Japan. In Nobunaga’s Ambition: Iron Triangle, video gamers can step into the role of Feudal Japan’s most powerful warlords and turn this magnificent vision of unification into a reality.

In this latest edition of the series, the acquisition of knowledge and a firm grasp of technology are even more crucial to establishing the groundwork for the future of the country. Embrace technology, govern wisely and shrewdly, and prepare a near-invincible military force for war on land and at sea. Only with the mastery of these three elements, the “Iron Triangle,” will the nation be united under one sword and will Nobunaga’s dream be realized.

The game itself is a stunning vision of Feudal Japan, with over 60 castles and 30 port towns. All of the game’s planning, diplomacy, construction, and warfare take place on an expansive 3D map; a first for the series. You’ll also maintain complete camera control to monitor the development of each region or town, and to monitor the field and naval battles that you command; all in real-time.

With over 1,000 daimyo and sub-officers, and a character creation tool, you will encounter a broad array of historical figures, and can even populate the game world with your own unique cast of characters.

Beginning with Nobunaga’s victory at Owari province through to his untimely death in 1582, conquer a combined total of nine historical and fictional scenarios in three modes of play.

Nobunaga’s Ambition: Iron Triangle is developed by KOEI Co., Ltd. and is for one player. This game is rated “E10+” (Everyone 10 and older – Alcohol Reference, Mild Violence) by the ESRB.

Guitar Hero - Metallica a Fact Sheet

“Ride the Lightning” with musical icons Metallica and over 20 other rocking acts in an all new Guitar Hero experience - Guitar Hero Metallica. Enter the world of Lars Ulrich, James Hetfield, Kirk Hammett and Robert Trujillo and experience the intensity and skill of one of the greatest bands of all time.
Shred on guitar, rip on drums and wail on the mic to a set list featuring over 45 explosive hits from Metallica’s illustrious career and a wide variety of other legendary artists personally selected by the band, such as Alice In Chains, Foo Fighters and Queen. Fans will be able to rock as Metallica while performing in venues reminiscent of the band’s epic album covers, themes from their music and real world locales.

FEATURES:

Becoming the Band – For the first time ever, Guitar Hero Metallica will allow fans to come together and thrash as the explosive, world-renown metal and rock band, Metallica, whose album sales have exceeded 100 million worldwide. Transform into metal legends Lars Ulrich, James Hetfield, Kirk Hammett and Robert Trujillo as full body scans and signature moves motion capture allow players to virtually experience the high intensity of a Metallica performance.

Live Like Metal Legends – Follow the path of the metal legends in either single instrument or band career game modes playing as the band to a soundtrack of their greatest hits while also rocking with over 20 additional artists selected by the band. Featuring in-the-round stage designs and custom camera angles new to Guitar Hero, further highlighted by custom lightshows, special effects and encores, gamers and Metallica fans alike can fulfill their rock ‘n’ roll fantasies in a variety of new and famous settings, ranging from Tushino Airfield to The Forum. All venues reflect Metallica’s most memorable tours including themes from their album artwork to offer the authentic Metallica atmosphere.

Drum Like Lars – In addition to using the redesigned, more responsive and advanced Guitar Hero World Tour guitar controller and microphone, Metallica fans will truly be able to pound like Lars on the drums with a second bass pedal compatible with the Guitar Hero World Tour drum kit controller. The all-new “Expert+” difficulty level gives gamers access to the double bass drum note track which offers the authentic Metallica experience with a note-for-note translation of many tracks appearing in-game and adds a new difficulty option to all gameplay modes.

Seek and Destroy – Immerse yourself in themed Battle Mode attacks, such as briefly blacking out your fellow rocker’s note track or modifying the amp overload to include the signature Metallica lightening.

Test Your Metal – After nailing a song, test your Metallica know-how by replaying the song with trivia pop-ups. The on-screen displays give information about the song being played, and with guest artist songs, information about how the band is tied to Metallica will be displayed along with details such as band history and lyrics.

Off to Never Never Land – Guitar Hero Metallica is loaded with tons of bonuses throughout the game, such as unlockable venues, commentary, videos and behind the scenes footage, giving all Metallica fans exclusive content to enjoy.

All that Remains – Guitar Hero Metallica cranks all the great features, gameplay and fun of Guitar Hero World Tour to a new level with updates to the Music Studio featuring samples from James Hetfield’s ESP Truckster guitar and of Slayer fame, Tom Araya’s signature ESP bass guitar, GHTunesSM, and the Rock Star Creator. Online game modes allow competing gamers to see who tops the charts in Face-Off, Pro Face-Off, eight-player “Battle of the Bands” and Battle Mode as well as the online Quickplay mode that allows up to four gamers to shred together regardless of physical location.

Publisher: Activision Publishing/RedOctane
Developer: Neversoft (Xbox 360 and PS3)
Budcat Creations (PS2 and Wii)
Release Date: Spring 2009

X-Blades - More Spells and Beasts ...

More Action from X-Blades, the fast-paced action adventure game, featuring a blend of cinematic style and beautiful anime-inspired characters, combat and environments

Light Blades: The power of Light is just as strong as other powers. Perhaps more so? I can actually use the Power of Light to envelope both my blades and guns and use it to inflict awesome damage! I can’t get over how beautiful it looks…or how deadly it is. (Requirements: Lightform)

Ray Of Light: Hmm…this is Ray of Light is actually very impressive. This spell consists of a ray of glittering light that is hurled against an opponent. It explodes upon impact, dealing out damage points galore. I’ve seen it do incredible amounts of damage to creatures of the dark. It will be interesting to what else it can do. (Requirements: Light Blades)

The Queen Spider: The Queen Spider is able to control her offspring. Covered in armor and gifted in the use of magic, she guards the upper floors of the castle. Apart from the spiders, which block the way to the Queen, small creatures that are invulnerable to magic attacks, to which the Queen is particularly vulnerable, surround her.

The Ancient Six-Winged: The oldest living Six-winged has been hiding in cliffs, where his only friends were the little Pangos, which used to share their food with him. They protect him desperately during attacks, so you can only hurt the Ancient Six-winged after freezing the Pangos. He prefers to attack his opponents from a distance due to his extreme sensitivity to heat. He is, of course, vulnerable to light and Fire magic.

New trailer for Elite Forces - Unit 77 released

As part of the Super Bowl XLIII festivities, EA SPORTS and Xbox 360 will host the 15th annual Madden Bowl in Tampa, Florida. The only official Madden tournament featuring NFL players, Madden Bowl XV will include the league’s brightest stars as they compete to see who has the best skills on the virtual gridiron.
This year’s event will bring new meaning to the words “bragging rights” as players from each Super Bowl team – Willie Parker (Pittsburgh Steelers) and Edgerrin James (Arizona Cardinals) – will both be in the mix just days before they duke it out on the field.

The Madden Bowl is an annual event where eight current NFL Players will go head-to-head in Madden NFL 09 on Xbox 360 in a single elimination tournament. The winner is named as the 2008 champion and awarded the EA SPORTS Madden Bowl Cup.

In addition, for the first time ever in Madden Bowl history, two of the top projected quarterbacks in the upcoming NFL Draft – Mark Sanchez (USC) and Matt Stafford (University of Georgia) – will face off, one-on-one in Madden NFL 09, to determine who is the 8th, and final player, in the Madden Bowl XV tournament.

Madden fans at home will also get taste of the Madden Bowl XV action. During the evening Xbox 360 will offer fans the rare opportunity to play a game of Madden NFL 09 against one of the athletes in attendance as part of the latest Xbox LIVE online entertainment network Game with Fame session. For a chance to battle NFL All-Pro Linebacker Ray Lewis (Baltimore Ravens) on Xbox 360 direct from the Madden Bowl, send a friend request to the Xbox LIVE gamertag “RLewisGWF” between 8:00 – 9:00 PM EST.

Immediately following the Madden Bowl tournament will be the Madden Bowl XV Party celebrating 20 years of Madden NFL Football, featuring Joel Madden (of Good Charlotte) as DJ.

Madden Bowl Eight-Man Tournament Participants:

• Antonio Bryant – WR, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
• Edgerrin James – RB, Arizona Cardinals
• Maurice Jones-Drew – RB, Jacksonville Jaguars
• Willie Parker – RB, Pittsburgh Steelers
• Justin Tuck – DE, New York Giants
• DeMarcus Ware – LB, Dallas Cowboys
• Mark Sanchez – USC/Matthew Stafford – University of Georgia (Rookie play-in game)

Athletes in Attendance:
As part of the Super Bowl XLIII festivities, EA SPORTS and Xbox 360 will host the 15th annual Madden Bowl in Tampa, Florida. The only official Madden tournament featuring NFL players, Madden Bowl XV will include the league’s brightest stars as they compete to see who has the best skills on the virtual gridiron. This year’s event will bring new meaning to the words “bragging rights” as players from each Super Bowl team – Willie Parker (Pittsburgh Steelers) and Edgerrin James (Arizona Cardinals) – will both be in the mix just days before they duke it out on the field.

The Madden Bowl is an annual event where eight current NFL Players will go head-to-head in Madden NFL 09 on Xbox 360 in a single elimination tournament. The winner is named as the 2008 champion and awarded the EA SPORTS Madden Bowl Cup.

In addition, for the first time ever in Madden Bowl history, two of the top projected quarterbacks in the upcoming NFL Draft – Mark Sanchez (USC) and Matt Stafford (University of Georgia) – will face off, one-on-one in Madden NFL 09, to determine who is the 8th, and final player, in the Madden Bowl XV tournament.

Madden fans at home will also get taste of the Madden Bowl XV action. During the evening Xbox 360 will offer fans the rare opportunity to play a game of Madden NFL 09 against one of the athletes in attendance as part of the latest Xbox LIVE online entertainment network Game with Fame session. For a chance to battle NFL All-Pro Linebacker Ray Lewis (Baltimore Ravens) on Xbox 360 direct from the Madden Bowl, send a friend request to the Xbox LIVE gamertag “RLewisGWF” between 8:00 – 9:00 PM EST.

Immediately following the Madden Bowl tournament will be the Madden Bowl XV Party celebrating 20 years of Madden NFL Football, featuring Joel Madden (of Good Charlotte) as DJ.

Madden Bowl Eight-Man Tournament Participants:

• Derrick Brooks – LB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
• Marshall Faulk – RB, St. Louis Rams & Indianapolis Colts (retired 2006)
• Antonio Gates – TE, San Diego Chargers
• Tony Gonzalez – TE, Kansas City Chiefs
• Steven Jackson – RB, St. Louis Rams
• Chad Johnson – WR, Cincinnati Bengals
• Darren McFadden – RB, Oakland Raiders
• *Willis McGahee – RB, Baltimore Ravens (*last year’s Madden Bowl winner)
• Terrell Owens – WR, Dallas Cowboys
• Reggie Wayne – WR, Indianapolis Colts
• Roddy White – WR, Atlanta Falcons
• Evan Longoria – 3B, Tampa Bay Rays

Additional guests in attendance will include athletes from the NFL, NBA and MLB, television and film celebrities and music recording artists. ESPN’s NFL analyst Trey Wingo will be the host of this year’s event.

WHEN: Thursday, January 29, 2008
7:00 PM – 2:00 AM