Pirate Galaxy – revolutionary browser game closed beta starts

Leading European Publisher gamigo AG is happy to announce the start of the closed beta testing phase of the revolutionary browser game “Pirate Galaxy”. From now on up to 5000 players who register on www.pirategalaxy.com get gradually unlocked, allowing early access to the game.

The Revolution of Browser-MMOGs
With Pirate Galaxy publisher gamigo and developer Splitscreen Studios, will push the boundaries of what is possible in a web browser. The game uses a new, unique technology which allows advanced 3D graphics without the need to install client software to the computer.

Besides that, the game offers exciting gameplay and a huge Galaxy to explore. Players are able to travel to hundreds of different planets, visit space stations in orbit and fight the dangers of their hazardous surfaces. In addition to a compelling story-line, there will be an unlimited amount of automatically generated quests, so space pilots will always have some exciting adventures waiting for them.

Players won’t only have to watch out for other Space Pirates in the game, but for an evil alien race called MANTIS. This technological highly developed race attacked many of mankind’s colonies and outposts. Only experienced squads of players will be able to fight the strong MANTIS-battleships and save the galaxy from these hideous aliens.

Servers are now open!

From today on, the first servers are commencing operation and a couple of hundred players are already unlocked, with more able to play every day. Everyone who wants to join the beta-phase should register at www.pirategalaxy.com. Of course, Pirate Galaxy is completely free of charge and requires no monthly fee to play.

“We are very happy about how the players responded to our Pirate Galaxy announcement”, says Elmar Kofler, Product Manager of Pirate Galaxy. “The game quickly became one of the most anticipated titles in the next g lineup. Now we are looking forward to the feeback of the players, which will help us to give the final touch to every aspect of the game and make decisions for upcoming features.”

gamigo will use this testing phase to find and remove remaining bugs. Beyond that, gamigo will watch player’s comments and suggestions in the forum closely and consider their opinions in the further development of the Pirate Galaxy.

About Pirate Galaxy:

In Pirate Galaxy the player immerges into a Science-Fiction-World, where the galaxy is controlled by maleficent aliens, called MANTIS. The player takes control of a spaceship and takes his fate into his own hands. Along with thousands of other online-pirates, players will fight with aliens, hunt for worthwhile treasures and reconquer the despoiled colonies.

Pirate Galaxy introduces a new era of browser-games and offers a fantastic Science-Fiction-Online-World to the gamers. The game can be played via a client-program, or directly in a web-browser from almost any PC. In both cases players are able to navigate their spaceships through a high-resolution 3D-ambience.

Features:

· detailed 3D-Graphic within the browser
· exciting real-time-fights in PVE and PVP-Modes
· spaceships can be adjusted individually
· motivating role-playing-elements
· a huge game universe with hundreds of planets and innumerable quests
· easy and simple navigation
· comprehensible user interface
· free to play – no payments, no monthly fees

Pixie a New game on Mac and PC Free video game demo

Long-time independent Mac and PC game developers Phelios, Inc. (creators of the PTK Game Engine) and EMV Software (of Warblade fame), have collaborated on a new game called, Pixie. Pixie, a game that is reminiscent of vintage arcade games met with a modern twist, has just been released for both Mac and PC platforms. Pixie was created with the PTK Game Engine. The sound effects and music were composed by William Lamy, and the graphics were created by Paul Conway.
Description of Pixie

The game's main character, Pixie, loses her way in a magical forest one day and needs your guidance to return home. To succeed, gamers must play and advance in each game level, which will ultimately send Pixie on her way home, safe and sound. For each level, the objective of the game is to fence off or claim a majority of the playing field. Click on the playing board and send a magical vine to block off areas of the board. Block off bugs as well and turn the playing field into flowers or magical mushrooms. Catch coins as they fly off the bugs, to buy helpful bonuses like bombs, shields, health potions, extra lives and more.

Pixie features 100 levels, 2 big boss challenges, 4 backgrounds and hours of entertaining game play.

Pixie is available to purchase for $19.95 at both Phelios' and EMV Software's websites:

http://www.phelios.com/
http://www.emv-software.com/

Free PC demo downloads of Pixie are available at:

http://www.phelios.com/files/pc/pixie.exe
http://www.warblade.as/pixie/pixie.exe

Online Real-Time Fighting Game - Battle

Multiverse, a leading provider of interactive entertainment development technology, today launched Battle, the company's first web-based video game that pits players against one another in an action-packed gladiator match.

When playing Battle, players choose from a variety of weapon attacks and magic spells to overwhelm and defeat their opponents. Consumers can play Battle for free at leading social networking sites, including Facebook, MySpace, and Friendster; leading casual game portal, Kongregate; and Multiverse's own site http://battle.multiverse.net. Because the game uses Flash, which is already installed on over 98% of all computers worldwide, consumers don't need to download or install any new software.

"Battle is the first glimpse of a whole new level of excitement in casual games. While new players can begin having fun in seconds, experienced gamers will be thrilled to finally see in a web browser the kind of action and graphics they've found on consoles and in massively multiplayer online games," said Corey Bridges, co-founder and executive producer, Multiverse. "We're confident Battle is going to redefine players' expectations of what's possible in casual games."

Battle: A Sneak Peek of New Platform Capabilities
By extending its platform to enable the development of games for social and casual sites, Multiverse is helping its customers tap into a growing and lucrative consumer resource. According to the Casual Gaming Association, casual games have 200 million active players worldwide who generate $2.25 billion annually.

"We built Battleto showcase what's possible with our underlying technology, the Multiverse Platform," said Rafhael Cedeno, co-founder and CTO, Multiverse. "As a platform provider, we're focused on helping teams build any kind of game or virtual world they want for any outlet – with us, the possibilities are virtually limitless.”

This technology enables game-developers to bring, for the first time, proven genres of gameplay – MMO, sports, combat, real-time strategy, and more – to web browsers in an action-packed multiplayer experience. Multiverse plans to make this new functionality available for public use in the coming months, and has already begun working with a select number of its current customers who have received a preview of its capabilities.

Free Radical to become Crytek UK

Crytek has officially confirmed the acquisition of Free Radical Design and all of its assets, which now becomes part of the Crytek network.

The Nottingham outfit now joins Crytek's other studios in Germany, Ukraine, Hungary, Bulgaria and South Korea.

"We’re very excited about this step to expand Crytek into the UK with such an experienced and highly talented team," offered Avni Yerli, MD of Crytek.

"Free Radical Design is a great fit to Crytek and its culture, given that Free Radical has a proven track record on delivering high quality games.

"The combination of this team, the Crytek network and our CryENGINE technology will be a foundation for outstanding gaming experiences and a magnet for the best talent in the UK," he added.

Source: GamesIndustry

The Guild and Neighbours From Hell to be released on Nintendo Wii and Nintendo DS

JoWooD Productions has announced that they will increasingly focus on Nintendos DS and Wii systems to broaden the corporate product portfolio. Popular brands like The Guild and Neighbours From Hell will be released for Nintendo DS and Nintendo Wii.

“Bringing our most popular and well-known brands to DS and Wii is a great opportunity and illustrates JoWooD’s multi-platform approach. The Guild is set in an incredibly rich post-medieval world. Its compelling and unique gameplay will translate well to the new hardware. The humorous, family-friendly puzzle game Neighbours From Hell will especially benefit hugely from the innovative control schemes offered by Nintendo’s highly successful consoles.

The broad games portfolio enables JoWooD to contribute to almost every segment of the Wii and DS gaming market. With our experience in the industry and reliable development partners we are well positioned to attract console gamers from all over the world.” says David Skreiner, Assistant Producer.

The release for Neighbours From Hell is planned for the 2nd quarter of 2009. With this step, the Austrian publisher will position his popular games on the growing console market.

EA has confirmed that Battlefield: Bad Company 2 and Battlefield 1943 are in development.

Battlefield: Bad Company 2 sees the return of Bravo Company and their darkly comic slog through the Second World War. We're promised such locations as snowy mountaintops, dense jungles and dusty villages with destructible scenery once again courtesy of the Frostbite engine.

The game will be released on PC, PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360.

Meanwhile the multiplayer-focused Battlefield 1943 will be released for PC, and for consoles via the PlayStation Network and Xbox Live. EA says the game features 24-player multiplayer action over three classic and tropic locations; Wake Island, Guadalcanal and Iwo Jima. It is powered by the same graphics engine as Bad Company 2.

"Bad Company 2 takes everything that players liked in the original and ups the ante – more vehicles, more destruction and more team play," said Karl Magnus Troedsson, Executive Producer Battlefield Franchise, DICE. "Battlefield 1943 is a new take on a blast from the past classic coming to life with brand new technology that we’re eager to get into players hands."

Source: Boomtown

Rise of the Argonauts video game out in UK tomorrow 6th February

Codemasters announced that Rise of the Argonauts, an epic action RPG developed by Liquid Entertainment and published by Codemasters, will be available to buy from UK retail stores from tomorrow (6th February 2009) for the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, the PLAYSTATION 3 computer entertainment system and the PC. To see the exclusive “Big Finish” UK launch trailer and for more information about the game, visit www.rise-of-the-argonauts.com.

Rise of the Argonauts immerses players in a gladiatorial adventure set in a wondrously imagined vision of ancient Greece. Taking the role of Jason, a hero and weapons master, players will battle alongside Hercules, Achilles, Atalanta and other Argonauts as they engage in brutal combat and enchanting dialogue against formidable beasts and enemies, in a vast world alive with fickle gods, jaw-dropping panoramas, deep exploration and epic quests. The search for the Golden Fleece is not only one of exploration, but of transformation: from warrior king to exalted hero touched by the gods.

3 on 3 NHL arcade skates onto PlayStation Network and Xbox Live

EA SPORTS Downloadable Title Prioritizes Accessible Fun with Low Cost of Entry

Electronic Arts announced today that 3 on 3 NHL Arcade - an all-new downloadable experience from EA SPORTS Freestyle - is now available worldwide on the PlayStation Network for £6.29. The game will be available on XBOX Live Arcade for MS Points, on February 11, 2009. Developed at EA Canada by the team that produced the critically acclaimed NHL 09, winner of 10 Sports Videogame of the Year Awards, 3 on 3 NHL Arcade is a no rules, fast paced, hockey experience that gamers of all types can enjoy.

From the exaggerated player-looks of 40 of the NHL’s top stars to game changing power-ups, 3 on 3 NHL Arcade is a light-hearted hockey game that appeals to everyone. With no rules to hinder the action, you can deliver devastating checks that send your opponent over the boards, or check the goalie if he skates out of the crease to play the puck. Feel like you need to turn the tide? Grab one of eight power-ups to change the momentum of a game and fly down the ice with a super-speed skater to beat a mini-goalie with a trick move for that highlight reel finish.

With two control schemes to choose from, players can pick between button controls that allow gamers of all skill levels to pass, shoot, hit and use the all-new trick moves with ease, or the more advanced Skill Stick controls from NHL 09. In addition to standard ranked matches, 3 on 3 NHL Arcade allows the ability for three players on one console to play three other players on another console anywhere in the world*. With fast paced action, crushing hits and loads of room to experiment, 3 on 3 NHL Arcade will have gamers from all walks of life excited about hockey.

This game has been rated E for Everyone by the ESRB and 12+ by PEGI.

*Internet connection required

Super Robot Taisen OG Saga - Endless Frontier video game on Nintendo DS

Atlus U.S.A., Inc. today announced that it has secured the North American publishing rights for Super Robot Taisen OG Saga: Endless Frontier on Nintendo DS, a sci-fi/fantasy-action RPG side story of the Super Robot Taisen Original Generation games. Embark on a journey across the fascinating worlds of the Endless Frontier along with robots, were-people, mermaids, demons, and humans all living with each other in harmony... more or less. From the fantastic new battle system to the captivating story of alternate worlds and characters bursting at the seams with personality, there is plenty to discover and uncover (*ahem*) in this well-rounded adventure.

Unlike most RPG battle systems, players will be engrossed in the interactive, action-packed, fighter-style combat in Super Robot Taisen OG Saga: Endless Frontier. Customizable turn and time-based attacks allow players to administer the ultimate beat down on enemies by juggling them in the air and executing a continuous chain of kicks, punches, slashes, gun attacks, bombs, and more. In addition, players can call on their allies to extend their attack chains to ridiculous lengths.

As a continuation of the Atlus Spoils fan appreciation program, each and every launch copy of Super Robot Taisen OG Saga: Endless Frontier will be a premium boxed release, with a soundtrack CD featuring music from the game included in the final retail package. It's our way of saying thanks to our fans for their continued support!

Super Robot Taisen OG Saga: Endless Frontier is scheduled for release on April 28th, 2009 with an MSRP of $34.99.

About Super Robot Taisen OG Saga: Endless Frontier
Super Robot Taisen OG Saga: Endless Frontier is a unique sci-fi/fantasy RPG that takes players across a variety of worlds, ranging from an apocalyptic wasteland covered with the hulks of downed spaceships to a fantastical place of fairy tales and dark magic. Join Haken Browning: gunslinger, professional bounty hunter, and amateur ladies' man, along with his motley crew of robots, were-beasts, secret agents, and busty princesses as they delve deep into the mysteries of how their worlds came to be and face a threat that imperils the multiverse.

Key Features

• Super Robot Taisen is back - Built on the DNA of the beloved Super Robot Taisen series, Endless Frontier expands the scope of the universe into a saga of multiple worlds and the conflict of humans, robots, and countless others living across space and time. The long-awaited return of the series brings with it with a brand new story and characters and a reinvented battle system.
• High-action chain combat system - Enemies go up and stay up with a battle system that lets you juggle foes with a run of kicks, punches, slashes, gun attacks, bombs, and more! Chaining is the name of the game, and timing-based button presses let you create an acrobatic string of assaults. You can even call in allies to keep the chain going longer!
• Customize your attack combos - Pick and choose from a menu of attack skills to create the combo line-up you want to use in battle. Skills vary in strength and resources used, in addition to side benefits of stunning, triggering critical hits, and more.
• Bonus items - Owners of the Super Robot Taisen Original Generation games for Game Boy Advance™ can unlock bonus items in their Endless Frontier game by booting the game with the GBA cartridges in the GBA game slot of their DS unit.

Super Robot Taisen OG Saga: Endless Frontier has been rated "T" for Teen with Alcohol Reference, Fantasy Violence, Mild Language, Partial Nudity, and Suggestive Themes by the ESRB.

Tekken 6 video game Fact Sheet

• Ultimate Entry to the World’s No.1 Fighting Game Brand!
• Largest Character Roster in Tekken History – 40 Playable Characters to Master!
• Ground-Breaking Online Game Modes!
• Endless Possibilities to Customize and Design Your Ultimate Fighter!

Watch HD game trailer here on my YouTube channel... please subscribe

With over 33 MILLION UNITS SOLD WORLDWIDE, the No 1 FIGHTING GAME FRANCHISE of all time soars onto the NEXT GENERATION PLATFORMS with UNBRIDLED VENGEANCE!

Armed with jaw-dropping HD graphics running flawlessly at 60 fps; the largest character roster ever in Tekken gaming history; ground-breaking online game modes and robust character customization system; the greatest fighting game franchise soars onto the PlayStation 3 Computer Entertainment System and Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system!

• Gorgeous Graphics! – The advanced high definition graphics and 3D animation technologies create the most impressive HD visuals in Tekken history.
• The Largest Character Roster Ever! – Master 40 unique fighters representing the world’s top martial arts styles! The character line-up includes 34 beloved characters, such as Jin, Heihachi and Kazuya, as well as 6 brand new characters with unique fighting styles and combo systems!
• Compete and Battle Globally! – Prove your supremacy against players from around the world with online VS mode!
• Endless Possibilities to Customize! – Create new characters and customize them with every imaginable detail. Customize their hairstyles, apparel, fashion accessories, tattoos, etc. Then take your own ultimate fighters online!
• Dynamic, Interactive, Destructible Environments – Punch your enemies through concrete walls or kick them through floors to open a whole new battleground. The stages go through dynamic changes ranging from a sudden attack helicopter crash to vehicle explosions!
• Plus More!

Publisher: NAMCO BANDAI Games Europe SAS
Developer: NAMCO BANDAI Games Inc.
Release Date: Q4, 2009
Platform: PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360
Genre: Fighting Action
Player: 1 – 2 Players
Rating: TBC