Evasive Space video game download on WiiWare

Akinai Games, the downloadable games division of leading videogame publisher YUKE’S Company of America, today announced the launch of Evasive Space for Nintendo’s WiiWare game service. The new top-down space adventure title features a unique control scheme utilizing the Wii Remote controller’s infrared capabilities to maneuver your ship in ways never before seen on a home console. Armed with only your deft piloting skills, fly Konki on a race to save the stars from the evil Dr. Dark Matter before the night sky is lost forever. Evasive maneuvering is the key to survival while you traverse through asteroid fields, space stations, and astral caves, all without firing a single shot.

Key features include:

- Guide Konki through 20 hazardous space missions spanning four worlds
- Deftly pilot your ship with innovative use of the Wii Remote’s infrared pointer capabilities
- Pick up items and ship upgrades to enhance skills and increase your chances for survival
- Four person multiplayer matches locally on your home console
- Compete for the best times with Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection online leaderboards

Evasive Space is now available for download through the Wii Shop Channel for 1,000 Wii Points and has been rated “E” for “Everyone” with Mild Fantasy Violence by the ESRB.

New level in Legacy of YS - Books I and II for Nintendo DS

Venture into the never-explored Vageux-Vardette in Ys chapter I

Atlus today discussed the new level exclusive to Legacy of Ys - Books I & II for Nintendo DS. Marking the site of a massive disaster that occurred 700 years ago is the Vageux-Vardette, a huge crater in the center of Esteria. Though the nature of the disaster has since faded from memory, the area within its rim is considered sacred and to tread upon its ground is forbidden. Since the appearance of the Veil of Storms months before, horrible howls and screams have haunted the land. In past version of Ys, the Vageux-Vardette was only mentioned in passing, but now in the first book of Legacy of Ys, players will be able to explore this never-before-seen area, essentially a whole new level, confronting its new boss and finding an entirely new set of equipment.

"The Vageux-Vardette is one of the more eye-catching aspects of Ys I geography, and now Nintendo DS players can explore the natural expansion of the Ys universe in an exclusive new level," said Sam Mullen Project Lead of Legacy of Ys: Books I & II.

"With two games on one cartridge, a new multiplayer mode, a brand new localization, and the fact that each and every launch copy includes a soundtrack CD as a part of Atlus Spoils, there are already plenty of reasons to recommend Legacy of Ys to fans and newcomers alike." said Crystal Murray, PR Specialist at Atlus U.S.A., Inc. "Even for the most seasoned, long-time Ys fan, having a whole new area to explore and items to acquire enhances the overall experience."

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. As a continuation of the Atlus Spoils fan appreciation campaign, the finished North American launch will be available in a special boxed release, with a soundtrack CD featuring the game's famed score, the company's way of saying thank you for their continued support.

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

For more information about Legacy of Ys: Books I & II, visit the official website:
http://www.atlus.com/ys.

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.

Codename Panzers - Cold War Complete mission single player demo out now

Featuring a Complete Mission, Full Range of Units to Command and Complete Unit Customization Options, the Cold War is In Your Hands

The single player demo for Atari’s forthcoming real-time strategy title Codename Panzers: Cold War is available now for free download via the game’s official website at www.codenamepanzerscoldwar.com. Featuring an entire mission (mission 11 of the final game), players will command special forces infantry as they attempt to take control of an occupied island by any means necessary.

The demo gives players every unit available in the mission to command, with a full range of customization options available. A second demo showcasing the multiplayer gameplay will be available before launch.

Codename Panzers: Cold War represents the pinnacle of Cold War era conventional warfare including real world post-war heavy armor battles between heavy tanks like the American M103 and the Russian Troyanov. The signature Codename Panzers ‘Point of Interest’ system takes the gameplay beyond build-and-rush, while special urban warfare tactics and dynamic weather create even more gameplay depth and realism.

Codename Panzers: Cold War is scheduled for release in March 2009. For more information and to download the single player demo please visit the official website at www.codenamepanzerscoldwar.com.

Boing! Docomodake Nintendo DS video game

Take a wild bouncy ride with your favorite Boing! Docomodake mushrooms as Ignition Entertainment unveils www.playdoco.com - the all-new dedicated website for the upcoming funky-fungus action game, Boing! Docomodake for Nintendo DS. Filled with quirky, fun and edu-taining activities including interactive flash games, coloring books, hidden screenshots, a Doco TV channel, and a dedicated fan forum, www.playdoco.com is guaranteed to transport gamers of all ages to a whimsical and colorful alternate shroom-iverse.

Hailed by IGN as "seven kinds of awesome" and by Gamespot as "a surprisingly fun and clever platform puzzle game," Boing! Docomodake is a game of strategy and finesse, mixed with a little action and adventure, sprinkled with a splash of colorful fantasy.

Set on the day of the annual festival held in the Docomodake Forest, the game opens as proud Papa Docomodake makes a shocking discovery-his beloved family is nowhere to be seen! Gamers must guide him through tricky obstacles and perilous challenges in order to locate his family and get them to the festival on time. Luckily, Papa Docomodake has a trick or two stashed under his mushroom cap that will help him on his quest. With a tap of the stylus he can release tiny mushroom 'Minis' that aid him when the going gets a little tough. Remember, Minis make the impossible possible!

Boing! Dokomodake Features Include:
Jump, Dig and Climb your way through puzzle-based levels as you navigate your way through the Docomodake Forest . Use the Stylus to split Papa Docomodake into Minis (initially up to 4). Splitting into Minis allows Papa Docomodake to Become smaller to fit through tight areas 

Get an extra boost and climb to unreachable areas 

Fill in gaps so that he can cross treacherous terrain 

Find more Minis along your journey and increase your versatility . Share the game with a friend using the Single-Cart Docomodake Demo feature

Buy collectible items in the game with the coins you find along the way . Tutorial Level available to sharpen your skills

How to set your screen to play video games

Want Burnout Paradise and the Burnout Paradise Party Pack to look it's best on your home setup?

Just follow these simple steps and you don't even need to fiddle with your TV settings.

1. When you are driving in Burnout Paradise just hit ‘Start' (or your PC equivalent)
2. Cycle through the tabs to the ‘Under the Hood' menu
3. Select the ‘Screen Brightness' option
4. Now use Left and Right to adjust the brightness.
5. Turn the brightness up a few levels until you see a solid black frame around the image
6. Now slowly turn down the brightness until the black frame just disappears
7. Accept these changes to leave the screen

Now you are setup to view Burnout Paradise in optimal conditions.

If you are running the PC version of Burnout Paradise you have even more control over your screen setup with additional gamma and monitor settings.

Source: Criterion Games

Majesty 2 - Hail, Heroes!

What is spied upon yonder horizon?! Could that be a bravura new gameplay trailer full of mirth and joy for Majesty 2: The Fantasy Kingdom Sim, the long anticipated PC Fantasy Strategy game.

With nothing else out there quite like it, the world of Majesty 2 is full of charm and a unique sense of humour, and one where the player only has indirect control of the characters and units. Your independent thinking Heroes are just as likely to go shopping as they are to fight monsters and undertake heroic quests! Majesty 2 will make you think in totally new way.

Watch the game clips full of mirth and joy here:

Majesty2 - Fighting is good for you

Majesty2 - Build the fantasy city of your dreams

Majesty2 - Buy the stuff heroes are made off

Majesty2 - Who said you can’t buy happiness?

Majesty2 - Make your heroes earn their living


Majesty 2 is scheduled for release during 2009 and will be published worldwide by Paradox Interactive. It will be available for digital download at GamersGate.

Burnout 3D the future of video games?

Racing game Burnout Paradise is one of the first big commercial games to be produced in 3D, using brand new technology. At the moment, it is early days, but game developers are hoping it could transform the market.

"Before we saw it, we were sceptical," says Doug McConkey, of Criterion Games, the people behind Burnout Paradise 3D.

"We were blown away when we saw it. We just couldn't really take it in. Totally unexpected, a really refreshing surprise and something we're really excited about."

The technology making this possible is being pioneered by tech firm NVIDIA. This is their GeForce 3D graphics card and glasses powering the experience.

Buying their kit will cost you around $200 but you'll also need a top notch monitor to make it all work.

Currently, all the kit you need is being offered in a bundle for around $600 in the US. It's a fair bit of money in a recession but not beyond the realms of possibility for serious gamers.

But the future for 3D gaming looks bright. So bright, you'll need to wear shades.

You can see the Sky News piece here.

To get more info on the Nvidia 3D Vision go here.

Name your child Jason and win a year's worth of games...

Leading videogame publisher Codemasters is embarking on a quest to re-populate the nation with Jasons.

The firm, whose videogame Rise of the Argonauts launched on February 6th 2009, is looking to knock Jack, Thomas, Oliver and Joshua from the top of the UK’s favourite boys' names by encouraging parents to name their sons after the game’s hero.

The name ‘Jason’ is from Greek origin, meaning “healer”. It has been considered an English name since the 17th Century, yet – whilst it consistently ranks as one of the US’s most popular names – its popularity has faded in the UK over recent years, dropping down out of the top 50.

It’s now time to bring it back: Codemasters’ goal is to elevate Jason’s ranking in the end-of-year boys names, issued in December 2009.

Over the coming weeks, Codemasters will be running editorial at www.bringbackjason.com in an effort to rejuvenate the popularity of the name. The blog will look at naming and social trends as well as asking: just what has the UK got against Jasons these days?

Any parent who names their new son “Jason” will be eligible to win a year’s supply of the firm’s videogames on their chosen platform. All they have to do is fax, post or email a copy of the birth certificate to bringbackjason@codemasters.com for the opportunity to enter the prize draw. *

“These days, babies names are influenced by celebrities – and there aren’t that many famous Jasons any more,” says Richard Eddy, Director of Communications, Codemasters. “We hope our Rise of the Argonauts hero can act as a ‘virtual’ star, encouraging new parents to rejuvenate this one-great English name. Jasons, friends of Jasons, and anyone interested in onomastics should keep an eye on the blog over the coming weeks, as we document our quest to re-populate the nation with Jasons.”

Rise of the Argonauts is available now 2009 for the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, the PLAYSTATION 3 computer entertainment system and the PC.

The campaign to bring back Jason can be followed at www.bringbackjason.com

Metal Gear Solid 4 - Guns of the Patriots low price version out March 5th

Hideo Kojima’s PLAYSTATION 3 classic returns for budget outing

Konami Digital Entertainment has announced that its heralded PLAYSTATION 3 epic Metal Gear Solid 4 - Guns of the Patriots will be released as part of the budget Platinum range from March 5th.

With a new RRP of 29,95 Euro, Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots returns following an incredible period as a full-price title. The game saw over three million copies shipped on its release in June 2008 and has won a host of illustrious awards all over the globe, and its continued success saw sales of the long-running Metal Gear series top 26.5 million units.

Concluding Hideo Kojima’s Metal Gear Solid saga, Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots is set in a battle-scarred future where huge conglomerates fight for supremacy using armies of hand-picked mercenaries. This devastated world is seen through the battle-weary eyes of an older Solid Snake who has been charged with infiltrating a number of key locations across the globe, including the Middle East, South America and Eastern Europe. As such, the epic end to Snake’s story offers ground-breaking combat elements, a refined control system that offers unprecedented control over the aged hero, and the tying up of key plot lines and loose ends.

Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots comes on a Blu-Ray disc containing it and Kojima Productions’ Metal Gear Online – a dedicated online title that uses locations and gameplay elements from Guns of the Patriots. Metal Gear Online features all the stunning stealth and combat elements of Guns of the Patriots, as it drops the player into a series of war zones and game options. With all-out ‘Last Man Standing’ battles to rescue and protection missions, Metal Gear Online effortlessly transfers the sublime control system of the series to an online competition, creating an absorbing battle between like-minded fans. Kojima Productions is also committed to constantly updating Metal Gear Online, with a wealth of new options already available and more to follow.

Both games form a stunning conclusion to Hideo Kojima’s involvement in the final chapter to the Solid Snake saga, and the new low price will open the game world to a new army of fans.

“Metal Gear Solid 4: guns of the Patriots has proved to be an outstanding title, and its many awards and accolades are testament to this,” commented Martin Schneider, European Marketing Director for Konami Digital Entertainment GmbH. “With the PLAYSTATION®3 user base growing at a rapid rate, this welcome re-release for an all-new price will give this growing community a chance to get to grips with one of the most innovative, testing and varied title for the format.”

Win an Xbox 360 - Brand-new "X-Blades" competition with great prizes!

TopWare Entertainment and the Fan Page www.insidexblades.de are about to host a fantastic competition with super prizes for creative gamers!

Participants can choose from three categories - Best "X-Blades" Video, Most Appealing "X-Blades" Wallpaper and Funniest "X-Blades" Comic. The first three winners in each group will receive a special Ayumi package - and the best from all categories will win the main prize - an Xbox 360 video gaming and entertainment system by Microsoft.

You'll find lots more info at www.insidexblades.de.