Sea Journey 1.0 - Fight Hot Sea Battles in a Fancy Match3 Game

DivoGames company presents Sea Journey v1.0, an exclusive game that goes beyond traditional notion of casual games! Sea Journey invites you to the fascinating world of watery waste, fresh breeze and hot sea battles. If you are discontent with ordinary casual games, if you want something more exciting, challenging and full of profound meaning, Sea Journey is just the game for you. Match3 games have never been so thrilling and absorbing.

You play as a young captain of a merchant ship. Your father was a pirate, but he disappeared many years ago, and you do not know anything about him. You carry on your trade and yearn after adventures, but one day strange things begin to happen The ship is attacked by pirates! Thanks to your prudence several cannons have been mounted on your ship. You win the battle and get a mysterious talisman. Besides, there is a letter addressed to the pirate captain. A certain old corsair asks him to come to the island and get an important task. That is the beginning of your breathtaking adventures! Your crew sets black sails and heads for the island pretending to be pirates. From now on you take the path of battles, mysteries and dangers of Sea Journey.

The gameplay of Sea Journey is quite original, combining traditional match3 with tactical tasks. The playing area is divided into two parts: a match3 field and a visual sea battle above it. As you put matching items in a line, they blow up and affect the course of the battle or give you some profit. For example, a line of cannon balls lets you have a cannon-shot at the enemy; wheels increase the maneuvering ability of your ship in the battle, thus reducing the enemy's shooting accuracy; various gems designate special features, five for each type of ships; coins let you buy new ships, and scrolls give you extra experience for ship upgrade. You and your enemy have 3 moves every turn, but if you match 4 or 5 items, you get extra moves. Sea Journey requires not only moving items, but also working out a tactical plan. However, you can get useful tips that help to choose what matches are the most beneficial.

The battle is depicted in detail and looks very spectacular due to advanced graphics. Epic music and solemn choir along with real-life sound effects makes the action immensely impressive. The battles are set in various places, so you can enjoy lots of magnificent views such as storms, sunsets, volcanoes and harbors. There are 4 types of ships: trader, pirate, guard and phantom; each type has its peculiar characteristics. When you get more than one ship, it is up to you to decide which one is more suitable for a certain mission. All in all there are 50 levels in Sea Journey, and as you upgrade your ships and improve their capabilities, your adventures get more dangerous and difficult. Besides fighting with other ships, you can attack enemy forts. By the way, besides the main action, you can enjoy seven fabulous mini-games, which also bring you a good round sum. The last level is set in volcanic orifice: after getting through the raging fire and incredible nervous tension, you!
will find out something really precious.

Features:

- Addictive Match 3 Gameplay
- Challenging plot
- Advanced graphics
- Spectacular sea battles
- Amazing power-ups
- 7 fabulous mini-games
- Adventurous atmosphere

Pricing and Availability
Sea Journey 1.0 runs under Windows 98/2000/XP/Vista. A single-user license costs $19.95. Further information on the product, as well as the free trial version is available here.

Celebrate the first anniversary of Rappelz, the free-to-play MMORPG with an exceptional content update and the chance to win tons of unique items from

The fantasy world of the Rappelz MMORPG is full of new features this month to celebrate its first anniversary between February 17th and March 17th. The gPotato Europe team has a whole range of new community events and additional content for the occasion. Adventurers of all levels can expect some major surprises and will receive many exciting rewards! Players will also be invited to express their creativity by participating in a video contest.
Starting on February 17th, players can discover this exceptional update. We will welcome a new creature in the world of Rappelz: The Carbuncle. This intriguing creature grants amazing powers to allow its owner to earn more drops from monsters, giving players a much greater chance to find lots of interesting treasures. This update will also include new items, providing various improvements to the characters via the mysterious Bear Dungeon. Also, new visual effects and bonuses have been added, allowing players to improve the characteristics of their weapons and granting a beautiful halo.

From the 17th to the 24th February, the event “It’s raining pets!” will also be running. To celebrate the first Rappelz anniversary, all the monsters will have an increased chance to drop cool loot items for adventurers and their pets. These include many items to increase the characteristics of your pets, taming cards or even creature cards to be collected. There are also many other objects that are more rare and unique, such as the highly sought-after looting pets such as the Arcadia or the Armored Crab.

Finally, from the 17th February to the 17th March, a big video event will give players the chance to express their creativity by featuring their characters in the world of Rappelz. The winners will win exceptional prizes, including a significant amount of gPotato points, a set of complete equipment for their character or a permanent mount to cross more quickly the Rappelz lands.

Microsoft offers free biker bundle clothes, accessories for The Lost and Damned launch

Microsoft is pulling out all the stops to promote today's launch of Grand Theft Auto's downloadable content pack, The Lost and Damned. While you're waiting for the 1.78 GB download to finish, you'll find a slew of freebies and upcoming promotional events on Xbox Live, including a custom biker bundle for your avatar.


Female avatars can choose from a leather biker jacket or punk tee top (think the anarchy symbol with an x) with arm warmers, leopard-print leggings, black 60's zipper boots, feather earrings, a skull wristband and biker gloves.

Full story here...

Grand Theft Auto IV - The Lost and the Damned download now on Xbox 360

Today, Xbox 360 owners can download Grand Theft Auto IV - The Lost and the Damned.

For 1600 Microsoft Points, they can download The Lost and Damned, featuring a new main character a new plot that merges with the main storyline of Grand Theft Auto IV - new missions offer an entirely fresh way to explore Liberty City with new multiplayer modes, weapons and vehicles; and additional music.

The new story revolves around Johnny, a veteran member of The Lost, a notorious biker gang. Johnny has been creating business opportunities for The Lost in Liberty City, but his first loyalty must be to the patch he wears on his back and to Billy Grey, the club’s President. However, when Billy returns from rehab hell-bent on bloodshed and debauchery, Johnny finds himself in the middle of a vicious turf war with rival gangs for control of a city torn apart by violence and corruption. Can the brotherhood survive?

Only one way to find out, get downloading! "The Lost and Damned" is the first of two exclusive episodes for Xbox 360.

Warner backs Square Enix bid for Eidos

Hollywood studio, and 20 per cent Eidos stakeholder, will vote in favour of publisher acquisition

Warner has thrown its weight behind Square Enix's bid to buy UK publisher Eidos.

The news comes following the announcement last week that Square had made an offer to buy the ailing Britsoft firm.

Time Warner owns a 20 per cent stake in Eidos, and although it was often seen as one of the frontrunners alongside Squre to buy the publisher, it would have had to accept the bid or place a higher bid itself.

But this morning Warner and Square Enix announced that the former has 'irrevocably' agreed to support the Japanese publisher's plans to takeover Eidos.

MCV predicted last year that the firm was a surprise contender to buy Eidos - other spectators regularly put EA and Ubisot in the frame.

Square Enix, through its dealings with the management and now Time Warner, has the backing of shareholders responsible for 35 per cent of Eidos stock.

The firm's board is to vote on the final acquisition at the end of March, but with so much momentum behind the buy already - and Eidos management's pledge to fully back the acquisition - it seems unlikely they will vote against it.

Square's bid last week was estimated at around £84m - around 129 per cent Eidos' market value.

The current bid could still fall through, should Square Enix fail to post the scheme details for its planned takeover of Eidos or a third party step forward to make an alternative bid. Both are unlikely at this stage - Eidos has been courting various buyers on and off over the last year.

Eidos products cover a raft of genres with Western appeal, something Square Enix has been vocally seeking for the past two years. Its slate of studios and IP would complement Square’s activity and plug the gaps in its line-up.

Source: MCV

Naruto Shippuden - Ultimate Ninja 4 Coming to Europe in May 2009

The First NARUTO SHIPPUDEN Video Game is Coming to Europe in May 2009 with Intense One-on-one Combat, Biggest Ever Roster of Ninjas, and New Game Modes

NAMCO BANDAI Games Europe today announced NARUTO SHIPPUDEN: Ultimate Ninja 4, the first video game based on the NARUTO SHIPPUDEN anime series.Featuring the series’ trademark one-on-one ninja battles, the game debuts a number of new and exciting characters as well as several new modes of play for the most comprehensive NARUTO video game experience ever.

Set two and a half years after Naruto left the Hidden Leaf Village to undergo a strict training regiment with his mentor Jiraiya, NARUTO SHIPPUDEN : Ultimate Ninja 4 lets players experience this exciting new storyline for the first time. Returning to help save his rival Sasuke from the evil Orochimaru, Naruto is reunited with all his old friends, only to find that a mysterious organization known as Akatsuki now poses an even more ominous threat to the Village.

NARUTO SHIPPUDEN : Ultimate Ninja 4 features several unique game modes that offer different play experiences as players immerse themselves in the world of ninja. The new Master Mode combines role-playing and action platforming elements, telling the story of how Naruto came to return to the Hidden Leaf Village after his training with Jiraiya. Players can collect items in this mode to unlock characters in Free Battle Mode, featuring the series’ trademark one-on-one ninja battles for one or two players. Packed with new NARUTO SHIPPUDEN characters such as Deidara, Sasori and Chiyo as well as updated versions of fan favorites such as Gaara, Kakashi and Sakura, the game features 52 total playable characters to take into battle.

NARUTO SHIPPUDEN : Ultimate Ninja 4 will be the first video game based on NARUTO SHIPPUDEN, giving players their first look at how Naruto’s world has changed in the two and a half years since he left his friends to refine his ninja training. Featuring the biggest roster of playable characters ever in the Ultimate Ninja franchise and a variety of new and engaging game modes, it’s everything Naruto fans need to immerse themselves in the characters and storyline of NARUTO SHIPPUDEN.

Developed by CyberConnect2, NARUTO SHIPPUDEN : Ultimate Ninja 4 is slated for release on the PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system this May 2009.

Street Fighter Savant To Set New Guinness World Record

London Hosts World Record Attempt On Feb 20th To Celebrate The Return Of The Greatest Fighting Game Of All Time – Big Prizes To Be Won!

Capcom announce that UK’s premier Street Fighter player Zak Bennet will attempt to break into the Guinness World Records Gamer’s Edition with a new world record for most consecutive wins on Street Fighter IV, in conjunction with the game’s launch on Friday 20th February.

The attempt will take place in the HMV store on Oxford Street in London at noon. Official Guinness World Records representatives will be present to adjudicate the feat, which – if successful – will be shortlisted for inclusion in next year’s Guinness World Records Gamer’s Edition. To celebrate this momentous occasion, the first person to defeat Zak Bennet will be awarded a monster top-of-the-range 48” TV and home cinema surround sound system.

Street Fighter IV brings the legendary fighting series back to its roots by taking the beloved fighting moves and techniques of the original Street Fighter™ II and infusing them with Capcom’s latest advancements in next generation technology to create a truly extraordinary experience that will re-introduce the world to the time-honored art of virtual martial arts.

The number of minimum consecutive wins that Bennet needs to achieve in Friday’s attempt in order to set the new Guinness World Records is ten, and the win streak cannot exceed four hours of play.

Street Fighter IV is set for release on February 20th on PS3 and Xbox 360.

Wii Fiy fights to keep F.E.A.R. 2 of top of UK video games chart

All formats
Week ending 14 February 2009
1 Wii Fit NINTENDO
2 F.E.A.R 2: Project Origin WARNER BROS. INTERACTIVE
3 Mystery Case Files - MillionHeir NINTENDO
4 Call of Duty - World at War ACTIVISION
5 FIFA 09 EA SPORTS
6 Mario Kart Wii NINTENDO
7 Wii Play NINTENDO
8 My Fitness Coach GAMES FOR EVERYONE
9 PROFESSOR LAYTON AND THE CURIOUS VILLAGE NINTENDO
10 MARIO & SONIC AT THE OLYMPIC GAMES SEGA
11 LEFT 4 DEAD EA GAMES
12 GUITAR HERO: WORLD TOUR REDOCTANE
13 BEN 10: ALIEN FORCE D3P
14 GRAND THEFT AUTO IV ROCKSTAR
15 THE HOUSE OF THE DEAD: OVERKILL SEGA
16 DR KAWASHIMA'S BRAIN TRAINING NINTENDO
17 CARNIVAL: FUNFAIR GAMES 2KPLAY
18 NEED FOR SPEED: UNDERCOVER EA GAMES
19 LEGO BATMAN: THE VIDEOGAME WARNER BROS. INTERACTIVE
20 TOMB RAIDER: UNDERWORLD EIDOS

Wendy's Wellness - Improve Your Management Skills, Run Your Business free trial version Mac and PC

Sugar Games, the creator of such popular casual games as Rainbow Web and Rainbow Web 2, announces the release of Wendy's Wellness - a new time management game. Developing your own chain of 10 fancy wellness centers will bring out your hidden management talents. Take a closer look at the fabulous world of health and wellness!

The story is set in a big bustling city, which does not have any wellness centers, so the citizens have no special place that would help them relax after a hectic workday and keep fit. You play as Wendy, who decides to start her own chain of wellness centers, and her uncle, a professional trainer, gives her help and useful advice. At first you have to deal with basic equipment and to do all the work yourself - but as the chain of centers grows and the number of customers increases, Wendy's wellness centers become well-equipped, glamorous and popular with the citizens. You need to use all your management skills to cope with the great number of customers and to hit the objectives of each level. But your hard work will be rewarded by the customers' gratitude and, of course, by their tips.

Wendy's wellness center is visited by different types of customers: football players, cheerleaders, ballet dancers, gymnasts, businessmen, fatties and flirty girls. Above all customers there are icons denoting what they want: warming-up, treadmill exercises, taking a bath, body massage, doing yoga or tanning. Of course, there is a line, and the customers are waiting for you to serve them. Some of them are more patient, others are less. The patience is shown as hearts above a customer's head, which disappear one by one as she (or he) loses his patience. When there are no hearts left, the customer leaves without paying; so you should be attentive to impatient customers and serve them quickly and properly. You can also buy a mini-bar with drinks and aroma oil that makes your customers more patient and calm.

You see, running a wellness center is quite challenging, but you are not alone in the face of difficulties! A coach, a masseuse and a tanning assistant will be of great help, if you have enough money to hire them. There are 30 possible equipment upgrades that let you reduce the service time and increase the capacity of your wellness centers. As Wendy gains experience, you can use it to gain special personal upgrades and bonuses (higher speed, extra tips, extra hearts, treadmill bonus etc.). Learn, practice and achieve success!

The game environment is peaceful and pleasant: unobtrusive relaxing music, vivid and cheerful colors, optional volume of sounds. The interface is intuitive and simple, so this game is a good variant either for adults or for children. There are 10 centers and 50 levels, 5 levels for each location. Besides the main action, you will definitely enjoy VIP-training -12 additional mini-games, which give extra opportunity to earn some money.

Features:

- 50 challenging levels and 10 fancy centers
- 12 VIP training mini-games
- 6 Wendy's skills to develop
- 30 equipment upgrades to purchase and 3 employees to hire
- Relaxing music and pleasant game environment

Pricing and Availability

Wendy's Wellness runs under Windows 98/ME/2000/2003/XP and Windows Vista. Wendy's Wellness for Mac runs under Mac OS X 10.3 or better. A single-user license costs $19.95. Further information on the product, as well as the free trial version is available at http://sugargames.com/wendys-wellness/

Men of War PC video game demo download

A single-player demo for World War II strategy title Men of War is now available to download from www.incgamers.com, and will be available on www.menofwargame.com from 10.00 CET on the 19th February 2009. It gives a first taste of the epic campaign ahead of the game’s PC release on 27th February.

The demo features the entire opening stage of the Russian campaign, which sees a small unit from the Red Army taking on the might of the Germans. This initial mission helps players to get to grips with the controls before culminating in a tightly fought battle between a Russian tank and a convoy of German vehicles.

There’s also an opportunity to try out Men of War’s “direct control” feature during the demo. This enables you to manoeuvre units using the directional keys, rather than pointing and clicking. You can get behind the controls of a tank to smash through obstacles, crush soldiers under your tracks and fire armour-piercing shells at enemy placements.

Men of War takes place across the globe during the height of World War II and features four different armies – Russia, America, Germany and the other Allies - each with their own unique units, vehicles and missions. From the Russian missions starring two student comrades innocent to the horrors of war, players are soon catapulted into massive battles with dozens of units under their command.

Men of War will be released exclusively on PC in Europe by 505 Games, under the 1C label, on February 27th. To download the demo, just visit the Men of War website – www.menofwargame.com – and click on the ‘downloads’ section