Drakensang - The River Of Time Prequel to award-winning RPG The Dark Eye: Drakensang

Radon Labs is working on a prequel to the award winning title: The Dark Eye: Drakensang, which has won the “best German RPG 2008” award at the German Developer Awards. Drakensang: The River Of Time is going to tell a new story within the Drakensang universe. The prequel is scheduled to be released on the PC early 2010.

“Fans of Drakensang and RPGs get exactly what they want: A new story in the embosomed Drakensang universe, bringing as much innovations as tried and true game elements”, describes Bernd Beyreuther, Creative Director at Radon Labs, Drakensang: The River Of Time.

“We continue the success story of Drakensang. The Dark Eye players can look forward to another precise realization of their favorite RPG system. Those players who will experience The Dark Eye for the first time won’t miss a thing and can just start right into the fascinating medieval RPG fantasy scenario of Drakensang: The River Of Time”, Markus Windelen, COO of publisher dtp entertainment, adds.

dtp entertainment will soon be releasing more information on Drakensang: The River Of Time.

Valkyrie Profile - Covenant of the Plume out in Europe in April

Square Enix announces that VALKYRIE PROFILE - Covenant of the Plume will be released in Europe and across PAL territories on 3rd April 2009, exclusively on the Nintendo DS handheld system.

VALKYRIE PROFILE: Covenant of the Plume is the next installment in this unique series of titles created by leading RPG developer tri-Ace. For the first time on the Nintendo DS, VALKYRIE PROFILE: Covenant of the Plume, follows the story of the young soldier Wylfred, who seeks revenge against the valkyries since Lenneth took his father’s life. Now he waits for an opportunity to strike back just as the future of Midgard is about to be decided in battle once again.

VALKYRIE PROFILE: Covenant of the Plume pushes the limits of the Nintendo DS to its limits in terms of production and game-play whilst delivering an amazing strategic RPG gaming experience. With an innovative tactical battle system, multiple game chapters and game endings, the future of Wylfred and Midgard is truly in the hands of the player.

John Yamamoto, president and chief executive officer of Square Enix Ltd. comments, “We are very pleased to bringing VALKYRIE PROFILE: Covenant of the Plume to Europe. This new installment of the critically acclaimed VALKYRIE PROFILE series is perfectly suitable for portable gaming and we hope fans will enjoy its tactical gameplay and another engaging story.”

For more information about VALKYRIE PROFILE: Covenant of the Plume, please visit the official website at www.valkyrieprofilegame.com

About VALKYRIE PROFILE: Covenant of the Plume

Story

The protagonist is a young soldier, Wylfred, who harbours a hatred for the Valkyries, especially Lenneth Valkyrie, who used his father as an Einherjar when he was ten years old. To seek revenge against the gods, he accepted power from Hel, the Queen of Niflheim, in the form of a black magic feather. In Midgard, however, the two princes of the Kingdom of Artolia are enthralled in a battle for succession to the throne, with neighbouring nations Villnore and Crell Monferaigne monitoring the situation, ready to strike at a moment's notice.

Features

• The Feather of Goddess – This is a vital key to how the story progresses and immensely powerful in battle situations. A hugely powerful artifact that causes mass effects to not only battles but the story line also.
• Multi-story system – An in-depth multi-story system in defining chapters. The outcome and direction of the story can change dramatically by your individual actions and choices in gunplay and in battle!
• Battle system – Further evolution of the battle system in the VP series!
The battle system is now seen via the quarter view, allowing more in-depth attacks and combos combined with dynamic finishing moves and dazzling spells!
• Mutual Assistance system – This system allows allied characters to spontaneously join the battle, enabling you to surround your enemies and attack with maximum effect!
• Active Formation – Upon entering battle the “Active Formation” is formed allowing valuable bonuses for executed set-up formations.
• Audio / Visual experience – Breath taking graphics and effects that push the technical limits of the Nintendo DS.
• Epic cinematic cut scenes and events that create and set the scene and direction of the gameplay and story line

Circulate challenging puzzle video game for iPhone and iPod Touch

Based on the original best seller Circulate Mobile, lemonQUEST has made a new version has been specially adapted for Apple´s cutting edge technology. The iPhone/ iPod Touch.

Flip, turn and twist yourself out of gravity defying challenges, this isn´t your average ‘collect and pop the dots’ game.

Circulate for iPhone / iPod Touch is a challenging new puzzle game that will have you defying gravity to collect and eliminate the different spheres and will have you doing everything except turn yourself upside down to succeed!
This new topsy turvy puzzle game will have you addicted in no time: over 100 levels in puzzle mode, 10 different sphere types, intense and colorful graphics, there’s just so much to do!

Circulate for iPhone/ iPod Touch is the most innovative game created to date in its genre.

Enjoy this exciting and easy to play game that will offer players hours of entertainment.

• Great graphics and visual effects
• Intuitive and simple controls and numerous levels with various difficulty options
• A game for users of all ages and abilities
• A fascinating and addictive game

Check it out on:

Available as of today, Circulate can be purchased here...

Invincible Tiger - The Legend of Han Tao kung-fu fighting downloadable brought to you by Blitz Arcade

Leading developer Blitz Arcade announced its collaboration with NAMCO BANDAI Games on Invincible Tiger - The Legend of Han Tao for Xbox Live Arcade and PlayStation Network.

An original concept by Blitz Arcade Animator Ollie Clarke, Invincible Tiger -: The Legend of Han Tao follows the eponymous hero as he fights to reclaim the Star of Destiny from the Evil Overlord. Along the way he battles the Overlord’s evil throngs, which include standard grunts and the added dimension of the undead.

Luckily, Han Tao has the moves to combat his enemies. Using intense combos, well-timed blocks and a lot of skill, players can unlock the potential of his power and decimate the evil ones.

Ollie Clarke – also Project Manager for Invincible Tiger: The Legend of Han Tao – said: “I wanted to make a game that played like the martial arts games and movies I loved when I was growing up, and that's something we stuck to from creation through to development. It’s a fluid fighting game, easy to play but difficult to master! Games should be fun, so we've thrown in loads of tongue-in-cheek humour for fans of the genre. Hopefully gamers will have as much fun playing Invincible Tiger as we had making it!”

Invincible Tiger: The Legend of Han Tao features a number of different modes for single and multiplayer action.

• Team up with a partner and take on the Evil Overlord’s diabolical army through Story Mode Co-op.
• Battle through each level, dealing with increasing difficulty and a shared Zen-meter.
• Learn ace combat techniques in the single player game and use them beat your enemies into the dust.
• Experience Endurance Mode where you’ll face an endless stream of enemies under a time limit.
• Post your scores online for bragging rights.

Legendary Cars Arrive in Paradise City on Thursday

Tired of driving around Burnount Paradise City in the cars and bikes? You need only to wait another two days to get some additional choices - Criterion will be releasing the Burnout Paradise Legendary Cars Download Content this Thursday on both PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360. PC owners unfortunately don't get in on the action just yet - they'll have to wait until March.

The four cars come at a price, however - $2 (160 points) each, with the exception of the Jansen 88 Special the DeLorean above costs $4. You can buy them all in a bundle and you'll save yourself a few bucks with the discounted price tag of $8.

People will be sure to complain about the pricing, but keep in mind just how much Criterion has given away for free since the game was released last January.

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