PopCap Gives Away Big Money video game for St Patrick's Day

Dublin firm offers cost-conscious consumers a way to splurge for FREE

PopCap Games, www.popcap.co.uk, is giving away their computer games to cash-conscious customers.

To celebrate St Patrick’s Day, the PopCap leprechauns have stocked their crocks of gold with FREE copies of PC computer game, Big Money, which normally retails at £14.95.
The money-themed game means people can splurge with some virtual funds at a time when we are all counting the pennies. To grab a copy, all you have to do is visit www.popcap.co.uk between 13th March 2009 and 24th March 2009.

PopCap makes casual games i.e. computer games for non-gamers. If you’ve ever puzzled over a crossword or a game of Sudoku, then you’re a casual gamer. Research indicates that casual gaming can aid relaxation, boost learning and mental cognition - and even promote grandparent/parent-child bonding. The average player of casual PC games like Big Money is a 48-year old mother and with this promotion running until 24th March, PopCap have your Mother’s Day gift, wrapped.

Paul Breslin, Operations Director at PopCap Games said: “Times are tough at the moment but we at PopCap don’t believe that means people should have to compromise on FUN – in fact, people need it more than ever. So we decided to create a little extra fun this St Patrick’s Day by literally giving away one of PopCap’s puzzle games!”

PopCap’s games have been downloaded more than 1 billion times by consumers worldwide, and flagship title, Bejeweled,has sold more than 25 million units across all platforms. PopCap’s games have consumed well over 16 billion hours of consumers’ leisure time since 2001.

Resident Evil 5 - London Treasure Hunt goes horribly wrong...

"Realistic" replica body parts go missing

It seems publicity stunt organisers who hid a number of gory replica body parts around Central London this morning as part of a Resident Evil 5-themed treasure hunt, have lost their heads. Literally.

From the three heads, three torsos and 12 arms and legs hidden at various locations around Trafalgar Square, only two heads, one torso and six legs were returned by players - yet the fake body parts disappeared from all the locations they were hidden.

The organisers are now apparently concerned that these may be mistaken for real body parts and spark alarm.

A spokesman for the company behind the treasure hunt said: "The body parts are very realistic and we don't want people to be alarmed by them.

"They've all been taken from their original positions, but we now have no idea where they are. If you have them, please either return them, or dispose of them in a responsible and careful manner.

The spokesman added: "In addition, chicken livers were used for added gore, and, uncooked, they can be dangerous". You know, just in case you were thinking about making them into a tasty snack.

The competition was launched to mark the release of the highly-anticipated game on Friday, but didn't go without a hitch.

Apparently seeing people walking around at rush hour clutching decapitated heads and covered in blood was enough to offend some people, and the police were called to the competition finish line on Westminster Bridge, prompting an early finish to the competition.

Still, Steve Long, a 26-year-old IT consultant from London was named the winner for collecting the most body parts, and received a holiday for two to Africa, where Resident Evil 5 is set.

Source: Pocket Lint

Wheelman video game goes gold - out soon

Midway and Ubisoft announced that Wheelman has gone gold for the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, the PLAYSTATION 3 computer entertainment system and PC.

Wheelman is scheduled for a March 24, 2009, ship date in North America and a March 27, 2009 street date in Europe for the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, the PLAYSTATION 3 computer entertainment system and Windows PC. Wheelman is rated 16+ by PEGI.

Combining spectacular Hollywood-style stunts with a gripping storyline, Wheelman provides an adrenaline-fueled, cinematic thrill ride. Vin Diesel stars as an undercover agent and highly skilled driver who must infiltrate the Barcelona underworld to gather intelligence surrounding a covert heist. Posing as a driver-for-hire, he ends up caught in a crossfire of corruption and chaos while trying to stay one step ahead of local law enforcement and rival gangs.

Horrible Histories Ruthless Romans for Nintendo DS, Nintendo Wii and PC

Slitherine, an independent publisher based in the UK, and Koch Media, a leading producer and distributor of digital entertainment products, today announced the new game Horrible Histories Ruthless Romans for PC, Wii and Nintendo DS. This title constitutes the first release resulting from the license agreement between Slitherine and Horrible Histories publishers Scholastic UK Ltd. The game is being developed by Virtual Identity.

The Horrible Histories brand is an internationally bestselling series of history books for children, with more than 20 million copies sold worldwide since 1993. Author Terry Deary and illustrator Martin Brown have brought the past to life for millions of children in an uniquely entertaining way. The computer game version of their Ruthless Romans book will provide whole families with a fun way to learn about Roman history.

The main plot of Horrible Histories Ruthless Romans follows the struggle of young Rassimus to achieve glory as a gladiator and obtain his freedom. Rassimus, a slave and an ambitious gladiator-in-training, has been raised as a foundling by the great gladiator trainer Lucius Gladius, and spent nearly 12 years in his service. Lucius has now given him a chance to begin his training, and Rassimus hopes that he will be successful and one day become a citizen of Rome.

Horrible Histories Ruthless Romans is an entertaining and easily accessible adventure game on PC and Nintendo DS, and offers this fun even for up to 4 players on Wii. A total of over 30 mini games are available for aspiring gladiators. These and all quests are playable in any order. The in-game tutorial and a diary that provides useful information throughout the game make Horrible Histories™ Ruthless Romans suitable for children, parents and teenagers. The title will be released in the second quarter of this year.

Command & Conquer Red Alert 3 - Uprising is available for download

EA's Best-Selling Real-Time Strategy Series Returns with an Epic Standalone Campaign Expansion Starring Ric Flair and Malcolm McDowell

Electronic Arts today announced that Command & Conquer Red Alert 3: Uprising is available for download at the EA Store and other online digital retailers worldwide today. Command & Conquer Red Alert 3: Uprising is a single-player campaign expansion to last fall’s award-winning real-time-strategy game Command & Conquer Red Alert 3. This expansion pack takes players into the aftermath of the Red Alert 3 war with four new mini-campaigns, new plot twists and the all-new Commander’s Challenge mode. The series’ trademark live-action cinematics also return with performances from Jamie Chung, 16-time world heavyweight wrestling champion “Nature Boy” Ric Flair, Malcolm McDowell and Holly Valance alongside returning fan favorites Gemma Atkinson and Ivana Milicevic.

“It has been an incredible year for the Red Alert team. We just received the AIAS award for Red Alert 3, so we are especially excited to follow-up with the release of the campaign expansion Command & Conquer Red Alert 3: Uprising,” said Amer Ajami, Senior Producer at EA Los Angeles. “We have created something really compelling for Red Alert fans with the additional dungeon-crawler campaign for Yuriko and the new Commander’s Challenge mode that will offer gamers a deeper experience with the story and hours of fun and challenging gameplay.”

Command & Conquer Red Alert 3: Uprising includes four new mini-campaigns, three of which revolve around the Soviets, Allies and the Empire of the Rising Sun Factions. The fourth campaign features one campaign entirely focused on Yuriko Omega, the seemingly harmless Japanese schoolgirl-turned-deadly-weapon by the Empire of the Rising Sun. The player controls Yuriko Omega in a dungeon-crawler style campaign, as she develops her powers and fights her way out of a psychological research facility.

In the new Commander’s Challenge, players encounter 50 unique and challenging scenarios, each with its very own over-the-top and distinctive twist, confronting players with everything from giant bears and an entire army of Yurikos to massive satellite showers. Starting out with limited units at their disposal, players gradually unlock more units, technology and new challenges. Each challenge is equipped with a par time that is up to the most competitive players to beat.

Command & Conquer Red Alert 3: Uprising is available for digital download today for $19.99 and is rated “T for Teen” by the ESRB and “16+” PEGI. For more information about the game, please visit www.commandandconquer.com, home of Command & Conquer TV, EA’s dedicated online Command & Conquer network, where players can get all the latest news, tips and strategies straight from the developers. Command & Conquer Red Alert 3: Uprising can be played without the full version of Command & Conquer Red Alert 3.

EA Store is the PC Download service from EA, offering fast and secure downloads of all your favourite PC titles. Uprising is the first digital exclusive from a major EA franchise, and EA are also offering FREE extended download service, so you can download Uprising as many times as you want for 5 years. Visit www.eastore.co.uk today to get your copy.

Tiger Woods PGA TOUR 10 - back on the links with the Tiger...

Electronic Arts announced today that the world’s No1 selling* golf video game franchise tees off for a new season in Tiger Woods PGA TOUR 10. Tiger Woods PGA TOUR 10 takes golf fans inside-the-ropes to experience the drama and emotion of tournament golf. In addition, the U.S. Open, a USGA championship, and the USGA’s Rules of Golf will be available in Tiger Woods PGA TOUR 10 for the first time in franchise history.

“No player has elevated the game of golf more than Tiger Woods and we celebrate his return with a game that recreates the atmosphere of the PGA TOUR like never before,” said Executive Producer Mike Taramykin. “Tiger Woods PGA TOUR 10 continues the long-standing tradition of providing an authentic golf experience that is accessible to skilled and casual gamers alike.”

As you hear the roar of the crowd from the next hole over, can you handle the mounting pressure while you stand over your tournament-winning putt? Expanded crowds surround every hole; adding to the tension and excitement of each shot. A first for the franchise, real-time weather will be reflected on every course, ensuring the in-game experience matches that of the current weather conditions. Tiger Woods PGA TOUR 10 will also feature a television broadcast style presentation, which include instantaneous updates and a new announcer team of ESPN’s Scott Van Pelt and the Golf Channel’s Kelly Tilghman.

Tiger Woods PGA TOUR 10 on the Nintendo Wii will support the all-new Wii MotionPlus accessory, which brings an authentic sports motion to your golf swing; including the ability to draw and fade. Whether it’s opening up your clubface to take on that dogleg or tap in that five-foot putt – Tiger Woods PGA TOUR 10 with the Wii MotionPlus is like bringing a golf simulator to your living room.

This year’s 2009 U.S. Open course, Bethpage State Park (Black Course), will be available on the Xbox 360, PLAYSTATION3, PSP and Wii versions of the game.The USGA’s U.S. Open courses are known for being the toughest test in all of golf, and in Tiger Woods PGA TOUR 10 golf fans can expect the same major championship conditions as found in the real world. Turnberry (Scotland), home to this year’s British Open, will also be featured in the game.

Developed in Orlando, Fla., by EA Tiburon, Tiger Woods PGA TOUR 10 will be available on the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system, the PlayStation 2 and PLAYSTATION 3 computer entertainment systems, the PSP (PlayStation Portable) system and Wii.

EA SPORTS is the leading interactive sports software brand in the world, with top-selling titles and franchises including Madden NFL Football, FIFA Soccer, NHL hockey, NBA LIVE basketball, NCAA Football, Tiger Woods PGA TOUR and NASCAR racing.

Super Street Fighter II Turbo HD Remix won't be the last of the 2D fighter revamps

Speaking to Videogamer.com, Capcom VP of business development Christian Svensson said, "Are we done doing HD Remixes? No we're not done. But the next ones that we do will be even better, based on what we learned."

He said that some Capcom games don't need a high-def re-release, but asked if the celebrated Marvel vs. Capcom 2 was one that "needed" a remix, he said, "I won't say it doesn't need it. Marvel would be great to do. There's obviously a fan base for it. It's probably our most requested title. Unfortunately, I wish I had news to share on that front but I don't."

Super Street Fighter II Turbo HD Remix, released last year via Xbox 360 and PS3 download, sold 250K units across both the consoles as of mid-December, less than a month after launch. The release of the game preceded the launch of the full-blown console launch of Street Fighter IV this year.

Source: The Edge

"Versus" Brings New Online Gameplay Excitement To Resident Evil 5 Via Digital Download

Additional Mode Adds A New, Deadly Twist To RE5 Multiplayer Gameplay

Tired of working together with other players in Resident Evil 5? Ready to show your co-op partner exactly what you think of their gaming abilities? Capcom is pleased to announce that a new multiplayer mode for the soon-to-be blockbuster, Resident Evil 5, will be released post-launch as paid digital content via Xbox LIVE and PlayStation Network. The new mode, called ‘Versus,’ adds a deadly twist to Resident Evil 5’s multiplayer, pitting players against each other in a contest of survival, a marked departure from the central co-operative nature of the game.

Versus allows up to four players to match wits in online battles across two very different game types. Slayer’s Rule is a point-based game that challenges players to kill Majinis. In Survivor’s Rule, players hunt the most dangerous game, each other! Players can begin the hunt as Chris, Sheva or other secret characters, and choose from either one-on-one or two-versus-two team matches for either of the two gameplay styles.

Versus will be available on Xbox LIVE and the PlayStation Network a few weeks after Resident Evil 5 is available. Versus will be available for 400 Microsoft Points on Xbox LIVE or $4.99 on the PlayStation Network. Versus mode requires the Resident Evil game software in order to be played. A broadband internet connection is required.

Sequel to Resident Evil - The Umbrella Chronicles, joins Resident Evil Zero and the Nintendo Gamecube remake of Resident Evil on the Wii Platform

Capcom, a leading worldwide developer and publisher of video games, today announced its plans for a big comeback of its multi-million-selling franchise, Resident Evil to the Wii video game system this year.

Resident Evil: The Darkside Chronicles, the sequel to the highly successful Wii title Resident Evil: The Umbrella Chronicles, is in development exclusively for the Wii and is set to hit North American retailers this winter. Capcom also introduced its plans for a new Resident Evil “Classics” line, which will bring the critically acclaimed Nintendo GameCube classics, Resident Evil and Resident Evil Zero exclusively to the Wii, allowing a whole new audience to experience the world of Resident Evil.

“We are very excited to be bringing the sequel to Resident Evil: The Umbrella Chronicles to the Wii as it’s the perfect fit for the platform,” said Mona Hamilton, vice president, marketing, Capcom Entertainment. “We are always looking for new ways to give Capcom fans a chance to experience our games. Umbrella Chronicles was a huge success for us, Resident Evil: The Darkside Chronicles includes a more in-depth co-op experience, and we are excited to bring this exclusive content to the Wii audience.”

Resident Evil: The Darkside Chronicles‘s story is based on Resident Evil 2 and includes the popular characters, Leon S Kenney and Claire Redfield. Its on-rails style gameplay and active camera will create a more immersive “Chronicles” survival experience. As in the last installment, this is a first-person game with extreme shooting gameplay and interactive pathways.

Filling in many of the missing pieces of storyline that were not covered in the original “Umbrella Chronicles”, Resident Evil: The Darkside Chronicles will give hardcore fans the chance to re-live some of the most classic moments of the Resident Evil franchise, while allowing new players to take advantage of the intense action-horror experience only possible on the Wii.
Gamers can choose to take on their enemies with the help of an A.I.-controlled character or enlist the help of a friend to fight via two-player co-op. Adding new dimension and strategy to the arcade-style gameplay in the “Chronicles” experience, the new Evade system will utilize the Wii Remote for a more intense experience when fighting enemies.

Capcom’s new Resident Evil “Classics” line will allow the new audience who has embraced the Wii to experience some of the greatest games in the Resident Evil franchise for the value price of $29.99. Both set to launch this year, the remake of Resident Evil and Resident Evil Zero have been refitted to support the Wii Remote, giving the Wii audience easy access to the rich characters and in-depth storylines of the series and the chance to experience both games on a new platform.

More information on Resident Evil: The Darkside Chronicles and the Resident Evil “Classics” Line will be revealed in the coming months.

World in Conflict: Soviet Assault Now Available

RTS Game is the First Ubisoft Title on GamersGate's Digital Shelves

GamersGate today announced that World in Conflict: Soviet Assault is now available for sale as part of its constantly expanding digital catalog. Published by Ubisoft, World in Conflict: Soviet Assault will be available for 19.99.

World in Conflict: Soviet Assault presents a chillingly authentic Cold War scenario where the Berlin Wall never fell. Created by Cold War authority and best-selling author Larry Bond, the story begins in 1989 as the Soviets, fearing certain collapse, boldly advance into Europe. NATO responds in force only to be met on a second front - a full-fledged invasion of the American homeland.

Players take on the role of field commander, leading the era's most powerful military machines in the campaign to retake America's cities and suburbs. The RTS gameplay features completely destructible 3D battlefields, aggressive team-based multiplayer action and a focus on fast, hard-hitting battles.

To find out more about GamersGate, please visit www.gamersgate.com