Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars on Nintendo DS, launches in UK on Friday 20th March

Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars, launches on Friday 20th March at Gamestation – exclusively for all you Nintendo DS owners out there.

Taking DS games into a whole new league, Chinatown Wars pulls together over a decade's worth of Grand Theft Auto's groundbreaking design and innovation. With the use of the DS touch screen you’ll navigate your way through the streets as character Huang Lee, to uncover the truth behind an epic tale of crime and corruption within the Triad crime syndicate.

Features of the game include integrated touch screen functionality, in-game economy based on a trading system with fluctuating prices, tons of mini-games including rampages, odd jobs and street races, a GPS map system and an all new Police evasion system.

All this action in your hands, delivered in unprecedented depth and a rich, fast-paced intensity - can you handle it?




Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars is available from Gamestation stores nationwide as well as online at www.gamestation.co.uk

Hasbro Family Game Night coming to Your Living Room Arcade

Popular Suite of Hasbro Inspired Family-Friendly Board Games Launch on Xbox LIVE Arcade

The EA Play Label of Electronic Arts, today launched the HASBRO FAMILY GAME NIGHT destination on Xbox LIVE Arcade (XBLA) where players can access some of the world’s most beloved family-friendly board games. Inspired by Hasbro properties, fans can play digital versions of SCRABBLE, CONNECT 4, BATTLESHIP, and YAHTZEE in a variety of classic and new modes of gameplay. The SCRABBLE game is available in the U.S. and Canada only. BOGGLE, SORRY! and SORRY! Sliders will also be launching on Xbox LIVE Arcade in the coming months.

“We have opened the doors to the ultimate digital game room on Xbox LIVE Arcade for family and friends,” said Chip Lange, General Manager of EA’s Hasbro Division. “You can now sink your opponent’s battleship while sitting next to them on the couch or from hundreds of miles away. HASBRO FAMILY GAME NIGHT is the ideal blend of nostalgic childhood fun with cutting edge gaming technology that delivers an incredibly fun, online casual experience for everyone in the family.”

“Hasbro’s games have always been about getting together to have a good time,” said Mark Blecher, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Digital Media and Gaming at Hasbro. “Bringing these favorite brands to Xbox LIVE Arcade and allowing long-distance family and friends to join in the fun that is unfolding in your living room is incredibly exciting and takes casual gaming to an entirely new level. HASBRO FAMILY GAME NIGHT has the potential to replace the weekly ‘check-in’ call with a weekly game night.”

The HASBRO FAMILY GAME NIGHT destination on Xbox LIVE Arcade allows fans to join MR. POTATO HEAD, who acts as host, as they play classic and new-fangled versions of the following games: SCRABBLE, CONNECT 4, BATTLESHIP and YAHTZEE. In addition to classic gameplay modes, each game offers brand new ways to play, including Advanced Mode and Party Mode, allowing players to play mini-game versions of each title.

The HASBRO FAMILY GAME NIGHT lineup takes full advantage of the special features offered via the Xbox LIVE Arcade community. Players can show off their skills, increase Gamerscores, utilize voice chat and earn Achievements as they compete for a top spot on the Xbox LIVE Arcade leader boards. The games also offer avatar support so players can incorporate their own Xbox persona into any of the games available on the HASBRO FAMILY GAME NIGHT destination.

HASBRO FAMILY GAME NIGHT can be played locally or taken up a notch to challenge other Xbox LIVE Arcade players to online board game showdowns. SCRABBLE and YAHTZEE offer multiplayer functionality for up to four players, while CONNECT 4 and BATTLESHIP offer multiplayer capabilities for two players, similar to traditional gameplay.

With the idea of making the HASBRO FAMILY GAME NIGHT online gaming experience as cool and comfortable as playing in your own living room, players can earn furniture and trophies to decorate their own virtual game room. From within the fully customizable environment, players have the ability to launch additional games without having to leave the room. They are also able to share their personally tailored space with family and friends.

HASBRO FAMILY GAME NIGHT games are priced individually at 800 Microsoft Points and purchased directly through Xbox LIVE Arcade.

Unreal Tournament 3 Free Titan Pack on PlayStation Network today March 19th

Inside the monster expansion are 19 maps, Greed and Betrayal game modes, the Titan mutator, the Link Station and X-Ray Field deployable items, Stinger Turret and Eradicator Cannon weapons, the Stealthbender vehicle, the Slow Field power-up and characters Kana and Nova.

That's on top of many extras added during a recent title update. These include split-screen support, an integrated mod browser, Trophies, visual and menu upgrades, AI improvements, better network performance and more mod support.

PC users can already download the content from FilePlanet the Titan Pack WILL NOT be released on Xbox 360.

Check this post on PlayStation Blog...

Metal Gear Touch video game on iPhone and iPod Touch early

Metal Gear franchise’s debut for the iPhone and iPod touch has arrived originally dated for a March 19th release, Metal Gear Touch has actually hit the App Store today, the 17th, a day early.

I have confirmed the presence of the game on the App Store, it’s currently priced at $7.99 (as opposed to the expected $10) and has an average review of 4.5 stars.

What are you waiting for?

Go get it, it’s only $8.

Empire Of Sports - Bobsleigh And Tobogganing To Host First Virtual Skeleton Championships - 28th March

Empire of Sports, the first massively connected multisport 3D game, has partnered up with the International Federation of Bobsleigh and Tobogganing (FIBT) to host the first ever Virtual World Skeleton Championships online. The World Skeleton Championships will be held in Empire of Sports until 28th March 2009.

More than just a game, Empire of Sports is a sports platform designed to echo major real life sporting events from around the world; providing all sports fans with an extended space to live through and share their passion. Thanks to invaluable input from an ever-growing community, Empire of Sports just keeps getting better. Especially with the constant addition of new sports, clubs, sportsmen, competitions, events, and sports brands.

The Virtual World Skeleton Championships are available for all Empire of Sports players to enter – up until Saturday, 28th March 2009. The Virtual World Skeleton Championships are part of the ‘special events’ in Empire of Sports: the qualification phase is open to everybody but only the qualified players holding a Premium account will be able to continue on to the final stages and compete to win one of many Championship prizes.

Skeleton racing is an extreme winter sport in which individuals are required to make timed runs down fast, icy tracks in a gravity-powered sled. Skeleton racing requires the athlete to descend a bobsleigh track head first with their chin only millimetres from the ice below. Skeleton racing has been an international sport for over 100 years and has recently been introduced to the Winter Olympics creating a huge interest with athletes and mass media.

The Virtual World Skeleton Championships is not for the faint hearted! Only three of the bravest players will speed their way to the top of the leader board, where they will be rewarded with either a real-life bobsleigh ride on an official track or a skeleton training day – including travel and accommodation. Runners up will be rewarded with an array of virtual prizes including gold, booster items, ranking points, and other unique avatar-related items.

To ensure a fair competition, the Virtual World Skeleton Championships have been broken into a series of four competitions to welcome competitors of varying bobsleigh standards within the game.

• Amateur series (Level 1 to 15 in bob),
• Experienced series (Level 16 to 30 in bob),
• Pro series (Level 31 to 45 in bob)
• Elite series (Level 46 and above in bob).

Empire of Sports is currently still in the Prologue phase: this allows Empire of Sports to expand progressively, with the help and feedback of a vast community.

If you are interested in entering one of the Empire of Sports tournaments and fancy your chances of winning one of many exciting prizes, all you need to do is download the game client from www.empireofsports.com, register and start playing!

Link to a complete list of prizes for the Virtual World Skeleton championships

Link to more information about the competition

Link to how and when to register for the Virtual World Skeleton Championships

Empires in Arms update ready for download

Matrix Games and Australian Design Group are proud to release the comprehensive 1.05.05 update for Empires in Arms. The update comes with several bug fixes including a fix for a bug with guard commitment, a fix for possible game looping in the naval phase, fixes for the Insurrection corps, foraging bug fixes, and more.

David Heath, Director of Operations at Matrix Games, said “Each subsequent update of Empires in Arms brings improvements to our adaptation of this great game system. We’re thrilled to be a part of bringing this legendary wargame to the computer and we will continue to respond to community feedback and polish and improve it over time.”

Take command of one of the many factions in early 19th century Europe! Empires in Arms is a grand strategy turn-based race to prove which nation is the greatest in Europe. In a bid for mastery over the continent, players can succeed where Napoleon failed or try to stop the military genius quicker than his historical enemies could!

The game moves in monthly turns where diplomacy and builds are conducted. Within the monthly turns there are a variable number of impulses where corps and fleets move about. All movement is simultaneous with battles occurring at the end of the impulse. Battles are resolved by players both picking a strategy and fighting a series of rounds in an attempt to break the enemy. Make and break alliances, declare war, invade minor nations, propose peace terms, build armies of landwehr, regulars, guards, light cavalry, heavy cavalry and artillery. Many historical leaders from the period are included to command corps and fleets, from Admiral Nelson to Marshal Davout to the Pashas of the Ottoman Empires.

The slightest mistake could be the difference between the crown of Europe or exile to St. Helena. Step into history and find your destiny in Empires in Arms!

The update is comprehensive and will bring any previous version of Empires in Arms to version 1.05.05. Get more information on Empires in Arms from its official product page.

Download update file here...

NCAA Football 10 in US stores July 14th

All-New Season Showdown Mode Ensures Every Game Counts

Electronic Arts announce that NCAA Football 10 will be available in North American retail stores on Tuesday, July 14. As the highest-selling college football video game franchise for over a decade*, EA SPORTS NCAA Football brings an unparalleled college game day experience to football fans across the nation.

Each week leading up to the launch of NCAA Football 10, the newly unveiled www.ncaafootball10.com will host the latest features, videos, screenshots, blogs and news. In addition, the website will countdown the highly anticipated announcement of the NCAA Football 10 cover athletes. A different player will be featured on the packaging of each platform, giving fans plenty of opportunity to speculate whether their favorite athlete will grace one of the covers this season. With several major features scheduled to be announced between now and launch, football fans are encouraged to visit the website regularly for the most up-to-date information.

True to the tradition of the award-winning franchise, NCAA Football 10 continues to push the bar on innovation with new online modes. NCAA Football 10 brings the excitement of college football to fans across the nation like never before with its newest feature, Season Showdown. In this new mode, every game counts as fans declare their loyalty to a favorite school and give the ultimate show of support in a nationwide competition. All college football fans will have an opportunity to participate in Season Showdown, as credits not only accumulate in-game but players can also earn credits for their school via new web-based games. Millions of college football fans around the country will be on a mission to prove their school is number one with NCAA Football 10’s Season Showdown.

NCAA Football 10 envelopes the excitement and pageantry of college football at its best. Enhanced stadiums filled with school colors, cheerleaders and mascots bring the college atmosphere to life. Enjoy the sights of game day with new field goal nets, flags waving in the wind and camera flashes exploding during pivotal moments. With all 120 Football Bowl Subdivision schools represented in the game, NCAA Football 10 offers fans an exciting way to experience the thrill of authentic college football year-round.

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

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.

*Based on NPD data.

Free-to-play Combat Arms Europe Black Market new release update - free download

Combat Arms Europe, the free-to-play online first-person-shooter by NEXON Europe, releases today a handful of new striking GP- and Cash items.

After the recent commercial launch of the highly anticipated in-game Cash Shop “Black Market” in late February, Combat Arms Europe now brings additional items and gears for players to further personalize the game and offers the chance to “refresh” the game play with name change and statistic resets through the Black Market. With the reset function, players who have improved within the game receive a chance to deliver a more accurate representation of their current skill level, and the name change item allows the change of character and clan name, all without having to restart an account and lose their hard earned rank.

Furthermore, new powerful machineries such as SCAR-L Trispear and L96A1 Arctic Wolf as well as additional gears and camouflage are now available for purchase with NEXON Cash, whilst two new GP items can be obtained using Gear Points.
Along with the stocked up Black Market, the game has been further updated with the newest security tools for a safer and cleaner playing environment.

This only being the very first update after its opening, more striking varieties will be added to the shelves of the Black Market in the nearest future, and gamers of Combat Arms Europe can definitely look forward to receiving regular updates with new maps, combat modes, weaponry and other free contents as well as in-game and joint tournaments / events to participate at.

To sign up and to download the game for free, visit

http://combatarms.nexoneu.com

.

About Combat Arms:

Combat Arms is a fast-paced, multiplayer shooter, designed for non-stop action on the grounds of various battlefields where players are recruited to get engaged with their enemies in multiple game modes. While integrating the traditional attributes of the FPS genre, Combat Arms advances further by evolving striking features such as character customization as well as weapon modification system, enabling the players to adjust their weapons with attachments such as scopes, silencers and extended magazines. Additional eye-catching feature is the unique backpack system, which allows players to combine a set of multiple weapons from the extensive armory for a more sophisticated combat experience on the battlefield.



Combat Arms is easy to adapt for newcomers with handy control while providing deep gameplay mechanics to veteran gamers. In-game currencies and experience points are rewarded based on the number of victories and kills made, and when accumulated, it will help the players to rank up and to mount with new weapons and equipments, while having access to their actual performance stat anytime during the gameplay. Moreover, the extensive community features within the game actively support the clan system, where players can easily recruit, manage, and communicate with their clan members.

Why Flower video game is only possible on a PlayStation 3

That Game Company have explained why their Flower game is only possible on the PlayStation 3 platform...

The massive environments use SixAxis motion to control movement through the fields of glass landscapes.

Only the massive processor power of the PlayStation 3 can handle the rendering of the multitude of glass blade required. ThatGameCompany also produced the amazing flOw aquatic exploration video game as they explained...

"We learned so much on flOw, especially about SPUs. The grass system really leverages the PS3 to render 200,000 blades of grass simultaneously, and gives the player this sense of blowing wind through them," ThatGameCompany president Kellee Santiago said.

"It really would be impossible to make it look the same on any other system. But, it's one of the pros with knowing your game is exclusive to a specific system - you can really design everything towards that one platform."

Crimson Gem Saga video game on PSP

It's time to finish what we started

Atlus dressed in tuxedos and sporting lavish monocles, formally announced that it has secured the North American publishing rights for Crimson Gem Saga for PSP (PlayStation Portable) system, emphasizing the point by releasing the game's final cover art and the first North American screenshots.

Crimson Gem Saga is all about the fundamentals of RPG fun: lush hand-drawn visuals, an engaging fantasy tale, and an easy-to-use interface. That's not to leave out the fast, turn-based combat, ambush attacks, combo chains, and special attacks involving multiple party members. And you certainly would not want to overlook the stellar musical score and voice work. In fact, not content with the versions previously released in other regions, Atlus has added over 1000 additional lines of recorded voice, a North American exclusive.

Crimson Gem Saga is scheduled for release on May 26, 2009 with an MSRP of $29.99.

About Crimson Gem Saga
"Sometimes life doesn't go the way you plan it."

For some people, it's an expression. For Killian von Rohcoff, well, he's pretty sure someone tattooed it onto him somewhere when he wasn't looking. After getting beaten for the top spot in his graduating class, he follows up a lead for a job that results in him getting his wallet stolen. Unfortunately for Killian, that's just the beginning. Fate has one heck of a roller-coaster in store for him, and in the center of the mess is an ancient artifact known as the Wicked Stone.

Key Features

• Return to essential RPG fun - Remember what made RPGs simply fun experiences? You'll find it here. Easy to pick up and play with a full package of addictive combat, beautiful graphics, interesting story, and fantastic voice work; this is a title that will charm genre newbies and veteran players alike.
• Gratifying combo-filled combat - This is turn-based RPG combat at its most fun. Attack your enemies before they attack you to gain the advantage of the first hit in battle. Master the Critical Combo System to deliver multiple hits and deliver major damage to an enemy. Team up with allies to unleash massive dual, triple, or full-team attacks.
• Distinctively beautiful 2-D world - Vibrant, colorful, and distinctive, this is a world that will draw and keep you inside the fantasy. Detailed character portraits and beautiful, fluid sprites further make this a treat for the eyes.
• A far superior sequel - Forget what you know about the series because this is a totally new experience. With a complete graphical facelift, a brand new story and cast, and newly polished combat, this is a game that blows right past its predecessor.

Crimson Gem Saga has been rated "T" for Teen with Blood, Fantasy Violence, Mild Language, Mild Suggestive Themes, and Use of Alcohol and Tobacco by the ESRB.