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Monday, March 23, 2009

Need for Speed SHIFT taking racing to the next level - out September in Europe

Need for Speed
Electronic Arts announce that Need for Speed SHIFT, the all-new authentic racing game in the Need for Speed series, will hit stores in the UK on September 18, 2009. Need for Speed SHIFT brings a true driver’s experience to some of the world’s most iconic racing tracks, including the storied Brand’s Hatch in the UK.

The game also features the largest roster of high-performance cars in Need for Speed history including race cars such as the Pagani Zonda, Porsche 911 GT2 and Lotus Elise.

“With Need for Speed SHIFT, we set out to create a racing game that pushes the genre and delivers something never before seen in a Need for Speed title,” said Patrick Soderlund, Senior Vice President at EA Games Europe. “By focusing on the driver’s experience through the first-person view, we are able to capture the high-speed intensity and gripping emotions of racing.”

Players are thrust into the loud, intense, and athletic experience of racing a car from the driver’s perspective through the combination of perception based G-forces, the hyper reality of the cockpit view, and the all-new brutally disorienting crash dynamic. Need for Speed SHIFT features an accurate, accessible physics-based driving model that allows you to feel every impact, every change of track surface and every last bit of grip as you push yourself to the edge.

Need for Speed

Need for Speed SHIFT is being developed by Slightly Mad Studios in collaboration with Black Box and Patrick Soderlund. Slightly Mad Studios includes developers and designers that worked on the critically acclaimed games GT Legends and GTR 2. The PSP version is being developed by EA’s Bright Light studio.

Need for Speed SHIFT will be released on PLAYSTATION 3 computer entertainment system, Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system, PC and PSP (PlayStation Portable) in fall 2009.

The Munchables video game - Gut Busting Fun Chomps its Way onto Nintendo Wii

The Munchables video game
NAMCO BANDAI Games Europe today announced The Munchables an entertaining romp into a colourful and delicious action adventure for Wii.

Exploring rich and vibrant environments, players will devour delectable enemies as they guide their quirky heroes in this zany alien munching mash-up filled with fun and addictive gameplay.

The Munchables will chomp its way into retailers in Europe and PAL regions this coming June 2009.

The Darkness awaits your return, in Dark Fall - Lost Souls A third Dark Fall game to complete the popular paranormal game series

Dark Fall Lost SoulsA third Dark Fall game to complete the popular paranormal game series, also re-released by Darkling Room.

English game developers, Darkling Room, officially announce production of a third Dark Fall game, titled Dark Fall: Lost Souls. The horror/adventure is written, once again, by series creator, Jonathan Boakes, the writer of The Lost Crown: A Ghost-Hunting Adventure.
“It’s a guilty pleasure to drag gamers, kicking and screaming, back to the creepy train station and hotel, seen in the first Dark Fall game. It’s a desolate, derelict, dark location, in which disappearances and strange events are commonplace” says Jonathan, “This next instalment, known as Lost Souls, is going to offer up the creepiest atmosphere of the series... be warned, that old hotel knows your name, and is waiting for you this time round. Your room is prepared and ready.”
About Lost Souls: You have unfinished business with the dead. Return to the Train Station and Hotel at Dowerton for a second time; there is a new mystery to solve, and new horrors to face. The old buildings have deteriorated since your last perilous adventure, so you must watch your step, and never turn your back on the darkness...for something hides there; Something evil, unknowable and hungry.

• A brand new Dark Fall horror adventure.
• From the pen of Jonathan Boakes, author of The Lost Crown.
• Explore a derelict train station & hotel, abandoned since World War 2.
• A new game engine allows full exploration and movement.
• Physically interact with the eerie setting, to really ‘feel’ the place.
• Use light as your weapon and ally, to fight the darkness.
• Use Detective skills to solve an urban mystery.
• A hauntingly creepy stereo score that will chill and terrify.
• Explore the memories of the dead, in their own ‘nightmares’.
• Discover the true identity, and power behind, the Dark Fall itself.

The dead of Dowerton are the least of your problems, as you are stalked from one derelict room to the next, by the Dark Fall itself. It wants your soul; to feed upon, devour and torture. You must make the ghosts of the hotel your ally, through any means you can. For it is only through successful exorcisms that you will gain the strength to battle the darkness that lurks in that long forgotten, abandoned place.

Original Dark Fall Games re-released:

To coincide with the news of a third Dark Fall entering production, Darkling Room is excited to offer the original Dark Fall Games (Dark Fall and Lights Out) in brand new editions, Dark Fall: Classic Edition & Lights Out: Directors Cut. The new versions are available from the official website as both Direct Download and a new ‘Pins & Needles’ Limited Edition on DVD with a bonus CD Dark Fall Soundtrack, shipped free to anywhere in the world.

About the new versions:

The classic Edition is an updated version of the first Dark Fall game, which is optimised for Windows XP, and Windows Vista. The actual gameplay remains almost the same, with new sounds and a few technical tweaks to improve gameplay.

However, the new Directors Cut of ‘Lights Out’ has been massively updated to include new scenes, revamped puzzles, a new musical score and many ‘ghost’ events to send a chill up the gamers spine. You can now converse with the dead, who have many dark secrets to tell.

The games are available individually, or as a double pack for Digital Download and Physical Shipment (boxed copies direct from the author to your door!) with FREE world-wide packing and postage.

“It’s been great to introduce Darkling Room to self-publishing, which I found an enjoyable and successful enterprise back in 2001.” says Jonathan Boakes, series creator, “They were puzzled as to why anyone would want to do the whole process themselves, from making the games, packing them up and then posting to all corners of the globe. But, once the design process started they realised that self-publishing offers developers a chance to connect directly with the gamer, and design something truly unique and hand crafted”.

Also released are the new Dark Fall and Lights Out ‘Companion’ guides, which extend the gameplay, offering extra clues, and a complete walkthrough, A Guide to Conversations With The Dead and a list of where to see supernatural activity throughout both games is also included, as well as many extras.

“The ‘Companion’ guides are not just a ‘walkthrough’; I’ve spent time going through the games, noting Easter Eggs, secret areas and compiling background information about why and how the games came about” says Jonathan, “The Lights Out Companion, in particular, has whole chapters devoted to the creepy old Lighthouse, and the mystery which surrounds it. They are well worth getting hold of, via the website, is you want to get the most from your Dark Fall experience”.

Release Dates:

The Dark Fall Collection ‘Pins & Needles’ Edition, Dark Fall: Classic Edition and Lights Out: Directors Cut are available now, from the official website.

The Companion Guides are available now, from the official website.

Dark Fall: Lost Souls will be completed in the Summer, and available shortly afterwards.

Smash Cars on PlayStation Network - RC Cars Arcade Racing Game

 RC Cars Arcade Racing GameRC Cars Arcade Racing Game Featuring Real-Time Physics and Next-Generation Graphics to Be Featured in SCEA Booth at GDC

TikGames and Creat Studios today announced Smash Cars as the next release under the partnership between the two companies to deliver next-generation console games for download on the PLAYSTATION 3 computer entertainment system.


A follow-up to the original Smash Cars, Creat’s 2003 ‘no rules’ RC (radio-controlled) racing game, the successful franchise returns to the PlayStation and will be available for download Q2 2009 on the PLAYSTATION 3 computer entertainment system, offered via Sony’s PlayStation Network.

Real-time physics, innovative stunts and next-generation graphics combine into a dynamic, tricked-out single and multiplayer RC car racing experience where players twist and turn, grind and gear up, performing aerial tricks and stunts while racking up trophies and points as they race to the finish, all in an unlikely location.

Set on a beautiful and tranquil Mediterranean island, the fast-moving, bumper car gameplay style transforms this calm and relaxing setting into a dynamically frenzied raceway. A high-speed mini car racing game with a distinct arcade flavor, gameplay is presented from the unique perspective of a small RC vehicle, setting out to conquer the big world. Players will enjoy realistic driving physics and suspension as the tiny vehicles interact with full-size people and other beach dwellers along their path to victory.
“Smash Cars’ unique style of gameplay and physics simulation offers gamers a kart-racing experience that is unmatched and unlike any other,” said Vladimir Starzhevsky, CEO of Creat Studios, Inc. “We are thrilled to be releasing such an innovative and exciting game on the PlayStation Network, and are honored that Sony has chosen to feature Smash Cars in their booth at GDC this year.”
To win the race, RC vehicles must achieve nitro-fueled rocket boosts for accelerated speed bursts by grabbing big air and pulling off gnarly tricks and jumps. Points are earned by performing the best jumps and aerial tricks, hitting dynamic obstacles, colliding with other cars, skidding and “drifting” along sharp turns, and finishing first.

Players can choose from the default Monster Truck style chassis, Buggy or Sports Car configurations, and a visit to the Workshop offers players the opportunity to personalize their vehicle by selecting paint color, glass styles, and decals. Additional body styles are unlocked as players advance.
“With the release of Smash Cars, we are pushing the design and gameplay boundaries beyond the casual games arena,” said Anatoly Tikhman, founder and CEO of TikGames. “With the popularity of the original Smash Cars, we are very excited to bring the franchise to a next-generation platform and take advantage of capabilities only found on the PLAYSTATION 3.”
Smash Cars will be featured in the Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. (SCEA) booth at the 2009 Game Developers Conference (GDC) in San Francisco, March 23-27.

Smash Cars will include PLAYSTATION Trophy support and its rating is still pending by the Entertainment Software Rating Board for this platform.

“PlayStation”, “PLAYSTATION” and “PS” Family logo are registered trademarks of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. The PLAYSTATION Network Logo is a service mark of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc.

Sherlock Holmes v Jack the Ripper - The Hunt Continues soon on Xbox 360


Frogwares Studio and Focus Home Interactive are pleased to share with you new images from Sherlock Holmes vs. Jack the Ripper, the upcoming adventure/detective title for PC but also for the first time on Next Gen console. Indeed, Sherlock Holmes will also track down the atrocious serial killer on a Xbox 360 version specially adapted by the Parisian studio Spiders Games.

Sherlock Holmes vs. Jack the Ripper allows you to play as the greatest detective of all in the London of 1888. A series of particularly horrible murders creates a real psychosis throughout the country. Atrociously mutilated prostitutes' bodies are found by the police without them being able to find a serious lead. Sherlock Holmes starts looking for clues in the dark and sinister alleys of Whitechapel in order to follow the macabre trail of the one the press now calls Jack the Ripper. During an adventure full of twists, Sherlock Holmes will try to bring out the true identity and the motives of the one who hides behind this scary alias.

The Sherlock Holmes series is known as one of the best franchises in adventure games and is very popular with around 1.5 million copies sold worldwide. Now, Sherlock Holmes is back with a game that will give a new dimension to the series. Indeed, Sherlock Holmes vs. Jack the Ripper will offer players two different views that are accessible at any time: a third person view in the purest style used in point & click adventure games, as well as a first person view. The player will be free to play in one or the other modes or even combine them for greater immersion into this terrifying adventure. Another novelty: the player will also find an original crime scene reconstitution system that will allow him to test his theories during his progress in the investigation to follow the bloody trail of the terrifying serial killer.

Sherlock Holmes vs. Jack the Ripper will be released for DVD ROM PC in May of 2009.

Championship Manager exclusive sponsor of the Apprentice of the Year category at The Football League Awards

Championship Manager secures licensing agreement with The Football League

Championship Manager has agreed a deal with The Football League to be the exclusive sponsor of the Apprentice of the Year category at The Football League Awards. This annual gala event celebrates excellence on and off the pitch rewarding players, managers and staff.

The world famous football management simulation game has also signed a licensing agreement with The Football League for the next edition of Championship Manager. The agreement reinforces Championship Manager’s position as an accurate, authoritative and authentic management simulation.

The Award recognises the apprentice from each division who has shown the best on-field performance, disciplinary record and educational achievement over the season. Previously, the Apprentice Of The Year Award has recognised some of the greatest talent across The Football League. In an era of big money transfers, youth development is still the life-blood of football and with more than 8,500 players aged 8 – 18 the football league has fed a vast array of talent into professional football.

Roy Meredith, General Manager of Championship Manager, said: “We are very proud to be able to sponsor the Apprentice of the Year Award. Seeking out and developing top talent is critically important for all football clubs and that is certainly reflected in Championship Manager. The accolade will reward youth academy players that have performed particularly well in the past year, providing recognition at a key point in their developing career.”

John Nagle, Head of Communications for the Football League, said: “We are delighted that Eidos has come on board to support The Football League Awards which is now in its 4th year and is established within the football calendar.”

Mass Effect 2 from Bioware The Dark Second Chapter to the Epic Science-Fiction Trilogy - Coming Early 2010 for Windows PC and Xbox 360

mass effect 2 logogLeading video game developer BioWare, a division of Electronic Arts, announced the development of Mass Effect 2, the highly anticipated sequel to the multi award-winning 2007 hit, Mass Effect.

The Mass Effect trilogy is a masterful science-fiction adventure set in a vast universe filled with dangerous alien life forms and mysterious uncharted planets. In this dark second chapter, Saren’s evil army of Geth soldiers has just been defeated, and humans, still struggling to make their mark on the galactic stage, are now faced with an even greater peril…

“We’re going to surpass the extraordinary gaming experience we brought our fans in Mass Effect by delivering intensified combat and expanded weapon options as well as increased depth of planet exploration, all while delivering a powerful, emotionally engaging story,” said Dr. Ray Muzyka, General Manager and CEO, BioWare and General Manager and Vice President, EA. “Mass Effect 2 is shaping up to be an unforgettable RPG-shooter experience, taking players on a non-stop roller-coaster ride filled with stunning plot twists and no-holds-barred
action.”



Mass Effect 2 is coming to PC and the Xbox 360 video game system in Early 2010.

Killing Floor - Unreal Tournament mod to become full game on Steam...

Killing Floor Unreal Tournament mod
Popular young-persons' Unreal Tournament 2004 modification Killing Floor is to be beefed up into a full game and released on Steam, Tripwire Interactive has announced.

Killing Floor is a first-person co-op game in which up to six players defend themselves against an onslaught of monsters in non-linear London-based environments using a mixture of weapons.

Along with knives, fire-axes, shotguns, rifles and a flamethrower (there are more than 12 weapons in total), players can also try and weld doors closed to push the monsters along certain paths.

Read full post here on EuroGamer...

NASA name new video game Astronaut - Moon, Mars and Beyond...

nasa logoAfter news that NASA are working with Information Place, Virtual Heroes and Project Whitecard on a new MMO video game they have announced the title... Astronaut - Moon, Mars and beyond.

NASA hope the game will spark an interest in space and the universe - we can only wait and see if this wish comes true.

The gamne is financed by individual investors and sponsors with NASA lending their expertise in development.

“‘Astronaut: Moon, Mars, and Beyond’ was selected because the three companies involved had a really ideal combination of qualities we were looking for,” Daniel Laughlin of NASA’s Learning Technologies Project Office said in a statement. “They have the right experience, they demonstrated their ability to engage middle school through higher education curricula, and they have extraordinary enthusiasm about working with NASA to make a fun game. If there’s one thing we’ve learned from more than 800 pages of public input, it’s that this game must be fun if it’s going to be of any use for education.”

"When they see that they can use these skills to build something – like a space shuttle or a greenhouse – then they understand why it’s important,” said Sonny Kirkley, CEO of Information In Place. “So, ultimately, teachers will find that a gaming environment makes it much easier to engage students in STEM subjects and provides context for the other things they are teaching.”

WWII online - Battleground Europe offers free 14 day PC trial of

WWII Online: Battleground Europe
Cornered Rat Software is offering a unique twist to their 14-day free trial of their massively multiplayer PC game, "WWII Online: Battleground Europe". For a limited time, trial players will have the chance to have their face added to an in-game character. The game is available for download and play at the official website, www.BattlegroundEurope.com.

Cornered Rat Software is inviting gamers to participate in a limited time 14-day free trial offer for their award-winning MMOG, WWIIOL: Battleground Europe. Anyone who creates a free trial account between March 20th and April 10th, 2009 will be entered into a draw in which three winners will have their own likeness added to the library of faces used for infantry characters seen by thousands of players. Information about how faces are added to in-game characters can be found at www.battlegroundeurope.com/faces. See the trial information page for more details at BattlegroundEurope.com.

About Battleground Europe:
Set in World War II Western Europe, "Battleground Europe" features more than 600 towns and cities and 29,000 buildings and a zone-less map covering 350,000 Km (Over 217,000 miles) of terrain where battles rage for days and campaigns for weeks.

Whether you want to be a British sharpshooter, French tank commander or a German fighter-pilot, "Battleground Europe" has an assignment waiting for you. With over 100 weapons and vehicles accurately modeled and utilizing military-grade physics, every soldier can make a measurable contribution in the battle for Western Europe!