MTV Games, Harmonix and EA Announce Rock Band Track Pack Classic Rock on Consoles May 19, 2009

New Rock Band Track Pack Allows Players to Download On-Disc Songs Into Their Rock Band Music Library at No Additional Cost [1]

Harmonix, the leading developer of music-based games, and MTV Games, a part of Viacom’s MTV Networks, along with distribution partner Electronic Arts, today announced plans for a North American release of Rock Band Track Pack Classic Rock for the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, PLAYSTATION 3 computer entertainment system, PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system and Nintendo Wii home video game console from Nintendo on May 19, 2009.

Rock Band Track Pack: Classic Rock is a standalone software product that allows owners of Rock Band and Rock Band 2 to keep the party going with more hit songs from the pantheon of rock music. In addition, Rock Band Track Pack: Classic Rock, like all Rock Band software, is compatible with all Rock Band instrument controllers and other current music-based video game peripherals. The 20-song pack features an outstanding mix of Rock Band fans’ favorite classic rock hits including songs by mega artists The Who, Rush, Boston and Police.

Fans who buy the Rock Band Track Pack: Classic Rock for Xbox 360 and PLAYSTATION 3 system can play directly from the disc or download the songs onto their consoles’ hard drives through a free offer with Xbox LIVE® online entertainment network or the PlayStation®Network. Once downloaded, the songs will automatically appear in the player’s custom Rock Band library and can be integrated into setlists and played in all game modes. With more than 600 tracks available in the Rock Band music catalogue and regular releases of downloadable content every week, Rock Band Track Pack: Classic Rock is yet another way rockers can continue to expand and customize their music libraries.

Complete Track List:

Artist Song Title Decade

1. Boston Peace of Mind 1976
2. Boston Rock and Roll Band 1976
3. Dead Kennedys California Über Alles 1987
4. Dead Kennedys Holiday in Cambodia 1987
5. Free All Right Now 1970
6. George Thorogood & the Destroyers Bad to the Bone 1982
7. James Gang Funk #49 1970
8. Jethro Tull Hymn 43 1971
9. Lenny Kravitz Let Love Rule 1989
10. Pat Benatar Hit Me With Your Best Shot 1980
11. The Police Can't Stand Losing You 1978
12. The Police Truth Hits Everybody 1978
13. Rush Closer to the Heart 1977
14. Rush Red Barchetta 1981
15. Siouxsie and The Banshees Kiss Them For Me 1991
16. Steve Miller Band Take the Money and Run 1976
17. Steve Miller Band The Joker 1973
18. The Stone Roses Love Spreads 1994
19. The Who Baba O'Riley 1971
20. The Who Behind Blue Eyes 1971

**All 20 tracks utilize original master recordings**

Price: $29.99 MSRP

The Rock Band Track Pack: Classic Rock is the latest in a series of popular software releases developed to increase player’s library of music for the Rock Band platform including Rock Band Track Pack 1, Rock Band Track Pack 2 and AC/DC LIVE: Rock Band® Track Pack™.

The Rock Band franchise is the ultimate platform for music fans and gamers to interact with music like never before. The game challenges players to put together a band and tour for fame and fortune – all while learning to master lead/bass guitar, drums and vocals. Featuring the most master recordings of any music game ever by the world’s biggest rock artists, the Rock Band music catalogue includes tracks that span every genre of rock ranging from alternative and classic rock, to heavy metal and punk.

Rock Band Track Pack: Classic Rock is rated “T” for Teen with a descriptor of Mild Lyrics by the ESRB. Rock Band and Rock Band 2 are currently available for Xbox 360,
PLAYSTATION 3 and PlayStation 2 systems and Nintendo Wii.

The first real 'Music' teacher on Nintendo DS - June 5th

Learn how to read and play music in 21 lessons!

In 21 lessons you will:

Work on your musical ear
For example, identify the different kinds of sounds
Study music theory
Learn the chords on a piano and/or on a guitar

See below for details about the content of all 21 lessons.


Test yourself on what you’ve learned by playing the quick tests after each lesson.

Learning to play music is now possible on your Nintendo DS!

LESSON 1
Let's get a feel for the pitch of sounds.

LESSON 2
Listen to the song and feel how the pitch changes.

LESSON 3
Learn about "Do Re Mi".

LESSON 4
Learn the basics of musical notes and how they express a sound's length.

LESSON 5
Learn about dotted notes (1).

LESSON 6
Learn about dotted notes (2).

LESSON 7
Learn about rests.

LESSON 8
A summary of notes and rests.

LESSON 9
Learn about measures and beats.

LESSON 10
Learn how to follow a rhythm.

LESSON 11
The classic musical staff - First, let's look at the line names.

LESSON 12
The G, or treble clef.

LESSON 13
The F, or base clef. Don’t forget the treble clef.

LESSON 14
Learn about whole tones and half tones, as well as sharp and flat sounds.

LESSON 15
Learn about major keys.

LESSON 16
Learn about minor keys.

LESSON 17
Learn how to read the sharps and flats that are used in musical scores.

LESSON 18
Learn about the symbols used to express tempo (or speed).

LESSON 19
Explaining the symbols used to express accents.

LESSON 20
Explaining the symbols used to express performance order.

LESSON 21
Explaining the symbols of expressions in music.

Brand-new version of Diner Dash for Xbox LIVE Arcade, PlayStation Network and WiiWare

Players to Take Bite Out of Award-Winning Diner Dash When it Debuts on Consoles This Summer

Fans of the classic franchise Diner Dash can rejoice as Hudson Entertainment will dish out a brand-new version of Diner Dash for Xbox LIVE Arcade, PlayStation Network and WiiWare starting this Summer. As in the classic action-strategy game, players will take control of Flo, a waitress building a run-down diner into a success, one customer at a time. The Diner Dash series, licensed by Hudson from PlayFirst, Inc., has sold more than 2 million units worldwide and has won multiple awards, including an IGN Editors’ Choice Award, a GameSpot Editors’ Choice, and a Zeeby.

“We’re delighted to bring Flo and Diner Dash to new gen consoles for the first time,” said Sabine Duvall, Vice President of Product Development at Hudson Entertainment. “Players have fallen in love with the award-winning series because of its quirky characters and fast-paced fun.”

Diner Dash will come to life in 3D on new generation consoles when players have the option to take direct control of Flo as she runs around to seat patrons, take orders, deliver food, take payment and bus tables as efficiently as possible within the time limit allowed. Players fond of the traditional control schemes may also use a point-and-click style with hotkeys to aid Flo in her quest for customer satisfaction, which is reflected in a heart meter that empties as customers lose patience. If the meter empties completely, then the customer will leave the restaurant. Servers looking to play with co-workers can join with up to seven other players in multiplayer across four diners in Team Dash or go 1 on 1 in Head to Head mode.

Diner Dash will be available for download on Xbox LIVE Arcade, PlayStation Network and WiiWare this Summer.

Scratch - The Ultimate DJ Gameplay, Character DJs and Environments for Scratch: The Ultimate DJ, Coming Soon to Next Generation Consoles

Genius Products today released the first trailer for the highly anticipated Scratch: The Ultimate DJ, one of the first music rhythm games for fans of hip-hop. With creative and technical input from Mix Master Mike, legendary Scratch DJ for the Beastie Boys, Scratch - The Ultimate DJ features an innovative turntable style controller and more than 60 licensed and original hip-hop and R&B songs from mainstream and underground artists including Kanye West, Tech N9ne, Run DMC, Eric B and Rakim and Deltron 3030.

In addition to a heavy-hitting setlist, Scratch: The Ultimate DJ features an array of customizable DJ personalities, each with their own unique style and attitude, and distinctive urban environments, including 12 unique venues varying from homemade garage set-ups to million-dollar mansions. Players can put their own spin on tracks with “battle record” samples, including cartoon noises and power tool sounds, and also use a USB microphone to record their own samples. Additionally, Scratch Blocks allow players to earn points for creativity and scratch tricks such as the “One Click Flare” or “Crab Grab.”



Scratch: The Ultimate DJ is coming soon to next-generation consoles. For more information, please visit: http://www.scratchvideogame.com.

Water Warfare first person soaker videogame exclusively downloadable for WiiWare

Nintendo Wii owners will have a new way to beat the heat this summer as Hudson Entertainment splashes up Water Warfare, a “first person soaker” videogame, exclusively downloadable for WiiWare. The family-friendly “soaker” is set to be published by Hudson Entertainment, the North and South American publishing arm of HUDSON SOFT.

The game has been rated E10+ for Everybody 10+ by the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB).

“Water Warfare is the perfect summer videogame to beat the heat.” said Sabine Duvall, Vice President of Product Development at Hudson Entertainment. “It’s easy to download and play this ‘first person soaker’ – just get your squirt gun ready and go for it!”

In Water Warfare, players go head to head or team up as they run around playgrounds and beaches to drench each other with squirt guns. They’ll be able to protect themselves with, what else, raincoats, towels and more. There are other items, like the umbrella, which can attack and defend at the same time! With different types of squirt guns, pick-up items, offline and eight player online multiplayer, there’s tons of squirt gun fun to be had. Throughout the game, players use the Nunchuk™ to control movement, aim using the Wii Remote™, and can load up on different squirt guns, such as shotguns and rocket launchers, to soak their opponents.

Go, Diego, Go! Great Dinosaur Rescue! video games out on Nintendo DS and Nintendo Wii - screenshots video

Based on the hugely popular Nickelodeon pre-school TV show, Go, Diego, Go! Great Dinosaur Rescue! allows players to travel through time with Diego and Baby Jaguar to help Maia the Maiasaura find her way back to her family in this amazing rescue adventure!



You’ll have to climb rock walls, travel along monkey bars, solve puzzles and even jump on a pogo stick to help Diego’s friend find her way home on this prehistoric journey. Featuring authentic character voices, players are encouraged to use over 12 Nintendo Wii motions, such as climbing, flapping, pulling and stomping, and many other activities designed to make the most of Nintendo DS and Nintendo Wii functionality. Al rescate!

Go, Diego, Go! Great Dinosaur Rescue! is available from all good videogame stockists, RRP £19.99 (Nintendo DS) and RRP £19.99 (Nintendo Wii).

Halo 3 and Gears of War 2 - Snowblind map pack Xbox Live game add-ons

Spring is nearly here, and with it comes new life for some of this generation’s biggest, most action-packed games, exclusively on Xbox LIVE. With more than 35 million in combined sales, the “Halo” and “Gears of War” franchises have set the bar for multiplayer games on the console.

Now players of “Halo 3” and “Gears of War 2” will see the multiplayer experiences made even better by great new Game Add-ons.

On 31st March, the Snowblind map pack gives “Gears of War 2” players a chance to cool off with four new, winter-themed environments: Grindyard, Under Hill, Courtyard, and a frozen version of the “Gears of War” favourite, Fuel depot. Hot on the heels of Snowblind comes the highly-anticipated “Halo 3” Mythic Map Pack, releasing 9th April with three new maps: Assembly, Orbital and Sandbox. Both Game Add-ons will be available only on Xbox LIVE for 800 Microsoft Points.

In addition to the exclusives mentioned above, Xbox 360 is the only console where you can extend your play with Game Add-ons from many of the year’s top titles. From “Fallout 3” episode The Pitt (24th March) to the “Left 4 Dead” Survival Pack (21st April), publishers from across the industry recognize that Xbox LIVE is the premier online gaming destination, and a one-stop shop for Game Add-ons.

Ultimate Soccer Boss Enters Open Beta

Ultimate Soccer Boss to distribute thousands of open beta keys to MMOABC and leading game portal destinations

MMOABC, a leading massively-multiplayer online (MMO) portal, is proud to announce the start of open beta testing for Ultimate Soccer Boss, an MMO Sports Manager Game powered by Digenetics, Inc. Ultimate Soccer Boss (USB) is the first ever free-to-play soccer manager browser game powered by Digenetics' patented adaptive evolutionary learning technology which allows players' skills to evolve. Players interested in participating for open beta can sign up at www.ultimatesoccerboss.com starting March 25th and will run up till its gold launch.

Unlike other sports manager games, Ultimate Soccer Boss will feature players that actually evolve their skills over time based on variables such as numbers of plays, training matches, and overall management of the club, thus resulting in a truly unique game play.

“The open beta event is a major milestone for all partners involved in the development and launch of Ultimate Soccer Boss to soccer fans from around the world,” said MMOABC Founder and CEO Andy Tong. “It will be exciting to see how our MMO community interacts with other soccer managers from around the globe as the results will be unprecedented.”

”We’re excited to be yet another step closer to the launch of Ultimate Soccer Boss where soccer fans around the world will be able to enjoy a truly unique soccer manager game,” said Digenetics CEO James Lin.

“Soccer fans can get a taste of the first evolving soccer manager game during the open beta event of Ultimate Soccer Boss,” said Webplus CTO Brian Keller-Heikkila. “They can manage a fully-evolving team while helping us test and improve the experience.”

Ultimate Soccer Boss updates include updated sign up process, improved feedback system, shop upgrades, social networking improvements, hall of fame feature, and refinement of match highlights. Open beta allows the development team to better observe overall game play, perform system stress tests, and ultimately perfect the Ultimate Soccer Boss experience.

Ultimate Soccer Boss is slated for released in spring 2009.

Sequel to PC game Mob Ties Tokyo - Mob Ties Moscow in development

E.V.E. Digital has started development on a sequel to their PC game “Mob Ties Tokyo”. The sequel to be titled “Mob Ties Moscow” is expected to be released by the two-person development team, Chance Miller & Jillian Fontaine, in early 2010.

“Since our first “Mob Ties” game launched in early March, we have been getting an enormous amount of positive feedback from the gaming community.” Chance says. “One of the top comments we receive from people who have played the game is how they love the “retro” feel of it.”

The original game was made on a tiny indie budget, so having the graphics level of a high-end multi-million dollar title was not an option for the developers, who intend to keep the retro style going in their next game.

“In the end, it all worked out really well.” Jillian adds. “Many gamers have said online that the novelty of high-end, expensive “eye candy” wears off after the first level. What matters most to PC game players is a great storyline, character interaction and exciting game play.”

With the sequel, the team plans to continue the same successful formula of combining an immersive storyline with non-stop “shoot ‘em up” action.

“Mob Ties Tokyo” is currently available at www.MobTiesGame.com

Pop'Em Drop'Em SAMEGAME, Bomberman '94 and DETANA TWIN BEE games added to WiiWare and Virtual console

Are you immune to this season's rampant basketball fever? If so, the Nintendo Wii Shop Channel invites you and your friends to set up an action-packed tournament of your own with a fresh crop of downloadable games. This week brings an instantly irresistible puzzle game to the ever-expanding WiiWare library, plus a pair of classic TurboGrafx16 import titles for the Virtual Console – one a vintage vertical-scrolling shooter, the other featuring the beloved Bomberman. Draw up your brackets, grab those Wii Remote™ controllers and shoot for the top spot.

Nintendo adds new and classic games to the Wii Shop Channel at 9 a.m. Pacific time every Monday. Wii owners with a high-speed Internet connection can redeem Wii Points to download the games. Wii Points can be purchased in the Wii Shop Channel or at retail outlets. This week's new games are:

WiiWare

Pop'Em Drop'Em SAMEGAME (Hudson Entertainment, 1-4 players, Rated E for Everyone, 500 Wii Points): SAMEGAME is a simple yet engrossing puzzle game where you must clear matching blocks in sets of two or more. Score high by clearing out more blocks at once. If you manage to clear the entire grid, you can keep on playing with a whole new layout. Getting rid of all those blocks is the key to racking up points. Adjust the difficulty level in a one-player game by trying different grid sizes and multiple colors. Up to four players can face off in any one of three multiplayer modes. “Fame Game,” the most straightforward choice, is similar to the one-player version. “Shame Game” turns the tables by forcing players to go for the lowest score. “Blame Game” is a free-for-all as everyone vies for blocks on one big grid. Choose from different block styles, background graphics and music to customize your playing experience.

Virtual Console

Bomberman '94 (TurboGrafx16, 1-5 players, Rated E for Everyone—Comic Mischief, 700 Wii Points): Bomberman has arrived to restore peace on the planet, which has been split into five parts by an evil hand. In addition to the nine members of the Bomber Family, the character Rooi shows up to lend a hand. Jump on the eggs that appear from destroyed soft blocks and you can ride one of five types of Rooi. Each Rooi has different special abilities—use them well and you'll ride to victory.

DETANA TWIN BEE (TurboGrafx16, 1-2 players, Rated E for Everyone—Mild Cartoon Violence, 700 Wii Points): It's the popular vertical-scrolling shooter renowned for its cute and comical world. Here come Twinbee and Winbee on a mission to save the planet from evil alien invaders. Standing in their way are six stages full of goofy enemies. Play as Twinbee in single-player mode, or team up with Winbee in two-player cooperative mode. With powerful attacks like Big Shot, or Twin Attack and Burst Attack in two-player mode, there's plenty of sting in their arsenal. Use your Shot to transform Bells into items with various effects. Stock up on these bad boys to expand your attack range and really have a blast.

Remember that Wii features parental controls that let adults manage the content their children can access.