Women’s Murder Club - Death in Scarlet new James Patterson novel crime adventure PC video game out 1st May

Women’s Murder Club: Death in Scarlet is a thrilling new crime adventure due for release on 1st May 2009.

Avanquest Software Publishing brings the excitement and suspense of the best-selling James Patterson novels to the PC in this engaging and interactive mystery combining hidden objects, light adventure and crime solving puzzle games.

The story begins when the body of a murdered woman washes up underneath the Golden Gate Bridge. In order to solve the murderous crimes, gamers must choose one of the three main characters to play as; homicide detective Lindsay Boxer; medical examiner Claire Washburn; or crime reporter Cindy Thomas. Players must scour the city for clues, scrutinise murder scenes and complete laboratory work in order to progress through the enigmatic storyline and untangle a web of ancient culture, corruption and greed.

In Women’s Murder Club: Death in Scarlet, mystery fans will need their investigative skills to identify victims, examine evidence and interrogate suspects as they dig further into the killer’s mind. Players must use their contacts to cross examine and decipher each victim’s story in order to stop the ruthless killer before the time runs out and another victim dies.

Women’s Murder Club: Death in Scarlet features a compelling storyline written by James Patterson himself, combined with a unique blend of adventure and puzzle gameplay. Players can explore 18 beautiful settings throughout San Francisco whilst solving nine challenging investigations. Clues can be collected in the various hidden object levels to aid the solving of over 90 puzzles that are critical to the case.

Women’s Murder Club: Death in Scarlet puts player’s observational skills, puzzle solving and logic to the test, making it an ideal game for fans of James Patterson novels, murder mysteries and crime investigation.

Fast facts:
Publisher: Avanquest Software Publishing
Developer: Valusoft
Distributor: GEM, Centresoft, Interactive Ideas and Ideal Software
Release date: 1st May 2009
PEGI: 7+
Format: PC
Genre: Crime Adventure
SRP: £19.99

Titan Online free-to-play MMORPG open beta starts April 28

EYA Interactive announce that Titan Online, its free-to-play, massively multiplayer online role playing game (MMORPG), will enter into the Grand open beta on April 28. Players can get a taste for this martial arts fantasy by logging in at http://titan.eyagames.com.

An epic title based on traditional Asian culture, Titan Online is a fusion MMORPG that boasts a unique combination of martial arts and robots that takes place in a spectacular fantasy world. Titan Online is based upon the Korean best-selling novel, “Mo Siang.” Set in ancient China, players will experience historic Chinese locales, meet influential figures from various dynasties, experience mysterious aspects of various ancient Asian cultures, all while trying to save the martial arts world by engaging in intense real-time battles.

This milestone will contain lots of new game content, including special field items and armor packages, never-before-seen in the world of Titan Online. There will be 11 new special event weapons available for give-away at various online game sites, as well as support of larger resolutions. All participants will have the opportunity to start from the beginning to maintain balance and fairness. However, there are no plans to wipe the accounts from this Grand Open Beta moving forward.

Developed in-house by EYA Interactive, Titan Online offers a very real picture of ancient China with 75 maps of historical sites, including Dun Hwang, Chang An, Kai Feng, Beijing, Shu Zhou, Shao Lin Temple, Chin Shi Huang mausoleum, Hang Zhou, Tai Shan, The Great Wall, and Hwang Her. In order to create the most true-to-life experience, the EYA development team spent time in China researching the ancient and historical cities so they could accurately reproduce them in the game.

The upcoming Grand open beta, which will begin on April 28, 2009, will allow users to tap into a world that has already birthed a veritable civilization of fans in Asia. It will offer players an opportunity to discover enthralling characters in a beautiful 3D, cell-shaded world filled with unique characters. The Grand open beta will continue until the commercial launch and is not limited to a specific number of participants.

Miami Crisis, a new action-adventure title for Nintendo DS

Konami and Hudson Soft reveal all-new cop partnership for Nintendo DS: Law and Starling

Konami announce it will release MIAMI CRISIS, a new action-adventure title for Nintendo DS created and published by Hudson Soft, in September.

A mix of crime-scene detection and action elements, MIAMI CRISIS offers the player to guide one of two characters – Martin Law from the Miami PD or FBI Agent Sara Starling – as they are charged with solving a series of linked crimes in the US city. Law is an intense officer who will use any means necessary to make a bust, while Sterling is an intelligent agent with an eye for detail, and both will face different challenges as the game unfolds.

Playing as Martin Law, players will experience a more action-orientated game, wherein the Miami PD officer becomes embroiled in the hard-edged side of law enforcement, with MIAMI CRISIS throwing up car chases, intense shoot-outs and face-offs. Alternatively, playing as Starling presents a more puzzle-solving side to the game, with the FBI agent using forensics and detailed examination techniques to search for clues. Both are working to uncover a shadowy terrorist conspiracy, but their successes and failures along the way will have an ongoing effect on the plot.

With its evolving gameplay and varied content, MIAMI CRISIS is a unique Nintendo DS title that will continually surprise and enthrall. With additional unlockable sub-games located as a game progress award, and a unique control interface, Hudson Soft has delivered the ultimate cop show for the Nintendo handheld.

Konami Driifts on to WiiWare Eight-player racer roars on to Wii this July

Konami announce a new multi-player racing title entitled Driift (working title), which will be released as a WiiWare title from July.

Viewed from above, Driift is a fast-paced racer that allows up to eight players to race each other, using cartoon-style chars.

Featuring twelve different tracks based on four themed environments – cityscape, hills, snow and a desert oasis – players can also select one of 32 vehicles from four categories. Each category is tailored for use within the different environments, with variations of speed, acceleration and handling and grip levels making specific vehicles ideal for particular locations.

Driift’s multi-player modes allow users to play using combinations of Wii Remotes, Nunchucks and Classic Controllers, and seven game modes are on offer. These range from the single-player and multi-player championships, and Team Race, wherein participants are divided into two teams, with the winner determined by those that accrue the most points. The VIP mode elects one player per team as a VIP vehicle, who must be protected at all costs from the opposition cars, with the removal of the VIP car resulting in a win for the attacking team.

Driift also uses ‘Contamination’ where a player is marked contagious and must contaminate very other player within a set period, while the ‘Cold Potato’ mode charges the user with collecting said vegetable and holding on to it for as long as possible! Finally, the ‘Meteorite’ option sees players embarking on a normal race, while trying to avoid a series of meteors as they fall from the sky.

“We established our European development studio to create games for mobile phone devices. After a successful start and positive, high-value products, they are now moving to other formats, too,” commented Martin Schneider, European Marketing and PR Director for Konami Digital Entertainment GmbH. “This WiiWare title offers a new approach in a more traditional console business and we are looking forward to this download title and further contributions from our European development studio.”

Droplitz video game on Xbox LIVE, PlayStation Network, PC and iPhone

Droplitz is all about connecting dials to save the precious droplitz dripping from the top of the screen. If you create multiple paths at the same time, you earn score combos and generate more droplitz.

Steve Stopps, Blitz Arcade Project Director, says: “We’re all really exctited about Droplitz, not just because it’s originally our own idea, but because we believe it’s a really great game. When you find out that the people who’ve been working on the game all day are still playing it in their own time you’ve got something special. We’re also very fortunate to have found a partner like Atlus, who share our passion and excitement about bringing Droplitz to the world.”

Droplitz is the latest original concept by a Blitz Arcade staff member to hit the market. Everyone at Blitz has the opportunity to pitch their own game idea, with the very best concepts selected for production.

Tim Pivnicny, VP of Marketing and Sales at Atlus, comments: “Droplitz represents the very best in satisfying casual gaming. We’re very thrilled to be able to work with Blitz Arcade in bringing this original, easy to play, and highly addictive title to multiple platforms. The game clearly represents its developer’s attention to detail, creativity, and dedication to quality.”

DROPLITZ:

• Infinitely accessible, instantly addictive – Turn dials, open paths, and don't let the droplitz go to waste! Casual and hardcore gamers alike will be mesmerised by Droplitz as they rotate and connect puzzle pieces to let the droplitz flow and earn high scores.
• Four unique game modes – Distinct layers of complexity keep the challenge fresh with Classic, Zendurance, Power Up and and Infection. Learn how to deal with sluggish, infected dials; strategically use bombs to clear sections of the game board or speed up the action.
• Endless replayability – The timeless satisfaction of making combos, clearing boards, and earning top scores will keep players coming back for more. Ever increasing speeds and larger boards ensure that there will always be a challenge ahead.
• Compete for high scores – Online leaderboards and 12 trophies/achievements mean that when you're the best, everyone will know it. High score-based gameplay makes every game a competition to get to the top of the charts.

Raving Rabbids Break Out with First Standalone title on Nintendo Wii

Ubisoft announce that the Rabbids will receive their own standalone brand with the release for Holiday 2009 of the comedy-adventure Rabbids Go Home. Developed by Ubisoft Montpellier, the team behind Beyond Good & Evil, Peter Jackson’s King Kong: The Official Game of the Movie and the original Rayman Raving Rabbids, the game will benefit from a new engine designed specifically for the Nintendo Wii home video game system from Nintendo, offering the Rabbids a hilarious adventure in a brand new universe.

The Rabbids are already beloved the world over, selling 6.5 million copies of their raving adventures and starring in their own series of videos that have kept web surfers laughing for years. Moving up to star billing in their own brand of games was a logical next step and fans will now be able to enjoy the fun in this humorous adventure game where the Rabbids unleash their insanity onto the human world as they attempt to return to their Rabbid home.

Look for more information on Rabbids Go Home in the May edition of Official Nintendo magazine.

NHL 09 video game predicts Boston Bruins will win the Stanley Cup

The Boston Bruins will win the Stanley Cup for the first time in 37 years, defeating original six rival Chicago Blackhawks in a six game series, according to the official EA SPORTS simulation of the 2009 NHL playoffs on the award-winning NHL 09 videogame.

Boston, led by shutdown defenseman Zdeno Chara, outmuscled the Blackhawks and received timely scoring from Conn Smythe Trophy winner Phil Kessel to capture its sixth Stanley Cup, and first since 1972. Kessel, playing on the Bruins top line with playoff leading scorer Marc Savard, delivered two overtime game-winners during the Finals. He finished with 14 goals in the playoffs, including five in the Finals.

The EA SPORTS simulation predicts Boston and Chicago will appear in the Stanley Cup Finals for the first time in 17 and 15 years, respectively. Boston last appeared in the Stanley Cup Finals in 1990, losing 4 games to 1 to the Edmonton Oilers. Chicago lost in four straight games to Pittsburgh in the 1992 Stanley Cup Finals.



2009 Stanley Cup Finals
Game 1 – Boston 4 Chicago 2
Game 2 – Boston 3 Chicago 2 OT
Game 3 – Chicago 3 Boston 1
Game 4 – Boston 4 Chicago 3 OT
Game 5 – Chicago 4 Boston 3
Game 6 – Boston 5 Chicago 3

Boston reached the Stanley Cup Finals with 4-2 series wins over Montreal, and Carolina, and a thrilling seven games series victory over the Washington Capitals in the Eastern Conference Finals, according to NHL 09. Chicago, making its first playoff appearance since 2001-02, upset President’s Trophy winner and top seed San Jose in seven games in the Western Conference Finals after series wins over Calgary (4-2) and Vancouver (4-2).

The defending Stanley Cup champion Detroit Red Wings were upset by Columbus Blue Jackets, who were making their first playoff appearance, in a seven game first round series.

The NHL 09 computerized simulation is conducted using artificial intelligence that uses real-life data from each team, such as player ratings and line combinations, and includes variances such as injuries and hot streaks to predict a realistic outcome of each game and series.
EA SPORTS NHL 09 has won 12 Sports Game of the Year awards and is the highest rated* sports game on Xbox 360. Feel what it’s like to be an NHL superstar in Be A Pro mode. Create yourself in game, choose your position, insert yourself onto the roster of your favorite team and then lead them to the Stanley Cup in NHL 09.

Assets:
B-roll footage of the EA SPORTS Stanley Cup Final playoff simulation between Boston and Chicago is available by contacting Steve Frost. Screen shots of the playoff simulation are available at info.ea.com.

Eastern Conference Finals
Game 1 – Boston 3 Washington 2 OT
Game 2 – Boston 4 Washington 3
Game 3 – Washington 4 Boston 1
Game 4 – Washington 4 Boston 2
Game 5 – Boston 2 Washington 1
Game 6 – Washington 4 Boston 3 OT
Game 7 – Boston 3 Washington 2

Western Conference Finals
Game 1 – Chicago 5 San Jose 4
Game 2 – San Jose 5 Chicago 3
Game 3 – Chicago 4 San Jose 3 OT
Game 4 – San Jose 3 Chicago 1
Game 5 – San Jose 4 Chicago 3
Game 6 – Chicago 4 San Jose 2
Game 7 – Chicago 4 San Jose 3

Eastern Conference
Round 1
(1) Boston defeats (8) Montreal , 4-2
(2) Washington defeats (7) NY Rangers, 4-2
(4) Pittsburgh defeats (5) Philadelphia, 4-3
(6) Carolina defeats (3) New Jersey, 4-2
Round 2
(1) Boston defeats (6) Carolina, 4-2
(2) Washington defeats (4) Pittsburgh, 4-3
Eastern Conference Finals
(1) Boston defeats (2) Washington, 4-3
Western Conference
Round 1
(1) San Jose defeats (8) Anaheim, 4-2
(3) Vancouver defeats (6) St. Louis, 4-2
(4) Chicago defeats (5) Calgary, 4-2
(7) Columbus defeats (2) Detroit, 4-3
Round 2
(1) San Jose defeats (7) Columbus, 4-1
(4) Chicago defeats (3) Vancouver, 4-2
Western Conference Finals
(4) Chicago defeats (1) San Jose, 4-3

Stanley Cup Finals
Boston defeats Chicago, 4-2
Playoff Scoring Leaders
Player GP G A PTS
Marc Savard 25 8 19 27
Alexander Ovechkin 20 15 11 26
Patrick Kane 25 10 14 24
Phil Kessel 25 14 9 23
Joe Thornton 19 7 15 22
Patrick Marleau 19 10 11 21
Jonathan Toews 25 10 11 21
Alexander Semin 20 9 12 21
David Krejci 25 6 14 20
Martin Havlat 25 12 8 20
Nicklas Backstrom 20 6 14 20
*according to metacritic.com

Deca Sports 2 video game out soon on Nintendo Wii

Athletes of all shapes, sizes, and skill levels wanted! Hudson Entertainment, the North and South American publishing arm of HUDSON SOFT, announced that DECA SPORTS 2 will be released in Fall 2009, following the landmark success of DECA SPORTS, the exclusive title for Nintendo Wii that shipped two million units.

“Due to the massive popularity of sports games on Wii, the demand for in-game variety and online gameplay has never been greater,” said Mike Pepe, Director of Marketing at Hudson Entertainment. “With online play and 10 new sporting events, we believe DECA SPORTS 2 will delight fans and new players alike.”

As the only Wii sports compilation game with Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection online multiplayer, DECA SPORTS 2 will allow players to compete against other ‘DECAthletes’ from around the country. Featuring diverse sports such as synchronized swimming, motorcycle road racing, speed skating, ice hockey, mogul skiing, dodge ball, tennis, and darts, as well as lesser known international sports such as petanque and kendo, DECA SPORTS 2 will continue the original game’s credo of “the Everybody Sports Game.” Besides the new play, gamers will also be able to design their own teams, customizing uniforms, athlete skill sets, and even the looks of the athletes themselves.

Saw video game coming to PlayStation 3 Xbox 360 and PC

The Company that Invented the Survival Horror GenrePartners with Lionsgate and Twisted Pictures to Bring SAW, the Most Popular Horror Film Franchise of All-Time to Xbox 360, PLAYSTATION 3 and Windows PC.

Konami announce SAW is being developed for the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system, PLAYSTATION 3 computer entertainment system and Windows PC. SAW will invite players to engage in a horrific game inside the treacherous corridors of an abandoned insane asylum that has been transformed into a gauntlet of terrors by Jigsaw, SAW's maniacal antagonist. SAW will expand the survival horror genre by allowing players, for the first time to experience the terror of SAW on the game console, by pitting them against Jigsaw, his brutal traps and the mind bending puzzles that have become synonymous with the film franchise.



"Konami, partnering with Lionsgate and Twisted Pictures to create SAW was a very organic synergy," said David Daniels, Director of Marketing for Konami Digital Entertainment, Inc. "As the leader in the survival horror genre, it only made sense to align with one of cinema's most iconic horror franchises to create an entirely new survival horror experience."

"We are always looking for exciting opportunities to extend the SAW experience beyond the theater. Partnering with Konami, the creators of the survival horror genre, to bring Jigsaw to the video game console was great way to accomplish that." says Aubrey McClure, Vice President, Promotions and Licensing for Lionsgate.

Producers Mark Burg and Oren Koules of Twisted Pictures added, "Through the years, it has been important to us to consistently find new ways to engage and thrill horror audiences, this game is the next step, transporting fans directly into Jigsaw's labyrinth."

Developed by Zombie Studios and based on the incredibly successful film franchise from Lionsgate and Twisted Pictures, SAW uses the incredible graphic capabilities of the next generation consoles, to create a terrifying experience that offers truly unique gameplay features that will allow players to pit their wits against Jigsaw and make their choice...live or die.

SAW will be released in North America this fall.

Silent Scope video game soon to the iPhone and iPod Touch

Konami’s Popular Rail Shooter Permeates the iPhone and iPod Touch with Multiple Gameplay Modes, Touch Screen Capabilities and Plenty of Action

Konami Digital Entertainment, Inc. announced today that Silent Scope is coming soon to the iPhone and iPod Touch. Based on the popular arcade game originally released in 1999, players take on the role of the world’s top sniper who must defeat terrorists to save the American First Family, including the President of the United States, who have been abducted by terrorists in Chicago.

“With the release of Silent Scope on the iPhone and iPod Touch, we’re substantiating our commitment to developing quality content that takes our top franchise titles and turns them into a portable gaming experience,” said Anthony Borquez, Vice President of Konami Mobile and Online. “Silent Scope allows players to perfect their sharpshooting skills wherever they go.”

Designed to take full advantage of the iPhone’s unique touch screen capabilities, Silent Scope will feature tap-to-shoot game controls. In this rail shooter, players can choose from different gameplay modes, including Arcade Mode and Training Mode. Inexperienced marksmen can practice precision shooting in the Training Mode, while veteran snipers can go straight to the Arcade Mode featuring up to three stages of gameplay: Story, Shooting Range and Time Attack. Additionally, the Arcade Mode allows players to change the game settings to Difficulty, Player Life and Branch Select.

Silent Scope is coming soon and will be available for download from the Apple App Store on iPhone and iPod Touch.