Fitness Goes Virtual: EA SPORTS Active Arrives in Stores Offering Benefit of Personal Trainer in a Box

EA SPORTS announce that EA SPORTS Active is now available in North American retail stores and will be available worldwide by May 22, 2009*. Developed exclusively for the Nintendo Wii by EA Canada, EA SPORTS Active is an innovative, virtual fitness product that offers personalized, customizable workouts that can be done from the comfort of home.

Developed in collaboration with fitness experts, including Bob Greene – renowned exercise physiologist, author and Oprah’s personal trainer – EA SPORTS Active is a fun and cost-effective way to achieve a healthy lifestyle. The product will be the first in a new line of EA SPORTS virtual fitness products to improve the well-being of people of all ages.



“The EA SPORTS brand is known for award-winning sports video games, but today marks our entrance into the entirely new genre of virtual fitness as EA SPORTS Active hits stores,” said Dave McCarthy, vice president, EA SPORTS. “Now more than ever consumers are seeking economical solutions to getting exercise and living a healthier lifestyle, and with EA SPORTS Active we’ve designed an experience that will appeal to a variety of audiences and deliver a truly fun yet challenging workout in the home.”

Users will get their heart pumping through interactive circuit workouts from more than 25 different activities and exercises that target the upper and lower body, as well as cardio. Similar to a personal trainer, the program provides clear instruction, feedback on technique and encouragement with visual and oral cues, while also providing calories burned in real time. Preset workouts are designed by fitness experts to target specific workout results. For optimal personalization, circuits can be customized based on interests and fitness level and there is complete flexibility for the duration and intensity level.

EA SPORTS Active includes software, a specially-designed leg strap that holds the Wii’s Nunchuk™ controller to track lower body movements, as well as a resistance band to increase the intensity to upper body exercises. The program can support two players at one time, and the EA SPORTS Active Accessory Pack containing one leg strap and one resistance band is available for an MSRP of $19.99 in North America. The product is compatible with the Wii Balance Board™, which will add components to the sports drills.

To help get started users can also choose to take the 30-Day Challenge, a fitness road map designed to provide tangible fitness goals with the guidance of the virtual trainer. The Challenge provides a new workout every time a player exercises that will increase in intensity and track progress throughout the 30-day period. To encourage overall wellness, there is also a Journal that allows users to track nutrition elements, set goals, and account for other physical activities accomplished.

For inspiration, consumers can view highlights from 12 men and women who participated in the EA SPORTS Active 30-Day Challenge April 18 through May 17, 2009 by visiting the EA SPORTS Active website: http://easportsactive.com/thirtyday.action. The Challenge focused on helping a variety of people integrate fitness into their lifestyles. Among the participants was Alison Sweeney, TV personality and host who participated to lose baby weight and represent busy moms who need a convenient way to get fit. Bob Greene hosted a kick off retreat for the challengers to get them started on their journeys.

“Helping the challengers use such an innovative program to reach their fitness goals was a truly rewarding experience, and showed me what a powerful product EA SPORTS Active can be,” said Bob Greene. “Anyone looking for an in-home fitness solution will appreciate the combination of a fun and effective workout.”

EA SPORTS Active has been rated “E” by the ESRB and “3+” by PEGI, and has an MSRP of $59.99 in North America.

Monster Hunter Freedom Unite video game on PSP

Monster Hunter Freedom Unite is shipping on June 23, 2009. To help prepare the west to hunt the ferocious beasts of the game, Capcom has enlisted the help of the top four Japanese Monster Hunters in the world. Amongst the four of them they have hundreds of years of experience.

With the help of these expert Monster Hunters, we’ve prepared a few videos to help explain how to achieve successful hunts in Monster Hunter Freedom Unite. In “Episode 1: Welcome to Monster Hunter,” you will learn all about the basics of the game. Head-on over to the Capcom Press Center and download the first video in the series.



About Monster Hunter Freedom Unite

Japan’s most successful PSP title, Monster Hunter Portable 2nd G, is heading to the west. Renamed Monster Hunter Freedom Unite, this latest installment in the epic Monster Hunter series delivers over 500 hours of gameplay spanning over 400 missions.

Using the Ad-Hoc connection players can adventure with up to three friends for a savaging multiplayer hunting party. From devising strategies to executing the attack, players will need to work together in order to hunt down the ferocious beasts and progress through the wide range of quests offered. Players will be rewarded for their use of the deep fighting combat system, encouraging them to seek out the more experienced hunters and team up in order to learn from their experience.

Even in single player mode Hunters won’t be alone thanks to the introduction of the new Felyne Companions. Accompanying players on quests, your furry ally will help battle monsters and gather extra resources.

There are five new monsters to the game waiting to challenge gamers in battle. These include: the Nargacuga, who inhabits the old forest and attacks with lightning speed, the Lavasioth, a lava-breathing reptile who hides in volcanic areas and the Hypnocatrice, a bird-like monster that wards off hunters with its unique ability to produce sleeping gas.

FREE DEMO DOWNLOAD...

Raven Squad: Operation Hidden Dagger for Xbox 360 and PC

Southpeak Games has confirmed that its RTS/FPS hybrid, Raven Squad: Operation Hidden Dagger is in development for PC and Xbox 360 and will be released this Autumn.

Developed by Atomic Motion, Raven Squad blends the real-time strategy and first person shooter genres and puts players in control of two groups of mercenary squads who crash land behind enemy lines in the Amazonian jungles.

Each of the eight squad members possesses distinctive skills and weaponry that the player will have to use wisely to progress through the game's story driven objectives. Raven Squad sets itself apart by allowing players to switch freely between real-time strategy and first-person shooter gameplay.

"Raven Squad combines two extremely popular genres into a single robust experience where either gameplay mode could stand on its own merits," said Melanie Mroz, CEO of SouthPeak Games.

"Atomic Motion is creating something that's visually compelling and building new boundaries in what a military title can accomplish. Fans of both RTS and FPS games are going to love it, as will anyone who enjoys intense, action titles."

Adventures To Go video game on PSP

Natsume a worldwide developer and publisher of family-oriented video games, announced today that it is bringing an all-new RPG titled Adventures To Go to the PlayStation Portable system later this summer.

The game offers a refreshing twist on the strategy RPG genre, offering gamers the opportunity to shape and customize the game's dungeons to their own liking!

"We are thrilled to be publishing Adventures To Go," said Hiro Maekawa, President and CEO at Natsume. "Its whimsical storyline, strategic combat, and endless replayability should earn it a top spot on any RPG player's list!"

In this hilarious and innovative strategy RPG, players take control of Finn Courtland and his band of misfits in their quest for fame and riches. Along the way, they just might have to save the world from the evil Arbitus and his band of demons. It'll take brains as well as brawn to win the day, though; the grid-based combat challenges players to think strategically and make the best use of each character's unique skills and abilities. The strategy doesn't end there, though! Players can spend their hard-earned cash to set up the game's randomized dungeons to their liking; choose the terrain, the size of the dungeon, and the monsters that you'll face. Play it safe, or take on bigger risks for even greater rewards! Your adventure is in your hands!

Adventures To Go will make its first public appearance at next month's E3 trade show in the Los Angeles area and will ship to retail later this summer.

The Dragonica Europe Closed Beta opens to everyone for a 4 days Stress Test

The free arcade style 3D side-scrolling MMORPG Dragonica has been online for Europe during its Closed Beta for less than a week at the www.gpotato.eu gaming portal, with the official release planned for June 2009. In order to perform server tests and allow all users to take part in the CBT Community Events, the gPotato Team have decided to open the servers to all gPotato.eu users for a 4 days Stress Test beginning today 19th of May.

For the first time in western countries, the highly anticipated action MMORPG Dragonica has been made available to a selected amount of players for the European Beta Test on the 13th of May. Since then, many events, such as Combo Challenge or Screenshot Contest, have been lead by the gPotato Community Team, and many more are planned for the coming days.

All gPotato.eu users will be able to participate in the upcoming events, as the gPotato Team opens Dragonica to the public for a 4 days Stress Test leading to the end of the beta test on Friday the 22nd. During these four days, users will be able to discover the colorful world of Dragotaka and the action-paced gameplay of Dragonica. All beta users who reach level 20 before the end of the tests will be able to reserve their character name and receive rewards at the official launch of the game next month.

In order to have access to the Dragonica Stress Test, just create a free account on the www.gpotato.eu gaming portal, download the game from the official Dragonica website, and play!

Tony Hawk RIDE to Offer Unparalleled Hands-Free Gaming Experience

This fall players will be able to experience skateboarding like never before in Tony Hawk: RIDE from Activision. For the first time, players will have the ability to physically play the game using an innovative motion sensing skateboard controller, allowing for unprecedented freedom and movement.

Tony Hawk: RIDE focuses on innovation and fun, bringing the No1 best-selling action-sports franchise to the forefront with cutting-edge technology for the hardcore fans and accessibility for the mass audience.

"Tony Hawk: RIDE is a massive step forward for the franchise and the gaming industry as a whole," said Rob Kostich, head of marketing, global brand management, Activision Publishing, Inc. "The skateboard controller will redefine sports games by offering players a true skateboarding experience, hands-free, playing with friends and family at home or online in a variety of different locations."

"This is the game I've always wanted to make," said Tony Hawk, who has been directly involved with development of the project. "Playing on the board is unlike any other game, and I'm excited for everyone to have the chance to feel what it's really like to experience the true feeling of skateboarding."

Tony Hawk: RIDE features a wireless skateboard controller designed in conjunction with the game to offer a dynamic gaming experience built from the ground up. Using a combination of accelerometers and motion sensors, the intuitive controller allows players to physically control the action by performing various movements and gestures on the board that directly translate into amazing tricks in the game. Without complex button combinations or analog sticks, gamers of all skill levels can literally step on the board and play!

Tony Hawk: RIDE is in development by Robomodo for the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and PLAYSTATION 3 computer entertainment system. Buzz Monkey is developing the WiiTM system version. The game is not yet rated by the ESRB and is scheduled for release later this year.

Nintendo download Zelda classic is 300th Virtual console game

Every Monday for two and a half years, Nintendo has introduced new downloadable games and applications for the Nintendo Wii console. Today marks a milestone for the Virtual Console section of the Wii Shop Channel, home of some of the greatest titles in video game history. The classic The Legend of Zelda - Majora's Mask becomes the 300th Virtual Console title available for download.

It's one of the highest-rated Nintendo 64 games of all time, and its three-day time cycle and deeper, darker storyline offer players a different experience than a traditional Zelda game. People who played it years ago can relive their gaming roots, while those who never picked it up can discover its fun and charm for the first time.

Not to be overlooked, the second Art Style puzzle game for Nintendo DSiWare makes its debut, along with the WiiWare games CRYSTAL DEFENDERS R2 from SQUARE ENIX and Silver Star Chess from Agetec, Inc.

Virtual Console
The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask (Nintendo 64, 1 player, Rated E for Everyone - Cartoon Violence, 1,000 Wii Points): Link must save the world! This time, he finds himself trapped in Termina, an alternate version of Hyrule that is doomed to destruction in just three short days. Link must race to recover the Ocarina of Time (which allows him to manipulate time in multiple ways), defeat challenging bosses in dungeons spread across Termina and discover the key to the mystery of Majora's Mask. Along the way, he'll obtain new weapons and items and help other characters (some strangely familiar) in their everyday lives. In addition, Link must use a wide assortment of masks scattered throughout Termina, each with its own specific use or power. Never before have three days offered so much in the way of action, mind-boggling puzzles and depth. The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask is an adventure unlike any other!

Nintendo DSiWare
Art Style: PiCTOBiTS (Nintendo, 1 player, Rated E for Everyone, 500 Nintendo DSi Points): Your goal in Art Style: PiCTOBiTS is simple: clear large blocks that fall from above ("megabits") by combining them with "bits" (square blocks) of the same color. Add in the ability to pick up bits and place them anywhere on the touch screen, and you'll quickly find that strategy is critical to your success. By clearing the bits, you gradually reveal each stage's hidden game character - look for favorites from classic NES™ titles - and earn coins that can be spent to unlock DARK stages or to listen to the game's soundtrack in MUSIC mode. This grand mix of familiar elements and new game play leads to the uniquely enjoyable experience that is PiCTOBiTS.

WiiWare
CRYSTAL DEFENDERS R2 (SQUARE ENIX, 1 player, Rated E for Everyone - Mild Fantasy Violence, 800 Wii Points): In CRYSTAL DEFENDERS R2, you must deploy various units, such as Fencers and Black Mages, to stop waves of encroaching monsters from escaping the area with your party's crystals. There are many types of units to choose from: Some specialize in powerful short-range attacks, some wield far-reaching magicks and still others are equipped with bows, enabling them to bring down aerial foes. Deploy units in strategic locations to take full advantage of their traits. Each time an enemy breaches your defenses and reaches a map's exit, your party will lose crystals. When all your crystals are gone, the game is over. CRYSTAL DEFENDERS R2 offers several new, challenging maps containing multiple entrances and exits. It also introduces three varieties of Power Crystals, allowing you to enhance the abilities of your units, while new jobs, including Flintlock and Tinker, set the stage for even more complex strategies. Can you defend all the maps without losing a single crystal?

Silver Star Chess (Agetec, Inc., 1-2 players, Rated E for Everyone - Mild Suggestive Themes, 500 Wii Points): Silver Star Chess has two modes: 1-Player and 2-Player. 1-Player mode allows you to play a chess match against the computer opponent. 2-Player mode allows you to play against another person. In 1-Player mode, you can select one of five different computer opponents, as well as turn the background music off, adjust sound effects and access in-game help features. Also, during the match, you can redo your last move, save the game at any point or resign from the game. After the match has ended, you can review each move made during the match. While reviewing the match in this way, you can resume that match at any point.

Nintendo adds new titles to the Nintendo DSi Shop and the Wii Shop Channel at 9 a.m. Pacific time on Mondays. Users with broadband Internet access can redeem Wii Points or Nintendo DSi Points to download the games. Wii Points can be purchased in the Wii Shop Channel. Nintendo DSi Points can be purchased in the Nintendo DSi Shop. A Nintendo Points Card™ can be purchased at retail locations. All points from one Nintendo Points Card must be redeemed in either the Nintendo DSi Shop or the Wii Shop Channel. They are not transferable and cannot be divided between the two systems.

Remember that both Wii and Nintendo DSi feature parental controls that let adults manage the content their children can access.

Art Style - PiCTOBiTS on Nintendo DSiWare

Your goal in Art Style: PiCTOBiTS is simple: clear large blocks that fall from above ("megabits") by combining them with "bits" (square blocks) of the same color. Add in the ability to pick up bits and place them anywhere on the touch screen, and you'll quickly find that strategy is critical to your success.

By clearing the bits, you gradually reveal each stage's hidden game character - look for favorites from classic NES™ titles - and earn coins that can be spent to unlock DARK stages or to listen to the game's soundtrack in MUSIC mode. This grand mix of familiar elements and new game play leads to the uniquely enjoyable experience that is PiCTOBiTS.

Format: Nintendo DSiWare
Launch Date: 05/18/09
ESRB: E (Everyone)
Game Type: Puzzle
Players: 1
Publisher: Nintendo

Game Information

Nintendo Points: 500

Mechanics Touch video game on the Android mobiles

The Mechanics are back and this time they need even more help. Help them find their way trough all levels.

In this unique puzzle game you try to get your Mechanics safely from point A to point B. Use your fingers to tap on the screen and take control of various “Tools” spread around the levels.

These tools will interact with your Mechanics and save them from harm as they happily walk around. Your main task is to figure out when and how to operate the tools and keep your Mechanics alive.

The game features three worlds, with 45 levels in total, starting with easy tutorial levels going into difficult challenging puzzle levels.



Short feature list:

* Android
* 3 worlds, 45 levels
* music and soundeffects
* unlockable achievements (RumbleX.com)
* online highscore rankings (RumbleX.com)


Mechanics Touch is now available from the Android market, an iPhone version is scheduled for release later this year.

Nyko advanced wand controller for Nintendo Wii

Most Advanced Alternative to the Wii RemoteTM Opens New Opportunities for Exciting Peripherals

Nyko Technologies, the premier videogame accessories manufacturer, today announced that the highly anticipated Wand controller for Wii is now available at retail.

Designed for superior functionality, comfort, and value the newest addition to Nyko’s Wii product line maintains all the control functions Wii gamers expect with full motion-sensing capability, pointer functionality, vibration feedback, and a built-in speaker.

The Wand contains Nyko’s all-new Trans-Port technology, which enables control and vibration feedback to be electrically replicated on compatible attachments, providing for faster and more accurate input response. Current attachments made for the Wii Remote can only access buttons through use of mechanical triggers and provide no vibration feedback.

One of the many applications of Trans-Port technology is the pistol grip which connects to the Wand and electrically replicates key action buttons, providing controls not currently accessible with attachments for the Wii Remote. In addition, enlarged 1 and 2 buttons and ergonomic finger grooves make the Wand an exceptional choice for classic gaming when turned sideways. Nyko’s signature rubberized battery cover is also included to ensure maximum comfort and grip.

“Recognized as Best of CES 2009 in the Gaming category, the Wand offers all-new features and accessories that improve the way players experience games on Wii,” said Chris Arbogast, Director of Marketing, Nyko Technologies. “Gamers can also look forward to two new Wand-compatible accessories next month that are just the beginning of the innovative ways Trans-Port technology will be used in the future.”

The Wand is available now for a MSRP of $34.99 at Amazon.com, Best Buy, Fred Meyer, GameCrazy, GameStop, Hastings, Kmart, Sears,Wal-Mart and other retailers nationwide.