The Release of Resident Evil 5 Original Soundtrack - Featuring Music Composed by Kota Suzuki, Hideki Okugawa, Akihiko Narita and Seiko Kobuchi

Sumthing Else Music Works, Inc., through its licensing relationship with Capcom, proudly presents Resident Evil 5 Original Soundtrack featuring the original music score from the new generation of the fear-inducing video game series. The Resident Evil 5 Original Soundtrack 3-CD set is released today to retail through Sumthing Else Music Works. The physical CD is distributed by Sumthing Distribution and the digital release is available on Sumthing Digital and iTunes.

The Resident Evil series has sold over 40 million units since the original game was released in 1996 and has spawned a multi-million dollar trilogy of films from Sony Pictures. Winning numerous awards and widespread positive reviews, Resident Evil 5 is one of the most talked about and critically acclaimed games of the year. Game Informer honored Resident Evil 5 with "Game of the Month" status and an impressive 9.5/10 review score while PlayStation: The Official Magazine rated Resident Evil 5 with a perfect five-out-of-five score, remarking that "RE5 takes the co-op experience to a new level and reinvigorates the survival horror genre in the process."

Lead Composer Kota Suzuki: "As the look of the game has changed from the previous series, I spent many hours trying to figure out how to approach it with music. We tend to relate horror with darkness, but this time the game takes place in Africa with a blazing hot sun." I contemplated on how I could stir the player's emotion by music embodying two opposite elements? After much trial and error, the director came up with a key phrase 'panic horror.' And from there, I put my focus on panic-stricken music for the players. In fact, I did often get panicky while playing this game myself. I wonder what your experiences will be?"

Co-producer and series veterans Jun Takeuchi (Lost Planet) and Masachika Kawata (Resident Evil 4 Wii Edition, Resident Evil: Umbrella Chronicles) unleash an unprecedented level of fear for the new generation in Resident Evil 5, the sequel to one of the highest-rated videogames in history according to Metacritic.com and Gamerankings.com. Delivering an unbelievable level of detail, realism and control, Resident Evil 5 brings new fans to the series across the globe. For more information on Resident Evil 5 please visit www.residentevil.com.

Adventure PC title Nikopol to be published globally

Meridian4 and White Birds Productions are thrilled to announce that they have signed a global digital publishing agreement for their critically-acclaimed adventure title; Nikopol. After re-acquiring the rights for Nikopol from Got Game Entertainment, White Birds are excited to re-introduce the title to a new and larger audience with Meridian4.

“We are very happy to work with Meridian4 on the digital distribution of Nikopol. Not only does Meridian4 have an excellent access to all major distributors, but they also have a real marketing and editorial approach, bringing a lot of added value to the title. We hope that this first partnership will be followed by new ones soon” said Michel Bams, co-founder and VP Marketing at White Birds Productions.

“Meridian4 is excited to be working with White Birds on their latest Adventure game; Nikopol. We have spoken to them many times and have always been impressed by their vision and their quality titles. We are delighted that this opportunity arose for us to work together.” said Andy Sher, CEO at Meridian4. “Nikopol is a compelling adventure title that will grip players from the outset and won’t let go till the very end.”

About Nikopol
From the art and stories of famed graphic novelist and filmmaker Enki Bilal, and the studio created by adventure game legend Benoit Sokal comes Nikopol: Secrets of the Immortals.

Set in France in the year 2023, the country is governed by a dictator who rules by religious absolute power. A mysterious ship shaped like a pyramid has just appeared in the sky and sent representatives to speak with the French government.

As Nikopol, you will find yourself in a suspenseful adventure to find your father and thwart a dangerous conspiracy. Entangled in political intrigue you are caught between two worlds, one of anarchy and one of immortality.

• A thrilling mental challenge in a rich futuristic universe inspired by famed graphic novelist Enki Bilal
• As Nikopol, you must use cunning and logic to protect yourself from the Immortals' plans and thwart a dark conspiracy
• Interaction with 8 characters in 6 different environments, each made of several settings
• Visually stunning graphics
• Immersive gameplay
• Classic point and click interface

Part One of Capcom's Dark Void Developers' Diary Is Now Live!

Dive deeper into the Void with part one of Dark Void’s Dev Diary Series. Senior producer, Morgan Gray and development team, Airtight Games gives us an in-depth look into Dark Void’s back story. Keiji Inafune, Capcom’s Head of R&D, also makes a guest appearance to talk about why the game is so special! Never-before-seen footage and new info is revealed so make sure to check it out.

Dark Void is a new sci-fi action-adventure game that combines an adrenaline-fuelled blend of aerial and on-foot combat set in a parallel universe called “The Void”. Players will take on the role of Will; a pilot dropped into incredible circumstances while on a routine air cargo flight crashes in the Bermuda triangle leading him to be trapped in the Void. This unlikely hero soon finds himself swept into a desperate struggle for survival at the head of a group called The Survivors. Trapped in the Void, these resistance fighters are battling to hold off a mysterious alien race that plans to threaten Earth.

Dark Void’s unique combination of in-air and on-ground combat creates a thrilling new gameplay dynamic to the third-person shooter experience. Taking 3D action to a whole new level, Dark Void’s vertical combat system allows players to dangle from thousand foot drops as they take cover and drop enemies from above and below, bringing a whole new sense of vulnerability and thrill to the player. Defying gravity in vertical combat is only half the battle as, over time, Will is upgraded to a powerful rocket pack which allows for fierce in-air combat as gamers are able to fly through the void at unparallel speeds shooting down anything that gets in their path. Blasting away at massive bosses has never been this much fun as Dark Void offers a unique grip system made up of a variety of grip-based mini-games including skyjacking UFOs mid-flight.

Bid for a Dave White one-off fully customised Mad Catz 360 Tournament Stick

Exclusive Signed Mad Catz Tournament Stick Could Be Yours!
Capcom has teamed up with acclaimed artist Dave White to create a one-off fully customised Mad Catz 360 Tournament Stick. Using exclusive artwork and signed by Dave White, this stick has arcade-spec components and looks unlike any other stick out there. And you could own it!

With Mad Catz Tournament Sticks still in short supply months after the release of Street Fighter IV this is the perfect time to marry your need for unbelievably sexy kit with your need to give money to charity.


Anyone interested in owning this stick should send their details plus the amount they wish to bid to iheartdavewhite@capcomeuro.com before 16th June. At the close of the auction the highest bidder will win the stick and the proceeds will go to the charity Shelter.

RTS BattleForge Now Available for Free Download now

Phenomic, an Electronic Arts studio, announce that the Real-Time Strategy (RTS) game, BattleForge, is now available to all players as a free download. To download the Play 4 Free version of BattleForge, players can visit www.battleforge.com and click Play 4 Free. Players can also follow the game on Twitter at @battleforge.

BattleForge is a “Play 4 Free” game, like Battlefield Heroes which is currently in closed beta. By being available for free, all players have easy and immediate access to the action and adventure in BattleForge. The flood of new players will enrich the overall gameplay experience and grow the community.

BattleForge’s Play 4 Free version provides players with full access to the BattleForge game, including all community features, scenarios, the recently launched Renegade campaign and 32 of 200 trading cards. Play 4 Free players will be able to explore the full world of BattleForge and, can add more cards to their collection by purchasing points online. Players that do not wish to download the game or purchase the cards online can still buy the retail version which includes a disk-based game and cards from all 4 factions plus 3000 BattleForge Points that can be exchanged for in-game cards. This retail version of the game remains available for $29.99.

BattleForge combines strategy, fantasy, trading cards and magical spells in a dynamic online environment. Combining the strategic, real-time gameplay of classics such as Command & Conquer with a fully enabled, online collectible community, BattleForge pioneers strategy gaming with its online multiplayer design and community features set. The collectable cards in the game are the tools of war - each representing a spell, unit or building that is conjured directly onto the battlefield real time in stunning 3D graphics. BattleForge features single-player scenarios and cooperative scenarios supporting 2-12 players, as well as Player vs. Player (PvP) ranked and unranked duels. With co-op play, chat rooms, and a robust marketplace featuring direct trade, an auction hall and in-game mail, BattleForge is the first RTS to combine the social and community aspects of an MMO with an exciting RTS.

The Secret Saturdays - BEASTS OF THE 5TH SUN for Nintendo Wii, PlayStation 2, Nintendo DS, and PSP

D3Publisher will bring Cartoon Network’s hit television series THE SECRET SATURDAYS to video game systems for the first time this Autumn with THE SECRET SATURDAYS: BEASTS OF THE 5TH SUN for Nintendo Wii, PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system, Nintendo DS, and PSP (PlayStation Portable) system.

In THE SECRET SATURDAYS: BEASTS OF THE 5TH SUN, players take control of Zak Saturday and the rest of the Saturdays family, a group of scientific explorers dedicated to discovering and protecting the secret artefacts and mysterious creatures known as Cryptids. Using Zak’s unique powers and The Claw to battle enemies and swing through action-packed environments, players will find and collect more than 30 never-before-seen Cryptids and face off against a number of the television show’s most notable villains.

“THE SECRET SATURDAYS: BEASTS OF THE 5TH SUN offers a new and original storyline based on the THE SECRET SATURDAYS television series that will have gamers travelling to very unique locations around the globe to discover and protect lost Cryptids,” said Alison Quirion, vice president of marketing, D3Publisher. “A perfect mix of combat, puzzles and platforming mechanics, THE SECRET SATURDAYS: BEASTS OF THE 5TH SUN adds up to a truly fun and authentic gameplay experience.”


In THE SECRET SATURDAYS: BEASTS OF THE 5TH SUN, players will take control of multiple characters that include the entire Saturday family – Zak, Drew, Doc, Doyle and their pet cryptids, Zon, Komodo and Fiskerton – and some select Cryptids to fly, swing, pole vault and battle enemies. Players will adventure through 10 action packed levels in amazing environments from dangerous jungles to lost undersea cities to collect and interact with more than 50 never-before-seen Cryptids. Along the way, players will record the details of each find in their very own Cryptipedia. Fun puzzle elements allow players to locate hidden Cryptids and discover new paths as they fight recognizable enemies from the show including Van Rook, Piecemeal, Munya and the evil V.V. Argost.

THE SECRET SATURDAYS: BEASTS OF THE 5TH SUN for Nintendo DS is under development by 1st Playable Productions, LLC. All other versions are under development by High Voltage Software.

Limited Collector’s Edition of STAR OCEAN - The Last Hope out June 5th in Europe

Square Enix announce that a Limited Collector’s Edition of STAR OCEAN : The Last Hope will be released across PAL territories on 5th June, 2009, on the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system.

With this highly anticipated prequel, acclaimed development studio tri-Ace Inc. brings the STAR OCEAN series to Xbox 360 for the first time. STAR OCEAN: The Last Hope continues the series traditions of soaring space opera, blending science fiction with fantasy for a unique RPG experience. The refined gameplay features four party members and team-oriented combat, while maintaining the innovative real-time battle system that has become a trademark of the STAR OCEAN series.

John Yamamoto, president and chief executive officer of Square Enix Ltd. comments, “We are delighted to bringing this exciting new chapter of the critically acclaimed STAR OCEAN series to Europe and PAL territories. STAR OCEAN: The Last Hope is a stunning and captivating adventure and the Collector’s Edition will be sure to please fans eagerly awaiting the release.”

About STAR OCEAN: The Last Hope Limited Collector’s Edition*

• Limited edition STAR OCEAN: The Last Hope Box:
Unique ‘digistack’ packaging with dual gatefold, inside a special collector’s sleeve.
• STAR OCEAN Soundtrack Compilation CD:
The STAR OCEAN Sound Best Collection showcases key themes from across the series specially chosen by the game creators and series fans.
• Five STAR OCEAN: The Last Hope Character Cards:
Collectable prints of lead characters from the game, using rare artwork not officially released in Europe and other PAL countries.
• Brady Games Official Miniguide:
32 page game guide printed in full-colour, with extra character artwork, descriptions and walkthrough information – to help you on your journey through the universe.
• Three STAR OCEAN: The Last Hope Game Discs
Expansive galactic adventuring goes across three game discs, accompanied by full-colour play manual.

* Available in the following PAL countries:

United Kingdom, France, Italy, Spain, Australia, New Zealand, Norway, Denmark, Sweden, Finland, Belgium, Netherlands and Luxembourg

About STAR OCEAN: The Last Hope

Story
The year is S.D. 10. In the aftermath of World War III, humanity voyages into the stars in search of a new home… and a second chance.

Features

• A prequel that combines sci-fi and fantasy elements, spanning multiple planets and the vastness of space itself to recount the origins of the STAR OCEAN universe.
• Exhilarating combat expands upon the franchise’s famous real-time battle system, including the amazing graphics and visual effect only possible on the Xbox 360
• Feature breathtaking CG movies by Visual Works, the cutting-edge studio whose previous work includes cut-scenes for the acclaimed FINAL FANTASY RPG series
• Fully localised for PAL territories with French, German, Spanish and Italian subtitles and menu screens

In Empire of Sports, everyone has a chance of winning Roland-Garros: The Virtual Tournament!

Empire of Sports, the first online world entirely dedicated to sport, is proud to have an agreement in place with the French Tennis Federation to promote the Roland-Garros French Open, for the first time in a 3D and virtual world. This agreement with the world-famous Roland-Garros strengthens Empire of Sports’ position as a global reference point for interactive sports entertainment new media.

In a first of its kind, “Roland-Garros: The Virtual Tournament” is the official online 3D version of this famous Grand Slam tournament and is now open for anyone to play in the virtual world of Empire of Sports. Very soon, the French Tennis Federation will also be taking up residency in Empire of Sports and will feature a club house modeled with the Roland-Garros colours.

Michel Grach, Media Executive Director of the French Tennis Federation, said: “Roland-Garros is also a place meant to totally support and welcome the new technologies, and that’s the reason why Empire of Sports has seduced us. Its ease of access, the high tactical qualities of its tennis game, as well as the outstanding enthusiasm of its community make our presence in Empire of Sports an opportunity to build and to dialogue with a community in line with the expectations of younger generations.”

Alexis Galley, CEO of Empire of Sports, said: “With Roland-Garros, Empire of Sports attaches its name to arguably one of the most prestigious tournaments in the world. By trusting us to organize Roland-Garros events in Empire of Sports, the French Tennis Federation allows us to offer our members a unique occasion to live one step closer their passion for tennis.”

To register to Empire of Sports and have a chance to enter “Roland-Garros: The Virtual Tournament”: https://www.empireofsports.com/en/index.html

To learn more about the virtual tournament rules and prizes: https://www.empireofsports.com/community/en/events/premium-events/rg09/index.html

To learn about the French Open: http://www.rolandgarros.com

NewU Fitness First Personal Trainer video game for Nintendo Wii

Black Bean Games announces the finalised title for the first game in the NewU franchise. NewU Fitness First Personal Trainer. It is due for release on Nintendo Wii in September 2009 and has been developed by Lightning Fish Games and in partnership with the respective industry leading brands Fitness First and You Are What You Eat.

The title NewU Fitness First Personal Trainer incorporates the Fitness First branding directly, this is to reflect not only the level of involvement they have had with the development of the product, but also to assure customers that NewU is a REAL fitness experience. All exercises are demonstrated by real video of qualified Professional Trainer’s .

NewU Fitness First Personal Trainer considers well-being as a perfect balance between physical exercise and a healthy nutritional eating, the latter having been designed by the experts at You Are What You EatTM.

“This important decision is just the first step in a series of marketing activities and strong synergies that are being excecuted in conjunction with Fitness First globally wherever NewU Fitness First Personal Trainer will be launched.” – Fabrizio Vagliasindi, Head of marketing Black Bean Games.

“We hope this product will not only complement what members find when they come to a Fitness First, but also encourage the “new to exercises” person to take the next step and join the gym” - John Gamble, Fitness First Managing Director.

The product web site (www.newu.me) reveals NewU Fitness First Personal Trainer’s strong yet extremely clear and sophisticated look, based on NewU look and feel.

Cities XL video game Solo mode revealed

Details of the content for their genre-redefining City Builder Cities XL. The game, which is playable in both single and massively persistent multiplayer modes, offers a unique experience for both.



In Solo mode, Cities XL will offer -

* 25 maps featuring varying landscapes - from canyons to grassy hills and snowy mountains
* Around 500 buildings based on various architectural styles (European, American …)
* Diverse citizen structure: Four levels of wealth, four main different needs (Services, Environmental, Prices and Traffic) split into many sub-categories (Police and Fire departments, Education, Leisure, Commerce, multiple types of Pollution, Taxes, Cost of Life, Distance to work and more)
* A rich enterprise selection ranging from agriculture to heavy industry, services, tourism…
* A complex, but easy to access, simulation based on 12 resources to trade with an opportunistic AI (electricity, waste management, agriculture, water, fuel, etc.)
* An ambitious traffic system including many type of roads (five different widths, costs, quality and capacity), highways, airports, ports, and much more
* A set of never-before-seen real-time construction tools allowing players to create curved roads, building zones of various shapes, elaborate bridges...
* An avatar studio and Web-based profile pages


“From day one we wanted to make sure that we were going to compete with the most ambitious builders out there in term of content and functionality," said Patrick Marchal, studio director. “We wanted the players to first enjoy Cities XL in solo mode, and then convince them to join the Planet Offer, which will open the gates to a more ambitious level of game experience.”

The massively persistent Planet Offer.
Multiplayer gameplay both in-game and on the web:

* Trade resources with other players to develop economic strategies, specialise your cities, maximise your possibilities in a global economy
* Work cooperatively to build Mega Structures – special buildings that enhance your city aesthetically and economically
* Web-based city management -- check your trade contracts, receive alerts, adjust your decisions from any computer in the world

Persistent MMO world:

* Each player receives five slots to build five persistent cities on different Planets
* Contribute to the life and statistics of the Planets (economics, population, pollution…): what you do has an impact on the world


Community features and animations in-game and on the web:

* Visit one another’s cities, see other players’ creations and content, chat with other players
* Create and participate in online events, discover virtual cities and real people


Regular upgrades :

* All Buildings, Maps, simulation and functionality upgrades are free with the planet offer

Monthly costs:

* 1 Month = 7€
* 3 Months = 5€/month
* 6 Months = 4.5€/month


“We think that with a price point of 7€ for one month or 5€ per month for 3 months, the Planet offer offers tremendous value for money. There are countless hours of gameplay, fun and sub-objectives in the Planet Mode that players will discover with time,” said Jerome Gastaldi, Monte Cristo’s CEO. “We really intend to continually expand the game, and together with the community keep on enriching it and improving it. “