Homefront, a new First Person Shooter

THQ announced Homefront, a new First Person Shooter (FPS) from internal developer Kaos Studios. Penned by John Milius (Apocalypse Now, Red Dawn), Homefront is set ten years after the economic collapse of the United States and follows the American Civilian Resistance as they fight to reclaim their homeland from an oppressive North Korean occupation. Featuring a personal, story-driven single player campaign and a full suite of multiplayer options, Homefront is scheduled for release on the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, PLAYSTATION 3 computer entertainment system and Windows PC. Homefront will be unveiled at E3 2009 in THQ’s booth – number 5300 in the West Hall of the Los Angeles Convention Center.

“Homefront isn’t about going to war on the other side of the world or battling aliens from another planet; it’s about fighting foreign invaders in your own backyard and defending your right to live,” said David Votypka, design director, Kaos Studios. “Homefront combines the unsettling notion of an occupied America with interactive, player-driven narratives to create a deeply engaging single and multiplayer experience.”

“Kaos Studios is using powerful narrative and environmental storytelling to create a plausible, near-futuristic setting where the people of a once mighty nation must fight to maintain their existence,” said Kevin Kraff, vice president of global brand management, THQ. “This harsh backdrop will be the foundation for an emotionally-charged single-player campaign and an intense multiplayer experience.”

About Homefront
The year is 2027. The world has suffered a decade-long energy crisis, and economies have crumbled. Reduced to a mere shadow of the super power it once was, the United States became the target of a North Korean takeover. American malls, suburbs and city streets are now battlegrounds as the civilian resistance fights for freedom. Featuring a compelling single player story crafted by John Milius (Apocalypse Now, Red Dawn), Homefront immerses gamers in an interactive and cinematic FPS experience where they will assume an infantry role or take command of a wide variety of aerial and ground vehicles. In addition to the single-player experience, Homefront will deliver a robust multiplayer experience. In a land stripped of freedom, the brave will fight for their home.

Drawn to Life - The Next Chapter video game coming to Nintendo Wii and Nintendo DS

THQ announce the next addition to its incredibly successful Drawn to Life franchise, Drawn to Life: The Next Chapter is currently in development exclusively for Nintendo Wii and Nintendo DS. Featuring an innovative new action drawing feature and enhanced drawing tools, Drawn to Life: The Next Chapter will give players new creative tools and immerse them into new worlds they create and explore. The game is scheduled for release in fall 2009.

“Drawn to Life continues to be tremendously successful because it delivers a creative experience unlike any other game out there. Gamers of all ages love drawing their hero and seeing all of their creations come to life in the game, making it their own unique experience,” said Randy Shoemaker, vice president, global brand management. “Drawn to Life: The Next Chapter raises the creative bar with a totally new experience for both Wii and Nintendo DS fans alike.”

About Drawn to Life: The Next Chapter
In Drawn to Life: The Next Chapter for Wii, players will draw their own heroes using the Wii Remote™ to find the Artifacts of Power and rid the Raposa village of an evil, shadowy figure that has taken over the land. Throughout the game, players will draw more than 100 unique items from robust drawing tools, such as vehicles, weapons and tools, to conquer their enemies. The all-new Action Drawing tool allows for objects to be drawn directly into the game to help navigate through several environments, including a sky world, a jungle and a shadow city. In addition, the game’s multi-player feature will allow players to draw their team members and equipment to compete against others in a variety of mini-games, such as soccer, hockey and basketball.

In Drawn to Life: The Next Chapter for Nintendo DS, players will be able to draw their own heroes, be it humans, animals or multi-limbed creatures, and will embark on a brand new adventure aboard a Turtle Ship to defeat the evil Wilfre and restore color to the Raposa civilization. Players will have the ability to morph their hero into a blob or a spider, adding more gameplay and allowing for players to play each level a variety of different ways. The game’s Action Drawing Tool gives each color special properties when drawing objects into the game to help solve puzzles and progression through the game. Along the way, they will collect coins and color drops to unlock a variety of content, including challenges and quests, customization options and hero abilities. In addition, the game’s multi-player aspect allows players to trade heroes, weapons, items and accessories with friends.

Picross 3D Nintendo DS, DSi video game E3 Fact Sheet

Picross 3D is based on the worldwide popular Picross DS puzzle game. Picross 3D moves the action into three dimensions and blends the logical challenge of a number-based puzzle with the excitement of discovering the hidden images within.

FEATURES:
• Players start with a solid block of cubes marked with numbers on the end of each row. The numbers represent the number of blocks that will remain in that row. If the number five is marked on the end of a row of six blocks,for example, one of those blocks must be eliminated. But which one? Players must deduce the answer basedon the numbers marked on other rows.

• Players tap a hammer to eliminate blocks they think don’t belong or use a paintbrush to mark ones they think should stay.

• Once all the appropriate blocks have been chipped away, a fun object will be revealed. There are more than 350 objects to discover in the game.

• Picross 3D lets players create their own customized puzzles. Players can either share their creations with other Picross 3D players via a local wireless connection or use their broadband Internet connection and Nintendo® Wi-Fi Connection to submit their puzzles into a monthly contest. Winners will have their puzzles featured in free weekly downloads available to all Picross 3D players.

• If multiple people want to play Picross 3D, game owners can also send a sample puzzle to others via DS Download Play without the need of a second game card.

Platform: Nintendo DS and Nintendo DSi
Genre: Puzzle
Players: 1
Rating: RP (Rating Rating)
Release: TBD
Developer: HAL Laboratory, Inc.
Suggested Retail Price: TBD

World of Zoo video game

THQ announce its new, original intellectual property, World of Zoo is currently in development to make its scheduled debut for Wii™, Nintendo DS and Windows PC this fall. World of Zoo takes players beyond the fences and into their own zoo, allowing them to care for and build relationships with numerous animals through hands-on interactive gameplay. Packed full of customization features, players will be able to experience their own personalized virtual zoo creating an experience unlike any other animal-based simulation game. In addition, the game will be showcased at the upcoming E3 Expo 2009 being held at the Los Angeles Convention Center.

“We are excited to introduce this game to animal lovers and zoo fans of all ages,” said Randy Shoemaker, vice president, global brand management at THQ. “This game expands the real-world zoo experience, giving players an all-access pass to interact with the world’s most amazing animals up close and personal.”

World of Zoo is a family-friendly game that will open the gates for gamers to freely roam their zoo in ways they have only imagined. With more than 90 different animals spanning 11 families to care for, players will have ample opportunities to engage with all types of species. The Animal Creator feature will allow players to create an unlimited number of animals and be able to customize each one. They can even add animals to any of the 20 different exhibits available in the game utilizing the Animal Adoption Network feature. Players can also learn about their animals through fun animal facts provided by National Geographic. Each animal is completely unique with different personalities and behaviors. It will be up to the player to determine ways to gain their trust and keep their animals happy, ultimately earning a Magic Moment from their animal.

Cars Race-O-Rama video game based on Disney Pixar movie

THQ announce plans to bring a new video game based on Disney Pixar’s highly successful Cars film, Cars Race-O-Rama, to all major systems worldwide beginning in fall 2009. Cars Race-O-Rama is currently in development across six game systems, including Nintendo Wii video game system, Nintendo DS , the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, PLAYSTATION 3 computer entertainment system, PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system and PSP (PlayStation Portable) system. Cars Race-O-Rama will mark the third installment in THQ’s highly successful Cars video game franchise, which has shipped more than 13 million units worldwide to date. In addition, the game will be showcased at the upcoming E3 Expo 2009 being held in the Los Angeles Convention Center.

In Cars Race-O-Rama, players will join Lightning McQueen and Chick Hicks in Radiator Springs as they prepare their academy of student racers to compete in the Race-O-Rama Exhibition. Players will encounter 12 new playable characters making their video game debut. A new and improved Lightning McQueen will come fully equipped with special racing kits, allowing him to better maneuver brand new, action-packed tracks that will take players to metro city streets, the Baja desert and sandy beaches. In addition, players are now able to modify Lightning McQueen’s wheels, rims, hood, side skirt, rear bumper, spoiler and paint with special customization features, giving Lightning a personalized style and look that has never been seen before. As players compete in this high-speed, racing adventure game, they will be able to utilize Lightning McQueen’s newly designed drifting abilities and perform “Kachow” poses for enthusiastic reporters and fans encountered throughout the game. Cars Race-O-Rama will also feature multiplayer mini-games based on Disney Pixar’s “Cars Toons,” a series of animated shorts that are currently being aired on the Disney Channel.

June 4th - Reveal Cover Athlete for NBA 2K10 during Pre-Game Show for Game One of the NBA Finals

Basketball fans will get a treat June 4th as 2K Sports reveals the cover athlete for the highly anticipated basketball video game, NBA 2K10. An exclusive 30 second TV spot will air during the NBA Countdown pre-game show for Game One of the 2009 NBA Finals, June 4 at 9:00 p.m. ET on ABC. NBA 2K10 is the upcoming 10th anniversary edition of the hugely popular NBA 2K franchise, the No1 selling basketball video game* and No1 rated NBA simulation for eight years in a row**.The 2009 NBA Finals are currently scheduled to tip off on June 4 at 9:00 p.m. ET on ABC.

* According to 2008-09 Gamerankings.com and NPD data.


**The NBA 2K series developed by Visual Concepts outranked competitors based on GameRankings.com average scores of 2001-2009 NBA video games.

THQ E3 games - Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine, Homefront, MX vs. ATV Reflex, Darksiders, Red Faction: Guerrilla and more

THQ announce its Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3) 2009 line-up featuring games for both core and casual gamers across all across all major platforms to be displayed in booth No5300, in the West Hall of the Los Angeles Convention Center June 2-4.

On display for the first time will be Relic Entertainment’s Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine, Kaos Studios’ Homefront and Rainbow Studios’ MX v ATV Reflex. THQ will also be offering extended hands-on time with Vigil Games’ post-apocalyptic action-adventure title Darksiders and the critically acclaimed Red Faction: Guerrilla, which released today. THQ’s kids and family portfolio will be highlighted by first looks at Marvel Super Hero Squad, Drawn to Life: The Next Chapter and World of Zoo.

THQ will also be presenting WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2010, UFC 2009 Undisputed, Cars Race-O-Rama, Dragonica Online, All Star Cheer Squad 2, SpongeBob’s Truth or Square and James Patterson: Women’s Murder Club Games of Passion.

“THQ is proud to be entering E3 2009 celebrating the worldwide critical success of UFC 2009 Undisputed and Red Faction: Guerrilla,” said Brian Farrell, president and CEO, THQ. “We’re showcasing an E3 line-up that demonstrates our highly focused five point product strategy, ensuring that success continues through fiscal year 2010 and beyond.”

Queen Teen The Clique Nintendo DS E3 video game Fact Sheet

In Queen Teen: The Clique, based on the best-selling young adult book series by author Lisi Harrison, players assume the role of the new girl at school, taking on the challenges of climbing the social ladder to join the ultimate clique, the Pretty Committee.

Queen Teen: The Clique is an empowering game of social maneuvering where the player attempts to survive in one of the most harsh and unforgiving environments on Earth – Octavian Country Day School (OCD).

Player will use gossip, fashion and wit to make friends, join cliques, attend classes, and even work after school “jobbies” with a variety of exciting mini-games. Play a variety of exciting mini-games to earn cash or increase your cool.

Along the way a variety of challenges and tricky situations make the climb up the social ladder tough including getting invited to one of the hottest parties of the year. Queen Teen: The Clique highlights the sassiness of the “The Clique” books and a few lessons in popularity exclusively to the Nintendo DS™. Like the fans of the book know, the only thing harder than getting in, will be staying in!

PRODUCT FEATURES:

* Customizable Characters: Players will name and personalize their character’s complete look: clothing, hair, shoes and more!
* Countless Adorable Fashions: Players can make money at their after school “jobby’’ in order to purchase new styles.
* Alpha Girl Social Ladder: In order to rise from the new kid to queen-bee, players will navigate the halls of OCD by building relationships and gossiping about what is hot and what is not! Play through a collection of entertaining mini-games that can provide the required social tools to become the alpha girl
* Juicy Gossip: The top of the social ladder always has to be in on the latest 411. To be in-the-know, players must share and collect gossip from both their friends and enemies
* Popularity On-The-Go: Wireless multiplayer allows players to share their character with friends from their real-life clique, allowing them to unlock special gossip
* Join the “The Clique” World: Interact with characters popularized in The Clique novels and explore the school of OCD in the first videogame based on “The Clique”


RELEASE DATE: Autumn 2009
PUBLISHER: Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment
DEVELOPER: Gorilla Systems
PEGI RATING: 3+
USK RATING: 0
GENRE: Adventure/Mini-game
PLATFORMS: Nintendo DS

Scribblenauts Nintendo DS video game E3 Fact Sheet

Scribblenauts is a completely original gameplay experience that anyone can play, offering all-age fun fun for all ages with two styles of gameplay and more than 200 levels. In Scribblennauts, players use the Nintendo DS touch-screen to help their character Maxwell acquire the Sstarite in each level by solving a series of puzzles armed with their stylus, notepad and imagination. Players jot down the word for any object that comes to mind in order to reach the goal.



Every object behaves as it would in the real world, and players can combine countless objects to create completely new scenarios. Every level has more than one written object to use as a solution, opening up the game to extensive endless replay.

In Scribblenauts, players advance through ten worlds, each with eleven puzzle and eleven action levels for a total of 220 challenges to complete. Each level has a “par” for the number of objects suggested to finish the level. Beating a level with fewer objects thanunder par, earns “Ollars”, the in-game currency, which players can use to purchase new levels and music.

PRODUCT FEATURES:
• Create Your Own Interactive Experience: Objects you write down in the game are only limited by your imagination.
• Everyone Can Play: All-ages Ppick-up-and-play fun for everyone. .
• Touch-screen Controls: Easy to pick up and play on Nintendo DS™. If you can tap, you can play!
• Unlimited Replay Value: Use less objects to increase your score, or experiment with different objects for endless replay value. Write anything; solve everything!
• Playground Mode: Play the entire game in a sandbox style right on the title screen.
• Revolutionary MultiplayerCreate and Share Levels Online: Share levels you create with the Level Editor via Nintendo DS Wi-Fi Connection.
• Innovative New Title from Leading Developer: 5TH Cell, the creator of the Drawn to Life franchise and Lock's Quest, has experience creating high-quality, innovative DS games.

PLATFORMS: Nintendo DS
RELEASE DATE: Fall Autumn 2009
PUBLISHER: Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment
DEVELOPER: 5TH Cell
ESRB RATING: (Rating Pending)(Pending)
GENRE: Emergent Puzzle/Action

Ultimate Party Challenge video game coming to Nintendo Wii

Get Ready to Challenge Your Friends in This High-Energy, Competitive Party Game

Konami announce Ultimate Party Challenge is being developed for Nintendo Wii. This innovative game pits players against their friends in fast-paced, over-the-top mini-game competitions and brain challenges. Ultimate Party Challenge also uses the functionality of the Wii Remote™ to test players' physical, musical, and mental skills. Customization plays an integral part of the game, allowing players to create their own avatars, upload their Mii,™ or choose from a diverse selection of amusing characters to set themselves apart and showcase their personality.

Ultimate Party Challenge makes for a great family game as it supports a variety of multiplayer modes where players can team up with up to three different players. Compete against each other in over 40 different mental and physical mini-games including Bungee Splash, 3-Row Basketball, Pinball and more! The more you win, the more you unlock fun customizations for your avatar! Together with 3D backgrounds, intuitive gameplay and high-energy music makes Ultimate Party Challenge a unique gaming experience that's fun for the entire family.