First real-time multi-player Powerboat Challenge video game on iPhone and iPod Touch

The first intercontinental multi-player Powerboat Challenge race over two Long Term Evolution (LTE) networks at the recent IEEE International Conference on Communications (ICC) 2009 conference in Dresden. The demonstration illustrates the capabilities possible on LTE next generation wireless broadband networks as envisioned by the ng Connect Program. For the first time, gamers played this award-winning high speed racing game in real time between Dresden and Ottawa over next generation LTE.

“The demo at the IEEE ICC Conference will translate into a whole new revenue stream for wireless operators in that they can capture the imagination of both the game developer community and avid multi-player gamers everywhere,” stated Derek Kuhn, Vice President, Emerging Technology and Media Group, Alcatel-Lucent. “Since the start of the ng Connect Program a few short months ago, members have been working hard together to create exciting applications for next generation networks. FISHLABS and Alcatel-Lucent collaborated to create a much more compelling multi-player gaming experience taking users far beyond downloading a simple mobile game and playing alone.”

ng Connect Program member Alcatel-Lucent supplied its industry-leading solution for end-to-end LTE network, integrating Converged Radio Access Network (RAN) and Evolved Packet Core (EPC), and delivering super fast download speeds with reduced latency, to prototype LTE terminals. This showcases again how Alcatel-Lucent leverages wireless innovations and IP market leadership to deliver unprecedented scalability, quality of experience to LTE end-users, while enabling new service and business models for wireless operators.

The Powerboat Challenge™ game delivers a real-world racing experience as players demonstrate their skills by maneuvering around buoys and each other at high speeds. An ultra-fast LTE network environment is needed to support the real-time transmission of the competitors’ position data and the much more data-intensive physical values making the game feel more realistic.

Guilty Gear 2 Overture reborn exclusively on Xbox 360 this September

505 Games has announced the release of Guilty Gear 2: Overture exclusively for Xbox 360. The latest in the popular series launches on 4th September 2009 and will take fans in a bold new direction, borrowing elements from genres outside of the traditional one-on-one fighting action for which Guilty Gear has become famed.

Guilty Gear 2: Overture developer Arc System Works has blended action and real time strategy for their latest instalment, and for the first time have introduced 3D graphics to its most popular and enduring series. As well as taking control of their chosen character, players will command legions of loyal followers to crush all in their path. Battles are won and lost by destruction of opponents’ strongholds, known as ‘Masterghosts’ and by successfully defending one’s own from enemy attack. Effective and tactical use of support troops, or ‘servants’, to achieve these aims as well as sharp fighting technique are the keys to victory.



Offering a full single player campaign, four way multiplayer over Xbox LIVE! or two player local multiplayer, Guilty Gear 2: Overture will also feature 50 unique units designed by famed series artist Daisuke Ishiwatari. Many familiar characters return to the game, including Sol Badguy, Ky Kiske and the mysterious That Man, all of whom have their signature special attacks recreated for the first time in glorious 3D.

Guilty Gear 2: Overture will be published exclusively for Xbox 360 on 4th September 2009 by 505 Games.

Ashes Cricket 2009 on Nintendo Wii - Bat and Bowl in this Ashes Cricket 2009 video game the first cricket game on Nintendo Wii

Drive, Cut, Slog And Nurdle For Real As Codemasters Reveals Details Of The First Cricket Video Game For Nintendo Wii.

Gamers will be able to use their Nintendo Wii Remote to bat and bowl their country to success when Ashes Cricket 2009 is released for Nintendo Wii this August; the integration of the Wii controls is set to take players closer to the action than ever before. To be published by Codemasters, the home of video game cricket, Ashes Cricket 2009 will feature fully licensed players, kit and stadia from the upcoming npower Ashes Series between England and Australia offering a completely authentic experience.


The Wii edition of Ashes Cricket 2009 will enable up to four players to take to the field in a variety of game modes including the iconic Ashes Series, Test Matches and limited over games including 20 overs. Batsmen will use the Wii Remote to drive, cut, slog and nurdle their way through an innings. When fielding, players will use the Wii Remote to polish the ball, set their field and bowl accurately applying swing/turn to their deliveries in order to take those all important wickets.

Ashes Cricket 2009 will also feature a Scenario mode that will pit players against more than 50 match defining moments, such as scoring vital match-winning runs, taking dramatic last-gasp wickets and seeing off the oppositions’ danger men to succeed.

As well as featuring the fully licensed teams from England and Australia, Ashes Cricket 2009 will feature six other Test playing nations as well as ten of the world’s most recognisable stadia, including the five featuring in this summer’s npower Ashes Series. The authenticity of the experience extends to the game’s commentary, which is provided by cricketing favourites Jonathan Agnew, Shane Warne, Ian Botham, Ian Bishop and Tony Greig.

Rolando 2 Quest for the Golden Orchid Sequel to Acclaimed Rolando Delights iPhone and iPod touch Users with an All-New 3-D Adventure on iPhone - video

ngmoco is excited to take gamers on a wild new adventure in Rolando 2: Quest for the Golden Orchid, now available on the Apple App Store. Building on the huge success of the award-winning Rolando, which took the App Store by storm in December 2008, Rolando 2: Quest for the Golden Orchid spans the seas on the way to the mysterious island of Fontanis and follows the heroic quest of a funky new cast of characters from the Kingdom of Rolando.



“ngmoco is excited about this amazing sequel to Rolando. It's bigger, bolder and more beautiful than ever with huge additions to Rolando’s signature gameplay that fans and newcomers alike are going to love,” said Neil Young, CEO & founder of ngmoco. “Developed exclusively for the iPhone and iPod touch, Rolando 2 is a classic example of just how deep, polished and meaningful pocket-sized games can be when they embrace the unique capabilities of these powerful devices.”

Lovingly crafted by Simon Oliver’s HandCircus microstudio, Rolando 2: Quest for the Golden Orchid’s unmistakable style combines incredible gameplay with the bouncing rhythms of renowned break-beat artist Mr. Scruff and the vibrant, endearing visuals of pop illustrator Mikko Walamies.

“We’ve pulled out all the stops for Rolando 2,” said Simon Oliver, Founder of HandCircus. “Since the release of Rolando, we have been hard at work developing all-new gameplay mechanics, a new 3-D graphics engine and much deeper story featuring all new Rolandos. The final experience will surprise and challenge iPhone and iPod touch gamers everywhere.”

With 46 levels and six unique chapters, each with its own distinct visual style, Rolando 2: Quest for the Golden Orchid expands on the success of the original with an epic new quest filled with surprises behind every touch. Using the accelerometer and the innovative Multi-Touch user interface of iPhone and iPod touch devices, players will lead an ensemble cast of delightful characters and directly manipulate the game environment as they face tribes of savage new enemies, cunning physics puzzles and an exciting, tropical world with a fresh new look. Drawing players further into the adventure, Rolando 2: Quest for the Golden Orchid features a non-linear story design where players choose the order in which the narrative unfolds.

Rolando 2: Quest for the Golden Orchid leverages the connectivity of ngmoco’s Plus+ Network, which harnesses the latest OS3.0 technology to power a robust social network to gamers. Using the Plus+ Network, players can challenge friends to beat their score on any level using push notification and compare scores on the global leaderboards to keep the competition rolling.

The epic tale of Rolando 2: Quest for the Golden Orchid opens with a deadly curse that has ravaged the Sages of the Kingdom of Rolando. To save the ailing Sages, General Sir Richard Smythe, noble explorer and Captain of the HMS Plunderful, is tasked with leading a diverse and charming team of brave Rolandos to retrieve the rare and mysterious Golden Orchid from the summit of Stormtop Mountain. From the zaftig William “Billy” Loutfish, able to move heavy objects and dive gracefully to access hidden underwater treasures, to the cunning, agile Major James Cardigan, who is equipped for special climbing and navigation tactics, each member of the Rolando expedition brings special charm to the quest.

Rolando 2: Quest for the Golden Orchid is available for $9.99 from the Apple App Store on iPhone and iPod touch or at http://appstore.ngmoco.com/rolando2

Established in June 2008, ngmoco has already developed and successfully released multiple iPhone and iPod touch games including the chart topping MazeFinger, Topple, Topple 2, Dr. Awesome, Dropship, Word Fu and the just released Star Defense. With five top-ten products and its games having been installed more than nine million times, ngmoco is one of the leading game makers and publishers for the iPhone & iPod Touch.

To witness the lives and minds of the ngmoco team at work on the future of iPhone and iPod touch games, visit http://www.ngmoco.com.

Rocawear and Outspark Deliver Trendsetting Urban Fashion To Digital Worlds

Rocawear Virtual Items Debut In Outspark's Project Powder

Hip young fashionistas rejoice, as a new partnership announced today brings Rocawear, the famous lifestyle apparel brand co-created by the legendary Jay-Z, to virtual worlds, social networks and online games including Outspark’s Project Powder. Project Powder takes players to a snowboarder’s paradise where they can customize their characters and accessories, race against friends and pull off jaw-dropping stunts on the finest snow in the galaxy.

“Our online games and relevant user base provide great engagement channels for the right celebrities & brands. We’re excited about working with Rocawear, one the leading and hippest brands out there. Partnerships like these deliver the types of experiences and unique content we continuously seek to offer our community,” said Wilson Kriegel, Outspark Vice President of Business Development.

The Rocawear virtual items, based on current and prospective physical Rocawear products, are now available from the Project Powder Pro Shop, accessible at http://store.outspark.com/projectpowder and within the Project Powder game.

The partnership was made possible by Virtual Greats, which connects celebrities, artists, intellectual property owners and brands with a new generation of fans, unlocking value through digital representations of real-world content in online communities. The deal marks the first time merchandise from Virtual Greats will be available in massively multiplayer online games. Rocawear will also be the first apparel brand to license its intellectual property for distribution in online communities via Virtual Greats, building on Virtual Great’s existing strength in celebrity, entertainment, and sports IP.

“With a line of trendsetting products ranging from children’s clothing to loungewear to sunglasses, Rocawear is the kind of lifestyle brand that is ideally poised to capitalize on the desire of online consumers to express themselves with fashion,” said Dan Jansen, CEO, Virtual Greats.

Roogoo Twiosted Towers and Roogoo Attack! video game for Nintendo Wii and Nintendo DS - with videos

Receiving Critical Acclaim and Awards at E3 2009, Roogoo Features Interactive Puzzles and Invigorating Gameplay

SouthPeak Games announce the release of two new additions to the growing family of their addicting, fast-paced Roogoo series: Roogoo Twisted Towers for Nintendo Wii and Roogoo Attack! for Nintendo DS. The latest games provide fun for the entire family as only quick reflexes and thinking can save Planet Roo from the vicious Prince Moo and his wicked Meemoo followers.



Roogoo Twisted Towers and Roogoo Attack! follow the delightfully endearing Roogoos through colorful (and Meemoo infested) worlds as they fight to save Planet Roo. Using the world-saving power of meteor shapes, players must rotate platforms in myriads of different formations all the while strategizing on the fly and collecting quick-falling shapes. Players will get hooked on the invigorating gameplay that requires fast thinking, determination and grit; leaving players craving more action and adventure after each level. As an added bonus, the Nintendo Wii and Nintendo DS versions can wirelessly connect and unlock 20 bonus levels within each title!



“Players will find that Roogoo Twisted Towers and Roogoo Attack! are even more exciting and content-filled than their original counterpart,” said Richard Iggo, VP of Marketing at SouthPeak. “Both versions feature all new, gorgeous environments, villainous foes, and hours of engaging multi-player fun. We’re certain both kids and adults will enjoy everything the new Roogoos have to offer.”

Konami Gradius Rebirth, DRiiFT Mania and Contra Rebirth wiiWare video games

The first titles to emerge from Konami development group will be released in the coming months, with Gradius Rebirth out today, followed by DRiiFT MANIA later this month, and the all-action Contra Rebirth in August. Each title is an all-new game, with Gradius Rebirth marking the welcome return of one of gaming’s most acclaimed shooters of all time.

Gradius Rebirth retains the 2D space-based action the series is famed for, with players guiding their Vic Viper ship through a series of horizontally-scrolling stages infested with thousands of aliens and huge end-of-level bosses. Power-up capsules allow the user to add lasers, secondary weapons systems, shields, etc, to their craft, while new additions include a Score Attack Mode wherein high-scores can be compared, and a Replay system where hard-fought battles can be reviewed.

DRiiFT MANIA will follow later in July, and is a top-down racer that allows up to eight players to race each other, using cartoon-style characters. Featuring twelve different tracks based on four themed environments – cityscape, hills, snow and a desert oasis – players can also select one of 34 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 MANIA ‘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 include single-player and multi-player championships, and Team Race; wherein participants are divided into two teams, with the winner those that amass 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 MANIA also has a fun ‘Contamination’ idea, where a player is marked contagious and must contaminate very other player within a set period, while ‘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.

Completing the trio in August is Contra Rebirth, a welcome return for Konami other celebrated shoot ‘em up series. Armed soldiers are charged with running and jumping through a series of 2D levels, each littered with alien forces, vehicles and face-offs with massive bosses. OTT weaponry is the order of the day as homing missiles, flame-throwers and high-powered lasers are used to blast a path to the end of each stage, while agility and dexterity are required to clamber over seemingly impassable areas, and scale crumbling buildings.

Sword of the Stars Ultimate Collection space strategy anthology for the PC

Sword of the Stars Ultimate Collection is the definitive space strategy anthology for the PC, released to retail today by Ascaron Entertainment. The collection contains Sword of the Stars and the two expansion packs, Born of Blood and A Murder of Crows, offering value for money and extensive gameplay for existing fans of the series and strategy gaming enthusiasts.

In the Sword of the Stars Ultimate Collection, players can take control of six different species in a fight for galactic domination. Human and alien races such as Hiver, Liir, Tarkas, Zuul and Morrigi each possess unique modes of transport enabling players to move between star systems at varying speeds and in different spaceships. For example, humans can fly quickly between stars using special space lines while the hivers rely on building interdimensional gateways for direct travel to different galaxies.

Gamers can design and build spaceships from three different classes; Destroyer, Cruiser and Dreadnought. By mixing and matching a wide variety of technologies players can customise their fleets, arming them with a choice over 40 different weapons including point-defence cannons, cloaking devices and missile launchers.

Sword of the Stars

It is the year 2405 and human scientists discover a new technological system called Node Drive that allows space travel faster than light speed. However, the Hivers choose this moment to attack Earth killing 70% of the population. A military organisation called Sol Force is established allowing players to develop infrastructure, build new ships and colonise other planets to ensure the survival of the human race.

Born of Blood

Set 40 years on from Sword of the Stars in 2445, the violent wars between the Humans, Hivers, Liirs and Tarkas have subsided and diplomacy is dawning. However, the Zuuls, a species of marsupial-like creatures, emerge and shatter the peace. Players can take command of the Zuul army utilising over 90 new ship sections and 15 new weapons to obliterate enemies. Alternatively, players can unite with other races against the Zuuls using the new ship upgrades War, Projector and Boarding and a new type of defence satellite, the Torpedo Defence Platform.

A Murder of Crows

While battles against the Zuul continue, a ghost from the past returns in the form of the scheming Morrigi. A host of new features is available for players with 12 new ship sections and a unique Grav Flock Drive system so that the more ships are added to a fleet, the more speed will increase. New gameplay options include the addition of espionage operations and demands for planetary surrender.

Publisher: Ascaron Entertainment
Developer: Paradox Interactive
Release date: 3rd July 2009PEGI: 7+
Format: PC
Genre: Turn based Strategy

Avatar Attack allows gamers to use their Xbox 360 avatars as game characters

Playbrains announce a new and very personal way to play with your friends over Xbox LIVE. For the first time in any Xbox LIVE Arcade game, gamers will be able to take full control of their custom Avatar as a playable, in-game character through “Avatar Attack” mode in Madballs in…Babo:Invasion (MiBI) for Xbox LIVE Arcade on Xbox 360.

By selecting the “Avatar Attack” mode from the multiplayer Skirmish menu in MiBI gamers will be given the option to use their custom Avatar as a fully-controllable in-game character. Once selected, the “Decappuccino Machine,” in a very sanitary manner, will painlessly separate the Avatar’s head from its body where it will then be fitted and equipped with some heavy hitting and highly explosive artillery! And unlike the bright gooey mess that Madballs and other Babo spew when they take damage, each Avatar head is hand-filled by the loving and caring folks at Playbrains with only the finest confetti to ensure a pleasant and colorful display upon destruction.

“We wanted to give Xbox LIVE Arcade players an opportunity to really go ‘head to head,” commented Scott Simpson, president of Playbrains. “We feel that the Avatar Attack mode in MiBI will soon take its place in our world’s society as a critical tool for settling disputes – leapfrogging wars, lawyers, reality show judges and other far more expensive methods that humans have used till now.”

About Madballs in...Babo:Invasion
A gameplay rich, feature laden "casually hardcore" action shooter, Madballs in...Babo:Invasion (MiBI) is that rarest of gaming commodities: a genuinely unique title. Featuring the recently re-released Madballs™ characters, Oculus Orbus and Horn Head, from the popular 1980's toys best remembered for their outrageously bad looks and graphically colorful names, MiBI is an arena-based 3D shooter where players are able to design their own combat maps almost instantaneously by placing a combination of map tiles to create a never-before-seen map before gameplay starts. Truly, no two games are ever the same.

Offering players a satisfying and immersive experience in both single-player and multiplayer, Madballs in...Babo:Invasion has a plethora of features and game modes such as 4-player online co-op along with, never-before-seen in an Xbox LIVE Arcade title, being able to incorporate your Xbox LIVE Avatar into multiplayer combat via the 'Avatar Attack' mode. Yes, Xbox LIVE Arcade combat just got personal. And with up to 16-player multiplayer support, MiBI will be one of the few Xbox LIVE Arcade games to support more than 8 players at a time, and the only avatar-based game to support 16 players.

Treasure World Nintnedno DS video game - Explore Real World Surroundings to Collect Treasures

Unique Wi-Fi Gameplay Encourages Players to Explore Real World Surroundings to Collect Treasures.

Aspyr Media announced today that Treasure World has shipped to retailers across North America. The game, which encourages players to seek out Wi-Fi signals in order to unlock in-game treasures, is available on Nintendo DS for $29.99.

“With Treasure World, we’re offering players an entirely new level of interaction that crosses from the traditional game world into the real world,” said Ted Staloch, Executive Vice President, Aspyr Media. “With thousands of treasures to unlock and hundreds of player customization options, in addition to the real world treasure hunts, players are going to be able to spend months finding and doing everything the game has to offer.”

Treasure World is the world’s largest treasure hunt with hundreds of millions of treasure spots around the world. Players use the Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection to find Wi-Fi signals, DS and Wii™ systems and other wireless signals to collect treasures. Each of these signals delivers one of thousands of new treasure collectibles. A vast amount of treasures await to be found, ranging from traditional scenery such as flowers, statues and tiki torches, to iconic landmarks like the Statue of Liberty and Big Ben, to holiday themed items like jack-o-lanterns and snow men. In addition, players can unlock new attire for their character and offer limitless possibilities for customization, including Panda, Feline, Ninja and Anime costumes. And along the way, players accumulate in-game currency to purchase additional treasures.

They can then use their treasures to decorate their in-game world and create musical compositions. Each treasure even has its own sound associated with it such as a guitar, piano or trumpet. So when the treasure is placed on the ground players can create their very own music tracks. Players can then upload their DS save data to the official website, www.clubtreasureworld.com, and show off their treasures, world creations, character disguises and musical creations to other players around the world. The website even has a built in real world treasure map that allows users to place pins in order to show where they found their treasures.

Sign up to become a member of Club Treasure World and you'll be automatically entered to win your very own copy of the game and a Nintendo DSi system! Deadline to enter is July 31, 2009.

With over 2,600 unlockable treasures in the game, Treasure World offers players limitless potential for creation and exploration!