Disney Interactive Studio's Hannah Montana Rock Out The Show video game

Sony Computer Entertainment rainbow of PSP (PlayStationPortable) colours is about to grow further with a brand-new, very special model: a Lilac Purple PSP-3000 that will come packed with top game Hannah Montana: Rock Out The Show for A-list pop star entertainment straight out of the box. Arriving this October in PAL territories, the Lilac Purple model brings a girly touch to the current wardrobe of PSP-3000 colours that also includes Vibrant Blue, Mystic Silver, Pearl White and Radiant Red as well as the classic Piano Black.

“As girls spend as much time listening to music, taking and editing photos, watching movies, chatting with Skype, surfing the net and playing games with their friends as boys do,” says Isabelle Tomatis, European Marketing Manager, SCEE: “we thought it was about time that they had their own colour of PSP – and we’ve styled this one up just for them.”

In the first ever Hannah Montana game for PSP, fans will not only star in the show, they will also design a custom concert in each city they visit and rock the stage as they perform as Hannah Montana to 11 hit songs, including three new tracks. Jackson and Lilly join in on the fun in Hannah Montana: Rock Out The Show PSP game to help Hannah on her tour as they travel to seven amazing locations around the world and customise outfits, design stages and so much more. Players will add their flair to performances by creating unique routines for each song with the “Rockstar Moment” maker by customising dance moves, lighting and special effects. Players will also be able to style the band members and the back-up dancers with amazing fashions, hair-styles and accessories. – and the whole pack also comes with a Memory Stick™ for players to save their designs and settings onto.

But playing Hannah Montana: Rock Out The Show is just one possibility with this PSP. With games, music, videos, online chat and photos to explore, this is a device that will make girls the envy of their friends.

Raven Squad video game coming soon to Xbox 360 and PC

SouthPeak Games has today announced their upcoming title Raven Squad has achieved gold status and will be shipping later this month. Coming to the Xbox 360 and PC, Raven Squad combines Real Time Strategy and intense First Person Shooting with a flare akin to the iconic 80’s action flicks that inspired an entire generation to create a genre all it’s own.

Combining two distinct genres of gameplay, Raven Squad allows players to choose how they want to approach each mission, with the options to play through entirely in RTS, FPS or a mixture of the two modes. Using two squads of three, players will help Raven Squad work their way through the Amazonian jungles in an effort to put down a rebel group attempting to overthrow the Brazilian government. Vicious shootouts, hostage situations, peasant persecution and vehicle chases offer players a myriad of exciting interludes throughout the 12 level campaign. Oh, and did we mention it’s fully cooperative both online and local via system link? Well, it sure is hoss.

Raven Squad is ready to explode your face and grill your burritos on August 20, 2009.

You think you can handle it?

Call of Duty World at War Zombie Map Pack 3 now available for download on Xbox 360

The war rages on with intense fury for one of the most-popular online multiplayer games, as Activision Publishing, Inc. and developer Treyarch announced today that Call of Duty: World at War Map Pack 3 is now available for download on Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and the PLAYSTATION 3 computer entertainment system. Call of Duty: World at War Map Pack 3 includes three new multiplayer maps and one Zombie map:



* Battery: An armoured island surrounded by anti-ship mines and shore-to-ship cannons, “Battery” places soldiers on a mid-sized map based on Fort Drum (El Fraile Island) in the Philippines. Players will have plenty of areas to hide and a steady flow of close quarters combat!

* Revolution: “Revolution” pits soldiers against each other in a large factory set in Russia's cold city streets. Keep your trigger finger primed, your gun loaded, and your head low through this sniper-friendly territory!

* Breach: Overwhelm the enemy in “Breach,” set in Berlin's crowded city streets surrounding the historic Brandenburg Gate. Only the finest soldiers will survive in this fast-paced, dense battlefield!

* Der Riese (Zombie Factory): The undead horde approaches! Fight for your life in “Der Riese” (translated: “The Giant”), an all-new Zombie map set in a secret Nazi research facility featuring the Pack A Punch Machine, a device capable of upgrading weapons at the touch of a button. Use the teleporters to escape the vicious Hell Hounds and pray that the powerful Wunderwaffe DG-2 will appear before it's too late. This map includes 10 new Xbox 360 Achievements/PS3 Trophies.

Call of Duty: World at War Map Pack 3 is currently available on Xbox LIVE Marketplace for the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft for 800 Microsoft Points and on the PlayStationStore for the PLAYSTATION 3 computer entertainment system for £7.99.

Call of Duty: World at War is rated 15 by the BBFC.

Academy of Champions Nintendo Wii video game super moves description

Super tackle: Take the ball off your opponent's toes in a blink of an eye with this lightning-fast slide tackle.

Helix Kick: Bamboozle the goalie with this insane corkscrew shot.

Banana Kick: Put extreme bend on the ball - the keeper won't know which way to turn.

Chopper: A spinning tackle frenzy that will send anyone in your path flying - including your own teammates!

Unstoppable Rush: Release that pent up aggression by knocking over anyone that gets in your way as you charge towards goal.

Cat-like Grace: Glide through tackles and defense like a knife through butter.

Stealth Attack: When Sam Fisher turns on his night-vision goggles nobody can see him - ideal for getting through on goal undetected.

Eagle Strike: Altair's assassin training helps him to launch into the air and unleash a lethal strike that will take out the keeper before it hits the back on the net.

Acrobatic Leap: Why go through the defence when you can just leap over it? The other team won't expect that!

Plunger Shot: The Rabbid weapon of choice makes for a very potent shot at goal.

Photo Fanatic: Jade will use the flash of her camera to temporarily stun her opponents and make them lose the ball.

Perfect Dribble: Opponents will be stunned by Pele's unbelievable ball skills rendering them unable to stop him.

Bicycle Smash: Mia Hamm's stunning backflip bicycle kick makes her one of the best strikers around.

Speed Burst: An explosion of pace that will help you catch up to opponents.

Dodge Move: Jump over or go around players quickly with these cool and easy to use tricks.

Hearts of Iron III Podcast reveals hidden secrets in the video game

Paradox Interactive have today released a Hearts of Iron III podcast which reveals unknown insights behind the long awaited third installment of the best selling and critically acclaimed World War II Strategy series.

Exploring the roles of some of the key personnel involved with the development of Hearts of Iron III, the podcast features interviews with Johan Andersson – Producer, Chris King – Game designer, and Anna Drevendal – Historical Researcher.

Listen to the podcast: http://www.gameindustry.com/podcast/item.asp?id=27
Download the clip from Paradox: http://www.paradoxplaza.com//index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=566&Itemid=129

About Hearts of Iron 3
Set to release in stores in North America and via all major digital download portals on August 7th, the game was recently awarded the Readers Choice “Best of E3 – PC Strategy” on Voodoo Extreme, along with being nominated for the “Best of E3 – PC Strategy” on IGN and Gaming Excellence. Releases in Europe will follow on August 14th (UK, Scandinavia) and August 28th (France and Germany).

* Players can register their games via the in-game menu or “My Games” on http://forum.paradoxplaza.com.

Runes of Magic video game sends player into the Savage Lands Explore the dark secrets of the rainforest

Up high, hidden in the tree-tops of the rainforest, the Elves once erected their settlements in the Savage Lands. Now Frogster reveals the secrets of this new zone that will make its debut with the launch of Chapter II - The Elven Prophecy of award-winning MMORPG Runes of Magic.

Situated north-west of the Weeping Coast lies the bastion of the elves. The peaceful atmosphere of the thick forest might be deluding to hapless adventurers, making their way into the woods. But here they have to face the Apeman and worse of all the Naga, who broke through the defensive barriers in the west and started building defensive outposts to secure their supply lines.

Further away, adventurers will come across a small camp: The Fungus Village. Innocuous at the first glance, the Fungus-King and his guards will defend their lands ferociously against any intruder. Player will be able to explore the Savage Lands during the final launch phase of the second chapter in September. With the raise of the level-cap in August, the adventure starts for all characters level 52 and above.

More information can be found on the official Runes of Magic Website: www.runesofmagic.com

Runes of Magic a world full of wizardry and adventure
The German and English versions of Runes of Magic were released on 19 March 2009. Anyone can download the online role-playing game for free at: www.runesofmagic.com and can plunge into the game world after a short registration process.

With an extensive range of features, Runes of Magic is redefining the standard for free-to-play massively multiplayer online role playing games. Runes of Magic features an absorbing story through more than 1,600 quests, in a vibrant fantasy world. Players can choose from six main classes, combined with a secondary class, presenting 30 individual combinations of character classes over all. All characters possess unique skills with impressive combo attacks and can use mounts like war horses and more.

A particularly attractive feature is the ability for players and guilds to arrange and furnish their virtual homes. Thanks to an extensive crafting and reputation system, exciting PvP and demanding dungeons and boss monsters, there is something for everyone.

Taiwanese developer Runewaker developed Runes of Magic according to western MMO standards over three years. The studio is providing new challenges for players every four to five months with free add-ons and updates. You can find more information, pictures, videos, and the game available for free download via the official website: www.runesofmagic.com.

Features
Free-to-play: no monthly fees, free download
Extensive dual class system (six primary and secondary classes)
Versatile spell and attack combinations
Enthralling background story
More than 1,600 quests and quest series
No zone boundaries thanks to seamless architecture
Dungeons: Instanced, tile based, and persistent
Individually developable skills and spells
Armour sets with special bonuses
Dynamic item system with hundreds of runes for upgrading
Optional PvP system with arena battles
Ranking system with player-ranking lists
Multitude of unique mounts
Epic crafting system with the ability to improve existing items
Personalization of player houses through individual furnishing
Reputation system
Customisable user interface with the option to use Add-Ons
Map and radar system to easily find dealers, resources and quests
In-game auction houses for trading items
Teleport-Runes for instant travel
Mouse and keyboard controls for movement
Regular updates with new content
Guild castles in special zones
Cross-server fights in three-server-battle and guild wars in development

Facts
Title: Runes of Magic
Genre: Fantasy MMORPG
Platform: Windows PC
Publisher: Frogster Online Gaming
Developer: Runewaker Entertainment Ltd.
Release: 19 March 2009
PEGI: 12+

New patch for ArmA II PC military shooter patch 1.03 download now - full details

505 Games and Bohemia Interactive havereleased a new patch for ArmA II, the PC military shooter smash hit of 2009. The patch 1.03 is available to download now from www.arma2.com and will solve and improve/balance the following in-game issues:

IL-2 Sturmovik Birds of Prey over 50 missions Dogfights and Airfield Strikes - out 4th September Xbox 360 PS3 Nintendo DS and PSP

More information on the multiplayer modes available in forthcoming World War II flight combat title, IL-2 Sturmovik: Birds of Prey. As well as boasting over 50 single player missions, the multiplayer experience featured in IL-2 delivers even more thrilling aerial combat action. IL-2 Sturmovik: Birds of Prey will be available from 4th September for Xbox 360, PS3, Nintendo DS and PSP. Download free demo now on Xbox Live

The official website (www.il2game.com) now hosts the new multiplayer trailer where allied and axis forces go head to head in ferocious aerial dog fights and bombing raids over war torn Europe. Also featured is an exclusive community update from Pavel Kulikov, Game Designer of the multiplayer modes and maps at Gaijin Entertainment in which he shares some behind the scenes stories from the making of IL-2 as well as tips to becoming a multiplayer ace. Details on the modes featured in the game are as follows:

Dog Fight

Dog fight is a traditional ‘free-for-all’ mode. After selecting initial game settings (number of players, difficulty level, planes available, game play map, time limit, points limits etc) players engage in aerial dogfights earning points for every downed enemy aircraft.

The winner is the first pilot to reach the point limit first or the pilot with the most points when the allotted time runs out.


Team Dog Fight

After selecting initial settings, players are divided into two teams. Like Dog fight, points are earned for every downed aircraft in the enemy’s team.

The winner is the team that reaches the point limit first or has the most points when the allotted time runs out.


Strike

Strike is a multiplayer mode where teams attempt to destroy as many of the enemy’s ground targets as possible, while defending their own. The winner is the team with either the most points when the timer runs out, the team that reaches the points limit first or the team who wipes out all of their opponent’s ground targets. Points are awarded for both aerial and ground targets, although ground targets are worth more points than those in the air.


Capture the Airfield

In Capture the Airfield, players attempt to capture and hold as many opposition airfields as possible. An airfield is considered captured once a player lands and spends a specified amount of time on the ground without being destroyed. All airfields in this mode being the game as neutral, so securing airfields quickly is crucial.
Each team is granted a specified number of team tickets at the beginning of the game. Each time a player respawns, one team ticket is used up. Once a team has no tickets left, it cannot return to the battlefield.
The team controlling the lowest number of airfields suffers a penalty of their ticket pool being depleted second by second. The bigger this disadvantage, the quicker the ticket pool is depleted.
The winner is the team that has the most tickets left either at the end of the match or when an enemy team loses all tickets and planes.

IL-2 Sturmovik: Birds of Prey gives you the chance to participate in the most famous confrontations of the era piloting fighters, battle planes or heavy bombers across a range of daring and action packed missions. There are 6 theatres of war in which to engage – The Battle of Britain, Stalingrad, Berlin, Sicily, the Battle of the Bulge and Korsun – representing the main airborne battles of World War II in Europe.

IL-2 Sturmovik: Birds of Prey will be published by 505 Games in collaboration with 1C Company on 4th September for Xbox 360, PS3, Nintendo DS and PSP.

Limited edition Cities XL video game 16 bonus items in this next generation city-simulation game

Monte Cristo Games and Namco Bandai Games are thrilled to be able to reveal the limited edition and standard editions for Cities XL, their innovative next generation city-simulation game. The Limited Edition includes 16 bonus items in a special pack and will only be available from key UK retailers.

The Cities XL Standard Edition box will include the installation DVD for the game, two instruction manuals, a 7-day trial code for the online Planet Offer and a trial offer on a second DVD so that one of your friends can discover the game.

On top of that, the Limited Edition box will include the following additional content:

• Five additional maps for solo mode,
• Five exclusive landmark buildings, (Berlin’s Victory Column, Kiev’s St. Vladimir’s Cathedral, New York’s 40 Wall Street, Paris’ Opera Garnier, San Francisco’s Grand Hotel),
• One exclusive city hall: Los Angeles’ City Hall,
• Two permanent blueprints: the Mayan pyramid of Chichen Itza and London’s Big Ben. These blueprints will be available from the start and can be built as many times as you wish.
• A bonus in-game t-shirt to make your avatar even more unique,
• an honorific medal to display proudly on your personal profile page on CitiesXL.com,
• Three postcards
• A 41x34cm poster

You will soon be able to pre-order the Limited Edition in the UK; there will be more information in the following days.

About CITIES XL

CITIES XL enables gamers to develop cities on realistic 3D maps, which feature a variety of environments from mountain ranges to beaches and islands. The cities you will build are based on American, Asian and European-influenced architectural styles. You must create the right combinations of job opportunities, social services, leisure activities, and special events within your cities in order to keep your citizens occupied and happy. Whether you’re planning and building a new zoo, public park, residential neighbourhood or transit system, there's always a fresh and exciting challenge for would-be city managers and mayors in CITIES XL.

Batman - Arkham Asylum video game to Support NVIDIA PhysX Technology

An immersive adventure unfolds in stunning detail

Eidos Interactive, Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment and NVIDIA Corporation announce the Games for Windows LIVE release of forthcoming DC Comics-licensed videogame, Batman: Arkham Asylum, will feature NVIDIA PhysX technology, which allows for the creation of incredibly realistic worlds full of interactive materials and objects.



As a result, PC gamers will get to experience intense realism and fully immerse themselves in Batman’s journey into Gotham City’s asylum for the criminally insane.

Hardware accelerated by supported NVIDIA GeForce GPUs, PhysX technology provides an even deeper level of engagement for players of Batman: Arkham Asylum by utilizing the processing power of the NVIDIA GPU to render stunning in-game physics objects in the environment that not only add to the overall look of the game, but create an immersive and believable world.

With PhysX technology enabled, players can explore darkened corridors packed with volumetric fog which reacts to Batman’s movement and cobwebs which tear with his passing. Combat becomes a maelstrom of motion as office papers are thrown into the air alongside soda cans and litter as Batman lands each punch upon The Joker’s henchmen. Throughout the game, the decaying gothic architecture is realized to an incredible detail with wall tiles chipping and breaking, stone pillars crumbling upon impact, and particles from breaking glass and debris shattering and falling down around Batman’s feet.

“Supporting NVIDIA PhysX technology has allowed us to add that little bit extra to the PC version of the game,” said Sefton Hill, Game Director at Rocksteady Studios. “As Batman interacts with the world, the aging asylum creates a more immersive, believable world which really draws the player in.”

Batman: Arkham Asylum™ exposes players to a unique, dark and atmospheric adventure that takes them to the depths of Arkham Asylum – Gotham City’s psychiatric hospital for the criminally insane. Gamers will move in the shadows, instigate fear amongst their enemies and confront The Joker and Gotham City’s most notorious villains who have taken over the asylum. Using a wide range of Batman’s gadgets and abilities, players will become the Invisible Predator and attempt to foil The Joker’s demented scheme.

The NVIDIA PhysX development platform consists of a robust physics engine, API, and middleware designed to give developers and animators unprecedented creative control over the look of their final in-game interactivity by allowing them to author and preview physics in real time. To take advantage of PhysX technology in Batman: Arkham Asylum, players must have a compatible NVIDIA GPU and a copy of the Games for Windows LIVE version of the game, which will be available beginning September 15th, 2009, in North America, and September 18th, 2009, in Europe and Australia.

Batman: Arkham Asylum will also be available for the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and PLAYSTATION 3 computer entertainment system from August 25th, 2009, in North America and August 28th, 2009, in Europe and Australia.