Danny Wallace to play the voice of Shaun Hastings in Assassin's Creed 2 video game

Ubisoft announced that well-known British humorist and author Danny Wallace will be cast as one of the key roles in Assassin’s Creed II. The voice and likeness of Wallace will be cast for the character of Shaun Hastings. A pivotal character in the game, Shaun will serve as a historian, guide and source of information for the player as he proceeds through the game.

Danny Wallace is most recognised as the author of critically acclaimed books including Join Me and Yes Man. The latter was turned into a Hollywood movie starring Jim Carey in 2008, whilst more recently this year his latest book Friends Like These has been released in paperback. In recent years, Danny has also been involved in a variety of different ‘projects’ from searching the globe for robots and creating his own country in central London, to more sedate celebrity activity such as appearing on the Jonathan Ross show and writing a regular column for award-winning lifestyle magazine ShortList.

“When the UK suggested Danny to us, we were completely open to the idea. Danny has been fantastic to work with, and his manner and particular style of humor has worked out perfect for the role of Shaun” said script writer Corey May. Speaking on his own involvement in the game, Wallace said “Going right back to my days of working on Sega Power, I’ve always been a keen gamer, and being involved - and actually being in a game like Assassin’s Creed II is amazing! I have to say, I’m rather excited”


ABOUT ASSASSIN’S CREED II:

Assassin’s Creed II is the product of over two years of intensive development by the original creative team behind the Assassin’s Creed brand. In a vast open world environment, the game invites players to incarnate Ezio, a privileged young noble in Renaissance Italy who’s been betrayed by the rival ruling families of Italy.

Ezio’s subsequent quest for vengeance plunges players into a captivating and epic story that offers more variety in missions, surprising and engaging new game play elements, diverse weapons and a profound character progression that will appeal to fans of the original Assassin’s Creed as well as entice players new to the brand.

Assassin’s Creed II is scheduled to launch on November 20, 2009 for the PlayStation 3 computer entertainment system, the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and the PC.

East India Company video game Rules the waves winners become in-game characters with this update patch to download

Get your captain hats on, as Paradox Interactive today announced the release of the third downloadable patch for East India Company, incorporating the winners of the “Rule the Waves” contest as commanders into the game.

The third patch for East India Company rewards the loyal East India Company community from around the world by featuring these lucky winners as playable characters. Winners had their faces transferred digitally and are now actual in-game characters ready to explore the vast seas.
Access the patch via the game. Options - check for updates – follow the on screen instructions.

East India Company, the naval strategy adventure that gives players the chance to build their own trading empire and battle for ocean supremacy, is available from retailers everywhere, along with all leading digital download outlets for a suggested retail price of $39.99.

For more information on the contest winners, please visit: http://eic-game.com/content/press/rulethewaves_winners.html

Nintendo Wii media manager 1gb SD card transfer your movies, music, images and cheats between your PC and Nintendo Wii console

Leading video games accessories developer BLAZE have revealed they have stock of their Nintendo Wii Media Manager and Transfer Kit complete with a Lexar 1GB SD memory card and reader.

The Nintendo Wii 1GB SD Media Solution gives you the power to use your Nintendo Wii to its full potential transforming your console into a full home media centre.

The complete media solution comes supplied with intuitive, simple to use software to convert your library of PC movie files and DVDs* into Wii Friendly MJpeg format for playback on your TV for that big screen movie action!

Other essential media tools include the ability the transfer your music collection, photos and create back ups of your Wii files onto your PC, making this a truly complete all in one media solution.

Blow your games wide open!

Download the latest cheat saves for the best selling Wii games, N64, SNES and NES Virtual Console games from the constantly updated community database. Transfer them from your PC to your Wii using the memory card provided and always be one step ahead of your games (and your friends!)

The BLAZE Wii 1GB SD Media Solution is the ultimate all in one media and cheats package, available now for £14.99 from www.blazeeurope.com and all leading video games stores.

Features:

* MOVIES - PC and DVD movies*
* Convert PC movie files to MJPEG format for Wii playback! Transfer the movie files onto your SD card, then watch them on your big-screen TV.
* Formats include (VOB)*, MKV, Xvid, DivX, MPEG 1, M1P, MPEG 2, TS, M2P, WMV, ASF, MP4 and AVI formats.*Non copy protected DVDs ONLY.
* MUSIC - CDs and digital music files
* CD to MP3: Import music CDs and convert to MP3, with auto album, artist and track naming.
* Play MP3s along with your slideshows!
* IMAGES - Photos and digital images
* Manage JPEG photo and image files to create the best slideshows on your Wii!
* CHEAT SAVES - Includes Virtual Console Functions
* Download cheat saves for the best selling Nintendo Wii games, N64, SNES and NES Virtual Console games from www.xploder.net. Download, upload, backup, delete and edit game descriptions and save valuable space on your SD card! Upload your best Wii, N64, SNES and NES gamesaves to the Xploder online Community Database to share them with others! Backup Virtual Console games - Copy your Virtual Console games from the Wii to SD card; save space on your Nintendo Wii and store a back-up safely on the PC.

*Non copy protected DVDs only

GodsWar Online and Galaxy Online video games coming to Europe

IGG.com, home to some of the world’s most popular Free2Play MMORPGs, announces plans to break into the European market with two of its newly released, large scale MMORPGs: GodsWar Online and Galaxy Online.

Both productions are presented at the Game Developers Conference Europe (GDC), which take place from August 17-19, 2009 in Cologne, Germany. For three days, thousands of professionals in the international gaming industry will have the opportunity to test play both titles; as well as to meet the big players behind IGG’s success, Co-founder and COO, Kevin Xu. Beyond these two productions, IGG has released 9 other MMOs in the U.S. They are actively seeking new partnerships in Europe to expand their footing in the western market.

GodsWar Online

GodsWar Online is the first 3D MMORPG fully designed and developed by IGG. Inspired by the blockbuster movie ‘300’, GodsWar combines history, fantasy and romance to generate a spellbinding experience for players of all genders and ages. With its distinct game-play systems and activities, GodsWar offers players enchanting quests, charming game scenery, free character growth, amazing PvP opportunities and a wonderful gaming community. Visit http://gw.igg.com for more information.

Galaxy Online

Galaxy Online is a MMO strategy game created by IGG that challenges players to battle for the supremacy of the universe. As the human needs finally came to exceed Earth’s carrying capacity, it became increasingly necessary to reach out to the final available region for resource exploitation: Space, a majestic expanse containing a wealth of natural resources, some easily attainable and some that requires effort and strategy to obtain.

As players progress through the game, they must challenge each other – and themselves – to survive the dangers of space and overcome the dark corners of human nature.

New sci-fi massively multi-player online game, Outer Empires

Online game developer Iron Will Studios launches the web browser-based version of its expansive new sci-fi massively multi-player online game, Outer Empires.

Set in a persistent galaxy with more than 20,000 star systems for players to explore, colonise and control, Outer Empires has completed its extensive beta testing phase.

“To paraphrase Douglas Adams, Outer Empires is big. Really big,” says lead designer Paul Hutson. “We’ve built one of the biggest sandbox environments in gaming history, and players are already flooding into the Outer Empires galaxy to begin building new lives as miners, traders, pirates, politicians, tyrants and all manner of other lifestyles this enormous game promises.”

Outer Empires blends together the MMO space-faring elements of games such as EVE Online, the classic space exploration game Elite, and the socio-political adventuring of Sins of a Solar Empire into a whole new universe of trade, economics, questing and war.

Playing directly within a web browser, no installation is required to begin forging a career in Outer Empires, allowing players to jump into the same game any time they’re near a PC.

“We want people to be able to play anywhere, anytime,” Hutson continues. “That’s why it was essential to make Outer Empires as accessible as possible, so they can play at home, at work, at the internet cafe and soon – thanks to the iPhone and iPod touch version – anywhere they want.”

The exact same game has been adapted to Apple’s prolific handheld platform and submitted for App Store approval, which will allow iPhone and iPod touch users to join the same persistent universe and play the same game as they would on a PC or Mac.

Outer Empires offers players the chance to not only discover and colonise new worlds at the far reaches of cyberspace, but to create and join factions (or guilds) to pool their resources, expand territories and even establish player-run governments in their own quadrant of the galaxy.

“Outer Empires is quite literally a brand new galaxy waiting for players to mould it into the experience they’re looking for,” Hutson concludes. “The only limits are the player’s imagination, and the amount of fuel their ship can carry!”

The Outer Empires MMO is completely free to play, but features a subscription fee (from as little as $3.18 per month), allowing them to access a far greater range of in-game vehicles, items and colonies.

Visit www.Outer-Empires.com to sign up and start playing Outer Empires right away.


FEATURES LIST:

* Play directly within any web browser (Firefox, Opera, Chrome, Safari etc.)
* Coming soon to iPhone and iPod Touch
* Fly missions (transport, fighter, freight, exploration, bounty)
* Set up colonies (Mining, Food Production, Manufacture, Development/Research)
* Run/join factions (guilds) within the game.
* Take control of and fight for systems (either themselves or as part of a faction).
* Buy/Mod/Build/Sell ships using a number of variable items that can be created from the manufacture plants players set up.
* Story arcs and player-led governments
* Trade with other players and the system.

Dragon Portals video game for iPhone and iPod Touch

Dragon Portals is now available for iPhone and iPod touch. The game is an adaptation from a premium casual game originally released for PC and Mac.
”We are thrilled being able to bring our latest casual title on iPhone and iPod touch as well,” said Tero Alatalo, the CEO of 10tons. “Dragon Portals works really well on iPhone, and offers a premium casual game experience for everyone who enjoys challenging marble dropping action.”

Dragon Portals makes use of iPhone’s intuitive touch controls in an easy to learn but hard to master match three game. The game offers several hours of enjoyable puzzle action with unique game mechanics. The player assumes the role of Mila, the long lost descendant of a Dragon Sentinel. The mission is to free the friendly dragons from the dark magic that binds them to the ground. The goal in each level is to keep the dragons aloft by making matches of three or more same colored orbs. Over a dozen different power ups and over 70 levels are sure to keep the player entertained for hours. In addition there is an endless survival mode in which the player tries to stay in flight for as long as possible.

The game is developed by 10tons’ casual game studio MythPeople. It is their second premium casual game release on App Store. The first one, Azkend, has received outstanding reviews since its release in April 2009. Additional mobile adaptations of 10tons casual games are in the horizon as well as unique titles for just iPhone and iPod touch.

Dragon Portals is now available from Apple’s App Store on iPhone or iPod touch or at www.itunes.com/appstore/. The game will be available for $0.99 until 23rd of August 2009 and $4.99 thereafter.

Interaction iPhone movie Scream in the Dark released

Little Worlds Studio is proud to announce Scream in the Dark on iPhone, the first interactive film for B-movie fans! Can you do better than all those teens slaughtered en masse in horror films?

In "Scream In The Dark," you must escape the clutches of a mysterious serial killer by making the right choices at the right time.

It's the first episode of an interactive series in which you are the hero.

Finally, you can play a bimbo in a Z movie and perhaps survive longer than 5 minutes...

Test your friends too and compare your survival instincts using a scoring system.

Features:
- Exclusive choice system throughout the film for a unique interactive experience.
- Original graphic style.
- Interactive film with more than 20 minutes of video.
- Bonus to unlock.
- Saving system for high scores.
- Vote for who will be the next baddie in Episode 2.
- Languages: French, English, German, Spanish, Italian.

Vote on Facebook for the next serial killer you’d like to see in Episode 2!

Igor: See his hammer? Your nuts are gone!

Helmut: Schwarzwald Chainsaw massacre? No more bush!

Logan: Rock, axe and fun!

YOUR choice will determine the badass to defeat in the next episode.

One of the world’s largest MMO Aion video game out soon in Europe

NCsoft, the world's premier publisher and developer of MMOs, confirmed that Aion will be in stores soon. Aion is the highly anticipated game that has already taken Asia by storm and has quickly become one of the world’s largest MMO franchises ahead of its release in Europe on 25th September.

In advance of the game’s launch, Aion will be showcased at both GamesCom 2009 in Cologne, Germany, as well as the Penny Arcade Expo 2009 in Seattle, US. Both events will feature exclusive hands-on access to the 1.5 version of the game, which has yet to be unveiled to Western audiences. This version of the game introduces numerous enhancements, including continued improvements to Aion’s innovative character customisation that will now include a host of Western styles, as well as new zones, instances, skills, quests and continued game balancing and improvements.



Aion has already built major momentum among gamers across Europe and North America, with more than three million hours of gameplay logged in the game’s closed best testing alone. Additionally, the Limited Collector’s Edition version of the game is nearly sold out in retailers, and Aion is currently on the best-seller lists for PC games weeks ahead of the game’s launch. Aion is available for pre-order from a number of participating online and brick-and-mortar retailers. For a complete list please go to http://eu.aiononline.com/uk/retail/.




Unlike any MMO before it, Aion is a uniquely crafted online experience where flight offers much more than just a way to explore the landscape – it is a strategic and integral part of combat, quests, and exploration. Players will dive into battle and plunge through thousands of unique, story-driven quests, all while trying to save a world literally shattered in half from centuries of brutal conflict. Using one of the most flexible and in-depth character customisation systems ever featured in an MMO, players will be able to create genuinely distinct characters and explore a visually stunning world of ethereal beauty brimming with otherworldly inhabitants, mysterious enemies, and ancient secrets.

Kidz Sports Crazy Mini Golf 2 video game on Nintendo Wii

Data Design Interactive (DDI) – a successful video games publisher and games developer – are pleased to announce the highly anticipated sequel to Kidz Sports: Crazy Mini Golf 1 which has sold over 250,000 units on the Nintendo Wii. This is another technology lead by DDI, and it will be available exclusively for Nintendo Wii in North America and Europe in the 4th Quarter of 2009.

Kidz Sports: Crazy Mini Golf 2, Developed by Data Design Interactive will be exclusively for the Nintendo Wii and will support the new Motion Plus Controller for the most realistic and accurate putting movement. Totally fluid instant feedback, wherever you swing your putter, your on-screen character follows; lift, turn, twist, swing, every detailed swing of your putter is accurately replicated in real time. It works for both left and right handed players.

Designed in collaboration with crazy golf champions, Crazy Mini Golf 2 is the perfect Wii family gaming experience. Hot on the heels of the original, Crazy Mini Golf 2 is a larger-than-life, party game that mimics the action and excitement of this popular sport.

Become fully immersed in the atmosphere of each environment with vibrant visual effects and awe-inspiring locations. With 72 of the craziest holes spread over four different worlds ranging from the spooky Halloween World, the ancient ruins of Egypt, the excitement of the Fun Fair and the cool Ice Age you’ll have hours of fun putting your way around each course.

Using the new Wii Motion Plus controller, Crazy Mini Golf 2 presents a realism that has until now not been possible, this is the most realistic and fluid golfing experience available anywhere.

The intuitive controls will make a great game for beginners and a fun challenge for the more experienced player, providing a rich, newly designed, casual golf game that revolutionises the way video game golf is played. Crazy Mini Golf 2 ‘putts’ the player in total control of the club!

Create your own unique avatars to play in game using the ‘NuYu’ character editor.
There is no limit to the amount of crazy characters you can create, with buckets of customizable features ranging from hairstyles, clothing, hats, glasses and much, much more!

Develop your career as a pro or challenge your friends in the Multiplayer mode featuring game play designed specifically to get players together for a fun experience. You can also play to beat your previous records or the current champions. The more skilled a golfer you become, the more challenge there is to keep beating your old records!

Feel the unmatched fun and intensity of the game with intuitive game play. Bringing you a fun, active and easy to play experience that family and friends can enjoy in the comfort of their own living room!


Features:

* 72 larger-than-life holes with bright colourful interactive levels
* Four exciting new courses including Funfair, Ice Age, Halloween and Egyptian Pyramids.
* Engage in single player or multiplayer tournaments to see who is the ultimate crazy golf champion? (up to 4 Wii Remotes at once)
* Special focus on the competitive Multi-Player experience. Play with up to 4 friends or family.
* Single-Player Tournament Mode – Hone your skills in the single player challenge.
* Fully immersive Wii Motion Plus technology turns the Wii Remote controller into a virtual putter.
* Intuitive and incredibly easy to pick-up-and-play control design that brings the game to life like never before for both casual and more advanced players.
* Create and customise your own unique golfing character with the amazing NuYu editor, compatible with NuYu’s from Crazy mini golf 1.
* Successful play allows for the unlocking of new character costumes, and courses.
* On-screen information describes the control method in a simple way for players of all ages.
* Immersive stylized graphic environments and characters with sound that enhances the game play experience.

Watch rally stars in their cars in the new Colin McRae - DiRT 2 video

Stunning Rally gameplay and amazing real world racing footage come together as Codemasters today launched the Colin McRae - DiRT 2 ‘Rally Rally Good’ video, now available to view at www.dirt2game.com.



Focussing on some of the core Rally events in Colin McRae - DiRT 2, the new video captures the unique exhilaration of rally driving and includes officially licensed vehicles, such as the Mitsubishi EVO X, the Subaru Impreza STI and the Colin McRae R4, tackling dramatic stages across three continents. Real world footage also captures a new generation of off-road stars, including Ken Block, Dave Mirra and Travis Pastrana, pushing their cars to the limit.

Driven by the latest generation of the award-winning EGO Engine and set to deliver a peerless rally experience, Colin McRae: DiRT 2 features a revamped handling system that incorporates full weight transfer on vehicles, enabling players to perform advance rally techniques like the Scandinavian Flick. Pace notes, written by Citroen C2R2 Champion Co-Driver 2009 George Gwynn, guide players through each challenging stage, with gamers able to choose from either an American or British Co-Driver and a choice of two call systems. Staggered starts, thousands of spectators and authentic changes in terrain make for spectacular stages and prove out why rally is the pinnacle of off-road autosport.

Colin McRae: DiRT 2’s World Tour career mode lets players choose their own path through the game, whether they decide to focus on their favourite discipline or sample the full range of exciting off-road racing on offer. Set to take racing games to a new level, gamers take on over 100 stunning events, including aggressive, multi-vehicle races and intense solo challenges set in the most diverse and demanding real-world environments. From the muddy tracks of the Malaysian rainforest to spectator-packed stadiums in London and Los Angeles, racers will compete in contemporary off-road race disciplines covering Rallycross, Trailblazer, Raid, Landrush, and Rally.

Complete with full head-to-head competitive online play, get ready for the ultimate off-road competition when Colin McRae: DiRT 2 launches September 8th (US), 10th (EPAC), 11th (UK) for the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, PLAYSTATION 3 computer entertainment system, Nintendo Wii, Nintendo DS and PSP (PlayStation Portable) system. A Games For Windows LIVE edition will follow with support for DirectX 11.