Konami goes Krazy Karting on iPhone and iPod Touch!

Konami Digital Entertainment has revved up a fun new iPhone/iPod touch game entitled Krazy Kart Racing, which is available from the Apple App Store in August. The game uses a 3D cartoon style, and aims to be the most extensive available kart racing game, offering a wealth of content for long-lasting play-fun.

Produced and overseen by Konami’s European Development Studio in Paris, Krazy Kart Racing brings ten classic Konami gaming heroes to the track, as they battle it out across 16 themed circuits. Using the traditional third-person view, players guide their chosen character around the laps, using whatever they can to steal an advantage over their CPU or multi-player rivals. Nitro boosts can give a welcome burst of speed, while a wide range of extras that can be picked up during the race and can be used to slow down opposing karts

Control and speed are everything in Krazy Kart Racing, and the dynamically balanced camera keeps track of the player and those around them as they compete to be first past the line. The game features five single-player modes, and also allows friends to compete against each other in linked multi-player races and competitions.

“We have deliberately kept this game under wraps for a while to surprise the audience at the most important European game show,” commented Florian Stronk, Head of the Network Business Development Department for Konami Digital Entertainment. “It’s another fun-focused title, which combines Konami’s rich IPs and use of the best developer talent in Europe, including our external partner Polarbit. We look forward to people getting to grips with it, either here at gamescom in Cologne or wherever they choose on their personal device.”

New Sony PlayStation 3 Slim prices full features and specifications

Sony Computer Entertainment unveiled the new PlayStation 3 slim (CECH-2000A) (body color: charcoal black) computer entertainment system, featuring an extremely streamlined form factor with a 120GB Hard Disk Drive (HDD). The new PlayStation 3 (PS3) system will become available in stores from September 1, 2009, in North America, Europe/ PAL territories and Asian countries and regions at a very attractive recommended retail price (RRP) of US$299 and €299, respectively.

The system PlayStation will become available in Japan on September 3, 2009, at a RRP of 29,980 yen (including tax). With the introduction of the new PlayStation 3 system, SCE will also reduce the price of the current PS3 with 80GB HDD to a RRP of US$299 from August 18 and €299 from August 19. Also in North America, the price of PS3 with 160GB HDD will be reduced to a RRP of US$399 from August 18. By launching a vast library of exciting and attractive software titles for PS3 this holiday season and offering customers a line-up of hardware models and pricing to match their preference, SCE will build on the momentum and further accelerate the expansion of the PS3 platform.

The internal design architecture of the new PS3 system, from the main semiconductors and power supply unit to the cooling mechanism, has been completely redesigned, achieving a much slimmer and lighter body. Compared to the very first PS3 model with 60GB HDD, the internal volume as well as its thickness and weight are trimmed down to approximately two-thirds. Furthermore, power consumption is also cut to two-thirds, helping to reduce fan noise. While inheriting the sleek curved body design of the original model, the form factor of the new PS3 system features a new meticulous design with textured surface finish, giving an all new impression and a casual look. With the compact body and casual appearance, the newly introduced model will appeal to a wider audience who are looking to buy the best entertainment system for their home.

Concurrently with the release of the new PS3 system, SCE will modify the PS3 brand name from “PLAYSTATION 3” to “PlayStation 3”, and introduce a new “ ” logo, which is engraved on the surface of the new PS3 system. By unifying under the familiar “PlayStation” name, which represents the entire PlayStation family, PS3 together with PlayStation 2 and PSP (PlayStation Portable) will further expand the PlayStation business, and will continue to enhance the entertainment experience along with the ever-growing PlayStation Network.

The new PS3 continues to offer the cutting-edge features and functions of the current models, such as the ability to enjoy high-definition Blu-ray disc (BD) movies and games, as well as various content and services downloadable through the network. The new PS3’s storage size has increased from 80GB to 120GB, and with the extra capacity users will be able to store more games, music, photos, videos as well as various content and services available through PlayStation Network. Having more than 27 million registered accounts around the world, PlayStation Network offers more than 15,000 pieces of digital content, ranging from game titles, trailers, and demos to more than 15,000 movies and TV shows via PlayStation Store*1. PlayStation Network members can also download free applications, such as PlayStation Home, a ground-breaking 3D social gaming community available on PS3 that allows users to interact, communicate and share gaming experiences, as well as Life with PlayStation, which offers users various news and information on a TV monitor in the living room by connecting the PS3 to the network.

Since the launch of PS3 in November 2006, the number of BD-based titles has reached more than 1,000 titles and downloadable PS3 games to 1,400*2 titles worldwide, with the support from a broad range of third party game developers and publishers. In addition to this extensive software title line-up, exciting and attractive new titles are to be released from SCE Worldwide Studios, including Uncharted 2: Among Thieves, EyePet, Ratchet & Clank Future: A Crack in Time, Heavy Rain, God of War 3, MAG, ModNation Racer, Gran Turismo 5 and more.

Other features of the new PS3 include:
PS3 system software update version 3.00


Concurrently with the release of new PS3, system software will be upgraded to version 3.00 on September 1. The update adds various user-friendly features such as the “What’s New” screen, where users can quickly browse the new items available in PlayStation Store as well as their recently played games directly on the XMB™ (XrossMediaBar), with short cuts to each piece of content. PS3 will evolve continuously with the system software updates, further improving the operability and enhancing the user experience available through the network. PS3 owners will be able to enjoy new features by simply updating the PS3 system software to version 3.00 via the “System Update” function on the XMB*3.
BRAVIA Sync Feature

The new PS3 system is also equipped with the BRAVIA Sync feature. By connecting the new PS3 system and a BRAVIA TV with the HDMI cable, users are able to directly operate the XMB on PS3 using the TV remote control. Other functions include “System Standby” that will automatically turn off the PS3 system when the BRAVIA TV is turned off*4.
“Vertical Stand” for new PS3 (CECH-2000 series)

By utilizing the separately sold “Vertical Stand”, users will be able to set the new PS3 in vertical position*5, making it easier to place the PS3 system anywhere at home. The vertical stand will become available in Japan on September 3, 2009, at a RRP of 2,000 yen (including tax) and in North America at US$24*6.
Removal of “Install Other OS” feature

The new PS3 system will focus on delivering games and other entertainment content, and users will not be able to install other Operating Systems to the new PS3 system.

Along with a vast line-up of attractive and exciting entertainment content with the new PS3 system, SCE will continue to further expand the PS3 platform and create a new world of computer entertainment.

*1 Number as of end July 2009. Content within PlayStation Store will differ by region, please refer to the official PlayStation.com site for further details.

*2 Includes PS one classics and free of charge content (downloadable demos).

*3 Users will need to connect their PS3 to the network to use the function.

*4 Users will need to use BRAVIA TV that supports the BRAVIA Sync feature. For further information about BRAVIA Sync, please refer to the official Sony site in each region.

*5 Users will need to use the separately sold “Vertical Stand” to set the new PS3 in vertical position.

*6 Release date of the vertical stand for North America will be announced when available. Release date and price of the vertical stand for Europe/ PAL territories and Asian countries and regions will be announced when available.

Product Outline

PlayStation®3 (CECH-2000A)

Product name
PlayStation®3

Product code
CECH-2000A (Charcoal Black)

CPU
Cell Broadband Engine™

GPU
RSX

Audio output
LPCM 7.1ch, Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby TrueHD, DTS, DTS-HD, AAC.

Memory
256MB XDR Main RAM, 256MB GDDR3 VRAM

Hard disk
2.5” Serial ATA
120GB *1

Inputs/
Outputs*2

Hi-Speed USB
(USB 2.0)
2

Networking
Ethernet (10BASE-T, 100BASE-TX, 1000BASE-T) × 1
IEEE 802.11 b/g
Bluetooth® 2.0 (EDR)

Controller
Wireless Controller （Bluetooth®）

AV output
Resolution
1080p, 1080i, 720p, 480p, 480i　(for PAL 576p, 576i)
HDMI OUT connector*3
AV MULTI OUT connector
Digital out (optical) connector

BD／DVD／CD
drive (read only)
Maximum read rate
BD × 2 (BD-ROM)
DVD × 8 (DVD-ROM)
CD × 24 (CD-ROM)

Power
AC 220 – 240, 50/60Hz*4

Power consumption
Approx. 250W

External dimensions
(excluding maximum projecting part )
Approx. 290 × 65 × 290 mm (width × height × length)

Mass
Approx. 3.2kg

Included *5
PlayStation®3 system × 1
Wireless Controller (DUALSHOCK®3) × 1
AC power cord × 1
AV cable × 1
USB cable × 1

*1 Hard disk capacity calculated using base 10 mathematics (1 GB = 1,000,000,000 bytes). System software versions 1.10 and later calculate capacity using binary mathematics (1 GB = 1,073,741,824 bytes), which will display lower capacity and free space. A portion of hard disk capacity is reserved for system administration, which varies depending upon system software version, and is not available for use.

*2 Usability of all connected devices is not guaranteed.

*3 "Deep Colour" and "x.v.Colour (xvYCC)" defined by HDMI ver.1.3a are supported.

*4 Power changes depending on countries or regions.

*5 For certain regions, Euro-AV cable will be included.

Note: This product is not compatible with PlayStation®2 games.

New Logo

Vertical Stand (CECH-ZS1)

Product name
Vertical Stand

Product code
CECH-ZS1

Included
Vertical Stand （CECH-ZS1） × 1
External dimension
Approx. 88 mm x 18 mm x 260 mm (width × height × length)
Mass
Approx. 115g
Supports
CECH-2000 series

*The “Vertical Stand” is for the new PS3 system (CECH-2000 series) and cannot be used on the current model.

Kalypso Media plan to unveil M.U.D. TV, the crazy Television show on PC in February 2010

M.U.D. TV (Mad Ugly Dirty Television) pays homage to the ultimate game classic of traditional game development: MadTV!

In M.U.D. TV, you will take over the position of a programme director at a small TV station. Build up and extend your offices, hire staff, actors or directors and produce your own films, television series or shows.

But be careful: your competitors will be alert and on your tail!

Watch out, some of your adversaries will be pleased to rip you up and see you fail. You’ll not only have to argue with your detested competitors about market shares, but also expect them to sabotage your plans in the dirty business of television.

Play against your clever team-mates for market share, or fight in the multi player mode against other TV-junkies. In the co-op mode, you can build up your television channel with a friend.

M.U.D. TV has been developed for Kalypso by Realmforge Studios in Munich, who developed the multiple award winning adventure game Ceville in February 2009. One year after their debut game it’s time for MAD UGLY DIRTY TELEVISION - February 2010!

Total War Lives the Legend in Napoleon: Total War video game on PC - with video

SEGA announce Napoleon: Total War, the first in an all-new story driven branch of The Creative Assembly’s multi award winning Total War RTS franchise. Napoleon: Total War will keep the franchise’s genre-leading 3D battles on land and sea. The turn-based campaign is split into three different story-driven campaigns, telling the story of the rise and fall of Napoleon Bonaparte through his most famous battles.

Tripwire publishing Killing Floor in North American retail for PC

Tripwire Interactive is delighted to announce that we will now be self-publishing, starting with the retail version of our own Steam hit zombie co-op shooter – Killing Floor. Tripwire will be the publisher for Killing Floor in North American stores, with the boxes due for shipping to retail outlets in USA and Canada shortly. As always with Tripwire titles, the retail version will be fully supported going forward with additional free updates for the game. MSRP will be $19.99 in the USA.

About the game

Killing Floor is a Co-op Survival Horror FPS taking place in the devastated cities and countryside of England, after a series of cloning experiments for the military goes horribly wrong. You and your friends are members of the military and police, dropped into these locations with a simple mission: survive long enough to cleanse the area of the failed experiments. The only problem is, these “experiments” aren’t waiting to be taken out – they’re coming for YOU!

Key features:

• Co-op game mode for up to six players obliterating multiple waves of specimens
• Persistent Perks system, allowing players to convert their in-game achievements into permanent improvements to their character’s skills and abilities
• Over 40 Steam Achievements, including “Dignity for the dead” for killing 10 enemies feeding on dead teammates’ corpses and “Hot Cross Fun” for finishing off 25 burning enemies with a Crossbow.
• Watch those crucial and violent creature deaths in slomo “ZEDtime”, even in multiplayer
• Solo game mode for offline play
• 9 different monster types trying to eat your face off, armed with everything from teeth and claws, through to chainsaws, chainguns and rocket-launchers
• 14+ weapons for the players to chose from, ranging from knives and fire-axes up to pump shotguns, rifles and a flamethrower. Add in a welder, medical tools and body armor to help the players survive
• Players choose which Perks to play with, so they can best balance out a co-op team to survive the horrors
• Open, non-linear play areas: choose when and where to fight – or run; weld doors closed to try and direct the monster horde
• Fully-configurable, allowing players to change things as simple as the difficulty level or number of creature waves, or go so far as to set up their own favorite waves of monsters
• Includes SDK for the creation of new levels and mods

bitComposer Games secures worldwide rights to S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Call of Pripyat

bitComposer Games has secured the worldwide rights to S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Call of Pripyat, the next first-person shooter from Ukrainian developer GSC Game World and follow-up to the highly successful S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Shadow of Chernobyl. The internationally successful S.T.A.L.K.E.R. series has sold over 2 million copies, and the newest episode seamlessly connects to Shadow of Chernobyl. The release of S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Call of Pripyat for Windows PC is scheduled for Fall 2009.

S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Call of Pripyat takes PC gamers once again into the deadly area surrounding the Chernobyl nuclear reactor explosion of 1986. Cordoned off by the military, this highly contaminated “Zone” is scoured by treasure hunters known as s.t.a.l.k.e.r.s, who search the irradiated lands for unique artifacts. In the role of Agent Alexander Degtyarev, the player must go undercover as a s.t.a.l.k.e.r., investigating the mysterious disappearance of five military helicopters while standing against various s.t.a.l.k.e.r. groups.

Using the time-tested X-Ray graphic engine developed by GSC, S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Call of Pripyat skilfully combines first-person shooter action with role-playing elements in a realistic post-atomic world. The grim realities of this deadly environment are underscored by the many desolate industrial ruins, reproduced using aerial pictures and the developers’ own photographs. Mutants, s.t.a.l.k.e.r. groups, and lethal anomalies are everywhere, posing a constant threat to the player. The thrilling story is advanced through numerous quests, taking gamers through such diverse areas as a secret military base, the Jupiter factory site, and the titular city of Pripyat. The player decides how far to explore and which tasks they undertake – freedom determines the gameplay. Other s.t.a.l.k.e.r. groups respond to the player in a friendly or hostile manner, depending on the group to which they belong. In this ever-dangerous world, the player is supported by various weapon systems and upgrades, as well as several types of equipment.

“With S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Call of Pripyat, we have another high-profile title in our portfolio,” says Wolfgang Duhr, director of bitComposer Games. “The fact that we could assert ourselves against internationally established publishers shows the trust placed in us by GSC. Together with GSC and our distribution partners, we want to continue the success of the series so that we can build on this foundation in the future.”

“We're anticipating a very successful international release for Call of Pripyat and are happy to work with bitComposer Games to bring this next chapter of S.T.A.L.K.E.R. to PC gamers around the world,” says Sergiy Grygorovych, CEO of GSC Game World.

Become a Football Expert with RTL Sports: "Football Genius – The Ultimate Quiz" Set to Kick-off on Xbox LIVE Arcade

RTL, under the label RTL Sports, announced today that Football Genius – The Ultimate Quiz is due to be released for Xbox LIVE Arcade in the autumn of 2009, and will be available worldwide from Xbox LIVE Marketplace. Whether you call it soccer or football, Football Genius – The Ultimate Quiz promises a sociable multiplayer experience that focuses on the world's most popular sport.

Football Genius – The Ultimate Quiz gets underway with a brilliant kick-off that incorporates more than 3,500 different questions and six football packs with reference to football leagues around the world including, English, French, German, Italian, and Spanish. The quiz allows for up to four players to compete for the best score with subjects ranging from general football trivia to true insider questions, testing players' knowledge of all things related to the vast world of football.

Virtual Football enthusiasts will have no trouble keeping up with their favorite sports figures with the various game varieties. Play against the clock in "Kick-Off" mode, or risk it all in "Foul Play" - football fans get to experience far more than just 90 minutes' worth of fun, and test their sports knowledge in nine different game modes with sensational features.

Beginners and advanced players will be able to turn pro online or offline as Football Genius – The Ultimate Quiz provides plenty of entertainment for the whole family. The quiz supports Xbox 360 Buzzers for a genuine stadium atmosphere in the players' own living rooms.

Football Genius – The Ultimate Quiz was developed by South-African studio I-Imagine Interactive. Located in Johannesburg, I-Imagine Interactive is the first independent developing studio on the African continent. In 2000, I-Imagine Interactive was the first developer worldwide to be accepted into the Microsoft Incubator promotion program in order to develop a stunt racing title for Xbox.

To learn more about RTL Interactive or its products, please visit http://www.rtlsports-games.de.

Xbox, Xbox 360, Xbox LIVE, and the Xbox logos are trademarks of the Microsoft group of companies and are used under license from Microsoft.

World Embraces New Tales of Monkey Island Series, Making it the Best Performing to Date for Publisher Telltale

Tales of Monkey Island, the new five episode adventure from Telltale Inc, has triumphantly set sail toward the open seas. Based on the beloved adventure series starring Mighty Pirate Guybrush Threepwood, Tales of Monkey Island delivers the first new Monkey Island storyline in nine years. This series of maritime escapades has proven a tremendous hit with seadogs and landlubbers alike (otherwise known as 'critics' and 'consumers' for the nautically challenged.) The auspicious debut of Tales of Monkey Island makes it the best performing series to date for Telltale, which recently commemorated its fifth anniversary. The first chapter "Launch of the Screaming Narwhal" quickly catapulted to the No1 position on the top 20 WiiWare service popularity charts in multiple regions around the world for the weeks of August 3rd and August 10th and also secured the No1 slot on the Top Seller's list for Steam's online channel in its launch week.

Tales of Monkey Island Chapter 2: "Siege of Spinner Cay" will launch for PC on August 20th with the WiiWare edition following shortly thereafter. The five-chapter series can be purchased for $34.95 on PC at www.telltalegames.com and the WiiWare games are available from the Wii Shop Channel.

"We're happy to see that Tales of Monkey Island has captured the interest of longtime fans and new customers who can appreciate a great game when it comes across their horizon," said Telltale CEO Dan Connors.

Tales of Monkey Island Chapter 1 has been very well received by the media:

The Onion AV Club: A well-deserved fresh of breath air puts more wind in the sales of a beloved franchise.

Chicago Sun times: Grossman and the rest of the Telltale Games team have succeeded in creating a fun and funny point-and-click adventure that recalls the gameplay of the heyday of the original series. The cliffhanger ending should leave you on the edge of your seat for next month's installment.

GamesRadar: Easily Telltale's best game so far, and the funniest comedy adventure in ages.

In the tradition of classic movie serials, Tales of Monkey Island will unfold over five months, with each chapter raising the stakes on Guybrush Threepwood's quest to eradicate an insidious voodoo pox, reunite with his wife and vanquish his arch rival LeChuck. The story deepens through interweaving threads in each chapter building to surprising twists in the grand finale coming this fall!

Tales of Monkey Island Siege of Spinner Cay video game out August 20th

Tales of Monkey Island, the new five episode adventure from Telltale Inc, has triumphantly set sail toward the open seas. Based on the beloved adventure series starring Mighty Pirate Guybrush Threepwood, Tales of Monkey Island delivers the first new Monkey Island storyline in nine years.

This series of maritime escapades has proven a tremendous hit with seadogs and landlubbers alike (otherwise known as 'critics' and 'consumers' for the nautically challenged.) The auspicious debut of Tales of Monkey Island makes it the best performing series to date for Telltale, which recently commemorated its fifth anniversary. The first chapter "Launch of the Screaming Narwhal" quickly catapulted to the #1 position on the top 20 WiiWare service popularity charts in multiple regions around the world for the weeks of August 3rd and August 10th and also secured the #1 slot on the Top Seller's list for Steam's online channel in its launch week.

Tales of Monkey Island Chapter 2: "Siege of Spinner Cay" will launch for PC on August 20th with the WiiWare edition following shortly thereafter. The five-chapter series can be purchased for $34.95 on PC at www.telltalegames.com and the WiiWare games are available from the Wii Shop Channel.

"We're happy to see that Tales of Monkey Island has captured the interest of longtime fans and new customers who can appreciate a great game when it comes across their horizon," said Telltale CEO Dan Connors.

Captain Rex introduces the upcoming release of Star Wars The Clone Wars: Republic Heroes with a rocket show!

Attendees at this morning’s opening ceremony of the gamescom expo, Cologne were treated to an extraordinary spectacle featuring the ‘rocketman’, aka Captain Rex as the focal point of the event.

Dressed as Rex from popular Star Wars: The Clone Wars TV series, the high octane ‘rocketman’ soared to commemorate the opening of the first ever gamescom expo and the highly anticipated release of Lucas Arts’ Star Wars The Clone Wars: Republic Heroes.

Star Wars The Clone Wars: Republic Heroes allows players to fight as both Jedi Knights and Clone Troopers through over 30 unique missions, all created incorporating the same ground-breaking, stunning visual style from the TV series. Featuring a brand-new storyline, players will get the chance to take part in the key events that lead directly into the highly anticipated second season of Star Wars: The Clone Wars. Jedi characters can slice and dice their way through countless enemies, commandeer droids and show off their combat prowess on foot and in a variety of vehicles.

The title is slated for release this October for the Microsoft Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system, PlayStation 3 computer entertainment system, Wii, PSP (PlayStation Portable) system, Nintendo DS and PC.

More information about the game can be found at the official website, http://www.clonewarsgame.com.