Hudson casts a Shadow on Nintendo Wii with The Tower of Shadow video game

Konami Digital Entertainment has announced it will release Hudson Soft’s innovative Nintendo Wii title, The Tower of Shadow, in Spring 2010.

At the heart of The Tower of Shadow lies a mystery. The player controls the shadow of a young boy. The shadow has one purpose in life: to scale the colossal tower that dominates the game’s skyline. He does not speak. Nobody knows who he is or how he came to be. He just climbs. And climbs.

But even a shadow must abide by certain rules, and thus the player must fulfill certain criteria as they help the shadow to climb the tower. First, the shadow can only walk on the thin line between shadow and light. While he is not affected by height or distance, he must always have a shadow foothold, and he will disappear if he is fully engulfed by either the dark or the light.

The Tower of Shadow introduces a number of new concepts to its platform game basis. Gravity, for instance, does not apply in normal ways. Instead, when the source of light in a stage is parallel to the ground, the shadow is pulled towards the light. Similarly, if the angle of the light changes, so the gravity also shifts as the shadow is extended or reduced.

The mysterious shadow is also accompanied by a winged sylph known as a ‘Spangle’, which can be used to manipulate physical items that the shadow boy cannot. As such, The Tower of Shadow (working title) mixes unique platform elements with a level of puzzling, with the Spangle giving support to the player. The combination of light and shadow creates a unique blend of game styles, with the shadow boy altering the shape of shadows so he can create walkways to previously inaccessible areas.

Along the way, The Tower of Shadow introduces a giant shadow that is in pursuit of shadow boy, and patrols the tower, alongside other assailants. With a number of tortuous levels to negotiate, The Tower of Shadow demonstrates Hudson Soft at its creative best. The sprawling levels are full of clever problems that force the player to challenge conventional ways to explore, and to use the varied abilities of the shadow boy and Spangle.

Race On Racing Simulation PC video game out in US

Viva Media announced that it signed a deal with the German publisher bitComposer Games for the pc game RACE ON. RACE On is the latest game in the successful racing simulation franchise from SimBin Studios which has earned more than 100 accolades and awards and sold more than 1,000,000 units worldwide.

With more than 21 racetracks in 47 variations and 39 unique car models in 17 different race categories the Swedish racing "supremos" have created the most comprehensive title in the series to date.

RACE ON features today's greatest performance cars, including the Chevrolet Camaro, Cadillac CTS-V, Dodge Charger Super-Bee and Challenger SRT8.

Viva Media CEO Carlo Voelker commented, "Gamers will be excited to take these amazing muscle cars around some of the best tracks in the world including Laguna Seca (CA) and Road America (WI)."

"I am glad to continue the successful cooperation with Viva Media on RACE On in the US as they have done excellent work on all the former products from SimBin." says bitComposer Managing Director Wolfgang Duhr, "RACE On will give players the most extensive racing game of all time on PC, and we aim to work closely with Viva Media to build on the success of the series."

The game is scheduled to roll into retail on September 15th.

Hideo Kojima presents new Peace Walker gameplay elements!

Konami Digital Entertainment has confirmed that development legend Hideo Kojima will appear at the gamescom event in Cologne to outline his ambitious plans for Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker.

Kojima will appear on stage at the event to detail new plot and gameplay elements for the PSP (PlayStation Portable) title, which acts as a direct sequel to Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater. The gamescom event will witness the unveiling of an all-new trailer for the game, while Kojima is planning to detail the first information on the game’s multi-player co-operative mode.

Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker is set in 1974 and boasts an all-new story penned by Kojima himself. Scheduled to launch in 2010, the game takes the series in an exciting new direction with incredible visuals that bring its many characters and set pieces to vivid life, and a unique new game system designed specifically for the PSP format.

The game is already being hailed as the most exciting PSP title in development. “gamescom is the most important show in the European calendar and we are extremely excited, that Hideo Kojima is attending this event,” explained Martin Schneider, European PR and Marketing Director at Konami Digital Entertainment GmbH. “He will be there to meet his fans and elaborate on PeaceWalker’s new co-operative elements to all committed games players.”

Pro Evolution Soccer 2010 (PES) video game unveils new 360-degree control system, and more key gameplay advances determined by fan requests

Konami Digital Entertainment has announced that PES 2010 will benefit from 360-degree control and further elevating the unrivalled realism of the title.

The announcement comes following Konami’s close contact with the global network of PES and football fans, who have played a key role in the development of the new game.

Via forums and feedback, the PES Productions team in Tokyo has canvassed opinion on elements fans hoped to see included in PES 2010, and 360-degree control was part of the long list.

360-degree control will be available on both the PLAYSTATION®3, Xbox 360 and PC-DVD versions of the game via the analogue sticks on the respective controllers. The system will allow players to spread the ball with ease, opening up new attacking and defensive possibilities. PLAYSTATION®3 owners will also benefit when using the Dual Shock’s D-Pad, but Xbox 360 and Win D-Pads are limited to eight-directional control due to technical limitations of the hardware.

Konami has also confirmed a number of similarly crowd-pleasing elements as requested by the fan base, including:

· Manual Goalkeepers: PES 2010 will be the only football title to offer users complete control of the keeper. Players can switch to their goalkeeper at any time, and will enjoy total control of his actions.

· New Goalkeeper Moves: Players can now perform quick under-arm throws to their nearest defender to get attacks rolling more quickly.　

· All-New Animation: Key animation related to dribbling, running, turning, etc, has been reworked and enhanced, creating a more natural and organic feel to the way players chase down balls, change direction and move around the pitch. The result is a more fluid and natural look to the game.　

· Fine-tuned Close Control: The PES Productions team has worked to improve trapping of the ball and basic close control elements, giving the user more ways to spread and move the ball around effortlessly.

· Manual Ball Request: The ability to demand the ball when running into space is now available to the player, and will be accessible in all game modes, such as multi-player, online, etc.　

· Simpler Skills: Moves such as feints, drag backs and upper body feints can be applied more naturally when taking on or trying to beat an opponent. The PES series has long been associated with clever flicks and tricks, and PES 2010 will boast the most to date.　

“The PES community has been an incredible asset in the development of PES 2010, and we can finally lift the lid on the many requests the team has been able to meet,” explained Naoya Hatsumi, Producer for PES Productions at Konami Digital Entertainment Japan. “We have strived to make the system work and coupled with the new AI and player elements in the game, it helps make PES 2010 a much richer and more realistic experience.”

“We cannot thank the PES community enough for their unerring support and constant stream of ideas,” commented Jon Murphy, PES European Team Leader. “They have offered a non-stop list of elements and options that has given the team so much to think about. As anyone can see, we are committed to making such things happen, and the addition of 360-degree control and extras such as the manual goalkeepers, being able to demand the ball, and all-new animation shows that the PES team are determined to make PES 2010 the greatest football title imaginable.”

PES 2010 will be released for PLAYSTATION 3, Xbox 360, PC-DVD, PSP (PlayStation Portable), PlayStation 2, Nintendo Wii and mobile phones in the autumn.

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.