Limited Edition Race Wheel for F1 2009 - F1 Valencia Street video

F1 2009, the official game of the 2009 FIA FORMULA ONE WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP, is set to deliver an even more authentic experience for gamers as Codemasters announce that a limited edition Race Wheel accessory, styled after the steering wheel of a FORMULA ONE car, will ship with the Nintendo Wii edition in select territories†.



Images released today show the F1 2009 bundle box and the exclusive white Race Wheel, which the Nintendo Wii Remote slots into, enabling players to steer FORMULA ONE cars in the game like their heroes.

The news comes ahead of the 2009 FORMULA 1 TELEFÓNICA GRAND PRIX OF EUROPE in Valencia this coming weekend (August 23rd) and the circuit is featured in the first F1 2009 gamezplay video released today. Packed with race action from the Valencia street circuit, playable for the first time in F1 2009 complete with unique swing bridge, the Valencia video is available from www.formula1-game.com.

F1 2009 will offer a fully authentic FIA FORMULA ONE WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP experience with all the teams, drivers, cars and tracks from the enthralling 2009 season. Due for release this autumn, F1 2009 on the Nintendo Wii version will set new standards for racing immersion and authenticity while remaining accessible for the entire family and the PSP version will allow fans the opportunity to enjoy the world’s most thrilling and glamorous sport on the move.

Bomberman Live blasts 500,000 games onto Xbox LIVE - Classic Game Blows Up on Xbox LIVE Arcade

Bomberman LIVE, the classic multiplayer party game from Hudson Entertainment, the North American publishing arm of HUDSON SOFT, has now sold more than 500,000 copies on Xbox LIVE Arcade.

“We are awed by the enthusiasm and excitement of Bomberman fans everywhere,” says Sabine Duvall, Vice President of Digital Download at Hudson Entertainment. “Watching fans have fun with Bomberman and each other in this classic, fast-paced action game has been truly rewarding. The success of Bomberman LIVE is a testament to the longevity of the Bomberman series, which has entertained fans of all ages on nearly all platforms and continues to do so.”

Bomberman LIVE is an award-winning multiplayer game that 1UP.com says is “hectic and hilarious...the perfect LIVE Arcade title.” Bomberman LIVE was awarded "Best Overall Game" and "Best Competitive Multiplayer Game” by the Xbox LIVE Arcade Awards and won IGN.com’s Editor’s Choice Award.

In Bomberman LIVE, the frantic, explosive action is taken to the next level with gorgeous high definition graphics, 4-person local multiplayer and 8-person online multiplayer. Gamers can play online and prove that they really are the best in the world! In addition, Bomberman LIVE features character customizations, which allow players to personalize their Bomberman from thousands of possible combinations. Delivering an insane party game atmosphere, Bomberman LIVE gives everyone who picks up the controller the chance to bomb their way to victory.

Bomberman LIVE is now available for Xbox LIVE Arcade for 800 MS Points.

Uforia Inks to release Mercenary Wars, a free-to-play FPS for PC!

Uforia, announce its plans to publish the free-to-play, online military first person shooter, Mercenary Wars. Developed by NM Productions, Mercenary Wars is the next-generation of first person shooter games with its unique customization features and innovative stat system.
Mercenary Wars is scheduled for launch in September 2009. For more information and to register for updates visit the newly launched teaser website at: http://mercenarywars.uforia.com.

Unlike other first person shooter games available today, Mercenary Wars features a unique stat system that players can use to upgrade and customize their lifelike characters. The combat in the game is designed to feel very realistic, while also allowing players to adjust their speed, accuracy, and health stats. Mercenary Wars is set in the not so distant future in a world where order and society as we know
them are a thing of the past. The economies of the world have crashed and have been replaced with total chaos. New alliances have been forged and the world is now controlled by well-trained groups of mercenaries. Players must determine who to swear their allegiance to and fight side-by-side to the death, if necessary, in the quest to ensure becoming the new global powerhouse.

"We're excited to be working on Mercenary Wars with NM Productions", said JK Kim , CEO of Uforia. "Mercenary Wars is going to bring a whole new level of intense, in-depth play to FPS fans and is an exciting new addition to our current portfolio of MMORPGs."

Mercenary Wars will also feature an innovative Artificial Intelligence system where computer controlled "bots" can be used in several ways ranging from practice to enhancing game play. Via four difficulty modes, players can select their desired skill level no matter what their previous FPS experience might be. Other features include multiple gamezplay modes, a variety of character types and races,
extensive ranking system including more than 50 different character ranks and title, an expansive number of weapons and equipment available for character customization and a built-in player-to-player audio communication tool for enhanced real-world combat simulation.

MotoGP 09/10 all the riders, tracks and teams - Fact sheet

MotoGP 09/10 takes the series in an exciting new direction rewarding players for their racing style and skill on the track. Gamers will get all the riders, tracks and teams from the official 2009 MotoGP season AND free downloadable content from the 2010 season as it unfolds. The free update means gamers will be able to play the most up to date MotoGP season content earlier than ever before.

MotoGP 09/10 will feature an all new ‘Arcade’ mode where players must complete different race challenges before the time runs out. Time bonuses will be awarded for those who take risks on the track but losing concentration will mean you face time being deducted making this an exciting gameplay addition for racing game fans. Run out of time and your chances of living the MotoGP dream will be over.

Complementing Arcade mode is the introduction of a fully realised ‘Career’ mode which provides an expansion to the MotoGP experience. Players take control of their MotoGP championship both on and off the track competing in the races and managing their team as they try to build their career as a racing pro.

Gamers can compete in a full championship season across all three MotoGP bike classes and pit their skills against players around the globe with the robust online mode.

MotoGP 09/10 will include the following features:

- Brand new exciting gameplay modes that deliver the ultimate GP racing experience
- Ability to update the game with content from the 2010 championship as the season unfolds
- Compete against riders across the globe in online multiplayer mode
- Two player split screen allows you to compete against your friends
- Select from 125cc, 250cc and 800cc championships
- Realistic AI which emulates a true racing pack with different rider styles and pace
- Accessible handling for players of all levels to create an enjoyable racing experience
- 17 official circuits from the 2009 GP season

Release Date: March 2010
Genre: Racing
Platform: Xbox 360, PlayStation 3
Rating: TBC
Developer: Monumental Games
Publisher: Capcom

Resident Evil 5 video game in 3D for PC out in September - Fact sheet

Resident Evil 5 for Windows PC will release on September 15th, 2009 in North America and September 18th in Europe. PC gamers will get the ultimate Resident Evil package in the new PC version as new features will include NVIDIA’s new GeForce 3D Vision technology (wireless 3D Vision glasses sold separately), new costumes and a new and improved mercenaries mode with multiple times as many enemies than the console version.



Fans that pick up the PC version will be the first to experience stereoscopic 3D out of screen effects as their living rooms are transformed into the world of Kijuju. Infected Majini coming at
players from every angle, dust flying in and out of screen and the scariest bosses to date are taken up a notch . Resident Evil 5 PC is a whole new level of fear players will never forget.
The game also supports Stereoscopic 3D in all of its cut scenes – an industry first.

From the ashes of old conflicts, a new terror arises. The Umbrella Corporation and its crop of lethal viruses have been destroyed and contained. But a new, more dangerous threat has emerged. Years after surviving the events in Raccoon City, Chris Redfield has been fighting the scourge of bio-organic weapons all over the world. Now a member of the Bio-terrorism Security Assessment Alliance (B.S.A.A.), Chris is sent to Africa to investigate a biological agent that is transforming the populace into aggressive and disturbing creatures. Joined by another local BSSA agent, Sheva Alomar, the two must work together to solve the truth behind the disturbing turn of events. Featuring a revolutionary new co-op mode of gameplay, Resident Evil 5 will let players experience fear together as terror moves out of the shadows and into the light of day.

Co-producer and series veterans Jun Takeuchi (Lost Planet) and Masachika Kawata (Resident Evil 4 Wii Edition, Resident Evil: Umbrella Chronicles) unleash an unprecedented level of fear for the next generation in Resident Evil 5, the sequel to one of the highest-rated videogames in history according to Metacritic.com and Gamerankings.com. Promising to revolutionize the series by delivering an unbelievable level of detail, realism and control, Resident Evil 5 is certain to bring new fans to the series. These incredible changes to both the gameplay and world of Resident Evil make this a must-have game for gamers across the globe.

The Resident Evil series has sold over 40 million units since the original game was released in 1996 and has spawned a multi-million dollar trilogy of films from Sony Pictures. The latest instalment of the game, Resident Evil 5 promises to revolutionize the series just as Resident Evil 4 did.

Features
• Two Playable Characters – Chris Redfield, protagonist of the original Resident Evil and Resident Evil: Code Veronica, returns and is joined by new playable character Sheva Alomar, an African BSAA agent tasked with investigating the epidemic.

• Two Player Online Co-op – New cooperatively-focused gameplay revolutionizes the way that Resident Evil is played. Chris and Sheva must work together to survive new challenges and fight dangerous hordes of enemies.

• Next Generation of Fear – Features groundbreaking graphics that utilize an advanced version of Capcom’s proprietary game engine, MT Framework, which powered the hit titles Devil May Cry 4, Lost Planet and Dead Rising.

• “Quick-Select” Inventory System – Improved inventory system allows items to be traded between characters. To add to the intensity, all inventory management is done in real time; items can even be assigned to the directional pad for instant access.

• New Control Schemes – Features new modernized third-person action game control variations as well as the return of the traditional Resident Evil 4 control schemes.

• New Enemies Bring New Challenges – Enemies boast increased speed and intelligence, making them as dangerous alone as they are in groups.

• Powerful New Weapons – The number of weapon variations has been greatly increased providing new ways to keep enemies at bay.

• Fear Light as much as Shadow – Lighting effects provide a new level of suspense as players attempt to survive in both harsh sunlight and extreme darkness.

Release Date:
September 15, 2009 (US, Asia and Korea)
September 17, 2009 (Japan)
September 18, 2009 (Europe)
Genre: Survival Horror
Platform: PC
Rating: USK 18 / PEGI 18 / Mature / BBFC 18 / OFLC MA 15+
Developer: Capcom

Spyborgs video game - Team up and take charge! - Fact sheet

Spyborgs, Capcom’s hottest new thrill ride will be coming exclusively for the Nintendo Wii this year. Combining an extraordinary sci-fi world with action packed 2-player co-op, this original IP is a must-have Nintendo Wii title for action fans.

A cybernetically-enhanced group of super heroes is set-up to die by a former team member they trusted. When players take control of the weapon-enhanced cyborgs in their pursuit of the traitor, they will come together in 2-player co-op to face over 35 stages of mind-blowing challenges packed with epic boss battles and swarms of enemies that only a team of two can defeat!

In Spyborgs, players select two of the three Spyborg characters and use the motion-based Wii-remote to shoot, slash and pummel their way through hordes of mechanized enemies. Designed around the team experience, in single-player mode, players will be able to strategically jump back and forth from one member of the team to the other, rapidly tackling different challenges with their unique abilities.

With an in-depth two player co-op system, players will also be able to experience the frenetic fun with a friend. This advanced co-op feature utilizing the Wii-remote motion control provides Wii action fans with a dynamic and fresh approach to beat-em-up, brawler gameplay. Whether playing solo or with a pal, the more skilled you become, the more able to perform a variety of stylized co-op finishing moves to obliterate your enemies.

Using the most advanced technology on the Wii, Spyborgs is being developed by Bionic Games, a newly-formed development team comprised of former Insomniac Games and High Impact Games developers (known for their work on hugely popular franchises Ratchet and Clank and Resistance: Fall of Man).


Features:

• Stunning Graphics: Pushing the graphics capabilities of the Wii, Spyborgs will offer a variety of vibrant environments and detailed character models alongside action-packed gameplay.

• Extreme Co-Op: Designed around the 2-player co-op experience whether playing alone or with friends, single players can jump seamlessly between characters at any time to take advantage of their unique weapons and skills while friends can tag-team it to create crazy combos and finisher moves for the ultimate brawl.

• Brawler-style Gameplay: Action-packed, intuitive gameplay for all skill-levels.

• Robust combo system to master: Multiple character specific combos allow players to chain light and heavy attacks to increase their Combo/Power meters and unleash devastating “Finisher” moves and “Co-Op Finisher” moves.

• Upgradeable Attack System: Power-up by collecting “crimson spark” currency from defeated enemies and destructible environments to purchase upgrades.

• Instant Character Swap: Users can instantly switch between two characters mid-combat to utilize each character’s strengths.

• Cinematic Boss Battles: Epic, action-packed and absolutely thrilling battles featuring full-screen, dynamic and wickedly challenging bosses.

• Robust Achievement system: Similar to Xbox 360 and PSN, players are rewarded with an Achievement Title signifying their accomplishment. Taking it one step further, these Achievements also unlock bonus videos, concept art and new challenges in the game.

Release Date: September 25th 2009
Genre: Action Adventure
Platform: Nintendo Wii
Rating: PEGI 12+ / USK 12 / OFLC PG / BBFC PG
Developer: Bionic Games
Publisher: Capcom

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.