Scooby-Doo! First Frights video game on Nintendo Wii, Nintendo DS and PlayStation 2 - Fact sheet

In Scooby-Doo! First Frights, the complement to the upcoming live-action and CGI Warner Bros. DVD release Scooby Doo: The Mystery Begins, players take on the role of young Scooby-Doo and teenage versions of the newly formed Mystery, Inc. crew to solve their very first cases.

Scooby-Doo! First Frights is intended for Scooby-Doo fans of all ages. Fans will be able to explore spooky environments as Scooby, Shaggy or any of the super-cool teen Mystery, Inc. team. The action-adventure game features co-op play allowing two members of Mystery, Inc. to work together to solve puzzles, combat enemies, and collect clues before unmasking each episode’s mysterious villain - all while gaining prestige as world famous sleuths!

Once players have solved the mystery, they can return to completed levels in Explore mode with any unlocked character, costumed character or villain to access new areas. With ghosts and ghouls around every corner, high school has never sounded so fun!

PRODUCT FEATURES:

• Multiple Mysterious Environments: Featuring four all-new mysteries spread over more than 20 levels; explore the Phantom Cruise Ship, Haunted High School, Foreboding Castle and more!

• Sleuthing times Two: Switch between characters or play with friends at any time using two player co-op with easy drop-in, drop-out gameplay.

• Spooky Disguises: With access to a variety of spooky disguises, players can camouflage themselves in super-powerful costumes with new abilities unique to each character.

• Back to the Beginning: Become part of the Mystery, Inc. team and solve their first cases with hours of entertainment in Story or Explore mode.

• Solve Exclusive Mysteries: Each story has a new setting with a mysterious villain created specifically for the game. Collect clues and try to solve the mystery!

RELEASE DATE: Autumn 2009
PUBLISHER: Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment
DEVELOPER: Torus Games
PEGI RATING: 7
GENRE: Action Adventure Game
PLATFORMS: Nintendo Wii, Nintendo DS, PlayStation 2

Hasbro Family Games Night volume 2 Nintendo Wii video game - Fact sheet

Play your family in your very own Game Show in HASBRO FAMILY GAME NIGHT Vol 2!

All the excitement of a prime-time TV game show in your very own living room! With MR. POTATO HEAD as your host, you are guaranteed to have a thrilling night of family-friendly fun.

HASBRO FAMILY GAME NIGHT Vol 2 lets up to four players become contestants with a wide variety of fun and engaging party games. Win and collect parts for the coveted Golden Potato to become the ultimate game show champion!

* Sequel to the award winning HASBRO FAMILY GAME NIGHT
* Play Classic and all-new versions of your favourite Hasbro games
o OPERATION
o JENGA
o BOP-IT
o CONNECT 4x4
o PICTUREKA
* Play with your Nintendo Mii in the Hasbro Family Game Show!
* Customise MR. POTATO HEAD and earn new themes and trophies
* Friendly multi-player fun for up to four players

Organise your life with Winx Club! video game unique personal organiser based on ever-popular cartoon series

Konami has announced it will release Winx Club: Your Magic Universe, a stunning themed personal organiser for Nintendo DS, this September. The new release offers a clever taken on the hugely popular Winx Club series, and is certain to appeal to the series’ millions of ardent fans.


Winx Club: Your Magic Universe turns the user’s DS into a comprehensive diary/organizer, that is packed with fun sub-games and Winx Club secrets and information. Using the Enchantix characters from the third series of Winx Club, the easy to use organizer means users will never miss a birthday or important date ever again, and can access their complete friends list at the press of a button. Information on friends and personal information can also be stored, while the denizens of the Winx Club universe, their magical and amazing skills, are ever-present in the DS title’s menus and entertaining sub-games.

Using the stylus to navigate the menus, players can highlight special dates in their diary, while to-do or shopping lists can also be compiled, as can party invites, etc. Winx Club: Your Magic Universe also offers fun personality tests for the user and their friends, which can be used to compile definitive lists of likes and dislikes for future reference. Likewise, the information can be shared between friends with the DS game, while special postage stamps can also be created and also uploaded within the user’s social circle.

As befits Rainbow Spa’s top-rated TV show for girls, the fun and magical aspects of the Winx Club world is also on display in this enthralling title. The birthdays of the Winx girls are all programmed into the software, and special games and secrets are revealed on these special days. Likewise, each of the six girs has their own sub-game, which reflects their diverse personalities. Completing these rewards the user with unlockable pictures, while a special ‘Closet’ mode lets fans design special outfits for the girls, which can then be presented in a special catwalk show.

Face your Fears in Silent Hill Shattered Memories video game for Nintendo Wii PlayStation 2 and PSP

Konami explores the dark side of the player's mind by utilizing a new & innovative psychological profiling system in Silent Hill - Shattered Memories

Konami has released more details on the elaborate psychological profiling system at the heart of its new Silent Hill: Shattered Memories for Nintendo Wii, PlayStation 2 and PSP(PlayStation Portable).

While the new game borrows key plot and setting elements from the original PlayStation game, this re-imagining begins with a visit to a psychiatrist, who asks the player to answer a series of questions. From here on in, their every movement, reaction and response is monitored and the game tailored accordingly.

For instance, if a player dashes from location to location, the game will present different reactions from people and situations than if a more considered approach is adopted. Characters may appear more hostile, for example, and less willing to help with the game’s ongoing mystery of the hero’s missing daughter. Similarly, if the player comes across as overtly flirtatious or, at the other end of the scale, stand-offish and reserved, those they meet will dress differently, and also adjust their behavior.

This means that Silent Hill: Shattered Memories is a game that will be different for everyone who plays it. At its heart, the mystery of main character, Harry Mason’s missing daughter Cheryl remains, but the game is centered on the notion of family relations, and subtle plot elements and situations in the game outline a series of circumstances related to Harry’s plight.

During the game, an all-new bespoke Wii control system allows the user to fully interact with their surroundings, and explore the sprawling town of Silent Hill. A mobile phone doubles as a GPS unit, and can also be used to stay in touch with those you come to meet, and receive mysterious messages related to Cheryl’s disappearance. For the first time ever in the series’ history, Silent Hill is presented as a genuine location, inhabited by believable characters each driven by the evil undertones they live within.

The series’ renowned horror elements are delivered in nightmarish sequences, where the world around the player is gripped by ice, and where misshapen creatures – again inspired by elements from the player’s psychological profile – relentlessly chase and attack until the world unfreezes. This frozen nightmare can appear when least expected. Harry is unarmed, so is forced to use all his wits to escape his pursuers, which maximizes the suspense and feeling of helplessness, creating a truly unique horror experience.

Konami is also releasing Silent Hill: Shattered Memories for PSP® and PlayStation 2, both of which will feature a more familiar control system, but will include all the other additions mentioned. All three versions are being developed by Climax, the team behind the acclaimed Silent Hill: Origins for PSP® and PlayStation 2, and will also feature an all-new soundtrack by series composer Akira Yamaoka.

“From the very beginning, we planned to re-invent the horror-genre, getting deeper into the player’s minds and taking a new approach for videogames,” commented Tomm Hulett, Producer of Silent Hill Shattered Memories for Konami Digital Entertainment. “The development team took a long time studying all kinds of psychological elements, and created a unique system to monitor all player actions - even small things like how long an object is looked at. The result is a diverse experience, which adjusts itself all the way through the game and creates a story-driven experience like never before in any video game.”

Silent Hill: Shattered Memories will be released for Nintendo Wii, PSP (PlayStation Portable) and PlayStation 2 in Winter.

'Where The Wild Things Are' to be released this Fall on XBox 360, Nintendo DS and Wii!

Inspired by the highly-anticipated Warner Bros. theatrical release based on the best-selling children’s book by Maurice Sendak, Where the Wild Things Are lets players take on the role of Max as he journeys across the land of the Wild Things, which is on the brink of destruction. Max must join forces with the Wilds Things to find a way to escape to safety before it’s too late.

Where the Wild Things Are is a fun-filled adventure that takes players on a journey through the mysterious island of the Wild Things. Players assume the role of Max, “King of All Wild Things,” as they team up with the fearsome but loveable creatures. While journeying across their island, players learn amazing new skills and abilities. Solve action puzzles, overcome challenging obstacles, and play through a unique story narrative to uncover the mystery behind the hostile island and save the Wild Things before it’s too late!

At any time during the game players have the opportunity to explore the Wild Things’ Village and play through a variety of mini-games, interact with the creatures, and let their imaginations run wild! Where the Wild Things Are takes players on a unique and exciting journey beyond the movie, and brings to life one of the most beloved picture books of all time.

• Rule the Island - Play as the mischievous Max, become King of All Wild Things, and join The Wild Things in their quest to find a way to safety before it’s too late!
• Frolic in the Wild Things Village – Explore the Wild Things’ Village to meet all of the different creatures, play through mini-games, and acquire power-ups from each character.
• Make ‘Wild’ Friends - Befriend and team-up with these fearsome but loveable mythical creatures – discover their unique personalities and learn new skills and abilities from them.
• Discover the Undiscovered – Run, jump, climb, glide, fly and swing your way across the island’s dangerous terrain while battling fierce creatures with your trusty sceptre.
• Wander through Wild Worlds – Adventure across the mysterious island while tackling exciting unique worlds filled with fierce insects, shadow creatures and hazardous obstacles around every turn!
• Experience Extended Adventures – Go beyond the movie to play through a unique story narrative– exploring never-before-seen environments.
• Collectible Crusade – Search for more than 400 collectibles each associated with a Wild Thing. Collect enough and unlock special rewards inside the Wild Things Village!

Metal Gear Solid Peace Walker video game for PSP

Konami 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. “He will be there to meet his fans and elaborate on PeaceWalker’s new co-operative elements to all committed games players.”

The Race for the Crown of Albion Begins in Fable III video game exclusive on Xbox 360

Thrilling new adventure in the multimillion-selling "Fable" franchise, while introducing episodic distribution of "Fable II" only on Xbox LIVE.

Alexander the Great. Genghis Khan. Queen Elizabeth I. Che Guevara. Throughout history, revolutionary leaders have taken very different paths to power, bringing about prosperity and poverty, peace and sometimes anarchy to their people.



Now Microsoft Corp. and Lionhead Studios will explore the journey to rule, with you in pursuit of a kingdom, in “Fable III,” the exciting new game in the critically acclaimed “Fable” franchise. The title’s debut was confirmed today at gamescom in Germany by Peter Molyneux, Lionhead’s creative director, and will be available exclusively on Xbox 360 in the 2010 holiday season.

“Be not deceived. Revolutions do not go backward.” — Abraham Lincoln

Since its inception, the blockbuster “Fable” franchise has offered players the opportunity to choose their own destinies as a hero, villain or someone between, where the possibilities are limitless and the consequences can weigh heavily on the path to greatness. In this new adventure, players will witness tyranny, poverty and injustice plague their land. They will see a people divided, and they will be compelled to stand up for change. They will also be forced to answer a question: What would you sacrifice to secure the crown of Albion? Will you uphold the values and principles that led to your ascension, or will you be corrupted by the station you’ve strived to acquire? Will you be a monarch of the people, or bring the entirety of Albion to the brink of collapse?

“We’ve spent a lot of time at Lionhead thinking about how we can innovate the gameplay and progress the world of the ‘Fable’ games for its third chapter, and we’re confident that players won’t second-guess what we have planned for ‘Fable III,’” said Molyneux, who also serves as creative director of Europe, the Middle East and Africa for Microsoft Game Studios. “Though I can’t give too much away right now, players should expect to have to make much tougher choices with far wider consequences than ever before in Albion — and with many more interactive adventure elements.”

In the epic story of “Fable III,” the journey to rule the throne of Albion begins five decades after the events of the last chapter, and you play as the child of your hero from “Fable II.” As you rule your kingdom as king or queen, you will be called upon to make choices and sacrifices that will test your morality and can affect your entire kingdom. Themes of heroism, leadership and consequence are taken to a grand scale as you fight to unite a divided people.

“Fable II” in Single-Serving Sizes

While “Fable II” has become the best-selling role-playing game of all time on Xbox 360, there are some who still have not experienced the magic and adventures that await them in Albion. For those who have watched from the outside, unsure if they were hero material, a surprise awaits. Microsoft and Lionhead Studios are about to embark on a new journey with the episodic release of “Fable II” on Xbox LIVE. The launch of “Fable II: Game Episodes” will debut Sept. 29 with the release of the first episode for free download exclusively on Xbox LIVE.

In the first episode, players will experience childhood and the trials of being a young adult in the world of Albion. After completing the chapter, players have the choice to then purchase the next installment or the entire game (in select regions). “Fable II: Game Episodes” delivers the entire “Fable II” experience in five consecutive instalments, with all the Achievements, challenges and excitement of the disk-based game, as well as full compatibility with the previously released Game Add-ons, “Knothole Island” and “See the Future.” The episodes are also fully compatible with the disk-based, retail version of “Fable II,” allowing players to enter Albion and continue their story should they purchase “Fable II” at retail. All editions of the game offer cooperative play with friends on the same couch as well as on Xbox LIVE.*

“With the launch of Games on Demand on Xbox LIVE, we have a great tool in place to deliver classic titles in an incredibly convenient fashion,” said Phil Spencer, general manager of Microsoft Game Studios. “With the ‘Fable II’ episodic model, we’re encouraging people to experience the first chapter of the game for free, then move onto other chapters when they are ready. It’s a unique model and one that will appeal to gamers who’ve been hesitant to dive full into the original retail release.”

“Fable III” will deliver a sweeping, powerful story and new innovations in gameplay and Xbox LIVE functionality when it is made available in the 2010 holiday season, only on Xbox 360.

Six uniquely powerful, high-performing cars in Forza Motorsport 3 move the game into top gear

Whether fast conjures up images of limited production American muscle, advanced European supercar designs or purpose-built races cars, you’ll find a car to meet your tastes in “Forza Motorsport 3.”

In honor of Gamescom in Germany, we start this week’s reveal with the 2008 Audi A4 Touring Car and 2009 BMW M3 GT2 No92 Rahal Leterman Racing models. With its exotic arrangement of canards, side pod spoilers, ribbed rear wheel well fins and massive rear wing, the Audi A4 Touring Car is a master of down force. Weighing in at 2,100 pounds and featuring 476 horsepower, it goes without saying that this car can cover a lot of ground in very little time. Alternatively, Rahal Letterman Racing’s No92 ushered the return of BMW to the American Le Mans Series and it showed speed early, nabbing a runner-up in GT2 at its second race of 2009. This M3 sports 491-horses, tons of mechanical grip and 50/50 weight distribution. Handling the M3 GT2 through the turns will challenge most players but get it right and your lap times are destined to drop.

However, our tour through Europe would not be complete without a brief stop in Italy. However, instead of Ferrari, today we’re showcasing one of the most powerful, most expensive and rarest of all Lamborghinis, the Reventon. The 2008 Lamborghini Reventon is a full-tilt thrill ride that will leave even the gutsiest of drivers with a fevered brow and white knuckles. The car’s V12 unleashes 641 horsepower. It costs $1.4 Million, or 13 ZR1s, and only 20 were produced.

Speaking of Corvettes, the 2009 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 may cost less than many of its European counterparts but will still given them a run for their money at the track. With generous amounts of supercharged V8 power, carbon ceramic brakes and a barely detuned race suspension, the 638-horsepower ZR1 can hit speeds of more than 200 mph going from 0-100, that’s 100 not 60, in a mere 6.9 seconds.

We round out Volume 1 of our Manufacturer’s showcase series with a couple of highly regarded, high performance speedsters – the 1995 Nissan Skyline GT-R V-Spec and 1993 Ford SVT Cobra R. Built with the racer in mind, the 1993 Cobra R was a stripped of everything but the bare essentials. Larger brakes, stiffer coil springs, Koni shocks, larger anti roll bars, and a strut tower brace were added to increase performance. Only 107 1993 Cobra R models were ever produced making it one of the rarest, fastest, and most collectible Fox Body Mustangs of all time. Last but not least, the 1997 Nissan Skyline GT-R V-Spec rides lower than standard GT-Rs with race- tuned shocks and springs. Skyline GT-Rs have one of the biggest upsides on Forza 3 from a modification standpoint so consider effort in the tuning garage time well spent.

“Forza Motorsport 3” is rated PEGI 3+ and will be available on the 23rd October 2009.

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.