The 11th Expansion for PoxNora video game is Now Available

Sony Online announce the launch of Broodcall, the 11th PoxNora expansion. The Broodcall storyline introduces players to eight new dragons, powerful new runes and an Avatar level cap increase.

“With Broodcall we’re introducing a new storyline with eight faction-specific dragons for players to add to their battle groups,” said Dan Kopycienski, director of development for SOE Tucson. “As the popularity of PoxNora continues to grow with more players jumping on board every day, it’s exciting that we are able to provide new and returning players with fresh and engaging content.”

About Broodcall
In Broodcall, the peoples of Valdac have fallen victim to a dreadful plague that changes the inhabitants into monstrosities, and the arrival of dragons threatens to plunge the entire world into a never-ending abyss of fire and ash.

Broodcall Features:
• 72 New Runes – Broodcall introduces 72 powerful new runes to PoxNora, including 40 champions, eight of which are brand new dragons that have come to the aid of their factions in the ongoing war.
• More Experience – Broodcall will expand the Avatar’s level cap to 30 making them even more powerful, just in time to meet the new dragon menace!
• New Relics, Spells and Equipment – A strong Battle Group doesn’t depend upon units alone and Broodcall introduces a host of new supplemental runes to help you turn the tide in a fierce melee.
• New Campaign – Broodcall introduces one new campaign with four encounters, which thrust players into the dragon storyline.
• Trader Update – The trade system will be more streamlined for our advanced and newer users. This includes a new feature, Quick-Trade, that allows trade creators to state their ideal bid for the trade, and if a bidder fills the request the trade is completed instantly.
• Premium Membership – Warbanner Rentals will now be included with Premium memberships in Broodcall. The new feature will allow premium members to use any of the eight warbanners, unlimited, while a member. Once the player chooses to stop their membership s/he will lose access to the warbanners.

Sequel to Peggle video game will bring Exclusive Multi player Features and Great New Gameplay to XBox LIVE Arcade in Expansion Pack

PopCap Games, the leading developer and publisher of broadly appealing video games, today announced the upcoming launch of Peggle Nights on the Xbox LIVE Arcade (XBLA) online service of Microsoft’s Xbox 360 video game console.
Tuned specifically for the XBLA player, Peggle Nights is an expansion for the original Peggle (XBLA) and includes all the levels and challenges from the PC and Mac versions of Peggle Nights – along with the ability to play all the new Nights content in the exclusive multiplayer modes found only on XBLA. The Peggle Nights expansion pack will be available for download exclusively on Xbox LIVE this Autumn.

Peggle Nights is the top-selling follow up to the award-winning game franchise, Peggle, whose XBLA version quickly became a fan favorite of Xbox LIVE Arcade players earlier this year. Peggle Nights will feature all the great gameplay of the original PC version as well as the ability to battle friends and foes, and compare Peggle prowess in the 4-player Peg Party and 2-player Duel modes, the only online multiplayer modes available in any of the many Peggle adaptations to date.



Features in the Peggle Nights expansion pack for XBLA will include:

- 60 new Peggle Nights levels for multiplayer over Xbox LIVE and all single player/local modes
- Peggle Nights Adventure mode (60 levels), including the Nights story
- 60 new Peggle Nights Challenges
- A new Peggle Master, Marina
- Peggle Nights trophy room
- Peggle Nights adventure statistics
- New style shots from Peggle Nights PC (available as title upgrade for all Peggle XBLA players)
-Three new Xbox 360 achievements worth a total of 50 gamerscore, bringing Peggle up to a total of 250 gamerscore.

“The addictive and fun gameplay of the Peggle franchise translates extremely well when tuned for the XBLA platform,” noted Sukhbir Sidhu, co-creator of Peggle and studio chief at PopCap. “Since launching earlier this year, Peggle for XBLA earned top awards from industry critics while taking full advantage of the XBLA multiplayer format to deliver an incredible gamezplay experience. Peggle Nights essentially doubles the size of the Peggle XBLA universe for players everywhere.”

Deponia a New Adventure Game from the makers of edna and Harvey The breakout and The Whispering World

German developer and publisher Daedalic Entertainment has revealed the first images of Deponia. The newly announced adventure game comes from the acclaimed team behind the forthcoming Edna & Harvey: The Breakout and The Whispered World.

Deponia is a fast-paced comedy of errors and one of the most unusual love stories in gaming history. The twist-filled story takes its off-beat characters all over trash planet Deponia, a unique game world in the style of Douglas Adams, Terry Pratchett and Matt Groening. From Kuvaq, an improvised village built inside a giant trash heap, to the swimming black market and the dark corners of the elevated planetary railways: Deponia is brought to life with detailed hand-painted backgrounds in widescreen format and top-quality cartoon animation.

Rufus is not a pleasant guy. Ill-tempered and entirely too convinced of his own greatness, he lives at the edge of a small settlement somewhere in the most remote sector of the garbage-covered planet Deponia. He dreams of a better life in the floating cities of wealth and beauty high above the planet surface. When the angelic Goal falls from these privileged spheres down into a neighboring trash heap, Rufus sees his chance. He decides to bring the unconscious beauty back to her home. Only a vague hope of making it off Deponia at first, he soon formulates an unscrupulous plan, as he learns that he is a dead ringer for Goal’s upper-class husband. The planned handover is only the beginning of a wild chase across Deponia full of twists, turns and mystifying mix-ups…

Deponia is currently being developed for the PC and additional platforms.

http://www.daedalic.de

Massive Dynasty Warriors, Samuri Warriors, crossover Warriors Orochi 2 out now on PlayStation Portable (PSP)

WARRIORS OROCHI 2 for PSP (PlayStation Portable) system ships to North American retailers

KOEI announce that WARRIORS OROCHI 2 for PSP (PlayStation Portable) system has shipped to North American retailers.

With WARRIORS OROCHI 2, KOEI reunites its two biggest franchises, DYNASTY WARRIORS and SAMURAI WARRIORS for the sequel to its hit Tactical Action game. Jam-packed with 96 playable characters, WARRIORS OROCHI 2 transports gamers to Imperial China and to Feudal Japan where they will do battle against a venomous overlord and his menacing legions.

WARRIORS OROCHI 2 comes with exclusive content for PSP® system including: new playable characters, new scenarios, and even a Japanese voice option.

Learn more about WARRIORS OROCHI 2 for PSP system on the official product minisite at koei.com/wo2psp. Also visit “Warriors Orochi 2 Dedicated” at koei.com/wo2dedicated to download music tracks and over a dozen specially-modified high-resolution movie clips to create your own WARRIORS OROCHI 2 fan video.

Gamers can order the game now from Amazon, Best Buy, Game Crazy, GameFly, and GameStop.

About WARRIORS OROCHI 2
Shattering time and space, the venomous Serpent King Orochi kidnapped history’s greatest warriors in a scheme to test his might. The heroes eventually defeated Orochi and his menacing army. Now the slain Orochi lies in the netherworld, and a mysterious alliance is hatching a plan to resurrect Orochi.

With four different storylines featuring characters from SAMURAI WARRIORS and DYNASTY WARRIORS, WARRIORS OROCHI 2 includes three new game modes: Dream, VS and Survival, as well as “Tag Team”-style matches that pit fighters in head-to-head arena combat.

A star-studded lineup boasts 96 playable characters including the massive boar-like Gyuki and the faceless Dodomeki. New playable characters exclusive to the PSP system include the graceful San Zang and the warrior-monk Benkei.

New features exclusive to the PSP system also include: 2-Player VS mode plus Co-op play in Story, Free and Dream modes, 12 new scenarios in Dream mode, and a Japanese and English voice option.

WARRIORS OROCHI 2 for the PSP system is developed by KOEI Canada and based on an original work by Omega Force. Play is for 1 to 2 players. Multi-player play is via ad-hoc wireless only. This game is rated “T” (Teen – Mild Suggestive Themes, Violence) by the ESRB.

Parachute Panic iPhone video game passes 1 Million Downloads now update v1.2...

Major Update v1.2 Submitted, to Apple App Store and includes Scoreloop's Mobile Social Technologies.

Parachute Panic became a single success story since its launch on the iTunes App Store on 05/29/2009.

Within 2 weeks it became a blockbuster iPhone arcade‐game, selling more than 100,000 copies.

It reached the No1 Top paid (all apps) position in 4 countries and No6 Top paid app in the US Apple App Store. After the launch of the free, Lite version on 08/05/2009, Parachute Panic quickly returned to the Top 100 paid games list in numerous countries.

More detailed statistics:
Parachute Panic Lite: Among Top 100 Free Games in 42 countries
Paid Version: Among Top 100 Paid Games in 28 countries

Both versions sum up to a whopping 1 million downloads and growing and still selling thousands of paid copies/day. In celebration of the tremendous success, FDG recently submitted a major update, which should go live in the Apple App Store in just a few days:

Parachute Panic v1.2 is submitted, with Scoreloop’s social technologies:
‐ Online High Scores, separated into EASY/NORMAL mode scores
‐ Buddy Lists with direct friend invitation (invited from contacts, email or Facebook)
‐ Live player Challenges feature with Push Notifications

Additionally in Parachute Panic v1.2 players will experience:
‐ Enhanced Music Options
‐ Win back lives!
‐ Upgrade permanent lives to 10
‐ New Bonus: Collect fishes
‐ Accelerate movements with a double swipe

Besides the tremendous game play upgrade, v1.2 makes use of the highly advanced Scoreloop SocialGaming SDK (software development kit). FDG and Scoreloop add to the overall game play experience by offering social networking features that connect people.

“We’re all big fans of Parachute Panic. Scoreloop is behind the scenes driving game discovery as players add friends to buddy lists and challenge them. We’re helping to make the game even more addictive, “ said Marc Gumpinger, Scoreloop CEO.

About the game:
Parachute Panic is a casual game that requires you to successfully land a host of parachutists into passing boats. Players must beware of imminent dangers such as helicopter blades, U.F.O´s, sharks and thunder clouds.

The unique drawing style and addictive game play gathered a lot of interest from gamers all around the globe and quickly captured their hearts. Who could withstand such a simple to play yet hard to master minute killer, offering beautiful hand drawn graphics, smooth animations, catchy a‐capella music and awesome sound effects in one inexpensive $0.99 app download.

The next instalment of Karaoke Revolution video game is underway

Konami has once again selected Blitz Games (a division of leading developer Blitz Games Studios) to bring its skill and experience to the original singing party game franchise: Karaoke Revolution. The new game in the series will be fully equipped with 50 new master recordings to sing along to on Xbox 360, PS3 and Nintendo Wii.

“Karaoke Revolution is special for a number of reasons,” says Project Director Mark Hardisty. “Not only was it the original console karaoke game but it now also features some great new customisation options for both characters and venues. Players can create avatars of themselves using our facial and body morphing technology and have total control over the way the stage look. We also have the original music videos that can be projected onto the customised stages as you sing along.”

Everyone will have the chance to sing along to their favourite tracks, with 50 completely new contemporary and classic hits to try out from licensed master recordings.

Become a singing sensation with a whole range of great new features:

• Players can choose between single player Career Mode and a newly expanded Party Mode, where you can set up parties for up to 16 players
• PS3 and Xbox 360 gamers will also have the option to play against up to eight other players or sing a duet with a friend online.
• There will be an option to create playlists in order to sing songs in succession; the player can select up to five songs to perform to or choose to play songs at random.
• All venues offer limitless customisation. Choose from a large selection of stages, props and lighting options to create the venue of your dreams.
• Players can create a virtual representation of themselves, including facial and body morphing,
• Xbox 360 and PS3 gamers can see themselves on the venue screens using the Xbox LIVE Camera or the Playstation Eye.
• Playstation 3 and Xbox 360 versions have the option to download more master tracks.

Look out for Karaoke Revolution on Nintendo Wii, Playstation 3 and Xbox 360 in Q4, 2009.

'Music' Video Game coming to the Nintendo DS

Music remains a major frustration for most of us. Only the bravest and those who could stand those boring and tough music lessons are now able to play music and live that unique experience. For the rest, you can still try to touch that feeling by playing a rhythm based video game and shaking a plastic guitar… but it will never sound the same.

But now with Music, a new edutainment game for the Nintendo DS coming out in October 2009, you could learn and play music in a fun and easy way! The game brings a serious music learning method on Nintendo DS developed by Shiro Tsuji. Shiro Tsuji is a famous Japanese musician, his book “Anyone Can Read Music!” and methods of teaching have been a real success in Japan!

“Music is the new smart training game for the DS,” said Emma Jenkins Product Manager, “for the first time you can learn to read and play music in a really fun & entertaining way.”

Key Features
• Smoothly learn the basics of the music theory with 21 lessons.
• Monitor your progresses and learning curve with regular quick tests.
• Work out your musicality and skills across a series of fun mini games designed to practice your sense of rhythm, your memory, your musical ear…
• Practice what you’ve learnt on virtual instruments (the piano, the drum…).
• Plan your learning and practicing through your coach calendar.

Music is coming out on Nintendo DS October 2009.

GameTap And Atari Renew And Expand Video Game Partnership

GameTap have announced the expansion of their distribution rights with long-time partner Atari. This new agreement grants GameTap rights to a selection of Atari’s stellar Windows games. The deal also renews GameTap’s rights to distribute Atari’s classic console and arcade catalog. Atari’s games will be available through GameTap’s games-on-demand service and digital retail store.

Atari’s unique heritage brings with it an impressive catalog of titles that span decades of gaming history; combine that history with GameTap’s tradition of chronicling games both old and new and players have a match made in heaven. From Atari’s earliest successes in the arcade, to their most recent PC hits, GameTap celebrates the full breadth of Atari’s legacy.

A few examples of the new games headed to GameTap via this arrangement:

• Alone In The Dark (2008)
• Indigo Prophecy
• King’s Bounty
• Master Of Orion Series
• Neverwinter Nights Series
• Test Drive Unlimited
• The Witcher
• Arma Combat Operations

“Our users have been begging for a number of these titles…” said GameTap’s community manager Matt Marchini. “it’s great delivering games I know they’re going to love.”

“We are excited to extend our current relationship and grow Gametap’s catalog of Atari titles,” said Todd Shallbetter, Director of Royalties, Atari, Inc. “Gametap continues to be an important partner for Atari in the growing digital distribution landscape.

'Safar'Wii' Video Game Announced!

You have been given the opportunity of a lifetime to explore a new island, Animal Island. As a photographer for ‘Animal News’ you will be given assignments to take photographs of the islands inhabitants, and experience them up close and personal.

“Safar’Wii makes your dreams of getting close to wild animals a reality,” said Emma Jenkins Product Manager, “it gives kids the chance to interact with animals, see them in their natural habitats and learn about them in an exciting and fun way.”

With 21 different species, take the perfect picture as you travel around the island. See lion cubs sleeping with their mother or a cheetah stalking its prey. As you carry out your assignments your relationship with the animals will grow. As you gain their trust, you’ll be able to do things like hug a panda or ride an elephant.

Learn more about the animals you have seen by saving them in your animal file, and create a photo album filled with the best pictures.

Wild animals to track, a mysterious island to explore & the opportunity to learn about all the animals – a real Safari adventure!

Safar’Wii is out in September for the Nintendo Wii.

Gamer Camp Seeks the Next Generation of Video Game Developers

Would-be game makers in the West Midlands are being offered the tantalising chance to develop and produce games for Apple’s phenomenally popular iPhone, as part of a four-week training course by Birmingham City University and Screen WM supported through Advantage West Midlands.

Gamer Camp, a Birmingham-based training course for aspiring games artists and programmers from both within and outside the ever-expanding industry, runs for five days a week between 16 November and 11 December 2009.

“Successful applicants will be given one week of professional training in either game programming or interface designing, followed by three weeks of mentoring in which they’ll work with other participants to produce their very own game for the iPhone,” says Rebecca Ashby, Commercial Project Manager at Birmingham City University’s Screen Media Lab.

iPhone games produced as a result of Gamer Camp will then be free for anyone in the world to download via the massively-popular iPhone store (publication subject to approval by Apple). Teams of budding game-makers also get to present their game to a panel of industry experts – including a representative from 4iP (a fund for interactive media projects with potential public good), at the culmination of the four weeks.

“Guy Wilday, who has many years experience in the games industry as a former Studio Director at SEGA Racing Studio and Head of Studio at Codemasters – responsible for the influential Colin McRae Rally series, will lead the training process,” adds Rebecca. “This will include separate workshops for coders and games artists, along with three evening masterclasses also open to people outside the course.”

Areas covered by the course include game design principles for mobile devices, an introduction to and advanced tuition in the iPhone software development kit, and cool tricks and optimisation techniques.

To be eligible for Gamer Camp, applicants must be based within the West Midlands region, and fit either the following programmer or games artist criteria.

Programming applicants should have, and be able to demonstrate:
• C programming skills
• Experience working with Windows, Mac OS or Linux API’s
• Must be able to present a game demo or design document for a game that demonstrates interest in sector

Games artists will cover interface design, focusing on user-experience, and should have, and be able to demonstrate:
• An ability to draw (e.g. character design, environment design, concept boards)
• 2D design skills
• Animation skills
• Must be able to present a game demo, folio, design document or application that demonstrates interest in sector

Places on this course are limited, so to apply, please:
Make a booking enquiry on the Gamer Camp course page found on www.ntibirmingham.co.uk/training

An application form will then be sent to you. Complete and return this form along with a CV and visual examples of previous work to rebecca.ashby@bcu.ac.uk by the deadline of 11th
September 2009

Shortlisted applicants will then be interviewed on one of the following dates; Tuesday 22, Wednesday 23 and Thursday 24 September 2009.