NBA 2K10 Draft Combine Now Available for Xbox LIVE Arcade

Available for PlayStation Network on September 3

2K Sports today announced that NBA 2K10: Draft Combine , a download-only experience offering fans pre-season basketball excitement leading up to the launch of NBA 2K10 this fall, is now available for Xbox LIVE Arcade for the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft.

For the first time, NBA 2K10: Draft Combine will allow fans to create their own custom player and experience the on-court life of an NBA hopeful going through the NBA Draft Combine at the world-renowned ATTACK Athletics gym in Chicago.

NBA 2K10: Draft Combine will be available on the PlayStation Network for PLAYSTATION 3 computer entertainment system on September 3, 2009.

“We’re thrilled to provide this opportunity for fans to get an early taste of NBA competition before NBA 2K10 launches this fall,” said Greg Thomas, senior vice president of sports development for 2K. "They will be able to build their own custom player from over 300 different signature customizations, and later use them in NBA 2K10's all-new My Player career mode that will allow fans to continue their journey to become an NBA legend."

Features of NBA 2K10: Draft Combine include:
· Chicago Bulls’ Derrick Rose as spokesman.
· Building custom players and increasing their NBA stock through a variety of challenging basketball drills and 5-on-5 games.
· Over 300 different signature customizations, including player-specific shooting animations, and dunk and dribble packages to give each created player his own unique personal style.
· Ability to strengthen all parts of the created player's game through a variety of drills, such as shooting, post offense and defense, attacking the basket, dribbling, challenging shots, and boxing out for rebounds to progress through the NBA Draft Combine.
· Organized games that allow players to gain valuable skill points by offering a variety of specific in-game objectives to be accomplished. A full analysis will be available for gamers to review their player's performance and strategize further improvement.
· All players created in NBA 2K10: Draft Combine will wear a special patch on their uniform throughout the rest of that player's career to denote that they have completed the NBA Draft Combine.
· Online leaderboards to track the highest ranking custom built players, so fans can gauge how their player stacks up against the competition.
· Opportunity to unlock special achievements on Xbox 360 and trophies for PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system.
· Fans can take their custom built players from NBA 2K10: Draft Combine and use them in the all-new My Player career mode in NBA 2K10 launching this fall.

NBA 2K10: Draft Combine, developed by Visual Concepts, is now available for Xbox LIVE Arcade for Xbox 360 for 400 Microsoft Points in North America, Hong Kong, Singapore, Taiwan and India. The title will be available in North America and Korea on September 3, 2009 for the PlayStation Network for PLAYSTATION 3 system for $4.99.

Runes of Magic Patch 1.9 'Naga's Awakening' heralds second chapter

The Naga are back: After a thousand years of banishment, the snake-like beings have succeeded in passing through the magical wall which once kept them from human civilisation. The new content update ‘Naga’s Awakening’ doesn’t just tell the story of the start of the Naga invasion, but also at the same time marks the beginning of Runes of Magic’s second chapter, ‘The Elven Prophecy’.

Players can explore the ‘Weeping Coast’ right away. In this swamp territory adventurers will meet the Naga for the very first time. New quests tell the history of the region and ultimately lead to the bottom of the ocean. In the group dungeon ‘Heart of the Ocean’, alongside fish people and other ocean dwellers, there lurks a powerful leader of the snake-like beings, ready to seize unwary players. With ‘Naga’s Awakening,’ Frogster has also raised the level cap to 52.

The content update also expands Runes of Magic with more open combat, and a Public Encounter. In ‘Varanas Nightmare’, up to 150 players can step into nightmare world where the regional capital Varanas is in ruins and under siege by undead skeletons and nightmare beings. At the end of the three stage challenge for experienced player groups, there is an encounter with the Demon Lord himself – this is the first time that the eponymous fiendish lord of the first chapter makes an appearance.

Additional content from the second chapter, ‘The Elven Prophecy’, including the new Elven classes and NPCs, will be published in the second phase of the launch on 15 September.

Runes of Magic – A world full of magic and adventure
Runes of Magic has redefined the standard for free-to-play MMORPGs in terms of gameplay, fun and quality. The online role play game carries an exciting, multi-layered story, driven by more than 2,000 quests set in the atmospheric fantasy world of Taborea. To date, Runes of Magic has attracted more than 1.6 million registered users, making it one of the most successful titles in the free-to-play segment, and a must play game for all fans of MMOs and RPGs.

Runes of Magic features a unique dual class system enabling players to combine one of eight primary classes with a secondary class. The result is a deep player experience that expands upon the game’s deep customization offering. There are two different playable races, Elves and Humans, from which players can choose. Each dual class combination produces its own powerful elite skills. Another popular feature is the opportunity to furnish your own completely individual virtual home, and guilds can construct guild castles, which can be expanded with additional buildings. Thanks to comprehensive crafting and reputation systems, gripping PvP features, deep customization and demanding dungeons, Runes of Magic has something for everyone.

Taiwanese developer Runewaker regularly expands the game world with new free content and challenges.

Runes of Magic Features
- Dual class system with eight classes and unique elite skills
- Individual furnishing of player housing and guild castles
- In-depth story experienced through above 2,000 quests laced with epic quest-lines
- Gripping Player-versus-Player duels in arenas and on the battlefield
- Easy travel using portal stones and a wide range of rideable animals
- Challenging boss-combat in dangerous and extensive dungeons with up to 36 simultaneous players
- Entertaining mini-games offering variety to the hero’s routine
- Dynamic crafting and customization of items
- Regular comprehensive free updates with new game content
- Free-to-Play: No monthly subscriptions, free to download the game
 
Facts
Title: Runes of Magic
Genre: Fantasy MMORPG
Platform: Windows PC
Publisher: Frogster Online Gaming GmbH
Developer: Runewaker Entertainment Ltd.
Release:
19.03.2009 “Chapter I – Rise of the Demon Lord”
15.09.2009 “Chapter II – The Elven Prophecy”
USK: from 12 years
PEGI: 12+

Tropico 3 video game - Official release dates & Demo version

Tropico 3, the long awaited sequel to the well-known strategy game series will be hitting stores within the next few weeks for both PC and Xbox 360.

The official release dates are as follows:

Worldwide (including UK):
PC & Xbox 360: 16th October, 2009









Germany:
PC: 24th September, 2009
Xbox 360: 16th October, 2009

The PC demo will be released the week commencing 7th September, 2009.

SouthPeak Challenges Sleuths to Investigate Crime Scene for Nintendo DS

Interactive Crime-Solving Title Scheduled for Release this Holiday Season

Leading video game publisher, SouthPeak Games, announced today a new Nintendo DS title, Crime Scene, scheduled for release this holiday season. Crime Scene puts players in the role of a detective, giving them a full arsenal of police tools to solve crimes and ensure justice is served.

“People love a good ‘whodunit’, so we’re about to give them a bunch of head-scratching crimes to solve,” said Richard Iggo, VP of Marketing at SouthPeak. “Whether you are a fan of police dramas on TV, classic detective fiction, or just tricky puzzles, Crime Scene allows players to take part in their own tense, high stakes investigation and get involved in forensic work.”

Crime Scene turns Nintendo DS into a weapon of justice. Players are tasked with combing through crime scenes and untangling suspense-filled scenarios by using the stylus, breath and voice features, and their own eye for detail to condemn wrongdoers. All the police tools are at the players’ disposal as they study bodies, take blood samples, collect fingerprints, use voice recognition software, identify murder weapons, conduct DNA analyses and more.

Need for Speed Shift UK Championships Win a brand new Nissan 350Z GT

Electronic Arts has teamed up with retailer GAME to create the ultimate video game driving challenge: the Need For Speed SHIFT UK Championships. Starting on August 28, gamers will be able to put their racing skills to the test as they compete in GAME stores across the UK to post the fastest lap times on new video game Need for Speed SHIFT, the latest edition of EA Games’ renowned Need for Speed series.

Heats will take place at 49 GAME stores, with the fastest winners going on to face off in a final set of time trials to be held at Thorpe Park, Surrey, on September 26th.
The 49 finalists will then compete to set a quick lap time worthy of being crowned the Need for Speed SHIFT UK Champion, with the winner receiving the keys to a brand new Nissan 350Z GT sports car. There will also be a host of other spot prizes for participants in individual stores.

“With Need for Speed SHIFT, we set out to create a racing game that pushes the genre and delivers something never before seen in a Need for Speed title,” said Stuart Lang, EA UK Marketing Director. “By focusing on the driver’s experience through the first-person view, we are able to capture the high-speed intensity and gripping emotions of racing. This contest will allow thousands of gamers across the UK to experience that feeling and reward them for their skill.”

Martyn Gibbs, Customer and Brand Director at GAME, said: “This is a great chance for GAME customers to come in store and try an exciting new game before it’s released. The game play is fast and incredibly realistic. Lots of budding racers are going to be really excited to come in and test their racing skills against other racers around the country. And to top it all, the prize is amazing. It’s another example of GAME going the extra mile for customers.”

Players are thrust into the loud, intense, and athletic experience of racing a car from the driver’s perspective through the combination of perception based G-forces, the hyper reality of the cockpit view, and the all-new brutally disorienting crash dynamic. Need for Speed SHIFT features an accurate, accessible physics-based driving model that allows you to feel every impact, every change of track surface and every last bit of grip as you push yourself to the edge.

Need for Speed SHIFT will be released on PlayStation 3 computer entertainment system, Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system, PC and PSP (PlayStation Portable) in fall 2009.

BioWare’s Dragon Age: Origins to Feature the Voices of Fantasy and Sci-Fi Stars Tim Curry and Kate Mulgrew

Leading video game developer BioWare, a division of Electronic Arts, has secured a star-studded voiceover cast for its upcoming blockbuster game, Dragon Age - Origins. Featuring Tim Curry, star of The Rocky Horror Picture Show and Broadway’s Spamalot, as well as Kate Mulgrew, well-known for her role as Capt. Kathryn Janeway in “Star Trek: Voyager”, Dragon Age: Origins also includes notable cast members Tim Russ (“Star Trek: Voyager,” “Samantha Who?”), Claudia Black (“Stargate SG-1,” “Pitch Black”) and Steve Valentine (“Estate of Panic,” “Crossing Jordan”). Dragon Age: Origins marks BioWare’s return to fantasy, created from the ground up to take players through a dark epic tale filled with violence, lust, and betrayal.

Tim Curry will play the villainous Arl Rendon Howe. Howe is the calculating villain, cultured and charming, with an insatiable lust for power, who never hesitates to harm anyone who gets in his way. Kate Mulgrew will lend her vocal flair to Flemeth, a powerful witch who maintains her immortality through the darkest of means, and who plays a pivotal role in the player’s survival. Both roles provide the actors with the opportunity to bring their considerable talents to bear in their portrayal of these characters.

“Dragon Age: Origins has the largest cast of characters of any game BioWare has ever made,” said Mark Darrah, Executive Producer, BioWare. “By working with an incredibly talented cast of actors we are able to bring reality and depth to the characters, their back stories, motivations, and dreams that our talented writers have created for them.”

In Dragon Age: Origins, players take on the role of a Grey Warden, one of the last of an ancient order of guardians who have served as protectors throughout the centuries. Only they have the power to unite the shattered lands, defeat the Archdemon and drive back the darkspawn that threaten to destroy the world. Players will interact with many interesting characters who may join them in their quest, and they will choose whether these characters become friends, foes, or even a romantic interest. Featuring a deep and compelling story where every choice can have a dramatic impact on the game, Dragon Age: Origins is scheduled to release on November 3, 2009 in North America, for the PC and Xbox 360 videogame and entertainment system and later in November for the PLAYSTATION 3 computer entertainment system.

Dragon Age: Origins is rated M by the ESRB.

Role-playing game for Xbox 360 and PC Risen Experience website offers new tasks

Piranha Bytes today announced the second chapter of the official Risen Experience website http://risen.deepsilver.com

In the first chapter, the visitor to the island of Faranga was surprised by gnomes. But, of course, the adventure doesn't end here! Having been rescued by a helpful island dweller, the first priority is now to find and equip a weapon.

En route to the next settlement, the protagonist gets to pick one of several possible paths – just like in the RPG Risen itself, the player has numerous options available for achieving the chosen goal.

At the same time, the official Risen blog keeps fans up to date with topical news about the development of the game and background information from the world of Risen.

About Risen:
This epic role playing game is set in a medieval world on a volcanic Mediterranean island, The “Risen” story unfolds over four chapters and will offer multiple ways to develop the story by his own actions and decisions. An innovative and intuitive user control interface will support both casual and hardcore gamers. With full world streaming support, the player will have a seamless experience while playing in a fully simulated game world with authentic characters.

Second beta kicks off for action video game Mini Fighter

Second Round of Closed Beta Testing Adds Even More Ways to Fight Online!

CJ Internet, the leading global entertainment company, today announced the start of the second closed beta test for online action game Mini Fighter. Thousands of players participated in the first closed beta, and their valuable feedback has been used to make Mini Fighter even bigger and badder than it was before.

Head to Netmarble.com, sign up for the new beta, and prove that your fighting skills are up to the challenge!

“The survey responses we received have been incredibly helpful in helping us make Mini Fighter as fun as possible,” said Youngjong Jung, President and CEO of CJ Internet. “Over half the players who responded asked for new modes, so we made sure there were plenty of never-before-seen zones to enjoy in the second closed beta.”

Whether you want to tackle the 50 levels of Dungeon Mode, head to the Sky Zone to fight epic battles amongst the clouds, or take on other players as a monster in the newly-added Boss Zone, you’re sure to find a brawl that fits your style in Mini Fighter.

Free FEAR 2 Reborn video game demo download on PlayStation 3 and Xbox LIVE

Warner Bros and Monolith Studios are pleased to announce that a playable demo for F.E.A.R. 2: Reborn, the next F.E.A.R. 2: Project Origin DLC pack, is available for free download via PlayStation Network and Xbox LIVE Marketplace.

This free demo provides the first chance to get a hands-on look at the upcoming single-player campaign, featuring four all new levels. F.E.A.R. 2: Reborn immerses gamers in the aftermath of Alma’s destruction with a mysterious new point-of-view: that of Replica Soldier Foxtrot 813. Be careful, not all is as it seems.

Download now and get the first look at F.E.A.R. 2: Reborn today!

The complete F.E.A.R. 2: Reborn experience will be available for purchase on September 3 via PlayStation Network for the PLAYSTATION 3 computer entertainment system, and Xbox LIVE for Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, and Windows PC. Additionally, patches for PlayStation 3 and PC and a title update for Xbox 360—all including Slow-Mo Deathmatch mode capabilities—will be made available for free on September 3.

About F.E.A.R. 2: Project Origin:

In F.E.A.R.2: Project Origin, a routine assignment to locate the president of Armacham Technology Corporation turns into a desperate battle for survival after an explosion decimates the city and unleashes Alma Wade, the terrifying supernatural menace at the centre of Armacham's highly classified Project Origin. As Alma 's power swells out of control, special forces Sgt. Michael Becket and his squad must battle through an apocalyptic landscape of shattered buildings and buckled streets in search of clues for how to destroy her. The more Becket learns about Armacham's secret experiments and reckless agenda, the more he begins to suspect that he's somehow linked to the crisis and may be the only one capable of averting total disaster. F.E.A.R. 2: Project Origin is rated 18 and is available now for Xbox 360, PLAYSTATION 3 and Games for Windows.

Masaya Matsuura to deliver BAFTA Vision Statement at GameCity Squared

GameCity Squared, the fourth iteration of the world's best loved video game culture festival is proud to announce that the father of rhythm-action, Masaya Matsuura will be delivering this year's BAFTA Vision Statement at the festival on Saturday 31st October.

Following in the footsteps of Lorne Lanning, Keita Takahashi and Alex Evans, Matsuura-san promises to deliver an extraordinary keynote in the heart of the city that will dissect the state of the music game genre and give some personal insights into the future of video games.

"The Vision Statement is a unique platform for the most interesting, provocative developers in the World to deliver their thoughts and manifestos independent of any PR constraint. We're beside ourselves with excitement that Matsuura-san has agreed to deliver the address this year", said GameCity director Iain Simons.

He'll be in good company - with full details yet to be announced, a radical set of new venues and a free to attend programme, GameCity Squared promises to be the most audacious GameCity yet.

GameCity runs from 27 - 31 October, 2009. www.gamecity.org