IL-2 Sturmovik Birds of Prey mission revealed PS3 and Xbox 360 demo downloads

More information on the mission mode in IL-2 Sturmovik: Birds of Prey. The highly anticipated WWII aerial combat title will hit the shelves on 4th September for Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, PSP and Nintendo DS.

Mission mode extends the game play experience in IL-2 Sturmovik: Birds Of Prey by offering new missions that are unlocked through progress in the main campaign mode. By successfully navigating the campaign missions in each of the six scenarios, new operations become available such as night time recon, airfield assaults, escorting bombers, supply transports or troops to their destination, neutralising anti-aircraft units, low fling ground attacks, vessel air patrol and interception of enemy supply transports to name a few. These additional operations bring the mission total to 50 across the campaign and mission modes.

Based around large-scale aerial combat over the ground-based military operations of World War II, variety is at the heart of the action in IL-2 Sturmovik: Birds of Prey. Players participate in the most famous confrontations of the era piloting fighters, battle planes or heavy bombers across a range of missions. There are six theatres of war in which to engage – The Battle of Britain, Stalingrad, Berlin, Sicily, the Battle of the Bulge and Korsun – representing the main airborne battles of World War II in Europe.

As well as taking environmental and landscape visuals to new heights by incorporating satellite technology, IL-2 also boasts a tangible damage effects engine. Players will see real-time damage to the aircraft such as holes in the wings and trail lines during dogfights. IL-2 will support up to 16 players in multiplayer aerial combat set across 4 scenarios - Dogfight, Team Battle, Strike and Capture the Airfield.

IL2 Sturmovik: Birds Of Prey will be published by 505 Games in collaboration with 1C Company on 4th September 2009 for Xbox 360, PS3, NintendoDS and PSP. Playable demos for Xbox 360 and PS3 are available to download now from Marketplace and PSN.

Princess Debut - The Royal Ball, coming to the Nintendo DS

Midway Games announce a European distribution deal with Natsume for their new rhythm and adventure game for girls, Princess Debut: The Royal Ball, coming to the Nintendo DS.

In the game, players find themselves in a fantasy world where they have 30 days to get ready for the big ball; they’ll have to master their dance moves and pick a partner from one of six charming princes. They’ll meet and woo the princes through the game’s large, branching storyline and exciting event system. Once players convince a prince to be their dancing partner, it’s time to go out on the dance floor! Players will use the touch screen to guide their character gracefully across the dance floor while matching their partner’s rhythm. All of the dances in the game are taken from motion-captured professional dancers, so the game is just as impressive to watch as it is fun to play.

“What young girl doesn't dream of becoming a princess? Princess Debut transports girls into that magical fairytale world while introducing elements of dance and music,” said Hiro Maekawa, President and CEO at Natsume. “It is a true pleasure to be working with Midway to bring this unique and entertaining title to the European community.”


Princess Debut: The Royal Ball by Natsume features four modes of play including Story, Ballroom, Practice, and Movie. With 20 outfits to find, 14 unique endings to experience, and 18 different kinds of music and dance styles to choose from (including Waltz, Latin dance, Tango, Ballroom, and much more), there’s no shortage of things to see and do.


“We are thrilled to partner up with Natsume to bring this exciting new Nintendo DS product to the European marketplace”, said Martin Spiess, Executive Vice President International, Midway Games Ltd. “Princess Debut: The Royal Ball stands out for its sheer production value and direction in gameplay. It is a highly innovative product featuring elements from both music and dance and is aimed at the broad target group of younger girls. Princess Debut: The Royal Ball fits perfectly into our steadily growing 2009 line-up.”

Princess Debut: The Royal Ball is scheduled to be available exclusively for the Nintendo DS in June 2009.

Little Space Duo - a Little girl and a Small Robot on a Big Video Game Mission

Jugilus is pleased to announce the release of Little Space Duo for Windows PC. In this puzzle-based arcade game, the player guides an unusual pair of heroes - a little girl and a small robot - on their way through a huge spaceship.

What's the worst that can happen when a spaceship's systems go haywire? Lucy knows all too well! She's been abducted accidentally by a strange vessel, whose control systems have been damaged by a cosmic ray. Considered by the ship to be nothing more than a piece of cargo, she has been taken away into space. Luckily, she's not alone - a small, clever data robot is there to help her out. Together they will embark on a mission to fix the computer and save the day. It wont be easy, though; they have a long way to travel and the corridors of the spaceship are patrolled by various cargo robots which will try to catch them and put them in storage. The little duo will need to work together, help each other out, and utilize all their cunning to outsmart the cargo robots.

Little Space Duo provides two gameplay modes.

Most of game consists of a side-scrolling arcade platformer, in which the player controls Lucy and Sunny. Lucy can run and perform some tasks, like operating lifts and manipulating some devices. Sunny, meanwhile, can fly and can access some hard to reach areas, but he lacks hands, and thus cannot do some of the things Lucy can. He can also help Lucy by carrying her safely down from high places. Traveling through the corridors of the ship, the little duo will encounter various patrolling robots, which will try to catch them. The different robots have varying abilities, which the player must pay attention to, in order to help the protagonists avoid capture. Most of the robots are able to catch Lucy, while Sunny has less to worry about, as there are fewer that can catch him. The player must be clever in managing the two heroes' abilities and vulnerabilities in order to help them on their quest.

The second mode is a top-down arcade game in which the player controls a vehicle carrying Lucy and Sunny. The vehicle travels through the larger cargo halls of the ship, which contain many patrolling robotic vehicles. The puzzle elements in this portion of the game involve not only avoiding these robotic vehicles, but manipulating them in order to advance.

Features:
- 2 gameplay modes
- 40 meticulously crafted levels
- smooth, easy-to-learn gameplay
- single player and two player gameplay
- non-violent content

Silent Hill: The Escape iPhone Video Game Now Available For 99 Cents In App Store

Konami announce that Silent Hill: The Escape is now available for 99 cents on the Apple App store exclusively from September 3 to September 5. Konami's popular survival horror franchise makes its way onto the iPhone and iPod touch, bringing a terrifying experience to gamers on-the-go.

A first person, 3D shooter, Silent Hill: The Escape allows players to feel fully immersed in a nail-biting experience. A revolver and a dim flashlight is all gamers have to navigate through eerie mazes while trying to locate keys to escape the monster-infested labyrinth. Players can roam the maps with caution and agility but one touch from the gruesome monsters and the game is over. A steady hand and precise accuracy are also crucial to swiftly reload the revolver, as even the slightest tremble will let the bullets go scattering to the floor.

Silent Hill: The Escape is available for purchase for 99 cents from September 3 to September 5 only on the App Store for Apple iPhone and iPod touch. For more information and assets, please visit http://www.konami.com/downloads/.

F.E.A.R. 2: Reborn All-New Single-Player Video Game Campaign Now Available to download

F.E.A.R. 2: Project Origin fans can now download four all-new single-player levels in the exclusive F.E.A.R. 2: Reborn DLC campaign from Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment and Monolith Studios, available today on Xbox LIVE Marketplace on the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft for 800 Microsoft Points, for PlayStation Network on the PlayStation 3 computer entertainment system for £6.29, and on Windows PC for £5.99 via portals like Steam, IGN and Digital River.

F.E.A.R. 2: Reborn immerses gamers in the chaos of Alma’s aftermath in an entirely new role: that of Replica Soldier Foxtrot 813. Gamers begin the mission as part of an orbital Powered Armour drop to reinforce their squad, and the ruined city of Auburn emanates supernatural events and familiar voices, beckoning Foxtrot 813 to go against orders from Replica command. Be careful, not everything is as it seems…

Also available today for all three game systems is the free Slow-Mo Deathmatch update, offering F.E.A.R. fans an all-new multiplayer mode. Gamers can now use a slow-mo power-up to slow down enemies in multiplayer deathmatch, thus gaining a distinct short-term advantage. The longer players hold onto the slow-mo power-up, the more objective points are accumulated, contributing to their overall score. Watch out though, whoever has slow-mo ability becomes a bigger target to everyone else!

iMP: Surf the Music Video Game Launches for iPhone and iPod Touch

Koolhaus Games Inc. is pleased to announce the release of iMP: Surf the Music, a new music based game created specifically for the iPhone and iPod Touch. The game is available starting September 3, 2009 from the Apple iTunes store. More information about the game can be obtained here: www.impmusicgame.com

Players generate their own funky soundtracks by gathering “bits of funk” throughout the game, triggering music loops and audio accents. Upon replay, different versions of the soundtrack can be created providing a unique and fresh audio experience throughout. Intuitive tilt controls and simple to pick up game play will provide hours of fun for casual players, while advanced levels will challenge even the most seasoned gamer.

Check out the posts on Twitter, Facebook and other community web portals.

IMP: Surf the Music Game Features:

- Original funkadelic soundtrack
- Addictive game play: The player builds the song by picking up collectables
- Intuitive tilt controls tailored for the iPhone and iPod Touch
- A variety of colorful, themed levels that showcase the iMP’s crazy world of funk
- Updates to new level packs coming soon – check the iMP website often

For a limited time only, iMP: Surf the Music will be available from the Apple iTunes Store at a special introductory price.

gPotato Europe announces the new Rappelz expansion "Golden Monarch" coming this September

Rappelz, the free fantasy MMORPG where you can tame terrible creatures and bring them into battle with you, is now more challenging with the new Golden Monarch expansion. Bringing a brand new dungeon as well as brand new creatures, the new content will be available this September on French, German and Turkish versions of the game. It is out now at www.gPotato.eu

With the Golden Monarch expansion, players will discover 3 new creatures to tame. The Kraken, a giant octopus focused on melee fighting, as well the magician Tafari, have been seen as simple monsters since the Navis Lamia expansion. The third creature, a Djinn coming directly from Arabic tales, will be one of the strongest but rarest creature available, bring fear and destruction upon his enemies through its use of ancient desert magic.

Besides these new creatures, the Golden Monarch expansion brings a brand new dungeon for high level players. Inspired by Egyptian mythology, the dungeon of El Kassia will bring new challenges to Rank VI players, with its ultimate boss, the Golden Monarch Rà, being one of the toughest monsters in the game.

After completing these new tough battles, players will be able to enter a brand new market place, allowing them to buy and sell their loots more efficiently. Other features such as a new character creation lobby will be included as part of this update.

Rappelz Epic VI : Golden Monarch will be available at the end of September in French, German and Turkish languages. More information on its new features will be communicated in the future. For more information and to register and download the game, please visit the official Rappelz website : http://rappelz.gpotato.eu!

Iceberg and Microïds - Return to Mysterious Island and Return to Mysterious Island 2 to be released

Iceberg will kick off in October with the sequel to the acclaimed adventure game ‘Return to Mysterious Island’. In ‘Return to Mysterious Island 2’, events pick up from where they left in the original title, however, the helicopter that came to rescue Mina crashes and she is once again stuck on the island. Mysterious occurrences force Mina to explore new parts of the Island, left unvisited in part 1. The game features highly popular themes: survival, exploration, discovery, ecology, science and mystery in a fabulous tropical setting. The game also features synchronization with the Apple iPhone: players can solve puzzles on their iPhone and reintegrate them into their game.

Iceberg will also distribute two special edition PC packs by Microïds. The first one is the ‘Benoît Sokal Pack’, which includes Amerzone, Syberia and Syberia 2. Having sold millions of units worldwide, these hugely popular adventures have mesmerized many gamers over the years.

The second special pack is the Dracula Trilogy: which includes all titles of the original Dracula series: “Dracula”, “Dracula 2 The Last Sanctuary” and “Dracula 3 The Path of The Dragon” . Not needing any introduction, Dracula is a bestselling adventure game franchise with worldwide sales of over 1 million copies across the 3 installments. Also, a premiere, Dracula 3: The Path of the Dragon has not been released in the UK before this pack.

With gaming becoming a more broadly accepted form of entertainment throughout all layers of society recently, these famous brands of games will appeal to many new players. Iceberg aims to open up these emerging markets as well as target fans and collectors of both the Dracula and Sokal-inspired games. Both Special Packs will be released during the 4th quarter of 2009. The games have all been re-mastered to work on Windows XP, Vista and 7.

Iceberg will also release Still Life 2 for PC, the long expected sequel to Still Life, the adventure hit from 2005. Still Life 2 once again features special agent Vic McPherson, known to many gamers from her adventures in the acclaimed adventure games Post Mortem and Still Life. She is hunting down serial killers with more determination than ever. Also featuring in the game is investigative reporter Paloma Hernandez, who gets kidnapped by the cruel East Coast Killer. Not only will the end of Still Life finally be revealed, players will get to play both Paloma and Vic in a breathtaking thriller filled with movie-like pace, suspenseful investigation and survival gameplay. Still Life 2 is scheduled for release in Q1-2010.

Erik Schreuder, CEO of Iceberg Interactive says: “We are very excited to start this co-operation with Microïds and we absolutely look forward to distributing these superb quality titles. With bringing to market the sequels to two acclaimed adventure games, as well as two brand new and attractively priced special packs, we aim to both boost our position in the UK market as well as provide great winter entertainment for UK adventure game fans. We anticipate that there is more to come from this co-operation in the near future.”

Roch Roustan, Managing Director of Microïds is thrilled:”We are extremely glad to partner with Iceberg and their seasoned team and I am looking forward to provide the UK adventure fans community with some of our best adventure games like the awaited Return to Mysterious Island 2, Still Life 2 and the award-winning Dracula 3.”

Gameloft Sells Over 6 Million Video Games on App Store

Gameloft, announce that it has sold over 6 million games on the App Store. Gameloft boasts a diverse catalog of offerings from action to casual to sports games. The company currently has 35 games available on the App Store, of which 18 have made the Top 10 Paid Games list worldwide. The iPhone OS continues to be Gameloft’s number one platform.

“From the distribution model to the types of games available, the App Store has completely revolutionized the way handheld games are played, perceived and received,” said Michel Guillemot, chairman and CEO, Gameloft. “Our strategy from the onset has been twofold. First we deliver an aggressive line-up of high quality games and then we adapt in real time to consumer needs. With over 6 million paid games sold, it has proven to be quite successful.”

Top sellers from Gameloft in 2009 include:

· Gangstar: West Coast Hustle – A thrilling 3D open-world crime epic that lets players live the life of an L.A. gangster by taking on missions, exploring the city, escaping from police and challenging rival gang members.

· NFL 2010 (US and Canada)– A 100% authentic NFL experience with real teams, real players and real action that lets players lead their team through an entire season and battle to win The Super Bowl.

· Guitar Rock Tour 2 – A rhythm-based game that immerses players into the rock n’ roll world of stardom with the choice to play with guitar or drum instruments Features an explosive licensed track list of songs such as “I Love Rock ‘N Roll", "Call Me" and "Paranoid.”

· The Oregon Trail – The classic re-make of the popular Apple II game that captures the youthful hearts of gamers and allows players to embark on the most exciting journey in American history!

· Real Tennis 2009 – A realistic simulation game that allows players to live the life of a tennis pro and play on famous courts around the world.

· Let’s Golf! – The best 3D family golf game that lets you discover a fun and colorful atmosphere. The intuitive gameplay makes it accessible to everyone.

· Assassin’s Creed: Atlair’s Chronicles – The prequel to the critically acclaimed console title that captivate players with intense adventures and takes place during the Third Crusade in the Holy Land.

· UNO – The world famous card game is faithfully reproduced for iPhone and features exciting new rules. In single or multiplayer mode, playing UNO™ with friends has never been so fun and easy.

· Terminator Salvation – A 3D third person shooting game that plunges players into an action packed sci-fi world where you play as Resistance leader, John Connor and take out hordes of enemies to defend the human race.

Gameloft’s backlog titles continue to hit the Top 10 Paid Games list across multiple countries worldwide. The company plans to launch 15-30 titles for the App Store through the end of 2009.

Karos Online MMORPG Video Game : More details about PvP

More details have emerged from NHN about the Player-Versus-Player (PvP) gameplay in its upcoming MMORPG Karos Online. The game is currently undergoing rapid development as NHN responds to player feedback from the first Closed Beta event, which took place at the end of August, generating a lot of interest and participation from the community. The dates of additional Closed Beta Weekend events will be announced shortly, and players possessing an access code for any Closed Beta Weekend may continue to play in future phases. Karos Online is scheduled to be released in English during Q4 2009, with versions in German and Turkish to follow later.

PvP features strongly in Karos Online, and is very tightly linked to the social and economic system of the game. Players who enjoy PvP can choose from a variety of experiences, all rich with opportunities to show off their skills and write their own histories in-game.

• Guild alliances and rivalries : In Karos Online, every guild leader can register other guilds as either allies or enemies. All members of the guild can then immediately recognize these players as friends or foes, and decide to help them or kill them on sight when they meet in the world of Asmara. Expect the game of alliances and rivalries to be intense and political!
• Mine takeovers : The precious mines where players dig for the magical energy Fletta become vulnerable to takeovers once each week, and guilds can fight over them in massive PvP battles. The victorious guild earns the privilege to control the Fletta resources of the region, and decides when the next takeover will be (within a timeframe of 4 to 7 days).
• Castle sieges : After commercial launch, regular castle siege battles are planned in Karos Online, allowing hundreds of players to experience truly epic warfare!

Karos Online - Stunning 3D Action Fantasy MMORPG

Karos Online (http://www.karosgame.com) is a brand new free-to-play fantasy MMORPG developed by Galaxy Gate (lead developers of Laghaim and Last Chaos), to be published by NHN. An English release is scheduled for Q4 2009, with German and Turkish versions to follow.

In Karos Online, players take the role of a hero determined to defeat the curse of darkness falling over the world of Asmara and ascend to ultimate glory by becoming the mythical Karos warrior. Through questing, guild clashes and mass PvP, they enter the fight for domination over the world's vital energy source, Fletta. Fletta provides the basis for the game's unique and complex alternate progression system; alongside traditional leveling within the game, Fletta energy can be used to increase stats, give buffs, buy resources and enchant items.

With a strong RPG component, wide range of class skills and fantastic visual combat effects, Karos Online offers a rich player experience and an exciting end-game for guilds, including castle sieges and resource control points. There are a variety of dynamic dungeons to explore, with shifting paths and surprises to challenge players as they progress in level. The economy is well-developed, with mining, fishing and crafting elements, a consignment system for storage and an auction house.

Karos Online offers rare graphical quality for its small client size, has low minimum requirements, and will be accessible to a vast range of computers. Videos demonstrating graphics and gameplay are now available on the official website at www.karosgame.com, and more features will be revealed as the closed beta test continues.

Karos Online features

• Breathtaking 3D graphics and combat action effects
• 5 different races and 9 original classes, evolving into 36 different specialized classes
• Dynamic, evolving dungeons with shifting paths and surprises
• Guild wars, territory control and large-scale castle siege battles
• Alternate Fletta level progression system
• Elaborate mining, fishing and crafting system
• Small client size (760MB) and low minimum PC requirements
• Keyboard and mouse control both available