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Tuesday, January 16, 2007

1million PS3s shipped in Japan

Software totals reach 5m worldwide

Sony has announced that shipments of PlayStation 3 units to Japan have reached the one million mark.

The total number of worldwide shipments of the new console is now two million units, which Sony claims beats comparative shipment totals for previous PlayStation platforms.



Software shipments for the next-generation machine had reached five million units by the end of December 2006.

Sony has promised the next-gen console will launch in Europe in two months time, with retail sources pointing towards an expected launch date of March 23.

Long queues as World Of Warcraft expansion launches



"There are probably four times more people here than we expected"

There were queues on Oxford Street again last night HMV hosted the launch of the new World of Warcraft expansion pack - and struggled to meet an unexpectedly high level of demand.

When asked how many copies of The Burning Crusade the store had to sell, Ellis replied, "Not enough, I don't think. Put it this way, we've got a few stores in the West End and we're opening them up now to get the rest of the stock out. We've just phoned the warehouse to get stock into stores for nine tomorrow morning. We could do a couple of thousand, to be honest."

A queue had begun to form at around 5.30 that morning, but HMV staff handed out wristbands and told fans to return in the evening. However, "We catered for a certain amount of wristbands and we just gave up on them at about 7pm," Ellis said.

With more people continuing to join the queue as midnight drew nearer, the scenes at HMV were reminiscent of console launches, as Ellis agreed. "It's bigger, to be honest," he observed.

"I think we'll be all right on stock, but it's gone OTT - it's absolutely unbelievable."

1st Game - Once Upon a Time in Japan Series

First Game in the Once Upon A Time in Japan Series, "Earth"

Once Upon a Time in Japan: Earth. Aims to transport players to various periods in Japan’s storied history, giving them a look at the inner struggles of a country bound by tradition and ruled by the warrior class. “Earth” is the first title of a three part arc and is planned for a Q4 2007 release.

“We feel very strongly about our product and the future of this series. The subject matter and setting of this game are, as far as we know, unprecedented in the adventure genre and we are putting forth a massive effort in an attempt to make the games that we’ve always dreamed of playing,” says Ben Keeney, Lead Designer and Co-Founder of Abborado Studios.

Abborado’s other Co-Founder, Jared Morante, agrees: “What we’re doing with these games will hopefully enthrall players and we strive to excel in every area, from art, to gameplay design, writing, character development, and score. The team we have assembled is quite passionate about the project and extremely talented. We can’t wait for gamers to get their hands on this series.”

“Earth” is a third-person, point-and-click adventure for the PC that tells the story of Zenjiro, a samurai who left his clan during a time of war, seeking a life of peace with his family. Unfortunately, a tragic event sixteen years later forces Zenjiro to explore Etchu province looking for his wife, children, and other survivors. Along the way he will meet many characters including Hanbei, a fearsome ronin with a mysterious past, and Shiho, the bright young daughter of a famous Noh theater performer.

Furthermore, Zenjiro will discover that not all is as it seems outside the province. The military campaigns he thought to be a thing of the past have once again bubbled to the surface, and in an effort to keep the peace there is little freedom allowed for the people. Yet again, Zenjiro's country appears to be changing dramatically as he seeks his own reasons to continue moving forward.

Features include:

    •High resolution, digitally hand painted scenes, featuring scrolling and detailed animation.

    •Traditionally hand drawn and animated characters, inspired by classic Disney and Studio Ghibli films.

    •An amazing original score, combining traditional Japanese instrumentation and arrangements with modern scoring methods and techniques.

    •An immersive setting that allows players to explore a province in 17th century Japan.

    •A vast assortment of puzzles, painstakingly researched to fit the time period and locale, while revealing bits of Japanese culture and history to the player.

    •Authentic Japanese voice acting

    •A captivating storyline, focusing on well developed characters, that builds to an exciting climax.

Games Chart

All Formats

1 New LOST PLANET: EXTREME CONDITION by CAPCOM (-)
2 New WARIO WARE: SMOOTH MOVES by NINTENDO (-)
3 Down FIFA 07 by ELECTRONIC ARTS (1)
4 No move PRO EVOLUTION SOCCER 6 by KONAMI (4)
5 Down NEED FOR SPEED: CARBON by EA (2)
6 Down THE SIMS 2: PETS by EA (3)
7 New ZELDA: TWILIGHT PRINCESS by NINTENDO (-)
8 No move GEARS OF WAR by MICROSOFT (8)
9 Down CALL OF DUTY 3 by ACTIVISION (5)
10 Down NEW SUPER MARIO BROS by NINTENDO 7
11 Down LEGO STAR WARS II: ORIG TRILOGY by LUCASARTS (6)
12 Down RAINBOW SIX: VEGAS by UBISOFT (11)
13 Down WWE SMACKDOWN v RAW 2007 by THQ (9)
14 New WORLD SNOOKER CHAMPIONSHIP 2007 by SEGA (-)
15 Down FOOTBALL MANAGER 2007 by SEGA (12)
16 Down GRAND THEFT AUTO: VICE CITY STORIES by TAKE 2 (10)
17 Down TONY HAWK'S PROJECT 8 by ACTIVISION (13)
18 New NINTENDOGS: LAB & FRIENDS by NINTENDO (-)
19 Down ANIMAL CROSSING: WILD WORLD by NINTENDO (17)
20 Down SPLINTER CELL: DOUBLE AGENT by UBISOFT (16)

ZootFly Ghostbusters Ecto2 chase

Ghostbusters Ecto2 chases ghosts through the streets of NY



Or watch it here

Monday, January 15, 2007

Halo 3 - Starry Night

Halo 3 - Starry Night



Or watch here

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Nintendo Wins Emmy Award


The National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences has awarded Nintendo an Emmy® Award for its invention of the plus-shaped D-pad, one in a long string of Nintendo's controller innovations. The award was presented in recognition of the technological achievement of the D-pad, which radically changed how people interact with their video games and, by extension, their televisions. Nintendo received the award in Las Vegas during the Technological & Engineering Emmy Awards, which kicked off this week's Consumer Electronics Show.

The D-pad first debuted on the controllers for the Nintendo Entertainment System® in 1985, and has been standard on all video games controllers ever since. The D-pad replaced joysticks and represented an early example of how Nintendo was willing to shake up the status quo in the search for a better gaming experience.

"Nintendo has long been a pioneer in the way that people interact with their games," said Nintendo of America President Reggie Fils-Aime. "Our commitment to pushing the envelope continues today with our motion-sensitive Wii Remote controllers, which again rewrite the rules. We are grateful for this award and thank the academy for the honor."

Mini Mario-Mayhem Throughout The World!

Mario v Donkey Kong 2: March of the Minis is let loose on Nintendo DS



Hold on to your hats! Mario Vs Donkey Kong is back, and this time our favourite duos mean business! In our last outing it was up to Mario to save the day by finding all the Mini Mario’s, but this time roles have been reversed and he must rely on them! Featuring easy accessible touch screen controls, over 80 different levels and utilising the Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection Service. Mario Vs Donkey Kong 2: March of the Minis is sure to provide all with endless amounts of mind boggling fun as it marches on to Nintendo DS across Europe on 9th March 2007.

A whole host of Nintendo world famous characters make a welcomed return in this game, including Mario, Donkey Kong and Donkey Kong’s long lasting love Pauline. Enraged and jealous by Pauline’s preference for Mini Mario over Mini DK, Donkey Kong kidnaps Pauline during the opening ceremony of Mario’s new theme park – Super Mini Mario World. It’s now up to the Mini Mario’s, on orders from Mario to brave mind bending obstacle filled levels and reach the top floor of the theme park where Pauline is waiting to be rescued by her mini heroes.

The player’s simple touch on the Nintendo DS touch screen using the stylus influences and guides the path the Mini Mario’s take, you can also move blocks using the stylus to create new paths, ride elevators and conveyor belts and avoid hazards like fireballs. ‘Thwomps’, lethal lava and deadly water traps all lie in wait for our mini heroes on there march and therefore quick reactions, puzzle skills and a steady hand will stand you in good stead in this game. Donkey Kong isn’t planning to play fair either, with new weapons in the form of Crash Kong and Capture Kong to use against our heroes. Sidekicks Mummy Guy and Snap Claw will do everything in their power to ensure the Mini Mario’s do not reach the exit door preventing our Mini Mario’s from moving onto the next level.

This game features over 8 themes and over 80 diverse and rich levels packed with hazards and puzzles, which will present new challenges to all players. What’s more players can also create their own levels and maps with the ‘new level editor’ before sharing them with others across the world using the unique Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection service. This feature brings a whole new dimension to gameplay creating an interactive gaming context in which you and others can compete in levels you have created, as well as competing in levels created by others. Players cannot only download levels from friends using the Friend Code system but can do so from anyone around the world ensuring that players really are spoilt with long-term endless fun without restriction.

This is the perfect fusion of retro action and cutting edge contemporary puzzles and is sure to be even more exciting and fun than its predecessor. Mario Vs Donkey Kong 2: March of the Minis storms into stores across Europe on Nintendo DS on 9th March 2007 at an estimated retail price of around £30.

Wii-kly Update: Three New Classic Games Announced For Wii Shop Channel

Today Nintendo adds three new classic games to the popular Wii™ video game system's Wii Shop Channel. The games go live at 9 a.m. Pacific time. Nintendo adds new games to the channel every Monday. Wii owners with a high-speed Internet connection can redeem Wii Points to download the games. Wii Points can be purchased in the Wii Shop Channel or at retail outlets. This week's new games are:



Xevious (NES®, 1-2 players, 500 Wii Points): Players control their Solvalou ship and destroy the XEVIOUS forces. Fire the zapper missiles against air-based enemies and drop the blaster bombs down upon ground-based targets. Destroy Andor Genesis to earn bonus points. Unique enemies, interesting background music, a variety of vertically scrolling background environments and many hidden game play features differentiated Xevious from the other shooting games released at the time. Are you devious enough to beat Xevious?



R-Type III: The Third Lightning (Super NES®, 1-2 players, 800 Wii Points): It was believed on Earth that the deadly BYDO Empire had been destroyed - but now they've returned, as nasty as ever. Their ships and armies are more powerful than before, and Earth will surely be conquered unless the new R-90 ship can destroy them. Powered with engines that launch it into different dimensions, and armed with the Round, Shadow and Cyclone Forces, the R-90 has what it takes to wipe out the BYDO threat. The BYDO mother ship must be found and destroyed to entirely erase the species from our galaxy.




Moto Roader (TurboGrafx16, 1-5 players, 600 Wii Points): Moto Roader is a futuristic racing game that allows up to five players to compete against each other. Players use the cash earned when they win a race to power up their machine. Not only can they change the "TIRE" and "BODY" of their vehicles, but they also can add "SPECIAL" parts. Jump over tall obstacles with a "HOPPER" and blast past rivals at incredible speeds with "NITRO." What multiplayer game would be complete without attack items? Use a forward-launching "GRENADE" or a backward-dropping "BOMBER" to blow up and knock away rivals. Outmaneuver rivals in all eight heats to become the champion. Any combination of Wii Remote™ and Nintendo GameCube™ controllers can be used in multiplayer games.

Battlestations - Midway Europe out 9th February

Eidos Interactive, one of the world’s leading publishers and developers of entertainment software, today confirms that the highly anticipated Battlestations: Midway will be released on 9th February, 2007 on Xbox 360 and PC.

Battlestations: Midway brings to life the epic naval battles of World War II from Pearl Harbour to the Battle of Midway itself. Featuring an innovative blend of action and real-time strategy gameplay, players can instantly switch between every vehicle under their command throughout the course of any battle.

“Battlestations: Midway has definitely been worth the wait. It will offer players a genuinely new gameplay experience in the single player campaign and the online multiplayer will give PC and 360 gamers something totally unique to sink their teeth into” said Matt Russell, Brand Manager.



The single player mode features 11 large-scale campaigns with 12 bonus challenge missions, while the online multi-player combat offers an entirely new online battle experience with head-to-head and co-operative style gameplay with battles boasting over 100 units.

2007 marks the 65th anniversary of the Battle of Midway, the single most decisive naval battle in US history, which served as a turning point of World War II.

Battlestations Midway will be released on 9th February on Xbox 360 and PC.