Free to play MMORPG - CABAL Episode II - The War Begins

Games-Masters.com today announced that the second major expansion to the European version of CABAL Online, the widely acclaimed free-to-play massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG), will be available for free download this January. Episode 2 - The War Begins, signals the beginning of the next chapter in CABALs development, unveiling a host of new features and content updates, which are set to re-affirm CABAL Onlines position as one of the best free-to-play games on the market.

Based in the turbulent world of Nevareth, a land devastated by the effects of war and mythical evil forces, Episode 2 sees the continuation of the CABAL Online story, as players find themselves at the centre of an epic battle for political supremacy. With the discovery of Tierra Gloriosa, a land vital in the struggle for the dominance of Nevareth, the battle between the Capella and Proycon forces enters a new and decisive stage, with the history of the realm firmly in players hands. Through a daily two hour battle, in the region of Tierra Gloriosa, players from each nation will need to display the skills of courage, leadership, organisation and determination, in order to defeat their fellow players and win the national war. With only one nation able to leave the battlefield victorious, the rivalry is set to reach fever pitch, as the winning faction claims not only supremacy, but also those all important rewards which follow it.

"These developments have long been sought after by the CABAL community, with Tierra Gloriosa finally providing a war system which makes player versus player combat not only fun and rewarding, but also meaningful" said Thorsten Schauer, Director of Games-Masters.com. "This expansion promises to offer our best free update to-date, providing not only new features but also many new and exciting challenges."

Alongside the new war system, Episode 2 will introduce new maps, monsters, six new skills and an increase to the level cap, creating brand new challenges and opportunities for the citizens of CABAL. Adding to the already huge amount of free content, the new update will provide:

= New War System: Tierra Glorisosa - In this new region of CABAL Online, players from the two nations will engage in battle in the new war system. With towers to capture, quests to complete and most importantly enemies to kill, only one nation can emerge victorious. The new system will allow up to two hundred players from each faction to face each other in the war map. Players will fight daily for a period of two hours, receiving points for kills and completing tasks, with the team with the most points winning the honours. Prizes include both rewards for the winning nation, in the form of increased experience for members of the nation, and personal rewards for those who participate.

= Increased Level Cap - For those players uninterested by the player-versus player battles, new challenges lay ahead as the cap is increased by twenty levels to 170.

= New regions: Pontus Ferrum - Through the dangerous portal players will be able to enter the new realm of Pontus Ferrum, a land full of dangerous and deadly foes. Only for the bravest and strongest of souls.

= Brand new quests - A large number of new quests and storylines for users to engage themselves in.

For more information, videos and screenshots on CABAL Online: Episode 2, visit the official CABAL Europe website at www.cabalonline.com

DRAGON QUEST MONSTERS on Nintendo DS March 14th

Square Enix Ltd., the publisher of Square Enix® interactive entertainment products in Europe and other PAL territories, today announces that DRAGON QUEST MONSTERS: Joker will be available across all PAL territories from 14th March 2008 exclusively on the Nintendo DS system.

Have you got what it takes to fight your way to the top with a team of the meanest monsters? DRAGON QUEST MONSTERS: Joker provides the ultimate monster-hunting challenge with over 200 marauding monsters to collect and battle. Train your team to be the best by mastering countless spells and abilities, and crush all who stand in your way. You can also synthesise amazing new monsters that can develop rare new abilities.

DRAGON QUEST MONSTERS: Joker is not just about battling though. There’s a colourful 3D world full of treasures and surprises to explore. On your travels you’ll meet a cast of quirky characters that can help you make it to the top. There’s fun to be had in multiplayer and online use too. Challenge your friends and their monster teams with DS Wireless Communication, or compete against players from North America and PAL territories in the Wildcard World Cup, via the Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection.

John Yamamoto, president and chief executive officer of Square Enix Ltd. comments, “After the great success of DRAGON QUEST since we introduced the series to Europe, I am extremely happy that we are now giving fans the opportunity to enjoy DRAGON QUEST MONSTERS: Joker on the Nintendo DS. This is another stylish entry in the DRAGON QUEST series that will bring enjoyment to anybody that plays it.”

About DRAGON QUEST MONSTERS: Joker

Story

Welcome to Green Bays, a cluster of mysterious islands that sparkle like jewels in the shimmering ocean! But travellers beware!

The islands are not as peaceful as they seem, for they teem with a multitude of monsters both great and small. Green Bays is also home to the famous Monster Scout Challenge. This renowned contest, held once every few years, determines who will be crowned the world’s greatest scout. The challenge is organised by the Monster Scout Organisation, whose headquarters are located on Domus Isle, which lies at the centre of the archipelago.

Now a new challenge is about to begin, and the crème de la crème of the scouting world are converging on the islands…
It is time for you to begin your quest to become the greatest monster scout in Green Bays, and in history!

Features
Collect over 200 monsters to create the ultimate team
Train your monster squad to be the strongest by mastering countless spells, abilities, and more. The combinations are almost endless
Synthesise amazing new species of monsters that inherit the best abilities of their parents and perhaps some rare new skills too
Battle other teams of monsters to see who is the best
Explore a stunning 3D world filled with monsters, treasures and surprises. Graphics use the same techniques as seen in DRAGON QUEST: The Journey of the Cursed King
Challenge friends and their monster teams via DS Wireless Communication
Compare your team and compete against players from North America and PAL territories in the Wildcard World Cup, available via the Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection
The DRAGON QUEST “big three” – comprising series creator Yuji Horii, legendary manga artist Akira Toriyama, and renowned composer Koichi Sugiyama – come together once again to create an unforgettable gaming experience

Codename: Panzers – Cold War Promotion on PC

Together with developer Stormregion, 10TACLE STUDIOS AG will be taking the successful real-time strategy series “Codename: Panzers” to the next stage in March of this year. In addition to distributor Electronic Arts, headset specialist Sennheiser Communications joins the team behind the successful marketing start. The international cooperation includes a comprehensive marketing campaign. This includes both support in the form of hardware and contest prizes for LAN parties and trade fairs and reciprocal marketing support in advertisements, manuals, posters and product information.

10TACLE STUDIOS AG Senior Product Manager Stephan Pietsch describes the advantages offered by the cooperation: “In Sennheiser Communications we have found a great marketing partner for our new hit strategy game – a partner whose high-quality products further accentuate the outstanding quality of “Codename: Panzers – Cold War”, particularly where on-site presentations are concerned.”

Sennheiser Communications, Head of Sales & Marketing Communications, Guido Karbautzki adds: „The truly impressive presentation of the highly-detailed world and the overpowering sound backdrop in “Codename: Panzers – Cold War” convinced us that our cooperation is based on a giant in the genre which will further underline our strong and long lasting involvement in the gaming community.“

“Codename: Panzers – Cold War” is the continuation of the well-known real-time strategy series. The newest episode in the series uses cutting-edge technology and a wide range of innovative gaming elements as it takes players into a fictitious conflict which could have changed the fate of the “Free World” forever – a conflict which demands the utmost of the best strategists around!

STORY
Berlin, April 1949 – Although the Second World War found its bloody end just a few short years ago the spectre of a deadly new conflict between the East and West block countries looms on the horizon. The Soviet Block is in revolt against the Western Allies’ claims to power in Europe and relies thereby primarily upon their newfound military strength. One small spark is all it would take to launch the terrible war machines of two of the most powerful armies in the world!

On the morning of April 8th a tragic accident with far-reaching consequences occurs in the skies over Berlin, and before the sun sets the ground beneath the German capital once again shakes to the pounding roar of tank guns!


Further Informations:
www.10tacle.com
www.panzers-coldwar.org
www.senncom.com

Beautiful Katamari or Microsoft Xbox 360 launched in Europe

Atari Announces the Forthcoming European Release of the Latest in NAMCO BANDAI Games' Much-Loved Katamari Series, Rolling Out in HD and Online for the First Time

Atari today announced the forthcoming European release of Beautiful Katamari for the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft. The latest instalment in the brilliantly eccentric and critically adored Katamari series will trundle its way into Europe with a full Katamari quota of delicious high-definition graphics, an original ear-massaging soundtrack, and all-new online multiplayer features. Players old and new will be able to enjoy a very different kind of ‘roll-playing’ experience when the game hits European shelves in February 2008.

Beautiful Katamari sees the pint-sized Prince and his cousins take on a new high-rolling adventure to save the Katamari universe once again after the King of All Cosmos has a very un-royal and unfortunate accident… As usual, the King of All Cosmos demands that his son, the Prince, rolls anything and everything up into massive clumps to set things right, bringing harmony once again to the Katamari Cosmos.

Staying true to the wonderful oddball style the series is known for, the 720p graphics gleam with a new coat of high-definition paint as the Prince is tasked with rolling up increasingly weird objects in unexpected new environments. To keep his son motivated, the King of All Cosmos lays down another killer original soundtrack that will have players wiggling to the rhythm as they roll through the ludicrous yet lovable world of Beautiful Katamari.

One is a lonely number, but mercifully Beautiful Katamari comes loaded with multiplayer options, including co-op and battle modes offline and an online mode via Xbox Live online game service allowing up to four players to battle it out rolling the biggest clump of junk. For even more online merrymaking, multiple leaderboards track worldwide statistics and a range of suitably Katamari-style downloadable content will be available to help players roll in style.

2007 sees 16% growth in video game sales

GAMES SALES CONTINUE ON THE UP

2007 interactive software sales staggering increase on last year's figures

The UK interactive entertainment software market hit a new all time high in 2007, according to ELSPA (Entertainment and Leisure Software Publishers Association) as it reveals annual performance figures today, courtesy of Chart-Track.

2007 was an unprecedented year for the industry with a staggering growth in sales, the industry saw a 16% increase on units sold from the previous year taking the total to a whopping 75.9 million units sold. These record sales of interactive entertainment software across all formats totalled £1.72 billion, an increase of over 26% per cent over 2006’s record figures.

Paul Jackson, Director General of ELSPA, said: " We are thrilled to see the industry growing and software sales continuing to rise. This is a real testament to the industry, the creativity and the talent we have in the UK. There is, however, a chance to forget many of the problems the UK development sector faces with the pressure from the threat of international competition. We need to ensure that the UK creativity is able to continue to flourish and feed this demand, these figures should act as a reminder to us of the scale of our amazing industry and how we need to continue to work towards a healthier situation for one of the UK most lucrative creative industries.”

2007 was the biggest year ever for handheld systems with the Nintendo DS software actually ranked at No1 in terms of units sold and Sony’s PSP ranked at No5 in units and No6 by value. The entire console hand-held sector broke previous records and claimed nearly a third of the entire software units market, up 45% and just over one-quarter of the entire software market by value, up by 28%.

The biggest static console format in terms of value generation was Microsoft’s Xbox 360, followed by Sony’s PS2 (down from top spot in 2006), followed by Nintendo’s Wii and Sony’s PS3. However, in terms of units sold the order changes to PS2 (but No2 overall behind DS, the first time it has not been the biggest format since 2003), followed by Xbox 360, Wii and PS3.


The top ten games for 2007:

1 FIFA 08 EA Sport
2 Dr Kawashima’s Brain Training Nintendo
3 Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare Activision
4 Pro Evolution Soccer 2008 Konami
5 More Brain Training from Dr Kawashima Nintendo
6 Halo 3 Mircosoft
7 The Simpsons Game EA Games
8 Wii Play Nintendo
9 Assassin’s Creed Ubisoft
10 WWE Smackdown vs Raw 2008 THQ

Angels Online: Totem Skirmish

Today the team of Angels Online (ao.igg.com) over at IGG would like to announce that the long-awaited Totem Skirmish will be released on Jan.10th. During the first month of Open Beta Test, the players in Angels Online have been working hard to increase their characters strengths strong enough, and now it is the time for they to fight for Glory.

Skirmish Duration:
PVP Period: everyday
Boss Challenging Period: 20:00~22:00 EST (GMT-5) everyday

Skirmish Rules
1. There are only two scenes (lvl 21-40 and lvl 41-60), and Guilds should join the battle according to their factions and level.

2. Players can attack any players from opposing factions.

3. During 20:00~22:00 EST (GMT-5), everyday, players can obtain the Riddle Pieces; which can be used to exchange for the Angel League Certificates.

4. If you do not enter the Battle between the allotted times then you will only be eligible for PVP fights with no special Bosses. Collection players can collect the Riddle Pieces all the time, but you’d better collect them as soon as possible.

5. 200 Riddle Pieces can be exchanged for 1 Angel League Certificate.

6. After the battle, Michael will select the 3 guilds who obtained the most Riddle Pieces from each faction (12 guilds in total) to be the winners. They will become the proud owners of the Totems and territory from the first round Totem Battle.

Skirmish Process
1. Lvl 20+ players in each main city need to talk with Sentinel Angel so as to enter PVP maps.
2. Players can play PVP in this map. Fighting players can obtain Riddle Pieces through attacking monsters or boss, and production players can obtain riddle pieces by collecting.
3. Collect Riddle Pieces and exchange Riddle Pieces for Angel League Certificates.
For more info visit the official site at:
http://ao.igg.com/news/news.php?aid=449

Iron Grip: Warlord Video Game for PC

Your country is being invaded by a massive army. This army doesn't care how many casualties it takes, because for every soldier that falls, five more take its place. You fight well, but even your own countrymen are turning against you, and defecting to the enemy. You are forced back to the city-states - immense fortresses that are immediately besieged by the enemy. Each rush must be repelled, each rush more violent and dangerous than the next. There is only one ending to this battle: you cannot survive, but you can force the enemy to commit an atrocity. An atrocity so total that they will lose all support, an atrocity so total that all your countrymen will be outraged and rise up, an atrocity so total that even the enemy soldiers will hate themselves as they move through the rubble that was your last stand.

This is the setting of Iron Grip: Warlord, the first commercial game from Isotx. You play as one of the savagely independent Atelia warriors of Warlord Sahrab's army. Atelia has been invaded by the Confederation, a vast and ruthless army that has prepared the way for its invasion by sending in missionaries to convert the Atelians to the Fahrong cause. Atelia is rich in resources, and both the Confederation - led by the powerful Fahrong nation - and the Rahmos Protectorate know that Atelia would be a key conquest in their power struggles. Atelia itself is a fractured, anarchic country, with divided loyalties. It was Warlord Sahrab who realized that this large scale invasion cannot be resisted until the whole of Atelia unites, and so he engages in this deadly guerrilla warfare, designed to provoke the Confederation into bombarding entire cities.

As a Warlord, you must use all of your skill to defend the city against the Confederate attacks. In an innovative blend of RTS and FPS gameplay, you will employ urban guerrilla tactics to fight off the hordes. You must protect your city at all costs, by building defense structures, setting traps, and taking the enemy on yourself.

Based on the Quake 3 engine, this project is the latest offering in the Iron Grip Universe. Team Lead and Designer Vincent van Geel states that:

"This game is all about casual fun: low system requirements, small filesize, and cool gameplay. We've taken the popular "Art of Defense" genre, and put a whole new spin on it."

The game itself will be available to purchase from the Warlord's website , and through CrosuS. It will be released early February. Meanwhile you can see concept artwork, background stories, download wallpaper and explore the Universe at http://www.igwarlord.com.

First Graphical Online Role-Playing Game for Mac and PC

The National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences (NATAS) honored Stormfront Studios at the 59th Annual Technology & Engineering Emmy Awards ceremony for creating Neverwinter Nights, the first graphical Massively Multiplayer Online Role Playing Game (MMORPG). The Emmy event was held at the International Consumer Electronics Show (CES) on January 7 in Las Vegas.

Don Daglow, who led the design of Neverwinter Nights, accepted the award for Stormfront and its publishers, AOL and Wizards of the Coast. "These games are not just entertainment," Daglow said. "They build new kinds of communities and create deep people-to-people relationships. They influence people's lives in the same way as great books, inspiring movies and iconic television shows, and we're grateful to the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences for this honor."

Also honored at the ceremony for developing this new genre of entertainment were Sony Online Entertainment for Everquest, and Blizzard Entertainment for World of Warcraft.

Among the presenters at the evening ceremony were Gary Shapiro, president and CEO of the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA), legendary astronaut Buzz Aldrin, and Peter Price, president and CEO of the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences.

The Technology & Engineering Awards honor excellence in advances in the use, creativity and adaptation of technology that enhances or improves the consumer experience with media across multiple platforms.

Stormfront began development on Neverwinter Nights in 1989, and the game was offered on AOL from 1991-97. Its success inspired the creation of a series of hit computer games of the same name from BioWare.

Pinball game - Dream Pinball 3D for PC Nintendo DS and Wii

Cutting Edge Pinball Videogame to Make North American Debut on PC, Wii and Nintendo DS in Spring 2008

SouthPeak Games today announced Dream Pinball 3D is coming to PC, Wii and the Nintendo DS in Spring 2008. Developed by veteran studio Topware, this superb pinball simulator creates an authentic pinball experience with refined controls that capitalize on the unique qualities each platform.

“Everyone loves pinball. It is an unusual kind of entertainment in that it bridges hardcore and casual gamers, while translating very well to videogames,” said Melanie Mroz, CEO of SouthPeak Games. “We are going to give the medium the respect it deserves.”

Dream Pinball 3D boasts six table themes, several different ball options, multi-ball power-ups and the most intense visuals and ball physics a pinball game has ever seen. The Wii version utilizes the Wii Remote and motion sensor capability to enhance gameplay. The Nintendo DS version includes intuitive touch screen control options and clear 3D graphics. The PC version offers pristine visuals and precise flipper controls with the mouse. With this many options to choose from, Dream Pinball 3D will bring out the pinball wizard in everyone!

Wireless Nunchuck For Nintendo Wii Named A Finalist In CNET's Best of CES Awards

Online Voting Open to the Public for People's Voice Award at www.cnet.com/best-of-ces

Nyko announced today that the editors at CNET (www.cnet.com) have selected its Wireless Nunchuck as a finalist in this year's "Best of CES" awards in the gaming category. The device, which attaches to the Wii Remote via a small wireless dongle for complete cordless freedom, will be available in the first quarter of 2008 for a suggested price of $29.99.

The Best of CES Awards, which are produced and judged by CNET, will recognize the hottest products at the 2008 International Consumer Electronics Show in ten categories, plus a "Best in Show" and "People's Voice" award selected by the CNET online audience. CNET editors received and reviewed thousands of entries. Winners will be announced on Wednesday, January 9 at 2:00 p.m. live on the CNET Stage in the South Hall upper lobby, second floor.

Using a dongle that attaches to the bottom of the Wii Remote, the Wireless Nunchuck features full accelerometer support for motion-based gameplay, and is compatible with all games that require the Nunchuck controller attachment. The Nunchuck's ergonomic design is perfect for both left and right-handed players. Two AAA Batteries (included) provide up to 30 hours of gameplay.

"We are extremely excited to see a product as innovative as Nyko's Wireless Nunchuck for Wii amongst the finalists in CNET's Best of CES Awards," said Chris Arbogast, Director of Marketing at Nyko Technologies. "The nomination of a product that we believe will create the ultimate in wireless gaming for Wii players is a testament to how hard we strive to continuously improve the playing experience."

As a finalist for a Best of CES Award, the Wireless Nunchuck for Wii is also eligible to win a People's Voice Award. Readers at home actively following CNET's in-depth CES 2008 coverage - from videos to editorial reports from the show floor - can participate by voting for their favorite product at www.cnet.com/best-of-ces. Voting is open to the public from Tuesday, January 8th and closes at noon Pacific Time on Wednesday, January 9th.

The ten categories include digital photo and video; car tech and GPS; cell phones and smart phones; computers and hardware; emerging technologies; gaming; home audio; home video; MP3 and portable video players; and televisions. A video of the winners and finalists showcasing their technologies can be found at www.cnet.com/ces.