Guild Wars Tops sells five million games in under three years

Guild Wars Tops Five Million Units Sold

Guild Wars franchise breaks major milestone in less than three years.

NCsoft Europe and ArenaNet have announced that the Guild Wars franchise of online roleplaying games has surpassed five million units sold in Europe, North America, and Asia.

Published by NCsoft and developed by ArenaNet, the Guild Wars franchise consists of the original Guild Wars, Guild Wars Factions, Guild Wars Nightfall, and the recently released expansion, Guild Wars: Eye of the North. The Guild Wars games have been commercial and critical successes since the release of the original campaign in April of 2005. Its award-winning content and innovative subscription-free business model have created a large and loyal following that is highly anticipating Guild Wars 2.

“Guild Wars is a proven success and has set a new standard for online RPG games with its unique business model and superior playability,” said NCsoft CEO Taek Jin Kim. “ArenaNet is dedicated to creating games that expand the market and provide great new content to our loyal player base. This success has built a great foundation from which the next generation of Guild Wars games will grow.”

With the development of Guild Wars 2 underway, ArenaNet will continue to provide dedicated support to current Guild Wars games and its millions of customers.

“Reaching the five million mark is extremely gratifying for us at ArenaNet because it shows the hard work and dedication we put into our games has resonated with the fans,” said Mike O’Brien, co-founder of ArenaNet. “We are committed to supporting all of our Guild Wars players, and at the same time, we’re extremely excited to work on the game’s evolution. Certainly the future of Guild Wars is as bright as its past and present.”

For more information on the Guild Wars franchise, visit the Guild Wars website at www.discoverguildwars.com. The award-winning Guild Wars series, including the recently released Guild Wars: Eye of the North, can be purchased from retailers or downloaded from the PlayNC store at http://eu.plaync.com/eu/store/.

Two Worlds To Get Bigger And Better Online Downloadable Content Packs To Add All-New Multiplayer Mode And Expand Online World Of Antaloor

Two Worlds To Get Bigger And Better Online

Downloadable Content Packs To Add All-New Multiplayer Mode And Expand Online World Of Antaloor

SouthPeak Games has announced two downloadable content expansions for its open-world role-playing hit, Two Worlds. Both packs will be made available through Xbox LIVE for the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, expanding and improving the game’s online multiplayer experience.

The two expansions will add a host of new content to the vibrant and populous multiplayer universe of Two Worlds, featuring first and foremost an entirely new player-versus-player mode based around controlling key areas of a multiplayer map. Along with this new strategic play mode, additional maps, co-operative missions and a suite of new weapons are also included, adding a considerable amount of play time to the already content-packed world of Antaloor.

“Two Worlds has been a huge success for SouthPeak and much of its appeal can be credited to having a huge game-world to explore,” said Melanie Mroz, CEO of SouthPeak Games. “Reality Pump has worked tirelessly to improve the multiplayer experience and this new downloadable content is geared towards expanding upon it, offering lots of new missions and areas to explore with friends.”

The first expansion pack for Two Worlds will be available for download in March, with the second becoming available in April. Both will cost 600 MS points.

Hurry Up Hedgehog! Nintendo DS video game Fact Sheet

Hurry Up Hedgehog! Fact Sheet

Hurry your hedgehog's home with Hurry Up Hedgehog!

An intriguing brainteaser challenging the whole family to shrewdly manoeuvre their way to victory. Jostling against the canniest critters in the garden players must dodge hazards, out-smart their friends and use cunning to race their hedgehog’s home.

Hurry Up Hedgehog! – Race, creep, jostle and out-manoeuvre in this intriguing multi-player brainteaser for all ages.

Features:
- Hurry Up Hedgehog! game play dynamic is based on the popular board game Igel Ärgern (also known as Egelrace) loosely translated "Hedgehogs in a Hurry” and designed by Doris Matthäus and Frank Nestel.
- Board layout: Consists of 6 numbered lanes each 9 columns long.
- Single DS Multiplayer and Multi-Card Multiplayer for up 6 players.
- 6 graphic sets, and 5 rule customisation options, allowing for -32 unique ways to play
- Stylus control througout

The Facts:

Title: Hurry Up Hedgehog!
Formats: NDS
PEGI: 3+
Publisher: Oxygen Games
Developer: Ivolgamus
RRP: £19.99
Release: 28th March 2007

Codemasters confirm Overlord: Raising Hell, a compendium of tyrannical treats, is coming to the Sony PLAYSTATION 3

Prepare for a hellishly good time being bad with

Think evil, breed evil and control all (with lots of laughs along the way) as Codemasters confirms new edition of acclaimed action adventure.

The deliciously despotic Overlord and his horde of raucous minions will return this summer as Codemasters® announces that Overlord: Raising Hell, a compendium of tyrannical treats, is coming to the PLAYSTATION 3 computer entertainment system.

The creation of Dutch developer Triumph Studios, the original Overlord was a best seller in 2007 when published for the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and PC. Overlord: Raising Hell will mark the game's first appearance on the PLAYSTATION 3 system and deliver the complete Overlord experience, including all expansion content, in one exclusive edition.

Set in a seriously twisted fantasy world, Overlord: Raising Hell is an action adventure that has players being ruthless, determined, and even a little despotic as they pillage lands and conquer kingdoms in order to be proclaimed the all-powerful Overlord. At the heart of the game is an army of slavish little creatures known as Minions, and their presence provides Overlord: Raising Hell with its deliciously dark comedic touches.

Totally loyal to their Overlord, Minions will use their unique skills to fetch, fight and even die for him. Opportunists by nature, a Minion will rob an opponent of a mighty axe to arm themselves with and steal armour to wear for protection. Players will amass armies of up to 50 Minions as they explore and conquer the world's five domains. Use the Minions tactically and they'll always be on hand, ready to sacrifice themselves just to save the Overlord's illustrious arse.

Overlord: Raising Hell takes players deeper into the Overlord's warped world with a series of additional hellish levels, each a supernatural abyss for the game's five kingdoms.
With the undead denizens of each abyss on the attack and threatening the Overlord's superiority, there's only one thing for it: assemble the Minions, descend into each abyss and embark on a fresh wave of tyranny in order to claim the underworld throne.

In addition to offering a complete collection of Overlord content, including online co-operative pillaging and head-to-head slaughter, the PLAYSTATION 3 system edition will also be enhanced with detailed visuals, a top-spec audio system with 7.1 surround sound and gameplay refinements, such as the addition of an on-screen mini-map.

Prepare for a fresh wave of feudal fun when Overlord: Raising Hell launches this summer for the PLAYSTATION 3 system. For all the latest on the game, be sure to visit www.codemasters.com/overlordraisinghell

Anchorcast Entertainment Unleashes Groundbreaking 2D Shooter Action with Core Fighter

Anchorcast Entertainment Unleashes Groundbreaking 2D Shooter Action with Core Fighter

Waco, TX, USA - 26 Feb. 2008 - Anchorcast Entertainment (http://www.anchorcast.net/) today announced the release of Core Fighter, a fast-paced 2D shooter melding thrilling top-down action with free-roaming exploration. Core Fighter brings the streamlined features of a modern first-person shooter to the classic gameplay of 2D action games from the past.

Core Fighter allows players to choose a spacecraft and take it into a futuristic science fiction setting. After choosing their ship, players explore the corridors of a space station, the tunnels of an abandoned mining complex, and the depths of space itself.

Core Fighter represents a remarkable departure from space shooters of the past,? says Christian Seehausen, President and lead designer, Anchorcast Entertainment. While other futuristic shoot-'em-ups force players onto a linear path, Core Fighter lets them to explore their environment and choose for themselves where they want to go, which secrets to uncover, and which enemies to fight next.

At Anchorcast Entertainment, we believe that players love choices.In Core Fighter, we allow them to not only choose which ship to fly, but also to customize it with weapons and upgrades of their choice, unlocked by exploring the game's environments.

In Core Fighter, aliens have taken control of an abandoned mining outpost and the robots within. Players must fight their way through corridors, tunnels, and asteroid belts filled with hundreds of enemies all bristling with high-tech futuristic weaponry. Players can take advantage of full 360-degree shooting, combining their piloting skills with fast aim to beat the harsh odds laid against them.

Core Fighter is available for Windows PC systems, and is suitable for players of all ages. Find out more about Core Fighter or try the demo today by visiting its website at http://www.anchorcast.net/corefighter/.

Features:
-Fast-paced top-down shooting action
-Three different ship classes: Light, Medium, and Heavy
-Ten levels spread across three stunning environments
-Twelve hard-earned Achievements
-Over 24 powerful weapons and upgrades
-Eight distinct types of enemies
-Special abilities like Cloak and Afterburners

Reason Gaming Announce Female Counter Strike Source Team

Reason Gaming Announce Female Counter Strike Source Team

All Girl Squad to Compete at Multiplay i33 LAN This Easter



After recent success as champions of the IG5 Counter Strike Source tournament, Reason Gaming have expanded their Counter Strike Source division to include an all female team.

Selected from the most dedicated female players in the UK, Reason management has been working hard to identify and integrate this new team into the organisation. “Female gaming is a huge growth area and there are a lot of talented players out there looking to play at a competitive level. With our male team considered among the best in Europe it makes perfect sense to take on a female squad and help them develop.” states general manager Ben Dalloway.

Training several nights a week the squad are picking up tactics and developing team work that will equip them for future online and offline events.

“Myself and all the girls are really excited about joining Reason Gaming, we are very passionate about Counter Strike Source and can’t wait to represent Reason at future events” confirmed squad leader Amy Matthews.

The team’s first LAN event will be Multiplay i33 where they will compete against 75+ teams for a total prize fund of €10,000.

“As an all female team these girls will train and compete against male and female teams in leagues and events, breaking down the barriers between genders in gaming. Skill, aim and game knowledge is not dependent upon what sex you are but on how hard you train and how dedicated you are to the game, Reason plan to support more female teams in the future” confirmed Adam Godfrey, founder of Reason Gaming.

Puzzle Quest: Challenge of the Warlords – Mobile Cellphone Game

Multi- Award Winner - Puzzle Quest: Challenge of the Warlords – Mobile Game



The only puzzler to achieve both huge critical acclaim and be one of the biggest-selling games, arrives on mobile! The stroke of brilliance is in the combination of addictive ‘matching gems’ puzzle game, with added furious spell attacks, plus adventure fantasy.

Puzzle Quest is a truly original game that is impossible to put down. Players choose their hero from 8 characters out of 4 diverse classes, each with very different strengths, in a quest throughout the land. Opponents are defeated by the skillful who match runes and use this rune manna to strike with amazing magic spells, that are learnt along the adventure, for devastating effect!

• Addictive combat system based on classic puzzle game formulas and enhanced with a flexible magic system.
  
• Rewarding and varied character development system with four character classes to choose from.
  
• A fully customizable weapons system.
  
• An epic story revolving around the balance between four magical elements.
  
• 13 different enemy types with a unique boss character to fight.
  
• Develop and learn 45 different spells.
  
• Impressive fantasy-themed audiovisuals.
  
• Developed by award-winning THQ studio, Universomo
  
• Awarded by the websites Airgamer, Handy Player and Mobile Games FAQ
  

To get Puzzle Quest: Challenge of the Warlords on your mobile simply text “THQ PQ” to 88188.

The game costs £4.50 which is a one off charge.

DEAD SPACE RELEASE DATE ANNOUNCED

DEAD SPACE RELEASE DATE ANNOUNCED

EA's New Survival Horror IP Set for Halloween Launch

Electronic Arts today announced that new sci-fi survival horror game Dead Space will be in European and North American stores on October 31st for the PLAYSTATION 3 computer entertainment system and the Xbox 360 videogame and entertainment system.

“Survival horror is about experiencing a terrifying, and deeply personal fiction,” said Executive Producer Glen Schofield. “Dead Space is being developed as a single-player thriller that delivers the chilling, claustrophobic feeling of being isolated in a dark environment, while being stalked by some truly horrific enemies. Halloween is the perfect time for EA to deliver the fear and anxiety that will keep survival horror fans up playing all night.”

Gamers can check out the new trailer and get all the latest dev team news at the newly redesigned and relaunched Dead Space website at www.deadspacegame.com.

Under development at EA Redwood Shores, Dead Space is not yet rated by PEGI or ESRB.

UK games chart week ending 23 Feb

All formats

(Full price) Week ending 23 February 2008

1 MARIO & SONIC AT THE OLYMPIC GAMES SEGA
2 CALL OF DUTY 4: MODERN WARFARE ACTIVISION
3 DEVIL MAY CRY 4 CAPCOM
4 TUROK DISNEY INTERACTIVE STUDIOS
5 FIFA 08 ELECTRONIC ARTS
6 UNREAL TOURNAMENT III MIDWAY
7 THE SIMPSONS GAME ELECTRONIC ARTS
8 FIFA STREET 3 ELECTRONIC ARTS
9 COOKING MAMA 2 505 GAMES
10 ASSASSIN'S CREED UBISOFT
11 BURNOUT PARADISE ELECTRONIC ARTS
12 NEED FOR SPEED: PROSTREET ELECTRONIC ARTS
13 GUITAR HERO III: LEGENDS OF ROCK ACTIVISION
14 CONFLICT: DENIED OPS EIDOS
15 NEW SUPER MARIO BROS. NINTENDO
16 WWE SMACKDOWN VS RAW 2008 THQ
17 PRO EVOLUTION SOCCER 2008 KONAMI
18 LEGO STAR WARS: THE COMPLETE SAGA LUCASARTS
19 PDC WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP DARTS 08 OXYGEN INTERACTIVE
20 SONIC AND THE SECRET RINGS SEGA

Angels Online: New Items for Totem Battle & Wartime

Angels Online: New Items for Totem Battle & Wartime

With the Totem Battle opening and Double Experience activity going on, this time Angels Online (http://ao.igg.com) from IGG would like to give players some pleasant surprises.

SURPRISE 1
In order to make players appear in battle wearing the best equipment and riding cool mounts, the AO team has prepared some cool new items in the Item Mall. The new items include some cool lucky bags as well as new paper dolls. It’s for sure these items will add more fun to your gaming experience.
For more information please visit us at: http://ao.igg.com/news/news.php?aid=528

SURPRISE 2
During the upcoming Totem Battle the AO team is looking for wartime journalists to document and report on what happens during the events. If your character has the courage to stay right on the front lines during battle, do not hesitate to apply.

For more information please visit us at:
http://ao.igg.com/news/news.php?aid=535

About TOTEM BATTLE:
Totem Battle is actually a PVP battle between 2 leagues, with 1 league defending the totem, and the other attacking it. Player’s leagues can occupy certain territories by destroying the totems during an attack. After occupying the territory, players are able to deal with traders, exploit special materials, accept special quests, and challenge special Bosses.