Beatmania II DX16 EMPRESS confirmed!

Konami opened up the location test announcement page for beatmaniaIIDX 16 EMPRESS today.

The first round of testing is slated to begin on the 25th in Japan and run through July 1st.

Rumor - Leaked image could show PlayStation 3 trophies

This image, leaked by "The Patriots," could show a PS3 trophy screen. The picture seems to show a gamer profiel, of sorts. If it's real, that is.

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Cake Mania 2 - on Nintendo DS demo available

Playable Demo Will Be Available At Retail Locations Nationwide This Summer.

Cake Mania 2 for Nintendo DS to retail outlets nationwide. Developed by Digital Embryo, Cake Mania 2 is the sequel to Sandlot Games' award-winning online PC hit that has been downloaded 70 million times worldwide and sold more than 325,000 units on DS. A playable Cake Mania 2 demo will also be featured in approximately 10,000 Nintendo DS Download Stations at major retail locations nationwide this summer.

In Cake Mania 2, Jill Evans returns in a fantastic all-new cake-baking adventure where she can strive for fame, fortune, or maybe even love! Players use the stylus to lead Jill through more than 200 different levels of baking and frosting mania that include 50 unique kitchen upgrades: from new ovens, frosters and display stands to microwaves, shoes and TVs. Cake-bakers must work quickly and accurately to please 18 all-new demanding customers that include aliens, federal agents, rock stars and grannies. Plus, Jill's new non-linear baking experience with six possible endings will take her to exotic locations like an underwater theme park and outer space. Throw in new cake shapes, decorations and frosting flavors and players will have their stylus busy at all times throughout the main game and in the new Endless Baking mode.



Cake Mania 2 is rated E for Everyone, and is now available for a suggested retail price of $19.99.

Safecracker Puzzler coming to Nintendo Wii

Perfect for Puzzle Enthusiasts - 35 Safes Waiting to be Cracked!

Safecracker, the unique puzzle-solving adventure originally developed for Windows and Puzzle Game of the Year, will be available for Wii this fall.

As an expert safecracker, you are hired by the wealthy family of a recently deceased billionaire to search for the last will and testament of their late relative, Duncan W. Adams. An avid safe collector and an “eccentric” to say the least, Adams has hidden the deed to his riches in one of the 35 safes scattered in his extravagant mansion.

Players will need to use expert puzzle-solving skills to crack all 35 safes, which become increasingly difficult, to reach the final master safe and locate the hi dden will.

“Adventure gamers will be thrilled with the transition of Safecracker to Wii,” said Byron Gaum, Global Product Marketing Manager at The Adventure Company. “With its non-violent, family-oriented gameplay, the whole family can work together to solve challenging puzzles, all while enjoying the scenery of 40 lavish rooms in a luxurious mansion.”

Created by award-winning developer Kheops Studios, Safecracker for Wii is the ultimate challenge for puzzle enthusiasts and wanna-be safecrackers everywhere!

Genre: Puzzle
System: Wii
Release: Fall 2008

Rockstar Games patches Grand Theft Auto IV - ArsTechnica

Today Rockstar has released a patch for both the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 version of Grand Theft Auto IV. Online play should become a little smoother; Check out the change list after the jump.

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Overlord Raising Hell launched plus Exclusive PlayStation 3 content

New Levels and New Features of Overlord - Raising Hell are Now Available.

Overlord Raising Hell, the extra evil edition of Triumph Studios' twisted fantasy blockbuster, has shipped to US retail stores nationwide for the PLAYSTATION 3 home entertainment system. Proclaiming the dictator's arrival, a new video that showcases the game's new features, enemies and levels is now available at www.codemasters.com/overlordraisinghell.

In Overlord - Raising Hell, gamers are taken deeper into the twisted world of the Overlord with a series of new levels, each a supernatural abyss where an undead army is on the march. With the Overlord's supremacy under attack, it's time to unleash the manic minion horde and embark on a new tour of lively extermination in the underworld.

A dungeon-full of other improvements and new content come on the rounded Blu-ray Disc, including online co-op play, head-to-head slaughter and enhanced visuals. Top specification 7.1-surround sound support, a new on-screen mini-map, split-screen play, and hints, tips and tactics and more combine to make Overlord: Raising Hell's tongue-in-cheek trail of death and destruction the most delightful yet.

Overlord - Raising Hell is the Overlord's definitive outing and is now available for the PLAYSTATION 3 system. Prepare the minions and unleash the inner dictator with the new video and more available online available online at www.codemasters.com/overlordraisinghell.



ABOUT OVERLORD RAISING HELL

The creation of Dutch developer Triumph Studios, the original Overlord was a best seller in 2007. Now the deliciously despotic Overlord and his horde of raucous minions returns in Overlord Raising Hell, a compendium of tyrannical treats coming June 20th for the PLAYSTATION 3 home entertainment system. The playable demo is now available for download from PLAYSTATION Network.

• COMMAND MINIONS, CONQUER KINGDOMS: 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.
  


• GO DEEPER INTO THE WARPED WORLD: Overlord Raising Hell adds 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.
  


• ENHANCED FOR PLAYSTATION 3 SYSTEM: 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.
  

Mega Man - Star Force 2 on Nintendo DS - Two Versions, Double the Fun!

Mega Man Star Force 2 for Nintendo DS out now. The second game in the Mega Man Star Force series will offer an updated battle system with new Battle Cards and diabolical enemies. Mega Man Star Force 2 will have two versions: Zerker X Ninja and Zerker X Saurian. Mega Man Star Force 2 is rated E10+ for everyone 10 and older and carries a suggested retail price of $29.99.

Developed by the team behind the popular MegaMan Battle Network series, Mega Man Star Force 2 continues two months after the previous game left off. Geo Stelar and crew return to battle a whole host of UMA’s (unidentified animated beings) and a new rival character called “Rogue.” Amidst this new conflict, a mysterious organization emerges with plans to revive the ancient civilization of “Mu” by utilizing the force of an ancient heritage “OOPArt.” It’s up to Geo and his virus-busting buddy, Omega-Xis, to thwart this latest threat.

Each of the three variants – Zerker, Ninja and Saurian – offers its own distinct Mega Man transformations with unique special attributes and abilities. Players can harness the spirit of an ancient species known as “Tribe” and transform or “tribe on” into three different forms: Elec Zerker wields a large sword imbued with the power of lightning; Wood Ninja can throw a huge Shinobi Star and move at great speed; Fire Saurian reduces enemies to smoldering pieces with a swipe of his fiery fist.



Mega Man Star Force 2 blends a unique formula of RPG exploration elements with fast-paced action, as players travel and battle between the coexisting physical and virtual Wave World. While seeking to unravel the mystery around the appearance of new troublemakers, players will encounter enemies in the virtual Wave World and battle them on three-by-five battle grids with their Battle Card deck. Mega Man Star Force 2 also adds an upgraded “Transer” system.

Activating the communications application via the Nintendo Wi-Fi connection or local wireless allows players to connect with in-game friends regardless of their location. Once connected, players can add new friends to their network to create a “Brother Band” network where they can share cards, status upgrades, and even help each other to perform upgraded transformations. Wireless match application via the Nintendo Wi-Fi connection is also available for Mega Man Star Force 2 which allows players to test their skills against friends across the internet.

Hail to the Chimp out in US for Xbox and PlayStation 3

Hail to the Chimp has shipped to North American retailers and is available on the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and PLAYSTATION 3 computer entertainment system. Players can now jump into the biggest political race the animal kingdom has ever seen in this fast-paced original game that delivers exciting gameplay and a comic look at politics. It’s a bare-knuckled fight to win the crown of President of the animals and whoever gets the most clams (votes), wins!

Hail to the Chimp begins after the Lion is deposed as King following a series of embarrassing scandals. The rest of the animals decide it's time to give democracy a chance and hold an election for the first President of the Animal Kingdom. The election quickly becomes a frenzied multiplayer free-for-all, with each candidate using a combination of brute force and dirty tricks to try and win the most votes. Ten distinct animals will compete to win the election.

“Gamers complain about the lack of innovation and originality in video games. Hail to the Chimp is the antidote,” said Rick Stults, console chief for Gamecock Media Group. “Hail to the Chimp blends political satire with over-the-top beat-‘em-up action that no one else has attempted before now.”

“Hail to the Chimp is designed for fun, pure and simple - quick, easy, party game fun for everyone,” said Alex Seropian, founder of Wideload Games. “In addition, the immersive character-driven backstory and underlying humor provide an entertainment experience that anyone can enjoy.”

Up to four players participate online or on a single console to become the new President. Everything unfolds on GRR News, the animal kingdom’s 24-hour news channel, as Woodchuck Chumley and his crew of reporters cover the political mayhem. Choose from a wide range of animal candidates, ranging from Monkey to Musk Ox to Octopus to Hippo, each with unique political platforms and competitive strengths. Players participate in 16 unique events in the race to the top, such as Political Minefield, Hack the Vote, and Character Assassin, and battle it out in 10 different arenas: waterfalls, mountain tops, factory floors, and more! A unique “teamup” option lets two players mix cooperation with competition, forming alliances and inflicting betrayals – whatever it takes to finish on top.



Hail to the Chimp pokes fun at today’s political news coverage and is content-rich with hours of cut scenes that include fake commercials, political ads and political debates that are fun to play or just watch.

Hail to the Chimp is available for Xbox 360 and PLAYSTATION 3 system for $39.99.

Top Spin 3 Tennis game on Xbox PS3 Wii and DS

Top Spin 3 aces the competition with an exciting and authentic tennis experience

Top Spin 3 is now available in stores in North America for the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, PLAYSTATION 3 computer entertainment system, Wii™ home video game system from Nintendo, and Nintendo DS. Developed by 2K’s PAM Development studio, Top Spin 3 offers players the most authentic and true-to-life video game tennis experience available on consoles and handhelds.

“We are extremely proud of Top Spin 3 and are confident that the intense gameplay, cutting-edge visuals and endless customization options will exceed players’ expectations,” said Christoph Hartmann, president of 2K.

Top Spin 3 features stunning graphics and revolutionary gameplay that contains innovative new controls, Signature Style™, and expansive online offerings, and gives players control over a wide selection of current top ranked tennis pros like Andy Roddick, Roger Federer and Maria Sharapova, as well as legendary* players Boris Becker, Bjorn Borg and Monica Seles. An incredibly deep player creator system provides fans with complete control over every aspect of their character with a new freeform face sculpting editor, and customizable swing animations, hairstyles, makeup, tattoos and grunts.



Top Spin 3 offers a wide variety of gameplay and features, including situation-specific behaviours, revamped audio with enhanced crowd reaction, and precise controls that fans can easily pick up and play while still providing the most genuine tennis experience possible. All-new Evolutionary Visuals showcase the intensity of the game as players sweat, demonstrate fatigue and accumulate grass and clay stains on their clothing over the course of a match, while competing at courts that have dynamic weather changes. Competitive players will also be able to create matches online and test their skills against friends or other ranked players around the world via singles or doubles in Exhibition, Custom, or World Tour Matches.
For more information, log onto www.topspin3thegame.com




Top Spin 3 is rated E for Everyone by the ESRB and is available for the Xbox 360, PLAYSTATION 3 system, Wii, and Nintendo DS.

*Legends not available on all platforms

Metal Gear Solid 4 - Guns of the Patriots passes 1 million sales mark

Konami has shipped over one million copies of the game to retailers across Europe to meet the exceptional demand, with high sales confirmed in all European territories and securing the Number One position in the relevant sales charts.

Released globally on June 12th, Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots marks the final adventure for series hero Solid Snake. With his body failing and ageing at an accelerated rate, Snake is called on one last mission to halt the plans of his long-term nemesis Liquid Snake. Liquid has seized control of a series of private armies for his own nefarious needs and, in a mission that spans the Middle East, South America and returns to Shadow Moses, Snake must stop Liquid at all costs. Also included on the disc is Metal Gear Online, a dedicated online game featuring locations from and inspired by MGS4.

In addition to the high sales across Europe, Konami has also confirmed that the limited edition MGS4 sets that comprised a ‘Making Of’ Blu-Ray, soundtrack CD and ‘Old Snake’ mannequin. 25,000 sets were made available across Europe, but were snapped up almost immediately by fans of the series.

“The Metal Gear Solid series has again proved its huge potential, and we are delighted with the fantastic response the game has enjoyed at retail,” commented Martin Schneider, Sales and Marketing Director Germany for Konami Digital Entertainment GmbH. “MGS4 is nothing short of a masterpiece – an epic conclusion to the Solid Snake story. We are extremely pleased with the positive feedback we have received from retail and consumers alike, and will keep satisfying their needs with updates to the game’s ‘Extra’ option, and via new content to Metal Gear Online.”