Tips and Tricks for Naruto Shippuden - Ninja Council 4 video game

TOMY Corporation today released a variety of tips and tricks to help players as they embark on a quest to save Gaara from the sinister Akatuski organization in the recently released action adventure title NARUTO Shippuden - Ninja Council 4. As each level presents its own challenges, players can determine which character’s unique jutsu is best suited for the obstacle at hand. For instance, Naruto’s Toad summoning jutsu helps players get to high, hard to reach places.

The game is the first Nintendo DS title to feature the NARUTO Shippuden story arc in North America, allowing fans to play as Naruto and his friends in the next generation of the series. Based on the enormously successful animated series from VIZ Media, NARUTO Shippuden: Ninja Council 4 introduces consumers to a host of playable characters sporting their updated NARUTO Shippuden looks, and wireless multiplayer battles for up to four players.

1. Tired of having to find alternate routes around seemingly impenetrable walls?
Choose Sakura as your main ninja and go right through the wall with her “Girl
Power” jutsu.

2. Some levels are dark! Try using Neji with his “Byakugan” jutsu to help navigate
through these tough levels.

3. Having a tough time with complicated jumping sequences? Choose Rock Lee with
his superior jumping ability and avoid these situations all together!

4. Sometimes regular jumping just isn’t enough. Use Naruto’s Toad summoning jutsu
to get to those high, hard to reach places. You just might find something valuable!

5. Ever come by a seemingly inaccessible switch in your travels? Try using Kakashi
and summon Pakkun to get into even the tightest spots.

6. Use your minimap to explore your surroundings. You never know what you’re
going to find!

7. When choosing your support ninja, take into consideration what you need for the
mission.
Are there lots of small foes that are hard to target? Use Rock Lee to clear them out.
Do you find that you are constantly searching for health potions? Sakura can help
heal your wounds.

8. Always be on your toes! Some platforms are not very stable and may fall once you
land on them. Time your jumps quickly and carefully to avoid falling!

9. Bosses are more challenging than any other ninja you face in a mission. Pull out all
the stops and use your most powerful jutsu against these foes!

10. Remember to use the gold you receive from completed missions. Sometimes
purchasing a new jutsu can mean the difference of finishing or failing a mission.

Overlord II three video games details fact sheets - with three videos

Don’t delay, be evil today and prepare to lead a horde of mischievous and destructive Minions through enchanted lands steeped in fairytale lore and loaded with sinister and satirical twists in Overlord II, Overlord Dark Legend and Overlord Minions, available in UK stores tomorrow, Friday 26th June.†



Heralding the arrival of the delightfully diabolical trio of Overlord titles are three exclusive new Overlord videos. The Overlord II “Developer Diary: Humour” video features Lennart Sas, Creative Director of Triumph Studios, discussing how humour permeates throughout the game and plays a vital part in the Overlord universe. “Humour is key to the Overlord experience. Without humour and parody, the game would probably get banned.” says Sas



Codemasters also released new gameplay videos for Overlord Dark Legend and Overlord Minions. In the Overlord Dark Legend gameplay video, players are introduced to the new, younger face of evil and the return of some old friends; the Minions. The Overlord Minions gameplay video showcases some of the more devious puzzles in wait for Giblet, Stench, Blaze and Zap (the Minion Special Farces team) as well as some of the spectacular bosses that they will need to outsmart in their quest to please the mighty Overlord.



The videos, the new screen shots for all of the Overlord games and the Overlord II wallpapers are available to view at www.overlordgame.com.

Overlord II is the sequel to the original twisted fantasy action adventure and is available for the PLAYSTATION 3 computer entertainment system, Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and PC, with full online & offline multiplayer and split screen functions. Overlord Dark Legend was developed and designed exclusively for Nintendo Wii and features Minion control through intuitive Nintendo Wii Remote movement. Overlord Minions is a dedicated puzzle action title, developed exclusively for Nintendo DS and uses 100% touch screen controls, perfect for Overlords on the go.

OVERLORD TITLES NOW AVAILABLE:

OVERLORD II
• PLAYSTATION 3 system, Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, PC.

Overlord II is the sequel to the hit warped fantasy action adventure that had players being delightfully despotic. In Overlord II, a new Overlord and a more powerful army of Minions take on an entire empire in a truly epic adventure, inspired by the rise of the Roman Empire. As the Glorious Empire conquers kingdoms and destroys any sign of magic it finds, it’s time to go Minion Maximus and send in the horde.

The Minions return smarter, deadlier (and funnier) and are ready to fight in large scale battles that will see their wild pack mentality squaring up to the organized legions of the Glorious Empire. As ever, they’ll do anything and everything the Overlord commands of them, especially now that they can run ravage and wreck buildings and scenery. They’ve also learn to ride: In Overlord II Minions are able to mount up and ride wolves and other magical creatures around the landscape and take them into battle, making our band of merry fighters faster and fiercer than ever before.

OVERLORD DARK LEGEND
• Nintendo Wii.

Designed and developed exclusively for Wii, Overlord Dark Legend is a brand new action adventure steeped in fairy tale lore with sinister, satirical twists. Set in a time before the original game, players take the role of a new young Overlord. As he revels in command of the Minions, our trainee tyrant will be able to take his growing pains out on the local fairy tale inhabitants as he protects his castle and lands.

Connecting players to the game world in three dimensions, the use of the Wii Remote™ gives unprecedented control over the minions. For example, individual Minions can be plucked from the horde, held by the neck and then, by vigorously shaking the Wii Remote, throttled to imbue him with some Overlordly power and turn him into a manic minion missile. With a now-explosive body, the insane little critter can be guided into enemies with hilarious, if rather fatal, consequences.

Backed by a rich, tongue-in-cheek story from award-winning games author Rhianna Pratchett, the game features Overlord favourites, including: Halflings, trolls, elves, and dwarves and introduces wicked witches, gingerbread men and Lil’ Red Riding Hood, the seeming sweet girl with a very personal lupine secret.

OVERLORD MINIONS
• Nintendo DS.

Introducing Giblet, Blaze, Stench, and Zap – an elite Minion crew who, assisted by minion master Gnarl, receive star billing in Overlord Minions, an irresistible and accessible puzzle action game designed exclusively for Nintendo DS. In Overlord Minions, the Overlord commands the Minion team remotely. The Nintendo DS stylus becomes an extension of his evil will and every precise touch screen command is the player-as-Overlord directing, commanding and combining minions in battle, pointing and sweeping them to attack enemies and solving puzzles to execute his dastardly plans.

Controlling the Special Farces team of four, players negotiate fiendish levels and take on a huge range of warped enemies to hunt down the Kindred, a cult dedicated to resurrecting the mighty Dragon Kin, a race of humanoid dragon hybrids, determined to replace the Overlord’s despotism with their own. Extending the Overlord series’ trademark humour, gameplay focuses on the mischievous physical comedy of the minion’s antics and is delivered in a stylized cartoon visual style.

Dark Fall - Lost Souls video game

Fast expanding videogame publisher Iceberg Interactive and British developer Darkling Room are delighted to announce the signing of the European publishing rights to the PC adventure ‘Dark Fall: Lost Souls’. Lost Souls is the third Dark Fall title and will complete the hugely popular paranormal game trilogy. The game is set for release in Q4-2009.

Lost Souls is written, once again, by the Dark Fall series creator, Jonathan Boakes, who also wrote the highly acclaimed title The Lost Crown. “It’s a guilty pleasure to drag gamers, kicking and screaming, back to the creepy train station and hotel, seen in the first Dark Fall game”, says Jonathan. “It’s a desolate, derelict, dark location, in which disappearances and strange events are commonplace. Lost Souls is going to offer up the creepiest atmosphere of the series. Be warned, that old hotel knows your name, and is waiting for you this time round. Your room is prepared and ready.”

Erik Schreuder, CEO of Iceberg Interactive says: “‘Dark Fall: Lost Souls’ is a great horror adventure franchise with a lot of followers, it fits the profile of games we want to release and so we are thrilled to be publishing Dark Fall: Lost Souls in the coming fall across Europe. We are promised a story even more disturbing than the previous instalments and are convinced that the new game engine will make the experience more immersive and scarier than ever before. Prepare for your creepiest ever Halloween.”

About Dark Fall: Lost Souls

You have unfinished business with the dead. Return to the Train Station and Hotel at Dowerton for a second time; there is a new mystery to solve, and new horrors to face. The old buildings have deteriorated since your last perilous adventure, so you must watch your step, and never turn your back on the darkness...for something hides there; Something evil, unknowable and hungry. The dead of Dowerton are the least of your problems, as you are stalked from one derelict room to the next, by the Dark Fall itself. It wants your soul; to feed upon, devour and torture. You must make the ghosts of the hotel your ally, through any means you can. For it is only through successful exorcisms that you will gain the strength to battle the darkness that lurks in that long forgotten, abandoned place.

Features

• A brand new (and final) Dark Fall horror adventure.
• From the pen of Jonathan Boakes, author of The Lost Crown.
• Explore a derelict train station & hotel, abandoned since World War 2.
• A new game engine allows full exploration and movement.
• Physically interact with the eerie setting, to really ‘feel’ the place.
• Use light as your weapon and ally, to fight the darkness.
• Use Detective skills to solve an urban mystery.
• A hauntingly creepy stereo score that will chill and terrify.
• Explore the memories of the dead, in their own ‘nightmares’.
• Discover the true identity, and power behind, the Dark Fall itself.

Arma II video game demo launched

The demo for military simulation ArmA II, available for download from today. The demo version of Bohemia Interactive’s long awaited tactical PC shooter will provide a glimpse of some of ArmA II’s backdrops, equipment and broad gameplay style which incorporates first person shooter, role playing game and real time strategy elements. For more information please visit www.arma2.com

The fictional post-Soviet state of Chernarus provides the location for all the action in ArmA II and gamers will have the opportunity to explore its highland area in the demo version, along with the small Chernarussian island of Utes. More specifically, the ‘boot camp’ missions are all available which act as tutorials for the game’s many disciplines including helicopter flight, unit command and base construction. In addition, the full single player mission ‘Trial By Fire’ from the main campaign and the multiplayer map ‘Mini Warfare’, allowing ArmA fans the chance to trial three multiplayer modes, are included in the demo. A selection of over 20 vehicles, over 25 weapons and various soldier and civilian models will be included, although these represent only a fraction of those available in the retail version.



“Distilling ArmA II’s gameplay into a trial sized package has been a bit of a challenge because there is just so much in there that we want to show off,” commented Mark Allen, European Communications Manager for 505 Games. “In the end we’ve decided to be pretty generous, there are five types of rocket launcher in there for starters!”

Featuring the most realistic warfare gameplay ever, ArmA II promises to build on the excellent features that have made Bohemia Interactive a respected name amongst both gamers and the US army, who use a modified version to train recruits for combat situations. Team-based combat, a comprehensive playbook of military tactics and an enormous battlefield to explore are just some of the features that will make this the military simulation of choice this year.

Innovative Motion Sensing Peripheral jOG Scoops Trio Of Gongs Including the Grand Prix at the Big Chip Awards 2009

New Concept Gaming’s revolutionary motion sensing peripheral jOG, compatible with Nintendo Wii, received top honours at this year’s Big Chip Awards, the North West’s annual awards for digital excellence, winning the overall Grand Prix in addition to recognition for Best Application of Technology and the Big Chip International Award for Innovation.

jOG is a unique motion sensing accessory compatible with the Nintendo Wii that allows character movement in the game only when the player jogs on the spot, creating a feedback loop immersing players deeper into the game play while taking light exercise. Connected between the Nunchuk and Wiimote, then clipped to the belt, jOG works with any games that use the stick for character movement on screen, typically most adventure, shooter, RPG, kids and sports titles. jOG requires no special versions of game software to operate: players just plug in and go. What’s more, gamers can connect as many jOGs as the game supports players – enabling the whole family to join in the fun.

“We’re delighted to have been recognised by a distinguished panel of judges, especially winning in such key categories – application of technology and innovation,” said Brendan Ludden, Managing Director of New Concept Gaming. “We are passionate about making video games good for you by championing active play, and it’s a great feeling to have our efforts recognised at such a prestigious awards ceremony.”

“We were very impressed by this extremely inventive addition to an existing, and world-leading, gaming technology,” said Michael Nutley, chairman of the judging panel. “It's a simple idea executed through an innovative combination of techniques from a business that started life in a North West business incubator and was financed by a North West investment fund.”

jOG compatible with Nintendo Wii™ is available in stores now, including Argos, Asda and online from Game.co.uk and Firebox.com, with an RRP of £24.99. For more information, please visit www.jog2play.com.

PC Classic Serious Sam HD to be Released by cdv this Autumn!

Cdv Software Entertainment AG is working with Croteam and Devolver Digital to bring Serious Sam HD for PC to retail and digital download in all worldwide territories excluding Russia.

Originally released in 2001, Serious Sam won numerous accolades including Game of the Year on Gamespot and Editor's Choice on IGN. Developed on Croteam's proprietary Serious Engine 3; Serious Sam HD stays true to the source material, as our hero takes on Lord Mental's forces across a variety of battlegrounds set in various ancient civilisations. The gameplay remains as intense as ever and the humour intact, all this in glorious high definition!

Roman Ribaric, CEO of Croteam said "We have been really excited to see Sam being recreated in stunning high definition and to have the opportunity to truly update our hero. The fans of Sam have never gone away and have been lobbying us hard to do this, so we are really excited to be able to confirm that Sam will be back as big, bold and bad as he ever was and we are really stoked about introducing Sam to new gamers as well as his loyal fans."

Arne Peters, COO of cdv Software Entertainment AG commented, "cdv are very excited to be involved in bringing Serious Sam HD to market. The game has an outstanding heritage and is still talked about today in reverential terms. Therefore, this HD version of a classic can only be great news for PC gamers everywhere."

For more information about cdv Software Entertainment AG please visit www.cdv.de

Trine video game preview available worldwide !

The Trine preview demo, developed by Nobilis and hailed by Gamespot as "best downloaded game" of E3 2009, is now available at e-shop Trine.

Taken from the final version of Trine, whose launch is planned for July 3rd 2009, this demo lets you discover the tutorial menu and the first level of the game. You can play as 3 characters: Pontius the brave, Amadeus the magnificent and Zoya the sly, for around 30 to 40 minutes.

In addition, Trine is available for pre-order and comes packed with exclusive content: 4 wallpapers and 3 tracks from the original soundtrack of the game, composed by Ari Pulkkinen.

"We chose to entrust Metaboli with the diffusion of the Trine demo in order to ensure the best visibility possible. We are convinced that the powerful network of Metaboli will help increase the buzz and spark increasing interest about Trine, one of the most expected videogames in 2009", explains Sebastien Chirpaz, Publishing and Marketing Director of Nobilis.

Download the demo right now: http://trine.gamesplanet.com/trine-game-nobilis.html

New features added to World Basketball Manager 2009 with patch 1.9.3 Faster + bug fix

Patch 1.9.3 for "World Basketball Manager 2009" has been released.

Patch 1.9.3 adds many new features but is also a data patch that adds for the first time ever in any game, the smaller divisions for the most advanced basketball leagues in the world.

Also the new features like the ability to load and unload tournaments further improves the game that is considered by everyone as the best Basketball Management game in the world.

The users can download the patch from the official site: www.wbmgame.com

Below is a list of changes and new features that patch 1.9.3 includes:

- New code that will make daily updates 22% faster than previous WBM 2009 version (and 49% faster than WBM 2008).

- Ability to select which countries will be played in order to further improve speed.

- Fixes the NBA drafts bug.

- No more CPU teams condition bonus in order to lower game's difficulty level.

- Rosters have been updated in the following Countries:

Argentina
Belgium
Croatia
France
Estonia
Germany
Greece
Israel
Italy
Latvia
Lithuania
Portugal
Russia
Serbia
Slovenia
Spain
Turkey
USA

- New tournaments added:

French League Cup
French Second Division
Italian Second Division
Greek Second Division
Spanish Second Division
Turkish Second Division

- Tournaments updated:

French cup
Portuguese league

Improves from version 1.9.0:

- Match difficulty is now optimized by the user and can be Easy, Normal or Hard. Note that the default in version 1.9.0 is now hard and that normal is the default.
- Launcher is added so that the user can:

Change AI difficulty
Change Skin
Enable/Disable Sound
Enable/Disable Match videos
Enable/Disable Intro videos
Enable/Disable Full screen mode

- Contract offers now appear more often and with a random order.
- Changes in translations
- Bug in demand case 3 is fixed. After increasing their fee the player still appear to have a problem with their contract. This now is fixed.
- The different value on experience attribute on match and browse is now fixed
- Added specific news for academy players that reach the age of 18 and will leave the Academy.
- The error on select/deselect (highlight) in summer camps is fixed.
- The summer camps list can now be shorted according to various summer camps attributes.
- The bug with human controlled teams that didn't visit any summer camps is fixed.
- The computation of cohesion stars in match clipboard is fixed
- The bug with making demand to the administration the last date of the period is fixed.

The patch is available in the following languages:

English, French, German, Greek, Italian, Lithuanian, Portuguese, Serbian, Spanish and Turkish.

Transformers - Revenge of the Fallen video game + Video game video trailer

Activision is recruiting gamers to join the battle for world domination in the Battle for the AllSpark V2 web game, launching at www.TransformersGame.com, the official web site of the Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen video game, developed under license from Hasbro, Inc. Fans that answer the call can join the AUTOBOTS or DECEPTICONS and compete in real time challenges online against other players worldwide, for control of the AllSpark and the fate of the world.



Players create their very own Transformers character, customising the character to suit their playing style. Players then battle online in this game of strategy, choosing from a number of attacks and defences in real time, round-by-round combat. In addition, secret codes that allow players to upgrade their characters will be hidden online.

“The Battle for the AllSpark V2 delivers even more challenges and fun than before for our ever-growing and fervent Transformers gaming community that spawned in 2007 – we are thrilled to invite fans to join the battle again and immerse themselves in the universe prior to the official Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen game launch on June 26th,” said Rob Kostich, head of marketing for licensed properties, Activision Publishing, Inc. “In Battle for the AllSpark V2, players can play as an AUTOBOT or a DECEPTICON, picking their favourite character and customising their abilities on their way to global domination online.”

The Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen video game is based on the upcoming live-action feature film from DreamWorks Pictures and Paramount Pictures in association with Hasbro, which opens nationwide on 19th June 2009.* The game lets players take on the role of their favourite AUTOBOTS or DECEPTICONS, picking from the largest, most diverse range of playable Transformers – each with their own distinct abilities and weaponry. Set in unique environments across the globe such as Cairo and Shanghai, the game allows players to instantly switch between vehicle and robot modes as they drive, fly, fight and blast their way through intense, pressure-packed levels. After engaging in single player action players, for the first time ever, will be able to go online and battle friends in all-new multiplayer modes.

The Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen video game is currently in development by Luxoflux for the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and the PLAYSTATION 3 computer entertainment system, the Windows PC version is being developed by Beenox Studios, the distinct Wii™ and PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system versions are being developed by Krome Studios and the PSP (PlayStation Portable) system version is being developed by Savage Entertainment. All platforms are rated BBFC PG. Two unique AUTOBOT and DECEPTICON -specific Nintendo DS versions are being developed by Vicarious Visions and are rated PEGI 7+.

Making History II: The War of the World Historian Niall Ferguson joins the team

Developed in partnership with renowned economic historian and policy icon Niall Ferguson, MAKING HISTORY II: The War of the World marks a dramatic step forward in the Making History series. From the factories and shipyards on the home front, to epic battles across the globe, MHII gives WWII grand strategy gamers the opportunity to lead a nation and remake history. "Economic resources were decisive in the outcome of the war”, says Ferguson. “By giving equal measure to economic as well as military components, MAKING HISTORY II presents a more complete model of the driving forces behind WWII."

MHII reflects the reality that economics win wars as much as combat, so players can customize the development of specific cities, regions and units to support their objectives. Along the way they will face rival political factions both domestic and international, diplomatic choices that affect their nation's status and reputation, and a reactive artificial intelligence that alters its strategy based on player actions. The detailed 3-D map creates an immersive environment and allows players to spend more time on the map building their cities and planning battles.

In addition to a robust single player experience MHII also offers an innovative approach to multiplayer. Multiplayer games are launched and hosted on the Making History Gaming Headquarters website, which greatly eases the task of finding opponents and getting into the game.

Asynchronous turn support allows players to come and go as they please, and games can be set to advance the turn at fixed intervals or when all players have ended their turn. Email notifications can also be sent to players to inform them that the next turn has started.

Features Include

• Extensive economic system covering production, resources, consumption, trade and wealth
• Greatly expanded military system including experience, morale, command, repair, upgrades, and more
• Initiate infrastructure projects that modernize your nation and expand your economic potential
• Populations are divided by culture, ethnicity, religion and political ideology; factors that destabilize nations, provoking revolts, coups and civil wars
• Innovative Multiplayer system that will revolutionize strategy gaming
• Strong community support for players and modders through an upgraded Making History Gaming Headquarters website
• Play any nation on a beautifully rendered 3D world map
• Hundreds of unique land, sea, and air units representing both major and minor powers of the era
• Research an array of weapon systems, industrial advancements, and tactical improvements
• Fly air missions against a range of industrial and military targets
• Construct weapons factories, shipyards, research labs and a variety of other improvements that add specific abilities to your cities and regions
• Intelligent AI instigates, reacts and adapts to the changing game dynamics generating action on the home front and abroad
• Each nation has a unique set of characteristics that influences behavior
• Manage your colonies, liberate new nations, establish puppet states or annex their territory
• Engage in espionage and interfere in the internal affairs of your neighbours

Release date: October 2009
Price: £29.99/€39.99
PEGI/ESRB - TBC