Monster Madness: Extreme Reveals Itself for Sony PlayStation 3

SouthPeak Games has released the fresh screens from its upcoming PLAYSTATION 3 release, Monster Madness: Extreme. Set for release in spring 2008, SouthPeak Games’ first PLAYSTATION 3 title will be an enhanced and updated version of its riotous comedy-horror arcade shooter Monster Madness: Battle For Suburbia, which saw 2007 releases on PC and the Xbox 360™ entertainment system from Microsoft.

Monster Madness: Extreme overhauls the best features of its predecessor and adds huge amounts of new content, including customisable character costumes with power-up properties, 4-player co-op either online or offline and 25 new co-op challenge missions. With this new functionality adding to the original’s 18 story mode levels and its fully-featured 16-person online competitive multiplayer, Monster Madness: Extreme is set to become the co-op favourite for PLAYSTATION 3 owners looking for a big slice of frenzied comedic arcade action.

Melanie Mroz, CEO, SouthPeak Games comments: “We’re thrilled to be giving gamers a glimpse of Monster Madness: Extreme in action and as these screen shots show, we’re putting everything we can into making Monster Madness: Extreme as wildly fun and frenetic as possible. It’s also great to be entering the PS3 market – Monster Madness: Extreme is just the beginning for us.”

Monster Madness: Extreme will be released for PLAYSTATION 3 in spring 2008.

Flagship Studios Unveils New Mythos Gameplay Trailer

Ping0, LLC, a joint-venture between Flagship Studios and HanbitSoft, Inc., today announced the release of a new gameplay trailer for Mythos its highly anticipated free-to-download and play massively multiplayer online role-playing game.

The trailer features footage from the cities of Stonehill and Tulin’s Hope as players begin their epic journey in the world of Uld.

Mythos is an online, action role-playing game that is free to download and free to play. Set in the land of Uld – a fantasy world arising from the ashes of an epoch-long war of darkness – players assume the roles of fantasy heroes as they explore, adventure, and quest through entirely randomized dungeons and environments. With an elegant point-and-click interface and an accessible “isometric” perspective, Mythos is poised to have near-universal appeal. The game allows thousands of players to interact within the same world while using mostly “instanced” dungeons to create unique gaming experiences suited for both solo and group-minded players.

As players journey into Mythos’ ever-expanding universe, they select one of three races (Human, Satyr, or Gremlins) and one of an expanding number of character classes. Through heroic quests players search for gold, gems, armor, and weapons using a huge variety of skills and items, whilst unlocking the secrets of Uld. Mythos presents a constantly expanding, continuously updated world where something new lurks around every corner. To join the closed beta, interested gamers should sign up at the official site http://www.mythos.com/join_kingdom.jsp

Mythos is an online role-playing game developed by Flagship Seattle, a subsidiary of Flagship Studios. Mythos is currently exercising the online technology and services behind the multiplayer component of the highly-anticipated action role-playing game Hellgate: London. Mythos will be digitally distributed in North America and Europe in by Ping0. HanbitSoft, Flagship Studios’ partner in Ping0, will be responsible for distributing Mythos in Asia.

For more information please visit the official Mythos site at www.mythos.com

Nintendo Wii software update caused wireless network problems

My network problems, unable to connect to blogger or Google (a big problem!) was due to my Nintendo Wii wireless connection.

Previously we had network drop outs when the Wii was plugged in all the time but this was different.

After a few minutes of the Wii sitting on standby but allowed wireless access I couldn't connect to Google or other related site, YouTube, Blogger etc. All other sites worked OK.

After unplugging the Wii the problems have not re-occurred.

So, check out your Wii if you have network difficulties.

Bollywood Shifting Some Focus Towards Video Games

At this point, very few people haven’t heard about the movie scene in Bollywood. FXLab Studios partnered with Yash Raj Films in India to develop a full-length offline computer game based of the movie Dhoom 2.



This may not sound like big news, but it’s the first time in history that an Indian film has been made into a full-length video game. With a majority of India’s population being in their 20s, combined with the rapidly increasing demand for video games in the country, it only makes sense for Bollywood to cash in on the opportunity.

Source: FileFront

Toshiba cuts HD DVD price in US to combat Blu-Ray

Manufacturer attempts to minimise Warner Bros damage by halving some prices

Toshiba has reacted strongly to last week's news that Warner Bros had defected to Sony's Blu-ray camp by cutting prices on its HD DVD players in the US by up to half.

According to a report on CNN Money the suggested retail price of its three standalone players will fall by as much as $200 - the HD-A3 falls from around $300 to $150, the HD-A30 drops from $400 to $200 while the HD-A35 goes from $500 to just $300.

The company already marketed one of HD DVD's key advantages as being cheaper than Blu-ray, and Toshiba is taking drastic action to keep its format in the next-generation DVD race.

Following Warner's decision Blu-ray now boasts five key players on its side of the divide, while Paramount and Universal support HD DVD.

Toshiba America's group vice president of digital audio and video explained: "While price is one of the consideration elements for the early adopter, it is a deal-breaker for the mainstream consumer."

The company also plans a lengthy advertising campaign to promote HD DVD on TV, print and online.

Source: Games Industry

PC video game AGEOD's American Civil War Goes Gold

cdv Software Entertainment USA is pleased to announce that their American Civil War-themed strategy game, AGEOD's American Civil War: 1861-1865 -- The Blue and The Gray, has gone gold and is on track to begin shipping to retail outlets on January 28. The game, created by acclaimed designer Philippe Thibaut, focuses on key battles of one of the bloodiest conflicts in American history, and puts players in the combined role of diplomat, logistician and strategist. For more information about the game, please visit ttp://civilwar.cdvus.com.

AGEOD’s American Civil War: 1861-1865 – The Blue and the Gray is a historical war game that places players at the head of the United States or the Confederate States of America during the American Civil War (1861-1865). Players take on the roles of military and political leaders trying to lead their factions to military, political or economic victory during five historic years that divided the nation. Players must organize their military forces, all while managing supply and morale as they plan actions over land, sea and by rail. The game consists of challenging scenarios, campaigns and grand campaigns, all played out on the largest American Civil War map ever created for a game. Strategy gaming fans will face a daunting challenge in this authentic title created by Philippe Thibaut, renowned designer of the award-winning Europa Universalis, Pax Romana and Birth of America.

New Pets Run Wild In Silkroad Online

Joymax has announced that a series of helpful new pets will soon become available in Silkroad Online. Beginning January 15th in the Silkroad Online item mall, these faithful animal companions will lend their considerable talents to their owners in a number of ways. Players will be able to purchase these pets in-game, joining forces with a Bear, a growth pet which attacks enemies; a fast-moving vehicle/mount pet Beetle; a flying Sylph which will retrieve items from the field; or a Buffalo, which can be used to transport heavy loads down the treacherous Silk Road. More information on these new pets can be found at the SRO website, at www.silkroadonline.net.

The new pets go on sale starting January 15th for a limited time through the in-game item mall.

Power Challenge Welcomes Peter Levin to Board of Directors

Power Challenge, creator of the popular international browser-based games Power Soccer and ManagerZone, has appointed Peter Levin, industry veteran and founder and co-owner of the Arena Football League’s Chicago Rush, to its Board of Directors.

Levin joins the board to help Power Challenge with business development in the North American market, focusing on distribution via media and sports organizations. Levin’s wealth of knowledge and extensive network affords critical insights into sports, technology, marketing and entertainment. His broad business background will be a welcome addition for advising on future partnerships, alliances and growth strategies. Among other accomplishments, he successfully led Lynx Technologies to invest in such companies as Applied Semantics, Gamespy Industries and Ask.com, each of which was later acquired by substantial market leaders.

“We are thrilled to have an industry expert such as Peter Levin joining our Board,” said Johan Christenson, CEO of Power Challenge. “His experience in sports and media will be important in maintaining and expanding our current goals and visions for the North American marketplace. Peter will be invaluable in developing relationships and opportunities in sports and entertainment, both of which are key markets for us. Power Challenge has the potential to be an industry leader and the addition of Peter to our team is a giant step in that direction.”

“I am very eager to start working with Johan and his staff to help Power Challenge achieve its current and future ambitions,” said Peter Levin. Levin currently holds a number of positions outside of Power Challenge. He is founder and co-owner of the 2006 world champion Chicago Rush of the Arena Football League, partner in Palisades Baseball, which owns and operates two Minor League Baseball franchises, and also sits on a number of boards of directors within the digital media and entertainment industries, including Sulake, Inc. (Habbo), Double Fusion and Razz.com. Additionally he sits on the steering committee of the East West Sports Summit.

For more information, visit www.powerchallenge.com or www.managerzone.com.

The Player - Issue 9

It’s no wonder that people wore shoulder-pads in the '80s – the future seemed dangerous, especially where videogames were concerned. Wargames had Matthew Broderick averting Thermonuclear Catastrophe, The Last Starfighter was a tale of genocide, and the Atari logo loomed large as Deckard "retired" Zhora.

In Issue 9, we turn our gaze to a horror no-one could have imagined 20 years ago, that of online videogames in The Big Bad Beyond. From zombie hunts, to teabags and Chipping Norton, The Player leaves few stones unturned in its quest for answers, as provided by those most culpable for the decay of modern day values - players themselves.

Elsewhere, we chat with Miles Jacobson of Sports Interactive about Sega, former franchises and Football Manager before finally connecting the dots and welcoming the world of Football Manager Live, which represents the last step in humanity’s downfall.

Add to that reviews of games released back when Matthew Broderick was still considered a star, The Grid, replays of Loaded and The Magical Quest starring Mickey Mouse, fond 3DO memories, the house Columns and ta-daah - The Player Issue 9 is here.

Pirates ready to invade Scandinavia

Paradox Scandinavian Distribution, in cooperation with Sony Online Entertainment LLC's (SOE) Platform Publishing label and Flying Lab Software LLC (FLS) announced today that the company will distribute Pirates of the Burning Sea™ in the Nordic countries. The hotly anticipated MMO (Massively Multiplayer Online) game, scheduled to launch worldwide on January 22, 2008, featuring high seas action and swashbuckling adventure in a bold world of pirates and plunder, is being developed by Seattle-based FLS and published by Platform Publishing.

"We are eagerly anticipating the day we can raise the anchor and set sail with Pirates of the Burning Sea. Our team's hard work and dedication, and that of our partners at SOE's Platform Publishing group, is going to result in a fantastic gameplay experience for PC gamers," said Russell Williams, CEO, Flying Lab Software. "We are looking forward to bringing this game to fruition, and appreciate the support from our dedicated community in helping us to develop a top-notch game."

As a captain in Pirates of the Burning Sea, you can choose among the French, Spanish, English, or Pirate nations, playing a naval officer, a freetrader, a privateer, or a pirate as you like. Action–filled ship battles take place at sea, where players can destroy or board and seize their competitors' ship. On land, a world of swashbuckling adventure awaits full of sword-swinging action. The unique player-driven economy means players can be a captain of industry too, running mines, lumber mills, shipyards and other large-scale operations to produce the tons of goods needed to supply every player in the game with what they need. Through the player-generated content system, players can create their own sail and flag designs to display in game and even model their own ships.

"The vast amount of player-created content and the intense strategy required in Pirates of the Burning Sea sets it apart from any other MMO on the market," said Tim Granich, Sr. Global Brand Manager, Sony Online Entertainment. "Gamers will be donning their captain's gear and eagerly awaiting their next battle on land or sea."

The game takes place in the New World circa 1720, a dramatic time of conflict and riches that features action for every play style, from epic ship combat, to piracy, to building economic empires or sword-swinging adventure. With more than one thousand missions per nation, dozens of ports to explore, and the entire Caribbean as their domain, players will find an online experience like no other.

Pirates of the Burning Sea game features:
- Join one of four nations (Pirate, English, French, or Spanish)
- Every player is the captain of their very own ship in massive naval battles
- Duel other players to control more than 80 conquerable ports in the Caribbean
- Explore the world and make a name for yourself in more than 1,000 missions
- Economy driven by players, who manufacture and sell all ships and equipment found in the game
- Build, capture, and customize more than 50 historical ships
- Design your own flags and sails
- Choose from 3 different styles of swashbuckling combat – deadly and formal Fencing, flashy, dual-wielding Florentine or rowdy and treacherous Dirty Fighting
- Participate in epic sea battles with up to 25 players on a side

For more information on Pirates of the Burning Sea, log onto www.piratesoftheburningsea.com or the community site at www.burningsea.com

Make A Killing Online In 2008

London-based games publisher, Kwari, is pleased to announce the European launch of its revolutionary skill-based, online first-person shooter (FPS), which can be downloaded for free from www.kwari.com.

Kwari’s launch heralds a brand new concept in gaming for the PC. The game combines the action and adrenalin of an FPS, similar in style to games like Quake® and Unreal Tournament, but with a money mechanic designed into the DNA of the game and massive cash prizes.

The FPS genre has long been the mainstay of the PC platform, utilising high-end processing power, graphical capabilities, and fast internet connectivity for global multiplay and tournaments, but this is the first time the PC has seen a game of this nature with such broad appeal.

Described controversially as ‘cash for kills’, Kwari is a natural evolution for PC gaming. Online poker witnessed a similar progression becoming a multi-billion dollar industry virtually overnight. Kwari, however, is entirely skill-based and all money players put into the game is taken out by players. Unlike expensive subscription-based and pay-per-play models, Kwari sells players ammo to use in the game at a cost of $5 for 5000 rounds, meaning the player can be as frugal or extravagant as they choose.

The game uses a state-of-the-art skill matching system that places players of similar ranking together, ensuring accessibility to all and not just the gaming elite. Money can be won by shooting other players, or by collecting keys to unlock hourly, daily, monthly, and quarterly jackpots – the latter of which is expected to exceed $250,000 as the number of players rapidly increases.

Ultimately, Kwari is expected to attract hundreds of thousands of players globally because of the genre’s popularity and low barrier to entry. To make this possible, the platform fuses Massively Multiplayer Online (MMO) technology, a pioneering 3D engine, and some of the most advanced financial transaction systems available to ensure total infallibility and benchmark playability.

“Whether you’re playing a sport, a card game, or a computer game, as soon the opportunity to win money is introduced, the whole dynamic of a game and the way you play it changes forever,” said Eddie Gill, founder and creator of Kwari. “What we’ve intentionally created with Kwari is an environment which presents everyone with an equal opportunity to win that money, based on a style of game everyone knows how to play.”

Al King, marketing Director of Kwari, said, “Unlike games you buy from retail, Kwari is free to download. Our model also allows us to keep adding new levels and extra content over time, so the game will keep on getting bigger and better.” He added, “Pre-launch support for the game has been fantastic and the whole concept will undoubtedly spark considerable debate.”

The game is now available to download for free at www.kwari.com. Players must be over 18 years of age. Kwari is part of the PEGI Online Rating System.

Hornet Leader PC Gets a Major Update!

Matrix Games (www.matrixgames.com) and Dan Verssen Games (www.dvg.com) are pleased to announce that a major new update for Hornet Leader PC is now available. This second update for the popular turn-based tactical air combat simulator includes a display performance overhaul, multiple new player requested features and fixes all known issues.

Among the improvements is a switch to a DirectX-based display system to reduce interface lag, new on-map altitude change arrows, an Abort Mission button that is always available, random pilot selection and smarter bandit AI.

David Heath, Director of Operations at Matrix Games, said “The Hornet Leader community has continued to give us great feedback and we’ve taken it to heart. Thanks to two months of additional development from Storm Cloud Creations and Dan Verssen Games, Hornet Leader PC is better than ever and coming your way.”

Dan Verssen of Dan Verssen Games added, “We hope our community members will appreciate this free update, which polishes Hornet Leader PC further and addresses many of the top player requests since the original release. We also hope players who may be interested in Hornet Leader PC but are still on the fence will take a look at these improvements and give it a try.”

In Hornet Leader PC, you command a squadron of the U.S. Navy’s elite F/A-18 Hornet Strike Fighters! You select the pilots and arm the aircraft based on real-world mission briefings. Once you reach your objective, you evaluate threats, and do what needs to be done to destroy the target!

Each pilot has his own set of unique skills and abilities. With each mission, a pilot’s skills increase, but so does his fatigue level. You must decide how hard to push your men as one of the many decisions that go into every mission. You will fly high intensity missions over Iraq, Libya, and North Korea from 1991 to 2007. Your weapon selection for each campaign is updated to accurately match the weapons available for that era.

We’ll see you in the pilots’ briefing room!

Get more information on Hornet Leader PC from its official Matrix Games webpage. This update will bring the version of the game up to 1.2 and is comprehensive.

Codemasters Online to Unveil New MMO at Forthcoming Connect Event

Codemasters Online announced today that the company’s new blockbuster MMO game, scheduled for release in late 2008, will be unveiled at the forthcoming Connect 2008 online gaming event. The new MMO will be fully playable for the first time at Connect 2008 in a world exclusive for the event!

Ed Relf, Director of Marketing, Codemasters Online commented “This is just one of many exclusives we are lining up for lucky visitors to Codemasters Online Connect this year! The support for Connect 2008 is growing rapidly since its announcement this week and we look forward to unveiling both this and further exclusives during this 2-day gaming festival.

Taking place on March 14th / 15th, Connect 2008 is Codemasters Online’s premier gaming event spanning all of Codemasters Online’s gaming titles including The Lord of the Rings Online: Shadows of Angmar, ArchLord, RF Online, DUNGEONS & DRAGONS ONLINE: Stormreach and much much more!

For more information or so sign up for advance ticket alerts visit www.codemastersconnect.com

Assassin's Creed Altaïr's Chronicles Exclusively For Nintendo DS

Today Ubisoft, one of the world’s largest video game publishers, unveiled Assassin’s Creed Altaïr's Chronicles™, exclusively for the Nintendo DS™. The Assassin’s Creed Altaïr’s Chronicles video game will be available at retailers nationwide in February.

Assassin’s Creed Altaïr’s Chronicles is the direct prequel of the critically acclaimed console title Assassin’s Creed™, where players discover more about the protagonist Altaïr and his deep history. The game features a fully realized 3D world in which players will travel and battle through four cities of the Crusade’s Middle East, using acrobatic moves and exhilarating combo attacks that mix sword skills and high-flying kicks.

“The success of Assassin’s Creed worldwide has been incredible and we’re excited to delve deeper into the story and bring it to the Nintendo DS,” said John Parkes, EMEA Marketing Director at Ubisoft. “Assassin’s Creed Altaïr’s Chronicles will be a title that resonates with those who played the console version as well as those who have yet to discover the secrets of Assassin’s Creed.”

Assassin’s Creed Altaïr’s Chronicles is rated “12+” by PEGI and has a retail price of £29.99. For more information, please visit www.assassinscreed.com.

Grand Chase is coming to US!

Ntreev USA, the North American publisher for the English version of Trickster Online Revolution, is pleased to announce their latest release in North America, Grand Chase. Grand Chase is an original Massive Multiplayer Online Action RPG developed by KOG. Along with the official Grand Chase website, closed beta testing will begin around mid-to-late January.

Grand Chase follows the lives of different heroes from the Bermesiah continent in their fight against the evil Queen of Darkness. Characters will be able to fight dynamically alongside each other in several different game modes to defeat the evil queen of darkness.

Grand Chase Features:

1. Real Time Online Action RPG
Grand Chase is a multiplayer Action RPG with a refined, in-depth fighting system

2. Characters/Jobs
Ranging from archer to spearman, choose from 5 different unique characters and 14 different jobs, each with their own set of skills and unique fighting style

3. Arcade-Style Controls
Simple, keyboard based controls that characters can easily use to combine skills and perform unique combo/juggle attacks

4. Eye-Blasting Special Skills
Special 1st, 2nd, and 3rd grade abilities with breathtaking graphical effects

5. Character Customization
Customize characters through a wide selection of powerful weapons, armors, and accessories,

6. Modes
Experience the innovative and exciting multiplayer modes that immerses the player in non-stop action such as: Quest mode, Player versus Player, Monster Battle, Monster Expedition mode and a lot more!

Grand Chase is unique in that it will, for the first time ever, allow players to have a refined and competitive real-time multiplayer brawl. An in-depth combo system allows players to link up combos, skills, and items for devastating effects. Players will also be able to advance their characters through traditional RPG elements including leveling, jobs, and equipment.

Blockdot Releases "White House Joust 2008"

Republicans and Democrats can agree on one thing this election year: Dallas-based Blockdot’s newest game, White House Joust 2008, is a bipartisan blast!

The game, created for the Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, Chamber of Commerce, is being released to coincide with the city’s hosting of the Republican and Democratic presidential debates in January.

Your goal in White House Joust 2008: Maneuver your candidate’s blimp above the sun-soaked South Carolina sand, then ram the blimps of the other presidential contenders!

Start the game by selecting your political party. Next, choose your favorite presidential candidate. Now you’re ready to enter this fantastically fun fight! Tap the spacebar repeatedly to take off and gain altitude. Good job — you’re flying! Wait, who’s that at eleven o’clock high? It’s another presidential candidate! Quick, use the arrow keys to steer your blimp towards your opponent. The target is in your sights…keep tapping that spacebar to gain the altitude advantage…perfect, now ram your opponent’s blimp! Points are awarded for each candidate you knock out of the sky.

Want to boost your score? Pick up the campaign playbook that falls out of your opponent’s busted blimp — it’s worth bonus points!

But remember the golden rule of jousting: you must be at a higher altitude than your opponent before you attack. Let another candidate fly above your blimp and you’ll become the target. If you’re hit three times by your opponents, you’ll be tossed off the campaign trail, game over!

You can throw your hat into the presidential jousting ring by visiting Blockdot’s gaming portal www.kewlbox.com. To learn more about America’s Beach Playground, go to www.visitmyrtlebeach.com.

[XBLA] Load Inc. attending GDC, come say hello!

Load Inc., the biggest small Paris based development studio, is attending Game Connection @ GDC – for the fourth time!
Why should you care?

“Well you shouldn’t” says DenisDenis, head of tap dancing class at Load Inc. “forget about it if you’re not into high profit, next gen, cool budget and direct download titles”.

This year again, they’ll be presenting a new concept for downloadable platforms, including the now obvious Xbox 360 Live Arcade.

On top of things, Load Inc. will help you port your own license on XBLA and make you rich errr, famous.

You’re not on XBLA yet? Read the news!

It’s hot, happening, easy, growing fast, hip, hard core and family oriented. You can buy awesome games from your couch! It is the reconciliation of your wife / girlfriend / dog / mother in law with gaming!! You don’t want to miss the train, right?
Load Inc. will take you with them. Meet them. See what they have to say and decide for yourself. They have info backing up their stories.

Pleased To Meet You!

As RealtimeUK continues to expand its list of high profile clients, we are also focusing on expanding our team with accomplished and dynamic new people.

So we have great pleasure in introducing three new faces to the RealtimeUK team – Andrew Lord, Richard Clay and Karinga Wells.

Firstly we would like to welcome Andrew Lord, who has come on board as Business Development Manager. Andrew was previously working as a Business Development Manager at Red Vision, where he was working with high profile clients including Ladbrook’s and Sky. Andrew has extensive business development experience and is a qualified Prince2 practitioner in project management.

The second new face joining the team is Richard Clay, who joins RealtimeUK as a Character Animator. Before joining us Richard worked as an animator at Axis Animation. Richard has a wealth of experience that he brings to the company, having worked on a variety of projects including next generation FMV’s and commercials and children’s TV series for the BBC.

The newest member of the RealtimeUK team is Karinga Wells. Karinga joins us as a Character animator and has relocated from Canada. Previous to joining RealtimeUK Karinga worked as an animator for a number of studios in both Toronto and Vancouver and has produced animations for feature films including ‘Happily Never After’ and commercials for the likes of Virgin Mobile, AOL and Nickelodeon.

Tony Prosser, RealtimeUK’s Managing Director commented, “Andrew, Richard and Karinga each bring with them a wealth of knowledge and we are delighted to welcome them to the company. As we move forward we continue to work with a high calibre of international companies and progressively expand our team.”

My Pet Hotel 2

My Pet Hotel 2 is the refined pet care programme for demanding players. Owners of fish, budgies, guinea pigs, rabbits, cats, dogs, horses and their young will leave their animals with you and you will return them in excellent condition of course. The more success, the more opportunities!

Take the best care you can of your four-legged and feathered guests: feed them, keep their enclosures clean, play with them, get new toys for them, and ride the horses in the countryside.
You will build and expand your pet hotel based on your ideas in exciting scenarios in order to provide a good and protected place to stay for pets.

FEATURES:

• Speech recognition and touchpen interaction
• Player takes care of most popular pets and their young
• Highly detailed graphics on pets, objects, setting and movements

SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS:
Nintendo DS

Bust a Move Onto Xbox LIVE Arcade this Wednesday with "Boogie Bunnies!" and Catch Up on Highlights from CES

This week, players can achieve their dream of stardom with “Boogie Bunnies” when it shimmies its way onto Xbox LIVE® Arcade for Xbox 360™this Wednesday, 16th January at 9:00 a.m.

In “Boogie Bunnies,” an imaginative color matching 3D puzzle game from Sierra Online, players must use their wits to keep a herd of bunnies out of danger. “Boogie Bunnies” transports players to exotic locations where they complete extensive chain puzzles to trigger funky bunny dances. The game features Classic, Arcade or Endless game modes that players can join in for some furry fun either online or offline in two-player cooperative and competitive modes that the entire family will enjoy.

Highlights from CES

Coming hot off the heels of CES is the announcement that several electrifying titles will launch soon on Xbox LIVE Arcade, including “Poker Smash” from indie developer Void Star Creations. “Poker Smash” incorporates gameplay elements found in today’s most engrossing puzzle games and adds a poker twist to the mix. Combined with a stunning presentation, the “Poker Smash” puzzle package is a game not to be missed. Additionally, “Rez HD” from Q Entertainment will also be launching soon, which is the Xbox LIVE Arcade exclusive update to the classic shooter that has achieved almost mythical status among gamers for its truly unique entertainment experience. Also launching soon on Xbox LIVE Arcade is “Brain Challenge,” from Gameloft, which is Xbox LIVE Arcade’s first brain training game. “Brain Challenge” boosts brain activity and helps players develop stress-management skills in fun, innovative ways, thanks to a wide variety of games spanning across math, reasoning, memory, focus and logic. Finally, “Lode Runner” will be launching on Xbox LIVE Arcade later in 2008, and is a complete remake of the famous platform game. With free trial downloads for every game and over 100 games to choose from, Xbox LIVE Arcade offers something for every member of the family.

Where can I get “Boogie Bunnies” from?

Boogie Bunnies: available for 800 MS Points from 9:00 a.m., Wednesday 16th January 2008

It is rated 3+

More information is available at http://www.xbox.com/games/livearcade