ONE MILLION PLAYSTATION 3 USERS PARTICPATE IN FOLDING@HOME RESEARCH PROJECT

PS3 Users Support Research Efforts of Parkinson's, Alzheimer's and Certain Forms of Cancer

Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. (SCEI) today announced that since PLAYSTATION 3 (PS3) took part in Stanford University’s Folding@home project on March 22, 2007, the total number of registered users has reached over one million users. This equates to roughly 3,000 PS3 users registering for Folding@home per day or 2 new registered users every minute worldwide.

“Since partnering with SCEI, we have seen our research capabilities increase by leaps and bounds through the continued participation of Folding@home users,” said Vijay Pande, Associate Professor of Chemistry at Stanford University and Folding@home project lead. “Now we have over one million PS3 users registered for Folding@home, allowing us to address questions previously considered impossible to tackle computationally, with the goal of finding cures to some of the world’s most life-threatening diseases. We are grateful for the extraordinary worldwide participation by PS3 and PC users around the globe.”

Folding@home aims to understand protein folding and misfolding, and how these are related to diseases and many forms of cancer. When proteins do not fold correctly, there can be serious consequences, including many well-known diseases, such as Alzheimer's, Huntington's, Parkinson's disease, and many cancers and cancer-related syndromes.

Prior to the inclusion of PS3 in March 2007, the Folding@home project leveraged the distributed computing power of personal computers from around the world. Now a network of roughly 10,000 PS3s can accomplish the same amount of work as a network of 100,000 PCs, and have the ability to perform research simulations in weeks rather than years. In fact, it took just six months after PS3 joining Folding@home for the project to surpass a petaflops (*1), a computing milestone that had never been reached before by a distributed computing network. In September 16, 2007, Folding@home was recognized by Guinness World Records™ as the world’s most powerful distributed computing network.

Currently PS3 users make up approximately 74 percent of the total teraflop computing power of the Folding@home project. For more information, please see official website: http://www.scei.co.jp/folding/en/.

EA ANNOUNCES THE SIMS CASTAWAY STORIES

Help Your Sim Survive and Thrive on a Tropical Island in this Casual Laptop Game

Electronic Arts announced today that The Sims Castaway Stories for the PC is on store shelves across Europe. Featuring engaging characters and accessible storylines, The Sims Castaway Stories is sure to entertain both new and experienced players of The Sims. For the first time ever on the PC, your Sim can leave the urban jungle for an uncharted island filled with sandy beaches, green lagoons, explosive volcanic mountains and more!

The Sims Castaway Stories is the third game from The Sims Stories, a series of pick-up and play laptop games from EA’s The Sims franchise. The Sims Stories allows fans to get creative and stay connected by keeping in touch with friends by using IM and email – even while playing the game in its own window. Following the theme of the wildly-entertaining The Sims 2 Castaway, which became available on consoles and handhelds last year, The Sims Castaway Stories features an easy-to-play, directed Story Mode that allows fans to help their Sim survive and thrive on a tropical island.

As The Sims Castaway Stories begins, players will meet Jessica, a Sim who washes ashore with only a steamer trunk and a hatchet to her name. With nothing more than orangutans, lagoons and fish in sight, Jessica embarks on her tropical journey and must choose to either survive or escape. While on the island, Jessica will meet natives and castaways in hopes of creating a flourishing community. To do this she must accomplish various tasks – from spear fishing and scavenger hunting to fire starting and more!

“We’re very excited to bring the rich, beautifully tropical environments to players with The Sims Castaway Stories. Whether you’re roaming around the lush green jungles in search of the perfect coconut, or taking an ocean dip in search of your next meal, The Sims Castaway Stories is the perfect way to experience island life on your laptop," said Rod Humble, Head of The Sims Studio. "Available for the first time on the PC, The Sims Castaway Stories also comes with the traditional open-ended The Sims gameplay, so you can continue following the life your Sim has created!”

The Sims Stories line of products – all of which carry a 12+ PEGI rating – are standalone entertainment experiences that do not require companion games from The Sims library – just load onto your laptop or desktop and play. The Sims Castaway Stories washes ashore today!

EA AND STEVEN SPIELBERG REVEAL BOOM BLOX the ultimate Wii and cellphone game

Throw, Grab, and Blast Your Way Through the Ultimate Wii Game

EA has announced that BOOM BLOX, the first game developed in collaboration between EA and director and producer Steven Spielberg, is set for a May 2008 release for Nintendo Wii. This high-energy game features more than 300 levels, a cast of more than thirty wacky characters, and an easy-to-use in-game editor that allows players to express their creativity.

“I am a gamer myself, and I really wanted to create a video game that I could play with my kids,” said Steven Spielberg. “BOOM BLOX features an enormous amount of fun challenges and cool scenarios for your kids to solve or for you to master together.”

Fun for kids and the entire family, BOOM BLOX offers action-packed interactive activities that takes Wii play to a new level of creativity and fun with single player, co-op, and versus gameplay. Players can experience the visceral gameplay - perfectly suited for the Wii’s interactive motion-sensitive controls - through brain-twisting challenges. They can interact with entertaining characters such as the block-laying chickens or baseball-throwing monkeys across four themed environments - Tiki, Medieval, Frontier, and Haunted. Additionally, players can remix any level of the game in Create Mode using props, blocks, or characters that have been unlocked during the game. Players can also virtually build anything they can dream up. Plus, their designs can then be shared with friends or used to challenge others to solve their newly created puzzle via WiiConnect24.

"We developed BOOM BLOX with endless combinations of gameplay in mind,” explains Louis Castle, executive producer. “With over three hundred levels, built upon a full real-time physics model, your experience can be as easy or difficult as you want it to be - there really is something for everyone to enjoy.”

“My inspiration for this game came while I was playing the Wii for the first time,” added Spielberg. “From the initial concept to what the game is today, it’s always been built around the innovations the Wii brings to playing games. BOOM BLOX plays on the enjoyment of building and knocking down blocks, something that can appeal innately to kids and adults of all ages.”

Developed at EA Los Angeles, BOOM BLOX has not yet been rated by the ESRB and PEGI. For more information or to download artwork, visit http://www.BOOMBLOX.ea.com.

BOOM BLOX is also in production for mobile phones and will be widely available this Spring. The mobile version puts innovative BOOM BLOX gameplay on phones everywhere -- delivering engaging, fun, and groundbreaking action. For the first time in a mobile game, players will be able to create custom levels and share them with their friends directly from the phone, enjoying a rich, interactive community experience. For information regarding mobile phone carrier availability, visit http://www.eamobile.com.

BUILD THE CITY OF YOUR DREAMS WITH CITY LIFE 2008 PC EDITION

CREATE AND MANAGE SPECTACULAR CITIES WITH REAL SATELLITE MAPS AND FAMOUS LANDMARKS

City Life 2008 Edition, to be released in February 2008 by Ascaron, is the latest version of the popular City Life series. The game puts players in the role of an urban planner and real estate developer, designing, building and maintaining every aspect of their creation. The latest version contains an additional 23 maps as well as the possibility to import satellite maps. There are also 60 new buildings including London landmarks such as St. Paul’s Cathedral and the Royal Opera House.

A successful city is built on a thriving economy with happy and well-rounded citizens. To achieve this, all six sociocultural groups must be attracted to the city, from the wealthy ‘Elite’ to the impoverished ‘Have-Nots’. Each has a part to play, from the work they provide to the products they consume. Be careful not to place opposing groups in similar residential areas – the progressive ideals of the ‘Radical Chic’ will strongly clash with the traditional values of the ‘Blue Collars’.

All citizens need to be provided with essential local services to remain loyal and stay in the city. Build enough schools for everyone to get an education and make sure no one is without healthcare services. Provide industries where people can work and recreational areas for leisure time and hobbies. The ‘Radical Chic’ want access to modern art galleries, whilst the ‘Elite’ prefer to attend the Opera.

Watch cities grow and develop as citizens accumulate wealth. Affluent residential areas will contain magnificent villas and large Neo-Gothic structures. The ‘Suits’ enjoy a fairly high income and build modern angular homes, whilst the ‘Fringe’ are proud of their graffiti and mural-clad dwellings. A growing city will also play host to the television media, intent on reporting any divides and clashes on the streets.

The game has a high level of detail and animation with total freedom of construction. Moving away from the traditional right-angled grid, City Life 2008 Edition allows for much more complex installations. Watch each city in beautiful detail with highly realistic settings including reflection mapping and dynamic shadowing. Zoom in to ground level and walk the streets of the city to get a better look at the action.

Fast facts:
Publisher: Ascaron Entertainment
Web: www.Ascaron.com
Developer: Monte Cristo
Release date: 15th February 2008
RRP: £19.99
PEGI: 7+
Format: PC
Genre: Simulation

Put the Sin Back in Sin City with Midway's This is Vegas

Open World, Lifestyle Action Experience Allows Players to Fight, Gamble, Drive and Party in the World's Most Decadent City

Midway Games, a leading interactive entertainment software publisher and developer, today announced This is Vegas, an open world, lifestyle action experience, where players will live out their Vegas fantasies by fighting, gambling, driving and partying their way through the most decadent, fast-paced and wildest city in the world. Developed by Midway's acclaimed Seattle-based internal studio, Surreal, This is Vegas is expected to ship for the PLAYSTATION 3 computer entertainment system, Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and Windows-based PC in Winter 2008.

The first screenshots, video and game information for This is Vegas are being unveiled throughout the week at IGN (http://www.ign.com). Europe will also have a selection of magazine Cover features hitting throughout the month of February.

"We are thrilled to be unveiling the first-ever videogame experience which allows players to live out their wildest Vegas fantasies," said Alan Patmore, studio head, Surreal. "Whether it's partying in the hottest night clubs, racing in underground circuits, testing your luck at the tables or getting into a barroom brawl, This is Vegas has it all."

For the latest game information, trailers and more, please go to http://vegas.midway.com.

Got Game Entertainment Announces "Arctic Stud Poker Run" Goes Gold

Got Game Entertainment LLC today announced that “Arctic Stud Poker Run” has gone gold. Developed by Game Refuge, the veteran arcade team behind “Rampage World Tour” and “General Chaos”, this “full-contact poker” game for PC is a decidedly irreverent, over-the-top reinvention of real-life cross-country "poker runs" in which players race from place to place picking up playing cards in an effort to assemble a winning hand. The Got Game Entertainment release of “Arctic Stud Poker Run” features loads of upgrades and enhancements to the developer’s earlier limited-run edition of the game. “Arctic Stud Poker Run” will make its North American retail debut in March at $19.99 (USD). The game will also be available for download purchase via www.ArcticStudPokerRun.com. “Arctic Stud Poker Run” is rated “T” for Teen by the ESRB for Alcohol and Tobacco Reference, Comic Mischief, and Mild Violence.

“Arctic Stud Poker Run” is an arcade-style combat racing game with a revolutionary multi-player battle experience. The action-packed “full contact poker” game includes everything from heat-seeking missiles and dynamite-filled snowmen to spell-casting goblins and bullet-proof long-johns. The Got Game Entertainment release includes the following upgrades and enhancements to the limited-run Game Refuge edition:

•37 characters from which to choose
•New single player progression
•Event trophies and award ceremonies
•Progressive betting
•No-limit poker and "all-in" options
•Spectator speech and "side nets"
•New bot settings
•User-customizable controls
•Remote server controls
•New game duration options
•Additional incendiaries
•Secret incantations
•Instant access to online games
•Enhanced AI
•Expanded print documentation

For more information, visit www.ArcticStudPokerRun.com.

Tradewinds 2 gets first release for Windows Mobile Standard smartphones

Astraware and Sandlot Games are pleased to announce a new version of Tradewinds 2 for Windows Mobile Standard devices alongside an update to the existing Palm OS and Windows Mobile Professional versions.

The first release of Tradewinds 2 for Windows Mobile Standard devices supports both QVGA and QVGA landscape smartphones, and the 5-way control system has been optimised for non-touchscreen devices to make it easier to navigate map, port, and combat screens in the game. The Palm OS and Windows Mobile® Professional versions of Tradewinds 2 have also been updated to include these enhancements which further improve the playability for users who prefer to use key controls instead of the stylus and touchscreen.

Tradewinds 2 is a fun Caribbean trading adventure featuring 20 ports to explore and trade in, pirates to battle and defeat and fun missions to complete for honor and reward. Players can select from a choice of 4 characters to play as, with an additional unlockable character and a Custom Character Creator to offer many hours of additional play. Tradewinds 2 includes two modes: Story Mode where players undertake tasks to complete a set of missions; and Free Trade Mode where the aim is to trade goods and build your fortune.

Tradewinds 2 is available for download for Palm OS and Windows Mobile smartphones and PDAs from http://www.astraware.com/tradewinds2. To enjoy fully-featured, unlimited play players can purchase the game for $19.95.

NAMCO BANDAI GAMES SHIPS CULDCEPT SAGA FOR XBOX 360

NAMCO BANDAI Games America announced today that Culdcept SAGA has shipped to retail stores nationwide exclusively for the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft. Combining the luck and strategy of a traditional board game with the depth of trading card games, Culdcept SAGA offers gamers an entirely original play experience as they customize their decks and take on opponents in an addictive single player mode, multiplayer versus mode and online via Xbox LIVE.

Culdcept SAGA immerses players in a mystical world in which combatants wage war to possess pieces of a powerful book known as the “Culdcept.” Shattered into hundreds of cards imbued with incredible capabilities, the Culdcept has the power to grant its owner godlike abilities. As players battle others who seek to wield the Culdcept, they will move around a variety of game boards in an attempt to gain ownership of land squares while confronting enemy monsters. As they traverse the board, players can choose to pay a toll to their opponent to avoid battle, or go toe to toe with a creature of their own. With each successful encounter in the game’s single player story mode, players will acquire new cards as well as rare outfits they can use to customize their in-game avatar.

Featuring nearly 500 unique hand-illustrated cards, Culdcept SAGA lets players create their own custom decks that suit their individual play style. Choosing from fearsome creatures, powerful equipment and mighty spells, players have nearly infinite freedom to generate new strategies and techniques for overcoming their opponents.

Boasting an impressive range of multiplayer features, Culdcept SAGA lets up to four players match wits and custom decks in tactical battles on a single Xbox 360 system or online with Xbox LIVE. Players will be able to customize the full scope of their multiplayer experience by managing the in-game rules, match types and even holding “blind” matches to level the playing field by distributing a random deck of cards to all competitors.

Culdcept SAGA is rated “T” for Teen by the ESRB and carries a suggested retail price of $39.99. For more information, please visit www.namcobandaigames.com.

SEGA LAUNCHES OFFICIAL WEBSITE OF VIKING: BATTLE FOR ASGARD

SEGA Europe Ltd. today is proud to announce the launch of the official website for their highly anticipated title, VIKING: Battle For Asgard. Fans can immerse themselves in the violent yet spectacular world of Vikings and their Gods by clicking on www.sega.com/viking. The official site features game information and visuals, as well as the epic new video featuring the Siege of Caldburg which debuts on the site today.

VIKING: Battle For Asgard is the latest console title from the award winning and critically acclaimed development studio, The Creative Assembly and is due for release on Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 on 28th March 2008. For more information please visit www.sega.com/viking, and for press assets please visit www.sega-press.com.

NOBUNAGA'S AMBITION: RISE TO POWER AVAILABLE NOW

KOEI, recognized worldwide as the premier brand of strategy and action games, announced that Nobunaga’s Ambition®: Rise to Power is available beginning today at North American retailers including GameStop, Best Buy, EB Games, Game Crazy, Amazon.com and GameFly. This historical simulation game from legendary producer Kou Shibusawa is exclusive to the PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system.

Gamers looking for the latest information on Nobunaga’s Ambition: Rise to Power, can visit the official minisite at www.koei.com/risetopower.

About Nobunaga’s Ambition: Rise to Power
Set during the 16th century, Nobunaga’s Ambition: Rise to Power sends players back in time to the Sengoku (Warring States) period of Feudal Japan. It was during this time that the visionary Nobunaga Oda assembled the most advanced military force in Japan, and instituted new policies that stimulated the growth of the nation’s economy.

In Nobunaga’s Ambition: Rise to Power, players will assume the role of Nobunaga, or of a rival warlord, in their quest to unite Japan under one rule. Packed with 7 dramatic scenarios - from the 1551 Struggle for Power to the events following Nobunaga’s death in 1582, Nobunaga’s Ambition: Rise to Power lets players embark on their quest from more than 300 different starting points.

For the first time in the series, military campaigns are carried out using an explosive 3D real-time battle system. Plus a new command lets players go “all in” and risk their entire empire in battle. If victorious, players will expand their empire, but a defeat could mean the total loss of their land.

Nobunaga’s Ambition: Rise to Power is more than just a game of military domination. Life in Feudal Japan is brought to life with remarkable detail. In vibrant castle towns the daily lives of characters will unfold while players nurture their village into a flourishing empire. Players will also manage government affairs and develop critical infrastructure such as ninja camps, blacksmiths, and markets. A robust character edit function features a wide variety of character faces, the ability to edit stats, and lets the player choose when and where the characters will appear.

Originally released in Japan as Nobunaga’s Ambition: Tenkasousei, Nobunaga’s Ambition: Rise to Power marks the return of the series to North America. Nobunaga’s Ambition: Rise to Power is developed by KOEI and produced by Kou Shibusawa, the mastermind behind the legendary Romance of the Three Kingdoms and P.T.O. historical simulation series. The game is rated “T” (Teen – Alcohol Reference, Mild Language, Mild Violence) by the ESRB.

The Epic Journey Continues with the Release of the First Downloadable Content for the Sci-Fi Blockbuster "Mass Effect"

To date, over 1.6 million gamers have explored the engaging sci-fi universe of "Mass Effect." Beginning on 10th March, fans everywhere will be able to expand the "Mass Effect" experience with the release of the first ever downloadable content for the award-winning saga.
The "Bring Down the Sky" downloadable content pack will be released to Xbox LIVE Marketplace on Monday, 10th March at 10am, and will be available for 400 MS points. This is the first in a series of planned downloadable content that further expands the "Mass Effect" universe and continues the adventures of Commander Shepard and his crew of the Normandy.
"Bring Down the Sky" includes a new uncharted world that introduces the notorious and feared alien race of the Batarians. A Batarian extremist group has hijacked a mobile asteroid station in the Asgard system, setting it on a collision course with the nearby colony world of Terra Nova. Only Commander Shepard can save the millions of innocent civilians before the asteroid completes its deadly descent.

"Bring Down the Sky" contains approximately 90 minutes of heart-pounding action and a new Achievement worth 50 Gamerscore points.

"Mass Effect" is exclusively available on Xbox 360.

"Imperium Romanum" Set to Conquer North America in March 2008

Take the future of an empire into your hands in “Imperium Romanum”, an historical strategy title for PC created by Kalypso Media and Haemimont Games and will be published by SouthPeak Games in North America in March 2008.

Imperium Romanum puts the player in the role of a governor of a province, where he or she must strive to build a well organized, prosperous and commanding settlement. Set in the time of the Roman Empire at its peak, players will marvel at the incredible attention to detail as they construct fortifications, towers, gates and bridges, while paying for them with a new currency. Imperium Romanum is a challenging, enjoyable, and authentic quest to rule the world.

With missions based on real events and locations and enhanced by elements like crime and economics, Imperium Romanum is the complete historical strategy gaming experience. Impressive graphics showcase historically accurate buildings, natural disasters, and siege machines, as well as an improved battle system where the player commands their armies. The missions are interactive, so the players activate the goals when they choose.

Build. Rule. Conquer!

In January, SouthPeak Interactive, LLC and Global Services Partners Acquisition Corp. (OTC Bulletin Board: GSPA, GSPAB, GSPAW, GSPAZ) jointly announced that they have agreed to a business combination resulting in a new publicly held entity that will be called SouthPeak Interactive Corporation. The transaction will allow SouthPeak to access the public markets to accelerate its growth strategy and take advantage of strong industry growth trends.

Trade-in at Goozex!

Goozex, Inc., the leading online video game trading community, publicly launched today a new feature that connects members to play together through their personal Goozex profile pages. Goozex members can now team up with each other on thousands of specific game titles for online playing and sharing content.

New features include invitations to play online and quickly form Goozex gaming groups of friends, and requests for specific gaming help, opinions, and other related content. Goozex members can easily find each other through their personal profile pages and by adding games to their “Playing Now” list.
To introduce members to this feature, Goozex co-founders Mark Nebesky and Jonathan Dugan invite members to play Call of Duty 4 on Xbox Live every Thursday in February from 8:00 to 9:00pm (EST). Members will also have an opportunity to personally connect with part of the Goozex founding team in a fun gaming environment.

“Goozex has always been about connecting gamers to share their individual experiences,” said Valerio Zanini, CEO and co-founder of Goozex, Inc. “As gamers, we want to not only get great deals on games, but also share our knowledge of games and maybe even get a little competitive with friends online. When you think of a game like Call of Duty 4, you see there are a lot of different layers to bond with and we think it’s great to create new friends over one common game experience.

How to Find & Connect with Goozex Members:
Browse through Goozex’s extensive database of games, and visit the page of the game you are interested in. Under the “Playing Now” tab you will find a list of members that are available to connect with to play online or share gaming comments and content. Just push the “Invite to Play” button and create a connection with another member.
If you want to add yourself to the “Playing Now” list and be contacted by other members, simply click the button “add to list”. You can also see the list of all games you are Playing Now by visiting your profile, and the clicking the “Playing Now” tab.

About Goozex, Inc.
Goozex, Inc. is an award winning and best in class rated peer-to-multi-peer trading company headquartered in College Park, Maryland. Launched in July 2006, Goozex.com was named a Webby Award Official Honoree in April 2007. It has also been rated best in class by Electronic Gaming Monthly (EGM #223) and GamesRadar (Dec. 25, 2007). Currently, it is the leading video game trading service based on an automated point system. Games are assigned a point value based on several factors including supply and demand, and users earn points when trading their games with other users. Points can then be redeemed for other video games. The system offers its users a fair market value for their games and guarantees all trades.

Goozex, your game trading community. Please visit our website at www.goozex.com

WII-KLY UPDATE: TWO NEW CLASSIC GAMES ADDED TO WII SHOP CHANNEL

Step into two very different types of action this week. Either battle the bad guys to save hostages and preserve freedom or bury your opponents with magical jewels. Whatever you fancy, you'll need to be ready for a challenge: strategize as a fearless hero or manipulate special jewels to raise the crush bar. How do you plan to win today?

Two new classic games go live at 9 a.m. Pacific time. Nintendo adds new games to the Wii Shop Channel every Monday. Wii™ owners with a high-speed Internet connection can redeem Wii Points™ to download the games. Wii Points can be purchased in the Wii Shop Channel or at retail outlets. This week's new games are:

OPERATION WOLF (NES, 1 player, Rated E10+ for Use of Tobacco and Violence, 500 points):

A group of desperate terrorists is keeping hostages in their jungle fortress. As a member of the elite tactical squad Operation Wolf, you must invade their hideout, destroy their operations, and get the hostages out alive! Maneuver through a series of missions and fight off soldiers, patrol boats, helicopters, and more. The further you progress, the more enemies you'll have to defeat and the harder they'll try to stop you in your tracks (going so far as tossing knives and grenades at you or wearing armor). Each area along your path ends with a boss battle where you'll have to find and exploit each boss's particular weakness. To top it all off, your weapon options are also limited, so you'll need to conserve ammunition and grenades. Operation Wolf is said to be the most valiant and capable unit in the military-can you save the hostages and win the day?

Columns III:
Revenge of Columns (Genesis, 1-5 players, Rated E for Everyone, 800 points): This single-player or multiplayer experience expands upon the game play of the original two Columns titles giving players some extra attacks to spring on opponents. As in the original Columns, jewels fall into a bin, and you have to twist and manipulate them to form matches of three or more in a vertical, horizontal, or diagonal line to keep the jewels from stacking up and reaching the top. In Columns III, special magical jewels do things like raise your opponent's crush bar or lower your own, adding an extra element of strategy to the game. This is a great game to play with friends, so download it today and jump into the action!

Best of Tests on Nintendo DS Fact sheet

Platform: Nintendo DS
Release Date: March 4, 2008
Publisher: Conspiracy Entertainment
Developer: Otaboo
Product URL: http://www.conspiracygames.com/
products/ds_best_of_the_tests.html
MSRP: $19.99 USD
ESRB Rating: E for Everyone

Logic, observation, memory, speed of perception and analysis: these are the qualities that define the famous Intelligence Quotient Test and these same skills will be challenged in Best
of Tests for the Nintendo DS™. Not only will the game challenge the skills of the player, it also aims to help the player improve them.

By taking advantage of the unique features of the DS to challenge players, Best of Tests DS will calculate the player's IQ and adapt itself to offer a personalized challenge that is always fresh and fun.

Key features of Best of Tests include:

• An excellent way to maintain and improve your intelligence, while having fun

• All the classic challenges of IQ tests come to the Nintendo DS

• Several hundred different questions to challenge the player in a variety of skills and areas

• Varied rules, incrementally challenging gameplay and adaptive challenges mean plenty of replay value

• A humorous and enjoyable presentation of challenges and results

500,000 gamers plus join the Age of Conan community

Massive interest for Funcom's massively multiplayer online game

Funcom and Eidos are excited to announce that over 500,000 gamers from all over the world have signed up to become a member of the Age of Conan: Hyborian Adventures community by either signing up for the ongoing beta test or by joining the ‘Clan of Conan’ official fan club. Funcom is responding to the growing numbers by introducing websites and forums for the English, German, French and Spanish market to support the launch in all of these territories.

“The massive attention Age of Conan is generating throughout the international gaming community is simply amazing,” says Funcom CEO Trond Arne Aas. “The game seems to be already striking a chord with gamers across the world and we are thrilled and motivated by all the positive feedback we have been getting from both the press and the community.”

Not only are the growing numbers a very strong indication on Age of Conan’s popularity pre-launch, the entire development process is also reaping the rewards from the constantly increasing numbers of gamers signing up to join the beta test. This allows Funcom to thoroughly test numerous aspects of the game, contributing to a smoother launch and a more enjoyable gaming experience from day one.

Age of Conan is consistently mentioned as one of the most anticipated PC games in development. It has received more than twenty covers on high-profile gaming magazines across the globe and more than fifteen major awards, including numerous "Best MMO of E3" awards and the official "Best Online Game" award at the Games Convention 2007. Age of Conan is a key title in Microsoft's Games for Windows line-up, and a showcase title for nVidia. The game is set to launch in several territories on May 20th, 2008.

For more information on Age of Conan – either in English, German, French or Spanish – visit the official website at www.ageofconan.com where you also can access the respective community websites.

Atari launch Highly-Addictive Tactical-Action-Puzzler Downstream Panic!

Atari, one of the world's most recognized brands and a third-party video game publisher and distributor, today announced that the tactical-action-puzzler Downstream Panic! for the PSP (PlayStation Portable) system has shipped to retailers across North America. The fish-out-of-water adventure challenges gamers to play the role of a sea-creature preservationist out to save the world's fish after a stunning cyclone has blasted them into the Earth's atmosphere. Using a slate of more than eight types of innovative tools like fans, bombs, trees, harpoons and freezers, players must help their fishy friends to safety on their Earthbound descent. But there are some nasty obstacles and treacherous predators that are also vying for the players' scaly amigos. Downstream Panic! is rated E10+ and is available for the PSP system at the suggested retail price of $29.95.

"We think gamers can't help but fall for Downstream Panic!" said Donny Clay, Producer, Atari, Inc. "The game combines action, tactics and puzzle elements with an incredibly colorful and fun style. Once gamers give this game a try, we think they'll be saying 'oh my cod!' But seriously, we think kids and adults alike should give the game a try just for the halibut."

Developed by Eko Software, Downstream Panic! offers more than 80 levels in five bright and colorful environments. Three different game modes (adventure, free play and survival) mix up the challenge. With more than 10 hours of standard gameplay as well as 10 new Paradise-themed maps available as downloadable content, Downstream Panic! promises to keep gamers reeling for months and months.

For full details on Downstream Panic! please see the game's official website at www.downstreampanic.com. For more information on Atari and its entire product line-up please visit www.atari.com.

GAMECOCK MEDIA GROUP SUPPORTS ROCK THE VOTE WITH COCKTHEVOTE.US!

Fired up and ready to go! Today video game publisher, Gamecock Media Group, announced the launch of CockTheVote.us, a site aimed at video gamers to promote voter registration using its special brand of animalistic political humor.

“Gamecock wants YOU to vote in the human American presidential election,” said Mike Wilson, Gamecock Media Group’s Grand Champeen and CEO. “And, perhaps more importantly, to check out Hail to the Chimp’s candidates and get involved in the first ever presidential election for the new animal republic!”

Gamecock has been on the campaign trail adding some humor to the intensity of the election process and hoping to inspire the vote in the process. With a cast of furry animal candidates from its upcoming politically charged party game, Hail to the Chimp, Gamecock has partied with Rock the Vote at the Iowa Caucus, and, most recently, visited with the University of South Carolina and their newspaper, The Daily Gamecock, at the South Carolina Primary.

Mike continued, “Our original intent was to join the campaign trail with Hail to the Chimp to provide much-needed comic relief from the election season. And, now that Colbert’s not running, we thought we’d better focus our attention on those who are. However, our meeting with Rock the Vote inspired us to use our gaming muscle to energize people in the election process. Thus was born, CockTheVote.us.”

CockTheVote.us will include an embedded widget where gamers can register to vote. The site will also feature campaign trail video clips and images of Hail to the Chimp’s giant, furry-costumed animal candidates – from Crackers the monkey to Hedwig the polar bear. Woodchuck Chumley, Hail to the Chimp’s animal kingdom woodchuck newscaster, will be on assignment, and even a cock-masked Gamecock or two will make an appearance.

Created by Wideload Games, Hail to the Chimp is a fast-paced party game that delivers exciting gameplay, lush interactive environments, and a comic look at politics. It is a bare-knuckled fight to win the crown of President of the animals. The Hail to the Chimp ballot now boasts ten candidates, each with their own personality, platforms and style. Just like any political race, mud is being slung, names are being named, alliances are being made and broken, and the candidates are clawing up the ladder to reach that golden seat.

The story of Hail to the Chimp is delivered through a metaphor of the election process. The ten candidates in the game have their own back stories, and there are rivalries between the candidates and opportunities to team up and make alliances. It's all there - the flawed electoral system, the political back-stabbing, the self-possessed newscasters and pundits, fundraising with the fat cats, hostile debates and even the inane political ads.

Hail to the Chimp features a wide variety of arenas as well as myriad goal oriented match types. The title is scheduled for release in late May 2008 for next-gen consoles.

http://www.cockthevote.us/

THQ'S WWE SMACKDOWN v RAW 2008 INTERNATIONAL TOURNAMENT at HMV

The bell has rung and bodies are flying, but who will be the last gamer standing in THQ’s WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2008 International Tournament, presented by HMV. Starting Saturday, February 9, the top 32 teams from each participating region – North America, the United Kingdom and Europe – will begin battle in a virtual ring for the ultimate prize of two highly coveted floor tickets to WrestleMania 24 on March 30, 2008 in Orlando, Florida, USA.

Online gamers worldwide still have until February 8 to register to take part in the action and become the next virtual WWE Superstars. Complete registration details are available at www.gamebattles.com/svr.

Major League Gaming is producing the WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2008 International Tournament. Throughout February, top competitors will advance through online brackets, with the four top players in each region moving on to participate in regional finals in early March.

A United Kingdom finalist, a European finalist and two North American finalists will then compete head-to-head at the grand finale, scheduled to occur during the 6th Annual THQ Superstar Challenge on March 27, 2008 at the House of Blues in Orlando. At the event, finalists will have the opportunity to not only play live against one another in front of a capacity crowd, but will also share the spotlight with top WWE Superstars in attendance. The grand prize winner will receive two floor tickets to WrestleMania 24, while each finalist will receive two stadium tickets to the event.

CAPCOM'S DEVIL MAY CRY 4 STORMS RETAIL

Capcom, a leading worldwide developer and publisher of video games, today announced that the highly anticipated Devil May Cry 4 for Sony Computer Entertainment’s PLAYSTATION 3 (PS3) and the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft has begun shipping to retail. Devil May Cry 4 is rated M for Mature by the Entertainment Software Ratings Board (ESRB) and is available as both standard edition ($59.99 MSRP) and a special Collector’s Edition package ($79.99 MSRP).

From the producer of the original Devil May Cry and Resident Evil 4 comes the next installment in the hugely successful stylized action series that has so far achieved global sales of nearly seven million units. Devil May Cry 4 immerses gamers in a gothic supernatural world, where a new protagonist, Nero, clashes with Dante, the featured character in the previous Devil May Cry games. As Nero, players will unleash incredible attacks and non-stop combos using a unique new gameplay mechanic, his powerful “Devil Bringer” arm. Fans of Dante won’t be disappointed as he too will be playable during the course of the game.

With the advanced graphical capabilities of the next-gen systems, high definition visuals and intricate detail come to life as players explore new and exotic locales. Dynamic action and undeniable style combine with unprecedented fighting options and a gripping story to produce the incomparable experience that only a Devil May Cry game can deliver.

A special 2 hour Devil May Cry: The Animated Series anime disc will be packed into the Collector’s Edition of the game, included in the metal Steelbook case, and will include the first four episodes of the 12 episode anime series. Inside the case will be a second bonus DVD alongside the game that users can slip into their computers, Xbox 360 or PLAYSTATION 3. The bonus DVD will contain a “making of” feature on the game, music from the Devil May Cry 4 soundtrack, a digital art book with images and sketches from the development team, wallpapers, icons and screen savers.

Devil May Cry 4 includes the following features:
• From the producer of the original Devil May Cry and Resident Evil 4
• 2 playable characters – take control of both Nero & Dante
• High-definition 720p visuals moving at 60 frames per second
• Blend of familiar and new: newcomer Nero clashes with veteran Dante plus appearances from Trish, Lady and others from the DMC series
• Exceed System allows Nero to easily charge up his sword with a throttle effect, revving up to three levels with powerful and varied attack options
• Deep combo system rewards stylish dispatching of enemies
• Unique "Devil Bringer" arm opens up a range of never seen before combo options
• Distinct set of weaponry and moves for Nero and Dante
• New active style change system for Dante allows him to switch styles and weapons on the fly, producing crazy combo possibilities
• Numerous new characters and environments
• Signature blend of guns and swordplay

Devil May Cry 4 Collector’s Edition contains the following extras:
• Volume 1 of ADV Film’s Devil May Cry: The Animated Series on DVD, including four complete episodes of the anime (a retail value of $29.99)
• Unique Steelbook metal case
• Bonus DVD
• Making of Devil May Cry 4
• Music from the soundtrack
• Digital artbook
• PC content (screen savers, wallpapers, icons)