D2COMICS BRINGS THE CRYPTICS TO LIFE FOR SONY PSP (PlayStationPortable)

Evolution of the Medium Now Available Exclusively for Download on the PLAYSTATION®Store

D2C GamesTM, Inc. a premier developer and publisher of downloadable interactive entertainment, announced today the availability of its evolutionary digital video comic, The Cryptics, for the PSP® system. Published under the D2ComicsTM brand, the product offers a unique interactive multimedia experience complete with story action directed by the comics' creators, SFX, original musical scores, behind-the-scenes video and interactive commentary that expands the digital reading experience beyond traditional print comics.

Steve Niles (30 Days of Night) and Ben Roman (I luv Halloween) bring you an interactive look into the young lives and escapades of Jackie Jekyll Jr., Drac, Wolfy and Sea-Boy with a digital video comic that heaps on the laughs. Enjoy each story episode at your own leisure with DVD-styled play as well as an inside look into the creative process through interactive video featuring director's cut commentary.

Famous monsters are going to the scariest place they've ever been … the suburbs. The Cryptics follows much smaller versions of horror's most-fabled characters as they grow up in the suburbs, go to school and make monsters in the laboratory.

"The Cryptics, the first in a series of digital video comics for the PSP system, represents the evolution of technology and great story-telling talent to deliver a unique interactive multimedia experience for the digital generation," said Christopher Sturr, Senior Director of Sales & Marketing for D2C Games. "Guys like Steve Niles know what comic book fans want, and we're delivering that experience to comic fans in ways that they never thought possible."

The Cryptics, priced at $2.99, is available for digital download to your PSP® system through the PLAYSTATION Store for the PC and the PLAYSTATION Store.

For more information on D2C Games and D2Comics please visit the company's websites at www.d2cgames.com and www.d2comics.com.

THE SIMS 2 FREETIME SOUNDTRACK FEATURING NATASHA BEDINGFIELD

International Line-Up Includes Artists from the US, Europe and Scandinavia

Electronic Arts, today announced the international line-up of artists who can be heard on The Sims™ 2 FreeTime soundtrack. The music for this expansion pack provides accompaniment for your Sims as they explore their creativity through a selection of all-new activities, hobbies and cool careers.

International pop star, Natasha Bedingfield, is featured on the soundtrack with her new single “Pocketful of Sunshine.” This song is taken from her newest album of the same name, which was released on January 22, 2008. Natasha learned and recorded this song in the unique language of The Sims, Simlish, especially for the in-game The Sims 2 FreeTime soundtrack.

Also on The Sims 2 FreeTime soundtrack are the bands Datarock from Norway I’m From Barcelona from Sweden, and the artist Lara from Spain. American bands, They Might Be Giants, Great Northern and Fire Flies also recorded songs which can be heard on this soundtrack.

“The Sims 2 FreeTime offers many ways for your Sims to express themselves creatively, including music,” said Steve Schnur, Worldwide Executive of Music and Music Marketing at EA. “This in-game soundtrack full of talented musicians from around the world, such as Natasha Bedingfield, is the perfect backdrop for your Sims to discover and develop their passions.”

“It was such a fun and delightful challenge to learn how to sing in Simlish,” Natasha Bedingfield added. “The language of The Sims captures a wonderful sense of beauty, creativity and humor, so my song ‘Pocketful of Sunshine’ translated well!”


In The Sims 2 FreeTime, your Sims can build their skills and enhance friendships by exploring new pursuits based on their personal interests, helping them live life to the fullest. The Sims 2 FreeTime, the latest expansion pack that will arrive in stores on February 29th, 2008.

In-Game Soundtrack Credits:

“Fa-Fa-Fa”
Performed by Datarock
Written by Fredrik Saroea and Ketil Mosnes
Published by Artwerk Music, LLC
Recording courtesy of Nettwerk Productions

“It’s A Party”
Performed by Fire Flies
Written by Dan Romer
Published by Drawing Number One Publishing
Recording courtesy of Asteroid B-612

“Into The Sun”
Performed by Great Northern
Written by Rachel Stolte and Solon Bixler
Published by Songs Music Publishing LLC obo Ram Island Songs (ASCAP) and Kill The Piano Music (ASCAP)
Recording courtesy of Eenie Meenie Records by arrangement with Big Sounds International, Inc.

“Britney”
Performed by I'm From Barcelona
Written by Emanuel Lundgren
Published by EMI Blackwood Music (BMI)
Recording courtesy of EMI Records under license from EMI Film & Television Licensing

“La Otra Princesa”
Performed by Lara
Written by Massimiliano Minoia and Lara Pinilla Osuna
Published by Lara What Songs Pop S.L. and Globomedia Musica Publishing S.L.
Recording courtesy of Virgin/EMI Records – Spain and GloboMedia Musica

“Your Forgiveness”
Performed by Lexington Bridge
Written by Cliff Masterson, Mark Read, Pete Martin and Robert Heart
Published by Universal Music Publishing
Recording courtesy of Universal Records under license from Universal Music Enterprises


“Pocket Full Of Sunshine”
Performed by Natasha Bedingfield
Written by Natasha Bedingfield and Danielle Brisebois and John Shanks
Published by EMI April Music (ASCAP), Gator Baby/EMI Blackwood Music (BMI) and John Shanks Music/WB Music Corp. (ASCAP)
Recording courtesy of Epic Records by arrangement with SONY BMG Music Entertainment

“Take Out The Trash”
Performed by They Might Be Giants
Written by They Might Be Giants
Published by TMBG Music (BMI)
Recording courtesy of Idlewild Recordings

Music Production Credits:

Steve Schnur, Executive Music Producer
Cybele Pettus, Sr. Music Supervisor

About The Sims
The Sims franchise celebrates an impressive 90 million units sold life-to-date since its inception with The Sims launch in February 2000. Translated into 22 different languages, The Sims franchise has quickly become a universal gaming and cultural phenomenon. For the latest information about The Sims franchise, please visit http://www.thesims.com. To check out the hottest The Sims 2 creations made by our community members, please visit http://www.thesims2.com.

LEGENDARY on XBox 360 PlayStation 3 and PC video game

First-Person Shooter of Mythical Proportions Will Be Available on Xbox 360, PLAYSTATION 3 System and PC -

Atari and Gamecock Media Group today announced that Legendary will be available on Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, PLAYSTATION 3 computer entertainment system and PC when it releases in Summer 2008. Developed by Spark Unlimited, Legendary is a first-person shooter set in a world torn asunder after all the beasts of myth are unleashed upon it.

“This exciting and original title takes the lead in our Atari Shooter line up,” said Mathias Hautefort, Executive Vice President of publishing and production, Atari. “Producing a game of this quality and scale is a major undertaking, but the highly talented team at Spark Unlimited is more than up to the job.”

“This is the project we want to be working on and it’s shaping up to be something amazing,” said Craig Allen, CEO of Spark Unlimited. “Legendary is the type of game we want every gamer, regardless of system allegiance, to get the chance to play. We’re taking our time to ensure optimum performance, regardless of platform.”

Legendary tells the story of Charles Deckard, an art thief who is duped into stealing Pandora’s Box. When he inadvertently opens it, he releases hordes of beasts thought to be fictional – such as werewolves and gryphons – into an unprepared modern world. A full scale war between man and myth begins, and it is quickly complicated by the actions of powerful secret societies. As the person responsible for releasing this terror, Deckard’s unwittingly become the only person capable of containing it once more and saving civilization from being destroyed by the terrifying creatures.

Please visit www.legendarythegame.com for more info. For details of Atari’s entire product line up visit www.atari.com.

Guinness World Record Gamer's Edition launch

To celebrate the launch of the Guinness World Record Gamer’s Edition – the longest Guitar Hero Marathon Relay record was achieved, lasting over two hours and with 40 passes between songs!

The cast of the West End hit We Will Rock You, Sabrina Aloueche (Scaramouche), Ricardo Afonso (Galilleo), Alex Bourne (Khashgoggi) and ‘The Rev’ and Snell from The Prodigy kicked off the relay before passing on to professional gamers The Frag Dolls and Luke Albiges and then the very willing public.

Other records achieved on the night included the ‘Highest score’ on Guitar Hero by Luke Albiges with a tremendous 444,862 points! Plus the ‘Highest score by a team of six’ was achieved by Guitar Hero fan Saad Choudri, his 10 year old little brother Adam and friends with an incredible 127,067 points.

Over 200 people attended the launch event dressed as their favourite ‘rock Star’ and jammed on Guitar Hero. Lisa Lehmann brought a group of American scouts to test their Guitar Hero skills, she said ‘the boys have had a terrific time and are very excited to have broken a Guinness World Record’.

Tony Macgee won first prize as the best dressed ‘Guitar Hero’ with his impressive ‘Slash’ costume.

The all new Guinness World Records Gamer’s Edition 2008 is on sale now and is bursting with new records, high score statistics and fascinating facts.

Grand Chase, the Action Adventure MMO Brawler open beta

Ntreev USA, Inc., based in Irvine, California, announced today that it has successfully launched the Open Beta Service for Grand Chase!

Grand Chase Open Beta is Live!

The Grand Chase Open Beta has begun, and for the first time ever, players will be able to experience the exclusive North American release of this highly anticipated Action-Adventure MMO Brawler!

Grand Chase is a fast-paced, heart-pounding, action brawler that combines the elements of traditional RPG character advancement & customization, and adds new cooperative and competitive elements for players who aren't afraid to put their brawling skills to the test! Grand Chase raises the bar for Free-To-Play online games by setting itself apart from the pack by featuring superior quality in design and execution. Grand Chase is a title unlike any other, and is poised to make its mark on the North American, English market!

The North American release of Grand Chase will be the most enhanced and upgraded version of the game available in the English market. In addition to this, it is also a completely different and unique title that pushes the boundaries of traditional online gaming. A fully realized fantasy world sets the stage for high adventure and epic action, as players join the forces of the Grand Chase Knights to fight the evil Kaze'aze and protect not only the land of Bermesiah, but the very world!

This completely Free-to-Play, five star title, is being brought to North America for the first time ever by the online game publisher, Ntreev USA Inc.

http://www.grandchase.net

Grand Chase Official Website Launch!

Along with the launch of the North American Open Beta of this trend-setting title, Ntreev USA, Inc. has also launched the official website for this game. The website incorporates not only all official announcements for the game, but includes: exclusive Player Forums, Downloadable Media, an Animated Trailer, Game Client Download, and information regarding special and exclusive Bonus Items, which will be available to ALL players who sign up and register for Grand Chase through the new, official website. Everyday, new Bonus Items will be given to registered players during Open Beta!

Registration for the Open Beta of Grand Chase is both free and easy! Make sure to check the official website (www.grandchase.net) for details and begin your adventure in Bermesiah.

Join the Chase, Save the World!

http://www.grandchase.net

FINAL FANTASY & FINAL FANTASY II on Sony PSP

Square Enix Ltd., the publisher of Square Enix interactive entertainment products in Europe and other PAL territories, announces that FINAL FANTASY and FINAL FANTASY II will both be on sale in the UK on 8th February, 2008 on the PSP (PlayStation Portable) system.

Experience the classic gameplay, captivating storylines and unforgettable characters that gave birth to the FINAL FANTASY phenomenon. Completely re-mastered exclusively for PSP, FINAL FANTASY and FINAL FANTASY II are the definitive versions of the epic games that established the biggest RPG brand in the world.

These new editions feature redrawn graphics and character art, exclusive all-new dungeons, full 16:9 widescreen visuals and an updated camera view that gives players a new perspective on these two timeless classics that defined the RPG genre.

John Yamamoto, president and chief executive officer of Square Enix Ltd. comments, “FINAL FANTASY and FINAL FANTASY II represent the foundations of the Square Enix success story. They are the first two imaginative steps in the long and distinguished history of the FINAL FANTASY franchise. With these beautiful new versions, fans can now experience the origins of FINAL FANTASY wherever they go.”

For more information about FINAL FANTASY and FINAL FANTASY II, please visit the official website www.finalfantasy1.co.uk

About FINAL FANTASY


Story

The tale begins when four young warriors, each possessing a crystal, are summoned to restore the world’s harmonious elemental balance. During their voyage, they discover a nefarious entity has created turmoil in the structure of time in order to take control of the world, causing the heroes to travel to places they never imagined possible.

Features

The ultimate edition of the game that gave birth to a phenomenon.

The original game in the amazing FINAL FANTASY series that has sold over 80 million copies worldwide now returns in completely re-mastered form, exclusively for PSP.

Redrawn graphics and enhanced sound capitalise on the PSP’s impressive audiovisual capabilities.

Featuring an all-new dungeon, the Labyrinth of Time.
Art Gallery mode allows you to view the stunning artwork of leading illustrator Yoshitaka Amano.

About FINAL FANTASY II

Story

A malevolent emperor has called upon monsters from a demonic realm to take over the world, ending what seemed to be an eternal period of peace. From the destruction rise four young survivors who will take it upon themselves to stop the merciless ruler and avenge the death of their parents.

Features

Redrawn graphics and enhanced sound capitalise on the PSP’s impressive audiovisual capabilities.

Featuring two all-new dungeons: Arcane Labyrinth and Arcane Sanctuary.

Find and use new equipment, battle new enemies and defeat a new boss, all exclusive to the PSP version.

Art Gallery mode allows you to view the stunning artwork of leading illustrator Yoshitaka Amano.

Band Mashups Bringing Musical Warfare to Wii

Band Mashups is scheduled to bring the ultimate band battle to Wii in April 2008. Featuring 150 tracks and five distinct musical styles: rock, funk/hip-hop, country, marching band and Latin, Band Mashups combines fast-paced combat with customizable bands in the fight for musical supremacy, fully utilizing the Wii Remote controller’s highly intuitive control scheme to deliver a unique game-play experience.

"Band Mashups takes an innovative approach to the rhythm/action genre by blending music and combat in the ultimate battle of the bands,” said Randy Shoemaker, global brand director, THQ. “Using a rhythm based game-play mechanic, the game delivers 70 over-the-top musical weapons and utilizes the Wii Remote’s functionality to deliver a completely original musical combat experience. Fighting with a sniper violin or flamethrower guitar is something gamers should definitely look forward to.”

About Band Mashups

Band Mashups is the first time a musical “mashup” game has been delivered on Wii, allowing players to battle it out with their preferred musical style. Band Mashups features both an exciting two player versus mode and an extensive single-player campaign where players take on the role of one of eleven bands trying to topple the nefarious big boss Mr. Hong and take control of the faraway city of New Cadenza. Band Mashups introduces the innovative concept of “music switching,” putting the player winning the battle in control of the style of music both players hear. When an opponent turns the tide of battle, the music changes as well, switching between different music styles. Band Mashups features 30 classic and modern chart-topping hits from over the last four decades, all of which have been recorded in five different styles - (rock, funk/hip-hop, country, Latin and marching band) - for the game, resulting in a total of 150 unique, playable recordings.

PET PALS: ANIMAL DOCTOR FOR NINTENDO DS

New Game Lets You Diagnose and Treat Animals Just Like a Real Veterinarian

DS owners can see if they have the healing touch as Majesco Entertainment Company, an innovative provider of video games for the mass market, today shipped Pet Pals: Animal Doctor for Nintendo DS. Developed by Legacy Interactive and Frontline Studios, Pet Pals: Animal Doctor lets players experience the challenging world of veterinary medicine by diagnosing and treating 30 different medical cases created by real-life veterinarians.

“Pet Pals: Animal Doctor is designed to provide players with a deeper understanding of the care and expertise required to keep pets healthy,” said Gui Karyo, Executive Vice President of Operations, Majesco. “Complete with realistic medical cases and intuitive Touch Screen procedures, Pet Pals: Animal Doctor is a fun and educational experience that players of all ages can enjoy at a great value.”

In Pet Pals: Animal Doctor, players will learn the techniques required to diagnose and treat 23 different lovable pets, including a Yorkshire terrier, turtle, parakeet, rabbit and hamster. To do so, players must successfully administer more than 40 Touch Screen tests while interacting with stressed patients and concerned pet owners. Players face 30 different real-life medical cases from hairballs to infections to broken bones that add authenticity to the gameplay. After treatment, players can feed, clean and play with their patients in the Recovery Room to help improve each animal’s spirits as it heals.

Pet Pals: Animal Doctor is now available for a suggested retail price of $19.99. For additional information on this game as well as Majesco’s exciting line of products, please visit www.majescoentertainment.com.

PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 Join the Fitness Revolution

All of the newest games consoles can now be used to keep fit with the release of the GZ Pro-Sport, from fitness innovators Gamercize.

This release completes a product range offering mini exercise equipment, such as steppers and cycles, as add-ons for games consoles and computers. The specialist fitness machines provide genuine cardiovascular exercise, capable of burning the highest number of calories per hour out of all popular video game exercise systems.

The Gamercize concept requires exercise to keep the game from pausing, using the distraction of playing a game to make it easy to work out for longer without giving up.

Gamercize products are designed to inspire young and old to take the first steps towards a healthier lifestyle, as well as provide a fitness top up for active people with little free time. The equipment can be used with existing or future games, ensuring sustainable use and appeal for all.

Successfully trialled in schools and health clubs in the UK, the Gamercize has proved six times more engaging than exercise alone and twice as popular as a dedicated video game racing bike.

The concept was conceived in 2004 when, now company director, Richard Coshott designed the first Gamercize for his children. They played games for only as long as they kept exercising, which proved successful in increasing their fitness and willingness to be more active in general. Following successful grant of patent the company was formed and products have been sold worldwide to consumers on all continents.

The GZ Pro-Sport will be officially launched on February 21 2008, in partnership with Southampton Football Club, where commercial installations for PlayStation3 and Xbox 360 will be unveiled simultaneously in two Southampton City Council leisure centres.

Alone in the Dark Official Website at CentralDark.Com Exposes Shadowy Mysteries and Conspiracies Of Central Park

Atari today announced the launch of the official website of forthcoming action survival game Alone in the Dark, featuring a series of fascinating and intriguing facts, legends and stories which reveal the myriad strange and unexplained happenings which have dogged the history of New York’s magnificent municipal parkland, Central Park. Visitors to the site at www.CentralDark.com will begin a journey into the murky past of New York’s backyard and see how the park’s chequered history has influenced and inspired the production of Alone in the Dark.

With new facts, park lore and more scheduled every Thursday up to launch of the game in May, visitors can already learn a great deal of incongruous information gathered by a group of amateur researchers and drawn from historical documentation, newspapers and the work of scholars. Facts suggest there’s more than meets the eye behind the design and perfect preservation of this enormous parkland in the city that never sleeps. The implication is that considerably different motives were at work than just the desire to create a grand public parkland for the people of New York. Here’s just a taste of the questions posed:

In a city with debts of $4.8 Billion, who has the power to ensure that Central Park’s $528 Billion of prime Manhattan real estate has remained completely untouched since its creation?

What were the suspected political motivations behind the complete decimation of Seneca village, Manhattan’s first African American community, during the park’s construction?

Why was the topsoil that was used to construct Central Park not from New Jersey as recorded, and according to micro-chemical analysis not even from America?

Who built the existing tunnel network under the park that was used for Oppenheimer’s Manhattan Project of 1853 that led to the creation of the atomic bomb?

Featuring a gripping story, design inspired by contemporary TV action dramas, and original gameplay based on real world rules physics, Eden Games’ action survival opus Alone in the Dark is scheduled for release in May 2008 for Xbox 360, PC, Wii and PlayStation 2, with the PlayStation 3 version following later in 2008.

PC-based, strategy game Europa Universalis: Rome out soon

ABOUT Europa Universalis: Rome:

Europa Universalis: Rome will cover the time period from the first Punic War to the start of the true Empire. Players will have thousand of gameplay choices ranging from country, culture, provincial and character options to name but a few, making each and every game infinitely customizable and truly unique.
The technology system has 5 categories: land, construction, naval, civic and religion. Each category has a set amount of levels, somewhat similar to earlier releases Europa Universalis III and Victoria. However, one of the differences is that there are no immediate effects from aquiring new "level" of technology in EU:Rome.

FEATURES:

- Fully 3D map with integrated graphics and detailed topography.

- Start at any date between 280 B.C. and 27 B.C.

- Choose between 10 different cultures, including the Roman, Celtic, Greek and Egyptian civilizations, with more than 53 playable factions on a map spanning hundreds of provinces.

- Watch your characters develop new traits through political intrigue and various interactions with thousands of other characters.

- Trade, negotiate or fight with your neighbours and advance your technologies to unite the Mediterranean World.

- Robust multiplayer allows you to challenge up to 32 players either competitively or in co-op mode.

hell-tech will release “Europa Universalis: Rome” in Q2 2008 in Greece.

Powerboat Challenge: Hot Motorboat Racing as a 3D Cellphone Game

FISHLABS, the leading developer for premium 3D mobile phone games, is launching the Powerboat Challenge. Fast-paced game play, breathtaking visual effects, and hours of fun make this racing game on the water unique. Powerboat Challenge will first be sold in Europe by Player X and will surface at the end of March 2008 on all standard 3D-capable mobile phones from Nokia and Sony Ericsson.

In Powerboat Challenge, players can choose among four zany characters, who always have a cheeky comment on the tips of their tongues. Every driver has his or her own racing boat with different handling characteristics. Among other things, the powerboats differ in terms of top speed, acceleration, and manoeuvrability.

Powerboat Challenge offers a large variety of game modes that is extraordinary for mobile phone games. Five different game types guarantee long-lasting fun. They include classic lap racing, the thrilling elimination competition, and time qualifications. In the elimination race, the last boat on each lap drops out until the winner has been determined.

While casual gamers will find it easy to get into the game thanks to the simple controls, experts will enjoy the finesse. Every course is marked with buoys that have to be passed on the correct side and as closely as possible. Of course there will be lots rumbling with rival boats to find the perfect line. Those who navigate with skill can ignite a turbo for a brief moment and earn even faster best times.

Naturally, tuning also plays an important role in Powerboat Challenge. Players receive style points for every skilfully rounded buoy. With enough points, tuning sets are unlocked. Of course, these offer more than just better handling; they also offer fantastic visuals and provide a hot look on the course…

METAL GEAR SOLID: ESSENTIAL COLLECTION FOR SONY PLAYSTATION 2

Three Classics of Stealth Action in One Collection

Konami Digital Entertainment, Inc. today confirmed speculation that Metal Gear Solid ®: the Essential Collection is currently planned for the PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system. Now Metal Gear Solid fans have the final chance to fully immerse themselves in the Metal Gear Solid universe before the release of Metal Gear
Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots.

”Since its inception, the Metal Gear Solid franchise has been one of the most successful game series in the history of video games, receiving worldwide recognition and praise,” said Anthony Crouts, Vice President of Marketing for Konami Digital Entertainment Inc. “Metal Gear Solid: The Essential Collection represents a great value for gamers, bringing together three must-have classic titles which pioneered the stealth action genre.”

Metal Gear Solid: the Essential Collection includes the original Metal Gear Solid for the PlayStation game console, the director’s cut of Metal Gear Solid 2 and Metal Gear Solid 3 in a commemorative package with artwork by renowned Metal Gear Solid artist Yoji Shinkawa.

Metal Gear Solid: the Essential Collection is rated M for Mature by the ESRB and sells for a suggested retail price of $29.99. For more information visit the website at www.konami.com.

KARAOKE REVOLUTION PRESENTS: AMERICAN IDOL video game

Latest Installment in Popular Singing Game Series in America Ships to Retailers

Konami Digital Entertainment, Inc., today announced Karaoke Revolution® Presents: American Idol® Encore is now available for the PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system, Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, Nintendo Wii™, and PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system. Together with FremantleMedia Enterprises and 19 Entertainment, licensors of the top-rated television show “American Idol,” Konami has developed a game that lets players sing and perform through a full season of competition of “American Idol”. Featuring 40 all-new, smash-hit songs and several unique modes of play, Karaoke Revolution: American Idol Encore delivers an immersive “American Idol” game experience as players sing their way to fame.

“’American Idol’ is arguably one of the most successful shows on TV,” says Anthony Crouts, Vice President of Marketing for Konami Digital Entertainment. “By bringing the game to a variety of platforms, Karaoke Revolution Presents: American Idol Encore, provides gamers the one-of-a-kind experience of being singing stars in their own living room.”

Karaoke Revolution Presents: American Idol Encore allows players to play the part of an “American Idol“ contestant as they audition, earn an invitation to Hollywood, perform on center stage and receive verbal feedback on their performance from the judges. Just like the TV show, the evaluation by the
game’s judges – Randy Jackson, Paula Abdul and the always entertaining Simon Cowell - will affect whether or not they move on to the next round of competition.

Players will be able to personalize their own contestant with clothing, hair styles and accessories in the Character Customization mode, creating a specialized look that is sure to catch the attention of the judges and the crowd. Players can also create a 3D model of their own heads with the EyeToy USB Camera (for PlayStation 2), PLAYSTATION Eye and Xbox LIVE Vision to bring them directly into the actual competition. Xbox 360 and PS3 gamers can also select and download from a catalog of over 140 songs via Xbox LIVE.

“Karaoke Revolution Presents: American Idol Encore absolutely rocks and we’re sure it’s going to entertain all those Idol fans out there looking to personalize their own ‘American Idol’ experience,” added David Luner, Senior Vice President of Interactive & Consumer Products, FremantleMedia Enterprises in North America.

Karaoke Revolution Presents: American Idol Encore is rated E for Everyone by the ESRB and sells bundled with a microphone for a suggested retail price of $49.99 (PS2 version), $59.99 (Wii version) or $69.99 (Xbox 360 and PS3 versions). For more information on the game, please visit: www.konami.com.

Cellphone games The Sims 2 Castaway, NBA Live 08, The Sims Pool, Command & Conquer, and Orcs & Elves 2 released by EA

EA Mobile announces five new games for mobile phones: The Sims 2 Castaway, The Sims Pool, Orcs & Elves II, Command & Conquer 3 Tiberium Wars and NBA LIVE 08. Players can visit an uncharted tropical island, hone their pool hall hustling skills, swing swords, defend a base and slam dunk their way through to Spring with these great games, launching throughout February and March across major European carriers.

“EA Mobile is committed to making exciting, approachable mobile games for players of all ages and tastes to enjoy,” said Tim Harrison, European Marketing Director, EA Mobile. “Whatever type of game you like – from sports to strategy, adventure to action – we have something for you to enjoy, when and wherever you want to play it.”

The Sims 2 Castaway
New and veteran fans of The Sims now will be able to set sail for an uncharted island filled with sandy beaches, lagoons, volcanic caves and more. Help your Sims build a life from scratch after washing ashore on a remote tropical island. Avoid danger, make new friends, and unlock the island’s secrets. Build shelters, craft unique items, and enjoy fun island activities with your new-found friends. Become the ultimate survivors and thrive in this undiscovered paradise as you create a new life for your Sims in The Sims 2 Castaway!

The Sims Pool
Join the Sims and rack ’em up for the ultimate pool experience on mobile! Customise your Sim, then hit the pool hall to compete against other Sims in exciting 8 or 9-ball action. Perfect your skills and watch your popularity soar as you sink balls, execute impressive trick shots and pull off slick combos. Advanced pool physics and an easy one-button interface deliver exciting pool fun for everyone.

Orcs & Elves II
From the creators of DOOM RPG comes Orcs & Elves II, the sequel to the award-winning Orcs & Elves. Journey to a place filled with adventure, where heroes are born and legends are made. Take on the role of Valin, a thief who steals a sentient wand to save his imperiled town. Explore foreign towns, mysterious caverns and haunted forests while battling against strange & mythical beasts with an arsenal of powerful enchanted weapons with unlikely allies such as a mouse familiar. Prepare yourself as you travel to the mystical and dangerous world of swords and sorcery!

Command & Conquer 3 Tiberium Wars
The critically acclaimed Command & Conquer series comes to mobile for the first time with the launch of Command & Conquer 3 Tiberium Wars. This groundbreaking strategic battle game immerses you in combat as you join the GDI to reclaim the region taken by Kane and his evil Brotherhood of NOD. Embark on an adrenaline-fueled single player campaign to stop the launch of a deadly weapon, or engage in the action-packed Skirmish mode to test your strategic wits against wave upon wave of enemies. Welcome to mobile, Commander.

NBA LIVE 08
Real teams, real players, real NBA intensity - it’s easy to pick up and play as your favourite team. Hit the court for one game or a thrilling season. Control offence and defense; make showcase real moves – thundering slam dunks, driving lay-ups, and in-your-face blocks. Hit a three-pointer at the buzzer to win the NBA championship, and then enjoy the instant replay of your game-winner.


The Sims 2 Castaway, The Sims Pool, Orcs & Elves II, Command & Conquer 3 Tiberium Wars and NBA LIVE 08 will all be available from major operators across Europe launching throughout February and March. For more information on availability and pricing, please visit www.eamobile.com.

Gameloft No1 for Cellphone and mobile games

Recent Sales Figures Places Company in Top Spot For Fourth Quarter

lready the No1 mobile games publisher in Europe & EMEA, Gameloft, a leading developer and publisher of games for mobile phones, today announced that it has risen to the top spot in the international market for the fourth quarter ending December 31, 2007. The company posted Q4 sales of 25.8m€ ($38.5 million) with an annual growth of 40%, thus surpassing the announced results of its competitors.

“We have been out-performing our competitors and growing faster than the market for quite a while now; our recent number one position only confirms this long-running trend,” said Michel Guillemot, president, Gameloft. “This market will grow at a fast pace, with 4 billion consumers gaining access to our games by 2011. We will continue to strive for excellence and remain on the successful path that pushed us to No1 in Q4.”

Further driving the market in 2008 will be the introduction of new and advanced devices such as the iPhone, Ngage/OVI and Google Android. Gameloft is well positioned to take advantage of these new handsets since it currently supports well over 1,200 different handsets worldwide. These devices will greatly impact the way mobile games are played and make way for a new generation of mega-games that run on powerful phones.

Historically, Gameloft has been a prominent player in the mobile gaming industry. Founded in 2000 by Michel Guillemot, co-founder of Ubisoft Entertainment., the group has multiplied its revenues by ten over the last four years. In 2006, it was named the fastest growing company in Europe by BusinessWeek, and was among the top 5 in 2007. Gameloft has been profitable since 2003.

Already the leading publisher in Europe, Gameloft continues to gain worldwide marketshare thanks in part to its internal development capabilities. That investment allows the company to support 1,200 different handsets in over 80 countries and across 180 carriers. The company’s catalogue of games exceeds 200, and expects to release between 70 to 80 games annually.

About Gameloft
Gameloft is a leading international publisher and developer of video games for mobile phones. Established in 1999, it has emerged as one of the top innovators in its field. The company creates games for mobile handsets equipped with Java, Brew or Symbian technology. The total number of games-enabled handsets is anticipated to exceed two billion units in 2008.

Partnership agreements with leading licensors and sports personalities such as Ubisoft Entertainment, Universal Pictures, ABC, Dreamworks Animations SKG, Endemol, 20th Century Fox, Viacom, Sony Pictures, Touchtone Television, Warner Bros., FifPro, Lamborghini, Paris Hilton, Gus Hansen, Kobe Bryant, Derek Jeter, Reggie Bush, Llewton Hewitt, Jonny Wilkinson or Robinho allow Gameloft to form strong relationships with international brands. In addition to the partnerships, Gameloft owns and operates titles such as Block Breaker Deluxe, Asphalt: Urban GT and New York Nights.

Through agreements with major telephone wireless carriers, handset manufacturers, specialized distributors and its online shop, Gameloft has a distribution network in over 80 plus countries.

For more information visit www.gameloft.com

DRACULA: ORIGIN PC video game launch website

Ascaron Entertainment, Focus Home Interactive and Frogwares are pleased to announce the launch of the official website for Dracula: Origin. The new website can be found at http://www.dracula-origin.com/. Five new images of the terrifying adventure game from Frogwares studio, the team that developed the famous Sherlock Holmes series for PC are also now available for download.

Having successfully tackled the myth of Cthulhu in the award-winning Sherlock Holmes - The Awakened, Frogwares is venturing into the disturbing and fantastic world of the Prince of Darkness, in an adventure which combines romance, mystery and horror.

Young, charming and devout, Dracula was once an ardent defender of Christianity, but lost his faith in God when abandoned by his one true love. Dracula makes a pact with the Prince of Darkness, becoming a vampire with an insatiable thirst for blood and vengeance, doomed to eternal damnation.

DRACULA: ORIGIN
In the game, you play the role of Professor Van Helsing, the celebrated vampire hunter, on the hunt for Dracula, who himself is on a quest for a mysterious manuscript that will give him the power to raise the dead. Your goal is to prevent Dracula from finding and using this manuscript, and killing him in order to liberate the souls of all those who have had the misfortune to cross his path.

Using conventional Point & Click gameplay, Dracula: Origin is a superb adventure supported by impeccable graphics and a rich storyline taking you to London, Egypt, Austria and, of course, to Transylvania; the famous home of the great vampire.

The world, inspired by the celebrated author Bram Stoker, is reproduced through 2D environments and animated 3D characters. All of the elements essential to the Dracula story, including horror, love, blood, crucifixes, stakes and garlic, are included in a disturbing and absorbing Gothic atmosphere.

The official Web site of Dracula: Origin http://www.dracula-origin.com/

Fast facts:
Publisher: Ascaron Entertainment / Focus Home Interactive
Web: www.Ascaron.com / http://www.dracula-origin.com/
Developer: Frogwares
Release date: Q2 2008
Price: TBC
PEGI: TBC
Format: PC
Genre: RPG

SAGA MMORTS announce partners

Silverlode Interactive announced today a retail product for its online collectable game SAGA and the names of distributors to hobby stores in the US and Canada.

Silverlode Interactive has partnered with Alliance Game Distributors, GTS Distribution, Diamond Comics and ACD Distribution to distribute its collectable online MMORTS SAGA to over 4000 hobby and comic book stores in the US and Canada. SAGA will be distributed in a retail display containing the game CD, a registration code and 3 booster packs. Individual booster packs will also be available. Each booster pack will include a card with a code that may be unlocked online to receive a virtual pack that will contain a random assortment of spells and troops.

Here’s what happens when you open a SAGA booster: you’ll reveal one of ten random cards, each representing a specific pack type, some of which are less common than others. Some of the specialty packs are the five faction packs, double-rare packs, dragon packs, spell packs… This makes the retail version more exciting than the online purchase.

Following the success of Eye of Judgement and MapleStory, the SAGA retail product will allow Hobby store owners to carry a virtual collectable game. “Hobby Stores who first spurred our imaginations with role playing games have seen a decline in sales with the proliferation of online MMO worlds, and the same decline is now being seen in collectable game sales as more and more games move online. But SAGA turns the tables, providing a retail product to the people who brought us collectable games in the first place,” said Jason Faller, Executive Producer for Silverlode Interactive.

Unlike traditional RTS games that have 10 or 20 different units, the first SAGA set contains over 100 unique troops and over 50 spells in varying rarities. The common troops may be used by any of the five warring factions while most of the uncommon and all rare troops and spells are faction specific. Only the War faction can use Fiery Catapults, for example. Unlike traditional RTS games, troops in SAGA gain levels through questing and may be equipped with powerful weapons and armor.

Retailers are encouraged to contact their distributor before the pre-order deadline of February 22nd. Both products are currently scheduled to ship to distributors on March 14th.

Football video game PES 2008 heads to Nintendo Wii

Due for release March 28th, PES 2008 has been redesigned to make incredible use of the motion-sensitive nature of the Wii’s control system. The player has more control over the on-screen action than ever before, and in line with such advances, Konami has also unveiled an all-new pack design that conveys the unique in-game visuals and ease of use while maximising its use of cover stars Cristiano Ronaldo and Michael Owen.

Crucial to PES 2008 for Wii is an all-new control system that truly elevates the level of control available to the player while retaining the depth and intuitive moves of the series. Making use of the Wii Remote and Nunchuk, the player must also consider the movements of their teammates around them. The Nunchuck is used to move the current player, while the Wii Remote is used to pick out players to send them on runs or to receive passes via simple click and drag system which uses arrows to show the path of the run, and a press of the ‘B’ button to complete the move.

The level of control offered by the bespoke Wii system elevates PES 2008 far beyond any other football game. Dribbling is effected by clicking on the player and using an arrow and the ‘A’ button to guide the ball. The speed of the run can then be altered by extending or reducing the length of the guiding arrow, allowing stunning quick turns and bursts of speed to catch defenders off-guard.

Shooting also benefits from more control over the players, with the Nunchuck used to shoot or head simply by shaking it. As with the real sport, however, timing is everything in front of goal, and the speed of the pass or cross, the ability of the player, the angle of trajectory and the timing of the shot or header will all have differing effects on the resultant shot.

To ease the player into the stunning level of control PES 2008 offers, the Wii game features a wide-ranging Tutorial mode wherein a series of instructional videos and tests detail how the Wii Remote and Nunchuck can be used to man-mark players, pass into space, clear dangerous crosses and perform slide tackles. Every aspect of the modern game is brought to vivid life, and the advances in control ensure that PES 2008 is a game that develops and surprises as the user’s skill grows.

PES 2008 challenges the player further across six game modes, including Match, League and Cup games, the aforementioned Training system and a Player Trade option. By the far the greatest challenge, however, awaits in the all-new ‘Champions Road’ competition.

Champions Road is a global, rewards-based challenge, where players are invited to guide and develop the team of their choice through a series of league games all over the world. By systematically winning each competition, the user is given Experience points which can be used to bolster the attributes of their team. Likewise, as team after team is defeated, the player can cherry-pick the best players of the teams they have beaten to their starting XI. In turn, extra skills can also be unlocked, allowing users to piece together a ‘Dream Team’ that constantly grows and evolves as they become more successful. Additional mini-tasks are also randomly set during the course of a Champions Road match, too, such as scoring a hat-trick or stringing together a succession of passes, and doing so allows the player to add higher-rated players to their team.

PES 2008 is also the first Konami Wii title to make use of Nintendo’s highly personal Mii characters. Used as in-game avatars by the Wii user, players can integrate up to 16 pre-defined Miis into a team, while the resultant teams can be stored on to the Wii Remote and switched between two linked Remotes. PES 2008 also enjoys a strong online element, allowing users to play ‘Free Matches’ against unknown opponents, or ‘Friend Matches’ against people on the Wii’s Friends list, while team data can also be sent to friends via the console’s WiiConnect24 system.

Monster Madness Grave Danger comes to Sony PlayStation 3

Coming to Playstation 3, is Monster Madness Grave Danger (first announced under the working name of Monster Madness: Extreme).

Monster Madness: Grave Danger 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: Grave Danger is set to become the co-op favourite for PLAYSTATION 3 owners looking for a big slice of frenzied comedic arcade action.

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