World Rally Championship 3D Mobile cellphone Game Scoops IMGA Award

'World Rally Championship 3D' Mobile Game Scoops IMGA 2007's 'People's Choice Award'

Even As the Clock Ticks Away, It's Impossible to Ignore the Fierce 3D Graphics and Cinematic Camera Angles of WRC

At yesterday’s IMGA Ceremony, I-play, the mobile publishing division of Oberon Media, the world’s leading multi-platform casual games company, was awarded the IMGA 2007’s ‘People’s Choice Award’ for the ‘World Rally Championship 3D’, the mobile game based on one of the most exciting spectator sports in the world. The game, published by I-play, was developed by I-play’s partner Firemint.

The FIA ‘World Rally Championship 3D’ features up to 16 official WRC locations; players must master four challenging environments and road surfaces in both arcade and championship modes – all against the clock! The game also features cinematic camera angles; third person driving views; track hazards such as logs, boulders and crashed cars, as well as the official WRC music and sound effects!

New Gaming Community renowned for its free, automated patch delivery system

GameShadow Launches New Gaming Community & amBX Support

GameShadow Ltd – renowned for its free, automated patch delivery system – today announced that its new gaming community had left Beta. The announcement coincides with the company’s recent implementation of Philips amBX support, as part of its ongoing commitment to provide gamers with all the latest demos, trailers, and drivers.

The gaming community infrastructure has been undergoing rigorous stress and usability testing since mid-December, and the company is very proud to finally fling open the doors. The service includes:

Profiles automatically populated with the users’ game data, recorded by the existing GameShadow Downloader. No need to manually input every game you own!

Gaming specific functionality Most Wanted list, and a news feed reporting user-tailored events like new demos and the games friends are playing.

Gaming Community tools like messaging, friends, groups, and a customisable user interface.

Founder Tony Treadwell has said, “This is a big part of GameShadow’s ongoing drive to become a hub for gamers the world over. We’re known for providing fast downloads, but the addition of the new gaming community, strong editorial and a broader user-base really means we can offer something no one else can match.”

Despite this, the company is still committed to its original diktat. Tony Treadwell again, “We’re still the fastest, easiest way to stay on top of the latest patches, demos and trailers. We’ve just released the 2.4 version of the GameShadow Downloader, which – along with the usual performance increases – now allows amBX users to automatically keep up to date with the latest amBX drivers and updates.”

“We’re delighted to be working with GameShadow to get amBX software out to our customers as efficiently as possible,” said Jo Cooke, amBX Chief Marketing Officer. “Partnering with GameShadow was an easy decision to make, and a seamless transition. We look forward to working with the company as we roll out more amBX updates and gaming files in the future.”

GameShadow has had a strong Christmas period, growing to almost 1 million subscribers, meaning the company is now in a position to unite gamers the world over.

Overclocked: A History of Violence Announced by Lighthouse Interactive

Solid Release Date for Overclocked: A History of Violence Announced by Lighthouse Interactive

Leading Publisher Lighthouse Interactive and dtp Entertainment AG, today announced a solid release date for their highly anticipated psychological thriller Adventure game, Overclocked: A History of Violence. This PC DVD-ROM game will begin hitting stores shelves across the United Kingdom, Scandinavia and Benelux territories on May 2, 2008. And will begin shipping to major retail stores in Canada and the U.S. on March 31, 2008. Created by award-winning developer House of Tales Entertainment, Overclocked explores an archetypical, yet actual condition of mankind: violence. Players will become engrossed in a world where memories and illusions; dreams and reality; perpetrators and victims… collide. Overclocked: A History of Violence is Windows Vista compatible. Six screenshots accompany this press release.

Erik Schreuder, CEO Lighthouse Interactive said, "We are very proud to expand our line-up with this high quality Adventure game. House of Tales is known for their strong characters and thought provoking plots, and Overclocked is an exceptional example of their talents. Players will take on the role of six different characters throughout the game. This innovative approach, combined with chronologically inverse storytelling, will give players the immersive experience they've been waiting for." Schreuder went on to say, "Overclocked: A History of Violence was released in German speaking territories with great success. Adventure gamers in English speaking territories will now have the chance to enjoy this extraordinary game."

UK video games charts

All formats

(Full price) Week ending 9 February 2008

1 DEVIL MAY CRY 4 CAPCOM -
2 MARIO & SONIC AT THE OLYMPIC GAMES SEGA
3 TUROK DISNEY INTERACTIVE STUDIOS
4 BURNOUT PARADISE ELECTRONIC ARTS
5 PDC WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP DARTS 08 OXYGEN INTERACTIV
6 CALL OF DUTY 4: MODERN WARFARE ACTIVISION
7 THE CLUB SEGA
8 FIFA 08 ELECTRONIC ARTS
9 CONFLICT: DENIED OPS EIDOS
10 THE SIMPSONS GAME ELECTRONIC ARTS
11 ASSASSIN'S CREED UBISOFT
12 WWE SMACKDOWN VS RAW 2008 THQ
13 NEED FOR SPEED: PROSTREET ELECTRONIC ARTS
14 PRO EVOLUTION SOCCER 2008 KONAMI
15 NEW SUPER MARIO BROS. NINTENDO
16 LEGO STAR WARS: THE COMPLETE SAGA LUCASARTS
17 GUITAR HERO III: LEGENDS OF ROCK ACTIVISION
18 RATATOUILLE THQ
19 FOOTBALL MANAGER 2008 SEGA
20 TIGER WOODS PGA TOUR 08 ELECTRONIC ARTS

Award Winning BioShock To cellphone mobile phones

Mobile Gamers: Welcome to Rapture

IG Fun & Indiagames To Bring The Award Winning "BioShock" To Mobile

IG Fun LLC, the international publishing arm of Indiagames Ltd, India’s benchmark online and mobile games company; today announced it will bring BioShock, one of the most awarded PC & Console games in the history of gaming, on the mobile platform. IG Fun secured the global rights to develop and publish BioShock for the mobile platform from 2K Games.

BioShock is a first-person shooter game with role playing game customization elements. It is the 2nd highest rated Xbox 360 game and the 3rd highest rated PC game till date. Since its launch, BioShock has been well accepted by gamers and critics all over the world. The game received overwhelmingly positive press reviews, particularly for its “morality-based" storyline, immersive environment and Ayn Rand-inspired dystopian setting. At E3 2006, BioShock was given "Game of the Show” award. It was adjudged as the “Best Xbox 360 Game” during Leipzig Game Convention 2007. BAFTA 2007 conferred BioShock the “Best Game Award”.

Sean Malatesta, CEO, IG Fun said, “We’re trying to do great things and BioShock on mobile promises to offer a whole new gaming experience and unmatched excitement amongst mobile gamers the world over. BioShock is a special game in its genre; it brings an element of conflicting morals which has an impact on the storyline, and, among other things, on the difficulty of the game itself.”

Speaking on the occasion, Vishal Gondal, Founder & CEO, Indiagames Ltd. added, “Bio-shock on mobile will herald the next level in mobile game development and gameplay experience. The PC and console version of the game has already been a huge hit and we are confident of replicating the success on the mobile platform too.”

BioShock places the player in the role of a plane crash survivor named Jack, who must explore the underwater Objectivist-dystopian city of Rapture, and survive attacks, by the mutated beings and mechanical drones that populate it. The gamer will have to make meaningful choices and mature decisions, ultimately culminating in the grand question: do you exploit the innocent survivors of Rapture or save them?

This "genetically enhanced" first-person shooter lets the gamer do things never before possible in the genre: turn everything into a weapon, biologically mod body with plasmids, hack devices and systems, upgrade weapons and craft new ammo variants, and experiment with different battle techniques in an incredibly unique underwater city.

Online conference with the leader of Rig'n'Roll PC video game

1C opens online conference with the leader of Rig'n'Roll team

Leading Eastern and Central European publisher 1C Company is pleased to announce that it will have an online conference with Igor Belago, leader of SoftLab-Nsk. SoftLab-Nsk is the development studio behind the critically acclaimed Hard Truck franchise and is currently working on the third game in the line-up - Rig’n’Roll.

The online conference starts on February 12. Readers may ask any question they want to Igor simply by posting them in the correct forum. The developers will choose the most popular and interesting questions and Igor Belago will answer them on 1C's official forum.

To participate in this conference forum members must read the conference rules and post their questions here on the forum. Questions will only be accepted until February 22. After this date Igor and his team will start answering the posts in order.

Rig’n’Roll is a sequel to the famous Hard Truck series. Gamers can race high-powered big rig trucks along thousands miles of real Californian roads, visiting San-Francisco to San Diego, San Jose to Los Angeles. Rig’n’Roll delivers players the ultimate truck driving experience with authentic models of trucks and their interiors, completely new physics and astonishing 3D graphics.

Website:http://www.1cpublishing.com/

Rig’n’Roll also gives gamers an opportunity to test their management skills as they establish their own cargo transportation company. Players will recruit staff and hire other drivers to work for them as they expand their business and eliminate their competitors from the transportation market. Apart from being the most accurate and innovative truck driving simulation game ever produced, Rig’n’Roll immerses players in an exciting story with an unexpected finale, making new allies and battling treacherous foes as they discover a conspiracy that will test their skills to the limit.

Hands-On Mobile Launches cellphone game Heroes Lore in Europe

Hands-On Mobile Launches Heroes Lore in Europe

Hands-On Mobile, the world's leading developer of connected games and applications, announces that Heroes Lore: Wind of Soltia is now available for download across Europe. Hands-On Mobile is launching the game as part of its 'Best of Korea' programme, which fast-tracks the very best games from the world's leading mobile gaming market for launch in other territories. Heroes Lore: Wind of Soltia sold more than 100,000 copies in its first month when it was released in Korea and went on to regularly top the country's mobile charts.

Heroes Lore: Wind of Soltia takes place in a huge world, comprising over 100 varied maps. Players play as one of three playable characters, a Knight, Rogue or Guardian. The characters must battle through diverse locations ranging from dungeons to deserts and icy tundra to lush grassland. Players are confronted by more than 80 types of monsters and bosses in their quest, all of whom must be defeated using a combination of the basic weaponary available and the magical items that can be collected.

"Heroes Lore has been massively successful for us in Korea and we are delighted that we have the reach to introduce European players to a game that has proven to be so immensely popular on the other side of the world," said Greg Robinson, President and General Manager EMEA, Hands-On Mobile. "Heroes Lore: Wind of Soltia is the first title in the Heroes Lore series, but we anticipate being able to bring the multiplayer sequels to Europe this year, which will only increase further the demand and popularity of what is the probably the best mobile RPG game available."

Heroes Lore has already been exceptionally well received by the European games press, Midlet Review gave the game 9/10, stating: "HLWS is no ordinary game, it will catch you and will be a part of your life." Mobile Game FAQs gave Heroes Lore 86% and claimed that in terms of "…depth and gameplay it is second to none on the mobile."

Hands-On Mobile has also teamed up with the major RPG community, Spawn Point to promote the game.

Imperium Romanum: The PC Playable Demo for download

"Imperium Romanum": The Playable Demo!

Kalypso Media Group is pleased to announce the release of the playable demo of the upcoming strategy title “Imperium Romanum”. The sequel to the successful "Glory of the Roman Empire" which sold over 1 million units throughout Europe, “Imperium Romanum” is a challenging, enjoyable, and authentic quest to rule the world.

As the governor of a Roman province the player must test their strategic abilities as they defend their settlement against the attacking Barbarians, trade goods and strive to build a well organized, prosperous and commanding settlement.

The fortune of your settlement lies very much in your own hands…..

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.

The demo includes two training missions and one game mission and can be downloaded from:

http://www.strategyinformer.com/pc/demos/imperiumromanum/demo.html

http://www.worthdownloading.com/download.php?gid=3115&id=14013

Imperium Romanum, will be published on 22nd February 2008 at a price of £29,99. The title will be released by the Kalypso Group worldwide, excluding Spain and Italy. Imperium Romanum is already considered to be one of the top PC-strategy games of the first quarter of next year.

Roogoo video game for Xbox LIVE and PC

SouthPeak Make It Two For LIVE

Innovative, Charming Puzzle Title Coming To Xbox LIVE Arcade and PCs This Spring

SouthPeak Games has announced it will be releasing Roogoo for Xbox LIVE Arcade for the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and PC this spring. Developed by Spidermonk Entertainment, Roogoo uses geometric shapes and rotating discs to craft a frenetic, exciting puzzle game framed within an imaginative storyline and a delightfully realised fantasy universe and is the second title SouthPeak have announced for Xbox LIVE Arcade for Xbox 360.

Roogoo tasks players with guiding meteors in the form of shaped blocks though a series of rotating disks as a means of saving the planet Roo and the entire Roogoo race. If aligned correctly, the disks allow the blocks to reach the ground and scores are awarded. However, it’s not as easy as simply rotating the disks to form a neat tunnel. Various obstacles and enemies will impede the blocks’ transit and with the flow of meteor blocks steadily increasing as the game progresses, players will have to think on their feet to save the Roogoo and rack up seriously high scores.

“Roogoo is a rare breed of puzzle game that combines compulsive play with an engaging storyline and a wonderful fantasy world,” said Melanie Mroz, CEO of SouthPeak Games. “With its accessible gameplay, unique charm and high production values, Roogoo is set to carve its own niche when released for Xbox LIVE Arcade and PC. Gamers will definitely have loads of fun mastering its unusual depth and trying to become the guru of Roogoo.”

“We set out to build an addictive, casual game that would be easy to play yet difficult to master,” said Scott March, President at SpiderMonk Entertainment. “SouthPeak gave us the freedom to push the limits of creativity and it resulted in a game that is truly different and has something for everyone. Not only do we have solid gameplay mechanic, but we have added a story element to the experience to really keep players engaged.”

Roogoo will be released for Xbox LIVE Arcade and PC this spring.

End2End delivers fully managed Content Retailing Solution to Vodafone Turkey

End2End delivers fully managed Content Retailing Solution to Vodafone Turkey

Vodafone Turkey, Turkey's second largest mobile operator, has successfully launched End2End's fully outsourced Content Retailing Solution replacing Vodafone Turkey's previous platform service.

The Content Retailing Solution from End2End, Europe's leading provider of managed service solutions for mobile data, provides Vodafone Turkey with a fully outsourced gaming service including sourcing, deployments, hosting, retail management and settlement. This deal gives Vodafone Turkey access to over 100 content providers, including games from local developers in Turkey, as well as state-of-the-art content delivery functionalities and settlement services, which optimise profitability and content distribution.

Bernadette Lyons, Managing Director of End2End said "We are very happy with the extended cooperation, and we are working very actively with retail activities to be able to further increase the volumes for Vodafone Turkey."

End2End's Content Retailing Solution is already live in 20 countries, delivering retail and content management to leading operators across Europe and Asia Pacific. End2End's recent acquisition of Terraplay has strengthened its offering with the addition of in-game billing, cross operator community and multiplayer, and, combined with its content delivery system, takes End2End's mobile games retailing to a new level.

iGames Ready for SEGA's The Club Contests

iGames Gets Ready for The Club

One-Day Launch Party and Competition, March 1, at 50 Select Centers; Two-Week Showcase, March 3-16, at 100 Additional Centers

Events Sponsored by Alienware, Creative Labs, Games for Windows Live

WHAT:

Leading game center organization iGames to host a launch party and showcase to celebrate the release of SEGA’s The Club, a new breed of third-person shooter created by critically acclaimed developer Bizarre Creations.

WHEN & WHERE:

• One-day launch party: March 1, 2008 at 50 select iGames member centers, featuring a special LAN competition with giveaways courtesy of event sponsors Alienware, Creative Labs and Games for Windows Live
• 2-week showcase: March 3-16, 2008 at 100 additional iGames centers

ABOUT THE GAME:

The Club, created by critically acclaimed developer Bizarre Creations, is a new breed of third-person shooter, combining fast-paced run and gun gameplay, destructive environments, and lethal weapons. You will fight to survive in a shadowy underground blood-sport controlled by faceless, obscenely wealthy and influential elite who place their bets on who will survive as the blood-bath ensues before them. Take control of up to eight uniquely trained killers motivated by greed, driven by pure insane bloodlust, and hell bent on earning respect on a global level.

• Rise Through the Ranks of The Club. As one of eight fighters, blast your way through five single player game modes including: Sprint, Time Attack, Survivor, Siege, and Run the Gauntlet.
• Earn Respect Online. Shoot your way to the top of the leader boards in over nine cut-throat multiplayer modes. You will face-off with 7 real-time opponents online or battle with your friends offline in 4-player split-screen* action modes. *(Console Versions Only)
• "The Club™ is Global. Battle in eight unique real-world locations from around the globe, including war-torn cities, abandoned factories, steel mills and many more.
• "Extreme Gun Battles in Hazardous Environments. A motion blur camera system intensifies the adrenaline rush in both open range and close quarter firefights. Destroy and manipulate objects in the environment to your advantage.
• "Build up the highest score. A unique score-based accumulation system creates even more competition among players; the faster, more efficient and accurate that you are, the more points you will earn to unlock weapons, characters and maps.

The Club is rated “M” for “Mature” comes with a MSRP of $49.99 for the Games for Windows edition. For more info, visit: www.theclubgame.com

Ubisoft Announces My Weight Loss Coach for Nintendo DS

Ubisoft Announces My Weight Loss Coach

Ubisoft, one of the world’s largest video game publishers, announced that it will publish My Weight Loss Coach for the Nintendo DS™ system. Developed in Ubisoft’s Montreal studio under the guidance of both a fitness coach and a nutritionist, My Weight Loss Coach is a program designed to focus on taking positive steps to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

“My Weight Loss Coach allows us to approach casual gamers with something innovative,” said Tony Key, senior vice president of sales and marketing at Ubisoft. “The game creates customized coaching sessions based on skill level, and, for the first time on DS, includes a pedometer. My Weight Loss Coach not only allows users to take control of their physical well-being, but it does so in a fun and engaging manner.”

My Weight Loss Coach features include:

• Personal Profiles: Create your personal profile and evaluate your improvement potential, then set up your objectives following the recommendations based on your personal profile
  
• Input Reward System: Log your progress on a daily or weekly basis, tracking your physical activity and nutrition habits
  
• The Pedometer: A peripheral device that comes with the game and can be easily updated through your DS, it’s the best way to control your daily physical effort, challenge yourself and balance your food intake
  
• Real-Life Landmark Checkpoints: As a reward, all the physical activities you achieve and good nutrition habits you acquire are converted into measurable distances based on real examples
  

My Weight Loss Coach is rated E for Everyone by the ERSB and will be available this summer.

The “My Coach” brand, part of Ubisoft’s Games for Everyone division, is made up of a series of games that encourages players to improve themselves while being entertained at the same time. Other titles in the brand include: My Word Coach for a stronger vocabulary, and My Spanish Coach and My French Coach for foreign language development.

Commanders: Attack of the Genos and Help Tron Destroy the Evil Sark in Discs of Tron – video games on Microsoft Xbox LIVE Arcade

Deploy, Engage and Win with "Commanders: Attack of the Genos" and Help Tron Destroy the Evil Sark in "Discs of Tron" – Both Games Launching on Xbox LIVE Arcade this Wednesday!

This week, players can experience a strategy game like no other on Xbox LIVE Arcade for Xbox 360 when Sierra Online and SouthEnd Interactive launch "Commanders: Attack of the Genos.” Additionally, an arcade classic returns with “Discs of Tron” from Disney Interactive Studios and Backbone Entertainment, an updated faithful recreation of the famed cabinet game with HD graphics and enhanced sound. Both “Commanders: Attack of the Genos” and “Discs of Tron” launch this Wednesday 13th February at 09.00.

“Commanders: Attack of the Genos” is a fast-paced turn-based strategy game featuring an art deco look and ironic storyline. The game requires players to devise a masterful tactical battle strategy to both cripple the enemy and defend their territory from Genos, a genetically modified super race. Fight alongside a powerful Commander, which serves as a hero unit, in the 15-mission campaign with an arsenal of weapons including missile launchers, bombers and infantry in this turn-based strategy game.

Featuring a 1930’s art deco look and feel, “Commanders: Attack of the Genos” offers two unique endings, two difficulty levels and 15 diverse playable units to keep gamers coming back for more. “Commanders: Attack of the Genos” allows players to either challenge or team up with three friends in battle locally or over Xbox LIVE.

In “Discs of Tron,” gamers play as Tron in an attempt to defeat the evil Sark in an electronic battleground, using the iconic disc weapon. Survive 12 levels of Sark’s attacks in the single-player campaign or grab a friend and face off in multiplayer mode over Xbox LIVE to discover the true disc champion.

Released simultaneously with “Discs of Tron”, is downloadable content consisting of a theme and gamer pic pack, which contains images of Tron, a red soldier and the disc platforms from the game.


Where can I get these games from?

Commanders: Attack of the Genos: available for 800 MS Points from 9:00, Wednesday 13th February 2008

It is rated 12+

Discs of Tron: available for 400 MS Points from 9:00, Wednesday 13th February 2008

It is rated 3+

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

MIDEAST CRISIS 2: Concept Artwork and Screenshots

MIDEAST CRISIS 2 has released a new set of images, including concept artwork and screenshots. Images are attached, and can also be seen here: http://www.isotx.com/forums/index.php?topic=6067

MEC2 is the upcoming mod for C&C3: Tiberian Wars. This release shows the workflow, from concept art and lego models to finalized in-game units. In addition, the highway screenshot shows part of the recently completed "Highway of Death" 4-player map (created by map artist Pivac). The notable thing is that, throughout the map, the highway will always be populated by cars moving in each direction. Even if the player continues to destroy them, they will keep spawning. This means that GOI players will have added incentive to build Martyrs on this map - since they have an unlimited amount of cars to hijack.

MEC2 is seeking voice actors for a variety of roles. If interested, please check this thread: http://www.isotx.com/forums/index.php?topic=4683 for information.

Fuel of War multiplayer demo launches on Microsoft Xbox Live

The Frontline is advancing on Xbox 360 as the new multiplayer demo from THQ and Kaos Studios and pushes the boundaries as the first demo to appear on Xbox Live offering 32 player online support.

In the first map of this exciting new demo of Frontlines: Fuel of war, players find themselves battling to the death in Northern Turkmenistan over a strategic oilfield. With vast expanses of open space to cover, players need to utilise available vehicles such as tanks, armoured cars and attack helicopters to crush all resistance and push the frontline forward. If intense vehicle combat is your thing, then you are in for a real treat.

For fans of more intense up close and personal combat this demo also features a second map. Gone are the wide open fields and devastating vehicles, as players get down and dirty on the streets of war torn Moscow in a bout of frantic guerilla warfare. The key to survival on this map is to effectively use of your weapon loadouts and class abilities to suppress and control the enemy’s movements.

Frontlines: Fuel of War is the new first person shooter from THQ and asks the player “What will happen if our oil reserves were about to run out?”.

As mankind is starved of one of its most vital resources, two super powers face off over the last remaining oil reserves in intense futuristic warfare. Starting on the oil fields of central Asia, Frontlines: Fuel of war takes players across the globe and right into the heart of Moscow itself.

Players will be able to take the war to their enemy using everything from guided smart bombs and remote control combat drones to the trusty assault rifle. The unique Frontline mechanic in this game ensures that the gameplay remains intense and fast-paced at all times as well as giving players the freedom to fully explore the vast gaming landscapes.

Can you step up and take the challenge or will you run away and hide when the Multiplayer demo of Frontlines: Fuel of War launches exclusively on Xbox Live today?

FlatOut Head On – Official Sony PSP Demo download

FlatOut Head On – Official PSP Demo due for Release 22 February 2008


Empire Interactive has today confirmed that European gamers will be among the first in the world to sample its eagerly awaited PSP title FlatOut Head On with the release of the official PSP demo on 22nd February 2008.

“This is a great way for us to showcase FlatOut Head On to PSP gamers”, said Sean Walsh, Empire Interactive Product Manager. “PSP enthusiasts can often be heard talking on forums and blogs about the lack of good demos available for their beloved handheld. We wanted to help satisfy that need, and by giving them a taste of some of the featured modes - Carnage, Deathmatch Derby and Ragdoll Stunts – we think that it’ll really whet their appetite for destruction.”

The three featured game modes on the demo are ‘Carnage Race’, ‘Deathmatch Derby’ and one of the classic Ragdoll stunts. ‘Carnage Race’ is a fight against the clock to score as many points as you can in the given time by causing as much damage as possible to the scenery and your opponents in order to maximise your score. ‘Deathmatch Derby’ is an arena-based Derby with one simple objective – destroy your opponents before they destroy you with the aid of 3 lives and a multitude of power-ups. And finally, for the first time in FlatOut Head On, the Ragdoll Stunts take centre stage as a fully integrated component of the main Carnage Challenge mode. In High Jump drive the car down the ramp as fast as possible and launch your driver through the windscreen high into the sky and watch it slam into the metal net.

Play on all the featured modes included will be unlimited, however players will not be able to save their progress and no other features will be unlocked.

The FlatOut Head On PSP demo will be available for download from http://uk.playstation.com and the Empire Interactive website: http://www.empireinteractive.com from the 22nd February 2008.

FlatOut Head On is due for its European release on 14th March 2008 and will feature some of the most destructive hi-octane motorised anarchy handheld racing has ever seen.

Blizzard Entertainment tournament and gaming event to take place in Europe over 28-29 June

2008 Blizzard Entertainment Worldwide Invitational Announced

Blizzard Entertainment tournament and gaming event to take place in Europe over 28-29 June

Blizzard Entertainment, Inc. today announced plans to hold its fourth Worldwide Invitational in Paris, France on the 28th and 29th of June. The 2008 Blizzard Entertainment Worldwide Invitational will bring the company and gamers together in a convention atmosphere, celebrating the communities surrounding Blizzard Entertainment’s Warcraft, Diablo and StarCraft series as well as showcasing the skills of top eSports gamers from around the world. The first Blizzard Entertainment Worldwide Invitational to be held in Europe, the event will take place at Hall 5 of the Porte de Versailles Exposition Center in Paris.

“We look forward to bringing the Blizzard Worldwide Invitational to Europe for the first time and sharing our latest news with players there,” said Mike Morhaime, CEO and cofounder of Blizzard Entertainment. “In addition to the great tournament gaming that will be taking place at the event, we’re planning an entertaining show for all attendees.”

Open to gamers of ages 16 and up, or younger if accompanied by a parent, guardian, or responsible adult, the 2008 Blizzard Entertainment Worldwide Invitational will feature exciting StarCraft, Warcraft III and World of Warcraft invitational tournaments, with a variety of other activities over the two-day event, including:

• Discussion panels with Blizzard Entertainment developers
  
• Artist and developer signings
  
• Hands-on play with World of Warcraft: Wrath of the Lich King™ and StarCraft II
  
• Merchandise and other products based on the Blizzard Entertainment game universes
  
• A silent auction
  
• Musical performances
  
• And more exciting activities to be announced
  

Tickets for the 2008 Blizzard Entertainment Worldwide Invitational are limited and will go on sale in the next few weeks at the price of 70€/£55 per ticket. Further information on activities, tournaments and ticket booking will be provided on the official 2008 Blizzard Entertainment Worldwide Invitational website at http://eu.blizzard.com/wwi08 as the event draws closer.

Wii-Kly Update: Two New Classic Games Added To Wii Shop Channel - Harvest Moon & Lords of Thunder

Wii-Kly Update: Two New Classic Games Added To Wii Shop Channel

The two games joining the lineup this week are considered cult classics, yet they deal with topics as varied as farm management and shooting enemies to the strains of heavy-metal tunes. Just don't get the two mixed up, since most livestock don't like heavy metal and it takes more than turnips to defeat fire-spewing sea serpents.

Nintendo adds new games to the Wii™ Shop Channel at 9 a.m. Pacific time 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:

Harvest Moon (Super NES, 1 player, Rated E for Everyone, 800 Wii Points):

You bought the farm, so now it's time to roll up your sleeves and try living off the fat of the land. Fresh air and the beauty of the outdoors will be fulfilling, but a successful farm needs a lot of working capital as well. There are buildings on your property, but they are in need of livestock. You have a modest house, but if things get lonely in the field, it's going to take a remodel to woo a female farming companion. Your challenge is to dig in and build your life as a farmer from the ground up. How you manage will determine the outcome, but remember: You always reap what you sow.

Lords of Thunder (TurboGrafx-16 CD-ROM, 1 player, Rated E for Everyone – Fantasy Violence, 800 Wii Points): Lords of Thunder is a side-scrolling shooter that has you take on the role of a legendary warrior, blasting enemies to heavy-metal tunes. Your enemies are plotting to revive Zaggart, "The Dark One," who was sealed beneath the six continents of Mistral. It's up to Landis, descendant of the heroic Dyu, to stop them. Choose the order in which to attack the six stages. Before each stage, select one of four magic armors and use crystals you've collected during your battles to buy items. Selecting the right armor for each stage is the key to your ultimate victory. Then get ready to face awesome enemies like a fire-spewing sea serpent or a giant insect. Whether it's the fast-paced shooting or breaking into the fortress of a stage boss, you'll be blown away by the intensity of Lords of Thunder.

Zeemote Launches First And Only Compact Wireless Game Controller For Mobile Cellphones

Zeemote Launches First And Only Compact Wireless Game Controller For Mobile Devices

Innovative Controller Extends Console Game Experience to Mobile Gamers, Operators and Developers

Zeemote, Inc. (http://www.zeemote.com/), the creator of intuitive user interface technologies, today announced the launch of the patented Zeemote JS1, a wireless controller that enables near-console game play on mobile phones. While expanding the mobile entertainment experience for consumers, the Zeemote JS1 controller provides operators with an opportunity to increase their revenue and enables developers to create more sophisticated, engaging games.

The $38B video gaming market thrives today due to innovative input devices*. Created by the team that developed the first force feedback joystick for PC gaming, the Zeemote JS1 controller brings mobile gaming to a fun, fast and interactive level. Small, responsive, ergonomic and wireless, the Zeemote JS1 controller is new, first and unique.

“Developers, operators, and gamers tell us the Zeemote JS1 controller is what they’ve been waiting for to unleash the real potential of mobile gaming,” said Beth Marcus, CEO, Zeemote, Inc. “We’re already in discussions with a number of operators and manufacturers regarding bundling the controller with games and handsets.”

At the recent Mobile Games Forum 2008 in London, Mike Yuen, senior director of the gaming group for Qualcomm, commented, "The Zeemote JS1 is one of the most innovative devices to come along for mobile gaming, as it greatly helps improve game playability on mobile phones versus traditional d-pads. I look forward to the commercial launch of the product later this year."

Measuring a snug 95x35x20mm/3.7x1.4x0.8in and weighing only 47g/1.7oz (including batteries), the Zeemote JS1 controller sits perfectly in the hand and is ergonomically designed for optimised comfort. With a thumbstick and four assignable trigger buttons, the JS1 controller offers real analogue control enabling users to truly engage with mobile games.

Recognising the large market potential, major game developers and publishers including Eidos™, Finblade, Fishlabs and SEGA® of America, Inc., have already adapted popular games such as Lara Croft Tomb Raider™, Helistrike 3D and Sonic The Hedgehog® to utilize the new technology**. Finblade has even created Fireworks, the first 2-player game specifically designed for use with Zeemote JS1 controllers. More information about the Zeemote JS1 controller is available at http://www.zeemote.com/.

Founded in 2005, Zeemote recently closed a $7million B-round of funding led by mobile specialist firm Nauta Capital, together with prior round investor Commonwealth Capital Ventures and joined by Egan-Managed Capital of Boston. The company’s patented Zeemote™ technologies are available to hardware makers or software developers through licensing agreements.

Zeemote is also proud to announce that the company has been selected as one of two finalists in the True Mobile Start-up category in the 2008 GSMA Mobile Innovation Global Awards, sponsored by Ericsson. One finalist from each of the five categories and one overall winner will be selected and announced in Barcelona on February 12.

Zeemote, Inc. is attending the ShowStoppers media event on Sunday February 10th, 18:00 to 21:00 and is also available for meetings and demonstrations at its stand during Mobile World Congress, located at Hall 7, IZ 24. To arrange a meeting please contact Sarah Bedwell or Andrew Durkin, contact details below.

Bloom Busters video game launched

Zero G Games Publishes Bloom Busters

Zero G Games and independent developer UBrothers today announced the immediate availability of Bloom BustersTM. Bloom Busters is a casual game that tells the story of Jimmy and Jessie, two gardeners who live in magical village called Bloomland. The game centers around the player's ability to help Jimmy and Jessie rescue Bloomland's farms and forests from the invasion of squishy creatures roaming the land. Bloom Busters blends the best in fast pace action-arcade puzzles with a build-your-garden-style theme. The game offers many hours of extraordinary and challenging obstacles for all ages and combines a unique blend of story and humor.

"We set out to create an immersive, active and fun game and Bloom Busters has something to offer to casual gamers that is unique ... its story, humor and overall addictive appeal make it a unique game." stated Marek Uhrin, founder of UBrothers. "We're thrilled to have Zero G publishing Bloom Busters after months of helping us fine-tune the game - Zero G truly has a knack for making a game as good as it can possibly be, and that's reflected in the final version of Bloom Busters."

This game elicits management-style play through actions such as feeding pigs, chickens, sheep, planting and watering crops, and lots more fun with the intent of stopping the invading creatures. Players are able to utilize gardening tools, such as a fly swatter and water hose, to protect the unique flowers needed to save Bloomland. Bloom Busters will have you on the edge of your seat yelling, "get away from my flowers."

"We love Bloom Busters because it captures the ultimate in cute, fun and engaging entertainment. The team at UBrothers has created a masterpiece. Each level comes with several ways to have fun with this playful storyline, beautifully balanced level design, great visuals, adorable sounds, and a great score to keep the player engaged from one adventure to the next," said CEO Mark Lowe Zero G Games. "We've been fortunate to publish groundbreaking and consistent titles that give the audience what they expect from new casual games; Bloom Busters meets our goals in every category."