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Wednesday, February 13, 2008

Shadowgrounds Survivor Demo Now Available


Meridian4 (http://www.meridian4.com) and Frozenbyte today announced that the single-player demo of Shadowgrounds Survivor, the acclaimed horror-themed action game, is now available wherever the Internet exists. The 590 MB demo features 2 campaign mode levels and 1 survivor mode level to give players a taste of the gruesome action in Frozenbyte’s spin-off/sequel to their cult hit, Shadowgrounds.

In Shadowgrounds Survivor, gamers are dropped on Jupiter’s Ganymede moon as one of three surviving humans in the midst of an all-out alien onslaught. It’s up to them to take up arms and blast through legions of alien scum to save their own lives and humanity itself, increasing their skills and weapons through the game’s RPG-like character-upgrade system. The mighty Mech and devastating Sentry Gun will help players mow through hundreds of bloodthirsty extraterrestrials in the campaign or the all-new Survivor mode.

The Shadowgrounds Survivor demo can be downloaded at the following sites:

FileFront - http://files.filefront.com/Shadowgrounds+Survivor+Demo/;9620721;/fileinfo.html

FileShack - http://www.fileshack.com/file.x/11780/Shadowgrounds+Survivor+Demo

Gamers Hell - http://www.gamershell.com/download_23192.shtml

GameZone - http://downloads.gamezone.com/demos/d21272.html

GameSpot - http://www.gamespot.com/pc/action/shadowgroundssurvivor/download_6185805.html?om_act=convert&om_clk=newlyadded&tag=newlyadded;title;1

WorthPlaying - http://www.worthdownloading.com/game.php?gid=2845

Meridian4 - http://www.meridian4.com/games/Shadowgrounds2/demo.html

Visit the official Shadowgrounds Survivor website at www.shadowgroundssurvivor.com.

For more information about Meridian4 and its products, visit http://www.meridian4.com.

For more information about Frozenbyte, visit http://www.frozenbyte.com.

Jamie Bell Revealed As Voice of 'Griffin' In New Jumper Video Game

Jumper: Griffin’s Story is the exciting new video game from Brash Entertainment that is based off the film Jumper, the eagerly anticipated science fiction-action-thriller from Twentieth Century Fox and Regency Enterprises. Adding film authenticity to the player’s experience, Brash Entertainment has confirmed that the role of ‘Griffin’ in the game is voiced by Jamie Bell, who also plays ‘Griffin’ in the Jumper film.

Jumper: Griffin’s Story extends the film’s storyline, following ‘Griffin’, a battle-hardened Jumper determined to avenge the death of his parents at the hands of the Paladins. As ‘Griffin’ player’s will have the ability to experience the character first hand as he battles through exotic locales around the world, on a quest to find his parent’s killer.

“It’s flattering that someone has seen my character and wanted to make it into a video game,” Jamie said about his participation. “Griffin is a unique character and I think if people respond to the movie they’ll love the game.”

Jamie Bell is best known for his role as ‘Billy Elliot’ in the film of the same name, a role that won him a Best Actor award at the 2001 British Academy Awards (BAFTAs). Since then, Jaime has gone on to play instrumental roles in such films as Nicholas Nickleby (2002), King Kong (2005), Flags of Our Fathers (2006), and most recently as ‘Griffin’ in Jumper.

Jumper: Griffin’s Story will be available for the Playstation 2 computer entertainment system, the Wii video game system from Nintendo, and XBOX 360. The game is available tomorrow February 12, 2008 at North American retailers, and will be followed by the theatrical release on February 14, 2008. This game is rated ‘T’ for Teen by the ESRB. For more information about the movie please visit http://www.jumperthemovie.com/, and for more information about the game please visit http://www.jumpermoviegame.com

Nintendo Hosts Three Panels At Game Developers Conference 2008



Three key platform developers for recent and upcoming Nintendo products, Takao Sawano, Takashi Aoyama, and Masahiro Sakurai, will speak to GDC 2008 attendees about the company's most recent developmental Wii™ product achievements including Wii Fit™, WiiWare™ and Super Smash Bros.® Brawl.

Takao Sawano, the producer for the Wii Balance Board™ development team, will address attendees about the development of Wii Fit on Wednesday, Feb. 20 at 4 pm. Attendees will learn how Sawano's team created an unprecedented new game controller, the Wii Balance Board, and how Wii Fit, which recently launched in Japan, is already turning family living rooms into private fitness clubs.

On Friday, Feb. 22 at 9 am, Takashi Aoyama will tell the development story of the Wii console's internal hardware programming, which includes a diverse array of built-in entertainment and informational channels for everyone in the household such as the News Channel, the Everybody Votes Channel and the Check Mii Out Channel. Aoyama will also discuss how his team tackled some unprecedented hurdles for Wii, including the most recent challenge of introducing WiiWare.

Also on Friday at 10:30 am, Masahiro Sakurai will present how he approached the task of advancing the legacy of the Super Smash Bros. Brawl franchise by providing a unique Wii experience and by leveraging popular characters and game worlds from the history of Nintendo, as well as other publishers.

For more information about Nintendo, please visit www.Nintendo.com.

GamersGate enters digital distribution partnership with Kalypso Media


GamersGate announced today that Kalypso Media is the latest publisher to join the network of high profile publishers choosing to distribute their games on GamersGate.

Following the success of titles like Jack Keane, Kalypso Media is preparing to release the highly anticipated city building strategy title Imperium Romanum as well as the mystery adventure Agon: The Lost Sword of Toledo.

Kalypso Media is a recognized publisher that continues to bring interesting titles to the gaming community and we are thrilled to be able to offer several of their much awaited releases on GamersGate, said Theodore Bergquist, CEO for GamersGate.

Simon Hellwig, Managing Director of Kalypso Media Group comments: "We are glad to continue our great relationship with GamersGate by launching our stunning and long awaited title IMPERIUM ROMANUM and the exciting adventure "AGON: The Lost Sword of Toledo" on this platform perfectly matching the needs of making such products successful."

Titles Imperium Romanum and Agon: the Lost Sword of Toledo are scheduled for release on the 22nd of February in most European countries. In North America, Imperium Romanum will be released in retail on March the 4th, 2008.

To find out more about Imperium Romanum, please go to www.imperium-game.com

To find out more about Agon: The Lost Sword of Toledo, please go to www.kalypsomedia.com

Impulse and Impact from PhaseSpace capture every gesture at Game developers conference


PhaseSpace, the price and performance leader in optical motion capture, announced today a new desktop motion capture product - the IMPACT, to be shown for the first time ever at the Game Developer's Conference (GDC) 2008. It will also be showing real time character animation inside the Epic Unreal Engine driven in real time. Demonstrations will take place in booth 6633 at GDC 2008 in San Francisco, February 20-22.

The IMPACT solution allows head tracking, as well as hands, fingers and gestures at an artist's desk without requiring a capture stage. This real time desktop solution was designed to free the artist from doing hand and finger motions by keyframes. At $5,000, the IMPACT system provides 3D input with sub millimeter resolution for VR and AR with better speed and resolution than any system on the market.

PhaseSpace CEO Tracy McSheery said, "Our IMPACT desktop motion capture solution is based on numerous requests from customers who wanted to do head tracking or hands and gestures at their desk, without the space and complexity of a full motion capture system. The IMPACT system now allows the animator to have a solution at their desk that scales with the same software and technology as the full studio solution."

PhaseSpace's IMPULSE motion capture system will be shown with characters from Zombie Inc. being driven in real time in the Epic Unreal Engine during the show as well. Mark Long, President of Zombie Studios said, "Our artists are thrilled to have their own PhaseSpace system in house and get to try on their own characters, bringing them to life in real time. I'm happy that we aren't spending time and money cleaning up data, instead we can be creating characters and action that make our games great."

The PhaseSpace Impulse motion capture system uses active LED markers producing a unique ID for each marker. At 3 times the speed and 3 times the resolution of other systems, the Impulse system displays motion data in real time and is in use with NASA, the armed forces and major research institutions. It is also one third the price of older technologies allowing an 8 camera, 3,600 x 3,600 resolution tracking system to be sold for under $50,000.

The Bible Vs Video Games


Recently, there has been much debate, on both sides of the Atlantic, about the content of video games. Cooper Lawrence's totally misinformed attack on Mass Effect on Fox News, Kevin McCullough being equally misinformed on Townhall.com, Janice Turner of The Times thinks that games are "crack cocaine of the brain" and British Prime Minister Gordon Brown has blamed them for knife crime. Even Hillary Clinton has had a go.

What all these critics have in common is that they do not play video games so they don't have the faintest idea what they are talking about, they are as relevant as blind cinema critics.

Now Bruce Everiss, author of the respected and widely read game industry blog Bruceongames.com, has written an article that puts the whole issue into perspective. Entitled The Bible Vs Video Games it compares the content of the Bible, a book which children are encouraged to read, with the content of video games. Would you want your child playing a video game that featured harlots 48 times? Because that is exactly what the Bible does.

Bruce Everiss explains: "Video games are just another form of media like books, film and music. It is the content that matters and it is irrefutable that games have far less sex and violence than books or television. Yet, amazingly, books and television have no age ratings whilst video games do".

Tuesday, February 12, 2008

Darkeden and Daden available for download


Joymax Announces Darkeden And Daden Market Launch

Joymax, an independent developer of interactive entertainment for the global market, has launched their vampire-themed massively multiplayer online role-playing game, Darkeden. Previously only available in an open beta test, Darkeden is now available for everyone to play for free. Players can log in today and slay vampires, fight humans, or crush ousters! Players can also retreat to the new Daden Market where they can purchase Coins and spend them on Premium Service for access to new areas, rare items, weapons, armor, pets, armor and more.

About Darkeden
A free-to-play MMORPG, Darkeden invites players into a bleak near-future environment and a brutal conflict between three distinct races-vampires, slayers, and ousters. Featuring hand-rendered graphics and an isometric 2D view, Darkeden is easy for novices to learn, yet includes a broad variety of features and character-building options for hardcore players. Darkeden contains hundreds of potential skills and two distinct systems of character advancement, and is available to download and play free of charge.

Darkeden is available for download at http://www.darkedenonline.net/.

DYNASTY WARRIORS 6 out soon


DYNASTY WARRIORS 6 REACHES GOLD STATUS

Latest Installment of KOEI's Popular Action Series Ships to North American Retailers Beginning February 19, 2008

Burlingame, CA – February 12, 2008 - KOEI, recognized worldwide as the premier brand of strategy and action games, today announced that Dynasty Warriors 6 has reached gold status and will ship to North American retailers beginning February 19, 2008. Dynasty Warriors 6 will be available for the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, and for the PLAYSTATION 3 computer entertainment system.

Consumers can find Dynasty Warriors 6 at the following retailers: Amazon.com, Best Buy, Circuit City, Game Crazy, Game Rush, GameStop, Gamefly, EB Games, and Wal-Mart.

About Dynasty Warriors 6
Selling over 15 million units combined worldwide, KOEI’s award-winning Dynasty Warriors series and Samurai Warriors series of Tactical Action games have become an astonishing success and are global phenomenon. With Dynasty Warriors 6, KOEI is reinventing the Tactical Action experience for the next generation.

Set in Ancient China during the 3rd century, Dynasty Warriors 6 immerses gamers in a truly cinematic kung-fu action experience. Celebrated characters have been completely re-imagined with new weapons and fighting techniques motion-captured from some of today’s leading stuntmen and women in Asia. With the game’s new “Renbu” attack system and game controls, players can execute lightning-fast combos and the most dazzling fighting moves with ease.

Developed from the ground up exclusively for next-generation platforms, the game’s proprietary engine delivers the most chaotic and challenging Tactical Action experience to date. Players can use the landscape to elude the thousands of soldiers swarming the battlefield. But as players move and attack, adaptable enemy A.I. devises offensive and defensive combat tactics, and can retaliate with packs of fierce hunting dogs and patrol boats. All of the explosive action comes to life in high definition, 60 frames per second (fps) graphics.

Based on the epic novel, “Romance of the Three Kingdoms”, Dynasty Warriors 6 depicts the massive battles ignited by the fall of the Han Dynasty when three rebellious states moved to overthrow the Emperor of China.

Created by KOEI’s Omega Force team, Dynasty Warriors 6 delivers breathtaking visuals in 720p HDTV, and in-game DolbyDigital audio. This game is rated “T” (Teen – Violence) by the ESRB. Dynasty Warriors 6 is for 1 to 2 players. Press can find assets (watermark-free) at gamespress.com. For the latest information on Dynasty Warriors 6, visit www.koei.com/dw6.

Fate Of Hellas PC video game


JoWooD Productions Engages Strategy Genre With Fate Of Hellas

JoWooD announces new strategy game – pick your battles in ancient Greece

Liezen, Austria, February 12th 2008; JoWooD Productions announces a new title for 2008 and expands their strategy portfolio.

The RTS game “Fate of Hellas” combines economic development with tactical real time battles, all fully shown in 3D. In two campaigns with seven missions, each the player is able to take over control of the legendary people of Macedonia.

You will fight alongside Alexander The Great and bring peace to the city states of ancient Greece. Put together an army and fight with your soldiers for wealth and peace, becoming more successful than Alexander The Great has ever been. But beware: It will not be just your enemies that will envy you!

If you host or post please let us know!

Thrilling realtime battles in ancient Greece
„Fate of Hellas“ is an RTS game, which takes the player to ancient Greece: 2500 Years ago, before the rise of Rome, fierce battles between the Greeks and their enemies took place.

Build formations with your troops
3 different formations for strategic fights!

Equip your troops with weapons from your defeated enemies
Pick up the weapons left behind by your enemies after you have killed them in combat

Besiege the citys of historic Greece!
The more cities you conquer, the greater your power on the battlefield

More than 60 different characters!
Different fighters, buildings, vehicles and many more

Fate of Hellas will be available in March 2008 for 29,99 €.

Developer: WorldForge
Genre: Real Time Strategy
Expected age rating: 16+
UK Release: March 28th 2008

Infinity Open beta phase starts on February 14th

Infinity

Open beta phase starts on February 14th!

Ready to enter the arena with all your friends? On February 14th Infinity Online will start its open beta phase so that all GameTribe players will be able to join the fight!

Discover the hack and slash taste of Infinity Online!

Choose the arena, enter the fray with your favourite warrior and lead your guards against other players or side by side with your friends in the cooperative mode.

The game will offer you several updates such as:
  • New Guards
  • New characters: Alexia and Kain
  • New missions and PVP maps
  • New armor sets and items in the shop
  • It’s time to fight against your enemies!
  • It’s time to play Infinity Online!

GameTribeTeam
www.gametribe.com
Time to Play!

XLEAGUE.TV - £10,000 HALO 3 4 Vs 4 Team League Finals


XLEAGUE.TV - £10,000 HALO 3 4 Vs 4 Team League Finals

The largest cash prize for a console Video Gaming final ever in the UK!

XLEAGUE.TV will provide televised and web coverage of the final, with eight teams battling it out in the double elimination play-off.

With top seeded Team Devastation trying to fight their way to the final from the losers bracket, after their loss to XL3 reigning champions The Incredibles, and top teams such as Infused Gaming, Scar Tissue, and Catch 22 all battling it out; the competition is offering the best HALO 3 action the UK has ever seen.

Television Listings:

Sunday 17-Feb-08 and Monday 18-Feb-08 at 8pm – The Match – 4 X 1.5 hr tournament shows with match highlights, team profiles, expert commentary and pundits and £10,000 HALO 3 tournament final.

All programming on SKY Channel 208 and online at www.xleague.tv:

1st place - £5,000
2nd place - £2,500
3rd place - £1,500
4th place - £1,000

http://www.xleague.tv

Ultimate Terrain X DVD Editions Released


Ultimate Terrain X DVD Editions Released

Flight One Software, in partnership with Scenery Solutions, has officially released the DVD Editions of Ultimate Terrain X – USA & Ultimate Terrain X - Canada for Flight Simulator X.

Both DVD Editions have been designed from the ground up to take advantage of the new technologies in FSX, and provide you with the most superior and complete terrain environment to date. As with our download versions, we use only the highest quality commercial source data in our products. Roads, Rivers, Streams, Bridges, Landclass, Waterclass, Night Lighting, Coastlines, and more are packed into these Ultimate Terrain X editions.

The DVD Editions are priced at a great value of $34.95 each and are available now worldwide from the Flight1 website, www.flight1.com and our premier resellers.

For more information on Ultimate Terrain X – USA – http://www.flight1.com/products.asp?product=FL1-UXU-001

For more information on Ultimate Terrain X – Canada - http://www.flight1.com/products.asp?product=FL1-UXC-001

2K Games Licenses Epic Games' Unreal Engine 3


2K Games Licenses Epic Games' Unreal Engine 3


Epic Games, Inc., one of the world’s leading developers of cutting-edge computer and video games and the pioneer of the award-winning Unreal Engine, today announced that its Unreal Engine 3 technology and tools will be used for unannounced games in development by 2K Games, a publishing label of Take-Two Interactive Software.

"2K had a very positive experience working with Epic’s Unreal Engine 3 since it enables games to perform exceptionally well on both console and the PC,” said Christoph Hartmann, president of 2K. “Epic’s technology and support is expected to help 2K produce world-class titles for games on any platform.”

“We are excited about continuing our relationship with 2K based on our past success with the company,” said Mark Rein, vice president of Epic Games. “We have no doubt that the Unreal Engine 3 will continue to assist 2K in producing the industry's most amazing and original games.”

About Unreal Engine 3
The award-winning Unreal Engine is known for cutting-edge graphics and a best-of-breed toolset. Unreal Engine 3 maintains those features while adding massive world support, multi-processor support, next-generation console optimizations, and one of the most mature tool pipelines in the industry. Unreal Engine 3's advanced toolset is designed specifically to accelerate developers' productivity for ultra-complex, next-generation content. Additional information on Unreal Engine can be obtained through the Unreal Technology web site at www.unrealtechnology.com.

Race Driver: GRID coming to Nintendo DS


Race Driver: GRID coming to Nintendo DS this summer, complete with circuit creation system.

It's all about creating the race - Race Driver: GRID set to define portable racing.

This summer, take inspiration from competing in the world's most exciting racing cars on legendary circuits and iconic city streets and then get creative with the most powerful track editor in portable gaming, as Codemasters® announces that a special edition of Race Driver: GRID™ is coming to Nintendo DS™.

Set to launch simultaneously with the home console and PC versions, the Nintendo DS edition has been specifically designed for the handheld and is set to offer the most complete pick-up-and-play pocket racing package, complete with stunning visuals.

Race Driver: GRID will deliver intense, incident-packed wheel-to-wheel racing against aggressive AI opponents to create a breathtaking race experience, all the way from the grid to the flag. Accessible handling will enable gamers to jump straight into the action, while a huge career mode includes championship and race events. Quick fire Challenges offer a fast fix of racing for gamers on-the-go and include Time Trials, Speed Tests and Chase events.

Bringing a new world of motor sport to life, players will race at beautifully realised and diverse locations across three continents. In Europe, race prestige marques on the world's most famous circuits including Spa and the Nurburgring. In America, compete in powerful muscle cars through the streets of San Francisco to Washington DC. Taking the race to Japan, experience the unique exhilaration of drift racing on the neon lit streets of Shibuya and then compete in Touge events, downhill races that operate on the fringe of legality.

Exclusively for the Nintendo DS edition, Race Driver: GRID will feature the evolution of the critically acclaimed track editor, first seen in Race Driver™: Create and Race™. With over 60 individual pieces, the creation system offers near-limitless design options, including the ability to personalise trackside hoardings and billboards. Players will be able to craft complete championship circuits in detail or, using the simple Free-Draw tool, create and race within minutes.

Extensive online and multiplayer options let players compete in adrenaline pumping four-player races, climb to the top of global online leader boards for every race event, or share up to four individually created tracks with up to four players in the ultimate custom race series. Gamers can also upload and download new tracks to Race Driver: GRID servers.

With a stunning selection of real-world settings, outstanding racing cars, a powerful track editor and incredible graphics, Race Driver: GRID is the most exciting, fun and feature packed racer you can fit in your pocket. Developed by Firebrand Games, the team responsible for the award-winning Race Driver: Create and Race, the Nintendo DS edition of Race Driver: GRID is coming summer 2008. To register for future driver briefings and get a place on the grid, be sure to visit www.RaceDriverGrid.com.

MASS EFFECT TO LAND ON PC IN MAY


Leading video game developer BioWare, an Electronic Arts company, has announced that the award-winning space epic Mass Effect™ will be released for the PC in May 2008. Published by EA and re-designed for the PC, Mass Effect invites players to take the role of Commander Shepard as they set out on an adventure to save the galaxy from imminent destruction. Wrought with treachery, heroism, difficult decisions and a universe filled with unique and colorful species, Mass Effect delivers a truly compelling storyline.

Optimized for the PC, Mass Effect for the PC incorporates the following features:
• Optimized controls designed specifically for the PC.
• High resolution visuals – Mass Effect for the PC features highly detailed textures, characters and environments.
• Fully customizable controls – PC gamers can re-map the control scheme any way they like.
• Run & Gun Control – Players can assign biotic powers or skills to ‘hot keys’ allowing them to play Mass Effect with a heavier focus on action.
• New decryption mini-game.
• New inventory screen GUI and functionality – The enhanced inventory system makes it easier for players to equip and modify their weapons and armor.

“Mass Effect serves as a powerful example of video games as an art form, delivering new levels of emotional intensity, realistic characters and a gripping storyline – all set in a compelling new universe,” said Ray Muzyka, General Manager, BioWare and Vice President, Electronic Arts. Frank Gibeau, President of EA’s Games Label added, “EA has struck an agreement with Microsoft to handle future publishing for Mass Effect. We are looking forward to releasing Mass Effect on the PC this Spring and brand new titles in the future.”

Originally released for the Xbox 360™ videogame and entertainment system, Mass Effect has received critical acclaim throughout the world with more than 70 awards including Game of the Year, Console Game of the Year and Role-Playing Game of the Year. Mass Effect combines a deep story with intense combat and challenges the player to make difficult decisions that can significantly impact the course of events. An innovative conversation system allows for lifelike interaction with some of the most realistic digital actors, voiced by Hollywood actors such as Seth Green, Marina Sirtis, Lance Henriksen and Keith David. Mass Effect for the PC has not yet been rated by the Entertainment Software Rating Board.

DUNGEON EXPLORERTM WARRIORS OF ANCIENT ARTS NOW AVAILABLE ON SONY PSP AND NINTENDO DS


DUNGEON EXPLORERTM WARRIORS OF ANCIENT ARTS NOW AVAILABLE ON PSP AND DS

Hudson Entertainment's Classic RPG Franchise Returns, Bringing Two Different Game Play Experiences & Stories to Handheld Platforms

Hudson Entertainment, the North American publishing arm of Hudson Soft, today announced that Dungeon Explorer Warriors of Ancient Arts for the PSP (PlayStationPortable) system and Nintendo DS are now available at retail. Published by Hudson and distributed in North America by Konami Digital Entertainment Inc., both versions will retail for a SRP of $29.99 each.

“We are thrilled to bring back a classic RPG franchise on current gen platforms,” said John Greiner President and CEO of Hudson Entertainment. “Both the PSP system and Nintendo DS games offer players two deep, action-packed RPG experiences that truly represent what the Dungeon Explorer property is all about.”

Both versions deliver unique game play adventures, while updating the classic series with all-new engaging stories. On the PSP® system, players find themselves on a quest to uncover the fate of a legendary kingdom. Along the way, heroes will engage in epic battles and fight against demonic and monstrous creatures, armed with their own arsenal of assorted weapons. There are hundreds of variations between weapons, armor and equipment for players to choose from, all of which can be reworked as they progress through the adventure.

On the PSP® system, players have the ability to choose their warfare style with more than 150 different kinds of fighting arts, one of them being Big Bang Arts. Big Bang Arts, unique to Dungeon Explorer™ Warriors of Ancient Arts for the PSP® system, allows three players to team up to triple their destructive power in Ad-Hoc Multiplayer mode. Big Bang Arts harnesses the power of all three characters at once to unleash a devastating attack on the enemy. Timing is crucial, as the game is action-oriented, and must be calculated precisely in order to be successful. The PSP® system has been rated T (Teen) by the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB).

The Nintendo DS version places gamers in a land beleaguered by a legion of undead, monstrous soldiers. The story takes place long after the events of the PSP system, as a legend foretells of a hero who will rise to face the growing threat. Gamers must rediscover the lost Ancient Fighting Arts to restore peace to the once flourishing kingdom of Westria. With more than 60 different fighting arts across 8 lost Ancient Fighting Art schools, players can become skilled warriors in order to successfully wage battle against their enemies. Armories of weapons, armor and equipment are available to players, along with three hero races and three character job classes. Players can also play in a group, as 3 players can join forces to battle the Demon God’s minions via the Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection. The Nintendo DS™ version has been rated E10+ (Everyone 10 and older) by the ESRB.

Massive Updates For SwitchBlade, Bringing Controller Support To More PC Games


Blue Orb Releases Massive Updates For SwitchBlade, Bringing Controller Support To More PC Games

SwitchBlade Version 3.0 Now Available from Multiple Download Sites

Blue Orb, Inc. today brought the console controller experience to even more PC gamers with the release of SwitchBladeTM Version 3.0. The updated release adds brand-new controller solutions, called Blades, for Guild Wars®, Hellgate: LondonTM, and Half-Life 2. In addition, Blue Orb delivers an enhanced World of Warcraft® Blade with class-specific schemes and other improvements.

Available as a free download from SwitchBladeGaming.com, FileFront.com, FilePlanet.com Curse.com, Spawnpoint.com, Xfire.com, and other popular download sites, the new version is the first major expansion of SwitchBlade's game support.

"Today's release is a huge step toward realizing our ultimate goal with SwitchBlade, which is full-featured controller support for the most exciting PC games," said Aaron Levin, Vice President of Business Development for Blue Orb. "We want to give gamers new options for how to play their favorite PC games – we're starting by bringing the console experience to a few key PC titles today, but just wait for the rest of 2008."

For more information, please visit www.switchbladegaming.com.

Penumbra Black Plague PC video game ships plus download demo


Penumbra Black Plague shipping to stores in North America

Publisher Paradox Interactive proudly confirms the release of the eagerly anticipated horror adventure, Penumbra Black Plague, shipping to stores in North America from today.

The second instalment in the Penumbra series becomes the latest addition to the survival horror genre, inviting gamers to continue Philips quest from the cliffhanger finale of the previous episode.

Developed by Frictional Games, the highly talented and creative two-man team has toiled to deliver a gaming experience that surpasses the lofty expectations generated by their first collaboration.

Visit the official website: http://www.paradoxplaza.com/penumbra/

Play the demo: http://www.gamespot.com/pc/action/penumbrablackplague/download_6185668.html?tag=topslot;title;1&om_act=convert&om_clk=dltopslot

Buy Penumbra Black Plague on GamersGate: http://www.gamersgate.com/index.php?page=product&what=view&sku=DD-PENBP

Suggested retail price: USD 19.99/ EUR 19.99

StoneLoops! Of Jurassica Open Beta Launched


StoneLoops! Of Jurassica Open Beta Launched

Codeminion, authors of the hit casual game Magic Match, announce the launch of StoneLoops! Open Beta on www.codeminion.com.

Codeminion, authors of the hit causal game Magic Match, are happy to announce the launch of StoneLoops! of Jurassica Open Beta version. The game is available for testing immediately on the new www.codeminion.com website to anyone who joins the beta program.

StoneLoops! of Jurassica is a unique marble popper set in the prehistoric era. It features stunning visuals and a twist on the regular marble popping mechanic which lets players grab and shoot balls directly from the path. This change makes such an impact on the overall experience that after playing StoneLoops! many people find it difficult to enjoy older games. Introduction of the Strategy Mode is also new to the marble popper genre.

About Codeminion
Codeminion S.C. is an independent developer of casual games, based in Warsaw, Poland. Most known for the successful, best of 2005 Magic Match fantasy puzzle game, Codeminion focuses on high quality, innovative titles with mass market appeal.
For more information about Codeminion and their Beta Program:
www.codeminion.com

FlatOut Head On – Official PSP Demo due for Release


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.