Atari's Godzilla Unleashed

Atari, one of the world's most recognized brands and a third-party video game publisher, today announced that development on Godzilla Unleashed, a long- running publishing franchise and the ultimate giant monsters fighting game, is complete. Godzilla Unleashed for the Wii and PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system and Godzilla Unleashed: Double Smash for Nintendo DS are scheduled for release this holiday season.

Featuring the legendary Godzilla and at least 20 of some of the most renowned monsters of all time, Godzilla Unleashed is an epic fighting game on a giant scale. In an attempt to save the planet earth from total mayhem and destruction, gamers must cause some damage of their own by fighting with or against other giant monsters.

"We are excited to bring Godzilla Unleashed, the next installment of a beloved franchise, to so many great platforms," said Keehwan Her, Producer, Atari, Inc. "Each platform offers a unique line-up of monsters and gameplay innovations. The Wii version presents a new story mode and robust motion-based controls; the PlayStation 2 system includes a story mode along with a slightly different monster roster and the Nintendo DS version features two-player cooperative gameplay with side-scrolling action that takes advantage of both screens for dual action gameplay."

Godzilla Unleashed provides an environment perfect for stopping this worldwide obliteration with nine urban arenas, interactive 3D cityscapes, big destructible buildings, soaring skyscrapers and towering alien formations. Featuring an innovative non-linear storyline which allows players to influence how the story unfolds through their choices within battles, and a flexible multiplayer mode which supports up to four players for the ultimate city- crushing monster extravaganza, Godzilla Unleashed is a must-have this holiday season.

For more information on Godzilla Unleashed, Atari and its entire product line-up please visit www.atari.com.

Rayman Raving Rabbids 2 website

Ubisoft kicks off the countdown to the release of Rayman Raving Rabbids 2 with the launch of the game’s official website. The website will be THE place to catch up with the Rabbids and enter their wacky universe.

The official trailer for the Nintendo DS version can be downloaded at the Rayman Raving Rabbids 2 website: http://www.raymanravingrabbids2.com

Developed by Ubisoft’s Paris Studio, Rayman Ravinds Rabbids 2 will launch worldwide on the Wii home entertainment system from Nintendo and the Nintendo DS on November, 16th 2007.

About Rayman Raving Rabbids 2
The mischievous bunnies are back in a hilarious sequel that is guaranteed to be even crazier and funnier than the first – and with even more wacky games!
They've invaded the world of Rayman®, and now the insane Rabbids have a new objective: invade planet Earth! They have established their base at a shopping mall and begun training for their nastiest scheme yet. As part of this training, the Rabbids must carry out several missions around the globe to help them in an attempt to dominate the world. The Rabbids will also try to study human behavior by mimicking everything we do…but in the Rabbid sort of way, with no logic…of course. Back to battle the Rabbids and stop the invasion is Rayman, who will infiltrate the Rabbids by disguising himself as one of them.

Have a horrific Halloween with Clive Barker's Jericho

Trick out and ghoul-up your PC this Halloween as Codemasters treats gamers to a monstrous collection of Clive Barker's Jericho desktop wallpapers featuring gruesome creatures from the recently released supernatural shooter. Four foul monster wallpapers are now available to download from www.codemasters.com/jericho in Community > Wallpapers.

Inspired by Barker's fiction, the detailed illustrations depict four of the game's most iconic and fearsome fiends, including the gorged and bloody bulk of the Roman Governor Cassus Vicus, hung from his chains as he rips open his stomach in readiness to unleash a jet of blood and toxic entrails.

Other wallpapers feature Arnold Leach, the demonic winged leader of the Brotherhood of the Dark Rapture, the axe-fused Exploding Cultist and Vicus' own gladiatorial beast, the Blind Behemoth. Each wallpaper design is available in 1024 x 768, 1280 x 1024 and 1600 x1200 resolutions.

Launched last week, Clive Barker's Jericho is a spectacular blast from the master mythmaker's cannon of nightmares. Mingling the darkest elements of his creative works with an ambitious, age-spanning story, the squad-based FPS gameplay takes players on a journey through hellish locations and slices of time combating gruesome and twisted enemies.

As this Halloween's must-play title, Clive Barker's Jericho is now available for the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, the PLAYSTATION 3 computer entertainment system and Games for Windows. To download the new desktop wallpapers, videos and the Games for Windows playable demo, visit the game's official website at www.codemasters.com/jericho.

DRAGON BALL Z BUDOKAI TENKAICHI 3 PLAYSTATION 2 COLLECTOR'S EDITION

Exclusive Content Accompanies the Ultimate DBZ Fighting Experience

Atari today announced the forthcoming PlayStation 2 Collector’s Edition of Dragon Ball Z: Budokai Tenkaichi 3 containing great exclusive content. Developed by NAMCO BANDAI Games Inc. / Spike, Dragon Ball Z: Budokai Tenkaichi 3 for PlayStation 2 is scheduled for European release on 9 November in both standard and Collector’s editions.

Available in a specially designed retail box, the Collector’s Edition contains the game, plus an exclusive digital art book and giant wall poster. The 50-page art book includes imagery from the development team detailing how the game’s characters and environments were created, plus a personal message from the team at Spike. The poster features a dazzling array of DBZ characters, making the Collector’s Edition something no fan should be without.

Improving upon last year’s hit 3D fighting experience, Dragon Ball Z: Budokai Tenkaichi 3 offers more than 150 playable characters, more than 30 battle stages, and upgraded shading techniques providing enhanced and devastating effects. The exclusive ‘Disc Fusion System’ featured in the PlayStation 2 version of Dragon Ball Z: Budokai Tenkaichi 3 lets players insert either Budokai Tenkaichi 1 or Budokai Tenkaichi 2 into the console to unlock brand new gameplay modes. Each game in the series will provide a different and exciting new gameplay mode.

The immensely popular Dragon Ball Z series is the gold standard of anime-based video games, with more than 25 different games and over 10 million units sold since May 2002.

Dragon Ball Z: Budokai Tenkaichi 3 for PlayStation 2 is scheduled for release on 9 November. Featuring online play for the first time in a DBZ game, Dragon Ball Z: Budokai Tenkaichi 3 for Wii is scheduled for European release in January 2008. For more information on Dragon Ball Z video games, please visit www.dbz-videogames.com.

Spyro the Dragon Puffs His Way Back onto Mobile Phones

Vivendi Games Mobile, a division of Vivendi Games, today announced the launch of The Legend of Spyro: The Eternal Night for mobile phones, the latest title in the multi-million unit selling Spyro franchise. The Legend of Spyro: The Eternal Night is now available on mobile phones throughout Europe and will be available in November in North America.

The Legend of Spyro: The Eternal Night gives players the chance to guide the famous purple dragon through 13 new graphically stunning levels which have been specially adapted for mobile phones. Spyro’s mission is to collect the four elemental powers that will halt the resurrection of the Dark Master. As Spyro’s powers are gradually unlocked, players will uncover the mysteries of the bizarre universe and the many enemies that populate it.

“Eternal Night picks up where the last game, A New Beginning, left off with an exciting new quest, gameplay and rich graphics,” said Paul Maglione, president of Vivendi Games Mobile. “Fans of the adored purple dragon and anyone looking for a new adventure will be in for quite a treat as Spyro has an arsenal of new advanced powers to defeat the enemy bosses.”
The Legend of Spyro: The Eternal Night was recently awarded the Best Mobile Video Game Award at the second annual Video Game Festival in Montreuil, France.
The Spyro video game franchise to date has sold more than 15 million units globally and continues to be a big hit among both mobile and traditional console gamers. Sierra Entertainment will launch The Legend of Spyro: The Eternal Night game for console and handheld in mid-October.

About Vivendi Games Mobile
Vivendi Games Mobile (http://www.vgmobile.com/), a division of Vivendi Games, creates and publishes quality titles for the mobile games market. The division runs a global business, with its headquarters, operations and an internal development team in Paris, a US-based team in Los Angeles and its Centerscore studio in San Mateo, California. The company publishes games based on original IP, popular entertainment licenses and classic Sierra Entertainment IP, which are distributed by more than 90 operators and dozens of Web portals in 60 countries around the world.

Viva Piñata: Party Animals for Xbox 360 out 16th November

"Viva Piñata: Party Animals" features tricks and treats for everyone; new social party game takes place on the Piñata Island set in an episode of the critically-acclaimed animated television series

Microsoft Game Studios and Krome Studios present the latest party gaming extravaganza developed exclusively for Xbox 360. Arriving in stores on 16th November, “Viva Piñata: Party Animals” is a social party game for gamers aged six and up that is set inside an episode of the critically acclaimed 4Kids TV™ Viva Piñata animated series. Regardless of whether you are young or just young at heart, “Viva Piñata: Party Animals” is a real treat for gamers of all ages.

In the game, players star as their favourite candy-filled Piñata from the popular Saturday morning animated series including Franklin Fizzlybear, Hudson Horstachio, Paulie Pretztail, Fergy Fudgehog, and more as they compete for fame and fortune in more than 50 distinct mini-games and races across Piñata Island. “Viva Piñata: Party Animals” features Xbox LIVE and local multi-player contests, like Burps Ahoy!, where colourful Piñatas send burp fuelled sailboats across Lake Piñata! Nothing gets a hungry Piñata’s candiosity up like a sweet, yummy caramel apple! Players bob their way through Caramel Apple Gobble taking big bites out of the fruit, chewing it up as fast as they can to be the first one done. Or they can squeal with delight as they tackle Blown Away – a game of hot potato unlike any other – where they trick their pals into being the one left holding an exploding jack o’ lantern.

Plus, gamers will love taking on the persona of several new characters in the Piñata line-up who are ready to get their game on:

Meet Hailey Horstachio: There’s only one way to describe Piñata Island’s newest Spanish sensation, and that’s “Muy Caliente!” No other Piñata combines style, glamour, and spice quite like Hailey Horstachio. Always seen at the right party with the right Piñata at the right time, Hailey’s already established herself as a super-chic fashion icon who sets the trend every time she steps out on the scene. She’s also a great athlete, and believes winning the competition will launch her star into the stratosphere, while also reminding another certain Horstachio that there’s a new horsey on the block.

Meet Petunia Pretztail: Petunia may appear soft-spoken and well-mannered, but buried beneath that quiet exterior is a karate-chopping, kung-fu-fighting thrill seeker. Since arriving on Piñata Island from the Land of the Rising Sun, Petunia’s daredevil-may-care antics have made quite an impression, good and bad. Some, like Paulie, find her aggressive streak a little intimidating, while others, like BFF Hailey Horstachio, appreciate her live-in-the-moment attitude towards life. Ultra-competitive and always up for a new challenge, Petunia can’t wait to test her skills in the competition, score a big victory, and hopefully score some one-on-one time with a certain brainy Pretztail.

“Viva Piñata: Party Animals” is designed especially with friends and family in mind. Gamers of all ages can gather around the living room or connect from afar, with up to four gamers playing simultaneously over Xbox LIVE or split screen. “Viva Piñata: Party Animals” is the perfect game for parents looking for new ways to connect with their kids or friends just looking to share a few laughs. Pushing the advanced capabilities of the Xbox 360, “Viva Piñata: Party Animals” brings the colorful world of Piñata Island to life in way that’ll ensure that fans have a blast whether they’re playing for a few hours or just a few minutes.

Made exclusively for Xbox 360, “Viva Piñata: Party Animals” is available in stores from 16th November at £39.99.

The Perfect Accessory for Viva Piñata: Party Animals Fans

If you’re shopping for the festive season your favourite little elf will love the new Xbox 360 Wireless Controllers in pink and blue. Adding a splash of colour to the holiday season for an estimated retail price of £32.99, the whole family can enjoy Xbox 360 with these bright additions to the “chill” and black Xbox 360 Wireless Controllers.

The pink and blue Xbox 360 Wireless Controllers will make a great gift for newer gamers. Delivering high-performance wireless gaming, the Xbox 360 Wireless Controllers feature all of the convenience and flexibility of the originals with a unique twist of personality. Now every member of the family can have a favourite colour controller to match their favourite animal from “Viva Piñata: Party Animals.”

Resident Evil 4 on Wii sells a million

Ultimate in convergence: casting actors for video games

There will soon come a day when creating a video game will be not much different than filming a movie. Two games currently in development illustrate the fine line that divides the two processes -- and the actors who were cast for the games, rehearsed for them, and then acted in their "filming" can surely attest to their similarities.

Brand new technologies contributed to the creation of both games: Sony's "Uncharted: Drake's Fortune" -- expected to be released on Nov. 20 for the PlayStation 3 -- utilizes a state-of-the-art motion-capture process to give the illusion of life-like animated characters, while the martial arts fighters in Creative Edge Studios' "Warriors of Elysia" don't just seem real, they are real. For possibly the first time, live actors were filmed and their nonanimated images placed in 3-D environments and made available for gamers to manipulate in real-time with whatever punches and kicks they choose. "Warriors" for the PC had been scheduled for year-end release but may be postponed until early 2008.

Sony and Creative Edge both claim that they are creating better games that benefit from being more lifelike because they capture human emotion. It remains to be seen whether gamers will agree when they vote with their pocketbooks.

Sony's Santa Monica, Calif.-based Naughty Dog studio is known primarily for more stylized, cartoon-like games like "Crash Bandicoot" and the Jak and Daxter series. But Amy Hennig says that the launch of her new franchise, which is based on the classic pulp action-adventure serials of the '30s, demands a more realistic look.

Hennig's role would be that of "producer" at another game studio but, at Naughty Dog, her title is "game director," since, as she explains, her company has moved slowly toward more of a film model. It is a nod toward how game-making is become increasingly like movie-making, she agrees.

More from: Hollywood reporter

“Manhunt 2:” Most Violent Game Yet?

Just in time for Halloween comes one of the scariest video games ever seen.

The objective: a mental patient tries to escape from a bizarre insane asylum using everything from a sickle to rip out a character’s skull to a club to attack a police officer, CBS News science and technology correspondent Daniel Sieberg reports.

As Scott Steinberg, a video game reviewer and author, demonstrated for CBS News, the experience is even more intense when it's played on Nintendo’s Wii, which gets players to act out the violence.

“We’re going to lure them into the open and then chop them up,” Steinberg explained while playing.

"The Wii has motion-sensing controls, and therefore to stab you're gonna mimic a stabbing motion, to swing a sledgehammer or a shovel you would do the same. Unfortunately it's probably not something you would want to have your kids get much practice on," Steinberg said.

That has parents' groups outraged, worried it will be played by teens and younger children.

"It is some of the most horrific, senselessly violent stuff you've ever seen," James Steyer, CEO of Common Sense Media, said.

CBS News invited Dr. Christopher Lucas, a child psychiatrist at New York University, to watch the game being played.

Sieberg asked him if this is a cause for worry for parents.

“I think we don't know at the moment, but I think this is the sort of game that is most likely to have an effect,” he said. “Games that actually have players act out things in a physical way, are more likely to have one.”

Researchers have not found a direct scientific link between playing violent video games and carrying out those acts in real life. But some studies have shown children who play certain video games become more aggressive and could become desensitized to violence.

The entertainment software rating board has rated "Manhunt 2" "M" for “mature,” meaning no one under 17 should be allowed to play or buy it. It’s made by the same company - Rockstar Games - that created the controversial and popular “Grand Theft Auto” titles.

What surprised industy watchers is that Nintendo, maker of the Wii, has allowed "Manhunt 2" to be played on its system. Nintendo has been known for its kid-friendly games, but now it will have an edgier reputation that may be good for business.

In a statement, Nintendo told CBS News: “Just as with movies, television, and books, different video games appeal to - and are appropriate for - different audiences."

Sieberg took "Manhunt 2" to a local gaming center and let three 20-something-year-old gamers get their hands on it. They enjoy playing, but even these hard-core gamers recoiled at the violent imagery.

“The game looks like they made it like this just to make it controversial, just to bring something up, because there's no reason for the amount of, the level of violence in the game,” said Jackie Waldman.

“This definitely takes the cake as probably the most violent thing I’ve played,” another player, Chris DeMaida, said.

Source: CBS

Nintendo surpasses Sony in video game sales

The success of the Wii shows its impact on the video game market: Market research firm iSuppli believes that Nintendo game sales in the third quarter kept increasing at a record pace and passed the mighty Sony.

While video game sales for the DS have been outpacing sales for competing platforms consistently, Wii software sales have been approached half a billion dollars in the third quarter ($461.8 million). Combined with DS sales of $777.7 million, game sales for the two Nintendo platforms came in at $1.24 billion in Q3, ahead of the $1.0 billion that is estimated to have been generated by Sony’s PS3, PS2 and PSP as well as the $317.8 million by the Xbox and Xbox 360.

Wii software sales were up from 295.5 million in Q2, $250.4 million in Q1 and $353.5 million in Q4 2006. iSuppli estimates that Wii software sales will slightly exceed $1.0 billion in the Christmas quarter. Total Nintendo video game sales are estimated to come in at $2.15 billion in Q4 2007 and $2.37 billion in Q4 2008.

“Nintendo is likely to maintain its lead in this area, as it expects by the end of 2007 to ship about 200 additional titles, adding to the more than 150 games already released, many from outside publishers,” said David Carnevale, vice president of multimedia content and distribution at iSuppli, in a prepared statement. “Company software sales should be further boosted by the addition of a new flagship title for the Wii, dubbed Wii Fit, which encourages players to engage in full-body exercises using Wii Balance Boards, performing activities including yoga, push-ups, aerobics and stretching.”

Carnevale also expects the DS to keep on ticking, with its software revenue reaching $1.2 billion by the fourth quarter of 2008, rising at an average growth rate of 12.6% from $333.2 million in the first quarter of 2006.

The analyst believes that especially the Wii’s mass market appeal is what makes the platform successful. In contrast, both the Xbox 360 and PS3 have a more limited reach, as the Microsoft platform is aimed at more serious gamers, with cutting-edge titles like Halo 3. The complaint about the PS3 remains its high price, which, according to iSuppli, is driving game developers away from Sony. “Because Sony was slow to reduce the price of the PlayStation 3 and to produce compelling games, third- party game publishers are flocking to other platforms. If the PlayStation 3 can’t promote more game sales, developers may begin to feel working with Nintendo outweighs the benefits of working with Sony,” iSuppli wrote in its press release.

Source: TG

Rockstar Announces Manhunt 2

Stealth-horror game arrives at retail in time for Halloween

Rockstar Games, a publishing label of Take-Two Interactive Software, is proud to announce that Manhunt 2 for the Wii home video game system from Nintendo, PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system, and PSP (PlayStation Portable) system is now available at North American retail stores.

"Manhunt 2 has gone through much to reach this day," said Sam Houser, Founder and Executive Producer of Rockstar Games. "We are very excited that fans will finally get a chance to experience the magnificent horror experience we've crafted with Manhunt 2."

The sequel to the critically acclaimed, best-selling franchise, Manhunt 2 is a dark and disturbing psychological story revolving around the sinister events of a secretive research project called The Pickman Project.

Plunging into the depths of human psychosis, terror and paranoia, the twisted plot and brutal gameplay conspire to create the most atmospheric gaming experience ever, with GamesRadar.com stating, "Manhunt 2 looks to be a deeply, horrifyingly unsettling experience, and we mean that as the highest possible compliment."

Manhunt 2 for the Wii, PlayStation 2 system, and PSP system is rated "M" for Mature.

For more information please visit http://www.rockstargames.com/manhunt2/.

COMMAND & CONQUER 3 - KANE'S WRATH

Expansion Pack in Award-winning Series to Include Natasha Henstridge and Carl Lumbly in Live Action Video Sequences

Electronic Arts today announced that Command & Conquer 3: Kane’s Wrath, the expansion pack to the critically-acclaimed and fan favorite, Command & Conquer 3 Tiberium Wars, will feature Natasha Henstridge (Species trilogy) and Carl Lumbly (‘Alias’) in its all-new, high-definition, live action video sequences. Henstridge and Lumbly will be joined by veteran Command & Conquer actor Joe Kucan, who originated the role of Kane, the megalomaniacal leader of the Brotherhood of Nod. All three actors are at the epicentre of the Command & Conquer 3: Kane’s Wrath story which will span 20 years – from the rebirth of the Brotherhood after the Second Tiberium War through the dramatic events of the Third Tiberium War and beyond.

“Natasha and Carl are a perfect fit for the live-action video sequences that will bring our epic story to life,” said Mike Verdu, General Manager of EALA and Executive Producer on Command & Conquer 3: Kane’s Wrath. “We had great success with the cast and story for Command & Conquer 3, and I’m very excited to be working with such talented actors on the expansion pack. We’re doing something really unique with the campaign this time around – and I think fans will be thrilled to see how the story unfolds.”

Live action cinematics have become one of the hallmarks of the Command & Conquer series dating back to the original Command & Conquer in 1995. In addition to the trademark live action videos and multi-decade campaign, Kane’s Wrath introduces six new sub-factions and a wealth of new units, structures, and powers to the armies of the Global Defense Initiative, the Brotherhood of Nod, and the enigmatic alien Scrin.

The Xbox 360 version of Command & Conquer 3: Kane’s Wrath will debut a revolutionary new radial interface designed specifically for console gamers. Taking RTS controls to a whole new level, players will utilize the command stick to build, deploy, and attack.

Developed at EALA, Command & Conquer 3: Kane’s Wrath will ship in Spring 2008 for Windows PC and Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system. This product is not yet rated by the ESRB. For more information about Command & Conquer 3: Kane’s Wrath or the Command & Conquer series, please visit www.electronicarts.co.uk/commandandconquer.

About Command & Conquer 3 Tiberium Wars
Command & Conquer, the groundbreaking series that put the Real-time Strategy (RTS) genre on the map, returned in full force in 2007 with Command & Conquer 3 Tiberium Wars™. The next chapter took the popular series back to its roots in the Tiberium Universe and featured the fast, fluid gameplay that Command & Conquer is known for and a gripping story that was told through live action video sequences featuring major Hollywood talent. Command & Conquer 3 Tiberium Wars is available for the Xbox 360™ video game and entertainment system and PC and are rated “T” (Teen) by the ESRB and 16+ by PEGI and the USK. For more information about Command & Conquer 3 Tiberium Wars or the Command & Conquer series, please visit the official site at www.electronicarts.co.uk/commandandconquer.

2K Sports Unveils More New Features in College Hoops 2K8

PlayVision and Play Designer unveiled as innovative new features

2K Sports, the sports publishing label of Take-Two Interactive Software, announced more exciting new features for College Hoops 2K8, the No1 selling college basketball game last year and the No1 rated college basketball game five years running.

New to this year's edition of the 2K Sports' College Hoops series is PlayVision, allowing gamers to execute every play on the court to perfection. PlayVision draws out each play step-by-step, detailing where on the court to pass, move, and watch for a screen. Each step of the play is illustrated with a different graphic, making plays easy to execute with accuracy and precision. PlayVision also works when playing with two or more people on the same team by indicating where the gamers need to set up their players to execute the play.

"Among many other exciting new features this year, we focused on making plays easier to execute while also adding the ability to create your own types of plays. PlayVision and Play Designer work hand-in-hand to allow gamers to learn the fundamental movements of basketball plays and in turn enable users to get a much more realistic college basketball experience," said Greg Thomas, President of Visual Concepts, a 2K Sports studio.

With the all new Play Designer, gamers can create their own plays from beginning to end and customize their playbook. Gamers can determine where their players begin a play, tell each player what to do using numerous moves, and then bring in various types of defenses to test their plays against. Once created in Play Designer, any play can be executed during a game and seen on the court with PlayVision.

College Hoops 2K8, the best selling college basketball video game this past year* and best rated college basketball game for five years running**, returns this year with the deepest feature enhancements in the history of the franchise, advanced next generation visuals and countless new animations to deliver the most innovative and authentic college basketball video game experience to date.

College Hoops 2K8 will be available this fall for the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, the PLAYSTATION 3 computer entertainment system and the PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system.

For more information, log onto http://www.2ksports.com.

FINAL FANTASY CRYSTAL CHRONICLES: Ring of Fates

Square Enix Ltd., the publisher of Square Enix interactive entertainment products in Europe and other PAL territories, today announces that FINAL FANTASY CRYSTAL CHRONICLES: Ring of Fates will be released across all PAL territories in spring 2008 exclusively on the Nintendo DS system.

FINAL FANTASY CRSTAL CHRONICLES: Ring of Fates has been designed to be the most accessible FINAL FANTASY ever. The unique action-based gameplay offers exciting 3D levels, exploration and puzzle solving, with a control system that allows you to engage enemies on your terms and without any random encounters.

The best part of this exciting adventure is that up to four friends can team-up and co-operate with Nintendo DS Wireless Communication. Like all great heroes, you’ll want to look good during the action and there are hundreds of different items and costume combinations to make your character unique.

John Yamamoto, president and chief executive officer of Square Enix Ltd. comments, “With a strong focus on action and exploration FINAL FANTASY CRYSTAL CHRONICLES: Ring of Fates offers an exciting, fast-paced adventure. If you’ve never played a FINAL FANTASY game before, Ring of Fates is the perfect introduction and offers even more fun when played with friends.”

About FINAL FANTASY CRYSTAL CHRONICLES: Ring of Fates

Story

The Great Crystal protects the land from the malefic glow of the blood red moon.

Twins are born to this land, endowed with a shared, mystical power.

Their peaceful life is suddenly changed with the rise of the blood red moon.

All fates are etched into the crystal.

Features

• Unique action-based gameplay – with 3D levels, exploration and puzzle solving

• Action-based control system lets you experience the adventure your way

• Experience exhilarating real-time battles with intuitive controls

• Gorgeous 3D graphics and an emotional audio score creates a beautiful world to explore

• Co-operate with up to four players to explore via Nintendo DS Wireless Communication

• Realise the tale of two heroic yet innocent twins in a unique story of fate, adventure and fraternal love.

• Hundreds of different item and costume combinations add to the fun. Changes to costume and equipment are directly visible on your character in the game

• Trade with friends using Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection functions

• Additional content over the original Japanese version, with four new quests

• Can be played in English, French, German and Spanish. The multiplayer mode allows friends to play together regardless of their selected language.

NARUTO Wii From TOMY

The best fighting game yet for the Wii - NARUTO: Clash of Ninja Revolution

The focus of a huge NARUTO Launch Event, Saturday, October 27, at the Nintendo World Store in New York's Rockefeller Center. The Nintendo World Store was filled with gaming stations, collectible card game areas and the inaugural professional Ramen Noodle Eating Contest featuring some of the world's most renowned competitive eating athletes in an event sanctioned by Major League Eating (MLE).

Also featured during the NARUTO Launch Event was the introduction of NARUTO™: Path of the Ninja for the Nintendo DS™ along with game tournaments for prizes, a costumed NARUTO character, free give-away items and much more!

The winner of the Ramen Noodle Eating Contest was Tim "Eater X" Janus, ranked #4 in the world of professional eaters, who ate more than 10 pounds of noodles in 10 minutes.

NARUTO: Clash of Ninja Revolution for the Wii home video game system and NARUTO: Path of the Ninja for the Nintendo DS are now available at retail outlets. For additional information on NARUTO: Clash of Ninja Revolution and NARUTO: Path of the Ninja, visit http://www.NarutoNintendoGames.com.

History Of Video Games

Fall exhibit hosted by Federal Reserve Bank of Boston's Economic Adventure Gallery

The Federal Reserve Bank of Boston’s Economic Adventure Gallery is hosting an engaging, interactive exhibit on the history of video games this fall. “Video Games Evolve: A Brief History from Spacewar! to MMORPGs” examines the video-game industry’s roots, which are firmly planted in New England. The exhibit, which is free, runs though January.

“This is a wonderful exhibit not only for video game lovers, but for anyone who wants to know how science, technology, and art come together to form an industry,” said Dr. Peter Raad, Executive Director of The Guildhall at SMU.

The gaming revolution began across the Charles River at MIT, where the first non-commercial interactive video game, “Spacewar!”, was born in 1962. About a decade later, Magnavox released the first commercial video-game console, “Odyssey,” which was created by New Hampshire resident Ralph Baer. In addition to enjoying a “Spacewar!” simulation, visitors can examine an enlarged reproduction of Baer’s prototype notes, as well as an early Odyssey console.

If guests are interested in a more hands-on experience, they can play classic 1980 arcade games like “Donkey Kong,” “Ms. Pac Man,” “Frogger” or “Space Invaders.” In addition to being able to play these games for free, visitors can admire the sleek fiberglass console of “Computer Space,” an early 1970s arcade game.

The exhibit also offers a look at the evolution of the home-gaming console, a timeline of video-game history, and an in-depth look at the motion-capture process (a key animation tool in modern video-game production). The Guildhall at Southern Methodist University, a leading education center for digital-game development, loaned several three-dimensional sculptures of creatures that were used to develop animations.

In addition to examining the past, the exhibit also offers an enticing look at modern-day games, including “Star Wars Galaxies,” the “Immune Attack” educational game, the virtual reality of “Second Life,” and massive, multi-player online role-playing games (MMORPGs) like “World of Warcraft.”

The exhibit is part of the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston’s Economic Adventure, an interactive educational designed to teach middle- and high-school students how New England’s improved living standards are reliant upon innovation, which leads to advances in productivity. The exhibit is open from Monday through Friday, from 1:00-4:00pm.

Codemasters triumphant at Golden Joystick Awards

Codemasters named 'Developer of the Year'– The Lord of the Rings Online scoops 'PC Game of the Year 2007'

Codemasters, the developer and publisher of world-class video games, was victorious at the 25th annual Golden Joystick Awards winning both the ‘UK Developer of the Year 2007 Award’ and the ‘PC Game of the Year 2007 Award’ for The Lord of the Rings Online™: Shadows of Angmar™, developed by Turbine, Inc. and published and operated in Europe by Codemasters Online.

The Golden Joystick Awards are the UK’s longest running and most popular video game awards and, in this 25th anniversary year, saw nearly 750,000 votes cast by readers of Future Publishing’s leading video game magazines and websites. The prestigious event took place at the Hilton Hotel on London’s Park Lane on Friday.

In being named ‘UK Developer of the Year’, Codemasters is the first to be honoured with the award. The category, introduced just this year, praises and recognises the best home-grown creative talent and saw 51 companies competing for nomination.

Codemasters, whose Warwickshire-based central studios are responsible for titles including Colin McRae: DiRT™, Brian Lara International Cricket™ and the Race Driver™ series, beat competitors including Rockstar North, Lionhead, Rare, and Bizarre Creations to the award. Codemasters was also the only 3rd Party games publisher in the final nominations announced during the event for the ‘Publisher of the Year’ award, alongside Microsoft and Nintendo.

“To be recognised and rewarded as a creative team is a great achievement and the fact that this award was voted for by hundreds of thousands of gamers has made everyone at Codemasters immensely proud,” said Gavin Cheshire, Vice President, Codemasters Studios.

“Game development has been a part of Codemasters for almost as long as the publishing arm has been operating and our titles have a quality and consistency that many other developers and publishers envy. We’re overjoyed in winning the award for our achievements to date and, be assured, we have many exciting concepts for the future.”

In addition to the ‘UK Developer of the Year’ award, Codemasters also celebrated winning the much coveted Golden Joystick for ‘PC Game of the Year 2007’ for The Lord of the Rings Online™: Shadows of Angmar™, which it publishes and operates in Europe in association with the title’s developer, Turbine, Inc.

The highly acclaimed massively-multiplayer online role-playing game beat out a stellar list of nominees, including World of Warcraft: Burning Crusade, Command & Conquer 3: Tiberium Wars and S.T.A.L.K.E.R: Shadow of Chernobyl, cementing its place as one of the premier gaming experiences on the PC. The Lord of the Rings Online: Shadows of Angmar was also nominated in the Soundtrack of the Year, Nuts All-Nighter Award, Online Game of the Year and Ultimate Game of the Year categories as well.

“Codemasters Online is delighted to receive such a prominent award and would like to thank all the dedicated players who voted for The Lord of the Rings Online at this year’s Golden Joystick Awards,” commented David Solari, Vice President and General Manager of Codemasters Online.

“The nature of the award is particularly important to us because it’s voted by the players and we feel extremely privileged to receive PC Game of the Year for The Lord of the Rings Online.”

Mutant Storm Empire - Xbox LIVE Arcade This Week

"Mutant Storm Empire" launches Wednesday — plus a number of other titles are coming up

You may be too old to go trick-or-treating, but you’re never too old to game. October has been a month of fun treats on Xbox LIVE Arcade for Xbox 360, and there’s plenty to get excited about in the coming weeks. Here’s a sneak peek at this week’s freaky title, as well as several additional games that are coming to Xbox LIVE Arcade in the next few weeks.

Just in time for Halloween, “” is packed with sci-fi action as players crush gangs of robots, smash swarms of UFOs and demolish massive enemy bosses. “Mutant Storm Empire,” the latest shooter from PomPom games and the sequel to “Mutant Storm Reloaded,” features 16 unique levels spread over four richly detailed and varied worlds. The game offers a seamless experience where players move from room to room without having to enter a loading screen, in addition to offline co-op and multiplayer LIVE support for two people.

In the coming weeks, look out for the following titles:

· “N+”(Slick Entertainment and Metanet Software) – Play as an acrobatic ninja in this addictive action-puzzle platformer. N+ features inadvertently homicidal robots, stylish graphics, a level editor and intense multiplayer awesomeness.

· “Screwjumper!” (THQ) – Players take the plunge in “Screwjumper!” and free-fall into the depths of the chaotic underworld as a Screwjumper, driving aliens back to their home world by destroying their precious mining equipment.

· “SHREK-N-ROLL™” (Activision) – Gamers join “Shrek,” “Fiona,” “Donkey,” “Puss in Boots” and 20 other twisted fairy tale friends in this hilarious puzzle game designed for ogres of all ages.

· “SpongeBob SquarePants: Underpants Slam™” (Nickelodeon and THQ) – In this quick and fun game, players search the kitchen of the Krusty Krab, the Flying Dutchman’s ship and the Armoury of Atlantis for 99 pairs of underpants.

· “Switchball” (Sierra Online) – Based on real-world physics, “Switchball” is an intricate puzzle game set in a stunning 3-D world where players control an ever-changing ball along a narrow, winding course suspended in midair.

· “Undertow” (Chair Entertainment Group) – This fast-paced action-shooter sends gamers underwater as they battle up to 16 players for control of the oceans! Players race to upgrade their units as they engage in non-stop conquest-style battles through multiple levels of combat action with some of the most stunning graphics ever seen in an Xbox LIVE Arcade title.

· “Word Puzzle” (InterServ International) – The classic pen-and-paper word search game is brought to a new level of excitement on Xbox LIVE Arcade for Xbox 360, complete with combos, high-score achievements and the ability to compete against others online.

More than 100 games will be available on Xbox LIVE Arcade by the end of the year, including dozens of original intellectual properties and classic titles updated for this generation. Specific game information surrounding each title will be available on http://www.xbox.com/games/livearcade in the coming weeks.

Panzer Tactics DS - Video

The last in the series of "Producer in a Box" videos gives an impression of the comprehensive multi-player modes

Whether Hot Seat, LAN or Wi-Fi – the comprehensive multi-player modes in Panzer Tactics DS, the first authentic turn-based Second World War strategy game for the Nintendo DS, allow up to four strategists to pit their skills against one another and show their qualities as officer and commander. Starting today, Sproing project manager Johanna Schober gives prospective commanders a look at what possibilities the various multi-player modes have to offer, and how customizable settings guarantee each and every strategy fan the maximum in gaming fun. Panzer Tactics DS players can look forward to hours of excitement and gripping duels on the Nintendo DS starting in early December in Europe.

The video is available for download immediately at www.panzertactics.com!

Story

1939: The world stands on the brink of one of the greatest armed conflicts in the history of mankind: the Second World War. Players assume command of the most powerful armies of the time: The German Wehrmacht, the Soviet Army or the Allied Forces. Experience the demanding strategic level of the conflict n three historically-based campaigns for the first time ever on a handheld platform.


Features

Three exciting single-player campaigns on the side of the German Wehrmacht, the Soviet Army or the Allied Forces

30 nerve-wracking, historical missions, including undercover missions behind enemy lines

Over 150 different marine, land and air units as well as 20 different special attacks

30 heroic officers who provide their units additional motivation

Exceptional depth of play and complex computer opponent behaviour make the game playable again and again

Multi-player mode for up to 4 players on 10 different multi-player maps (LAN, Nintendo Wi-Fi-Connection, Hot Seat mode)

Online ranking table

Playable using Nintendo DS Touchpen, buttons or a combination of both

Optional bonus mission goals to unlock additional missions and tactical optimizations

Wide variety of combat animations for all units and a wide range of special effects for explosion and weather depiction

MTV Games and Harmonix Unveil Set List for Rock Band

Video Game to Feature 58 Tracks Including Songs from Mega Rock Artists Rolling Stones, Metallica, The Police, The Clash, Foo Fighters, Radiohead and More

Harmonix, the leading developer of music-based games, and MTV Games, a division of Viacom’s MTV Networks, along with distribution partner Electronic Arts, announced today the final song list for its highly anticipated music videogame Rock Band™. Featuring the most master recordings of any music game ever by the world’s biggest rock artists, Rock Band includes 58 tracks and spans every genre of rock ranging from alternative and classic rock to heavy metal and punk. With multiple instruments and an impressive selection of online and offline game modes to choose from to play as a band or individually, Rock Band offers players an infinite number of ways to play each song and live out their ultimate rock and roll fantasies.

“Our goal with Rock Band was to give players the chance to experience an amazing cross section of music from the last four decades, and our final list of tracks includes everything from emerging bands to iconic artists,“ stated Paul DeGooyer, MTV’s Senior Vice President of Home Entertainment, Music and Games. “The overwhelmingly positive response from artists, music publishers and record labels made the final selection process challenging, but extremely exciting. As a result, 51 out of 58 of the final selections are based on original masters, giving fans an unprecedented way to get closer to the music they love.”

Eric Brosius, Harmonix audio lead stated, “Now that the disc track list is locked and Rock Band is being prepped for manufacture, we are working with our music partners to set an exciting download schedule, both for launch and beyond. Through DLC, players will have the ability to take a deeper dive into the music of the artists featured on the Rock Band disc, or further explore different genres of rock or additional bands if they choose.”


Rock Band Set List:
In addition to the 45 tracks listed below, Rock Band will also feature 13 songs ranging from a variety of established bands to up-and-coming independent artists that can be unlocked as you play through the game.

1960s
Rolling Stones "Gimme Shelter"

1970s
Aerosmith “Train Kept a Rollin’”*
The Who "Won't Get Fooled Again"
Boston “Foreplay/Long Time”
Mountain "Mississippi Queen"*
The Police “Next to You”
David Bowie "Suffragette City"
Black Sabbath "Paranoid"*
Blue Oyster Cult "Don't Fear the Reaper"
The Ramones "Blitzkrieg Bop"
Deep Purple "Highway Star"
KISS "Detroit Rock City"
Molly Hatchet “Flirtin’ With Disaster”
The Outlaws “Green Grass & High Tides”*
Sweet “Ballroom Blitz”*

1980s
Rush "Tom Sawyer"*
Bon Jovi "Wanted Dead or Alive"
The Clash "Should I Stay or Should I Go"
Faith No More "Epic"
R.E.M. “Orange Crush”
Iron Maiden “Run to the Hills”*

1990s
Foo Fighters "Learn to Fly"
Metallica "Enter Sandman"
Nirvana "In Bloom"
Stone Temple Pilots "Vasoline"
Weezer "Say It Ain't So"
Smashing Pumpkins "Cherub Rock"
Radiohead "Creep"
Beastie Boys "Sabotage"
Hole "Celebrity Skin"
Garbage "I Think I'm Paranoid"
Soundgarden "Black Hole Sun"

2000s
The Hives "Main Offender"
Queens of the Stone Age "Go With the Flow"
The Strokes "Reptilia"
Jet "Are You Gonna Be My Girl"
OK Go "Here It Goes Again"
Nine Inch Nails "The Hand That Feeds"
Pixies "Wave of Mutilation"
Yeah Yeah Yeahs "Maps"
Red Hot Chili Peppers "Dani California"
Coheed & Cambria “Welcome Home”
Fallout Boy “Dead on Arrival”
The Killers “When You Were Young”
New Pornographers “Electric Version”
Indicates a cover song, all others songs are original master recordings

Rock Band is a new platform for music fans and gamers to interact with music like never before, challenging users to master the lead/bass guitar, drums, and vocals as solo artists or cooperatively as part of their own band.


Rock Band is slated for release for the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and PLAYSTATION 3 computer entertainment system and PLAYSTATION 2 computer entertainment system in the first quarter of 2008 in Europe.

Rock Band is rated “T” for Teen (lyrics, mild suggestive themes) by the ESRB.

EA will serve as the exclusive distribution and marketing partner for Rock Band, managing distribution for the game in US, Europe and Australia.

For more information on Rock Band and Harmonix Music Systems please visit www.rockband.com and www.harmonixmusic.com.