SACRED 2: FALLEN ANGEL - Fact Sheet

Sacred 2: Fallen Angel is an Action RPG with a rich story that takes place in a giant, open-ended and seamless world. This world contains hundreds of dungeons, treacherous opponents and a variety of challenging quests. Intelligent enemies, steadily adapting in number and difficulty based on player progress, challenge in heroic single- and multiplayer battles.

Sacred 2: Fallen Angel provides numerous unique items that can be gathered in this mystical world. A deep reward system further enables advancements of character, individual attributes and character-specific fighting styles, each designed to keep players returning to the world of Sacred 2: Fallen Angel to discover what is around the next bend. Drop-in styled cooperative multiplayer gameplay ensures players will enjoy the game alone or seamlessly with friends at any time. Five unique multiplayer modes round out the experience and offer a refreshing, first-class gaming experience in Sacred 2: Fallen Angel.

Key features

• • A huge, seamless and dynamic world that allows for free-form exploration
  
• Two campaigns: play as the “Light” or “Shadow” side, complete with distinct skills, rewards and story-elements tailored to the chosen path
  
• Six exceptional, playable characters, each with a distinct look, capabilities and in-game motivation
  
• Modifiable combat arts: change and upgrade your alter ego’s combat skills as you make choices throughout the game
  
• Fight effectively from the back of a number of mounts under your control
  
• Deities offer unique combat disciplines to players
  
• The ultimate multiplayer experience – seamless transition between single- and multiplayer gaming modes via the Internet or Xbox Live
  
• Captivating online modes of play challenge gamers in cooperative and PvP play
  
• Extraordinary, cutting-edge graphics utilize the latest technologies
  

The information contained in this fact sheet relates to a prerelease product that may be substantially modified before its first commercial release. Accordingly, the information may not accurately describe or reflect the product when first commercially released. This fact sheet is provided for informational purposes only, and CDV Software Entertainment makes no warranties, express or implied, with respect to the fact sheet or the information contained in it.

The names of actual companies and products mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their respective owners.

Final Box Shot Released for Psychological Thriller Adventure Overclocked: A History of Violence

Final Box Shot Released for Psychological Thriller Adventure Overclocked: A History of Violence

In anticipation of the official release of their psychological thriller Adventure game for the PC, Overclocked: A History of Violence, leading computer software publisher Lighthouse Interactive today revealed the final box shot featuring five young men and women using the dark and eerie underground passageways of New York City as their last refuge. Psychiatrist, David McNamara, has the hard task of exploring their minds to find out what happened. Created by award-winning developer House of Tales Entertainment, this highly anticipated psychological thriller Adventure game on PC DVD-ROM is scheduled to release on May 2, 2008 in the United Kingdom, Scandinavia and Benelux territories and it will begin shipping to major retail stores across Canada and the U.S. on March 31, 2008.

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.

To download the official box shot, visit:
ftp://ftp.lighthouse-interactive.com/Overclocked/

To find out more about 'Overclocked: A History of Violence' and to keep up with the latest news on the game, visit www.lighthouse-interactive.com.

GAME SUMMARY

Set against the backdrop of a catastrophic thunderstorm raging over New York City, step into the world of Overclocked as army psychiatrist, David McNamara. You are called to the Staten Island Forensic Hospital in New York City to consult on a case that requires your expertise in forensic psychiatry. Tasked with exploring the minds of five young men and women who were found scared, screaming, and without memory, you make alarming discoveries as you begin to cautiously probe the psyches of your young patients. Throughout the game, you will play as five other characters in this chilling interactive psycho thriller.

FEATURES

• Experience Overclocked from various perspectives as you play as six different characters throughout the game
• Explore 45 diverse locations with densely animated pre-rendered settings
• Innovative storytelling techniques create a unique gameplay experience
• Meet and interact with a cast of intriguing characters, each with their own distinct personalities
• Characters come to life with fluid movements and realistic facial expressions created with Emotion™ FX 2 technology
• Cinematic cut-scenes designed using advanced camera techniques pioneered by feature films
• Exceptional visuals enhanced by shadow and shader effects, real-time atmospheric particle effects (rain, snow, lightening), and dynamic lighting
• Unique icon-based dialogue system

MINIMUM SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS

OS: Windows 2000 / XP / Vista
CPU: 1.3 GHz Intel Pentium or AMD Athlon processor
RAM: 512 MB RAM (1 GB recommended for Windows Vista)
Video: DirectX 9-compliant video card Shader Model 1.1
PC DVD-ROM: 4x
Sound: DirectX 9 compliant sound card
Available Hard Disk Space: 4.4 GB
DirectX: 9.0c
Other: Mouse, Keyboard and Speakers

Brings Friends Closer Together With Go! Messenger Video chat, voice chat and instant messaging for PSP

Brings Friends Closer Together With Go!Messenger

Video chat, voice chat and instant messaging for PSP

Friends and Gamers can be that little closer together with the launch of Go!Messenger, the new wireless communication package for PSP (PlayStationPortable) from Sony Computer Entertainment Europe (SCEE) and BT.

PSP users can now keep in touch with each other, for free[1], from any wireless broadband internet connection. Go!Messenger will allow gamers to Video, Voice and Instant Message (IM) each other from anywhere in the world all from their PSPs. When connected to a Go!Cam, the attachable video camera and microphone for PSP, users also have the ability to make video calls to their friends and leave fun video and voice messages.

Go!Messenger has been developed in partnership with BT, allowing users to connect to wireless broadband at over 2,500 BT Openzone hotspots and in and around city centres. Users will have the freedom of a mobile phone except that through Go! Messenger all calls to other users are free1.

“With Go!Messenger, the PSP is pushing new boundaries, adding unique communication features to all the existing multimedia experiences,” said Stephane Hareau, PSP European Marketing Manager. “Enabling more than 8.5 Million PSP users across the SCEE region to communicate with each other, through Video or Voice chat, truly confirms the always evolving nature and potential of PSP."

Warren Buckley, BT Group Director Mobility & Convergence said, “By working with PlayStation, BT is helping to consolidate PSP as a communications and entertainment device that will sit at the heart of a PSP user’s digital lifestyle. For the first time, the PSP community can stay constantly connected through voice and video chat and instant messaging both in and out of the home. We believe that this exciting development will only help SCEE to attract even more customers for the PSP.”

Obscure: The Aftermath And The Audition Set To 'Warm Up' Both Gamers And Music Fans

Ignition Entertainment has partnered with Chicago-based music group THE AUDITION on the band’s latest music video. The music video for “Warm Me Up,” the pop-rock quintet’s first single off their second album, Champion (Victory Records), features gameplay footage from Ignition’s upcoming survival-horror videogame Obscure: The Aftermath (Wii, PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system, PC). In turn, The Audition provided several songs for use in a series of groundbreaking live-action trailers created by Ignition to promote Obscure: The Aftermath.

“The Audition is a fantastic band, and their energy on the single ‘Warm Me Up’ really compliments our teen horror game Obscure: The Aftermath,” said Ajay Chadha, president of Ignition Entertainment USA. “The videogame has a unique blend of genuine horror, witty dialogue and awesome co-op gameplay. It’s only fitting that this one-of-a-kind game benefits from such a unique, synergetic collaboration between the music and videogame industries.”

The first-of-their-kind trailers are the opening scenes from Obscure: The Aftermath and follow the story of a group of friends attending college who discover that a mysterious black flower, with addictive hallucinogenic effects, also has the terrifying ability to transform people into hideous monsters. The films were shot at the old American Greetings Creative Studios building set just outside of Cleveland, Ohio, and feature a cast of sexy, young men and women, including Cleveland native Matt Waldeck, who recently appeared in “The Young and the Restless.” The Audition’s “Warm Me Up” music video was shot in conjunction with the trailers and features the same set and actors.

For more information about The Audition or their sophomore album, Champion, please visit www.theauditionrocks.com or www.myspace.com/theaudition.

Shuttle introduces attractive Mini-PC solution for demanding gamers

Shuttle introduces attractive Mini-PC solution for demanding gamers

XPC P2 3500G ensures games run smoothly through its high-grade components and delivers a unique gaming experience

Shuttle Inc., the market leader in the Mini-PC sector and manufacturer of Multi-Form-Factor solutions, in the run-up to CeBIT is now supplying a Mini-PC Complete System specifically suited to gamers with its optimally-tuned configuration.

"The high performance of the specially selected components is particularly striking", explained Tom Seiffert, Head of Marketing & PR at Shuttle Computer Handels GmbH. "Our proven Heatpipe-Cooling System with its automatic rotational control is supported in this Mini-PC through the 'OASIS' chipset cooling which is also based on Heatpipes."

The XPC P2 3500G is based on the aluminium-manufactured XPC Barebone SP35P2 Pro and uses an Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600 processor with four cores. Four Gigabyte DDR2-800 quality memories from takeMS (Model: TMS2GB264C081-805) ensure no waiting times in dual-channel mode. A fast 750 GB Serial-ATAII Samsung hard disk (Model: Spinpoint F DT Series HD753LJ) with 32 MB cache also contains additional memory capacity. It easily accommodates the HD-capable ATI Radeon HD3870 graphics card with 512 MB and also the current DirectX-10 games.

Shuttle provides an integrated fingerprint scanner for those enthusiastic users who use the high system performance for better working and who value the extra security highly. The Mini-PC with its high-quality finish is available now as a bundle package with Wireless-LAN, a DVD burner and a 25-in-1 card reader and pre-installed Windows Vista.

For servicing the Complete System purchaser of the can make use of the 24 month Pick-up-and-Return-Service and a Europe-wide free telephone hotline. Shuttle's recommended price is EUR 1,450 (ex VAT). The configuration of the Complete System can be individually adapted in the Shuttle Systems Configurator.

Samurai Warriors 2 Xtreme Legends Moves Online

Samurai Warriors 2 Xtreme Legends Moves Online

Xbox 360 version available only as a download on the Xbox LIVE online entertainment network.

KOEI today announced the release of Samurai Warriors 2 Xtreme Legends as an additional download for Samurai Warriors 2. It will be available on the Xbox LIVE Marketplace for the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft. Featuring new characters, levels and play modes, Samurai Warriors 2 XL greatly enhances the Samurai Warriors experience, adding a multitude of new features to this legendary series. Samurai Warriors 2 Xtreme Legends is scheduled for release on Xbox 360 via Xbox Live download on March 21, 2008.

The release of Samurai Warriors 2 Xtreme Legends sees KOEI’s first moves into download content for European gamers. The game is only available to owners of Samurai Warriors 2 on Xbox 360, who will be able to download an entire new game’s worth of content to enhance and expand their Samurai Warriors experience.

Samurai Warriors 2 XL will also be available on PS2 as a standalone game which can also be used to power up the Samurai Warriors 2 experience or be played on its own as an entirely new Samurai Warriors experience. Samurai Warriors 2 Xtreme Legends on PS2 will be available in stores on March 21, 2008.


About SAMURAI WARRIORS 2 XTREME LEGENDS

Samurai Warriors 2 Xtreme Legends introduces brand new levels, play modes, characters and challenges, whilst also enhancing the Samurai Warriors 2 experience. It enables owners of SW2 to power up all of the original characters with new charge attacks and a fifth new weapon and increase their growth level from 50 to 70. Players are also able to use the brand new SW2 XL characters in SW2’s Survival, Story and Sugaroku modes.

Samurai Warriors 2 Xtreme Legends also features 36 new scenarios, including the new battlefields of Okehazama and Shikoku, and the brand new Mercenary mode, where players get the chance to hire other samurai to fight alongside you. 2 player co-op mode can be played in Story mode and Free mode and the game now has two new difficulty modes for beginners and veterans alike, leading to six in total.

And most significantly Samurai Warriors 2 Xtreme Legends introduces six new legendary characters: Kojiro Sasaki, Yoshimoto Imagawa, Katsuie Shibata, Toshiie Maeda, Motochika Chosokabe and Gracia.


Chosokabe Motochika

He looks calm and unflappable but always has passion in his heart. His weapon is a Shamisen. It is a traditional Japanese guitar and he uses the sound waves from this weapon to attack his enemies.

Gracia
She is a daughter of Mitsuhide Akechi. She has a curious and innocent character. On her travels through Japan she met Magoichi Saiga and built a great relationship with him. Her weapon is her martial arts ability and agile movement coupled with her magical power.


Imagawa Yoshimoto
He is a man of refined taste such as his love of Kemari (an ancient Japanese sport similar to football) or poems rather than War or politics. He is very proud of his lineage but is always pretty idle on the battle field and keen to avoid dangerous situations. His weapons are the Katana and the ball of Kemari.

Maeda Toshiie
A hot-blooded man who makes much of bonds of friendship. He respects Katsuie Shibata and treats him like a father. His weapons are the Katana with a wide blade and two spears. He overwhelms enemies by super quick attacks with his sword and wide-range attacks with spears.

Sasaki Kojiro
He is Musashi Miyamoto’s rival and a man who wants to master the way of sword. He understands the sword is just a weapon for killing people and he believes defeating people in battle is the only way to be a true sword master. His weapons are the Katana with a very long thin blade and the gigantic Katana which is summoned from a parallel world.

Shibata Katsuie
He is a fearless soldier who belongs to Nobunaga Oda. He tries to teach the way of the Samurai Warrior to Toshiie Maeda whom he treats as a real son throughout his battles. His weapons are two gigantic axes. His powerful attack can sweep all opponents in front of him.

About Koei Ltd.
KOEI Ltd. is a subsidiary of Japanese company KOEI Co., Ltd. and has had offices in Hertfordshire, UK since 2003. KOEI maintains operations in Japan, the US, UK, Canada, China, Korea, France, Taiwan, Singapore, and Lithuania. KOEI employs over 900 people worldwide with sales exceeding $250 million. The company constantly seeks to achieve a fine balance between entertainment, technology, art and education and provides games that will mesmerize gamers globally.

Victorious Boxers Challenge on Nintendo Wii Fact Sheet

Ubisoft presents:

Victorious Boxers Challenge

Release Date: 28th March 2008
Website: www.ubi.com/uk
Formats: Nintendo Wii

Enjoy several rounds with your friends or play through the deep and compelling Story Mode as you follow the story of Ippo Makunouchi, a high school student who is bullied by his classmates, while he tries to rise to the top of the professional boxing ranks.

Key Features:

Live a realistic boxing experience in first person view:
• Your boxing moves are replicated on the screen

Choose among 3 different control modes:
• Swing Mode: very realistic
• Pointer Mode: very precise
• Classic Controller Mode : easy to play

Improve your boxing skills:
• Battle your way up the ranks through the Story Mode to claim the Pro Boxing Championship

Enjoy the Sparring Mode with your friends:
• Variety of adjustable settings : number of rounds or KO limits

Unlock and choose your fighter among 25 different boxers:
• Each of them has his own devastating special moves

Discover a variety of stages:
• 10 different rings, from the local boxing gyms to the Las Vegas Arena

Developer: Grand Prix

Dynasty Warriors 6 Website Is Ready For Action

The Dynasty Warriors 6 Website Is Ready For Action

More Dynasty Warriors info and eye teasing visuals than you can shake a pointy spear at and free Japanese Artbooks when pre-ordered at Game website.

KOEI today launched the Dynasty Warriors 6 website ahead of the game’s release on March 7th. The website details all of the characters and new weapons along with info on every facet of the game. Learn about the new RENBU system and discover some of the new techniques that will need to mastered in order to defeat the tooled up armies that await. Discover how the new skill allocation system works and see the game in action with a multitude of exclusive videos that reveal the games stunning new character animations in spectacular fashion. 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 on March 7, 2008. The full list of playable characters, currently hidden on this site, will also be revealed on this day.

To view the site head to www.dynastywarriors6.co.uk

Dynasty Warriors 6 will also come with a free high quality Japanese Artbook when pre-ordered at Game.co.uk. This hardback collector’s item details all of the characters from the game in stunning, full page, hand drawn artwork. A fantastic addition to the game experience and completely free when pre-ordered at Game.co.uk.

About DYNASTY WARRIORS 6

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 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.

Use Your Wits to Restore the Glory of the Ancient Persian Kingdom

Use Your Wits to Restore the Glory of the Ancient Persian Kingdom

Awem studio announces the release of version 1.0 of Cradle Of Persia, an astonishing match 3 puzzle that lets you become the creator of the greatest architectural treasures of Persia. Use your wits to build some of the most amazing monuments in the Middle East history.

The Earth has known many great empires, but none of them had as many tales as Persia. The legends say it was a place of amazing architecture and culture, the land of golden palaces and almighty genii. The story of the Persian kingdom had its rises and downfalls and composed of several epochs. And it's is your destiny to guide Persian people towards prosperity and wealth with your final goal of possessing the greatest artifact you can ever imagine. You are to restore some of the most significant places on the Persian map, solving intriguing puzzles to find out what's hidden behind the sacred doors of the Cradle of Persia. And so your journey begins.

Welcome to Persepolis, this is where you start off. It's the capital of the Empire but there's little left of its former glory, the precious pearl of Persia has turned into faded ruins. The only hope to restore the noble city is to collect scattered resources presented by tiles. To do so, you need to link three or more similar tiles by clicking on the first piece and dragging cursor over the adjacent ones. But to get the job done, you also need to get rid of all marble plaques underlying some tiles. That won't be easy with all the obstacles to face with, such as chains, boxes and walls preventing tiles from sealing. There's also a timer giving extra challenge to the player.

As there are plenty of obstacles standing on your way, there are even more means to avoid them. Cradle Of Persia awards nice matching with bonuses. At first you can only use dynamite but as the game progresses you will gradually enlarge your collection up to eight bonuses, facilitating your challenge in various ways. That includes the power of lightning, hourglasses, magic wands, etc. Moreover, you can double the fun by upgrading bonuses by playing well and make series of strikes using several bonuses together.

Still, there's much more to do after you handle a puzzle. Cradle Of Persia wouldn't be so extremely addictive without the city construction part. Certain types of tiles bring you resources that may be spent on erecting various structures, each giving you some sort of advantage for the upcoming challenges. You decide how to rebuild the city and select which buildings should appear. This feature has a serious impact on the gameplay - to success in restoring the city you have to remember gathering resources even when the timer rushes fiercely.

In Cradle Of Persia, it takes a long road to fulfill your role, but the prize for your effort is great. On your path comprised of over 100 levels you will witness 7 historical epochs and reveal 20 most valuable architectural treasures of Persia, and finally, discover the secret of the Cradle of Persia. Altogether the game offers a good old match 3 entertainment with impeccable visuals and a catching background story. Make the history of Persia with your own hands. Please, try out the free trial right now from http://www.awem.com/cradle-of-persia.html.

Pricing and Availability

Cradle Of Persia runs under all versions of Windows and costs $19.95 (USD) for a single-user license. Licensed customers are entitled to the fully-functional version of the product, free technical support and free upgrades. Further information on Cradle Of Persia, as well as a free trial copy is available free of charge from http://www.awem.com/cradle-of-persia.html.

New screenshots for Combat Mission Shock Force released

We've added a new small gallery showing a selection of 15 screenshots taken from just some of the 32 (!) new Quick Battle Maps that were included in the recently released v1.07 patch, and also reflecting some of the improvements which went into the new updated demo based on the latest version of the game.

Check out the CMSF Screenshots section!

Become a dedicated BETA tester for the new BullGuard Internet Security Gamer’s Edition

BullGuard wants gamers!

BullGuard is offering gaming enthusiasts the opportunity to become dedicated BETA testers for the new BullGuard Internet Security Gamer’s Edition, a security solution designed to provide gamers online security without compromising game play.

Many gamers today either switch off their protection or are continuously frustrated by the way different security applications interrupt their game (e.g. by updating virus definitions, firewall messaging and/or excessive resource consumption).

When a popular game is launched, BullGuard Gamer’s Edition will automatically enter the game mode and activate the corresponding game profile. The game profile consists of optimised security settings specifically developed for that particular game, ensuring that game play remains smooth and secure. This means that the game mode is not merely a generic mode, but rather consists of different preconfigured game profiles to suit specific games.

BullGuard Gamer’s Edition also provides complete security when the PC is not used for gaming, allowing it to replace existing security products.

Those that would like to participate in the BETA test for BullGuard Gamer’s Edition are asked to sign up here: http://www.bullguard.com/why/bullguard-gamers-edition.aspx. Testers will receive a free subscription for the duration of the BETA test.

BETA testers will be asked to provide feedback on the product as well as make suggestions to ensure the product provides the very best solution for gamers. BullGuard will select the BETA testers from the pool of people that sign up and will reward the best testers with a free subscription to the final product.

The Gamer's Edition has been developed by BullGuard in collaboration with SteelSeries, creators of performance enhancing gaming gear.

Sony Computer Entertainment America To Unleash Kratos In Limited-Edition God Of War PSP Entertainment Pack

Sony Computer Entertainment America To Unleash Kratos In Limited-Edition God Of War PSP Entertainment Pack

Package Includes "Deep Red" PSP with Kratos Silkscreen, God of War: Chains of Olympus, Superbad on UMD Video and Voucher to Download Syphon Filter: Combat Ops

Sony Computer Entertainment America (SCEA) today announced the God of War PSP (PlayStationPortable) Entertainment Pack, a limited-edition offering that celebrates the debut of the best-selling God of War franchise on PSP. This special bundle will feature a limited-edition “Deep Red” PSP with the God of War himself, Kratos, silkscreened on the back of the unit; the highly anticipated God of War: Chains of Olympus game; the hit comedy movie from Columbia Pictures, Superbad, on UMD™ (Universal Media Disc); and a PLAYSTATION Network voucher to download the Syphon Filter: Combat Ops from the PLAYSTATION Store for free*.



“God of War is one of the biggest PlayStation franchises, and with its portable premiere on PSP just around the corner, we wanted to offer something special that would appeal to both loyal God of War fans and non-owners who want to enjoy PSP’s multi-functionality,” said Scott A. Steinberg, vice president, product marketing, SCEA. “This bundle delivers great value, starting with the ‘Deep Red’ PSP – one of the most highly sought-after colors based on our consumer research – and the Kratos silkscreen. We’re also showcasing the diverse entertainment experience PSP offers, centered on a UMD game in God of War: Chains of Olympus that’s every bit as impressive as its console sequels, a free download of IGN.com’s 2007 PSP Multiplayer Game of the Year – Syphon Filter: Combat Ops, and a box office hit movie in Superbad.”

The standalone version of God of War: Chains of Olympus launches on March 4. The God of War PSP Entertainment Pack will be available for $199.99 (MSRP) in June 2008 and includes the following components.

• “Deep Red” PSP system with an image of Kratos silkscreened on the back of the unit; this is the only time that this special PSP color will be offered in North America.

• God of War: Chains of Olympus, developed as a joint collaboration by Sony Computer Entertainment’s Worldwide Studios (WWS) Santa Monica Studios and the team that created Daxter™, Ready At Dawn® Studios, is a must-have for PSP owners, and retailer pre-order sales have been very strong. Developed from the outset as an original story, God of War: Chains of Olympus takes place before the events of the original
God of War, delivering yet another adventure in the dark and brutal world of Greek Mythology that fans of the franchise have come to know and love.

• Superbad UMD video – This 2007 box-office comedy hit from Columbia Pictures is a gut-busting coming-of-age comedy for a new generation.

• Syphon Filter: Combat Ops voucher – Download the PLAYSTATION Network exclusive title, Syphon Filter: Combat Ops, to your Memory Stick PRO Duo™ for free* with the included voucher. Developed by SCE’s WWS Bend Studios, this latest edition to critically acclaimed stealth action franchise was named the 2007 PSP Multiplayer Game of the Year by IGN.com. The title is currently available for $9.99 on PLAYSTATION Store (http://store.playstation.com).

Momentum for the PSP platform has soared since the fall 2007 launch of the slimmer and lighter PSP system and the introduction of new colors in the Daxter and Star Wars Battlefront PSP Entertainment Packs. Over the holiday season, more than 1.4 million PSP systems were sold in North America, demonstrating strong consumer interest in limited-edition bundles that combine new colors and exciting content or accessories. The God of War Entertainment Pack will build on this trend, and SCEA will support the bundle with an integrated marketing campaign that ties into the God of War: Chains of Olympus software campaign. Dedicated print, online, and direct marketing, as well as public relations support and targeted promotional opportunities, will drive the God of War Entertainment Pack campaign. SCEA will continue to offer the PSP Core Pack.

DRAGON QUEST MONSTERS: Joker on Nintendo Wii Official Website Now Live

Square Enix Ltd., the publisher of Square Enix interactive entertainment products in Europe and other PAL territories, today announces that the official website for DRAGON QUEST MONSTERS: Joker is now live. The content-packed site will let you discover more about the weird and wonderful monsters that inhabit the islands of Green Bays and also download exclusive content including wallpapers and podcasts. Best of all is an exciting web game that lets you to prove your monster hunting skills and also challenge friends with your monster collection – make sure you quest for the best as the winner of the game will win a trip to Japan for two! To join in the fun make sure to visit www.dragonquestmonstersjoker.co.uk

DRAGON QUEST MONSTERS: Joker provides the ultimate monster-hunting challenge with over 200 marauding monsters to scout and battle. Train your team to be the best by mastering countless spells and abilities, and crush all who stand in your way. You can also synthesise amazing new monsters that can develop rare new abilities.

DRAGON QUEST MONSTERS: Joker is not just about battling though. There’s a colourful 3D world full of treasures and surprises to explore. On your travels you’ll meet a cast of quirky characters that can help you make it to the top. There’s fun to be had in multiplayer and online use too. Challenge your friends and their monster teams with DS Wireless Communication, or compete against players from North America and PAL territories in the Wildcard World Cup, via the Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection.

DRAGON QUEST MONSTERS: Joker will be available across all PAL territories from 14th March 2008 exclusively on the Nintendo DS system.

About DRAGON QUEST MONSTERS: Joker

Story

Welcome to Green Bays, a cluster of mysterious islands that sparkle like jewels in the shimmering ocean! But travellers beware!
The islands are not as peaceful as they seem, for they teem with a multitude of monsters both great and small. Green Bays is also home to the famous Monster Scout Challenge. This renowned contest, held once every few years, determines who will be crowned the world’s greatest scout. The challenge is organised by the Monster Scout Organisation, whose headquarters are located on Domus Isle, which lies at the centre of the archipelago.
Now a new challenge is about to begin, and the crème de la crème of the scouting world are converging on the islands…
It is time for you to begin your quest to become the greatest monster scout in Green Bays, and in history!

Features

•Collect over 200 monsters to create the ultimate team
•Train your monster squad to be the strongest by mastering countless spells, abilities, and more. The combinations are almost endless
•Synthesise amazing new species of monsters that inherit the best abilities of their parents and perhaps some rare new skills too
•Battle other teams of monsters to see who is the best
•Explore a stunning 3D world filled with monsters, treasures and surprises. Graphics use the same techniques as seen in •DRAGON QUEST: The Journey of the Cursed King
•Challenge friends and their monster teams via DS Wireless Communication
•Compare your team and compete against players from North America and PAL territories in the Wildcard World Cup, available via the Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection
•The DRAGON QUEST “big three” – comprising series creator Yuji Horii, legendary manga artist Akira Toriyama, and renowned composer Koichi Sugiyama – come together once again to create an unforgettable gaming experience

WWII comes to America as Turning Point: Fall of Liberty ships to U.S. stores

WWII comes to America as Turning Point: Fall of Liberty ships to U.S. stores.

Now shipping in the U.S.; UK launch fixed for March 14th.

Presenting explosive action in a unique and provocative World War II scenario, Turning Point: Fall of Liberty, the alternate reality shooter from Spark Unlimited, is now shipping to U.S. retail stores nationwide Codemasters announced today; the title’s UK launch will follow on March 14th .

Pitching gamers into a WWII like no other, Turning Point: Fall of Liberty is set in an alternate 1953 where, following the fall of Europe, Nazi forces launch an invasion on the gateway to the United States. Opening with decimating attack on New York, players assume the role of construction worker Dan Carson caught in the middle of the blitzkrieg.

As the city is taken block by block, players must survive the initial assault before regrouping with a team of resistance workers and lead a fight back against the oppressors. With the Third Reich’s sights set on the seat of government, the action takes players to Washington D.C. and, eventually, to a startlingly different London, which has been flying the Swastika under Nazi rule for over a decade.

Prepare to fight afresh on these very different WWII battlegrounds when Turning Point: Fall of Liberty arrives for the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, the PLAYSTATION 3 computer entertainment system and Games for Windows. See Carson in action and join the resistance online at www.turningpointgame.com

Sony Computer Entertainment America Introduces Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots PS3 Bundle Available In Late Q2 2008 In North America

At its annual retail and publisher conference Destination PlayStation, Sony Computer Entertainment America (SCEA) announced details of upcoming PLAYSTATION 3 (PS3) and PSP (PlayStation Portable) (PSP-2000) hardware bundles with two of the most highly anticipated 2008 titles. The company also announced the April 2008 availability of DUALSHOCK 3 wireless controller in North America.

To coincide with the much-anticipated North American launch of Metal Gear Solid®4: Guns of the Patriots in late Q2 2008, SCEA will introduce a PS3 bundle, which will include an 80GB PS3, the upcoming blockbuster Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots and a DUALSHOCK 3 wireless controller for $499 (MSRP).

“Working closely with our retail and publishing partners and sharing our hardware and software roadmaps at Destination PlayStation gives us a great opportunity to outline some key milestones for the year. In response to incredible demand, we will be manufacturing more 80GB PS3s for North America and the Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots 80GB PS3 bundle is an ideal way to offer that continued value to our consumers,” said Jack Tretton, president and CEO, SCEA. “With Blu-ray having won the format war, our stellar software line-up and a broad product portfolio, we will continue to drive the incredible momentum we’ve been generating since last fall.”

SCEA will introduce the DUALSHOCK 3 wireless controller for the first time in North America in April 2008 for $54.95 (MSRP). DUALSHOCK 3, which incorporates both rumble and motion sensing SIXAXIS technologies, maintains the award-winning design and precise, responsive features of PlayStation controllers. The added rumble feature, combined with the SIXAXIS system, enhances the gamer experience with more interactive, intuitive and immersive game play experience and will work with more than 100 current PS3 titles.

In additional news coming from Destination PlayStation, SCEA announced Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots will be available in North America in late Q2 2008. A Metal Gear Online “Starter Pack” will also be launched to support online game play. Gamers can select a single player experience or take the action online with up to 16 players and battle it out using the latest weapons and stealth techniques. For those eager to take on Solid Snake’s nemesis, Liquid Ocelot, a nationwide pre-sell promotion will enable gamers to pre-order Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots and be guaranteed access to a multiplayer beta test for Metal Gear Online scheduled for late April.

NINTENDO DS ON ICE!

New ice dancing simulation game Princess on Ice on Nintendo DS across Europe.

Princess on Ice sees you jump, spin and pirouette your way to fame as you follow the fortunes of Kelly, Gabrielle, Alyssa and Madison - four young ice dancers. Plucked from obscurity by a mysterious dance trainer our heroines are trained and in turn audition for the Princess on Ice Tournament, the most prestigious ice dancing event of the year. Follow the girls through their journey as they dance their way through the world’s premier ice skating stadiums perfecting all the moves and striving to impress the judges. Do our four dancers have what it takes to be crowned ‘Princess on Ice’?

The game play is based around rhythm and action using the stylus to follow dance prompts on the lower screen. Tap circles before the time runs out to skate, follow arrows as quickly as you can to spin, touch matching shapes as they meet to jump and tap shapes before they disappear to step. Your skater will react on the upper screen to how well you are doing in the game. Drop too far down the ‘heat’ meter and she will stumble losing valuable points with the judges.

In addition to all the ice dancing fun you can totally customise your character with fashionable accessories, clothing and headwear. There are hundreds of different combinations across the four characters giving a unique look for each. As you progress through the game you will also be rewarded with a whole host of un-lockable extras including new levels, accessories, special moves and storylines adding yet more life and fun into the game.

Princess on Ice will be published by 505 Games for Nintendo DS in April 2008.

iZ3D Sponsors 3D Monitor Prize for the CGArena.com Ancient Times 3D Digital Art Challenge

iZ3D Sponsors 3D Monitor Prize for the CGArena.com Ancient Times 3D Digital Art Challenge

One Talented Graphic Artist Can Win the Grand Prize of an iZ3D Monitor Plus Four 3D Digital Art Software Packages Valued at $7323; Second Place is valued at $1164.

iZ3D, LLC, designer, developer, and marketer of advanced 3D visualization systems, is pleased to announce that its 22-inch widescreen 3D monitor is among the five Grand Prize sponsors for the CGArena.com “Ancient Times” 3D Challenge. The contest began on February 15, 2008 and ends April 28, 2008. Contestants are to create a 3D image that addresses any city, culture, war, mystery etc. in the theme of Ancient Times.

“The commercial 3D image quality of the iZ3D monitor is an ideal solution for graphic artists to view their 3D art in actual 3D as they’re creating it. Many digital artists are embracing the new 3D graphics and video software programs in response to the growing 3D trend. So why design 3D objects on a flat 2D monitor? Our monitors offer smart capabilities so they can easily hot switch between 2D and 3D viewing to see their work in either dimension,” remarked Thomas Striegler, CEO of iZ3D, LLC.
Contest entries must be based on a time period that is at least 60 years old, but contestants can show time period from a current viewpoint. The challenge is a WIP (Work in Progress) Challenge. The purpose of a work in progress challenge is that everyone involved learns from the experience. The community offers critiques and everyone benefits from the discussions. Each challenger is required to regularly submit Work In Progress (WIP) images, from initial concept sketches to the final render.

"CGArena.com firmly believes in the intensity 3D graphics can bring to the viewer. Adding the iZ3D monitor to our other four 3D software prizes shows how popular designing in 3D has become, commented Ashish Rastogi, CEO of CGArena.com. “This is our 14th challenge contest. Our contests have consistently grown in size and there are already over 110 entries in our current challenge,” he added.

The iZ3D 22" monitor offers the first S-3D drivers to be compatible with popular dual output cards, including the NVIDIA GeForce 8 Series and the ATI FireGL V3600 workstation graphics accelerator. These drivers also are optimized to take advantage of Intel’s latest Core 2 Duo and Intel Core 2 Quad processor technologies. iZ3D also features drivers that support Microsoft DirectX 8 and 9 graphics in both Windows XP and Microsoft Windows Vista.

iZ3D developed this unique technology to create an adjustable 3D environment without causing eyestrain, spatial disorientation, or headaches. In 3D mode, viewers can see bright, sharp 3D images and video simply by wearing a pair of iZ3D passive polarized glasses.

Most current PC’s equipped with a dual-output video card easily power the unit. Specifications include: 1680 x 1050 resolution; up to 170-degree 3D viewing angle; 5ms response time; 700:1 contrast ratio; and 16.7-million colors. The iZ3D 22” widescreen, 3D gaming monitor is available now via newegg.com or the iZ3D.com website for $799.00.

Running With Scissors Previews POSTAL III At Game Developers Conference

Running With Scissors Previews POSTAL III At Game Developers Conference

Next-Gen Edition of Classic Franchise Elicits Raves fromVideo Game Press and Mainstream Publishers

Running With Scissors (RWS) broke with tradition this year and took a meeting room at the Game Developers Conference (GDC) in order to showcase the first public viewing of a demo for the long-awaited POSTAL III, “just like normal, loveable developers,” declared RWS CEO and world class charmer, Vince Desi.

POSTAL III running on Valve’s SOURCE engine was presented as an Xbox 360 demo, with both major and mid level publishers expressing strong interest in acquiring the World Wide rights to the game.

This time out, however, both publishers and the press enjoyed and respected the franchise’s history and durability, as well POSTAL III’s ongoing joy at being a first-rate action adventure as well as a sharp-witted comedic expression aimed directly down the throat of Political Correctness. “This is no longer a teens-only zone,” Desi explained in reference to the video game marketplace. “And mainstream companies were willing to look at POSTAL III objectively, with the major publishers strongly supporting the idea of a PS3 sku in addition to the 360 and PC editions.”

The game press was similarly impressed. Brad Hilderbrand from WorthPlaying.com declared: “"POSTAL III promises to be one of the most twisted, hilarious, and depraved games I've ever seen... and I can't wait to get my hands on it."

"They say the demo is about 1% of the finished product... and it's STILL funny,” wrote Abbie Heppe on J2Games.com. “You can play [as] a model citizen, a somewhat worse citizen or a truly awful one. However the game penalizes you for making blatantly amoral choices. Pedestrians, cops... even the army will try to stop you if you become a one-man killing machine. AWESOME."

Other journalists, including Patrick Shaw from Gamepro and Chris Faylor, editor at shacknews.com, agreed with that assessment. And for the first time in its notorious ten year history, “the world’s most dangerous video game company” was given props for producing a game that promises not only the expected assault on the bastions of political correctness but a game that is state of the art in terms of both design and execution.

“This GDC for RWS was different,” Desi marveled. “It was inspiring! We showed the world of publishers, press, and, most importantly, gamers the console premier of POSTAL III. It has been an uphill battle since the press and others have consistently misrepresented the franchise’s content. POSTAL was, is and always will be an Action Comedy Adventure! Ten years of fan support, over one million copies sold, and now POSTAL III is running on the Xbox 360. Do I hear PS3?”

Xbox LIVE wins Arcade Awards For Castlevania: Symphony Of The Night

Other Ocean Interactive Wins Xbox LIVE Arcade Awards For Castlevania: Symphony Of The Night

Prince Edward Island Studio Begins Legacy of High-Quality Award-Winning Games with its First Title

Other Ocean Interactive, the leading Prince Edward Island-based videogame development studio, announced today that Castlevania: Symphony of Night has won two Xbox Live Arcade Awards. The title developed by Other Ocean and published by Konami Digital Entertainment won awards for Best Classic Game, and Highest-Rated Game from Microsoft at this year's Game Developers Conference in San Francisco.

"To win 2 out of 10 of the awards with a single title in the inaugural year of the Xbox Live Arcade Awards is an honor and a testament to the hard work and commitment to quality of our team," said Deirdre Ayre, studio head of Other Ocean Interactive. "Creating the game in Prince Edward Island signals the growing influence of Atlantic Canada within the game development industry as we continue to attract top-tier talent to the region to work on marquee titles."

Castlevania: Symphony of the Night for Xbox Live Arcade was Ocean Interactive's first released title, and has already received Editor's Choice Awards from IGN, TeamXbox, and Game Chronicles. The game had an unprecedented 100% of its reviews scoring over 80% on both metacritic.com and gamerankings.com. It had 23 reviews featured on Gamerankings.com with 13 of the 23 reviews scoring the game above 90 percent for an average of 93%.

Gameloft Launches "Bubble Bash" video game for Apple iPod

Gameloft Launches "Bubble Bash" for iPod

Gameloft, a leading publisher and developer of video games for mobile phones, today announced that "Bubble Bash", a tropical island puzzle game is now available on the iTunes Store (www.itunes.com) for players to purchase and download on the new iPod nano, iPod classic and fifth generation iPod. "Bubble Bash" is available immediately for purchase for $4.99.

“'Bubble Bash' has been a massive hit for Gameloft and we’re thrilled to bring this fun, exciting puzzle game to the iPod,” explains Gonzague de Vallois, senior vice president of publishing, Gameloft. “The success of the game goes to show how original titles can really enhance and create a fresh experience in gaming for iPod owners who seek entertainment on the go.”

"Bubble Bash" has been one of Gameloft's most popular original titles, joining the million mark club. iPod owners can now join characters, Malia and Kale in their quest for treasure in an island paradise. Players can explore a vibrant tropical island, from the beach to the rainforest, in this exciting puzzle game. The game lets players toss multi-colored bubbles into the sky to pop three or more of the same color by simply aiming and firing into the cluster before it drops or time runs out. "Bubble Bash" is guaranteed to captivate audiences as it features more than 100 evolving levels that lead to new treasures. Players also face challenging opponents such as angry monkeys, spiders and parrots that try to keep you from reaching your goal. Bubble Bash is an ideal game for the iPod and will appeal to fans of all ages.