Evolution GT - pure racing experience on Nintendo DS

"Evolution GT": pure racing experience!

It costs less than a real track day yet and promises amazing speed and fun in some of the best GT cars you'll ever get your hands on.

VareseBlack Bean, a leading European publisher, is pleased to announce "Evolution GT", a new exciting racing game coming exclusively to Nintendo DS in June 2008.

Featuring 5 different game modes (Quick Race, Time Attack, Career, Championship, wireless Multiplayer), Evolution GT gives players control of officially licensed GT cars, including the Corvette Z06, Mercedes-Benz SLK, TVR T 350, Audi A4 Touring Car and unleashes them on fascinating tracks in 8 different environments (London, Milan, Barcelona, Cote d'Azur, Corsic Island, Scottish Highlands, Berlin, Tuscany Hills). Evolution GT also supports the DS rumble pak.

The Career mode is the heart and soul of the game. It allows gamers to experience four immersive seasons in the career of a rising race driver, across 4 difficulty levels: Rookie, Amateur, Pro and Veteran. Choosing Championship mode, further cars and tracks can be unlocked and then used in Quick Race mode. Multiplayer mode enables up to 4 players to go head-to-head in races, via game sharing.

Instant action, compelling gameplay, speed, high quality graphics and sound effects, make "Evolution GT" a totally new racing experience on the Nintendo handheld console!

Title: Evolution GT
Format: Nintendo DS
Developer: Firebrand Games
Publisher: Black Bean
Release date: June 23rd 2008

OPOONA, KOEI'S RPG FOR Nintendo Wii IN STORES NOW

OPOONA, KOEI'S ROLE-PLAYING GAME FOR Wii IN STORES NOW

Opoona is Ready to Take You on an Out-of-this-World Role-Playing Adventure

KOEI, recognized worldwide as the premier brand of strategy and action games, today announced that Opoona, a new Role-Playing Game (RPG) exclusively for Wii is available now in store and online through retailers across North America including: Amazon.com, Game Crazy, Gamefly, and GameStop.

About Opoona
While on an interplanetary family vacation, the young boy Opoona crash lands on Planet Landroll after his family’s spaceship is involved in a mysterious accident. Separated from his family, Opoona is forced to live alone. On the planet, Opoona must find a job, search for his siblings, and defend himself and the people of Landroll against creatures known as the Dark Rogues. Luckily for Opoona, he is the descendant of a long line of warriors known as the Cosmo Guards. Thus, Opoona’s adventure begins as he struggles to establish a new life and reunite his family.

The game’s action-oriented battle system lets players use powerful “Energy Bonbons” against their enemies. Using just the Nunchuk, players can manipulate an Energy Bonbon’s trajectory in a number of different ways. All of Opoona’s commands are also controlled by the Nunchuk, to allow a complete “single-hand control” of the game.

The gameplay in Opoona is not just about battling; it is a “Lifestyle RPG.” As Opoona, players must adapt to a new environment, meet new people, and contribute to society through work, all while becoming aware of the precious world and people around him. As the game progresses, Opoona will develop relationships and uncover a broader range of activities including new jobs and clues to new adventures.

The unique characters and a modern fantasy world created by Art Director, Shintaro Majima, are sure to fascinate gamers. From futuristic buildings to ancient ruins and strange rock formations in the wild, the world of Opoona is a remarkable fusion of both contemporary design and whimsical fantasy.

Developed by ArtePiazza, the team behind four installments of the best-selling DRAGON QUEST series of RPGs, Opoona showcases the talent of some of today’s most creative game designers including: Art Director Shintaro Majima, Planning Director Sachiko Sugimura, and Composer Hitoshi Sakimoto, acclaimed for his contribution to the FINAL FANTASY XII soundtrack.

Opoona is rated “E10+” (Everyone 10+ - Mild Fantasy Violence, Mild Language, Suggestive Themes) by the Entertainment Software Ratings Board. Opoona is a single player game.

Portal of Divination Uncovered - Official website for Europa Universalis Rome

Portal of Divination Uncovered

Official website for Europa Universalis Rome

Once more the courageous envoys from Paradox Interactive brave savage lands bringing exciting news from afar. They tell of a mysterious discovery, sent by the gods, forged in the depths of Elysium - A Portal of Divination.

Here the latest information on the eagerly anticipated grand strategy game, Europa Universalis: Rome will be revealed. Journey to the site to read the latest news and articles, review game and retail information, and view unseen mosaics (screenshots) and more.

All citizens of importance should make their way to this place: http://www.paradoxplaza.com/rome Ten new screens on the website.

Release: April 2008
Suggested retail price: 39.99 USD/ 39.99 EUR

Warhamme Online - Age Of Reckoning Collector's Edition

GOA And EA Announce Warhammer Online: Age Of Reckoning Collector's Edition

The Ultimate Warhammer Online Experience Includes Exclusive Miniature, Original Graphic Novel, Bonus Quests and Rewards, Art Book, and More

The Collector's Edition, a premium, limited run edition of EA Mythic’s massively multiplayer online role-playing game will be packed with bonus in-game content and unique collectibles unavailable elsewhere, including an exclusive Games Workshop miniature. The recommended retail price is 79.90€ and those who pre-order the product will receive additional exclusives. Only 55,000 copies of the Collector’s Edition will be produced for Europe and the pre-order program will begin the 26th March 2008.

“Collecting has been a part of the Warhammer hobby experience for 25 years, and this special Collector’s Edition continues the tradition with exclusive offerings, including an official Games Workshop miniature,” said Mark Jacobs, VP and General Manager, EA Mythic. “We are bringing the quintessential elements of Warhammer – tabletop miniatures, incredible fantasy art, and delightfully grim fiction – along with exciting in-game bonus content, together in what is sure to be one of the premier Collector’s Editions of all time.”

"We are very happy to offer the Warhammer Online: Age of Reckoning Collector’s Edition to European gamers," said Ghislaine Le Rhun, Executive Director of GOA. "We hope that Warhammer fans will be delighted and that they will play a part in this upcoming adventure with GOA and EA Mythic ! "

The WAR Collector’s Edition will include:

EXCLUSIVE GAMES WORKSHOP MINIATURE – GRUMLOK AND GAZBAG
From the Age of Reckoning to your tabletop battle! Based on original characters from the MMORPG and designed by Games Workshop specifically for the Collector’s Edition, this official Warhammer metal miniature depicts the Greenskin warboss, Grumlok, and his shaman, Gazbag, in rich detail. Feel the WAAAGH!

ORIGINAL GRAPHIC NOVEL – WARHAMMER ONLINE: AGE OF RECKONING PRELUDE TO WAR
The forces of Order and Destruction collide under the Chaos moon! Commissioned exclusively for the Collector’s Edition, WARHAMMER ONLINE: AGE OF RECKONING PRELUDE TO WAR is a full-colour, 128-page hardcover graphic novel that sets the stage for the start of the game. Written by acclaimed Games Workshop writer Graham McNeill, the oversized book is richly illustrated by Chad Hardin, Joe Abraham, Rahsan Ekedal, Tony Parker, and Kevin Hopgood. Each of the graphic novel’s six chapters tells a unique story about the armies in the game, and together they detail the events leading up to the Age of Reckoning:

ART BOOK - THE ART OF WARHAMMER ONLINE
A stunning collection of the art that gave birth to the Age of Reckoning! THE ART OF WARHAMMER ONLINE is a 224-page hardcover collection of original art from the game. Each of the glossy, full-color pages showcases the talented work of our concept artists and offers a glimpse of a world in the making.

EUROPEAN EXCLUSIVE - MOUSEPAD
Only for European purchasers, a unique gaming mousepad will be available in the Collector’s Edition.

BONUS IN-GAME CONTENT – THE LIBRAMS OF INSIGHT
Wisdom is its own reward. Readers of the Librams of Insight are granted special insight into their own actions and earn experience at a higher rate for a limited time. (+10% XP modifier for 60 minutes, 3 uses, 90 minute reuse timer.)

BONUS IN-GAME CONTENT – QUESTS, REWARDS, AND TITLES
New adventures and just rewards await players on the battlefields of WAR! Purchasers of the Collector’s Edition will begin their adventures in the Age of Reckoning with twelve (12) bonus quests awaiting them in their Tome of Knowledge. Each quest offers an exciting in-game reward, as well as a character title, to those that complete the challenges before them.

BONUS IN-GAME CONTENT – CHARACTER HEADS
Stand out from the crowd with a look unlike anyone else! The WAR Collector’s Edition includes twelve (12) bonus heads for additional character customisation options. Each race gets a truly distinctive look (with male and female versions) that is sure to turn heads on the battlefields and be the envy of everyone in the army.

With the pre order box of the Collector's Edition, which has a recommended retail price of 9.90€ ( deductable from the full Collector's Edition retail price), players will also receive:
Access to the open beta: be one of the first players to experience the glory of battle and the thrill of WAR!
A live game headstart: begin your adventures in the Age of Reckoning before the raw recruits arrive!

Plus exclusive bonus in game content:

In partnership with retailers and e-merchants, all pre-order customers will receive:

Rittenbach’s Portable Camp: to rest the weary soul and heal the wounds between battles.
And either Sentinel’s amber band (retailer exclusive): to enhance the stats and cast "Touch of Earth," increasing the chance of doing additional corporeal damage with each hit. (Usable in PvE combat only.)

Or Guardians’ Iolite Band (e-merchant exclusive) : to enhance the stats and cast "Touch of Spirit," increasing the chance of doing additional spiritual damage with each hit. (Usable in PvE combat only.)

For more information about the Warhammer Online: Age of Reckoning Collector’s Edition, the bonus in-game content, and the European pre-order offer,visit www.war-europe.com/collectorsedition/

Based on Games Workshop’s epic and longstanding tabletop fantasy war game, Warhammer Online features revolutionary Realm vs. Realm (RvR) gameplay that immerses players in a world of perpetual conflict. Warhammer Online: Age of Reckoning is scheduled for launch on the PC in the Fall of 2008.

Look forward to Summer's with SingStar Summer Party on Sony PlayStation 2

Summer's almost here and so is SingStarTM Summer Party!

It's packed with summer hits past and present for your PlayStation 2

www.singstargame.com is the only place to share the experience!

Roll on summer - the weather’s good, the nights are long, it’s the perfect time to get everyone together for a party - and SingStar’s going to be right there with you. SingStar™ Summer Party for PlayStation®2 (PS2™) is arriving this April with 30 great tracks that are just perfect for those hot summer nights. We’re talking about classic songs and videos that just capture that summer feeling: tracks from Blondie, Rihanna, David Bowie, Klaxons and Peter Andre to name just a few.

With a track list bursting with feel-good favourites, your SingStar Summer Party will turn even the most reluctant guest into a stage worthy Show stopper - there really is something for everyone to enjoy as you sing your way through all these great hits:

1. Adele - Chasing Pavements
   
2. Amy Winehouse - Tears Dry On Their Own
   
3. Blondie - The Tide is High
   
4. Blur - Girls & Boys
   
5. Booty - Luv Shine
   
6. Chesney Hawkes - The One & Only
   
7. David Bowie - Let's Dance
   
8. Diana Ross - I'm Coming Out
   
9. Dirty Pretty Things - Bang Bang You're Dead
   
10. Dodgy - Good Enough
    
11. Elton John - I'm Still Standing
    
12. Five Star - System Addict
    
13. Girls Aloud - Call The Shots
    
14. Kaiser Chiefs - I Predict A Riot
    
15. Klaxons - It's Not Over Yet
    
16. KT Tunstall - Suddenly I See
    
17. Lou Bega - Mambo No. 5 (A Little Bit Of...)
    
18. Madness - House of Fun
    
19. Mel & Kim - Respectable
    
20. Mika - Big Girl (You Are Beautiful)
    
21. Peter Andre - Mysterious Girl
    
22. Plain White Ts - Hey There Delilah
    
23. Pulp - Disco 2000
    
24. Razorlight - In The Morning
    
25. Rihanna - Umbrella
    
26. Sugababes - Red Dress
    
27. Texas - Summer Son
    
28. Toto - Hold The Line
    
29. Wham! - Club Tropicana
    
30. Yazz - The Only Way Is Up
    

So, send out those invites and call up your entourage - it’s the perfect excuse to host your very own SingStar summer party - and with all your favourite tracks on one disc, you’ll never want the party to end. And it doesn’t have to end there! You can capture and upload your videos to the SingStar website at www.singstargame.com for all your friends to tag and watch – and for you to relive your finest hour.

With a summer classic for every party guest, SingStar Summer Party is a must for your SingStar collection, whether you’re into indoor house parties or outdoor summer barbies. Let’s get in tune for summer!

Be the first to play Nintendo Wii - Mario Kart Wii at Games stores

Be amongst the first in the World to play Mario Kart Wii at a GAME store near you!

Start your engines and get racing in the Mario Kart Grand Wii tournament for your chance to win great prizes including your very own Mario Kart VW Beetle Convertible

To celebrate the launch of Mario Kart Wii, Nintendo and GAME are challenging the nation to take part in the Mario Kart Grand Wii, a tournament set to find the country’s best Mario Kart driver. Keen drivers will be first off the grid, trialling the new game before it goes on sale anywhere in the world and could win themselves their own Mario Kart VW Beetle Convertible.

Thirty GAME stores across the UK will be opening their doors to fans old and new of one of the world’s best loved racing games from Saturday 5th April. Heats will be taking place at each of the specially selected GAME stores throughout the day and the finalist from each location will go forward to race for a chance to win a Mario Kart Wii inspired VW Beetle Convertible.

Prizes up for grabs at GAME stores include copies of the game and £250 of ‘Experience Vouchers’ for activities including Karting, Paintballing, Quad Biking and other action packed family adventures. In addition, each GAME store will feature its own prize draw with the winner receiving a Mario Kart Gift Card worth £50 to spend in-store! The ‘Grand Wii’ final will take place at an exclusive racing day event at Mercedes-Benz World, Brooklands, Surrey on the 12th April which will see a winner cross the finish line and claim their prize.

You may think you’ve been racing as the Mushroom Kingdom’s finest for a long time, but now there’s a new racer in town: Your Mii! Put your Mii behind the wheel and take on all comers! For those who want to get into the game even more, Mario Kart Wii comes packed with the Wii Wheel. Shaped like a steering wheel, you place the Wii Remote inside the Wii Wheel’s casing and get ready to ride! In addition to the Wii Remote, you can also use the Wii Remote and Nunchuk controllers in combo, or use a GameCube Controller to take those tight turns and challenges Mario Kart Wii throws at you.

Those looking for world ranking domination can take on up to 11 players simultaneously worldwide using the Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection service which will offer them the chance to race other players across the globe in a nail-biting contest of speed and skill! Prefer to keep the rivalry a little closer to home? Try the Multiplayer Mode, in which up to four people will be able to challenge each other in the comfort of their own living room, bringing the on screen excitement into a whole new dimension.

MARIO KART GRAND Wii EVENT DETAILS:

WHEN: Saturday 5th April 2008

WHERE: GAME Stores at the following locations:

• MANCHESTER Unit 59 Arndale Centre
  
• TRAFFORD 124 Peel Centre Trafford Centre
  
• BOURNEMOUTH Unit 4, Avenue Centre Commercial Road
  
• PORSTMOUTH 226 Commercial Road Portsmouth
  
• STEVENAGE Unit 4A The Forum
  
• MERRYHILL Unit 87, Lower Mall Merryhill Shopping Centre
  
• READING Unit 18 Oracle Shopping Centre
  
• BASINGSTOKE Unit 15 Festival Place
  
• BRAEHEAD Unit 57 Braehead Shopping Centre Kings Inch Rd
  
• GLASGOW 146 Sauchiehall Street Glasgow
  
• MILTON KEYNES 15 Crown Walk Milton Keynes
  
• NOTTINGHAM Unit 308A Victoria Centre
  
• LEEDS 50-52 Albion Street Leeds
  
• LUTON 142-144 Arndale Centre Luton
  
• CHELTENHAM Unit A 100/104 High Street
  
• CRIBBS CAUSEWAY Unit LR53 Cribbs Causeway
  
• CARDIFF 92 Queen Street Cardiff
  
• NEWCASTLE FENWICKS (GAME CONCESSION) 39 Northumberland Street Newcastle
  
• GATESHEAD
  

• METRO CENTRE 17 Red Pathway Metro Centre
  
• BLACKBURN 10-12 Market Way Blackburn
  
• WIGAN 27 Standish Gate Wigan
  
• HANLEY 214-215 The Potteries Hanley
  
• LONDON HAMLEYS 188-196 Regent Street London
  
• LONDON 100 Oxford Street London
  
• THURROCK Unit 106 Lakeside Shopping Centre
  
• ROMFORD Unit 15 Liberty 2 Centre
  
• TAUNTON 45-46 Fore Street Taunton
  
• EDINBURGH 127 Princes Street Edinburgh
  
• DUNDEE 51 Murraygate Dundee
  
• KINGSTON-UPON-THAMES 3rd Floor The Bentalls Center
  

Mario Kart Wii launches in the UK on the 11th April at the estimated retail price of £35

POSTAL video game to be shown at special screenings in major US cities

Screenings for POSTAL Movie Slated for New York and Chicago

Tribeca Film Center to Host NY Preview on April 1

Prior to its long-awaited national rollout on May 23, Uwe Boll’s cinematic rendition of Running With Scissors’ POSTAL video game franchise will be shown at special screenings in major American cities, starting with New York and Chicago.

The Big Apple preview will take place at 8PM (EST), April 1st at the Tribeca Film Center (founded by Robert DeNiro and Jane Rosenthal and home to the famous Tribeca Film Festival). “As a born-and-bred New York boy, I’m really looking forward to this event,” admitted Running With Scissors CEO Vince Desi. “I’m very happy with what Uwe has done with this film, so I’m proud to see it showcased in my home town. Plus I get some good pizza and Italian ice.”

Desi and auteur de farce Uwe Boll will both be bringing along their egos for a Q&A following the screening. The kings of multi-media controversy will take unscreened questions from the audience. The Chicago screening will follow on Thursday, April 3rd, 7PM (CST) at the Lake Street Screening Room at 70 E Lake St.

RWS is offering New York-based fans a chance to win one of five pairs of guest tickets to the Tribeca screening through a Facebook promotion. Anyone who joins the POSTAL Facebook Fan Page and leaves a wall post related to the film before March 28th is eligible to win.

The poster included with this press release is the second in an ongoing series of Running With Scissors one-sheet style movie posters being produced to celebrate the release of Postal-The Movie.

For more information on the upcoming POSTAL Movie, Postal games and gear, as well as updates on the development of POSTAL III visit our new expanded site www.gopostal.com and be sure to visit PostalNation.net for in-depth coverage of the RWS scene.

Latest UK video games charts

CHARTTRACK WEEKLY CHARTS

All formats

(Full price) Week ending 22 March 2008

1 TOM CLANCY'S RAINBOW SIX: VEGAS 2 UBISOFT
2 MARIO & SONIC AT THE OLYMPIC GAMES SEGA
3 GUITAR HERO III: LEGENDS OF ROCK ACTIVISION
4 CALL OF DUTY 4: MODERN WARFARE ACTIVISION
5 ARMY OF TWO ELECTRONIC ARTS
6 FIFA 08 ELECTRONIC ARTS
7 SEGA SUPERSTARS TENNIS SEGA
8 PRO EVOLUTION SOCCER 2008 KONAMI
9 BULLY: SCHOLARSHIP EDITION TAKE 2
10 COOKING MAMA 2 505 GAMES
11 THE SIMPSONS GAME ELECTRONIC ARTS
12 ASSASSIN'S CREED UBISOFT
13 NEW SUPER MARIO BROS. NINTENDO
14 NEED FOR SPEED: PROSTREET ELECTRONIC ARTS
15 MX VS ATV UNTAMED THQ
16 BURNOUT PARADISE ELECTRONIC ARTS
17 WWE SMACKDOWN VS RAW 2008 THQ
18 FIFA STREET 3 ELECTRONIC ARTS
19 FRONTLINES: FUEL OF WAR THQ
20 HALO 3 MICROSOFT

Little Sky - is now available to all Zu players!

Zu Online: Little Sky Open Now

The Zu team is happy to announce the long-awaited, highly anticipated scene “Little Sky” is now available to all Zu players!

“Little Sky” is a Xanadu surrounded by dense fog all year around. Nearby the tranquil lake there’s a lotus pavilion. It was originally built for Boulder Immortal, but now it is used to keep the 7 Seven Northern Immortals trapped. Although Little Sky is very small, the amount of wonder and magic there are unsurpassed. The way there is on a twisting cloud path that winds through the silent bamboo forest and Starfalling Cliff. Most of the monsters in Little Sky are approximately levels 140 to 180 and there are also many new treasures to be found including precious items and top equipment.

Below is some brief introduction to the main immortals living in Little Sky who you may encounter when doing a quest.
Fairy Yaogan: a wise and beautiful female immortal, but can show weakness when it comes to her feelings.

Immortal Tanqian: this powerful immortal is always seen carrying his magical hourglass. Inside the sand inside drops endlessly away, whilst the purpose of the item may not be certain it is said to be very important.

Cheen: One of the three highest immortals in the Purple Mansion, the precious treasure that he carries in his hand has the power to frighten Monsters away by sight alone.

Snow Beast: an inhabitant of Sky Pot, it can fly freely in the sky.
Sky Pot Guardian: The Boulder Immortal created this stone mechanism to protect the Sky Sand Pot.

Lyre Envoy: This envoy has the ability to use his musical instrument to increase the morale of the other immortals. However, due to his mercilessly hard practice over the ages, he has become both deaf and blind.

More from Zu

New Resident Evil 5 games footage appears in Japan

That Resident Evil 5 footage Capcom promised for some time this week made it into the new issue of Famitsu as planned. Here's a report on what the Japanese are getting in this week's issue of their biggest games publication.

Rather than a new trailer, the DVD provides just a few minutes of off-screen footage of the game being played in the background of an interview with producer Jun Takeuchi. In addition to the gameplay sequences, the DVD also provides a glimpse at some of the development tools being used to create the models for the game.

More from IGN here...

World of Warcraft legal battle over WOW bot with automated actions

The makers of World of Warcraft are locked in a legal battle with a firm that has produced a tool to automate many actions in the virtual world.

Blizzard is suing Michael Donnelly, the creator of the MMO Glider program, which performs key tasks in the game automatically, such as fighting.

Both sides have submitted legal summaries to a court in Arizona.

Blizzard says Glide is a software bot which infringes the company's copyright and potentially damages the game.

In its legal submission to the court last week, the firm said: "Blizzard's designs expectations are frustrated, and resources are allocated unevenly, when bots are introduced into the WoW universe, because bots spend far more time in-game than an ordinary player would and consume resources the entire time."

More from the BBC site

Help test Quake Live Beta test Quake Live website access sign up here

ID software offer - Help test Quake Live - Beta test Quake Live website access

Enter your email address to sign-up for the QUAKE LIVE Beta Program. 

Beta testers are given early access to the QUAKE LIVE website and game, and will help us test all of the game's features and functionality while offering feedback and suggestions. 

Simply enter your email address to apply, but please note that entering does not guarantee participation in the beta program.

Access the beta test site here

Crisis Core - Final fantasy VII on Sony PlayStation 3 and PSP

Square Enix, Inc., the publisher of Square Enix interactive entertainment products in North America, announced that CRISIS CORE -FINAL FANTASY VII-, the much awaited prequel to one of the most influential titles in video-gaming history, has shipped to North American.

Before Cloud and Sephiroth’s now legendary confrontation and the ensuing battle that captivated millions of gamers worldwide, there was Zack Fair and his simple yet whole-hearted ambition to become a SOLDIER 1st Class. Players will now discover what was hitherto left untold, as they journey through the exciting and intriguing world of CRISIS CORE - FINAL FANTASY VII -, developed exclusively for the PSP (PlayStationPortable) system. Offering a compelling narrative coupled with breathtaking graphics and an action-packed battle system, this latest entry in the COMPILATION OF FINAL FANTASY VII series is sure to captivate both fans of the original FINAL FANTASY VII and newcomers alike.

Seven years prior to the events of FINAL FANTASY VII

The Shinra Company is rapidly increasing its influence through its monopoly on mako energy and military might. With the burgeoning city of Midgar as its base and symbol of prosperity, Shinra is on the verge of establishing absolute dominance over the world. SOLDIER is a group of skilled combat operatives within Shinra. The elite within the group—those strong enough to be deemed SOLDIER 1st Class—are respected and idolized by the citizenry.

Zack is a young SOLDIER 2nd Class who aspires to become a 1st. He spends his days carrying out assignments under the guidance of his 1st Class mentor, Angeal. During an operation in Wutai, a large number of SOLDIER members, led by 1st Class operative Genesis, go missing. The severity of the situation prompts Shinra executives to deploy even more SOLDIER operatives in hopes of bringing an end to the war with Wutai—and conducting an investigation into the mass desertion. The ones assigned to the mission are Zack, Angeal, and the 1st Class hero who is known the world over as Sephiroth...

What truths lie behind Genesis's disappearance? What secrets bind the three SOLDIER 1st Class operatives? For Zack, a cruel and fateful struggle awaits...

FEATURES

• Complete the FINAL FANTASY VII experience and reunite with the most recognized RPG characters created by world-renowned character designer Tetsuya Nomura
  
• Witness stunning graphics and gorgeous CG cutscenes coupled with top-notch voice acting in a 16:9 widescreen presentation, made possible by the PSP system
  
• Innovative DMW (Digital Mind Wave) system enhances the action-packed real-time battle system, allowing players to unleash special attacks or call upon iconic FINAL FANTASY summons
  
• Take on challenges with the all-new “Hard Mode” developed exclusively for the North American audiences
  
• Acquire unique accessories made available through 300 side missions to further enrich the gameplay experience
  

Supreme Commander coming to Microsoft XBox 360

Supreme Commander, the multi-award winning strategy game from Chris Taylor and Gas Powered Games, will be hitting the Xbox 360 in Europe later this year. The game follows three human factions in the distant future as they battle to win the Infinite War once and for all.

Adding to the expansive Supreme Commander universe, the Xbox 360 edition will feature exclusive new units, updated maps and two new multiplayer modes. Furthermore, gamers will be able to take the fight online against up to three other players from around the world via Xbox LIVE. In addition, a revised, console-specific control interface and HUD will give gamers unprecedented strategic power over their armies.

Supreme Commander allows gamers to take control of one of three factions—the Cybran Nation, Aeon Illuminate or United Earth Federation—and help their chosen faction win the Infinite War once and for all. You control each faction’s Armoured Command Unit, a giant mech that excels in construction and combat but whose protection is mission-critical.

Each faction has its own goals, experimental units and back-story that leads them to the game’s thrilling climax. Battles rage over land, sea and air, and the command and control system puts the gamer in charge of every aspect of the fight, engaging in titanic land, air and naval battles.

The revolutionary Strategic Zoom not only gives the player the flexibility to control the entire theatre of war from an overhead map view, but also enables them to zoom right down to ground level, where they can issue orders to single units. The game can handle a vast number of units on screen, and players will need every single one to take down enormous experimental units that can change the tide of battle. The same units, ranging from miniscule to mammoth, will be available in the ranked multiplayer battles.

Xbox 360 gamers will experience the Infinite War with full support for HD and surround sound later this year.

Key Features:

- Four technology tiers, ranging from diminutive drones to mountain-straddling titans.
- Three unique factions to play.
- Four-player multiplayer over Xbox LIVE.
- 18 levels and three campaigns.
- From Chris Taylor, multi-award winning developer of Total Annihilation and Demigod.
- All new-interface, HUD and controls for Xbox 360.

Draft Day Sports - Pro Football in development

Draft Day Sports - Pro Football is now in development.

Gary Gorski, developer of Draft Day Sports: College Basketball, Draft Day Sports: Pro Basketball and Total Pro Golf 2 will serve as lead developer with Tim Plum taking on the role of Associate Developer for this exciting new title.

Draft Day Sports: Pro Football will give you the opportunity to play one or multiple roles within a professional football organization as you scout and draft players, make roster decisions and coach your way to championship glory. Draft Day Sports: Pro Football will feature a 2D game display, play editor, interactive and entertaining draft experience, robust almanac for rich historical stat tracking, dynamic player and team personalities and interactions, customization options such as multiple league sizes, multiplayer league capabilities and much more.

Sho Online closed beta test update

The closed beta testing of Sho Online ended on March 25, 2008.

Sho Online is a free MMORPG game based on the war between the Yin and the Zhou in 11th century BC and the struggle between good and evil.

In the Closed Beta Testing, players started out as villagers of either the Yin or the Zhou dynasty. They explored their surroundings, hunted monsters, collected items and started quests as in other games. However, this peaceful atmosphere was quickly broken when one Yin player was attacked by a group of Zhou players. The Yin player managed to get back to their village and this was the beginning of long lasting brutal war. As the game progressed, battles quickly escalated into wars and sieges on 11 castles and 36 territories. In the game, more territory means more resources for your side.

Most of the players knew that the game was based on a great war which took place in ancient China between the Yin and the Zhou dynasties.

During the 7 day test of ‘Sho Online’, the siege war system, rank promotion system, faction system, item enhancement system were introduced to the testers with much success.

CEO Sang-Wook Lee said “This is just the peak of the floating ICEBURG. There is much more to come.”

The ‘Sho Online’ Team reported that the CBT ended without any major problems and they will start Open Beta Testing by late April which is earlier than scheduled.

For further information on Sho Online, a globally played game, please visit www.shoonline.net.

Warner Bros - READY TO FEAR ALMA AGAIN? PC video game

Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment announce the launch of the official Project Origin community website.

Monolith Productions’ sequel to the critically-acclaimed supernatural first-person shooter, F.E.A.R., rips players from their seats and throws them back into the tension as they combat enemy forces and the supernatural in a struggle to stop Alma, a girl with immense power and a thirst for revenge, and uncover the mysterious forces arrayed against them before it’s too late.

Immerse yourself in the world of Project Origin - including fresh content here www.projectorigingame.com

About Project Origin

Featuring enhanced enemy AI and weapons, as well as new locations and powers, Project Origin resumes the gripping tale of suspense, action and horror that begun in F.E.A.R. Beginning shortly before the ending of the first game, a Special Forces squad is on a routine mission when the city of Auburn is rocked by a supernatural explosion. Alma has unleashed her wrath upon the city.

Harpoon 3 – PC video game Advanced Naval Warfare Updated!

Harpoon 3 – Advanced Naval Warfare Is Updated!

All hands on deck! A major new update is headed this way!

Matrix Games and Advanced Gaming Systems are pleased to announce the release of a new update for Harpoon 3 – Advanced Naval Warfare. The new update brings scores of improvements and new features in addition to a few major changes to the Harpoon 3 system. Major improvements to the game include an augmented and more realistic land damage model, a revamped electronic counter-measures system, and new rules for ship to ship fuel transfer.

David Heath, Director of Operations at Matrix Games, said “Harpoon 3 – Advanced Naval Warfare is one of those games that with near-infinite replayability. Our thanks are due to Advanced Gaming Systems team who continually work to improve the realism and playability of Harpoon 3 and continue to support the growing Harpoon community.”

Don Gilman of Advanced Gaming Systems added “Each new update for Harpoon 3 – Advanced Naval Warfare gives gamers more reasons to come aboard and play this uniquely realistic naval warfare simulation. Our team is thrilled to continue to work with our community and volunteers on this amazing gaming system. We will continue to do our best to give gamers the ultimate naval warfare experience.”

Harpoon 3 – Advanced Naval Warfare is the culmination of decades of development and fan support, resulting in the most comprehensive, realistic, and accurate simulation of modern combined air and naval operations available to the gaming public. Harpoon 3 gives the player an opportunity to manage some of the most advanced air and naval assets available in the world, putting them in the middle of many historical and ‘what if’ scenarios. Players will have the chance to battle it out against a variety of enemies using technology from all of the premier naval powers of the day: Iranian Revolutionary Guard in the Persian Gulf, re-live Operation El Dorado Canyon, strike at the heart of Libya, guard the Greenland-Iceland-UK gap to stop a Soviet naval invasion of the Atlantic, or stalk unwary U.S. shipping in a Soviet Akula-class submarine.

This update is comprehensive and will bring the version of the game up to 3.90.

Premium Items Added to free-to-play Silkroad Online

New features for Silkroad Online players, available now in the item mall.

The new selections include Premium Gold Time Plus, Fur Clothing (for a limited time), and a one-day Clock of Reincarnation for certain pets. The new Premium Gold Time Plus provides players the opportunity to earn additional experience points for five hours, along with many other perks such as increased attack and damage absorption. Fashionable fur hats and coats, affordable and cruelty-free, grant gamers an aura of affluence and warmth during chilly spring evenings. The one-day Clock of Reincarnation will extend the life of a summoned pet for one day, adding an alternative to the four week item.

More information on these new accessories can be found in-game by visiting the item mall.

Silkroad Online is a massively multiplayer online RPG that puts the player deep into ancient Chinese, Islamic, and European civilizations. Traveling the historic Silk Road between Asia and Europe, players can make their fortunes as merchants, prey on the rich as thieves, or be protection-for-hire as hunters. Silkroad Online is free to play, and offers the unique chance to play a character free of restrictions or fixed paths. For more information and a free download, please visit www.silkroadonline.net.

Beta Addition of - Z.A.P. - Classic Arcade Action Meets Cutting Edge Multiplayer Gaming

InstantAction Expands Beta Offering with the Addition of "Z.A.P."

Classic Arcade Action Meets Cutting Edge Multiplayer Gaming

InstantAction.com, the web browser based action gaming platform that's revolutionizing how people play, today announced the addition of “Z.A.P.” to its open beta program. The game, which is exclusively on InstantAction, is available now at www.instantaction.com.

In Z.A.P. each player pilots a spaceship through a vibrant top-down maze in a variety of rapid fire team games. Modes include Capture the Flag, Hunters, Zone Control, Retrieve, and the "every man for himself" annihilation of Z.A.P. Match. The game demands lightning reflexes and strategic team play.

“Z.A.P. is a stylish combination of fast-paced shooter action and collaborative play that any hardcore gamer will love,”

said Josh Williams, CEO of GarageGames.

"The team building Z.A.P. is bunch of passionate, experienced developers who have finally been set free to create the kind of games they want to play."

Z.A.P., also known as Zero All Productivity, was developed in collaboration between GarageGames and Bad Habit Software, a newly formed game studio comprised of games industry veterans who have worked on smash-hit console and PC titles including Syphon Filter, Warhawk, Ratchet & Clank, and Tribes.

"InstantAction strikes a perfect blend between the accessibility of the web and next generation gaming horsepower,”

says Mark Frohnmayer, Bad Habit Software’s Executive Producer and Z.A.P.’s original developer. "As a developer it gives us a solid community foundation and lets us focus all our efforts on making an exciting and visually compelling gameplay experience."

Z.A.P. includes over twenty maps, and eight game modes. Z.A.P.’s weapons include:

• Phaser: Fires a single projectile with high rates of fire and damage.
  
• Triple Shot: Fires three projectiles simultaneously spreading damage over multiple targets.
  
• Bouncer: Fires projectiles which bounce off walls, used for strategic defense and attack.
  
• Burster: Fires an exploding projectile, causing area of effect damage.
  
• Mine dropper: Lays mines which explode for high damage on contact.
  

Players can also configure their ship with several modules, including:

• Turbo: Boosts players’ rate of movement in any direction for a short period of time.
  
• Shield generator: Protects player from damage while in use.
  
• Repair module: Repairs self, teammates or strategic team assets such as turrets.
  
• Enhanced sensor: Allows the player to spot invisible ships and enemy land mines, as well as see farther.
  
• Cloak field modulator: Makes the ship invisible for a short time.
  

With the launch of InstantAction’s public beta last week, four games – MarbleBlast Online, Screw Jumper, Think Tanks and Wideload Shorts' Cyclomite – are already playable. More games will be added in the coming weeks, including the much anticipated FPS, Fallen Empire: Legions.

"It's refreshing to leave the grind of mainstream game development behind and to be able to focus on small, innovative titles,”

said John Folliard, Bad Habit Software's Lead Programmer.

"Games are supposed to be fun to make as well as to play!”