WWE Smackdown v Raw 2009 as WWE returns to consoles

The Number One Fighting Videogame Franchise Returns To The Virtual Ring With WWE Smackdown v Raw 2009

Leading Videogame Brand Set to Deliver the Definitive Sports Entertainment Experience With Added Depth, Explosive New Features and the Debut of Downloadable Content

THQ and JAKKS Pacific today announced that WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2009 is in development for the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, PLAYSTATION 3 computer entertainment system, PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system, PSP (PlayStationPortable) system, Wii videogame console, Nintendo DS and mobile devices. Joining the immensely successful World Wrestling Entertainment roster of WWE SmackDown/SmackDown vs. Raw licensed videogames, which have shipped more than 37 million units worldwide since 1999, WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2009 is expected to begin shipping to retail outlets worldwide this fall.

“The ambitious cross-platform launch of WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2008 last year yielded tremendous growth for the franchise, as we delivered multiple gameplay experiences across seven platforms and greatly expanded our audience of WWE videogame fans,” said Bob Aniello, senior vice president, worldwide marketing, THQ. “With dynamic new features and the extension of our gameplay experience through downloadable content, WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2009 will bring more console, handheld and wireless gamers together to enjoy the virtual world of WWE.”

“We are tremendously excited about the next groundbreaking release in the billion dollar WWE SmackDown vs. Raw videogame franchise,” said Nelo Lucich, vice president of interactive, JAKKS Pacific. “Downloadable content, innovative experiences with tag teams and a new Create-A-Finisher feature, along with significant annual improvements across all platforms, combine to bring the sports entertainment experience to new heights and gratify our long-time fans, casual gamers and franchise newcomers alike.”

WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2009 upholds the franchise’s commitment to delivering the definitive videogame simulation of live WWE programming.

The Xbox 360, PLAYSTATION 3 system, PlayStation 2 system and PSP system versions of the game will unleash a brand new tag team experience, allowing players to build momentum and attributes, eliminate opponents with high impact double teams and finishers, as well as get the “hot tag” for the win. The franchise’s renowned creation system offers a brand new Create-A-Finisher option, while a new Road to WrestleMania® Mode paves the way to WWE’s biggest event of the year and lets players experience co-op storylines for the first time. WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2009 also extends the virtual WWE gameplay experience with robust online capabilities, including the highly anticipated debut of downloadable content.

WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2009 for Wii builds upon its inaugural offering by significantly expanding its match type options, giving players more ways to enjoy the platform’s unique pick-up-and-play experience. The game also takes full combat sports entertainment to the next level by giving players more Superstar control with interactive entrances and victory scenes. WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2009 for Wii will also include a wide variety of new weapons, the debut of online gameplay and much more.

WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2009 for Nintendo DS returns with new gameplay controls that utilize the stylus and D-pad to deliver a compelling handheld fighting game experience. The redesigned Season Mode takes a role-playing approach, allowing players to interact with Superstars, upgrade their abilities and complete missions on a quest toward legendary goals. In addition, a larger Superstar roster, new match types and the inclusion of Create-A-Superstar will provide players with a variety of intriguing options to enhance gameplay.

Playable Demo of Sherlock Holmes: Nemesis Available

Playable Demo of Sherlock Holmes: Nemesis Available Now!

Focus Home Interactive, The Adventure Company and Frogwares are pleased to announce the first playable demo of Sherlock Holmes: Nemesis, the latest episode in the critically acclaimed Sherlock Holmes adventure/detective franchise for PC.
This new demo contains several hours of gameplay and lets you play as the great detective, hot on the trail of Arsène Lupin, the famous French thief, who plans to steal a precious painting at the National Gallery in London. You will have to gather clues, investigate crime scenes, interview witnesses and display all your reasoning skills to solve the puzzles left by the gentleman burglar and keep him from stealing the painting and embarrassing Scotland Yard.

Download the demo from:

GameSpot

WorthPlaying

GameZone

FileFront

GamersHell

Focus Home Interactive

A true battle of wits between two of the greatest figures in popular literature, Sherlock Holmes: Nemesis will send players to 19th Century London where Arsène Lupin, a young French burglar with an impressive track record, has just challenged Scotland Yard and the most celebrated of detectives – Sherlock Holmes.

Lupin has announced that he plans to rob the capital of five objects of immense value over the course of five days. The objects are housed in highly prestigious locations such as the National Gallery, the British Museum, the Tower of London and even Buckingham Palace! Sherlock Holmes will have to muster all his courage and ingenuity to save England from terrible humiliation.

Theatre of War video game coming to PC from Battlefront

Theatre of War offers a fresh take on the WWII Real-time Strategy genre by combining the look, feel, sounds and historical elements of WWII to create the ultimate warfare simulation.

The game engine features realistic shell ballistics, armor penetration calculations and damage effects coupled with destructible environments, trenches, fortifications and individually tracked weapons, equipment, ammo and vehicles.

More than 50 battles spread across seven different campaigns (US/UK, Soviet, German, French, Polish, Battle for Moscow and Panzer Lehr in Normandy), along with eight non-campaign scenarios, five Training scenarios and 11 different multiplayer missions are available in the game to offer a rich and challenging combat experience to players.

About Battlefront.com

Battlefront.com is an independent, internet-based publisher and developer of superior war and strategy games since 1997! Among our games you will find the award-winning 3D tactical combat simulation series Combat Mission (three successive Wargame of the Year Awards).

Other titles include the ultimate WWII RTS game Theatre of War by acclaimed developer 1C Company, grand strategy classic Strategic Command 2 Blitzkrieg by award-winning designer Hubert Cater, the WWII air combat game Down in Flames by Dan Verssen, the uniquely "realistic" Sci-Fi combat game DropTeam and the famous TacOps 4 modern combat simulation, a commercial version of the official tactical training tool used by the U.S. Army.

Look out later this year for the ultimate Napoleonic combat simulation HistWar: Les Grognards from Jean-Michel Mathé! Besides computer games, Battlefront.com offers a selection of books, prints, and other warfare related articles to one of the world's largest and fastest growing wargamer fan communities!

Project Bang for Nintendo WiiWare

Preparing our big bang for Nintendo WiiWare

Engine Software announces WiiWare development

Engine Software, developer based in the Netherlands, today announces that it has started its first development project for the Nintendo WiiWare service. The debut title, for now dubbed “Project Bang!”, will be a casual game type with very addictive gameplay using the unique Wii Remote controller functionality, and will support a two-player battle mode.

Nintendo’s WiiWare service is a new downloadable game content service that is scheduled to be launched in March 2008. Players will be able to purchase and download WiiWare games directly from the Wii Shop Channel in exchange for Wii Points. “WiiWare brings new levels of creativity and value to the ever-growing population of Wii owners.”, as stated by Nintendo of America president Reggie Fils-Aime.

Ruud van de Moosdyk, VP of Development at Engine Software: “We are very excited about our first game for the WiiWare service. When we acquired our official Wii license last year we already had several concepts written up that would be ideal for WiiWare, and Project Bang! is the first to actually go into production. We wanted to get rolling on this exciting new platform early on, and I am quite happy we are now on schedule to do just that. “

In the near future Engine Software will be releasing more information (including the final name), and screenshots of Project Bang!, as well as more news regarding future plans for the platform. Project Bang! is scheduled to be completed early on in the service’s operational status, but no exact date can be given at this time.

Last Of The Patriots II now available on PC freeware game

Paul Davis author and creator of the prototype series Last Of The Patriots has announced that Last Of The Patriots II is now available for download on PC. The game features new concepts in story-telling techniques, and switches between the two main characters as they seek the truth behind the corporation.

The series is a prototype for future games, that revolve around plot and character and less on action, with an emphasis on deeper underlying meaning. The main premise of the game is to show war in a realistic way never before seen in games. "The game is a prototype, but we hope this can add something both for the industry and players alike" said Paul Davis the games creator.

The game has been released as freeware and is now available for download.

Imperium Romanum - Free Patch

Today, Kalypso Media Group is publishing a multilingual patch for the strategy highlight “Imperium Romanum”.

As part of our constant work to continually improve our products, we’ve listened to the forums and can now announce a new patch. As an added bonus, the patch also includes a map of the settlement Augusta Raurica.

The patch can be downloaded from: http://www.imperium-game.com/getupdate102.php

On www.imperium-game.com you can find general information about the game, a variety of screenshots, the trailer of the game as streaming video, interviews with the developers and a comprehensive demo version.

Imperium Romanum now available.

EA ANNOUNCES ZUBO - A NEW CHILDREN'S VIDEO GAME EXCLUSIVE TO NINTENDO DS

Original Nintendo DS game features collectable characters in a music-based rhythm-action adventure

The EA Casual Entertainment Label today announced the development of a new wholly-owned, original intellectual property, created for 7-11 year old boys and girls. Zubo is a music-based rhythm-action game featuring a unique set of characters that is scheduled to ship worldwide later this year, exclusively on the Nintendo DSTM handheld system.


“Zubo represents the culmination of a dedicated incubation project, which specifically sought to develop a new videogame property for boys and girls under 12,” said Harvey Elliott, Head of the EA Bright Light studio in Guildford, UK. “The team here has designed a rich, immersive and, above all, enjoyable experience – one that will live in the schoolyard, at home or on the move.”


Players enter the world of Zubalon to help the colourful and zany inhabitants, the Zubos, defeat an evil force which is bent on world domination. Players can befriend the Zubos they meet along the way, feed and nurture them, help them gain skills and strength, and assist them in their battles with the enemy, the dastardly Zombos.

A key element to Zubo is music, which is intrinsic to Zubalon from its tuneful plant life through to its currency of musical notes. The player will use the music to drive the battles forward, synchronising their stylus action and tapping in time with the musical beats to win!

With 55 Zubos available to find and recruit to a player’s squad, plus a wealth of interactions and mini-games, and the world of Zubalon to explore, Zubo offers a deeply rewarding Nintendo DS experience.

Zubo is developed by EA Bright Light studio in Guildford, UK and it will be available on the Nintendo DS this autumn.

Trickster Online Revolution Episode 2 launched

A New Revolution is Here! Trickster Online Revolution Episode 2 Is Live!

With the newest content update and patch for Trickster Online Revolution, the second major Revolution Episode comes to Caballa Island! Revolution in Trickster Online is not merely a buzz term, but a fully-loaded update and addition to the popular online title. With the first and now second Revolution Episode, Trickster is setting a new standard for online titles focusing on immersion of players into the mysteries and deep backstory of the game itself, the history of Caballa Island! Revolution Episode 2 allows players to delve deeper than ever before into the secrets of Caballa Island and the disappearance of its once mighty inhabitants, the Altheo Empire.

Episode 2 involves over twenty interlocking and story driven quests that will provide a colorful and fully detailed look into the hidden mysteries of the fallen Altheo Empire, Megalo Company, the late Don Cavalier and Trickster Online Revolution itself, and includes a brand new area never before seen in any previous adventures, Mirage Island! Tricksters who wish to begin the quest for glory, and answers to every burgeoning question that began in Revolution Episode 1, should begin by finding the Waterweed Witch, Kahlihara in the newly revised and completely overhauled Mermaid Palace!

Revolution Episode 2!

In addition to the newly released Revolution Episode 2 content, an exclusive Episode 2 Event has also begun to reward all Tricksters who are able to make their way to the new, amazing Mirage Island local! Completion of the new Episode 2 Quests will allow Tricksters to receive outstanding in-game items. For all the details of this brand new Event and for more information on the Revolution Episode 2 content, make sure to check the official website, or the direct link below!

Revolution Episode 2 Event!

Level Your Pets! Make Them Stronger with the Brand New Pet Leveling System!

Pets are a valued and highly important component of the Trickster Online Revolution experience. Pets add stat bonuses and provide a unique aesthetic compliment to Tricksters throughout the island. Previously, Pets were limited by their individual Level compatibility, yet now, Trickster Online Revolution is releasing a brand new system which will allow Pets to Level up and increase their in-game prowess just as regular Tricksters do! Tricksters interested in this exciting new addition, make sure to visit Pet Breeder Erin and Egg Shop Owner Leonardo in Megalopolis! Tricksters interested in gaining new training for their pets and the ability to change their stats should make sure to visit Pet Trainer Shara in Megalopolis as well!

Egg Shop Owner Leonardo Details

Pet Breeder Erin Details

Pet Trainer Shara Details

Soviet Campaign in Men of War - video game released

The German advance on Soviet territory was almost unstopable and German troops were only several kilometres away from Moscow. It was absolutely vital to stop the Germans and protect the capital, loosing Moscow would have caused a major impact on the Soviet troops moral.

Freshly sent troops out of Siberia were doing a good job, since they were used to the strong winter and temperature.

Soon the German advance was finally stagneted and they could be fought back to the Ukraine where you are going to slip into the role of a special operations officer behind enemy lines to help your comrads on the battlefields.

Screenshot One
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Screenshot Four

Also a screenshot of the Sherman Jumbo

The M4A3E2 Sherman Jumbo variant had even thicker frontal armor than the Tiger I. Intended for the assault to break out of the Normandy beachhead, it entered combat in August 1944

Screenshot Five

If you see last weekend's screenshots, here they are:

Screenshot Six
Screenshot Seven
Screenshot Eight
Screenshot Nine
Screenshot Ten
Screenshot Eleven
Screenshot Twelve

Commodore 64 channel launches on Nintendo Wii

Things are getting even better for the Wii, with the Commodore 64 channel launching today on the Wii's online Virtual Console store.

The likes of Mario Kart and - the surprisingly decent - PES are giving more committed gamers a chance to dust down their Wii.

And things are getting even better, with the Commodore 64 channel launching today on the Wii's online Virtual Console store. But before you get too excited the service is only launching with two titles - Uridium and International Karate.

They cost around 3 quid each - which is fine - but while both are generally seen as retro classics I'm not sure how they will stand up today. IK will be ok for a quick bit of multiplayer but tricky shooter Uridium could frustrate today's - let's face it - softer gamers.

Of course, what we really want to see on the service are Paradroid, Emlyn Hughes International Football and Finders Keepers. Oh, and the Frankie Goes to Hollywood game. C64 games then - what would you pay to play on your Wii?

Source: Guardian

Enjoy Pure Gaming Nostalgia As Commodore 64 Titles See Virtual Console Hit 200 Games!

This week sees the 200th title hit Virtual Console as it once again expands its catalogue with the arrival of Commodore 64 games for all to enjoy! As the biggest selling personal computer of all time, the release of the Commodore 64 back in 1982 was an historic moment in the computer and video games industry. Now, for the first time Wii owners can experience some of the greatest titles from its impressive back catalogue.

First up, get ready for a high-speed galactic adventure! Originally seen on the Commodore 64 in 1986, Uridium sees the solar system invaded by fifteen Super-Dreadnoughts. Players must defend each of the fifteen planets in this classic shoot’em up to stop the enemy fighters draining precious mineral resources from the planetary cores. Developed by 8-bit shoot’em up pioneer Andrew Braybrook, this outer-space title is pure nostalgia! Uridium is available for download now for 500 Wii Points.

Next from the classic Commodore 64 is something a bit more down-to-earth; globe-trotting martial arts title International Karate. Released in 1986 for the Commodore 64, this one-on-one fighting game sees players compete in a karate tournament to become the international karate champion. Players must fly around the globe to various exciting locations, under the watchful eye of the old wise judge, winning bouts as they go. With points awarded for successful hits, either against a second player or the computer, get your black belt at the ready and take on International Karate on Virtual Console for 500 Wii Points.

Finally, get ready to put pedal to the metal as you head out on the drive of your life across the highways of America in Cruis’n USA™. Originally released on the Nintendo 64 in 1998, Cruis’n USA™ brought the classic arcade hit into the home. Racing along the highways of LA, the deserts of Arizona to the nations capital city Washington DC, get ready to feel the wind in your hair as you push for the finish line to gain glorious victory! Featuring a 14-stage cross country solo challenge, as well as a split-screen two player mode to take on a friend head-to-head, enjoy famous US sights like the Golden Gate Bridge and the Grand Canyon as you experience the thrill of street racing. Cruis’n USA™ is available to download now for 1000 Wii Points.

Virtual Console offers users the ultimate retro gaming experience. This week’s titles join the list of 197 classic titles already available for Virtual Console in Europe, bringing the total to 200 games!

Guild Wars and Lineage II website launched

NCsoft Europe unveils two new websites designed to introduce new players to Lineage II and Guild Wars.

NCsoft Europe today announces the launch of two new websites specifically created to introduce players new to massively multiplayer online role-playing games (MMORPGs) the opportunity to discover two of NCsoft Europe’s most cherished and endearing games: Guild Wars® and Lineage II.

From the battle-ravaged ruins of Tyria (Guild Wars), through the ancient kingdom of Cantha (Guild Wars Factions™), and on across the treacherous plains of Elona (Guild Wars Nightfall), www.discoverguildwars.com introduces newcomers to the full Guild Wars experience, including the official expansion pack, Guild Wars: Eye of the North. Try mixing and matching combinations of games on this stunning, user-friendly website to discover how to gain access to new skills, missions, and geographical locations.

Lineage® II: The Chaotic Throne, by contrast, offers a slightly different, if no less epic, playing experience. The world of Lineage II is divided into three kingdoms: Aden, Elmore and Gracia who share a delicate balance of power. Solo fighters, entire clans and immense alliances engage in combat so brutal the very ground shakes! By visiting www.discoverlineage2.com player can discover the historical background and rich heritage of one of the most enduring MMORPGs currently available using a sumptuously presented page-turning presentation guide.

PlayStation 3 and PC Gamers Can Get Their Frag On With Three New Maps for Unreal Tournament 3

PlayStation 3 and PC Gamers Can Get Their Frag On With Three New Maps for Unreal Tournament 3

Midway and Epic Games announce that downloadable content for the award-winning first-person shooter, Unreal Tournament 3, is now available for PlayStation 3 and PC. The downloadable content consists of three deadly arenas: Morbias, Facing Worlds and Searchlight. PC users can find the new content at www.unrealtournament3.com, while PS3 users can download it directly from the PlayStation Network.

These downloads, which are free to all owners of Unreal Tournament 3, mark the latest achievement in providing the gaming community with unrivaled mods and superior experiences through the most recent installment in the Unreal Tournament franchise. While Unreal Tournament 3 shipped with 40 maps, and hundreds of user-created mods have been published since the game's release, Midway and Epic are committed to providing fans with even more official content to further extend enjoyment of the game.

Morbias is the deathmatch arena that started it all, perfectly suited for anything from small intense duels to chaotic free-for-all matches. The Unreal Tournament classic, Facing Worlds was one of the most played maps in gaming history. This beloved sniper map makes its return alongside an intricate new capture the flag map, Searchlight, designed for both z-axis rooftop runs and strategic indoor gameplay. Returning classics and fresh new designs let you experience Unreal gaming like never before.

Unreal Tournament 3 is rated 18+ PEGi.

Penny Arcade Game - Windows Mac and Linux versions

Hothead Games Sets Price, Technical Specs For Upcoming Penny Arcade Game

Windows, Mac and Linux versions to sell worldwide for $19.95

Hothead Games today announced official pricing for the upcoming first installment in the downloadable, episodic game series Penny Arcade Adventures: On the Rain-Slick Precipice of Darkness. Although the title is long, the price is just a short and sweet $19.95 for the Windows, Mac and Linux versions of the game, currently scheduled to launch simultaneously this spring on these platforms and via Xbox LIVE Arcade.

Penny Arcade Adventures: On the Rain-Slick Precipice of Darkness, Episode One is expected to offer gamers five to ten hours of gameplay and work on current generation computer hardware, making it compatible with players' schedules and pocketbooks.

Minimum System Requirements

Windows and Linux

• Windows 2000/XP/VistaTM with latest updates or Linux 32-bit x86
• Pentium III, AMD AthlonTM 1.0 GHz or better

Mac

• Mac OS X 10.4/10.5 with latest updates
• PowerPC G4, G5 or Intel based Mac 1.0 GHz or better

Recommended Configuration

Windows and Linux

• Pentium IV, AMD AthlonTM 1.5 GHz or better

Mac

• PowerPC G4, G5 or Intel based Mac 1.5 GHz or better

Atlus Announces Dungeon RPG Etrian Odyssey II: Heroes of Lagaard for Nintendo DS

Adventurers Wanted; Atlus Announces Dungeon RPG Etrian Odyssey II: Heroes of Lagaard for Nintendo DS

One of Gaming's Truest RPG Series Returns in June

Atlus U.S.A., Inc., preferred publisher of adventuring duo Fight and Heal, today announced Etrian OdysseyTMII: Heroes of Lagaard for Nintendo DSTM. Continuing one of the genre's purest experiences, this sequel builds upon the original cult classic with more diverse areas to explore, new character classes, more fiendish FOEs, and an improved mapping system.

Etrian Odyssey II boasts an all-star development team, led by director Shigeo Komori (scenario designer; Etrian Odyssey, Odin Sphere). Composer Yuzo Koshiro (The Revenge of Shinobi, Streets of Rage, Etrian Odyssey) returns for Heroes of Lagaard, in addition to character designer Yuji Himukai and monster designer Shin Nagasawa, who both worked on the original Etrian Odyssey.

The odyssey resumes June 17th.

Visit the official Etrian Odyssey II: Heroes of Lagaard website: www.atlus.com/etrian2

About Etrian Odyssey II: Heroes of Lagaard In the Grand Duchy of High Lagaard, it is said that the Duke is descended from inhabitants of a castle in the sky. When an unforeseen crisis befalls the nation, it is decreed that the first explorer to retrieve the Grail of Kings from that mythical floating palace will be rewarded with wealth and fame beyond imagining. Enter the central city of Lagaard and begin your journey to the clouds!

Key Features

- Make the adventure yours - Rediscover true role-playing as you build your party of stalwart adventurers from 12 different classes. From basics like name and sex to advanced settings like combat formation, skills, and spells, every detail is yours to customize!
- The Odyssey continues - Experience an all-new story, more classes, improved mapping capabilities, new Force Skills, and over 100 side-quests.
- Chart your progress through the dungeons - Etrian Odyssey's innovative mapmaking tool returns with more options and features! Use the touch screen to map out the halls, chambers, treasures, and dangers of the realms you explore.

Etrian Odyssey II: Heroes of Lagaard has not yet been rated by the ESRB.

PT Boats: Knights of the Sea Multiplayer Screenshots

Akella is pleased to present the recent multiplayer screenshots from PT Boats: Knights of the Sea which is a mix of fast-paced action sim and a more hardcore experience involving tactical planning and strategic thinking. Slated for release later this year, the title undergoes the final touches on balancing and minor bug fixes.

The fresh downloads show off the Deathmatch Mode and feature refresh of the game artwork.

The screenshots can be accessed in the game gallery

About PT Boats: Knights of the Sea

PT Boats: Knights of the Sea
Genre: naval action simulator
Platform: PC
Developer and publisher: Akella
Release date: Q2 2008

The seas can be dangerous, but when you're in command of a crack strike boat crew, you might just be the most dangerous thing out there...

Join up to the Russian, German or Allied navies and prove your worth out these on the open water. Control every aspect of your boat's defensive and offensive, from the anti-aircraft guns hobbling your enemy's air superiority to the torpedo strapped to the sides to sink destroyers of merchant vessels.

Combining advanced strategic and action modes you can plan the intricacies of your attack and then lead your crew from the front and right in the battle. As you advance in rank throughout the long campaign you will gain access to new boats and even warships for you to command. Build up your crew in single player then go online and join your friends manning your own boat and challenge others in a battle to the death.

Key features:

• Innovative combination of sim, strategy and tactical action.
• Control the entire crew or take your place at an individual station.
• DirectX 9 as well as DirectX 10 options.

Proprietary graphics engine, with advanced physics and post-processing effects

Xbox Live Cheaters gamerscore accounts to zero There is NO appeal

Microsoft reset cheaters' "gamerscore" accounts to zero and eliminated all past achievements. There is no appeal.

Microsoft is cracking down on players on its Xbox Live gaming service who use hacks to artificially inflate their scores.

"Today, we took action,"

said Larry Hryb, Microsoft's Xbox Live programming director, in a blog post Wednesday.

Hryb, who blogs under the pseudonym Major Nelson, said Microsoft would reset cheaters' "gamerscore" accounts to zero and eliminate all past achievements. Their gamer profiles would also publicly show they've been caught cheating, according to Hryb.

"Xbox Live remains committed to keeping the service free of cheating in order to maintain a fair and level playing field for everyone,"

said Hryb.

In a separate post, Microsoft said its judgments on whether a player had amassed their score by cheating are final. "The original gamerscore correction will remain permanent without any way to appeal," the company warned.

"Your best choice is to show the community you won't do it again,"

said Microsoft.

Microsoft said it uses "specific and automated criteria" to determine if players are cheating. Some Xbox Live players have been known to cheat by using third party tools to hack into their saved game files.

Microsoft's crackdown on Xbox Live cheaters is so far proving popular with legitimate players.

"About time, how many people have been caught so far?,"

said a user in a post on the Major Nelson blog.

"Good job making the service fair, Microsoft,"

said another.

In addition to online gaming, Xbox Live also lets users download high-definition movies and TV shows and communicate with each other. The service counts more than 10 million members, according to Microsoft.

Source: Information Week

Nintendo Wii Leads Jump in Japan's Game Market

Console sales grow 13.4 percent in 2007, led by the cheaper Wii, says a new report.

The console game market in Japan grew 13.4 percent in 2007 thanks largely to the popularity of Nintendo's Wii, according to a report due to be published on Friday.

The entire game console market was worth ¥685 billion (US$6.9 billion) in 2007, with the hardware and software markets about evenly matched. In the previous year the software side of the market had led the industry but the sector was rebalanced last year due to the availability of the Wii and Sony's PlayStation 3, said Media Create in its annual "Game Market White Paper."

The PlayStation 3 launched on Nov. 11, 2006, and the Wii hit store shelves in Japan on Dec. 2, 2006, but early popularity of the consoles meant that many sales were delayed until 2007. Price cuts for the PlayStation 3, which was criticized early on for being too expensive, also helped boost sales later in 2007.

Total hardware sales rose 31 percent to $3.48 billion and software sales were virtually unchanged at $3.39 billion, according to the report. The estimates are based on point-of-sales system data gathered by Media Create from hundreds of retailers in Japan.

"Sales of Wii software rose strongly but those for the PlayStation 2 fell so they offset each other," said Kenichi Chiba, an analyst at the Tokyo company.

The Wii has been credited with revitalizing Japan's console game market and expanding the gaming population -- the number of people who regularly play video games. Its innovative wireless and motion sensitive controller and a low price have been key to attracting many people who might otherwise not have bought a game console. The Wii currently sells in Japan for $250, versus $400 for the PlayStation 3.

Sales of the console totaled 1.1 million in the few weeks of 2006 during which it was on sale, and 3.9 million during 2007 to take total Japan sales to 5 million units by the end of the year, Nintendo said.

The Wii remains popular. In the week from March 10 to 16 the Wii was the number two-selling games device in Japan with sales of 55,845 units, according to Media Create. In first place was Nintendo's handheld DS with sales of 57,651 units.

Source: PC World

Details Emerge On Rock Band for Nintendo Wii

MTV and Harmonix announced recently that Rock Band has been confirmed and will be released on the Nintendo Wii on June 22. More details have now been released about the game, revealing how it will compare to its PS2, PS3, and Xbox 360 counterparts.
It is looking more and more like Rock Band on the Nintendo Wii will be very similar to the PS2 version. Reports are that the game is actually going to be a port of the PS2 version, and not a port of the PS3 or Xbox 360 version.

This is due to the fact that it is confirmed to not feature any type of online play or downloadable content. This means no downloadable songs, no online music store, no Band World Tour mode online etc.

In terms of the songs though, the Wii version will get a bit of a boost to try to make up for the alck of DLC.

The Wii version is getting 5 bonus tracks over the original Xbox 360 and PS3 playlists. This is a nice bonus, but still does not fully replace DLC.

The other news is that Harmonix may not be putting any type of band customization or the Band World Tour mode in the game. These may be left out of the Wii version.

And finally, those of you with Guitar Hero III on the Wii should know that the guitar will not work on Rock Band.

Source: dbTechno

Warhammer: Battle March - Character Profiles 2: Dark Elves 2

Dark Elf Dragon (mount for heroes)
Ancient and deadly, the dragons of Naggaroth are reared by the Beastmasters and are amongst the most powerful creatures in all the lands. They can breathe forth a noxious cloud of corrosive fumes that burns skin and causes any who breathe it to choke and die. Only the greatest lords amongst the Dark Elves ride atop the massive Black Dragons of Naggaroth which, even alone, have the power to destroy an army.

Dark Elf Spearmen
Citizen-warriors of Naggaroth are most commonly armed with long, heavy bladed spears, and they are uniformly well drilled in their usage. Each warrior is highly skilled and has reactions far superior to those of lesser races, and through near constant warfare and training, the citizen-warriors of Naggaroth are more than a match for the professional sol-diers of other races.

Harpies
Harpies are feral winged creatures possessed of a savage, primeval beauty. Some claim they are the souls of slain Witch Elves given form, others that they are the manifestation of Khaine in his aspect of the predator. They are creatures of Khaine, that is for sure, for they delight in the tormenting of their victims and feast upon raw flesh.

Highborn
The noble Highborn are the ruling elite of Naggaroth, and it is they who often lead the armies of conquest against the lesser races. They are haughty, noble and their training in the arts of war is second to none. Equipped with the finest of Dark Elf arms and armour, they are fearsome foes on the field of battle.

High Sorceress
The High Sorceresses are the most powerful practitioners of the Dark Arts in all of Nagga-roth bar the Witch King himself, and they wield terrifying powers. They are incredibly adept at manipulating the Winds of Magic in their rawest, most destructive form, channel-ling energies that would destroy lesser beings into powerful spells that can lay waste to enemy armies.

Kaeleth
Claimed as a babe by the bloody Witch Elf priestesses of Khaine, the infant Kaeleth was offered up to Khaine, the god of murder, and plunged ritualistically into a Cauldron of Blood. Initiated into the Temple of Khaine, the young Dark Elf was raised as an Assassin, and over the centuries has become a master of death.

One of the Witch King's most feared assassins, Kaeleth is a master of blades, poison and the darkness, and he is capable of infiltrating the enemy, slaying his target and making his escape without trace. But it is not just the foes of the Dark Elves that must fear him – for Malekith uses Kaeleth to silence any Dark Elf foolish enough to question his authority.

Lilaeth
Bitter and fuelled by hatred, Lilaeth is a member of the dark convents of the sorceresses – a mistress of the Dark Arts. As are all Sorceresses she is wedded to Malekith the Witch King, and studied many years to master the channelling of the raw Winds of Magic that flow across the land. For centuries she has served the Witch King, and she commands devastatingly destructive magic.

When the Witch King launched a war against his hated High Elf kin, Lilaeth fought at his side, leading a splinter army that pushed deep into Ulthuan. This war was eventually re-pelled, and Lilaeth's army was shattered. At the mercy of the High Elf mage Aurelion, Lilaeth's life was spared that she may face the wrath of the Witch King.

Malekith has given her one chance to redeem her failure, and to seek her vengeance on the High Elves.

S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Clear Sky Release date announced

GSC World Publishing and Deep Silver announce planned release date for S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Clear Sky

Game will be released on August 29, 2008

GSC Game World, computer games developer, its publishing subdivision GSC World Publishing and Koch Media, a leading marketer of video games, today announced the planned release date for the title S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Clear Sky. According to the agreed plan, the game will ship August 29, 2008 worldwide. S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Clear Sky will be published by the games labels Deep Silver and GSC World Publishing.

“The topic of the release date for S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Clear Sky has created a lot of interest among gamers, press and fans. We’re pleased to announce an exact date for this highly anticipated game now,”

said Craig McNicol, Managing Director of Koch Media.

“Our intention to deliver the game simultaneously worldwide is both a challenge and big responsibility to the many fans of the game around the globe. We are looking forward to achieve this ambitious goal in August.“

- said Sergiy Grygorovych, GSC World Publishing CEO.

S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Clear Sky is a survival FPS game for PC based on a ‘what-if’ scenario of the second Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant accident. The game is created as a warning to mankind against mindless play with technologies. S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Clear Sky is the official prequel to the renowned S.T.A.L.K.E.R. game by the Ukraine-based GSC Game World studio. The game is set in 2011and brings forth the events to have preceded the third campaign of Strelok to the Zone center. S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Clear Sky introduces an alternative look onto the events of the original game and offers the player to try himself out as a mercenary s.t.a.l.k.e.r. in search of his own path in the world of S.T.A.L.K.E.R.

Official game site: www.stalker-game.com