Lost Odyssey experience expands with all new download content

New downloadable content is now available to help continue your immortal quest with Kaim and his companions in “Lost Odyssey”, the epic RPG Xbox 360 exclusive. Available on 25th April for only 200 Microsoft Points on Xbox LIVE Marketplace, this DLC includes a new dream sequence, “The Shattered Beyond” and an invaluable “memory lamp,” which allows you to view previously seen dreams. Also, a new ring is introduced to specialize in fighting against magic powered weapons.

• New Dream “The Shattered Bond”
  
• When all of the playable characters have joined the player party, visit the bridge (a demolished bridge) in front of Castle of Uhra with this item in possession. Then the event cut-scene to view episode 31 “The Will of an Old Soldier” will be triggered.
  

• Ring “Killer Machine”
  
• This is a special ring forged to specialize in fighting against Magic-Powered weapons.
  
• The ring will apply the following three effects:
  
• Machine Killer Light LV3
  
• Magic Killer Light LV3
  
• Spirit Magic Killer Light LV3
  

• Valuable “Memory Lamp”—
  
• This is a key item for Theater Mode that allows users to view Dreams. You can find this in the Upgraded Nautilus towards the bottom of the screen to the end of the corridor.
  

• An Old Soldier’s Legacy & “An Old Soldier’s Legacy” unlock
  
• This is an example of how the main hero Kaim experiences flashback from the things he sees or hears in the game.
  

Sony PlayStationPortable PSP - Go!View video download service starts in the Summer

Sony reveals Summer launch for Go!View

Sony has announced that the Go!View video download service for its PlayStation Portable handheld will be officially launched this summer across Europe.

The service, in partnership with satellite broadcaster Sky and first announced during the Sony keynote at last year's Games Convention in Leipzig, will offer content on either a subscription model or pay-per-view basis, although pricing structures and specific content details have not yet been revealed.

Users can register for more information now on the Go!View website, and when the service launches will be able to download content to the PSP via an internet-connected PC.

Alison Turner, MD of Go!View stated her belief that "Go!View is a perfect marriage of great content and leading on-demand technology from Sky and the best portable device to watch it on from PlayStation."

Other products in the Go! range include a video messaging service and a GPS navigation software platform.

Source: Games Industry

NBA Ballers - Chose One on Microsoft Xbox 360

MIDWAY EUROPE SOARS INTO STORES WITH THE RELEASE OF NBA BALLERS - CHOSEN ONE

Orlando Magic Superstar Dwight Howard Shines As Cover Athlete

Midway Europe, a leading interactive entertainment software publisher and developer, today announced that NBA Ballers - Chosen One has shipped for the Xbox 360 videogame and entertainment system. With fast-paced gameplay and state-of-the-art player likenesses, Chosen One delivers classic Midway arcade-style hoops action. NBA Ballers: Chosen One is scheduled to be available at a suggested retail price of £29.99 in the UK and €44.95 throughout the rest of Europe.

"With Dwight Howard as cover athlete, NBA Ballers: Chosen One brings the franchise back to its basketball roots with fantastic gameplay and true, next generation graphics," said Leonie Manshanden, European Marketing Director, Midway Games Ltd. "We definitely wanted to listen to our NBA Ballers fan base and focus on the gameplay elements that were considered most desirable to them. As a result, we feel as if Chosen One delivers the best over-the-top basketball gaming experience available."

Dwight Howard of the Orlando Magic and Al Horford of the Atlanta Hawks are featured on the packaging for NBA Ballers: Chosen One. Howard has established himself as one of the NBA's elite big men, enjoyed a breakout season averaging 20.7 points and 14.2 rebounds per game. Voted by fans as the starting center on the Eastern Conference 2008 All-Stars, Dwight wowed the nation by winning the Sprite Slam Dunk contest with some of the most innovative dunks ever seen during an NBA All-Star Weekend. Atlanta rookie, Al Horford, who plays a key role in the game's single player story mode, is enjoying a fantastic rookie season in the NBA. The "double-double machine" has been named the NBA Rookie of the Month twice and is in the running for the NBA Rookie of the Year Award.



In addition to its superstar NBA talent, Midway has also employed the talents of two music industry heavyweights to score the game's soundtrack and to announce the game's play-by-play. Chuck D, the famed front man and founder of Public Enemy, serves as announcer and studio-host for Chosen One, and provides play-by-play commentary throughout the game. Just Blaze, who has produced tracks for best-selling artists such as Jay-Z, Usher, Kanye West, Busta Rhymes, T.I. and many more, produced the entire instrumental score for NBA Ballers: Chosen One.

NBA Ballers: Chosen One is a unique fantasy basketball entertainment experience featuring one-on-one and two-on-two action with the NBA's elite players. More than 65 of the NBA's top superstar athletes come to life as the NBA Ballers franchise continues its legacy as the graphical leader in the sports videogame industry. NBA Ballers: Chosen One will put players up-close and into the action with new "action movie" style game cameras that highlight every move. Create-a-Baller and take on the challenge of the epic "Chosen One Tournament", brought to you live from the most exotic courts around the world. As you progress through the game, earn the right to use an NBA star's "Shut 'Em Down" Super Move or take your Baller online to test your playing skills against others.

Available soon - Spore Creature Creator Available Worldwide

Spore Creature Creator Available Worldwide June 17

Free Demo and Complete Retail Versions Deliver Powerful Creativity Tools to Create, Play and Share

Electronic Arts and Maxis today announced that a free downloadable demo, and complete retail version of the Spore Creature Creator will be available starting June 17, 2008. The Spore Creature Creator gives Spore fans, and those who are creatively curious, the first hands-on opportunity to design their own species and share it with their friends. All creatures designed with the Spore Creature Creator can be imported into the full retail version of Spore for PC and Mac when it launches on September 5, 2008 in Europe and September 7, 2008 in North America.

“We are thrilled to finally be putting the creative tools of Spore into the hands of players around the world,” said Will Wright, chief designer, Maxis. “The amazing creations players design this summer will help populate the game universe we all enter when Spore ships this September, so in a sense, the Spore Creature Creator is the birth of Spore.”

The free demo version of the Spore Creature Creator will be available worldwide via download from www.spore.com. The demo lets players shape, paint and play with an unlimited number of creatures, using 25 percent of the creature-making parts from Spore. Gamers can then share these creations with their friends, including seamless uploads to YouTube. The demo will also be included in the The SimCity Box, which ships on June 23.



A complete retail version of the Spore Creature Creator will also be available in North America for $9.99 and most European territories for €9.99, which gives players access to all the creature-making parts in the game.

Spore, the highly anticipated game from the creators of The Sims, gives players their own personal universe in a box. Create and evolve life, establish tribes, build civilizations, sculpt entire worlds and explore a universe created by other gamers. Spore gives players a wealth of creative tools to customize nearly every aspect of their universe: creatures, vehicles, buildings, and even UFOs. Players can then seamlessly share their creations with the world or explore infinite new galaxies created by other gamers.

Consumers can visit www.spore.com to sign up for the Spore newsletter or check out all-new screenshots and video of the game.

Spore Creature Creator retail version is not available in all territories.

Pirates v Ninjas Dodgeball Website Updated With Podcasts, Free Pirate and Ninja Tracks, and Fresh Media

Pirates v Ninjas Dodgeball Website Updated With Podcasts, Free Pirate and Ninja Tracks, and Fresh Media

New Content Hot As a Sweaty Game of Dodgeball

Gamecock Media Group announced today that the website for Blazing Lizard’s masterpiece, Pirates v Ninjas Dodgeball, has been seriously upgraded over at www.piratesvsninjas.com.

Market research shows that all dodgeball enthusiasts, pirates, and ninjas own MP3 players. Upon hearing this information, Gamecock realized it needed to act quickly to get these demographics exactly what they demand: free stuff to download.

The first result is four podcasts, one for each team. Some describe these podcasts as avant-garde, or even Web 3.0. Have a listen and decide for yourself.



The second is four free songs – two ninja tracks from deeply underground stealth assassin DriftingNSilence and two pirate songs from sea shanty masters Sharks Come Cruisin’. These songs can be unlocked by sending the site to a fellow ninja or pirate. Download and listen to ‘em as much as you like!

There are also fresh game assets on the site such as new screenshots and previously unreleased character concept art. As always, there is a sweet collection of desktop wallpapers and IM buddy icons. And for the laziest of the lazy, the site gives you a direct link to the best Facebook “battle app” of all time, “Pirates v Ninjas”.

Get everything now at www.piratesvsninjas.com. The game is coming to Xbox LIVE Arcade in mid-Spring 2008.

Codemasters and Sega Racing Studio

Codemasters today announced that it has reached an agreement with Sega that facilitates accelerated growth for Codemasters Studios. With immediate effect, Codemasters is to take over the Sega Racing Studio, based in Solihull, central England.

“In seizing this opportunity, we have created additional resources to escalate our plans in the racing segment,” said Rod Cousens, chief executive, Codemasters. “We hope to welcome more than 40 people to the company and we have enjoyed the full co-operation of our friends at Sega in making this happen. It is good business for Codemasters, an exciting prospect and there will be more to come as we are not content to stand still.”

Mad Catz Introduces Wii Fit Kit

Mad Catz, a leading third-party interactive entertainment accessory provider announced today the release of an exciting new range of accessories compatible with the Nintendo Wii Fit system.

Currently featuring a range of four individual, unique and innovative accessories, each product has been thoughtfully designed to enhance and maximize exercise regimes.

The Wii Fit Rechargeable Battery Pack plugs quickly and simply into the Wii Fit balance board, eliminating the need to purchase expensive batteries. Providing up to 20 hours of game play from a single charge, the Rechargeable Battery Pack draws power from the Wii’s own USB output, removing the need for a separate power pack and keeping obtrusive wires to a bare minimum.

Fashioned from high quality weather-resistant materials, the Wii Fit Travel/Storage Case provides ample space for the balance board, software and accessories. Durable and practical, the Wii Fit Travel/Storage Case provides an ideal solution to housing and transporting your Wii Fit balance board when not in use.

Designed with comfort and safety in mind, the Wii Fit Exercise Mat adds increased stability and protection to any Wii Fit workout. Protecting the user when playing on a potentially slippery or hazardous surface, the Wii Fit Exercise Mat features a durable textured surface which improves traction whilst helping decrease impact during intensive workouts.

Keeping the hardware in premium working condition, the Wii Fit Protective Silicone Cover attaches instantly to the balance board, protecting the unit from outside elements and damage. Constructed from lightweight yet durable silicone, the Wii Fit Protective Silicone Cover provides stylish protection and helps ensure accurate operation of the Wii Fit balance board.

Darren Richardson, President and Chief Executive Officer of Mad Catz commented, “Wii Fit is yet another example of how gaming continues to grow in an organic fashion, providing a compelling experience for the entire family. Mad Catz is delighted to further enhance this innovative release with a range of useful and eclectic accessories which we feel will prove enticing to consumers everywhere”.

The Mad Catz range of Wii Fit compatible accessories is expected to be available across Europe in April 2008 and the United States in May 2008.

NLGD Opens Call for Papers

The NLGD today announced that it has opened its call for papers for possible speakers at the NLGD Game Conference, June 18-20 in Utrecht, the Netherlands. Potential speakers are invited to submit their ideas for lectures, workshops and roundtables over the next week. All lecture and session proposals should cover one or more of the Avenues of Exploration that the NLGD has set for the conference. The deadline for the call for papers is May 1, 2008.

The NLGD also confirmed the following speakers for its upcoming Game Conference: Heather Chandler (Executive Producer and founder of Media Sunshine, Inc.), Ben Sawyer (Co-Founder of Digitalmill), and Chris Swain (Professor, University of Southern California).

After several years in the trenches of video game production at Electronic Arts, Activision, and Ubisoft, Heather Chandler started her own development studio. During her eleven years on the front lines of the games industry, she has contributed to the production of over 35 games, including the first seven games in the Ghost Recon series.

Chandler will be leading a 2-hour work shop session focusing on the production cycle of a fictitious game, some of the problems it encountered, and how the production team solved them.

Ben Sawyer is the co-founder of Digitalmill. He has worked in, and covered game development, for over eight years.

Sawyer will talk about the serious games field, providing strong definitions and a well-built platform on what is needed to make serious games. He will also provide tools for attendees to better understand the serious games market.

Chris Swain is a game designer, educator, and co-author of the textbook Game Design Workshop. He co-directs the EA Game Innovation Lab at USC. His work has received many awards including Time Magazine's Best of the Web.

Swain will present best practices in game development processes. He will provide tools and metrics, in order to reveal different approaches to game development.

“When I was invited to speak at the NLGD Game Conference it did not take me long to say ‘Yes’,” said Swain. “It is an excellent opportunity to reach a new audience as I present Master Metrics 2.0 in Utrecht.”

GOLDEN TRAILER AWARDS ANNOUNCE NOMINEES FOR NINTH ANNUAL AWARDS SHOW

Hammer Creative garnered three of the five nominations from the 9th Annual Golden Trailer Awards for Best Video Game Trailer. This year's nominations for Hammer include ASSASSIN'S CREED (Ubisoft), MASS EFFECT (BioWare Corp. and Microsoft Game Studios), and THE SIMPSONS GAME: MEDAL OF HOMER (Electronic Arts). "These nominations are a real tribute to the entire Hammer video game group, spearheaded by Jim Botko and Scott Hayman," commented Hammer Creative founder Mark Pierce. “We value the opportunity to work with these top publishers and help launch their AAA games.”

D2C GAMES REVEALS NEW SCREENSHOTS, DEFINITION OF SPOGS RACING

D2C Games, Inc. a premier developer and publisher of mass-market downloadable interactive entertainment, today revealed a new batch of screenshots from its upcoming WiiWare title, SPOGS Racing.

In addition, the company has decided to clear up a question that numerous gamers have raised since the game's announcement: What, exactly, is a SPOG?!

First, to dispel the rumors, here are several examples of what 'SPOGS' does not stand for:

•Schizophrenic Psychotics Owning Guns and Shooting: The Game (a delightful World War II romp)
•Some People Often Golf Sloshed: The Game (this one already came out - it's called golf)
•Spelunking Pays Off Great . . . Sometimes: The Game (a spiritual successor to Pitfall)

In reality, SPOGS stands for 'Sports Player Object Gyros.' This name was deliberately chosen because there is - scientifically - no other way to describe the unique characters in the high-speed arcade racer. There is no relation to British candy. Please do not attempt to eat SPOGS Racing.

For more information, visit www.spogsracing.com.

Free2Play Server for Bounty Bay Online PC Video game

Frogster launches Free2Play Server for Bounty Bay Online

Free version of nautical MMOG with integrated item shop available

German publisher Frogster Interactive has just launched a free2play Bounty Bay Online server. This new alternative to the existing subscription based server will allow players to join the nautical MMOG free of charge. The game client is free to download at http://bountybayonline.com.

The new free2play server called “Mary Read” features an integrated online shop where players can buy precious ingame items such as potions, figureheads, treasure maps or level boosts. Depending on their value, the price of these items range from 3 cents upwards. The new server model for Bounty Bay Online allows players with limited playing time to achieve more - in less time. Frogster has thoroughly revamped the website to better serve the players. The website has been restructured to be more clear and easier to navigate and now includes new features such the new items shop.

The new free2play server will not affect the established subscription server. All current subscribers will be able to access Bounty Bay Online the way they are used to. Yusho will be providing regular updates for both servers and the support team will be expanded, thus raising the service standards for both servers. An FAQ for the new free2play server is available on http://www.bountybayonline.com/FAQEn.

NEW PLAYABLE CHARACTER FOR ZOMBIE BBQ - MOMOTARO JOINS THE ZOMBIE PARTY!

Gammick Entertainment and Enjoy Up present the second playable character of Zombie BBQ - Momotaro.

Storyland is infested with zombies! Little Red Riding Hood has whipped out her weapon and is locked and loaded, ready to end the threat of the undead. But she will not be alone: Momotaro, the peach boy who’s recently arrived from Japanese folklore, will join her on this dangerous crusade. But… what powers and secrets does this legendary character hold?

Momotaro is the second selectable character in Zombie BBQ. He can access the arsenal of weapons in the game, and shoot their enemies… whenever he has snatched enough weapons from his enemies' cold dead hands! From a lethal laser rifle to a sawed-off shotgun and moving up to an incredibly powerful flame thrower or 'Zombie BBQer', Momotaro will have at his disposal plenty of firepower to take on enemies such as the ferocious Granny, the undead Gretel and Pinocchio, the puppet who wanted to be a zombie boy. Not only that, while Red Riding Hood uses her trusty machine gun as a weapon by default, Momotaro launches sharp ninja stars that will spell certain doom for many of the classic characters that will rise from the grave.

You must choose: Will you control the devastating power of Little Red Riding Hood and her firearms? Or master the deadly precision of a classic Japanese legend like Momotaro? See it at www.gammickentertainment.com

Zombie BBQ will be released on Q4 2008.

GTR Evolution on PC Screenshots

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Build-A-Bear Workshop Game on Nintendo Wii

First Build-A-Bear Workshop Game For The Nintendo Wii System Scheduled For Global Release In October 2008

The Game Factory Extends Licensing Agreement With Build-A-Bear Workshop, Inc.

The Game Factory, an international publisher of family-friendly and casual videogames, is extending its worldwide licensing agreement with Build-A-Bear Workshop, the only global company that offers an interactive make-your-own stuffed animal retail-entertainment experience. The Game Factory will be publishing the first Build-A-Bear Workshop video game for Wii, entitled Build-A-Bear Workshop A Friend Fur All Seasons, which will be available in the fourth quarter 2008.

The Build-A-Bear Workshop brand entertains millions of children and families throughout the world. Since 1997, over 60 million furry friends have been made at more than 370 stores worldwide. With the launch of the Build-A-Bear Workshop Game for the Nintendo DS system in November 2007, the game has sold more than 180,000 units.

“We’re thrilled to extend our licensing agreement with Build-A-Bear Workshop to create a Wii game that the whole family can enjoy,” said Henrik Mathiasen, president of The Game Factory. “In 2007, we introduced a way for parents to share with their children the interactive Build-A-Bear Workshop experience using the Nintendo DS system. We look forward to the release of the new Build-A-Bear Workshop Wii game this holiday season, to extend the family play experience.”

"The Game Factory has done a great job translating the core values of our brand into the Wii game format, creating another way for our Guests and their families to experience the furry fun of Build-A-Bear Workshop,” said Maxine Clark, Build-A-Bear Workshop founder and chief executive bear. “After the success of our Nintendo DS game, we are beary excited to once again partner with The Game Factory and bring our interactive fun to the Wii system.”

About the Game
Build-A-Bear Workshop A Friend Fur All Seasons for Nintendo Wii is the ultimate family-friendly game. Like a party game, up to four players can participate by personalizing their own furry friend, playing the mini games for medals, experiencing adventure mode, and using the medals to ‘purchase’ more outfits and accessories. Players can use the revolutionary Wii remote to hop their way through a sack race using the motion control function, and use the pointer function to throw flying discs or jump on a trampoline using the Wii Remote buttons. In the end, all players attend the party hosted by Bearemy and Pawlette Coufur, huggable Build-A-Bear Workshop mascots.

Created by game developer Neko Entertainment, the characters and levels in the Build-A-Bear Workshop game will be rendered in 3D and a player's choice of a furry friend, outfits and accessories will trigger a variety of animations and behaviors. Neko will also incorporate full interaction between the player and his/her furry friend to unlock mini-games that will take full advantage of Wii system.

Bratz Kidz Party for the Nintendo Wii and Nintendo DS systems and Bratz Ponyz 2 for the Nintendo DS

The Game Factory Renews Licensing Agreement With MGA Entertainment To Continue Publishing Bratz Video Games

Bratz Kidz Party for the Nintendo Wii and DS systems and Bratz Ponyz 2 for the Nintendo DS Scheduled for Global Release in 2008

The Game Factory, an international publisher of family-friendly videogames, announced today the renewal of its worldwide publishing agreement with MGA Entertainment to market Bratz Kidz Party for the Nintendo Wii and DS systems, and Bratz Ponyz 2 for Nintendo DS. Following the success of the first Bratz Ponyz game launched in July 2007, the Game Factory will add the three new Bratz interactive games to their catalogue in Q4 2008.

“We’re thrilled to expand our licensing agreement with MGA this year to publish the Bratz Kidz and Ponyz games,” said Henrik Mathiasen, president of The Game Factory. “The Bratz™ brand has been a leader in the toy business for girls ages six to 12 and continues to gain recognition amongst this age group.”

"We strive to promote individuality and creativity among Bratz fans in new and innovative ways,” said Isaac Larian, President and CEO of MGA Entertainment. “We’re excited to be working with The Game Factory again this year to bring these new videogames to Bratz fans worldwide and spark their imagination while they play with their favorite characters.”

About Bratz Kidz Party for the Nintendo Wii
Designed for girls ages six and older, Bratz Kidz™ Party for the Wii features a collection of mini-games set in a slumber party environment. Up to four players can choose and customize any of their favorite Bratz Kidz™ characters and dress them up using a selection of 350 fashion accessories and clothing items. Players can utilize the intuitive motion controls of the Nintendo Wii system to browse the party photo album and complete missions that test their speed, endurance, reflexes and precision abilities.

Bratz Kidz Party for the Nintendo Wii Quick Facts:
Release Date: Fall 2008
Platform: Nintendo Wii
Rating TBA
Developer: Neko Entertainment
Publisher: The Game Factory

About Bratz Kidz Party for the Nintendo DS
Bratz Kidz Party for the DS features 15 fashion and beauty mini-games set in a slumber party environment and is designed for girls ages six and older. Players can choose from and customize any of their favorite Bratz Kidz characters, as well as design their own bedroom. With multiplayer capabilities, Bratz Kidz Party for the DS allows players to compete against each other using the platform’s wireless connection.

Bratz Kidz Party for the Nintendo DS Quick Facts:
Release Date: Fall 2008
Platform: Nintendo DS
Rating TBA
Developer: Neko Entertainment
Publisher: The Game Factory

About Bratz Ponyz 2 for the Nintendo DS
Designed for girls ages four and older, Bratz Ponyz 2 for the DS allows players to develop their ‘passion for fashion’ by participating in the Bratz Ponyz Town beauty pageant. Players can choose from four different Bratz Ponyz, which they can dress-up with accessories collected throughout the game’s fashion, beauty, music, dancing, and arts and crafts-themed adventures. Players can also guide their Bratz Ponyz through the tropical islands to meet and befriend other Bratz Ponyz characters, exchange pictures, race their friends and compete in a drawing contest using the platform’s wireless connection.

Bratz Ponyz 2 for the Nintendo DS Quick Facts:
Release Date: Summer 2008
Platform: Nintendo DS
Rating TBA
Developer: Neko Entertainment
Publisher: The Game Factory

Kart N' Crazy Beta Approaching the Finish Line

Kart n’Crazy’s beta test is drawing to a close! There are only four days to test all the race-cars and game tracks from GOA.com’s free online kart racing extravaganza. To close this beta phase, the testers will have unlimited access to all the game items this week. The beta test will finish up on the 28th April.

In order to treat all players fairly and equally, all accounts will be reset at zero, the Nitros, experience and the collected items have been deleted from the servers. However, all those taking part in the beta will receive an exclusive reward as a special thank you present when the game is released!



Kart n’Crazy, the free PC karting game from Goa.com, will be on official release and can be played online from the 29th April by logging on to http://www.goa.com/#/kartncrazyhome/.

Overlord - Raising Hell preview video turns up the heat for Sony PLAYSTATION 3

Devilishly good Overlord - Raising Hell preview video turns up the heat for PLAYSTATION 3 system edition.

Be ruthless, determined, and even a little despotic as the bad-ass blockbuster from Triumph Studios gets an extended PLAYSTATION 3 system edition.

Thursday, 24th April 2008 (2pm UK Time) – With a trailer fit for a tyrant, Codemasters today released a video preview of Overlord: Raising Hell, the anarchic action adventure title coming this June exclusively for the PLAYSTATION 3 computer entertainment system. The video, mixing CGI and gameplay, is now available to view and download from the game's all-new despotic domain at www.codemasters.com/overlordraisinghell

Marking the Overlord's first appearance on the PLAYSTATION 3 system, Overlord: Raising Hell is set in a world of twisted fantasy scenarios, featuring angry dwarves, weird elves and messed up zombies. As the dastardly Overlord, players must master control of the Minions, a raucous horde of impish creatures. Controlling them is crucial if the Overlord is to sweep through the kingdoms, wipe out his foes and conquer the entire land.

Overlord: Raising Hell comes to the PLAYSTATION 3 system with a devilish array of hot new content, including never-before-seen exclusive features and all of the 'Raising Hell' levels, which takes players even deeper into the Overlord's warped world. In these hellish new realms, a supernatural abyss for each of the game's five kingdoms, the undead denizens are on the attack and threatening the Overlord's superiority. There's only one thing for it: assemble the Minions, descend into each abyss and embark on a fresh wave of tyranny in order to claim the underworld throne.

With the addition of online co-operative pillaging, and split-screen head-to-head slaughter, the PLAYSTATION 3 system edition will also be enhanced with detailed visuals, a top-spec audio system with 7.1 surround sound and feature additions, such as the new on-screen mini-map. Prepare for a hellishly good time being bad with Overlord: Raising Hell, coming this June for the PLAYSTATION 3 system. For the 'how to be a total bad ass' training video and the latest minion-infested wallpapers, visit www.codemasters.com/overlordraisinghell

wii make millions say Nintendo and plan to make millions more Wii consoles

Nintendo Announces Record Sales And Profits, Increased Shipments For Wii Console

Nintendo Co., Ltd., has announced record revenues and profits for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2008. Nintendo posted sales of more than 1.67 trillion yen, an increase of 73 percent over the prior year. Nintendo also reported FY08 operating profits of more than 487 billion yen, a year-over-year increase of 115.6 percent.

The company also increased projected shipments of the popular Wii™ home video game console for the current fiscal year. During the 12 months ending March 31, 2008, Nintendo shipped 18.61 million Wii console to its distributors and retail customers globally, bringing the worldwide total to 24.45 million since its debut in November 2006. For the fiscal year that began April 1, 2008, Nintendo forecasts global Wii console shipments increasing to 25 million.

Nintendo also forecasts shipment of 177 million Wii software units for FY09, while the FY08 shipment was 119.6 million units. Through March 31, 2008, Wii enjoys a life-to-date tie ratio of 6.07 games per system worldwide.

During the 12 months ending March 31, 2008, Nintendo shipped 30.31 million Nintendo DS™ systems worldwide, bringing the total worldwide shipment to 70.6 million. By March 31, 2009, Nintendo forecasts shipments of an additional 28 million Nintendo DS systems. Nintendo also forecasts shipment of 187 million Nintendo DS software units for FY09, while the actual FY08 software shipment was 185.62 million. Through March 31, 2008, Nintendo DS enjoys a life-to-date tie ratio of 5.24 games per system worldwide.

The company announced a full-year dividend for Nintendo shareholders of 1,260 yen per share (including the interim dividend of 140 yen already paid), 570 yen higher than the annual dividend of 690 yen paid one year ago.

echochrome - Sony PlayStation 3 and PSP puzzler fact sheet

echochrome

Fact Sheet

Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. (SCEA)
Studio: SCE Japan Studio
Platform: PLAYSTATION 3 (PS3) via PLAYSTATION Network and PSP (PlayStationPortable)
Genre: Puzzle Game
Rating: “E” for Everbody

OVERVIEW

Featuring elegantly designed black and white drawings, echochrome is a puzzle game for PS3 and PSP available via download on PLAYSTATION®Network and on PLAYSTATION Store on PC. Each version of echochromefeatures 56 exclusive levels - totaling over 100 levels across both versions - with each unique level designed specifically to match that platform’s characteristics. Gamers are challenged to play within five simple laws of perspective that govern how one advances through each stage. Offering the most gameplay with the least graphics, echochrome is likened to playing a M.C. Escher drawing on PlayStation®. The player controls an infinite canvas, guiding a mannequin figure by carefully controlling the perspective, tilting and turning the level to create a continual pathway for the character to walk safely through the design. The goal of each level is to reach all of the echos, or shadow guides, as quickly as possible.

There is no set pathway for any level in echochrome. Players will find different and limitless ways to advance through each stage. Additionally, players are able to create their own unique levels using Canvas Mode, and share them with their friends. Additionally, the PS3 version will allow players to upload their favorite custom levels to the developer, and the developer will pick the best of the best to distribute to all online players of the PS3 game (via a free download).

A simple and highly addictive puzzle game, echochrome will change your perspective.

THE 5 PERSPECTIVE LAWS THAT GOVERN echochrome

• Perspective traveling - By manipulating the viewpoint, the player can connect two pathways that are apart and the character will travel across as if the routes are connected.
  
• Perspective landing – The character will fall down a hole and land on whatever appears beneath it.
  
• Perspective jump – The character will jump when if it walks over a jumping platform. One it begins its descent, it will land on whatever appears underneath it.
  
• Perspective absence - By hiding jumping platforms or holes, they cease to exist.
  
• Perspective existence – If a gap in a pathway is blocked, the character will walk over it as if the pathway is connected.
  

DRAGON QUEST SWORDS: The Masked Queen and the Tower of Mirrors video game on Nintendo Wii this May

DRAGON QUEST MAKES Wii DEBUT IN MAY WITH
DRAGON QUEST SWORDS

Square Enix, announces DRAGON QUEST SWORDS: The Masked Queen and the Tower of Mirrors for Wii will be released across all PAL territories from 9th May, 2008.

DRAGON QUEST SWORDS: The Masked Queen and the Tower of Mirrors, available exclusively on Wii, is an action-packed Virtual Experience where the player becomes the hero of the story. As the hero, the player must use the Wii controller to control their legendary sword, and fight off horde after horde of monsters. Slice at enemies, parry with your shield and block attacks to launch powerful counter-combos.

DRAGON QUEST SWORDS contains all the familiar features people have come to expect from the DRAGON QUEST series, such as a system to power up weapons and the ability to perform a large array of powerful attacks. Additional mini-games add to the fun as you catch darts with your shield and try to defeat Slime monsters as quickly as possible to win bonus items.


John Yamamoto, president and chief executive officer of Square Enix Ltd. comments, "We are excited to be bringing DRAGON QUEST SWORDS to PAL territories. The DRAGON QUEST series is an international hit having sold over 43 million units worldwide, but is still relatively new to Europe. We hope that DRAGON QUEST SWORDS will find a place in the hearts of everyone."

About DRAGON QUEST SWORDS: The Masked Queen and the Tower of Mirrors

Story
In the town at the foot of Avalonia Castle, a young man enjoys a peaceful life with his father. That young man is you. It is your sixteenth birthday at last, and time to take the Walk of the Worthy, the trial of strength which all young Avalonian males must undergo upon coming of age.

You will need to put all of your training in the ways of the sword into practice if you are to pass the test, and take your rightful place amongst Avalonia's warriors. Should you succeed – who knows what adventures await you!

Features

- The first DRAGON QUEST title to be developed exclusively for Wii
- Use the Wii Remote as your legendary sword! Immerse yourself fully in the action as you slice at the enemy!
- Explore a rich, vibrant 3D world in first-person perspective
- Engage a variety of diverse and colourful enemies, who are brought to life with detailed animation and graphics
- Series creator Yuji Horii, legendary manga artist Akira Toriyama and renowned composer Koichi Sugiyama, team up once again to create an unforgettable gaming experience
- Become the hero in a dramatic storyline that is suitable for all
- Beautiful audio score fully immerses you into the world of DRAGON QUEST
- New International version includes revised gameplay offering a more intense and challenging experience
- In-game text is localised into English, French, German, Italian and Spanish