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Wednesday, April 30, 2008

Fatal Inertia EX Coming To PLAYSTATION 3 In May 2008


KOEI, recognized worldwide as the premier brand of strategy and action games, today announced that Fatal Inertia EX will be available at the end of May 2008 exclusively on PLAYSTATION Network, and only for PLAYSTATION 3 computer entertainment system.

“We’re really excited about what we’ve accomplished with Fatal Inertia EX,” said Mike Bond, lead game designer for Fatal Inertia EX. “Gamers will be amazed by all of the improvements we’ve made. Fatal Inertia EX is a faster, more visually-captivating experience packed with new content not found in the original.”

Fatal Inertia EX features a never-before-seen environment exclusive to the PLAYSTATION 3 system. Situated amidst scorching desert dunes, the Fatal Inertia Proving Grounds is a mecca for aspiring flight jocks driven to prepare themselves for the mental and physical punishment of low-altitude combat maneuvering. Along with offering a restructured training curriculum, the Proving Grounds are also home to the game’s eight new tracks.

A re-tuned flight model improves handling and achieves higher speeds than previously seen. Flight controls take advantage of the DUALSHOCK 3 wireless controller and give the optional use of SIXAXIS motion sensing technology. The game’s newly-added “Master” level Quick Races will push the fastest men and women to their limit.

Fatal Inertia EX delivers heightened visuals which include new weather effects, significant scenery enhancements, and an overhauled garage for racecraft customization. Spread across 59 courses in seven exotic high-definition environments including lush rainforests, massive glacier fields, and canyons of razor-sharp rock, the beauty of Fatal Inertia EX could easily mask the harrowing thrills in this high-speed contest of champions.

JoWooD/DreamCatcher Announce Drivers Ed Portable


DreamCatcher Games and JoWooD Productions, leading worldwide publishers and distributors of interactive entertainment software, today announced the development of Drivers Ed Portable for the Nintendo DS system. The game will allow teens worldwide to prepare for the written portion of their driver’s licence examination, customized to the country, state or province in which they live.

“Nintendo DS is proving to be an exceptional platform for delivering all types of content, not just traditional games,” says Brian Gladman, Global Product Marketing Manager at DreamCatcher. “Everyone needs to study for their driving test, and we’re confident lots of teens will enjoy having a fun way to study the material on a platform they are comfortable with.”

Drivers Ed Portable will feature two modes: Test and Train. Test mode will include sample tests for the written part of the driver’s license examination for all 50 US states, 13 Canadian provinces and territories, as well as Spain, Italy, France, Germany and the United Kingdom. User progress will be tracked, so the player will know where they need to improve their study in order to be successful in their actual test. Train mode will include three fun and educational mini-games targeted to new drivers.

Drivers Ed Portable will be available for Fall 2008.

Edna & Harvey: The Breakout - Official Website Launched


Edna & Harvey, stars of the upcoming point & click extravaganza Edna & Harvey: The Breakout, have broken loose and are now conquering the web via their new online home at http://edna.daedalic.de/?lang=en. Fans of zany adventure game exploits will find all news and information on the 2D comic adventure from Daedalic Entertainment, as well as screenshots, wallpapers, videos, audios samples and much more.

In Edna & Harvey: The Breakout, Edna wakes up in the padded cell of an insane asylum with no memory of her past or how she ended up there. Only one thing is for certain: She has been wrongfully imprisoned and will have to escape! After all, she feels entirely sane – and her speaking stuffed toy bunny Harvey wholeheartedly agrees. Together they undertake a daring breakout attempt, meeting up with numerous oddball inmates, like the Man in the Bee’s Costume or Siamese twins Hoti and Moti. But Dr. Marcel, the sinister head of the institute, will do everything in his power to stop Edna. What evil scheme is afoot? Slowly Edna begins to regain her memories of the past…

Edna & Harvey: The Breakout is a point & click adventure game in the vein of the genre’s classics. Backgrounds and characters are completely 2D and drawn by hand by a real person in the game’s unique cartoon style. The game’s characters range from odd to genuinely crazy – twisted humor guaranteed! Thanks to challenging puzzles, extensive dialogues and more than 120 screens, gamers can look forward to an extraordinarily long gameplay experience.

Edna & Harvey: The Breakout is set to be released in Germany, Austria and Switzerland in May 2008 with additional territories to follow.

Future boosts events roster with PC Gamer Showdown


Future, the UK’s leading games media company, today announced its latest live games event, PC Gamer Showdown – a brand-new LAN tournament, bringing together the UK’s best PC gamers to compete for big cash prizes!

The UK’s bestselling PC games magazine launches PC Gamer Showdown on Thursday, 1st May, with registration open at the website, http://www.pcgamershowdown.com. Gamers can enter the online leagues and play games, including Counter-Strike, Team Fortress 2 and many more to be announced through the summer months.

The website also offers gamers the chance to buy tickets to take part in the live finals, which round off PC Gamer Showdown, against those who have qualified through the summer-long online series. The exciting event, powered by LAN experts Multiplay, takes place at Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire on the weekend of September 27th and 28th , where more than 500 gamers will come together to battle it out on well-known LAN favourites to walk off with a slice of PC Gamer’s cold hard cash. More information is available at http://www.pcgamershowdown.com.

PC Gamer Showdown will also bring together many of the PC games industry’s biggest hitters, thanks to 1500 sq metres of exhibition space, offering publishers the chance to exhibit their forthcoming games, and retailers to sell computer hardware and other goods.

The PC Gamer Showdown tournament marks a further step in the development of Future’s multi-platform games media portfolio – across print, online and live events, which now attracts more than 6.5m dedicated gamers a month.

Ross Atherton, Editor of PC Gamer, said:

“There’s no better way to connect with our readers than organising an event where they can play their favourite games on a high-speed network, win huge cash prizes, meet us and each other, and generally have an awesome time doing what they love.”

Publisher of PC Gamer, Richard Keith added:

“Future wants PC Gamer Showdown to become the UK’s ultimate LAN tournament – a three month online search to find our greatest PC gamers, with a fantastic live event to round it all off and crown the UK’s best. Thanks to the strength and reach of Future’s games media portfolio, we can communicate this to a vast audience of gamers. The event is quickly taking shape, thanks to the support of Multiplay. There are some fantastic online and event sponsorship opportunities for the industry to get involved with the LAN tournament everyone will be talking about.”

For more information about PC Gamer Showdown, please visit – http://www.pcgamershowdown.com

Capcom Entertainment joins GamersGate


GamersGate, a leading PC digital download portal, announced today that Capcom Entertainment will be making some of its upcoming games available for digital download on the platform.

The initial titles planned for release include the swashbuckling RTS game Plunder, action title Bionic Commando - Rearmed and a wide selection of other PC titles in the Capcom Entertainment portfolio.

"The upcoming Capcom Entertainment titles are a perfect fit for our target group and a welcome addition to our growing portfolio, said Susana Meza, Director of Marketing on GamersGate. "We are very happy to introduce such a well-reputed publisher to our increasingly popular service"
"Capcom Entertainment is putting a lot of emphasis behind creating exciting, quality games for the digital space," said Christian Svensson, vice president, business development, Capcom Entertainment, Inc. "GamersGate provides an excellent platform for enabling our core customers to have direct, immediate access to some of our best, freshest PC content."

Tuesday, April 29, 2008

The return of Bishi Bashi Special!


Classic Konami PSOne title marks publisher's first download release via PlayStation Network in Europe
Konami Digital Entertainment GmbH has released its first title available via Sony’s PlayStation Network download store in the form of PSOne classic, Bishi Bashi Special.

Originally released in 2000, Bishi Bashi Special is the definitive party game, and comprises over 80 fun mini-games – each madder than the last. Converted from two of Konami’s Japanese arcade machines – Super Bishi Bashi and Hyper Bishi Bashi – the compilation is designed to test the player’s reactions, timing and stamina. As the name suggests, some involve simply bashing the controller buttons as quickly as possible, while others require pixel-perfect movement and extreme hand-eye coordination. All, however, are tremendous fun and doubly so when played against a friend.

The events go by such names as Juggler Panic, Burger Girl, Ladder of Love, Hyper Pie Thrower and Uncle Bean, and each can be played by up to three players simultaneously. The game enjoyed a huge cult following on release, and its reissue via the PlayStation Network is certain to engage a new wave of Bishi Bashi Fans. The game can be downloaded now and costs just £3.49.

"We are delighted that Bishi Bashi Special has become our first title on the PlayStation Store,” commented Hans-Joachim Amann, Head of European Product Management for Konami Digital Entertainment GmbH. “It is a game that enjoys a great following and there's a constant demand for it on forums and on Internet auction sites, where PSOne copies of Bishi Bashi Special regularly sell for incredible prices. Now we want to give all PSP (PlayStation Portable) and PLAYSTATION 3 owners the chance to enjoy this fantastic crazy party game at an as fantastic and crazy price.”

Bishi Bashi Special will be the first of several classic Konami PSOne titles heading to the PlayStation Store in the coming months. More details will follow.

Rockstar Games Announces Grand Theft Auto IV Now Available Worldwide


The first next generation iteration of the groundbreaking Grand Theft Auto franchise available in stores today

Rockstar Games Announces Grand Theft Auto IV Now Available Worldwide

The first next generation iteration of the groundbreaking Grand Theft Auto franchise available in stores today

Rockstar Games, a publishing label of Take-Two Interactive Software, is proud to announce that the eagerly anticipated Grand Theft Auto IV for the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and PLAYSTATION 3 computer entertainment system including the special edition package is now available worldwide.

"This release marks a major milestone for the series and for Rockstar Games," said Sam Houser, Founder of Rockstar Games. "Grand Theft Auto IV delivers on the vision we had when we began work on the game more than three years ago. Rockstar North has created an amazing interactive entertainment experience. We hope it will resonate with our audience around the world for years to come."

Developed by series creator Rockstar North and set in Liberty City, the latest installment in the wildly successful Grand Theft Auto series features a painstakingly detailed and life like city for players to explore; a rich, immersive narrative experience; an original soundtrack highlighting the cultural eclecticism of Liberty City; and sixteen player multiplayer with more than a dozen online modes.

"We worked hard to deliver a true high definition experience" said Series Producer and Rockstar North President, Leslie Benzies. "We are very proud of all of the innovations in the game and hope fans love it."

IGN.com scored the game a perfect 10 and writes, "GTA IV gives us characters and a world with a level of depth previously unseen in gaming and elevates its story from a mere shoot-em-up to an Oscar-caliber drama. Every facet of Rockstar's new masterpiece is worthy of applause."

Game Informer scored the game a perfect 10 and writes, "Grand Theft Auto IV doesn't just raise the bar for the storied franchise, it completely changes the landscape of gaming. Once you play it, you won't look at video games the same way again."

New York Times writes the game "sets a new standard for what is possible in interactive arts".

Gala Networks Europe announces the expansion Epic V - Dragonic Age for the free-to-play MMORPG Rappelz



The free-to-play games publisher Gala Networks Europe and the gPotato Team are happy to announce the upcoming expansion for the successful free-to-play MMORPG Rappelz. Named “Epic V: Dragonic Age”, this expansion will introduce new zones, new epic dungeons, new creatures and quests, and many more new content ! This free expansion will be avaible by direct download at the end of June 2008.

Launched in February 2008 in its French and German versions, the free fantasy MMORPG Rappelz knows a great success in Europe and the community has now grown to several dozens of thousands of players. With a dynamic gameplay based on guild wars and the ability for every player to get an pet creature, Rappelz seduced a community formed by experienced gamers as well as new MMO players.

The expansion “Epic V: Dragonic Age” answers the demands of the community while adding new content for high level characters. This expansion is also focused on the heart of Rappelz gameplay with the addition of new creatures and new dungeon. In order to insure the best gaming experience for all Rappelz players, this expansion will be installed on the live servers in two different parts: the first part will be avaible at the end of June 2008, whereas the second part will be avaible during September 2008.

Crash Bandicoot Speeds Onto Mobile Phones in New Race Adventures


Vivendi Games Mobile, a division of Vivendi Games, today announced the European launch of Crash Bandicoot® Nitro Kart and Crash Bandicoot Nitro Kart 3D, the latest titles in the billion-dollar Crash Bandicoot video game franchise which has generated more than three million mobile phone unit sales to date worldwide.

In both the 2D (for Java phones) and 3D (for Symbian devices) mobile versions of Crash Bandicoot Nitro Kart, players race on 16 thrilling new tracks through eight different exhilarating environments including underwater and outer space races. Players choose to play as one of their favorite Crash Bandicoot characters and race through an action-packed course with other characters from the Crash® universe. Ten crazy weapons and power-ups, including bonus functions like Kart Jacking and Turbo Plane, help players overtake their competitors and win the race. There are also five game modes including Cup, Arcade, Sudden Death and Monster Truck and an exclusive Story mode with in-race challenges to unlock special features.

“When we decided to create a sequel to our highly successful 2004 mobile game of the same name, we knew we had to set the bar very high and come up with the best kart-racing game available on mobile phones today,” said Paul Maglione, president of Vivendi Games Mobile. “We benchmarked all racing games on mobile phones – not just kart-racing games – and pushed the technology and graphics to the limit in both 2D and 3D and then added the craziness and attitude that make Crash Bandicoot games special. The result; a Crash Bandicoot Nitro Kart game that really packs a punch with all-new backgrounds, tracks, weapons and even different driving sensations.”

The European launch of the Crash Bandicoot Nitro Kart mobile game will be supported by an extensive marketing campaign including on-portal contests with unique Australian-themed prizes (in honor of Crash Bandicoot’s homeland); a Crash-branded re-skin of the main European mobile gaming Web site; and a heavily funded WAP (wireless application protocol) banner advertising campaign across key carrier and other mobile entertainment WAP sites.

To celebrate the launch of its 2008 flagship title, Vivendi Games Mobile is also organizing a Crash Bandicoot Grand Prix in each of the main European markets. The events will gather key players from the mobile gaming industry and selected consumers and fans who will confront one another in manic go-kart tournaments to win exciting prizes.

The Crash Bandicoot video game franchise to date has sold more than 40 million units globally and continues to be a big hit among both mobile and traditional console gamers.

Spyro The Dragon Continues His Epic Adventure This Autumn In The Legend Of Spyro: Dawn Of The Dragon


Spyro Trilogy Culminates with Premiere on Xbox 360 and PLAYSTATION 3 system; Elijah Wood, Gary Oldman, Christina Ricci, Blair Underwood, Wayne Brady and Mark Hamill Provide Voice-Over Performances

Sierra Entertainment, a division of Vivendi Games, today announced The Legend of Spyro: Dawn of the Dragon, the third chapter in the popular Legend of Spyro trilogy. Developed by Etranges Libellules, the game will be released this autumn for the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system, PLAYSTATION 3 computer entertainment system, Wii home video game system, PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system and Nintendo DS. Reprising their roles as the characters of Spyro and his mentor Ignitus, are two popular Hollywood leading men, Elijah Wood (Frodo Baggins in The Lord of the Rings trilogy) and Gary Oldman (Sirius Black from the Harry Potter films). Joining the Spyro roster this year are Christina Ricci, Blair Underwood, Mark Hamill and Wayne Brady, rounding out an all-star voice cast.

In the final chapter of the trilogy, players find Sypro teaming up with an unlikely ally - Cynder, his former enemy, to face his most challenging mission to date. As the Dark Master’s (voiced by Mark Hamill) evil envelopes the world like a plague, Spyro must fulfil his destiny and unlock the true power of the purple dragon within him to stop the Dark Master in his tracks.

The game introduces two never before seen elements into the Spyro universe: Spyro can now fly at any time and players can drop-in/drop-out with the new co-operative feature. The co-op feature allows players to have the option of completing the game as either Spyro or Cynder, giving them more freedom to explore Spyro’s world in completely new ways.

“Spyro has grown up a lot since his debut, and players are going to notice advanced gameplay, character design and story lines in Dawn of the Dragon,” said Al Simone, senior vice president, Global Marketing for Sierra Entertainment. “The game takes some exciting twists and turns – fans of the series and newcomers alike will experience non-stop fun, a renewed sense of intensity and the type of challenging adventure only Spyro can overcome.”

Developed by Etranges Libellules, The Legend of Spyro: Dawn of the Dragon will ship this autumn for the Xbox 360, PLAYSTATION 3 system, Wii, PlayStation 2 system and Nintendo DS. Vivendi Games Mobile is also making The Legend of Spyro: Dawn of the Dragon available for mobile phones throughout Europe and North America.

Crash Bandicoot - Mind Over Mutant on Wii DS PS2 and PSP


Crash Franchise Returns This Holiday In Sierra Entertainment's Crash Bandicoot: Mind Over Mutant

Crash is Back with New Abilities and his Signature Bandicoot Hilarity; Sidekick Coco Fully Playable for the First Time

Sierra Entertainment, a division of Vivendi Games, today announced the upcoming return of everyone’s favourite marsupial hero, Crash Bandicoot, in Crash Bandicoot: Mind over Mutant, the latest instalment of the best-selling Crash Bandicoot video game franchise. Developed by Radical Entertainment, a Sierra Entertainment studio, Crash Bandicoot: Mind over Mutant is scheduled for release this fall on the Wii home video game system, Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system, PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system, Nintendo DS and PSP (PlayStationPortable) system.

In Crash Bandicoot: Mind over Mutant, a rejuvenated Neo Cortex is taking over the world one brain at a time! Cortex and N. Brio devise a new kind of evil – a text-messaging, do-anything device which controls both mutant and bandicoot minds. Armed with his quick-wits and lightening agility, Crash must free his friends, the titans and save the day!

“The Crash Bandicoot franchise has built a wide audience of loyal fans, appealing to both male and female gamers of all ages,” said Al Simone, senior vice president, Global Marketing for Sierra Entertainment. “The Crash series remains one of the most recognizable franchises in our industry and we’re excited to make this year’s family-friendly title appear at the top of every gamer’s wish list this holiday.”

Key features in Crash Bandicoot: Mind over Mutant include:

• Mutant in your Pocket! - Not only does Crash gain the ability to control his enemies when he jacks them – now he can store his favourite monsters in his pocket, upgrade them and utilise their powers when they are most advantageous

• “Free-Romping” World Design - Wumpa Island becomes a “free-romping” environment, allowing players to travel and explore through intersecting worlds, with different gameplay options available depending on what creature you've brought along for the ride

• Girl Power! - Your co-op partner is Crash’s sister, Coco, playable for the first time in the cooperative mode. Not only does Coco make the game that much more inviting for girls to pick up and play, she also brings with her a new tactile “treasure hunt” ability

• New Abilities
- Roll and Counter Combat System - Crash will have a fun, agile dodge move and “counter” move which will inflict extra damage on his enemies
- Digging - Crash can now dig underground as real-life bandicoots really do; this will allow for Crash to unlock bonus items
- Climbing - Crash can climb vertical surfaces and jump side-to-side to connected areas and dodge hazards

Crash Bandicoot: Mind over Mutant is being developed by Radical Entertainment and will be available this fall at retail stores worldwide on Wii, Nintendo DS, Xbox 360, PlayStation 2 system and PSP system.

Zombie Wranglers on Microsoft XBox live - Fact sheet


Zombie Wranglers

Basic Fact Sheet

Publisher Sierra Online

Developer Sierra Online

Category Action

Platform XBox live

Overview/Storyline
Be very, very quiet… we’re wrangling Zombies!! Save the city of Potters Field from an infestation of zany zombies in the quirky and comical Zombie Wranglers, attacking XBLA in 2008! Armed with a trustworthy Wrangler-Pack and your own unique special abilities, play as one of the four gallant apprentice Wranglers and rescue your neighborhood before it’s too late!

Game Features
  • Engrossing, Contagious Humor – Laugh out-loud moment galore enhance play
  • 4 Distinct and Powerful Wranglers – unique upgradeable abilities, powerful weapons and screwball personalities
  • Unrelenting Enemies – Including the grotesque Fast-Food Zombie, the fast-on-its-feet Skater Zombie and the loving Soccer Mom Zombie
  • Exhilarating 4 Player Co-op – Play with up to 3 of your friends through the Single Player Story or competitive Arena Mode – Online or Off

Availability Q3 2008

Rating TBD

Sea Life Safari on XBox live - Fact Sheet


Sea Life Safari

Fact Sheet

Publisher Sierra Online

Developer Sierra Online

Category Family Games

Platform Xbox 360 - Xbox LIVE Arcade

Overview/Storyline
Embark on a journey the whole family can enjoy! Make a splash as an underwater photographer tasked with capturing the most incredible pictures of wild sea life. Use your camera skills to bring out the bubbly personalities of exotic creatures, from the silly clownfish to the legendary kraken sea monster! Entice your subjects into playful poses, provoke photo worthy reactions, and reel in those picture-perfect scores!

Game Features
  • 60 Animated Creatures – Photograph the sparkling personalities of fascinating underwater sea animals to build memorable albums and your own personal scrapbook.
  • 5 Jaw-Dropping Environments – Explore unique destinations from the colorful Coral Reef to the murky Ship Graveyard, filled with countless treasures to discover!
  • Family-Friendly Tutorial – Experience a fully interactive tutorial that teaches simple step by step instructions on how to become a great deep-sea photographer!
  • Intuitive Photo Evaluations – See how your photographs rank as you are scored on 4 different criteria: size, orientation, centering, and interaction with each fish.
  • Endless Replayability – Discover secret routes, collect hidden items, and encounter special appearances by unique day and night creatures.

Availability Summer 2008 XBox live

ESRB Rating E

Assault Heroes 2 On Xbox live Fact Sheet


Assault Heroes 2

Fact Sheet

Publisher Sierra Online

Developer Wanako Games

Category Action

Platform XBox Live

Overview/Storyline
Jump back into the action with Assault Heroes 2, sequel to the award-winning arcade shooter, exploding with more intense combat! Battle on land and in space to save mankind against the sinister alien force before it’s too late.

Game Features
  • Enhanced Multiplayer Co-op – Quickly activate improved cooperative weapons to rain destruction on hordes of bazooka soldiers, kamikaze bombers and more
  • Hi-jackable Enemy Units – Steal the attack helicopter, armored tank or mechanical walker from the enemy base for surprise attacks
  • More Powerful Weaponry – Utilize a superior arsenal of weapons including the newly designed sub-zero ice cannon, homing missiles, rocket launcher and upgraded firearms from the original
  • Frantic On-Foot Action – Survive on-foot warfare while equipped with all your weapons in expansive underground areas
  • Monstrous Bosses – Face-off against challenging mechanoid beasts before they destroy you
  • New Diverse and Interactive Environments – Blast through the Snowy Mountains, Rainforest and Outer Space with extensive destructible terrain from burning trees to shattering buildings

Availability Spring 2008

Rating Teen

Gin Rummy on Microsoft XBox 360 - Fact sheet


Gin Rummy

Fact Sheet

Publisher Sierra Online

Developer Studio Ch’in

Category Card & Board

Platform Xbox 360 - Xbox LIVE Arcade

Game Overview
Enjoy challenging variations of the classic card game Gin Rummy! Strategically select the right cards to complete sets of combinations, minimizing the risk of getting caught with a poor hand. ‘Knock’ out your opponent with high scores and bonus points, and video chat with players from around the world for endless hours of casual card game fun.
6 Popular Game Modes – Challenge your opponents to a game of Classic Gin Rummy, Speed Gin Rummy, Oklahoma Gin, Hollywood Gin, Three-Hand Gin, or Customize Your Own Rules!
Rapid Auto-scoring – Enjoy immediate automatic scoring at the end of each match to get a detailed breakdown of each player’s total accrued points and bonuses.
Unique Game Themes – Choose from colorful game skins, artistic card decks, and entertaining music selections.
Multiplayer Matches – Test your skills in a real-time multiplayer match with up to 3 other competitors.
Xbox LIVE Vision – Video chat with your friends over Xbox LIVE Vision for a knock-out time!

Availability Q3 2008 (XBLA)

ESRB Rating E

CHARTTRACK WEEKLY UK VIDEO GAMESCHARTS

All formats

(Full price) Week ending 26 April 2008

1 WII FIT NINTENDO
2 MARIO KART WII NINTENDO
3 MARIO & SONIC AT THE OLYMPIC GAMES SEGA
4 PRO EVOLUTION SOCCER 2008 KONAMI
5 CALL OF DUTY 4: MODERN WARFARE ACTIVISION
6 SEGA SUPERSTARS TENNIS SEGA
7 UEFA EURO 2008 AUSTRIA-SWITZERLAND ELECTRONIC ARTS
8 TOM CLANCY'S RAINBOW SIX: VEGAS 2 UBISOFT
9 GUITAR HERO III: LEGENDS OF ROCK ACTIVISION
10 FIFA 08 ELECTRONIC ARTS
11 ASSASSIN'S CREED UBISOFT
12 COOKING MAMA 2 505 GAMES
13 CONDEMNED 2 SEGA
14 MARIO KART DS NINTENDO
15 NEW SUPER MARIO BROS. NINTENDO
16 THE SIMPSONS GAME ELECTRONIC ARTS
17 HALO 3 MICROSOFT
18 FOOTBALL MANAGER 2008 SEGA
19 TIME CRISIS 4 SONY COMPUTER ENT.
20 DARK SECTOR D3P

Ultimate Board Game Collection on Nintendo Wii PSP and PS2


THE GAMES

Ultimate Board Game Collection brings together some of the World’s best loved board and table top games in one must have compilation. Play all time classic games such as Chess, Checkers, Backgammon and Reversi and unlock trophies by completing specific goals. Take on friends and family and learn new games with tutorials included for novice players. You can even customise each game by selecting different rules, environments and piece types.

There’s something for all the family, and no little pieces to lose!

Wii

12 Games included
Chess, Checkers, Backgammon, Naval Battle (Battleships), Sudoku, Mahjong Solitaire, Chinese Checkers, Word Cubes, Quattro, Gomoku, Jigsaws and Reversi.

PSP

24 Games included
Chess, Quattro, Checkers, Enigma, Backgammon, Reversi, Snakes & Ladders,
Naval Battle (Battleships), Parcheesi, Dice, Dominoes, Go, Chinese Checkers, Word Cubes, Mahjong Solitaire, Anagrams, Concentration, Tic-Tac-Toe, Mancala,
Jigsaws, Shogi, Gomoku, Sudoku and Kakuro.

PS2

20 Games included
Chess, Quattro, Checkers, Enigma, Backgammon, Reversi, Snakes & Ladders, Naval Battle (Battleships), Parcheesi, Dice, Dominoes, Go, Chinese Checkers, Word Cubes, Mahjong Solitaire, Anagrams, Concentration, 3D Tic-Tac-Toe, Mancala and Jigsaws.


FEATURES

• A must own collection of the World’s best loved board and table top games.
• With classic family games, all-time favourites, puzzle and strategy games all included, there’s something for players of all ages.
• Play against friends, family or CPU opponent (with multiple difficulty levels).
• Customise each game by selecting different rules, environments and piece types.
• Learn new games with tutorials included for novice players.
• Choose from 4 different soundtracks. Use your own songs as the soundtrack (PSP).
• Unlock trophies by completing specific tasks (PSP, PS2)
• Use the Wii Remote to point, grab and flick pieces with 3 control mechanisms: “flick” control, pointer or +Control Pad. (Wii only).
• Includes lots of different Jigsaw puzzles. Use your own pictures as jigsaws! (PSP).

NARUTO: Ultimate Ninja 3 Brings The Ultimate In Ninja Battles To Europe


Largest Selection of Playable Ninja Coming to Europe in September 2008 for PlayStation 2

Atari today announced the forthcoming European release of NAMCO BANDAI Games’ Naruto: Ultimate Ninja 3 for PlayStation 2. As the latest and most advanced in the fighting game series based on the Naruto Universe, Naruto: Ultimate Ninja 3 boasts the largest ever selection of playable ninja characters, brand new playing modes for even more gameplay variety, and unprecedented freedom and immerson into the Naruto world with a 3D rendered Hidden Leaf Village. Set in the Naruto universe popularised by the anime TV show currently on air across Europe, Naruto: Ultimate Ninja 3 is scheduled for European release in September 2008.

The game’s main story mode, Ultimate Contest, revolves around the Leaf Village where the All-Out Ninja Tournament is being held between the rival Leaf and Sand ninja. The winner of the tournament will be crowned Hokage and will be able to put forward a new rule for the Leaf Village, but this power must not fall into the wrong hands. To ensure this does not happen, the player enters the Naruto world to explore the massive 3D rendered Hidden Leaf Village, engage in all out battle royale matches, interact with residents in the village and complete over 55 missions.

Players can choose their favourite ninja from the most extensive selection of over 40 playable characters from the hit anime TV show including Naruto, Sasuke, Itachi, The Hokages, The Sound Ninja 4 and many more. Battles are made bigger than ever before by unleashing Ultimate Jutsu to customise favourite characters into powerful ninja warriors, and summoning gigantic creatures as allies in Summoning Mode. Naruto: Ultimate Ninja 3 also offers tons of combat variety either as close combat or using a variety of ranged weapons, and support characters can be called upon to help with super attacks.

Another unique feature of Naruto: Ultimate Ninja 3 is the Hero's History mode which lets the player participate in major events and battles from the anime series through the Sasuke Retrieval Arc where the decisive battle of destiny will be played out to determine the fate of the two greatest ninja. For the first time in the series, the player can choose between English and Japanese voiceover to enhance the original flavour of the anime series.

Naruto: Ultimate Ninja 3 for PlayStation 2 is published by NAMCO BANDAI Games Europe SAS, distributed in Europe by Atari, and scheduled for European release in September 2008.

Grand Theft Auto IV Available Today for Xbox 360 and Exclusive Episodes Available Starting Autumn 2008


The day has finally arrived; today “Grand Theft Auto IV” is available on the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft.

Play “Grand Theft Auto IV” multiplayer online with your friends starting today over the Xbox LIVE online entertainment network. Starting this autumn, Xbox 360 owners will also have access to exclusive “Grand Theft Auto IV” episodes that will provide hours of additional game play.


Developed by Rockstar Games, “Grand Theft Auto IV” is a powerful crime epic set in modern-day Liberty City, a world with an unparalleled combination of scale, depth and detail.

Matrix Games Unveils Gary Grigsby's War Between the States!


The latest project from the people who created War in the Pacific heads to the American Civil War!

Matrix Games and 2 by 3 Games are thrilled to announce Gary Grigsby’s War Between the States, an innovative turn-based grand strategy game set during the American Civil War!

David Heath, Director of Operations at Matrix Games, said “2 by 3 Games have brought us some timeless wargames that people will be enjoying for years to come. Now that they’re taking their talent in grand strategy games to the American Civil War we can look forward to another masterpiece of wargaming!”

Taking gamers back to the American Civil War, Gary Grigsby’s War Between the States allows players to experience the trials and tribulations of the role of commander-in-chief for either side. Historically accurate, detailed and finely balanced for realistic gameplay, War Between the States is also easy to play and does not take months to finish.

Promote and cultivate talented young colonels or brigadiers to build Corps and Army commanders that will help you fight and manage the war effort from battles to training of recruits with the utmost efficiency and success. An innovative multi-faceted rank promotion system allows leaders to gain in abilities and power based on their successes, while also simulating the historical progression of leaders during the war. Each decision you make must be weighed carefully, as promoting and demoting leaders, entering neutral states, raising troops and many other actions cost you the political capital that will determine your ability to achieve victory.

Explore the historical tactics of the day to find the best way to win. Use cavalry to raid the enemy supply depots and conduct reconnaissance to determine the best place to strike and then engage the enemy head on and watch the epic push and pull of battle unfold in front of you. In between battles, the mighty Union navy or brave Confederate raiders can strangle and disrupt supply flow at critical times in your campaign. Build river gunboats and transports to exploit the strategic value of the Mississippi and entrench and fortify key locations to deny passage to the enemy.

Test your mettle and strategic vision in one of the most bitterly fought contests in history – the War Between the States.

Features include:

• Use wisdom and strategy to appoint the best leader for the job – With an innovative new system, units train and function best with the right leader. Weigh the strengths and weakness of the men commanding your armies to maximize unit attributes like attack, defense, movement, initiative probability, and training.
• Play on the edge of your seat with a suspenseful battle resolution system – Watch the push and pull of forces as the battle unfolds that will make or break your plans resolve.
• Master critical Cavalry Scouting and Raiding and penetrate deep into enemy territory - With the optional Fog of War rule, cavalry scouting becomes even more important. The Confederate early war cavalry advantage is accurately simulated.
• Achieve naval superiority with a realistic and complete naval war model – Harass and interrupt critical trade routes with a Union blockade and or Confederate commerce raiders. Build river gunboats and transports to control the “Father of Waters” and conduct amphibious assaults by river or sea.
• Fortify and Entrench – Entrench your armies and build permanent fortifications to protect strategic locations and interdict river movement.
• Conserve your Political Capital – Use it prudently to call for new troops, change leaders and enter neutral states. Build it up through successes and keep it high enough to secure final victory.