Wii Fit game sold - every four seconds

The Currys retail chain, consisting of Currys, PC World and Dixons brands, has revealed that it sold a copy of Wii Fit every four seconds across the release weekend, making it the chain's fastest-selling game ever.

The news comes alongside the announcement that the group is also planning to implement its own game classification scheme to try to better inform shoppers as to the suitability of its products for family entertainment.

PC and console titles will be tested by a selection of families, while some products will also be labelled as suitable for customers over the age of 60.

"The notion that videogames are played by teenagers tucked away in their bedrooms is past its sell-by date," said Amanda Clift, Currys' head of brand. "Videogaming is now a mainstream form of family entertainment and we've seen a huge surge in the number of non-core gamers purchasing consoles and games.

"This new scheme will allow us to rate a game based on the collective feedback of a large number of families so our customers can quickly and easily identify which games are going to provide the best form of family entertainment."

The move follows the release of the Byron Review last month, which recommended stronger measures to highlight and encourage recognition of videogames ratings.

The company also released a top ten chart of its best-selling 'family-friendly' titles, as follows:

1. Wii Fit (Wii)
2. Singstar (PS3)
3. Gran Turismo 5: Prologue (PS3)
4. Buzz Hollywood (PS2)
5. Big Brain Academy (Wii)
6. Mario Kart (Wii)
7. Brain Training (DS)
8. Pro Evolution Soccer 2008 (Wii)
9. Sun Crossword (DS)
10. Mario and Sonic at the Olympic Games (DS)

Exteel - Frontliner Mechanaught And Weapon Highlights

NCsoft announces the third Exteel diary highlighting Frontliner Mechanaught and detailed weapon highlights.

NCsoft announces the third Exteel diary highlighting Frontliner Mechanaught and detailed weapon highlights.

Once most Exteel players complete the full range of tutorials and finish a few matches they probably won’t want to stick with the Pinkett very much longer. Most players by this time should have enough in-game money (credits) to purchase something new, or at least acquire some different Mechanaught parts.

One of the Mechanaught sets available for a reasonable sticker price is the Frontliner, a medium Mechanaught design that is built for battling other Mechanaughts on the front lines (hence the name) and absorbing greater amounts of punishment. It’s a popular purchase among new players, who want to stand and fight the enemy straight-up, rather than run away at the first signs of danger. The heavier armor of the Frontliner means it’s a bit more armored than a Pinkett, but the Frontliner has superior energy generating and heat regulation capabilities without really slowing it down. Both the Pinkett and Frontliner have one MPU or Mechanaught Processing Unit, which dictate how many special skills you can equip your Mechanaught with at any one time.

Pilots upgrading from a Pinkett should take note however that the Frontliner does have a durability rating, meaning it’ll degrade over time until it is either unusable or gets repaired.

Weapon Highlights

• Poseidon – The –C model of this large two-handed underslung cannon is awarded to players for finishing the “Cannon Training” advanced tutorial. It fires large energy rounds at opponents and while the damage may not as great as other two-handed weapons, its ease of use and wide lock-on ability, coupled with a relatively low overheat rating, means it’ll be a favorite for starting pilots who wish to yield the really big guns.

• Defender – Defenders belong to a set of non-weapon items that essentially are shields. The Defender itself looks like a police riot shield. While Mechanaughts can be armed with shields, the shield has to actually be in use (that is, you’re clicking on the mouse button to bring it up to a shielding position) in order for it to work. Shields absorb damage from incoming fire—they more they absorb, the more heat they generate until they overheat and become unusable until the heat dissipates. Players commonly use a shield with a melee weapon since at close range it’s easy to shield yourself from a melee attack, but other combinations are certainly possible (flag carriers in CTF matches for instance have been known to equip two shields at once).

• Death Hurler – The Death Hurler is a low-cost two-handed weapon similar to the cannon, except it fires high explosive-armed rockets. Rocket launchers have some distinct advantages over cannons as they don’t generate as much heat or take as long to reload. Pilots can also fire a rocket launcher while moving or jumping, while cannon users have to remain standing still. The downside is that the rocket launcher requires manual aim; there’s no locking on to an opponent, so the pilot must be very accurate when firing. Plus, a rocket launcher doesn’t pack nearly as much punch as a cannon.

• Beam Spitter – One of the most popular SMG types in Exteel, the Beam Spitter is an excellent weapon in the hands of even a novice pilot, with exceptional range for an SMG and very good ratings for accuracy and reloading. Many pilots that wind up in close-range battles switch to the Beam Spitter for the kill. Like many SMGs, the Beam Spitter fires a one-second burst at a target with the single pull of the trigger.

Practice Mode
Practice Mode offers you the ability to try out weapons and skills in a circular arena without having to attack other players, or worrying about other players attacking you. The arena is populated by four standing Mechanaughts, replicas of your own Mechanaught, that can be targeted and attacked, but not destroyed. Here you can practice how long it takes your weapons to overheat, how certain skills can be used, and you won’t get penalized for leaving (in regular matches you get penalized 200 credits for leaving early).

Battle Modes – Deathmatch and Team Deathmatch
Exteel offers one of the most traditional online multiplayer game modes in the world: the classic deathmatch. Battles can have as many as sixteen players, and the purpose of the deathmatch is simple: accumulate the most points and win. You accumulate points by destroying other Mechanaughts, or assisting in their destruction (meaning you delivered a significant amount of damage but did not make the fatal blow). Players can respawn from generally four different areas on the map, which is usually where the bulk of the fighting is. There’s no healing here; once the damage is taken, it stays that way until your Mechanaught is destroyed and you have to respawn.

Deathmatches can be very intense as everyone is pretty much out to get you, and being successful means being a little careful about which local fights to get into, where you are, and how absorbed your enemies are in each other. A gaggle of Mechanaughts engaged in a giant melee fight can be easy pickings for someone at long range.

The structure of Team Deathmatch is similar to Deathmatch; instead of a free-for-all it pits two teams of players against the other, and the team with the most accumulated points wins. The tactics of Team Deathmatch are of course very different from Deathmatch. Pilots need to stick together in clumps, where the combined firepower can overwhelm singular enemies easily. Since there are no healing pads like other team matches, those equipped with rectifiers will be extremely useful. Team Deathmatch is all about working together to rapidly defeating the opponents without having the same thing done to you.

New Screenshots Available for Theatre of War

cdv Software Entertainment USA today has released a pack of new screens for Theatre of War, their upcoming WWII battlefield simulation/RTS game. In the new screens, bombers and artillery blast to the battlefield while infantry and armored units head into combat. Slated for a May 2008 release on PC, Theatre of War offers an extensive real-time strategy experience. By combining the look, feel and historical elements of World War II, Theatre of War creates an unrivaled tactical battlefield experience that spans major campaigns from the Battle of Moscow to Normandy. With more than 50 missions spread across multiple campaigns and a rich do-it-yourself mission and map editor included, Theatre of War rewards armchair generals with tremendous gaming and replay value.

You can view the screens in the Theater of War section on our website: http://cdvusa.com/games/view/63

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.

Lineage II - The Chaotic Throne – Hellbound Transformations

NCsoft Europe presents a new Lineage II Hellbound feature describing how moderate-to-high-level players can transform into a variety of creatures.

While our Lineage II players generally enjoy playing and advancing their own characters, they still like to have a different experience every once in awhile. Our players also crave something new and diverse—something they can’t get in any other fashion. How about playing something one normally wouldn’t play, like one of the game’s many dangerous creatures? Players who have experienced Lineage I have seen something very similar to this with polymorph scrolls.

With The Kamael we expanded on this concept, which we call transformations. Moderate- to high-level characters can transform into a variety of creatures for combat and non-combat situations, utilizing a special talisman, skill or consumable scroll. Players level 50 and above from all classes can acquire the “More than Meets the Eye” quest from Necromancer Grand Master Hardin in his Academy. Once the quest is completed, players can then go to Transformation Wizard Avant-Garde on the second floor of the Ivory Tower to get their first transformation skill: Transform Onyx Beast. The player must also possess a Transformation Sealbook for that particular creature in order to learn the skill. The Sealbooks can typically be purchased from various vendors (for example, the Dragon Bomber Sealbook can be purchased from the Town of Aden Adventure Guildsman).

From there, as the player gains levels they can gain other transformation skills and Sealbooks. At level 55 the player can acquire Transform Doom Wraith, and then at level 60 players can get racial specific transformation skills. Each of these skills is geared towards a specific race, though another race may use them with some decreased attributes (exactly how much depends on the race). These battle-oriented transformations are known as combat transformations, where the character assumes the stats of the transformed creature. They also have access to a number of transformation-related skills; the higher the character level, the more skills become available. Combat transformations last thirty minutes and can only be used once every four hours.

A couple of the transformations are special cases, like when a Kamael goes through their third class change, or when the player acquires a specific item (like the Demon Sword Zariche). We also introduced non-combat transformations, which are generally more socially fun and no special skills are required.

With Hellbound we wanted to further add to the transformation system and give it a bit more depth and variety. Five new commonly available transformations were added for all characters that reach level 70. At the same time we introduced a series of very rare transformations, which allow the character to transform into an especially tough raid boss, like Ranku or Kechi. They won’t be as powerful as that raid boss, but they’ll be more powerful than the normal combat transformations. The Transformation Sealbook needed to complete the transformation process can be acquired by hunting certain types of raid monsters, so obviously these items will be highly sought after.

Aside from a couple of new, fun non-combat transformations, a set of class-specific transformations have also been added. Once the player reaches level 80 in their sub-class they can undertake a special quest to acquire it. These transformations into “divine” versions of their sub-class can be especially powerful and have a wide variety of specialized skills available to them.

BRITISH ROCKERS MUSE TO PLAY ENCORE IN DOWNLOADABLE CONTENT FOR GUITAR HERO III: LEGENDS OF ROCK

New track pack featuring Brit rockers available on 8th May 2008

Known for their exhilarating live performances and unique blend of rock music styles, British trio Muse is returning to Guitar Hero for an encore performance with the release of a three track downloadable song pack for Activision Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock.

Featuring the rousing hits “Exo-Politics” and “Supermassive Black Hole” from the band’s critically acclaimed album Black Holes and Revelations, and “Stockholm Syndrome” from their multi-platinum record Absolution, the Muse track pack will be available for Xbox LIVE Marketplace for Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and in the PLAYSTATION Store for the PLAYSTATION 3 computer entertainment system on May 8, 2008.

Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock offers the ultimate rock experience with new wireless guitars, freshly added content and features including a multiplayer action-inspired battle mode, grueling boss battles, a host of exclusive unlockable content and visually stunning rock venues. Expanded online multiplayer modes allow axe-shredders worldwide to compete head-to-head for true rock status as they riff through a star-studded soundtrack including master tracks by legendary artists such as Aerosmith, Guns 'N' Roses, The Rolling Stones, Beastie Boys, Rage Against the Machine and Pearl Jam, as well as original songs by guitar icons Slash and Tom Morello. Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock is now available and is rated "T" for Teen by the ESRB. For more information visit www.guitarhero.com.

About Activision, Inc.
Headquartered in Santa Monica, California, Activision, Inc. is a leading worldwide developer, publisher and distributor of interactive entertainment and leisure products. Founded in 1979, Activision posted net revenues of $1.5 billion for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2007.

Activision maintains operations in the U.S., Canada, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Sweden, Spain, the Netherlands, Australia, Japan and South Korea. More information about Activision and its products can be found on the company's World Wide Web site, which is located at www.activision.com.
Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-looking Statements: Information in this press release that involves Activision’s expectations, plans, intentions or strategies regarding the future are forward-looking statements that are not facts and involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Activision generally uses words such as “outlook”, “will,” “could,” “would,” “might,” “remains,” “to be,” “plans,” “believes”, “may”, “expects,” “intends,” “anticipates,” “estimate,” future,” “plan,” “positioned,” “potential,” “project,” “remain,” “scheduled,” “set to,” “subject to,” “upcoming” and similar expressions to help identify forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause Activision’s actual future results to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements set forth in this release include, but are not limited to, sales of Activision’s titles, shifts in consumer spending trends, the seasonal and cyclical nature of the interactive game market, Activision’s ability to predict consumer preferences among competing hardware platforms (including next-generation hardware), declines in software pricing, product returns and price protection, product delays, retail acceptance of Activision’s products, adoption rate and availability of new hardware and related software, industry competition, rapid changes in technology and industry standards, protection of proprietary rights, maintenance of relationships with key personnel, customers, vendors and third-party developers, international economic and political conditions, integration of recent acquisitions and the identification of suitable future acquisition opportunities the timing and successful completion of the combination of Vivendi Games with Activision, the combined companies’ success in executing planned strategies and achieving assumed synergies and cost savings, and foreign exchange rate changes. Other such factors include additional risk factors identified in Activision’s most recent annual report on Form 10-K and subsequent quarterly reports on Form 10-Q. The forward-looking statements in this release are based upon information available to Activision as of the date of this release, and Activision assumes no obligation to update any such forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements believed to be true when made may ultimately prove to be incorrect. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors, some of which are beyond our control and may cause actual results to differ materially from our current expectations.

Theatre of War Readying for a Retail Invasion

Theatre of War, the WWII battlefield simulation/RTS title for PC, has gone gold today. Created by Battlefront.com, a leading developer of strategy games, Theatre of War offers an extensive real-time WWII experience. By combining the look, feel and historical elements of World War II, Theatre of War creates an unrivaled tactical battlefield recreation that spans major campaigns from the Battle of Moscow to Normandy. With more than 50 missions spread across multiple campaigns and a rich do-it-yourself mission and map editor included, Theatre of War rewards armchair generals with tremendous gaming and replay value. For more information about the game, which will be published by cdv Software Entertainment USA in North America on May 19, please visit http://www.cdvus.com.

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.

NINTENDO ANNOUNCES WORLDWIDE MARIO KART WII TOURNAMENTS

Nintendo has thrown down the gauntlet for Mario Kart Wii racers worldwide. Now it's time to see who's up to the challenge, as players take on the world in Mario Kart Wii Tournaments.

Every few weeks, a new tournament will appear on the Mario Kart Channel, an online feature that not only allows players to compete in tournaments, but also exchange race data with friends. Tournaments might take the form of a challenge for players to race a certain course as fast as they can with specific characters, or to collect a number of coins on a course using the Wii Wheel accessory or another control setup. They can feature unique rules or obstacles on the course.

The first tournament, which appears today, directs racers to compete for the fastest time on the Mario Circuit. Look closely though – something may be different. Players can attempt the challenge as often as they like during the duration of the tournament. Their best time will be recorded and added to the worldwide rankings, allowing players to see how they stack up against the best racers from around the world.

NOTE: If you would like to participate in Mario Kart Wii tournaments, your Wii console needs to be connected to the Internet. For more information about how to get online, visit Wii.com. For more information about Mario Kart Wii, please visit www.MarioKart.com.

HANABI FESTIVAL RETURNS TO VIRTUAL CONSOLE!

Retro gamers everywhere rejoice! The celebrated ‘Hanabi Festival’ is back on Virtual Console, bringing with it another timeless selection of retro titles – previously released only in Japan or the United States – to Wii gamers across Europe. Available via the Wii Shop Channel, discovery is the name of the game as players can experience for the first time many highly entertaining and cult classics, all courtesy of SEGA and Hudson Soft.

Named after the Japanese holiday season renowned for its firework displays, the Hanabi Festival offers Wii owners across Europe the opportunity to experience first-hand a series of gaming greats never released in PAL regions. To kick-start this, the second Hanabi Festival, three high-energy action and puzzle titles are unleashed…

· GRADIUS II GOFER NO YABOU (Turbografx) – the acclaimed space shooter!

· Columns III: Revenge of Columns (SEGA MEGA DRIVE) – the jewel puzzle brain bender!

· Final Soldier (Turbografx) – the action-packed shoot ‘em up sequel!

And there are even more import games planned to launch as the Hanabi Festival continues in the coming weeks, including such diverse titles as Puyo Puyo 2 and Gley Lancer from SEGA, and Star Parodier and Cho Aniki from Hudson Soft – and more.

GRADIUS II GOFER NO YABOU returns you to the helm of the legendary Vic Viper to overcome a new offensive from the Bacterion Empire. Originally only available on the PC Engine (Turbografx) console in Japan, this horizontally scrolling shooter challenges players to conquer the Bacterion’s fleet and its new leader, Gofer. With a total of nine stages, this perfect port of the original boasts one of the longest adventures in the series and also features more trademark fast-paced music to accompany the intense action! GRADIUS II is available now for 900 Wii Points.

If you’d prefer to test your brain rather than your brawn, then the mental tenacity of puzzle fans everywhere will be pushed to the very limit in the compelling sequel Columns III: Revenge of Columns™. Released in the U.S. in 1994 for the SEGA MEGA DRIVE, Columns III offers a single-player or multi-player experience that expands upon the gameplay of the first two Columns titles by giving players extra attacks to spring on their opponents. As in the original Columns, jewels fall into a column bin where gamers have to twist and manipulate them to match three or more jewels in a vertical, horizontal or diagonal line to prevent them from stacking up and reaching the top. In Columns III, special magical jewels are available that influence the game in numerous ways such as raising your opponent’s crush bar or lowering yours, adding an extra element of strategy to the game. Columns III: Revenge of Columns is available for 900 Wii Points.

The third Hanabi Festival title this week, Final Soldier, propels you to the 23rd century where you are Earth’s last line of defence against an unknown horde of alien invaders. Part of the celebrated ‘Star Soldier’ series, this action-packed vertical scrolling shooter puts you at the helm of a space fighter created by the finest scientists from across the globe. Armed to the teeth with an arsenal of weaponry you rise up against the enemy overwhelming them with lasers, flamethrowers and missiles, many of which can be upgraded to cause further devastation. Originally released for PC Engine (Turbografx) only in Japan, this Hudson Soft classic can now be yours for 700 Wii Points.

Hanabi Festival titles that were originally released in Japan contain only minimal Japanese text that will not affect players’ enjoyment. All new Hanabi Festival titles will remain on the Wii Shop Channel after the festival has ended. Titles from the previous Hanabi Festival in September 2007 (Sin And Punishment, Ninja Gaiden, Gradius III, Ninja JaJaMaru-kun, and Mario’s Super Picross) are still available, except for the limited edition Super Mario Bros.: The Lost Levels.

And watch this space in the future, because the Hanabi Festival may return…

Virtual Console offers users the ultimate retro gaming experience. This week’s titles join the list of 209 classic titles already available for Virtual Console in Europe.

5 CHILLING IMAGES REVEAL GOTHIC SETTING OF NEW HORROR GAME

Dracula: Origin is the dark new adventure game for PC from Ascaron Entertainment and 93 Games. The game puts you in the role of Professor Van Helsing, the renowned vampire hunter on a quest for Dracula. Hunt down history’s most famous vampire, prevent him from raising the dead, and liberate the souls of all those who have crossed his evil path.

Five fearsome new Dracula: Origin screenshots reveal the stunningly detailed and gothic locations of the game. These images show Professor Van Helsing following the deadly trail left by Dracula as he travels through England, Egypt and, of course, Transylvania. Beware the encounters with Dracula’s faithful worshippers, watch out for the beguiling vampire temptress and be sure to avoid becoming another pile of human remains in Dracula’s Transylvanian castle.

Download the screenshots now or visit www.dracula-origin.com for more information. Prepare to do battle with Dracula, the prince of darkness, on June 6th.

An endless website for deer only

After several months of activity behind the scenes, Michael Samyn and Auriea Harvey have opened The Endless Forest community website to the public. The Endless Forest community of players had been growing steadily and had started to burst out of the Tale of Tales web forums. The new community website offers a place where players of the game can post artwork and images, keep diaries, and check if their friends are online through a live map of the game world.

The Endless Forest is a game without goals or competition. It challenges the imagination and the creativity of the players. Many of them are very talented artists themselves. The new community website offers a platform where their design ideas, artistic impressions and fan art can be shared. A veritable online gallery of some pretty amazing artworks.

The Endless Forest Community Website has its own domain at
http://EndlessForest.org
Login requires being registered for the game, which -as always- is entirely free. But most of the content is available to anyone.

The Endless Forest is a free multiplayer game that can be used as a screensaver. It has been growing steadily since its launch in September 2005. With over 200,000 downloads and more than 25,000 registered players, The Endless Forest is a thriving active community to be proud of.

"The original design of The Endless Forest was created in response to a commission from a museum -the Musée d'Art Moderne in Luxemburg (Mudam), who still host the server. So when it was launched, we thought we had made an artistic statement that would hopefully be appreciated by some art lovers and perhaps get some respect from our peers. To our pleasant surprise, however, the game increasingly exceeds our all too modest expectations. Thousands and thousands of players joined up to experience the tranquility and bliss of a world without violence, without chatter and without anything to do but enjoy. And a vibrant community emerged around it. Despite the continued claims of so-called industry professionals, there is a huge potential for interactive entertainment that is not games in the strict sense of the word."

Tale of Tales is a game development studio located in Gent, Belgium and headed by Auriea Harvey and Michael Samyn. Their focus is on the artistic use of the interactive medium, as was recently demonstrated in "The Graveyard", a very short game in which you play an old lady who visits a cemetery. Meanwhile, Tale of Tales are very hard at work on their IGF-nominated horror game "The Path", scheduled for release in early 2009.

All this and more on http://Tale-of-Tales.com

Trickster Online Revolution - The Chaos Tower Is Here Are You Able To Survive The Peril?

11 Floors Of Sheer Danger, Peril And Adventure! There's No Turning Back Now Tricksters!

With the newest content update and patch for Trickster Online Revolution, a brand new area has been uncovered on Caballa Island! This new area, known as the Chaos Tower, is the single most difficult and challenging addition ever released on any version of Trickster Online Revolution. Consisting of eleven (11) consecutive floors of the most arduous monsters, quests and battles to be found anywhere on the island. This area is not for the faint of heart, and only Tricksters Level 160+ can even gain entrance to this mighty danger-filled dungeon! Even for the Tricksters that do meet the high Level requirement, it will be a difficult, adventurous journey, and Megalo Company has highly recommended to all Tricksters that they attempt this new dungeon in Parties with other Tricksters fighting by their side.

Once a Trickster enters the dungeon and begins to explore its nefarious interior, there is no backing down, no retreating and no going back. Inside the Chaos Tower Tricksters will be able to gain new complete, series of new items which can be upgraded throughout the dungeon itself. In addition, special Monster Quests must also be completed in order to advance to the next consecutive floor within the Chaos Tower.

For more information on this newest release for Trickster Online Revolution, make sure to check out the official website, and don't forget to sign up for the Official Trickster Online Revolution Newsletter!

Chaos Tower Unleashes Epic Challenges And High-Stakes Adventure!

Chaos Beckons - Chaos Ranking Even - Defeat The Towert!

To celebrate the unveiling of this newest area and complete addition to the incredibly deep world of Trickster Online Revolution, a new Event is being held. This new Event, known as Defeat the Tower, is a special Ranking Event which will reward the best of the best of Tricksters who are able to meet and overcome the exceptional challenges found within the Chaos Tower and its challenging Monster Quests from Hunter Yuri. From April 23rd until May 17th, 2008, and split up into 4 weekly heats, Tricksters will compete head to head to get the best rankings in the Monster Quests within the new Dungeon. Every week, the top 10 Tricksters will be rewarded with ultra-exclusive Chaos Boxes, each packed to the brim with special, limited edition items, equipment and gear! There are 4 different Chaos Boxes and they will be rewarded according to the individual rankings of the top 10 Winners.

Tricksters can only win this Event and receive their Chaos Boxes once, and all of the brave and valiant Tricksters who successfully complete the Quests, and Win this Event in any of the 4 heats, will be displayed on the official website!

For more information on this newest Event, as well as the details of the heats, dates, and the Chaos Boxes and their contents, make sure to check out the official website, and don't forget to sign up for the Official Trickster Online Revolution Newsletter!

Chaos Beckons - Defeat The Tower To Become The Best And Receive Exclusive Chaos Boxes!

The Awesome Beginner Area Renovation Continues!

Continuing the ongoing efforts to improve the Trickster Online Revolution experience for all Tricksters, more improvements have been implemented to Caballa Island! These new improvements include more Tutorial Quests that cover the finer points of Refining, Elements, Drilling and even the difference between Character Types!

For more information on these newest and all future improvements as they become available, make sure to check out the official website, and don't forget to sign up for the Official Trickster Online Revolution Newsletter!

Get Into The Newly Improved Revolution!

New Gacha, New MyShop And Other Additions Are Here For You!

With all of the new content and improvements that have come to Caballa Island and the world of Trickster Online Revolution, it should come as no surprise that new items and additions have also come to MyShop, for purchase with Ntreev Cash Points, the new Survival Kit for Chaos Tower has been added to add aid to steadfast Tricksters who wish to challenge the newest and deepest Dungeon in the game's history.

Along with new MyShop items, popular NPC, Time Keeper Pia, has been added as the new resident of Gacha Town 1 - Megalopolis! As Pia is making her debut to Gacha, the special item-drilling-mini-game, exclusive to Trickster Online Revolution, new items and rewards have also been added to Gacha Town 1 - Megalopolis, and several non-rare Gacha items have been reviewed by the hardworking staff of Megalo Company and have been upgraded!

For more information on all the newest additions to MyShop and Gacha, make sure to check out the official website, and don't forget to sign up for the Official Trickster Online Revolution Newsletter!

New Items Come To MyShop! Time Keeper Pia Comes To Gacha!

PENNY ARCADE GAME GOES GOLD, ROGUE KITCHEN APPLIANCES REJOICE

Windows, Mac and Linux Versions of Episode One Reach Gold Master

Hothead Games is thrilled to announce that the Windows, Mac, and Linux versions of Penny Arcade Adventures: On the Rain-Slick Precipice of Darkness, Episode One have reached gold master status and are planned for worldwide download via the new digital download service Greenhouse at www.playgreenhouse.com later this quarter. In celebration, Hothead gave some infamous Penny Arcade characters a new look and let them loose on the unsuspecting websites www.rainslick.com, www.hotheadgames.com, and www.playgreenhouse.com for the public to enjoy.

Penny Arcade Adventures: On the Rain-Slick Precipice of Darkness, Episode One is an RPG-adventure game set in the comic-book-meets-pulp-horror-meets-H.P. Lovecraft deranged 1920s universe of New Arcadia, delivered to gamers via accessible episodic releases. Players join Gabe and Tycho, the crime-solving team of the Startling Developments Detective Agency, to combat savage enemies and solve mysteries hidden deep in the sinister heart of New Arcadia. The game is the result of close collaboration between Hothead Games and Penny Arcade, featuring distinct artwork and characters designed exclusively by Mike "Gabe" Krahulik, story and dialogue by Jerry "Tycho" Holkins, and both brought to life by the Hothead team.

Penny Arcade Adventures: On the Rain-Slick Precipice of Darkness, Episode One is priced at $19.95 for the Windows, Mac, and Linux versions and at 1600 Microsoft points via Xbox LIVE Arcade, with a rating of "M" for Mature by the Entertainment Software Ratings Board for all platforms.

Kung Fu Panda Video Game Demo Now Available On Xbox LIVE

Gamers can become the ultimate Kung Fu Master as Activision, releases the Kung Fu Panda video game demo on the Xbox LIVE Marketplace for the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft. Based on the upcoming feature film from DreamWorks Animation SKG, the Kung Fu Panda video game demo features a full, multi-stage level in which players can experience a taste of the game’s kung fu awesomeness and bodacious humor. Assuming the role of Po the Panda, gamers will be able to deliver incredible combo attacks against a variety of enemies, navigate stunning multi-tiered environments and execute the hilariously powerful Panda Stumble and Panda Quake maneuvers. Additionally, players who beat the demo will receive an exclusive cheat code for the full game allowing them to unlock playable characters in multiplayer mode.

The Kung Fu Panda video game takes gamers on an epic adventure through 13 awesome levels from the movie and beyond. Players must master the specialized kung fu fighting styles of Po, his teacher Shifu, and the legendary kung fu masters, the Furious Five, to become the Dragon Warrior and finally defeat the ultimate enemy, Tai Lung. Featuring a deep variety of gameplay, unique co-op and competitive multiplayer modes, collectibles, and a host of character upgrades, the Kung Fu Panda video game provides an experience gamers of all ages will enjoy.

The Kung Fu Panda video game will be available June 3, 2008 for the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, Wii home video game system from Nintendo, PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system, PlayStation 3 computer entertainment system, Games for Windows, and the Nintendo DS. The console and Windows PC versions are rated PG by the BBFC.

Street Preacher GTA IV

Rock Star doesn't miss a thing in mimicking NYC...

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Rubik's Cube For The Nintendo DS And Wii

New 3D Puzzle Games Allow Players to Step 'Inside' the Iconic Rubik's Cube

The Game Factory ltd, an international publisher of family-friendly and casual videogames, today announced it has signed a licensing agreement with Seven Towns Limited to publish RUBIK’S PUZZLE WORLD, a 3D puzzle game experience for the Nintendo Wii™ and DS™ systems, both inspired by the Rubik’s Cube.

“The Rubik’s Cube is one of the most well known icons in the gaming and entertainment industry,” says Henrik Mathiasen, president of the Game Factory. “We’re honored that Seven Towns Limited has chosen us to take the Rubik’s experience to the next level with Rubik’s Puzzle World. We feel confident that we have created a concept for the whole family that is innovative, challenging and addictive, offering a new twist in the puzzle genre while keeping the Rubik’s Cube core values alive.”
“We’re pleased to be working with the Game Factory to enhance the Rubik’s brand with Rubik’s Puzzle World,” says David Hedley Jones, for Seven Towns Limited, a London-based company that has introduced hundreds of successful original games and toys throughout the world in the past 35 years. “We’re confident that everybody will enjoy this video game experience.”

Step Inside the Cube’ with Rubik’s World
For those who have always wondered what the inside of a Rubik’s Cube looks like, the Game Factory will deliver Rubik’s Puzzle World during Autumn 2008. Designed for players aged eight and older, this otherworldly game will look and play like no other game on the market. A collection of extremely addictive, easy-to-play puzzle games will increase in difficulty as the player delves deeper into this 3D world.

Each version of Rubik’s Puzzle World will host its own unique and original series of games. Players will test their brainpower by constructing 3D shapes and objects, navigating through mazes and even creating their own soundtracks. The DS™ version will allow players to connect to a community of Rubik’s Puzzle World enthusiasts through the platform’s wireless connection. The Wii™ version accommodates up to four players and will feature an online message board.

Rubik’s Cube Facts

In 1980, the Rubik’s Cube, was launched on an unsuspecting world with a Hollywood party hosted by the "other" famous Hungarian Zsa Zsa Gabor. Little did anyone know it would become the world’s biggest-selling puzzle. So iconic did The Cube become that it earned a place in New York’s Museum of Modern Art, and its own entry in the Oxford English Dictionary; not to mention worldwide sales exceeding 300 million copies. Today it looks the same, it works the same and it’s still incredibly popular.

The Rubik's Cube has featured in major movies, ad campaigns, generated huge sales of T-shirts and apparel, been used as an iconic image for lottery games and scratch cards; and along with the brand's other 3D twisting puzzles still generates a huge amount of public interest, recognition and affection.

DOOM OF THE LAST-KING FOR THE LORD OF THE RINGS ONLINE

Turbine, Inc. and Codemasters Online announced the details of the fifth content update for subscribers to The Lord of the Rings Online™: Shadows of Angmar™. Book 13: Doom of the Last-king continues the epic story of The Lord of the Rings Online, adds an entire new region to the world of Middle-earth, a new Monster Play class and the introduction of the hobby system. Book 13: Doom of the Last-king is available now to subscribers of The Lord of the Rings Online in North America and Europe.

“The Lord of the Rings Online has grown dramatically in scale, content and the size of our community in its first year of operation,” said Jim Crowley, president and CEO of Turbine, Inc. “We’ve received a very positive response from players about the new region of Forochel and the long-awaited addition of fishing that adds an entirely new level of fun and enjoyment to the game. It’s been an incredible first year and we are hard at work finishing up Book 14 slated for release this summer. All of us are very excited for our journey this fall into the Mines of Moria.”

"We have seen a huge increase in overall players over the last few months as more people than ever move to Middle-earth", said David Solari Vice President of Codemasters Online. "After a fantastic first year we look forward to continued momentum as more and more people try this incredible game".

NEW FEATURES:
New Region – In the far, frozen north of Eriador lies Forochel, a land unlike any other in Middle-earth. This new region lets players see the ocean for the first time and introduces several new temperature based landscape effects. Players will need to be mindful of the cold due to a new damage type – frost. Frost will slowly damage their character until they find a source of warmth in the form of shelter or a campfire.
New Faction – Beneath the brooding skies of Forochel dwell the hardy tribes known as the Lossoth. Suspicious of outsiders, they have long warred against other folk – especially the Guaredain, bloodthirsty wolf-loving barbarians in league with the forces of Angmar. Players can earn favor with the Lossoth by helping them in the struggle against their ancient enemy in this latest addition to The Lord of the Rings Online’s (LOTRO) reputation system. Lossoth reputation rewards include unique armor sets, weapons, a new mount, housing decorations, and class specific items
Introducing the Defiler — The first new class for Monster Players debuts in Book 13. The Defiler is a healer that will round out any War Band in their quest to dominate the Ettenmoors. The Defiler uses new healing skills such as Fertile Slime and Fungal Bloom to aid its party in battle and has a host of new Debuff skills including Curse of the Lethargic Heart to defeat their enemies.
The Hobby System — The player hobby system is introduced in Book 13. Fishing is the first hobby being introduced in LOTRO. From the Midgewater Marshes to the Shores of Evendim, players will find fishing to be a relaxing, entertaining and beneficial pastime. Players can earn deeds and traits as they improve their fishing prowess and captured fish can be used to cook in recipes or be mounted as trophies in a player’s house.
The Epic Continues! — At Elrond’s urging, players venture into the frozen wastes of the north to continue Laerdan’s search for the remnants of the ring Narchuil. Aided by the Snowmen of Forochel, players will uncover the fate of an ancestor of Aragorn and strive to thwart the terrible aims of Angmar.
Over 100 New Quests — The story continues for players as they aid the Fellowship and encounter new adventures in Middle-earth.

Grand Theft Auto IV - UK's day one sales record broken with 609,000 copies shifted in 24 hours

Grand Theft Auto IV has broken all previous records – selling an estimated 609,000 units

ELSPA, the Entertainment Leisure Software Publishers’ Association, today reports that day one sales of Rockstar Games’ hugely anticipated Grand Theft Auto IV for Xbox 360 and PLAYSTATION 3 have comfortably eclipsed the previous record set by GTA: San Andreas in 2004. Tuesday 29th April sell through for Xbox 360 and PLAYSTATION 3 reached 609,000 units - comfortably beating the previous record: GTA: San Andreas for PS2, which sold 501,000 units on Friday 29th October, 2004.

“The scale of GTA’s day one sales are phenomenal and reflect a vibrant market which continues to grow. Gamers are from all age groups and demographics with estimates putting the total number of people in the UK who enjoy games at over 20 million,” said ELSPA managing director, Mike Rawlinson.

All-time No1
Initial Day 1 'GTA: San Andreas' PS2 was Friday 29th October, 2004 at 501K units.

GTA IV combined PS3/360 (All formats record)
Initial Day 1 sales are estimated at 609K units for Tuesday 29th April which is a new record.

Xbox 360
Microsoft's 'Halo 3' launched on Wed 26th Sep07 and the day 1 sales were 266K units.

The new 24 hour record is 'GTA IV' which on initial estimates recorded 335K units on Day 1, Tuesday 29th April.

PS3
The previous record has been well and truly eclipsed. This was set recently by Sony's 'Gran Turismo 5: Prologue' launched on Friday 28th March with Day 1 sales of 80K.

The new 24 hour record is 'GTA IV' which on initial estimates recorded 274K units on Day 1, Tuesday 29th April.

FINAL FANTASY XI 2008 Edition Released In May

Includes Wings of the Goddess expansion

Square Enix Ltd., the publisher of Square Enix interactive entertainment products in Europe and other PAL territories, today announces the forthcoming release of FINAL FANTASY XI 2008 Edition, available from 23rd May.

FINAL FANTASY XI takes you into the world of Vana'diel during the aftermath of a great war, as you answer a desperate call to defend your people. In this first ever cross-platform massively multiplayer online game, you'll unite with other warriors as they save their world from utter destruction.

The brand-new 2008 Edition available for both Windows and Xbox 360 contains all four expansion packs, Rise of the Zilart, Chains of Promathia, Treasures of Aht Urghan and the latest expansion pack Wings of the Goddess.

John Yamamoto, president and chief executive officer of Square Enix Ltd. comments, "The world of FINAL FANTASY XI continues to grow with both new content and new players. FINAL FANTASY XI 2008 Edition allows interested players to join the adventure with the bonus of all the expansion pack content. I hope many more players enjoy and experience the exciting world of Vana'diel and all that FINAL FANTASY XI has to offer."

About WINGS OF THE GODDESS

• New Combat Features:
  
• An all-new "Allied Campaign" system will allow players to take part in large-scale battles and explore new special dungeons
  
• New Areas:
  
• New settings further expand the vast world of Vana'diel
  
• Mog House Guests:
  
• Players will be able to invite their friends to their Mog Houses, showing their personalised furniture and special items. It is a new way to talk about past adventures and future plans in an entirely customised setting.
  
• New Jobs: Dancer and Scholar
  
• New Monsters
  

About FINAL FANTASY XI

FINAL FANTASY XI was originally released on May 2002. In October 2003 the title was released in North America and the European release followed in September 2004.

FINAL FANTASY XI is the first MMORPG capable of simultaneous multiplayer action across three different platforms, allowing players worldwide to combine forces on Windows, PlayStation®2 (North America and Japan only) and Xbox 360.

FINAL FANTASY XI players from all over the world can unite in one gaming universe in a community of more than 500,000 players, and 1.7 million characters.

March 2007 saw the introduction of the French and German language versions of FINAL FANTASY XI creating an influx of new players. Those already playing will tell you this has added to a vibrant multi-cultural online community.

FINAL FANTASY XI is the first ever MMORPG for Microsoft's Xbox 360.

GUITAR HERO AIR GUITAR ROCKERTM AT 2008 CONSUMER ELECTRONICS SHOW

Jada Toys, Inc. unveiled today at the 2008 Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, the Guitar Hero Air Guitar Rocker, an innovative electronic toy based on Activision, Inc.’s (Nasdaq: ATVI) blockbuster video game franchise, Guitar Hero®. With this new toy, consumers are able to unlock their inner rock star anywhere and jam to five famous tracks, as well as five original Air Guitar Rocker™ freestyle riffs. Available in stores in March 2008 for a suggested retail price of $29.99, the Guitar Hero Air Guitar Rocker will be on hand for demonstrations at CES in the Jada Toys, Inc. booth # 72349 at the Sands Hotel Convention Center.

“Jada has a stellar reputation of delivering high quality, trend-setting toys,” said Charles Huang, vice president of business development at Activision/RedOctane. “The Air Guitar Rocker is a unique product that captures the attitude of the Guitar Hero franchise perfectly, allowing rock fans and air guitar enthusiasts the opportunity to jam at will to some of the greatest guitar riffs of all-time.”

The Guitar Hero Air Guitar Rocker features patented technology which includes guitar pics and a rockin’ belt buckle that, when connected to a wearable, mini-amplifier, allows run-of-the-mill rock fans to transform into legendary guitarists. With an air guitar in hand, the user waves the pic over the belt buckle to determine the tempo of the song. The product comes with an Air Cartridge™ that features 10 guitar riffs, ranging in skill level from 1-5, including “Iron Man,” “Smoke on the Water,” “Ace of Spades,” “You Really Got Me,” “More Than a Feeling,” and five original Air Guitar Rocker freestyle riffs. Users are encouraged to listen to the demo tracks, then try to master the riffs on their own. The product can also be connected to external speakers to really rock the house!

“Jada’s motto is ‘Keeping It Real’ and we’re confident we did just that with the Guitar Hero Air Guitar Rocker,” said Jack Li, chief executive officer of Jada Toys, Inc. “Our innovative product pays homage to the great Guitar Hero brand by extending the fantasy of being a rock star to an exciting new format.”

The Guitar Hero Air Guitar Rocker will be available at retailers nationwide in March for a suggested retail price of $29.99. In the months following launch, Jada will introduce new buckles and new Air Cartridges, featuring more legendary heavy metal and new 80’s rock riff assortments.

Rollin' Rascals - an Addictive New Pet Puzzler For Nintendo DS

Round up the lost residents of Kololo Kingdom and return them home in Rollin' Rascals, a puzzle game for Nintendo DS™ announced today by Majesco Entertainment Company (NASDAQ: COOL), an innovative provider of video games for the mass market. Developed by Hoget, Rollin' Rascals challenges players to reunite matching pairs of adorable critters-from pandas to puppies to pigs-by rolling them around obstacles and into each other to clear the game board of pets before time runs out.

"Rollin' Rascals is as charming as it is addictive; just a few rolls around the game board is enough to hook you on this easy-to-play little puzzler that gamers of all ages will enjoy," said Gui Karyo, Executive Vice President of Operations, Majesco.

The animals of Kololo Kingdom have been kidnapped and the only person who can bring them home is you! Featuring endearing round friends with a surprising amount of things to say, Rollin' Rascals wins players over with multiple difficulty levels across four modes of nonstop puzzle play: Attack, Challenge, Battle and the bonus Kololohouse mode that lets players create their own custom critter dwelling. Players can earn currency in both Challenge and Attack modes, which they can then use to shop for furniture and goods in Kololohouse mode. More competitive gamers can go head-to-head with a friend in the intense Battle mode and be the first to send all of their cuddly creatures home!

Rollin' Rascals is expected to ship this July for $19.99.