ChartTrack weekly UK charts 26 July

CHARTTRACK WEEKLY CHARTS
All formats

1 WII FIT NINTENDO
2 WALL-E PLAY THQ
3 MARIO KART WII NINTENDO
4 GUITAR HERO: ON TOUR REDOCTANE
5 LEGO INDIANA JONES: ORIGINAL ADVENTURES LUCASARTS
6 WII PLAY NINTENDO
7 MARIO & SONIC AT THE OLYMPIC GAMES SEGA
8 SUPER SMASH BROS: BRAWL NINTENDO
9 DR KAWASHIMA'S BRAIN TRAINING NINTENDO
10 BIG BEACH SPORTS PLAY THQ
11 GUITAR HERO III: LEGENDS OF ROCK REDOCTANE
12 KUNG FU PANDA ACTIVISION
13 BATTLEFIELD: BAD COMPANY EA GAMES
14 SPORTS PARTY PLAY ZONE
15 BEIJING 2008 SEGA
16 CARNIVAL: FUNFAIR GAMES 2KPLAY
17 METAL GEAR SOLID 4: GUNS OF THE PATRIOTS KONAMI
18 FIFA 08 EA SPORTS
19 TOP SPIN 3 2K SPORTS
20 CALL OF DUTY 4: MODERN WARFARE ACTIVISION

Just Flight simulator release Mosquito expansion for download

Title: Mosquito
Label: Just Flight
Developer: Aeroplane Heaven
Genre: Flight Simulation
UK Release Download: Out Now. Boxed - 15th August 2008
SRP £14.99/€22.95/$29.99

Just Flight is very pleased to announce that its long-awaited Mosquito expansion is now released. Mosquito is fully licensed by the Royal Air Force and has been developed to the very highest standards by the vintage aircraft experts at Aeroplane Heaven as a lasting tribute to this amazing aircraft.

With the download version now available to purchase from the Just Flight website, those preferring the boxed version won’t have to wait too long, with the official release date being the 15th August 2008. Mosquito includes three classic Mosquito variants - the B. Mk IV, the FB. Mk VI and the frightening FB Mk XVIII Tsetse with its underslung flak gun. In addition, owners of Mosquito can expand it further with two keenly priced upgrade packs, available exclusively from the Just Flight website. Costing just £4.99 each, the upgrades will add a total of eight additional aircraft types in sixteen liveries to the Mosquito hangar. With all three packs installed you will have a total of 20 exciting Mosquitoes to fly!



Built from wood and powered by two Rolls-Royce Merlins, the Mosquito was a formidable aircraft with the speed of a fighter, the manoeuvrability of a racer and the payload of a bomber. Now flight simulation enthusiasts can experience the same blistering performance in this brilliant package for Flight Simulator X or 2004.

• The high-quality models are accompanied by many unique animations and superb textures covering a range of aircraft along with the distinctive sound of the Rolls-Royce Merlin engines.

• The cockpits are equipped with the latest “smooth” gauges for more realism and just about every switch, button and control lever operates with the mouse – even the crew doors open with the lever! Everything is historically and technically authentic right down to the panel bolts and brackets.

• In the bomber version, the ‘bomb room’ is equipped with a working bombsight, arming switches and bomb trigger. Even the emergency axe hangs on the fuselage wall!

• The exterior models are finely detailed with correct movement for the flaps, radiator shutters, rudder and elevator trim tabs, bomb doors and more. The landing gear is highly detailed down to brake lines and hydraulic actuators.

• Many novel effects are featured, including dropping of ordnance, smoke and firing guns.

SOFTWARE REQUIREMENTS: Microsoft Flight Simulator X or 2004 – Windows Vista or XP



HARDWARE REQUIREMENTS: PC with 3.0GHz (equivalent or higher) processor, 1.0Gb RAM, graphics card with 128Mb (or higher) video memory, DVD-ROM drive, 2.0Gb free hard disc space.

DC Comics and Capcom plan Resident Evil and Devil May Cry comic books

DC Comics, the largest English-language publisher of comic books in the world, and Capcom, a leading worldwide developer and publisher of video games, today announced plans to join forces to create a comic book series based on Capcom’s popular gaming properties Resident Evil and Devil May Cry.

“Capcom is thrilled to be partnering with DC,” said Germaine Gioia, Senior Vice President of Licensing for Capcom Entertainment, Inc. “Comics are a critical component in Capcom’s merchandising strategy for our most cherished franchises, as they target the same discerning, loyal fans that care most about these established brands. DC’s undisputed development and distribution strength within the comic industry make them an ideal partner to further expand two of our most successful and sophisticated gaming properties.”

Details on the new series, including creative team and launch month, will be announced at a later date. Both titles will be published by DC Comics’ WildStorm imprint.

“We’re ecstatic that Resident Evil is returning to WildStorm, where we have already established deep roots into the mythos of this world,” said Hank Kanalz, Vice President/General Manager for WildStorm. “We can’t wait to continue, and bring a freshness and excitement to the property to match the amazing things they are doing with the game.”

The Resident Evil series of video games has sold over 34 million units since the original game was released in 1996, as well as spawned a multi-million dollar trilogy of films from Sony Pictures. Resident Evil 5 will revolutionize the Resident Evil series, just as Resident Evil 4 did. To coincide with the Resident Evil comic book is the latest installment in the Resident Evil series, Resident Evil 5, which unveils a world where the biohazard threat has not ended: Just when it seemed the menace of Resident Evil was destroyed, a new terror appears in Resident Evil 5. Resident Evil’s returning hero, Chris Redfield, has followed the path of the evil around the globe, and after joining a new organization, heads to Africa, where the latest threat is transforming people and animals into mindless, bloodthirsty creatures. Joined by a new partner, Sheva Alomar, the duo must work together to unravel the truth behind the evil menace.

The latest in the Devil May Cry series, Devil May Cry 4 is already a bonafide hit in the console world, having shipped over 2 million units worldwide since its release in North America in February. Devil May Cry 4 immerses gamers in a gothic supernatural world, where a new protagonist clashes with a familiar hero. As the new leading man, Nero, players will unleash incredible attacks and non-stop combos using a unique new gameplay mechanic: the powerful “Devil Bringer” on his right arm.

“Dante, Nero and the world of DEVIL MAY CRY is a perfect fit for the sensibilities of our studio,” Kanalz said. “We have such terrific inspiration from the anime and games and we intend on meeting the exceptionally high standard of quality that has been set for this.”

Dangerous High School Girls in Trouble! Video game on Mac & PC

Dangerous High School Girls in Trouble! for Windows and Macintosh. It heralds a new generation of interactive narrative accessible to casual gamers. It also heralds content that respects their maturity. Puberty has arrived to the casual market.

Casual gamers have had their second childhoods pampered long enough. They are tiring of primary colors, goggle-eyed cartoon characters, and 'mysteries' kids could figure out. DHSGiT roils with literary satire. Its sophisticated narrative pokes fun at a landscape of sexuality, society, superstition, and politics. It lampoons the perils perpetuated by small minds.

Previously, casual games tucked stories between a single mechanic. The mechanic was played repeatedly until the last level, and then the story ended. Their stories relied on winning to continue. Mousechief has created a world of story players explore. Talk with the characters and/or play games against them. Each confrontation advances the story, win or lose. Loses rarely cause players to repeat encounters.

Although core games do this regularly, reaching casual gamers with rich, interactive narratives is a challenge. DHSGiT combines the level structure of casual games with the open world structure core gamers enjoy. But it presents this in a context familiar to casual gamers with a boardgame metaphor similar to ClueTM and the original Arkham HorrorTM.

DHSGiT is already on track to be a sizable hit. Conversion rates are in the highest percentages for a casual game. Critical acclaim from early previews (such as in Wired Magazine) have transferred to the final version with added enthusiasm. Jay is Games says:

"...highly, highly recommend this game. ...you won't have played anything like it. It is extraordinarily entertaining, and long enough to contain a really meaty storyline. In many ways DHSGiT exemplifies much of what I love about casual gameplay and independent designers: unrestrained creativity, out-of-the-box conceptual thinking and the quirkiness that comes from freedom of expression."

Last year, Dangerous High School Girls in Trouble won the Casual Games Association's $3k prize for 'Most Innovative Game'.

DHSGiT is not a story for children and has been rated TEEN using the T.I.G.R.S. rating system.

With this game, indie challenges the mainstream. It is the game where good girls get better by being BAD!

"Well-behaved women seldom make history." - Laurel Thatcher Ulrich

Xbox Live - Geometry Wars: Retro Evolved 2 - Braid - Bionic Commando: Rearmed - Galaga Legions - Castle Crashers

"Summer of Arcade" lineup features five incredible games launching over five scorching weeks; beat the heat and play for a chance to win prizes including 100,000 Microsoft Points, an Xbox 360 Elite console and more!
Summer is in full swing, and Xbox LIVE Arcade is celebrating with the hottest lineup of games ever, starting on Wednesday, July 30 at 9:00 a.m. GMT (2:00 a.m. PDT) with the highly-anticipated retro shooter “Geometry Wars: Retro Evolved 2.” Also on Wednesday, Xbox LIVE Arcade users can earn entries into our “Summer of Arcade” Sweepstakes by logging in and playing the trial or full version of the featured Summer Arcade game of the week for a chance to win amazing prizes.

The full “Summer of Arcade” lineup is:
July 30: “Geometry Wars: Retro Evolved 2” – The latest version of the wildly popular retro shooter offers screen-melting intensity and insane new features, including six action-packed gameplay modes, new enemies, scoring strategies and a diverse list of exciting Achievements. “Geometry Wars: Retro Evolved 2” is rated E for Everyone by the ESRB and will be available at 800 Microsoft Points.

August 6: “Braid” – From acclaimed developer Jonathan Blow, “Braid” is a mind-bending and artistic puzzle-platformer where the player manipulates the flow of time in strange and unusual ways. “Braid”is rated E10+ for Everyone 10+ by the ESRB.

August 13: “Bionic Commando: Rearmed” – The classic 8-bit side-scroller reports back for duty in a stunning remake, complete with all-new HD graphics and features that put 2D gaming back on the map! “Bionic Commando: Rearmed” is rated M for Mature by the ESRB
August 20: “Galaga Legions” – The legend lives on with “Galaga Legions,” a reimagining of the classic arcade shooter. Featuring table-turning game dynamics and updated graphics, the game was created by the team behind the bestselling “PAC-MAN Championship Edition” from Namco Bandai Games. “Galaga Legions” is rated E for Everyone by the ESRB.

August 27: “Castle Crashers” – Award-winning studio The Behemoth brings red hot arcade adventure to Xbox LIVE Arcade with “Castle Crashers,” featuring hand-drawn characters and an array of weapons to choose from as you defend your kingdom and save the princess. “Castle Crashers” is rated T for Teen by the ESRB.

Play the trial or full version of the featured blockbuster Summer of Arcade game of the week and receive one entry into both the weekly prize drawing and Grand Prize drawings:

Grand Prize (x1) – 100,000 Microsoft Points, 12 month Xbox LIVE Gold subscription and an Xbox 360 Elite console
Runner-Up Prizes (x2) – 10,000 Microsoft points and a free 12 Month Xbox LIVE Gold subscription
Weekly Prizes (x5) – 4000 Microsoft points

All games will be available worldwide, with the exception of “Bionic Commando Rearmed,” which will be available worldwide except Korea.

The “Summer of Arcade” sweepstakes is open only to legal residents of Canada, France, Germany, United Kingdom and the 50 United States or District of Columbia 17+. No purchase necessary. Skill testing question required for Canadian residents. Game ends September 2, 2008. For details including free, alternate method of entry, see Official Rules at www.xbox.com/summerofarcade.

Conduit wins best of E3 2008 Awards

High Voltage Software, developer of the highly anticipated first-person shooter The Conduit, has garnered acclaim and attention across the web. In a limited showing throughout the Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3) Media and Business Summit, The Conduit has managed to earn accolades including:

- Best Wii Game of E3 (IGN.com)
- Best Wii Shooter of E3 (IGN.com)
- Best Graphics Technology on Wii (IGN.com)
- Honorable Mention for Real-Time Control on Wii (IGN.com)
- Best Wii Game of E3 (Gametrailers.com)
- Top 20 Games of E3 (Edge-online.com)

The Conduit is planned for release in Q1 2009 and set to incorporate online multiplayer and some of the most polished and high-quality graphics shown on the Wii to date.

For more information, please visit: www.the-conduit.com

Ferrari Challenge - download new cars and circuit

Nürburgring Nordschleife and five supercars to be unleashed in August

The first in a series of downloadable content for the genre-defining Ferrari Challenge Trofeo Pirelli, to be released on PlayStation Network in August.

Adding to an already impressive 16 real world circuits, the first downloadable content pack features the infamous 5.2km Nürburgring F1 Strecke, one of the toughest, most demanding and most dangerous racetrack in the world. To compliment the addition of another world class circuit, five new cars will be available as part of the content pack, or individually on PlayStation Network.

Cementing the Ferrari tradition of making the most sought after cars in the world, the first selection of additional cars will offer speed, class, finesse and raw power:

Ferrari Enzo
The most powerful, naturally aspirated production car in the world, named after Ferrari’s Founder, Enzo Ferrari. Built using Formula 1 technology in 2003, it features an aerodynamic carbon fibre body and a sequential shift transmission for the ultimate in acceleration.

F430 Spider
Featuring a mid-mounted engine which allows the hood to be stored between the engine and the seats, this convertable offers the speed you’d expect from a Ferrari, but with an elegance and style like no other.

P4/5
The Ferrari P4/5 by Pininfarina is a custom designed beast capable of accelerating from 0-62mpg in 3.0 seconds, 0.14 seconds quicker than the Enzo. Featuring butterfly doors, the P4/5 is capable of travelling at 160 mph with no wind noise.

612 Scaglietti
A rare breed among Ferraris, offering a four seat experience, the 612 Scaglietti pays homage to the 375 MM commissioned in 1954 by then Director Roberto Rossellini for his wife Ingrid Bergman. Much like the classic, Casablanca, in which Bergman appeared, true beauty never fades.

599 GTB Fiorano
Named after its engine displacement (5999cc) and Ferrari’s world famous test track, the 599 is Ferrari’s flagship Gran Turismo model. With modern styling under the direction of Frank Stephenson, there’s no greater match of style, precision and power.

“To compliment an already huge array of Ferraris on offer in Ferrari Challenge Trofeo Pirelli, we’ve hand-picked the most sought after models to launch our first downloadable content pack,” said Mark Cale, CEO, System 3. “We’re pleased to give the community another world class race track on which to race these fantastic cars. We’re not planning on stopping there, with more downloadable content packs to be announced shortly, cementing Ferrari Challenge Trofeo Pirelli as the most feature packed simulation available for PlayStation 3.”

Ferrari Challenge Trofeo Pirelli is available now for PlayStation 3 and Nintendo DS., PlayStation 2 and Nintendo Wii Formats will follow soon.

Stories you can play video game based on Wallace & Gromit

Inventor and canine companion to join Telltale's lineup in new episodic series, "Wallace & Gromit's Grand Adventures"

Following up on last week's announcement of Wallace & Gromit's Grand Adventures, Telltale, Inc., the leader in interactive episodic entertainment, has released a cinematic teaser trailer and new details about the project. The upcoming game series based on Aardman Animations' Wallace & Gromit franchise is joining Telltale's all-star lineup, which includes the award-winning Sam & Max series and Strong Bad's Cool Game for Attractive People, debuting soon on WiiWare and PC.



Wallace & Gromit's Grand Adventures will combine the rich and imaginative storytelling the quirky inventor and his faithful canine sidekick are known for with the critically-acclaimed writing, fun gameplay, and unique TV-style format Telltale has pioneered. Assuming the roles of both Wallace and Gromit, players will spend each episode exploring a vivid world, assembling intricate contraptions, and getting the duo out of the sticky situations they frequently find themselves in. The new trailer, artwork, and additional information about the series can be found at www.telltalegames.com/wallaceandgromit.

"Wallace & Gromit's Grand Adventures extends our vision for delivering new kinds of entertainment to everyone who enjoys a good story," says Telltale's CEO and co-founder Dan Connors. "Wallace & Gromit has a long history of entertaining people of all ages, and the world Aardman has created is rich with humor and storytelling possibilities. Our team has been enjoying the process of adapting this series for new audiences, and we look forward to reintroducing it to long-time fans in the episodic format that Telltale has been innovating."

Time of War Free Demo Download

Official video game demo of shooter game for the PC, Time of War.

The 92 MB demo includes two playable levels from the full game and can be downloaded from the game’s official website.

A modern day shooter featuring addictive old school gameplay, Time of War brings back the mindless fun of battling huge hordes of enemies, shooting big weapons and blowing everything up in ground shaking explosions.

You tube trailer

Mortal Kombat - Kollection Exclusively on PlayStation 2

Special three-pack includes fan favorites: Mortal Kombat - Deception, Mortal Kombat -Armageddon and Mortal Kombat - Shaolin Monks

Mortal Kombat - Kollection, a special collector's edition box set that combines three of the most recent Mortal Kombat releases from the award-winning, and Midway's best-selling video game fighting franchise into one explosive package.

Exclusively for the PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system, Mortal Kombat: Kollection features Mortal Kombat: Deception, Mortal Kombat: Armageddon, and Mortal Kombat: Shaolin Monks. Packing more punch, fatalities and characters into one box than ever before, Mortal Kombat: Kollection is expected to be available this September for a U.S. MSRP of $29.99, just in time for players to refine their skills before the scheduled release of the highly anticipated Mortal Kombat vs. DC Universe this holiday season.

"Mortal Kombat has been a pinnacle fighting franchise for well over a decade now and this is an ideal package for fans and collectors in terms of content and price point," said Mona Hamilton, vice president of marketing, Midway Home Entertainment. "With the PlayStation 2 still holding the highest market share of any home console, we saw this as the perfect opportunity to offer an incredible value to our consumers as we ramp up for the highly anticipated launch of Mortal Kombat vs. DC Universe."

About Mortal Kombat - Deception

Mortal Kombat: Deception takes martial arts-style fighting and the Mortal Kombat franchise to new heights with an innovative fighting system, unparalleled depth and brutally intense action that will appeal to long-time Mortal Kombat fans as well as current-generation gamers. The game features lightning-fast, hand-to-hand and special weapons combat; secret and returning characters; new moves and combinations with death-dealing battles, and all-new life-threatening environments.

About Mortal Kombat - Shaolin Monks

Mortal Kombat: Shaolin Monks is an Action/Adventure title driven by intense single- and multi-player gameplay that is set in the period between the franchise's original title, Mortal Kombat, and Mortal Kombat II. As in Mortal Kombat: Deception, background interactions e.g. acid pits, spiked ceilings, etc., multiple new fatalities, and action-based puzzles play an important role in the player's quest for an "outstanding" victory as they maneuver through remodeled, classic Mortal Kombat environments. In franchise tradition, Mortal Kombat: Shaolin Monks also features an impressive line-up of well-known characters that make frequent appearances as enemies, in boss battles and during several additional in-game interactions.

About Mortal Kombat - Armageddon

Mortal Kombat: Armageddon is the latest chapter in the award-winning and Midway's best-selling video game fighting franchise. With the most complete character roster ever, including every character from the Mortal Kombat fighting universe, revolutionary create-a-fighter and create-a-fatality modes, plus a brand-new Konquest mode, Mortal Kombat: Armageddon is the most complete, intensely lethal, fighting experience ever!

Unsolved Crimes - comes to Nintendo DS

Unsolved Crimes - A new type of game for the Nintendo DS, Unsolved Crimes is an absorbing, enthralling, character driven adventure video game experience which integrates the thrills of an action game with the mental challenges of a 3D crime investigation.

You're a rookie detective - part of the Homicide Division. An aspiring model, Betsy Blake has disappeared. A loner is the prime suspect. But this case is a whole lot deeper than it first appears… Crime is rampant in this city, and the disappearance of Betsy Blake is the latest in unnerving series of events that are slowly bringing New York City to its knees. Can you crack the cases the regular cops can't? And can you get to the bottom of the kidnapping that's all over the news? It's up to you to disentangle the truth from lies, and try to save Betsy before it's too late.

Product Information:
Unsolved Crimes integrates three gaming elements, an action game, a 3D crime investigation and a crime quiz to give players a uniquely absorbing experience. The game fully utilizes the Nintendo DS' unique two screens allowing players to immerse themselves in the environments of New York. The innovative use of the Nintendo DS stylus will also allow you to trace marks, routes and memos on suspicious items discovered at crime scenes, all allowing you to move closer to solving the kidnapping mystery.

Key Features:

• Engaging Storytelling: An overarching story line runs throughout the game to fully immerse Nintendo DS gamers into the world of Unsolved Crimes
• Integrated gaming elements include, a story driven action game, point and click crime investigation, crime quiz, shootouts and action car chases!
• With over 8 independent cases to solve across diverse and fully Interactive environments: Gamers will have to be vigilant and use all of their powers of deduction to find the clues and crack the case

Genre: Action Adventure/Point and Click (Crime Mystery)
Format: Nintendo DS
Release Date: Autumn 2008
Brand: Empire Interactive
SRP: £29.99

The Shroud - Mobile GPS RPG video game

Your World Games today announced the release of their groundbreaking RPG mobile game The Shroud for all Helio network users.

Exclusive to the Helio release of The Shroud is the GPS Challenge, available for all GPS-enabled Helio devices, which will allow players to physically locate Breaches in real-life locations. Using patented GPS technology, players will be alerted to these breaches on screen and, using an on-screen compass, must physically move themselves to these locations. Successfully reaching a Breach point will activate a special timed challenge, which, if successful, will yield gold and rare in-game items. Early challenges will result in shorter distances between breaches (under several hundred feet), while more difficult breaches may require the player to travel longer distances (up to a few miles).

“The Shroud is one of the few truly deep, immersive gameplay experiences available on a mobile device that both casual and hardcore gamers can enjoy,” said Robert Sprogis, Vice President of Your World Games. “We are proud to announce its release on the Helio network, which will not only allow millions of users experience the oncoming invasion of unspeakable terrors from the Shroud firsthand, but also to partake in special GPS challenges that will test both mind and body in a truly unprecedented combination of compelling strategy-RPG and GPS location games.”
“The Shroud really stands out in mobile gaming for its depth and quality of gameplay,” said Leo Jun, Head of Games and Apps at Helio. “The game is a great addition to our growing portfolio of games.”

The Shroud features the protagonist, Taro, who starts off as a simple farmer but becomes a venerable savior as he fights to protect his homeland from the Shroud and its ancient, evil inhabitants. Players begin on an untended farm that they must work on to grow and harvest crops, turning barren, untilled farmland into verdant, fertile topsoil, as well as maintaining livestock. Doing so will allow Taro to accumulate funds and resources which he will need in order to repel the Shroud invasion and close the Breach portals that connect their world to his own. In addition, the game features several other elements such as fishing, mining, real-time monster combat, and the International Farmers’ League (IFL) in order to provide a lengthy variety of activities and competitions for the player to immerse themselves into.

Developed by Your World Games and with production by game developer Hardcore 3D Wireless, The Shroud will be available for all compatible Helio devices. For further details and to learn more about The Shroud visit www.shroudgame.com.

Star Trek online video game

Trek Fans Worldwide Invited to MMO Gameplay Reveal at Annual Star Trek Convention August 10, 2008 or Via Live Webcast at www.startrekonline.com

Cryptic Studios, a leading independent developer and publisher of massively multiplayer online role-playing games (MMORPGs), announced today that it has secured the global rights to develop and publish Star Trek Online, a massively multiplayer online game based on the legendary Star Trek franchise, from CBS Consumer Products.

Cryptic will unveil the first Star Trek Online gameplay footage as well as details about this highly anticipated MMO at the annual Star Trek Convention in Las Vegas on Sunday, August 10, 2008.

Trek fans from around the globe can also view the event live via webcast at www.startrekonline.com.



Interested participants can register today for the Star Trek Online webcast and to sign up for the STO Community by visiting www.startrekonline.com.

zOMG! It's Finally Here! Gaia Online's MMO Game Enters Closed Beta

Gaia Online, the world's most active online community, has launched its upcoming casual MMO into closed beta. Over 10,000 community members will be able to participate in the beta program.Gaia Online proudly announces that the game’s official name will be “zOMG!”, a term generated from the virtual world’s active community. In development since 2006, zOMG! is scheduled for release this summer, and will give the community a new way to play, socialize, and explore.

In April, Gaia Online announced that it would accept requests for entry into the beta program. Over 120,000 applications to enter the closed beta were submitted by community members. Players selected from Gaia Online’s active community of over five million will get the chance to play in-game with the creators of zOMG! and provide feedback on the game.

“Our Gaian community is loyal, vocal and not afraid to ask for what they want,” said David Georgeson, senior developer of zOMG! at Gaia Online. “It only makes sense for online worlds to place a huge emphasis on community involvement. In our case, they aren’t just the people who will play the game; they’re the ones who asked for it.”

Designed in a flash-based environment that is free and requires no downloads, players will interact in zOMG! by engaging in quests, battling monsters, exploring the beautiful worlds and socializing with friends. As an extension of the Gaia Online virtual world, the MMO game extends the current Gaia Online offerings, like mini games, customizable avatars, forums, and numerous creative and social outlets.

Visit www.zomg.com for more information about the closed beta program and new images from zOMG!.

Voyage Century Online: Mecca for Mummies

Voyage Century (http://vc.igg.com/), a 3D MMORPG from IGG (www.igg.com), prides itself on its real world geography, historical design, and eye-catching graphics, and continues to impress its extraordinarily loyal players and fans all over the world.

The latest instance of the Return of the Mummy will be launched soon following the release of Hurricane Island. In order to protect newbie players, the instance was developed with different areas fitting players’ different levels: The legendary mummies domain- Pyramid; Criminal concentration-Iron Prison and the paradise for pirates-the Island of St. Croix. There is also hidden treasure to allure players caught in peril. Going through the Space Door and arriving at the Return of the Mummy, players will face challenges from evil servants of the Dead and loyal guardians who died to protect the Return of the Mummy. The treasure is within arm’s reach-but players must defeat monsters to get a hold of it. Fight or run away, it is also a tough choice players to make. Remember, the treasure in Voyage Century Online is reserved for the fearless and brave.

For more info visit the official site http://vc.igg.com/news/1226/Hunting%20Event.html

Ignition Entertainment is Pleased to Announce the European Release of BOING! DOCOMODAKE DS

Based upon the mascot of the leading Japanese mobile phone company, NTT DOCOMO, INC. – Boing! Docomodake DS will be released exclusively for the Nintendo DS this Autumn.

Set on the day of the annual festival held in the Docomodake Forest, the Docomodake family is nowhere to be seen! You play as Papa Docomodake and guide him through various obstacles and challenges in order to find his family and get them to the festival on time.
Obviously, Papa Docomodake has a trick or two to help him on his quest. With a tap of the stylus he can release ‘Minis’ that aid him when the going gets a little tough. Remember, Minis make the impossible possible!

‘Boing! Docomodake DS has all the elements needed for a great platform game’, says Peter Rollinson, Product Manager, Ignition Entertainment Ltd. ‘the game has a wide ranging appeal, and offers more than enough to keep all gamers happy’.

For further information please visit: www.ignitionent.com/docomodake

Boing! Docomodake DS will be available Autumn ’08 exclusively for the Nintendo DS

Gotta Collect 'em All!

For all the collectors out there, the fine art team at Red Fly Studio put together some kick-ass trading cards, a poster, and hero statue that will be floating around out there. The poster will be available with Rise of the Fungi (DS) pre-orders and the life-size statue with The Spore Wars (Wii) pre-orders. The first 3 trading cards are in the current issue of Nintendo Power (August issue, along with a contest where 2 families can win a trip to NYC for the 20th Anniversary party at the Nintendo World Store in Sept). You’ll also be able to get them at PAX, the 20th Anniversary Party mentioned above, LesClaypool.com, and more. The easiest way to make a complete set of 24 cards will be by pre-ordering the games at GameStop (get a pack of 11 for Rise of the Fungi and different 11 for The Spore Wars and then 1 card will be included with each version of the game).

Mushroom Men Sail the Seas of Cheese…

Les Claypool will be headlining and Mushroom Men will be in full effect aboard Jam Cruise 7 (http://jamcruise.com/). Leaving out of Ft Lauderdale January 4, 2009, they’ll be tons of artists playing day and night as the ship ports in Belize City and Costa Maya.

For anyone interested in winning their way aboard, GameStop is running a special sweepstakes. Visit http://www.gamestop.com/mushroommen for more on that. And for those actually going, they’ll be more great contests to win Mushroom Men stuff while out on the open waters.

Tall Tales of Mushroom Men

There is also a custom Mushroom Men VW Bus in the works (details coming to www.MushroomMen.com soon). And the Space Squid writing contest has 1 week left for submissions (details: http://spacesquid.com/free_writing_contests.htm).

SPORE FOR MAC GOES ON-SALE WITH TRANSGAMING

TransGaming Inc. (TSX-V: TNG), announces the launch of Pre-Orders for EA’s SPORE for Mac at GameTree Online (www.gametreeonline.com/ea/spore/), the company’s digital distribution portal for Mac video games.

The release of EA’s SPORE on Mac September 7-8, 2008, the newest video game creation from The SIMS creator Will Wright, marks a new age for Mac gaming around the world, and GameTree Online will make it easier then ever for Mac consumers to purchase and enjoy the game. TransGaming has expanded its relationship with EA, the worlds largest video game publisher, beyond Mac enablement, to provide a global distribution strategy for the SPORE franchise on Mac. The GameTree Online digital distribution portal complements TransGaming’s Cider Portability business, which provides publishers, like EA, with a turn-key solution to enable games for the Mac. TransGaming enabled EA’s SPORE Creature Creator for Mac, which is also available to consumers at GameTree Online now! Mac consumers everywhere can now enjoy the newest Will Wright creation at www.gametreeonline.com/ea/spore.

With a truly unprecedented level of flexibility, SPORE and SPORE Creature Creator let you make a limitless number of fun creatures and embark on an evolution adventure. Bring creatures to life with SPORE Creature Creator — see how they dance, strike a pose, and in September guide your unique personal creature on an epic journey of discovery.

For more information on partnering with TransGaming and distribution via GameTree Online, visit their sites at www.transgaming.com or www.gametreeonline.com.

TEMPT LADY LUCK IN FREE-TO-PLAY MMORPG, FIESTA

Outspark, a leading virtual playground offering online community-based gaming, today announced the newest feature for its hit fantasy role-playing game, Fiesta. Remi’s Rare Finds is a thrilling new minigame offering players a chance to win exclusive, rare and unreleased in-game items like mounts, weapons and power-ups. The game is available now at http://store.outspark.com/fiesta/rarefinds .

To play Remi’s Rare Finds, players spend 1500 SparkCash and receive a random item from the collection. Keep your item and use it with any Fiesta game character, or exchange it for a credit. Five credits may be exchanged for a free play. The prize pool is always changing, with new items being added every month.

“Engaging our community is very important to us, and Remi’s Rare Finds is the newest exciting addition to a game already filled with rich, dynamic gameplay,” said Outspark founder and CEO Susan Choe “Each play offers a chance at some great in-game items, and we’re sure our players will love it.”

Fiesta is a free to play MMORPG with a friendly, social community. Set in the fantasy world of Isya, the game features fierce monsters, exciting in-game events, accessible Game Masters and more. Fiesta continues to undergo active development by Korea’s Ons On Soft for the PC. For more information and to become a part of the Fiesta community, visit http://fiesta.outspark.com

Ninja Gaiden II statues launched

First 4 Figures is thrilled to announce that they have been awarded a license from Microsoft and TECMO/Team Ninja to create high end 1/4 scale statues based on the characters from the Ninja Gaiden II video game exclusive to Xbox 360. The first statue release is the video game’s super Ninja warrior, Ryu Hayabusa. In Ninja Gaiden II, Ryu must battle the evil Black Spider Ninja clan and Four Greater Fiends to avenge the honor of the Hayabusa Clan and protect Humanity from destruction.



Ryu Hayabusa, in his default NGII black costume, is coming soon from First 4 Figures. Based on the official Ninja Gaiden II box artwork and in-game 3D model, First 4 Figures has painstakingly captured Ryu Hayabusa’s intensity and deadly demeanor. The base is covered in artificial grass and features Ryu walking through a graveyard of swords from fallen warriors. He comes equipped with his signature Dragon Sword, Eclipse Scythe, and a Falcon’s Talon. At 1/4 scale, Ryu stands at 18 inches tall and when you include his Eclipse Scythe, he stands at 31 inches tall (that’s over 2½ feet)!

Height: 31 inches to the top of the Eclipse Scythe (approximately 80cm).
SRP: $349.99
Available: Q1-2009
Limited: 1,999 pieces worldwide

Order here...