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Monday, June 01, 2009

Xbox 360 Microsoft unveils Forza Motorsport 3, Halo Reach, Crackdown 2, Shadow Complex and Alan Wake

E3 2009 gamezplay logoRock out. Duck and cover. Shift into overdrive. On the eve of the Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3), Microsoft Corp. today made it perfectly clear: No matter who you are or what games you crave, Xbox 360 is the only gaming and entertainment console for you.

At a time when, according to NPD Group Inc., nearly seven in 10 consumers plan to spend the same or more on video games compared with last year, Xbox 360 today unveiled a lineup that is sure to tip the scales in favor of more — more fun, more entertainment value and more games available only on Xbox 360.

A “who’s who” of hot games, the list of Xbox exclusives includes “Forza Motorsport 3”, “Tom Clancy’s Splinter Cell Conviction™”, “Left 4 Dead 2”, “Alan Wake”, “Shadow Complex”, “Crackdown 2”, blockbuster “Halo 3: ODST” and the surprise announce of Halo trilogy prequel “Halo: Reach.” Sharing the stage were blockbusters Infinity Ward’s “Modern Warfare 2” and the “The Beatles: Rock Band.”

“We know that your fun and our success boil down to one thing: our ability to make games that are creative, diverse and entertaining. Period. And this year, we deliver in spades with the biggest and best lineup in our history”, said Phil Spencer, general manager of the global Microsoft Game Studios business. “From the core first-person-shooter fans who’ve enjoyed Xbox since the first ‘Halo’ to new audiences who are discovering us today with genre-defining games like ‘1 vs 100’, we have something for everyone with our best and broadest lineup ever.”

Xbox 360 has the most celebrated, most played, most coveted and most E-rated games in the industry — and with 1,000-plus titles to date, there’s more than one for you.

Heart-Thumping Entertainment, Exclusively on Xbox 360

Get behind the wheel of an Audi R8 V10 in “Forza Motorsport 3”, jump into the immersive movie-like action of “Alan Wake”, and download “Shadow Complex”, the newest Xbox LIVE Arcade game from the minds behind the blockbuster “Gears of War” franchise. Some of the most exciting games in 2009 and beyond are only on Xbox 360, including the following:

· “1 vs 100” (Microsoft Game Studios). Are you ready to win big? The “1 vs 100” U.S. and Canadian beta launches today, June 1, at 7:30 p.m. PDT. For the first time, “1 vs 100” on Xbox LIVE combines the best of TV gameshow experiences with social gaming to create the largest interactive game show in the world. Based on the hit TV game show of the same name, “1 vs 100 Live” is regularly scheduled and features a live studio host who provides comedic commentary throughout the show and fresh content from a team of trivia writers and experts. Players can play as “the one,” “the mob” or “the crowd,” for the chance to win real prizes. Check your local Xbox LIVE listings to join “1 vs 100 Live.”1

· “Alan Wake” (Remedy/Microsoft Game Studios). “Alan Wake” is the all-new psychological action thriller from the renowned creators of the “Max Payne” franchise. Coming in spring 2010 and exclusive to Xbox 360, “Alan Wake” will immerse players in an intense cinematic thrill ride of dreams and reality, where light is the only ally.

· “Crackdown 2” (Ruffian Games/Microsoft Game Studios). The sequel to the award-winning “Crackdown,” “Crackdown 2” is the premier open-ended action experience that lets you be judge, jury and executioner for a vast city. Coming exclusively to Xbox 360 in 2010, “Crackdown 2” will take multiplayer2 gaming to unprecedented levels for the ultimate cooperative and competitive multiplayer experience, providing you and your friends with the complete freedom to explore, destroy and play as you return to restore justice and peace to Pacific City — by any means necessary.

· “Forza Motorsport 3” (Turn 10/Microsoft Game Studios). Launching this October, “Forza Motorsport 3” is the definitive racing game for everyone from hardcore tuners to anyone who’s ever dreamed of driving at full-throttle. Backed by breathtaking HD graphics and bone-jarring physics, you’ll take the wheel of more than 400 of the most-beloved cars on over 100 renowned real-world tracks and exotic road courses from around the globe. “Forza Motorsport 3” includes driving assists and adjustable skill levels to make the game a gripping pick-up-and-play experience for audiences of all ages and skill levels, while new customization and sharing tools will further fuel the imaginations of the thriving “Forza Motorsport” community on Xbox LIVE.

· “Gears of War 2: Dark Corners” (Epic Games Inc.). The “Gears of War 2: Dark Corners” Game Add-on includes seven brand new multiplayer maps and a new campaign chapter, “Road to Ruin.” “Dark Corners” launches on Xbox LIVE Marketplace on July 28. The entertainment blockbuster of 2008, “Gears of War 2” has now surpassed 5 million copies sold worldwide.

· “Halo 3: ODST” (Bungie). Launching Sept. 22, “Halo 3: ODST” is a new game in the landmark “Halo” saga that lets players experience the events leading up to the epic story told in “Halo 3” through the eyes of a special forces ODST (Orbital Drop Shock Trooper). In addition to an all-new campaign, “ODST” includes three new “Halo 3” multiplayer maps and the complete, stand-alone “Halo 3” multiplayer experience.2 The game also introduces Firefight, an exciting new cooperative multiplayer mode that pits up to four players against increasingly challenging waves of enemies. As a special bonus, “Halo 3: ODST” also includes an invitation to the “Halo: Reach” multiplayer beta on Xbox LIVE. Also, launching on the same date with “Halo 3: ODST” is the “Halo 3: ODST Collector’s Pack,” which offers “Halo” fans a new and exclusive wireless controller and the game title in one package at a great price.

· “Joy Ride” (Big Park/Microsoft Game Studios). Avatars, start your engines! Full of wild driving fun, “Joy Ride” will get your adrenaline pumping as you tear up the track with your friends, or jump, flip and trick your way through the Stunt Park as you work with the whole community to unlock rewards. “Joy Ride” is completely free to download and gives you all new ways to play, whether you’re looking for a quick game or a deep, custom social experience, all on Xbox LIVE.2 Design your dream car or purchase new tracks, game modes and avatar items. You can share the racetracks and game modes with your friends so no one is ever left out.

· “Left 4 Dead 2” (Valve). “Left 4 Dead 2” is the sequel to the best-selling and critically acclaimed cooperative multiplayer smash from Valve, creators of “Half-Life,” “Portal,” “Team Fortress” and “Counter-Strike.” Introducing melee weapons and new enemies to the original’s award-winning gameplay, “L4D2” casts players as one of four new “Survivors” battling zombie hordes as they travel from Savannah, Ga., through New Orleans’ French Quarter.

· “Shadow Complex” (Epic Games Inc. and Chair Entertainment Group/Microsoft Game Studios). New from Epic Games and Chair Entertainment, “Shadow Complex” combines the best of old-school side-scroller design with modern, cutting-edge gameplay and incredible high-definition graphics. Collect power-ups, discover new abilities and evolve your character into a force of destruction as you explore an original story set in the world of Orson Scott Card’s best-selling novel, “Empire.” “Shadow Complex” marries the quality and depth of a full retail title with the accessibility you love, exclusively on Xbox 360 and Xbox LIVE Arcade.

· “Tom Clancy’s Splinter Cell Conviction™” (Ubisoft). Coming exclusively to Xbox 360 this fall, unleash the ferocious skills of renegade agent Sam Fisher and uncover a deadly terrorist plot in “Tom Clancy’s Splinter Cell Conviction™.” Completely reinvented and revolutionized, “Tom Clancy’s Splinter Cell Conviction™” ushers in a new breed of action gameplay leaving players fully immersed in the life of the world’s most dangerous spy. Take full advantage of the 20 million member Xbox LIVE community in this latest installment of the award-winning “Splinter Cell” franchise.

Blockbusters Here, There, Everywhere on Xbox 360

It’s a simple truth: third-party games play better on Xbox 360. Why? Because only Xbox 360 can pair must-have titles like this year’s blockbuster from Infinity Ward, “Modern Warfare 2”, “The Beatles: Rock Band” and “Tony Hawk®: RIDE™” with Xbox LIVE, the world’s largest social network on your TV. The result? As the world’s largest online gaming network, Xbox LIVE gives you more friends to play with and its exclusive collection of Game Add-ons ensures the fun never ends. It leaves only one question: Why would you play these blockbusters anywhere else?

· “Final Fantasy® XIII” (Square Enix). The world-renowned “Final Fantasy” will continue making its home on Xbox 360 with the upcoming release of “Final Fantasy XIII,” the eagerly anticipated title from Square Enix. “Final Fantasy XIII” uses the power and cutting-edge technology of Xbox 360 to deliver seamless transitions between real-time gameplay and in-game cinematics as gamers summon the courage to execute powerful attacks with an evolved Active Time Battle system and ultimately fulfill their destiny. Scheduled to be released only in North America and Europe.

· “Modern Warfare 2” (Infinity Ward/Activision). On Nov. 10, 2009, Infinity Ward will make its return with the release of “Modern Warfare 2” on Xbox 360, the most-anticipated game of the year and the sequel to the best-selling first-person action game of all time, “Call of Duty® 4: Modern Warfare™.” “Modern Warfare 2” continues the gripping and heart-racing saga with an unprecedented level of action as players face off against a new threat dedicated to bringing the world to the brink of collapse. Xbox LIVE gamers will also be the first to get their hands on two “Modern Warfare 2” map packs coming first to Xbox 360.

· “The Beatles: Rock Band” (Harmonix/MTV Games). On 09.09.09, “The Beatles: Rock Band” will allow fans all over the world to pick-up the guitar, bass, mic or drums and experience The Beatles’ extraordinary catalogue of music through gameplay that takes players on a journey through the legacy and evolution of the band’s legendary career. In addition, “The Beatles: Rock Band” offers Beatles fans the opportunity to rock out with new hardware replica controllers modeled after instruments used by John Lennon, Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr throughout their careers. And, for the first time, players will be able to download music and make a change: Available only on Xbox 360, all Apple Corps, MTV Games and Microsoft proceeds from downloads of “All You Need is Love” will benefit Doctors without Borders.

· “Tony Hawk: RIDE” (Activision). “Tony Hawk: RIDE” redefines the sports genre by offering a dynamic hands-free gaming experience featuring an innovative skateboard controller. Using full motion sensing technology, players physically control the action by performing various movements and gestures on the board that directly translate into amazing tricks in the game. The skateboard controller provides an accessible and social gaming experience on Xbox 360 that allows players of all skill levels to battle for skateboard supremacy by challenging gamers worldwide over Xbox LIVE, the largest social gaming network.

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First Metal Gear Solid game on Xbox 360 Metal Gear Solid Rising

E3 2009 gamezplay logoRaiden Stars in the First Metal Gear Solid Game to Hit the Xbox 360

The live website is here but it is being hammered at time of posting...

Konami Digital Entertainment, Inc., announced today that Metal Gear Solid: Rising is currently in development for the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft - the first Metal Gear Solid game to launch on the Xbox 360. Raiden, one of the most popular characters in the Metal Gear Solid universe, will star in the all-new title from Hideo Kojima. Raiden first debuted in Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system as a playable character and appeared as a non-playable cyborg in Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots for the PLAYSTATION 3 computer entertainment system.

"The Metal Gear Solid series is one of the most highly acclaimed video game franchises of all time," said Anthony Crouts, Vice President of Marketing for Konami Digital Entertainment, Inc. "With Metal Gear Solid: Rising, the Xbox 360 community will finally get a chance to enjoy the action and excitement that this popular franchise is known to offer."

Metal Gear Solid: Rising is scheduled to be released on the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system.

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Hinterland Orc Lords a fun and fast-paced RPG combat and city building game

Hinterland Orc LordsCommand a tribe and lead a village as you loot, level, and build in the wild territory of “Hinterland: Orc Lords”, a fun and fast-paced RPG combat and city building game. Released this week by Got Game Entertainment to retail across North America, and available for purchase via download from Hinterland-Game.com, this action-packed, fantasy-themed game finds you charged by the king with building a prosperous town and vanquishing all enemies in an untamed realm of the kingdom.

At just $19.99 (USD), and with tremendous replay value thanks to a variety of locations, resources, items, enemies, and challenges, the addictive “Hinterland: Orc Lords” lets you guiltlessly escape reality.

In “Hinterland: Orc Lords”, you create your own destiny, and determine the fate of others, by commanding an Orc tribe as Lord or Shaman, or leading a Human village as Human, Dwarf, Elf, or even Undead Warrior. Build a prosperous town and conquer all enemy sites in the region by bringing together a diverse cast of followers to your settlement. Carefully select members to join you on expeditions of exploration and conquest in the surrounding lands, or give them tools for settlement production.

In the world of “Hinterland: Orc Lords”, one teeming with Orc war camps, dark elf raiding parties, goblin infested mines, and the ruins of undead cities, you will encounter the characters and creatures of myth and folklore. You will also find much needed resources to expand your settlement, from iron to make weapons to a mystic tome to entice a great mage to join you. With a variety of characters, weapons, and strategies at your disposal, you can develop lowly farmers into great warriors, and customize your character to help in adventure or improve village life.

For your successful strategies, choices, and forays in “Hinterland: Orc Lords”, fame, fortune and prosperity await. But, you must play wise and take care, for even the loss of a lowly farmer can spell disaster at harvest time!

“Hinterland: Orc Lords” is rated “T” for Teen by the ESRB for Alcohol Reference/Fantasy Violence/Mild Blood and will retail for $19.99.

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Microsoft rewrites the rules with Xbox 360 Project Natal controller-free entertainment, Facebook for your TV, plus instant on 1080p HD streaming video

E3 2009 gamezplay logoThe future of home entertainment has a new name: Xbox 360. Today, Microsoft Corp. opened the Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3) with a historic Xbox 360 briefing that rocked, tweeted, revved and awakened the world to a new era of fun and entertainment.

In addition to premiering 10 exclusive new games, revolutionising the way we watch TV, and making it easier than ever to connect to friends, Xbox also welcomed visionary filmmaker Steven Spielberg to introduce “Project Natal” and controller-free gaming.



“Today with cultural visionaries at our side and controller-free gaming on our horizon, Xbox 360 authored a new page in home entertainment history,” said Don Mattrick, senior vice president for the Interactive Entertainment Business at Microsoft. “For us, this E3 is about breaking down barriers — between generations, between games and entertainment, and most important, between video game players and everyone else — in a way that only Xbox 360 can.”

During its briefing, Microsoft showed why Xbox 360 continues to defy industry sales trends. First: A lineup of blockbuster games to ignite every passion, including “Forza Motorsport 3,” “Alan Wake,” “Halo 3: ODST,” and “The Beatles: Rock Band.” Next? A host of groundbreaking Xbox LIVE services, from instant on 1080p HD streaming movies and television to Facebook and Last.fm tailor-made for your TV. And rounding it all out, “Project Natal,” a whole new way to play, no controller required.

“Project Natal”: No Strings (or Controllers) Attached

Unveiled for the first time to the public was “Project Natal,” pronounced “nuh-tall” and a code name for a revolutionary new way to play, no controller required. See a ball? Kick it, hit it, trap it or catch it. If you know how to move your hands, shake your hips or speak, you and your friends can jump into the fun. The only experience needed is life experience.

Compatible with any Xbox 360 system, the “Project Natal” sensor is the world’s first to combine an RGB camera, depth sensor, multi-array microphone and custom processor running proprietary software all in one device. Unlike 2-D cameras and controllers, “Project Natal” tracks your full body movement in 3-D, while responding to commands, directions and even a shift of emotion in your voice.

In addition, unlike other devices, the “Project Natal” sensor is not light-dependent. It can recognize you just by looking at your face, and it doesn’t just react to key words but understands what you’re saying. Call a play in a football game, and players will actually respond. Want to log onto Xbox LIVE? Simply step in front of the sensor.

“The next step in interactive entertainment is to make the controller disappear,” said Steven Spielberg, visionary director and producer. “With ‘Project Natal,’ we’ll see games that bring everyone together through technology that actually recognizes us.”

The Best of the Internet, Custom-Made for Your TV

Groove, party or connect with a friend. Xbox LIVE, the world’s largest social network on TV, today announced Facebook and Last.fm would be tailor-made for your TV, only on Xbox 360. Microsoft also announced Xbox LIVE Party for movies, which allows movie experiences to be shared — on the couch or across the country over Xbox LIVE in supported movies.

“We are always asking ourselves how to make the TV more social,” said John Schappert, corporate vice president of Interactive Entertainment LIVE, Software and Studios at Microsoft. “By bringing Facebook, Last.fm and Xbox LIVE Party for movies and TV shows to Xbox LIVE, we’re not only extending the walls of your living room beyond your home to your friends in different corners of the world, we’re creating the definitive social network, uniting more than 200 million people to share status updates, pictures, thoughts on music and the world’s best online gaming experience.”

The addition of Facebook to Xbox LIVE means friends are always connected, anytime, anywhere — from virtually any couch. But updating your status and sharing photos won’t be the only things you can do. Using Facebook Connect, you can share your greatest moments in gaming by posting updates and screenshots from supported games directly to Facebook. Don’t let your moment of glory fade away — make sure everyone sees it with Facebook Connect, starting with the future version of the premier EA SPORTS golf franchise “Tiger Woods PGA TOUR®.”

A first for TV, Last.fm1, part of the CBS Interactive Music Group, will give Xbox LIVE subscribers access to millions of songs streaming through Xbox 360 to the best speakers in the house. Xbox LIVE subscribers will be able to create their own free, personalized radio stations and listen to them with friends in the living room or across the country.

Xbox 360 also solidified its place as one of the leading social entertainment networks by announcing Xbox LIVE Party for movies. Go to the cinema with your friends whether you are sitting on the same couch or in living rooms across the country. Starting this year, you can share a virtual theater, see your avatar (a virtual you) on the screen, all while you listen to each other laugh and cry at the movie through voice chat on Xbox LIVE. With movie parties, the only thing you can’t share is the popcorn.

1080p HD in an Instant

Continuing a pioneering effort that began with the introduction of the industry’s first video marketplace in November 2006 and broke new ground with the announcement of the first live TV straight from a gaming console last week in the U.K., Microsoft today announced that Xbox would deliver yet another first-to-the-world: instant on 1080p movies and TV with 5.1 surround sound — direct to consoles connected to compatible HD TVs through the Xbox LIVE social entertainment network.

Starting this fall, a broad selection of movies and TV shows from Zune video on Xbox 360 will be available to start and stream instantly, in the highest video quality and at the push of a button.2 No discs, no waiting for downloads and no delays. Get the selection of a video megastore, the best video clarity available and the convenience of on-demand, only on Xbox 360.

In addition, Microsoft announced it will more than double the number of markets where Xbox LIVE offers its TV shows and movies, growing from eight to 18, by adding Australia, Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Sweden and Switzerland. Xbox LIVE members in these markets will have access to instant on 1080p video. New Xbox LIVE Video Marketplace advancements also came for the U.S., U.K. and Ireland specifically:

· More choices with Netflix. Watch movies instantly streamed from Netflix.3 Browse and add selections to your instant Queue — right on your TV with your Xbox 360. Plus now with Xbox LIVE Party, you can watch and share supported movies with up to seven friends on Xbox LIVE. Debating between comedy and horror? Recommend your favorites to friends and see your virtual you as an avatar on the silver screen.

· Live TV with BSkyB Ltd. The Xbox LIVE commitment to providing the best global entertainment gains momentum with its newest partner, Sky. Now, for the first time, watch live or on-demand TV from Sky on Xbox 360, including Sky Sports. Never miss a moment of your favorite live TV shows, sports, movies and family-friendly entertainment across the U.K. and Ireland on Xbox LIVE. You can even share your favorites with up to seven friends in an Xbox LIVE Party.

Games for Everyone

Get behind the steering wheel of the sleek Audi R8. Rock out with your friends to the latest music and party games. Discover a new chapter set in the iconic universe of “Halo.” Xbox 360 has the most celebrated, highly anticipated games and experiences in the industry. With more than 1,000 titles to date, there’s more than just one for you.

· Get behind the wheel. Hit the straightaway in more than 400 cars on the world’s most beautiful tracks in the definitive racing game for this console generation, “Forza Motorsport 3.” Or get your avatar in the driver’s seat as you tear up the track with your friends in “Joy Ride.”

· Adrenaline-rushing exclusives. Xbox 360 is your top destination for the biggest exclusives this year and beyond, including “Halo 3: ODST,” “Crackdown 2,” “Alan Wake,” “Tom Clancy’s Splinter Cell Conviction™” and “Left 4 Dead 2.”

· Tap into your inner musician. Xbox 360 continues to be the preferred venue for the music games you love. Discover the magic of music and The Beatles with “The Beatles: Rock Band” or start a spontaneous singing party with “Lips: Number One Hits.”

· The best blockbuster experiences. Third-party games play better on Xbox 360. Pairing must-have titles such as this year’s blockbuster from Infinity Ward, “Modern Warfare 2” with Xbox LIVE, Xbox 360 offers more friends to play with and an exclusive collection of Game Add-ons.

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Chart Girls Club Pajama Party - Nintendo DS Games Will Have Girls Giggling, Playing and Collecting Virtual Charms from Pajama Parties to Proms

girls pajama partyIt’s all about fun, friendship, and charms, as the Play Label of Electronic Arts announce its new, original video game franchise for girls: CHARM GIRLS CLUB. Girls will be immersed in the fabulous Charm Girls’ world where they collect sparkly, virtual charms as they complete challenges that are sassy, fun, and relevant to their world. EA will release four CHARM GIRLS CLUB titles this fall including CHARM GIRLS CLUB Pajama Party for the Nintendo Wii, and three titles for the Nintendo DS: CHARM GIRLS CLUB My Perfect Prom, CHARM GIRLS CLUB My Fashion Mall and CHARM GIRLS CLUB My Fashion Show.

“CHARM GIRLS CLUB celebrates everything that’s fun about being a girl,” said Sarah Handley, Senior Director of Marketing, EA Play Label. “Girls are gamers too and EA wants to provide them with games that are fun, fabulous and appeal to their interests.”

In the CHARM GIRLS CLUB games, girls are introduced to their new BFFs, the Charm Girls. The Charm Girls guide players through the games, give them a helping hand, and get their back when the evil Queen B’s try to intervene. Girls begin by customizing their own Charm Girl character that represents their unique style. Girls can choose from thousands of trendy and stylish combinations, customizing their entire look from head to toe, including their facial features, hair, make-up, wardrobe, shoes and even their accessories!

Collecting virtual charms is key in CHARM GIRLS CLUB. Challenges that a girl completes can earn her a shiny new virtual charm that she will add to her virtual charm jewelry box. Special multiplayer charms can also be earned when playing with friends. Girls can show off their new charms to one another and see who collects them all.


Each CHARM GIRLS CLUB game presents its own unique scenario that will have girls grinning from ear to ear. In CHARM GIRLS CLUB Pajama Party for Wii, girls can play with the Charm Girls, or with as many as seven friends, for the ultimate interactive slumber party experience. Girls will have an all night gigglefest playing more than 30 hilarious games like Bed Bounce, Pillow Fight, Speed Hair Teasing, and many more. Using the Wii Remote’s motion-sensing technology, CHARM GIRLS CLUB Pajama Party takes classic pajama party games and activities to a whole new level.

And there’s even more fun to be had for girls on the go with three CHARM GIRLS CLUB titles for the handheld Nintendo DS system. In CHARM GIRLS CLUB My Perfect Prom, girls choose the perfect dress, the perfect date and play through dozens of zany activities before attending the big night! In CHARM GIRLS CLUB My Fashion Show, girls select their models and the most awesome outfits in a series of wild challenges to see who rules the virtual runway. In CHARM GIRLS CLUB My Fashion Mall, girls manage the mall and tackle wacky mall mishaps everywhere from the food court to the accessories boutique to the nail salon.

“With CHARM GIRLS CLUB, we’re providing girls with quality games that emphasize cool characters, fun challenges, customization and lots of collectible charm rewards that can be shared across products,” said Dyan Williams, Senior Producer, EA Play Label. "Girls are really excited about a new line of games made just for them.”

Developed by the EA Casual Studios, the CHARM GIRLS CLUB games are scheduled to be available Fall 2009.

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Activision Announces Complete List of Artists And Bands In Guitar Hero 5

The Most Diversified Set List To Date, Comprised Of Songs From Some Of The Hottest Bands Of Today To All-Time Favourite Classic Anthems, With Music From A Variety Of Genres

With some of the biggest rock artists and most prolific bands of all time, Guitar Hero 5 is tuned for the ultimate shredfest as players prepare to join together and rock any way they want, with any combination of instrument controllers. Guitar Hero 5 features the most diversified set list to date, comprised of songs from some of the hottest bands of today to all-time favourite classic anthems, with music from a variety of genres including hard rock, classic rock, indie rock, metal and more.

Get ready to shred, drum and wail with any in-game instrument combination as Guitar Hero announces the full list of artists and bands that will be offering up some of their greatest works to living room rockers everywhere.

The complete list of artists and bands to be featured in Guitar Hero 5 when it hits store shelves this autumn will include songs from:

• 3 Doors Down
• A Perfect Circle
• AFI
• Attack! Attack!
• Band Of Horses
• Beastie Boys
• Beck
• Billy Idol
• Billy Squier
• Blink-182
• Blur
• Bob Dylan
• Bon Jovi
• Brand New
• Bush
• Children of Bodom
• Coldplay
• Darker My Love
• Darkest Hour
• David Bowie
• Deep Purple
• Dire Straits
• Duran Duran
• Eagles Of Death Metal
• Elliott Smith
• Elton John
• Face to Face
• Garbage
• Gorillaz
• Gov’t Mule
• Grand Funk Railroad
• Iggy Pop
• Iron Maiden
• Jeff Beck
• Jimmy Eat World
• John Mellencamp
• Johnny Cash
• Kaiser Chiefs
• King Crimson
• Kings Of Leon
• Kiss
• Love and Rockets
• Megadeth
• Mötley Crüe
• Muse
• My Morning Jacket
• Nirvana
• No Doubt
• Peter Frampton
• Public Enemy Featuring Zakk Wylde
• Queen & David Bowie
• Queens Of The Stone Age
• Rammstein
• Rose Hill Drive
• Rush
• Santana
• Scars On Broadway
• Screaming Trees
• Smashing Pumpkins
• Sonic Youth
• Spacehog
• Stevie Wonder
• Sublime
• Sunny Day Real Estate
• T. Rex
• The Bronx
• The Derek Trucks Band
• The Duke Spirit
• The Killers
• The Police
• The Raconteurs
• The Rolling Stones
• The Sword
• The White Stripes
• Thin Lizzy
• Thrice
• Tom Petty
• Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers
• TV On The Radio
• Vampire Weekend
• Weezer
• Wild Cherry
• Wolfmother

Published by Activision, Guitar Hero 5 is being developed by Neversoft Entertainment for the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and PLAYSTATION 3 computer entertainment system, and by Vicarious Visions for the Wii system from Nintendo. Budcat is developing Guitar Hero 5 for the PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system.

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Shiver me Timbers Monkey Island latest video game is out this Summer - with video

LucasArts today announced that the original hilarious pirate adventure is back, with two new projects underway based on the classic Monkey Island franchise.

Beginning in just a few short weeks, Telltale will premiere the Tales of Monkey Island game series, delivering a completely new epic storyline and swashbuckling flair that will unfold across five monthly episodes on PC and WiiWare.

The Monkey Island celebration continues later in the summer when LucasArts publishes The Secret of Monkey Island - Special Edition, a completely re-imagined version of the first game in the series that adds updated high definition graphics, a re-mastered musical score, and full voiceover to the classic adventure game originally launched in 1990.



The Secret of Monkey Island: Special Edition will be made available on Xbox LIVE Arcade for the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, and PC.

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Mama's back in Cooking Mama 3 on Nintendo DS

gardening-mama-nintendo-dsEveryone’s favourite culinary queen will return to the kitchen in time for Christmas. Cooking Mama 3 will see all new features added to the world famous game play recipe the series is famed for as 505 Games have once again secured an agreement with Cooking Mama Ltd., to publish Cooking Mama 3 on Nintendo DS across Europe.

“Mama provides a truly unique gameplay experience which can’t be replicated and always delivers,” commented Ian Howe, Managing Director of 505 Games. “Cooking Mama remains our most successful series to date and we know Cooking Mama 3 will only serve to build upon its existing legacy.”

After a blossoming outdoor spell in the hugely successful Gardening Mama, our favourite celebrity chef is back in the kitchen tantalising taste buds and testing cooking skills with a whole new cooking adventure. As well as boasting over 80 recipes, 200 mini-games, four player multiplayer (using single cart DS Download play) and classic Mama game play, Cooking Mama 3 now offers two totally new game modes. ‘What dish can you make’ lets you choose two ingredients from a list and Mama will come up with a tasty recipe containing them both for you to cook. ‘Lets go shopping’ challenges your memory as Mama sends you out to the shops with a list of ingredients to buy, but watch out for confusing food signs and forgetful shop assistants who will try to sell you the wrong items!




Originally released in December 2006 on Nintendo DS Cooking Mama and May 2007 on Wii, Cooking Mama is an original and fun title that boasts immediate ‘pick up and play’ kitchen action. To date, Cooking Mama DS remains the highest selling third party DS title of all time. Cooking Mama 2 on DS and Cooking Mama 2: World Kitchen on Wii built of the huge success of the original Mama adventure delivering fun and challenging game play for players of any age or skill level. In March 2009 the Mama brand expanded out from the kitchen as Gardening Mama launched on Nintendo DS once again growing the loyal fan base. The Mama brand has enjoyed massive commercial success selling over 2.1m units across Europe since launch.

Cooking Mama 3 is currently set for a Christmas 2009 release, available exclusively on Nintendo DS and published by 505 Games.everyone’s favourite culinary queen will return to the kitchen in time for Christmas. Cooking Mama 3 will see all new features added to the world famous game play recipe the series is famed for as 505 Games have once again secured an agreement with Cooking Mama Ltd., to publish Cooking Mama 3 on Nintendo DS across Europe.

“Mama provides a truly unique gameplay experience which can’t be replicated and always delivers,” commented Ian Howe, Managing Director of 505 Games. “Cooking Mama remains our most successful series to date and we know Cooking Mama 3 will only serve to build upon its existing legacy.”

After a blossoming outdoor spell in the hugely successful Gardening Mama, our favourite celebrity chef is back in the kitchen tantalising taste buds and testing cooking skills with a whole new cooking adventure. As well as boasting over 80 recipes, 200 mini-games, four player multiplayer (using single cart DS Download play) and classic Mama game play, Cooking Mama 3 now offers two totally new game modes. ‘What dish can you make’ lets you choose two ingredients from a list and Mama will come up with a tasty recipe containing them both for you to cook. ‘Lets go shopping’ challenges your memory as Mama sends you out to the shops with a list of ingredients to buy, but watch out for confusing food signs and forgetful shop assistants who will try to sell you the wrong items!

Originally released in December 2006 on Nintendo DS Cooking Mama and May 2007 on Wii, Cooking Mama is an original and fun title that boasts immediate ‘pick up and play’ kitchen action. To date, Cooking Mama DS remains the highest selling third party DS title of all time. Cooking Mama 2 on DS and Cooking Mama 2: World Kitchen on Wii built of the huge success of the original Mama adventure delivering fun and challenging game play for players of any age or skill level. In March 2009 the Mama brand expanded out from the kitchen as Gardening Mama launched on Nintendo DS once again growing the loyal fan base. The Mama brand has enjoyed massive commercial success selling over 2.1m units across Europe since launch.

Cooking Mama 3 is currently set for a Christmas 2009 release, available exclusively on Nintendo DS and published by 505 Games.

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LEGO Harry Potter Years 1-4 video game

LEGO harry potter video gameVideogame Pieces Together Two of the World's Most Recognizable Brands to Introduce New Harry Potter Game Experience

Warner Interactive Entertainment and TT Games are teaming up with the LEGO Group, to merge two of the world’s most popular brands with the creation of LEGO Harry Potter: Years 1-4. Based on the first four Harry Potter books and movies that tell the story of Harry’s first four years at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, LEGO Harry Potter: Years 1-4 offers an engaging mix of magical gameplay and light-hearted humour.

LEGO Harry Potter: Years 1-4 is being developed by TT Games and will be published by Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment and is scheduled for release in 2010.

LEGO Harry Potter: Years 1-4 will give gamers the chance to experience the magic and adventure of Harry Potter in a new and uniquely LEGO way. Playing as Harry Potter, Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger, as well as other favourite characters, gamers will have the opportunity to attend lessons, cast spells, mix potions, fly on broomsticks and complete tasks to earn house points. Throughout the game, players will also have the freedom to explore iconic settings from the wizarding world including Hogwarts castle, Diagon Alley, the Forbidden Forest and the village of Hogsmeade!

“With LEGO Harry Potter: Years 1-4 we are creating an open, wide-ranging experience within Hogwarts that is full of fun and LEGO magic,” said Tom Stone, Managing Director, TT Games. “Harry Potter is one of the most beloved and well-respected characters, and we look forward to bringing gamers a new way of interacting in the universe with the LEGO games’ great humour and exploration.”

“Harry Potter is one of the world’s most popular and inspirational heroes, and LEGO® Harry Potter: Years 1-4 will appeal to a generation of gamers who grew up immersed in the Harry Potter books and films, and also loved playing with LEGO toys,” said Samantha Ryan, Senior Vice President, Development and Production, Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment. “The game is geared for players to experience a good mix of puzzle solving gameplay with exploration and battle in some of the most beloved Harry Potter environments, plus a few other surprises.”

“We’re excited to announce this gaming experience based on the amazing Harry Potter universe,” said Henrik Taudorf Lorensen, Vice President, New Business Development, the LEGO Group. “LEGO Harry Potter: Years 1-4 is built around the same values of family-friendly creative game play that are present in other LEGO videogames, while delivering new elements of exploration and depth that we believe will engage children in imaginative play both virtually and physically.”

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Internet's leading Mafia-themed Massively-Multiplayer, Role-Playing Game (MMORPG), Omerta, is set to launch the long-awaited version 3.

mafia reset for barafranca video gameIn Omerta, the action plays out in a 1930's Mafia world, with locations in Sicily and the United States. The boss of the Mafia is Gianluca Barafranca. The goal of Omerta players is to take control of the venerable Don's organised crime empire.

Omerta players progress by stealing and racketeering, by robbing banks, and racing cars together with other players and eventually banding together to form Mafia families. The families do battle with each other, the Feds and Police, over lucrative 'turf' and control each city's contraband and gambling underworlds.

Omerta is free to play. The only requirements are a modest PC with an internet connection.

Omerta version 3 introduces exciting new features chosen by Omerta players. Omerta takes the ideas and wishes of its' player-community and turns their dreams into reality. “Our players know best, so we look to them for creative decision-making” says Omerta C.E.O. Steve Biddick

“The launch of version 3 is a huge milestone in Omerta's history. We've been doing this for nearly five years now and by listening to the player community and discussion of their suggestions, we are confident that we are presenting the players with what they want – of course, they designed most of these features themselves! Of course there will be divided opinion regarding some of the changes, but discussion is good for everyone!” comments Biddick.

One of the many new features in Omerta 3, is the addition of bodyguards with attitude. “The new bodyguard feature enables the hiring of seven new bodyguard types, each with a very different personality. Depending on which type you choose there can be a great variety of different accents to how the game is played. For example Lee is a bodyguard who defends whereas Vic is a crazed-killer who will help players who are on the attack.” adds Otto Adang, Omerta's product manager and chief designer. “We've made it so that you can pick-and-mix bodyguard types to make your own unique team – and they can all be trained to become better at being a bad guy!”.

“In version 3, we wanted to deliver an experience that breaths new life into the role-playing elements of the genre. The choices each player makes will have a big effect during the game and players will have to think much more strategically about the choices they make” added Steve Biddick. “Otto and the development team have made some great, imaginative changes”.

“One of the issues players were concerned with was the drudgery of starting off life at the bottom of the ladder, once one character had fallen victim to the attack of another” adds Otto. “So we came up with a solution: one of your bodyguards takes over when you die. With players remaining in the Omerta community for many years, this will make beginning again a lot more fun”.

The Omerta community numbers over 3.5 million registered players, with a constant presence of over 4000 people on the richly-moderated IRC server (internet relay chat) “That's where Omerta players do their Mafia business” says volunteer game-admin crew manager Bianca Evers, “we have a highly trained volunteer staff of over 200, mostly ex-players. They look after the newer players, moderate chat for unwanted content and generally help out”.

The actual launch date for Omerta 3 is still a closely-guarded secret and will only be made public once the beta-testing phase has been completed. For a chance to join in with beta testing and to register in advance of the launch of Omerta 3 you can visit http://www.omerta3.com

About Omerta:
Omerta – www.barafranca.com – began in 2003 as an amateur project, in a bedroom in Groningen, the Netherlands.

Omerta Game Ltd was founded in 2004 to manage and further develop Omerta. It now boasts a full-time staff of 18 people in four countries and a network of over 200 volunteers, spread over the whole globe.

Omerta is available in 29 languages, all of which are updated for the forthcoming launch of Omerta 3. Regional (single-language) versions are available in Chinese, Dutch, French, German, Portuguese/Brazilian, Turkish and the 'Nordic' languages (Swedish, Norwegian, Danish and Finnish).

Omerta boasts typically more than 70,000 players logging in every day to chat, race cars and kill each other, all in the name of fun!

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