Exclusive Colin McRae: DiRT 2 UK launch party and NME Radio takeover show

Codemasters announce a showcase music gig in association with NME Radio for the launch of Colin McRae : DiRT 2. The free and exclusive one-off gig will feature performances from artists featured in the game’s ear-melting in-game soundtrack.

Taking place on Thursday 10th September at The Arches in London, the day before Colin McRae: DiRT 2 launches in the UK, the evening launch party will feature performances from post-punk/art-rock outfit The Rakes, lo-fi indie pop project Dinosaur Pile Up, and metalcore band Glamour of the Kill.

It’s a money-can’t-buy event, but gamers can win free tickets to the exclusive launch gig via special DiRT 2 promotions running on NME.com and NME Radio; visit www.nme.com/dirt2/win to enter.

“The soundtrack for Colin McRae: DiRT 2 is a great opportunity for new musical talent to showcase current and previously unreleased songs and hit a new audience. DiRT 2 is set to be one of the biggest games of the season and it’s fantastic to be partnering with NME and the featured bands to host this suitably loud launch gig – especially one that’s free for hundreds of people to attend via the NME promotions – that proves that DiRT 2 does indeed rock.” says Rich Eddy, Director, Communication, Codemasters.

In addition to the gig itself on September 10th, NME Radio will also broadcast an hour-long DiRT 2 takeover show from 2.00 3.00 pm featuring tracks from the game’s soundtrack.

Colin McRae: DiRT 2 is set to take racing games to a new level with thrilling new race types, striking locations, big event atmosphere and a peerless line-up of super-charged speed machines, each selected to deliver spectacular, fast paced racing. DiRT 2 will take players on an exhilarating World Tour featuring over 100 stunning events, including aggressive, multi-vehicle races and intense solo challenges, set in the most diverse and demanding real-world environments.

Complete with full head-to-head competitive online play, get ready for the ultimate off-road competition when Colin McRae: DiRT 2 launches September 11th (UK) for the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, PLAYSTATION 3 computer entertainment system, Nintendo Wii, Nintendo DS and PSP (PlayStation Portable) system. A Games For Windows LIVE edition will follow with support for DirectX 11.

Free to play Atlantica Online Video Game Enters Europe

Ndoors Interactive announce that Atlantica Online, their premier free-to-play, strategic, turn-based MMORPG, will be published in Europe, in the German language, with a closed beta starting on September 3rd. Extensive efforts in localization and support have been underway for several months leading up to the German launch. Ndoors looks forward to entering the European landscape and has long-term plans to eventually provide service for additional languages.

In the past twelve months, Atlantica Online has successfully expanded from Korea into North America, Japan, Taiwan, Vietnam, and China. With the addition of Europe, Ndoors will soon be operating globally.

“Players around the world have embraced the accessibility and uniqueness of Atlantica Online,” said Peter Kang, CEO of Ndoors Interactive. “The gameplay has proven to be universally enjoyed and we look forward to tailoring additional releases and content for European players.”

Atlantica Online is a strategic turn-based MMORPG that combines innovative combat with character/party development and city/country management. Players take on the quest to destroy the Oriharukon, a powerful energy source from the lost civilization of Atlantis that survived and is now endangering humanity. This journey will take players around the globe to locations like the Great Wall of China and the pyramids of Egypt where they will come face-to-face with monsters ripped from history and lore, such as the ruthless Egyptian Pharaoh Khufu and Dracula.

Spyborgs Nintendo Wii Video Game Fact Sheet Released

Spyborgs, Capcom’s hottest new thrill ride will be coming exclusively for the Nintendo Wii this year. Combining an extraordinary sci-fi world with action packed 2-player co-op, this original IP is a must-have Wii title for action fans.

A cybernetically enhanced group of super heroes is set-up to be destroyed by a former team member they trusted. When players take control of the weapon-enhanced cyborgs in their pursuit of the traitor, they will come together in 2-player co-op to face over 35 stages of mind-blowing challenges packed with epic boss battles and swarms of enemies that only a team of two can defeat!

In Spyborgs, players select two of the three Spyborg characters and use the motion-based Wii-remote to shoot, slash and pummel their way through hordes of mechanized enemies. Designed around the team experience, in single-player mode, players will be able to strategically jump back and forth from one member of the team to the other, rapidly tackling different challenges with their unique abilities.

With an in-depth two player co-op system, players will also be able to experience the frenetic fun with a friend. This advanced co-op feature utilizing the Wii-remote motion control provides Wii action fans with a dynamic and fresh approach to beat-em-up, brawler gameplay. Whether playing solo or with a pal, the more skilled you become, the more able to perform a variety of stylized co-op finishing moves to obliterate your enemies.

Using the most advanced technology on the Wii, Spyborgs is being developed by Bionic Games, a newly-formed development team comprised of former Insomniac Games and High Impact Games developers (known for their work on hugely popular franchises Ratchet and Clank and Resistance: Fall of Man).

Features:

• Stunning Graphics: Pushing the graphics capabilities of the Wii, Spyborgs will offer a variety of vibrant environments and detailed character models alongside action-packed gameplay.

• Extreme Co-Op: Designed around the 2-player co-op experience whether playing alone or with friends, single players can jump seamlessly between characters at any time to take advantage of their unique weapons and skills while friends can tag-team it to create crazy combos and finisher moves for the ultimate brawl.

• Brawler-style Gameplay: Action-packed, intuitive gameplay for all skill-levels.

• Robust combo system to master: Multiple character specific combos allow players to chain light and heavy attacks to increase their Combo/Power meters and unleash devastating “Finisher” moves and “Co-Op Finisher” moves.

• Upgradeable Attack System: Power-up by collecting “crimson spark” currency from defeated enemies and destructible environments to purchase upgrades.

• Instant Character Swap: Users can instantly switch between two characters mid-combat to utilize each character’s strengths.

• Cinematic Boss Battles: Epic, action-packed and absolutely thrilling battles featuring full-screen, dynamic and wickedly challenging bosses.

• Robust Achievement system: Similar to Xbox 360 and PSN, players are rewarded with an Achievement Title signifying their accomplishment. Taking it one step further, these Achievements also unlock bonus videos, concept art and new challenges in the game.

Alpha release of Runes MMORPG video game 'Battle for the Dryanium'

Faeria Studio are proud to announce the alpha release of Runes MMORPG Battle for the Dryanium. The game will be available on the Android Market beginning on September 1st, in all of the following countries...

Austria, Australia, Belgium, Bulgaria, Canada, Switzerland, Czech Republic, Germany, Danmark, Spain, France, United Kingdom, Greece, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, Ireland, Israel, India, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, Sweden, Singapore, Taiwan and the United States.

“This release is really challenging to us at Faeria Studio, since as an independent studio, we bet on our creativity and we look up at our first real experience on the video-gaming market.” comments Marc Bagur, CEO for Faeria Studio. “We aim at becoming a reference in the Android-based MMO gaming” add Sebastien Carceles, Tiki Move's CEO. “We feel that there is no better way for us to demonstrate our aspiration than entering any and all the existing contests. We may know that the first steps are the most important for a game, and despite the time limit and our limited resources, we are certain that our game will provide an exciting entertainment. Through this alpha release, we intend to reveal a brief preview of things to come with the final release. Moreover, the beta is on its way, and players will soon have the opportunity to enjoy new features. September should be heating up, and the end of year explosive ! And that's great for the Android !”

The first live events will occur soon after the alpha Release under the name “Exile – Prequel One”. Be prepared for the upcoming battles with the most feared Mages of Kaliend. Meet them in the most famous arenas and put them down with all the might of your magic. Use devastating spells to win trophies and rank up in the tournaments to master the Orbs of Entropy!

For more information on the game, meet us on www.runes-mmorpg.com

Runes MMORPG Battle for the Dryanium offers a large number of exciting features such as :
• Free : Runes MMORPG Battle for the Dryanium is entirely free to play, with fee-based game content for a deeper experience.
• Dynamic battles : Draw runes directly on your screen and throw deadly spells at your opponents.
• Tactical Game-play : Runes MMORPG Battle for the Dryanium offers great tactical opportunities through its time limited turn based battle system. Only your wits and your dexterity will take you to the top.
• Original design : Fight in 3D arenas and explore a whole new world to uncover its frightening secrets.
• Teamwork : Play alone or with friends. Wander the arenas, meet people, and join them in teams up to 3 people to defeat your enemies.
Change the World : Take part in the evolutions of the world of Runes MMORPG Battle for the Dryanium, join factions, choose leaders and decide what the future will hold
• It's not your story, it's History : With time flowing by, anything could happen. Kaliend is at the center of events. Your actions will affect the future, but remember you're not alone, and everybody's action could change the future.
• Face Death : Everyone wither and fade away eventually. In Runes MMORPG Battle for the Dryanium you will die sooner or later. Mold an apprentice that will take your place after the reaper claims you and fulfill your purposes.
• Become famous : Will your battles grant you fame and wealth, or will you fall and be looked upon. Honor and infamy are the lot of the Mages of Kaliend. Fight to find out what your future holds!
• Craft Items : Craft items, enchant them, trade with others, and use them to become the most powerful Mage of Kaliend.
• Explore : Explore dungeons to find powerful components, improve your knowledge to create the ultimate combination.
• Choose side : Join one of the factions and take action to further your objectives. Keep secrets, spy on your enemies, undertake quests to be the one to grant your side the final victory.
• Communicate : Chat with the others, build strategies and form powerful Guilds. Enter the politics arena to reach the top and be the one entrusted with the fate of all Kaliend.

The Blu-ray Disc Association launches first viral video game series!

The Blu-ray Disc Association has launched a series of viral games to promote the benefits of Blu-ray viewing to the public.

Viral and digital marketing agency TAMBA was appointed to create the series, which launched in August. As a result of the games, traffic to the European Blu-ray Disc website has increased thirteen-fold (1,366%).

The collection, called ‘Bluscape’ provides Blu-ray information to players; promoting the values of High Definition (HD) viewing and highlighting upcoming product launches. The games can be played at www.experiencebluray.eu/blu-ray-games.php .

Bluscape features a robot character named Ray who appears throughout the animation and hosts the home screen. Players can select one of four games - Titan Wars, Peakskill, Ro-Bout Tournament or Fusion Duct. The viral themes include a spaceship alien ‘shoot-em-up,’ a robot boxing match and a laser shooting space game. Players can submit their scores onto a Bluscape Hall of Fame and invite friends to beat their scores.

This is the first time The Blu-ray Disc Association has appointed a viral agency.

“The success of Bluscape reflects how popular Blu-ray Disc viewing has become. We chose a viral campaign as we wanted to boost traffic to the Benelux Blu-ray website, which has proven to be very successful,” said Sonja Wagenaar, Marketing Manager of Blu-ray Disc Benelux. “Following the games release we saw a significant increase in traffic reaching the website, and in three days the site achieved more unique visits than in an average month. As a result, awareness is growing around the Blu-ray Disc product and the superior viewing quality it offers.”

Blu-ray Disc is the new generation of high-capacity optical discs. Each disc can hold five times more information than a DVD, allowing users to store High Definition digital video, sound, pictures, games and PC files. Digital data is played at 40 megabytes per second, displaying better picture quality than any HDTV transmission.

“TAMBA has an excellent reputation for creating high quality viral games that both entertain and educate players,” said Kay Hammond, CEO of TAMBA. “The Blu-ray Disc Association is a high profile brand with advantages not all entertainment viewers are aware of. The series of viral games will not only build brand awareness, but will offer valuable information. We’ve produced innovative and attractive games that complement Blu-ray’s consumer image.”

Andy Simpson, Technical Director of TAMBA commented: “We took a futuristic approach with our animation to mirror the Blu-ray Disc Association’s visual technology. Bluscape offers a selection of unusual viral games, engaging with players and encouraging them to spend time on each individual game and re-visit to climb the hall of fame. TAMBA is currently seeding Bluscape across a network of popular gaming and consumer sites.

Free update for iPhone video game Mystic Mine video game now available!

Koonsolo announces a free update for Mystic Mine, an innovative game for Mac, Linux and Windows. In Mystic Mine you guide a goldcar through impossible "Escher" levels. The free update includes following improvements:

• The multiplayer game now tracks the overall scores for all played levels. This means that you can organize a tournament with your friends, and at the end see who won the most games.

• Mystic Mine is now running faster, so slower machines are now better supported.

• The first levels of adventure mode are now even more fun.

For those who already bought Mystic Mine, and want to receive the latest version, just send a mail to koen@koonsolo.com and your download will be reactivated. And for those who don't have the full game yet, play the new demo and have fun!

You can receive the latest news by subscribing to our newsletter at http://www.koonsolo.com/newsletter.php (unsubscribe at any time you want).

RTS Avalon Heroes video game teaser website launched

The teaser website Avalon Heroes is online. Here players can find the intro video of the upcoming RTS hit as well as a first information about the game, wallpapers, screenshots and further trailers. Probably the most interesting for future players: the first view on the hero characters from the game. There, fighters from both sides, Oriens and Aenia, can be found and their respective special abilities can be viewed in short gamezplay videos.

The link to the website: www.avalon-heroes.de

About alaplaya
The free multiplayer games portal offers high-quality games such as Audition, Fantasy Tennis-Season 2, S4 League, or Florensia. More titles, such as LOCO and Avalon Heroes, are being prepared for release. More than 3 million users are already playing alaplaya games.

The portal is provided in eight languages; the games are available all over Europe, including Turkey. Some can also be played in Russia, as well as North and South America, at www.alaplaya.net .

alaplaya offers numerous community features such as user search, blogs, chat & forums, and a special avatar system. All games can be obtained and played for free. Only valuable virtual goods for customizing avatars in the game, and some special items, are purchased and paid for in the shop. Users sign on at alaplaya only once for a central login to all games.

First look at the new PC video game Lost Horizon - HD video trailer

Deep Silver invites fans of the adventure genre to visit a virtual cinema: The website http://lost-horizon.deepsilver.com offers its visitors a first look at the new PC game "Lost Horizon" by Animation Arts.



The lights are dimmed, the audience falls silent, the curtain is raised... and an approximately ninety-second trailer of "Lost Horizon" is played. At the conclusion of the show, stills of some of the many different locations provide further glimpses of the game.

"Lost Horizon" is the third title created by Animation Arts, the developer of the award-winning Secret Files series. Featuring a classic 1930s setting, fascinating locations such as Hong Kong, Tibet and Morocco, as well as an eventful search for one of mankind's greatest secrets, "Lost Horizon" is sure to hold adventure gamers spellbound.

The story:
1936: Former British soldier and luckless smuggler Fenton Paddock is asked to search for a lost expedition in Tibet. Once there, he encounters a band of Nazis searching for occult weapons to further their plans of conquest, and learns that they are following a trail to one of mankind's greatest mysteries in the Himalayas - the legendary Shambala.

About the product
Platform: PC
Genre: Point & Click Adventure
Developer: Animation Arts
Publisher: Deep Silver
Release: 2010

Link to official Scribblenauts nintendo DS video game website

The web site features twelve languages plus a host of new Scribblenauts content including videos, wallpaper, icons, email signatures, ring tones and a screen saver. A widget is also due to arrive very soon!

Visit the Scribblenauts website here...

Scribblenauts is a completely original game play experience that anyone can play, offering fun for all ages with two styles of game play and more than 200 levels. In Scribblenauts, players use the Nintendo DS touch-screen to help their character Maxwell acquire the Starite in each level by solving a series of puzzles armed with their stylus, notepad and imagination.

Players jot down the word for any object that comes to mind in order to reach the goal. Every object behaves as it would in the real world, and players can combine countless objects to create completely new scenarios. Every level has more than one written object to use as a solution, opening up the game to endless replay.

In Scribblenauts, players advance through ten worlds, each with eleven puzzle and eleven action levels for a total of 220 challenges to complete. Each level has a “par” for the number of objects suggested to finish the level. Beating a level with under par, earns “Ollars”, the in-game currency, which players can use to purchase new levels and music.

PRODUCT FEATURES:
• Create Your Own Interactive Experience: Objects you write down in the game are only limited by your imagination

• Everyone Can Play: Pick-up-and-play fun for everyone

• Touch-screen Controls: Easy to pick up and play on Nintendo DS™. If you can tap, you can play!

• Unlimited Replay Value: Use less objects to increase your score, or experiment with different objects for endless replay value. Write anything; solve everything!

• Playground Mode: Play the entire game in a sandbox style right on the title screen.

• Create and Share Levels Online: Share levels you create with the Level Editor via Nintendo DS Wi-Fi Connection.

• Innovative New Title from Leading Developer: 5TH Cell, the creator of the Drawn to Life franchise and Lock's Quest, has experience creating high-quality, innovative DS games.

PLATFORMS: Nintendo DS
RELEASE DATE: October 2009
PUBLISHER: Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment
DEVELOPER: 5TH Cell
PEGI RATING: 12+
USK RATING: 6
GENRE: Emergent Puzzle/Action

Free Combat Arms Europe enlists more than 800,000 players - sign up now...

Free-to-play online first-person-shooter, Combat Arms Europe has surpassed 800,000 registered users since its open beta in December 2008.

Combat Arms Europe was commercially launched in February 2009 with the in-game cash shop “Black Market” that allows players to purchase gears and items for real cash to further customize their characters, while the game is free to download at http://combatarms.nexoneu.com.

With more than 800,000 registered players and an average con-current-user (CCU) number of 12,000, Combat Arms Europe takes part in becoming one of the fastest growing and most successful free-to-play FPS titles in Europe.

“We are thrilled by the figures and results that we see with Combat Arms Europe” said Sung Jin Kim, Director of NEXON Europe. “We receive great feedbacks from our players who love the great mix of fast-paced FPS and socialization features within the game. We are dedicated to providing an interactive and exciting gaming experience to all players at every level, and look forward to bringing far more new action through the updates we have in queue, and, consequently, to continuing with Combat Arms Europe’s great success.”

Combat Arms is a fast-paced, multiplayer shooter, designed for non-stop action on the grounds of various battlefields where players are recruited to get engaged with their enemies in multiple game modes. While integrating the traditional attributes of the FPS genre, Combat Arms advances further by evolving striking features such as character customization as well as weapon modification system, enabling the players to adjust their weapons with attachments such as scopes, silencers and extended magazines.

Moreover, the extensive community features within the game actively support the clan system, where players can easily recruit, manage, and communicate with their clan members.

For further information or to sign up for the game, please visit the official website at http://combatarms.nexoneu.com.