Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games Hits 5 Million in Global Sales

Posted By LordAb March 5th, 2008

The founding fathers of video games, SEGA and Nintendo, find a winning formula with first-ever pairing of famous mascots.

SEGA Corporation today announced that its history-making video game title, Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games, has sold five million copies worldwide in just over three months. Developed by SEGA for the Wii video game system and the Nintendo DS system, with creative input and executive milestone approvals by Nintendo’s developers, the title brought together for the first time the two most beloved icons in the entertainment industry. In the spirit of the Olympic Games, the legendary mascots also brought friends from their storied franchises along, including Luigi, Knuckles, Yoshi and Tails, to compete in a variety of Olympic events.

“With adored icons and fun game play, Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games has shot to the top of the sales charts and is clearly resonating with the growing audience of casual gamers that want an engaging and accessible gaming experience,” said Simon Jeffery, President and COO, SEGA of America.

Published by SEGA across Europe and North America, and by Nintendo in Japan, Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games made its worldwide debut on November 6, 2007, when the Wii version hit store shelves in the United States. According to the NPD Group, which tracks sales data in the United States, the game was one of the top-ten best-sellers in the United States - across all platforms - in the critical holiday sales month of December.

When Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games launched in Europe just days later, it was an immediate hit, rising rapidly to the top of sales charts. Mario & Sonic became the best-ever performing Wii game over the seven-day period that ended on December 11, 2007. In January, Mario & Sonic was the best-selling video game in England across all formats.

“The market for entertaining games that everyone can enjoy is growing faster than any other segment in the industry, thanks in part to the explosive popularity of Wii and Nintendo DS,” continued Jeffery. “A key element of our growth strategy at SEGA is to develop and publish games that appeal to this expanding market.”

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Spring Clean for PSN?

Posted By LordAb March 5th, 2008

SCEA director speaks of imminent overhaul.

PlayStation 3Having lent an ear to the PlayStation community, Sony is set to grant the PlayStation Network a welcome overhaul come Spring.

Sony America’s director of product development John Hight, speaking to Gamasutra, revealed, “I think you will see a pretty big change in the PlayStation Network in the early part of April, where we roll out some new interface stuff largely based on customer feedback.” Hight went on to elaborate, albeit fleetingly, on what to expect, saying a new look PSN would feature “simplification, cutting down on the number of mouse clicks, making it easier to find stuff that you want to find… that’s kind of an outgrowth of us having more content now, so we have to make sure that you can get at it easily.”

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Guitar Hero III Double Whammy

Posted By LordAb March 5th, 2008

Two guitar pack rears its head in Oz.

As a seemingly simple solution to Guitar Hero freaks scouring the streets for a standalone axe, Activision has revealed plans to release a Guitar Hero III pack complete with two wireless guitar controllers, although for the time being it will only be available on the Wii in Australia.

Production issues have ensured that there have been slim pickings for anyone looking for a second guitar for the game – standalone units are rarer than the proverbial hen’s teeth. As Guitar Hero III marks the series first outing on the Nintendo Wii, it’s a logical step to offer the pack to the debutants who won’t have a Guitar Hero II guitar knocking around.

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Silverlode Interactive Releases Saga - A Fully Persistent MMORTS

Posted By LordAb March 4th, 2008

Saga, a new massive-multiplayer online real-time strategy game from Silverlode Interactive, launches worldwide.

The Saga begins… From now on it’s a persistent world. With over 1000 online quests at launch, Saga boasts many of the features that made MMOs successful: auction house, guilds, raiding, looted treasure, gear upgrades, collaborative party questing… Combined with the RTS features of city-building, resource management and grand-scale massive warfare, Saga has changed the landscape of RTS gaming.

Originally built by industry veteran Dallan Christensen (Lead Programmer of Starcraft: Brood War), the Saga world is a traditional fantasy setting: Elves, Orcs, Dragons, Dwarves, and Giants are the characters in a story that develops through the quest threads and will lead to new expansions and new features as Saga grows.

“Players are ready for massive online warfare where every battle really counts, because your empire is fully persistent; it doesn’t vanish after every battle.” says SAGA creator Jason Faller

Since Silverlode opened Beta to the public in July of 2007, Saga has been balanced and rebalanced to suit both casual and hardcore gamers, who can fairly compete head-to-head in this highly tactical strategy game.

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EA and Nunchuck Games Ship Ninja Reflex to Stores in North America and Europe

Posted By LordAb March 4th, 2008

Players improve mental sharpness, hand-eye coordination and reaction times in the ultimate reflex trainer.

Through hard work and practice, you too can develop the lightning fast reflexes of a ninja! Electronic Arts Inc. (NASDAQ: ERTS) and Nunchuck Games Inc. announced today that Ninja Reflex is now shipping to retail stores in North America and Europe. Featuring training activities focused on challenging the player’s core motor skills, Ninja Reflex takes full advantage of the innovative control systems of both the Wii and Nintendo DS to create a fun experience that also sharpens the mind and body.

“Nunchuck Games was founded on our desire as gamers to see fresh gameplay in the market, and Ninja Reflex represents that vision,” said David Luntz, President and CEO of Nunchuck Games. “Together with EA Partners and Sanzaru Games, we have created a martial arts game that focuses on skill and speed rather than button-mashing, on self-improvement rather than violence. EAP’s publishing expertise was invaluable to us on our first project and we could not be happier with the result.”

“We are thrilled to be able to help the talented teams at Nunchuck and Sanzaru create a fresh, fun and nonviolent martial arts game that takes full advantage of the easy-to-use controls and social gameplay features that have made the Wii and DS such huge hits,” said David DeMartini, Vice President and General Manager of EA Partners. “The release of Ninja Reflex is a perfect example of how flexible the EA Partners program can be, and how beneficial it can be for independent developers of all sizes and of all genres.”

Ninja Reflex uses a series of martial arts challenges to test players’ reflexes, hand-eye coordination and measure their reaction times with millisecond precision. Easy to learn, but hard to master, players can develop their ninja skills alone, rising from white belt all the way to 3rd degree black belt, or they can compete for ninja supremacy against their friends in fierce multiplayer battles with up to four players.

For more information on Ninja Reflex, including video testimonials from Olympic Taekwondo gold medalist and head of the USA Taekwondo Team for the 2008 Olympics Herb Perez and six-time Brazilian Ju-Jitsu champion Steve Maxwell, please visit www.ninjareflex.com.

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Rockstar Games Announces Bully: Scholarship Edition Now Available in North America

Posted By LordAb March 4th, 2008

The updated version hits Xbox 360 and Nintendo Wii.

Rockstar Games, a publishing label of Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. (NASDAQ: TTWO), is proud to announce that Bully: Scholarship Edition for the Wii home video game system from Nintendo and the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft is now available at North American retail stores for the suggested retail price of $49.99. Bully: Scholarship Edition will be available in Europe on March 7.

“With all the love and care that we put into Bully, we are excited that two new audiences can experience this game,” said Sam Houser, President and co-founder of Rockstar Games. “It’s really difficult to make a compelling comedy-action game about anything, let alone about the experiences of being at high school, and we think we achieved something unique with Bully. I hope people new to the game love it as much as we do.”

Originally developed by Rockstar Vancouver, the critically acclaimed fan favorite finally makes its debut on the Wii and Xbox 360. “With new single-player missions and multiplayer games, as well as updated graphics, dialogue, and music, Bully: Scholarship Edition looks like it could attract a new audience with hours of next-generation juvenile mayhem…,” says GameSpot, and Official Xbox Magazine writes “…there’s so much gameplay richness and black humor in here that we’d jam a dunce cap on anyone who passes it up.”

Bully: Scholarship Edition for the Wii and Xbox 360 is rated “T” for Teen.

For more information please visit http://www.rockstargames.com/bully/scholarshipedition/.

About Take-Two Interactive Software

Headquartered in New York City, Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. is a global developer, marketer, distributor and publisher of interactive entertainment software games for the PC, PlayStation 3 and PlayStation 2 computer entertainment systems, PSP (PlayStation Portable) system, Xbox 360 and Xbox video game and entertainment systems from Microsoft, Wii, Nintendo GameCube, Nintendo DS and Game Boy Advance. The Company publishes and develops products through its wholly owned labels Rockstar Games, 2K Games, 2K Sports and 2K Play; and distributes software, hardware and accessories in North America through its Jack of All Games subsidiary. Take-Two’s common stock is publicly traded on NASDAQ under the symbol TTWO. For more corporate and product information please visit our website at www.take2games.com.

This press release contains forward-looking statements made in reliance upon the safe harbor provisions of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. The statements contained herein which are not historical facts are considered forward-looking statements under federal securities laws. Such forward-looking statements are based on the beliefs of our management as well as assumptions made by and information currently available to them. The Company has no obligation to update such forward-looking statements. Actual results may vary significantly from these forward-looking statements based on a variety of factors. These risks and uncertainties include the matters relating to the Special Committee’s investigation of the Company’s stock option grants and the restatement of our consolidated financial statements. The investigation and conclusions of the Special Committee may result in claims and proceedings relating to such matters, including previously disclosed shareholder and derivative litigation and actions by the Securities and Exchange Commission and/or other governmental agencies and negative tax or other implications for the Company resulting from any accounting adjustments or other factors. Other important factors are described in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2007, in the section entitled “Risk Factors.” Further risks and uncertainties associated with Electronic Arts’ unsolicited proposal to acquire the Company include: the risk that key employees may pursue other employment opportunities due to concerns as to their employment security with the Company; the risk that the acquisition proposal will make it more difficult for the Company to execute its strategic plan and pursue other strategic opportunities; and the risk that stockholder litigation in connection with Electronic Arts’ unsolicited proposal may result in significant costs of defense, indemnification and liability. All forward-looking statements are qualified by these cautionary statements and are made only as of the date they are made.

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Majesco Entertainment Ships Eco-Creatures: Save the Forest for Nintendo DS

Posted By LordAb March 4th, 2008

A playable game demo is also available at 10,000 retail locations nationwide.

A unique real time strategy adventure is now available for Nintendo DS as Majesco Entertainment Company (NASDAQ: COOL), an innovative provider of video games for the mass market, today announced it has shipped Eco-Creatures: Save the Forest to retail outlets nationwide. In stores in time for Earth Day, Eco-Creatures promotes environmental awareness by tasking players to defend and rebuild the Mana Woods being threatened by over-industrialization.

“Public awareness of man’s effect on the natural environment and the life within it increases everyday, and Eco-Creatures is the perfect game to help impart environmental consciousness on the younger generation,” said Gui Karyo, Executive Vice President of Operations, Majesco. “While the overall message is significant, the gameplay also has a great deal of depth; real time strategy fans will enjoy the robust single player game, challenging multi-player modes and Land Make feature that lets friends trade creations online.”

Eco-Creatures: Save the Forest is a real-time strategy game that challenges players to protect the natural beauty of the Mana Woods and recover land polluted by industrial encroachment. Using the Touch Screen, gamers must command and nurture units of woodland creatures that possess unique abilities. Strategic management enables each of the three creature types to learn new skills that help the player complete 40 environmental missions. As players grow their woodland army, they must plant new trees to revitalize the woodlands and prevent deforestation.

Eco-Creatures also includes a creative Land Make feature that lets players build, play and trade their own game maps online. In addition to the lengthy single-player experience, the game also supports two-player play via Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection and up to four players via Wireless Single Card download play or Multi-Card play.

Eco-Creatures: Save the Forest is rated E for Everyone, and is now available for a suggested retail price of $29.99. A playable game demo is currently being featured in approximately 10,000 Nintendo DS Download Stations at major retail locations nationwide. For additional information, please visit www.majescoentertainment.com.

About Majesco Entertainment Company

Majesco Entertainment Company is a provider of video games for the mass market. Building on 20 years of operating history, the company is focused on developing and publishing a wide range of casual and family oriented video games on leading console and portable systems. Product highlights include Nancy Drew, Cooking Mama and Zoo Hospital for Nintendo DS and Cooking Mama: Cook Off for Wii. The company’s shares are traded on the Nasdaq Stock Market under the symbol: COOL. Majesco is headquartered in Edison, NJ and has an international office in Bristol, UK. More information about Majesco can be found online at www.majescoentertainment.com

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Undertow Expansion on the Way

Posted By LordAb March 4th, 2008

The Elect are coming.

Chair Entertainment has announced the first expansion to Undertow, an underwater shooter for the Xbox Live Arcade. Titled “Path of the Elect,” the download costs 400 Microsoft Points (US $5) and introduces a new playable race to the game. With the download, players get access to The Elect, a high-tech alien race, a five level campaign that continues the story laid out in Undertow, and four new multiplayer maps.

 

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Capcom’s Resident Evil: The Umbrella Chronicles Ships 1 Million Units Worldwide

Posted By LordAb March 4th, 2008

The Umbrella Chronicles is the second Wii game from the company to top 1 million units following Resident Evil 4: Wii Edition.

Capcom is pleased to announce that Resident Evil: The Umbrella Chronicles, which was released in November 2007 for the Wii video game system from Nintendo, has shipped over 1 million units worldwide. This is the second Capcom Wii title to ship over a million units, following Resident Evil 4: Wii Edition, which was released in June of 2007.

The Resident Evil series, which has sold over 34.5 million units globally (as of February 29, 2008), is one of Capcom’s most critically acclaimed and beloved franchises. As a testament to Resident Evil’s longevity and success, the series remains as innovative and original today as when the first title shipped in 1996.

Resident Evil: The Umbrella Chronicles is a brand new game in the Resident Evil franchise, with familiar locales from the entire series, created specifically for the unique characteristics of the Wii console. This action/shooter hybrid reveals the back story behind the fall of the Umbrella Corporation by exploring locations from Resident Evil 0, 1, 2 and 3 as well as new never-before-seen locations, such as Umbrella’s stronghold. Resident Evil: The Umbrella Chronicles combines first-person, light-gun style combat with interactive pathways, multiple weapons and new enemies to create an entirely new Resident Evil experience that could only be delivered on the Wii. The game includes a two-player co-op mode and support for the Wii Zapper for even more intense light-gun style shooting action.

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GRAW 2 Gets More DLC

Posted By LordAb March 4th, 2008

There’s more co-op action for sale on Xbox Live.

Continuing its stubborn refusal to let Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon: Advanced Warfighter 2 fall on the battlefield, Ubisoft announced a second round of cooperative-based downloadable content for the shooter, which celebrates its one-year U.S. release anniversary on Friday.

Co-op Collection 2 will be available for 400 MS points and includes a new co-op campaign, nine additional maps. The campaign picks up where the story in Co-op Collection 1 left off, and the new maps include 7 “inspired by classic” Ghost Recon maps and two that are brand-new.

Here’s a full breakdown of all the content included in Co-op Collection 2:

CO-OP MAPS

New Co-op Campaign

Story: Rebel leader Manuel Suazo Azcona continues his quest to destabilize the governments of both El Salvador and neighboring Honduras despite the Ghosts’ efforts to disrupt his organization. As the vice begins to tighten on the rebels, more key players begin to fall out and defect. Using the information from the defectors, the Ghosts need to release Azcona’s stranglehold on the country by taking out his supply points and escorting relief trucks into the area. Finally, the Ghosts will need to infiltrate Azcona’s compound and take him out, ending the rebellion once and for all.

Bridges - (Ghost Recon: Island Thunder)

Mission Briefing: We’ve been contacted by an enemy defector with intel on Azcona’s plans. It appears he has since been captured, but not before dumping his laptop in the jungle. Find that laptop, save our turncoat, and extract ASAP - he won’t last long.

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Disney Friends Now Available in Retail Stores Nationwide for Nintendo DS

Posted By LordAb March 4th, 2008

Interact with your favorite characters from popular Disney films and create friendships with Stitch, Dory, Simba, and Winnie the Pooh.

Disney Interactive Studios announced today that the virtual life simulation and adventure game Disney Friends for Nintendo DS has shipped to stores across North America. Disney Friends is a brand new adventure simulation game that allows children to interact with their favorite characters from popular Disney films including The Lion King, Winnie the Pooh, Lilo & Stitch, and Disney/Pixar’s Finding Nemo.

“Disney Friends gives players the chance to interact and befriend some of their favorite Disney characters and embark on new and exciting adventures,” said Craig Relyea, senior vice president, global marketing, Disney Interactive Studios. “With Disney Friends, players can take their new friends wherever they go, explore their worlds and build lasting friendships along the way.”

Disney Friends is a simulation video game that teaches players the virtues of caring and nurturing friendships, all while creating a unique adventure in the worlds of their favorite Disney characters. The game features helpful tips and guidance from the feisty, fun-loving fairy, Tinker Bell. Players use the Nintendo DS touch screen and microphone to explore the worlds of Stitch, Dory, Simba, and Winnie the Pooh. In addition, players can use voice recognition features on the DS to influence their character’s actions and behaviors. Players can obtain unique tradable “pins” and earn valuable gold through a multitude of adventures in the various character worlds. The gold allows players to purchase new objects such as food, clothing and toys for their friends to keep them happy.

This unique video game allows players to interact with their friends in day or night exploration mode through the Nintendo DS’ real-time clock. It even allows players to celebrate special events and holidays in the virtual world. Fans can also capture special moments with the in-game camera and save them to browse for years to come.

Published by Disney Interactive Studios and developed by Amaze Entertainment, Disney Friends is rated “E” for Everyone. It is now available in stores nationwide for Nintendo DS for $29.99.

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Points for GTA IV Pre-orders

Posted By LordAb March 4th, 2008

GAME and Gamestation offering 500 Microsoft Points for 360 pre-orders.

In a fit of unbridled generosity, UK retailer GAME is offering 500 Microsoft Points to anyone pre-ordering Grand Theft Auto IV for Xbox 360.

It’s a similar offer to the one that recently accompanied Lost Odyssey’s release in the UK – only this time the title in question is an undeniable must-buy. There’re a number of different purchase options for those wanting to get their hands on Rockstar’s latest – and perhaps greatest – instalment in the series come April 29. These range from the vanilla boxed affair to a more elaborate bundle comprising of a branded duffel bag, CD soundtrack and Rockstar keychain.

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Critically Acclaimed Baseball Franchise Set for the New Season with MLB 08: The Show

Posted By LordAb March 4th, 2008

The popular baseball title delivers the perfect blend of unique gameplay features, authenticity and realism.

Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. (SCEA) announced today the North American launch of MLB ‘08: The Show, available exclusively for PlayStation 3 (PS3), PlayStation 2 and PSP (PlayStation Portable). Already widely considered the most authentic baseball franchise on the market, MLB ‘08: The Show comes out swinging for the fences to deliver an unrivaled simulation with broadcast quality presentation. Developed by Sony Computer Entertainment’s Worldwide Studios, San Diego Studio, MLB ‘08: The Show looks to build on its critical acclaim and its history as the longest-running officially licensed baseball title on PlayStation platforms.

To provide the closest experience possible, next to actually trying to
make it in the Majors, MLB ‘08: The Show introduces a more immersive Road to The
Show mode. As gamers attempt to make a starting line-up in the Big Leagues,
playing on both offense and defense from a custom-created player’s
perspective, a more robust dynamic goal system and a new career advancement
system will determine when a player is eligible for a promotion.
Additionally, the custom-created players are more interactive, with pitchers
now experiencing mound visits, catchers enduring more defense situations, and
with gamers being able to further adjust a player’s positioning — all making
Road to The Show mode even more realistic.

“Baseball fans know that the MLB franchise has a long-standing winning
tradition and that we strive to create highly-innovative and intuitive
features in order to deliver the best baseball title on the market,” said Jeff
Reese, director, software marketing, SCEA. “With the advancements made to the
feature set, along with the lighting, textures and the added little nuances in
the game, MLB ‘08: The Show sets a new bar for authentic play and unsurpassed
realism.”

Providing players with some additional performance incentives, the MLB
franchise introduces the new Progressive Batting Performance feature, which
will both reward players for superior performance and penalize them for
hitting slumps. Specific to each individual batter, players will be rewarded
or punished, based on how that batter that performs beyond his “natural
ability” while under user control. Adding to the online feature set, which
includes customizable Online League Play, scrolling MLB Score Ticker and more,
MLB ‘08: The Show introduces SCOUT (SportsConnect Online User Tracking), which
allows gamers to set and store their game preferences on the MLB server, and
then enables the system to look for a Quick Match with opponents that fit
similar competitive criteria.

As the only first party franchise officially licensed by Major League
Baseball Properties Inc. (MLBP), Major League Baseball Advanced Media (MLBAM)
and the Major League Baseball Players Association (MLBPA), MLB ‘08: The Show
features more than 3,000 individual player animations, including personalized
stances, pitching animations, individual swings, batting rituals and motion
captures from MLB players. Additionally, the franchise adds to the realism
by including Umpire Personalities combined with Interactive Hot and Cold Zones
and Player-scaled Strike Zones, Release, and comprehensive commentary,
featuring the three-man booth of Rex Huddler, Matt Vasgerian and Dave
Campbell.

Joining an elite group of MLB All-Stars that have graced the cover of the
MLB franchise, such as New York Mets third baseman David Wright, Boston
Red Sox designated hitter David Ortiz, and Angels outfielder Vladimir
Guerrero, this year’s cover athlete and spokesman, Philadelphia Phillies
All-Star first basemen Ryan Howard, is known for his personality and work
ethic, which exemplifies the MLB franchise. Howard is just the second player
in Major League Baseball history to win the Rookie of the Year honors and
a Most Valuable Player award in successive seasons.

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Award-Winning Franchise Makes Its Debut on PSP with God of War: Chains of Olympus

Posted By LordAb March 4th, 2008

The third installment of the multi-million unit franchise is a prequel to the story of Kratos and his epic odyssey against the Gods.

Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. (SCEA) announced today the North American release of God of War: Chains of Olympus, exclusively for PSP (PlayStation Portable). Collaboratively developed by Sony Computer Entertainment’s Worldwide Studios, Santa Monica Studio and Ready at Dawn Studios, the acclaimed development team that brought you the best-selling Daxter for PSP, the highly-anticipated God of War: Chains of Olympus combines stunning graphics, intense action and an intricate new storyline that delivers yet another tale of epic proportions from the dark and brutal world of Greek Mythology. Following in the footsteps of its predecessors, God of War: Chains of Olympus is set to deliver everything that fans have come to expect from the God of War franchise. With high fan anticipation and a 94% rating on GameRankings.com, supported with the following review scores from leading gaming media outlets: PlayStation the Official Magazine — 5/5 and the Editor’s Choice Award, Game Informer — 9/10 and the Handheld Game of the Month Award, Game Pro — 4.75/5 and the Editor’s Choice Award, IGN.com — 9.4/10 and the Editor’s Choice Award, 1Up.com — 9.5/10, and Gamezone.com — 9.5/10, God of War: Chains of Olympus is poised to set a new standard for PSP titles.

“God of War: Chains of Olympus is a stellar achievement that truly shows
off the capabilities of PSP and fully demonstrates our efforts to bring
highly-innovative and unique content to PSP,” said Jeff Reese, director,
software marketing, SCEA. “If you’re a fan of the God of War universe or even
just the action-adventure genre, God of War: Chains of Olympus delivers an
epic gameplay experience and is a-must-own title.”

About God of War: Chains of Olympus

God of War: Chains of Olympus is a prequel to the first installment of the
franchise, and begins with Kratos embarking on a journey across mysterious new
environments that are engulfed in darkness and completely untouched by
mortals. The Gods have been rendered powerless from the state of their world,
leaving Kratos with only one choice — he must square off against the most
vicious of demonic creatures from Greek Mythology and choose between saving
his soul or the ancient world from imminent and total destruction. Armed with
a set of brand new combat moves, magics and weapons that compliment existing
favorites, players must lead the Spartan Warrior through foreboding
environments, while unraveling story-driven puzzles and battling creatures
from the dark underworld. Packed with intense action, epic backdrops and set
pieces, and a new captivating storyline, God of War: Chains of Olympus
delivers an engaging gameplay experience from start to finish, emblematic to
that which fans have come to expect and love of the franchise.

About God of War: Chains of Olympus Marketing Campaign

To celebrate the launch of God of War: Chains of Olympus, SCEA has
created an integrated marketing campaign incorporating an advertising program
with a major television push, full online, out of home, in-store and print
support. The campaign features epic and atmospheric creative’s centering on
the impossible task that faces Kratos in bringing his own vicious style of
revenge.

The independent Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) rates
God of War: Chains of Olympus is rated “M” for “Mature 17+” (Descriptors:
Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Nudity, Sexual Themes, Strong Language). For
more information about the ESRB, visit http://www.esrb.org.

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Darkly Gaming Dexter

Posted By LordAb March 3rd, 2008

Showtime’s conflicted serial killer coming to a platform near you.

Tomorrow, Showtime Networks and Marc Ecko Entertainment will announce that they have partnered up to create an all-new videogame based on the popular award-winning show, Dexter. Though a specific development team has yet to be named, Ecko Entertainment has said that it will work closely with Showtime to keep the game as faithful to the television show as possible.

“Dexter is the extremely rare TV show with enough layers of action and tension to translate perfectly into a compelling videogame,” said Marc Fernandez, Vice President of Marc Ecko Entertainment. “Our game designers, writers, and artists are going to give Dexter’s morally complex world the kind of interactivity that gamers will love.”

A favorite show among several editors at the IGN offices, and winner of our award for Best Television Show of 2007, Dexter tells the story of title character Dexter Morgan — a blood spatter expert in the Miami police department who moonlights as a serial killer who hunts down and dispatches other murderers.

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Namco Bandai Games Brings the Slopes Home with We Ski

Posted By LordAb March 3rd, 2008

Edge through the Alpine with your friends as four player skiing comes to Wii.

Step onto your Wii Balance Board or grab your Wii Remote and Nunchuk and hit the fresh powder as Namco Bandai Games America Inc., today announced We Ski, an exciting skiing game for Wii. Now up to four skiers can experience the sweetest mountain runs in the comfort of their homes as We Ski’s highly responsive and intuitive controls take them down the slopes like never before. We Ski will slalom into stores in Spring 2008.

“We are thrilled to be the first publisher to offer a realistic and enjoyable skiing experience that can also support the new Wii Balance Board,” said Todd Thorson, Director of Marketing and Public Relations for Namco Bandai Games America Inc. “Namco Bandai is working to entertain both casual gamers and hardcore enthusiasts with a recreation of a beloved sport and pastime.”

In We Ski, up to four skiers can test their skills on more than a dozen runs from the bunny slopes to the most challenging Black Diamonds. Not only can players carve through the trails using the motion-based controls but they can also mix in the Wii Balance Board for a whole new level of realism. Players can ski using their own Mii or create a new character with a host of customizable options including changeable face and body types. Boosting the customization feature, additional skis, poles, goggles, and costumes can be unlocked.

We Ski features an entire mountain to explore, complete with a ski school, freestyle skiing, moguls and slaloms, photography, and a variety of other events. Players can even try their hand at night skiing while enjoying the spectrum of fireworks that color the sky. With We Ski no more long drives to the snow will be necessary to enjoy a day of shredding the mountains.

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Guitar Hero III Mobile Available Today on AT&T

Posted By LordAb March 3rd, 2008

AT&T customers should get ready for their sound check as the wildly popular Guitar Hero III Mobile game is now available for download. The nation’s number one wireless and broadband provider, AT&T, has launched the game on a number of handsets.

Already rocking Verizon Wireless subscribers with enormous success, Guitar Hero III Mobile was the no. 3 selling game on the carrier’s deck for 2007. It has been the carrier’s top seller since.

Guitar Hero III Mobile

Guitar Hero III Mobile allows rockers to jam anytime, anywhere to the same stunning graphics, high-quality audio and addictive gameplay that fans of the wildly popular console series have come to expect. Featuring four authentic guitars and three venues, the game challenges players to hit number keys in sync with colored notes that appear on a scrolling fret board.

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Ubisoft Announces Lost: Via Domus is Available on Store Shelves

Posted By LordAb March 3rd, 2008

The critically acclaimed television series debuts for Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 and PC.

Today Ubisoft, one of the world’s largest video game publishers, in collaboration with ABC Entertainment and ABC Studios, announced that LOST: Via Domus is available on store shelves for Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, the PlayStation 3 computer entertainment system and Windows-based PC. Based on the award-winning television series, LOST: Via Domus allows players to experience an untold adventure of Lost in an immersive, interactive world. The game is rated T for Teen and has an MSRP of $59.99 for Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 system, and $29.99 for Windows.

Lost is a remarkably captivating television program that has built a
loyal set of avid viewers, said Tony Key, senior vice president of
sales and marketing at Ubisoft. It was a natural progression to bring
the Lost universe to a video game and we are thrilled to allow fans a
new way to immerse themselves in the story of the island and the
survivors of Oceanic flight 815.

After many months of collaboration with Ubisoft and the series
producers, we are excited to bring such a truly unique gaming experience
to the marketplace, said Bruce Gersh, senior vice president, business
development, ABC Entertainment and ABC Studios. Through the gameplay,
fans of the series will have an abundance of opportunities to dive
deeper into the mysteries and intrigues of the series.

Lost series executive producers Damon Lindelof and Carlton Cuse said,
Playing the game, you really feel like youre on the island. The
graphics are fantastic, and the game gives players a chance to explore
on their own the places and mysteries of the island that theyve seen
for the last three years on the show.

About the Game

As a passenger of Oceanic flight 815, you survived the crash and find
yourself on an uncharted island somewhere in the Pacific Ocean. As you
begin to unravel mysteries of the island, you begin to discover secrets
of your own. You will have to understand your past mistakes in order to
survive and find your way home…

Play as a survivor of Oceanic Flight 815: Confront your dark
past, seek your redemption, and ultimately find a way home.

Authentic Lost experience: Explore familiar locations, unravel
mysteries and interact with the main characters from the show.

Survive the challenges that the island throws at you: Solve
puzzles, outsmart enemies, battle the smoke monster and overcome many
other challenges to survive the island and come out alive.

About Lost

Season 4 of Lost stars Naveen Andrews as Sayid, Henry Ian Cusick as
Desmond, Emilie de Ravin as Claire, Michael Emerson as Ben, Matthew Fox
as Jack, Jorge Garcia as Hurley, Josh Holloway as Sawyer, Daniel Dae Kim
as Jin, Yunjin Kim as Sun, Evangeline Lilly as Kate, Elizabeth Mitchell
as Juliet, Terry OQuinn as Locke and Harold Perrineau as Michael.

Lost was created by Jeffrey Lieber and J.J. Abrams & Damon Lindelof.
Abrams, Lindelof, Bryan Burk, Jack Bender and Carlton Cuse serve as
executive producers. Lost, which is filmed entirely on location in
Hawaii and premiered on September 22, 2004, is from ABC Studios.

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Dark Sector - Multiplayer Features

Posted By LordAb March 3rd, 2008

D3 details two game types, multiplayer customization and leaderboards on Xbox Live and the PlayStation Network.

Game Types - Dark Sector’s multiplayer is broken up into two distinct game types: Infection and Epidemic.

Infection - The Infection game type is a match between Hayden and the Lasrian military. One player assumes the role of Hayden while all others (up to nine) assume the roles of Lasrian Troopers. Hayden is considered the infected target, and it is up to the Troopers to bring him down. Once Hayden is brought down (”finished”), the Trooper responsible becomes infected and a new round begins. A match will run until either time expires, or a set number of points are reached. The ultimate goal of an Infection match is to have the most number of points when the match is over. Points are granted to Troopers by either stunning Hayden, finishing Hayden, or assisting in bring Hayden down and points are awarded to Hayden by killing Troopers (Troopers can lose points by committing suicide).

As a Trooper, the player will be armed with either an assault rifle or a shotgun, have a couple grenades, and one proximity mine. Troopers can only attack Hayden, and so they can either work together (communicating via a shared chat channel) or go solo. In order to bring Hayden down, they must inflict a set amount damage which will stun him, and then, while he is stunned, perform a “finisher.” The Trooper that performs the “finisher” becomes infected and plays as Hayden in the next round.

As Hayden, the player has no allies, but is armed with a Tekna 9mm, the Glaive, all three Evolutionary Powers, and any weapons dropped by the Troopers or lying around the various maps. Hayden also has access to the elements fire, ice, and electricity (depending on the level) to use against the attacking Troopers.

Epidemic - The Epidemic game type is a team based match between the Lasrian military, and the Agency. Players are divided into two teams where (on each team) one player assumes the role of Hayden, and all others assume the roles of Troopers. Matches end based on a time limit, or point total, and rounds end whenever a Hayden is brought down. Team points are awarded whenever an opposing team brings down the other team’s Hayden, and individual points are awarded to players based on kills and assists (players can also lose points by committing suicide). Players can only communicate with other players in the same team, and can only attack players on the opposing team. Both the Troopers and the Haydens retain the same functionality they have in the Infection game type.

In both game types, players will respawn at designated spawn points when they are killed.

Multiplayer Customization

On the X360, MP games can either be played using Xbox Live, or System Link. On the PS3, MP games can either be played on the PlayStation Network, or LAN.

Each multiplayer game type supports up to ten players and has access to five different maps. The maps are unique in size, detail (such as weather effects), and layout. For example, the map called the Deck promotes a more close combat oriented play style, whereas the Court promotes a more team-based play style with its symmetrical layout and numerous opportunities to surround opposition. Multiplayer games can also be customized in terms of time limit, number of players, score limit, and the existence of bots.

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The Countdown Begins as Rocketmen: Axis of Evil Lands on Xbox Live Arcade this Wednesday

Posted By LordAb March 3rd, 2008

Capcom’s RPG-styled shooter hits Xbox Live on March 5.

Help save the solar system this week when Rocketmen: Axis of Evil touches down on Xbox Live Arcade this Wednesday, March 5 at 9:00 a.m. GMT (1:00 a.m. PST).

Join Rocketmen Nick Sion, Alec Mink and the Alliance of Free Planets in their white-knuckled struggle to free the solar system from the tyrannical grip of the Legion of Terra in this RPG styled shooter.

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