Also from The Adventure Company today, we have for you six new screenshots from The Sacred Rings, the upcoming adventure game sequel to 2004's Aura: Fate of the Ages.


The Sacred Rings is scheduled to ship in November for the PC. Continue to watch for more updates right here at AceGamez.

Today we have for your viewing pleasure eight new screenshots from The Adventure Company's upcoming PC suspense thriller, EVIDENCE: The Last Ritual.


EVIDENCE: The Last Ritual is currently slated to ship this October. We'll be back with any new updates that come along as its release approaches.

For those looking to expand their Saints Row experience, THQ has just announced the release of the game's first download pack via the Xbox Live Marketplace. The new Marketplace download, entitled the "Funky Fresh Pack", packs in all-new customization options including new clothing, accessories, hair styles and tattoos. The complete list of items included in the Funky Fresh Pack, which is now available on the Live Marketplace for 100 Microsoft Points, can be viewed below:

Clothing:
- Fake Tuxedo Shirt
- Short Sleeve Tropical Shirt
- Spiked Leather Jacket
- Leopard Skin Underwear
- Tiger Stripes Underwear
- Leather Chaps
- Crazy Bunny Slippers

Accessories:
- Samurai Helmet
- Eye Patch
- Skull Ring
- Saints Row Medallion
- Saints Row Wrist Band

Hair Styles:
- Full Spikes
- Curly Gent Mustache
- Ladies Man Mustache
- Split Goatee
- Sharp Edge Mutton

Tattoos:
- Panther
- Rattlesnake
- Biohazard
- Ankh
- Spider

And if you haven't already, be sure to check out our in-depth Saints Row review here.

Turn back the clocks and crank-up the action, id Softwares DOOM is available now for the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system by download from Microsofts Xbox Live Arcade. The game, which premiered today at X06 in Barcelona, brings legendary DOOM mayhem to gamers, who for the first time ever can relive the classic demon-blasting fragfest in both single-player and 2-4-player co-operative and Deathmatch modes over Xbox Live or splitscreen. DOOM for Xbox Live Arcade is available in most worldwide markets for 800 points and is rated M for Mature by the ESRB.

Originally created by id Software, and developed for Xbox Live Arcade by Nerve Software, DOOM delivers all the original nightmarish demons and hellish zombies in enhanced graphics supporting High-Definition displays along with 5.1 Surround Sound. Gamers can also unlock a full array of achievements and access leaderboards featuring match-making capabilities for the ultimate Deathmatch competition.

Haul out the BFG and fire-up the chainsaw, DOOM delivers the heart-pounding thrills of the original experience to a new generation, said Todd Hollenshead, CEO, id Software. Now with Xbox Live Arcade, gamers can take the classic action online for over-the-top Deathmatch or team-up in co-op play.

Originally released in 1993, DOOM introduced millions to the terrifying and exhilarating excitement of first-person action. As a lone marine stranded on Mars when a military experiment literally goes to hell, gamers must face off against an army of demons and un-dead marines using the BFG 9000 and an arsenal of classic weapons in order to survive this deadly assault and save mankind from certain extinction. DOOM for Xbox Live Arcade delivers all the era-inspiring action of Ultimate DOOM including all four original episodes in one complete Xbox Live experience.

Electronic Arts will reveal the innovative features that were developed from the dynamic new EA SPORTS engine that will appear in FIFA 07 on the Xbox 360 system at Microsofts X06 event in Barcelona this week.

FIFA 07 on the Xbox 360 heralds the start of the next generation of football gaming and fans worldwide will have the opportunity to experience the new engine and all-new gameplay prior to the games worldwide release when a FIFA 07 demo for the Xbox 360 system is made available on Xbox Live Marketplace in October.

FIFA 07 on the Xbox 360 moves away from the traditional animation-based game engine and now enables raw physics and data to drive the action, creating true-to-life movement and the most advanced visuals seen in a football game. Player characteristics are based on brand-new traits and twice the number of attributes, so you won't see two players moving in exactly the same way. Instead they look and behave like the athletes we see gracing the pitch week-in, week-out.

Improved fundamental controls that are easy to pick-up-and play but difficult to master and enhanced AI enable you to truly enjoy the virtual recreation of the beautiful game. The ball and players react to your slightest touch with an unprecedented level of responsiveness, giving you complete control. For the first time ever the ball is alive with its own independent physics, resulting in truly unpredictable gameplay. Now any type of pass or shot is possible and goals will feel natural and unique.

Using the physics-based and data-driven technology, the FIFA 07 engine creates a wealth of data that gives you the power to make real tactical decisions when managing your players. FIFA 07 offers never-before-experienced real-time player analysis. Monitor each players performance in the game by viewing complete passing, shooting and defending stats. Detailed feedback pinpoints where the player was located on the pitch and his contribution to the match. Now you can make informed decisions during halftime with the aid of this in-depth match analysis, enabling you to locate problem areas in both attack and defense. Check the areas of possession to make subtle adjustments to your play and spot defensive weaknesses in the opposition. All the shots, assists and goals are marked out so you can see who did the most damage.

With detailed player styles, a full list of attributes and an advanced formation editor, choosing your ideal team has never been easier. Once the match starts, make the tough decisions to change the course of the game take off an underperforming player, switch formation and control your defensive line with one button press.

The FIFA 07 game engine pulls together all the facts at the final whistle to accurately rate the best player in the park and award him the ultimate accolade Man of the Match. Furthermore, the big game atmosphere is reinforced with commentary from Martin Tyler and Andy Gray.

FIFA 07 on the Xbox 360 also includes comprehensive online features that streams up-to-the-minute real-world game results via real-time, weekly podcasts and news ticker. Nowhere else will football fans find such a comprehensive destination for football stats, information and real-world news available in five languages. While online, FIFA 07 will enable four friends to play together on one console against four of their rivals sharing another console for the ultimate in bragging rights.

The rich feature depth available on FIFA 07 is complete with Manager Mode and an all-new player evolution system that enables you to develop world-class players, FIFA 07 Lounge for the ultimate in multiplayer sessions, and a Challenge mode that offers 85 scenarios to test even the most hard-core gamer.

Kristanix Studios, www.kristanix.com, is proud to announce their latest PC title, Pirates of the Atlantic. Defend your fortress from piratical invaders with the help of some lead, a cannon, and a lot of gunpowder. Blast pirate scum and keep them off your booty while upgrading the defenses to your keep.

Pirates of the Atlantic features an easy to learn action oriented system of defending your fortress from invaders. With upgrades to the defensive cannons range, power, and rate of fire the enemy will have no hope of overcoming a skilled marksman. Collect upgrades in combat to further boost abilities, or end up sleeping with Davey Jones.

Embark on the quest to ensure the Pirates of the Atlantic never make it past St. Kites. Battle famed pirates like Admiral Drake and many interesting enemies, from balloons and zepplins to Man-o-Wars.

Download the free demo from the Kristanix Studios website at www.kristanix.com and discover the riches that the Atlantic holds.

Quazal is today proud to announce that they have joined Epic Games' Integrated Partners Program for Unreal Engine 3. Rendez-Vous and Spark! have been fully integrated into Unreal Engine 3 and is now available for licensing directly from Quazal.

Epic Games has established the Integrated Partners Program (IPP) for the purposes of having a formal business relationship with selected companies making cross-platform technologies which integrate with, and are complementary to, Unreal Engine 3. Under the IPP program Epic provides continuous Unreal Engine 3 source code access and full technical support to IPP members. Companies who join the IPP agree to provide a high level of technical support for UE3 licensees through Epic's established support channels, keep their implementations up-to-date with the latest UE3 versions, and work with Epic on potential promotional and co-marketing efforts. The IPP program will make it easier for Unreal Engine 3 licensees to incorporate 3rd party middleware solutions from IPP vendors into their games.

"We're very excited to have integrated our Rendez-Vous and Spark! technology into Unreal Engine 3," said Mike Drummelsmith, Developer Relations Manager of Quazal. "Having Spark! on Unreal Engine 3 will allow for a very rapid deployment of a robust online game lobby, while the full Rendez-Vous API will be available for developers looking at more customized solutions. This should really help developers deploy their online games quickly, with advanced features."

"We're pleased to welcome Quazal to the Integrated Partners Program." said Mark Rein, Vice President, Epic Games, Inc. "It is great that Rendez-Vous and Spark! will be available to Unreal Engine 3 licensees in a form that is fully integrated with Unreal Engine 3 and with full support for that integration provided by Quazal.", comments Mark Rein, Vice President, Epic Games.

Superman Returns: The Videogame challenges players to master Superman's unrivalled powers to save Metropolis. Based on 60 years of DC Comics and the hit motion picture, Superman Returns: The Videogame creates the ultimate open-world super hero experience. As the Man of Steel, you hone your unworldly super powers such as Flight, X-Ray Vision and Freeze Breath to fight villains that only Superman can defeat.

Superman Returns: The Videogame will be available on the Xbox 360, the PlayStation 2 console, Xbox, the PSP system, Nintendo DS and Game Boy Advance this Autumn.

Half-Life 2 for the Xbox 360 is the entire award-winning single player game together with the first two episodes of the continued story. Research scientist Gordon Freeman finds himself on an alien-infested Earth being picked to the bone, its resources depleted, its populace dwindling. Freeman is thrust into the unenviable role of rescuing the world from the wrong he unleashed back at Black Mesa. And a lot of people he cares about are counting on him.

Tiger Woods PGA TOUR 07 breaks new ground by offering more content, advanced features and breakthrough technology. In its latest instalment, Tiger Woods PGA TOUR 07 brings realism and emotion to the golf course like never before, while players see and hear the crowds around them with enhanced playing environments. Tiger Woods PGA TOUR 07 is packed with new content, including 21 new courses and 50 golfers on current gen. Course content doubles on the next gen platforms and the all new UCAP technology makes Tiger more realistic than ever. The PSP version allows players to challenge the worlds top golfers at home or on the go.

Developed by Electronic Arts Redwood Shores, Tiger Woods PGA TOUR 07 will launch worldwide in October on the Xbox 360. It is available now in Europe on the Xbox, PlayStation2 console, PSP system and PC and will ship on these platforms across North America in October. A PlayStation 3 console version is scheduled to ship later this Autumn.

EA SPORTS originally pioneered the Golden Age of hockey videogames in the 1990s, and this year heralds in the next generation with the most intuitive and authentic hockey experience to date. Powered by advanced gameplay, NHL 07 features new responsive controls and photo-realistic graphics. Players take complete command over every movement on the ice without ever taking their hands off the analog sticks. A revolutionary new Skill Stick system is an intuitive gameplay scheme that delivers an unparalleled sense of on-ice speed and control. Using the left stick to direct the lower body, and the right to control the upper, gamers will reach a level of fluidity only experienced on the ice. Skate into the zone and glide around your defenders while bringing your stick across your body and drawing it back to fire a slapshot all without touching a button.

NHL 07 is available now for the PlayStation2, the PSP, Xbox 360, Xbox and PC.

Delivering the next generation of adrenaline-filled street racing, Need for Speed Carbon will challenge players to face the ultimate driving test on treacherous canyon roads. What starts in the city is settled in the canyons as Need for Speed Carbon immerses you into the worlds most dangerous and action-packed style of street racing. You and your crew must take on your opponent in an all-out war for the city risking everything to take over your rivals neighborhoods, one block at a time. As the police turn up the heat, the battle ultimately shifts to Carbon Canyon, where territories and reputations can be lost on every perilous curve.

Need for Speed Carbon delivers the next generation of customization giving you the power to design and tweak your crews cars in every way using the ground-breaking new Autosculpt technology. Represent your car class, your crew, and your turf in Need for Speed Carbon, a revolution in racing games.

Developed by EA Black Box in Vancouver, Need for Speed Carbon will be available for the Xbox 360, PlayStation3, and Wii as well as the PlayStation2 console, Xbox, Nintendo GameCube, Nintendo DS, Game Boy Advance, PSP system, PC, and mobile this Autumn.

Building upon the depth and authenticity that the NBA LIVE franchise has delivered for more than a decade, this season the game will once again revolutionize basketball gameplay. With new moves that are matched only by the games stunning visuals, players will be given more control than they ever imagined with the all new EA SPORTS Total Freestyle Control. This year NBA LIVE 07 will partner with the worldwide leader in sports to deliver more ESPN content in-game while you play.

Developed at EA Canada, NBA LIVE 07 will be available on the Xbox 360 and Xbox videogame system from Microsoft, the PlayStation3 and PlayStation 2, and PSP handheld entertainment system and PC this Autumn.

FIFA 07 on the Xbox 360 heralds the start of the next generation of football gaming with the dynamic new EA SPORTS engine and all-new gameplay. Moving away from the traditional animation-based game engine, raw physics and data now drive the action, creating true-to-life movement, an unprecedented level of responsiveness and the most advanced visuals seen in a football game. For the first time ever the ball is alive with its own independent physics, resulting in truly unpredictable gameplay. Now any type of pass or shot is possible and goals feel natural and unique. The new engine creates a wealth of data, including never-before-experienced real-time player analysis that gives you the power to make real tactical decisions when managing your players. Partner the new engine with the most innovative and extensive online feature sets to date, with 4 v 4 and streaming real world news, FIFA 07 truly blurs the lines between videogames and reality.

Electronic Arts announced today its holiday line up of EA and EA Sports branded games for the Xbox 360. EAs most popular franchises will be on show at Microsofts X06 event in Barcelona, offering hands-on next generation gaming for an audience of international media. EA will showcase consumer favorites including FIFA 07, Need for Speed Carbon, Tiger Woods PGA Tour 07, NBA Live 07, NHL 07, Half Life 2 and Superman Returns: The Videogame.

EAs line up harnesses the power of the Xbox 360 technology, combining enhanced game play innovation and authentic animations for a more emotionally-involving gaming experience. Consumers will be able to take full advantage of the capabilities of Xbox Live, whether challenging their opponents in online play or accessing real time integration of sports and news updates while they play their favorite sports games. Marketplace on the Xbox 360 will be the place for consumers around the world to access the newest and freshest digital content from EA, including game demos, product news or video content from their favorite franchises. In October, FIFA fans will be able to download a demo of FIFA 07 prior to the games worldwide release only through Marketplace on the Xbox 360.

A year ago the industry inaugurated the next generation of video gaming - this year the next gen gaming experience gets even better, said Jan Bolz, Vice President, International Sales and Marketing, EA. EAs 360 line up brings the innovation of our creative development teams to players around the world, immersing them in deep, connected game play experiences that truly signal the arrival of a new era of digital entertainment.

Also on show at X06 under the Games for Windows brand will be Rail Simulator.

It seems that Danish Deadline Games, developers of one of last years most invigorating games, Total Overdose, are reliving their franchise with a port of the game for Sony's PSP. And before you start searching their website frantically, let me point out that this is not official as of yet; an article regarding the game was printed in a Danish newspaper a few days ago. However, given the original games popularity, it seems very likely that the port, which has been renamed as Chili Con Carnage, should emerge at some time spring 2007 according to the article.

The first screenshot from the game shows some changes in the HUD from the original game, and judging by the screen, it will preserve the loco moves and attitude from the original.

Rockstar Games, the world-renowned publishing label of Take-Two Interactive Software is pleased to announce a partnership with Team Bondi Pty Ltd to publish the ground-breaking next generation crime thriller L.A. Noire. Developed by Team Bondi, a new Australian based studio founded by Brendan McNamara, of The Getaway, L.A Noire is an interactive detective story set in the classic noir period of the late 1940s. L.A. Noire blends action, detection and complex storytelling and draws players into an open-ended challenge to solve a series of gruesome murders. Set in a perfectly recreated Los Angeles before freeways, with a post-war backdrop of corruption, drugs and jazz, L.A. Noire will truly blend cinema and gaming.

Sam Houser of Rockstar Games serves as Executive Producer and Brendan McNamara as Director of Development for L.A. Noire.

Brendan and I have known each other for a long time, and to finally have the opportunity to work together on a game is exciting, said Sam Houser, Founder of Rockstar Games. The longstanding mutual respect and the combined experience between the two of us make this a great partnership, added Brendan McNamara, CEO of Team Bondi.

L.A. Noire is a next-generation title and will be published by Rockstar Games. The official trailer will be released October 5th at www.rockstargames.com/lanoire.

For gamers looking for fresh games based on unique concepts, Moondance Games has compiled more than 20 innovative titles from indie game developer studios in their second compilation disk, offering a range of genres for the enthusiast, as well as the whole family.

IG: Independent Games Volume 2 combines award-winning games from CMP Game Group's Independent Games Festival (IGF), held in conjunction with the annual Game Developers Conference (GDC). The annual IGF is now considered to be the Sundance of the game industry and the largest, most respected competition of independent game developers in the world.

Moondance's Volume 2 features 21 original games from several different genres including adventure, puzzle, role playing, arcade, sports, action and strategy. The collection of games offers hundreds of levels, giving gamers of all ages and levels thousands of hours of addictive play. Moondance's second volume was created by the top independent developers in the game industry. The compilation shows off the talent and passion indies have for fine video game design.

Despite the flood of licensed games and bland sequels in the channel, innovation clearly is alive and well in the gaming industry, says Sarah Borchers, CEO, Moondance Games. The many, many great games on this second compilation disc prove that.IG: Independent Games Volume 2 features content for all types of gamers. Hard core gamers will find ground-breaking, fresh takes on original concepts that big game publishers would be afraid to try. At the same time, casual gamers and families that like to play games together will be pleasantly surprised by the accessibility and ease of the quick gameplay sessions in the puzzle and arcade games.

While AAA publishers make fantastic games, those games are often just slight variations on an existing product, which leaves players with little more than a recycled game, Brian Kingsley, President, Moondance Games says. Indie developers have the freedom to create a radically new title they believe in and release them when they feel ready - not when they are pressured to release it.
Some award-winning titles on IG: Independent Games Volume 2 include:

* Bantam City Games' Invadazoid

* Ethereal Darkness Interactive's Morning's Wrath

* Hanako Games' Cute Knight / Kishi Kawaii , winner of Game Tunnel's RPG of the Year

* Rabidlab's Dodge That Anvil! IG Edition, winner of the Adultswim.com Main Competition award at the 2006 IGF

* Palette by Hand Made Games and Ocular Ink by Pistachio Productions, both 2006 IGF Student Showcase award winners

* And many other fine games from developers such as 21-6 Productions, Cornutopia Software and Large Animal Games.

If purchased separately, the games available for sale directly from the indie developers would cost in excess of $100.

IG: Independent Games Volume 2 can be purchased online for $19.95 from Amazon and other e-tailers and at retail stores. The Moondance Games compilation marks the first time a collection of indie games has been offered at retail.

Moondance's indie disc can be played on a multitude of computers, not just the most recent high end models. Minimum specs are:

Windows 98, ME, 2000, XP
Pentium III Processor (900 MHz) or AMD equivalent
128 MB Ram
700 MB free hard disk space
CD ROM drive of 8X or higher
Video: DirectX Compatible Video Card with 32MB RAM
Sound: DirectX Compatible Sound Card
DirectX: Microsoft DirectX 9 or higher
Optional; Network card for online play and rankings
IG: Vol. 2 is compatible with most laptops as well

Stay tuned for a full review of IG: Independent Games Volume 2 in the coming weeks.

At this year's E3, the debut showing of Kojima Productions' epic new 15-minute trailer for Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots for the PS3 instantly became one of the event's most memorable moments, and is easily one of the grandest game trailers ever produced (at least I think so). Following in the shadow of the brilliant E3 trailer, Kojima Productions has once again wowed onlookers with yet another new MGS4 trailer, this time at the ongoing Tokyo Game Show 2006.

At just over six minutes in length, the new trailer showcases what appears to be mostly in-game action of actual gameplay mechanics we can expect to experience when the game finally comes out. I could go into a complete recap of the trailer, detailing all of the amazing new revelations, but what would be the fun in watching it if you already knew what to expect? To check out a streamed version of the trailer, visit the Kojima Productions TGS 2006 Special Site at http://www.konami.jp/kojima_pro/tgs_2006/. And like always, watch for the typical Hideo Kojima twist!

While you're dropping by the Kojima Productions TGS site also be sure to check out the awesome new trailer for Metal Gear Solid: Portable Ops, along with a Lunar Knights trailer and some other goodies. Enjoy!

Future has today announced that its two officially licensed Xbox magazines will merge into one title. News, previews and reviews for the original Xbox console will now feature in Xbox 360: The Official Xbox Magazine.

Following the sales success of Microsofts next-generation Xbox 360 since it launched last November consumer interest is now focussed across two platforms. As a result, the final standalone issue of Official Xbox Magazine, goes on sale Thursday 28th September.

Bowing out with issue 61, Futures Official Xbox Magazine launched in March 2002 and has sold over 4.1 million copies in total. Its successor, Xbox 360: The Official Xbox Magazine launched in November 2005 and achieved a debut ABC of 42,680. Circulation for the new magazine is currently growing at a faster rate than Future's original Xbox magazine did in its launch year.

Group Publisher for Futures London Entertainment portfolio, James Ashton-Tyler said:

Official Xbox Magazine has had an enormously successful run. The rapid success of the Xbox 360 means that readers are now interested in two Xbox formats. By rolling in coverage of Xbox games into our next-generation title, we can cover both consoles and provide Xbox gamers with a comprehensive Official magazine.

Issue 13 of Xbox 360: The Official Xbox Magazine also goes on sale Thursday 28th September, with a coverprice of £5.99.

In last week's Pacific Storm video release, we showcased a Japanese air strike against a U.S. base. In this week's video, it's time for America to retaliate by attacking a Japanese fleet. Download the latest video from our online press room or the official North American Web site (http://pacificstorm.cdvus.com) and watch as the American Navy strikes back in Pacific Storm.

An exciting new hybrid title, Pacific Storm mixes the strategic elements of RTS titles with the action of an arcade title. RTS fans will enjoy classic strategy elements including resource management, unit and building construction and unit deployment, while action fans will be happy to take to the skies or seas as they directly control units in intense combat. It's like getting two fantastic WWII titles for the price of one!

Turbine, Inc. and SAKURA Internet today announced a distribution agreement for The Lord of the Rings Online: Shadows of Angmar, Turbines highly-anticipated massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG). Turbine, a leading publisher of online games and entertainment, will work with SAKURA to localize The Lord of the Rings Online for the Japanese market. Under the agreement, SAKURA, a leading distributor in the Japanese market, will also market, distribute, and operate the game in Japan. Previously, the two companies successfully launched DUNGEONS & DRAGONS ONLINE in Japan.

The Lord of the Rings is one of the most popular franchises in the world and we are pleased to work with SAKURA to bring our game to the Japanese market, said Jeffrey Anderson, president and CEO of Turbine, Inc. With nearly 200,000 players already signed up for our upcoming Beta Program, we believe that The Lord of the Rings Online will have massive appeal.

We are very excited to be working with Turbine to bring The Lord of the Rings Online to the rapidly growing online gaming community in Japan, said Ryo Sasada, president and CEO of SAKURA. We are thrilled to bring this legendary franchise to the MMO players in Japan.

The Lord of the Rings Online is the first and only massively multiplayer online role-playing game based on the literary works of J.R.R. Tolkien. Players will fight the evil minions of the Dark Lord Sauron, and advance their heroes by adventuring through the vast reaches of Middle-earth the most famous fantasy world of all time.

For more information on Turbine and its services, please visit www.turbine.com.

SEGA Europe Ltd and SEGA of America Inc., are proud to announce the digital launch of NHL: Eastside Hockey Manager 2007 for the PC and Mac. Developed by Sports Interactive, creators of the revered Football Manager series, NHL: Eastside Hockey Manager 2007 is now available exclusively via digital download from www.eastsidehockeymanager.net

At the start of the new NHL season, players will be able to take on the challenge of being the General Manager of their favourite franchise. From taking advantage of new tactical options and preparing players for the rink, right through to building a dynasty for the future, NHL: Eastside Hockey Manager 2007 allows hockey fans to experience the highs and lows of hockey management whether it be at international level or within any of the 20 global leagues. Players will need to use their tactical mastery to influence results whilst participating in drafts, scout players, sign youngsters, negotiate trades and deal with the media in an attempt to get the edge over opposition and carry their team to victory.

An authentic hockey management game, NHL: Eastside Hockey Manager 2007 offers an enhanced simulation experience and a brand new 2D game engine, bringing players even closer to the action of each nail biting game. The addition of new tactical settings give even greater control over a sides playing style, with a wealth of additional options.

NHL: Eastside Hockey Manager 2007 is the perfect way for hockey fans to test their skills and knowledge as the new hockey season unfolds, commented Marc Duffy of Sports Interactive. Digital download of NHL: Eastside Hockey Manager 2007 provides a great opportunity for fans all over the world to easily access the game and experience hockey management like never before.

Sports Interactive has created a new and improved look and feel to the 2007 edition, with a new cutting edge interface to make navigation far simpler. NHL Eastside Hockey Manager 2007 allows players to manage their own franchise in over 20 leagues from around the world, including the NHL, AHL, DEL and Swedish leagues.

The database has been vastly expanded since last year and now boasts an incredible 45,000 players and staff, with a shot stopping total of 3,000 teams from around the globe.

Professional poker player Daniel Negreanu, who was named World Series of Poker Player of the Year in 2004, will take a seat at the table in his own game STACKED with Daniel Negreanu as part of the latest Xbox Live 'Game with Fame' session.

Fans interested in going all in against Negreanu during this Xbox Live event should keep an eye for the Xbox Live Gamertag D NEGREANU on Tuesday, September 26 between 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. PST (7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. EST) to challenge the "Kid Poker" and hope not to get too soundly trumped.

In case you didn't know, Negreanu is a two time World Poker Tour winner, who began his luck in 1997 winning the World Poker Finals at Foxwoods. He went on to win the World Series of Poker, becoming the youngest WSOP bracelet winner in history - a record he held until 2004. Negreanu has accumulated more than 36 worldwide poker victories. Away from the casinos, Negreanu is a published author and a regular poker columnist for Card Player Magazine.

The Xbox Live "Game with Fame" program gives Xbox Live subscribers the unique opportunity to meet, chat and play against some of today's hottest stars. Past "Game with Fame" celebrity players include Jack Black, Jenny McCarthy, INXS, New York Yankees' Jason Giambi, Ryan Cabrera and Ludacris. For further information on other Xbox Live events, be sure to visit the "Game with Fame" web site.

Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. (SCEI) today announced that PLAYSTATION 3 (PS3) with 20GB hard disk drive (HDD) will come equipped with HDMI (*) (Ver 1.3/supporting Deep Colour) output as standard with the system. PS3 with 20GB HDD will become available in Japan at a new recommended retail price of 49,980 yen (tax included).

Since SCEI first announced product specifications of PS3 at the Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3) in May 2005, demand for enjoying full HD quality image and
realistic digital sound through HDMI has grown tremendously. Given the sharp increase in availability of flat displays supporting HDMI in the market, SCEI has decided to equip HDMI as standard on all PS3 systems.

SCEI, with strong support from software developers and publishers, will offer a broad line-up of exciting and innovative titles and vigorously promotes the PS3 platform.

(*) High-Definition Multimedia Interface

Following the announcement of Metal Slug Anthology for the PSP (PlayStation Portable), Ignition Entertainment is pleased to announce that the previously unreleased (outside of Japan) Metal Slug 6 will also be included in the already sort after package.

After its successful release in the arcades, Metal Slug 6 will now complete the compilation that offers players the chance to experience the franchise that has been much admired over the last ten years.

This time the Ikari Warriors Ralf Jones and Clark Still (also familiar to fans of the KOF series) join in the action to aid Marco, Tarma, Eri and Fio in their battle with the elusive General Morden.

The inclusion of Metal Slug 6 in the Anthology, means that an all ready great package has just got a whole lot better Says Peter Rollinson, Product Manager, Ignition Entertainment Ltd. Metal Slug Anthology now offers something for everyone.

Metal Slug Anthology Key Features:

Arcade Perfect conversions Metal Slug 1, Metal Slug 2, Metal Slug X, Metal Slug 3, Metal Slug 4 and Metal Slug 5. Exclusive bonus content Metal Slug 6!!!. 2 Player Co Operative play via wireless multiplayer. Full support for both widescreen and original screen format. Unlockable items. Bonus Galleries containing classic poster and character art as well as other Metal Slug goodies.

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

Marvelous Interactive Inc, the Tokyo-based parent company of Rising Star Games has disclosed details of its Nintendo Wii line up at the Tokyo Game Show. Issued in an English language press release, the list also includes three Nintendo DS titles.

The announcement in full:

Tokyo Game Show 22nd September, 2006.

2007 Title Announcement:

Title: Rune Factory - shin Bokujou Monogatari
Platform: Nintendo DS
A new RPG based on the Harvest Moon series.
Discover a completely new world of Harvest Moon with monsters to fight and dungeons to explore.

Title: Luminous Arc
Platform: Nintendo DS
A new dramatic, real time tactical RPG for Nintendo DS.
Lose yourself in a deep story, train your team, learn special attacks and combine objects to progress through the game.
Then go head to head with your friends over Wi-Fi

Title: Bokujou Monogatari - Kimi to sodatsu shima
Platform: Nintendo DS
Have you ever wanted to have your own island?
With this brand new episode of Harvest Moon on DS, build your own island and discover new characters in 3D for the first time on DS.

Title: Bokujou Monogatari
Platform: Wii
Recreate the movements on the Wii controller to actually sow seeds, plough the land, cultivate crops, etc.These are some of the farm tasks you will have to actually do in this very first next-gen Harvest Moon.

Title: Heroes
Platform: Wii

Further information to follow.

In addition to the slew of new titles for the PlayStation 3, Sony Computer Entertainment President Ken Kutaragi also addressed one major issue many gamers had with the 20GB HDD version of the system. The system will now come equipped with HDMI (High Definition Multimedia Interface) output as a standard feature. Previously, only the more expensive 60GB HDD system had HDMI outputs, something that sent the more tech-savvy gamers into quite a frenzy on message boards around the world.

The official word goes as follows:

"Since SCEI first announced product specifications of PS3 at the Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3) in May 2005, demand for enjoying full HD quality image and realistic digital sound through HDMI has grown tremendously. Given the sharp increase in availability of flat displays supporting HDMI in the market, SCEI has decided to equip HDMI as standard on all PS3 systems."

In addition, Japanese gamers are getting a bit of a price break... at least on the 20GB version of the console. According to the press release, a PS3 with 20GB HDD will become available in Japan at a new recommended retail price of 49,980 yen (about US $430, tax included). Before you get too frantic, no news of a price decrease for any other territory was announced. Oh, and the 60GB system? in Japan, it's to be sold by what's known as 'Open Pricing,' meaning the sky's the proverbial limit. Given the loyal Playstation user base in Japan and the limited amount of systems (100,000 according to sources), that's pretty much a guarantee that a good number of those systems will sell for more than the $599 the unit will cost here.

We'll have more TGS news from Sony as it comes in.

With the 2006 Tokyo Game Show off to a hopping start, Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. certainly isn't going to tiptoe around the fact that they've got a new system on the way. In addition to a surprise price cut for the 'low-end' 20GB version of the console in Japan only (news on this to follow shortly), the company has revealed some 32 first and third-party PS3 titles, 28 PSP titles, two PSP peripherals and a handful of PlayStation 2 games.

As you might imagine, it looks like the majority of these games will also make it to US and possibly UK shores, but we'll update that particular segement of the news as more information comes in. In addition, more titles may be revealed through third-party developers during the show, but for now, we'll print the current listing we have of new titles on display or announced at the show.

PLAYSTATION 3 First & Third Party Titles at TGS
(note: some names will most likely be changed for the US and UK markets)

Devil May Cry 4 (Capcom, Action)
Need for Speed Carbon (Electronic Arts, Racing)
Armored Core 4 (From Software, Action)
Enchant Arm (From Sotware, RPG)
Wangan Midnight (Genki, Racing)
Bladestorm: The Hundred Years War (Koei, Action)
Fatal Inertia (Koei, Racing)
Ni-Oh (Koei, Action)
Mahjong Taikai IV (Koei, Table Game)
Coded Arms: Assault (Konami, First-Person Shooter)
Mah-Jong Fight Club Online (Konami, Table Game)
Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots (Konami, Action)
Mobile Suit Gundam: Target in Sight (Namco/Bandai, Action)
Ridge Racer 7 (Namco/Bandai, Racing)
Railfan (ONGAKUKAN Co.,Ltd., Simulation)
SEGA GOLFCLUB featuring MIYAZATO FAMILY (Sega, Sports)
Virtua Tennis 3 (Sega, Sports)
Virtua Fighter 5 (Sega, Fighting)
Sonic The Hedegehog (Sega, Platform/Action)
AFRICA (Working Title) (Sony Computer Entertainment Inc./RHINO STUDIOS INC., Simulation)
Everybody's Golf 5 (Working Title) (Sony Computer Entertainment Inc., Sports)
F1 CHAMPIONSHIP (Working Title) (Sony Computer Entertainment Inc./SCEE, Racing)
flOw (Working Title) (Sony Computer Entertainment Inc./SCEA, Music/Rhythm)
Genji: Days of the Blade (Sony Computer Entertainment Inc./SCEA, Action)
Gran Turismo HD (Sony Computer Entertainment Inc, Racing)
Heavenly Sword (Sony Computer Entertainment Inc./SCEE, Action)
LAIR (Sony Computer Entertainment Inc./SCEA, Action)
Monster Kingdom: Unknown Realms (Sony Computer Entertainment Inc., Action/RPG)
MotorStorm (Sony Computer Entertainment Inc./SCEE, Racing)
Resistance: Fall of Man (Sony Computer Entertainment Inc./SCEA, First-Person Shooter)
The Eye of Judgment (Sony Computer Entertainment Inc., Card Battle/RPG)
Warhawk (Sony Computer Entertainment Inc./SCEA, Flight Combat)
Final Fantasy XIII (Square/Enix, RPG)
Ninja Gaiden Sigma (Tecmo, Action)
Rainbow Six: Vegas (UbiSoft, Tactical First-Person Shooter)

We'll be adding more news, media and information on these upcoming titles to the Ace database in the coming weeks.

Sega of America has announced today that the next chapter in the legendary Shining series, entitled Shining Force EXA, is headed to US shores exclusively for the PS2.

Following on the heels of last year's overlooked Shining Force Neo, Shining Force EXA is an action-RPG (with strategy elements) that tells an all-new story that will put players in the roles of two characters, a male warrior named Toma and a female sorceress Cyrille, on a quest to return peace to their war-ravaged homeland torn about by two warring nations.


Shining Force EXA's main addition to the series is an innovative new Fortress System that will have players managing the growth and defense of a home base known as a Geo Fortress. This Fortress System brings offensive and defensive strategies to the gameplay experience, as players will both venture away from their Geo Fortress on various quests and missions while also maintaining a defensive force back at home base to protect it from attack, switching back and forth between both parties as needed. According to the press release, each player's Geo Fortress will evolve over the course of the game to match their style of play.

"The Shining franchise has provided deep plotlines and exciting gameplay throughout its long running history," said Scott A. Steinberg, Vice President of Marketing, SEGA of America, Inc. "New innovations such as the Fortress System and enhanced party commands add a new layer of strategic gameplay to Shining Force EXA that delivers a compelling experience for today's gamers."

As of this time, Sega has not revealed a single strand of info regarding a possible US release date, so we'll all just have to sit back and wait until they give the official word to find out more. For now, be sure to check out the provided screenshots Sega released with the announcement for an early look at the game's striking art style.

Today, Ubisoft officially announced the title and details for its upcoming Far Cry video game for the new Wii console- Far Cry Vengeance. Based on the highly-successful Far Cry Evolution, Far Cry Vengeance expands on the experience with a new storyline, new maps and new weapons. The game takes advantage of the revolutionary Wii Remote and Nunchuck allowing players to drive, shoot, slash, jump, and climb their way through a rebel-infested, tropical hell. Far Cry Vengeance will be a Wii launch title.

About the Game

The incident at Jacutan Archipelago changed Jack Carvers life forever. Jack has had little choice but to embrace the disturbing talents unleashed by Kriegers unique brand of folk medicine. Back at his home port in Micronesia, Jack thought he had finally found paradise. But when a gorgeous woman draws him in on a dangerous heist, their sun-drenched days take a chilling turn. Hunted for a murder he didnt commit, Jack must draw on his most savage instincts to make his predators his prey. Game features include:

Wii Unleashed Dig deeper into the power of the Wii Remote and Nunchuck through survival tactics that include driving, shooting, jumping, balancing, climbing, grenading, and Far Crys ever-popular Feral attacking.

Weapons Choose from a variety of weapons in a struggle to endure the rebel-infested jungle. Take down an unsuspecting victim from behind with a machete or meet the fight head-on with your machine gun.

Vehicles From ATVs to hovercrafts, pickup trucks to Jet Skis, drive over, around, and through vicious combat situations.

Interactive Environments Utilize the lush, tropical surroundings to your advantage, using stealth to sneak through the foliage past unsuspecting rebels.

Unleash the Wrath Feel what its like to be the predator, not the prey, as you unleash the beast within. Jump higher, run faster, and slash with more fury than all of your enemies combined through the animalistic feral abilities unique to the Far Cry series.

Multiplayer Challenge your friends in Far Cry: Vengeances frenetic Chaos mode as you battle to be the last person standing.

Atlus USA has announced today that the official English website for Touch Detective, its upcoming point-and-click adventure game for the Nintendo DS, has gone live at http://www.atlus.com/touchdetective. At the website viewers can find character descriptions, gameplay info, downloadable wallpappers and more.

Developed in Japan by Success/BeeWorks, Touch Detective will be touching North American retailers this October exclusively for the Nintendo DS.

Sega of America has announced today its plans to publish Armored Core 4, the latest installment in FromSoftware's popular mech-combat franchise, for the Xbox 360 and PS3.

FromSoftware is a very talented team that specialize in developing mech-based combat games," said Scott A. Steinberg, Vice President of Marketing, SEGA of America, Inc. "Building on the success of Chromehounds, we believe that Armored Core 4 will deliver an action-packed experience that will not only cater to the diehard fans, but will attract new fans to the mech-based combat genre."

With the recent release of Chromehounds on the 360, FromSoftware has already proven its capabilities in crafting a high-quality next-gen mech action game (as if the developer's stellar history in the genre wasn't proof enough already), so if you're a mech fan expect nothing but good things when Armored Core 4 hits the Xbox 360 and PS3 in North America in Spring 2007.

Prepare to be tempted, mesmerised and thrilled exploring the possibilities of being evil or really evil in Overlord, coming summer 2007

Gamers will discover how corruptible they are in Overlord, the forthcoming twisted fantasy action adventure where players can be evil (or really evil). Now in development at Triumph Studios, Codemasters will publish Overlord in summer 2007 for PC and the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft.

In the games seriously warped fantasy world, players will become the Overlord and get first-hand experience of how absolute power corrupts absolutely". You could be a regular run-of-the-mill Overlord. However, with incredible power at your disposal and a team of evil-minded impish critters, the Minions, on hand to do your bidding, how will you resist the temptation to be wonderfully despotic?!

The Overlord has the power of concentrated badness right from the start and you'll know how much more of a total bad-ass you're becoming as the game tracks your corruption throughout.

How corrupt you become depends on how you handle any given situation, your actions and how their consequences impact the game world. For example, if you and your minion horde dispose of a bunch of particularly nasty, violent Halflings that have overrun a once-peaceful village, the villages original peasant occupants will herald you as their liberator. Now each time you pass through, the peasants will welcome you as their new lord and protector, cheering your arrival and giving you offerings.

However, as an Overlord, its worth seeing what more can be obtained from the peasants gratitude. If you exert some proper feudal repression, they'll tremble and fall to their knees when you're in town. If you become truly mean, the poor peasants will resort to cowering in your presence, pray for their lives and even offer up their daughters in order to appease you.

In Overlord you'll be able to do some pretty wicked stuff, however everything is played out with this twisted fantasy humor, as the games visuals illustrate says Lennart Sas, Director at Triumph Studios. Our goal is not to shock with realistic blood and gore, but to create an entertaining world where people can explore what its like to have absolute power but in an amusingly gross way, not sick & grotesque.

On the flip side to all this nastiness, one of the Achievements players can aim for in the game is finishing 100% Uncorrupted. To be an Overlord of purity requires not killing any peasants, not harvesting souls from living creatures, not betraying your mistress and not exterminating the occasional fantasy race. Now that's tough!

Go on, get ready to explore your more despotic side and perfect your evil laugh with Overlord, coming summer 2007 for PC and the Xbox 360. Interesting in becoming a total bad ass? Register your interest online now at www.codemasters.com/overlord for future exclusive updates.

The demo for F.E.A.R. Extraction Point has been released. The demo features a level from the upcoming F.E.A..R. expansion pack: Extraction Point and gives players a preview of a never-before-seen weapon and new enemy.

To download the demo or for more information visit the official F.E.A.R. community site at www.fearfans.com

Electronic Arts, the worlds leading interactive entertainment software company, today announced that The Sims 2 has reached more than 1 million fans in Europe who have downloaded the game onto their mobiles within the first seven months of release.

Mobiles were brought to life when the bestselling PC game The Sims 2 was made available for download across Europe through a number of operators in December 2005. Within just seven months of launch, the title has proved its universal appeal with 1 million people now enjoying the all time classic on the move.

Featuring completely unique storylines, The Sims 2 lets you customise and take control of your Sims. Players are able to satisfy their Sims wants, develop their careers and skills and develop relationships with other Sims. The intuitive one thumb gameplay combined with an immersive 3D Sims world lets both old and new players enjoy the game of life on their mobile phone.

We are very pleased with the success The Sims 2 is enjoying with European mobile customers, said Javier Ferreira, VP Publishing Europe, EA. We were confident that the universal popularity of the Sims franchise would translate well into mobile and would appeal to a new mobile audience. Our close relationships with mobile operators across Europe have been invaluable in reaching these 1 million Sims fans young and old.

Building on the celebrated The Sims 2 experience, EA plans to launch The Sims 2 Pets also for the mobile platform in Europe later this year. Players will be able to choose the appearance and gender of their Sims pet, then adopt and name the puppy before being able to teach their pet new tricks or take them for a romp in the park. As in real life, your Sims pet will require care and training but leaving your dog unattended near a freshly planted flower bed probably isnt wise!

For more information, please visit: http://www.eamobile.com. To learn more about The Sims 2, please visit: www.thesims2.com

As of 22 September Xbox 360, the video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, will be racing off the shelves with the launch of the ultimate next-generation gaming bundle.

Comprising an Xbox 360 console, extra wireless controller and copy of the poll position Xbox 360 title Project Gotham Racing 3, the package will have an estimated retail price of £299.99.

This is a great way to introduce gamers to the consoles amazing graphical powers as they enjoy the photo-realistic race tracks of the best selling game for Xbox 360 to date.

The addition of the extra wireless controller means you can race mates round the streets of New York, Tokyo, and many other cities. Take the driving seat in one of a line- up of the hottest super cars around, including Ferrari and Lamborghini.

Project Gotham Racing 3 is the next-generation debut of the best-selling Project Gotham Racing series for Xbox. Racers can define their own style, in their own car, and take down opponents both on and offline.

Stephen McGill, Head of Marketing Xbox & Games commented: Project Gotham Racing 3 is such a popular game and a great first title for the Xbox 360. Not only can you experience the seriously impressive graphics for yourself but now were bundling this game with the console and an extra controller, so you can take on your friends too. This will make a lot of gamers in the UK happy this Christmas.

After only one week on store shelves worldwide, LEGO Star Wars II: The Original Trilogy has already established itself as one of 2006's strongest forces in video games. Since its release by LucasArts and TT Games on September 12, the biggest family game of the year has sold more than 1.1 million copies spanning eight platforms (PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system, PSP (PlayStation Portable) system, Xbox 360 and Xbox video game systems from Microsoft, Nintendo GameCube, Windows, Nintendo DS and Nintendo Game Boy Advance).

There's definitely something for everyone in LEGO Star Wars II, and the sales and reviews so far are proving it, said Jim Ward, president of LucasArts. This is the type of fun, accessible game everyone in the family can enjoy. It appeals to so much more than just the traditional gaming audience.

Set in a tongue-in-cheek Star Wars galaxy, LEGO Star Wars II allows gamers to build and battle their way through the events of Star Wars: Episodes IV through VI. It has earned rave reviews from both consumer and trade press, largely because it is designed for the entire family.

LEGO Star Wars II is an ideal family game, if not the ultimate family game, lauded the San Jose Mercury News. The Rocky Mountain News reviewer agreed: For me, the game's biggest draw is the bonding experience it delivers for me and my son. It's rare to find a game that inspires you to spend as much time laughing and talking with your child as you would trying to beat a level or create a confusing creature.

Street Dance, as its name suggests, is a street themed Dance Mat game set in the inner city with a hard-edged attitude and contemporary urban track list. Anyone familiar with R&B or Hip-Hop will love to groove along to the likes of Kelis, All Saints and the Pussycat Dolls. Players can rip up the streets with a phat selection of bangin tunes and tear up the dance floor as they challenge their mates to a dance off, or hook up a second mat and get their groove on with up to eight other dancers. They can also pimp their style by creating their own routines with the Street Dance recorder.

Dance Fest is a pop lovers Dance Mat extravaganza. Set in a TV pop show environment, Dance Fest is jam-packed with classic pop superstars such as the Sugababes, Steps and M People! Dance mat enthusiasts can have fun toning up with this disco inferno using the Dance Fest fitness mode, or just dazzle spectators with their very own dare-to-be-seen dance routines.

Street Dance and Dance Fest are both available on PlayStation 2 from October 20th 2006.

Conceived out of appreciation for the UK's best loved home-grown sport, PDC World Championship Darts is a first-to-format release on PlayStation 2. With the backing of the sports most recognised champions, the game is ready to set the benchmark for titles of its kind.

PDC World Championship Darts is a game to create a new genre, providing an authentic as seen on TV adaptation of the UKs best loved home-grown sport. PDC World Championship Darts offers sports and darts fans an authentic, star-studded, challenging darts experience that can be played at home on PlayStation 2 and PC.

The official product of the Ladbrokes.com World Darts Championship, PDC World Championship Darts will offer both gamers and sports fans a true to life game-play experience including; professional players, intuitive controls and high-end graphics, plus camera paths, inspired by the gripping Sky Sports-style coverage of the Championship.

Set for release alongside the staging of the 2007 Ladbrokes.com World Darts Championship, the game aims to capture the hearts of the countless loyal fans of the Christmas periods biggest sporting event.

Offering players the thrill of an as seen on TV darts experience, PDC World Championship Darts challenges players to take on the champions and bring victory home.

PDC World Championship Darts is due for release December 1, 2006

The London Games Festival Fringe is pleased to announce the JumpStart game design masterclass workshop to be held at 01zero-one in Soho on Thursday 5th October from 9.30am until 5pm.

Combining both theory and practice, JumpStart is aimed at anyone excited by the potential of the games medium and what they themselves could bring to it, but perhaps frustrated at the low proportion of genuinely original ideas which end up on the retail shelves. The intensive, expressive, team-based approach will nourish existing practice, and may even suggest the pursuit of game design as a new career path.

The intention of the workshop is to develop understanding of game design as a dynamic and collaborative endeavour, so participants will engage in team activities: employing their collective creative skills to devise a game concept and develop it further using various evaluation, visualisation and communication techniques. Over the course of the day, the workshop will give insight into game design principles and methodologies and will seek to place the game concepts generated into a commercial context.

Places are free of charge, but as we anticipate these will be in high demand, they will be allocated on the basis of a simple application form to ensure the most interesting and effective mix of participants. Pre-requisites are plenty of imagination and a genuine interest in the potential of computer games. Previous games industry experience or specific technical abilities are not required.

Further information at www.jumpstartworkshop.com

Square Enix Ltd., the publisher of Square Enix interactive entertainment products in Europe and other PAL territories, today announces the forthcoming release of the epic FINAL FANTASY XII. The latest title in one of Square Enixs most beloved franchises will be available early in 2007, exclusively on the PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system.

Since its debut in 1987, the FINAL FANTASY series has sold over 68 million units worldwide. With its cutting-edge visuals, unique worlds and intricate narrative, FINAL FANTASY has defined the role-playing genre and continues to be adored by fans around the globe.

Now the worlds favourite RPG series continues to evolve in FINAL FANTASY XII. A new level of exploration and adventure lie ahead in the mystical world of Ivalice. Overflowing with gorgeous, sweeping landscapes, colourful characters, exotic creatures and a plot full of intrigue, FINAL FANTASY XII is a gaming experience not to be missed.

John Yamamoto, President and CEO of Square Enix Ltd. comments, We are very excited to be bringing FINAL FANTASY XII to Europe and PAL territories next year. The game has been a massive success in Japan and looks set to become one of the crowning glories of PlayStation 2.

As the upcoming release of the Action/RPG Justice League Heroes draws near, new information on hidden characters is coming on a semi-regular basis. Following on the announcement of unlockable heroes Aquaman, Green Arrow and Hawkgirl, the latest character to make the cut is none other than The Huntress, who will get to use her martial arts skills to take on The Legion of Doom.

Developed by snowblind Studios, Justice League Heroes is set to ship this October for the PlayStation 2, Xbox, PlayStation Portable, Game Boy Advance and Nintendo DS). We'll continue to update here as new screens come in.

Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment has announced two upcoming Tom and Jerry Tales games for the Game Boy Advance and Nintendo DS. Both titles are set to ship on October 31. While both games will feature plenty of indoor cat and mouse chases, according to the press release, each version of the game will feature system exclusive content. The GBA version includes various mini-games to keep the chase moving, while the NDS version includes touch-screen activated events that require players to cleverly avoid Tom and create general mayhem in the house.

In addition, the games come on the heels of the duo's first new U.S.television series in more than 13 years (also named Tom and Jerry Tales) scheduled to debut on Saturday, September 23 at 8:30am as part of the "Kids WB!" cartoon block. We'll take a closer look at both titles next month.

According to Activision Chairman and CEO Robert Kotick, during a recent keynote speech, Guitar Hero will be making riffs on every "significant" new format beginning next year. What formats does that mean? PlayStation 3 should be a given considering the game first made notes on the PS2, and Xbox 360 is quite significant... so is the Wii in as well? We're betting on it, given the unique nature of the console Guitar Hero is a perfect fit - and given Activision's support of the Wii already it's a safe bet.

So, does that mean all the next-generation consoles will be hearing the music of Guitar Hero 2, or will that be an exclusive to Sony while the rest of the consoles get a release of the original Guitar Hero? It's actually not clear, though it would certainly make sense to release the latest version to all systems. Here is what Mr. Kotick had to say at the keynote:

"[Guitar Hero] was a great IP that was really in need of global distribution and the operating efficiencies that we could bring to what was a relatively small company," Kotick told the crowd. "The long-term opportunities here include all sorts of product extensions--music downloads that are very high-margin opportunities--and we'll start with the launch of Guitar Hero 2 for the PlayStation 2 this Fall. And you can expect next calendar year launches of Guitar Hero on every significant new format."

Activision's Tony Hawk branded skating games were so dominate when they first shreded into the gaming world that the once frequent skating genre, with games like Thrasher: Skate & Destroy coming out often, has lacked any significant entry that didn't feature Tony Hawk's name on it in years.

And depending on who you ask some might tell you that hasn't been good for the series lately. Underground 2 and American Wasteland haven't been huge successes critically compared to the rest of the series, though Project 8 looks to change things with an all new engine (FINALLY!)

But powerhouse publisher EA isn't letting Tony Hawk off the hook this season. The company officially announced a new PS3 and Xbox 360 game titled SKATE recently, with the following to say about it:

"Our game offers a skate mecca for both skaters and gamers in search of the definitive authentic skating video game experience," said Scott Blackwood, executive producer, EA Black Box. "We're focused on capturing the actual feeling of skating with the innovative control system, the physics driven animations, and the intelligent cameras working together to really deliver the closest thing to being on a board."

Closest thing to being on a board? That sounds promising, to say the least. Let's hope the game lives up - with Black Box behind it things are looking good. Stayed tuned to AceGamez for the latest news on SKATE as we get it...

*Logo is a concept logo and not an official design.

Developer Simbin Development Team and Publisher 10TACLE STUDIOS AG present racing fans their newest track teaser to help sweeten the wait for their racing game highlight GTR2 - FIA GT Racing Game. This time a Nissan 350Z from the RJN Motor sport team goes up against some hard line competition as it tries to roll up the field from behind. The usual wide selection of viewing angles gives a perfect view of the risky drafting and passing manoeuvres. Yet it would be a crime not to admire Valencia's beautifully detailed GT track in the excitement. How does the race end? Check out the teaser available for download at www.gtr-game.com.

GTR 2 - FIA GT Racing Game is the official simulation of the FIA GT Racing Series. More than 140 highly-detailed race cars, a choice of 34 different track designs, breathtaking graphics and outstanding physics provide incredible variety in the race for the championship.

GTR 2 will be revving up PCs in Europe on September 29th 2006.

To celebrate the launch of Tiger Woods PGA TOUR 07, EA SPORTS is organising the biggest golf event to hit London. Tiger Woods will be making an incredibly rare public appearance by taking on well-known personalities, competition winners and one lucky member of the public in a test of both video game and golf skills in a soon-to-be-announced central London location. The event takes place on Monday 25th September from 10.00am.

EA SPORTS has given exclusive coverage of the event to Channel 4's T4 for this momentous occasion to create the ultimate virtual and real-life golf challenge. Three par 3 holes from famous courses around the world have been recreated and players will test their skills by teeing off on Tiger Woods PGA TOUR 07 before placing their ball on the green and putting against the world's number one golfer. Personalities including Vernon Kay, Ian Wright and Jodie Kidd will all be there as Tiger Woods takes over T4 and they take on Tiger at his own game.

There are opportunities for everyone to get involved, with game pods and skill zone challenges and one lucky spectator will win the chance to join the other prize winners to meet and play against Tiger with the overall winner earning the right to be immortalised in a future version of the game. Members of the public will have one attempt to drive a famous fairway as Tiger in Tiger Woods PGA TOUR 07 and the player with the longest drive will go through to the final challenge.

The exact location and final details will be announced at 6.00am on Monday 25th September via media outlets and via the EA SPORTS website www.electronicarts.co.uk/tiger.

GameTrailers, a division of MTV Networks, today announced a strategic alignment with Xbox Live on Xbox 360. Once a month, GameTrailers will create new HD video game segments for Xbox Live Marketplace featuring exclusive free first looks at the hottest upcoming titles being released on Xbox 360.

Xbox Live Marketplace is a one-stop digital download center on Xbox 360 for additional high-definition game-related and entertainment content, from playable game demos and movie trailers to exclusive music videos and downloadable Xbox LiveArcade games. To showcase the power of the HD gaming experience, Xbox 360 has enlisted the expertise of GameTrailers - the premier online destination for broadcast quality video game media - to shoot, capture and edit HD game video content for Xbox Live members. GameTrailers will work closely with the Xbox Live Marketplace team to select the game to be covered each month.

Xbox Live Marketplace is the perfect outlet for the type of broadcast quality content that we produce, said Jon Slusser, VP of GameTrailers. Having the ability to see the features of the game in high definition on your television is as close to playing the actual game as you can get.

The latest GT HD segment for Xbox Live Marketplace is an in-depth look at Madden NFL 07, featuring exclusive interviews with the game's producers and designers along with HD Gameplay segments. Recent segments include comprehensive previews of popular Xbox 360 titles such as Ghost Recon: Advance Warfighter, NCAA Football 07, Ninety Nine Nights and Far Cry Instincts: Predator, while upcoming segments will showcase Splinter Cell Double Agent, Mass Effect, Forza 2, Gears of War and more.

We are always seeking new ways to enhance the Xbox 360 gaming and entertainment experience with premium high-definition content that consumers can't get on any other gaming console, said Aaron Greenberg, Group Marketing Manager, Xbox Live. With GameTrailers expertise and skill, we can deliver exclusive HD video game segments that will excite Xbox 360 gamers all over the world.

SNK Playmore USA Corporation, the US publishing arm of the SNK Playmore Corporation, announced The King of Fighters 2006 has shipped for the PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system to retailers across North America. The King of Fighters 2006 is the latest installment of SNK's 3D fighting game franchise designed specifically for the PlayStation 2 system, and produced by noted artist and designer, Falcoon.

Currently celebrating its twelfth year as one of the most popular fighting video game franchises in the history of gaming, The King of Fighters 2006 features characters from The King of Fighters: Maximum Impact, as well as greats from the annals of SNK's massive arcade history, including Richard Myer from the Fatal Fury series, Hanzo Hattori from Samurai Shodown, Fio from Metal Slug and B. Jenet from Garou: Mark of the Wolves. Critics are already piling on the praise in their reviews of The King of Fighters 2006. Same great KOF fighting formula, repackaged with fancy 3D visuals, fast gameplay, and an extensive combo system- Cheer to you, SNK Playmore," said Official PlayStation Magazine in their October 2006 issue. And Hardcore Gamer gushed, "KOF2K6 delivers on the promise of its predecessor- and my GOD the fanservice is through the roof."

Age of Empires III: The WarChiefs, the expansion pack to the best-selling Age of Empires III, has gone gold, introducing three playable Native American civilizations in a struggle for control of the Americas. The next installment of the Age of Empires franchise for Windows from Microsoft Game Studios and Ensemble Studios will hit store shelves on 20th October.

The new expansion pack will build off of the exciting real-time-strategy (RTS) gameplay of Age of Empires III, providing players with the ability to lead one of three proud Native American civilizations including the Iroquois Confederation, the Sioux Nation and the Aztec Empire. Age of Empires III: The WarChiefs will include enhanced gameplay features with the addition of the WarChief unit, Tribal Council and Fire Pit.

Players will also enjoy new ways to play and win with the introduction of new gameplay elements and content including new civilizations, a new gripping single player campaign, Home City enhancements and additional maps and units. Additional content will be added to all existing European civilizations along with extended gameplay elements with new gaming strategies such as Trade Monopoly and Revolution.

Age of Empires III, which launched in November 2005, quickly became the fastest selling title in the franchises history, placing gamers in the position of a European power struggling to explore, colonise and conquer North and South America, roughly during the time period of 1500 to 1850. The game has garnered numerous awards, including GameStar's (Germany) gold award for graphical grandeur in Germany. It has sold more than one and a half million copies to date and is currently among the top selling games for Windows titles.

For images, videos and more information about Age of Empires III: The WarChiefs, please visit www.ageofempires3.com and www.agecommunity.com.

Microsoft today revealed its hand at Tokyo Game Show, with the surprising announcement of an update that will allow the Xbox 360 to output 1080p games and videos (presumably downloaded via Xbox Live).

The highest of high definition resolutions will be available for both games and HD-DVD movies, putting the Xbox 360 on par with Sony's PS3. Presumably the Xbox 360 will deliver 1080p movies via an HDMI cable. As far as we're aware, HD-DVD will not output in such high resolution via a component cable, because component doesn't carry security data, unlike HDMI. The update will upscale existing games and even DVD movies to 1080p resolution.

Likely to be overshadowed by the release of Okami, Capcom has also shipped Capcom Classics Mini Mix in North America for the GBA today.

Featuring three of Capcom's most popular hits from the NES, Capcom Classics Mini Mix promises plenty of old-school action for any GBA owner to take part in. Mini Mix includes NES classics Bionic Commando, Strider, and Mighty Final Fight, all three of which are faithful ports of the original versions, with support for both the original aspect version and wide-screen display.

Capcom Classics Mini Mix has been rated "T" for Teen and carries an MSRP of $19.99. Stay tuned for a review right here at AceGamez.

Arr, as some of ye scurvy sea dogs out between em screensd know, today be a very important day fer all o us keepin a swash-buckling and ferocious pirate down yonder tis Talk Like a Pirate Day! This international holiday be celebrated throughout all o the world, where modern pirates o any culture an nationality unite to bark commands as watch it, ya bilge rat, or itll be the cat o nine tails fer ye! at random landlubbers passin by. Aye, tis a fine day to plunder the local food-pushers pursuin booty and grog. But ye mustnt think our pirate-y sides are only showin this day of the year they be always lumberin just down yonder, an tis a trick to keep from shoutin all year round. Fortunately, theyve had the chance to surface now an again, be it as a blond pirate wannabe or an experienced sea captain with full red beard and a peg leg.

Fer those of ye whove little experience in the field of piracy in gaming, lemme start out be tellin ye that its nothin te do with copies o any kind. Tis simply games dressed in em glory days o the 17th century, when men were men, women were women an foul-smellin, grog-drinkin pirates were foul-smellin, grog-drinkin pirates. One o the earliest games te peek at the genre was Sid Meiers early success, Pirates!, an it mixed role playin, RTS, arcade an strategy together te form one o the most innovatin games ever, as well as a firm foundin fer is future career. A few years back, he took up creatin a remake o is classic, an it was released fer the X-Box an PC.

Some years after Sid Meiers carrack hit the waters, LucasArts, back then renowned creators of pointnclick adventures, set about creatin a comical an modern take on the 1600-pirate, in their hilarious Secret of Monkey Island. Ye were in control o the pirate-in-trainin, Guybrush Threepwood, as ye went about savin bonny lasses, defeatin vile ghost pirates an figurin out a proper use fer a rubber chicken-with-a-pulley-in-the-middle. On yer way, ye were faced with such dreadful horrors as strokin a pirate, pickin flowers in a dark forest at ten o clock in the evenin an sneakin onboard ships full o skeletal minions of the ghost pirate LeChuck. As the game developed a huge fanbase that still exists, three sequels were released, all of them keepin the tone an atmosphere o the original masterpiece.

Fer more original pirate franchises o recent years, Disneys blockbuster Pirates o the Caribbean from 2003 springs to mind. Fer the usual game counterpart followin a hit movie, Disney ad Bethesda Softworks, developers o the legendary Elder Scrolls series craft em a game worthy o the movie. Bethesda simply renamed the sequel to their buccaneer tale Sea Dogs, threw in a few skeletal pirates an called it a day. Even though some might call that a recipe fer disaster, it appears to ave turned out well enough, an Bethesda kept the franchise fer a few more games, ruinin the last two attempts at digital piracy.

Another title deservin honourable mentiond be Nokias High Seize, developed fer their N-Gage game deck. A grim tale o much intrigue an ambiguity, High Seize continued the turn-based battle system first introduced in the Pathway to Glory franchise, an was released a few years back to much critical acclaim, an today it be one of the most played games in all o N-Gage Arena.

So, if ye only just heard o International Talk Like a Pirate Day now as the bellowin has quieted down an the singin is vanin, take a minute to be disappointed an frustrated. When ye be done, dont ye worry there be plenty o opportunity to dress up as a mighty corsair an swagger down the street with an ale o grog an a drunken grin, handin out black spots an promisin to keelhaul strangers. Just you wait til Capn Jacks latest adventures are thrown on one o em shiny discs and sold all oer the country. An if ye cant wait, let out yer inner pirate in the company o many a digitised swashbuckler as ye play through modern pirate culture. Arr, me hearties, arr!

Capcom has announced today that its long-awaited and highly anticipated PS2 game, Okami has shipped into stores nationwide in North America.

Developed by Capcom's brilliant Clover Studio, the same team behind Steel Battalion and the acclaimed Viewtiful Joe series, Okami is a unique action adventure game that pushes the boundaries of innovation and art direction. Rooted in Japanese folklore and showcasing a stunning art style, Okami follows the story of Amaterasu, a mythical sun god who takes the form of a wolf and sets out on a quest to restore the color and beauty to a world that has been turned into a dark and dismal wasteland by the legendary monster known as Orochi. Following along on this adventure, players will utilize the game's innnovative "Celestial Brush" control scheme to slash enemies and paint various brush strokes to solve puzzles in the game's lush environments.

Okami has been rated "T" for Teen by the ESRB and retails at an MSRP of $39.99. We'll be back with our full review soon.

Dead Rising is officially the fastest selling title in the UK for the Xbox 360™ video game and entertainment system from Microsoft according to Chart Track figures and debuts in the All Formats chart this week (w/e 9th September 2006) at number 1 beating off stiff competition from Test Drive Unlimited and Saints Row.

“We’re thrilled that Dead Rising has done the business,” commented Claire Mercer UK and Export, Sales and Marketing Director, “Consumer anticipation has been astronomical along with excellent support from retail and press; the advertising campaign was also one of our most impactful yet”

“We’re so pleased that Japanese developers like Capcom are creating such quality games for the 360,” commented Microsoft’s UK regional Director, Neil Thompson, “And with 360 games taking the top 3 spots in the all formats chart this week it shows the growing strength of the platform in the UK and augers very well for the future.”

Capcom is a leading worldwide developer, publisher and distributor of interactive entertainment. Founded in 1983, the company has created world renowned franchises including Resident Evil, Street Fighter, Mega Man, Breath of Fire, Devil May Cry and the Onimusha series. Headquartered in Osaka, Japan, the company maintains operations in the U.S., United Kingdom, Germany, Tokyo and Hong Kong. More information about Capcom and its products can be found on the company’s web site at www.capcom.com

Atari and Ignition Entertainment are today pleased to announce Mercury Meltdown Remix, the popular franchise’s first showing on the PlayStation®2.

Take control of a liquid Mercury ‘blob’, and avoid the various obstacles and hazards to reach the end goal. The Mercury blob itself now has 4 varying ‘states’ – Normal, Solid, Fast and Slow. These states allow for larger more complex levels, which in turn mean a greater challenge and more enjoyment.

Featuring a total of 12 labs (two of which are exclusive to the PlayStation®2 console version), Mercury Meltdown Remix offers a massive 200+ levels, more than any previous Mercury title.

“Mercury Meltdown Remix builds upon the solid foundation of the PSP® version, and offers the gamer some unique and exclusive extras,” said Peter Rollinson, Product Manager, Ignition Entertainment Ltd. “Mercury Meltdown Remix is the most accessible Mercury game yet.”

For more information please visit www.igntionent.com or www.mercurymeltdown.co.uk

The Science Museum is to play host to a new and updated run of Game On, the comprehensive exhibition dedicated to the history of videogames and videogaming culture. Opening on 21st October 2006, the exhibition will run until February 25th 2007 and includes videogame influenced art as well as a series of supporting activities running alongside the main exhibition.

Game On originally debuted at the Barbican in 2002, bringing together over three decades of videogames across a vast range of formats whilst including insights into videogaming culture and aspects of videogame development. Featuring vintage arcade machines, obscure consoles and the very latest hardware developments, Game On toured key exhibition spaces around the globe before returning to London for its new run, which is sponsored by Nintendo.

Special events will be held at the Science Museum, both in the exhibition space itself and the museum’s innovative Dana Centre. These will range from debates and speaker sessions to investigations into the science behind videogames and how players interact with them.

To add a cultural theme to Game On, Nottingham-based artist Jon Burgerman has been commissioned to provide several videogame themed pieces for the exhibition in his trademark street art style. Burgerman’s key contribution will be an immense visual timeline of videogaming history, with additional pieces visualising the hand-eye-brain relationship that forms the basis of videogame interaction.

Gaetan Lee, programmes developer at the Science Museum said: “Game On traces the science behind the dramatic developments in computer game production over the last thirty years and tackles some of the serious issues behind this huge multi billion pound industry. And we’re particularly excited that Science Museum visitors will have a chance to see the PDP-1, the computer that ran the world’s first video game, Space War, and the world’s first manufactured arcade game, Computer Space from 1971, as well as the chance to play classic arcade games like Space Invaders, Asteroids and Ms Pac-Man. Nowhere else will people be able to see the entire history of the games industry laid out, explained and ready to play.”

Tickets for the Science Museum’s run of Game On are available by phone on 0870 906 3890 and online at www.sciencemuseum.org.uk/gameon.

Tickets are priced at £8.50 for adults with children and concessions costing £6.50. Discounted family, group and combination tickets are available.

Game On will be open from 10am to 6pm.

Nintendo is known as the oldest company in the video game console market and is still one of the most influential and most well-known console manufacturers.

In the 1970s Nintendo hired Shigeru Miyamoto – now a living legend in the world of gaming and the man who’s creative talent would secure Nintendo’s longevity.

In 1983, Nintendo released the Famicom in Japan, their first cartridge-based console, which was released in Europe in 1985 as the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES).

Miyamoto’s Super Mario Brothers secured the success of the NES, which is still spawning a string of Mario titles on both console and handheld.

In 1992, Europe saw the release of the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) and despite fierce competition from Sega’s Genesis, the strength of Nintendo’s franchise titles such as Super Mario World and The Legend of Zelda won the day.

It wasn’t until 1995 and the birth of the 64-bit era that consumers saw the console wars we know and love today with Sony’s PlayStation entering the fray against the Nintendo 64 (N64.

GoldenEye 007, Super Mario 64 and The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time all become known as some of the best games of all time and helped the N64 stave off the might of Sony’s PlayStation.

By the time the Nintendo GameCube came out in 2001, more edgy games appealing to an older audience such as Resident Evil stood alongside the ever-popular Mario, Zelda and Metroid titles to compete with the wide appeal of Sony and the entry of Microsoft’s Xbox.

Today, anticipation for the Wii is high and Nintendo looks set to repeat the success of its previous consoles with a relatively low price point and a focus on high quality, inclusive gaming that delivers more than just the latest graphics.

Gamestation is the only games retailer still selling all Nintendo consoles past and present. The Nintendo Wii is released 8th December 2006 at Gamestation stores nationwide, and via the Internet at www.gamestation.co.uk. To pre-order a Nintendo Wii customers simply need to pay a £20 deposit

It may be Wii, but the launch of Nintendo’s next generation console is BIG news for gamers. Come 8th December 2006, eager console fans will be able to wave the innovative Wii controller around to their heart’s content. Gamestation urges gamers to pre-order as stock is low and anticipation is high for Christmas.

The Nintendo Wii focuses on gameplay rather than raw power and aims to woo more than just hardcore gamers with its intuitive controller and raft of games with mass appeal. With a special price starting at £179.99 with Wii Sports, Gamestation offers fantastic value, while giving gamers a truly next generation experience.

Always daring to be different, Nintendo is shaking up the games world with its Wii Remote and Nunchuk controllers, which include motion sensors for the ultimate in interactivity. Gamestation is expecting the controller to be a big hit, with the ability to swing the controller to cut down enemies with your sword, flick it to go fishing in fairytale lakes or point it at the screen to guide an in-game plane to land, making it easy for everyone to pick up and play.

For launch Gamestation will have a list of highly anticipated new games for Wii, including The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess and samurai first-person shooter, Red Steel.

In addition, the Wii’s Virtual Console feature allows gamers to indulge their passion for gaming days of yore. Players can download favourite titles from the likes of Sega and Tecmo, as well as Nintendo, spanning the last 20 years.

Martyn Gibbs, Commercial Director of Gamestation says, “The Wii promises to give gamers a fantastic Christmas, offering great value for consumers wanting a genuine next generation console experience. As always, Nintendo has a fantastic line-up of games, which will be available from Gamestation. Anticipation is building and the Wii is going to fly off the shelves so we are urging gamers to pre-order at their nearest Gamestation store or online.”

Today CDV Software Entertainment has launched the official North American Pacific Storm Web site. The new site contains trailers, screenshots and game info related to the upcoming title that combines the best elements of strategy and action gameplay, giving players the ability to play as both a Pacific theater general or jump right into aircraft cockpits as a fighter jock. At E3 2006, Pacific Storm earned high praise from critics, including a Best of E3 nomination in the Strategy category. The official site for Pacific Storm is available at http://pacificstorm.cdvus.com.

An exciting new hybrid title, Pacific Storm mixes the strategic elements of RTS titles with the action of an arcade title. RTS fans and serious wargamers alike will enjoy classic strategy elements including resource management, unit and building construction and unit deployment, while action fans will be able to take the skies or seas as they directly control units in intense combat, changing the tide of individual battles, or perhaps the entire war.

Vivendi Games and co-publishing partner HD Publishing today released the "Joint Task Force" 1.1 Update, a software update for the modern war real-time strategy game "Joint Task Force."

"Joint Task Force" 1.1 makes several changes to the original retail version (1.0) including:

FIXES
Includes fixes to random errors, improved mission load times, driver updates and other updates. See Readme.txt for a complete list of changes.

NEW MAP - Bosnian Railway Station
With lots of obstacles, this 6 player multiplayer map is difficult terrain for every commander. Make use of the many objects and buildings to your own advantage while keeping a close eye on your enemies.

NEW MAP - Oasis
Centered around a nice oasis in the middle of the desert, this 2 player multiplayer map demands a different approach. Outsmart your enemy and do your worst!

*** "Joint Task Force" 1.1 is available from sierra.com and by direct download at:
ftp://ftp.sierra.com/pub/sierra/jtf/updates/jtf_update_ww_10_11.exe (196.1 MB)

For additional information on "Joint Task Force," please visit:
http://www.jointtaskforce.com

Everybody likes winning prizes, especially when all you have to do is enter your name into a hat. For years at AceGamez we've been giving away prizes every month, and this year we have perhaps the biggest line-up of games to enter for, including Dead Rising, Saints Row, The Godfather on Xbox 360 and PSP, as well as FIFA 07, Nascar 07, and plenty more. Check out all the goodness here, and if games aren't your thing perhaps you'd like to win a DVD instead?

With the recently announced launch date of December 8th for the "Wii-lease" of the Wii in Australia it's only safe to assume the UK date is close behind. And I mean that two ways - the date should be months before Sony's US PS3 date, and the date will be released any moment now. Stay tuned with the AceGamez Newswire for the exact date soon.

Amidst the excitement of the Wii finally getting a US launch date and price at Nintendo's blowout press event, news regarding the Wii's Channel Menu interface came as a pleasant surprise. Keeping in line with the focus to make the Wii a console for "everyone", the Wii Channel Menu will present a variety of information, entertainment and communication channels to the user in an accessible format. Below are full details regarding each Wii Channel.

Disc Channel: Clearly indicated by its title, the Disc Channel will be the destination for playing Wii or GameCube game discs.

Mii-Channel: As the most fun and intriguing of all the channels, the Mii-Channel will allow players to create a personalized, caricatured avatar that can be used in within any game that supports the feature, such as a game like Wii Sports (remember those hilarious character replicated avatars Shigeru Miyamoto, Satoru Iwata and Reggie Fils-Aime used at E3?). Once created, players can save their avatar on their Wii Remote as to be able to take their avatar with them to a friend's house. And if you buy more Wii Remotes, the whole family can have their own personalized Wii Remote.

Photo Channel: In this channel, users will be able to transfer digital photos from an SD memory card to their Wii for viewing on their home TV screen. After transferring the images over, users will also be able to manipulate their photos in a variety of fun ways and create slide shows.

Forecast Channel: Taking advantage of the console's WiiConnect24 feature, users with their Wii connected to the internet will have access to updated local weather forecasts.

News Channel: Similarly to the Forecast Channel, the News Channel will use the WiiConnect24 service to provide users with all the latest breaking news headlines.

Wii Shop Channel: Want to buy or redeem Wii Points and download classic video game titles to the Virtual Console? Well then the Wii Shop will be the go-to channel for you.

Internet Channel: Should you decide to use your Wii Points to download the Opera web browser, you'll then be able to flip to the Internet Channel and surf the internet from the comfort of your living room sofa.

Wii Message Board: With the Message Board Channel, users will be able to post messages for other local users on a calendar-based message board. Then using the WiiConnect24 service, users will also be able to send messages to others outside the home, even supporting the text messaging and photo trading with cell phone users!

Well, that about wraps things up on the Wii Channel Menu system. Nintendo sure seems to have thought of everything for the Wii!

Here we have the official US boxart shot for the Wii as provided by Nintendo at today's press event!

Although the main story out of Nintendo's Wii-tastic press event in New York City today was the unveiling of the long-demanded launch details for the Wii, Nintendo's revealing of the official lineup of US Wii titles is every bit as important. Between now and the end of 2006, 30 games will be available for the Wii in North America, with upwards of 20 or more said to be coming on launch day, and Nintendo also claims that 41 different third-party games are on the way by the end of March 2007.

Currently confirmed US Wii launch titles include the following:

Excite Truck
The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess (GameCube version pushed to Dec. 11th)
Wii Sports
Call of Duty 3
Marvel: Ultimate Alliance
Rapala Tournament Fishing
Tony Hawk's Downhill Jam
World Series of Poker
Trauma Center: Second Opinion
Madden NFL 07
Need for Speed: Carbon
Elebits
Super Monkey Ball: Banana Blitz
Blazing Angels: Squadrons of WWII
Far Cry: Vengeance
GT Pro Series
Monster 4x4: World Circuit
Open Season
Rayman Raving Rabbids
Red Steel
Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell: Double Agent

Other games on the way by March 2007:

Battalion Wars II
Big Brain Academy (working title)
Mario Strikers Charged
Metroid Prime 3: Corruption (coming 2007)
Super Mario Galaxy (working title)
WarioWare: Smooth Moves
Dragon Ball Z Budokai: Tenkaichi 2
Chicken Little: Ace in Action
Disney's Meet the Robinson's
Dance Factory
Sidewinder
The Godfather
SSX
Tiger Woods PGA Tour
Bust-A-Move Revolution
The Ant Bully
The Grim Adventures of Billy and Mandy
Happy Feet
Mortal Kombat: Armageddon
Rampage: Total Destruction
Sonic and the Secret Rings
Metal Slug Anthology
Avatar: The Last Airbender
Barnyard
Cars
SpongeBob SquarePants: Creature from the Krusty Krab
Prince of Persia (working title)
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
Ice Age 2: The Meltdown

In what seems to be a slap in the face for Nintendo's homeland of Japan, today The New York Times newspaper decided to dish the dirt a little earlier than Nintendo had wanted to - it looks like the US will get the Wii complete with WiiSports for $250 (which is about £130) on the 19th of November. Games will retail at around $10 cheaper than your average Xbox 360 title, and classics from the virtual console set to be in the region of $5-$10 per game.

In Japan, the console will be released on the 3rd of December without WiiSports for 25, 000 Yen which is about $215. We'll hear if Europe get hold of the smelly end of the stick in a days time, but hopefully we'll have the Wii in European homes a week after the US get it. Wii are very excited!

NOTE: It seems as if a fellow blogger has beaten me to this exciting news, seen below. But I'll leave this here, in case you want to compare the Japanese dates!

The release date and final price for Nintendo's upcoming Wii system have finally been announced for North & South America - though not by Nintendo. The New York Times beat Nintendo to the punch by breaking the story this morning, both online and in print. Nintendo of Japan was able to reveal their details themselves today.

The Wii system bundle will be available for purchase in North and South America on November 19th for $250 U.S., Japan on December 3rd for ¥25,000 (about $215 U.S.). The European release date and price will be announced on Friday. The U.S. bundle, which comes in only one variation, will include a Wii system, a system stand, one controller set (one Wii-mote, one nunchuck, one sensor bar and one sensor bar stand), the necessary power and video cables AND a copy of Wii Sports (not included in the Japanese bundle).

25-30 titles will be available for the Wii before the year ends, none of which will cost over $49.99. A leaked release list includes the following games at launch (though this is hardly a finalized list):

• Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess
  
• Excite Truck
  
• Rayman Raving Rabbits
  
• Red Steel
  
• Dragon Ball Z: Budokai Tenkaichi 2
  
• GT Pro Series
  
• Marvel: Ultimate Alliance
  
• Tony Hawk Downhill Jam
  
• Metal Slug Anthology
  
• Cars
  
• The Ant Bully
  
• Rampage: Total Destruction ($29.99)
  
• Grim Adventures of Billy & Mandy
  
• Shrek's Smash 'n' Crash ($39.99)
  
• Rapala Stories ($39.99)
  
• Avatar: The Last Airbender
  
• Spongebob Squarepants: Creature from the Krusty Krab
  
• Call of Duty 3
  
• Super Monkey Ball: Banana Blitz
  
• Madden NFL 2007
  
• Need For Speed: Carbon
  
• Trauma Center: Second Opinion
  
• Happy Feet
  
• Open Season
  
• Monster 4X4: World Circuit
  
• Far Cry: Vengeance
  
• Blazing Angels

To go along with that, 30 classic games will be available for download via the Virtual Console service - priced between $5 and $10 - that include games from the Donkey Kong, Mario and Zelda series. From a screenshot on the New York Times article (shown above), in what appears to be menu seen upon booting up the system, is the title screens for the original Mario Bros., Super Mario World, Super Mario 64 and Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past, so I'd say you can confirm those - not that those choices should come as a surprise.

On top of all that, the New York Times and Nintendo have also confirmed previously unknown features for the system. These include Nintendo's hope "to make the Wii a living-room centerpiece" by including the ability to display photographs uploaded by users through the Wii, an easy-to-use channel for news and weather (as seen in the photo above) as well as the ability to surf the internet. That's not all: according to IGN.com, there will also be a channel dubbed the "Mii Channel," where users will create custom avatars that can travel with you via the internal memory of the Wii-mote. Hopefully this is part of an Xbox Live achievement point system - though that's just speculation and hope on my part!

Check back here later today for more Wii breaking news as it rocks our worlds!

*News provided by Male Pattern Radness and Dexter (I combined our info Dexter - hope that's okay with you!).

After a few short delays, NAMCO BANDAI Games America has announced that its fantasy action-RPG Mage Knight: Apocalypse has gone gold and will finally be available in US stores for the PC on September 26.

As the debut title launching from NAMCO BANDAI Games America’s new PC division, Mage Knight: Apocalypse is an action role-playing game based on WizKids Games’ popular collectible miniature game. The game offers players the chance to dive into a richly detailed fantasy universe with one of five warriors and embark on an epic quest to seek and destroy a great evil plaguing the land, complete with both single-player and co-op play modes.

“NAMCO BANDAI Games is very excited to bring our debut PC game to market this September,” said Makoto Iwai, Senior Vice President of the Development Group for NAMCO BANDAI Games America Inc. “The Mage Knight: Apocalypse team has done an incredible job of capturing the epic Mage Knight universe into a visually stunning and compelling gameplay experience."

Mage Knight: Apocalypse has been rated “T” for Teen by the ESRB and will retail at $49.99 when it hits store shelves in just a few weeks time. Visit http://mageknight.namco.com/ for more information on this highly anticipated action-RPG.

TrackMania, the game made by the French studio Nadeo has already captivated millions of players with the incredible fun brought by its wild races and crazy racetracks. TrackMania has also reached its fame because of the creation tools included in the game: its famous tracks editor has allowed players to create dozens of thousands of original racetracks that can be exchanged through Internet.

But the most astonishing thing is undoubtedly all the buzz created around the 1K Project II, a video brilliantly made by a French player known as Blackshark. He combined 1000 replays to build up a video featuring thousand cars on a single track. The result is so amazing that this video currently knows a great success on the internet: more than a million of internet users have already seen it on GameTrailers, the American website hosting the video.

Check out the 1K Project II video on Gamestrailers.com
http://www.gametrailers.com/umwatcher.php?id=12321

KOEI have revealed the latest Dynasty Warriors game for PSP. For the first time players can now take part in multi-player combat on up to four PSPs for battle royal mayhem or two on two tactical warfare.

All 48 Dynasty Warriors are included and the game now features branching story paths that will enable every new play to be a fresh experience. And if that’s not enough then all of the spectacular attacks from the PS2 game and double musou attacks with your officers should make for a portable tactical action experience that will keep players entertained for even the longest of journeys.

The return of a gaming favourite went down a storm when KOEI unveiled Gitaroo Man Lives! on PSP.

Bus rides and train journeys will never be the same again with Gitaroo Man blasting out those power chords as he defends the universe from the clutches of Zowie and the Gravillian family. Utilising the PSP’s analogue capabilities to brilliant effect the game will also enable players to battle it out on two PSPs via wi-fi play or join forces in the brand new Duet mode.

If you missed out on Gitaroo Man’s first outing on PS2 this is your chance to indulge in a rhythm action experience like no other.

KOEI’s PS3 launch title Fatal Inertia was inspired by combat racing games such as Mario Kart this game positively encourages players, gathered around the TV or competing online, to be as devious and imaginative as possible in knocking your rivals out of 1st place.

Taking advantage of the extra power that the PS3 provides, Fatal Inertia will enable players to bring rock falls down on their opponents, blast through layers of ice to dive into the water below for a sneaky shortcut and totally ruin someone’s chance of victory with a little bit of cunning and a whole bunch of ingenious weapons.

KOEI gave the world its first look at the new game from the creators of the Dynasty Warriors series. Omega Force’s first next gen title is Bladestorm on PS3.

Showing KOEI’s commitment to making games that will appeal to a wider worldwide audience Bladestorm heralds a break from the tradition of basing games on Japanese and Chinese history by being set within the Hundred Years’ War. This famous European conflict between the English and French provides the setting in which hundreds upon hundreds of soldiers clash on the battlefield. If you thought the massively populated battles in the Dynasty Warriors games were huge, think again.

Ubisoft, one of the world’s largest video game publishers, announced that Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell Double Agent™ will be available for the launch of Nintendo’s highly anticipated Wii™. Developed by Ubisoft’s award-winning Montreal studio, Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell Double Agent™ further establishes Ubisoft as a leading third-party provider of Wii launch titles.

“We are very excited to bring Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell Double Agent™ to the Wii this Christmas season,” said John Parkes, director of marketing at Ubisoft EMEA. “The Splinter Cell franchise has always translated very well across multiple platforms and we are confident that the Wii version will continue the tradition of maximizing the capabilities of each respective video game console platform.”

Nokia, the world leader in mobile communications, and Electronic Arts (NASDAQ: ERTS), the world’s leading interactive entertainment software company, today announced a collaboration that will see EA become a major supplier of mobile games to millions of Nokia mobile device owners through Nokia Content Discoverer. This solution allows mobile customers easy access to downloadable content through a collection of shopping mall "stores" on their mobile device. Initially, customers will be able to download seven EA titles, Tetris®, Tetris® Mania, The Sims™2, Doom®, FIFA 06, Tiger Woods PGA TOUR® 06 and FIFA Street 2 this holiday season. Starting in mid-2007, EA intends also to support the launch of the Nokia next generation mobile games platform with top EA titles that will be custom-designed for Nokia S60 devices.

In an effort to advance the content delivery model and overall player experience, Nokia and EA will work together to craft a superior mobile gaming experience for consumers worldwide. Nokia device owners can look forward to improved game quality, outstanding performance and intuitive delivery.

“Nokia shares our vision of making it easy for people around the world to find and play the best quality games on their mobile phones. We are looking forward to working more closely with Nokia on promoting a delivery system that propels mobile gaming forward,” said Mitch Lasky, senior vice president, EA. “This relationship will bring together EA's great brands and development studios with Nokia's innovative hardware and global consumer reach.”

“The core of Nokia’s games strategy is to make it easy for people to find, buy and play great quality mobile games and we’re excited to expand our relationship with EA to help make that possible,” said Jaakko Kaidesoja, director, games, Multimedia, Nokia. “Nokia and EA have a common vision regarding the opportunities in mobile games and how to turn them into a reality. When you combine Nokia’s leadership in hardware, usabiliy and software platforms with EA’s brands and quality thresholds, the results will speak for themselves.”

Launching the first half 2007, Nokia’s next generation mobile gaming plaftform makes it easy for people to find, buy, play and share rich and immersive games on a range of Nokia smartphones. EA intends to deliver a range of popular EA SPORTS™ and EA™ branded mobile titles at the launch of this next generation mobile gaming initiative.

Capcom today has announced that Mega Man ZX, an original new action game that further expands the classic Mega Man franchise, has shipped into stores in North America and is now available for the Nintendo DS.

In Mega Man ZX, players take control of one of two characters: the human male named Vent or, for the first time in the series’ history, a female character named Aile, with each character having their own abilities and cut-scenes. One of the game’s most prominent features is the new Biometal System with which players can acquire special Biometals to use to transform into different Model types, each providing their own set of useful abilities. New features like this and many others promise to make Mega Man ZX a refreshing Mega Man gameplay experience.

Mega Man ZX is now available nationwide in North America with an ESRB rating of “E” for Everyone and an MSRP of $29.99. We’ll be back with a review in the coming weeks.

Konami has announced today that Bomberman and Rengoku 2, two new PSP titles from developer Hudson Soft, have shipped to nationwide retailers in North American.

On the heels of the recent Xbox 360 release of Bomberman Act: Zero (which I’ll have a review for shortly) and debuting on the PSP for the first time, Bomberman brings back the series’ timeless gameplay and classic art style, and ups the ante for the PSP with an all-new single-player story mode, following Bomberman on a mission to save his planet from a mysterious robot army, and fast-paced wireless multiplayer action for up to four players complete with over 20 environments to play in and single-UMD game-sharing. In addition, the game also includes a Classic Mode that takes the original Bomberman game and upgrades it with updated graphics and sound, and a new item storage system enabling you to collect and use power-ups when you choose.

Rengoku 2, on the other hand, is the sequel to last year’s Rengoku: The Tower of Purgatory, paralleling the events of the original while bringing back the fast-paced action and introducing over 300 unique weapons, downloadable content including new maps and weapons, and expanded multiplayer options supporting ad-hoc wireless play for up to four players.

Bomberman has been rated “E” for Everyone and carries an MSRP of $29.99, while Rengoku 2 has received a “T” for Teen ESRB rating and retails at an MSRP of $39.99. Stay tuned for reviews of both new releases right here at AceGamez.

CDV Software Entertainment USA has announced that Pacific Storm has gone gold and will ship to North American retailers on October 1st. Pacific Storm is an action/real-time strategy hybrid set in the Pacific Theater of World War II, and with its intriguing mix of in-depth strategy elements, such as resource management and building construction, and arcade-style aerial combat, the game promises not to be just another by-the-books WWII RTS.

In other CDV news, the publisher has announced today that two new expansion packs in the popular Blitzkrieg WWII RTS series have become available for purchase via digital download at http://www.blitzkrieg.de/. Both new expansions, Mission Kursk and Green Devils, require the original Blitzkrieg, or either one of the Rolling Thunder or Burning Horizon stand-alone expansions, in order to run.

On Friday the 15th of September London will play host to an event with a very special subject: The Wii. This invite only occasion is promises that:

"All of you will be excited, intrigued and interested in what we have to show you. This is an event you must not miss. Wii promise."

Exciting stuff for anyone licking their lips in anticipation of the Wii! (an obvious one i know but sometimes they're just too easy!). Nintendo aren't giving away any details of the content or announcements that will be made but what could we expect? A confirmed launch date? New titles? confirmation of the titles and capabilities of the Wii's virtual console? Just as long as they don't follow Sony's lead and delay its release by too much then we should all be happy. At ths stage it is surely likely that it will be release date info, especially with IBM reportedly shipping millions of microprocessors to nintendo just a few days ago. Whatever it is it must be worth it for this much build up so make sure you check back to Aacegamez to get the run down on whatever it is they tell us as well as what it means for the gamers.

A late breaking story catching fire across the web, the official site of the ESRB (Entertainment Software Rating Board) has add six classic Sega Genesis games recently given ratings by the company. The games are Ecco The Dolphin, Altered Beast, Toe Jam & Earl, Golden Axe, Columns, Sonic the Hedgehog and Ristar - all of which were rated E for everyone.

While none of these have been confirmed by Sega themselves, since no game can be released in the States without first being given a rating by the ESRB, their listing of the games can be taken at face value. The timing of the ratings also gives credence to the notion that all six will be available for download from Wii's Virtual Console at launch.

Stay tuned here for more Wii-related scoops as the Wiik continues.

If you're looking for a review of the latest survival horror game you'll have to look here. AceGamez has an exclusive review of Rule of Rose for the PlayStation 2, now live on our site! Further more you can find previews for Battlefield 2142 and Just Cause, as well as the always popular Madden for the Xbox 360 and the greatly underappreciated Forbidden Siren sequel.

Also, just launched today, you can find a review for the very controversial movie spin-off of Reservoir Dogs. Is it worth all the media attention? Find out - and take a look at our previews for Guitar Hero II and the sure-to-be-a-hit Pro Evolution Soccer 6 while you're at it!

Stay tuned to AceGamez later in the week for even more coverage of your favorite hobby!

Ignition Entertainment can today announce that King of Fighters XI is coming to Europe for the PlayStation®2.

Fresh from the arcades, King of Fighters XI is the latest instalment of the coveted King of Fighters series, and takes the franchise to a new level.

The world has been rocked by two major events - Mukai has stolen the Orochi seal and the theft of the Yata Mirror by Ash Crimson. Just as the dust had settled, a new King of Fighters tournament was announced - a tournament which brings together some familiar faces, as well as new comers to the world of King of Fighters.

Not all is what it seems in this new tournament. There are too many unanswered questions. Too many mixed objectives!

Who are the group ‘Past Coming People’ and what do they really plan to do? Where would Orochi’s force finally land once the seal is finally open? Will Chizuru and his friends still be able to seal Orochi? And just what is Ash Crimsons’ true plan?

‘It’s the game that every King of Fighter fan has been waiting for” says Peter Rollinson, Product Manager, Ignition Entertainment Ltd ‘with the newly introduced abilities and systems, KOFXI will provide a new challenge to even the biggest fans of the series’

Let the tournament begin….

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

EQII Game Update 27 Now Live
Sony Online Entertainment has announced that its popular MMORPG EverQuest II has now received its latest game update patch, Game Update #27 to be exact. Full details of Game Update 27’s new fixes and additions to the EQII universe can be found listed below:

Tradeskill Work Orders

- Artisans rejoice! New Tradeskill work orders have been added to the game.
- You can begin obtaining work orders when you've reached the subclass level (20).
- Please see a local Work Order Foreman to get yours. Work orders, not cash money. Well, technically you do get rewarded for doing them, but yo...
- Rewards include faction, status, and coin. Exiles will not earn faction or status, however.
- Work orders are both timed and untimed--the component cost for crafting an untimed work order is greater.

Experience Changes

- While we feel that solo quests can be quite rewarding, we were not satisfied with the experience from solo combat alone, especially for those characters who prefer to target slightly lower creatures. Therefore, we have increased the experience earned in the following situations:
* Non-Heroic creature experience has been increased slightly.
* Experience for blue con creatures has been increased slightly.
* Experience for green con creatures has been increased significantly.
- In addition, we also wanted to increase the reward for defeating the nastier foes you meet during raids. Therefore, epic creature experience has been increased significantly.

The Hand of the Gods

- The influence of the gods continues to grow stronger on Norrath as the prophets of War and Tranquility call upon the faithful for assistance.
- Prove your mettle to the followers of War by speaking with Tychus Zeksworn in Zek, the Orcish Wastes.
- Show your penchant for peace by contacting Sensei Makoto Shoda in Zek, the Orcish Wastes.

Profession Hats
New profession hats are available for Assassins, Bruisers, Defilers, and Troubadors!
- Visit the original quest givers for Relic and Hooloh hats and trade your current headgear for your all-new profession hat! Please remember that you cannot change back to the original appearance once the trade has been made.

Gameplay

- Mounts can now be toggled off by using the whistle or summoning object again while the mount is active.
- You can no longer set your public access level to friend or higher. Visitor is the new highest default setting. Note that this only applies to the default setting for your house--you can still set specific friends to be trustees to your heart's content.
- In order to prevent lost items and coin, you cannot zone while a consignment transaction is in progress.
- You will no longer get an error message if you change targets while harvesting.
- It should now take a bit longer to drown after you run out of breath.
- Consigned items purchased while possessing a pet will now correctly be placed in the pet owner's inventory.

City Guild Raids

- The old society quests used for the city raid guild writs have been replaced with a new quest series to help ensure players zone into the correct instance.

Player-versus-Player

- When in passive mode, pets will no longer attack aggressors unless they are directly attacked themselves.
- The Village of Shin is no longer protected via carnage rules.
- The carnage flag will automatically be applied when entering a city if you are not a member of that city's alignment.
- Spells that summon dumbfire pets can now be used against other players without first being in combat. Examples include Undead Tide (Necromancer) and Band of Thugs (Brigand).
- Arena merchants should no longer talk about killses and winses. They have been instructed to stop watching Lord of the Rings and get back to work.
- Pouch of Trappings and Pouch of Nauseous Memories can now be equipped and used as range weapons.

Quests

- In "Tombs of Night: A Search for Answers", the scout that spawns when Lureclaw and Gulp are killed will now run to the shore prior to dying so the rock sample doesn't find its way into geometry.
- Residents of Beggar's Court who had completed the "Big Trouble..." quest and stopped talking to Durio Dexus should now be offered his next quest after speaking to him.
- When a timed stage of a quest fails to be completed, the quest helper window will now update properly.

Items

Repair costs on Fabled items have been reduced significantly. Previously, they cost four times as much as Legendary items to repair.
- The distance that Tarton's Wheel will teleport its user has been shortened. This should make the teleport effect a bit more reliable for its wielders.
- The Sergeant's Scimitar should now work properly for those who can wield it.
- The effect on the Scallywag's Plumed Hat should now function correctly.
- Shields and symbols should now always list in which slots they can be equipped.
- Certain collection tome pages found in the Forsaken City now have a chance to be a No Trade page that previously were only found on enemies. Page 10 of "From Pond to Paladin Vol. II" will now drop or be found on page ground spawns.
- The Narin Earring of Exploration will now equip properly.

Zones and Population

- The Seraph of the Stags will no longer attack the other creatures around it.
- Some monster damage types should more closely match their attacks (e.g. badgers pierce because they bite you).
- To help improve performance in and around Qeynos and Freeport, the loading distance in the cities, villages, and adventure yards has been reduced.
- Murdunk's Falls have been fully reclaimed and will no longer be called the Pool of Ruins. Our apologies to those who enjoy ruins, but there are plenty others to be found elsewhere.
- The icefloat in Everfrost carrying tradeskill devices has melted away due to global warming caused by tradeskillers.
- In "Tombs of Night: A Search for Answers," the scout that spawns when Lureclaw and Gulp are killed will now run to the shore prior to dying so the rock sample doesn't find its way into geometry.

Combat

- Maximum power pool increases bonuses have been adjusted to be more consistent throughout level progression. This will increase the amount of maximum power bonuses below level 60, and lower it above 60.
- Weaker tier spells will no longer be able to overwrite stronger tier spells.
- The double attack skill will no longer work with ranged weapons.
- Epic opponents no longer have a chance to score a critical hit when casting spells.
- The following spells can now be cast while feared:
* Bruiser: Indomitable Will
* Bruiser: Close Mind
* Defiler: Voice of the Ancestors
* Inquisitor: Fervent Focus
* Monk: Will of the Void
* Potion: Freedom of Action

Achievements:
- Rogue: Torporous Strike: Critical reduction changed to casting and recovery speed reduction.
- Predator: Placating Strike: Increased melee damage and hate reduction effectiveness.
- Predator: Toxic Expertise: Modified examine information to indicate it affects spell triggers and not combat arts.

Coercer changes:
- Empathic Link: Removed restriction from hate decrease so that it can affect fighters as well.

Paladin changes:
- Offensive stances now grant additional disruption skill.
- Wards will now stack with shadowknight reactive heals/damage shields.
- Divine Favor no longer has a hate reduction component. Its duration was increased from 2 to 3 minutes.

Shadowknight changes:
- Infernal Blessing will now stack with paladin wards.
- Death March's triggered duration is now 10 seconds, automatically triggers when it is cast, had its DPS bonus reduced, and now reduces casting times.
- Offensive stances now grant additional disruption skill.

Warlock changes:
- Boon of the Dark: Can be cast on a raid member. If they are a fighter, this transfers a small amount of the warlock's hate toward the fighter.
- Stop Breath's debuff amount has been increased, and its power cost reduced.
- The Null Caress spell will no longer cause the target's UI to display the zone loading screen.

Wizard changes:
- Accord can be cast on a raid member. If they are a fighter, this transfers a small amount of the wizard's hate toward the fighter.

Tradeskills

- Fuel amounts in almost every recipe have been modified. Most recipes had their fuel costs reduced, though some now require more fuel. Provisioner recipes were not changed.
- Tradeskill quests (work orders and writs included) should now use tradeskill level instead of adventure level when determining any applicable experience or status rewards. Tradeskill level will also determine con color in the quest journal for tradeskill quests.
- Bandoliers, pouches, satchels, and sheaths now have recipes that will allow you to imbue these items with magical properties. These new recipes will automatically be updated in the recipe scrolls that contain recipes for those items already. In addition, all level 60 to 70 imbue recipes will now no longer require additional components besides scintillating materials for build components.
- Sisal Fiber should now be usable as a rare cloth component in level 10-19 recipes.
- Minor Vigor is now a level 4 recipe and found in the level 4 artisan books.
- Disease Imbued Ebony Wands should now be named correctly.
- The Steel Chain Mantle recipe is now Steel Chainmail Mantle.
- Rare round shields and bucklers should now use the correct amount of fuel.
- The Reprieve line of potions should persist while zoning.
- The level 60 Armorer shield imbue recipes should now be the same level as the recipe to make the items.
- Essence of Unflinching Will is now called Essence of Burning Will to match the name of the spell it makes.
- There should now be a clearer progression between level 50 and 60 hex doll effects.

User Interface

- The character portrait in the inventory window now has a plain background and no longer follows the animations that your character makes in the game world. You can use your mouse to rotate your character around. Why make such a change? We're keeping that under the cloak of secrecy for now...
- The option that controls the number pad for text input should once again be operational.
- Double-clicking on an item in your Overflow slot will transfer that item to your inventory instead of opening the Persona window.
- The guild recruiting icon in the guild window will no longer follow the right edge of the window.
- Attempting to attune an item in your house vault should no longer give an error about not being in a bank transaction.
- The "kick from raid" context menu command has been changed to "kick group from raid" to better reflect its functionality.
- The /kickfromraid command has been renamed to /kickgroupfromraid.

UI Files Updated
eq2ui_mainhud_guild.xml

If you love your friends, enjoy spending time chatting to them, playing games , downloading exclusive content and listening to music with them - then you’ll really love Xbox Live™. The great news is that Xbox® is feeling extra sociable this month and offering European gamers a chance to experience Xbox Live™ for over a week, absolutely free, from 20th to 29th September, 2006. The free week of Xbox Live is sponsored by Windows Live™ Spaces.

To make sure you can access Xbox Live during the free week, all you need to do is plug a broadband cable into the back of your Xbox 360 console. This will give you the standard Xbox Live Silver membership which will be upgraded automatically on 20th September. Then you’ll get instant access to connected, multiplayer gaming, retro-style Xbox Live Arcade titles, the latest game demos, movie trailers, music videos plus participate in all the exciting events on the Xbox Live Calendar!

There are hundreds of titles available for the Xbox 360 that you can try out over Xbox Live, including Project Gotham Racing 3®, Top SpinTM 2, Rockstar Games Presents Table Tennis, Saints Row™, EA SportsTM 2006 FIFA World CupTM, Perfect Dark ZeroTM and KameoTM: Elements of Power plus easy to play, retro style Xbox Live Arcade games such Pac-Man, Street Fighter® II’ Hyper Fighting and Texas Hold ‘em.

Stay tuned to the Xbox Live Calendar pages on Xbox.com in the coming weeks for more information on the schedule of events taking place during the free week of Xbox Live.

2K, a publishing label of Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. (NASDAQ: TTWO), announced today that it will be publishing Jade Empire: Special Edition for the PC. Jade Empire is an award- role-playing game (RPG) from renowned PC game developer BioWare. Anticipated for January 2007, Jade Empire: Special Edition will feature enhanced graphics and a number of new additions.

"We are thrilled to be partnering with 2K to deliver the immersive story and exciting world of Jade Empire to PC gamers,” said Ray Muzyka, CEO of BioWare.
Jade Empire: Special Edition will be exclusively available for the PC and will feature increased graphic resolutions with new visual effects and fighting styles, as well as new monsters and enemies with enhanced AI. The game will also include customizable, intuitive controls and an all-new art book as part of the Special Edition bonus content.
“BioWare has a large and loyal fan base of PC RPG gamers and we have heard their many requests for a PC version of Jade Empire,” said Greg Zeschuk, president of BioWare. “We are happy to work with 2K on our latest product.”

“With Jade Empire’s extensive list of accolades and BioWare’s industry-wide respect as a developer, 2K is delighted to bring the beloved Jade Empire franchise to the PC,” said Christoph Hartmann, President, 2K.

About Jade Empire:
In the ancient, mysterious world of the Jade Empire, players choose to act as a noble hero or treacherous villain by following the path of the “Open Palm” or the “Closed Fist.” Players face powerful human and supernatural foes, learn exotic and magical martial arts and discover the darkest secrets of the world.

For more information, visit the Jade Empire website at: http://jade.bioware.com.

2K, a publishing label of Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. (NASDAQ: TTWO), and the Company’s world-renowned development studio Firaxis Games, today announced Sid Meier’s Civilization Chronicles for PC, the definitive Civilization collector’s edition.

With more than six million units sold, Sid Meier’s strategy and simulation-driven Civilization is recognized as one of the greatest gaming franchises of all time, and now for the first time, the entire series is compiled in one behemoth package. The set will include: Sid Meier’s Civilization I, Sid Meier’s Civilization II, Civilization II: Fantastic Worlds, Civilization II: Conflicts in Civilization, Civilization II: Test of Time, Sid Meier’s Civilization III, Sid Meier’s Civilization III: Play the World, Sid Meier’s Civilization III: Conquests and Sid Meier’s Civilization IV.

The Civilization series has a long and critically acclaimed lineage and Sid Meier's Civilization Chronicles is a showcase of Sid Meier's brilliant franchise that will include extras and additions that fans will love:

• Civilization: The Card Game: An original tabletop card game designed by Civilization IV lead designer Soren Johnson, featuring more than 250 custom cards and rules based on Civilization IV.

• The Chronicles of Civilization: A 96-page book containing the history of Civilization, as told through interviews with past Civilization designers, an interview with Sid Meier and lead designer Soren Johnson, an article by journalist and author Steven L. Kent on the significance of the series in the computer gaming industry, and other original literature.

• Video DVD: DVD content includes a detailed presentation by lead designer Soren Johnson and artist Dorian Newcomb about the creation of Civilization IV, complemented by gameplay footage of every iteration of the game, game trailers from the Civilization series and more.

• Even more! Other exciting extras for fans and newcomers alike include printed tech tree posters from each game, wallpaper images, podcast MP3s and more!

Sid Meier’s Civilization Chronicles for PC will be released this October for an MSRP of £39.99. For more information please visit http://www.civilization.com.

Square Enix Ltd., the publisher of Square Enix® interactive entertainment products in Europe and other PAL territories, today announces the UK release date for the highly-anticipated KINGDOM HEARTS II. The latest title in one of Square Enix’s most popular franchises will be available from 29th September 2006 exclusively on the PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system.

The world of KINGDOM HEARTS brings classic Disney characters and worlds together within a new story where you will meet and visit new characters and locations created by Square Enix. The remarkable and innovative result of the collaboration is an original adventure that has captured the attention of fans worldwide.

KINGDOM HEARTS II also introduces new, original characters such as Roxas, members of Organization XIII and the Nobodies, all designed by Square Enix’s Tetsuya Nomura, director and character designer of the KINGDOM HEARTS series. Nomura is best known for his creations in the top selling titles FINAL FANTASY® VII, VIII, X, X-2 and directing FINAL FANTASY VII: ADVENT CHILDREN™.

Yup, it was only a matter of time before someone came up with these ideas.
After seeing the success of ‘Final Fantasy VII: Advent Children’, more movie directors are jumping on the game-to-movie bandwagon.

There have been a few fighting game adaptations in the past, namely, ‘Street Fighter’ and ‘Mortal Kombat’ and they were *cough* somewhat below-par. Here’s hoping the Soul Calibur and Dead or Alive movies are a little bit better.

Soul Calibur – The Movie (out 2007)
DOA: Dead or Alive – The Movie (Out September 15th)

A must-see for all you Game Geeks out there…

We've got some new content on our main site to check out - you can find them using the banner above.

First off is a review of the action RPG Ninety-Nine Nights, a joint effort by Q? and Phantagram. Our verdict is quite good compared to what else you may have seen! With the launch of the Wii and PS3 sections (though now the PS3 section may be a bit premature!) we've also got content to go with it - a preview of what is sure to be my favorite Wii title: Super Smash Bros. Brawl!

Matt Litten also has an interview of PSP's Cash Money Chaos for you to digest, along with a review of one of the creepiest games ever made by Geoff Holland. We've also got first looks at Guitar Hero II, the new .Hack series and John Woo's Stranglehold - and more to come in the coming days!

In the grand racing tradition of Excitebike®, get ready for a big-air experience like no other as players rocket their trucks across dynamically changing terrain.

Remember tilting your arms while playing Excitebike to try to make your character land a huge jump? Well, that experience is finally a reality with Excite Truck, a wild, off-road race only possible on Nintendo’s Wii console.

Players hold the Wii Remote like an NES® controller to control the truck. The 2 button is the accelerator, the 1 button is the brake, the + Control Pad is the turbo … but that’s just the beginning. Tilt the Wii Remote right and left like a steering wheel to steer. Once the truck goes airborne, tilt the Wii Remote every which way to line up perfect landings for turbo boosts.

Pick up items on the courses to make the terrain deform in real time, turning innocent bumps into massive launch pads that affect not only the player’s route, but that of his or her rivals. Players jump and bump their way to the highest score and highest finish.

Take to the pitch as Mario Strikers Charged (the follow up title to Mario Smash Football) returns with an all new roster of features, only for Wii.

Use the skill the Wii Remote and Nunchuk Controller provide to win the ball, score unstoppable goals and take control of the goal keeper to perform spectacular saves

Characters: Mario is joined by other famous Nintendo characters who take on the role of captain. Players then select a host of popular teammates to make up the rest of the team.

How to progress through the game: Players form an original team by combining one of 12 captains with three of eight sidekicks before competing in one of the games many modes. Anything goes in Mario Strikers Charged as players are allowed to utilize a variety of special abilities to clinch important goals.

Super abilities/power ups/moves/features: Each captain has their own set of skills, super abilities as well as the ability to perform special shots called Mega Strikes, where the iron ball splits up to five balls and flies at the goal. The defending player must use the Wii Remote to target and aim at and shoot these balls out of the air before they concede a goal. In this game players can also charge energy to the metal ball, making it more likely to find its target when fired at goal.

Each of the stadiums in Mario Strikers Charged have various characteristics and contraptions, which influence game play. Players must learn to use this to their advantage to truly dominate the pitch.

Multiplayer: Mario Strikers Charged will not only feature an action packed multiplayer mode but will also support the Nintendo WiFi connection service, allowing players to take part in tournaments with people from all around the world.

The WarioWare team took an idea so wacky, it could only be made with the latest technology ... the Wii Remote.

WarioWare is back with a whole new set of moves. When Wario™ stumbles upon a strange device called a Form Baton, he and his friends use it to learn new moves that are as fun as they are wacky. With hundreds of microgames, this game is just as wild as you’d expect from the name WarioWare, but the game play has been revolutionized. Under Wario’s tutelage, and with the help of the Wii Remote, players will swing, spin and squat their way to victory.

With about 200 lightning-quick microgames and controls that range from scribbling to flailing, WarioWare: Smooth Moves takes interactive gaming to a whole new level. All players need is a Wii Remote and their best moves to be the champ.

With games that are as much fun to play as they are to WATCH people play, WarioWare: Smooth Moves brings the party to its feet. It’s hilarious for players and audiences alike.

Game storyline: Wario and his pals learn fun, wacky moves after discovering a strange book and a mystical device called the Form Baton.

Characters: Familiar characters from the WarioWare universe will return to this installment and some new ones will appear.

How to progress through the game: Players must clear fast-paced sets of microgames, changing the way they hold the Wii Remote each time. As they do, they’ll unlock more microgames and souvenirs.

Special powers/weapons/moves/features: The game’s full-body controls add a whole new level of insanity to an already frenetic experience.

The ultimate Nintendo hero is taking the ultimate step … out into space. Join Mario™ as he ushers in a new era of video games, defying gravity across all the planets in the galaxy.

Shake, tilt and point! Mario takes advantage of all the unique aspects of the Wii Remote and Nunchuk controller, unleashing new moves as players shake the controller and even point at and drag items with the pointer.

Mario essentially defined the 3-D platforming genre with Super Mario® 64, and this game proves once again that he is king. Players perform mind-bending, lowgravity jumps across wild alien terrain as they experience platforming for a new generation.

Game storyline: When some creature escapes into space with Princess Peach, Mario gives chase, exploring bizarre planets all across the galaxy.

Characters: Mario, Peach and enemies new and old.

How to progress through the game: Players run, jump and battle enemies as they explore all the planets in the galaxy. Since this game makes full use of all the features of the Wii Remote, players have to do all kinds of things to succeed: pressing buttons, swinging the Wii Remote and the Nunchuk, and even pointing at and dragging things with the pointer.

Special powers/weapons/moves/features: Since he’s in space, Mario can perform mindbending jumps unlike anything he’s done before. He’ll also have a wealth of new moves that are all based around tilting, pointing and shaking the Wii Remote.

Killer robots are attacking major cities across the United States, and the military is powerless to stop them. Players control one of Project H.A.M.M.E.R.’s cyborg prototypes: half-man, half-machine, with an extraordinary weapon – and the power to save the world.

Grab the Wii Remote and start swinging. Equipped with a hammer of amazing strength, players represent the only hope against an unstoppable army of marauding automatons.

Players use the Nunchuk controller in one hand to maneuver through a variety of vast and detailed environments. They use the Wii Remote in the other just like a real hammer to control the hero’s weapon. Swing the controller side to side to make the in-game hammer send enemies flying. Lift it into the air and bring it down to smash robots to smithereens. Use the A button for quick hammer flurries.

Enter a world of nonstop action, excitement and relentless destruction. Players will reduce rampaging robots to scrap metal as they battle their way across the United States. If they see an enemy, they smash it. And they continue to smash until every city across America is saved.

If you think you knew what it felt like to be the bounty hunter behind the visor, think again. Take aim at evil with Nintendo’s revolutionary controller.

Players control Samus by moving with the Nunchuk controller and aiming with the pointer, allowing for a level of immersion unlike anything they have ever experienced. Through the eyes of Samus, players experience a quantum leap in first-person control as they wield the Wii Remote, the ultimate device for the firstperson shooter genre.

Samus will employ well-known power-ups like the Grapple Beam and Morph Ball, as well as a bunch of new surprises, to help her survive her coming trials.
Game storyline: The Galactic Federation’s Base Sector Zero is under attack by Space Pirates. Samus must boot up the generator to restore the defense systems. But at the end of her path, someone awful is waiting for her.

Characters: Samus, Dark Samus, the Galactic Federation and many new bounty hunters.

How to progress through the game: The war initiated by Dark Samus and the Space Pirates rages across many planets as they attempt to corrupt each with Phazon seeds. Players use the Wii Remote and Nunchuk to explore alien landscapes, hunt for weapons and information, and destroy the seeds. Saving the planets from Corruption isn’t enough, though. Eventually, players must take down Samus’ mortal enemy, Dark Samus.

Special powers/weapons/moves/features: Besides using the Wii Remote and Nunchuk controllers to pull off amazing feats like aiming and blasting in midair or at a full run, players also will have an array of different weapons at their disposal. In true Metroid fashion, these will become powered up as the game progresses. Not only that, but the controller will be used for a number of other game elements beyond the traditional firstperson shooter standards.

Konami Digital Entertainment GmbH has recently demonstrated its first title for Nintendo’s Next Generation Wii video game system. While no title is finalised yet, it is an original action title that uses the Wii hardware’s unique control system to search for and capture the small, mischievous Elebits creatures.

Mysterious and tiny creatures, the Elebits have been the source of the world’s power for the past 10,000 years. In the game world, there are no such things as gas, coal, or nuclear power. Instead, there are many different breeds of Elebits, each with their own unique look and personality. While humans and Elebits have always lived in harmony, these friendly beings love to cause trouble, and it’s up to players to track them down and put an end to their mischief. Konami will be revealing further details of the specific creatures at the show, including the disclosure of an orange-coloured flying variety!

Taking advantage of the unique functionality of the Wii controller, the game allows players to interact with their environment in all-new ways as they search for the power-generating creatures. Using a futuristic device, players can push, pull, lift and throw anything they come across to discover secret hiding places and obstruct escape paths for the Elebits. Each location gets progressively illuminated as the errant Elebits are collected, with lights gradually coming on and power restored as more and found.

The Wii game also enjoys a very open play system which encourages players to devise their own strategy to round up the stray power sources, using stealth to sneak up on them or creating noise to scare them out of concealed areas. As players capture Elebits and harness their power-generating abilities, numerous options and additional opportunities unfold to find even more Elebits in the ever-changing environment.

Konami has also revealed of the game’s immersive two-player mode, allowing players to compete against each other to find Elebits or work co-operatively.

Sonic The Hedgehog Rewrites the Arabian Nights in a Completely New Adventure Exclusive to the Wii Console

SEGA® Europe Ltd have announced Sonic Wild Fire (working title) exclusively for the Wii™. Developed by SEGA Studios, Sonic Wild Fire stars the Blue dude with the ‘tude on his first solo adventure since the original Sonic The Hedgehog™ in 1991. This intense and exciting action game takes advantage of the innovative Wii™ controller as Sonic combines his trademark high-speed action with easy to play controls to offer a brand new experience!

Sonic's new adventure unfolds from a storybook of the classic tale, Arabian Nights, the last several pages from the book have gone missing, and it's up to Sonic to re-create the story. The vibrant environments provide for a refreshingly new look to the franchise filled with brightly colored mosaic tiles, glistening oases, swaying palm trees, and crumbling stone columns. Sonic activates specific areas in the prismatic environment to pull off new tricks and stunts, in addition to interacting head-on with various obstacles by jumping, dodging, and dashing.

"Sonic Wild Fire and the innovative Wii controller changes the way gamers play interactive entertainment," said Scott A. Steinberg, Vice President of SEGA of America, Inc. "SEGA is excited to lead the gameplay revolution through its support of Wii with a Sonic release built exclusively for this new system."

Gamers will use the Wii controller to steer Sonic and experience an untapped freedom in gameplay and control. Hold the controller horizontally with two hands and tilt left and right to steer Sonic on different paths and maneuver deftly from obstacles and enemies. Continue to tilt and fling forward to dash-attack ground and air enemies and to break down barriers. In addition to the main game is an array of unique controller-focused mini-games which make Sonic Wild Fire fun to play alone or as a multiplayer game with friends. Get ready for a refreshing adventure that puts you on the forefront of gaming!

Game: Super Swing Golf PANGYA (tentative)
Platform: Nintendo Revolution
Genre: Sports / Golf
ESRB: Everyone
Release Date: Q1 2007

Overview
Super Swing Golf PANGYA takes advantage of the power of the Revolution and provides a rich, newly designed, casual golf game that revolutionizes the way video game golf is played, putting the player in control of the club and the course!

Features
• The Super Swing: The Nintendo Revolution controller provides a new level of gaming interaction, sensing motion, depth, positioning and targeting dictated by the movement of the controller itself allowing the controller to act as the golf club. A back-swing sets the amount of power of the swing and the angle of controller when hitting the ball defines whether the ball will hook or slice.

• Revolutionized Graphics: Improved character texture and molding and the newly designed costumes bring this title to life in this uniquely designed fantasy world.

• Single Play Modes: Hit the lynx in Single Mode to play through Story Mode, Free Mode, or Challenge Mode. In Story Mode, the game proceeds along with the story of each character and will diverge according to the results of the match.

• Multiplayer Modes: Try out Battle Mode to take on others in Match Play, Stroke Play, and Party Play.

Title: Super Monkey Ball™: Banana Blitz
Platforms: Nintendo Wii™
Genre: Party
Players: 1-4
Ship date: Fall 2006

AiAi and friends come to the Nintendo Wii! An all-action extravaganza of unique new puzzles and madcap multiplayer gameplay, Super Monkey Ball: Banana Blitz takes the ground-breaking Nintendo Wii controller and shows the world exactly what it can do!

Get stuck into scores of new puzzle levels and a barrel-load of thrilling new party games, all specifically designed to take spectacular advantage of the pioneering Nintendo Wii controller.

One for you and every last one of your friends, Super Monkey Ball: Banana Blitz takes the classic, fan-favourite Monkey Ball gameplay and adds a whole new world of fun.

Features

Party Games: Scores of party games have been creatively designed to take advantage of the Nintendo Wii controller.

Puzzle Levels: A huge number of puzzle levels have been designed for players of all standards. Easy to learn but difficult to master, these puzzle levels bring the classic Super Monkey Ball gameplay to the Nintendo Wii for the first time.

Boss Levels: After completing puzzle levels the game heats up with some serious boss battles. Each of the bosses will challenge you to find their weakness to defeat them.

Monkey Jump: For the first time in the Super Monkey Ball universe AiAi and his friends will be able to jump using an upward flick motion with the Wii Controller.

Koei Ltd. today announced the launch of the official Samurai Warriors 2 website. With the game’s September 22 launch looming, the new site details every area of this highly anticipated release and offers new screens, in depth explanations of the brand new features, and cool downloads for your PC. In addition, learn all the special moves for all 26 of the playable characters, who span the ranks of all the fearless heroes and devious villains from Japan’s feudal era. Learn about the all new ability to max out your Musou gauge three times over for the most devastating attacks ever seen in a Warriors game, and discover the new play modes and features that all combine to make Samurai Warriors 2 the ultimate Warriors experience.

The European release of Samurai Warriors 2 on Xbox 360 and PS2 is scheduled for September 22, 2006 and Game.co.uk will be offering a bonus gift to gamers who pre-order this title. There are a limited number of collector’s edition, high quality Samurai Warriors 2 artwork books that will be sent out to those who pre-order while stocks last. This limited edition artwork book is hard bound with over 100 pages of stunning character art and a visual look at the artistic inspiration behind the characters and visual style of Samurai Warriors 2.

To view the site head to: http://www.koei.co.uk/launch/samurai_warriors2/

London, Wednesday 6 September 2006 – Sony Computer Entertainment Europe (SCEE) today announced that it would revise the launch date of its PLAYSTATION® 3 computer entertainment system in the PAL territories of Europe, Russia, Middle East, Africa and Australasia from 17th November 2006, as previously announced to March 2007.

Launch dates for Japan and North America will remain the same, which are November 11th and November 17th respectively.

The revision of the launch date in the SCEE territories is caused by the delay in the mass production schedule of the blue laser diode within the Sony Group, thus affecting the timely procurement of key components to be utilised in PLAYSTATION 3.

The previously announced PLAYSTATION 3 shipment forecast of 6 million units globally within the fiscal year ending 2007 is not changed.

Nintendo has admitted that some of its DS Lite handheld games consoles have been affected by a problem that causes the console's case to crack. The company claimed the damage was purely "cosmetic" and does not affect the "gameplay or integrity" of the gadget.

Nintendo said the issue affected just 0.02 per cent of the DS Lites it has shipped to date. However, it told buyers with cracked machines - the damage appears on the screen hinge - to return them for repair.

Nintendo Europe told AceGamez: "If someone experiences a problem with their DS Lite they should contact their local customer services department. If the damage is found to be the result of the manufacturing defect, it will be repaired under warranty."

A leak of the upcoming issue of Electronic Gaming Monthly has revealed 12 more songs for the upcoming sequel to the incredibly hard-rocking, face-shredding Playstation 2 masterpiece known as Guitar Hero. Yet again, the developers at Harmonix are showing quite a diverse taste in rock with these selections:

Alice in Chains - "Them Bones"
The Allman Brothers Band - "Jessica"
Avenged Sevenfold - "Beast and the Harlot"
Cheap Trick - "Surrender"
Dick Dale - "Misirlou"
Heart - "Crazy on You"
Lamb of God - "Laid To Rest"
Nirvana - "Heart-Shaped Box"
The Police - "Message in a Bottle"
The Pretenders - "Tattooed Love Boys"
The Rolling Stones - "Can't You Hear Me Knocking?"
Spinal Tap - "Tonight I'm Gonna Rock You Tonight"

Stay tuned as the November release date inches closer, as there are still plenty more songs to be announced!

Burnout has been slowly turning from an arcade racer to a full-fledged battle racer, and now it looks to be moving into completley new territory. Being a big fan of Burnout since the start, I'm not sure how thrilled I am about this. Taking notes from EA's other popular racer, Need for Speed, Criterion's next installment will ditch a menu system in favor of the ever-popular open world gameplay, but with a Burnout twist. That twist better be a good one: driving at slow speeds in Burnout is very odd and needs to be completley redone. And it looks like that's the case: coming out for only PS3 and Xbox 360, this looks to be a brand new next-generation Burnout, rebuilt to take full advantage of the extra power. Here's an excerpt from the press release:

"Gone is the need to jump in and out of menus and aimlessly search for fun like many open world games; in Burnout 5, every inch of the world is built to deliver heart-stopping Burnout-style gameplay. Every intersection is a potential crash junction and every alleyway is an opportunity to rack up moving violations."

Could be great, but it's also a little frightening. Let's hope they do it correctly.

As of yesterday, DreamCatcher Games is now accepting applications for the Public Beta Test of Genesis Rising: The Universal Crusade, a futuristic 3D real-time strategy game from developer Metamorf Studios. The application process will last from August 31st through September 8th at 12:00pm EST, so if you're interested you better head on over to http://www.genesisrisinggame.com/betatest and sign up now.

Per the press release, applying testers will need to meet the following minimum system requirements:

OS: Windows 98/2000/ME/XP
CPU: 1.5 GHz Intel Pentium 4 or AMD Athlon
RAM: 512 MB
Disk Space: 2 GB
Video Card: NVIDIA GeForce 4 Ti 4200, ATI Radeon 9500 (or Better)
Sound Card: DirectX 9.0c Compatible
DirectX: 9.0c or Higher
CD/DVD-ROM: 8x or Higher
Internet: 56 Kbps or Faster Internet Connection (High Speed Is Strongly Recommended)
Local Network: TCP/IP Compliant LAN
Other: Keyboard/Mouse/Speakers

Genesis Rising: The Universal Crusade is currently scheduled for an early 2007 release on the PC, with an expected ESRB rating of "T" for Teen in North America and 12+ PEGI in Europe.

Retro gaming collections continue to be hot - the results may be mixed, but the profits must be nice because more companies are getting on the bandwagon, specifically for the Sony PSP:

EA Replay officially announced

Coming on November 7th for the ultra-budget $19.99, this features the following titles:

B.O.B.--1993--SNES and Genesis
Budokan--1990--Genesis
Desert Strike--1993--SNES and Genesis
Jungle Strike--1993--SNES and Genesis
Haunting Starring Polterguy--1993--Genesis
Mutant League Football--1993--Genesis
Road Rash--1992--Genesis, later on 3DO
Road Rash II--1993--Genesis
Road Rash III--1995--Genesis
Syndicate--1995--SNES, 3DO, Jaguar
Ultima: The Black Gate--1994--SNES
Virtual Pinball--1993--Genesis
Wing Commander--1993--SNES
Wing Commander: The Secret Missions--1993--SNES

Sega Genesis Collection
Also known as the " SEGA Mega Drive Collection", this has more than 30 games, and is due later this year. Here are the games:

1. Alex Kidd
2. Altered Beast
3. Bonanza Bros.
4. Columns
5. Comix Zone
6. Decap Attack
7. Ecco the Dolphin
8. Ecco: The Tides of Time
9. Ecco Jr.
10. Eternal Champions
11. Flicky
12. Gain Ground
13. Golden Axe
14. Golden Axe II
15. Golden Axe III
16. Phantasy Star II
17. Phantasy Star III
18. Phantasy Star IV
19. Ristar
20. Shadow Dancer: Secret of Shinobi
21. Shinobi III
22. Sonic the Hedgehog
23. Sonic the Hedgehog 2
24. Super Thunderblade
25. Sword of Vermillion
26. Vectorman
27. Vectorman 2
28. Virtua Fighter 2

Capcom Classics Collection Reloaded
Yes, we had Capcom Classics Collection Remixed last year and it was pretty good ... so what do we get next?

There are 15 games, including:
* Commando
* Eco Fighters
* Ghouls n' Ghosts
* King of Dragons
* Knights of the Round
* Street Fighter II

and finally ...

Activision Hits Remixed
Here we get more than 40(!) *really* old games, and while we don't know the whole list, here is some of what we *do* know:

* The Ultimate Compilation - Activision Hits Remixed for the PSP features more than 40 Atari 2600 classic games, such as River Raid, Demon Attack and Laser Blast - more than any other compilation available today.

* WiFi Multi-Player Functionality - Using the PSP system's WiFi capabilities, players can experience the multiplayer classics by either alternating turns or gaming simultaneously with friends. Additionally, a "Game Share" feature allows two players on two PSPs to play together using one copy of the game.

* Gaming On The Go - Well-suited for handheld gaming on the go, the Atari 2600 games are short, bite-sized titles which include tons of variety and mid-game saves for all titles so that at any time players may exit and never lose their progress.

* Flashback To The 80's - Enjoy the classics while jamming to a great soundtrack from the 80's including such songs as "Tainted Love" by Soft Cell, "We're Not Gonna Take It" by Twisted Sister , "I Ran" by A Flock of Seagulls and more.
* Retro Unlockables Galore - Gamers can achieve in-game goals to unlock 80's memories including timeless Atari 2600 television ads, Activision patches, original game manuals which include tips, developer photographs and more.

PSOne Emulator
We know little about what is the hottest possible thing to bring classic Playstation games to the PSP, other than we should have something before the end of the year.

Looks like an amazing season for retro gaming lovers!

It was meant to be a huge deal, but some may be let down by the whole thing. Nintendo has been hyping up a huge exclusive for their upcoming issue of Official Nintendo Magazine (ONM), but it seems the leak has been made and it has turned out to be none other than Battalion Wars 2, otherwise known as "BWii", which is probably the most clever name you will ever seen - and yes, it beats the roman numeral for the number 4 being in the title of Oblivion.

ONM claims this is still a huge deal; the game was announced at the recent German gaming event in Leipzig and was even playable in a cut-down form (a 4-minute training level) but the ONM team claims to know a whole lot more about the title. Magazine editor Chandra Nair had the following to say on the ONM forums, following much backlash after many readers were let down by the exclusive:

"Nintendo announced BWii eight days ago. At one stage it wasn't
going to be announced at Leipzig, so it very nearly was a brand new game. Still,
we've played a whole load of levels including multiplayer levels. We have
everything you need to know about this game. Leipzig featured two screens and a
4-minute training level. That's it. Even if you personally went and played the
game at Leipzig you'll only know about 10% of the stuff we've reported."

For those of you itching at the trigger to get more info on what could be one of the standout titles for the Wii (and looks to be judging by the name), check out the 10-page spread in the latest ONM issue, available today (September the 1st). If you're new to Battalion Wars check out Matt Litten's review here on AceGamez, or the official Nintendo gamespace.

Atlus USA has announced today that the official English website for its upcoming Nintendo DS action-RPG, Contact has gone live. On the website you can find detailed story descriptions and character bios, in-depth gameplay information, downloadable goodies such as wallpappers and a Yahoo! Widgets desktop clock, a link to Atlus' dedicated Contact forum, and even special messages from game director Akira Ueda and producer Takeshi Ogura.

Developed by Marvelous Interactive in Japan, Contact is due out in North America this October with an E10+ rating from the ESRB. Visit the game's new official website at http://www.atlus.com/contact to find out more about this unique and highly-anticipated RPG adventure.