Mad Catz announced today that its Arcade GameStick for Xbox Live Arcade, Xbox 360 and PC will ship to major US retailers for availability this holiday season. Through collaboration with Konami and PopCap Games, Mad Catz has introduced a joystick controller bundled with three full Xbox Live Arcade games: Frogger, Time Pilot and Astropop.

Included in the Arcade GameStick package is a free Xbox Gold trial membership and three top-selling Xbox Live Arcade titles. From the vaults of Konami come the classic Frogger and Time Pilot. Widely considered one of the best arcade titles ever, Frogger is a true classic as players scoot a friendly frog across a busy five-lane highway and over a perilous river to peaceful lily pads. Also from Konami, Time Pilot sees the player assuming the role of a pilot of a futuristic fighter, trying to rescue fellow pilots trapped in different time eras. Astropop, from Popcap Games and Oberon Media, is the most modern game offered in this collection and is a space-age arcade puzzle game in which players use their magnetic ray to grab and move colored bricks to form sets of three or more.

The Mad Catz Arcade GameStick will be available at all major retailers in the United States and online. It has an MSRP of $59.99.

Come on, come on *turns to look at calendar*... Oh dammit, I am not waiting three weeks!

After seeing pictures and videos of (smug) Nintendo fans that were lucky enough to finally get their Wii during the launch night in America, I've decided that I can't wait for the Wii to come out in Europe any longer.

The wait for Nintendo Wii is literally killing me!

So I've made up my mind. Following suit to the genius that is, Cartman, I am going to now cryogenically freeze myself and hope that someone unfreezes me in the next three weeks when the Nintendo Wii comes out in Europe, so the wait will seem instantaneous.

Now, where can I find someone dumb, I mean, smart enough to help me with this great feat?

Any Acegamez reviewers or readers want to help? Email me at inyourfacegamez@yahoo.co.uk.

*Note* Us Europeans do actually have to wait three weeks before the Wii is released here (it comes out on December 8th in the UK)... Weird...

*Extra Note* For those that are concerned for my welfare, no, I am not really going to freeze myself. I'm not that stupid!

EA today helped kick off the launch of the PS3 with perennial hits Madden NFL 07, Need for Speed Carbon and Tiger Woods PGA TOUR 07. Each of these stunning high-definition titles has been custom-created for the PS3 to take advantage of the advanced power of the CELL processor and the motion-sensitive SIXAXIS controller. On December 5th, EA will add to its PS3 portfolio with the release of EA SPORTS Fight Night Round 3 and in the months that follow, several more games including NBA STREET Homecourt and Def Jam: ICON.

"Today marks the end of the console transition. From here on out, it is all about great games," said Frank Gibeau, Executive Vice President of North America Publishing at EA. "EA is dedicating its most powerful franchises to the launch of PS3, and in the weeks and months ahead you're going to see more games with innovative features reaching out to new audiences."

Today, gamers and gift-givers nationwide can find these three games in stores:

Need for Speed Carbon:

Need for Speed Carbon and the PLAYSTATION 3 introduce the world to a whole new way to play Need for Speed. The battle for Palmont City starts in the streets, but is ultimately won in the canyons as Need for Speed Carbon immerses you in the world's most dangerous and adrenaline-filled forms of street racing. The combination of the classic Need for Speed controls with the new, unique motion sensitive controller of the PLAYSTATION 3 takes the gameplay to a level previously not possible. The player will instantly recognize and feel the physics differences between the 50 plus Muscle, Exotic, and Tuner cars as they use their crew to win Canyon races, customize their cars using Autosculpt and battle to take control of the streets of Palmont. EA is leveraging the high capacity and throughput of the Blu-ray disk to store and stream our highly complex world; something that was becoming increasingly difficult to do on other forms of media. For more information about the game, please visit http://www.needforspeedcarbon.com

Madden NFL 07:

Madden NFL 07 for the PLAYSTATION 3 computer entertainment system unleashes the power of PLAYSTATION 3 and provides a realistic next-generation football experience. Gamers can now experience Madden with high-definition visual presentation, more realistic player motions and physics, new motion-sensor controls and deeper gameplay. The SIXAXIS motion sensor controller puts complete command of your players at your fingertips like never before. Use the new PLAYSTATION 3 SIXAXIS controller to throw different types of blocks, to Jump the Snap, to Snap the Ball and to deliver punishing defensive hits. You can throw the perfect block and create a running lane with all-new lead blocking control, and then take command of the tailback and rip off a big gain. For more about the game, visit: http://www.easports.com/madden07

Tiger Woods PGA TOUR 07:

Tiger Woods PGA TOUR 07 features the thrills of championship Sunday and the most realistic looking golfers in a video game. By using revolutionary Universal Facial Capture or U-CAP technology, world class golfers like Tiger Woods, Chris DiMarco, Mike Weir, Colin Montgomerie, and Luke Donald have the same reactions, emotions and characteristics in the game as they do out on the PGA TOUR. The game includes 12 championship courses and an all new practice facility where gamers will develop their drive, chip shots, and putting skills before heading out on the PGA TOUR. Gamers will enjoy the new SIXAXIS motion sensing system controller allowing a greater degree of ball spin direction and speed control. Simply tilt the controller in the direction you wish the ball to spin, the longer the tilt in the direction, the faster the ball will turn for more action on the course and around the green. The game's official website is http://www.easports.com/tigerwoods07

Available in stores today, Madden NFL 07, Need for Speed Carbon and Tiger Woods PGA TOUR 07 carry an MSRP of $59.99. Madden NFL 07 and Tiger Woods PGA TOUR 07 are rated E for Everyone and Need for Speed Carbon is rated E10 by the ESRB. To download screenshots from any of these games, please visit info.ea.com.

Sega of America today announced that Charlotte's Web, the video game based on Paramount Pictures'/Walden Media's presentation of a Kerner Entertainment/Nickelodeon Movies production of Charlotte's Web, has shipped to retail outlets nationwide. Charlotte's Web is available for the Nintendo DS system and Game Boy Advance, and brings to life one of the most beloved stories of all time. In addition, Charlotte's Web Wilbur and Friends will also be available for the PC. Further enhancing this charming interactive experience is the voice acting of Dominic Scott Kay, who made his debut in the 2002 hit Minority Report. Kay, who voices the role of Wilbur in the feature film, reprises his role on the DS and PC versions of the video game. Charlotte's Web will also be available as a downloadable game on mobile phones via all major cell phone carriers.

Gamers of all ages will explore four fascinating worlds, complete challenging missions and unlock arcade-style mini-games while playing as Wilbur the pig and Templeton the rat in the DS and GBA games. Players will be sent on sweeping scavenger hunts for letters that make up phrases that when woven into Charlotte's web proclaim to the world that Wilbur is an amazing pig. Both versions are loaded with mini-games hidden throughout the multiple levels. The PC CD-ROM game, Charlotte's Web Wilbur and Friends, is the ultimate activity center, packed with numerous individual games including one special game entitled ‘Petting Pen' where players can care for Wilbur.

"Charlotte's Web is one of those special stories that has far reaching appeal due to its heartfelt nature," said Scott A. Steinberg, Vice President of Marketing, SEGA of America, Inc. "The interactive experience we've created based on this beloved story captures that spirit. This is one video game that the whole family will enjoy."

The game is rated ‘E' for "Everyone" by the ESRB and has an MSRP of $29.95 for the DS and GBA, and $19.95 for the PC. Charlotte's Web for mobile phones is available for download through all major carriers.

Sony Online Entertainment, announced today that EverQuest II Echoes of Faydwer is shipping to retail stores in North America and available for purchase via digital download at www.echoesoffaydwer.com. The retail version of the game is available for a suggested retail price of $39.99, and includes the base EverQuest II game, the Echoes of Faydwer expansion, and the two previously released expansions, Desert of Flames and Kingdom of Sky. The digital version is also available for a suggested retail price of $39.99 and includes the Echoes of Faydwer expansion (requires EverQuest II base game to play).

"Our goal with Echoes of Faydwer is to solidly deliver on the best parts of the classic EverQuest feel, while adding plenty of new and exciting places to the world," said Scott Hartsman, senior producer of EverQuest II. "With its rich, vibrant environments, amazing sounds and music, brand new race to play, and the largest collection of places to adventure, Faydwer is shaping up to be a fantastic experience for all EQ2 players, new and experienced alike."

This new EverQuest II expansion is the first to provide content for all players, from level 1 to level 70. Echoes of Faydwer introduces a new playable race, The Fae. This winged, fairy-like race lives in the arboreal city of Kelethin, the new starting location for the Fae, as well as Dwarves, Gnomes, Half Elves, High Elves and Wood Elves. Kelethin is one of many new zones players will explore, all of them based on zones from the original EverQuest, until now separated by 500 years of conflict and cataclysm. Players can also quest through other popular zones from EverQuest, such as Butcherblock Mountains, Castle Mistmoore, Crushbone Keep and Steamfont Mountains.

A new Deity system also awaits players in Echoes of Faydwer. Adventurers can choose to worship one of eight gods from the original EverQuest, opening up a new line of quests for new loot, items and even more powerful spells. Cloaks, a highly requested item from the player community, have also been added to this new expansion, for solo players as well as customizable cloaks for guilds. Echoes of Faydwer includes over 350 new quests, armor, and new horse mounts available to players of all levels.

Players will encounter over 40 new types of creatures, more than 20 new zones and adventure areas, obtain all-new items, equipment, spells and tradeskill recipes and will be able to compete against other players for new PvP (Player vs. Player) rewards for PvP-enabled servers. The Achievement system introduced in the Kingdom of Sky expansion has been enhanced to include additional sub-class abilities, allowing players to further customize their characters’ abilities.

I praise the Wii for being so versatile when it comes to its audiences. You've got your titles that grownups will enjoy, you've got your titles in the middle that appeal to everybody, and then you have a nice selection of titles for the youngsters - and one of those titles that falls nicely into the latter category is Ice Age 2 The Meltdown. Released just in time for the holidays, Ice Age 2 The Meltdown is set to take full advantage of the Wii's unique control scheme.

The Wii needs games like these to really appeal to the younger audience - and clearly that audience loved the film; Ice Age 2 The Meltdown took a gross of $646 million worldwide. Not bad.

Perhaps the most exiting part of this news byte is that Ray Romano, John Leguizamo, Denis Leary and Jay Leno are lending their phenomenal voice talent to the game, to add to that authentic experience when fans of the film are playing Ice Age 2 The Meltdown on the Wii this holiday.

"We are excited to bring such an entertaining game to such an innovative platform," said Cindy Cook, chief strategy and marketing officer, Vivendi Games. "Ice Age fans and gamers of all ages will without a doubt enjoy embarking on this new adventure, within the game itself and as part of the truly unique Wii experience Nintendo is bringing to consumers."

Ice Age 2 The Meltdown should be available to buy on the 5th of December in the US, and will hopefully make European launch on the 8th of December. Featuring 8 more minutes of film footage and Wii-exclusive mini-games such as Whack-A-Possum where you use the Wii controller to, well, whack Possums, what young gamer could turn their whiskers up at this game?

Ah - I do love a happy ending.

Sega of America today announced the North American release of Medieval II: Total War for the PC. Developed by The Creative Assembly, this visually stunning game spans four and half centuries of the most turbulent era in Western history and provides players the reins to experience and rewrite one of the most fascinating periods of history to become the greatest power of the Middle Ages.

Medieval II: Total War drives the Total War franchise to a new level by completely upgrading the game's battlefield rendering system, eliminating the clone armies of the past games in the series and including a new, more realistic animation system. With over 10,000 troops now to command and hundreds of unit types, players can experience massive battles in graphically rich environments enhanced by dynamic weather effects and vastly diverse terrain. Leading armies across Europe, the Middle East, and even the Americas, players will encounter brutal real-time battles and the pure bloodlust of medieval warfare. As players progress, they will shape their empires by strategically determining whether to build castles for military power or cities for technology and trade, allowing for a greater depth of gameplay.

Medieval II: Total War for the PC is rated "T" for "Teen" by the ESRB and has an MSRP of $49.99. For more information on the game, please visit www.totalwar.com.

In addition to its robust classic arcade roster, Microsoft also delivers a great mix of original development and independent game titles to Xbox Live members this holiday season and into the New Year

Today, Microsoft and Atari, Inc. announced the future arrival of some of the most beloved classic coin-op games on Xbox Live Arcade, the premiere destination for downloadable games. Beginning in January 2007, Atari will release six titles on Xbox Live Arcade throughout the year. Both classic and evolved versions will be available for each of the following titles:

Centipede/Millipede: defend your village against an onslaught of centipedes, spiders, army ants and more, now with pre-rendered, high definition graphics. In addition to the classic mode, the evolution mode offers high definition graphics and special effects like motion blur, trails and particle-based explosion effects make this classic as enjoyable today as it was in the arcade decades ago.

Battlezone: the original tank vs. tank action classic has received an Xbox Live overhaul, adding in exciting new multiplayer modes including Deathmatch, Team Deathmatch and Capture the Flag. This updated version is truly a must-have for any fan of the original, which is also included. Combine these features with new special effects for weapon firing, impacts and explosions and you have one killer classic as you've never experienced it before.

Asteroids/Asteroids Deluxe: rotate, thrust, flip, fire and jump to hyperspace as you blast oncoming asteroids to smithereens just like in the 1979 original, but in updated, beautifully rendered, high definition graphics that complement the classic original.

Missile Command: protecting your city from alien missile attacks has never looked better now that this classic has been overhauled with updated graphics and 3D rendered vistas. Choose from the evolved mode or the timeless original gameplay.

Tempest: clear a web of enemies before time runs out and advance to the next stage, using an arsenal of weapons at your disposal. This evolved version features a graphics overhaul while maintaining the same addictive gameplay of the original.

Warlords: a multiplayer classic that resurrects the competitive spirit of arcade games from years gone by. Knock out the other kings in their castles while keeping yourself protected at the same time. Up to four players can join the action with the game taking control of any vacant castles allowing for a variety of single- or multiplayer experiences. Gamers can also import their own pictures to their castles for an extra personalisation.

Playing these Atari favourites on Xbox Live Arcade provides gamers with a next-generation experience found nowhere else. All Atari games for Xbox Live Arcade feature high definition graphics with enhanced sound effects, full online leaderboard support, TrueSkill matchmaking for multiplayer games and feature a variety of Achievements. Gamers also have the option to play the original arcade versions of these classic titles.

"With our already diverse library of retro classics, original development and indie games, plus a host of new games hitting our service in the upcoming months, it's never been more fun to play on Xbox Live Arcade," said Greg Canessa, group manager of Xbox Live Arcade. "The Atari Classics in particular will provide an incredible gaming experience for our community and I personally can't wait until everyone can play these updated versions for themselves.

"Years ago, we couldn't even have imagined how gorgeous the classic games from 25 years ago would look with high definition graphics, but Xbox 360 has allowed us to make that leap," said Chris Bergstresser, Senior Vice President, Atari Networks. "Enhanced with leaderboards, achievements and multiplayer support, these classic franchises are brought to a whole new level offering gamers an experience like they've never had before."

Xbox Live Arcade's diverse library of titles is going to keep growing, with a particular emphasis on new, originally developed games from indie developers and big studios alike. Over 100 indie developers and virtually every major console publisher in the world are working to develop games for Xbox Live Arcade. Some of the diverse titles we will be releasing by this Christmas include:

Small Arms (Gastronaut Studios) an indie-developed original title designed specifically for Xbox Live Arcade, featuring frantic multiplayer brawling combined with action and precision shooting.

Novadrome (Buena Vista Games) originally developed futuristic racing on Xbox Live Arcade.

Assault Heroes (Wanako/Vivendi Games) blast waves of formidable foes in this originally developed top-down shooter, single player or two player co-op action.

Heavy Weapon (PopCap Games) experience this irreverent, original side-scrolling action game that supports up to 4 players simultaneously.

Defender (Midway) space combat classic updated for this generation.

Contra (Konami) the seminal side-scrolling shooter that started it all will be launching on Xbox Live Arcade this Wednesday, 8th November.

Relive the fight to stop the destruction of humanity in Konami's classic side-scrolling shoot em up, Contra, available on Xbox Live Arcade for Xbox 360 for download beginning Wednesday, 8th November.

Use veteran Special Ops soldiers Bill Rizer or Lance Bean to battle the alien menace Red Falcon and all of its minions. Fight through the jungle, frozen tundra and steel fortresses in 8 challenging game levels. Gamers depend on high-tech weapons including the Mini Laser, the Fireball and the Spread Gun in their fight to protect the world.

Contra for Xbox Live Arcade includes enhanced graphics and sound and also features new multiplayer cooperative gameplay, allowing you and a buddy to work together from either the same console or through Xbox Live.

Contra is available worldwide for 400 Microsoft Points.

Sony Online Entertainment announced today that Untold Legends Dark Kingdom for the PLAYSTATION 3 computer entertainment system has gone gold, and will begin shipping to retail stores within the PLAYSTATION 3 system launch window.

Untold Legends Dark Kingdom is a next-gen action-RPG that delivers an immersive fantasy experience through its breath-taking graphics, cinematic storyline and action-packed battles filled with heart-pounding combat, magical spells and brilliant special effects. Players will choose one of three unique characters to guide on a perilous journey of impossible odds, as they immerse themselves in a fantastic world of beauty and terror, where only they can end the long standing oppression of a tyrannical king. Players will also collect and equip hundreds of weapons, armor and items as you slay the hordes of monsters. In addition, Dark Kingdom will deliver in-depth character progression, cooperative online gameplay for up to four players and additional game content post launch through the PLAYSTATION Network.

Untold Legends Dark Kingdom will begin shipping to retail within the PLAYSTATION 3 system launch window.

Hailed as the most-anticipated video game launch of 2006 and punctuated by incredible demand from gamers, Gears of War begins appearing in the first retail outlets today, with continued rollout to retailers worldwide. Microsoft Corp. forecasts that Gears of War, an exclusive title for the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system, is expected to sell more than 1 million copies worldwide this holiday season, setting a new mark for the fastest-selling original game for Xbox. Starting now, gamers can run for cover and crush the enemy on their own, or take the season's hottest action title online via Xbox Live, the world's largest online gaming and entertainment network, which boasts 4 million members.

Gears of War, developed by Epic Games Inc. and published by Microsoft Game Studios, made its debut to great fanfare at the Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3) in 2005 and has captured the gaze of industry watchers and fans ever since. The intense, genre-defining game thrusts players into humankind's epic battle for survival against a nightmarish race of creatures known as the Locust Horde. With its combination of cinematic, visceral gameplay, dramatic storytelling and intense action, and with single-player and multiplayer online play via Xbox Live, Gears of War is a seminal title for Xbox 360, providing one of the best next-generation interactive entertainment experiences today.

"Gears of War is a title we know will deliver on all of its promise, and we expect the game to reach 1 million copies faster than any new titles for Xbox," said Jeff Bell, corporate vice president of global marketing for the Interactive Entertainment Business at Microsoft. "This holiday is an extremely important one for the entire industry, and Xbox 360 will offer the world unparalleled experiences available only on this console. We've put an enormous emphasis on bringing new and exciting titles to market, and Gears of War is a key example of Microsoft's commitment to developing original and immersive titles for gamers everywhere."

Anticipation for the game's launch today has been growing for several months. Microsoft's "Match Made in Hell" promotion, a series of pre-release celebrations held throughout October, provided fans with their first opportunity to play the game before it reached store shelves. Headlined by a celebrity launch party in Los Angeles at the Hollywood Forever Cemetery, the "Match Made in Hell" events were besieged by anxious gamers, desperate for their first opportunity to play the game. Gears of War has received several highly coveted awards, including the Game Critics Awards' Best Console Game and Best Action Game of E3 2006, IGN's E3 2005 Best Xbox 360 Action Game, and a GameSpot's E3 2006 People's Choice Award, and has already garnered praise in early reviews, earning a perfect 10 out of 10 score from Official Xbox Magazine and a perfect 5 out of 5 score from G4 TV's X-Play; that episode will air Wednesday, Nov. 8, at 8 p.m. EST.

"The reception that Gears of War has received has been tremendous," said Cliff Bleszinski, lead designer for Gears of War at Epic Games. "Designing Gears of War has been a labor of love, and we've poured everything we have into the title. We expect this game to be huge, and it's exhilarating to see that people are as excited about Gears of War as we are."

"We've seen tremendous excitement and demand for Gears of War, as Xbox 360 fans packed our stores across the country during our special after-hours events for their first chance to play the game," said Bob McKenzie, senior vice president of Merchandising at GameStop Corp. "Gears of War is hands down one of the most anticipated games this holiday, and the pre-order numbers we've received are astounding and second only to Halo 2 for the Xbox platform."

Gears of War from Epic Games and Microsoft Game Studios is a third-person tactical action/horror game available exclusively on Xbox 360. It is available now at select retailers and will be available widely beginning Nov. 12, 2006, in the U.S. for the estimated retail price of $59.99, or $69.99 for a special Limited Collector’s Edition, which will include a collectible embossed metal box, the "Destroyed Beauty" hardbound art book, and a bonus DVD that features the making of Gears of War, the Art of Gears of War trailer and the MTV program Gears of War: The Race to E3.

Microsoft and Epic's celebration of the game's release continues on Nov. 12, with a full slate of activities scheduled on Xbox Live, including a 24-hour leader board tournament for online multiplayer matches, hourly sweepstakes drawings offering the chance to win one of several Samsung HT-P29 Dolby 5.1 Surround Sound systems, Game with Fame sessions with Gears of War fans Megadeth and members of the Epic development team, and much more. A full list of scheduled events can be found at http://www.xbox.com. In addition, due to the popularity of the highly rated MTV Gears of War: The Race to E3 broadcast, MTV will feature its follow-up to the program, Gears of War: The Race to Launch, which follows the birth of the game through the eyes of eager fans waiting for its release and the real-life characters that created it; the program will air on MTV Nov. 13 at 8:30 p.m. and on MTV2 at 9:30 p.m. EST/MST/PST.

Stay tuned for our full review as soon as we can get our hands on a copy!

Announced moments ago in New York by Microsoft's Peter Moore, starting November 22nd Xbox Live members can begin downloading full television shows and movies straight to their xbox hard-drive. Pricing wasn't announced, nor were the first titles expected to be released, but if you want to view a full list of companies that are teamed up with Microsoft to deliver content check out the press-release on Microsoft's Gamerscore blog here.

Atari has also announced that Neverwinter Nights 2 has reached retailers. The Obsidian-developed sequel to BioWare's hit RPG features the familiar Dungeons & Dragons Forgotten Realms setting, a deep single-player game as well as an all-new toolset that allows players to edit or create their own adventures.

"Obsidian has delivered an outstanding sequel to one of the most beloved RPGs
of all time," said Nique Fajors, Vice President, Sales, Marketing, Atari, Inc.
"Neverwinter Nights 2 offers a deeply satisfying role-playing experience and a robust toolset that together will extend the life of the Neverwinter tales and bring more members to the community."

The 'T' (Teen)-rated game comes in two different editions: the standard box for $49.95, and a limited edition for $59.95. The Neverwinter Nights 2 Limited Edition features exclusive in-game content, two special items, access to a unique weapon, and a "magical golden aura" for player characters. In addition, a detailed cloth map, art book and two silver antique rings (Good/Evil) are also included.

More information on the game can be found at its official web site, which also includes user forums, project news, development updates and more. We're looking forward to digging into this fully packed followup, particularly since a good deal of time was spent with the first game here.

Atari has announced that BattleZone for the PSP is now available at US retailers. The update to the classic arcade hit is developed by Paradigm Entertainment and features a single player campaign mode as well as six multiplayer modes for up to four player action.

In addition, downloadable content will be available through the game's web site along with news, leaderboards and an exclusive online level builder tool that allows players to customize game maps and send them to a PSP system through a USB connection.

BattleZone is rated E10 (Everyone 10+) by the ESRB and carries a MSRP of 29.99. We've got an eye peeled for a reviewable, so stay tuned for our impressions of this retooled futuristic tank-fest.

Warner Bros. Interactive has announced that Tom and Jerry Tales for the Nintendo Game Boy Advance and Nintendo DS have hit retailers. Based on the new Kids' WB! cartoon series, both versions will have gamers playing as Jerry as he attempts to make good his escape from Tom while snatching up chunks of cheese along the way. While both games look similar, the GBA version has a number of fast-paced mini-games, while the DS version includes touch screen activated events during gameplay.

Both Sensory Sweep-developed games are rated E (Everyone) by the ESRB and retail for a MSRP of $29.99. We'll have full reviews of both titles shortly.

Konami Digital Entertainment, Inc., today announced that, Death, Jr. 2: Root of Evil for the PSP system has shipped to retail stores throughout North America. The sequel to one of the PSP system's first hit games, Death, Jr. 2 brings back the mischievous son of the grim reaper and his macabre friends in an all-new adventure. Seamlessly blending platforming and weapons-based action, the game features a hilarious storyline full of robotic llamas, acid drenched waffles and C4 equipped hamsters and includes full cooperative wireless play, letting gamers take on the role of Pandora for the first time and unleash chaos on the game's demented enemies as a team.

Following the events of the first Death, Jr. game, Death, Jr. 2: Root of Evil lets players resume the undead adventure as DJ, Pandora and their friends find themselves in a heap of trouble once again. After accidentally unleashing a creature of nature, hell-bent on becoming the ultimate evil, DJ and Pandora have to scramble to stop this powerful force that puts their town, and even DJ's Dad, in peril.

Featuring a unique mix of platforming and pure action, players will be able to build new weapons, upgrade their moves and execute acrobatic maneuvers as they progress through the game's twisted environments. Both DJ and Pandora have different sets of melee attacks and ranged weapons, giving gamers extra incentive to play through the game with each character and experience the joy of taking down enemies with an entirely new class of lobbed weapons such as the Flaming T.P. Thrower, C4 Hamsters, Freeze Gun and Shiny Sparklies. Death, Jr. 2 also features an all-new camera system, giving players unprecedented control over their surroundings with a strafe mode that is great for ranged combat and free camera mode prime for exploration and melee combat.

Recognizing the indisputable fact that it's more fun to take down a robotic llama with a friend, Death, Jr. 2 lets two players enjoy the entire game as both DJ and Pandora in wireless cooperative action. Each player can choose their favorite character and maintain the progress they achieve with a friend as they progress through the game.

Since it first exploded on the handheld gaming scene as one of the most highly anticipated titles for the PSP system in 2005, the popular Death, Jr. franchise has developed into a multimedia brand. In just over a year, the one-of-a-kind property has added to its gaming roots a top-rated comic book series, a line of action figures and a complete line of apparel.

Developed by Backbone Entertainment, Death, Jr. 2: Root of Evil carries a suggested retail price of $39.99 and is rated "T" for teen by the ESRB. For more information about the Death, Jr. franchise, please visit www.konami.com.

Square Enix, Inc., the publisher of Square Enix interactive entertainment products in North America, announced today that FINAL FANTASY XII, the latest entry in the timeless franchise that has sold more than 68 million units worldwide, is available in retail outlets across the nation.

Developed exclusively for the PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system, FINAL FANTASY XII has already sold more than 2.4 million units in Japan since its release on March 16, 2006, and has won numerous Game of the Month awards from the industry's top publications in America, making it one of the highest-reviewed games of the year. In honor of this phenomenon, there was a celebration in Times Square on October 11, 2006 to commemorate the upcoming release of FINAL FANTASY XII.

"FINAL FANTASY XII is the most accessible RPG yet, allowing casual and hardcore gamers to truly customize the complexity of the game to their playing style," said Daishiro Okada, President and COO, Square Enix, Inc. "We're also very pleased to be able to provide several exclusives for the North American release including true 16:9 functionality, additional voiced CG sequences and a truly special Collector's Edition. The Collector's Edition comes with completely unique packaging, in-depth interviews with the development staff, special trailers, a history of the FINAL FANTASY series and several other features. We are extremely proud of both versions of FINAL FANTASY XII and hope gamers will enjoy our efforts."

With more than 2 million copies in the first shipment in Japan, the twelfth installment in the most celebrated RPG franchise looks to continue its runaway success on the other side of the Pacific. For the first time in its history, FINAL FANTASY delivers an entirely new breed of RPG that seamlessly integrates exploration and combat. Overflowing with gorgeous, sweeping landscapes and breathtaking adventure, FINAL FANTASY XII is a gaming experience that captivates gamers with its immersive environment, riveting pace and gripping storytelling, made possible only by the creators of the FINAL FANTASY franchise.

FINAL FANTASY XII brings innovative, never-before-seen additions to the franchise. The all-new "Gambit" system allows players to fully customize the A.I. of each party member and dictate the flow of their actions. With this powerful system, players can "program" party members to act effectively and intelligently in any situation. Additionally, the new "License Board" feature creates fully customizable characters that evolve and grow to the player's specifications. Players are now able to dictate their development, raising multi-dimensional characters derived from the gamer’s play style. These features, coupled with an intriguing storyline full of twists, turns and political intrigue, combine to form this year’s most exciting and refined RPG experience that will touch the hearts of gamers everywhere.

STORY

Two years after the fall of Dalmasca, the once proud kingdom struggles under the rule of its oppressors. Subjugated by the mighty Archadian Empire and bereft of its royal family, the kingdom clings tenuously to life. Dalmasca's future has been enslaved.

To Vaan, a young man living on the streets of Rabanastre, the Empire is a hated foe that took the life of his brother. When Vaan meets Princess Ashe, the sole surviving heir to the Dalmascan throne, the two embark on an incredible journey through Ivalice, tracing the mysteries behind the Archadian Empire's invasion. As they travel, they encounter others opposed to the Empire. Together, the choices they make will determine the very fate of the world.

FEATURES

- Newly implemented 16:9 feature enhances graphics on widescreen televisions

- Brand-new, fully voiced cutscenes added for the North American release

- Gorgeous CG cinematics and cutscenes in Dolby Pro Logic II combined with real-time graphics rivaling those of next-gen titles

- Shocking plot twists take players on an unforgettable journey of betrayal, political intrigue and a kingdom’s struggle for survival

- Active Dimension Battle (ADB) system enables players to move seamlessly between exploration and combat

- Highly customizable Gambit system allows complete control over character A.I. during battles

- License board gives the player the ability to customize each character's skills and abilities

FINAL FANTASY XII is available at North American retailers at a suggested retail price of $49.99 (USD). The Collector's Edition, offered exclusively at GameStop and EB Games stores as well as through the e-commerce sites GameStop.com and EBgames.com, is available at a suggested retail price of $59.99 (USD).

FINAL FANTASY XII has been rated T for Teen by the ESRB. For more information about the ESRB, please visit: www.esrb.org. For the latest updates on FINAL FANTASY XII, visit: www.finalfantasyxii.com.

Electronic Arts announced today that NBA STREET Homecourt will be the name of the newest iteration of the critically acclaimed and culturally defining streetball videogame franchise. The 4th chapter of the multi-platinum franchise expands on the fast-paced and larger-than-life 3-on-3 basketball gameplay that has made the franchise a hit. The game is in development in Vancouver, B.C. by EA Canada under the EA SPORTS BIG brand.

"NBA STREET Homecourt gives fans the opportunity to play where legends were made, and will be made," said Dan Ayoub, lead producer on the product. "Every legendary player got his start somewhere and most of those roots are set in homecourts across the United States. The vision for the game's concept, visuals and gameplay all give a nod to those hometown courts, and will provide fans with an incredibly addictive and rewarding experience."

With a brand new game engine only possible with the power of next-gen hardware, the franchise is once again raising the bar with cutting edge visuals and innovative gameplay putting the ball in your hands. With a new animation engine and control system, NBA STREET Homecourt allows users to create gravity-defying tricks-on-the-fly.

NBA STREET Homecourt merges legendary proving grounds with the homecourts of your favorite NBA stars, featuring 360 degrees of view. The NBA's best are rendered with the same level of meticulous detail, making true athlete likeness a reality and putting you up close and personal with every move and moment. Earn a name for yourself and garner respect as you progress along your hometown journey and become a legend.

NBA STREET Homecourt will be available for the PLAYSTATION 3 computer entertainment system and the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft. The game is not yet rated by the ESRB or PEGI.