It looks like Sony are gearing up for a good launch come March 23rd here in Europe. It's been confirmed that first party titles will be priced at £39.99 (€59.99) - which is quite competitive considering that most first party Xbox 360 titles are priced at £44.99. We can probably expect Microsoft to lower their first party title prices soon then! Sony have also confirmed that downloadable games from the PLAYSTATION Network will be priced between €2.99 and €9.99, possibly for an introductory period. With downloadable games like Tekken 5: Dark Resurrection, Sony are hoping that consumers won't overlook the downloadable titles come launch. Premium content such as downloadable maps for MotorStorm or new tracks for SingStar will start from as little as €0.99 - which is about 65p - so even people from Yorkshire will be able to afford items from the Sony store! The PLAYSTATION Network is free to play on, free to browse, with nice prices for all the content that requires paying for - factoring in first and third party titles, as well as downloadable games, Sony expects to have more than 30 games for launch.

But that's not the best part, apparently. Log on to the network on launch, and you'll be able to download a playable demo of Gran Turismo HD Concept in it's full 1080p glory. The demo is free, and appears to be quite large too - even though there is only one track to race around, completing the track under a certain time will give you access to a new car to race; and there are nine further cars in the demo to unlock and race. Although the demo will probably take a while to download, it is completely free, and comes as a nice welcome bonus for those rich enough to pick up a PS3 next month! I've got my lotto ticket. Have you got yours?

LOS ANGELES -- February 23, 2007 -- Nyko Technologies(R), a premier peripherals manufacturer, today announced that they will release the Classic Controller Grip and Click Grip for the Wii this Spring.

Nyko's Classic Controller Grip brings comfort and convenience to the Wii Classic Controller by adding specialized grips with a Wii Remote dock and cord-management system. Together, these features make it easy to use the classic controller and Wii Remote simultaneously. Using an easy snap-on assembly, the Classic Controller Grip attaches to the Wii Classic Controller, giving it a more form-fitting and ergonomic feel, while the underside of the product features a clear plastic docking fin where a Wii Remote can be attached for easy menu navigation. The Classic Controller Grip also features a useful cord management system, allowing the Wii Classic Controller cable to be organized in a safe and convenient way. Nyko's Classic Controller Grip will be available at retailers nationwide this April for a suggested retail price of $14.99.

Nyko's Click Grip is a substitute for the standard Nintendo Wii Remote battery cover, replacing it with a rubberized cover with textured grip. This new material gives gamers a secure hold on the Wii Remote, ensuring that the controller stays in their hands, keeping gaming sessions safe and more comfortable. For gamers looking for personalization options, the Click Grip also comes in three colors: blue, pink and gray. The Click Grip will come in packs of two and be available this March from retailers nationwide for a suggested retail price of $5.99.

The Click Grip and the Classic Controller Grip are compatible with one another, giving gamers the ultimate in comfort, convenience and safety, no matter if they are playing the newest Wii titles, or experiencing a classic all over again.Publish

Labels: Wii Nyko Wiimote Controller Grip

Here's what's been said:

"PS3 is first and foremost a system that excels in playing games specifically designed to exploit the power and potential of the PS3 system," said David Reeves, President of SCEE. "Games designed for PS3 offer incredible graphics quality, stunning gameplay and massively improved audio and video fidelity that is simply not achievable with PS and PS2 games."

"Rather than concentrate on PS2 backwards compatibility, in the future, company resources will be increasingly focused on developing new games and entertainment features exclusively for PS3, truly taking advantage of this exciting technology."

"Rather than concentrate on PS2 backwards compatibility, in the future, company resources will be increasingly focused on developing new games and entertainment features exclusively for PS3, truly taking advantage of this exciting technology."

So there you have it, here in the UK we have to fork out 50% more for a machine that won't have as much functionality. I checked a few forums and people are going crazy over this, there's been back orders cancelled left, right and centre. Sorry folks, somethimes gaming news is as ugly as the real thing...

Microsoft launches next wave of Platinum Hits so gamers can choose from more great games at new low prices.

TORONTO, ON - Feb. 22, 2007 - From gamers looking for fun with the family - such as volleying with tennis pros- to those who want hardcore action - such as leading an elite Ghost Recon squad equipped with cutting-edge weapons and communications systems - anyone in search of a great game experience can find a blockbuster title with Platinum Hits for the Xbox 360(tm) video game and entertainment system. On the heels of the expanded Platinum Hits launch in Europe earlier this month, Microsoft Corp. today announced that the next round of titles in the Xbox 360 Platinum Hits library will be available March 16 in North America, Latin America, Japan and the Asia Pacific region.

Next month's Platinum Hits releases include critically acclaimed games from the industry's leading publishers, including Activision Publishing Inc.'s "Call of Duty 2," Electronic Arts Inc.'s "EA SPORTS(tm) Fight Night Round 3," Ubisoft Entertainment's "Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon Advanced Warfighter" and 2K Sport's "Top Spin 2." This line-up of Platinum Hits represents some of the best high-definition titles available on Xbox 360 at an appealing price.

Next month's Platinum Hits release, at an estimated retail price of $39.99 (CDN), will include the following titles in the Americas:
* "Battlefield 2: Modern Combat(tm)" (Electronic Arts)
* "Burnout(tm) Revenge" (Electronic Arts)
* "Call of Duty 2" (Activision)
* "Dead or Alive 4" (TECMO Inc.)
* "Fight Night Round 3" (Electronic Arts)
* "Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon Advanced Warfighter" (Ubisoft)
* "Top Spin 2" (2K Sports)
* "Rockstar Games presents Table Tennis" (Rockstar Games)

In Japan the Platinum Hits titles listed below will be available in March for 2,800 yen:
* "Battlefield 2: Modern Combat (Electronic Arts)"
* "Burnout Revenge" (Electronic Arts)
* "Chrome Hounds" (Sega Corp.)
* "Perfect Dark Zero" (Microsoft Game Studios)

In the Asia Pacific region these new Platinum Hits titles will be available. New pricing for these games will vary slightly by region:
* "Dead or Alive 4" (TECMO)
* "N3: Ninety-Nine Nights" (Microsoft Game Studios)
* "Project Gotham Racing(r) 3" (Microsoft Game Studios)
* "Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon Advanced Warfighter" (Ubisoft)

Gamers throughout Europe are able to pick up the following new Platinum Hits titles, launched earlier this month, for an estimated retail price of 29.99 euros:
* "Call of Duty 2" (Activision)
* "Dead or Alive 4" (TECMO)
* "Project Gotham Racing 3" (Microsoft Game Studios)
* "Rockstar Games presents Table Tennis" (Rockstar Games)
* "Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon Advanced Warfighter" (Ubisoft)
* "Lara Kroft Tomb Raider: Legend" (Eidos Interactive Ltd.)

"Platinum Hits not only lets gamers enjoy a broad portfolio of titles at an amazing price," said Jeff Bell, corporate vice president of Global Marketing for the Interactive Entertainment Business at Microsoft. "It also ensures that existing and new gamers alike can get the most from their Xbox 360 by owning a great library of blockbuster hits. So if you missed playing a game the first time around, now there is a great reason to pick it up."

The Xbox 360 Platinum Hits program, which launched worldwide last fall, gives people access to great games at a great value. And now with more than 10.4 million Xbox 360 consoles in living rooms around the world, there will be plenty of new console owners eager to jump into the best-selling Xbox 360 games. In fact, the Xbox and Xbox 360 Platinum Hits program accounts for more than 16.3 million games sold worldwide. A full list of Platinum Hits titles available in North America, Europe and Japan is available online at http://www.xbox.com/en-CA/platinumhits.

Labels: XBox 360 Platinum Hits Addition

SCOTLAND'S premier recruitment fair for the games industry returns to Dundee next month with hundreds of people from around the country expected to attend.

Game in Scotland offers anyone interested in working in the exciting, growing sector an opportunity to meet with Scotland's top games development studios and hear about the variety of job opportunities they have on offer now.

Bosses and staff from various games companies across Scotland including console, mobile and interactive TV development studios will be at the event on March 29 at Fat Sams, Dundee.

Among those down to attend so far are Real Time Worlds, Cohort Studios and Dynamo Games all based in Dundee.

Joyce Matthew, manager of the digital media team at Scottish Enterprise Tayside, said: "We staged a recruitment fair in Dundee last year and it was so popular we're doing the same this year.

"There's a real buzz about the industry with Scottish companies, many of them here in Dundee, enjoying huge success. But they need fresh talent to help them grow even more, which is where we come in.

"This is the premier recruitment fair for the industry in Scotland and anyone who's interested in making a career in a sector which can also be a lot of fun should come along and bring lots of copies of their CV with them."

The afternoon will consist of a series of informal presentations, panel sessions and lots of opportunity to chat to different companies. It will then be followed by an informal networking event.

The event is free but there is limited capacity and registering in advance is essential. Visit www.interactivetayside.com/gameinscotland to register and for more information.

Video Webisode 5 for TrackMania United has arrived, and while it's the last in the series, it's far from the least!

Check out this new video for a full-on overview of the game's Multiplayer Mode, which lets players earn worldwide rankings by scoring LadderPoints for racing well online. In multiplayer mode, racers can choose to compete online against other players of the same country, group, skill level or clan, or mix it up for the ultimate multiplayer racing experience. With TrackMania United's unique gameplay style, hundreds of players can tear up the track at the same time!

Links:
See the webisode in streaming
Download the fifth webisode (Multiplayer Mode)
Visit the official website

Electronic Arts the world's leading interactive entertainment company, and Valve, the award-winning studio behind the blockbuster franchises Half-Life and Counter-Strike, today announced the naming and product configurations The Black Box and The Orange Box, two of the most anticipated action game offerings shipping worldwide this Winter 2007.

The Black Box will ship for the PC, and includes Half-Life 2: Episode Two, Portal and Team Fortress 2. The Orange Box will ship for the PC, Playstation 3 computer entertainment system, and Xbox 360 videogame and entertainment system, and includes all the content of The Black Box, plus the original Half-Life 2 and Half-Life 2: Episode One.

Innovative games included in The Black Box and The Orange Box include:

Half-Life 2: Episode Two -- the second installment in Valve's episodic trilogy advances the award-winning story, leading the player to new locations outside of City 17.

Portal -- a pioneering type of single player action game that rewrites the rules for how players approach and manipulate their environment much like how Half-Life 2's Gravity Gun reinvented the way gamers interact with objects in the game.

Team Fortress 2 -- an all-new version of the legendary title that spawned team based multiplayer action games. The game's daring new art style features the most advanced graphics of any Source-based game released to date.

In less than 18 months, we've shipped 10 new products to retail outlets with EA Partners," said Gabe Newell, co-founder of Valve. "The Black Box and The Orange Box represent a new approach to publishing multiple products, on multiple platforms and we know through our experience that no organization in the industry is better equipped to successfully launch new product types on multiple platforms than EA Partners."

"Valve is one of the world's premiere independent developers and EA Partners is thrilled to help them bring the groundbreaking action games in The Orange Box and The Black Box to market as their publishing partner," said David DeMartini, vice president and general manager of EA Partners.

The Black Box and The Orange Box are targeted for release this winter 2007. For more information, please visit http://www.steamgames.com/

Electronic Arts the world's leading interactive entertainment company and Pandemic Studios, one of the world's leading independent game developers, today announced that Mercenaries 2: World in Flames, will ship simultaneously on four platforms worldwide the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system, PlayStation 2 and Playstation 3 computer entertainment systems and PC in holiday 2007.

"Mercenaries 2: World in Flames delivers the next evolution in explosive open world gameplay regardless of the system you play it on," said Pandemic Studios CEO Andrew Goldman. "All four platforms are incredible gaming machines, and from the beginning we designed an experience that accentuates their individual strengths and delivers the interactive freedom and explosive action Mercenaries fans demand."

"EA Partners is proud to team up with Pandemic Studios to help execute a seamless, simultaneous global release for Mercenaries 2: World in Flames on four platforms," said EA Partners vice president and general manager, David DeMartini. "The team at Pandemic Studios is building an incredible game that will blow away gamers in all regions of the world."

For more information on Mercenaries 2: World in Flames visit http://www.mercs2.com/ or the EA press Web site at http://info.ea.com/

Here in the UK the anti-climax of the PS3 launch seems to have clouded our streets a month before it's even released. Technically that can't happen, anti-climaxes always come after something - but this is Sony we're talking about, so anything is possible!

Some online stores are reporting that the PS3 has taken more pre-orders than the Nintendo Wii or the Xbox 360 ever did, but these stores are a little shy when it comes to disclosing numbers, so exactly how many pre-orders they have taken still remains a mystery. Lots of big online stores are still guaranteeing units for launch - and this is the thing that is causing alarm bells to ring for a lot of people - if you tried to pre-order a Xbox 360 or a Nintendo Wii a month before launch in hope to get one for launch, your chances were pretty darn slim.

I think the PS3 is getting a fair few orders, but perhaps Sony has got plenty of stock to go around thanks to the four month delay and the hefty price tag. One thing is certain - those wanting to make a quick quid (Euro, Buck) on eBay might be disappointed, because if there are units still available in all good high street stores, eBay will be the last place punters look for their new games machine.

Is the PS3 going to be overstocked or just unwanted? Maybe it's a combination of both that will leave Microsoft and Nintendo laughing this time around.

Today Ubisoft, one of the world's largest video game publishers, announced the eminent release on Xbox Live Marketplace of the long awaited multiplayer demo for Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon Advanced Warfighter 2, the follow up to the massively popular squad-based action franchise, and next gen smash hit of 2006. Last year Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon Advanced Warfighter blew up the next generation servers on Xbox Live, and the release of the Multiplayer demo on February 26th marks the very first chance for gamers to get a taste of what awaits in the sequel.

After having experienced the explosive action of the single player demo, players will now have the opportunity to experience the challenge and fun of Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon Advanced Warfighter 2 multiplayer by playing both against and with friends. The demo will offer 1 map called "Outpost" in both adversarial and co-op modes of play, and will support up to 16 players.

Plus...Challenge the developers at Redstorm: Gamers who download the demo on February 26th will also have the incredible opportunity to be among a select group to challenge the developers to some multiplayer action. All one needs is to submit their Microsoft gamertag, have a ubi.com account and some luck. Sweepstakes will determine the winners who will be invited to play with Red Storm on the MP X360 demo on Feb 28th between 18h-21h GMT.

To sign up for this please visit http://ghostrecon.uk.ubi.com/graw2/match.php.

The registration will stay open until, Monday the 26th, 18:00 and winners will be informed after this. The gaming session will be in English.

For more information on how to participate please visit http://www.ghostrecon.com/.

Dare to be Digital, the UK's premier computer games design competition for students, has launched its eighth groundbreaking season with a call for entries from Scottish and Irish university students.

At the same time, Dare to be Digital 2007 also announced a completely new element in the competition: Dare ProtoPlay, a three-day showcase of all the teams’ work will be held on 12-14 August in Edinburgh alongside Edinburgh Interactive 2007.

The contest, hosted by Abertay University in Dundee, Scotland, is back for 2007 stronger than ever and now firmly established as the leading international event in its field. The organisers are planning for 60 to 80 or more talented young game developers from across the UK and Ireland to take part this year - almost twice as many as in 2006.

This year, for the first time, Dare to be Digital will be hosted in more than one location across the British Isles. Four teams from Scotland will be selected to spend the first nine weeks of the 10-week competition based at Abertay University designing and building a fully functioning prototype of their video game idea.

Contestants from last year's competition are now working for Codemasters, BBC Scotland, Rockstar North, Electronic Arts UK and Electronic Arts Shanghai.

Applications for Dare to be Digital 2007 should be made via http://www.daretobedigital.com/

Cowabunga!

Today Ubisoft, one of the world's largest video game developers and publishers, announces that a free eight-minute PC demo for the all new Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (TMNT) video game is now available for download, weighing in at 230Mb.

This exciting demo provides just a taste of the look and feel of the new TMNT video game. In the demo, players embody Leonardo and can also control Donatello and Michelangelo in a ninja-tag sequence. Players perform acrobatic moves and experience over-the-top ninja action across the rooftops of New York City. Players will also engage in a battle with diverse enemies and see how the family bond and brotherly co-op actions can enhance the game and help combat evil. A tutorial provides instructions and information on how to navigate and complete certain co-op moves in the game.

The all new TMNT video game will be available at retail March 22, 2007 just days prior to the release of the CGI feature-length film in theatres March 23, 2007.

The new TMNT video game uses the same dark and dangerous environments and adventurous themes featured in the new TMNT CGI film being developed by Imagi Animation Studios and Mirage Licensing. The TMNT movie takes place in a New York City plagued by secretive villains and strange, otherworldly creatures. Faced with these perils, the Turtles will experience their most trying time as heroes and as a family, as Raphael, Donatello and Michelangelo lose their focus and struggle to maintain their unity and ninja discipline. In the movie and in the highly immersive video game adventure, it's up to Leonardo and the faithful father figure Splinter to reunite the band of brothers and save New York City from a monstrous evil that lurks around every corner. Video game players will engage in over-the-top acrobatic navigation, collaborative combat and powerful fighting moves.

To download the demo, please visit here: http://www.ubi.com/UK/Downloads/Info.aspx?dlId=2129

Ken Rolston, the Lead Designer of smash hits Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind and Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion has joined Big Huge Games to create a to-be-announced role-playing game (RPG). Rolston is a 25-year industry veteran, whose extensive game credits also include pen-and-paper RPGs such as Paranoia and RuneQuest.

"Ken's addition marks a bold new direction for Big Huge Games," said BHG President Tim Train. "We remain committed to creating real-time strategy games such as past hits Rise of Nations and Rise of Legends. At the same time, we've explored developing a role-playing game for several years now. Ken is a fantastic fit for us on every level, and gives us the leadership we need to be confident of success in our new venture."

"A chance to work on a Big Huge Game with Big Huge Games? Who could resist?" said Rolston. "I had planned to retire and rest on my laurels after Oblivion, but Tim and his army of visionary charmers came along with a strikingly original and cunning concept for a console RPG so now I'm back in the harness and chomping at the bit!"

We're raising a generation of gamblers. Little kids, coming to buy poker games for their little consoles. Not little anymore though, because World Championship Poker 2 is winging it's way to the Xbox 360 - with graphics ever so vibrant and gameplay larger than life, there's nothing little about this poker title unless you're talking about the price.

World Championship Poker 2 features more varieties of poker, multi-table on-line tournaments and smarter AI - that actually thinks ahead. In addition to this, the game includes extra poker personalities, more game environments and Xbox Live compatibility with webcam support so you can mock your opponents with gross gestures from across the globe!

Jim Scott, the CEO of Oxygen sums it up nicely: "World Championship Poker 2: All In for Xbox 360 is a superb addition to the growing World Championship Poker 2 brand, and we are extremely pleased to be able to add this format to our now Next Gen-inclusive multi-format release".

You can expect World Championship Poker on the 16th of March, on not just the Xbox 360 - but the PC, the PS2, and PSP too! Champion!

Capcom announced earlier this week that they are holding a contest (sadly open to U.S. residents only) to help "convince them" to localize the next installment in the Phoenix Wright series. To enter the contest, Capcom is asking for fans to fill out a digital Phoenix Wright comic strip asking for the game's localization. The top 3, chosen by Capcom, will receive a Phoenix Wright swag pack, including "two Phoenix Wright collectible figurines and one Phoenix Wright collectible lapel pin."

As for a reason for this odd way of reaching out to fans, an administrator for the official Capcom forums, Lost, says: "We've read your arguments on the forums but years of videogames have crippled our attention spans. As a result, we prefer to get our news in comic book form, and here's your chance! Presenting the "Ace Attorney: Plead Your Case contest"."

Starting this past Wednesday, February 14th, the contest runs until Monday, February 28th. For more details on how to enter and/or just to lay eyes on the courtroom memorabilia, give this link a click.

If only all lives problems were solved via Watchdog. I'd be reporting that girl who rejected me this evening for starters - maybe they'd broadcast it, and the complaint might get me some bedroom time as compensation. After all, that's what Watchdog do - give the whiners what they want! Watchdog were onto Microsoft's back the other night. In the US, gamers are covered under Microsoft's complimentary guarantee if their unit was made before January 2006 - regardless of when it breaks. In the UK some poor souls have been asked to pay a £80 fee for a fix, which isn't always the case in Microsoft's defence; our editor Geoff Holland got a repair for free, and the turn around was quickerdy quick! Microsoft told the BBC that each case is looked at individually, and that one of the whiners on the program has since been given a new Xbox 360 with a free game to boot. Very nice of them in my opinion. I still stand by Microsoft, those unlucky enough to be charged should have argued more on the phone - but alls well that ends well, eh? Next month in the UK - Whine to Watchdog: Sony Edition. It's inevitable, right?

Just a quickie - for those who haven't yet checked out Christopher Martin's mass AceGamez collaboration that gets most of our writers talking about what started off their gaming hobby - slash - addiction, I suggest you click here and give it a read. Maybe you'll share a similar experience with one of the staff writers, or maybe you'll have a completely different view of your own - and if you do, details on how to get your view across can be found at the bottom of the page on that very feature. What are you waiting for?

It's official, women who play video games have sex more often! Gametart, the UK's largest online games rental company, carried out the survey throughout January to see how the recent influx of the likes of Pink PSPs and DS Lites would affect gamers' sex lives across the country.

The results were surprising.

Of our sample of 200 women, those who played video games on average had sex 4.3 times a week while those who didn't play games only had sex just 3.2 times a week.

Perhaps even more promising for gamers is the fact that many of the women that we interviewed who have only recently started playing games said that they now have sex more often than before.

Gamers have never had it so good!

And a tip for Valentines Day: a nice meal and a bottle of wine only last for one night but for only £11.96 you can have games for a month!

Head to http://www.gametart.com/ to make this Valentines Day the best ever!

EA, MySpace, Virgin Records and Epiphone support emerging music talent in international search for a future star; one U.S. and one European winner get a demo recording contract and track featured on future Burnout videogame.

Electronic Arts and MySpace, the world's leading lifestyle portal, have today announced an international search for the hottest new bands in the United States and Europe, in collaboration with Virgin Records and Epiphone. EA's Burnout Bandslam started accepting entries on MySpace (http://www.myspace.com/burnoutbandslam) from early February 2007.

Burnout Bandslam offers unsigned bands from across the United States and Europe the chance to showcase their best track in front of a potential global audience of over 80 million MySpace users, all of whom will be able to vote for their favorite track online. The winning bands one each from the United States and Europe will each receive a Virgin Records demo recording contract and a chance to have their song included in a future Burnout videogame.

For more information about the Burnout Bandslam Contest check out http://www.myspace.com/burnoutbandslam

PNY are excited to announce the launch of the new GeForce 8800 GTS 320MB, the third card in the Verto range that is compatible with DirectX10.0, providing consumers with amazing performance at an attractive price.

"Designed for Windows Vista and DirectX10.0 this new GeForce 8800 GTS is the perfect solution for people who want to experience the maximum benefits of Windows Vista and the latest games" said Jonathan Filleau, PNY Technologies Category Manager for consumer graphics cards. "The combination of DirectX10.0 to the lumenex Engine and the NVIDIA Quantum effects will enable gamers to enjoy realistic effects and accuracy of characters like never before."

Suggested RRP £174.90

Included in the Box:
- Driver CD
- DVI to VGA adapter
- HDTV Break Out Box adapter
- Splinter Cell 4

Warranty:
PNY Technologies offers a 3 years replacement warranty. For more information, technical product support, FAQs and the latest up-to-date drivers, please visit PNY's Web site at
http://www.pny.eu.

Well, Oxygen Games are at it again, breathing new life into both the PS2 and the PC in the way of children's games - because come March time, young adventurers will be able to embark on three different quests.

Robin Hood's quest sees you and your merry men go defy the Sheriff of Nottingham and his evil henchmen in what boasts to be a land filled with forests, castles, and beautiful maids that need to be rescued! The second quest, The Snow Queen Quest, which probably gets most of it's inspiration for Narnia, is all about the Snow Queen and her evil ways - she's cast a snowy spell on the town. Oh, those poor villagers, they want their sun back, they don't want to sledge, build snowmen, or have snowball fights - some townsfolk don't know when they're well off! Finally, the third quest, The Quest of Aladdin, seeks it's inspiration from Aladdin would you believe - you'll play as Aladdin with his trusty sidekick Genie in a quest to save Jasmine from that evil chocolate orange cake like enemy - Jafar. (Not really, but his truly evil name does make me hungry.)

Jim Scott, the quest master of Oxygen Games told us that; "As a response to the rapidly changing market and most importantly the growth in younger PlayStation 2 consumers, we are delighted to be able to release a selection of titles which are both relevant and draw upon the imaginations of the younger gamer" - spoken like a true medieval hero.

You'll be able to pick up all three quests sometime in late February early march time. Look out for those mini adventures real soon!

Sony accounced this week that, in addition to the extensive line-up of launch games, the first 500,000 purchasers of Playstation 3 who register on the Playstation Network will receive a Blu-ray disc movie of Casino Royale. A blatant effort to highlight the extra entertainment credentials of the PS3, Casino Royale should show off the High def capabilities of Blu Ray and the in-built reader in the PS3.

Darren Carter, VP Brand and Consumer Marketing said, "The Playstation Network unlocks the broad range of interactive entertainment features of Playstation 3. It's easy to set up, offers free online gaming, has great tools for staying in touch with friends and family, and includes a wide variety of content for download through the Playstation Store." "All this, and more, will enable users to experience a whole new world of interactive entertainment, and that is why we are offering the phenomenal incentive of Casino Royale, on Blu-ray disc, to PS3 owners who register on the PLAYSTATION Network. Casino Royale not only makes the most of the features and capabilities of the Blu-ray format, but is one of the most exciting and entertaining movies to debut on Blu-ray this year."

Well, brilliant if your planning on buying a PS3 anyway, but is it really enough to tip the balance of deciding to buy one or not? We think probably not but this is surely evidence of the Sony Marketing Mammoth starting to move in the UK for the build up to launch of the PS3. This kind of offer will undoubtably grab a lot of media attention, in which we will be cleverly, if not inadvertently, told that the PS3 can play high def, blu-ray movies. A great marketing move by Sony, now everyone will want to write about this offer and in so doing tell everyone about Sony's High Def DVD capabilities. I mean honestly, what kind of games journalist would do that...

Oh Dave Mirra, you truly are the Tony Hawks of the BMX world. So why do you not have as many games as our friend Tony? I mean, Tony really is cashing in, and come on Dave, are you going to let Mr. Hawks educate the public on skateboarding, while leaving the BMX genre in the dust? No?! That's right Dave, jump on your bike and show the public that you can have just as much - if not more fun on your bike than you can on a plank of wood wielding wheels!

Oxygen Games are the new guys who are bringing a new Dave Mirra title to the UK - coming out April 2007 exclusively for the PSP. "We are delighted to be releasing Dave Mirra for PSP. This is a great franchise and the first action BMX title to the PSP format" said the Jim Scott, the CEO of Oxygen Games. Jim is obviously as excited as we are to get out hands on this little BMX trick title - and because nothing like this is already on the PSP, I have a feeling it will do well amongst those extreme sport fanatics!

The press release declares that sophisticated bike and rider physics give the game realistic responses, letting players feel every hill, snap every trick, and squeeze every bit of speed out of each rider. Lose form, and feel those same physics drive you mercilessly into the ground.

All you Mirra fans will be able to pick up this pocket sized BMX title soon, but in the mean time, keep checking AceGamez for a possible review of this game in the near future!

Today Konami unveiled their 2007 U.S. lineup, including the next installment of the Castlevania series, more Dance Dance Revolution and a next-gen game based on the Hellboy comic books/movie, via a press release.

"This year's Gamers Day event was held at the hot new venue "Mighty", rated the Best New Club in America by Urb Magazine. In the swanky environs, journalists saw a video presentation punctuated by special appearances from Konami luminaries including Koji Igarashi, Shingo Mukaitoge, Jason Enos, and Kurt Busch. Each of these presenters introduced a new game to the gathered journalists. Koji Igarashi, "IGA", was there to present the latest foray against Dracula's menace in the new Castlevania for the PSP (PlayStation Portable) system. Shingo Mukaitoge unveiled his latest project for the Wii, Dewy's Adventure. Jason Enos announced the first DDR game for the Wii, DDR Hottest Party. Issac Bender from Backbone Entertainment appeared to present the near-complete version of our collective effort to bring the date-sim genre to the US, Brooktown High. Finally, Kurt Busch, VP of Product Development presented Konami's latest game based on the hot comic book and film properly Hellboy. With the presentations over, the journalists were set loose to play all the games they could before night fell and it was time to go home.

In all, Konami had fifteen titles for release in 2007 playable on the floor: Castlevania: The Dracula X Chronicles for the PSP system, Konami Classics Series: Arcade Hits for the Nintendo DS, Dance Dance Revolution Universe for the Xbox 360, Coded Arms Contagion for the PSP system, Brooktown High for the PSP system, Time Ace for the Nintendo DS, Lost in Blue 2 for the Nintendo DS, Death Jr. and the Science Fair of Doom for Nintendo DS, Lunar Knights for the Nintendo DS, Hellboy for the Xbox 360, Winning Eleven: Pro Evolution Soccer 2007 for the Xbox 360, Wing Island for the Wii, Kororinpa: Marble Mania for the Wii, Honeycomb Beat for the Nintendo DS, and GoPets: Vacation Island for the Nintendo DS. Games announced but not playable on the floor were Dance Dance Revolution Hottest Party and Dewy's Adventure, both for the Nintendo Wii.

Konami has spent nearly 30 years as one of the industry's premiere third-party developers, and 2007 is shaping up to be one of its biggest years ever. Keep your eyes peeled for more news from Konami and the gaming press about its major upcoming titles this year. They'll all be ready to hit stores near you sooner than you think!"

You must check out the "new" Castlevania - any long time fan will be drooling in their laps instantly.