GAME BROADCASTING LIVE'S ESPORTSTV.COM TAGGED TO WEBCAST THE BUY.COM LAN 2007, PRESENTED BY INTEL

Web-Based Gaming Media Group to Deliver On-Demand and Live Streaming Media for Buy.Com 10th Anniversary Event

NEW YORK, NY, MARCH 30th, 2007 - Thanks to a partnership between eSportsTV (www.esportstv.com) and event organizers, E-SPORTS SERVICES, videogame fans everywhere can tune it to see their favorite gamers battle at the Buy.com LAN 2007, presented by Intel.

The 3-day event, which takes place in Anaheim, CA from March 30th to April 1st, will also be the first officially sanctioned qualifier for the highly anticipated 2007 Championship Gaming Series. The Buy.com LAN 2007 features a host of console and PC tournaments. Among them are Counterstrike 1.6, Quake 4, Dead or Alive 4, Gears of War, Rainbow Six: Vegas, FIFA '07and Counterstrike: Source.

As it has done for countless competitions, eSportsTV.com will provide video and commentary as well as a live internet radio for the tournament, beginning at 2PM EST (11AM PST) on Saturday, March 31st at http://buylan2007.esportstv.com Marquee matches and their respective tournament finals will be available on-demand and will be match-casted LIVE by eSportsTV`s Bruce Bisland and Eric Stevens.

"We partnered with eSportsTV because of their strong track record and their ability to deliver a premium spectator component to events" said Han Park, President of E-SPORTS SERVICES, a leading organization in the video-game event production sector.

"eSportsTV is very excited to be working with Buy.com on this event" said Jordan Edelson, President, Founder and Network Director of eSportsTV. "Quality is paramount at eSportsTV and through our coverage of the event we'll deliver a unique spectator experience." he added. The eSportsTV landing page will provide users with unlimited access to match tournaments and other highlights from the event. Onsite streaming video updates will also be provided every hour to keep users up to date."

Labels: TV

Beta Testers Wanted to Compete Against Each Other for Cash in Leading Online Games

San Francisco, CA - March 29, 2007 - Tournament.com today announced that it will soon offer gamers the ability to play top online games for money in a safe and secure environment. The company is currently looking for beta testers to help test its forthcoming service and is giving players $1 for every match they complete during the beta phase, which can then be used when the service goes live. Launching later this spring, Tournament.com has already signed up more than 5,000 gamers who are ready to compete online.

"We are building a unique online platform for gamers to compete in their favorite multiplayer games, while bringing competitive gaming to the mainstream," said Marcus Pearcey, cofounder of Tournament.com. "Much like golfers or chess players can compete against each other in tournaments, Tournament.com users can prove their skills and make some cash in secure, fair, competitive matches that reward winners with more than just bragging rights."

Skill-based gaming is a natural evolution for games given the competitive environment they present, and the ability to monetize a player's abilities in the matches they win. "Professional athletes can enter competitions to earn financial rewards," said Richard Skelhorn, cofounder of Tournament.com. "We believe that gamers deserve the same opportunities to showcase their talents."

Tournament.com is committed to providing a secure and safe playing environment. All users must go through a verification process to prove that they are over the age of 18, and to ensure responsible gaming, users may not deposit more than $150 per month into their account. The site's Smartrank ranking system allows players to view other users' skill levels, and there is a handicap system in place to allow players of all levels to play against one another. Tournament.com makes its money from charging a small service charge for hosting each game.

Participating beta testers can download and install the service client from the Tournament.com website, which gives access to the online gaming service. Testers earn $1 in credit for each completed match; all credit will be deposited in the gamer's account upon the site's official launch.

To sign up for the beta or for more information about the service, please visit www.tournament.com.

“Halo 2” Fans Prepare for Battle as Exclusive New Maps Expand the Most Popular Title on Xbox LIVE

Two of the most popular multiplayer maps from the original “Halo: Combat Evolved” will arrive as premium downloadable content for “Halo 2” in April.

REDMOND, Wash. — March 30, 2007 — Microsoft Game Studios and Bungie Studios today confirmed the upcoming release of two new, eagerly awaited downloadable maps for “Halo® 2.” The maps will be available as premium downloadable content for Xbox® and Xbox 360™ on April 17.

Fans of the original “Halo” have long requested the addition of some of their favorite maps to the critically acclaimed multiplayer experience of “Halo 2.” These re-creations, developed by Bungie and Certain Affinity Inc., are a perfect way to thank fans for their support as they surpass 800 million hours of “Halo 2” gaming on Xbox LIVE®.

The two maps will bring new life to ancient battlefields and legendary skirmishes, as both are new, improved and redesigned remakes of fan favorites from the original “Halo: Combat Evolved.” For the price of $4 for the pair, these maps bring a fresh burst of action to the seminal “Halo 2” online multiplayer experience. Both of the maps will be available through the “Halo 2” in-game content downloader for both Xbox and Xbox 360.*

The king of “Halo” maps has returned at last. Hang ’Em High, arguably the most popular multiplayer map for the original title, has been reimagined for “Halo 2” as Tombstone, with all-new graphics, features and a few hidden surprises. Now fans will enjoy the dangerous catwalks and trenches that made this the most requested “Halo” multiplayer map ever, with a modernized “Halo 2” flavor.

The second map, Desolation, is a symmetrical, Deathmatch-oriented map and a beautiful remake of the original Derelict. With new graphics and effects and a massive gameplay overhaul, the old favorite is now faster-paced and more balanced than ever — perfect for intense “Halo 2” combat.

“Halo 2” is the sequel to the highly successful and critically acclaimed “Halo: Combat Evolved” and represents the second chapter in the epic “Halo” trilogy. Since its launch in fall 2004, “Halo 2” has maintained its place as the most popular Xbox LIVE title ever. To date, gamers have logged more than 800 million hours of “Halo” multiplayer action on Xbox LIVE, and they are eagerly awaiting “Halo 3,” slated for release this fall. The “Halo” franchise is among the biggest worldwide entertainment properties in history and continues to change the way people think about interactive entertainment.

Labels: Microsoft Xbox 360 Halo 2 Maps

Unique works top prizes for TheArtofWii.ca nationwide sweepstakes

VANCOUVER, B.C. (March 30, 2007) – High-art meets high-tech as Nintendo of Canada launches TheArtofWii.ca, a nationwide sweepstakes that offers Canadians a chance to own one of six hand-painted Wii™ video game consoles.

Famed illustrator Gary Taxali, Hoi-An Tang, punk group illScarlett and Arnold Tsang of Udon Entertainment, were commissioned by Nintendo in association with Magic Pony, and created four of the unique consoles. The two remaining contributing artists will be revealed on TheArtofWii.ca at a later date.

From now until April 30, Canadians can visit TheArtofWii.ca to register for a chance to win one of the fully-functional, one-of-a-kind Wii video game consoles. Since its launch last November, the wildly popular Wii has been the top-selling system in Canada.

For more information, including the full list of sweepstakes rules and regulations, visit TheArtofWii.ca.

Labels: Nintendo Wii Art

NCsoft® and Planetwide Media announced today the launch of City of Heroes® and City of Villains® Comic Book Creator Contest. The contest based upon user-generated content will officially run from March 27, 2007 through 11:59 CDT April 27, 2007.

Participants will be able to enter by submitting a four to eight-page comic book entry, utilizing featured super-powered hero and villain characters from their online game play, along with a collection of City of Heroes and City of Villains images, icons, symbols and artwork, created by the Planetwide Media’s Comic Book Creator™ software.

A panel of celebrity judges will judge the contest submissions, and will include: legendary comic book writer - Marv Wolfman, esteemed comic book artist - David Nakayama and City of Heroes Lead Game Designer - Matt "Positron" Miller.

Labels: PC NCsoft Planetwide Media Comic

Codemasters Releases DiRT Trailer Online With First Gameplay Video to Follow on Xbox Live Marketplace.

Burbank, CA – Wednesday, March 28, 2007 – Strap yourself in for an incredible ride as Codemasters premieres the first trailer for DIRT™, now available to view and download at www.codemasters.com/dirt. Opening with death-defying cliff-edge cornering on Pikes Peak – one of the breathtaking all-new Hill Climb events in DiRT, the video trails the bump and grind of buggy racing, and also reveals Colin McRae’s very own prototype performance car, the R4, in a dramatic crash sequence.

Created using in-game vehicle and environmental models, this is just a first taste of the exhilaration DiRT promises to deliver when it launches in June for the Xbox 360™ video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and the PC. The PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system edition will follow shortly thereafter.

As much as the DiRT video teases some of the varied terrain that you’ll be racing through, the full game offers a massive assortment of courses, tracks, surfaces and visual styles. Terrain ranges from the narrow mountain roads of Spain and the twisting forest roads of UK, to the technical vineyard stages of Germany and the fast flowing turns of the hill climb racing in the U.S. DiRT also features full-blown off-road events in Italy, France, Germany, Japan and Australia.

Looking beyond the DiRT trailer, the first ‘in-game’ footage will premiere tomorrow, Thursday, March 29, 2007, as an exclusive download only available from Xbox Live® Marketplace.

Slap on your helmet and snap in that five-point harness because DiRT is coming! For the trailer and all the latest game information, be sure to sign up for mud splattering, gravel churning, handbrake yanking, off-road racing action online at: www.codemasters.com/dirt.

Labels: PC Dirt Trailer

'Entertainment for All Expo' (E for All) Announces Flagship Exhibitor:
Nintendo of America Anchors New Consumer Show in LA

FRAMINGHAM, Mass., March 29 /PRNewswire/ -- IDG World Expo today announced that Nintendo of America has signed on as an anchor exhibitor for IDG World Expo's newest event: Entertainment for All(TM) Expo (E for All(TM)), scheduled for October 18-21, 2007, at the Los Angeles Convention Center. Nintendo leads an A-list of game companies signing on for a show that is rapidly shaping up to be the premiere event in interactive entertainment.

Entertainment for All Expo (E for All) is a new event created for people who are passionate about video games and everything related. The Expo was launched in response to strong demand within the consumer audience for an opportunity to see and try new products before they reach store shelves. Event organizers anticipate its mid-October dates will launch an early and successful holiday shopping season for the industry.

"The E for All Expo supports Nintendo's mission to reach as many types of consumers as possible to expand the world of video games to new audiences," says George Harrison, Nintendo of America's senior vice president of marketing and corporate communications. "Our Wii and Nintendo DS systems are all about gaming for the masses, and the E for All Expo will give consumers a chance to try out the hottest new Nintendo video games."

"Nintendo's early involvement in E for All demonstrates the importance of a broad consumer-focused event for this industry," says Mary Dolaher, executive vice president of IDG World Expo. "E for All has been shaped from the ground up with all gamers in mind, and Nintendo has proven its commitment to embracing the spectrum of gamers, as we've seen with their launch of the Wii. In addition to being our flagship exhibitor, Nintendo of America Executive Vice President of Operations Don James has agreed to serve on our Exhibitor Advisory Board. I couldn't ask for a more universally respected colleague in this new venture."

E for All Expo will offer consumers the opportunity to test-drive the latest in games and gadgetry, as well as purchase products they enjoyed over the course of the 4-day event at on-site retail facilities. Additional attractions are in the works, including high-profile videogame tournaments; job fair/networking opportunities; and the acclaimed Video Games Live concert. In addition to the Expo at the Los Angeles Convention Center, the event will take advantage of soon-to-be-expanded LA Live/NOKIA Theatre area directly adjacent.

E for All Expo has been endorsed by the Entertainment Software Association (ESA), the U.S. association exclusively dedicated to serving the business and public affairs needs of companies that publish video and computer games for video game consoles, personal computers, and the Internet. ESA members collectively account for more than 90 percent of the $7 billion in entertainment software sold in the U.S. in 2005, and billions more in export sales of U.S.-made entertainment software.

Labels: Nintendo Wii DS Expo

Now guests can bowl, box and more on every ship

MIAMI - March 29, 2007 - Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) today announced it is the first cruise line to offer guests a chance to experience Nintendo's red-hot Wii(TM) video game system on board its ships. Since its launch in November 2006, the Wii system from Nintendo has become one of the most popular game systems. With an easy-to-use motion-sensitive controller, Wii draws new players into the world of video games in a very 'real' way.

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20070329/LATH054 )

Wii systems are currently on NCL's newest ship -- Norwegian Pearl -- and all NCL America ships. Wii will be rolled out on the rest of the NCL fleet by next month. The systems are equipped with Wii Sports(TM), offering five distinct sports experiences: tennis, golf, baseball, boxing and bowling. Other games available on the ships include Wii Play(TM), WarioWare(TM): Smooth Moves and Excite Truck(TM).

"With its active, engaging and inviting game experiences appealing to every age from kids to parents to grandparents, the Wii from Nintendo is a natural fit for Freestyle Cruising," said Colin Veitch, NCL's president and CEO. "With the addition of Wii to our on-board activities, we can now offer bowling, boxing, golf, tennis and baseball across the entire fleet. Cheering, yelling and high-fives will be highly encouraged."

"Millions of people around the world continue to discover the fun of playing Wii with their friends and families," says George Harrison, Nintendo of America's senior vice president of marketing and corporate communications. "Norwegian Cruise Line is a great partner, as they offer us direct access to non-traditional gamers. Our partnership reinforces how Wii's social phenomenon continues to grow, from the centerpiece of gaming parties, to a workout supplement, to a fun facet of vacation cruises."

On each ship, Wii systems/setups will be located in the atrium and other public rooms allowing guests to gather and play against each other while viewing the game on large video screens. Each ship's Kid's Crew facility will also feature two Wii kiosks providing kids-only fun. The ships will also host tournaments and other activities around the games.

"This partnership with Nintendo is an industry first and another innovation for NCL," Veitch said. "This continues our mission to dismantle the traditional cruise experience and deliver the most exciting and most customizable experience at sea."

Labels: Nintendo Wii DS NORWEGIAN CRUISE LINE

Wall, NJ - Mar 27, 2007 SNK PLAYMORE USA CORPORATION, the U.S. publishing arm of the SNK PLAYMORE CORPORATION, announced today that METAL SLUG ANTHOLOGY for PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system is shipping to retailers across North America.

METAL SLUG ANTHOLOGY celebrates the 10th anniversary of one of the greatest action arcade franchises of all time. Included in the collection are METAL SLUG, METAL SLUG 2, METAL SLUG X, METAL SLUG 3, METAL SLUG 4, METAL SLUG 5, and the latest entry in the series, METAL SLUG 6.

“METAL SLUG ANTHOLOGY is the ultimate arcade collection for SNK fans” said Ben Herman, president of SNK Playmore USA. “This collection has been a huge seller for the Wii(tm) and PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) system, and now PlayStation 2 system owners will have their chance to add it to their game library.”

The METAL SLUG ANTHOLOGY has been receiving plenty of praise from the press. According to leading gaming website, GameSpot, “The Metal Slug series has been responsible for the best 2D shooter action anywhere in the past 10 years, and arguably ever..." GamesRadar comments that, “It’s some of the best 2D you’re ever likely to see...”

About SNK PLAYMORE USA CORPORATION

Headquartered in Osaka, Japan, SNK PLAYMORE CORPORATION (SNK) develops, publishes and distributes interactive entertainment software in Japan, North America, Europe and Asia. Founded in 1978, SNK is one of the largest privately held interactive entertainment content providers in the world. Known for such franchises as THE KING OF FIGHTERS, METAL SLUG, and SAMURAI SHODOWN SNK continues to be an industry leader by focusing on their rich arcade history. More information on SNK PLAYMORE CORPORATION can be found at www.snkplaymore.co.jp SNK PLAYMORE USA is a wholly owned subsidiary of SNK PLAYMORE CORPORATION with offices in Wall, NJ. It handles operations in North America including publishing, marketing, development and localization. More information on SNK PLAYMORE USA can be found at www.snkplaymoreusa.com.

Newport Beach, CA - Mar 27, 2007 Crave Entertainment, a leading publisher of console videogames, today announced Pinball Hall of Fame – The Williams Collection, the follow-up to the popular Pinball Hall of Fame – The Gottlieb Collection, for PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system, PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) system and Wii(tm).

Pinball Hall of Fame – The Williams Collection faithfully recreates eight of the most memorable tables from the golden age of pinball in stunning, photorealistic 3D. Working closely with Williams to ensure authenticity of each of the games, the collection is highlighted by some of the most popular and innovative Williams pinball tables, including Gorgar(tm), the first-ever talking pinball machine, Black Knight®, which introduced “Magna-Save(tm)” and Bonus Ball, and Space Shuttle(tm), which took the pinball industry by storm in 1984. Every table has been meticulously recreated to bring players the visuals, sound effects and gameplay that made these games legendary successes. Pinball Hall of Fame – The Williams Collection harkens back to the arcades of the 1980s.

Players begin Pinball Hall of Fame – The Williams Collection with access to four pinball tables, and the remaining four tables are unlocked as the game progresses. Players can spend as little as two minutes on a quick pinball challenge, or delve deeper into the game, gaining rewards in a token-based system as they unlock each of the pinball tables. Single-player Arcade and Challenge modes provide hours of solo entertainment, and a Multiplayer mode lets players face each other head-on.

Pinball Hall of Fame – The Williams Collection will be available for PSP® system, PlayStation(r)2 system and Wii(tm) this year. Crave Entertainment is a publisher on this product for FarSight Studios, a licensee of Williams Electronic Games, Inc.

About Crave Entertainment

Based in Newport Beach, California, Crave Entertainment is a subsidiary of Handleman Company. Crave, a publisher of videogame entertainment products creates games for the major console platforms including PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) system, Nintendo DS(tm), Game Boy® Advance, Nintendo GameCube(tm), Wii(tm), the PlayStation® game console, PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system, the Xbox® video game system from Microsoft and the Xbox 360(tm) video game and entertainment system from Microsoft. For more information about Crave Entertainment, please visit www.cravegames.com.

New York, NY (March 27, 2007) –Kuma Games, industry leader in the new market for episodic video games, today announced the release of “Tunnel Rats,” a new game episode based on the winning submission of the Kuma Episode Design Contest by U.S. Army Veteran, Combat Medic Mike Fitzgerald. The contest was an open invitation to budding developers and avid gamers to blueprint the next Kuma title. “Tunnel Rats,” a squad-based mission through darkened tunnels and into enemy compounds, is now available for free download at www.KumaGames.com.

Fitzgerald’s submission is based on the experiences of his uncle during the Vietnam War, and honors the “Tunnel Rats,” the real American soldiers who infiltrated the Viet Cong's network of underground tunnels in Vietnam.

“It’s really exciting for me to be able to honor my uncle and his fellow soldiers; they are American heroes and their story deserves to be told,” said Fitzgerald. “I’m thrilled to have been selected because it is an opportunity to recognize their fight for our freedom, as well as a chance for me to pursue my own passion for gaming.”

“We had many excellent submissions for the Kuma Games Episode Design Contest, but ‘Tunnel Rats’ stood out from the rest,” said Keith Halper, CEO of Kuma Games. “Our audience has come to expect games each week that stand on their own as action entertainment, but also deliver the emotional power of great television. Mike delivered both.”

"Tunnel Rats" is episode 84 of the Kuma\War franchise and is offered as one of Kuma's growing list of free episodic game titles. “Tunnel Rats” presents a succession of fast-action firefights and down and dirty encounters set under the battlefield of Vietnam. The Viet Cong have their advantages of stealth, intimate tunnel knowledge and reinforcement while the U.S. has superior weaponry, military strategy and comprehensive intelligence on the ground. Available as both single and multiplayer maps, gamers will have the ability to play on both sides - as U.S. soldiers, infiltrating the notorious Viet Cong tunnel systems and destroying Viet Cong Head Quarters; and as Viet Cong, exiting the safety of the tunnels to breach the U.S. lines, cutting communications and destroying the U.S. base camp.

As a broadband leader in episodic games, Kuma is committed to providing gamers with new content for download every Friday at www.KumaGames.com.

Download “Tunnel Rats” – designed by Combat Medic Mike Fitzgerald, United States Army from 1982-1989 - for free today only at www.KumaGames.com.

About Kuma
KUMA, LLC. (www.KumaGames.com) is the industry leader in the new market for Episodic Video Games - intense, up-to-the-minute 3D game experiences delivered to PCs in weekly episodes. Kuma's network of free, ad-supported game series makes high-end game play accessible to mass market consumers. Each week, players' PCs are updated with the latest "game-isode" from their favorite series inspired by just-released TV shows and films, real world news events and pop culture happenings. With over 100 game-isodes currently available in three titles, Kuma has an excess of two million users, with an additional 200,000 new players signing on each month. Kuma’s synergy with traditional TV programming -- such as The History Channel® series "Shootout!" -- makes television more dynamic and more relevant to a media and tech-savvy generation while presenting distinct marketing advantages for TV partners, advertisers, content owners and distributors. With an unprecedented level of user interactivity, Kuma represents a direct analog for television within video games. Kuma Reality Games, headquartered in New York, NY, is a privately held company.

Konami announces via their monthly newsletter that they would be offering the PC version of their Marvel Trading Card Game for free!

The email reads as: "Konami's Marvel Trading Card Game is getting ready to launch for the Nintendo DS?, PSP® system, and PC platforms! Now fans can join the superhero card battling action online for FREE thanks to a chance to download the game from www.marveltcgonline.com. Learn the rules in the basic singleplayer game, then go online to the official site to participate in officially sanctioned tournaments, buy "booster packs" to enhance your deck, and even trade cards with other members of the online community. Improve your skills and battle your way up to the top of the player rankings!

The free Marvel Trading Card Game is only on the PC at this time, compatible with the Windows operating system. Minimum system requirements are Intel Pentium III 800 Mhz processor (or equivalent), 128 MB RAM, NVIDIA GeForce 2 or ATI Radeon 8500 video card or higher, Direct X 9.0c, and 3 GB free hard drive space."

NCsoft, ArenaNet reveal future plans for high-flying online roleplaying franchise; Guild Wars Eye of the North scheduled for Q3 2007 release

Tuesday 27th March/...NCsoft® Europe and ArenaNet® today revealed their exciting plans for the future of the hugely successful Guild Wars® franchise. The companies announced that development already is underway on a full sequel to the original Guild Wars games. Guild Wars 2™ will draw from the game mechanics that made the original Guild Wars one of the most popular online games ever and will add a fully persistent world. It was also revealed that, like its predecessors, Guild Wars 2 will not have a subscription fee. No launch date was announced, but the ArenaNet team anticipates that Guild Wars 2 will go into beta sometime in the second half of 2008.

In addition, ArenaNet developers are working on the first true expansion for the Guild Wars franchise, Guild Wars Eye of the North™. Due to hit store shelves during the Q3 2007, Guild Wars Eye of the North™ will require at least one of the previous Guild Wars campaigns (Prophecies™, Factions™, or Nightfall™) in order to play. It’s a game that will benefit long-time players of the Guild Wars games, with all of the content targeting existing Guild Wars characters.

“We felt it was extremely important to reward those people who have been playing Guild Wars since the game first launched in 2005,” said Jeff Strain, co-founder of ArenaNet. “Those players have seen three very large campaigns created in a little under two years and so we think it’s time to begin filling in the details of the existing world and to provide more content for current characters. We are thrilled to focus our time on something that our players have been asking for.”

Set largely in the dungeons and caverns of the lands of Tyria that players first explored in Guild Wars Prophecies, Guild Wars Eye of the North will have 18 large, multi-level dungeons, 150 new skills across all 10 Guild Wars professions, 10 new Heroes, 40 new armor sets, and even more items, weapons and titles.

And for those looking even further down the road at Guild Wars 2, Guild Wars Eye of the North will provide a Hall of Monuments where players' accomplishments are memorialized and eventually inherited by their Guild Wars 2 characters, unlocking exclusive items and bonuses in Guild Wars 2.

“It’s the payoff we hope players will appreciate as we continue to build on the Guild Wars franchise,” said Strain. “We’re excited to announce these two new products and we want players to know that Guild Wars has an extremely exciting future in the months and years ahead.”

More information on the Guild Wars franchise can be found at http://www.guildwars.com.

Labels: PC Guild Wars 2

Past, Present and Future Collide in the New Film-Inspired Video Games from Disney Interactive Studios

BURBANK, Calif. - (March 27, 2007) - The dastardly Bowler Hat Guy and his robotic hat Doris are weaving through time, changing the past and warping the future. It's up to Wilbur Robinson to outmaneuver the diabolical duo in Walt Disney Pictures Presents Meet the Robinsons video games. Offering a captivating, time-traveling adventure inspired by the upcoming Walt Disney Pictures animated film, Meet the Robinsons is now available for the Wii(TM) from Nintendo, Xbox 360(TM) video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, PlayStation(R)2 computer entertainment system, Nintendo DS(TM), Nintendo GameCube(TM), Windows PC and Game Boy(R) Advance.

"With a completely original story, Meet the Robinsons expands on the film by allowing players to experience the unique and action-packed environments of the Robinsons' universe," said Craig Relyea, vice president of marketing, Disney Interactive Studios. "For example, players can completely explore the eccentric and mystifying Robinson house to uncover all of its secrets. Players of all ages will find the experience engaging and most of all, fun."

Meet the Robinsons illustrates Disney Interactive Studios' commitment to extending the entertainment of Disney films. The games' unique story line expands the movie's plot by exploring the alternative futures of several characters that are affected by the Bowler Hat Guy. This original story line led to the creation of two new villains exclusive to the video games and created in cooperation between developer Avalanche Software and Walt Disney Animation Studios.

"It was critical to create an authentic Robinsons' experience by working closely with Walt Disney Animation Studios to explore new possibilities for the franchise while designing a creative and compelling experience for players," said Jon Warner, senior producer for the console versions from Avalanche Software.

The game's levels represent entirely new worlds like Ancient Egypt and gadgets such as the Protectosphere, along with popular film sets such as the Science Fair. Players utilize Wilbur's gadgets in clever and entertaining ways to unravel puzzles and complete missions. In addition to discovering hidden upgrades and exploring fantastical locales, players interact with hysterical and distinct characters from the film as they adventure through stunning, interactive environments that expand the movie universe.

Each console version showcases the platform's unique capabilities. On the Xbox 360, players can post scores and view achievements on Xbox LIVE(R). With the Wii, players can enable features like aiming the Wii Remote(TM) to fire gadgets and using the Nunchuk(TM)'s motion sensor to target objects.

The handheld versions of Meet the Robinsons feature unique gameplay and story experiences. On the Nintendo DS, players take advantage of the system's touch screen capabilities to aid Wilbur in his quest to retrieve Cornelius Robinson's stolen time-machine, and participate in single or wireless multiplayer touch-based matches of the Charge Ball mini-game. On the Game Boy Advance, players will venture from the present to the future in an effort to free the Robinson family from the clutches of Little Doris and her villainous minions.

Published by Disney Interactive Studios and developed by Avalanche Software (for PlayStation 2 system, Wii, Xbox 360, Nintendo GameCube and PC), Altron Corporation (for Nintendo DS) and Climax Group (for Game Boy Advance). Meet the Robinsons is available for the suggested retail price of $19.99 (PC), $29.99 (PlayStation 2 system, Nintendo DS, Nintendo GameCube and Game Boy Advance) and $49.99 (Wii and Xbox 360). The game is rated E 10+ for "Everyone ten and older" on all systems except Game Boy Advance, which is rated E for "Everyone" by the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB)

Labels: Microsoft Xbox 360 Meet The Robinsons

One of the Largest North American MMO Pre-Launch Events Ever Scheduled to Begin On April 6th!

WESTWOOD, MA and CHICAGO, IL - March 27, 2007 -- Turbine, Inc. and Midway Games Inc. (NYSE: MWY) announced a massive, free "World Tour of Middle-earth" available to players throughout North America. Over one million players are planned to be invited into The Lord of the Rings Online (TM): Shadows of Angmar (TM), the most complete and authentic massively multiplayer online (MMO) world based upon the famous Books of J.R.R. Tolkien. The World Tour of Middle-earth is scheduled to begin on April 6th and continue until the anticipated launch of the game on April 24th.

"We decided to launch the World Tour of Middle-earth because of the overwhelming demand from players to get into the closed beta," said Jeffrey Anderson, President and CEO of Turbine, Inc. "We expect the World Tour of Middle-earth to be a spectacular event like nothing that you've ever seen before."

Free access to this hotly anticipated game combined with the staggering size and scale of the World Tour of Middle-earth make this an unprecedented event in the MMO industry. Players can pre-order the game at select retail stores nationwide or at www.lotro.com/preorder and start their adventures in Middle-earth beginning on March 30th.

Advancement in the game will be capped at level 15 which will give players a great opportunity to experience the most authentic online persistent recreation of Middle-earth ever created. Players should visit www.lotro.com/worldtour to get more information on how to obtain a World Tour key.

The Lord of the Rings Online is the first and only massively multiplayer online role-playing game based upon the Books of J.R.R. Tolkien. The game recreates the vast world of Middle-earth with incredible dedication to the lore with an unprecedented level of detail. The game delivers an experience that takes players beyond the Books to where they can create their own story within the most famous fantasy world of all time. For more information, please visit www.lotro.com.

Labels: PC Lord Of The Rings Online

Torrance, CA (March 23, 2007) – Aksys Games, a publisher of interactive entertainment software announced its first game for the Nintendo DS, Hoshigami Remix, a remake of the popular strategy RPG originally released on the PlayStation One, for release in the summer of 2007.

"We are proud to be resurrecting the Hoshigami franchise on the Nintendo DS," saidAkibo Shieh, President, Aksys Games. "The multitude of new additions and gameplay enhancements make this the definitive version of Hoshigami and is sure to secure its place among the best tactical RPG games ever created."

About Hoshigami Remix

On the floating continent of Mardias, a war has broken out between the Kingdoms of Valaim and Nightweld that threatens to upset the balance of power in the land. Our hero, Fazz, and his ragtag band of mercenaries are thrust into the fight and are hired to protect one of the Ruins of Ixia from the Valamian forces. Unbeknownst to them, an insidious evil begins to rise from the shadows... Will Fazz be able to stop it before Mardias destroyed?

Key Features:

* Experience the world of Hoshigami like never before!
Hoshigam Remix also features a brand new character, missions, music, character art, as well as a new localization.

* Novice tactician or battle-hardened veteran?
Select from three different difficulty levels and tailor the game to your skill.

* Immerse yourself in battle with an enhanced user interface
Issue strategic commands quickly and efficiently with a revised, streamlined interface and optional stylus control!

* Over 50 hours of gameplay with branching paths and multiple endings!
Are you skilled enough to get the one and only true ending?

* Trade special items with your friends!
Be a power player and jumpstart your friends’ games with super weapons, armor and spells!

Hoshigami Remix has not yet been rated by the ESRB and has an MSRP of $29.99.

Santa Clara, Calif., (March 23, 2007) – Leading video games developer and publisher NAMCO BANDAI Games America Inc., announced today that the newest installment in its supreme Ace Combat Series, Ace Combat® 6: Fires of Liberation, will be bringing the next generation of intense aerial combat to the battlefield worldwide later this year (Release date for European version is TBD) for the Xbox 360™ video game and entertainment system from Microsoft. Online for the first time, via Xbox Live®, players will be able to experience Ace Combat on a massive worldwide scale as it features an in-depth multi-player online experience that includes a variety of action-packed online modes.

Worldwide online domination is only the beginning in Ace Combat 6: Fires of Liberation as the next-gen processing power of the Xbox 360 allows players to witness high definition, photo-realistic landscapes scream past their cockpits as they issue commands with split-second precision to land, sea and air vehicles for an all out triple-attack on the enemy in the “The Allied Support System”. In this new feature, players will be able to fight alongside fighter planes, gun ships, attack helicopters, tanks, naval fleets, heavy bombers, and electronic warfare vessels in the ultimate Ace Combat showdown.

Ace Combat 6: Fires of Liberation takes air combat warfare to new heights as it boasts the new “Dynamic Operation System” where massive battles unfold on a “living battlefield,” as up to six independent land, sea or air conflicts can break out at any time at multiple locations as allies and enemies clash in real-time. Players can experience the realism of war when battlefields come alive with engagingly authentic audio and visual effects: thundering explosions, dense vapor trails of air to air missiles, piercing machine gun fire, booming anti-aircraft artillery fire, mid-air explosions, gigantic columns of black smoke and more.

In Ace Combat 6: Fires of Liberation, players can prove their supremacy on a global scale as they pilot highly detailed, authentic aircraft such as the F-15 E Strike Eagle and the F-22 Raptor online via Xbox Live. For an all out worldwide battle for the sky, players can choose from a variety of different online modes including the death match and team death match style game modes. Or they can team up with friends to play in co-op, where players combine strategy and skill to work together to take on computer-controlled adversaries. Online rankings are calculated globally with high-ranking players being granted honorable titles on a global scale, adding fuel to the fires of furious competition.

Starting today, fans will have the chance to get a taste of what’s to come in Ace Combat 6: Fires of Liberation, as a variety of different icons, art and decals straight from the game are now available to download via the Xbox Live Marketplace. Downloads will include the Ace Combat 6 Picture Pack which includes a collection of 4 emblems from the game that can be added to fan’s profiles. Stunning concept art and detailed decals of some of the planes features in the game will also be available.

Experience the war torn drama of Ace Combat like never before in Ace Combat 6: Fires of Liberation. With 10-million copies of the Ace Combat Franchise sold worldwide, Ace Combat 6: Fires of Liberation will single handedly redefine the entire Flight Action genre on the next generation console system, and continue its absolute domination when it flies onto store shelves in 2007. Visit http://acecombat.namco.com/ for more information on the Ace Combat franchise.

Labels: Microsoft Xbox 360 Ace Combat 6

A galactic test pilot’s work is never done, and in Rare’s “Jetpac Refuelled” gamers have to fight off pesky aliens while trying to build rockets to take them to their next destination. “Jetpac Refuelled” will be available for download exclusively on Xbox LIVE Arcade for Xbox 360 beginning Wednesday, March 28 at 0900 GMT (2:00 a.m. PDT).

Rare’s “Jetpac Refuelled” is a revamped and modernized version of the 1983 classic space blaster “Jetpac.” In “Jetpac Refuelled,” players must clear a path through hordes of aliens to refuel their ship and amass a fortune over the course of 128 hi-definition levels, complete with achievements, leaderboards and simultaneous multiplayer action. Compared to the original “Jetpac,” which included 16 levels, “Jetpac Refuelled” provides players with everything they loved in the classic, plus 128 new levels of enhanced gameplay.

“Jetpac Refuelled” can be played alone, or against another player on the same console or over Xbox LIVE. The game will be available worldwide for 400 Microsoft Points and is rated “E” for Everyone.

Game Features

• Includes two versions of the game
• Retro – The classic 1980s version
• Refuelled – Rare’s 2007 remake of the classic “Jetpac” comes complete with entirely new hi-def graphics, menacing enemies, new smartbombs that produce an electromagnetic pulse, modernized weapon upgrades and updated gameplay for modern gamers
• Earn up to 12 Achievements and 200 Gamerscore points

Completely updated graphical look of the game gives Xbox LIVE Arcade gamers a truly hi-def and in-depth gaming experience

Labels: Microsoft Xbox 360 Live Jetpac Refuelled

New Overlord Game Trailer Now Available Online

Burbank, CA – Friday, March 23, 2007 – Codemasters is bringing minion mayhem to gamers this summer in Overlord™, a game that gives players hordes of evil, gremlin-like critters and a peaceful land for them to reek havoc on. Additionally, Codemasters today released a new minion teaser video which is available for download now at www.codemasters.com/overlord. Created by Triumph Studios, Overlord is set to ship this summer for the Xbox 360™ videogame and entertainment system from Microsoft and the PC, and is currently rated “RP” (Rating Pending) by the ESRB.

In Overlord, the minions constitute the evil Overlord’s army and are the key gameplay mechanic. Completely and utterly loyal to him, minions will use their unique skills to fetch, fight and even die for their master. Their loyalty knows no limits and their bravery borders on stupidity, but with every bone in their odd little bodies, the minions will follow players’ commands no matter how despotic or life threatening they are.

The minions can be controlled generally in two different ways: either by moving the horde as a group, or by independently firing them off like some destruction-crazed, reusable missiles. Players will be able to send individual minions to take on smaller jobs, or they can select a posse from their horde to take on bigger tasks.

Once a minion has been dispatched on a job, its little minion brain kicks in to determine the best course of action. For instance, if the player sends a minion to kill a sheep, it will attack, then automatically pickup and return with the sheep’s life force, which can then be used later on to create more minions. Minions can also be used to carry objects (including much larger ones if they work together), operate mechanisms, and get to places where the Overlord can not.

As the Overlord grows more and more powerful and evil, the minions will grow as well, getting a bit more powerful and evil at the same time. Opportunists by nature, if they can rob an opponent of a mighty axe to wield themselves, or steal some armor to wear for protection, they will. Whether axes, knives, chef’s hats, pitchforks or even emptied out pumpkins, whatever the case is, minions aren’t fussy as long as it gives them the fighting edge.

Further to collecting weapons and armor for themselves, the minions will return to the Overlord with gold and other goodies. Unfortunately, minions have their weaknesses too though: the beautiful (yet fatal) succubus can lure them to their deaths, and they’re easily distracted from their missions by music and alcohol (which makes them increasingly more violent and out of control than normal).

As the Overlord, players can amass an army of up to 50 minions (with hundreds more in reserve) made up of four different breeds:

• Brown Minions – The Fighters. These are the strongest minions for combat. They will pick up dropped equipment from defeated foes and use it for themselves – pitchforks, severed unicorn horns and the like are some favorites.

• Red Minions – The Fire Throwers. These minions are like archers who hurl blazing fireballs to defeat opponents from a distance. Also, immune to fire, they can clear dangerous paths for the Overlord and the rest of the horde.

• Green Minions – The Assassins. These minions love their stealth attacks. They’ll try to get behind an enemy, jump on their back and then stab them viciously to death – great for ambushes. They’re also immune to poisoning and can turn rubbish left on the battlefield into upgrades.

• Blue Minions – The Healers. These are the smartest of the minions, and the only ones who have the ability to swim. Blue minions can also resurrect fallen minions, and get them ready to join the fight once again.
  

Minions – use them tactically and these evil little comrades will always be there for their master, ready to sacrifice themselves and their lives in servitude to the Overlord.

Labels: Microsoft Xbox 360 PC Overlord

Santa Monica, CA – March 23, 2007 – Expanding on the experience of controlling the world’s largest army of Super Heroes on the Xbox 360™ video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, Activision, Inc. (Nasdaq: ATVI) announced today plans to release Marvel: Ultimate Alliance Heroes and Villains. The expansion packs feature eight new playable characters: The Incredible Hulk, Magneto, Hawkeye, Sabretooth, Doctor Doom, Cyclops, Nightcrawler and Venom, each complete with new signature powers, skins, dialog, conversations and achievement points. The download will be available in April via the Xbox Liveâ Marketplace online gaming service.

“The signature gameplay of Marvel: Ultimate Alliance has made it a favorite among fans, as well as the best-selling Super Hero game on the Xbox 360 to-date,” said Rob Kostich, vice president of global brand management, Activision, Inc. “By adding some of the biggest names in the Marvel Universe to the roster we’re enabling Xbox 360 gamers to build a variety of all-new teams and enjoy the epic action in brand new ways.”

Labels: Microsoft Xbox 360 Live Marvel Ultimate Alliance

Topware Interactive released the following press release this week:

"Las Vegas, 20th March 2007 – Topware Interactive is proud to announce that UFO Afterlight will invade the North American retail market on April 24th. UFO: Afterlight is the next installment in the UFO: Aftermath and UFO: Aftershock series, bringing a completely new insight to the story of Aftershock, this time from the perspective of lonely human inhabitants on Mars.

Afterlight is a mixture of squad based tactical action and global strategy with the gamer controlling the actions of elite ground troops, and the running and construction of an intricate network of interlinking bases while collecting resources. New and unexpected enemies appear in the form of robots, built centuries ago by the unknown aliens for their protection, whose purpose is to eliminate any traces of other civilizations on Mars. It is the player’s mission to guide the human race to, not only survive on the red planet, but stave off its’ virtual extinction.

“It is our intention to partner with great companies like Cenega Publishing and developer Altar games in order to bring quality titles like Afterlight to our shores in 2007” says Topware’s managing director James Seaman.


About CENEGA PUBLISHING

CENEGA PUBLISHING s.r.o., as an established world publisher is dedicated to sourcing quality games for PC and console formats with a focus towards Central European developers.

CENEGA PUBLISHING, based in Prague in the Czech Republic, was founded in April 2002. In May 2005 1C Company, the largest distributor, publisher and developer of software and interactive products in Russia, CIS and the Baltic states, acquired 100 percent of Cenega Distribution Group and CENEGA PUBLISHING. The combined portfolio of 1C and Cenega will reach an impressive amount of over 60 titles in development for the PC and for consoles to be released in 2006-2007.

For more information about CENEGA PUBLISHING and its products visit www.cenega.com
For more information about 1C visit http://int.games.1c.ru

About ALTAR Games

ALTAR Games is a game developing company, controlled by private investors, based in Brno, Czech Republic. ALTAR Interactive is the developer of the critically acclaimed RTS Original War, puzzle game Fish Fillets and small squad tactical strategies UFO: Aftermath and UFO: Aftershock."

You can visit the official website for UFO: Aftershock by clicking here.

"It is with great pleasure to announce that XSEED Games has obtained exclusive publishing rights for DUNGEON MAKER: HUNTING GROUND, BRAVE STORY: NEW TRAVELER and WILD ARMS® 5 for the North American market!

DUNGEON MAKER: HUNTING GROUND and BRAVE STORY: NEW TRAVELER, both for the PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) system, are scheduled for release in July 2007 and Q3 2007, respectively. WILD ARMS 5 for the PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system is scheduled for release in Q3 2007.

These exciting new titles are in addition to the already announced VALHALLA KNIGHTS, which will be released on April 17, 2007 for the PSP system."



"An original title developed specifically for the PSP system, DUNGEON MAKER: HUNTING GROUND offers addictive game play with a simulation dungeon creation element and real-time battles hunting for monsters to collect items, gold, and to fulfill requirements to complete the various quests given by townspeople.

The Story

An ambitious but novice dungeon maker arrives in a small town known to suffer periodic attacks from violent monsters. He buys a vast plot of land at the outskirts of the town to create a grand dungeon in hopes of luring in various enemy monsters which to hunt to collect gold and items. He envisions his complete dungeon to be one so appealing as to lure the legendary Wandering Demon. Defeating this menacing monster would free the townspeople from the fear he casts upon them, while winning acclaim as a true dungeon maker for the “Architect.”

Key Features

* Design and modify a customizable dungeon, floor-by-floor, using simple controls to quickly develop a deep and detailed dungeon.
* Strategically layout and improve your dungeon to maximize its attractiveness and lure in the most sought-after enemies to take their loot.
* Fight real-time battles wielding various melee and ranged weapons, casting magic spells, rendering special attacks, and summoning creatures to defeat the wide variety of monsters including undead creatures, orcs, and dragons.
* Enjoy the vast selection of building materials to customize your dungeon and complete quests to access the rarer items from the wide array of weapons, armors, and accessories to upgrade your warrior.
* Trade dungeons - Utilize network connectivity to trade dungeons with a friend. Show off your dungeon creation skills and explore a friend’s dungeon to see what kind of monsters and treasures lie inside.

DUNGEON MAKER: HUNTING GROUND is scheduled for release in July 2007."



An original title created specifically for the PSP system and developed by Game Republic (Genji series), BRAVE STORY: NEW TRAVELER features beautifully rendered 3D graphics, an epic tale with a host of colorful supporting characters, and a traditional turn-based battle system easy for beginners to pickup and play but with enough depth and innovative features for seasoned gamers.

The Story

On a day that starts out like any other, an 11-year-old boy’s life is changed forever. As the main character and his friend Miki pass a leisurely afternoon, Miki suddenly collapses from an unknown illness. When the girl shows no sign of waking, the main character grows distraught over not being a better friend and not having the means to save her. Suddenly, a strange voice offers him a second chance: “Beyond the door you can change your destiny!” He soon leaves the real world and journeys to the world of Vision, where, as a novice “Traveler,” he will surmount myriad ordeals in hopes of ultimately meeting with the Goddess of Fortune to have a single wish granted. Valuable friendships, unbounded courage, and his own personal growth will all prove indispensable as he seeks out his destiny: a life-changing adventure and the discovery of a hero inside an ordinary kid.

Key Features

* A role-playing game with an epic tale, introducing unique characters with distinct personalities and leading the player through the imaginative world of Vision as he learns to become a hero.
* Traditional turn-based battle system enhanced by innovative features based on the story’s themes of friendship, courage, and growth:
o Friendship - Form bonds with party members to create new, cooperative skills.
o Courage – Use “brave power” (BP) to unleash powerful special abilities, continually refilling the gauge as you devastate the enemy.
o Growth - The hero’s main weapon will evolve as he collects the gemstones needed to meet with the Goddess of Fortune. New accessories can be forged by collecting and combining the right materials. Each character can also unlock a one-of-a-kind innate ability.

* Beautifully rendered 3D graphics with vibrant colors and a distinct visual style, highlighted by polished character and enemy movement, graphical representations of sound effects, and a unique animation for each special ability – all exceptionally well drawn and intricately textured.
* Collect special birds which you can use in mini-games or trade in for rare and precious weapons, armor, and items.
* Network with friends to trade your birds, or game-share a mini-game to have friends assist in capturing rare birds.

BRAVE STORY: NEW TRAVELER is scheduled for release in Q3 2007."



WILD ARMS 5 is the newest chapter in the popular role-playing game series by Computer Entertainment Worldwide Studios JAPAN Studio and developer Media.Vision Entertainment. Celebrating the series’ 10th anniversary since its inception, WILD ARMS 5 features a brand new cast of characters in an all-new storyline along with a return of the acclaimed HEX battle system from WILD ARMS 4, strengthening its appeal to both new players as well as returning fans of the series. WILD ARMS 5 follows the journey of a group of young travelers as they try to unlock the mysteries of their ravaged land and unknowingly become involved in a struggle that will decide the fate of the entire world.

The Story

In a small town called Capo Bronco on the outskirts of Filgaia, two youths, Dean Stark and Rebecca Streisand, witness an unbelievable event—the giant arm of a golem somehow falling from the sky. Their disbelief grows further when they discover that within the clenched fist of the golem’s hand lies a girl with little recollection of her past other than her name—“Avril.” This chance encounter inspires Dean and Rebecca to travel with Avril across the wastelands of Filgaia in hopes of helping her regain her lost memories. Little do they know their journey will eventually decide the fate of all mankind...

Key Features

* Return of the acclaimed HEX battle system, with all-new features such as interchangeable abilities between party members, varied battlefield layouts, and the ability to switch party members during battle.
* Huge, fully explorable 3D world with tons of hidden items, quests, and mini-games to discover.
* Dual pistol-wielding allows the player to shoot various types of bullets to solve puzzles, joining the returning action elements of jumping, sliding, and stomping on the field map.
* Highly-detailed 3D event scenes with voice-overs.
* Dozens of cameo appearances and other surprises for longtime fans of the series.

WILD ARMS 5 is scheduled for release in Q3 2007."

Burbank, CA – Wednesday, March 21, 2007 – Codemasters today confirmed DiRT as the official title for the next addition to the UK-based publisher’s popular Colin McRae racing series. Further, the company also revealed that DiRT will now add races from the U.S.-based C.O.R.R. (Championship Off-Road Racing) series to its already heady mix of Rally, Hill Climb, Rally Raid, Rally Cross and Crossover events. DiRT is planned to launch this June for the Xbox™ 360 videogame and entertainment system from Microsoft and the PC, with the PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system edition following shortly thereafter. The game is currently rated “RP” (Rating Pending) by the ESRB.

Already set to deliver an exhilarating thrill ride through a massive variety of off-road racing experiences, DiRT’s new C.O.R.R. events see up to 10 drivers going head-to-head in fierce off-road circuit races. The combination powerful vehicles, including Super Buggies and Pro 4 Trucks, along with tracks packed full of tabletop jumps, drop-offs and moguls will make for an intoxicating mix of racing action and will test players’ driving skills to the limit.

In addition, gamers will be able to relive those intense and often breathtaking moments behind the wheel with stunning replays. DiRT’s replay system includes dynamic cameras that follow, capture and focus on the most exciting moments during each race, and for the first time in the series players are given full control over the replays action.

For more information on DiRT, be sure to visit official web site and sign up for total mud splattering, gravel churning, handbrake turning, off-road racing online at www.codemasters.co.uk/dirt.

LOS ANGELES - March 21, 2007- Nyko Technologies, a premier peripherals manufacturer, today announced the launch of their new Ecommerce site, www.nyko.com/store, providing gamers and consumers a new way to purchase the company's diverse catalogue of high quality accessories. The newly unveiled site will allow consumers to research product information, find a retailer that carries the item, or purchase it directly from Nyko.

Nyko's Ecommerce site offers consumers access to all Nyko products, making the virtual shopping experience quick and effortless. Whether they are gear shopping for the PlayStation 3, Wii and Xbox 360 or browsing peripherals for other platforms like iPod and PC, customers can be assured that their purchases will be processed quickly and securely.

"Up until this point our site has been a great source of information about our products as well as an avenue for consumers to locate a retailer of our accessories", said Chris Arbogast, marketing manager at Nyko Technologies. "Because gamers value choices and the ability to view their options quickly, we wanted to provide them with an easy way to purchase directly in addition to choosing one of our trusted retail partners without having to check multiple sites."

Although Nyko will not offer preorders on its website, signing up for the company's newsletter will enable users to receive notice of when items like the Charge Station for Wii will be available for purchase on their site.

Labels: Nyko

SANTA CLARA, Calif., (March 21, 2007) – Leading video games publisher and developer NAMCO BANDAI Games America Inc. announced today that Eureka Seven™ Vol. 2: The New Vision™ has received gold status and will hit retail shelves on April 17. Available exclusively for the PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system, Eureka Seven Vol. 2 brings to life the second prequel leading up to the popular animated series with gorgeous environments, multiple game-play modes, and addictive futuristic combat.

Players take on the role of Sumner Sturgeon, a deserter of a corrupt military organization and star of a futuristic sport called “lifting” where participants ride futuristic “ref-boards” that float on atmospheric particles. After becoming disillusioned with the life of professional lifting, Sumner embarks on a quest to locate and destroy the CFS (Compact Feedback System) a new and dangerous technology. Staying true to the anime series’ roots, Eureka Seven Vol. 2 utilizes a unique combination of ”lifting” (ref-board racing) and futuristic combat while offering up compelling gameplay.

Featuring the ability to pilot 17 massive robots known as LFOs (Light Finding Operations) each with its own look, attacks and weapons, Eureka Seven Vol. 2 gives players an incredibly unique experience during combat and cut scenes. Gamers can also sharpen their skills by fending off waves of enemies in Survival mode or take on special missions that require the use of new combat techniques in Conflict mode.

Eureka Seven Vol. 2: The New Vision is rated ‘T’ for Teen by the ESRB and carries an MSRP of $39.99. For more information on Eureka Seven Vol. 2: The New Vision and all other exciting Namco Bandai Games’ products, please visit NAMCO BANDAI Games’ official website at www.namcobandaigames.com.

Labels: Sony Playstation 2 EUREKA SEVEN

Wednesday 21st March 2007/… A Staffordshire market trader who was caught by Trading Standards officers with thousands of illegally copied games and counterfeit DVDs at his Branston home could face jail.

Jason Andrew Duesbury, 37, of Branston – a suburb of Burton, Staffordshire, admitted 17 offences under the Trademarks Act, following a private prosecution brought by Staffordshire County Council at Burton Magistrates Court on 7th March. Trading Standards officers, police and ELSPA investigators swooped on Duesbury’s home on 22nd September last year, where more than 300 illegally copied Xbox and PlayStation 2 games together with over 1,500 counterfeit DVDs were discovered in an upstairs office of the premises. A stash of adult films were also seized in the raid.

A PC and memory stick, as well as four duplicators and three chipped Xbox consoles, were also seized. Trading Standards staff worked with ELSPA investigators and other industry experts to establish that all 2,000-plus titles were counterfeit and bore unauthorised trademarks, the court heard.

Michael Rawlinson, managing director of ELSPA commented: “ELSPA would like to thank everyone involved for their work instigating this investigation and helping to protect local traders and the general community from the effects of pirated goods.”

Roger Constantine, prosecuting, said: "Duplicators have one use and one use only — that is to make copies of discs. "All the items seized were taken back to Stafford, where Trading Standards officers worked with representatives from the industry to establish that all the discs were counterfeit copies with unauthorised trademarks.

"The computer contained programmes to decrypt security devices which usually prevent authentic discs from being copied, and the memory stick included artwork for inlays and covers for Xbox games and films."

Mr Constantine added: "This is often described as victimless crime, but nothing could be further from the truth. There are the companies that produce the original items which lose money, but it also hits the trader in the high street, who loses out through people selling counterfeits on the markets."

Duesbury, who usually sold jewellery on his market stall, admitted trading in and producing pirated and counterfeit material when questioned. He said he had been trading in the illegal items for around a year and knew that he was breaking the law.

The case was adjourned until 2nd April for pre-sentence reports. Magistrates warned Duesbury that his case may be transferred to Staffordshire Crown Court for sentencing, as the maximum six months in jail that they are allowed to impose may not be sufficient.

Labels: Pirates

Mar 20, 2007 Innovative peripheral maker SplitFish GameWare, Inc today officially announced the company’s upcoming FragFX game controller for the PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system. The patent pending FragFX features a separate right hand mouse controller and detachable left hand grip controller, ideal for experiencing the traditional PC mouse and keyboard style gameplay of shooter games in a console environment. Key FragFX controller features include:

* The right hand mouse controller has the complete set of PlayStation 3 controller buttons. The mouse is used during game play to shoot, look left, right, up and down for that same PC style game play experience on the PlayStation 3.

* The mouse is optimized for navigation within the recently announced PlayStation Home virtual world.

* A menu mode on the mouse allows it to double as a regular mouse during menu selections. A lap mouse pad and left hand grip cradle is included with the FragFX to allow for comfortable play in a living room setting.

* The left hand re-programmable grip (nicknamed the “FragChuck” by G4TV) has the full range of 6-axis motion control providing Wii-like motion sensitivity for the PlayStation 3. In games like Resistance:Fall of Man, to reload a weapon or to rifle butt an opponent, the user can swing the FragChuck.

* The FragChuck also offers a game speed dial and frag button. When the frag button is pressed it slows the mouse down to incremental movement for smooth sniper shots. The speed dial allows for instant fast or slow overall game play. These two additional features let the user get out of battles as fast as they get into them.

Already SplitFish is generating buzz among gamers with their groundbreaking controller technology for PlayStation consoles. SplitFish CEO Cisco Schipperheijn remarked, “For years, first person shooter players have had less than an optimum experience when playing on a console. SplitFish’s FragFX brings PC-like movement, precision and performance to the console FPS. The mouse in combination with the FragChuck is a huge advancement in pushing the limits of immersive game play.”

SplitFish’s FragFX provides universal game support and is expected to ship next month, with a wired version retailing for $59.99 and later a Bluetooth wireless version for $69.99. A limited amount of units will be reserved for European customers. The company previously released an award-winning FPS control system for the PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system, called EdgeFX.

London, 20 March 2007 – Sony Computer Entertainment Europe today launched the web site that will allow prospective PLAYSTATION®3 owners to see which of their PlayStation®2 titles are playable on the new European PS 3 hardware model.

The web site at http://faq.eu.playstation.com/bc lists those titles from the portfolio of PS2 titles available in the SCEE PAL territories that are playable on PS3.

"Our engineers have been working overtime, and have succeeded in delivering a significant number of playable PS2 titles for the European launch", said David Reeves, President of SCEE. "We will be adding additional titles to this list in future firmware upgrades, but as we have made clear before, in the future our resources will be increasingly focused on developing new services and entertainment features exclusively for PS3, rather than on delivering PS2 backwards compatibility.”

New owners of a European PS3 will need to install the latest firmware upgrade to play the PS2 titles listed on the web site. The upgrade will be available at launch from midnight on 22nd March through the PLAYSTATION®Network, from http://www. PlayStation.com or, for those unable to access the internet, on a disc obtained from local Customer Services.

The latest system software upgrade (Version 1.60) will deliver features such as Folding@home connectivity, background downloading of content from the PLAYSTATION®Store, support for Bluetooth® keyboards and mice, and an optional full QWERTY on-screen keyboard for text entry.

The Folding@home project allows PS3 owners to connect to Stanford University’s Folding@home program, a distributed computing project aimed at understanding protein folding, misfolding, and related diseases, such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and many cancers. Using the power of the Cell Broadband Engine™, PS3 system can perform computer simulations for the Folding@home program ten times faster than your average home PC. Once PS3 system is updated to version 1.60, users can easily sign up to join the Folding@home program by clicking on the appropriate logo on the XMB™ (XrossMediaBar) under the Network icon. Then, when the PS3 system is left on and reaches idle mode, it will automatically begin a simulation and, once completed, send information back to a central computer(*1). Additional details about Folding@home are available at http://www.scei.co.jp/folding/en/.

Firmware Version 1.60 also delivers a more convenient process for downloading content to the PS3 from the PLAYSTATION Store. Up to 6 pieces of content from the PlayStation store can be queued up for download while the user enjoys other functions of the PS3 system, including playing games, browsing the web, using media functions including photo browsing, video and music playback. Progress of downloads can be easily tracked under a new Download Management menu under the XMB’s Network icon(2).

Firmware 1.60 also provides support for keyboards and mice enabled with Bluetooth wireless technology. Text entry is further expanded with the option to use a full QWERTY on-screen keyboard, in addition to the existing single tap keyboard. PS3’s built-in Web browser is also enhanced with the ability to zoom in to the optimal viewing size for the selected area of a Web page at the press of a button, as well as an optional tool for reducing flicker when the PS3 system is using interlaced video out (480i or 1080i).

(*1) To run the application automatically in idle state, PS3 must be connected to the network with both main power switch and power button turned on. Option setting must also be changed as this automatic feature is off at default.

(*2) Please refer to http://eu.playstation.com/help-support/ps3 for full functionality as some limitations may apply. The speed of download depends on bandwidth and network usage.

LONDON — March 20, 2007 Capcom, a leading worldwide developer and publisher of video games, today announced that the highly anticipated Devil May Cry 4, already in development for Sony Computer Entertainment’s PLAYSTATION 3 (PS3™), is now also in development for the Xbox 360™ video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and for PC. Each version of the game will be maximized to take advantage of the systems’ strengths, leading to a breath-taking visual and gameplay experience. Devil May Cry 4 will be released simultaneously for the PS3 and Xbox 360 system.

“Capcom is committed to making its titles available to as wide an audience as possible, and has been building its technology base to meet that goal,” said Mark Beaumont, executive vice president, officer and head of Capcom consumer software publishing in the Americas and Europe. “This announcement means that PS3, Xbox 360 and PC owners worldwide will be able to experience the latest instalment of one of Capcom’s pillar franchises.”

From the producer of the original Devil May Cry and Resident Evil 4 comes the next instalment in the hugely successful stylized action series that has so far achieved global sales of nearly seven million units. Devil May Cry 4 immerses gamers in a gothic supernatural world, where a new protagonist clashes with a familiar hero. As the new leading man, Nero, players will unleash incredible attacks and non-stop combos using a unique new gameplay mechanic, his powerful “Devil Bringer” arm.

With the advanced graphical capabilities of the next-gen systems, high definition visuals and intricate detail come to life as players explore new and exotic locales. Dynamic action and undeniable style combine with unprecedented fighting options and a gripping story to produce the incomparable experience that only a Devil May Cry game can deliver.

The Con Release Date Confirmed For Late March

Tuesday 20th March/... SouthPeak Games has confirmed that its innovative Sony PSP® fighting title, The Con, will be released in the UK on March 30th. The Con combines a deep, tactically complex fighting engine with a unique gambling system and plenty of scope for player character customisation, making it one of the most distinctive fighting games to come to any format – handheld or otherwise.

Developed in Japan by Think And Feel Inc, The Con tells the story of a fighter indebted to an influential organiser of illegal street fights. The game’s objective is to make money through fighting, but all is not as it seems and not all fights are created equal.

In some clashes, the player will have to take their fare share of tactical losses as well as striving for pugilistic victory. This skewing of priorities is supported by a betting system that allows the player to gamble on either side winni