Get ready for one of the strangest, most secretive games this July - King of Clubs - and our hero, Big Bubba looks like he may well be the king, as Big Bubba sets to build a tourist attraction on Route 66. Once a quiet place, Big Bubba wants to turn Route 66 into a route brimming with life, and although he may not have all of the money in the world to invest, he certainly lacks no imagination - he has big ideas, and we have a feeling that come July, you'll be visiting Big Bubba's new place, too.

King of Clubs is set to be a fun, engaging trick-based action puzzle game according to the publisher, Oxygen Games. Unfortunately that makes us none the wiser to what King of Clubs actually is, but with promise of this game being one of this summer's biggest hits, a sure underdog of the selection of games available over summer, with 96 levels, 10 muti-level challenges, and an all Americana soundtrack with matching graphics, I personally can't wait to get my hands into Big Bubba's latest attraction. And the best part is, King of Clubs is coming out for the Wii, which should be a welcome addition to the Wii lineup. Aside from the Wii release, King of Clubs is due to be published for the PlayStation®2 and PC on 20th July 2007 by Oxygen Games™. PSP® (Playstation®portable) system and Nintendo DS™ system versions will follow and will retail at £24.99 for all formats.

"Big Bubba will of course, in the fullness of time, reveal more about Nevada’s hottest tourist attraction and this Summer’s most unusual game – he recommends that you watch out for more information on his latest business venture." - but for now, you can enjoy this very bizarre trailer of the King of Clubs!

Wall, NJ - Apr 25, 2007 SNK PLAYMORE USA CORPORATION, the U.S. publishing arm of the SNK PLAYMORE CORPORATION, today announced that SNK VS. CAPCOM: CARD FIGHTERS DS for the Nintendo DS (tm) is shipping to retailers nationwide.

With an array of favorite SNK and CAPCOM characters, and engaging card-battle gameplay, SNK VS. CAPCOM: CARD FIGHTERS DS infuses the winning formula of the original SNK VS. CAPCOM: CARD FIGHTERS' CLASH for NEOGEO POCKET COLOR with updated graphics, an expanded card library and touch-screen capability. Two single-player campaigns, one SNK and one CAPCOM, are included, as well as an ad-hoc wireless multiplayer mode.

SNK. VS. CAPCOM: CARD FIGHTERS DS was chosen as a May 2007 "Editor's Pick" by Tips & Tricks magazine, and named "Game of the Month" by NewTypeUSA in April 2007. According to Kevin Gifford of NewTypeUSA, "My entire summer of 2000 was spent linking up with people for multi-player card battles - and with Cardfighters DS finally in my sweaty hands, I can feel those days coming back to me once more." Chris Bieniek of Tips & Tricks said SNK VS. CAPCOM: CARD FIGHTERS DS offers "the same kind of long-lasting, engaging gameplay" as the popular NEOGEO CARD FIGHTERS game, and Geson Hatchett of Hardcore Gamer Magazine hailed the return of "the card fighting game that claimed dozens of social lives."

Today, Microsoft released an update to XNA Game Studio Express which adds new functionality, enhancements and performance improvements to the software. Officially dubbed the XNA Game Studio Express 1.0 Refresh, this release is an incremental update to the previously released XNA Game Studio Express 1.0.

The most significant new feature is the addition of XNA Packager, a utility which will allow users to build and share game binaries for both Windows and Xbox 360. Users can now easily package and share their games for Windows and Xbox 360 without having to share their project source code. The sharing of Xbox 360 games requires a subscription to the XNA Creators Club, which is available via Xbox LIVE Marketplace for $49 (U.S.) for a four-month subscription, or $99 (U.S.) for an annual subscription.

Additional features included in the XNA Game Studio Express 1.0 Refresh include:

• Official XNA Game Studio Express compatibility with Windows Vista
• Support for 3D audio using XACT
• Support for fonts in the XNA Framework
• Various other product enhancements and performance tuning

Originally released in December of 2006, XNA Game Studio Express is a game development solution targeted primarily at students, hobbyists, and independent game developers. XNA Game Studio Express is based on Visual C# 2005 Express Edition and lets developers create games for both Windows and Xbox 360.

The free update and a full feature list can be downloaded at http://msdn.com/xna and http://creators.xna.com.

The Most Anticipated New MMO of the Year Now Available

WESTWOOD, MA and CHICAGO, IL - April 24, 2007 -- Turbine, Inc. and Midway Games Inc. (NYSE: MWY) announced today that The Lord of the Rings Online (TM): Shadows of Angmar (TM) is now available for purchase across North America. The game is the first and only massively multiplayer online game based on the books of J.R.R. Tolkien. In development for over four years, the game opens up the mystical world of Middle-earth and creates the opportunity for endless adventure.

Legions of fans have been waiting in great anticipation for the opportunity to start their adventure in Middle-earth, and as of today, the wait is over! The Lord of the Rings Online delivers an interactive experience brimming with life and filled with the familiar people, places and monsters from the most beloved fantasy adventure of all time. From the quaint surroundings of the Shire to Angmar, the vile kingdom of the Witch-king, players will experience the world of Middle-earth as never before.

"The release of The Lord of the Rings Online marks a momentous occasion for MMO gamers and Tolkien fans around the world," said Jeff Anderson, president and CEO of Turbine, Inc. "Countless adventures await gamers eager to experience Middle-earth in an entirely new way, and we're confident that once they've visited this epic world, they'll never want to leave."

"The Lord of the Rings franchise, with its incredibly rich history and extensive fan base, lends itself perfectly to the MMO genre," said Steve Allison, chief marketing officer, Midway. "We're thrilled to be able to partner with Turbine to bring The Lord of the Rings Online to North American gamers looking for a way to experience the world of Middle-earth like never before."

Turbine also announced today the first update to The Lord of the Rings Online. This free update, called the Shores of Evendim, is scheduled to be released this coming June and will include an entirely new landscape region, over 60 additional quests, the Battle for Helegrod raid, nine new monsters and major enhancements to monster play and the music system.

The Lord of the Rings Online is now available for purchase at major retailers in both a Special and Standard Edition. The Special Edition of The Lord of the Rings Online includes the game on a single DVD, 30 days of free play, the official "Making of The Lord of the Rings Online" DVD, the official game soundtrack and an exclusive in-game item. The Special Edition retails for a U.S. MSRP of $59.99, while the Standard Edition of the game is available for a U.S. MSRP of $49.99.

For more information about The Lord of the Rings Online, please visit www.lotro.com.

CAMBRIDGE, MA / PORTLAND, OR - April 23, 2007 - GuildCafe, the social networking site for gamers, by gamers, today announced its partnership with the Uberguilds Gaming Network. Uberguilds is an online host for leading guilds and fansites across the MMO community. GuildCafe will be the social networking engine for the Uberguilds network, which boasts well-known guilds including Silky Venom, Fires of Heaven, and Death and Taxes, and receives more than 20 million page views every month within its member sites.

"The Uberguilds Gaming Network is home to some of the most dedicated MMO fans around, and as a newer online community, GuildCafe is proud to be selected as Uberguilds' partner in an effort to serve those fans even better," said Jon Radoff, CEO of GuildCafe Entertainment Inc. "We hope to offer all guilds tools to empower their members to meet the social, administrative and communication demands of running organizations that span hundreds of people, many of whom have never met and are located around the globe."

Using input from some of the largest guilds in the world, the companies will create content and software that enriches the online gaming experience for all players. Already, gamers may use GuildCafe to locate the highest-rated gaming content from the network as well as from the Internet, such as strategy guides and videos of raid bosses vanquished by member guilds. As the community evolves, members can expect to interact with veteran online gamers and guilds and use their knowledge and experience to enhance their own successful gaming groups.

For more information, please visit www.guildcafe.com.

We've received many creative, unique, and CRAZY names for the Soul Nomad & the

World Eaters Random Name Campaign. Thank you so much for your submissions! We got a kick out of it!

We'd like to let you know that the Voting Period has begun for the Soul Nomad Random Name Campaign. Here are some fun names we received, Malcom Tandy, Zixi, DelaRusso, and more! There are 100 names that we selected from all the submissions. You may vote for 10 names from now until April 30 th at 5pm PST. Don't miss your chance to be a part of history! Isn't it just so cool to see the names you selected in Soul Nomad?

Check out the trailer, character art and screenshots at the NISA Press Event website.

Hope to receive many votes by April 30 th!

PS. There is a really neat pre-order bundle for Atelier Iris™ 3: Grand Phantasm at RosenQueen.com, so don't miss out on it!

Los Angeles, CA (April 25, 2007) – 3volution Productions, LLC, a leading provider of custom audio, video and marketing solutions for video games, has announced the addition of renowned producer and engineer, Jeremy Blair, as its Chief Engineer and Producer. Exclusively dedicated to 3volution Production’s Temple Studios in Los Angeles, Blair is now in charge of all premium music engineering for the company and will co-produce many tracks in 2007. Blair brings years of record producing and engineering experience to 3volution, having worked with top artists Fear Factory, Guns N Roses, Ice Cube and many more.

Blair’s first commercially available work for 3volution is Frank Black & 3volution’s “Gimme Danger” which was recorded for the Ghost Recon Advanced Warfighter™ 2 soundtrack.

Currently working with artists including God Forbid, Bleed The Sky, and

B Real, Blair and Temple Studios have over 80 audio projects currently in production.

“Jeremy Blair has the type of creative mind and hit-single style that is invaluable in the music production industry today.” said Raymond Herrera, co-owner of 3volution Productions. “Based on our previous experiences with Jeremy, and the extensive list of hit records he has been involved with, we are confident he will help 3voultion realize its goal of being the premium music production company for Videogame, TV and Film music.”

A trained guitarist, bass player, and keyboard player, Blair has performed in several professional bands and has programmed beats and orchestration music for a variety of musicians. He is credited with engineering such records as Guns N Roses’ "Live Era" (1999), Coal Chamber’s "Dark Days" (2002), Fear Factory's “Archetype" (2004) and Mnemic’s “Passenger” (2007), just to name a few.

For more information, visit http://www.3volutionproductions.com/.

Only the Toughest Fighters will Survive when KOEI's Hit Series Debuts on the Nintendo DS(tm) system

Burlingame, CA -- April 24, 2007 -- KOEI, recognized worldwide as the premier brand of strategy and action games, today announced that DYNASTY WARRIORS DS: FIGHTER'S BATTLE will arrive in North America in July 2007. Featuring all new characters and designs inspired by Japanese anime (animation), this title marks the debut of the hit Tactical Action series on the Nintendo DS.
About DYNASTY WARRIORS DS: FIGHTER'S BATTLE

It's time to team up with the legendary Dynasty Warriors and save Ancient China. Rival kingdoms and hordes of rebel soldiers are on the attack. In the Tactical Action game, DYNASTY WARRIORS DS: FIGHTER'S BATTLE, players must reunite a divided nation, but this is a challenge they will not face alone. History's mightiest warriors are ready to join the battle. Plus, with the awesome of the Musou attack players will have the power to stop entire gangs of enemies in one sweeping strike! You won't want to miss the action for all the tea in China!

In the game, players will take the role of one of three new characters, each with its own special attribute: the Phoenix (key attribute: balance), the Dragon (key attribute: speed), and the Chimera (key attribute: power). Using a "Battle Deck" of cards, players will select up to seven of the original Dynasty Warriors to serve as officers who will defend their bases.

A new "Obstacle Roulette System" lets players unleash tactics or spells using cards from the players' Battle Deck. These Obstacle attacks can disrupt an opponent's progress and are crucial to victory, especially in the game's wireless Vs. mode!

KOEI, recognized worldwide as the premier brand of strategy and action games, today announced that DYNASTY WARRIORS DS: FIGHTER'S BATTLE will arrive in North America in July 2007. Featuring all new characters and designs inspired by Japanese anime (animation), this title marks the debut of the hit Tactical Action series on the Nintendo DS.

DYNASTY WARRIORS DS: FIGHTER'S BATTLE will be available exclusively for the Nintendo DS. Wireless Vs. mode play is for up to 3 players. This game rated "E10+" (Everyone 10+ - Violence) by the Entertainment Software Ratings Board. Media can find screenshots and assets (watermark-free) at gamespress.com.

Submarines, Mercenaries Now Available in Latest Expansion for Pirates CSG Online

WHAT: Pirates of the Mysterious Islands, the digital expansion of the Pirates Constructible Strategy Game (CSG) Online is now available for digital download.

Mysterious Islands introduces new game content inspired by nautical science-fiction, such as the works of Jules Verne, and includes characters and ships such as Captain Nemo and the Nautilus. This expansion brings stealthy submarines and cutthroat mercenary ships into the online digital battle, and introduces a new terrain type--the mysterious island--where pirates may find untold fortunes or unknown perils.

Pirates of the Mysterious Islands joins the Pirates CSG Online fleet alongside Pirates of the Spanish Main and Pirates of Davy Jones' Curse, and will be followed by an extensive schedule of releases and activities for 2007, with a digital expansion scheduled for release every other month.

Single digital game packs are available for $3.99 each, and include all the tools necessary for play online. Digital game pack boxes, which include 18 digital game packs of Pirates of the Mysterious Islands, are available for $65.00.

WHO: Sony Online Entertainment LLC (SOE), a global leader in the online entertainment industry.

WHEN: Wednesday, April 25, 2007

WHERE: For more information on Pirates of the Mysterious Islands and Pirates CSG Online, visit the website at www.piratesgameonline.com.

FEATURES:
- An expansion for SOE's online version of the Pirates CSG, the WizKids tabletop strategy game of 3D high-seas pirate combat.
- Brings the industrial age to the high seas by introducing steel hulled ships, submarines, mines, power cannons, and the periscope.
- Each pack contains two sailing ships, submarines or sea monsters, one treasure card and one mysterious island card. You will find 93 new ships, 36 new crew and 14 new treasure cards.
- Adds the Mercenary, a new nationality with the ability to gain a head start when departing their home island.
- Adds a new type of terrain--the Mysterious Island--where a player may find good or ill fortune.
- Casual and Tournament formats available to accommodate all player levels.

DALLAS, TX - April 25, 2007 - MumboJumbo, a premium casual game publisher, today announced the arrival of Tropix at retail outlets nationwide. The exotic puzzle title from developer Robot Super Brain and their publisher RealArcade whisks gamers away to a tropical island, where they can play games, do some virtual shopping, and watch their pet monkey frolic. Rated E for "Everyone," Tropix can be found at national retailers including Best Buy, CompUSA, and GameStop, and retails for $19.99.

"Tropix's broad range of activities is a perfect fit for anyone looking for an enjoyable escape," said Brian Garrison, Vice President of North American Sales at MumboJumbo. "The unlimited gameplay offers hours of fun for all ages, and we know that anyone will enjoy getting lost in the Tropix."

Those who enter the Tropix oasis have 11 exciting minigames from which to choose-you can swing through the jungle, hone your skills at coconut bowling, or do a little mental exercise in fun word games! Then take the Sand Dollars you earn and visit the Tropix Trading Post, where you can purchase fun and zany items for your pet. No matter what kind of casual game you enjoy best, Tropix is the ultimate gaming vacation for the whole family!

Admit it. Somewhere deep inside, you've always wanted to go for the gold, take down Monster World, and have people call you Vic Viper. How cool would that be? Well, pay a visit to the popular Wii(TM) video game system's Wii Shop Channel, and all those fantasies can now come true.

Three new classic games go live at 9 a.m. Pacific time. Nintendo adds new games to the channel every Monday. Wii owners with a high-speed Internet connection can redeem Wii Points(TM) to download the games. Wii Points can be purchased in the Wii Shop Channel or at retail outlets.

This week's new games are:

Gradius(R)III (SNES(R), 1-2 players, 800 Wii Points):
Return as the pilot of the Vic Viper starfighter to battle the onslaughts of the Bacterion Empire. Blast through 10 action-packed levels in space, destroying everything in your path. Customize and power up your ship with weapons and upgrades including speed-ups, missiles, lasers, options, and shields.

Wonder Boy(TM) in Monster World (Genesis, 1 player, 800 Wii Points):
Monster World was a peaceful, happy place until one dark day when an army of BioMeka monsters invaded. As a young man named Shion, you've vowed to defeat the hostile foes and make the land peaceful again. You'll attack enemies with swords and spears and guard against incoming projectiles with shields and armor. As you travel through the many different regions of Monster World, you'll talk to the townspeople, collect money to buy items, and gather a large variety of weapons and magic. The further you venture, the more powerful your weapons and equipment, including suits of armor and boots, will become.

Battle Lode Runner(R) (TurboGrafx 16, 1-5 players, 600 Wii Points):
This upgraded edition to the famous Lode Runner series includes a 5-player versus mode. Gold funds have been stolen from the Time Machine Research Center, and the group responsible used a time machine to escape and hide the gold throughout time. The center sends an elite team of "Runners" to go and retrieve the gold.

In addition to the familiar Puzzle mode, the game features Battle mode, where up to 5 players can compete, and Edit mode, where you can create your own original stages. You can enjoy Battle mode in a number of different ways. Be the last one standing to win in Survival. Grab items from enemies and escape to win in Escape. With 4 players, you can separate into two teams to do battle in Tag Match.

EverQuest® The Anniversary Edition, a new compilation collection for the Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Game (MMORPG), EverQuest. EverQuest The Anniversary Edition includes all of the expansions from the past eight years and will be available at participating retail locations. EverQuest The Anniversary Edition is scheduled to be available at selected retail outlets on Tuesday, April 24 and via digital download in May 2007, for the suggested retail price of $19.99.

EverQuest The Anniversary Edition is a compilation of eight years of content. Players can adventure online in ever-changing worlds as they journey across massive continents filled with vast dungeons, eerie crypts and mysterious underwater landscapes. They are able to choose from 16 unique races and 16 distinct classes, including the recently created Drakkin race, a race formed of a dragon breed. With more than 375 zones to explore and more than 50,000 items to earn and collect both magical and mundane, including artifacts of great power, characters can shape the universe in EverQuest.

For more information visit www.station.sony.com

Four SEGA Genesis Classics Coming Soon
to the Wii Shop Channel

SAN FRANCISCO (April 19, 2007) – SEGA® of America, Inc. today announced that four titles from its SEGA Genesis™ library, Streets of Rage 2, Toe Jam & Earl in Panic on Funkotron, Shining in the Darkness and Kid Chameleon, will soon be available for download on the Wii™ Shop Channel. Prices start at 800 Wii™ Points for SEGA Genesis titles. Wii Points can be purchased online or at select retailers at an MSRP of $20 for 2,000 points.

Streets of Rage 2 - To celebrate their defeat of the syndicate exactly one year before, Blaze, Adam and Axel met for drinks. The next morning, Axel received a frantic phone call from Eddie 'Skate' Hunter, Adam's younger brother, whom he was living with on the edge of the city. Blaze and Axel found Adam and Skate's house wrecked and a picture of Adam chained to a wall at the feet of Mr. X. The city then once again returned to its nightmarish state and criminals ran rampant. Unable to contact their old friend from the military, Axel and Blaze team up with Skate and Max Thunder to free the city and rescue Adam from the Syndicate. It is up to you to take down Mr. X once and for all!

Toe Jam & Earl in Panic on Funkotron - A number of Earthlings hitchhiked on Toe Jam and Earl's spaceship on their trip back home after the first game, and are now infesting Planet Funkotron. Toe Jam and Earl must track down the Earthlings and capture them in large jars and ship them back to Earth in space ships. It is also your funky mission to find 10 beloved objects belonging to Lamont the "Funkapotamus," the source of all funk in the universe, to persuade him to return to his favorite funk-filled planet. Use your "funk powers" to assist in evading and capturing the earthlings, such as Funk Move and Funk Scan.

Shining in the Darkness - Dark Sol has vowed to reign over the enchanted Kingdom of Thornwood and only you can stop him. Roaming the dark labyrinth, you will seek out enemies and collect weapons, all of which will help you pass the test of the Ancients and become a shining knight. Get into the adventure with a stunning 3D perspective, amazing cinematic views, and fast-paced scrolling. You'll move from battle to battle, solving puzzles and discovering secret items in this engrossing struggle between good and evil. Find the powerful Arms of Light and battle the deadly beasts that keep your people desperate and starving in this epic journey for peace.

Kid Chameleon - The local arcade is packed with kids, all lining up to play the latest, most realistic video game they've ever seen. It's called Wild Side, and it uses holographic images to immerse the player in a strange world. But there's a problem, kids are being sucked into the game and now several of them are trapped. With more than 100 levels to adventure through, you'll take on several different forms such as a Berzerker, a Micromax, a Maniaxe, or a Skycutter, which will make you much more powerful. It's up to you, Kid Chameleon, the best gamer in town, to get yourself inside the game so that you can defeat the games' boss and bring your friends back to reality.

The Wii Shop Channel serves as the Wii’s online storefront where visitors can redeem Wii Points to download games. Users need a high-speed Internet connection to access the Wii Shop Channel. Users can buy Wii Points at retail or with a credit card online from the Wii Shop Channel and redeem their Wii Points to download these and other classic games.

For more information on upcoming Virtual Console titles from SEGA, please visit the official Web site at www.sega.com

Become a Valiant Hero in this Fierce and Addicting Sequel

SANTA CLARA, Calif., (April 18, 2007) – The battle continues as leading video games publisher and developer NAMCO BANDAI Games America Inc. announced today that its popular ninja combat franchise will return to the PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system in NARUTOTM: Uzumaki Chronicles TM2. Boasting an exciting new storyline, multi-player battles, and an additional array of playable characters, NARUTO: Uzumaki Chronicles 2 follows the success of its prequel to deliver an original adventure with intense combat. Based on the hit animated TV series SHONEN JUMP™ NARUTO™, from VIZ Media, players can expect fierce ninjutsu action with challenging missions set in a picturesque anime-style 3D world. NARUTO: Uzumaki Chronicles 2 is set to be released in late-summer 2007.

“In response to the overwhelming success, we felt compelled to give fans a superior sequel to

NARUTO: Uzumaki Chronicles by digging deeper into the series; allowing gamers to become further engulfed into the ninja lifestyle,” said Makoto Iwai, Executive Vice President and COO at NAMCO BANDAI Games America Inc, “NARUTO: Uzumaki Chronicles 2 will deliver the excitement of ninja combat on a massive scale while remaining true to the unique franchise.”

A brand new tale arrives as Naruto faces different challenges to defend the Hidden Leaf Village and surrounding villages from the evil force trying to dominate it. An ancient organization, which was thought to have been disbanded, is alive and in search of orbs to resurrect a mechanical terror. It’s now up to Naruto and all of the Hidden Leaf Genin to join forces with those of the Hidden Sand Village to stop this menace.

NARUTO: Uzumaki Chronicles 2 far exceeds its predecessor with features including:

* New Original Adventure - Explore the Naruto world with a brand new story line that can only be experienced through NARUTO: Uzumaki Chronicles 2
* Multiplayer Co-op and Vs Battles - During the game, a second player is able to join in on the action for a simultaneous two-player adventure! Or, fight head-to-head with a friend and battle it out for the title of Hokage.
* Multiple Modes of Play - Additional gameplay modes further enhance the Naruto experience:
o Story Mode - Play alone or with a friend and traverse a lush, 3-D anime-style world in which Naruto and his friends work together to unravel the mystery of the Shirogane Clan and their nefarious army of “puppet walkers.” Hone your skills to become the ultimate warrior and unlock a secret chapter of the story.
o Mission Mode - Take on a series of challenging side missions.
o Survival Mode - Test your skills to become the ultimate warrior and unlock a secret mission.
* Multiple Playable Characters - Choose your favorite ninja, including Naruto, Shikamaru, Rock Lee, Kakashi, Guy, Sasuke, or Choji, to complete story-driven missions and intense challenges.
* Character Customization - Prove yourself in battle and earn money to create the ultimate warrior using Chips and Plates that can customize your character’s speed, strength, stamina and even special moves.
* Lethal Attacks and Weapons - Harness the power of Rasengan, Lightning Blade, Sand Coffin, and other moves, straight from the series!

For more information on NARUTO: Uzumaki Chronicles 2 please visit: http://www.namcobandaigames.com

San Mateo, CA & UK, London - April 18, 2007: I-play, the mobile entertainment company, today announced a multi-title distribution deal with Polarbit, the experts in mobile 3D game development. Covering BREW, Symbian and Windows mobile, the games will appear across I-play's global distribution network in the second half of 2007.

Polarbit's games truly showcase the stellar performance achievable on today's mobile platforms, while also embracing I-play's gaming philosophy that 'casual' is a mindset, not a genre. These titles deliver an experience more powerful and visually stunning than most games available on the market; and they also adhere to I-play's mobile gaming ideals, providing the ultimate dip-in/dip-out, intuitive, and accessible gameplay experience, offering instant gratification as well as ongoing challenge and replay value.

3D Wave Blazer is a power-boat racer, featuring gut-wrenching gameplay and spectacular visual effects unlike anything previously seen on a mobile device. Boats throw up a cascade of sparkling water as they slice through rippling waves reflecting majestic buildings and scenic surroundings, including lush, green grasslands and inviting, ivory beaches as well as freezing wastes and murky grottos.

3D Armageddon Squadron is an arcade flight-sim that gives players the chance to try their wings in a variety of missions above richly detailed environments. Mission objectives include wild dogfights, bombing and strafing raids against facilities and convoys as well as protection of allied installations against enemy attackers.

3D Nitro GT, part of the award winning Raging Thunder game series, is an arcade racer that gives players control over some of the most extreme muscle cars in the world, on a variety of tracks set in different beautifully realized environments. The crisp graphics, responsive controls and polished details of 3D Nitro GT are sure to impress both casual gamers and the hardcore alike.

The line up also includes Doomination, a turn-based, action-oriented strategy game and Little Soldiers, a brain-teasing mix of puzzle game and platformer, featuring elements of action, tactics and strategy.

Leighton Webb, Senior Vice President of Content Strategy and Licensing for I-play, commented: "Polarbit are the masters of high-end mobile game development and we are very excited to bring their stunning games to market. These games showcase the advanced performance achievable on today's mobile platforms while embracing I-play's mantra that regardless of the power of the technology behind a game, the gameplay itself is always king."

Mitri Bautista-Wiberg, co-founder of Polarbit says: "We are extremely happy to be working with I-play in bringing our titles to market. It is important for us to be partnering with people who are as passionate and dedicated as ourselves about gaming on mobile platforms, while able to bring the marketing weight and industry connections of a first-rate publisher."

Gamers aiming to participate in the “Gears of War” Global Xbox LIVE Tournament can lower their weapons and start training behind the scenes as technical issues have delayed the Leaderboard re-set previously scheduled for 12:01 a.m. GMT on April 9, 2007. Tournament play has been scheduled to resume on or about 12:01 a.m. GMT on Friday, April 20, 2007, and the tournament will continue until 11:59 p.m. GMT on Sunday, May 13, 2007. Additionally, tournament registration has been extended until Saturday, May 12, ending at 11:59 p.m. GMT.

Notice of the new start and end dates and times, as well as any adjustments to other dates or tournament play will be posted at www.xboxlivetournament.com. Additionally, all those who registered online to participate in the tournament will be contacted separately via e-mail with the leaderboard reset information and date changes.

We apologize for any inconvenience this delay may have caused and look forward to the exciting battle ahead.

We’re back with the latest and greatest news and updates from the “Forza Motorsport 2” universe. We’ve spent the last few months touting the extremely deep customization levels of the game. With the upgrades garage and new-and-improved Livery editor, gamers will have more freedom than ever to create and customize their favorite rides to make them truly unique and stand out on the track. Be sure to check out forzamotorsport.net for a new video showcasing the Livery editor in action!

Additionally, what “Forza” update would be complete without more car reveals? This week we’re bringing you the final wave of our 300+ models list by revealing the race cars you’ll find in “Forza Motorsport 2,” including the Gulf Team McLaren F1 GTR and, of course, the “Forza Motorsport” sponsored Risi Competizione #62 Ferrari F430GT– would you expect anything less from the next-generation racing simulator? Speed over to forzamotorsport.net for the complete list.

Finally, we wanted to confirm the game’s revised launch date of May 29. The team is using the extra time to further play test and polish the game to ensure it crosses the finish line at retail as the best racing simulator ever made.

List of Race Cars

Year
Manufacturer
Country
Car/Race Team
Race Class

2001
Audi
Germany
#4 Johansson Motorsport R8
R1

2002
Audi
Germany
#1 Infineon Audi R8
R1

2004
Audi
Germany
#88 Audi Sport UK Team Veloqx R8
R1

2004
Audi
Germany
#5 Audi Sport Japan Team Goh R8
R1

2006
Audi
Germany
#2 FSI Champion Racing R8
R1

2003
Bentley
United Kingdom
#7 Team Bentley Speed 8
R1

1999
BMW Motorsport
Germany
#15 BMW Motorsport V12 LMR
R1

2002
Cadillac
United States
#6 Team Cadillac Northstar LMP-02
R1

1998
Ferrari
Italy
#12 Risi Competizione F333 SP
R1

2003
Panoz
United States
#11 JML Team Panoz LMP-01
R1

1993
Peugeot
France
#3 Peugeot Talbot Sport 905 EVO 1C
R1

1987
Porsche
Germany
#17 Racing Porsche AG 962c
R1

1999
Toyota
Japan
#3 Toyota Motorsports GT-ONE TS020
R1

2004
Chevrolet
United States
#3 Corvette Racing C5.R
R2

2006
Chevrolet
United States
#4 Corvette Racing C6.R
R2

2003
Ferrari
Italy
#88 Veloqx / Prodrive Racing 550 Maranello
R2

2003
Ferrari
Italy
#72 Team Alphand Aventures 550 Maranello GTS
R2

2005
Ferrari
Italy
#11 Larbre Competition 550 Maranello GTS
R2

2005
Maserati
Italy
#15 JMB Racing MC12
R2

2005
Maserati
Italy
#35 Risi Competizione MC12
R2

2005
Maserati
Italy
#9 Vitaphone Racing Team MC12
R2

1997
McLaren
United Kingdom
#41 Gulf Team McLaren F1 GTR
R2

1997
McLaren
United Kingdom
#43 Team BMW Motorsport McLaren F1 GTR
R2

1998
Nissan
Japan
#32 NISSAN R390 GT1
R2

2003
Pagani
Italy
#17 Carsport America Zonda GR
R2

1998
Porsche
Germany
#26 Porsche AG 911 GT1-98
R2

2003
Saleen
United States
#2 Konrad Motorsports S7R
R2

2001
Saleen
United States
#26 Konrad Motorsports S7R
R2

2002
Saleen
United States
#11 Graham Nash Motorsport S7R
R2

2004
Audi
Germany
#8 Audi ABT TT-R
R3

2005
BMW Motorsport
Germany
#2 BMW Motorsport M3-GTR
R3

2002
Dodge
United States
#1 Team Zakspeed Viper GTS-R
R3

2000
Dodge
United States
#57 Carsport Holland Viper GTS-R
R3

2001
Dodge
United States
#58 Larbre Compétition Viper GTS-R
R3

2003
Dodge
United States
#126 Team Zakspeed Viper GTS-R
R3

2005
Dodge
United States
#77 Team Zakspeed Viper ACR
R3

2006
Ferrari
Italy
#62 Risi Competizione F430GT
R3

2003
Honda
Japan
#16 G'ZOX NSX
R3

2005
Honda
Japan
#18 TAKATA DOME NSX
R3

2005
Honda
Japan
#8 ARTA NSX
R3

2003
Nissan
Japan
#23 XANAVI NISMO GT-R
R3

2003
Nissan
Japan
#12 CALSONIC SKYLINE
R3

2003
Opel
Germany
#5 OPC TEAM PHOENIX Astra V8
R3

2005
Panoz
United States
#51 JML Team Panoz Esperante GTLM
R3

2006
Panoz
United States
#81 Team LNT Panoz Esperante GTLM
R3

2004
Porsche
Germany
#23 Alex Job Racing 911 GT3-RSR
R3

2005
Porsche
Germany
#31 Peterson-White Lightning 911 GT3-RSR
R3

2005
Porsche
Germany
#44 Flying Lizard 911 GT3-RSR
R3

2005
Porsche
Germany
#5 XBOX 360 911 GT3-RSR
R3

2004
Toyota
Japan
#35 Yellowhat YMS Supra
R3

2005
Toyota
Japan
#36 OPEN INTERFACE TOM'S SUPRA
R3

2005
Toyota
Japan
#6 EXXON Superflo Supra
R3

2006
Toyota
Japan
#25 ECLIPSE ADVAN SUPRA
R3

2002
Acura
United States
#42 Realtime Racing NSX
R4

2002
Audi
Germany
#1 Champion S4 Competition
R4

2003
Audi
Germany
#1 Champion RS 6
R4

2004
Cadillac
United States
#16 Team Cadillac CTS-V
R4

2003
Chevrolet
United States
#73 3R-Racing Corvette Z06
R4

2005
Chevrolet
United States
#31 Whelen Engineering Corvette Z06
R4

2005
Chevrolet
United States
#99 Tiger Racing Corvette Z06
R4

2003
Dodge
United States
#23 Magellan Financial Viper Competition Coupe
R4

2004
Dodge
United States
#22 3R-Racing Viper Competition Coupe
R4

2004
Ford
United States
#10 Tiger Racing Mustang
R4

2003
Nissan
Japan
#3 HASEMISPORT ENDLESS Z
R4

2005
Nissan
Japan
#46 Dream Cube's ADVAN Z
R4

2003
Porsche
Germany
#22 3R-Racing 911 GT3 Cup
R4

2002
Porsche
Germany
#57 Larbre McDonalds 996 GT3 Cup
R4

2005
Porsche
Germany
#55 Applied Materials 911 GT3 Cup
R4

2005
Porsche
Germany
#66 AXA Racing 911 GT3 Cup
R4

2005
Porsche
Germany
#3 Lechner Racing School Team 1 911 GT3 Cup
R4

2005
Porsche
Germany
#7 PFG 911 GT3 Cup
R4

2006
Porsche
Germany
#82 Red Bull 911 GT3 Cup
R4

2006
Porsche
Germany
#81 Synergy Racing 911 GT3 Cup
R4

2003
Subaru
Japan
#77 Cusco Advan Impreza
R4

2004
Volvo
Sweden
#24 At-Speed S60 R
R4

Codemasters has announced three new games this week:

Operation Flashpoint 2 - "the game that invented the conflict simulation genre" returns in 2008:

Operation Flashpoint™2 will mark the long-awaited return of the total conflict simulator, which won international acclaim. Now in development, it is Codemasters Studios’ most extensive R&D project to date. With the studio’s largest development team ever assembled, Operation Flashpoint™2 has already benefited from over two years of pre-production on a closed set basis and will use a new FPS variant of Neon technology, the studio’s proprietary middleware.

Building on the original game’s heritage, Operation Flashpoint™2 will see the most realistic modelling of conflict scenarios in a new contemporary theatre of war. By offering a multitude of military disciplines, gameplay will deliver warfare more realistic and intense then ever before, while an extensive multiplayer component will create battles on an incredible scale.

Set to redefine the genre it created, Operation Flashpoint™2 is coming in 2008. Further details will be announced this summer; gamers can sign up for future development briefings online at: www.codemasters.com/flashpoint2.

Race Driver One - Motorsport gaming evolved:

Race Driver One™ will be a true evolution for the series, which first appeared as the TOCA (DTM/V8) Touring Car games (1997-2000) and became the TOCA (DTM/V8) Race Driver series (2002-2006). Taking the series from ultimate racing simulation to ultimate racing stimulation, Race Driver One™ will be the next technical showcase for Neon, the studio’s proprietary middleware system that is already driving Colin McRae: DIRT™ in incredible detail.

Challenging players to become the number one race driver in a new world of exhilarating motorsport, Race Driver One™ will take players on a tour like never before; to beautifully realised racing locations through Europe, the U.S., Japan and beyond. The game will feature the most extensive range of events in the series, combining official circuit-based championships with road races and urban street competitions.

“As each generation of gaming formats shifts up a gear, so does this series and Race Driver One is set to evolve the previously headlined TOCA (DTM/V8) titles as much as DIRT has the Colin McRae series,” says Gavin Raeburn, Executive Producer at Codemasters Studios.

“Combining our racing heritage with the Neon engine, Race Driver One will create a world that goes far beyond the traditional boundaries of motorsport gaming, taking players from the most prestigious race circuits to road and street events around the globe. A completely fresh career structure will engage players in an unprecedented range of racing styles as they build a team capable of becoming number one. The Neon engine will be expanded to deliver a new level of visual detail, physics and an astonishing car damage system.”

Rise of the Argonauts - an action-RPG for 2008:

Rise of the Argonauts will immerse gamers in a gladiatorial adventure, set in wondrously imagined vision of ancient Greece. With deep exploration and epic quests, players will live a life of brutal combat as they lead a team of iconic warriors - including Jason, Hercules and Atalanta - through a world ruled by mythological gods.

“Rise of the Argonauts is a further key property in our 2008 portfolio,” says Barry Jafrato, Codemasters Senior VP of Brand. “Codemasters’ investment in developing new I.P.s, which will sit alongside the new extensions of our existing brands, reinforces our ongoing commitment to bring original and thrilling new gaming experiences to market.”

For information on these three games, and any other Codemasters release, check out www.codemasters.com!

Crave Executes Th3 Plan
Pull off the world's most daring art heist in this tense game of stealth & tactics




Newport Beach, CA -- Apr 17, 2007 -- Crave Entertainment, a leading publisher of console videogames for the casual gamer, today announced Th3 Plan, a tactical action game of stealth and infiltration for the PlayStation(R)2 computer entertainment system produced by Monte Cristo and developed by Eko Software, has broken into retail outlets throughout North America.

Travel the world as the twists and turns of the heist takes you deeper into the ever evolving sophisticated plot. Armed with the latest high-tech gadgets and a team of highly specialized skilled thieves, you must maneuver your team through the most secure locations to pull off daring jobs. But, of course, the most important tool is your brain.
Th3 Plan screenshot Th3 Plan is an infiltration game which lets the player orchestrate a major artwork robbery. Throughout 13 action packed levels, the player heads a group of 7 professional robbers. With the action occurring simultaneously on 3 screens, the player can monitor all on going missions and intervene when necessary, thus creating an atmosphere particularly intense and full of suspense.

Th3 Plan is an infiltration game which lets the player orchestrate a major artwork robbery. Throughout 13 action packed levels, the player heads a group of 7 professional robbers. With the action occurring simultaneously on 3 screens, the player can monitor all on going missions and intervene when necessary, thus creating an atmosphere particularly intense and full of suspense.

Features include:

* Control a team of seven professional master thieves to pull of the heist of the century
* Innovative split screen system: play simultaneously with three characters in a new style of game that coordinates the actions of up to three characters from three different perspectives
* Use different skills from each character (shooting, acrobatics, demolition and more) to perform intricate tasks to pull off the crime
* Employ modern infiltration and security bypass gadgetry, but more importantly, use your brain to stay ahead of the police and the Mob
* Experience the action packed storyline: stage heists in the most secure places around the globe, including modern art museum, luxury train, and high security jail
* 13 missions
* 1 to 3 players

The game is available now for an MSRP of $14.99.

Tokyo Xtreme Racer DRIFT 2 Surges Into Stores
Next entry in popular street racing series features mountain terrain & off-road courses



Newport Beach, CA -- Apr 17, 2007 -- Crave Entertainment, a leading publisher of console videogames for the casual gamer, today announced that the follow up to the incredibly popular street racing series, Tokyo Xtreme Racer DRIFT 2 for the PlayStation(R)2 computer entertainment system, has hit retail shelves throughout North America. With the mysterious disappearance of the reigning champion, the tournament crown is suddenly up for grabs. Many will vie, only one can win. Do you have what it takes to race, grind and drift your way to the ultimate racing prize?

Race in the picturesque mountains of Japan - Hakone, Niko, Haruna and Akagi - all faithfully recreated using the most advanced laser techniques to maintain every tight twist and hazardous turn. Enter your car in sanctioned races held during the day for money, and enter at night to defeat your bitter rivals. The championship and glory are waiting.
Features include:

* Race over 180 true-to-life cars from 16 manufactures
* Challenge rivals on the track and in off-road rallies
* Unleash your inner gearhead with unlimited engine alterations
* Tweak your car to the exact specification for your race and driving style
* Beware of changing weather that affects your race
* Experience an engaging story as you race where drifting was born
* For 1 to 2 players

The game is now available for an MSRP of $14.99.

The suspense ends now as Nintendo of Canada today reveals the remaining two mystery Canadian artists and hand-painted Wii consoles up for grabs in its TheArtofWii.ca nationwide sweepstakes.

One-of-a-kind Wiis by contemporary designer Derrick Hodgson and hip-hop artist Kardinal Offishall now join those of famed illustrator Gary Taxali, Hoi-An-Tang, punk group illScarlett and Arnold Tsang of Udon Entertainment as top prizes in TheArtofWii.ca draw.

Canadians can visit TheArtofWii.ca to register for a chance to win one of the six fully-functional, top-selling Wii video game consoles until April 30.

Images of Hodgson’s and Offishall’s original Wiis are now available. To view all six consoles online or for more information, visit TheArtofWii.ca

Three classic games from three classic systems. The only problem you'll have this week is deciding which one to download first. For the best retro gaming around, it's time to pay a visit to the popular Wii(TM) video game system's Wii Shop Channel.

Three new classic games go live at 9 a.m. Pacific time. Nintendo adds new games to the channel every Monday. Wii owners with a high-speed Internet connection can redeem Wii Points(TM) to download the games. Wii Points can be purchased in the Wii Shop Channel or at retail outlets. This week's new games
are:

Punch Out!!(R) Featuring Mr. Dream (NES(R), 1 player, 500 Wii Points): As young boxer Little Mac, players have a once-in-a-lifetime chance to battle the big guys of the World Video Boxing Association circuit. Take them on one by one, starting with skinny Glass Joe. Battle up through King Hippo and all the way to the WVBA Champion himself. Players use their best jabs, hooks and power uppercuts to knock out opponents, but must pay attention to subtle changes in their body position to dodge jaw-breaking blows. With great graphics, addictive action and a touch of humor, this game will keep players entertained for hours.

Virtua Fighter(TM) 2 (Sega Genesis, 1-2 players, 800 Wii Points): Virtua Fighter was the very first 3-D fighting game in the industry and introduced six unique characters, each with their own martial arts style. In Virtua Fighter 2, the intrepid fighters return to the World Fighting Tournament.
Players take to the stage to see who will claim the championship title. Will it be Lau Chan, Kage-Maru, Wolf Hawkfield, Jeffry McWild, Akira Yuki, Jacky Bryant, Sarah Bryant or Pai Chan? The answer lies within. Players immerse themselves in this technically challenging game and see if they have what it takes to be the champion of the second World Fighting Tournament.

Bonk's Revenge (TurboGrafx16, 1 player, 600 Wii Points): The "hardheaded" hero is back for more in the second installment of the Bonk series. Taking place in the Monster Kingdom, Bonk the Caveman makes his way toward King Drool III. Bonk's Revenge is a side-scrolling action game in which players Jump and "Bonk" (head-butt) their enemies while they make their way to the goal at the end of each stage. Double, even triple, attack power by eating the meat that appears in a stage. There are eight different hidden bonus stages, and the Dinosaur Train that appears after players defeat a boss will change depending on how many Smileys they've collected. With new actions such as the Triangle Jump and the ability to climb trees, as well as seven variety-packed stages, Bonk's Revenge will keep players playing over and over.

Two great games will become available this Xbox LIVE Arcade Wednesday: “Gyruss” and “3D Ultra MiniGolf Adventures.”

Nearly a quarter century ago, gamers who wanted to travel throughout the galaxy needed only to plunk a few coins into an arcade machine. This week, gamers will be able to travel through space from the comfort of their own living room when “Gyruss,” the classic tube-shooter from Konami Digital Entertainment, Inc. launches on Xbox LIVE Arcade for Xbox 360 beginning Wednesday, April 18 at 0900 GMT (2 a.m. PDT).

In “Gyruss,” gamers fly a space ship from Neptune to Earth while battling enemies, satellites, asteroids and laser beam generators. Along the way the player’s ship can be upgraded to better tackle the ever-increasing enemies that attack during the journey to Earth.

“Gyruss” will be available worldwide for 400 Microsoft Points and is rated “E” for Everyone.

Game Features

- Enhanced for Xbox LIVE Arcade – includes voice support, new graphics, digitally enhanced sound, and leaderboards
- Play the original game or an enhanced version which includes 3D rendered graphics
- Multiplayer gameplay over Xbox LIVE includes split-screen cooperative and versus modes
- 23 levels to clear
- Earn up to 12 Achievements and 200 Gamerscore points

Busting out the putter in ghost towns, outer space or at the carnival from the comfort of your couch has never been so much fun. “3D Ultra MiniGolf Adventures” from Sierra Online will be available for download on Xbox LIVE Arcade for Xbox 360 beginning Wednesday, April 18 at 0900 GMT (2 a.m. PDT).

From the creators of the popular Xbox LIVE Arcade game “Assault Heroes,” Sierra Online delivers the ultimate mini-golf experience with clever mind-bending, imaginative courses and animated stylish 3-D characters. In “3D Ultra MiniGolf Adventures,” gamers collect over-the-top power-ups and play through imaginative traps across three major theme courses including Classic Carnival, Old West and Outer Space.

“3D Ultra MiniGolf Adventures” also includes a customizable course editor that allows gamers to build their own course design by mixing and matching combinations of tees, straights, corners, cups, junctions and ramps.

“3D Ultra MiniGolf Adventures” will be available worldwide for 800 Microsoft Points and is rated “E for Everyone”.

Game Features

- 36 challenging holes
- Up to four players may compete in multiplayer competitions over Xbox LIVE
- Earn up to 12 Achievements and 200 Gamerscore points

More information is available at http://www.xbox.com/en-ca/games/livearcade.

SNK Announces ART OF FIGHTING ANTHOLOGY for the PlayStation®2 System
Collection Includes Complete ART OF FIGHTING Trilogy

Wall, NJ - Apr 13, 2007 SNK PLAYMORE USA CORPORATION, the U.S. publishing arm of the SNK PLAYMORE CORPORATION, today announced ART OF FIGHTING ANTHOLOGY for the PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system. ART OF FIGHTING ANTHOLOGY is a comprehensive collection featuring the entire ART OF FIGHTING trilogy. A total of 33 classic SNK characters are included, each with their own fighting styles and unique moves.

ART OF FIGHTING was SNK’s second fighting-game franchise, set in the same universe as the FATAL FURY franchise, and serving as a prequel to the FATAL FURY saga. The ART OF FIGHTING series improved upon the tried-and-true 2D-fighter combat system with a spirit gauge that gave each player the ability to perform special attacks, as well as an innovative graphical-scaling camera system.

“With both ART OF FIGHTING ANTHOLOGY and FATAL FURY: BATTLE ARCHIVES Volume 1 making their first North American appearances on PlayStation 2 system this will be a memorable summer for SNK fans,” said Ben Herman, president of SNK PLAYMORE USA CORPORATION.

ART OF FIGHTING ANTHOLOGY will be available for PlayStation 2 system in May 2007.

As new titles continue to join GameTap's catalog of more than 850 console, arcade and computer video games, this week's GameTap Thursday alert touts the latest additions, including the critically acclaimed Wing Commander and Warlords Battlecry III, as well as the network's first SEGA Saturn title.

Wing Commander™: Electronic Arts' sci-fi strategy game enlists players in an outer space aerial war to defend Earth from the marauding Kilrathi race. Wing Commander was a revolutionary game when it was released, blazing trails in the realms of 3D gaming, cinematic storytelling and the popularization of sound cards and game soundtracks, so check out the game that started it all!

Warlords Battlecry III: This real time strategy game from Enlight Interactive Inc. further expands the Battlecry tradition of featuring persistent RPG-like fantasy heroes with its retinue of loyal followers fighting massive battles in the Warlords' world of Etheria. As a true sequel to Warlords Battlecry I & II - both of which are also available on GameTap - it features many familiar races and troop-types, while also adding new ones into the mix.

Bug!: Originally appearing on GameTap last week in the form of an "Easter Egg," this SEGA action title ushers in GameTap's latest console – the SEGA Saturn. Bug is a big movie star whose film set friends are kidnapped, so he's off to save the day in a hopping-and-bopping platform-jumping adventure. With some of the greatest Saturn titles on the horizon, this is big news for fans of classic console gaming.

Doki Doki Penguin Land: GameTap unveils SEGA's Doki Doki Penguin Land, its latest addition to its library of games for the rare SG-1000 Japanese-only 8-bit console. As a penguin in the harsh arctic wasteland, it's your job to outsmart the burly polar bears and roll your egg to the safety of your underground home

ThinkTanks: GarageGames' ThinkTanks is a fast-paced tank combat game where only the smartest tanks survive in a deadly arena. The backstory is that the Terranians have been harvesting human brains and popping them into armored vehicles, all to create a game show where these captive Think Tanks do battle for the amusement of wicked alien overlords. You're one of the Think Tanks, but you've escaped! Now it's up to you to free your fellow brains and destroy the enemy.

In addition to 850+ games, GameTap provides subscribers with unlimited access to more than 600 original TV shows and videos that cater to fans of the video game lifestyle.

To register for GameTap, visit www.gametap.com where your first month of service is only 99 cents.

NEW FLYING VIDEO FROM CODEMASTERS HEATSEEKER FOR PS2

Prepare to be amazed! Codemasters today releases new PlayStation®2 gameplay footage for the upcoming title Heatseeker (click here for the video). The flying, the flight model, the fight model... Heatseeker is set to be the most explosive, destructive and exhilarating arcade aerial combat experience ever made.

Designed to be an incredible lock-on/shake-off experience, Heatseeker reinvents missile combat to give gamers a massive rush of destruction. Set to feature an incredible collection of current and near-future military fighter jets, Heatseeker’s arsenal includes the stealthy F-22™Raptor™, the classic F-15 Eagle, the cutting-edge F35® Lightening II®, and the aerodynamically advanced Russian SU-47 Berkut.

Putting players right in the center of the action, Heatseeker will deliver the latest fighters, current conflicts, black ops, grey and white missions and a constant stream of macho military radio traffic to build the atmosphere. Heatseeker will launch May 1, 2007 for Wii™, PlayStation®2 system and the PSP® system. Aspiring fighter pilots can sign up for additional and exclusive briefings online at www.codemasters.com/heatseeker.

MINION MAYHEM SET FOR CODEMASTERS’ OVERLORD
COMING THIS SUMMER TO THE XBOX 360 AND PC

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: codemasters, Overlord, PC, Xbox 360

Montreal- CANADA — April 12, 2007 — Today Ubisoft, one of the world’s largest video game publishers, announced that it will publish WarTech™ Senko no Ronde, an arcade fighter for the Xbox 360™ video game and entertainment system from Microsoft in North American and European territories in May 2007.

Developed by G.rev Ltd., WarTech™ Senko no Ronde is a new take on a famous arcade game from 2004 and has already been released in Japan with great success. Japanese cult magazine Famitsu awarded Senko no Ronde a gold medal and lauded its amazing blend of shoot-em-up action and fighting.

WarTech™ Senko no Ronde thrusts the player into a distant future where humanity has colonized countless new galaxies and Earth has become a planet mined for its natural resources. A violent war has erupted as nations struggle for world domination. Rounder Mechs fill the skies as the fate of the world is determined through aerial combat.

Key Features:

* Fast Paced Arcade Fighting – Combine an almost limitless arsenal of special moves, power ups, and attack drones to unleash the most lethal combos.
* Xbox LIVE® Multiplayer – Challenge friends in head-to-head two-player or battle against the world’s best players online and test your skills to improve your Xbox™ LIVE ranking.
* An impressive choice of Rounder Mech Suits – Each of the eight Rounder Mechs feature two distinct variations, as well as an unlockable in-game B.O.S.S. mode, for 24 variations in all.
* Epic Boss Battles – Go blow-for-blow against the other Rounder Mechs, but be prepared, because at any moment you could find yourself battling an even deadlier enemy.
* Single Player Story Mode – Follow the unique back stories of each fighter pilot in single player story mode or train in customizable sparing matches.

WarTech™ Senko no Ronde is rated “T” for Teen by the ESRB.

Labels: Microsoft Xbox 360 Ubisoft War Tech

Global Advice

The Game Connection Announces its New Advisory Board

Lyon, France – April 12th, 2007 – Connection Events, a leading video game business event producer, announced today the members of its advisory board which was created during the last Game Developers Conference in San Francisco. This advisory board is composed of 12 international professionals from the gaming industry who work at development studios, publishers and services providers.

These people are some of the best gaming minds from across the globe and all have attended The Game Connection in the past. These new advisors belong to companies representing the full scope of The Game Connection attendees allowing their unique perspectives on the industry to influence future Game Connection events. This perspective extends from their jobs to their countries of origin as well. The geographical scope of Game Connection attendees are well represented in this advisory board as members come from North America, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, Asia and Oceania.

“All the board’s members bring an expertise in creating worldwide development opportunities,” said Kurt Busch, Vice President of Product Development at Konami Digital Entertainment. “As interactive entertainment production becomes even more globalized, the ability to identify these opportunities becomes even more critical. I am honored to have been asked to join the board as I believe the Game Connection events build positive relationships across the industry, regardless of a company’s size, market or language.”

The advisory board members are*:

Svetlana Gorobets – International Licensing and Acquisition Manager – 1C (Russia)
Patrick Pligersdoffer – CEO – Cyanide (France)
Ed Dille, – CEO – Fog Studios (Canada)
Chris Charla – Business Development Director – Foundation IX (United States)
Kurt Busch, – Product Development Director– Konami (United States)
Sébastien Motte – Product Planner – Microsoft (United States)
Jason Kingsley – CEO – Rebellion (United Kingdom)
Harald Riegler – Managing Director – Sproing (Austria)
Alexander Fernandez – CEO – Streamline Studios (Netherlands)
Colin Gordon – CEO – Valcon Games (United States)
Gilles Langourieux – CEO – Virtuos (China)
Bill Mc Intosh – CEO – Torus Games (Australia)
Olivier Masclef – CEO – Widescreen Games (France)

*in alphabetical order by company

As Game Connection attendees, the advisory board will provide its advice and guidance from an outside viewpoint. The advisory board was also created to further a free exchange of ideas for improving and expanding the services provided during Game Connection. The next Game Connection scheduled will be in Tokyo in September and should coincide with the Tokyo Game Show. Game Connection continues after that in Europe on December 4-6, 2007 in Lyon, France, an event equal in size to the one at GDC.

Labels: Game Connection

Continuing to expand support for Microsoft® Windows Vista Operating System, CDV Software Entertainment USA is pleased to announce a new patch for City Life. The new patch, available at the official City Life Web site (http://citylife.cdvusa.com ), allows the city building and management simulation to be played under both the 32- and 64-bit versions of Windows Vista. (Note: a special installation process, detailed in the readme, is needed to install the patch under 64-bit versions of Vista).

Please note – this patch is only for City Life, a forthcoming patch will offer compatibility for City Life: World Edition.

Labels: PC City Life Vista

Atari Announces Neverwinter Nights ™ 2: Mask of the Betrayer Expansion to Neverwinter Nights 2 Features Engrossing New Campaign; Epic Levels; New Companions and Much More

NEW YORK – April 12, 2006 – Atari, Inc. (Nasdaq: ATAR), one of the world’s most recognized brands and a third-party video game publisher, today announced the development of the next chapter in the Neverwinter Nights saga – Neverwinter Nights™ 2: Mask of the Betrayer. Developed by Obsidian Entertainment, the expansion to the award-winning Neverwinter Nights 2 is set in the DUNGEONS & DRAGONS® Forgotten Realms® universe created by Wizards of the Coast, a subsidiary of Hasbro, Inc. (NYSE: HAS). DUNGEONS & DRAGONS is under license from HPG, the licensing division of Hasbro. Neverwinter Nights™ 2: Mask of the Betrayer will be available in North America in Fall 2007.

In Neverwinter Nights 2: Mask of the Betrayer, players are transported back to the Forgotten Realms shortly after the events detailed in the original Neverwinter Nights 2. Following the climactic battle against the King of Shadows, the player awakens alone and stranded deep beneath the earth. Surrounded by a horde of evil spirits, the player embarks on an epic adventure that reveals his true destiny.

“Atari’s commitment to the Neverwinter Nights franchise and the enormous community is strong,” said Nique Fajors, Vice President, Sales, Marketing, Atari, Inc. “We are on track to release the Neverwinter Nights 2 expansion pack this Fall, less than one year since the launch of Obsidian’s outstanding sequel, and are confident the new features will deliver a role-playing experience that further engages and satisfies fans.”

Set in harsh, spirit-rich Rashemen, near the powerful nation of Thay, Neverwinter Nights 2: Mask of the Betrayer will present players with an exciting new campaign; epic levels; dozens of new feats and spells; new races, base classes and prestige classes; new companions; new weapons, armor and crafting options; hordes of new monsters; and enhanced modding tools.

“Neverwinter Nights 2: Mask of the Betrayer’s engrossing campaign will conclude the storyline that began in the original Neverwinter Nights 2 and focus on combat, exploration and classic D&D dungeon-crawling,” said Feargus Urquhart, CEO, Obsidian Entertainment. “We’re also making new advances in story and character development as well as improving upon the acclaimed companion Influence System used in both Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic 2: The Sith Lords and Neverwinter Nights 2.”

The Neverwinter Nights franchise has sold more than three million copies worldwide, is translated into 10 languages, sold in more than 40 countries and features one of the largest and most active fan communities in all of gaming. To date, fans of the franchise, which includes Neverwinter Nights, Neverwinter Nights: Shadows of Undrentide™ Neverwinter Nights: Hordes of the Underdark™ and Neverwinter Nights 2 have created more than 5,000 modifications to the original game using the award-winning toolset included with the full game that allows players to create their own universes, quests and storylines.

Neverwinter Nights 2: Mask of the Betrayer is scheduled for release in Fall 2007. More information about Neverwinter Nights 2 can be found at www.nwn2.com, which includes user forums, project news, development updates and more.

Labels: PC NWN2

Atlus send out their Q1-Q2 newsletter today, sharing with gamers their release slate for the next few months. For more information on these and other Atlus titles, check out their official website at www.atlus.com!



Release Date: Q2 2007 - Sony Playstation 2

Last year we staved off the death of the Game Boy Advance, putting out some of the best titles the system has ever seen, while other publishers (YOU know who you are...) were just letting it sit there. Well, we're not quite ready to give up on the PS2 yet, either. So we're calling in some of the finest 2D art the console's ever seen, with Odin Sphere.

Some of you may remember developer Vanillaware's Japanese cult classic Princess Crown for the Sega Saturn. (Recently remade for the Japanese PSP.) Well, we've decided to go ahead and team up with Vanillaware and bring some of that high quality Princess Crown magic back.

With 5 playable characters, fans of Princess Crown and Action/RPGs are sure to get what they're looking for when Odin Sphere hits shelves this spring. If you need some more information, make sure to swing by the website.

Background

The nations of Erion had always held an uneasy peace, as the various kings and queens watched each other for any signs of weakness. When the country of Valentine is obliterated by the power of an ancient artifact, it sparks a bloody war between the fairies of Ringford and the warriors of Ragnanival.

Little do they know that they are acting out an almost-forgotten prophecy: one that, if fulfilled, will lead to the destruction of the entire world.

Take control of the warrior princess Gwendolyn, daughter of Odin, and follow the threads of an intricately woven story as you uncover the truth behind the prophecy - and how to bring it to an end.

Key Features

- Gorgeous hand-drawn artwork and animations!

- Intense side-scrolling action with astonishing attacks and magic effects!

- Fully-voiced dialogue that heightens the drama!

- Fantastic bosses that tower over the protagonists!

- Five playable characters in all; each one's fate is intertwined with the others'!

- A robust cooking and alchemy system that can be used to create powerful attack and recovery items!



Release Date: Q2 2007 - Nintendo DS

We know some of you hardcore gamers follow the Japanese market. You've probably heard about a little DS title from our parent company that's been tearing up the charts over there called Sekaiju no Meikyuu.

Come May 2007, that same game, this time known as Etrian Odyssey, will be tearing up some American charts. (That's right. We hate charts. You got a problem with that?) Brought to you by the creator of Trauma Center, Etrian Odyssey is a sleek and stylish first-person-RPG that will introduce a new generation to the joys of cartography and dungeon exploration.

The game is getting fantastic reviews from the hardcore press, so you're going to want to pick up a copy posthaste, ere it disappears forever!

Background

In a vast and fertile land lies a small town known as Etria, a peaceful village that became famous for a startling discovery. A crack in the vast forest opened at Etria's edge, leading downward like a gaping maw. It all began there...

Those who hear rumors of the labyrinth of Etria, whether young or old, begin to harbor dreams of exploring it.

Riches... fame... prestige... all that and one more thing does the labyrinth promise: the true spirit of adventure, on the perilous edge of death.

Today, like any other day in the new Etria, a youth walks through the town gates...

Key Features

- Make your own maps with the Touch Screen! Plot your progress through the labyrinth, drawing walls and placing icons to note special events, treasure chests, doors, pits, stairs, and landmarks.

- Nine character classes! Create a woodland survivalist, shield-bearing protector, whip-wielding dark hunter, or any of a half-dozen other types. Populate an adventurer's guild with up to 20 characters!

- Turn-based strategic combat! Acquire and collect more than 20 battle skills for your adventuring party of five characters.

- All-star production staff! Direction by Kazuya Niinou (Trauma Center: Under the Knife), story design by Shigeo Komori (Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Summoner), and sound design by Yuzo Koshiro (Actraiser, Streets of Rage).

- Beautiful 3D graphics! Say goodbye to the dank, gray corridors of past dungeon RPGs as you step into warm, inviting, forest environments rendered in an original 3D engine.



Release Date: Q3 2007 - Nintendo DS

A lot of the Atlus faithful in our forums were clamoring for this game, so we're really happy that everything managed to fall into place so we could bring you Luminous Arc.

With customizable control schemes, a cast of unique characters, and high quality Atlus Localization™, we think this is going to be a solid purchase for anyone who owns a DS. If you're a fan of what Tactics Ogre brought to the table, you should be very pleased with Luminous Arc.

This game also broke the top 30 in Japan, so this is probably another title you're going to want to pre-order if you want to be sure to get your hands on it.

Background

One thousand years ago, dragons and Witches warred against God for the fate of the world. God's power was triumphant, but it was a difficult struggle, and the deity sent Himself into a deep sleep to recover from the terrible wounds He suffered in the battle.

Ten years ago, the Church proclaimed that a great event would soon occur: God will be reborn, and the world will be led into a new golden age under His guidance. However, this news is coupled with a grave warning: the Witches will soon reappear to begin the millennia-old conflict once again.

Take control of Alph, a member of the Garden Children, an elite group of soldiers and mages trained by the Church since childhood. They have but one mission: the eradication of the Witch threat. Along the way, discover the mysteries behind their return, their motives, and their history!

Key Features

- An isometric strategy RPG on the Nintendo DS™!

- Create new weapons and equipment with the Vitae Imbuing system!

- Strengthen your friendship with comrades and improve your attacks on the battlefield!

- Compare your friends' strategic prowess against your own with Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection multiplayer!

- A variety of unique characters drive an epic story featuring voiced dialogue!

- Stunning character designs by Kaito Shibano!



Release Date: Q3 2007 - Sony Playstation 2

Looking for all the fun of going to high school in Japan and having supernatural powers? Well, you're in luck! Persona 3 is just the game you've been waiting for.

Tons of interesting and unique characters to help you get those "Defender of humanity" credits that look oh-so-good on your college entrance applications. It'll be just like the high school experience you never had.

As a bonus for our fans, we're throwing in some goodies for a special bundle. Details to follow, but now you know that there is one.

Background

Take control of a new high school student transferring to Gekkoukan High School on Port Island. Days after he arrives, he's attacked by a Shadow at his school dorm. This attack awakens his Persona, Orpheus, his only defense against this creature of the night.

After talking to his fellow classmates, he learns some of them share similar abilities. They teach him of the "Dark Hour", a hidden span of time between one day and the next. During this time, Shadows emerge and claim victims known as The Lost. Join forces with your classmates and defend the city against evil.

Key Features

- Use the Social Link system to build intimate relationships with friends and love interests!

- Unforgettable characters to immerse you in the P3 universe!

- Clever and interesting dialogue helps bring the story to life!

SONY ONLINE ENTERTAINMENT ANNOUNCES MORTAL KOMBAT® II IS SCHEDULED TO HIT THE PLAYSTATION® NETWORK AS A DOWNLOADABLE TITLE ON APRIL 12

Get ready to re-live all of the classic arcade action that made Mortal Kombat® II a beloved classic. Brought back and available for download exclusively on the PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system, re-experience the classic head-to-head fighting game featuring classic characters such as Sub-Zero or Goro. Players will fight their way through the Outworld and defeat Shang Tsung or battle hidden characters including Jade and Smoke!

Replay All The Favorite Characters or Unlock Hidden Ones – Choose to be 1 of 12 characters; freeze enemies as Sub-Zero or possess Raiden’s god-like thunder powers! Unlock hidden opponents with Mortal Kombat knowledge and skills.

Head-to-head Combat in 10 Unique Levels – Use an array of combos to crush enemies before they crush you! Take the fight to one of 10 unique levels. Uppercut enemies in The Dead Pool to a nice acid bath or knock enemies into a pitfall in The Pit!

Control Enemies’ Fate – Select which combo move to perform at the end of a match to determine one of three special endings (Fatality, Friendship or Babality)

Multiplayer Action – Play online against other players through the PLAYSTATION® Network. Track wins and see how players are stacking up against each other through dedicated leader boards.

For more information visit www.station.sony.com; for more screenshots visit www.soepress.com.

Mortal Kombat® II is scheduled to launch on April 12, 2007, on the PLAYSTATION Network for the suggested retail price of $4.99

Audition, the Newest Virtual Clubbing Hotspot, Opens Its Doors in North America


Los Angeles, CA – April 9, 2007 – Nexon America Inc., the U.S. division of Asia’s leading online games company Nexon Group, announced today the release of its massively multiplayer online dance title, Audition, now available for download at www.nexon.net. Additionally, Nexon reveals that Hilary Duff will lend her latest single “With Love” to the virtual dance floor, bolstering the library of hit songs already featured in the game.

Further strengthening the company’s online games portfolio for the North American market, Nexon’s Audition is a virtual community where players can chat with their friends and battle in intense dance-off competitions. Featuring songs from top artists and dynamic music composed exclusively for the game, Audition is free-to-play and subscription-free.

“One of the biggest ways I connect with my fans is online,” says Hilary Duff. “And now with Audition, I have a cool new venue where I can share my music. Not to mention, I can’t wait to see all the crazy and original dance competitions featuring ‘With Love.”

Pop music sensation Hilary Duff is one of the first artists to announce her involvement with Nexon’s Audition. Duff’s new single “With Love,” off her album “Dignity,” will be featured in both the game and the Audition TV commercial, now airing across a portfolio of MTVN television and online brands, including MTV, MTV2, mtvU, Comedy Central, VH1, Spike and Nickelodeon. Duff, who shot to fame with the television show Lizzie McGuire, already has three hit albums under her belt with “Metamorphosis,” “Hilary Duff,” and “Most Wanted,” having sold over 13 million records worldwide.

“Gamers are turning to the online world not just to battle enemies and car-jack pedestrians, but to ‘hang-out’ and interact with their peers,” says John H. Chi, president and chief executive officer of Nexon America. “Audition provides teens a trendy virtual scene where they can socialize with their friends and participate in dance-offs to their favorite songs. It also offers people another way to find and listen to new music.”

Nexon America games are free-to-download at www.nexon.net and utilize an innovative cash shop system (microtransactions), which offers players the option to use real currency to pay for game enhancements. In Audition, players can purchase in-game apparel and accessories, such as designer clothes, hip haircuts, and over 180 faces that come with their own numerous and unique expressions, that enable them to create one-of-a-kind identities. These features are purely optional, and players can try out items prior to purchase in virtual dressing rooms.

With simple directional and space bar keystrokes, Audition players perform hip-hop style dance steps and choreographed routines—precision timing being crucial. Players compete in various dance modes, each with distinctive special features and moves. Audition’s in-game reward system, gives winning dancers “Beats” or currency used to purchase a variety of items from the cash shop.

Nexon America is helping drive the MMOG market in North America to meet the social and entertainment demands of younger, more mainstream consumers. Nexon’s first MMO game, MapleStory, has already exceeded 3 million registered users in North America since its launch in 2006. As the pioneer of the microtransaction, or Item Selling business model, Nexon has sold millions of virtual items worldwide through MapleStory and other hit titles such as KartRider and BnB: Crazy Arcade. In 2005, Nexon Corporation reported $230 million in revenue, driven primarily from millions of microtransactions.

Don’t let the lull in gunfire and grenades fool you. “Gears of War”, rated M for Mature, is readying its next deadly onslaught with an upcoming title update, currently set to siege Xbox LIVE on April 9 at 7:00 p.m. EDT. In addition to the small-arms fire of a few impactful adjustments to the title’s multiplayer battles, the “Gears of War” title update will deliver an explosive and game-changing new multiplayer mode known as Annex.

In Annex, gamers seize victory by keeping control over key map locations, or objectives, long enough to collect a winning number of points. Every map contains two to five identified objectives available for capture, with one objective active at a time. Objectives are based on map weapon-spawn locations and have a potential value of 60 points toward either team’s score. Teams collect those points by maintaining ownership of an objective until all 60 points have been distributed. Every second that a team controls an objective, the team gets one point. When an objective falls to zero points, the next objective is selected at random.

COG soldiers and the Locust Horde alike can visit www.gearsofwar.com for further details.

And while defending their objectives against the onslaught of Xbox LIVE opponents, gamers may notice the following minor adjustments to “Gears of War”:

- VGA Cable Support: Monitor resolution widths greater than or equal to 1280 now render as letterbox. In particular VGA users running at 1280x1024 will now see the game in full 720p (1280x720) resolution in letterboxed form.
- Adjusted Assassination Multiplayer Gametype: Leader no longer has to unlock weapons and now has to be executed to die.
- Adjusted Boomshot: Splash damage to be more effective rendering targets down-but-not-out
- Adjusted Hammer of Dawn: Aiming will be more forgiving of moving targets
- Adjusted Roadie Run: Reduced frequency of accidentally grabbing cover while running
- Kill Message Ticker: Ticker can now be seen while down-but-not-out and spectating
- General: Addressed a number of possible exploits in multiplayer

Grab your grenades and ready your rifles as “Gears of War” improves its aim and prepares to continue the battle!

Labels: Microsoft Xbox 360 Gears of War

TORONTO, ON — April 10, 2007 — Microsoft Game Studios and Bungie Studios today confirmed the multiplayer beta of “Halo® 3” will debut to audiences worldwide via Xbox LIVE® on May 16 at 5 a.m. PDT and run through June 6 at 11:59 p.m. PDT. Coming exclusively to the Xbox 360™ console this fall, “Halo 3” is the highly anticipated third chapter in the groundbreaking “Halo” trilogy from legendary developers Bungie. “Halo 3” lets gamers experience Master Chief’s greatest battle as he launches an epic mission to stop the Covenant, destroy the impending Flood threat and ultimately save mankind.

Made possible through Microsoft Corp.’s Xbox LIVE gaming and entertainment network, which provides a robust online service for more than 6 million gamers worldwide, the multiplayer beta for “Halo 3” will give anxious Xbox 360 gamers their first opportunity to get their hands on the new levels, weapons, vehicles and game types, as well as a chance to provide valuable data that Bungie will use in continued development. Starting May 16, gamers who secured their admission to the multiplayer beta either through the “Rule of Three” promotion or by purchasing a specially marked copy of “Crackdown™” for Xbox 360 will be able to don their Spartan armour, download the beta on Xbox LIVE, and jump online using their Xbox LIVE Gold account* to battle other gamers from around the world.

When gamers gather online to play the multiplayer beta via Xbox LIVE in May, they will be treated to three richly detailed, action-oriented maps: Snowbound, High Ground and Valhalla, which represent a mixture of large- and medium-scale combat environments and are brand-new to “Halo 3.” Each map will test gamers’ mettle as they are placed behind the controls of new “Halo 3” vehicles such as the agile Mongoose all-terrain vehicle, and armed with deadly weapons such as the new and improved Assault Rifle, the ferocious Brute Spiker, the devastating Spartan Laser and the treacherous new Spike Grenades. This is just a taste of what gamers will experience later this fall when “Halo 3” goes on sale.

“‘Halo: Combat Evolved’ and ‘Halo 2’ changed the face of console gaming forever,” said Shane Kim, corporate vice president of Microsoft Game Studios. “Gamers from around the world have logged more than 800 million hours on Xbox LIVE playing ‘Halo 2,’ and years after its launch it remains the No. 1 title on our Xbox LIVE network. Bringing an early look at the multiplayer elements of ‘Halo 3’ to our passionate fan base is tremendously exciting for us.”

Gamers worldwide who did not participate in the “Rule of Three” promotion but are interested in joining the multiplayer beta of “Halo 3” can still participate through the purchase of the critically acclaimed Xbox 360 title “Crackdown,” which was launched in February. “Crackdown” sets players loose in a free-form, persistent city for action-packed crime fighting that requires a bigger, faster and stronger hero that evolves as a more efficient weapon through continued gameplay. Each copy of “Crackdown” has been specially marked with a “Halo 3” beta sticker prior to the beta period, and starting May 16 the game will act as a key for gamers to download and participate in the “Halo 3” multiplayer beta.

In addition, gamers who can’t wait for the multiplayer beta this May can get an even earlier look at “Halo 3” with a new, behind-the-scenes video feature available at http://www.bungie.net and in high definition over Xbox LIVE Marketplace. Starting today, viewers can go behind the scenes at Bungie Studios to learn about the people, technology and process that are making “Halo 3” an unforgettable multiplayer experience, and to get a taste of what to expect from the upcoming “Halo 3” multiplayer beta. The latest multiplayer video documentary, titled “Is Quisnam Protero Damno!,” will offer a glimpse at how “Halo 3” multiplayer maps are being designed, built and architected, and how these amazing spaces are converted into fun places in which to play. Gamers can also catch the first-ever glimpse of brand-new “Halo 3” multiplayer levels in their early stages of evolution and construction.

Labels: Microsoft Xbox 360 Halo 3

Tour features the New Spring Games from XBOX, EA, Sierra, UbiSoft, U.S. Army, Konami and Eidos take Center Stage

SAUSALITO, CA - April 10, 2007 - The country's premier video game tour, GAME U on XBOX 360, has added The Championship Gaming Series (CGS) to the most entertaining college tour to date. The tour, which is also presented by IGN.com and American Suzuki Motor Corporation, is expected to reach 50,000 videogame enthusiasts at 30 universities.

The Championship Gaming Series is the first international professional gaming league and each Game U College Tour stop will feature an opportunity to qualify for the upcoming CGS draft. As part of Game U College Tour, College students will have the chance to become pro gamers by competing in Project Gotham Racing 3, and Dead or Alive 4, on XBOX 360, and, FIFA from EA SPORTS on PC. Other games will be featured by CGS at separate qualifying events.

GAME U on XBOX 360 reaches the heart of the game-playing community - young adult college students. These videogame enthusiasts and trendsetters will get their first opportunity to play many brand new games on this tour. Games to be featured include: NBA STREET Homecourt, NCAA March Madness 07 and Def Jam: Icon from EA, America's Army: Special Forces, Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon Advanced Warfighter 2 from Ubisoft, F.E.A.R from Sierra, Dance Dance Revolution Universe from Konami, Battlestations: Midway from Eidos, as well as, Crackdown, Fusion Frenzy and Gears of War from XBOX. There will also be a Game Informer, Halo 2 Challenge Competition at each stop and a PGR3 Race Competition.

"The videogame market continues to explode with many new options," said Game Live Events' Founder, Antonio Capretta. "Because we have the largest video game tour in the country, we have the privilege of giving this influential group of hardcore, casual, and competitive gamers the first look at cutting-edge games."

The tour started March 5th, at Arizona State University, and will end April 25th, at the University of Tampa.

"As future-forward marketers, we know that traditional advertising alone won't reach 18 to 25 year old college students," said Navigame President, Andrew Klein. "What does reach this group is a combination of live and online experiences that makes an indelible impression."

Beyond the games, each stop on this tour will feature more than 30+ Norcent HD LCD and Plasma Televisions, a Best Buy PC Cyber Bar, and a Suzuki SX4 60: Second Time Attack Competition -- giving college students an unparalleled gaming spectacle. The event is free for all college students.

Media Sponsors represented on this tour include: IGN.com, Game Informer Magazine and XBOX.

This rolling event will be the 15th tour in five years organized by Game Live Events. The last one was in the Fall of '06 -- a huge hit among videogame manufacturers, other consumer marketers and more than 40,000+ student gamers. To find out more information, please call: GAME LIVE EVENTS at 415-332-3713 or contact robin@gameliveevents.com. To contact the Championship Gaming Series, please visit: www.thecgs.com

All game registered trademarks are the property of each respective game publisher and sponsor.

Gamers Will Experience a Namco Blast From the Past

SANTA CLARA, Calif., (April 10, 2007) – Leading video games publisher and developer NAMCO BANDAI Games America Inc. announced today that Namco MuseumTM DS is bringing its popular arcade games to the Nintendo DSTM this summer. Namco Museum DS introduces a new generation of gamers to an era of timeless games and non-stop entertainment.

Namco Museum DS allows gamers to experience a virtual arcade portal where they can choose from up to eight games: Pac-Man®, Pac-Man VS®, Galaga®, Xevious®, Dig Dug II®, Galaxian®, Mappy®, and The Tower of Druaga. Bringing back the meaning of family-fun, Namco Museum DS delivers excitement to gamers of all ages and offers entertainment all can enjoy.

“Namco Museum DS is a perfect way to bridge generation gaps between all people both old and young,” Makoto Iwai , Executive Vice President and COO at NAMCO BANDAI Games America Inc., said. “Older gamers will love the old school arcade feel, and new gamers will enjoy the addicting quality of the games on a handheld system.”

Features that are unique to Namco Museum DS include a screen mode selection that allows the use of different screen combinations on the Nintendo DS. This will allow players the chance to fit their classic games specifically to the Nintendo DS or in the "stand-up" arcade style. Players can also enjoy wireless battles in Pac-Man VS, an addictive take on Pac-Man which was previously only available exclusively with the purchase or pre-order of previous games. This version of the game features downloadable play where up to four players can battle using only one Game Card.

Namco Museum DS Includes:

Pac-Man VS.
Originally released in 2003 – For the first time in the series, you and your friends now have the chance to be the famous Ghosts from Pac-Man! With one person playing as Pac-Man, and up to 3 people playing as Ghosts, this incredibly fun multiplayer game offers endless enjoyment with just one game card.


Dig Dug II
Originally released in 1987 – Equipped with only a drill and a pump, hit weak fault line points in an attempt to sink portions of an island sending your enemies deep into the sea!

Galaga
Originally released in 1981 – Pilot a space ship, fend off frantic swarms of bee-like aliens, try your luck with “Challenging Stages,” and find the best way to deal with enemies’ powerful tractor beams!

Galaxian
Originally released in 1979 – A precursor to Galaga, destroy flying aliens as they move in from formation to attack you.

Mappy
Originally released in 1983 – Control Mappy, a police mouse. Bounce on trampolines and open or close doors to dodge chasing cats, all in an attempt to retrieve valuable items from the cats’ mansion

Pac-Man
Originally released in 1980 – Play the most popular arcade game of all time! Navigate the yellow fellow through the original Pac-Man maze, avoid ghosts while chomping pellets and fruit, and use power pellets to turn the ghosts blue and get some payback!

Xevious
Originally released in 1982 – Use a heavily armed fighter plane to destroy enemies and targets in the air and on the ground.

For more information about Namco Museum DS, please visit the official site at www.namcobandaigames.com Namco Museum DS will have a suggested retail price of $19.99 when it hits shelves this Summer.

Labels: Nintendo DS Namco Museum

Hard-Hitting Combat Meets Old-School Shooter Gameplay in Comic Writer Christian Gossett's War-Torn Relentless Alternate Reality on PlayStation(R)2 This Spring
NEW YORK, NY - APRIL 10, 2007 - XS Games today announced it has signed an agreement with Archangel Studios and writer/creator Christian Gossett to publish video games based on its Eisner Award-nominated comic series, The Red Star. Developed by XS Games for the PlayStation(R)2 computer entertainment system, The Red Star is anticipated to be released on April 24, 2007.
Enter a world of chaotic warfare, industrial technology, and arcane magic in a parallel universe, where soldiers of a Soviet-style superpower fight for their liberty and their lives against the powerful forces of an evil Dark Lord and his ruthless assassin.
Game features include:- Three playable legendary warriors, each with unique fighting skills and weapons- Two-player cooperative gameplay that lets you enter the fray with a friend- Relentless action that seamlessly blends brutal melee with "old-school" shooter gameplay- Unlockable secret characters, hidden gameplay modes and more for extensive replay value
The Red Star saga follows Sorceress Major Maya Antares and her faithful guardian, combat and weapons expert Kyuzo. Maya and Kyuzo have devoted their lives to the defense of the United Republics of the Red Star (U.R.R.S.), and have victoriously led the crew of the massive battleship, Skyfurnace Konstantinov, through countless battles.
While entrenched in the war to control the rogue Republic of Nokgorka, Maya and Kyuzo meet a fierce Resistance Fighter named Makita who holds the key that reveals the entire U.R.R.S. too is under the control of the Dark Lord Imbohl and his chief assassin, Troika, the Harvester of Souls. Makita, Kyuzo and Maya unite against Troika's tyranny. Troika, at the helm of the flagship vessel, the Taktarov, unleashes a deadly assault against the rebels. Under the watchful command of Urik and Maya, Kyuzo and Makita embark upon a final fight to unite the scattered Republics of the Red Star and liberate them from Troika's rule.
"The Red Star is an exciting title that we're thrilled to be bringing to gamers," said Steve Grossman, CEO of XS Games. "Its unique combination of combat and shooter gameplay styles and the rich universe of its comic book heritage delivers an experience unrivalled on PlayStation 2."
The Red Star for the PlayStation 2 is rated T and will be available in North America on April 24, 2007 for $19.99. For further information, visit www.redstar-us.com.

Labels: Sony PS2 Red Star

All planetary patrollers, be on the lookout! Fans of Spectrobes for Nintendo DS can now capture the highly sought Spectrobe creature known as Thundora. Otherwise identified by game players as Spectrobe No. 24, Thundora is now available exclusively for download through the Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection. Log on each week and accrue points to earn a variety of downloadable content, including the new mysterious Spectrobe. This enigmatic new creature may prove to be the key to saving the universe from the evil Krawl!

Forms - There are three forms for most Spectrobes, based on their growth. Typically, Spectrobes are acquired by excavating them as fossils and then awakening them into their Child form. From Child, they are evolved into their Adult form and then to their final stage, which is called Evolved form.

Properties - Spectrobes are creatures of light, and light is often represented by red, green and blue. Corona is red, Aurora is green and Flash is blue. Each Spectrobe has only one of these properties. The important thing is the power relationship between these:

Corona is strong against Aurora.
Aurora is strong against Flash.
Flash is strong against Corona.

Here is the profile for Thundora:

Thundora is said to have the power to manipulate lightning. Only glimpsed a handful of times, Thundora has been called a "battle maestro." However, this is only a speculation.

Property: Corona
Form: Evolved
Height: 8'5"
Weight: 1036
Attack: Voltronica

Thundora generates energy in his shoulder drums to attack his foes!

Labels: Nintendo DS Spectrobes

Over Two Weeks of Free Game Play Leading Up to April 24th Launch

Westwood, MA - April 6, 2007 - Turbine, Inc. announced today that the World Tour of Middle-earth has officially begun! Over one million North American gamers are planned to be invited to this unprecedented event where they can experience The Lord of the Rings Online(TM): Shadows of Angmar(TM) for FREE from April 6th until its scheduled launch on April 24th. Even more exciting, the World Tour also serves as a head-start for pre-order customers, allowing them to roll their characters into the launched game.

"The only thing better than adventuring in Middle-earth is being able to adventure for free!" said Jeffrey Anderson, president and CEO of Turbine, Inc. "The World Tour is a unique opportunity to try The Lord of the Rings Online for yourself before the game launches."

During the World Tour, players will be able to advance up to level 15 and 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.

Players can still pre-order The Lord of the Rings Online at www.lotro.com/preorder or at select retail stores nationwide until April 24th to take advantage of the exciting Founder's Program. The Founder's Program is available for a limited time and rewards all players who pre-order the game with the following benefits:

- Two special membership options: $199/lifetime or $9.99/month

- Unique in-game bonus items

- Ability to roll World Tour characters into the launched game

The Lord of the Rings Online (LOTRO) is the first and only massively multiplayer online role-playing game based on the Books of J.R.R. Tolkien. Having been in development for over four years, Turbine has painstakingly re-created the unique and mystical worlds from the Books of J.R.R. Tolkien, creating a virtual world that brims with life and opportunity for endless adventure. LOTRO's immersive storyline 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.

The Lord of the Rings Online is scheduled for official release on April 24th, 2007. For more information, visit: www.lotro.com

Labels: PC Lord Of The Rings Online

On top of these cool games coming out this summer, Atelier Iris™ 3: Grand Phantasm for PlayStation®2 will hit stores in late May. Atelier Iris 3: Grand Phantasm is the latest installment of Atelier Iris series. Are you new to the Atelier Iris series? Don't hesitate to jump in, Atelier Iris 3 has a beginner friendly tutorial and completely new story, so anyone can enjoy!

Here is a little run down for the game.

Story: There is a treasure said to have been split into eight fragments and scattered around the world. When brought together, any wish will come true. This is the legend of the Wizard's Libram of Escalario. The main characters, Edge and Iris are off to find these fragments, hoping to make their wish come true.

Characters:

Edge: The main male character. He is a Raider, whose job is to explore the Alterworlds. Although his rank in the Guild is on the lower side, he is highly regarded for his hard work despite his age.

Iris: The heroine of the story. She is also a Raider, and is a childhood friend of Edge. Although she is still a beginner at alchemy, she can do simple syntheses, and actually has a Workshop in town.

Nell: A very energetic, almost too rowdy, novice Raider. While separating from her sister, she gets picked up by Edge and Iris, and ends up working with them.

What's new with Atelier Iris 3 comparing to the first 2 series? Edge can FISH and obtain new items! Well, you think we are kidding, right? Oh no, we are so serious. Check out the screenshot below! And Atelier Iris 3 lets you avoid enemies freely on the field map. This will allow you to explore the map faster, but you need to fight in order to gain points and to level up, so you can't just be lazy… J

There are more new stuffs, so please visit the Atelier Iris 3 official website to find out more about Atelier Iris 3! You'll find trailers and more information on the website, as well.

And, we have an incredible offer for Atelier Iris 3: Grand Phantasm preorder! Check them out!

Atelier Iris 3: Grand Phantasm Rampaging Raiders

-Atelier Iris 3 game

-Atelier Iris 3 Mini Escalario Art Book (Bonus)

The Atelier Iris 3 Mini Escalario Art Book contains "grand phantastic" character art and world art.

Atelier Iris 3: Grand Phantasm Original Soundtrack (2 discs)

-2 discs of beautiful songs and music from Atelier Iris 3.

These music and songs recreate the dreamy fantasy AI3 world from your CD player.

You don't want to click 2 times for the game and soundtrack? Yeah we know it is wasting your seconds of your time, right? No worries! We've prepared an Atelier Iris 3 game and soundtrack set for you.

Atelier Iris 3: Grand Phantasm Rampaging Raiders Collection

-Atelier Iris 3 game

-Atelier Iris 3 Original Soundtrack

-Atelier Iris 3 Mini Escalario Art Book (Bonus)

You can get everything in one bundle = easy buy!

Please note if you preorder Atelier Iris 3 at the RosenQueen store you will be sure to receive the bonus art book!!

No more dilly dallying! Visit www.RosenQueen.com to order your preorder today!

Labels: Sony PS2 NISA Atelier Iris

Independent British Games Developer Storms to Number One in the Japanese, US and European charts

Thursday 5th April/...Runcorn-based computer games developer Evolution Studios is celebrating its success as MotorStorm, its thrilling off-road racing game, scores a PLAYSTATION®3 (PS3™) hat-trick in the Japanese, European and United States Charts.

MotorStorm was launched alongside the launch of the PS3 in all three territories, and follows the game’s success in Japan and the United States where it also topped the PS3 Chart on its release.

MotorStorm’s savage off-road racing throws players into a frighteningly realistic series of competitions spread across the breathtakingly hostile environment of Monument Valley. Each race sees players battling for first place through a series of heart-stopping jumps and winding shortcuts in contests that define the word ‘carnage’. No two races are ever the same as competing vehicles churn and deform the mud with every rev of their engines – a feat which showcases the sheer processing power of the PS3.

Evolution Studios already has an excellent pedigree in racing games having produced the highly acclaimed World Rally Championship series.

“To see MotorStorm top the European, the Japanese and the US PlayStation 3 charts is just fantastic,” says Martin Kenwright, CEO Evolution Studios. “Developing MotorStorm to a standard we were all happy with was certainly a challenge – but the team here really delivered. Evolution has a reputation for delivering high quality racing titles, but the consensus was to come up with something really special for Sony’s new hardware. We’re delighted that the public has agreed with the press and made MotorStorm a worldwide number one PLAYSTATION 3 title.”

Labels: Sony Playstation 3 MotorStorm

Long ago, true ninjas won battles by guarding their secrets, skills and identities, understanding that remaining indistinct and private would throw the enemy off. The less apparent ninjas’ intentions and strategies were to people, the more they were feared for their enigmatic and unpredictable presence. Eventually, their inherent secretiveness elevated them to the status of unspeakable monster spirits and ominous supernatural beings. Peasants and emperors alike feared their “invisible” presence, making them one of the most formidable assassins to stalk in the shadows of history.

To this day a cloud of mysteriousness still surrounds ninjas, leading people to believe that they can fly, walk on water or become invisible. In the Xbox 360 exclusive “Tenchu Z,” you will have the ability to become invisible and infiltrate dangerous territories undetected while eliminating unsuspecting enemies. Judge your situation by utilizing the stealth level bar to find out how easy you are to spot by the enemy. The more stealth kills you can execute, the higher your bounty award will be after completing missions.

Can you master the ancient art of stealth?

More detailed information and game art can be found by visiting http://www.xbox.com/tenchuz.

Labels: Microsoft Xbox 360 Tenchu Z

NARUTO™: CLASH OF NINJA 2 REACHES SALES MILESTONE
JOINS NINTENDO’S PLAYER’S CHOICE CLUB

Second Game in Clash of Ninja Series to be Reduced in Price

LOS ANGELES – April 3, 2007 – TOMY Corporation and D3Publisher of America, Inc. (D3PA) today announced that NARUTO™: Clash of Ninja 2 for Nintendo GameCube™ has qualified as a Player’s Choice title, which is reserved for the best-selling games available for the Nintendo GameCube. Based on VIZ Media’s hit anime series SHONEN JUMP™ NARUTO and first released in September 2006, NARUTO: Clash of Ninja 2 is now available at a new low price of $19.95 MSRP. According to the NPD Group, NARUTO: Clash of Ninja 2 has been in the top 5 best-selling Nintendo GameCube games by month five out of six months since its release.

“The NARUTO brand has been a hit in North America since the TV series first debuted in September of 2005 and with the momentum increasing, our expectation is that 2007 will be a banner year for NARUTO on Nintendo platforms,” said Laura Yoshioka, senior marketing manager, TOMY Corporation. “Not only will NARUTO: Ninja Council 3 be the first NARUTO game for the Nintendo DS™, but in the fall of 2007 TOMY and D3PA will be releasing the first ever NARUTO game for Nintendo’s Wii video game system – NARUTO: Clash of Ninja MVZ.”

“We have been very pleased with the continued success of NARUTO on the Nintendo GameCube,” said Kim Motika, vice president of worldwide sales and operations, D3PA. “With the new pricing at $19.95, NARUTO: Clash of Ninja 2 for Nintendo GameCube™ will find an even larger audience.”

Check out our review of Naruto: Clash of the Ninja 2 to see if you need to become $20 poorer!

Newport Beach, CA - Apr 03, 2007 - Crave Entertainment, a leading publisher of console videogames for the casual gamer, today announced they will publish Spelling Challenges and More!, a new family game for the PSP(R) (PlayStation(R)Portable) system and for the Nintendo DS(tm) handheld system. Based on the growing enthusiasm for spelling bees and brain games, Spelling Challenges and More! offers fun for the whole family in an engaging game show format.

“Movies like Akeelah and the Bee, Bee Season and Spellbound have made spelling bees and word games hot,” said Doug Panter, director of brand marketing for Crave Entertainment. “Presenting these games in an entertaining, interactive format on videogame consoles is a great way to get the whole family involved in a fun activity and actually learn something, too.”

In the Spelling Challenge game show mode, your host Mr. Niceguy introduces the game and awards dollars and prizes for correct answers. In addition to Spelling Challenge there are a plethora of word games to test your skills and improve your brain, with opportunities to acquire bonuses by going for broke. The words will increase in difficulty as you progress. With over 25,000 words to spell and 100 difficulty levels, Spelling Challenges and More! offers something for the whole family.

Spelling Challenges and More! is expected to be available in Summer 2007 for a suggested retail price of $19.99.

This just in from Gordon, one of our frequent bloggers and newest member of the AceGamez US review squad:

It seems I was entered into a contest on the Canadian G4TechTV, and I could end up being an anchor there for live events. I made it to the top ten and well now I need the votes of people to hopefully become the winner. I was just curious if it would be possible for you to post something in the blog, or possibly something a bit more on the main site, to hopefully get a few more votes in my direction.

The voting page is located here.

http://g4techtv.ca/contests/2007wiredroadtrip/index.html

What are you waiting for - get over there and VOTE!

Today Nintendo adds three classic games to the popular Wii(TM) video game system's Wii Shop Channel. The games go live at 9 a.m. Pacific time. Nintendo adds new games to the channel every Monday. Wii owners with a high-speed Internet connection can redeem Wii Points(TM) to download the games. Wii Points can be purchased in the Wii Shop Channel or at retail outlets. This week's new games are:

Star Fox(R) 64 (Nintendo(R) 64, 1-4 players, 1,000 Wii Points): Players take the controls of their Arwing and complete 15 missions to reach the final objective: a showdown on Venom, the home planet of the interplanetary tyrant, Andross. Throughout the adventure, players have to accomplish challenging objectives in order to reach and conquer every mission. Skim over the surface of an alien sea, weave through the concrete canyons of a futuristic metropolis or dodge planetoids the size of mountains. Between missions, players will be treated to real-time 3-D movies that progress the story of the Star Fox team of space mercenaries in their struggle against the evil ape emperor, Andross.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles(R) (NES(R), 1 player, 600 Wii Points): Cowabunga! Players take control of the turtles in a half shell and rescue reporter April O'Neil from the clutches of the evil Shredder. Battle against the Foot Ninja Clan as Leonardo, Michaelangelo, Donatello and Raphael with their trademark weapons and ninja abilities. Search through five stages and dozens of areas throughout the New York City sewers, rooftops and ultimately Shredder's Technodrome to save April. Players must scarf down some pizza to keep up their energy, as they'll need it to defeat Shredder. Turtle Power!

Dragon's Curse (TurboGrafx16, 1 player, 600 Wii Points): After defeating the Mecha Dragon in the depths of the Dragon Castle, the wounded beast casts a spell on the hero, turning him into an ugly creature. To return to human form, he must find the Salamander Cross, which can break any curse. This side-scrolling action role-playing game is nonlinear, allowing players to venture freely. Collect gold and items while upgrading equipment and powering up stats. The hero starts as Lizard-Man but, upon defeating the dragon bosses, is changed into other creatures such as Mouse-Man, Piranha-Man, Tiger-Man and Hawk-Man. Each creature possesses distinct abilities such as the ability to fly, swim, walk on ceilings or cling to walls. Players use each creature's special skills to widen your search for the Salamander Cross and bring the hero back to his human form!

Labels: Nintendo Wii Vitual Console

Why just walk like an Egyptian when you have a mystical winged scarab at your disposal? The smash-hit action puzzler, LUXOR 2 will be available for download on Xbox LIVE Arcade for Xbox 360 beginning Wednesday, Apr. 4, at 9:00 a.m. GMT (2:00 a.m. PST).

In the second installment of the No. 1 casual game of 2005, “LUXOR 2” from MumboJumbo, players travel through 88 exquisitely detailed and explosive levels shooting and destroying the magical balls that threaten the pyramids at the end of their paths. Players can earn up to 15 exciting power-ups, play through four distinct levels of difficulty, challenge themselves to a total of 13 bonus rounds and work their way up through the new 100-level player ranking system. Also, unique to the Xbox LIVE Arcade version is a new arcade-style mode of play called the Pharaoh’s Challenge.

“LUXOR 2” is the recent recipient of the Zeeby’s Craft Awards for Best Audio 2006 and Best Visual Arts 2006. It will be available worldwide for 800 Microsoft Points and is rated E for Everyone.

Game Features

* 88 explosive levels with 13 new bonus rounds
* 4 levels of difficulty, including the mind-bending Challenge of Horus
* 4 modes of play: Adventure, Practice, Survival and Pharaoh’s Challenge
* 15 power-ups including the new Lightning Storm and Pharaoh’s Dagger
* Player ranking system with 100 levels from Farm Hand to Pharaoh of the Two Lands
* Pharaoh’s Challenge: A fast-paced arcade-style version of the game, where the user mploys the Pharaoh’s Dagger exclusively to eliminate the approaching spheres
* Earn up to 12 Achievements and 200 Gamerscore points

More information is available at http://www.xbox.com/games/livearcade.

Labels: Microsoft Xbox 360 Live Luxor 2

Gamers fearing the usual summer slump can rest at ease as Microsoft prepares to release two different, yet equally captivating titles in North America for Xbox 360™. Players can pilot a space fighter and warp into a distant era with the arcade style space shooter, “Project Sylpheed,” or save humanity from the wrath of a new breed of vampire’s in the stealth horror shooter, “Vampire Rain.”

Reminiscent of summer days spent hunched-over a coin-op machine in a dark arcade, “Project Sylpheed” is a 3-D makeover of the classic, mid-‘80s scrolling shooter franchise “Silpheed.” Developed exclusively for the Xbox 360 by Game Arts and Seta Corporation for Square Enix, developers of the legendary “Final Fantasy” franchise, “Project Sylpheed” launches players through an exhilarating space combat experience driven by a deep, multilayered storyline. Feast on more than 50 minutes of visually stunning Japanese CG animation footage that propels the engaging story forward between space combat missions. As Katana Faraway, players must pilot a Delta Saber space fighter equipped with a highly customizable arsenal of weapons. In order to succeed, players must execute squadron commands and monitor their speed, shield, radar and weapons as they maneuver out of challenging situations and defend Earth against the evil ADAN forces.

In addition to non-stop space action, gamers can embark on a pulse-pounding mission in “Vampire Rain,” leading a highly-trained black-ops unit on a secret mission to eliminate the deadliest supernatural enemies ever faced: the intensely fast and super agile Nightwalkers. Players must traverse all areas of an eerie and rain soaked city by moving across rooftops and through back alleys, avoiding detection to ensure the best strategic use of high-tech weaponry. Developed by Artoon, “Vampire Rain” combines stealth, survival horror and shooter aspects of several classic games to bring an intense and hair-raising experience that can be enjoyed alone or with friends over Xbox LIVE ®. Who can keep their cool under the heat of the dog days with Nightwalkers in hot pursuit?

Labels: Microsoft Xbox 360 Vampire Rain

We're proud to announce that the new downloadable Marvel: Ultimate Alliance content that you've been waiting for is almost here, and we've got all the details you need!

Because you VIPs demanded it, The Incredible Hulk, Cyclops, Nightcrawler and Hawkeye have been added to the already impressive roster!

That's not all... for the first time, include villains in your alliance as the legendary villains Venom, Dr. Doom, Magneto, and Sabretooth are also available for download.

Also coming are downloadable gamer pics, themes, and more Xbox Live Achievements to increase your Gamerscore by an additional 250 points.

The hero and villain packs (you can buy either separately or both for a discount) hit Xbox Live on April 10th, so mark your calendars!

Labels: Microsoft Xbox 360 Marvel Ultimate Alliance

The following press release could - and should - send a distorted chord of rock amazement down your spine:

"HARMONIX, MTV: MUSIC TELEVISION AND EA ANNOUNCE ROCK BAND - THE ULTIMATE INTERACTIVE MUSIC VIDEOGAME EXPERIENCE

Creators of Guitar Hero™ Franchise Partners with Major Record Labels and Music Publishers for Unprecedented Access to Artist Catalogs and Original Masters for New Game

CAMBRIDGE, MA - April 2, 2007 - Harmonix, developer of the blockbuster Guitar Hero™ franchise, MTV: Music Television, a division of MTV Networks, a unit of Viacom (NYSE: VIA, VIA.B), and Electronic Arts (NASDAQ: ERTS) today announced Rock Band, an all-new platform for music fans and gamers to interact with music like never before. Rock Band will allow gamers to perform music from the world's biggest rock artists with their friends as a virtual band using drum, bass/lead guitar and microphone peripherals, in addition to offering deep online connectivity. Built on unprecedented deals with the world's biggest record labels and music publishers, the music featured in Rock Band will span all genres of rock and include many of the master recordings from the biggest songs and artists of all time. Rock Band is slated for release on PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system and Xbox 360™ video game and entertainment system from Microsoft® in holiday 2007.

The leading music publishers - EMI Music Publishing and Warner/Chappell Music - are allowing unrivaled access to their catalogs of incredible songs for use in Rock Band. The record labels - EMI Music, Hollywood Records, Sony BMG Music Entertainment, Universal Music Group's Universal Music Enterprises and Warner Music Group's Rhino Entertainment - have agreed to supply master recordings by their artists for use in the game.

"Harmonix was founded to create new ways for everyone to experience the pleasure and satisfaction that comes from playing music. Our work on Guitar Hero was an instrumental step toward that goal," stated Alex Rigopulos, co-founder and CEO of Harmonix. "But Rock Band is Harmonix's most ambitious project to date, and it will take music gameplay to an entirely new level. MTV has given us the freedom and the resources to really swing for the fences and make the game we've always wanted to make."

"Our vision for Rock Band is to completely change the way people interact with and enjoy the music they love," said Jeff Yapp, EVP, MTV Program Enterprises. "By joining forces with EA and the music industry's largest record labels and publishers, we are striving to create a groundbreaking new platform that allows people to connect with their favorite music and artists in ways they never have before."

"Rock Band is a revolutionary new way for gamers and music fans to experience music," said David DeMartini, said vice president and general manager of EA Partners. "The team at EA Partners is thrilled to help MTV and Harmonix launch this incredible game on the global stage and get it into the hands of gamers worldwide."

As previously announced, Electronic Arts will serve as the exclusive distribution and marketing partner for Rock Band, managing distribution for the game in US, Europe and Australia.

For more information on Rock Band and Harmonix Music Systems please visit www.rockbandgame.com and www.harmonixmusic.com."

Notably absent in this press release is a Wii version - but don't take this as Rock Band skipping out on Nintendo's stage, as that appears to not be the case. As being reported by IGN.com, during a conference call to announce Rock Band for the PS3 and 360, Harmonix CEO Alex Rigopulos was quoted as saying - without hesitation - that Rock Band would "absolutely" show up on the Wii. He continued to say, "We will, at some time, bring Rock Band to every [important] platform," Rigopulos said. He added that Harmonix would optimize future versions of Rock Band to fit the strengths of the platform. "I think the Wiimote is something that holds enormous promise."