EVERQUEST® II GAME UPDATE #36 INTRODUCES A NEW RAID ZONE, DRESSING ROOMS AND THE FINAL CHAPTER OF THE SWORDS OF DESTINY QUEST LINE

Swords of Destiny: The Final Chapter Revealed!

The next and final exciting chapter in an on-going saga, the Swords of Destiny quest line will conclude with GU 36. This third phase provides players a chance to complete the quest trilogy and discover the final details about the history and relevance of the swords and their impending role in Norrath's future! See Sir Trodonis in Butcherblock for further information.

New Raid Zone: Felwithe Throne Room

It’s time to Storm the castle and seize the Throne of New Tunaria (aka Felwithe Castle)! Available as an instance for high level raid groups, the addition of Felwithe presents challenging opportunities to explore the lore surrounding the Thexian Throne and a final chance to defeat the infamous Mayong Mistmoore.

New Dressing Rooms

Try before you buy, or see what that linked item looks like on you! GU 36 also brings the ability to preview weapons, garments, armor, furniture, mounts, and more. This new window will allow you to preview these items from links, merchants, brokers, recipe books, during trades, while inspecting others, in the commission window, and most any other place you’d want it to.

Also in GU 36: Tradeskill Reset, Coin Changes!

• Not happy with your tradeskill profession? Consult a Tradeskill Career Counselor in Neriak, Kelethin, Qeynos Ironforge Exchange, Freeport Coalition of Tradesfolke or Haven about the possibility of starting over!

• Coin is now weightless and automatically changes up to the best denominations, so no more destroying your copper!

Information on additional enhancements included in GU 36 can be found here.

EverQuest II is rated T (for Teen) by the ESRB.

WHEN: June 28th, 2007

WHERE: http://www.playthefae.com/ (Free 7-day Trial) http://www.everquest2.com/

Labels: everquest 2, SOE

EA SPORTS SCORES WITH MADDEN NFL 08 MUSIC SOUNDTRACK

The Next Chapter of the Best-Selling Video Game Franchise Electrifies with Music from Top Artists Including The Bravery, Daddy Yankee and Sum 41

REDWOOD CITY, Calif. – June 28, 2007 – Electronic Arts Inc., (NASDAQ: ERTS) today unveiled the highly anticipated music track listing for Madden NFL 08 set to release August 14, 2007. The in-game soundtrack boasts 27 songs from some of the most influential artists in music today including: MIMS, Queens of the Stone Age and Daddy Yankee as well as explosive debuts from Atreyu and Datarock.

Historically, the Madden NFL soundtrack has become the industry’s most important showcase for music industry icons as well as an essential launch pad for new artists across every genre. Over the past five years, the Madden NFL franchise has been instrumental in the introduction of such bands such as Good Charlotte, OK GO, Fallout Boy, Chamillionaire, Franz Ferdinand, Ozomatli, 30 Seconds to Mars and many more.

“The annual goal of the Madden NFL soundtrack is to give unprecedented exposure to new artists, bring established stars to a whole new level, and single-handedly define the sound of the coming year via the biggest sports franchise in video game history,” said Steve Schnur, Worldwide Executive of Music and Marketing at EA. “Radio is adding songs based on a band’s inclusion in the game. Video channels are creating their playlists based on the soundtrack. Simply put, Madden moves music forward. And this year’s soundtrack is perhaps our most daring and effective mix of artists ever.”

Among the highlights of Madden NFL 08 are songs by debut artists Airbourne, Datarock, Operator and Enter Shikari, and such Platinum stars as The Bravery, Swizz Beats, Sum 41, Timbaland featuring Justin Timberlake, The Hives and Yellowcard. Last month’s official announcement of Ozzy Osborne’s “I Don’t Wanna Stop” resulted in unprecedented airplay and downloads for the legendary rocker’s first-ever Madden NFL track. The excitement continues through the summer with soon-to-be-announced live performances and events featuring many of the soundtrack’s artists.

The complete in-game soundtrack for Madden NFL 08 includes:

ARTIST - SONG

Airbourne - Runnin’ Wild
Atreyu - Becoming
Brother Ali - Whatcha Got
Daddy Yankee - Impacto
Datarock - The New Song
Earl Greyhound - S.O.S.
Enter Shikari - OK, Time For Plan B
From Autumn To Ashes - Daylight Slaving
HE**YEAH - You Wouldn’t Know
Jupiter One - Countdown
MIMS - Cop It
Murs - Dreadlocks
O-Solo - Monsta
Operator - Soul Crusher
Ozzy Osbourne - I Don’t Wanna Stop
Pharoahe Monch feat. Showtyme - Desire
Pitbull feat. Don Omar - Fuego Remix
Queens Of The Stone Age - 3’s & 7’s
Red1 feat. Afu-Ra - Dem No Worry We
Shadows Fall - Redemption
Swizz Beatz - It’s Me Snitches
Sum 41 - Underclass Hero
Team Shadetek feat. 77Klash & Jahdan - Brooklyn Anthem
The Bravery - Believe
The Hives - Tick Tick Boom
The Used - The Ripper
Timbaland feat. Justin Timberlake - Release
Yellowcard - Fighting
Zion I & The Grouch - Hit’em

To purchase the music from the soundtrack, go to EA’s music site at www.ea.com/eatrax/.


###


Coming into its 18th year and with more than 60 million copies sold and having generated over $2 billion in retail sales, Madden NFL Football continues to stand out as one of the most popular videogame franchises of all time. Developed in Orlando, FL by EA Tiburon, Madden NFL 08 will be available in August on the Xbox 360™ and Xbox® videogame and entertainment systems from Microsoft, PLAYSTATION®3 and PlayStation®2 computer entertainment systems, Nintendo GameCube™, Nintendo DS™, Wii™, PC, PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) handheld entertainment system, mobile handsets and Mac. For more information check out www.madden08.com.

Labels: EA Sports, Madden NFL 08

ACTIVISION ANNOUNCES GUITAR HERO™ ENCORE: ROCKS THE 80S™ HAS GONE GOLD AND REVEALS ADDITIONAL RETRO TRACKS

Songs made famous by Anthrax, Dead Kennedys and The Go Go's Are Added to Enhance the Axe-Shredding Experience

SUNNYVALE, CA - June 28, 2007 - Activision, Inc. (Nasdaq: ATVI) today announced that Guitar Hero Encore: Rocks the 80s has gone gold and will be available on July 24 exclusively for the Playstation 2 computer entertainment system. The company also announced nine additional songs to be included in the latest installment of the critically acclaimed franchise.
Guitar Hero Encore: Rocks the 80s will feature visually stunning retro rock venues and hipster characters, unlockable guitars, intense game play modes, and 30 awesome new songs to experience the ultimate rock star fantasy. The final nine tracks added to the initial list include:

· Caught in a Mosh (as made famous by Anthrax)
· Balls to the Wall (as made famous by Accept)
· Electric Eye (by Judas Priest)
· Los Angeles (as made famous by X)
· Police Truck (as made famous by Dead Kennedys)
· We Got the Beat (as made famous by The Go Go's)
· (I Think I'm) Turning Japanese (as made famous by Vapors)
· Seventeen (as made famous by Winger)
· Because, it's Midnite (by Limozeen)

Previously announced tracks include:

· Hold On Loosely (as made famous by .38 Special)
· No One Like You (as made famous by Scorpions)
· Only a Lad (as made famous by Oingo Boingo)
· Ballroom Blitz (as made famous by Krokus)
· The Warrior (by Scandal)
· What I Like About You (as made famous by The Romantics)
· Wrath Child (as made famous by Iron Maiden)
· I Wanna Rock (by Twisted Sister)
· I Ran (by Flock of Seagulls)
· Round and Round (as made famous by Ratt)
· Metal Health (as made famous by Quiet Riot)
· Holy Diver (as made famous by Dio)
· Heat Of The Moment (as made famous by Asia)
· Radar Love (as made famous by White Lion)
· 18 and Life (as made famous by Skid Row)
· Bathroom Wall (as made famous by Faster Pussycat)
· Lonely is the Night (as made famous by Billy Squier)
· Nothing But a Good Time (as made famous by Poison)
· Play With Me (as made famous by Extreme)
· Shaken (as made famous by Eddie Money)
· Synchronicity II (as made famous by The Police)

Guitar Hero Encore: Rocks the 80s, rated T for Teen by the ESRB, is published by RedOctane® and developed by Harmonix. For more information, please visit the dedicated community site www.guitarherogame.com.

Labels: Activision, Guitar Hero Encore Rocks the 80s, Playstation 2, RedOctane

CODEMASTERS' DIRT SALES TOP 500K IN FIRST WEEK -
TITLE EARNS TOP-SELLING SPOT ON XBOX 360

DiRT Sales, Downloads Top One Million

Burbank, CA - Wednesday, June 27, 2007 - With week one sales out the door, Codemasters is proud to announce that DiRT™, the company's critically acclaimed new racing title, has exceeded expectations across the board. If DiRT's early review score of 9/10 from Official Xbox Magazine (U.S.) wasn't any indication, Codemasters is now reporting that week one sales of the game have surpassed 500K copies globally, and the playable demos for the Xbox 360™ video game entertainment system from Microsoft and the PC have been downloaded over 500K times worldwide.
According to www.VGChartz.com, the title's early sales performance has landed DiRT in the number one spot on the Xbox 360 charts in North America, and additionally has placed it in the top five games of the week globally across all platforms.

"This success with DiRT is a text-book case of our product development, marketing and distribution efforts all working together to ignite consumer interest and drive sales," said Rod Cousens, CEO, Codemasters. "Nearly half of our first week's sales are from the U.S. alone, which means momentum behind this series is taking hold in new territories."

DiRT is currently available at retail outlets nationwide for the Xbox 360 videogame and entertainment system from Microsoft and the PC. The PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system edition will be available later this year. Additionally, the playable demos of DiRT are readily available for download - the Xbox 360 version from Xbox LIVE® Marketplace, and the PC version from www.codemasters.com/dirt. DiRT is rated "E" (Everyone - Mild Language, Mild Violence, Alcohol Reference) by the ESRB. For more information on DiRT, be sure to visit the official website at: www.codemasters.com/dirt.

Labels: codemasters, DiRT, PLAYSTATION 3, Xbox 360

Penny Arcade Expo '07 Triples Amount of Game Exhibits
Headliners include Nintendo, Microsoft, Sony and Ubisoft

Seattle, Washington - June 27, 2007 Penny Arcade today announced that exhibit space is sold out for its upcoming Penny Arcade Expo (PAX) gaming culture festival, officially tripling the size of exhibit space from previous years. The 4th annual event, which moved to the Washington State Convention & Trade Center in downtown Seattle this year in order to accommodate interest from both exhibitors and a rapidly growing number of attendees, is slated to take place August 24th-26th.

"We thought that by tripling the available exhibitor space, we'd have enough room for everybody. I guess we were wrong." said Penny Arcade's director of sales, Mike Fehlauer. "We do our best to throw a kickass party for the gamer community, and so we're grateful--and relieved--that the response has been so positive. Exhibitors and attendees alike have decided that PAX is the show to attend; it's the only place where you'll find tabletop, console, and PC gamers and exhibitors--plus concerts, tournaments, panels, and freeplay--under the same roof, with no BS."

On the exhibit floor, PAX '07 attendees can expect to try their hands at yet-to-be-released games and products from exhibitors including Nintendo, Microsoft, Sony, Ubisoft, Electronic Arts/Mythic, Harmonix, Foundation 9, Sierra/Vivendi Universal, Wizards of the Coast, NCSoft, Sabertooth Games, D3 Publishing, Telltale Games, the Behemoth, Namco-Bandai, Upper Deck, Wizkids, Atari, ArenaNet, Hothead Games, America's Army and Rockstar. (See below for a complete list of exhibitors this year) In addition to showing a multitude of pre-release games on its show floor, PAX offers attendees a host of game-related conference sessions, parties, concerts, tournaments and more!

Game publishers and developers interested in attending PAX 2008 should contact Mike Fehlauer at mikef@penny-arcade.com.

Complete List of Exhibitors for PAX 2007
1up.com
America's Army
ArenaNet
Astro Gaming
Atari
The Behemoth
The Bungie Store!
CCP/Whitewolf
D3 Publishing
DeVry University
Digipen
Dolby
EA Mythic
The ECA
Fantasy Flight Games
Flying Lab Software
Foundation 9 Entertainment
Gamecock Media Group
GameTap
GameTrailers.com
Garage Games
Gas Powered Games
Green Ronin Publishing
The Guildhall
Harmonix
ITT Tech
Konami
Longbow Digital Arts
Metanet Software
Microsoft
Namco Bandai
Nintendo of America
Nvidia
Octopi
Paizo Publishing
Pink Godzilla
Privateer Press
Rockstar Games
Sabertooth Games
Sierra/Vivendi Games
Sony Computer Entertainment of America
Strategy Computers
Sumo Lounge
Tablestar Games
Technomancer Press
Telltale Games
Tenacious Games
Turbine
Ubisoft
UDON Entertainment
Upper Deck Entertainment
Wizards of the Coast
Wizkids


About Penny Arcade Expo

Penny Arcade Expo (PAX) is a three-day celebration of games and gamer culture. The festival includes an exhibition floor filled with playable builds of upcoming tabletop, console, and computer games; a conference program of game-industry speakers on gaming topics; music concerts; freeplay areas; industry parties; game tournaments and more. Since its inception in 2004 the show has doubled in size each year, with 4,500 attendees in 2004, 9,500 in 2005, and 19,300 in 2006. For more information visit http://www.pennyarcadeexpo.com/.

Labels: Penny Arcade Expo 07

Now, here's one beach that I wouldn't mind getting a sandy crotch for, and that's the women-only beach in Italy, cutely named the Pink Beach. When Lara Croft isn't celebrating her anniversary by raiding tombs, she's lending her blue breasts to other pressing issues, in this case, it's opening a beach. The beach opening was held in conjunction with Miss Muretto, a beauty contest held yearly and similar to the Miss Italy contest but for younger girls. The new 'Pink Beach' is an exclusive area on the beachfront which will now be completely off-limits to men, allowing ladies to relax and tan themselves without having to fend off any unwanted attention. The beach opening was broadcast across Italy to 10 million people on the national news.

I don't like the word can't. And can't is directly related to the phase "off limits" - and when we can't have something, or can't go somewhere, well - it's basic male impulse. We want it more. So, tone up, wig on, infiltrate Pink Beach as one of those annoying parasol sellers, or in this case, Pink Parasol sellers, take pictures, and report back to AceGamez with your findings. As for me, well, I'll be just around the corner from Pink Beach, at Italy's Mama Mia Pizzeria, where I expect they'll be selling Lara Croft pasta shapes. Yummy.

Beach Raider - in stores soon!

CAPCOM'S LOST PLANETTM: EXTREME CONDITION LANDS ON PC
PC Version Features Enhanced Graphics and Technology, Digital Distribution and Online Play Via Valve®'s Steam Service

SAN MATEO, Calif — June 26, 2007 — Capcom®, a leading worldwide developer and publisher of video games, today released Lost Planet™: Extreme Condition, the riveting sci-fi action shooter, for PC. While the game has already shipped more than one million units worldwide on the Xbox 360™ video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, this PC version features new PC-specific enhancements with additional content and DirectX 10 enhancements available for download in the near future. Lost Planet for PC is rated T for Teen by the Entertainment Software Ratings Board (ESRB) and is now available for a suggested price of $39.99. Lost Planet can be purchased at PC games retail locations, or digitally via Valve®’s Steam digital distribution service.

“With the cross-platform nature of our internally-developed Framework game engine running Lost Planet, it was a natural decision for us to deliver this intense experience to PC gamers,” said Jack Symon, director, brand marketing, Capcom Entertainment. “By employing the latest and greatest technology available, the development team has been able to uniquely tailor the game for this highly important audience.”

Lost Planet is an epic gaming masterpiece combining a gripping single player campaign and intense multiplayer modes. Lost Planet contains sophisticated visuals, with an unmatched level of detail as advanced light sourcing is used to ensure a realistic presentation that enhances every explosion, smoke and particle effect. Enormous world maps unfold as players battle hostile creatures in blistering weather conditions across vast snowfields and blazing volcanic areas either on foot or in armed, robotic Vital Suits.

The PC version features enhanced graphics and effects to optimize the realistic presentation and explosive action in the game, including better shadows and more detailed textures, as well as higher monitor resolutions. In addition, the game supports multiplayer modes for up to 16 players online via the internet as well as LAN connections. Setting up or joining multiplayer games has been made easier thanks to an improved lobby system for PC gamers, thanks to integration with Steam. Players also have the option to play either using a mouse and keyboard or a gamepad controller. Lost Planet for PC runs under Windows XP (supporting DirectX 9) and Windows Vista (supporting both DirectX 9 and DirectX 10.) The DirectX 10 version utilizes the advanced features of Shader model 4.0 and Geometry Shader only available with DirectX 10. Lost Planet also carries the Games for Windows branding, offering a better gaming experience with easy installation, reliability and safety features, and support for the Xbox 360 controller for Windows.

Capcom has also partnered with NVIDIA® on their “The Way It’s Meant To Be Played” program to showcase the incredible gaming experience that consumers can expect with a PC equipped with the latest NVIDIA GeForce graphics processors.

Labels: Capcom, Lost Planet, PC

PIRATES OF THE BURNING SEA FINDS A HOME PORT WITH PLATFORM PUBLISHING

Platform Publishing to Work with Flying Lab Software, Add to SOE’s E3 Title Lineup

SAN DIEGO, CA AND SEATTLE, WA – June 26, 2007 – In an agreement reached today, Pirates of the Burning Sea, the hotly anticipated MMO (Massively Multiplayer Online) game developed by Flying Lab Software LLC featuring high seas action and swashbuckling adventure in a bold world of pirates and plunder, will be published by Sony Online Entertainment LLC’s Platform Publishing label. The game will be added to SOE’s title lineup for the E3 Media and Business Summit, July 11-13 in Santa Monica, CA.

Pirates of the Burning Sea will feature action for every play style, whether it’s epic ship combat, piracy, building economic empires or sword-swinging adventure. Burning Sea takes place in the New World circa 1720, a dramatic time of conflict and riches. Choosing one of four Nations – France, Spain, England or Pirate – players can set sail as a valiant naval officer, a devil-may-care privateer, a savvy merchant adventurer, or a fearless, rampaging pirate. With one thousand missions to play, dozens of ports to explore, and the entire Caribbean as their domain, players will find an online experience like no other.

“Working with top notch developers like Flying Lab Software is at the heart of Platform Publishing’s mission to market and distribute a portfolio of games like Pirates of the Burning Sea that stand shoulder to shoulder with our SOE flagship franchises,” said David D Christensen, Vice President, Business Development and International Operations, Sony Online Entertainment.

Virtual buccaneers can engage in fierce ship-to-ship combat in real time, complete with the roar of cannon fire and the crunch of timber as masts and hulls are shattered, sending foes to the bottom of the briny deep or leaving them helpless and ripe for looting. Pirate games aren’t complete without the clashing of swords and Pirates of the Burning Sea delivers with three swashbuckling styles, from the deadly and formal Fencing, to the flashy dual-wielding Florentine, or the rowdy and treacherous Dirty Fighting. The combat system is fast and fluid with awesome swordplay and powerful finishing moves.

Pirates of the Burning Sea also features an economy completely run by players, who build their own empires across the Caribbean. Build your own forges, quarries, and rum distilleries and manage large-scale production and distribution in a cutthroat world of gold and galleons where profits are the dream and desperate measures the reality.

The game's Conquest system turns any port into a battleground, as rival players rack up points through PvE (Player vs. Environment) missions and combat culminating in a period of intense PvP (Player vs. Player) gameplay to determine who takes the port -- and the valuable resources it provides for economic gameplay. If you want the cannons, you have to capture the iron, making the Conquest system something that impacts the career of every single player.

“Platform Publishing and SOE possess a level of expertise and success in sales, marketing and distribution that makes them the perfect co-publisher for Pirates of the Burning Sea,” said Russell Williams, CEO, Flying Lab Software LLC. “This relationship will allow us their world-class expertise in marketing, distribution, and billing so we can focus on developing an amazing swashbuckling adventure for the pirate in all of us -- and building a community of players who will live that life for years to come.”

Labels: Pirates of the Burning Sea, SOE

Ultimate Baseball Online 2007 Hosts "Firecracker Invitational" Tournament
What's More Patriotic on July 4th Than Beating Another Team in Virtual Baseball?

Diamond Bar, California -- Jun 26, 2007 -- Ultimate Baseball Online 2007 (UBO), the world's only massively multiplayer online sports game (MMOSG) for baseball, today announced it is hosting its first Firecracker Invitational Tournament, pitting the best UBO teams from the East and the Western parts of the United States. The Firecracker Invitational will start on Monday, July 2, 2007 and continue till Wednesday, July 13, 2007. The three teams finishing first in the Major, All-Star, and Elite divisions will receive automatic bids to the Best of UBO 2007 Tournament.

The Best of UBO 2007 is a global event open to UBO players worldwide. 64 teams consisting of five to nine players will qualify during the year to compete in the tournament, which will run from November 26 to December 21, 2007. Each round will be a best-of-three series, and the championship round will be a best-of-five series. Members of the winning team in the Best of UBO 2007 Tournament will split a $4,500 cash prize. The second place team will take home $2,250, and third place will receive $1,125. Additional cash prizes will be paid to teams finishing through eighth place.

Labels: PC, ultimate baseball online 2007

Echelon Unites Multiplayer Action with Social Networking in
Tactical FPS action combines with a persistent virtual marketplace for an entirely new gaming experience

New York, NY- Jun 26, 2007 Echelon Software announces Black Power Red Earth, a multiplayer-only first-person shooter that combines highly stylized visuals and fast-moving tactical action with a persistent virtual marketplace and social network. Co-designed by former US Special Operations Forces members and private security contractors with operational experience in 32 countries on four continents, including Afghanistan and Iraq, BPRE captures the insane pace of high speed direct action missions like no game ever before!

"Rather than build an elaborate 3D world space, BPRE uses the same framework commonly found on the Web for social networking. Players are already used to creating and managing online identities on sites like Myspace and Orkut. They are also buying and selling real and virtual products on sites like Ebay, iTunes and Amazon. By using these familiar tools, BPRE keeps the learning curve as flat as possible," says Jon Chang, president of Echelon. "Best of all, unbinding these activities from the game executable gives players access to the world of BPRE either from inside the game or from the outside via any Web-enabled device. Persistence is the real world, anytime the players want it."

Set on Mars in 2043, Players act as mercenary soldiers executing contracts for warring corporations in a variety of urban/industrial sprawls, using bleeding edge weapons in hi-tech team based battles for virtual currency that can be used to purchase new weapons, upgrade existing weapons, buy armor and tactical enhancements to fine tune their in-game experience. As players rank up, they will also be able to open their own mercenary franchises. These franchises provide a base for recruiting other players into a clan, offer in- game advantages for members and allow the owners to open their own storefronts that compete against the game MSRPs and can generate "cash" from new players of the game.

"FPS games are 'pick up and play' games that provide instant gratification with short, fast rounds and specific limited goals," Chang continues. "In BPRE we've extended that by rewarding players with in-game currency that can be used to customize the experience and set up their own in-game enterprises. Echelon has detached the social network and virtual marketplace from the game itself, so that it can be accessed from any Web-enabled device!"

Black Powder Red Earth Features:
Game features include:

* Multiplayer-only, allowing up to 16 players to battle online together
* Next-generation graphics powered by Unreal Engine 3
* 8 contract campaign plays out in a detailed near-future 3D environments
* Earn "virt cash" to collect more than 100 parts and accessories
* Customize weapons, browse for new items, and build a career in a familiar Web interface in- game or from any Web browser at any time!
* Build a franchise private military company (PMC) with other players or create a competing store front to sell arms and gear to other players
* Association with former PMC operatives ensures realistic game play

Labels: Black Power Red Earth, PC

EA and Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment’s

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix Videogame Ships Today!

Redwood Shores, CA. – June 26th 2007 – Electronic Arts (NASDAQ:ERTS) and Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment today announced that the Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix™ videogame ships across North America and will be in-store in Europe from June 28th. Available on multiple platforms, the Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix videogame allows players to explore the many key locations within Hogwarts, each one a visual match to its film equivalent, while being engrossed in the thrilling adventures described in the rich narrative of the books and films.

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix’s non-linear gameplay allows the player to explore an interactive Hogwarts, discovering dark corridors and secret rooms along the way. Choose where you go, what you do and when you do it, using the innovative gesture-based spell casting system. In addition, attend a number of classes as side-missions and compete in wizard Mini-Games throughout Hogwarts to compete against the best from each house. Experience the most authentic-to-the-movie game experience in Harry Potter history, with authentic characters and locales that give the look, feel and sound of the movie!

With the ability to play multiple characters, including Harry Potter, Dumbledore and Sirius Black, the videogame of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix offers fans an opportunity to experience one of the most exciting and dangerous years in the life of the Boy Who Lived.

In Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, Harry returns for his fifth year of study at Hogwarts and finds himself meeting in secret with a small group of students who name themselves Dumbledore’s Army. Hermione convinces Harry to teach them how to defend themselves against the Dark Arts, preparing the courageous young wizards for the extraordinary battle that lies ahead.

Developed by EA’s UK Studio, the team behind the worldwide success of the Harry Potter library of games, Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix has been rated E 10+ by the ESRB and is available for the Nintendo Wii with an MSRP of $49.99, PlayStation®3 and Xbox 360™ with an MSRP of $59.99, PlayStation®2 and PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) for $39.99, as well as Nintendo DS, Game Boy® Advance, Windows PC, [Apple Macintosh] with an MSRP of $29.99 and Mobile Phone.

More information about the Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix videogame is available at http://www.masterthemagic.com/.

Labels: Apple Macintosh, EA, Game Boy Advance, Gaming PC, Harry Potter Order of the Phoenix, Nintendo DS, nintendo wii, Playstation 2, PLAYSTATION 3, Playstation Portable

KEVIN DURANT NAMED TO COVER OF EA’S NCAA MARCH MADNESS 08

Former University of Texas Star Second Youngest Cover Athlete in EA SPORTS History

REDWOOD CITY, Calif. – June 26, 2007 – Electronic Arts Inc., (NASDAQ: ERTS) today revealed that former University of Texas basketball star Kevin Durant, the first college freshman to receive the Wooden Award and Naismith Trophy as men’s basketball college player of the year, has been chosen to be on the cover of the EA SPORTS™ videogame NCAA® March Madness® 08. Durant, 18, is the second youngest athlete -- and just the fourth teenager – ever featured on an EA SPORTS game cover.

The Longhorns’ star, who likely will be the first or second pick in the NBA Draft later this week, joins an exclusive list of world-class teenagers to be selected to the cover of an EA SPORTS videogame franchise, taking his place alongside Freddy Adu (FIFA Soccer 06) of the MLS Real Salt Lake, Carmelo Anthony (NCAA March Madness 04) of the NBA Denver Nuggets and Wayne Rooney (FIFA 06 in United Kingdom) of Manchester United.

EA SPORTS Teenage Cover Athletes:

NO. 1
PLAYER: Freddy Adu
AGE: 16 years
EA SPORTS FRANCHISE: FIFA Soccer 06 (North America)

NO. 2
PlAYER: Kevin Durant
AGE: 18 years
EA SPORTS FRANCHISE: NCAA March Madness 08

NO. 3
PLAYER: Carmelo Anthony
AGE: 19 years
EA SPORTS FRANCHISE: NCAA March Madness 04

NO. 4
PLAYER: Wayne Rooney
AGE: 19 years
EA SPORTS FRANCHISE: FIFA 06 (Europe)

Durant’s appearance on the cover of NCAA March Madness 08 also marks the first time that alums from the same school have been on EA SPORTS covers at the same time. Former University of Texas quarterback Vince Young is the Madden™ NFL 08 cover athlete. Durant and Young are in the company of an all-star group of EA SPORTS cover stars that this year includes Ronaldinho (FC Barcelona, FIFA Soccer 08), Gilbert Arenas (Washington Wizards, NBA LIVE 08), Jared Zabransky (Boise State University, NCAA Football 08) and Tony Stewart on NASCAR 08.

Durant is the fourth former Texas athlete to appear on an EA SPORTS cover. Former Texas baseball star and 2005 NCAA College World Series MVP David Maroul appeared on EA SPORTS’ first college baseball video game, MVP 06 NCAA Baseball. Ricky Williams, the 1998 Heisman Trophy winner from Texas, appeared on the cover of NCAA Football 2000.

“A lot of great players have been chosen to be on the cover of EA SPORTS videogames, and it is an honor to be in their company,” said Durant. “When I see the game on store shelves, it is really going to hit home that it’s me on the cover of March Madness 08. I’m going to be first in line to buy all the copies to hand out to all my friends. It’s like a dream come true.”

EA SPORTS’ relationship with Durant, negotiated through Goodwin Sports Management, includes appearing on the cover of NCAA March Madness 08, participating in the development of EA’s basketball games and promotional appearances. Last month, Durant conducted body motion capture at EA Canada and his body movements, individual moves and playing style were captured, digitized and will become the life-like movement of the virtual players in future versions of EA’s basketball games.

This season Durant swept all seven national college player of the year awards. In addition to the Naismith (presented by AT&T and the Atlanta Tip-off Club) and Wooden (presented by the Los Angeles Athletic Club) honors, he earned the Oscar Robertson Trophy from the U.S. Basketball Writers Association, the Adolph Rupp Trophy from the Commonwealth Athletic Club of Kentucky, and was named Player of the Year by the Associated Press, the National Association of Basketball Coaches and CBS/Chevrolet. The multi-talented swingman was the only unanimous choice to the Associated Press All-America first team, and the first freshman to garner Big 12 Conference Player of the Year accolades. He led the league in scoring (25.8 ppg), rebounding (11.1 rpg) and blocked shots (67). Durant was the only player in the country to rank in the Top 10 nationally in both scoring (fourth) and rebounding (fourth), and he finished second nationally in double-doubles (20). He led the Longhorns to a 25-10 record (12-4 Big 12) and a No. 11 ranking in the final AP poll. Durant set the school and Big 12 single-season scoring mark (903 points) and became just the second freshman in NCAA history to top the 900-point plateau (965 by Chris Jackson, LSU, 1988-89).

NCAA March Madness 08 is in development at EA Canada in Burnaby, B.C., and will be available for the PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system, the PlayStation®2 and the Xbox 360™ video game and entertainment system from Microsoft. It will ship to stores during the college basketball season. The game is not yet rated by the ESRB.

Labels: EA Sports, NCAA March Madness 08, Playstation 2, PLAYSTATION 3, Xbox 360

CODEMASTERS UNLEASHES MINION MAYHEM IN THE U.S. - OVERLORD SHIPS TO RETAIL OUTLETS NATIONWIDE


Burbank, CA - Tuesday, June 26, 2007 - Over 750,000 gamers have already turned evil, and that's just from the demos. Now, unleash a full, uninhibited reign of terror as Codemasters today announced that Overlord™, the highly anticipated, twisted, fantasy Action/Adventure game has shipped to retail outlets nationwide. Overlord is available for the Xbox 360™ video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and the PC, and is rated "T" (Teen - Blood and Gore, Crude Humor, Suggestive Themes, Use of Alcohol, Violence - content suitable for persons ages 13 and older) by the ESRB.

The creation of Dutch developer Triumph Studios, Overlord is all about being ruthless, determined, and even a little despotic, as players pillage lands, conquer kingdoms and rise to be proclaimed the new, all-powerful Overlord. At the heart of the game lies an array of impish, gremlin-like creatures known as the Minions, and their presence provides Overlord with its deliciously dark comedic touches.

In Overlord, players will amass armies of up to 50 Minions from all four Minion types as they explore and conquer the rest of the fantasy world's twisted domains, with seven corrupt heroes to defeat, a Dark Tower to rebuild, and the Legion of Terror and other destructive spells to unleash. Whether Brown fighter Minions, Red fire throwing Minions, Green assassin Minions or Blue healer Minions, these little buggers will always be there for their master, ready to sacrifice themselves and their lives in servitude of the Overlord.

With the ability to be directly controlled by players, the Overlord's Minion horde will obey every command, no matter how devastating or depraved it may be. Indeed, Minion loyalty knows no limits and their bravery borders on stupidity, but they are the perfect slavish little demons to send on sheep killing, farm razing, village pillaging, house burning, beer guzzling, axe-wielding missions.

For more information on Overlord, be sure to visit the official game website at: www.codemasters.com/overlord. There gamers can sample Minion mayhem by downloading the Overlord playable demo for the PC, also available from Xbox LIVE® Marketplace for the Xbox 360 videogame and entertainment system. Additionally, be sure to check out the Desktop Minion e-toy and the "Rate My Evil" interactive leader board.

Labels: codemasters, Overlord, PC, Xbox 360

CODEMASTERS ANNOUNCES MICHAEL GIACCHINO TO SCORE TURNING POINT: FALL OF LIBERTY

Burbank, CA - Tuesday, June 26, 2007 - Codemasters announced today that award-winning film, television and interactive videogame composer Michael Giacchino is set to score Turning Point™: Fall of Liberty - the upcoming alternate-reality WWII FPS currently in development at Spark Unlimited.

Giacchino's credits include the popular television series Lost, and Alias, feature films, including Mission Impossible III, The Incredibles and Ratatouille, and additionally renowned game soundtracks for the Medal of Honor™ and Call of Duty™ franchises. Giacchino last teamed with developer Spark Unlimited on the award-winning and multi-million unit selling Call Of Duty™: Finest Hour™ game for Activision®.

"I love working with Spark because they're a group that's focused on fusing innovation, quality and narrative into an intense game experience very few can create," stated Michael Giacchino. "For Turning Point: Fall of Liberty we've taken an interesting approach that will allow the score to be more unique and emotionally personal to players."

In 1953, in the midst of an alternate WWII reality, Turning Point: Fall of Liberty opens as Nazi forces launch a decimating attack on the gateway of the United States eastern coast - New York. Nazi battleships quickly take the harbor, monstrous Zeppelins fill the skies while jet powered aircraft execute bombing runs, and armed paratroopers descend to the city streets and take New York block by block. With the city falling to pieces and Washington D.C. in enemy sites, it's time to fight afresh on a new battleground - home.

Working with award-winning Audio Director Jack Grillo, Tuning Point: Fall of Liberty will feature an orchestral score performed by the 76-piece Hollywood Studio Orchestra and deliver a dynamic soundtrack driven in part by the player's actions.

"I consider it an honor to be working with Michael once again," said Scott Langteau, Chief Operating Officer at Spark Unlimited. "Together with Michael, we have developed a system that will evoke mood, setting, and emotional involvement with a dynamic structure to deliver musically on Turning Point: Fall of Liberty's themes: the dissonance of an occupied state, the chaos that comes from resisting an unstoppable oppressing army, and the heroic feeling of making a difference as an individual."

Turning Point: Fall of Liberty will deliver an explosive FPS experience in a world where famous locations and landmarks appear startlingly different under Nazi occupation, and will pose a new, very personal battle for players on their home turf. As Dan Carson - a reluctant New York City construction worker turned freedom fighter - gamers must survive the initial invasion before regrouping with other U.S. resistance members to take the fight back to the Nazis. Always outmanned and outgunned, players will have to use a handful of guerilla tactics as they attempt to stop the world's now notorious war machine.

Additionally, Barry Jafrato, Senior Vice President of Brand at Codemasters commented, "We're very excited to have Michael scoring Turning Point: Fall of Liberty. Michael is not only a gifted composer, but his experience in working with video game production teams allows him to craft truly unique and innovative game soundtracks that increase emotional impact for players."

Turning Point: Fall of Liberty is set to be a major Q4 '07 launch from Codemasters and will be available for the PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system, Xbox 360™ video game and entertainment system from Microsoft® and the PC. Be sure to sign up now for future game briefings online at the official game website: http://www.codemasters.com/turningpoint. Turning Point: Fall of Liberty is currently rated "RP" (Rating Pending) by the ESRB.

Labels: Blockbuster Xbox 360, codemasters, PC, PLAYSTATION 3, Turning Point Fall of Liberty

GrimGrimoire™ ships to Retailers Nationwide!

Santa Ana, CA – NIS America ships GrimGrimoire™, a highly anticipated Real Time
Strategy Game developed exclusively for the PlayStation®2 computer entertainment
system. With a new, in-depth battle system and unique 2D game play, GrimGrimoire
shines out as a force to be reckoned within the RTS genre.

The game play for GrimGrimoire is simple yet strategic. Retaining the classic RTS-style ore collection and army building, GrimGrimoire stands out by adopting a clever power relationship system. Each magic category you cast is either stronger or weaker against another magic category. Therefore, gamers must strategically adjust their magic casting according to the enemy they face. Simply put, building an “army of a single type of unit” strategy will not work in GrimGrimoire. For those new to RTS, GrimGrimoire offers a user friendly tutorial system that guides you through, step by step, explaining in detail how to play an RTS. Also, GrimGrimoire offers a mysterious and compelling story, along with stunning 2D art.

Key Features

*Grimoire Battle System – Summon up to 16 monster types from 4 different magic
categories. Each category is stronger and weaker from another, so summon monsters
accordingly to your adversary.

*Side Scrolling Battle Map – Departing from the console un-friendly birds eye view of the RTS battle map, GrimGrimoire adopts a simple yet unique side view map. The 2D view allows players to quickly acknowledge the situation and navigate to battle enemies.

*50 challenging stages – There are up to 50 challenging stages for players to enjoy. Each stage can be revisited through an intuitive bookshelf system that keeps all the stages visually in order for easy access.

*Stunning 2D Visuals – Prepare to be stunned by the animated “artwork” both in and out of the battles of GrimGrimoire.

For more information please visit: www.nisamerica.com

Labels: GrimGrimoire, NIS America, Playstation 2

SplitFish's FragFX Peripheral Ships
Critically Acclaimed PlayStation®3 Controller Gives Gamers a Leg Up on the Competition

Edmonton, AB - Jun 22, 2007 - Innovative peripheral maker SplitFish GameWare Inc today announced that the company's shipment of the FragFX game controllers for the PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system will be arriving in select locations as soon as next week.

This first shipment has been allocated to pre-orders from SplitFish's website - www.splitfish.com. Consumers who pre-ordered FragFX controllers directly from SplitFish can expect those shipments to go out during the week of June 24th.
Despite no formal announcement of a pre-order program for the FragFx, the SplitFish website has been besieged by consumers in recent months, leaving only a limited supply going to:

www.Amazon.com (Web site ordering only)
www.GameStop.com (Web site ordering only)
Our official eBay seller (very limited amounts)
Europe gamers only (via www.SplitFish.de web site)

Demand has exceeded supply of the initial manufacturing runs of the FragFx. However, we have increased production in order to adequately stock retail outlets.

In early previews, the FragFX controller has been well received. The FragFX controller works with all games and game styles. It's one of the easiest to use and most intuitive controllers ever designed specifically for the PlayStation 3. The FragFX gives you that same PC-style game-play on the PS3 and doubles as an optimized mouse for PS Home and Browser navigation. Faster, more accurate and easier to use than a standard PS3 controller, you can dynamically program the motion and adjust the mouse sensitivity - making the FragFX a true intelligent controller.

Features include:

* Just plug it in and play
* Faster and more accurate
* All games supported
* An optical mouse for higher control
* Full SixAxis motion control
* Frag button for pinpoint movements
* Dynamic mouse sensitivity adjustments
* Adjustable motion sensitivity
* Motion level calibration
* Programmable motion over-ride
* Analog Stick Swap Ability
* Firmware upgradeable
* PS2 games support on PS3
* Doubles as navigation mouse

"The FragFX finally makes the console gaming waters safe for PC gamers to swim in," said Cisco Schipperheijn, CEO of Splitfish Gameware. "We created the FragFX to enhance PlayStation 3 owners overall gaming experience. We believe that when consumers compare the cost to upgrade to a Vista Game System relative to the PS3 and FragFX combination gamers will see the benefit."

The FragFX has been hailed as innovative and exciting by leading gaming sites such as IGN.com and called "a bizarre control monstrosity" by Wired.com (but they meant it in the nicest way). "The cumulative effect of the FragFX during our play session was improved accuracy at distance and better target tracking at close range for the PC gamers among us. The Frag button was also useful for holding a steady bead on targets," enthused IGN in their March 1, 2007 preview.

According to TwitchGuru, "... the controller provided me with an almost immediate improvement to my FPS skills on Resistance, and the extra value of the speed dial and Frag button make the product even more attractive."

The FragFX is available for a suggested retailer price of $59.99.

Labels: FragFX, PLAYSTATION 3, Splitfish

The team at DICE has created a brand new map for Battlefield 2 and Battlefield 2142. Highway Tampa will be made available to players for free courtesy of Intel, in Battlefield 2 in June. The map for BF2142 will follow in the coming months.

Highway Tampa: The war in current and future times wages on. The most direct path for supplies and re-enforcements for both sides across the expanse of the Arabian Peninsula has been dubbed Highway Tampa. In order to ensure safe passage of critical new technological equipment, both coalitions wage fierce battles to take control over the land. The new Battlefield 2142 map features Titan mode and introduces the new Double Assault Lines game mode. For Battlefield 2 the map features the Conquest game mode. Highway Tampa is the most vehicle intensive map released to date, taking the famous Battlefield sandbox gameplay to the extreme!

The Open Beta for Highway Tampa for Battlefield 2 started on June 5. The Open Beta for Battlefield 2142 will start very soon. Find out more at http://battlefield.ea.com.

Labels: Battlefield 2, Battlefield 2142, EA

Codemasters' Race Driver: Create & Race Redefines Racing Boundaries on Nintendo DS™
Nintendo DS Stylus Can Be Used To Design Unique Custom Circuits
Up To Four Players Can Compete using the Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection


Burbank, CA - June 21, 2007 - Racing official high-performance cars on the most challenging tracks in the world is just half the fun in Race Driver: Create & Race as Codemasters reveals further details of the game's custom circuit construction kit.

Developed exclusively for the Nintendo DS, Race Driver: Create & Race is an innovative addition to the renowned series. It gives players unprecedented creative freedom by introducing an advanced, but easy-to-use, track designer. Players can rev their engines on recognisable world class circuits and then, using the Nintendo DS stylus, design unique race tracks from scratch with as many devious touches as desired.

Construct anything from simple but intense speed ovals, to tracks filled with hair-pins and chicanes designed to intimidate the most experienced drivers. Pick any of the set pieces, including pit stops, dips, bridges, run-offs or even the scenery and then place them on the grid to create tracks worthy of the legendary race cars featured.

Alternatively, players can choose to create their tracks using the unique free draw tool. Simply draw the track you want on the grid and the tool will automatically lay down the correct corresponding set pieces, rotating them where necessary. There's even a handy eraser for those times when creativity is given too long a lead.

To examine their handy-work, players can choose to take a dynamic 3D fly-through tour of the circuit or take out one of the cars on a test drive of the track. Those who want to get the ultimate edge on their friends can also race against the AI on their newly constructed circuit. Once players have mastered their own circuits, it's time to bring in up to three friends and race against each other for real over single Game Card sharing or four player Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection.

"Once you've conquered the 32 in-game tracks, which include Silverstone, Bathhurst, Nurburgring, then Create & Race players can really challenge themselves and their friends with a never-ending number of track combinations," said Jamie Firth, Producer of Race Driver: Create & Race at Codemasters. There's nothing sweeter than inviting up to three friends to race on your very own track... and owning them on it!"

Featuring over 20 prestigious cars, Nintendo Wi-Fi connectivity and up to 4-player, single-Game Card game sharing, Codemasters' Race Driver: Create & Race launches exclusively for the Nintendo DS this summer. Pull on the racing gloves and cruise over to codemasters.com/createandrace to pit for more information.

Race Driver: Create & Race is the handheld evolution of the Race Driver series and developed exclusively for Nintendo DS by Firebrand Games.

Labels: codemasters, Nintendo DS, Race Driver Create and Race

REDWOOD CITY, Calif. – June 20, 2007 – Konami Digital Entertainment, Inc., today announced Contra 4 (working title) for the Nintendo DS™. Marking the 20th anniversary of the quintessential action franchise, the game pushes 2D side-scrolling action in an all-new direction with gunplay that spans two full screens, original gameplay mechanics that grant players deadlier abilities than ever before, and frantic multiplayer functionality.

Contra 4 takes place two years after the events of Contra III: The Alien Wars. After saving earth from invasion by Red Falcon, Bill Rizer and Lance Bean are confronted with a new extraterrestrial menace: the terrifying Black Viper. Joined by hard-boiled mercenaries Mad Dog and Scorpion, the warriors must once again wage war against an entire army of invaders.

Refining the 2D side-scrolling genre the series established 20 years ago, Contra 4 delivers pure action at a fever pitch as players jump, shoot, and dodge oncoming hazards. Utilizing a new dual screen presentation, the action spans both screens of the Nintendo DS, giving players the opportunity to battle across expansive environments in which death can come from any direction. The use of both screens for the game’s core action also allows for massive boss battles as players try to seek and destroy the weak points of sky-high enemies. A first for the series, Contra 4 introduces a grappling hook accessory that lets players grab onto elements of the environment directly above them. Whether using it to avoid oncoming dangers or attack from a strategic vantage point, the grappling hook allows for new combat situations and dramatic set pieces that underscore the game’s adrenaline-soaked pedigree.

Continuing the multiplayer tradition of previous games in the series, Contra 4 lets two players battle together against Black Viper’s army of vile alien forces and reclaim Earth for mankind.

Developed by WayForward Technologies, Contra 4 is planned for release on the Nintendo DS in 2007. For more information on the game and the Contra franchise, please visit: www.konami.com.

Labels: Contra 4, Konami, Nintendo DS

Newport Beach, CA -- Jun 19, 2007 -- Crave Entertainment, a leading publisher of console videogames, and Professional Bull Riders, Inc. (PBR) announced today that they will team up to bring all the bone-crunching excitement and edge-of-your-seat suspense of professional bull riding to videogame consoles. The "Toughest Sport on Dirt" has become the fastest growing sport in America. The PBR holds hundreds of thrilling events throughout the United States and in Mexico, Canada, Brazil and Australia, many of which are broadcast on Versus, Fox Sports and NBC.

"The sport of bull riding has gained tremendous momentum over the past few years, attracting a huge international audience as well as heavy duty corporate sponsors," said Rob Dyer, President of Crave Entertainment. "We feel the skill and tenacity needed to stay on a bucking bull will translate perfectly to the videogame arena."

"We are extremely excited to announce our newest licensing partnership with Crave Entertainment," says Sean Gleason, CMO of PBR. "Crave has spent a lot of time getting to know the intricacies of the PBR brand and the sport of bull riding and they get it! We are looking forward to working with their creative team to translate the adrenaline rush and action inherent in our sport to the major console platforms. It's going to be a wild ride."

More details as they become available!

Labels: Crave Entertainment, Professional Bull Riders

Midway today announced an exclusive Xbox 360™ collector's edition for this summer's highly anticipated action blockbuster, Stranglehold™. This limited edition includes a bonus disc jam-packed with extras, including:

• Poetry In Slow Motion - Behind-the-scenes documentary on Midway bringing the style of John Woo to video games.
• Extended Cinematic Sequences - Extended scenes which didn't make it into the final game.
• MTV Studio Visit - Follow MTV visit with the game team during crunch time.
• The Vision of Stranglehold - See the progression from concept art to final game.
• The Sound of Stranglehold - An insiders look at sounds design.

The collector's edition will be available in limited quantity at select retailers for a suggested retail price in the U.S. of $69.95, available August 2007.

REDWOOD CITY, Calif. – June 20, 2007 – Konami Digital Entertainment, Inc., today announced Contra 4 (working title) for the Nintendo DS™. Marking the 20th anniversary of the quintessential action franchise, the game pushes 2D side-scrolling action in an all-new direction with gunplay that spans two full screens, original gameplay mechanics that grant players deadlier abilities than ever before, and frantic multiplayer functionality.

Contra 4 takes place two years after the events of Contra III: The Alien Wars. After saving earth from invasion by Red Falcon, Bill Rizer and Lance Bean are confronted with a new extraterrestrial menace: the terrifying Black Viper. Joined by hard-boiled mercenaries Mad Dog and Scorpion, the warriors must once again wage war against an entire army of invaders.

Refining the 2D side-scrolling genre the series established 20 years ago, Contra 4 delivers pure action at a fever pitch as players jump, shoot, and dodge oncoming hazards. Utilizing a new dual screen presentation, the action spans both screens of the Nintendo DS, giving players the opportunity to battle across expansive environments in which death can come from any direction. The use of both screens for the game’s core action also allows for massive boss battles as players try to seek and destroy the weak points of sky-high enemies. A first for the series, Contra 4 introduces a grappling hook accessory that lets players grab onto elements of the environment directly above them. Whether using it to avoid oncoming dangers or attack from a strategic vantage point, the grappling hook allows for new combat situations and dramatic set pieces that underscore the game’s adrenaline-soaked pedigree.

Continuing the multiplayer tradition of previous games in the series, Contra 4 lets two players battle together against Black Viper’s army of vile alien forces and reclaim Earth for mankind.

Developed by WayForward Technologies, Contra 4 is planned for release on the Nintendo DS in 2007. For more information on the game and the Contra franchise, please visit: www.konami.com

New York, NY – June 20, 2007 – 2K Sports, the sports publishing label of Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. (NASDAQ: TTWO), announced today the return of its top-rated* NHL franchise with the highly anticipated NHL® 2K8 this fall. This title will leverage all of the next generation capabilities, featuring innovative gameplay, revolutionary player models and stunning visuals to create an entirely new hockey experience, centered on authenticity and the NHL Signature Style.

Utilizing 2K Sports’ NHL Signature Style, NHL 2K8 will highlight unique player characteristics never before seen in a hockey game. To complement their true-to-life attributes, marquee players will be fitted with branded equipment including skates, sticks, pads and helmets - becoming visually recognizable on the ice.

“Building on the success of NHL® 2K7, we have developed a title that is a truly accurate portrayal of the game and how it is meant to be seen and played,” said Greg Thomas, President of Visual Concepts, a 2K Sports studio. “NHL 2K8 represents the complete next generation gaming experience and showcases the talent and experience of the development team. NHL 2K8 is an incredibly realistic hockey simulation and we are proud to create such an exciting video game.”

NHL® 2K8 will be available this fall for the Xbox 360™ video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, and the PLAYSTATION®3 and PlayStation®2 computer entertainment systems.

TOKYO, Japan – June 19, 2007 – Electronic Arts (Nasdaq: ERTS) ships SimCity™ DS, the first highly anticipated SimCity game developed exclusively for the Nintendo DS platform, to stores worldwide today. With all-new controls and game modes leveraging unique functionalities of the Nintendo DS system, SimCity DS realizes the most accessible SimCity gameplay to date. The product will be available in stores throughout North America, Europe and Asia this week.

SimCity DS brings all the excitement of building and managing your own city into the palm of your hands. From the highly intuitive city-building experience of using the stylus on the touch screen like a drawing board to exciting mini-games occurring every few minutes, the game is perfectly suited for gameplay on-the-go. For those players who are new to the franchise, the newly introduced advisor characters will guide them throughout the game, offering helpful tips on how to keep citizens happy or manage tax rates, while entertaining players along the way. The game is also open-ended enough for the hardcore fans of the franchise to test their creativity, freely building unique cities with the stylus.

"The game offers everything that consumer’s love about the SimCity franchise in the most light-hearted and easy to pick-up-and-play manner," said Takahiro Murakami, Producer at Electronic Arts. "Our goal is to create a SimCity game on the Nintendo DS platform that offers quick gameplay, satisfies players on-the-go and is engaging enough to keep playing in bed all night... SimCity DS offers just that!"

SimCity DS on Nintendo DS is rated “E” (Everyone) by the ESRB and has an MSRP of $29.99.

Labels: EA, SimCity DS

SAN MATEO, Calif. – June 19, 2007 – Capcom®, a leading worldwide developer and publisher of video games, today announced that Resident Evil® 4 Wii Edition for the Wii™ video game system from Nintendo has shipped to retail stores across North America. RE 4 Wii Edition is a new version of the award-winning game that incorporates the control functionality of the Wii Remote™. The incredibly successful Resident Evil® series has sold more than 30 million games worldwide. The game carries an “M” rating for mature audiences by the ESRB (Entertainment Software Rating Board) at a suggested retail price of $29.99.

Resident Evil® 4 is one of the highest rated games on Game Rankings.com and Metacritic.com, garnering dozens of awards and nominations for its amazing game play and incredible re-invention of the “survival-horror” genre. This celebrated game now comes to the Wii with added Wii Remote and Nunchuck™ support, allowing players to immerse themselves in the game as never before. With RE4 Wii Edition, Capcom is offering new and more immersive sense of control to players, while keeping all of the game’s incredible game systems intact. As Leon Kennedy, players will explore a town overrun by cultists, mutants and mind-controlled villagers, using the Wii Remote to aim, fire, slash and avoid oncoming adversaries with intuitive motions and movements. RE4 Wii Edition also contains the additional content included in the PlayStation® 2 computer entertainment system version of the game.

Labels: Capcom, Resident Evil 4 Wii Edition

Burbank, CA -June 19, 2007 - Codemasters, Inc. today announced that DiRT, the highly anticipated off-road racing game, is shipping to retail outlets nationwide for the Xbox 360™ video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and the PC, with the PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system edition to follow shortly. DiRT is rated "E" (Everyone) by the ESRB.

Developed by Codemasters Studios using its new propriety engine, Neon, DiRT™ takes traditional rally and turns it into an exhilarating thrill ride through a massive range of off-road racing experiences on gravel, mud and dirt, right across the globe.

Expanding on the brilliant point-to-point rally racing, the game includes an extensive range of off road and circuit events, delivering a thrilling, often challenging and ultimately hugely rewarding experience.

Players race in challenging, heavyweight 850bhp cars through high speed blind corners and along perilous cliff edges in the Hill Climb events, including the world famous Pikes Peak International through the Rocky Mountains of Colorado.

There are also multiple car races with Dakar-style trucks and super-powered 4x4s on grueling desert terrain in Rally Raid competitions. In Rally Cross, players switch between dirt and road racing. The competition is always breathing down your neck and always ruthless.

Then there are Crossover circuits and events from the CORR (Championship Off -Road Racing) series in the U.S. The CORR series is all about head-to-head full on dirt circuit racing. The combination of powerful off-road buggies and exciting dirt tracks incorporating tabletop jumps, drop-offs and moguls is an intoxicating mix.

DiRT™ also offers a dedicated rally championship section and the opportunity to race against others and the clock with a 100-person online multiplayer mode. In any mode, on any surface, the car handling is sublime, the physics system is thrillingly accurate and the damage engine is as devastating as ever.

Get up to speed with the Xbox 360 playable demo now available from Xbox LIVE® Marketplace and the PC demo, along with videos and product information, available from http://www.codemasters.com/dirt

Labels: codemasters, DiRT

Where's the Celebrity Jeopardy mod when you need it?

Get ready to test your knowledge in Jeopardy!(R)2, the sharp new online version of America's Favorite Quiz Show®! Just like the popular TV game show, select a category and a dollar amount to reveal the hidden clue . Come up with the correct response and you’re in the money; otherwise, your virtual bank will take a hit.


ABOUT JEOPARDY 2:

* Over 3,000 clues to tackle as players experience two regular rounds and one Final Jeopardy! round
* New Daily Clue game mode
* Play alone, against the PC or against others at the same keyboard, each with three levels of difficulty: easy, medium and hard
* In-game trophies and badges for skillful play
* More realistic stage and set graphics


For more information visit www.sonypictures.com/games or www.station.sony.com.

Jeopardy! 2 is scheduled to be available for download from www.station.sony.com and www.sonypictures.com/games/jeopardy/ for the suggested retail price of $19.99 beginning June 19, 2007.

Labels: Jeopardy 2, PC, SOE

Torrance, Calif., (June 19, 2007) --- XSEED Games announced today that DUNGEON MAKER: HUNTING GROUND has shipped to retailers across North America. An original title developed specifically for the PSP system, DUNGEON MAKER: HUNTING GROUND offers addictive game play with a simulation dungeon creation element and real-time battles hunting for monsters to collect items, gold, and to fulfill requirements to complete the various quests given by townspeople.


The Story

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

The townspeople are initially skeptical about the Architect’s ability to achieve his ultimate goal of building such a dungeon. Over the years, they’ve watched other such dungeon makers arrive with great plans but ultimately fail – falling prey to the very monsters they’ve lured into their dungeons or haphazardly abandoning their creations. However, as the Architect’s dungeon grows and improves, luring rarer and more powerful enemies, and he begins bringing back more valuable treasures, the townspeople begin offering support to his mission. Soon the whole town is involved in the dungeon making process; they give advice about the intricacies of dungeon making, sell crucial items, provide weapons and magic spells, treat the Architect when injured, and request various favors to be completed in the expanding dungeon in exchange for generous rewards.

Whether the growing hopes of the townspeople and the Architect will be realized all depends on the quality of the dungeon he creates and his developing battle skills.


Key Features

· Design and modify a customizable dungeon, floor-by-floor, using simple controls to quickly develop a deep and detailed dungeon.

· Strategically layout and improve your dungeon to maximize its attractiveness and lure in the most sought-after enemies to take their loot.

· Fight real-time battles wielding various melee and ranged weapons, casting magic spells, rendering special attacks, and summoning creatures to defeat the wide variety of monsters including undead creatures, orcs, and dragons.

· Enjoy the vast selection of building materials to customize your dungeon and complete quests to access the rarer items from the wide array of weapons, armors, and accessories to upgrade your warrior.

· Trade dungeons - Utilize network connectivity to trade dungeons with a friend. Show off your dungeon creation skills and explore a friend’s dungeon to see what kind of monsters and treasures lie inside.


DUNGEON MAKER: HUNTING GROUND is available at retailers nationwide at a suggested retail price of US$39.99. The Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) has rated DUNGEON MAKER: HUNTING GROUND “E10+” for Everyone 10 and older. Additional information on the title is available at http://www.dungeonmakerhuntingground.com.

Labels: Dungeon Maker Hunting Ground, XSEED

Montreal, Canada – June 15, 2007 – Shake it. Sing it. Create it. Electronic Arts (NASDAQ: ERTS) announced today that Boogie™ – an all new intellectual property in development at EA Montreal will be released for the Wii™ on August 7, 2007 in North America and August 31, 2007 in Europe. The game will ship to retail stores with a packed-in karaoke microphone peripheral and will feature new versions of tracks made popular by hit bands including The Jackson 5, Kool & The Gang, M.C. Hammer, The Village People, Cyndi Lauper and Britney Spears.

“We have assembled a great selection of music for the game that will appeal to players of all ages, making this dancing and karaoke game the ultimate party package for the entire family,” said Alain Tascan, Vice President and General Manager, EA Montreal. “Wii is expanding videogames to untapped markets pulling in a new audience of gamers that typically did not play games in the past; Boogie will give these diverse players something new to enjoy as well as share with their friends and family.”

Players will dance, sing and create music videos with this ultimate videogame party package that takes advantage of the innovative Wii controls getting gamers off their couch and playing to a new beat. Not only will gamers be belting out their favorite tunes or dancing to the latest hit songs, players will catch their best dance moves, record their own voice and make music videos with the easy-to-use music video creator..

Fun mini-games, co-op gameplay, head-to-head dance battles and karaoke party make Boogie the perfect party game and a complete entertainment package for gamers of all ages. This game is not yet rated by the ESRB. For updated rating information visit www.esrb.org. This game has been rated 3+ by PEGI Europe. For updated rating information visit www.pegionline.com. For more information, videos and screens on the game, please visit the website at www.boogie.ea.com.

Labels: Boogie, EA

Labels: EA, Sims Life Stories, Sims Pet Stories

Lost Planet fans - June has been a great month for you! Not only did you receive free access to a map only accessible by those with the Collector's Edition, but you now will be able to download a 3rd multiplayer map pack next week!

To drop you into the email I received from Capcom today, it reads: "Multiplayer map pack #3 for Lost Planet ™: Extreme Condition for Xbox 360™ video game and entertainment system from Microsoft will be available for download on Xbox Live® Marketplace on Thursday, June 21. The map pack costs 400 Microsoft Points™ and includes THREE new multiplayer levels: “Lost Technology,” a throw-back to the good ol’ days of pixelated 8-bit gaming; “Ruins,” ancient temples set amidst a lush jungle; and “Ice Drop,” a frigid glacier with lots of peaks, nooks and crannies."

Wondering just what these new levels look like? Well, wonder no more as I also come today with an armfull of screens (click to enlarge)!

To go along with the news and pictures, we also have official word of an upcoming patch next month. I was simply told, "please note that we are also working on a new patch addressing connectivity, which will be available sometime in July. More details to come, so please stay tuned!" More on that as it comes in!

Lost as to what Lost Planet is or need a reminder? I'll let the official voice fill you in: "Lost Planet is an epic gaming masterpiece combining a gripping single player campaign and intense multiplayer modes with support for up to 16 players on the Xbox Live® online game service. Taking full advantage of Xbox 360 system’s power , Lost Planet contains sophisticated visuals, with an unmatched level of detail as advanced light sourcing is used to ensure a realistic presentation that enhances every explosion, smoke and particle effect. Enormous world maps unfold as players battle hostile creatures in blistering weather conditions across vast snowfields and deserted cities either on foot or in armed, robotic Vital Suits."

"Lost Planet , which carries a “T” rating for teen audiences by the ESRB (Entertainment Software Rating Board), can be found on retail shelves around the world. For more information on Lost Planet , please visit the official site at http://www.lostplanet-thegame.com/ or join the growing community of fans at http://www.lostplanetcommunity.com/."

Labels: Capcom, Lost Planet

Labels: Gamecock

10am June 12th - Codemasters Online Gaming are today thrilled to announce the release of the 2nd ArchLord™ graphic novel. Based on the free-to-play MMORPG ArchLord, the 2nd ArchLord novel continues with the epic story of Leon as he adventures through the mystical world of Chantra.

In association with TOKYOPOP, a leading youth orientated entertainment brand and innovator of manga creation, ArchLord the 2nd graphic novel is out now across North America with subsequent launches planned throughout European in the coming months.

Based exclusively on ArchLord's lore and set in Chantra's past, ArchLord the graphic novel follows the adventures of Leon, descendant of the legendary Nathan Manas, the founder of human civilization in Chantra and renowned for mastering the power of the legendary Archons that power the ArchLord. As an added bonus the 2nd graphic novel also contains an exclusive item the "Choker of Protection" for use within the ArchLord game!

"We are excited to see the 2nd ArchLord™ graphic novel released today, following the hugely successful launch of the first edition. As the ArchLord MMORPG goes from strength to strength and the world continues to grow, we look forward to evolving the game yet further with exciting new in-game content in the form of highly anticipated free upgrade Episode 2 - Season of Siege." commented Adam McGowan, Product Marketing Manager at Codemasters Online Gaming"
"Following the success of the first ArchLord graphic novel and the overwhelming response to the in-game item promotion, we are extremely pleased to continue our innovative partnership with Codemasters Online Gaming and the ArchLord MMORPG as we look to build the ArchLord franchise across numerous platforms" Says Marco Pavia, Director of Marketing at TOKYOPOP.

Out now, the ArchLord graphic novel is available from most major book stores across N.America priced at RRP $9.99, with the subsequent release across Europe in the coming months. For more information visit www.archlordgame.com/TOKYOPOP.

Labels: ArchLord, codemasters

Labels: EA Sports, FIFA 08

Labels: EA, Warhammer Online

Pirates of the South China Seas, the latest expansion of the Pirates Constructible Strategy Game (CSG) Online, is now available for digital download.

Piracy and politics intertwine in the South China Seas! A new faction rules these waters, one powerful enough to influence the rise and fall of even the mighty Imperial dynasties. Crewing exotic looking vessels such as the massive six-masted junk and the fearsome Dragon ship, the Jade Rebellion rules the trade routes leading in and out of these lands and seeks to keep the treasures of the South China Seas out of the hands of the imperialists from the west.

Online tournament players will additionally be rewarded with new bounty with this expansion. From June 13 until August 1, 2007, each player that enters a sanctioned Pirates CSG Online tournament will receive a randomly selected digital Limited Edition ship from the Pirates of the South China Seas set as well as a redemption offer good for one randomly selected Limited Edition physical ship for the tabletop version of WizKids’ Pirates of the South China Seas.* In addition, winning players for all other Pirates CSG Online tournaments during this limited time will receive the same digital ship and physical redemption offers.. Redeemable Limited Edition ships for all tournaments will be chosen at random from the following:

·El Afortunado – A great treasure hunting ship

·Le Triomphant – Perfect for “hit and run” tactics

·La Belle Poule – Ideal for exploring islands

·Floating Stone – Fast and Lucky

·Dragon’s Talon – A sturdy and resilient fighter

·Tiger’s Paw – Crews of any nation/faction can use their abilities aboard her


FEATURES:

* 72 different ships to scuttle or scavenge, including the stalwart Dragon ship, sturdy Korean Turtle ship and the powerful six-masted pirate junk
* A new pirate faction for players to ally with – the Jade Rebellion
* 46 different treasures and crew.
* New game-changing Events that quickly turn the tide of battle – discover looted treasure is fake, summon rolling fog banks or cross swords with your opponents.


For more information on Pirates of the South China Seas and Pirates CSG Online, visit the website at www.piratesgameonline.com.

* Offer expires August 1, 2007. Redemption must occur on or before August 30, 2007. Offer good for one (1) Limited Edition ship and one (1) Limited Edition physical ship randomly selected (from the list above) from the Pirates of the South China Seas expansion. Player must have an active Station Account and a registered account with Pirates CSG Online in order to redeem the physical ship. Redemptions are only processed through the Pirates CSG Online software. Not valid in conjunction with any other coupon or offer. No cash value. Non-transferable. Void where prohibited. Please allow six (6) to eight (8) weeks for delivery. Sony Online Entertainment and WizKids are not responsible for lost or stolen cards.

Labels: Pirates CSG, SOE

Los Angeles, CA - June 13, 2007 - Nexon America Inc., the U.S. division of Asia's leading online game company Nexon Group, announced today the launch of special summertime events and new gameplay features for its blockbuster massively multiplayer online game (MMOG), MapleStory. With 3.7 million registered users in North America alone, Nexon's MapleStory is one of the fastest growing Asian MMOGs among those serviced in the U.S.

Throughout the next three months, MapleStory will launch a variety of jovial in-game events and new game play features for all players to enjoy. For the 13,314 in-game married couples in MapleStory, the Amoria Party Quest (The Amorian Challenge) is an exclusive adventure just for them -- the first of its kind in the world of MMO games. For those who have said "I do" in the game with that special someone, the Amoria Party Quest provides a variety of unique challenges across more than eight stages with new items and an exclusive boss, the Geist Balrog.

Also new to the game is the introduction of the Mushroom Temple, an enticing new town based on landscapes from Japan, with new areas, dangers, secrets and monsters. MapleStory players are encouraged to take on this new challenge.

Letting the summer games begin, The Maple Summer Drop Event will have monsters drop different tubes and surfboards, which players can use as weapons. The "Double Drop Event" will give out double the loot per kill, and has scheduled times every Thursday and Saturday for two hours. A "Monster Cookout" is scheduled for every Friday where low-level monsters will be summoned in random locations throughout MapleStory.

In addition, special Game Master (GM) events will take place every Wednesday and Friday for one hour, where players can participate in different event maps and compete against other players with the chance to receive an event trophy and a secret scroll that awards random items. To celebrate Independence Day, monsters will also drop special, patriotic hats that are wearable in-game. Finally, as homage to summertime tradition, a new quest, Cody's BBQ, will be open for players to trade in maple meat, BBQ sauce or charcoal for an Independence Day Flag and other goodies.

Events have also been planned for the MapleStory website. The "GM Blog Event" will invite users to comment on a GM Blog, in which 20 select users will receive 10,000 Maple Points. Also, Cash Shop Sales will take place multiple times during the month for special packages, discount summer items and 1000 NX cash sales.

For additional info, please visit: http://www.nexon.net/

Redwood City, Calif. – Tuesday, June 12, 2007 – Electronic Arts Inc. (NASDAQ: ERTS) announced today that Carolina Hurricanes center Eric Staal will be the cover athlete and spokesman for NHL® 08. At the age of 23 with just 4 NHL seasons under his belt, this promising young player has scored a combined 75 goals over the past 2 seasons, notched 100 points in 2006, and was voted into his first All-Star game in 2007. Already a core member of the Hurricanes, Staal led the team in points (28) during their successful 2006 Stanley Cup Playoff run that resulted in a Championship. Aside from his exceptional talent on the ice, Staal is also known as an avid gamer.

"I am a huge fan of the NHL franchise and played NHL 07 fanatically," said Staal. "I am honored to be named to the EA SPORTS™ family and the NHL 08 team."

Eric is the trailblazer in a family rich with hockey legacy; His brothers Marc (NY Rangers, 2005) and Jordan (Pittsburgh, 2006) were also first-round draft picks. His youngest brother, Jared, was drafted in the first round of the 2006 OHL Draft by Sudbury. The Thunder Bay, Ontario natives grew up playing together on an outdoor rink built for them by their father in their backyard. Eric played with his brother Jordan on the 2007 Canadian IIHF World Championship team that won gold against Finland in Moscow. Younger brothers Marc and Jared are teammates with the Ontario Hockey League’s Sudbury Wolves.

Staal joins a long list of highly decorated athletes as the North American cover athlete of an EA SPORTS videogame.

NHL Franchise	Cover Athlete
NHL 08	Eric Staal
NHL 07	Alexander Ovechkin
NHL 06	Vincent Lecavalier
NHL 2005	Marcus Naslund
NHL 2004	Joe Sakic
NHL 2003	Jarome Iginla
NHL 2002	Mario Lemieux
NHL 2001	Owen Nolan
NHL 2000	Chris Pronger
NHL 99	Eric Lindros
NHL 98	Peter Forsberg
NHL 97*	John Vanbiesbrouck

*NHL 97 was the first iteration of the franchise to feature single cover athletes.

EA SPORTS – pioneers in the Golden Age of hockey videogames – continues to lead the charge in the next gen era with advancements in AI intelligence, innovative controls, online depth and an unmatched level of authenticity to the sport.

The revolutionary Skill Stick System evolves in NHL 08 and delivers an unparalleled level of control. An all-new deking system enables you to move the puck off your stick, to walk around a defender and give you space in front to challenge the goalie. Enhanced analog speed control and a new skating engine give you the precision and fluidity to play like you would on the ice.

NHL 08 will feature an exclusive AHL license for the first time, with all 29 teams from the primary development league for the NHL fully playable in game. The EA SPORTS NHL franchise is the #1 selling hockey game and the #1 selling sports game in Canada*. NHL 08 is being developed under the EA SPORTS by EA Canada in Vancouver, B.C. The game will be available for the PLAYSTATION®3 system, PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system, Xbox 360™ video game system from Microsoft, and PC. For more information, log onto www.nhl08.com.

Labels: EA Sports, NHL 08

SUNNYVALE, CA, - June 12, 2007 - Activision, Inc. (Nasdaq: ATVI) today announced eight additional songs to be included in the latest installment of the critically acclaimed franchise -- Guitar Hero™ Encore: Rocks the 80s™, available exclusively for the PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system. The tour continues with 30 awesome new songs from the classic era, allowing Guitar Hero fans to further experience the ultimate rock star fantasy.

Additional tracks added to the initial list include:

· Hold On Loosely (as made famous by .38 Special)
· No One Like You (as made famous by Scorpions)
· Only a Lad (as made famous by Oingo Boingo)
· Radar Love (as made famous by White Lion)
· Ballroom Blitz (as made famous by Krokus)
· The Warrior (by Scandal)
· What I Like About You (as made famous by The Romantics)
· Wrath Child (as made famous by Iron Maiden)

Previously announced tracks include:

· I Wanna Rock (by Twisted Sister)
· I Ran (by Flock of Seagulls)
· Round and Round (as made famous by Ratt)
· Metal Health (as made famous by Quiet Riot)
· Holy Diver (as made famous by Dio)
· Heat Of The Moment (as made famous by Asia)
· 18 and Life (as made famous by Skid Row)
· Bathroom Wall (as made famous by Faster Pussycat)
· Lonely is the Night (as made famous by Billy Squier)
· Nothing But a Good Time (as made famous by Poison)
· Play With Me (as made famous by Extreme)
· Shaken (as made famous by Eddie Money)
· Synchronicity II (as made famous by The Police)

Guitar Hero Encore: Rocks the 80s, published by RedOctane® and developed by Harmonix, will be available in July for the PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system. For more information, please visit the dedicated community site: www.guitarherogame.com.

Labels: Activision, Guitar Hero Encore Rocks the 80s, RedOctane

SAN MATEO, Calif — June 8, 2007 — Capcom® , a leading worldwide developer and publisher of video games, today confirmed further details on its forthcoming title MotoGP 07. MotoGP 07 is being developed by Italian developer Milestone, a company with a proven track record and passion for producing high quality racing games for console and PC. MotoGP 07 is scheduled for release on the PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system this autumn.

As an officially licensed MotoGP™ title, MotoGP 07 for the PlayStation 2 system will feature all the riders, bikes, teams and tracks from the 2007 season. Players can faithfully re-create the excitement and passion of the sport and experience the rivalries and competition synonymous with the world’s premier motorcycling championship, as they ride for glory. Compete in a full season, create your own customised season, or select a one-off race either on your own or against a friend.

Whether gamers are new to the racing genre, fans of four-wheeled racers looking for a new challenge or veterans of motorcycle games, the diverse handling models of MotoGP 07 will allow players of varied skill levels to access and enjoy the adrenaline fuelled world of MotoGP. Features such as riding aids will provide newcomers to the series with the confidence to push their bikes to the limit. Experienced players will have the option to independently control front and rear brakes as well as the rider’s position, making them feel at one with their bike as they enter and exit the tightest of hairpins inches from the tarmac, before stepping on the gas to reach speeds of well over 200mph/320kph. Plus players can also adjust the AI of their race opponents, modifying speed and ability to match their own riding level and create a more balanced race.

Featuring a comprehensive set of 100 trials, each available at three difficulty levels, MotoGP 07’s Challenge Mode will test and hone players’ skills. Events include slalom challenges where players handling abilities are put to the test as they navigate a series of gates placed the length of the circuit and time trials which challenge players to beat the lap record for each circuit.



MotoGP 07 for the PlayStation 2 system will include the following features:

• Riders and their bikes, teams and all 18 official tracks from the 2007 season faithfully and painstakingly re-created
• Unique Game modes including - Championship / Quick race / Time Attack / Challenges/ Multiplayer
• Selectable riding models to suit your skill-set and style
• A variety of immersive and challenging opponent behavioural models to select depending on ability
• Challenging weather effects
• Accurate physics models based on real data
• Motorbike sound-effects recorded from actual MotoGP bikes

Additional features will be announced in the coming months. For more info now, check out www.motogp.com

Labels: Capcom, MotoGP 07

SAN MATEO, Calif, June 12, 2007 — Capcom®, a leading worldwide developer and publisher of video games, and Valve® today announced an agreement that brings a collection of Capcom’s current and future PC games to Valve’s Steam digital distribution service. Under the arrangement, PC versions of Lost Planet™: Extreme Condition, Onimusha® 3, Devil May Cry® 3: Special Edition, Super Puzzle FighterTM II Turbo HD Remix, and future PC titles will be made available via the leading online distribution platform. Capcom is the first major Japanese software publisher to sign on with Steam.

“Capcom is a worldwide leader in development and publishing of action adventure titles,” said Gabe Newell, co-founder and president of Valve. “This initial set of Capcom titles coming to Steam, as well as those coming at a later date, are a perfect fit for the millions of action gaming fans connecting to Steam each week.”

Steam is the only full-featured broadband platform for the delivery and management of games and digital content, and has pioneered its broadband services to over 13 million customers with core and casual games from today’s leading publishers and developers.

“With the PC market becoming a larger part of our business, we’re naturally focusing our attention on digital distribution,” said Mark Beaumont, executive vice president, officer, Capcom American and European consumer software publishing. “Steam is the right place for us to go with our titles. Valve has created a huge installed base of gamers who naturally fit with the profiles of the titles that Capcom develops.”

Available later this week, Devil May Cry 3: Special Edition is an action game that follows the stylish demon-slayer Dante as he uses swords and guns to wage a nonstop, one-man battle against the demon world in order to carry out a 2000 year-old revenge. Coming in the next few weeks, Onimusha 3 is an action game that travels in time between the 16th century Japan and modern-day Paris, pitting two heroes (one a samurai, the other a modern-day fighter played by actor Jean Reno) against a horde of other-dimensional evil. Lost Planet: Extreme Condition is a critically-acclaimed third person action game from an all-star team of Capcom’s game designers, will be available day and date with the retail version of the PC game, currently scheduled for June 26. Super Puzzle Fighter II Turbo HD Remix downloads Capcom's incredibly popular puzzle game into the new generation, featuring enhanced 1080p HD graphics, several new game modes, improved game balance, and online play and will be available later this year.

Labels: Capcom, Devil May Cry 3 Special Edition, Lost Planet, Onimusha 3, Steam, Super Puzzle Fighter II Turbo HD Remix

Burbank, CA - Monday, June 11, 2007 - Unleash a Minion on your hard drive as Codemasters announced today the release of the Overlord™ playable demo for the PC. Available for download now from www.codemasters.com/overlord, the Overlord demo gives PC gamers their first opportunity to see just how truly evil a ruler they can be. Overlord is planned to release June 26th for the PC and Xbox 360™ videogame and entertainment system from Microsoft, and is rated "T" (Teen - Blood and Gore, Crude Humor, Suggestive Themes, Use of Alcohol, Violence - content suitable for persons ages 13 and older) by the ESRB.

In the demo, players don the Overlord's illustrious armor and assemble a team of Brown Minions (the brawlers) to head off on a session of serious destruction in the once tranquil area of The Mellow Hills. Descending upon the unsuspecting populace and wildlife, the Overlord must use his loyal minions to gather life-force from the somewhat unwilling sheep, grow the size of his minion horde, and let the Halflings-gone-wild know there's a new boss in town. Top that off with Minion upgrades, including better weapons and pumpkin helmets, throw in some peasant intimidation and a show-down with the Guard Troll at the Slave Camp, and players will have a taste of the havoc that a Minion horde can wreak.

In addition to the demo, PC gamers can now adopt their very own Minion thanks to the new Overlord Desktop Minion e-toy. Also available from www.codemasters.com/overlord, simply download and install this nasty little bugger for the ultimate in Minion companionship and random abuse.

Lastly, coming soon gamers will be able to 'Rate My Evil' as an interactive leader board of nastiness goes live on the website. Users will be able to rank a series of famous people and characters in order of unpleasantness, and also upload photos of evil friends to add into the miserable mix.

For more information on Overlord, or to download the new PC demo, or to get the new Desktop Minion, be sure to visit the official game website located at: http://www.codemasters.com/overlord

Labels: codemasters, Overlord

REDWOOD CITY, Calif. — June 12, 2007 — The return of one of PC gaming’s most popular series – SimCity™ – is here! Electronic Arts Inc. (NASDAQ: ERTS) announced today that SimCity™ Societies™ is in development and is scheduled to hit retail stores this holiday season. Featuring an all-new, revolutionary feature set, SimCity Societies allows players to construct not only the cities they desire, but create their cultures, societal behaviors and environments as well. Build an artistic city, haunted town, green city, spiritual community or most any society you want! Using the accessible, innovative and versatile city-builder, players can create their own kind of city in SimCity Societies.

"SimCity Societies allows players to create a variety of cities with the unique societies they desire," said Vice President and Studio Head of The Sims Division, Rod Humble. "There is such a variety of cities to build from in SimCity Societies – and they’re all such a blast to play. Sometimes I build an aggressive police state where stragglers are dragged off to re-conditioning centers and emerge ready for work. Other times, I build a green community in the tropics, where the citizens grow their own food and have a small environmental footprint. With so many options to choose from, SimCity Societies is the most flexible city building game ever!"

Players start by choosing from a variety of more than 350 building types, each of which allows them to combine, connect and re-arrange structures freely. Players can challenge authority and experiment with what happens when citizens flagrantly disobey power in an unruly Orwellian society. Or if players are feeling happy, they can build a Fun City filled with Ferris Wheels, Gingerbread Houses and Chocolate Factories! Inspiration can come from a wide range of architectural periods ranging from the realistic to the fanciful; from the industrial age to futuristic designs, with each structure reflecting its name and nature, many offering a click-on action for fans to play upon! As each city evolves, players will be able to unlock new buildings that can help advance – or regress – their society.

SimCity Societies introduces an all-new, revolutionary feature set for players to combine buildings that will produce or consume new kinds of resources called "social energies." How you mix and match these resources – industry, wealth, obedience, knowledge, devotion, or creativity—determines the social energy of your city. Will your city be happy and creative, spiritual and knowledgeable, will it be wealthy and powerful or obedient and fearful? Its fate is in your hands!

Not only will players be able to build from any or all energies, but the cities will look and behave differently depending on the energy combinations the player makes. From futuristic metropolises and fantastical haunted cities to obedient Orwellian states and devout contemplative towns – what to combine and connect is up to the creator.

The SimCity franchise is one of the most popular PC gaming franchises in history, having sold more than 17 million games worldwide to date since the SimCity launch in 1989. Subsequent base game releases include SimCity 2000™ (1993), SimCity 3000™ (1999) and SimCity 4™ (2003).

SimCity Societies is being published by Electronic Arts and developed by Tilted Mill Entertainment. It is scheduled to be available in retails stores across North America and Europe in November 2007.

Labels: EA, SimCity Societies

Redwood Shores, Calif., – June 11, 2007 – Electronic Arts Inc., (NASDAQ: ERTS) today announced a commitment to bring its portfolio of hit games to Mac OS X. The first EA Mac titles slated to ship this summer include the wizarding adventure Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix™, racing sensation Need for Speed™ Carbon, military action thriller Battlefield 2142 and the real-time strategy hit Command &Conquer 3 Tiberium Wars™. Being the first Mac OS X games published by EA, these blockbuster titles are being ported to take advantage of the Mac’s performance to run with stunning visuals and signature gameplay at blistering speeds. Later this year, EA will ship Madden NFL 08 and Tiger Woods PGA TOUR 08 in sync with their worldwide launches.

Frank Gibeau, EA’s Executive Vice President of Publishing commented, “These four games are just the beginning. We’re excited to deliver key EA franchises such as Harry Potter, Madden Football and Need for Speed to Mac gamers.”

"We're thrilled that the world's number one games company is making this major commitment to the Mac," said Philip Schiller, Apple's senior vice president of Worldwide Product Marketing. "Game fans are going to love playing these new EA titles on a Mac."

The four Mac games set for release this summer include:

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix – In Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, licensed by Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment, Harry returns for his fifth year of study at Hogwarts only to discover that much of the wizarding community has been led to believe that the story of the teenager’s recent encounter with the evil Lord Voldemort is a lie, putting Harry’s integrity in question. Worse, the Minister for Magic, Cornelius Fudge, has appointed a new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher, the duplicitous Professor Dolores Umbridge. But Professor Umbridge’s “Ministry-approved” course of defensive magic leaves the young wizards woefully unprepared to defend themselves against the Dark Forces threatening them, so at the prompting of his friends Hermione and Ron, Harry is convinced to take matters into his own hands. Meeting secretly with a small group of students who name themselves “Dumbledore’s Army,” Harry teaches them how to defend themselves against the Dark Arts, preparing the courageous young wizards for the extraordinary battle that lies ahead. With the ability to play multiple characters, including Harry Potter, Dumbledore and Sirius Black, the videogame of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix offers fans the opportunity to wield a wand, explore all around Hogwarts, and experience one of the most exciting and dangerous years in the life of the Boy Who Lived.

Need for Speed Carbon – The battle for the city is won in the canyon as Need for Speed Carbon immerses you in the world's most dangerous and adrenaline-filled form of street racing. As the police turn up the heat and force the races to the outskirts of the city, the battle ultimately shifts to Carbon Canyon, where territories and reputations can be lost on every perilous curve. Racing has never felt so dangerous where every turn is a matter of life or death. For the first time in a Need for Speed game, build a crew and race in an all-out war for your city against rival crews and opposing car classes. You'll risk everything to take over rival neighborhoods one street at a time. With online racing and the most advanced graphics and car customization tools ever, Need for Speed Carbon is the ultimate Mac racing game.

Battlefield 2142 – The year is 2142, and the dawn of a new Ice age has thrown the world into a panic. The math is simple and brutal: The soil not covered by ice can only feed a fraction of the Earth's population. Some will live, most will die. In Battlefield 2142, players will choose to fight for one of two military superpowers in an epic battle for survival, the European Union or the newly formed Pan Asian Coalition. Armed with a devastating arsenal of hi-tech assault rifles, cloaking devices and sentry guns, players will also do battle using some of the most imposing vehicles known to man. Massive battle Mechs wage fierce combat on the ground, while futuristic aircraft rule the skies. When facing one of these new behemoths, players will need to use their wits and an arsenal of new countermeasures like EMP grenades to level the playing field. Team play features allow up to 64 players to enter the action on the front lines as part of a formal squad, or work behind the scenes in Commander Mode to direct the strategic assaults of their teammates.

Command & Conquer 3 Tiberium Wars – The critically-acclaimed Command & Conquer™ series returns with Command & Conquer 3 Tiberium Wars. This highly-anticipated next chapter takes the popular series back to its roots in the Tiberium Universe and features the fast, fluid gameplay that Command & Conquer is known for and an epic story that will redefine storytelling and set the standard for the single player experience for Real-time Strategy games. It is 2047 and the stakes could not be higher. Tiberium-a self-replicating alien substance that has infected the Earth-is spreading like a radioactive ice age. The Global Defense Initiative, a high-tech alliance of the world's most advanced nations, is fighting to contain Tiberium, but Kane, the megalomaniacal leader of the Brotherhood of Nod has other plans for Earth. Kane's secret society turned superpower is bent on using Tiberium to take control and transform humanity into his twisted vision of the future. All-out war rages over Tiberium and the fate of the planet rests in the balance.

I think its safe to say EA is not pussyfooting around this leap into the world of Apple. Who needs outdoor activities when you have all these wonderful games to play?!

Labels: Apple, EA

Seems like these days everybody's just running around, grabbing whatever they can for themselves. Some are after gold nuggets, some want rings and some are trying to recover a stolen axe. Doesn't anybody talk anymore? Why don't you grab a few warm cookies, pour yourself a glass of cold milk and fire up the Wii(TM)? We'll play games and tell stories from simpler times.

Three new classic games go live at 9 a.m. Pacific time. Nintendo adds new games to the Wii Shop 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:

Lode Runner(R) (NES(R), 1-2 players, Rated E for Everyone, 500 Wii Points): This landmark action-puzzle game has been a worldwide fixture in video games from the moment of its inception until today, producing many sequels and related products along the way. The player controls the hero, or ?Runner,? who collects gold nuggets located around every stage, all the while avoiding capture by enemy robots. The action itself is simple, but the stages are designed as increasingly challenging puzzles, and none of the 50 stages is as easy as it seems. The Runner avoids enemies by digging holes in the floor to the right and left of his position?by doing this, he can clear a path to places that, at first glance, seem unreachable. Players must use their brains to collect all the gold nuggets in every puzzling stage if they want to escape to the next. In addition to normal play, this version of the game features an Edit Mode that allows players to design their own stages, adding a new level of enjoyment to the game.

Sonic the Hedgehog(TM) 2 (Sega Genesis, 1-2 players, Rated E for Everyone, 800 Wii Points): Dr. Eggman (aka Dr. Robotnik) is back to continue his zealous search for the Chaos Emeralds needed to fuel his new Death Egg contraption. The evil doctor secretly follows Sonic to his vacation spot, Westside Island, and launches a full-scale attack, imprisoning all the helpless animals of the island and turning them into mindless worker drones. Now Sonic must thwart the doctor's plans at all costs. This time he isn't alone, as a peculiar two-tailed fox named Miles Prower (aka Tails) decides to aid him in the battle. Together they must locate the Chaos Emeralds before Dr. Eggman does, and put an end to his diabolical scheme.

Golden Axe(TM) II (Sega Genesis, 1-2 players, Rated E10+ for Everyone 10 and Older ? Fantasy Violence, 800 Wii Points): Not long after the devastating reign of the wicked Death Adder, another evil arose. Dark Guld and his minions invaded and took hold of the prized Golden Axe with plans to destroy it. Once again, as a fierce barbarian named Ax-Battler, a fearless female Amazon known as Tyris-Flare or a ferocious dwarf named Gilius Thunderhead, you will wield steely swords and powerful magic in an all-out war to recover the sword. Once you slash your way through the six side-scrolling levels, you'll get the chance to defeat Dark Guld once and for all.

Burbank, CA - Friday, June 8, 2007 - There's a Minion horde ready to pulse through your download pipeline as Codemasters today announced the release of the Overlord™ playable demo for the Xbox™ 360 videogame and entertainment system from Microsoft. Available for download now from Xbox LIVE® Marketplace, the demo gives gamers their first opportunity to see just how truly evil a ruler they can be. Overlord is planned to release June 26th for the Xbox 360 and the PC, and is rated "T" (Teen - Blood and Gore, Crude Humor, Suggestive Themes, Use of Alcohol, Violence - content suitable for persons ages 13 and older) by the ESRB. A PC demo is set to follow shortly.

In the demo, players don the Overlord's illustrious armor and assemble a team of Brown Minions (the brawlers) to head off on a session of serious destruction in the once tranquil area of The Mellow Hills. Descending upon the unsuspecting populace and wildlife, the Overlord must use his loyal minions to gather life-force from the somewhat unwilling sheep, grow the size of his minion horde, and let the Halflings-gone-wild know there's a new boss in town. Top that off with Minion upgrades, including better weapons and pumpkin helmets, throw in some peasant intimidation and a show-down with the Guard Troll at the Slave Camp, and players will have a taste of the havoc that a Minion horde can wreak.

In the full version of Overlord, players will be able to amass armies of up to 50 Minions from all four Minion types to lead into battle. As the Overlord, players will have to explore and conquer the rest of the fantasy world's twisted domains, with seven corrupt heroes to defeat, a Dark Tower to rebuild, and the Legion of Terror and other spells to unleash as they strive to be proclaimed the all mighty Overlord!

For more information on Overlord, please be sure to visit the game's official website located at: www.codemasters.com/overlord.

Studies conducted by the Hot Brain Institute have proven that there are a lot of cold brains in the world today. Luckily the ridiculously-hot minds at Midway are just days away from releasing Hot Brain, the mind-bending, brain training game that will be available exclusively for PSP this summer.

In this final e-mail, we will focus on the two remaining categories inside Hot Brain, Language and Concentration.

Language Category

Master the written word with these games designed to test linguistics. Hot Brain, helping the world master vocabulary since 2007.

Alphabet
ABCD is easy, but how fast can Satellite, Monkey, Hangar and Jumble be put in alphabetical order? The player must use alphabet knowledge and speed to master this game.

Spelling Bee
Put phonics to the test and identify the misspelled word in the group. By the way, who's the wise guy that made the word misspell so easy to misspell?

Picto-Rhymes
It's Rhyme Time! A picture, image, or icon is presented with four words. The player must then choose which word rhymes with the name of the object being displayed.

Concentration Category

Time to hone the concentration skills and test the mental endurance as Hot Brain presents three games dedicated to focus. Now take some time to think about what we just said.

Untangle
This game becomes a cat's dream and a concentration nightmare. The player is presented with four sets of yarn, one on the right and one on the left. Each ball on the left is connected to one ball on the right. It's up to the player to figure out which one is connected to which, without accidentally knitting a new scarf.

Shape Up
If you've ever wondered what would happen if you combined a trapezoid, an ellipse and an isosceles triangle, this game's for you! The player will see several scattered pieces of simple shapes, and then have to determine which complex shape can be assembled from those pieces.

Combine
The player must view a portion of a shape, and then select the correct counterpart to complete the requested shape. Talk about being a few squares short of a circle!

Akella and Primal Software announce 2025: Battle for Fatherland, a new third-person action game that will amaze gamers with mech fights, diverse weapon application and tactics.

Year 2025 - The War Begins To End: “Having overrun much of the world with his hordes, a great enemy leader is poisoned” – Nostradamus made his prediction. His wisdom of having a victory over foes has been flying to us through centuries. Do you believe him so far and think it’s going to happen anyway? When threats and dangers are all around you can never be so sure of the battle outcome…

The game plot takes us to a very near future – 2025 – that will embrace countries with fire, explosions, deaths and threatening enemies. Nations face hazard of terrorism that rules the world! You can just watch your nation getting suppressed and crushed or…you can fight, fight as fiercely as your muscles endure.

The main character is a brave soldier of Peacemaking Forces who can’t stand this passive non-involvement any longer. To destroy aggressively acting and lurking within terrorist hordes (hostile troops, separate units and mechs) he has a diverse arsenal at his disposal including tanks, jeeps, and mechs. The latter can use antitank and sniper’s weapons. Missions vary so it’s up to a gamer to decide which tactics to apply – crash every living malicious creature with the fire storm or kill invaders one by one in sharp guerilla attacks. The game intrigues will enable a player to go through organized resistance, betrayal, clandestine rebellion actions, and…more secrets will be unveiled by the developers as the game creation progresses!

Key features:

• 2025: Battle for Motherland is a third-person action game with extensive unit customization;
• Unforgettable character – real figure of the 21^st century brave trooper who can’t stand terrorist attacks any longer;
• Compelling plot – prove that you can defend your fatherland against enemies!
• Vast arsenal – all kind of lethal weapons, gigantic walking mechs at your disposal
• The developers apply Heavy Duty’s game engine that will undoubtedly lead to making mech’s motion unbelievably realistic;
• More than 20 physically bordering missions: being at one location a player can view a different location’s part.

TORONTO - Jun 06, 2007 The Canadian New Media Awards (CNMA) has recognized Hothead Games as the Most Promising New Company of the Year at their annual awards ceremony. The company was presented with the prestigious Pixel award in recognition of its achievements in new media.

Hothead Games is best known for its upcoming PC- based episodic comedy adventure game Penny Arcade Adventure, based on the popular online comic strip and overseen by industry legend Ron Gilbert. The company's second game in development is Swarm (working title), a truly innovative technical combination of 'swarm management' gameplay with sophisticated 'machine learning' artificial intelligence. The Swarm concept has already emerged as one of the 4 finalists from a field of nearly 70 entrants in the Telefilm Great Canadian Video Game Competition. Hothead's final game project is a co-development with Cambrian House called Gwabs Desktop Fighter in which players compete against each other directly on their Windows desktop.
Joint CEO's Vlad Ceraldi and Steve Bocska were excited to receive the prestigious award. "We were surprised and flattered to even be nominated," said Bocska. "To be recognized by our peers and actually win is a great honor for our whole company." According to Ceraldi, "Awards like this are a collective achievement. We could have never gotten this far without the hard work of our dedicated and experienced team."

The 2007 CNMA winners were selected by a jury of industry peers and higher education institutions in new media from across the country from hundreds of entries submitted in featured categories (seven product and eight individual or company) that showcase the world-class skills of the new media industry's top talent, services and products. More than 400 guests at the seventh annual awards gala celebrated the "geek chic" of the new media industry with a Nerd's Nite Out theme, complete with an interactive art and music wall and live blogging.

Website: http://www.hotheadgames.com

SNK recently released new screens of their upcoming Fatal Fury compilation title, Fatal Fury: Battle Archives Volume 1. Containing four classic FF titles - Fatal Fury 1-3 and Special - this is your first chance to enjoy the unforgettable SNK fighting series on the Playstation 2!

Labels: Fatal Fury Battle Archives Volume 1, SNK

Oxygen Interactive will be pocketing 8Ball Allstars into DS' this July 27th, bringing with it a bag of less than conventional tables. Check them out in the following screens (click to enlarge):

Labels: 8Ball Allstars, Oxygen Interactive

With Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix debut on the big and little screen apporaching, EA has sent out a new batch of screens from the Nintendo DS and Wii systems (click to enlarge):

Nintendo DS


Nintendo Wii


In case you are living under a rock, here is a quick rundown of the game taken straight from the horse's mouth:

"In Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, Harry returns for his fifth year of study at Hogwarts and discovers that much of the wizarding community is in denial about the teenager’s recent encounter with the evil Lord Voldemort, preferring to turn a blind eye to the news that Voldemort has returned. Fearing that Hogwarts’ venerable Headmaster, Albus Dumbledore, is lying about Voldemort’s return in order to undermine his power and take his job, the Minister for Magic, Cornelius Fudge, appoints a new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher to keep watch over Dumbledore and the Hogwarts students. But Professor Dolores Umbridge’s Ministry-approved course of defensive magic leaves the young wizards woefully unprepared to defend themselves against the dark forces threatening them and the entire wizarding community, so at the prompting of his friends Hermione and Ron, Harry takes matters into his own hands. Meeting secretly with a small group of students who name themselves 'Dumbledore’s Army,' Harry teaches them how to defend themselves against the Dark Arts, preparing the courageous young wizards for the extraordinary battle that lies ahead.

With the ability to play multiple characters, including Harry Potter, Dumbledore and Sirius Black, the videogame of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix offers fans the opportunity to wield a wand, explore all around Hogwarts, and experience one of the most exciting and dangerous years in the life of the Boy Who Lived."

Labels: EA, Harry Potter Order of the Phoenix

Burbank, CA - Tuesday, June 5, 2007 - Give your PC the vaccination that six out of seven leading physicians recommend with Codemasters' announcement that Hospital Tycoon™ has shipped to retail. Fusing 'Tycoon' style gameplay with character simulation and a light-hearted narrative, Hospital Tycoon gives gamers that soap opera feel as they play through this year's best medical drama. Hospital Tycoon is available now for the PC for an SRP of $29.99 and is rated "E10+" (Everyone 10 and older - Crude Humor, Mild Suggestive Themes, Mild Violence - content that may be suitable for persons ages 10 and older) by the ESRB.

At the Sapphire Beach Medical Institute, the lives and loves of the hospital's doctors and nurses, as well as the sneezes and diseases of its patients, will come alive. In Hospital Tycoon, players take on the role of Hospital Director and take charge of the medical staff, keeping an eye on the patient numbers and making sure each facility has the equipment required to keep those cures coming through. Players will explore a plot involving certain members of the hospital's staff and some very interesting patients, while at the same time challenging them to find cures for bizarre new illnesses. Diseases range from the everyday Explosive Sneezing - where a simple sneeze can launch the unfortunate patient several feet into the air, to the more rare Monkey Nuts - where patients sprout fur, climb furniture and favor bananas over everyday person food.

Hospital Tycoon staff members have rich behaviors that players can nurture and influence throughout the game. Gamers may choose to encourage a friendship or a falling-out of sorts, and can train staff to improve their skill levels. Players will also be challenged to manage and maintain each hospital, creating dedicated areas to support additional medical needs, including surgery, diagnosis, physiotherapy and more. As more patients are cured, the more players can expand their medical empire and attract new and even more interesting patients. However, as the hospital becomes busier, players will have to be on the lookout for the spread of infectious conditions or they'll soon have an epidemic running riot throughout the facility.

For more information on Hospital Tycoon, please be sure to visit the official website located at: www.codemasters.com/hospitaltycoon.

Labels: codemasters, hospital tycoon

New York (June 4, 2007) - Kuma Games, a leading game publisher and developer specializing in high-quality episodic games, and The History Channel® today announced a partnership to develop an online video game companion to The History Channel® series "Dogfights." Beginning July 13 with the launch of the second season of the acclaimed aerial combat series, Kuma will release video game recreations of the historic battles online simultaneously with upcoming television episodes, allowing viewers to watch the show and then re-live the historical battles. Appealing to all levels of gamers - from the casual to hard-core enthusiasts - Kuma's game-isodes let viewers experience what it takes to dogfight and will be available for free download at www.History.com and www.KumaGames.com.

This marks the second collaboration between The History Channel and Kuma Games. Last year's "Shootout!" partnership was a trailblazing success, attracting close to one million gamers who have played more than 16 million total game-isodes, proving that Kuma's "view it, then do it" cross-medium entertainment model works. With "Dogfights," Kuma and The History Channel take their partnership to a new level, delivering a combined first person shooter/flight-simulation game with advanced gameplay and detailed landscapes. Built around a modified version of Valve's acclaimed Source game engine, Dogfights recreates dozens of detailed fighter planes of the era - including legends like the Zero and the Hellcat - for spectacular aerial battles in beautiful, photo-realistic environments.

"We are at the cutting edge of an entertainment revolution," says Keith Halper, CEO of Kuma Reality Games. "For the TV fan who wants more, we provide a free, high-quality, fully-immersive game experience that corresponds to the TV episode you just saw. We are very excited to be partnering with The History Channel's top-quality programming to produce what we believe to be the next wave in entertainment."

"With the amazing success of "Shootout!" we decided to expand our efforts and offer the interactive experience with 'Dogfights,' which is our highest-rated original series," said Paul Jelinek, Senior Vice President, Digital Media, A&E Television Networks. "We're excited to be working with Kuma Games to pioneer a new arena of cross-medium interaction and story telling, bringing TV and games together for a truly cohesive experience."

"Dogfights" is a popular series changing the face of television, returning this summer with 20 new episodes featuring stunning 3-D re-creations of classic battles and commentary from the pilots themselves. The series showcases the extraordinary courage and skill of men who flew the most sophisticated machines of their day, whether exchanging high-powered missiles in fierce aerial combat or using the planes themselves as weapons in desperate suicide attacks. And now, for the first time in history, viewers can step into the cockpit themselves.

Tune in to the premiere of "Dogfights" season two Friday, July 13 at 9:00pm ET/PT. Viewers can log onto www.History.com or www.KumaGames.com and download the game for free immediately after each episode airs.

Labels: dogfights, kuma games

For six months, classic games have flowed at a steady rate into the gaming reservoir that is the Wii Shop Channel. And this week Wii™ fans will see that pool of games hit a new high-water mark, as Nintendo adds a wave of new entries: Nos. 97, 98, 99 and 100. Why not dive in and see what treasures you find?

The four 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™ to download the games. Wii Points can be purchased in the Wii Shop Channel or at retail outlets. This week’s new games are:

Milon’s Secret Castle® (NES®, 1 player, Rated E for Everyone – Comic Mischief, 500 Wii Points): It is a world where music is the language of the people. An evil warlord from the north arrives and captures the castle. The princess is imprisoned deep within the castle, and the world’s musical instruments are taken and hidden away. Our hero, Milon, takes it upon himself to fight the warlord, rescue the princess and recover the people’s musical instruments. He has only his wits and the magical Bubble to aid him on his quest. Help Milon along the way by looking for hidden doors, finding secret items and defeating fierce enemies. Make sure to look for the shops inside the castle, where you can buy hints and valuable items. Whenever Milon finds a Music Box, he will be transported to a bonus stage. Each instrument you find will add a layer to the background music. Try to grab all seven instruments to create a performance worthy of a music-themed game.

ToeJam & Earl™ in Panic on Funkotron (Sega Genesis, 1-2 players, Rated E for Everyone – Comic Mischief, 800 Wii Points): During ToeJam and Earl’s trip back home, a number of Earthlings hitchhiked on their spaceship and are now infesting planet Funkotron. ToeJam and Earl must track down the Earthlings in order to capture them in large jars and ship them back to Earth in spaceships. It is also their funky mission to find 10 beloved objects belonging to Lamont the “Funkapotamus,” the source of all funk in the universe, so they can persuade him to return to his favorite funk-filled planet. ToeJam and Earl must use their “funk powers,” such as Funk Move and Funk Scan, to assist in evading and capturing the Earthlings.

Dead Moon (TurboGrafx16, 1 player, Rated E for Everyone – Mild Fantasy Violence, 600 Wii Points): This side-scrolling shooter includes a total of six scenes spanning areas from Earth to the moon. The story begins with a comet discovered in the vicinity of Pluto that is headed on a sudden collision course with Earth. Mankind narrowly succeeds in diverting the comet’s course, and it crashes into the moon. However, investigations into the damage uncover that what hit the moon was not a comet, but a gigantic mother ship. Power up your ship, destroy enemies and fight your way through the bosses in an attempt to reach the moon’s core and protect Earth from alien invasion. Enjoy the unique world of Dead Moon, including various stages with beautiful backgrounds, a power-up system that increases your attack as well as your defense and bosses that have you altering your ship’s direction to fight them.

… and the 100th game in the Wii Shop Channel:

Zelda II™ – The Adventure of Link® (NES, 1 player, Rated E for Everyone – Mild Fantasy Violence, 500 Wii Points): Link returns to Hyrule to search for the Triforce and to awaken Zelda from an endless sleep. Embark on a quest to find the Triforce of Courage and save Hyrule from ruin. Learn magic spells, talk to people in towns to get clues, collect items to increase your power and explore six palaces where the underlings of the evil Ganon await you. This sequel to the Adventure classic uses a side-scrolling visual engine unique to the eries for more technical combat, and features more in-depth world roaming as Link encounters townsfolk while on his quest.

Broad range of New Content Coming on Xbox LIVE Marketplace, the Television and Movie Download Service with Something for Everyone

Xbox 360 becomes the first gaming console to offer content from Logo, MTV Networks’ channel for the lesbian, gay, bi-sexual and transgender audience; top anime distributors and CMT, the nation’s #1 country music network

With 7,000 pieces of gaming and entertainment content and counting, Xbox LIVE Marketplace continues to grow as the only online service that offers high definition movies and TV shows for download. This June, the catalogue of content gets even better. With more than 15 entertainment partners, Xbox LIVE offers U.S. members at any age or gender a diverse array of great programming at the click of a button.

After having huge success on Xbox LIVE Marketplace with content from MTV, Comedy Central and VH1, this month MTV Networks is bringing two more properties to the service:

* Country Music Television. On June 6, country music fans on Xbox LIVE will enjoy a great lineup of TV shows from CMT, the #1 country music network in the nation. Fans can download the first seasons of hit shows such as, “Comedy Stage,” “Foxworthy’s Big Night Out” and “Prankville” starting tomorrow, with more series and episodes rolling out this summer.
* Logo. On June 11, Xbox 360 will become the first gaming console to offer content from Logo, the network for the lesbian, gay, bi-sexual and transgender audience from MTV Networks. Xbox LIVE will offer a bevy of popular Logo shows, from comedies “Wisecrack,” and “The Big Gay Sketch Show,” to scripted dramas like “Noah’s Arc,” and other programs including, “Curl Girls” and “Real Momentum Documentaries.”

Beginning June 12, two of the biggest anime distributors in the US will join current Xbox LIVE partner ADV Films with popular shows, movies, gamer pics and themes, making LIVE Marketplace an unparalleled online source for quality anime content:

* FUNimation. The epic adventure series “Samurai 7,” adapted from Akira Kurosawa’s legendry film “Seven Samurai,” is coming to Xbox LIVE Marketplace. Also coming from FUNimation: “Trinity Blood,” “Gunslinger Girl,” and “Basilisk.”
* Geneon Entertainment. Die-hard fans and those new to the genre alike will enjoy the U.S. HD debut of the anime classic “Akira,” available exclusively from Geneon on Xbox LIVE Marketplace. Also available from Geneon Entertainment at launch: “Gun Sword,” “Last Exile,” “Gankutsuou: The Count of Monte Cristo” and “Lupin the 3rd.”

June will also bring award-winning films and blockbuster hits to Xbox LIVE Marketplace, starting with ‘Team America World Police,’ which launched in HD on the service on June 1st. Other top new films coming this month include:

* Dreamgirls
* Letters from Iwo Jima
* Shooter
* Black Snake Moan
* Pan’s Labyrinth

For a full list of new content launching each week, visit http://www.xbox.com/en-US/live/marketplace/moviestv.

SAN MATEO, Calif — March 16, 2007 — Capcom® , a leading worldwide developer and publisher of video games, today announced its first original title exclusively for the Wii™ video game system, Zack & Wiki™: Quest for Barbaros’ Treasure, an innovative, full-length puzzle adventure game that utilizes the unique control mechanics of the Wii Remote™ and challenges gamers to “play different.” Capcom plans to release Zack & Wiki: Quest for Barbaros' Treasure this fall.

“Innovation has been the cornerstone of Capcom’s successful history ,” said Jack Symon, director, brand marketing, Capcom Entertainment. “By introducing a whole new level of interactivity, this title reinforces our commitment to pushing the limits on how people view and play games.”

Legend has it that a revered pirate named Barbaros once stole the world’s treasure and hid it on a mysterious island. Though no one knows of its exact location, stories about the untold riches that lay in wait have been passed down through the ages, driving pirates from all walks of life to pursue the alluring prizes. One of these treasure seekers, a young apprentice pirate named Zack happens upon a mysterious talking skull, the skull of Barbaros himself. Barbaros promises to reveal the key to the island, if Zack will help to lift the curse he is under.

Players will explore a variety of wondrous environments and stages, solving puzzles and interacting with the world in search of vast riches and the ultimate pursuit of becoming the greatest pirate the world has ever seen. Inventive gameplay mechanics and controller movements allow players to move and open objects, transform items, unlock new pathways and navigate through perilous stages based on a variety of themes including a jungle, ice temple, volcanic caves and more, each with multiple sub-areas. Players will use the Wii Remote controller in various ways - rotate handles, turn keys to open doors, play a piccolo and much more in order to solve the progressively difficult puzzle stages and collect key items that will lead to the legendary pirate ship.

Labels: Capcom, Zack and Wiki: Quest for Barbaros' Treasure

Do you have Lost Planet for the Xbox 360? Did you pass on the Collector's Edition? Well, does Capcom have the perfect gift for you! Let me direct quote you into an email I received today:

"Up until now, the lucky gamers that have the Collector’s Edition of Lost Planet™: Extreme Condition for Xbox 360™ video game and entertainment system from Microsoft have been able to enjoy the extra “Battleground” map which sets players in an abandoned town scattered with rubble from ruined buildings and features indoor and outdoor areas with multi-level vantage points. Starting on Thursday, June 7, the map will be made available for free download to everyone on Xbox Live® Marketplace.


Multiplayer map pack #1 and #2 are also currently available on Xbox Live Marketplace for 400 Microsoft Points per pack. Map pack #1 includes two multiplayer levels: “Radar Field,” a close quarters facility which is under construction and has a giant radar that provides a peak vantage point, and “Island 902,” a sprawling Pacific-themed battlefield with several islands connected by bridges as well as vast underwater areas. Map pack #2 also features two levels: “Hive Complex,” an abandoned mine with twisting tunnels and bridges set on a war-blasted mountain side, and “Trial Point,” a modern day office complex featuring a photorealistic backdrop of a busy city center.

Lost Planet is an epic gaming masterpiece combining a gripping single player campaign and intense multiplayer modes with support for up to 16 players on the Xbox Live® online game service. Taking full advantage of Xbox 360 system’s power , Lost Planet contains sophisticated visuals, with an unmatched level of detail as advanced light sourcing is used to ensure a realistic presentation that enhances every explosion, smoke and particle effect. Enormous world maps unfold as players battle hostile creatures in blistering weather conditions across vast snowfields and deserted cities either on foot or in armed, robotic Vital Suits.

Lost Planet , which carries a “T” rating for teen audiences by the ESRB (Entertainment Software Rating Board), can be found on retail shelves around the world. For more information on Lost Planet , please visit the official site at http://www.lostplanet-thegame.com/ or join the growing community of fans at http://www.lostplanetcommunity.com "

Ahem - there you go! Do you have no idea what this 'Lost Planet' thing is all about? Well shame on you! The best-selling 360 title released the beginning of this year received a rave review on this here site, scoring a 9 out of 10! So you if need some reasons why this should be your next game purchase, check out the full review here: http://www.acegamez.co.uk/reviews_x360/Lost_Planet_Extreme_Condition_X360.htm.

PC users: curious, but don't have a 360? Well, don't you fret about it as Lost Planet crash lands into stores later this month!

Labels: Capcom, Lost Planet

Labels: d3 publishing, naruto clash of ninja revolution, nintendo wii

Labels: DinoHunters, Kuma

Los Angeles, CA - June 1, 2007 - Nexon America Inc., the U.S. division of Asia's leading online games company Nexon Group, announced today that their newest release, Audition, the free-to-play, massively multiplayer online dance game, has hit 100,000 registered users in North America. Audition's success follows another major milestone for Nexon this year, with MapleStory recently achieving the illustrious 3 million registered users mark in North America.

"We are very encouraged to see the North American market embracing Audition in such a short period of time, particularly among teenage girls," says John H. Chi, chief executive officer and president of Nexon America. "Our development team will be adding more features and events to the game over the next year, like cool haircuts, trendy clothes, and game contests, which will continue to fuel the game's growth and popularity."

Audition provides an accessible, fun, and user-friendly virtual club for exciting dance-offs accompanied by today's hottest music, including Hilary Duff's smash hit "With Love." In addition to testing rhythmic game play skills in head-to-head and team battle modes, players can socialize and customize avatars by selecting from over 1000 distinctive and stylish items from the in-game cash shop. This combination of stellar game play and first-class customization provides a gaming experience unlike any other.

Nexon games are free-to-download at http://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 that enable them to create unique identities. These features are purely optional, and players can preview items prior to purchase in virtual dressing rooms.

As the pioneer of the microtransaction, or Item Selling business model, Nexon has sold millions of virtual items worldwide through Audition, MapleStory and other hit titles such as KartRider and BnB: Crazy Arcade. In 2005, Nexon Group reported $230 million in revenue, driven primarily from millions of microtransactions.

Labels: audition, nexon

Diamond Bar, California - Jun 01, 2007 Ultimate Baseball Online 2007 teams can begin registering June 11 for the third season of the year. The 2007-3 season, which begins June 26, will culminate 10 rounds later with the crowning of one team as league champion.

League competition will be open to three skill levels, allowing all players level 10 and up to participate with their teams-so with the season about to begin, now is the perfect time for new players to pick up their virtual baseball gloves and reach level 10 so they can participate. Each player will begin the new season with a clean slate, as all statistics and player parameter/skill points will be reset at the season's start.

About Ultimate Baseball Online 2007
UBO is a free-to-play massively multiplayer online sports game (MMOSG) where baseball enthusiasts and gamers compete in virtual stadiums. With stunning graphics and surround-sound audio reactions from the crowd, participants control customized characters for each position and compete together against other UBO gamers from around the world. Players create their own avatar to bat, pitch, field, run, and perform other baseball actions.

Participants can play individually, or join a team and participate in a variety of competitive events. Gamers create their own characters and build their skill level (player stats) through successful play on the field against other real human players. Unlike current video games that aim to simulate professional sports, UBO delivers a first-person perspective of a character, created and developed by the player, interacting online in real-time with teammates and opponents.

Darrell Evans, a two-time Major League All-Star ('73 & '83) and World Series champion (1984), serves as UBO's Baseball Ambassador. "Ultimate Baseball Online really does capture the feeling of being a member of a team," said Evans. "Video games are usually a solitary experience. UBO gives players a great appreciation for the nuances of each position, as well as an understanding of the teamwork that is involved in playing the sport of baseball successfully. And best of all, as an online game with four virtual seasons per year, you can play competitive baseball year round."

For more information about Ultimate Baseball Online visit http://www.ultimatebaseballonline.com/.

Labels: ultimate baseball online

Put the pedal to the metal and race to the finish line in Championship Sprint™. Choose from a multitude of different tracks and be the first to make it to the finish line while avoiding oil slicks, water spots and more! Relive this classic Midway game as it speeds onto the PLAYSTATION Network.

ABOUT CHAMPIONSHIP SPRINT:

A Timeless Classic - Relive the timeless arcade action and simple elegance of one of the classic 80's arcade games.

Simple and Intuitive Gameplay - The goal is clear: race through the tracks, earn bonuses, avoid any obstacles and cross the finish line first to gain golden glory!

Multiplayer Action - Challenge other players through multiplayer functionality. Be the first to cross the finish line, track your score on the leader boards and show them who's the best of the best!

Championship Sprint is scheduled to launch in North America on May 31, 2007, on the PLAYSTATION Network for the suggested retail price of $4.99.

Labels: Championship Sprint, PSN, SOE

Wall, NJ - May 30, 2007 SNK PLAYMORE USA CORPORATION, the U.S. publishing arm of the SNK PLAYMORE CORPORATION, today announced FATAL FURY: BATTLE ARCHIVES Volume 1 for the PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system.

FATAL FURY: BATTLE ARCHIVES Volume 1 will include four classic FATAL FURY games: FATAL FURY 1, FATAL FURY 2, FATAL FURY 3 and FATAL FURY SPECIAL. The compilation's release will mark the first time FATAL FURY has appeared on the PlayStation®2 system in North America.
The FATAL FURY series was SNK's first ongoing fighting-game franchise, and many beloved SNK characters and locations made their first appearances in FATAL FURY. FATAL FURY 1 was the first fighting game to feature a two-plane system, allowing characters to dodge out of harm's way when confronted with a challenger's attacks.

"With the release of FATAL FURY: BATTLE ARCHIVES Volume 1 for the PlayStation®2 system, a brand-new generation of gamers will be introduced to one of SNK PLAYMORE's fighting classics," said Ben Herman, president of SNK PLAYMORE USA CORPORATION, "and gamers who loved playing FATAL FURY in the arcades will relish the chance to revisit the golden age of 2D fighters."

FATAL FURY: BATTLE ARCHIVES Volume 1 will be available for the PlayStation®2 system in summer 2007.

LOS ANGELES – May 30, 2007 – NARUTO™ and his friends are unstoppable in 2007 as TOMY Corporation and D3Publisher of America, Inc. (D3PA) today announced the upcoming release of NARUTO: Path of the Ninja (working title) exclusively for the Nintendo DS™. Anticipated to ship in the Fall of 2007, NARUTO: Path of the Ninja will be the first Role-Playing Game (RPG) for NARUTO in North America and will offer original content and scenarios that have never been seen before! Based on episodes from VIZ Media’s hit anime series SHONEN JUMP™ NARUTO™ the new game will feature a unique time based combat system in which players must determine each characters strengths and use them accurately to help them defeat the enemy.

“The NARUTO RPG games have proven to be very popular in Japan,” said Mark Shinohara, executive vice president, TOMY Corporation. “The upcoming RPG title for North America will bring a completely new style of gameplay to NARUTO games, and the fans will love it!”

“We are really looking forward to bringing NARUTO: Path of the Ninja to North America,” said Careen Yapp, vice president of licensing and business development, D3PA. “Some of the best elements from all the Japanese NARUTO RPG releases will be utilized to create an exclusive and unique game that no one has ever seen!”

Choosing from six available characters, players will be able to explore the Village Hidden in the Leaves and the world of Naruto as you roam across forests, fields, rivers and mountains. Along the way players will encounter bosses and enemies that they must use their special techniques to defeat.



********
Better leave some free room in your video game budget later this year, as there is little doubt you'll be needed it when Path of the Ninja hits store!

Labels: d3 publishing, naruto path of the ninja

Burbank, CA - Wednesday, June 30, 2007 - Does your mouse need a medical? Is your hard-drive due a health-check? If so, Codemasters has the perfect prescription: a dose of Hospital Tycoon™, the all new PC title coming June 5, 2007 in the U.S. that fuses 'Tycoon' style gameplay with character simulation and a light-hearted narrative.

Ahead of the game's launch, check yourself in to the hospital and sample some of its medical mayhem with the latest Hospital Tycoon video, now available from www.codemasters.com/hospitaltycoon or at www.youtube.com/codiesgames.

The video opens the admissions door of the Sapphire Beach Medical Institute, just one of the facilities in the game, where the hospital director has been fitting out the hospital with some of the latest medical equipment. Can Doctor Nick Buffman and Nurse Daisy get to grips with the new treatment machines in time to diagnose the patients?

In Hospital Tycoon, players take on the role of Hospital Director and take charge of the medical staff, keeping an eye on the patient numbers and making sure each facility has the equipment required to keep those cures coming through. As illustrated in the video, there's plenty of equipment to install in your hospital - from standard fixtures and fittings right through to exotic medical devices.

An essential piece is the Research Machine, a formidable piece of equipment that is used in the diagnosis of unknown conditions. The more diseases that are researched and discovered using the machine, the more patients your hospital can offer treatment to.

Then there are such clever items as the Microbial Luminescence Chamber, which, thanks to its blast of intense light causes any germs on a patient's body to glow brightly - they'll practically illuminate the wards.

There's even equipment to help the staff; the Neural Upgrade System encodes new information into a Staff Members memory, providing them with all manner of new medical qualifications in a relatively short time.

With all this high-tech equipment arriving at the hospital on a daily basis, ever vigilant receptionist, Miss Spelling, is wondering if all the time Doctor Rick Steel is spending coming in and out of the research room is really for the good of the patients. What if he is plotting some mischief, or even a dastardly plan that would shock the hospital to its very core? Or, then again, thinks our lovely receptionist, maybe he was just looking for the men's room...

There's only one way to find out: Tune into Hospital Tycoon - the gripping medical drama - due out on June 8th exclusively for PC. Hospital Tycoon is rated "E 10+" (Everyone 10 and older - Crude Humor, Mild Suggestive Themes, Mild Violence. Content that may be suitable for persons ages 10 and older.) by the ESRB.

Codemasters has released new trailers for their upcoming Xbox 360, PC and PS3 racer, DiRT. These videos 'show off classic Rally, Rally Cross, Crossover, Rally Raid and C.O.R.R buggy and truck action across stunning environments,' all in wonderfully muddy, dirty detail!

You can currently download the videos from Codemasters.com at the top of the following links (we don't have server space to hold them ourselves):

Gameplay "Driving" Video (HD WMV)
Gameplay "Crashes" Video (HD WMV)
Gameplay "Driving" Video (Quicktime)
Gameplay "Crashes" Video (Quicktime)
Gameplay "Driving" Video (MPEG)
Gameplay "Crashes" Video (MPEG)

It may take awhile to download if you don't have a fast connection, but don't miss the slick HD videos if you can!

After you've had a chance to see the game in action, you only have to wait a little bit longer to get your DiRT on, as its set to hit the Xbox 360 and PC later this month, with a PS3 version to follow shortly!

CHICAGO (May 30, 2007) – Drew Carey is a big soccer fan. Drew Carey is a big EA SPORTS™ FIFA Soccer 07 on Xbox 360™ fan. Drew Carey hates to lose but likes to donate money to good causes. U.S. Soccer loves, well, all those things. So Drew has laid down the challenge and opened his checkbook to the tune of $100,000 large.

At a VIP invitation-only event on Tuesday, June 5 from 7-10 p.m. at The Home Depot Center in Carson, Calif., the comedian and star of the upcoming CBS game show The Power of 10 will play five players from both the U.S. Men’s and Women’s National Teams in FIFA Soccer 07 on the Xbox 360™ video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, and for every game he loses, he’s throwing in $10,000 bucks to benefit the Mooch Myernick Memorial Fund in honor of former coach and U.S. captain Glenn “Mooch” Myernick. In the main event, Drew squares off against self-described EA Sports king and U.S. National Team star Landon Donovan with $50,000 up for grabs. Members of both the Men’s and Women’s National Teams will be on hand to heckle Drew for a good cause.

While Drew is clearly a FIFA Soccer 07 and Xbox 360 aficionado –he may have bitten off a little more than he can chew in this challenge, even if it is in the virtual soccer world. In Los Angeles Galaxy striker Landon Donovan, he faces the USA’s second all-time leading scorer, the all-time leader in assists and the two-time U.S. Soccer Male Athlete of the Year. And it only gets worse. Four-time World Cup veteran Kasey Keller has set virtually every U.S. goalkeeping record there is for the men, including wins and shutouts. U.S. Women’s National Team striker Abby Wambach has scored a whopping 70 goals in 91 games for the United States. New England Revolution forward and 2005 Major League Soccer MVP Taylor Twellman is currently the leading scorer in MLS, already with seven goals in just nine games this year and 82 total in his career. And U.S. Women’s goalkeeper Hope Solo has been in the nets for most of the USA’s current 41-game unbeaten streak.

ESPN soccer talent Allen Hopkins will emcee the event, which will include a live auction in which guests can bid to take on Drew in their own EA-FIFA 07 challenge, as well as a raffle where guests can choose between ‘Drew’ tickets and ‘U.S. Soccer’ tickets. After every game, a ticket will be drawn from the winner’s pot for a chance to win gift packs that will include amongst many other things: signed jerseys from all the participating U.S. Soccer players, an autographed football from San Diego Chargers running back LaDainian Tomlinson, a signed jersey from Manchester United and England star Wayne Rooney, an autographed game jersey from Memphis Grizzlies forward Paul Gasol, two EA SPORTS Xbox 360 game libraries that includes FIFA Soccer 07, Fight Night Round 3, NHL 07, NBA LIVE 07, Need For Speed Carbon, NCAA March Madness 07, Madden NFL 07 and NCAA Football 07, three nights accommodation at a Doubletree Hotel, and a heck of a lot more. Soccer fans from all over the world will even have a chance to bid on an Xbox 360 Elite signed by Drew and the U.S. Soccer participants, which will be on eBay starting June 6th.

Members of the media wishing to attend should please contact Michael Kammarman at 312-371-8609 or mkammarman@ussoccer.org. Donations to the Mooch Myernick Memorial Fund can be made at www.ussoccerfoundation.org/myernick.

Labels: EA Sports, FIFA 07

"Where's the shower? I need to practice being wet for Point Blank 2."