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