This week, we have two anticipated titles coming to Xbox LIVE Arcade, Marathon Durandal, and Spyglass Board Games. Both will come to Xbox LIVE Arcade for Xbox 360 this Wednesday, August 1, beginning at 9:00 a.m. GMT (2:00 a.m. Pacific).

Marathon: Durandal
ESRB Rating M (Mature)
800 Microsoft Points
Available Worldwide

Seventeen years ago, you survived a vicious Pfhor assault on the U.E.S.C. Marathon. Now you have been awakened by the enigmatic, sentient A.I. called Durandal and sent to an alien world to uncover the mysteries of their advanced technology. In Marathon: Durandal, armed with only a pistol, you are humanity’s last champion!

• Epic story: Exclusive to Xbox LIVE® Arcade, Marathon: Durandal is a cult classic first-person shooter (FPS) that continues the tradition of great gameplay while remaining faithful to the spirit of Bungie lore as the predecessor to the Halo franchise.
• Upgraded visuals: All images in the game have been redrawn in high definition.
• Modern networking: Marathon: Durandal features a new modern networking layer built with Xbox LIVE in mind.
• Superior control: The redesigned controls take full advantage of the Xbox 360 Controller and enhance playing a first-person shooter on a home console.
• For more details on “Marathon: Durandel”, please visit http://www.xbox.com/en-US/games/m/marathondurandalxboxlivearcade/.

Freeverse is a registered trademark of Freeverse, Inc.

Spyglass Board Games
ESRB Rating E (Everyone)
400 Microsoft Points
Available Worldwide

Spyglass Board Games offers a fun new take on classic board games, like Chess, Checkers, Mancala, and Reversi. Play and chat socially on Xbox LIVE®, or play against the computer. Use the Xbox LIVE Vision camera to personalize the game board, playing pieces, and video effects. Each game has custom pieces to choose from, such as a rook made of stone, or a furry checkers piece with cute gleaming eyes. Make each game your very own!

• Full featured games: Four classic board games to choose from. Play Chess, Checkers, Mancala, or Reversi.
• Video integration with Xbox LIVE Vision camera: Fully integrated video chat lets you see your opponent. Use the video effects to personalize your game.
• Customizable pieces: Choose custom game pieces that range from traditional marble, to metallic silver, to fuzzy and wiggling gel.
• Twelve achievements: Twelve achievements are offered ranging from easy, such as playing all four games, to more challenging, such as taking all four corners in Reversi.
• For more game details on “Spyglass Board Games”, please visit http://www.xbox.com/en-US/games/s/spyglassxboxlivearcade/.

The Virtual Console™ is like a box of chocolates: You never know which games
have the tasty caramel filling and which ones have that pink-green crème
inside. Whatever your preference, we’ve got you covered with this weeks
release of Star Soldier, Dynamite Headdy and Drop Off. Read on and savor the
delicious centers of these classic treats.

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

Star Soldier (NES®, 1 player, Rated E for Everyone – Mild Fantasy Violence,
500 Wii Points): The standard for vertically scrolling shooters, Star Soldier
is the original game that spawned all of the titles in the long-running
Soldier series. Go inside a floating space station inhabited by a giant
computer known as Starbrain. Your mission: to stop Starbrain’s galactic
invasion by piloting Caesar, a new, compact space fighter through 16 deadly
stages. Collect power capsules to increase three different attributes of your
ship: firepower, movement speed and defensive shields. Blast wave after wave
of approaching enemies or use the innovative Trap Zone feature to fly beneath
a land mass and avoid incoming fire. Conquer each stage to make your way to
the final confrontation with Starbrain.

Dynamite Headdy™ (Sega Genesis, 1 player, Rated E for Everyone – Comic
Mischief, 800 Wii Points): Headdy, a toy with a detachable head, arrives in
North Town to find that the evil puppet king Dark Demon is causing serious
problems. Dark Demon is gathering up all the puppets in town and turning some
into his own evil minions, while eliminating the rest of the puppets that
aren’t good enough to join his legions. Headdy is captured and is targeted for
the incinerator, but escapes in the nick of time. Now he’s got to save the
town. To do so, Headdy has to take on all manner of bad guys and even has to
contend with his lifelong nemesis, Trouble Bruin the bear. Can Headdy overcome
all his foes and take down Dark Demon?

Drop Off (TurboGrafx16, 1 player, Rated E for Everyone, 600 Wii Points): Brave
five rounds of haunting, nightmarish dreams in this take on the classic arcade
puzzler. To save his dearly beloved from the malicious demon that controls her
dreams and holds her captive, our brave hero plunges himself into the
nightmare to vanquish this evil foe. Deftly use the arrow items and control
the angle of the ball to shatter the blocks that descend from the top of the
screen. Set your sights on the joints holding the blocks together and knock
off multiple blocks in one exhilarating blow. As you drop more and more
blocks, their shapes will change, allowing you to earn bonus points. You must
use your concentration and reflexes to defeat the demon and save your beloved.

Labels: Nintendo, nintendo wii, Virtual Console

The Virtual Console™ is like a box of chocolates: You never know which games
have the tasty caramel filling and which ones have that pink-green crème
inside. Whatever your preference, we’ve got you covered with this weeks
release of Star Soldier, Dynamite Headdy and Drop Off. Read on and savor the
delicious centers of these classic treats.

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

Star Soldier (NES®, 1 player, Rated E for Everyone – Mild Fantasy Violence,
500 Wii Points): The standard for vertically scrolling shooters, Star Soldier
is the original game that spawned all of the titles in the long-running
Soldier series. Go inside a floating space station inhabited by a giant
computer known as Starbrain. Your mission: to stop Starbrain’s galactic
invasion by piloting Caesar, a new, compact space fighter through 16 deadly
stages. Collect power capsules to increase three different attributes of your
ship: firepower, movement speed and defensive shields. Blast wave after wave
of approaching enemies or use the innovative Trap Zone feature to fly beneath
a land mass and avoid incoming fire. Conquer each stage to make your way to
the final confrontation with Starbrain.

Dynamite Headdy™ (Sega Genesis, 1 player, Rated E for Everyone – Comic
Mischief, 800 Wii Points): Headdy, a toy with a detachable head, arrives in
North Town to find that the evil puppet king Dark Demon is causing serious
problems. Dark Demon is gathering up all the puppets in town and turning some
into his own evil minions, while eliminating the rest of the puppets that
aren’t good enough to join his legions. Headdy is captured and is targeted for
the incinerator, but escapes in the nick of time. Now he’s got to save the
town. To do so, Headdy has to take on all manner of bad guys and even has to
contend with his lifelong nemesis, Trouble Bruin the bear. Can Headdy overcome
all his foes and take down Dark Demon?

Drop Off (TurboGrafx16, 1 player, Rated E for Everyone, 600 Wii Points): Brave
five rounds of haunting, nightmarish dreams in this take on the classic arcade
puzzler. To save his dearly beloved from the malicious demon that controls her
dreams and holds her captive, our brave hero plunges himself into the
nightmare to vanquish this evil foe. Deftly use the arrow items and control
the angle of the ball to shatter the blocks that descend from the top of the
screen. Set your sights on the joints holding the blocks together and knock
off multiple blocks in one exhilarating blow. As you drop more and more
blocks, their shapes will change, allowing you to earn bonus points. You must
use your concentration and reflexes to defeat the demon and save your beloved.

Labels: Nintendo, nintendo wii, Virtual Console

Xbox LIVE to promote HD DVD versions of “300” and “Heroes: Season 1.”

SAN DIEGO — July 26, 2007 — Today at Comic-Con International 2007, Microsoft Corp. announced it will lower the price of the popular Xbox 360™ HD DVD Player from $199 to $179 ERP (United States only) starting Aug. 1, 2007, and will add five free HD DVD movies for anyone purchasing an Xbox 360 HD DVD Player between Aug. 1 and Sept. 30. In addition, Microsoft further solidified the Xbox 360 as the ultimate high-definition (HD) entertainment platform, with key announcements around the HD DVD launches of “300” from Warner Bros. Home Entertainment Group and “Heroes: Season 1” from Universal Studios.

To promote the HD DVD versions of “300” and “Heroes: Season 1,” Microsoft unveiled exclusive content for Xbox LIVE^® Marketplace. Xbox LIVE will offer “300” on demand in HD starting Aug. 14, and is working with Warner Bros. at Comic-Con on a Bringing It Home campaign featuring “300” and other Warner Bros. properties. In advance of the street date for the “Heroes: Season 1” HD DVD boxed set, Xbox LIVE members will be able to download for free the show’s pilot episode in high definition for a limited time. Members will also be able to download trailers, teaser scenes and other promotional materials highlighting the “Heroes: Season 1” boxed set on HD DVD.

Already the most affordable high-definition player available, the Xbox 360 HD DVD Player is the best solution for movie lovers seeking HD content in the highest possible resolution. The player’s price reduction to $179 (U.S. ERP) continues to set the bar for value, making the Xbox 360 platform the most affordable solution for consumers seeking the broadest, most compelling selection of next-generation gaming and HD video experiences.

“With the price reduction to $179, the Xbox 360 HD DVD Player continues to be the most affordable way to enjoy high definition,” said Jeff Bell, corporate vice president of Global Marketing, Interactive Entertainment Business, Entertainment and Devices Division at Microsoft. “From the beginning, we set out to offer Xbox 360 owners an unrivaled high-definition experience, with a choice of optical discs on the HD DVD format and digital downloads through Xbox LIVE Marketplace — both of which have a selection of the best content Hollywood has to offer. Today’s announcements around ‘300’ and ‘Heroes: Season 1’ are great examples of how we believe HD content can be offered to consumers.”

In addition to the price drop, Microsoft is extending Toshiba’s highly successful “Perfect Offer” of five free HD DVD discs to Xbox 360 consumers. Previously exclusive to Toshiba HD DVD Players, with the purchase of an Xbox 360 HD DVD Player at the new low price of $179 ERP, consumers can choose five HD DVD titles for free from a selection of 15 popular titles through a mail-in offer. With a retail value of over $140 (U.S.), this promotion makes the Xbox 360 HD DVD Player one of the most compelling offerings for consumers looking to make the leap into HD this holiday season.

LATEST Nancy Drew^® PC game debuts at Number One

Nancy Drew Becomes Top Adventure PC Game in June for North America

BELLEVUE, WA, July 26, 2007 – With sales of Nancy Drew PC games increasing year-over-year, Her Interactive achieved an impressive sales goal when they announced today that the company’s latest offering, Nancy Drew^®: The White Wolf of Icicle Creek, debuted at #1 in June, and went on to become the top-selling adventure PC game in North America for the month. Additionally, thanks to strong consumer demand at retail, Her Interactive landed five Nancy Drew games on the top 10 adventure PC game sales chart in June^*.

“2007 has already been a phenomenally exciting year for us as we’ve successfully expanded into Europe, increased our online distribution presence, and now achieved the top sales spot for our latest adventure PC game, and done so against some formidable competition,” said Megan Gaiser, President and CEO of Her Interactive. “We are proud of our sales success and hope to continue this positive momentum as we move towards the important holiday season.”

Her Interactive’s award-winning Nancy Drew PC game franchise has already achieved more than 4 million in unit sales to date, making it the top PC adventure game series over the last three years, and surpassing such notable counterparts as Harry Potter, Lord of the Rings and Myst.

More information about Her Interactive and the company’s entire line of exciting Nancy Drew games can be found online at www.HerInteractive.com.

PT Boats: Knights of the Sea new website shipped

Moscow – July 26, 2007: Akella announces that an updated website of PT Boats: Knights of the Sea has been launched.

Brand-new graphics and images along with new sections are awaiting you here. While developing the new website we tried to meet expectations of naval simulators’ fans that are eager to extract detailed information on what’s going on. The Press section contains related publications in mass media, FAQs will get you in the loop of what’s been asked by other gamers before. The updated Museum houses new description of naval, aviation, and armament parks.

Not only have we added new sections the website interface has changed a lot – it’s more interactive, and impacts what you’ll see in the Museum section. You’re very welcome to visit www.pt-boats.net and plunge into the world of sea battles created for you. More surprises await you there.

PT Boats: Knights of the Sea

Genre: naval action simulator

Platform: PC

Developer and publisher in Russia & CIS: Akella

World publisher: TBD

Release date: Q4 2007

PT Boats: Knights of the Sea is a naval action simulator that places gamers in charge of a mosquito fleet of the Allied Forces, Russia or Germany during the height of World War II. Take command of a boat and control each member of the crew. Shoot down aircrafts using machineguns, torpedo hostile destroyers and supply ships. Plan your attacks in tactical mode, then switch to action mode and lead your fleet to the victory. In fact, you can do whatever it takes to accomplish your mission. While advancing in rank you’ll get more boats and warships under your command.
Fight versus real opponents in multiplayer game. Align with your friends to create the best ship crew ever and beat the rival team in a fair battle!

2K Games Releases Sid Meier’s Civilization IV: Beyond the Sword^TM – the Largest Civilization® Expansion Pack Ever!

New York, NY – July 25, 2007 – 2K Games, a publishing label of Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. (NASDAQ: TTWO), announced today that Sid Meier's Civilization IV: Beyond the Sword^TM, the latest expansion pack for the critically acclaimed Civilization IV^TM series, is now available. Developed for the PC by the Company's world-renowned development studio Firaxis Games™, Sid Meier's Civilization IV: Beyond the Sword sets a series milestone by showcasing the largest amount of expansion content in the history of the Civilization® franchise.

Sid Meier's Civilization IV: Beyond the Sword is the second expansion pack for Sid Meier’s Civilization IV - the 2005 PC Game of the Year and a major commercial success, selling over 1.5 million units worldwide since its October 2005 release. This expansion focuses on the late-game time periods after the invention of gunpowder and delivers eleven challenging and decidedly different scenarios created by the development team at Firaxis Games, as well as members of the Civilization Fan Community. Sid Meier's Civilization IV: Beyond the Sword also includes ten new civilizations, 16 new leaders, five new wonders, and a variety of new units that will offer even more fun and exciting ways for players to expand their civilization’s power as they strive for world domination.

“Given the overwhelming critical and commercial success of Sid Meier’s Civilization IV, we were inspired to provide these loyal fans with the series’ most robust expansion pack ever,” said Christoph Hartmann, President of 2K. “By featuring more content than any other Civilization expansion pack, Sid Meier's Civilization IV: Beyond the Sword is a must-have for all Civilization fans and will set a new industry-wide bar for expansions.”

Key features include:

• Expanded Epic Game: Firaxis Games delivers a massive increase in new units, buildings, and technologies to the epic game with additional focus on the late-game time periods.
• New Game Scenarios: The expansion will deliver 11 new scenarios, many containing themes never before included in the Civilization series, custom designed by the team at Firaxis and select members of the Civ Fan Community. Stand-alone downloadable demos available for the space-themed Final Frontier scenario and the historical Charlemagne scenario are available at http://www.2kgames.com/civ4/beyondthesword/.

• New Civilizations: The expansion pack includes ten new civilizations, such as Portugal, Babylon and Netherlands and their associated unique units and buildings.

• More Civilization Leaders: Sixteen new leaders including leaders for the ten new civilizations, as well as additional leaders for existing civilizations. Abraham Lincoln, Boudica, Hammurabi and Sitting Bull are just a few of the new leaders.

• Corporations: A new gameplay feature allows players to create corporations and spread them throughout the world. Each corporation provides benefits in exchange for certain resources.

• Espionage: Now available much earlier in the game, this expanded feature offers players many new ways to spy on opponents, stir citizen unrest and defend their government’s secrets.

• Events: New random events such as natural disasters, pleas for help, or demands from their citizens will challenge players to overcome obstacles in order for their civilizations to prosper.

• New Wonders: Five new wonders await discovery including the Statue of Zeus, Cristo Redentor, Shwedagon Paya, the Mausoleum of Maussollos, and the Moai Statues.

• Expanded Space Victory: Winning the race to Alpha Centauri will now require more strategic planning and tactical decision making.

• Apostolic Palace: An ancient version of The United Nations, the Apostolic Palace will become available earlier in the game, providing a way for players to win a diplomatic victory more quickly. New resolutions will also be added which will expand the available diplomatic options.

• Advanced Starts: A major fan request; this new feature will enable players to “buy” components of a custom-tailored empire and begin play in the later part of the game, allowing them to experience many of the new features of the expansion pack in a shorter amount of time.

• Enhanced AI: The AI has received many enhancements, making it tougher to beat on the higher difficulty levels. The ways in which the AI will attempt to achieve victory have also been expanded.

Sid Meier’s Civilization IV: Beyond the Sword requires the full version of Sid Meier’s Civilization IV and is now available for PC for $29.99. The title is rated “E10+” for Everyone 10 and older. For more information please visit http://www.civilization.com/.

Showdown: Scorpion new website launched

Akella and B-Cool Interactive announce Showdown: Scorpion new website. The newly-born website includes most relevant updates on the game development and contains the Game section (covering the key storyline, characters, armory, and features), the Media section (featuring the freshest game assets), Press and Community sections. The News Blog and Forum can also be found on www.ScorpionTheGame.com.

About Showdown: Scorpion

Genre: FPS

Platform: PC

Publisher: Akella

Developer: B-Cool Interactive

Release date: Q1 2008

After several major economical and political crises the world as we know it ceased to exist. Only few major states survived 2020s, while the lesser authorities have collapsed, leaving behind anarchy and pollution. The power vacuum was filled by key international companies who acquired control over derelict territories, forming Free Commerce Areas (FCAs).

In early 2030s ruins of unknown origin were discovered in Sudan. Several artifacts possibly of alien nature were quickly revealed and soon major dig has started. But few month of work as well as bulk of dig team were lost to underground explosion followed by contamination of the region. To prevent disease from spreading series of nuclear strikes were made, completely annihilating the site. These events have caused major resonance and soon treaty limiting the usage of dangerous technologies and weapon systems was signed between FCAs and UN. As a result International Committee of Technology and Warfare Supervision (ICTS) with its own military and intelligence units, was created.

Same time few survivors of Sudan Incident emerged as founders of newly formed Zenith Corporation. This institution with HQ in Zagreb FCA quickly established itself as a notorious player on weapon, pharmaceutics and IT markets. But in 2028 several instances of Zenith weapon systems together with samples of unidentified biological weapons were discovered during the liquidation of the extremists’ Albanian group in Kosovo.

ICTS immediately started investigation. It was planned to infiltrate Zenith as a customer with clear ties to one of the terrorists’ organization and get a proof of its illegal activity. One of the best ICTS field agents, codename Scorpion, has been assigned to this mission…

Game Key Features

• Intense action in cyber-punk styled Earth 2028
• Futuristic storyline supported by multiple cut-scenes
• Combination of first-person combat and stealth action elements provides unique gaming experience
• Impressive arsenal of upgradable weapons
• Character can gain access to several paranormal psychic powers including ability to subdue the will his enemies for short period of time
• Advanced squad-oriented combat AI creates strong challenging opposition
• Elite opponents who possess similar to player character supernatural powers
• Cutting-edge game engine produces detailed realistic picture

GAMETRAILERS.COM CROWNS WINNERS OF THE
"GAMETRAILERS BEST OF E3 2007 AWARDS"

Expert Editorial Staff Choose Top Products in 26 Categories

Electronic Arts' Rock Band Awarded "Best of Show"

Santa Monica, Calif. (July 25, 2007) - GameTrailers unveils the winners of the second annual "GameTrailers Best of E3 2007 Awards." Celebrating the outstanding achievements in gaming, one winner in 26 separate categories were hand-picked from hundreds of games exhibited at the 2007 E3 Business and Media Summit. The top award, "Best of Show," was given to MTV Games' Rock Band, while other stand-out honorees included Ubisoft's Assassin's Creed for "Best Action Adventure" and Activision's Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare for "Best First-Person Shooter." "The editorial team at GameTrailers was absolutely blown away by the caliber of games at this year's E3," said Shane Satterfield, Editor-in-Chief, GameTrailers. "Choosing the nominees and winners was extremely difficult, and we applaud the developers of these games for going the extra mile to deliver unparalleled experiences." Nominees were narrowed down to five per category totaling 130 nominees across all platforms and genres. With the exception of the "Best Trailer Award" and "Best Graphics Award," all games must have been playable by the press at the show to be eligible for nomination. Nominees were chosen by the expert editorial staff at GameTrailers. GameTrailers extensive E3 2007 coverage which includes over eleven hundred pieces of original content, has attracted more than nine million gamers and over 80 million video views to date. Log on to GameTrailers at www.gametrailers.com/game/5191.html to catch all the awards action and the very best of E3 2007. Winners of the "GameTrailers Best of E3 2007 Awards" are as follows: GENERAL AWARDS - Best of Show: Rock Band - MTV Games Best Trailer: Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare - Activision Most Innovative: LittleBigPlanet - SCEA Best Graphics: Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare - Activision One to Watch: Resident Evil 5 - Capcom Best New Franchise: LittleBigPlanet- SCEA Best Non-Game: Jam Sessions - Ubisoft Best Music/Rhythm: Rock Band - MTV Games Best Hardware: Xbox 360 GENRE AWARDS - Best Action/Adventure: Assassin's Creed - Ubisoft Best Puzzle/Parlor Game: Zak and Wik: The Quest for Barbaros' Treasure - Capcom Best Strategy: World in Conflict - Vivendi Best Role-Playing: Eternal Sonata - Namco/Bandai Best Sports: Madden NFL 08 - Electronic Arts Best First-Person Shooter: Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare - Activision Best-Third Person: Fracture - LucasArts Best Online: LittleBigPlanet - SCEA Best Racing: Burnout Paradise - Electronic Arts Best Fighting: Virtua Fighter 5 - Sega PLATFORM AWARDS - Best Xbox 360: Rock Band - MTV Games Best PlayStation 3: LittleBigPlanet - SCEA Best Nintendo Wii: Super Mario Galaxy - Nintendo Best Nintendo DS: The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass - Nintendo Best Sony PSP: God of War: Chains of Olympus - SCEA Best PC: Half Life 2: The Orange Box - Electronic Arts

About GameTrailers
GameTrailers (GT) is the premier video destination for gaming entertainment and information. GT delivers timely, high-resolution broadband video content for gamers that includes original shows, video reviews, game trailers and comprehensive video coverage of gaming events from around the world. GT also has a robust community that features user-generated content, a community marketplace and a variety of communication tools so gamers can talk to friends and share media such as fan movies, machinima and daily blogs. GT has offices in Los Angeles, San Francisco and New York and is a division of Viacom Inc.'s (NYSE: VIA, VIA.B) MTV Networks Entertainment Group.

Haarlem, The Netherlands -- July 25, 2007 -- Leading Publisher Lighthouse Interactive today released a teaser for its fantasy-based Action RPG game AVENCAST: Rise of the Mage. Scheduled to release in October 2007 on the PC, this new RPG successfully combines fast-paced and dynamic combat elements with a solid RPG foundation to create a compelling story-driven gaming experience. AVENCAST will also be Windows® Vista(tm) compatible.

The teaser features nightmarish enemies in tense combat situations as the hero unleashes vicious melee and spell casting attacks. However, AVENCAST is not only about combat. There are strong adventure elements involving a multitude of dangerous quests, exploration of vast environments to unearth powerful relics, puzzle solving, and interaction with various non-playing characters (NPCs) to advance the engaging story.

As the sun rises over Avencast, the renowned academy of magic; a young adept begins his perilous journey. In a world of wizardry, wonder and untold mystery, you must undertake some of the most diverse quests to hone your abilities in spell casting, weaponry and melee combat. Your martial skills are soon put to the test as demonic monsters of unknown ancient origin descend upon Avencast turning the academy into a horrific state of chaos and destruction.

Armed with over 50 combat moves and spells, and a vast arsenal of equipment items, you must uncover the source of these ominous happenings while vanquishing an onslaught of fiendish enemies. Treachery and deceit reveal themselves as the vicious army of adversaries beleaguers your frail haven threatening Avencast's very existence. Amidst the mayhem, an astonishing truth unfolds which will forever change the battle scarred Wizard.

AVENCAST: Rise of the Mage is accessible to novice RPG game players, but it will also challenge core RPG and Action fans. Both combat and non-combat interactions create a perfect balance between brains and brawn. By requiring players to bring their own combat and strategic skills to the forefront, they will have the excitement of crafting a powerful character unleashing their hero's potential.

• Cast Lethal Spells from Different Skill Trees - Surrounded by vicious foes, unleash a mighty soul magic spell. The pure agglomeration of energy alone produces a warp in the surrounding atmosphere before the catastrophic nova demolishes your enemies. Blood Magic (elementally charged blows with varying speeds, ranges, and damage properties) and Soul Magic (covers all kinds of ranged magic spells allowing better area control) - both allow players to summon reinforcements during combat.
• Perilous Quests - While brawn and agility will win most battles, acumen and strategic thinking are necessary to survive challenging quests.
• Fluid Combat System - Chain together spells and easily execute lethal attacks using an innovative system that favors skillful gameplay over dull mouse clicking. Unleash your hero's potential as you bring your own player skills to each intense battle.
• Strong Player Personification & Character Development - Acquire new equipment, armor, weapons and spell casting skills to craft a powerful character.
• Over 30 Nightmarish Monsters with Advanced AI - Each with versatile combat strategies, attacks, and defensive moves dependant upon the player's behavior and attack strategy.
• State-of-the-art 3D Engine - Stunning graphics enhanced with advanced visual effects make for an impressive display of devastating spell casting.
• Many Hours of Exciting Gameplay - Set in diverse worlds with both indoor and outdoor environments to explore.
• Attractive to a Broad Range of Players - An Action RPG at its core, but dynamic gameplay and adventure-like quests make AVENCAST attractive to a broad range of game players.

EA SPORTS Delivers Country and Rock to NASCAR 08 Soundtrack

From Pole to Checkered Flag – NASCAR 08 Soundtrack Burns Up the Track with Full Throttle Mix

REDWOOD CITY, Calif. – July 20, 2007 – Electronic Arts Inc., (NASDAQ: ERTS) today announced a full-throttle mix of country and rock on its soundtrack for NASCAR® 08 in stores July 26, 2007. Mulit-platinum country duos Brooks & Dunn and Big & Rich trade paint with hard rock’s Velvet Revolver and Airbourne to represent the fast and dangerous sounds of the total NASCAR experience.

The soundtrack reflects NASCAR’s growing and diverse fan base, speaking to both its country roots and surging urban enthusiasts. The NASCAR 08 soundtrack features the exclusive debut of Long Haul, from the forthcoming album by legendary country superstars Brooks & Dunn, as well as the pounding tracks Loud and Radio from the acclaimed new album by multi-Platinum pair Big & Rich. Hard rock supergroup Velvet Revolver takes racing intensity to the wall with the single She Builds Quick Machines, while hot new Australian band Airbourne - also featured in Madden NFL 08 - challenges all competition with Stand Up For Rock ‘N’ Roll.

“NASCAR 08 puts gamers behind the wheel with a soundtrack that puts the pedal to the floor,” said Steve Schnur, Worldwide Executive of Music and Marketing at EA. “Today’s NASCAR has 75 million of the most brand-loyal fans in all of sports, and any music mix must be a real reflection of true NASCAR culture. It’s more than country. It’s bigger than rock. This soundtrack is 100% cars ‘n’ guitars adrenaline that will blow gamers’ doors off.”

Rising country music star, Jason Aldean will be performing Monday night, July 23 at the invite-only EA SPORTS™ NASCAR 08 Launch Party in New York City. Amongst other songs, Jason will perform Johnny Cash, his recent hit single that is featured in the NASCAR 08 soundtrack.

NASCAR 08 delivers the most robust NASCAR console racing experience in franchise history. This 10th edition of the official NASCAR racing video game features two-time NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series champion and driver of the No. 20 Home Depot Chevrolet Tony Stewart on the cover and makes its franchise debut on next generation systems including the PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system, and Xbox 360™ video game and entertainment system. The game is rated E (Everyone) by the ESRB.

The complete in-game soundtrack for NASCAR 08 includes:

ARTIST - SONG - ALBUM TITLE
Airbourne - Stand Up For Rock ‘N Roll - Runnin’ Wild
Big & Rich - Loud - Between Raising…and Amazing Grace
Big & Rich - Radio - Between Raising…and Amazing Grace
Black Rebel Motorcycle Club - Need Some Air - Baby 81
Blackberry Smoke - Up In Smoke
Brooks & Dunn - Long Haul
Bucky Covington - Empty Handed - Bucky Covington
Crossin Dixon - Stomp - Crossin Dixon
Halfway To Hazard - Country ‘Til The Day We Die - Halfway To Hazard
Jason Aldean - Johnny Cash - relentless
Palmerston - Addicted To This - Palmerston
Velvet Revolver - She Builds Quick Machines - Libertad

To purchase the music from the soundtrack, go to EA’s music site at www.ea.com/eatrax/. For more information about NASCAR 08, visit http://www.easports.com/.

Labels: EA Sports, Nascar 08

Wii-kly Update: Three New Classic Games Added to Wii Shop Channel

Ah, the three classic summer leisure activities: golf, pinball and battling
hordes of evil creatures. Luckily, it’s Monday and once again Nintendo has you
covered. Players can hit the crazy links with the spherical Kirby, become a
pinball wizard or just enjoy an afternoon of helping good triumph over evil.
So pour yourself a tall glass of lemonade and settle in for some classic
gaming fun.

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

Kirby’s Dream Course™ (Super NES®, 1-2 players, Rated E for Everyone, 800 Wii
Points): Step up to the tee for the wackiest golf game of your life. This one-
or two-player game features a floating golf course in the sky. High above
Dream Land, players can pitch and putt the ever-popular puff ball, Kirby,
through a maze of three-dimensional obstacles on a zany checkerboard course.
Players must aim for the multitude of enemies that are spread throughout each
fairway. Kirby must hit all the enemies to make them disappear, and the last
one becomes the hole. Sink Kirby into the hole to advance to the next stage
and clear all 8 courses – 64 holes in all.

Devil’s Crush (TurboGrafx16, 1-2 players, Rated E for Everyone – Animated
Blood, Mild Fantasy Violence, 600 Wii Points): Devil’s Crush is the exciting
sequel to the hit pinball game Alien Crush and features even smoother ball
movement and enhanced special effects. Shoot the ball onto the board with the
Devil Shooter, then use flippers and nudging to keep it in play and rack up a
high score. Complete certain conditions to play up to six different bonus
stages. Get a “Perfect Clear” on those to earn a huge amount of points. The
game’s ominous theme is enhanced by its enemies: wandering skeleton knights,
sorcerers and even a giant face that changes from a goddess to a sinister
serpent.

Shining Force™ (Sega Genesis, 1 player, Rated E for Everyone – Mild Fantasy
Violence, 800 Wii Points): In ages long forgotten, Light fought Darkness for
control of the world. Finally, the Ancients defeated the evil ruler of the
dark forces known as Dark Dragon and cast him into another dimension, though
he vowed to return in 1,000 years. As time passed, all memory of Dark Dragon
was buried, and the land of Rune enjoyed 10 centuries of peace. Yet, as
promised, the dark ruler returned, along with hordes of evil creatures that
ravaged the land. As chaos erupted, several strongholds of Good still held
out, awaiting a hero who could wield the Powers of Light.

Labels: Nintendo, nintendo wii, Virtual Console

10 Fast Facts from Nintendo – First Half 2007*

--Through the first half of 2007, the total Wii™ hardware sell-through in
the United States and Canada combined is more than 2.3 million units (2.1
million United States, 222,000 Canada).

--For the first half of 2007, Nintendo represents nearly 70 percent of the
industry growth in the United States and Canada combined.

--In June alone, Wii was once again the top-selling home console with
nearly 435,000 units sold in the United States and Canada combined (381,800
United States, 53,000 Canada).

--In June alone, Nintendo DS™ was the top-selling video game system overall
with nearly 608,000 units sold in the United States and Canada combined
(562,000 United States, 46,000 Canada).

--Nintendo remained the top video game publisher in the United States and
Canada in June, as well as the top publisher for all of 2007.

--In June alone, Nintendo has six of the top 10 best-selling games in the
United States, including the top four: Mario Party® 8 and Wii Play™ for
Wii, and Pokémon® Diamond and Pokémon® Pearl for Nintendo DS.

--Of the top 30 best-selling games in the United States for all of 2007,
half are for Nintendo systems.

--The three best-selling games in the United States for all of 2007 are for
Nintendo systems: Pokémon Diamond, Wii Play and Pokémon Pearl.

--Wii already boasts more than 180 games, including 120 downloadable
Virtual Console™ titles. By the end of the year, that total number will
climb to about 330 games, including an additional 100 new games from every
major third-party publisher, along with an additional 50 Virtual Console
titles.

--Approximately 300 games are already available for Nintendo DS, with
another 140 titles expected by the end of the year from every major third-
party publisher.

# # #

*Sources: NPD and NPD Canada

Labels: Nintendo

ACTIVISION ANNOUNCES GUITAR HERO' ENCORE: ROCKS THE 80S' HAS ROCKED ITS WAY ONTO RETAIL SHELVES

Shreddin' You Back to the Old School One Riff at a Time

SUNNYVALE, CA - July 24 - Activision, Inc. (Nasdaq: ATVI) today announced that the latest installment of the wildly popular Guitar Hero™ franchise, Guitar Hero Encore: Rocks the 80s™, is now available at retail stores nationwide. Available exclusively for the PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system, Guitar Hero Encore: Rocks the 80s takes fans back to an era where neon was radical, fanny packs were in, and spandex was never tight enough.

Guitar Hero Encore: Rocks the 80s features visually stunning retro rock venues and hipster characters, unlockable guitars, and intense game play modes. The totally stellar soundtrack includes songs by artists such as Flock of Seagulls, Twisted Sister and Judas Priest. With additional songs as made famous by The Go Go's, Poison, Iron Maiden and Quiet Riot, fans can grab a bottle of ultra-hold hairspray, tighten their headbands, and rock all the way back to the '80s.

"From heavy metal to hair metal to punk, Guitar Hero Encore: Rocks the 80s includes some of the greatest rock anthems of the era," said Dusty Welch, head of publishing at RedOctane. "We're very excited to be able to offer new content to our loyal PS2 fans, and will definitely keep them shredding their axes until the holiday season."

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 http://www.guitarherogame.com/.

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

EA ANNOUNCES ARMY OF TWO HITTING RETAIL STORES WORLDWIDE THIS NOVEMBER 2007

EA Montreal’s Highly Anticipated New Intellectual Property and Unique Two-Man Gameplay Set to Redefine the Co-op Action/Shooter Genre

Montréal, Canada, July 24, 2007– Never go into battle alone! The deadliest two-man military outfit a government can buy is hitting retail stores this holiday. Electronic Arts (NASDAQ: ERTS) today announced that ARMY OF TWO™ will be on retail shelves starting November 15, 2007 in North America and Europe. Launching on the PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system and the Xbox 360™ video game and entertainment system, ARMY OF TWO gameplay focuses on two-man missions, two-man strategies, two-man tactics and a two-man advantage to bring a new and groundbreaking gaming experience to players worldwide, online and offline. Co-op is no longer a mode, it’s the game.

ARMY OF TWO will captivate gamers with a politically charged storyline, centering on the impact and ethical issues of Private Military Corporations. EA Montreal has also enlisted world renowned composer, Trevor Morris, to bring all aspects of the storyline and epic two-man gameplay to life through a powerful soundtrack. Morris has worked on numerous Hollywood blockbuster titles including Black Hawk Down, Bad Boys II, The Last Samurai and Pirates of the Caribbean 1 and 2.

ARMY OF TWO is developed by EA Montreal and has not yet been rated by the ESRB or PEGI. Visit http://www.esrb.org/ or http://www.pegionline.eu/ for updated rating information. For more information on the game, please visit the official game website at www.armyoftwo.com.

Labels: Army of Two, EA

EA ANNOUNCES SOUNDTRACK FOR BOOGIE

Highly Anticipated Dancing and Singing Game Hits Retail Stores this August With Music Made Popular By Hit Bands Including The Jackson 5, Britney Spears, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Cyndi Lauper and Black Eyed Peas

Montreal, Canada – July 10, 2007 – Electronic Arts (NASDAQ: ERTS) announced today the complete soundtrack for Boogie™, which will be released for the Wii™ on August 7, 2007 in North America and August 31, 2007 in Europe. The game features more than 35 hit songs from over four decades including Celebration, Dancing Machine, Groove Is In The Heart, and We Are Family. Boogie ships with a packed-in karaoke microphone peripheral and includes new versions of tracks made popular by the hit bands listed below. The game has a U.S. MSRP of $59.99.

”This is a breakthrough game with a landmark soundtrack,” said Steve Schnur, Worldwide Executive of Music and Marketing at EA. “We’ve brought together generations of the biggest hits in pop music history for a game that takes Wii innovation to a whole new level. Boogie is truly the ultimate family fun experience.”

Players will dance, sing and create music videos with this ultimate videogame party package that takes advantage of the innovative Wii controls. Gamers can sing their favorite tunes or dance to the latest hit songs as well as catch their best dance moves, record their own voice and make music videos with the easy-to-use music video creator.

SONG MADE - POPULAR BY
ABC - The Jackson 5
Baila Me - Gypsy Kings
Boogie Oogie Oogie - Taste Of Honey
Brick House - The Commodores
Canned Heat - Jamiroquai
Celebration - Kool & The Gang
Dancing in the Street - Martha Reeves & The Vandellas
Dancing Machine - Jackson 5
Don't Cha - Pussycat Dolls / Busta Rhymes
Fergalicious - Fergie
Get Right - Jennifer Lopez
Get The Party Started - Pink
Girls Just Want To Have Fun - Cyndi Lauper
Groove Is In The Heart - Dee-Lite
I Want You Back - Jackson 5
I’m A Slave 4 U - Britney Spears
It's Raining Men - The Weather Girls
Karma Chameleon - Culture Club
Kung Fu Fighting - Carl Douglas
Le Freak - Chic
Let's Get It Started - Black Eyed Peas
Love Rollercoaster - Red Hot Chili Peppers
Love Shack - The B-52's
Mambo No. 5 (A Little Bit of…) - Lou Bega
Milkshake - Kelis
One More Time - Daft Punk
One Way Or Another - Blondie
Oops I Did It Again - Britney Spears
Pop Muzik - M
S.O.S. - Rihanna
Stars - Simply Red
That's The Way (I Like It) - KC And The Sunshine
Tu Y Yo - Thalia
U Can't Touch This - M.C. Hammer
Virtual Insanity - Jamiroquai
Walking On Sunshine - Katrina & The Waves
We Are Family - Sister Sledge
Y.M.C.A. - The Village People

To see the full song list and purchase the music from the soundtrack, please visit www.ea.com/eatrax/.

Boogie is the perfect party game and a complete entertainment package for gamers of all ages. This game is been rated E10+ by the ESRB and 3+ by PEGI Europe. For updated rating information visit http://www.esrb.org/.

Labels: Boogie, EA

EA’s DICE Studio Announces A New Reflection in Gaming with “Mirror’s Edge”

A Revolutionary First Person Action Adventure for Next Generation Consoles and PCs from the Makers of Battlefield

Redwood City, CA. – July 10th 2007 – Electronic Arts Inc., (NASDAQ: ERTS) today confirmed that it has a new game in development for next generation consoles and the PC at its EA DICE studio in Stockholm. Mirror’s Edge™ is a revolutionary new take on the First Person Action Adventure category.

Patrick Soderlund, General Manager of EA DICE, commented: “We are a studio that believes in taking risks and taking games in new directions. We made the sandbox experience viable and enjoyable in Battlefield and now, we are looking to do something radical with the traditional established mechanics of first person movement.”

Senior producer, Owen O’Brien, commented: “We want to change the way that players are able to move in first person. No more restrictions, no more being blocked by simple barriers such as walls and fences. We want to enable the player to move like a real person, with the ability to run, jump, vault and slide in a way that has never been seen before in a first person game."

Mirror’s Edge will ship in calendar year 2008 for the PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system, Xbox 360™ videogame and entertainment system and for the PC and is being developed at EA DICE in Stockholm, Sweden. This product is not yet rated by PEGI or ESRB. For more information on EA DICE, please visit http://www.dice.se or www.ea.com.

Labels: EA, Mirror's Edge

EA UNVEILS FINAL DESIGN THEMES FOR THE SIMS 2 H&M FASHION RUNWAY

Players Invited to Create Eveningwear, Beachwear and Red Carpet Fashions Inspired by H&M and blockbuster video game franchise, The Sims 2

REDWOOD CITY, Calif.—July 10, 2007— Today Electronic Arts Inc. (NASDAQ: ERTS), the world’s leading interactive entertainment software company, announced the final three design themes for The Sims™ 2 H&M® Fashion Runway, including “Night Out,” “Let’s Go to the Beach” and “Red Carpet”. The Sims 2 H&M Fashion Runway provides The Sims fans, designers and fashionistas alike the tools to create their very own fashions using The Sims 2 and the summer-themed collection The Sims 2 H&M Fashion Stuff pack. One lucky participant will have the opportunity to have their design produced by H&M and sold in stores worldwide!

The Sims 2 H&M Fashion Runway offers a unique opportunity for budding designers, fashion aficionados and The Sims fans to express their infinite creativity and personal fashion style. Using The Sims 2 for PC, players can create their own fashion designs, submit them online and enjoy the chance to see Sims wearing their creations in a virtual runway show broadcast on Yahoo!, www.TheSims2FashionRunway.com and www.hm.com. Whether designing the latest fashions, viewing them on the virtual runway or voting on what should be the next hot design, anyone can participate The Sims 2 H&M Fashion Runway!

For each design theme, 12 designs will be selected and featured in a virtual runway show that to be broadcast online all summer long. Voting will then open up to The Sims 2 community (www.thesims2.com), H&M Fans, and fashion enthusiasts everywhere, with top picks featured in a Grand Finale Fashion Runway Showcase. From Milan to Montreal, Miami to Madrid, fans around the world are encouraged to vote for their favorite design in The Sims 2 Fashion Runway Showcase beginning mid-July www.TheSims2FashionRunway.com. Submissions for the themes are as follows: eveningwear “Night Out” (July 7-13), swimwear “Let’s Go to the Beach” (July 14-20) and lastly, glamorous couture “Red Carpet” submissions (July 21-27).

For complete rules and more information on how to participate in this original, creative experience, go to www.TheSims2FashionRunway.com.

The Sims 2 H&M Fashion Stuff is available now on retail shelves across Europe and North American.

Labels: EA, Sims 2