CODEMASTERS LAUNCHES TURNING POINT: FALL OF LIBERTY INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL

Website Delivers New, Shocking Look into "What If" Scenario,
Plus New "Invasion" Gameplay Video and Developer Blog

Burbank, CA - Thursday, November 20, 2007 - Bringing forth a haunting glimpse into a world that might have been, today sees the launch of the "International Journal" - a series of news reports and newsreel videos that documents the fiction behind Turning Point™: Fall of Liberty, Codemasters' alternate reality WWII shooter currently in development at Spark Unlimited™. In preparation to fight the oppression, resistance fighters are invited to get a full briefing at www.turningpointgame.com [click International Journal].

Inspired by the game's alternate history setting, the International Journal details fictional events from 1940 through to the moment when Nazi forces launch a devastating attack on the United States of America via New York in 1953, Turning Point: Fall of Liberty's opening scene. With news written in the period's style, the video newsreels make use of authentic WWII footage to tell the stories.

Through regularly scheduled updates, the Turning Point: Fall of Liberty website will highlight key fictional events that led up to the invasion. Discover how British Prime Minister Chamberlain surrendered to Hitler, the destructive advance of the Third Reich across European territories throughout 1940, the successful Axis invasion of Northern Africa in 1942, and even how King George VI would have died in American exile in the early 1950s.

Illustrating the culmination of events, the explosive new 'Invasion' video detailing the brutal attack on New York, is also now available on the official website (in Downloads). Plus, for all the latest news straight from the guys in the trenches at Spark Unlimited, be sure to check out Producer Dean Martinetti's, developer blog.

Turning Point: Fall of Liberty is scheduled to release in early 2008 for the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft®, PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system, and Games for Windows®, and is rated "T" (Teen - Language, Violence - Content that may be suitable for persons ages 13 and older) by the ESRB. For the latest intelligence on Turning Point: Fall of Liberty, be sure to check out the official game website at: www.turningpointgame.com.

Labels: codemasters, Turning Point Fall of Liberty

CODEMASTERS ANNOUNCES
DOWNLOADABLE CONTENT FOR OVERLORD

Company Reveals Plans for One Free and Two Premium Downloadable Content Packs Coming Soon for Overlord™

Burbank, CA - Thursday, November 1, 2007 - Unleashing the wondrously evil Overlord and his army of lethal minions for a fresh round of malicious mayhem, Codemasters today announced the forthcoming release of three downloadable content packs for Overlord™, the summer's hit action/adventure video game from Triumph Studios. The all-new content will be available this November from Xbox LIVE® Marketplace for the Xbox™ 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft®, and will be comprised of one free and two premium download packs.

The premium downloadable content is led by Overlord™: Raising Hell, an expansion pack that adds all-new single-player levels to the original game. An additional premium pack, the Overlord™: Challenge Pack will deliver a set of all-new online multiplayer maps. Microsoft Points pricing for the two premium content packs will be confirmed at launch. A further downloadable content update will also be available free of charge, and will add split-screen play to all the original game's multiplayer maps as well as introduce an all-new multiplayer Survival map.

Downloadable Content Details:

Overlord: Raising Hell - Prepare to go deeper into the Overlord's twisted world as this premium, single-player expansion pack opens up a series of hellish new levels. Complete with new enemies and objectives, each level is a supernatural abyss - a hell for each of the game's five kingdoms: Mellow Hills, Evernight, Heaven's Peak, the Golden Halls and the Ruborian Desert.

Access to each abyss is via a portal, which opens once a kingdom has been successfully conquered and the previous ruler banished to a personal hell within. However, it's not just the fallen heroes that have been dragged into the abyss; the Overlord's newly loyal peasants have also been taken down into hell too.

With the undead denizens of each abyss on the attack and threatening the Overlord's reign above ground, there's only one thing to do about it: assemble a minion army, descend into each abyss and embark on a fresh wave of tyranny in order to return the serfs to their homelands, defeat the fallen heroes once and for all, and claim the throne of each kingdom's underworld.

Overlord: Challenge Pack - This additional premium content pack is ideal for Overlords who really have something to prove. There's pillaging fun with seven new online multiplayer maps, including the competitive 'Capture the Maiden' map and 'Protect Your Power', where players must defend the Overlord's tower against waves of enemy attacks.

Putting minions through their toughest workout, the Overlord: Challenge Pack also introduces a "Legendary" difficulty mode, which challenges players to achieve Legendary status by using their most aggressive minion managing skills to complete the game under exceptional bad-ass circumstances.

Overlord: Split-Screen Multiplayer Pack - This free Overlord update will be available alongside the premium packs and will enable players to go head-to-head in an all-new split screen multiplayer mode. In addition to providing split screen play on all of the game's original multiplayer maps, the update will also introduce a new multiplayer map, Rocky Race, which sees a pair of Overlords working cooperatively to survive the onslaught of an arch rock giant on the rampage.

All three Overlord downloadable content packs require players to have the full version of the game for Xbox 360. PC Downloadable content is expected to be made available in the New Year. A special edition PC version of the original Overlord is being published as a boxed product exclusively for the German market, and will include all three downloadable content packs.

Overlord is available at retail outlets nationwide and is rated "T" (Teen - Blood and Gore, Crude Humor, Suggestive Themes, Use of Alcohol, Violence - content that may be suitable for persons ages 13 and older) by the ESRB. For all the latest information and videos, be sure to visit the official website at www.codemasters.com/overlord.

Labels: codemasters, Overlord

HAPPY HALLOWEEN FROM CODEMASTERS

Clive Barker's Jericho™ Publisher Releases Demon Desktop Wallpapers to Celebrate Scariest Holiday of the Year

Burbank, CA - Wednesday, October 31, 2007 - Ghoul-up your PC this Halloween as Codemasters treats gamers to a monstrous collection of Clive Barker's Jericho™ desktop wallpapers featuring gruesome creatures from the recently released supernatural shooter. Four disgusting monster wallpapers are now available to download from www.codemasters.com/jericho (in Community / Wallpapers).

Inspired by Barker's fiction, the detailed illustrations depict some of the game's most iconic and fearsome fiends, including the gorged and bloody bulk of Roman Governor Cassus Vicus, hung from his chains as he rips open his stomach in readiness to unleash a jet of blood and toxic entrails.

Other wallpapers feature Arnold Leach, the demonic winged leader of the Brotherhood of the Dark Rapture, the axe-fused Exploding Cultist and Vicus' own gladiatorial beast, the Blind Behemoth. Each wallpaper design is available in 1024 x 768, 1280 x 1024 and 1600 x1200 resolutions.

Launched last week, Clive Barker's Jericho is a spectacular blast from the master mythmaker's cannon of nightmares. Mingling the darkest elements of his creative works with an ambitious, age-spanning story, the squad-based FPS takes players on a journey through hellish locations and slices of time combating gruesome and twisted enemies.

This Halloween's must-play action/horror video game, Clive Barker's Jericho is currently available for the Xbox 360™ video game and entertainment system from Microsoft®, the PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system and Games for Windows®. To download the new desktop wallpapers, videos and the Games for Windows playable demo, visit the game's official website at www.codemasters.com/jericho.

Labels: Clive Barker's Jericho, codemasters

CODEMASTERS TRIUMPHANT AT GOLDEN JOYSTICK AWARDS

Ever-Growing Video Game Developer/Publisher Receives 'UK Developer of the Year 2007' Award among Others

Burbank, CA - Monday, October 29, 2007 - Codemasters, developer and publisher of world-class video games, was victorious at the 25th annual Golden Joystick Awards winning the 'UK Developer of the Year 2007' Award.

The Golden Joystick Awards are the UK's longest running and most popular video game awards, and in this 25th anniversary year, saw nearly 750,000 votes cast by readers of Future Publishing's leading video game magazines and websites. The prestigious event took place at the Hilton Hotel on London's Park Lane last Friday, October 26th.

In being crowned 'UK Developer of the Year 2007', Codemasters is the first to receive the honor. The category, introduced just this year, praises and recognizes the best home-grown creative talent and saw 51 companies competing for nomination.

Codemasters, whose Warwickshire-based central studios are responsible for award-winning titles including DiRT™ and the Race Driver™ series, beat out other competitors, including Rockstar North, Lionhead, Rare, and Bizarre Creations. Codemasters was also the only 3rd Party game publisher in the final nominations announced during the event for the 'Publisher of the Year' award, alongside Microsoft and Nintendo.

"To be recognized and rewarded as a creative team is a great achievement and the fact that this award was voted for by hundreds of thousands of gamers has made everyone at Codemasters immensely proud," said Gavin Cheshire, Vice President, Codemasters Studios. "Game development has been a part of Codemasters for almost as long as the publishing arm has been operating and our titles have a quality and consistency that many other developers and publishers envy. We're overjoyed in winning the award for our achievements to date and, be assured, we have many exciting concepts for the future."

Labels: codemasters

CODEMASTERS CELEBRATES HALLOWEEN EARLY WITH RELEASE OF CLIVE BARKER'S JERICHO

Burbank, CA - Tuesday, October 23, 2007 - Just in time for the scariest holiday of the year, Codemasters today announced its long-awaited action/horror game Clive Barker's Jericho has shipped to retail outlets nationwide. A terrifying squad-based shooter based on an original concept by the master mythmaker, Clive Barker's Jericho is available for the Xbox 360™ video game and entertainment system from Microsoft®, the PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system from Sony and Games for Windows®, and is rated "M" (Mature - Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Sexual Themes, Strong Language - Content that may be suitable for persons ages 17 and older) by the ESRB.

Cited as, "A poop your pants scary video game," in the October 2007 issue of Stuff Magazine, Clive Barker's Jericho is a spectacular, creative, blast from Barker's cannon of nightmares, and an interactive experience that mingles the darkest elements of his horror fiction with an ambitious, age-spanning story aimed at mature gamers, fans of Clive Barker and horror fiction enthusiasts.

Clive Barker's Jericho dispatches gamers to the Middle-Eastern city of Al-Khali, where the most ancient of evils has resurfaced; causing intense paranormal activity that has caught the eye of the military. Controlling the Jericho squad, an expert strike team skilled in both conventional and paranormal warfare, players fight their way through slices of time on a grueling journey as they make their way toward the heart of the evil. Along the way, gamers encounter the horrific armies of hellish denizens that now rule the city and corrupt everything they touch, and as they incrementally approach the source of evil, players will have to rely less and less on traditional weapons and instead focus on the combined psychic talents of the Jericho Squad.

Additionally gamers can still download the Clive Barker's Jericho playable demo for the Xbox 360 from Xbox LIVE® Marketplace and the PLAYSTATION 3 system version from the PLAYSTATION®Network, with the Games for Windows® demo available from the official game website (in downloads).

For more on Clive Barker's Jericho, be sure to visit the website located at www.jericho-game.com.

Labels: Clive Barker's Jericho, codemasters, PC, PLAYSTATION 3, Xbox 360

NEW CODEMASTERS VIDEO REVEALS COMPOSER MICHAEL GIACCHINO'S DRAMATIC SOUNDTRACK FOR
TURNING POINT: FALL OF LIBERTY

Behind-The-Scenes Video Features Michael Giacchino's Insight on
Recording Sessions and New Gameplay Footage

Burbank, CA - Thursday, October 18, 2007 - Codemasters today released an exclusive, behind-the-scenes video providing unique insight into Michael Giacchino's orchestral recording for the company's upcoming, alternate-reality WWII FPS Turning Point™: Fall of Liberty. Currently in development at Spark Unlimited, the game opens in 1953 amidst the Nazi invasion of the United States via New York City. Go to www.turningpointgame.com to check out the new soundtrack recording video (in downloads) and watch how Michael Giacchino and the team scored the music that fuels this new take on WWII.

In the video, Giacchino, whose credits include the television series Lost, game soundtracks for the Medal of Honor™ and Call of Duty™ franchises, and feature films such as Mission Impossible III, The Incredibles and Ratatouille, describes his inspiration and ambitions for the game's musical themes.

"In scoring the soundtrack, it was all about finding the emotional center of the game, which is the story," explains Michael Giacchino, composer, Turning Point: Fall of Liberty. "To present an America that we recognize, but in an altered reality setting, we changed the make up of the orchestra and removed trumpets from the brass section. In a traditional WWII game or movie, trumpets are used to give an American flavor, however, to mirror Turning Point's major theme, we've stripped that layer of Americana away."

Delivering a dynamic soundtrack that intensifies major gameplay events, such as the invasion of New York by the Nazis; Giacchino's score was performed by the 76-piece Hollywood Studio Orchestra and recorded at Warner Bros. Studios in Burbank, California.

"Michael has created a series of truly evocative pieces that challenge WWII-themed soundtrack preconceptions; this fits to our alternate-reality subject matter perfectly," said Scott Langteau, Chief Operating Officer, Spark Unlimited. "It's a fantastic primal score, full of chaos and energy and Michael's use of staccato sounds delivers an incredible level of intensity throughout."

Turning Point: Fall of Liberty is planned to launch in early 2008 for the Xbox 360™ video game and entertainment system from Microsoft®, the PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system and Games for Windows®, and is rated "T" (Teen - Language, Violence - Content that may be suitable for persons ages 13 and older) by the ESRB.

For the latest information on Turning Point: Fall of Liberty, including the new soundtrack recording video, be sure to visit the official game website located at www.turningpointgame.com.

Labels: codemasters, Turning Point Fall of Liberty

CODEMASTERS AND TEMPLAR PUBLISHING STRIKE DEAL TO BRING 14-MILLION-SELLING 'OLOGY BOOK SERIES TO LIFE

Three Book Deal Will See Dragonology™, Wizardology™ and Pirateology™ Come Alive as Video Games for the Wii and Nintendo DS

Burbank, CA - Friday, October 5, 2007 - Codemasters, a leading publisher and developer of critically acclaimed video games, and The Templar Company PLC, the parent company of UK-based Templar Publishing, today announced a worldwide licensing agreement that will see the creation of a series of original video game titles based on Templar's 14-million-selling 'Ology series of books.

The deal will see the best-selling books Dragonology™, Wizardology™ and Pirateology™, all published in the U.S. by Candlewick Press, and each a fascinating and entertaining encyclopedic journal packed with multi-textured content and paper-engineered extras, brought to life as individual video games exclusively for the Wii and Nintendo DS.

Codemasters will publish two editions of each title, one for Wii with play centered on action gaming, and another for the Nintendo DS which will embrace explorative gameplay in the form of an interactive book. Dragonology will be the first title in the series and is expected to launch in the second half of 2008.

"Extending Codemasters' reach in the family entertainment category, this alliance with Templar further demonstrates the continued growth and diversification of our portfolio," said Barry Jafrato, Senior Vice President of Brand, Codemasters. "With each title based on a popular fantasy theme and delivering a truly content-rich read, Dragonology, Wizardology and Pirateology are major entertainment properties that form a perfect base on which to build original and creative gaming experiences."

"The 'Ology book brand is a powerful contemporary franchise and we always seek to work with high caliber creative partners," commented Richard Scrivener, Commercial and Operations Director, Templar Publishing. "Right from the outset, we were impressed by the combination of Codemasters' passion for the product and their global reach."

Dragonology: the Complete book of Dragons, by Dugald A. Steer, was first published in 2003, creating a series which has sold over 5.7 million copies worldwide in 32 different languages. Dragonology, Wizardology and Pirateology have all been New York Times bestsellers and the 'Ology series was recently noted in the Wall Street Journal as, 'a major publishing phenomenon'. For more information on the 'Ology series, please visit www.ologyworld.com.

Labels: codemasters, Nintendo DS, nintendo wii, Ology

BLOOD, SWEAT AND FEAR RUN RAMPANT AS CODEMASTERS
RELEASES CLIVE BARKER'S JERICHO PLAYABLE DEMO

Gamers Get a Taste of Battling Demonic Foes from the Twisted Mind of Clive Barker...with the Jericho Squad's Delgado, Black and Church

Burbank, CA - Thursday, September 27, 2007 - Action, shooter, horror and Clive Barker fans - prepare yourselves to take on the darkest evil from the depths Clive Barker's mind - and then blast its face off with a hail of gunfire and supernatural powers as Codemasters announces the release of the playable demo for Clive Barker's Jericho™. The demo is now available* from Xbox LIVE® Marketplace for the Xbox™ 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft® and the PLAYSTATION®Network for the PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system, with the Games for Windows® demo available from www.jericho-game.com.

Clive Barker's Jericho dispatches players to the Middle-Eastern city of Al-Khali, where the most ancient of evils has resurfaced; causing intense paranormal activity that has caught the eye of the military. Controlling the Jericho squad, an expert strike team skilled in both conventional and paranormal warfare, gamers fight their way through slices of time on a grueling journey as they make their way toward the heart of the evil.

Thrusting into the middle of this unique horror/FPS, the Clive Barker's Jericho demo starts gamers off in the Crusades time slice of Al-Khali's past. A vicious attack has cut the squad in half, leaving players in control of Sgt. Frank Delgado, Lt. Abigail Black and Sgt. Billie Church, and with the other half of the squad presumed lost. As the spirit of Cpt. Devin Ross, the fallen squad leader who's remaining entity is able to possess and jump between surviving members of the team, players will take advantage of Delgado, Black and Church's special weapons and paranormal talents.

Delgado, a pyromancer and heavy weapons expert, can unleash a parasitic flame spirit to incinerate nearby enemies and wields a 7.62 caliber mini-gun. Black possesses astonishing telekinetic powers, which let her guide bullets fired from her customized XM-110 sniper rifle with pinpoint accuracy through multiple targets. Church, a blood scribe, casts powerful wards, enchantments and banishments through the ritual of drawing her own blood, and also comes equipped with a customized Nodachi katana for ruthless melee attacks.

Only by combining the unique paranormal abilities of the Jericho squad will gamers survive this hellish nightmare and inch closer to discovering the truth behind the evil rooted in Al-Khali. Right from the beginning of the Clive Barker's Jericho demo, players face a vicious onslaught from an army of grotesque crusader-era warriors. These twisted and tormented enemies, with armor fused to their rotting flesh and limbs replaced with axes and swords, are powerful, shocking realizations of monsters spawned straight from the mind of Clive Barker.

Developed by Mercury Steam Entertainment, Clive Barker's Jericho is set to unleash its supernatural assault on October 23, 2007 for the PLAYSTATION 3 system, the Xbox 360 and Games for Windows, and is rated "M" (Mature 17+ - Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Sexual Themes, and Strong Language) by the ESRB.

For the latest on Clive Barker's Jericho, including the PC demo, be sure to visit www.jericho-game.com. Visitors can also enter the community's 'Game with Pain' competition, where the grand prize for building a winning Clive Barker's Jericho fansite is the ultimate horror gaming set up, which includes a monster HDTV and surround sound system.

* - NOTE: The European Clive Barker's Jericho PLAYSTATION 3 system demo will launch on October 4, 2007.

Labels: Clive Barker's Jericho, codemasters

CODEMASTERS' RACE DRIVER: CREATE & RACE ROCKETS OFF THE RACING GRID AND INTO STORES TODAY

Burbank, CA - Tuesday, September 25, 2007 - Codemasters today announced that the most powerful official racing cars ever are now available on the Nintendo DS™ as Race Driver™: Create & Race™ ships to retail outlets nationwide. The handheld evolution of the popular Race Driver series, Race Driver: Create & Race is available for a suggested retail price of $29.99 and is rated "E" (Everyone) by the ESRB.

Built from the ground up and releasing exclusively on the Nintendo DS, Race Driver: Create & Race lets players control more than 20 of the fastest racing cars on the planet. Players will be able to race these speed demons on 30 of the world's most exciting official race circuits, from Silverstone in the UK to Bathurst in Australia.

The adrenaline doesn't stop there, however, as Race Driver: Create & Race's unique and intuitive track designer gives gamers the opportunity to stretch their creative legs and design their very own race tracks using the Nintendo DS stylus. The track editor allows players select and place track elements, such as hairpin corners, long straights, chicanes and even scenery, to their liking to design unique circuits. Once all the pieces are placed, players can take to their track and experience exactly how it feels in aggressive multiple car races.

Making use of the Nintendo® Wi-Fi Connection capabilities, gamers can challenge friends to races on the game's official tracks, as well as host games on their personally created circuits. Race Driver: Create & Race also enables up to four players to go head-to-head, game sharing from only one game card. Further championships and cars can be unlocked from the World Tour Mode and then raced in real-time online and ad hoc multiplayer modes.

For more information on Race Driver: Create & Race and to see the latest videos, be sure to head over to the official game website located at www.codemasters.com/createandrace.

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

CLIVE BARKER'S JERICHO TO FEATURE
ORIGINAL SOUNDTRACK BY CRIS VELASCO

New Gameplay Video Available and Release Date Set for
Clive Barker's Upcoming Action/Horror Videogame

Burbank, CA - Friday, August 17, 2007 - Codemasters announced today that multiple award-winning videogame composer Cris Velasco (God of War, God of War II) has scored an original soundtrack exclusively for Clive Barker's Jericho™ - the eagerly anticipated action/horror FPS due out this fall. Codemasters also released today a new gameplay trailer, featuring music taken from Velasco's soundtrack, currently available for download at www.jericho-game.com.

Hand picked for Clive Barker's Jericho by none other than Barker himself, Cris Velasco has composed a haunting choral and cinematic orchestral score that enhances the game's epic, paranormal horror experience.

"Cris Velasco's music for Clive Barker's Jericho is exquisite," states Clive Barker. "Filled with yearning, dark energy, threat and redemption, it is the unstoppable engine in the terrifying ghost train of Jericho."

Velasco has enjoyed considerable recognition for his prior work in videogames, including top honors from the Academy of Interactive Arts and Sciences for "Outstanding Achievement in Original Music Composition," GameSpot's "Best Original Music Award," IGN's "Best Original Score Award," and G.A.N.G.'s "Music of the Year."

A spectacular, creative, and unflinching realization of Barker's cannon of nightmares, Clive Barker's Jericho is an interactive experience that mingles the darkest elements of Barker's horror fiction with an ambitious, age-spanning story aimed at mature gamers, fans of Clive Barker and horror fiction enthusiasts.

Clive Barker's Jericho will unleash its supernatural assault on retail outlets nationwide in late October, just in time for Halloween, and will be available for the PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system from SCEA, Xbox 360™ video game and entertainment system from Microsoft® and Games for Windows®, and is rated "M" (Mature - Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Sexual Themes, Strong Language - Content that may be suitable for persons ages 17 and older) by the ESRB.

For more information on Clive Barker's Jericho, be sure to visit the official game website located at: www.jericho-game.com.

Labels: Clive Barker's Jericho, codemasters

CODEMASTERS DIRT PLAYABLE DEMO
NOW AVAILABLE FOR PLAYSTATION 3 SYSTEM

Crossover, C.O.R.R and Point-to-Point Events Featured in New Playable Demo

Burbank, CA - Friday, August 17, 2007 - It's time to get your hands dirty and test drive DiRT™ for the PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system as Codemasters launches the playable demo, now available to download from PlayStation Store. DiRT takes racing enthusiasts off-road in a multitude events, and the new playable demo delivers three to experience right now, including Crossover, C.O.R.R. (Championship Off-Road Racing) and a point-to-point rally stage.

DiRT's Crossover race has players competing against Colin McRae himself. Set in Germany, the Avelsbachring's smooth but twisty tarmac is the perfect battleground for a pair of Subaru Impreza WRX STI spec Cs. Then, with nine other racers aggressively competing for position, it's a fierce C.O.R.R. competition in V8 650hp buggies at the Bark River Off-Road Raceway, Michigan.

Finally, and exclusive to the PLAYSTATION 3 system demo, the gravel churning start of the Cuconi B rally stage in Sardinia will have players racing to achieve a best time through Italian vineyards before hitting the tarmac at the end of the stage.

DiRT is set to launch this September for the PLAYSTATION 3 system, and is rated "E" (Everyone - Alcohol Reference, Mild Language, Mild Violence) by the ESRB. For the latest game information and videos be sure to visit the official website at www.codemasters.com/dirt.

Labels: codemasters, DiRT, PLAYSTATION 3

DAN CARSON JOINS THE U.S. RESISTANCE IN
CODEMASTERS' TURNING POINT: FALL OF LIBERTY

Codemasters Releases First Video Footage of Dan Carson
Caught in the Middle of the German Invasion of New York City

Burbank, CA - Thursday, August 16, 2007 - Codemasters today revealed Dan Carson as the main character that will join the U.S. resistance against the invading Nazis in the forthcoming, alternate-reality World War II FPS Turning Point™: Fall of Liberty. Set to make this new take on WWII a very personal experience, gamers can get their first glimpse of Dan Carson in action in the first Turning Point: Fall of Liberty gameplay video, released today and available online at www.turningpointgame.com.

Dealing with a turning point in time, one that begins with Churchill being killed in a car accident that ultimately leads to the Axis invasion of the U.S, Turning Point: Fall of Liberty's story also deals with the 'turning point' for the game's central character, Dan Carson. The game opens with Carson, a New York City construction worker, high up on the girders of a partially built skyscraper in downtown Manhattan as he bares witness to the initial invasion; battleships breaching New York harbor, and the skies filled with Zeppelins, assault blimps, jet aircraft and German paratroopers.

Turning Point: Fall of Liberty gives players a unique sense of empowerment as they take the role of Carson, a civilian caught in the middle of this new battleground. As a man on his own, with no immediate plan for escape and no weapons other than those that can be scavenged, Carson runs for his life, trapped in New York City under a devastating attack from advanced Nazi military technology and firepower.

Climbing and leaping from level to level, Carson attempts to escape the building and make his way down to the ground before it's too late. As German paratroopers descend onto the structure, Carson must deal with them as best he can in hand-to-hand combat. During these sequences, Turning Point: Fall of Liberty's unique grappling system will play out from a third-person viewpoint, showcasing the brutal tactics Carson will have to employ to stay alive - some of them taking advantage of the surrounding environment.

As Turning Point: Fall of Liberty's opening sequence unfolds, Carson eventually reaches the relative cover of street level and reluctantly joins forces with the U.S. resistance - Carson's own 'turning point' as he becomes part of the underground defense initiative. From here, in this dramatically changed WWII experience, players will fight on the other side of war - one where they're not part of the invading superpower's army, but instead as a resisting force on their home turf and reliant on wit and guerrilla tactics to survive.

Turning Point: Fall of Liberty is coming in early 2008 for the PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system from SCEA, Xbox 360™ video game and entertainment system from Microsoft®, and Games for Windows® and is currently rated "RP" (Rating Pending) by the ESRB. For the latest game briefings, and to see Dan Carson in action be sure to check out the official game website at www.turningpointgame.com.

Labels: codemasters, Turning Point Fall of Liberty

CODEMASTERS EXPANDS STUDIO STRENGTH

New Guildford Studio Established
Headed by Former Development Director of EA Criterion

Burbank, CA - Friday, Aug 10, 2007 - Expanding its studio resources, Codemasters today announced the opening of an additional UK-based development facility, Codemasters Studios Guildford. The new Surrey-based office joins the company's already established development operations - Codemasters Studios Southam and Codemasters Studios Kuala Lumpur.

Additionally, Codemasters has appointed senior industry executive Adrian Bolton as Studio Manager of the new Guildford facility. Previously Development Director for EA Criterion, the studio responsible for the Burnout™ series, Bolton will report to Gavin Cheshire, VP of Codemasters Studios.

Set to attract development talent from the South East, Codemasters Studios Guildford is targeting an initial staff of 35 employees with an emphasis on programming resource. Codemasters Studios is already a team of 255 with 185 on site at Codemasters' headquarters near Southam, Warwickshire, and a further 70 staffing the art-focused Codemasters Studios Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia.

Guildford personnel will initially collaborate with their Southam and Malaysian colleagues on key projects, including the next additions to the successful Operation Flashpoint and Race Driver series, and with the company's Central Technology Group, responsible for the proprietary middleware engine Neon. Personnel numbers are expected to be increased annually as the Guildford studio's remit is expanded to develop solus IPs from 2008.

"Following our investment announcements and recent product successes, it is clear to see that these are very exciting times for everyone within the expanded Codemasters Studios group," states Gavin Cheshire, VP of Codemasters Studios. "With our internal development in Southam, Kuala Lumpur and now Guildford, we can continue to grow our business and bring additional titles to the portfolio. We look forward to welcoming a new wave of development talent to Codemasters as we continue to grow both our product range and technology assets with projects such as Neon."

Codemasters is now accelerating its recruitment drive for development talent in all studios locations, details of positions are available at www.TheNewBreed.info or email recruitment@codemasters.com.

Labels: codemasters

TAKE COVER!!! - GERMANY INVADES NEW YORK CITY

Codemasters Releases First Footage of Nazi Assault on the Big Apple

Burbank, CA - Friday, July 6, 2007 - Codemasters today revealed the first footage of the German invasion of New York via an intense FMV trailer from the company's upcoming, alternate-reality World War II FPS Turning Point™: Fall of Liberty. The video is available for download now from: www.turningpointgame.com.

Opening with battleships taking the New York harbor, planes flying overhead, zeppelins filling the skies and armed paratroopers descending onto the city streets, the FMV is a moving piece of video sure to inspire gamers to revolt and become part of the U.S. resistance. Turning Point: Fall of Liberty is planned to ship this fall for the PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system, Xbox™ 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and Games for Windows®, and is currently rated "RP" (Rating Pending) by the ESRB.

Turning Point: Fall of Liberty explores the consequences of what may have happened if, after being struck by a cab in New York in 1931, Winston Churchill had died and wasn't alive to rally the Allied forces to confront the Nazis during WWII? Turning Point: Fall of Liberty uses this 'what if' scenario to create an alternate history where Europe surrenders to Hitler in 1940, and America is not drawn into the war until the 1953 invasion of the U.S. east coast, as depicted in the trailer.

Bringing a fresh perspective to the WWII genre through an alternate timeline and advanced weaponry, Turning Point: Fall of Liberty will be a very personal battle for gamers. Depicting a Second World War never before imagined, players will fight afresh as a civilian on new battlegrounds against the German Wehrmacht (war machine).

Taking the role of Dan Carson, a reluctant New York City construction worker who turns freedom fighter, gamers must survive the initial invasion before regrouping with other resistance members to fight back. Always outmanned and outgunned, players must use guerrilla tactics and hand to hand grappling combat as they attempt to stop the world's most notorious war machine.

Developed by U.S. studio Spark Unlimited, no stranger to the WWII shooter genre, Turning Point: Fall of Liberty is not another typical WWII game set in the European or Pacific theatres. It's set to deliver an explosive Action/FPS experience in a world where famous locations and landmarks appear startlingly different under Nazi occupation.

For more information on Turning Point: Fall of Liberty, be sure to sign up for future briefings online at: www.turningpointgame.com.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Labels: ArchLord, codemasters

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

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

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

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

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

Labels: codemasters, Overlord

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

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

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

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

Labels: codemasters, hospital tycoon

Burbank, CA – Tuesday, May 1, 2007 – Delivering true air superiority into the hands of gamers everywhere, Codemasters, Inc. today announced that Heatseeker – the eagerly anticipated arcade-style air combat game, is available at retail outlets nationwide. Heatseeker gives players unparalleled control of the military’s finest and most sophisticated airborne arsenal as they skyrocket to victory over the U.S, off the coast of South America, over Antarctica and into the Far East. Heatseeker is available now for the Wii™ and PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system, with the PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) system version to follow shortly, and is rated “T” (Teen – Mild Language, Violence) by the ESRB.

With control of over 35 jet fighters and their variants, and over 18 land and sea-based missions to complete, players will be pulling off face-melting loops over and under bridges, screaming in low under the radar blanket and protecting allied fleets – all while facing a seemingly unbeatable amount of enemies. Teeming with more aircraft in the sky than ever before seen, Heatseeker is the ultimate blackout-inducing, close-quarters air combat game around.

Air superiority can only be achieved with the most advanced weapons, and Heatseeker has it all. Players can choose between 60 different weapons packs to take out the opposition, including everything from radar-guided missiles to rocket propelled torpedoes. And when the going gets tough, pilots can even rain down ultimate carnage upon their hapless foes with the power of nuclear-tipped cruise missiles.

For more information on Heatseeker, please be sure to visit the official website at http://www.codemasters.com/heatseeker.

Labels: codemasters, heatseeker

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

New Overlord Game Trailer Now Available Online

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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


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


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


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


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

Labels: codemasters, Overlord, PC, Xbox 360