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> April 13, 2007
Internet channel opens on Wii
Mortal Kombat II hits PS Store
Tiger Woods 08 adds Gamernet
SONY ONLINE ENTERTAINMENT
ANNOUNCES MORTAL KOMBAT® II IS SCHEDULED TO HIT THE PLAYSTATION® NETWORK
AS A DOWNLOADABLE TITLE ON APRIL 12
WHAT: Get ready to re-live all of the
classic arcade action that made Mortal Kombat® II a beloved classic.
Brought back and available for download exclusively on the PLAYSTATION®3
computer entertainment system, re-experience the classic head-to-head
fighting game featuring classic characters such as Sub-Zero or Goro.
Players will fight their way through the Outworld and defeat Shang Tsung
or battle hidden characters including Jade and Smoke!
ABOUT MORTAL KOMBAT II: Replay All The
Favorite Characters or Unlock Hidden Ones – Choose to be 1 of 12
characters; freeze enemies as Sub-Zero or possess Raiden’s god-like
thunder powers! Unlock hidden opponents with Mortal Kombat knowledge and
skills.
Head-to-head Combat in 10 Unique Levels
– Use an array of combos to crush enemies before they crush you! Take
the fight to one of 10 unique levels. Uppercut enemies in The Dead Pool to
a nice acid bath or knock enemies into a pitfall in The Pit!
Control Enemies’ Fate – Select which
combo move to perform at the end of a match to determine one of three
special endings (Fatality, Friendship or Babality)
Multiplayer Action – Play online
against other players through the PLAYSTATION® Network. Track wins and
see how players are stacking up against each other through dedicated
leader boards.
For more information visit
www.station.sony.com
WHEN: Mortal Kombat® II is scheduled to
launch on April 12, 2007, on the PLAYSTATION Network for the suggested
retail price of $4.99
Full Internet Channel Now
Available for Wii
Improved user experience for Wii
Internet surfers arrives
Search, surf and shop with family and
friends, all from the comfort of your living room with the Internet
Channel on Wii. Featuring a number of enhancements to improve the user
experience as well as a host of added extras, the full version of the
Internet Channel powered by Opera is now available for free download
across North America.
Fans of the innovative Wii channels
already will be familiar with the Internet Channel, which delivers their
high-speed Internet access via their television sets. Based on feedback
from Wii owners, Nintendo has created a new and enhanced version of the
browser featuring improvements to the user experience as well as a
performance upgrade.
Users of the trial version will notice
the improved usability of the full version. The browser now features a
manual zoom, in addition to the automatic mode available in the previous
version, allowing more viewing flexibility. When zooming in and out of a
page, text is kept crisp and readable at all sizes. The new version of the
Internet Channel also features improved scrolling functionality, as well
as the collapsible toolbars and multiple on-screen cursors.
As search functions have become an
essential part of our everyday Internet experience, the Internet Channel
now features a built-in function allowing users to search without having
to select a search engine each time. Wii owners are given the choice of
either Google or Yahoo! Search as a pre-selected search engine to power
their built-in search button. The selection can be changed at any time, or
a different search engine can be used by typing in that search engine’s
address. Users also will have the ability to easily access Nintendo,
Yahoo!, Google and My Opera from pre-loaded bookmarks.
The full version of the Internet Channel
is available as a free download through June 30, after which it will cost
500 Wii Points. Once downloaded, the Internet Channel is free for the
lifetime of the system.
TIGER WOODS PGA TOUR 08 TEES OFF WITH EA SPORTS GAMERNET* AND PHOTO GAME
FACE*
REDWOOD CITY, Calif., April 12, 2007 – Electronic Arts Inc., (NASDAQ:
ERTS) today announced that Tiger Woods PGA TOUR® 08 will be breaking new
ground with two key features. EA SPORTS™ GamerNet* is a revolutionary
game play system driven by interactive user created content. It allows
gamers to save their amazing shots, holes or rounds, and post the content
online for other users to compete against. In addition, players can now
use Photo Game Face* to generate photo-realistic game characters with no
artistic skill required, by uploading photos.
Tiger Woods PGA TOUR 08 will be produced by the EA Tiburon in Orlando, FL
which is best known for the award winning Madden NFL Football and NCAA
Football® franchises.
Tiger Woods PGA TOUR is the world’s #1 selling golf video game
franchise. With the EA SPORTS GamerNet system, players will be able to
challenge creator posted content and be rewarded with online points.
Utilizing Photo Game Face, players can take their created characters and
style, dress, and accessorize themselves through the game’s already deep
customization systems.
Tiger Woods PGA TOUR 08 will be available on the Xbox 360™ video game
and entertainment system, the PlayStation®2 and PLAYSTATION®3 computer
entertainment system, the PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) system, Wii™,
Nintendo DS™ and PC. The game’s official website is www.easports.com/tigerwoods08.
About Electronic Arts
Electronic Arts Inc. (EA), headquartered in Redwood City, California, is
the world's leading interactive entertainment software company. Founded in
1982, the company develops, publishes, and distributes interactive
software worldwide for videogame systems, personal computers, cellular
handsets and the Internet. Electronic Arts markets its products under four
brand names: EA SPORTSTM, EATM, EA SPORTS BIGTM and POGOTM. In fiscal
2006, EA posted revenue of $2.95 billion and had 27 titles that sold more
than one million copies. EA's homepage and online game site is www.ea.com.
More information about EA's products and full text of press releases can
be found on the Internet at http://info.ea.com.
Electronic Arts, EA, EA SPORTS, EA SPORTS BIG, and POGO are trademarks or
registered trademarks of Electronic Arts Inc. in the U.S. and/or other
countries. . The mark "TIGERWOODS" is a trademark of ETW Corp.
and may not be used, in whole or in part, without the prior written
consent of ETW Corp. The name, and other attributes of Tiger Woods are
trademarks, copyrighted designs and/or other forms of intellectual
property that are the exclusive property of ETW Corp. or Tiger Woods and
may not be used, in whole or in part, without the prior written consent of
ETW Corp. or Tiger Woods. PGA TOUR is a trademark of PGA TOUR, INC. and
used by permission. “PlayStation”, “PLAYSTATION”, and “PSP”
are registered trademarks of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. Memory Stick
Duo TM may be required (sold separately). Microsoft, Xbox and Xbox 360 are
trademarks of the Microsoft group of companies. ™, ®, Nintendo DS and
Wii are trademarks of Nintendo. All other trademarks are the property of
their respective owners.
*Feature Names Are Working Titles
> April 12, 2007
Senko No Ronde announced
Lineage II expansion packed
GameTap adds Saturn titles
UBISOFT PUBLISHING WARTECH(TM)
SENKO NO RONDE IN NORTH AMERICAN AND EUROPEAN TERRITORIES
Screenshots available: http://files.us.ubisoft.com/war_tech_screens.zip
SAN FRANCISCO — April 12, 2007 —
Today Ubisoft, one of the world's largest video game publishers, announced
that it will publish WarTech(TM) Senko no Ronde, an arcade fighter for the
Xbox 360(TM) video game and entertainment system from Microsoft in North
American and European territories in May 2007.
Developed by G.rev Ltd., WarTech(TM)
Senko no Ronde is a new take on a famous arcade game from 2004 and has
already been released in Japan with great success. Japanese cult magazine
Famitsu awarded Senko no Ronde a gold medal and lauded its amazing blend
of shoot-em-up action and fighting.
WarTech(TM) Senko no Ronde thrusts the
player into a distant future where humanity has colonized countless new
galaxies and Earth has become a planet mined for its natural resources. A
violent war has erupted as nations struggle for world domination. Rounder
Mechs fill the skies as the fate of the world is determined through aerial
combat.
Key Features: • Fast Paced Arcade
Fighting – Combine an almost limitless arsenal of special moves, power
ups, and attack drones to unleash the most lethal combos. • Xbox LIVE®
Multiplayer – Challenge friends in head-to-head two-player or battle
against the world's best players online and test your skills to improve
your Xbox(TM) LIVE ranking. • An impressive choice of Rounder Mech Suits
– Each of the eight Rounder Mechs feature two distinct variations, as
well as an unlockable in-game B.O.S.S. mode, for 24 variations in all. •
Epic Boss Battles – Go blow-for-blow against the other Rounder Mechs,
but be prepared, because at any moment you could find yourself battling an
even deadlier enemy. • Single Player Story Mode – Follow the unique
back stories of each fighter pilot in single player story mode or train in
customizable sparing matches. WarTech(TM) Senko no Ronde is rated "T”
for Teen by the ESRB.
About Ubisoft: Ubisoft is a leading
producer, publisher and distributor of interactive entertainment products
worldwide and has grown considerably through a strong and diversified
lineup of products and partnerships. Ubisoft has offices in 21 countries
and sales in more than 50 countries around the globe. It is committed to
delivering high-quality, cutting-edge video game titles to consumers.
Ubisoft generated sales of 547 million Euros for the 2005-2006 fiscal
year. To learn more, please visit www.ubisoftgroup.com.
NCsoft Launches New Era in Lineage
II
Interlude debuts Lineage II Chaotic
Throne chapter; Introduces dinosaurs and new dueling system
AUSTIN, Texas, April 14 , 2007 —
NCsoft® today announced the release of Interlude, an expansion to the
massively multiplayer online PC game Lineage® II in North America and
Europe. Interlude is the next step in the evolution of Lineage II, forming
a bridge between The Chaotic Chronicle and the game’s next chapter, The
Chaotic Throne. The Interlude expansion is free to all current Lineage II
subscribers.
Lineage II, the gaming market’s
premier player-versus-player (PvP) massively multiplayer online game, has
reached more than 17 million players worldwide since its launch in late
2003.
The Interlude expansion offers a variety
of new challenges to players, including the new Primeval Isle, which is
home to many new creatures making their first appearance in Lineage II.
These include Wild Striders, Pachycephalosaurus and the deadly and
powerful Tyrannosaurus Rex. Primeval Isle is a lush and beautiful zone,
but in the tradition of Lineage II, offers tough tests and is not a zone
for those unwilling to take on great challenges. Mastering the beasts on
Primeval Isle will require strategy and teamwork from players and clan
members.
Enhanced single-player elements such as
the new dueling system will enable players to challenge friends to
one-on-one fights or party-versus-party battles. By dueling, players can
understand the nuances of their character better than they ever have
before. In addition, there are no penalties for defeat in Lineage II’s
dueling system, so players are free to let loose and test their mettle.
Also available for mid to high-level
players are more than 150 new bonuses to enhance and customize weapons.
Lower level players can take advantage of the new Shadow Weapons, a “try
before you buy” service offered by the village weapon vendors. This new
feature makes weapon selection more effective and simple.
“I’m very excited about what
Interlude offers,” said Adam Davidson, the North American producer of
Lineage II. “It introduces elements of the game’s next evolution, The
Chaotic Throne, as well as unleashing dinosaurs. Who doesn’t like taking
on a T-Rex? Interlude also demonstrates the open-ended nature of Lineage
II and shows off NCsoft’s ability to deliver features that give the game
its signature depth and never-ending challenges.”
Interlude also marks the three-year
anniversary for this franchise in North America, where it has been
steadily growing and reached a platinum status in November of last year.
Lineage II is available at North
American retailers in The Epic Collection edition, which includes the
original game plus all five expansions in one box, and at the PlayNC®
online store for an estimated street price of US$29.99. To purchase the
game or other Lineage II merchandise, go to the PlayNC store at: https://store.plaync.com
.
For more information about Lineage II:
The Chaotic Throne, go to: http://www.lineage2.com.
The game is rated Teen by the
Entertainment Software Rating Board.
About NCsoft
NCsoft North America is headquartered in
Austin, Texas and is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Korea-based NCsoft
Corporation. NCsoft, with its own development and publishing offices in
Texas and California, also works with other NCsoft subsidiaries and third
party developers throughout North America to develop and publish
innovative online entertainment software products. The company has
successfully launched multiple online titles in the last three years and
continues to support its franchises that include Lineage®/Lineage II,
City of Heroes®/City of Villains®, Guild Wars®/Guild Wars Factions™/Guild
Wars Nightfall™ and Auto Assault. More information about NCsoft can be
found at http://www.plaync.com.
GameTap Reveals First Saturn Title
alongside Wing Commander, the Legendary Deep Space Dogfighting Simulation
Game
As new titles continue to join GameTap’s
catalog of more than 850 console, arcade and computer video games, this
week’s GameTap Thursday alert touts the latest additions, including the
critically acclaimed Wing Commander and Warlords Battlecry III, as well as
the network’s first SEGA Saturn title.
Wing Commander™: Electronic Arts’
sci-fi strategy game enlists players in an outer space aerial war to
defend Earth from the marauding Kilrathi race. Wing Commander was a
revolutionary game when it was released, blazing trails in the realms of
3D gaming, cinematic storytelling and the popularization of sound cards
and game soundtracks, so check out the game that started it all!
Warlords Battlecry III: This real time
strategy game from Enlight Interactive Inc. further expands the Battlecry
tradition of featuring persistent RPG-like fantasy heroes with its retinue
of loyal followers fighting massive battles in the Warlords' world of
Etheria. As a true sequel to Warlords Battlecry I & II - both of which
are also available on GameTap - it features many familiar races and
troop-types, while also adding new ones into the mix.
Bug!: Originally appearing on GameTap
last week in the form of an “Easter Egg,” this SEGA action title
ushers in GameTap’s latest console – the SEGA Saturn. Bug is a big
movie star whose film set friends are kidnapped, so he’s off to save the
day in a hopping-and-bopping platform-jumping adventure. With some of the
greatest Saturn titles on the horizon, this is big news for fans of
classic console gaming.
Doki Doki Penguin Land: GameTap unveils
SEGA’s Doki Doki Penguin Land, its latest addition to its library of
games for the rare SG-1000 Japanese-only 8-bit console. As a penguin in
the harsh arctic wasteland, it's your job to outsmart the burly polar
bears and roll your egg to the safety of your underground home.
ThinkTanks: GarageGames’ ThinkTanks is
a fast-paced tank combat game where only the smartest tanks survive in a
deadly arena. The backstory is that the Terranians have been harvesting
human brains and popping them into armored vehicles, all to create a game
show where these captive Think Tanks do battle for the amusement of wicked
alien overlords. You're one of the Think Tanks, but you've escaped! Now
it's up to you to free your fellow brains and destroy the enemy.
In addition to 850+ games, GameTap
provides subscribers with unlimited access to more than 600 original TV
shows and videos that cater to fans of the video game lifestyle.
To register for GameTap, visit
www.gametap.com where your first month of service is only 99˘.
> April 11, 2007
Xbox Live goes 'Boom'
SCEA sponsors AM JAM
Sony Computer Entertainment
America Sponsors Fourth Annual PlayStation(R) AM JAM Tour
Events Highlight Best of the Best
Amateur Talent in Action Sports; Bring PlayStation Brand to Fans
Nationwide
FOSTER CITY, Calif., April 10 /PRNewswire/
-- Sony Computer Entertainment America (SCEA) today announced it's teaming
with action sports getaway hotspot Woodward Camp for the fourth annual
PlayStation(R) AM JAM tour, demonstrating the company's continued
commitment to kids and action sports. PlayStation AM JAM is a
skateboarding, BMX biking and inline skating event for talented kids that
takes place in cities across the country.
The PlayStation AM JAM tour began
on March 17th at the Woodward skate park at the Franklin Mills Mall in
Philadelphia. The tour continues next month with stops in Orange, Calif.;
Las Vegas; Denver; Chicago; Milwaukee, Detroit; and concludes on May 5th
in Rye, N.H. Participants ages seven to eight-teen years of age can ride
and skate street courses and show off their skills to a group of
professional athletes and Woodward Camp staff members. Selected
participants will receive PlayStation prizes, including t-shirts, hats,
game demo disc as well as PSP(R) (PlayStation(R)Portable) software
titles.
The top park skateboarder, vert
skateboarder, BMX rider, and inline skater at each tour stop will win a
free week at Woodward Camp -- a popular recreational youth summer camp
located in Pennsylvania and known in the action sports community for its
instructional programs. When they arrive at Woodward Camp, a final event
will be held and the top participant will each win $5,000 and a free
summer at Woodward Camp. When taking a break from the event, both kids and
consumers can head to the PlayStation tent to experience the latest
PlayStation software titles for the PSP system including MLB 07 The
Show(TM), Ratchet & Clank(R): Size Matters, ATV Offroad Fury(R) Pro,
and Tony Hawk Project 8.
"Over the last ten years, SCEA has shown a commitment to sponsoring
events that appeal to existing PlayStation fans, while bringing the
exciting world of PlayStation to new audiences," said Donna Armentor,
senior manager, Promotions, Sony Computer Entertainment America. "As
a sponsor of PlayStation AM JAM, it's always exciting to see the energy
and excitement of the kids participating in the events. We are proud to
help put the spotlight on these outstanding athletes as they pursue the
sports they love." Past winners of the PlayStation AM JAM have
continued their progress and built their reputation as some of the rising
stars in action sports. These include Mike Spinner, Dave Bachinsky, and
Evan Smith. For more information regarding tour stops and dates, go to
http://www.us.playstation.com/amjam .
About Sony Computer Entertainment
America Inc. Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. continues to
redefine the entertainment lifestyle with its PlayStation(R) and PS one(R)
game console, the PlayStation(R)2 computer entertainment system, the PSP(R)
(PlayStation(R)Portable) system, and the ground-breaking PLAYSTATION(R)3
(PS3(TM)) computer entertainment system. Recognized as the undisputed
industry leader, Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. markets the
PlayStation family of products and develops, publishes, markets, and
distributes software for the PS one game console, the PlayStation 2
computer entertainment system, the PSP system and the PS3 system for the
North American market. Based in Foster City, Calif. Sony Computer
Entertainment America, Inc. serves as headquarters for all North American
operations and is a wholly owned subsidiary of Sony Computer Entertainment
Inc. Visit us on the Web at http://www.us.playstation.com
“Boom Boom Rocket” Brings
Rhythm to the Night on Xbox Live Arcade
A new original title rockets onto Xbox
Live Arcade from Bizarre Creations (the creators of the critically
acclaimed “Geometry Wars: Retro Evolved”) and publisher Electronic
Arts. “Boom Boom Rocket” will be available for download on Xbox Live
Arcade for Xbox 360 beginning Wednesday, Apr. 11, at 0900 GMT (2:00 a.m.
PDT).
The addictive and original “Boom Boom
Rocket” is the first music-rhythm game to appear on Xbox Live Arcade.
Players trigger rockets to the beat of the music while traveling through a
3D cityscape. The better the player times the explosions, the more
spectacular the fireworks effect. The fireworks are choreographed to 10
original tracks created by Ian Livingstone, who recently scored “Batman
Returns” and “Project Gotham Racing 2.”
“Boom Boom Rocket” will be available
for 800 Microsoft Points and will first launch in the U.S. Canada, and
Europe. The title is rated “E” for Everyone (except in Germany, where
it currently is unrated). The game also will be available in the near
future in Japan, Korea, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Singapore Australia, and New
Zealand.
Game Features
Two single player gameplay modes –
Normal and Speed Two single console multiplayer head-to-head modes –
Battle and Endurance Practice Mode Freestyle mode – No target line or
scoring, just mash buttons to create cool fireworks shows Earn up to 12
Achievements and 200 Gamerscore points
> April 10, 2007
Halo 3 Beta start date revealed
Theatre of War golden
Gears of War updates Multiplayer
Majesco ships Toon-Duko
JoWood releases trailer
“Halo 3” Multiplayer Beta Hits
Xbox LIVE Worldwide on May 16
Microsoft Game Studios and Bungie
Studios offer gamers exclusive first experience of one of 2007’s most
anticipated entertainment releases.
REDMOND, Wash. — April 10, 2007 —
Microsoft Game Studios and Bungie Studios today confirmed the multiplayer
beta of “Halo® 3” will debut to audiences worldwide via Xbox LIVE®
on May 16 at 5 a.m. PDT and run through June 6 at 11:59 p.m. PDT. Coming
exclusively to the Xbox 360™ console this fall, “Halo 3” is the
highly anticipated third chapter in the groundbreaking “Halo” trilogy
from legendary developers Bungie. “Halo 3” lets gamers experience
Master Chief’s greatest battle as he launches an epic mission to stop
the Covenant, destroy the impending Flood threat and ultimately save
mankind.
Made possible through Microsoft Corp.’s
Xbox LIVE gaming and entertainment network, which provides a robust online
service for more than 6 million gamers worldwide, the multiplayer beta for
“Halo 3” will give anxious Xbox 360 gamers their first opportunity to
get their hands on the new levels, weapons, vehicles and game types, as
well as a chance to provide valuable data that Bungie will use in
continued development. Starting May 16, gamers who secured their admission
to the multiplayer beta either through the “Rule of Three” promotion
or by purchasing a specially marked copy of “Crackdown™” for Xbox
360 will be able to don their Spartan armor, download the beta on Xbox
LIVE, and jump online using their Xbox LIVE Gold account* to battle other
gamers from around the world.
When gamers gather online to play the
multiplayer beta via Xbox LIVE in May, they will be treated to three
richly detailed, action-oriented maps: Snowbound, High Ground and
Valhalla, which represent a mixture of large- and medium-scale combat
environments and are brand-new to “Halo 3.” Each map will test gamers’
mettle as they are placed behind the controls of new “Halo 3” vehicles
such as the agile Mongoose all-terrain vehicle, and armed with deadly
weapons such as the new and improved Assault Rifle, the ferocious Brute
Spiker, the devastating Spartan Laser and the treacherous new Spike
Grenades. This is just a taste of what gamers will experience later this
fall when “Halo 3” goes on sale.
“‘Halo: Combat Evolved’ and ‘Halo
2’ changed the face of console gaming forever,” said Shane Kim,
corporate vice president of Microsoft Game Studios. “Gamers from around
the world have logged more than 800 million hours on Xbox LIVE playing ‘Halo
2,’ and years after its launch it remains the No. 1 title on our Xbox
LIVE network. Bringing an early look at the multiplayer elements of ‘Halo
3’ to our passionate fan base is tremendously exciting for us.”
Gamers worldwide who did not participate
in the “Rule of Three” promotion but are interested in joining the
multiplayer beta of “Halo 3” can still participate through the
purchase of the critically acclaimed Xbox 360 title “Crackdown,” which
was launched in February. “Crackdown” sets players loose in a
free-form, persistent city for action-packed crime fighting that requires
a bigger, faster and stronger hero that evolves as a more efficient weapon
through continued gameplay. Each copy of “Crackdown” has been
specially marked with a “Halo 3” beta sticker prior to the beta
period, and starting May 16 the game will act as a key for gamers to
download and participate in the “Halo 3” multiplayer beta.
In addition, gamers who can’t wait for
the multiplayer beta this May can get an even earlier look at “Halo 3”
with a new, behind-the-scenes video feature available at http://www.bungie.net
and in high definition over Xbox LIVE Marketplace. Starting today, viewers
can go behind the scenes at Bungie Studios to learn about the people,
technology and process that are making “Halo 3” an unforgettable
multiplayer experience, and to get a taste of what to expect from the
upcoming “Halo 3” multiplayer beta. The latest multiplayer video
documentary, titled “Is Quisnam Protero Damno!,” will offer a glimpse
at how “Halo 3” multiplayer maps are being designed, built and
architected, and how these amazing spaces are converted into fun places in
which to play. Gamers can also catch the first-ever glimpse of brand-new
“Halo 3” multiplayer levels in their early stages of evolution and
construction.
About Bungie Studios
Bungie Studios was founded in 1991 with
two goals: to develop games that combine brilliant technology, beautiful
art, intelligent stories and deep gameplay, and then sell enough of those
games to achieve its real goal of total world domination. Over the past 10
years it has produced games such as the “Marathon Trilogy” and the
first two “Myth” games, hailed as classics by critics and gamers
around the world. Bungie’s “Halo” franchise is an international
award-winning action title that has grown into a global entertainment
phenomenon, selling more than 14.7 million units worldwide, logging over
800 million hours of multiplayer action on Xbox LIVE and spawning action
figures, books, a graphic novel, apparel and more. Bungie is currently at
work on “Halo 3,” which represents the third chapter in this “Halo”
trilogy and is slated for release in 2007. More information on Bungie can
be found at http://www.bungie.net.
About Microsoft Game Studios
Microsoft Game Studios is a leading
worldwide publisher and developer of games for the Xbox® and Xbox 360
video game systems, the Windows® operating system and online platforms.
Comprising a network of top developers, Microsoft Game Studios is
committed to
creating innovative and diverse games
for Windows (http://www.microsoft.com/games), including such franchises as
“Age of Empires®,” “Flight Simulator” and “Zoo Tycoon®”;
Xbox and Xbox 360 (http://www.xbox.com), including such games as “Gears
of War” and franchises such as “Halo,” “Fable®,” “Project
Gotham Racing®” and “Forza Motorsport®”; and MSN® Games (http://www.games.msn.com),
the official games channel for the MSN network and home to such hits as
“Bejeweled” and “Hexic®.”
About Microsoft
Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq “MSFT”)
is the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help
people and businesses realize their full potential.
#########
* The “Halo 3” multiplayer beta will
require gamers to have access to an Xbox 360 console equipped with a hard
drive as well as an Xbox LIVE Gold Membership.
Microsoft, Halo, Xbox LIVE, Xbox 360,
Crackdown, Xbox, Windows, Age of Empires, Zoo Tycoon, Fable, Project
Gotham Racing, Forza Motorsport, MSN and Hexic are trademarks of the
Microsoft group of companies.
The names of actual companies and
products mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their respective
owners.
Theatre of War Gone Gold
1C and Battlefront.com are excited to announce that Theatre of War has now
officially gone gold! The much anticipated World War Two real-time
strategy game by the creators of IL-2 Sturmovik and the makers of Combat
Mission, will be released already in just a few days worldwide on April
19, 2007, initially via digital delivery from Battlefront's download
portal at www.battlefront.com, and a couple of weeks later in a DVD
version with printed manual available by mail. Theatre of War is not sold
in stores due to Battlefront's "independent publisher" policy.
Due to the high demand and large number
of pre-orders and to be able to deliver the anticipated download bandwidth
required especially for the first days of release, Battlefront has
multiplied its file hosting capacity by partnering with Fileburst, one of
the leading high volume data delivery service providers on the market.
The gold demo for the game will be
available for public download in just a few days.
Theatre of War - GAME BACKGROUND
Theatre of War depicts stunning battles
of World War II between 1939-1945. Command hundreds of different unit
types in 5 historical campaigns (US/UK, Soviet, German, French and
Polish). This isn't just another WW2 RTS click-fest, but a thrilling Real
Time Combat Simulator with an emphasis on realism and detail, and real
world military tactics that will challenge even the most battle hardened
armchair general!
For more information about the game,
please bookmark: http://www.battlefront.com/products/tow/index.html
Official Theatre of War discussion forum
(meet the developers!) open at: http://www.battlefront.com/cgi-bin/bbs/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=forum;f=63
COMPANY BACKGROUND INFORMATION
About Battlefront.com
Battlefront.com is an independent,
internet-based publisher and developer of superior war and strategy games,
among them the award-winning 3D tactical WWII combat simulation series
Combat Mission (three successive Wargame of the Year Awards). Other titles
include the grand strategy classic Strategic Command 2 Blitzkrieg by
award-winning designer Hubert Cater, the WWII air combat game Down in
Flames and the Eastern Front expansion by Dan Verssen, the uniquely
"realistic" Sci-Fi combat game DropTeam and the famous TacOps 4
modern combat simulation, a commercial version of the official tactical
training tool used by the U.S. Army. Upcoming titles include, the ultimate
Napoleonic combat simulation HistWar: Les Grognards from Jean-Michel
Mathé, and the long awaited next installment in the Combat Mission
series, Combat Mission Shock Force, with an all new focus on modern
tactical combat! Besides computer games, Battlefront.com offers a
selection of books, prints, and other warfare related articles to one of
the world's largest and fastest growing wargamer fan communities!
Find out more at www.battlefront.com
About 1C Company
1C Company specializes in distribution,
publishing and development of interactive entertainment products and
business software. Founded in 1991, 1C has become the leading publisher
and distributor of computer games in Eastern and Central Europe. 1C
Company is widely acknowledged as a game developer and has several
internal studios. Internal developments of 1C include IL-2 Sturmovik, IL-2
Sturmovik: Forgotten Battles, Aces Expansion Pack and Pacific Fighters. 1C
Company works as a publisher and producer with over 30 independent
development studios and has produced over 100 projects for PC and
consoles.
For more information about 1C Company,
please visit: http://int.games.1c.ru
Gears of War Title Update to
Feature New Multiplayer Mode
Don’t let the lull in gunfire and
grenades fool you. “Gears of War ®”, rated M for Mature, is readying
its next deadly onslaught with an upcoming title update, currently set to
siege Xbox LIVE on April 9 at 4:00 p.m. PDT. In addition to the small-arms
fire of a few impactful adjustments to the title’s multiplayer battles,
the “Gears of War” title update will deliver an explosive and
game-changing new multiplayer mode known as Annex.
In Annex, gamers seize victory by
keeping control over key map locations, or objectives, long enough to
collect a winning number of points. Every map contains two to five
identified objectives available for capture, with one objective active at
a time. Objectives are based on map weapon-spawn locations and have a
potential value of 60 points toward either team’s score. Teams collect
those points by maintaining ownership of an objective until all 60 points
have been distributed. Every second that a team controls an objective, the
team gets one point. When an objective falls to zero points, the next
objective is selected at random.
COG soldiers and the Locust Horde alike
can visit www.gearsofwar.com for further details.
And while defending their objectives
against the onslaught of Xbox LIVE opponents, gamers may notice the
following minor adjustments to “Gears of War”:
VGA Cable Support: Monitor resolution
widths greater than or equal to 1280 now render as letterbox. In
particular VGA users running at 1280x1024 will now see the game in full
720p (1280x720) resolution in letterboxed form. Adjusted Assassination
Multiplayer Gametype: Leader no longer has to unlock weapons and now has
to be executed to die. Adjusted Boomshot: Splash damage to be more
effective rendering targets down-but-not-out Adjusted Hammer of Dawn:
Aiming will be more forgiving of moving targets Adjusted Roadie Run:
Reduced frequency of accidently grabbing cover while running Kill Message
Ticker: Ticker can now be seen while down-but-not-out and spectating
General: Addressed a number of possible exploits in multiplayer
Grab your grenades and ready your rifles
as “Gears of War” improves its aim and prepares to continue the
battle!
MAJESCO ENTERTAINMENT TRANSFORMS
SUDOKU WITH CARTOON IMAGERY
AS IT SHIPS ‘TOON-DOKU’ FOR THE NINTENDO DS™
EDISON, N.J., April 10th, 2007 –
Majesco Entertainment Company (NASDAQ: COOL), an innovative provider of
digital entertainment products and content, today announced that it has
shipped Toon-Doku for the Nintendo DS™. Developed by Dragon’s Den
Unlimited, Toon-Doku incorporates fun cartoon pictures into traditional
Sudoku puzzles while adding a competitive multiplayer experience into the
mix.
“Toon-Doku capitalizes on the
popularity of Sudoku but in a more approachable format for younger
players,” said Ken Gold, vice president of Marketing. “We believe this
graphical twist on the standard puzzler and its value-oriented $19.99
price point will attract gamers looking for a new portable challenge.”
Toon-Doku features 250 different images
players can place on the board to complete each puzzle. A deep Edit Mode
lets budding artists create their own customized pieces for play or trade
with friends. In addition to three multiplayer modes, Toon-Doku includes a
unique Distraction System that lets gamers block portions of their
opponent’s board to thwart their progress in competitive matches.
Rated E for Everyone, Toon-Doku has a
suggested retail price of $19.99. More information about Toon-Doku and
Majesco’s exciting line of products can be found online at
www.majescoentertainment.com.
About Majesco Entertainment Company
Headquartered in Edison, NJ, with an
international office based in Bristol, UK, Majesco Entertainment Company
(NASDAQ: COOL) is an innovative provider of digital entertainment products
and content, with a focus on publishing video games for leading portable
systems and the Wii™ console. Current product line highlights include
Cake Mania™ for the Nintendo DS™, Cooking Mama: Cook Off for the Wii™
console and JAWS™ Unleashed. More information about Majesco can be found
online at www.majescoentertainment.com.
MY LITTLE FLUFTIES
New trailer online
Liezen, Austria, April 10th 2007;
G-Stars und Lexicon Entertainment present a new My Little Flufties
Trailer. This summer the cute animals will be available for Nintendo DS!
Have a look at the colourfull and cute world of My Little Flufties!
Download Trailer (10,7 MB) JoWooD Server
If you host or post please let me know!
About My Little Flufties
“My Little Flufites” – a game for
3 to 8 years old children will fascinate young gamer with cute characters
and animations and will amuse them by sweet comics and an easy gameplay.
There is definitely no violence in this game and the entire environment
appears soothing and peaceful.
In this life-simulation children
supervise their virtual pets and learn in an easy and playable way to take
over responsibility for somebody. In this colourful world of fairy stories
many exciting quests are waiting for the gamer who will handle them
together with his little friends – the flufties.
Features:
Cute, colourful and appealing cartoon
styled graphics.
5 adorable species/creatures to care for
and all fully animated
A delightful and fascinating fairy tale
world that will captivate young minds
5 exciting bonus games: Fish-o-matic,
Hopscotch, Mole-o-matic, Shoot-the balloons and Find the Tweet-Tweet
Huge Replayabilty
Rewards to keep young minds focused
Statistics and help screens
Calm and relaxing ambience, with 25
minutes of orchestral music
Developer: DK-Games Release: Q2 2007
About G-Stars G-Stars a division of
Jowood AG G-Stars, the newly introduced value label of Jowood Productions
Software AG, will publish about 9 to 12 games each year, with a strong
focus on PC, PS2 and Ninentdo DS.
G-Stars stands for quality at an
affordable price, fun and instant sense of achievement, moderate system
requirements as well as user-friendly handling of games.
