>
March 7, 2008
MLB 2K8 demo arrives on XBL
GarageGames' Torque upgraded
NCsoft adds Euro Lineage II server
2K Sports Announces Free Demo of
Major League Baseball® 2K8 Now Available for Download on Xbox LIVE®
Marketplace
While dedicated fans eagerly await the
launch of the highly anticipated title, Major League Baseball® 2K8, 2K
Sports today announced a free demo is now available for download through
Xbox LIVE® Marketplace. Players will be able to practice their skills at
Boston’s legendary Fenway Park by playing three full innings as either
the Colorado Rockies or Boston Red Sox.
The free game demo will also offer fans
a chance to experience the new and exciting features that Major League
Baseball 2K8 brings to the virtual diamond through retooled pitching,
batting, fielding and baserunning gameplay mechanics. Fans will also get a
sneak peek at the stunning realism and depth of gameplay in Major League
Baseball 2K8 through new Signature Style™ animations and redesigned
stadiums that showcase the detail and specific architecture of each city.
Major League Baseball 2K8, rated E for
Everyone by the ESRB, is now available in retail stores for Xbox 360®
video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, PLAYSTATION®3
computer entertainment system, PlayStation®2 computer entertainment
system, PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) system, and Wii™ home video game
system.
For more information about Major League
Baseball 2K8, please visit www.2Ksports.com.
NCsoft Europe prepares to launch
new European server for Lineage II: The Chaotic Throne
Increased demand for NCsoft’s
acclaimed MMORPG Lineage II celebrated with launch of additional EU
server.
Brighton, England (6th March 2008) –
NCsoft® Europe, the world’s leading publisher and developer of
online games, will soon be launching a new European server for its hit
massively multiplayer online PC game, Lineage® II.
Since its worldwide launch in late 2003,
Lineage II has been an unparalleled success, reaching more than 17 million
players worldwide and gaining a reputation as the gaming market’s
premier player-versus-player (PvP) MMOG. Following the December 2007
launch of Lineage II’s latest expansion, The Kamael, which added a
staggering gigabyte’s worth of new content to the game, demand for
European server access is running at an all time high as new players rush
to join long-time fans. By launching a new server, called Luna, alongside
the existing European servers Franz and Teon, NCsoft Europe has quickly
moved to ensure continued, instant access and smooth online gameplay for
new and current players of Lineage II.
Lineage II is an epic, online fantasy
adventure like no other. It offers a dynamic online world, drawn in
exquisite detail and populated with wonderfully lush landscapes,
intricately sculpted fortresses and beautifully realised characters.
Players can storm massive castles, fend off majestic beasts, ride dragons
into battle and conquer formidable rival clans as they aim to become part
of the Kingdom of Aden’s political and social elite. With the
launch of The Kamael players can enjoy an entirely new playable race, a
mysterious breed of one winged soldiers with an affinity to dark magic,
along with a completely enhanced new player experience that’s
helped to introduce thousands of new adventurers to Lineage II’s
incredible world.
 “Lineage II is a remarkable
game that truly encapsulates the very best that the massively multiplayer
online RPG genre has to offer. With its deep, immersive gameplay and
thrilling player Vs player combat the demand for server access across
Europe continues to be incredible.” said Mirko Gozzo, Lineage II
product manager at NCsoft Europe. “We’re delighted to be
launching a brand new European server for a game that continues to go from
strength to strength.”
NCsoft expects the new Lineage II
server, Luna, to launch at the end of April.
The standard edition box of Lineage II:
The Kamael is available now at major retailers at a recommended retail
price of £14.99 / €19.99 and at the PlayNC® store (http://eu.plaync.com/eu/store/).
The game includes a 15 day time card in addition to the standard 30 days
play; giving players a total of 45 days play time. Monthly subscription
fee to the game is £8.99 / €12.99. The game is rated 12+ by PEGI
(www.pegi.info). For more information please visit
www.discoverlineage2.com
About NCsoft Europe NCsoft Europe (NCE)
is headquartered in Brighton, United Kingdom and is wholly-owned
subsidiary of Korea-based NCsoft Corporation, the world's leading
developer and publisher of online games. NCsoft operates publishing
offices within North America, Japan, Taiwan, China and Thailand and has
development studios in Seattle, Austin, California (North America) and
Seoul (Korea). NCE recently announced the formation of the first European
development studio, based within the UK.
NCE began operations on 1st September
2004 and serves as a central hub for all NCsoft sales, marketing and
distribution operations in Europe, via its European distribution network.
The company has successfully launched multiple online titles and continues
to support its franchises, which include Lineage II (November 2004), City
of Heroes® (4th February 2005), Guild Wars® (28th April 2005), City
of Villains® (31st October 2005), Guild Wars Factions™ (28th
April 2006), Guild Wars Nightfall™ (27th October 2006), Guild Wars:
Eye of the North™ (31st August 2007) and Richard Garriott’s
Tabula Rasa® (2nd November 2007). More information about NCsoft Europe
can be found at http://eu.plaync.com.
###
NCsoft, the interlocking NC logo, Tabula
Rasa, PlayNC, Lineage, Guild Wars, Guild Wars Factions, Guild Wars
Nightfall, Guild Wars: Eye of the North, City of Heroes and City of
Villains and all associated logos and designs are trademarks or registered
trademarks of NCsoft Corporation. All other trademarks are the property of
their respective owners.
GarageGames releases Torque 360
1.5
Eugene, OR, March 6, 2008 -- GarageGames, the leading technology provider
for independent game developers, has released version 1.5 of their Torque
engine for Xbox 360 development. The update includes performance
advancements and additional functionality including support for
GarageGames' Torque Game Builder drag and drop 2D engine and tools.
Torque 360 received numerous
improvements in 2007 and now shares code entirely with Torque Game Engine
Advanced for PC development. Developers can use Torque 360 to build their
game on separate PCs with just one dev kit for testing. Torque 360 1.5
features an abstracted graphics layer, physics layer, and a brand new
sound system. It also ships with a sample implementation for Xbox 360
specific functionality including leaderboards, sign-on / sign-off,
multiplayer lobbies and voice chat. Additionally, Torque 360 handles
automatic generation of vertex and pixel shaders consistent with the
Torque texture pipeline.
"Our Torque 360 code base benefited
from a number of significant improvements in the past year. We've made
large stability and rendering optimizations and developers should see
increased performance in almost every area," offered Pat Wilson,
Engine Developer at GarageGames. "Games like Buccaneer, Marble Blast
Ultra, and Screwjumper have begun to show what Torque 360 is capable
of."
Hothead Games of Vancouver, BC chose
Torque to develop Penny Arcade Adventures -- a game that will appear on
PC, Mac, and Xbox 360 -- in part for it's cross-platform support.
"Using Torque in development of Penny Arcade Adventures really helped
us get up to speed quickly and has helped us bring the game to more
gamers," said Vlad Ceraldi of Hothead Games. "Our first title,
On the Rain-slick Precipice of Darkness Episode 1, will be fully cross
platform (Windows, Mac and Linux), and of course, we are also bringing the
game to Xbox LIVE Arcade. Rather than building platform code from from the
ground up, using Torque gave us far more time to hone the actual
game."
According to GarageGames, Torque 360 is
a very popular solution for developers targeting Xbox LIVE Arcade titles.
With more than a dozen titles already published to Xbox LIVE Arcade to
date and many more in development, GarageGames has claimed that Torque 360
is the most popular solution for LIVE Arcade games in the industry.
The company's website states that Torque
360 licensing for developers has no term limits on development and a
zero-royalty, flat-fee structure. It also says that heavily discounted
license pricing is available for games targeting the Xbox Live Arcade
downloadable service versus those aiming for disc-based retail delivery.
> March 6, 2008
Gran Turismo 5 details emerge
More Guitar Hero III tracks coming
Vehicles, Tracks and Additional
Features Confirmed for Gran Turismo(TM)5 Prologue in North America
Famed Racing Franchise's 5th Installment
Will Include Over 60 Vehicles, Six Tracks and a Host of Additional
Features for North American PLAYSTATION(R)3 Users
FOSTER CITY, Calif., March 6 /PRNewswire/
-- Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. (SCEA) announced today the
robust vehicle roster, track list and a host of additional features for
the April 17 North American availability of Gran Turismo(TM)5 Prologue,
exclusively on PLAYSTATION(R)3 (PS3(TM)). Gran Turismo 5 Prologue is the
latest installment of the billion dollar selling racing franchise and
intense precursor to Gran Turismo(TM)5. Headlining the roster of over 60
vehicles and 14 additional tuned cars is the Ferrari 599, the Nissan GT-R
and the Audi R8 4.2 FSI R Tronic. Players can race these cars and many
more around six meticulously rendered tracks, including Daytona
International Speedway(R), London City track and a series favorite, High
Speed Ring. Furthermore, additional features will be available to North
American consumers, including a Drift Mode, Car Tuning, two-player split
screen racing and a new set of offline and online Race Events. "This
impressive vehicle lineup and the additional features that cater to North
American racing fans are great compliments to Gran Turismo 5 Prologue's
stunning 1080p graphics and revolutionary online features," said
Scott A. Steinberg, vice president, product marketing, SCEA. "Fans
are sure to be pleased with the first Gran Turismo product for sale on
PLAYSTATION 3."
Vehicle Roster Acura NSX '91 Alfa Romeo
147 TI 2.0 TWIN SPARK '06 Alfa Romeo Brera Sky Window 3.2 JTS Q4 '06 Amuse
S2000 GT1 Turbo Amuse/Opera Performance Gran Turismo 350Z RS Art Morrison
Corvette'60 Aston Martin DB9 Coupe '06 Audi R8 4.2 FSI R tronic '07 Audi
TT Coupe 3.2 quattro '07 Blitz Dunlop ER34 '07 BMW 135i Coupe '07 BMW
135tii '08 BMW M3 Coupe '07 BMW Z4 '03 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 (C6) Tuned
Car Chevrolet Corvette Z06 '06 Citroen C4 Coupe 2.0VTS '06 Clio Renault
Sport V6 24V Tuned Car Daihatsu Copen Active Top '02 Daihatsu OFC-1 '07
Dodge Viper GTS Dodge Viper SRT10 Coupe Dodge Viper SRT10 Coupe Tuned Car
Ferrari 512BB '76 Ferrari 599 '06 Ferrari F40 '92 Ferrari F430 '06 Ford
Focus ST '06 Ford GT '05 Ford GT Tuned Car Ford Mustang V8 GT Coupe
Premium '07 Honda Integra TYPE R '04 Honda NSX Type R '02 Jaguar XK Coupe
'06 Lancia Delta HF Integrale Evoluzione '91 Lexus IS F '07 Lexus IS F
Tuned Car Lotus Elise 111R '04 Lotus Elise 111R Tuned Car Lotus Elise '96
Lotus Elise Tuned Car Mazda Atenza Sport (2007 Tokyo Motor Show reference
exhibit) Mazda RX-7 (FD) Special Tuned Car Mazda RX-7 Spirit R Type A (FD)
'02 Mazda RX-7 Spirit R Type A (FD) Tuned Car Mazda RX-8 Type S '03
Mercedes-Benz SL 55 AMG '02 Mine's BNR34 Skyline GT-R N1 base '06 Mini
Cooper-S '06 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution IX GSR '05 Mitsubishi Lancer
Evolution X GSR Premium Package '07 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X GSR
Tuned Car Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution IX GSR Tuned Car Nissan Fairlady Z
Version S '07 Nissan GT-R '07 Nissan GT-R Proto '05 Nissan Skyline Coupe
(V36) Tuned Car Nissan Skyline Coupe 370GT Type SP '07 Nissan Skyline
Coupe Concept '07 Nissan Skyline GT-R V-spec II Nur '02 Nissan Skyline
Sedan 350GT Type SP '06 Peugeot 207GTI '07 Peugeot 307cc Premium AVN '04
RE Amemiya FD3S RX-7 Renault Clio Renault Sport V6 24V '00 Subaru Impreza
Sedan WRX STI spec C Type RA '05 Subaru Impreza WRX STI (18inch BBS Wheel
Option) '07 Suzuki Cappuccino '95 Suzuki Cappuccino Tuned Car Suzuki Cervo
SR '07 Suzuki Swift Sport '07 Suzuki Swift Sport Tuned Car TVR Tamora '02
TVR Tuscan Speed 6 '00 Volkswagen Golf GTI '01 Volkswagen Golf V GTI '05
Track List Gran Turismo 5 Prologue will
feature six tracks, each with two track layouts.
Suzuka Circuit Eiger Nordwand Fuji
Speedway London City Track Daytona International Speedway(R) High Speed
Ring
Gran Turismo 5 Prologue Additional
Features for North America
-- Drift Mode -- The player's drifting
technique is measured based on drift angles, racing lines, and speeds
within evaluation zones located at various turns on the course. -- In
Depth Car Tuning -- Players have the ability to adjust the vehicle's
performance, including power, weight, tires and suspension. -- Two-player
Split Screen Racing -- Allows players to race head-to-head against friends
and foes offline. -- New Race Events -- New racing events and time trials
are available for players to race both offline and online. Gran Turismo 5
Prologue supports up to 16 players racing online simultaneously.
Gran Turismo 5 Prologue will feature
various innovative and revolutionary modes to harness the PS3's
capabilities while further developing an automotive lifestyle and global
community. Among them is Gran Turismo(TM)TV, a new dedicated online
channel available exclusively from PLAYSTATION(R)Network that delivers
worldwide motorsport programming and manufacturer content. A new
in-cockpit view features real-time gauges and human animations that
accurately represent the true performance and handling of each vehicle.
More dynamic and adjustable Artificial Intelligence, a user homepage
called My Page and a new physics engine round out some of the other
features players can expect in Gran Turismo 5 Prologue. To extend the
realistic driving experience, Prologue is also compatible with the new
DUALSHOCK(R)3 wireless controller, which has vibration functionality. Gran
Turismo 5 Prologue will be available for $39.99 SRP on Blu-ray Disc(TM)
(BD) and as a download via PLAYSTATION(R)Store. The BD version will offer
added value with an exclusive behind-the-scenes High Definition (HD) video
feature called "Beyond the Apex". The independent Entertainment
Software Rating Board (ESRB) rating for Gran Turismo 5 Prologue is
"E" for "Everyone." For more information about the
ESRB visit http://www.esrb.org.
About Gran Turismo(TM) With more than 48
million units shipped worldwide, the award-winning Gran Turismo(TM)
franchise for the PlayStation(R), PlayStation(R)2 computer entertainment
system and PLAYSTATION(R)3 is regarded as the best and most authentic
driving simulation ever created due to its true-to-life graphics,
authentic physics technology and design. Since the inception of the Gran
Turismo franchise, famed creator Kazunori Yamauchi and Polyphony Digital
Inc. in Japan have revolutionized the racing category as we know it today.
Polyphony Digital's offerings provide users with the most true-to-life
driving simulation in the industry and a unique medium for automotive
manufacturers to showcase their products.
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) handheld entertainment system, and the
ground-breaking PLAYSTATION(R)3 (PS3(TM)) computer entertainment system
and its online and network services PLAYSTATION(R)Network and
PLAYSTATION(R)Store. 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.
ACTIVISION UNVEILS NEW
DOWNLOADABLE CONTENT IN MARCH FOR GUITAR HERO® III: LEGENDS OF ROCK
Modern Metal Pack to Feature
Chart-Toppers from Avenged
Sevenfold, Deftones and Thrice
Dropkick Murphys On Tap for Free
Download Available in Time for St.
Patrick’s Day Celebrations
SANTA MONICA, CA – March 6, 2008 –
New downloadable songs for Activision Inc.’s Guitar Hero III: Legends of
Rock are set to storm living rooms across the globe with the release of
two new track packs.
Available today is the Modern Metal pack
which let's players jam to master recordings of Deftones’ “Hole in the
Earth,” Avenged Sevenfold’s “Almost Easy” and Thrice’s “The
Arsonist.” The track pack is now on Xbox LIVE® Marketplace for Xbox
360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and will be
available later today on PLAYSTATION®Store for the PLAYSTATION®3
computer entertainment system.
Additionally, Activision will be kicking
off the St. Patrick’s Day celebrations with a special free track pack
from the popular Celtic punk band Dropkick Murphys that will be available
mid March. Straight from the band’s sixth album, The Meanest of Times,
the Dropkick Murphys pack will include master recordings of “Famous for
Nothing,” “(F)lannigan’s Ball” and “Johnny, I Hardly Knew Ya.”
The track pack will be available for free to download on Xbox LIVE
Marketplace and PLAYSTATION®Store.
Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock offers
the ultimate rock experience with new wireless guitars, freshly added
content and features including a multiplayer action-inspired battle mode,
grueling boss battles, a host of exclusive unlockable content and visually
stunning rock venues. Expanded online multiplayer modes allow
axe-shredders worldwide to compete head-to-head for true rock status as
they riff through a star-studded soundtrack including master tracks by
legendary artists such as Aerosmith, Guns 'N' Roses, The Rolling Stones,
Beastie Boys, Rage Against the Machine and Pearl Jam, as well as original
songs by guitar icons Slash and Tom Morello. Guitar Hero III: Legends of
Rock is now available and is rated "T" for Teen by the ESRB. For
more information visit www.guitarhero.com.
About Activision, Inc.
Headquartered in Santa Monica,
California, Activision, Inc. is a leading worldwide developer, publisher
and distributor of interactive entertainment and leisure products. Founded
in 1979, Activision posted net revenues of $1.5 billion for the fiscal
year ended March 31, 2007.
Activision maintains operations in the
U.S., Canada, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Sweden,
Spain, the Netherlands, Australia, Japan and South Korea. More information
about Activision and its products can be found on the company's World Wide
Web site, which is located at www.activision.com.
> March
5, 2008
Space Ace heads for Blu-Ray
Fate of Hellas screened, boxed
Major League Baseball 2K8 swings
2K Sports’ Major League
Baseball® 2K8 Hits Retail Store Shelves
Fans to enjoy the most fun and complete
baseball experience available on the virtual diamond
New York, NY – March 4, 2008 – 2K
Sports, the sports publishing label of Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc.
(NASDAQ: TTWO), announced today that the highly anticipated title, Major
League Baseball® 2K8, is now available on retail store shelves
nationwide. As the most fun and exciting baseball experience on the
market, Major League Baseball 2K8 revolutionizes player control in the
latest installment of the popular franchise with brand-new pitching,
fielding and baserunning, as well as a completely overhauled batting
interface.
To bring fans closer to the action than
ever before, Major League Baseball 2K8 will also feature authentic Major
League and Minor League™ stadiums that have been redesigned for
accuracy, complete with the details and specific architecture of each
ballpark and city. Other in-game features include a wholly unique trading
card system to reward special achievements, robust Minor League system
including 90 playable teams, all-new Signature Style™ animations
complete with home run celebrations and unique player walk-ups, and much
more.
“We’re excited to offer our
dedicated fans an incredibly fun and enriching baseball experience with
Major League Baseball 2K8,” said Christoph Hartmann, president of 2K.
“With the added level of depth and realism this year, including the new
intuitive player controls, online trading card system and fully playable
minor league teams, Major League Baseball 2K8 provides fans the
opportunity to enjoy playing baseball like never before.”
Some of the exciting new features** and
added content in Major League Baseball 2K8 include:
Total Pitch Control -- A new, innovative
pitching interface allows players to emulate the realistic motion of
pitching a baseball. Speed and accuracy are achieved by matching specific
gestures and release with the right analog stick, simulating the arm and
wrist action involved in throwing that particular type of pitch.
Swing Stick 2.0 -- Improved batting
controls offer players unparalleled ball-to-bat contact that is determined
by timing, direction and pitch location for a greater variety of realistic
hits, including grounders, blooper singles, dribblers, gappers, and long
home runs using the right analog stick.
All-New Baserunning -- Simplified
controls allow fans to easily select players with the left analog stick
and guide them toward specified bases with ease.
Precision Throw Control -- Provides
unprecedented control over throw accuracy using the right analog stick,
bringing a new level of realism to playing defense.
Full Minor Leagues -- Fans will be
treated to 90 playable authentic Minor League teams, along with 18 Minor
League stadiums in franchise and exhibition modes.
Two of the Best Commentators in the
Business -- 2K Sports proudly brings back to the broadcast booth the
popular duo of Jon Miller and Hall of Famer Joe Morgan, delivering the
most entertaining and deepest commentary available in any baseball
franchise.
2K Trading Cards -- Earn them, share
them, collect them, trade them, and then take a card-based team online to
compete. Unlock and open trading card packs for the most in-depth card
trading system ever, taking the Major League Baseball 2K community to a
new level.
Online Additions -- Experience all-new
multi-player offerings, including new online lobbies to help users match
up with others who want to play with a similar style, including a “Strikes
Only” lobby, where pitchers can only throw in the strike zone, and
lobbies where players use the advanced analog stick controls or the
controls from previous iterations of the Major League Baseball 2K series.
With more than one million dedicated gamers in the 2K community, it’s
always game time.
A Smashing Soundtrack -- 2K Sports has
partnered with Pitchfork Media to construct an epic and cutting edge
in-game soundtrack for the diverse tastes of today’s gamers. Some of the
featured artists include Modest Mouse, Peter Bjorn & John, the Cure,
the Strokes, LCD Soundsystem, The Cool Kids, and Black Rebel Motorcycle
Club.
**Certain features will vary between
platforms.
Major League Baseball 2K8, rated E for
Everyone by the ESRB, is now available for Xbox 360® video game and
entertainment system from Microsoft, PLAYSTATION®3 and PlayStation®2
computer entertainment systems, PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) system, and
Wii™ home video game system.
For more information, log onto
http://www.2ksports.com.
About Take-Two Interactive Software
Headquartered in New York City, Take-Two
Interactive Software, Inc., is a global developer, marketer, distributor
and publisher of interactive entertainment software games for the PC,
PLAYSTATION®3 and PlayStation®2 computer entertainment systems, PSP® (PlayStation®Portable)
system, Xbox 360® and Xbox® video game and entertainment systems from
Microsoft, Wii™, Nintendo GameCube™, Nintendo DS™ and Game Boy®
Advance. The Company publishes and develops products through its wholly
owned labels Rockstar Games, 2K Games, 2K Sports and 2K Play, and
distributes software, hardware and accessories in North America through
its Jack of All Games subsidiary. Take-Two’s common stock is publicly
traded on NASDAQ under the symbol TTWO. For more corporate and product
information please visit our website at www.take2games.com.
All trademarks and copyrights contained
herein are the property of their respective holders.
Major League Baseball trademarks and
copyrights are used with permission of Major League Baseball Properties,
Inc. Visit the official Major League Baseball website at MLB.com © MLBPA-Official
Licensee, Major League Baseball Players Association. Visit
www.MLBPLAYERS.com, the Players Choice on the web.
Microsoft, Xbox, Xbox 360, Xbox LIVE,
and the Xbox logos are trademarks of the Microsoft group of companies and
are used under license from Microsoft.
“PlayStation”, “PLAYSTATION”,
and “PS” Family logo are registered trademarks of Sony Computer
Entertainment Inc.
Wii and Nintendo DS are trademarks of
Nintendo. © 2006 Nintendo.
FATE OF HELLAS – JOWOOD
PRODUCTIONS PRESENTS BOXSHOT AND NEW SCREENSHOTS
Fate of Hellas – new screenshots –
cover revealed Liezen, Austria, March 4th 2008; Be prepared to watch as
JoWooD Productions revives an ancient Greece tale with the new strategy
game “Fate of Hellas”. Soon you will be able to participate in
battles, with Alexander the Great himself, using your tactical knowledge
as you crush your enemies and emerge as the victor.
Thrilling realtime battles in ancient
Greece „Fate of Hellas“ is an RTS game, which takes the player to
ancient Greece: 2500 Years ago, before the rise of Rome, fierce battles
between the Greeks and their enemies took place.
Build formations with your troops 3
different formations for strategic fights!
Equip your troops with weapons from your
defeated enemies Pick up the weapons left behind by your enemies after you
have killed them in combat
Besiege the citys of historic Greece!
The more cities you conquer, the greater your power on the battlefield
More than 60 different characters!
Different fighters, buildings, vehicles and many more
Developer: WorldForge Genre: Real Time
Strategy Expected age rating: 16+ UK Release: March 28th 2008
About JoWooD Productions Software AG
JoWooD Productions Software AG (ATXPrime: JWD) is listed in the Prime
Market segment of the Vienna stock exchange. JoWooD is a leading publisher
of computer and videogames, releasing international acclaimed,
high-quality titles for all existing and future gaming systems. JoWooD
games are distributed worldwide by an efficient net of distribution
partners. Visit http://corporate.jowood.com for more information.
The Fate of Earth is in your Hands
as Classic Space Ace releases on High Definition this Spring
GORMLEY, Ontario, Canada – February 5,
2008 – Ready your laser gun for a cutting-edge high definition gaming
experience when Space Ace arrives on Blu-ray from Digital Leisure. The
follow-up to last year’s release of Dragon’s Lair, Space Ace has been
completely restored and enhanced with an all-new 5.1 surround sound mix.
From legendary animator Don Bluth (An
American Tail, The Land Before Time), Space Ace allows you to play the
heroic Ace who must stop the evil Commander Borf from taking over the
Earth! Armed with only a laser gun, Ace must find and destroy the ‘Infanto
Ray’, rescue his girlfriend Kimberly and save the Earth. All in a day’s
work for a superhero, right?
Space Ace was authored in both the Blu-ray
Java environment (BD-J) and which will allow users of both formats to
enjoy a fully arcade-authentic experience.
All of the special features on the disc
were shot natively in 1080p including all-new interviews with creators Don
Bluth, Gary Goldman and Rick Dyer, and for the first time a full length
visual commentary of the game.
The Blu-ray disc includes the following
special features:
- Interviews with game creators Don
Bluth, Gary Goldman & Rick Dyer
- Picture in Picture video commentary
from the creators
- Viewing Mode Option: Widescreen (16:9)
or Anamorphic (4:3) video playback
- Watch Mode – Watch Don Bluth’s
stunning animation without playing
- Subtitled: English, French, Spanish,
Italian and German
Space Ace Blu-ray will be available
April 8th at many software and movie retailers as well as online at
www.digitalleisure.com. Digital Leisure plans to follow up the release of
Dragon’s Lair and Space Ace with Dragon's Lair II: Time Warp later this
year.
Update: Space Ace HD DVD has been
cancelled due to Toshiba's cessation of support for the format.
> March 4, 2008
God of War unchained on PSP
MLB 08 steps up to the plate
Dungeon Runners updated
Shrapnel Games on sale
Award-Winning Franchise Makes Its
Debut On PSP(R) (PlayStation(R)Portable) With God Of War(R): Chains Of
Olympus
Third Installment of the Multi-Million
Unit Franchise is a Prequel to the Infamous Story of Kratos and his Epic
Odyssey Against the Gods
FOSTER CITY, Calif., March 4 /PRNewswire/
-- Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. (SCEA) announced today the
North American release of God of War(R): Chains of Olympus, exclusively
for PSP(R) (PlayStation(R) Portable). Collaboratively developed by Sony
Computer Entertainment's Worldwide Studios, Santa Monica Studio and Ready
at Dawn(R) Studios, the acclaimed development team that brought you the
best-selling Daxter(TM) for PSP, the highly-anticipated God of War: Chains
of Olympus combines stunning graphics, intense action and an intricate new
storyline that delivers yet another tale of epic proportions from the dark
and brutal world of Greek Mythology. Following in the footsteps of its
predecessors, God of War: Chains of Olympus is set to deliver everything
that fans have come to expect from the God of War franchise. With high fan
anticipation and a 94% rating on GameRankings.com, supported with the
following review scores from leading gaming media outlets: PlayStation the
Official Magazine -- 5/5 and the Editor's Choice Award, Game Informer --
9/10 and the Handheld Game of the Month Award, Game Pro -- 4.75/5 and the
Editor's Choice Award, IGN.com -- 9.4/10 and the Editor's Choice Award,
1Up.com -- 9.5/10, and Gamezone.com -- 9.5/10, God of War: Chains of
Olympus is poised to set a new standard for PSP titles. "God of War:
Chains of Olympus is a stellar achievement that truly shows off the
capabilities of PSP and fully demonstrates our efforts to bring
highly-innovative and unique content to PSP," said Jeff Reese,
director, software marketing, SCEA. "If you're a fan of the God of
War universe or even just the action-adventure genre, God of War: Chains
of Olympus delivers an epic gameplay experience and is a-must-own
title."
About God of War: Chains of Olympus God
of War: Chains of Olympus is a prequel to the first installment of the
franchise, and begins with Kratos embarking on a journey across mysterious
new environments that are engulfed in darkness and completely untouched by
mortals. The Gods have been rendered powerless from the state of their
world, leaving Kratos with only one choice -- he must square off against
the most vicious of demonic creatures from Greek Mythology and choose
between saving his soul or the ancient world from imminent and total
destruction. Armed with a set of brand new combat moves, magics and
weapons that compliment existing favorites, players must lead the Spartan
Warrior through foreboding environments, while unraveling story-driven
puzzles and battling creatures from the dark underworld. Packed with
intense action, epic backdrops and set pieces, and a new captivating
storyline, God of War: Chains of Olympus delivers an engaging gameplay
experience from start to finish, emblematic to that which fans have come
to expect and love of the franchise.
About God of War: Chains of Olympus
Marketing Campaign To celebrate the launch of God of War: Chains of
Olympus, SCEA has created an integrated marketing campaign incorporating
an advertising program with a major television push, full online, out of
home, in-store and print support. The campaign features epic and
atmospheric creative's centering on the impossible task that faces Kratos
in bringing his own vicious style of revenge. The independent
Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) rates God of War: Chains of
Olympus is rated "M" for "Mature 17+" (Descriptors:
Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Nudity, Sexual Themes, Strong Language).
For more information about the ESRB, visit http://www.esrb.org.
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) handheld entertainment system, the
ground-breaking PLAYSTATION(R)3 (PS3(TM)) computer entertainment system
and its online and network services PLAYSTATION(R)Network and
PLAYSTATION(R)Store. 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 PS
one, PlayStation 2, PSP and PS3 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.
Critically Acclaimed Baseball
Franchise Set for the New Season With MLB(R) 08 THE SHOW(TM) on
PLAYSTATION(R)3, PlayStation(R)2 and PSP(R) (PlayStation(R)Portable)
Popular Baseball Title Delivers the
Perfect Blend of Unique Gameplay Features, Authenticity and Realism
FOSTER CITY, Calif., March 4 /PRNewswire/
-- Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. (SCEA) announced today the
North American launch of MLB(R) 08 THE SHOW(TM), available exclusively for
PLAYSTATION(R)3 (PS3(TM)), PlayStation(R)2 and PSP(R) (PlayStation(R)Portable).
Already widely considered the most authentic baseball franchise on the
market, MLB 08 THE SHOW comes out swinging for the fences to deliver an
unrivaled simulation with broadcast quality presentation.
Developed by Sony Computer Entertainment's Worldwide Studios, San Diego
Studio, MLB 08 THE SHOW looks to build on its critical acclaim and its
history as the longest-running officially licensed baseball title on
PlayStation(R) platforms. To provide the closest experience possible, next
to actually trying to make it in the Majors, MLB 08 THE SHOW introduces a
more immersive Road to The Show mode. As gamers attempt to make a starting
line-up in the Big Leagues, playing on both offense and defense from a
custom-created player's perspective, a more robust dynamic goal system and
a new career advancement system will determine when a player is eligible
for a promotion.
Additionally, the custom-created players are more interactive, with
pitchers now experiencing mound visits, catchers enduring more defense
situations, and with gamers being able to further adjust a player's
positioning -- all making Road to The Show mode even more realistic.
"Baseball fans know that the MLB franchise has a long-standing
winning tradition and that we strive to create highly-innovative and
intuitive features in order to deliver the best baseball title on the
market," said Jeff Reese, director, software marketing, SCEA.
"With the advancements made to the feature set, along with the
lighting, textures and the added little nuances in the game, MLB 08 THE
SHOW sets a new bar for authentic play and unsurpassed
realism."
Providing players with some additional performance incentives, the MLB
franchise introduces the new Progressive Batting Performance feature,
which will both reward players for superior performance and penalize them
for hitting slumps. Specific to each individual batter, players will be
rewarded or punished, based on how that batter that performs beyond his
"natural ability" while under user control. Adding to the online
feature set, which includes customizable Online League Play, scrolling MLB
Score Ticker and more, MLB 08 THE SHOW introduces SCOUT (SportsConnect
Online User Tracking), which allows gamers to set and store their game
preferences on the MLB server, and then enables the system to look for a
Quick Match with opponents that fit similar competitive criteria.
As the only first party franchise officially licensed by Major League
Baseball Properties Inc. (MLBP), Major League Baseball Advanced Media (MLBAM)
and the Major League Baseball Players Association (MLBPA), MLB 08 THE SHOW
features more than 3,000 individual player animations, including
personalized stances, pitching animations, individual swings, batting
rituals and motion captures from MLB(R) players. Additionally, the
franchise adds to the realism by including Umpire Personalities combined
with Interactive Hot and Cold Zones and Player-scaled Strike Zones,
Release, and comprehensive commentary, featuring the three-man booth of
Rex Huddler, Matt Vasgerian and Dave Campbell. Joining an elite group of
MLB All-Stars that have graced the cover of the MLB franchise, such as New
York Mets(TM) third baseman David Wright, Boston Red Sox(TM) designated
hitter David Ortiz, and Angels(TM) outfielder Vladimir Guerrero, this
year's cover athlete and spokesman, Philadelphia Phillies(TM) All-Star
first basemen Ryan Howard, is known for his personality and work ethic,
which exemplifies the MLB franchise. Howard is just the second player in
Major League Baseball(TM) history to win the Rookie of the Year honors and
a Most Valuable Player award in successive seasons. Marketing efforts for
MLB 08 THE SHOW include a marketing campaign across TV, radio, print and
online, that will run nationally throughout the entire Major League
Baseball(R) season. Additionally, MLB 08 THE SHOW will receive full public
relations and promotional support, as well as dedicated point-of-purchase
displays and merchandising support. The Independent Entertainment Software
Rating Board (ESRB) rates MLB 08 THE SHOW "E" for
"Everyone." For more information about the ESRB visit
www.esrb.org.
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) handheld entertainment system, and the
ground-breaking PLAYSTATION(R)3 (PS3(TM)) computer entertainment system
and its online and network services PLAYSTATION(R)Network and
PLAYSTATION(R)Store. 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.
NCsoft heaves out Dungeon Runners
content update
NCsoft’s Dungeon Runners team is
keeping things cool for its players by launching a new content update that
provides some frosty surprises including snowmen, a new dungeon, new items
and improvements to the waypoint system.
The content update, which is considered
more of a “Heave” than a full-blown expansion “Chunk,” introduces
a new dungeon called Balzack’s Burrow for player levels 55 and up.
Balzack’s Burrow is loaded with loot, monsters and a final boss-battle
that will require more than just mind-numbing violence in order to claim
victory.
Chill Bill, a formidable snowman and the
first NPC that players can summon in Dungeon Runners, is available at
level 30 and can help players fight enemies. He has several specialized
moves, such as the head butt, where Bill removes his head and bashes an
opponent. Chill Bill is a low maintenance snowman that can be healed by
hitting him with ice projectile spells.
Chill Bill also comes with several cool
skills including “On the Rocks” which freezes Bill in a solid bock of
ice, slowing down nearby enemies; “Snow Globe” which stuffs Chill Bill
into a globe where he receives a major maximum health increase, and “Nippy
Twigs” a skill buff which dramatically increases Bill’s attack damage
and slows enemies.
Closing out wintertime for Dungeon
Runners is a visit by Shivery the Incorrigible Snowman who is quickly
melting in Townston, so his stay in the game will be short yet filled with
bitterness. Shivery, who is a victim of dungeon warming, will provide
players with a loot-filled quest, but not without delivering a few
pleasantries such as “…your parents didn’t love you,” and “…you
are adopted.”
Additionally, the Heave includes 51 new
quests, two new fighter armor sets, new mythic items, a two-handed rifle
for rangers and improvements to the user interface and the waypoints
system.
“I think that Dungeon Runners players
will find these new features, especially the snowmen as being pretty cool…literally,”
said Stephen Nichols, Dungeon Runners’ producer. “We are always
looking to create more ways for players to have fun while keeping the
challenge compelling. Sometimes features can be a bit silly, but that is
what makes Dungeon Runners so special.”
For more information, or to download and
play the game for free, go to www.dungeonrunners.com.
March Madness Infects Shrapnel
Games! Great Savings On Select Titles All Month Long!
Hampstead, NC, 04 March 2008 - Shrapnel
Games has been touched by madness this March and we want to pass it along
to you! Don't worry, this isn't the kind of madness that involves a
combination of nudity, stacks of old newspapers, and empty peanut butter
jars, nor is it an insanity that will make you think that 'Chairman of the
Board' was the greatest cinematic triumph of the modern age. No, this
madness comes in the form of spectacular savings at the Gamers Front all
month long!
First, let us open the gates of
pandemonium with a $7.00 savings off the always popular Dominions 3: The
Awakening. Dominions 3: The Awakening is available for Windows, Mac, and
Linux and is by far one of the greatest gaming investments you will ever
make.
Dominions 3: The Awakening is an epic
turn-based fantasy strategy title that has garnered a multitude of awards
since its release, beloved by both critic and gamer alike. Up to
twenty-one players vie for divine supremacy using a combination of
cunning, brute force, and diabolical magic to crush all who would oppose
your rightful rule. Eminently moddable, even if you think you've seen it
all with the base fifty plus nations, three eras, thousands of units and
hundreds of magic items, the community is constantly adding to the game.
Next, soak in the glorious din of the
madhouse and enjoy $5.00 off the retail price of the winSPMBT Enhanced CD
Edition. winSPMBT, based on the timeless Steel Panthers 2 and a new
classic in its own right, is a consim of combined arms warfare from 1946
until 2020 for Windows. Featuring a grognard's delight of hex and turn
based gameplay, for anyone who grew up on the classic Avalon Hill and SPI
titles of yesteryear winSPMBT will feel like a time trip back to the
golden age of board gaming--only this time on your 'puter.
The winSPMBT Enhanced CD Edition
features everything you'll find the basic version, such as scores of
exciting scenarios and weapon platforms from the world over, but also
includes plenty of awesome additions: printed quick start guide,
resolutions up to 1600x1200, 250 PBEM save slots, separate map editor with
twelve layers of undo/redo and cut and paste, encrypted secure tourney
play, and a sortable encyclopedic function!
The March Madness procession then
continues onwards towards a fantastic deal that anyone can take advantage
of this month. Any order that subtotals $75.00 or more automatically gets
a 5% discount. The order doesn't have to include any of the current
specials, just order $75.00 worth of gaming goodness and BAM! Take five
percent off that order! Easy way to save yourself a few greenbacks.
But wait, we're not done quite yet!
March enjoys teasing us with the first hints of spring, so why not begin
the spring cleaning already? We decided to do so and noticed that we had a
rather healthy stock of Land of Legends, and since that meant that instead
of people enjoying the game it was sitting in a warehouse we decided to
rectify the situation.
In addition to all the discounts listed
above we're currently running an overstock special on the safebox version
of Land of Legends for Windows. Enjoy a savings of $9.00 off its regular
retail price. Just so there's no miscommunication it's worth repeating,
the discount only applies for the physical, safebox version of the game
and not the digital download. The $9.00 savings is good through March or
until the overstock situation rectifies itself, whichever come first - so
hurry on this one!
Of Land of Legends noted gaming critic
Bruce Geryk hailed both the gameplay and UI, saying, "What it does
best is present you with interesting choices each turn, using an interface
that's so unobtrusive you wonder why every strategy interface can't be
this good." Indews Gaming Technology applauded that it's "…a
strategy title chock full of tactical nuances and deep gameplay, yet easy
enough to allow gamers to simply pick it up and play, and pace it so that
games can fit into everyone's busy lifestyle. Land of Legends succeeds at
all three."
Land of Legends is a light fantasy
strategy title with scenarios playable under an hour, yet brimming with
material that you'd expect to find in a heavier title. Featuring eight
unique fantasy races, seventy unique unit abilities, a thirty-two mission
single player campaign, skirmish mode, and a fully integrated multiplayer
matchmaking module, this is the perfect companion for Dominions 3: The
Awakening fans, or anyone who enjoys a fast paced and replayable strategy
title. And at $9.00 off there's absolutely no reason not to own it.
You'll find all these savings at our
official storefront, the Gamers Front:
www.gamersfront.com/xcart/home.php
Shrapnel Games has been bringing gaming
enthusiasts the very best in independent strategy and niche titles since
1999. Be sure to stop by www.shrapnelgames.com for a complete listing of
all titles offered, the latest news on upcoming releases, download demos,
or participate in our community, swapping war stories and mods for your
favorite games.
> March 3, 2008
Rocketman sets XBL launch
MLB 2K8 tour announced
Lost: Via Domus arrives
StratCom's design challenge
The Countdown Begins as "Rocketmen:
Axis of Evil" Lands on Xbox LIVE Arcade this Wednesday!
Help save the solar system this week
when “Rocketmen: Axis of Evil” touches down on Xbox LIVE Arcade this
Wednesday, March 5 at 9:00 a.m. GMT (1:00 a.m. PST).
Join Rocketmen Nick Sion, Alec Mink and
the Alliance of Free Planets in their white-knuckled struggle to free the
solar system from the tyrannical grip of the Legion of Terra in this RPG
styled shooter. Players have the choice to save the galaxy alone or
cooperatively with up to three other players over Xbox LIVE or locally on
the same console. With its distinctive cel-shaded art style, engaging
storyline, customizable characters and RPG elements, this shooter will
keep players coming back for more. Capcom’s “Rocketmen: Axis of Evil”
will be available worldwide (with the exception of Japan and Korea) for
800 Microsoft Points and is rated E10+ by the ESRB.
2K Sports Announces Third Annual
Major League Baseball® 2K8 Video Game Tour
Interactive tour combining video games,
music and sports invades college campuses, Best Buy stores, and Spring
Training™ baseball games
2K Sports announced today the third
annual Major League Baseball® 2K8 Video Game Tour, a mobile interactive
entertainment experience created to highlight the exciting convergence of
video games, music and sports. East Coast and West Coast tours will take
place simultaneously and make stops at more than 20 markets and 40 events
across the country. The Major League Baseball 2K8 Video Game Tour will
dispatch six 2K Sports branded mobile entertainment trucks armed with
video game stations of the hottest 2K Sports titles so consumers can try
before they buy. Gamers can participate in the open play stations or
compete in the Major League Baseball 2K8 Home Run Derby to win exclusive
prizes from 2K Sports and Major League Baseball®.
Sirius Satellite Radio DJ and emcee,
Statik Selektah, will be featured on the West Coast leg of the tour while
Boston-based celebrity DJ, Eskillz, will spin on the East Coast, as fans
will be treated to a variety of hot tracks and remixes from all of the
best 2K Sports in-game soundtracks. Complimentary music cards and game
demo discs will be given away at all tour stops. As the ultimate mobile
interactive experience for baseball fans of all ages, the Major League
Baseball 2K8 Video Game Tour will make stops in over 20 college campuses,
Major League Baseball Spring Training™ baseball games, and at designated
Best Buy parking lots across the country. All participants will receive $5
discount coupons for Major League Baseball 2K8 to redeem at Best Buy.
The full schedule for the Major League
Baseball 2K8 Video Game Tour is as follows:
West Coast Tour
March 4 Arizona State University Tempe,
AZ
March 6 Tempe Diablo Stadium Tempe, AZ
March 7 Scottsdale Resort Scottsdale, AZ
March 8 Best Buy Gaming Tournament San
Marcos, CA
March 9 Best Buy Gaming Tournament
Canoga Park, CA
March 11 San Diego State University San
Diego, CA
March 13 University of Southern
California Los Angeles, CA
March 15 Best Buy Gaming Tournament
Mesa, AZ
March 16 Phoenix Municipal Stadium
Phoenix, AZ
March 17 Tucson Electric Park Tucson, AZ
March 18 Tempe Diablo Stadium Tempe, AZ
March 19 University of Texas El Paso El
Paso, TX
March 22 Best Buy Gaming Tournament
Dallas, TX
March 23 Best Buy Gaming Tournament
Houston, TX
March 25 Sam Houston University
Huntsville, TX
March 26 University of Texas Dallas
Richardson, TX
March 27 Southwestern State University
Weatherford, OK
April 1 University of New Mexico
Albuquerque, NM
East Coast Tour
March 1 ESPN the weekend Orlando, FL
March 2 ESPN the weekend Orlando, FL
March 4 City of Palms park Ft. Myers, FL
March 5 City of Palms park Ft. Myers, FL
March 6 University of Tampa Tampa, FL
March 7 Roger Dean Stadium Jupiter, FL
March 8 Best Buy Gaming Tournament
Miami, FL
March 9 Tradition Field Port St. Lucie
March 10 Tradition Field Port St. Lucie
March 11 Georgia Southern University
Statesboro, GA
March 13 University of Alabama
Tuscaloosa, AL
March 15 University of N. Carolina
Charlotte, NC
March 18 Charleston Southern University
Charleston, NC
March 22 Best Buy Gaming Tournament
Duluth, GA
March 25 Virginia University Petersburg,
VA
March 27 University of Maryland College
Park, MD
March 29 Best Buy Gaming Tournament
Vienna, VA
March 30 Best Buy Gaming Tournament
Deptford, NJ
April 1 New York University New York, NY
April 2 Best Buy Gaming Tournament
Secaucus, NJ
April 3 Northeastern/YMCA Tourney
Boston, MA
April 5 George Washington University
Washington, DC
Major League Baseball 2K8, rated E for
Everyone by the ESRB, will be available in retail stores March 4, 2008 for
Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft,
PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system, PlayStation®2 computer
entertainment system, PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) system, and Wii™
home video game system from Nintendo.
To find out more information about the
Major League Baseball 2K8 Video Game Tour, and to find the nearest stop,
please visit www.2ksports.com.
Battlefront.com and Fury Software
are announcing the Strategic Command Design Challenge!
What started off as a forum discussion
initiated by forum member Timskorn, quickly attracted a lot of activity
and led to some really awesome design ideas for future Strategic Command
games. Frankly, it's been noticed by Hubert and we have now decided to
turn this into an officially supported community contest. With Prizes to
win!
So give it your best shot! Or multiple!
Post your best design ideas and let others rate them. If your idea makes
it into a future game, or among the top 5 rated designs, you're going to
win a free copy of a future StratCom game and a spot on the beta testing
team.
Here are Timskorn's original
instructions for posting ideas in the Design Challenge:
The challenge with design is complex.
You have to weigh in many different factors and intangibles that may not
even have anything directly to do with your idea. For every idea should
spring forth many more questions. So for this challenge, you will present
your idea short and sweet within a tight framework. Your goal is to
convince the reader (Ie, typically the designer/programmer) that this is a
beneficial addition that has little reason not to be added. Below is the
template to use when posting your design concept. It can be as complex or
simple as you want, and could even be a design doc on why hexes should
replace tiles. A really good design doc would also include picture
examples of what you're trying to describe, but isn't necessary.
Engine: (Whether your idea should fit
into the existing SC2/WaW game engine or for an entirely new engine, like
if SC3 would be a real-time game for example. State NEW or CURRENT)
Synopsis: (A one-sentence description of your idea) Design Summary:
(Maximum 3 paragraph description of your idea and an example of how it
would work in-game. If your idea requires more than that you should
rethink what you are trying to accomplish. Be concise!) Problem #1: (You
must objectively think what problems your idea would create. You don't
need to solve it here. If you don't fill these out you haven't thought
enough about it! One or two sentences max) Problem #2: (Examples: It
breaks another feature. Too programming/art intensive. Doesn't fit with
the overall design. Would it actually make the game funner, or just more
tedious, etc.)
When fleshing the idea out, try to
imagine yourself as the designer and not just the player. What are the
pros and cons of this concept? Can you think of an alternative way to
convey the same idea that would take less time to implement? It usually
doesn't make good business sense to invest a lot of time and money into an
idea that you can get relatively the same benefits from doing an easier
concept. Not many people want to spend 20 hours doing something they can
do alternatively in 5 and get a similar effect. Is your idea FUN? Or do
you want it simply because its historically accurate? Can it be both but
with some novel compromising/sacrificing? One of the toughest things to do
is having to trim the fat off your idea, but rarely does an idea go from
your brain to paper to implementation without having to lop off its leg or
arm in the process.
Here's how it works:
- head over to
http://www.battlefront-store.com:8080/community/forumdisplay.php?f=16 -
please open a new thread and post your design idea as outlined in
Timskorn's original instructions below. YOU DO NOT HAVE TO REGISTER TO
POST OR VOTE (in fact registrations are disabled). When posting an idea,
please enter the same Username that you are using in the regular
discussion forum or use your email address as Username. If you don't do
this then we may not be able to determine who you are and you may not be
eligible to win a Prize. - your idea/thread will be reviewed by the
administrators and approved or declined. In order to be approved, it has
to follow the outlines set by Timskorn. - everyone is allowed to vote on
your thread/idea (open the thread, click on "Rate this thread"
in the menu bar on the top-right). You are allowed to only vote once.
Please do not cheat. - you may NOT post replies. This feature is disabled.
If you would like to discuss an idea, please do so in the regular
discussion forum at http://www.battlefront.com/discuss/u...ubb=forum;f=34
- you may NOT edit your posts. If you would like to edit something or post
an addition to an original idea, please use the "contact us"
link at the bottom-right of the forum pages.
Prizes? Prizes! Winners receive: - a
free copy of a StratCom game of your choice (including future games). -
membership in a beta testing team for one of the future StratCom games.
There are three ways to win a Prize in
the Design Challenge: 1) your idea makes it into the top 5 voted threads.
2) your idea is implemented by Hubert in a future game 3) you're forum
member Timskorn ;-) (who will receive the above Prize for coming up with
this great idea of course)
How long will the Challengre run? At the
moment the Design Challenge has been set to run for a period of three
months, starting today. Depending on the level of participation/interest,
this period may be extended.
If you would like to see the original
thread in the public discussion forum, please go here: http://www.battlefront.com/cgi-bin/b...4;t=003020;p=1
If you already have posted a design idea
in this forum, please post it again here so it can be rated. Only design
ideas posted here are participating in the Challenge and are eligible to
receive a Prize.
Disclaimers: This is a "fun"
contest, no money involved, and participation is entirely voluntary and
subject to the rules posted here. The rules for the StratCom Design
Challenge are subject to change without prior notice and are entirely at
Battlefront.com, Inc.'s sole discretion.
UBISOFT ANNOUNCES LOST(TM): VIA
DOMUS IS AVAILABLE ON STORE SHELVES
Critically Acclaimed Television Series
Debuts for Xbox 360®, PLAYSTATION®3 system and Windows-based PC
Lost: Via Domus Screens –http://files.us.ubisoft.com/LostViaDomus_launchassets.zip
Lost: Via Domus Videos – http://files.us.ubisoft.com/Lost-launch_videos.zip
SAN FRANCISCO – March 3, 2007 –
Today Ubisoft, one of the world's largest video game publishers, in
collaboration with ABC Entertainment and ABC Studios, announced that LOST:
Via Domus is available on store shelves for Xbox 360® video game and
entertainment system from Microsoft, the PLAYSTATION®3 computer
entertainment system and Windows-based PC. Based on the award-winning
television series, LOST: Via Domus allows players to experience an untold
adventure of "Lost” in an immersive, interactive world. The game is
rated "T” for Teen and has an MSRP of $59.99 for Xbox 360 and
PLAYSTATION®3 system, and $29.99 for Windows.
"'Lost' is a remarkably captivating
television program that has built a loyal set of avid viewers,” said
Tony Key, senior vice president of sales and marketing at Ubisoft.
"It was a natural progression to bring the 'Lost' universe to a video
game and we are thrilled to allow fans a new way to immerse themselves in
the story of the island and the survivors of Oceanic flight 815.”
"After many months of collaboration
with Ubisoft and the series' producers, we are excited to bring such a
truly unique gaming experience to the marketplace,” said Bruce Gersh,
senior vice president, business development, ABC Entertainment and ABC
Studios. "Through the gameplay, fans of the series will have an
abundance of opportunities to dive deeper into the mysteries and intrigues
of the series.”
"Lost” series executive producers
Damon Lindelof and Carlton Cuse said, "Playing the game, you really
feel like you're on the island. The graphics are fantastic, and the game
gives players a chance to explore on their own the places and mysteries of
the island that they've seen for the last three years on the show.”
About the Game As a passenger of Oceanic
flight 815, you survived the crash and find yourself on an uncharted
island somewhere in the Pacific Ocean. As you begin to unravel mysteries
of the island, you begin to discover secrets of your own. You will have to
understand your past mistakes in order to survive and find your way home…
• Play as a survivor of Oceanic Flight 815: Confront your dark past,
seek your redemption, and ultimately find a way home. • Authentic
"Lost” experience: Explore familiar locations, unravel mysteries
and interact with the main characters from the show. • Survive the
challenges that the island throws at you: Solve puzzles, outsmart enemies,
battle the smoke monster and overcome many other challenges to survive the
island and come out alive.
About 'Lost' Season 4 of "Lost”
stars Naveen Andrews as Sayid, Henry Ian Cusick as Desmond, Emilie de
Ravin as Claire, Michael Emerson as Ben, Matthew Fox as Jack, Jorge Garcia
as Hurley, Josh Holloway as Sawyer, Daniel Dae Kim as Jin, Yunjin Kim as
Sun, Evangeline Lilly as Kate, Elizabeth Mitchell as Juliet, Terry O'Quinn
as Locke and Harold Perrineau as Michael.
"Lost” was created by Jeffrey
Lieber and J.J. Abrams & Damon Lindelof. Abrams, Lindelof, Bryan Burk,
Jack Bender and Carlton Cuse serve as executive producers. "Lost,”
which is filmed entirely on location in Hawaii and premiered on September
22, 2004, is from ABC Studios.
About ABC Studios ABC Studios has
emerged as a leader in the development, production and strategic
distribution of entertainment content across broadcast and cable
television and emerging digital platforms. The studio's focused balance of
creativity, management and technology has yielded 25 diverse productions
in the 2007/08 TV season on networks ABC, CBS, NBC, CW, Lifetime, ABC
Family, TNT and FX. The studio's roster of returning favorites includes
"Desperate Housewives," "Lost;" "Grey's
Anatomy," "Ugly Betty;" "Brothers & Sisters,"
"October Road" and "According to Jim" on ABC; the
Emmy-nominated comedy "Scrubs" on NBC; and the CBS
ratings-winning dramas "Criminal Minds" and "Ghost
Whisperer." New to the broadcast lineup are "Dirty Sexy
Money," the "Grey's Anatomy" spin-off "Private
Practice," CW's "Reaper," "Eli Stone," and
comedies "Samantha Who," "Carpoolers," and
"Miss/Guided." The studio continues to make great strides in
cable with Lifetime's highest rated series, "Army Wives,” the
Courteney Cox-starring drama "Dirt” on FX, and ABC Family's drama
series, "Kyle XY.” Coming later in the year, ABC Studios will
launch new series "Raising the Bar” on TNT and "Wizards First
Rule,” based on Terry Goodkind's bestselling epic fantasy into first-run
syndication. In addition to its scripted programming, the studio produces
ABC's late-night talk show "Jimmy Kimmel Live” and is a distributor
for the Emmy Award-winning "The Amazing Race.”
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 23 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 680 million Euros for the 2006-07 fiscal year.
To learn more, please visit www.ubisoftgroup.com.
LOST Video Game © 2008 Ubisoft
Entertainment. All Rights Reserved. Ubisoft, Ubi.com, and the Ubisoft logo
are trademarks of Ubisoft Entertainment in the U.S. and/or other
countries. LOST © ABC Studios. All Rights Reserved. Microsoft, Xbox, Xbox
360, Xbox LIVE, and the Xbox logos are trademarks of the Microsoft group
of companies and are used under license from Microsoft. "PlayStation”,
"PLAYSTATION”, and "PS” Family logo are registered
trademarks of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. Software platform logo (TM
and ©) EMA 2006.
>
February 27, 2008
Overclocked Boxed up
Mass Effect dated for PC
Overclocked: A History of Violence
Final Box Shot Revealed for Psychological Thriller Adventure
Toronto, Canada – February 27, 2008
– In anticipation of the official release of their psychological
thriller Adventure game for the PC, Overclocked: A History of Violence,
leading computer software publisher Lighthouse Interactive today revealed
the final box shot featuring five young men and women using the dark and
eerie underground passageways of New York City as their last refuge.
Psychiatrist, David McNamara, has the hard task of exploring their minds
to find out what happened. Created by award-winning developer House of
Tales Entertainment, this highly anticipated psychological thriller
Adventure game on PC DVD-ROM is scheduled to release on May 2, 2008 in the
United Kingdom, Scandinavia and Benelux territories and it will begin
shipping to major retail stores across Canada and the U.S. on March 31,
2008. Overclocked explores an archetypical, yet actual condition of
mankind: violence. Players will become engrossed in a world where memories
and illusions; dreams and reality; perpetrators and victims… collide.
Overclocked: A History of Violence is Windows® Vista™ compatible.
To download the official box shot,
visit: ftp://ftp.lighthouse-interactive.com/Overclocked/.
To find out more about ‘Overclocked: A
History of Violence’ and to keep up with the latest news on the game,
visit www.lighthouse-interactive.com.
GAME SUMMARY
Set against the backdrop of a
catastrophic thunderstorm raging over New York City, step into the world
of Overclocked as army psychiatrist, David McNamara. You are called to the
Staten Island Forensic Hospital in New York City to consult on a case that
requires your expertise in forensic psychiatry. Tasked with exploring the
minds of five young men and women who were found scared, screaming, and
without memory, you make alarming discoveries as you begin to cautiously
probe the psyches of your young patients. Throughout the game, you will
play as five other characters in this chilling interactive psycho
thriller.
FEATURES
• Experience Overclocked from various
perspectives as you play as six different characters throughout the game
• Explore 45 diverse locations with densely animated pre-rendered
settings • Innovative storytelling techniques create a unique gameplay
experience • Meet and interact with a cast of intriguing characters,
each with their own distinct personalities • Characters come to life
with fluid movements and realistic facial expressions created with Emotion™
FX 2 technology • Cinematic cut-scenes designed using advanced camera
techniques pioneered by feature films • Exceptional visuals enhanced by
shadow and shader effects, real-time atmospheric particle effects (rain,
snow, lightening), and dynamic lighting • Unique icon-based dialogue
system
MINIMUM SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS
OS: Windows® 2000 / XP / Vista™ CPU:
1.3 GHz Intel® Pentium® or AMD® Athlon™ processor RAM: 512 MB RAM (1
GB recommended for Windows® Vista™) Video: DirectX® 9-compliant video
card Shader Model 1.1 PC DVD-ROM: 4x Sound: DirectX® 9 compliant sound
card Available Hard Disk Space: 4.4 GB DirectX®: 9.0c Other: Mouse,
Keyboard and Speakers
About dtp entertainment AG
dtp entertainment AG is Germany’s
second biggest independent game publisher. With more than 75 employees at
its Hamburg headquarters, the company is market leader for adventure games
and children’s software, publishing games for all interactive
entertainment platforms worldwide. www.dtp-ag.com
About Lighthouse Interactive
Lighthouse Interactive is a fast growing
publisher of interactive entertainment with offices established in Toronto
and Montreal, Canada, Haarlem, The Netherlands and London, England. The
company is focused on bringing strong titles to the worldwide market in a
wide array of genres including: RPG, Simulation, Adventure, Action and
Strategy. Staffed with industry veterans, Lighthouse is the right choice
for developers looking to bring their products to a worldwide audience.
www.lighthouse-interactive.com
MASS EFFECT FOR THE PC CONFIRMED FOR MAY 6 RELEASE
Edmonton, Alberta, Canada (February 26, 2008) – Leading video game
developer BioWare™, a division of Electronic Arts Inc. (NASDAQ: ERTS),
has announced that the award-winning space epic Mass Effect™ will be
released for the PC on May 6, 2008 in North America. Re-designed for the
PC, Mass Effect invites players to take the role of Commander Shepard as
they set out on an adventure to save the galaxy from imminent destruction.
Wrought with treachery, heroism, difficult decisions and a universe filled
with unique and colorful species, Mass Effect delivers a truly compelling
storyline.
Mass Effect for the PC introduces the following features:
• New squad control interface – Players can now issue commands to
individual squad members, providing a new level of depth to the tactical
combat.
• Hot-key functionality – Biotic powers and abilities can be mapped to
individual keys, allowing a faster “run and gun” style of gameplay.
• Re-designed Mako controls – Players can explore alien planets and
engage in vehicular combat with an intuitive and fully camera independent
control system for the Mako, their all-terrain vehicle.
• New Quick-save button and increased number of save slots.
• New decryption mini-game – A new decryption mini-game invites
players to test their skills as they avoid obstacles and move their icon
to the center of the digital mechanism.
• New inventory screen GUI and functionality – The enhanced inventory
system makes it easier for players to equip and modify their weapons and
armor.
Originally released for the Xbox 360™ videogame and entertainment
system, Mass Effect has received critical acclaim throughout the world
with more than 70 awards including Console Game of the Year and
Role-Playing Game of the Year. Mass Effect has been named 2007 Game of the
Year by The New York Times and has received 5 Elan Canadian Awards for the
Electronic and Animated Arts. Combining a deep story with intense combat,
Mass Effect challenges the player to make difficult decisions that can
significantly impact the course of events. An innovative conversation
system allows for lifelike interaction with some of the most realistic
digital actors, voiced by Hollywood actors such as Seth Green, Marina
Sirtis, Lance Henriksen and Keith David. Mass Effect for the PC has not
yet been rated by the Entertainment Software Rating Board or PEGI.
About BioWare
BioWare develops computer, console, handheld and online video games
focused on rich stories and memorable characters. Since 1995, BioWare has
created some of the world's best-selling titles including the
award-winning Baldur's Gate™ and Neverwinter Nights™ series, and Star
Wars®: Knights of the Old Republic™. Original BioWare-created IPs
include Jade Empire™ and the 2007 Game of the Year, Mass Effect™. With
studios in Edmonton, Canada, and Austin, Texas, BioWare is hard at work on
the epic fantasy RPG, Dragon Age and Sonic Chronicles: The Dark
Brotherhood for the Nintendo DS™,as well as several unannounced projects
including a massively multiplayer online game. In 2008, BioWare was
acquired by the world’s leading electronic entertainment publisher,
Electronic Arts. For more information on BioWare, visit www.bioware.com
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 video game systems, personal computers, cellular
handsets and the Internet. Electronic Arts markets its products under four
brand names: EA SPORTS™, EA™, EA SPORTS BIG™ and POGO™. In fiscal
2007, EA posted revenue of $3.09 billion and had 24 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.
BioWare, Mass Effect, Dragon Age and Jade Empire are trademarks or
registered trademarks owned by BioWare Corp. in the U.S. and other
countries. 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. Xbox and Xbox 360 are trademarks of the Microsoft group of
companies. Nintendo DS is a trademark of Nintendo. All other trademarks
are the property of their respective owners.
> February 26, 2008
Haze set for May launch
MLB Fantasy heads for DS
God of War PSP revealed
Alaskan Storm hits Xbox 360
Sony sets Dual Shock 3 launch
PS3 Metal Gear Solid 4 dated
Quad editor hits Torque Engine
2K Sports Puts Fans in Touch with
the Action in Major League Baseball® 2K8 Fantasy All-Stars for Nintendo
DS
Never before has a baseball video game
been so fun and addictively interactive
New York, NY – February 26, 2008 –
2K Sports, the sports publishing label of Take-Two Interactive Software,
Inc. (NASDAQ: TTWO), in partnership with Deep Fried Entertainment, today
officially announced Major League Baseball® 2K8 Fantasy All-Stars, an
exciting new baseball title that will put fans into the action like never
before. Available exclusively for Nintendo DS, Major League Baseball 2K8
Fantasy All-Stars will offer fans of all ages a wildly fun experience
featuring starting lineups from all 30 Major League Baseball clubs, a
variety of exhibition and tournament modes, All-Star training mini-games,
along with fantasy-themed baseball stadiums.
Utilizing the functionality of the
Nintendo DS touch screen, Major League Baseball 2K8 Fantasy All-Stars will
provide fans the unique opportunity to control the power and technique of
their swings and the speed and accuracy of their pitch by performing
specific gestures and intuitive usage of the stylus. Fielding, baserunning
and other controls will also utilize the DS touch screen, as players drag
and trace lines to execute these specific baseball actions.
Adding to the addictive gameplay
experience, players will also have the ability to obtain special “power
ups” to complete incredible batting, pitching, and fielding
performances. Players can force their opponents to chase after the “chicken
ball” that runs away from fielders once it’s on the ground, or confuse
them with a “crazy ball” that takes an unpredictable flight path.
Pitchers can throw amazing new pitches such as a “super splitter” that
splits the ball into two pieces to confuse the batter or a “fireball”
that screams over the plate at rocket speeds while engulfed in flames.
Fielders can join in the power up fun with the “brick wall” that
causes a wall to instantly rise out of the ground to stop the ball in its
tracks or the “super jump” that allows them to jump incredibly high
toward the ball in flight.
“It’s exciting to continue expanding
our wide number of baseball offerings with Major League Baseball 2K8
Fantasy All-Stars,” said Christoph Hartmann, president of 2K. “With
all new fun and innovative gameplay features, fans will now have the great
opportunity to step up to the plate and enjoy playing baseball like never
before.“
“We’re proud to offer fans a unique
and interactive baseball experience on Nintendo DS that is both fun and
appealing for all ages,” said Brenda Bailey, chief operating officer of
Deep Fried Entertainment. “With Spring Training™ right around the
corner, Major League Baseball 2K8 Fantasy All-Stars comes at the perfect
time to put players in touch with the action on a new level.”
Some of the fun and exciting features
included in Major League Baseball 2K8 Fantasy All-Stars include:
Unique Interactive Experience -- All
aspects of the game will be controlled on the Nintendo DS touch screen,
including batting, pitching, fielding and baserunning.
Exciting Gameplay Modes -- Exhibition
mode will allow players to quickly choose their favorite teams so they can
immediately jump into the intense baseball action, while Fantasy Pennant
mode will offer various tournaments to compete in. All-Star Training will
assist players in learning the fundamental DS control functions wrapped up
in a variety of fun and challenging mini-games.
All-Star Lineups -- Players can create
their own unique baseball teams by choosing from the different starting
lineups and putting together their favorite All-Stars.
Uniquely Themed Stadiums -- Set in
extreme environments that portray the diverse North American environment,
uniquely themed stadiums are in locations ranging from the Everglades in
Florida to the Frozen North, locations that can only be mastered by the
best.
Multi-player -- Supports two-player DS
Wireless and Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection. For added competitiveness, Major
League Baseball 2K8 Fantasy All-Stars will utilize DS Wireless and
Nintendo Wi-Fi Connections so players can go head-to-head in intense
worldwide multi-player gaming.
Major League Baseball 2K8 Fantasy
All-Stars, developed by Deep Fried Entertainment and published by 2K
Sports, will be available exclusively for Nintendo DS™ this April and is
rated E for Everyone by the ESRB. For more information about this title,
please visit: www.2Ksports.com.
About Take-Two Interactive Software:
Headquartered in New York City, Take-Two
Interactive Software, Inc. is a global developer, marketer, distributor
and publisher of interactive entertainment software games for the PC,
PLAYSTATION®3 and PlayStation®2 computer entertainment systems, PSP® (PlayStation®Portable)
system, Xbox 360® and Xbox® video game and entertainment systems from
Microsoft, Wii™, Nintendo GameCube™, Nintendo DS™ and Game Boy®
Advance. The Company publishes and develops products through its wholly
owned labels Rockstar Games, 2K Games, 2K Sports and 2K Play, and
distributes software, hardware and accessories in North America through
its Jack of All Games subsidiary. Take-Two's common stock is publicly
traded on NASDAQ under the symbol TTWO. For more corporate and product
information please visit our website at www.take2games.com.
HAZE(TM) TARGETS RELEASE DATE
February 26, 2008– Ubisoft, one of the
world's largest video game publishers, today announced that HAZE, the new
first-person shooter developed by shooter experts Free Radical, creators
of the critically acclaimed TimeSplitters® series, is now scheduled for
release exclusively on the PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system in
May 2008. Haze is rated "M” for Mature by the ESRB.
Video – Haze: The Mantel Corporation
readily feeds their soldiers their sweet, sweet Nectar and arms them to
the teeth with the most cutting-edge military weaponry money can buy.
Getting juiced and laying waste to a band of Promise Hand rebels is all in
a days work for a Mantel soldier. But for every high…there's a low. Will
you buy in and fight the good fight, or dig deeper to uncover the real
story behind the Promise Hand? The truth is waiting…and Haze is going to
take you there. Fight the addiction…
For more information on Haze, please
visit– www.hazegame.com
© 2008 Ubisoft Entertainment and Free
Radical Design Limited. All Rights Reserved. Haze is a trademark of
Ubisoft Entertainment and Free Radical Design. Free Radical Design and its
associated logo are trademarks of Free Radical Design Limited. Ubisoft,
Ubi.com, and the Ubisoft logo are registered trademarks of Ubisoft
Entertainment in the U.S. and/or other countries. Developed by Free
Radical Design Limited. "PlayStation”, "PLAYSTATION” and
"PS” Family logo are registered trademarks of Sony Computer
Entertainment Inc.
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 23 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 680 million Euros for the 2006-07 fiscal year.
To learn more, please visit www.ubisoftgroup.com.
About Free Radical: Founded in 1999,
Free Radical Design is one of the UKs leading independent video game
developers and is now wholly focused on next-generation development. It
recently achieved its first listing in the Sunday Times Microsoft Tech
Track 100, being one of the UK's fastest-growing technology companies. To
learn more, please visit www.frd.co.uk.
Sony Computer Entertainment
America Introduces Metal Gear Solid(R)4: Guns of The Patriots PS3 Bundle
Available in Late Q2 2008 in North America
Company Also Announces Limited-Edition
God of War(R) PSP(R) Entertainment Pack and April Availability of
DUALSHOCK(R)3 Wireless Controller for North America
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., Feb. 26 /PRNewswire/
-- At its annual retail and publisher conference Destination PlayStation,
Sony Computer Entertainment America (SCEA) announced details of upcoming
PLAYSTATION(R)3 (PS3(TM)) and PSP(R) (PlayStation(R)Portable) (PSP-2000)
hardware bundles with two of the most highly anticipated 2008 titles. The
company also announced the April 2008 availability of DUALSHOCK(R)3
wireless controller in North America. To coincide with the
much-anticipated North American launch of Metal Gear Solid(R)4: Guns of
the Patriots in late Q2 2008, SCEA will introduce a PS3 bundle, which will
include an 80GB PS3, the upcoming blockbuster Metal Gear Solid(R)4: Guns
of the Patriots and a DUALSHOCK 3 wireless controller for $499 (MSRP).
SCEA also announced the June 2008 availability of the limited-edition God
of War(R) PSP Entertainment Pack for $199.99 (MSRP). The God of War
Entertainment Pack will include a "Deep Red" PSP with God of War
himself, Kratos, silk-screened on the back of the unit, a copy of the
highly anticipated upcoming God of War: Chains of Olympus game for PSP,
the hit comedy movie from Columbia Pictures, "Superbad(TM)," on
UMD(TM) (Universal Media Disc), and a PLAYSTATION(R)Network voucher to
download Syphon Filter(R): Combat Ops from PLAYSTATION(R)Store.
The stand-alone version of God of War:
Chains of Olympus launches on March 4, 2008. "Working closely with
our retail and publishing partners and sharing our hardware and software
roadmaps at Destination PlayStation gives us a great opportunity to
outline some key milestones for the year. In response to incredible
demand, we will be manufacturing more 80GB PS3s for North America and the
Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots 80GB PS3 bundle is an ideal way
to offer that continued value to our consumers," said Jack Tretton,
president and CEO, SCEA. "With Blu-ray having won the format war, our
stellar software line-up and a broad product portfolio, we will continue
to drive the incredible momentum we've been generating since last
fall." SCEA will introduce the DUALSHOCK 3 wireless controller for
the first time in North America in April 2008 for $54.95 (MSRP). DUALSHOCK
3, which incorporates both rumble and motion sensing SIXAXIS(TM)
technologies, maintains the award-winning design and precise, responsive
features of PlayStation controllers. The added rumble feature, combined
with the SIXAXIS system, enhances the gamer experience with more
interactive, intuitive and immersive game play experience and will work
with more than 100 current PS3 titles. In additional news coming from
Destination PlayStation, SCEA announced Metal Gear Solid(R)4: Guns of the
Patriots will be available in North America in late Q2 2008. A Metal Gear
Online "Starter Pack" will also be launched to support online
game play. Gamers can select a single player experience or take the action
online with up to 16 players and battle it out using the latest weapons
and stealth techniques. For those eager to take on Solid Snake's nemesis,
Liquid Ocelot, a nationwide pre-sell promotion will enable gamers to
pre-order Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots and be guaranteed
access to a multiplayer beta test for Metal Gear Online scheduled for late
April.
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) handheld entertainment system, the
ground-breaking PLAYSTATION(R)3 (PS3(TM)) computer entertainment system
and its online and network services PLAYSTATION(R)Network and
PLAYSTATION(R)Store. 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,
PLAYSTATION 3 and the PSP 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.
Deadliest Catch Alaskan Storm for
Xbox 360 and PC
SEATTLE (February 26, 2008) - Battle 40-foot waves, storms, ice and a
nearly 100-percent crewmember injury rate in the dangerous hunt for
undersea riches on the Bering Sea with the new video game Deadliest Catch
Alaskan Storm, to be launched on the Xbox 360®video game and
entertainment system from Microsoft and PC in April 2008. The game was
inspired by Sig, Edgar and Norman Hansen - three brothers who have made
their living crab fishing on the Bering Sea aboard their family's fishing
vessel, the Northwestern. The Hansen brothers started game development
with Liquid Dragon Studios in October 2005.
The Hansens and the Northwestern are
featured on Discovery Channel's highest rated and Emmy®-nominated series
- Deadliest Catch. The series that captivated nearly three million viewers
each week returns for a fourth season this April.
Whether the gamer is a die-hard fan or
someone who has never seen the Discovery Channel series, Deadliest Catch
Alaskan Storm is an immersive and challenging experience, putting them at
the helm of one the world's most dangerous jobs - that of a crab boat
captain in the icy Bering Sea.
Deadliest Catch Alaskan Storm lets
gamers captain their own boat in the frenzied search for an undersea
jackpot. Gamers select one of five real crab boats, including the
Northwestern, Cornelia Marie and Sea Star - all featured on the series, or
create and customize their own boat. Gamers then recruit and lead their
own crew from a roster of twenty real crab fishermen. Selecting the wrong
boat or recruiting the wrong crew member can mean the difference between
landing a Bering Sea jackpot or disaster. Lead your fatigued, hungry and
hardworking crew in the strategic search for King Crab and Opilio Crab,
while battling to secure your catch and livelihood before other captains
and crews get to the crab first.
Authenticity and realism were critical
to the Hansen brothers. They invited key development team members to Dutch
Harbor, Alaska to personally experience life on the Northwestern. The
game's realism is enhanced with four real Bering Sea harbors and 34,000
miles of real Bering Sea coastline created from the United States
Geological Survey. In addition, Deadliest Catch Alaskan Storm is the first
video game to feature United States Coast Guard vessels and helicopters.
With waves over 40 feet high, Deadliest
Catch Alaskan Storm features the best wave effects in a video game to
date. In the words of Captain Sig Hansen, "It may not be life or
death, but chills went up my spine the first time I saw the Northwestern
sink in the game."
Weather and fishing conditions are based
on authentic weather and storm data and get progressively worse each
season, increasing the challenge. The ultimate goal is to return safely
each season, upgrade your boat and crew, and attempt to break Captain Sig
Hansen and the Northwestern crew's actual lifetime catch of twenty million
pounds.
Deadliest Catch Alaskan Storm includes
the following features and content: Career Mode (Realistic and challenging
simulation for gamers and Deadliest Catch fans) Missions (Gamers
experience the hard core Bering Sea life, including participation in
United States Coast Guard search and rescue missions and ice flow
navigation Arcade Mini-Games (Allows casual gamers to enjoy fun
challenges, including crab boat races and skiff races) Five Authentic Crab
Boats (including Northwestern and Cornelia Marie) Twenty Real Fishermen
(including Edgar and Norman Hansen, Josh and Jake Harris) Six Authentic
Captains (including Captains Sig Hansen, Phil Harris and Larry Hendricks)
4,500 lines of recorded character dialogue United States Coast Guard
Search and Rescues (First time in a video game) Captain the 370ft. USCG
Cutter Mellon Throw-the-Hook Mini-Game Skiff Racing Mini-Game 34,000 Miles
Actual Coastline Four Real Bering Sea Harbors (Akutan, Dutch Harbor, King
Cove and St. Paul) Interactive Virtual Tour Northwestern Crab Boat 100
Exclusive Crew Videos Xbox Live multiplayer Captain Sig Hansen personally
announces the game he inspired with a video on Discovery.com at
www.discovery.com/deadliestcatch. Every Tuesday until Deadliest Catch
Alaskan Storm launches, a new video featuring captains or crewmembers from
the Deadliest Catch series discussing the game will be released at
www.discovery.com/deadliestcatch.
Deadliest Catch Alaskan Storm is being
developed by Liquid Dragon Studios (www.liquiddragon.com). The exclusive
crew videos were filmed on location on the Bering Sea by Hi-Five Films (www.hifivefilms.com).
The game is published by Greenwave, a recently established video game
publisher based in Seattle. The game will be available April 2008 for the
Xbox® 360 video game system from Microsoft and for PC. The game is not
yet rated. For more information about Deadliest Catch Alaskan Storm, visit
www.alaskanstorm.com or www.greenwavegames.com.
About Greenwave Greenwave is a new video
game publisher creating fun, high quality games for existing markets and
fan communities. The company is privately held and headquartered in
Seattle. For more information visit www.greenwavegames.com.
About Discovery Communications Discovery
Communications is the world's number-one nonfiction media company reaching
more than 1.5 billion cumulative subscribers in over 170 countries.
Discovery empowers people to explore their world and satisfy their
curiosity through 100-plus worldwide networks, led by Discovery Channel,
TLC, Animal Planet, Science Channel, Investigation Discovery and HD
Theater, as well as leading consumer and educational products and
services, and a diversified portfolio of digital media services including
HowStuffWorks.com. Discovery Communications is owned by Discovery Holding
Company (NASDAQ: DISCA, DISCB), Advance/Newhouse Communications and John
S. Hendricks, Discovery's founder and chairman. For more information,
please visit www.discoverycommunications.com.
Sony Computer Entertainment
America to Unleash Kratos in Limited-Edition God of War(R) PSP(R)
Entertainment Pack
Package Includes 'Deep Red' Slimmer and
Lighter PSP (PSP-2000) with Kratos Silkscreen, God of War(R): Chains of
Olympus, Superbad on UMD Video, and Voucher to Download Syphon Filter(R):
Combat Ops - All for $199.99 (MSRP)
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., Feb. 26 /PRNewswire/
-- DESTINATION PLAYSTATION -- Sony Computer Entertainment America (SCEA)
today announced the God of War(R) PSP(R) (PlayStation(R)Portable)
Entertainment Pack, a limited-edition offering that celebrates the debut
of the best-selling God of War franchise on PSP. This special bundle will
feature a limited- edition "Deep Red" PSP with the God of War
himself, Kratos, silkscreened on the back of the unit; the highly
anticipated God of War(R): Chains of Olympus game; the hit comedy movie
from Columbia Pictures, Superbad, on UMD(TM) (Universal Media Disc); and a
PLAYSTATION(R)Network voucher to download Syphon Filter(R): Combat Ops
from PLAYSTATION(R)Store for free*. "God of War is one of the biggest
PlayStation franchises, and with its portable premiere on PSP just around
the corner, we wanted to offer something special that would appeal to both
loyal God of War fans and non-owners who want to enjoy PSP's
multi-functionality," said Scott A. Steinberg, vice president,
product marketing, SCEA. "This bundle delivers great value, starting
with the 'Deep Red' PSP -- one of the most highly sought-after colors
based on our consumer research -- and the Kratos silkscreen. We're also
showcasing the diverse entertainment experience PSP offers, centered on a
UMD game in God of War: Chains of Olympus that's every bit as impressive
as its console sequels, a free download of the award-winning Syphon
Filter: Combat Ops, and a box office hit movie in Superbad." The
standalone version of God of War: Chains of Olympus launches on March 4.
The God of War PSP Entertainment Pack will be available for $199.99 (MSRP)
in June 2008 and includes the following components.
-- "Deep Red" PSP system with
an image of Kratos silkscreened on the back of the unit; this is the only
time that this special PSP color will be offered in North America. -- God
of War: Chains of Olympus, developed as a joint collaboration by Sony
Computer Entertainment's Worldwide Studios (WWS) Santa Monica Studios and
the team that created Daxter(TM), Ready At Dawn(R) Studios, is a must-have
for PSP owners, and retailer pre-order sales have been very strong.
Developed from the outset as an original story, God of War: Chains of
Olympus takes place before the events of the original God of War,
delivering yet another adventure in the dark and brutal world of Greek
Mythology that fans of the franchise have come to know and love. --
Superbad UMD video -- This 2007 box-office comedy hit from Columbia
Pictures is a gut-busting coming-of-age comedy for a new generation. --
Syphon Filter: Combat Ops voucher - Download the PLAYSTATION Network
exclusive title, Syphon Filter: Combat Ops, to your Memory Stick PRO
Duo(TM) for free* with the included voucher. Developed by SCE's WWS Bend
Studios, this latest edition of the critically acclaimed stealth action
franchise was named the 2007 PSP Multiplayer Game of the Year by IGN.com.
The title is currently available for $9.99 on PLAYSTATION Store (http://store.playstation.com).
Momentum for the PSP platform has soared
since the fall 2007 launch of the slimmer and lighter PSP system and the
introduction of new colors in the Daxter and Star Wars Battlefront(R) PSP
Entertainment Packs. Over the holiday season, more than 1.4 million PSP
systems were sold in North America, demonstrating strong consumer interest
in limited-edition bundles that combine new colors and exciting content or
accessories. The God of War Entertainment Pack will build on this trend,
and SCEA will support the bundle with an integrated marketing campaign
that ties into the God of War: Chains of Olympus software campaign.
Dedicated print, online, and direct marketing, as well as public relations
support and targeted promotional opportunities, will drive the God of War
Entertainment Pack campaign. SCEA will continue to offer the PSP Core
Pack.
About God of War SCE's WWS Santa Monica
Studios introduced the original God of War in 2005, earning more than a
dozen "Game of the Year Awards." March 2007 saw the release of
God of War II, the second chapter in this odyssey that went onto receive
critical acclaim and sell more than one million copies in the first three
months. The independent Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) has
rated the God of War PSP Entertainment Pack an "M" for
"Mature 17+." For more information visit: http://www.esrb.org.
About PSP (PlayStation Portable)
handheld entertainment system PSP is the first truly integrated handheld
entertainment system designed to handle multiple applications -- music,
video, photo, Internet, and wireless connectivity, with games as its key
feature. PSP system features an unmatched library of portable
entertainment content, totaling more than 370 games and more than 460
feature films, TV programs, and videos from major studios and record
labels, as well as downloadable content from the Internet. More than 31
million PSP units have shipped worldwide.
QuadSoftware Grome Editor Now
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