Voice Module

Reviews

Previews

Features

Classic

Archive

Contact

Gallery

In Memory
Sean Pettibone

News | Headlines & Information

Have News? Email the Laser with your scoop!

> March 26, 2007

Theater of War opens pre-orders
JetPac Refuelled hits Xbox Live
Dragon's Lair coming to Blu-Ray
GRAW 2 PC beta announced

The Curtain is rising! Theatre of War Pre-Orders now open 

1C and Battlefront.com are thrilled to announce the opening of pre-orders for Theatre of War, the much anticipated World War Two real-time strategy game by the creators of IL-2 Sturmovik and the makers of Combat Mission!

Players pre-ordering now save an extra $10, will be able to download the game immediately upon release from Battlefront's digital delivery portal, and will receive a copy of the game with DVD box and printed manual by mail. Theatre of War is not sold in stores.

Theatre of War will be released worldwide via Battlefront's online store on April 19, 2007.

Theatre of War - GAME FEATURES

Theatre of War depicts stunning battles of World War II between 1939-1945. Command hundreds of different unit types in 5 historical campaigns (US/UK, Soviet, German, French and Polish). This isn't just another WW2 RTS click-fest, but a thrilling Real Time Combat Simulator with an emphasis on realism and detail, and real world military tactics that will challenge even the most battle hardened armchair general!

Real Time Combat Simulation - Realistic engagement ranges of up to 2 km, detailed shell ballistics, armor penetration calculations and damage effects coupled with destructible environments, trenches, fortifications and individually tracked weapons, equipment, ammo and vehicles 5 Historical Campaigns, each with unique units and equipment - US/UK, Soviet, German, French and Polish Over 40 campaign missions based on real WWII battles Over 30 different maps designed using historical military documents and covering a variety of seasons, weather conditions and environments Single (non-campaign) Battles plus Training scenarios Unique Role Playing Elements: soldiers gain experience and new skills as they progress though the campaigns Soldiers can be Promoted and awarded Medals and Decorations Real World Military Tactics: Units fight using authentic tactical formations and realistic battle drills. Amazing Freedom of Action: Replace and reinforce gun crews, pick up dropped weapons, capture enemy equipment and even select specific weapons and ammo to use Advanced Individual Unit AI: Units intelligently react to changing battle situations and conditions. They will take cover, avoid obstacles and seek to gain the upper hand against their enemies Huge assortment of units, uniforms, equipment and vehicles: hundreds of different unit types including Tanks, AT Guns, Support Vehicles, Armored Cars, MG Teams, Anti-Tank Rifles, Aircraft, Artillery, Infantry and more from the major nations of WWII; all based on historical military sources Dynamic Battlefields; Wage war in all four seasons over beautifully rendered landscapes. Watch as trees get knocked over by tanks, vehicles crush men and equipment under their treads, tracers stitch across no mans land and high explosive shells leave huge smoking craters Devastating Airstrikes and Artillery Barrages State of the art 3D character animation and graphics Easy to use order system. Command your troops quickly and efficiently and keep tabs on their individual status with the innovate soldier monitor system Multiplay Support (Internet/LAN) Powerful Mission and Campaign Editor included! For more information about the game, please bookmark: http://www.battlefront.com/products/tow/index.html

Ubisoft Announces Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon Advanced Warfighter ® 2 PC Closed Multiplayer Beta Signup to Begin in the Coming Weeks.

March 22, 2007 – Ubisoft, one of the world's largest videogame publishers, today announces that registration for the closed multiplayer beta for Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon Advanced Warfighter ® 2 on PC will begin in early April 2007. Once again being developed from the ground up by GRIN, the PC version of Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon Advanced Warfighter ® 2 is being developed specifically for the PC and PC gamers. Look forward to seeing more information on Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon Advanced Warfighter ® 2 PC as it approaches its release in June 2007. Until then, take a look below for more details on the imminent closed PC multiplayer beta:

In the closed multiplayer beta gamers can get their first taste of the map CALAVERA, a map created exclusively for Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon Advanced Warfighter ® 2 PC.

The new Recon vs. Assault mode will have players fight their way through this Mexican village near the US border. As a member of the elite Ghost squad, gamers will need to use all of their know-how and expertise to stay hidden and sneak through small winding roads to locate and engage the enemy. As a Mexican rebel, players must be prepared to engage the Ghosts, using high calibre fire power, and must stop them at all cost.

The return of Team Deathmatch will challenge players and their friends to fight in battles where everything is possible; explore, engage and terminate.

For more information about Ubisoft, please visit www.ghostrecon.com or www.ubi.com.

Dragon’s Lair Coming to Blu-ray Disc* in True 1080p HD

Fully interactive on Sony PlayStation 3* and Blu-ray* Movie Players

GORMLEY, Ontario, Canada – March 26, 2007 – High Definition gaming has arrived! Dragon’s Lair continues to revolutionize the video-game industry by becoming the first game title ever to be released for the Blu-ray* Disc High Definition format using BD-J.

An instant hit in its 1983 arcade debut, Dragon’s Lair has now been digitally restored and enhanced with an all-new 5.1 surround sound mix. The video has been transferred directly from the original film and cleaned frame by frame by Digital Leisure and authoring studio Infinite HD, creating a truly vibrant image. In addition, Dragon’s Lair is the first release to be authored in the Blu-ray Java environment, or BD-J, an advanced format that allows users to enjoy a fully arcade-authentic experience.

“I’ve seen the newly restored footage and it just looks amazing” says Don Bluth, original creator of Dragon’s Lair. “It looks even better than I can remember. The visuals, the 5.1 surround sound audio, all I can say is ‘Wow!’ Now a whole new generation can enjoy Dragon’s Lair all over again.”

All the special features on the disc are in full 1080p HD, including brand-new interviews with creators Don Bluth, Gary Goldman and Rick Dyer, and even a full length visual commentary of the game.

Digital Leisure plans to follow up Dragon’s Lair Blu-ray with the release of Space Ace and Dragon's Lair II: Time Warp in the Blu-ray format.

Dragon’s Lair Blu-ray will be available April 9th at software and movie retailers as well as online at www.digitalleisure.com.

Digital Leisure is a leading publisher of interactive video-based titles. The company remasters video-intensive titles that benefit from the superior video and audio quality of DVD and the newest High Definition formats.

* Sony and PlayStation 3 are a registered trademarks of Sony Computer Entertainment, Inc and/or other Sony subsidiaries. Blu-ray is a trademark of the Blu-ray Disc Association

“Jetpac Refuelled” Rockets Onto Xbox LIVE Arcade

A galactic test pilot’s work is never done, and in Rare’s “Jetpac Refuelled” gamers have to fight off pesky aliens while trying to build rockets to take them to their next destination. “Jetpac Refuelled” will be available for download exclusively on Xbox LIVE Arcade for Xbox 360 beginning Wednesday, March 28 at 0900 GMT (2:00 a.m. PDT).

Rare’s “Jetpac Refuelled” is a revamped and modernized version of the 1983 classic space blaster “Jetpac.” In “Jetpac Refuelled,” players must clear a path through hordes of aliens to refuel their ship and amass a fortune over the course of 128 hi-definition levels, complete with achievements, leaderboards and simultaneous multiplayer action. Compared to the original “Jetpac,” which included 16 levels, “Jetpac Refuelled” provides players with everything they loved in the classic, plus 128 new levels of enhanced gameplay.

“Jetpac Refuelled” can be played alone, or against another player on the same console or over Xbox LIVE. The game will be available worldwide for 400 Microsoft Points and is rated “E” for Everyone.

Game Features

Includes two versions of the game Retro – The classic 1980s version Refuelled – Rare’s 2007 remake of the classic “Jetpac” comes complete with entirely new hi-def graphics, menacing enemies, new smartbombs that produce an electromagnetic pulse, modernized weapon upgrades and updated gameplay for modern gamers Earn up to 12 Achievements and 200 Gamerscore points Completely updated graphical look of the game gives Xbox LIVE Arcade gamers a truly hi-def and in-depth gaming experience More information is available at http://www.xbox.com/games/livearcade.

> March 22, 2007

Excitebike joins Wii lineup
FEAR gets Golden release

Virtual Console Overheats with High-Flying Excitebike Action

Three games added to Wii Shop Channel

Today Nintendo adds three classic games to the popular Wii video game system’s Wii Shop Channel. Nintendo adds new games to the channel every Monday. Wii owners with a high-speed Internet connection can redeem Wii Points to download the games. Wii Points can be purchased in the Wii Shop Channel or at retail outlets. This week’s new games are:

Excitebike NES 1 player 500 Wii Points Face crazy curves, hairpin turns, and daredevil jumps as you race toward the checkered flag and the Excitebike championship. Race against the clock or challenge an opponent. You must keep your bearings as you fly through the air and avoid getting clipped by other racers. Stay cool under pressure or your bike will overheat. If you get tired of racing on the circuit, create your own course in Design Mode. There you have access to all the ramps, mounds, bridges, and other obstacles Excitebike has to offer.

Beyond Oasis Sega Genesis 1 player 800 Wii Points You are Prince Ali, who has discovered a buried gold armlet. This armlet once belonged to a wizard who waged a long war against the evil wielder of a silver armlet. The silver armlet was used to create chaos and destruction, while the gold armlet had the power to summon four spirits: the water spirit "Dytto," the fire spirit "Efreet," the shadow spirit "Shade," and the plant spirit "Bow." To stop the person who first discovered the ancient silver armlet and is again using it for evil, Prince Ali travels the land of Oasis, gradually acquiring the ability to summon the four spirits. Use your wits and speed to claim the silver armlet!

SPLATTERHOUSE TurboGraxf-16 1 player 600 Wii Points Rick and Jennifer, both parapsychology students at the local university, are visiting West Mansion, site of the research lab where the famed Dr. West conducted some of his most gruesome experiments. A sudden storm forces them to find shelter inside the mansion. Once inside, they are attacked by monsters. Jennifer is kidnapped and Rick is knocked unconscious. Hours later, Rick awakes to find himself covered in blood, with the Terror Mask stuck to his face. His only hope is to depend on the ancient powers of the mask to give him the strength and courage to find Jennifer. Now Rick’s fight has begun! Splatter your way through 7 stages of side-scrolling horror action. Armed with cleavers and shotguns, Rick must fight his way through the monsters of West Mansion and defeat the bosses at the end of every stage. The creepy music, gruesome monsters, gory action and shocking events leading up to the finale will keep you on the edge of your seat!

Go to the Wii Shop channel to download these games in addition to already available classics like Super Mario 64, The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past, Gunstar Heroes, Sonic The Hedgehog, Bonk's Adventure, and Super Mario Bros.! Click here for a list of games available on Virtual Console.

THE ULTIMATE F.E.A.R.™ LIES IN GOLD

Sierra Entertainments' Award-winning and Commercial Smash Title Storms Retail with Premium PC Package

Los Angeles, CA - March 20, 2007 - Sierra Entertainment announced that the Gold Edition for the million-unit franchise F.E.A.R.™ (First Encounter Assault Recon) is shipping to retailers today. F.E.A.R. - Gold Edition is the essential PC package that combines the critically acclaimed Director's Edition of F.E.A.R. (PC) with the award-winning expansion pack F.E.A.R. Extraction Point (PC).

The F.E.A.R. game is no stranger to being anything but gold as "Best Shooter of the Year" by GameSpot, "Best Action Game of the Year" by PC Gamer and a large number of other notable achievements. Compiling this accomplishment with the success of F.E.A.R. Extraction Point, "Best Expansion Pack" by PC Gamer, gamers will be able to get a double helping of chills at one time.

"The F.E.A.R. franchise is a global success for Sierra Entertainment and the F.E.A.R. community has voiced their love for the game," said Pascal Brochier, president, Global Retail for Vivendi Games. "We are excited to bring all of the action of F.E.A.R. games so that all PC first-person shooter fans can enjoy the gaming experience together in one package."

F.E.A.R. - Gold Edition Features:

F.E.A.R. Director's Edition with exclusive behind-the-scenes footage including "Making of" F.E.A.R. documentary video, F.E.A.R. Machinima episodes created by Rooster Teeth and much more

Engagement in unpredictable encounters with combat-adaptable A.I.

Multiplayer support for up to 16 players

F.E.A.R. Extraction Point includes all new locations, weaponry and enemies to take the F.E.A.R. franchise to new levels of action

For more information, please visit the game's official Web site at www.whatisfear.com.

About Monolith Productions Monolith Productions, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company, located in Kirkland, Washington, employs over 100 people. Over the past 10 years, Monolith has risen to critical acclaim through an emphasis on delivering quality products such as the No One Lives Forever franchise and Tron 2.0.

About TimeGate Studios TimeGate Studios is a world-class game development studio that boasts a record of huge success since its founding in 1998. Headquartered in Sugar Land, TX, TimeGate has released four award-winning products, three of which are based on TimeGate-owned intellectual properties.

TimeGate is currently creating several new original products that have yet to be announced for next-generation platforms. For more information on TimeGate and its products, please visit www.timegate.com.

About Vivendi Games Vivendi Games (www.vivendigames.com) is a global developer, publisher and distributor of multi-platform interactive entertainment. The company is the leader in the subscription-based massively multiplayer online role-playing games (MMORPG) category, holds leading positions in the PC, console, handheld and mobile games markets, and is an emerging player in casual online games. Vivendi Games' two principal studios and publishing labels include Blizzard Entertainment, headquartered in Irvine, CA, the creator of World of Warcraft®, Diablo®, StarCraft®, and Warcraft®; and Sierra Entertainment, headquartered in Los Angeles, which includes Radical Entertainment, Swordfish Studios, High Moon Studios, and Massive Entertainment. Sierra's IPs include Crash Bandicoot®, Spyro The Dragon®, Empire Earth®, SWAT®, Darkwatch™, TimeShift™, Ground Control® and Leisure Suit Larry®. Vivendi Games is also home to Vivendi Games Mobile, publishing games for the mobile market, and Sierra Online, dedicated to publishing casual games for online play and distribution on all platforms. Vivendi Games maintains strategic relationships with industry leading content partners, including Universal Music Group, NBC Universal, Twentieth Century Fox, and Ludlum Entertainment. The company has 16 offices around the world conducting business in 75 countries.

> March 21, 2007

Ubisoft ships Silent Hunter
Splitfish reveals FragFX for PS3
Gametap adds Myst Online for Mac
Jeanne d'Arc coming to PSP
Blazing Angels fly to Wii
New TMNT title ships

Ubisoft's Silent Hunter®: Wolves of the Pacific Surfaces at Retail

Award-Winning PC Submarine Simulation Ships Out for a Tour in the Pacific

SAN FRANCISCO - March 20, 2007 – Today Ubisoft, one of the world's largest video game developers and publishers, announced that Silent Hunter®: Wolves of the Pacific for the PC is now available at video game retailers nationwide. Developed by Ubisoft's studio in Romania, Silent Hunter: Wolves of the Pacific is the latest addition to the award-winning Silent Hunter submarine simulation series renowned for its legendary authenticity and breathtaking graphics. Silent Hunter: Wolves of the Pacific is rated "T” for Teen by the ESRB and has an MSRP of $49.99.

"Silent Hunter is unquestionably the benchmark for naval simulations,” said Tony Key, vice president of marketing at Ubisoft. "Silent Hunter: Wolves of the Pacific breaks through by incorporating intense action, crew management, and breathtaking Hollywood-style visuals.”

About Silent Hunter: Wolves of the Pacific: Developed by Ubisoft's studio in Romania, Silent Hunter: Wolves of the Pacific takes players to the depths of the Pacific Ocean as the skipper of a WWII American submarine. Immersed in this intense environment with the help of amazing graphics and sound, players will engage in massive battles with enemy units, manage and evolve an entire submarine crew, and earn promotions and commendations to ensure victory in the Pacific. Key Features Include: • Hollywood Blockbuster Experience: Lifelike graphics and spectacular audio/visual effects offer an incredibly immersive gaming experience. • Innovative Crew Evolution: Earn upgrades and experience to help create the most effective naval force in the Pacific Theater. • Immersive Single-Player Gameplay: Diverse mission objectives and events on more than 15 maps, combined with unique rewards, make each campaign a unique experience. • Addictive New Online Adversarial Mode: Join forces with up to eight friends via LAN or four via Internet in either cooperative or adversarial gameplay modes. Scripted and generated mission types allow for epic online battles and unlimited replayability.

About Ubisoft: Ubisoft is a leading producer, publisher and distributor of interactive entertainment products worldwide and has grown considerably through its strong and diversified lineup of products and partnerships. Ubisoft has offices in 21 countries and sales in more than 50 countries around the globe. It is committed to delivering high-quality, cutting-edge video game titles to consumers. Ubisoft generated revenue of 547 million Euros for the 2005–2006 fiscal year. To learn more, please visit www.ubisoftgroup.com.

© 2007 Ubisoft Entertainment. All Rights Reserved. Silent Hunter, Ubisoft, Ubi.com, and the Ubisoft logo are trademarks of Ubisoft Entertainment in the U.S. and/or other countries. Video material furnished under license by and copyright © PeriscopeFilm.com and used with permission.

BLAZING ANGELS(TM) SQUADRONS OF WWII FOR THE WII(TM) SYSTEM LANDS IN NORTH AMERICAN RETAIL STORES THIS WEEK

SAN FRANCISCO – March 20, 2007 – Today Ubisoft, one of the world's largest video game publishers, announces that Blazing Angels(TM) Squadrons of WWII for the Wii(TM) video game system has released and will be at North American retailers this week.

Experience the thrill of flight combat using the Wii Remote(TM) and Nunchuk(TM). Whether it's a steep dive or tight dogfighting turn, the aircraft will intuitively respond to your hand movements and you'll feel more like a real fighter pilot than ever before. From the Battle of Britain, through the dramatic air combat of Pearl Harbor, and all the way back to Europe, your pilot skills will create WWII history. Dominate the skies of Western Europe and the Pacific and bring your squadron of Blazing Angels back alive.

• WWII's most epic and famous air battles: Experience the greatest air battles of World War II in famous locations from across the globe. Whether it's London, Berlin, Midway or Pearl Harbor, you and your squadron will be tasked with turning the tide of war. The single-player campaign has been expanded to include two all-new missions that take place in the North Sea and New Georgia Island in the Pacific.

• Innovative use of the controllers: Handle the Wii Remote and Nunchuk and experience a new sensation of flight. Players can easily maneuver the plane just by moving the Wii Remote and Nunchuk. Arcade and simulator modes are included for each of the five alternative controls.

• Intense squadron-based gameplay: Command AI wingmen and make use of each one's special abilities. The pilot's heroism and leadership will grow during the course of the 20-mission campaign. Engage in legendary air battles and lead a squadron of Blazing Angels to victory.

• A large variety of realistic-looking WWII aircraft: Pilot 46 authentic WWII aircraft including the famous P-51 Mustang and the British Spitfire, and planes like the Luftwaffe's Messerschmitt BF109 and the Japanese Zero in multiplayer. Ten all-new planes are included. From the wing rivets, to the nose art, to the detailed cockpits, these planes look like the real thing.

• Authentic WWII atmosphere: Fly low over Germany's industrial terrain for a bombing raid, strafe the islands of the Pacific or emerge from the cloud cover over London and engage the enemy. The environment is so real you'll feel like you're the pilot in a famous WWII movie.

• Planes are easy to handle and fun to fly: No need to attend the Air Force Academy to pilot these planes; you can jump right into air combat action without extensive tutorials. A new cockpit view is included.

Developed by Ubisoft, Blazing Angels Squadrons of WWII ships with an ESRB rating of "T” (Teen), and an MSRP of $49.99.

For more information on Blazing Angels Squadrons of WWII, please visit the game's official website at www.blazing-angels.com.

© 2007 Ubisoft Entertainment. All Rights Reserved. Blazing Angels, Ubisoft, Ubi.com, and the Ubisoft logo are trademarks of Ubisoft Entertainment in the U.S. and/or other countries. TM and Wii are trademarks of Nintendo. © 2006 Nintendo.

GAMETAP LAUNCHES “MYST ONLINE: URU LIVE” FOR MAC; MYST UNIVERSE CONTINUES TO EXPAND

Mac users can now join the critically acclaimed “Myst Online: Uru Live” as new content continues to flourish

ATLANTA – March 20, 2007 – GameTap, the first-of-its-kind broadband entertainment network from Turner Broadcasting System, Inc. (TBS, Inc.), announced today the release of “Myst Online: Uru Live” for the Mac platform in tandem with its latest content additions. Using technology from TransGaming Inc., Mac users can now take part in the same massively multiplayer “Myst Online: Uru Live” experience as their PC counterparts, including all of the regularly added features, destinations, and missions.

“Myst Online: Uru Live has been the number one game on GameTap since its launch in February,” said Ricardo Sanchez, GameTap’s vice president of content. “So we are thrilled this new audience can experience GameTap's original content.”

Mac users can experience the adventure and puzzle-solving elements and visually-stunning worlds of “Myst Online: Uru Live” via TransGaming Inc’s Cider portability engine which enables PC games to run on the Intel Mac OS. Additionally, new content and upgrades to “Myst Online: Uru Live” will be simultaneous and transparent to users on both Mac and PC platforms – an essential element in ensuring a fluid and harmonious experience between all players.

“Traditionally, Mac users have been very strong supporters of the legendary Myst franchise,” said Vikas Gupta, CEO and President of TransGaming, Inc. “We are very excited to be working with GameTap to bring this title back to that group of core fans.”

Recently fans were able to explore a new Age as part of GameTap’s commitment to providing players with a constant stream of never-before-seen content. In this latest Age, explorers visited one of the pods that the D'ni once used. The pod, set in a stunning jungle environment, appears to have primarily been used to safely observe the exotic wildlife in its natural habitat - a sort of "reverse zoo." However, it contains some features that aren't entirely understood yet, so it’s up to the players to unravel this latest mystery.

“We’re excited that as the Myst universe continues to expand online, so does the accessibility to our unique world,” said Rand Miller, CEO of Cyan Worlds and creator of Myst Online. “Many of the original Myst fans were Mac users, so for GameTap to reopen the door to this audience really means a lot to Cyan on a personal level.”

PC and Mac players alike can explore yet another dynamic new area that launched last week, as the Myst Online universe and story continues to expand and evolve. Dereno is a beautiful, arctic environment that features another mysterious pod for players to explore.

Published by GameTap and developed by Cyan Worlds, “Myst Online: Uru Live” was created exclusively for GameTap and is available to GameTap subscribers in the United States and Canada and via download in select countries around the world. “Myst Online: Uru Live” is part of the GameTap Originals label.

To experience “Myst Online: Uru Live,” visit www.gametap.com/mystonline where you can play now for free.

Jeanne d'Arc Brings a Visually Stunning, Tactics-Based Strategy Role Playing Game (RPG) Exclusively to the PSP(R) (PlayStation(R)Portable) System

After a Successful Launch in Japan, Level-5 Prepares to Deliver Their Unique Portable RPG to the North American Market This August

FOSTER CITY, Calif., March 21 /PRNewswire/ -- Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. announced today the August 2007 North American release of Jeanne d'Arc, available exclusively for the PSP(R) (PlayStation(R)Portable) system. Developed by Level-5, creators of the renowned Dark Cloud series and the critically acclaimed RPG Rogue Galaxy(TM), Jeanne d'Arc delivers a new tactical role-playing adventure set across vast lands with detailed environments, unique characters, and a diverse combat and gameplay system. In Jeanne d'Arc, players will step into a colorful world that brings together history and fantasy, taking part in a magical tale inspired by the life and times of the legendary Joan of Arc. Combining an intricate tactical combat system, a heroic story with more than 40 hours of gameplay, and a stunning visual style that truly dazzles on the PSP system, 

Jeanne d'Arc is ready to deliver hours of strategic RPG action to players anytime, anywhere. "With the introduction of Jeanne d'Arc for PSP, Level-5 now brings their high standard of game development excellence to the portable world," said Jeff Reese, Director, Software Marketing, Sony Computer Entertainment America. "The team has managed to create an action filled, mythical adventure that RPG fans and gamers alike will take anywhere they feel like playing, further adding depth to the ever expanding lineup of PSP software." The Jeanne d'Arc story begins far in the past, when a great war was waged by mankind against demonic armies attempting to invade the human world. 

During that time, five brave heroes created armlets to restrain the demon gods. In a quest to turn back the rueful army, a young crusader named Jeanne is commanded by mysterious voices to use the power of the magical armlet to seal away the demon king and recover her homeland once and for all. Set among sprawling fields, battle-torn villages, and intricate dungeons, Jeanne d'Arc unfolds through more than 40 expansive and highly detailed environments, where players will engage in the pursuit of France's resurgence. Players will control up to 14 characters throughout the journey, including humans and beasts, as they battle a variety of enemies in the quest to turn back the English domination. Jeanne d'Arc delivers a strategic, turn-based battle system where players engage in unique team attacks and defensive schemes, using multiple characters' skills in combination to create devastating strikes. Further adding to the depth of play, each character has access to one of eight weapon types that are also upgradeable as players' progress through the game. Additionally, players can customize their characters with more than 150 different skills and abilities throughout the game.

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 consoles, the PlayStation(R)2 computer entertainment system, the PSP(R) (PlayStation(R)Portable) system, and the ground-breaking PLAYSTATION(R)3 (PS3(TM)) computer entertainment system. Recognized as the undisputed industry leader, Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. markets the PlayStation family of products and develops, publishes, markets, and distributes software for the PS one game console, the PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system, the PSP system and the PS3 system for the North American market. Based in Foster City, Calif. Sony Computer Entertainment America, Inc. serves as headquarters for all North American operations and is a wholly owned subsidiary of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc.

UBISOFT'S TMNT(TM) VIDEO GAMES LEAP ONTO RETAIL STORE SHELVES

New Video Games Based on First CGI TMNT Movie Feature Classic Turtle Humor and Over-the-Top Ninja Action

SAN FRANCISCO – MARCH 20, 2007 – Today Ubisoft, one of the world's largest video game developers and publishers announced that its TMNT(TM) video game, based on the upcoming CGI feature-length film starring the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles®, is now available at video game retailers in North America. Developed by Ubisoft's world-class Montreal and Quebec City studios, TMNT, the video game, is rated E10+ and is available for the Xbox 360(TM) video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, the PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system, the PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) system, Windows® PC, Game Boy® Advance, Nintendo DS(TM), Nintendo GameCube(TM) and Wii(TM).

The new TMNT video game incorporates the same dark and dangerous environments and extends the adventurous themes featured in the new TMNT CGI film being developed by Imagi Animation Studios and Mirage Licensing and distributed by Warner Bros. The TMNT movie, which opens in U.S. theaters on March 23, 2007, takes place in a New York City plagued by secretive villains and strange, otherworldly creatures. Faced with these perils, the Turtles will experience their most trying time both as heroes and as a family, as Raphael, Donatello and Michelangelo lose their focus and struggle to maintain their unity and ninja discipline. In the movie and in the highly immersive video game adventure, it's up to Leonardo and the faithful father figure Splinter to reunite the band of brothers and save New York City from a monstrous evil that lurks around every corner. Video game players will engage in over-the-top acrobatic navigation, collaborative combat and powerful fighting moves.

"Ubisoft is proud to be introducing everyone's favorite Turtles to the next generation of video games,” said Tony Key, vice president of marketing at Ubisoft. "Ubisoft has worked closely with the creators at Imagi and Mirage to develop an immersive gaming experience that gives players a chance to expand the adventures in the film by submerging themselves in the sewers and scaling the rooftops of New York City in true ninja style.”

TMNT Video Game key features include: Intense Ninja Fighting: Harness the power of Ninjitsu and become a master of combat. Leonardo, Raphael, Donatello and Michelangelo are playable and each have unique acrobatic moves, weapons and combat skills, such as Michelangelo's fast nunchuck face slap and Raphael's powerful Sai throw.

Unique Acrobatic Navigation: The Turtles jump from rooftop to rooftop, scale tall buildings, dive into sewers and race through every corner of the city to confront their enemies.

Powerful Tag-Team Moves: Together the Turtles can team up to reach locations unattainable alone or defeat the enemy.

Diverse Enemies and Bosses: Features characters from the movie and the original comic book series – including the Purple Dragon Street Gang and the infamous Foot Clan – and a whole new group of enemies creep out of the shadows to face the Turtles.

Nine Wii Mini-Games: The Wii version features nine exclusive mini-games and each character has different movements and challenges. For example, Leonardo is forced to take action in a crime-ridden hotspot and in a game called "Shooting Alley” as he throws his Shuriken to keep enemies at bay.

Ubisoft's TMNT video game is being created under a licensing agreement with Mirage Licensing, Inc. The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles are represented for merchandising by 4Kids Entertainment. Please visit www.tmntgame.com to access the official game Web site and www.tmnt.com for the latest news and information on the new CGI movie.

About Ubisoft: Ubisoft is a leading producer, publisher and distributor of interactive entertainment products worldwide and has grown considerably through its strong and diversified lineup of products and partnerships. Ubisoft has offices in 21 countries and sales in more than 50 countries around the globe. It is committed to delivering high-quality, cutting-edge video game titles to consumers. Ubisoft generated revenue of 547 million Euros for the 2005/2006 fiscal year, an increase of 3 percent over the previous fiscal year at constant exchange rates. To learn more, please visit www.ubisoftgroup.com.

About 4Kids Entertainment Headquartered in New York City with international offices in London, 4Kids Entertainment, Inc. (NYSE: KDE) is a global provider of children's entertainment and merchandise licensing. 4Kids, through its wholly owned subsidiaries, provides domestic and international merchandise licensing; product development; television, film, music and home video production and distribution; media planning and buying; and Web site development. For further information, please visit the Company's Web site at www.4KidsEntertainment.com and www.4Kids.TV.

©2007 Mirage Studios, Inc. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles(TM) and TMNT are trademarks of Mirage Studios, Inc. All rights reserved. Software ©2007 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. "PlayStation”, "PS” Family logo, and "PSP” are registered trademarks of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. Memory Stick Duo(TM) may be required (sold separately). Microsoft, Xbox, Xbox 360, Xbox LIVE, and the Xbox logos are trademarks of the Microsoft group of companies. Game Boy Advance, Nintendo GameCube, Nintendo DS and Wii are trademarks of

SPLITFISH FRAGFX CONTROLLER BRINGS PC STYLE GAMEPLAY TO THE PLAYSTATION®3 SYSTEM 

Peripheral Customized for Sony’s Home Virtual World Navigation Edmonton 

Mar 20, 2007 Innovative peripheral maker SplitFish GameWare, Inc today officially announced the company’s upcoming FragFX game controller for the PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system. The patent pending FragFX features a separate right hand mouse controller and detachable left hand grip controller, ideal for experiencing the traditional PC mouse and keyboard style gameplay of shooter games in a console environment. Key FragFX controller features include:

The right hand mouse controller has the complete set of PlayStation 3 controller buttons. The mouse is used during game play to shoot, look left, right, up and down for that same PC style game play experience on the PlayStation 3. The mouse is optimized for navigation within the recently announced PlayStation Home virtual world. A menu mode on the mouse allows it to double as a regular mouse during menu selections. A lap mouse pad and left hand grip cradle is included with the FragFX to allow for comfortable play in a living room setting. The left hand re-programmable grip (nicknamed the “FragChuck” by G4TV) has the full range of 6-axis motion control providing Wii-like motion sensitivity for the PlayStation 3. In games like Resistance:Fall of Man, to reload a weapon or to rifle butt an opponent, the user can swing the FragChuck. The FragChuck also offers a game speed dial and frag button. When the frag button is pressed it slows the mouse down to incremental movement for smooth sniper shots. The speed dial allows for instant fast or slow overall game play. These two additional features let the user get out of battles as fast as they get into them.

Back to Main Page