2K Sports Announces NHL 2K9 Has Gone Gold

2K Sports announced today that NHL 2K9 has gone gold and is now ready for production. Below is the press release with the announcement:
2K Sports Announces NHL® 2K9 Has Gone Gold

Hockey fans cheer with game now in production and ready to launch on September 9

August 29, 2008 – 2K Sports today announced that the highly anticipated hockey title, NHL 2K9, has gone gold and is now ready for production for Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, Wii™ home video game system from Nintendo, PLAYSTATION®3 and PlayStation®2 computer entertainment systems. Dedicated fans will enjoy this on-the-ice experience like never before as NHL 2K9 brings the fun back to hockey video games on September 9 in North America.

NHL 2K9 offers brand-new gameplay features including user-friendly controls, expanded superstar moves, friendly Zamboni® competitions, a revamped fighting engine, custom Stanley Cup™ celebrations, and six-on-six online capability. As the first and only officially licensed NHL and NHLPA video game for Wii, NHL 2K9 will also provide fans with a chance to play like the pros using the Wii Remote™ as a hockey stick, a wholly unique and entertaining experience.

A free demo is now available for download through Xbox LIVE® Marketplace for the Xbox 360 and PLAYSTATION®Network. Fans will have an early opportunity to experience the new simplified controls and relive the excitement of this past season’s thrilling Stanley Cup Final in a brief three minute period as either the Pittsburgh Penguins or Detroit Red Wings at Joe Louis Arena in Detroit.

NHL 2K9, developed by Visual Concepts, is rated E10+ for Everyone 10 and older by the ESRB and will be available on September 9 for Xbox 360, Wii, PLAYSTATION 3 system and PlayStation 2 system.


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Xbox Live Arcade Wednesdays Castle Crashers

Microsoft announced today that this week's Xbox Live Arcade release will be Castle Crashers. Featuring hand-drawn characters, Castle Crashers delivers unique hi-res illustrated visuals like nothing you've ever seen before.

Play with up to three friends locally or over Xbox Live and discover the mind-boggling magic and mystery in the amazing world we have created just for you. Save your princess, defend your kingdom, and crash some castles! Play with more than 20 unlockable characters, 40 weapons to customize your hero, and an arsenal of combos and magical attacks to choose from.

Castle Crashers will be available this Wednesday, August 27, 2008 at 9 a.m. GMT (2:00 a.m. PDT) for 1,200 Microsoft Points.


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Tiger Woods Walking on Water

Was it a glitch in the game, or is Tiger Woods really that good? Based off of a user video that posted last year showing a glitch that allowed players to hit of off the water in the Tiger Woods PGA TOUR® 08 video game, a new video showcasing the real-life Tiger Woods walking and hitting a golf ball off the water became an instant hit on YouTube.com – getting more than 500,000 page views within 48 hours after posting.





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Xbox 360 at the Leipzig Games Convention 2008

XBOX 360 CATERS FOR ALL WITH ITS STRONGEST-EVER LINE-UP AT THE LEIPZIG GAMES CONVENTION

Xbox 360 is the perfect choice for everyone this Christmas with Lips, Fable II or Viva Piñata: Trouble in Paradise

LEIPZIG, Germany 20th August 2008 – During this year’s Games Convention at Leipzig, Germany, Xbox 360™ presented its forthcoming range of entertainment offerings. The visitors of Europe’s biggest fair for PC- and video games were shown a unique range of titles, and Xbox 360 was once again able to underscore its leadership role in the field of digital entertainment.

Blockbusters for both the whole family and committed gamers – the 2008 lineup

Xbox 360 offers a broad range of entertainment. From now through to Christmas and beyond you can expect a top-class line-up of titles that offer the perfect games for everyone’s taste and interests. The highlights are:

Lips (iNis / Microsoft Game Studios): Exclusively on Xbox 360, Lips will be released in November and is the gotta-have singing party game. Players become stars with the help of the motion sensitive microphones that light up and pulsate light to the beat of the music and reward high-impact performances. Lips will come with numerous localized tracks, and loads of additional songs can be downloaded from Xbox LIVE Marketplace, with new songs by national and international artists being added on a regular basis. Lips also allows players to sing to their own music collection. Developed by Keiichi Yano of Gitaroo Man fame, Lips takes a totally new approach when developing this music game. Available for Christmas 2008

Fable II (Lionhead Studios / Microsoft Game Studios) Peter Molyneux’ most recent opus is one of the most anticipated games of the year 2008. It will offer an unequalled level of freedom of choice and create a new gaming experience. Every decision has an immediate impact on the fate of the hero and his surrounding world. The game will be available in Europe from the 24th October.

Too Human (Silicon Knights/ Microsoft Game Studios) “Too Human” is an epic action game with integrated role-playing game elements, and will be available in Europe on Aug. 29 – exclusively for Xbox 360. The game features a rich storyline with deep character development, both hallmarks of Silicon Knights’ legendary tradition of video game development.

You’re in the Movies (Codemasters/ Microsoft): Become a movie star with You’re in the Movies: players are filmed acting out film roles, from a kung-fu fighter to a zombie using the Xbox LIVE Vision camera. You’re In The Movies is the first game that allows you to become part of a movie with a different result every time. Available from November 2008.

Scene It? Box Office Smash (Krome Studios and Screenlife/ Microsoft Games Studios): Scene It? Box Office Smash is the second Xbox 360 instalment of the popular movie quiz. Totally new questions, puzzles and many movie clips in HD quality ensure a party atmosphere. Players can compete against each other on Xbox LIVE as well, with additional quiz packages available to download. Available from November 2008.

Banjo-Kazooie: Nuts and Bolts (Rare Ltd./ Microsoft Game Studios): Two of the most popular video games ever are back – exclusively on Xbox 360. From the developers at Rare comes Banjo-Kazooie: Nuts and Bolts, an innovative action adventure. Players are given plenty of material to design their own vehicles, and also get to choose how Banjo and his friend Kazooie overcome obstacles which come their way. Through Xbox LIVE players can compete with their vehicles and share their inventive talent.

Viva Piñata: Trouble in Paradise (Rare Ltd./ Microsoft Game Studios) From early September, players can leave the boundaries of their gardens and discover the whole new world of the Piñatas. In two new regions, the arctic and the desert, new and unknown animals are hiding. Designed by Rare, Viva Piñata: Trouble in Paradise is a colourful entertainment experience for the whole family. Up to four players can create their gardens simultaneously or compete in the talent show P-Factor. Viva Piñata: Trouble in Paradise will be released on the 5th September.

Halo Wars (Ensemble Studios/ Microsoft Game Studio) The Halo universe is growing. “Halo Wars,” developed exclusively for Xbox 360, is a real-time strategy (RTS) game that lets players experience mankind’s first encounters with the Covenant in the beginnings of the “Halo” storyline. “Halo Wars” gives players complete control of the battlefield, playing either as the UNSC or the Covenant. With the Xbox LIVE, you can see who the superior commander is through multiplayer online skirmishes supporting up to six players.

Grand Theft Auto IV (Rockstar North/ Rockstar Games): In autumn there will be news from Liberty City; the first episodes of GTA IV will be available for download exclusively on Xbox LIVE, underlining Xbox 360’s leadership role in the field of digital entertainment.


Digital Entertainment For Your Home

In addition to the best games of the season, Xbox 360 offers digital entertainment for everyone. The Xbox LIVE Video Store is expanding. At E3 in Los Angeles it was announced that Constantin Films is now an official partner of the Xbox LIVE Video Store in Germany. For German fans this means that besides international blockbusters, German productions in HD quality are available for the whole family. With a library full of films from the world’s biggest Hollywood studios ready to download, Xbox 360 is the centre of digital entertainment in the home. *Xbox LIVE Gold membership required for online play.


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Quantum of Solace Film Leads Lend Voice for the Game

Activision announced today it has signed the film leads from the highly anticipated James Bond film in the Quantum of Solace video game. ACTIVISION SECURES TALENT FROM UPCOMING FEATURE FILM FOR THE QUANTUM OF SOLACE GAME

Daniel Craig, Judi Dench, Mathieu Amalric and Olga Kurylenko Lend Their Talents to the Upcoming James Bond Title

Santa Monica, CA – August 20, 2008 – Activision, Inc. (Nasdaq: ATVI) has cast the film leads from the highly anticipated James Bond film in the Quantum of Solace video game. Developed under license from EON Productions Ltd, Sony Pictures Entertainment and Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios, the game features the likeness and voices of Daniel Craig as James Bond, Academy Award® winning actor Judi Dench in her role as M, critically acclaimed French actor Mathieu Amalric as the sinister villain Dominic Greene and Ukrainian actress Olga Kurylenko as Camille, 007’s leading lady. Based on both the “Quantum of Solace” and “Casino Royale” feature films, Quantum of Solace allows gamers to become a more lethal, gritty and cunningly efficient Bond as they delve into the high-octane world of international espionage and intrigue.

“Quantum of Solace represents a new era for James Bond video games, allowing players to step into the role of Daniel Craig’s 007 agent as embodied in ‘Casino Royale’ and the upcoming Bond film,’” said Mark Lamia, Studio Head for Treyarch. “With the tremendous support we’ve received from the film studio and unprecedented access to the key talent from the movie, we are thrilled to be able to deliver a true, more exciting Bond universe to gamers and fans who have waited years for this game.”

The Quantum of Solace game also features the voices and character likenesses of actors from the “Casino Royale” feature film including Eva Green as Vesper Lynd and Mads Mikkelsen as Le Chiffre.

James Bond is back to settle the score in Quantum of Solace. The game blends intense first-person action with a unique third-person cover combat system that allows players to truly feel what it is like to be the ultimate secret agent as they use their stealth, precision shooting and lethal combat skills to progress through missions. Based on the renowned Call of Duty® 4: Modern Warfare™ game engine with systems specifically engineered to immerse players in the Bond universe, Quantum of Solace delivers superior high-definition graphics, reactive AI and visually stunning locations inspired by locales portrayed in the films.

The Quantum of Solace game is in development by Treyarch for the Xbox 360™ video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system. Beenox Studios is developing the game for the Wii™ video game console and Games for Windows™ on PC. The Nintendo DS™ version is being developed by Vicarious Visions and the PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system version is being developed by Eurocom. The game has been rated “T” for Teen by the ESRB and is scheduled to release worldwide concurrently with the film. For more information about the game, visit http://007thevideogame.com/.


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Tomb Raider Underworld Trailer and Screens

Continuing the thrilling legacy of Tomb Raider: Legend and Tomb Raider: Anniversary, Tomb Raider: Underworld represents an advancement in exploration-based gameplay, delivering an epic adventure that offers a new level of challenge and choice.

Using every weapon in her arsenal - from her signature dual guns and expanded kit of archeological tools to her own physical prowess and the environment itself - Lara embarks on a quest that circles the globe to uncover the secrets of the Norse underworld and a forgotten power that, if unleashed, could lay waste to all civilization.


HD (1280x720) | SD (640x360)             Click here to view all screenshots



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The Tale of Despereaux Movie TieIn Announced

Brash Entertainment announced today development for The Tale of Despereaux, an action aventure game based on Universal Pictures’ animated adventure of the same name that will follow and extend the film’s storyline. Below is the press release with the announcement:
BRASH ENTERTAINMENT PRESENTS A SMALL HERO ON A BIG ADVENTURE IN 'THE TALE OF DESPEREAUX' VIDEOGAME

Hollywood-Based Publisher Developing Videogame Extension of the Highly-Anticipated Animated Adventure from Universal Pictures, Based on Newbery Award-Winning Book

Brash Entertainment today announced development for The Tale of Despereaux, an interactive game based on Universal Pictures’ animated adventure of the same name. The game shares the fairy-tale look and feel of the upcoming film about a chivalrous mouse, full of courage and honour. The Tale of Despereaux game - created through a licensing agreement with Universal Pictures Digital Platforms Group - will release in conjunction with the film, which arrives in UK theatres on 19th December.

Directed by Sam Fell and Rob Stevenhagen and produced by Gary Ross and Allison Thomas, The Tale of Despereaux features the voice talent of Matthew Broderick, Robbie Coltrane, Frances Conroy, Tony Hale, Ciaran Hinds, Dustin Hoffman, Richard Jenkins, Kevin Kline, Frank Langella, Christopher Lloyd, William H. Macy, James Nesbitt, Stanley Tucci, Tracey Ullman, Emma Watson and Sigourney Weaver.

The game will follow and extend the film’s storyline in adventures spanning from the magical kitchen and colourful rooms of the castle to the dark dungeons of the rat lairs. An introductory training mode, mouse-centric unique abilities, upgradeable skills and objects, and a lot of courage, will help Despereaux face off against a multitude of animal enemies and human foes on his quest to save Princess Pea. Multiple difficulty settings will ensure that a wide range of adventurers can enjoy Despereaux’s heroics again and again.

“Whether charmed by the book or newly introduced to the characters via the film, children of all ages can expand on their love for Despereaux with this title,” said Mitch Davis, co-founder, chairman and CEO of Brash Entertainment. “We’re excited and proud to be translating this classic into an exciting, engaging and enriching game."

“With its focus on publishing film-based games, Brash was the clear partner to develop the interactive adventure that would accompany the film and bring Despereaux to life on gaming screens,” said Bill Kispert, VP and General Manager, Interactive, Universal Pictures Digital Platforms Group. “The game’s attention to detail will allow players to explore all the nooks and crannies of the whimsical Kingdom of Dor.”

The Tale of Despereaux will be available for the XBOX™ 360, PLAYSTATION®2 computer entertainment system, the Wii™ videogame system from Nintendo, and PC, and is set to scurry onto shelves this winter.


About The Tale of Despereaux Film

Once upon a time, in the faraway kingdom of Dor, there was magic in the air, laughter aplenty and gallons of mouthwatering soup. But an accident left the King broken-hearted, the Princess filled with longing and the townsfolk without their soup. Sunlight disappeared. The world became gray. All hope was lost in this land…until Despereaux Tilling was born.

A modern fairy tale, The Tale of Despereaux tells the story of several unlikely heroes: Despereaux (Matthew Broderick), a brave mouse banished to the dungeon for speaking with a human; Roscuro (Dustin Hoffman), a good-hearted rat who loves light and soup, but is exiled to darkness; Pea (Emma Watson), a Princess in a gloomy castle who is prisoner to her father’s grief; and Mig (Tracey Ullman), a servant girl who longs to be a Princess, but is forced to serve the jailer (Robbie Coltrane).

Tiny and graced with oversized ears, Despereaux was born too big for his little world. Refusing to live his life cowering, he befriends a Princess named Pea and learns to read (rather than eat) books—reveling in stories of knights, dragons and fair maidens. Banished from Mouseworld for being more man than mouse, Despereaux is rescued by another outcast, Roscuro, who also wants to hear the tales. But when the Princess dismisses Roscuro’s friendship, he becomes the ultimate rat and plots revenge with fellow outsider Mig.

After Pea is kidnapped, Despereaux discovers he is the only one who can rescue her…and that even the tiniest mouse can find the courage of a knight in shining armor. In this tale of bravery, forgiveness and redemption, one small creature will teach a kingdom that it takes only a little light to show the truth: what you look like doesn’t equal what you are.


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Sacred 2 Fallen Angel Screenshots

Sacred 2: Fallen Angel is an Action RPG with a rich story that takes place in a giant, open-ended and seamless world. This world contains hundreds of dungeons, treacherous opponents and a variety of challenging quests. Intelligent enemies, steadily adapting in number and difficulty based on player progress, challenge in heroic single- and multiplayer battles.

Sacred 2: Fallen Angel provides numerous unique items that can be gathered in this mystical world. A deep reward system further enables advancements in character, individual attributes and character-specific fighting styles, each designed to keep players returning to the world of Sacred 2: Fallen Angel to discover what is around the next bend. Drop-in styled cooperative multiplayer gameplay ensures players will enjoy the game alone or seamlessly with friends at any time. Five unique multiplayer modes round out the experience and offer a refreshing, first-class gaming experience in Sacred 2: Fallen Angel.

            Click here to view all screenshots



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Duke Nukem 3D Coming to Xbox Live Arcade

3D Realms officially announced today Duke Nukem 3D for Xbox Live Arcade.

We're very pleased to announce that "Duke Nukem 3D for Xbox LIVE Arcade" will be coming to your Xbox 360 console soon!

As has been reported around the net today, we can confirm that the game has indeed passed final certification with Microsoft on Friday the 15th of August (on our first try, no less). That means the game is done - it is now in the hands of Microsoft. At this time we cannot give you details on release date or points cost, as we do not have that information. There's plenty of really cool stuff in this new update to a classic title. While we're not quite ready to divulge everything yet, we can tell you this.

Set sometime in the early 21st century, Duke Nukem 3D begins in a ravaged LA, which was overtaken by aliens. Duke, upon returning to Earth, finds himself with another mess to clean up, and another alien race that needs exterminating. Duke is a can-do hero who realizes that sometimes innocent people have to die in order to save Earth, so accuracy of gun fire is not a real concern to him.


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First Picture of Jake Gyllenhaal as the Prince of Persia

Just Jared has obtained the first pictures of Jake Gyllenhaal in the role of Dastan for the Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time movie, an upcoming film based on the 2003 video game of the same name. Directed by Mike Newell, the film also stars Gemma Arterton, Ben Kingsley, and Alfred Molina. Filming is taking place in the U.K. and Morocco.

Amidst the scorched sands of ancient Persia, there is a legend spun in an ancient tongue. It speaks of a time borne by blood and ruled by deceit. It is within this war torn land that a young Prince discovers a magic dagger. Drawn to its dark powers, he is led to unleash a deadly evil upon the reaches of his father's vast kingdom. Aided by the wiles of a seductive princess and the absolute powers of the Sands of Time, the Prince stages a harrowing quest to reclaim the Palace's cursed chambers, and restore peace to the very fabric of Time itself. He must tread these dangers carefully, however. Because in this world, there is only one rule: master the Sands, or be buried.

Click here to view picture in high resolution




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Left 4 Dead On Tour

Valve announced today a series of live demonstrations of Left 4 Dead at upcoming industry events. Below is the press release with the announcement:
Left 4 Dead On Tour

Playable at Multiple Events Around the World

August 12, 2008 - Valve, creators of best-selling game franchises (such as Half-Life and Counter-Strike) and leading technologies (such as Steam and Source), today announced a series of live demonstrations of Left 4 Dead at upcoming industry events the world over.

Left 4 Dead is the new survival co-op action game from Valve that blends the social entertainment experience of multiplayer games such as Counter-Strike and Team Fortress with the dramatic, narrative experience made popular in single player action game classics such as the Half-Life series of games.

The PC version of the game will be playable by the press and public at a series of upcoming events including Leipzig Games Convention, (Germany), Festival du Jeu Video (France), and PC Gamer Showdown (UK). The worldwide debut of the Xbox 360 version will be at the upcoming Penny Arcade Expo (PAX) in Seattle, WA. Members of the development team will be on hand at each event to provide information and give away some Left 4 Dead memorabilia.

"The shared experience of Left 4 Dead is unlike that of any other action game," said Gabe Newell, president and co-founder of Valve. "That's what we've experienced playing the game, and from showing the game to the press and our partners. It sounds cliché, but in many ways you have to play this one to truly appreciate what we're attempting. So, to give gamers a chance to sample this new type of experience first hand, we're taking Left 4 Dead on the road."

Left 4 Dead is due for release on the PC and Xbox 360 this November, and earned numerous awards at this year's Electronic Entertainment Expo in Los Angeles, CA, including 1up.com, Gamespot.com and Maximum PC's Best PC Game, as well as Best Multiplayer Game from Kotaku, IGN, G4TV, the official E3 Judges, and more. For more information, please visit www.l4d.com

About Valve

Valve is an entertainment software and technology company founded in 1996 and based in Bellevue, Washington with offices in Irvine, CA. The company's portfolio of entertainment properties includes Half-Life®, Counter-Strike®, Day of Defeat®, Team Fortress®, PortalTM and Left 4 DeadTM. Valve's catalog of products accounts for over 30 million retail units sold worldwide, and over 80% of PC online action gameplay. In addition, Valve is a developer of leading-edge technologies, such as the Source game engine and Steam, a broadband platform for the delivery and management of digital content. For more information, please visit www.valvesoftware.com.


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Legendary Behind the Scenes Trailer

Legendary tells the story of Charles Deckard, an art thief who is duped into stealing Pandora’s Box. When he inadvertently opens it, he releases hordes of beasts thought to be fictional – such as werewolves and gryphons – into an unprepared modern world. A full scale war between man and myth begins, and it is quickly complicated by the actions of powerful secret societies.

As the person responsible for releasing this terror, Deckard’s unwittingly become the only person capable of containing it once more and saving civilization from being destroyed by the terrifying creatures.

The second Legendary behind the scenes video is now available (griffons and werewolves!)


HD (1280x720) | SD (640x360)             Click here to view all screenshots



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Ozzy, Zakk Wylde Join Guitar Hero World Tour

Activision announced today that Ozzy Osbourne will make his videogame debut Guitar Hero World Tour. Joining Ozzy are OZZFest artists Metallica, System of a Down and his lead axe-shredder and founder of Black Label Society, Zakk Wylde, performing their hit track “Stillborn.” Below is the press release with the announcement:
OZZY OSBOURNE TO HEADLINE VIRTUAL OZZFEST LINEUP IN GUITAR HERO® WORLD TOUR

OZZFest Artists Metallica, System of a Down and Black Label Society - Featuring Zakk Wylde’s Likeness - Coming to Guitar Hero World Tour

SANTA MONICA, CA – August 8, 2008 – After performing in countless sold-out arenas and amphitheatres throughout the world, rock’s defining frontman Ozzy Osbourne – who has sold over 100 million records worldwide in his four decade career – will be playing to a new audience this fall as he makes his videogame debut in Activision Publishing, Inc.’s (Nasdaq: ATVI) Guitar Hero® World Tour.

Budding rockstars around the world will have the opportunity to live out their ultimate fantasy on the virtual OZZFest stage, playing as Ozzy, or alongside him, as he wails to iconic rock track “Crazy Train” and “Mr. Crowley,” both from his quintuple platinum debut solo album Blizzard of Ozz. OZZFest, now it its 13th year, has also been created digitally as an in-game venue exclusively for Guitar Hero World Tour to host the heavy metal rock legend.

Joining Ozzy in Guitar Hero World Tour as a playable character is his lead axe-shredder and founder of Black Label Society, Zakk Wylde, performing their hit track “Stillborn.”

In addition to Metallica releasing their highly anticipated Death Magnetic album in its entirety as downloadable content in both Guitar Hero® III: Legends of Rock and Guitar Hero World Tour, the 2008 OZZFest performers and GRAMMY® winning recording artists will be appearing for their on-disc encore with “Trapped Under Ice.” Finally, taking the Guitar Hero® stage for the first time is fellow OZZFest artist, System of a Down with their 2006 GRAMMY® for Best Hard Rock Performance winning single “B.Y.O.B.”

When the house lights go down this fall, a new generation of guitarists, drummers and fearless frontmen will come together and rock with Guitar Hero World Tour. The latest installment in the #1 best-selling video game franchise of 2007, Guitar Hero World Tour transforms music gaming by expanding Guitar Hero’s signature guitar gameplay into a cooperative band experience that combines the most advanced wireless instruments with new revolutionary online* and offline gameplay modes including Band Career and 8-player “Battle of the Bands,” which allows two full bands to compete head-to-head online for the first time ever. The game features a slick newly redesigned guitar controller, drum kit controller and a microphone, as well as an innovative Music Studio music creator that lets players compose, record, edit and share their own rock ‘n’ roll anthems. Music creators will also be able to share their recordings with their friends online through GHTunesSM where other gamers can download and play an endless supply of unique creations.

Guitar Hero World Tour is being developed by Neversoft Entertainment for the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system. The Wii™ version is being developed by Vicarious Visions. The PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system version is being developed by Budcat. The game is rated "T" for Teen by the ESRB. For more information on Guitar Hero World Tour, please visit www.guitarhero.com.


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Tales of Vesperia Special Edition Announced

Namco Bandai Games revealed today plans for a Special Edition version of Tales of Vesperia for the Xbox 360. Below is the press release with info on the content of this edition, plus a picture of the retail package:
NAMCO BANDAI Games America Reveals Tales of Vesperia™ Special Edition

NAMCO BANDAI Games today revealed plans for a Special Edition version of Tales of Vesperia™ for the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft. Packaged in a SteelBook case with original artwork by longtime Tales series character designer Kosuke Fujishima, each copy of the special edition comes with a 10th anniversary soundtrack CD packed with some of the series’ musical highlights from past and present. The CD contains 25 tracks, with 14 songs from Tales of Vesperia, two from Tales of Phantasia, two from Tales of Destiny, four from Tales of Symphonia and three from Tales of the Abyss. The Tales of Vesperia special edition will carry a suggested retail price of $69.99 and will be available in limited quantities through select retailers.

Click here to view high-resolution image

Highlighting the 10th anniversary of the Tales series in North America, Tales of Vesperia launches the role-playing genre to new heights of interactive storytelling and captivating gameplay. Featuring a strategic real-time battle system and incredible “living anime” graphics, the game offers a true next-generation role-playing experience with all the classic touches that fans of the genre expect.

Tales of Vesperia for the Xbox 360 will be available in stores on August 26.


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Onechanbara Bikini Samurai Squad Coming to Xbox 360

D3Publisher announced it it bringing Onechanbara™: Bikini Samurai Squad™ to the Xbox 360 in North America. The game features a bikini samurai squad who must fight an infestation of zombies that have plagued their city. The Xbox 360 version is scheduled for launch in early 2009 like the Wii version. Below is the press release with the announcement:
MORE GIRL ON ZOMBIE SWORD FIGHTING ACTION IN ONECHANBARA™: BIKINI SAMURAI SQUAD™ FOR THE XBOX 360

Bikini Samurai Squad to Build Upon Onechanbara Story for North America Audience

LOS ANGELES – August 05, 2008 – The zombie infestation spreads to the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft as D3Publisher (D3P) announces Onechanbara™: Bikini Samurai Squad™. The videogame features Aya and Saki, sisters with a passion for obliterating zombies, and an equal enthusiasm for showing off their assets, as they battle hordes of enemies in their skimpiest outfits in an effort to save their city. Bikini Samurai Squad will ship at the same time to retail stores as Onechanbara™: Bikini Zombie Slayers™ for Wii™ in early 2009, giving stateside gamers two complete stories of the long-awaited Onechanbara series, famous for its iconic bikini-clad characters and heart-pounding third-person action.

            Click here to view all screenshots
Developed by Tamsoft, both Onechanbara: Bikini Samurai Squad and its sequel Onechanbara: Bikini Zombie Slayers for Wii are currently rated “RP” (Rating Pending) by the ESRB. For more information on Onechanbara, please visit www.onechanbara.com.


Onechanbara: Bikini Samurai Squad (For Xbox 360)

In Onechanbara: Bikini Samurai Squad, Aya, a descendent of the family known as IMICHI, meaning blood that goes out of control, reconciles with her sister Saki and live together in peace for awhile. The peace doesn’t last for long as an infestation of zombies have plagued the city. The sisters join together to draw their swords and rid the city of evil. Gamers can play with a friend in Co-op Mode or switch between any of the three beautiful playable characters in single player. Each character has a variety of unique moves that can be mastered during combat to destroy enemy zombies. Get too much blood on either sister and be driven into Rage Mode and gain more power and agility to destroy enemies faster and deadlier.


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Lionel "La Pulga" Messi Cover Athlete for PES 2009

Konami announced today that Argentinean forward Lionel Messi is to be the face of its forthcoming PES 2009. Below is the press release with the announcement with images and a gameplay clip featuring "La Pulga"
PES 2009 Gets Messi

Argentinean forward announced as the pan-European face of PES 2009

Konami Digital Entertainment GmbH has announced that Argentinean forward Lionel Messi is to be the face of its forthcoming PES 2009 title for PLAYSTATION®3, Xbox 360, PC-DVD, PlayStation®2, and PSP® (PlayStation®Portable), Wii and mobile phones across Europe.

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Messi is one of the most exciting and paciest forwards in the modern game, and is an ever-present in both the Argentinean national side and for his club side, FC Barcelona. Having played for Argentinean sides since he was five, Messi moved to Barcelona when he was just 13,13 working his way through the CatalanFC Barcelona side’s youth and reserve teams, before making his full debut in October 2004 as the youngest player ever to play in the Spanish top flight. He made his debut for Argentina against Hungary in 2005, and has been a permanent member of the squad ever since.

As part of the new agreement, Lionel Messi will grace the box of all versions of PES 2009 when it is released later this year, and will also feature in promotional materials for the game. PES 2009 is the latest installment of the award-winning Pro Evolution Soccer Series, and will boast a wealth of extensive new additions to enhance the series’ reputation as the most realistic football game available. The new game enjoys a stunning graphical update wherein its players look and identically to their real-life counterparts, while new moves, innovative control elements and key online enhancements will further the realism of the new game.

“Most modern players are aware of the realism and skill of the PES series,” commented Messi on the deal. “It is a game that truly mirrors the pace and control of real football, and as a die-hard fan of the series, I am delighted to be working with Konami on the latest version.”

“Lionel Messi is an incredibly exciting player, and one who enjoys a world-wide reputation for skill, pace and all-round ability,” commented Jon Murphy, PES European Team Leader for Konami Digital Entertainment GmbH. “As such, he is the ideal player to front PES 2009, and his enthusiasm for the new game is certain to shine as we work closely together in the promotion of what will be the most advanced PES title to date.”

Konami will be announcing further enhancements and player contributions to PES 2009 in the coming weeks. PES 2009 will be released for PLAYSTATION®3, Xbox 360, PC-DVD, PlayStation 2, and PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) and mobile phones in Autumn, and for Wii in Spring 2009.


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