Wednesday, September 24, 2008

PES 2009 Bolsters its Licenced Lineup

PES 2009 Bolsters its Licenced Line-up

Konami adds new club and national sides, as PES 2009's team roster expands further

Konami Digital Entertainment GmbH has confirmed a number of additional licenced elements for its forthcoming PES 2009 title. Due for release on October 16th for PLAYSTATION®3, Xbox 360 and PC-DVD, the new game will benefit from the inclusion of some of the world’s biggest club and national sides.

Following the recent announcement of Konami’s four-year agreement to feature UEFA’s Champions League competition in the game, the publisher has also added a strong selection of other licensed teams for use in the game. The Dutch Eredivisie and French Ligue 1 will both be represented in their entirety, with full kits, player rosters and affiliated elements. Likewise, key clubs such as FC Barcelona, Real Madrid, Inter Milan, FC Porto, Liverpool and Manchester United, will also be resplendent in their official livery. Other additions include the likes of Zenit St. Petersbourg and Brondby IF, amongst others. Konami has also added a number of new national sides to PES 2009, with Northern Ireland amongst those added to the International rosters of respected teams like Netherlands, England and Italy.

The publisher has also included several new stadia in the new game, with faithfully recreated versions of the Stade de France, Stadio Olimpico di Torino and the new Wembley Stadium included for the first time. These new agreements confirm Konami’s commitment to constantly adding new licences to the PES series.

PES 2009 will be released for PLAYSTATION®3, Xbox 360, PC-DVD and mobile phones on 17th October, followed by versions for PlayStation®2 on 30th October, and for PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) on 6th November and for Wii in 2009.


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Tuesday, September 23, 2008

Ubisoft Deploys Brothers In Arms Hell's Highway to Stores

Ubisoft and Gearbox Software announced that Brothers In Arms Hell's Highway has shipped to retail stores. You can read our review of the game here. Below is the press release announcing the launch of the game:

UBISOFT AND GEARBOX SOFTWARE DEPLOY BROTHERS IN ARMS HELL'S HIGHWAY(TM) TO STORES

SAN FRANCISCO - SEPTEMBER 23, 2008 - Today Ubisoft and Gearbox Software announced that Brothers In Arms Hell's Highway(TM) for the Xbox 360(r) video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and the PLAYSTATION(r)3 computer entertainment system has shipped to retail stores and is now available for an MSRP of $59.99. Developed by Gearbox Software, Brothers In Arms Hell's Highway is the third iteration of the highly successful and award-winning Brothers In Arms series.

Brothers In Arms Hell's Highway brings the critically acclaimed squad-based WWII shooter into the next generation of gaming with amazing graphics, sound and new cutting-edge gameplay features. Delivering on the franchise's compelling story, unrivaled authenticity and intense squad-based action, Brothers In Arms Hell's Highway drops you into Operation Market Garden, the largest airborne operation of World War II. Lead Matt Baker, Joe Hartsock and the rest of the 101st Airborne Division as they fight to open "Hell's Highway" in a daring bid for a quick end to the war.

"Brothers In Arms Hell's Highway has turned out to be the most authentic, intense and action-oriented recreation of true history ever offered as interactive entertainment," said Randy Pitchford, President of Gearbox Software. "We know that many fans have been anticipating this day where our commitment to quality has finally led us to deliver the immersive story-driven, squad combat focused, next-generation vision of authentic warfare in Brothers in Arms Hell's Highway."


Far Cry 2 Dated, PreOrder Edition Announced
‘Death Race’: Bad Max, By Kurt Loder
‘Burn After Reading’ Edges Out Tyler Perry At Weekend Box Office

Saturday, September 20, 2008

Namco Museum Virtual Arcade Screenshots

Namco Bandai Games released today new screenshots of their latest entry in the esteemed Namco Museum franchise, Namco Museum: Virtual Arcade for the Xbox 360.

Go back in time with Namco Museum: Virtual Arcade and relive classic Namco arcade games including Boraduke, Bosconian, Dig Dug, Dig Dug 2, Dig Dug Arrangement, Dragon Blast, Dragon Spirit, Galaga ’88, Galaga Arrangement, Galaxian, Pac-Man, Pole Position and Rolling Thunder, as well as a host of others. Namco Museum: Virtual Arcade also features Pac-Man Championship Edition which was voted the best downloadable game of 2007 from numerous video game publications. With more than 30 games spanning three decades worth of arcade nostalgia, Namco Museum: Virtual Arcade is the most fully realized Namco Museum collection yet.

Namco Museum Virtual Arcade Screenshots

Namco Museum Virtual Arcade Screenshots

     

Namco Museum Virtual Arcade Screenshots

     

Namco Museum Virtual Arcade Screenshots

Click here to view all screenshots
Over 30 games are available, nine of which are from Namco Bandai’s Xbox Live Arcade library. Namco Museum: Virtual Arcade will be available this November for an MSRP of $29.99.


Sacred 2 Fallen Angel Screenshots
‘Ghost Town’: The Go-Between, By Kurt Loder

Wednesday, September 17, 2008

Double D Dodgeball Get Bent DLC Trailer and Screens

YUKE'S Company of America announced today that the all new “Get Bent” downloadable content pack is now available for Double D Dodgeball on Xbox Live Arcade for the Xbox 360. “Get Bent” Downloadable Content Pack Released for Double D Dodgeball on XBLA

CHICAGO - Sept. 17, 2008 - YUKE'S Company of America, the U.S. publishing arm of Japanese game developer YUKE'S Company Limited, today announced that the all new “Get Bent” downloadable content pack is now available for Double D Dodgeball on Xbox LIVE® Arcade for the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft. The in-game content will feature Curver, a new player with enhanced ball-curving capabilities and a super shot that causes the ball to disappear, challenging the opposing player’s catching skills.


HD (1280x720) | SD (640x360)             Click here to view all screenshots
In addition, new themes and picture packs were made available last week to commemorate the release of the “Get Bent” DLC. The Theme Pack contains five new images to enhance the look of your XBLA theme, while the Picture Pack includes images of the five original characters featuring a colorful art style for fans to use as a profile picture.

Double D Dodgeball, released on July16th, is an arcade-style take on the beloved sport, allowing players to face off in teams of up to four live players, or six including the AI, in a variety of arenas and match types. Players can strategize before a match begins by drafting a customized team and selecting from five specialized characters, each with their own strengths and weaknesses. Compete on a variety of different courts, each version coming in Western and Eastern rules, to find out who is the top dodgeballer on Xbox LIVE Arcade for Xbox 360. Double D Dodgeball is rated E for Everyone by the ESRB.

The "Get Bent" DLC pack is available now and is priced at 100 Microsoft® Points.


Xbox Live Arcade Wednesdays Castle Crashers
‘Bangkok Dangerous’: Thai Die, By Kurt Loder

Tuesday, September 16, 2008

Microsoft Cuts Xbox 360 Prices in Europe

Following the price cuts in Japan and the U.S., comes the official announcement of the new retail prices for the Xbox 360 family of consoles in Europe.
XBOX 360 OFFERS NEW PRICE IN THE UK PROVIDING MORE FUN FOR EVERYONE WITH THE BEST LINE UP OF GAMES AND HD ENTERTAINMENT

Xbox 360 looks to extend its lead as the Next Generation platform of choice due to the recent success of the console with a new estimated retail pricing from £129.99

LONDON – 16th September 2008 - Imagine if friends and families had the ability to instantly watch movies and share pictures, live out their musical fantasies through “Lips” (iNiS Corp./Microsoft Game Studios) and “Rock Band” (Harmonix/MTV Games) and star in their own Hollywood classics with “You’re in the Movies” (Codemasters/Microsoft Game Studios) — all from one console, starting at an estimated retail price (ERP) of only £129.99. That is the Xbox 360™, and Microsoft today announced the new lower ERP for its Xbox 360 family of consoles in Europe. Now with an entry-level ERP of £129.99 and offering a plethora of exciting and broad entertainment in the living room, Xbox 360 is the true home of mass market entertainment with something to offer for every interest and budget.

From Friday, 19th September, Xbox 360, which includes a 60GB hard drive and one wireless controller, will have an ERP of £169.99. The Xbox 360 Elite, which comes with a massive 120GB hard drive enabling consumers to store huge quantities of content downloaded from Xbox LIVE™ Marketplace as well as their own music, will have an ERP of £229.99. The Xbox 360 Arcade console, perfect for those wishing to make their first foray into the gaming and entertainment world of Xbox, will have an ERP of £129.99.

The new ERPs are part of Microsoft’s ongoing strategy to open up the ultimate in high-definition gaming and entertainment to an even wider audience, with something for everyone. A major part of this strategy is a new Xbox LIVE online experience coming to Europe this autumn that will reinvent home entertainment from the inside out, with a bold new look and feel that is fun, social and simple to use. It’s the first time in history that a mass market consumer electronics device has been reinvented through free software, changing the way we play games, watch movies, and even become contestants in game shows. Along with the new Xbox experience, the Xbox 360 platform is offering a stunning games portfolio for all ages and interests this Christmas, with new titles for music lovers, family-friendly games, and exciting blockbuster titles for the committed gamer.

“Xbox 360 has now sold over 20 million consoles worldwide and due to its unprecedented success, we are now able to pass on the rewards of that success to the consumer with a new retail pricing from £129.99”, said Neil Thompson, Senior Regional Director, Microsoft UK. “With more games, more entertainment with Xbox LIVE and now even more value, we are looking forward to welcoming more customers into the leading Next Generation console, Xbox 360.”


Bringing Music Games to Life

Whether you’re an aspiring groupie, songbird or big-haired rocker, this Christmas Xbox 360 transforms your living room into a thrilling soundstage for you and your friends. No other system connects you with all the music you love:

“Lips” (iNiS/Microsoft Game Studios). “Lips,” an all-new music franchise exclusively from Xbox 360, is the only singing party game that offers wireless motion-sensitive microphones and a robust and diverse list of songs representing multiple musical genres, ranging from pop, rock and dance to hip-hop, country and R&B. “Rock Band” (Harmonix/Electronic Arts). “Rock Band” is the next-gen music game that lets you live out your rock-and-roll fantasy. Embark on a solo career as a guitarist, bassist, drummer, or singer, and rock out to some of the biggest rock anthems of all time. “Guitar Hero® World Tour” (RedOctane/Activision). The latest instalment from the No. 1 best-selling video game franchise of 2007, “Guitar Hero World Tour” will transform music gaming by marrying the exhilarating guitar gameplay of “Guitar Hero” with a cooperative band experience that combines the most advanced wireless instruments with revolutionary new online and offline gameplay modes.

Xbox 360 Is the Life of the Party

Xbox 360 truly gets the party started with a wide-ranging portfolio of exclusive games for the whole family, including:

“You’re in the Movies” (Codemasters/Microsoft Game Studios). Get ready for your close-up. “You’re in the Movies” brings the cool factor to kitsch as you live out your dreams of becoming a scream queen, zombie or kung fu fighter. Premiering exclusively on Xbox 360 this holiday season, “You’re in the Movies” is the first and only game of its kind to literally transport players into a magical world of cinema mixed with the hilarious world of improvisation. “Scene It? Box Office Smash” (Krome Studios and Screenlife/Microsoft Game Studios). “Scene It? Box Office Smash,” the revolutionary movie trivia game on Xbox 360, will ignite your game night this Christmas with totally new questions, movie puzzles and more high-definition (HD) content from real movies including some of Hollywood’s latest blockbusters. With the New Xbox Experience, players can literally put themselves into the game through custom avatars that respond to play and react to one another throughout the course of the game. Movie fans in France, Italy, German, Spain and the U.K. have even more to love, with content from some of their favourite local films included in versions of the game sold in their countries. “Banjo-Kazooie: Nuts & Bolts” (Rare Ltd./Microsoft Game Studios). Available exclusively on Xbox 360 in November, from the creative masterminds at Rare, “Banjo-Kazooie: Nuts & Bolts” is an action-adventure game that breathes new life into a franchise that has entertained people of all ages for a decade. In a platform genre first, players create their own abilities by building vehicles for Banjo to pilot over land, sea and air in a variety of Challenges where their choice of vehicle and tactics determines the course of the adventure. “Viva Piñata: Trouble in Paradise” (Rare Ltd./Microsoft Game Studios). In this sequel to the colourful sleeper hit “Viva Piñata”, players can venture outside the boundaries of the immersive and ever-changing garden to retrieve exotic piñata species from two new lands, the Dessert Desert and the Piñarctic. Developed by Rare, “Viva Piñata: Trouble in Paradise” allows up to four players to work together to create the ultimate online garden via Xbox LIVE.

The Biggest Blockbusters of 2008 and Beyond

With the most blockbuster, million-selling games and some highly- anticipated titles in 2008 and beyond, Xbox 360 is the pre-eminent place to play all the big titles that gamers thirst for, including the following:

Fallout® 3 (Bethesda Softworks). Included in “Fallout 3” is an expansive world, unique combat, shockingly realistic visuals, tons of player choice, and an incredible cast of dynamic characters. Every minute is a fight for survival against the terrors of the outside world—radiation, super mutants, and hostile mutated creatures. “Fable II” (Lionhead Studios/Microsoft Game Studios). This Xbox 360 exclusive action role-playing game offers players an epic storyline and an unprecedented level of freedom and choice. Every decision defines who the player becomes and influences the evolving world around them. “Gears of War 2” (Epic Games/Microsoft Game Studios). “Gears of War 2” is the most anticipated Xbox 360 exclusive title this holiday season and will be released worldwide Nov. 7. “Grand Theft Auto IV” (Rockstar North/Rockstar Games). Continuing its blistering pace on the Xbox 360 platform, the first of the Xbox 360 exclusive downloadable episodes for this record-breaking game will be available this autumn — the only console with new “Grand Theft Auto IV” content available this Christmas. “Tomb Raider: Underworld” (EIDOS). “Tomb Raider: Underworld” represents a new advancement in exploration-based gameplay. As fearless adventurer Lara Croft explore exotic locations around the world, each designed with an incredible attention to detail resulting in breathtaking high-definition visual fidelity that creates a truly believable world and delivers a new level of challenge and choice. James Bond: Quantum of Solace (Treyarch/Activision Inc.) James Bond is back to settle the score in Activision Inc.’s Quantum of Solace video game. Introducing a more lethal and cunningly efficient Bond, the game blends intense first-person action with a unique third-person cover combat system allowing players to truly experience 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. Prince of Persia (Ubisoft). “Prince of Persia” is set in a land rooted in ancient Persian mythology, with the Prince finding himself caught in an epic battle between the primal forces of light and darkness. Master the acrobatics, strategy and fighting tactics of the most agile warrior of all time. Grip fall down the face of a building, perform perfectly timed acrobatic combinations, swing over canyons, buildings, and anything that is reachable.


‘Twilight’ Tuesday: Robert Pattinson, Kristen Stewart And Taylor Lautner Will Present At The VMAs

Monday, September 15, 2008

Rock Band Gets New Megadeth Album

In what certainly looks as a response to the release of Metallica's highly anticipated "Death Magnetic" album for Guitar Hero, Harmonix and MTV Games announced today that Megadeth’s album "Peace Sells…But Who’s Buying?" will join the Rock Band Music Store catalog of downloadable content.
ROCK BAND™ FANS THROW UP THE HORNS FOR CRITICALLY ACCLAIMED HEAVY METAL MEGADETH ALBUM PEACE SELLS…BUT WHO’S BUYING?

Harmonix and MTV Games announced today the addition of Megadeth’s album Peace Sells…But Who’s Buying? as the fourth album to join the Rock Band™ Music Store catalog of downloadable content. One of the most influential heavy metal albums of its time, Peace Sells…But Who’s Buying? will be available starting September 16, 2008, for the Xbox®360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and September 18, 2008, for PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainmentsystem.

Megadeth, a pioneer of the American thrash metal movement, has sold more than 20 million albums worldwide and continues to stand apart with their snarling vocals and distinctive guitar style. The seminal 1986 classic Peace Sells…But Who’s Buying? has sold more than one million copies nationwide, with the title track included on the Rock Band 2 disc with the DLC album including the following tracks:

Wake Up Dead The Conjuring Devil’s Island Good Mourning / Black Friday Bad Omen I Ain’t Superstitious My Last Words

Peace Sells…But Who’s Buying? will be available for $10.99 (880 Microsoft Points) for the album, or $1.99 (160 Microsoft Points) per track.

With the addition of the Megadeth album there are now more than 300 tracks available to date via disc and download purchase (complete list of tracks at www.rockband.com/dlc). Rock Band continues to fly off shelves and satisfy music fans and gamers' voracious appetite for rock with more than 21 million downloads since its launch on November 20, 2007. The Rock Band Music Store allows players to preview and purchase downloadable individual music tracks and packs from the vast selection of offerings available to date without ever leaving the game as they build their own custom Rock Band library.

Rock Band allows online play and features that expand the boundaries of music gaming. Rock Band downloadable content is playable and integrated into setlists in all game modes including: Solo Tour, Band World Tour, head-to-head competition either locally or online, and from any Quickplay mode. In order to play downloadable content for head-to-head matches or multiplayer online, all players must own the same downloadable track. Downloadable content for Xbox 360 is available for purchase via Xbox LIVE® Marketplace for Xbox 360 using Microsoft Points and is downloaded directly to the Xbox 360 hard drive. Downloadable content for the PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system's version of Rock Band is available for purchase on the PLAYSTATION®Store through the free PLAYSTATION®Network and is downloaded directly to PLAYSTATION 3 system's built in hard drive.

Harmonix, the world's premier music video game company in the world, and MTV Games, launched Rock Band 2 September 14, 2008, which supports all previously downloaded content. The groundbreaking music platform that forever changed the face of music video games is committed to taking gaming to the next level with the evolution of the franchise. Rock Band 2 will make its debut on Xbox 360 and be available for additional platforms later this year.

Rock Band is rated "T" for Teen (lyrics, mild suggestive themes) by the ESRB. For more information on Rock Band and Harmonix Music Systems please visit www.rockband.com and www.harmonixmusic.com.


Ozzy, Zakk Wylde Join Guitar Hero World Tour

Saturday, September 13, 2008

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.


Far Cry 2 Dated, PreOrder Edition Announced
Madden NFL 09 Tackles Top Movie Releases in August
Vin Diesel Enjoys ‘European Approach’ To ‘Babylon A.D.’ Before Returning To Riddick

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.


‘Traitor’: Lost In Thought, By Kurt Loder
‘Sukiyaki Western Django’: Takeout, By Kurt Loder

Thursday, September 11, 2008

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

Madden NFL 09 Tackles Top Movie Releases in August

Electronic Arts announced today that Madden NFL 09, which launched on August 12, registered approximately $133.5 million in retail sales for the month of August, generating more retail dollars than the country’s top blockbuster movies for the month of August, such as Tropic Thunder, Mamma Mia!, and Pineapple Express.
EA’s Madden NFL 09 Tackles Top Movie Releases in August

Highest Critical Average on Current Generation Consoles Predicting 100 Million Online Games Will Be Played

REDWOOD CITY, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Electronic Arts Inc. (NASDAQ:ERTS) today announced estimated retail sales figures for Madden NFL 09. Madden NFL, the best-selling sports franchise in videogame history, launched on August 12 and registered approximately $133.5 million in retail sales for the month of August -- a roughly 6 percent increase over last year’s game1.

Madden NFL 09 has achieved the highest critical rating the franchise has received for three years – the highest on the current generation of consoles. The game was also named the“Best Sports Game of E3” in the official Game Critics Best of Show Awards in July and celebrated its 20th anniversary this year.

The retail dollars generated from Madden NFL 09 beat dollars generated by the country’s top blockbuster movies, for the month of August, such as Tropic Thunder ($83.9 million), Mamma Mia! ($56.4 million), and Pineapple Express ($79.9 million)2.

"Expectations were very high, and Madden NFL 09 is the most innovative game in the 20 year history of the franchise,” said Peter Moore, President of EA SPORTS. “We’re seeing strong consumer momentum both at retail and online, where fans are connecting in record numbers to play Madden NFL 09. We expect more than 100 million games of Madden NFL 09 will be played online in the next year.”

Madden NFL 09 features more than 85 new features and enhancements that deliver a complete NFL package called “the pinnacle of modern Madden era” by Official Xbox Magazine.Designed with adaptable gameplay for longtime fans of the series and newcomers alike, Madden NFL 09 continuously assesses skill level and adjusts the gameplay to keep the experience both fun and challenging, all while training gamers to become better Madden players. Madden NFL 09 also includes a brand-new broadcast presentation package featuring Cris Collinsworth and Tom Hammond, online leagues, and graphics 1up.com called “so visually impressive that it's likely to stick in your system all season long.”

Madden NFL 09 was developed in Orlando, Florida by the award-winning EA Tiburon studio, which also produces NCAA® Football, Tiger Woods PGA TOUR® and NASCAR® racing.

Madden NFL 09 is available for the Xbox 360® video game system from Microsoft, PlayStation®2 and PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment systems, Wii™, Nintendo DS™, PSP®(PlayStation®Portable) handheld entertainment system and is rated E by the ESRB. Madden NFL 09 20th Anniversary Collector’s Edition shipped on the Xbox 360 and PLAYSTATION 3.

EA SPORTS™ is the leading interactive sports software brand in the world, with top-selling titles and franchises including Madden NFL football, FIFA Soccer, NHL® hockey, NBA LIVE basketball, NCAA® Football, Tiger Woods PGA TOUR® and NASCAR® racing. For more information about Madden NFL 09, check out www.madden09.com.


1 Based on internal sales data
2 Based on motion picture box office data from BoxOfficeMojo.com


‘Tropic Thunder’ Leads Box Office For Third Week, While ‘Dark Knight’ Tops $500 Million
2K Sports Announces NHL 2K9 Has Gone Gold

Wednesday, September 10, 2008

EA Signs Publishing Deal with Grasshopper Manufacture

Along with the Epic Games deal, Electronic Arts announced last night a publishing agreement with Japanese development studio Grasshopper Manufacture, which will create an all-new action horror game produced by Shinji Mikami and directed by game designer Suda51. Below is the press release with announcement:
EA SIGNS PUBLISHING DEAL WITH GRASSHOPPER MANUFACTURE

Legendary Producer Shinji Mikami and Innovative Designer Suda51 Working with EA Partners on an All-New Action Horror Title

Redwood City, Calif – August 14, 2008 – Electronic Arts Inc. (NASDAQ: ERTS) today announced a publishing agreement with iconic Japanese development studio Grasshopper Manufacture. Under the terms of the deal, EA Partners will publish an all-new action horror game produced by Shinji Mikami and directed by innovative game designer Suda51.

The title is being developed for the PC, Xbox 360® video game system from Microsoft, PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system and Wii™.

“Grasshopper Manufacture is excited to work with EA Partners to bring our new title to gamers around the world,” said Goichi Suda, CEO of Grasshopper Manufacture. “They are a great partner who shares our commitment to quality and innovation while respecting our independence as a studio, which is very empowering.”

“It is an honor for EA to sign Grasshopper Manufacture and help bring their new franchise to gamers worldwide,” said Frank Gibeau, President of the EA Games Label. “The roster of partners at EA is growing and the caliber of talent is outstanding. Grasshopper Manufacture is a world-class studio and, within the EA partner program, they stand alongside some of the world’s most revered independent studios.”

“Grasshopper Manufacture is one of the most daring and innovative independent studios in the world, and EA Partners is honored to be working with Mikami-san and Suda-san on this new project,” said David DeMartini, senior vice president and general manager, EA Partners. “EA Partners is a truly global resource for the world’s best independent developers, whether they’re in North America, Europe or Asia.”

The deal was brokered by CAA, in conjunction with Q Entertainment who will be working with Grasshopper Manufacture and EAP on the project. For more information about Grasshopper Manufacture, please visit www.grasshoppermanufacture.com


Grasshopper horror backed by EA
Deal of the Day: GRID for $40
The Tale of Despereaux Movie TieIn Announced

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




The Tale of Despereaux Movie TieIn Announced
‘Harry Potter And The Half-Blood Prince’ Release Pushed Back To Summer
Sacred 2 Fallen Angel Screenshots

Tuesday, September 9, 2008

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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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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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.

            Click here to view all screenshots
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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Far Cry 2 Dated, PreOrder Edition Announced

Ubisoft announced today the release date of Far Cry 2 and an exclusive pre-order partnership with Gamestop. Below is the press release with the announcement:
UBISOFT CONFIRMS NORTH AMERICAN SHIP DATE FOR FAR CRY(r) 2 AND ANNOUNCES GAMESTOP EXCLUSIVE PRE-ORDER EDITION

SAN FRANCISCO - September 8, 2008 - Today Ubisoft announced that Far Cry 2(r) will ship to retailers nationwide on October 21, 2008. Far Cry 2 will be available on the Xbox 360(r) video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, the PLAYSTATION(r)3 computer entertainment system and PC.

Additionally, Ubisoft announced an exclusive pre-order partnership with Gamestop; Pre-order the game at GameStop and automatically receive a Limited Edition version of Far Cry 2. This exclusive edition is regularly priced and is only available at GameStop.


HD (1280x720) | SD (640x360)
In addition to the regular SKU, the GameStop Pre-Order Edition includes: * 6 Bonus Missions with about 3 bonus hours of explosive gameplay * A fold out map of the open world of Far Cry 2 * Exclusive game packaging


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Monday, September 8, 2008

Star Wars The Force Unleashed Launch Party

LucasArts, Sony and Best Buy will celebrate the released of Star Wars: The Force Unleashed with an exclusive launch party. Below is the press release with the announcement:
LucasArts, Sony Computer Entertainment America and Best Buy Invite San Francisco to Celebrate the Launch of Star Wars®: The Force Unleashed

Party on Sept. 15 Kicks off New Chapter in the Star Wars Saga

SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. — Sept. 5, 2008 — LucasArts, Sony Computer Entertainment America and Best Buy will commemorate the release of the upcoming videogame Star Wars: The Force Unleashed with an exclusive launch party, offering eager gamers a chance to celebrate the Saga and get their hands on the first copies of the game. The party, which will be held at the Best Buy store at 1717 Harrison St. in San Francisco on Monday, Sept. 15, will run from 7pm until midnight and will feature appearances by several very special guests, including:

* Sam Witwer, who plays Darth Vader’s Secret Apprentice in the game and who also joined the cast of The CW’s “Smallville” this season; Adrienne Wilkinson, who plays Maris Brood, a dark and mysterious Jed; and Cully Fredrickson, who plays Jedi Master Rahm Kota, a militant General who is the target of one of the Secret Apprentice’s early missions

* Executive Producer Haden Blackman, Art Director Matt Omernick, Lead Engineer Cedrick Collomb, Lead Content Designer John Stafford, Lead Systems Designer Rich Davis, and dozens of other members of The Force Unleashed development team at LucasArts

In addition, attendees will get a chance to play the full version of the game in advance and be able to get their photo taken with some of their favorite Star Wars characters.

An entirely new chapter in the Star Wars Saga, Star Wars: The Force Unleashed casts players as Darth Vader’s “Secret Apprentice” and promises to unveil new revelations about the Star Wars galaxy. The game’s expansive story is set during the largely unexplored era between Star Wars: Episode III Revenge of the Sith and Star Wars: Episode IV A New Hope. In it, players will assist Vader in his quest to rid the universe of Jedi — and face decisions that could change the course of their destiny.

Wednesday, September 3, 2008

The Incredible Hulk Gets Free Multiplayer Expansion Pack

Sega released today a free multiplayer expansion pack for The Incredible Hulk. Originally promised to become available in late-June, this multiplayer expansion pack for The Incredible Hulk adds additional online, two-player missions that will test the speed, strength, and skill of even the biggest Super Hero fan. The missions take place in one of 5 large arenas, each one a dynamic and fully destructible environment packed with non-stop action and ruthless enemies.

Based on both the Marvel Studios feature film being released in theaters on June 13, 2008 and the popular Marvel Comics series created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, The Incredible Hulk is a fast-paced, action-packed video game that enables players to take on the role of one or more of Marvel’s most powerful Super Heroes.


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