Thursday, June 5, 2008

NinjaBee Announces Its Next Xbox Live Arcade Game

NinjaBee has announced it working on a new Xbox Live Arcade title called, A Kingdom for Keflings.
STUDIO HIRES 20 NEW EMPLOYEES, ALL 3 FEET TALL

NinjaBee, now with more Keflings!

Orem, Utah - June 4, 2008 - NinjaBee, a leading independent developer of Xbox LIVE® Arcade titles, announced today it has hired 20 Keflings to help around the office. Featured in their newest Xbox LIVE Arcade Title, A Kingdom for Keflings, the Keflings are short, happy beings who aren't afraid of a bit of hard work. Once production slowed on the studio's newest city-building game, the Keflings became aimless without constant direction.

"I'll be honest here, I went out to my car and ten of the little guys were wandering around, bumping into each other and wearing little sandwich boards reading 'Will Work for Hats,'" said Steve Taylor, President of NinjaBee. "We couldn't put them out on the streets after they worked so hard on our game, so we hired them to help around the office. They follow directions to the letter and are very friendly, but not too smart. The way I see it, what could go wrong?"

The Keflings are expected to work everywhere from the art department to the copy room and will surely remain happy and occupied. The new title, A Kingdom for Keflings, will feature fun and light-hearted gameplay with graphics and original music to match. Look for A Kingdom for Keflings on Xbox LIVE Arcade this fall.


Smash Court Tennis 3 Coming Stateside
“Best of Rocky & Bullwinkle” DVD Contest

Wednesday, June 4, 2008

Madden NFL 09 BackTrack and Madden IQ Update

Electronic Arts released today new info on the EA SPORTS BackTrack and the Madden IQ score obtained at the Virtual Training Center. Below is the press release with trailers showcasing these features:
EA SPORTS BACKTRACK AND VIRTUAL TRAINING CENTER FEATURED IN MADDEN NFL 09

EA SPORTS BackTrack and the Virtual Training Center Play Key Role in the First Sports Game That Adapts to You

June 3, 2008 – Within the 85 plus new features and enhancements in Madden NFL 09, EA SPORTS BackTrack and the Virtual Training Center allow the gamer to have a unique gameplay experience each time they load up the game. Both Madden NFL veterans and casual gamers new to the franchise can utilize these two features to be competitive in Madden NFL 09 and also improve their overall football knowledge, regardless of their initial skill level.

Madden NFL 09 BackTrack and Madden IQ Update
The Virtual Training Center is a new interactive tutorial mode, set in a holographic environment that aims at teaching gamers fundamental concepts about football strategy and how to use the controls in quick, fun and stylized drills. After players complete these drills, a Madden IQ score is given, and their “My Skills” difficulty settings are automatically set based on their strengths and weaknesses. Throughout their Madden NFL career, the all-new Adaptive Difficulty Engine will continually tailor the difficulty settings as the gamers’ Madden IQ score evolves.

EA SPORTS BackTrack is a new replay learning tool imbedded within the game that dissects plays and shows the player what they should have done in certain circumstances. When a mistake is made, Cris Collinsworth will breakdown where the user went wrong and what they could have done better. For advanced players, EA SPORTS BackTrack will give more technical information such as the play calls that were made and the success rates of the play.

Madden NFL 09 BackTrack and Madden IQ Update

Madden NFL 09 marks the 20th anniversary of one of the best-selling and most critically-acclaimed videogame franchises of all time, and the game will feature adaptable gameplay tailored to every type of gamer, online enhancements and a broadcast style presentation delivering an authentic NFL experience. Madden NFL 09 will be available in stores across North America on August 12.

The graphical enhancements of Madden NFL 09 are extremely impressive and bring the emotion of NFL football to life. Madden NFL 09 features amazing detail to stadiums, weather effects, player models and a whole host of other elements.

Madden NFL 09 will be available for the Xbox® and Xbox 360™ video game systems 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 Trailer
Electronic Arts Unveils EA Sports Freestyle SubBrand

Bruce Willis in Talks to Star in Kane & Lynch Film

These are hectic days for Bruce Willis, who is close to signing a deal with 20th Century Fox to play Hannibal Smith in the big screen remake of The A-Team, while also negotiating with Lionsgate to star in the big screen adaptation of "Kane and Lynch." Variety reports:

Simon Crane will make his feature directing debut after serving as second unit director and stunt coordinator on such films as "Hancock," "Mr. & Mrs. Smith," "Troy" and "X-Men: The Last Stand."

Willis will play Adam "Kane" Marcus, a mercenary who makes an unlikely alliance with schizophrenic killer James Lynch. The pair are forced on a mission to retrieve a stolen microchip. The vidgame has sold 2 million copies worldwide since its launch in November.

Kyle Ward wrote the script. Filmmakers are now looking to set an actor to play Lynch, and shooting will begin before year's end.




THQ And DreamWorks Announce Exclusive Video Game Licensing Agreement Based On Studio’s 2010 Fall Film

Tuesday, June 3, 2008

Kung Fu Panda Available Now

Activision announced today the release of Kung Fu Panda, the video game based on DreamWorks Animation’s highly anticipated feature film.
GET READY TO EXPERIENCE KUNG FU "AWESOMENESS" WITH THE RELEASE OF ACTIVISION'S KUNG FU PANDATM VIDEO GAME

Santa Monica, CA – June 3, 2008 – Activision, Inc. (Nasdaq: ATVI) is bringing a unique blend of humor and action to gamers with the release of Kung Fu Panda™, the video game based on DreamWorks Animation’s highly anticipated feature film. In order to become the Dragon Warrior and defeat the ultimate enemy, Tai Lung, players engage in kung fu moves and master the unique fighting style of unlikely hero Po the Panda and experience the legendary moves of Shifu, Po’s Teacher, and the Furious Five – Monkey, Tigress, Viper, Mantis and Crane.

“Kung Fu Panda gives kids the chance to experience first hand their favorite movie moments, as well as new levels and hilarious situations created specifically for the game,” said Kim Salzer, vice president of Global Brand Management, Activision Publishing. “The humor, lovable characters and non-stop action will deliver hours of fun that they can enjoy on their own or with parents and friends.”

Kung Fu Panda offers a distinct and exciting gameplay experience as players develop acrobatic kung fu combo attacks to defeat a number of villainous enemies, including the Great Gorilla, the Wu Sisters and the dark-hearted Tai Lung. Gamers will work to overcome dangerous obstacles and solve challenging puzzles as they navigate through diverse environments spanning air, water and land. By mastering the art of kung fu, players will utilize and upgrade the unique fighting skills of their favorite movie characters, unlocking new moves as well as a host of multiplayer characters and games. Additionally, players can team up or battle head-to-head in arena, puzzle or casual games, making the Kung Fu Panda video game an epic experience gamers of all ages will enjoy.

The console and Games for Windows versions are rated “PG” by the BBFC and the DS version is rated “7+” by PEGI . For more information on Kung Fu Panda and to download the demo, please visit www.KungFuPandaGame.com.


Call of Duty 5 Confirmed for All Platforms

Ninja Gaiden II Available Now in North America

Microsoft and Tecmo announced today that Ninja Gaiden II, the blockbuster action-packed sequel to Ninja Gaiden, is now shipping to retailers throughout North America. Below is the press release with the announcement:
The Time for Vengeance Has Arrived; “Ninja Gaiden II” Is Now Available in North America

Highly anticipated Xbox 360 exclusive “Ninja Gaiden II” makes its long-awaited debut; Microsoft and TECMO/Team NINJA announce the “Ninja Gaiden II” Weekend of Vengeance

Microsoft and TECMO/Team NINJA announced today that “Ninja Gaiden II,” the blockbuster action-packed sequel to “Ninja Gaiden,” is now shipping to retailers throughout North America. “Ninja Gaiden II” features a new and improved game engine, developed from the ground up exclusively for Xbox 360, by legendary video game developer Tomonobu Itagaki and Team NINJA.

In “Ninja Gaiden II,” gamers must guide Ryu Hayabusa on a mission to avenge his clan and prevent the destruction of the human race. Armed with an assortment of ninja weaponry, players must help Ryu skillfully maneuver through a world fraught with peril. “Ninja Gaiden II” features a new auto-health regeneration system, levels, adventures, enemies and thrilling combat, representing a true evolution of the highly popular franchise. The newly added Ninja Cinema feature will allow gamers to record Ryu’s combat exploits as movie clips on their Xbox 360. The best “Ninja Gaiden II” players in the world will be able to upload their clips to Xbox LIVE for everyone to download and view, making Ninja Cinema a great way to accelerate the growth of the “Ninja Gaiden II” player community around the globe.

Fans are encouraged to participate in the “Ninja Gaiden II, Weekend of Vengeance” from June 13-15. There will be an Achieve & Win sweepstakes where one lucky fan will win a “Ninja Gaiden II” Custom Elite Xbox 360 Console and a “Ninja Gaiden II” Swiss Army Victorinox console/laptop bag. Other prizes include 1600 Microsoft Point Cards, Xbox 360 120GB hard drives, 12-month Xbox LIVE Gold Subscriptions, “Ninja Gaiden II” T-shirts and much more. Gold members must register and then play “Ninja Gaiden II” during the June 13-15 Vengeance Weekend. Also that weekend, to help celebrate ninjas, Gold members can watch free classic ninja movies, including “Ninja Hunter,” “A Life of Ninja” and “Ninja in the Deadly Trap.” Finally, all seven hilarious Ask A Ninja episodes and the hour-long documentary “Way of the Warrior: Ninja Gaiden II” will also be available as free downloads to all Xbox LIVE subscribers, Silver and Gold. For more information, visit www.xbox.com/ng2weekend.

“Ninja Gaiden II” will have an estimated retail price of $59.99 and is rated “M” for Mature. For more information, visit www.xbox.com/ng2.


Weekly Rock Band Downloadable Content (Week 17)
Too Human Dated

Sunday, June 1, 2008

The Incredible Hulk Green Goliath Trailer

Sega of America is excited to present the latest Making-of feature for the upcoming action-packed video game – The Incredible Hulk. This all new feature explores the look and characteristics of The Incredible Hulk and what gives this powerful character his “incredible” reputation. This video also goes behind the scenes with the game development team to find out how they created such a realistic and detailed environment for gamers to explore.

Featuring interviews with Stan Lee, members of the Sega and Edge of Reality game development team, and members of the Marvel team, this new video also shows off some of the early footage of the game and some of the moves players will have the opportunity to master.

The Incredible Hulk Green Goliath Trailer
HD (1280x720) | SD (640x360)
The Incredible Hulk is shipping to stores on June 5, 2008 for all major platforms.


The Incredible Hulk Media
Things On Wheels Teaser Trailer

Friday, May 23, 2008

CGS Announces North America Player Substitutions

Championship Gaming Series has announced a series of player substitutions in its North America team rosters.
CHAMPIONSHIP GAMING SERIES ANNOUNCES NORTH AMERICA PLAYER SUBSTITUTIONS

- L.A. Complexity GM Jason Lake Releases Marcus “zet” Sundstrom, Signs Corey “Hanes” Hanes - Dallas Venom GM Alex Conroy Signs Justin “sunman” Summy to Starting Roster, Sends Carson “Classified” Holt to Taxi Squad

LOS ANGELES – May 23, 2008 –Championship Gaming Series™ (CGS), the only worldwide professional video gaming league, announced a series of player substitutions in its North America team rosters. With just two weeks remaining before the start of the 2008 North America Regular Season, General Managers in the CGS North America region are making final adjustments to their lineups.

L.A. Complexity GM Jason Lake released Counter-Strike:Source (CS:S) starter Marcus “zet” Sundstrom and sent him into the CGS North America free-agent pool. Lake signed Carolina Core CS:S backup player Corey “Hanes” Hanes to a starting position on L.A. Complexity’s CS:S squad.

“Complexity has always been like a family and losing a family member is never easy,” said L.A. Complexity GM Jason Lake, “but our team will never settle for an effort less than 110% or an attitude less than the heart of a champion. We’re happy to welcome a world-class CS:S player to our world-class squad; Hanes understands the Complexity mantra and will deliver for us in 2008.”

Dolven has filled Hanes’ vacant spot on the Core taxi squad by signing free agent Gary “funshine” Laurita.

In other moves, Dallas Venom GM Alex Conroy sent Carson “Classified” Holt to the Dallas Venom taxi squad and signed L.A. Complexity backup CS:S veteran Justin “sunman” Summy to a starting position on Dallas Venom’s CS:S squad. After receiving an offer to sign Summy from Conroy, Lake waived Summy to Dallas prior to his decision to release Sundstrom.

“I am thrilled to have Justin joining Dallas Venom. He is a player with a rich history of success in both versions of Counter-Strike. He is an “X” factor whose results cannot be denied, whether it be his many past victories with Complexity or his extremely solid play with Chicago Chimera in the 2007 season. He brings a wealth of knowledge about CS and has demonstrated, time and again, that he can play in high-pressure situations. We can’t wait to begin as we are all sure that Justin will become an invaluable asset on the Dallas roster.”

To make room on the bench for Holt, Conroy released Derek “exodus” Heidinger to the CGS North America Free Agent Pool.

To fill the spot formerly occupied by Summy, Lake has called upon Griffin “Shaguar” Benger to step up and join the L.A. Complexity taxi squad from the CGS North America Free Agent Pool.


CGS Announces North American Training Camp