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.


Wii overtakes Xbox 360 in the US
Electronic Arts Unveils EA Sports Freestyle SubBrand
NHL hockey on Wii

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.


Penny Arcade tells us what to think about Bioshock PS3
Xbox Live Arcade Celebrates the Summer of Arcade
Duke Nukem 3D Coming to Xbox Live Arcade

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.





Tiger Woods PGA Tour 09
Electronic Arts Unveils EA Sports Freestyle SubBrand
Madden NFL 09 EA Performs Simulation with Brett Favre

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.


SCE Worldwide Studios gets new president
Divinity 2: Ego Draconis Announced
“Best of Rocky & Bullwinkle” DVD Contest
Duke Nukem 3D Coming to Xbox Live Arcade

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/.


Bond’s back in the Quantum of Solace game, for all platforms
Quantum of Solace Screenshots
THQ And DreamWorks Announce Exclusive Video Game Licensing Agreement Based On Studio’s 2010 Fall Film

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



Legendary Behind the Scenes Trailer
I spy dangerous underworld army

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.


Something new
First Picture of Jake Gyllenhaal as the Prince of Persia
‘Wall-E’: Environmental Cautionary Tale Or Just A Robot Love Story?
THQ And DreamWorks Announce Exclusive Video Game Licensing Agreement Based On Studio’s 2010 Fall Film