> June 1, 2007
2K's HistoriCanada goes to school
Big name rockers hit The Bigs
ShadowRun marks Windows Live debut
Sony releases PSP 3.5 firmware update
2K Partners with Bitcasters to
Create and Donate
HistoriCanada: The New World Video Game
Professionally Designed Mod Based on
Best-Selling Sid Meier’s Civilization III™ Engine Will Allow 100,000
High School Students to Replay and Rewrite Canada’s History
New York, NY – May 31, 2007 – 2K, a
publishing label of Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. (NASDAQ: TTWO),
today announced the completion of HistoriCanada: The New World, the world’s
first Canadian history computer game, based on the critically-acclaimed
Sid Meier’s Civilization III™ series from Firaxis Games. 2K and
Bitcasters, an international media firm that produced the game, have
teamed up to create this unique mod of Civilization III to offer Canadian
students a fun and interactive way to learn about their history.
HistoriCanada: The New World will be packaged with copies of Sid Meier’s
Civilization III and donated to 100,000 high school students across
Canada.
“2K is proud to be a part of the
development and donation of HistoriCanada: The New World, which will
provide students across Canada with access to an unprecedented educational
experience,” said Christoph Hartmann, President of 2K. “In addition to
learning about their history through simulation scenarios, students can
look at original artwork, watch vignettes and read articles about hundreds
of topics thanks to the involvement of The Canadian Encyclopedia and
Historica Minutes.”
A historically-based strategy game
derived from the history of Canada, HistoriCanada: The New World will
allow players to explore the parameters of their Canadian past and even
alter outcomes of historical events that, at one point, were unresolved or
uncertain. Gamers will control one of Canada’s early European or
Aboriginal civilizations, making important decisions ranging from planning
their settlement and crops, to determining when to wage war or make peace.
Additionally, players will ponder questions about specific points in time
across 17 civilizations spanning 400 years, including 10 First Nations
tribes, European powers and the English and French colonies.
“After two years in development,
HistoriCanada: The New World will provide a unique opportunity for
students to totally immerse themselves in Canada’s deep history,” said
Nathon Gunn, co-creator of HistoriCanada: The New World and CEO of
Bitcasters. “This groundbreaking computer game will increase students’
national pride and give them an entirely new outlook on their country.”
HistoriCanada: The New World was created
using the Sid Meier’s Civilization III game engine, integrating the
sophisticated social, economic and military simulations of the award
winning strategy game. In addition to donating 100,000 copies of
HistoriCanada: The New World, 2K will also provide each student with a
copy of Sid Meier’s Civilization III. HistoriCanada: The New World also
comes with a demo version of Sid Meier’s Civilization IV™, cited as
the 2005 PC Game of the Year by many leading gaming reviewers.
“Shadowrun” and “Halo 2” Mark
the Launch of Games for Windows – LIVE
This is a busy month for Games for
Windows® – LIVE! On May 29, the release of “Shadowrun™” connected
Windows Vista® gamers with Xbox 360™ players in cross-platform matches
through a single service. Whether in cooperation or competition, PC and
Xbox 360 gamers can battle up to 16 players in the intense first-person
shooter as they vie for supremacy in an experience that rewards
cleverness, cunning and split-second improvisation through a unique
combination of modern weapons, ancient magic and advanced technology.
This marks the first of many games to
come which will support the Games for Windows – LIVE service, connecting
six million Xbox LIVE® members and hundreds of millions Windows gamers.
Games for Windows – LIVE brings the best of the Xbox LIVE service to
Windows gamers, such as a single online identity, the ability to easily
find and connect with friends, and earn achievements.
Today, May 31st, Microsoft is launching
“Halo® 2” for Windows Vista, delivering improved graphics, a custom
map editor and the chance to earn achievements – a first for the Halo
franchise. Using a combination of dedicated servers, flexibility of the
Windows platform, and the online innovation established in the Xbox®
original, “Halo 2” for Windows Vista provides a best-in-class PC-to-PC
multiplayer experience.
Current members of Xbox LIVE
automatically receive the functionality of Games for Windows – LIVE,
using the same gamertag and friends list, at no additional cost. In
addition, Games for Windows — LIVE introduces the best of Xbox LIVE
functionality to please PC gamers, such as integrated in-game multiplayer
voice chat and Achievements, as well as functionality demanded by PC
gamers like dedicated server support, as part of the free Silver
membership. Gold memberships will deliver the premium online network
experience which adds benefits such as multiplayer achievements,
matchmaking according to skill, reputation and gamerzone, as well as
cross-platform gameplay – features only Microsoft’s Games for Windows
and Xbox 360 can deliver.
2K Sports Scores Super-Sized Rock
Royalty for The BIGS™ Soundtrack
Legendary rockers including Jane’s
Addiction, Motorhead, The Stooges, and Stone Temple Pilots complement
larger-than-life baseball video game
New York, NY – May 31, 2007 – 2K
Sports, the sports publishing label of Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc.
(NASDAQ: TTWO), today announced that The BIGS, the over-the-top MLB®
title with heroically portrayed players and plays that defy physics, will
feature a line-up of big name rock bands to complement the video game’s
super-sized gameplay. Every artist featured in the all-star cast provides
a guitar-heavy tune, including Jane’s Addiction, Stone Temple Pilots,
Rollins Band and White Zombie.
“In The BIGS, everything is to the
extreme, from the colossal baseball players to the surreal stadiums, so we
wanted a soundtrack that would capture the magnified nature of the game,”
said Tim Rosa, 2K Sports’ Director of Brand and Lifestyle Marketing.
Track listing:
Stone Temple Pilots - Plush Screaming
Trees - Nearly Lost You Jane’s Addiction - Ocean Size Killing Joke -
Millennium Rollins Band - Tearing White Zombie - More Human than Human
Midnight Oil - Dreamworld Fu Manchu - Hung out to Dry Motorhead - Ace of
Spades The Stooges - Down On The Street Primus - Jerry Was A Racecar
Driver Blue October - Somebody Satellite Party - Insanity Rains Highbench
- Satisfied
The BIGS brings blazing graphics to huge
proportions with larger-than-life player models and ballparks. Featuring
fantastic pitching, batting, and fielding animations, gamers can also take
advantage of spectacular power-ups with outrageous special effects. As a
standard for all major 2K Sports titles, The BIGS features online play for
up to four players, making it a grand slam for online baseball battles.
The BIGS will be available this summer
for the Xbox 360™ video game and entertainment system from Microsoft,
PLAYSTATION®3 and PlayStation®2 computer entertainment systems, PSP® (PlayStation®Portable)
system, and Nintendo’s Wii™. The BIGS is rated E for Everyone.
For more information, log onto
http://www.2ksports.com.
Sony releases PSP 3.50 update
Sony Computer Entertainment America
today released the newest firmware update for the
PSP®(PlayStation®Portable) system, version 3.50, adding Remote Play
connectivity with the PLAYSTATION®3 (PS3®) system via wireless Internet
and an RSS Channel Guide.
In other news, new content will be
available on the PLAYSTATION®Store today, including the arcade classic,
Championship Sprint™, which is downloadable in its entirety, as well as
videos and trailers for MLB 07 The Show™ and Ridge Racer®7.
PSP Firmware 3.50
PSP Firmware 3.50 is now available for
download and includes the following updates:
Remote Play – As announced last week,
the Remote Play feature for using a PSP system to access photos, videos,
and music on a PS3 system’s hard drive has been enhanced, enabling
consumers to connect their PSP system from outside of their own home via
any accessible Wi-Fi Internet connection. With today’s PSP firmware
update, that functionality is now live. Users must also update their PS3
firmware to the current version, 1.80. Really Simple Syndication (RSS)
Channel Guide – An index of RSS audio and video feeds, or podcasts, is
now accessible from the XrossMediaBar (XMB™), under the RSS Channel
icon, providing PSP owners with another destination to find and play back
RSS content.
PLAYSTATION Store Additions
Below are the details of the exciting
new offerings:
Championship Sprint Game ($4.99): Put
your pedal to the metal and race to the finish line in this nostalgic
racing game. Choose from a multitude of different tracks and be the first
to make it to the finish line while avoiding oil slicks, water spots and
more!
Ridge Racer 7 Add-on Content (prices
vary): Download new special events, decals and beats as you experience
drift racing in all of its 1080p* glory in this legendary racing series.
MLB 07 The Show (PS3) Tutorial Videos
(free): Check out some of the gameplay features that make MLB 07 The Show
for PS3 a home run, including Road To The Show, the new Pitching System,
and Umpire Personalities.
Movie Trailers (free): Download the
latest theatrical trailers for Hot Rod and Ratatouille.
PSP system firmware updates can be
wirelessly downloaded directly to a PSP system using a Wi-Fi connection;
downloaded to a PC from http://www.us.playstation.com/psp and transferred
to a PSP system through a USB cable; or installed using upcoming UMD™
software.
Please let us know of any questions.
*Video output in HD requires cables and
an HD-compatible display, both sold separately.
> May 30, 2007
Drew Carey's $100K FIFA challenge
Majesco's Kengo hits Xbox 360
Shrapnel's Conquest of Elysium free
Surf's Up for Ubisoft
Fatal Fury: Battle Archives opening
Wartech arrives on Xbox 360
UBISOFT ANNOUNCES SURF'S UP(TM),
THE VIDEO GAME, ON STORE SHELVES
Hang Loose with the characters from Sony
Pictures Animation's Surf's Up
SAN FRANCISCO – MAY 30, 2007 – In
anticipation of the June 8, 2007, release of Columbia Pictures'/Sony
Pictures Animation's Surf's Up, Ubisoft, one of the world's largest video
game publishers, has shipped the Surf's Up(TM) video game to store
shelves. The game is the latest in the continuing partnership between
Ubisoft, Sony Pictures Consumer Products and Sony Pictures Animation.
Surf's Up(TM) for the PSP® (PlayStation®Portable)
system, consoles and PC are rated E10+ and have a MSRP of $49.99 for the
PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system, Xbox 360(TM) video game and
entertainment system from Microsoft and Wii(TM) home video system from
Nintendo; a MSRP of $39.99 for the PlayStation®2 computer entertainment
system, PSP system, and Nintendo GameCube(TM); and a MSRP of $19.99 for
the PC. Surf's Up(TM) for the Nintendo DS(TM) and Game Boy® Advance is
rated E and has a MSRP of $29.99.
"The Surf's Up video game expands
on the movie experience and recreates the Surf's Up universe in a fun,
extreme sports surfing competition,” said Tony Key, vice president of
marketing for Ubisoft. "Players will take to the waves and relive the
movie through an exciting surf adventure in which they can execute
over-the-top, arcade-style surf tricks while shredding intense 3D waves in
action-packed surf locales. Players can become surf legends in the Surf's
Up game.”
About Surf's Up Surf's Up is an animated
action-comedy that delves behind the scenes of the high-octane world of
competitive surfing. The film profiles teenage Rockhopper penguin Cody
Maverick (Shia LaBeouf), an up-and-coming surfer, as he enters his first
pro competition. Followed by a camera crew to document his experiences,
Cody leaves his family and home in Shiverpool, Antarctica, to travel to
Pen Gu Island for the Big Z Memorial Surf-Off. Along the way, Cody meets
Sheboygan surfer Chicken Joe (Jon Heder), famous surf promoter Reggie
Belafonte (James Woods), surf talent scout Mikey Abromowitz (Mario Cantone)
and spirited lifeguard Lani Aliikai (Zooey Deschanel), all of whom
recognize Cody's passion for surfing, even if it's a bit misguided at
times. Cody believes that winning will bring him the admiration and
respect he desires, but when he unexpectedly comes face-to-face with a
washed-up old surfer (Jeff Bridges), Cody begins to find his own way, and
discovers that a true winner isn't always the one who comes in first.
About the Game Surf's Up(TM) is an
exciting arcade surfing and extreme sports video game. The action is set
at the annual Reggie Belafonte Big Z Memorial Surf-Off, where surfers from
around the world are ready to risk it all for glory. Players will
experience the rush and thrills of surfing in exotic surf spots around Pen
Gu Island and can rip it up and play as one of 10 characters from the
film, including Cody, the young challenger from Shiverpool; Tank, the
merciless champion; or Big Z, the surfing legend from the past. Only by
mastering and understanding the waves can the player become not just the
new champion, but a true surf legend. Game features include:
• Innovative arcade and surf feeling,
with players performing a variety of impressive tricks in the air and
learning to surf inside a tube. • Two modes: Players can win the
championship in the single-player mode or challenge friends in the
multiplayer mode, both with easy pick-up-and-play game controls. • 10
playable characters with their own tricks and characteristics. •
Impressive water simulation and physics. Players can surf in a variety of
locations, each with its own waves and obstacles – training in the calm
water of Shiverpool, riding their first tubes in Pen Gu Island and trying
to shred the explosive waters of the volcano area. • Tons of unlockable
and bonus content, including additional surfboards, character accessories,
and movie clips! (The PLAYSTATION 3 system version has additional film
footage not found in the other platforms). • Customizable surfboards.
• Voice recordings performed by the film's star-studded cast, including
Shia LaBeouf as Cody Maverick; Jeff Bridges as Big Z; Zooey Deschanel as
Lani Aliikai; Mario Cantone as Mikey Abromowitz; Diedrich Bader as Tank;
and Sal Masekela as the Sports Penguin Entertainment Network broadcaster.
• Awesome game soundtrack for carving waves, featuring 10 licensed music
tracks.
Visit the official website for the
Surf's Up movie – http://www.surfsup.com – and the official website
for the Surf's Up(TM) video game – http://www.surfsupgame.com
Surf's Up: TM & © 2007 Sony
Pictures Animation Inc. All rights reserved. Game Software excluding Sony
Elements: © 2007 Ubisoft Entertainment. All rights reserved. Ubisoft,
Ubi.com, and the Ubisoft logo are trademarks of Ubisoft Entertainment in
the U.S. and/or other countries. "PlayStation”, "PLAYSTATION”,
"PS” Family logo, and "PSP” are registered trademarks of
Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. Memory Stick Duo(TM) may be required
(sold separately). Wii, Nintendo DS and Game Boy Advance, are trademarks
of Nintendo. © 2006 Nintendo. Microsoft, Windows, Xbox, Xbox 360, and the
Xbox logos are trademarks of the Microsoft group of companies.
WARTECH(TM) SENKO NO RONDE IN
STORES NOW FOR XBOX 360(TM)
SAN FRANCISCO — May 29, 2007 — Today
Ubisoft, one of the world's largest video game publishers, announced that
it has shipped WarTech(TM) Senko no Ronde for the Xbox 360(TM) video game
and entertainment system from Microsoft to retail stores. Developed by
G.rev Ltd., WarTech(TM) Senko no Ronde is rated "T” for Teen and
has an MSRP of $59.99.
WarTech(TM) Senko no Ronde, a new take
on a famous arcade game from 2004 that has already been released in Japan
with great success, thrusts the player into a distant future where
humanity has colonized countless new galaxies and Earth has become a
planet mined for its natural resources. A violent war has erupted as
nations struggle for world domination. Features include: • Fast-paced
arcade fighting – Combine an almost limitless arsenal of special moves,
power-ups and attack drones to unleash the most lethal combos. • Xbox
LIVE® online gaming service multiplayer – Challenge friends in
head-to-head two-player or battle against the world's best players online
and test your skills to improve your Xbox LIVE ranking. • An impressive
choice of Rounder Mech suits – Each of the eight Rounder Mechs features
two distinct variations, as well as an unlockable in-game B.O.S.S. mode,
for 24 variations in all. • Epic boss battles – Go blow-for-blow
against the other Rounder Mechs, but be prepared, because at any moment
you could find yourself battling an even deadlier enemy.
About Ubisoft: Ubisoft is a leading
producer, publisher and distributor of interactive entertainment products
worldwide and has grown considerably through a strong and diversified
lineup of products and partnerships. Ubisoft has offices in 21 countries
and sales in more than 50 countries around the globe. It is committed to
delivering high-quality, cutting-edge video game titles to consumers.
Ubisoft generated sales of 680 million Euros for the 2006-07 fiscal year.
To learn more, please visit www.ubisoftgroup.com.
© 2005, 2006, 2007 G.rev Ltd. All
Rights Reserved. Published and distributed by Ubisoft Entertainment under
license from G.rev Ltd. Wartech, Ubisoft, Ubi.com and the Ubisoft logo are
trademarks of Ubisoft Entertainment in the U.S. and/or other countries.
Microsoft, Xbox 360, Xbox LIVE and the Xbox logos are trademarks of the
Microsoft group of companies.
SNK Resurrects its First
2D-Fighting Franchise FATAL FURY: BATTLE ARCHIVES Volume 1 announced for
PlayStation®2 system
Wall, NJ - May 30, 2007 SNK PLAYMORE USA CORPORATION, the U.S. publishing
arm of the SNK PLAYMORE CORPORATION, today announced FATAL FURY: BATTLE
ARCHIVES Volume 1 for the PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system.
FATAL FURY: BATTLE ARCHIVES Volume 1
will include four classic FATAL FURY games: FATAL FURY 1, FATAL FURY 2,
FATAL FURY 3 and FATAL FURY SPECIAL. The compilation's release will mark
the first time FATAL FURY has appeared on the PlayStation®2 system in
North America.
The FATAL FURY series was SNK's first
ongoing fighting-game franchise, and many beloved SNK characters and
locations made their first appearances in FATAL FURY. FATAL FURY 1 was the
first fighting game to feature a two-plane system, allowing characters to
dodge out of harm's way when confronted with a challenger's attacks.
"With the release of FATAL FURY: BATTLE ARCHIVES Volume 1 for the
PlayStation®2 system, a brand-new generation of gamers will be introduced
to one of SNK PLAYMORE's fighting classics," said Ben Herman,
president of SNK PLAYMORE USA CORPORATION, "and gamers who loved
playing FATAL FURY in the arcades will relish the chance to revisit the
golden age of 2D fighters."
FATAL FURY: BATTLE ARCHIVES Volume 1
will be available for the PlayStation®2 system in summer 2007.
About SNK PLAYMORE USA CORPORATION
Headquartered in Osaka, Japan, SNK
PLAYMORE CORPORATION (SNK) develops, publishes and distributes interactive
entertainment software in Japan, North America, Europe and Asia. Founded
in 1978, SNK is one of the largest privately held interactive
entertainment content providers in the world. Known for such franchises as
THE KING OF FIGHTERS, METAL SLUG, and SAMURAI SHODOWN SNK continues to be
an industry leader by focusing on their rich arcade history. More
information on SNK PLAYMORE CORPORATION can be found at
www.snkplaymore.co.jp SNK PLAYMORE USA is a wholly owned subsidiary of SNK
PLAYMORE CORPORATION with offices in Wall, NJ. It handles operations in
North America including publishing, marketing, development and
localization. More information on SNK PLAYMORE USA can be found at
www.snkplaymoreusa.com
Website: http://www.snkplaymoreusa.com
Majesco Entertainment Announces 'Kengo:
Legend of the 9'
Samurai Fighting Game Marks Company's
First Xbox 360(TM) Release
Edison, N.J.--Majesco Entertainment
Company (NASDAQ: COOL - News), an innovative provider of video games and
digital entertainment products, today announced Kengo: Legend of the 9 for
the Xbox 360(TM) video game and entertainment system from Microsoft.
Developed by Genki and scheduled for a fall release, Kengo: Legend of the
9 sets players in feudal Japan on a mission to become the best samurai
warrior in the land.
Live the legend of Japan's infamous
samurai swordsmen in Kengo: Legend of the 9, a new Xbox 360 video game
coming this fall from Majesco Entertainment. (Graphic: Business Wire).
View Multimedia Gallery
"Kengo's stunning high definition
graphics bring the game's nine real samurai to life," said Ken Gold,
vice president of Marketing, Majesco. "With its 2-player head-to-head
mode, attribute upgrades and fighter customization, Kengo: Legend of the 9
offers a great deal of next generation gameplay at a fraction of the
price."
Kengo: Legend of the 9 features nine
real samurai warriors: Musashi Miyamoto, Jubei Yagyu and Sanako Chiba,
among others. Each has his/her own storyline, attack techniques and
upgradeable attributes (health, stamina, attack power and defense). Four
modes of play offer a range of gameplay options, including the storyline
advancing Main Mode; Mission Mode which challenges players to complete 10
missions within a specific time frame; Combat Mode that features
two-player, head-to-head battles; and Xbox Live Leaderboard where players
compete for new equipment and the best ranking against other Xbox Live
gamers by pitting AI profiles against each other.
Kengo: Legend of the 9 will be available
this fall for a suggested retail price of $39.99. For additional
information, please visit www.majescoentertainment.com.
About Majesco Entertainment Company
Headquartered in Edison, NJ, with an
international office based in Bristol, UK, Majesco Entertainment Company
(NASDAQ: COOL - News) is an innovative provider of video games and digital
entertainment products with a focus on publishing video games for leading
portable systems and the Wii(TM) console. Current product line highlights
include Cake Mania(TM) for the Nintendo DS(TM), Cooking Mama: Cook Off for
the Wii(TM) console and JAWS(TM) Unleashed. More information about Majesco
can be found online at www.majescoentertainment.com.
Witness The Birth Of A Classic
Series! Conquest of Elysium II Now Available As A Free Download!
Hampstead, NC, 30 May 2007
It's 1997. You're in Sweden, where the
women may be hot but the winters are cold, and you have some free time on
your hands. Do you:
(a) Participate in historical
reenactments of the Thirty Years War? (b) Drink beer until your blackouts
last weeks at a time? (c) Form a new black metal band based on the
teachings of Swedish philosopher Emanuel Swedenborg calling it "Swedenborgasmic
Satanas"? (d) Create a highly addictive turn-based computer fantasy
strategy game that signals the beginning of the greatest fantasy game on a
computer?
Well, if you're Illwinter Game Design
your choice would have to be (d), although in all honesty they may have
chosen (a) through (c) at some point too, maybe all at once. From what we
hear drunk Swedish black metallers in period costume were all the rage in
1997.
In 1997 Illwinter Game Design, best
known for their award-winning series, Dominions, released on an
unsuspecting world Conquest of Elysium II. The direct descendent of
Dominions 3: The Awakening, Conquest of Elysium II is where the addiction
originated. Unfortunately, for fans wanting to see how their favorite
fantasy series began, acquiring a copy has been difficult, at least until
now.
Illwinter Game Design and Shrapnel Games
have just made Conquest of Elysium II available to the world as a FREE
download. This is the full game, no strings attached. Download and play it
forever!
Available for all the major operating
systems (Windows, Mac OS X, and Linux—sorry, Sinclair ZX81 users!),
Conquest of Elysium II allows gamers to step back in time and discover a
true strategy gem that emphasizes gameplay over glitz, and rewards players
with a rich tapestry of carefully woven fun. Dominions players will
instantly recognize the themes and options explored in the game, although
at a smaller scale than they are used to.
Just as Dominions is about choices, so
is Conquest of Elysium II. A game of warfare, players can choose from
twenty different character classes to represent their faction in the
gameworld. Each class differs in traits and powers, with some influencing
the battlefield and others controlling vast wells of magic. There are five
different societies to play in, akin to the different ages in Dominions,
and the world map is generated anew for each game. Besides battling other
opponents, neutral creatures are scattered throughout the world. There are
over three hundred types of critters, and over one hundred special
abilities possessed by them.
Conquest of Elysium II supports up to
eight players, although unfortunately it does not support multplayer
outside of hotseat play. It is also not moddable, although with the random
world generation, the score of characters, various societies, and the
Monster Manual worth of denizens, Conquest of Elysium II is a game that
can be discovered fresh for years.
Discover it for yourself by downloading
the full, FREE game here:
http://www.shrapnelgames.com/Illwinter/CoE2/1.htm
For more information on Conquest of
Elysium II, or the latest Illwinter Game Design title, the almighty
Dominions 3: The Awakening, please visit us at www.shrapnelgames.com,
which is home to a discriminating collection of the best independent
strategy gaming on your computer. Besides plenty of demos to download, we
also feature two other absolutely FREE games, winSPWW2 and winSPMBT.
DREW CAREY PUTS $100,000 ON THE
LINE AS HE TAKES ON U.S. SOCCER STARS IN … SOCCER? (NO, HE HASN’T LOST
HIS MIND)
Comedian and TV Star to Play U.S. Soccer
Stars
In EA SPORTS FIFA Soccer 07 on Xbox 360
on June 5 at
The Home Depot Center with $100K for
Charity on the Line
CHICAGO (May 30, 2007) – Drew Carey is
a big soccer fan. Drew Carey is a big EA SPORTSTM FIFA Soccer 07 on Xbox
360 fan. Drew Carey hates to lose but likes to donate money to good
causes. U.S. Soccer loves, well, all those things. So Drew has laid down
the challenge and opened his checkbook to the tune of $100,000 large.
At a VIP invitation-only event on
Tuesday, June 5 from 7-10 p.m. at The Home Depot Center in Carson, Calif.,
the comedian and star of the upcoming CBS game show The Power of 10 will
play five players from both the U.S. Men’s and Women’s National Teams
in FIFA Soccer 07 on the Xbox 360™ video game and entertainment system
from Microsoft, and for every game he loses, he’s throwing in $10,000
bucks to benefit the Mooch Myernick Memorial Fund in honor of former coach
and U.S. captain Glenn “Mooch” Myernick. In the main event, Drew
squares off against self-described EA Sports king and U.S. National Team
star Landon Donovan with $50,000 up for grabs. Members of both the Men’s
and Women’s National Teams will be on hand to heckle Drew for a good
cause.
While Drew is clearly a FIFA Soccer 07
and Xbox 360 aficionado –he may have bitten off a little more than he
can chew in this challenge, even if it is in the virtual soccer world. In
Los Angeles Galaxy striker Landon Donovan, he faces the USA’s second
all-time leading scorer, the all-time leader in assists and the two-time
U.S. Soccer Male Athlete of the Year. And it only gets worse. Four-time
World Cup veteran Kasey Keller has set virtually every U.S. goalkeeping
record there is for the men, including wins and shutouts. U.S. Women’s
National Team striker Abby Wambach has scored a whopping 70 goals in 91
games for the United States. New England Revolution forward and 2005 Major
League Soccer MVP Taylor Twellman is currently the leading scorer in MLS,
already with seven goals in just nine games this year and 82 total in his
career. And U.S. Women’s goalkeeper Hope Solo has been in the nets for
most of the USA’s current 41-game unbeaten streak.
ESPN soccer talent Allen Hopkins will
emcee the event, which will include a live auction in which guests can bid
to take on Drew in their own EA-FIFA 07 challenge, as well as a raffle
where guests can choose between ‘Drew’ tickets and ‘U.S. Soccer’
tickets. After every game, a ticket will be drawn from the winner’s pot
for a chance to win gift packs that will include amongst many other
things: signed jerseys from all the participating U.S. Soccer players, an
autographed football from San Diego Chargers running back LaDainian
Tomlinson, a signed jersey from Manchester United and England star Wayne
Rooney, an autographed game jersey from Memphis Grizzlies forward Paul
Gasol, two EA SPORTS Xbox 360 game libraries that includes FIFA Soccer 07,
Fight Night Round 3, NHL 07, NBA LIVE 07, Need For Speed Carbon, NCAA
March Madness 07, Madden NFL 07 and NCAA Football 07, three nights
accommodation at a Doubletree Hotel, and a heck of a lot more. Soccer fans
from all over the world will even have a chance to bid on an Xbox 360
Elite signed by Drew and the U.S. Soccer participants, which will be on
eBay starting June 6th.
> May 29, 2007
Shadowrun hits stores
Gametap gets Grimm
SOE adds Pirate expansion
Darkness Within revealed
Mad Tracks ready for Live
Accelerate Your Week With “Mad Tracks”
This Wednesday on Xbox LIVE Arcade
Ready. . .set. . .race! The 3D racing
party game, “Mad Tracks,” will be available for download on Xbox LIVE
Arcade for Xbox 360 beginning Wednesday, May 30, at 9:00 a.m. GMT (2:00
a.m. Pacific Time).
Players can race through 15 challenges
consisting of nine mini-games and six different races behind the wheel of
one of 12 sleek compact cars. “Mad Tracks,” from Load Inc., features
12 power-ups to keep engines revved up and players in the fast lane ahead
of the competition.
Whether it’s in the kitchen, living
room, ballroom or open road, players can opt to burn rubber just about
anywhere, and share the lanes with up to three other drivers in frantic
multiplayer racing action over Xbox LIVE. Be sure to buckle up for both
Championship and Arcade modes, as “Mad Tracks” offers a
high-definition, 3D racing experience to remember.
Enjoy the robust, full game features of
“Mad Tracks” this Wednesday, and also be on the lookout for new tracks
coming soon. You can double and even triple the challenges in “Mad
Tracks” with the Bravo and Encore expansion packs, arriving in the near
future. For about half the price of the full game, players will be able to
add additional races and mini-games to "Mad Tracks" by
downloading the Bravo and/or Encore expansion packs. Each expansion pack
includes an additional 15 nail-biting races and action-filled mini games
for 350 Microsoft Points each, extending the fun and offering a great
value.
“Mad Tracks” will be available
worldwide (with the exception of Korea) for 800 Microsoft Points and is
rated E for Everyone.
Game Features
· 15 distinct challenges (6 races &
9 mini-games) provide a full-fledged racing game experience
· 12 stackable power-ups (rockets,
freezer, oil drop, EMP and more!)
· 12 sleek looking cars to choose from
· 4 player multiplayer over Xbox LIVE
and 4 player local multiplayer via split screen mode
· Championship mode & Arcade mode
· 2 free gamer pictures
· Earn up to 12 Achievements and 200
Gamerscore points
GAMETAP ANNOUNCES NEW ORIGINAL TITLE “GRIMM”
American McGee Revisits Classic Tales in
New Episodic Game
ATLANTA – May 29, 2007 – GameTap,
the first-of-its-kind broadband entertainment network from Turner
Broadcasting System, Inc. (TBS, Inc.), announced today the latest addition
to the GameTap Originals line-up, American McGee’s Grimm.The title
cements GameTap’s leadership position as a digital publisher and pioneer
in episodic games. The 24 episode series will debut in the spring of 2008.
“American McGee is one of the best
known and most dynamic developers in the industry today and Grimm is the
perfect fit with our GameTap Originals brand,” said Ricardo Sanchez,
GameTap’s VP of content. “American is really exploring the potential
of episodic game development. Adding this exciting new title to our list
of already successful episodic game titles shows our commitment to this
proven format.”
In keeping with American’s distinct
development style on his smash hit game American McGee’s Alice, fans can
expect the same twisted treatment of children’s classics, in addition to
a fantastical art style, and groundbreaking gameplay elements. American
McGee’s Grimm is a narrative-driven, action-adventure game which
immerses the player in a world built around some of the best known tales
from the Brothers Grimm, including Rapunzel, Rumplestiltskin, Little Red
Riding Hood, and Snow White.
“My interpretation of these classic
fables will provide gamers with an entertaining and interactive way of
experiencing how the stories were originally meant to unfold,” said
American McGee, creative director for Spicy Horse. “The ‘chapters’
inherently lend themselves to the new episodic model that GameTap has
perfected.”
American McGee’s Grimm is a
story-driven action-adventure game. The player interacts with a compelling
collection of vividly drawn characters inhabiting a world built around
twisted takes on the best-known tales in Western fiction. The game
combines familiar exploration and questing conventions with a thematically
inspired fighting mechanic based on the notion that “words are weapons”.
Players will experience the game in a
sandbox world which contains missions assigned in episodic fashion. Game
and narrative concepts equivalent to TV cliffhangers will be used to
create game play and story interest to encourage players to keep up with
new releases.
Coming Soon to GameTap
On May 31st, 2007, GameTap.com will
offer more than 30 free games and hundreds of original videos from GameTap
TV. In addition to the free, ad-supported version, “GameTap Gold” will
continue to offer access to more than 850 games via a low monthly
subscription fee. Visitors to GameTap.com will also have access to the new
digital retail storefront, which will offer hundreds of the best new and
catalogue PC games for purchase via download.
About Spicy Horse
Spicy Horse is an American owned and
operated video game development studio located in Shanghai. The company
specializes in creating boutique games for the PC and next-gen console
markets using rapid production techniques and high-end technology with a
creative focus on story telling and art. Our development philosophy is
geared towards putting the fun back into making and playing games.
www.spicyhorse.com
About GameTap GameTap is the leader in
digital game distribution and broadband entertainment. Launched by Turner
Broadcasting in 2005, it now delivers more than 850 authentic versions of
the greatest console, computer and arcade games on demand, including
original and exclusive episodic properties. In addition to games for every
age and interest, GameTap offers more than 600 original entertainment
programs, popular video streams and thriving virtual communities to
broadband-connected PCs. Continually updated with new games, programs and
features, GameTap is a downloadable application that supports navigation
and game play using keyboard and mouse, as well as most USB peripherals.
About Turner
Turner Broadcasting System, Inc. (TBS,
Inc.), a Time Warner company, is a major producer of news and
entertainment products around the world and the leading provider of
programming for the basic cable industry.
Lighthouse Announces: DARKNESS WITHIN:
In Pursuit of Loath Nolder
Haarlem, The Netherlands – May 29,
2007 – Leading Publisher Lighthouse Interactive is proud to announce
that it has acquired the worldwide publishing rights to Darkness Within:
In Pursuit of Loath Nolder. Developed by Zoetrope Interactive, this highly
anticipated horror/thriller adventure game for PC CD-ROM is greatly
inspired by the works of H.P. Lovecraft. Previously bearing the working
title “Loath Nolder: Labores Solis”, Darkness Within is scheduled to
release in Fall 2007 for Windows®.
“Darkness Within" takes players
to an eerie and disturbing corner of the human psyche exploring
nightmares, the occult, and a frightening psychological world”, said
Galip Kartoglu, President of Zoetrope Interactive. “The game is filled
with terrifying vistas and a compelling plot that revolves around a
protagonist-investigator in classic Lovecraftian style.”
“This is truly a game that will send
shivers up your spine”, said Lighthouse Interactive’s Vice President,
Steve Wall. “People love both a good mystery and suspenseful
psychological thrillers. This is a great combination of both. Players are
sure to turn the lights on while playing this game.”
GAME SUMMARY:
As police detective Howard E. Loreid,
players are tasked to solve the murder of Clark Field, a wealthy man
involved in the occult. At the top of your list of suspects is Loath
Nolder, a highly respected private investigator who mysteriously abandoned
his last case for reasons unknown. Rumor had it that he ventured to
several exotic places around the world. It remains a great mystery as to
why Loath Nolder disappeared so suddenly, resurfacing five years later and
resuming his investigations just as abruptly as he had left them. Why does
this venerated P.I. now sit on the other side of the law?
This seemingly routine investigation
takes a dramatic twist as strange and terrifying happenings begin to
plague your psyche. You experience lucid horrifying dreams and are
tormented by paranormal happenings. Why do days pass instead of hours when
you sleep? What’s real and what’s not? As you pursue fugitive murder
suspect Loath Nolder, you must face dire truths hidden deep within a
haunting darkness and the recesses of your mind.
FEATURES:
• Built-in Hint System with 3
Difficulty Levels – Players can choose to play in Standard, Detective,
or Senior Detective modes. • Unique Inventory System – Utilizing the
‘thinking screen’ allows players to collect and examine items, and
thoughts. Clues can also be researched, combined or used. • Dynamic
Puzzles and Features – Traditional adventure game puzzles are
complimented by deciphering dreams and underlining excerpts in documents
to garner critical clues. • Enhanced Gameplay Experience – The
proprietary game engine enables compelling special effects and stunning
visuals in a panoramic first person game environment. • Eerie Gameplay
Atmosphere – An immersive experience is created by a fascinating story,
chilling real-time cut scenes, and haunting music.
6 new high resolution screenshots
accompany this press release. The screens are available from our FTP:
ftp.lighthouse-interactive.qhosting.be:12321
To find out more about Darkness Within:
In Pursuit of Loath Nolder and to keep up with the latest news on the game
visit www.lighthouse-interactive.com
About Zoetrope Interactive
Zoetrope Interactive is an independent
game development company located in Istanbul, Turkey. Their mission is to
develop quality games in which gamers will enjoy a unique gaming
experience. They are currently developing Darkness Within: In Pursuit of
Loath Nolder and their proprietary panoramic game engine CPAGE. Visit
www.zoetropeint.com.
About Lighthouse Interactive
Lighthouse Interactive is a leading
publisher of interactive entertainment with offices in The Netherlands,
Canada and England. Founded in 2005 by industry veterans, the company has
quickly grown into a worldwide publisher with publishing operations on
both the European and North American continents. With a drive for gaming
that equals that of their target audience, Lighthouse has proven to have
an eye for quality games in all sorts of genres, from adventure to
shooters and from simulation to strategy. In 2007/2008, Lighthouse
anticipates a further increase in activities, doubling up its number of
releases for PC Windows to well over 10 in each market, as well as moving
into console gaming. By backing its franchises all the way, Lighthouse has
shown it is the right alternative for developers looking to bring their
products to a worldwide audience. Visit www.lighthouse-interactive.com.
Shadowrun Teleports onto North American
Store Shelves for Xbox 360 and Windows Vista
Time to teleport, glide and summon your
minions! Microsoft Game Studios is launching “Shadowrun™” onto
retailers across North America.
Starting today, humans, elves, dwarves
and trolls can join the cross-platform revolution with “Shadowrun” at
the estimated retail price of $59.99 (U.S.) for Xbox 360™ and $49.99
(U.S.) for Windows Vista. “Shadowrun” is rated “M” for Mature by
the Entertainment Software Ratings Board (ESRB). “Shadowrun” is also
part of the Games for Windows® initiative, offering reliability,
compatibility and enhanced experiences on Windows Vista®.
Additionally, Xbox 360 gamers can get in
on the action with the official “Shadowrun” demo on June 6. The demo
will be available for download via Xbox LIVE® Marketplace.
The innovative first-person shooter
(FPS) gameplay of “Shadowrun,” developed by FASA Studio, thrusts
gamers into strategic battles that utilize magic and technology. Players
must vie for supremacy, playing as a human, elf, dwarf or troll.
Cleverness, cunning and split-second improvisation are rewarded through a
unique combination of modern weapons, ancient magic and advanced
technology. As the first game to support Microsoft’s Games for Windows
– LIVE service, “Shadowrun” gives players on both Xbox 360 and
Windows Vista a chance to compete, cooperate and communicate across both
platforms with an Xbox LIVE Gold or Games for Windows - LIVE Gold
account*.
“Shadowrun” will ship with nine
unique maps and an additional three map variations, showcasing dynamic
environments set in a futuristic Santos, Brazil, and its neighboring
ancient Ziggurat. “Shadowrun” includes six training chapters, letting
gamers fine-tune their strategy and lethal combinations against the
intuitively smart and talented A.I. bots. Gamers can also play with bots
at four levels of difficulty on every map and with every game type.
SOE DENVER TO DEVELOP PIRATES OF THE
SOUTH CHINA SEAS EXPANSION FOR PIRATES CSG ONLINE
Next Expansion to Feature Asian-Themed
Ships, New Faction and Exclusive 10-Masted Chinese Pirate Junk
SAN DIEGO, CA and DENVER, CO – May 25,
2007 – Sony Online Entertainment LLC (SOE), a global leader in the
online games industry, today announced that Pirates of the South China
Seas, the fourth expansion for the Pirates Constructible Strategy Game™
(CSG) Online, is currently in development at the company’s Denver
studio. Scheduled for a mid-June release, South China Seas brings an Asian
flair to this online 3D world of pirates, high seas combat and the search
for treasure.
Western fleets are sailing the
treasure-rich waters of the South China Seas and a new faction, the Jade
Rebellion, has arisen to thwart the advances of imperialist navies. The
Jade Rebellion employs two new types of ships – massive six-masted junks
and the sturdy and resilient Korean “Turtle” ship. This new faction
also introduces some new characters into player fleets; the inscrutable
Ms. Cheng, the head of the pirate confederation and widow of the famous
pirate warlord Cheng Yi. The Jade Rebellion also features her closest
ally, the pirate Chang Pao; together, they’ve defeated every expedition
sent out to destroy the Jade Rebellion.
Beginning today, SOE Denver is giving
away a special promotional ship in anticipation of the release of the
South China Seas expansion. For every ten (10) Pirates CSG Online digital
game packs purchased by a player, they will receive the Baochuan, a
massive 10-masted Chinese treasure ship – the largest of all the junks.
Its size allows players to fit a larger complement of crew members aboard
and capitalize on even more crew abilities, such as extra actions and
additional moves. The Baochuan holds more cargo than any other ship; with
10 masts, it features four more cannons than the next largest ship, making
it a formidable opponent in battle.
South China Seas will also introduce new
game-changing events that can twist the outcome of your battles -- duel
with your opponents, discover that your looted treasure is fake and summon
rolling fog banks. As with all expansions for the Pirates CSG Online,
Pirates of the South China Seas can be played as a standalone game, or
combined with ships from other expansions. Single game packs contain
everything a player needs to plunder the high seas for treasure.
For more information on Pirates of the
South China Seas and the Baochuan, visit the website at http://piratesonline.station.sony.com/baochuan.
For further details on SOE’s online trading card games, visit
www.station.com/strategy.
About Sony Online Entertainment
Sony Online Entertainment LLC (SOE) is a
recognized worldwide leader in massively multiplayer online games, with
hundreds of thousands of subscribers around the globe. SOE creates,
develops and provides compelling entertainment for the personal computer,
online, game console and wireless markets. Known for its blockbuster
franchises and hit titles including EverQuest®, EverQuest® II, Champions
of Norrath®, Untold Legends™, and PlanetSide®, as well as for
developing Star Wars Galaxies™, SOE continues to redefine the business
of online gaming and the creation of active player communities while
introducing new genres on various entertainment platforms. Headquartered
in San Diego, CA, with additional development studios in Austin, TX,
Seattle, WA, Denver, CO, and Taiwan, SOE has an array of cutting-edge
games in development. SOE is owned by Sony Pictures Digital and Sony
Computer Entertainment America.
About WizKids
WizKids is a Seattle-based game
developer and publisher dedicated to creating tabletop games driven by
imagination. Its HeroClix® and Pirates brands are among the most
successful games on the market today, with over 100 million miniature game
figures sold worldwide. For additional information, visit
www.wizkidsgames.com.
©2007 WizKids Inc. All rights reserved.
HeroClix, Pirates of the Spanish Main, Pirates of Davy Jones’ Curse,
Pirates of the Mysterious Islands, CSG and WizKids are trademarks of
WizKids Inc.
Bring on the throwing stars! “Tenchu Z”
for Xbox 360 Goes Gold!
Microsoft calls on ninjas of the nation
to unite when “Tenchu Z” hits retailers on June 12
Microsoft today announced that the Xbox
360 exclusive “Tenchu Z” has gone gold and will sneak onto store
shelves across the nation on June 12. Rated “M” for Mature, “Tenchu
Z” is set to challenge gamers to become the ultimate ninja assassin
through more than 50 missions set in ancient Japan and will be available
for the estimated retail price of $59.99.
K2, the creative minds behind “Tenchu:
Wrath of Heaven,” present the latest installment of the renowned “Tenchu”
franchise, “Tenchu Z” exclusively for the Xbox 360. The title is the
first mission-based ninja stealth action game for the Xbox 360, and allows
players to hone their stealth skills while slaying enemies to become the
ultimate ninja. Patience and strategy, with use of the stealth kill
system, is rewarded over a run-and-gun style of hand-to-hand combat.
“Tenchu Z” will task willing ninjas
to assassinate evil doers, track enemies, rescue hostages and destroy
targets using the art of stealth. For the first time ever, gamers can
create their own ninja hero with the character customization features that
include a variety of face types, hair features, outfits, accessories and
more. Gamers can play solo at home or take advantage of co-operative play
with two to four players through Xbox LIVE or System Link. Players can
work cooperatively for a completely different ninja experience and team up
with a friend to complete the missions and take out foes. Let a friend
subdue a boss from behind as another runs him through with a katana.
Special co-op moves are also available, adding variety and depth to the
gameplay experience.
Aspiring ninjas should check http://www.tenchu-z.com
for all new updated content making its debut today.
About K2
K2 is a professional group of software
creators specializing in video game products. Many of core members had
careers at the major game companies in Kansai, Japan area, and their
accomplishments drew the attention of customers at home and abroad. For
more information on K2, please visit their Web site, http://www.kei-two.co.jp
.
About Microsoft
Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq “MSFT”)
is the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help
people and businesses realize their full potential.
# # #
Microsoft, Shadowrun, Xbox Live, Xbox
360, Halo, Xbox, Windows, Windows Vista, Age of Empires, Zoo Tycoon,
Fable, Project Gotham Racing, Forza Motorsport, MSN and Hexic are either
registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corp. in the United
States and/or other countries.
The names of actual companies and
products mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their respective
owners.