Game On!

Today we at Ubisoft continue with our ongoing series of video developer diaries for the upcoming Ghost Recon Advanced Warfighter. We continue to drill into what it takes to create a Ghost Recon game in the next generation, all direct from the people making it happen! We will continue to keep the world updated on the development of GRAW, with the delivery of even more of these video developer diaries in the coming weeks. Keep your eyes peeled for these and additional overall goodness for Ghost Recon Advanced Warfighter as it approaches its March 2006 ship.

For this second installment we dig even deeper into GRAW's development. Get the first hand info on how the development team is working hard to re-create the near-future military realism that the Ghost Recon brand has been known for. The full implementation of the Integrated Warfighter System (IWS) is of focus in this video diary. Hear how players will be able to utilize a suite of cutting edge technology to play GRAW in exciting new ways. See how the developers have taken pain-staking measures to replicate this technology in the next generation of gaming. On
the battlefield of the future intelligence will be of the highest importance. GRAW will have it in droves, leaving the choice of how and when to use it up to the player. See how this plays out with real-life footage, and all new amazing in-game footage, showing exactly what they are talking about.

This exciting new video is a mere click away.

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Bolstered by a tough defensive effort that limited NFL MVP Shaun Alexander to just 70 yards rushing and sacked Seattle quarterback Matt Hasselbeck four times, the Pittsburgh Steelers won their fifth overall Super Bowl championship in a game simulated by EA SPORTS, downing the Seahawks 24-19 in a preview of what might happen in Super Bowl XL.

The game, which was simulated using the best-selling video game Madden NFL 06 for the Microsoft Xbox 360, played out in a way not unfamiliar to Pittsburgh fans – the Steelers moved out to an early lead using the pass and taking advantage of a timely turnover, and then turned to their relentless rushing attack to hold off the surging Hawks and secure the title.

Playing in his hometown of Detroit, Steelers RB Jerome Bettis garnered Super Bowl MVP honors by scoring two touchdowns in the game to go with his 41 yards rushing, getting his team on the board first with a one-yard plunge late in the first quarter to cap a ten-play, 74-yard drive. The teams exchanged field goals in the second quarter, and Pittsburgh upped its lead after recovering an Alexander fumble on the Seattle 24-yard-line. Three plays later, Steeler RB Willie Parker took the ball off right tackle for a seven-yard scamper which made the score 17-3 – a daunting margin that very few Pittsburgh opponents have been able to overcome.

Seattle got another field goal to cut their deficit to 11 points midway through the third quarter, but Alexander was finding no running room and the Steeler defense was bringing constant pressure against Seahawks QB Matt Hasselbeck. Still, the Seahawks managed to close to 17-13 after Alexander finished a seven-play, 66-yard drive early in the fourth quarter with a short dive off the left side. Pittsburgh responded, however, by pounding the ball on a clock-chewing drive, taking more than six minutes off the clock by going 73 yards in 13 plays – 11 of them runs – to move up 24-13 after Bettis again scored on a one-yard run.

With little time left, Seattle moved the ball down the field quickly and got six more points as Hasselbeck connected with Darrell Jackson on a 19-yard scoring pass, but their two-point conversion failed, and the ensuing onside kick was recovered by the Steelers, who ran out the clock to celebrate their win.

Pittsburgh QB Ben Roethlisberger finished an efficient 19 of 28 passing for 173 yards, while Parker picked up 52 on the ground. The Steeler defense was paced by linebacker Joey Porter, who finished with seven tackles and two sacks, while Troy Polamalu added seven tackles. Hasselbeck ended the day completing 21 of 29 passes for 220 yards while Jackson had 91 receiving yards. Lofa Tatupu had eight tackles and Grant Wistrom finished with two sacks for the Seahawks.

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LOS ANGELES – Jan. 31, 2006 – D3Publisher of America, Inc. (D3PA), a publisher and developer of interactive entertainment software, today announced a worldwide publishing agreement with DreamWorks Animation SKG (NYSE: DWA) for video games based on the forthcoming computer animated feature film “Flushed Away”. The first games are scheduled to be released for console systems and handheld systems including Nintendo DS™, and Game Boy® Advance in Q4 2006 to coincide with the release of the DreamWorks computer animated feature film on November 3, 2006.

“This agreement with DreamWorks Animation SKG is a significant milestone for D3Publisher of America,” stated Careen Yapp, vice president of licensing and business development for D3PA. “Our blueprint for success has always included both original intellectual properties, as well as licensed titles from top entertainment companies. 'Flushed Away' will be a key title for us in 2006 and we are very pleased to be working with the DreamWorks and Aardman Animation teams to deliver a fun gaming experience that expands on the computer animated feature film.”

“Flushed Away” is a story driven, 3rd-person action-platform game that captures the characters and humor of the film. The games will also feature new characters and environments that are unique to the game that will enrich the world of “Flushed Away”. The console products will be developed by Vicious Cycle, and the handheld products will be developed by Altron and ART.

About DreamWorks Animation’s “Flushed Away”

From DreamWorks Animation and Aardman Features, the teams behind the worldwide hit “Wallace & Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit”, comes the computer-animated comedy “Flushed Away”. Blending Aardman’s trademark style and characterizations with DreamWorks’ state-of-the-art computer animation, “Flushed Away” is a madcap comedy set on and beneath the streets of London.

Roddy is a decidedly upper-crust “society rat” who makes his home in a posh Kensington flat, complete with two hamster butlers named Gilbert and Sullivan. When a common sewer rate named Syd comes spewing out of the sink and decides he’s hit the jackpot, Roddy schemes to rid himself of the pest by luring him into the “whirlpool.” Syd may be an ignorant slob, but he’s no fool, so it is Roddy who winds up being flushed away into the bustling sewer world of Ratropolis. There Roddy meets Rita, an enterprising scavenger who works the sewers in her faithful boat the Jammy Dodger.

Roddy immediately wants out, or rather, up; Rita wants to be paid for her trouble; and, speaking of trouble, the villainous Toad – who royally despises all rodents – wants them iced…literally. The Toad dispatches his tow hapless hench-rats, Spike and Whitey, to get the job done. When they fail, the Toad has no choice but to send to France for his cousin – that dreaded mercenary, Le Frog.

D3Publisher of America, Inc. is a subsidiary of D3Publisher, with headquarters in Tokyo. D3Publisher of America’s strategic focus is on licensed and original titles from leading third-party developers that appeal to mass-market consumers or gaming enthusiasts. Based in Los Angeles, D3Publisher of America distributes and publishes software for personal computers and the major console platforms including Game Boy® Advance, Nintendo GameCube™, Nintendo DSÔ, PlayStation® game console, PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system, PSP™ portable entertainment system and the Xbox® video game system from Microsoft. For additional information on D3Publisher of America and its products, visit the website at http://www.d3p.us

DreamWorks Animation is principally devoted to developing and producing computer generated, or CG, animated feature films. With world-class creative talent, a strong and experienced management team and advanced CG filmmaking technology and techniques, DreamWorks Animation makes high quality CG animated films meant for a broad movie-going audience. The company has theatrically released a total of nine animated feature films, including Antz, Shrek, Shrek 2, Shark Tale and Madagascar. DreamWorks Animation's newest release, Wallace & Gromit: Curse of the Were-Rabbit, opened in theaters October 7, 2005.

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SANTA CLARA, Ca., (January 30, 2006) -- Leading video games publisher and developer NAMCO BANDAI Games America Inc. announced today that is will publish the popular rally racing game, World Rally Championship (WRC) for the PSP™ (PlayStation®Portable) system in North America. The first officially licensed WRC rally game on a handheld, WRC provides the hi–octane thrills, pace and dynamics of rally across the globe to the gamer on the move.

“We are excited to bring one of the most popular rally racing franchises to the handheld market,” said Jeff Lujan, Business Director at NAMCO BANDAI Games America Inc. “WRC offers the most exhilarating rally racing experience available for the PSP system.”

The only official game of the FIA World Rally Championship, WRC offers a complete WRC season over 5 continents and 16 countries with a vast array of wild terrains and surfaces including the streets of Japan and the hills of Mexico.

Based around the 2005 season, WRC for the PSP system features 30 official and fully deformable 2005 WRC, Evolution, and Extreme spec cars; from manufacturers such as Ford, Subaru and Mitsubishi as well as all of the 36 official WRC 2005 drivers and co-drivers. WRC also offers sixty-four point-to-point stages on gravel, tarmac and snow with 6 game modes encompassing single player, multi–player and Wireless Head-to-Head support.

WRC for the PSP system will ship to retailers in March 2006. For more information on WRC and all of NAMCO BANDAI Games America Inc.’s products please visit http://www.namcobandaigames.com.

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Redwood City, Calif. – January 30, 2006 – Electronic Arts (NASDAQ: ERTS), the world’s leading interactive entertainment software company and award-winning developer Crytek, today announced they will bring Crysis, an exciting new first person shooter, to gamers worldwide. Developed by Crytek, the makers of the award-winning Far Cry™, Crysis will be an original first person shooter game for PC based on new intellectual property.

“Our focus has always been on innovating gameplay and technology, and bringing new experiences to gamers through our original intellectual properties,” says Cevat Yerli, CEO & President of Crytek. “Crysis will be a showcase for that commitment and will offer gamers from all over the world the next step in FPS gaming.”

Shooter fans will face a new kind of gameplay challenge requiring adaptive tactics and customisation of weapons and armour in dynamic, hostile environments as mankind struggles to survive in the face of a horrific alien invasion.

Crysis will bring together the creative and technical talent of Crytek with the publishing expertise and unrivalled reach of Electronic Arts. Crysis is to be published by EA following the worldwide relationship announcement between the two companies and is being developed using the leading-edge technology of Crytek’s proprietary engine CryENGINE™ 2.

“We are delighted to reach the next level in our relationship with Crytek,” says Tom Frisina, Vice-President and General Manager for EA Partners. “Nurturing creative talent and bringing original intellectual property to the world of interactive entertainment is a key focus for EA and EA Partners. Crysis will bring an entirely new FPS experience to gamers everywhere.”

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SUNNYVALE, Calif. January 31, 2006 — Capcom®, a leading worldwide developer and publisher of video games, today announced its critically acclaimed survival horror masterpiece, Resident Evil® 4, has been awarded inclusion into Nintendo’s Player’s Choice program for the Nintendo GameCube™. The game will be relaunched with new packaging at a suggested retail price of $19.99. In addition to this recent achievement, the rave reviews from press and overwhelmingly positive feedback from fans for both the GameCube and PlayStationâ2 computer entertainment system versions have resulted in multiple “Game of the Year” accolades. Based on the popular Resident Evil series, which has sold more than 27 million units worldwide and is Capcom’s highest selling series, Resident Evil 4 is rated “M” for mature audiences from the ESRB (Entertainment Software Rating Board).

Just a few weeks into the year, a number of media have already announced their best of 2005 awards. Highlights include prestigious “Game of the Year” honors from numerous esteemed outlets including Game Informer, GameSpot, GamePro, Spike TV Video Game Awards 2005, UGO.com, G4TV’s X-Play, Chicago Tribune, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Game Revolution, Lee Enterprises, GameZone.com, New Times Media, WorthPlaying.com, Real Detroit Weekly, GameSpot Readers’ Choice, Blender’s Readers’ Poll, IGN Readers’ Choice and Lawrence.com Gamer’s Voice Awards. Moreover, the GameCube version of the title earned first place status among games for the platform from IGN Cube, GameSpot, GameSpy, GameZone.com, Advanced Media Network and Home Theater Magazine. Resident Evil 4 was also included on lists of top games for 2005 from high profile media including PSM, Play, Associated Press, Cox News Service, Gannett News Service, Universal Press Syndicate, San Jose Mercury News, Maxim Online, Sound & Vision, Tacoma News Tribune, Hartford Courant, Global Gaming League, Punch Jump and The Oregonian.

In Resident Evil 4 players are reacquainted with Leon S. Kennedy, Raccoon City Police Department’s idealistic rookie cop from Resident Evil 2. It has been six years since the destruction of Raccoon City and in that time, the U.S. government has been able to destroy the nefarious Umbrella Corporation. Fast forward to 2004 and players rejoin Leon, who is now a U.S. agent with a top-secret mission. He has been tasked to look into the abduction of the President’s daughter and his investigation has led him to a mysterious location in Europe. As Leon encounters unimaginable horrors, he must find out who or what is behind everything.

Capcom is a leading worldwide developer, publisher and distributor of interactive entertainment. Founded in 1983, the company has created world renowned franchises including Resident Evil, Street Fighter, Mega Man, Viewtiful Joe, Devil May Cry and the Onimusha series. Headquartered in Osaka, Japan, the company maintains operations in the U.S., United Kingdom, Germany, Tokyo and Hong Kong. More information about Capcom and its products can be found on the company’s web site at http://www.capcom.com.

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REDMOND, Wash., Jan. 30 /PRNewswire/ -- After decades of exercising players' thumbs, Nintendo is now moving to their minds. Brain Age(TM): Train Your Brain in Minutes a Day for Nintendo DS(TM) will help players flex their
mental muscles. Brain Age represents the first in a series of U.S.brain-training titles that already have taken Japan by storm.
Brain exercise has been a hot topic lately. Baby Boomers and test-prepping school kids alike want to challenge themselves. In fact, a recent Time magazine article cited Brain Age in its exploration of the trend of people looking for ways to exercise their brains.
But Baby Boomers picking up a video game system? It's not as far-fetched as you might think. Three separate titles in the brain-training series are currently a huge craze in Japan. Each of them has achieved sales of more than
1 million units, with the most recent title hitting that milestone in less than a month. The craze has been fueled largely by older players, many of whom had never played a video game system before.
Brain Age (known as Brain Training in Japan) was inspired by the work of Professor Ryuta Kawashima, a prominent Japanese neuroscientist. His studies evaluated the effect of performing reading and mathematic exercises to help stimulate the brain.
"Young or old, everyone looks for ways to get a mental edge," says Reggie Fils-Aime, Nintendo of America's executive vice president of sales & marketing. "Our brain-training series, led by Brain Age, builds on the popularity of word and number puzzles and acts as a treadmill for the mind."
Brain Age presents players with a series of fun mental brain-training challenges that incorporate word memorization, counting and reading. It even includes sudoku number puzzles, which have become extremely popular features in newspapers around the country. The distinctive touch screen of Nintendo DS lets users write their responses, just as though they were using a PDA. Players even turn the Nintendo DS sideways to make it feel more familiar, like a book. The more often users challenge themselves, the better they become at the tasks and the lower their estimated DS "brain age."
Nintendo's brain-training series of games represent a cornerstone of Nintendo's aim to expand the world of video games to new audiences. The second title in the series, Big Brain Academy (known as Brain Flex in Japan) offers
players 15 fun activities that test their brain powers in areas like logic, memory, math and analysis. Up to eight people can play with a single game card, and each activity takes less than a minute to complete.

Brain Age: Train Your Brain in Minutes a Day is rated E for Everyone and launches on April 17. Big Brain Academy is Rated E for Everyone and launches May 30.

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Today we announced that the popular Killzone(tm) franchise will be available on PSP later this year. The PSP title is called Killzone: Liberation and is a third-person action game that puts you into various missions to rescue hostages from the evil Helghast. Inspired by the events in Killzone for PlayStation2 (released in November, 2004), the story
continues in Killzone: Liberation with the battle against the Helghast still raging on.

"We were keen to ensure Killzone: Liberation was totally unique and offered PSP owners a different Killzone experience. So, Killzone: Liberation has been developed from scratch" creating what we think is an
intense portable gaming experience." Stated Hermen Hulst, Guerilla Managing Director. "Although Killzone: Liberation is totally new it stays true to what made the first Killzone such a great success - the characters, weapons, style and a continuation of the same great plot."

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LOS ANGELES, Calif. (JANUARY 27, 2006) – Square Enix, Inc., the publisher of Square Enix™ entertainment products in North America, announced a simultaneous launch for FINAL FANTASY® XI: Treasures of Aht Urhgan™, the third expansion pack for the title. The long-awaited release of FINAL FANTASY XI for Xbox 360™ video game and entertainment system from Microsoft will also be available that day. Specifically, retail product and service will be available as listed in the following regions (based on time zone differences) – April 18 in North America, April 20 in Europe and Japan.

FINAL FANTASY XI, the first cross-platform, cross-continent massively multi-player online role-playing game (MMORPG) will be accessible on Xbox 360 for the first time to players in North America, Europe and Japan. Gamers will be able to communicate and play together no matter where they are or from what platform they connect - the PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system, Windows® operating system or Xbox 360 (platform based on region availability). FINAL FANTASY XI has more than 500,000 subscribers in North America, Europe and Japan, combined. With the release of the third expansion pack and Xbox 360 version, the world of Vana’diel® will be an even livelier place to visit, expanding the community even further.

Treasures of Aht Urhgan can be played along with the original version of FINAL FANTASY XI (which is required to play any of the expansions) and does not require the Chains of Promathia™ and Rise of the Zilart® expansion packs. The third expansion will be sold separately for PlayStation 2 and Windows users at North American retailers for a suggested retail price of $29.99 (USD). Treasures of Aht Urhgan will be available as part of the complete package for Xbox 360 which includes PlayOnline™, FINAL FANTASY XI and all three expansion packs for the title - Chains of Promathia, Rise of the Zilart and Treasures of Aht Urhgan at North American retailers for a suggested retail price of $49.99 (USD).

Features
- Players will uncover the tales and legends surrounding the the Aht Urhgan Empire.

- New jobs, including the highly requested Blue Mage and Corsair, have been added to expand battle strategies even further.

- Along with additional areas to explore, powerful monsters have also been added, including the Mamool Ja, a powerful tribe of the beastmen that hold dominion over the Mamool Ja Savagelands, a land hostile to the Near Eastern Aht Urhgan Empire.

- Keeping with the FINAL FANTASY XI principles, system enhancements in addition to those listed have been implemented to enrich gameplay in a variety of ways.

- On Xbox 360 gamers will be able to see and hear the world of Vana’diel like never before in high definition video.

- Join a community of over 500,000 with players from around the world and on several platforms.

Services Fees
North American service fees remain the same and are as follows: FINAL FANTASY XI subscribers will receive their first 30 days of access without charge. Aside from Internet service provider access charges, the free trial period will begin on the date players create their first “Content ID” or character. Any additional Content IDs purchased are also available without charge until the end of the free trial period. After 30 days, players can continue to play FINAL FANTASY XI by paying a monthly fee of $12.95 (USD) for one FINAL FANTASY XI character, and can create up to 15 additional characters for an additional charge of $1.00 (USD) per character, per month. Payment for monthly access charges must be made by credit card only (restrictions apply).

System Requirements
FINAL FANTASY XI for Xbox 360
Requirements for Xbox 360 version are as listed: Xbox Live® account, Broadband connection (Xbox 360 does not support 56K connection) and Xbox 360 Hard Drive.

FINAL FANTASY XI for Windows
The minimum system requirements for FINAL FANTASY XI: Treasures of Aht Urhgan are as follows: Windows 2000/XP, Intel Pentium III 800Mhz or faster processor, 128MB RAM, DirectX® 8.1 compatible sound card, DVD-ROM drive, 56K or faster Internet connection, and GeForce series or Radeon 9000 series video card with 32MB of RAM. A DVD ROM drive is required to install Treasures of Aht Urhgan and the Vana’diel Collection.

FINAL FANTASY XI for the PlayStation 2
Published by Sony Computer Entertainment America, FINAL FANTASY XI for the PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system is pre-installed on internal Hard Disk Drive (40GB)(for PlayStation 2). Available for a suggested retail price of $99.00 (USD), the internal Hard Disk Drive attaches to the Network Adaptor (Ethernet/modem) (for PlayStation 2), which connects to both broadband or dial-up networks, and rests in the expansion bay of the PlayStation 2 console.

For updates and information on FINAL FANTASY XI please visit: http://www.playonline.com/ff11us/index.shtml.

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Nintendo President Satoru Iwata today announced Nintendo DS Lite, a slimmer version of the best-selling Nintendo DS™. Also featuring brighter screens, Nintendo DS Lite will launch in Japan in March. Nintendo DS Lite will be less than two-thirds the size of the original Nintendo DS and more than 20 percent lighter.

Nintendo DS has enjoyed extremely strong sales in Japan and around the world, selling more than 14.4 million units worldwide. The Japanese sell-through of the existing Nintendo DS hardware exceeded 5 million within 13 months, which made Nintendo DS the fastest-selling video game system there.

Nintendo will announce more information about the availability of Nintendo DS Lite in North America and other territories in the future.

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By Old Timey Gamer

Score 4.5 out of 5

Excellent production values, great characters, a complete catalog from action to horror, liposuction and pyrotechnics, “The Movies” for PC has it all, and the game play is more engaging than any of this past summer’s blockbuster films. “The Movies” combines two great elements in one package, an addictive tycoon/builder game and a simple to use movie-making tool.

The game begins in the 1920s and an empty movie lot. Players need to first build the facilities and sets that will allow them to begin making movies. The game adroitly takes players step-by-step through the action during the initial stages, making the fundamentals of “The Movies” easy to learn. Which is good, because once the business of movie making begins, players will have their hands full. The main problem is the directors and stars: they are moody creatures prone to boredom and stress. If not managed properly, they will turn to food, drink, or other vices in search of relief, which in turn can cause them to become drunks or get fat, potentially ruining their careers. Luckily, there’s rehab and liposuction to solve these two particular problems. In my first game, my movie studio, Missing Ear Productions, specializing in horror films, met with disaster when I pushed my director too hard and he became a raging alcoholic. Players must also keep their lot attractive, research new technologies, and maintain the buildings and grounds of their studio in order to gain prestige, win awards, and, ultimately, produce blockbuster movies

Even though there’s much to think about, “The Movies” constantly delights and surprises. The graphics are top-notch, one can zoom into the action and see many interactions and details, and there are elements of humor, throughout. In addition, the stars have distinct personalities and will come to feel like real people. There’s even the option for gamers to create their very own movie stars.

It’s all about making movies, though, and the game offers two options: a script can automatically be created or players can create their own script from scratch. Creating the scripts and editing movies became my favorite part. A script is created by combining any number of scenes together. The general action and number of characters in the scenes are pre-determined, each lasting anywhere from a couple of seconds to close to a minute. For instance, a scene will show two characters fighting each other. If the gamer wants to select this for inclusion in his movie, all he needs to do is decide who plays what role. A clear tutorial explains the process and it’s pretty easy to pick up. In no time, I was off making movies. The only shortcoming is that there are only a limited number of scenes and it’s not possible to control the camera angle, so that after the third or fourth movie, I wished there was more, or even that it was possible to create my own scenes.

If you'd like to view the slideshow click here.

Overall, there’s much to enjoy in “The Movies.” It will even get the creative juices flowing. Hopefully, the creators at Lionhead Studios will build upon this success with expansion packs containing more scenes or even a more powerful movie-making tool, which will give gamers more choices and control.

Posted by Matt Sarrel at 2:50 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

New York, NY - January 25, 2006 - 2K Sports, a publishing label of Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. (NASDAQ: TTWO), through a uniquepartnership with International Sports Multimedia (ISM), the exclusive licensee of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) for interactive entertainment software, today announced that Torino 2006(tm) - TheOfficial Video Game of the XX Olympic Winter Games is available now at retail stores across North America, and will be available at retail stores in Europe on January 27th.

Torino 2006(tm) gives gamers the chance to participate in one of the most exciting sporting events of 2006. With a multiplayer mode for up to four players, gamers can compete head-to-head or in turn-based play that simulates the global stage of one of the most exciting sporting events in 2006. The XX Olympic Winter Games will take place in Torino,Italy from February 10-26, 2006.
Additional features of Torino 2006(tm) include:

* 15 different events in eight winter sports disciplines including Skiing, Biathlon, Bobsleigh, Luge and Skating
* Challenge your skills with three difficulty levels in each discipline
* Enjoy an intense live atmosphere portrayed authentically with expert commentators, TV camera angles, realistic background sound and sparkling scenes of the Italian wintry landscape
* Play against friends and family with the exciting multiplayer mode for up to four players
* Intuitive controls create a fun "pick-up-and-play" capability the whole family can enjoy

"We greatly appreciate the partnership we've had with ISM. Their guidance from the many years of experience working on officially licensed Olympic video games has enabled us to create Torino 2006(tm), a truly exciting and authentic winter sports title," said Matthias Wehner, Marketing Director of 2K Sports.

"We are very pleased to be working with 2K Sports. Their reputation for creating exciting, successful sports games and their marketing expertise will ensure the success of the Official Video Game," said Raymond
Goldsmith, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of ISM.

Torino 2006(tm) is rated E for Everyone in North America and PEGI 3+ inEurope and is now available in North America and Europe for the PC,PlayStation(r)2 computer entertainment system and Xbox(r) video game and entertainment system from Microsoft.

For more information on Torino 2006(tm) and other 2K Sports titles,please visit http://www.2ksports.com.

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REDWOOD CITY, Calif., January 26, 2006 – Electronic Arts (NASDAQ: ERTS) today announced March 21st as the day The Godfather™ The Game videogame will be on store shelves in North America and March 24th in Europe. Developed by EA, the highly-anticipated open-world videogame is based on the critically-acclaimed book by Mario Puzo and the classic film by Paramount Pictures through a strategic licensing relationship with Viacom Consumer Products. In less than two months, gamers worldwide will step into the Don’s dangerous world of intimidation and negotiation via their PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system, Xbox® video game system from Microsoft or PC. The Godfather The Game will also be available for the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system and PSP (PlayStation® Portable) handheld entertainment system later in 2006.

EA’s The Godfather The Game puts you at the center of one of the world’s most revered stories. In the role of a young man just entering the Corleone family, you create your own mob character and work your way to the top. For the first time ever, you will go beyond the films and book to actually step into the living world of The Godfather fiction throughout 1940s New York City. You will work your way up the mob ranks your own way, choosing just how much force to use as you rise to power. Relive classic moments from the fiction and experience open-world gameplay alongside unforgettable characters from the film such as Luca Brasi, Sonny, Tom Hagan, and of course, Don Vito Corleone himself.

“The Godfather is one of the most exciting, dramatic and memorable works of fiction in the world; for the videogame, we felt it was important to build a complex and responsive open-world that puts you in the heart of the action,” said David DeMartini Executive Producer of The Godfather The Game. “The deeper you are into the experience the better the game gets,” DeMartini added.

“Our goal has always been to maintain the legacy of The Godfather and empower players to interact in the world based on one of the most remarkable motion pictures of all time,” said Sandi Isaacs, Vice President of Interactive at Viacom Consumer Products. “Electronic Arts has been an exceptional partner and we’re incredibly excited to launch one of the most anticipated games of the year.”

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EDISON, N.J., January 26, 2006 – Handheld gamers have two new reasons to fight as Majesco Entertainment Company (NASDAQ: COOL) today announced handheld installments of the popular Guilty Gear fighting series. Guilty Gear Dust Strikers for the Nintendo DS™ and Guilty Gear Judgment for the PSP™ (PlayStation®Portable) system are due in early spring. Both games are being developed by ARC System Works.

“Widely praised as one of the leading 2D brawler franchises, the Guilty Gear series has a long history of offering gamers deep, character-driven game play,” said Ken Gold, vice president of Marketing for Majesco. “These exciting new installments will provide hours of entertainment while offering two unique new game play experiences that fans can enjoy on the go.”

Guilty Gear Dust Strikers for Nintendo DS features 21 historic Guilty Gear characters whose intertwining stories reveal all-new insights into each character’s personality and past. Players battle on multiple levels across both DS screens, against the computer or up to four players via wireless networking. The game also features six modes of play including Arcade, Story and VS Battle plus seven unique touch screen mini games and a Robo Ky Factory where you can customize your fighting moves.

Guilty Gear Judgment for the PSP™ system offers gamers incredible value by combining two games on one UMD. The game includes the fast-paced arcade fighting of Guilty Gear X2 #Reload plus a brand new side scrolling experience in Guilty Gear Judgment. Guilty Gear Judgment features 20 Guilty Gear character favorites, including Sol Badguy, Potemkin, May, and Dizzy; 18 levels of 2D side-scrolling action; and special moves like Psych Burst, Dust Attack and Roman Cancel. In addition, both games within Guilty Gear Judgment offer wireless multi-player connectivity for up to two players.

Posted by Matt Sarrel at 5:07 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

SUNNYVALE, Calif. – January 24, 2006 – You win! The ultimate in arcade brawlers comes home as Capcom® today announced Street Fighter® Alpha Anthology for the PlayStationâ2 computer entertainment system, a monumental compilation of the entire Street Fighter® Alpha arcade series. The collection features direct arcade conversions of Street Fighter® Alpha, Street Fighter® Alpha 2, Street Fighter® Alpha 2 Gold and Street Fighter® Alpha 3 which have never before been available together in one package. As an added bonus, the “pint-sized” Super Gem Fighter Mini Mix® (also released on consoles as Pocket Fighter®), is included which brings the total to five action packed games on one disc. Street Fighter Alpha Anthology is scheduled for release throughout North America in summer 2006. To date, the Street Fighter franchise has sold more than 27 million units worldwide.

All titles in the collection feature three core gameplay options. Arcade mode pits competitors against a series of CPU controlled opponents in order to beat the game. Versus mode allows two players to choose among the cast of characters for intense head-to-head battles. Fighters can practice special moves and combos to hone their skills in the training mode. Additionally, all four Alpha titles feature survival mode as well as a dramatic battle mode which allows 2-on-1 tag team matches.

Street Fighter Alpha brings together a cast of 13 characters from the collective Street Fighter universe. The series’ inaugural title introduces super combos and alpha counters to add a new dimension to fighting. Street Fighter Alpha 2 ups the ante with 18 fighters and several new options including high and low Alpha counters as well as more moves and combos for each character. In addition, the second title launches the Custom Combo system which lets players use up a super meter to perform devastating multi-hit combos. Street Fighter Alpha 2 Gold is an enhanced version of the previous game featuring different versions of some of the characters. The most robust entry, Street Fighter Alpha 3, includes an unprecedented 25 characters and offers players the choice of three “isms” fighting styles made popular in previous Street Fighter games. Super Gem Fighter Mini Mix rounds out the anthology with miniature versions of popular Capcom fighters in fierce battles. Combatants vie to collect power-up gems as they perform an array of special attacks and powerful combos.

Capcom is a leading worldwide developer, publisher and distributor of interactive entertainment. Founded in 1983, the company has created world renowned franchises including Resident Evil, Street Fighter, Mega Man, Viewtiful Joe, Devil May Cry and the Onimusha series. Headquartered in Osaka, Japan, the company maintains operations in the U.S., United Kingdom, Germany, Tokyo and Hong Kong. More information about Street Fighter, Capcom and its products can be found on the company’s web site at www.capcom.com or www.capcom.com/streetfighter/.

Posted by Matt Sarrel at 6:32 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

SAN FRANCISCO (January 25, 2006) - SEGA® of America, Inc. today announced Condemned: Criminal Origins™ for the PC. Condemned: Criminal Origins, awarded Best Xbox 360 Action Game of 2005 by IGN.com, is a suspense-filled, first-person psychological thriller that made its debut with the launch of the Xbox 360™ video game and entertainment system from Microsoft.
Developed by Monolith Productions, the game allows players to experience an unnatural level of psychological tension as they use their instincts and forensic tools to track down serial killers and bring them to justice. Players
will take on the role of Ethan Thomas, an FBI agent in the Serial Crimes Unit (SCU), whose pursuit of relentless serial killers leads him through detailed urban environments filled with terrifyingly real sociopaths who lurk on the periphery of humanity.
“This critically-acclaimed hit is sure to keep PC gamers on the edge of their seats,” said Scott A. Steinberg, Vice President of Marketing, SEGA of America. “Experience all the tension, horror, and first-person combat in this
innovative atmospheric thriller that PC gamers have been longing for.”
Condemned: Criminal Origins features amazingly photorealistic environments and true-to-life sound effects that transport players directly to the scene of the crime. Gruesome weapons can be fashioned by clever players from the environment: paper-cutter handles, wooden planks, and lead pipes ripped from walls, can all be used to attack opponents. The enemy AI is highly intelligent as well. Enemies don't merely run at the player; they find an appropriately powerful weapon to attack with and then hide in the shadows, waiting for an open opportunity to
strike.
Condemned: Criminal Origins has also received the following accolades for its superior gameplay and audio excellence, including the GameSpot.com Best of 2005 award for Best Sound Effects, the GameSpy.com editor's choice award for Top 5 Xbox 360 Game of the Year, and the IGN.com The Best of 2005 award for Best
Use of Sound.
Condemned: Criminal Origins for the PC is slated to ship in Spring 2006.

For more information about Condemned: Criminal Origins, please visit http://www.condemnedgame.com.

Posted by Matt Sarrel at 5:10 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

REDWOOD CITY, Calif. – Wednesday, January 18, 2006 – Electronic Arts (NASDAQ: ERTS) announced today that MVP™ 06 NCAA® Baseball, the first-ever college baseball videogame, has shipped to retailers under the EA SPORTS™ brand. Produced by EA Canada in Vancouver, B.C., MVP 06 NCAA Baseball is the latest offering from the makers of the critically acclaimed MVP Baseball™ franchise and celebrates everything that makes NCAA® baseball unique – aluminum bats, dugout clearing homeruns, relentless hustle and stadiums filled with passionate fans and school spirit.

From the same developers that have made the MVP franchise a hit, MVP 06 NCAA Baseball has an all-new Load and Fire Batting system that intuitively emulates stepping up to the plate. The game is the first EA SPORTS game to implement ESPN real-time features including an ESPN ticker and live ESPN Sportscenter radio updates. With 128 of the nation’s top teams, 19 authentic stadiums and a deep college-specific Dynasty Mode™, users can now slug it out on the “Road to Omaha®” with baseball’s brightest young stars.

“Playing to earn a National Championship for the University of Texas was one of the greatest moments of my life; Needless to say, I’m still really nostalgic about it and this is a great way for me to re-live it again and again,” said David Maroul, 2005 College World Series MVP and MVP 06 NCAA Baseball Cover Athlete. “I’ve been waiting for a game like this to come out for a long time. I just can't believe how realistic the game is.”

Complete with an engaging visual presentation and ESPN’s Mike Patrick and former Stanford All-American Kyle Peterson calling the action, MVP 06 NCAA Baseball also features an all-new Custom Ballpark feature, a rich Create-a-Player option and new online* features for the PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system and Xbox Live®.

MVP 06 NCAA Baseball, which joins NCAA® Football and NCAA® March Madness® in the EA SPORTS™ family of popular NCAA-licensed properties, is available on the PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system and the Xbox® video game system from Microsoft. The game is rated "E" (Everyone) by the ESRB with a MSRP of $29.99.The official game website is http://www.mvp06ncaabaseball.com.

Posted by Matt Sarrel at 11:31 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

New York – January 20, 2006 – ArchLord, one of the most anticipated MMORPGs currently in open beta service in Korea, has been secured for distribution and operation across North America and Europe by Codemasters Online Gaming.

ArchLord is the creation of NHN Games, one of the biggest Korean MMO developers and publishers. When it launches in Q3 2006, ArchLord will deliver a unique competitive premise to MMO gamers - the opportunity to rise to become the game world’s supreme ruler. Every month, one player will take control of the world and with it the opportunity to wreak havoc on their cowering enemies as the player gains control of supreme global Archlord powers!

“ArchLord is an incredibly important signing for Codemasters Online Gaming and NHN has delivered an amazing world and a unique player objective,” said David Solari, Director of Codemasters Online Gaming. ”This incredible feature, where players compete to become the ArchLord and personally shape the game world, has never been seen before in any MMO. It’s sure to capture the imaginations of Western gamers and make ArchLord a landmark MMO launch for 2006.”

“We are overjoyed to be working with the online gaming division at Codemasters to bring ArchLord to Western gamers,” said Jung Hwan Kim, Senior Manager of Overseas Business Team at NHN Games. “Codemasters has a proven pedigree in PC publishing and massive ambitions in the MMO sector with a great team that we were keen to work with on such an important next-generation MMO title as ArchLord.”

The game’s world, Kantra, is fantastically realized with stunning visuals, created using Renderware, and the game features incredibly atmospheric in-game audio recorded by the world famous London Symphony Orchestra. ArchLord will also introduce one of the most advanced and complex PVP combat systems ever in any MMO, utilizing sprawling free battle areas and special guild battlefields that enable players to battle in fearsome guild versus guild battles.

With an ever-evolving storyline of conquest and betrayal, ArchLord presents an epic adventure in which players band together as they quest for the ancient relics of the Archons. Each relic bestows great power on those who possess it and when relics are combined they deliver ultimate mastery over the fundamental forces of creation for there can only be one Archlord!

“We are extremely pleased to add ArchLord to our ever growing and exciting MMO portfolio,” said Ed Relf, Head of Marketing for Codemasters Online Gaming. “ArchLord is a fresh take on the MMO genre, bringing incredible key new features and mixing them with already popular elements that appeal to both a new wave of players and established MMO gamers.”

ArchLord will launch in Q3 2006 and will be published and operated in North America and Europe by Codemasters Online Gaming, the company’s recently formed online entertainment division. Prepare for total domination with more information available on the game’s official website launching soon at http://www.archlordgame.com.

Posted by Matt Sarrel at 11:27 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

SAN DIEGO--Jan. 18, 2006--Veoh Networks, Inc. (http://www.veoh.com), the first Internet Television Peercasting Network, today announced that the majority of its catalog of more than 20,000 independent, user-published videos is now available for download and enjoyment on the Sony PSP computer entertainment system. Veoh automatically downloads videos of interest to a PSP owner's device each time they connect it to their PC.

The recent introduction and adoption of portable video players mean consumers all over the world are looking for high-quality content to watch while on the go. Using Veoh's unique Peercasting model, the network easily and efficiently distributes TV-quality, full-screen video to be played on a PC or Mac or on a variety of new portable devices. Thousands of iPod owners are already filling their players with thousands of videos available through Veoh. From music videos and comedy sketches to how-to sessions and all things automotive, PSP and iPod enthusiasts will find compelling content.

"Portable video is a hot topic for consumers, with many devices introduced and lauded earlier this month at the Consumer Electronics Show. Consumers clearly want to see their content when and where they choose," said Dmitry Shapiro, CEO of Veoh Networks. "Veoh is designed to support the many viewing choices consumers need, including the living room TV, their laptop and portable video devices. Our network allows anyone to publish TV-quality video that can be watched everywhere."

Veoh integrates with the Sony PSP Media Manager, sold separately through Sony, allowing easy export of videos from the Veoh Network to a person's PSP. Veoh's peer-to-peer distribution technology, unlike streaming video, gives portable device owners a place to discover high-grade video they can watch wherever they are.

About Veoh

Veoh software, installed on a PC or Mac, creates a virtual television network that allows video bloggers and independent producers, as well as film studios and TV networks, to distribute TV-quality, full-screen video to hundreds of millions of users with broadband connections. Producers can publish unlimited amounts of TV-grade video content to the network, providing consumers with unparalleled choice in television programming and control over their viewing experience.

Unlike rogue P2P networks that are used to share mostly pirated video, Veoh is a community of publishers and consumers, where published content is approved by editors, and consumers are assured they get what they request. The system also integrates tightly with RSS, providing content producers with easy publishing to multiple video systems.

About Veoh Networks, Inc.

San Diego-based Veoh Networks is the first Internet Television Peercasting Network, reaching hundreds of millions of viewers with broadband connections throughout the world. Veoh allows content producers, from video bloggers (vloggers) to motion picture studios, to deliver TV-grade, full-screen video directly to consumers, without financial, geographical or regulatory restrictions found in traditional broadcasting systems. Veoh is privately held and venture-capital funded.

Posted by Matt Sarrel at 10:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

January 17, 2006 Ubisoft, one of the world's largest videogame publishers, today announced the launch of the official Web site for AND 1: Streetball, scheduled to ship for the PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system and Xbox® video game system from Microsoft in March 2006. Visitors to http://www.and1streetballgame.com will be updated regularly with new details, materials, and goodies.

Visitors to http://www.and1streetballgame.com will receive comprehensive product site information, images, and video related to AND 1: Streetball. In addition, visitors can download exclusive music tracks from the AND 1 Soundtrack, watch highlight clips from real life AND 1 MixTape Footage, hop on the 1s and 2s with DJ Greenlantern's mini-game mixing studio, answer a questionnaire to figure out their streetball name and more. The website provides the ultimate AND 1: Streetball experience.

AND 1: STREETBALL WEBSITE: A USER'S GUIDE

Product Site (Updated Regularly with New Details and Materials as Launch Approaches):
Sections include:
oGame Info, with details on game features, storyline, players, moves, multiplayer information, and more.
oDownloadable Music from the official AND 1 Soundtrack
oIn-depth player sections including real life video and gameplay footage
oIn-depth court information
oExtras, with wallpaper, screensavers, webkit, and a winamp skin
oMedia, with screenshots, video art, concept art and comics
Visit early and often as new items will appear frequently!

Check it out now http://www.and1streetballgame.com the only place to get your complete AND 1: Streetball Fix!

Posted by Matt Sarrel at 9:47 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

SAN JOSE, Calif. (Jan. 17, 2006) – Namco Networks, a leading publisher and developer of wireless games and content, today launched its latest series of videogame ringtones, available to subscribers of Namco’s ringtone service, PAC-MAN’s Arcade Corner™.

Exclusively available through PAC-MAN’s Arcade Corner, the new ringtones include sounds from Namco’s award-winning console phenomena, Katamari Damacy™ and its recently released sequel, We Love Katamari™. New ringtones from the hit games series Tekken®, Ace Combat™, and Time Crisis® are also available, along with ringtones from classics PAC-MAN®, Ms. PAC-MAN®, Galaga® and Sonic the Hedgehog by SEGA. PAC-MAN’s Arcade Corner distributes game ringtones from many of Namco’s other popular console and arcade games as well as from the games of other game publishers.

“Namco Networks recognizes the prevalence of arcade and video games in our culture and that consumers of mobile entertainment find value in and identify with these popular games,” said Scott Rubin, Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Namco Networks. “PAC-MAN’s Arcade Corner gives consumers the opportunity to personalize their mobile phone experience with their favorite video game sounds.”

Namco Networks continues to be the only game publisher with an application dedicated to video game ringtones and a large catalog of video game-based true tones. Namco Networks plans to continue expanding its ringtone catalog with exclusive content from more Namco games as well as from games of other publishers.

Posted by Matt Sarrel at 9:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

WALL, NJ. - January 17, 2006 - SNK PLAYMORE USA CORPORATION, the US publishing arm of the SNK PLAYMORE CORPORATION, announced today that they have shipped SAMURAI SHODOWN V exclusively for the Xbox® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft. SAMURAI SHODOWN V, one of SNK's greatest fighting franchises now features full Xbox Live® online game service support and the addition of Tournament Mode.

SAMURAI SHODOWN is considered one of the greatest fighting franchises of all time, and is the first appearance of the series on any current generation of consoles in North America. According to Richard Li of top gaming site, 1UP.com, "The series has become one of the flagships of SNK PLAYMORE. It's spurred a subculture devoted to the competitive nature of the game."

About SAMURAI SHODOWN V
SAMURAI SHODOWN V is the story of one Samurai's quest against the Shogun which leads to the gathering of the bravest warriors.

SAMURAI SHODOWN V features

" Xbox Live® support featuring Tournament Mode
" Choose from a total of 26 fighters including 14 new characters to the franchise
" Select characters designed by world-renowned manga artist Nobuhiro Wazuki
" Power up the Rage Gauge and unleash death combos for extreme damage
" Force your opponent into slow motion with Spirit Strength
" Original Japanese version included.

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 and industry leader by focusing on their rich arcade history. More information on SNK PLAYMORE CORPORATION can be found at http://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 http://www.snkplaymoreusa.com

Posted by Matt Sarrel at 8:57 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Eidos is putting the power of the streets in your hands as the blazing new game 25 To Life ships today! It’s time to shine up your badge, or get your bling on, as the battle for the streets is about to begin. Not only do you get to bump your favorite hip-hop beats in the fight of your life, you can play as one of our unlockable celebrity artists too!
Check out Tech N9ne, Daz, DJ Envy, and Kurupt and put them to use to protect your hood. The time is here.

Represent... Online!

Posted by Matt Sarrel at 5:11 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

REDWOOD CITY, Calif., January 17, 2006 – Electronic Arts (NASDAQ: ERTS) today announced Medal of Honor Airborne™, the newest installment from EA’s critically-acclaimed Medal of Honor™ franchise which was credited with pioneering the First-Person Shooter (FPS) WWII genre when it debuted in 1999. While building on the key tenets of the franchise including historical accuracy and authenticity, Medal of Honor Airborne is set to redefine the series by introducing players to an entirely new way of experiencing a WWII FPS – namely the fully interactive Airborne experience. As the first game in the Medal of Honor series to be released on next generation platforms, Medal of Honor Airborne will ship to stores in Winter 2006 under the EA™ brand for the PlayStation®3 and PlayStation®2 computer entertainment systems, Xbox™ 360, Xbox® videogame system from Microsoft, and Windows PC.

Step into the boots of Boyd Travers, Private First Class of the 82nd Airborne Division and engage in battles throughout Europe. From rocky beginnings in Sicily to war-winning triumphs in Germany, each mission begins behind enemy lines, with an intense and fully interactive airdrop. Your ability to determine your own starting point dramatically changes the way each mission plays out. View the entire operation from the air, and then control your parachute to choose your landing spot. On the ground, gather your senses and assess the terrain. A wide variety of authentic, customizable weapons are at your disposal, each with distinct characteristics. Choose your path in this free roaming FPS environment. Medal of Honor Airborne will also feature exceptionally photo-realistic characters, adding to the intensity of the cinematic, story-driven game.

“Medal of Honor Airborne is a step in a new direction for the franchise. While integrating our state-of-the-art, next-gen technology into every aspect of the game, we are introducing innovations that will redefine the series and impact the genre as a whole," explained Patrick Gilmore, VP and Executive Producer at EALA. “By fully controlling the airdrop from your very first step through landing, Medal of Honor Airborne adds a new dimension of player choice by letting you decide where every mission begins and how it plays out.”

The Medal of Honor Airborne development team continues to ensure that the ideals and integrity of the prestigious congressional Medal of Honor are accurately reflected in the game. The producers sought counsel from numerous expert sources to make certain the game is historically accurate and as true to the WWII Airborne experience as possible. Serving as a military spokesperson for Medal of Honor Airborne, Capt. Dale Dye, who has worked as the Military Technical Advisor for the last 7 Medal of Honor games, will help to create a truly authentic experience.

Developed by EA Los Angeles (EALA), Medal of Honor Airborne has not yet been rated by the ESRB. For more information on Medal of Honor Airborne and the Medal of Honor franchise, please visit: http://www.moh.ea.com.

Posted by Matt Sarrel at 5:08 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

NEW YORK, NY – JANUARY 17, 2006 – 2K Sports, a publishing label of Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. (NASDAQ: TTWO), today announced that World Poker Tour® (WPT) for the PSP™ (PlayStation®Portable) system is slated for release this spring. World Poker Tour for PSP features real-life professional poker stars and venues featured in the popular World Poker Tour television series with enhanced A.I. players, customizable characters and online capabilities compatible with PlayStation®2 consoles.

“With the growing popularity of televised poker shows such as World Poker Tour, poker has become a mainstream sport,” said Greg Thomas, president of Visual Concepts, a 2K Sports studio. “By partnering with the trusted World Poker Tour brand, we are bringing both gamers and poker fans alike the most realistic poker experience available. And now that World Poker Tour will be available on the PSP, gamers can enjoy the game wherever they go.”

World Poker Tour for PSP allows gamers to take a seat at the world’s most prestigious poker tournaments and make their mark in the virtual poker arena. The game will feature the virtual equivalents of real pros such as Antonio “the Magician” Esfandiari, Erick Lindgren, Evelyn Ng, Lyle Berman, Michael “The Grinder” Mizrachi and Phil “Unabomber” Laak.

Online connectivity is a major part of playing World Poker Tour on the PSP. Gamers will have the ability to connect wirelessly with other PSP systems or online to compete against players across the country on both the PSP and the PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system. New enhancements to World Poker Tour for PSP include a completely new and innovative artificial intelligence system that allows gamers to challenge more than 1,200 different characters, all with their own unique playing styles and behaviors. Gamers who are able to bump up their career earnings can unlock custom clothes, accessories, and invitational events found only in the PSP version. Players can also create more than 4,000 custom variations of poker, and choose to play against computer opponents or take their custom poker game online to battle for poker supremacy.

“We are thrilled to be launching World Poker Tour on the PSP with 2K Sports,” says Andrea Green, VP of Global Consumer Products, WPT Enterprises, Inc. “2K has far exceeded our expectations for this game and recreated the thrill of our TV show with simulated casinos and events in the palm of your hand. We can’t wait to see where this takes us in the future."

World Poker Tour is currently available for the PlayStation 2, Xbox® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and Nintendo Game Boy® Advance.

For more information, log onto http://www.2ksports.com.

Posted by Matt Sarrel at 5:05 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

REDMOND, Wash., Jan. 17 /PRNewswire/ -- Imagine playing a golf video game that gives the same feel as swinging a club. Not just mashing buttons or toggling a joystick, but really swinging through the ball to make it sail toward the green. True Swing Golf, launching Jan. 23 for Nintendo DS(TM), marks a new level of realism for a video golf game.
Beyond the hallmarks of a great golf game, such as 15 beautiful 3-D courses, character customization and upgradeable gear, True Swing Golf lets players use the touch screen of Nintendo DS to actually swing a stylus to
launch their shots down the fairway. The touch screen accurately registers everything from powerful drives to delicate greenside approaches. Players can even angle their clubs to slice or hook the ball in either direction.
The dual screens show aerial views and close-ups of each hole.
"This is a golf game that could not be played on any other system," says George Harrison, Nintendo of America's senior vice president of marketing and corporate communications. "As an avid golfer, this game has me muttering to myself as often as the real thing."
The touch screen also allows players to access menus, switch clubs, change camera angles or send messages to other players. As players progress through the rankings, they earn money to buy better equipment to enhance
their games. Just like on real-life courses, players can even make wagers with their in-game earnings against opponents. Whoever wins the round takes home the prize money. Up to four players can compete on the links, even if only one of them has a True Swing Golf game card.
Pros and amateurs alike can pick up True Swing Golf and tee off with ease. And because Nintendo DS boasts a long battery life, players can enjoy round after round, whether they're on a plane, in a car or just relaxing at
home (or in a business meeting).

True Swing Golf is Rated E for Everyone. For more information, visit http://www.trueswinggolf.com.

Posted by Matt Sarrel at 5:02 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Ape Escape® Academy for PSP™

· Mini-games – Compete in more than 40 mini-games including hockey, golf, dodge ball, karate and more, with a huge variety of game styles, each overflowing with frantic fun and wacky-humor

· Compete wirelessly – Featuring Wi-Fi wireless LAN (Ad Hoc) connectivity, up to two players with a PSP and the game can challenge each other

· Share mode – Ape Escape Academy features 13 share mode games where two to four players can compete together on one PSP

· Collect your games – The Game Collection feature allows players to create a list of their favorite mini-games and replay the mini-games they have attempted, either to practice for the harder versions of that mini-game or get a high score

Posted by Matt Sarrel at 5:00 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Ape Escape® 3 for PlayStation2

· Mesal Gear Solid – In a collaboration with SCEI and KONAMI, play in Mesal Gear Solid mode which parodies the Metal Gear Solid franchise with monkeys as commandos

· Playable characters – Choose to play as either Kei or Yumi at the start of the game with the new ability to transform into various morphs

· Morphed characters – A transformation meter allows various morphs to complete certain battles that include a knight, a western kid, a ninja, a Kung Fu Master and an Arabian prince

· More games – Play two different mini-games including the Super Monkey Throw Stadium where players compete flying distance by throwing monkeys, or the Ultim-ape Fighting game where two monkeys battle using the two analog sticks

There's also something called Simian Cinema where you create your own replay movies.

Posted by Matt Sarrel at 4:42 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

I spent several hours with the crew over at UbiSoft on Thursday and Friday and played a whole lot of games. I also met a streetball player named Escalade. I'm like a twig next to him - he's a foot taller than me and twice my weight. Nice guy though.

CSI Three Dimensions of Murder
This is the first 3d CSI game and as such it is much closer to the TV show than previous versions. The opening full motion video is just like the show, and the crime lab is a reproduction based on the set. There's more interaction with characters, then environment and evidence. It's not just pixel hunting anymore. The environment is more complex which means more complex clue hunting. You recreate each crime, process your own evidence, get warrants, in short you do everything. There are 5 cases and the game will ship in March 2006 for PC.

Splinter Cell Essentials
This will ship for PSP in March. There are 9 missions, of which 5 are new. They tried to create the same control system on the PSP, light/shadow meter, danger meter, circle controls the camera, the stick moves Sam, box crouches. The missions are set from when Sam become's a Navy Seal in 1992 until the present day. There's a jail level that is similar to the jail level of Splinter Cell Double Agent (see below). You can save at any time. There's a lot of hiding and shooting. In ad hoc mode you can play spy vs. spy. As always, it is your choice whether to kill or simply immobilize. Content is different on all platforms.

Splinter Cell Double Agent
Same is having a tough time and he's in jail in this forth of the series. In the past, gamers tended to view Sam as a soldier, and the developers really want him to be perceived as more of a "bad ass super spy". He's on NOC - non official cover and if he's caught that's it our governement has no knowledge of him or his mission which is to infiltrate a terrorist cell as a double agent. As a double agent you have to balance the consequences of your actions, balance the good with the evil. For example, should you murder or be discovered? There are some tough moral decisions - the good of the many outweighs the needs of the few. All versions are the same storyline but the missions are different. Escape prision, join terrorist cell, following the storyline exactly or going off on little side explorations. There are some coop elements with NPC companions where you have to help each other over barriers and such. It's a mix of action and puzzles and a design goal was that you shouldn't get frustrated by repetitive trial and error.

And 1 Basketball
This started as a clothing company with the Mix it Up Tour where they filmed streetball and then dub in hip hop tunes. Now it's grown into a streetball tournament with style. There are open runs where anyone plays in the tournament, then a main run where the 5 best players take on the And 1 team. It's authentic in that they mo-capped real players and everyone in the game is based on a real player except for your character. You create your character and then he's in all the cut scene which is a cool attention to detail. In story mode you play tournaments until you earn an And 1 contract. The new control system uses both analog sticks to sort of dial in a move. There are three levels to each move, the setup dribble, the showboat and the ankle breaker. There are 10 national and 4 internation tournaments. There are 13 exclusive tracks on the soundtrack. When you win the game you unlock a special Mix It Up tape. There's online play for PS2 and Xbox and the game ships in the end of March

Exit
Meet Mr. ESC, an escapologist who is a master in the art of escape for hire. Each level is timed, has specific objectives and usually has companions to save. The game ships with 100 levels and there will be another 100 available for download when it ships in February. The game really had a strong classic Prince of Persia feel to it. I liked it.

Blazing Angels
This flight arcade game comes out for Xbox and Xbox 360 in March with very similar content for each but with the 360 version tweaked with better graphics and sound. You play as an american with 3 wingmen in the squadron flight combat game. Each wingman does something different - one repairs your plane while you're in the air. On Xbox Live there can be up to 16 player battles, either co-op or dogfights. There are 40 authentic aircraft and you can fly axis and allie planes. The storyline follows WWII and there are 18 missions in places ranging from London, Pearl Harbor, Berlin, and Paris. Missions are a mix of air to air combat and bombing.

Ghost Recon Advanced Warfighter
I played a level or two of GRAW and loved it. There's a good balance between strategy and tactics. It seems awfully realistic and looks great. They're using the horsepower of the 360 well. It's easy to get the hang of the controls although the HUD takes a little getting used to. I have to say that I really enjoyed hunting down the enemy.

Posted by Matt Sarrel at 12:03 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

REDWOOD CITY, Calif., January 13, 2006 – Electronic Arts (NASDAQ: ERTS) today announced that the highly anticipated PC game, The Lord of the Rings™, The Battle for Middle-earth™ II will make its exclusive console debut when it ships in Summer 2006 on the Xbox 360™. Players can now command epic Middle-earth battles presented in spectacular high-definition from the comfort of their very own couch. To add to the intensity of the experience, The Lord of the Rings, The Battle for Middle-earth II for the Xbox 360 is the first game in The Lord of the Rings™ series that will be playable over Xbox LIVE™*. Players will be able to challenge friends online and engage in intense, action-packed real-time battles.

“Living these cinematic battles in high-definition with stunning surround sound, all from the comfort of your living room couch on the Xbox 360, is an extraordinary experience,” said Louis Castle, VP of Creative Development at EALA. “Adding the ability to battle it out with friends via Xbox LIVE is also really exciting.”

Based on the PC version of the same name, The Lord of the Rings, The Battle for Middle-earth II for the Xbox 360 will bring players into the heart of Middle-earth to live the battles seen in the blockbuster New Line Cinema films and classic J.R.R. Tolkien literary fiction. The game boasts a new and intuitive console-specific control scheme that will allow novice players to enjoy the game’s signature strategy gameplay while giving expert players the flexibility needed to engage in a deeply complex strategy experience. Players will directly control hundreds of units in an attempt to defeat enemy armies, conquer new lands, and seal the fate of Middle-earth.

Developed at EA’s Los Angeles studio, The Lord of the Rings, The Battle for Middle-earth II for the Xbox 360 offers players a new depth of The Lord of the Rings fiction never before explored in an EA console game. The game makers at EALA have brought The Lord of the Rings world to life in accordance with an agreement with The Saul Zaentz Company d/b/a Tolkien Enterprises that grants EA the rights to develop games based on the books, in addition to a separate agreement that allows for games based on the New Line Cinema films.

The Lord of the Rings, The Battle for Middle-earth II for the Xbox 360 has not yet been rated by the ESRB and the PC version is rated “T” for Teen