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Gameplay video and storyline of premiere episode, “Homestar Ruiner,” revealed

SAN RAFAEL, CA, May 14, 2008 – With the series’ launch approaching, Telltale has released the first gameplay video from Strong Bad’s Cool Game for Attractive People (SBCG4AP for short), as well as a synopsis of the premiere episode, “Homestar Ruiner.” The episodic point and click series is being developed in close collaboration with Homestarrunner.com creators Mike and Matt Chapman, who have been chronicling Strong Bad’s exploits through online cartoons since 2000. The new game series is being developed for WiiWare™ and PC.

SBCG4AP gives players the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to become Strong Bad—a loudmouthed, boxing-glove-wearing megalomaniac and the self-proclaimed coolest person ever—in his ongoing quest to achieve total awesomeness. “Homestar Ruiner” kicks off a typical day in the House of Strong, with our hero answering emails, dominating in video games, and setting out to pummel his enemies. Then Strong Bad’s scheme to win the tri-annual Race to the End of the Race lands him with an unwanted guest: his dimwitted adversary, Homestar Runner. Now Strong Bad must find a way to get the disgraced athlete back on the Free Country, USA A-list (and out of his house).

The Chapman brothers have been working closely with Telltale designers Mark Darin, Mike Stemmle, and Dave Grossman on the episode. The result is a hysterical gaming experience that puts the player inside of an extended Homestar Runner cartoon. In addition to the main plot, which unfolds through intuitive story-driven gameplay, the episode contains achievements and side activities such as the Videlectrix arcade classic Snake Boxer 5 and the ability to create your own “Teen Girl Squad” comics.

SBCG4AP is scheduled to launch on WiiWare and PC this summer. More information about the series, including new “Homestar Ruiner” screenshots and a gameplay video featuring an awkward pre-race exchange between Strong Bad and Homestar, can be viewed at http://www.telltalegames.com/strongbad. This page is also home to Strong Bad’s semi-insightful development blog, which is penned by the game’s star himself (with a little help from series creators Mike and Matt Chapman).

San Jose, May 15, 2008 – Zyon Games announced today that it will be posting two new Secret Online (SO) screenshots/concept art pieces each day beginning today until the Open Beta in the SO forums section of the website. The forums can be viewed by visiting http://secret.zyongames.com/. Visitors are encouraged to check back each day for new and exciting screenies/concept art featuring characters and worlds from the much-anticipated upcoming massively multi-player online game.

The new screenshots and concept art will provide visitors with more scenes from the upcoming Chinese epic adventure. Players of Secret Online will be able to take part in more than 200 quests spanning over 20 maps competing with players from all over the globe.

“We have had countless requests (more than 10) from our players for more images from the game. These screenshots and the concept art are just one way we are doing that.” said Steven C. Wade, CEO of Zyon Games.

Take a Glimpse at the New MMORPG’s Unique Combat System

SAN JOSE, Calif. – May 14, 2008

Joymax, an independent developer and publisher of interactive entertainment for the global market, announced today that the open beta for Deco Online, the new free-to-play casual massively multiplayer online role-playing game, has begun. After a highly successful closed beta phase, Deco Online is now available to any adventurer who wants to jump into the fantasy world of Millena and Rain, two warring nations that pit steel against sorcery. Players are invited to log in and become an expert in swordsmanship, archery or wizardry while mastering the engaging combo attack system to defend their nation from monsters and invaders.

Deco Online features include:
• Vibrant 3D graphics
• Hundreds of skills and exciting quests
• Two distinct races and a unique character advancement system
• Combo attacks that that emphasizes player skill more than traditional MMORPG combat systems
• Step-by-step NPC tutorials and guides to help players get into the game right away
• Character attire customization options
• A huge and varied selection of armor, shield, weapon, gear, and accessory types

About Deco Online
Deco Online is a 3D, massively multiplayer online role-playing game that puts players of all ages deep into the fantastic story of two warring nations. As a legendary swordsman, a fierce archer, or a master of wizardry, players will constantly be challenged by the opposing nation and by monsters that lurk around every corner. Deco Online is free-to-play and offers a combo system with hundreds of potential skills, combining both arcade and classic MMORPG gameplay.
More information about Deco Online is available at http://www.joymax.com/deco/

Berlin, Germany – May 14, 2008

OnlineWelten, one of the largest online communities for interactive entertainment, announced today the launch of its gaming-focused video portal myGamersVideos.

Fans of virtual worlds, machinima and other video content inspired by games can now share their favorite videos (up to 500MB in size) with the community in just a few easy steps. In addition, users can create and join ‘Personal Groups’ devoted to specific topics, such as trailers or in-game scenes from certain popular titles. By simply creating a group and inviting their friends, gamers can share their favorite videos in minutes.
myGamersVideos is the logical extension of myGamersCam, OnlineWelten’s highly successful in-game recording tool. The tool’s next update will even allow enthusiasts to upload files directly onto myGamersVideos, in addition to the current uploading tool.

The video portal will also offer channels from popular game publishers and developers, where companies including NCSoft and Frogster Interactive Pictures will offer new video content from their current and upcoming games.

NCSoft’s German community coordinator, Jörg Koonen, said that he expects “the platform will be a great success due to the easy and clear layout and its good functionality.”

All clans, guilds and other gaming communities are encouraged to create their own groups and upload videos. In addition, gaming websites are invited to apply for personal channels to publish their own video content.

Additional information about the new video community can be found at www.myGamersVideos.com.

Leading Gaming Peripherals Manufacturer Outlines Plans for Price Increases

Los Angeles, CA – May 14, 2008

Nyko Technologies® today announced price increases for most of its products as a result of the changing global economy.
New Chinese labor laws have resulted in a significant increase in production costs of almost 40%. In addition, the price of oil continues to break record highs, contributing to higher shipping rates and the rising cost of plastic materials. Those factors, combined with a 10-20% increase in the cost of raw materials commonly found in electronics including gold, silver, and copper, have companies worldwide re-evaluating their business models. In response, Nyko has chosen to focus on delivering high quality products rather than lowering its production standards in order to maintain current price points.

“The cost of manufacturing continues to rise while the value of the U.S. dollar grows weaker, forcing us to adapt,” said Herschel Naghi, CEO of NYKO Technologies. “Experience has shown that maintaining quality at a higher price, instead of degrading our product in order to keep costs low, is a strategy that will prevail in the long run.”

LOST PLANET™: EXTREME CONDITION COLONIES EDITION

Product overview

Lost Planet: Extreme Condition Colonies Edition provides explosive action for both online and offline players. Gamers who missed the original Lost Planet will have the opportunity to experience the epic gameplay that made the original a global hit with the added bonus of fresh new content and cross platform multi-play all at a great value price. Fans of the Lost Planet’s online action will be thrilled at the inclusion of new online modes, maps, weapons and models.

Key features

New modes for single player campaign
• Score Attack – Each enemy and destructible object has points assigned to them, with the player being awarded different points depending on how they defeat the enemy.
• Trial Battle Mode – Take on each of the game’s Bosses, one after another
• Off Limit Mode – Go wild with over-the-top, super-charged weapons with unlimited ammunition and increased speed of movement
New online modes
• Akrid Hunter – Get the chance to finally play as an Akrid as your opponents attempt to take you down
• VS Annihilator – Each team attempts to destroy its opponent’s VS while defending its own
• CounterGrab – The team with the longest data post activation time wins
• Point Snatcher – Take down opponents and collect the most thermal energy points
• Akrid Egg Battle – Steal Akrid eggs from the opponent’s team and bring them safely back to your own base
• Egg Bandit – steal your opponents’ Akrid egg, with points awarded for longer capture times
Four new multiplayer maps
• Crossfire City – the wide streets provide an excellent opportunity for VS battles, while buildings provide great cover for sharp-eyed snipers
• Area 921– Two industrial compounds located in a vast desert and linked by an underground pipe
• Lost Arena – The central arena is ideal for VS pilots to act as futuristic gladiators, while those on foot can use the surrounding grandstands as their battleground
• Assault Space – Set onboard a space ship and its supply vessel, zero gravity is sure to make for some interesting encounters
New playable characters
• Two female and two robot characters are added to the roster of choices for online personas to choose from, bringing the total to 11
• 5 new playable character models
New weapons (human)
• Hand Gun – weak in power, but very accurate and easy to use
• Revolver – The expert’s one-shot kill weapon of choice at close quarters
• Flame Launcher – Uses thermal energy to lay down a wall of fire
• Hand Cannon – A handgun-like rocket launcher that is very effective against VS suits
New weapons (VS)
• Pile Bunker – A long spike fires out at immense speed
• VS Rifle – VS-dedicated rifle which has the longest range and loses no power regardless of the distance
• Rocket Pod – Shoot off a salvo of rockets to cause immense damage to a specific area
• Laser Lance – Attack with a sweeping arc of devastation
New Environments
• Snowstorms, arctic winds, towering mountains of ice are all stunningly realized, creating a truly immersive and cinematic event of epic proportions.
New perspectives
• Switch to first person view or the over-the-shoulder view from Resident Evil™ 4 for even more intense action
Cross Platform Play
• XBOX 360 and PC users can now compete on the same battlefield

NOTE: Lost Planet COLONIES EDITION and the original Lost Planet: Extreme Condition are not compatible. Single-player saves and online rankings cannot be carried over and multiplayer games will be separate.

Rocketmen: It Came from Uranus

The next chapter of Capcom’s Rocketmen: Axis of Evil is coming! Rocketmen: It Came from Your Uranus, an expansion to the original digitally-distributed title, will be available through Xbox LIVE Arcade and the PlayStation Network Store on Wednesday, May 14 and Thursday, May 15 respectively. For 400 points on Xbox LIVE or $4.95 on PlayStation Network, Rocketmen fans will have access to new maps, weapons, and enemies.

Key features

A digitally-distributed add-on to Rocketmen: Axis of Evil

• Players must have already purchased Rocketmen: Axis of Evil in order to play It Came from Uranus
• Continue the Rocketmen saga with your characters from the original game.
• 400 XBLA points / $4.95 PSN Store
3 New Weapons
• Blobber: Shoots blobs of goo at enemies, does damage over time in the part of the ground that it covers.
• Beamer: Shoots lighting at enemies, does high intensity damage.
• Bomber: Shoots grenades instead of bullets; grenades explode on impact doing damage.
2 New Secondary Weapons
• Falcon: Robotic falcon that attacks enemies automatically
• Screw bomb: Rocket that turns into a proximity mine on impact

3 New Levels
• Level 11 – Finding Jane: The player must escape the Saturnian prison mine and reclaim Nick’s ship, the Icarus Jane.
• Level 12 – Clear the Asteroids: The player must clear a path for the ship through Saturn’s rings
• Level 13 – The Plan: The player must make his way through the Saturnian palace and convince Angelica, leader of the Saturnians, to join the Alliance.
New Enemies
• Saturnian Marine
• Saturnian Elite
• Heavy Mining Terra Scientists
• Terra Rocket Marines
• Saturnian Pit Boss
• Saturnian Asteroid Demolition Machine
• Lord Angelica