Archive for May 16th, 2008

Dreamcade Vision 29 Arcade available now

Friday, May 16th, 2008
Dream Arcades Announces The Limited Edition Dreamcade Vision 29 Arcade

Huge 29″ CRT arcade monitor, makes this the largest upright home arcade available. Also features more than 200 Games and an optional arcade Light Gun with shooter game pack.

Sacramento, CA May 15, 2008 - Dream Arcades (http://www.DreamArcades.com), announces the launch of its Dreamcade® Vision 29, featuring more than 200 games and the largest CRT monitor of any upright home arcade cabinet. The Vision 29 is available now at the introductory price of $2,499 and will be available for a limited time only. Father’s Day gift orders must be submitted by May 29th to ensure delivery.

The optional Arcade Light Gun and game pack, including House of the Dead III, Cheyenne, Crossbow, Crackshot, Clay Pigeon, Combat, Hit and Miss, Showdown, Who Dunit, Yukon and 21 other classic arcade games for $159.

“We had many customers ask for a large screen arcade, but did not want to pay the four to five thousand dollars that other arcade companies charge for similar arcade machines,” says Michael Ware, founder of Dream Arcades, “We listened and built the Vision 29 for about half the price.”

In addition to the 29″ CRT arcade monitor, the Vision 29 also offers other features that make it the center of your home game room experience, including an integrated MP3 jukebox, and the ability to play console arcade games such as Guitar Hero and Wii Play.

Dream Arcades sells classic arcades that come ready to play all your favorite arcade games you remember as a kid. Over 200 licensed titles are available like Pac-Man, Centipede, Galaga and more. Arcades start at only $999 and are available with screens sizes ranging from 19 inches to 10 feet.

PBA Bowling announced for mobile platforms

Friday, May 16th, 2008
Concrete Software Signs Game Partnership with Professional Bowlers Association


May 15, 2008
– Concrete Software®, Inc., a leader in innovative mobile content, announced today that it has signed a worldwide agreement with the Professional Bowlers Association® (PBA) to produce and distribute a mobile bowling game under the PBA brand. PBA Bowling™ will be released in June 2008 worldwide just in time for the PBA Team Shootout Hosted by Six Flags which will be aired on ESPN.

PBA Bowling will be built with cutting edge technology including 3D graphics and mobile motion technology (the option to use real motion with the mobile handset to roll the bowling ball). Motion technology utilizes your mobile device’s camera to detect movements and emulates a real throw, similar to the Wii remote. The game will also include 11 of the top PBA bowlers including today’s top stars like Norm Duke, Pete Weber and Tommy Jones.

“We are very pleased to be teaming up with Concrete Software to produce the first PBA video game of its kind,” PBA Commissioner and CEO Fred Schreyer said. “This is a great opportunity to showcase not only the game of bowling and the PBA but to also have some of the superstars of the PBA featured so that fans across the world can put themselves on the lanes with PDW, Sean Rash and others.”

“Bowling games have always done well in the mobile market which makes it very exciting to be working with the premier brand in bowling” said Keith Pichelman, CEO of Concrete Software. “It’s exciting to be able to combine our knowledge of building games and the PBA’s long history of bowling.”

Disney lanuches DGamer Community / Prince Caspian announced

Friday, May 16th, 2008
DISNEY INTERACTIVE STUDIOS LAUNCHES DGAMER COMMUNITY WITH DISNEY/WALDEN MEDIA’S THE CHRONICLES OF NARNIA: PRINCE CASPIAN ON NINTENDO DSTM

Brand new online network enables Disney gamers and Narnia fans to communicate via Nintendo DS and online

Prince Caspian game to be available on multiple video game platforms

BURBANK, Calif. – (May 15, 2008)
– Disney Interactive Studios today announced the availability of DGamer in North America for Nintendo DS™ users in conjunction with the launch of the Nintendo DS version of Disney/Walden Media’s The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian. DGamer from Disney is the first-of-its-kind online community developed exclusively for Disney video gamers. Players can now use their Nintendo DS handhelds to interact with each other while on the go via the Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection and online through the DGamer Web site (www.DGamer.com). The integrated service is scheduled to be included at no additional cost on subsequent Nintendo DS titles from Disney. DGamer is also scheduled to be available in other international regions by 2009.

“DGamer was built around the vision to connect Disney video game fans in a secure, fun environment and it is truly the first integrated online community of its kind to do so on multiple platforms,” said Graham Hopper, executive vice president and general manager for Disney Interactive Studios. “We recognize the importance of delivering unique experiences to our consumers and how crucial it is for parents to feel confident that the community is secure for their kids.

DGamer, which leverages the community technology of Disney.com, allows players to log into their DS and online accounts to create and customize a unique 3-D avatar and persistent profile. A wide variety of outfits, hats, eyewear and accessories are available to choose from, including special Disney-themed costumes, such as Buzz Lightyear, Tinker Bell and familiar Disney theme park mouse ears. Kids can chat, view user profiles of their DGamer friends, and post high scores to leaderboards. In addition, players earn “honors” which represent what players have been rewarded when completing in-game missions. Honors can also trigger unlockables such as special gear for player’s avatars, all of which transfer automatically between the DGamer Web site and the DGamer feature in DS games from Disney when users log in. For example, when playing The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian, players can unlock Prince Caspian character costumes that can be worn by their DGamer avatar. Certain “honors” also unlock exclusive content in Nintendo DS games from Disney and within the DGamer channel online.

Parents are also encouraged to play an active role in the DGamer community. By accessing parental controls at www.dgamer.com, they can specify the level of interactivity that kids have online and feel confident that their child’s experience is age appropriate. For example, parents can choose between three chat levels for their kids’ use by utilizing the familiar security features and infrastructure at Disney.com, which hosts the DGamer site. Kids can either communicate using a predetermined list of words and phrases called “Speed Chat,” through modified free-form typing that blocks inappropriate language or suggestive phrases called “Speed Chat Plus,” or via “Open Chat” which requires an exchange of a True Friend Code outside of the DGamer system. Disney.com employs several safety features to ensure all chat communication is moderated for safety.

Fall Line Studio, the Nintendo platform-dedicated development studio of Disney Interactive Studios, developed both DGamer and The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian for Nintendo DS. The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian is an action/role-playing adventure game that takes players through Narnia and beyond the events of the much-anticipated second film, which is set to open in theaters across North America tomorrow.

“The Chronicles of Narnia franchise has such a massive following that it made this the perfect game to launch DGamer on because it keeps fans connected like never before,” said Hopper. “Through the DGamer functionality, fans can chat, share honors, and engage in a truly unique
and different experience that immerses them in the world of Narnia in only a way that Disney can deliver.”

In addition to Nintendo DS, The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian video game will be available for the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, the PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system, the Wii™ home video game console, the PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system and Windows-based PC. The console and Windows-based PC versions of the game were developed by Traveller’s Tales and take players on a fast-paced action/adventure that features 20 playable characters and combat, exploration and puzzle solving that extends beyond the film. The console versions also include two live action scenes that were created exclusively for the video game and accompany 16 scenes taken from the film.

The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian for Nintendo DS has an Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) rating of E10+ for Everyone 10 years and older and is now available for $29.99. The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian for consoles and Windows-based PC is rated T for Teen and will be available for Xbox 360, the PLAYSTATION 3 system and Wii for $49.99; and the PLAYSTATION 2 system and Windows-based PC for $29.99.

For more information about DGamer, log on to www.dgamer.com. For more information about The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian video game, log on to www.princecaspianthegame.com.

Golf Superstars 2008 launched

Friday, May 16th, 2008
GAMEVIL USA Launches Golf Superstars 2008

You don’t have to be a pro at golf in order to enjoy this game!

Los Angeles, California—May 15, 2008-GAMEVIL USA, the LA-based mobile games publisher, announced today the launch of Golf Superstars 2008, a new casual golf game that will challenge your golf prowess with unique themed tournaments and real golf rules.

Golf Superstars 2008 immediately appeals to a wide audience with its user-friendly controls and game play. Users select from a list of players, each with personal strengths, and customize them with special items they unlock throughout various tournaments. Like real golf, there will be obstacles that players must look out for, such as water hazards and trees or cactuses that stand in the way. Unlike most golf games that seem to only aim at hardcore golf fans, Golf Superstars 2008 attracts players of all ages with its fun and easy to learn game play, sharp and colorful graphics, and realistic golf shots and techniques.

“Golf Superstars 2008 maintains a good balance of challenging and casual game play, with tournaments that test out ones golf prowess and easy controls to ease beginners into the game,” said Stephanie Huang, Marketing Manager of GAMEVIL USA, Inc. “The game is very addicting, and users will find it very original and enjoyable without feeling the pressure of having to know the sport well in order to play the game.”

Shane Hensley to head Superstition Studios

Friday, May 16th, 2008
HENSLEY TAPPED TO HEAD SUPERSTITION STUDIOS

Creator of Deadlands Leading Development of New MMORPG

MESA, Ariz. – May 15, 2008 – Shane Lacy Hensley, the senior writer behind the successful City of Villains MMORPG and creator of top pen and paper RPGs like Deadlands, Weird Wars, and Savage Worlds, has been named studio head of FireSky’s Superstition Studios. Prior to the promotion, Mr. Hensley was the creative director of Superstition Studios.

“Over the last 9 months, Shane has built Superstition Studios through the hiring of a small team of very talented individuals,” said FireSky Senior Vice President of Product Development Rod Nakamoto. “The creative minds in that studio have already surpassed our expectations in their early work. With Shane’s leadership, success is a given for Superstition Studios.”

Prior to joining Superstition Studios, Mr. Hensley’s most recent work was on the award-winning City of Heroes and City of Villains MMO. His tabletop work includes several novels, miniatures games, and card games, as well as the Army of Darkness RPG, the Killer Instinct collectible card game, the Fields of Honor miniatures game, and his own Weird Wars RPG. He has won numerous awards in game design including Best RPG for Deadlands and for Savage Worlds.

Superstition Studios hasn’t announced Mr. Hensley’s next project publicly, but he has assured his fans that they will be very excited to see what’s coming next. All games developed by Superstition Studios are expected to be published by FireSky

“FireSky and Superstition Studios have given me the creative freedom to build the game I’ve been dreaming of since I entered the video game industry back in 1992,” said Mr. Hensley. “Everyone on my team is passionate about the title we’re building. Personally, I come to work every day excited about where we are now and where we’re going.”

Gameloft acquires NBA license for mobile platforms

Friday, May 16th, 2008
Gameloft to Unveil NBA Games for Cell Phones


New York
– Gameloft®, a leading global publisher and developer of video games for mobile phones and consoles, today announced an agreement with the National Basketball Association (NBA) to develop and publish two NBA games for mobile phones. The first game scheduled is NBA Smash!, an arcade-style 2-on-2 street basketball game to be released in May. A second NBA game, a 5-on-5 simulation style game, is scheduled to launch in September 2008.

“The NBA is one of the great global sports leagues whose tremendous popularity spans from North America to Europe and Asia, and we are thrilled to have the opportunity to develop NBA mobile games,” said Gonzague de Vallois, senior vice president of publishing, Gameloft. “By featuring every NBA player and team, along with a spectacular gameplay, our games will deliver an authentic look and feel that will make them stand out from the competition”

The first NBA mobile game, NBA Smash! includes actual NBA players, and puts them into an arcade-style 2-on-2 basketball game. Slam dunks and skillful dribbling are all included as players try to string together combos to maximize their score. An advanced career mode allows players to create their own players, form and upgrade their teams, and face off against all the NBA teams to determine who is the best.

A second game will tip off prior to the 2008-09 NBA season this September with an authentic NBA experience for mobile platforms. The game features all 30 teams and every NBA player; a full 80 game season and even includes events from NBA All-Star. The in-depth management feature will enable players to manage their team rosters and choose winning strategies to top the competition.

Look for NBA Smash! this May. Both games will be available across all major carrier decks.

Konami’s 2008 lineup announced

Friday, May 16th, 2008

El Segundo, Calif. – May 15th, 2008 – Konami Digital Entertainment, Inc. announced last night new titles and additional details for its 2008 lineup. Highlighting this year’s releases are all-new versions of blockbuster franchises such as Metal Gear Solid®, Castlevania®, DanceDanceRevolution®, Lost In Blue® and Silent Hill®. Additionally, the recognized industry leader in the music gaming category announced its latest IP – Rock Revolution for the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft™, PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system, Wii™ and Nintendo DS™. Below is additional information on the products that were showcased at Konami’s 2008 Gamers Night:

Critter Round-Up™
Release date: May 2008
Genre: Puzzle/Action
Platform: WiiWare™

As Konami’s first WiiWare™ title, Critter Round-Up introduces a fun puzzle game where players are challenged with separating each different critter species into their own area by building fences. Avoid the predators and other mischievous animals as they will try and stop you from rounding them up. Test your skills and get more points by corralling all the same critters into just one area and by using less fence. Four player co-op and a great set of competitive mini-games will have you rounding up critters until the cows come home.

Castlevania®: Order of Ecclesia

Release date: Fall 2008
Genre: Action
Platform: Nintendo DS™

Following on the success of Dawn of Sorrow and Portrait of Ruin the legendary Castlevania® series is back in its 3rd installment on Nintendo DS™. This time you play as a member of the Ecclesia, an organization that has sworn to defeat the evil forces of Dracula. Use the brand new Glyph attack system which has more than 100 different combinations to battle Dracula and his minions throughout 20 explorable areas inside and outside of the castle. Take part in side quests and collect items to power up your character in the next great Castlevania® game produced by Koji Igarashi.

DanceDanceRevolution®X

Release date: Fall 2008
Genre: Music/Dance
Platform: PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system

Celebrate the 10th anniversary of the most popular dance video game! Continuing its evolution on the PlayStation®2 system, DanceDanceRevolution®X explodes onto the dance floor with enhanced graphics, fun interactive gameplay, an incredible song selection with 70 awesome music tracks and innovative new game modes. Brand new LAN Battle Mode will let up to 8 players battle simultaneously through the LAN connection on their PlayStation®2 system. Create your own workout and fitness program through an enhanced Workout Mode. Utilize the EyeToy USB Camera (for PlayStation®2) to implement yourself into the game.

DanceDanceRevolution® Hottest Party™ 2

Release date: Fall 2008
Genre: Music/Dance
Platform: Wii™

DanceDanceRevolution® celebrates its 10th anniversary with an all-new game for Wii™! The best selling dance game returns, with an entirely new soundtrack, game modes and interactivity. DanceDanceRevolution® Hottest Party 2 enhances the series’ trademark interactive gameplay by combining the physically engaging, innovative and easy-to-pick-up-and-play mechanics of the Wii™ console. DanceDanceRevolution® Hottest Party 2 is sure to be the life of the party with 4 player multiplayer, Wii Remote™ and Nunchuk support, smash hits taken from the last four decades of music, entirely new modes and more!

DanceDanceRevolution® UNIVERSE3

Release date: Fall 2008
Genre: Music/Dance
Platform: Xbox 360®

DanceDanceRevolution® celebrates its 10th anniversary! DanceDanceRevolution® UNIVERSE3 dances its way to you with an all new sleek enhanced interface, fun new modes and settings for players of all skill levels, cool smash-hit songs, robust online and offline support and exciting new exclusives! DJ Mode makes its debut on the Xbox 360®, allowing gamers to create their own tracks and song lists to dance to! Innovative City Mode lets you compete against bosses throughout the DanceDanceRevolution® city to become the ultimate champion.

Deca Sports™
Release date: May 13, 2008
Genre: Sports
Platform: Wii™

It’s the ultimate sports package! So fun to play and easy to master for casual and hardcore gamers alike! Experience fun filled sports competition across 10 different sporting events. With easy-to-pick up and play controls, Deca Sports™ will make a multi-sport athlete out of everyone in your entire family. Smash, spike and smoke the competition in events like Badminton, Beach Volleyball, and Kart Racing. The spirit of competition never felt this good. Deca Sports™ takes Wii™ play to the next level!

Hellboy™: The Science of Evil

Release date: June 24, 2008
Genre: Action
Platform: PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) system, Xbox 360®, PLAYSTATION®3 system

Hellboy™: The Science of Evil will give players the opportunity to experience the epic adventures of the acclaimed comic book hero, fusing action, atmosphere and humor. In his latest quest, Hellboy must rush to defeat the crazed Hermann Von Klempt before he can exert his evil will upon earth. The game lets players unleash Hellboy’s superhuman abilities and the Right Hand of Doom as they smash their way through hordes of enemies using their environment for added destructive power and strategy. Just another day for Hellboy.

Lost in Blue®: Shipwrecked! (working title)

Release date: Fall 2008
Genre: Survival Adventure
Platform: Wii™

The Lost in Blue® series makes its console debut with Lost in Blue®: Shipwrecked! (working title). Experience a survival adventure like never before through colorful 3D graphics and the uniquely interactive capabilities of Wii™. Players will find themselves stranded on a mysterious island filled with lush forests, ancient ruins, and an active volcano. With the help of a trusty pet and a new friend, you’ll explore the mysteries of the island to find a way home or make a new life for yourselves there forever.

Metal Gear Solid®4: Guns of the Patriots

Release date: June 12, 2008
Genre: Stealth Action
Platform: PLAYSTATION®3 system

Created by the legendary Hideo Kojima, Metal Gear Solid®4: Guns of the Patriots is the final chapter in the saga of Solid Snake, which sends him around the world in pursuit of his arch nemesis, Liquid Ocelot. Armed with new gadgets and abilities, Solid Snake must shift the tides of war into his favor, using the chaos of the battlefield to infiltrate deep into enemy territory. In his globetrotting final mission, Snake must sneak deep into enemy locations in the Middle East, South America, and other corners of the earth to foil Liquid Ocelot’s plans for total world domination.

Also included with Metal Gear Solid®4: Guns of the Patriots is Metal Gear® Online, the ultimate squad based, tactical shooter based on the Metal Gear Solid® Universe. Players can immerse themselves in this next-gen multiplayer experience with various maps, game play type and weapons to choose from.

Rock Revolution™

Release date: Fall 2008
Genre: Music/Dance
Platform: Xbox 360®, PLAYSTATION®3 system, Wii™, Nintendo DS™

Konami’s latest addition to the music category, Rock Revolution™ will let players release their inner rockstar! Featuring the most realistic drum peripheral available, players can enjoy an immersive and realistic drum experience while allowing friends to accompany them on guitar or bass to mind bending rock and roll tracks. Rock Revolution will also feature an extensive selection of music tracks (including downloadable songs for the Xbox 360® and PLAYSTATION®3 system), single-player and multiplayer co-op modes. This is the musical revolution the world has been waiting for!

Silent Hill®: Homecoming
Release date: September 2008
Genre: Survival Horror
Platform: Xbox 360®, PLAYSTATION®3 system

Silent Hill®: Homecoming is the latest entry into the Silent Hill franchise. The story follows Alex Shepherd who returns to his hometown of Shepherd’s Glen to investigate the sudden disappearance of his brother. From Shepherd’s Glen to the foggy streets of Silent Hill, Alex must face the darkest of horrors in order to find his brother. Struggling with his own grip on reality, Alex must unravel the mystery behind his nightmares, discover the truth behind his brother’s and father’s disappearances, and confront the evil that has taken hold of his own flesh and blood.

New International Track and Field™
Release date: July 2008
Genre: Sports
Platform: Nintendo DS™

The classic sporting game series of Track & Field celebrates its’ 25th Anniversary by coming to Nintendo DS™. All the excitement and fun of the original titles is brought up to date with a bright and stylish new look, more events and online play.

The hyper-addictive gameplay was developed to take full advantage of the touch screen and stylus, thus providing gamers with a unique experience on DS™. Players can either dip into single events or take on the challenge of the sporting career mode. Test your skills against the world via Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection and see if you have what it takes to become the best in the world. Going beyond mere online play New International Track and Field™ features online tournaments and worldwide rankings.

For more information about Konami games visit: www.konami.com

Rock Revolution announcement

Friday, May 16th, 2008

Industry Leader Turns Up the Volume With New Music-Based Franchise for the PLAYSTATION®3 system, Xbox 360TM, WiiTM and Nintendo DSTM

Authentic Drum Peripheral Delivers Unparalleled Music Game Experience

EL SEGUNDO, CA – May 15, 2008 – Konami Digital Entertainment, Inc. today announced Rock Revolution, an unprecedented, authentic music-based video game that will re-define the rhythm genre. Brought to market by the company that created the music video game category, with breakthrough titles such as DanceDanceRevolution®, Karaoke Revolution®, Beatmania and Guitar Freaks, Rock Revolution provides an unmatched rock experience. Breaking new ground with its definitive drum experience, Rock Revolution also gives players a chance to rock out on the bass and lead guitar. Designed by musicians, Rock Revolution will be available with the most realistic drum peripheral on the market at launch for the Xbox 360 and PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system.

“Rock Revolution will be the most innovative and realistic rock game to hit the market, that will provide a quality drum peripheral and music that players will appreciate,” said Anthony Crouts, Vice President of Marketing for Konami Digital Entertainment, Inc. “As the originator of music-based games, we are dedicated to bringing fans a truly preeminent music experience. With Rock Revolution, we put the emphasis on the drum kit, delivering an experience unlike any other.”

Rock Revolution features an extensive music selection on the game disc, along with a wide variety of downloadable songs available at launch for the Xbox 360 and PLAYSTATION 3 system versions of the game. Additionally, title offers a variety of innovative single-player and multi-player modes.

A unique aspect of the Wii version is the interactive use of the controls with the Wii Remote™ and Nunchuk for an air-drum and air-guitar experience. Rock out anywhere with the Nintendo DS version, using the stylus for intense rhythm matching sessions.

Rock Revolution is scheduled to launch this Fall for the Xbox 360™ video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, PLAYSTATION 3 system and the Wii™ and DS™ video game systems from Nintendo. For more information, please visit www.konami.com.

Konami announced Limited Edition MGS4/PS3 Bundle

Friday, May 16th, 2008

Highly Limited Edition Bundle Includes Gun Metal Gray 40GB PLAYSTATION®3 Computer Entertainment System With Matching Controller And Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots Limited Edition Game

El Segundo, Calif. – March 15, 2008 – Konami Digital Entertainment, Inc. today announced the availability of a limited edition Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system bundle for North America. Featuring a Gun Metal Gray PLAYSTATION®3 system with a 40GB hard drive, the bundle also includes a matching DUALSHOCK®3 wireless controller and Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots Limited Edition game. The bundle will be exclusively available at Konami’s website, www.konami.com, for a SRP of $599.99. Pre-sell for the bundle begins on May 19th, 2008, and limited supplies are available.

Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots is the final chapter in the saga of Solid Snake, which sends him around the world in pursuit of his arch nemesis, Liquid Ocelot. Armed with new gadgets and abilities, Solid Snake must shift the tides of war into his favor, using the chaos of the battlefield to infiltrate deep into enemy territory. In his globetrotting final mission, Snake must sneak deep into enemy locations in the Middle East, South America, and other corners of the earth to foil Liquid Ocelot’s plans for total world domination.

Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots is rated “M” for Mature by the ESRB and will be available on June 12, 2008 exclusively on the PLAYSTATION®3 system. The Standard Edition of Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots will be priced at $59.99 SRP while the Limited Edition will be priced at $84.99 SRP and only available at Gamestop retailers. The Limited Edition PLAYSTATION®3 system bundle SRP is $599.99, and pre-orders start on May 19th. For more information, please visit www.konami.com.

3 new Dance Dance Revolution Games announced on it’s 10th anniversary

Friday, May 16th, 2008

DanceDanceRevolution® X for the PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system

DanceDanceRevolution® Universe3 for the Xbox 360

DanceDanceRevolution® Hottest Party 2 for Wii™

EL SEGUNDO, Calif. – May 14, 2008 – Konami Digital Entertainment, Inc. today announced three upcoming DanceDanceRevolution® titles will ship this Fall in honor of the 10th anniversary of the franchise. After a decade as one of the most popular franchises in the music genre, DanceDanceRevolution® fans can move their feet to different beats with DanceDanceRevolution® X for the PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system, DanceDanceRevolution® UNIVERSE3 for the Xbox 360™ video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and DanceDanceRevolution® Hottest Party 2 for Wii™.

“We cannot thank our fans enough for their continued devotion to the DanceDanceRevolution® franchise. The continued popularity and longevity of DanceDanceRevolution® has transformed it from a video game into something much bigger and more special,” said Anthony Crouts, Vice President of Marketing for Konami Digital Entertainment, Inc. “We wanted to celebrate this special occasion by bringing to market three new versions of the game that offer the biggest and best musical selections along with a slate of unique features.”

DanceDanceRevolution® X

In DanceDanceRevolution® X, players can dance their way through a soundtrack packed with major hits from some of today’s top artists. The latest release for the PlayStation®2 system offers fans of the beloved dance video game enhanced graphics along with fun, interactive gameplay and innovative new game modes, including the brand new LAN Battle Mode – which lets up to eight players battle simultaneously through the LAN lines on their PlayStation®2 system. Additionally, players can work up a sweat by customizing their own workout and fitness programs and, by plugging in the EyeToy™ USB Camera (for PlayStation®2) peripheral, they can put themselves in the game.

DanceDanceRevolution® UNIVERSE3

Marking its return to the Xbox 360, DanceDanceRevolution® UNIVERSE3 offers fans a whole new experience with the debut of new modes including DJ Mode and City Mode. In DJ Mode, players can explore their inner DJ while creating tracks and song lists to dance to while City Mode allows players to compete against bosses throughout the DanceDanceRevolution city and become the ultimate champion. Additionally, the game boasts one of the biggest soundtracks, giving fans more than 65 songs spanning from the ’70s to some of today’s hottest tracks. DanceDanceRevolution® UNIVERSE3 also features online multiplayer function – allowing for dance-offs with up to four friends from around the world and character customization with more than 400 options of clothing, faces, skin tones and hairstyles – letting players create the ultimate dancer, and complete Xbox Live functionality.

DanceDanceRevolution® Hottest Party 2

Rounding out the DanceDanceRevolution® 10th anniversary celebration is the release of DanceDanceRevolution® Hottest Party 2 for Wii. DanceDanceRevolution® Hottest Party 2 is sure to be the life of the party with 4 player multiplayer, Wii Remote™ and Nunchuk™ support, smash hits taken from the last four decades of music, entirely new modes and more! The all-new soundtrack features big hits such as “I Want Candy”, “Umbrella”, “Black or White” and “We Got The Beat” ensuring that DanceDanceRevolution® Hottest Party 2 will appeal to dance enthusiasts of all ages. The mutliplayer function allows for head-to-head battles in the Dance n’ Defend Battle Mode where players use the Wii Remote to battle their opponents. Other new modes include the non-stop dance action in Course Mode, the ability to unlock hidden features in Groove Arena Mode and the all-new Hottest Training Mode. With brand new gimmicks, the incorporation of your Mii™, enhanced motion capture, new characters exclusive to the game, and new stages with enhanced effects on more than 50 unique dance environments, there is no party like Hottest Party 2.