Archive for May 29th, 2008

cdv’s Theatre of War to be published for US audiences

Thursday, May 29th, 2008

cdv Software Entertainment USA to Bring Theatre of War to North American Retail

Cary, NC, March 28, 2008 – cdv Software Entertainment USA is pleased to announce the signing of an agreement with developer Battlefront.com to publish Theatre of War in North America. Slated for a May 2008 release on PC, Theatre of War offers an extensive real-time strategy experience. By combining the look, feel and historical elements of World War II, Theatre of War creates an unrivaled tactical battlefield experience that spans major campaigns from the Battle of Moscow to Normandy. With more than 50 missions spread across multiple campaigns and a rich do-it-yourself mission and map editor included, Theatre of War rewards armchair generals with tremendous gaming and replay value. For more information about Theatre of War, please visit http://www.cdvus.com.

“We are very pleased to be working with Battlefront.com on Theatre of War. It’s a strong title that expands the strategy genre with its focus on providing a sandbox for military enthusiasts to test historical and hypothetical ‘what if?’ scenarios,” said Mario Kroll, Director of Marketing and Public Relations for cdv Software Entertainment USA. “With the rich pedigree of teams that delivered the acclaimed IL-2 Sturmovik and the Combat Mission series, we feel we are able to offer something really special by bringing Theatre of War to North American retail customers.”

“In cdv Software Entertainment USA, we have a partner with a distinguished history of publishing top-quality strategy titles,” said Martin van Balkom of Battlefront.com. “cdv is well-known in strategy circles as both a strong publisher, and an excellent partner. We are pleased to work with them again to expand the audience for Theatre of War.”

Theatre of War offers a fresh take on the WWII Real-time Strategy genre by combining the look, feel, sounds and historical elements of WWII to create the ultimate warfare simulation. The game engine features realistic shell ballistics, armor penetration calculations and damage effects coupled with destructible environments, trenches, fortifications and individually tracked weapons, equipment, ammo and vehicles. More than 50 battles spread across seven different campaigns (US/UK, Soviet, German, French, Polish, Battle for Moscow and Panzer Lehr in Normandy), along with eight non-campaign scenarios, five Training scenarios and 11 different multiplayer missions are available in the game to offer a rich and challenging combat experience to players.

Table Tennis for WiiWare news

Thursday, May 29th, 2008
AKSYS GAMES FAMILY TABLE TENNIS ARRIVES FOR WiiWARE

Are you ready for some Table Tennis?!

Torrance, CA (May 27, 2008) – Aksys Games, a publisher of interactive entertainment software, is please to release Family Table Tennis for WiiWare™ today! Developed by Arc System Works, creators of the Guilty Gear series, players will be able to go head-to-head with your family or friends, in a friendly match of table tennis for only 500 points!

“Family Table Tennis is a light-hearted, fun-filled game that will spawn hours of enjoyment”, states Frank deWindt II, Project Lead, Aksys Games. “With an easy control scheme, people of all ages will be able to enjoy this title thoroughly.”


Key Features:

• Fun for the Whole Family!
Choose between four different family members! There’s the son, Billy, the daughter, Sarah, Mommy, and Daddy!

• Power Shot!

Stagger your opponent and unleash a special technique for the win!

• Four Groovy Table Tennis Stages!

It doesn’t matter if you’re an indoor or outdoor table tennis player! Pick your poison from a gymnasium, to a forest park, to a beach, or even an amusement park!

• Exciting Mini Games!
Try your paddle at Target Table Tennis, Thrilling Table Tennis or Matching Table Tennis!

Family Table Tennis has been rated “E” for everyone by the ESRB. For more information about Aksys Games and Family Table Tennis can be found at www.aksysgames.com.

Super Dodgeball Brawlers for DS released

Thursday, May 29th, 2008
SUPER DODGEBALL BRAWLERS SLAMS INTO RETAIL

Are you ready to conquer the playground?!

Torrance, CA (May 27, 2008) – Aksys Games, a publisher of interactive entertainment software, is pleased to announce Super Dodgeball Brawlers for Nintendo DS™ hits retailers nationwide! Based on the classic Super Dodgeball released on the NES®, Super Dodgeball Brawlers revitalizes the furious competition of the old-school dodgeball game while bringing a whole new arsenal to dominate the playground.

“Super Dodgeball Brawlers is a really great mix of classic Kunio series beat ‘em up and dodgeball all rolled into one”, states Bo deWindt, Project Lead, Aksys Games. “Long time fans and newcomers alike should be very pleased with this latest incarnation.”

Key Features:

• Over 100 ball-busting special attacks!
Dish out a variety of pain with over 100 special attacks with their own special animations and effects, like the Cactus Attack, Panda Shot and Spear.

• Finally, an open season for violence!
There are some new rules on the playground this time around. If the old-fashioned way doesn’t work for you, you can now use punches, kicks, and even weapons against the opposing team.
 
• Introducing the Super Gauge System!
Activate a “Team Upgrade Attack” with the Touch Screen when your Super Gauge reaches its maximum level. Boost a team member’s status or unleash an “Instant Kill” special attack to turn the tide of battle.

• Create-a-character mode!
Create and customize your own dodgeball dream team.

• The perfect game for multiplayer mayhem!

Compete in a traditional game of dodgeball against a friend or take part in a multiplayer street brawl with up to 8 players.
Super Dodgeball Brawlers has been rated “E” for everyone by the ESRB and has an MSRP of $29.99. More information about Aksys Games and Super Dodgeball Brawlers can be found at www.aksysgames.com.

Ubersoldier 2 announced

Thursday, May 29th, 2008
Join resistance fighters in the battle to overcome the Nazi occupation forces

MONTREAL, Quebec – May 27, 2008 – Software publisher Strategy First Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Silverstar Holdings, Ltd. (NASDAQ: SSTR), is bringing back the undead and well-armed hero Karl Stolz, ready to defeat Hitler’s forces with Ubersoldier 2: The End of Hitler. The classic first person shooter is set in WWII with richly added RPG elements and traditional FPS features. Developed by Burut Creative Team and published by Strategy First, UberSoldier 2 will be available for PC in Summer 2008.

It is April 1945. Allied armies are closing on the Nazi capital Berlin. US planes are roaming the skies over the Reich, and the thunder of Soviet artillery can be heard even in the Fuhrer’s bunker. The fall of the Nazi rule is imminent. Even the closest aides have abandoned Hitler and are trying to find an exit strategy out of the war.

Yet, a tightly knit group of SS generals and officers, involved in the most heinous and dark deeds, are seeking a way to save the remnants of the Third Empire. They have conspired to move the leaders of the Reich, together with precious resources and classified equipment, to a remote hideout in the Tibet mountains. There, in the heart of Asia, they can wait for their time, kept safe by the tireless vigilance of zombie monstrosities created in the Nazi secret labs.

You’re Karl Stolz, nicknamed “UberSoldier”, a genetically modified ‘super-soldier’ brought back from the grave and a key member of the team. Together with your friends you must uncover the exact extent of the SS plan, face some of their bravest troops and best war machines, penetrate the occult secrets of the Black Order and travel halfway through the world to destroy your ultimate target.

“We are thrilled to bring this epic shooter to the North American market” said Brock Beaubien, Producer, Strategy First. “Ubersoldier 2 is an exciting twist to the World War 2 genre and delivers exciting fast-paced action.”

“Strategy First is known to be one of the most creative publishers in North America,” said Dmitri Kruglov, CEO of Play Ten Interactive. “We’re thrilled to cooperate on UberSoldier 2 with them.”

Ubersoldier 2: The End of Hitler is a classic first person shooter, set in World War II, where the main hero uses supernatural abilities as well as over 21 traditional weapons such as MG-42, BAR and Panzerschreck, in his fight against the Nazis. Players will be on the edge of their seat fighting both human and unearthly enemies through a variety of adrenaline-pumping missions.

SEGA licenses Unreal Tournament 3 engine for as-yet-unannounced project

Thursday, May 29th, 2008
SEGA Purchases New Unreal Engine 3 License

SAN FRANCISCO – May 27, 2008 – SEGA® of America today announced that it has extended its relationship with Epic Games by signing a new Unreal Engine 3 licensing deal for an unannounced, cross-platform game. SEGA entered into its original licensing agreement to develop multiple titles with Unreal Engine 3 in May 2007. Details of the project in development will be released at a later date.

“The great capabilities of Unreal Engine 3 make it possible for our developers to deliver incredible gaming experiences,” said Dave Cobb, Vice President of Development for SEGA of America, Inc. “Unreal Engine 3 provides superior power and flexibility enabling SEGA to bring original and exciting next-generation multi-platform titles.”

“SEGA has cultivated some of the world’s most treasured game franchises, and we are thrilled that they have decided to make more games with Unreal Engine 3,” said Mark Rein, vice president of Epic Games. “Epic is committed to supporting SEGA with exceptional tools and technologies so it may continue to build upon its successes.”

Developers and publishers around the world have licensed Unreal Engine 3 for PC, Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3. Since Epic has shipped its internal titles across all supported platforms, the engine’s content pipeline and technical capabilities have achieved unprecedented levels of maturity and accessibility. These advancements, combined with the continual incorporation of top quality middleware libraries via Epic’s prestigious Integrated Partners Program, present Unreal Engine 3 as a superior offering for cross-platform game development.

Through this licensing agreement, SEGA will be able to take advantage of Unreal Engine 3’s latest technological enhancements, including dynamic ambient occlusion, destructible environments, an advanced crowd system and much more.

Gran Turismo 5 Prologue news: GT Academy is now open

Thursday, May 29th, 2008

us Yanks don’t get to be in on the action…..

GT Academy Goes Live

Log onto http://www.gtacademy.eu to start your journey in the ultimate driving competition courtesy of PlayStation®, Nissan and Gran Turismo 5 PrologueTM


Nurburgring, 24 May 2008:
Drivers of the world, start your engines – the GT Academy has arrived. The ultimate competitive driving test will begin on June 2nd when GT Academy goes live in Gran Turismo 5 Prologue™. The pan-European competition will be open to residents of the UK & Ireland, France, Italy, Spain, Germany & Austria, Finland, Sweden, Norway and Denmark and sees PlayStation® and Nissan unite the worlds of virtual and real-life racing to make the dreams of aspiring race drivers a reality. The competition will run as follows:

Stage One: www.gtacademy.eu – 2nd June 2008 for seven weeks

The first phase of GT Academy will take place online with a giant Gran Turismo 5 Prologue tournament on PLAYSTATION®Network. The competition will run for seven weeks and to enter, players must register their PLAYSTATION Network sign in ID on www.gtacademy.eu. The next time they play GT5 Prologue online they will be able to race in the GT Academy Time Trial where they will compete to be the fastest around the Eiger Nordwand track in a Nissan Fairlady 350Z.

Stage Two: National Final – July 2008

The fastest 20 drivers in each country will be invited to a national final to compete head to head on Gran Turismo 5 Prologue. The three fastest drivers from the final will win a seat at the…

Stage Three: GT Academy at Silverstone – 25 August 2008

The virtual gives way to tarmac as the fastest three drivers from each country travel to Silverstone, the home of British motor racing, to take part in the GT Academy – a real-life driving competition on the track itself. Competitors will not only have to prove their driving skills in a Nissan GT-R but will also be tested for their mental and physical skills in a series of tests.

The two fastest drivers from Silverstone then have the chance to enter a four month training programme to earn their racing licenses and take part in a real life race in a fully race prepared Nissan 350Z at the 24 Hour endurance event in Dubai in January 2009.

Speaking at Nurburgring 24H race, Kazunori Yamauchi, President of Polyphony Digital producers of Gran Turismo said: “This is a very exciting day for Gran Turismo. The Gran Turismo story started 10 years ago with the ambition to make a racing game that gives players the ultimate driving simulation experience. The GT Academy is the ultimate realisation of this ambition taking the Gran Turismo experience to the next level.

Stephane Cottin, Vice President, Marketing and Strategy, for Nissan in Europe continued: “GT Academy is a first for the motoring industry. Never before has a competition of this scale been undertaken to unite the worlds of virtual and real-life racing. GT Academy sets the challenge to see if gamers can recreate their performance behind of wheel of a real racing car and on their journey be amongst the first in Europe to drive the GT-R on track.”

For full terms and conditions and more information about GT Academy visit www.gtacademy.eu.

Street Fighter IV facts

Thursday, May 29th, 2008

Street Fighter® IV

Street Fighter IV brings the legendary fighting series back to its roots by taking the beloved fighting moves and techniques of the original Street Fighter II, and infusing them with Capcom’s latest advancements in next generation technology to create a truly extraordinary experience that will re-introduce the world to the time-honored art of virtual martial arts.

Everything that made the legendary Street Fighter II a hit in the arcades, living rooms and dormitories across the globe has been brought back in Street Fighter IV. Players will be able to play their favorite classic characters, such as Ryu, Ken, Chun-Li and Guile, along with new characters, including Crimson Viper, Abel, El Fuerte, and Rufus. Characters and environments are rendered in stylized 3D, while the game is played in the classic Street Fighter 2D perspective with additional 3D camera flourishes. Six-button controls for the game return, with a host of new special moves and features integrated into the gameplay system. Street Fighter IV brings a brand new fighting game to fans the world over.

Features:

  • 3D environments and characters
  • Traditional “2D” Street Fighter six-button gameplay
  • Classic Street Fighter characters re-imagined for a new generation of gamers, including the original cast of Street Fighter II
  • New brawlers: female super-spy Crimson Viper, lucha libre wrestler El Fuerte, mixed martial artist Abel and more!
  • New special moves that go beyond any Street Fighter fan’s wildest imagination, including Focus Attacks, Super Combos, and the revenge-fueled Ultra Combo system.
  • Amazing locations never seen before in a Street Fighter game
  • New gameplay elements provide challenges for both newcomers as well as the most seasoned Street Fighter pro.

Street Fighter IV news

Thursday, May 29th, 2008

Bummer for us Wii lovers… no version announced for Wii

CAPCOM® BRINGS MARTIAL ARTS HOME WITH CONSOLE VERSIONS OF STREET FIGHTER IV

Xbox 360®, PLAYSTATION®3 System and Windows-based PC Versions of Coming for Street Fighter IV

SAN MATEO, CA — May 27, 2008 — Capcom®, a leading worldwide developer and publisher of video games, today announced the development of Street Fighter® IV, the next iteration of the genre-establishing fighting game series, for the PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system and , Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, and Windows-based PC.
Few videogame series have had such a strong impact on their perspective genres the way Street Fighter® has over the decades. Creating a global legacy spanning over twenty years of fighting games, the Street Fighter series has become a pillar in the fighting videogame genre. Street Fighter IV for Xbox 360, PLAYSTATION 3 system and Windows-based PC continues this tradition of excellence with a return to the classic 2D Street Fighter fighting action mixed with new characters, amazing visuals, and next-generation fluid gameplay.
Street Fighter IV features a mix of returning favorites such as Ryu, Ken, Chun-Li and Guile along with new characters created for this game, such as Crimson Viper, Abel, El Fuerte, and Rufus. Characters and environments are rendered in stylized 3D, while the game is played in the classic Street Fighter 2D perspective with additional 3D camera flourishes. Six-button controls for the game return, with a host of new special moves and features integrated into the input system. Mixing classic genre-defining game mechanics the franchise is known and loved for with all-new, never-before-seen gameplay systems, Street Fighter IV brings a brand new fighting game to fans the world over. With the inclusion of Capcom’s latest advancements in new generation technology, Street Fighter IV promises to deliver an extraordinary experience that will re-introduce the world to the time-honored art of virtual martial arts.

For more information, visit http://www.streetfighter.com

Features:
• Classic “2D” Street Fighter gameplay with stunning 3D characters and environments
• New special moves that go beyond any Street Fighter fan’s wildest imagination, including Focus attacks, Super Combos, and the revenged-fueled Ultra Combo system.
• Classic Street Fighter characters recreated for a new generation of gamers, including the original cast of
Street Fighter® II
• New brawlers: female super-spy Crimson Viper, lucha libre wrestler El Fuerte, mixed martial artist Abel and more!
• Amazing locations never seen before in a Street Fighter game
• New gameplay elements provide new challenges for both newcomers and the most seasoned Street Fighter pro.

Music Video Games, a new company of vets from both genres announces formation

Thursday, May 29th, 2008
Veteran Video Game Talents Announce Launch of New Company, Music Video Games (MvG)

Seasoned Executives from the Music and Entertainment Space Join Forces to Launch Video Game Portal Focused on Casual Gamers and Music Fans

El Segundo, California – May 27, 2008 – Today the formation of Music Video Games™ (MvG) was announced, a music-based game company focused on delivering interactive entertainment experiences for both casual gamers and music fans. MvG was founded by David Warhol, president of video game studio Realtime Associates, Inc., and Vincent Bitetti, a video game publishing executive and former CEO of TDK Mediactive, which was sold to Take Two Interactive (NASDAQ:TTWO) in 2004.

“MvG has been created with the goal of bringing fun and easily accessible music games to an audience that has largely remained unnoticed to this point,” said Vincent Bitetti, CEO of MvG. “The music video game market and the online casual games market both continue to grow exponentially. MvG will provide games that will appeal to both demographics.”

Mr. Bitetti will act as the company’s CEO while Mr. Warhol will be the Chief Creative Officer. Acting as strategic advisors to the new company are music industry veteran Mark Goldstein, former Senior Vice President of Business and Legal Affairs at Warner Bros Records Inc. (NYSE:WMG), and interactive entertainment guru Tim Walsh, formerly the Senior Vice President of International Publishing, President of THQ Wireless, and a Corporate Officer at THQ (NASDAQ:THQI).

According to Pacific Crest Securities the online casual games business will grow to $725 million in 2008 from $375 million in 2006, with casual games becoming a primary industry growth driver for 2008 and beyond.

To find out more about MvG, please visit www.musicvideogames.net

Play Buku Soduku on 360 Arcade and win a 40″ LCD TV!

Thursday, May 29th, 2008
Play Buku Sudoku on Xbox LIVE® Arcade, Win a 40″ Samsung LCD TV

Merscom Announces Contest with Prizes including 40″ 30,000:1 LCD TV

CHAPEL HILL, NC – May 27, 2008 – Merscom announced today that it is sponsoring a contest with Xbox360Achievements.org (x360a.org) for the upcoming Xbox LIVE® Arcade title, Buku Sudoku, which is scheduled to launch Wednesday, 28 May. A drawing will be held two weeks after launch among players who earn all 200 achievement points, with the winner receiving a Samsung LN40A550 40” television. An additional five players who complete all the achievements win a copy of Scene-It? Lights, Camera, Action for the Xbox 360™ that also leverages the Big Button Wireless Controller.

Merscom chose an HDTV as way of informing gamers about the incredible high res graphics of Buku Sudoku. Just as the Samsung LN40A550 represents the next step in digital televisions, Buku Sudoku represents the evolution of Sudoku into core gaming. The HDTV features include full HD 1080p resolution, 5 ms response rate and a dynamic contrast ratio of 30,000:1. Superb connectivity and networking with a USB port and 3 HDMI 1.3 ports with Consumer Electronics Control (CEC) also makes it perfect for the gamer’s 360. Also, Samsung’s DNIe Digital Natural Image Engine improves the picture by enhancing the contrast, detail, and white balance.

In addition to the Samsung TV, the other five players chosen from those that earn 200 out of 200 Achievement Points will receive Scene It? for the Xbox 360. Scene It? Lights, Camera, Action includes four wireless Big Button Controllers, giving each player their own buzzer. Both Scene It? and Buku Sudoku utilize the simple and intuitive Big Button Controllers for a casual and fun experience.

“We feel this contest really draws attention to the beautiful graphics in our game, as well as shows the complexity and challenges in Buku Sudoku,” said Kirk Owen, CEO of Merscom. “The Samsung TV represents the cutting edge of LCD TVs. Most importantly, though, it rewards the gamers who put a lot of time into our product.”

Dan Webb, Admin at x360a.org, commented “Everyone loves getting achievements and everyone loves Sudoku, so this is the perfect competition.”

Players can register for the contest at Xbox360Achievements (http://www.xbox360achievements.org/index.php), Bukusudoku360.com or Merscom’s website (www.merscom.com). Be sure to read all contest rules before entering. No purchase is necessary. The contest is only open to players in the United States You may also ente r by mailing your name, address, email, and phone number to:

Buku Sudoku Free 1080 HDTV
Merscom LLC
Boyd Hall, Suite 330
55 VilCom Circle
Chapel Hill, NC 27514