Gamersnewsbits.com

The Free to Play Flight-Action MMORPG now features an Item Mall with membership bundles, character and equipment upgrades, power-ups, accessories and more—”Newbie” Item Packages Available for Free to New Players Until Oct. 3

Toronto, CANADA-September 26, 2008-Wicked Interactive (www.wickedinteractiveltd.com), a North American MMO publisher, today announced the official launch of ACE Online on the Suba Games platform. Starting today, all gamers can join the fast-growing ACE Online community by going to www.subagames.com and registering for a Suba Games account. To coincide with ACE Online’s full release, Wicked Interactive is launching an in-game Item Mall, as well as offering exclusive launch promotions and bonuses to new players.

ACE Online’s item mall will offer a wide variety of cool and helpful items for avid ACE pilots. These include fully-featured “membership bundles”, which extend a character’s abilities and options considerably for up to three months at a time! The item mall will also offer stat-increasing character and equipment modifications, basic items and power-ups, and accessories which allow players to customize their gear’s appearance to their own personal tastes.

In honor of ACE Online’s launch, and the grand opening of the in-game item mall, Suba Games is offering new players a special “Newbie Bundle”. This bundle includes an assortment of five valuable in-game items with real cash value, including a “Power Leveling Set”, which temporarily increases the amount of experience gained, items dropped, and money earned, by 30%. This bundle will be extremely helpful to new players in getting their “gear” off the ground. This is an exclusive promotion in commemoration of ACE Online’s full release and will only be available until Friday October 3rd, 2008, so sign up now!

“The official launch of ACE Online is a milestone achievement for the Wicked Interactive team. It marks the first official release on the SUBA Games platform,” said Stanley Yu, CEO of Wicked Interactive Ltd. “With our new player package we are making it easy for new players to dive right into the game’s burgeoning online community.”

ACE Online is a 3D space shooter that combines action and MMORPG elements. Developed by MasangSoft, one of Korea’s most renowned gaming enterprises, the game puts players in the role of fighter pilots and behind the controls of ships known as “Gears”. As players traverse this intergalactic world at war, they will complete missions and engage other players in intense aerial dogfights.

ACE Online injects action and shooting elements into the traditional MMORPG formula. Players have complete control over their gear and must engage enemies directly in combat – relying on quick shooting and skillful maneuvering in order to survive. As players progress through the game, they acquire credits which can be used in the game’s item shop to purchase hundreds of customizable weapons and add-ons for their “gear”. Players can then fly their “gear” into immense online space battles as part of ACE Online’s “Nation Wars” PvP system. These RPG elements add a layer of personal customization and multiplayer strategy to ACE Online’s already action-packed gameplay. Through the blend of these two gameplay genres, ACE Online offers a fully unique and unrivaled MMO experience.

Key Features of ACE Online:
? Free to download and free to play, no monthly subscription fee
? Inventive mix of MMORPG strategy and social elements with action-packed aerial combat
? Four unique “Gears” to choose from, each with its own unique strengths and weaknesses
? Deep leveling and gear customization systems – literally hundreds of customizable weapons and add-ons
? Nations Wars PvP Combat – engage other players and nations in massive air battles
? Voice Chat – communicate with squad-mates in-game

For more information about Wicked Interactive, ACE Online or SUBA Games, please visit www.wickedinteractiveltd.com or www.subagames.com.

Just figured I would drop in and let you guys know that I have finally ordered an Xbox360 Pro edition, so when the opportunity arises, I will be able to do reviews for 360 games. I do, on occasion, get asked if it’s possible to do so, and now I can answer yes! I am looking forward to being able to provide more on the 360 front, I know it’s strange for a gamer site to not be set up full, but hey, I’m doing this completely on my own, and it’s not like the companies just give the hardware away. If they did, I would gladly do the work requested, but it’s not quite that easy. Maybe by the time the next gen rolls around, I’ll be a “big enough” site that they will send me the hardware, but for now, I’m doing it the hard way! Next, I will be puchasing an item that will allow me to do DS reviews directly from the publishers, and plan on going that direction as well, next opportunity. Slow but steady is the way to go when you’re on your own, and I’m hoping that this can continue to lead to good things. The kids are happy to throw in their opinions on the games I play (and they play as well!), so as games are reviewed, the boys and I will be honing our review skills and style, and hopefully will provide something different than just technical details on the game. Speaking of reviews, I will be doing another hardware review soon. If you have any questions or comments, or just want to say something out loud, I’m using “gamersnewsbits” on MSN Messenger, AIM, Yahoo Messenger and Skype. If i’m not there, leave me a message, I’ll write back. When i’m on my RL job, I do travel quite a bit, so I go offline and online all day long. You can also email me, which is on my info page.

-e

Zu Online (http://zu.igg.com/) creates a fantastic oriental styled world based on traditional Chinese culture and using advanced technology. This ground-breaking game went through three years’ of elaborate and difficult development, and its debut met and exceeded the high expectations surrounding it.

When entering the game world of Zu Online, players will be impressed at once by its oriental wash painting graphics. In addition, the computer-controlled characters and player characters in the game all feature Ancient Chinese styles. The characters in the game all look very vivid because all of them are created using an advanced 3D engine. The righteous Swordsmen, enchanting Moonmaidens and even the awesome monsters are all remarkably true to life and unique. Additionally, all the game scenes are designed delicately.

Anyone who has seen Chinese Kung-Fu movies knows that the ability to fly through the air is a symbol of great personal power. That’s why Zu Online’s flight system is often highlighted by players as one of their favorite features of the game. The unique flight system gives players a definitive feeling of being in their own personal Kung-Fu movie.

Another highlight of Zu Online is its refining system. The development team worked very hard in designing the refining system. Through refining, players can create and improve most equipment.

In overview, Zu Online displays the most recognizable features of oriental culture as well as many original features that players will enjoy. Flying at will in battle or creating legendary items is not a dream in Zu Online.

For more info please click http://zu.igg.com/news/newscon.php?aid=1246

Open Enrollment Begins for Entry into Outspark’s Free-to-Play First-Person Shooter Game

SAN FRANCISCO – September 25, 2008

Outspark, a leading virtual playground filled with online community-based games for all ages, today announced the closed beta test for its newest title, the free-to-play militaristic first-person shooter Blackshot. Aspiring guns for hire can register for a free Outspark account and apply for the Closed Beta Test now at www.playblackshot.com. The test lasts from September 30 to October 5, 2008.

Blackshot hurls participants into a virtual war zone filled with fierce head-to-head action. As powerful nations compete for money and resources, players must take on the role of a mercenary and battle one another for status and rewards in the game’s dangerous environments. Featuring powerful weapons, lifelike characters and gritty urban backdrops, Blackshot’s intense multiplayer action is designed for gamers of all skill levels.

“We’re bringing an exciting new type of multiplayer game to our active community with Blackshot,” said Susan Choe, founder and CEO of Outspark. “This immersive and challenging first-person shooter will provide our members with a new way to compete against one another and have fun. Innovative features like the game’s player-versus-environment mode invite gamers to come and enjoy a quick battle or an afternoon of fun with their friends.”

Features of the Blackshot Closed Beta include:

• 4 battle-ready mercenaries to choose from
• 17 powerful weapons including assault rifles, machine guns and grenades
• 7 varied maps and 3 challenging game modes
• More than 30 pieces of armor to customize your character

To support the CBT launch of Blackshot, Outspark has partnered with IGN’s FilePlanet (www.fileplanet.com) on a promotion to give away beta keys. “We’re excited to be working with FilePlanet for the Blackshot Closed Beta Test,” said Wilson Kriegel, Outspark Vice President of Marketing and Business Development. “As a premier online destination for high quality downloadable games, FilePlanet is the perfect partner for us to bring our latest game to market.”

Following the conclusion of the Closed Beta, Blackshot will be available to worldwide audiences with an Open Beta launch later this year.

Over the next six weeks, the GAME U BEST BUY G3: Games, Gear and Gadgets Tour will hit 20 major colleges and universities across the country. Featuring the latest videogames, game technology and digital music, students will have the rare opportunity to play “Gears of War 2″ before its much anticipated November 7th release.

Videogame fans can compete in the “Gears of War 2″ Wingman Challenge, sponsored by Xbox 360 and GamePro Magazine. Wingman is one of the many multiplayer modes new to “Gears of War 2,” and involves up to five two-player teams competing in point-based battles. The top players from each college will later compete online for the grand prize: a trip to Epic Games to meet the creators of the “Gears of War” franchise and a Best Buy prize package.

Attendees can also play the latest blockbuster titles on Xbox 360, including “Madden NFL 09^TM,” “Tiger Woods PGA Tour 09,” “NHL 09,” “NCAA Football 09,” “Far Cry 2,” “Saints Row 2,” “Facebreakers,” “Rock Band 2,” and last year’s #1 selling game, “Halo 3.”

The BEST BUY G3 Tour launches on Monday, September 29 and will visit campuses nationwide such as the University of Michigan, University of Wisconsin, Oklahoma State University, Arizona State, UC Berkeley and more. The event is FREE to the public and the full tour schedule is listed at www.gameulive.com.

For the latest on “Gears of War 2″ on the road to its worldwide launch on November 7th, visit www.gearsofwar.com.

ESA Foundation Selects Nine Worthy Organizations as 2008 Grant Recipients

Groups Will Receive One Million Dollars to Address Issues Facing Young Americans

September 25, 2008 – WASHINGTON, D.C. – Nine diverse organizations will be the recipients of $1 million in grants from the ESA Foundation, the Entertainment Software Association’s charitable arm. These donations will enable the chosen groups to develop unique and innovative programs that will improve the health, education, and safety of America’s youth.

“We are pleased to help these organizations address such critical social issues,” said Michael Gallagher, president and CEO of the Entertainment Software Association, which represents U.S. computer and video game publishers. “The creativity and commitment of these recipients gives us a glimpse into the countless ways technology, including video games, can be used to improve the quality of life of our young people.”

The ESA Foundation will distribute its 2008 grant money among the following worthy organizations:

Animation Project, Inc. will use technology-based art therapy and 3D computer animation to promote mental health among at-risk adolescents. For more information, please visit http://www.theanimationproject.org/.
HopeLab Foundation will continue to distribute Re-Mission, a video game that builds confidence in cancer patients to manage the disease. For more information, please visit http://www.hopelab.org/.
PAX will provide resources that enable youths to prevent weapon-related violence in their schools and communities. For more information, please visit http://paxusa.org.
ThanksUSA will distribute an online classroom game that celebrates and teaches America’s history and values and receive scholarships. For more information, please visit http://www.thanksusa.org.
WGBH will develop a video game that teaches children how to deal with environmental challenges and live sustainable lifestyles. For more information, please visit http://www.wgbh.org/.
Web Wise Kids will expand the reach of its youth Internet safety program, which features three customized video games that teach students how to be safe online. For more information, please visit http://www.webwisekids.org/.
Federation of American Scientists will develop a video game for high school biology classes, particularly in underserved areas, that teaches basic immunology concepts. For more information, please visit http://www.fas.org/.
One Economy Corporation will enroll 5,000 youths in a program that seeks to connect low-income families and communities with the 21st-century economy. For more information, please visit http://www.one-economy.com/.
National Institute on Media and the Family will develop an on-line e-learning zone for using the latest interactive technologies to help kids and adults understand the issues and potential areas of concern with the Internet. For more information, please visit http://www.mediafamily.org/.
The ESA Foundation was created by the American interactive entertainment software industry to support and provide opportunities that can make a difference in the lives of America’s youth. The Foundation is fully supported by proceeds from its limited edition charity game pack’s sales and “A Nite to Unite – for Kids,” its annual fundraiser, which has raised more than $11 million in the last 10 years. For more information about the ESA Foundation, please visit www.theESA.com/foundation.

Hudson To Provide Deca Sports As Way To Get Families Moving

Hudson Entertainment & Palo Alto Family YMCA Team Up to Promote Active Living & Fitness Through Video Game Entertainment Saturday, September 27, 2008

Hudson Entertainment to Provide Popular DECA SPORTS™ for Wii™ As Way to Get Families & Teens Up & Moving During Last Day of Special Weeklong Promotion With America On the Move

Redwood Shores and Palo Alto, September 25, 2008 – Hudson Entertainment, the North American publishing arm for HUDSON SOFT, and the Palo Alto Family YMCA announced their partnership in a local Bay Area event at the YMCA Saturday, September 27 to help motivate and mobilize the community by providing fitness entertainment in the form of video games with their best-selling title DECA SPORTS™ for Wii™.

The event at the YMCA on Ross Road coincides with the last day of a special weeklong nationwide promotion between the YMCA and America On the Move Foundation (AOM). Throughout this past week, the doors have been open to the whole community by encouraging local residents of all ages to increase their daily movement by 2,000 steps, while decreasing their daily caloric intake by 100 calories.

To celebrate the final event of this special weeklong promotion, Hudson Entertainment is working with the YMCA to provide multiple gaming stations where Wiis and copies of DECA SPORTS™ will be set up for families to get up on their feet and get moving while playing up to ten complete sporting events. There is something for everyone, as DECA SPORTS™ offers sports activities such as Soccer, Beach Volleyball, Supercross, Kart Racing, Basketball and Snowboard Cross, plus unique events not typical in most sports games such as Badminton, Figure Skating, Curling and Archery. The game is designed with pick-up-and-play intuitive controls for the Wii Remote™ and in three sports, the Nunchuk. DECA SPORTS™ also includes advanced controls for power spikes, curls, and mid air tricks that any gamer can pull off!

All ten sports support both single player and multiplayer modes. Up to 4 players can compete on one system and in several events, cooperative play on the same team. The wide range of events and modes make DECA SPORTS the perfect game for players and sports fans of all ages. DECA SPORTS™ has been rated E (Everyone) by the ESRB.

LITTLE hamsters! BIG fun! Hamtaro and friends bring brain-training fun to DS!

Burlingame, Calif., September 25, 2008 – Natsume, a worldwide developer and publisher of family-oriented video games, announced today that the company has officially launched Hi! Hamtaro: Ham-Ham Challenge for the Nintendo DS. A brain-training DS game geared at elementary-aged children, the game is rated E for Everyone by the Entertainment Software Rating Board and will be available for an MSRP of $29.99.

Hamtaro and his friends make learning fun in Hi! Hamtaro: Ham-Ham Challenge. Children will not only be entertained by the beloved hamster Hamtaro and his adorable cast of friends, they will also develop their memory, word comprehension, math skills, and many other abilities as they play through the twelve engaging interactive games. The game’s easy-to-learn touch screen controls make the game fun and accessible for children of all ages. Parents can take an active role in their child’s playing and learning with features that let them monitor their child’s progress in each game, adjust the difficulty level to match their child’s skills, monitor and control play time, and even reward their child with special items.

“Hamtaro is a classic, lovable character who not only entertains kids, but also helps them to grow and learn,” said Hiro Maekawa, President and CEO of Natsume. “Parents will love the developmental and educational aspects of the game, as well as the ability to monitor and reward their child’s progress. Hi! Hamtaro: Ham-Ham Challenge is sure to be a hit with parents and kids alike!”

For more information on Natsume and Hi! Hamtaro: Ham-Ham Challenge, please visit www.natsume.com