Gamersnewsbits.com

Unprecedented announcement-of-no-announcement shocks industry

Get to know some of the Personas that grant the characters their powers

November 6, 2008
At the heart of the Persona games is the concept of the summoning of the inner self, one’s Persona, to aid in the fight against shadows and darkness. In Persona 4, an entirely new cast provides a brand new set of Personas for the players to get to know. These beautiful and often intimidating figures are not just merely for show; each draws upon real-world mythology, and often each represents a hidden facet of the person to whom they belong.

Look below to learn more about the Personas you’ll encounter in the upcoming RPG epic:

Izanagi (Protagonist’s Main Persona)
One of the ancient gods who existed before Japan was formed. He created the Ouyashima from chaos, then gave birth to countless children and laid the foundation of soil and nature. After his wife Izanami died during Hi-no-Kagutsuchi’s birth, he ventured to the underworld Yomi to retrieve her, but was unable to do so.

Tomoe (Chie Satonaka’s Persona)
As a high-ranking female samurai, Tomoe Gozen was an unusual figure in feudal Japan. When her lover Yoshinaka Minamoto made a bid to become the Minamoto clan leader, she fought to defend him against the other branches of the Minamoto family. However, accounts vary regarding her actions during the final battle in which Yoshinaka died.

Jiraiya (Yosuke Hanamura’s Persona)
This ninja appeared in several popular Edo-era stories and plays. His toad magic enabled him to control and ride toads, as well as turn into a giant toad himself in some stories. Alongside his wife Tsunade, a devotee of slug magic, he battled the snake magic-wielding Orochimaru, who was once Jiraiya’s disciple.

Konohana Sakuya (Yukiko Amagi’s Persona)
She was the daughter of the mountain god Ouyamatsumi. When she became Ninigi’s wife and grew pregnant on the first night of their marriage, he accused her of infidelity. She stood in a burning hut, claiming that the fire would not touch her if she had been faithful, and emerged unscathed. Her emblem is the cherry blossom.

Kintoki-Douji (Teddie’s Persona)
When the legendary figure Kintaro reached adulthood, he took the name of Sakata no Kintoki. His childhood friends were the animals on the mountain where he grew up, and he regularly proved his incredible strength when playing with them. He was rarely seen without his tomahawk, with which he helped local woodcutters fell trees.

As part of the special holiday “Atlus Spoils” program, Persona 4 is brimming with premium extras. Not only will each and every copy include a free soundtrack CD featuring music from the game, but fans who pre-order at select retailers will also receive “Persona 4 Visual Data,” a 7″x10″ full-color art book featuring designs from famed artist Shigenori Soejima (while supplies last).

For more information about “Atlus Spoils,” visit the official site.

Persona 4 is scheduled for release on December 9.

For more information on Persona 4, please visit the official website.

Lithium Polymer Batteries Provide up to 25 Hours of Battery Life per Charge.

Albuquerque, NM (November, 2008) – TeknoCreations, a premiere manufacturer of consumer electronics and video game peripherals, has announced the launch of the InCharge inductive charger for Xbox 360. Designed to charge one or two Xbox 360 controllers, the InCharge uses inductive charging that allows the user to recharge each battery without having to remove the battery pack from the controller.

Harnessing the power of Lithium Polymer batteries, the InCharge for Xbox 360 provides up to 25 hours of battery life on a full charge and is 50% lighter than other charge solutions for Xbox. Likewise the InCharge, which retails for $34.99, uses a contactless inductive charging solution rather than metal contacts to charge each controller. With the InCharge, gamers can save money on batteries as well as eliminate complications that arise from dirty or greasy battery contacts that occur with other chargers.

Mark Kasok, TeknoCreation’s VP of Sales and Marketing, stated: “Our designers have completely eliminated the metallic contact points that always seem to fail over time due to excessive accumulation of dirt, grime, sweat and grease. And gamers no longer have to constantly remove and replace their battery packs. Simply drop the controller into the cradle and it will quickly recharge for up to twenty five hours of gaming.” Continued Kasok: “The InCharge is the most convenient, cost-effective and technologically advanced charging station available for Xbox 360.”

InCharge Product Highlights:
· Charge batteries without removing them from the controller
· Uses Lithium Polymer Batteries for increased charging power and reliability
· Charge up to two controllers simultaneously
· Non-metal conductive charging solution (charge not effected by dirt or grime)
· Up to 25 hours of battery power per charge
· Rapid recharge solution
· No need to ever have to plug in your wireless controller
· 50% lighter than other charging solutions
· Easy to read LED charge indicator lights
· Easy to clean and saves on battery cost

SAN FRANCISCO – November 6, 2008 – Today Ubisoft announces that Shaun White Snowboarding for the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, the PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system, the Wii(TM) home video game system from Nintendo, the Nintendo DS(TM) system and PSP® (PlayStation® Portable) system, and the PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system have gone gold. The game is scheduled for release on November 16, 2008.

Shaun White Snowboarding was developed in close collaboration with Shaun White, Olympic gold medalist and eight-time X Games gold medalist. The game is powered by the award-winning Assassin's Creed(TM) engine for Xbox 360 and the PLAYSTATION 3 system, and truly captures the action sports lifestyle. Shaun White Snowboarding: Road Trip was also developed from the ground up for the Wii, taking full advantage of the Wii Balance Board(TM) accessory and featuring its own unique storyline and adventure with Shaun White. Shaun White Snowboarding for the PSP system and Nintendo DS allow players to enjoy the thrilling sport of snowboarding anytime, anywhere. Players can earn points and build their characters in Shaun White Snowboarding for the PlayStation 2 system, which also features co-op and multiplayer modes.

Shaun White Snowboarding for Xbox 360 and PLAYSTATION 3 system will ship with a "T" for Teen rating by the ESRB. Shaun White Snowboarding for the PSP system and the PlayStation 2 system, and Shaun White Snowboarding: Road Trip for the Wii will ship with an "E10+" for Everyone 10 and up rating. Shaun White Snowboarding for the Nintendo DS and PSP system will ship with an "E" for Everyone rating by the ESRB.

For more information on Shaun White Snowboarding, please visit www.shaunwhitegame.com.

Shipping For All Consoles November 17, 2008

Cambridge, MA – November 6, 2008 — Harmonix, the leading developer of music-based games, and MTV Games, a part of Viacom’s MTV Networks, (NYSE: VIA, VIA.B), along with distribution partner Electronic Arts Inc. (NASDAQ: ERTS), today announced plans to ship Rock Band® Track Pack Volume 2 for the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, the PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system, the PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system and the Wii^TM home video game console from Nintendo on November 17, 2008.

Rock Band Track Pack Volume 2 is a standalone software product that allows owners of Rock Band Special Edition, Rock Bandor Rock Band 2 peripherals to keep the party going with more hit songs from the pantheon of rock music. The 20-song pack features an electrifying mix of classic hits and current favorites, including songs by Lynyrd Skynyrd, Mötley Crüe, Red Hot Chili Peppers and Blondie.

Rock Band Track Pack Volume 2 marks the first time that a Rock Band Track Pack has come to Xbox 360 and PLAYSTATION 3 system. Fans who buy the track pack on these consoles can play the disc as a standalone game, or download the songs to their console through a free offer with Xbox LIVE® online entertainment network or the PlayStation Network.[1] Combined with the ongoing weekly release of downloadable content, the track parts are yet another way rockers can continue to expand their music catalogue.

Tracks:
Artist Song Title Decade
1. Avenged Sevenfold – Afterlife – 2000′s
2. Blondie – Call Me – 1970′s
3. Weezer – El Scorcho – 1990′s
4. Devo – Girl U Want – 1980′s
5. Maximo Park – Girls Who Play Guitars – 2000′s
6. Disturbed – Indestructible – 2000′s
7. Angels & Airwaves – It Hurts – 2000′s
8. Cars, The – Just What I Needed – 1970′s
9. Police, The – Message in a Bottle – 1980′s
10. Pixies – Monkey Gone to Heaven – 1980′s
11. Duran Duran – Rio – 1980′s
12. Mötley Crüe – Saints of Los Angeles – 2000′s
13. Lynyrd Skynyrd – Simple Man – 1970′s
14. Red Hot Chili Peppers – Snow ((Hey Oh)) – 2000′s
15. Nine Inch Nails – The Perfect Drug – 1990′s
16. Fall Out Boy – This Ain’t a Scene, It’s an Arms Race – 2000′s
17. Papa Roach – Time Is Running Out – 2000′s
18. Garbage – Why Do You Love Me – 2000′s
19. Judas Priest – You’ve Got Another Thing Comin’ – 1980′s
20. Smashing Pumpkins – Zero – 1990′s

[1]Online connection required.
**All 20 tracks utilize original master recordings**

Price: $29.99 MSRP

Rock Band is the ultimate platform for music fans and gamers to interact with music like never before. The game challenges players to put together a band and tour for fame and fortune – all while learning to master lead/bass guitar, drums and vocals. Featuring the most master recordings of any music game ever by the world’s biggest rock artists, Rock Band includes tracks that span every genre of rock ranging from alternative and classic rock, to heavy metal and punk. Rock Band has garnered over 40 awards including Game Critics Award: Best of Show E3 2007 and three awards at The 11th Annual Interactive Achievement Awards including Outstanding Innovation in Gaming, Family Game of the Year, and Outstanding Achievement in Soundtrack.

Rock Band® Track Pack Volume 2 is rated “T” for Teen with a descriptor of Lyrics by the ESRB. Rock Band is currently available for Xbox 360, PLAYSTATION 3 system and PlayStation 2 system and Wii. Rock Band 2 is currently available for Xbox 360 and PLAYSTATION 3 system, and will be available for the PlayStation 2 system and Wii in December 2008.

EA is the exclusive distribution and marketing partner for Rock Band.

For more information on Rock Band and Harmonix Music Systems please visit www.rockband.com and www.harmonixmusic.com.

Need a new hat to highlight the elections? The Presidential Top Hat is now available in Secret of the Solstice. Walk around with the new spiffy looking Red, White and Blue Hat. Everyone who purchases a Top Hat will be entered into a daily raffle to win a 30 Day 50% EXP Boost Card. 15 winners will be selected on 11/20 and announced on the 24th! There will be two different Hats to choose from, depending on whether you need an Intellect boost or Power boost.

Don’t need a new hat? The Turkey and Pilgrim Lucky Balls has arrived. Prepare your Thanksgiving Gaming with the new set of Lucky Balls!

Secret of Solstice Website: http://solstice.outspark.com
Solstice Store: http://store.outspark.com/solstice
News Announcement: http://www.outspark.com/forums/showthread.php?t=124698

New update adds new gameplay elements and fixes

Würselen, Germany – November 6, 2008 – EGOSOFT, a renowned developer of acclaimed computer games for PC, Mac and Linux, announced today that the first patch for their recently released PC title, X3: Terran Conflict, is now available for downloading. X3: Terran Conflict is available exclusively through Steam, a leading platform for the delivery and management of PC games and digital content with over 15 million accounts around the world, and the update is available now.

“As we here at EGOSOFT have done for all of our previous games, we shall continue to improve the game and add content,” said Bernd Lehahn, managing director of EGOSOFT. “Work on the next update is already underway, but in the meantime, enjoy X3: Terran Conflict 1.2.1!”

A wide variety of new features have been added to X3: Terran Conflict 1.2.1, including:

- Enabled mouse control in external view mode
- A whole new mission to scan for valuable asteroids
- When a target is lost, the nearest enemy is targeted automatically
- Added SETA button in the HUD
- Improved mouse support in menus, particularly in the sector menu
- Animated sector map rotation when changing axes, smoother zooming animation
- In Comms menu player choices are available immediately
- Updated graphics in universe map and messages
- New sound effect for Trans-Orbital Accelerators
- New sounds played when missions end
- Added notification when trying to collect something with full cargobay
- Improved boarding crew functionality
- Several new in-game tips
- Added various script commands to the script editor

Various minor bugs have been addressed and fixed as well.

For more information about the X series, X3: Terran Conflict or EGOSOFT, please visit www.egosoft.com. For more information about Steam or to purchase X3: Terran Conflict, please visit www.steamgames.com

Friday, 6 November, 2008 – Data Design Interactive – a successful video games publisher and games developer, today released new video showcasing the multiplayer experience for Urban Extreme: Street Rage for the Nintendo Wii label, Popcorn Arcade. Urban Extreme: Street Rage is a game for Boy Racers, Speed Maniacs, Street Racing and Joy Riders who are after the thrill of driving through city centres in illegal street races, where you need ram your foot on the accelerator and bugger the consequences?

Set in Fortune City, as an experienced street driver you are forced by the underworld into a series of extreme and sometimes lethal urban races. Competing in these contests is a dirty business and could cost you your car, your money, and even your life!

• 32 Unique playable and un-lockable vehicle designs.
• 16 level choices and Cup challenge modes set in a gritty urban environment.
• Test your nerve and take out the most cars with explosive results in Carnage Mode.
• Split screen multiplayer support with widescreen, and hires progressive scan modes.
• Career mode: Spend your hard earned prize money to buy new cars and enter more lucrative, exclusive challenges.

The rules of the road don’t apply in this high-speed, anything-goes competition……

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JXbIQr_BRow]

The First Brand-New Tom Clancy Franchise Since 2001 Is Available in Stores Now

SAN FRANCISCO – November 6, 2008 – Today Ubisoft announces that Tom Clancy’s EndWar(TM), the newest brand in the Tom Clancy series of video games, is now available in stores across North America. Tom Clancy’s EndWar goes beyond other war games by allowing players to use their own voice to control units, offering command of the action at the speed of thought. Available for the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and the PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system, Tom Clancy’s EndWar(TM) is the first brand-new Tom Clancy franchise since Tom Clancy’s Splinter Cell® was introduced in 2001.

“By allowing players to control the game entirely with their voice, the launch of Tom Clancy’s EndWar marks a strategic shift in the way games can be played,” said Tony Key, senior vice president of sales and marketing at Ubisoft. “Ubisoft is revolutionizing gaming with the release of EndWar and we believe it will serve as the catalyst for the success of strategy games on consoles.”

Set on the battlefields of World War III, Tom Clancy’s EndWar pushes the envelope of technology with its revolutionary voice-command system. Tom Clancy’s EndWar has been built from the ground up as a pioneering war strategy game solely for the current generation of gaming consoles.

“We are seeing a major trend in intuitive interfaces augmenting and even replacing standard controller-based input in video games,” said Billy Pidgeon, Research Manager, Consumer Markets: Games, IDC. “While motion tracking with sensors and cameras is typically used, voice command and control has been more challenging for developers. Ubisoft’s EndWar demonstrates how voice command’s natural accessibility delivers a more immersive and realistic gameplay experience.”

Ubisoft’s Tom Clancy video games are consistently among the best-selling and most critically acclaimed video game series in the industry. Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six®, Tom Clancy’s Splinter Cell® and Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon® games have collectively sold more than 55 million units worldwide to date. Tom Clancy’s EndWar was recently named the Best Strategy Game of E3 2008 by Game Critics Awards, the first time ever a console game has received this award. In 2006, Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six Vegas was named Best First Person Action Game of the Year by the Academy of Interactive Arts and Sciences, and Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon Advanced Warfighter(TM) took home the Best Video Game of the Year award from the prestigious BAFTA awards.

Tom Clancy’s EndWar is rated “T” for Teen and available for an MSRP of $59.99.