Archive for November 26th, 2008

Ubisoft releases new Elika trailer for Prince of Persia

Wednesday, November 26th, 2008

SAN FRANCISCO, CA – November 25, 2008 – Today Ubisoft has released a new Prince of Persia trailer featuring the game’s heroine, Elika, for immediate download and distribution. As the last in a line of priestesses guarding the Tree of Life where the evil Ahriman has been contained for the past millennia, Elika is the Prince’s steadfast companion throughout his journey. Her amazing magical abilities allow him to navigate impossible routes, fight nightmarish creatures and can even save him from sure death. As the only one with the ability to heal the corrupted land, Elika is essential in the Prince’s fight to stop the spreading darkness from destroying the world.

Prince of Persia is scheduled to release December 2, 2008 for the Xbox 360(TM) video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and the PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system. The game will ship for the PC December 9, 2008.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ow_-QY7QDV8]

Latest Fiesta Patch – PvP, Permanent Items, and Turkeys, Oh My!

Wednesday, November 26th, 2008

The newest Fiesta patch is now available! Featuring a new PvP Kingdom Quest, exciting Thanksgiving content, and permanent versions of some of fan-favorite favorite premium items, the latest patch will download automatically the next time you play Fiesta.

PvP Kingdom Quest – The Warrior’s Code
The rulers of Isya have come together and created the ultimate challenge to test the heroes of of the world and determine the land’s most valiant champion – The Warriors Code!
- Wield the powerful new weapons and power-ups: The Invincible Toy Hammer and Freezing Ice.
- Participate in different level brackets and show off your skills:
– Amateur Fighter – level 35-49
– Brave Warrior – level 55-69
– Valiant Warrior – level 75-89
- 15 players in 15 minutes of action.
- Win EXP and Set Items.

Thanksgiving in Isya
- New Quest: Roumen’s Thanksgiving Feast.
- Visit Town Chief Roumenus in Roumen and help him collect 150 turkey legs and save Thanksgiving in Isya.
- Earn a 7-day version of the Thomas the Turkey mount.

Fiesta Store
- Permanent versions of the Sakura Costume, Sensei Suit, and Cat Ears are now available in the Fiesta Store.
- The Thomas the Turkey mount (30 days) is now available.
- Removed Red Menian Suit (Permanent), Blue Menian Suit (Permanent), and Yellow Menian Suit (Permanent).

Bug Fixes
- Guild Storage issues in Roumen and Elderine have been fixed.
- Objective boss monster drop rates have been fixed.


Related links:
Official Fiesta website: http://fiesta.outspark.com
Full patch notes: http://www.outspark.com/forums/showthread.php?p=1375421

Video Game Industry Applauds Toronto Police Service’s Anti-Piracy Efforts

Wednesday, November 26th, 2008

TPS Raids Duplication Facility for Pirated Games

November 26, 2008 – Washington, DC – Detective Chris Chilvers and the 14 Division Major Crime Unit of the Toronto Police Service (TPS) were commended today by the Entertainment Software Association (ESA) for dismantling a significant game piracy operation. On November 19, 2008, the TPS executed a search warrant at a retail store in Toronto, resulting in two arrests and the seizure of over 2,800 pirated games and movies, four computers and hard drives, 35 DVR-R burners, various modification devices and numerous modified game systems.

“The Toronto Police Service did an outstanding job in taking down this piracy operation,” said Michael D. Gallagher, president and CEO of the ESA, the trade association representing U.S. computer and video game publishers. “Successful law enforcement efforts against pirates like these make it clear that copying and selling video games leads to criminal arrest, not profit.”

Gary Bowser, the owner of the targeted store Video Games and Repairs, located at 223 Jameson Avenue, Toronto, was identified by ESA investigators as a piracy suspect nearly two years ago. In addition to the storefront burning operation that allegedly engaged in the large-scale copying and sale of pirated games, Bowser also operated a booth at the Mississauga Flea Market outside of Toronto where he was reported to have sold pirated games. He was arrested and charged with six counts of fraud, six counts of possession of property obtained by crime, and one count of obstruct of police based on multiple sales of pirated product from his two operations. The store manager, Houhannes Kebabdjian, was arrested on multiple counts, including one count of fraud, one count of possession of property obtained by crime, and one count of proceeds of crime. The total value of pirated games seized by the TPS represents a significant loss of income to game publishers, distributors and legitimate local retailers.

ESA has been managing an industry enforcement program targeting game piracy in Canada since 2004. Working with local counsel and investigators, the ESA identifies instances of pirate activity involving game software and supports the efforts of Canadian law enforcement to address such illegal activity. ESA members, who publish and distribute video games in Canada, are looking forward to continuing efforts with the TPS to reduce the level of game piracy in order to protect the many businesses that form part of the local entertainment software industry.

The ESA is the U.S. association dedicated to serving the business and public affairs needs of the companies publishing interactive games for video game consoles, handheld devices, personal computers, and the Internet. The ESA offers services to interactive entertainment software publishers including a global anti-piracy program, owning the Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3), business and consumer research, federal and state government relations, and First Amendment and intellectual property protection efforts. For more information about the ESA, please visit www.theESA.com.

Spike and Electronic Arts Team Up to Celebrate Iconic Designer Will Wright With ‘The Wright Stuff SPORE UGC’ Contest

Wednesday, November 26th, 2008

NEW YORK, NY UNITED STATES

Grand Prize Winner To Receive A VIP Trip For Two To Spike TV’s Video Game Awards And Meet Legendary Game Designer Will Wright

Users To Submit Entries at VGA.Spike.comThrough December 2nd

NEW YORK, Nov. 25 /PRNewswire/ — At this year’s VGAs, video game visionary Will Wright will receive the first ever Gamer God award as a testament to his contributions to the electronic gaming medium, from the simulation genre creating SimCity(TM) and its subsequent sequels, to the more than 100 million unit selling The Sims(TM) franchise, to his latest masterpiece, Spore(TM), which garnered The Producers Guild of America 2007 Vanguard Award, a Popular Mechanics Breakthrough Award and a Popular Science Best of What’s New Award.

To help celebrate Wright’s latest achievement, Spike and EA are teaming up to celebrate the creativity of Spore with “The Wright Stuff SPORE UGC” contest. The grand prize is a VIP trip for two to this year’s VGAs and some one-on-one time with the legend himself, Will Wright.

“Since launch, Spore players have created nearly 50 million of the most unique and creative creatures, vehicles and buildings the gaming community has ever seen,” said Spore Designer, Will Wright. “The Spore VGA contest takes creativity to a whole new level, allowing budding filmmakers and novices alike to unleash their imaginations in search for the best 60 second Spore film short. I can’t wait to see what they’ll come up with!”

Using in-game tools in Spore, or the Spore Creature Creator (trial edition and complete), Spore players can upload their most creative and entertaining 60 second movie to http://www.spike.com/group/spore/landingpage through December 2nd. A panel of judges, including Spore creator Will Wright, will then select the best video, to be revealed on December 4th. The winner and a guest will receive round trip airfare, 2 nights’ hotel stay, and ground transportation for the 2008 Spike Video Game Awards on Sunday, December 14th in Culver City, California.

For official rules please, visit http://www.spike.com/group/spore/rules.

The sixth annual “VGAs” will bring together megastars from the worlds of video games, Hollywood, music, sports and more to celebrate the outstanding achievements within the video game industry over the past year. The 2-hour extravaganza will premiere LIVE on Spike TV Sunday, December 14 at 9:00pm, ET/PT (tape delay west coast) from Sony Picture Studios in Culver City, CA.

Activision Publishing Redefines Competitive First Person Action With the Release of NPPL Championship Paintball 2009

Wednesday, November 26th, 2008

SANTA MONICA, Calif., Nov. 25 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ –At last, a true next-generation paintball experience is unleashed! Activision Publishing, Inc. (Nasdaq: ATVI) announced today that the official NPPL (National Professional Paintball League) Championship Paintball 2009 videogame is available now for the Xbox 360(R) video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, PLAYSTATION(R)3 and PlayStation(R)2 computer entertainment systems, and Nintendo Wii(TM).

“NPPL Championship Paintball 2009 is the fantastic end result of a close collaboration between the NPPL, Activision, and top professional paintball players,” said Scott Pierce, NPPL CEO. “No paintball game has ever been this real – it masterfully captures the competitive intensity that makes paintball one of the most popular extreme sports in the world.”

Paintball is an extraordinarily deep sport that requires teamwork, strategy, and precision, something the game accurately represents. NPPL Championship Paintball 2009 features multiple game modes (including woodsball-based gameplay), officially licensed gear, and authentic tournament locations and field layouts from the NPPL, the Millennium European Paintball Series, and the XPSL. Players can perfect their skills as they progress from a rookie to pro in career mode and take on the best paintball teams in the world, or get online for an adrenaline rush of cutthroat multiplayer action. With deep design contributions from the NPPL, San Diego Dynasty and Bob Long, motion-captured player movements, and cutting edge ballistics, the level of detail and realism in this game is unmatched.

“NPPL Championship Paintball 2009 is a blast for both paintball fanatics and first person action fans looking for something fresh,” said Dave Oxford, Activision Publishing. “We’re ecstatic to redefine the paintball experience in videogames.”

NPPL Championship Paintball 2009 has a rating of “E 10+” for Ages 10 and up by the ESRB. It is available now for a suggested retail prices of $49.99 for Xbox 360 and PLAYSTATION(R)3 computer entertainment system, $39.99 for Wii(TM), and $29.99 for PlayStation(R)2 computer entertainment system.

More information is available at www.PbSting.com.

Add some much needed action to your Holiday break with Super Street Fighter II Turbo HD Remix on Xbox Live Arcade, Wednesday, Nov 26th

Wednesday, November 26th, 2008

“Super Street Fighter II Turbo HD Remix” is making its comeback on Xbox LIVE Arcade this Wednesday, Nov. 26 at 9 a.m. GMT (2:00 a.m. PDT) with exclusive features you’ll find only on Microsoft’s premier destination for digitally downloaded titles. So don’t succumb to the turkey-induced lethargy and get your friends together for a thrilling “Street Fighter” experience!

Choose from a roster of familiar characters and test your street fighting skills in the remake of “Super Street Fighter II Turbo,” the fifth arcade iteration of the “Street Fighter II” sub-series. Updated with 1080p HD redrawn art, widescreen support and remixed music the latest version offers a unique experience that will appeal to new fans and “Street Fighter” purists alike.

The Xbox LIVE Arcade version of the game will include even more incentive to download and play. From an incredible multiplayer experience over Xbox LIVE, to a Premium Theme for the New Xbox Experience to additional downloadable content, such as the “Super Street Fighter Pinball FX” downloadable pack, there’s something for every “Street Fighter” enthusiast to enjoy.

Gather your friends on Xbox LIVE and gear-up for an action-packed multiplayer experience. Need a break from honing your street fighter skills? Check out the “Super Street Fighter II Turbo Remix” destination experience in the New Xbox Experience and learn about new content, watch the latest trailers and access downloadable content such as picture packs and the new Premium Themes.

Published by Capcom and developed by Backbone Entertainment, “Super Street Fighter II Turbo Remix” will be available for 1200 Microsoft Points worldwide. The game is rated T for Teen by the ESRB.

For more details on “Super Street Fighter II Turbo Remix” please visit: http://www.xbox.com/en-US/games/s/ssf2thdrxboxlivearcade/

Nvinium Games Launches The Admin Awards With Over $15,000 In Prizes

Wednesday, November 26th, 2008
From the Chaos of War a new force has risen out of the ashes, they call themselves THE NINE. Comprised of some of the most powerful leaders in the UnforgivenWar, these previously rogue soldiers have united  to wage combat with any that have the courage to take them on.   The task is not easy, these veteran soldiers are some of the most highly trained and well equipped fighting machines that have ever taken to the battlefield.  The challenge is perilous, but the rewards are plenty.  Do you have what it takes?

Admin Wars
Nvinium Games, publisher of the text-based MMORPG, UnforgivenWar (http://unforgivenwar.com), invites you to take part in the inaugural Admin Wars, with over $15,000 in real and in-game prizes up for grabs!  Players will be able to prove their muster in battle against actual Game Admins and the chance come away with great rewards for their efforts.  Train your soldier and challenge the Elite force (THE NINE) of Admins, Designers, and Artists that beckon you to take them on.  The War will rage from November 26th until December 16th.

Prizes include Xbox 360, PS3, iPod Touch, Ideazon Zboard, in game items and much more.  Prizes will be awarded in multiple categories; most attacks, the most kills, the most hospitalization, the greatest respect, the highest total points to a player, highest points to a Platoon, greatest XP earned during the War, the player who forces out an Admin and if THE NINE surrender before the end of the WAR the winning Platoon will be Grand Champion.

To participate simply register for your free account at
http://unforgivenwar.com and submit your entry in to the event.  With over $15,000 in prizes being awarded, what are you waiting for? Get in the battle soldier!

Mad Catz Introduces New Saitek High-Performance Cross Compatible Game Pads

Wednesday, November 26th, 2008

San Diego, November 26th, 2008

Mad CatzTM Interactive, Inc. (“Mad Catz” or “the Company”) (AMEX/TSX: MCZ), a leading third-party interactive entertainment accessory provider, announced today a new range of Game Pads due to be launched under its Saitek brand which offer cross compatibility among multiple formats.

The range includes the PS1000 Dual Analog GamePad and PS2700 Rumble GamePad both of which offer compatibility with PLAYSTATION®3, PlayStationTM2 and PC platforms, as well as the P3200 RumblePad and Cyborg RumblePad which offer compatibility with Xbox 360TM and PC platforms.

The PS1000 Dual Analog GamePad has been designed to high levels of engineering resulting in a noticeable improvement to in-game performance on all compatible platforms chosen by the gamer. Featuring a full compliment of Action Buttons, Triggers and Dual Analog Thumbsticks, the PS1000 features a unique ‘Precision Aim Button’ which slows down the response from the right Thumbstick, thus greatly simplifying aiming and allowing for precision aiming during frantic game play, ideal for FPS (First Person Shooter) titles.

When used on a PC with Games For Windows® software, the PS1000 Dual Analog GamePad features a highly intuitive programmable feature, allowing gamers to map keyboard strokes to the Game Pad’s various Action Buttons.

The PS2700 Rumble GamePad for PLAYSTATION 3, PlayStation 2 and PC, offers identical specifications as the PS1000 but comes equipped with additional features designed to offer yet more control and freedom to the gamer. Powerful Rumble Feedback when used with compatible PC and PlayStation 2 software provides realistic, tactile immersion and the newly developed Cyborg Module transforms the controller, allowing gamers to customize their controls for their personal preference. Simply by unclipping and rotating the Cyborg Module, gamers can alternate the position of the Analog Thumbstick and D-Pad thus allowing the gamer to choose the position best matching his or her gaming style.

The P3200 RumblePad for Xbox 360 and PC features a full compliment of Action Buttons, Triggers and Dual Analog Thumbsticks and again features powerful Rumble Feedback to enhance compatible software. Like the PS1000, the P3200 RumblePad also offers users the chance to program the individual Action Buttons when used on a PC and playing Games For Windows® software. In addition, the P3200 includes an LED Display Indicator, alerting users of player and Xbox LiveTM notifications keeping gamers in control of every aspect of their gaming experience.

The Cyborg RumblePad for Xbox 360 and PC offers identical specifications to the P3200 RumblePad but also includes the Cyborg Module, allowing gamers to customize their controls to suit their desired gaming style.

Darren Richardson, President and Chief Executive Officer of Mad Catz commented, “Ideal for those who enjoy software on multiple platforms, the new range of Saitek branded GamePads offers a perfect combination of quality engineering and state of the art features such as Precision Aim and the Cyborg Module which we believe gamers will respond to enthusiastically around the world.”

The new range of Saitek GamePads is expected to ship in the calendar fourth quarter of 2008.

Angels Online: Lost Atlantis Scene Overview- Coral Reefs

Wednesday, November 26th, 2008

Today, the Angels Online team (http://ao.igg.com) is giving a brief introduction to the amazing Colorful Coral Reefs.

There is a mysterious sea area called the Colorful Coral Reefs at the headstream of the Atlantic Ocean. It is located to the southeast of Puqi Island. Players will arrive at the Colorful Coral Reefs first after they learn the diving skill from the NPC “Surfer Veifu” at Puqi Island.

Because of its favorable geographical position, a warm ocean current passes through here each summer bringing a sense of vitality everywhere. Underwater materials are in abundance here. Locals from Puqi Island always fish here because the best fish gather here each year. That is one of the most important sources of income for them.

Due to the natural form of the land, coral stretches far out under the water. The water here is not very deep because the Colorful Coral Reefs are the entry to the sea and keep the sandy bottom from eroding. Under the sunshine at noon, the coral shimmers with a beauty that’s breath-taking. Players who are skilled at diving can feast their eyes on the beautiful shifting coral.

Apart from the abundant fish, there are affluent plants as well. Players can collect Spot Alas, Lycosa Den, Primrose and others. Players who like digging mines should come here.

Explore the coral and players can find a lonely girl called “Mermaid Alice” to the southwest. It is said that she is good at manufacturing Music Boxes. If players can help her collect enough materials, they may obtain a beautiful Music Box from her.

“Cupid” always waits for players near Mermaid Alice. Players can set a place for the revival here.

The four factions’ totems are on the way to the Blue Sea. Players can have a rest here if they are tired of killing monsters.


For more information please visit the official site at http://ao.igg.com/act/atlantis/detail.php?acid=109&aid=1331

Tales of Pirates: Crusader’s Skills

Wednesday, November 26th, 2008

Tales of Pirates (http://top.igg.com) attaches a lot of importance to group cooperation and grants high EXP for killing monsters when different classes coordinate well in a team. Crusader is an excellent class featuring quick movement, strong damage dealing, and magic spells to aid in assassin-like kills. They play a very important role in group cooperation especially in group PVP, target detection and BOSS quests because they have gorgeous skills and satisfactory damage-dealing.

Crusader’s Skill Description:
Concentration:Increase hit rate of character.
Sword Mastery:Increase attack when using sword.
Illusion Slash:Use energy of sword to damage enemy at a distance.
Berserk:Increase hit rate and attack speed for short duration
Deftness:Increase dodge rate of character.
Shadow Slash:Continuous melee attack and knock out a single target.
Poison Dart: Shoot a dart and put enemy in poison status.
Blood Frenzy: Reduce attack time cooldown using dual weapon.
Dual Sword Mastery: Increase attack when using two weapons.
Stealth: Make character invisible to other unit.

From among all skills the Illusion Slash is a distance skill which grants Crusader’s their highest killing power. Its damage will be maxed when Attack speed goes up to 210.

Swordsmen planning on advancing to Crusaders better improve their Concentration to Rank 2, Swordsmanship to Rank 3, Berserk to Rank 5 and max out Illusion Slash before Level 40. Also, reserve about 10 skill points for future use.

After finishing the advancement quest, Swordsman will move up to Crusader when they use the remaining skill points to pump up their Dual Sword Mastery. This will increase their attack power greatly. Then, as they progress in level, all additional skill points should be distributed to their senior spells and abilities, like immediately pumping Blood Frenzy to Rank 5, and Shadow Slash to Rank 1, then gradually filling Blood Frenzy and learning Level 1 Stealth.

Crusaders should know their stats well and better distribute the skill points, so they will reap the benefits in the PVP. They not only know themselves, but also know about other classes, including their attacks, defenses, skills and cooldown times. They can choose different strategies for different challengers, thus they deserve the honor as “The King of PVP”.


For more Tales of Pirates skills, please visit their official website: http://top.igg.com/main.php.