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A new version of the indie strategy game MAGI was released. The developers lowered the price to $15.95, and announced that every owner of MAGI will get a 50% discount for ArcMagi, its upcoming sequel.

www.getmagi.com, December 30, 2008 – Tom Grochowiak, independent game developer, released a new version of MAGI, a downloadable strategy/rpg in which the player takes a role of a dueling wizard. With the new release, the price of the game was lowered to $15.95.

The developer also announced that every owner of the full version of MAGI will get a 50% discount for ArcMagi, its upcoming sequel. „This promotion is my token of gratitude towards all the great folks who bought the game. Without them there would be no ArcMagi. All the money I raised through MAGI sales were used in the development of updates and now the sequel. Thanks, guys.” – explains Tom Grochowiak, the main developer of the game.

ArcMagi is a promisingly good looking cross between RPG, strategy and a fighting game. Much like the original MAGI in its premise of taking part in wizard duels, but with beautiful and detailed 2d art, live-recorded soundtrack by Rob Westwood and several gameplay improvements.
„It’s more of a rework than a sequel. We took all the money and feedback we’ve got from MAGI and used it to make something really great. It’s going to be dynamic, strategically deep, playable in short bursts as well as long sessions, well presented and, hopefully, fun as hell” – Tom promises.

ArcMagi was announced on September 21, 2008 on the MAGI community forums. The exact release date is still unknown but the developers say they aim for summer 2009.
„We’re indies, we’re free to work on the game as long as we feel is necessary, and we’re going to use that to our advantage. We would like ArcMagi to be available on Q3 of 2009, but we’re more focused on making a great game. And if it will need a few more touches, we will take our time to add them”.

The GameTunnel Independent Game of the Year awards have been established to honor ingenuity, innovation and excellence in Independent Games. This year’s awards began December 6th with the Sports Game of the Year award and have continued through 3 weeks and 13 categories finishing with the Top 10 Independent Games of the Year and World of Goo taking the top spot.

“World of Goo is one of those games that really shows what Indie is all about,” said Russell Carroll, editor-In-Chief at GameTunnel. “It was created on a shoestring, fueled by the passion of two people who did whatever it took to make their game. Their passion is evident throughout the game. It’s a fantastic game to play and it has been tremendous to see World of Goo getting so much mainstream awareness. It was an easy pick as our Independent Game of the Year winner this year.”

While World of Goo was the winner, it was only one of 40 different games that were included in the 2008 awards.

“In covering something as unique as Indie games, it’s always been our pleasure to highlight a large number of games in our awards. The fact is that many of these games are not as fortunate as World of Goo and are completely unknown to the gaming public. There are hundreds of Indie games released each year, and we’re happy to be able to do these awards to make the public aware of a few gems that they might have otherwise missed.”

An article of the Top 10 games that also provides reviews and links to all the award winners can be found at: http://www.gametunnel.com/article-705.htm. The list of all award categories and winners is as follows:

Independent Game of the Year - World of Goo

Genre Winners:
Action Game of the Year – Everyday Shooter
Puzzle Game of the Year – World of Goo
Adventure Game of the Year – Dangerous High School Girls in Trouble!
RPG Game of the Year – The Spirit Engine 2
Sim Game of the Year – Democracy 2
Sports Game of the Year – New Star Soccer 4
Strategy Game of the Year – Battle of Tiles

Technical Categories:
Game of the Year: Graphics – World of Goo
Game of the Year: Sound – Everyday Shooter
Game of the Year: Innovation – Dangerous High School Girls in Trouble!
Game of the Year: Multiplayer – Multiwinia

Special Award:
Arthouse Game of the Year – Gravitybone

About GameTunnel
GameTunnel (www.gametunnel.com) was created in 2002 as a news and reviews website covering the Independent Gaming scene. Since its launch Game Tunnel has published over 1000 reviews of Independent (or Indie as it is commonly known as) games. Its most popular articles include a review panel of what’s new in indie gaming called the Monthly Round-Up, and the yearly Independent Game of the Year Awards.

I mentioned Broken Sword 2 earlier today, now here’s the official announcement!

To ring in the New Year, GOG.com offers DRM-free versions of two entries in Revolution Software’s adventure series

Warsaw, Poland – December 30 – Closing out 2008, GOG.com (http://www.gog.com), the digital distribution platform with DRM-free classic games, announced another new deal with Revolution Software. After releasing two of Revolution Software’s classic point-and-click freebies just a week ago – Beneath a Steel Sky (http://www/gog.com/en/gamecard/beneath_a_steel_sky) and Lure of the Temptress (http://www.gog.com/en/gamecard/lure_of_the_temptress) – GOG.com will soon expand its games catalogue with the additions of Broken Sword 2: The Smoking Mirror (http://www.gog.com/en/gamecard/broken_sword_the_smoking_mirror) and Broken Sword 3: The Sleeping Dragon (http://www.gog.com/en/gamecard/broken_sword_the_sleeping_dragon).

The Broken Sword series introduces gamers to the adventures of George Stobbart and Nicole Collard, pushing players through gripping plots based on history and mythology. Broken Sword 2: The Smoking Mirror uses an upgraded version of the renowned Virtual Theatre game engine developed by Revolution Software, and Broken Sword 3: The Sleeping Dragon is based on a 3D graphics engine using a direct control mechanism. Both games will be available at the incredibly low price of $5.99 – DRM-free and fully compatible with Windows XP and Windows Vista.

“The Broken Sword series is another great addition to our ever growing games catalogue. The games offer beautiful graphics and, most of all, great stories that will keep you glued to your computer for hours,” said Adam Oldakowski, Managing Director of GOG.com. “We’re very happy to welcome Revolution Software to our site. We’re grateful they agreed to add their freeware games to our catalogue – which have done very well – and I believe that the Broken Sword series will be as popular on GOG.com as the two free games.”

Broken Sword 2: The Smoking Mirror (http://www.gog.com/en/gamecard/broken_sword_the_smoking_mirror) is now available at GOG.com with the release of Broken Sword 3: The Sleeping Dragon (http://www.gog.com/en/gamecard/broken_sword_the_sleeping_dragon) planned in the near future. This announcement puts an official end to “GOG.com fever month,” but that doesn’t mean we don’t have a few more things up our sleeves for all fans of gaming oldies.

Heads up! I just spotted Gamefly having a Year End sale. They’re going up to 50% off their used PS3, 360, PSP, DS, Wii and PS2 games, all with Free shipping. This goes until January 5th, 2009. Spotted some games at 7.99!

GOG.com (Good Old Games)

GOG.com today added The Feeble Files and Broken Sword 2: The Smoking Mirror to it’s constantly expanding game list.

They also have some holiday promos still going: Fallout and Fallout 2: Buy both games for only 9.98. Descent 1, 2 AND 3, plus the expansion all for 9.98. Stonekeep and Lionheart as a package for only 9.98. Freespace 1 (with expansion) and 2 for only 9.98.  MDK 1 and 2 for only 9.98. HURRY, these Holiday deals are only last 2 more days. They expire on the 31st.

In case you haven’t visited GOG.com, not only do you get the games, you get PDF copies of the manuals and other goodies like art, expansions, etc. All guaranteed to work on XP/Vista.

over at Steam:

They’re still running their 10-75% off sale, with way too many games at unbelievable prices!  You can even get Spore, Call of Duty 4, Left 4 Dead or Far Cry 2 for 37.49 each! Bioshock for 4.99!  Fallout 3 for 39.99! 

Get the AWESOME id Software super pack (Commander Keen, Final Doom, Doom II, Doom 3 (+Resurrection), Heretic: Shadow Riders, Hexen (+expansion), Hexen II,Measter Levels for Doom II, Quake, Quake II (+mission packs), Quake III Arena (+expansion), Return to Castle Wolfenstein, Spear of Destiny, Ultimate Doom, Wolfenstein 3D!), normally 69.99, only 34.99!

25-75% off all Take 2 games!

These deals are still ongoing, but will end on the 2nd of January 2009.

Toys R Us is selling Leapfrog Leapster games 2 for 1 until January 3, 2009

Leapfrog.com is also having a 25% off sale on books, games and accessories. Sale runs until Janary 6, 2009

Check out your favorite stores this week as well, there’s a lot of them having huge sales to help them get rid of the overstock from Christmas. Let me know if you find some great deals out there, I’ll share them with the rest of you!

It’s the pirates’ code – honor and glory for protecting the guild in bloody battle. In accordance with this code, Tales of Pirates (http://top.igg.com/) has designed the “Honorary Treasure Chest” to reward the bravest warriors who’ve proved themselves over and over again in battle. Members of the winning guild will receive this precious prize as well as the honor owed to true pirates.
Precious items in Treasure Chest
The Honorary Treasure Chest in Tales of Pirates is a symbol for a lord. Included in the chest, players will have chance to obtain one of the following precious items, Sturgeon Soup, the Chaos Bonus Book, the Black Dragon summon scroll or 300,000 Gold.

The Sturgeon Soup can be used to restore 1600HP and increase 3 PhyResist in 8 minutes. The Chaos Bonus Book can be used to increase Chaos by 10 points. The Black Dragon summon scroll can be used to summon the ultimate Black Dragon BOSS which grants tons of EXP after it is defeated.

After the addition of the Honorary Treasure Chest content into the new version, we believe Tales of Pirates will be much more challenging and attractive! If you haven’t joined a guild yet, choose one quickly and experience the excitement of Guild Wars in TOP. Go forward to the Mystic Garden!

For more details about Tales of Pirates, please visit their official website: http://top.igg.com/

As players continue to play Myth War II, one of the most common questions is how to get fast money. Today the folks behind MW2 are going to teach everyone how to make some easy money.

Fast Money Wins 1: 100-ring Integral Quest

Players can receive this quest from Duan at Demon Square and will earn 100 Integrals worth about 1,500,000 to 1,800,000 game gold every time they save NPCs in trouble.

Players stand a high chance of getting Dragon Stones that can be sold to an NPC for 630,000 game gold or to other players without set prices. If they are lucky and meet someone who is rich and generous, they could make up to 2,000,000 game gold. This quest is easy to handle and suitable for players Level 30+. Here are some tips and tricks to remember when questing:

1.Keep track of the location entry on your teleport scrolls.
2. Find your own rhythm while questing.
Fast Money Wins 2: Combat Thieves and win Integrals

It will be a lot easier for players if they follow the rules set for this quest. Go to the bar in Woodlingor to receive the quest and fight the Thief, Thief Boss and Girl Thief to win Integrals. These guys are not high maintenance and players should be able to take them down without much effort. Complete the quest in solo or party and get some pet eggs. The quest is designed in a turn based system. More integrals will be scored in the first 10 rounds. That’s means players may win a lot of game gold during these 10 rounds.

For more information please visit the official site at http://mw2.igg.com/news/news.php?aid=454

In order to help newbie players smoothly play the game, the Aurora Blade team (http://ab.igg.com) is giving a brief newbie guide for all players.

1. After entering the game and creating a character, you can work hard to level up by accepting main quests. Pay attention! You can accept mission quests from the NPC Harbor Supervisor in the Center Square of Aurora Seaport. You also still have a chance to obtain a Mushroom, containing a Good Fellow Card or any blue stat equipment.

2. Even though you’ve joined a team, you may be unable to obtain any exp if you don’t join in any battles. Only by attacking monsters can you obtain the really great amounts of exp. Also, make sure you join teams that are near the same level as you. If the level gap between you and your teammates is too much then you may not even earn any exp.

3. Elite monsters are aggressive and powerful. Don’t even think about bothering an elite monster when your level is close to theirs, its much safer to wait until you have an overwhelming advantage. Organize a team with 5 teammates, including at least 1 priest who has learnt Healing and Revival skills. What’s more, all teammates must work together. Elite monsters haven’t earned their status as “Elite” because they’re pushovers.

4. Once you’ve taken down some Elite monsters and feel ready for the next challenge, you’ll find BOSSes waiting for you. These ultra powerful monsters have fought their way to the top of the food chain and won’t give up their spot without a fight. Fighting these cunning creatures requires close cooperation among teammates. Players must always watch their steps and understand their role in the group strategy. You groups Priest may be occupied with healing someone else, or the BOSS may have turned his full attention on squashing you. Tactics and strategy can be the deciding factors here, so make sure you’re ready before you dive right in.

5. Stat point distribution, equipment refining and enchanting all directly affect a character’s abilities. Obtaining top equipment can be difficult, but it is one of the easiest ways to increase stats exactly where you need them.

6. All Level 15+ players can PK in Aurora Blade. However, you can’t maliciously attack other players on purpose. If you kill 3+ players, you will be put into prison after death.

7. After you obtain certain blueprints from monsters, you can buy materials from the Forging Master in the Equipment Shop and then forge whatever you like!

8. If you don’t like completing quests to level up, you can still choose to kill monsters. It is better for you to defeat Little Sea Horses, Conches, and Sea Urchins when you Level 10. You can then obtain some White Coral and make certain Stewed Seafood with the help of Boss Phoebe. When you are Level 12-13, go defeat Wild Rabbits and get some carrots and meat. When you are Level 14-15, it is better to defeat Hell Mages to obtain some money or cloth. If you want to obtain some apples and meat, go defeat the Leopard Cats when you are Level 17-18.

For more information about Aurora Blade can visit: http://ab.igg.com/news/news.php?aid=159.

Signature Devices, Inc. (OTCPK: SDVI) is pleased to announce that the company’s subsidiary, Graffiti Entertainment, Inc., has chosen Reverb Communications, Inc. as its principal marketing and public relations agency. Reverb will be responsible for all media relations activities and provide tactical messaging for Graffiti’s upcoming titles Black Sigil: Blade of the Exiled, C.O.R.E. and Air Conflicts: Aces of World War II.

Reverb Communications is a full service video game agency that provides public relations, marketing, and sales services through one integrated campaign to the interactive entertainment and music industry. The company represents premier companies such as Harmonix, the developers of Guitar Hero, Guitar Hero II, the Rock Band franchise, as well as MTV Games, Cryptic Studios, Pangea Software and many others.

“We are very happy to retain Reverb Communications to help with marketing support to ensure continued growth and success of our soon to be released products,” stated Kenneth Hurley, CEO of Signature Devices. “Their experience launching exceptional game titles will help elevate Graffiti Entertainment and the forthcoming products, helping us expand in all of our market growth opportunities.”

For more information please visit www.signaturedevices.com

Text based games proving a cornerstone to successful communities

December 29th, 2008 (San Anslemo, CA) – Nvinium Games, Inc. announced today that its free to play text based browser game, Unforgivenwar, has received over 100,000 player registrations since the start of its Beta Testing Phase. It has become one of the fastest growing MMORPG communities on the web. As many as 2900 people are actively playing the game and interacting with each other daily. Nvinium Games, recently launched the Unforgivenwar game application to work on both the Facebook and MySpace Community Platforms.

The key to the success for Unforgivenwar lies not only in its depth of game play, but more importantly in the Community interaction with each other, as well as the real time support given by the Unforgivenwar Support Team.

“Unlike most text based games, our utilization of technology such as real time chat allows both members and guests to see activity in the community. This interaction makes the game much more exciting than simple static forums,” said Matt Abrams, CEO of Nvinium Games.

Text based games have seen a major increase in popularity over the past 12 months and have proven to be an important part of social networking communities. “Web based, community networking games are really the next major wave of the Web 2.0 Social System, and games such as
Unforgivenwar.com are proving that through continued rapid growth,” stated social network visionary Joe Abrams Chairman, Nvinium Games. Abrams is well known for Co-Founding Euniverse (Intermix), the predecessor company to Myspace, as well as the Co-Founder of The Software Toolworks which was one of the largest game publishers in the 90′s.

Unforgivenwar is now positioning itself to reach an even greater number of players as it enters its final phase of beta testing. Players can participate in the ongoing Beta Testing of Unforgivenwar by registering at the official site http://unforgivenwar.com.