Archive for January 5th, 2009

Pangea Software Announces Major Update to Bugdom 2 To Add Virtual GamePad

Monday, January 5th, 2009

Enhanced Control Mechanics Offer Effortless Interaction with Popular iPhone Game

Pangea Software, Inc., today announced a major update (version 2.0) is available now for Bugdom 2, its 3D action-adventure game for the Apple® iPhone and iPod® touch. The 2.0 update for Bugdom 2 features a new refined control scheme that adds a virtual gamepad which employs breakthrough technology of high-precision, highly responsive control mechanics for seamless interaction, making the game much easier to navigate.

“We’ve been spending a lot of time working on updates for our customers as feature requests come in,” stated Brian Greenstone, president of Pangea Software. “The 2.0 release of Bugdom 2 is the most significant update we’ve released so far, and it really makes Bugdom 2 our best iPhone app to date.”

Integrating version 2.0 will further enhance the control capabilities already offered by the iPhone, allowing for a simple and enjoyable experience for players of all ages.

In Bugdom 2 players take on the role of Skip, an enthusiastic grasshopper who battles roaches, flies, frogs, and other critters on a quest to regain his knapsack that was high-jacked by Bully Bee. To reclaim what rightfully belongs to Skip, players will have to accomplish a variety of tasks: explore outside the yard, inside the house, slide down the drain pipe and even go on balsa airplane bombing missions!

Bugdom 2 version 2.0 is currently available on the iTunes App Store, and the update is free to all current owners of the game. For more information, please visit the Pangea Software iPhone web page at: http://pangeasoft.net/iphone/.

To purchase products offer by Pangea Software, please visit the App Store at: http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewArtist?id=281736538.

KamiCrazy lands on iTunes

Monday, January 5th, 2009
Fluid Pixel Limited, a specialist developer of games for mobile devices, has released KamiCrazy for the iPhone and iPod Touch.

Now available to download on iTunes, KamiCrazy is a fast-paced action-puzzler – a cross between Lemmings, Enigmo and Pitfall – where you have to guide a group of Kami soldiers to safety through a series of perilous, trap-laden levels.

The story begins when the fearsome Kami soldiers crash-land in the jungle, and they need the player’s help to get them back to their ship – dealing with some dangerous terrain and troublesome traps along the way.

The game is controlled by flicking, pushing, nudging and swinging the soldiers to safety, which the player can accomplish by manoeuvring various objects such as springs, ropes, fans and other objects left in the jungle by the natives.

Each of the 40 levels some ingenuity and quick thinking to overcome puzzles, combined with the timing and accuracy needed to avoid obstacles and perils, such as water and spikes.

Stuart Varrall, founder of Fluid Pixel Studios, expects the game to prove a hit. He says: “It’s a fun game that doesn’t take itself too seriously, the style will appeal to audiences worldwide and it’s easy to pick-up-and-play.”

KamiCrazy is the first game released for the iPhone by Fluid Pixel, one of a growing number of successful game developers based in Middlesbrough in North East England.

The game is available to download for free as an, 8-level Lite version, or as a full 40-level game for just $3.99. Both versions are available in the iTunes online store.

Fluid Pixel Studios is a member of Codeworks GameHorizon, a business network for UK-based games companies. www.gamehorizon.net

Neofun game portal to launch 1st quarter of ‘09

Monday, January 5th, 2009

Lizard Interactive will launch Neofun free-to-play game portal in Taiwan and Hong kong.

Lizard Interactive, leading developer of MMO games and operator of the free-to-play game portal NeoFun,com, announced that it will partner with game publisher XtraVision to launch the NeoFun game portal in Taiwan, Hong Kong and Macao.

XtraVision will introduce three successful free-to-play MMORPGs in sequence to Taiwan, Hong Kong and Macao in the first quarter of 2009. Lizard Interactive and XtraVision are working to provide new and exciting contents customized to for the rapidly growing and vibrant game communities in that region.

Lizard Interactive’s global game portal, NeoFun, was launched just last October and is already expanding the selection of games available to include various flash and web browser based games in the first quarter of 2009. Always fun and always new, NeoFun.com.

Capcom announces 6 new titles for the first half of ‘09

Monday, January 5th, 2009

Resident Evil 5, Street Fighter IV, Bionic Commando, Dead Rising: Chop Till You Drop, FLOCK! and MotoGP for Wii Ready to Dominate the Console World

Capcom®, a leading worldwide developer and publisher of video games, has today confirmed that six of its upcoming titles will be released within the first half of 2009. The line-up demonstrates Capcom’s commitment to pursuing a multi-platform strategy while growing its portfolio of titles and includes the latest installments of some of gaming’s most cherished franchises.

Throughout 2008, Capcom was at the forefront of digital download titles and is set to continue this trend into 2009 and beyond. Capcom’s first downloadable game of the year, FLOCK!, is scheduled for release in early 2009 and will be available for Xbox LIVE® Arcade for the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, PlayStation®Network and Windows PC platforms. FLOCK! sees players take control of a UFO that is tasked with herding animals to its mothership through a variety of interactive levels utilizing physics-based gameplay. With over 50 levels in single player and co-op modes and a simple yet powerful level editor to extend the experience, FLOCK!’s unique theme, clever humor and easy pick-up-and-play controls will ensure a new twist on the puzzle genre.

The Street Fighter® series makes a very welcome return with Street Fighter® IV, which comes to the Xbox 360 and Sony Computer Entertainment’s PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system on February 17, 2009, followed by a Windows PC version set for release at a later date. The series which has amassed combined global sales of over 25 million units aims to put the fun back into the fighting genre and reignite the passion of the Street Fighter II era. Everything that made the legendary Street Fighter II a global hit is back in Street Fighter IV, with the addition of new characters (including fighters added just for the console version of the game), special moves and gameplay elements, providing challenges for even the most seasoned Street Fighter pro.

Infecting gamers and completing Capcom’s list of releases for February is Dead Rising™: Chop Till You Drop for the Wii, scheduled for release on February 27. Based on the smash Xbox 360 game (over one million copies sold to date), the humor and challenge that made the original a hit with gamers remains, while many core elements have been totally redesigned for the Wii platform and audience, taking zombie bashing to a whole new level. With the added functionality of the Wii Remote™, players will be able to shake off zombie attacks and swing and throw dozens of makeshift weapons (everything from chainsaws to baseball bats, soccer balls to café umbrellas) in order to survive.

Gamers around the globe have already written Friday the 13th, March 2009 on their calendars in blood red ink in order to mark the release of Resident Evil® 5. One of the industry’s most successful franchises brings the next generation of fear to Xbox 360 and PLAYSTATION 3 systems. Resident Evil 5 promises to set a new standard in action gaming with amazing graphics and both online and split-screen co-operative gameplay on a single console.
Also scheduled for release in March is MotoGP™ for the Wii. Due to hit retail in the middle of March to coincide with the pre-season activity for the 2009 MotoGP™ season, the title turns the Wii Remote into a set of virtual handlebars as players compete across the three race classes in single races, a full championship or a series of challenge stages. Different handling models and AI rider characteristics allow ease of entry for riders of all skills whether a seasoned bike racing fan or new to the genre.

Completing this impressive line up is Bionic Commando, the true sequel to the retro classic with an injection of next gen power, coming within the first half of the year. The title will be initially available for gamers on Xbox 360 and Sony Computer Entertainment’s PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system, with the Windows PC version following shortly afterwards. Bionic Commando harnesses the power of the latest generation of hardware to fully exploit the swing mechanic that made the original title so unique. Using the powers of the bionic arm to swing between towering skyscrapers, punch cars, pummel opponents and grab distant enemies, players can gain a tactical advantage to progress through the compelling single player campaign and take on all comers in online multiplayer modes.

Wii Weekly Update: 1 Wiiware and 1 VC

Monday, January 5th, 2009

Wow. Haven’t seen this in a while. Only 1 game added to WiiWare and 1 to VC. Slowdown on the Wii coming? Maybe devs are waiting for that magical “storage solution” (AKA WiiHDD) to appear? I hope not!

A new year means even more new games at the Wii Shop Channel, starting with a pair of imaginative titles to kick off 2009 in style. Anyone who loves Kirby can keep the confetti flying to celebrate the release of the classic Kirby’s Dream Land 3 for the Virtual Console. And if you’re already desperate for a warm mid-winter getaway, check out Sandy Beach, a sand castle game on WiiWare that’s loaded with sunny fun.
WiiWare
Sandy Beach (Konami, 1-2 players, Rated E for Everyone-Comic Mischief, 500 Wii Points): Enjoy a fun day at Sandy Beach as you build elaborate sand castles. You can work peacefully on your sand castle or enter into a battle with invading crabs in Crab Battle mode. Players will strategically build their sand castle and use cannons to defend it against an army of destructive crabs. After successfully defending your sand castle, discover beach treasures and additional cannons with your metal detector to customize your castle even more.

Virtual Console
Kirby’s Dream Land 3 (Super NES, 1-2 players, Rated E for Everyone, 800 Wii Points): Kirby, Dream Land’s resident hero (and everyone’s favorite puffball), must once again save the day when the mischievous King Dedede starts causing trouble. Kirby must travel through an assortment of levels, battling an exotic array of enemies (both new and familiar) determined to stop him from completing his mission. Always armed with his trusty ability to swallow enemies and gain special attacks, Kirby can also unite with some of his animal friends and make use of their particular talents. Featuring detailed graphics, challenging boss battles and the distinct charm of a Kirby game, it’s no wonder this title is considered a classic.

For more information about Wii, please visit wii.com.

Candystand.com new games for January

Monday, January 5th, 2009

Already launched:

Bumper Starshttp://www.candystand.com/play.do?id=18397

Fashion Starhttp://www.candystand.com/play.do?id=18472

Gridhttp://www.candystand.com/play.do?id=18473

Icestorm Speedwayhttp://www.candystand.com/play.do?id=18391

Wallace and Gromit: Top Bunhttp://www.candystand.com/play.do?id=18481

Coming soon:

Blockular – Puzzle game where players align same color blocks to dissolve tiles and collect goodies for their chosen character

Dance Mania – Characters must complete dance moves on queue in order to score points and advance to the next level

Kings in the Corner – A classic solitaire game for two players with four decks that will have you on the edge of your seat and competing for the win

Zu Online: New Costumes for a new year

Monday, January 5th, 2009

Some screens came in the e-mail this morning from IGG.com for their Free to Play MMORPG, Zu Online. These are shots of 5 character classes with their new outfits.  Check out Zu Online at: http://zu.igg.com/

Tales of Pirates: Prison Island Now Open

Monday, January 5th, 2009

A new map called Prison Island, a special place where you can enjoy extreme PK, is now available in Tales of Pirates (http://top.igg.com/). There is no beautiful scenery, only ferocious monsters everywhere. You are supposed to survive on this dark, desolate island, and fight against any potential enemies.

How to get in the “Prison”
A. Buy a Arrest Warrant in the Item Mall
B. Choose a target and use the Arrest Warrant.
C. After verification, the target character will be sent to the prison.
D. Your spawn place will be arranged on Prison Island

Requirements
A. Your character should not have any effects that forbid you from being sent to the prison.
B. Your backpack should contain a Good Guy Card or the Running of Time.
How to get out of the “Prison”
A. You should ask the warden to give you a prison record card, and put it in the third slot of your backpack. After you’ve stayed in the prison for 1 hour, you use the card to have the warden send you out.
B. You will have a chance to obtain a Release Warrant after defeating small and big bosses.
C. You can buy a Release Warrant in the Item Mall.
D. After you get out of the Prison, your spawn place will be arranged at one of the 3 main cities
E. After you get out of the prison, you will not be allowed to go back to the prison for 1 hour.

For more information, please visit: http://top.igg.com/

Outspark looking for Beta testers for Wind Slayer

Monday, January 5th, 2009

Exciting New Game Offers Hundreds of Quests, Multiplayer Battles, Fantasy Characters and More

Outspark today announces the closed beta for it’s new MMO, Wind Slayer. Between Jan 7th-14th, players will have a chance to embark on a hero’s journey through hundreds of quests and intense battles to earn experience, treasure and prestige. Outspark encourages gamers of all ages to sign up for a free account and register for the closed beta now at www.playwindslayer.com
The testing period offers participants the elite opportunity to be one of the first to experience Wind Slayer in its entirety. Participants will also provide Outspark with valuable feedback that will be used to further refine the game before its wider release later this year.

“Outspark offers rides for every type of thrill seeker coming to play in our virtual playground,” stated Susan Choe, CEO and founder of Outspark. “Wind Slayer’s character customization and multiplayer options combined with its side scrolling style and simple controls make the game a perfect fit for all gamers wanting to enjoy a fun-filled crusade with friends they meet in the Outspark community.”

Set on the beautiful continent of Beuritania, Wind Slayer invites adventurers to travel a diverse land filled with everything from beautiful, grass covered meadows and mountaintops to curious villages, dark caves and even an underwater city. Along the way players gain skills, weapons and experience as their characters grow stronger and choose one of the game’s six exciting classes – Warrior, Archer, Mage, Rogue, Monk and Priest.

Additional Wind Slayer Features Include:

* Hundreds of in-game items to customize your character
* Powerful skills and deadly combos to battle foes
* Hundreds of engaging in-game quests
* Intense multiplayer battles with up to 20 simultaneous players
* Beautiful fantasy worlds and captivating visual effects
* Engaging community features including chat, trade, guilds and more

Wind Slayer is scheduled to be available to a wider North American audience during an open beta launch in February.