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Super Power Event begins in the Free-to-Play Vampire MMORPG

Today Ubisoft announces that the European Assault Pack downloadable content (DLC) packs for Tom Clancy’s HAWX(TM) for the Xbox 360 and PS3 on April 23, 2009. The price for the European Assault Pack DLC is 400 Microsoft Points or $4.99 for the PS3 system.

In the European Assault Pack, take the lead in the multi-role carrier-borne version of the Dassault Rafale, the robust Saab-37 Viggen and two Mirage planes designed for nuclear strike and long-range interception. Fly the delta-winged FB-22 prototype bomber, based on the cutting-edge design of the F-22 Raptor. In addition, you get the advanced experimental XA-20 Razorback featured in Tom Clancy’s EndWar.

For more information on Tom Clancy’s HAWX, please visit the game’s official site at http://www.hawxgame.com.

Vanillaware’s Long-Awaited Masterwork Arrives in North America September 2009!

Ignition Entertainment Ltd. in conjunction with Marvelous Entertainment and Vanillaware, today announced the September 2009 U.S. release of the much-anticipated video game, Muramasa: The Demon Blade, exclusively for the Nintendo Wii.

Developed by Vanillaware, the creative team behind the critically acclaimed game Odin Sphere, Muramasa: The Demon Blade is a unique, highly stylized action adventure that showcases a striking visual look and a colorful cast of more than 100 characters. Hailed by Kotaku as “this year’s prettiest, most enticing Wii game,” and by IGN as “the most visually stunning game I’ve ever seen on the Wii,” Muramasa: The Demon Blade features eye-popping hand-drawn 2D art that reflects the heritage and tone of its ancient Japanese storyline. Set in the little-known feudal Genroku era, players are invited to take on the role of a male ninja or female kunoichi, utilizing their prowess to traverse the perilous yet picturesque levels.

“Ignition Entertainment is immensely proud for the opportunity to bring Muramasa: The Demon Blade to the legions of North American gamers yearning for top-quality, original action games on Wii.” said Shane Bettenhausen, New Business Development Director of Ignition Entertainment. “The talented developers at Vanillaware have crafted an absolutely stunning adventure through feudal Japan that balances subtle, sophisticated artistry with razor-sharp, addictive gameplay.”

“We continue to maintain our strong commitment to bring quality games to the marketplace,” said Ajay Chadha, President of Ignition Entertainment. “We feel deeply honored for the opportunity to bring Vanillaware’s magnificent masterpiece Muramasa: The Demon Blade to gamers stateside.”

“We developed Muramasa: The Demon Blade in the same way as we did Odin Sphere, so there are bound to be a lot of similarities. I want it to be a very fun game for everyone who picks it up,” said George Kamitani, game director and Vanillaware President.

Key Game Features:
• Beautiful 2D graphics
• Large variety of environments
• Two playable characters
• Replayability (multiple playable paths throughout the game)
• Supports Wii Remote and Nunchuk, Classic controller, and GameCube controller
• 16:9 widescreen support
• Excellent music and sound
• Timeless side-scrolling game play.
• Optional challenge stages and mini-games throughout
• Satisfying action elements leading to nice depth of combat (Combat is fast yet intuitive)
• Story elements and cut scenes are well integrated and not obtrusive.

Rhythm Based Music Game Snaps Together Best-Selling Franchises to Create Fun Family-Friendly Experience for All Ages

Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment and TT Games are joining forces with the LEGO Group, Harmonix and MTV Games to merge two of the most popular videogame franchises with the creation of LEGO® Rock Band. The unique family-friendly music experience is currently in development by TT Games in partnership with Harmonix, and published by Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment. The game, which will allow families, tweens and teens to experience a wild journey to rock stardom where they can “Build a Band and Rock the Universe,” will be available for the Xbox 360, PS3 and Wii. LEGO Rock Band for Nintendo DS will be co-developed by TT Games and Harmonix in partnership with Backbone Entertainment, a Foundation 9 Entertainment studio. All versions are scheduled for release holiday 2009.

LEGO Rock Band combines the multiplayer music experience of Rock Band with the fun, customization and humor of the LEGO videogame franchise packed with brilliant chart-topping songs and classic favorites suitable for younger audiences, including:

Blur: “Song 2″
Carl Douglas: “Kung Fu Fighting”
Europe: “The Final Countdown”
Good Charlotte: “Boys and Girls”
Pink: “So What”

Players will become rockers as they embark on a journey to stardom that the whole family can enjoy as they work their way through local venues, stadiums and fantasy locations on Earth and beyond that mimic the imaginative settings that the LEGO world offers. Also continuing the LEGO “build-and-play” gaming experience, players will be able to create their own LEGO Rock Band style as they customize their minifigure avatars, band and entourage, including roadies, managers and crew. LEGO Rock Band supports Rock Band instruments, as well as other music game controllers.

“LEGO Rock Band combines two compelling properties and creates an experience that family members of all ages will enjoy playing together as a group,” said Tom Stone, Managing Director, TT Games. “Harmonix and MTV Games are the world experts in music gameplay, and we’re genuinely thrilled to bring the unique and humor-filled LEGO experience to their Rock Band universe.”

“We’re thrilled to offer another LEGO branded gaming experience that will deliver humorous and social play for families and friends,” said Henrik Taudorf Lorensen, Vice President, the LEGO Group. “LEGO Rock Band is built around the same values of imagination and family-friendly creative role play that is present in other LEGO videogames. It will deliver innovative new elements of game play that complement the fun of the Rock Band experience.”

“Rock Band is a social game experience that crosses every generation and every genre of rock,” said Bob Picunko, Senior Vice President of Electronic Games for MTV Games. “Harmonix and MTV Games are big fans of the LEGO game franchise and excited to work with TT Games to develop a new take on Rock Band that focuses on great music and LEGO humor that’s fun for the whole family.”

Beta Testers Wanted for Upcoming PC Title

Paradox Interactive and Nitro Games Ltd. are looking for beta testers to play their upcoming strategy game, East India Company, which is due to release in Q3 of 2009.

Now is your chance to control one of the most powerful companies in history. In East India Company, the player assumes the role of Governor General, the leader of one of the East India Companies. The goal of the game is to bring wealth and new colonies to your company and make it the dominant force within a given time limit.

The player must organize profitable trade routes to the East Indies and back, as well as use political skills to minimize conflict. However, being that there are seven other companies with the same intentions, armed conflicts and outright wars are unavoidable.

East India Company features spectacular naval battles fought in RTS-fashion. The revolutionary Direct-Command mode puts the player right in the middle of the action on the ship’s deck.

Testing will include playing the single player campaign modes and fighting naval battles in various multiplayer modes.

To apply as a beta-tester, please go to:http://www.paradoxplaza.com/beta/

Beta-tester applications must be received by 7th of May. Please note that an internet connection is required.

For more information, please visit the East India Company homepage:http://www.eic-game.com.

Only Karaoke Game to be Released on All Next Gen Platforms

Features All-New Songs, Expanded Multiplayer and Party Modes and a Brand New Career Mode

Konami Digital Entertainment, Inc., today announced Karaoke Revolution for Wii^TM, Xbox 360 and PS3. The newest title in the groundbreaking music series distinguishes itself in the market as it is the only karaoke game that will be available on all next gen platforms. Additionally, the game will let karaoke fans sing and compete against friends with expanded multiplayer modes, 50 all-new hit songs from master recordings, as well as 16 original customizable venues and newly enhanced customizable characters including facial and body morphing.

Transforming video game consoles into a high-end interactive karaoke machine, Karaoke Revolution’s expanded multiplayer modes allows players to throw karaoke parties with their friends where they can perform as teams or choose to play in the single player career mode. If you just want to hear your favorite songs in succession, create a playlist and whenever you’re ready to perform, pick up the microphone and jump in at anytime! Players can join together on a wide variety of contemporary hits and classic favorites from licensed master recordings. Additionally, those using either the Xbox 360 or the PS3 can utilize the co-op Party Mode with multiple game modes for up to 16 players or battle with or against each other in the ultimate competition.

Also new to this year’s version is the custom venue and custom character creators which allow singers to design and personalize their venues and characters in ways that will be guaranteed to catch the attention of the crowd. Karaoke Revolution also offers singers to almost create a virtual representation of themselves with the abundance of character customization and record themselves with the Xbox LIVE Vision Camera or the PLAYSTATION Eye to incorporate themselves right on screen inside their custom venues! Additionally, Xbox 360 and PS3 gamers can also select and download licensed master tracks, share exclusive venues and additional clothing and accessories.

Like all versions from this acclaimed franchise, Karaoke Revolution features a proprietary voice recognition technology which accurately recognizes and scores vocal pitch and rhythm. Real-time feedback is offered by the dynamic crowds that fill each virtual venue. The game comes packaged with a microphone for players to be ready to perform.

Karaoke Revolution will be released in the fourth quarter of 2009. For more information on the game, please visit: http://www.konami.com/kr/

AND They have more things to come this week, like exclusive new bonus materials, the second part of the retrospective, the best Fallout mods spotlight and more. Every Fallout fan and every Good Old Games fan will find something interesting for themselves.

Mad Catz Interactive, Inc. today announced that it has begun shipping a range of accessories compatible with the new Nintendo DSi handheld device.

Designed to capitalize upon the unique new features offered within the handheld device’s hardware, the Mad Catz DSi accessories have been designed to appeal to a broad user demographic and enhance the game play and media functions for DSi owners.

The Mad Catz line of DSi compatible accessories includes:

Mad Catz DSi Princess Pak
Ideal for aspiring princesses everywhere! Transport and accessorize your new DSi in style with the plush pink Handbag to store and protect your DSi or DS Lite®. The Princess Pak also includes a pink Jumbo Pen Stylus, 4 Screen Protectors (Fitting both DSi and DS Lite®), and a Game Case Bracelet allowing gamers to wear and protect up to four DS games! MSRP: $19.99/£19.99

Mad Catz DSi Audio Chat Pak
Featuring a comfortable headset and in-line microphone, the Audio Chat Pak makes full use of the DSi’s advanced communication capabilities by allowing gamers to talk over a Wi-Fi connection or when using voice controlled games. The Audio Chat Pak features an in-line Remote allowing gamers to mute or alter volume and complete with complimentary Storage Case to protect their DSi. MSRP: $19.99/£17.99

Mad Catz DSi Brain Pak
Designed specifically for Brain Training and other software which promotes vertical orientation of the DSi, the Brain Pak features a tough durable Protective Case for gamers’ DSi connected to an adjustable Strap allowing users to safely hold their consoles in an upright position. The Brain Pak also features 2 replacement Styli and 2 Screen Protectors. MSRP: £9.99 (UK and Euro Only)

Mad Catz DSi Car Adaptor
Power up and charge your DSi from any standard 12volt lighter socket. The Car Adaptor comes complete with a bonus adaptor to allow charging to any standard DS Lite console. MSRP: $9.99/ £7.99

Mad Catz DSi Stylus Pak
The Mad Catz DSi Stylus Pak features 5 durable replacement Styli for your DSi console and comes with assorted colors to match console hues. MSRP: $5.99/ £4.99

Mad Catz DSi Screen Protector Pak
The Screen Protector Pak features 4 Screen Protectors which leave no unsightly residue and a bonus Squeegee. MSRP: $5.99/£4.99

Mad Catz DSi ArmorCase and ArmorStore Case
Offering tough, durable, impact resistant protection with a ‘soft-touch’ surface, the Armor and ArmorStore Case protects your DSi console. The ArmorStore Case offers bonus discrete storage for 3 Games, 3 SD Cards and a replacement Stylus. MSRP: $9.99/£7.99

Mad Catz DSi Basic Pak
An ideal assortment of accessories when purchasing a DSi console, the Mad Catz DSi Basic Pak features a clear, durable plastic Case with protective rubber inserts to store DSi, up to 6 SD cards, up to 6 games, and up to 2 replacement Styli. Also included are 2 Screen Protectors and 2 replacement Styli. MSRP: $14.99 (US and Canada Only)

Mad Catz DSi Value Pak
The Mad Catz DSi Value Pak represents stunning value and includes a stylish Carry Case, 2 Screen Protectors and 2 replacement Styli. MSRP: £11.99 (UK and Euro Only)

Mad Catz DSi Travel Pak Plus
Designed to accommodate both DSi and DS Lite, the Travel Pak Plus features a heavily padded ‘camera style’ Carry Case, Car Adaptor, 2 ‘clip-on’ Game Cases, 2 replacement Styli, 4 Screen Protectors, Stereo Earphones and a carry Lanyard. MSRP: $29.99/£29.99

Darren Richardson, President and Chief Executive Officer of Mad Catz commented, “We are excited about the launch of the DSi and expect it to expand the handheld market. Our comprehensive range of DSi compatible products includes essential items for every DSi owner and an impressive array of new innovative accessories.”

The Mad Catz range of DSi compatible accessories is available across the US, Canada and key European territories.

Atlantians Compete in Grand Championship Tournaments Between Servers

NDOORS Interactive, creator of the strategic turn-based MMORPGAtlantica Online, today announced that the Titan Server, Atlantica’s first cross-server PvP battle area, is now open along with a few other updates. The independent game server will enable interaction between all players from all Atlantica servers, creating the first true test of who is the best of the best. Players can now board a designated Titan ship and journey to and from the Titan Server to access new content, chat with other players, and compete against each other in massive PvP tournaments.

Later this year, the Titan cross-server will feature an entirely new continent, unlike any current game location, where players will have the chance to compete against each other for control over regions in this new and unexplored territory. Before the Titan Server, players could only communicate with users on their same server, but more updates coming later this year will allow Atlantians to interact regardless of their server, enabling players to meet more friends (and enemies) in Atlantica Online.

“The developers wanted to create an all-inclusive server that would give users from the separate servers a chance to finally meet and battle against one another, to determine who the best of the best really is,” said Peter Kang, NDOORS Interactive, CEO. “The Titan Server encourages additional community interaction and player participation, and will continue to do so as new features are added in the future.”

Additionally, the Titan Server will offer a “Grand Championship Tournament” where players can battle it out for glorious rewards, beginning each Sunday at 3am and 3pm PDT. Players will earn Gold Coins just for participating – more if they are the winner of the first battle, and participants who win more than one battle will receive EXP for their main character and mercenaries. The top 30 players will receive 4 Platinum Coins, Observation Rewards and 200 Fame/Battle points, but the overall winner of this tournament will reign supreme, receiving the Barbarian Lord’s Black Tiger, Platinum Coins, Observation Rewards and 1,000 Fame/Battle Points. The Grand Championship Tournament winners will be the very best of the best, earning rewards and bragging rights galore.

Upon traveling to the Titan Server, initials of the players’ original server will be added to their character names to prevent any conflicts. Currently, only basic user information will be copied over to the Titan Server, but in the coming updates all player details, including communities, friends and guild members will be available on the Titan Server. Cross-server trade, chat and whisper features will also be implemented in the near future.

Recognized as one of the best MMORPGs of 2008, Atlantica Online has received critical acclaim for its quality, accessibility, and entertainment value. The Titan Server is only one of many exciting content updates scheduled for Atlantica on April 21, 2009. With new massive features already in development, the implementation of the Titan Server promises exciting things to the world of Atlantis. Preparation for in-game events is already underway, so players should check back often to participate in the cross-server excitement.

For more information on Atlantica Online, please visit:www.playatlantica.com.

Milestone Exemplifies GamersGate’s Dedication to Independent Development Community

GamersGate has announced that last week it added the 1000th title to its growing library of downloadable PC games - Braid. The independently developed puzzle-platformer that swept the gaming industry in 2008, Braidproved that independent titles can achieve widespread success outside of traditional development and distribution models. Braid is a testament to the dedication, creativity and innovation of the independent game development community.

“Braid not only challenges traditional game design, it challenges the very fabric of the industry by achieving critical success as a download only title,” said Theodore Bergquist, CEO of GamersGate. “Our goal is to enable market access for small development companies in order to foster innovation in the industry, and havingBraid as our 1,000th title is a symbol of our success.”

Braid, Casual Game of 2008 in the Interactive Achievement Awards, is currently available for sale onGamersGate.com. Published by Microsoft Game Studios, Braid is available for $14.95 USD.

GamersGate now has over 1000 titles in its catalog from a variety of publishers including EA, Ubisoft, THQ, and many others. Their diverse catalog consists of a dynamic mix of major AAA titles, niche titles, and the best selection of indie titles on the web.

To find out more about GamersGate, please visit www.gamersgate.com.