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Vintage covers and Centerfolds from the archives of the world’s best-selling men’s monthly magazine to be found throughout the world of Empire Bay

2K Games announced that it has signed a license agreement with Playboy magazine for a unique in-game integration to use more than 50 of their vintage covers and Centerfolds in Mafia II, this year’s highly anticipated epic mobster game for the Xbox, PS3, and Windows PC. Set in the fully realized and immersive 1940s and 1950s American urban cityscape of Empire Bay, Mafia II will enable players to collect virtual copies of the iconic magazine, which has served as the definitive guide to lifestyle and culture for men since December 1953.

“While most mob-inspired games’ emphasis is solely on action, Mafia II features a deep and compelling narrative that is embellished with a sophisticated, era-evoking atmosphere,” said Christoph Hartmann, president of 2K. “In partnering with Playboy, we are able to add a unique element of authenticity to the game by using vintage images from the magazine that illustrate the power of Playboy’s influence on the attitudes and culture of that generation.”

Mafia II is a beautifully crafted look into the dark and unforgiving world of the Mafia where clothing, cars, music and advertising are meticulously created to replicate an American city in the ‘40s and ‘50s. Players will easily become engaged in the game’s cinematic, Hollywood-style experience with strong, believable characters in a living, breathing city that transports them to a time when rock-n-roll first strummed its guitar and chrome-plated hot rods roared down boulevards.

“For more than 55 years, Playboy has been a part of America’s pop culture landscape, engaging its readers with insightful features, interviews and fashion spreads, as well as pictorials of some of the world’s most beautiful women,” said Playboy magazine’s Editorial Director Jimmy Jellinek. “Mafia II is set when Playboy first came into vogue and features characters whose style and attitudes mirror content from our early issues. We’re excited to bring an element of authenticity to the game that is unmatched in the men’s publishing category.”

Mafia II is currently in development by 2K Czech, the same creative team behind the award-winning, genre-defining Mafia, which captivated millions of gamers around the world. By fusing high-octane gunplay with white-knuckle driving and an engaging narrative, Mafia II looks to be the industry’s most compelling Mafia title to date.

For more information, please visit www.mafia2game.com.

“KING OF SOUL” OTIS REDDING DEBUTS ON ROCK BAND

Harmonix and MTV Games today announced that a five pack of songs from Otis Redding, known as the “King of Soul,” as well as singles from All Time Low, Alphabeat, Brian Setzer and The Chemical Brothers, will be added next week to the Rock Band Music Store of downloadable content for the Xbox 360, PS3 and Wii.

These are among the more than 400 artists currently available through the Rock Band platform. With more than 1,000 songs available, Rock Band is, without question, the industry leader in providing the best selection of interactive musical content, songs and artists.

Rock Band DLC Additions for Xbox 360, PlayStation3 System and Wii

Otis Redding’s short career has been celebrated many times over. He was inducted in the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1994, received a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 1999, has three songs listed in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame’s “The 500 Songs that Shaped Rock and Roll,” and Rolling Stone ranked him No. 21 in their 100 Greatest Artists of All Time and the No. 8 greatest singer of all time. The legendary artist will make his debut in Rock Band next week with five of his classics: “(Sittin’ On) The Dock of the Bay,” “Fa-Fa-Fa-Fa-Fa (Sad Song),” “I’m Sick Y’all,” “I’ve Got Dreams to Remember” and “Love Man.”

Also available in the Rock Band Music Store next week are singles from All Time Low (“Weightless”), Alphabeat (“Fascination”), Brian Setzer (“Stray Cat Strut”) and The Chemical Brothers (“Let Forever Be”).

Available on Xbox 360 and Wii (Feb. 16) and PlayStation3 system (Feb. 18):

· Otis Redding – “(Sittin’ On) The Dock of the Bay” +

· Otis Redding – “Fa-Fa-Fa-Fa-Fa (Sad Song)” +

· Otis Redding – “I’m Sick Y’all” +

· Otis Redding – “I’ve Got Dreams to Remember” +

· Otis Redding – “Love Man”

· All Time Low – “Weightless”

· Alphabeat –“Fascination” +

· Brian Setzer – “Stray Cat Strut” +

· The Chemical Brothers – “Let Forever Be” +

(All tracks are original master recordings)

These tracks will be available for purchase as “Otis Redding Pack 01”as well as individual tracks on Xbox 360 and PlayStation3 system, and as individual tracks only on Wii. Tracks marked with “+” are also available for download in the family-friendly LEGO® Rock Band Music Store.

Price:$1.99 USD, £.99 UK, €1.49 EU (160 Microsoft Points for Xbox 360) per track

$8.49 USD, £4.39 UK, €6.55 EU (680 Microsoft Points for Xbox 360) for “Otis Redding Pack 01”

$2.00 USD (200 Wii Points™) per track

** Dates for Rock Band game tracks are tentative and subject to change. **

For more information, please visit:

Rock Band Website

Otis Redding Website

Rock Band 2 is available for Xbox 360, PlayStation3 system, PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system and Wii system. Xbox 360, PlayStation3 system and Wii versions support downloadable content.

Downloadable content for Wii is purchased via the in-game Rock Band Music Storeusing Wii Points™ purchased through the Wii™ Shop Channel and can be downloaded to the system memory or to an SD card for additional storage. The tracks stream directly from the SD card for seamless play.

With these additions, there are now 1,086 tracks available to date via disc and download purchase (complete list of tracks at www.rockband.com/music). Rock Band continues to satisfy music fans’ and gamers’ voracious appetite for rock with more than 60 million paid downloads since its launch Nov. 20, 2007. The Rock BandRock Band library. Music Store allows players to preview and purchase downloadable individual music tracks and packs from the vast selection of offerings available to date without ever leaving the game as they build their own custom

Rock Band and Rock Band 2 are rated “T” for Teen (lyrics, suggestive themes) by the ESRB. Music downloads are not rated by the ESRB.

For more information on Rock Band 2 and Harmonix Music Systems please visit www.rockband.com and www.harmonixmusic.com.

Tetsuya Nomura-Designed FINAL FANTASY XIII Limited Edition Faceplates to Also be Released

In celebration of the launch of one of the most highly anticipated games of 2010 and the debut of the FINAL FANTASY series onto the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, Square Enix, Inc. and Microsoft have announced the FINAL FANTASY XIII Special Edition Bundle.

Fans looking to purchase a “next generation” console will note that this Special Edition is not only an amazing value, but also the only console outside of Japan to be bundled with the game. The bundle includes a 250GB Hard Drive engraved with the FINAL FANTASY XIII name, two Wireless Controllers, exclusive downloadable avatar items and a Standard Edition copy of FINAL FANTASY XIII.

Additionally, Square Enix’s famed character designer, Tetsuya Nomura, has created an exclusive FINAL FANTASY XIII Limited Edition Faceplate that will be available promotionally in very limited numbers. Players can immerse themselves in the complete FINAL FANTASY XIII experience this March.

WHEN/WHERE: The FINAL FANTASY XIII Special Edition Bundle is available for pre-order now and in-stores beginning March 9, 2010, while supplies last.

The FINAL FANTASY XIII Limited Edition Faceplate will be available promotionally in fixed, limited quantities at select retailers in North America, Europe, Australia and New Zealand.

Story

Cocoon — a utopia in the sky.

Its inhabitants believed their world a paradise.

Under the Sanctum’s rule, Cocoon had long known peace and prosperity.

Mankind was blessed by its protectors, the benevolent fal’Cie, and believed that tranquil days would continue forever.

Their tranquility was shattered with the discovery of one hostile fal’Cie.

The moment that fal’Cie from Pulse — the feared and detested lowerworld — awoke from its slumber, peace on Cocoon came to an end.

Fal’Cie curse humans, turning them into magic-wielding servants.

They become l’Cie — chosen of the fal’Cie.

Those branded with the mark of a l’Cie carry the burden of either fulfilling their Focus or facing a fate harsher than death itself.

A prayer for redemption.

A wish to protect the world.

A promise to challenge destiny.

After thirteen days of fates intertwined, the battle begins.

Features

· Take Part in a Gaming Experience that Sets New Standards – The first in the series developed for a simultaneous release on multiple high-definition consoles, FINAL FANTASY XIII pushes new boundaries in cinematic presentation, sound and gameplay.

· Experience the Unity of Speed and Strategy with the Ultimate Active Time Battle system The familiar system has evolved, granting players the freedom of executing numerous commands in a single turn with the multi-slot ATB gauge. Whether inputting singular commands in each slot for consecutive attacks, or expending multiple slots at once to activate a devastating blow, it’s up to the players to respond effectively to the battle conditions at hand.

· Adapt to the Ever-Changing Tide of Battle with Paradigms – A brand-new game mechanic enabling players to assign roles to their party members at any time during battle, shifting between combat paradigms. Consisting of various combinations of the game’s six roles, ranging from Commando, the offensive specialist, to Medic, the quintessential healer, paradigms allow players to respond and adapt instantly to any given situation to turn the tide and seize victory.

· Witness the Battle Scene Transform with an All-New Summon System – Introducing Gestalt Mode, a powerful dimension of the summon system that elevates the action to a whole new level. In Gestalt Mode, characters and their transformed Eidolons fight as one, dealing massive damage to enemies through simple button commands.

· Delve into an Emotional Experience – An immersive storyline connects players to an intriguing cast of characters. Will they have the strength to confront their cursed fates, or will destiny prevail over all that they believe in?

· A Brand-New Song for an International Audience – Multi-platinum, Grammy-nominated singer and songwriter Leona Lewis has come on board with Square Enix to provide her new song, “My Hands,” for the North American and European versions

OFFICIAL WEBSITES:

FINAL FANTASY XIII information: http://finalfantasyxiii.com.

FINAL FANTASY XIII Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/FinalFantasyXIII.

FINAL FANTASY XIII Twitter: http://twitter.com/OfficialFFXIII.

Coming April 27th to 360 and PS3. This one looks interesting.

NIER is a unique “Action-RPG” for PlayStation 3 system and Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, which represents the next epic story from the renowned RPG masters at Square Enix. 

Developed by cavia Inc, NIER blends both innovative and traditional RPG gameplay mechanics with an intense, bloody combat system to create an action-packed single-player experience where players explore and discover a future lost to a shadowy past.

NIER delivers on Square Enix’s renowned pedigree for creating unique and twisting storylines coupled with deep character development – a pedigree that has kept gamers around the world enraptured for decades.

In NIER, nothing is as it seems as players are kept guessing from beginning to end by elaborate plotlines and cliff-hangers that reveal a complex reality hidden behind the illusion.

Players will jump into the title role of the unyielding Nier as he begins his desperate quest to discover a cure for his daughter, Yonah, who is stricken with the deadly Black Scrawl disease.  Armed with a powerful set of magical abilities as well as mighty swords and armor, Nier will do battle alongside a set of formidable allies against waves of dark enemies and giant bosses to discover the truth about the disease, his daughter…and himself.

FEATURES

• The Next RPG from Square Enix: NIER, the newest franchise from RPG masters Square Enix, delivers unique and memorable characters, intense action-packed battles, explosive magic and storytelling like only Square Enix can.
• Unbelievable Story Twists and Reveals:  Immerse in an amazingly intricate storyline set in a world plagued by human anguish, buried secrets and a ravaging disease.  With plot twists hiding around every corner, NIER’s story needs to be seen to be believed.
• RPG Gameplay Injected With Action-Packed Combat:  Battle ferocious and mysterious enemies by combining proven RPG-style gameplay, such as magic, character development and faithful allies, with action-focused explosive swordplay and combat.
• Powerful Magical Abilities:  When his sword isn’t enough, Nier can call on a remarkable array of stylish and powerful spells to augment his combat moves and overcome adversaries.  As players progress, upgraded spells will help defeat ever-more-deadly enemies.
• Brutal Combat Moves:  Face off against evil creatures and unleash brutal combat moves along with devastating combo attacks.  Unlock an arsenal of devastating weapons, each with its own design and attack style.
• Formidable Allies: Travel with a dynamic party of allies and do battle against monstrous giants as a powerful and united party.
• A Dynamic and Stunning World:  Travel across an unforgettable world filled with dynamic landscapes featuring the hauntingly familiar remains of modern society.

Time is running out on your chance to enter to win a boatload of loot in the Divinity II – Ego Draconis “Quest for Glory” sweepstakes. The deadline to enter the sweepstakes is February 1st.

More than 100 dedicated Dragon Knights have already entered to win the “Quest For Glory” by unlocking every Achievement in the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft version of Divinity II – Ego Draconis and going to www.honorofrivellon.com to enter.

Visit www.honorofrivellon.com to enter, for all sweepstakes details and a full list of first place and runner-up prizes.

Check out the official “Quest For Glory” trailer here.

The first place prize package includes:

· The Dragon Knight Epic Trophy

· A Divinity II custom Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system

· Divinity II – Ego Draconis Controller Skin Set

· Divinity II – Ego Draconis Decal Set

· Divinity II – Ego Draconis Game Card Set

· Divinity II – Ego Draconis In-Game Items Pack (weapon /armor)

· Gaming lounge which includes a large screen TV, gaming chair and controllers

The Dragon Knight Epic Trophy, given out only to the first place winner, is a high quality 3D rendition of a dragon’s head mounted on a plaque. The figurine will be produced using the same 3D models used in Divinity II – Ego Draconis and rendered and machine cut for accuracy.

The sequel to the critically acclaimed action-RPG Divine Divinity, Divinity II – Ego Draconis transports players back to the wide-open, war-torn world of Rivellon where they will battle the forces of evil not just as a human warrior, but also as a powerful Dragon Knight! Developed by Larian Studios, Divinity IIboasts a robust fantasy adventure of more than 60 hours, teeming with massive dungeons and outdoor spaces to explore. It offers deep on-the-ground and aerial combat, and a mystery to unravel that could reveal hidden truths and revive forgotten evils, altering the face of Rivellon forever! Divinity II – Ego Draconis is available for Xbox 360 and Windows PC.

For more information about Divinity II – Ego Draconis, which is rated “M” for “Mature” by the ESRB, please visit www.cdvus.com or www.divinity2.com.

Deep Silver, the games label of Koch Media, a worldwide producer and distributor of digital entertainment products, announced today that RISEN will be published for the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft in North America this February. RISEN features an epic story with over 60 hours of exploration and adventuring.

RISEN is a massive, open-world RPG where every decision counts and every action continuously shapes a player’s reputation. In a medieval setting, the game begins with the player shipwrecked on an island in turmoil, rocked by mysterious ruins rising from the ground. Players will battle dangerous creatures yet the promise of ancient treasures will lead them on an adventure where they must choose to align with either the native Rebel faction, or the mysterious Order and its Inquisition. Only then will they determine just what is truly happening on the “forbidden isle.”

“We’re incredibly excited about RISEN and the opportunity to publish it in North America,” said Geoff Mulligan, Chief Operating Officer at Deep Silver. “What we bring to market is a deep, immersive RPG that Xbox 360 gamers have been clamoring for. RISEN is going to start off this year for RPGs in an amazing way.”

RISEN features a seamless streaming environment that players can explore however they choose, using intuitive controls designed to make exploration and combat easily accessible to both RPG fans and newcomers alike. The game’s central story can be experienced in different ways, depending on the in-game decisions players make.

RISEN is being developed by Piranha Bytes and scheduled for release in February 2010. For more information visit risen.deepsilver.com.

http://www.residentevil/gold

Included in the Gold version is the full Resident Evil 5 (PS3/360) and all downloadable content. MSRP will be 49.99. Available March 9, 2010. If you already own RE5, you can of course purchase the DLC on Playstation Network and XBL, including the new content available in the Gold version on March 9th.

The Misadventures of P.B. Winterbottom

2K Play announced today that The Misadventures of P.B. Winterbottom will be available on February 17, 2010 exclusively on Xbox LIVE Arcade for the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft for 800 Microsoft Points. Set in a macabre and comical silent film era backdrop, The Misadventures of P.B. Winterbottom tells the story of the buttwitt villain P.B. Winterbottom, and his ravenous quest to devour every flakey crust of delicious pie he can swipe. Players take on the game’s movie-level “shorts” in the most ingenious way possible to attain the highest score while stacking, smacking, and riding through time.

The Misadventures of P.B. Winterbottom comes fresh from the imaginative ovens of video game “bakers” The Odd Gentlemen and commences just after the portly P.B. Winterbottom swipes a mouth-watering bite of the mysterious Chronoberry Pie. That first scrumptious morsel unsuspectingly gives him the ability to break the rules of time and replicate himself at will, by recording himself and harnessing time-bending abilities to cooperate, compete against, and disrupt his past, present and future selves. These amazing abilities, like fresh ingredients mixed with a mental prowess for problem sleuthing, make The Misadventures of P.B. Winterbottom the tastiest Xbox LIVE Arcade game of 2010.

The Misadventures of P.B. Winterbottom will be available on Xbox LIVE Arcade for Xbox 360 on February 17, 2010.

The gateway to the rich Mistbound universe is unlocked with a revealing trailer and the opening of the community website.

The newest and richest universe in gaming is primed to reveal some of its secrets as W!Games opens the borders to the Mistbound universe today with a new trailer. The fascinating backdrop to the forthcoming innovative strategy game Greed Corp, the world is introduced with a two minute trailer exploring the history of Mistbound, along with the launch of the community website and competition to win copies of the game on PlayStation Network and Xbox LIVE Arcade for the Xbox 360.

The Mistbound community website will contain continuously updated information on this beautifully realized gaming landscape including the multiple games situated within it, beginning with the aforementioned Greed Corp. There will be weekly blogs giving a behind-the-scenes look in to the daily life of the studio and the ongoing development of the various games as well as blogs written by the inhabitants of the Mistbound world. Get pumpkin growing advice from veteran Freemen walker pilot Max Brawley, the latest strategic tips on how to beat your friends in Greed Corp straight from the lips of an Empire General, and a travel blog describing the locations and adventures of legendary Pirate leader Evander.

There will also be regular updated information on the games themselves with in-depth articles, screenshots, artwork and trailers. Players can meet each other on the forums and participate in regular competitions. The giveaways will begin immediately on January 15th where 10x copies of Greed Corp (5 x PlayStation Network and 5x Xbox LIVE Arcade) will be given away to 10 people. All you have to do is register on the Mistbound Community website.

To register and be in with a chance of winning head to www.mistbound.com/community

The Graphically Enhanced Classic Gives Fans Enough Carnage, Smokin’ Guns and

Multiplayer Mayhem to Make Life Worthwhile this January 13th

Start off 2010 with a serious bang as Majesco Entertainment Company today released Serious Sam HD: The First Encounter for Xbox LIVE Arcade for the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft. For just 1200 Microsoft Points, players and bad-A%#s in training can download the high-definition retelling of the original Serious Sam to blast, battle and obliterate the forces of the evil Mental.

“This game takes my good looks, swarthy charm and timeless cool from the original version and ups it to a level of god-like brilliance,” says Sam ‘Serious’ Stone, everyone’s favorite loud mouth protagonist. “Gamers can even play online with up to three friends to wipe out the thorn in my side known as the Sirian Army.”

Developed by Croteam, the creators of the Serious Sam franchise, and produced in partnership with Devolver Digital, Serious Sam HD: The First Encounter follows our hero Sam as he frantically battles his way through time to ancient Egypt. Throughout 15 levels of awesomeness, he takes on a seemingly never-ending onslaught of enemies, from the charging Sirian Werebulls to the screaming Headless Kamikazes. Whether blowing apart nasties with monstrous cannons or ripping them to shreds with the lead-spewing minigun, the tools and the talent are at your disposal to ensure non-stop butt-kicking action over Xbox LIVE Arcade for Xbox 360.

Serious Sam HD: The First Encounter is rated M for Mature and now available for download from Xbox LIVE Arcade for Xbox 360 for 1200 Microsoft Points. For more information on the game, please visit the official site at www.SeriousSamHD.com.