Gamersnewsbits.com

some pre-E3 screens of the upcoming game that blends FPS with RTS seamlessly. More to come from E3 (which, sadly, I won’t attend this year).

Retailer Provides Exclusive Sneak Peek at Some of 2009’s Hottest Video Game Titles

This year, the Electronic Entertainment Expo in Los Angles will be bigger than ever, and Target® will be a part of the world’s most important video game trade show where the industry’s creativity and innovation will be on display. From June 2-4, Target will host an interactive Bullseye Lounge in the heart of the Los Angeles Convention Center as a place to cool off while exclusively showcasing a few of 2009’s hottest video game titles from some of its biggest publishing partners.

“Time and time again, the Electronic Entertainment Expo has proved to be the epicenter of the video game world,” said Mark Schindele, senior vice president, Target. “Events like E3 allow us to collaborate with our publishing partners to highlight key titles as well as get a look at the best video game products for the future.”

Aside from previewing new 2009 gaming titles, the Bullseye Lounge will offer attendees a place to recharge, relax and refresh with snacks from Archer Farms, Target’s premium food owned brand. The Bullseye Lounge will be centrally located in the mezzanine between the main halls.

Los Angeles to Host Video Game Industry Event in June

Washington, DC – October 22, 2008 – The 2009 Electronic Entertainment Expo (E³) will take place from June 2-4, 2009, at the Los Angeles Convention Center (LACC), the Entertainment Software Association (ESA) announced today. The expanded E³ will welcome all qualified computer and video game industry audiences, including international and U.S.-based media, analysts, retailers, developers and business partners to preview the latest in interactive entertainment and technology.

 “Video games are the fastest growing and most compelling sector of the entertainment industry. And, this upgraded event will reflect the growth, innovation and excitement of our industry,” said Michael D. Gallagher, CEO of the ESA, which represents US computer and video game publishers and organizes the annual event. “The breadth, scope and quality of the changes made to the show will make E³ the must-attend event of the year.”

 “The E3 Expo will be the pre-eminent North American gaming show next year. The new, larger event is better for industry leaders and for serious gamers,” commented John Riccitiello, CEO of Electronic Arts.

 After conducting both qualitative and quantitative research, ESA officials stated changes were necessary to better meet the needs of both exhibitors and attendees— these changes include increased booth sizes, increased qualified audiences, and an intensified focus on reinforcing the high-octane growth, innovation, and captivating entertainment that are driving the computer and video game industry.

 ”The video game business will be twice as big in 2009 as it was in 2006 when we had the last real E3 Expo – so get ready for some fireworks!” said Laurent Detoc, president of Ubisoft North America. “The changes made will ensure that the 2009 E3 Expo conveys the best of what makes us proud as entertainment leaders.”

 ESA also said IDG World Expo, whose principals have operated E³ since its inception in 1995, will produce the event with the ESA.

 The event will be open to ESA members and non-members alike. Organizers noted they are expanding the list of companies eligible to participate. Companies involved in console, PC, online, and mobile game publishing and developing, qualified business partners, as well as makers of video game hardware and peripherals can exhibit.

 Additional details, including registration, hotel and travel accommodations, and media credentialing, will be forthcoming in the next few weeks and will be available at www.e3expo.com.

The Entertainment Software Association is the U.S. association dedicated to serving the business and public affairs needs of 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, First Amendment and intellectual property protection efforts.  For more information, please visit www.theESA.com.

Next-gen screenshots shown

Storyline
A new chapter in the saga challenges you to help King Roland thwart off evil brewing in the distant corner of the Kingdom! Persuade the king to believe your island is the most ideal royal destination. 

• A new chapter to the MySims Kingdom story – Help King Roland defend evil in a far-flung corner of the Kingdom.

• Nine new mini-games – Players must conquer mini-games in order to persuade the King that their island is the ultimate royal destination. Mini-games include – kayaking, ski jumping, populating the zoo, and many others!

Title: “My Aquarium”
Publisher: Hudson Entertainment
Developer: Hudson Soft
Format: Digital download for WiiWare™
ESRB Rating: RP (Rating Pending)
Pricing: TBD
Availability: TBD
Release Territories: Worldwide

My Aquarium: My Aquarium is an all-new, original IP for WiiWare™. In this pleasant and relaxing software experience, much like a real aquarium, you can customize your fish tank with different backgrounds, gravel styles, decorations, plant life, and of course, fish.
Product
Overview: My Aquarium brings the relaxation of an aquarium to your Wii™. Sit back, interact with the fish, and enjoy the wondrous things that can happen. Don’t worry if you have to go away for a while; you might even find a brand new fish when you come back! Fish & fun for the whole family. Why not add an aquarium to your home?
Features:
• Create a captivating world for your enjoyment and relaxation – Decide exactly which fish you want in your aquarium and what decorations they’ll get to enjoy. Choose the glass color, lighting, background design, style of gravel, rocks, or plant life for the world your fish will inhabit. Mix and match different fish in up to 6 individual aquariums. You can even send aquariums to your friends using WiiConnect24™ if they also have My Aquarium!
• A wide selection of colorful fish – Choose from 40 different types of fish, from groupers to jellyfish. Both freshwater and saltwater fish can cohabit just fine. If you want to feed your fish, you can choose from a variety of food. You can even interact with your fish and keep a watchful eye on your favorite. Learn more about your fish in the Fish Database.
• Interacts with the Wii Forecast Channel – Tank conditions change depending on the weather in your area!
• Focused on Fun –You can simply relax and enjoy the fish. Don’t worry about water temperatures or other special knowledge needed for a real aquarium. My Aquarium requires only your imagination.
Publisher

Information: About Hudson Entertainment, Inc.: Hudson Entertainment is the North American publishing arm of Hudson Soft, an international provider of games and entertainment content founded in 1973. Hudson introduced best-selling classic videogame franchises including Bomberman, Bonk, and Adventure Island. Hudson Entertainment focuses on four key businesses: console games, digital download content, mobile games, and music. Hudson’s mobile division has been a leading supplier of games and personalized content. Through numerous partnerships with record labels, Hudson has become a leading provider of hip-hop ringtones and mobile content. For more information on Hudson Entertainment, please visit www.hudsonent.com.

EA AND WARNER BROS. INTERACTIVE ENTERTAINMENT ANNOUNCE
HARRY POTTER AND THE HALF-BLOOD PRINCE VIDEO GAME

Fans will relive the thrills, action and excitement of the movie this holiday season

Guildford, U.K. – April 22nd, 2008 – EA’s Casual Entertainment Label and Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment today announced that the Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince™ video game will be released later this year to coincide with the Warner Bros. Pictures film based on J.K. Rowling’s sixth Harry Potter book. 

“We believe that the Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince video game represents a milestone in the movie tie-in genre,” said Harvey Elliott, Head of EA Bright Light studio in the UK where the Harry Potter franchise has its home. “Building on the technological advancements of previous games in the series and with a particular focus on the unique control system of Nintendo’s Wii™, the team here is working closely with the filmmakers to create an immersive interactive experience that captures the story, the action, the excitement and, above all, the fun of the film.”

“Working with EA, we look forward to offering fans a compelling Harry Potter video game, one which captures the thrilling storyline and high visual quality of the movie,” said Scott Johnson, Vice President, Business Development for Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment. “The adherence to the rich fiction is a trademark of this franchise and with Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince fans will experience the most authentic and enjoyable game in the series to date.”

In Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, Voldemort is tightening his grip on both the Muggle and wizarding worlds and Hogwarts is no longer the safe haven it once was. Harry suspects that dangers may even lie within the castle, but Dumbledore is more intent upon preparing him for the final battle that he knows is fast approaching. Together they work to find the key to unlock Voldemort’s defenses and, to this end, Dumbledore recruits his old friend and colleague, the well-connected and unsuspecting bon vivant Professor Horace Slughorn, whom he believes holds crucial information.  Meanwhile, the students are under attack from a very different adversary as teenage hormones rage across the ramparts. Harry finds himself more and more drawn to Ginny, but so is Dean Thomas.  And Lavender Brown has decided that Ron is the one for her, only she hadn’t counted on Romilda Vane’s chocolates! And then there’s Hermione, simmering with jealously but determined not to show her feelings. As romance blossoms, one student remains aloof. He is determined to make his mark, albeit a dark one. Love is in the air, but tragedy lies ahead and Hogwarts may never be the same again.

In the game of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, players will return to Hogwarts to help Harry survive a fraught sixth year. They will also have a chance to engage in exciting wizard duels, mix and brew magical ingredients in Potions class and take to the air to lead the Gryffindor Quidditch team to victory. Players may even get sidetracked by Ron’s romantic entanglements as they journey towards a dramatic climax and discover the identity of the Half-Blood Prince.

Under development by EA Bright Light Studio, the team behind the worldwide success of the Harry Potter library of games, Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince is scheduled for release in time for the movie launch this fall for the Wii™, PLAYSTATION®3, Xbox 360™, PlayStation®2, PSP® (PlayStation®Portable), Nintendo DS™, Windows PC, Macintosh and mobile devices.

Summary: Intense close-quarters action and paranormal suspense combine in the sequel to the 2005 smash hit, F.E.A.R. Incredibly smart enemies and over-the-top FX bombard players as they race to save what’s left of the city of Auburn from Alma’s ghostly rage.

Story: Beginning shortly before the ending of F.E.A.R., a Special Forces squad is on a routine mission when the city of Auburn is rocked by a supernatural explosion. Alma, a girl with immense power and a thirst for revenge, has unleashed her wrath upon the city and thrown it into chaos. The squad must combat enemy forces and the supernatural as they struggle to find a way to stop Alma and uncover the mysterious forces arrayed against them before it’s too late.

Key Features:
• Strategic environmental combat opportunities available to both you and your enemies
• Slow time using your character’s enhanced reflexes
• In your face close-quarter action in a variety of indoor and outdoor environments
• Battle all-new enemies that employ advanced combat tactics
• Test your nerves and face your FEARS as you battle new characters and unravel a terrifying mystery
• Utilize the world interaction enhancements to create instant cover or remove obstacles
• Play with and against friends in multiplayer competition
• Enhanced graphics engine takes action horror to new heights through enhanced visuals and effects
• Enemies behave realistically and use the environment against you through vastly enhanced enemy Artificial Intelligence
• Maintains the authenticity of the Alma storyline and players will know this is the only place to continue the saga

RELEASE DATE: Fall 2008
PUBLISHER: Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment
DEVELOPER: Sidhe Interactive
ESRB RATING: RP
GENRE: Arcade Action Racing

PRODUCT OVERVIEW:

Speed Racer: The Videogame for PlayStation®2 will be released in Fall 2008 along with the DVD version of the fast action film, Speed Racer. Set in a hyper-realistic world where car culture is the culture, players compete in the World Racing League against up to 25 different racers across rollercoaster-like race tracks. Players will enjoy a combative racing experience like no other when they take control of each T180 race car, achieving amazing speeds and mastering four independently turning wheels that allow drivers to engage in “Car-Fu” to jump, flip, and outmaneuver their opponents. Speed Racer: The Videogame captures the action, look and feel of the high adrenaline arena racing developed for the film in an accessible, fun-filled game that allows players to actually get behind the wheel on incredible tracks straight out of the world of Speed Racer.

PRODUCT FEATURES:

o Master “Car-Fu” combat, using the T180 race car as a weapon to fight your way to the finish line by smashing, jumping, flipping and spinning other cars off the track
o Choose from 25 different drivers and cars, including Speed Racer and the Mach 6 or Cannonball Taylor and the GRX
o Careen down the track as the mischievous Chim-Chim – a new unlockable driver
o Race across the all-new 13 mile Skorost track, which twists through an abandoned Soviet rocket base
o The game features the voices of Speed Racer (Emile Hirsch), Racer X (Matthew Fox) and Trixie (Christina Ricci) as playable characters
o Trixie’s T180 race car is designed exclusively for the game
o Utilize “The Zone” to boost your speed up to 500 MPH and gain an advantage on the track
o Create powerful alliances with other racers to increase your chances of winning championships
o Players will experience futuristic racing across 18 incredible tracks in 6 vibrant environments
o Award-winning composer Winifred Phillips, created an original score for the videogame fusing rock, classical and retro beats into a unique soundtrack

PLATFORMS: Nintendo DS™, Wii™
RELEASE DATE: Fall 2008
PUBLISHER: Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment
DEVELOPER: TT Games
ESRB RATING: Rating Pending
GENRE: Party Game

OVERVIEW:
Bringing record-breaking fun to players everywhere, Guinness World Records: The Videogame will launch on the Nintendo Wii and DS in Fall 2008. Go head to head against your friends and family to be the ultimate world record holder! Compete in 40 different challenges based on real life world records in your quest to become the record breaker. Then post your scores online and see how you rate against other competitors around the world. The game’s quick-fire action challenges can be played solo, in teams, or in competitive multi-player groups. Players are able to compete for the ultimate prize – the chance to be listed in the official Guinness World Records book!

FEATURES:
o With 40 different stunts based on real Guinness World Records, the whole family or a group of friends have a shot at becoming a record breaker
o Compete online with other challengers from around the world to be the ‘Virtual Guinness World Record Holder’
o Get listed in the actual Guinness World Records archives by earning the highest worldwide score on any stunt
o Travel the world to compete in crazy record-breaking stunts such as – Fastest Time to Crush Watermelons With Your Head, Fastest Time to Eat a Plane, Fastest Time to Shear a Sheep, and many more
o As you explore the globe, stand on specific hot-spots to reveal interesting facts about records that have been broken in that location
o Personalize your quest with your own customizable avatar
o Collect fact cards and record breaking certificates on the campaign to become a record breaker
o Earn GWR Coins by performing well in record attempts and use them to buy items from the GWR Supplies Shop to gain access to more events