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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.

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.

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 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

505 Games today released new in-game footage for Backbreaker, the next generation football video game for a new generation of football fans. Boasting fierce, competitive action and an endless variety of unique football moments, Backbreaker is how football was meant to be played on next-gen consoles. Redefining the football video game genre with stunning on-field camera views, realistic animations and an unrelenting rush of explosive tackles, Backbreaker hits Xbox 360™ and PlayStation 3 in Spring 2010.

About Backbreaker

Backbreaker breaks the mold of traditional football video games with realistic, physics-based motion AI, crisp high-definition graphics and a camera angle that follows the perspective of the player. Backbreaker is the first sports video game to feature NaturalMotion’s acclaimed euphoria motion synthesis engine, offering intense gameplay, dazzling graphics and an endless variety of unique sacks and tackles.

Backbreaker includes online multiplayer and split-screen multiplayer modes. The game welcomes newcomers to the genre with its intuitive pick-up-and-play Arcade Mode control scheme, while seasoned players can go head-to-head in the game’s more challenging Pro Mode that turns off AI and visual assists. In addition, the game features total team customization including a fully featured logo editor.

Backbreaker will be available for Xbox 360™ and PlayStation®3 in Spring 2010. For more information, please visit the official Web site at: http://www.backbreakergame.com.