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Ninjamurai Leaps Out Of The Shadows As Players Are Invited To Take a Sneak Peek Into The PSP Mini Title Coming This July

Video Game Developer Open Emotion Studios (http://www.openemotionstudios.com/), today unveiled the details behind the story and the cast of seven major characters in their upcoming PSP Mini title, Ninjamurai. Players will be introduced to the mysterious Ninja-Samurai, rejected by both sides of his parents’ heritage, along with his spunky sidekicks who each play an integral role in his journey of discovery.

In Ninjamurai, the player assumes the role of Takezou Nishimura (Also known as The Ninjamurai), a young warrior who is the offspring of a union between a Female Ninja and a male Samurai. Rejected by both sides and looked down on as a kind of a mongrel breed, Takezou can be impulsive due to his age and often has a cocky attitude. He does however have a good heart and a desire to help others. He is the most skilled warrior in his mountain shrine where he was raised by a man named Oro Sensei. After many years of training, Takezou is tasked with going into the nearby city and doing some recon. When he gets to the city he realizes something is amiss. It is overrun with Black Armor Militia and Takezou sets about destroying the Black Armor presence in the city. He meets a Black Armor commander named Bedros Majima, who informs him that the Black Armor was responsible for the murder of his parents.

Along the way, Takezou will interact with a varied cast of characters. Oro, the master of the mountain shrine, was once the master of the Ninja Clan, which Takezou’s mother was part of. When his young charges’ mother and father were slain, Oro took him in and raised him like his own. He is also the keeper of a sacred seal which keeps the dark dragon of the monastery in check. While once a powerful warrior, Oro’s fighting days are over.

Yukiko is Ninjamurai’s recon contact. She keeps him informed of enemy activity and notifies him of threats. Although she can be quite impatient and a bit strict, she is secretly quite soft and finds herself becoming quite fond of Nishimura.

The Black Armor is a dark evil being which absorbs the spirits from beings and incorporates them into digital data. He has been doing this for centuries and as such he has become one of the most powerful beings on the planet. He runs a conglomerate which is a front for illegal activities and he commands the largest ninja force in the world. The Black Armor Executioner is the right hand man to The Black Armor himself. He also has the ability to absorb the residual static (Souls) of warriors. He is obsessed with claiming Oro Sensei and Takezou, as he believes they are indomitable spirits that will give him an obscene amount of power. Perhaps enough to destroy Black Armor, and take over the clan himself…

Ninjamurai just recently became available for PSN in Europe and will be launching in North America in early July. For more information, please visit the official Website at http://www.openemotionstudios.com/

For those of us who were a user of PSN before April 20, we get 2 free PS3 games, 2 free PSP games (providing you brought your PSP online before the hack), 1 month of PSN+ and the entire weekend of June 11-12 of free HD movie rentals. Have fun!

Bridging the Gap Between 2D and 3D for More Immersive Gaming

Following a highly successful debut at CES in Las Vegas and an award winning presence at Retail Vision in London, RealView Innovations will officially introduce its patented “Depth-Enhancing Technology” to the video game industry at E3 June 15-17 in Los Angeles. As a developer of optical screen technology, RealView bridges the gap between 2D and 3D, offering gamers a more immersive viewing experience by enhancing depth cues hidden in existing screen images.

RealView’s Depth-Enhancing Technology will be on display at E3 in the form of several new products including the V-Screen for Sony® PSP™, the Deep Screen for large displays and monitors as well as accessories for iPhone™ and iTouch™.

RealView launched the V-Screen for PSP earlier this year at CES, receiving tremendous critical praise. RealView’s technology was referred to as one of the “Hottest Gadgets” by numerous media outlets including the Washington Post, CBS News and ABC News. RealView was then awarded overall “Best in Show” at this year’s Retail Vision Europe, a major accomplishment for a company that is a new player in the world of optical technology and home entertainment.

RealView’s Depth-Enhancing Technology bridges the gap between 2D and 3D by enhancing hidden depth cues in 2D images, creating greater depth and richer environments than standard 2D. The most significant aspect of this technology is that no glasses or special software are required. It is ready-to-use with any existing content like movies and games.

“RealView is very excited to be exhibiting at E3 for the first time,” stated Eamonn Ansbro, RealView’s Executive Director. “We are launching several iterations of our depth-enhancing technology this year and E3 is the perfect venue to share it with the video game industry. Our technology presents unique advantages when compared to other products in the 3D space, particularly in terms of low cost, ease of use, and its ability to enhance existing TV, movie, sports and game content. And it doesn’t require cumbersome glasses or software of any kind.”

Konami Digital Entertainment, Inc. today announced the latest in downloadable content for GTI Club Supermini Festa! available on Nintendo Wii, PSP and PSPgo, GTI Club Supermini Festa! is the all-new high-paced racing game stemming from the hugely popular, internationally renowned arcade franchise.

To keep fans of the franchise clamoring for more replayability, GTI Club Supermini Festa! will have downloadable content available for FREE via Nintendo Wi-Fi and via WLAN for the PSP system. Available on April 22nd, players can download the following custom car customizations:

1) Morris Mini Cooper S 1275cc

2) FIAT Abarth 695 ss

3) AUTOBIANCHI A112 Abarth

4) RENAULT 5 Alpine Turbo

Each month Konami will bring all new FREE content for players to enjoy. Players can access this exclusive DLC via the game’s online capabilities. Users simply join the ‘Ranking’ option and the data will be downloaded for free. It will be available for the cars listed above, currently unlocked and stored in the game’s Garage location.

More designs are to follow in the coming weeks.

Cover Selection Marks First in Series of Initiatives Enabling

Madden NFL Fans to Shape Franchise

Electronic Arts Inc. announced today that New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees has been chosen by fans to be featured on the cover of Madden NFL 11, set to hit retail shelves on Tuesday, August 10. The Madden NFL 11 cover announcement is the result of a first-ever online consumer vote, powered by the Doritos “Change the Game” program, which empowered fans to select the highly-debated cover athlete. The partnership between EA SPORTS™ and the Doritos brand represents the first in a series of initiatives this year which allow fans to help shape the future of the franchise.

Doritos “Change the Game” allowed fans to submit their vote online, with Drew Brees winning over Minnesota Vikings defensive end Jared Allen and Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Reggie Wayne.

“The Madden NFL franchise holds a special place in popular culture and the cover is a coveted position for players all over the league,” said New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees. “I’m honored to be the first cover athlete chosen by Madden NFL fans and it’s a great way to cap off an amazing year for the Saints and the city of New Orleans.”

From February 4 – March 15, fans logged on to www.doritoschangethegame.com to vote daily for one of the three nominees. Voters were also entered into a drawing for a chance to win a trip to the 2010 NFL Draft. During the voting period, former NFL all-stars and Madden NFL cover legends Eddie George, Marshall Faulk and Shaun Alexander were featured on limited-edition Nacho Cheese and Cool Ranch Doritos bags to inspire fans to vote for the next Madden NFL cover athlete.

“Drew’s exceptional performance during the regular season and in Super Bowl XLIV resonated with voters and helped cement his position as the fans’ choice to grace the cover of Madden NFL 11,” said Todd Sitrin, Group Vice President, EA SPORTS Global Marketing. “Giving fans the power to select this year’s Madden NFL cover underscores our commitment to connecting with our fans and giving them opportunities to influence the game.”

“Doritos is always looking for unprecedented opportunities to provide our fans access to the things they are most passionate about, and we are thrilled we were able to partner with EA SPORTS to give consumers complete control over this highly anticipated gaming moment,” said Rudy Wilson, vice president, marketing, Frito Lay.

Drew Brees was named Super Bowl XLIV MVP after leading the New Orleans Saints to their first ever Super Bowl title. Following a career threatening injury during his last season with the San Diego Chargers, Brees joined the New Orleans Saints in 2005, less than a year after Hurricane Katrina. Since then, Brees has helped rebuild the city and the football team, through his successes on the field and contributions to the community off the field.

Brees’s decorated NFL career has included four Pro Bowl selections, three All Pro selections, three NFC Offensive Player of the Year awards, the Associated Press 2008 NFL Offensive Player of the Year and the Pro Football Weekly 2004 Comeback Player of the Year. Off the field, Brees has been a champion as well through his charity – the Brees Dream Foundation – and his work in the New Orleans, San Diego and West Lafayette/Purdue, Ind. communities, which have provided over $4,500,000 to charitable causes and academic institutions.

Beyond the cover athlete selection, the franchise has also recently introduced two new initiatives that further enable fans to influence Madden NFL 11. From March 31 – April 26, fans have had the ability to vote on three match-ups through the Madden NFL website and determine which teams would be featured in the Madden NFL 11 game demo: a Super Bowl rematch, or a replay of one of the Conference Championship games. During the 2010 NFL Draft, fans will have the opportunity to influence rookie player ratings in Madden NFL 11 via online votes on the Madden NFL website.

Madden NFL 11 will redefine videogame football for both veteran and rookie players by providing a Simpler, Quicker and Deeper experience:

· Simpler: Call plays like an NFL coach with ease using an all-new play-calling system, GameFlow, which executes an authentic, situational game plan for you.

· Quicker: The new play-calling system will enable players to spend more time on the field and less in the playbook – completing games in half of the time.

· Deeper: Madden NFL 11 is feature-rich, with improved animations and control options, enhanced online functionality, and new broadcast and audio presentation that delivers the NFL experience fans have come to expect.

Madden NFL 11 will be available on the Xbox 360, PlayStation 2 and PlayStation 3 , Wii, and PSP (PlayStation Portable). Madden NFL 11 will also be available for download globally on mobile platforms including iPod touch and iPhone and feature phones.

Madden NFL 11 is developed in Orlando, Florida by the EA Tiburon studio, which also produces NCAA Football, Tiger Woods PGA TOUR, and EA SPORTS MMA.

For more information about Madden NFL 11 please visit maddenNFL.easports.com.

Consumers should also check in regularly at www.doritoschangethegame.com for details on what’s to come from Doritos and Madden NFL 11.

3D Action Platform Game Available April 8th in North America and Europe for Download on PlayStation® Network

Creat Studios today announced the release of Freekscape: Escape From Hell for the PlayStation Mini platform to play on the PlayStation 3, PlayStation Portable (PSP) and PSPgo. The game will be available via Sony’s PlayStation Network on April 8th in Europe and North America for $4.99 / €4.99.

Developed by Kidguru Studios in Brazil, Freekscape: Escape From Hell is a side-scrolling platformer game set in a 3D world. Players control a little demon named Freek, who finds a holy trident which infuses him with ideas of ascending to Heaven.

“Creat Studios is proud to bring Freekscape: Escape From Hell to the PlayStation Mini platform,” said Vladimir Starzhevsky, CEO and co-founder of Creat Studios. “We’re confident that players will fall in love with its charming characters and addictive gameplay.”

Freek encounters a variety of unusual creatures in his fire-laden underground world while running and jumping along his journey. His new-found trident allows him to the capture crazy crawlers and turns them into different tools, depending on their abilities.

“Kidguru Studios is excited to work with Creat Studios to bring another innovative PlayStation Mini title to gamers on the PlayStation 3, PSP and PSPgo,” said Daniel Garcia, Director of Kidguru Studios. “Freekscape: Escape From Hell provides a thrilling and delightful new action platform experience for all ages.”

Freekscape: Escape From Hell has been rated “E” for Everyone by the Entertainment Software Rating Board for this platform.

XS Games today announced the availability of The Red Star for the PSP go exclusively on the PlayStation Network. The game, originally released in 2007 on PlayStation 2, is based on the sci-fi/fantasy graphic novel of the same name by Christian Gossett. Featuring fully polished and improved controls, The Red Star skillfully blends together side-scrolling fast paced retro beat ‘em up gameplay with the blasting power of top-down action packed shooters.

The Red Star takes place in the mystical, technically advanced United Republics of the Red Star (URRS), an alternate reality universe loosely resembling Soviet Russia. Once deemed a powerful empire, the URRS quickly transforms into a dystopia thanks to the slaughtering of millions of its own people under the orders of their leader, Imbohl, a corrupt sorcerer revered as the leader of the Great Revolution. Haunted by their nation’s tragic past, the Heroes of the Red Star quickly discover their true calling, abandon their duties as soldiers of the Red Fleet, and embark upon a life changing journey to liberate their people from Imbohl’s sadistic and dark ruling.

Players can choose to play as either Maya Antares, a powerful Warkaster (sorcerer and human energy cannon) in search of her husband lost in battle, Kyuzo, Maya’s personal bodyguard and deadliest of all guardsman, or Makita, a quick and agile Nokgorkan rebel orphan.

The Red Star can currently be purchased on the PlayStation Network at the price of $14.99. Keep a lookout for the iPhone version coming out later this year.

For more information, please visit http://www.redstar-us.com/.

Legendary Games Workshop Tabletop Game Blitzes Console and Handheld Players, Their Defense is Powerless

SouthPeak Games, today announced Blood Bowl for Windows PC, Xbox 360 and PSP coming in 2010. The hard-hitting fantasy football title previously available exclusively as a Windows PC downloadable game is lobbing a ‘Hail Mary’ pass straight onto retail shelves in 2010.

Just in time for the human football season’s end, SouthPeak is here to offer a less than traditional spin on classic football. With a rich heritage of table-top gaming, Blood Bowl is poised to tear your Windows PC, Xbox 360 and PSP system a new end zone. With turn-based gameplay and each play teetering on the roll of the dice, Blood Bowl will keep you on the edge of your seat from kickoff to final score. Inspired by the infamous Warhammer® series, Blood Bowl brings some of the most vicious gameplay, dirty tricks and lest we forget – secret weapons – to the field in an all new way.

“We’re thrilled to have a part in bringing a proper retail version of Blood Bowl to North American gamers on Windows PC, Xbox 360 and PSP.” said Aubrey Norris, Manager of Human-Orc Relations at SouthPeak. “It’s never easy to get all these races to agree on something – but if there’s one thing they love its good competition with a lot of bloodshed!”

Blood Bowl’s retail Windows PC and Xbox 360 packages will kick-off in January 2010 with the PSP system version taking the field in Spring of 2010. If you’ve never seen a goblin thrown into the end zone by a troll to score a touchdown, then prepare to be amazed! More details are sure to pop up as the teams get themselves in order and the pre-season action begins.

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

Somewhere far far away in a random solar system, a lone space man dies… horribly. Take control of said fateful space man as he battles to his end against the dreaded Alien Zombies! Using a standard laser gun and a few pickups along the way, make sure you take out as many of those Alien Zombie suckers before they take you down. Its that simple. It’s Alien Zombie Death.

Things to know:
- Available in Jan 09, 2010 as a downloadable PSP mini. Price is likely to be around £2.50 / $5.00
- Game play is very retro. Very platform-y. Very shoot-em-up-y. Very fun.
- 14 levels. So, method and location of death is completely up to you.
- A menagerie of Alien Zombie fiends. Fat ones. Green ones. Flying ones. Burpy types.
- Hey… it’s PomPom game. Only slightly weird people need apply.

Video trailer loveliness: http://pompomgames.com/?p=114

Keep your eyeballs on www.PomPomGames.com for more announcements.

KONAMI UNVEILS Q&A SESSION WITH HIDEO KOJIMA

AND NEW METAL GEAR SOLID®: PEACE WALKER SCREENSHOTS

Konami Digital Entertainment, Inc. today revealed a Q&A session with legendary video game creator and head of Kojima Productions, Hideo Kojima, and new screenshots from the highly anticipated title coming to the PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) system in 2010, Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker. This latest PSP installment picks up where Metal Gear Solid®3 for the PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system leaves off as players take control of the famed Naked Snake. Taking place in 1974, Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker features original game design, story and scenario by Hideo Kojima. The game takes the series in an exciting new direction with its incredible visuals and its unique new game system designed specifically with the PSP in mind.

HIDEO KOJIMA – Q/A

1) I bet many users had expected the next MGS5 announcement. When did you start this project?

I actually had the plan for this project in mind while working on MPO. Back then, I intended to place the project in the hands of the next generation of creators at Kojima Productions. However, in the end, I felt that it was still a little too early to leave it completely in their hands, so I decided to take the reins.

This game is an MGS5-class game. I am supervising, designing, producing, directing, and editing this title together with the MGS4 team. Therefore in that sense, “METAL GEAR SOLID” has not ended, and the “METAL GEAR SAGA” continues.

2) You have been telling for many years that your ultimate theme is “Anti-war and Anti-nuclear weapon”. Does this theme continue in this title?

Absolutely. The METAL GEAR SOLID series has always featured “Anti-war” and “Anti-nuke” themes. This title is no exception.

In the event of an attack from a neighboring country, I believe that finding a solution through diplomacy is ideal. However, the fact is that even peaceful countries with no intention of retaliating still maintain armies just for the sake of deterrence. I am sure there are varied opinions regarding this subject, but I believe that it is our generation’s role to “create peace through discussion.” What makes things complicated is that the youth of today have been born into a world where the current situation is the norm, so it’s difficult to convey this message. That is why my hope is to have players ponder and learn about why there are people who advocate the “need for armies, military power, and nuclear weapons” so that they may realize “why things turned out the way that they did” while they play this game.

3) I understand that it is a tactical espionage action game but could you provide some explanation for bringing this title to the PSP platform? I saw 4 Snakes in the trailer presented at E3, is this COOP?

The game will be stealth-action based. I can’t reveal too many details yet, but we are implementing features that can only be realized on the PSP platform that I believe everyone can look forward to. The game will be a little different from the METAL GEAR that players have come to know. However, the story can be replayed numerous times and the game is full of challenges to complete, so I feel that this title will really satisfy players with its long-lasting play time. Just as an example, do you recall the cardboard box at the end of the Peace Walker trailer? In addition to that two-man box, we are preparing a variety of other different cardboard boxes this time around.

To give a little more insight into the game, you can, how shall I say… customize Snake according to your preferences and determine what kind of soldier you will use prior to embarking on your mission. For example there’s heavy gear configurations that make a lot of noise, but that allow you to equip numerous weapons. Or, there are other configurations that won’t allow you to carry many weapons, but will allow you to be light on your feet. We will be preparing a variety of other types as well. Being able to make decisions and plot a strategy will be one of the really enjoyable features of this title.

We are also working on a “growth feature” as well, where your character evolves. It will be a new type of system, so I hope everyone will look forward to it!

4) “You’re known for boot camps and on site checks. This time which part would you like to stress about the reality in terms of game quality?

We conduct research in many ways and then begin game production. In regards to the quality of the game, the main staff of MGS4 are producing it. They are aiming for PS3 quality because they were creating MGS4 on the PS3 not too long ago. In reality it is hard to maintain the same quality as the PS3 but we strive for it and we are expressing this in ways only we can express it in.

5) Regarding the KJP countdown teaser site, there were several signs as a message, could you explain what this message is all about?

–

5=it is an MGS5 class game

S=Snake

巳＝snake in Kanji

E=E3

R=Raiden

3=3 from 360 and E3

6=6 from 360

P and S=PSP and adding 3 makes it PS3

–

Aside from the Snake and Raiden visuals, we featured a total of 10 “symbols” and when all of these are rearranged, they form connections to the announcements that we made at E3.

The first symbols that appeared were the number “5″ and the letter “S” for Snake that represented PW which, to me, is a “5″ class title. “巳” not only hints at the lowercase lettering of “E” for E3, but it is the kanji for the word “snake.” Also, the symbol that appeared at the very end is the kanji “日” and represents a sunny background and the sunrise that links to RISING.

The “RISING” of “METAL GEAR SOLID RISING” implies “the sun rising,” “the sun shining,” and “the sun shining on Raiden” that was revealed in the visuals on the HP. In addition, “RISING” also represents how “METAL GEAR SOLID” will be taking the next step up.

Going back to the symbols found on the HP, they also link to “the day of 360″ and also to each of the titles that we announced at E3. When each of the symbols are rearranged, I think you’ll be able to recognize E3, PSP, PS3, 360 and others. So everyone, how did you like it? Were your predictions on the mark?

Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker is being developed exclusively for the PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) system and is scheduled to launch in 2010.