Mercury Games and Ertain announce new Zen title

LONDON, 13th September 2007

Mercury Games announces today a new game for the Nintendo DS as part of the Zen series, entitled “Matchstick Puzzle by DS”. The game is a classic puzzle game which requires lateral thinking and includes lots of brain teasing conundrums.

The aim of the game is to answer the questions by moving or rotating matchsticks; for example the player may be presented with two match sticks and then asked to make 14 boxes by adding six other match sticks.

Matchstick Puzzle by DS has more than 150 puzzles of four difficulty settings to complete. The game also has hints to help the player decipher the more abstract clues. In addition, the game has a time attack mode in which the player must complete 10 random puzzles in the fastest time possible but without any hints to help them.

Thanks to the straightforward, uncomplicated nature of the game and the simplicity of the Nintendo DS, the game can be played by people of all ages regardless of whether they have played computer games before.

Matchstick Puzzle by DS is part of the Zen series of games which have been developed with the busy, contemporary urbanite in mind. Matchstick Puzzle by DS, in line with the rest of the Zen series, does not contain any violent or competitive elements. Zen games are co–published by Mercury Games and Ertain.

Tomo Ohno, Chief Operating Officer of Ertain BV said: “Matchstick Puzzle by DS” is a fun, taxing and yet relaxing game. The game will appeal to all people, who like puzzles and a challenge.”

The game will be released at the end of October and will be priced at £19.99/ €24.99.

September 13th 2007: Northamptonshire, UK: Oxygen Games™ is pleased to confirm that its time-travelling adventure for Nintendo DS™ - Chronos Twins - will be released on October 12th.

Straddling the past and present simultaneously and incorporating a learning curve to ease the player into the game, Chronos Twins makes excellent use of the dual screen, as Nec battles to save his world and avenge the death of his twin brother.

Retro side-scrolling shooter, Chronos Twins, only on Nintendo DS™ will be in shops on October 12th.

Here are some great new shots of the game for your pleasure!!

Big thanks to Oxygen for sending us the info

Penumbra: Black Plague to be published worldwide next yearNew York, USA (September 13, 2007) – Paradox Interactive announced today that the company has secured the publishing rights to Penumbra: Black Plague. The highly anticipated final chapter in the Penumbra story will thrust players into a creepy environment of psychological horror, as they are challenged in this unique action adventure experience

“Penumbra: Overture has been referred to as the scariest adventure game to appear in years, and with Penumbra: Black Plague, the developers have managed to push the boundaries of psychological horror even further, said Fredrik Wester, Executive Vice President of Paradox Interactive. “Their unique and innovative approach to gaming adventures made Penumbra a fan and media favorite and we are convinced that Penumbra: Black Plague will have an even bigger impact on the gaming community”.

“Penumbra: Black Plague is horrific, life-like, interactive and unique and we are thrilled to be working with Paradox Interactive to introduce this game to a worldwide audience, said Jens Nilsson, Co-Founder Frictional Games”. “We’ve worked with Paradox in the past and their support for our vision and ideas has made it possible for us to keep on developing games that we believe in.”

Penumbra: Black Plague is scheduled for release during Q1, 2008.

-Nintendo DS Lite hardware & software sales reach all-new highs as Nintendo DS Silver makes its debut-

13th September 2007 – Not content with just providing a raft of quality titles to look forward to this winter, Nintendo of Europe is adding a new colour of Nintendo DS Lite to the range. Joining the already popular black, white and pink versions, from 12th October 2007, Nintendo DS Lite will be available across Europe in silver - the perfect accessory whatever you are wearing!

Nintendo DS has become Europe’s best-selling games console, with over 14 million sold to date and in many markets across Europe it is the fastest selling handheld games console in history. Strong sales are being maintained even in traditionally slow sales periods in the video games industry’s seasonality and this is being seen with software as well as hardware. More Brain Training from Dr. Kawashima: How Old Is Your Brain? will soon hit the 1 million milestone in Europe, with over 915,000 already sold in just 11 weeks since launch. The original Dr. Kawashima’s Brain Training: How Old Is Your Brain? has sold over 3.3 million copies and continues to feature high in software sales charts across Europe, despite launching over a year ago. Pokémon Diamond and Pokémon Pearl have sold approximately 1.6 million copies combined in just 7 weeks since their launch.

As sales continue to grow at a rapid rate, it is not only traditional gamers who are enjoying the touch screen controls and wide range of software. Whether you wish to exercise your brain, train and communicate with puppies, battle and collect Pokémon or embark on in-depth adventures, the DS has software that is appealing to both avid games and new gamers of all ages. This momentum for Nintendo DS is set to continue with forthcoming new releases, including the highly anticipated The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass which launches across Europe on 19th October 2007.

Nintendo DS Lite Silver launches across Europe on 12th October and will be available for the estimated retail price around £99.

Haarlem, The Netherlands, September 13, 2007. Leading publisher Lighthouse Interactive and Dutch developer VSTEP today announced the release of a new FREE add-on and the Mission Editor to their hit sim game Ship Simulator 2008. The add-on contains many upgrades and an amazing amount of new content. The free add-on will upgrade the base game to version 1.1 and is available for download at www.shipsim.com. Ship Simulator 2008 was released for Windows® in July in the UK and Scandinavia by Lighthouse.FREE ADD-ON v1.1 FEATURES:

MISSION EDITOR

In addition to the free add-on, VSTEP and Lighthouse Interactive today released the Mission Editor in a separate download. The Mission Editor is available in English only, but can be used in combination with Ship Simulator 2008 in any language. The Mission Editor includes an English PDF Manual which explains all features and functionalities.

QUOTES

VSTEP’s Producer, Pjotr van Schothorst said, “After the UK release of the game in July, the large community flooded us with positive reactions, as well as suggestions. We take our users very seriously and went to work on this huge content upgrade to fulfil the requests on our users’ wish lists. We also added a couple of fast and exciting vessels to this add-on, which may expand the player base beyond the realm of pure simulation and ship lovers.”

Erik Schreuder, Lighthouse Interactive CEO added, “This is an uncanny amount of free stuff that is being released for an already awesome simulation game. We continue to prove to our customers that we are in this game for the long run and we promise there is much more to come!”

To download the add-on, please visit the lighthouse interactive homepage here:
www.lighthouse-interactive.com

new screenshots highlighting the new ship bridges can be found at http://www.vstepvideos.com/ShipSim2008/add-on1.1/.

SUMMARY

Ship Simulator is a revolutionary simulation game that puts players at the helm of some of the most varied and detailed ships to be found at sea. Players will need to perform a multitude of tasks; all set within a stunning 3D environment, taking control of a wide array of ship types – from massive cargo ships and ferries, to speedboats, yachts, water taxis and even the mighty Titanic. The waters you sail are as varied as the ships, with newly added harbours such as Southampton, Marseille and San Francisco. Ship Simulator 2008 will amaze you with its progress and will rock your simulated world!

Lighthouse will be releasing Ship Simulator 2008 in France, Spain and Italy on September 28, 2007 (a version that already includes the free add on).

For more information about Ship Simulator 2008 or Lighthouse Interactive, please visit www.shipsim.com and www.lighthouse-interactive.com.

Enter Ghost in the Sheet, a comedy adventure of paranormal proportions…

Upton, MA, September 13th, 2007 – Tri Synergy, Inc. (www.trisynergy.com) is excited to announce that they will soon be bringing to gamers Ghost in the Sheet, a comedic point’n’click adventure game set in the eerie abandoned factory, “Sector Omega.”

Ghost in the Sheet is a comedy adventure game of supernatural proportions. Become a ghost and master your new paranormal skill set to unravel the secrets of your life-after-death adventure! Mystery, intrigue, comedy and adventure await…aren’t you just dying to play?

Features include:

• Unique plot that begins with the end of the character’s life
• Immersive highly detailed environments
• Innovative paranormal skill system
• Intriguing storyline with 10 NPCs (alive and otherwise) involved in the plot
• Original soundtrack with spooky mood music

Critics who have already passed into the afterlife and played Ghost in the Sheet have been raving about how paranormally addicting it is:

A Ghastly Good Adventure …Ghoulishly Clever - JustAdventure.com

…dry, humorous touch that adds a lightheartedness throughout – AdventureGamers.com

Ghost in the Sheet is scheduled for an October 2007 release & will retail for $19.99 MSRP. Get more information from the official Tri Synergy webpage.

About Tri Synergy

Founded in 1996 in Dallas, Texas, Tri Synergy is a computer and video game publishing company offering software developers an indispensable alternative to traditional affiliate label and licensing programs.

Tri Synergy actively encourages the creative process by relieving the developer of the time constraints inherent in managing the business factions of publishing a successful software title. Tri Synergy coordinates every key step for the developer including sales services, distribution, vendor relations, marketing, public relations, manufacturing, packaging, inventory management, fulfillment and more.

For more information, visit http://www.trisynergy.com/.

LOS ANGELES, CA, – Ignition Entertainment Ltd., a worldwide publisher and developer of videogames, announced today that Flipper Critters for the Nintendo DS™ will be shipping to stores October 9, 2007. Flipper Critters is complete with cute and curious inhabitants and perilous quests, and offers a fun and engaging spin to “traditional” pinball. The game will hit store shelves at a retail price of $14.99.

Players are transformed into characters Monkey and Tiger as they travel through the Flipper Critters fantasy world on a mission to fulfill their ultimate goal - saving their friend Bull – or so they think. The Critters progress though each subsequent area of the world by undertaking various challenges and deeds of heroism asked of them by their friends. Each quest takes the furry creatures to a “pinball table” landscaped by mountain valleys, towering castles and even includes a trip to the moon!

“It’s more than just a pinball game,” states Vicki White, Director of Sales, Ignition Entertainment USA. “Flipper Critters is a cute, challenging and addictive adventure game that happens to use flippers as your interface to move your characters within the world. You don’t have to be a pinball wizard to enjoy this title, as anyone can play.”

Taking advantage of the DS’ features, the game not only uses the dual screens to show off every aspect of the vibrant, cartoony world, but also incorporates the touch screen to activate switches and ramps. You can also bring a friend into the action through Multi-Card play!

To take a break form the story driven adventure, Flipper Critters also includes mini-games featuring their favorite characters. These mini-games challenge players to master new skills, such as in the Flying Battle, where players fly a vehicle and throw bananas, furious carrots, bitter lemons and heated melons at opponents to score points.

Given an ESRB rating of “E” for Everyone, Flipper Critters is an all new and fantastically fun game that is perfect for all ages. For more information on Ignition Entertainment and their products please visit www.ignitionusa.com

Tell me more about what game fans can expect from Pet Alien on the Nintendo DS?

The fans of the famous TV series can jump into the role of each of the five Pet Aliens for the first time ever on the Nintendo DS. Each Pet Alien has its unique abilities but they need to work together to be successful. The player can also enjoy challenging and funny minigames – one for each of the five Pet Aliens.

What were the key reasons for making the game puzzle based and not platform based?

Often a jump’n'run game is created for a kids license. For Pet Alien we wanted to go a different route. We wanted to create something where the kids need to use their brain but still have fun while playing. Also the five characters of a completely different species were a perfect launch pad for a puzzle game.

Out of the five aliens, which was the easiest and hardest to design for and why?

In the case of Gumper’s we knew very early that his special ability will be his strength. He can easily smash many things to pave his way through the levels where the other Pet Aliens would get stuck. On the other hand he moves a little bit slower than his buddies.

To design Scruffy’s special ability was a little bit more difficult but not really hard at all. After many different approaches we came to the conclusion that his long tongue will be his super power. He can use it to collect items or press buttons which are out range for the other Pet Aliens. Because of his small size he can also squeeze himself through narrow holes.

The hardest thing in general was to balance all those abilities of the characters so that they are all equal in terms of usability.

Pet Alien is a lot more enjoyable and challenging than other DS titles, was it important to produce a game that was aimed for everyone not just for kids?

When we watched the first episodes of Pet Alien we found out that they were not only aimed to young kids – we all enjoyed their special kind of craziness. Therefore we decided to develop a game, which can be enjoyed by young kids as well as grown-ups.

Were there any ideas you wanted to include but could not?

Luckily we could include all of our initial ideas but we had to alter some of them to make them fit on Nintendo DS.

As a games designer, what’s the most rewarding part about designing a DS title?

Our Nintendo DS toolset is very advanced. We had a basic working prototype of the game in just a few days. That helped us to test quickly our ideas and the gameplay very early in the development process.

What is your advice for any fans wanting to become a games designer?

Get some freeware game making tools from the internet. Those will do for the beginning. Start your career with a really small project and finish it in time. Don’t start with something too complex as you may never finish it and therefore lose your interest.

Can you tell us anything about your next project?

One of our current projects is a Wii Ware title. Beside that we are making the final touches on ‘Strawberry Shortcake – The Four Seasons Cake’ for the Nintendo DS. ‘Nanostray 2′ is also completed and just needs a release slot.

PLAYSTATION^®3 Computer Entertainment System Demo Set to Release September 13

Santa Monica, CA – Sept. 12, 2007 – Starting today gamers can begin to create their own skating legacy on Xbox 360™ with Activision, Inc.’s (Nasdaq: ATVI) demo of Tony Hawk’s Proving Ground. Available now on Xbox LIVE® Marketplace, the demo gives fans a first taste of choosing their own skating style, the newest gameplay mechanics and advanced features from the deepest, most customizable skateboarding game ever. A demo for the PLAYSTATION®3 system will be available on the PLAYSTATION®Store beginning Thursday, September 13.

The demo takes skaters to Philadelphia (one of three cities in Tony Hawk’s Proving Ground) to begin shredding the pavement as contest-winning Career Athletes, fast and furious Hardcore Skaters and creative maverick Riggers, who alter and modify the world into their own skate park. As players progress they will experience the latest advancements in the world-renowned franchise, including Nail the Grab, for the ultimate control of grab tricks and tweaks; the Aggro Kick for clearing huge gaps; Rigging goals, enabling players to tweak the environment however they want to create unique skate lines; and video creation with the full-featured video editor for epic skate videos.

Tony Hawk’s Proving Ground is being developed by Neversoft Entertainment for the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system and is rated “T” (Teen) by the ESRB. The title is scheduled for release October 16. Versions are also in development for the Wii™ home video game system and PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system by Page 44 Studios, which are rated “T” (Teen) by the ESRB; and the Nintendo DS™ by Vicarious Visions carrying a rating of “E 10+” (Everyone 10 and older. For more information, visit http://www.thpgonline.com/.