OnNet USA announced today that it will launch MangaFighter globally on December 3rd, 2007. MangaFighter, a revolutionary new online game, will offer players a fast-paced third-person shooter experience blended with anime-style characters and environments. MangaFighter features a high level of character customization, as well as unique offline skill cards which provide players with special effects for their characters.

The offline skill card sets, as well as complete sets of MangaFighter action figures, will be given away during this official launch period. The action figures, produced exclusively for the launch of this game, will be given to players randomly through various promotional events. Players who receive the skill cards, which are suitable for trading, will scratch off an area at the bottom of the cards to reveal codes which can then be used to give in-game characters special abilities.

“What happens when manga meets third-person shooters?” asked Jin Yong, producer of MangaFighter at OnNet USA. “We’re eager to let our players find out.”

MangaFighter was developed by OnNet Korea, under the title “QPang,” and the localized version will be published by OnNet USA.

More details are available at http://mangafighter.gamescampus.com/

Auto Assault developer NetDevil has released Unreal Engine 3-powered first-person shooter Warmonger, Operation: Downtown Destruction for FREE.

“Warmonger”, states the studios, “pushes the limits of destruction technology where game environments can be shaped and manipulated by players at will.

“Taking full advantage of AGEIA’s PhysX card combined with Epic Games’ Unreal Engine 3 (UE3), the powerful game mechanics combine high performance action and stunning fluid and cloth effects that reflect the cutting edge of gaming visuals and physics today.”

The last we heard on Warmonger has back in March this year when NetDevil released first screenshots from its game. This followed the original announcement on the title in January.

The download’s 437MB, and mirrors can be found on the official Warmonger website as well as here.

In an almost scarily in-depth analysis of the Wii Remote for the legions of info-hungry gamers out there, we revealed our somewhat disappointing discovery that the Wii Remote’s pointer functionality was not a direct pointer device.

But as it turns out, the Wii is totally capable of functioning with true 1-1 pointer accuracy, as now proven by simple calibration menus found in the new lightgun-style shooters, Link’s Crossbow Training and Ghost Squad.

This begs the question: why the hell didn’t Nintendo include this simple calibration in the front-end Wii set-up menu?

As you should have noticed by now, the on-screen cursor on Wii does not appear directly where you’re pointing your Remote. Lift the Remote to your eye and look down the length of it at your TV - like it’s a gun - and you’ll see what we mean.

This is because there’s no calibration screen. How does the Wii know when you’re pointing at the edge of your TV? It doesn’t, because it doesn’t know how big your TV is. So instead it scales your movements roughly, like a 3D mouse.

We were hoping, after playing with prototype units, that final Wii consoles would include a calibration menu to set it up so you could achieve the direct, 1-1 pointer accuracy we had at first expected, but that was sadly not the case.

For the sake of keeping Wii’s set-up as simple as possible for all those non-core gamers, did Nintendo opt out of precise pointer calibration, instead settling for an indirect pointing function?

That put an end to the dreams of absorbing shooters that allowed us to actually point at and shoot enemies, and made redundant that could-have-been-cool Duck Hunt-style game in Wii Play.

We felt robbed. We thought of that bloke in the initial Wii trailers who pointed the Remote like a gun to shoot enemies on screen, and how he’d deceived us all. For games like Super Mario Galaxy, it’s not a problem.

But we did bare concerns for the Wii Zapper because, after all, without accurate aiming the whole gun concept goes right out the window.

Now that Wii Zapper games - Link’s Crossbow Training and Ghost Squad - have arrived, they DO feature the calibration options we imagined. They even let you set up the Wii Remote for direct pointing.

In Ghost Squad, you shoot the bottom left and top-right corners of the screen. In the not quite as intuitive Crossbow Training, you move two sensitivity sliders around to achieve the accuracy needed.

Then, from there on you play the game just like you’re holding a gun and the pointing accuracy is spot-on. It’s really not that complicated.

A simple calibration screen is all Wii needs to achieve proper pointer functionality in ALL games. Imagine the difference this would make when playing Metroid Prime 3 - Samus’ arm would be a direct extension of your own.

It would also solve the big issue of over-sensitivity for players with set-ups that have them sitting very close to the TV. Where the pointer swings around the screen with the smallest movement and under sensitivity for those who sit ever far away.

And although it’s not necessary in games like Mario Galaxy, better accuracy is certainly preferred.

Surely a simple calibration screen wouldn’t be of any harm to the mainstream technophobes (the legions of mums, grannies and little girls) that own the console.

It could be an optional extra that would allow those who are bothered enough to set up true pointer control.

You never know, maybe Nintendo will pull this one out in a future firmware update. Why, though, are we sceptical?

cvg

November 29th 2007: Northamptonshire, UK: Now that the PlayStation®2 and PC versions of Cheggers’ Party Quiz and Alan Hansen’s Sports Challenge have launched successfully, Oxygen GamesTM is delighted to confirm that the Wii™ quizzes will be in the shops on December 7th.

This version uses the Wii Remote to its best advantage, implementing format-exclusive play styles. Forget pressing a button to buzz in, that’s so last century! If you want to answer the question, you’ll need to be the first with your hand in the air…and you’ll need to be quick about it too! In addition, players have the choice of using the directional pad or pointing at their chosen answers on screen.

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ALL IN OUT NOW!

World Championship Poker 2: All In on shelves from tomorrow

November 29th 2007: Northamptonshire, UK: Following the unprecedented success of its World Championship Poker title for PC, PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system and PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) system, Oxygen Games™ has great pleasure in confirming that its sequel - World Championship Poker 2: All In, for Xbox 360™ videogame and entertainment system from Microsoft, will be in the shops from tomorrow – November 30th.

Boasting an extensive feature set and designed specifically to make full use of the capabilities of the Xbox 360™, this Next-Gen title features even more varieties of poker, plus multi-table online tournaments and intuitive AI. In addition, the game includes extra personalities, more game environments and Xbox®Live compatibility with webcam support**.

Features:
• 14 poker variants including: Texas Hold’em, Five-Card Stud, Deuce-to-Seven, Triple Draw, Razz
• In-game tutorials for each variant
• Games may be played on or offline
• Create unique avatars to represent yourself through your career
• Likenesses, play styles and signature personality traits of six of the world’s best professional poker players, all with enhanced and dynamic personality traits
• Webcam support**
• Enhanced AI and character animations
• Hone skills with Scenario Play
• Multi-table online tournaments
• Mixed games
• Switchable third/first-person TV modes
• Poker rule customisation
• Reputation system
• All-new gaming environments
• Continuous career mode, simulating the career choices of your emerging poker pro
• Dynamic bluff and tell system - expanded to include player versus player interactions 

World Championship Poker 2: All In also makes excellent use of Xbox®Live Leaderboards and Xbox®LiveVision, giving players the ability the see their opponents as they play.**

The talent :
• Howard Lederer
• Annie Duke
• Robert Williamson III
• Marcel Luske
• Thomas Bihl
• Erin Ness
• Commentary by Matt Savage, the world’s foremost poker tournament director 

Game at a glance:
• Single Player mode: Quick Play, Career and Scenario
• Multiplayer mode: Rank, Player Match, and Quick Play. Any of these may be Tournament games
• 1-8 Players (Non-Tournament) and 1-16 Players (Tournament)
• Six new themed poker environments in which to host the action, with multi-table online tournament capabilities
• Choose where you want to play: Casino locations, with 8 player tables, have a dealer; pad locations, with 6 player tables, allow the player to deal
• Choose the total number of players at the table - up to 200 people competing at any one time in a tournament!
• New set of venues opened for play each week, with different game types available to enter; tournaments, invitationals, side games and private games.
• Four private pads to upgrade to. Each in turn may be upgraded with new furniture and prizes, which are viewable by other players when you host online games!
• Buy items for your pad from the Pawn shop…or sell them back. Even take out a loan; however, failure to pay it back will result in your items being repossessed
• Unlockable additional pre-defined gameplay scenarios as you advance through your career 

Want to play with the big boys? Reserve your seat at the high stakes tables now! World Championship Poker 2: All In, for Xbox 360™, will be in the shops from November 30th.

** Requires Xbox®LiveVision and appropriate hardware to be installed on players’ consoles

Tensions ripple throughout the land of Eolia as human and orc armies prepare to clash in a ferocious battle for precious territory. Unresolved internal struggles have erupted into an unavoidable war of impending death and destruction.

Monstrous orc leader, Ugraum Grableg, paces his kingdom, roaring at Besargar to organise the orc army into the strongest and deadliest force in the land. The orcs show no fear as they sharpen their weapons, practice their battle formations, and prepare to tear humans limb from limb, satisfying their taste for flesh.

In Derenhalle, brave Derrick Pfeil summons his gallant human troops for what will be the war to end all wars. As they polish their armour and hone their carefully chosen weapons, wagers are placed on which blade will spill the most orc blood. The courageous and noble humans are more than ready to confront the terrifying enemy that awaits them. What the humans lack in physical size and strength, Pfeil knows they will make up in cunning and speed.

The clatter of armour, the clash or swords, and the spine tingling war cries echo throughout the land of Eolia. Battle is about to commence.

Take cover.

Fantasy Wars is a turn based battle strategy game for PC from Ascaron Entertainment. Undertake campaigns and missions as either the humans or orcs (later unlocking the elf army). Complete set objectives to claim victory in your mission and defeat the opposing enemy. The faster you complete your goals, the higher your skill in commanding an army.

www.fantasywars-thegame.com

Fast facts:

Publisher: Ascaron Entertainment / Nobilis

Web: www.Ascaron.com

Developer: Ino’Co / 1C

Release date: February 2008

PEGI: 12+

Format: PC

Genre: Turn-based Strategy

About Ascaron Entertainment

From Day One in 1989 Ascaron Entertainment has become one of the leading European “boutique” developers and Publishers of games for the PC, with many successful titles including Patrician, Port Royale, DarkStar One and SACRED.

Ascaron maintains development studios in Berlin, Gutersloh and Aachen (Germany), as well as an international department in Birmingham (UK). Ascaron currently markets its products in more than 40 countries and over 15 languages.

Ascaron Entertainment (UK) is an independent office and is highly regarded on a domestic and global scale. With a professional reputation, full-service product management, and a wealth of experience in the games industry, the UK operation manages the international releases of Ascaron’s entire catalogue, whilst also providing a bespoke publishing, sales, PR and marketing function to selected affiliate label partners. Ascaron Entertainment (UK) continues to be responsible for successfully launching titles into the UK market from developers and publishers worldwide. Titles include the popular UFO, Panzers, Cossacks and Blitzkrieg series of games, as well as critically acclaimed hits such as Call of Juarez, Runaway: The Dream of the Turtle and TrackMania United.

Race Driver: GRID^TM confirmed as official title for intense new racing experience coming mid 2008 from the creators of Colin McRae: DiRT^TM and Race Driver^TM series.

Codemasters® today announced Race Driver: GRID™ as the full and official title for the game introduced under the working title of Race Driver One. Race Driver: GRID is the new racing experience from Codemasters Studios, creators of Colin McRae: DiRT™ and the Race Driver™ series, and is set to deliver a step-change in the racing genre.

Coming mid 2008, Race Driver: GRID is set to capture every moment from the starting grid to the chequered flag and concentrate those moments into an intense and dramatic race experience. Race Driver: GRID is being developed for the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft®, the PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system and Games for Windows®.

“Race Driver: GRID is all about the race.” said Gavin Raeburn, Executive Producer at Codemasters Studios. “The next iteration of our DiRT engine combined with a decade of experience in developing driving games enables us to put the player at the centre of the action like never before. Damage, packed grids, intelligent opposition and unprecedented race day atmosphere will combine to deliver an experience like no other.

Says Ralph Fulton, Chief Game Designer. “GRID focuses on everything that happens between the start grid and the chequered flag: the drama, the rivalries, the aggression and the crashes. This is not a game about collecting cars or spending all of your time in the front-end tuning suspension settings or designing liveries. We want to make racing exciting again.”

Race Driver: GRID will take players to beautifully realised and dramatic race locations over three continents to compete in an unprecedented variety of racing events. Packed with the most powerful race cars – new and classic, circuit and drift – players will compete to conquer the most prestigious official race tracks and championships and then go beyond to compete in challenging city-based competitions, through to road events and urban street races.

In Europe, race gamers will compete on the greatest official tracks in prestige Marques including Aston Martin, Koenigsegg and Pagani.

Iconic cities across the U.S. – including San Francisco, Washington DC and Detroit and each with their own atmosphere and events – play hosts to diverse street races. Here, high-performance V8 muscle cars set the pace in aggressive closely fought pack competitions.

In the Far East, Japanese racing culture sets the tone where night races, including Drift racing, take drivers through neon illuminated cities and to outlying mountain roads. There is also the opportunity to compete in races that operate on the fringes of legality in the back streets and industrial areas of Yokohama.

Race Driver: GRID is coming mid 2008 for the Xbox 360, PLAYSTATION 3 system and Games for Windows. To register for future driver briefings and get a place on the grid, be sure to visit www.codemasters.co.uk/grid  

Two hot new kids properties announced for 2008 on Nintendo DS^TM!

Chertsey, United Kingdom – November 29th 2007: The Game Factory today announced two hot new titles to kick off their 2008 European line-up. The Build-A-Bear Workshop game will release in the UK in March, followed by the pan-European release of Bratz Ponyz 2™ in the summer. Both games will be available for the Nintendo DS.

Bratz Ponyz 2™ follows the huge global success of the original game. Based around the glamorous, glitter filled world of the hippest horses around, the game will feature enhanced simulation aspects of gameplay, and utilize the wireless function of the Nintendo DS.

The Build-A-Bear Workshop game will give young gamers the chance to virtually personalise a furry friend of their liking, living in its very own Cub Condo®. Players will name, brush and care for their furry friend, buy virtual clothes and accessories, and unlock mini games. Building on the success of the 300+ Build-A-Bear Workshop stores worldwide, The Game Factory will give gamers a chance to fully interact with their furry friend just like a Guest in the real-world stores.

In the Build-A-Bear Workshop game, gamers will be able to –

• Choose, stuff, stitch, dress, name and play with their beary own 3D furry friend
• Pick from over 100 outfits and accessories
• Trade outfits, pictures and play games wirelessly with other DS gamers
• Play 4 themed mini games
• Explore 5 play areas packed with cool activities
• Win virtual money to buy additional accessories and clothes
• Enjoy fully rendered 3D graphics
• Use touch screen and microphone capabilities

The Build-A-Bear Workshop game will release on Nintendo DS in the UK Easter 2008.

Bratz Ponyz 2™ will be released on Nintendo DS across Europe in Summer 2008.

Notes to editors:

About The Game Factory:
The Game Factory is an international publisher of video and computer games based on leading international children’s characters. The Game Factory is a subsidiary of K.E. Mathiasen Group A/S, one of the largest children’s products companies in Northern Europe.

www.gamefactorygames.com

About Build-A-Bear Workshop, Inc.
Build-A-Bear Workshop, Inc. is the only global company that offers an interactive make-your-own stuffed animal retail-entertainment experience. Founded in St. Louis in 1997, the company currently operates more than 300 stores in the United States, Puerto Rico, Canada, the United Kingdom, Ireland and France. The addition of franchise stores in Europe, Asia, Africa and Australia make Build-A-Bear Workshop the leader in interactive retail. In November 2004, the company expanded the make-your-own concept from stuffed animals to dolls with the opening of its first friends 2B made® stores, where Guests can make their own doll friends. In April 2006, Build-A-Bear Workshop acquired The Bear Factory Limited and Amsbra, Ltd. adding company-owned stores in the United Kingdom and Ireland. Build-A-Bear Workshop (NYSE: BBW) posted total revenue of $437 million in fiscal 2006. For more information, call 888.560.BEAR (2327) or visit the company’s award-winning Web sites at www.buildabear.com and www.friends2bmade.com.

ORC AND HUMAN FORCES PREPARE FOR FANTASY WARS

PREPARATIONS UNDERWAY FOR DEADLY BATTLES AND VICIOUS TERRITORIAL STRUGGLE

Tensions ripple throughout the land of Eolia as human and orc armies prepare to clash in a ferocious battle for precious territory. Unresolved internal struggles have erupted into an unavoidable war of impending death and destruction.

Monstrous orc leader, Ugraum Grableg, paces his kingdom, roaring at Besargar to organise the orc army into the strongest and deadliest force in the land. The orcs show no fear as they sharpen their weapons, practice their battle formations, and prepare to tear humans limb from limb, satisfying their taste for flesh.

In Derenhalle, brave Derrick Pfeil summons his gallant human troops for what will be the war to end all wars. As they polish their armour and hone their carefully chosen weapons, wagers are placed on which blade will spill the most orc blood. The courageous and noble humans are more than ready to confront the terrifying enemy that awaits them. What the humans lack in physical size and strength, Pfeil knows they will make up in cunning and speed.

The clatter of armour, the clash or swords, and the spine tingling war cries echo throughout the land of Eolia. Battle is about to commence.

Take cover.

Fantasy Wars is a turn based battle strategy game for PC from Ascaron Entertainment. Undertake campaigns and missions as either the humans or orcs (later unlocking the elf army). Complete set objectives to claim victory in your mission and defeat the opposing enemy. The faster you complete your goals, the higher your skill in commanding an army.

www.fantasywars-thegame.com

Fast facts:

Publisher: Ascaron Entertainment / Nobilis

Web: www.Ascaron.com

Developer: Ino’Co / 1C

Release date: February 2008

PEGI: 12+

Format: PC

Genre: Turn-based Strategy

Asteroids^® and Asteroids Deluxe^® Available Now

LYON, FRANCE – November 2007 – Atari today announced that Asteroids® and Asteroids Deluxe® is now available on Xbox Live® Arcade, with three more beloved Atari Classics coming soon. With Asteroids® and Asteroids Deluxe®, Battlezone®, Tempest™ and Warlords®, Atari will deliver the same gaming sights, sounds and action as the original, as well as a new evolved version of games featuring enhanced graphics, sounds and special effects.

Atari and developer Stainless are giving gamers the best of both worlds with the Atari Classic and Evolved games; nostalgic fun with the original Classics and new gaming experiences with the Evolved versions featuring contemporary graphics and music, plus Achievements to unlock and the chance to boost their Gamerscores.

Asteroids and Asteroids Deluxe offers gamers the chance to rotate, thrust, flip, fire and launch into hyperspace as oncoming asteroids are blasted to smithereens just like in the 1979 original. The evolved version features the same frenetic gameplay with updated, beautifully rendered, high definition graphics.

Following this Christmas season will be Tempest, Battlezone, and Warlords. Maintaining the spirit of the original’s linear geometric rendering by using vector graphics, the evolved version of the cult-classic Tempest features a graphics overhaul. Using skill and an arsenal of weapons, gamers must clear a web of enemies before time runs out and advance to the next stage.

The classic Battlezone has received a serious overhaul and added exciting new multiplayer modes. Players can use the Xbox Live Camera to watch live video of their opponents. Combine these features with new special effects for weapon firing, impacts and explosions and Battlezone becomes one killer classic.

The multiplayer Warlords pits king versus king to resurrect the competitive spirit of arcade games from years gone by. Up to four players can join the action with Xbox Live Camera support and take control of their own castle, allowing for a variety of single- or multiplayer experiences.

Gamers can recall their old-school arcade skills in Emulation mode and experience these treasured games in all their historical glory. Mature trigger fingers can play the evolved versions of the same titles and experience the same core gameplay. Gamers of all levels can test their gaming prowess out with three different settings – Easy, Medium and Hard. For those who need a refresher on Classic Atari games, time-limited trial modes are available for all titles. These Atari Classics on Xbox LIVE Arcade support all Xbox 360 high definition resolutions up to 1080p as well as full-screen anti-aliasing and digital surround sound. Players can make the most of the Xbox LIVE service with leader boards and 12 achievements.

For more information on Atari and its entire product line-up please visit www.atari.com.