SAITEK REACHES NEW HEIGHTS WITH FLIGHT SIMULATION KIT NEW FLIGHT YOKE AND THROTTLE QUADRANT TO BE SHOWN
AT MAJOR UK FLIGHT SIM EVENTS  Saitek, a leading designer and manufacturer of consumer electronic products for PC and gaming, has announced that it will be exhibiting its latest range of flight sim equipment, including the Saitek Flight Yoke and the Saitek Throttle Quadrant, at The Flight & Train Simulation Show. The new additions will complement the Saitek Pro Flight Rudder Pedals and the X52 Pro Flight Control System, completing its flight simulation range. Demonstrations of the new Flight Yoke and Throttle Quadrant will be given at The Flight & Train Simulation Show on 17 November. Saitek will also be sponsoring the i32 LAN event on 9-11 November, offering competition prizes. 

Saitek Flight Yoke - £139.99 (includes one Throttle Quadrant)

The Flight Yoke has been developed with flight-sim enthusiasts and expert pilots to bring users closer to reality. Engineered to meet the exacting needs of the true flight simulation enthusiast, it provides a smooth, accurate and totally realistic experience. The stainless steel shaft ensures smooth control, while a custom designed clamp system firmly secures the yoke, preventing unwanted movement during bumpy flights and awkward landings. All controls are fully programmable and within easy fingertip reach; a built in chronograph to time flight duration provides greater accuracy. Saitek Throttle Quadrant - £59.99Saitek’s Throttle Quadrant upgrades the flight simulation experience and expands the number of controls for flight set up. The quadrant contains 3 axis levers, is fully programmable and can be configured to control throttle and flaps, adjust elevator trim or fuel mixture, and used to engage reverse thrust during landing. The throttle quadrants can be positioned to suit any cockpit requirements, allowing the user to have the controls overhead or by their side. Multiple throttle quadrants can also be positioned alongside each other and levers linked for better control of multiple engined aircraft. Saitek Events and Shows

Saitek will be sponsoring the i32 LAN event from 9-11 November and exhibiting at The Flight & Train Simulation Show on 17 November.

We will keep you informed on any updates from Saitek.

Sierra Online, a division of Vivendi Games, has released Switchball™, a new puzzle game for Xbox LIVE® Arcade. The Switchball game challenges players to guide a transformable ball along extensive maze-like courses suspended in midair and set in stunning, expansive worlds. The game has already received critical praise, winning TeamXbox.com’s “Best Downloadable Game of E3” and “Editor’s Choice” awards, as well as a 9.4 out of 10 rating from the site.

“Switchball exemplifies the innovation and level of quality we are bringing to Xbox LIVE Arcade,” said Nicole Perez, vice president of marketing, Sierra Online. “Switchball’s striking graphics, as well as the physics-based gameplay, advances the genre.”

Developed by Atomic Elbow, the Switchball game features an advanced Ageia-based physics engine, making the physical puzzles intuitive and allowing players to interact with objects just as they would in the real world. Players solve their way through challenging levels packed with tricky obstacles, traps and mazes using a rolling ball that can be morphed four different ways – Marbleball, Airball, Powerball and Metalball - each with its own physical characteristics.

The 30 levels of labyrinths are set in five different beautifully rendered 3D environments. Set on docks hovering among the clouds, Skyworld requires players to switch between the Marbleball to balance and manipulate objects and the Metalball to ram heavy boxes off the path. The Airball easily floats over gaps in the course of Iceworld. Caveworld is set in the dark with glowing crystals and introduces players to the Powerball, which can be charged with different powers to solve a variety of dexterity challenges. The challenges become more complex in Cloudworld, which is set inside a large cloud of colorful gas. The most challenging level, Lavaworld, is set inside a huge volcano with fiery explosions – if players get one puzzle wrong they must start from the beginning!

In addition to the single-player game, players can team up online to solve complex puzzles in co-op mode or can go head-to-head with up to seven other players in race mode.

The Switchball game is rated E for Everyone and is available on Xbox LIVE Marketplace for 800 Microsoft points. A Windows PC version of the game is available at retail outlets nationwide, as well as top online gaming portals and the official game website at www.switchball.com. For more information on Switchball or to download a free trial visit www.switchball.com.

Sierra Entertainment, a division of Vivendi Games announced today that Geometry Wars: Galaxies has gone gold and will be available nationwide on November 20th for the Nintendo Wii and November 27th for the Nintendo DS.

The Geometry Wars: Galaxies videogame for both the Nintendo Wii and DS accelerates to warp speed with tons of enemies, more than 60 planets, bigger power-ups and a brand new Battle Drone to help players tear through the campaign mode. For the first time ever, Geometry Wars will also let players battle in a variety of planets in multiplayer mode.

Those that own both the Nintendo Wii and DS games can link the game together using Wi-Fi to unlock bonus levels to both videogames. As well, Geometry Wars: Galaxies is one of the first Nintendo Wii videogames to offer the ability to link the Nintendo Wii system via GameShare with the DS system to download a full, free version of Geometry Wars: Retro Evolved.

“We are excited to provide in Geometry Wars: Galaxies more than 60 times the amount of content than Geometry Wars: Retro Evolved with new levels, controls, weapons and enemies,” said Al Simone, senior vice president, global marketing for Sierra Entertainment.

Geometry Wars: Galaxies is now available for pre-sell and will be available on Nintendo Wii for $39.99 and the Nintendo DS for $29.99. Both games have an ESRB rating of “E” for Everyone. For more information, please visit the game’s official Website at www.geometrywarsgalaxies/.

Dragon Ball Z: Budokai Tenkaichi 3 will have online multiplayer capability on Wii and will feature a unique ‘Disc Fusion System’ on PS2 for expanded and enhanced gameplay opportunities.  Dragon Ball Z: Budokai Tenkaichi 3 combines the lightning fast fighting and action gameplay that have made Budokai Tenkaichi 1 and Budokai Tenkaichi 2 the #1 fighting games of 2005 and 2006.  Developed by NAMCO BANDAI Games Inc. / Spike, Dragon Ball Z: Budokai Tenkaichi 3 is scheduled for release in winter 2007. With eagerly anticipated online gameplay coming to Wii, fans can take head-to-head DBZ battling online for the very first time for a thrilling new take on the DBZ experience. The exclusive ‘Disc Fusion System’ featured in the PlayStation 2 version of Dragon Ball Z: Budokai Tenkaichi 3 lets players insert either Budokai Tenkaichi 1 or Budokai Tenkaichi 2 into the console to unlock brand new gameplay modes.  Each game in the series will provide a different and exciting new gameplay mode.    “Bringing online play to the Wii version of Dragon Ball Z: Budokai Tenkaichi 3 is a fantastically exciting innovation which has been long awaited by the fans and takes the gameplay to a whole new level,” said Mathieu Piau, Product Manager, Atari Europe.  “The Disc Fusion system for PlayStation 2 gives an extra special bonus to the faithful fans who’ve followed the series from the start, and it all adds up to an absolutely unmissable Dragon Ball Z fighting experience.” Improving upon last year’s hit 3D fighting experience, Dragon Ball Z: Budokai Tenkaichi 3 offers more than 150 playable characters, more than 30 battle stages, and upgraded shading techniques providing enhanced and devastating effects.  Furthermore, the Wii control system has been fine-tuned, allowing players to easily direct characters, mimic their favourite DBZ moves and execute explosive attacks. The immensely popular Dragon Ball Z series is the gold standard of anime-based video games, with more than 25 different games and over 10 million units sold since May 2002.   

Dragon Ball Z: Budokai Tenkaichi 3 is scheduled for release this coming winter.  For more information on Dragon Ball Z video games, please visit www.dbz-videogames.com.

 

   

 

Sierra Entertainment, a division of Vivendi Games, announced the latest installments for the award-winning F.E.A.R.™ (First Encounter Assault Recon), are now available for the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and Windows PC. F.E.A.R. Files, the complete stand-alone expansion pack series exclusive for the Xbox 360 and F.E.A.R. Perseus Mandate, the second expansion pack to the award-winning PC title, are both currently available at major retailers nationwide.

In Perseus Mandate for Windows-based PC, players face off against new enemies as they take point on a second F.E.A.R. team investigating the mysterious paranormal phenomena at Armacham. Perseus Mandate features several robust multiplayer modes available to players online, including a deeply immersive storyline that runs parallel to the original F.E.A.R. and first expansion pack Extraction Point. The second expansion pack reveals a new perspective on the initial disturbance, challenging players to find out what Perseus actually is and why the Nightcrawlers have been called in to collect it. You play as the point man on a second First Encounter Assault Recon team
In F.E.A.R. Files, exclusive for the Xbox 360, gamers will combat paranormal situations in two action-packed campaigns. F.E.A.R. Files is two games in one package – the brand new Perseus Mandate campaign and the award-winning expansion pack Extraction Point. F.E.A.R. Files features several new Instant Action and multiplayer maps, along with a variety of new weaponry available to the player. Gamers can look forward to the same psychological twists and turns they’ve come to expect from the F.E.A.R. franchise as they battle their way through each terrifying campaign.

“Since its launch, F.E.A.R. has been adopted by several million players around the world,” said Pascal Brochier, president, Global Retail for Vivendi Games. “This next chapter in the F.E.A.R. universe will further solidify the global success of the franchise, while giving the community an opportunity to experience another level of compelling F.E.A.R. content.”

F.E.A.R. Files was developed by TimeGate Studios in conjunction with Day One Studios. F.E.A.R. Perseus Mandate was developed by TimeGate Studios. To get more information on both games please visit www.whatisfear.com.

Video Game of the Film Available Now Across Europe for PlayStation^®2, Nintendo DS^TM, Wii and PC, Featuring Unique Blend of Live Action, CGI and Gameplay Animation, -

LYON, FRANCE – 9 November 2007 – Atari today announced that the video game Asterix at the Olympic Games for PlayStation®2, Nintendo DS™, Wii and PC is available now at retailers across Europe. The game of the forthcoming live action feature film of the same name, Asterix at the Olympic Games combines live action elements from the film with high-end computer generated and video game animation to deliver fans an original and highly entertaining Asterix experience.

Join Asterix, Obelix and his faithful hound Dogmatix on the road to Greece as they run to the aid of love stricken friend Alafolix. Much fun and madcap adventuring follows as Asterix and his friends enter the fray in their own inimitable style, coming head to head with Brutus, his muscle-bound champion, and of course their ultimate archenemy, the mighty Julius Caesar.

“Atari has a highly successful history of publishing high quality video games based on the universally popular Asterix brand, with over three million games sold in Europe to date,” said Mathias Hautefort, Executive Vice President of publishing and production, Atari. “With this game we’re assuring the continuation of that success by delivering something highly original, of excellent quality, and great fun in a way that only Asterix can be.”

The Wii, PS2 and PC versions of the game feature two gameplay modes: the adventure mode follows the story playing as either Asterix or Obelix, switching characters on the fly and unlocking sporting challenges along the way, while the antique mode lets players play as any one of 12 characters and go head to head with either the computer or a friend in a host of riotous contests. In the Nintendo DS game players take the role of either Asterix or Obelix through more than 120 sporting challenges to become the ultimate victor.

Asterix at the Olympic Games is developed by Etranges Libellules in close collaboration with Asterix licensor Les Editions Albert René and with film production company La Petite Reine. The live action feature film has the biggest production budget of any film in European cinema history and is scheduled for release across Europe in early 2008. For more information about Atari’s entire product line up, visit www.atari.com.

Best Price Found for this game is @ POWERPLAYDIRECT £15.99 with Free Delivery

A diving experience in your living room…

Forever Blue gives players the freedom to dive in tropical waters and discover the sea life and unique locations that are hidden underwater. The player may choose to simply swim and explore, or complete his fish log, by touching and stroking fish with the Wii Remote. There is also the chance in the game to meet a dolphin where the player can play mini-games and progress the relaxed storyline. With the WiFi connection, two players can dive together in each other’s oceans.

The Pointer Device on the Wii Remote is used consistently throughout the game to navigate, where the diver follows the pointer’s cursor and is seen onscreen as a bright blue dot; this gives the player a close sensation of diving.

When the player wants to interact with a fish, he highlights it with the pointer and clicks with the A Button, subsequent holding of the A Button and shaking the controller lets the player stroke fish. There are some minor uses of the Motion Sensors, with flicks of the Wii Remote will allows the diver to perform barrel rolls (horizontal flick) and loops (downwards flick) underwater.

Through exchanging Friend Codes, two players may dive together. They use all the tools that can be used in single player mode, and have an additional mode of communication by pressing up on the dpad. Players can choose from preset phrases and greeting from this area.

Features:

Get This Game for £15.99 the best price on the web!

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Frankfurt am Main, Germany, 9 November 2007 – Leading video game publisher, Fireglow Games®, today released a new demo for “Stranger”, Fireglow’s upcoming RPG, which features the best elements of real-time strategy.

You can download the demo here:
http://www.fileplanet.com/182254/180000/fileinfo/Stranger-Demo?r=5

You will be able to find the game in stores in the end of November 2007.

About Stranger:

Stranger is an RPG blended with the best elements of RTS.

An innovative and never before seen magical system allows you to select your own strategy and tactics in the course of a battle, providing the suitable response to the enemy’s move - you will be surprised by how simple yet versatile it is.
Hiring, training and control over squads of infantry and archers - you will take part in clarifying the eternal question of what more is important - might and weaponry or cunning and magic.
There are three heroes – each different, each with their own personality and preferences in combat and magic. What will happen when they assemble in a single squad?
The colorful universe of Stranger is inhabited not only by hundreds of types of monsters but also by intelligent tribes, which can either be your allies or your enemies.
All of this is “Stranger” - 2 worlds, 3 destinies.

Features:

RPG blended with some of the best RTS elements
3 main heroes and a wide variety of units to choose from
Over 100 different monsters
Unique and flexible magic system
Great variety of items and gear
More than 30 hours of single player action
Multiplayer with up to 8 players
Level design enables distinctive tactical options

Friday, 9th November (10am GMT) - Codemasters Online announce today that The Lord of the Rings Online™: Shadows of Angmar™ Gold Edition is now available for purchase across Europe. At launch, The Lord of the Rings Online was the number one selling PC title across Europe and North America. Encased in an exclusive Steel Pack, The Lord of the Rings Online Gold Edition entitles players to four exclusive in-game items, all three content updates since launch and 45-days’ free gaming experience.

“The launch of the Gold Edition reinforces the monumental success The Lord of the Rings Online has received since release in April”, comments Ed Blincoe, Senior Product Manager, Codemasters Online. “We are delighted with the exceptional demand LOTRO has seen and we look forward to welcoming thousands more people into Middle-earth”.

The Lord of the Rings Online Gold Edition contains an exclusive package of four in-game items and 45-days’ free game time, only available with the purchase of the Gold Edition. Upon reaching level 25 players are welcomed with an all new unique horse mount to aid in their travels through the vast lands of Middle-earth. Players also have the opportunity to personalise their new homes within Middle-earth with a unique welcome mat, five scented candles and a lucky horseshoe complete this distinctive package.

The Lord of the Rings Online lets players experience the unique and mystical world based on the Books of J.R.R. Tolkien. The game delivers an experience that takes players beyond the Books to where they can create their own story within the most famous fantasy world of all time.

The Lord of the Rings Online Gold Edition is now available for purchase at all major retailers across Europe. To download The Lord of the Rings Online free trial or for more information please visit www.trylotro.com

Today, Ubisoft, one of the world’s largest video game publishers, announced that top video game composers Sascha Dikiciyan and Cris Velasco have created an original orchestral music score for Beowulf™, the new action combat video game based on Paramount Pictures’ and Shangri-La Entertainment’s upcoming feature film Beowulf™. The Beowulf™ video game is scheduled for worldwide release in conjunction with the movie’s opening in November 2007.

Created by the industry’s most in-demand composer team in Dikiciyan and Velasco, the Beowulf™ video game score is an epic musical journey featuring anthemic choral/orchestral compositions and bombastic action cues driven by heavy brass and thunderous percussion. The grand orchestral score was recorded with many of San Francisco’s best symphony musicians at the world famous Skywalker Sound studios.

“The biggest challenge we had for Beowulf’s soundtrack was that the music not only had to support and enhance the game’s actions, but it also had to follow the evolution of Beowulf universe; starting as a very heavy middle age Barbarian music and ending as a modern and powerful Hollywood score,” stated Manu Bachet, Music Supervisor at Ubisoft. “Within a very aggressive schedule, Cris Velasco and Sascha Dikiciyan managed to compose the most refined barbarian soundtrack ever heard on this side of the Danes kingdom.”

“Working with Ubisoft on Beowulf reminds me of why I love being a game composer; it was an amazing experience from start to finish,” said Cris Velasco. “We began by meeting with all the creative teams from around the world to review the incredible visuals and game play that we would use as inspiration for the music. The score was recorded using top players and singers from the San Francisco area, and over the course of two days we had a great time both working in the studio and hanging out at the Skywalker Ranch.”

The Beowulf™ video game takes players deep into Academy Award®-winning director Robert Zemeckis’ vision of the classic saga, Beowulf. Gamers live the life of Beowulf, the legendary Norse warrior with the strength of 30 men who is torn between the nobility and brutality within him. Arrogant, self-serving, and lustful for gold and glory, Beowulf will journey to Denmark to destroy a bloodthirsty beast wreaking havoc on a frigid land. But evil persists, and Beowulf succumbs to its lure of even greater fame, quietly maneuvering to claim the Danish throne. As King, Beowulf must face the consequences of ambition, even as war descends on the realm. As Beowulf, players lead their men, called Thanes, into battle, slay the Titans of a dying age, and crush the enemies that threaten to annihilate both their kingdom and people. Only then, when Beowulf looks Destiny in the eye, will he know what kind of hero he has truly become.

For more information on the Beowulf™ video game, please visit http://www.beowulfgame.com

For more information on the movie, visit the official site at http://www.beowulfmovie.com.