BLITZKRIEG 2 ANTHOLOGY STORMS INTO RETAIL TODAY 

EXPERIENCE THREE TIMES AS MUCH STRATEGY WAR GAMING FOR THE PRICE OF ONE
The Blitzkrieg 2 Anthology is available to buy in stores today. The set includes Blitzkrieg 2, Blitzkrieg 2 – Liberation and Blitzkrieg 2 Fall of the Reich to make up the ultimate strategy war package. These highly rated battle strategy games will provide hours of quality gameplay on PC for the bargain price of £19.99.

 Blitzkrieg 2

World War II is taken into full 3D with stunning visual effects to display all the battlefield action and glory. Command German, American and Russian World War II armies and take charge of more than 250 types of historically accurate units, including 60 types of ground infantry. With over 80 missions and 15 multiplayer maps, players can enjoy creating their own single missions or campaigns.

Blitzkrieg 2 – Liberation

The gritty realism of World War II is brought to life with the choice of two different campaigns; lead the Allied forces as they battle through Italy or oversee the escape of the German and Italian armies from France. Impressive visuals mean the beautiful European landscape can be experienced before a tank rumbles through and the bombs begin to fall.

Blitzkrieg 2 – Fall of the Reich

This covers three major offensives from the final days of fighting on The Eastern front. Soviet and German campaigns such as the ‘Siege of Budapest,’ ‘Fortress Kurland’ and ‘Operation Bagration’ can be played. 16 historically based missions will challenge beginner and veteran strategists as they try to capture or defend the remnants of the German war machine during the final days of World War II.

Fast facts:

Publisher: Ascaron Entertainment / CDV

Web: www.ascaron.com

Developer: Ino’Co / 1C

Release date: 29th February 2008

PEGI: +12

Format: PC

Genre: Battle Strategy

SRP: £19.99

As the Confucius said, A craftsman, if he means to do good work, must first sharpen his tools. It’s quit a golden saying. In Elf Online (http://elf.happymmo.com), whatever your career is, weapon is always the foremost item to bear the brunt of fighting externally as well as bring out your characteristics and disposition internally.

The weapon system of Elf Online (http://elf.happymmo.com) is composed of short weapon, long distant weapon, double weapon, soft weapon, boxing tools, etc. Here we will introduce some interesting weapons which are out of common imagination.

Boxing Chicken Leg Stick, please notice that it’s not a delicious fried chicken leg from KFC or Macdonald, so when you see it, please cautious and stop your mouth watering despite its attractive smell.

Dodging Banana Dart. Does it made from banana? May be. It makes sense that even banana peel can make you slip down, let alone banana dart. Please pay more attention to it.
Toilet Brushes for Knights. Judged from its name, we can guess it’s a noble weapon for the cavalier, but, toilet brush? Ha-ha, I can’t believe it even when I saw.

OK, it is hard to list all the wonderful weapons in Elf Online (http://elf.happymmo.com), please join in the game and enjoy more fun there.

More information about Elf Online, please visit http://elf.happymmo.com
Official forum: http://forum.happymmo.com/

Fans will now be able to shred to hits from No Doubt’s renowned album Tragic Kingdom with the release of a new downloadable track pack for Activision, Inc.’s (Nasdaq: ATVI) Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock.

This epic set of master recordings is plucked straight from No Doubt’s diamond selling album and includes such beloved chart toppers as “Don’t Speak,” “Excuse Me Mr.,” and “Sunday Morning.” The track pack is currently offered on Xbox LIVE® Marketplace for Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and will be available later today on PLAYSTATION®Store for the PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system.

Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock offers the ultimate rock experience with new wireless guitars, freshly added content and features including a multiplayer action-inspired battle mode, grueling boss battles, a host of exclusive unlockable content and visually stunning rock venues. Expanded online multiplayer modes allow axe-shredders worldwide to compete head-to-head for true rock status as they riff through a star-studded soundtrack including master tracks by legendary artists such as Aerosmith, Guns ‘N’ Roses, The Rolling Stones, Beastie Boys, Rage Against the Machine and Pearl Jam, as well as original songs by guitar icons Slash and Tom Morello. Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock is now available and is rated “T” for Teen by the ESRB.

Although I must admit I am pleased for for formats mentioned in this announcement, I still cant help feeling ripped off as the Nintendo Wii version still does not have DLC and we appear to be getting the short end of the stickby missing out on all the extras, Its not like we didnt pay more than the rest for our version.

What better way to for gamers to enjoy a baseball video game than to move like they are actually playing baseball? With Major League Baseball 2K8 on the Wii home video game system, fans of all ages and skill levels will be able to step up to the plate and hit one out of the park. Major League Baseball 2K8 provides the most fun and exciting baseball simulation experience available and the innovative Wii controls allow fans the opportunity to pitch, bat, field and run the bases using the Wii Remote™ and Nunchuk™.

Some of the fun new Wii gameplay controls for Major League Baseball 2K8 include:

Pitching – To pitch, players simply point the Wii Remote at the screen, pull back to start the pitcher’s motion, then flick the Wii Remote forward. The quicker the player flicks the remote, the more velocity and movement the pitch will have. The Nunchuk can be used to view a player’s pitch arsenal and to select which pitch to throw.
Batting – Swinging for the fences with Major League Baseball 2K8 on Wii will provide fans with even more fun when they control the Wii Remote as if they were swinging a real bat. The Nunchuk acts to control the direction of the ball.
Fielding – While controlling their designated player using the Nunchuk, players can snag fly balls and use the Wii Remote to throw to the appropriate base. Players can use Major League Baseball 2K8’s “Smart Throw” technology to throw to the best base by simply flicking the Wii Remote or can manually choose which base to throw to by pressing a direction on the directional pad.
Baserunning – Players can control the speed of their baserunning by shaking the Wii Remote and Nunchuk simultaneously, then pushing both controllers to slide.

Major League Baseball 2K8, rated E for Everyone by the ESRB, will be available in retail stores on March 4, 2008, for Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, Wii™ home video game system, PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system, PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system, and PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) system.

For more information about Major League Baseball 2K8, please visit www.2Ksports.com.

VARIED QUESTS, IN-DEPTH CHARACTERS AND MIXED GENRES CONTRIBUTE TO UNORTHODOX GAMING ADVENTURE

Hard To Be A God, the new action and adventure game from Ascaron to be released in April, uniquely combines the sci-fi and medieval fantasy genres with a mix of Hack & Slash and RPG gameplay. Exceptional attention to detail during game development results in an in-depth storyline, advanced character development and a diverse range of quests, set on a planet locked in medieval times.

Blurring genres

The original storyline distinguishes it from other role playing games. The crossover of medieval fantasy and sci-fi provides a unique opportunity to combine the archaic with the futuristic, mixing a medieval backdrop with technologically advanced items. The in-depth and intriguing story development immerses the player in the role of a secret agent sent from a futuristic Earth to the medieval, alien planet of Arkanar.

Character customisation

As the game progresses a unique individual, far removed from the secret agent at the start, will have evolved. Customisation of the character is made possible through combat skill or ability development, such as swordsmanship or negotiation. This fine-tunes the character to suit a particular type of gameplay. The different guises that the character is forced to take on, including bandit, don, aristocrat and monk, will affect the combat methods and style of gameplay.

Range of quests

A variety of quests needs to be completed, from defeating ruthless bandits to recovering a lost child. Different individuals will be met along the way, each with their own background storyline, adding to the depth of the game. Alternate ways to complete quests give the player choice in how best to progress; some quests require clever battle tactics or diplomacy, i.e. if outnumbered by a gang, kill the leader and the rest will cooperate, while others are dependent on nerve and strength.

Try your luck at survival by visiting www.hardtobeagod.com to download the demo.

Fast facts:

Publisher: Ascaron Entertainment / Nobilis

Web: www.Ascaron.com / www.hardtobeagod.com

Developer: Akella

Release date: 11thApril 2008

Price: £29.99

PEGI: 12+

Format: PC

Genre: RPG/Hack & Slash

Gothic Universe – Three of the best out Friday 29th February

 Jowood Production are pleased to announce that on Friday 29th February 2008, they will releasing one of the most important RPG games to grace the gaming arenas in recent years.  Gothic Universe compiles the complete series from 1 to 3 - including all the add–ons - that made this such a great games series. The accolades it has received over the last few years has made this game a must to play.   To remind you how great this series is, view the trailer which showcases footage from all three games.  

Gothic I 

Eurogamer 8/10 Online: One of the most pleasing aspects of Gothic is the fact that it doesn’t rely too much on established role-playing dynamics. Indeed it leans more heavily towards adventuring and exploration,

 Gamespy 83/100 Online: If you’re an RPG fan that is looking for a game with more substance –quests, detailed NPC interaction, and a solid plot — then you should check out Gothic

 Just RPG 80/100 Online

Just Adventure  80% Online

Ace Games 10/10 Online

PC Zone 74/100

PC Gamer 75/100

Gothic II

 Gamespot 8.1/10 Online: Gothic II is a substantially long game, and its different quests and different professions allow for some good replay value

 Gamers hell 9.2/10 Online: In my opinion this game is a must have for RPG fans but if you’ve played and liked Gothic 1 then you’ll have no option but to run for the store and buy it as soon as possible.

 IGN 8/10 Online

Just RPG 97/100 Online

Worth Playing 8/10 Online

PC Zone 80/100

 Gothic III

 Jolt 8.1/10 Online: It’s a very immersive experience with a friendly interface and a real “feel” to it. You will get drawn into it and find yourself living a life in game.

 Eurogamer 8/10 Online: It’s a beautifully rich free-form environment, as much a pleasure to explore without resorting to combat as is World of Warcraft’s or Oblivion’s.

 Strategy Informer 7.8/10 Online

Ace Games 8/10 Online

Honestgamers 9/10 Online

Gamespot 7.6/10

Gamers Europe 7/10

PC Zone 85/100

PC Gamer 71/100

Gamesmaster 80/100

 Gothic Universe – The story begins 

The epic story of Gothic, now in one huge pack: Beginning your journey as a prisoner of the King, who must find enough magic ore to forge weapons for his army in defence against the Orcs. The mines are set in a large magical sphere and inside this sphere you will start exploring Myrtana’s mysteries. Once you’ve managed to burst the bonds of imprisonment, it’s on you to explore the island of Khorinis. Willing to do whatever is necessary to banish evil once and for all, defend the people against the orcish thread and venture deep into subterranean temples. After your escape from the island you didn’t find safety: The orcs have finally conquered Myrtana and enslaved the humans. Barbarians of the icy north and few fearless rebels are the only resistance. You can either support their efforts or join the orcish occupation forces - but whatever you do, the destiny of Myrtana is yours to forge!

3D action adventure with over 300 hours of exciting gameplay

Immerse yourself in the most realistic and fascinating in-game world possible: Myrtana awakens!

Liberation or annihilation - the fate of the world of Gothic lies in your hands!

Huge living and breathing environment reacting to the actions of the player and creating endless choices of interaction

Hundreds of weapons, items, spells and artifacts to equip and use USPs

Epic, non – linear storylines with multiple endings and almost limitless possibilities

highly re-playable story lines

Extensive aspheric soundtrack

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Tales of Vesperia^TM for Xbox 360^® and Tales of Symphonia^®: Dawn of the New World^TM for Wii^TM Highlight Celebrated Role-Playing Series’ First Decade

SANTA CLARA, Calif., (February 27, 2008) – NAMCO BANDAI Games America Inc. today announced Tales of Vesperia™ for the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and Tales of Symphonia®: Dawn of the New World™ for Wii™. Marking the 10th anniversary of the Tales franchise in North America, these two new games expand the series’ winning combination of real-time combat, captivating storylines and remarkable graphics while introducing original elements that set a new standard for role-playing gameplay and interactive storytelling.

The debut of the Tales series on the Xbox 360, Tales of Vesperia launches the series to new heights of interactive narrative and engrossing gameplay with incredible anime-style graphics, a captivating storyline and characters as well as an upgraded battle system. Set in a world reliant on a mysterious ancient technology known as “blastia,” the game follows former knight Yuri as he delves into a shadowy plot to use these magical devices to control civilization, or destroy it.

A bold new interpretation of the elements that made the Tales series a hit with gamers around the world, Tales of Vesperia delivers a standard-setting RPG experience on the Xbox 360. Using an all-new graphics engine and character designs by the renowned Kosuke Fujishima (Ah! My Goddess, Sakura Taisen), the game delivers high-quality HD character models and environments that are indistinguishable from traditional cel-based anime. The game also makes significant additions to the series’ trademark real-time combat system, allowing players to do battle in massive battlefields and learn new special attacks that are tied to individual weapons. New finishing blows allow players to take down enemies in a single hit with correctly timed button combinations, while mission-based battles increase the variety of each encounter as players gain unique items by fulfilling various battle objectives. Players can also use materials collected by successfully executing finishing moves to craft rare and unique equipment for their characters.

Set two years after the events of the award-winning Tales of Symphonia for the Nintendo GameCube™, Dawn of the New World follows the journey of two new young heroes, Emil Castagnier and Marta Lualdi, as they seek to uncover the mystery of why their world has fallen into ruin. In their quest, their paths will cross with the original cast of Tales of Symphonia including Lloyd and Colette, as well as a summon spirit known as Ratatosk who claims to be the lord of all monsters.

Advancing the combination of story, characters and real-time battles that made Tales of Symphonia one of the best-selling and highest-rated role-playing games for the Nintendo GameCube, Dawn of the New World introduces a new monster recruitment feature in which players can capture more than 200 unique enemies and train them to actively participate in battle. Players can then feed these monsters to make them more effective, and even evolve them into several new fearsome forms. The game also features an updated real-time battle system that lets players move freely in all directions around the battlefield, execute powerful unison attacks and take advantage of a new elemental alignment system for even more strategic depth. Dawn of the New World gives players complete control over a full roster of Tales of Symphonia characters and ally monsters, letting them customize their adventure party into hundreds of unique combinations.

“The Tales series is one of our most successful and well-regarded franchises, and we’re celebrating its 10th anniversary in a big way with two new games that redefine role-playing on the Xbox 360 and Wii,” said Todd Thorson, Director of Marketing and Public Relations for NAMCO BANDAI Games America Inc. “Not only can gamers look forward to playing these two incredible titles later this year, but we’ll be supporting special anniversary-themed programs throughout the year to thank all the fans of the series for their dedication and enthusiasm.”

Tales of Vesperia for the Xbox 360 and Tales of Symphonia: Dawn of the New World for Wii will be available in stores later this year. Tales of Vesperia is currently featured in the March issue of Play magazine, and Tales of Symphonia: Dawn of the New World is featured in the March issue of Nintendo Power magazine, both now on sale nationwide. For more information on the Tales series, please visit www.namcobandaigames.com.

Disney Interactive Studios Introduces Ultimate Band - The Only All-Inclusive Music Video Game Experience For All Ages

No Peripherals Required, Ultimate Band Makes the Power to Rock Truly Accessible

LONDON, England – (February 28, 2008) – Disney Interactive Studios announced today, Ultimate Band, an all new music experience for fans of the Wii™ home video game system and Nintendo DS™. Gamers and music lovers of all ages will realize their dream of becoming a rock legend when they build their own band or jam alone, all fuelled only by the power of the Wii controllers and the DS stylus. Disney is working with some of the very biggest names in rock, alternative, popular, emo and indie rock music, allowing band mates to play sets from a broad selection of current hits and all-time rock favourites. Friends and families can rock out on guitar, bass, drums or as the front man.

“Ultimate Band invites kids, tweens and teens to join in the jam session,” said Craig Relyea, senior vice president, global marketing, Disney Interactive Studios. “And whether they choose guitar, drums, bass or front man, members don’t need to buy costly, single-function peripherals to play their way through Ultimate Band’s deep song list, dynamic venues, and customizable characters. The Wii Remote™ and DS stylus are the only tools they’ll need to reach rock stardom in Ultimate Band.”

Working with leading London-based music consultants, Radial Music, Disney has chosen to combine familiar classics with today’s hottest songs in creating Ultimate Band - a product with global appeal across all age groups. Instantly-recognisable songs from classic rock to current hit singles will bring players together for endless hours of entertainment.

“Radial worked closely with Disney to compile the perfect song list for Ultimate Band,” said David Hill of Radial Music. “With iconic songs from every decade since the 60s, these games feature music for everyone.”

Ultimate Band, being developed by Fall Line Studio in Salt Lake City, UT, is slated for release during autumn 2008. When Disney formed Fall Line Studio in November, 2006, Ultimate Band was the first project the team began building. Fall Line Studio’s focus is to develop Wii and Nintendo DS games based on new intellectual property, Disney brands (with Disney/Walden Media’s The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian on the Nintendo DS being its first release), and innovative new technologies such as DGamer which will provide a fun, connected game community for Disney video game fans.

Ultimate Band for Wii allows players to live the life of a rock star, by advancing their music careers and popularity from playing in a neighbourhood garage to performing in front of an international audience at a world famous venue. Ultimate Band utilizes the innovative Wii Remote and Nunchuk™ to give fans the ability to play the drums, bass guitar, lead guitar, or take on the role of the front man. Players can also create and customise characters that reflect their own unique personalities and attributes. Along the way, players will unlock new songs, venues, and accessories that can be used to customise their band members.

Ultimate Band for Nintendo DS is a rhythm-based music game with a built-in recording studio. Players can jam to current and classic songs using the drums, lead guitar, bass guitar, or rhythm guitar. Players can also create their own original songs using the DS touchscreen and stylus to lay down tracks for each instrument and apply creative mixing effects. Ultimate Band for Nintendo DS will also include DGamer functionality which will allow players to engage with others in a secure online community via their DS (Wi-Fi or ad hoc) or computer.

Extreme mode announced as an exclusive for Nintendo Wii.

Bringing forth two of the best arcade gun games from the genre, THE HOUSE OF THE DEAD 2 & 3 RETURN delivers non-stop trigger pulling action on the Nintendo Wii. And now Nintendo Wii gamers will experience a new level of intense action with the exclusive Extreme Mode!

Available after beating THE HOUSE OF THE DEAD 2 and THE HOUSE OF THE DEAD III, Extreme Mode is a special single player mode in THE HOUSE OF THE DEAD III with a number of gameplay changes. Quicker enemy attacks make the action much more frantic and the bullet blast radius is much smaller. However, the player can take advantage of faster reloading of the shotgun as well as a new melee attack!

When the enemy is within melee range, pressing the A button will unleash the powerful melee attack that can hit several enemies!

The melee attack can also be used to block enemy attacks, missile weapons, and even boss attacks! Don’t abuse the melee attack as it requires the player to reload after each use.

THE HOUSE OF THE DEAD 2 & 3 RETURN will be released on the Nintendo Wii in March and fully supports the Wii Zapper.

Ignition Entertainment has partnered with Chicago-based music group THE AUDITION on the band’s latest music video. The music video for “Warm Me Up,” the pop-rock quintet’s first single off their second album, Champion (Victory Records), features gameplay footage from Ignition’s upcoming survival-horror videogame Obscure: The Aftermath (Wii™, PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system, PC). In turn, The Audition provided several songs for use in a series of groundbreaking live-action trailers created by Ignition to promote Obscure: The Aftermath.

“The Audition is a fantastic band, and their energy on the single ‘Warm Me Up’ really compliments our teen horror game Obscure: The Aftermath,” said Ajay Chadha, president of Ignition Entertainment USA. “The videogame has a unique blend of genuine horror, witty dialogue and awesome co-op gameplay. It’s only fitting that this one-of-a-kind game benefits from such a unique, synergetic collaboration between the music and videogame industries.”

The first-of-their-kind trailers are the opening scenes from Obscure: The Aftermath and follow the story of a group of friends attending college who discover that a mysterious black flower, with addictive hallucinogenic effects, also has the terrifying ability to transform people into hideous monsters. The films were shot at the old American Greetings Creative Studios building set just outside of Cleveland, Ohio, and feature a cast of sexy, young men and women, including Cleveland native Matt Waldeck, who recently appeared in “The Young and the Restless.” The Audition’s “Warm Me Up” music video was shot in conjunction with the trailers and features the same set and actors.

For more information about The Audition or their sophomore album, Champion, please visit www.theauditionrocks.com or www.myspace.com/theaudition.

Published by Ignition Entertainment and Playlogic International N.V. and developed by Hydravision Entertainment, Obscure: The Aftermath is rated “M” for Mature and slated for release on March 25, 2008 on the Wii, PlayStation 2 system and PC.

Adapted from The Audition’s original “Warm Me Up” music video featuring Obscure: The Aftermath, the Obscure gameplay focused video will debut Tuesday, February 27th on IGN.com (http://music.ign.com/).The Obscure: The Aftermath video series can also be viewed by visiting www.obscureaftermath.com.