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The Settlers - DS version announced, PC demo released

2006-07-10T00:29:00.000-07:00

First appearance of the strategy game on console!

Ubisoft, one of the world’s largest video game publishers and its Blue Byte development studio announce THE SETTLERS® for Nintendo DS™. For the first time in the 13 years of the franchise’s history, THE SETTLERS® will be released on a video game console and will be available in Spring 2006 across Australia, New Zealand, Europe and America.

The Roman crew of a ship is going to visit a seemingly deserted island. For its survival, the crew has to plan several things wisely: shipbuilders, foresters, and scouts are in need of food and construction material. Farming, livestock breeding, hunting, and fishing are essential to cope with the food demands of the people, while mines are necessary to provide them with ore, coal and gold. A well structured economy will be the base for a fast growing settlement. But danger is also near: the island territory should be well guarded by military forces.

“We are happy to be able to offer the successful SETTLERS® series to the handheld fans. Strategic games are also very interesting for Nintendo players,” says Ralf Wirsing, Business Development Director of Ubisoft in Germany and Studio Manager of Blue Byte. “Gladly enough, the gaming principle of THE SETTLERS® supports the functions of the Nintendo DS in a unique way.”

This handheld gaming experience is based on the popular gaming mechanism of the series: The player will construct buildings and connect them with roads to each other. The more intelligent the ways are planned, the more efficient the economy becomes. With the Nintendo DS stylus, the two screens of the Nintendo DS™ are used in an optimal way. On the Touch Screen, players will be able to organise their Settlers and on the Top screen they will watch the active world of THE SETTLERS® and vice-versa.

Key-features:

* 2 campaigns: ”Roman campaign “ and “World campaign”
* Free gaming mode with all peoples versus an AI opponent
* 30 different occupational groups and 6 different types of soldiers
* 4 peoples (Roman, Viking, Nubian, and Asian)
* Different Environments (Woods, lava, icy areas, swamps, etc.) on 7 continents
* Easy to use with the Nintendo DS stylus
* You can swap the Top screen and Touch Screen every time, to easily control the game with your Nintendo DS stylus
* You can use the variable zoom to watch your lively settlers at any time

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NEW SETTLERS PC DEMO NOW AVAILABLE!

In other Settlers news, the demo of the upcoming PC release The Settlers II 10th Anniversary has been released. Visit ftp://ftp.ubi.com/emea/settlers/demo and grab the file Settlers2_demo_intl.zip to try it out.

NAMCO BANDAI GAMES TO PUBLISH SAINT SEIYA: THE HADES FOR PS2

2006-06-29T05:33:00.000-07:00

Stunning new fighter based on greatest saga from revered Japanese anime

Wednesday 28th June 2006 – Atari, one of Australia’s leading sources of interactive entertainment, announces the forthcoming release of Saint Seiya: The Hades from NAMCO BANDAI Games for PlayStation2. Following the release of Saint Seiya: The Sanctuary in 2005, Saint Seiya: The Hades takes the Saint Seiya video game experience to the next level boasting a story from the most widely acclaimed chapter of the saga plus an overdose of innovative features and stunning enhancements designed to bring players closer than ever to the universe of mind-blowing 3D Cosmo battles. Published by NAMCO BANDAI Games and distributed in Australia by Atari, Saint Seiya: The Hades is scheduled for release in spring 2006.

The story of Saint Seiya: The Hades is taken directly from the highly respected manga of the same name that have only recently been made into an anime television series and which are hailed by many fans as the greatest in the Saint Seiya saga. For maximum authenticity, the story of the game is based mainly on the original manga with cut scenes taken from the anime. The story takes places as the Specters, thanks to the awakening of Hades, begin to claim back their powers after being restrained for 243 years by Athena's might. It is your destiny to do battle with the supreme commander of Hell and his armies to overcome the impending devastation.

Saint Seiya: The Hades offers something extra special for all fans of anime and fighting games. The development team have put their hearts and souls into developing a fighting system worthy of this seminal manga and anime with spectacular results.

Developer DIMPS has brought a wealth of new elements and enhancements to the fighting systems of Saint Seiya: The Hades, with technically dazzling rapid-fire battles on a massive battle stage which accommodates a greater breadth of range attacks, counter-attacks and blistering combos. The fighting has been tuned throughout to give the player fiercely dynamic battles where one right or wrong move can have catastrophic effects. The enhanced Cosmo system lets players make the most of the all-new special attacks to inflict grave damage on their opponent.

Saint Seiya: The Hades is scheduled for release on PlayStation2 across Europe in autumn 2006.

ATARI HITS THE TARGET WITH POINT BLANK FOR NINTENDO DS

2006-06-29T04:45:00.000-07:00

Classic arcade shooting frenzy brings trigger-happiness to Australia

Wednesday 28th June 2006 – Atari, one of Australia’s leading sources of interactive entertainment, today announces the forthcoming Australian release of Point Blank DS for Nintendo DS from NAMCO BANDAI Games. Finding a fitting new home on Nintendo DS, the old-school Japanese coin-op shooter will continue to tempt the itchy trigger fingers of thousands of gamers across the world with its addictive gameplay and witty visual style. Point Blank DS for Nintendo DS is scheduled for release in Q4 2006.

With its signature cheeky style, Point Blank DS features games taken from all three versions of the series to date, plus some additional brand new sharp-shooting treats. Players will test their hand eye coordination in a furiously frantic collection of mini-games using the stylus and touch-screen in place of the arcade light gun. Four different difficulty levels, 40 different stages, high-score free play, arcade, and classic coin-op challenges give players of all ages and skill levels the chance to test their nerve and become a crack shot on the Point Blank DS digitised shooting gallery.

“Nintendo DS has continually proven to be a perfect home for quick, accessible and lively games that use the brilliant touch screen in an original, fun yet straightforward way,” said Cyril Voiron, European Marketing Director, Atari Europe. “Point Blank DS fits this mould perfectly and after successfully entertaining arcade fans for years the franchise now comes to the steady hands of a whole new group of gamers.”

In addition to the characteristic Point Blank style of arcade gameplay, Point Blank DS gives players an opportunity to take the Brain Massage challenge in which players’ abilities are analysed with a frantic screen tapping shoot out. Should players want to go head-to-head “OK Corral” style, the wireless multiplayer option lets two players link up with only a single cartridge and duel it out across a selection of frenzied mini games.

Point Blank DS on Nintendo DS is scheduled for release across Australia in Q4 2006.

SEGA'S VIDEO GAME ICON SONIC THE HEDGEHOG CELEBRATES HIS 15TH BIRTHDAY

2006-06-29T03:49:00.000-07:00

World’s Fastest Video Game Character Shows No Sign of Slowing down As He Rockets Onto Next Generation Consoles

LONDON & SAN FRANCISCO – June 23, 2006 – He’s fast, he’s blue, he’s sold over 44 million games, and he just turned 15… Today, SEGA joins millions of fans around the world in celebrating video game icon Sonic The Hedgehog’s fifteenth birthday—and ensuring his continuing success with three bold new upcoming games. Sonic, who was born June 23, 1991 as the fastest, most technologically advanced character for the SEGA Genesis console, continues to innovate as he prepares to blast onto next generation consoles and the Sony PlayStation® Portable system with groundbreaking new adventures. With his three stellar new games, Sonic The Hedgehog is ready to blaze his way to the top of the video game world once again.

In addition to his video game fame, Sonic has starred in two animated TV series, comic books, and an animated movie—he’s even got his own theme park, Joypolis, in Tokyo and scooped the ‘Gaming icon’ award from a leading national newspaper1 in the UK. But it’s his video games that matter most to his legions of fans. Sonic has starred in more than 30 video game adventures on virtually every well-known game platform, a distinction that earned him his star on the ‘Walk of Game’ landmark honouring pioneering gaming icons.

“Sonic has been hugely successful throughout Europe, he epitomises youthful, high speed fun coupled with addictive gameplay, and that’s why people love him!”” commented Mike Hayes, President and COO SEGA Europe Ltd. “Older gamers remember playing Sonic on their Sega Mega Drives and now 15 years on and moving on to the next generation of hardware, Sonic is still as popular as ever.”

About Sonic The Hedgehog
Currently celebrating his fifteenth anniversary, Sonic The Hedgehog is one of the most popular video game icons of all time with over 44 million games sold worldwide.
• Over 8,000 Sonic games are sold worldwide every day
• Gamers have collected over 66 billion rings while playing Sonic
• Gamers have spent over 500 million hours playing Sonic games

Fans will be treated throughout the year to special fifteenth anniversary events, culminating with the release of three original Sonic adventures shipping beginning later this year.

Sonic will make his first appearance on next generation consoles with the dynamic new adventure Sonic The Hedgehog for the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 this fall. Sonic The Hedgehog melds top-tier production values with next generation art, physics, and game design to create the most intense, fastest Sonic experience yet. Featuring interactive 3D environments, a large cast of new and returning characters, and a blistering sense of speed, the game takes Sonic’s blazing gameplay to the next level. Also this fall, Sonic will debut on the PSP™ with Sonic Rivals, a one-on-one racing platformer that combines classic 2D gameplay with 3D worlds. Sonic Wild Fire (working title, release date to be announced) is in development for the Nintendo Wii console, combining Sonic’s high velocity with the unique Wii controller, using the classic tale Arabian Nights as the backdrop.

Home entertainment re-defined: Toshiba launches HD-DVD in Australia

2006-06-22T03:20:00.000-07:00

Sydney, 22 June 2006: The next step in high-definition viewing - high definition DVD (HD-DVD) technology – was launched by Toshiba Information Systems Division (ISD) in Australia overnight and is available in stores today. Toshiba’s high-end Qosmio AV-notebook is the first product to incorporate the new standard in storage and viewing, now upgraded with an integrated HD-DVD drive.

With greater storage capacity on the one disk, HD-DVD is an advancement upon the standard DVD technology. It thereby allows people to experience more intense, clear and crisp imagery and audio than possible on today’s DVDs, for a more cinema-quality experience of movies at home.

Beyond the ‘viewing’ element of high definition television (HD-TV), HD-DVD also enables people to download, record, store and playback the latest movies in high definition format. For those with a home network, HD-DVD will also make it easy to copy movies to the computer hard drive and send it to other rooms in the house to be viewed.

To ensure that users can continue to use the standard DVD format, HD-DVD has a hybrid disk technology that provides users with the option of burning HD versions to one side of the disc and standard DVD versions on the other. With a storage capacity of 30GB, HD-DVD discs can also store more movies and content than any other format available including 25GB more than standard DVDs.

HD-DVD is backed by major content and hardware providers including Universal Studios Home Entertainment, Paramount Home Cinema and Warner Home Video, Hitachi and Canon.

More than 200 HD-DVD movie titles are expected to be released in the United States over the course of the year, which will filter into Australia, enabling enthusiasts to build their HD-DVD library.

Toshiba Qosmio G30

Toshiba’s first HD-DVD offering is the Qosmio G30, a four-in-one mobile entertainment unit with integrated HD-DVD drive.

The Qosmio G30 can play and record movies and television shows in both high definition and standard format – in addition to being a television, virtual surround system and portable Microsoft XP Media Center PC.

The G30 comes with a 17-inch widescreen display screen with a brightness and colour saturation that can be compared to that of LCD television. The display also has anti-glare technology to deflect outside light for better daytime and outdoor viewing. It also has an integrated analogue and digital TV Tuner, which supports worldwide TV broadcasting formats.

Availability

The Qosmio G30 with integrated HD-DVD drive is available from Dick Smith Powerhouse, selected Harvey Norman, David Jones, MYER, Domayne & Clive Peeters stores.

Product specifications
Model

Qosmio G30

Processor
Intel Core Duo Processor T2600 with Enhanced Intel Speedstep Technology

Display
17.1-inch TruBrite Widescreen UXGA

Memory
1024MB (512+512MB)

Hard disk drive
200GB (100GB+100GB)

Optical Drive
HD DVD ROM SuperMulti Double/Dual Layer Drive (HD DVD ROM DVD±R±RW, DVD±R DL, DVD-RAM)

Video Card
nVidia GeForce 7600 with 256MB GDDR3

Audio
Intel High Definition (HD) Audio with Dolby Home Theatre Technology

Modem / LAN
International V.92 data modem and fax
Intel 10/100/1000 Base TX Ethernet

Connectivity
Toshiba Bluetooth V2.0 with EDR (Enhanced Data Rate)

Integrated Intel Pro 3945 802.11abg wireless LAN

Operating System
Win XP Media Center 2005 (OEM)

RRP Inc GST

$5,499

Capacity

DVD ROM

Single-sided : 8.5GB (dual-layer); 4.7GB(single-layer)

HD DVD ROM

Single-sided : 30GB (dual-layer); 15GB(single-layer)
Single-sided : 45GB (triple-layer,under development)
Double-sided : 60GB (dual-layer); 30GB(single-layer)

HD DVD –R (recordable)

Single-sided:15GB (single-layer)
Double-sided :30GB (single-layer)

HD DVD –R/RW (rewritable)

Single-sided : 20GB (single-layer)

Single-sided : 32GB (dual-layer,under development)
Double-sided :40GB (single-layer)

Blu-Ray ROM
Single-sided : 25GB (single-layer)
Single-sided : 50GB (single-layer)

Blu-Ray –RW
Single-sided : 25GB (single-layer)
Single-sided : 50GB (double-layer)

Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon Advanced Warfighter PC - Multiplayer Pack 1 Now Available!

2006-06-22T03:15:00.000-07:00

Ubisoft, one of the world’s largest videogame publishers, today announces the release of an all new content package for Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon Advanced Warfighter™ for the PC. The massive content update delivered by Multiplayer Pack 1 builds upon the original game by offering new multiplayer modes, expanded coop campaign through newly added missions and the addition of an all new map editor. Along with the delivery of this fresh new content comes a list of fixes and updates, further optimizing players’ experience with GRAW PC. More information and further support for GRAW PC will be announced in the near future. Until then, take a look below for an outline of content and optimisations this huge update consists of and for access to new assets:

Multiplayer gets down and dirty as the Deathmatch (DM) game type has been added to the game, along with 3 brand new DM maps!
* Industrial
The Industrial level is an army camp situated in an industrial area, close to a passing highway.
* Suburbs
This is a night map, in a typical "suburb" area. It is riddled with larger houses in the area and some shanty houses in the middle of the zone.
* Hollow
This is a valley based map with a central army base/fort like structure. It's got a custom terrain, so it's in a mountainous area.

Additional Co-op LEVELS:

* The amazing multiplayer co-op mode grows with newly added campaign missions. Missions 1, 5 and 9 from the single player campaign are now fully available and playable in multiplayer co-op. You and friends can now enjoy the FULL campaign in multiplayer.

Multiplayer map Editor has been added:
* Grin’s own editor has been updated and is now released for public use. The built-in help functions can be accessed by pressing "F1". Also included is a basic tutorial document, which can be found in the "Support" directory where GRAW is installed. After you've made your map, press "Escape" and then "Export" to prepare the map for the game. This will allow you to set some options like light maps and level quality. Please note that for large maps rendering these can take a very long time. Once the process has been completed, a file with your maps name and extension .bundle can be found in the custom_levels directory of GRAW. This .bundle file can then be distributed, and is the only result file you need to share. All players wanting to play your map must have a local copy of it.

Fully dedicated servers now available for GRAW PC:

* A fully dedicated server structure is now in place and running GRAW PC on a global level. These dedicated servers with offer a smooth multiplayer experience as well as a full support staff with contacts in the US and Europe.

Multiple upgrades and optimisations:

For a complete list of upgrades, fixes and optimizations please find the document enclosed with the asset package linked below, or check out the official website.

For more information on Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon Advanced Warfighter™, please visit www.ghostrecon.com.

ACTIVISION OPENS PUBLISHING OFFICE IN SEOUL, KOREA

2006-06-22T02:42:00.000-07:00

Move Underscores Company's Commitment to Asia Pacific Region

Sydney, Australia, June 22, 2006 -- Further expanding its presence in the Asia Pacific region Activision, Inc. (Nasdaq: ATVI) today announced that the company has opened a publishing office in Seoul Korea, one of the fastest growing gaming markets in Asia, through the acquisition of CSR Entertainment's software distribution operations. A leading Korean software distributor, CSR Entertainment previously distributed Activision's products. The new office will enable Activision to fully leverage its product portfolio in the territory, particularly the upcoming online multiplayer action game Enemy Territory: Quake Wars, the prequel to id Software's legendary QUAKE II(R).

"The establishment of a Korean publishing office represents an important and integral part of our Asian expansion strategy," said John Watts, Senior Vice President and Managing Director for the Asia Pacific Region. "We are committed to growing and strengthening our business operations in the region over the long-term to ensure that we have the expertise in place to leverage future opportunities. Additionally, Activision has had tremendous success in its direct publishing models in Spain and Italy over the past few years and this experience we are now applying within Asia."

Traxion for PSP Facts

2006-06-19T03:16:00.000-07:00

DESCRIPTION

Gaming and music combine like never before on your PSP in Traxion – where your music drives the action. For the first time ever, play dozens of games on your PSP where you can use your own music to actually change each one. Using your own MP3 files or the hot music loaded within the game itself, Traxion analyses your favourite tunes and creates personalized game experiences based on the music you choose. Be it rock, rap, classical or jazz (yes, even polka!), every song presents unique gameplay accompanied by a dazzling visual and sensory experience. Play the same game to different music and enjoy it in a different, personalized way every time you play!

PRODUCT INFORMATION

• Play along as Traxion analyses your choice of tunes to generate unique gameplay, new challenges and custom levels.
• A variety of arcade-style games, light show effects, and interactive displays bring your music to life.
• You can experiment with your music library to get high scores, play along to your favourite album, or just dip into a quick song while waiting for the bus.
• When using your own MP3 files, change games at any time with no break in the music, or change songs in the middle of a game you’ve already begun. You can also play a single game continuously over multiple MP3 files or automatically switch games with each new track. You’re always in control!
• Each of the 20-plus games features its own specific goals and challenges. A few of them include the following:
o Vortex: Switch left and right between lanes as you guide a bouncing ball down a twisting, swooping, diving musical staff. Avoid obstacles and collect notes that arrive in time with the music.
o Beatdrop: Destroy collared blocks at the top of the screen by adding more from the bottom. Plan ahead and create longer chains of blocks, or cause combo-boosting cascades of well-placed blocks. Watch out! The wall is continually rebuilt from above as more beats arrive.
o Karate-oke: Fight your music in this collage-based parody of classic martial arts films. Use a combination of three different attacks and defensive stances to fight a series of musically generated opponents.

In addition to more than 20 games, Traxion also serves as a music organizer for your PSP. Customize your playlists and categorize your tracks by band, album name and genre.

SEGA REWARDS TOTAL WAR SUBSCRIBERS WITH EARLY PURCHASE OPPORTUNITY FOR ROME: TOTAL WAR - ALEXANDER

2006-06-19T03:10:00.000-07:00

LONDON & SAN FRANCISCO (June 14th, 2006) – SEGA® Europe Ltd. and SEGA® of America, Inc, today are pleased to confirm Rome: Total War™ - Alexander, the latest expansion pack for Creative Assembly’s award-winning PC strategy title, Rome: Total War will be available exclusively for digital download to registered Total War™ fans on June 16th from www.sega.com, www.totalwar.com, and www.sega-europe.com, and on general sale from June 19th.

The expansion offers another epic addition to the Total War series boasting more than 30 hours of gameplay and will feature a brand new campaign game map, spanning Alexander’s unification of Greece and his subsequent conquest of the Persian Empire.

Alexander will utilise the unique gameplay of Rome to bring to life the meteoric rise of one of history’s most brilliant generals: Alexander the Great, The expansion pack will also include six new historical battles portraying Alexander’s triumphs against the Greek, Persian, and Indian forces. These will also be available for multiplayer play online and over LAN in a brand new Tournament mode that enables players to take on opponents over a series of historical battles.

For exclusive downloads and information, register at www.totalwar.com .

FOOTBALL MANAGERä ARRIVING ON PC AND CONSOLE FOR CHRISTMAS 2007!

2006-06-19T02:09:00.000-07:00

Skill, luck and the tactics you employ will ultimately decide your fate in this year’s un-missable Football Managerä 2007.

LONDON (8th June, 2006) – SEGA Europe Limited. is today proud to announce the next step in Sports Interactive's genre-defining Football Managerä series. Packed full with more than 100 new features, Football Managerä 2007 is set for release on PC, Mac and Intel Mac, as well as the Xbox 360ä video game and entertainment system from Microsoft. Football Manager Handheld on Sony’s PlayStation Portable handheld entertainment system (PSP) completes the format line-up, with all platforms set for a Christmas 2006 release.

The Football Managerä team has taken the fans comments on board and have introduced a host of new features across all formats. Feedback specifically on the Xbox 360ä version resulted in the Sports Interactive team compiling a new user interface to allow players to have a joypad friendly experience whilst still retaining all the depth of the game. Football Manager Handheld also sees an upgrade with more playable leagues, more features and, for the very first time, network play allowing you to compete against your friends on your PSP.

“We are constantly striving for perfection and are on track to deliver our most authentic football experience yet”, commented Miles Jacobson, Studio Director of Sports Interactive. “There will be a new, easy to use default skin, as well as improved hints and tips throughout the game. More in-depth feedback from your assistant manager and coaches, plus interaction with any player worldwide makes this an un-missable and very user friendly experience, and our best football game by a country mile.”

With all-new features, improved gameplay and a depth only seen from Sports Interactive, Football Managerä 2007 and Football Manager Handheld offers a management simulation that is second to none. To whet the appetite of every Football fan, SEGA and Sports Interactive have unveiled just some of the new features available with more features for all platforms to be announced in the coming months.

Features for Football Managerä 2007 PC/Mac/Intel Mac/Xbox 360ä:

Feeder Clubs - Brand new to Football Managerä 2007, and one of the most requested features on Sports Interactive’s forums has been the addition of feeder clubs to the game. This new addition works in all the ways you would expect it to in real life. You can establish your club as the small team who receives loan players from a larger club or a large club looking for support getting your youngsters match experience by loaning them out. Have the first option on players from clubs, and schedule pre-arranged friendlies each season by simply asking your board for a feeder relationship and choose from the list they compile.

Youth Revamp - A complete revamp of youth teams sees full youth squads for each team that has a youth set-up, thus giving a much better system for the regeneration of players in the long term game.

User Friendly – Football Managerä 2007 gives players a new easier to use default skin, along with hints and tips throughout the game, and an improved tutorial. In addition to better feedback from your assistant manager and scouts as well as lots more media, customisation and multiple row selection, all this adds up to the most user friendly Sports Interactive game ever.

Scouting Revamp - A complete revamp of the scouting system inside the game leads to more information about players and teams being made available to managers, as well as a more realistic methodology for player scouting. This system allows scouts to grow and improve their knowledge-base of the world’s football players.

Player Interaction - You can now talk to any player in the world via the media. Player interaction allows you to tap up other teams stars or see if players will buckle under the pressure. An effective manager must use the media as a motivational tool - why not praise your own players in many different ways or shout at them for loss of form?

Team Talks - For more varied ways to talk to your team, SI have worked hard to deliver vastly improved team talks at half and full time. Not only this, but pre-match team talks will now be making their first appearance in Football Manager - so you can send your team out onto the pitch with a specific briefing.

Football Managerä 2007 for PC, Mac, Intel Mac and Xbox 360ä are set for release Christmas 2006. Football Managerä Handheld for PSP will also make the Christmas 2006 launch. For further information go to www.sigames.com or the completely re-vamped www.footballmanager.net website.

impulsegamer featured on official elder scrolls website!

2006-06-09T03:41:00.000-07:00

Is it news when we give a good score to a great game and they publish it? We think it is! impulsegamer was featured on the official Elder Scrolls site and you have to love that!

STAR WARS GALAXIES PRESENTS CHAPTER 1: THE CORELLIAN CAPTIVES

2006-06-09T03:32:00.000-07:00

LucasArts, Sony Online Entertainment and Activision Australia/New Zealand announced today that Chapter 1: The Corellian Captives will be released to Star Wars Galaxies subscribers Friday, June 9.

Chapter 1: The Corellian Captives is the latest in a series of ongoing updates for Star Wars Galaxies that will be released every six weeks as part of players’ regular subscription to the game. In Chapter 1, players will find a host of new storylines, features and gameplay advancements including:

New Adventures:

· Four all-new quest series will lead players on an adventure to discover the whereabouts of a missing Corellian man…and right into the heart of a slaving ring hidden in plain sight. Players level 37 to 41 will find that a simple missing person assignment turns into much more as they work to infiltrate a massive operation and help those affected by unspeakable crimes.

More information on this unusual string of activities and the criminal elements behind them can be found in the most recent Galaxies “Friday Feature” at: http://starwarsgalaxies.station.sony.com/en_US/players/content.vm?id=66901&resource=features.

New Features:

· New Profession Differentiation System: Moving forward, players will be able to earn and allocate talent points to unlock new skills and attributes for their characters, giving them a way to completely differentiate them among the other characters. While this change will be transparent to the players for now, beginning with Chapter 2 in late July, this system will be implemented for two professions per Chapter, starting with the bounty hunter and the Jedi.

Keep an eye on the Galaxies test centre for the latest news on the new profession skills and attributes for each profession, and how to test them out. http://forums.station.sony.com/swg/board?board.id=DevDiscussion.

· New Targeting System for Complete Control: New features ensure more accurate targeting in the heat of battle. A new combat-specific mouse cursor allows players to visually spot a target, and a new Weapon Safety Mode ensures players will engage only their intended target. Also useful in home decoration, the new system features revamped Targeting Brackets that make it easier to place items in an in-game house.

· Happy Third Anniversary to Star Wars Galaxies! In late June, all players’ characters will receive a Privateer ship in game. This personal travel vehicle works most anywhere in the galaxy and can be called upon to instantly transport the character to any shuttleport on that planet. No more needing to drive to the nearest shuttleport – the Privateer ship will transport players right there…even if their characters are in the middle of the wilderness.

· Veteran Bonus: As part of our anniversary celebration, all Star Wars Galaxies three-year veteran players will be able to choose one of any of our dozens of available veteran rewards, including a new one we are introducing in Chapter 1: 200 additional storage unit slots for their in-game house. For a full listing of the available veteran rewards, visit: http://starwarsgalaxies.station.sony.com/en_US/players/content.vm?page=Veteran%20Rewards.

· Even More In-Game Rewards: When players log in to download Chapter 1, they will automatically receive a beautiful new painting to decorate their in-game house. The painting will be one of a series of three, each one a humorous depiction of a popular Star Wars Galaxies creature.

New Improvements:

· Further enhancements to the New Player Experience. The first 10 levels of the game have received additional polishing to ensure that advancement through the early stages of the games is as easy as it is fun.
· Repeatable quests have been improved to deliver scalable rewards when they are completed more than once.
· The character interface screen now has advanced tool tips that provide more accurate and detailed information on the character’s individual attributes.
· All weapons in-game are undergoing a retrofit to ensure that their damage will be based primarily on the weapon’s stats, rather than the character’s level.

In addition to the content included in Chapter 1: The Corellian Captives, Star Wars Galaxies players have access to dozens of in-game events, both developer- and player-created, including:

· An Escalating Galactic Civil War: Beginning in late June, players will start to see (and be the instruments of) many changes to the galaxy. Soon, the Rebel Alliance and the Empire will begin to converge around the city of Restuss, building up their bases and armies to prepare for a final showdown. More information about the Battle of Restuss, this multi-stage, server-wide event, will be released in the very near future.

· Player-Created Events: While players are waiting for the Battle of Restuss, they can participate in any of the many player-created events held throughout the Galaxy every week. For example, they can join a Cantina Crawl on Mos Eisley or even attend a Grand Place Ball on Naboo. A full calendar of events per server can be found at: http://starwarsgalaxies.station.sony.com/en_US/players/events.vm.

As always, the latest news and information on Star Wars Galaxies can be found on our community page at: http://starwarsgalaxies.station.sony.com/en_US/players/

GET LARA IN THE PALM OF YOUR HAND TODAY!

2006-06-09T03:27:00.000-07:00

Atari, one of Australia’s leading sources of interactive entertainment, and Eidos Interactive today confirm that Lara Croft Tomb Raider: Legend will be released on Sony PlayStation Portable (PSP) on Friday June 9th across Australia and New Zealand.

Lara Croft Tomb Raider: Legend revives the athletic, intelligent and entertaining adventurer who won the hearts and minds of gamers worldwide. Lara comes alive with intricately animated expressions, moves and abilities, allowing gamers to experience tomb raiding as never before.

The PSP version of Lara Croft Tomb Raider: Legend, features all of the adventure, puzzles and excitement gamers expect from a Tomb Raider title, plus a number of exclusive game modes such as a wi-fi head-to-head mode and two player treasure hunt, plus a host of Bonus Reward Content.

Lara Croft Tomb Raider: Legend is the seventh title to be released in the Tomb Raider™ series, which originally launched in 1996 and is still one of the best selling videogame franchises of all time, with over 28 million copies sold.

For further information visit: www.tombraider.com

Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon Advanced Warfighter Xbox 360 - Chapter 2 Content - Full List Revealed!

2006-06-09T03:24:00.000-07:00

Ubisoft, one of the world’s largest videogame publishers, announce the full list for the upcoming release of Chapter 2, an all new downloadable content (DLC) package coming up for Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon Advanced Warfighter™.
Scheduled to be available via the Xbox LIVE!™ Marketplace at the end of June, this quality premium content will enrich and extend the original game by allowing players to continue the coop campaign through Nicaragua with four all new missions and extend their Live experience with 12 more playable maps.
More information regarding the upcoming Chapter 2 content for GRAW will be announced in the near future. Until then, take a look below for an outline of content this massive update consists of:

Continuation of Co-op Campaign with 4 All New Missions in Chapter 2:

* Coffee Plantation (Day) – This takes place on a coffee plantation embedded deep in Nicaragua. The map is littered with good cover options that appear in the form of a centrally located plantation house, coffee processing equipment, growing coffee plants, and stacked bags of coffee beans ready for transport. The Ghosts’ overall goal of this mission is to eliminate the arms dealer and shut down his operations.

* Shipping Port (Evening) – The next mission takes place at a shipping port and the Ghosts’ objective is to stop the enemy from smuggling weapons into the country. The player will interact with rebel troops through warehouses, decks of ships, and on massive shipping cranes. This night mission provides an eerie backdrop for Ghosts to move in take out the weapon shipments and ensure that the illegal smuggling of arms will stop.

* River Depot (Dawn) – This map puts the Ghosts in a jungle area that the Rebel forces have infiltrated and are using for storing and shipping out illegal weapons. The goal of the Ghosts is to secure the warehouse facility that holds crucial information concerning the placement and shipment of weapons. As the player weaves through the jungle and eliminates the patrols of enemies, they must also destroy all the weapon shipments and keep the Rebels from extracting from the area. Massive trees, loads of weapon shipments, and enemy transports are unique characteristics of this mission.

* Jungle Mine (Day) – The last mission in this co-op campaign chapter takes place in a mine that is vital to the Rebel force’s regime and the Ghosts are tasked with securing the area, destroying the weapons, and eliminating the Rebel leader. The central location on this map is the mine itself and it provides a place for multi-tiered gameplay surrounded by good cover. This mission provides a new gameplay experience for Ghost Recon fans and it will surely be one of the more memorable missions in GR history.

8 Revisited; Relit MP Adversarial Maps: 8 of GRAW’s favorite MP maps are revisited and relit for a new gameplay experience.

* Fishing Village (Dusk)
* Wharf (Late day)
* Old Town (Morning)
* Nowhere (Evening)
* Coffee Plantation (Evening)
* Shipping Port (Sunset)
* River Depot (Day)
* Jungle Mines (Evening)

2 New Game Types with 1 Game Mode - Team Battle: 2 all new game types add upon GRAW’s long list of available game types.

* Team Blind Siege
* Team Battle

2 New Camouflage Patterns: 2 all new camo patterns give new selections to further customize your character.

* Canadian CADPAT
* British DPM

4 New Character Customization Faces: 4 all new character faces with new camo patterns give new selections to further customize your character.

* 4 new faces with new camo

5 New Weapons: 5 new weapons give you even further selection on how to take out your foes.

* SR-25 SD (Marksman)
o Description - "7.62x51mmSS - Combining the power of the SR-25 rifle with a suppressor, the SR-25 SD Sniper rifle is lethal, accurate, and quiet."
o Game Info - Silenced, 20 rounds per mag, 10 mags (increased for marksmen), Single Shot, 8x and 16x Zoom

* M468 (Rifleman)
o Description - "6.8x43mm - This updated version of the standard US carbine uses a larger round to provide greater lethality against both armored and unarmored targets."
o Game Info - 28 rounds per mag, 10 mags (increased for grenadiers), Single Shot and Full Auto, 3x Zoom

* M468/M320 (Grenadier)
o Description - "6.8x43mm/40mm - The standard M468 with attached M320 grenade launcher provides a versatile dual-purpose firing platform."
o Game Info - 28 rounds per mag, 10 mags (increased for grenadiers), Single Shot and Full Auto, 3x Zoom

* AK-47 LMG (Gunner)
o Description - "7.62x39mm - Modified from the classic AK-47 the AK-47 LMG includes a 75 round drum magazine, and shares most of the characteristics of the AK-47."
o Game Info - 75 rounds per magazine, 6 mags (increased for gunners). Fully Auto Only, no zoom

* SCAR-H SV (Rifleman)
o Description - "7.62x51mm - This version of the SCAR-H rifle comes with a standard barrel and improved optics, making it better for long-range shooting."
o Game Info - 20 rounds per mag, 10 mags (increased for riflemen), Single Shot, 2x and 4x Zoom

For more information on Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon Advanced Warfighter™, please visit www.ghostrecon.com.

ACTIVISION AND LIONHEAD STUDIOS ROLL OUT THE RED CARPET AT RETAIL STORES FOR THE MOVIES: STUNTS & EFFECTS EXPANSION PACK

2006-06-09T03:15:00.000-07:00

ACTIVISION AND LIONHEAD STUDIOS ROLL OUT
THE RED CARPET AT RETAIL STORES FOR
THE MOVIES™: STUNTS & EFFECTS EXPANSION PACK

Sydney, Australia – June 8, 2006 – PC gamers can make movie magic with Activision, Inc. (Nasdaq: ATVI) and Lionhead® Studios’ The Movies™: Stunts & Effects Expansion Pack, which ships to retail stores nationwide today. Building on The Movies’ critically acclaimed gameplay, The Movies: Stunts & Effects Expansion Pack gives players the tools to turn ordinary scripts into blockbuster films with the addition of stuntmen, astounding visual effects, a variety of dangerous stunts, a movie-making toolset, impressive new sets and an innovative “Freecam Mode” that allows players to adjust the camera location, angle, field of view and path.

“The Movies: Stunts & Effects Expansion Pack allows players to create scenes that will have audiences on the edge their seats,” said Dusty Welch, vice president of global brand management, Activision, Inc. “From car scenes that end in epic explosions to sci-fi thrillers that feature alien spaceships destroying an entire city, The Movies: Stunts & Effects gives fans what they need to make runaway smash hits.”

The Movies: Stunts & Effects Expansion Pack allows players to enhance each scene with a variety of options, including death-defying stunts and various particle and visual effects such as fireball explosions, shattering glass, smoke and lasers. Miniature sets, blue screens and green screens add to the spectacular action with dramatic sweeping angles, larger-than-life scale and the illusion of flying across diverse landscapes. Gamers are further immersed into the Hollywood lifestyle as they train and manage stuntmen, as well as compete for industry awards and achievements by uploading their movies to www.themoviesgame.com for the entire world to see.

The Movies: Stunts & Effects Expansion Pack is available for Windows® PC for a suggested retail price of $49.99 and is rated “M” (Moderate Violence, Sexual References) by the OFLC.

More information on The Movies: Stunts & Effects Expansion Pack can be found at www.themoviesgame.com.

Atari unveils Thrillville!

2006-06-09T03:11:00.000-07:00

Roll up! Roll up! Discover all the fun of the fair with Thrillville,
a new kind of theme park experience coming this Christmas

Thursday 8th June 2006 – Atari, one of Australia’s leading sources of interactive entertainment, today announces that it is to distribute Thrillville throughout Australia and New Zealand. Published by Frontier Developments Ltd, the leading independent games developer headed by games industry pioneer David Braben, Thrillville is a new game scheduled for release for Christmas 2006 on PlayStation2, PlayStation Portable and Xbox.

Thrillville queue-jumps previous theme-park games with its access-all-areas pass to adventure and enjoyment, placing a fully interactive and customisable amusement park at the player’s fingertips. Throwing players of all ages immediately into the action, it allows them to experience the joys of creating and playing within their very own theme park. In addition to this, Thrillville adds social interaction, dozens of exciting party games for up to four players, and thrilling simulation unlike anything before. Thrillville also offers depth and rewards for those players who wish to customise and tweak to their heart’s content.

Created specifically for the console audience, Thrillville is the first theme-park based game that lets players experience at ground level what they’ve created, and as a playable character they can actively chat, joke and even flirt with every single park guest. The game has over 100 different interactive attractions and five different parks, each with three uniquely themed areas, where the fun ranges from racing on go-kart tracks and playing mini-golf on self-designed courses to joining friends for multiplayer first-person shooter competitions and many other party games.

Thrillville allows players to build and ride some of the most amazing roller coasters imaginable, as well as select where to place thrill rides, stalls and other playable attractions, such as videogame arcades, hover-car soccer, trampolines or bumper cars. As players tune their parks to perfection, even otherwise mundane tasks such as training staff are made light hearted as players improve their staff dancing and maintenance skills. Based around a mission-based framework, Thrillville provides a uniquely broad, deep and progressive gameplay experience. Meanwhile, a simple lobby system allows for instant access to players’ favourite attractions.

At the recent E3 2006 event in Los Angeles, Thrillville received much critical acclaim and was chosen by IGN as a Runner Up for Biggest PS2 Surprise, a Runner Up for Best PSP Strategy Game and was nominated for Most Innovative PS2 Game, Best PSP Multiplayer Game and Most Innovative PSP Game.

Further information on Frontier including details of current vacancies and how to apply directly can be found on Frontier's web-site, www.frontier.co.uk.

ID SOFTWARE'S ENEMY TERRITORY: QUAKE WARS HONORED AS BEST ONLINE MULTIPLAYER TITLE AT E3 2006

2006-06-07T07:03:00.000-07:00

Sydney, Australia – June 7, 2006 – Activision, Inc. (Nasdaq: ATVI) announced today that id Software’s Enemy Territory™: QUAKE Wars was named Best Online Multiplayer Game by the Game Critics Awards: Best of E3 2006 committee – an independent group of journalists from 37 leading North American media outlets that cover the videogame industry. Furthermore, as one of the most celebrated games of the show, Enemy Territory: QUAKE Wars was a finalist for the overall Game of the Show award, and also earned “Best of E3” honours from 15 leading online sites, including GameSpot, GameSpy, IGN and NYTimes.com.

In addition, Activision’s highly anticipated Call of Duty® 3, Marvel™: Ultimate Alliance™, Tony Hawk’s Project 8™, and Tony Hawk’s Downhill Jam™ were honoured with over 10 additional “Best of E3” awards from such top online media outlets as 1UP, Games Radar and Game Chronicles.

Below is a full listing of Activision’s E3 Awards:
1up.com
• #1 Best Shooting Game – Enemy Territory: QUAKE Wars
• #1 Best Xbox Game – Marvel: Ultimate Alliance

About.com
• Top 10 Most Anticipated Xbox 360 Games of E3 – Marvel: Ultimate Alliance

Amazon.com
• Included in Best of the Best – Enemy Territory: QUAKE Wars

CV-Games.com
• Best of PC — Enemy Territory: QUAKE Wars

Gamechronicles.com
• Best Action-RPG of E3 2006 – Marvel: Ultimate Alliance
• Best PC Multiplayer — Enemy Territory: QUAKE Wars

Gamers Temple.com
• Best of E3 — Enemy Territory: QUAKE Wars
• Best of E3 — Marvel: Ultimate Alliance

GameSpot.com
• E3 2006 Editors’ Choice: #1 Best Shooter – Enemy Territory: QUAKE Wars
• E3 2006 Editors’ Choice: #1 Best PC Game – Enemy Territory: QUAKE Wars
• E3 2006 People’s Choice Award Winner – Marvel: Ultimate Alliance

GameSpy.com
• Best of E3: Top 10 PC Games (#4) – Enemy Territory: QUAKE Wars
• Best PC Multiplayer Game – Enemy Territory: QUAKE Wars
• Best Extreme-Sports Game – Tony Hawk’s Project 8

Gamesradar.com
• Best of E3 06: Xbox (#5) – Marvel: Ultimate Alliance
• Best of E3 06: Xbox Trailer – Call of Duty 3

Gametap.com
• E3 2006 GameTap Picks Best RPG – Marvel: Ultimate Alliance

GameZone.com
• Best Sideshow Attractions — Activision Booth

Gamingexcellence.com
• PC Game of the Show – Enemy Territory: QUAKE Wars
• Best First Person Shooter – Enemy Territory: QUAKE Wars

IGN.com
• Best PC Multiplayer – Enemy Territory: QUAKE Wars
• Best DS Racing Game of E3 2006 – Tony Hawk’s Downhill Jam

MTV Overdrive
• Included in Hottest Videogames – Marvel: Ultimate Alliance

NYTimes.com
• Included in Top 10 Games that Most Stood Out – Marvel: Ultimate Alliance

Punchjump.com
• “Pimpest of E3” Award – Enemy Territory: QUAKE Wars (#8)

Voodoo Extreme
• Best Multiplayer Game — Enemy Territory: QUAKE Wars

Yahoo.com
• Best Online Multiplayer Gamer – Enemy Territory: QUAKE Wars

For more information on Enemy Territory: QUAKE Wars, please visit the official website at www.enemyterritory.com.

For more information on Marvel: Ultimate Alliance, please visit the official website at www.marvelultimatealliance.com.

Heroes of Might and Magic V Patch 1.1 Available Now

2006-06-07T06:55:00.000-07:00

Sydney, AUSTRALIA - June 7th, 2006 – Ubisoft, one of the world’s largest video game publishers, today announces the first patch for Heroes of Might and Magic V®, its critically acclaimed turned based strategy game, is available for download at www.mightandmagic.com, the game’s official Web site.

The patch includes:

* An EASY mode addition to the game and an auto-patch system for future upgrades
* Rebalanced Duel mode presets
* Ghost mode, game lobbies functionality, and other multiplayer updates
* Single-player campaign walkthrough fixes
* Extended support for most laptop, onboard, and older-generation video cards

Developed by a seasoned team at Nival Interactive (Blitzkrieg, Silent Storm, Etherlords), Heroes of Might and Magic V® is available now in both standard and limited editions.

For more information on Heroes of Might and Magic V®, please visit www.mightandmagic.com.

Trailer for Rockstar Games Presents Table Tennis

2006-06-02T03:20:00.000-07:00

Want to check out some action from the highly anticipated Rockstar Games Presents Table Tennis? Then move your clicker over HERE and be impressed! If the link doesn't work, don't come crying to me, just go to the site at:

http://www.rockstargames.com/tabletennis/

Ubisoft titles honoured with E3 awards

2006-06-02T03:14:00.000-07:00

Ubisoft, one of the world’s largest video game publishers, announce that its new franchise Assassin’s Creed™ won Best Action/adventure Game as part of the Game Critics Awards: Best of E3 2006. The Game Critics Awards are decided by representatives from 37 leading media outlets covering the video games industry.

“Few games at this year’s E3 screamed “next generation” more than Ubisoft’s Assassin’s Creed. From the first glimpse of its big gorgeous graphics (the screen shots are true in-game, not “target”) through its Prince of Persia-meets-Thief gameplay, Assassin’s Creed provides an excellent taste of what the PS3 can and will deliver. Ubisoft’s A-team – the Montreal Studio – is creating Assassin’s Creed like the blockbuster it wants to be: an epic Crusades setting with a super-acrobatic hero in an intriguing storyline that has some surprising twists yet to be revealed,” said Tom Byron, Editor in Chief, Official PlayStation Magazine.

In addition to the Game Critics Award, Assassin’s Creed™ received numerous other honors, including Best PLAYSTATION®3 Game from 1up.com; Best Action Game for PLAYSTATION®3, Best Graphics for PLAYSTATION®3 and PLAYSTATION®3 Game of the Show as well as Overall Best Action Title from IGN; Best PLAYSTATION®3 Game from Gamespot and Best of Show from Gametrailers.com.

Ubisoft’s World War II title Brothers in Arms Hell’s Highway™ was also recognized with best First Person Shooter for Xbox® 360 and Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six® Vegas was honored as Overall Best First Person Shooter from IGN.

Assassin’s Creed™ is being developed by Ubisoft’s world-class Montreal studio which is renowned for developing best-selling franchises such as Prince of Persia® and Tom Clancy’s Splinter Cell®. The Assassin’s Creed™ franchise will combine original gameplay, top-notch graphics, and an immersive and sophisticated storyline which will deliver a new and captivating action gaming experience.

Survey reveals party animals are all creatures great and small

2006-06-02T03:07:00.000-07:00

Sydney, 2 June 2006 – Australians may be a bunch of party animals, but we know where to draw the line. This is one of many key findings from a survey of 1,503 people commissioned by Xbox that delves into the night-time social habits of the nation.

The national online survey was conducted on ninemsn, polling Australia’s party habits and lifestyles, found that while Aussies love to celebrate – over 59% said they party at least twice a week – it’s usually done responsibly. Not only did 82% indicate they spend at least an hour engaged in physical activity on a night out – in actions such as dancing and playing pool - but only a scant 13% wake up the following morning with regret.

The survey also asked people to rate their party persona into one of four types. When it comes to socialising, 44% would describe themselves as “hummingbirds” (hovers around and goes with the flow), 27% as “facilitator” (people who organise everyone), 15% “transformers” (changing completely at party time), while 13% would term themselves as “Old Regret”, wishing they’d exercised more restraint the night before.

More than 40% of respondents said that they only spend between $20 and $50 on a night out, proving a good time can be had without breaking the bank. Fifty seven percent of those interviewed said they tended to go out in groups of three to five, indicating we love sharing the fun with many.

Sharing the fun with many has been a constant theme of Xbox and ninemsn’s Party Fever competition. Entrants have been submitting their most entertaining and hilarious party photos in the hope of winning a trip to Europe. Finalists have been now announced, and voting has commenced. In addition to rewarding the creative efforts of intrepid partygoers, voters are vying for an awesome $40,000 party stash, including a party for up to 100 people worth $20,000, a Xbox Quad bike, and $2,000 worth of Adidas clothing and apparel.

Competition voting closes on 14 July 2006, at 5.00 pm (Sydney time). Further details - including terms and conditions - of the Party Fever promotion can be found at www.ninemsn.com.au/partyfever.

Sensible Soccer 2006 - one week until kick off!

2006-06-02T02:52:00.000-07:00

Start training right now with the PC playable demo!

Friday 2nd June 2006 – Lightning fast speed, spectacular goals hammered past the keeper with tons of after-touch, truly addictive gameplay and the famous top down view can mean only one thing: Sensible Soccer is on its way back!

Sensible Soccer 2006 returns next Friday, June 9th (the same day as some football tournament starts in Germany) for PlayStation 2, Xbox and PC. The first half starts right now with the playable PC demo; banana-kick your browser to http://www.atari.com.au/games/overview.do?id=450 and hit the Downloads section.

Sensible Soccer 2006 PC playable demo is now available to download from http://www.atari.com.au/games/downloads.do?id=450

TITAN QUEST GOES GOLD

2006-06-02T02:48:00.000-07:00

THQ’s Highly Anticipated Action Role-Playing Game
Scheduled to Hack and Slash Its Way to Stores on June 26th

AGOURA HILLS, CA, June 1, 2006 – THQ Inc. (NASDAQ: THQI) and Iron Lore Entertainment today announced that Titan Quest™ has reached the gold master stage of development and is entering manufacturing. This highly anticipated action Role-Playing Game (RPG) will take Windows PC gamers on a transcontinental journey through the treacherous and exotic lands of Greece, Egypt and Asia, blending an immersive storyline with fast-moving combat and lush, cinematic gameplay for the ultimate RPG experience. Developed by Brian Sullivan’s (co-creator of Age of Empires) Iron Lore Entertainment, Titan Quest is scheduled to begin shipping to retailers worldwide on June 26, 2006.

“Working with strong studios like Iron Lore Entertainment is key to THQ’s strategy of bringing new, innovative properties to core gamers,” said Kelly Flock, executive vice president of worldwide publishing, THQ. “The Titan Quest team has done a great job of creating a visually stunning game with the potential to reinvigorate the action RPG genre. We can’t wait to hear the consumer response.”

In Titan Quest, gamers will quest through fabled locations such as the Parthenon, the Great Pyramids, the Hanging Gardens of Babylon and the Great Wall of China, to save humanity from terrifying monsters, mythical beasts and the evil Titans who have escaped their eternal prisons. The game features a deep single player and co-operative multiplayer game experience with an epic story written by award-winning screenwriter Randall Wallace (Braveheart, The Man in the Iron Mask).

A single-player demo for Titan Quest is now available online at FilePlanet.com, and additional Australian sites. For more information about Titan Quest, please visit www.titanquestgame.com.

SUPREME COMMANDER WINS BEST E3 STRATEGY GAME AWARD FROM INDUSTRY'S TOP GAME CRITICS

2006-06-02T02:46:00.000-07:00

Agoura Hills, Calif. - June 1, 2006 – THQ Inc. (NASDAQ: THQI) today announced that its upcoming Windows PC title, Supreme Commander™, has been awarded Best Strategy Game of E3 2006 by The Game Critics Awards Committee, an independent group of 37 journalists from leading North American media outlets. Developed by game industry visionary Chris Taylor’s Gas Powered Games, Supreme Commander was part of THQ’s award winning line-up at the industry’s biggest annual tradeshow, with Company of Heroes™, MotoGP™ 06 and other key titles also recognized by leading media outlets.

“E3 2006 featured one of THQ’s most impressive line-ups to date and it’s reflected in the numerous awards and nominations we’ve received over the last few weeks,” said Brian Farrell, president and CEO, THQ. “Our portfolio of next-generation titles for console and Windows PC continues to grow, and further establish THQ as one of the most innovative companies in the industry.”

In addition to the Game Critics Awards: Best of E3 2006 award, Supreme Commander (www.supremecommander.com) was also recognized as the Best Strategy Game of E3 by leading industry media outlets GameSpot, GameSpy, 1Up and GameTrailers. Other honors for Supreme Commander included:
o Finalist – Best Game of E3 (GameSpot)
o Nominee, PC Game of Show (IGN)
o 1st Runner Up – Best Strategy Game of E3 (IGN)
o Runner Up – Most Innovative Design (IGN PC)
o Runner Up – Technical Excellence (IGN PC)
o Top 10 PC Games of E3 (GameSpy)
o Top 5 PC Games of E3 (GamesRadar)

Additional E3 2006 accolades were awarded to THQ’s:

Company of Heroes (www.companyofheroesgame.com)
o Nominee, Best Strategy Game (Game Critics Awards: Best of E3 2006)
o Winner, Best Strategy Game of E3 (IGN PC)
o 1st Runner Up, Best PC Game of Show (IGN)
o Runner Up, Best Multiplayer (IGN)
o Finalist, Best Strategy Game (GameSpot)
o Top 10 PC Games of E3 (GameSpy)
o Runner Up, Best Strategy Game (1Up)
MotoGP 06 (www.motogpthegame.com/motogp06)
o Nominee, Best Racing Game (Game Critics Awards: Best of E3 2006)
o Winner, Best Racing Game of E3 (IGN, IGN Xbox 360)
o Nominee, Best Multiplayer (IGN Xbox 360)
o Finalist, Best Racing Game of E3 (GameSpot)

Titan Quest™ (www.titanquestgame.com)
o Runner Up, Best RPG of E3 (1Up)
o Runner Up, Best Artistic Design (IGN PC)

For more information on THQ’s E3 lineup, please visit www.thqate3.com.

GAME WEBSITE FOR OVER THE HEDGE IS UP

2006-06-01T03:38:00.000-07:00

The game website for Over the Hedge is now up…

Over the Hedge

the website comes with cool music and contains the following:

* Game info with character Icons, Screens and Wallpaper
* Trailer
* Link to the movie site and
* Parental Information

The BIG QUESTION however is… can you find the secret hidden Demo???

Symantec Enterprise Vault Positioned in Leaders Quadrant in Analyst Firm's Magic Quadrant for E-mail Archiving

2006-05-30T04:12:00.000-07:00

AUSTRALIA, Sydney - 29 May 2006 - Symantec Corp. today announced that it has
been positioned in the Leaders Quadrant of Gartner's Magic Quadrant for E-mail
Active-Archiving, 2006. A key component of Symantec's Enterprise Messaging
Management solution portfolio, Symantec Enterprise Vault(tm) e-mail and
content archiving software enables companies and government agencies to reduce
storage costs, protect critical records, improve employee productivity and
achieve compliance with industry and government regulations requiring the
retention and supervision of e-mails, instant messages and other forms of
electronic communications and collaboration.

According to the Gartner report, published May 12, 2006, vendors included in
the Leaders Quadrant have the highest combined measures of an ability to
execute and a completeness of vision. They have the most comprehensive and
most scalable products, and a proven track record of financial performance and
established market presence. In terms of vision, they are perceived as thought
leaders, with well-articulated plans for ease of use, how to address
scalability and product breadth. For vendors to have long-term success, they
must plan to address the expanded market requirements for archive management,
personal store migration, ease of use and deployment, and archive recovery.
Leaders must not only deliver to current market requirements, which continue
to change, but they need to be able to anticipate and begin to deliver on
future requirements. A cornerstone for leaders is the ability to articulate
how these requirements will be addressed as part of their vision for expanded
archive management. The report also states that as a group, leaders can be
expected to be considered as part of most new purchase proposals and have high
success rates in winning new business.

"Symantec Enterprise Vault is the market-leading content archiving solution
with more than 3,000 customer installations worldwide managing five million
mailboxes," said Francis deSouza, vice president of Enterprise Messaging
Management solutions, Symantec. "As the market for archiving has expanded to
include other forms of content we have developed additional capabilities
within Symantec Enterprise Vault to enable archiving of instant messages,
Microsoft Windows and Network Appliance file systems and Microsoft SharePoint
documents. In addition, we have continued to expand the notion of Enterprise
Vault as an Intelligent Archiving platform by providing open APIs to allow
customers and partners to expand and leverage the technology."

Magic Quadrant Disclaimer

The Magic Quadrant is copyrighted May 2006 by Gartner, Inc. and is reused with
permission. The Magic Quadrant is a graphical representation of a marketplace
at and for a specific time period. It depicts Gartner's analysis of how
certain vendors measure against criteria for that marketplace, as defined by
Gartner. Gartner does not endorse any vendor, product or service depicted in
the Magic Quadrant, and does not advise technology users to select only those
vendors placed in the "Leaders" quadrant. The Magic Quadrant is intended
solely as a research tool, and is not meant to be a specific guide to action.
Gartner disclaims all warranties, express or implied, with respect to this
research, including any warranties of merchantability or fitness for a
particular purpose.

Symantec Enterprise Messaging Management

Symantec is the first company to deliver comprehensive, end-to-end Enterprise
Messaging Management capabilities, keeping messaging systems and data both
secure and readily available. Symantec Enterprise Messaging Management
provides industry-leading products and services designed to help eliminate
unnecessary costs by reducing large volumes of unwanted spam, stopping viruses
and worms, automatically managing the lifecycle of messages through archiving,
and by helping to keep customers' communications infrastructures resilient
against failure.

Take a piece of the game home – AFL Premiership 2006 for PS2

2006-05-30T04:01:00.000-07:00

SYDNEY, 26 May 2006 – Expanding on the success of the 2005 AFL Premiership game for PlayStation®2, Melbourne based IR Gurus, have taken full advantage of a two year exclusive agreement between Sony Computer Entertainment Australia and the Australian Football League (AFL) to develop the only officially endorsed video game of the AFL. This agreement allows the highest quality of development for an AFL game ever to go into production. The game is currently in the final stages of creation and will be ready for launch in July 2006.

The respective AFL ovals and stadiums have been improved and in some cases totally overhauled to feature the latest advertisers, stands and fittings. One of Australia's most familiar stadiums, the MCG, was last year under massive re-construction to prepare for the Commonwealth Games. The MCG in AFL Premiership 2006 is now complete and exactly represents the current stadium architecture.

Justin Halliday, Producer of AFL 2006 elaborated, "Working with the AFL license is a double edged sword, bringing with it many benefits and also many development challenges as we strive to replicate such a complex sporting code. We have the privilege of including all the official teams, players, and statistics, and we have the task of capturing the excitement and fast action of Australia's number one spectator sport to produce the highest quality PlayStation 2 video game."

The development team have worked tirelessly to strengthen existing game modes and create some entirely new features for AFL Premiership 2006. An example is player and team development. These features have been completely enhanced, allowing you to spot a strong player on the field and nurture their abilities to create an AFL super-star of tomorrow. You can also make those all important post season adjustments to your team by drafting players or by trading your players or draft picks for an existing player from another team. AFL 2006 finally puts you in the role of an AFL coach as you make the key decisions that will impact the performance of your favourite team.

AFL Premiership 2006 offers the following feature set:

Season Mode:
- Wizard Cup
- Premiership Season
- Full Season (including Wizard Cup and Premiership Season)
- Finals Season

Career Mode:
Career mode allows the user to play multiple seasons, with full draft, trading, and player development.

Missions:
Introducing pre-set historical moments from each team's recent history where the player must win the match.

Training:
Training mode allows players to get themselves ready for a big game by learning all the basic and advanced techniques of AFL

AFL Premiership 2006 is due for launch in July 06.

Ubisoft reveals first info on the multiplayer modes for Dark Messiah of Might and Magic

2006-05-29T03:32:00.000-07:00

Sydney, Australia – May 29, 2006 – Ubisoft, one of the world’s largest video game publishers, today reveals the first details and screenshots on the multiplayer modes of Dark Messiah™ of Might and Magic®.

Up to 32 players can battle in the revolutionary Crusade mode, which will allow players to gain experience and acquire new equipment across dynamic online campaigns. Enlist with the humans or the undead and choose among five complementary character classes and more than 60 skills. Wage epic online battles, sprawling over multiple zones, from the dark Necromancer’s lair at Nar-Heresh to the man-made splendor of Stonehelm.

Dark Messiah™ of Might and Magic® multiplayer will also feature the classic deathmatch and team deathmatch modes, in which players will have the opportunity to quickly jump into the game for instant action.

The multiplayer modes of Dark Messiah™ of Might and Magic® are developed by Kuju Entertainment and the full game is scheduled for release on PC worldwide in September 2006.

For more information on Dark Messiah™ of Might and Magic®, please visit
http://www.mightandmagic.com/uk/darkmessiah/teaser/.

Rockstar Games Presents Table Tennis - Available Now

2006-05-29T03:27:00.000-07:00

Rockstar Games, the world-renowned publishing label of Take-Two Interactive
Software, Inc. (NASDAQ: TTWO), is pleased to announce that Rockstar Games
presents Table Tennis for the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system
from Microsoft is now available at retail stores in North America with a
MSRP of $39.99.

Developed by Rockstar San Diego, Rockstar Games presents Table Tennis is a
perfectly focused, addictive experience that features 11 playable characters
from around the world, over 15 international arenas and supports up to 8
player tournaments via Xbox Live.

Rockstar's title is intense, fast and engaging and comes closer to
replicating the feel of the real-life sport than maybe any sports game in
history, said IGN.com, while TeamXbox.com named it Sports Game of the
Show at E3 2006.

Rockstar Games presents Table Tennis is rated "E" for Everyone. The title
reached Australian retail shelves on May 26th, 2006 for a price of AUD
$69.99

Resident Evil™ 4 wins coveted design award

2006-05-29T03:19:00.000-07:00

London – May 26, 2006 – The critically acclaimed Resident Evil 4 received another when it was awarded a highly prestigious Yellow Pencil at the The D&AD Global Awards 2006 that took place earlier this week. The awards recognise the very best in design, advertising and creative communication around the world, and are judged by the world’s leading creative practitioners. This year was the first time videogames were acknowledged with their own category and Resident Evil 4 picked up the award for Outstanding Achievement.

D&D President Dick Powell commented: ‘The D&AD awards celebrate innovation and creativity across many different media and we are really pleased to now include videogames. With Resident Evil 4 Capcom has certainly set a high standard for future nominees.’

SONY PICTURES: WHEN A STRANGER CALLS ON DVD

2006-05-26T03:55:00.000-07:00

WHEN A STRANGER CALLS

RELEASE DATE: 16 August 2006
RATED: M

Have you checked the children? From the producers of I, ROBOT and from the director of TOMB RAIDER comes this terrifying remake of the 70’s shocker inspired by an urban legend. Hot from its cinema release and starring CAMILLA BELL (from THE LOST WORLD), WHEN A STRANGER CALLS is a taut, edge-of-the-seat nail-biter in the tradition of horror favourites SCREAM, BLACK CHRISTMAS and HALLOWEEN.

DVD SPECIFICATIONS:
SPECIAL FEATURES

· Audio commentary by director Simon West and star Camilla Belle

· Audio commentary by writer Jake Wade Wall

· Never-before-seen deleted scenes

· Behind-the-scenes, ‘making-of’ featurette

LANGUAGE
English (5.1), Italian (5.1), Spanish (5.1), Catalan (Surround)

SUB-TITLE OPTIONS
English, English captions, Italian, Spanish, Dutch, Portuguese, Hindi

FORMAT
Widescreen 1.78:1 / enhanced for 16:9 TVS

DISC
1 x single-sided, dual layer disc

RUNNING TIME
83 minutes

YEAR OF PRODUCTION
2006

SONY PICTURES: HOT STUFF FOR DAD THIS FATHERS DAY!

2006-05-26T03:53:00.000-07:00

Don’t punish your poor Dad anymore…. He probably has enough socks to last a lifetime, and more ties than he can count! This Father’s Day surprise him with the very best in home entertainment from Sony (and psst….with Sony’s HOT STUFF range it won’t even cost $20!).

For some side-splitting fun, sit down with Dad to watch one of Sony’s cracking comedy titles. FUN WITH DICK AND JANE and THE LONGEST YARD will have him laughing for hours, while GET SHORTY / BE COOL – THE ULTIMATE COLLECTOR’S PACK will provide twice the laughs at a low price this Fathers Day.

Fresh from its debut to DVD, and starring Nathan Lane, Matthew Broderick and Uma Thurman, THE PRODUCERS is guaranteed to have Dad singing and dancing for days!

If an old-style Western is more Dad’s thing, THE MAGNIFICENT SEVEN COLLECTION is sure to please or set his guns blazing with Australia’s take on the Western in THE PROPOSITION.

For everyone’s favourite TV shows on DVD, look no further! WHO’S THE BOSS? THE COMPLETE FIRST SEASON will have you re-living all of your favourite moments from the classic 80’s sitcom and BRO TOWN: THE COMPLETE FIRST SEASON will leave you and your dad giggling at the politically incorrect humour of what has been described as ‘The Simpsons of the South Pacific’.

For a scary thrill this Father’s Day, scare yourself silly with the ultimate in horror movies, THE EXORCISM OF EMILY ROSE or SAW II. Just as thrilling, but far sexier is UNDERWORLD: EVOLUTION starring the vampish Kate Beckinsale who will make any man swoon.

HOT STUFF to suit any dad at low prices this Father’s Day!

All DVDs are available for under $20 at retailers nationally from 2nd August till 6th September 2006.

SONY PICTURES: ACTION-PACKED THRILLERS- YOURS TO OWN ON DVD!

2006-05-26T03:38:00.000-07:00

ULTRAVIOLET
RELEASE DATE: 17 August 2006
RATED: M

The blood war is on! MILLA JOVOVICH stars in this explosive sci-fi action extravaganza from the director of EQUILIBRIUM and the producers of MR & MRS SMITH and BAD BOYS. With big screen thrills, over-the-top action and mind-blowing CGI, ULTRAVIOLET is destined to be a big hit with fans of films like THE MATRIX, BLADE and UNDERWORLD.

DVD SPECIFICATIONS:

SPECIAL FEATURES
· Audio commentary
· ‘UV Protection’ – 4 part behind-the-scenes making of feature

LANGUAGE
English (5.1)

SUB-TITLE OPTIONS
English

FORMAT
Widescreen / Fullscreen 1.33:1 / 1.78:1 / 1.85:1 / 2.35:1 / enhanced for 16:9 TVS

DISC
1 x single-sided, dual layer disc

RUNNING TIME
84 minutes

YEAR OF PRODUCTION
2006

THE DETONATOR

RELEASE DATE: 9 August 2006
RATED: MA15+

Action superstar WESLEY SNIPES is primed, lit and ready to explode in this all-action thriller from the producers of UNLEASHED and HALF PAST DEAD. Co-starring SILVIA COLLOCA (from VAN HESLING) and WARREN DEROSA (from SECOND IN COMMAND), THE DETONATOR is an electrifying, high-octane thrill-ride that will please fans of films like BAD COMPANY and THE PEACEMAKER.

DVD SPECIFICATIONS:
SPECIAL FEATURES
TBC

LANGUAGE
English (5.1), French (5.1)

SUB-TITLE OPTIONS
English, English captions, French, Arabic, Dutch, Hindi

FORMAT
Widescreen 1.85:1 / enhanced for 16:9 TVS

DISC
1 x single-sided, dual layer disc

RUNNING TIME
92 minutes

YEAR OF PRODUCTION
2006

FREEDOMLAND

RELEASE DATE: TBC
RATED: TBC

The truth is hiding where no one dares to look. SAMUEL L. JACKSON and JULIANNE MOORE star in this “riveting and sensational thriller” from the producers of FORREST GUMP and THE FIRM. Based on the novel by RICHARD PRICE and co-starring EDIE FALCO, RON ELDARD and WILLIAM FORSYTHE, FREEDOMLAND will have you “at the edge of your seat” and is a must see for fans of films like THE FORGOTTEN and FLIGHT PLAN.

DVD SPECIFICATIONS:

SPECIAL FEATURES

· Never-before-seen deleted scene

· ‘The Look of Freedomland’ – a behind-the-scenes featurette on the making of the movie

· 2 additional featurettes

LANGUAGE
English (5.1)

SUB-TITLE OPTIONS
English

FORMAT
1.33:1 / 1.78:1 / 1.85:1 / 2.35:1 / enhanced for 16:9 TVS / original aspect ratio

DISC
1 x single-sided, dual layer disc

RUNNING TIME
108 minutes

YEAR OF PRODUCTION
2006

SEGA BRINGS STEALTH-ACTION TO THE PSP WITH TENCHU: TIME OF THE ASSASSINS

2006-05-25T03:47:00.000-07:00

Critically Acclaimed Japanese Developer FromSoftware Creates First Handheld Tenchu Title

LONDON – SEGA® Europe Ltd, today announced Tenchu: Time of the Assassins exclusively for the PSP™ (PlayStation®Portable) system. SEGA has partnered with FromSoftware and K2 studios - developers of the popular Tenchu: Fatal Shadows (released in 2005 for PlayStation®2) - to continue the legacy of the flagship franchise, which is set for release on June 23rd, 2006.

The complex 3D environments the series is known for have been carried over on the PSP in their entirety. Enhanced stealth manoeuvres challenge your ninja skills, and all-new kill moves add yet more realism and entertainment to this ninja-based action adventure. Now, every enemy is susceptible to carefully planned stealth kills – even the end level bosses!

“Tenchu’s gameplay offers all the strategy of a stealth game but none of the frustration” commented Matt Woodley, Creative Director of SEGA. “This next release represents SEGA’s commitment to providing compelling new content to the handheld market”

All of the classic Tenchu characters return in scenario mode, including Rikimaru, Ayame, Rin, and Tesshu. Each character is tied to a different story, and each story offers different levels to play through. In addition to the scenario mode, there is also a ‘free mission’ mode that’s comprised of 50 independent missions to enjoy after you have completed the single-player campaign.

Tenchu: Time of the Assassins also features a robust multiplayer component that allows players to connect via a local (Ad-Hoc) connection to play cooperative and head-to-head games. A compelling level editor gives players a powerful tool for allowing them to create their own stages and share them with friends, also via ad hoc download.

Tenchu: Time of the Assassins is set for release on 23rd June 2006 exclusively for the PSP. For press assets concerning Tenchu: Time of the Assassins and other SEGA titles, please go to www.sega-press.com .

MARVEL AND ACTIVISION'S X-MEN: THE OFFICIAL GAME TAKES A STAND ON RETAIL SHELVES NATIONWIDE

2006-05-25T02:57:00.000-07:00

Inspired by Marvel Entertainment’s legendary Super Hero franchise and serving as a prelude to the upcoming Twentieth Century Fox and Marvel Studios’ feature film “X-Men: The Last Stand,” Activision, Inc.’s (Nasdaq: ATVI) X-Men: The Official Game premieres today at retail outlets nationwide. The game catapults players into an original storyline that allows them to command the distinct powers of Wolverine, Nightcrawler and Iceman as they battle classic Brotherhood villains including Sabretooth, Lady Deathstrike and Multiple Man and traverse unique environments that showcase each character’s abilities while embarking on an epic quest to save mutant-kind.

X-Men: The Official Game is the first Super Hero game for the Xbox™ 360 video game system from Microsoft and is available for a suggested retail price of $109.95. The PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system and the Xbox™ video game system from Microsoft versions are available for a suggested retail price of $79.95. The PC ($29.95), Nintendo DS™ ($69.95) and Game Boy® Advance ($49.95) versions are also available. The console and PC games have been rated “M” (“Moderate Violence”) and the handheld games have been rated “PG” (“Mild Violence”) by the OFLC.

“In X-Men: The Official Game, players will experience the events leading up to the ‘X-Men: The Last Stand’ feature film,” said Will Kassoy, vice president of global brand management, Activision, Inc. “Co-written by Zak Penn, the screenwriter of the film, and legendary comic book writer Chris Claremont, and featuring the voice talent of Hugh Jackman, Patrick Stewart, Shawn Ashmore and Alan Cumming, the game truly enables players to become a part of the X-Men movie universe .”

For the first time, X-Men: The Official Game lets players truly experience the powers of three popular Super Heroes from the X-Men movie universe by allowing them to take on the roles of Wolverine, Nightcrawler and Iceman as they wield and upgrade their signature powers and manoeuvre through unique environments designed to showcase their Super Hero abilities. Assisted by other X-Men characters including Storm and Colossus, players will use an advanced control scheme to master and control the characters as they unleash Wolverine’s combat rage, experience Nightcrawler’s acrobatics and teleportation powers and glide through the air on Iceman’s ice slide.

For more information on X-Men: The Official Game, please visit www.x-mengame.com.

Activision to Distribute All New Video Games Based on Successful Barbie Entertainment

2006-05-25T02:48:00.000-07:00

Activision Publishing, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Activision, Inc. (Nasdaq:ATVI), announced today it has signed a multi-year agreement which grants the company exclusive worldwide distribution rights to new video games on all platforms based on Mattel, Inc.'s (NYSE:MAT) Barbie® brand.

The first five games Activision will distribute under the terms of the agreement are games based on Mattel Entertainment's upcoming movies, including "The Barbie Diaries™" for the PC and Nintendo® Game Boy® Advance, and "Barbie™ In The 12 Dancing Princesses" for the Sony PlayStation® 2 computer entertainment system, PC and Nintendo® Game Boy® Advance. Activision will also distribute titles based on some of Mattel's best-selling video games from past years, including "Barbie™ Fashion Show," "Barbie™ and the Magic of Pegasus" and "Barbie™ Beauty Boutique™."

"Barbie is one of the most recognized brands in the world and its video games have sold more than 15 million units to date. Activision is excited to partner with Mattel to expand this classic property to a new generation of consumers," said Dave Oxford, General Manager of Activision Publishing, Inc.

"We are thrilled to be partnering with Activision to distribute video games based on the wildly popular Barbie® entertainment portfolio," said Matt Turetzky, Vice President, Marketing, Mattel. "As industry leaders, both Mattel and Activision are committed to delivering quality products that will further engage girls with the Barbie brand and provide a premier gaming experience."

HITMAN: BLOOD MONEY RELEASES NEXT WEEK

2006-05-25T02:43:00.000-07:00

Atari, one of Australia’s leading sources of interactive entertainment, and Eidos Interactive today confirm that Hitman: Blood Money will hit Australian shelves on Thursday 1st June 2006 on Xbox 360, PC, PS2 and Xbox.

Hitman: Blood Money is the latest installment in the sinister assassination series, developed by IO Interactive, and takes killing for money to a whole new level.

Powered by a new version of IO's stunning Glacier engine, Hitman: Blood Money delivers the most brutal and realistic simulation of life as the world's deadliest assassin.

Key Features

• 'Blood Money' system - the cleaner the 'hit' the more money you receive which can be spent on bribing witnesses and police to reduce your notoriety, weapon customisation, specialist equipment and information
• Customisable weapons - modify Agent 47's custom weapons in a variety of ways including sound, recoil, rate of fire, damage, reload speed, accuracy and zoom
• Strong narrative - who is wiping out the ICA and what is their motivation?
• New gameplay techniques - including disarm, distraction, accidents, body disposal, human shield and decoy weapons
• New moves - Agent 47 can now climb, hide, scale ledges and automatically pass low obstacles
• Improved AI - guards will follow blood trails, investigate suspicious items and behaviour. New pathfinder engine provides improved tracking and movement with realistic enemy behaviour and interaction

INTERVIEW: Michel Ancel on Rayman Raving Rabbids

2006-05-25T02:36:00.000-07:00

1. As far as I know, you haven't directly worked on a Rayman game in several years. Why return to the franchise now?

The last Rayman I worked on was Rayman2 for Nintendo 64. Even if technically, we were beginners at 3d, it was a fantastic project, simply because it was fresh and funny. After Beyond Good & Evil and Peter Jackson’s King Kong: The Official Game of the Movie, I wanted to go back to a more simple type of game and focus on game-play and crazy humorous situations.

2. Which systems is Raving Rabbids coming to? Which is the lead SKU?

Rayman Raving Rabbids has been announced as a launch title for Wii, plus the landscape of current and next gen consoles. We will have more official word on those soon!

3. Let's talk about the Wii version of Raving Rabbids. What is the storyline for the game?

I wanted the story to be as simple as possible. The rabbits, for centuries, have prepared an invasion…Now it’s time for them to rule the world. It’s very cliché and ludicrous, far from complex storytelling. It’s very simple but at the same time, it’s an opportunity to develop the characters and the situations. The story is not about legends, lost civilizations or things like that. It’s a comedy, like Mars Attacks or some Monty Python movies, I‘d like it to sound absurd and funny.

4. What is Rayman's main objective in Raving Rabbids?

Love and power! Rayman will have to save the world and his girlfriend and the girl friend of his old enemy, and his old enemy too!!! It starts like a caricature of a video game scenario but the more you play and the more it’s going to be surprising and totally out of control. The fans of the series will find most of the characters they loved, but in new situations…just because the rabbits are going to use them for ….um….strange purposes….I can’t tell you anything else just yet…

5. How are the Wii controller and nunchuck attachment being used to control Rayman? Please go into detail.

A lot of our innovative new control features were shown in our trailer at E3. I will talk a bit about those…but we don’t want to divulge too much just yet! Ray’s movements: with the nunchuck stick you can move Rayman…jumping, rolling and running.
Fighting: this part is very different from what you are used to: the Wii controller (remote part) allows us to create deep interaction between Rayman and the player. If you give a real punch move, Rayman makes the same punch on screen: i.e. you make a punch from right to left, Rayman does the same move from right to left. If you shake the controller, Rayman will do some special kung-fu style moves.
Grappling: If you make a quick move with the nunchuck, Rayman will grapple the nearest enemies/objects. You can then make them spin around Rayman and throw them (as projectiles) just by swinging the nunchack around your head.
Dive attack (one of the super attacks): while Rayman is in the air, he can perform an earthquake ground shaking move. Just take both pads downwards to do it.

These controls are very easy to learn because both of your hands directly control Rayman’s hands.

Rayman will also be able to use creatures in the game. To ride them, you have to twist the Wii main controller in order to direct the creatures in certain ways.
You can imagine that it feels very natural to control an eagle in the air or a shark under water, just by moving your hands in the direction you want to go.

Last but not least: You will be able to dance with the bunnies! I will let your imagination fly on that one..!

6. You've released some screenshots of Rayman Raving Rabbids. Are these from the Wii version?

Yes, so far they all come from the Wii version of the game.

7. Raving Rabbids is a Wii launch title, which makes us happy. How long has the title been in development and how big is the team working on it?

While we were developing Peter Jackson’s King Kong: The Official Game of the Movie in 2005, a small team was in pre-production working on prototypes for the new Rayman.
As soon as King Kong went gold, the whole Montpellier team (about 70 people) switched to work intensively on Rayman Raving Rabbids.

8. The game seems focused on super-crazed rabbits. In some cases, there appear to be hundreds of them on-screen. Is this possible on Wii? How do these scenarios unfold in the game world? In other words, does Rayman often have to beat up on these rabbits?

The Rabbits are hundreds, they are vicious but at the same time, they are totally stupid.

The game is story driven but the player will experience a lot of combinations of game-play before succeeding to stop the rabbits’ invasion. For example, you can fight the rabbits but if you need to control them for some tasks, you can also hypnotize them with disco music! To achieve this goal, you’ll be able to select a music and if you manage to dance following the good rhythm, the rabbits will start dancing with you and you’ll be able to take control of them. Taking control of the rabbits will allow you to access new areas of the game. It’s interesting to manipulate your enemies. Depending on their powers and abilities, you’ll have different reactions and surprises.
On top of that, you’ll be able to invoke dark creatures of the Rayman’s world, in order to fight against giant rabbit’s colossus.
The game is going to be completely open, so you’ll be able to navigate freely and move from situation to situation with different companions, items, or dark creatures…

Using the Wii controller for dancing, riding and fighting is natural just because it’s possible to make those moves by manipulating the orientation or controlling the acceleration. You will need such a powerful tool to stop the rabbit invasion!

9. Will the Wii version of the game run in progressive-scan and 16x9 widescreen modes?

I can’t confirm it yet.

10. What target framerate are you aiming for?

We target a framerate between 30 and 60 fps. Ideally we would like to be as close as possible to 60 as Rayman is an action-packed game that will definitely benefit from and be more enjoyable with a smooth frame rate.

11. Are there any plans to take advantage of Wii's 24 Connect Wi-Fi service for either an online multiplayer mode or downloadable updates? If yes, please elaborate.

No plans yet.

12. Does the game feature a multiplayer mode of any kind? Please elaborate.

This new Rayman will be a single player Action Adventure game. At the moment, we have no plan of having any multiplayer mode and we want to focus on offering a great single player experience.
One thing I would like to add though: you will see load of fresh, crazy and unexpected content in this game…

13. What do you think of the Wii hardware and the innovative controller?

Hardware: Perfect to develop games. Easy to program, you can concentrate on developing new ideas and pushing your game-play.

Controller: Definitely innovative. This controller opens new ways to play games. As gamers, we will rediscover how to enjoy video games. As developers, we must rethink our controls and game-play to push the interactivity and immersion even further.

14. Finally, do you have any final words for Wii fans who are anticipating the game?

Rayman on Wii is going to be the craziest Rayman of all.
It will be easy to pick up and play, packed with a lot of humor and immersive action.
Stop those bunnies!!

Dark Messiah of Might & Magic Beta Test

2006-05-25T02:34:00.000-07:00

There are limited spaces available to members of Ubi.com to participate in a closed beta test for Dark Messiah of Might & Magic.
To be involved in this fantastic opportunity, follow the link on the front page of www.mightandmagic.com which will take you through to a sign up page.

Only 1,000 places exist worldwide so you will need to be quick!

Online Gamers Get Coolest Experience Ever With ICE

2006-05-23T04:00:00.000-07:00

- Smart Internet Technology CRC shows that cool gaming is just the tip of the ICEberg with next generation voice communications

Sydney - May 18, 2006 - Smart Internet Technology Cooperative Research Centre today announced the completion of trials conducted at Telstra's Launceston Broadband eLab, testing the latest in online gaming audio, Immersive Communications Environment (ICE). ICE is a sophisticated audio service that offers the ability for groups of people to communicate online naturally. With communication between people playing a growing role in some of the world's most popular games such as World of Warcraft, and Counter-Strike Source, ICE is poised to drastically enhance the online gamers' experience and capture a slice of the booming $32.6 billion interactive entertainment industry.

Gamers can currently communicate verbally through tools such as text chat and walkie-talkie style audio solutions, ICE changes the playing field by enabling the first realistic, scalable voice communication tool of its kind. It offers players the means to communicate realistically with fellow gamers, matching the voices of other players with their visual cues. For example, someone closer in the virtual space will sound louder, and whispering will become more audible on approach, bringing geography and landscape into the communications tactics. A major feature of ICE is that it can scale to crowded environments, such as cities with thousands of players, which are common in online games such as World of Warcraft. Players can walk into these online cities and hear the buzz of activity and listen in on conversations in common areas where people congregate to meet. This can be done over current consumer broadband connections.

By downloading a small program and accessing the game via an ICE enabled server, ICE promises to lift great games to an exceptional level. Results from the trials reported that 74 per cent of those who participated either agreed or strongly agreed ICE enhanced their gaming experience. Sixty per cent of the participants indicated ICE improved their gaming performance and they prefer it over "walkie-talkie" style communications tools that don't have the same natural, ease of use as ICE. Participants cited the most outstanding strategic benefits of ICE as audible location of enemy, free hands for game control and improved team interaction.

Darrell Williamson, CEO, Smart Internet said, "Information group ABI Research is predicting the game industry will grow from $32.6 billion in 2005 to $65.9 billion in 2011, driven primarily by online gaming and speedy growth of the portable and mobile phone gaming markets.

"The Launceston trial has demonstrated that gamers prefer ICE enabled games over current traditional ones and are further willing to pay a premium to play ICE enabled games. ICE will provide significant market differentiation for game developers, publishers and service providers looking to increase market share and revenues."

Tony Oetterli, Manager, Telstra e-Lab, said that participants indicated ICE delivered a standard of voice communications in the games as realistic as the graphics of modern games.

"Trial results show that initially, the trial participants were overwhelmed at the realistic audio experience, especially in crowded virtual environments where they could hear several voices at once. But then they were thrilled with the competitive, strategic edge it gave them citing positives such as being able to listen in on competitors or form teams with other players."

Paul Boustead, Project Leader, Smart Internet added "one participant had very little gaming experience prior to the trials and ended up one of the biggest advocates of ICE. He now plays about three to four times a week and loves the ICE experience over other voice communication applications and the strategic advantages he gains from it."

Hard-core PC game enthusiasts are constantly upgrading their machines with lightning-fast memory and the most advanced graphics cards to get an edge in multiplayer online games. Boustead predicts that gamers will jump at the chance to further enhance their experience by using ICE, especially since new generation consoles are providing online features to make playing with others over the Internet easier and more enjoyable.

The possibilities for the application of ICE extend beyond the realm of online games to personal communications, education, business meetings and conference calls as well as integration into future games' software.

The ICE project is a great example of how the Smart Internet Technology CRC enables collaboration between large and small organisations facilitating research and development that creates benefits and commercialisation opportunities in a broad range of industries.

The Immersive Communications Environment (ICE) project was developed by the Smart Internet CRC with partners Telstra Corporation and the University of Wollongong and is now in the early stages of commercialisation.

ICE will be presented during the 2006 CRC Conference "CRCs making an impact" to be held May 17 - 19 in Brisbane. More information on the conference can be found at www.crca.asn.au.

Activision Set to Acquire Video Game Publisher RedOctane and Its Highly Popular Guitar Hero Franchise

2006-05-10T06:33:00.000-07:00

Activision Set to Acquire Video Game Publisher RedOctane and Its Highly Popular Guitar Hero Franchise

Activision Establishes Leadership Position in Music-Based Gaming

Sydney, Australia – May 10, 2006 -- Underscoring its commitment to broaden its product portfolio and deliver compelling entertainment experiences to consumers worldwide, Activision, Inc. (Nasdaq: ATVI) announced today that it has entered into an agreement to acquire video game publisher RedOctane, Inc. the publisher of the popular Guitar Hero franchise. This acquisition will provide Activision with an early leadership position in music-based gaming, which the company expects will be one of the fastest growing genres in the coming years.

Guitar Hero is the fifth highest teen-rated game ever released on the PlayStation(R) 2 computer entertainment system with a 92 rating. The game challenges players to be a lead guitarist of their own rock and roll band. The game is sold with a guitar-shaped controller that lets consumers simulate playing the guitar for more than 30 popular songs that were made famous by such artists as the Red Hot Chili Peppers, David Bowie, and Ozzy Osbourne. Guitar Hero features six venues, eight unique characters, many guitars, and a range of difficulty levels, as well as a two-player mode that lets gamers challenge friends to see who rocks harder.

"Our acquisition of RedOctane perfectly aligns with Activision's strategy to broaden its portfolio by entering new genres that have strong global appeal," said Ron Doornink, Director and Strategic Advisor, Activision, Inc. "Guitar Hero integrates music and gaming in a unique and highly engaging way that delivers a compelling game experience for both the current- and next-generation consoles. The success we are seeing today is a strong indicator that Guitar Hero and the many potential extensions, new platform exploitations and international versions appear to be somewhat transition proof, as consumers are responding to this product on current-generation platforms in a manner that defies traditional late-cycle behavior. We think the online capabilities of the next-generation platforms offer new and well differentiated opportunities to create additional revenues from downloadable music, which today represents one of the most popular downloadable content categories."
Mike Griffith, President and CEO of Activision Publishing, Inc., added, "Activision's well-established worldwide distribution capabilities coupled with the strength of the Guitar Hero franchise, places us in a position today to capitalize on the millions of current-generation systems in the market. Just as we lead the industry in making music an integral part of the game experience, we will now be making music itself a game, which is appealing to audiences all around the world."

"RedOctane is incredibly excited about joining forces with Activision to lead the industry in the music-based gaming category," said Kai Huang, President and Co-Founder of RedOctane, Inc.
Charles Huang, COO and Co-Founder of RedOctane, Inc., added, "The powerful combination of our deep understanding of the music-based gaming category and Activision's global publishing infrastructure will enable us to realize our vision to remain the leader in music-gaming space."

Under the terms of the agreement, RedOctane will become a wholly owned subsidiary of Activision and the company's management team and key employees will sign long-term employment contracts with Activision. RedOctane will continue to be based in Sunnyvale, CA. The transaction is expected to close during the current fiscal quarter. The closing of the transaction is subject to various specific and general closing conditions. North Point Advisors acted as financial advisor to RedOctane. Financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed. Activision does not expect that this acquisition will have a material impact on its fiscal year 2007 earnings outlook.

About RedOctane
RedOctane, Inc. is a publisher, developer, and distributor of interactive entertainment software, hardware and accessories. The company offers its interactive entertainment products in versions that operate on the PlayStation(R)2 computer entertainment system console from Sony Computer Entertainment, Xbox(TM) video game system from Microsoft, and on personal computers ("PC"). RedOctane's leading software product offerings include In The Groove for the PlayStation 2 and Guitar Hero for the PlayStation 2. RedOctane also designs, manufactures, and markets high quality video game peripherals and accessories and has won awards for the Ignition(R) Dance Pad and the Guitar Hero SG(R) Controller. RedOctane is headquartered in Sunnyvale, California. More information about RedOctane and its products can be found on the company's World Wide Web site, which is located at www.redoctane.com.

About Activision
Headquartered in Santa Monica, California, Activision, Inc. is a leading worldwide developer, publisher and distributor of interactive entertainment and leisure products. Founded in 1979, Activision posted net revenues of $1.47 billion for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2006.
Activision maintains operations in the U.S., Canada, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Australia, Scandinavia, Spain and the Netherlands. More information about Activision and its products can be found on the company's World Wide Web site, which is located at www.activision.com.

Grand Theft Auto IV Comes to Xbox 360 on Day One

2006-05-10T06:31:00.000-07:00

Microsoft and Rockstar Games also forge strategic alliance to provide
exclusive episodic content downloads on Xbox Live.
LOS ANGELES ‹ May 9, 2006 ‹ This time, Xbox® Nation won¹t have to wait.
Responding to the cries of millions of Xbox 360 owners, Microsoft Corp. and
Rockstar Games, the universally renowned publishing label of Take-Two
Interactive Software, Inc., have struck a groundbreaking agreement that
brings ³Grand Theft Auto IV² to the Xbox 360 platform on day one of its
global release.

³Grand Theft Auto IV,² the next-generation console debut of the
genre-defining ³Grand Theft Auto² franchise, is expected to be in stores on
Oct. 16, 2007, in North America and Oct. 19, 2007, in Europe.

³Few franchises have had the profound impact on our industry as ŒGrand Theft
Auto,¹² said Peter Moore, corporate vice president of the Interactive
Entertainment Business in the Entertainment and Devices Division at
Microsoft. ³Gamers can¹t wait to play ³Grand Theft Auto IV² in high
definition on Xbox 360, and we couldn't be more excited to have the title on
our platform from day one²

Separately, Microsoft and Rockstar Games are proud to announce a strategic
alliance to provide exclusive episodic content for Xbox Live®, giving the
community ever-expanding gameplay experiences that simply aren¹t possible on
other consoles.

³Through Xbox Live, we have a unique opportunity to reach out to our
audience in new ways,² said Sam Houser, executive producer and founder of
Rockstar Games. ³This strategic alliance allows us to craft experiences that
fully leverage the on-demand distribution power and sheer size of Xbox
Live.²

The agreement to distribute exclusive Rockstar Games content via Xbox Live
highlights the publishing community¹s growing desire to feed gamers¹
insatiable appetite for downloading new high-definition experiences and
playing online. Since Xbox Live launched, fans have logged nearly 1.8
billion hours playing online and have downloaded more than 18 million pieces
of content in just the past six months.

Bill Gates declares 10 million-unit head start for Xbox 360 and outlines future of interactive entertainment

2006-05-10T06:29:00.000-07:00

Surprise appearance by Microsoft company founder wows gamers with unified platform vision and first look at “Halo 3.”

Los Angeles, May 9, 2006 – Microsoft Corp. Chairman and Chief Software Architect Bill Gates today staked the claim that the Xbox 360™ system will have a 10 million-unit head start by the time the competition enters the market and more than 160 games by the end of the year. Gates went on to outline the company’s bold new vision to connect millions of Xbox 360 gamers with hundreds of millions of Microsoft® Windows®-based PC and mobile gamers from around the world through the Xbox Live® online entertainment network. Gates made the announcements at a press conference to open the Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3), the largest annual confab for the interactive entertainment industry.

Dubbed “Live Anywhere,” the initiative puts gamers at the center of a ubiquitous always-on world where their digital identities, games, friends and digital entertainment are always accessible through the familiar Xbox Live interface, regardless of location or device. The plan also clears the way for groundbreaking cross-platform gameplay scenarios, with participants using Windows-based PCs, mobile phones and Xbox 360 consoles to play together simultaneously.

By this time next year, Microsoft expects more than 6 million gamers to be connected to the Xbox Live network. In addition, more than 25 million casual gamers are currently playing games on MSN® Messenger and MSN Games. Envisioning a forward look to more closely align these powerful communities, Gates outlined next steps to bring the Live Anywhere vision to fruition:

· Xbox Live experiences come to Windows-based PCs. Gamers will have the ability to jack into the vibrant Xbox Live world from their Windows-based PCs early next year to play games with friends. Answering the call of millions of Windows gamers for a world that is always on, the Xbox Live experience on Windows will give gamers a consistent online game experience in which they have one identity, one friends list, one set of achievements and voice communications across all games on the network. These experiences will debut on Windows with the Windows Vista™ operating system and “Shadowrun™” this winter.

· Microsoft’s mobile offering. Spanning Windows Mobile®, Java and BREW-based handsets, the world-class mobile games service will give gamers on-the-go access to cross-platform gaming communities at any time, from any location. By this time next year, users will be able to send messages, access friends lists, download the best of mobile game content, and sample, purchase and play favourites such as “Bejeweled,” “Zuma” and “Hexic®” as part of the integrated gaming world.

“By opening the Xbox Live entertainment network to the entire universe of Windows and mobile gamers, we’re creating unparalleled gameplay opportunities that will drive incredible growth of the online community,” said Gates. “Our vision is to deliver consistent, compelling experiences that make it easy for consumers to jump in and play, from any device at any time. It’s a vision that only Microsoft can deliver.”

Gates, making his first appearance at E3, joined Peter Moore, corporate vice president of the Interactive Entertainment Business in the Entertainment and Devices Division, on stage to announce a barrage of new game titles coming to the Xbox 360 and Windows Vista platforms.

Microsoft announced that it will have 160 Xbox 360 titles by end of 2006. The stunningly smooth high-definition graphics and sophisticated level of gameplay in these titles are proof positive that the development community is hitting its stride with the console’s powerful hardware and programming tools.

Gates and Moore dazzled the crowd with an initial look at “Halo® 3,” the hugely anticipated sequel to the highly successful and critically acclaimed “Halo” franchise. Enthusiasm for “Halo 3” has been building since its predecessor, “Halo 2” — launched by Microsoft Game Studios in 2004 — rewrote history books by becoming the biggest launch in U.S. entertainment retail history, with $125 million in sales and 2.4 million copies sold in the first 24 hours. In this third chapter of the “Halo” trilogy, Master Chief returns to finish the fight, bringing the epic conflict between the Covenant, the Flood and the entire human race to a dramatic, pulse-pounding climax.

Microsoft Game Studios also showcased exclusive Xbox 360 titles “Gears of War” (Epic Games Inc.), “Fable® 2” (Lionhead Studios) and “Forza Motorsport™ 2” (Turn 10). Ubisoft’s next-generation version of “Tom Clancy’s Splinter Cell Double Agent™” will also debut on Xbox 360. In addition, Microsoft Game Studios showed “Alan Wake” (Remedy Entertainment Inc.) and “Shadowrun™” (FASA Studio), both slated for Xbox 360 and Windows Vista. Bringing the Microsoft vision of Live Anywhere to life, “Shadowrun” is the first cross-platform Xbox 360 and Windows Vista-based game featuring team-based combat that ushers gamers into a new dimension with a revolutionary blend of modern weaponry and ancient magic.

For Windows gamers, the consumer launch of Windows Vista in January 2007 will continue the momentum and excitement for the Windows platform. With Windows Vista, Microsoft will introduce the DirectX® 10 API, showcasing astonishing new graphics as well as enhanced performance, better hardware integration and new ways for developers to make the most of the Windows game platform. Microsoft highlighted several games from major publishers that will support Windows Vista and DirectX 10 technologies: “Crysis™” (Electronic Arts Inc.), “Age of Conan: Hyborian Adventures” (Funcom) and “Flight Simulator X” (Microsoft Game Studios).

In addition to these blockbuster titles on Xbox 360 and Windows Vista, several new games are coming to Xbox Live Arcade. Gamers of all ages and levels of experience are flocking to these quick, fun (and often nostalgic), downloadable titles that take advantage of the unique high-definition and Xbox Live capabilities that only Xbox 360 can deliver.

Microsoft and its partners announced a significant expansion of the Xbox Live Arcade catalog, adding classic favourites such as “Pac-Man,” “Galaga,” “Dig Dug” and “Rally-X” from NAMCO BANDAI Games America Inc.; “Frogger,” “Track & Field,” and “Contra” and “Super Contra” from Konami; “Defender®,” “Paperboy®,” “Root Beer Tapper™” and “Ultimate Mortal Kombat® 3” from Midway Games Inc.; “Sonic the Hedgehog™ High Speed” from SEGA®; and new titles such as “Lumines Live” from Q Entertainment Ltd.

As part of the Live Anywhere initiative, Microsoft has announced new cross-platform accessories such as the Xbox 360 Wireless Controller, Xbox 360 Wireless Racing Wheel and Xbox 360 Wireless Headset, which will enrich game experiences on Xbox 360 and Windows. The new Xbox Live Vision video camera will allow consumers to customise their gamer picture, send photo messages, and video chat with friends and family over Xbox Live.

The appetite for Xbox 360 gaming around the world continues to grow. Microsoft is excited to meet that demand in seven new countries in the coming year with launches in Chile, the Czech Republic, Hungary, India, Poland, Slovakia and South Africa. Additional markets will continue the momentum of the largest next-generation installed base for any console after a second holiday season.

THE STROGG ASSAULT CYBERSPACE WITH LAUNCH OF ENEMY TERRITORY: QUAKE WARS WEBSITE

2006-05-10T06:27:00.000-07:00

Sydney, Australia – May 10, 2006 – The Strogg and Global Defense Force armies are gearing up for online battle with the launch of the Enemy Territory: QUAKE Wars™ website—the definitive site for all things QUAKE Wars. Fans can now go online to http://www.enemyterritory.com to get an in-depth look at game features, browse and download screenshots, videos, and concept art and read what others are saying about the game. The site also features a fan site creation kit offering every necessary element for gamers to create their own Enemy Territory: QUAKE Wars fan home pages.

Serving as the official headquarters for all the latest Enemy Territory: QUAKE Wars news and information, www.enemyterritory.com will deploy a number of new sections and features over the coming months, including; detailed comparisons of the Strogg and GDF forces, more videos, screenshots, and wallpapers, and an entire community site with strategies, game stats, developer blogs and much more.

Enemy Territory: QUAKE Wars is the ultimate online team and objective-based multiplayer experience. Set within the epic QUAKE® universe in the year 2065, gamers choose to play as Human or Strogg in one of five unique character classes. Employing an arsenal of weapons, vehicles and deployable armaments, players engage in an action-packed test of skill and coordinated teamwork through a series of combat objectives. Persistent character growth and achievements reward players for teamwork, while clearly defined mission and class objectives guide new players to meaningful contributions on the battlefield.

Enemy Territory: QUAKE Wars is currently in development at Splash Damage – co-creators of the original Wolfenstein: Enemy Territory, and is being executive produced by id Software. The game is awaiting a classification the OFLC.

ATARI ANNOUNCES BATTLEZONE FOR PSP

2006-05-10T06:25:00.000-07:00

Quick action-based battles meets today’s consumer demands for engaging on-the-go gaming

Thursday 4th May 2006 – Atari, one of Australia’s leading sources of interactive entertainment, today announced the development of BattleZone for the PSP™ (PlayStation®Portable) system, a modern update to the 1980 classic arcade game. BattleZone immerses players in an interactive world with relentless onslaughts of quick, action-oriented battles. In development by Paradigm Entertainment, BattleZone for the PSP system will blast onto global terrain in November 2006.

Set in futuristic international military environments, BattleZone puts players in control of highly manoeuvrable hover tanks, challenging them in close combat scenarios against their rivals. BattleZone features fast and furious gameplay, photo-realistic environments, eight unique customisable team vehicles, an assortment of high-powered weapons and multiplayer battles. The four-player WiFi mode lets players go head to head, while unlockable weapons, vehicles and upgrades add even greater depth to the gameplay experience. In addition, extra game content will be available through the BattleZone web site, offering gamers news, leader boards and an exclusive online level builder tool that allows players to customise game maps. The extra content can then be downloaded to the players’ PSP system through a local PC-USB connection.

BattleZone provides players with six popular and well-known game modes, including Deathmatch, Capture the Flag, Team Deathmatch, Hotzone, Knockout, and Fox and Hound. For casual gamers, the single player mode offers an easy learning curve for pick-up and play gaming and a tournament progression to win upgrades and enhancements.

Designed to take advantage of the PSP system’s high quality display, BattleZone’s crisp environments depict military combat arenas from around the world. Specific sights include abandoned cities of Russia, jungles of China, desert canyons of the United States, Antarctica’s frozen tundra and the Canary Islands. Players can fight their way through the compelling open play of ten worlds in BattleZone, two of which can be customised online and transferred to their PSP system.

Capitalising on all the PSP system offers with quick action control, close combat gameplay, familiar game modes and WiFi capabilities, BattleZone will yet again redefine vehicle combat action for the next generation of today’s portable gamers.

Battlezone is scheduled for release on PSP in November 2006.

UBISOFT ANNOUNCES E3 2006 VIDEO GAME LINE UP

2006-05-10T06:23:00.000-07:00

Showcases 10 Next-Generation Titles,
Celebrates 20 Years of Creativity and Innovation

Ubisoft, one of the world’s largest video game publishers, announce its lineup of titles for the 2006 Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3) May 10–12, 2006 at the Los Angeles Convention Center in Los Angeles, Calif. Ubisoft will showcase its titles at booth #924 in the South Hall.

“Our E3 lineup demonstrates Ubisoft’s profound commitment to the next-generation of video games,” said Yves Guillemot, president and chief executive officer of Ubisoft. “Ubisoft is very excited to be introducing ground-breaking new intellectual property and showcasing how we bring innovation to our best-selling franchises. Our award-winning development teams are pushing the limits of what can be achieved and leading the industry into the future.”

Ubisoft lineup for E3 2006:

* Assassin’s CreedTM: Experience the power of a feared Assassin in the game that will redefine the action adventure genre for the next generation. Players’ actions will throw the immediate environment into chaos and shape events in this pivotal moment during the Third Crusade.

* Brothers In Arms Hell’s Highway™: Gearbox Software’s critically acclaimed squad-based WWII shooter launches into the next generation of gaming with amazing graphics and cutting-edge game play features powered by Unreal Engine 3 and a completely redesigned online component. As Matt Baker, lead a squad of real soldiers who think, relate and fight together through the brutal trials of the dramatic Operation Market Garden.

* Dark Messiah™ of Might & Magic®: Discover a new breed of PC game that will redefine the Action-RPG genre. Powered by an enhanced version of the Source engine from Valve, the second chapter in the new Might & Magic® franchise allows players to experience ferocious combat as an expert warrior, mage, or assassin using a vast array of devastating weapons against vicious creatures in a captivating fantasy environment.

* Enchanted Arms™: The first RPG developed exclusively for Xbox 360™, this epic adventure created by FromSoftware in Japan is arriving for the first time in North America and Europe. Enchanted Arms allows players to escape to a fantasy world filled with beautiful cinema-quality graphics, unique characters and bizarre creatures.

* [Game to be Unveiled]: Experience the next-generation project from Ubisoft and Free Radical, the developers of the critically-acclaimed Timesplitters® series, for the first time at E3.

* Open Season™: Team up with the cast of characters from Sony Pictures Animation’s feature-length CGI film Open Season coming in September. It’s a riotous romp in the great outdoors for kids of all ages when a rowdy brood of forest animals turn the tables on unsuspecting hunters.

* Rayman Raving Rabbids™: Developed by famed creative director Michel Ancel, this new installment of the Rayman franchise will be the funniest and zaniest yet. Rayman’s world is threatened by a devastating invasion by the most unexpected creatures and Rayman must battle to save his world and its inhabitants.

* Red Steel™: The only original first-person game built from the ground up and exclusively for the Wii™ launch. Red Steel takes full advantage of Nintendo’s innovative controller and provides the unique experience of combined gunplay and swordplay.

* Tom Clancy’s Splinter Cell Double Agent™: The best-selling Tom Clancy’s Splinter Cell® saga is taking an entirely new direction. In the highly anticipated next chapter, play as a double agent spy for the first time. Take on dual roles of covert operative and ruthless terrorist, where choices of whom to betray and whom to protect affect the outcome of the game.

* Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six® Vegas: Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six® makes its dramatic next-generation debut. Rainbow operatives take to the chaotic streets of Las Vegas as an escalating terrorist siege in “Sin City” threatens to take world terrorism to new heights.

Follow Ubisoft News at our special E3 website: http://e3.ubi.com.

For more information about Ubisoft, please visit www.ubi.com and www.ubisoftgroup.com

SEGA’S CHARLOTTE’S WEB VIDEO GAMES SPELL BIG FUN FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY

2006-05-10T06:21:00.000-07:00

SEGA to Publish Video Games Based on Nickelodeon Movies/Walden Media/Paramount Pictures’ Upcoming Feature Film
LONDON & SAN FRANCISCO (May 4, 2006) - SEGA Europe Ltd. and SEGA of America, Inc. today announced Charlotte’s Web, an enchanting video game under license from Nickelodeon & Viacom Consumer Products based on the upcoming feature film from Nickelodeon Movies/Walden Media/Paramount Pictures. Scheduled for release this winter, the game will be available for the Nintendo Game Boy® Advance, DS™ and PC CD-ROM.

Playing as Wilbur the pig or Templeton the rat, gamers will be drawn into engaging tasks as they explore four fascinating worlds including Zuckerman’s Barn, a Junkyard, the Countryside and the County Fair, each containing numerous challenging levels. Along the way, players will meet and interact with truly memorable characters from the movie including Charlotte, Wilbur’s best friend and confidante, who requires aid in finding her missing spider hatchlings; and Gussy the goose, who needs help locating and hatching her goslings.

“This captivating game will give players of all ages the opportunity to explore the charming and familiar world of Charlotte’s Web like never before,” said Scott A. Steinberg, Vice President of Marketing, SEGA of America, Inc. "Players will find themselves immersed in an interactive environment where they’ll encounter a colourful cast of characters while they embark on a very special journey."

The Game Boy® Advance and Nintendo DS versions are loaded with additional entertaining mini-games, such as Ring Toss and Bumper Cars, that are hidden throughout the multiple levels. The mini-games are designed for easy pick up and playability and will keep gamers coming back to the fascinating world of Charlotte’s Web.

The Nintendo DS version contains numerous extras that maximise the handheld’s unique capabilities; including stylus support and wireless multiplayer for up to four players. An additional, unlockable mini-game, where gamers can play as Fern and care for Wilbur, is also waiting to be discovered!

Developed by Backbone Entertainment, a division of Foundation 9 Entertainment, Charlotte’s Web will bring to life one of the most beloved stories of all time.

THQ AND HBO® JOIN TO CREATE VIDEO GAME BASED ON SOPRANOS

2006-05-10T06:19:00.000-07:00

AGOURA HILLS, Calif. (May 4, 2006) -- THQ Inc. (NASDAQ: THQI) today announced its upcoming videogame based on HBO’s critically acclaimed series The Sopranos. Currently under development, the game will evoke the atmosphere, action and conflicts that are the cornerstone of the hit show, which has found worldwide success as one of HBO’s premier original programs. The game is backed by key members of the all-star cast who will lend their voices and likenesses, including James Gandolfini as Tony Soprano. The Sopranos game is scheduled to release for the Xbox 360TM video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system this holiday season.

“Teaming up with one of the best in the business, we’re excited to enter this new entertainment medium with our most successful and widely recognized original series, The Sopranos,” said Carmi Zlotnik, executive vice president, New Media Programming, HBO. “It’s clear that fans want more of The Sopranos, and creating a game that puts the player in their world is a great way to satisfy them.”

“We’re excited to work with HBO on creating a game that captures the spirit of the groundbreaking series – a modern classic that redefines the life of crime genre,” said Kelly Flock, executive vice president, Worldwide Publishing, THQ. “The Sopranos has become television legacy for this generation and now fans and gamers can become part of the story and see if they have the muscle and wit to become ‘made’.”

About The Sopranos Game
A mob war is brewing as Philadelphia’s and New Jersey’s most powerful families are about to collide. As the illegitimate son of "Big Pussy," you have been born into the organization and are now being given an opportunity to demonstrate your loyalty to Tony Soprano. As a soldier you must earn money on collections, protect your turf through intimidation, and gain admiration within your own family to move up in the ranks of the organization. Carry out orders from Paulie, Silvio, Christopher and Tony in familiar locations such as the Bada Bing!, Nuovo Vesuvio’s and Satriale’s. Storyline collaborated with show creator David Chase and voiced by the show’s key cast members.

About The Sopranos Series
HBO’s critically acclaimed series The Sopranos stars three-time Emmy®-winners James Gandolfini as Tony Soprano, a modern-day mob boss, and Edie Falco as Tony’s wife Carmela, plus Lorraine Bracco as therapist Dr. Jennifer Melfi, Emmy®-winner Michael Imperioli as Tony’s nephew Christopher Moltisanti, and Dominic Chianese as Uncle Junior. Other regulars include Robert Iler as Anthony Soprano, Jr., Jamie-Lynn Sigler as Meadow Soprano, Tony Sirico as Paulie Walnuts, and Steven Van Zandt as Silvio Dante. The Sopranos is a production of HBO Original Programming, Brad Grey Television and Chase Films.
About HBO
Home Box Office, Inc. is the premium television-programming subsidiary of Time Warner Inc., providing two 24-hour premium television services, HBO and Cinemax. Together, both networks reach approximately 40 million subscribers in the United States via cable and satellite delivery. Home Box Office's international joint ventures bring HBO branded services to more than 50 countries around the globe.

Weekly Review Roundup!

2006-04-17T04:30:00.000-07:00

click on the links! woot woot!

Games & Movies

Tape (DVD)

Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion (PC)

Bust A Move (Nintendo DS)

Rampage: Total Destruction (PS2)

Magna Carta (PS2)

SOCOM 3: US Navy Seals (PS2)

Football Manager 2006 (XBox 360)

Commandos: Strike Force (PS2)

Sword of Etheria (PS2)

G1 Jockey 4 (PS2)

Spanglish (DVD)

What a Girl Wants (DVD)

Outrun 2006 Coast to Coast (PS2)

Outrun 2006 Coast to Coast (PSP)

AFL only on PlayStation

2006-04-05T03:41:00.000-07:00

Sydney, 3 April 2006 – Sony Computer Entertainment Australia (SCE Aust.) and the Australian Football League (AFL) today announced the signing of a two year licensing agreement which will see SCE Aust., as the exclusive publisher of AFL video games.

SCE Aust. is also pleased to announce the video game title - AFL Premiership 2006 exclusively for PlayStation®2, officially licensed by Australian Football League, due for release in July this year. Benefiting from the new deal signed with the AFL, the franchise is now exclusive to SCE Aust. across all PlayStation® products for the next two years.

Managing Director of SCE Aust. and New Zealand, Michael Ephraim, said "This two year exclusive relationship is the basis for a very exciting partnership between the Australia’s leading football code and the global leader of the video game industry. Together, I believe we will create a fantastic range of products for the PlayStation 2 and also the PlayStation Portable in time for the 2007 AFL season.”

The continued support of the AFL has allowed IR Gurus Interactive to develop a game that closely reflects the action of the AFL Season with unparalleled accuracy and recreation of players, clubs, competitions and venues. The 2006 game will feature stunning graphical improvements, alongside additional game modes and features; all adding up to ensure a high quality offering with the next iteration of the franchise.

Gillon McLachlan, the AFL’s General Manager – Commercial operations said “The AFL is Australia's number one spectator sport and we are excited to partner with Sony Computer Entertainment Australia as our goal is to assist in delivering Australia’s number one sports simulation game.”

“This is our second year of integrated activity with the AFL with last year being our inaugural year as an official sponsor of the umpires. Commercial benefits of the relationship have been proven and this license deal solidifies SCE Australia’s already strong relationship with the AFL.” Michael Ephraim.

The PlayStation 2 game AFL 2006 will be available in winter 2006.

X-MEN: THE LAST STAND MOVIE TRAILER - YOU HAVE TO SEE THIS!

2006-04-05T03:05:00.000-07:00

Click here to check out this amazing trailer! 'Nuff Said!

In X-MEN: THE LAST STAND, the climax of the “X-Men” motion picture trilogy, a “cure” for mutancy threatens to alter the course of history. For the first time, mutants have a choice: retain their uniqueness, though it isolates and alienates them, or give up their powers and become human. The opposing viewpoints of mutant leaders Charles Xavier, who preaches tolerance, and Magneto, who believes in the survival of the fittest, are put to the ultimate test – triggering the war to end all wars.

Within the framework of an epic, action-packed story, X-MEN: THE LAST STAND raises issues with strong contemporary relevance: Is conformity an antidote to prejudice? Is it cowardice to give up individuality to fit in and avoid persecution? Do ends justify means? Is great power a blessing or a curse?

X-MEN: THE LAST STAND reunites all the stars of the first two X-Men films: Hugh Jackman as Wolverine, Halle Berry as Storm, Ian McKellen as Magneto, Patrick Stewart as Xavier, Famke Janssen as Jean Grey, Anna Paquin as Rogue , Rebecca Romijn as Mystique, James Marsden as Cyclops and Shawn Ashmore as Iceman. Reprising their X2 roles are Aaron Stanford as Pyro and Daniel Cudmore as Colossus.

Kelsey Grammer joins the X-MEN: THE LAST STAND cast as Dr. Henry McCoy, also known as Beast. McCoy is a highly intelligent geneticist, a mutant endowed with superhuman agility and physical prowess. As the subject of one of his own experiments, McCoy mutated further, growing blue, bestial fur.

Vinnie Jones plays the unstoppable strongman Juggernaut, and Ellen Page portrays Kitty Pride, also known as Shadowcat, a young woman possessing the ability to pass through solid matter by “phasing.” Ben Foster plays Warren Worthington III, or Angel, whose bird-like wings endow him with the gift of flight. Michael Murphy is Warren Worthington, Sr., Angel’s father, whose distress over his son’s mutant powers leads him to spearhead the “cure.”

Also joining the cast are Dania Ramirez as Callisto, whose highly attuned senses allow her to locate and assess the power of other mutants; Eric Dane as Multiple Man, who can create exact physical replicas of himself; Cameron Bright as the power dampener Leech; Olivia Williams as Dr. Moira McTaggert, one of the world’s leading authorities on genetic mutation and Xavier’s longtime colleague and confidante; and Shohreh Aghdashloo as geneticist Dr.Kavita Rao.

Brett Ratner, who established a motion picture franchise with “Rush Hour,” and expanded the “Silence of the Lambs” franchise with “Red Dragon,” directs X-MEN: THE LAST STAND.

The producers are Lauren Shuler Donner and Ralph Winter, who also produced the first two X-Men films. Avi Arad and comics legend and X-Men co-creator Stan Lee are executive producers. The screenplay is by Zak Penn & Simon Kinberg.

Review: DVD - Wolf Creek (Roadshow Home Entertainment)

2006-04-01T05:28:00.000-08:00

I love horror movies. I watch a lot of them. I can say that this is the first movie that actually had me reeling back at one scene! The story takes place at Wolf Creek, site of a meteor impact in outback Australia. ....
Vist the site HERE to learn more!

News: Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon Advanced Warfighter Becomes Xbox 360 Bestseller

2006-03-19T21:40:00.000-08:00

Ubisoft are pleased to announce that early sales figures for the recently released Xbox 360 title Tom Clancy's Advanced Warfighter have passed the 360,000 unit mark across Europe and the US. This makes Ghost Recon Advanced Warfighter the fastest selling Xbox 360 title in the US, France, Germany and the UK.

"Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon Advanced Warfighter had the best ever first week sales for our company and is looking like a major commerical success" says Ubisoft chairman Yves Guillemot.

"On the eve of the Xbox 360 console launch in Australia & New Zealand, these sales figures show just how anticipated Ghost Recon Advanced Warfighter is" said Darren Macbeth, Managing Director of Ubisoft Australia & New Zealand. "This title showcases the talent of Ubisoft's development studios and sets a benchmark for our future next-gen titles such as Splinter Cell Double Agent and Rainbow Six Vegas".

The Xbox 360 version of Ghost Recon Advanced Warfighter is available now in stores. It is the first game to score 10/10 in Xbox 360: The Official Australian Xbox Magazine.

The Xbox version of Ghost Recon Advanced Warfighter will launch this Thursday, with a PlayStation 2 version for release on March 30th and a PC version in May 2006.

Stay up late for Australia’s first next generation console – XBox 360

2006-03-19T17:46:00.000-08:00

The most anticipated next generation video game console will launch at 12.01am on 23 March

Sydney, 16 March 2006 – This is a call to action to all Sydneysiders out there wanting to be part of Australia’s biggest entertainment launch…ever!

The Xbox 360 will go on sale next Wednesday evening amidst a carnivale atmosphere at Sydney’s Pitt Street Mall. Crowds will be treated to entertainment by street performers and provided abundant free food and drink. As a special bonus to all customers purchasing the console on launch night, the Pitt Street EB store will be giving away a free game with every Xbox 360 purchased after the doors open at 12.01 am.

Channel V will be filming the festivities and radio station Nova 96.9 will be broadcasting live direct from the mall after 9pm. And for those who just can’t wait for midnight, there will be LCD screens set up so people can get their hands on the wireless controller and games prior to the doors opening.

Based on pre-order figures $30-$40 million worth of Xbox 360 consoles and games are projected to go through cash registers at launch. And this figure doesn’t take into account accessory sales, which are also expected to be very strong at launch.

WHEN: Wednesday 22 March 2006 from 9pm

WHERE: Pitt Street Mall (outside Westfield Centrepoint) Sydney

WHAT: Xbox 360 official launch party

Street dancers
Xbox 360 and LCD screens
Nova live broadcast

MICRO MACHINES RETURNS TO VIDEO GAMING AS CODEMASTERS CONFIRMS PLANS FOR MICRO MACHINES v4

2006-03-19T17:04:00.000-08:00

Revival of classic racing series confirmed for PlayStation2, PSP, PC and Nintendo DS
– first game details and screenshots revealed

Thursday 16th March 2006 – Atari, one of Australia’s leading sources of interactive entertainment, is delighted to announce the party game of choice for a gaming generation is set to return to game screens as Codemasters today reveals the revival of its classic Micro Machines series.

A smash-hit series through the 1990s, Codemasters, has once again secured the rights to the miniature vehicles for an all-new video game that promises a real return to the Micro Machines game’s much loved, all-out fun, racing gameplay. The property is under license from the Hasbro Properties Group, the intellectual property development arm of Hasbro, Inc. (NYSE: HAS).

Micro Machines v4, titled as a sequel to the last Micro Machines game from Codemasters, is now in development for PlayStation2, PC, PSP and Nintendo DS. Scheduled for a winter 2006 release, development is back with the team at Supersonic Software, creators of some of the most acclaimed Micro Machines games and more recently Mashed and Mashed: Fully Loaded.

Mixing miniature mayhem with maximum multiplayer racing, Micro Machines v4 will arrive packed with knockabout, breakneck racing in the fastest scale miniatures, complete with explosive weapon power-ups. Letting you loose with hundreds of vehicles, each with distinctive performance abilities, you’ll be racing your inch-long miniature motors on the wildest tracks where everyday household objects appear immense in size and can become lethal hazards.

Sport cars, street racers, stock cars, 4x4s, beach buggies, lowriders and muscle cars are just some of the Micro Machines models you’ll be taking out on the improvised tracks around the Micro Machines house, garden and – for the first time – beyond!

Fans of classic Micro Machines games will rejoice in the return of some of the series’ most popular racing arenas. Spin out around the breakfast table littered with cereal spills, tear through the kitchen, turbo boost around the pool table (while avoiding the treacherous pockets), or hit the gas as you drive around the rim of the bath, carefully negotiating the ferocious waters pouring over the edge of the bath.

As well as the familiar feel-good environments, Micro Machines v4 game sees your racing world expand further than any previous Micro Machines game. Go beyond the house and garden tracks and discover what it’s like to race across house roofs, in the sewers, through supermarkets, museums and even down to the farm, with its danger-packed chicken coop!

Of course, it wouldn’t be Micro Machines without an arsenal of power-ups and weapons to collect and use on your opponents while you’re racing. Micro Machines v4 brings all the favourites back, including the car-mounted giant hammer!

With much more unique game content yet to be revealed, the Micro Machines v4 is set to capture the dynamic, fast, fun gameplay of its classic predecessors when it launches in winter 2006 for PlayStation2, PSP, PC and Nintendo DS. Sign up for miniaturisation at www.atari.com.au

ACTIVISION SHIPS SPECIAL XBOX 360™ LAUNCH PACK TO RETAIL

2006-03-19T16:58:00.000-08:00

Tony Hawk’s American Wasteland & GUN Double Pack
Now Available for Next-Generation System

Sydney, Australia –March 15, 2006– Leading up to the launch of the Xbox 360™ video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, Activision, Inc. (Nasdaq: ATVI), announced that it will ship the Xbox 360 Double Pack containing both Neversoft Entertainment’s Tony Hawk’s American Wasteland and GUN™ to retail outlets nationwide today. Both titles have already received critical acclaim with Tony Hawk’s American Wasteland awarded 9/10 “…an excellent return to form for the Birdman…” from Australian Gamepro and GUN earning 8.5/10 “Everyone should get their hands on Gun, play it, and experience the mud on their spurs…” from Official Xbox Magazine Australia.

The Xbox 360 Double Pack carries a suggested retail price of $109.95.

“We are excited to have some of our biggest internally developed brands debut on the Xbox 360,” said Paul Butcher, Marketing Director, Activision Asia/Pacific Region. “From the lawless west to the streets of L.A., Activision’s launch titles harness the power of the new hardware to deliver the most realistic and immersive console gaming experiences ever.”

GUN
Using enhanced graphics, a blazing fast frame rate, and 720p high definition visuals, GUN for Xbox 360 puts players in the role of Colton White, a vengeful gunslinger who straddles the line between good and evil as he makes his way through the untamed West of the late-1800s where greed, lust and brutality is a way of life. Players will showdown against corrupt lawmen, a murderous preacher, renegade army psychopaths and others while waging war on horseback, collecting bounties, and commandeering trains. As they travel through an action-packed landscape of high mountain wilderness, deserts and bustling territorial towns, players uncover an epic story of betrayal and revenge. GUN is rated “MA 15+” by the OFLC. For more information on GUN visit www.gunthegame.com.

Tony Hawk’s American Wasteland
Running in high-definition at 60 frames per second Tony Hawk’s American Wasteland harnesses the power of the Xbox 360 and lets gamers make an expansive streaming L.A. skate world their personal playground. In a plot-twisting story that pays homage to the roots of skateboarding, players can skate or bike from the Santa Monica boardwalk to the star-studded sidewalks of Hollywood as they customize and upgrade their characters, unlock new tricks and choose missions without load screens or levels. Tony Hawk’s American Wasteland also takes the action to new heights with expanded controls that allow players to pull off more sick tricks than ever before and new multiplayer modes including exclusive Xbox Live support for Xbox 360, including Achievements and Leaderboards, and a two-player co-op classic mode. Tony Hawk’s American Wasteland is rated “M” by the OFLC.

Review: SWAT 4: THE STETCHKOV SYNDICATE (PC)

2006-03-19T16:36:00.000-08:00

The expansion to the smash hit SWAT 4, The Stetchkov Syndicate takes the player to the next level in a thrilling sequel that in all ways is a fitting tribute to the expectations of fans of the series....
Vist the site HERE to learn more!

Night Watch Interview - Timur Bekmambetov (Director)

2006-03-16T02:55:00.000-08:00

TIMUR BEKMAMBETOV, DIRECTOR, NIGHT WATCH

Born in the sixties in the then-Soviet state of Kazakhstan, Russian director Timur Bekmambetov has enjoyed a long and varied career, including ten years working in advertising. Now in his forties, he’s reaching an international audience with his surprise world-wide smash hit Night Watch trilogy, based on the popular books by Sergei Lukyanenko. He’s unfazed by the sudden acclaim, brushing off comparisons to Tarantino –“I don’t think its right. I mean, I’m not Tarantino”– and claiming not to feel stressed by success –“I don’t do pressure. I don’t. It’s fun”. He puts some of his success down to local wisdom from his home-town, Atyrau: “go where the grass is green.” It may be a village saying in Khazakstan, but according to Bekmambetov, it’s a motto that will serve you equally well in Hollywood.

How did you manage to make a movie that looks so good with so little money (an estimated $4,200,000)?
It’s my background; I was a director of commercials, so I was able to use different techniques, different styles. Every commercial covers different ground, different ideas, and it’s my profession to direct and to tell stories- for me, it’s very organic. Also, it was a good budget for the Russian film industry. It’s enough money to do whatever you want here. I have experience working with an American producer, Roger Corman, who knows a lot of secrets in making movies look bigger than their budget.

Could you reveal one of Roger Corman’s secrets to us?
The main secret is that the only important thing for the director or filmmaker to do is to imitate a bigger budget than he has with a creative idea. For example, I directed a movie for Roger, The Arena. He sent the story to me and the budget was $250000. It was a movie about the gladiators in ancient Rome and he said, “Maybe we’ll produce it in Moscow?” It had scenes with a coliseum, an amphitheatre, and we decided ok, if we don’t have the money to go somewhere in the south, we’ll shoot in Moscow, but imitate Germany, because the Roman Empire was huge, it reached even Germany. There is not enough marble and stones in Germany, so ok, it has to be a wooden coliseum. So we decided to build a wooden coliseum. We didn’t have enough money to build the whole coliseum, but maybe the Romans in Germany also didn’t have the money to build the whole coliseum. So we’ll build just half of it! So you just have to have a creative idea.

Is Night Watch an indication of how Russia is changing as a whole?
We didn’t have a movie business tradition here, but that helps us to be successful because we haven’t had any bad past experiences. We hadn’t had the opportunity to show movies here in Russia and now we do. The CGI for Night Watch is an example. There was more than 400 CGI shots in the movie, but we didn’t have a big studio with CGI departments in Moscow. So we decided to create our own mass community over the internet to produce the CGI. We’re proud people, we created this directly; we decided we couldn’t face doing it through studios. Directly it’s much cheaper and we had a special relationship with the artists- we could communicate directly. We had more than 150 people working together through the internet. It’s a new experience that comes directly out of our limitations.

With the success of the Night Watch trilogy, will you now travel to Hollywood?
I will. I cannot say that it makes me happy personally, but it helps me to discover new horizons and new people. It’s just interesting. It isn’t my goal to be somewhere in particular, but it’s interesting. For sure if I have a Hollywood budget I will try to imitate Spielberg.

Which will be your favourite film in the trilogy?
Right now it’s Day Watch for sure, because I’m doing Day Watch now, so I have to fall in love with it. I don’t know what will happen with Dusk Watch.

I heard there were changes made to Night Watch for its international releases?
With Night Watch we took out ten, fifteen minutes of the movie because there was a sub-plot which was interesting for a Russian audience because it featured a very famous Russian actor, who is my friend. It was very beautiful and interesting to the Russian audience, but not necessary to the story itself. For the international version we don’t need it because nobody knows this actor.

Do you have a favourite international cut?
With Night Watch we’re trying to do something special for France, something special for Germany, something special for England, for everywhere. I cannot judge the best because I haven’t had the opportunity to watch all the variations of the movie, but I think for Night Watch it was very important to have a good translation. There are a lot of details in the movie that are difficult to translate literally; it has to have some cultural adaptation or it will lose the sympathy of its audience. We didn’t plan it to be international. It’s a big problem for American movies that all their movies are produced to be global. Everything has to be globalised, the characters have to be understandable in Europe, in China, and it’s a big problem for American filmmaking now, for sure. When we made Night Watch, we made it especially for Russian people, especially for the Russian market, we had an idea to explore it, which is why we were successful here. It has its own voice.

Will we be able to see those missing scenes on the DVD?
You can buy the Russian DVD for those scenes. I think it will be included in all versions. We made a commentary for the Russian market, but maybe Fox will decide you will have it. I don’t enjoy doing it- how do you comment? I have nothing to say! I was trying to do it, but nothing happened.

Has the Russian cinema audience changed over the past few years?
Yes, it’s changed over maybe the last three years, because we didn’t have an audience five years ago. Five years ago we had two or three cinemas in Russia. Now we have a thousand screens. It grows at the rate of two or three hundred screens a year. So now we have an audience. Before that we had only a DVD market.

Why were you sought after by so many major studios in the Night Watch bidding war?
I think why they need me is I will do something different. During the last year I had a lot of possibilities to understand studios. I found it’s a myth about the bad guys from studios trying to kill your creativity. It’s a myth, it doesn’t exist; they are trying to use your creativity. They are paying money because they need creative ideas. The problem is your problem, because sometimes you have to control yourself, to make everything logical. I have to be responsible. I spent ten years in advertising making commercials. For me, it’s very understandable, this relationship between director and client. In a commercial I feel freedom because somebody has to make a decision what I have to do, but it’s my decision how to do it. I have to achieve a goal, but how is my responsibility.

Some critics have said all you do is imitate US filmmakers.
It’s right… but it’s wrong. I heard a lot of this kind of thing in Russia. But I think it’s just a wrong understanding of the movie. Night Watch itself is a very Russian movie. It’s impossible to imagine this kind of movie somewhere else. Nobody else can do this. A movie with a depressing ending, a lot of inexplicable storylines, strange characters… It’s a Russian reflection of American film culture. It’s got our unique style but is a reflection of the genre movie. I like to scare people. I like it. The American film culture has a huge experience of that and I like it. But I cannot repeat it. I cannot be an American director; I will always be a Russian director.

Which directors do you consider an influence?
Lots of directors. Almost every director I have seen. If I’ve seen the movie it means it’s an influence on my own filmmaking. Every movie has a reflection in Night Watch. Even if it’s a bad film itself. The character in Bad Boys II, I really like him- the funny black policeman. For sure, maybe somewhere in Night Watch you will find a reflection of this movie. Fellini, or James Cameron, or the Wachowski Brothers, I like all of them.

How do you try to make a movie appeal to people across the world?
I think I have an idea how to do this. Russians, Americans, French people, we are all the same. You don’t have to think about the difference between people. If you try to be yourself, either in the United States or anywhere, I think it’s possible. Of course you have to research, you have to understand, but you have to talk about yourself.

What did shooting in Moscow bring to the film?
It’s a very cinematic city. It has a style, a simple style. It’s not like Paris. It’s ready to be discovered. It’s a very mythological city. There’s no patience with it yet for an international audience. Night Watch is the first step. We will shoot more movies in Moscow and international audiences will discover this new world. Because as I understand, the international audience think that in Night Watch everything was created to be better or more dramatic, but its not, it’s the city. They’ve just never seen it, it’s their first time and it looks like The Lord Of The Rings, very ancient. But it’s a real city, it exists and all these characters exist.

What do you think of the presentation of Russia in foreign films?
It’s funny. I’ve seen Moscow in The Bourne Identity- there was a scene in Germany. It doesn’t look interesting because these directors don’t really feel Moscow, there’s no soul. It’s like a tourist. All the tourists have the same pictures in Paris. The Eiffel Tower. It’s the same here, the same five pictures. We used very simple places, not “and now, here is Red Square”.

Do you have any rules about filmmaking that you try to follow?
I don’t have any rules. Everything is possible. If you feel it… What’s good about Moscow is, Moscow’s very different. If you’re in the centre, five miles away it’s very different. But you have to live here to understand this difference.

Are there any young Russian filmmakers following in your footsteps?
In Russian we don’t have old and young filmmakers, everybody is young here. For everybody it’s their first or second movie. It’s why its so good here, we have a group of people who have the same experience. There’s a good energy. Thirty years ago we had a great film industry and culture and Russian directors were very good. But now we are all the same status. We have one hundred and fifty million Russians and they are very proud to be Russian and see movies about themselves. Stalin produced himself, all the movies in Russia at that time. He chose Eisenstein. He was very smart. Very evil, but then all producers are evil.

Night Watch Interview - Anatoli Maksimov (Producer)

2006-03-16T02:51:00.000-08:00

ANATOLI MAKSIMOV: PRODUCER, NIGHT WATCH TRILOGY

An experienced Russian TV producer, Anatoli Maksimov, together with fellow producer Konstantin Ernst, was originally responsible for getting the Night Watch trilogy off the ground. His first task was to get his first choice of director, Timur Bemambetov, involved. Once the film began production, Maksimov helped orchestrate the complicated process of making a four hundred thousand dollar budget look like forty hundred thousand. It worked - with the film a success in the Russian box-office, he was soon taking calls from Harvey Weinstein.

Q. How did you first come to be involved in the whole Night Watch project?
A. My involvement was Konstantin (Ernst)’s idea originally. The source material from the book was something of a surprise for us, because fantasy, on the whole, is not such a big deal here in Russia, even in the book business. But fantasy, actually, is not the main point of this film. What really counts, are the psychological and specifically social connotations of living in this country. The book represents Russian society at a certain stage of mental development.

Q. Was it difficult to get the money together for this project?
Well, we found ways to make sure things were as cheap as they could be and still look good. For example, instead of using just one production house for our CGI shots we used the internet and got many, many small companies involved, I think over 40. And there were over 400 shots involving CGI in the film so we needed to make these savings where we could. We had a lot of luck with our director, Timur (Bekmambetov). His background in advertising meant that he knew how to make things look stylish without much of a budget. Mostly it was on the director’s account that we could let ourselves do this so cheap. For the second, we have more money, because of our first’s success.

Q. Aside from the psychological side of the novels, you’ve also brought in horror, sci-fi and action elements. Was that designed to help bring the project to a global audience?
We still believe in the cult genre formula, particularly for the second movie, Day Watch. We believe we are not making a horror film or even a thriller. We’re definitely aiming for a mixed genre experience. In this movie gore is a strong element that we escape almost completely in the second, which is intended to be relatively comedic, even if that sounds a little bit strange. All of the CGI joys going on around us have made us accessible to a larger audience, however, which was something we intended to receive in order to open the gates for Russian movies. Before this, the most money a Russian movie had received was 2.3 million dollars domestic box-office, in comparison with ten for the average Hollywood movie. Night Watch finished a year and a half ago, having taken 16.3 million dollars at the domestic box-office – a result that none of the Hollywood movies bettered. The CGI effects work was kind of a dress-code for us to address the public with in order to be on a par with the US movies. American movies have bred a generation of moviegoers that we had to tap into. If it wasn’t done with some American gloss, the Russian film audience wouldn’t recognise the movie as a blockbuster movie. It was a case of mixing that international Hollywood language of filmmaking with a purely domestic message.

Q. So the Hollywood coating is for the Russian audience?
A. Oh yes. The international appeal has been a happy by-product of that. It wasn’t originally intended to be sold abroad. The world Timur creates is hyper-real in Moscow but also recognisable to everyone. The characters and the psychological elements are all familiar to us as people, which we made for the home audience but of course translates universally. From a fantasy film, it becomes a movie about a man’s morality and the forces of Light and Darkness fighting over his soul. Hey, it’s big stuff!

Q. The books were planned as a trilogy from the beginning. Was it always your intention to create a film franchise and broaden its appeal?
A. I would say there’s no specific way of doing that in Russia. Everything we did was entirely new and fairly unfamiliar to the public, who would not have recognised it that way. Remember this is the biggest thing that has been done in this country. It’s all new ground. We went to advertising companies, but they couldn’t help us, they didn’t know Russian movies. One of our aims was to recreate the Russian film industry. We wanted to forge a new image for Russian film and get to a new level in Russian movie making. We wanted to make it a real part of the international movie arena- not just for art-houses or for festivals but with exciting films that appeal to a mass audience. With Night Watch we had that opportunity.

Q. When Konstantin Ernst showed you the book, what was your reaction? And how did you persuade Timur Bekmambetov to come onboard? Was it difficult?
A. My immediate reaction was the same as his. I promise you! So then it immediately became a hunt for a director. That was what we agreed was the most important thing to start with. When we decided on Timur, who is a very great friend and has been for the last fifteen years, it became nine months of amazing courtesy and politeness from us. He was saying kind of “but fantasy… why?” and had a very successful business of his own, he had created some obscenely successful advertising campaigns. We chased him for nine months, it was like a pregnancy! He said “it’s a good idea but it will take too long for me, I don’t want to be on this project for this long.” But eventually we got him, despite all his success. He’s so good for this project, because he’s great with actors. He is what I call an amphibious director- he is amazing with urban scenes, realistic scenes, getting his actors to seem just as people are in life. Then again he is also brilliant with the fantasy scenes. He does both- he breathes both, he is amphibious!

Q. Can you describe the process of shooting parts one and two back to back?
A. It was originally going to be a four-hour mini-series for TV so we were prepared to undertake that much shooting from the beginning. We’d spent long enough getting all the right people together and we were very committed to the project, so for us, it wasn’t a problem. When we saw that it was going to be a movie, we realised that the 3-movie structure would work best and moulded the ideas into a trilogy form.

Q. Has the planning of the third movie been changed by the involvement of Fox and the plans to shoot it in English?
A. It will be English language and probably American surroundings. It could be a prequel or sequel; we don’t know which, as yet. We will be negotiating actors and locations as well. It will be the same director there. The main decision-makers are likely to be on the American side because it’s an American market that we are still learning to deal with. It’s a celebration of Russian cinema in any topography anyway; things such as Tarantino’s excitement when he saw the DVD are already building this healthy feeling of anticipation.

Q. Do you have any advice for British producers on how to beat Hollywood directors at their own game?
A. We indirectly used the British formula from the seventies, of beginning in advertising. We really think that to start in commercials, like directors Alan Parker, Ridley and Tony Scott, gives you some great experience for Hollywood, it is that kind of style. We shot Moscow in a Hollywood style, which was not something that our audience here in Russia were expecting from us. They went to the cinema expecting- I don’t know what, either a Hollywood movie or a more traditional art type festival film, like most Russian movies. And it was neither of these things. Well, it was neither and it was both, which was a great surprise for the Russian audience. Timur is a visual director and he also goes very deep with the characters in the Stanislavski way. It’s from this combination that the film’s style was born.

Q. So, should countries try to follow their own style of cinema or aim to ape Hollywood?
A. Well, people believe in Russian movies now we have done a film which some people say is very sleek, very fashionable- an American style movie. It’s an international language and has brought Russia to the world’s attention- now more people will want to film in Moscow, so it’s a good thing for our film industry. It helped us in the international market because we did not shop this film around. We were sitting in the office, the phone rang and it was Harvey Weinstein, looking to buy our movie. It was incredible.

Ends.

Review: Bloodrayne 2 (PS2)

2006-03-04T16:38:00.000-08:00

The original BloodRayne was released in 2002 as a third person action game that was set during the 1930's. The game took control of the sensually-charged "dhampir" (half human and half vampire) who had a variety of super-human abilities that she unleashed on a plethora of Nazis and supernatural monsters. The game was pure b-movie (or b-game) that was as clichéd as they come but definitely entertaining. This time, the gaming engine has been upgraded with lush graphics, improved gameplay and of course the return of our sexy vampire that would give even Lara Croft a run for female video game star of the century.........

8.8/10

Go read the whole review: Click Here!

Tory

Review: Gottlieb Pinball Classics (PSP)

2006-03-03T18:47:00.000-08:00

It’s funny you know, pinball machines are a dying breed, yet we had so much fun playing them back in the day before those pesky space invader machines came around. Gottlieb have come to the party now on the PSP with a collection of classic tables that have been around and loved by many.........

8/10

Go read the whole review: Click Here!

Tory

Review: ATV Offroad Fury: Blazin' Trails (PSP)

2006-03-03T18:42:00.000-08:00

Feel up for a challenge? Then Blazin’ Trails just might be the ticket that you need to keep your pulse pounding as you go offroad in a pretty full on game. For those of you who have not played an ATV title before, basically you are on a four wheeler that goes hell for leather in a variety of gameplay modes that are sure to please all comers........

7.9/10

Go read the whole review: Click Here!

Tory

Review: James Pond: Codename Robocod (DS)

2006-03-03T18:40:00.000-08:00

I don’t know if any of you remember this title from the old skool Mega Drive days but I certainly do. Featuring your nemesis Dr Maybe, you have to stop the evil doc from having his way with world domination. The game basically plays the same way as it did back in the day, however there are features built in to take advantage of the DS’s abilities like it’s touch screen capabilities.......

7.3/10

Go read the whole review: Click Here!

Tory

Review: V8 Supercars 3 (PS2)

2006-03-03T18:37:00.000-08:00

Number 3 in this highly anticipated series is now out and for all you revheads out there, it certainly hits the spot big time. As a title that just keeps getting better with every iteration, I was especially looking forward to getting to the intense damage that can be inflicted in this game and I was not disappointed......

8.8/10

Go read the whole review: Click Here!

Tory

Night Watch Nochnoi Dozor Theatrical Trailers! Check them Out!

2006-03-01T21:17:00.000-08:00

Seriously, check these trailers out!

I've just finished reviewing Night Watch and have scored it 9/10 - It is brilliant!

This is the link for the 3 minute accelerated trailer: Click Here!

And this is the link for the normal trailer: Click Here!

This insane film is from Russia and is the first part in what promises to be a very exciting trilogy. Make sure that this disc is on your wish list! For you cheapskates out there, we'll be running a comp to give away 10 copies of this title in the next week or so. Thanks to 20th Century Fox!

Tory

THQ: ANNOUNCES PUBLISHING AGREEMENT WITH PEOPLE CAN FLY

2006-02-13T20:26:00.000-08:00

THQ ANNOUNCES PUBLISHING AGREEMENT WITH PEOPLE CAN FLY

Creators of Painkiller Working on New Original Property for Next Gen Systems

AGOURA HILLS, CA, February 13, 2006 – THQ Inc. (NASDAQ: THQI) today announced that a deal has been signed with critically-acclaimed Polish developer People Can Fly to bring their forthcoming title to consumers worldwide. Through this strategic relationship, People Can Fly joins THQ’s studio system, which includes 12 internal studios and more than 25 independent studios. Under the terms of the agreement, the as-yet untitled game is expected to be developed for a global release across next-gen platforms in fall 2007.

“THQ’s strategy is to work with world-class developers to bring highly innovative, original IP to market,” said Dan Kelly, Senior Vice President, Business Development. "It was immediately obvious to us that the team at People Can Fly has great talent and an exciting, innovative idea that supports this strategy."

"THQ has always been our publisher of choice and we are delighted to be working with them. They have consistently proven to us that they are able to provide the right environment for a great business partnership,” commented Adrian Chmielarz, President, People Can Fly. “Their open, communicative approach to the evaluation, analysis and ultimate signing of this deal has allowed us a great amount of creative flexibility and support for our development process. We look forward to working with them to bring an innovative, genre-defining product to gamers."

About People Can Fly
People Can Fly is a 50-person game development studio founded in February 2002 and located in Warsaw, Poland. The PCF team is composed of industry veterans, some with experience dating back to 1993. Previous projects include Odium (aka Gorky 17 in Europe), Project Earth (aka Starmageddon in Europe), Archangel, Katharsis, RoboRumble and Grom). The main idea behind funding and establishing People Can Fly was to create a world-class game development studio, and that's how the company and its first project - Painkiller - were born.

About THQ
THQ Inc. (NASDAQ: THQI) is a leading worldwide developer and publisher of interactive entertainment software. The company develops its products for all popular game systems, personal computers and wireless devices. Headquartered in Los Angeles County, California, THQ is a top producer of original intellectual properties including titles such as Destroy All Humans!TM, JuicedTM and Full Spectrum WarriorTM as well as the upcoming Saints RowTM, Titan QuestTM and Company of HeroesTM. More information about THQ and its products may be found at www.thq.com and www.thqwireless.com. THQ, THQ Wireless, Destroy All Humans!, Juiced, Saint’s Row, Titan Quest, Company of Heroes, and their respective logos are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of THQ Inc.

SONY: TALKMAN The Ultimate Language Entertainment Tool

2006-02-02T20:56:00.000-08:00

HOW COOL IS THIS!

TALKMAN, brought to your by Sony Computer Entertainment Inc., is a revolutionary language entertainment tool set to demonstrate how versatile your PSP™ (PlayStation®Portable) can be. TALKMAN enables the user to have fun, whilst familiarizing themselves with foreign languages. Whether you are traveling on business, studying abroad, or simply on holiday and looking for a fun way to interact with the locals - TALKMAN is the perfect aid to overcome the language barrier.

Talk Mode:
 With a simple voice instruction, Max will translate your words into the chosen foreign language whilst adopting humorous expressions and movements. He will also provide answers to your questions
 There are 3000 conversation lines (13 scenes) to assist you while traveling. An emphasis on natural conversation, rather than direct translation, allows Max’s personality differs from language to language
 The user’s language can be changed freely, so the person you’re talking to can share the fun
 Players can add “emotion levels” to conversation lines to enhance expression
 The ‘Bookmark’ function can help find the right words immediately
 The more you play, the better you and Max get along together

Game Mode:
A fluent speaker in the majority of languages, Max will give the player a pronunciation sample which they then need to mimic. Max will evaluate the feedback and rate the player on how well they would sound to a native speaker. In addition, there’s a ‘Listening Game’ in which the player needs to try and match the voice to the correct meaning.

Convenience Tools:
TALKMAN comes with tools convenient for traveling, such as a World Clock, Friend Map, Unit Converter, Alarm, Voice Memo, and an Emergency Alarm.
 Friend Map: Players can record her/his new friend’s voice and paste it onto a world map, just like an album.
 Unit Converter: Currency, length, weight, area, volume, and temperature can be converted among different units.
 Alarm: The alarm is linked to the Listening Game, so when it goes off, it plays a line in the language that the user was playing with. The trick is to choose the right meaning to stop the alarm.
 Voice Memo: You can record other people’s voices anytime you want. TALKMAN makes it simple for the traveler to record words like names of a type of food, shops they are looking for and hotel names etc., in the original language and implement it with a line from Talk Mode (eg. I’m looking for this….).

ATARI NEWS: WRAP YOUR HANDS AROUND LARA!

2006-02-02T20:37:00.000-08:00

Videogaming’s leading lady debuts on the PSP

Friday 3rd February 2006 – Atari, one of Australia’s leading sources of interactive entertainment, and Eidos Interactive announce that Lara Croft Tomb Raider: Legend will make its debut on Sony PlayStation Portable (PSP) from Autumn 2006.

Created by Crystal Dynamics in conjunction with Buzz Monkey Software the game is grounded in the series’ tomb raiding roots and built to challenge even the most accomplished serial adventurer.

Lara Croft Tomb Raider: Legend revives the athletic, intelligent and entertaining adventurer who won the hearts and minds of gamers worldwide. Lara comes alive with intricately animated expressions, moves and abilities. An arsenal of modern equipment, such as a magnetic grappling device, binoculars, frag grenades, personal lighting device and communications equipment, allows gamers to experience tomb raiding as never before.

Based largely on the PS2 version of the game, the PSP version of Tomb Raider: Legend also features a number of exclusive game modes together with a host of Bonus Reward Content.

Lara Croft Tomb Raider: Legend will be available on PlayStation 2, Xbox 360, Xbox, PC and Sony PSP this Autumn.

ubisoft TO BRING LOSTMAGIC™ TO The NINTENDO DS™ System THis Spring

2006-02-02T20:28:00.000-08:00

Innovative RPG/ACTION Game Takes Advantage of the Stylus and Wi-Fi Capabilities of the Nintendo DS System

Ubisoft, one of the world’s leading video game publishers, announce that it will publish and distribute LOSTMAGIC™, the Taito-developed role-playing action video game for the Nintendo DS™ system in North America, Europe and Australia/New Zealand this Autumn.

“LOSTMAGIC brings role-playing games on the DS to a new level, capitalizing on the innovative and unique gameplay abilities such as casting spells with the stylus and the global connectivity of the Wi-Fi mode,” said Tony Kee, vice president of marketing at Ubisoft. “Ubisoft is proud to continue in its tradition of bringing cutting-edge games to gamers worldwide.”

In LOSTMAGIC™, designed by renowned art director Yoshiharu Sato, peace in the world is challenged by a new evil force. The only hope lies with the wizard Isaac and the seven magic wands left behind by the creator. Monsters wield unimaginable power in this realm, and as Issac, the player will use the stylus to unleash magic spells and command numerous monster squads in magical battles.

Key Features:

* Cast Spells With the Stylus! – Your stylus becomes your magic wand! Use different motions to unleash your magic.

* Evolving Magic System – Players can combine up to three single spells to create more than 350 magic combinations using a symbol system exclusive to the DS.

* Collect and Command Monsters – Learn to use each monster’s special skill to gain the advantage in battle.

* Use the Stylus to Open Up a New Frontier in RPGs – Experience strategy like never before! LOSTMAGIC’s innovative RTS-type RPG makes full use of the unique capabilities of the DS. Control your units directly on-screen using a point-and-click interface that PC strategy gamers have enjoyed for years.

* Challenge Others via Nintendo Wi-Fi connectivity– Create new characters and challenge friends over a Wi-Fi connection. In Dueling mode, players can test their magic casting skills and strategies against each other.

Music to Listen to: Armik - Isla Del Sol

2006-02-02T20:23:00.000-08:00

Anything Armik does is gold as far as I am concerned. For those of you with a love for those with nimble fingers I highly suggest that you get out and grab this album as it is a jewel! Highlights of this album from the master are Isla Del Sol, You're My Love, Half Moon Bay and Una Guitarra.

Distributor: MRA Entertainment
Format: CD
Barcode: 025221053420
Genre: WORLD/ FLAMENCO
Label: BAJA/TSR RECORDS
Pricecode: F33
Release Date: PRE DEC 00
Details:

1. Isla del Sol
2. Marbella
3. Heaven's Touch
4. Tropical Breeze
5. Hearts Racing
6. One Summer Night
7. You're My Love
8. Cordoba
9. Stolen Moments
10. Half Moon Bay
11. Forever and Ever
12. Una Guitarra

ATARI ANNOUNCES FORTHCOMING RELEASE OF BANDAI’S DRAGON BALL Z: SHIN BUDOKAI FOR PLAYSTATION PORTABLE

2006-02-02T20:17:00.000-08:00

Intense WiFi multiplayer battles in the first ever DBZ game for PSP

Friday 3rd February 2006 – Atari, one of Australia’s leading sources of interactive entertainment, today announces the forthcoming release of Bandai’s Dragon Ball Z: Shin Budokai for Sony PlayStation Portable. Dragon Ball Z: Shin Budokai is the first game from the hugely popular global franchise to be released for the PSP, with WiFi multiplayer sending the furious combat rocketing into a new dimension.

In Dragon Ball Z: Shin Budokai, players can take on their friends in intense WiFi multiplayer battles employing all the most exhilarating aspects of Dragon Ball Z combat, including counter-attacks, super high-speed bouts, flight and Ki (energy) management. In single player mode players will be able to challenge some of the most evil characters ever seen in a comic-based video game, or to play as the bad guys themselves and become the most feared and powerful warrior in the universe.

“Dragon Ball Z: Shin Budokai is a must have for all fans of the PS2 games and a perfect fit for the WiFi multiplayer capabilities of PSP,” said Cyril Voiron, Marketing Director, Atari Europe. “With the handheld portability of PSP, for the first time players have unparalleled opportunities for battling with friends any time and any place to become the number one DBZ fighter.”

Alongside the breathtaking high-speed WiFi multiplayer combat, other features include a choice of 18 playable characters including prize fighter Pikkon, a Revamped version of the acclaimed “Saiyan Overdrive” fighting system, the ability to perform in-game transformations to more powerful forms, an all-new stage from the Janemba movie, and a total of seven game modes including compelling story mode.

Dragon Ball Z: Shin Budokai for PSP is scheduled for release in April 2006.

Music to Listen to: Statler & Waldorf - Andronovavirus

2006-02-02T20:09:00.000-08:00

Distributor: MRA Entertainment
Format: CD
Barcode: 9330357007201
Genre: DANCE
Label: GHOST MUSIC
Release Date: 03-OCT-05
Details:
AndroNovaVirus, the long promised debut album for Statler and Waldorf is an energetic rock/electro fusion combining elements of electronic styles from trance to breaks with rock riffs and vocals. After last year’s EP Collusions and the hit single Bass Buffer (which is still receiving airplay on JJJ), this release will surprise those not familiar with the S&W live shows from which the material is drawn with its powerful beats and driving feel. From the opening textures of You Again through the Prodigyesque breaks of The Resistance and remixes including Sarah Blasko’s ‘Don’t U Eva’ and ‘Bass Buffer’ (from the EP) this album faithfully reflects the production and composition talents that have established Statler and Waldorf as one of the foremost electronic acts in the country.

The album features the forthcoming singles Duck ’n Cover and The Resistance. The film clip for Duck ‘n Cover was shot in Fortitude Valley’s iconic Moonbar and will be released in October.

TRACKLISTING:

1. You Again
2. The Resistance
3. Way with Words
4. Reality Hijack
5. Sub Through the Floor
6. Duck ‘n Cover
7. Indicator
8. AndroNovaVirus
9. This is Chemical
10. Galaga
11. I am 10 Ninjas
12. Duck ’ Cover (Rock mix)

News: ATARI’S TYCOON CITY: NEW YORK GOES GOLD

2006-02-02T17:29:00.000-08:00

Rise to riches as a wealthy tycoon in new PC game

Friday 3rd February 2006 – Atari, one of Australia’s leading sources of interactive entertainment, announced today that Tycoon City: New York, the PC game that challenges players to build the business empire of their dreams and “make it big” in Manhattan, has gone gold and is on schedule for worldwide release on February 24.

In Tycoon City: New York, players aim to become moguls by constructing and customising hundreds of businesses anywhere and any way they want in a bustling and realistic simulation of New York City. Players must create and improve their businesses to outclass the competition and become rich and famous in New York City.

New York City is recreated in highly detailed 3D and features such famous landmarks as the Statue of Liberty, the Empire State Building, and Times Square. Over two dozen in-game partners, including TIME Magazine, Toys’R’Us, Virgin Megastore, Staples, Olympus, Marquee, Nokia, Tag Heuer, and D'Agostino's, to name a few, lend the game added realism. As a result of the partnership with TIME Magazine, players that reach the top of their game will see their likeness promoted on virtual TIME Magazine billboards throughout the city.

“These days, property is the hottest game to get into, and Tycoon City: New York offers everyone a chance to test their skills – with no mortgage brokers getting in the way!” said Bill Carroll, producer, Atari, Inc. “With over two dozen in-game partners, world-renowned landmarks and true-to-life neighbourhoods, Tycoon City: New York puts players in the thick of the action in the world’s most exciting city.”

In Tycoon City: New York, players start from humble beginnings as a budding entrepreneur and build a Manhattan empire by creating, upgrading, and customising more than 100 types of major businesses based on the needs of real New Yorkers in the game. Challenges include running a nightclub, owning a hot new restaurant chain, and opening a Broadway theatre. High-profile industries, real-world brands, and a bustling round-the-clock lifestyle give every player the chance to make it. All of these challenges take place in authentic New York neighbourhoods like the East Village, Chelsea and Greenwich Village.

Tycoon City: New York is being developed by Deep Red Games and will launch for the Windows platform on 24 February 2006.

News: ACTIVISON AND KROME STUDIOS ‘RANG INTO AUSTRALIAN RETAIL WITH TY THE TASMANIAN TIGER 3: NIGHT OF THE QUINKAN

2006-02-02T13:51:00.000-08:00

ACTIVISON AND KROME STUDIOS
‘RANG INTO AUSTRALIAN RETAIL WITH
TY THE TASMANIAN TIGER 3: NIGHT OF THE QUINKAN

Third Instalment in Best-Selling, Family-Friendly
Character Action Series Hits Australian Retail Shelves

Sydney, Australia – February 3rd, 2006 – Activision, Inc. (Nasdaq: ATVI) and Krome Studios, Australia’s largest game company and a leading worldwide independent developer, announce the release of TY the Tasmanian Tiger™ 3: Night of the Quinkan. The game follows on the heels of its award-winning, uniquely Australian predecessors, which have sold upward of two million units worldwide to date. TY the Tasmanian Tiger™ 3: Night of the Quinkan is available for the PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system, Xbox® video game system from Microsoft and the The GameBoy™ Advance.

In this next chapter, TY faces his biggest challenge yet as an otherworldly invasion by an ancient evil known as the Quinkan threatens to destroy the planet. The game picks up with TY realizing that he must find and regroup with his Bush Rescue mates and lead the fight against the dark oppressors. With the help of his friends, TY is determined to rid the world of evil but they must first set out on a journey filled with new missions and action packed challenges to find a magical boomerang that has the ability to vanquish the Quinkan once and for all.

Key features include:
• More than 30 areas; all set in a colourful 3-D open world Australian environment.
• Over 100 characters, 50 which are new, including bigger and badder enemies.
• Customizable boomerang system with more than 2,000 combinations.
• Close range combat for added action and excitement.
• Inventive vehicles such as the Gunyip which can be taken to the air, the Crabmersible which is a multi-utility vehicle that is land and water bound and special Bunyips – “Mech” style land vehicles which are upgradeable.
• Enhanced Outback cart racing mode with new tracks and a host of cool new power ups.
• Two player split screen featuring both Gunyip and Outback cart racing all of which can be accessed from the start of the game for instant head-to-head fun.
• Multiple technological upgrades that further enhance the overall gameplay experience.

TY the Tasmanian Tiger 3: Night of the Quinkan was developed by Krome Studios and is being co-published by Activision and Krome Studios under the Activision brand. The game is rated “PG” by the Office of Film and Literature Classification and carries a suggested retail price of $49.95 for the console versions and the GameBoy Advance.

More information is available at www.nightofthequinkan.com and Krome’s official homepage at www.kromestudios.com.

News: LEXAR NEWS - EXCITING NEW PRODUCTS!

2006-02-02T13:43:00.000-08:00

LEXAR ADDS INNOVATIVE STORAGE CAPACITY METER WITH ELECTRONIC PAPER DISPLAY FROM E INK

Lexar plans to add a unique storage capacity meter to its popular USB flash drives by integrating an innovative electronic paper display from E Ink Corporation.

The E Ink display is a paper-thin, shatter proof, easy to read meter that does not rely on power to show the capacity information when disconnected from the computer.

On display at the 2006 International Consumer Electronics Show (CES), Lexar JumpDrive® Mercury will be the first USB flash drive to feature the on-board non-volatile smart capacity meter that will let customers easily monitor their available storage capacity.

KODAK AND LEXAR INTRODUCE HIGH-PERFORMANCE MEMORY CARDS

Lexar has introduced KODAK High Performance memory cards designed for digital camera owners who require high-speed processing for rapid-fire still shooting, high frame rate video capture, and fast computer transfer.

Initially available in SD (Secure Digital) format, KODAK High Performance flash memory cards, offered by Lexar, are ideal for users of all SD format digital cameras with both still and video capture capabilities.

LEXAR INTRODUCES POWERTOGO™ - A PORTABLE WORKING ENVIRONMENT TO INCREASE MOBILITY FOR ITS USB FLASH DRIVE LINE

Lexar plans to incorporate PowerToGo™ into its line of JumpDrive® products, creating a portable working environment for its USB flash drive customers.

PowerToGo will enable users to install and run most standard Windows applications from their Lexar JumpDrive. Using a customized solution provided by Ceedo Technologies Ltd., PowerToGo is being developed with an open standard.

Lexar’s Smart USB flash drive technology will be compatible with most consumer and electronic mobile devices as well as corporate computing environments.

LEXAR ADDS COREL CORPORATION’S DIGITAL IMAGING SOFTWARE TO LINE OF FLASH MEMORY CARDS

Lexar is adding further value to its widely popular lines of flash memory products by including digital imaging software from Corel Corporation – valued at $30 to $100 per application – to select flash memory cards in Lexar’s Professional, Platinum and Value lines.

The included software programs are Corel® Paint Shop Pro® 9, Corel® Photo Album™ 6 (Standard Edition) and Corel® Photo Album™ 6 (Starter Edition) – all designed to help photographers of all levels enhance, edit and manage their images.

Corel’s Paint Shop Family software will be packaged with Lexar’s CompactFlashÔ, Secure DigitalÔ (SD) and Memory StickÔ format flash memory cards within each product family.

Paint Shop Pro 9 will be included with all Lexar Professional flash memory cards, while Paint Shop Photo Album 6 (Standard Edition) will be included with all Platinum flash memory cards.

Customers purchasing cards from Lexar’s Value line will receive Paint Shop Photo Album 6 (Starter Edition).

LEXAR INCREASES PERFORMANCE OF PLATINUM MEMORY CARD LINE

Lexar’s new Platinum II memory cards provide photographers with performance levels capable of sustained rapid-fire shooting and full motion video, two of the most popular and sought after features in digital cameras.

The Platinum II CompactFlash memory card is speed-rated at 80X, capable of a minimum sustained write speed of 12MBs per second, while the Platinum II Secure Digital (SD) memory card is speed-rated at 60X, capable of a minimum sustained write speed of 9MBs per second.

The Platinum II line also includes popular Memory Stick Pro and Memory Stick Pro Duo flash memory cards.

LEXAR BOLSTERS HIGH-PERFORMANCE USB FLASH DRIVE LINEUP, OFFERING EXCITING NEW INNOVATIONS BEYOND STORAGE

Lexar, a full line supplier of flash based technology and solutions, is demonstrating its broadened lineup of JumpDrive® products, designed with a wide variety of features and capabilities geared toward different consumer needs and lifestyles.

The new JumpDrive Mercury includes a new integrated capacity meter that helps users solve the common problem of knowing how much storage space is available on their drive.

The new JumpDrive Firefly offers a very small and convenient solution for storing, transferring and sharing multimedia and more. One of the smallest JumpDrives available, JumpDrive Firefly will be available in 256MB, 512MB and 1GB capacities.

In addition, Lexar’s award-winning premium JumpDrive Lightning will feature increased performance of 150x write speed and will be available in a new 4GB version.

Capcity of the JumpDrive TouchGuard, with biometric fingerprint sensors to authenticate a user’s identity, will increase to 1GB.

LEXAR OFFERS FULL LINE OF HIGH-PERFORMANCE MEMORY CARDS DESIGNED FOR USE IN TODAY’S MULTIMEDIA MOBILE PHONES AND OTHER PORTABLE DEVICES

Lexar’s full line of mobile memory storage products has expanded to include the compact SD™ and MMC™ form factors in a wider variety of capacities up to 2GB, enough to handle the broad range of special applications from computer files to games, music, video, images and more

News: CALL OF DUTY 2 #1 BEST-SELLING TITLE FOR XBOX 360 AVAILABLE IN AUSTRALIAN STORES 2 MARCH, 2006

2006-02-02T13:37:00.000-08:00

CALL OF DUTY 2 #1 BEST-SELLING TITLE FOR XBOX 360 AVAILABLE IN AUSTRALIAN STORES 2 MARCH, 2006

Sydney, NSW – February 2, 2006 – With the recent announcement that the highly anticipated Australian launch of the Xbox 360™ video game and entertainment system has now been moved to the 23rd March 2006; Activision announce the new 2nd March launch of the MUST HAVE Xbox 360™ game; Call of Duty® 2. Infinity Ward’s critically acclaimed Call of Duty® 2 for the Xbox 360™ debuted as the #1 best-selling Xbox 360™ title in the U.S. for the month of November. Recent results show that after 30 days following the launch, Call of Duty® 2 has recorded a staggering 84% attach rate to the Xbox 360™ console. Activision is committed to providing this top-selling game to consumers prior to the new system launch, and have made the decision to reschedule the release of the game to the 2nd March.

Since its release, Call of Duty® 2 has received critical acclaim from worldwide press, with comments such as:
"Make no mistake, Call of Duty® 2 is the Halo of the Xbox 360 launch."
-(DailyGame)
Having already received five perfect review scores from such publications as Gamepro, GameSpy.com and G4TV in the U.S. alone, as well as ratings at or above 90% from more than 40 outlets worldwide, Call of Duty® 2 is THE MUST HAVE game for the Xbox 360™ video game and entertainment system – 509,339 U.S consumers agree.

“Call of Duty 2 harnesses the power of the Xbox 360™ hardware and by making the game available on March 2nd we allow consumers to guarantee their copy.” said Paul Butcher, Marketing Director, Activision Asia Pacific. “This title is set to be one of the hottest game’s of the Australian launch and with an astounding 84% U.S. attach rate we are very excited to be able to deliver consumers this epic gaming experience prior to the console launch.”

News: ACTIVISION’S GREG HASTINGS’ TOURNAMENT PAINTBALL MAX’D

2006-02-02T13:31:00.000-08:00

ACTIVISION’S GREG HASTINGS’ TOURNAMENT PAINTBALL MAX’D
BURNS A LANE INTO RETAIL STORES NATIONWIDE

Follow-Up to 2004 Sleeper Hit Takes High Calibre Paintball Action to New Heights

Sydney, Australia – February 3rd, 2006 – With the release of Greg Hasting’ Tournament Paintball MAX’D (GHTP MAX’D) the intensity and innovation of the 2004 sleeper hit returns to the Xbox® video game system from Microsoft. With new features such as Breakout Manager and Field Editor, the franchise’s continued focus on speed, tactics and teamwork separate this first person action game from the pack.

GHTP MAX’D sets the tone with a breakthrough feature set providing limitless gameplay possibilities for gamers. The new Breakout Manager gives gamers complete control of their AI team mates’ positions, moves and targets at the start of the game. This control is so complete that gamers can even direct their AI team mates to maintain shooting at key positions known as “Burn Lanes.” In addition, the new Field Editor and Split Screen features enable gamers to create their own fields and test their skills with multiplayer split-screen action, allowing both head-to-head competition and Co-Op play on fields they have created.

"With more than 120,000 registered users on Xbox Live, Greg Hastings’ Tournament Paintball is among the most popular multiplayer games for the platform,” said David Oxford, Activision, Inc. “Now with GHTP MAX’D, fans and new players alike will experience a whole new level of intensity and innovation.”

GHTP MAX’D is available for the Xbox video game system from Microsoft for a suggested retail price of $49.95 with other platforms to follow soon. The game has been rated "PG” by the Office of Film and Literature Classification. For more information about the game visit www.activisionvalue.com .

New Reviews!

2006-02-01T17:47:00.000-08:00

A mixture of old and new titles here for you to read up on. Some were covered a while ago however not featured on the blog, so here you go!

Smackdown Vs Raw 2006 PSP (THQ)
Smackdown Vs Raw 2006 PS2 (THQ)
Devil Kings PS2 (THQ)
Ripping Yarns - The Complete Ripping Yarns (2 disc) (Roadshow)
Philosophy: A Guide to Happiness (Roadshow)
The Duchess of Duke Street, the Series (Roadshow)
Bromwell High - Firedrill (Roadshow)
Agatha Christie: A Life in Pictures (Roadshow)
Status Anxiety (Roadshow)

Go Get Some!

News: UBISOFT AND CAPCOM ANNOUNCE distribution AGREEMENT FOR THREE HIT VIDEO GAME TITLES

2006-02-01T17:28:00.000-08:00

UBISOFT AND CAPCOM ANNOUNCE distribution AGREEMENT FOR THREE HIT VIDEO GAME TITLES

Resident Evil 4, Onimusha 3: Demon Siege and Devil May Cry 3: Dante's Awakening Special Edition Coming to PCs

Beginning February 2006

Ubisoft, one of the world’s largest video game publishers, announce that it has signed an agreement with Capcom to distribute Resident Evil 4, Onimusha 3 and Devil May Cry 3: Dante's Awakening Special Edition video games for the PC. Ubisoft will distribute Capcom’s games in North American and European territories beginning in February 2006 with the release of Onimusha 3: Demon Siege.

“Capcom has created fantastic universes which have become blockbuster franchises,” said Jay Cohen, vice president of publishing at Ubisoft. “Ubisoft is excited to be bringing three of the industry’s most innovative titles, including Resident Evil 4, which has been recognized by many publications and organizations as the best game of the year for 2005, to PC gamers around the world.”

Resident Evil 4 is a shining star in the survival horror genre garnering critical acclaim and numerous “Game of the Year” awards from media outlets including Game Informer magazine, North America’s largest gaming magazine and GameSpot.com, a leading source for gaming information. Onimusha 3: Demon Siege stars French actor Jean Reno and is the latest episode in the Onimusha franchise. This action adventure series has become a phenomenon thanks to its amazing backdrop in medieval Japan mixed with heroic fantasy elements. Devil May Cry made an outstanding debut on console and quickly became a popular action game. Renowned for its gothic atmosphere, non-stop action and thrilling combat, the latest installment to the franchise adds a new character a new boss and many new levels.

“Capcom is excited to be taking advantage of Ubisoft’s global distribution network to deliver our hottest titles for gamers around the world to play and enjoy,” said Toshihiro Tokumaru, executive officer at Capcom. “We look forward to working together for continued growth for both companies.''

Midori Days DVD Reveiw

2006-01-21T05:25:00.000-08:00

Hi folks just a link to another fine review.

Midori Days Review

You know you love it!

Sony BMG Catalogue Now Available on the iTunes Music Store in Australia

2006-01-18T02:28:00.000-08:00

Favourite Local & International Artists Include Foo Fighters, Rogue Traders, Shannon Noll, Bob Dylan, Franz Ferdinand and Anthony Callea.

SYDNEY - January 18, 2006 - Sony BMG Australia today announced the addition of their catalogue on the iTunes Music Store in Australia. Music fans can now download their favourite Sony BMG artists, including local artists such as Shannon Noll, Anthony Callea and Human Nature, international artists such as Elvis Presley, Bob Dylan and Foo Fighters, and music videos from Anastacia, John Mayer and Alicia Keys on the iTunes Music Store in Australia (www.itunes.com.au/itunes).

"We're delighted to join the iTunes Music Store in Australia," said Denis Handlin, Chairman and CEO, Sony BMG Australia and New Zealand. "There is a great opportunity for digital music to explode in 2006 and we look forward to a long and fruitful relationship with iTunes."

"The iTunes Music Store is the world's favourite online music store with a stunning 850 million songs sold," said Eddy Cue, Apple's vice president of iTunes. "We're thrilled to add the Sony BMG catalogue to iTunes, bringing music fans a wide range of great local and international artists."

Additional Sony BMG local favourites coming to iTunes include Pete Murray, John Farnham, Alex Lloyd and Delta Goodrem, and additional international artists being added include Destiny's Child, Franz Ferdinand, Oasis, The Strokes, Kelly Clarkson, Bruce Springsteen, Jamiroquai, Eurythmics and Shakira. The iTunes Music Store will be featuring the exclusive video catalogue of Foo Fighters, a Celebrity Playlist from Delta Goodrem and exclusive tracks from Eurythmics and Rogue Traders.

The iTunes Music Store in Australia features over one million songs, 3,000 music videos, short films from Academy-Award winning Pixar Animation Studios, 11,000 audiobooks and 25,000 Podcasts. Music on iTunes is priced at just A$1.69 per song, A$3.39 per video and with most albums at A$16.99 including GST (www.itunes.com.au/itunes).

THQ GAINS MARKET SHARE WORLDWIDE IN 2005

2006-01-18T02:25:00.000-08:00

AGOURA HILLS, CA., January 17, 2006 - THQ Inc. (NASDAQ: THQI) today announced the company gained share in 2005 across all of its key markets, and achieved the number three independent video game publisher position in both the US and the UK, according to NPD Group, Inc. and UK Chart-Track, respectively.

According to NPD, THQ's US video game market share grew to 7.1% in 2005 from 6.7% the prior year, while the company's US video game revenue increased 2%, compared with an overall industry software revenue decline of 3%.

THQ posted even stronger market share gains in Europe and Asia Pacific in 2005. In the UK, THQ grew share to 6.4% in 2005 from 4.8% the prior year, according to UK Chart-Track. In Australia, THQ achieved the #2 independent publisher position in 2005, and increased its market share to 12% from 9% in the prior year, according to GfK.

"In 2005, we achieved our goal to grow share worldwide, especially among the core gamer audience," said Brian Farrell, president and chief executive officer, THQ. "New original properties such as Juiced and Destroy All Humans! contributed to THQ's market share gains during a difficult industry transition year."

"We are particularly pleased with the results of our strategy to focus on the mass-market consumer this holiday through the release of several family titles as well as WWE SmackDown! vs. Raw 2006 for PlayStation 2 and PSP," Farrell continued. "The WWE brand is one of the strongest in the industry, and this holiday we delivered a critically-acclaimed WWE game to fans in more than 30 countries around the world."

"We are confident our system of owned and independent studios, along with our long-term licenses with major entertainment brands will enable THQ to continue to growth market share as we navigate the transition to next-generation hardware in 2006 and beyond," said Farrell.

About The NPD Group

Since 1967, The NPD Group has provided reliable and comprehensive consumer and retail information for a wide range of industries. Today more than 1,400 manufacturers and retailers rely on NPD to help them better understand their customers, product categories, distribution channels and competition in order to help guide their business. For more information visit www.npd.com.

About Chart-Track

Chart-Track, an independent limited company based in the United Kingdom, monitors sales of music, videos and software through retail in the United Kingdom and Ireland.

About GfK

GfK Australia is part of the GfK Group and monitors the product sales and market trends of industry sectors in Australia and New Zealand including consumer electronics, entertainment media, information technology, major & small domestic appliances, photographic & imaging, telecommunications and toys.

About THQ

THQ Inc. (NASDAQ: THQI) is a leading worldwide developer and publisher of interactive entertainment software. The company develops products for all popular game systems, personal computers and wireless devices. Headquartered in Los Angeles County, California, THQ sells product through its global network of offices located throughout North America, Europe and Asia Pacific. More information about THQ and its products may be found at www.thq.com and . THQ, THQ Wireless, Destroy All Humans, Juiced, and their respective logos are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of THQ Inc.

A Gaggle of Reviews

2006-01-18T02:18:00.000-08:00

Everybody's Golf (SONY)
http://www.impulsegamer.com/ps2everybodysgolf.html

Buzz! The Music Quiz! (SONY)
http://www.impulsegamer.com/ps2buzzthemusicquiz.html

Saitek Gamers Keyboard (Saitek)
http://www.impulsegamer.com/hardwaresaitekgamerskeyboard.html

GUNSLINGER GIRL (MADMAN)
http://www.impulsegamer.com/dvdgunslingergirl1.html

Otogi Zoshi Vol.1 (MADMAN)
http://www.impulsegamer.com/dvdotogizoshivol1.html

PS2 - Sonic Gems Collection

2006-01-09T17:39:00.000-08:00

The popularity of the little blue guy cannot be denied. I remember the first Sonic game I played on the Sega Mega Drive and was totally blown away by how much fun the whole thing was.

Sonic has had many games since then and this is the second main collection of titles to grace a newer console (although in a few months this will all be rendered irrelevant by XBox 360 and PS3).

The collection here is pretty cool and the addition of titles like Sonic the Fighters, Sonic R and Sonic CD will have fans of the series very happy indeed. There are unlockable Vectorman titles on the disc and the retro gaming experience is excellent............

Click on the cover for the review!

PS2 - Jak X: Combat Racing

2006-01-09T17:34:00.000-08:00

Jak is back after Jak 3 and this time it’s up to him (and you!) to save the world once again through racing! Surprisingly a rather satisfying adventure in single player mode with a bulky storyline, Jak X takes to the track in a groovy style with really solid gameplay and a lovely racing engine...........

Click on the cover for the review!

DVD - Dukes of Hazzard Review

2006-01-09T17:10:00.000-08:00

Yeehaw!

It’s funny you know, I was apprehensive when I got this disc as the movie got a slapping when it was at the cinemas, and I thought that it would be crud. However…. What we did wind up with was a neat little movie that was pure fluff but I enjoyed it the whole way through..........

Click on the cover for the review!

XBox Quad Bike Up For Grabs!

2006-01-08T20:49:00.000-08:00

Xbox quad bike up for grabs

Enter online at www.xbox.com.au for your chance to win

An Xbox quad bike is up for grabs for the winner. The runner up will receive a hot lap with a Holden Racing Team driver. To win you need to produce an image of a customised car you have produced in the game Forza Motorsport. The best seven entries as judged by Mark Skaife will win a bag of Xbox goodies valued at $200 and qualify to participate in stage two of the Forza Motorsport Tournament.

In the Forza Motorsport Tournament the best judged seven entries will race head to head on Xbox Live where the driving skills and tuning of their Forza Motorsport car will come into effect. Visit www.xbox.com.au/forzamotorsportcomp/ for more details.

Call of Duty 2: XBox 360 - Now that's what I'm talkn' 'bout!

2005-12-12T23:35:00.000-08:00

The Sequel to the 2003 Game of the Year

Call of Duty® 2 redefines the cinematic intensity and chaos of battle as seen through the eyes of ordinary soldiers fighting together in epic WWII conflicts. The sequel to 2003's Call of Duty, winner of over 80 Game of the Year awards, Call of Duty 2 offers more immense, more intense, more realistic battles than ever before, thanks to the stunning visuals of the new COD™2 engine.

The #1 WWII shooter development team returns with an amazing new experience: Developed by Infinity Ward, creators of the award-winning Call of Duty. All-new, unprecedented enhancements from stunningly realistic graphics to seamless gameplay, thanks to the revolutionary COD2 engine, groundbreaking AI, and choice-based gameplay innovations. Beautifully rendered snow, rain, fog, and smoke, combined with dynamic lighting and shadows, make this the most intense WWII shooter yet.
New conflicts and enemies to face: Call of Duty 2 brings you bigger battles, with more tanks, troops, and explosions on-screen, and bigger scope, with a wide range of locales and environments across the European Theater. Fight "The Desert Fox" across the scorching sands of North Africa as wave upon wave of tanks clash in the desert.

Use rocket-propelled grappling hooks alongside your Army Ranger squad to storm and scale the cliffs of Pointe du Hoc against a relentless German counterassault, and slog through urban chaos as a tank hunter in war-torn Russia.
Rely on your squad as never before: The dozens of Allied soldiers surrounding you are fully aware of the changing situations around them, and will let you know using an all-new, context-sensitive battle chatter system. They will draw enemy fire, lay down cover for you, use foxholes and moving tanks for cover, and warn you of incoming enemy troops and hostile fire.
Choice-based gameplay: Play through missions in the order you see fit. Will you decide to play first as a sniper or as a tank commander? It’s your call. Open-ended battlefields allow you to individualize your tactics and choose the order in which you complete your objectives.
Multiplayer Mayhem: Go online for intense Axis vs. Allies team-based multiplayer action, building on the hugely popular Call of Duty multiplayer modes.

Music Review: Nils - Pacific Coast Highway (MRA Entertainment)

2005-12-12T15:40:00.000-08:00

7.6/10

An easy listening eclectic mix of jazz guitar, smoothed out with session drums and flute work, Nils brings it on again with a mix of tunes that are easy on the ears and truly enjoyable to listen to. Nils solid technical skills really shine in this release though at times it's easy to lose sight of that with how chilled out it is. This is the sort of music perfectly suited for relaxing, dining or maybe to work to with it in the background. Nice work!

Distributed in Australia by MRA Entertainment.
- Tory Favro

Format: CD
Barcode: 025221054526
Genre: JAZZ
Label: BAJA RECORDS
Pricecode: F30
Release Date: 04-Apr-05

TRACKLISTING:

1. Pacific Coast Highway
2. Back Pocket
3. Georgy Porgy
4. Coming Home
5. You've Got A Friend
6. Cruisin
7. Sneakin'
8. Summer Nights
9. Hey Ya
10. Keep Rollin'
11. Kona Girl
12. Baja California

impulsgamer 010 - Fantastic Four Review PS2

2005-12-11T01:38:00.000-08:00

Number 10 - Flame On! Looking promising, does fantastic four have what it takes to stay in your console. Have a listen and find out.
- Tory

Listen Here for the Review!

http://www.impulsegamer.com

impulsegamer 009 - Metal Gear Acid PSP Review

2005-11-29T01:23:00.000-08:00

Number 9 - Snnnnnnnnaaakkkkee! The cards have turned, literally for this latest installment of Metal Gear! - backing music is Into the Light from Skyrider from the album 47.34 and used with permission from http://www.endemikmusic.com. If you enjoyed this music please support the artist and buy the CD.

- Tory

Listen Here for the Review!

http://www.impulsegamer.com

impulsegamer 008 - Age of Empires III PC Review

2005-11-26T15:35:00.000-08:00

Number 8 - Ages of Empires III for PC Review by Tory. It's a really cool game and is sure to make a hell of a lot of people happy. You can visit impulsegamer.com to read the written version of this review. - backing music is Cactus from Young and Rollins album Sevilla and used with permission from Australia Distributor MRA Entertainment.

THIS SHOW HAS BEEN REMOVED DUE TO A MISUNDERSTANDING REGARDING THE USE OF BACKING MUSIC. Despite this fact, please support Young & Rollins as they are exceptional.

Tory

Ubisoft and free radical JOIN FORCES to PROVIDE AN INNOVATIVE ACTION BLOCKBUSTER

2005-11-26T03:04:00.000-08:00

Today Ubisoft, one of the world’s largest video game publishers, announced that it has signed an agreement with Free Radical Design, developer of the acclaimed TimeSplitters® series, to develop an action game based on new IP for release in fiscal year 2006-2007.

The game (title to be announced) will be developed for next-generation consoles and the PC, enriching Ubisoft’s catalogue for the next fiscal year and expanding its offering on new consoles. Targeting mature gamers, it will feature difficult strategic choices and moral dilemmas, tapping into both their rational and emotional instincts.

The three games in the Free Radical’s TimeSplitters® series have earned stellar ratings from some of the industry’s most respected sources and have sold around 3.5 million copies.

“Ubisoft is looking forward to working closely with Free Radical, renowned for creating beautiful and engaging gameplay in epics such as the TimeSplitters® series,” said Virginie Gretz, director of third-party development for EMEA at Ubisoft. “With this game, we plan to take players to a new level of intensity and create an environment at once terrifying, enthralling and impossible to resist.”

“We are delighted to benefit from Ubisoft’s collaboration on this title and benefit from its strong experience developing and marketing powerful, innovative action titles,” stated Steve Ellis, managing director of Free Radical Design.

Live the legend as Fable: The Lost Chapters ships for Xbox

2005-11-26T03:03:00.000-08:00

New Xbox version delivers groundbreaking gameplay with a bigger world for only RRP$69.95*

Sydney 24 November, 2005 - Experience the mystical land of Albion as never before in Fable: The Lost Chapters, shipping to stores today for Xbox®, from Microsoft Game Studios and Lionhead Studios.

Fable: The Lost Chapters takes players on a legendary adventure where their every action shapes the future of the land and crafts their destiny. For just RRP$69.95*, Fable: The Lost Chapters provides exceptional value as it includes all of the award-winning gameplay of Fable, the Xbox smash hit that sold more than 1.6 million copies worldwide, plus exciting new areas to explore, an arsenal of new weapons, new epic spells and plenty of new quests that will determine the fate of Albion.

In the game, a character will grow from an inexperienced child into the most powerful being in the world, spoken of by all and immortalised in legend. Every action will mould the character’s skills, appearance and morality as his life story is created from childhood, progressing through adulthood and onto old age.

Will players choose the path of righteousness or a life of evil? Characters will transform to reflect every decision and action, scarring in battle and wizening with age in the world of Fable: The Lost Chapters. For more information, please visit the Fable: The Lost Chapters site at http://www.xbox.com/en-AU/games/f/fabletlc/

Red Ant ships Premier Manager 2005-2006

2005-11-26T03:01:00.000-08:00

Sydney, NSW November, 24th 2005 – Red Ant today announced Premier Manager 2005 – 2006 has shipped to stores nationwide and is available to play on PS2, PC and GBA.

As the definitive take on football management, Premier Manager 2005-2006 invites you to take control of your favourite club’s destiny. Whether brokering multi-million pound transfers, negotiating TV rights, dealing with player tantrums or squeezing the chairman for cash, one thing is certain. The club’s future is in your hands.

You may be calling up fixtures, news and medical reports in preparation for the next match, whilst consulting with the scout and junior team coach, all before holding a press conference on the latest antics of the star midfielder and heading off to the big Saturday afternoon match. It’s all in a hard day’s work, but success is ultimately measured by results. Will it be silverware or P45 this season?

Features:

· A superior logic system gives a faster logical and graphical update, giving you get a more realistic football management experience

· Intuitive interface and messaging system; intelligent information filters help present the stats you need quickly and clearly

· Get closer to the action with ‘Ball Cam’ – switch tactics and formations with a single button press

· Play through 14 divisions across England, Scotland, France, Spain, Germany and Italy - compete in 12 cups and pick from nearly 10,000 players.

· Training and scouting players, negotiating transfers and dealing with the press – you’ll be in total control

· AI - The general game AI has been vastly improved to give a more realistic match experience, featuring a raft of new ‘plays’ and the undertaking of comprehensive testing to further develop opponent logic routines and ensure that no one tactic ends up being superior to all others.

· 2D Matches - While retaining its 2D match engine, Premier Manager 2005-2006 features two camera options: a wide-angle traditional view of the entire pitch and a ‘Ball Cam’ view which focuses on the area immediately around the ball. This close up view will enable you to clearly see the effect your tactics are having and follow the action more easily.

· Tactics - Premier Manager 2005-2006 introduces an enhanced positioning system giving an improved range of tactical options

· Interface - The new ‘Home Screen’ incorporates a data window with relevant performance stats in the top half and a context sensitive tasks window in the bottom half. You can easily see how well you are doing and which tasks need to be completed before the game can continue. Premier Manger 2005-2006 features more quick messages that guide you through the game – calling for meetings only on the most important game occasions

· Looks - Playing Premier Manager 2005-2006 is like interacting with a football news program; it doesn’t clutter the screen with needless detail. Using optimised intelligent information filters to display the required information quickly and clearly and great graphics to create a fantastic football atmosphere.

· Meeting System - Premier Manager 2005-2006 features a refined meeting system to make it even more relevant to your gaming experience. Meetings are only called for the vital club decisions that require more interaction from the player than afforded by the quick messaging system. Negotiations over transfers and contracts flow back and forth quickly and intuitively, generating a lot of tension and suspense in the process.

Genre: Sports/Soccer Management

Release Date: November 24th 2005

Format: P2, PC, GBA

Publisher: Zoo Digital Publishing

NICKELODEON'S TOP TV CHARACTERS COME TO LIFE....

2005-11-26T02:58:00.000-08:00

NICKELODEON'S TOP TV CHARACTERS COME TO LIFE IN NEW
NICKTOONS* UNITE! VIDEO GAME FROM THQ

Nicktoons Brand to Go Multi-Platform for the First Time with
the Release of Nicktoons Unite! for the PlayStation*2, Nintendo GameCube*,
and
Game Boy* Advance Video Game Systems

AGOURA HILLS, Calif., - THQ Inc. (NASDAQ: THQI) and Nickelodeon today
announced Nicktoons* Unite! for the PlayStation®2 computer entertainment
system and Nintendo GameCube* and Game Boy* Advance videogame systems has
shipped to retail outlets throughout North America. Nicktoons Unite! allows
players to interact with the stars from some of the most popular Nickelodeon
TV shows, including SpongeBob SquarePants, Timmy Turner (from the Fairly
OddParents), Jimmy Neutron and Danny Phantom.

"Our partnership with Nickelodeon has yielded a portfolio of successful
products in recent years, with more than 16 million games sold-in to date,"
said Kelly Flock, executive vice president, worldwide publishing, THQ.
"Last year's Nicktoons: Movin' was one of the top stand-alone games for the
EyeToy* USB Camera (for PlayStation*2) during the 2004 holiday season, and
we're looking forward to bringing Nicktoons to additional video game
platforms this holiday season with the new Nicktoons Unite!."

"With Nicktoons being the only brand where characters from various top-rated
Nickelodeon TV shows co-exist, we're excited to have the opportunity to
launch this new game on multiple gaming platforms," said Steve Youngwood,
senior vice president, Entertainment Products, Nickelodeon and Viacom
Consumer Products. "Nicktoons Unite! is a great opportunity for Nickelodeon
fans to simultaneously interact with many of their favorite characters."

For more information on Nicktoons! Unite and the rest of THQ's product
line-up, please visit www.thq.com .

About Nicktoons! Unite
Nicktoons Unite! is a 1-4 player cooperative, 15 level video game featuring
SpongeBob SquarePants, Timmy Turner, Jimmy Neutron and Danny Phantom. In
this new game, the most devious plan ever created in the Nicktoons world is
unfolding. Professor Calamitous has pulled together Plankton, Vlad and
Crocker to form a group known as The Evil Syndicate. The wicked foursome
have begun to wreak havoc throughout Retroville, Amity Park, Dimmsdale and
Bikini Bottom in an attempt to take over the world. Not to be outsmarted,
Jimmy Neutron calls upon his own band of Nicktoons to take out The Evil
Syndicate, along with the devastating Doomsday device. It's good versus
evil where only one side will prevail in Nicktoons Unite!.

About Nickelodeon and Viacom Consumer Products
Nickelodeon & Viacom Consumer Products manages the third largest licensing
business in the world with $4.7 billion in retail sales in 2004, from such
properties as SpongeBob SquarePants and Dora the Explorer. The department
handles the merchandising for Nick Jr., Nickelodeon, Paramount Pictures,
Comedy Central, MTVN International, and Spike TV.

Nickelodeon, now in its 26th year, is the number-one entertainment brand for
kids. It has built a diverse, global business by putting kids first in
everything it does. The company includes television programming and
production in the United States and around the world, plus consumer
products, online, recreation, books, magazines and feature films.
Nickelodeon's U.S. television network is seen in more than 89 million
households and has been the number-one-rated basic cable network for ten
consecutive years. Nickelodeon and all related titles, characters and logos
are trademarks of Viacom International Inc.

About THQ
THQ Inc. (NASDAQ: THQI) is a leading worldwide developer and publisher of
interactive entertainment software. The company develops products for all
popular game systems, personal computers and wireless devices. Headquartered
in Los Angeles County, California, THQ sells product through its global
network of offices located in the United States, United Kingdom, Austria,
France, Germany, Netherlands, Spain, Korea and Australia. More information
about THQ and its products may be found at www.thq.com
and www.thqwireless.com. THQ, THQ Wireless and their respective logos are
trademarks and/or registered trademarks of THQ Inc.

impulsegamer 007 - Dungeon Siege II for PC

2005-11-24T01:43:00.000-08:00

Number Seven: Dungeon Siege II review - backing music is Turkish Night by Ottmar Liebert's album Luna Negra (The Santa Fe Sessions) and used with permission from Australia Distributor MRA Entertainment. If you enjoyed this music please support the artist and buy the CD

THIS SHOW HAS BEEN REMOVED DUE TO A MISUNDERSTANDING REGARDING THE USE OF BACKING MUSIC. Despite this fact, please support Young & Rollins as they are exceptional.

Tory

impulsegamer 006 - XBox is released in the USA

2005-11-23T01:36:00.000-08:00

Sixth One - XBox 360 is out in the states but users are already reporting problems with the console. Our US correspondent Edwin gives us the goss from Florida!

- Tory

Listen Here for the Review!

http://www.impulsegamer.com

Xbox’s Australian faithful begin launch trip

2005-11-21T20:28:00.000-08:00

Sydney 21 November 2005 - About 30 Australians have made a pilgrimage to the Californian desert for the global launch of the Xbox 360.

They’ve made a 23,000 kilometre round trip to join about 3,500 people attending the launch at a remote location in the Mojave Desert.

For Sydney sales manager Issy Belleli, the trip is a once in a lifetime opportunity. Belleli, 34, is an ardent gamer chosen by Microsoft to attend the global launch event as a VIP.

“When the rumours were confirmed that there was going to be a new Xbox this year I knew there is no way in the world I would miss the release of the Xbox 360. I've been into the Xbox in a big way since release and a 13-hour plane ride wasn't going to keep me away,” Belleli said.

“I can’t wait to slam Perfect Dark Zero into the disc tray as soon as I plug the Xbox 360 in. From what I've seen this game has all the elements - hi-def graphics, awesome gameplay, and 32 person multiplayer gaming over Xbox Live, which is where the fun is at for me.”

David McLean, Director, Entertainment and Devices Division, Microsoft Australia said he was taken aback by the enthusiasm.

“We’ve always known that we had some hardcore Xbox supporters, but this has just blown us away. There are almost as many gamers from Australia on the trip as there are from the whole of Europe,” McLean said.

“They had no idea of the location or what’s going to be happening, yet they were prepared to drop everything and fly halfway around the world just to be a part of it.”

Joining Belleli and thousands of other Xbox faithful is an array of sporting greats, musicians and film and TV stars. The desert venue features hundreds of Xbox 360 machines, and the entire Xbox 360 launch line-up is available for attendees to play.

http://www.impulsegamer.com