Now here's some stuff in english on IGN.com.

What should i say? Read the press release about the next sequel from Painkiller. We're very proud and excited to be in the dev Team for this game!

German press release

 English press release should be out this days.

Today's Press Releases

PC Games:

Fenimore Fillmore’s Revenge (16+)

Fenimore Fillmore’s Revenge is a point and click PC adventure set in the Wild West, released to retail today by Nobilis and Ascaron Entertainment. Players can enjoy the game’s detailed graphics as they follow the adventures of Fenimore Fillmore, a courageous cowboy who must find his recently kidnapped cowgirl companion Rhiannon, before undertaking a quest to find secret hidden treasure.

Fenimore and Rhiannon’s adventures begin when they encounter a wounded stranger on their travels. The stranger tells Rhiannon of some treasure hidden in a cemetery, revealing the name of the person buried there in his last dying words. However, three men approach whilst this clue is being revealed and attack Fenimore and Rhiannon in a blazing showdown to find out the details. Fenimore is left for dead whilst Rhiannon is kidnapped and the treasure hunt begins. Players can then take on the role of either Fenimore or Rhiannon, working through the storyline to collect clues and solve the many puzzles.

Throughout the game, players can enjoy entertaining, humorous dialogue and a wide range of crazy characters; an alcoholic doctor, a mad scientist and a deaf telegraph operator. Fenimore Fillmore’s Revenge also features beautiful 3D graphics and animated cartoon images, allowing the player to fully immerse themselves in the Spaghetti Western theme.

Fenimore Fillmore’s Revenge includes over 50 different objects that can be combined and utilised to move the plot forwards. For example, players will need to collect red and green herbs in order to heal an injured character before progressing further. After some herbs have been fed to the patient, the remaining herbs can be mixed with mud to make a dressing for his wound, prompting him to reveal further clues.

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Jumpgate Evolution

Jumpgate Evolution, the eagerly-anticipated sci-fi epic MMO from Codemasters Online & NetDevil today asks gamers whether they’ll be ready to fight the dark forces of The Skein ‘When Darkness Falls’ on the Universe, with the release of a stunning new gameplay video. The video is now available to view at www.jumpgateevolution.com Furthermore, gamers on a broader range of PCs than most MMOs will be able to experience the thrills of massive space conflict, thanks to the game’s high scalability and extensive peripheral support.

Jumpgate Evolution has been designed specifically with a wide range of PC specifications in mind, with machines running minimum specs as low as an Intel P4 1.4GHz processor* and will feature full peripheral support, along with intuitive controls for complete pick up and play accessibility. Almost anyone can take to the stars and battle to become an intergalactic hero in this spectacular massively multiplayer online space combat game.

As today’s video demonstrates, gamers will be able to enjoy breath-taking visuals and exhilarating combat action, and the scalability of the game means they can literally play anywhere, on anything that meet the game’s generous minimum spec. From today’s high-powered gaming rigs down to five-year-old PCs, as well as a wide spectrum of laptops, Jumpgate Evolution caters for almost everyone.

Adding to Jumpgate Evolution’s richly immersive space combat experience is full support for a number of different control methods. While keyboard and mouse controls are offered as standard, Jumpgate Evolution boasts a full range of joystick and game controller options, including the Microsoft Xbox 360® Controller for Windows®, to ensure the most realistic flight experience possible. No matter what your preferred system is, Jumpgate Evolution offers instinctive, comfortable, and responsive flight controls to suit even the most demanding space pilot.

In-game mechanics have also been designed to make Jumpgate Evolution as accessible to both new and experienced MMO gamers as possible. The simple pick up and play control system completely removes the need for any tutorials. Instead players learn through a combination of missions and encounters designed to introduce new pilots to a career in space, while helpful hint messages are relayed through the game’s sophisticated heads up display system.

“We’ve designed Jumpgate Evolution with low specification requirements in mind to ensure it runs fantastically on all types of PC’s,” commented Scott Brown, President of NetDevil. “While it looks amazing on high-end systems, Jumpgate Evolution is still a fantastically exciting and great looking game on older PCs. Better still; having lower system requirements means more players can enjoy the game. Ultimately this means we can have more players in each sector at once, making space combat in Jumpgate Evolution so much more thrilling.”

“The combination of highly scalable PC requirements, multiple peripheral options and simple, yet fun to master controls means we’re opening up Jumpgate Evolution to a much wider PC playing customer base than might have previously experienced massively multiplayer online games,” said David Solari, Vice President, Codemasters Online. “As a thrilling, all-action, twitch-based space combat game, Jumpgate Evolution offers something completely unique and highly accessible to the MMO market.”

Developed by the highly experienced US-based MMOG developer NetDevil, Jumpgate Evolution is an exhilarating space combat MMO, set in a vast expanding universe, that allows players to choose from one of three playable nations and engage in an intense action-packed gaming experience. While embarking on an immersive and accessible space adventure, players can trade valuable commodities, take part in awesome intergalactic battles, meet and play with friends, and live out the dream of an elite hero.

XBox360:

Vertigo

Run Jump Duck Entertainment is four students currently studying the third year at Gotland University, Sweden. They are about to release their game Vertigo which recently got a nomination for “The Best New Nordic Talent” award by the Nordic Game Program.

“You could describe the game as a Sonic meets Burnout experience.” says Run Jump Duck Ent. producer Max Tiilikainen.

Vertigo is a platform racing game that combines speed and jumping to deliver fast adrenalin pumping action in a game for everyone, regardless of skill level. The goal in Vertigo is to pick up as many powerups you can in order to try and “Chain” these powerups together (I.e. grab a powerup before the effect of the previous powerup is over) to go faster and faster towards the finish line.

“We want our game to be a pick up and play experience so that anyone should be able to play it without losing any aspects of the action” says producer Max Tiilikainen.

The students won Gotland Game Awards 2008 with the game and have since then started their own company, Run Jump Duck Entertainment. Right now Vertigo is being adapted for the XNA platform with a targeted release on Xbox Live Community Games this summer.

Vertigo is one of five games nominated for “The Best New Nordic Talent” award at this year’s Nordic Game Conference in Malmoe, Sweden.

“We are extremely happy over this especially when this puts us next to big names like Avalanche, it’s a great recognition!” says gameplay programmer Daniel Martis.

Vertigo will be on display at the Nordic Game Conference 19-20 May.

PSP Games:

Tomb Raider

Eidos Interactive Ltd, creator of some of the world’s leading videogame properties, today announced that an exclusive Tomb Raider™ PSP Double Pack is making its way to PSP exclusively throughout Europe on April 10th.

Containing two previous Tomb Raider™ adventures, Tomb Raider: Legend™ and Tomb Raider: Anniversary™, the Double Pack celebrates the First Lady of gaming’s adventures together for the first time.

Wii Games:

Speed Zone

Publisher Detn8 Games Ltd. and developer Awesome Play Ltd. announce the upcoming release of Speed Zone™, a graphically-stunning, futuristic racing game for the Wii™ home video game system.

Set for North American release in late May, 2009, Speed Zone breaks new ground for graphics on Wii with game play to match. Furiously fast and silky smooth, the game runs at a bar-raising 60 frames per second. Stunning terrains are set on colorful planets, floating asteroids, and space stations. Speed Zone features three core game modes - Solo, Race, and Battle – each with multiple goals and a progressive, level-unlock structure.

Multiplayer options in Race and Battle modes break new ground as well, allowing for up to eight players (split screen) using four Wii Remotes™ and any combination of four Nunchuks™, Classic Controllers, Nintendo GameCube™ controllers, or Logitech® Speed Force Wireless™ force feedback racing wheels. Speed Zone is the first Wii game to support up to four of the Speed Force Wireless wheels.

A 3D, three-sided pyramid menu provides access to the game’s 30 levels. The pyramid menu displays 10 Solo tracks, 10 Race tracks, and 10 Battle arenas. Initially, only the lowest-tier levels are unlocked. Players need to achieve a number of goals to unlock level links to the more challenging levels above on the pyramid menu.

In Solo mode, players try to ignite jet thrusters with boost pads to accelerate "into the zone,” with phantom cars and racing lines to help set lap records. When a player beats the targeted Zone-Time, the next level unlocks. Players can find secret pickups and shortcuts and earn bonus rewards by setting new best times. Bonus rewards can be used to buy new cars, skins, aerodynamic aides, and performance upgrades, which give the player the opportunity to go even faster when revisiting levels.

In Race mode, players compete against seven computer-controlled AI cars. Players unlock the next level by finishing in the top three (or better, depending on the difficulty level).

Battle Mode is an all-out, futuristic demolition derby, using some spectacular weapons. Players can fry opponents with a lighting gun or shatter them with an overactive chain-gun complete with flying shells – not to mention a plethora of other weapons, including rockets, missiles, lasers, and mines. Defensive pick-ups include shock-jumps, shields, and a stealth cloak.

Speed Zone comes from UK-based Awesome Play Ltd., a studio headed by renowned developer Archer Maclean. Archer Maclean has a 30-year track record of award-winning hits, including the seminal PSP™ launch title "Archer Maclean’s Mercury." Among Maclean’s other acclaimed works are Pool Paradise, World Karate Championship (a US #1 hit in 1986), IK+, andthe classic Dropzone.

Games Related News:

GamersGate Deals

GamersGate, the premier digital distribution service for PC games, today announced three special deals that run through this Sunday, April 5th.

Deal of the Week (now through Sunday, April 5th): Crusader Kings + Crusader Kings: Deus Vult – 9.99

Aim to create the most powerful dynasty of medieval Europe in the period of 1066 to 1453 A.D in this expansion to Crusader Kings. Amass prestige; increase the greatness of your lands and your treasure coffins, build Cathedrals and Castles, appoint vassals and battle traitors, introduce laws and set taxes while interacting with hundreds of courtiers and nobles.

Game of the Weekend (Friday through Sunday, April 3-5): Frontlines: Fuel of War- 14.99

Frontlines™: Fuel of War™ is an open-world First Person Shooter set on the frontlines of tomorrow. In a world ravaged by a global energy crisis, environmental decay, and economic depression, players assume the role of an elite soldier in the Western Coalition Army on an epic crusade against the Red Star Alliance to control the last of the world’s oil reserves. Frontlines: Fuel of War combines cinematic, non-linear game play, with next generation firepower and a revolutionary Frontline Combat System™ to deliver the most thrilling and intense FPS to date.

Weekend Deal (Friday through Sunday, April 3-5): Fantasy Wars – 7.99

Taking place in a fantasy world of Human kingdoms, Orc clans, Dwarfs' citadels and Elven forests, the player is thrust into a world of war and legend. Play the role of an Orc or Goblin boss, a captain of the Human army or lead the elite forces of the Elven army. Participate in castle sieges and village defense, assault and reconnaissance operations and swift raids. To be victorious remember that the amount and experience of troops is not always the key factor, organize cooperation between different types of units and use the landscape to achieve strategic superiority. The game consists out of three story-connected campaigns. In each of them players will have to gather an army, upgrade units, find magic artifacts and study magic spells. An epic story has been crafted to draw players in. The great Orc chieftain and conqueror Ugraum, incited by the cruel shamans, gathers a huge horde to invade the land of Humans. Only a small, but experienced army of general Pfeil is able to fight against the powerful enemy. However, the sides in this confrontation don't know that this is all just a part of evil plot of the dark powers.

Upcoming Deal, April 6-13: Dark Horizon and Tarr Chronicle- Both for 2.99

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PS3 Update 2.7 now available

Sony Computer Entertainment Europe (SCEE) today announced that system software update 2.70 for PLAYSTATION®3 (PS3™) will be available on 2nd April 2009. The capabilities of PS3 are stepping up yet another gear with this new system software update that gives users even more of the features they’ve requested from the ever-evolving PS3 service. This update will give players more freedom to text chat, make music playback more satisfying and make the Internet more accessible. The system software update can be downloaded by selecting System Update icon under the Setting column on XMB™ (Xross Media Bar) – and is completely free.

Here are some of its key features:

Text chat: The update makes it easy to chat: just set up a chat room, select anyone from your Friends list and invite them in – they’ll see an icon in the corner of their screen and know they’re wanted in your chat room. Up to 16 people can join the same room to chat using a controller, a connected keyboard or a Wireless Keypad. You can even start a chat while you’re halfway through a game.

Dynamic Normaliser for music: When you’re listening to a music playlist, a sudden increase in volume between tracks can make you jump out of your skin. Not any more - thanks to the Dynamic Normaliser, which reduces the difference in volume levels between your tracks and makes for a smooth listening experience all the way.

Better control of the Internet: Want to know more about the game you’ve just downloaded? Simply find its icon in your menu and select ‘Internet Search’ – you’ll be taken straight online to search for information about it. The 2.70 update also allows you to cut and paste text from your Internet Browser as well as send message attachments up to 3MB in size.

Language fixes: If you’re Polish, Greek, Czech, Slovak, and Turkish, you’ll particularly like the 2.70 update: it makes the necessary additions to your Internet Browser that enables you to read the full range of letters and characters from your national alphabet.

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Nintendo DSi Released April 5

On April 5, Nintendo launches Nintendo DSi™, the third iteration of the best-selling portable video game system and the latest evolution in hand-held gaming. Nintendo DSi gives new and veteran gamers the ability to customize, personalize and share their experiences with friends and family. Two built-in, interactive cameras let people snap and modify photos, while recorded sounds can be played and manipulated in interesting and imaginative ways. Also on April 5, Nintendo will launch the Nintendo DSi Shop, a new online storefront where users can redeem Nintendo DSi Points to download an ever-growing variety of inventive games and applications. Nintendo DSi will be available in the United States in Blue or Black at an MSRP of $169.99.

"The concept of entertainment is clearly expanding to enable self-expression and creation in ways never before possible," said Cammie Dunaway, Nintendo of America's executive vice president of Sales & Marketing. "Nintendo DSi is loaded with software to help people do exactly that. It's not just about the cameras or audio playback, but what people can do with these features that makes Nintendo DSi such an enjoyable game system."

Beyond the creative user experience, these features also give developers the tools to create new games and applications not previously possible. In the same way that WiiWare™ has given developers big and small a way to deliver their most original games directly to Wii™ users, Nintendo DSiWare™ provides access to the latest and most inventive hand-held games from a variety of studios and genres. Here are the Nintendo DSiWare titles that will be available when the Nintendo DSi Shop launches:

• WarioWare™: Snapped! – Using the built-in Nintendo DSi camera, this outrageous title puts players right at the center of fast-paced mini-games, challenging them to race the clock and get a peek at Wario's photo album.

• Bird & Beans™ – Using an elastic tongue, players must scramble to collect falling beans. The harder a bean is to catch, the more points it's worth.

• Brain Age™ Express: Math – In this math-focused edition of the popular Brain Age series, players can enjoy a mix of new and familiar training exercises. A new Themes mode also lets Nintendo DSi users experiment with images and voice recordings in fun, unusual ways.

• Master of Illusion™ Express: Funny Face – This game uses your Nintendo DSi as a prop in a card trick. Draw a face on the touch screen and astound your audience as the face tells them which playing card they picked.

• Art Style™: AQUIA™ – The newest addition to the eye-popping Art Style series, this mesmerizing underwater puzzle game challenges players to help a scuba diver reach the ocean floor by matching a series of colored blocks.

In addition to a diverse, constantly expanding lineup of DSiWare game titles, visitors to the Nintendo DSi Shop can also download the free Nintendo DSi Browser to enjoy portable access to the Internet. Powered by Opera, this simple-to-use application makes use of the Nintendo DSi system's dual-screen display to provide fast, intuitive Web browsing.

As an incentive to get people connected and enjoying the online content, consumers who buy a Nintendo DSi system and connect it to the Nintendo DSi Shop by Oct. 5, 2009, will automatically receive 1,000 Nintendo DSi Points. (Visit dsioffer.nintendo.com for more details.) Software in the Nintendo DSi Shop will be available at four price points: free, 200 points, 500 points and 800+ points. Users can purchase additional Nintendo DSi Points in the Nintendo DSi Shop or via a Nintendo Points Card sold at retail locations. Nintendo DSi Points will be available in increments of 2,000 at an MSRP of $19.99.

Nintendo DSi allows users to create and share unique moments using a number of distinctive features. Two cameras – one pointing at the user when the system is open, one facing away – let people take photos and manipulate them with 10 built-in "lenses" including Distortion, Graffiti and Mischief. The cameras inspire creativity by letting users personalize their photos and trade them wirelessly with friends and family. The Nintendo DSi Sound application lets people put their own spin on their music with the ability to play and manipulate AAC sound files accessed from an SD card. These sonic tweaks are not saved or stored – they're meant for having fun on-the-fly, changing the pitch or playback speed of a clip with a simple touch of the stylus.

intendo DSi features parental controls that let adults manage the content their children can access. For more information about Nintendo DSi, visit www.NintendoDSi.com.

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Today's Press Releases

PC Games:

Dungeon Fighter Online

Nexon America Inc., a world leader in free massively multiplayer online (MMO) games, announced today that it will roll-out the highly anticipated title Dungeon Fighter Online in 2009. Dungeon Fighter Online was released as Dungeon & Fighter in Asia and developed by Neople, which is a studio owned by Nexon. This new title delivers the classic side-scrolling action of an arcade fighting game with an immersive role-playing experience — all online and free-to-play.

Dungeon Fighter Online transports players into the mystical realm of Arad where dangerous dungeons abound. Gamers battle monsters as an individual explorer or team up to journey through exclusive multiplayer dungeons. Like other Nexon titles, the game’s controls are easy to learn and can be tailored to personal preferences.

“With its dynamic game play coupled with classic retro arcade feel, Dungeon Fighter Online is a household title in Asia,” said Min Kim, vice president of marketing for Nexon America. “Few games are able to make an impact in one genre. Dungeon Fighter Online delivers in two; as a great fighting game and as an engrossing social experience. We look forward to delivering this amazing experience to North American gamers this year.”

Players can choose from five distinct character classes—Fighter, Gunner, Mage, Priest and Swordsman—each featuring a unique set of abilities and powerful attack combinations. Each class further specializes into four sub-classes, which opens up further skills and customization.

Dungeon Fighter Online also allows players to challenge each other in a player-versus-player arena where players can sharpen the ability to customize their fighter for endless matchups with other warriors. Whether designing the appearance of a character or engineering how it attacks, Dungeon Fighter Online players can also further personalize their characters, by selecting a wide variety of armor, clothing, pets, skills and weapons available through an in-game items shop.

iPhone and iPod Touch Games:

Nintaii

Concrete Software® Inc., a leader in innovative mobile content, announced today the release of Nintaii, an award-winning mobile puzzle game for the iPhone and iPod Touch. Originally published by Mobigloo, a top developer of mobile content, Concrete Software brings this popular game to the world of the iPhone and iPod Touch.

Nintaii has won numerous awards and recognitions, including Best Game of the Year in the BlackBerry Developers Challenge. Like most of the great puzzle games, Nintaii has a simple concept at its core, yet proves to be very challenging with 100 levels to work through. The Japanese term 'nintai' means "patience," "perseverance," or "endurance."

Nintaii has proven to be wildly popular with BlackBerry smartphone users. The new version for the iPhone and iPod Touch not only unleashes more of the game's potential, with slick and intuitive touch screen and accelerometer controls; it also introduces the instant classic to one of the fastest growing mobile markets in the world today. With Apple reporting that customers have downloaded over half a billion applications from the App Store since it opened last July, Nintaii is sure to be met with open arms.

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Otto Matic: Alien Invasion

Get ready to save humanity! Pangea Software announced today that the highly acclaimed action-adventure title Otto Matic: Alien Invasion is available now for the Apple® iPhone™ and iPod® touch. Originally developed for the Mac, Otto Matic is one of Pangea’s most recognized titles with over 2 million copies distributed worldwide.

“Otto Matic uses a whimsical style that focuses on, and parodies the retro sci-fi genre,” says Brian Greenstone, president of Pangea Software. “I've always been a fan of sci-fi B-movies, so I really put my heart and soul into making this game. It has subtle B-movie references around every corner, and even the audio has been modeled after the eerie 1950's style Theremin music.”

The year is 1957 and a fleet of flying saucers from Planet X have come to Earth. These saucers are under the control of the evil Brain Aliens who are abducting helpless humans and taking them away to strange alien worlds to become slaves of The Giant Brain.

Otto Matic the robot is given the job of saving Earth from the attack of the Brain Aliens. His rocket ship will take you to each of the alien planets where you must save as many humans as you can before the Brain Aliens abduct them. Once The Giant Brain has been defeated and peace has been restored to the galaxy, you will return to Earth with your human cargo where they will be freed.

Otto Matic: Alien Invasion key features:

• Navigate through 10 levels on amazing 3D alien worlds

• Battle 25 different alien creatures

• Attack with 7 different types of space-age weapons

• Ski behind giant metal sea monsters, ride a zip-line, pilot your very own flying saucer and more!

Developed by Pangea Software, Otto Matic: Alien Invasion is available for the Apple iPhone and iPod touch for a limited time promotional price of $4.99, and can be downloaded via the App Store.

Mobile Games:

Gameloft release games for Blackberry smartphones

Gameloft, a leading developer and publisher of downloadable video games, today announced their support and participation in the BlackBerry App World™ launch. Gameloft is launching 95 games on BlackBerry App World.

“Gameloft is pleased to once again work with RIM to bring our games to BlackBerry smartphones, making them entertain as well as they connect,” said Michel Guillemot, president, Gameloft. “We believe BlackBerry App World is an excellent channel of digital distribution for Gameloft titles.”

Gameloft is offering a series of titles ranging from exciting new releases like Oregon Trail as well as classic blockbusters like Block Breaker Deluxe and Midnight Pool 2. All Gameloft titles available on BlackBerry App World are playable on a wide variety of BlackBerry® smartphones, from Research In Motion (RIM). The games are priced at $4.99 each.

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Star Wars Battlefront: Mobile Squadrons

THQ Wireless Inc., a subsidiary of THQ Inc., today announced that Star Wars Battlefront: Mobile Squadrons, the sequel to the best-selling Star Wars Battlefront Mobile, is set to launch on major US mobile carriers from April 2nd.

Set in a persistent Star Wars® universe, this action-packed game allows mobile players to battle Imperial Stormtroopers and other classic Star Wars characters. The game offers the ultimate Star Wars mobile experience, featuring fast-paced arcade-style gameplay in an online universe where actions continuously affect events happening across the galaxy.

In this seamless connected experience, mobile gamers interact through a connected online community website, complete with leaderboards and awards. Crucially, players can fight in new environments, fully connected. Players may join either the Rebel Alliance or the Empire in the Galactic Civil War, or the Grand Army of the Republic or the Separatists in the Clone Wars. With 15 exciting levels, action includes multiple squadron classes, character upgrades, varying difficulty degrees and faction boss battles.

“Star Wars is one of the mobile entertainment industry’s true evergreen brands, and now THQ is pushing the boundaries of connected gaming with Star Wars Battlefront: Mobile Squadrons,” said Adam Comiskey, vice president, THQ Wireless.

Star Wars Battlefront: Mobile Squadrons is now available for download on more than 400 handsets from a suggested retail price of $5.99.

Playstation Games:

Jak and Daxter: The Lost Frontier

Hero Jak and his mischievous sidekick Daxter are back together… and for the first time-ever they’ve joined forces on PSP™ (PlayStation®Portable). Get set for the latest addition to the smash-hit Jak and Daxter™ series, Jak and Daxter™: The Lost Frontier from Sony Computer Entertainment Europe. Prepare for non-stop action and adventure as the duo travel across mysterious lands and take to the sky on a mission to save their planet from destruction. Take this incredible adventure with you anywhere on your PSP™, or play it at home with PlayStation®2 – both out this autumn for PAL territories.

Picking up from where the original Jak and Daxter trilogy left off, Jak and furry friend Daxter team up with their friend Kiera on her quest to become a Sage and save their world from the threat of darkness. As the environment of their planet slowly dies, our two worldly heroes embark on a mission to protect their world from the threat of “dark eco”.

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LittleBigPlanet

The critically-acclaimed LittleBigPlanet™ for PlayStation®3 (PS3™) has marked the coming of age of gaming as it moves into a new realm defined by creativity and community. This best-selling title from Sony Computer Entertainment Europe (SCEE) allows players to build their own levels and share them via PlayStation®Network. Nearly two million players worldwide have joined the LittleBigPlanet community since its launch in November 2008, where they, rather than developers, drive the experience by creating game content to share with others.

Each of LittleBigPlanet’s 725,000 user-generated levels is unique. Many are inspired by films, TV shows and games titles, including levels “LittleBigPlanet Takeshi’s Castle”, “LBP Jurassic Park” and “LBP-MotorStorm”, while others use in-game tools to show-off impressive engineering such as the “LittleBigCalculator”, circus-themed “Uncle Fritz’s Funhouse Frenzy” or LittleBigPlanet community favourite “Huge Pinball Machine”. Some players create music levels, requiring the player to push buttons to create a song, while Japanese rock-pop group the Beat Crusaders recently developed their music video for Phantom Planet with LittleBigPlanet. Others play tribute to family and friends, hobbies and passions, while levels like “Illumina Garden” come only from the most active imaginations.

The LittleBigPlanet community is growing rapidly day by day, and since launching, the game has been played more than 125 million times with players posting more than four million comments on game levels - many begging creators for sequels to their favourites.

Mark Hardy, European Marketing Director – Content and Platforms - at SCEE, says of the game’s success:

“LittleBigPlanet is giving people from every walk of life the opportunity to express themselves creatively. The game is just the start. This is Creative Gaming; never ending experiences that take on lives of their own through their players. LittleBigPlanet appeals to a generation shaped by their networks and thirsty for great experiences to share with friends. Where LittleBigPlanet goes from here is up to its community; it is theirs to shape however they like. This makes it much more inclusive than gaming has ever been before.”

LittleBigPlanet teaches players to create as they play. Sackboy™ is your very own customisable character; a walking toolbox of building skills and materials that allows players to create new objects, landscapes, puzzles, characters, weapons, prizes, narratives and more. Players can also upload their own photos and media into levels straight from their PS3.

With so many different entertainment features, PS3 makes a strong case for pride of place in the home – storing photos, video and favourite TV shows via PlayTV™ – as well as offering Blu-ray Disc™ playback and the Internet access. It also supports a growing number of communities through its own PlayStation Network, including the SingStar® and Buzz!™ communities where people share their finest singing performances and create and share their own quizzes.

Wii Games:

Wii Qube & Wii Relax - The First generation of 3i Games

A new generation of video games called “iii™” (Immersive Individual Interaction™) is born: from the revolution in classic Tetris to the first video game with “mental control” ready in Winter on Nintendo Wii™

The seventh video game era began in 2005 with the launch of the Xbox360® followed soon after by the PlayStation® 3. Now, thanks to the innovative game concept presented by Pub Company®, we can thus consider another step towards a new era. We are talking about the “3i™” or “iii™” (Immersive Individual Interaction™) generation in which interaction is absolutely original (the players define the interaction with the game and not vice versa through body or mental control) and “immersive” (the type of interaction is not “player’s finger – joystick button” but participation and sensorial, physical and mental immersion of the player).

At times the best ideas come from simple observation of the phenomena that have made history in gaming entertainment. At other times, they come from concepts that are miles away from standard market rules, such as the use of “mind power”. However, the common denominator is that which has astonished us in science-fiction films. This basis is the starting point for the new 3i™ paradigm and the original creations of Pub Company®, an Italian company that has developed and brought under a new game limelight two fantastic products that stem from different concepts that have a common goal: to entertain.

The first product, Wii Qube™, reinvents and revolutionizes the classic game Tetris: thanks to an innovative concept control, you can manipulate the classic Tetris blocks in 3D. In one mode you can even “enter into” the game in first person, interacting with the blocks by moving your own body. It was not by chance that Pub Company® chose Tetris to create, starting from its mechanics, something that is truly innovative but at the same time familiar.

The second is Wii Relax™, which is comprised of two products Relax Mind™ e Relax Body™, games which mix mental control for psycho-physical relaxation training, body movement and which foresee a series of activities that contribute to physical and mental well-being thanks to the implementation of techniques such as Yoga, Thai Chi, Qi-Gong, progressive relaxation, mental visualization, massage, meditation and breathing techniques.

The experience related to mental control is absolutely unbeatable: the player has the chance to monitor his/her stress level in real time using his brain waves thanks to the 3i Mind Controller ™ headset included, and works towards improving this level by relaxing. In addition to the training activities the 3i Mind Controller™ is used, by a single player or together with others, to play games operated by one’s own mental input in which you win not by competing more furiously or by having the fastest reflexes but by using exclusively your mind’s own powers for game movements.

Both products have been designed with a wide and varied target audience in mind.

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The Hardy Boys: The Hidden Theft

JoWooD Productions and XPEC Entertainment are pleased to announce the successful PC adventure “The Hardy Boys: The Hidden Theft” is in development for Wii™. Players will face challenging puzzles and exciting dialogues embedded in a thrilling story, which is especially suitable for children! In The Hardy Boys: The Hidden Theft, the vault at Spencer Mansion is robbed, and the Bayport Police call on the Hardy Boys to help tie-up some loose ends, but they soon find themselves in the middle of a major criminal investigation that takes them on an adventure all over Bayport, and even into New York City. But the pieces don’t add up, and Frank and Joe find themselves embroiled in a drama of sinister proportions.

After their release on the PC, The Hardy Boys were able to obtain official awards including the “Ultimate Games Award 2008”, which focuses on pedagogical valuable games.

Also the BuPP, the “Federal Office for the Positive Assessment of Computer and Console Games”, situated at the Austrian Federal Ministry of Economy, Family and Youth, loves the game and awarded a recommendation to The Hardy Boys. “A recommendation of the BuPP stands for: it is most likely that children will have fun playing the game and parents have no reason to be worried but can furthermore trust that their children will benefit beyond the fun from playing. The Hardy Boys fulfill these criteria!”, states Herbert Rosenstingl, head of the BuPP.

Browser Games:

Legends of Zork

You are standing in an open field west of a white house. Or maybe you’re not? Maybe you’re sitting inside a blue house? Or a greenhouse? You could be in an internet café, or maybe you’re just checking your email during the commercial break of your favourite show? Wherever you are, as long as you have an Internet connection, you could be playing Legends of Zork™.

With the fall of the Great Underground Empire chaos seems to be gaining the upper hand. Kobolds, trolls, and every dangerous creature imaginable (and occasionally an unimaginable one) have been growing bolder and creeping further from their lairs. Conflict is spreading through the land, mayhem abounds, and the dreaded words on everyones lips are “Recession” and “Redundancy”. Yep, the economy’s gone down the tubes, and you’ve been sacked from FrobozzCo International. But don’t feel bad, everyone else has too. So why sit around moping about your pension when you could be out adventuring? With so much money to be made from cutting your way through hordes of monsters, you’ll never need to worry about your finances again! And if you’re not a very good adventurer, or you run into a grue... well, at least your pension won’t be an issue anymore.

That’s right, 30 years after its first conception, Zork™ is back! After much hype, confusion and then hype again, Legends of Zork™ has finished its testing period, and has now been released to run wild and free on the internet at www.legendsofzork.com

“We’ve designed LoZ to be as accessible as possible, hoping to appeal to both original Zork fans (and there’s enough of them working on this that we should know what we’re talking about), while also trying to bring in a whole new generation of players”, said Dylan Collins, CEO of Jolt Online Gaming, “We appreciate that Zork™ is a hallowed franchise, and we have tried our very best to keep within the spirit of the game and pay it the reverence it deserves, while also making some obvious changes to open it up to a wider audience”. He continued, “We don’t know if this approach will make us the most celebrated company in the world, or if we’ve just earned ourselves a whole lot of hate mail, but whatever the result, that’s the balance we’ve tried to strike. We’ve also made it as accessible as possible in a very literal sense, in that we’ve designed it to be played in your Internet browser, at home, in school, in the office. Personally I can’t imagine a better use of a smartphone than to thrash a giant Kobold while on my exercise bike at the gym”.

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Planetstorm

In just two months since the game’s release, Planetstorm®, the epic online war between man and machine, has reached an exciting milestone by hosting its one millionth in-game battle over the weekend. Planetstorm is a free to play, massively multiplayer online collectible card game (CCG) developed by Austin-based Challenge Online Games, Inc ®, (Challenge Games®).

“For Planetstorm to see its one millionth in-game battle after being released just two months ago is testament to the high level of strategy and the quality of gameplay we deliver,” says Matt Deegler, Planetstorm Game Lead. “Planetstorm battles can be played in 5-10 minute increments providing compelling, strategic gameplay when gamers don’t have hours to devote to a typical MMORPG grind.”

In Planetstorm, the once lush world is in ruins, having been ravaged by generations of Man versus Machine warfare. It is now up to every player to customize their character, build a team to crush the Machines and take hold of the fate of humanity, or take the side of the Machines and crush the last remnants of the human race. Planetstorm is a strategy game where your victory depends on exploiting your opponents’ weaknesses and getting strong cards into play as quickly as possible. To acquire rewards and advance gampelay, players can compete in single player challenges and competitive ladder tournaments, collect and trade cards of varying levels of rarity and buy in-game currency to purchase new card packs. Daily missions reward players for specific tasks and players can receive up to three free packs per day!

Planetstorm can be played for free directly from any web browser, or through Planetstorm’s integration of Facebook Connect. A Facebook user can simply click to register and a fully authenticated Planetstorm account will be created within seconds. To play Planetstorm for free, visit www.planetstorm.com or on Facebook.

Multi-Platform Games:

The Secret Saturdays

D3Publisher (D3P), a publisher and developer of interactive entertainment software, together with its parent D3, Inc., today announced a worldwide publishing agreement with Turner CN Enterprises, the global licensing and merchandising arm of Turner Broadcasting EMEA, for videogames based on the new action-adventure series The Secret Saturdays. The first game based on The Secret Saturdays is scheduled to be released across EMEA for console and handheld systems in Q4 2009 .

“The Secret Saturdays franchise provides everything videogame fans look for, from an exciting cast of heroes they can portray, to fantastic creatures with special abilities they can use, to the most dastardly villain for them to defeat,” said Yoji Takenaka, president and chief executive officer, North America and Europe, D3P. “Turner CN Enterprises has proven to be an unparalleled partner for us in turning wonderful television universes into playable experiences for fans, and we are thrilled to be working with them once again to reach the gamer community.”

From secret artifacts to unexplained creatures, the adventure never ends for The Secret Saturdays. This family of cryptozoologists is on a mission to find and protect the weirdest and wildest cryptids before the bad guys get in on the action. They travel from ancient temples to bottomless caves in search of the legendary Kur stone because only The Saturdays can save the world from the evil plans of V.V. Argost! The Secret Saturdays television series will premier in the UK on Cartoon Network in June with roll-out across EMEA throughout 2009.

“We have achieved great success with D3Publisher with the Ben 10 interactive franchise and look forward to partnering with them again on The Secret Saturdays,” said Alan Fenwick, vice president of Turner CN Enterprises. “D3 will be a significant aspect of the licensing programme we’re set to roll out in 2009/2010 for this key Cartoon Network property.”

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FunOrb

The grisly undead apocalypse has arrived in the UK... but, fortunately, you're the overlord in charge! Jagex Ltd, the UK’s largest independent games developer and publisher of RuneScape, has today released an expansion for the popular FunOrb game, Zombie Dawn.

Starting in Heathrow Airport’s Terminal 5, players must command their zombie horde through 24 brain-chomping levels of puzzling mayhem, with the sole aim of storming Buckingham Palace and furthering their attempt to conquer humanity. Zombie Dawn: UK expansion is full of action, strategy, puzzles and sheer undead browser-game fun.

Zombie Dawn: UK is the third entry in the Zombie Dawn series and players can access the complete game through the FunOrb games portal

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Call of Duty: World at War

Armies of Call of Duty® fans have heeded the call and responded with more than one million downloads of the Call of Duty®: World at War Map Pack 1 from Activision Publishing, Inc. (Nasdaq: ATVI) and developer Treyarch, during its first weekend of availability (March 19-22) on Xbox LIVE and the PlayStation Network.

“I’m proud that the team at Treyarch delivered an experience that so many people are enjoying,” said Mark Lamia, Studio Head for Treyarch. “We’re excited that the success of Call of Duty: World at War Map Pack 1 will continue to drive the popularity of the game’s Nazi Zombie mode, competitive multiplayer and chart-breaking success online.”

“The success of Call of Duty: World at War Map Pack 1 speaks to Treyarch and Activision’s ability to provide fans with quality content during a time when people want to get the most out of their Call of Duty experience,” said Maria Stipp, Activision’s Executive Vice President and General Manager of Owned Properties.

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The Godfather II

Electronic Arts Inc. (NASDAQ: ERTS) and Paramount Digital Entertainment today announced that The Godfather® II videogame will be releasing premium upgrade packs to provide players with level-four weapons, an additional crew member equipped with four unique specialties, and two new multiplayer maps that will make their family stronger as they fight to become the most powerful mob syndicate in America. In addition, these upgrades will help as players take their advanced crew members online and compete to be the Don of Dons on the leaderboards. Players can experience all the premium upgrades for The Godfather II two weeks after launch worldwide on Xbox LIVE® Marketplace and the PLAYSTATION®Store on April 23, 2009.

The complete list of upgrade packs includes:

• The Pentangeli Map Pack: Download for the all-new Cuba multiplayer map and the Junkyard multiplayer map.

• $6.75 / 540 points

• Level 4 Weapons Bundle: Download this collection to receive the Modern Dillinger, the .700 Magnum Impact, the Herzstopper, the MG-S1 Sniper Wolfe, and the Street Sweeper.

• $4.00 / 320 points

• Jack of All Trades: Download Jimmy Lira – the Jack of All Trades to have this character in your family. Jimmy Lira starts out with the arsonist, engineer, medic, and safecracker specialties and comes equipped with a level 2 machine gun – the MP38.

• $4.00 / 320 points

• The Corleone Bundle (All of the above): Download the multiplayer map pack, the level 4 Weapons Bundle, and the Jack of All Trades (Jimmy Lira) crew member.

• $10.00 / 800 points

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Syberia 3

Microïds, the owner of the Syberia franchise, announces the production of a new episode in the adventures of Kate Walker on the PlayStation 3 console and PC, bringing together console manufacturers with the world of the PC through a major collaborative innovation.

Syberia 3, the new episode in the adventures of Kate Walker, actually allows those playing on PC and those playing on PS3 to collaborate online, thanks to a simultaneous data exchange and sharing mode on the two platforms. Syberia 3 will therefore see teams of players being formed so as to optimize their chances of reaching the end of the adventure by pooling the abilities of each of the participants. Only PS3 players who have collaborated with PC players, and vice versa, will be able to accompany Kate to the end of the adventure.

This innovative gameplay is a first in video gaming, and in particular within the "point & click” adventure segment. Microïds’ ambition is to enable all players, irrespective of their gaming platform, to be able to participate collectively in the adventure so as to live the experience of collaborative gaming. This innovation will be offered for all future Microïds titles and will also be included in games currently being developed at partner studios.

After having traveled throughout Europe in Syberia and Syberia 2, Kate Walker starts out on the mammoths’ trail in a world on the border between reality and imagination, where strange white birds indicate the presence of extinct mammals...

Syberia 3 takes Kate on an adventure which mixes suspense, myth, ecology and action. She crosses paths with a weird Vic McPherson who is investigating the murky business of international trafficking of ancient works of art and prehistoric ivory…

Syberia 3 will be entirely in real time 3D and will be released on PS3 and PC in June 2010.

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FUEL

Showcasing Fuel’s wide ranging on and off-road vehicle line up, including its Cars, Bikes, SUVs, Trucks, Quads and ‘Specials’ classes, Codemasters® today launched the new ‘Vehicles’ Fuel gameplay video, now available to view and download from www.Fuel-game.com.

Fuel’s 70 strong, garage tuned vehicles, each designed to perform differently according to the terrain, are perfect to race and explore the unique and diverse 5,000 square mile gameworld. The full range of vehicle classes is showcased in the video, demonstrating how the broad line-up gives players the freedom and scope to choose how they navigate the challenging environment to take the chequered flag.

Supercharged road bikes tear up the asphalt, dirt bikes and scramblers career off-road and roadsters burn rubber on twisty mountain roads. Meanwhile, customised quad bikes perform stunts at breakneck speeds, buggies and SUVs charge across beautifully rugged terrain and, from the ‘Special’ class of vehicles, a dragster speeds across the iconic Utah salt-plains and a hovercraft breaks free of the constraints of terra firma.

Coming this May, Fuel is the ultimate racing sandbox and the bulging roster of vehicles with their accessible, arcade handling delivers a compelling experience for racing fans everywhere. The 70+ strong career mode races and hundreds of extra challenges offer countless hours of high-octane thrills and route editor, which ships with the game, provides almost limitless opportunities for players to create their own Fuel-filled races. The Fuel experience is extended yet further online as up to 16 players are able to go head-to-head or explore the entire map in free roam.

With a full day/night cycle and dynamic weather effects including snowstorms, thunderstorms, blizzards, rainstorms and tornados, Fuel is set to revolutionise open world multi-terrain racing when it launches this May for the PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system, Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft® and Games For Windows® LIVE.

Games Related News:

Console driving games leave you feeling more agitated and aggressive than violent shoot ‘em ups

This is the finding of Dr Simon Goodson and Sarah Pearson from Huddersfield University who will be presenting their findings at the British Psychological Society’s Annual Conference today, 1 April 2009 in Brighton.

Previous research has supported a link between violent video games and aggression by measuring the physical and mental reactions of the players. However, the choice and complexity of the video games were limited. This study used the one of the latest consoles (Xbox360) and three different game genres; a first-person-shoot-em-up (FPS), a driving game (Project Gotham Racing) and a 3D table tennis game.

Thirty participants, aged from 18 to 45, took part in the study and were measured for changes in their physical responses (EEG, breathing and heart rate) and mental responses (aggression) before and after playing.

The driving game induced the greatest change in heart rate and brain activity and surprisingly the FPS induced the smallest change.

Dr Goodson and Sarah Pearson commented: “Previous researchers have made sweeping generalisations about the nature of videogames. This study is one of the first to use one of the latest games consoles that have a much higher level of realism. Surprisingly the results showed that the driving game made participants more agitated and aggressive than the game with graphic violence. Given the high levels of realism in modern games a re-evaluation of the relationship between videogames and violence is needed.”

The British Psychological Society Annual Conference is taking place at the Holiday Inn on Brighton seafront from 1- 3 April 2009.

To see the full programme, including titles and speakers of all the presentations at this year’s conference, go to www.bps.org.uk/ac2009

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Today's Press Releases

PC Games:

Unknown

Today Frictional Games released a first teaser of their upcoming survival horror game, "Unknown". The video gives a quick demonstration of the game's mood and style, as well as demonstrating the maturity of the in-house developed HPL2 game engine. The engine has been expanded to include tools for testing, creating and editing levels - all of which have been used to create the level in the teaser. The tools are used during the production of the game and are also going to be part of the final release, allowing for end-user content creation.

"Unknown" has recently entered full production and is preliminary scheduled for an early Q2 2010 release.

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EverQuest II: Elements of Corruption

EverQuest® II’s game update “Elements of Corruption” features conflicts rising between old enemies as the island of Lavastorm is invaded by Void creatures. Players will be treated to multiple feature updates and changes to Lavastorm itself.

This update also brings new solo content, robe appearance, and weapon slots, along with new sets of armor that will be available for purchase, featuring new stats and appearances.

“Elements of Corruption” Features:

• Lavastorm Revamp: Lavastorm has undergone a huge make-over. The beach areas at the entrance have been extended as the Void creatures encroach on Najena's territory. In her efforts to fight back, it appears that Najena decked out the Lavastorm elementals with some eye-catching new armor! There are more than 20 new quests available for levels 45-55 and a whole new set of level 80 solo content.

• New Dungeons: Players will notice three new dungeons in this update. Groups of tradeskillers can provide emergency help to a stranded raid by building the escape portal in their own version of the Palace of the Ancient One. Up to twelve adventurers can enter Najena’s Ward of Elements in an attempt to save Najena from the agents of Munzok. Full raid groups will be asked to venture into Munzok’s Material Bastion and find ways to defeat Munzok the Corruptor himself.

• Guild Hall Trophies: Want to show off your guild’s awesome fighting skills? Now you can display a trophy mounted with the head of the raid mob you killed to display in your Guild Hall.

For more details, log on to www.eq2players.com.

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Shot-Online

San Jose-based online game publisher, Gamescampus.com (www.gamescampus.com, run by OnNet USA), announced today the launch of the much anticipated new graduation system for its popular MMO golf simulation game Shot-Online. Beginning today, players can participate in the all-new system which allows players to reach up to level 120 and become a Master Pro. Graduates will earn a host of benefits including graduation memorial clothes, new titles, graduate-only tournaments and much more. The game can be downloaded and played for free at http://shotonline.gamescampus.com/index.asp.

To qualify for this exciting new level of competition, players must be Level 100, have a Tour Pro title and complete the qualification test where they must play four courses with a specific score. They will then play against a selected non-playable-character (NPC) and then go to NPC Anthony Bestra and he will certify the player's qualification.

Once certified, players will go to NPC Harold; tie or score better than Harold and then become a graduate of Shot-Online.

The benefits of being a graduate include graduation memorial clothes that only graduates can wear, new titles of "Senior" for level 101 and "Master Pro" for level 102 or above, graduate classmates (this group will now show up on a player's friends list), graduate-only courses, tournaments, class tournaments and so much more. Another key feature of the graduation system is the "Master Pro and Student Relationship" where Master Pros (level 102 or above) can take a player under their guidance as his or her student. By forming the Master Pro/Student relationship, players, both the Master Pros and the Students, will receive more EXP and key items such as "Magic Cubes". For more information on these new features please visit http://shotonline.gamescampus.com/event/graduationsystem.asp

"We're excited to bring this level of competition to Shot-Online," said Tony Liu, producer of Shot-Online. "We think that players will find the new graduation system not only challenging, but also highly rewarding."

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Ashen Empires: Dungeons of Dransik

Iron Will Games today announced Dungeons of Dransik, the next expansion for the MMORPG Ashen Empires. When released, Dungeons of Dransik will utilize a free, downloadable editor called the Ashen Empires Content Creator. Players will be able to make their own custom dungeon-crawl adventures and then share them in game.

The Content Creator is a light download with intuitive controls that make it easy to design a variety of interesting dungeon adventures without knowledge of scripting or coding. Several art packs will be available to purchase for Dungeons of Dransik, which comes with a large set of free artwork. The Ashen Empires Content Creator allows for infinite game-play possibilities by giving users tools to place NPC’s, triggers, objects, teleporters, and traps on their highly customized maps. Content Creators can also set names and level ranges for creatures on their maps to further customize their creations.

After creating a custom map, players will purchase space to upload their maps to the game server. Iron Will Games will also offer the option to bind it to exclusive and scenic locations. Others can then access and play user-created maps at no cost. Dungeons can be named, rated by others, and tagged with a difficulty level.

Doug Gesler, Iron Will Games Technology Officer says “The Ashen Empires Content Creator allows users to create the same caliber of maps and adventures that our design team delivers; from simple grind pits to intricate adventures, players can make their own vision come to life for others to explore.”

Dungeons of Dransik will be free to download when it is released. Open testing will begin soon. For more information visit the Ashen Empires website and forums.

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Everfall

After months of hard work, ChaosTrend is proud to release their first independently developed game called Everfall. Enter the magical world of Barina and travel on a rollercoaster adventure that will take you to the edge of the Kingdom and back in your attempt to save the land from an unknown evil. You are the only hero left standing that can restore peace and beauty to the land once again, using the power of the wind to help you on your quest in this amazing, unique puzzler game.

The talented team have spent the last 6 months coding an in-house game engine called the “ChaosEngine” from the ground up, utilising current technology and implementing a modular architecture which is fully scriptable using the CTS (ChaosTrend Script) scripting system.

Everfall is the first title which was 100% developed using the ChaosEngine.

Mobile Games:

Baseball Superstars 2009

GAMEVIL USA, the LA-based mobile game publisher, today announced the release of "Baseball Superstars 2009" for the Android Market.

“Baseball Superstars has become our trademark game over the years. This is the 2nd Baseball Superstars series we are launching on the Android Market, and we are excited to see where this will take us. The depth and details we've put into this game is beyond any other baseball game out in the market." says Eusoon Han, marketing manager at GAMEVIL.

In Baseball Superstars 2009 for the Android G1, users can select from 10 teams, 4 stadiums, and unlock 12 hidden characters. There are 5 game modes to play: Normal Mode, My League Mode, Season Mode, Homerun Mode, and Mission Mode. The game is a full baseball simulation, but also includes RPG elements where users can create their players, manage their team, and enhance player’s abilities such as hitting, power and speed - either by training or by purchasing special items and equipment with their salary every season.

Compared to Baseball Superstars 2008, which is already available on the Android Market, Baseball Superstars 2009 has major graphical updates with vibrant colors and has special effects to add excitement. Also, there has been a major overhaul in controls and game interface, optimized for the G1's touch screen.

Baseball Superstars 2009 is now available and G1 users can find it under the Arcade/Action category.

The Baseball Superstars series, GAMEVIL's top seller, has sold more than 8 million copies worldwide since its launch in 2002, establishing itself as one of the best mobile baseball games. For more details on the game, please visit www.gamevil.com

Nintendo Games:

Banjo-Kazooie: Nuts & Bolts - Lost Challenges Add-On pack

Worried that Banjo and Kazooie may be falling back into their lazy ways, L.O.G has created a fresh series of tests and seven additional multiplayer modes for players to continue building their own distinctive vehicle creations. Although Spiral Mountain has been rightfully won, L.O.G. has an enticing reward for completing his new challenges: another version of Klungo’s Arcade game.

Additionally, L.O.G.’s Lost Challenges will include the blueprints from seven lucky Xbox fans from the United States, Canada and Japan whose winning creations were selected by RARE from the recent “Banjo-Kazooie: Nuts & Bolts” fan vehicle design contest. The winning contraptions can be unlocked by Banjo fans upon completion of the Stop ‘N’ Swop feature within “Banjo-Tooie” on Xbox LIVE Arcade later this spring. These incredible machines ranging from a beetle to a carousel and a robot prove that “Banjo-Kazooie: Nuts & Bolts” is a game where the only limits to your adventure is your imagination.

L.O.G.’s Lost Challenges offers players the ability to earn up to 250 achievement points as they immerse themselves into 12 new challenges and 7 new multiplayer games. Releasing on April 7th, it will be available on Xbox LIVE Marketplace for 400 Microsoft points.

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Gears of War 2 - Snowblind Map

“Gears of War 2” fans around the world can engage in even more intense action in treacherous winter settings offered by the latest “Gears of War 2” Add-on, the Snowblind Map Pack. Trudge, crawl and roadie run through the harshest of weather conditions as you and your squadmates dive into four new multiplayer maps.

Spanning tunnels, bridges, courtyards and offices, players can sharpen their skills on the four new maps in the Snowblind Add-on: Grindyard, Under Hill, Courtyard and Fuel Depot. All maps are playable on every “Gears of War 2” multiplayer mode, including the highly popular Horde mode:

• Grindyard is a massive industrial complex located in a junk-processing plant from the days of Sera’s industrial excess. The office, now gutted, serves as a perfect place to fortify, but if you’re not careful, you’ll end up trapped inside the office with no hope of escape.

• Under Hill takes players through snowbound tunnels that were once billed as a feat of Seran engineering. Head for high ground on the bridge and you’ll be rewarded with massive firepower, but be prepared to defend your position and try to escape being cornered.

• Courtyard is a wide-open battle royale containing explosive weapons that once formed the heart of Ephyra’s fashionable Civic Center. Lines of sight are far and clear here, and battles tend to focus around the elevated sniper nest. Watch your back and keep a fresh clip.

• Fuel Depot, back by popular demand, Fuel Depot is a “Gears of War 2” remake of the fan-favorite “Gears of War” map, but winter has set in and the depot is now covered in a blanket of snow. Open and unforgiving, it takes a well-coordinated team to cover all the angles here.

Also added to “Gears of War 2” are nine new Achievements worth 250 points:

Here’s the complete list of achievements, points and descriptions:

• “Rookie Gear” (10 points): Earn enough multiplayer experience to reach level 5 (Public only).

• “Seasoned Gear” (20 points): Earn enough multiplayer experience to reach level 15 (Public only).

• “Battle-Tested Gear” (30 points): Earn enough multiplayer experience to reach level 25 (Public only).

• “Battle-Hardened Gear” (50 points): Reach level 50 and play a match on each of the four Snowblind Map Pack maps (Public only).

• “Veteran Gear” (75 points): Reach level 100 and win a match on each of the four Snowblind Map Pack maps (Public only).

• “Never Eat Red Snow” (20 points): Complete waves 1 through 10 on all Snowblind Map Pack maps in Horde (any difficulty).

• “Icy Dead People” (25 points): Complete waves 1 through 50 on any Snowblind Map Pack map in Horde (any difficulty).

• “Frigid Body Dynamics” (5 points): Play a multiplayer match on each of the four Snowblind Map Pack maps (any mode).

• “The Weather Outside Is Lethal” (15 points): Win a multiplayer match on each of the four Snowblind Map Pack maps (any mode).

The “Gears of War 2” Snowblind Map Pack Add-on is available for download on Xbox LIVE Marketplace starting today for 800 MS Points.

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Sacred 2: Fallen Angel

cdv Software Entertainment USA and Ascaron Entertainment are pleased to release a new in-game action trailer for the upcoming action-RPG - Sacred 2: Fallen Angel. This action-packed video focuses on gameplay from the Xbox 360® version of the game, featuring the majestic High Elf and cybernetic Temple Guardian as they take on all comers. Sacred 2: Fallen Angel is set for a May 12, 2009 release on the Xbox® 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft.

View the trailer streaming

Game Related News:

Game Developers Conference

Think Services’ 2009 Game Developers Conference® (GDC) hosted more than 17,000 game industry professionals last week at San Francisco’s Moscone Convention Center. The world’s largest industry-only event dedicated to the advancement of interactive entertainment attracted the full spectrum of game industry professionals from known luminaries to aspiring and established game developers, to publishers and deal makers to members of the working press. With more than 500 lectures, panels, summits, tutorials and roundtable discussions covering all aspects of the games business, plus a robust Expo and Career Pavilion, the Game Career Seminar, the 11th Annual Independent Games Festival (IGF), the 9th Annual Game Developers Choice Awards, Game Connection America, and more, the five day conference provided innumerable opportunities for sharing knowledge, discussing opportunities, making new connections and celebrating the passion and dedication of fellow game-makers. GDC returns to the Moscone Center March 9-13, 2010.

Satoru Iwata, President of Nintendo Co., Ltd. kicked-off the GDC09 main conference schedule with a keynote address providing an insight into his company’s development processes and thoughts on the opportunities developers have on Nintendo’s platforms Wii, DS and DSi . Hideo Kojima, Corporate Officer, Executive Producer and Director of Kojima Productions, delivered a second keynote address focusing on how he has conquered various development obstacles with creative game design, using the driving game design philosophies behind the Metal Gear series as reference. GDC09 also included the 11th Annual Independent Games Festival and the 9th Annual Game Developers Choice Awards. Erik Svedang’s Blueberry Garden, an exploration game set in an ever-changing ecosystem, received top honors at the IGF, while Bethesda Softworks’ epic post-apocalyptic open-world adventure, Fallout 3, received the Game of the Year Award at the Choice Awards.

“The success of this past week in San Francisco proves the resilience of the games industry,” said event director Meggan Scavio. “It is a testament to the spirit of our more than 20 year old conference and community, and evidence of videogames’ continued evolution into a mainstream form of entertainment, that the various constituents of the industry were able come together at GDC as they did year.”

GDC09 also offered intensive tutorials, GDC Mobile, and a full lineup of summits focusing on emerging trends in the game industry. They included the AI Summit, the Casual Games Summit, the Game Outsourcing Summit, the IGDA Education Summit, the Independent Games Summit, the Localization Summit, the Serious Games Summit, and the Worlds in Motion Summit, all of which took place on the Monday and Tuesday of the week, March 23-24.

All Access Conference pass holders can continue learning post conference with access to over hundreds of viewable sessions from GDC09 and past Game Developer Conferences® via myGDC Vault. For more information on myGDC, the professional networking and scheduling tool of the Game Developers Conferences®, visit http://mygdc.gdconf.com/vault

For a complete list of GDC 2009 event information including GDC Canada, GDC Europe, GDC Austin, and GDC China, please visit http://www.gdconf.com/.

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Today's Press Releases

PC Games:

Majesty 2: The Fantasy Kingdom Sim

Publisher Paradox Interactive together with developer 1C: Ino-Co, have today revealed new details on the Party System in Majesty 2: The Fantasy Kingdom Sim.

Alexey Kozyrev, CEO and Producer at 1C: Ino-Co, explains the role and advantages of a party within the game whereby a group of heroes team-up to fight together. “In Majesty 2 we try to make the heroes mutually complimentary, so that in parties they become stronger than each hero alone. You could say the principle of ‘1+1 = 3 applies.”

Compared to the original Majesty game created by Cyberlore in 2000, the party System will be of much greater importance in Majesty 2. Players will find it more advantageous to form their parties of several classes of character. By joining a party, heroes will be able to realise their full potential as their weaknesses will be offset by the strengths of their companions. For example, a Warrior will be able to brandish his sword in melee combat without the fear of losing all of his health quickly in intense close quarters fighting if he were a lone hero, as his Mage and Archer companions will be able to provide range support for him against their enemies. Heroes of higher levels acquire special abilities designed especially for teamwork.

In contrast to the original game, in Majesty 2 players form parties of heroes themselves. The formation of a party is akin to creating a small battle unit, with the group acting more bravely in combat than alone if they stick together. Some characters will acquire new abilities that can only be used in a group. For example, a Hero-Elf increases the speed of slower members of the group.

Majesty 2 is scheduled for release during 2009 and will be published worldwide by Paradox Interactive. It will be available for digital download at GamersGate.

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Dragonica

Dragonica is the brand new free arcade-style 3D side-scrolling MMORPG. It will be available to download across Europe in English, French and German this Spring from the www.gpotato.eu gaming portal. As the gPotato Europe team prepares for the Closed Beta, the brand new Dragonica website http://dragonica.gpotato.eu has been launched.

The brand new website covers everything you need to know about the world of Dragotaka ahead of the Closed Beta. Find out how a modern arcade-style 3D side-scroller plays with lots of gameplay footage and fantastic screenshots. Immerse yourself in Dragonica storyline’s by reading about the game or watch the rendered cinematic trailer as the witch Paris frees the evil Dragon Lord Elga from his prison.

Dragonica also includes this year’s most frantic multiplayer mode in the classic ten player PvP mode. Find out how to set up your own Guild in the game, how you’ll be able to hook up with another player and form a couple, and how easy it is to use the game’s friends list to find and form a party with other players. Learn about the different characters and see how you’ll be able to use the game’s character creation tool to build your online identity, decorate your own in-game house and raise a pet and bring into battle with you.

But wait, there’s more! The next generation of online MMORPGs shifts the gameplay from clicky mouse-controlled combat to precise combo-based action where you have to land every hit and get your timing right to keep the combo going. Dragonica’s keyboard only control system allows you to bring console style gaming to your PC, notebook or netbook!

You’d be silly not to try Dragonica, 2009’s brightest and most frantic arcade-style MMORPG! Pre-registration is now open for the English, French and German Closed Betas at the official European Dragonica website.

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Kraze

Candella Systems Ltd and 7Seas Technologies Ltd are pleased to announce Kraze™, a multi-genre racing game for the PC.

Armed with an array of the most powerful cars ever designed, players compete for the Kraze Championship which includes racing modes such as Off Road, Rally, F1 and Street Race. Kraze challenges the player's concentration, car handling and racing skills on a variety of environments from narrow city lanes, perilous mountain cliffs to the shimmering sands of a mirage-strewn desert.

The salient features of Kraze™ include:

• 13 different vehicles with varying speed and handling

• 8 different locations around the world

• Off-Road, Rally, F1 & Street Race modes

• Championship, Quick Race & Time Trial

• Individual profiles and vehicle customisation

• Slow motion action replays and recording of races

Kraze™ on the PC will be available to buy this summer.

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Golemizer

Dave Toulouse, an independent game developer, announced the first free content expansion, Diluculo Island, for the free web MMORPG Golemizer. A free 2D steampunk MMORPG, Golemizer requires no download or plug-in to play and features a rich sandbox environment.

Following the path of a mysterious scientist named Dr. Grant, players will discover an island where strange creatures, the bymizins, are living. Are they friendly? Are they hostile? Players will have to find out for themselves while facing the many dangers of the island like giant spiders, zombie velociraptors and the terrifying X-Rex (a steam powered dinosaur).

Along a storyline of 100 new quests, the Diluculo Island expansion features:

- Over 200 new zones to explore

- 3 new golems that players can create (zombie velociraptor, mecha repair-o-tron and even the X-Rex)

- 10 new skills available to all characters

- New island themed items that players can buy to customize their cities and dungeons

- The first vehicle in Golemizer, a blimp that can be built by players!

To meet the requirements of the constantly growing number of players and NPCs (over 10 000), Golemizer has recently been moved to a new server to provide the best gaming experience possible.

Since its release in September 2008, more than 19,000 players have roamed the creative world of Golemizer. In their journey, they have created 1,200 quests using the player quests creation system, crafted over 800,000 items and created more than 5,000 new zones using the player dungeon system.

There is a YouTube channel including a teaser for Diluculo Island

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Sky Kingdoms

Alawar Entertainment, a leading publisher of casual games, today released Sky Kingdoms, an arcade puzzler featuring advanced graphics and gameplay that challenges the best-selling Luxor series for the title of best marble popper.

Sky Kingdoms transports the player to a visually stunning realm where a chain of magic crystals holds dozens of islands in place above a yawning chasm. Unfortunately, an evil dragon has broken the chain and disturbed the balance of the world by stealing one of the gems. If the player doesn’t reclaim the crystal before the left over magic runs out, the islands will plunge into the abyss.

To defeat the beast, the player must gather mana by firing colored spheres at chains of rolling marbles in an attempt to create matches and destroy the orbs. If the player is skilled enough to create several matches in a row, he’ll earn bonuses that will allow him to incinerate spheres, roll the chain backwards and even freeze time.

In a new twist for marble poppers, Sky Kingdoms features boss levels in which the player confronts the minions of the dragon and must dodge their attacks. These adrenaline-pumping sequences are packed with explosive visual and audio effects, creating the feel of a spectacular action game.

"Sky Kingdoms was in development for two years," says Denis Sedovich, producer. "We used that time to optimize the graphics engine, polish the gameplay and create as much eye candy as possible. We also focused on creating inventive bonuses that allow gamers to set off spectacular chain reactions that can destroy an entire chain and trigger a deluge of coins. Plus, as players advance through Sky Kingdoms, they can purchase upgrades that will increase the power of the bonuses even more."

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Global Agenda

Hi-Rez Studios gave the first hands-on demonstration of its spy-fi action MMO Global Agenda at the San Francisco Game Developers Conference, which wraps up today. Media and guests experienced fast-paced combat, in both PvE and PvP missions, using stations within the Hi-Rez exhibition booth and playing real-time with remote players.

"Our combat system was inspired by modern multiplayer shooters", says Executive Producer Todd Harris. "But in addition to firearms, we've added melee, hundreds of other high-tech player-usable devices, and jetpacks! We find it a refreshing change from the standard tab-targeting found within fantasy MMOs and we've been thrilled to see the reaction from others here at the show. And while we think our combat system is a major differentiator, we're equally excited about the RPG advancement system and the opportunity for player-groups to compete for territory control."

Booth guests also got a taste of Global Agenda's sophisticated, face-customization system and the introductory game sequence in which the player's special agent character escapes from the clutches of an oppressive world government called The Commonwealth.

"Players begin as a fugitive", Todd says. "But after choosing a class and advancing their agent skills via PvE or PvP missions, they encounter other groups within the world and choose which ones to align with. We expect most players will eventually participate in our Campaign mode which allows player groups to acquire territory within the world, construct facilities, defenses, and bases on that territory, produce resources, and engage in the player-driven drama to dominate a region."

Hi-Rez Studios also announced that they are still accepting applications toward their upcoming closed Beta. Players looking for a refreshing take on the MMO genre were encouraged to apply at www.globalagendagame.com.

Nintendo Games:

Gormiti

Konami Digital Entertainment GmbH announces exclusive video game range based on Giochi Preziosi best-selling toy range

Konami Digital Entertainment GmbH has announced it has entered into an exclusive, global licensing agreement with Giochi Preziosi and Marathon Media to develop and publish video games based on the hugely successful Gormiti action figure and entertainment franchise.

The new agreement expands the Gormiti phenomenon into the interactive entertainment software category with the first Gormiti titles to be released for Nintendo DS and Wii gaming systems.

Gormiti is the story of the never ending battle on the ‘Island of Gorm’ between vast armies inspired by the elemental forces of nature. Created and first launched by Giochi Preziosi in 2005, the expansive product line inspired by the heroes of Gorm is Europe’s fastest growing action figure brand. With over 100 million figures sold to date, Gormiti ranks among the category best sellers in all major European markets and is quickly gaining speed following its launch in the US earlier this year.

All new Gormiti adventures are featured in the Giochi Preziosi/Marathon Media co-production of a 52 episode, animated TV series entitled ‘Gormiti - The Lords of Nature Return’. The animated series premiered in Italy to record ratings via the Mediaset network in September 2008 and will launch in fall 2009 on M6 in France and on RTL 2 in Germany. Broadcaster for other countries, including UK and Spain will be announced after MIP TV 2009.

“The Gormiti licence is one that is ideally suited to video games,” commented Kunio Neo, President for Konami Digital Entertainment GmbH. “The collection side of it and the eternal battle between these elemental forces opens up a wide range of exciting possibilities. The games will be entrusted to our European development studio, and we look forward to unleashing the Gormiti armies on DS and Wii in the near future.”

“Konami’s global reach and marketing expertise combined with their proven ability to translate an action packed and character rich property like Gormiti into an exciting and sustainable video game franchise makes them a perfect partner to compliment and expand upon the Gormiti phenomenon” said Giochi Preziosi’s CEO Dario Berte. “Konami understands the magical appeal of Gormiti. We are excited and proud to be partnering with a company that shares our passion for creating a gaming experience that will bring these amazing characters to life for dedicated Gormiti fans and video game enthusiasts of all ages.”

Vincent Chalvon Demersay, President of Marathon Media, said, “The stories and characters that make “Gormiti - The Lords of Nature Return” such a unique and fascinating television series also make it a great candidate for adaptation as an exciting interactive gaming adventure. Konami has an exceptional track record of developing high quality games that capture the imagination and extend the entertainment experience into the gaming arena.”

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Clover

Binary Tweed Ltd. today release new screenshots of début title Clover (featuring a newly redesigned lead character Sam) and also announce a revised release window of April. Clover is to be released via Xbox LIVE Community Games for 400 Microsoft Points.

The screenshots feature new artwork, new locations and a new dynamic sky-blending system that means that the player's view of the game world is constantly changing. Lead character Sam has been given an overhaul based on community feedback.

Clover features so much artwork that some is destined to be left on the cutting room floor, after the game hit Microsoft's mandatory 150mb maximum size limit imposed on Community Games. Gamers anticipating Clover's release can now follow Binary Tweed on Twitter and the Clover Facebook Group.

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Alien Hominid HD

Alien Hominid HD, the award winning Xbox LIVE® Arcade game from The Behemoth, will be “Deal of the Week” beginning March 30th. The game will see a 400 point price drop during this time. As an added bonus, players who own Alien Hominid HD (and have received at least one achievement) will unlock the playable Alien character for Castle Crashers®, Xbox LIVE Arcade’s Game of the Year for 2008.

“There has never been a better time to get to know our little yellow friend who started it all!” said Kelly Revak, Mayor of Behemothtown and Community Ambassador. “Charge up your power shot and go chomp some heads!” Accused of being the hardest but funniest game in the universe by five different species of sentient beings, the oft-overlooked “easy mode” can be used by hominids in training.

As a feisty yet adorable alien, gamers must fend off FBI agents in search of their coveted spacecraft. With unique, hand-drawn characters and weapons, this award-winning title is the epitome of quirky humor and intergalactic fun. Sixteen levels, seven mini-games, and jump-in anytime multiplayer capability adds to the cosmic mayhem. Alien Hominid HD from The Behemoth is a side-scrolling extraterrestrial experience like no other, and is available now for download on Xbox LIVE Arcade for Xbox 360.

Game Features

• Sixteen levels and seven mini-games, including “All You Can Eat” and “PDA Games,” now with online multiplayer support.

• Main and Mini-games high scores are tracked on the Xbox LIVE Leaderboards.

• Multiplayer modes enable co-op play and per controller difficulty.

• Earn up to 12 Achievements and 200 Gamerscore points.

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Castle Crashers

Castle Crashers, the most downloaded Xbox LIVE ® Arcade title released in 2008, is also the fan favorite according to the 2nd Annual Xbox LIVE Arcade Awards. Over 185,000 Xbox LIVE Arcade community members cast their votes awarding Castle Crashers the top honor of “Game of the Year” as well as “Best Original Game” and “Best Co-op Mode.” Four-player online capabilities, deep replay value, and downright fun gameplay helped Castle Crashers stand out among the excellent games released in 2008.

“These awards are particularly meaningful to us because they were decided by the players themselves.” said Kelly Revak, Mayor of Behemothtown and Community Ambassador. “A BIG thank you to all who voted, you are the wind beneath our chicken wings! Seriously, we have the best fans in the whole world.”

Castle Crashers continues it’s record-breaking pace, remaining in the top five most downloaded titles since its August 2008 release. With over 800,000 players now on the leaderboards, Castle Crashers is on track to attract 1 million players within a year of launch, a feat few Arcade titles have achieved.

iPhone and iPod Touch Games:

iSoldierAnts

iSoldierAnts is a successful windows mobile game due for release on the iPhone on the 10th of April. It supports up to 4 players either Human or AI, campaign and single battle modes and 7 different level themes from WinterWonderland, Western, Ruins, Jungle, Fruit, Countryside and Beach. There are a large array of weapons ranging from traditional Air Strikes, RPG, Cluster Bombs and Grenades to Snowballs, Pistols and Aardvarks. With its intuitive interface the weapon selection, trajectory and power controls are straightforward. If you are a Worms fan or have had a lot of fun with the recent iShoot then you will love this.

Multi-Platform Games:

Ferrari Challenge: Trofeo Pirelli

London-based publisher System 3 today re-affirmed its PlayStation 3 downloadable content plans for racing simulation game Ferrari Challenge: Trofeo Pirelli. This content will come in the form of five brand new Ferrari models and one new track, and is set to launch in May 2009 (PAL territories – NTSC details tba). Each car also provides gamers with a brand new Trophy to race for. The DLC pack includes:

Car 1: 430 Scuderia

The 430 Scuderia is just one of five stunning new Ferraris available to download and throw around the tracks of Ferrari Challenge! Visually striking with a distinctive exhaust sound, every last detail of the Ferrari 430 Scuderia exudes uncompromising sporting finesse as a direct result of its close links to Ferrari Challenge racing. And with the car’s development process aided by none other than Michael Schumacher, it’s not hard to understand why it’s been such a hit with Ferrari enthusiasts.

It’s both lighter and more powerful than the standard F430 and can achieve 0-60mph in 3.1 seconds, with a top speed of 198mph! It can also complete a lap at Fiorano (Ferrari’s test track) in a time comparable to that of the Enzo, the car that has come to epitomise Ferrari's philosophy of transferring F1 content to its road cars.

Car 2: 599 GTB Fiorano

Introducing the Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano. It might present a bit of a mouthful but the car’s name sums it up perfectly. Fiorano is the circuit Ferrari uses to hone the performance of its track and road cars; GTB refers to ‘Gran Turismo Berlinetta’ (the most famous Ferrari berlinettas ever built); and 599 reflects the 5999cc, V12 engine. With all that hype it’s a good job that the car doesn’t disappoint! In fact, we’d say it sets a high benchmark of excellence in the sports car world.

The 599 GTB Fiorano sprints from 0 to 60mph in under 3.7 seconds and boasts a top speed in excess of 206mph! In 2006 the car won Evo’s Car of the Year award and Top Gear Magazine’s SuperCar of the Year award. However, it’s still the new model's uniquely innovative and luxurious inners that guarantee superior driving pleasure.

Car 3: 612 Scaglietti Sessanta

The 612 Scaglietti Sessanta is just one of 60 truly unique 60th anniversary celebration cars. Based on the 612 Scaglietti, the Prancing Horse's range-topping Gran Turismo combines blistering performance and superb handling with superior comfort, sumptuously handcrafted trim, state-of-the-art accessories and meticulous attention to detail. It’s a beautiful but powerful machine made even more desirable by its extremely limited availability. The 2-door coupe can reach speeds of 195mph.

A few years ago it was featured on UK car program Top Gear, where host Jeremy Clarkson raced against, and beat, his plane and train-faring co-hosts in a race from the UK to Switzerland. We can’t offer you the opportunity to re-enact that race but we can allow you to download the car and race on any track in Ferrari challenge!

Car 4: 330 P4

Presenting the ultra curvaceous and instantly recognisable Ferrari 330 P4. As one of the most revered cars in Ferrari’s long and illustrious history, the 330 P4 remains one of the most evocative shapes ever created. Powered by an F1-derived, 4-litre V12, it produces 450bhp and is capable of speeds of over 200mph. The sexy motor grabbed the headlines in 1967 when Ferrari beat the Ford GT40 in the ‘24 Hours Of Daytona’ event with a 1-2-3 finish! Company founder Enzo Ferrari kept a picture of the winning trio’s final approach for as long as he lived.

To this day only one completely original car remains. This fact, combined with the car’s obvious historical significance, has made it one of the most sought after, rare and valuable cars in the world today! Now there’s a story to be thinking about when you’re racing it around Monza…

Car 5: Enzo Ferrari

May we present another of System 3’s brand new DLC Ferrari motors: the awe-inspiring Enzo! Built to celebrate four years at the top of the F1 Constructors’ Championship, the car is a marriage of cutting edge technologies and is named after Ferrari’s founding member. Combining an F1 gearbox with a 5998cc, V12 engine and a carbon fibre body, the Enzo is a formidable drive that can achieve a top speed of 227mph and accelerate from 0-60mph in just 3.14 seconds! Its super-stylised chassis and gutsy roar are unmistakable and, six years on, it still drops jaws.

Whenever the car turns up at auction it regularly sells for over $1 million with the famed 400th charity auction car selling for $1.27 million in 2005! All of which, in our humble opinion, makes the Enzo a pretty special car. Coveted by collectors and the stuff of owner-drivers’ dreams, the Enzo is now ready for Ferrari Challenge owners to enjoy. And trust us, you won’t be disappointed!

Track 1: Nürburgring

System 3 are proud to present the awesome German GP race track Nürburgring! The 5.15km-long ‘GP-Streke’ section of the track is most notably used for GP2 and F1 racing, with many drivers claiming it to be one of the most challenging purpose-built circuits in the world. As a booster for German pride, Michael Schumacher set the lap record of 1.29.468, a time achieved in the F2004 Ferrari F1 car in the 2004 F1 season.

Nürburgring is well known for its long home straight, which is closely followed by a blind, narrow and barrier-laden first corner. It’s just the beginning of what is an extremely demanding circuit. As long as the GP-Streke section of the track is, it’s actually only a fraction of the 28.26km-long Gesamtstrecke (‘whole course’), a track which takes over 6 minutes to drive around in the average supercar! So get downloading and master one of the most demanding tracks on the racing circuit!

Cars and the track will be available individually or as a pack. An exact launch date and price for this DLC pack will be announced in the near future.

PlayStation 3 users who have not previously taken their console online will also be prompted to download the latest patch for the game, which address various minor issues and improve certain aspects of the game. These include:

Ferrari Challenge PS3 Patch Version 02.20

- adjustable steering wheel resistance added.

- multiplayer collision option added.

- 30-minute race duration option added in Multiplayer.

- minor Multiplayer connection issues resolved.

- Trophy support added.

- XMB background music support added in single player.

- Photo mode added to Showroom.

- lap split-times added to Time Trial mode.

- gear indicator added to in-car view.

- ‘Legend’ A.I. difficulty added.

- Host & Friends options refined.

- reservation system in Private lobbies implemented.

- frame rate improved in 1080p mode.

- improved detail in 1080 modes.

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Black Prophecy

During the course of the Game Developers Conference and the Game Connection 2009 in San Francisco, Reakktor Media GmbH today released a new cinematic trailer for their highly anticipated next-generation space action MMO “Black Prophecy”.

Amongst others, the trailer shows never before seen in-game epic battle action between the two dominant races, the Tyi and the Genides, and gives a first glimpse on the mysterious alien race known as “The Restorers”.

Games Related News:

Dante's Inferno

Electronic Arts Inc. (NASDAQ: ERTS) and Starz Media’s Film Roman announced today the start of production on an animated movie based on the immortal epic Dante’s Inferno™. The feature-length project will expand on the story in EA’s new, must-have game coming out for the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system and PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system in 2010.

Just as the poem and game take players on a stunning journey through the nine circles of Hell, the “Dante’s Inferno” animated feature will also follow Dante as he travels through limbo, lust, gluttony, greed, anger, heresy, violence, fraud and treachery in search of his true love, Beatrice. Both are based on part one of Dante Alighieri’s classic poem, “The Divine Comedy,” better known as “Dante’s Inferno.”

To give added distinction among each of the nine circles, EA and Film Roman (co-producers on the “Dante’s Inferno” project) are taking the innovative step of commissioning unique visions from multiple studios with experience creating some of the top anime in the industry to tell this classic story. Film Roman’s Joe Goyette (“Dead Space™: Downfall”) is the producer on the project, Victor Cook (“The Spectacular Spider-Man,” “Hellboy Animated: Blood & Iron”) is directing and Brandon Auman (“Iron Man: Armored Adventures”) is writing.

“This is like nothing else out in the marketplace right now – a visually stunning project based on one of the most powerful stories ever told,” notes Jay Fukuto, Head of Studio for Film Roman. “It could only happen with a partner with the vision and creativity of EA. They were great collaborators on ‘Dead Space: Downfall,’ and we expect another very rewarding experience with this new feature.”

“The animated feature will be a great companion piece to the game,” said Jonathan Knight, Executive Producer and Creative Director for Dante’s Inferno. “The feature will explore aspects of the poem that the game does not, and will provide more insight into the characters and the unique story adaptation that the game has established. It’s a very cool project, and we are having a blast collaborating with the talented team that Starz has assembled.”

“Dante’s Inferno” marks the second such collaboration between the leading video game company and the premier traditional animation studio. In 2008, Film Roman produced “Dead Space: Downfall,” an animated feature prequel to EA’s award-winning video game Dead Space, both of which were both worldwide successes.

Starz Media will introduce the “Dante’s Inferno” animated feature to the international television community as it continues global sales of “Dead Space: Downfall” at the MIP-TV market, March 30-April 3 in Cannes, France. Anchor Bay Entertainment will hold exclusive worldwide home entertainment distribution rights to “Dante’s Inferno,” while Starz Media’s Worldwide Distribution group will handle international television and domestic syndication sales and Starz Digital Media will be responsible for all digital distribution globally.

The Dante’s Inferno game is being developed at EA Redwood Shores.

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Penalty of Heroes

At Gotland University in Sweden the students spend one year developing one large game to earn their degree. All lectures and literature received during the one year course IGPS (International Game Production Studies) are connected to the game they make. Since the course is on-line based, anyone in the world with the right qualifications can apply.

Gotland University has several game related educations. The course IGPS, takes the students through different focus areas from idea, concept development, via planning and production, to release. All of the assignments given to the students are applied to the game they are developing. -”Learning by doing is by far the best way of learning. That’s why everything in this course is related to one game project that the students do. That means that all your efforts during the education will go to improving the game” says Troels Linde, teacher at Gotland University.

One of the games this year is “Penalty of Heroes” a game that will be released on Xbox Live this fall. -“This is a large project with over 10 people involved and we have to manage it like any other big budget project such as the games made by Blizzard or Valve. It’s a great way to get experience and education at the same time” says Håkan Mattsson, producer of the game.

Many of the former students at Gotland University are now working at well-known game studios such as DICE, Grin, Avalanche and Massive Entertainment. The cooperation with these established game studios is one of the key factors to good education. -“We get mentors from successful game studios that give us feedback and share their experiences regarding game development. It’s a true privilege” says Nicklas Johansson, student at IGPS.

Some students start their own game companies after their education. The well reviewed PC game “Penumbra – Overtune” released in 2007, was one of the first games developed at IGPS.

April 14th is the last application day for the class of IGPS starting in September 2009.

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Warhammer Online: Age of Reckoning

Mythic Entertainment™, an Electronic Arts Inc. (NASDAQ: ERTS) studio, and The Black Library, a division of Games Workshop, have announced that the original Warhammer® novel Dark Storm Gathering is now available in stores. The second in a series based on the award-winning MMORPG, Warhammer® Online: Age of Reckoning® (WAR), Dark Storm Gathering is a tale of blood, treachery, and Chaos in a world perpetually at WAR!

Penned by Black Library author Chris Wraight, Dark Storm Gathering tells the story of an unlikely party of adventurers forced to form an uneasy alliance with the armies of the Empire to repel the forces of Chaos. With the grim march of the Tchar’zanek, Champion of the fell powers of Chaos, underway and the Empire of Man suffering from plague and mutations, only the intervention of the High Elves offers respite. However, they are beset by foes of their own, the murderous Dark Elves. When the prospect of treachery behind Imperial lines looms, four heroes – Archmage, White Lion, Witch Hunter and Knight of the Blazing Sun – must work together to uncover the corruption before all is lost.

“Chris Wraight has crafted a dark tale that thrusts players into the frontlines of the war between Order and Destruction. It’s packed to the brim with blood, battles, and all the things that make the Warhammer world so gripping,” said Mark Jacobs, VP and General Manager at Mythic Entertainment. “Dark Storm Gathering captures the essence of WAR perfectly.”

For further information about the WAR novel, Dark Storm Gathering, visit www.blacklibrary.com.

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Today's Press Releases

PC Games:

Runes of Magic

Frogster announced today the new instance ‘Ruins of the Ice Dwarf Kingdom’ which will lead players into the dwarfish realm. The once proud fortress on the Dragonfang Ridge will expand the Runes of Magic world in a few weeks time with a further group challenge for those at a level between 35 to 40. The players however first have to earn their right to enter and there are quests waiting for the players before they are granted entry into the fortress. The monumental ruins with their richly ornate outer walls and mighty stone columns can only hint at the masterly architectural skill of their constructors.

In the wake of a devastating defeat, the original inhabitants of the ‘Ruins of the Ice Dwarf Kingdom’ fled to the innermost corners of the complex. They suspect there is important information to be learnt about the people in the ruins and Taborean scholars are increasingly setting forth in courageous groups to fathom out their secret. A slumbering secret in the form of a ‘Font of Power’, lays hidden in a subterranean part of the city.

On their route into the depths, players can expect some tricky challenges: the whole complex is home to middle bosses, who have to be conquered. And so kitchens, wine cellars and living quarters of the erstwhile king become the setting for gripping battles between game-hardened hero troops and their adversaries. The nearer the adventure gets to the final boss, the hotter things get. In a subterranean cave the ‘Font of Power’ is watched over by the fire giant Thynos. Now all energies have to be summoned in order to extinguish him. This is the only way that the remaining inhabitants of the surrounding area can be spared a terrible catastrophe.

Although the ‘Ruins of the Ice Dwarf Kingdom’ will be implemented into the game in a few weeks time, there is a video trailer now available on the official Runes of Magic website http://www.runesofmagic.com/en/videos.html which offers a peek into the forgotten world of the Ice Dwarves.

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KenKen

Greenstreet Online Ltd are pleased to announce the much anticpated release of Greenstreet’s KenKen - the challenging puzzler being described as even more addictive than Su Doku!

KenKen is a fun, fast and addictive Su Doku style puzzler based on both logic and arithmetic. If you enjoy Su Doku then you will love KenKen – it’s a great way to have fun and exercise your brain at the same time! If you can’t get enough KenKen in The Times, this is the perfect way to have a never ending supply at your fingertips.

The rules are simple yet the game itself more challenging. Like Su Doku, KenKen is played on a grid, the numbers in each outlined set of cells must combine to the answer shown in the top left hand corner of the cell using the mathematical operation indicated.

As well as providing hours of entertainment, KenKen provides a fun way of brain training for adults and can help improve a childs numeracy, logic skills and develop concentration.

Greenstreet’s KenKen is the perfect choice for all ages as it caters for all abilities - with 4 skill levels; Easy through to Fiendish and 4 Puzzle Sizes; Small (4 x 4 grid) through to largest (7 x7 grid). Plus for novices or those just wanting a little help there are other options which can be turned on or off – ‘Indicate Illegal Moves’ – with this switched on the cell will turn to green if correct or red if you have made a mistake. ‘Show possibilities’ provides pencil marks of number options to help you out. Should you get really stuck there’s a ‘hint button’ plus a ‘solve puzzle’ button.

With an unlimited amount of puzzles Greenstreets KenKen represents incredible value for a lifetime of fun and challenges!

KenKen from greenstreet will be available as a download from the 27th March at a special launch price of just £4.99 – that’s half the price of the standard SRP (£9.99).

For avid puzzlers or those who are just a little bit curious you can enjoy playing a sneak preview of greenstreets KenKen by visiting www.free-online-kenken.co.uk

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Divinity 2: Ego Draconis

Ever wanted to slay a Dragon? But what about getting beneath the skin of the Dragon and actually become one? Find out how on the upcoming RPG highlight Divinity 2: Ego Draconis

Today, publisher dtp entertainment and developer Larian Studios launch the brand new official website, where you can hear about the game, the world of Rivellon and all the exciting and challenging quests and obstacles a former dragon slayer has to overcome to succeed.

The new Divinity 2: Ego Draconis homepage will be updated regularly with new videos, podcasts and download goodies, taken directly out of the development studios. Check out the first podcast, in which Lead Game Designer Farhang Namdar explains the creation of the Divinity 2 Battle Tower.

Divinity 2: Ego Draconis takes the player back to Rivellon, more than half a century after the Divine came to power. Much has happened there since, but the death of the Divine –the hero of the previous game– is undoubtedly the greatest tragedy. He was slain by a Dragon Knight during a battle with Damian, Rivellon’s arch nemesis. The Divine’s paladins swore revenge and so the order of the Dragon Slayers came to be.

Rivellon, the beautiful but war torn world first explored in Divinity 2’s award winning predecessor, features many areas and labyrinths for the player to explore freely. This world is the home of plenty of non-player characters, offering a multitude of quests and storylines, or just the latest gossip. Because of the branched quest system, the player’s decisions can have long reaching consequences.

The player is set on an unexpected quest that will unveil hidden truths, reveal old evils and shall have grave implications on the whole of Rivellon.

Divinity 2 – Ego Draconis, developed by Larian Studios and published by dtp entertainment, will be released in Q2 2009 for PC and the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft. Divinity 2 offers next gen, story based RPG entertainment.

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Achron

Hazardous Software™ unveiled Achron™, the world’s first meta-time strategy game, at the 2009 Game Developers Conference® in San Francisco, California. The next revolution in time travel gameplay was demonstrated at the Experimental Gameplay Session.

Designed to reinvent the real-time strategy genre by allowing all players to travel through time, Achron is a futuristic science fiction game. Players and units have the ability to jump to and play at different times simultaneously and independently. Time travel is free and unlimited but it costs energy to change the time line. Players will be challenged to invent new strategies in a world where it is possible for them and their opponents to undo mistakes, change a strategy after committing to it, and alter the outcome of past battles.

“Time travel transforms the strategy game landscape,” stated Christopher Hazard, president and cofounder of Hazardous Software. “It opens up new dimensions of strategies and gameplay. For example, imagine being able to see when and where your opponents are going to attack before they do.”

Achron features both a captivating single player campaign and an online multiplayer mode. In addition to being able to build, expand, and attack as in typical RTS games, new mechanisms such as command hierarchy and smart-idling ease the management of a complex time travel environment. An intuitive user interface depicts events in the past and future allowing the player to navigate the time line.

“Achron signifies the creation of a brand new sub-genre of video games that utilize gimmick-free time travel as one of the core gameplay mechanisms,” said Mike Resnick, lead developer and cofounder of Hazardous Software. “The popular type of time travel abundant in science fiction is now available to the gaming community.”

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ARMA II – Website Update

505 Games and Bohemia Interactive have leaked more information about ARMA II. This latest intel takes an in-depth look at the huge selection of weaponry in this highly-anticipated military simulator, and can be immediately analysed at http://www.arma2.com.

ARMA II features 40 accurately-modelled weapons and more than 80 variations on man-portable rocket launchers of both Western and Eastern origin, as well as a range of aiming devices and accessories. The accuracy and power of each weapon has been matched to real-life ammunition specifications, as well as incorporating feedback on weapon behaviour based on the real-life experience of Bohemia’s military advisors. Not only does the ammunition type influence the power of a round, but also the number and colour of tracers, which also follow real-life specifications.

Each faction the player meets in the game uses their own assortment of pistols, assault rifles, rocket launchers, sniper rifles and machineguns. Special Forces use unique personal weaponry, including silenced and camouflaged weapons, or specially designed configurations typical of the Russian Spetsnaz. Government troops will use advanced anti-air and anti-armour rocket launchers, while Guerrillas stick with older design guided rockets and the proven RPG-7, together with commonly used sniper rifles, as well as high-calibre sniper rifles in camouflaged variants to go with sniper ghillie suits.

All weapon models have been matched to real world schematics with extreme precision and, accompanied by a short description and image, are being declassified in thematic groups every 12 hours starting this morning.

ARMA II will be available in 2009.

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Guns of August - Updated

Matrix Games and Adanac Command Studies are pleased to release a new comprehensive v1.32 update for their WWI strategy game, Guns of August. The update includes many bug fixes and over 30 enhancements or new features including AI fixes and improvements and a major change to the rules for transferring supplies and materials between countries. Under the new transfer system, moving supplies over land and sea have different requirements. Seaborne transfer requires a port or allied port and sea transports in order to complete. Consequently, countries can no longer transfer supplies to Britain without abiding by these rules.

David Heath, Director of Operations at Matrix Games, said “Guns of August does an impressive job of capturing the unique strategic and operational circumstances found in the First World War. It’s design brings across the planning and pace of combined operations that were part of warfare in that era. A great deal of additional work has been put into this game by Adanac since the last official update and we believe all Guns of August owners will be very happy with the results.”

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East India Company

Paradox Interactive today released a new trailer and details for East India Company, the upcoming naval war strategy game developed by Nitro Games.

Paradox also revealed new details about the gameplay in East India Company. The innovative Direct Command mode during naval battles allows players to take direct control over a single ship, giving players previously unseen control over the ship’s actions during battle. Players are able to toggle between the more traditional RTS mode where you control multiple ships and the Direct Command mode where you take the command of an individual ship.

In Direct Command mode the players can toggle through different views from 3rd person view behind the ship to a 1st person view that puts the player in the middle of the crew in action on ships deck, thus allowing better control over cannons & aiming and ship manoeuvring. The players experience the action firsthand as enemy fire flies overhead and the ship rocks in the turbulent seas.

When taking the control of the flagship players can take advantage of the skills of the fleet commander. All fleets have their own unique fleet commanders with a set of active and passive skills. The passive skills are in force throughout the battle where as the active skills can be activated by player and are in force for a short period of time.

For example, one commander will have an accuracy skill that will improve the accuracy of shots fired from the ship, where as another commander will have an feared skill resulting lowered morale for all enemy ships.

To watch the East India Company trailer, please visit: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jcgW6tJNGwg. East India Company is scheduled for release in Q3 2009

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Atlantica Online and Luminary: Rise of the GoonZu

NDOORS Interactive today announced from the Game Developers’ Conference plans to release major updates to Atlantica Online, their successful MMORPG (massively multiplayeronline role playing game) title as well as new updates to Luminary: Rise of the GoonZu. Additionally, NDOORS plans to release a new title, WonderKing, in the second quarter of 2009. The new title will add to NDOORS’ growing library of high-quality, free-to-play MMO games, while the new content updates for their existing games will ensure a fresh gameplay experience for the players currently enjoying them.

This year will bring a number of refreshing updates that are scheduled for Atlantica Online, a strategic, turn-based MMORPG that combines innovative combat with character/party development and city/country management. After opening their 6th server to meet consumer demand and ensure smooth gameplay, Atlantica Online will continue to provide loyal fans and newcomers alike with the following content updates:

• 100 vs. 100: Battle with up to one hundred friends to manage attacks, coordinate tactics, collect resources and construct buildings in this RTS-style war.

• Titan Server: Atlantica’s first cross-server PvP battle area will create the first true test of who is the best between all servers.

• Housing System: Players will be able to build their own houses to raise children, educate mercenaries, and show off belongings, or decide to set up mines and gardens to cultivate resources or build a workshop to help with crafting projects.

Luminary, another of NDOORS’ free-to-play MMORPGs that incorporates real-world politics and economics, will also be experiencing new and continual content updates. NDOORS plans to fully recognize and reward the loyal fans of its longest running MMORPG and has done so already, as seen with the updates resulting in a higher level cap, new hunting grounds, new enemies, new weapons, and new quests.

In addition to the release of the new updates, WonderKing is scheduled for closed beta in the second quarter of 2009. This 2D, side-scrolling MMORPG takes players on a wildly adventurous journey with story-by-story quests, much like a fantasy novel. Players will travel from beautiful beaches to murky marshlands and frigid snowfields as they take on the mantle of WonderKing to save the world. Designed for gamers of all ages, WonderKing’s character advancement system allows players to grow into higher classes, each designed to suit different play styles.

“We are constantly thinking of new ways to improve the gaming experience for Alantica and Luminary enthusiasts and are looking forward to hearing what our fans think of the current updates,” said Peter Kang, CEO of NDOORS Interactive. “Our new title, WonderKing, will be an exciting addition to our library of MMORPGs, providing something gamers of all ages can enjoy.”

For more information on Atlantica Online, visit: http://www.playatlantica.com or check out the new trailer. For more information on Luminary: Rise of the GoonZu, visit: http://www.playluminary.com.

DS Games:

Challenge Me

Oxygen Games™ announces the release of the first two titles in a new range of games designed to relax and stimulate your mind; Challenge Me: Brain Puzzles and Challenge Me: Maths Workout!

Relax, Play and improve your mind. Challenge Me: Brain Puzzles and Challenge Me: Maths Workout, with their extended gameplay and variety of features, give you the chance to test yourself while having fun. Guaranteed to stimulate and surprise with hours of gameplay to keep you entertained, the Challenge Me range is a relaxing and entertaining way to keep your mind challenged and stimulated.

Challenge Me: Brain Puzzles not only offers a thousand puzzles of all challenge levels, it incorporates two of the most popular number based puzzles, Sudoku & Picture Logic! Challenge Me: Brain Puzzles will not only bring you hours of fun and relaxation, it may also improve your mental skills.

Challenge Me: Maths Workout, incorporating two number puzzle games, will not only bring you hours of fun and relaxation, it may also improve your Maths skills. By playing Hidden Logic! and Formulate! you can sharpen up your arithmetic skills while relaxing at home or battling the hordes on the tube or bus!

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Dementium: The Ward

SouthPeak Interactive Corporation (OTC Bulletin Board: SOPK; SOPKU; SOPKW; SOPKZ) has today announced that Dementium: The Ward from critically-acclaimed developer Renegade Kid, is due to launch on April 17th in the UK. This terrifying survival horror title pushes the Nintendo DS – and your sanity – to its limits with incredible graphics and eerie audio.

After receiving great reviews on its release in America, Dementium is now ready to shock the UK with a thrilling story that sees the player trapped in a spooky derelict hospital, with no memory of how they got there. You must explore the dark corridors and battle against the hospital’s horrific inhabitants… in a bid to uncover the terrible truth of your mysterious past.

“We’re delighted to be releasing Dementium: The Ward in the UK and we’re sure that DS owners will enjoy playing this unique and terrifying survival horror,” said Jonathan Hales, Managing Director, SouthPeak Games. “With its incredible graphics and deep storyline, Dementium is an experience like nothing else on Nintendo DS.”

Jools Watsham, Owner & Game Director at Renegade Kid said: “We’re thrilled to be finally scaring Europe.” Dementium: The Ward will be available on Nintendo DS in the UK on April 17th.

XBox Games:

Raskulls

Prominent Australian developer Halfbrick today announced its brand new IP for the Xbox Live Arcade - Raskulls. Joining the heritage of the most popular XBLA titles such as Braid, Castle Crashers and The Maw, Raskulls is an entirely original and exciting puzzle platformer with a rich single-player campaign and an incredibly addictive online multiplayer component.

Gameplay is a unique blend of platforming, puzzle and racing. With hundreds of blocks arranged in Tetris-style fashion throughout each world, players must use a block-smashing wand to find their way through the level in the most efficient way possible. Some levels are simple point-to-point or lap footraces, while other modes involve diffusing bombs and conserving block-bashing "ammo". Up to four players can race with heaps weapons and powerups in a huge variety of levels and modes.

Games developed with a variety of genres in mind during the creation process often fail to provide enough focus and longevity for the player. Lead designer Daniel Vogt confidently believes that Raskulls will be a one-of-a-kind experience with quality gameplay to back it up. "It's difficult to categorize Raskulls, but instead of using that as an excuse, the whole dev team knows it's an advantage," he said, "Everyone is familiar with simple block-based gaming, but we've taken it to the next level by placing the player directly into the puzzle-based environment – and given them heaps of gameplay options. Combine the variety of powerups, the lengthy story mode and addictive multiplayer, and we know we're onto a winner."

The stars of the show are the Raskulls themselves. Cute, costumed skeleton characters with individual personalities, the humor and art style of Raskulls is tongue-in-cheek and constantly hilarious. Two teaser images have been launched to showcase the unique art style and mischievous humor found throughout the game. Screenshots, gameplay trailers and a whole roster of character profiles will be revealed soon!

Raskulls is scheduled for a worldwide release on Xbox Live Arcade in Q3 2009.

iPhone and iPod Touch Games:

Return to Mysterious Island

Chillingo Ltd, Europe’s premier iPhone publisher has inked a deal with French-based mobile development studio Tetraedge Inc today at the Game Developers Conference (GDC) in San Francisco to launch the iPhone port of Microsoft Windows based adventure game of the same name inspired by Jules Verne’s novel “The Mysterious Island”.

“Return to Mysterious Island” is a content rich adventure game, part of the Microids catalog, the leader in adventure games standing at approximately 300Mb in size, possibly the biggest game to launch on the iPhone in the Apple App Store. This popular game which has already gained a huge cult following on Windows Desktop, Windows Mobile and Symbian platforms follows Mina, a strong-willed young woman alone on a round-the-world sailing expedition. Caught in a tremendous storm, she becomes stranded on the shores of a wild and apparently uninhabited island. As she explores her new surroundings, she uncovers artifacts, living spaces and technologies left behind by the people who came before her to this uncharted island.

Franck Devisme, CEO of Tetraedge Inc said “In Return To Mysterious Island, there is no game-imposed linear ordering to how the game is played. Every player will have their own unique ways of advancing through the game.” He added “The iPhone multi-touch features takes the game-play of this classic adventure game to new levels never yet seen before. We will also look into social networking aspects of the game to leverage the 3G connectivity of the iPhone.”

“We are very excited about this collaboration with our long-term development partner Tetraedge. This is going to be “literally” the biggest adventure game to hit the iPhone since the App Store was launched last year.” says Chris Byatte, co-Founder and Managing Director for Chillingo. Chillingo are the publishers of popular iPhone titles including the award winning Zen Bound™ which has won the Best iPhone Game award at the GDC this week. Their recent title “iDracula – Undead Awakening” zoomed up the App Store charts days after its release.

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SEED

Chillingo Ltd, Europe's premier iPhone publisher announces its plans to launch SEED - currently a hugely popular mobile role playing game in Japan and South Korea - to the rest of the world on the Apple App Store this autumn. The launch schedule will be in two installments, Q3 2009 and Q4 2009 respectively this year. Chillingo has signed an agreement with South Korean based mobile development studio CH Games Co., Ltd to adapt this game for the iPhone and iPod Touch.

SEED is set in a fantasy world which contains 22 unique towns, with a multitude of different battle fields to fight and conquer. Using innovative real-time technology which simulates day and night time, the player traverses through a virtual world collecting rare artifacts, enhancing experience, and battles using various weapons and armours in order to advance through the game. SEED will incorporate trading and selling capabilities and also real time multiplayer combat features thanks to new functionality provided by iPhone OS 3.0 due for release in the summer of 2009.

"SEED has a huge cult following in Japan and South Korea in the mobile market. We are working very hard with our long-term development partner CH Games to adapt the original gameplay to the iPhone." says Chris Byatte, co-Founder and Managing Director for Chillingo. Chillingo are the current publisher of RPG titles in the Apple App Store "The Quest" and "Dungeon and Hero".

CH Games Co., Ltd CEO Jin Sik Kim commented "We are very excited about this opportunity to bring SEED to a much wider audience on the iPhone and iPod Touch with our publisher Chillingo."

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Zombieville USA

Unity Technologies today celebrates the first no.1 hit game created with its Unity 3D tools. Mika Mobile's Zombieville USA has become the # 1 selling game and # 2-selling app, with sales reaching over 100,000 in just a few weeks.

Kelli Noda, co-founder of Mika Mobile said, "We chose Unity for the project because it's the single most empowering tool I've ever come across. It may sound like hyperbole, but I compare the workflow advancements of Unity to that of Photoshop and how it revolutionized 2d artwork."

Nicholas Francis, Chief Creative Offer of Unity Technologies added, "This is a very exciting moment and comes in the same week that we've launched the Windows version of Unity. We are thrilled for Mika Mobile. We have great expectations of what the established dev teams and new talent like Mika can achieve with our Unity."

Over 100 Unity-made games have now been released with more being added almost daily.

Multi-Platform Games:

PDC World Championship Darts 2009

“You’ll be throwing for the match!” Using real-life player averages and incorporating professional player character traits, playing against the top talent in PDC Darts Tournaments couldn’t feel more realistic.

Immerse yourself in the experience: You’ll be able to match or beat their stamina, anticipate their strategies, hit the doubles and the triples, then go in for the kill and check out when they’re close to the wire!

PDC World Championship Darts 2009 on Wii™ gives you the feel of the true darts physics, providing a more natural throwing experience, realistic dart collisions and bed bouncing sound FX – “It’s back to back maximum magic”!

With “player cam” zoom-ins and Wii Remote™ vibration feedback for those all important 180s & check outs, you’ll be feeling the oche heartbeat.

With over 4,000 lines of commentary using TV’s voice of darts, Sid Waddell and raspy voiced scorer Russ Bray, PDC World Championship Darts 2009 on Wii™ will prove to be a double top darts experience.

PDC World Championship Darts 2009 is released on 29th May 2009 on both Nintendo DS™ and Wii formats.!

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Trine

In a kingdom facing chaos and forbidden magic, 3 heroes are bound (whether they like it or not) by a powerful artifact “the Trine”. However, they are the only ones that can put an end to the reign of the dark undead sorcerer that has overtaken the kingdom. Pontius the Brave, Amadeus the Magnificent and the mysterious thief Zoya will have to master their skills and help each other in order to face danger and restore peace.

Take your first steps in the amazing TRINE universe. You will find out more about the story and have the chance to marvel at a collection of new screenshots!

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Modern Warfare 2

Prepare for the ultimate invasion! The most anticipated game of the year and the sequel to the best-selling first-person action game of all time, Infinity Ward's Modern Warfare 2 will strike worldwide on November 10, 2009. Activision Publishing, Inc. (Nasdaq: ATVI) will release the newest installment in the groundbreaking and record-setting follow-up to the 2007 blockbuster, Call of Duty® 4: Modern WarfareTM, that has sold more than 12 million copies worldwide, to date.

"Everyone on the team is laser focused on making the most gripping experience we've ever created," said Infinity Ward's CEO, Vince Zampella. "No detail is too small and every finishing touch imaginable is underway to make Modern Warfare 2 our best ever. We can't wait for our fans around the world to play starting November 10th."

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