Friday, November 20, 2009 Modern Warfare 2 Sets All-Time Industry Record Steve @ 12:57 PM Biggest Entertainment Launch in History Santa Monica, CA – November 18, 2009 – Activision Blizzard, Inc. (Nasdaq: ATVI) announced today that Infinity Ward’s Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 continues to shatter theatrical box office and video game sales records for five-day worldwide sell through in dollars. The biggest entertainment launch in history set a new worldwide estimated five-day sell-through record of approximately $550 million, according to internal Activision estimates. Modern Warfare 2’s launch beat all previous first-and five-day entertainment industry box office, book and video game sell-through records: The largest reported five-day opening worldwide box office gross figures, held by Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince ($394 million) The largest reported five-day opening domestic box office gross figures, held by The Dark Knight ($203.8 million) The largest reported five-day worldwide video game sales record, previously held by Grand Theft Auto IV (6 million units, $500 million) The largest reported opening first-day domestic box office gross figures, held by The Dark Knight ($66.4 million) The largest reported first-day book sales in dollars, held by Harry Potter & The Deathly Hallows ($220 million) The largest reported first-day worldwide video game sales record, previously held by Grand Theft Auto IV (3.6 million units, $310 million) Modern Warfare 2’s blast radius also extends to Xbox LIVE, in which the blockbuster title’s epic release established the following new standards, according to Microsoft: · More than 5.2 million multiplayer hours were logged playing Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 on the first day alone. · More than 2.2 million unique gamers played Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 in one day on November 10th. A new one-day record for Xbox LIVE. · More than 11 million achievements were unlocked on Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 on the first day. “In just five days of sell through Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 has become the largest entertainment launch in history and a pop culture phenomenon,” said Robert Kotick, CEO, Activision Blizzard, Inc. “The title’s success redefines entertainment as millions of consumers have chosen to play Modern Warfare 2 at unprecedented levels rather engage in other forms of media.” Despite the success of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2, Activision Blizzard remains cautious about the U.S. and global economy as well as other variables that can affect industry fundamentals and our own performance, including consumer spending which remains a significant concern. Modern Warfare 2 is rated “M” (Mature) by the ESRB for Blood, Drug Reference, Intense Violence and Language. For additional information about the game, visit http://www.modernwarfare2.com Tuesday, September 29, 2009 It's official - Super Street Fighter IV coming in 2010, brings man with a feather in his cap WestsideSxE @ 04:00 PM Capcom made the swirling rumors of another SF sequel official today, announcing a disc-based release early next year with more characters... Rumor has it this project started as a DLC package, but gameplay and engine modifications forced them to expand it to a standalone release... CAPCOM® DELIVERS THE ULTIMATE VISION OF STREET FIGHTER™ WITH SUPER STREET FIGHTER™ IV The Most Popular Fighting Game of 2009 Returns In 2010 With New Characters, Enhanced Online Play, Additional Ultra Combos and Much More London, — September 29, 2009 — Capcom®, a leading worldwide developer and publisher of video games, today announced Super Street Fighter™ IV, the ultimate vision of Street Fighter™, will be coming to the Xbox 360™ video game and entertainment system from Microsoft® and PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system in Spring 2010. The follow-up to the critically acclaimed Street Fighter™ IV will further redefine the fighting game genre with classic 2D Street Fighter fighting action, a host of new and returning characters, more advanced online gameplay, new ultra combos and much more. Super Street Fighter IV features the full roster of 25 characters from Street Fighter IV such as Ryu, Ken, Crimson Viper, Abel, El Fuerte and Rufus, while adding about eight characters new to the world of Street Fighter IV. The impressive new roster includes classic combatants from previous Street Fighter games like T. Hawk as well as all-new characters such as the mysterious and deadly female fighter, Juri. Super Street Fighter IV adds new Ultra Combos and advancements to the state of the art online matchmaking and online gameplay introduced in Street Fighter IV with numerous additional features. Super Street Fighter IV takes many of the groundbreaking features introduced in Street Fighter IV and refines everything to deliver the ultimate vision of Street Fighter to fans the world over. More information about Super Street Fighter IV will be coming soon. For the latest assets visit the official Capcom press site at www.capcomeuro-press.com ABOUT CAPCOM Capcom is a leading worldwide developer, publisher and distributor of interactive entertainment for game consoles, PCs, handheld and wireless devices. Founded in 1983, the company has created hundreds of games, including best-selling franchises Resident Evil®, Street Fighter®, Mega Man® and Devil May Cry®. Capcom maintains operations in the U.S., U.K., Germany, Tokyo, Hong Kong and Korea, with corporate headquarters located in Osaka, Japan. More information about Capcom can be found on the company web site, www.capcom.com. Street Fighter is a registered trademark of Capcom U.S.A., Inc. Capcom, the Capcom logo, Resident Evil, Mega Man and Devil May Cry are registered trademarks of Capcom Co., Ltd. Microsoft, Xbox, Xbox 360, Xbox LIVE, and the Xbox logos are trademarks of the Microsoft group of companies and are used under license from Microsoft. “PlayStation” and “PS” Family logo are registered trademarks of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. All other marks are the property of their respective owners. Namco Bandai announces new title from the makers of Heavenly Sword WestsideSxE @ 03:30 PM NAMCO BANDAI Games Announces Enslaved™ for the PlayStation®3 System and Xbox 360® Epic New Action-Adventure from Ninja Theory Combines Cinematic Visuals and Combat, Rich Character and Story Development, and Top-Notch Entertainment Talent SANTA CLARA, Calif.--Leading video game publisher and developer NAMCO BANDAI Games America Inc. announced today Enslaved™ for the PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system and Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft. Developed by Ninja Theory Ltd., Enslaved takes players on a gripping, surprise-filled journey as two dissimilar characters form an uneasy union in order to survive their way through a perilous, post-apocalyptic America. A tactical action-adventure game, Enslaved centers on the complex relationship between the two main characters and challenges players to employ a mix of combat, strategy and environment traversal. With influences and contributions from top music and film industry talent, Enslaved combines beautifully rendered graphics and captivating music with seamless animation and engrossing gameplay. Enslaved is planned for release in 2010. More than 150 years in the future, the world has transformed into an unrecognizable state where all that remains are a dwindling human population and merciless robots left over from wars long past. In Enslaved, players take on the role of Monkey, a strong and brutish loner, and his AI partner Trip, a technologically savvy but sheltered young woman from a peaceful community. Both become captured by a mysterious slave ship, which are rumored to harvest people and take them out west never to return. As they each attempt to escape, Trip realizes quickly that Monkey, with his raw strength and power, is the only hope she has of making the perilous journey back home. She hacks into a slave headband to enslave Monkey and link them together – if she dies, he dies. Her journey has now become his. Players must make sure both Monkey and Trip work together as they skillfully navigate through the world and survive against the dangerous enemy obstacles that lie in wait. Monkey will deftly wield his trusty staff weapon to attack and defend against enemies, using a combination of melee attacks, blocks and counters. He will also be able to perform spectacular takedown moves, allowing him to rip an enemy apart piece by piece, take its weapon for his own use or destroy it in one final blow. Ninja Theory has raised the standards for video game development by enlisting highly talented professionals from other entertainment industries. Emmy, Golden Globe and Bafta nominee actor and director Andy Serkis, renowned for his roles in film as “Gollum” in The Lord of the Rings and the title role “Kong” in King Kong, and villain King Bohan in Heavenly Sword has been tapped to not only direct, but portray the lead character of Monkey. Considered to be the “go-to” talent for performance capture acting, Serkis continues his work with Ninja Theory for Enslaved. As with Heavenly Sword, Serkis is a major contributor to the character and script development, casting and directing for the title. Likewise, world-class musician and composer Nitin Sawhney, whose versatility and talent have helped him score more than 40 films and release eight studio albums, has returned to create the riveting score for Enslaved. Adding to the cavalcade of talented professionals is Alex Garland, novelist and screenwriter who has penned works including the novel The Beach and the movie screenplay for 28 Days Later. Enslaved is Garland’s first video game specific project. He serves as a co-writer and has been heavily involved with creating the script and in-game dialogue. For more information about Enslaved, please visit www.namcobandaigames.com. About NAMCO BANDAI Games America Inc. NAMCO BANDAI Games America Inc. is a leading interactive entertainment software publisher and developer based in Santa Clara, CA. The company is a part of the NAMCO BANDAI group of companies known for creating and publishing many of the industry's top video game franchises including the PAC-MAN®, SOULCALIBUR®, and Tekken® brands. For more information about NAMCO BANDAI Games America Inc., and our products log onto http://www.namcobandaigames.com/. About Ninja Theory Ltd Ninja Theory was formed in Cambridge England, in November of 2004, by Nina Kristensen (Chief Development Ninja), Mike Ball (Chief Technology Ninja), Tameem Antoniades (Chief Creative Ninja) and Non-Executive Ninja, Jez San OBE. Ninja Theory believes that games can be a true artistic and dramatic medium to rival film, theatre and literature. Ninja Theory was one of the first studios in the world to focus exclusively on next generation gaming, creating the flagship title Heavenly Sword for Playstation3, published by Sony Computer Entertainment Europe in 2007. Ninja Theory was formerly known as Just Add Monsters Ltd and was the team behind Kung Fu Chaos. www.ninjatheory.com “PlayStation” is a registered trademark of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. Xbox, Xbox 360, and Xbox Live are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries. All other trademarks are properties of their respective owners. Enslaved™ & © NAMCO BANDAI Games America Inc. All rights reserved. Press Release © 2009 NAMCO BANDAI Games America Inc. Monday, September 28, 2009 SouthPeak Announces European Launch of Section 8 Steve @ 07:15 PM MIDLOTHIAN, Va.--SouthPeak Interactive Corporation (OTC Bulletin Board: SOPK), announces that Section 8™, its highly-anticipated sci-fi shooter for the Xbox 360® and PC, will be part of a massive European launch and is projected to become SouthPeak’s top selling blockbuster title to date. Developed by TimeGate Studios, Section 8™ is one of the season’s most anticipated titles and has received rave reviews by leading game forums and at this year’s E3 Expo. The European launch of Section 8™ will be part of a coordinated rollout over the continent, starting with the UK and ending in mainland Europe’s powerhouse gaming countries, such as: France, Germany, Spain and Italy. “Our launch of Section 8 throughout Europe will be our largest coordinated campaign in the continent to date," said Jonathan Hales, Managing Director of Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) at SouthPeak. “SouthPeak is deploying substantial media assets and expects to sell a large number of units in Europe, representing as much as 40% of the title’s Xbox 360 sales, which is impressive penetration for any international title. With Section 8’s broad appeal and sophisticated marketing strategy, we look forward to delivering a benchmark of gameplay excellence to dozens of countries while making a substantial contribution to our top line.” Section 8 represents a number of “firsts” in the industry, including the first Xbox 360 title to allow players to host their own dedicated servers using a Windows®-based PC. These “X Servers” will support up to 32 players for Xbox 360, which is substantially higher than most games (typically limited to 16) when this functionality is not employed. Section 8 is also the first title that gives players the unique ability to “Burn-In” anywhere they choose from 15,000 feet above the map, which opens many tactical possibilities during gameplay. Section 8 further improves upon the genre by allowing users to create their own unique game experiences by customizing equipment Loadouts to dramatically impact the flow of battle. “Innovative titles that invigorate a genre and effectively capture gamer interest are a perfect way to penetrate the European markets,” said Melanie Mroz, President and CEO of SouthPeak. “We plan to use Europe as a significant part of our launch strategy for a wide variety of our titles going forward, and SouthPeak anticipates gaining further market share as large studios continue to retrench during the recession.” SouthPeak’s broad assortment of games is available on all current hardware platforms, as well as the PC. The Company differentiates itself from many of the larger game development companies, with their highly tuned independent out-sourcing model, allowing them to use cost-efficient, external third party developers and maintain flexible expenditure levels. SouthPeak's diverse game library appeals to virtually every consumer demographic, whether casual player or hardcore enthusiast. Thursday, June 4, 2009 Red Faction: Guerrilla Ships Steve @ 04:40 PM AGOURA HILLS, Calif.--THQ Inc. and Volition, Inc.® today announced the release of the highly anticipated, destruction-based shooter Red Faction®: Guerrilla™, now available worldwide for the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system. Powered by the Geo-Mod™ 2.0 destruction engine, Red Faction: Guerrilla is a 3rd person, open-world shooter, featuring realistic, physics-based destruction, a story-driven single-player campaign and a massive suite of innovative multiplayer options. Developed by THQ internal studio Volition, Inc., Red Faction: Guerrilla is now available for the suggested retail price of $59.99. “Red Faction: Guerrilla combines true physics-based destruction with open-world game-play to give players an experience like nothing they’ve played before,” said Kevin Kraff, vice president of worldwide marketing, THQ. “Volition has delivered an extremely innovative product that takes the open-world genre in a new direction and we’ve seen that reflected in the strong review scores worldwide.” “Red Faction: Guerrilla was developed using Volition’s proprietary Geo-Mod 2.0 physics engine, resulting in the most realistic and dynamic destruction ever seen in a video game,” said Mike Kulas, vice president, product development and general manager, Volition, Inc. “The destruction system results in endless game-play possibilities across both the single-player campaign and extensive multiplayer modes.” Tuesday, January 6, 2009 Save $10 on 2K Titles with Coupon Steve @ 09:44 PM For a limited time 2K Games is offering $10 off on their latest titles. Now thru January 31, 2009. I'd say get them while you can! Print out the PDF from here: http://2kgames.com/coupon/ Wednesday, November 5, 2008 Legendary unleashes evils of mankind upon retailers WestsideSxE @ 01:30 PM Legendary, a shooter focusing on the aftermath of someone unwittingly opening Pandora`s Box, has shipped to retailers. Someone correct me if I am wrong, but I believe this is the first Gamecock title to ship after their acquisition by SouthPeak a few weeks back... Spark Unlimited`s Legendary Terrifies Its Way Onto Store Shelves Today MIDLOTHIAN, VA – November 5, 2008 – Gamecock Media Group, a wholly-owned subsidiary of SouthPeak Interactive Corporation (OTC Bulletin Board: SOPK; SOPKU; SOPKW; SOPKZ), announced today that Spark Unlimited`s shot in the arm to the shooter genre, Legendary, is now available for the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, and PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system, with the Games for Windows® version to be shipping on November 18. Take the role of master thief Charles Deckard as he battles to stay alive against the mythical creatures he unwittingly releases from Pandora`s Box. `Putting the finishing touches on Legendary has been a rewarding experience,` says Craig Allen, CEO of Spark Unlimited. `Knowing that we`ve had complete support from Gamecock since day one has allowed us to take all of our first-person shooter knowledge and make Legendary the most action packed and intensely unique adventure it could be.` Legendary places you in the shoes of art thief, Charles Deckard, as he becomes the unwitting pawn in a centuries old struggle over Pandora`s Box. Tricked into opening it, Deckard becomes inexorably linked to its fate and single-handedly responsible for unleashing its mythological creatures upon the modern world. Legendary features highly detailed creature models which, combined with their complex AI, help to create a stunning environment for the game`s fast paced, non-stop action. Use any one of the game`s many weapons or just manipulate the enemies and their environments to assist you in keeping Deckard alive long enough to get out of trouble and to the bottom of the mystery that surrounds Pandora`s Box. Along with the single player adventure, Legendary also features countless hours of continued excitement through its unique multiplayer mode, allowing local and online fights with your rivals. Please visit www.legendarythegame.com for more info. (not quite) MORTAL KOMBAT vs DC goes gold WestsideSxE @ 12:30 PM Midway announces the cuddley, decapitation-free entry in the long-running and storied Mortal Kombat series feat. Superman & The DC Hit Squad has passed certification and has been sent for replication... MORTAL KOMBAT® vs. DC UNIVERSE GOES GOLD FOR XBOX 360® AND PLAYSTATION®3 Legendary fighters from two powerful universes collide in the next-gen fight of the millennium Chicago, Illinois, November 5, 2008 – Midway Games Inc. today announced that Mortal Kombat® vs. DC Universe has gone gold and is scheduled to be available in retail stores throughout North America on November 16, 2008, and throughout Europe on November 21, 2008. The next chapter in the venerable Mortal Kombat series, Mortal Kombat vs DC Universe showcases powerful heroes and villains from two vastly different universes. For the first time in the series, players will step outside the Mortal Kombat universe to assume the heroic identities of world-renowned characters from the DC Universe, including SUPERMAN, BATMAN and WONDER WOMAN, as they join video game icons such as Scorpion, Sub-Zero and Raiden. Making a fiendish appearance alongside their comic counterparts will be notorious DC Universe villains such as CATWOMAN, LEX LUTHOR and The Joker, who along with MK favorites such as Liu Kang, Sonya and Shao Kahn, all play a part in unraveling the mystery of what has caused these two universes to collide `We are proud to release to manufacturing Mortal Kombat vs DC Universe , the culmination of two years of effort and a rewarding collaboration with our friends at Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment and DC Comics,` said Ed Boon, executive producer and co-creator of the Mortal Kombat franchise. `So far the response has been overwhelmingly positive and enthusiastic, and I can`t wait to get this into the hands of MK diehards and DC Comics fans alike when the game becomes available on Nov. 16 in North America and Nov. 21 throughout Europe! ` Mortal Kombat vs. DC Universe is licensed by Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment, and will be available for the PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system and Xbox 360® video game system and entertainment system from Microsoft. Tuesday, October 28, 2008 Guitar Hero: World Tour in stores now WestsideSxE @ 01:00 PM Guitar Hero VII...er.. World Tour should be in your local retail purveyer of video game goods today; with 100% more pseudo-MIDI sequencing than Guitar Hero III! Please note the subtle dig at Rock Band 2 shipping 20 songs short that have since been released as free DLC for purchasees ACTIVISION'S HIGHLY ANTICIPATED GUITAR HERO® WORLD TOUR TAKES CENTER STAGE ON RETAIL SHELVES NATIONWIDE Cooperative Band Experience, All-New Controllers Including Guitar, Drums and Microphone, Robust 86-Song On-Disc Set List, In-Game Celebrity Appearances and Innovative Music Studio Combine for Unprecedented Music and Gaming Experience Over 20 Tracks From Artists Such As Metallica, R.E.M. and Oasis Available As Downloadable Content for All Next-Gen Consoles – including Wii - During First Month Santa Monica, CA – October 27, 2008 – Living-room legends are now free to jump on stage and rock as Activision Publishing, Inc.'s (Nasdaq: ATVI) Guitar Hero® World Tour, shreds, drums and wails onto retail shelves nationwide. Transforming music gaming by expanding Guitar Hero's® signature guitar gameplay into a cooperative band experience, Guitar Hero World Tour combines state-of-the-art wireless controllers in new online* and offline gameplay modes and a Music Studio feature that lets you compose, record, edit and share your own rock and roll anthems. Guitar Hero World Tour is the most complete music game to-date with 86 on-disc tracks from music legends such as The Eagles, Van Halen, Metallica, Michael Jackson and The Doors and featuring in-game appearances by world famous artists like Ozzy Osbourne, Billy Corgan and Travis Barker. "Only Guitar Hero World Tour has the star power and brand recognition to bring family and friends together to rock this fall," said Dusty Welch, Head of Publishing for RedOctane. "With a massive on-disc set list and a host of downloadable content on the way, new high-quality controllers, including the drum kit controller and a redesigned guitar controller; multiple online and offline gameplay modes, plus the groundbreaking Music Studio music creator and GHTunesSM, a revolutionary user-generated music hub, Guitar Hero has again set the standard in the music-based videogame genre." Guitar Hero World Tour delivers more ways to play than ever before. Virtual musicians can live out their rock and roll fantasies by playing either a single instrument, or any combination of instruments within the game, in addition to the full band experience. In addition to all of the online gameplay modes from Guitar Hero® III: Legends of Rock, Guitar Hero World Tour introduces Battle of the Bands mode which allows eight players to join online and challenge each other band-to-band to determine who is the best of the best. In the Band modes, up to four players can jam together, online or off, as they progress through the game, and in single-player Career Mode, players can jam on any of the instruments in-game utilizing the controllers in branching venue progression enabling them to rock out in the order of their choice. The game's innovative new Music Studio lets players express their musical creativity by giving them access to a full complement of tools to create digital music from scratch, utilizing all of the controllers, and then play their compositions in the game. Music creators can also share their recordings with their friends online through GHTunes™ where other gamers can download their unique compositions and play an endless supply of unique creations. The Wii™ version of Guitar Hero World Tour features the exclusive Mii™ Freestyle mode, an intuitive gameplay mechanic that connects players to music in a whole new way by incorporating their Mii and engaging players with the freedom to create their own groove. In addition to a newly designed more responsive guitar controller which features a touch-sensitive slide on the neck and microphone, Guitar Hero World Tour delivers a genuine drumming experience by utilizing a realistic drum controller. Featuring three drum pads, two raised cymbal pads and a bass kick pedal, the drum kit controller combines larger and quieter, velocity-sensitive drum heads with soft rubber construction to deliver that certain bounce back when struck with a drum stick that drummers are used to and is easy to set up, move, break down and store. Guitar Hero World Tour is now available for the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system. The Wii™ home video game system from Nintendo version is developed by Vicarious Visions. The PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system version is developed by Budcat. The game is rated "T" for Teen by the ESRB. For more information on Guitar Hero World Tour, please visit http://worldtour.guitarhero.com Fallout 3 spreads nuclear holocaust in retail locations WestsideSxE @ 01:00 PM Last night a great deal of stores across the US (and a few I've heard in our neighbours to the north, Canananada) held midnight openings for the launch of Fallout 3, Bethesda's take on the classic Interplay series. For those of you unwilling to forego sleep, it's conveniently available on store shelves today at more reasonable bidness hours... Bethesda Softworks Announces More Than 2,000 Fallout 3 Midnight Store Openings Across the Country Fans Nationwide to Help Usher in One of Year's Biggest Videogame Launches October 27, 2008 (ROCKVILLE, MD) – Bethesda Softworks®, a ZeniMax Media company, has announced that in response to huge demand for it's award-winning game, Fallout® 3, more than 2,000 stores across the country will open tonight. Starting at midnight, customers can pickup pre-orders and buy the game at retailers nationwide. The retail chain, Best Buy, plans to have special midnight events at stores in the Washington, DC, New York, Los Angeles, Minneapolis, Dallas and Chicago metropolitan areas. "Fallout 3 has been a labor of love for the team at Bethesda and we can't wait to get the game into the hands of consumers," said Todd Howard, Game Director at Bethesda Game Studios for Fallout 3. "We're looking forward to celebrating the launch of Fallout 3 with the fans." Members of the development team at Bethesda Game Studios will appear at the Best Buy store in Rockville, Md., near the studio's offices, to meet with fans. Special festivities will include game kiosks, giveaways, contests, and a live radio broadcast from the event with DC 101 FM. Game director Todd Howard will be on-hand along with other key members of the development team to sign copies of the game and chat with fellow gamers. Fallout 3 will be available on store shelves and online in North America on October 28, in Europe and Australia on October 30 and in the UK on October 31. Developed at Bethesda Game Studios – creators of the 2006 Game of the Year, The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion® – Fallout 3 is slated for release on the Xbox 360®video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system, and Games for Windows. Fallout 3 features one of the most realized game worlds ever created. Set more than 200 years following a nuclear war, you can create any kind of character you want and explore the open wastes of Washington, D.C. however you choose. Every minute is a fight for survival as you encounter Super Mutants, Ghouls, Raiders, and other dangers of the Wasteland. Hailed as one of the most anticipated games for 2008, Fallout 3 has already won numerous awards including Best of Show from the official Game Critics Awards at E3 2008 and a perfect 10 out of 10 review score from Official Xbox Magazine. Fallout® 3 has been rated Mature by the ESRB. For more information on Fallout 3, visit www.BestBuy.com/Fallout3, http://fallout.bethsoft.com and www.prepareforthefuture.com Tuesday, October 14, 2008 Saints Row 2 in stores now WestsideSxE @ 12:00 PM Volition's second installment in their GTA usurpment challenge is in stores now, in both regular and deluxe editions [MSRP $79.99]. Will it find its place in the hearts and minds of sandbox gaming fans before the GTA4 DLC ships? THQ Announces Release of Saints Row 2 on Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 HILLS, Calif.--THQ Inc. today announced Saints Row(R) 2, the sequel to the multi-million unit selling open-world game Saints Row(R), has now shipped to retail outlets nationwide for the Xbox 360(R) video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and PLAYSTATION(R)3 computer entertainment system. In Saints Row 2, players will lead the 3rd Street Saints in a battle against ruthless gangs and an evil corporation to reclaim the streets of Stilwater. Internally developed by leading open-world designers Volition, Inc., Saints Row 2 features unmatched customization options, intense combat, both competitive and cooperative online multiplayer and an arsenal of over-the-top weaponry and vehicles. The game is now available nationwide for the suggested retail price of $59.99 and will launch worldwide on October 17. "The Saints Row franchise has earned critical praise for its over-the-top game play experience featuring the most robust player options on the market, and Saints Row 2 is expanding on that in every way," said Bob Aniello, senior vice president, worldwide marketing, THQ. "The game is advancing the genre once again with expanded customization options, revamped over-the-top combat and full co-op support through the entire single player campaign." "Saints Row 2 was designed to give players unlimited options and the freedom to complete the game in many different ways," said Mike Kulas, vice president, product development and general manager, Volition, Inc., "Gamers can customize their characters, clothes, gangs, cribs and vehicles, take part in hundreds of different activities, diversions and missions, and do it all with a friend online. There are limitless game play options to discover." Sega mounts up Golden Axe: Beast Riders, storms retail WestsideSxE @ 11:00 AM Sega has announced that the long awaited return of the Golden Axe series - Golden Axe: Beast Rider - has disseminated to retail outlets in North America. I'm personally looking forward to beating treasure out of thieving gnomes again for the first time in 15 odd years... SAN FRANCISCO (October 14, 2008) – SEGA® of America, Inc. today announced that Golden Axe: Beast Rider™ for the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and the PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system has shipped to retailers in North America. Golden Axe: Beast Rider delivers an unparalleled gaming experience following the exploits of Tyris Flare, the original heroine from the arcade classic and features five playable beast characters that enhance Tyris' ability to lay waste to her enemies. Golden Axe: Beast Rider is a re-imagination of the original SEGA arcade classic that debuted in 1989. Tyris and her Assyrian Priestess brethren are the stewards of the last remaining titan in the world. The evil Death Adder has sent his minions to capture this last titan for sacrificial use. With the use of the five playable beasts, Tyris sets forth on an adventure to rescue the dragon titan and thwart Death Adder's nefarious plans. "We're extremely excited that Golden Axe: Beast Rider's debut on today's powerful next-gen systems is finally upon us," said Sean Ratcliffe, Vice President of Marketing, SEGA of America, Inc. "The re-imagining of the franchise with Golden Axe: Beast Rider has brought about gameplay and graphical advancements that the original Golden Axe developers could only dream of back in 1989, while at the same time has paid homage to its classic arcade past and we're sure fans will enjoy this new chapter in the Golden Axe saga." Golden Axe: Beast Rider contains numerous legacy items that are sure to please fans of the original arcade game. Tyris has access to five different beasts, the Abrax, Lynth, Miragore, Krommath and the Megabrax. Each has their own unique skills and powers that Tyris can take advantage of to cover large expanses of territory and deal gory blows upon her enemies. The health and mana dropping gnomes are back, with the addition of three other gnomes that drop items that either help or hurt Tyris on her adventure. Tyris' magic spells draw their lineage from the magic spells she cast in the arcade classic. The Golden Axe: Beast Rider world is expansive and fans of the series will recognize numerous landmarks, such as the massive titan skeletons. Golden Axe: Beast Rider for the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and the PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system is available now in stores nationwide. Golden Axe: Beast Rider is rated M for Mature. Thursday, September 11, 2008 Warriors Orochi 2 Comes To North America Johnny @ 10:39 AM Burlingame, CA -- KOEI, recognized worldwide as the premier brand of strategy and action games, announced today that WARRIORS OROCHI 2, for the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system, has reached gold status. The game will be available at North American retailers beginning the week of September 23, 2008. TNA iMPACT Slams Into Stores Johnny @ 10:29 AM CHICAGO - September 9, 2008 – Midway Games Inc., a leading interactive entertainment software publisher and developer, today announced that TNA iMPACT! began shipping to stores this week for the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, the PlayStation 3 computer entertainment system and the PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system. The game is expected to be available in stores by the end of the week, with a Wii version expected to ship to retail outlets next week. Combining fast-paced intuitive controls, state-of-the-art wrestler likenesses and a unique Story Mode, TNA iMPACT! will deliver the most authentic video game wrestling experience to date. "The development of the 'iMPACT' game has been an amazing process," said Dixie Carter, president, TNA Wrestling. "Midway and TNA share the common goal of creating a wrestling game focusing on great game play. TNA features the most exciting and athletic roster in professional wrestling today, so it was critical that the game deliver the in-ring action we have on our shows. Our superstars were very involved collaboratively in the development from day one with this goal in mind. The result is a product that any wrestling fan that plays videogames is going to love." "Working very closely with TNA allowed us access to numerous resources needed to make the best wrestling game on the market today," said Miguel Iribarren, senior vice president - publishing, Midway. "We worked countless hours in scanning and motion capture sessions with each wrestler to not only ensure that our game was visually stunning, but to make sure the realism of each punch, slam and finishing move was captured." TNA iMPACT! the video game is based on the fastest growing professional wrestling brand in the world and its flagship program TNA iMPACT!. Total Nonstop Action wrestling is in its sixth year of existence and offers sports entertainment fans a different look and feel from the traditional brand of wrestling. Focusing on athleticism, ground-breaking match types and captivating story lines, the TNA brand has quickly garnered world-wide recognition for wrestling excellence. TNA iMPACT! the video game drops gamers into TNA's signature six-sided ring to grapple as one of their favorite TNA Superstars for head-to-head and tag-team action. The game's Story Mode will entertain for hours as the player guides a fallen champion back to TNA glory. Players can also test the limits in professional wrestling's most innovative match, Ultimate X, and go online to battle friends or foes in head to head action. Metallica's Death Magnet Hits Guitar Hero III Johnny @ 10:21 AM SANTA MONICA, CA – September 8, 2008 – In a monumental first for the gaming and music industries, Metallica's highly anticipated ninth studio album Death Magnetic will be available in its entirety as downloadable content for Activision Publishing, Inc.'s (Nasdaq: ATVI) Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock day and date with the album release this Friday, September 12. Featured on the downloadable album will be two Guitar Hero exclusive renditions of "Suicide & Redemption" with extended solos by James Hetfield and Kirk Hammett. Gamers looking to shred, drum and wail away to the Death Magnetic downloadable album need only purchase the content once as it is forward compatible and will integrate seamlessly with Guitar Hero World Tour when it launches this October. In addition to the two exclusive versions of "Suicide & Redemption," Guitar Hero fans will live out the surreal Metallica experience with: "That Was Just Your Life," "The End of the Line," "Broken, Beat & Scared," "The Day That Never Comes," "All Nightmare Long," "Cyanide," "The Unforgiven Ill," "The Judas Kiss" and "My Apocalypse." "We've been working very closely with Metallica and we're extremely excited to offer Death Magnetic not only in its entirety, but also with the exclusive recordings of 'Suicide & Redemption' as downloadable content to Guitar Hero fans," said Tim Riley, Vice President of Music Affairs for Activision Blizzard. "We're proud to be setting a new precedent for our two industries, making an entire new album available in two different mediums simultaneously." Metallica's Death Magnetic album will be available for Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock on September 12, 2008 for download on Xbox LIVE Marketplace for Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft at a cost of 1440 Microsoft Points and in the PLAYSTATION Store for the PLAYSTATION 3 computer entertainment system at a cost of $17.99. Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock offers the ultimate rock experience with new wireless guitars, freshly added content and features including a multiplayer action-inspired battle mode, grueling boss battles, a host of exclusive unlockable content and visually stunning rock venues. Expanded online multiplayer modes allow axe-shredders worldwide to compete head-to-head for true rock status as they riff through a star-studded soundtrack including master tracks by legendary artists such as Aerosmith, Guns 'N' Roses, The Rolling Stones, Beastie Boys, Rage Against the Machine and Pearl Jam, as well as original songs by guitar icons Slash and Tom Morello. Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock is now available and is rated "T" for Teen by the ESRB. When the house lights go down this fall, a new generation of guitarists, drummers and fearless frontmen will come together and rock with Guitar Hero World Tour. The latest installment in the #1 best-selling video game franchise of 2007, Guitar Hero World Tour transforms music gaming by expanding Guitar Hero's signature guitar gameplay into a cooperative band experience that combines the most advanced wireless controllers with new revolutionary online* and offline gameplay modes including Band Career and 8-player "Battle of the Bands," which allows two full bands to compete head-to-head online for the first time ever. The game features a slick newly redesigned guitar controller, drum kit controller and a microphone, as well as an innovative Music Studio music creator that lets players compose, record, edit and share their own rock 'n' roll anthems. Music creators will also be able to share their recordings with their friends online through GHTunesSM where other gamers can download and play an endless supply of unique creations. Guitar Hero World Tour is being developed by Neversoft Entertainment for the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and PLAYSTATION 3 computer entertainment system. The Wii version is being developed by Vicarious Visions. The PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system version is being developed by Budcat. The game is rated "T" for Teen by the ESRB. For more information on Guitar Hero World Tour, please visit www.guitarhero.com Wednesday, July 16, 2008 Microsoft and Netflix Team up Johnny @ 10:28 AM LOS ANGELES, July 14 -- An exciting new home theater experience is coming to living rooms this holiday season. At the E3 Media and Business Summit, Microsoft Corp. and Netflix, Inc., the world's largest online movie rental service, today unveiled an exclusive partnership to offer consumers the ability to instantly stream movies and TV episodes from Netflix to the television via the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system. Xbox 360 will be the only game system that lets users instantly watch movies and TV episodes streamed from Netflix. This movie watching innovation will be available to Xbox LIVE Gold members who are also Netflix subscribers and will let those users enjoy streaming movies from Netflix on Xbox LIVE at no additional cost. A growing library of more than 10,000 movies and TV episodes will be available from Netflix when it launches on Xbox LIVE in late fall, with more choices added over time. Through this agreement, along with the existing Xbox LIVE Marketplace Video Store, Xbox 360 will be home to more movies and TV shows on demand than any other device connected to the TV. Xbox LIVE quickly and easily connects consumers and their friends to the entertainment they want -- with no PC required for viewing. Netflix on Xbox 360 is an important component of the new Xbox experience, a new generation of games and entertainment experiences that will be available on Xbox 360 consoles this fall. The new Xbox experience, also announced today at the E3 Media and Business Summit, represents the first time in history that a mass-market consumer electronics device has been re-invented through free software, giving people more fun and intuitive ways to interact, play and enjoy entertainment content. "Watching movies at home will never be the same. Netflix on Xbox 360 is an entertainment first, and we are bringing friends together with the best in entertainment content like no other device in the living room," said John Schappert, corporate vice president of Interactive Entertainment LIVE, Software and Services Business at Microsoft. "We are creating a completely new social entertainment experience, and Xbox 360 will be the only video game system where you can access your library of instantly streamable movies from Netflix and turn any room into a virtual movie theater." From the Netflix Web site, members simply add movies and TV episodes to their individual instant Queues. Those choices will be automatically displayed on the TV screen via Xbox 360 and available to watch instantly. Once selected, movies will begin playing in as little as 30 seconds. In addition to instantly streaming movies to the TV, Xbox LIVE Gold members can fast-forward, pause and rewind, all using either their Xbox 360 Controller or Media Remote. In all, the user interface creates a highly personalized experience that puts viewers in control. "Netflix and Xbox 360 are a perfect combination, the leading online movie rental service and the leading games and entertainment system joining forces to create an all-in-one entertainment experience with content for everyone," said Reed Hastings, chairman and CEO of Netflix. "For Netflix, it represents an important step forward in making instantly streaming movies on the TV more broadly available to our members." The library of movies and TV episodes that will be available for instant streaming from Netflix via Xbox 360 includes scores of Academy Award winners and nominees, episodes from a number of popular, currently running and classic TV shows, and 24 of the movies rated by the American Film Institute as the greatest ever. Today, Xbox LIVE members can also download movies and purchase TV shows from the industry-leading Xbox LIVE Marketplace Video Store, currently packed with content from more than 45 networks and studios. The Xbox LIVE Marketplace Video Store offers more than twice the high-definition content than the nearest cable provider and more than 6,000 hours of TV shows and movies. Xbox 360 Console Now 60GB for Same Price Johnny @ 10:27 AM REDMOND, Wash., July 13 -- Microsoft Corp. is giving consumers more gigabytes for their buck. The company today announced an Xbox 360 console with triple the storage space of the original console, but for the same price of $349 (U.S.) estimated retail price (ERP). Available in retail stores in the U.S. and Canada starting in early August, the upgraded Xbox 360 will include a 60GB hard drive for storing the growing wealth of digital entertainment available for the console, including music, movies, television shows and game content. In addition, Microsoft today dropped the price of its 20GB Xbox 360 console in the U.S. and Canada to just $299 (U.S.) (ERP) while supplies last, a savings of $50. "We know consumers need more and more space to store the amazing digital content Xbox 360 offers, and we're giving it to them at no extra charge," said Albert Penello, Xbox director of product management at Microsoft. "No one device offers the depth and breadth of entertainment that Xbox 360 can deliver, and now you'll have three times the storage to manage all that great content." Xbox 360 is just one of three Xbox 360 gaming and entertainment systems Microsoft offers. Microsoft's Xbox 360 Arcade, which comes with a 256MB memory unit and five Xbox LIVE Arcade games, is a value for the whole family for $279 (U.S.) (ERP), and the premium Xbox 360 Elite console is available with a 120GB hard drive for $449 (U.S.) (ERP). Out of the box, the Xbox 360 console is ready to provide an incredible gaming and entertainment experience: * Xbox 360 console. The console is equipped with a cool white finish and three powerful core processors capable of producing the best in high definition (HD) entertainment (up to 1080p for gaming), 16:9 cinematic aspect ratio, anti-aliasing for smooth textures, full surround sound, and high-definition multimedia interface (HDMI) output. * 60 GB Hard Drive. The 60GB detachable hard drive allows gamers to save their games and store television shows, movies, music, pictures, trailers, levels, demos and other content available from Xbox LIVE Marketplace, the premier one-stop digital download center for entertainment. * Upscaling DVD Player. With an HDMI cable (sold separately), watch your favorite DVDs in near high-definition using the upscaling capabilities of Xbox 360. * Xbox 360 Wireless Controller. This award-winning, high-performance wireless controller features the Xbox Guide Button for quick, in-game access to friends and music. It has a range of up to 30 feet and a battery life of up to 30 hours on two AA batteries. * Xbox 360 Headset. The headset lets friends and family around the world chat while playing games, watching movies, or sending voice messages on Xbox LIVE. * Xbox LIVE Silver Membership. For no additional cost, Xbox 360 owners can chat with friends online, collect Achievements to improve their Gamerscores, send and receive voice and text messages, and access Xbox LIVE Marketplace content such as game demos, and purchase or rent HD movies and TV shows, as well as the best in downloadable games from Xbox LIVE Arcade. (Broadband Internet access required.) * One-month subscription to Xbox LIVE Gold. An Xbox LIVE Gold Membership provides a complete online entertainment experience. Those who subscribe to this premium service can engage in competitive online multiplayer matches, tailor their matchmaking via feedback and accomplishments, and chat with an entire group of friends at a time. Tuesday, June 24, 2008 Command & Conquer 3: Kane's Wrath Ships to Stores Johnny @ 10:50 AM REDWOOD CITY, Calif.--The Dark Messiah is wreaking havoc on consoles again! Electronic Arts Inc. announced today that Command & Conquer 3: Kane's Wrath has shipped to retail outlets in North America and Europe for the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system. The standalone follow up to the award-winning, bestselling real-time strategy game of 20071, Command & Conquer 3 Tiberium Wars 2, Command & Conquer 3: Kane's Wrath for the Xbox 360 contains all of the key features from the PC version while adding exclusive enhancements including the revolutionary CommandStick interface, the all-new Kane's Challenge mode and all of the units, structures and superpowers from Tiberium Wars giving you command over 100 deadly tools of destruction – all for only $39.99. "Our team has been very passionate about delivering the same fast, fluid and fun gameplay that has defined the Command & Conquer franchise on the PC to consoles," said Jim Vessella, Command & Conquer 3: Kane's Wrath producer. "Each time we release a new RTS on consoles, we want to make sure we help continue to bridge that platform gap, and with the CommandStick in Command & Conquer 3: Kane's Wrath we are giving players an unprecedented amount of control." Command & Conquer 3: Kane's Wrath on the Xbox 360 features four gameplay modes, including the all-new and exclusive Kane's Challenge – a grueling gauntlet of 90 matches against nine deadly armies, featuring exclusive cutscenes and taunts from Kane. Skirmish and multiplayer battles are available for up to four players over Xbox LIVE3, with VisionCam support and over 50 maps to choose from. Players will also be able to enjoy a 13-mission story-driven campaign, told through over 40 minutes of high-definition, full-motion videos starring Natasha Henstridge (Species), Carl Lumbly (Alias) and, of course, Joe Kucan as Kane himself. The epic story spans two decades of Tiberium Lore, focusing on the rebirth of the Brotherhood of Nod after the Second Tiberium War through the dramatic events of the Third Tiberium War and beyond. For more information about Command & Conquer 3: Kane's Wrath, including a full list of the game's achievements, or the Command & Conquer series, please visit the franchise's official site at http://www.CommandAndConquer.com. And be sure to check out the latest news about Command & Conquer 3: Kane's Wrath, Command & Conquer Red Alert 3 and all things Command & Conquer on Command & Conquer's own dedicated online programming network, Command & Conquer TV. Call of Duty: World at War Enlists For New Battles Johnny @ 10:45 AM Santa Monica, CA – June 23, 2008 – Leave your packs and bring extra ammo, Activision, Inc. and Treyarch, announced today that they will be taking Call of Duty players deep into the South Pacific and European theaters this fall for Call of Duty: World at War, a gritty fight that will pit players against enemies that know no surrender and show no mercy. Utilizing the Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare engine, Call of Duty: World at War throws out the rulebook of war to transform WWII combat through a new enemy, new tactics and an uncensored experience of the climatic battles that gripped a generation. As U.S. Marines and Russian soldiers, players will employ new features like cooperative gameplay, and weapons such as the flamethrower in the most chaotic and cinematically intense experience to date. "With Call of Duty: World at War, we're re-defining what it means to play a WWII game," said Mark Lamia, Studio Head for Treyarch. "We're excited to give players a host of new enemies that employ entirely new tactics, as well as new, groundbreaking tools – like co-op and the flamethrower – to succeed in the epic fight." Call of Duty: World at War introduces co-operative play, bringing fresh meaning to the "No One Fights Alone" mantra with up to four-players online for Xbox 360, PS3 and PC, or two-player local split-screen on consoles. Nintendo Wii will also support a unique co-op mode for two players. For the first time ever players will experience harrowing single-player missions together for greater camaraderie and tactical execution. The co-op campaign allows players to rank up and unlock perks in competitive multiplayer by completing challenges and earning experience points, adding continuous re-playability and team-based gameplay. Whether playing competitively or cooperatively – if players are online with Call of Duty: World at War – they will always gain experience points. Based on a player's experience rank and rank of the player's friends, Call of Duty: World at War will scale dynamically to provide a deeper level of challenge. Call of Duty: World at War is in development for the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, PLAYSTATION 3 computer entertainment system, Nintendo Wii and Games for Windows. The title is scheduled for release this fall and has not yet been rated by the ESRB. For more information and exclusive updates about Call of Duty: World at War, visit http://www.callofduty.com Ghostbusters' ECTO-1 Tour Kicks Off Johnny @ 10:40 AM Los Angeles, CA – Sierra Entertainment – a division of Vivendi Games, today announced that one of the most iconic cars in Hollywood history, the Ghostbusters' ECTO-1, is back and will be busting ghosts in a town near you! In conjunction with Sony Pictures Consumer Products and the eagerly anticipated Ghostbusters: The Video Game, Sierra Entertainment is taking the classic caddy on the road to give fans of the franchise a chance to experience this one-of-a-kind machine and the game first hand. "The ECTO-1 is one of the most memorable and loved vehicles of all-time," says Al Simone, VP of Marketing, Sierra Entertainment. "Sony has been a fantastic partner to work with and we're very excited to have a hand in taking ECTO off the screen and out on the road – this way fans can experience a true piece of ghost busting history first hand as they get a taste of Ghostbusters™: The Video Game." ECTO-1 will be stopping at several destinations across the U.S. throughout the tour, five of which are in partnership with the Boost Mobile Nightshift and Hot Import Nights events. Additionally, fans will have the chance to get up close and personal with ECTO-1 at Knott's Scary Farm and the L.A. Auto Show later this year. ECTO-1 Tour Schedule: June 21 – Nightshift New York (Belmont Raceway; New York, NY) August 9 – Nightshift Pomona (Pomona Fairplex; Pomona, CA) August 29-31 – Penny Arcade Expo (Seattle Conv. Ctr; Seattle, WA) Sept. 20 – Nightshift Pleasanton (Alameda Fairgrounds; Pleasanton, CA) Sept. 27 – Hot Import Nights (Minneapolis Conv. Ctr; Minneapolis, MN) Oct. 11 – Hot Import Nights (Dallas Conv. Ctr; Dallas, TX) Oct. 15 – Nov. 1 – Knott's Scary Farm (Knott's Berry Farm; Buena Park, CA) Nov. 19-30 – L.A. Auto Show (L.A. Conv. Ctr; Los Angeles, CA) In light of ECTO-1's tour to some of the hottest car shows throughout the country, Sony has taken the liberty to update the Ghostbusters' ride with the latest and greatest Sony Xplod mobile electronics. ECTO-1 now sports a Sony XAV-W1 double din touch screen A/V center, Xplod XS-GT1625A speakers and an Xplod XS-L10S slim subwoofer – all the essentials to keep ECTO-1's sound system on par with the rest of the ghost catching equipment found on the Ghostbusters' primary mode of transportation. Ghostbusters: The Video Game is planned to release this Fall for the PLAYSTATION 3 and PlayStation 2 computer entertainment systems, the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, Games for Windows, Wii home video game system and Nintendo DS, and is currently rated "RP" (Rating Pending) by the ESRB. For more information on Ghostbusters: The Video Game be sure to visit the official game web site located at: http://www.ghostbustersgame.com More News >> Copyright © XBoxExclusive.com, 2007. All Rights Reserved.