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Friday, December 31, 2010

12/30/2010 - Pokomon Black & White Version Trailer
Pokemon Black and White Trailer - Pokemon Black Version & White Version Trailer



Here is the latest trailer for Pokemon Black version and Pokemon White Version. (aka Pokemon Black and White.) The latest entry into the legendary Pokemon franchise is already one of the fastest selling games in Japanese history. This highly anticipated game arrives on store shelves in America on march 3rd.

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Thursday, December 30, 2010

12/30/2010 - Castle Crashers Reaches Two Million
CASTLE CRASHERS REACHES PLAYER MILESTONE

—Over two million castles crashed—

San Diego, CA, December 30, 2010— On Christmas Day, Castle Crashers® reached a milestone that few Xbox LIVE ® Arcade titles can claim: 2 million players. If we put all these people in a place and gave it a zip code, this would be the 5th largest city in the US.  Castle Crashers is among the first Xbox LIVE Arcade titles to reach 2 million players, based on unique gamertags on the leaderboards.  

Castle Crashers launched in August of 2008 as part of Xbox LIVE’s first “Summer of Arcade.” Since then, it has consistently been among Xbox LIVE Arcade’s top selling games. The 2D adventure has shown no sign of slowing its record-breaking pace, remaining in the top 20 most downloaded Xbox LIVE Arcade titles consistently since its release.  Castle Crashers continues to be a fan favorite, and is the highest player rated game on Xbox LIVE Arcade.

 “It is incredibly humbling to look at the leaderboards and see that crazy number. Initially releasing the game we hoped a few hundred thousand people would play it. We never dared to think of one million players, let alone two million”, said Kelly Revak, Mayor of Behemothtown. “We are so grateful to all the players for supporting us. We’re going to do something pretty exciting to thank everyone” said Revak. “Let’s just say there’s an Xbox made of gold involved. GOLD.”

Independent developer The Behemoth continues work on its next title BattleBlock Theater, announced for Xbox LIVE Arcade.

About Castle Crashers:
As Xbox LIVE® Arcade’s Top Rated and Best Selling game, Castle Crashers® has attracted a wide-ranging audience with its engaging art style, easy control system, and simple yet addictive game play. From seven-year-olds playing their first video game to hardcore older gamers looking to recapture the 2D arcade games of their youth, this game has something for everyone. Hack, slash, and smash your way to victory in this red-hot arcade adventure! Featuring hand-drawn characters, Castle Crashers delivers unique hi-res illustrated visuals like nothing you've ever seen before. Play with up to three friends locally or over Xbox LIVE to save your princess, defend your kingdom, and crash some castles with an arsenal of combos and magical attacks to choose from! Priced at 1200 Microsoft points, Castle Crashers boasts 20 levels, over 40 weapons, and 20 unlockable characters, making this one of the largest games available on Xbox LIVE Arcade.

About The Behemoth:
The Behemoth is an independent console game developer that specializes in making games that are fun to play and beautiful to look at. Founded by a small group of veteran console developers in 2003, the Behemoth is headquartered in San Diego, California. For more information, please visit
www.thebehemoth.com 

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Wednesday, December 29, 2010

12/29/2010 - ProSIM Commander Bundle, 4 Games only $12.49
Announcing The Limited Time Only ProSIM Commander Bundle!

Experience Four Great Games At Only $12.49 A Game!

Cary, NC, December 29th 2010 - Shrapnel Games would like to congratulate Pat Proctor, founder and lead developer of ProSIM, on the publication of his new book, Media War: The Media-Enabled Insurgency in Iraq, detailing the struggle between the US military and the enemy to shape US public opinion about Operation Iraqi Freedom. From Media War's Amazon description:

"The most important battle of the Iraq War didn't happen in Baghdad or al-Anbar. It happened every day on television, in newspapers, and on the Internet. It was the struggle between the US military and the insurgency for the will of the American people to prosecute the war. And the US military lost.

Pat Proctor is a US Army major who has served on the frontlines of the media war in Iraq. In addition to spending two years studying the media war for the Army, Pat was a key player in developing the communications strategy for General David Petraeus and Ambassador Ryan Crocker in Iraq in 2007."

Of course most gamers know Pat Proctor for his company, ProSIM, whose titles (published by Shrapnel Games) are some of the most realistic and intense simulations of modern land warfare commercially available. These real-time strategy games have been praised for bringing the contemporary battlefield to the home PC, allowing gamers to explore areas of conflict outside of the stereotypical World War Two gaming realm. It should also be noted that not only does ProSIM develop commercial titles, but they also serve the professional world, with their games being used as training tools across the globe by military and defense agencies.

In celebration of Pat's new book, Shrapnel Games would like to give gamers the chance to experience for themselves what ProSIM does best. From now thru January 4, 2010 Shrapnel Games is offering the ProSIM Commander Bundle. The ProSIM Commander Bundle packs together FOUR full length ProSIM titles at one amazing price! For only $49.95 you'll get to download Air Assault Task Force, The Falklands War: 1982, Raging Tiger: The Second Korean War, and The Star and the Crescent. That's only $12.49 a game!

Air Assault Task Force: Airmobile operations in Vietnam, Somalia, and Afghanistan.

The Falklands War: 1982: Historical gaming at its finest. Covers the conflict between Great Britain and Argentina, including many 'what-if' scenarios.

Raging Tiger: The Second Korean War: A look at a hypothetical (for now, at least) conflict between the ROK and her US allies against the DPRK.

The Star and the Crescent: Historical and hypothetical wargaming involving Arab-Israeli conflicts.

All ProSIM titles boast features such as real world digital maps, extensive weapon databases, superb AI, multiple layers of command, detailed combat modeling, editing abilities, multiplayer support, and more.

The ProSIM Commander Bundle is available for a limited time only, so act fast! These are prices never before seen (and may not be seen in the future)! Please note that the Commander Bundle is only available as a Windows download.

Get your ProSIM Commander Bundle today and save!
Click here to purchase now.

To get a copy of Pat Proctor's Media War: The Media-Enabled Insurgency in Iraq,
please visit Amazon here. The book is available through Kindle for only $4.95.
Don't have a Kindle? You can read Kindle books on your PC by
downloading Kindle software here.

For more information on ProSIM titles or any of our other award-winning games please visit us at
www.shrapnelgames.com. You'll find complete write-ups, demos, free games, bonus downloads, and more for all our unique independent strategy games for PC, Mac, and Linux.

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Tuesday, December 28, 2010

12/28/2010 - Pokemon Black & White launching in America March 6th
POKÉMON BLACK VERSION AND POKÉMON WHITE VERSION LAUNCHING IN NORTH AMERICA ON MARCH 6

Upcoming Nintendo DS Games Introduce More than 150 Never-Before-Seen Pokémon and a New Region to Explore

REDMOND, Wash., Dec. 27, 2010 - Nintendo of America today announced that the Pokémon™ Black Version and Pokémon White Version video games will launch in North America on March 6, 2011. The games, playable exclusively on the Nintendo DS™ family of systems, are a completely new adventure that Pokémon fans old and new can embark on. Pokémon Black Version and Pokémon White Version introduce more than 150 new Pokémon and a new region to explore.

Pokémon Black Version and Pokémon White Version feature new Pokémon that players can catch, train and battle as they progress through the game, and some Pokémon can only be caught in one version of the game. For example, the Legendary Pokémon Reshiram™ can only be caught in Pokémon Black Version, while the Legendary Pokémon Zekrom™ can only be caught in Pokémon White Version. Additionally, the two games feature different areas for the first time in the series, with the game world of Pokémon Black Version featuring a unique metropolitan area called Black City, and a lush, green area named White Forest only found in Pokémon White Version. Pokémon Black Version and Pokémon White Version also mark the first time in a Pokémon video game that the seasons will change in the game world. Certain Pokémon appear more frequently during different seasons, and players can only access some areas during a specific season.

Pokémon Black Version and Pokémon White Version let players start with one of three new Starter Pokémon - the Grass-type Snivy™, the Fire-type Tepig™ or the Water-type Oshawott™. Until the main story of the game is complete, every Pokémon that players encounter will have never been seen before in previous Pokémon games. The games also feature original boy and girl trainers who set out on an adventure in the new Unova region.

Pokémon Black Version and Pokémon White Version represent a generational leap forward for the renowned series, delivering an unprecedented number of new Pokémon to catch, battle and trade,” said Marc Franklin, Nintendo of America's director of Public Relations. “Whether you have played the Pokémon video games before or are just getting interested in them, you won't want to miss Pokémon Black Version and Pokémon White Version.”

Pokémon Black Version and Pokémon White Version are now available for pre-order from major retailers throughout North America for a suggested retail price of $34.99 each. A deposit may be required for pre-orders. See individual retailers for details.

For more information about Pokémon Black Version and Pokémon White Version, visit
http://www.pokemonblackwhite.com.

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Monday, December 27, 2010

12/27/2010 - Wii: Lost In Shadow Demo coming to Best Buy Stores
IN-STORE DEMOS KICK OFF THIS WEEK AT BEST BUY FOR LOST IN SHADOW

Highly Anticipated Wii Game Playable at Select Best Buy Stores Before Release


SAN MATEO, Calif. – Dec. 27, 2010 – Best Buy customers will get an early glimpse into the striking world of Lost in Shadow, with a playable demo of the game available at select stores from December 26th – January 8th.  Participating stores can be found at bestbuy.com/gamingevents.  Published by Hudson Entertainment, the North and South American publishing arm of HUDSON SOFT, Lost In Shadow will be available for the Wii™ system on Jan. 4th, 2011.

Lost In Shadow, which won Kotaku’s “Best Gameplay Mechanic” award and was a runner up for “Best New Game” at the 2010 E3, sets players in an alternative world with a mysterious tower.  The tower is filled with moving shadows yet at the same time, casts a large shadow on everything beneath it.  With the help of a winged sylph known as “Spangle,” players can move lights in the foreground to create new shadowy walkways to previously inaccessible areas.  Unaffected by gravity while traveling through this medieval landscape, the shadow boy solves mysteries and fights off enemies who stand in his way.  The game’s combination of light, shadow, background and foreground creates a unique blend of novel gameplay features, morphing landscapes and artistic visuals.

For more information on Lost in Shadow, please visit
www.lostinshadow.com

Hudson Entertainment is the North and South American subsidiary of Hudson Soft, an international provider of games and entertainment content founded in 1973. Hudson Entertainment focuses on three key businesses: console retail games, digital download content, and music. Hudson introduced best-selling videogame franchises including Bomberman, Bonk, Military Madness and Deca Sports. Through numerous partnerships with record labels, Hudson has become a leading provider of digital music and video content. For more information on Hudson Entertainment, please visit
www.hudsonent.com.

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Saturday, December 25, 2010

12/25/2010 - Merry Christmas from DigThatBox.com
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Merry Christmas from Everyone at DigThatBox.com

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Friday, December 24, 2010

12/24/2010 - Fishing Girl now on WP7 Marketplace
Fishing Girl is now out on WP7 Marketplace

December 24th, 2010 - Fishing Girl for WP7 is now on the marketplace. Fish over 25 different fish in the sea, take on bonus challenges, and put your name on the Famous Fishers board for all other Fishing Girls to see. Based on the game design challenge and artwork of Daniel Cook of Lostgarden.com, I have put my own spin on this popular game which is popular in its own right with Flash and Xbox versions already out there. I have designed this to be better suited for the player who is on the go.

- Fish over 25 different fish ranging from the small sleapzy to a menacing giant shark!
- Complete different bonus challenges each gameplay to increase your career points
- Post your career points on the Famous Fishers board to compare to other fishers across the sea!

Game Page:

http://www.occasionalgamer.com/wp7-games/fishing-girl/


Elbert Perez (www.occasionalgamer.com) - "Fishing Girl is a part of a family of games I release out for free on WP7. All I want with my games is for people to play them, and the best way to do that is to give it away for free. Of course it is Ad supported so I can continue to deliver high quality games to WP7. Check out Zombidemix+, Scribble Defense+, and Impossible Shoota for my other games."

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Thursday, December 23, 2010

12/23/2010 - Paul McCartney, Siouxsie and the Banshees come to Rock Band
FOUR PACK OF SONGS FROM PAUL MCCARTNEY, SINGLES FROM INHABITED AND SIOUXSIE AND THE BANSHEES ALL COME TO ROCK BAND!

Cambridge, Mass. – Dec. 23, 2010 – Harmonix and MTV Games today announced that a four pack of songs from Paul McCartney, as well as singles from Inhabited and Siouxsie and The Banshees will be available Dec. 28 in the Rock Band 3 Music Store of downloadable content for the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system and Wii™. 

Rock Band provides the deepest and best selection of artists, songs and albums through the Rock Band music platform, which features more than 800 artists and more than 2,000* tracks via disc and download purchase (complete list of tracks at
www.rockband.com/songs). Rock Band’s gigantic music library dwarfs that of any other rhythm video game on the market. To date, more than 75 million songs have been sold through the Rock Band Music Store since its launch Nov. 20, 2007.

Rock BandDLC Additions for Xbox 360, PlayStation®3 system and Wii
Rock Band 3 and Paul McCartney fans should have a blast taking on the keyboard parts in next week’s roster of downloadable content. “Celebrating Band on the Run Pack” will feature the legendary Paul McCartney ballad, “Maybe I’m Amazed,” as well as “Band on the Run,” “Helen Wheels” and “Let Me Roll It,” which features a Pro Guitar/Pro Bass upgrade. Those three classic songs are from Paul's epic No. 1 album from 1973, Band on the Run. Band on the Run was remastered early this year and is now available in multiple formats, including the original album remastered, rare bonus audio and video content, all in exclusive packaging. Paul personally supervised all aspects of the Band on the Run reissue. The remastering work was done at Abbey Road using the same team who recently remastered the complete Beatles’ catalog.
Click here to purchase your copy.

Additionally, “Open My Eyes” from contemporary American rockers Inhabited’s second album, The Revolution will also be available as Rock Band 3 downloadable content, as will “Cities in Dust,” which features a Pro Guitar/Pro Bass upgrade, from British rockers Siouxsie and The Banshees.

As always, songs available as downloadable content for Rock Band 3 feature five-button guitar and bass parts, drums, Pro Drums, and keys, Pro Keys and harmonies, where applicable. Some songs also feature Pro Guitar and Pro Bass upgrades available for an additional $0.99 upgrade download.

Available on Xbox 360 (Dec. 28) and Wii and PlayStation 3 system (Jan. 4):
  • Paul McCartney – “Maybe I’m Amazed”
  • Paul McCartney & Wings – “Band on the Run”
  • Paul McCartney & Wings – “Helen Wheels”
  • Paul McCartney & Wings – “Let Me Roll It” X
  • Inhabited – “Open My Eyes”
  • Siouxsie and The Banshees – “Cities in Dust” X
(All tracks are original master recordings)

(These tracks will be available in Europe on PlayStation 3 system Jan. 5)

These tracks will be available for purchase as individual tracks, as well as “Celebrating Band on the Run Pack” on Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 system and Wii. Tracks marked with “X” will include Pro Guitar and Pro Bass expansions for $0.99 per song.

Price:                    $1.99 USD, £.99 UK, €1.49 EU (160 Microsoft Points) per song
                             $2.00 USD (200 Wii Points™) per song
                             $0.99 USD (100 Wii Points/80 Microsoft Points), £0.59 UK, €0.79 EU per song for eligible Pro Guitar/Pro Bass upgrade
                             $6.99, £3.49 UK, €5.29 EU (560 Microsoft Points, 700 Wii Points) for Celebrating Band on the Run Pack

** Dates for Rock Band game tracks are tentative and subject to change. **

*Available on-disc, via download and disc export. Internet connection and export key purchase required. Wii has more than 1,500 song tracks available for purchase on the Rock Band platform on-disc, via song import, and download. Not applicable to Nintendo DS™.

Website Links:

For more information, please visit:
Rock Band Website
Paul McCartney Website

Rock Band 3 is available for Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 system, Wii and Nintendo DS. Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 system and Wii versions support downloadable content. 
Downloadable content for Wii is purchased via the in-game Rock Band Music Store using Wii Points™ purchased through the Wii™ Shop Channel and can be downloaded to the system memory or to an SD card for additional storage.  The tracks stream directly from the SD card for seamless play. 
The Rock Band Music Store allows players to preview and purchase downloadable individual music tracks and packs from the vast selection of offerings available to date without ever leaving the game as they build their own custom Rock Band library.  The complete list of tracks can be found at
www.rockband.com/songs.
Rock Band 3 is rated "T" for Teen (lyrics, suggestive themes) by the ESRB. Music downloads are not rated by the ESRB.

For more information on Rock Band 3 and Harmonix Music Systems please visit
www.rockband.com  and www.harmonixmusic.com.

Microsoft, Xbox, Xbox 360, Xbox LIVE, and the Xbox logos are trademarks of the Microsoft group of companies.

“PlayStation” is a registered trademark of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc.

Wii and Nintendo DS are trademarks of Nintendo. © 2006 Nintendo.
  

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Wednesday, December 22, 2010

12/22/2010 - Wii: Mario Sports Mix Release Info
NINTENDO'S MARIO SPORTS MIX DELIVERS FOUR OVER-THE-TOP SPORTS ON FEB. 7 

Dec. 22nd, 2010 - MarioTM has a long history as a sports fan. Throughout his storied career he has pursued an interest in golf, tennis, baseball and go-karting, to name just a few. Now Mario's tackling four different sports at the same time, all of them included on one disc for the WiiTM console. The game  MARIOTM SPORTS MIX lets players jump into games of hockey, basketball, volleyball or dodgeball. The game launches on Feb. 7.

MARIO SPORTS MIX presents these four familiar sports - but with a Mario twist. Players can choose from a variety of playable Mushroom Kingdom characters and can even challenge Mario and friends directly by playing as their own MiiTM characters. Each game contains a number of Mushroom Kingdom power-ups that can turn the tide of a game in an instant, such as banana peels, green shells and even mini mushrooms. In over-the-top Mario sports fashion, each character can unleash his or her unique special move that ranges from Mario's fire dunk in basketball to Yoshi's rainbow attack in dodgeball.

Players can also elect to hold their matches in a number of interesting venues. For example, the Wario Factory has conveyor belts that affect how the players move on the court, while in Peach's Castle, fountains go up and down to block certain areas of the net in Volleyball.

Up to four friends who are in the same room can join in the fun, while up to four players (one or two at each location) can compete over a broadband Internet connection via Nintendo® Wi-Fi Connection. Players can play online against friends with whom they have traded friend codes, or anonymously against other opponents. Multiplayer modes require additional controllers, which are sold separately. 

For more information about  MARIO SPORTS MIX, visit 
http://mariosportsmix.nintendo.com

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12/22/2010 - Dungeons & Dragons: Daggerdale Cross Platform Game Debut
DUNGEONS & DRAGONS TO MAKE CROSS PLATFORM CONSOLE GAME DEBUT WITH DUNGEONS & DRAGONS DAGGERDALE  

Next Chapter of Celebrated Franchise to Conquer Xbox LIVE Arcade for Xbox 360, PlayStation®Network, and Windows PC Download in 2011

London, United Kingdom — December 22, 2010 — The Forgotten Realms are under attack by the evil Zhentarim, as the next generation of the most popular fantasy role-playing game launches another thrilling interactive adventure. Atari, one of the world’s most recognised publishers and producers of interactive entertainment and Bedlam Games announced today Dungeons & Dragons DaggerdaleDungeons & Dragons Daggerdale marks the first digital download release for the franchise on Xbox LIVE® Arcade for the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, PlayStation®Network, and Windows PC Download at Atari.com in Spring 2011.   

Dungeons & Dragons Daggerdale centers on the desperate struggle to defeat the evil Rezlus and his Zhentarim in their attempt to invade and conquer the Dalelands.  Dungeons & Dragons Daggerdale is an engaging multi-player experience that introduces a riveting narrative and treacherous new characters.  Players are charged with the task of restoring order to Nentir Vale by unlocking the secrets of the Mines of Tethyamar, defeating the evil within the treacherous Tower of the Void, leading to the final confrontation with Rezlus himself. 

Action-packed RPG gameplay allows for solo and co-op play for up to four players.  Gamers use intuitive pick-up-and-play combat combined with a wide assortment of weapons, feats and powers to defeat a wide range of deadly enemies.  Dungeons & Dragons Daggerdale boasts an array of stunning levels and exploration opportunities set in the richly detailed environments. 

“The Dungeons & Dragons franchise remains a priority for Atari as we continue to build upon the ever-evolving narrative with Dungeons & Dragons Daggerdale” says Jim Wilson, President and CEO of Atari, Inc. “As the first D&D cross-platform digital download title we look forward to expanding the franchise to a growing gaming audience.”

“Wizards of the Coast is excited to offer another great Dungeons & Dragons play experience,” said Liz Schuh, Brand Director at Wizards of the Coast. “This exhilarating game will be a thrill for both current fans of the brand and new players alike.”

For more information, please log onto
www.atari.com.

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Tuesday, December 21, 2010

12/21/2010 - Call of Duty: Black Ops "First Strike" DLC coming to Xbox Live Feb 1st
CALL OF DUTY®: BLACK OPS “FIRST STRIKE” GAME ADD-ON COMING FIRST TO XBOX LIVE ON 1ST FEBRUARY

Details Revealed of Record-Setting Title’s First Game Add-On Release

London, UK – 21st December, 2010 – Prepare for Call of Duty ®’s new online assault.  The Call of Duty®: Black Ops First Strike game add-on will first launch worldwide on Xbox LIVE® on 1st February. Call of Duty: Black Ops First Strike represents the first downloadable content expansion for the blockbuster title from Treyarch and Activision Publishing, Inc. (Nasdaq:
ATVI).

We’re committed to supporting Call of Duty: Black Ops fans with continuous updates to the game and exciting new content that will keep our community engaged,” said Treyarch Studio Head, Mark Lamia. “We can’t wait to deliver Call of Duty: Black Ops First Strike to our fans, which has four all-new Black Ops multiplayer maps, and an exciting new Zombie map to be declassified later. “

Call of Duty: Black Ops First Strike features four new multiplayer maps, including Berlin Wall, Discovery, Stadium and Kowloon, and a new Zombie map called Ascension

For Silver Xbox LIVE members who haven’t yet experienced Call of Duty: Black Ops multiplayer, Xbox LIVE will host a Multiplayer Unlock event running on 28-30th January for new fans to join in.

Created by Treyarch and published by Activision, Call of Duty: Black Ops made entertainment history this November when it shattered theatrical box office, book and video game sales records for five-day opening worldwide sell through in dollars, selling more than $650 million.

Call of Duty: Black Ops is PEGI rated 18.  For additional Call of Duty updates, visit
www.callofduty.com/blackops and also via Twitter @JD_2020

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Monday, December 20, 2010

12/20/2010 - Dance Central features New Songs from Janet Jackson, Rihanna and Blur
GET IN THE GROOVE! DANCE CENTRALTM FEATURES NEW SONGS FROM JANET JACKSON, RIHANNA AND BLUR!

Cambridge, Mass. – Dec. 20, 2010 – Harmonix and MTV Games today announced that songs from Blur, Rihanna and Janet Jackson will be available Dec. 21 for download on Xbox LIVE® for Dance Central™, the first controller-free, body-tracking, fully immersive dance video game, exclusively for Kinect™ for Xbox 360®.

Free from any controller,
Dance Central™, the top selling game for Kinect, features fun choreography and authentic routines for beginners and experts alike of all ages to master, alongside a killer 32-song soundtrack that spans a great sampling of pop, funk, hip-hop, Latin and R&B artists, including Cascada, Kool & The Gang, Kylie Minogue, Salt-N-Pepa, Nelly Furtado, Christina Milian and more. To view the full Dance Central set list plus add-on content already available, click here.

Dance Central’s downloadable content delivers fresh music and new choreography and routines on Easy, Medium and Hard difficulties in Break It Down, Perform It! and Dance Battle modes that will keep the dance floor rocking.

Dance Central DLC Additions for Xbox 360

“Disturbia”, from Rihanna’s third album, Good Girl Gone Bad, will make its debut tomorrow, Dec. 21, for Dance Central. The song, released in 2008, peaked at No. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100 and earned a 2009 Grammy® Award nomination for Best Dance Recording.

English alternative rock band Blur will make their Dance Central debut tomorrow with the hit single “Girls & Boys”. The song peaked at No. 5 on the UK Singles Chart and No. 4 on the U.S. Billboard Modern Rock chart. The song was named 1994 by UK music publication NME and was nominated for a MTV Europe Music Award the same year.

Janet Jackson is also making her Dance Central debut tomorrow with her legendary song, “Control”, from the album of the same name. The song was released in 1986 and peaked at No. 5 on the Billboard Hot 100. “Control” earned Miss Jackson (if you’re nasty) a 1988 Soul Train Music Award for Best R&B/Soul or Rap Music Video.

Available on Xbox 360 (Dec. 21):
  • Blur – “Boys & Girls”
  • Rihanna – “Disturbia”
  • Janet Jackson – “Control”
Already available on Xbox 360:
  • The Black Eyed Peas – “I Gotta Feeling"
  • Cameo – “Word Up!"
  • Lady Sovereign – “I Got You Dancing”
  • Ne-Yo – “Because of You”
  • Sean Paul – “Temperature”
  • Tag Team – “Whoomp! (There It Is)"
Price: 240 Microsoft Pointsper song
** Dates for Dance Central game tracks are tentative and subject to change. **

Website Links:

For more information, please visit:
Dance Central website

Microsoft, Xbox, Xbox 360, Xbox LIVE, and the Xbox logos are trademarks of the Microsoft group of companies.Dance Central is rated “T” for Teen by the ESRB.

Follow Dance Central on Twitter
http://twitter.com/dance_central and Facebook www.facebook.com/dancecentralgame.    

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Saturday, December 18, 2010

12/18/2010 - Heavy Fire Black Arms Info and Trailer
A piece of some serious shooting in the first Heavy Fire: Black Arms trailer!
Kraków, December 18th 2010 - Teyon, a Polish video games developer and publisher, revealed today the official trailer of its just-a-shot-away title Heavy Fire: Black Arms for Nintendo's WiiWare™ service.

Be the first one to learn more about new locations and features. Take a look at a little bit of gameplay as you sneak up on your enemies in this adrenaline pumping action shooter.

More information can be found at the official website of the game available at
http://www.heavy-fire.com

About Teyon
Teyon is a developer, producer and publisher of video games for all leading platforms. The company was founded in 2006 in Krakow, Poland, and since then it has developed over 60 titles. Teyon debuted on Nintendo Download services in 2009 with the well received Nintendo DSiWare™ service puzzle games Robot Rescue and Ball Fighter, followed by Hubert the Teddy Bear: Winter Games, a WiiWare family game and Heavy Fire: Special Operations, a WiiWare on-rails shooter.

Official website:
http://www.teyon.com
Twitter site: http://twitter.com/TeyonGames
Facebook page: http://facebook.com/TeyonGames
Youtube channel: http://youtube.com/TeyonGames
Flickr album: http://flickr.com/photos/TeyonGames
Google Buzz: http://www.google.com/profiles/TeyonGames

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Friday, December 17, 2010

12/17/2010 - Galaxy on Fire 2 now free on iPhone, iTouch, iPad
Outer space hit Galaxy on Fire 2 now free for the iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad

Enthusiastically acclaimed by both the press and players, the outer space simulation Galaxy on Fire 2TM is now available in a free lite version for the iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad. An extensive, paid content update for the full version is currently in development.

Hamburg, Germany, 17 December 2010 – On its release, Galaxy on Fire 2™ rocketed into the top 10 of the top grossing charts in the USA, UK, and Germany. The free lite version, with lots of weapons, ships, and an unlimited number of missions, is now available for outer space pioneers. A comprehensive paid content update for the full version is also being developed and will appear in the first quarter of 2011.

The Hamburg-based developer Fishlabs Entertainment scored a real hit for hardcore gamers in the App Store with their epic outer space simulation Galaxy on Fire 2™. Outstanding test results from 13 internationally renowned trade magazines and 4½ stars from iPhone and iPad users around the world give Galaxy on Fire 2™ a hefty 8.8 average rating on the iPhone quality index and make the title the absolute benchmark in the sci-fi genre on the App Store.

‘We are overwhelmed by the enthusiastic response from players. We scored a perfect bull’s eye with it Galaxy on Fire 2™,’ says Michael Schade, CEO of Fishlabs Entertainment, about the game’s success. ‘Several tens of thousands of players have already played for over 25 hours, and so we want to offer our fans even more outer space adventure. We are working busily on a content update with new weapons, ships, and more solar systems.’

Features of the lite version:
  • Two explorable star systems, Aquila and Union, from a total of 20 systems
  • The Inflict as a well-equipped starter ship plus two blueprints and $ 26,500 starting credit
  • All missions in the Aquila and Union star systems can be completed
  • Seven purchasable ships from a total of 33 in the full version
  • On the space stations, 9 of the 31 primary weapons, six of the 16 secondary weapons, 18 out of 44 devices, and 30 of 79 trade goods can be purchased or sold
  • Maximum character level 5 – in the full version up to level 20
  • Access to all the maps of the star systems
The lite version of Galaxy on Fire 2™ is now available in the App Store.

The cinematic trailer is available for viewing at
http://www.youtube.com/fishlabsgames.

The introductory price for the full version of Galaxy on Fire 2™ is still available until 11:59 PM on 17 December 2010. Starting Saturday, 18 December 2010, the price will increase as announced to $ 9.99/ € 7.99/ £ 5.99.

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Thursday, December 16, 2010

12/15/2010 - X-Men Arcade now available for PSN + XBLA
X-MEN ARCADE NOW AVAILABLE  FOR PLAYSTATION® NETWORK AND XBOX LIVE ARCADE

The Fun and Excitement From the Arcade can Finally be Brought Home as KONAMI and Marvel Release the Classic Side-Scrolling Brawler Today

El Segundo, Calif. - Dec. 15, 2010 - Konami Digital Entertainment, Inc., and Marvel Entertainment announced today that X-Men Arcade is now available on the PlayStation®Network for PlayStation®3 and Xbox LIVE® Arcade for the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft. Developed by Backbone Entertainment, this first ever home version of the popular 1992 cabinet arcade classic allows players to join their favorite X-Men characters in what is widely considered their first great video game appearance.

X-Men Arcade brings the fun and excitement of the hit arcade game to Xbox 360  and PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system, as players can engage in multiplayer action both locally and online. Up to six players are supported locally on the PlayStation  Network version and up to four on Xbox LIVE Arcade, while online drop-in multiplayer allows anyone to join the battle with a total of as many as six players on either system at any time. The game also integrates high-definition heads-up displays, menus and local/online leaderboards to track statistics and scores. Meanwhile, the additionally included Japanese version of the game features power-ups and energy drops not seen in the harder American version, as well as Japanese subtitles at the lower half of the game screen.

Custom Match Mode allows players to set the number of players, as well as difficulty and the beginning level. Meanwhile, Create Match Mode establishes the player as host and adds the ability for complete veto power over the match.

X-Men Arcade is now available on Xbox LIVE Arcade for 800 MSPTS and on the PlayStation Network for $9.99. To download new screen shots and for more information on the game, please visit:
http://www.konami.com/games/xmen.

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Wednesday, December 15, 2010

12/15/2010 - Huntress set to invade Dungeon Defenders
THE HUNTRESS SET TO IMPALE CYCLOPS OGRE MONSTERS AND MORE IN DUNGEON DEFENDERS

She’s nimble. She’s lithe. She’s building a RAY GUN.

She’s the Huntress, the ranger class in Dungeon Defenders, and she comes packing quite the ranged punch. Traps, cross-bows and Gatling guns are among her approved weapons and tactics of choice. Just look at the new video (and post for all your readers) to see!

Being a trapper and an expert in ranged weaponry, the Huntress always has an exacting plan of attack up her sleeve. Consider her masterfully organized letter
to the Dungeon Armorer detailing a new ray gun she wants built, along with her plan to scour the depths of the dungeons to find the materials needed for such a task. We expect that you’ll publish this act of bravery for the whole world to see!

As a token of goodwill, the Huntress has talked the Trendy team into promising to give Dungeon Defenders away to at least 10 fans of its
Facebook page, though it could be more if the fans demand it (hint, hint).  All you have to do is ‘Like’ the page…that’s it…and you could win.  See Facebook for updates and details.

Stay tuned for more news from Etheria and Dungeon Defenders by visiting
www.dungeondefenders.com, and on Facebook and Twitter.

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Monday, December 13, 2010

12/13/2010 - Forza Motorsport 4 coming Autumn 2011
The Green Flag Waves as “Forza Motorsport 4” Enters the Race in Autumn 2011
“Forza Motorsport 4” will redefine the racing genre with controller-based and Kinect for Xbox 360-enabled gameplay to create the ultimate driving experience
LONDON – 13 December 2010 – Fire up your Xbox 360 and brace yourself for the most anticipated racing game of 2011. As part of the annual Video Game Awards on SPIKE TV, Microsoft gave a thrilling first glimpse at what’s in store for gamers next year, announcing the highly anticipated arrival of Turn 10 Studios’ “Forza Motorsport 4” in Autumn 2011.

The definitive racing game of 2011, “Forza Motorsport 4” will bring together genre-defining, controller-based racing, the power and freedom of Kinect, and content from leading brands like “Top Gear” to create an automotive experience unlike anything before it.

“Forza Motorsport 4” will be the most expansive and vividly realistic automotive experience across any console, bringing you closer to the edge than you’ve ever been before. Through the power of Kinect, players will be able to step through the TV screen and jump into the driver’s seat while the engaging controller-based experience will let you take on the bone-jarring physics, unparalleled levels of customisation, and rosters of dream cars and tracks. Offering game-play that will electrify racing fans and excite car lovers and novices alike, the highest-rated racing franchise of this generation returns in Autumn 2011.

For fans looking for the best racing experience available today, the “Forza Motorsport 3 Ultimate Collection” for Xbox 360 is in stores now and includes the award-winning racing title, all previously released Game Add-ons, and the Koenigsegg CCX, LEXUS LFA, and Mercedes Benz SLS-AMG supercars as part of the “Stig’s Garage Car Pack.” Owners will also receive a special 90-minute video compilation featuring “Top Gear” hosts Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May, as well as an exclusive Xbox LIVE “Top Gear” premium dashboard theme.

For press only (please do not publish the URL): For assets and .wmv videos from “Forza Motorsport 4,” please visit
http://edelmanadmin.psni.com/public/.

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Saturday, December 11, 2010

12/11/2010 - TurboGrafx 16 Games coming to iPhone + iTouch
TURBOGRAFX GAMEBOX APP COMING SOON TO the IPHONE® and iPOD® TOUCH FROM HUDSON ENTERTAINMENT

SAN MATEO , Calif. – December 11th, 2010 – Hudson Entertainment is bringing the TurboGrafx Gamebox application to the iPhone and iPod touch this winter.  The app is free to download and comes with one free game, “World Sports Competition.”  Once users have downloaded the app, they will initially have access to more than 15 games to download at a cost of $3.99 each.  Users will be able to try out one game selected by Hudson, per day, for 3 minutes.  Game content will be refreshed and new games added frequently to meet user demand.

The original TurboGrafx-16 video game console was developed by Hudson Soft and NEC.  It was released to major popularity in Japan in 1987, making its way to North America in 1989.  With an 8-bit CPU and dual 16-bit GPU the console was capable of displaying 482 colors at once.  TurboGrafx-16 was the first console to have an optional CD module, which allowed for more storage and affordable costs.

For more information on TurboGrafx GameBox and otherHudson mobile titles, visit
www.hudsonent.com.

Hudson Entertainment is the North and South American subsidiary of Hudson Soft, an international provider of games and entertainment content founded in 1973. Hudson Entertainment focuses on three key businesses: console retail games, digital download content, and music. Hudson introduced best-selling videogame franchises including Bomberman, Bonk, Military Madness and Deca Sports. Through numerous partnerships with record labels, Hudson has become a leading provider of digital music and video content. For more information on Hudson Entertainment, please visit
www.hudsonent.com.

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Thursday, December 9, 2010

12/09/2010 - Nintendo and the American Heart Association Offer
WHY WAIT FOR JAN. 1? SURVEY SHOWS ACTIVE-PLAY VIDEO GAMES CAN GET PEOPLE MOVING NOW

Nintendo and the American Heart Association Offer "12 Days of Getting Active" Holiday Tips

REDMOND, Wash., Dec. 9, 2010 – A new survey from the American Heart Association shows that playing active-play video games can lead players to participate in more real-world physical activity. According to the survey, 58 percent of people who play active-play video games have begun a new real-life fitness activity like walking, tennis or jogging since they started playing the games. Additionally, 68 percent of people who play active-play video games say they are more physically active since they got involved in video games.

Inspired by these results, Nintendo and the American Heart Association are combining fun and fitness this holiday with "12 Days of Getting Active." A series of daily tips starting today will help make it easy for people to get active, even when they are challenged with busy schedules and sweet temptations. The tips will be posted at 
http://www.activeplaynow.com, the joint American Heart Association-Nintendo online information center, and will focus on how active-play video games can get everyone in the family engaged in fun, physically active behavior leading into and through the New Year.

"We are looking at active-play video games as part of a realistic approach to fitness," said Barry A. Franklin, Ph.D., Director of Cardiac Rehabilitation and Exercise Laboratories at William Beaumont Hospital in Michigan and an American Heart Association volunteer. "We are finding that they often act as a gateway to other forms of physical activity. So as people get up off the couch to play Wii games, they're likely to stay up and do more – like walking, jogging or playing tennis."

"We're encouraging people to use their time together during the holidays to get moving with active-play video games," said Marc Franklin, Nintendo of America's director of Public Relations. "Games like  Wii Fit Plus and  Wii Sports Resort get the whole family up off the couch and staying active while having fun."

The survey also showed that 82 percent of those who engage in active-play video games now play more with family and friends, suggesting that these types of video games inspire social fun. The holidays are a great time to keep this trend going.

In addition, the survey revealed interesting insight into the difference between men and women, what motivates them and how they play active-play video games. Men are more likely than women to play active-play video games with their children (men 65 percent vs. women 56 percent). Men are also more likely than women to play active-play video games with someone else on the same console (men 51 percent vs. women 36 percent). However, women like active-play video games more than men for a number of reasons. They can stay active at home (61 percent), can play day or night (49 percent), can try things they wouldn't normally do, like skiing (47 percent), and can push their physical limits (24 percent).

The American Heart Association and Nintendo of America are engaged in a first-of-its-kind, multifaceted strategic relationship aimed at helping people create healthy lifestyles through physically active play. The two organizations are working together on multiple fronts to help consumers discover how active-play video games contribute to healthy living. The iconic American Heart Association brand appears on boxes for the  Wii Fit™ Plus and  Wii Sports Resort™ software and for the Wii™ system itself. For more information about Nintendo's strategic relationship with the AHA, visit 
http://www.activeplaynow.com.

The survey was conducted Oct. 25- Nov. 1, 2010, by the American Heart Association and included a total of 2,284 male and female respondents ages 25-55.

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Wednesday, December 8, 2010

12/08/2010 - Earth Defense Force 2017 now available on Xbox Live Games on Demand
Fans Everywhere Can Scream EDF!  D3Publisher Announces Fan Favorite Earth Defense Force® 2017 is Now Available on Microsoft’s Xbox LIVE Games on Demand.

In preparation of the spring 2011 launch of Earth Defense Force®: Insect Armageddon™, D3Publisher announces today that the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft classic Earth Defense Force 2017 is now available for Xbox LIVE® Games on Demand.  The highly acclaimed and hard to find Earth Defense Force 2017, developed by Sandlot (Japan) is now available to all players looking to experience what made the game a cult hit.

In Earth Defense Force 2017, planet Earth is under attack from an onslaught of alien insect invaders ranging from giant ants and spiders to robots and monsters and the Earth Defense Force (EDF) is mankind’s only chance for survival.  The game features more than 50 missions, with wholly destructible environments including bridges, skyscrapers and more that can be leveled instantly.  The arcade-style third-person shooter equips players with an arsenal of over 150 weapons, vehicles and loyal teammates where players can fight alone or with a friend in local split-screen co-op to save the world even if it means demolishing it in the process.

Earth Defense Force 2017 is available for $19.99 (USD) for Xbox LIVE Games on Demand and is rated “T” (Teen – Animated Blood, Mild Language, and Violence) by the ESRB.  For more information on Earth Defense Force 2017, please visit
www.earthdefenseforce.net.  To join the Earth Defense Force community and to find out more about Earth Defense Force: Insect Armageddon, please visit www.edfia.com and www.facebook.com/EarthDefenseForce.

About Earth Defense Force: Insect Armageddon (Available Spring 2011)
Taking place in the fictional city of New Detroit ,Earth Defense Force: Insect Armageddon for Xbox 360 and the PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system is a completely new game developed by Vicious Cycle that takes on the concept of Earth Defense Force 2017 (Japanese Title “Earth Defense Force 3” developed by Sandlot).  Insect Armageddon continues to follow the rich history of hardcore fun and addictive gameplay that made the franchise a cult classic. 

Insect Armageddon also adds a new aspect to the Earth Defense Force series that was born in Japan, with additional elements for all EDF soldiers to experience.  Players can now participate in Campaign mode via online co-op for up to 3 players, or grab a friend and play in split-screen against the insects and aliens across a completely destructible city.  Every EDF soldier can collect over 300 weapons and can choose from four upgradeable armor sets including the vaunted Jet Armor for battles on the ground and in the air.  Players will engage in nonstop arcade action that is the fastest and deadliest in the series against a seemingly unstoppable swarm of insects and giant alien invaders. 

In addition, the game also features a six-player Survival mode that pits a human squad against a nonstop onslaught of the largest enemies the aliens have to offer.  New Detroit’s giant bug problem is unavoidable, and mankind’s last hope lies with the Earth Defense Force to defend the world from the insect invasion, even if it means blowing up the entire city as part of the extermination process.

Earth Defense Force: Insect Armageddon is currently rated “T” (Teen – Animated Blood, Mild Language, Mild Suggestive Themes and Violence) by the ESRB. 

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Tuesday, December 7, 2010

12/07/2010 - SNK Playmore Launches NEOGEO Station on PlayStation Network

SNK Playmore Launches NEOGEO Station on PlayStation® Network

Special Project Celebrating 20th Anniversary of the NEOGEO Launches on December 21, 2010
 
Los Angeles, Calif.-December 7th, 2010 - SNK PLAYMORE USA CORPORATION announced today that they will be launching the NEOGEO Station on the PlayStation® Network to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the NEOGEO videogame system on December 21st, 2010.  The NEOGEO Station will be a continuously growing' library of classic NEOGEO games available via the PlayStation Network for $8.99 per title for PS3 and $6.99 per title for PSP.

Since its release in 1990, the revolutionary "NEOGEO" videogame system has attracted millions of fans worldwide with its unforgettable library of arcade classics. In commemorating the 20th anniversary of the legendary NEOGEO MVS & AES, SNK has updated NEOGEO games for PlayStation®3 and PlayStation®Portable systems with VERSUS and/or CO-OP Play so players all over the world can compete against each other via the PlayStation®Network (PSP® Versions will be compatible with Ad-Hoc Mode**). SNK is also adding a variety of features both hardcore fans and a new generation of NEOGEO gamers will be sure to appreciate.

The first 10 game titles on "NEOGEO Station" will be available on December 21, 2010 for the PS3 and will include "FATAL FURY", "METAL SLUG", and "THE KING OF FIGHTERS '94". "FATAL FURY" and "METAL SLUG" will also be available for the PSP on December 21. Continuing in 2011, SNK PLAYMORE USA will offer the PSP versions of the other eight game titles as well as a wide variety of other games that made the "NEOGEO" world-famous in the 90s.

Here is the complete launch title list for NEOGEO Station - each PS3™ version will sell for a suggested price of $8.99 per title, each PSP® version will cost $6.99 per title. All titles listed will be available for the PS3 on December 21, 2010 and except SNK's Classic SAMURAI SHODOWN where noted, in January for the PSP:

FATAL FURY (PSP 12/21)
ALPHA MISSION II
THE KING OF FIGHTERS '94
SAMURAI SHODOWN
BASEBALL STARS PROFESSIONAL
MAGICIAN LORD
METAL SLUG (PSP 12/21)
LEAGUE BOWLING
SUPER SIDEKICKS
ART OF FIGHTING
 
About SNK PLAYMORE USA CORPORATION

Headquartered in Osaka, Japan, SNK PLAYMORE CORPORATION (SNK) develops, publishes and distributes interactive entertainment software in Japan, North America, Europe and Asia. Founded in 1978, SNK is one of the largest privately held interactive entertainment content providers in the world. Known for such franchises as THE KING OF FIGHTERS, METAL SLUG, and SAMURAI SHODOWN, SNK continues to be an industry leader by focusing on their rich arcade history. More information on SNK PLAYMORE CORPORATION can be found at
www.snkplaymore.co.jp SNK PLAYMORE USA is a wholly owned subsidiary of SNK PLAYMORE CORPORATION with offices in Los Angeles, CA. It handles operations in North America including publishing, marketing, development and localization. More information on SNK PLAYMORE USA can be found at www.snkplaymoreusa.com

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Monday, December 6, 2010

12/06/2010 - Space Ace comes to Nintendo DSi
Space Ace comes to Nintendo DSi: The fate of Earth is your hands!

Beam Space Ace Up To Your Nintendo DSi

GORMLEY, Ontario, Canada – December 6, 2010 – Digital Leisure Inc. a leading developer and publisher of console and handheld games, announced today the launch of Space Ace. The follow up to Dragon’s Lair, the groundbreaking arcade game, designed exclusively for Nintendo's DSiWare™ service.

Space Ace is a fully animated classic arcade game from legendary animator Don Bluth. In this completely arcade authentic adventure, you'll journey to rescue the beautiful Kimberly by using your Nintendo DSi™ to move and fire your lasergun.  This is the first time the stunning 2D animation has been seen on a Nintendo® handheld format – No pixel graphics here!

In Space Ace you play the heroic Ace who must stop the evil Commander Borf from taking over the Earth! Borf plans to reduce all of humankind to infants and take over the planet. Only two people have the courage and strength to stop Borf and save Earth: the beautiful Kimberly and the heroic Ace. But as they approach Borf's stronghold, Ace is hit by the Infanto Ray, changing him into a child, and Kimberly is kidnapped by the evil madman! The fate of Earth is in your hands!

This classic can now be enjoyed on-the-go by a new generation of gamers on the Nintendo DSi!

The fate of Earth is your hands!

Space Ace is available today in North America on DSiWare for 800 Nintendo DSi Points™.
Nintendo trademarks are used under license. DSiWare is available only through the Nintendo DSi system.

More info on the game:

Main Site:
http://tinyurl.com/ykuh8mp

Screenshots: http://tinyurl.com/3ygt6sw

YouTube Channel: http://www.youtube.com/digitalleisure

Twitter: http://twitter.com/digitalleisure

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Saturday, December 4, 2010

12/04/2010 - Dingo-Digital-USA developing new Handheld Gaming System
Dingo-Digital-USA developing new Handheld Gaming System

Newswire/Dingoo_Digital_USA_Prototype.jpg

The most trusted seller of the popular Dingoo A320 handheld is branching out into hardware development.

We just received word that the folks over at Dingoo Digital USA have released the hardware specs for their new portable game system. This news comes as a big surprise to portable gaming enthusiasts everywhere. In case you don't already know, the Dingoo A320 is a portable game system capable of running emulators and homebrew software. The current library of emulators for the Dingoo is quite impressive. And the Dingoo even has a few unique games that really shine. This budget priced, open source game system is well worth the price of admission for any fan of homebrew or emulation. And if you're going to purchase a Dingoo, the best place to buy your system is Dingoo Digital USA. They take extra precautions in ensuring your system arrives without a flaw. Their quality control is second to none. And their customer service is outstanding. So when we heard the company was now going to produce their own portable game system we were very excited.

Here are the current specs for the new portable. Please understand this machine is still in development and things may change over time. The final prototype units are set to arrive in December. More as this story develops...

  • Ingenic 4755 (Dual Core Clocked at 400 MHz but can be overclocked to 550Mhz The second core is a VPU similar to a GPU)
  • 4.0 TFT LCD (Brand: King Display KD43G16-40NC-A3 Resolution: 480x272 Active area: 95.04mm x 53.86mm 262K color, 24bit parallel RGB interface)
  • 64MB SD Ram (Winbond W9825G6EH-6 (2 pieces) 4M words x 4 banks x 16 bits = 32 MB 166MHz/CL3 or 133MHz/CL2)
  • 2GB NAND (Samsung K9GAG08U0E 16 Gb = 2GB MLC, large block 8-bit interface)
  • MicroSD Memory Slot
  • D-Pad and Analog Nub on left
  • Standard A,B,Y,X  on the right and L1 R1 Shoulder buttons on top
  • 4MP Video Camera/Camera
  • OS will be Dingux with hopefully a new menu system the fall back will be Gmenu2X
  • Allows file browsing with Windows Windows XP, Vista, and Windows 7 out of the box 32bit.
  • Estimated price $80 to $85 USD

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Friday, December 3, 2010

12/03/2010 - GDC 2011 Debuts Initial Summit Line-Up
GDC 2011 Debuts Initial, Wide-Ranging Summit Line-Up

Organizers of the 2011 Game Developers Conference have announced initial line-ups for major Summits at the 25th edition of the industry’s leading digital entertainment event next February.

Held alongside the GDC tutorials on Monday, February 28th and Tuesday, March 1st in San Francisco, a large range of key one- and two-day Summits will kick off GDC week with innovative and informative programs led by industry experts - including notables from Zynga, Area/Code, Google, Klei Entertainment, MIT, and more.

As the overall session list for GDC 2011 continues to grow, organizers are highlighting the top initial talks for the seven Summits, including the expanded Social & Online Games Summit, the new Smartphone Summit, and the long-running Independent Games Summit - all open to GDC 2011 pass-holders with a Summits & Tutorials or All Access Pass.

Newly announced GDC 2011 summit sessions of particular note include ones from the following Summits:

- The Social and Online Games Summit is expanding even further for
2011 after a blockbuster 2010 Summit, with initial technical-specific highlights including 'Social Speed: Improving Flash Performance for Social Games' from Zynga director of engineering Amitt Mahajan, centering on the different approaches studios can take to making their social games both "load and run fast."

The full lecture list to date for the Summit includes 'Business', 'Essentials', 'Tech' and 'Vision' themed mini-tracks, and spans everything from Playdom's Peter Fishman on 'Behavioral Economics and Social Games' through Spry Fox's provocative Daniel Cook on 'How to Survive the Inevitable Enslavement of Developers by Facebook'.

- The freshly formed GDC Smartphone Summit has a host of sessions for the fast-emerging smartphone game platforms, including Chris Pruett of Google Japan presenting 'Replica Island: Building a Successful Android Game,' discussing "concrete lessons about Android software design and phone-oriented game design" through his self-created, popular title.

The rest of the schedule thus far announced for the Summit includes leading mobile developers, spanning Smule's Ge Wang on 'Tapping Into Innovation Strategies for Developing Successful Apps' through NewToy/Zynga With Friends' Vijay Thakkar on 'Changing the Way We Make
Games: Lessons Learned in the Transition from AAA to Mobile Development'.

- The always popular Independent Games Summit includes newly announced lectures such as 'The Journey to Creating Shank,' in which Klei Entertainment CEO Jamie Cheng (formerly of Relic Entertainment) will share in detail his path of trials and tribulations in making the original, self-funded PSN/XBLA game.

Also newly revealed in the IGS 2011 talk schedule are 'Living with
Drop7: A Long Tail Postmortem', revealing "how Area/Code teamed with minimalist game designer Andy Nealen of Osmos to bring Drop7's sequel to life", as well as Wolfire's John Graham on the Humble Indie Bundle, discussing the promotion that raised $1.3 million for indie developers and charity in just 11 days.

- The Serious Games Summit focuses on health & healthcare in the first day, and the rising trend of "gamification" on the second day, with the line-up including first-day talks such as 'Video Game Play as Nightmare Protection' and second-day talks including 'Hyperlocal Game Design: Connecting Social Currency to Real World Currency'.

Other notable Summits include the Localization Summit, which debuts 'Game Markets in the Middle East: Opportunities and Challenges" with Mahmoud Ali Khasawneh of Quirkat and Oded Sharon of Corbomite Games, plus the Game Education Summit, which features 'Building and Growing a Game Lab', including speakers from the Singapore-MIT GAMBIT Game Lab and the USC School of Cinematic Arts.

As it enters its historical 25th edition, Game Developers Conference continues to deliver key insight and inspiration into market innovations, new technologies, and practices to game creators - and over the next several weeks, organizers will be releasing a host of additional GDC 2011 Summit, Tutorial, and Main Conference content announcements.

Game Developers Conference 2011 - part of the UBM TechWeb Game Network, as is this website - will be held at the Moscone Center in San Francisco from February 28th to March 4th, and registration is now open. For more information on all aspects of the show, visit the official GDC 2011 website:
http://www.gdconf.com 

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Thursday, December 2, 2010

12/02/2010 - 101-In-1 Sports Party Megamix for Wii Release Date
101-IN-1 SPORTS PARTY MEGAMIXTM FOR WiiTM GETS NEW RELEASE DATE OF 1-11-11

Because we like the number one
  
IRVINE, CALIFORNIA - December 2, 2010 - Atlus U.S.A., Inc. today announced that following a recent reading of its horoscope, it has decided to release 101-in-1 Sports Party Megamix™ for Wii™, a collection of one hundred and one family-friendly, addictive sports-themed mini games, on January 11, 2011.

"Really, we couldn't be happier with our decision to release the game on 1/11/11." said Aram Jabbari, chief isophenist for Atlus. "It's the most one-derful day of the year," he added, eyes gleaming manically with the force required to shoehorn that pun into an official press release.

Friends and family members of all ages will have hours of fun earning points by successfully completing challenges and spending their points to reveal dozens of exciting new sports games, striving to unlock more and more each time. Simple to play, hard to master, and utterly addicting, these games will keep players engrossed in competing head-to-head with friends, scoring goals, earning medals, winning races, and beating high scores. There is practically no end to the fast-paced sports action! 

101-in-1 Sports Party Megamix is scheduled for release on January 11, 2011 with an MSRP of only $19.99. With one hundred and one titles, the price averages out to less than twenty cents per game! See the
official trailer for a look at some of the exciting sports action players can look forward to. For more information on 101-in-1 Sports Party Megamix for Wii, and to check out the other games in the 101-in-1 series, visit the website: www.atlus.com/101sportswii.

About 101-in-1 Sports Party Megamix

Compete in your favorite sports-alone or with up to three other people-in the best sports gaming value for Wii! 101-in-1 Sports Party Megamix offers one hundred and one popular sports-themed mini games-basketball, soccer, hockey and many more-on a single disc, and all for an unbeatable, irresistible price! Gather your friends and loved ones and enjoy some addictive, family-friendly sports fun at an unbeatable price! 

Key Features  
  • 101 sports on one disc... one low price!
    Dive into a vast variety of sports-themed minigames to satisfy everyone's tastes-from popular ones like soccer, boxing, baseball and tennis, to fun, quirky games like Psychic Bowling, Sumo Suit Showdown, Daring Darts, Fancy Fencing, and much, much more!
  • Compete with your family and friends
    Who doesn't like a good sports competition? Challenge your friends, family, and loved ones to exciting sports challenges for up to four players. With so many different games in one package, the fun never has to stop!
  • The more you play, the more you unlock
    A constantly rewarding experience, players who successfully complete sports games are rewarded with new ones. There's always an incentive to play, and the more you play, the more fun you'll have! 
101-in-1 Sports Party Megamix for Wii has been rated E10+ (Everyone 10 and older) with Mild Cartoon Violence by the ESRB.
 
About Atlus U.S.A., Inc.
Located in Irvine, California and founded in 1991, Atlus U.S.A., Inc. is renowned for its proud tradition of publishing exceptional role-playing games with strong niche appeal.  The Atlus library of critically acclaimed video games includes Demon's Souls, Odin Sphere, the Trauma Center series, and the award-winning Shin Megami Tensei series. For more information, visit
http://www.atlus.com.

For breaking news, special promotions, insider info, and more, visit
http://www.atlus.com/faithful to join the ranks of the Atlus Faithful!

Submitted By: E. Thomas
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Wednesday, December 1, 2010

News from The ESA

webassets/esa.jpg

STUDY FINDS GAMES ARE EFFECTIVE TRAINING TOOLS

Recognizing that today's emerging workforce is more familiar with interactive technologies and entertainment software, companies are increasingly turning to computer and video games as tools for employee training. This approach not only makes standard training programs more enjoyable, but, as new research from the University of Colorado Denver found, incorporating games can make training more effective.

Dr. Traci Sitzmann, a professor at the university's business school, conducted a meta-analysis of 65 existing studies on the use of games and game-related technologies in training programs. She also collected and examined data from nearly 6,500 trainees, comparing the results of those who used video games during their training against those who had not. Sitzmann found that trainees who used video games had a nine percent higher retention rate, an 11 percent higher factual knowledge level and a 14 percent higher skill-based knowledge level.

Dr. Sitzmann also found that games were most effective as training tools when they engaged the user actively, and when they were accompanied by more traditional forms of instruction before and after play. She also encouraged employers to provide employees with unlimited access to these games, because playing a game multiple times further enhances their learning.

Many employers already incorporate games into their training programs, or are working to develop similar programs. The Hilton Garden Inn, for example, worked with Virtual Heroes to develop Ultimate Team Play, an interactive game that places employees in a virtual hotel where they must interact with customers and field typical guest requests. In addition, Arrow Electronics worked with BrandGames to develop a game that teaches customer account managers supply-chain management and customer service skills. Called Arrow Max!, the game also includes a virtual coach that provides tips throughout game play, and scores employees on how well they complete each task. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security sponsored a game, Zero Hour: America's Medic, to better prepare emergency medical personnel to handle large-scale disasters.

In a 2008 study conducted by KRC Research, more than 75 percent of businesses and non-profits already offering video game-based training said they planned to expand their usage, and nearly 80 percent of organizations not utilizing games as training tools said they were likely to do so by 2013. As computer and video games continue to evolve, and the body of evidence confirming their value as educational tools grows, the use of games in the workplace is certain to expand.   

MEDICAL FIELD TURNS TO VIDEO GAME TECHNOLOGIES

From the University of Maryland to the Mayo Clinic, medical schools, hospitals and nursing programs across the country are increasingly turning to video game technologies and virtual environments to train students and simulate the complicated decisions and procedures medical professionals face every day.

The University of Maryland Medical Center's Advanced Simulation, Training, Research and Innovation Center (MASTRI) is at the forefront of utilizing video game technology in the field of medicine. MASTRI programs provide researchers and students with new ways to understand techniques that aren't always easy to teach. In one program, surgical residents are presented with an emergency scenario and must perform the necessary procedure on a simulated patient through virtual reality computer programs. In some instances, students also practice these procedures on a mannequin that uses software to imitate human vital signs, such as pulse and respiration.

In addition, Maryland's program uses the same motion-sensing technology used to capture an athlete's movement in developing sports video games to help train surgeons on proper technique. Gyusung Lee, assistant professor of surgery at the University of Maryland Medical Center, uses this technology to capture a master surgeon's movements with accuracy down to the submillimeter. These movements are then simulated on screen, providing residents with a valuable demonstration of best practices.

Other medical schools are also taking advantage of game technology. Duke University Medical Center uses game-like simulations to build teamwork and problem solving skills. Students are assigned an avatar in a virtual hospital setting, and must work with other clinicians to take care of virtual patients. Team members must establish who is in charge and how to communicate within the group to accomplish medical procedures.

Beyond the classroom, Banner Heart Hospital in Mesa, Ariz. employs video game technology to assist with complicated heart surgeries. The Sensei X Robotic Catheter system, also in use at a number of other facilities around the country, allows doctors to practice on simulated hearts projected onto a video screen before operating on real patients.

Online virtual worlds are also used as training and modeling tools by a number of other health care providers. The Mayo Clinic, for example, uses virtual worlds to conduct courses, simulate doctor-patient visits and test emergency room designs. With this technology, a student in Texas and her "classmate" across the country can treat virtual patients in a simulated emergency room and a doctor in California can take a virtual tour and offer feedback on a new hospital design being considered in Michigan.

The incorporation of video game technology into the medical field is a testament to the broad applicability and cutting-edge nature of computer and video games. 

COMBATING VIOLENCE THROUGH GAME PLAY

Video games are an important tool for non-profit organizations and issue advocates to engage and educate today's tech-savvy youth. A recent example of this comes from students at the Emergent Media Center (EMC) at Champlain College in Vermont, who developed a game aimed at teaching young boys about violence, gender issues and racial stereotypes. With the support of the United Nations Population Fund and the Popular Media Center, the EMC students developed Breakaway, a ground-breaking online game which incorporates important life lessons with the globally popular and culturally relevant game of soccer.

Breakaway engages boys ages 8 to 15 through online social networking and interactive episodes woven into the game.  Players create a customized character and alternate between soccer games and narrative choices about social issues. The game's design links success on the playing field to respectful behavior towards girls and women. At certain times throughout the game, a player's team splits in half, and they are required to side with either the negative or positive characters. Negative choices influence the amount of soccer training that the player receives, causing him to underperform on the playing field. The makers behind the game report that ninety percent of players make positive choices. 

Breakaway is a part of the UN Secretary General's Campaign UNiTE to end violence against women. The campaign calls on governments, civil society, women's organizations, the media and the entire UN system to join forces in addressing the issue of violence against women and girls by raising awareness and through legislative efforts.

The game's first episode made its debut in June 2010 during the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, and was distributed throughout Africa to young athletes attending soccer camps.  The EMC will continue to publish episodes through December 2010, and recently released the game's third chapter.

Breakaway has experienced worldwide success, attracting 1,000 registered users from 95 countries including Ghana, Mali, Tunisia, Indonesia and Azerbaijan, and even won an endorsement from its famous spokesman, soccer star Samuel Eto'o, striker for the Football Club Internazionale Milano. 

The game is available globally online at www.breakawaygame.com.

Submitted By: E. Thomas
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