VANCOUVER, British Columbia – July 23, 2008 – Hothead Games today proudly announced that its well received Penny Arcade Adventures: On the Rain-Slick Precipice of Darkness, Episode One is currently in development for the PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system and will debut on PLAYSTATION®Network late fall 2008.

Penny Arcade Adventures: On the Rain-Slick Precipice of Darkness is an RPG-Adventure game series set in the comic-book-meets-pulp-horror-meets-H.P. Lovecraft deranged 1920s universe of New Arcadia, delivered to gamers via accessible episodic releases. Players join Gabe and Tycho, the crime-solving team of the Startling Developments Detective Agency, to combat savage enemies and solve mysteries hidden deep in the sinister heart of New Arcadia. The game is the result of close collaboration between Hothead Games and Penny Arcade, featuring distinct artwork and characters designed exclusively by Mike “Gabe” Krahulik, story and dialogue by Jerry “Tycho” Holkins, and all brought to life by the Hothead team.

“We keep getting emails asking why our Penny Arcade game is not on PSN,” said Hothead’s CEO, Vlad Ceraldi. “We have always said we wanted to have our games on as many platforms as possible to give choice to gamers. All good things take time and we are very excited to be debuting our first PS3 title and look forward to bringing more games to this platform in the future.”

The PLAYSTATION®3 system version of Episode One will be priced in line with the game on other platforms.

“PlayStation”, “PLAYSTATION” and “PS” Family logo are registered trademarks of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc.

Source: Games Press.

Onechanbara: Bikini Zombie Slayers – Onechanbara is the ultimate evolution in a third-person blood-splattering hack-and-slash videogame. Players take on the role of the beautiful but deadly Aya or her little sister Saki, both of whom will need to put their legendary samurai skills to the test in order to battle legions of zombies terrorizing their city. Every person met and enemy battled gets the sisters closer to understanding who or what is behind the zombie outbreak and putting an end to it. Onechanbara: Bikini Zombie Slayers is anticipated for release in Q1 2009 on Wii.

NARUTO: Clash of Ninja Revolution 2 – TOMY Corporation and D3Publisher’s highly anticipated NARUTO: Clash of Ninja Revolution 2 offers an all-new original storyline created for the North American audience and features the largest character roster yet for the Clash of Ninja series. The latest iteration of the hit fighting game represents a huge progression from the previous game, including never-before-seen modes, improved visual presentation, and polished gameplay mechanics. The only four-player NARUTO fighting game series available, NARUTO: Clash of Ninja Revolution 2 for the Wii home video game console is anticipated for release this fall 2008.

Puzzle Quest: Galactrix – A rich new addition to the beloved Puzzle Quest universe, Puzzle Quest: Galactrix incorporates a powerful blend of puzzle, strategy and RPG gameplay elements, into an all-new futuristic, science-fiction setting. Offering an innovative new hexagonal puzzle board for a wide range of strategic depth, a rich storyline and fresh gameplay elements, Puzzle Quest: Galactrix is a captivating new adventure to explore and conquer in Q1 2009 on Xbox LIVE® Arcade, Nintendo DS and Windows PC.

BEN 10: ALIEN FORCE The Game – Based on Cartoon Network’s hit series, BEN 10: ALIEN FORCE The Game is the only console videogame allowing players to command and experience the adventures of the ALIEN FORCE team. Gamers will help Ben take the DNA-scrambling Omnitrix out of retirement and become the hero as they transform into eight different playable characters-including cousin Gwen, enemy-turned-ally Kevin and five of Ben’s brand new alien forms to utilize their all-new super powers and defeat the intergalactic invaders! BEN 10: ALIEN FORCE The Game is a fast-paced, 3D, action adventure offering an unlimited combo system and engaging puzzles and challenges, coming to Wii, PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system, PSP system and Nintendo DS this fall 2008.

NARUTO: Path of the Ninja 2 – TOMY Corporation and D3Publisher’s NARUTO: Path of the Ninja 2 is the latest in the popular RPG videogame series offering a completely original storyline, expanded character roster featuring 30 playable characters and improvements to the battle system that will give players more options than ever before as they make use of the newly-added Squad Leader and Ninja Tag systems. For those who want to test their mettle against fellow ninja across North America, NARUTO: Path of the Ninja 2 will also provide the opportunity to earn points and special ninja cards as players prove their strength over Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection. NARUTO: Path of the Ninja 2 is anticipated for release on Nintendo DS this September 2008.

Bangai-O Spirits – Created by revered Japanese developer TREASURE, Bangai-O Spirits is a re-imagination of their hit 90s DreamCast game Bangai-O. The twitch-fest shooter gameplay includes more than 160 levels, punishing supermoves, exclusive content for the Western version, and a sensory overload of fireworks onscreen. Bangai-O Spirits boasts a powerful level editor tool, local wireless multiplayer for up to four players and the pioneering new Sound Load technology. Bangai-O Spirits blasts into retail stores August 12, 2008 exclusively for Nintendo DS.

Shaun the Sheep – The only handheld videogame based on the award-winning TV show from Aardman Animation, Shaun the Sheep allows players to assume the role of the lovable sheep, Shaun, as he tries to find the rest of the flock before the Farmer arrives home. Designed exclusively for the Nintendo DS, Shaun the Sheep will feature the fan-favorite characters, items, and locations from the popular stop-motion animated series on the Disney Channel, as well as original content for all new experiences with Shaun. Shaun the Sheep flocks to retail stores on September 23, 2008.

Source: Games Press

Big Bang Mini (Nintendo DS™ – January 2009)
This addictive fast paced shoot’em up puts a flashy new spin on classic arcade gameplay. Players are challenged to navigate their ship through a brilliant array of highly stylized levels as they launch a bevy of fireworks at waves of dynamic enemies. Players will use the stylus to create their own fireworks displays and combo attacks in order to defeat waves of challenging enemies. Versus play, online rankings, and other gameplay modes only add to the chaos that ensues.

Brave: A Warriors Tale (Wii™, Xbox 360® & PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) system – Fall 2008)
Set many, many moons after Shaman’s Challenge, the game plays as a series of flashbacks in which a now elderly Brave describes the events of his life. Between the warrior’s tales of his youth, the player takes control of Courage, a young boy who takes lessons from his elder’s experiences to stop the current threat to their village. The game provides players expansive exploration and in-game interactivity on their quest to defeat the sources of evil, continuously offering a significant challenge to players as they advance through a world of untamed wilderness. Brave is able to transform into various animals, track prey, and battle enemies that stand in his way with bows and arrows, tomahawks and a variety of ancient powers.

Brave: Shaman’s Challenge (Nintendo DS – September 2008)
Taking place in Native American lands of long ago, Brave: Shaman’s Challenge follows a young boy named Brave in his quest to protect everything he holds dear. He alone stands against a group of evil Shaman dead set on reviving their old master; the Wendigo. Brave: Shaman’s Challenge features a cast of intriguing characters, a diverse set of amazing magic spells, a richly developed game world, and more puzzles than you can shake a shaman’s stick at!

Igor The Game (Windows PC, Wii & Nintendo DS – September 2008)
The game is based on the highly anticipated animated movie created by Exodus Film Group in cooperation with The Weinstein Company. In the Wii version of the game, players have the ability to choose one of the main characters (Igor, Eva, Scamper or Brain) and play either simultaneously or cooperatively with up to four people. The Nintendo DS version utilizes the stylus to perform movement combinations, combat enemies and solve puzzles. Players can custom build their own monsters to take on puzzle challenges and battle against other mad scientists.

Monster Madness: Grave Danger (PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system – August 2008)
Taking on the role of four intrepid teenagers, players will set out to save their town from the evil that’s been unleashed. This top-down shooter also features new and improved controls, twenty five new mini-games, tightened camera system and a hundred new weapon upgrades and power-ups, as well as full online co-op adventure mode that allows up to four players to experience all of the gameplay of the story mode.

Ninjatown (Nintendo DS – October 2008)
A diverse group of fun-loving Ninjas populate the vibrant yet peaceful place known as Ninjatown. However, after the eruption of a nearby volcano, Ninjatown is attacked by hordes of sinister enemies lead by Mr. Demon, who, for reasons unknown, is bent on destruction. The game is played from the top down, where the player uses the stylus to strategically place Ninjas to defend each area. The action is non-stop!

Raven Squad (Xbox 360 & Windows PC – Fall 2008)
Raven Squad is a tactical action game set in the Amazonian jungles, and blends a first person shooter (FPS) experience with the command and overview advantages of a real-time strategy (RTS) game. Players can solve each mission situation using a combination of the two genres on their own or cooperatively with a friend. Also, they always have the ability to switch between eight different characters with their own unique background, personalities, behaviors, weapons and skills.

X-Blades (Windows PC & Next-Gen Consoles – Fall 2008)
Ayumi, the main character, is an adventurous relic hunter in search of an artifact believed to hold the fate of the world in its grasp. Featuring anime noir, film-quality animation and high-speed gameplay, players can upgrade magic abilities to fight off elemental beasts and design their own control scheme, mapping magic attacks to the buttons they want.

Source: Games Press

Mortal Kombat® vs. DC Universe (PLAYSTATION®3, Xbox 360®, Fall 2008) - For the first time ever Scorpion, Sub-Zero and the Mortal Kombat warriors battle with Batman, Superman and other popular DC Universe super heroes. Choose your side and challenge your opponents with a new fighting system including Freefall Kombat and Klose Kombat along with dynamic multi-tiered environments. Plus, pick your favorite character from MK or DCU and pursue a fighting adventure in the new single player mode with an intertwined storyline and two unique perspectives.

Wheelman™ (PLAYSTATION®3, Xbox 360®, PC; Fall 2008) – Combining spectacular Hollywood-style stunts with a gripping storyline, Wheelman provides an adrenaline-fueled, cinematic thrill ride guaranteed to leave you breathless. Vin Diesel stars as an undercover agent and highly skilled driver who must infiltrate the Barcelona underworld to gather intelligence surrounding a covert heist. Posing as a driver-for-hire, he ends up caught in a crossfire of corruption and chaos while trying to stay one step ahead of local law enforcement and rival gangs.

TNA iMPACT!™ (PLAYSTATION®3, Xbox 360®, Wii, PlayStation 2; September 2008) – TNA iMPACT!™ is the exclusive Total Nonstop Action wrestling game based on the top-rated weekly television show, “TNA Impact!” Choose the wrestling style, custom move set and clothing to construct the ultimate champion. TNA drenches the player in moves and match types that allow amazing acrobatic and aerial feats along with the bone-jarring crush of hard-hitting impacts. The game also features top wrestling talent such as Kurt Angle™, Jeff Jarrett™, Rhino™, Samoa Joe™, AJ Styles™, Sting™, Christian Cage™, Abyss™ and more to deliver all of the excitement and action of the television show!

Blitz the League® II (PLAYSTATION®3, Xbox 360®; Fall 2008) – As the sequel to the more than one million unit selling and award-winning football experience, BLITZ: THE LEAGUE II, continues the franchise legacy as the ultimate alternative to the watered-down, licensed competition. In addition to an all-new story mode penned by Peter Egan (ESPN’s Playmakers), BLITZ: THE LEAGUE II features include: Precision-Aim Tackles, player-controlled touchdown celebrations, an enhanced on-the-field Clash Mode, online multiplayer capabilities, expanded rosters with all-new personalities, and the return of a cornerstone of the Blitz franchise…Late Hits! Football legend Lawrence Taylor returns as the game’s cover-athlete and star linebacker for the New York Nightmare, Quentin Sands, along with a star-studded supporting cast.

This is Vegas™ (PLAYSTATION®3, Xbox 360®, 2009) - When a ruthless businessman begins turning Vegas into a family-friendly tourist trap, you must start your own powerful empire and resurrect the famous adult playground. Party hard at the hottest clubs to make VIP connections. Grow your bankroll by hitting high stakes tables. Race the fastest cars on the underground circuit to raise your reputation. Fight off enemies with fists and firearms to prove your strength. Where you go and what you do is your call. Whether counting cards, seducing dangerous women, cruising the strip or starting bar brawls, there’s lots of excitement on the way to the top.

Unreal Tournament 3 – (Xbox 360®; July 2008) - Unreal Tournament 3, the world’s premier PC first-person shooter makes its debut on the Xbox 360®. Unreal Tournament 3 unleashes the full power of Unreal® Engine 3, taking graphics, gameplay, and challenge to a whole new level. Players engage in intense battles with other human players online, or against Unreal artificial intelligence that sets the industry standard. With the most powerful futuristic weapons and vehicles available, this is FPS action at its best!

Game Party™ 2 (Wii, November 2008) -- With 11 games in all, Game Party 2 for the Nintendo Wii includes fun to play games that will provide hours of enjoyment with friends and family. Game Party 2 features new games like Bean Bag Toss, Horseshoes, Lawn Darts, Puck Bowling and more. Each game, including classics like Skill Ball, Darts and Hoop Shoot has exciting new features like four player mode, customizable characters and tournament play, making Game Party 2 the ultimate party game for all ages and skill levels.

Touchmaster® 2 (Nintendo DS, September 2008) – TouchMaster 2 returns with a collection of 20 new exciting card, action, strategy and puzzle games with some of your favorite classic games from back in the day. For the gamer and non-gamer alike, TouchMaster 2 offers pick up and play, addictively fun, mini-games that everyone will enjoy. Kill some time by playing a quick round to beat your high-score or find some real competition against other players. TouchMaster 2, the personal arcade that fits snug in the palm of your hands.

Mechanic Master™ (Nintendo DS, September 2008) – With over 100 levels! Mechanic Master uses the stylus as a weapon to rid the Earth of alien invaders that have scattered across the planet. Become the ultimate Master of Mechanics by creating crazy contraptions to free humans, keep the mechanics in motion and defeat those pesky foes. Test your skills. Creative-thinking is key to clearing the level.

MidwayArcade.com (Online, Available Now) - Fans of Midway’s classic arcade and Touchmaster casual games will now be able to download their all-time favorites and play them on their PC. More than 25 classic titles, such as Defender, Joust, Spy Hunter, Root Beer Tapper and Mahki, are now available at www.midwayarcade.com, starting for as little as 3 games for US $5. Compete for bragging rights against players from around the world and battle for the high score in each game

Source: Games Press

Media Hub for PS3 – August 2008
The all-new Media Hub from Nyko attaches to any available USB port on the PS3 and enables the connection of three additional USB devices including flash drives, PSP, MP3 players and additional controllers. Its form-fitting design matches the contour of the PS3 for a clean look. Expected to ship this August, the Media Hub requires no tools or internal modifications, draws its power directly from the PS3, and easily installs in just seconds.

Intercooler TS for Xbox 360 – September 2008
The successful Intercooler series gets an update! Easy snap-on installation and an AC power supply provides a more convenient and powerful solution than USB. New temperature control technology and additional assets will be revealed during E3.

Intercooler TS for PlayStation 3 – September 2008
Another innovation for this powerful system, the Intercooler TS for the PlayStation 3 also features easy snap-on installation, an AC power supply, and new temperature control technology which will be announced during E3. In addition, four powerful fans reduce ambient air temperature to help keep your system cool and running at peak performance.
In addition, Nyko products released in the first half of 2008 will be on display, including the Charge Base 360, Kama Wireless Controller for Wii, Cord-Free Wireless Adapter for Wii, Energy Pak for Wii Balance Board™ and FrontMan Guitars for Wii and PS3, among many others.

Sequel to Million Unit Selling Football Video Game Expected This Fall

CHICAGO – July 8, 2008 – Midway Games Inc. (NYSE: MWY), a leading interactive entertainment software publisher and developer, announced today the development of Blitz: The League® II. Back for another season of heart-pumping, bone-crushing, no-holds-barred football action, Blitz: The League II strips the rules and regulations from traditional football to enhance the fun by bringing the pain. Complete with an all-new story mode penned by former ESPN “Playmakers” writer, Peter Egan, and the return of football legend, Lawrence Taylor, Blitz: The League II builds on the success of the previous release with new features and enhanced gameplay. Blitz: The League II is scheduled for release this fall for the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and the PLAYSTATION® 3 computer entertainment system.

“Professional football has long sought to gloss over the often brutal realities that surround the game and its players,” said Mona Hamilton, vice president of marketing, Midway Home Entertainment. “Blitz: The League II embraces the most compelling storylines behind America’s favorite sport and allows fans to experience them in a bold, interactive way.”

Hi, everyone. As many of you know, we released PS3 firmware update v2.40 last week, but had to take it offline temporarily because, for a limited number of users, the XMB wouldn’t display after the update was installed. We’ve been able to fix the problem, and I’m happy to report that firmware update v2.41 will be released shortly.

We want to extend our apologies to the PlayStation community for any inconvenience. Now we’ll be looking forward to seeing everyone online and racking up those trophies!

Source: http://blog.us.playstation.com/2008/07/07/ps3-system-software-update-v241/

You can download these tracks both from the Xbox LIVE Marketplace and/or the PlayStation Network. Each track is $1.99 or 160 Microsoft points each.

Harmonix and MTV Games announced today additional Rush tracks will be available at the Rock Band^TM Music Store catalog of downloadable content. On July 8th, air drummers and guitarists will rejoice when direct from the Rush Masters Vault the exclusive Rock Band versions of “Closer To The Heart” and “Working Man (Vault Edition)” (featuring never released alternative guitar solo) are made available for $1.99 per track (160 Microsoft Points for Xbox LIVE® Marketplace for the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft). One of the most successful progressive rock bands in music history, Rush have sold more than 40 million albums worldwide and continue to sell out arenas worldwide. Rush now have 5 songs available for Rock Band including cover versions of “Tom Sawyer,” “Limelight” and “Working Man,” almost a full-set by prog rock standards!

Also available are two amazing tracks from six-time Grammy winning, multi-platinum funk rockers Red Hot Chili Peppers. “Snow ((Hey Oh))” and “Tell Me Baby” from their critically acclaimed ninth studio double album Stadium Arcadium will be available for $1.99 per track (160 Microsoft Points for Xbox LIVE Marketplace).

Release date: Tuesday, July 8, 2008 (Xbox LIVE Marketplace)
Thursday, July 10, 2008 (PLAYSTATION®Store)

Tracks: From the RUSH Masters Vault:
“Closer To The Heart”
“Working Man (Vault Edition)”

Red Hot Chili Peppers
“Snow ((Hey Oh))”
“Tell Me Baby”

(All tracks utilize the original master recordings)
Price: $1.99 (160 Microsoft Points for Xbox LIVE Marketplace) per track
Locations: Xbox LIVE Marketplace and PLAYSTATION®Network

Single Player Campaign screenshots:
Assault:

Landown:

Mulitplayer:
Multiplayer on Gears of War was a bit of a hit or miss for many people on Xbox LIVE. You either LOVED it by chainsawing and curbstomping your friend or HATED it because of host advantage , the shotgun’s superiority or well you just didn’t like it. CliffyB has said many of these flaws in the original game will be fixed for Gears of War 2. So let’s look at some screenshots:

Chainsaw duelling will apparently equal out the problems with the chainsaw  in Gears of War first time around.

Gears of War 2 will get some flamethrowing action.

The Pistol and Shied will play an important part too.

Say “Eye , eye” to the Cyclops Drone.

Screenshot of Submission mode.

Screenshot of Meat shield mode.

GRIDLOCK:  A tranquil highway next to a river rapidly filled with evacuating vehicles immediately after the Locust emergence. Few of the panicked owners made it out alive as ruthlessly efficient Locust squads swept through the area, taking out civilians one by one.
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(Gears of war 1)                       (Gears of War 2)

RIVER: Old grain mills located on the outskirts of the city of Landown make the perfect setting for a cross-bridge clash.

SECURITY: Older Coalition technology was built to last, as witnessed by the laser fences and security turrets located in this Pendulum Wars-era work camp. Soldiers must first deactivate the lethal defenses before making a dash for the weaponry in either wing of the arena.

Source: Games Press

THQ ANNOUNCES WORLD WRESTLING ENTERTAINMENT^® SUPERSTARS TRIPLE H AND SHAWN MICHAELS AS COVER ATHLETES FOR WWE^® SMACKDOWN^® VS. RAW^® 2009
Renowned Superstars Tag Team for Front Cover of Latest Installment in Number One Fighting Videogame Franchise

AGOURA HILLS, Calif. – July 3, 2008 – THQ Inc. and JAKKS Pacific, Inc. today announced that World Wrestling Entertainment® Superstars Triple H and Shawn Michaels will be featured on the cover of WWE® SmackDown® vs. Raw® 2009. The accolade marks an unprecedented fifth time that fan-favorite Triple H has appeared on a cover for the leading fighting videogame franchise, while storied veteran Michaels will make his cover debut.

“Triple H and Shawn Michaels have made headlines over the years when they unite as the infamous ‘D-Generation X’ tag team in WWE programming,” said Cory Ledesma, senior creative manager, THQ. “We selected them for the cover as a means to celebrate the unprecedented level of tag team functionality we will deliver in WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2009. Our tag team matches will allow players to experience the true task of working together, and our new Road to WrestleMania® Mode will feature the franchise’s first co-op tag team storyline.”

Source: Games Press