Santa Monica, CA – August 29, 2006 – Activision, Inc. (Nasdaq: ATVI) announced today that award-winning composers Chance Thomas (Peter Jackson’s King Kong, Lord of the Rings series), Cris Velasco (God of War) and Mark Griskey (Best of LucasArts Original Soundtrack) have scored the upcoming, critically-acclaimed Marvel™: Ultimate Alliance video game. The trio has produced over 50 minutes of original music for Marvel: Ultimate Alliance, including arrangements for multiple game levels, the in-game cinematics and the Super Hero™ and boss battle themes.
Marvel: Ultimate Alliance is Raven Software’s highly anticipated action/RPG that allows players to create their Marvel dream team from the largest roster of Super Heroes ever in an epic quest that will determine the fate of Earth and the Marvel Universe. With over 140 popular Marvel characters and a playable cast of more than 20 Super Heroes, including Spider-Man, Wolverine, Blade and Captain America, gamers will embark on a dangerous journey across exotic terrain and well-known comic book locations like Atlantis, the Shield Heli-Carrier and the Skrull home world in an attempt to defy Dr. Doom and the world’s most notorious Super Villains.
Marvel: Ultimate Alliance will be the first Super Hero game available this fall for all next-gen gaming systems. Additionally, the game will be available for current-gen consoles, handheld and PC platforms, and carries a “T” (Teen – Mild Language, Violence) rating by the ESRB.
REDWOOD CITY, Calif. – August 22, 2006 – Electronic Arts (NASDAQ: ERTS) announced that Madden NFL 07, the newest iteration of the EA SPORTS™ best-selling football franchise with the exclusive videogame license of the NFL and PLAYERS INC, is in stores everywhere today. Madden NFL 07 continues to lead with innovation and gameplay by reinventing the running game with the all-new Lead Blocker Control and the new highlight stick so you can run like the real players run. NFL Superstar: Hall of Fame mode comes to Madden NFL 07 this year, where you can live the life of an NFL Superstar.
Madden NFL 06¸ since its launch, has sold more than 6.5 million copies*, and was the #1 selling videogame of 2005 in North America. Madden NFL Football has become a cultural phenomenon, with more than 51 million copies sold (LTD), and the launch day becoming a holiday for many avid fans.
“Madden NFL Football has become a cultural phenomenon and, with Maddenoliday, we are honoring all the Madden gamers across the country who line up at midnight and then take off the day to play Madden NFL 07,” said Todd Sitrin, VP of marketing for EA Tiburon and EA SPORTS brand. “We continue to bring innovative changes to the game every year, and now with the improvements in the running game, Madden NFL 07 is even more authentic. You will know how it feels to be actually on the field playing with the pros.”
You now control the running game like never before with Lead Blocker Control in Madden NFL 07. For the first time ever, step up as the lead blocker to create a hole, and then take control of the tailback and smash through, overpower, or slash away from would-be tacklers as you fight for every yard. Innovative rushing controls give you a game-breaking ground attack featuring all-new jukes, cutbacks, and the distinct running styles of your favorite backs.
NFL Superstar: Hall of Fame mode makes its debut in Madden NFL 07 on the Xbox 360 and is even deeper for the current generation systems. You can create and customize your own player and guide him one Sunday at a time from that position on the field for an all new way of experiencing the game. Madden NFL 07 Franchise Mode is deeper than ever before. On current generation platforms, now scout collegiate prospects with the all-new NFL Draft Scouting System and the College All-Star Game, or watch players around the NFL impact their teams with the new Franchise Player Roles feature. On Xbox 360, participate in an interactive player rehab through mini games.
For the Xbox 360 there is an all-new Mini-Camp mode where you can build up your players attributes by running him through skill-based, combine-type mini-games. In the off-season use Mini-Camp to condition players or rehab injuries to get back on the field faster. Track your career accomplishments in Franchise Mode to earn Madden Gamer Points, then risk your points against the computer or live opponents in the same room.
In its second installment on the PlayStation® Portable system, Madden NFL 07 brings you a new exclusive mini-games — return kicks, avoid tackles, and players can aim for the high score in “End 2 End.” And for the first time you can transfer an entire season in Franchise mode from your PlayStation®2 to your PSP system.
September 1 in Denver, CO is the kick off to the highly-anticipated 5th annual EA SPORTS™ Madden Challenge, played exclusively this year on the Xbox® video game system from Microsoft, with a $100,000 grand prize check for the Finals winner. Void where prohibited. Eligibility Restrictions Apply. Tournament runs on published dates in each city. For additional details and Tournament Official Rules see www.maddenchallenge.com.
Entering its 17th year and with more than 51 million copies sold life to date, Madden NFL Football continues to stand out as the most popular football videogame franchise of all time with a combination of innovative new features and the most authentic football gameplay. Developed in Orlando, FL by EA Tiburon Madden NFL 07 will be available on August 22 on Xbox 360™ videogame and entertainment system, the PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system, the Xbox® video game system from Microsoft, Nintendo GameCube™, Nintendo DS™, PC (as well as www.downloader.ea.com), PSP™ (PlayStation®Portable) handheld entertainment system and Game Boy® Advance. Madden NFL 07 is rated “E” (Everyone) by the ESRB and has an MSRP of $59.99 for the Xbox 360, $49.99 for the PlayStation 2 console and Xbox, $39.99 for Nintendo GameCube, PSP, and PC, $29.99 for Nintendo DS and Game Boy Advance. In Europe, Madden NFL 07 launches on PS2, Xbox, NDS, PC, PC Downloader August 25 and on Xbox 360 and PSP September 8. For more information check out www.madden07.com.
NEW YORK, NY – August 17, 2006 – 2K Sports, a publishing label of Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. (Nasdaq: TTWO), announced today a new and exciting direction in experiencing the intense action and thrilling drama of an NHL video game with NHL® 2K7’s newest feature, Cinemotion™. Combining new dynamic gameplay camera angle technology, cutscenes, player chatter and unique audio options, Cinemotion truly immerses gamers into the drama of hockey like never before.
“With all of our 2K Sports products, we’re always looking for new ways to enhance and revolutionize the sports video game experience,” stated Greg Thomas, president of Visual Concepts, a 2K Sports studio. “With Cinemotion, we have been able to really take this experience to the next level. Cinemotion creates a completely customizable atmosphere for gamers, introducing several different ways of playing the game in terms of gameplay cameras and music, in addition to other dramatic elements.”
Fans will notice the impact of Cinemotion as soon as the puck drops, as NHL 2K7 features a new dynamic parametric camera angle during gameplay that maximizes the gamer’s vision down the ice. This new camera angle specifically takes advantage of widescreen viewing, giving players the optimal perspective on all that’s happening on the ice. The camera smartly zooms in when there’s intense action along the boards without distracting the gamer. Additionally, gamers will truly appreciate the atmosphere and the character of each NHL arena when using this new Cinemotion camera angle.
The drama of an NHL game is perfectly delivered with cutscenes and player chatter in NHL 2K7. Cinemotion intelligently activates cutscene sequences that are shot from brand new camera angles and perspectives, to include penalty shots, face-offs and scoring. Player chatter adds a new layer of gameplay audio, as players on the ice will shout orders, give encouragement to teammates and react to specific game situations, elevating the drama and excitement.
To fully engross gamers in an all-new NHL experience, sound plays a big part in Cinemotion presentation and users can select between two different sound settings in NHL 2K7. Harry Neale and Bob Cole are back once again to deliver their unique insight and entertaining wit to every game when users select Cinemotion- Commentary. For gamers who want something much different, Cinemotion-Music replaces the commentary with an orchestrated score that dynamically changes with the action throughout every game. With Cinemotion-Music, the score will change based upon the action on the ice to reflect the overall mood. All Cinemotion music options are completely customizable so each user can have their own unique NHL 2K7 experience.
NHL 2K7, the top-rated hockey video game for four-straight years*, is coming in September 2006 to the Xbox 360™ and Xbox® video game and entertainment systems from Microsoft, and the PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system; and will be available in holiday 2006 for the PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system**.
For more information, log onto http://www.2ksports.com
*According to GameRankings.com average scores of 2003-2006 hockey video games.
** This title has not yet been concept approved for the PlayStation®3 system by Sony Computer Entertainment America.
Microsoft isn’t bluffing: Gamers can log on to Xbox Live within the first 48 hours after launch and download ‘Texas Hold ‘em’ – completely free of charge! This full-featured poker title for Xbox Live Arcade on Xbox 360 will launch on Wednesday, August 23 at 0800 GMT (1am Pacific). For 48 hours only – Wednesday, August 23 through 0800 GMT (1am Pacific) Friday, August 25 – as a special limited-time only promotion, gamers can download (and own) the game at no charge (for all Xbox Live Gold and Silver members). Starting at 0801 GMT (1:01am Pacific) Friday, August 25, ‘Texas Hold ‘em’ for Xbox Live Arcade will be available for 800 Microsoft Points.
Not only is ‘Texas Hold ’em’ free to all gamers, this title comes equipped with features that can only be found on Xbox 360. Designed to simulate the risk-reward of real poker gameplay, keep gamers honest, and discourage opponents from betting too recklessly, ‘Texas Hold ’em’ has an innovative new feature called Persistent Bankroll. Your virtual bankroll is tied to your Xbox Live Gamertag and keeps a running tally of your chip count. If you lose all of your chips in a poker game, you’ll have to play lower stakes buy-in games to make back your stack and earn your way to the big tables.
‘Texas Hold ’em’ also offers multiplayer support for up to eight gamers, three modes of gameplay (Standard Games, Scenarios and Tournaments), Achievements, extensive online leaderboards and statistics, and high-definition graphics. Enjoy poker night every night with friends, family and gamers around the world (please note that this title may not be available in some countries).
In addition to the exciting release of ‘Texas Hold ’em’ on August 23, gamers can also look forward to new game titles and premium downloadable game content on Xbox Live Arcade Wednesdays from August 16 to September 6, including:
* ‘Cloning Clyde Picture Pack’, the action adventure/puzzle game created by Wahoo Studios/NinjaBee (developer of the popular ‘Outpost Kaloki X’ for Xbox Live Arcade), will have 4 new gamer picture packs available on Xbox Live Marketplace on Wednesday, August 16, allowing gamers to check out more unique pictures of Clyde. Each gamer picture pack: 100 Microsoft Points (each).
* ‘Time Pilot’, the futuristic fighter pilot classic from Konami, lets gamers fight through different eras like never before. High-definition graphics and enhanced gameplay designed specifically for Xbox Live Arcade makes this version even better than the original from 1982. Gamers can download ‘Time Pilot’ on Xbox Live Arcade Wednesday, August 30. Available: 400 Microsoft Points.
* ‘Scramble’, the classic side-scrolling ‘shoot-‘em up’ coin-op title from Konami takes off on Xbox Live Arcade. The 1981 classic, widely considered the first ‘multi-level shooter,’ launches on Xbox Live Arcade Wednesday September 6. Available: 400 Microsoft Points.
All Xbox Live Arcade games can be demoed for free on Xbox Live Marketplace. Check out Xbox Live and Xbox.com for continuing updates on exciting new content available to Xbox 360 gamers. As always, all launch dates are subject to change. Gold subscription is required for multiplayer features. A memory unit or hard drive is required to download content from Xbox Live Marketplace.
San Francisco, Calif. – August 10, 2006 – Eidos Interactive Ltd, one of the world’s leading publishers and developers of entertainment software today announced that it has partnered with Ford Motor Company and Empire Interactive to bring Ford Bold Moves Street Racing to North America this fall 2006 for the PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system, Xbox® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and Windows.
Ford Bold Moves Street Racing delivers players a chance to race 18 officially licensed high performance Ford vehicles from the classic 1968 Mustang GT to the new scorching hot 2007 Shelby GT500. With plans to make the title affordable enough for every gamer to own, Ford Street Racing is still pushing boundaries by delivering unique features such as the trademarked Maximum Team Control™ that allows players to switch on-the-fly between a team of three vehicles to dominate a race. A progressive damage system also adds a new element of realism to the game, allowing every hit your vehicle takes to affect the appearance, performance and drivability of the vehicle.
“Eidos is excited about being part of Ford’s multinational marketing campaign,” said David Bamberger, US Marketing Manager, Eidos. “New innovative features like Maximum Team Control™ coupled with the best high performance vehicles Ford has to offer ensures appeal to hardcore and casual gamers alike.”
“We are pleased to be able to partner with Eidos for the fourth game in the multi-million selling Ford Racing franchise. The combination of the innovative Maximum Team Control™ feature and the aspirational, high performance Ford vehicles marks a significant step forward for Ford games,” said Ian Higgins, CEO of Empire Interactive.
New York, NY – August 10, 2006 – 2K Sports, a publishing label of Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. (Nasdaq: TTWO), today announced the reuniting of legendary hip hop act, A Tribe Called Quest, to headline the first leg of the 2nd Annual 2K Sports Bounce Tour in 15 cities. This marks A Tribe Called Quest’s first tour in over half a decade. In addition to headlining the tour, an exclusive track from the group will appear on the upcoming ‘Dan The Automator Presents 2K7’ soundtrack with Phife Dawg appearing as a playable character. Joining A Tribe Called Quest on this historic national tour is Rhymefest.
Comprised of Phife Dawg, Q-Tip, and Ali Shaheed Muhammad, A Tribe Called Quest is known as one of the most intelligent and artistic rap groups of the ‘90s with four solid albums and a string of hip-hop classics prior to their 1998 break-up. This heavily anticipated reunion marks one of the top hip-hop happenings of the year.
“I’m excited for me and my group to be a part of the 2K Sports Bounce Tour,” said Phife from A Tribe Called Quest. “It’s a win-win situation for Tribe because we get to be a part of such a dope game, and we get to reach out and touch our fans in these 15 cities. I couldn’t ask for a better opportunity. Also, I’m excited because everyone knows I am a sports nut, so being down with the game and also being a character in the game is crazy to me.”
The 2nd Annual 2K Bounce Tour is the latest addition to 2K Sports’ series of annual live events that bridge hip-hop, sports and video game culture by featuring renowned music artists, sports gaming kiosks, projection vignettes and celebrity and professional athlete appearances. The tour will take place in more than a dozen top markets throughout the month of September, with details posted at http://2ksports.com/go/bounce/.
Tour Dates (first leg):
Sept 8 – Las Vegas NV
Sept 9 – Berkeley CA
Sept 10 – Los Angeles CA
Sept 13 – Denver CO
Sept 15 – Chicago IL
Sept 16 – Milwaukee WI
Sept 17 – Toronto ON
Sept 20 – Baltimore MD
Sept 22 – Washington DC
Sept 23 – Atlanta GA
Sept 24 – Lake Buena Vista FL
Sept 28 – Atlantic City NJ
Sept 29 – Worcester MA
Oct 1 – Sayreville NJ
Oct 5 – TBA, NY
“After The Roots headlined last year’s Bounce Tour, we knew we had to raise the bar even further,” said Tim Rosa, director of brand and lifestyle marketing for 2K Sports. “We jumped on the opportunity to reunite the legendary A Tribe Called Quest, whose positive vibe and innovative style meshed perfectly with the 2K Sports brand.”
NEW YORK, NY – August 2, 2006 – 2K Sports, a publishing label of Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. (Nasdaq: TTWO), announced today that independent rock music pioneer Sub Pop Records, among other record labels, will provide music tracks from its diverse catalog for NHL 2K7.
Featuring an eclectic mix of uniquely spirited music inspired by the individuality of hockey, NHL 2K7’s soundtrack features 18 songs, including tracks from influential Sub Pop artists such as Postal Service, Hot Hot Heat, Sleater-Kinney and Mudhoney.
NHL 2K7 will feature the following Sub Pop Records’ tracks:
• Arlo- Runaround
• Band of Horses- Wicked Gil
• Hot Hot Heat- Talk to me, Dance with Me
• Kinski- Hot Stenographer
• Love as Laughter- Temptation Island
• Mudhoney- Empty Shells
• Nebula- Giant
• The Postal Service- Brand New Colony
• Seaweed- Losing Skin
• Sleater-Kinney- Rollercoaster
• The Constantines- Working Full-time
• The Thermals- I Hold the Sound
“Sub Pop is the leader in bringing the underground sound to the mainstream without compromising their integrity,” said Tim Rosa, director of brand and lifestyle marketing for 2K Sports. “Because we share this mindset when developing our games, NHL 2K7 is the perfect vehicle for Sub Pop to stay true to its vision.”
“While Sub Pop and hockey are rarely mentioned in the same breath, the vibe of our music really suits the action of NHL 2K7,” said Steve Manning, Publicity/Marketing Director, Sub Pop Records. “Because 2K Sports values authenticity in its games with the same passion we treasure authenticity in our artists, we knew this partnership would resonate with fans of both the sport and our music.”
The top-rated hockey video game for four-straight years*, NHL 2K7 introduces a groundbreaking presentation system that will engross gamers with a completely different way of playing a hockey video game than ever experienced before—a new look, new sound, and new feel bring raw emotion and exciting drama. New additions to ProControl™ empower players to turn up the defensive pressure on specific opposing players. Combined with high-quality visual details and the most comprehensive franchise options available, including the new rivalry mode, and NHL MVP Joe Thornton on the cover, NHL 2K7 elevates the realism of the sport, delivering the best hockey game on any system.
NHL 2K7 is coming in September 2006 to the Xbox 360™ and Xbox® video game and entertainment systems from Microsoft, and the PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system; and will be available in holiday 2006 for the PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system. For more information, log onto http://www.2ksports.com
Electronic Arts Inc. (NASDAQ: ERTS) today announced that fashion street wear brand 55DSL will be coming to Need for Speed™ Carbon. Exclusively designed items from 55DSL, plus a selection of garments from their ‘Zurka and the 55 Vagabonds’ winter collection, will feature prominently on key in-game characters in the game,developed by EA Black Box in Vancouver, British Columbia. Need for Speed ™ Carbon delivers the next generation of adrenaline-filled street racing and will challenge players to face the ultimate test of driving skill on treacherous canyon roads..
55DSL items are specifically tailored to the game, bringing with them the unique style and tone of the brand. Exclusively designed clothing for the game, will be available only through local EA events around the world and pre-order campaigns.
Andrea Rosso, the Creative Director of 55DLS is enthusiastic, “When the opportunity to work with EA, and in particular Need for Speed™ Carbon, came along, it seemed like a natural progression for us. I’m a gamer and I’m going to play this game for sure so to see characters wearing our exclusively designed t-shirts and other items, is really amazing for me.”
“This partnership adds another layer of authenticity to our role in street culture”, says Larry LaPierre, Executive Producer. “Having 55DSL integrated so tightly within Need for Speed™ Carbon adds an increased sense of realism to the game and gives fans the opportunity to wear exclusively designed items that brings them closer to the action.”
NEW YORK, NY – August 1, 2006 U– 2K Sports, a publishing label of Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. (NASDAQ: TTWO), announced today that J.J. Redick, former star player for the Duke University Blue Devils (2002-2006) and one of the most highly decorated players in college basketball history, will grace the cover of College Hoops 2K7 and act as its official spokesman.
“It’s an honor to be on the cover of College Hoops 2K7,” said J.J. Redick. “I’m a huge video gamer and have always been a fan of the College Hoops 2K series for its authenticity and addictive gameplay. I’m very excited to be a part of 2K7 and from what I’ve seen so far, this game is going to be mind-blowing.”
“We are thrilled to have J.J. as our cover athlete for College Hoops 2K7,” stated Erik Whiteford, vice president, 2K Sports. “He embodies exceptional talent, drive and spirit — all of the characteristics of a collegiate basketball competitor and winner. J.J. is working very closely with us and our development team, contributing his knowledge and passion for basketball to further ensure the most realistic and exciting college basketball experience.”
Throughout his career with the Blue Devils, J.J. was an integral part of Duke’s basketball legacy, becoming the NCAA’s all-time leader in free throw percentage (.922) while also setting several Duke and ACC records–including career points scored (2,769). In addition, J.J. has earned numerous awards throughout his college career, including the James Sullivan Award, John R. Wooden Award, Naismith College Player of the Year Award, and Adolph F. Rupp Award (twice) while also being named a consensus All-American in both his junior and senior years. Widely considered to be one of the best pure shooters in college basketball history, J.J. brings his talent to the NBA as he begins his professional basketball career with the Orlando Magic this fall.
Coming in fall 2006 for the Xbox 360™ and Xbox® video game and entertainment systems from Microsoft, PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system and PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system, College Hoops 2K7 immerses fans into the most compelling and authentic college basketball video game to date with enhanced college atmosphere, post-season NIT™, revamped defensive AI and defensive controls, expanded broadcast presentation and much more. Nothing captivates the nation like NCAA basketball and no other game captures that excitement and energy like College Hoops 2K7.
The good news is that they’re going to try to have both NHL 2K7 and NBA 2K7 available for PS3 launch. It’s not an official declaration that they will have the games, just an announcement of an intention.
NHL 2K7 This is, of course, the hockey game. They’ve developed a new concept in hockey game play called “cinemotion”, where you can either have no commentary and a dynamically orchestrated soundrack synched to the action, or have commentary. There are a lot of new cut scenes and they’ve added a lot of player voices in something like 16 different languages. There’s a new skating engine and new animations. I am a huge hockey fan and I thought that the game looked extraordinarily realistic. There’s a new “parametric” camera angle that is above the rink sort of like the ESPN cameras; it moves in and out, up and down, and you can actually see a line change. The game plays much more fluidly when you can see the whole ice surface, it’s really easy to step up in the hole and make a play. The right bumper is a drop pass. The left bumper can be used to send a teammate to shadow or take out a player. In franchise mode trading logic has been tuned and the computer does a better job of balancing team chemistry. There’s a rivalry system that builds rivalries over time based on year to year play. There’s also something called “opprotunity knocks” where as GM you get a random phone call that you can accept or decline and it can be a good thing or a bad thing for your team. Online leagues are now based on a real point system. Overall, I think the game looked great on the Xbox 360 and I can’t wait to play it.
Marty’s Better!
Follow the dog on Twitter 
Loading ...
Kommentz