Namco Bandai was in town the other day and I went over to play some games.  There were some very cool things to see.  Most impressive were Inversion, Dark Souls, and Ace Combat Assault Horizon.

Dark Souls

Platforms:              Xbox 360, PS3

Release Date:       October 4, 2011

Enter a dark world filled with despair and threaded by hope where your ability to creatively strategize, learn and overcome unpredictable and unique challenges determines your fate. Dark Souls will demand your absolute concentration, unflinchingly punish  your mistakes, but reward your ability to learn from death.  Each challenge is a mind game met with endless combinations that will test your ability to creatively strategize a way to conquer unimaginable monsters and progress deeper into this bleak and forbidding environment filled with the undead.

SOULCALIBUR V

Platforms:              Xbox 360, PS3

Release Date:       2012

SOULCALIBUR V is the latest entry in the premier weapons-based head-to-head fighting series. SOULCALIBUR V takes place 17 years after the events of SOULCALIBUR IV and continues the epic story of warriors in search of the legendary Soul Swords in 17^th century Europe. The heroic battles transpire in a beautiful and fluid world with eye-popping graphics and visual appeal. SOULCALIBUR V tunes the battle, movement, and visual systems so players can pull off cool dynamic attacks with ease and battle with complete freedom.

ACE COMBAT ASSAULT HORIZON

Platforms:              Xbox 360 / PS3

Release Date:       October 11, 2011

Developed by the Project Aces team, ACE COMBAT® ASSAULT HORIZON intensifies the franchise, escalating combat to the next level with aircraft that are literally torn apart, spewing oil and debris across the sky. Players will engage in combat across the globe, dodging skyscrapers, and turning their enemies into fiery supersonic debris in both single player and online multiplayer. Never before has combat been so fast and in-your-face.

Featuring a story written by New York Times’ bestselling military author, Jim DeFelice, writer of Leopards Kill and Threat Level Black, ACE COMBAT ASSAULT HORIZON puts players in the shoes of a top gun pilot in an international task force.  The engaging war drama will span real-world locations, such as Dubai and Russia, and incorporate new categories of aircrafts, including super-sonic jets and the introduction of the attack helicopter, door gunner and more.

INVERSION

Platforms:              Xbox 360 / PS3

Release Date:       February 7, 2011

I was most impressed with Inversion.  This game introduces the idea of using gravity in combat.  So gravity can shape the exploration and the battles.  At one point, you’re actually fighting with enemies that are walking on the wall.  Do you chase them onto the wall or shoot them even though it isn’t quite a straight shot?  It’s up to you.

Developed by Saber Interactive, INVERSION takes players on a whirlwind journey complete with nonstop firefights and a suspense-filled storyline. Packed to the brim with action, INVERSION also introduces revolutionary gravity-wielding combat, zero gravity environments, vector changes, and a unique destructible cover system.

Take on the role of a young father and husband, Davis Russel, who finds himself thrust into war when his peaceful city is invaded by an unknown enemy. With his daughter missing and conventional weapons and tactics all but useless, this ordinary cop and his partner Leo Delgado will rise up to heed the call of duty, master the fundamental forces of gravity and save the world.

Dragon Ball Z Ultimate Tenkaichi

Platforms:              PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360

Release Date:       October 25, 2011

Developed by Spike Co. Ltd.,  Dragon Ball Z Ultimate Tenkaichi is a new landmark game for the Dragon Ball Z franchise.  The game features upgraded environmental and character graphics, with designs drawn from the original manga series.  Destructible battlefields, including massive craters and ki blasts cutting across the sky deliver a more dynamic experience and immediate sense of urgency to the exhilarating fights.  An enhanced story mode drops players into the rich Dragon Ball Z universe, filled with beloved characters and powerful enemies.  An accessible battle system allows gamers of all ages to hold their own in fast-paced battles, while still retaining tactical depth for hardcore fans.

Go Vacation

Platforms:              Nintendo Wii

Release Date:       Fall 2011

Set on the resort of Kawawii Island, Go Vacation brings an open-ended world of exploration and adventure that includes engaging activities for the entire family to enjoy. With a fun variety of activities to play, Go Vacation is the perfect gaming getaway.

From snowcapped mountains to the bright lights of a bustling cityscape, Go Vacation gives gamers the option to take part in heated street races, relaxing fishing excursions and pulse-pounding skydiving sessions and more—all accessed by actually visiting each location in-game instead of simply choosing them from a menu.  With support for a whole suite of Wii hardware accessories, including the Wii Balance Board, the Wii Zapper and Wii MotionPlus, every activity offers a fun and natural control scheme that allows gamers to easily jump in and play.

Each of the resort locations in Kawawii Island offer their own distinctive landscape and thematic adventures.  From inline skating, hang gliding, surfing, skydiving, horseback riding, tennis, fishing, snowboarding, street racing, dancing and more, there is no shortage of activities for players to take part in.

Power Rangers Samurai

Platforms:              Wii / Nintendo DS

Release Date:       Holiday 2011

Based on Saban Brands’ incredibly popular Power Rangers Samurai TV show on Nickelodeon, players of all ages will finally be able to join the Rangers as they physically immerse themselves into the morphing action of the iconic team of heroes.

Power Rangers Samurai will let fans wield the Samuraizer to master the elements of Fire, Water, Sky, Forest, and Earth as they morph into Red, Blue, Pink, Green, or Yellow Rangers.  Martial arts training and fitness combined with team based battles teach the importance of team work, friendship, and responsibility to battle hordes of Nighlok monsters.  Players can also unlock secret passageways, access hidden levels, and get hints on how to defeat the armies of evil while collecting enough Zords to gain the Samurai Megazord needed to take down the MegaMonster once and for all.

NARUTO SHIPPUDEN: Ultimate Ninja Storm Generations

Platforms:           PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360

Release date:    2012

Based on the popular animated NARUTO SHIPPUDEN series and coming to North America in 2012, the title will offer a vast selection of playable & support characters spanning every generation of the NARUTO saga, alongside incredible online functionality to take the NARUTO ninja fight onto the global stage in the much-beloved fighting series.

Developed by CyberConnect2, NARUTO SHIPPUDEN: Ultimate Ninja STORM Generations (not yet rated) is the latest rendition in the smash hit ‘NARUTO SHIPPUDEN: Ultimate Ninja Storm’ series of games.  The title will power the series into the future by revolutionizing online play and ramping up the number of playable and support characters far beyond any NARUTO game in the wildly popular franchise.  Players will compete in a variety of online battle modes with their favorite NARUTO characters, including Naruto and Sasuke.  NARUTO fans have been waiting to see more of Zabuza and Haku since the launch of the original Manga, and now they will have their chance!  These are just a few of the many new ninja in the game.

PAC-MAN & Galaga DIMENSIONS

Platform:               Nintendo 3DS

Release date:        July 26

The one package includes six Pac-Man and Galaga games, including Pac-Man CE, Galaga Legions, original arcade versions of Pac-Man and Galaga, plus the new titles Galaga 3D IMPACT and Pac-Man Tilt. Featuring Galaga 3D IMPACT, experience the invading Galaga alien armada like never before. Players will use the gyro sensor in the Nintendo 3DS system to take the role of a space ship pilot.  Maneuver the Nintendo 3DS system in real-time to blast away the Galaga threat. In PAC-MAN Tilt, a brand new side-scrolling PAC-MAN adventure.  Players use the 3DS system’s motion sensor to tilt PAC-MAN’s world and use the surrounding environment to help him escape puzzles and defeat enemies.

Galaga 30^th Collection

Platform:               iOS (iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch)

Release date:        June 9

The Galaga 30^th Collection universal app will act as a hub for the Galaga universe across all iOS devices.   iPhone^®, iPod^® touch and iPad^® owners will be able to experience the celebrated Galaga franchise at the tips of their fingers.  Galaga 30^th Collection will be available June 9 for free bundled with a copy of Galaxian^®.  Future in-app purchases will be available through the year.

The Mooniacs

Platform:               iOS (iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch) and Android

Release date:        June 30

MSRP:                    Apple App Store: $1.99. Amazon Appstore: $0.99

A fun, family-friendly, physics based puzzle game easy to pick up but impossible to put down, The Mooniacs follows the quest of Plink and Blube in their efforts to round-up the adorable JujuBee creatures – highly sought after throughout the universe.

The journey begins with the dynamic duo returning home, when their ship suddenly malfunctions. In a desperate attempt to save their precious cargo of JujuBees, Blube jumps out of thedamaged ship and falls into a lost region of a strange uncharted planet, while Plink crash lands and is ejected on the otherside of thismysterious world. The pair must traverse the planet and attempt to recapture their JujuBees as quickly and efficiently as possible. With downloadable bonus content, three alternative endings, 90 core levels, and multiple ways to complete each level, The Mooniacs has lasting replayability beyond the core game.  JujuBees traded or spent within the game also contribute to “The Great Swarm”; the exciting new onlineSocial Meta Game that connects players worldwide, working together to unlock 10 free additional bonus levels. JujuBees can also be spent in The Mooniacs’ level hint system, which provides for three different levels of “help” – essential for those confounded by some of The Mooniacs’ trickier levels.

Developed by Bad Juju Games, The Mooniacs takes advantage of the iOS and Android platforms offering full Game Center and OpenFeint support respectively, while further extending the game experience to exclusive web-based leaderboards for registered users.  More than other titles in this genre, players are continuously connected and rewarded for their gameplay contributions.  Moreover, full Retina display graphics make the characters and environments pop off the screen with razor-sharp detail.

Bodacious, EGO-dosed action game brings over-the-top FUN and non-PC humor back to games

New York, NY – January 21, 2011—2K Games and Gearbox Software announced today what will be a landmark date in gaming history—legendary hero Duke Nukem will make his triumphant return in Duke Nukem Forever on the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, PlayStation 3 computer entertainment system and Windows PC on May 3, 2011 in North America and May 6, 2011 internationally!

Duke Nukem is one of the biggest and most recognizable brands in the interactive entertainment industry. Irreverent, non-PC, and uber macho, Duke Nukem is the perfect, uncompromising ass-kicking hero to remedy the overdose of today’s gaming archetypes. Duke brings his signature brand of babe-lovin’, cigar-smoking, beer-chugging and ass-kicking action as he saves the Earth and its babes from hordes of invading aliens. Where will you be when Duke Nukem Forever launches? Better mark your calendars, Duke’s legend is being told this May and his brand new trailer, viewable at www.dukenukemforever.com, promises to blow your mind!

“The moment fans all over the world have been waiting for is almost here,” declared Christoph Hartmann, president of 2K. “May 3, 2011 marks Duke’s return as he unleashes his brash and brutally honest wit on the world. His return is going to be epic and one that will make video gaming history!”

Put on your shades and prepare to step into the boots of Duke Nukem, whose legend has reached epic proportions in the years since his last adventure. The alien hordes are invading and only Duke can save the world. Pig cops, alien shrink rays and enormous alien bosses can’t stop our hero from accomplishing his one and only goal: to save the world, save the babes and to be a bad-ass while doing it. The King arrives with an arsenal of over-the-top weapons, non-stop action, and unprecedented levels of interactivity. This game puts the pedal to the metal and tongue firmly in cheek. Shoot hoops, lift weights, read adult magazines, draw crude messages on whiteboards or ogle the many hot women that occupy Duke’s life – that is if you can pull yourself away long enough from destroying alien invaders. Duke Nukem was and will forever be a gaming icon, and this is his legend.

“When I said goodbye to 3D Realms and the original Duke Nukem 3D team in 1997 and soon after founded Gearbox Software, I never in my wildest dreams imagined that a day like today would come,” said Randy Pitchford, president of Gearbox Software. “Today I am proud, humbled and even astounded to announce that the day is coming at last for all gamers to be a part of video game history: Duke Nukem Forever will launch worldwide this May!”

Players looking to get access to the Duke Nukem Forever playable demo before it is publicly released can join the Duke Nukem Forever First Access Club. A membership certificate for the Duke Nukem Forever First Access Club is included within the Borderlands Game of the Year edition, where customers will be able to experience the definitive, value-packed collection of the critically acclaimed and best-selling Role-Playing-Shooter that has captured the imagination and attention of single-player and cooperative gamers around the world.

For more information on Duke Nukem Forever, including where to pre-order a copy, please visit www.dukenukemforever.com. Duke Nukem Forever is rated M for Mature by the ESRB.

2K Games is a division of 2K, a publishing label of Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. (NASDAQ: TTWO).

About Take-Two Interactive Software

Headquartered in New York City, Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. is a global developer, marketer and publisher of interactive entertainment software games for the PC, PlayStation®3 and PlayStation®2 computer entertainment systems, PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) system, Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, Wii™, Nintendo DS™, iPhone®, iPod® touch and iPad™. The Company publishes and develops products through its wholly owned labels Rockstar Games and 2K, which publishes its titles under 2K Games, 2K Sports and 2K Play. The Company’s common stock is publicly traded on NASDAQ under the symbol TTWO. For more corporate and product information please visit our website at www.take2games.com.

About Gearbox Software

Gearbox Software is respected industry wide for the award winning, best-selling original and licensed video games they have developed for major video game platforms.  Founded in 1999 and located near Dallas, TX, Gearbox Software is well known for the creation and development of their original blockbuster franchise, Borderlands, and has developed numerous top selling add-on packs for Borderlands.  Additionally Gearbox now has ownership of the Duke Nukem franchise, created and developed the Brothers in Arms series and developed games and added value to many of the industry’s top franchises including Halo, Half-Life, Tony Hawk, James Bond and others.  Gearbox Software’s success has been enabled and supported through several key mutually beneficial business relationships with strong publishing partners including Activision, Electronic Arts, Ubisoft Entertainment, Microsoft Games Studios, Sega of America and Take-Two/2K Games.

The Highest Rated Game on Xbox 360 and PC in 2010 Comes to PS3, Including Six Hours of Bonus Missions and New Exclusive Mass Effect Genesis Interactive Comic

EDMONTON, CANADA – Jan. 18, 2011 – The time has arrived for PlayStation 3 owners to take on the role of Commander Shepard and to join his fight to save humanity! BioWare, a division of Electronic Arts Inc. (NASDAQ: ERTS), announced today that Mass Effect 2 is now available on the PlayStation 3 for $59.99 in North America at retail and on PlayStation Network.* The PlayStation 3 version of Mass Effect 2, which received a perfect 10 out of 10 score from PlayStation: The Official Magazine, will include six hours of bonus content, including “Kasumi – Stolen Memories,” “Overlord” and the award-winning “Lair of the Shadow Broker.”



“The PlayStation 3 version of Mass Effect 2 offers gamers a great entry point to the Mass Effect experience,” said Casey Hudson, Executive Producer of the Mass Effect franchise. “We’re extremely excited and proud to now bring PlayStation 3 owners the opportunity to explore the rich and tumultuous universe of Mass Effect and shape the story and events within it by the individual choices they make.”

The Mass Effect trilogy is an epic science fiction adventure set in a vast universe filled with dangerous alien life and mysterious, uncharted planets. In Mass Effect 2, players will step into the role of the heroic Commander Shepard, commanding their crew of some of the most dangerous operatives from across the galaxy on a mission so challenging that it’s potentially suicidal. Featuring intense shooter action, a rich futuristic storyline, space exploration and emotionally engaging character interaction, the game delivers an unparalleled cinematic experience. Mass Effect 2 has received more than 120 awards, including 2010 Game of the Year honors from IGN.com, MSNBC.com, GameTrailers.com, Eurogamer.net, Game Reactor and G4TV, who praised it as “one of the best synergies of writing, role-playing, and combat.”

Mass Effect Genesis, an interactive comic from Dark Horse Comics and BioWare, will also be available today exclusively on the PlayStation 3 computer entertainment system, giving players a high-level overview of the events of the original Mass Effect. The interactive comic offers players the chance to make critical choices that will affect their storyline in Mass Effect 2 and beyond. Mass Effect Genesis is included in the Cerberus Pack, a downloadable content pack included for first time purchasers of Mass Effect 2 on PlayStation 3. Players who do not have original access to the Cerberus Pack can purchase it for $14.99 on the PlayStation Network.

Mass Effect 2 on the PlayStation 3 has a MSRP of $59.99 in North America, and it will be available in Europe on January 21, 2011. For more information, please visit http://masseffect.bioware.com/ and follow the development team at twitter.com/masseffect2 or at http://www.facebook.com/masseffect.

*Requires PlayStation Network account and Internet connection

About BioWare

BioWare develops high quality console, PC and online role-playing games, focused on rich stories, unforgettable characters and vast worlds to discover. Since 1995, BioWare has created some of the world’s most critically acclaimed titles, including Baldur’s Gate™, Neverwinter Nights™, Star Wars®: Knights of the Old Republic™, Jade Empire™, Mass Effect™ and Dragon Age™. BioWare operates in Edmonton (Alberta, Canada), Montreal (Quebec), Austin (Texas), Fairfax (Virginia) and Galway (Ireland). Currently announced projects at BioWare include the PlayStation 3 version of Mass Effect 2, one of the highest rated video games of all time, Mass Effect 3, Dragon Age 2, the highly anticipated sequel to 2009’s “RPG of the Year” Dragon Age: Origins, and the story-driven massively multiplayer online game, Star Wars®: The Old Republic™. In 2008, BioWare was acquired by Electronic Arts, a leading global interactive entertainment publisher. For more information on BioWare, visit www.bioware.com, or follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/biofeed. To join the millions of fans already registered on our community, go to http://social.bioware.com.

About Electronic Arts

Electronic Arts Inc. (EA), headquartered in Redwood City, California, is a leading global interactive entertainment software company. Founded in 1982, the Company develops, publishes, and distributes interactive software worldwide for video game systems, personal computers, wireless devices and the Internet. Electronic Arts markets its products under four brand names: EA SPORTS™, EA™, EA Mobile™ and POGO™. In fiscal 2010, EA posted GAAP net revenue of $3.7 billion and had 27 titles that sold more than one million units. EA’s homepage and online game site is www.ea.com. More information about EA’s products and full text of press releases can be found on the Internet at http://info.ea.com.

BioWare, Mass Effect, Dragon Age and Jade Empire are trademarks of EA International (Studio and Publishing) Ltd. EA, EA SPORTS, EA Mobile and POGO are trademarks of Electronic Arts Inc. Xbox and Xbox 360 are trademarks of the Microsoft group of companies. PlayStation is a registered trademark of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

Sequel to FINAL FANTASY XIII Coming to Xbox 360 and PlayStation3 Next Winter

LOS ANGELES (January 18, 2011) – Square Enix, Inc., the publisher of SQUARE ENIX interactive entertainment products in North America, today announced FINAL FANTASY XIII-2 for the PlayStation 3 computer entertainment system and the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft. FINAL FANTASY XIII-2 is a sequel to FINAL FANTASY XIII, which released in North America in March 2010 and has shipped 6 million units worldwide.

“Why does mankind defy its fate?”

Production on FINAL FANTASY XIII-2 is underway, and builds upon the best aspects of FINAL FANTASY XIII. In particular, a brand new story and evolved battle system promise to stand out markedly against the standard for high-quality content established by the previous title.

Since the release of FINAL FANTASY in 1987, this unique RPG series continues to showcase the spectacular visuals, highly imaginative worlds and rich stories leading the industry and earning the highest accolades from users around the world. The series have so far achieved a cumulative shipment of over 97 million units worldwide (as of September 2010).

Product overview

Title:        FINAL FANTASY XIII-2

Platform:     PlayStation 3, Xbox 360

Genre:       RPG

Release date:  Available Next Winter

MSRP:       TBD

Copyright:    © SQUARE ENIX CO., LTD. All rights reserved. CHARACTER DESIGN: TETSUYA NOMURA

Website:      http://na.square-enix.com/ffxiii-2

Story summary from the previous title, FINAL FANTASY XIII

Cocoon – a utopia in the sky.

Its inhabitants believed their world a paradise.

Under the Sanctum’s rule, Cocoon had long known peace and prosperity.

Mankind was blessed by its protectors, the benevolent fal’Cie, and believed that tranquil days would continue forever.

Their tranquillity was shattered with the discovery of one hostile fal’Cie.

The moment that fal’Cie from Pulse – the feared and detested lowerworld – awoke from its slumber, peace on Cocoon came to an end.

Fal’Cie curse humans, turning them into magic-wielding servants.

They become l’Cie – chosen of the fal’Cie.

Those branded with the mark of a l’Cie carry the burden of either fulfilling their Focus or facing a fate harsher than death itself.

A prayer for redemption.

A wish to protect the world.

A promise to challenge destiny.

After thirteen days of fates intertwined, the battle begins.

FINAL FANTASY XIII-2 is not yet rated. Please visit the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) website at www.esrb.org for more information about ratings. For more information about FINAL FANTASY XIII-2, please visit the official website at: http://na.square-enix.com/ffxiii-2.

About Square Enix, Inc.

Square Enix, Inc. develops, publishes, distributes and licenses SQUARE ENIX , EIDOS and TAITO branded entertainment content throughout the Americas as part of the Square Enix Group. The Square Enix Group operates a global network of leading development studios and boasts a valuable portfolio of intellectual property, including: FINAL FANTASY , which has sold over 97 million units worldwide; DRAGON QUEST , which has sold over 54 million units worldwide; TOMB RAIDER , which has sold over 35 million units worldwide; and the legendary SPACE INVADERS . Square Enix, Inc. is a U.S.-based, wholly-owned subsidiary of Square Enix Holdings Co., Ltd.

More information on Square Enix, Inc. can be found at http://www.square-enix.com/na.

BIOWARE’S ACTION RPG MASS EFFECT 2 MAKES PLAYSTATION 3 DEBUT

The highest-rated game of 2010 comes to PS3 in January 2011

Cologne, Germany – August 17, 2010 – Today at GamesCom, BioWare, a division of Electronic Arts Inc. (NASDAQ: ERTS), announced that Mass Effect 2, the highest rated game of 2010 for the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system and PC*, is coming to the Sony PlayStation 3 computer entertainment system in January 2011. The PlayStation 3 edition will include the full Mass Effect 2 game and hours of bonus content, making this the perfect introduction to BioWare’s award-winning action RPG franchise.

Mass Effect 2 has already received over 70 perfect scores from media outlets such as the Associated Press, Eurogamer, MSNBC,com, G4TV and the Los Angeles Times, and is the highest rated game in the 15-year history of Bioware and the 28-year history of EA.

The Mass Effect franchise is an epic science fiction adventure set in a vast universe filled with dangerous aliens and mysterious, uncharted planets. In Mass Effect 2, PlayStation 3 players will step into the role of Commander Shepard for the very first time, leading a crew of the most dangerous special operatives from across the galaxy on a mission to save mankind. Featuring intense shooter action, a rich storyline, space exploration and emotionally engaging character interaction, Mass Effect 2 delivers an unparalleled gameplay experience.

Mass Effect 2 will be available for the PlayStation 3 in January 2011. For more information, please visit http://masseffect.bioware.com/ and follow the development team at twitter.com/masseffect2 or at http://www.facebook.com/masseffect.

* According to Metacritic.com.

About BioWare

BioWare develops high quality console, PC and online role-playing games, focused on rich stories, unforgettable characters and vast worlds to discover. Since 1995, BioWare has created some of the world’s most critically acclaimed titles, including Baldur’s Gate , Neverwinter Nights , Star Wars : Knights of the Old Republic , Jade Empire , Mass Effect and Dragon Age . BioWare operates in Edmonton (Alberta, Canada), Montreal (Quebec), Austin (Texas) and Fairfax (Virginia). Currently announced projects at BioWare include the development of ongoing downloadable content for Mass Effect 2, one of the highest rated video games of all time, Dragon Age 2, the highly anticipated sequel to 2009’s “RPG of the Year” Dragon Age: Origins, and the story-driven massively multiplayer online game, Star Wars : The Old Republic . In 2008, BioWare was acquired by Electronic Arts, a leading global interactive entertainment publisher. For more information on BioWare, visit www.bioware.com, or follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/biofeed. To join the millions of fans already registered on our community, go to http://social.bioware.com.

About Electronic Arts

Electronic Arts Inc. (EA), headquartered in Redwood City, California, is a leading global interactive entertainment software company. Founded in 1982, the Company develops, publishes, and distributes interactive software worldwide for video game systems, personal computers, wireless devices and the Internet. Electronic Arts markets its products under four brand names: EA SPORTS , EA , EA Mobile and POGO . In fiscal 2010, EA posted GAAP net revenue of $3.7 billion and had 27 titles that sold more than one million units. EA’s homepage and online game site is www.ea.com. More information about EA’s products and full text of press releases can be found on the Internet at http://info.ea.com.

I was lucky enough to be invited by EA Sports to interview Tony Gonzalez, Atlanta Falcons tight end, about NFL Training Camp, a game that uses motion sensing technology to put players through real pro NFL training camp drills like dropping back and passing, or cutting from side to side while sprinting.

I shot video of the whole interview, but there’s a lot of background noise and it simply isn’t that exciting of a video.  It’s just Tony and I sitting on a couch talking.  Once in a while we laugh.  Not the most thrilling video in the world.  I recorded audio and I’m not going to transcribe it word for word.

We talked about a bunch of stuff and I really enjoyed meeting him.  He’s a nice guy, very personable and friendly.  I started the interview by telling him that I remember playing as him when my friend Mike and I played a season of Madden 99 as the Kansas City Chiefs.  He laughed and said that was over a decade ago and then asked if we won (which we did) and then he high fived me and said it was great that we had a better season.

We talked about the NFL Training Camp game from EA Sports Active.  It uses a heart rate monitor and wireless motion tracking to provide a workout designed by NFL strength and conditioning coaches.  He said that he’s played around with it and thinks it’s a good thing.  It got his heart rate up and he could see how it would improve timing, agility, and other skills like training camp.

I shot some video of someone playing at the event.  It looked to me like this guy was working hard and afterwards the game reported he burned 400 calories or so.

I had fun talking to Tony.  At one point I said that I thought he is the best TE to ever play the game.  He said that was a bit much, like he wouldn’t agree to being the best.  So I said, you have the most TD’s, most receptions, and most yards of any TE in the history of the league, surely you must agree to top 10.  He agreed then thought a moment and then said, “That puts me in some good company.”

We talked about how he likes to play TE because he likes to be involved in more aspects of the game than just catching.  If he wanted to run and catch he would have been a WR.  He likes to block and feels it’s an under appreciated skill.  I appreciate a good block and I mentioned that I did and he said that even with all the TD catches he’s had it is still most exhilarating when he blocks a linebacker and sets up the run.  That’s pretty cool.

He recently wrote a book about nutrition so we chatted about that for a while.  He’s into eating lean and high-quality protein and vegetables.  I believe it’s based on some vegan principles.  He looks like he’s in great shape but that probably goes without saying.  He is a professional athlete.  We laughed for a bit because I pointed out that what we eat becomes more important as we get older and the body can’t bounce back as quickly from something like a burger and fries.

Tony had some advice for young football players.  Eat right, train, and build for the future.  Learn everything you can about the game and improve your body and skills.  Sounds pretty solid to me.  Practice and improvement are two good things.

EA Sports Active NFL Training Camp seems like it can help improve football related skills.  It’s in development for PS3, Kinect for Xbox 360, Wii, and iPod touch by EA Canada in Vancouver.  You can find more info at EA Sports Active.

Capcom Redefines the Fighting Game Genre Again as Super Street Fighter IV Is now Available in North America

The follow-up to one of 2009’s highest-rated games features 10 new characters, new ultra combos, new stages, enhanced online play and much more, for $39.99.

SAN MATEO, CA — April 27, 2010 — Capcom, a leading worldwide developer and publisher of video games, today announced Super Street Fighter IV, the ultimate vision of Street Fighter, is now available in North America for the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and PlayStation3 computer entertainment system. The follow up to one of Metacritic’s highest-rated games of 2009, Super Street Fighter IV features 10 new characters, new Ultra Combos, new stages, the return of Bonus Stages, and beefed-up online modes (including the free Tournament Mode DLC after launch) all for a low price of $39.99.

Super Street Fighter IV features the full roster of 25 characters from Street Fighter IV such as Ryu, Ken, Crimson Viper, Abel, El Fuerte, and Rufus, while adding 10 characters new to the world of Street Fighter IV. The impressive new roster includes classic combatants from previous Street Fighter games including Dudley, Ibuki, Makoto, Guy, Cody, T. Hawk, Dee Jay and Adon, as well as all-new characters to the series such as the mysterious and deadly Korean fighter Juri and the over-the-top oil wrestler Hakan.

Super Street Fighter IV adds new Ultra Combos for every character and advancements to the online matchmaking and online gameplay introduced in Street Fighter IV, including new modes Team Battle, Replay Channel, and Endless Battle. This will be followed by the all-new Tournament Mode, coming as a free download in June 2010, which will determine the best players in the world as Street Fighters compete online for unique Championship Titles.

For more information about Super Street Fighter IV, including screens, art and video, visit Capcom’s official press site at www.press.capcom.com.

ssfivtourneyscreen_14e

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Title: Heavy Rain
Developer: Quantic Dream
Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment America
Format: PS3 BluRay Disc
HD Format: 720p
ESRB Rating: M
Players: 1

Rating: 7.5 out of 10

In a city somewhere on the US east coast (at times it reminds me of NYC, other times of Boston), young boys are kidnapped, only to be found three days later, drowned in rain water, with an origami figure on their chests. Such shenanigans have been going on for over a year. Twelve boys have been taken. Creepy clowns and kooky carousels abound. What can a father do to keep his son safe? Or as the mysterious killer says, “How far would you go to save your son?”

Such is the premise of Quantic Dream’s newest PS3 title, Heavy Rain. There is some history here as this is the krackerjack developer that brought us Indigo Prophecy roughly five years ago. So we’re talking about a development house with a strong reputation for high production values and compelling story lines. In those respects, Heavy Rain does not disappoint. Playing this game is like stepping into a movie where you can pick what happens. It’s sort of like a choose your own adventure for PS3.

The story is complex and it sucked me in. It was like I started to play and thought it was boring and then all of a sudden it was four hours later and time for bed. The emotion of the game comes along and sweeps you away. Which is a good thing, but it’s important to understand that this game is not for everyone. If you’re looking for a thrill-a-minute romp then look elsewhere. If you are looking for a deep dark emotional and frightening story, then this is it.

This is a psychological crime thriller that has its moments where it is simply beautiful and purely gripping. You play as four separate characters: Ethan Mars, an architect whose sone has been kidnapped; Scott Shelby, a private investigator; Jayden Norman, and FBI Agent, and some really hot chick who ends up being more important than you think she’ll be named Madison Paige. The only thing you’ll remember about this last woman is that when playing as her you get to soap up your breasts in the shower, take a tinkle in the toidy, and strip for a pimp. These are mature themes that will definitely grab your attention. The four story-lines intertwine and play off of each other which is very cool.

The game starts in a sort of happy and almost mundane level. You’re Ethan Mars and you work from home. The fun includes getting dressed, brushing your teeth, and walking down stairs. It’s really a tutorial level just to learn how to control the game. The highlight of the first level is setting the table. I’m not kidding. And, for some odd reason, you are using your mother-in-law’s china to set the table for your 8 year old’s birthday party. Who in their right mind would do that? So these plates are being used at a kiddie party but if you set the table too fast your wife freaks out.

Then next level involves the family going to the mall. This is where I have to be critical of the game, very critical. In order to keep the story on track, you are forced to navigate through a finite set of choices in a heavily scripted sequence. And bang, your son gets hit by a car and dies.

The screen fades to black. The world is bleak, sad, miserable. You, Ethan, are miserable. The world is gray. It’s two years later and no one wants to talk to you, especially your son Shaun. Your wife left you. Apparently you are too stupid to take care of yourself or anyone. And frustration creeps in when you realize that the character is a moron. One son has died and this guy can’t even watch his other son when he plays. And then I realized that this is not an open world. This is not freedom of choice. This is very far from something like Grand Theft Auto. The game is on rails with the illusion of being open. It seems to me that forcing me to do some things and giving me 2 choices for something mundane is not an “interactive story”. This is very much like a graphical Zork, an old-style text game that presented you with some choices and was written as a bunch of if-then statements. Same thing but with more graphics. I also want to know why everyone has called this game beautiful when it is a paltry 720p. What is the point of the PS3 being 1080p if first party titles can’t even be high def?

As you play through the game it gets better. It gets better in terms of controls and choices along with the story roping you in emotionally and psychologically. Choices start to matter. During a liquor store robbery I tried to sneak up behind the felon but I couldn’t so I had to reason with him. Some things in this game outright pissed me off. For example, while you are playing the FBI agent, a suspect pulls a gun on the local cop who is your partner. You have the suspect dead to rights. I warned him three times to drop the weapon and then I shot him. That is how I would handle the situation. If I had to repeat the level 100 times I would do that 100 times. No way I would warn someone to put his gun down and then let him continue to point it at my partner. And then Heavy Rain tells me I’ve done it wrong. Very frustrating.

Yet I kept getting sucked back in. The story is that good. I have to hand it to writer, director, and studio head David Cage at Quantic Dream. Frustrated as I was, I needed to find out who the origami killer was. I really did. I kept playing until the end and I enjoyed it.

Heavy Rain is a solid game of this genre.  It is an emotional roller coaster, not a thrill a minute romp.