Santa Monica, CA – November 8, 2011 – After a year of anticipation, after the breakout success of the first-ever Call of Duty® XP live fan event, and after pre-order numbers that toppled even those of 2010’s mega-seller Call of Duty®: Black Ops, the ultimate shot has at last been fired. Call of Duty®: Modern Warfare® 3 is now available at retail worldwide. Also launching today alongside MW3, is the revolutionary new social gaming network Call of Duty® Elite, conceived expressly to help Call of Duty®’s 30 million devoted fans Play Together Better™.
Activision’s Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 kicked off its worldwide invasion at midnight as gamers crashed launch parties at over 13,000 retailers from Sydney to London to New York City, intent on being among the first to pull the trigger on the title dubbed “the most anticipated video game in history” by GameStop’s Senior Vice President of Merchandising, Bob McKenzie. “This watershed launch extends the legacy of the franchise like no other previous release,” said Eric Hirshberg, CEO of Activision Publishing, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Activision Blizzard, Inc. (Nasdaq: ATVI). “Combining the narrative punch and gameplay innovations of the next chapter in the Call of Duty: Modern Warfare series with the unique services of Call of Duty Elite will bring Call of Duty gamers together in a cohesive, fan-focused environment like no other.”
Co-developed by Infinity Ward and Sledgehammer Games, Modern Warfare® 3 delivers a full assault on gamers’ senses, including an intense single-player campaign that picks up immediately following the events of Call of Duty®: Modern Warfare® 2 and escalates into World War 3, as well as groundbreaking upgrades to the beloved Special Ops like the all-new Survival Mode. Special Ops serves as the perfect springboard to Modern Warfare 3’s re-imagined multiplayer, featuring the series’ trademark visceral gun-on-gun combat, a revamped pointstreak system with the introduction of “Strike Packages,” devastating new modes like “Kill Confirmed” and other gameplay enhancements, new features and a bevy of new weapons, equipment, and perks.
Gamers can ratchet up the excitement even further with the Xbox 360 Limited Edition Console package, featuring a console with custom Call of Duty® MW3 artwork, a 320GB hard drive, two wireless controllers, custom Modern Warfare-inspired system audio and a copy of the game.
Call of Duty Elite, from developer Beachhead Studio, is a comprehensive social gaming network and offers a deep and innovative free service for all registered Call of Duty players to Connect, Compete, and Improve. Call of Duty Elite provides “always-on,” universal communication between the platform and the game. Players can access Call of Duty Elite via mobile, web, or console—to connect with friends, plan matches with their Clan or social Group, configure load-outs, access comprehensive stats and interactive heat maps, and much more. Since Call of Duty Elite was developed alongside Modern Warfare 3, many of the features offer seamless interaction between the service and players’ in-game experience, including the ability to customize loadouts and sync them to the game, customize in-game Clans, upload HD videos, and find new friends from social Groups in-game. Call of Duty Elite’s premium tier adds the Modern Warfare 3 DLC delivered monthly throughout the 9 month DLC season, a constantly updated Program Guide of daily competitions for virtual and real-world prizes, exclusive clan leveling and competitions, access to the hotly anticipated Call of Duty Elite TV and more. Annual membership is available for $49.99, less than $5 per month. Many features of Call of Duty Elite are also backwards compatible with Call of Duty: Black Ops, and will also support future enabled versions of Call of Duty with one integrated platform.
Friday Night Fights, from executive producers Ridley Scott and Tony Scott and director RJ Cutler, debuts this Friday, November 11th on Call of Duty Elite TV. Friday Night Fights features real-life rivals taking it to the mat in Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 multiplayer. Additional original programming from digital content and production studio DumbDumb, the brainchild of Will Arnett and Jason Bateman in partnership with Ben Silverman’s multimedia powerhouse Electus, is in the pipeline. View the complete Call of Duty Elite TV programming schedule at www.callofduty.com/elite.
Following the phenomenal success of the first-ever Call of Duty fan celebration Call of Duty XP, Jeep®, Mountain Dew, and Xbox 360 have continued to support Activision and the Call of Duty: Modern Warfare saga. For the second year in a row, the Jeep brand will produce a 2012 Wrangler Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 Special Edition vehicle for fans. While Mountain Dew is driving the Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 “Rank Up Your Game” Double XP promotion – where fans get Double XP time in the game with every purchase of specially marked packages of DEW. These partnerships are components of an amazing multi-million dollar marketing blitz that promises to make an already historic entertainment launch even more memorable.
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 is rated “M” (Mature) by the ESRB for Blood and Gore, Drug Reference, Intense Violence and Strong Language and is available now for the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system, and Windows® PC. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 for the Nintendo Wii, developed exclusively for the platform by Treyarch, is also available for a suggested retail price of $49.99. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3: Defiance for the Nintendo DS™, developed exclusively for the platform by n-Space, is rated “T” (Teen) by the ESRB for a suggested retail price of $29.99.
For more information visit www.callofduty.com/mw3 and www.callofduty.com/elite.
About Activision Publishing, Inc.
Headquartered in Santa Monica, California, Activision Publishing, Inc. is a leading worldwide developer, publisher and distributor of interactive entertainment and leisure products.
Activision maintains operations in the U.S., Canada, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Sweden, Spain, Norway, Denmark, the Netherlands, Australia, South Korea, China and the region of Taiwan. More information about Activision and its products can be found on the company’s website, www.activision.com.
REDWOOD CITY, Calif. – September 27, 2011 – The hottest game this holiday is giving out the best gift of all – $1.6 million! DICE, an Electronic Arts Inc. studio (NASDAQ: ERTS) and Virgin Gaming today announced the Battlefield 3 Worldwide Conquest Tournament to celebrate the October 25, 2011 launch of the highly anticipated first-person shooter. The largest console videogame competition in gaming history, players from around the world will compete online in Battlefield 3 for a chance to win $1.6 million in cold hard cash. The online tournament begins in early 2012 and will culminate with a live grand finale where the players with the best Battlefield skills will walk away with a share of the $1.6 million prize pool. For more information please visit www.BattlefieldMillions.com.
“We’re always looking to raise the bar for our members, to give them truly epic gaming experiences they won’t find anywhere else and Battlefield 3 hits the mark,” said Zachary Zeldin, Co-Founder of Virgin Gaming. “This partnership with EA and DICE is exactly the kind of relationship it takes to deliver on that goal, and we can’t be more excited to be working with them to host the greatest competitive gaming event I’ve ever seen.”
Battlefield 3 is one of the year’s most anticipated games, having won over 50 illustrious awards at all of the gaming industry’s major tradeshows. The game recently earned the coveted “Future Game Award” at the Tokyo Game Show, a prize that follows the honor of “Game of the Show” at GamesCom and “Action Game of the Show” at E3. Praised by critics for advancing the state of the art in gaming, Battlefield 3 is the only shooter that can deliver the physicality and emotion of being on the battlefield. It is thanks to the expertise of the development team at DICE and the power of the Frostbite™ 2 engine that Battlefield 3 delivers a massive sense of scale, best-in-class audio, completely destructible environments, hyper-real graphics and animation, and lets gamers pilot a whole range of vehicles from trucks and tanks to choppers and jets.
“The Battlefield series has always been a very social experience with its best-in-class multiplayer gameplay and we’re honored to have such passionate and loyal fans,” said Karl Magnus Troedsson, General Manager, DICE. “We want to give them the best Battlefield experience we’ve ever created with Battlefield 3. The Worldwide Conquest Tournament with Virgin Gaming is a great way to celebrate the gameplay and reward our fans.”
Battlefield 3 will be available October 25, 2011 in North America for the PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system, the Xbox 360® videogame entertainment system and the PC. PC gamers will be able to download the Battlefield 3 Limited Edition at Origin™ (powered by EA). For the latest news on Battlefield please visit www.battlefield.com, www.facebook.com/battlefield or follow us on Twitter a www.twitter.com/battlefield.
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 17th 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 30th Collection
Platform: iOS (iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch)
Release date: June 9
The Galaga 30th 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 30th 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.
Take justice into your own hands and experience the lawlessness of the modern Wild West
SAN FRANCISCO – February 7, 2011 – Today Ubisoft announced the development of Call of Juarez The Cartel, the third game in the award-winning Call of Juarez series. Developed by Techland for next-gen consoles and Windows PC, Call of Juarez: The Cartel will be available worldwide Summer 2011.
Call of Juarez: The Cartel is set in present day and brings the best elements of the Wild West to a new and modern setting. As a first person shooter with an immersive and mature story, players can expect to embark on a journey like no other – one that will take them from the heart of modern day Los Angeles, California to Juarez, Mexico.
“Call of Juarez: The Cartel is an action-packed shooter game with a strong story, interesting characters and a wide variety of gameplay options,” said Adam Novickas, director of marketing at Ubisoft. “The game will bring the best elements of the Wild West into modern times with a very gritty and relevant plot.”
Call of Juarez: The Cartel is featured in an exclusive first look in the March issue of Electronic Gaming Monthly, available on newsstands in North America on February 9, 2011.
For ongoing updates about the game, please visit: www.callofjuarez.com
About Ubisoft
Ubisoft is a leading producer, publisher and distributor of interactive entertainment products worldwide and has grown considerably through a strong and diversified line-up of products and partnerships. Ubisoft has offices in 26 countries and has sales in more than 55 countries around the globe. It is committed to delivering high-quality, cutting-edge video game titles to consumers. For the 2009–10 fiscal year Ubisoft generated sales of 871 million euros. To learn more, please visit www.ubisoftgroup.com.
Square Enix Reveals Preorder Incentives for Reincarnation of Classic Action-RPG Franchise
LOS ANGELES (February 3, 2011) – Square Enix, Inc., the publisher of SQUARE ENIX interactive entertainment products in North America, announced today that DUNGEON SIEGE III will be available at North American retailers on May 31, 2011. Developed by Obsidian Entertainment, Inc., the all-new incarnation of the classic action-RPG franchise will make its debut on high-definition home video game consoles alongside its familiar place on PC Windows-based machines. This May, players will experience the much-awaited next chapter in the DUNGEON SIEGE lore on the PlayStation 3 computer entertainment system and the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and Windows PC.
In DUNGEON SIEGE III, players assume the role of one of four heroes, fighting for the sake of their fallen comrades and to restore the land of Ehb. Conflict is constant in this action-RPG and decisions have lasting consequences, allowing players to alter the storyline. Choose to do battle as a lone hero or fight for honor in the co-op mode with up to three friends. Thanks to the robust AI, DUNGEON SIEGE III’s co-op multiplayer mode allows players to seamlessly drop in and out of battle without interrupting the action or impacting the campaign.
In addition, Square Enix is offering exclusive incentives for players who preorder DUNGEON SIEGE III at the following retail outlets:
PREORDER PROGRAMS
GameStop
Receive two exclusive in-game items by preordering at GameStop
- Burning Band of Scorch
This exclusive preorder in-game ring increases the raw damage of a player’s attacks and sets all foes ablaze with any weapon.
- Talisman of the Grand Mage
This exclusive preorder in-game necklace reduces incoming damage on the player and grants the ability to lash out with a mystical attack that injures enemies in close-range combat.
Steam
Relive the classic DUNGEON SIEGE I and DUNGEON SIEGE II games as a gift with purchase through Steam
- Players who prepurchase DUNGEON SIEGE III will get three games for the price of one, as Valve will offer single-player versions of both DUNGEON SIEGE I and DUNGEON SIEGE II as free downloads for PC platforms.
Amazon.com
Receive a limited preorder exclusive in-game ring
- Bite of the Arakun
Grants the player the ability to poison enemies with lingering injury or soften their defenses, leaving them vulnerable for follow-up attacks.
Best Buy
Another exclusive preorder in-game amulet
- Sacred Heart of the Legion
Increases a player’s health and pushes close combat assailants back each time the bearer is struck in battle.
Walmart
Mini-comic and strategy guide
- Pick up the DUNGEON SIEGE mini-comic from Dark Horse Comics and a free mini-strategy guide from Prima Games with a preorder at Walmart.
“DUNGEON SIEGE has returned and it’s better than ever. We [Square Enix] have partnered with Obsidian to bring this critically acclaimed classic franchise back in an all new, re-imagined form,” said Ami Blaire, vice president of marketing at Square Enix, Inc. “With its heart-pounding action, epic lore and an endless variety of quests, DUNGEON SIEGE III is a must-have for any video game collection.”
Prepare to honor thy legion and reclaim the kingdom of Ehb in the ultimate DUNGEON SIEGE experience on May 31, 2011. For more information and to preorder now, visit: www.dungeonsiege.com.
About DUNGEON SIEGE III
Story
Torn asunder, the delicate balance of power between the kingdom of Ehb’s factions has fallen apart. As one of the few remaining members of the disgraced protectors of the land, the 10th Legion, it is up to you to rebuild the once great Legion and prevent Ehb from descending into darkness. Joined by a group of unique companions, you will travel through the striking land of Ehb defeating all manner of villains and beasts through a combination of heroic abilities, screen-shaking magic and pure cunning.
DUNGEON SIEGE III seamlessly blends intuitive action gameplay, a robust RPG system featuring a large selection of abilities, an extensive multiplayer component and the depth of story Square Enix and Obsidian Entertainment are known for creating.
Features
- Experience DUNGEON SIEGE on high-def consoles for the first time.
- Adventure solo or with friends in drop-in, drop-out co-op multiplayer.
- Uncover a deep story that only Square Enix and Obsidian Entertainment can deliver.
- Choose one of four highly customizable heroes with a wide range of abilities.
- Recruit companions with unique personalities, abilities and views on the world around them.
- Make weighty decisions that impact alliances, enemies and ultimately the storyline of the game.
DUNGEON SIEGE III 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 DUNGEON SIEGE III, please visit the official website at: www.dungeonsiege.com.
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.
About Obsidian Entertainment, Inc.
Obsidian Entertainment is an entertainment software development company passionately dedicated to making high quality role playing games for Windows PC and console systems. Obsidian was founded in 2003 by five game development veterans who’ve produced, programmed and/or designed award-winning role playing games for a variety of platforms over the last 15 years: Feargus Urquhart, Chris Parker, Darren Monahan, Chris Avellone and Chris Jones. Obsidian Entertainment’s Web site can be found at www.obsidian.net.
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.
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.
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.
Zumba Fitness for Connect
Excersize program, the fitness party, latin and international rhythms. Grew in Miami, all about the party, have fun and move, 60,000 locations, 7.5 million people take a Zumba class every week. They’ve sold millions of DVDS and this is the next thing. Men, women, kids, parents all play together.
The demo – This is a combination of dance and excersize so everyone has fun with 30 tracks and routines. There’s new interactive Zumba content running with Connect. Connect tracks 6 points on Samantha’s body and will critique her motions.
There can be up to 4 players in a turn based competition. For the Wii there is a belt to track your hips where all your movement originates. You can learn the steps training, set a workout calendar, intermediate and hard also. Genuine motion capture “a little bit like a dancing iPod commercial” in color and look and feel.
There’s a party meter and more stuff begins to happen when you build the party meter. I see more stuff on the screen but it doesn’t lok like it really affects game play. Working closely with Microsoft and are excited to be a launch title for Connect in November.
Lots of hip rolling. Merengue to reggae to calypso, a lot of rich styles and it’s not my thing with all the dancing. I bet Tina would love this. Sarah would probably not be amused. The music is fun. I think that someone who has taken a Zumba class would be pretty pleased to dance along with this. I’d prefer splattering enemy brains out the side of their heads from the bushes 500m away, but for a Zumba fan this would be fun.
There’s a strong connection here for Backayard.
My routine was much more like dancing than working out. But it was fun and I did start sweating within 2 minutes.
There will be DLC – use Live to connect to Zumba.com and Facebook to build community. Zumba is the dancing so it could be fun with someone else- Zumba Attack with something like a dance battle and there is a turn based mode where up to four people can play against each other.
Paintball – Greg Hastings
$39 on 9/14
Can play with him, all about furthering paintball, the gameisbuilt on authenticity, 360, PS3, Wii. All the gear, all the guns, 100 pros, 62 fields based on 12 real locations. Rated E10+, not that many E10+ FPS out there. It’s a violent tournament, just with paint not bullets. Up to 20 player multi-player on 360 and –s3, up to 8 player on Wii.
Lots of running and diving into bunker, then change stance so you can pop up and down, then change stance so you can pop left and right. You can switch hands with the gun so you can get a better angle.
There are also team aspects to game play. You can command your guys or leave them alone.
Three types of paintball – speed ball with inflatable bunkers that people hide behind in arenas. Woods ball is a massive outdoor field. Rec ball is a mix of the two played on any course. This is the first game with wood and rec play modes.
Will be DLC.
Babysitting mama
No blood but there is diaper changing without poo or urine. This brings baby sitting to a whole new level. Uses a plush doll that you jam the wiimote into it’s back. Basically you can hold the doll and do stuff with it and the wiimote sense it.
The baby laughs or cries through the Wiimote. This is Cooking Mama for baby sitters. There are 6 different babies and about 60 different activities. Some are baby care, some are baby mini games. Fun, not a baby simulator because there are some silly things. It’s apparently a lot of fun for six to nine year olds. Little girls will be happy they got a new doll and a new game.
Ten story arcs, November release data scheduled.
It was sort of fun, kind of like holding a real baby but not because it isn’t fragile.
Swords
Wii motion plus support $29.99 T rated for families
Brutal action scenes without gore. It is, you guessed it, a sword fighting game. One to one sword fighting movements, seven different angles of attack with 8 different fighters. Unlock swords and get new powers. Plus four mini games that are basically like mini games. One includes hordes of zombies coming at you over and over again. Multiplayer so there is 2 player split screen.
Monster Tale for DS,
estimated March 2011 ship
Puzzle game play on the bottom screen, exploration on the top. The bottom screen is a pet raising Tamogotchi game and the top is a platformer. You wake up in a monster world that has been taken over by bad kids. Elie meets Chomp and they need to save the monster world from the bad kids. Explore and earn new abilities. Definitely kid safe. Would appeal to those who want to explore, learn, solve puzzles, and use new things. Also involves training Chomp – give him cookies and he becomes one thing, give him apples and he becomes something else. Interaction between the “two screens” and the evolution of Chomp creates depth in the game.
Dead to Rights—Retribution, from Namco Bandai, isn’t a game-changer, but it’s engaging and fun, with some cool and unique ideas. The “Retribution” comes from your character’s drive for vengeance for his father’s murder. Accompanying you on your quest: your seemingly unstoppable, smart and stealthy dog, Shadow. And how cool is that, to have a reliable partner in a single-player game? Shadow has two kill moves—he can rip out a man’s throat or perform a…well, a teste-kill. You can also take advantage of some normal dog behavior, such as the propensity to pee on things.
The game isn’t terribly difficult, even on the highest level. There are some reliable strategies to get through the levels, one involving freezing time—a special power that you’ll have to pick up along the way. As in real life, finding cover is a fairly reliable way to keep your head attached to your body—and as in real life, no cover is indestructible, so you can’t just sit tight (although, why would you want to?).
I recommend playing this game on an Xbox 360 over a PlayStation3 because for some reason, the the PS3 supports only 1080i resolution while the Xbox 360 lets you play at 1080p. With all the textures, effects, and of course, spraying blood, the full resolution is more rewarding. The game isn’t what I’d call “extreme realism,” but it looks good and is convincing. Overall, between the look and the gameplay, I’d rate Dead to Rights—Retribution a 7 or 8 on a scale of 1 to 10. It won’t be the greatest gaming experience of your life, but it’s a lot of fun, the headshots are stellar, and this bears repeating: Your partner is an awesome dog.
PLEASE NOTE THAT IN THE VIDEO I SAY THAT CAPCOM IS THE PUBLISHER BUT IT IS NAMCO BANDAI. THIS IS ALICIA KIM’S FAULT BECAUSE I ASSOCIATE HER WITH THE GAME AND SHE WAS PREVIOUSLY AT CAPCOM.
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