Metal Gear Online demo now available on PSN

Limited Version of Metal Gear OnlineTM Demo Enables Gamers to Experience The Multiplayer Aspect of Metal Gear Solid®

Additionally, Purchasers of Retail Metal Gear Online^TM – MEME Expansion Will Be Eligible to Win One of 1,200 Limited Edition In-Game Metal Gear Online T-Shirts

Konami has released a free demo of the ultimate squad, tactical shooter based on the popular Metal Gear Solid® Universe. A limited version of the Metal Gear Online game is now available exclusively on the PlayStation® Network. This demo is only playable on PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment systems that do not have a previously installed and registered retail copy of Metal Gear Online. A must for anyone who wants to experience the Metal Gear Universe, this demo showcases the multiplayer aspect of the series including specialization skills, the new Sons of Patriot (SOP) system, online play and so much more.

Additionally, Metal Gear fans can now purchase Metal Gear Online – MEME Expansion and have the opportunity to win a limited edition, Metal Gear Online Happy New Year T-Shirt. MEME Expansion contains a vast amount of content including new maps, special characters, new skills, new customizable characters, funny avatar parts and more. 1,200 randomly selected players will win one of three different styled in-game shirts, which will be distributed on January 5th, 2009. Metal Gear Online is available for a SRP of $9.99 through MGOnline’s in-game shop. For more information please visit: http://www.konami.com.

Wicked Interactive’s Subagames.com to host G4BOX games, Metin2 and Cross Fire

New Partnership Provides Unified Login Access and a Unified Monetary System for Players of Wicked Interactive and G4BOX Games

Toronto, CANADA-December 19, 2008-Wicked Interactive
(www.wickedinteractiveltd.com),and G4BOX (www.g4box.com), both North American MMO Publishers, announced today that Wicked Interactive’s SUBA Games platform (www.subagames.com), will now host G4BOX MMORPG, Metin2, and its upcoming online FPS, Cross Fire.

The new partnership will result in numerous benefits for both SUBA Games and G4BOX players. A new unified login system will allow Cross Fire and Metin2 players to access all SUBA Games properties, including ACE Online, Priston Tale, and the upcoming Priston Tale 2: The Second Enigma, with their current G4BOX logins. Likewise, SUBA Games players will gain access to Metin2, and the exclusive closed beta of Cross Fire. Additionally, G4BOX games and SUBA Games properties now share a unified currency and community space. While the games have merged onto one platform, G4BOX and Wicked Interactive remain separate corporate entities.

“We are excited to welcome these two G4BOX properties into the SUBA Games library of titles,” said Stanley Yu, Chief Executive Officer of Wicked Interactive. “The SUBA Games platform maintains an impressive lineup of MMORPGs to which we feel Metin2 and Cross Fire are worthy additions,” added Howard He, Chief Executive Officer of G4BOX.

To coincide with its entry into the SUBA Games platform, the Metin2 website (now located at http://metin2.subagames.com) will be re-designed and re-launched to better serve the ever-growing Metin2 community. Current Metin2 users should be able to continue playing during the platform switch and site re-launch, though they may experience some minimal downtime. Both the Metin2 and Cross Fire websites and forums will be down on Friday December 19, 2008 from 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM EST while the games are moved to the SUBA Games portal. The SUBA Games portal itself will experience similar downtime.

G4BOX’s Cross Fire (now located at http://crossfire.subagames.com) will continue its closed beta test throughout the holiday season with an open beta launch expected on SUBA Games in early 2009. SUBA Games players will gain access to the closed beta test following its move to the SUBA Games platform.

SUBA Games properties, ACE Online (http://ace.subagames.com) and Priston Tale (http://pt1.subagames.com), will continue their respective holiday events and festivities into the New Year and should not experience downtime during the migration of G4BOX games to the SUBA Games platform.

For more information about the above products or SUBA Games visit www.subagames.com.

Koch Media and Slitherine conclude sales agreement

Koch Media, a leading producer and distributor of digital entertainment products, and history specialist Slitherine, a UK-based independent developer and publisher, announced today that they have concluded an exclusive distribution agreement, according to which Koch Media will handle exclusive initial sales for six titles from the Slitherine catalog in Germany, Austria, Switzerland (including French and Italian versions), Scandinavia, Spain, the Benelux countries, the United Kingdom, and Australia.

Titles for PC, Nintendo DS^TM, Wii^TM, Xbox 360®, the video game and entertainment system from Microsoft®, PLAYSTATION®3 and PSP^TM (PlayStation®Portable) include games from various Slitherine brands, such as HISTORY^TM and MILITARY HISTORY^TM, the Horrible Histories^TM and a game from Slitherine’s agreement with the BBC.

Dr. Klemens Kundratitz, CEO of Koch Media, comments on this cooperation: “In Slitherine, we gained a valuable partner with reputed brands and licenses. We are happy that we get to distribute these attractive, entertaining games with historical contents exclusively in the designated countries.”

Marco Minoli, Marketing Director at Slitherine, said: “As a UK Developer we had already worked extensively with Koch over the years. Now that we have transitioned into publishing they were our distribution partner of choice and a natural fit. We are very pleased to be working with them on our 2009 line up.”

Details regarding individual titles will be released soon.

GodsWar Online: Deity System

IGG has revealed an innovative new Deity System in GodsWar Online (http://gw.igg.com/main.php).

The Deity System is one of the characteristic systems of GodsWar Online, a game based on ancient Greek culture. In the game, worshiping different gods can bring players different ability bonuses, as well as important deity skills.

Deity System Introduction:
In Greece, Zeus, Athena, Apollo and other gods enjoyed broad appeal and worship throughout the land. In GodsWar Online, players can choose one of 14 Gods to worship and enjoy the sight of many large and magnificent temples erected in their honor.

System Usage:
In the game, players can worship Zeus, Hera, Poseidon, Hades, Apollo, Artemis, Athena, Ares, Demeter, Hestia, Hephaestus, Aphrodite, Hermes and Dionysus, each god bestowing different ability bonuses and deity skills on his or her worshipers.

Deity skills accumulated through worship is an important system in the game. Although each gift has different attributes and benefits, the effects are powerful enough to even reverse the outcomes of a war.

If players team up, one player using a deity skill can help all members of the team to obtain extra bonuses; this is called the chained Deity System.

More information can be found at http://gw.igg.com/main.php.

Angels Online: New Server Zeus Comes with Celebration Event

The Angels Online team is very happy to announce that they will release a new server called Zeus after the weekly maintenance, so that they can relieve the populations stress on the other servers.

What’s more, a Double Exp event will be held on this new server to celebrate its release. The event will begin on December 19th and last until 11:59pm EDT(GMT-5) December 25th. By then, all players from the new server can enjoy Double Exp as well as Double Skill Exp at the same time.

For more information please visit: http://ao.igg.com/news/news.php?aid=1667

Broken Sword – Shadow of the Templars Director’s cut coming next year

Ubisoft signs deal to publish the Director’s Cut of Broken Sword – Shadow of the Templars

Genre-defining Adventure Game that Introduced Gamers to the Mysteries of the Knights Templars Makes its Debut on Wii(TM) and Nintendo DS(TM) Systems with a Special Edition

 Today Ubisoft, one of the world’s largest video game publishers, announced a publishing agreement to release the special edition of Broken Sword – Shadow of the Templars on Wii(TM) and Nintendo DS(TM) systems.

“Ubisoft works with the very best development talent in the world,” said Alain Corre, Ubisoft EMEA Executive Director. “We jumped at the opportunity to work with Charles Cecil and Revolution to publish a game of the highest pedigree so perfectly suited for the Nintendo audience.”

Broken Sword: Shadow of the Templars – The Director’s Cut builds on the original, boasting a new and explosive narrative interwoven with the first story. New puzzles have been added for Nintendo DS and Wii that specifically utilize Nintendo’s unique control methods. The game also features stunning animated facial expressions drawn by Dave Gibbons, the artistic genius behind the comic book and upcoming movie, Watchmen.

“These new platforms and their innovative controls enabled us to translate and enrich the point-and-click gaming experience in a way that no other console allowed before,” said Charles Cecil, founder of Revolution Software and designer of the Broken Sword series. “Through Dave’s animated faces, the game’s characters are portrayed as empathetic and emotional – driving the narrative in a way that has never been done before in an adventure game. The Director’s Cut has allowed me to deliver my true vision for the series.”

Broken Sword: Shadow of the Templars – The Director’s Cut starts with the player in control of charming Parisian photo-journalist Nicole Collard, who witnesses the brutal and horrifying murder of one of Paris’s richest and most influential statesmen. During her investigations, which feature exclusive new locations, Nico meets amiable American George Stobbart, who has been unwittingly caught up in the sinister and bloody theft of an ancient manuscript. Together, they are drawn into a terrifying conspiracy rooted in a long-forgotten medieval legend.

Expanding on the original classic storyline, The Director’s Cut features tight scripting and an intense atmosphere from the explosive opening sequence to the gripping finale, where the full threat of the conspiracy is revealed.

Adds Charles Cecil, “The Director’s Cut features elements that enhance the original puzzles and storyline, which helps explain what happened prior to the start of the original game, and how it ties to later games in the series.”

Broken Sword: Shadow of the Templars – The Director’s Cut is scheduled for release on Wii and Nintendo DS in March 2009.

Hudson Entertainment releases new screens for Help Wanted

Unemployed? There’s a Job For Everyone With Fifty Unique Occupations!

REDWOOD CITY, CA – Friday, December 19, 2008 – Hudson Entertainment, the North American publishing arm for HUDSON SOFT, today released a new batch of screenshots for Help Wanted™, a fun, slap-stick new life simulation game for Wii™ slated for Summer 2009. In Help Wanted™, players are sent on a mission to save the world from impending extinction by completing fifty different jobs. Help Wanted™ is developed by Hudson Soft and published by Hudson Entertainment for North and South America.

Help Wanted™ allows players to choose from completing over fifty odd jobs. The jobs included in this new batch of screens include Security Guard, Sushi Chef, Plane Cleaner, Haunted House Monster, Bodybuilder, and Sumo Referee, to name just a few. The game includes multiple difficulty levels that change up the gameplay elements and a multiplayer feature that allows for head-to-head play on up to fifteen different jobs.

After completing each job, players can then shop for fun and unique items using the money they’ve earned from their daily grind. In addition, gamers can also buy special defensive goods that will help to save the planet or delay it’s extinction from a meteor. After making purchases, players can also add keepsakes to their displayable collections in the collector’s room.

For more information about Help Wanted™ or Hudson Entertainment visit www.Hudsonentertainment.com orwww.hudsonent.com.

Joymax Kicks Off the Holidays With the Endless Festival in Deco Online

Joymax, an independent developer and publisher of interactive entertainment for the global market, has announced the start of a six-week long Endless Festival for free-to-play, action MMORPG Deco Online. The festivities will include double XP, gifts for every beginner, a massive PvP event, and a number of new, holiday-themed items for the Item Mall.

There are also rumors floating around about a possible second invasion of Dogma, the evil menace sent by dark emperor Zanard. Someone as ruthless as he would certainly consider invading the kingdoms of Rain and Milena during the holidays, so players should keep a wary eye out as they party through the New Year!

More information about the Endless Festival is available atwww.joymax.com/deco.

About Deco Online

Deco Online is a 3D, massively multiplayer online role-playing game that puts players of all ages deep into the fantastic story of two warring nations. As a legendary swordsman, a fierce archer, or a master of wizardry, players will constantly be challenged by the opposing nation and by monsters that lurk around every corner. Deco Online is free-to-play and offers a combo system with hundreds of potential skills, combining both arcade and classic MMORPG gameplay.

Deco Online features include:

• Vibrant 3D graphics 
• Hundreds of skills and exciting quests 
• Two distinct races and a unique character advancement system 
• Combo attacks that that emphasizes player skill more than traditional MMORPG combat systems 
• Step-by-step NPC tutorials and guides to help players get into the game right away 
• Character attire customization options 
• A huge and varied selection of armor, shield, weapon, gear, and accessory types

Atlus Announces The Dark Spire for Nintendo DS

Atlus U.S.A., Inc. today summons all fans of classic, western-style first-person role playing games to experience The Dark Spire for Nintendo DS, an RPG of exploration and character development in the purest sense. Parties will be assembled, stats will be rolled, items, weapons and armor shall be equipped, and monsters will be slain. Some adventurers will choose to play using the “modern” interface, its bold, stylized textures and palettes delivering a fresh, up-to-date adventure. Others may opt for the “classic” mode, guaranteed to evoke overwhelming sensations of nostalgia as it perfectly recreates the style and simplicity of the fathers of the genre. Two different presentation modes, two different ways to experience The Dark Spire!

The powerful Archmage Tyrhung resides in a tower of mist and shadow. He holds in his possession a jewel of great worth and power. A group of adventurers assemble. Will they be able to conquer Tyrhung and his nefarious tower? The party sets out, its fate yet to be determined… 

The Dark Spire is scheduled for release on March 10, 2009 with an MSRP of $29.99, it is written.

For more information about The Dark Spire, visit the official website.

Atlus Nails it With Hammerin’ Hero, Action-Packed Side-Scrolling Beat ‘Em Up For PSP® (PlayStation®PORTABLE) SYSTEM

Atlus U.S.A., Inc. today announced that it has secured the North American publishing rights for Hammerin’ Hero, an arcade-style, old school, side-scrolling beat ‘em up for PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) system. Forget everything your parents told you about violence only being a last resort. In Hammerin’ Hero, if it moves, hammer it. Pummel your way through 12 distinct levels, including city streets, an amusement park, a TV studio, a baseball stadium, and more. Ever wonder what happens if you hammer something over the head in deep space? Underwater? The only way to find out is to pick up a copy ofHammerin’ Hero for PSP on March 3. This is one hero you don’t want to mess with! (hint: because he has a hammer.) 

Hammerin’ Hero is scheduled for release on March 3, 2009, with an MSRP of $29.99.

For more information about Hammerin’ Hero, visit the official website.

Softkinetic and SilverFit Introduce Gesture-based Gaming for the Aging Population

3D Gesture Recognition Technology Simplifies the Exergaming Experience for Senior Citizens

Softkinetic S.A., the leading 3D gesture recognition software provider, and the Dutch company SilverFit today announced the unique Silverfit game system, specifically targeted at adults ages 65 and up.

The Silverfit system and its games were developed in close collaboration with Dutch physiotherapists and were designed specifically to include a broad range of exercises that are recommended as physical therapy after a stroke or an accident, as well as games that provide general fitness benefits. The Silverfit systems are currently being installed in retirement communities and care centers across the Netherlands followed by expansion to the rest of Europe and North America.

Exercising is key to the health of seniors as it reduces the risk of contracting chronic diseases. A recent International Sports Science Association (ISSA) study pointed out the health benefits that exergaming can provide by immersing players in exercise as part of the overall game experience.

By using Silverfit the aging population can exercise with computer games that are specifically developed for them and that take into account any physical limitations. The Softkinetic 3D gesture recognition technology combined with a 3D depth-sensing camera make the experience intuitive. The first installation of Silverfit systems, at the Groenhuysen care center in the Netherlands, provided unexpected benefits; the system created a social atmosphere where seniors enjoyed encouraging each other to play the games and also offered friendly competition amongst users to achieve the highest scores.

Joris Wiersinga, co-founder of SilverFit explains, “Most fitness videogames are developed for the younger generation, typically on videogame consoles like the Wii, but for seniors these games are too busy or too aggressive. In our games the player can pick virtual pieces of a puzzle at their own pace simply by standing up from their chair or leaning to the sides. By using Softkinetic’s 3D gesture technology players do not need to hold anything or know anything about computers. They simply play the games by moving in front of the camera. We chose Softkinetic as a partner because they are the leading provider of software for gesture recognition. Their Software Development Kit offers a rich set of tools that our developers can utilize to create natural interfaces and the software platform supports all the 3D cameras on the market.”

Partnering with SilverFit extends Softkinetic’s presence in the field of games and fitness. In the past year Softkinetic has worked with iTech Fitness to bring an active gaming application to the market, EA Sports on a basketball advergame, and Sprint/Wireless Ronin on a football advergame.

“Gaming specifically for the aging population is a growing industry,” said Michel Tombroff, CEO, Softkinetic. “SilverFit is another exciting exergaming venture for us and we are proud to be involved in a project which can improve the lives of senior citizens.”

IUGO Mobile Entertainment Announces Leaderboard Capabilities for Popular iPhone and iPod Touch Title Zombie Attack!

Starting January 15, 2009, Pricing for Zombie Attack! will Increase to $1.99 US; Players Can Still Download the Popular Tower Defense Title for $.99     

 

VANCOUVER, BC – December 18, 2008 – IUGO Mobile Entertainment Inc. today announced that its widely downloaded tower defense title Zombie Attack! for the Apple® iPhone™ and iPod® touch will now feature an online leaderboard, and will remain at the promotional price of $.99 US until January 15, 2009 — at which time it will increase to $1.99.  The leaderboard feature will enable gamers to post their scores and view competitors’ rankings via their iPhone or the IUGO Web site (www.iugome.com).   

 

“IUGO listens to its fan base to not only make the games they want but to add the features and functions that they ask for,” said business development executive Sarah Thomson.  “The new Zombie Attack! leaderboard will help players keep an eye on other players’ scores, so they know who the best Zombie slayer is.”

 

Zombie Attack! is an addictive 3D tower defense strategy game with a special, scary twist!  Choose from an array of Zombie-blasting weapons such as flame throwers and cannons.  Earn points and cash to upgrade your weapons and bolster your fire power.  Easy tilt and touch-screen controls have made Zombie Attack! an instant favorite.  Superb graphics, attention to detail, and IUGO’s signature high polish makes Zombie Attack! the best value on the App Store.

 

In the future, via the Zombie Attack! leaderboard, players will be able to earn points for prizes and other fun incentives.  IUGO also plans to make leaderboard capabilities available for a number of its existing and upcoming iPhone and iPod touch titles.

 

Additional titles from IUGO that are available at the App Store include:  Shaky Summit, Toy Bot Diaries, Toy Bot Diaries 2 and Toy Bot Diaries 3.

 

For more information about IUGO Mobile Entertainment or its products please visit: www.iugome.com.  To purchase applications created by IUGO Mobile Entertainment, please visit the App Store at: http://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewSoftware?id=295873663&mt=8

  

Celebrate the Holidays in Outspark’s Fiesta

Four fun new holiday quests are now available in the MMORPG Fiesta!

Players can now stop by any of Fiesta’s festively decorated major cities to begin these exciting quests and earn cool holiday items. Be careful, however, as a deadly dragon has arrived in the magical world of Isya to try and put an end to the holiday celebrations. It’s up to players to stop this rude reptile and save the holidays!

Fiesta players are also welcome to share the holiday spirit by hanging out with their friends and enjoying the new in-game holiday music and winter snow instead.

For more information, including full patch notes, visit the Fiesta website now.

Related Links:
Fiesta Website: http://fiesta.outspark.com
Patch Notes: http://www.outspark.com/forums/showthread.php?p=1433409

Penny Arcade Adventures Episode 2 is now on the PS3

Hothead Games today proudly announced that its well-received Penny Arcade Adventures: On the Rain-Slick Precipice of Darkness, Episode Two is now available for download on the PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system in North America. Offered via the PlayStation®Network, this version of Episode Two features PLAYSTATION 3 system features such as trophies, score ranking and background music (BGM) support and sells at $14.99 USD.

The madcap Penny Arcade experience continues in Episode Two of the RPG-adventure game series! Players can jump right in with a fresh character and new customization options or carry over their look and stats from Episode One. Plus, there are more puzzles, areas to explore, levels to gain and new difficulty settings to make the journey more insane than ever before. Rejoin Gabe and Tycho to go crazy with a whole new episode, moving ever closer to solving the mystery in the heart of New Arcadia.

Key Features:
* The madcap Penny Arcade experience continues. Meet all-new characters and see newly revealed strip favorites from Mike Krahulik, while reading laugh-out-loud dialogue from Jerry Holkins.
* Pick up and play from any episode. Enjoy each self-contained story without having to play previous installments.
* Get value for your gaming dollar. Play the entire episode in 6-10 hours for under $15, getting tremendous value that fits into your busy schedule.
* Save what matters most. Carry over you character’s stats and look from prior episodes.
* Go crazy with a whole new level of customization. Check out even more options for you to design and develop your own character, seeing it come to life in 3D and in the comic-style 2D cut scenes.
* Play it safe or go insane! New difficulty settings put you in charge of the action.
* A deeper RPG-Adventure experience. Get into the game with more puzzles, areas to explore and levels to gain.

Penny Arcade Adventures: On the Rain-Slick Precipice of Darkness, Episode Two has been rated “M” for Mature by the Entertainment Software Rating Board for all platforms.

World Cyber Games draws record crowds

Record crowds attend Holiday Heroes World Cyber Games Tournament at the Samsung Experience

Nearly 9,000 Shoppers, Fans and Gamers Watched as Players Competed in Gears of War 2 and Guitar Hero World Tour to Win Prizes Including Samsung LCD Televisions and Cash

NEW YORK, NY, December 18, 2008 – World Cyber Games (WCG), the recognized leader for international video game competitions, and Samsung Electronics America, Inc. (SEA) leaders in a broad range of award-winning consumer electronics, hosted the Holiday Heroes Tournament December 13-14 at The Samsung Experience in New York’s Time Warner Center with record breaking results. Nearly 9,000 fans, varied family members and amazed onlookers watched as competitive video gamers from around the nation battled it out in two of the biggest games of the year, Gears of War 2 and Guitar Hero World Tour, to win premium prizes including a 32′ Samsung HDTV and cash. The weekend’s action was presented on the crystal clear Samsung televisions and sound systems in the one-of-a-kind venue.

“The combination of Samsung’s superior quality of technology products mixed with these two huge titles made for the perfect holiday event,” said Aaron Smolick, Director of World Cyber Games USA.

Team ‘The Business’ defeated teams from as far away as California and Utah to capture the Gears of War 2 title. Michael “MoB Shift” Najman (New York, NY) took top honors in Guitar Hero World Tour.

ABOUT THE WORLD CYBER GAMES
The World Cyber Games (www.WCG.com) is the premier blue chip global video game tournament and gaming festival. First founded in 2000 to promote global harmony through e-Sports, the WCG has grown steadily ever since and been referred to as the “Olympics of Gaming” by several notable media outlets. Behind the slogan “Beyond the Game” and with more than 1.5 million contestants from over 70 countries expected to participate in this year’s Grand Final event in Cologne, Germany, the World Cyber Games has developed into a true global phenomenon with unquestioned prestige and arguably the largest annual prize amounts at stake. World Cyber Games 2008 partners include Samsung Electronics, Microsoft Xbox 360 and Games For Windows, Philips amBX, Samsung Mobile, Dust-Off, Samsung SyncMaster Monitors and Intel Core 2 Extreme Processors.