Archive for May 4th, 2008|Daily archive page
Kharkov: Disaster on the Donets Announced
Leave a CommentThe New Successor to SSG’s Award-Winning Wargames!
Staten Island, NY, May 1st, 2008 – Matrix Games (www.matrixgames.com) and Strategic Studies Group (www.ssg.com.au) are excited to announce a new World War II operational strategy game, designed to be the successor to both the award winning Decisive Battles and Battlefront designs… Kharkov: Disaster on the Donets!
David Heath, Director of Operations at Matrix Games, said “Strategic Studies Group has a new masterpiece on its hands with Kharkov: Disaster on the Donets. Not only does this expertly designed and meticulously balanced title give gamers the ability to experience the solid gameplay found in both the Battlefront and its predecessor, the Decisive Battles series, but it brings some truly unique, innovative and fun gameplay elements to one of the epic battles of World War II!”
Kharkov: Disaster on the Donets is the latest strategy title from the award-winning team at Strategic Studies Group. A synthesis of the very best elements of two critically acclaimed and top-rated game systems, Decisive Battles and Battlefront, and a successor to both, the new Kharkov: Disaster on the Donets brings to life a campaign of epic scale and dynamic battles on the Eastern Front of World War II.
Command the Soviet forces, newly confident after stopping and throwing back the Barbarossa offensive, or try the elite and seasoned German army now reconstituted after winter losses and ready to regain the initiative. Two separate forces prepared offensives in the same area in the Spring of 1942. When the dust had cleared the Germans had managed a great victory that opened the doors to the drive on Stalingrad. But the outcome was far from certain and in Kharkov: Disaster on the Donets, history is yours to rewrite.
This new system allows both regimental and battalion level combat, while incorporating many innovative features such as off-map reinforcement decisions and on-map historical areas of operation with mystery variants to increase replayability and limit the effect of hindsight. Along with the substantially improved and simplified supply and movement systems, a new bonus and advantage system for headquarters effects, simplified direct fire and better combat tables, an improved strong points system and the ability to create hedgehog defenses make this the most advanced and realistic SSG design to date.
Perhaps the most innovative new feature of Kharkov: Disaster on the Donets is the on-map area of operation and mystery variant system. This new system takes away the advantage of hindsight by restricting mass unit relocation while allowing the areas to change as you achieve your objectives, with mystery variants keeping the opponent from predicting your limits. These new rules represent a realistic modeling of historical command restrictions and add a new and fascinating layer to each side’s decision-making.
Features include:
• Successor to the highly popular and award winning Decisive Battles and Battlefront engines, combining the best elements of both
• An innovative and fun area of operation system which limits unrealistic redeployments for both players, with changes triggered as local objectives are achieved and based on mystery variants to keep the enemy guessing
• Improved and simplified supply, movement and direct combat systems
• Improved combat tables that better model diminishing returns and new HQ bonuses that can affect Direct and Indirect Fire
• Improved strong points and new hedgehog rules
• Models both battalion and regimental combat
Get more information on Kharkov: Disaster on the Donets from its product page and check out the brand new screenshots!
R-Type Command Game Will Come With Pack-In Figurine
Leave a CommentAtlus Reveals R-9 Figurine Free With Purchase Of R-Type Command
For a limited time, every copy of R-Type CommandTM for PSP® (PlayStation® Portable) purchased from GameStop, Amazon.com, GameCrazy, EB Games Canada, and other select retailers will come with a free bonus R-9 figurine. R-Type Command is currently scheduled to release on May 6th.
The R-9 collectible model, direct from Japan, is a toy figurine of the definitive spaceship in the R-Type series. It is constructed from durable high quality plastic and boasts incredible levels of detail. This collector’s item can be assembled in a variety of configurations as seen in the R-Type Command video game. The R-9 collectible figurine is available in very limited quantities courtesy of IREM, so please do not delay your chance to own this rare piece of the R-Type universe.
See images of the R-9 figurine at:
www.atlus.com/r-type/images.html
For more on R-Type Command visit:
http://www.atlus.com/r-type/
They Always Get the Cool Stuff in Japan – Boot Camp
Leave a CommentGala Mobile Inc. announces the game “Boot Camp” for mobiles
Gala Mobile Inc., a consolidated subsidiary of the online game publisher Gala Inc, announces Boot Camp, an online shooter game with persistent character and player ladder developed by Web ENG Korea Co. Ltd. The game is due to be launched in Japan in May 2008.
Boot Camp is a top-down shooter featuring online multiplayer battles of up to 16 players, a persistent character growth and a player ladder system. The game also includes a single-player offline play.
With an easily-accessed chat system, friend lists, ranks and player ladders, and player guilds, Boot Camp has everything to become a leader in online mobile games. A badge system is also avaible to show everyone one’s achievements within the game, and the CyberCOPS filter system developed by Gala Mobile to provide a safe gaming environnement is fully implemented in the game system.
The game can be played free for one month, and a monthly fee of 415 yens (approximately 3.5US$) has to be paid afterwards. Boot Camp is due to be launched in May 2008 in Japan, with no release scheduled for America or Europe for the moment.
BradyGames releases GTA IV Strategy Guide
Thursday 1st May 2008 – London, UK/… Official strategy guide expert, BradyGames, has launched its highly anticipated Grand Theft Auto IV Signature Series guide – the only official guide to the year’s biggest game, out now for PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360. Created in conjunction with developer Rockstar Games, Grand Theft Auto IV Signature Series guide weighs in at 288 pages, features an exclusive double-sided foldout map and poster, and goes on sale with an RRP of £12.99.
Liberty City is a living, breathing metropolis full-to-bursting with thrilling places to check out, characters to meet, lucrative opportunities to discover, and secrets to unearth—and Brady’s guide is the only official and comprehensive source of information that will help gamers take advantage of everything that the most anticipated game of the year has to offer, including detailed instructions for completing 100% of the game and chalking up all 50 Xbox 360 Achievements. Packed full of over 1000 screenshots and illustrations, BradyGames’ Grand Theft Auto IV Signature Series guide provides players with game-play basics, a full single-player walkthrough, complete vehicle and weapon listings, 30+ pages of maps and exclusive multiplayer strategy.
Contents include:
- Comprehensive guide to completing 100% of the game, featuring coverage of all Missions—including Vigilante, Car Thefts, and Most Wanted—plus Friendships, Random Characters, and more!
- Detailed maps pinpointing locations for weapon, armour, and health pick-ups
- Locations of every “Hidden Package” and Unique Stunt Jump in the game, complete with descriptions and screenshots showing their exact locations
- Detailed descriptions and battle-tested tactics for each Multiplayer mode
- Maps, walkthroughs and strategy for all main story missions
- Pick-ups, collectibles, and places of interest—everything you need and everywhere you need to be in a dedicated section
Whether gamers need a little nudge to get them through a particularly tough mission or fully illustrated guidance on achieving 100% completion—and winning renown on the recently announced online leaderboard, Rockstar Social Club—this invaluable tome is the best and only source available anywhere.
Brian Saliba from BradyGames UK, said: “The game is sure to set new industry standards for immersive gameplay and multiplayer entertainment. And while all kinds of tips and advice will be popping up online in the coming weeks, this book is the only guide that was developed in conjunction with Rockstar—and it is the only guide anywhere that will be available from day one, for gamers looking to win Rockstar Social Club fame.”
The guide is available to buy from all good video games retailers and online shops.
Atari and Infogrames Announce Merger
Infogrames to Acquire Outstanding Shares of Atari, Inc. for CashInfogrames Entertainment S.A. [Euronext - ISIN: FR-0010478248] (“Infogrames” or “the Group”) and Atari, Inc. (Nasdaq: ATAR) (“Atari”) today announced that they have reached a definitive agreement to merge.
LYON, France and NEW YORK, April 30 :
The agreement:
- brings to a close a period of financial underperformance for Atari;
- strengthens Atari under Infogrames’ new management team;
- delivers a platform for future growth in the US; and
- offers Atari shareholders an all cash exit.
Under the terms of the merger agreement, Infogrames will acquire the remaining outstanding equity interests of Atari (other than shares of common stock held by Infogrames or its affiliates, which would be cancelled) for US$1.68 per share, equivalent to a cash payment of approximately US$11 million. Infogrames is currently the majority shareholder in Atari holding approximately 51.4%. Following the merger, Atari will be a wholly- owned subsidiary of Infogrames. The merger will be funded by Infogrames from existing cash resources. The transaction is not subject to any financing conditions and is expected to close in the third calendar quarter of 2008.
This agreement is an essential and positive development for Infogrames and its shareholders. It brings Atari fully under the control of Infogrames, delivering a platform for future growth in the US. This step closely follows a series of recent major restructuring actions implemented in an effort to reposition Atari, streamline its corporate structure and reduce its annualized costs, including costs related to being a US public company.
The Board of Infogrames believes that full ownership of a restructured Atari is an important step for the Group, leading to a simplified operating structure that will deliver greater efficiency, provide the Group with greater opportunities to expand its US distribution capabilities and strengthen its platform for its global online initiatives.
Commenting on today’s announcement, David Gardner, CEO, Infogrames, said:
“Bringing Atari US and Infogrames businesses together will enable us to create a simplified global structure for our business as we seek to re-build a well-managed, cohesive and financially disciplined company. This is a key strategic event for Infogrames that will benefit all of our shareholders. I believe that this transaction will generate significant benefits for the Group.”
The management of Atari, Inc., led by recently appointed President and CEO, Jim Wilson, will join the Group upon the closing of the transaction and remain focused on growing the key North American gaming market.
Mr. Wilson said:
“By joining Infogrames, we will have the opportunity to further transform Atari. As part of this newly integrated company, we will be better able to streamline operations and have a stronger platform for growth in North America.”
The transaction was negotiated and approved by the Special Committee of the Board of Directors of Atari, consisting entirely of directors who are independent of Infogrames. In approving and recommending the merger transaction, the Special Committee considered, among other things, the terms of the merger agreement, which permits the Special Committee to terminate the agreement under certain circumstances, Atari’s financial position and results of operations, general market and industry conditions, the risks of implementing Atari’s business plan, Atari’s limited liquidity and the limited range of options available to Atari. The Special Committee also considered the effects of Infogrames’ controlling interest, the risk that the transaction will not be completed, the premium to Atari’s share price 30 days prior to the date of Infogrames’ offer, and the willingness of Infogrames to extend a loan of up to $20 million to Atari to cover expected capital requirements.
The transaction is subject to a number of customary conditions, including the approval of the holders of a majority of outstanding shares. Atari expects to call a special meeting of shareholders to consider the merger in the third quarter of calendar 2008. Since Infogrames controls a majority of Atari’s outstanding shares, Infogrames has the power to approve the transaction without the approval of Atari’s other shareholders.
In connection with the transaction, Infogrames has committed to lend Atari US$20 million, subject to the terms and conditions of the credit agreement between Atari and Infogrames. This loan will be used to fund Atari’s operational cash requirements during the period between the date of the merger agreement and its closing.
Guitar Hero Air Guitar Rocker
JADA UNLEASHES GUITAR HERO® AIR GUITAR ROCKER(TM) AT 2008 CONSUMER ELECTRONICS SHOW
CITY OF INDUSTRY, CA – January 8, 2007 – Jada Toys, Inc. unveiled today at the 2008 Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, the Guitar Hero Air Guitar Rocker, an innovative electronic toy based on Activision, Inc.’s (Nasdaq: ATVI) blockbuster video game franchise, Guitar Hero®. With this new toy, consumers are able to unlock their inner rock star anywhere and jam to five famous tracks, as well as five original Air Guitar Rocker™ freestyle riffs. Available in stores in March 2008 for a suggested retail price of $29.99, the Guitar Hero Air Guitar Rocker will be on hand for demonstrations at CES in the Jada Toys, Inc. booth # 72349 at the Sands Hotel Convention Center.
“Jada has a stellar reputation of delivering high quality, trend-setting toys,” said Charles Huang, vice president of business development at Activision/RedOctane. “The Air Guitar Rocker is a unique product that captures the attitude of the Guitar Hero franchise perfectly, allowing rock fans and air guitar enthusiasts the opportunity to jam at will to some of the greatest guitar riffs of all-time.”
The Guitar Hero Air Guitar Rocker features patented technology which includes guitar pics and a rockin’ belt buckle that, when connected to a wearable, mini-amplifier, allows run-of-the-mill rock fans to transform into legendary guitarists. With an air guitar in hand, the user waves the pic over the belt buckle to determine the tempo of the song. The product comes with an Air Cartridge™ that features 10 guitar riffs, ranging in skill level from 1-5, including “Iron Man,” “Smoke on the Water,” “Ace of Spades,” “You Really Got Me,” “More Than a Feeling,” and five original Air Guitar Rocker freestyle riffs. Users are encouraged to listen to the demo tracks, then try to master the riffs on their own. The product can also be connected to external speakers to really rock the house!
“Jada’s motto is ‘Keeping It Real’ and we’re confident we did just that with the Guitar Hero Air Guitar Rocker,” said Jack Li, chief executive officer of Jada Toys, Inc. “Our innovative product pays homage to the great Guitar Hero brand by extending the fantasy of being a rock star to an exciting new format.”
The Guitar Hero Air Guitar Rocker will be available at retailers nationwide in March for a suggested retail price of $29.99. In the months following launch, Jada will introduce new buckles and new Air Cartridges,™ featuring more legendary heavy metal and new 80’s rock riff assortments.
