Guitar Hero(R) World Tour Expands Global Music Library With Downloadable Songs From Europe’s Hottest Bands

SANTA MONICA, Calif., Dec 11, 2008 /PRNewswire-FirstCall via COMTEX News Network/ –
Increasing its library of local music from around the world this month, Activision Publishing, Inc.’s (Nasdaq: ATVI) Guitar Hero(R) World Tour – which features on-disc songs from top global acts such as Tokio Hotel, Hushpuppies and Radio Futura – is offering new three-song Track Packs of downloadable content from popular European bands including Germany’s Sportfreunde Stiller, France’s BB Brunes and Spain’s Fito Y Fitipaldis.

Following their home country’s disappointing 2006 World Cup elimination, German rock band Sportfreunde Stiller re-wrote their chart-topping hit “‘54, ‘74, ‘90, 2006″ in anticipation of a 2010 championship, re-titled it “‘54, ‘74, ‘90, 2010″ and are bringing it to Guitar Hero World Tour as part of a three-song Track Pack available today.

Also included in the pack and further expanding the global audience are Italian rock band Negrita with “Mama Mae” and French rock sensation BB Brunes with “Dis Moi.”

Swedish rock icons the Backyard Babies, whose Guitar Hero(R) III: Legends of Rock on-disc track “Minus Celsius” saw an increase in digital audio downloads after appearing in the game, are building on the success for an encore with “Degenerated” off their 2008 self-titled album.

Joining the Backyard Babies in the second three-song Track Pack to be released later this month are Spanish rockers Fito Y Fitipaldis with “Por La Boca Vive El Pez” and Netherlands’ beloved Di-Rect with “Johnny.”

The two Track Packs will be available on Xbox LIVE(R) Marketplace for the Xbox 360(R) video game and entertainment system from Microsoft for 440 Microsoft Points and on the PlayStation(R)Store for the PLAYSTATION(R)3 computer entertainment system for $5.49. The songs in each Track Pack will be released as downloadable singles for Xbox 360 for 160 Microsoft Points, PLAYSTATION 3 system for $1.99 and Nintendo(R) Wi-Fi Connection for Wii(TM) for 200 Wii Points.

Guitar Hero World Tour transforms music gaming by expanding Guitar Hero’s signature guitar gameplay into a cooperative band experience that combines the most advanced wireless controllers with new revolutionary online* and offline gameplay modes including Band Career and 8-player “Battle of the Bands,” which allows two full bands to compete head-to-head online. The game features a slick newly redesigned guitar controller, drum kit controller and a wired microphone, as well as an innovative Music Studio music creator that lets players compose, record, edit and share their own rock ‘n’ roll anthems. Music creators are also able to share their recordings with their friends online through GHTunesSM where other gamers can download and play an endless supply of unique creations.

Guitar Hero World Tour is now available for the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, PLAYSTATION 3 computer entertainment system, the Wii home video game system from Nintendo and the PlayStation(R)2 computer entertainment system. The game is rated “T” for Teen by the ESRB. For more information on Guitar Hero World Tour, please visit worldtour.guitarhero.com.

Sega Soccer Slam and Raze’s Hell coming to Xbox Originals

On December 15^th, 2008, you will be able to download and play Sega Soccer Slam and Raze’s Hell™ on your Xbox 360.

From Xbox.com:

Xbox Originals on Xbox LIVE Marketplace brings you original Xbox games to play on your Xbox 360. Relive your favorites or find games you missed the first time around.

 

Sega Soccer Slam

SEGA®
ESRB E (Everyone)
1200 Microsoft Points
(NA only)

Have you ever taken on a deranged kilt-wearing Scotsman in a wild, no-holds-barred soccer match? Each character in this anything-but-ordinary soccer game wields special powers and moves that, if executed properly, earn the big score. In Quest Mode, you can unlock secret stadiums and uncover hidden items to improve your already stellar performance. 

 

Raze’s Hell ™

Atari®
ESRB M (Mature)
1200 Microsoft Points
(Europe and NA)

The Kewletts’ colonization efforts have taken a turn for the vicious … until the newly transformed Raze shows up. As Raze, you must vanquish the twisted princess and her invading force of Kewletts by any means necessary.

LucasArts Announces Release of New Single-Player Level For Star Wars: The Force Unleashed

LucasArts Announces Release of New Single-Player Level For Star Wars: The Force Unleashed

LucasArts today announced that it has released a new single-player level for Star Wars: The Force Unleashed. Available now for Xbox 360 owners through Xbox LIVE Marketplace and for PlayStation 3 owners through the PlayStation Network, the level features The “Secret Apprentice” in an entirely new mission set in the Jedi Temple on the planet Coruscant. The Secret Apprentice travels to the Jedi Temple to learn more about his father, and while searching through the rubble of the destroyed building he must confront his inner demons.

Bundled with the single-player level are nine new costumes, which allow gamers to play through the game disguised as several new characters, including:
• Apprentice’s Temple Exploration Gear
• Apprentice – Cybernetic Reconstruction
• Apprentice’s Sith Training Gear
• Mace Windu
• Darth Maul
• Qui-Gon Jinn
• Dark Stalker
• Lightsaber Training Droid
• Combat Training Droid

In addition, LucasArts also released a new stand-alone costume pack which includes:
• Apprentice’s Utility Combat Suit
• Apprentice – Animated
• Spirit Apprentice
• Republic Trooper
• Luke Skywalker – Tatooine Gear
• Ben Kenobi
• Plo Koon
• Count Dooku
• Jango Fett
• C-3P0

Star Wars: The Force Unleashed was released on September 16, and has since become a worldwide hit. The game completely re-imagines the scope and scale of the Force and casts players as Darth Vader’s “Secret Apprentice,” unveiling new revelations about the Star Wars galaxy seen through the eyes of this mysterious new character armed with unprecedented powers.

More information about the game can be found at the official website, www.theforceunleashed.com

Rock Band goes Country

ROCK BAND® GOES COUNTRY WITH ADDITION OF 5-PACK THAT INCLUDES BRAD PAISLEY, BROOKS & DUNN, DIXIE CHICKS AND MORE COMING TO THE DOWNLOADABLE MUSIC STORE CATALOG

Cambridge, Mass. – December 8, 2008 – Harmonix and MTV Games announced today that Rock Band® is set to give fans a taste of country music for the first time with the addition of the “Going Country” 5-pack to the Rock Band® Music Store catalog of downloadable content. The impressive lineup of renowned country artists includes Grammy Award winner Brad Paisley with “Mud on the Tires,” the honky- tonk country classic duo Brooks & Dunn with “Hillbilly Deluxe,” and all-American trio Dixie Chicks with “Sin Wagon.”

Rock Band country lovers can also look forward to Dierks Bentley’s #1 single “Free & Easy (Down the Road I Go)” and Miranda Lambert’s standout single “Gunpowder & Lead.”

Each track will be available starting December 16, 2008, for the Xbox®360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and December 18, 2008, for PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system. Each individual track will be available for $1.99 (160 Microsoft Points) and $8.49 (680 Microsoft Points) for the 5-pack.

Release Date: Tuesday, December 16, 2008 (Xbox LIVE® Marketplace for Xbox 360)
Thursday, December 18, 2008 (PlayStation®Store)

Tracks:
(Click on track to view music video) (only the first video worked, so until I get working links, I removed them. -e)

Brad Paisley “Mud on the Tires”
Brooks & Dunn “Hillbilly Deluxe”
Dierks Bentley “Free & Easy (Down the Road I Go)”
Dixie Chicks “Sin Wagon”
Miranda Lambert “Gunpowder & Lead”

Price:$1.99 (160 Microsoft Points for Xbox 360) per track
$8.49 (680 Microsoft Points for Xbox 360) for the 5-pack

(All tracks are original master recordings)

Locations: Xbox LIVE Marketplace for Xbox 360 and PlayStation®Network

** Dates for Rock Band game tracks are tentative and subject to change **

With the addition of these tracks there are now more than 500 tracks available to date via disc and download purchase (complete list of tracks at www.rockband.com/music). Rock Band continues to fly off shelves and satisfy music fans and gamers’ voracious appetite for rock with more than 28 million paid downloads since its launch on November 20, 2007. The Rock Band Music Store allows players to preview and purchase downloadable individual music tracks and packs from the vast selection of offerings available to date without ever leaving the game as they build their own custom Rock Band library.

Rock Band and Rock Band 2 allow online play and features that expand the boundaries of music gaming. Rock Band downloadable content is playable and integrated into setlists in all game modes. In order to play downloadable content for head-to-head matches or multiplayer online, all players must own the same downloadable track. Downloadable content for Xbox 360 is available for purchase via Xbox LIVE® Marketplace for Xbox 360 using Microsoft Points and is downloaded directly to the hard drive of Xbox 360. Downloadable content for the PLAYSTATION 3 system’s version of Rock Band is available for purchase on the PlayStation Store through the free PlayStation Network and is downloaded directly to PLAYSTATION 3 system’s built in hard drive.

Rock Band 2 for Xbox 360 and PLAYSTATION 3 system is now available nationwide and supports all previously downloaded content. The groundbreaking music platform that forever changed the face of music video games is committed to taking gaming to the next level with the evolution of the franchise. Rock Band 2 will be available for additional platforms later this year.

Rock Band and Rock Band 2 are rated “T” for Teen (lyrics, suggestive themes) by the ESRB.

For more information on Rock Band 2 and Harmonix Music Systems please visit www.rockband.com and www.harmonixmusic.com

Rock Band® Celebrates 500 Song Milestone As It Adds No Doubt’s: ‘The Singles 1992-2003’ Pack to the Rock Band Music Catalog

MTV Games and Harmonix Give Rock Band Fans Access to 13 of the Most Popular No Doubt Tracks Including “Just a Girl,” “Bathwater,” “Spiderwebs” and More!

 

Cambridge, Mass. – December 5, 2008 – Harmonix, the world’s premier music video game development company, and MTV Games, a part of Viacom’s MTV Networks (NYSE: VIA, VIA.B), today announced the rock-pop pioneers of No Doubt will bring 13 tracks to the Rock Band® music catalog of downloadable content expanding the Rock Band library to include more than 500 songs!

 

No Doubt’s: ‘The Singles 1992-2003’ pack will include 13 master tracks from the band’s 2003 album The Singles 1992-2003, which featured a compilation of hits from No Doubt’s previous albums Tragic Kingdom, Return of Saturn, and Rock Steady. The album sold more than 2.2 million copies in the United States alone.  The No Doubt tracks included in the pack are listed below.  Pricing will be $1.99 (160 Microsoft Points) per track or $19.99 (1600 Microsoft Points) for the pack. The tracks will be available for download starting December 9, 2008, for the Xbox®360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and December 11, 2008, for the PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system. 

 

1. “Just a Girl”
2. “It’s My Life”
3. “Hey Baby”
4. “Bathwater”
5. “Sunday Morning”
6. “Hella Good”
7. “Underneath It All”
8. “Excuse Me Mr.”
9. “Running”
10. “Spiderwebs”
11. “Simple Kind of Life”
12. “Don’t Speak”
13. “Ex-Girlfriend”

 

(Click on the song title above to watch the music video)

 

“Thanks to all at Harmonix and MTV Games, who, along with our artist, management, label and publishing partners, put an incredible amount of work into achieving this milestone,” stated Paul DeGooyer, Senior Vice President of Electronic Games and Music for MTV. “Now there can be ‘No Doubt’ that the Rock Band music platform offers the deepest and most diverse collection of songs available to gamers and music fans alike.”

Rock Band continues to satisfy music fans’ and gamers’ voracious appetite for rock with more than 28 million paid downloads since its launch on November 20, 2007.  The Rock Band Music Store allows players to preview and purchase downloadable individual music tracks and packs from the vast selection of offerings available to date without ever leaving the game as they build their own custom Rock Band library. See the attached document for a list of the more than 500 songs included in the Rock Band music catalog. To view a complete list of tracks go to www.rockband.com/music

 

Rock Band and Rock Band 2 allow online play and features that expand the boundaries of music gaming. Rock Band downloadable content is playable and integrated into setlists in all game modes.  In order to play downloadable content for head-to-head matches or multiplayer online, all players must own the same downloadable track.  Downloadable content for Xbox 360 is available for purchase via Xbox LIVE® Marketplace for Xbox 360 using Microsoft Points and is downloaded directly to the hard drive of Xbox 360. Downloadable content for the PLAYSTATION 3 system’s version of Rock Band is available for purchase on the PlayStation®Store through the free PlayStation®Network and is downloaded directly to PLAYSTATION 3 system’s built in hard drive.

 

Rock Band 2 for Xbox 360 and PLAYSTATION 3 system is now available nationwide and supports all previously downloaded content.  The groundbreaking music platform that forever changed the face of music video games is committed to taking gaming to the next level with the evolution of the franchise.  Rock Band 2 will be available for additional platforms later this year. 

 

Rock Band and Rock Band 2 are rated “T” for Teen (lyrics, suggestive themes) by the ESRB.

 

For more information on Rock Band 2 and Harmonix Music Systems please visit www.rockband.com  and www.harmonixmusic.com

Microsoft unveils 2 new deals for Xbox Live members

Deck your Marketplace with loads of content: This week Xbox 360 is kicking off two global 30-day specials to bring great deals on select Xbox LIVE content and even free multiplayer for a list of great games.

Each week one piece of content from Xbox LIVE Marketplace will get a limited-time only discount in the Deal of the Week. Every Monday this month check out Xbox LIVE Marketplace for the featured piece of content. It could be a movie rental, a map pack or even an Xbox LIVE Arcade game. The Deal of the Week is only available for Xbox LIVE Gold members, so if you aren’t a Gold member, upgrade today to the service that brings you online multiplayer, access to Netflix in the U.S. and much more. For only about $4 a month*, Xbox LIVE Gold gives you incredible entertainment for an incredible value.

Are you a Silver member wanting to get a taste of the multiplayer experience before upgrading? This month, we are also offering “Friendship is Free,” a free multiplayer trial for Silver members. Over the course of this month, multiplayer will be available for all Xbox LIVE members for eight Xbox LIVE Arcade games. The Xbox LIVE Arcade team will open up the multiplayer functionality for “A Kingdom for Keflings,” “Aegis Wing,” “Bomberman Live,” “Hardwood Hearts,” “Hardwood Spades,” “UNO,” “Small Arms” and “Super Street Fighter II Turbo HD Remix” (regional restrictions may apply).

So what are you waiting for? Both the Deal of the Week and Friendship is Free are going on now and will only last the month of December. Xbox.com will have all of the details and will let you know what the new discounted content is each week.

If you are not an Xbox LIVE member, December is the month to join. For only a few dollars a month you and your family can experience all the best gaming and entertainment available.

*When you purchase a 12-month membership

Lips and Xbox 360 downloadable content brings holiday carols and cheer right to your living room

Classic Holiday Songs and Premium Custom Videos Now Available For “Lips”

“Lips,” the new singing party game exclusively for the Xbox 360 from iNiS Corp., today announced its lineup of Holiday tunes fit for singing and celebrating with friends and family, available around the globe.

Each song comes with a unique custom Holiday video to really bring out the spirit of the season.  Additionally, you can download the Holiday custom videos for free from Xbox LIVE Marketplace and use them when singing to Holiday music from your own collection.  Pricing starts at 160 Microsoft points.

Global Holiday Songs; Available December 5
Blue Christmas – Elvis Presley
The Dreidel Song – Sister Hazel
It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year – Andy Williams  

Global Holiday Songs: Available December 12
Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer – Gene Autry
Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree – Brenda Lee
A Holly Jolly Christmas – Burl Ives
The Christmas Song (Merry Christmas To You) – Nat King Cole
Santa Baby – Kylie Minogue
White Christmas – Bing Crosby
Hanukkah Blessings – Barenaked Ladies

“Lips”, the new singing party game from Xbox 360 and iNiS, includes 40 songs on-disc and two wireless, motion-sensitive microphones and is available at retailers around the globe.  Additional information on “Lips” is available at www.xbox.com/lips.

Fable II Downloadable Content announced for mid-December 08

“Fable II” adventures continue with downloadable content and free pack to release mid-December, 2008

The epic journey begun in “Fable II,” the fastest selling RPG on Xbox 360, is not over. Starting mid-December, 2008, fans will be summoned back into Albion’s service with the release of the Knothole Island downloadable content pack. The remote island of Knothole is dying: its golden sands and lush vegetation are covered with snow, its people freezing, its treasures buried. Only a hero can face the trials of the three shrines to bring back the sunshine.

Following its release on Xbox 360 on Oct. 21, more than 1.5 million units of “Fable II” flew off store shelves worldwide in the first two weeks, making it the most popular game, across all platforms, in the U.S. in October. With the release of the first “Fable II” downloadable content, available exclusively on Xbox LIVE Marketplace for 800 Microsoft Points, gamers will be invited to set sail for Knothole Island, where new quests, wondrous items and bizarre characters await.

Also in mid-December, fans everywhere will be able to enhance their “Fable II” experience with the release of a free “Fable II” downloadable pack exclusively on Xbox LIVE Marketplace. To engage in co-op gameplay with a player who has already downloaded the Knothole Island content, gamers will need to download the free pack. Both co-op players must download the Knothole Island (Premium) pack in order to play new quests and enjoy the complete Knothole Island co-op experience.

Free and premium downloaders will receive a show of gifts, including Knight’s Boots, Assassins Gloves, a special Weight Loss Potion, collectible silver book and more. Players will also be able to check their standing in over 50 new Leaderboards on Lionhead.com.

As an additional treat for “Fable II” fans, Lionhead Studios and Microsoft Game Studios have created an all-new Albion dashboard theme in celebration of the launch of the New Xbox Experience. Fans who want to show off their “Fable II” pride can head over to Xbox LIVE Marketplace to download the Albion theme, available now for 250 Microsoft points.

“Fable II” is exclusively available on Xbox 360 and is rated “M” for Mature by the ESRB. Please visit: www.xbox.com/fable2 or www.lionhead.com/fable2 for more information.

Ubisoft announces free demo of Naruto: The Broken Bond on XBL Marketplace

UBISOFT ANNOUNCES FREE DEMO OF NARUTO(TM): THE BROKEN BOND ON XBOX LIVE® MARKETPLACE

San Francisco – November 4, 2008 – Ubisoft announced today that a free demo of NARUTO(TM): The Broken Bond for the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft is available on Xbox LIVE® Marketplace for Xbox 360 to consumers prior to the game’s release.

The demo features exclusive content that explores the events that occurred after NARUTO(TM): Rise of a Ninja and will also allow players to play through the prologue of NARUTO(TM): The Broken Bond. NARUTO(TM): The Broken Bond is the only NARUTO(TM) console game with online multiplayer.

NARUTO(TM): The Broken Bond will ship this fall worldwide exclusively for Xbox 360. For more information, please visit: http://narutoxbox360game.com

About Naruto: The Broken Bond
NARUTO(TM): The Broken Bond is licensed from VIZ Media LLC (North America), TV Tokyo/Shueisha (Europe) and Mighty Delta (Hong Kong, Singapore, Taiwan). The game, based on the world-renowned NARUTO animated series, is exclusive to the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft. The game will be available in North America, Europe, Hong Kong, Singapore and Taiwan for holiday 2008. Building on the success of Ubisoft’s NARUTO(TM): Rise of a Ninja, this sequel features Naruto, who has now evolved into a well-respected Ninja, but his new status and abilities trigger the envy of his best friend and Ninja teammate, Sasuke. The enemy of the village, Orochimaru, takes advantage of the situation and convinces Sasuke to leave his friends and his village in order to join his evil clan and become more powerful. With the help of his Ninja friends, Naruto goes on a quest to retrieve Sasuke and save him. NARUTO(TM): The Broken Bond is also the only NARUTO console game, other than NARUTO(TM): Rise of a Ninja that features an online multiplayer mode which allows players to compete against others in an online tournament mode.

The Voice of Live issues poll results

The state of the economy is top of mind and dominating media headlines as we count down to this year’s historic presidential elections; but one group of active, civically-minded citizens is looking beyond today’s news and has the environment and foreign policy near the forefront of issues that matter most to them.

Recently, Xbox LIVE members were invited to state their opinions on the importance of topics ranging from the economy to education. A third of those participating selected jobs and the economy as their top issue they want the next president to address. The other two-thirds of participants showed the wide-ranging nature of the current political debate, as they were nearly equally divided between the environment, foreign policy, heath care and education.

35%        Jobs and the Economy

19%        Environment

18%        Foreign Policy

14%        Health Care

14%        Education

The second-ever poll over Xbox LIVE is in conjunction with a historic partnership between Xbox 360, Rock the Vote and The Presidents of the United States of America. Through its voter registration drive, more than 80,000 voter registration forms were downloaded through Xbox.com, with more than a half-million pieces of digital content, ranging from candidates’ speeches to gamerpics* also downloaded.

Now on Xbox LIVE, members can enjoy an exclusive video for the single Ladybug from The Presidents of the United States of America’s new album, “These are the Good Times People.” Also available now: new elections ’08 gamerpics and themes, along with the chance to win a Gibson guitar signed by the band.

Starting Nov. 4, three songs from the Presidents of the USA, Dune Buggy, Ladybug and Feather Pluckn will be available for purchase for play on the best-selling music video game, Rock Band 2, from MTV Games and Harmonix.

Soul Calibur IV update brings us back to A Galaxy Far Far Away

Fan Reaction Prompts Acclaimed Fighting Franchise to Deliver New Content Fan Reaction Prompts Acclaimed Fighting Franchise to Deliver New Content From a Galaxy Far Far Away

Santa Clara, Calif., (October 17, 2008) – Due to overwhelming fan response, NAMCO BANDAI Games America Inc., today revealed that Sith Lord Darth Vader and Jedi Master Yoda will be downloadable characters for Soulcalibur® IV on Thursday, October 23 from Xbox LIVE® Marketplace for the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and the PLAYSTATION®Network for the PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system. Once console exclusive characters, players will soon be able to pit these adversaries against each other for the true epic battle between dark and light. Soulcalibur® IV has shipped millions of units worldwide since its July 29 launch and continues to win audiences over with its rich gaming experience and robust feature set.

Set to reveal the origins of this ongoing story, Soulcalibur IV features new and familiar faces from across the galaxy who seeks the rival swords for their own ambitions. The line-up of weapon-wielding fighters grows as new characters add to the mythos including Hilde, a striking armor-clad warrior who wields a short sword and spear. In addition to the iconic Star Wars characters, the Secret Apprentice from LucasArts’ STAR WARS®: The Force Unleashed™ also makes an appearance as a guest character for both Xbox 360 and PLAYSTATION 3 system.

Retooled from the ground up, Soulcalibur IV perfects its highly celebrated weapons-based fighting system with stunning high definition graphics and new gameplay mechanics. Adding to the depth of combat, players can now destroy protective armor; weakening their enemy’s resolve and unleash Critical Finish moves to defeat opponents in one spectacular blow. Also new to the series is the ability to battle online against players from around the world using customized characters or fan favorites to challenges others for global domination.

Soulcalibur IV is rated “T” for Teen by the ESRB and is currently available in stores for a suggested MSRP of $59.99. The downloadable characters will be available for 400 Microsoft Points on Xbox LIVE Marketplace for Xbox 360 and $4.99 on the PLAYSTATION Network. For more information please visit: www.soulcalibur.com orhttp://www.namcobandaigames.com.

New Fable II launch trailer hits Xbox Live Marketplace

T-minus four days before “Fable II” embarks upon its long awaited journey to retailers throughout North America on Oct. 21, 2008 and Europe on Oct. 24, 2008. In anticipation of the “Fable II” experience hitting store shelves, today Lionhead Studios and Microsoft Game Studios released a new “Fable II” trailer over Xbox LIVE Marketplace. “Fable II” is the sequel to the award-winning “Fable,” and features a deep and enriching tale of adventure, companionship and infinite choice, developed exclusively for Xbox 360, by legendary video game developer Peter Molyneux.

“Fable II” offers players the opportunity to choose their own destinies as they traverse through the expansive world of Albion where the possibilities are limitless and every decision and interaction will weigh heavily on the path to becoming a hero or villain. Innovative combat, a loyal dog companion, thrilling quests and the ability to play co-op with a friend are just the tip of the iceberg in this exciting new chapter of the “Fable” franchise.

Can’t wait four days? Gamers can get a head start on their “Fable II” experience by testing their luck in the “Fable II” Pub Games, available for 800 MS Points on Xbox LIVE Arcade. Developed exclusively for “Fable II,” the Xbox LIVE Arcade title contains three high stakes, casino-style pub games that challenges players to wager their gold to strike fortune or win treasures in preparation for the release of “Fable II.”

“Fable II” will have an estimated retail price of $59.99 and is rated “M” for Mature.  For more information, visit http://www.xbox.com/en-US/games/f/fable2/.

GTA: San Andreas coming ot Xbox Originals as DLC

From developer Rockstar North and publisher Rockstar Games the original “Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas” is coming to Xbox Originals on Xbox LIVE® Marketplace starting Monday, October 20, 2008 (1200 Microsoft® points).  

“Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas” was the quintessential, must-own title from the last generation of consoles, has sold over 21.5 million units globally, and remains one of the highest selling games on the original Xbox console. It blazed trails in interactive storytelling and immersive gameplay, leaving a slew of imitators in its wake.   

Set in the early 90’s, Carl “CJ” Johnson returns home to the city of Los Santos, San Andreas—a city tearing itself apart with gang trouble, drugs and corruption. His mother has been murdered, his family has fallen apart and his childhood friends are all heading towards disaster. On his return to the neighborhood, a couple of corrupt cops frame him for homicide. CJ is forced on a journey that takes him across the entire state of San Andreas to save his family and to take control of the streets.

• Immerse yourself in the seedy state of San Andreas, a vast and rich gameplay environment limited only by your imagination.

• Relive the last 30 seconds of gameplay with instant replays.

• Create custom soundtracks to craft your own personalized radio station of early 1990s anthems.

• Explore the three huge cities of San Andreas: Los Santos, San Fierro and Las Venturas. The immense state is six times the size of Vice City and features varied environments such as deserts, rolling countryside, truck stops, forests, mountains, and dozens of small towns.

• Take control of nearly 200 types of vehicles in the game. Everything from BMX bikes, motorcycles, aircraft, trucks, cars, boats, hovercraft, and more are at your disposal.

• Customize your ride with sound systems, nitro packs, rims, bumpers, upholstery, and other options.

• Play mini-games like basketball, pool, dancing, low-rider hopping, Vegas games, and old-school arcade games.

• Grab a friend and take part in select two-player cooperative missions. 

Xbox Originals through Xbox LIVE Marketplace brings you original games to play on your Xbox 360.  For more information on “Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas,” visit: http://www.xbox.com/en-US/games/g/grandtheftautosanandreas/

Eidos announces exclusive Dowloadable chapters for Tomb Raider: Underworld

First New Chapter Rolls Out in Time for the Holidays with Game Demo Available in October

Monday 6th October/… Eidos Interactive, creator of some of the world’s leading video game properties, today announces an agreement with Microsoft to release two brand new downloadable chapters in the continuing Tomb Raider adventures of Lara Croft. Containing up to six hours of new gameplay and content for Tomb Raider: Underworld™, the chapters will be available exclusively on Xbox LIVE® Marketplace for the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft®. A demo for Tomb Raider: Underworld will also be available on Xbox LIVE Marketplace in October.

Offering entirely new content specifically designed to extend the Tomb Raider: Underworld experience, Tomb Raider: Underworld – Beneath the Ashes and Tomb Raider: Underworld – Lara’s Shadow will deliver two very different single player gameplay experiences. Tomb Raider: Underworld – Beneath the Ashes takes place after the Underworld story has finished and will feature an incredible new environment to explore, additional secrets to unlock and different enemies to fight. Tomb Raider: Underworld – Lara’s Shadow will introduce players to a new kind of playable character and create a unique Tomb Raider experience.

The first new chapter, Tomb Raider: Underworld – Beneath the Ashes, will be available for download exclusively on Xbox LIVE Marketplace this Christmas. Tomb Raider: Underworld – Lara’s Shadow will follow in early 2009.

“We are constantly looking at ways to extend our franchises, whilst developing a deeper relationship with our players. The retail release of any videogame is just the start of the player experience, from there it all depends where you want to take the player in terms of ideas and innovation,” said Sean Vesce. “With these additional chapters and the online reach of Xbox LIVE, we are able to deliver exclusive content to millions of gamers worldwide.”

“We’re thrilled that Xbox owners will be able to extend their Lara Croft adventures with exclusive ‘Tomb Raider: Underworld’ episodes,” said George Peckham, General Manager of Global Third Party Publishing for Microsoft’s Interactive Entertainment Business. “We look forward to continue working closely with our great publishing partners to deliver the most robust gaming experiences, only on Xbox 360.”

Tomb Raider: Underworld will release on Xbox 360™ video game and entertainment system, PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system, Wii™, PlayStation®2, Nintendo DS, and PC Games for Windows platforms. With development led by Crystal Dynamics, developers of the recent Tomb Raider blockbusters, Tomb Raider: Underworld™ represents a new advancement in exploration-based gameplay. As the fearless adventurer Lara Croft, players explore, raid and solve the mysteries of exotic locations around the world, each designed in breathtaking high-definition visual fidelity that creates a truly believable world and delivers a new level of challenge and choice. For more information, visit the official site at http://www.tombraider.com.

Xbox LIVE is the first and most comprehensive unified online entertainment network seamlessly integrated throughout the entire console experience, making it easy for people to find the friends, games and entertainment they want from the moment they power on their Xbox 360 system. Xbox LIVE connects more than 12 million members across 26 countries to enjoy hundreds of multiplayer games, downloadable games via Xbox LIVE Arcade, free and premium playable game demos, music videos, and movies as well as new game levels, characters and vehicles for all their favorite retail games.

Capcom unleashes Mega Man 9 digital download

The Blue Bomber Launches on WiiWare^TM, Xbox LIVE^® and PLAYSTATION^®Network in Classic Style

SAN MATEO, CA — September 22, 2008 — Capcom® Entertainment, a leading worldwide developer and publisher of video games, today announced that Mega Man® 9 is now available for download on Nintendo’s WiiWare™ service, and will be available for the PLAYSTATION®Network on September 25, and Xbox LIVE® Arcade on October 1. The original 2D classic Mega Man® returns, bringing the series back to its roots with retroaction-platform gameplay and NES™-inspired old school graphics. Relive the Mega Man experience with maniacally themed environments, a host of power-ups, and classically-inspired bosses, each with their own unique weapons and weaknesses. Mega Man 9 is rated E for Everyone by the Entertainment Software Ratings Board (ESRB) and is available for,1000 Wii Points™, $9.99 on PLAYSTATION®Network, or 800 Microsoft® Points.

Mega Man 9 is a continuation of the original Mega Man series and will feature the classic gameplay fans know and love focusing on defeating bosses and acquiring a diverse arsenal of weapons. Featuring over a dozen new challenging levels, a horde of new enemies with designs directed by Keiji Inafune, the original Mega Man character designer, online leader boards and a gamerscore achievements system, Mega Man 9 is the must-have downloadable title for the Fall.

About Mega Man 9
In the year 200X, as the advanced science of the era has created industrial robots that co-exist with humans. However, an evil genius, Dr. Wily, plots for world domination and creates his own robot army to take over mankind. Luckily for humanity, Dr. Light outfits one of his domestic robots “Rock” to fight Dr. Wily’s creations and Mega Man is born.

Set after the events of Mega Man® 8, multiple riots have sprung up all over the world. Whilst many people suspect that this is another plot from Dr. Wily, Dr. Light is stunned to recognize that some of the robots rioting on the TV screen are his own creations. Even more stunning, Dr. Wily appears on television to proclaim that Dr. Light is the evil mastermind behind these latest catastrophic incidents and it’s up to Mega Man to clear his creator’s name!

Available now for all three major platforms, Mega Man 9 is the must- buy Mega Man game for both old and new fans alike. Its retro look and feel will draw old fans back to the series while its intuitive controls and the 80’s retro style gameplay will open up the game to a broader audience.

For more information on Mega Man 9 and other Capcom titles coming out this Fall, check out the official Capcom website at www.capcom.com