New Guitar Hero World Tour DLC coming in January

Travis Barker, Rascal Flatts and Oasis Songs Among New Downloadable Guitar Hero(R) World Tour Tracks in January

Travis Barker Encore Performance Showcases Diverse Music Genres

Country Superstars Rascal Flatts, Brad Paisley and Brooks & Dunn Make Guitar Hero(R) Debuts

British Multi-Platinum Selling Rockers Oasis Bring Full 2008 Album ‘Dig Out Your Soul’

Building upon the extensive variety of chart-topping hits that span multiple genres of music available to Guitar Hero fans, Activision Publishing, Inc. (Nasdaq: ATVI) will release over 20 party-rocking anthems as downloadable content for Guitar Hero(R) World Tour throughout January 2009.

Before fans ring in the New Year, additional downloadable content for Guitar Hero World Tour from hard rock bands Hinder, Nickelback and Rev Theory, will be available on December 23rd. Hinder’s first single “Use Me,” from their recently released album Take It to the Limit, is joined by Nickelback’s “Because of You” and Rev Theory’s “Light it Up.”

Further diversifying the catalogue of songs available for download for Guitar Hero World Tour is the debut of the Country Rock Track Pack featuring Rascal Flatts “Me and My Gang,” plus GRAMMY(R) Award winning artists Brad Paisley’s “Ticks” and Brooks & Dunn’s “Hillbilly Deluxe.” Country music fans can rock out starting on January 8th.
World-renowned drummer Travis Barker, whose likeness appears in Guitar Hero World Tour, is returning to the Guitar Hero stage on January 15th for an encore with a three-song Track Pack illustrating his talents across various styles of music. Two of the tracks, “What’s My Age Again” and “Lycanthrope,” are from his work as part of blink-182 and +44 respectively. Completing the Track Pack is his solo-project remixing Flo Rida’s smash-hit “Low.”

Following multiple stops around the world and further expanding the Guitar Hero global music library, Guitar Hero World Tour makes a trip down under on January 22nd with three of the biggest Australian bands of all-time. Silverchair makes their debut appearance in the Guitar Hero franchise with their 1995 hit “Tomorrow.” Rounding out the Track Pack is the GRAMMY Award winning Wolfmother with “Dimension” and The Vines with their hit “Outtathaway!”

After making a successful splash into Guitar Hero World Tour downloadable content with three singles off their critically acclaimed Dig Out Your Soul album, gamers will have the opportunity to shred, drum and wail away to the full album from beloved, multi-platinum UK rock band, Oasis, in its entirety on January 29th. Joining “Bag it Up,” “Waiting for the Rapture” and “The Shock of the Lightning” are “The Turning,” “I’m Outta Time,” “(Get Off Your) High Horse Lady,” “Falling Down,” “To Be Where There’s Life,” “Ain’t Got Nothin,” “The Nature of Reality” and “Soldier On.”

The Oasis Album will be available on Xbox LIVE(R) Marketplace for the Xbox 360(R) video game and entertainment system from Microsoft for 1520 Microsoft Points and on the PlayStation(R)Store for the PLAYSTATION(R)3 computer entertainment system for $18.99. The Track Packs will be released for Xbox 360 for 440 Microsoft Points and PLAYSTATION 3 system for $5.49. The songs on the Oasis Album and in each Track Pack will be released as downloadable singles for Xbox 360 for 160 Microsoft Points, PLAYSTATION 3 system for $1.99 and 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 GHTunes(SM) where other gamers can download and play an endless supply of unique creations.

Guitar Hero World Tour is now available for Xbox 360, 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/.

Monster Jam: Urban Assault National Tournament to Pit the Best Gamers Against One Another for the Second Annual National Championship

SANTA MONICA, CA – DECEMBER 16, 2008 – Monster Jam® is proud to announce that fans will once again be able to “game their way to Vegas” in the Monster Jam: Urban Assault National Tournament, the video game equivalent of the Monster Jam World Finals. The contestants will challenge each other in a series of regional qualifiers using the Monster Jam: Urban Assault game on Wii^TM for a chance to compete in Las Vegas on March 28, 2009. The contest is open to everyone ages 13 and up. To enter and for more details, please visit www.MonsterJamOnline.com/nationaltournament.

The 16 regional qualifying rounds will begin at Houston’s Reliant Stadium on January 3rd and will be followed by 15 more qualifying rounds at the top Monster Jam stadiums across the country. Each of the 16 national qualifiers will host Monster Jam: Urban Assault competitions where four contestants, picked at random from online entrants, will compete against each other on Wii^TM gaming platforms in front of the packed stadiums. The eight fastest winners, out of all 16 winners, will then be flown to the Monster Jam World Finals at Las Vegas’ Sam Boyd Stadium, where they will compete against each other for the national championship.

Fans not picked to compete in the regional qualifiers also have a chance to compete. One lucky individual will be chosen at random as the wildcard entrant and will also win a trip to Las Vegas to challenge the eight regional winners in the tournament finals. To have a chance to be selected the random wildcard entrant, sign up at www.MonsterJamOnline.com/nationaltournament.

This past March, 14 year-old Jordan Rager of Loganville, GA, won the first ever Monster Jam Video Game National Tournament in Las Vegas by first qualifying at the Atlanta Georgia Dome regional qualifier. He was then awarded an expenses-paid trip to Las Vegas to compete against the other regional qualifiers at the Monster Jam World Finals. At the Las Vegas Monster Jam Finals, Jordan bested all finalists to become the inaugural Monster Jam Video Game National Champion.

The Monster Jam: Urban Assault 2009 National Tournament regional qualifier locations and dates:

January 3 – Houston, Texas – Reliant Stadium
January 10 – Atlanta, Georgia – Georgia Dome
January 10 – Anaheim, California – Angel Stadium
January 10 – San Antonio, Texas – Alamodome
January 17 – Detroit, Michigan – Ford Field
January 17 – Minneapolis, Minnesota – Metrodome
January 17 – San Diego, California – Qualcomm Stadium
January 24 – Indianapolis, Indiana – RCA Dome
January 24 – Orlando, Florida – Citrus Bowl
January 24 – Phoenix, Arizona – Chase Field
January 31 – Miami, Florida – Dolphin Stadium
January 31 – New Orleans, Louisiana – Superdome
February 21 – St. Louis, Missouri – Edward Jones Dome
February 21 – Tampa, Florida – Raymond James Stadium
February 28 – Jacksonville, Florida – Jacksonville Municipal Stadium
February 28 – Oakland, California – Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum
**March 28 – Las Vegas, NV, Monster Jam World Finals – Sam Boyd Stadium
**The Monster Jam World Finals in Las Vegas, NV will host the Monster Jam: Urban Assault National Championship.

In Monster Jam: Urban Assault, all-out destruction is taken to a whole new level by busting the traditional Monster Jam action out of the stadiums and onto city streets across the globe. Players can choose from over 27 different monster trucks, including classic Monster Jam icons like Grave Digger®, Maximum Destruction®, Monster Mutt®, El Toro Loco®, Blue Thunder® and Captain’s Curse®, as well as newer stars such as Stone Crusher^TM and Backwards Bob^TM. The game focuses on crushing everything in your path while doing insane tricks in never before seen urban environments. Monster Jam: Urban Assault features 26 new urban tracks, 12 authentic Monster Jam stadiums, seven different game modes and 12 skill competitions, and players can challenge up to four of their friends via split-screen multiplayer.

Monster Jam: Urban Assault is available now for Wii^TM, PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system, PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) system, and Nintendo DS^TM.

Anyone interested in competing in the Monster Jam Urban Assault National Tournament should visit www.MonsterJamOnline.com/nationaltournament to sign up for a chance to be randomly selected to compete at a regional stadium qualifier. Official entry rules and more tournament details can also be found at the site.

Guitar Hero: Metallica confirmed

Wow. Like we didn’t know this already… Rolling Stone has confirmed that Metallica has confirmed that the game is coming “some time in the first half of 2009″

http://www.rollingstone.com/rockdaily/index.php/2008/12/15/guitar-hero-metallica-confirmed-by-band-details-emerge/

Pearl Jam signs with MTV Games and Harmoix to bring their debut album, Ten, to Rock Band on the date of it’s re-issue

Full Album to be Released as Rock Band DLC Day and Date with the Re-issue of “Ten”: Four Special Edition Packages in Stores on March 24, 2009

NEW YORK, NY – December 15, 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 confirmed that Ten, the debut album that sold 12 million copies and introduced the world to Pearl Jam (http://www.pearljam.com) in 1991, will be offered for download in the Rock Band Music Store day-and-date with the re-issue of the album in stores on March 24, 2009.

Paul DeGooyer, Senior Vice President of Electronic Games and Music for MTV Networks Music / Logo Group, added, “Just hearing the first few notes of Jeremy or Alive brings back all the raw emotion of this incredible, hugely important album. We are honored to be working with Pearl Jam to deliver Ten as it is re-issued.”

In addition to the track “Alive” that is already available on the Rock Band 2 game disc, the Pearl Jam Ten download pack will include the additional 10 songs from the album:

1. Once
2. Even Flow
3. Why Go Black
4. Jeremy
5. Oceans
6. Porch
7. Garden
8. Deep
9. Release

Pearl Jam released Ten on August 27, 1991. The album reached #2 on the Billboard 200 chart, sold over 12 million copies and became one of the cultural touchstones of the 1990s. Songs such as “Alive,” “Black,” “Even Flow” and Jeremy became staples of rock radio, and still make frequent appearances on the band’s ever-changing concert setlists. The album was produced by Rick Parasher. Pearl Jam’s 1991 lineup was Jeff Ament (bass), Stone Gossard (guitar), Dave Krusen (drums), Mike McCready (guitar) and Eddie Vedder (vocals).

Rock Band 2 features the largest music catalogue of any music-based videogame to date including over 100 songs[1] on the Rock Band 2 soundtrack with an unrivaled blend of classic and new artists including AC/DC, Guns ‘N Roses, Bob Dylan, Pearl Jam, Motorhead and more! The Rock Band online music store recently surpassed 30 million paid downloads since the game’s launch in late November 2007. With more than 500 tracks available to date via disc and download purchase (complete list of tracks at http://www.rockband.com/dlc), the addition of complete and immediate backwards compatibility for songs purchased from Rock Band’s ever-expanding online music store and the ability to export most songs from the original Rock Band disc, Rock Band continues to deliver the largest library of music ever for a video game.

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

MTV Games is the publisher of Rock Band and is developed by Harmonix, EA is the exclusive distribution partner for Rock Band. About MTV Games MTV Games is dedicated to creating, marketing and publishing high-quality, innovative interactive products that are relevant to the MTV audience and complement the core values of the MTV Networks brands.

Brave and Adventurous Mouse Despereaux Embarks on Videogame Quest

-Atari ships The Tale of Despereaux: The Game, featuring the voice of Emma Watson and other cast members, to retailers to tie in with big screen release from Universal Pictures -

NEW YORK, NY – December 11, 2008 –Atari, Inc. announced today the release of The Tale of Despereaux: The Game, adapted from the beloved Newbery Medal-winning novel by Kate DiCamillo and the Universal Pictures animated adventure, which debuts in theaters December 19.  Emma Watson, Robbie Coltrane, Tony Hale and other voice talent from the film reprise their roles for this engaging adventure game.  The game will be available on PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system, Wii™, and PC, with an originally designed game also available for Nintendo DS™.

The Tale of Despereaux: The Game lets children of all ages play as the world’s most courageous mouse as he sets out on his heroic quest to save Princess Pea and the kingdom of Dor.  Following the storyline from the film and introducing new adventures, the game allows kids to interact with a cast of familiar characters on their way to a magical world filled with exciting battles, fun-filled adventures, and unique puzzles.  The console game features fifteen unique levels, upgradeable skills and tools, as well as multiple difficulty settings, so children of all ages and abilities can have a rewarding experience.  The Nintendo DS™ game features action-packed grappling, swinging, and scurrying, as well as clever puzzles and whimsical unlockable costumes.

The Tale of Despereaux: The Game for the Console and PC is rated E10.  The Nintendo DS version is rated E for Everyone.  All platforms are available in retailers across North America for Wii™ ($39.99), Nintendo DS™ ($29.99), PlayStation®2 system ($29.99), and PC ($19.99).  

Activision Unleashes New Details on X-Men Origins: Wolverine

SANTA MONICA, Calif., Dec 09, 2008 /PRNewswire-FirstCall via COMTEX News Network/ –
Activision Publishing, Inc. (Nasdaq: ATVI) has released new details on X-Men Origins: Wolverine, whose titular hero is one of the most popular Marvel characters of all time. The video game, scheduled for release in May 2009, coincides with the global debut of Twentieth Century Fox’s release of its feature film, X-MEN ORIGINS: WOLVERINE, which is also based on the famous Marvel character.

From the award-winning studio Raven Software, the video game enlists players to experience the tormented origins of Wolverine, from his escape of the Weapon X facility to the jungles of Africa and beyond. The game is currently in development for the Xbox 360(TM) video game and entertainment system, PLAYSTATION(R)3 computer entertainment system, Windows(R) PC, Wii(TM) home video game system, Nintendo DS(TM), PlayStation(R)2 computer entertainment system and PSP(R) (PlayStation(R)Portable) system, and is not yet rated by the ESRB.

“We have an amazing team with Raven Studios at the helm, creating what will undoubtedly be the quintessential, true-to-character Wolverine video game experience that fans have been craving,” said Rob Kostich, vice president, global brand management, Activision Publishing, Inc. “X-Men Origins: Wolverine amps up the action by bringing to life Wolverine’s wholly unique skills such as his brute strength, regenerative mutant abilities, and indestructible adamantium claws and skeleton in an immersive experience that is fitting to one of the most enduring and popular characters of all time.”

X-Men Origins: Wolverine is an epic action-adventure featuring a true-to-character Wolverine gameplay experience that takes gamers through and beyond the movie’s storyline. Set in a variety of vivid real-world locales, the title challenges players to hone their animal instinct as they uncover hidden dangers, hunt and destroy enemies, and take on seemingly insurmountable situations while discovering the truth about Wolverine’s tragic past. With razor-sharp adamantium claws unsheathed, the future X-Man enacts lightning-quick combat, evasive maneuvers, in-depth combo attacks, and an array of brutal finishing moves. Wolverine doesn’t just deliver massive damage, either — he also takes it, thanks to his mutant regenerative power that heals him in real time right before the player’s eyes.

The title is in development by Raven Studios and Amaze Entertainment.

Persona 4 In Stores Now

Atlus’s murder mystery thriller releases to high critical praise, numerous awards

IRVINE, Calif. – December 9, 2008

Atlus U.S.A., Inc. today announced that Persona 4, already the highest rated RPG of 2008* and winner of multiple editor’s choice awards, is now available for PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system at North American retailers. For both longtime series fans and recent newcomers alike, Persona 4 offers fast-paced combat, meaningful role playing, and memorable characters, all wrapped within one of the year’s best narratives. Larger, deeper, and loaded with thrills, Persona 4delivers the finest RPG experience of the year, and critics agree!

A mysterious chain of deaths remains unanswered and only you and your team of gifted supernatural sleuths can uncover the truth. Will you thwart this hidden evil before it is too late?

Every single copy of Persona 4 is a special two-disc set. In addition to the game disc, customers will receive a soundtrack CD featuring selected music from the game’s master composer, Shoji Meguro.

For more information about Persona 4, visit the official Persona 4 site.

About Persona 4 
Shortly after an urban youth begins a year-long stay in the countryside town of Inaba, the rural town’s peace is shattered by a horrific murder that leaves no clues or suspects. As the lone incident develops into a series of bizarre crimes, he discovers that only he and his friends have the power to solve the baffling case, bring those responsible to justice, and restore harmony to his new home.

Key Features 
• Balance your double life – Beyond intense battles, Persona fusion, and new weapon creation exists a normal high school life of friends, classes, and part-time jobs. The way you manage and integrate your activities within each day will determine how you progress through the game. 
• Unprecedented team control – With a greater emphasis on developing bonds in the fight to solve the mysterious murders, strong friendships are key to your success. Directly control teammates in battle, earn greater party support for combat, and master individual Social Links to unlock your party’s true potential. 
• Find the true ending – 60+ hours of gameplay thrusts you into a deep mystery where midnight television leads to serial killings. You must investigate murders, rescue those who can be rescued, and unmask the culprit behind it all—or risk being forever shrouded in the fog of doubt.

Persona 4 has been rated “M” for Mature with Alcohol Reference, Animated Blood, Language, Partial Nudity, Sexual Themes, and Violence by the ESRB.

*as of December 9, 2008, according to metacritic.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

Atari Live trailers

Here’s the trailers that came from the Atari Live event in London on the 2nd….

The Chronicles of Riddick – Assault on Dark Athena
 

 

Codename Panzer

 

Eve Online

 

Ghostbusters
 

 

Heroes over Europe
 

 

Q3 (Qubed)
 

 

Ready 2 Rumble: Revolution
 

 

RacePro
 

 

Sam and Max Season 2
 

 

The Chase

Dora Saves The Snow Princess available now!

Dora Saves The Snow Princess available now!

2K Play and Nickelodeon team up to bring you a totally new Dora adventure on Nintendo DS™, Nintendo Wii™ and PLAYSTATION®2!

Grab your gloves and hat and get ready for a wintery journey with Dora! A mean witch has put a spell on the Magic Snowy Forest, and now it’s starting to melt. With help from new friends like the Snow Fairy, and everybody’s favourites Boots, Swiper and Pirate Piggy, you’ll need to build a snowman, paddle a canoe, steer a dog-sledge and ride Pegasus to reach the Castle Grounds and save the Snow Princess!

• Authentic character voices of Dora and many other characters from the Dora The Explorer TV show!
• Grown-ups can join in using the Snowy Forest Helper Feature and a second Wii Remote™ or a DUALSHOCK®2 analog controller!!
• Make your way through the Snowy Forest, Icy Coast and Frozen Mountains to reach the Castle Grounds and save the Snow Princess!
• Over 12 unique Wii Remote™ motions including: ringing a crystal bell, digging with a shovel and raising a flag on a pole!
• Ice skate, snowboard and ski your way to find the magic crystal!
• Shout into the Nintendo DS™ microphone to make the sea snake go away!
• Blow into the Nintendo DS™ microphone to help Snow Fairy fly across the moat!
• Nintendo DS™ version is packed with over 24 Adventure Mode games plus 3 Snowy Forest Games!
• Kid-tested and approved by children and moms for age-appropriateness, fun-factor and quality!

New Concept Gaming’s innovative video game controller jOG (sic) on sale now!

To move in the game – you have to jOG!

Liverpool, 26 November 2008: New Concept Gaming Ltd, a company dedicated to the development and sale of ground breaking products bridging the video game and health and fitness industries, today announced that its first product, jOG™ is now on sale. Compatible with existing games consoles and games, jOG is an accessory that enables gamers to enjoy their favourite titles with a fun, immersive control mechanic at the same time benefitting from aerobic exercise – quite simply, if you want to run in the game you have to run on the spot to go.

In the basic mode of operation, the user plays their game in the normal way but with one significant difference. jOG detects when the player takes a step and only allows movement in the game while the player is jogging on the spot. Direction and all the other functions are still controlled by the standard gamepad. Using this simple approach, the team at New Concept Gaming has created a very powerful visual feedback loop bringing players deeper into the game experience and compelling them to take light exercise for the duration of game play without affecting the balance of gameplay.

jOG can be used to enhance most existing video games that feature character movement on screen –adventure games, shooters, children’s games, RPGs, sports games. Significantly, in its basic mode jOG requires no changes to any game console or software to use. Players just plug in and go.

“Obesity is reaching epidemic proportions in the Western world, and many sedentary activities are being blamed, not least playing video games,” explains Brendan Ludden, Managing Director, New Concept Gaming. “jOG is a great way to banish those criticisms, and help gaming be both fun and healthy. We want to make video games good for you!”

PS2

PS2

PS2

Wii

Wii

jOG for the PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system from Sony is available now from www.ncg-jog.com. A special Limited Edition jOG lite compatible with the Wii™ will also be available in December.

SingStar(R) Lets You Be the ‘Dancing Queen’ This Holiday Season With SingStar(R) ABBA

SingStar(R) Lets You Be the ‘Dancing Queen’ This Holiday Season With SingStar(R) ABBA

Kick-Off Your Holiday Party with Hit Songs from ABBA for the PLAYSTATION(R)3 and PlayStation(R)2 systems

FOSTER CITY, Calif., Dec. 2 /PRNewswire/ — Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. (SCEA) today announced the release of this season’s latest SingStar(R) sensation, SingStar(R) ABBA, available for both the PLAYSTATION(R)3 (PS3(TM)) and the PlayStation(R)2 computer entertainment systems. An essential part of any SingStar fan’s collection, SingStar ABBA expands the franchise’s robust holiday line-up, offering an authentic interactive singing experience set to the iconic music of ABBA.

Developed in full collaboration with ABBA and Universal Music Group in Sweden, SingStar ABBA delivers ABBA’s most legendary songs and videos with popular tracks including ‘Mamma Mia’, ‘Gimme! Gimme! Gimme! (A Man After Midnight)’, ‘Dancing Queen’, ‘Take a Chance on Me’ and ‘Waterloo’.

“SingStar ABBA marks the franchise’s first foray into delivering premium, artist-specific content that PlayStation fans have been craving,” said Scott A. Steinberg, vice president of product marketing, SCEA. “Expanding the SingStar catalog with some of the greatest pop tracks of all time, SingStar ABBA is sure to be the ultimate party entertainment for friends and family this holiday season.”

Continuing to grow the PS3 library following the October release of SingStar(R) Vol. 2, SingStar ABBA for the PS3 system allows players to capture all their special ABBA party moments by using the PLAYSTATION(R)Eye to record their performances and share them with the worldwide SingStar community via My SingStar(R) Online. Players also can connect to the PS3 online SingStore(TM), giving them access to more than 400 downloadable songs to add to their collections. In an effort to enhance the North American SingStore based on consumer feedback, over 60 songs from the European SingStore will be made available to U.S. fans over the next few months. Highlights of the new songs include:

UB40 — ‘Red Red Wine’
New Order — ‘Blue Monday 88′
Men at Work — ‘Down Under’
David Bowie — ‘Let’s Dance’
Starship — ‘We Built this City’

For those in need of some festive tunes to compliment holiday entertaining, a Christmas song pack will be released mid-December on the SingStore. The pack will be available for $6.99 and will include the following:

Toni Braxton — ‘Have Yourself a Merry Little Xmas’
Babyface — ‘Sleigh Ride’
Shakin’ Stevens — ‘Merry Christmas’
Paul McCartney — ‘Wonderful Christmastime’
Celine Dion — ‘Christmas Eve’

Also for the holidays, the full PlayStation 2 SingStar catalog will be accessible for the PS3 system via a free game update coming by Christmas that provides PS3 SingStar owners with backwards compatibility of all PS3 and PlayStation 2 SingStar discs. Popular PlayStation 2 SingStar titles like the recently released SingStar(R) Country, SingStar(R) Pop vol. 2, and SingStar(R) Legends will be easily accessible when running a PS3 SingStar game. This feature is only compatible with SingStar discs for the PS3 system.

The independent Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) has rated SingStar(R) ABBA for both PS3 and PS2 “T” for Teen. For more information about the ESRB visit http://www.esrb.org.

About Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc.

Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. continues to redefine the entertainment lifestyle with its PlayStation(R) and PS one(R) game console, the PlayStation(R)2 computer entertainment system, the PSP(R) (PlayStation(R)Portable) handheld entertainment system, and the ground-breaking PLAYSTATION(R)3 (PS3(TM)) computer entertainment system and its online and network services PlayStation(R)Network and PlayStation(R)Store.

Recognized as the undisputed industry leader, Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. markets the PlayStation family of products and develops, publishes, markets, and distributes software for the PS one game console, the PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system, the PSP system and the PS3 system for the North American market. Based in Foster City, Calif. Sony Computer Entertainment America, Inc. serves as headquarters for all North American operations and is a wholly owned subsidiary of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc.

Visit us on the Web at http://www.us.playstation.com

PlayStation, PS one, PSP and PLAYSTATION are registered trademarks and PS3 is a trademark of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc

Blu-ray Disc is a trademark.

SingStar is a registered trademark of Sony Computer Entertainment Europe. (C) 2008 Sony Computer Entertainment Europe. Developed by SCEE London Studio.

The Eagles, Nirvana, The Smashing Pumpkins And Others Set to Rock Guitar Hero(R) World Tour With Downloadable Content in December

The Smashing Pumpkins’ “G.L.O.W,” “1979″ and “The Everlasting Gaze” Available Tomorrow

SANTA MONICA, Calif., Dec. 3 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — Legendary multi-platinum recording artists The Eagles, Nirvana and The Smashing Pumpkins, all featured in the on-disc set list of Activision Publishing, Inc.’s (Nasdaq: ATVI) Guitar Hero(R) World Tour, are returning in December with exclusive downloadable content for the game. Additionally, fans will be in for a treat just in time for Christmas with three free Reggae Rock tracks from Pepper, Slightly Stoopid and Expendables.

The Smashing Pumpkins, one of rock’s defining and most acclaimed bands who have sold over 30 million albums, return to Guitar Hero World Tour, tomorrow December 4th, with a three-song track pack featuring the recently released single “G.L.O.W.,” “1979″ and “Everlasting Gaze.”

Featuring the stylistic melodies of Kurt Cobain, Krist Novoselic and Dave Grohl, the pioneers of alternative rock, Nirvana, make their Guitar Hero(R) downloadable content debut with the Nirvana Track Pack. Featuring the final single released by the band, “You Know You’re Right,” along with “Negative Creep,” off the band’s debut album Bleach, and the smash hit “Sliver,” the Nirvana Track Pack will be available for Guitar Hero World Tour on December 11th.

After delivering the timeless rock ballad “Hotel California” to the on-disc set list of Guitar Hero World Tour, The Eagles will thrill the Guitar Hero audience once again on December 18th with three chart topping hits. From the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductees’ seventh studio album and first in 28 years, Long Road Out of Eden, “Frail Grasp on the Big Picture”is joined by two classic tracks that climbed to the top of the Billboard’s Hot 100, “One of These Nights” and “Life in the Fast Lane.”

Rounding out the downloadable set list for Guitar Hero World Tour inDecember are three free Reggae grooves. The Reggae Rock Track Pack is comprised of “Jimi” from Slightly Stoopid, “Your Face” from Pepper and Expendables’ “Sacrifice.” The free tracks will be available for download on December 23rd.

The Eagles, Nirvana and Smashing Pumpkins 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. The Free Reggae Rock Track Pack will be available for Xbox 360 and PLAYSTATION 3 and as singles for Wii.

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.

Ghostbusters: The Video Game

Title: Ghostbusters: The Video Game

Platform: PLAYSTATION®3, PlayStation®2, Xbox 360®, Windows® PC, Wii™ and Nintendo DS™
Release Date: 2009
Publisher: Atari
Developer: Terminal Reality (PS®3, Xbox 360, PC); Red Fly (Wii, PS2, DS)
Category: 3rd Person Action

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION:

Ghostbusters: The Video Game, based on the smash hit motion picture franchise and featuring a completely new story, is coming to six game systems in 2009. Coinciding with the 25th anniversary celebration of the film’s original theatrical release, the game reunites original cast members to recapture the unique blend of humour and fright that established Ghostbusters as a pop culture sensation.

Penned by original Ghostbusters writers Harold Ramis and Dan Aykroyd, Ghostbusters: The Video Game brings members of the original cast together for the first time in 20 years. Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, Harold Ramis and Ernie Hudson lend their voices and in-game likenesses to the original story set two years after Ghostbusters II, with Manhattan once again overrun by ghosts and supernatural forces. Players will have the chance to chase, attack, and catch ghosts in a funny and frightening battle to save New York from its latest supernatural plague.

PRODUCT FEATURES:

• Authentic Ghostbusters Experience: The game features the voices and in-game likenesses of Harold Ramis, Dan Aykroyd, Bill Murray and Ernie Hudson in an original story penned by the writers of the original films Dan Aykroyd and Harold Ramis

• Unique gameplay: Experience unique ghost hunting, wrangling and trapping with upgradeable weapons in widely destructible environments and large scale boss fights

• All New Storyline – Set two years after Ghostbusters II, the game will feature an all new storyline as the player battles and captures well-loved and brand new ghosts throughout New York

• Six Game Systems –PLAYSTATION 3, PlayStation 2, Xbox 360, Windows PC, Wii and Nintendo DS, capitalizing on the graphical and gameplay strengths of the different platforms

• Ghostbusters 25th Anniversary – 2009 celebrates the 25th Anniversary of the original theatrical release of Ghostbusters. To mark the occasion, Ghostbusters: The Video Game will be released, and Ghostbusters and Ghostbusters II will be released on Blu-ray™ disc

For more information about Atari’s entire product line up please visit www.atari.com

Monsters vs. Aliens video game fact sheet

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION:

Based on the upcoming DreamWorks Animation 3D feature film, the Monsters vs. Aliens video game puts the fate of the planet in players’ hands as they lead a dynamic team of five misfit monsters on a mission to save the world…as only they can. The game allows fans to experience the movie’s action and humor while playing as The Missing Link, the macho half-ape, half-fish; the gelatinous, indestructible and always hungry B.O.B.; and Ginormica, the 49-foot-11-inch tall woman and Insectosaurus, the 350-foot tall grub. Players utilize each character’s distinct strengths, sizes and abilities to battle giant alien robots that are wreaking havoc on earth. Friends or family members can join in the excitement at anytime as the world’s most brilliant scientist, Dr. Cockroach, Ph.D., in the unique co-op multiplayer mode.

KEY FEATURES:

Play as your favorite monsters from the film – The rag tag team of monsters are tough, funny and sometimes misguided, but all together are a force to be reckoned with, both in their alien battling abilities and wise cracking personalities. Players relive their hilarious antics from the movie and create an all-new adventure in an epic battle to conquer mankind’s biggest threat, Gallaxhar and his giant alien robots.

Experience unique gameplay as different monsters– Challenges stay fresh and lively through more than 12 distinct levels as players switch between characters, each with vastly different capabilities and sizes.
• The Missing Link: Utilize his skillful acrobatics to cling to and scale various surfaces. His agility and brut strength lets him take down enemies of all sizes.
• B.O.B.: The gelatinous B.O.B. can swallow and spit out enemies and objects, stretch, bounce, stick to walls and ceilings and seep through grates and cracks.
• Ginormica: Her enormous size allows players to race through the city using cars as rollerskates and her sheer strength comes in handy to lift heavy objects and brawl with the robot army.
• Dr. Cockroach, Ph.D.: As the brainiest of the group and the mission giver, Dr. Cockroach, Ph.D. is playable at any time in co-op mode to assist with slowing down enemies, overcoming obstacles and grabbing collectibles.
• Insectosaurus: Command this enormous 350-foot tall monster in epic battle sequences against giant robots. Insectosaurus shoots silk and has a piercing sonic scream that will have enemies running.

Explore cool locations from the movie and more – Visit cool locations from the film and beyond including the streets of San Francisco, Gallaxhar’s huge overcompensating mothership and the super secret government containment area. Game exclusive levels, areas and locations include the inside of a 400-foot tall mining robot, a giant scorpion robot, a deeper look into the monster containment facility and Gallaxhar’s mothership.

Work as a team in co-op mode – A second player can pick up a controller and drop in at anytime as Dr. Cockroach, Ph.D. As the most brilliant scientist in the world, players can blast and beam away enemies with tricky gadgets, plus reach hard to access places that only the smartest of cockroaches can get to.

Publisher: Activision, Inc.

Developer: Beenox, Inc. (Wii, Xbox 360, PS3, PS2, Games for Windows/PC)
Amaze Entertainment (NDS)

Release Date: March 2009

Platforms: PlayStation^®2 computer entertainment system/PlayStation^®3 computer entertainment system/Xbox 360™ video game system from Microsoft/Wii/Nintendo DS/Games for Windows ™ PC

Suggested Retail Price: $49.99 (PS3, Xbox 360, Wii)
$39.99 (PS2)
$29.99 (NDS)
$19.99 (PC)

ESRB Rating: “RP” (Rating Pending)