Metal Gear Online demo now available on PSN

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

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

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

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

Penny Arcade Adventures Episode 2 is now on the PS3

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

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

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

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

Castlevania Chronicles Now Available for PSN

The classic vampire-hunting franchise Castlevania makes its way onto PLAYSTATION®Network, as Castlevania Chronicles is now available for download for $5.99.  Until now, this iteration of the 2D, whip-wielding action game had yet to be released in America.  In Castlevania Chronicles, players enter a world where Count Dracula has been resurrected to begin a new reign of terror across the land. As Simon Belmont, descendant of legendary vampire hunters, players enter Dracula’s estate armed with a killer whip to destroy the count and his minions to bring peace to Europe.

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/.

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.

Midnight Club: Los Angeles South Central DLC screens

New screenshots from the DLC for Midnight Club: Los Angeles, out early 2009.  This new downloadable area is called “South Central”.

New Fallout 3 DLC screenshots

I’m sorry I missed out on getting these juicy screens to you for the weekend!!

X-Blades: new info and screens

New info about X-Blades. Two new spells, and 2 new elemental enemies. All with pretty pictures.

Fireball:
I always loved fire, even as a little girl. Then people noticed that I was able to command fire in some mysterious way. That’s why I have a special affinity for these skills – and I like learning them. A Fireball can be hurled against all kinds of enemies, even airborne opponents. On impact, it explodes and throws the opponent to the ground. This spell is really effective against Ice Elementals.

Fire Blades:
The power of Fire amazes me, because it truly is a skill that has aided me in many battles. I’ve learned to harness the power of fire and imbue it into my very own gunblades. This is quite a skill to master because the last thing an adventurer wants to do is melt her own weapons accidentally. This spell also allows me to shoot blazing projectiles at my enemies as well. Fire is a beautiful thing. (Requirement: Fireball)

Dark Elementals:
A particle of the Dark which has a slight awareness of its own existence. Little more than a parasitic vampire, Dark Elementali suck away their victim’s energy after melting it down with dark magic. Since they consume a lot of energy and spawn quickly, they’re often hungry and extremely aggressive.

Ice Elemantali:
Ice Elementali are the embodiment of Cold magic. The result of dangerous experiments conducted by ancient magicians, these creatures can stop the use of magic by binding their victim’s body with ice, thereby slowing them down. As are all Elemantalis, they’re vulnerable to magic opposed to their own.

Dark Elementali

Dark Elementali

Fireball

Fireball

Fireblades

Fireblades

Ice Elementali

Ice Elementali

Mayhem Studio develops levels for Sony’s Little Big Planet

Mayhem Studio, in collaboration with Sony Spain , has developed various levels and promos of the game of the season, Little Big Planet.

Mayhem Studio, Digital Jokers’s development study has been working with Sony Spain designing and developing several levels for Sony’s blockbuster release, the PS3 videogame Little Big Planet.

Some are more promotional in nature, others are dedicated to Spanish cities (Sevilla, Bilbao or Valencia,… ) where the game has been promoted.

Sony Spain choose Mayhem Studio’s team based on their experience and creativity that had previously shown in this and other platforms, but mainly developing videogames for mobile phones and iPhone .

Levels developed by Mayhem Studio for Little Big Planet are:

- LittleBig Valencia
- LittleBig Barcelona
- LittleBig Sevilla
- Munich Big Planet
- Don Quixote de BigPlanet
- SackPinball
- Humor Sackamarillo

On the other hand, Mayhem Studio has also made a number of joint promotions in which it has had presence in some way, Little Big Planet. They include:

- The Spanish Tv Show: “El Hormiguero”
- The Spanish version of USA tv Show: MythBusters (Discovery Channel)
- The Spanish version of USA tv Show: American Chopper (Discovery Channel)
- For the videoclip of the Spanish band: Sin Rumbo

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.

PlayStation(R)Home Beta Service Will Become Available to All PLAYSTATION(R)3 Users on December 11

FOSTER CITY, CA USA

Highly Anticipated Service Open For All PLAYSTATION 3 Users

TOKYO, FOSTER CITY, Calif. and LONDON, Dec. 10 /PRNewswire/

– Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. (SCE) today announced that its highly anticipated PlayStation(R)Home Beta service for PLAYSTATION(R)3 (PS3(R)) will become available for all PS3 users around the world(*1) on December 11, 2008. Following the successful completion of the closed beta service, PlayStation Home’s open beta service will continue to evolve with new features and functionality.

PlayStation Home is a ground-breaking 3D social gaming community available on PS3 that allows users to interact, communicate and share gaming experiences. By leveraging the power of PS3, PlayStation Home delivers overwhelming visual graphics and rich gaming social experiences only possible on the PS3 platform. Within PlayStation Home, users can create and customize their own unique avatars and explore virtual community in real time where they can communicate freely through text or voice chat. PlayStation Home users will not only be able to enjoy variety of entertainment content such as mini-games, videos and special events along with their friends, but will also be able to create their own community by using the “Club(*2)” feature to create clubs with other PlayStation Home users who share the same interests.

PlayStation Home, available as a free download(*3) starting December 11, will launch directly from the PlayStation Home icon on the PlayStation(R)Network column of XMB(TM) (XrossMediaBar) on PS3. Users will be able to experience basic features and services of PlayStation Home, free of charge(*4). PlayStation Home will allow open interaction among users, business partners and SCE, and will evolve with additional features including dedicated game spaces, special events and exclusive themed items, to further enrich the entertainment experience on the PS3 platform.

“PlayStation Home is truly a promising network community service on the PlayStation platform, made possible with the powerful combination of PS3’s overwhelming computational power and PlayStation Network that covers many countries around the globe,” said Kazuo Hirai, President and Group CEO, SCE. “We are committed to providing PS3 users with exciting gaming experiences with PlayStation Home and together with our partners and users, expand the new world of interactive entertainment as we move forward.”

For users in North America, Sony Computer Entertainment America (SCEA) will launch game themed high-definition virtual environments including the Uncharted: Drake’s Fortune(TM) and Far Cry 2 spaces and the soon to be released Warhawk(TM), Resistance, Guitar Hero(R) and SOCOM spaces. In these environments, users will discuss specific games, plan strategies and access content and clues that will enhance their gaming experience. Through these virtual environments, publishers will be able to increase and extend consumer interest in their game titles via new mediums of game play. SCEA is partnering with Activision, Disney Eidos, Electronic Arts, Lucas Arts, THQ and UBISOFT, to develop virtual environments among other content for PlayStation Home.

“PlayStation Home is a social gaming service unlike anything else on the market and we are excited to be partnering with gaming and non-gaming partners to develop content that connects and entertains today’s PS3 users like never before,” said Susan Panico, Senior Director of PlayStation Network, SCEA. “PlayStation Home is a tremendous addition to the growing suite of entertainment services available only through PlayStation Network.”

SCEA is announcing partnerships with some of the world’s most respected lifestyle brands during open beta including Ligne Roset, a contemporary furniture designer, and Diesel, an international fashion design company. These partnerships will allow users to purchase customizable furniture for their personal apartments and designer clothes for their avatars, respectively.

A variety of studio partners including Sony Pictures Home Entertainment and Paramount Pictures will bring the PlayStation(R) community original intellectual property through dedicated spaces, sponsorship of in-world events, virtual items and exclusive media viewings in the PlayStation Home Theater. Sony Pictures Home Entertainment will use PlayStation Home to promote its latest films, offering exclusive video content, interviews and appearances from film talent. Paramount Digital Entertainment will bring to PlayStation Home virtual goods and video content based on its most relevant and popular franchises.

As the very first consumer brand space, Red Bull has created the Red Bull Island featuring an airplane racing game modeled after the Red Bull Air Race World Championship. The space is designed to facilitate interaction among the PlayStation community, creating opportunities to interact and take part in various Red Bull events and experiences. Expansion and completion of the island will follow in early 2009.

PlayStation Home is exclusive to PS3, free to download and easy to join. It’s the ultimate online community – a place to meet friends, play the latest games together, dance to new music, watch videos in a social setting, and host parties in their personal apartments. With more spaces being created and partners like Diesel, Electronic Arts, and Red Bull coming on board, the PlayStation Home experience is just getting started.

SCE will vigorously promote the expansion of the world of PS3 by introducing new services that will open up new possibilities and enjoyment in interactive entertainment.

*1 PlayStation Home will not be available in some regions.
*2 To be a “Clubhouse” owner, user will need to buy the entitlement to run the club.
*3 When the service is available, PlayStation Home icon will appear after
booting/ re-booting the PS3 system. To enjoy PlayStation Home, users will need broadband network connection and PlayStation Network account in addition to the PS3 system.
*4 Some content and services are charged.

About PlayStation(R)Network
The PlayStation(R)Network is an emergent entertainment network aimed at digitally delivering innovative content and fostering community for a worldwide audience. In addition to offering new and original forms of entertainment, the PlayStation Network supports free and community-centric online gameplay, communications tools, and PSP(R) (PlayStation(R)Portable) and PLAYSTATION(R)3 connectivity. As of December 2008, the PlayStation Network has more than 15 million registered accounts worldwide.

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) system, the ground-breaking PLAYSTATION(R)3 (PS3(TM)) computer entertainment system and its digital 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, PLAYSTATION 3 and the PSP 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.

PlayStation, PLAYSTATION, and PS3 are registered trademarks of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. XMB is a trademark of Sony Corporation and Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. All other trademarks are property of their respective owners.

Mikomi.info expands range of free games available for Wii, PS3, PC and Mac

MIKOMI.INFO EXPANDS RANGE OF FREE GAMES AVAILABLE FOR WII, PS3, PC, AND MAC

Independent Developer Mikomi.info Today Announces a Massive Expansion of its Range of Free Games and Content for Home and Portable Videogame Consoles

Independent videogame and content developer, Mikomi.info, today announces plans to significantly expand its range of free content available for home PCs and online enabled videogame consoles. In addition to opening new play areas on its consistently popular online RPG Warrior Quest, Mikomi.info has also launched a brand new game, Star Blaster, which can be played on both the Nintendo Wii and PlayStation 3 via their console’s respective browsers. Incorporating a distinctive interface, Star Blaster pits players against waves of invading aliens whilst online leader boards allow gamers to compare their skills with those of other players from around the world.

In addition to the launch of Star Blaster, online RPG Warrior Quest has also been expanded with the addition of a new gaming area, Starshine Towers. Since its launch early in 2008, Warrior Quest has attracted hundreds of thousands of gamers and has consistently proven popular with both Wii and PS3 gamers since its launch earlier this year. Online leader boards again connect players from across the world and across gaming platforms. Starshine Towers can be accessed by entering the password “starkid” when prompted in game. Also announced today is a brand new game, Ash’s Quest, which is due to launch before the end of 2008. Combining RPG elements with a side scrolling mechanic, Ash’s Quest will bring more free adventure gaming to consoles, PCs, and Macs this holiday season.

Today’s final announcement is the unveiling of a planned March 2009 launch for Mikomi.info’s debut graphic novel, Xevicom Forever: Remixed. Previously released as an online exclusive, Xevicom Forever has been reworked with new artwork and an expanded script for its print debut next year. In addition to being available through all good comic and graphic novel retailers Xevicom Forever: Remixed will also see an exclusive version released for PlayStation Portable.

Mikomi.info is an independent game and content developer for PC, Mac, and online enabled home videogame consoles. Its website, www.mikomi.info, hosts a variety of exclusive content for players that include games, comics, and graphic novels. For more information please visit http://www.mikomi.info

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.

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