Tuesday, July 7, 2009

Microsoft - New Halo ODST Maps Screenshots - Press Release

Bungie have released new screenshots for their upcoming Xbox 360 game, Halo ODST. these three screens focus on new multiplayer Maps.
Heretic is inside The Pious Inquisitor, Citadel is a Forerunner stonghold, and Longshore is a Port Of Old Mombasa.



Press Release

LONDON – 7 July 2009 - Lock and load! When “Halo 3: ODST” drops this Sept. 22, it will deliver a completely new campaign, a new cooperative multiplayer experience called Firefight, the complete “Halo 3” multiplayer experience on a standalone disc, and new competitive multiplayer maps for “Halo 3” you won’t find anywhere else. Microsoft and Bungie today revealed the remaining three multiplayer maps which are sure to get fans around the world excited.

The three new “Halo 3: ODST” maps are Heretic, Citadel and Longshore:

· Heretic returns players to familiar ground as the “Halo 2” arena Midship makes its long-rumored debut in “Halo 3.” The stark interior of the Pious Inquisitor might appear austere on first glance, but Heretic’s symmetrical spaces require players to execute complex strategies in order to outplay their opponents.

· Citadel may be a long abandoned Forerunner stronghold, but its small, symmetrical confines are far from secure. Two opposing bases offer little safety for players looking for solace. Instead, Citadel forces small squads to stay in constant communication, keep their heads on a swivel, and be prepared to adjust combat tactics in close quarters.

· Longshore lacks the commercial ships that once made it a lucrative port for Old Mombasa, but it still bustles with activity. Designed for large scale combat and well suited for smaller affairs, Longshore’s multitude of industrial buildings, elevated walks, and open inlets conspire to create a complex battleground tailored for multiple combat scenarios.

Developed exclusively for Xbox 360 by acclaimed developer Bungie, “Halo 3: ODST” is a new game in the “Halo” saga that lets people experience events leading up to the epic story told in “Halo 3” through the eyes of an ODST (Orbital Drop Shock Trooper), as they search for clues leading to the whereabouts of their scattered squad and the motivations behind the Covenant’s invasion of New Mombasa.

In addition to a brand new campaign, “Halo 3: ODST” introduces a new cooperative multiplayer mode called Firefight which allows “Halo” fans to experience co-operative gaming in a whole new way: they will be fighting as members of an ODST squad against waves of increasingly challenging enemies across a variety of battlefields. This experience is made even more intense with the integration of “Halo 3’s” “skulls,” which progressively activate as time goes on to alter the gameplay and up the challenge. Players will battle through wave after wave in search of high scores, Achievements and bragging rights.

“Halo 3: ODST” also includes a second standalone disc with three new “Halo 3” multiplayer maps, all original “Halo 3” maps, as well as the “Legendary,” “Heroic,” and “Mythic” Map packs for a total of 24 maps.

Purchasing “Halo 3: ODST” will ensure “Halo” fans get access to the “Halo: Reach” multiplayer beta when the beta goes live in the future. Announced at E3 2009, “Halo: Reach” is the prequel to the blockbuster “Halo” trilogy and is scheduled for release in fall of 2010.

“Halo 3: ODST” will have a suggested retail price of £39.99. “Halo 3: ODST” is rated PEGI 16+.

EA - Screenshots of Federer Celebrating Winning Wimbledon in EA's Grand Slam Tennis

EA Have released some screenshots of Federer Celebrating his recent Wimbledon victory within the Nintendo Wii Game,EA Sports Grand Slam Tennis.





2K Sports -The Bigs 2 Released in USA - Press Release

http://www.2ksports.com/media/images/titles/thebigs22.png

2K Sports have announced that The Bigs 2 is now available in the USA. The Game is Available on the Playstation 2, Playstation 3, Playstation Portable, Xbox 360, And The Nintendo Wii.
Prince Fielder, of the Milwaukee Brewers, is the cover athlete and spokesman for The BIGS 2.
The game has bigger power-ups, new visual effects and legendary game modes. the game also features improved player models, animations and pick-up-and-play controls.

Press Release

NEW YORK --(Business Wire)-- Jul 07, 2009 2K Sports today announced The BIGS™ 2, the sequel to the popular arcade baseball franchise, is now available in retail stores. Featuring MLB® All-Star first baseman, Prince Fielder of the Milwaukee Brewers, as the cover athlete and spokesman for The BIGS 2, fans now have the thrilling opportunity to enjoy bigger power-ups, amazing visual effects, and legendary game modes that elevate the arcade-style baseball experience to new heights like never before.

In addition to new player animations and improved pick-up-and-play controls, The BIGS 2 offers fans the ability to make more strategic decisions with the added Batter’s Wheelhouse, execute new Legendary Catches, and pull off amazing Big Slams. Exciting new game modes have also been added this season, including Become a Legend and the heavily fan requested, Season mode. Become a Legend picks up the story from the end of the Rookie Challenge mode from The BIGS, as gamers take on the role of a player that suffered a career threatening injury and is challenged to regain his Major League career by fighting his way back at the Mexican league to the Majors. Along the way, players compete in boss battles against MLB legends and steal players from other teams, eventually earning enough votes to get into the Hall of Fame. The BIGS 2 also features a brand new Season mode that offers full MLB team schedules, stat tracking and roster management that adds another layer of depth to the already addictive baseball experience.

The fan favorite Home Run Pinball mode is back, and lets players smash home runs into windows and neon signs in either single player or co-op action in Times Square or three new environments - Las Vegas, Shibuya in Tokyo, and Retro Times Square. Several new skills mini-games are featured in The BIGS 2, and give players the opportunity to practice their hitting, fielding and running ability against a variety of MLB stars in exciting challenges.
The BIGS 2 is rated E 10+ by the ESRB, and is now available for the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, the PLAYSTATION®3 and PlayStation®2 computer entertainment systems, PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) system, and Wii™ system from Nintendo. For more information, please visitwww.2ksports.com/games/thebigs2.
2K Sports is a division of 2K, a publishing label of Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. (NASDAQ: TTWO).

About Take-Two Interactive Software
Headquartered in New York City, Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. is a global developer, marketer, distributor and publisher of interactive entertainment software games for the PC, PLAYSTATION®3 and PlayStation®2 computer entertainment systems, PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) system, Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, Wii™ and Nintendo DS™. The Company publishes and develops products through its wholly owned labels Rockstar Games and 2K, which publishes its titles under 2K Games, 2K Sports and 2K Play. Take-Two also distributes software, hardware and accessories in North America through its Jack of All Games subsidiary. The Company’s common stock is publicly traded on NASDAQ under the symbol TTWO. For more corporate and product information please visit our website at www.take2games.com.

Major League Baseball trademarks and copyrights are used with permission of Major League Baseball Properties, Inc. Visit the official Major League Baseball website at MLB.com © MLBPA-Official Licensee, Major League Baseball Players Association. Visit www.MLBPLAYERS.com, the Players Choice on the web.

Microsoft, Xbox, Xbox 360, Xbox LIVE, and the Xbox logos are trademarks of the Microsoft group of companies and are used under license from Microsoft.

"PlayStation", "PLAYSTATION", "PS" Family logo and "PSP" are registered trademarks of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. PSP® system – Memory Stick Duo™ may be required (sold separately).

Wii and the Wii logo are trademarks of Nintendo.

All trademarks and copyrights contained herein are the property of their respective holders.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
The statements contained herein which are not historical facts are considered forward-looking statements under federal securities laws and may be identified by words such as "anticipates," "believes," "estimates," "expects," "intends," "plans," "potential," "predicts," "projects," "seeks," "will," or words of similar meaning and include, but are not limited to, statements regarding the outlook for the Company's future business and financial performance. Such forward-looking statements are based on the current beliefs of our management as well as assumptions made by and information currently available to them, which are subject to inherent uncertainties, risks and changes in circumstances that are difficult to predict. Actual outcomes and results may vary materially from these forward-looking statements based on a variety of risks and uncertainties including: our dependence on key management and product development personnel, our dependence on our Grand Theft Auto products and our ability to develop other hit titles for current generation platforms, the timely release and significant market acceptance of our games, the ability to maintain acceptable pricing levels on our games, our reliance on a primary distribution service provider for a significant portion of our products, our ability to raise capital if needed, risks associated with international operations, the matters relating to the investigation by a special committee of our board of directors of the Company's stock option grants and the claims and proceedings relating thereto (including stockholder and derivative litigation, actions by governmental agencies and negative tax or other implications for the Company resulting from any accounting adjustments or other factors) and risks associated with the Company's concluded process to evaluate its strategic alternatives including stockholder litigation arising therefrom. Other important factors and information are contained in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2008, in the section entitled "Risk Factors," as updated in the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended April 30, 2009, and the Company's other periodic filings with the SEC, which can be accessed at www.take2games.com. All forward-looking statements are qualified by these cautionary statements and apply only as of the date they are made. The Company undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Majesco - Cooking Mama 3 For The Nintendo DS Announced - Press Release

http://www.majescoentertainment.com/i/common/majesco-logo.gif


Majesco have announced Cooking Mama 3 for the Nintendo DS. The game is currently set for a Fall 2009 release.
The game features over 200 different mini games and 80 new recipes. there are also 6 gameplay modes, each designed to take the players skill one step further, from the Let's Cook Mode where mistakes can happen and Mama will help you, to Combine And Create, where the player creates their own dish's on their own.


Press Release and Fact Sheet

Fact Sheet
Overview:
Fresh from the harvest in Gardening Mama, Mama’s heading back to her kitchen roots with all new recipes, ingredient shopping, dish combinations and multiplayer cooking challenges. Explore your inner creative chef with everyone’s favorite culinary cutie!

Features:
The original and award-winning Cooking Mama franchise has sold more than 4 million units domestically!

Use the stylus as your ultimate cooking utensil to chop, grate, slice, stir, spread, sprinkle, roll, and much more in over 200 different mini-games

Create 80 new recipes including: chili con carne, mushroom quiche, Eggs Benedict, tulip chicken, pumpkin gnocchi, and many more!

Six gameplay modes including new additions to the series:
Let’s Cook: Even if you make mistakes Mama will help you complete the recipe so you can continue cooking.

Let’s Eat: You’re on your own without Mama’s help. Now it’s just you, the food and your hard-to-satisfy friends who will try out your creations and judge you based on how they taste.
Mistakes made during preparation will affect the final taste so use caution in the kitchen!

Combine and Create: Mama’s been teaching you for some time now, and she’s decided it’s time for you to exercise your creative muscle. Take steps and ingredients from different recipes and create your very own concoctions.

Let’s Shop: Did you ever wonder where Mama gets all those fantastic ingredients? Head to the store to pick up the things you’ll need to prepare so many delicious dishes.
Time Challenge: Play against up to 3 friends using local wi-fi play. Face-off in timed cooking challenges to determine who is the fastest chef!

Picture Diary: Keep a scrapbook of your favorite dishes in this digital picture diary.
Recipes progress from simple to complex, from small to large dishes, so do your best to meet Mama’s expectations and impress your friends. If your friends think your dish is delicious, you’ll unlock another new friend!

Earn bronze, silver, and gold medals from Mama based on the quality of your cooking.

Press Release
EDISON, N.J., July 7, 2009 – Fresh from the harvest in Gardening Mama, the sweet culinary cutie is returning to her kitchen roots as Majesco Entertainment Company (NASDAQ: COOL), an innovative provider of video games for the mass market, today announced Cooking Mama 3 for Nintendo DS. The latest iteration of the best-selling franchise, Cooking Mama 3 layers on new features while serving up the same addictive and easy-to-play format that has entertained 4 million people to date. Developed by Cooking Mama Limited, Cooking Mama 3 is expected to launch this holiday.

“The signature gameplay formula of the Mama series continues to attract new players and returning fans of all ages,” said Jesse Sutton, Chief Executive Officer, Majesco. “Cooking Mama 3 is another great opportunity for us to deliver a quality entertainment experience while growing the brand during the all-important holiday season.”

In Cooking Mama 3, players use the stylus as the ultimate cooking utensil to create 80 all new dishes including chili con carne, tulip chicken, mushroom quiche and more. For the first time players can shop for the necessary ingredients before they start cooking in 200 different mini-games that let them chop, grate, slice, and stir up phenomenal foods. Cooking Mama 3 also lets aspiring chefs create their own dishes by combining ingredients together in delicious new ways. In addition, the game features multiplayer cooking challenges and five other gameplay modes. As recipes progress from simple to complex and from small to large dishes, players must do their best to meet Mama’s expectations and impress their hungry friends. If friends think a dish is delicious, gamers will get to unlock another new friend!

Cooking Mama 3 for Nintendo DS is expected to release this holiday. For additional information about Majesco’s exciting line of products, please visit www.majescoentertainment.com.

About Majesco Entertainment Company
Majesco Entertainment Company is a provider of video games for the mass market. Building on more than 20 years of operating history, the company is focused on developing and publishing a wide range of casual and family oriented video games on leading console and portable systems. Product highlights include Cooking Mama™ and Cake Mania®2 for Nintendo DS™, and Cooking Mama World Kitchen and Jillian Michaels' Fitness Ultimatum 2009 for Wii™. The company's shares are traded on the Nasdaq Stock Market under the symbol: COOL. Majesco is headquartered in Edison, NJ and has an international office in Bristol, UK. More information about Majesco can be found online at www.majescoentertainment.com. @Majesco is on twitter or at www.twitter.com/majesco.

Safe Harbor
Certain statements contained herein are "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. These forward-looking statements may be identified by reference to a future period(s) or by the use of forward-looking terminology, such as "may," "will," "intend," "should," "expect," "anticipate," "estimate" or "continue" or the negatives thereof or other comparable terminology. The Company's actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking statements due to a variety of factors. These factors include but are not limited to, the demand for our products; our ability to complete and release our products in a timely fashion; competitive factors in the businesses in which we compete; continued consumer acceptance of our products and the gaming platforms on which our products operate; fulfillment of orders preliminarily made by customers; adverse changes in the securities markets and the availability of and costs associated with sources of liquidity. The Company does not undertake, and specifically disclaims any obligation, to release publicly the results of any revisions that may be made to any forward-looking statements to reflect the occurrence of anticipated or unanticipated events or circumstances after the date of such statements.

Disney - A Christmas Carol For The Nintendo DS Announced - Press Release



Dinsey Interactive Studios have announced a new DS game. A Chrismtas Carol is a Movie Tie-in game for thier upcoming "Disney's A Christmas Carol" Starring Jim Carey. The game is set for a November 3rd 2009 Release.
The game is a adventure puzzler with the player controlling Scrooge through the classic Dickens Tale. it will use many of the DS functions, like the microphone by blowing or shouting, or the stylus to pull, shake, drag and more. It features animated cutscenes that playout like a interactive story book, as well as actual chapters from the book for players to read.
The game also has it's own advent calendar and will give the player a gift on every new day of advent.

Press Release

BURBANK, Calif. --(Business Wire)-- Jul 07, 2009 A new generation of fans will soon connect like never before with the illustrious story and characters of A Christmas Carol. Disney Interactive Studios today announced it will publish the video game inspired by “Disney’s A Christmas Carol,” the Charles Dickens tale re-imagined by Robert Zemeckis as a major feature film starring Jim Carrey. Disney’s A Christmas Carol video game is scheduled for release exclusively for Nintendo DS™ in North America on November 3, 2009.

Disney’s A Christmas Carol video game is an innovative adventure puzzler for Nintendo DS that celebrates the spirit of the holidays with a Scrooge twist. It is the only video game inspired by the re-envisioned classic Dickens tale and gives Nintendo DS players a fantastical, super-sensory adventure with engaging activities for the yuletide season.

“Disney’s A Christmas Carol video game will bring the story to life in a new and interactive way,” said Craig Relyea, senior vice president of global marketing, Disney Interactive Studios. “This game will provide hours of festive entertainment and is destined to be an instant classic for a whole new generation of ‘Christmas Carol’ fans.”

The game utilizes many of the unique Nintendo DS features. Players will guide Scrooge on his supernatural adventure, by blowing and shouting into the microphone and using the Nintendo DS stylus to pull, shake, drag, rattle and tap the different environments. In the game, players experience immersive animated cutscenes that unfold like an interactive story book with amazing beauty and detail. Players will also have access to actual chapters of the classic Dickens book and will interact with characters from the film, including Bob Cratchit, Tiny Tim, Mr. Fezziwig, Marley and the three spirits of Christmas.

In addition, players can engage in several fun festive activities like singing carols, decorating with holiday ornaments, and cooking Christmas dinner in Tiny Tim’s kitchen. The game features 14 mini-games that include coin tossing, performing on the piano, a snaps card game, snow ball fights as well as a “Pass the DS” feature which allows for up to four players to compete in mini-games on one DS unit. A real-time advent calendar also lets players unlock surprises every day from December 1st through Christmas 2009.

Disney’s A Christmas Carol video game also includes access to DGamer, the online community exclusively for Disney gamers on Nintendo DS, allowing them to chat with other players and unlock additional items in their game.

About the Film
“Disney’s A Christmas Carol,” a multi-sensory thrill ride re-envisioned by Academy Award®-winning filmmaker Robert Zemeckis, captures the fantastical essence of the classic Dickens tale in a groundbreaking 3D motion picture event.

Ebenezer Scrooge (Jim Carrey) begins the Christmas holiday with his usual miserly contempt, barking at his faithful clerk (Gary Oldman) and his cheery nephew (Colin Firth). But when the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Yet to Come take him on an eye-opening journey revealing truths Old Scrooge is reluctant to face, he must open his heart to undo years of ill will before it’s too late.

About Disney Interactive Studios
Disney Interactive Studios, part of Disney Interactive Media Group, is the interactive entertainment affiliate of The Walt Disney Company (NYSE: DIS). Disney Interactive Studios self publishes and distributes a broad portfolio of multi-platform video games, mobile games and interactive entertainment worldwide. The company also licenses properties and works directly with other interactive game publishers to bring products for all ages to market. Disney Interactive Studios is based in Glendale, California, and has internal development studios around the world. For more information, log on to http://www.disneyinteractivestudios.com.
© Disney. Product names, release dates and features may be subject to change



EA - SimAnimals Africa Screenshots For Wii and DS - Press Release


EA have released screenshots for their upcoming game, on both the DS and Wii, called SimAnimals Africa.
The press release says this game is a sequel to SimAnimals, in this game you get to tame animals like Lions, elephants, and gorillas as they explore the landscape.
The Wii version features an new art style. The animals in the game each have a special ability which enables the player to access new areas and more. there are 70 rare objects to find and collect, as well as mini games that can be played with each of the animals.
The DS version has all the animals found in the Wii game as well as exclusive animals like Parrots, cheetahs, meerkats and aardvarks. there is secret bonus animal for those who complete the game. the game makes use of both the stylus and microphone on the DS and features Co-Op playing toegther and trading animals and plants.

Wii Screnshots


DS Screenshots


Press Release

REDWOOD CITY, Calif — July 7, 2009 — Pack your bags for an African adventure as EA Play Label of Electronic Arts Inc. (NASDAQ: ERTS) today announced SimAnimals™ Africa for the Wii™ and Nintendo DS™, the sequel to the highly enjoyable SimAnimals™ game. In SimAnimals Africa, gamers play with and tame all new exotic animals including lions, elephants and gorillas as they explore exotic landscapes from savannas to jungles. This must-have Wii game for the holidays is great for kids and features challenges and mini-games that players solve to unlock new items, animals and levels to explore!

“SimAnimals Africa offers players a whole new, wild world to explore, take care of, and discover,” said Tim LeTourneau, General Manager of the SimAnimals Franchise. “Kids are in for hours of entertainment as they explore new terrain, and for the first time, play as wild animals where they can run, jump, kick and charge, adding another dimension to the fun.”

SimAnimals Africa for the Wii
With a playful new art style, SimAnimals Africa allows players to play with wild African animals while they venture across jungles, deserts, savannas, river deltas and more! Each brand new animal has their own unique skill and it’s up to you to find their secret abilities. Kicking zebras, rock-breaking rhinos and crocodiles that excel at hunting will assist players in keeping the environment happy and unlocking new areas, animals, and special items. New mini-games give players more ways to interact with the animals. The ring toss, drumming, and petting games help the animals hone their unique skill and assist players in achieving their goals more quickly. Additionally, there are over 70 rare objects for players to collect including bugs, fruits and flowers. If players feed one of these rare items to an animal they may get an unexpected surprise! Kids can now choose to play as an animal. Will they water the terrain with their trunk as an elephant, kick fruit off trees as a zebra or jump over riverbeds as a gazelle? Players will have fun developing relationships with wild animals and their babies, and experience the humor and drama of life in Africa.

SimAnimals Africa for the Nintendo DS
SimAnimals on the Nintendo DS allows players to bring the African adventure with them anywhere and play with friends! Featuring all of the animals included in the Wii adventure, the DS version also features exclusive animals such as parrots, cheetahs, meerkats, aardvarks and even a surprise secret animal as a reward for finishing the game! Build relationships with these wild, African animals, discover their secret abilities and use them to help solve challenges. Collect items to earn each reward badge in the game. The stylus and microphone allow players to interact with the animals and environment in a totally unique way. The friendly parrot is your guide through the African landscape. Talk to him through the DS microphone and he’ll repeat back what you said! Conquer the African kingdom in co-op mode, where friends can trade plants and animals and play together to achieve goals faster.

Developed by The Sims Studio in the EA Play Label, SimAnimals Africa is scheduled to be available worldwide Autumn of 2009. The game is not yet rated by the ESRB or PEGI. For more information about SimAnimals Africa, visit www.simanimalsafrica.com. For game artwork, visit http://www.info.ea.com.

###

About Electronic Arts
Electronic Arts Inc. (EA), headquartered in Redwood City, California, is a leading global interactive entertainment software company. Founded in 1982, the Company develops, publishes, and distributes interactive software worldwide for video game systems, personal computers, wireless devices and the Internet. Electronic Arts markets its products under four brand names: EATM, EA SPORTSTM, EA Mobile TM and POGOTM. In fiscal 2009, EA posted GAAP net revenue of $4.2 billion and had 31 titles that sold more than one million copies. EA's homepage and online game site is www.ea.com. More information about EA's products and full text of press releases can be found on the Internet at http://info.ea.com.

EA, EA SPORTS, EA Mobile, POGO, The Sims and SimAnimals are trademarks or registered trademarks of Electronic Arts Inc. in the U.S. and/or other countries. Wii and Nintendo DS are trademarks of Nintendo. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.


THQ - UK Packshots for WWE Smackdown VS Raw 2010

THQ have released the UK Packshots for WWE Smackdown VS Raw 2010 for all the platforms its being released on.



Re-Cap of Yesterdays News (oldest to newest)