EA - Charm Girls Club Announced for Wii and DS. Screens for Both Games. - Press Release

EA has announced Charm Girls Club for both the Wii and DS. On the DS there will be 3 titles in the series, Charm Girls Club MY Dance Party, Charm Girls Club My Fashion Mall, and Charm Girls Club My Fashion Show. these are all expected to be out this year.





Press Release

Guildford - UK, June 1, 2009 – It’s all about fun, friendship, and charms, as the Play Label of Electronic Arts Inc. (NASDAQ: ERTS) today announced its new, original video game franchise for girls: CHARM GIRLS CLUB™. Girls will be immersed in the fabulous Charm Girls’ world where they collect sparkly, virtual charms as they complete challenges that are sassy, fun, and relevant to their world. EA will release four CHARM GIRLS CLUB titles this year including CHARM GIRLS CLUB Pajama Party for the Wii™, and three titles for the Nintendo DS™: CHARM GIRLS CLUB My Dance Party, CHARM GIRLS CLUB My Fashion Mall and CHARM GIRLS CLUB My Fashion Show.

“CHARM GIRLS CLUB celebrates everything that’s fun about being a girl,” said Sarah Handley, Senior Director of Marketing, EA Play Label. “Girls are gamers too and EA wants to provide them with games that are fun, fabulous and appeal to their interests.”

In the CHARM GIRLS CLUB games, girls are introduced to their new BFFs, the Charm Girls. The Charm Girls guide players through the games, give them a helping hand, and get their back when the evil Queen B’s try to intervene. Girls begin by customising their own Charm Girl character that represents their unique style. Girls can choose from thousands of trendy and stylish combinations, customising their entire look from head to toe, including their facial features, hair, make-up, wardrobe, shoes and even their accessories!

Collecting virtual charms is key in CHARM GIRLS CLUB. Challenges that a girl completes can earn her a shiny new virtual charm that she will add to her virtual charm jewelry box. Special multiplayer charms can also be earned when playing with friends. Girls can show off their new charms to one another and see who collects them all.

Each CHARM GIRLS CLUB game presents its own unique scenario that will have girls grinning from ear to ear. In CHARM GIRLS CLUB Pajama Party for Wii, girls can play with the Charm Girls, or with as many as seven friends, for the ultimate interactive slumber party experience. Girls will have an all night gigglefest playing more than 30 hilarious games like Bed Bounce, Pillow Fight, Speed Hair Teasing, and many more. Using the Wii Remote’s motion-sensing technology, CHARM GIRLS CLUB Pajama Party takes classic pajama party games and activities to a whole new level.

And there’s even more fun to be had for girls on the go with three CHARM GIRLS CLUB titles for the handheld Nintendo DS system. In CHARM GIRLS CLUB My Dance Party, girls choose the perfect dress, the perfect date and play through dozens of zany activities before attending the big night! In CHARM GIRLS CLUB My Fashion Show, girls select their models and the most awesome outfits in a series of wild challenges to see who rules the virtual runway. In CHARM GIRLS CLUB My Fashion Mall, girls manage the mall and tackle wacky mall mishaps everywhere from the food court to the accessories boutique to the nail salon.

“With CHARM GIRLS CLUB, we’re providing girls with quality games that emphasize cool characters, fun challenges, customisation and lots of collectible charm rewards that can be shared across products,” said Dyan Williams, Senior Producer, EA Play Label. "Girls are really excited about a new line of games made just for them.”

Developed by the EA Casual Studios, the CHARM GIRLS CLUB games are scheduled to be available this year- 2009. These games have not yet been rated by PEGI. For more information, visit http://www.charmgirlsclub.com or to download artwork, visit www.eagames.co.uk/press.

##

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.electronicarts.co.uk. More information about EA's products and full text of press releases can be found on the Internet at www.eagames.co.uk/press.
EA, EA SPORTS, EA Mobile, POGO and Charm Girls Club 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.

THQ - World Of Zoo Announced. Screens and Video - Press Release

THQ have announced World Of Zoo for PC, Wii and DS. It is coming out this Fall 2009. In the game you build your own zoo and build relationships with animals through hands-on interactive gameplay. the game features many customising features enabling the player to create their own Zoo.
There will be 90 different animals as well as a animal creator enabling the player to create any animal they want. National Geographic has teamed up with THQ to provide animal facts for the player.

Press Release

GOURA HILLS, Calif. --(Business Wire)-- Jun 01, 2009 THQ Inc. (NASDAQ: THQI) today announced its new, original intellectual property, World of Zoo™ is currently in development to make its scheduled debut for Wii™, Nintendo DS™ and Windows® PC this fall. World of Zoo takes players beyond the fences and into their own zoo, allowing them to care for and build relationships with numerous animals through hands-on interactive gameplay. Packed full of customization features, players will be able to experience their own personalized virtual zoo creating an experience unlike any other animal-based simulation game. In addition, the game will be showcased at the upcoming E3 Expo 2009 being held at the Los Angeles Convention Center.

“We are excited to introduce this game to animal lovers and zoo fans of all ages,” said Randy Shoemaker, vice president, global brand management at THQ. “This game expands the real-world zoo experience, giving players an all-access pass to interact with the world’s most amazing animals up close and personal.”

World of Zoo is a family-friendly game that will open the gates for gamers to freely roam their zoo in ways they have only imagined. With more than 90 different animals spanning 11 families to care for, players will have ample opportunities to engage with all types of species. The Animal Creator feature will allow players to create an unlimited number of animals and be able to customize each one. They can even add animals to any of the 20 different exhibits available in the game utilizing the Animal Adoption Network feature. Players can also learn about their animals through fun animal facts provided by National Geographic. Each animal is completely unique with different personalities and behaviors. It will be up to the player to determine ways to gain their trust and keep their animals happy, ultimately earning a Magic Moment from their animal.

World of Zoo is being developed by Blue Fang, creator of the highly successful Zoo Tycoon® series. For more information on this game, please visit www.worldofzoo.com. Information on the rest of THQ’s line-up of family-friendly titles is also available on www.playthq.com.

About National Geographic Ventures

National Geographic Ventures (NGV) is a wholly owned, taxable subsidiary of National Geographic Society, one of the largest nonprofit scientific and educational organizations in the world. Founded in 1888 to “increase and diffuse geographic knowledge,” the National Geographic Society works to inspire people to care about the planet. NGV, part of the editorial group National Geographic Global Media, includes National Geographic Television (NGT) production and distribution, National Geographic Television International, Digital Media (including Nationalgeographic.com) and National Geographic Extended Platforms Group, comprising the Mobile, Gaming and Maps business groups. NGV creates and distributes content across multi-platforms and media providing outlets for the hundreds of scientific and expedition-based grants awarded each year. For more information, go to www.nationalgeographic.com.

About THQ

THQ Inc. (NASDAQ: THQI) is a leading worldwide developer and publisher of interactive entertainment software. The company develops its products for all popular game systems, personal computers and wireless devices. Headquartered in Los Angeles County, California, THQ sells product through its global network of offices located throughout North America, Europe and Asia Pacific. More information about THQ and its products may be found at www.thq.com and www.playthq.com. THQ, World of Zoo and their logos are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of THQ Inc.

Nintendo DS and Wii are trademarks of Nintendo.

All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

The statements contained in this press release that are not historical facts may be “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements are based on current expectations, estimates and projections about the business of THQ Inc. and its subsidiaries (collectively referred to as “THQ”), including, but not limited to, expectations and projections related to the World of Zoo video game, and are based upon management’s current beliefs and certain assumptions made by management. Such forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to, business, competitive, economic, legal, political and technological factors affecting our industry, operations, markets, products or pricing. Readers should carefully review the risk factors and the information that could materially affect THQ’s financial results, described in other documents that THQ files from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including its Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal period ended March 31, 2009, and particularly the discussion of risk factors set forth therein. Unless otherwise required by law, THQ disclaims any obligation to update its view on any such risks or uncertainties or to revise or publicly release the results of any revision to these forward-looking statements. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this press release.

THQ - Cars Race-O-Rama Announced. Screens and Video - Press Release

THQ have just announced Cars Race-O-Rama for the Wii, DS, 360, PS3, PS2, and PSP. this is the third game in the series of Cars games that THQ have released.
You play as Lightning McQueen and Chick Hicks in Radiator Springs as you prepare students to take part in the Race O Rama. there are 12 new characters, Lightning McQueen will also have improvements. Players can modify him, and he also comes with new racing kits.
The game is expected Fall 2009.

Press Release

AGOURA HILLS, Calif. --(Business Wire)-- Jun 01, 2009 THQ Inc. (NASDAQ:THQI) today announced plans to bring a new video game based on Disney Pixar’s highly successful Cars film, Cars Race -O-Rama, to all major systems worldwide beginning in fall 2009. Cars Race -O-Rama is currently in development across six game systems, including Wii™ video game system, Nintendo DS™, the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system, PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system and PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) system. Cars Race -O-Rama will mark the third installment in THQ’s highly successful Cars video game franchise, which has shipped more than 13 million units worldwide to date. In addition, the game will be showcased at the upcoming E3 Expo 2009 being held in the Los Angeles Convention Center.

In Cars Race -O-Rama, players will join Lightning McQueen and Chick Hicks in Radiator Springs as they prepare their academy of student racers to compete in the Race-O-Rama Exhibition. Players will encounter 12 new playable characters making their video game debut. A new and improved Lightning McQueen will come fully equipped with special racing kits, allowing him to better maneuver brand new, action-packed tracks that will take players to metro city streets, the Baja desert and sandy beaches. In addition, players are now able to modify Lightning McQueen’s wheels, rims, hood, side skirt, rear bumper, spoiler and paint with special customization features, giving Lightning a personalized style and look that has never been seen before. As players compete in this high-speed, racing adventure game, they will be able to utilize Lightning McQueen’s newly designed drifting abilities and perform “Kachow” poses for enthusiastic reporters and fans encountered throughout the game. Cars Race -O-Rama will also feature multiplayer mini-games based on Disney Pixar’s “Cars Toons,” a series of animated shorts that are currently being aired on the Disney Channel.

For more information on the Cars Race -O-Rama video game, please visit www.carsvideogame.com. Information on the rest of THQ’s line-up of family-friendly titles can be found on www.playthq.com.

About Pixar Animation Studios

Pixar Animation Studios, a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company, is an Academy Award®-winning film studio with world-renowned technical, creative, and production capabilities in the art of computer animation. Creator of some of the most successful and beloved animated films of all time, including Toy Story, Finding Nemo, The Incredibles, Cars, Ratatouille and most recently, WALL•E. The Northern California studio has won 22 Academy Awards® and its eight films have grossed more than $4.8 billion at the worldwide box office to date. The next film release from Disney•Pixar is “Up” (May 29, 2009).

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.

About THQ

THQ Inc. (NASDAQ:THQI) is a leading worldwide developer and publisher of interactive entertainment software. The company develops its products for all popular game systems, personal computers and wireless devices. Headquartered in Los Angeles County, California, THQ sells product through its global network of offices located throughout North America, Europe and Asia Pacific. More information about THQ and its products may be found at www.thq.com. THQ and the THQ logo are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of THQ Inc.

Microsoft, Xbox, Xbox 360, and the Xbox logos are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the U.S. and/or other countries.

“PlayStation”, “PLAYSTATION” and “PS” Family logo are registered trademarks of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc.

Wii and Nintendo DS are trademarks of Nintendo.

All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

The statements contained in this press release that are not historical facts may be “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements are based on current expectations, estimates and projections about the business of THQ Inc. and its subsidiaries (collectively referred to as “THQ”), including, but not limited to, expectations and projections related to the Cars Race -O-Rama video game, and are based upon management’s current beliefs and certain assumptions made by management. Such forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to, business, competitive, economic, legal, political and technological factors affecting our industry, operations, markets, products or pricing. Readers should carefully review the risk factors and the information that could materially affect THQ’s financial results, described in other documents that THQ files from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including its Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal period ended March 31, 2009, and particularly the discussion of risk factors set forth therein. Unless otherwise required by law, THQ disclaims any obligation to update its view on any such risks or uncertainties or to revise or publicly release the results of any revision to these forward-looking statements. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this press release.

EA - New Fight Night Round 4 Screenshots

EA have released some more screen shots for Fight Night Round 4 showing new fighters.

Re-Cap of The Weekends News (oldest to newest)

What a weekend. leaked, pictures and videos of the PSPgo aplenty!

• PS3: Kojima teaser site now shows a Raiden looking figure. the kojima logo at the bottom changes to a mask. http://tinyurl.com/px8um3

• Mortal Kombat 9 characters have been revealed by it's voice over roles. most of the favorites are back. http://tinyurl.com/lssbuu

• EGM is being re-released after its founder bought back the rights and trademarks. more announced at E3. http://tinyurl.com/mrr95q

• Batman Arkham asylum has been given a new release date of August 25th for USA, August 28th for EU. http://tinyurl.com/lqkqym

• you need to provide a Thumb print to trade in a game in Florida. Law has made it equivalent to pawning. http://tinyurl.com/n96gq4

• QTE Blog: Star Trek Online Update - Excalibur Class http://tinyurl.com/mu2pkh

• PS3: The PSN will be getting daily updates during E3. expect themes, videos and game content as it's revealed. http://tinyurl.com/l3kyy6

• DJ Hero website has gone live. you can also pre-order the game. a Jay-Z special edition bundle also available. http://tinyurl.com/lqop7d

• Wii: Phantom Brave port has been delayed from June to August. more debugging and Japanese voice track. http://tinyurl.com/le9ryc

• PSP: PSP GO! Spotted in Junes issue of Quore. 16gb memory, memory card slot, Fall release. http://tinyurl.com/n8v2um

• PSPGo!: Pictures for the PSPGO! can be found here http://tinyurl.com/ldel2d and here http://tinyurl.com/ksffjj

• PSPGo: NEOGaf has Photo's. Previous sites being hit hard. http://tinyurl.com/ldobno

• PSPgo: Possible Retail box found. unknown if it's a Fake. http://tinyurl.com/mso28w

• Mistake, previous tweet was referring to PS3Slim box, that it may or maynot be a Fake when compared to PSPgo box. http://tinyurl.com/mso28w

• PSPgo: Quore episode where it was revealed is online. also talks about renting, bluetooth, and gran tourismo PSP. http://tinyurl.com/l6hgny

• PSPgo: Official press shots are emerging now. http://tinyurl.com/l4yyeb

• PSPgo: Full Quore section of PSPgo. (there's some crackle) including still pictures and video. http://tinyurl.com/nj8ent

• PS3: Dragon Age Origins is coming out on the PS3 on October 20th. http://tinyurl.com/krb6e6

• 20 second clips from Assassins creed 2 and Splinter Cell Conviction have found their way online. http://tinyurl.com/nvco7j

• 360: Yesterdays rumor of Hulu coming to 360 is false. Microsoft is promoting Bing on Hulu on June 8th. http://tinyurl.com/nz4dqx

• Full list of artists in Guitar Hero 5 has been released. 83 bands are on the disc at launch. http://tinyurl.com/mtq5yy

• PSPgo: Kotaku has a good comparison against the PSP, DS, DSi and iphone, shows how small it really is. http://tinyurl.com/m3aedm

• New Dead Rising 2 Trailer released. 7000 Zombies in this one. no gameplay. http://tinyurl.com/mzec99

• PS3: there is a ESRB rating for Final Fantasy VII, PS1 game, but no word on it's release date. http://tinyurl.com/kqr9p9

• Marvel Vs Capcom 2 is set for a $14.99 (1200MS Points) price point when it comes out. http://tinyurl.com/npt43x

• 360: it is rumored the next Halo game is called Halo Reach. there was a Halo novel called The Fall Of Reach. http://tinyurl.com/m7nqlh

• QTE Blog: PSPgo - As it Happened, What We know, Strange Things On Top Of It. http://tinyurl.com/mdg75l

• PS3: Street Fighter Alpha 2 is coming out on the PSN June 4th. no word on regions or price. http://tinyurl.com/l6z86p

• 360: Xbox press conference has been brought forward to 10.25 am PST (6.25BST, 1.25 EST) http://tinyurl.com/lgemdu

PSPgo - As it Happened, What We know, Strange Things On Top Of It.

Yesterday saw the leaked release of news regarding the PSPgo. Whilst it seems that most of the big news sites knew about this, they were all beaten to the news by little known Gaming Console Network. Whilst i'm sure there may have been other sites not mentioned in the article, this is how it happened yesterday for me.

this image sparked it all yesterdayhttp://gamingconsolenetwork.com/2009/05/30/gcn-exclusive-say-hello-to-the-psp-go/

Once news got out (and it didn't take long) little bits of information sprung up all over the place. first this video was released, the first leaked footage from the June Quore Episode. (unfortunately the original Youtube link has been removed, but this is what was shown)



Once NEOgaf got hold of the information, it didn't take them long to dig out more information
and pictures for the PSPgo and for a thread to start.
http://www.neogaf.com/forum/showthread.php?t=363406

Playstation Lifetstyle, the ones who leaked Trico last week, came in and showed the insider information they had...but also then made the comparison with the boxart for the PSPgo to the PS3 Slim with this picture.
http://playstationlifestyle.net/2009/05/30/psp-go-box-pics-look-strikingly-similar-to-ps3-slim-box/
This picture itself began all sorts of talk regarding the PS3 Slim again, and what went from a dismissed rumour suddenly became alot more concrete.

The first "big" site that responded to to all this was Eurogamer. they released official pictures for the PSPgo. http://www.eurogamer.net/gallery.php?game_id=&article_id=587698#anchor

Finally someone uploaded the full length episode of Quore which showed even more information regarding the PSPgo.


Lastly, Kotaku did a feature showing, an estimate of, the PSPgo against the PSP, DS, DSi, and iPhone. firstly it's obvious to see how small the device actually is in comparison.

http://kotaku.com/5273302/portable-size+off-how-the-psp-go-measures-up?skyline=true&s=i

So what do we know?

Specifications:

• Offical Name - PSP Go
• 3.8″ LCD Screen
• 43% Lighter then PSP-3000 (3.8 ounces now)
• 16GB Flash Memory
• Memory Stick Micro Support
• BlueTooth Support - HeadSet and Cellphone Support
• All Digital Content (No UMD)
• Slide Out Controls
• Remote Play Support (just like PSP-3000)

What Is On Top Of It?
as a owner of the PSP GO Cam, i was wondering where on the PSPgo would i put it. after looking at the HD version of June's Quore episode (which was in this article earlier) i took a screen grab of the PSPgo at a point when the top of the PSPgo is most clear.

As you can see from the Pic, the two shoulder buttons are clear to see, pretty big and silver. but whats in the middle? the volume controls are no longer with the buttons, so it's possible the middle piece could be the volume controls. the two buttons, one next to each shoulder buttons, could also be volume buttons, making the middle thing perhaps a cover for the Mini USB port on the PSP. if this was true, the two screws would then be used to secure the PSP GO Cam/GO Explore in place much like previous PSP Models.

I'm sure more will be announced come E3, when the original release of the PSPgo was meant to happen.

Star Trek Online Update - Excalibur Class

Cryptic studios have unveiled a new starship for Star Trek Online. this time they have taken the iconic Constitution Class, USS Enterprise and USS Enterprise A for example, and modernised it to create a cruiser that's able to fill a variety of roles for Star Fleet in the 25th century.


Following previously announced vessels this is also designed to be very modular, a way for them to explain why the player can customised their vessels whilst keeping it a part of the Star Trek Universe. because of this, it is more versatile than a ship designed specifically for science or battle.

Due to it's versatility, they explain that its used alot for cargo runs and resupplying, perhaps a hint of missions in the game, and also able to help evacuate civilians. in battle, they say when talking about its Warp Core, "...transfer power to damaged ships or extend its shields to protect an ally without impacting its own defenses or systems. Engineers on an Excalibur-class starship can reroute that power to boost its tractor beams, allowing it to grapple enemy ships that could easily break away from lesser vessels..." perhaps hinting at control schemes, being able to mange power from one thing to another.

They finish off the article by saying ""We can send her anywhere and she can do anything," said Graarvin Narl, primary designer of the Excalibur class. "The Excalibur will carry Starfleet into the 25th century, and she'll do it with style." suggesting that this will be a fairly common class, differenced by the user picking different modules for it.

Information from http://www.startrekonline.com/ships/excalibur
Picture from http://media3.startrekonline.com.s3.amazonaws.com/img/ships/excalibur.jpg