Friday, June 12, 2009
Atlus - NeoSteam The Shattered Continent, a MMORPG, Is Now Online And Free To Play - Press Release
The game features a world where two nations battle over the Neo Steam. the game has a focus on customisation, whether it's your nation or your classes. you aim to expand your nations resources and protect it's borders whilst learning how to use the steam technology to improve your equipment.
Press Release
RVINE, Calif. --(Business Wire)-- Jun 12, 2009 The Neo Steam tanks are overflowing, the gears have been oiled up, and the master switch has been flipped! Players can now jump on a zeppelin and explore the vibrant towns and cavernous dungeons of the commercially launched Neo Steam: The Shattered Continent, a fantasy-steampunk massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG). This game marks the first full-length title to join Atlus Online’s portal, a daily destination for community-focused gaming and interactive entertainment.
“The moment is finally here for us to open up the doors of Neo Steam: The Shattered Continent and invite players to take part in an experience that we are exceedingly proud of,” says Jun Hyun Kim, Head of Game Operations, Atlus U.S.A., Inc. “Over the past months, our community has continued to grow and share with us to build one of the most cohesive and collaborative portals I’ve seen. And now, we are so thrilled to provide them with a final version of the game, which they were so inspirational and instrumental in helping to make possible.”
With the commercial rollout of Neo Steam: The Shattered Continent, several previously locked features have now been activated. Most importantly is the premium item shop, which houses untold numbers of vanity items and character enhancers. And now that Neo Steam: The Shattered Continent is live, Atlus Online will periodically provide fresh updates and run quirky promotions to further players’ fantastical journeys long after the game's launch.
Neo Steam: The Shattered Continent, Atlus Online’s first MMORPG, transports players to a world where two nations battle over a precious resource called Neo Steam. From the onset, customization is key to each player’s experience, where they can choose which nation to join and select from a number of specialized classes. As players battle to expand their nation’s resources and protect their borders from invasion, they must learn to harness steam technology to upgrade their equipment, learn new abilities, and progress in their chosen class. Adding to the immersive aspect of the fantasy-steampunk world, the game also features various forms of steam-based machines and vehicles for faster in-game traveling.
Gamers, Atlus Online fans, and those excited to experience the world of Neo Steam: The Shattered Continent can visit http://www.neosteam.atlusonline.com for more information.
About Atlus Online
Atlus Online is the online interactive entertainment division of Atlus U.S.A., Inc., renowned for its proud tradition of publishing exceptional role-playing games with strong niche appeal. The Atlus library of critically acclaimed video games includes Odin Sphere, the Trauma Center series, and the award-winning Shin Megami Tensei series. More information can be found at http://www.atlusonline.com.
Re-Cap of Yesterdays News (oldest to newest)
PSP: Update 5.51 is out now. improves "software stability during use of some features" http://tinyurl.com/nt4zj5
PS3: the once 360 exclusive Tales Of Vesperia has a PS3 release date of September 17th in Japan. http://tinyurl.com/m6kz4s
360: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Turtles in Time Re-Shelled, is a timed 360 exclusive coming out June 22nd. http://tinyurl.com/mkvdko
360: Project Natal was on Live TV last night But those using it wore Orange Jump Suits! http://tinyurl.com/l4236u
QTE Blog: EA - Spore Galactic Adventures Expansion Pack Trailer http://tinyurl.com/nqq3b9
PS3: Fat Princess is mentioned on Hong Kong's PSN store as coming out on 2009-06-19. http://tinyurl.com/m5ugeb
QTE Blog: Sega - Trailer for Xbox Live Arcade Vintage Collection 2 http://tinyurl.com/nu4x45
360: Final Fantasy XIII Briefly appeared on XBL Japan Page. The game is not coming out in that region. http://tinyurl.com/l5lvvl
PS3: Kaz Hirai reiterates 10 year cycle, says the support of the Key gamers is key, can't go mainstream quickly. http://tinyurl.com/lw6fyn
QTE Blog: Study Exposes Considerable Gaps in Player Engagement Between Game Developers and Target Consu.. http://tinyurl.com/mcttgm
PS3: Xi has been revealed. all visitors to Home can discover the truth. it will stay live for a few weeks. http://tinyurl.com/l2ffkp
QTE Blog: UK PSN Update 11/06/09 http://tinyurl.com/l7du8j
QTE Blog: EA - Dwight Howard is Announced As The Cover Athlete for NBA Live 10. http://tinyurl.com/mf33nw
QTE Blog: Sega - DS Screenshots for Mario and Sonic at The Winter Olympics http://tinyurl.com/kqnlkk
QTE Blog: Sega - Wii Screenshots for Mario and Sonic at The Winter Olympics http://tinyurl.com/mryxjt
360: Xbox Live Community Games is getting renamed in late July to Xbox Live Indie Games. http://tinyurl.com/mdmntl
360: Halo Reach could be the first game to use Natal, make the game a form of "interactive entertainment" http://tinyurl.com/lgob9h
QTE Blog: Sony - Pictures Of PopCaps Heavy Weapon On USA PSN. Out Today - Press Release. http://tinyurl.com/kpch2m
360: The Halo ODST controller has been confirmed as a Gamestop exclusive. the game pack costs $99. http://tinyurl.com/nh5wab
QTE Blog: Taito - Waterways announced, Winner of Dutch/Japan GameJam 2008, For iPhone and iPod Touch - .. http://tinyurl.com/l62njr
Green Day DLC is Coming to Rock Band in 3 Song Packs, the first coming July 7th. http://tinyurl.com/m7jw5d
Artwork shows how the Bayonetta gun evolved into what it is now. http://tinyurl.com/lt5c4r
EU gets a very limited edition Assassins Creed 2. has game, 64 page leather style book, soundtrack, Ezio + more. http://tinyurl.com/ncj6y5
PSP: Persona, at launch, is coming with a 2 disc soundtrack. http://tinyurl.com/mda6sj
Wii: Vitality Sensor is out sometime in 2010. is a step to getting people into videogames. http://tinyurl.com/lbvolm
PS3: European bundle coming June 26th. £309.99, comes with Terminator Salvation and Bluray of Terminator 3. http://tinyurl.com/m47qhm
DSi: Boxart for Pokemon Heart Gold / Soul Silver shown. Lugia and Ho-Oh big on each. shows Pokewalker. http://tinyurl.com/n8xeab
360: Final Fantasy XIII development only started after the PS3 demo shipped with Advent Children. http://tinyurl.com/n8qdsw
US May hardware. DS 633.500, Wii 289.500, 360 175.000, PS3 131.000, PS2 117.000, PSP 100.400. down 30% on 2008 http://tinyurl.com/lyq2pn
Activision have said they are moving into the action genre with a new IP. nothing else is known as yet. http://tinyurl.com/mcjzsv
DSi: Pokemon news, Kyogre in Gold, Groudon in silver. Rayquaza appears if both in same game. updated art + more. http://tinyurl.com/lbmhut
Wii: Reggie says there are no plans for DSi VC. Wii Music sold 2 million despite all it's criticism. http://tinyurl.com/mrju8o
PSP: i have just noticed that when playing music, if you press triangle a sleep timer option is now there. not sure if this is new
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Taito - Waterways announced, Winner of Dutch/Japan GameJam 2008, For iPhone and iPod Touch - Press Release
Waterways is a action puzzler where the player takes on the role of a heroic cow who has to repair the Netherlands water system called "Caretaker 3000" which has gone nuts.
The game is out on June 11th for EUR 2.39 and $2.99.
Press Release
LOS ANGELES (June 11, 2009) — TAITO Corporation (TAITO®), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Square Enix Holdings Co., Ltd., today announced that, with the cooperation of the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Japan, action-puzzler WATERWAYS™ will be on sale at the App Store® worldwide and available for the iPhone® and iPod touch® on June 11. WATERWAYS, developed by Dutch studio Rough Cookie, was the winning concept of the Netherlands-Japan GameJam 2008 contest, held as part of the "Netherlands in Japan 2008-2009" celebration.
Last year was the 150th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between Japan and the Netherlands, and this year, 2009, marks 400 years of trade between the two nations. Sponsored by the Dutch game organizations NLGD Foundation and the Dutch Game Garden, and also backed by the Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Japan GameJam 2008 contest was held by Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Japan as part of the continuing "Netherlands in Japan 2008-2009" celebration.
The Netherlands government invests in the growth of its national creative industry, and for this reason the "Netherlands in Japan 2008-2009" celebration has also featured events focusing on cross-cultural exchange via games. TAITO has long taken an active role in promoting the industry and mobile gaming in particular by participating in world-class events such as the International Mobile Gaming Awards. Hoping to make use of this prior experience and eager to contribute to the longstanding friendship between Japan and the Netherlands, TAITO participated in the "Netherlands in Japan 2008-2009" celebration by joining the panel of judges for the Netherlands-Japan GameJam 2008 competition and agreeing to publish an extended and adapted version of the winning concept.
GameJam winner WATERWAYS is an action puzzle game designed and developed by Dutch studio Rough Cookie. Players assume the role of a heroic cow named Patch. When the Netherlands' state-of-the-art water management system "Caretaker 3000" goes haywire, leading to widespread flooding, it's up to Patch to navigate a series of water-filled mazes and drawbridges in an effort to reach and repair the leaking valves. WATERWAYS makes full use of the iPhone/iPod Touch's motion sensors, with intuitive controls and instantly appealing game play.
TAITO and the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Japan hope to continue to work together for the benefit of both Japan and the Netherlands' game industries.
WATERWAYS
Publisher: TAITO CORPORATION
Platform: iPhone / iPod Touch
Release Date: Thursday, June 11, 2009
Genre:Game (Puzzle / Action)
Price: US$2.99 / EUR2.39
Region: Worldwide
Copyright © Rough Cookie 2009 / Published by TAITO
About TAITO Corporation
TAITO Corporation (TAITO) is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Square Enix Holdings Co., Ltd. With headquarters in Tokyo, Japan, TAITO operates core businesses such as game arcade operations, coin-operated game machines, and mobile phone content services. A seminal part of gaming history, TAITO caused a worldwide sensation with its arcade legend, SPACE INVADERS®, and developed such fan favorites as EXIT™ and ARKANOID®. Today, TAITO continues to thrill game lovers of all generations by offering both classic and new family-oriented titles on the latest gaming platforms. TAITO delivers a wide range of entertainment experiences with the goal of providing consumers with fresh surprises and new discoveries. More information on TAITO can be found on the Internet athttp://www.taito.com/.
About Rough Cookie
Based in The Netherlands, Rough Cookie is focused on the design and development of triple-A quality games for high-end mobile and handheld devices including the Apple iPhone. Rough Cookie is founded in 2008 and is privately held. More information on Rough Cookie can be found athttp://www.roughcookie.com/.
Sony - Pictures Of PopCaps Heavy Weapon On USA PSN. Out Today - Press Release.
Press Release
Sony Online Entertainment Brings PopCap's Heavy WeaponTM to the PlayStation®Network
WHAT: Mount an assault on the enemy like never before with Heavy Weapon™ on the PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system! Heavy Weapon combines the action and strategy of a classic arcade shooter with the fun factor of a more causal genre that all players can enjoy.
ABOUT HEAVY WEAPON: Heavy Weapon includes 19 exciting stages and challenging level bosses. Players launch their mission as an Atomic Tank, collect power-ups from friends and engage the enemy! Mission mode allows players to follow the storyline to the unlockable Boss Blitz mode where they can battle every boss in the game! The Survival mode features a nonstop onslaught of enemies to see which players can outlast the rest and achieve the best time!
Features include:
• PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system trophies.
• Action-packed game modes!
• 6 secret upgradeable weapons!
• 19 missions with nukes, mega lasers, and more!
• Unlockable Boss Blitz bonus game mode!
• Enhanced sound effects and original score!
• Amazing enemy landscapes and graphics!
WHEN: Beginning today, Heavy Weapon is available for purchase from the PlayStation®Store for $9.99 (plus applicable taxes).
For more information on Heavy Weapon, log in to www.station.com.
ABOUT SOE: Sony Online Entertainment LLC (SOE) is a recognized worldwide leader in massively multiplayer online games, with hundreds of thousands of subscribers around the globe. SOE creates, develops and provides compelling entertainment for the personal computer, online, game console and wireless markets. Known for its blockbuster franchises and hit titles including EverQuest®, EverQuest® II, Champions of Norrath®, Untold Legends™, and PlanetSide®, as well as for developing Star Wars Galaxies™, SOE continues to redefine the business of online gaming and the creation of active player communities while introducing new genres on various entertainment platforms. Headquartered in San Diego, CA, with additional development studios in Austin, TX; Seattle, WA; Denver, CO; Tucson, AZ and Taiwan, SOE has an array of cutting-edge games in development.
“PlayStation”, “PLAYSTATION”, “PS” Family logo and “PSP” are registered trademarks of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. PSP® system – Internet connection and Memory Stick Duo™ may be required (sold separately). PLAYSTATION®3 – Online access requires broadband Internet service and a wireless access point or LAN. Certain limitations apply to Wi-Fi connectivity. User is responsible for Internet service fees.
© 2003 PopCap Games, Inc. Portions of this software are © 2006-2009 Sony Online Entertainment LLC. The PopCap logo and all other trademarks used herein that are listed at www.popcap.com/trademarks are owned by PopCap Games, Inc. or its licensors and may be registered in some countries. SOE and the SOE logo are registered trademarks of Sony Online Entertainment LLC.
All other trademarks and trade names are properties of their respective owners. All rights reserved.
Sega - Wii Screenshots for Mario and Sonic at The Winter Olympics
Sega - DS Screenshots for Mario and Sonic at The Winter Olympics
EA - Dwight Howard is Announced As The Cover Athlete for NBA Live 10.

EA have announced Dwight Howard As The Cover Athlete for NBA Live 10.
REDWOOD CITY, Calif. --(Business Wire)-- Jun 11, 2009 Electronic Arts Inc. (NASDAQ:ERTS) announced today that Orlando Magic center, Dwight Howard, will be the cover athlete for NBA LIVE 10. A three-time NBA All-Star, Howard is currently looking to lead the Magic franchise to their first NBA Championship. The No. 1 pick of the 2004 NBA Draft was the 2009 NBA Defensive Player of the Year presented by Kia Motors, an All-NBA First Team selection the last two seasons, and stole the show at the 2008 NBA Sprite Slam Dunk Contest with his superhero antics. Additionally, Howard was the starting center of the 2008 U.S. Basketball Men’s Senior National Team which won the gold medal at the Olympics in Beijing. NBA LIVE 10 is currently in development under the EA SPORTS™ brand by EA Canada in Vancouver, B.C. and will be available worldwide this October.
“It’s an honor to be named as the cover athlete for NBA LIVE 10,” said Howard. “This year has been a crazy ride and this is a cool way to cap it off. Of course - there is one more thing I’m on the hunt for that would complete it.”
Featuring several innovations to the core gameplay experience and online game modes, NBA LIVE 10 is bringing a renewed focus to the long-running EA SPORTS basketball franchise. The groundbreaking Dynamic DNA service, driven by Synergy Sports Technology, will make a return in NBA LIVE 10, with significant improvements that will allow players to connect their game to the NBA season like never before.
Along with Howard, regional NBA LIVE 10 cover athletes for France, Germany, Spain and Italy will be named at a later date.
The NBA LIVE franchise has graced multiple generations of consoles for over 15 years, and has sold more than 35 million units lifetime. The game will be available for the PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system, PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) system, and Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft. The game has not yet been rated by the ESRB. For more information, log onto www.nbalive10.com. Media can find screenshots and pack art of the game at http://info.ea.com.
EA SPORTS™ is the leading interactive sports software brand in the world, with top-selling titles and franchises includingMadden NFL Football, FIFA Soccer, NHL® hockey, NBA LIVE basketball, NCAA® Football and Tiger Woods PGA TOUR®.
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: EA SPORTSTM, EATM, EA MobileTM 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 and POGO are trademarks or registered trademarks of Electronic Arts Inc. in the U.S. and/or other countries. The NBA and individual NBA member team identifications used on or in this product are trademarks, copyrighted designs and other forms of intellectual properties of NBA Properties, Inc. and the respective NBA member teams and may not be used, in whole or in part, without the prior written consent of NBA Properties, Inc. © 2009 NBA Properties, Inc. All Rights Reserved. John Madden, NFL, FIFA, NHL, NCAA, and Tiger Woods PGA TOUR are trademarks of their respective owners and used with permission. Xbox and Xbox 360 are registered trademarks of the Microsoft group of companies. “PlayStation”, “PLAYSTATION” “PS” Family logo and “PSP” are registered trademarks of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. Memory