Wednesday, July 8, 2009

Funcom - Ex Age Of Conan Users Can Come Back With 2 Free Weeks - Press Release

Funcom have annoucned a new program to bring back ex users of Age of Conan. anyone who had an active account in Age Of Conan can come back for 2 weeks free playing. Activations will run from July 8th till July 22nd.
Funcom have also released the best screenshots of the game.




Press Release

Durham, USA – July 8th, 2009 – Funcom is proud to announce the launch of the first re-evaluation campaign for its best-selling MMO ‘Age of Conan: Hyborian Adventures’. Anyone with a previously active account can now reactivate and play for two weeks – completely free of charge and with no strings attached. With the slew of massive updates and improvements done to the game since launch, Funcom is eager to let players experience what the press have already dubbed “the second coming of Conan”.

The list of additions, changes and improvements are many, and a new website that aims to inform press and gamers everywhere about how ‘Age of Conan’ has improved since launch is now live.

The new re-evaluation website can be found here.

“For anyone with an inactive account who ever thought about giving it another try, this is your chance,” says Morten Larssen, Vice-President of Sales and Marketing at Funcom. “After the hugely successful launch last year we immediately started working on updates that would make the game better and provide more content for players, and that is what we have been doing this past year. With the most recent update just out the door, this is the time to ask players to come back and see the results!”

The re-evaluation offer is valid from July 8th to July 22nd and is available to anyone with a closed account in good standing. Reactivating at any time within this period will open for two weeks of free play – regardless of when you choose to act within that time period. There are no costs associated with this offer or any subscription obligations. It is also important to note that the free trial campaign will temporarily be closed to ensure the best play environment for all returning players.

Since launching last year ‘Age of Conan’ has been lovingly improved by a dedicated development team who has launched several major updates to the game. These updates have all added a wealth of new content such as the massive outdoor area of the giants known as Ymir’s Pass, the huge dungeon Xibaluku, and the vast new cityscape of Tarantia Commons among others. All of these areas have added countless hours of adventure through new quests, enemies, and rewards. New features have also been implemented such as an extensive player vs. player notoriety system that allows players to become murderers and hunt each other down for exclusive rewards, improved DirectX 10 graphics technology that allows for some spectacular visuals, and a massive revitalization of the core role-playing system.

“It has been quite a journey for the entire team getting to where we are today,” says Game Director on ‘Age of Conan’ Craig Morrison. “I think that players have always seen the great potential in ‘Age of Conan’ and we have put a lot of effort into realizing that potential. The game has improved tremendously since launch and we look forward to having players come back and seeing the changes for themselves!”

Funcom is also running a major give-away in cooperation with Eurogamer.net and MMORPG.com this week. Each site are giving away one thousand full copies of ‘Age of Conan’ each – including 30 days of free playtime – so head on over if you want to secure a free passage into the savage world of Conan!

Launching in May last year ‘Age of Conan’ quickly became a smash hit in retail, shipping over 1.2 million copies around the world. In North America, the most prominent online gaming market in the west, ‘Age of Conan’ became the third best-selling PC title of the year only beaten by ‘Spore’ and ‘World of Warcraft’. In the weeks after launch ‘Age of Conan’ simultaneously topped the charts in 17 countries, and the game received critical acclaim from gaming press across the globe. ‘Age of Conan’ is now available in English, French, German, Spanish, Russian and Polish localized versions, and is being prepared for launch in Korea as well.

THQ - All Star Cheer Squad 2 Announced for Nintendo Wii - Press Release

http://www.mobygames.com/images/i/23/09/446609.gif

THQ have announced All Star Cheer Squad 2 For the Nintendo Wii, A Sequel to All Star Cheer Squad, which is set for a fall release.
The game will feature 14 locations, and instead of starting out new, players are the captain of the Tiger Squad. The game makes use of the Wii Balance Board for executing moves, as well as using two Wii Remotes. There are more customisation options for makeup, hair and uniforms. You can challenge friends over WiiConnect24.

Press Release

AGOURA HILLS, Calif. – April 30, 2009 – THQ Inc. (NASDAQ: THQI) today announced that All Star Cheer Squad™2, is currently in development exclusively for Wii™ and is scheduled for release this fall. Tony G, world renowned cheer choreographer best known for his work on the Bring it On movies, will once again serve as chief consultant for the title.

In All Star Cheer Squad 2, 14 exotic locations from around the world will serve as the backdrop for global cheer competitions. No longer a newbie, players will start out as the captain of the Tiger Squad, leading the team to victory by utilizing an all-new diverse move set that includes real-world aerial stunts, tumbling, formation changes and advanced moves on the Wii Balance Board™ accessory. Moves can be executed by using two Wii Remotes™, allowing for greater mobility. Players will select their squad members and then choose from more customization options including new makeup, hairstyle and uniforms. Because every routine needs a good beat first, All Star Cheer Squad 2 will feature even more original cheer music. Combined with an upgraded routine editor featuring a music mixer, a choreography editor and the ability to challenge friends via WiiConnect24™, All Star Cheer Squad 2 will allow players to live the ultimate cheer experience.

*Source: The NPD Group / Retail Tracking Service; Title – All Star Cheer Squad

All Star Cheer Squad 2 is being developed by Gorilla in Tampa, Florida. For more information on this game, as well as additional THQ titles, please visit www.playthq.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, All Star Cheer Squad and their respective logos are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of THQ Inc.

Wii, Wii Remote, Wii Balance Board and WiiConnect24 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 All Star Cheer Squad 2 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, 2008, 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 - James Patterson: Womens Murder Club: Games of Passion, Nintendo DS Packshot, Screenshot and Video.


THQ Have released the box art for the Nintendo DS Game Women's Murder Club, as well as a screenshot.







EA - NERF 2 N-Strike Elite Announced for Nintendo Wii - Press Release



EA Have announced NERF 2: N-Strike Elite, a sequel to last years NERF N-Strike, For the Nintendo Wii. The game comes out in celebration of NERF's 40th year anniversary with HASBRO.
The game improves on the previous title in nearly every way. there's more blasters, more upgrades, and a new 3-in-1 blaster. the game also has 2 player co-op.


Press Release

EDWOOD CITY, Calif. --(Business Wire)-- Jul 08, 2009 The Play Label of Electronic Arts, Inc. (NASDAQ: ERTS) today announced that NERF 2: “N-Strike”™ Elite is in development exclusively for the Wii™ video game system. Heralding the 40th anniversary year of Hasbro Inc.’s NERF brand, NERF 2: “N-Strike” Elite will deploy this fall, bundled with a newly designed blue NERF SWITCH SHOT EX-3 blaster and attachable decoder lens that will deliver a blend of covert operation elements with over-the-top blasting missions. NERF 2: “N-Strike” Elite is the second game in EA’s blaster arsenal following the holiday ’08 hit, NERF “N-Strike” in North America, which was EA’s second best-selling Wii game and a Top 20 Wii title in 2008 by revenue, according to NPD.

“In the world of NERF, more is always better – so that is exactly what we’re going to deliver with NERF 2: “N-Strike” Elite,” said Chip Lange, General Manager of EA’s Hasbro Division. “We’re building on the enormous success of the first video game that rocked the market last holiday season as a ‘must have’ gift for Wii gamers. With NERF 2: “N-Strike” Elite we’re essentially cranking up every element of the experience starting with a new 3-in-1 blaster that will have kids’ jaws dropping as hidden gameplay elements come into focus through a NERF decoder scope. That, together with more in-game blasters and millions of upgrade combinations, a new army of robots to defeat, and enhanced co-op play, is sure to put NERF 2: “N-Strike” Elite on top again this year.”

NERF 2: “N-Strike” Elite will feature a classic rail shooter style of gameplay and equip players with a cache of fresh features. With the Wii-remote snapped into the NERF SWITCH SHOT EX-3 blaster and the red reveal lens engaged, players will be able to detect enemy weak spots, solve puzzles and decode secret messages as they blast their way to victory. Boys in the target age range of 8 to 12 will jump into battle as one of four playable characters, each with their own unique customizeable blasters and abilities. For those players who find themselves in a melee that requires back-up, NERF 2: “N-Strike” Elite will include two-player co-op, allowing buddies to immediately jump in and join the crusade. Players will also interact with a veritable army of robots including B.O.B., the same recruiting robot from the first NERF “N-Strike” game.
“As Hasbro gears up to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the NERF brand, the top boys property in the toy industry, EA is poised to arrive at the party with the most innovative NERF digital gameplay experience to date,” said Mark Blecher, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Digital Gaming and Media at Hasbro. “NERF 2: “N-Strike” Elite will deliver an incredibly innovative and fun NERF-inspired experience that will resonate with tween boys and also get the nod of approval from Mom.”

The NERF 2: “N-Strike” Elite 3-in-1 video game and SWITCH SHOT EX-3 with scope toy bundle is being developed by EA Salt Lake and will launch this fall. For more information, please visit Nerf.ea.com.

About the NERF Brand
The number one toy brand for boys in the 9 to 12 age range, NERF was first introduced in 1969 with a polyurethane foam ball that was marketed as the first official indoor ball. Based on the popularity of that ball came a follow up larger version called the Super NERF Ball. Next a basketball game was introduced and then the football, which became the most popular NERF ball. Celebrating its 40th anniversary this year, the NERF line has continued to expand to include a variety of sports balls, blasters to more recently video games and video game accessories through licensing agreements with Electronic Arts and PDP, respectively.

About Electronic Arts
Electronic Arts Inc. (EA), headquartered in Redwood City, California, is the world's leading interactive entertainment software company. Founded in 1982, the Company develops, publishes, and distributes interactive software worldwide for video game systems, personal computers, cellular handsets 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.

About Hasbro
Hasbro, Inc. (NYSE:HAS) is a worldwide leader in children’s and family leisure time products and services with a rich portfolio of brands and entertainment properties that provides some of the highest quality and most recognizable play and recreational experiences in the world. As a brand-driven, consumer-focused global company, Hasbro brings to market a range of toys, games and licensed products, from traditional to high-tech and digital, under such powerful brand names as TRANSFORMERS, PLAYSKOOL, TONKA, MILTON BRADLEY, PARKER BROTHERS, CRANIUM and WIZARDS OF THE COAST. Come see how we inspire play through our brands at http://www.hasbro.com. © 2009 Hasbro, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
EA, EA SPORTS, EA Mobile, and Pogo are trademarks or registered trademarks of Electronic Arts Inc. in the U.S. and/or other countries. HASBRO, NERF and N-STRIKE are trademarks of Hasbro and are used with permission. Wii is a trademark of Nintendo. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.



EA - SimAnimals Africa Trailer for Wii and DS

EA Have released the trailer for SimAnimals on both the Wii and DS.
Yesterdays post with screenshots can be found here.






Re-Cap of Yesterdays News (oldest to newest)





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+.