Friday, June 19, 2009

Re-Cap of Yesterdays News (oldest to newest)



Thursday, June 18, 2009

2K Sports - Winning Game Cover, As Voted By The Public, for NBA 2K10 Announced - Press Release


2K Sports have announced that a winner has been chosen in the peoples vote for the game cover of NBA 2K10. The Picture Above is the winning Box Art for the game.
2K Sports also congratulate its Cover Athlete, Kobe Bryant, who averaged over 32 points, five rebounds, and seven assists during the series, was named NBA Finals MVP


Press Release

NEW YORK --(Business Wire)-- Jun 18, 2009 2K Sports today congratulates cover athlete and spokesman of NBA 2K10, Kobe Bryant of the Los Angeles Lakers, on his fourth career NBA championship after recently defeating the Orlando Magic in the 2009 NBA Finals. Bryant, who averaged over 32 points, five rebounds, and seven assists during the series, was named NBA Finals MVP and this fall will lend his championship pedigree to NBA 2K10, the #1 selling basketball video game* and #1 rated NBA simulation **.

“We want to congratulate Kobe on the phenomenal accomplishment of winning his fourth career NBA championship with the Los Angeles Lakers, along with being named NBA Finals MVP,” said Greg Thomas, senior vice president of sports development for 2K. “He’s undoubtedly solidified his legacy as one of the greatest players in NBA history, and we couldn’t have chosen to partner with a more fitting player to be on the cover of NBA 2K10 this season, our 10th anniversary of theNBA 2K franchise.”

“It’s been an incredible journey for me and our team, and all of us could not be any happier right now,” said Bryant, a four-time NBA Champion for the Los Angeles Lakers. “It's an exciting time to be partnered with 2K Sports right now, as we look forward to releasing a championship-caliber game together for 2K's 10th Anniversary NBA Game."

In celebration of Bryant’s fourth career NBA championship, the result of the fan voting contest to select the official NBA 2K10 box cover is being revealed. Fans had the opportunity to select from four different NBA 2K10 box covers, and the winning selection is the image of a passionate Bryant emphatically popping his Los Angeles Lakers jersey. Other box covers included a classic image of Bryant driving the lane and another of Kobe hanging in the air grasping a basketball.

Coming this fall, NBA 2K10 is expected to deliver the most realistic, stylistic, and feature-rich simulation experience ever available in the NBA 2K franchise – from gameplay to graphics, presentation and online features. Developed by Visual Concepts, NBA 2K10 is not yet rated by the ESRB and will be available for Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system, PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system, PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) system, Wii™ system from Nintendo, and Windows PC. For more information, please visitwww.2ksports.com/games/nba2k10.
2K Sports is a division of 2K, a publishing label of Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. (NASDAQ: TTWO).

* According to The NPD Group estimates of U.S. retail video game sales of Xbox 360 and PLAYSTATION®3 NBA titles from October 2008 through May 2009.
** The NBA 2K series, published by 2K Sports, outranked competitors based on GameRankings.com average scores of 2001-2008 NBA video games.

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.

NBA
The NBA and individual NBA member team identifications used on or in this product are trademarks, copyrighted designs and other forms of intellectual property 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. (C) 2008 NBA Properties, Inc. All rights reserved.
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.



Microsoft - Pre-Order Halo ODST and Get Sgt. Johnson As A Firefight Playable Character - Press Release

Microsoft have announced that if you Pre-Order Halo ODST, you get Sgt. Johnson as a playable character in their new co-op mode.
Firefight is a new multiplayer mode where you and your friends are a ODST squad and fight together against ever increasing waves of enemies.




Press Release


LONDON – 18 June 2009: Listen up rookies! “Halo 3: ODST” drops on September 22, but will you and your team have what it takes to survive the Covenant onslaught in the new cooperative multiplayer mode, Firefight? Firefight will put you to the test as you and your friends assume the role of an ODST squad and fight together to take on increasingly challenging waves of enemies. It’s where new “Halo” heroes will be born, and an opportunity to step into the boots of a legend. If you pre-order “Halo 3: ODST” at participating retailers, you will receive a token to unlock grizzled UNSC hero Sgt. Johnson as a playable character in Firefight.

Fan favourite and “Halo” series stalwart Sergeant Avery Junior Johnson is a tough-as-nails career Marine who has been in more life or death battles than you've had hot meals. He’s survived more infectious Flood outbreaks, greased more Covenant bad guys, and earned more medals than any other twenty soldiers. And now you get to walk a mile in his shoes.

New campaign
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.

New cooperative multiplayer experience
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.

The complete “Halo 3” competitive multiplayer collection
“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.

Ensure your place in the “Halo: Reach” beta
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+.

For more information about “Halo 3: ODST” and to download assets of Sgt. Johnson, the “Halo 3: ODST”, check out http://www.microsoft.gamespress.com/.

About Xbox 360
Xbox 360 is a superior video game and entertainment system delivering the best games, unique entertainment features and a unified online gaming network that revolve around gamers. Xbox 360 has a portfolio of more than 300 games in nearly 40 countries. More information can be found online athttp://www.xbox.com/xbox360.

About Microsoft Game Studios
Microsoft Game Studios is a leading worldwide publisher and developer of games for the Xbox and Xbox 360 video game systems, the Windows operating system and online platforms. Comprising a network of top developers, Microsoft Game Studios is committed to creating innovative and diverse games for Windows (http://www.microsoft.com/games), including such franchises as “Age of Empires,” “Flight Simulator” and “Zoo Tycoon”; Xbox and Xbox 360 (http://www.xbox.com), including such games as “Gears of War” and franchises such as “Halo,” “Fable,” “Project Gotham Racing” and “Forza Motorsport”; and MSN Games (http://www.games.msn.com), the official games channel for the MSN network and home to such hits as “Bejeweled” and “Hexic.

About Xbox LIVE
Xbox LIVE is the first and most comprehensive unified online entertainment network seamlessly integrated throughout the entire console experience, making it easy for people to find the friends, games and entertainment they want from the moment they power on their Xbox 360 system. Xbox LIVE connects millions of members across 26 countries to enjoy hundreds of multiplayer games, downloadable games via Xbox LIVE Arcade, free and premium playable game demos, music videos, TV shows and movies in the United States as well as new game levels, characters and vehicles for all their favourite retail games. More information can be found online athttp://www.xbox.com/en-us/live.

About Xbox LIVE Arcade
Xbox LIVE Arcade on Xbox 360 is the premier destination for digitally distributed high-definition games. Xbox LIVE Arcade is a fast-growing phenomenon with a diverse library of original development and classic titles from the world’s best independent and established developers and publishers. With a dynamically updated library and free trials for every title, Xbox LIVE Arcade makes it easy for every type of gamer — from casual to hard-core — to get instantly immersed in the fun. Xbox LIVE Arcade also lets friends connect and play these incredible games either from the same room or from around the world via the Xbox LIVE online entertainment network. More information can be found online athttp://www.xbox.com/en-US/games/livearcade.

About Microsoft
Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq “MSFT”) is the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realize their full potential.

Sega - Lets Catch Screenshots And Lets Tap Is Released June 19th - Press Release

Sega have released screens for Lets Catch, which is out June 19th in Eu, and announced that Lets Tap has hit retail for £24.99 and is also out June 19th.
Lets Catch is a new twist on the game of catch, with 6 different single player and multiplayer modes, including passing a bomb before it explodes, which require timing and hand eye coordination.




Press Release

LONDON & SAN FRANCISCO (June 16, 2009) – SEGA® Europe Ltd. and SEGA America, Inc. today announced they have shipped LET’S TAP™ for Nintendo Wii™, which will be available at retail for £24.99. Another Wii exclusive, LET’S CATCH™, Yuji Naka’s second title from his Prope studio, will be available for download from the Nintendo Channel store on the day of the LET’S TAP release - 19th of June 2009.

Blazing new ground in the Nintendo Wii™ control design allows LET’S TAP players to simply tap their fingers on the Wii remote, giving hours of simple unadulterated fun. LET’S CATCH brings the time-honoured game of catch into players homes but with some creative new twists! LET’S TAP and LET’S CATCH are the first two products developed by Prope, the studio that Sonic the Hedgehog™ creator Yuji Naka established in 2006.

“We’re very excited to offer this new and innovative way of playing with the Wii” says Gary Knight, European Marketing Director SEGA Europe. “Let’s Tap and Let’s Catch have made outstanding use of the creative technology available on this platform, making gaming easy for all generations and levels of players.”

Developed exclusively for Nintendo’s Wii™ system, LET’S TAP utilises a ground-breaking control scheme whereby the Wii remote is placed on a box or flat surface so it can detect minute vibrations. Consumers of all ages and skill levels then tap the box or flat surface to interact with the game, so there’s no need to hold the controller!

LET’S TAP presents an assortment of different finger-tapping challenges for players to master, in Tap Runner differing finger tapping pressure makes simple stick figure racers run through an obstacle course, whilst Visualizer allows users to create dazzling fireworks, dramatic paint strokes and other effects as they tap out different rhythm patterns corresponding to different effects. Silent Blocks finds players taking turns removing blocks from a large stack, but tapping too hard will result in a collapsing stack of blocks. Bubble Voyager allows players to fly through space, blasting obstacles and enemies in order to reach the far stretches of the universe, and finally Rhythm Tap sees players tapping their fingers in time to high energy music.

LET’S CATCH is a new twist on the game of catch with six different single and multiplayer modes to play. Excelling through good timing and hand-eye coordination, players will find themselves playing games that range from passing a bomb before it explodes; testing their ability to catch a fast ball, and challenging throwing accuracy.

LET’S TAP and LET’S CATCH were developed at Prope Tokyo. For more information on both titles please visit www.sega.com/letstap

About SEGA® Europe:

SEGA® Europe Ltd. is the European Distribution arm of Tokyo, Japan-based SEGA® Corporation, and a worldwide leader in interactive entertainment both inside and outside the home. The company develops and distributes interactive entertainment software products for a variety of hardware platforms including PC, wireless devices, and those manufactured by Nintendo, Microsoft and Sony Computer Entertainment Europe. SEGA Europe’s web site is located at www.sega-europe.com.

About SEGA of America

SEGA® of America, Inc. is the American arm of Tokyo, Japan-based SEGA® Corporation, a worldwide leader in interactive entertainment both inside and outside the home. The company develops, publishes and distributes interactive entertainment software products for a variety of hardware platforms including PC, wireless devices, and those manufactured by Nintendo, Microsoft and Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. SEGA of America’s Web site is located at www.sega.com/us


UK PSN Update 18/06/09

Small PSN Update this week. EU Playstation Blog reconsises this by saying "After last Thursday’s mammoth update to the PlayStation Store, things have calmed down a little this week, so if you missed any of the great content from Thursday 11th June, or the previous weeks, then this could be a good opportunity for you to catch up. "1



PS3 Games

Motorstorm 2 Pacfici Rift – Jester Signature Livery [Free]

Demo's
NONE

Guitar Hero - World Tour
Ben Harper and Relentless7 Trac Pack [£4.39]
“Fly One Time” by Ben Harper and Relentless7 [£1.59]
“Number With No Name” by Ben Harper and Relentless7 [£1.59]
“Tshimmer and Shine” by Ben Harper and Relentless7 [£1.59]

Rock Band
NONE

Videos
inFamous - Behind the Scenes, Technology
Assassins Creed 2 – Commented Gameplay Trailer
Mini Ninjas – Hiro Character
Motorstorm 2 Pacific Rift – Speed Expansion Trailer
Inferno Pool Trailer

Wallpaper
Assassins Creed 2 Wallpaper

Theme
NONE

PS1 Classic
NONE

PSP
NONE



1 http://blog.eu.playstation.com/2009/06/18/playstation-store-update-%e2%80%93-18th-june-2009/

Re-Cap of Yesterdays News (oldest to newest)




New Zero Punctuation - E3 2009

Oops, forgot this weeks Zero Punctuation.
This week, he wades through the E3 hype in the only way he knows how.