Zen Studios Announce A Fantastic 4 Table For Marvel Pinbal Is Coming 18th May

In Celebration of 50 years of The Fantastic Four, Zen Studios have announced they are released a new Fantastic Four table for Zen Pinball. This new table will come out on the PSN in the USA on 17th May and 18th May on the PSN and XBLA across Europe.


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Screenshots


Press Release

LOS ANGELES – April 29, 2011 – ZEN Studios today announced that “Fantastic Four” will be the newest addition to Marvel Pinballon PlayStation®Network and Xbox LIVE® Arcade for the Xbox®360 videogame and entertainment system from Microsoft. Helping to commemorate this year’s 50th anniversary of Marvel’s First Family, who ushered in a new age of Super Heroes in 1961’s FANTASTIC FOUR #1, this downloadable content will be available May 17 for Marvel Pinball on PlayStation®Network in North America, and May 18 for PlayStation®Network Europe and Pinball FX2 on Xbox LIVE® Arcade.

Featuring Mister Fantastic, the Invisible Woman, the Thing and the Human Torch, the Fantastic Four table features loads of interactive 3D models, online multiplayer competition and multiple layers of Super Hero gameplay. Guide the ball up the Torch Ramp, discover a set of Invisible Flippers, and feel the full crushing force of the Thing as you take down Doctor Doom just in time to face mighty Galactus and save Earth from obliteration.

“Fantastic Four” will seamlessly integrate into the Pinball FX2 platform on Xbox LIVE® Arcade, and Marvel Pinballplatform on PlayStation®Network, with full social feature support. “Fantastic Four” will also feature new Achievements and Trophies, operators menu and rule sheet.

Guest starring such fan favorites as Galactus, Doctor Doom, Super-Skrull, the Mole Man and H.E.R.B.I.E. the robot, the Fantastic Four table adds another action-packed pinball adventure to the critically acclaimed Marvel Pinball,which already includes “The Amazing Spider-Man,” “Wolverine,” “The Invincible Iron Man” and “Blade.”

For the latest Marvel Pinball news and more details on the Fantastic Four table, visit www.marvelpinball.com.

About ZEN Studios
ZEN Studios is a global producer and digital publisher of interactive entertainment software for all leading game platforms including Microsoft Xbox 360®, PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system, PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) system, Nintendo DS™, Wii, and Apple iPhone / iPod Touch. The company is headquartered in Budapest, Hungary with representative offices in Canada and California. ZEN Studios has worked with some of the largest intellectual properties in the videogame industry, including Capcom’s Street Fighter and Marvel Comics’ The Punisher. ZEN’s Pinball FX2 franchise on Xbox LIVE® Arcade is one of the most popular titles on the platform. The studio launched Marvel Pinball in December, 2010. For more information about ZEN Studios, please visit www.zenstudios.com.

About Marvel Entertainment
Marvel Entertainment, LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company, is one of the world's most prominent character-based entertainment companies, built on a proven library of over 8,000 characters featured in a variety of media over seventy years. Marvel utilizes its character franchises in entertainment, licensing and publishing. For more information visit http://www.marvel.com/. Super Hero(es) is a co-owned registered trademark.

MARVEL, Fantastic Four, and all related characters: TM & © 2011 Marvel Entertainment, LLC. and its subsidiaries. Licensed by Marvel Characters B.V. www.marvel.com. All rights reserved.

Sony Online Entertainment Announce Hackers May Have Stolen Information From 24.6 Million Accounts

Sony Online Entertainment have confirmed that they and their customers are also a victim in the Sony PSN Hacking Incident. It appears that during the attack on the PSN, a similar attack was made on Sony Online Entertainment. because of this, Sony Online Entertainment has shut down all the servers related to their products. The result from this attack on credit/debit cards is:

• 12,700 non-USA credit/debit card numbers and expiration dates (not security codes) may have been stolen.
• 10,700 Direct Debit records from Austria, Germany, Netherlands and Spain may have been stolen. this information would also have bank account number, customer name, account name, customer address.

As well as the details above, personal information from 24.6 Million user accounts has also illegally been obtained. this information includes:

• name
• address
• e-mail address
• birthdate
• gender
• phone number
• login name
• hashed password.

In response to this, Sony Online Entertainment will grant all customers an additional 30 days to pay their subscriptions as well as compensating them for the time their games are down. Sony Online Entertainment will also work with users in enrolling them in identity theft protection services.

Additional Information from Joystiq

Press Release

Tokyo, May 3, 2011
- Sony Corporation and Sony Computer Entertainment announced today that their ongoing investigation of illegal intrusions into Sony Online Entertainment LLC (SOE, the company) systems revealed yesterday morning (May 2, Tokyo time) that hackers may have stolen SOE customer information on April 16th and 17th, 2011 (PDT). SOE is based in San Diego, California, U.S.A.
This information, which was discovered by engineers and security consultants reviewing SOE systems, showed that personal information from approximately 24.6 million SOE accounts may have been stolen, as well as certain information from an outdated database from 2007. The information from the outdated database that may have been stolen includes approximately 12,700 non-U.S. credit or debit card numbers and expiration dates (but not credit card security codes), and about 10,700 direct debit records of certain customers in Austria, Germany, Netherlands and Spain.
With the current outage of the PlayStation® Network and Qriocity™ services and the ongoing investigation into the recent attacks, SOE had also undertaken an intensive investigation into its system. Upon discovery of this additional information, the company promptly shut down all servers related to SOE services while continuing to review and upgrade all of its online security systems in the face of these unprecedented cyber-attacks.
On May 1, Sony apologized to its customers for the inconvenience caused by its network services outages. The company is working with the FBI and continuing its own full investigation while working to restore all services.
Sony is making this disclosure as quickly as possible after the discovery of the theft, and the company has posted information on its website and will send e-mails to all consumers whose data may have been stolen.
The personal information of the approximately 24.6 million SOE accounts that was illegally obtained, to the extent it had been provided to SOE, is as follows:
name
address
e-mail address
birthdate
gender
phone number
login name
hashed password.
In addition to the information above, the 10,700 direct debit records from accounts in Austria, Germany, Netherlands and Spain, include:
bank account number
customer name
account name
customer address.
SOE will grant customers 30 days of additional time on their subscriptions, in addition to compensating them one day for each day the system is down. It is also in the process of outlining a “make good” plan for its PlayStation®3 MMOs (DC Universe Online and Free Realms). More information will be released this week.
Additionally, the company is committed to helping its customers protect their personal data and will provide a complimentary offering to assist users in enrolling in identity theft protection services and/or similar programs. The implementation will be at a local level and further details will be made available shortly in each region.
Sony Online Entertainment LLC (SOE) has been a recognized worldwide leader in massively multiplayer online games since 1999. Best known for its blockbuster hits and franchises, including EverQuest®, EverQuest® II, Champions of Norrath®, PlanetSide®, Free Realms®, Clone Wars Adventures™, and DC Universe Online™, SOE creates, develops and provides compelling online entertainment for virtually all platforms, including the PlayStation®3 Computer Entertainment System, Personal Computer, mobile and social networks. SOE is building on its proven legacy and pioneering the future of the interactive entertainment space through creative development and inspired gameplay design for audiences of all ages. To learn more, visit www.soe.com.
For more information and update about the SOE services, please visit www.soe.com/securityupdate.

Hit X Podcast: All The News From QTE Gamers From Monday 2nd May

This is all the news From Monday 2nd May.

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The Re-Cap: News From QTE Gamers From Monday 2nd May

• JP Consoles, PSP 49.162, 3DS 23.038, PS3 19.033 Wii 7.866, DSiLL 7.064 DSi 6.214, 360 1.891, PS2 1.163, DS 283, PSPgo 265 http://ht.ly/4KYtZ
• 3DS: Its rumoured Nintendo will have a limited release for The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, decide who gets what http://ht.ly/4KYMi
• QTE Blog: Sony Announce Some PSN Services Will Return This Week, Announce "Appreciation Program" http://ht.ly/1crJWx
• Its reported IGN and UGO, who run 1UP, are merging. the new company would focus on news, work outside of News Corp http://ht.ly/4KYO3
• Xbox: Video has emerged of a cancelled Sonic game called Sonic Extreme. it was a skateboarding game http://ht.ly/4KYPe
• a Prototype video for El Shaddai: Ascension of the Metatron has been found, in 2007 it was called Angelic, different art http://ht.ly/4KYQS
• Valve announce Portal 2 DLC 1 is coming this summer and it'll be free. the pack will have new test chambers + challenges http://ht.ly/4KYRQ
• Hideki Kamiya, the director of Bayonetta, has been doing a directors commentary for the game as he plays through it http://ht.ly/4KYSV
• There are reports the Japanese PSN is back online for some people, no official confirmation from Sony Japan http://ht.ly/4Ljv4
• Sony Online Entertainment have suspended their services after they found an issue that needed to be looked at http://ht.ly/4Lkr0
• 3DS: its reported Nintendo will only release 150,000 copies of Zelda Ocarina Of Time 3D when it launches in Japan http://ht.ly/4LlVb
• Wii: The ESRB has rated Chrono Trigger for the Virtual Console, expected to be 900 Wii Points, unannounced for USA http://ht.ly/4Lna6

Sony Announce Some PSN Services Will Return This Week, Announce "Appreciaition Program"

Sony have announced that from this week, they will begin restoring the PSN. this rollout will be phased, but Sony has detailed what services they'll try to get back online this week:

• Restoration of Online game-play across the PlayStation®3 (PS3) and PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) systems
• -This includes titles requiring online verification and downloaded games
• Access to Music Unlimited powered by Qriocity for PS3/PSP for existing subscribers
• Access to account management and password reset
• Access to download un-expired Movie Rentals on PS3, PSP and MediaGo
• PlayStation®Home
• Friends List
• Chat Functionality

Sony have also announced they are offering compensation for PSN users in a "Welcome Back" appreciation program. Everyone will get:

• Each territory will be offering selected PlayStation entertainment content for free download. Specific details of this content will be announced in each region soon.
• All existing PlayStation Network customers will be provided with 30 days free membership in the PlayStation Plus premium service. Current members of PlayStation Plus will receive 30 days free service.
• Music Unlimited powered by Qriocity subscribers (in countries where the service is available) will receive 30 days free service.

Additional offerings will be rolled out over the coming weeks as more of the PSN services return.

The full press release details some of the behind the scenes moves Sony is doing to enhance security and can be read by clicking on Press Release.

Press Release

Tokyo, May 1, 2011 – Sony Computer Entertainment (SCE) and Sony Network Entertainment International (SNEI, the company) announced they will shortly begin a phased restoration by region of PlayStation®Network and Qriocity™ services, beginning with gaming, music and video services to be turned on. The company also announced both a series of immediate steps to enhance security across the network and a new customer appreciation program to thank its customers for their patience and loyalty.

Following a criminal cyber-attack on the company’s data-center located in San Diego, California, U.S.A., SNEI quickly turned off the PlayStation Network and Qriocity services, engaged multiple expert information security firms over the course of several days and conducted an extensive audit of the system. Since then, the company has implemented a variety of new security measures to provide greater protection of personal information. SNEI and its third-party experts have conducted extensive tests to verify the security strength of the PlayStation Network and Qriocity services. With these measures in place, SCE and SNEI plan to start a phased rollout by region of the services shortly. The initial phase of the rollout will include, but is not limited to, the following:

Restoration of Online game-play across the PlayStation®3 (PS3) and PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) systems
-This includes titles requiring online verification and downloaded games
Access to Music Unlimited powered by Qriocity for PS3/PSP for existing subscribers
Access to account management and password reset
Access to download un-expired Movie Rentals on PS3, PSP and MediaGo
PlayStation®Home
Friends List
Chat Functionality

Working closely with several outside security firms, the company has implemented significant security measures to further detect unauthorized activity and provide consumers with greater protection of their personal information. The company is also creating the position of Chief Information Security Officer, directly reporting to Shinji Hasejima, Chief Information Officer of Sony Corporation, to add a new position of expertise in and accountability for customer data protection and supplement existing information security personnel. The new security measures implemented include, but are not limited to, the following:

Added automated software monitoring and configuration management to help defend against new attacks
Enhanced levels of data protection and encryption
Enhanced ability to detect software intrusions within the network, unauthorized access and unusual activity patterns
Implementation of additional firewalls

The company also expedited an already planned move of the system to a new data center in a different location that has been under construction and development for several months. In addition, PS3 will have a forced system software update that will require all registered PlayStation Network users to change their account passwords before being able to sign into the service. As an added layer of security, that password can only be changed on the same PS3 in which that account was activated, or through validated email confirmation, a critical step to help further protect customer data.

The company is conducting a thorough and on-going investigation and working with law enforcement to track down and prosecute those responsible for the illegal intrusion.
“This criminal act against our network had a significant impact not only on our consumers, but our entire industry. These illegal attacks obviously highlight the widespread problem with cyber-security. We take the security of our consumers’ information very seriously and are committed to helping our consumers protect their personal data. In addition, the organization has worked around the clock to bring these services back online, and are doing so only after we had verified increased levels of security across our networks,” said Kazuo Hirai, Executive Deputy President, Sony Corporation. “Our global audience of PlayStation Network and Qriocity consumers was disrupted. We have learned lessons along the way about the valued relationship with our consumers, and to that end, we will be launching a customer appreciation program for registered consumers as a way of expressing our gratitude for their loyalty during this network downtime, as we work even harder to restore and regain their trust in us and our services.”

Complimentary Offering and “Welcome Back” Appreciation Program
While there is no evidence at this time that credit card data was taken, the company is committed to helping its customers protect their personal data and will provide a complimentary offering to assist users in enrolling in identity theft protection services and/or similar programs. The implementation will be at a local level and further details will be made available shortly in each region.
The company will also rollout the PlayStation Network and Qriocity “Welcome Back” program, to be offered worldwide, which will be tailored to specific markets to provide our consumers with a selection of service options and premium content as an expression of the company’s appreciation for their patience, support and continued loyalty.

Central components of the “Welcome Back” program will include:
Each territory will be offering selected PlayStation entertainment content for free download. Specific details of this content will be announced in each region soon.
All existing PlayStation Network customers will be provided with 30 days free membership in the PlayStation Plus premium service. Current members of PlayStation Plus will receive 30 days free service.
Music Unlimited powered by Qriocity subscribers (in countries where the service is available) will receive 30 days free service.

Additional “Welcome Back” entertainment and service offerings will be rolled out over the coming weeks as the company returns the PlayStation Network and Qriocity services to the quality standard users have grown to enjoy and strive to exceed those exceptions.

SNEI will continue to reinforce and verify security for transactions before resuming the PlayStation®Store and other Qriocity operations, scheduled for this month.
For more information about the PlayStation Network and Qriocity services intrusion and restoration, please visit http://blog.us.playstation.com. or http://blog.eu.playstation.com/

About Sony Corporation
Sony Corporation is a leading manufacturer of audio, video, game, communications, key device and information technology products for the consumer and professional markets. With its music, pictures, computer entertainment and on-line businesses, Sony is uniquely positioned to be the leading electronics and entertainment company in the world. Sony recorded consolidated annual sales of approximately $78 billion for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2010. Sony Global Web Site: http://www.sony.net/
About Sony Computer Entertainment Inc.

Recognized as the global leader and company responsible for the progression of consumer-based computer entertainment, Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. (SCEI) manufactures, distributes and markets the PlayStation® game console, the PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system, the PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) handheld entertainment system and the PlayStation®3 (PS3®) system. PlayStation has revolutionized home entertainment by introducing advanced 3D graphic processing, and PlayStation 2 further enhances the PlayStation legacy as the core of home networked entertainment. PSP is a handheld entertainment system that allows users to enjoy 3D games, with high-quality full-motion video, and high-fidelity stereo audio. PS3 is an advanced computer system, incorporating the state-of-the-art Cell processor with super computer like power. SCEI, along with its subsidiary divisions Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc., Sony Computer Entertainment Europe Ltd., and Sony Computer Entertainment Korea Inc. develops, publishes, markets and distributes software, and manages the third party licensing programs for these platforms in the respective markets worldwide. Headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, SCEI is an independent business unit of the Sony Group.

QTE Tweets Of The Week

This is the top 9 most clicked news stories from the QTE Gamers Twitter Stream. Its not surprising what made it into the top 9 this week. Any news regarding the PSN and Sony was big and as there wasn't much official news, its mostly rumours. Issues with the 360 also snuck into the top 9 as did a mockup of the upcoming iPhone 5.

9 360: There are reports of previously banned Xbox 360 consoles reconnecting to Xbox Live, not clear how unbanned they are http://ht.ly/4I8kv

8 Sony admit they still don't know if credit card information for PSN users were stolen during the attack http://ht.ly/4GB8t

7 PS3: Sony announce there'll be a Software update for the PS3 when the PSN is restarted, users required to change password http://ht.ly/4J4NR

6 iPhone: respectable source releases Mockup of iPhone 5, 3.7Inch screen, 960x640, thin, bigger Home button + more http://ht.ly/4GjZV

5 PS3: Sony are reportedly evaluating ways to show appreciation for PSN users patience during this down period http://ht.ly/4JBqT

4 Sony confirm the PSN did suffer a Hacking attack. Sony took down PSN to fix it, strengthen it, secure it. PSN Still down http://ht.ly/4Gk94

3 Chat logs February leaked, rumoured to be a conservation between PSN hackers, say credit details not encrypted http://ht.ly/4I9BJ

2 Anonymous have released a video insisting they had nothing to do with the PSN attack, before Sony took it down http://ht.ly/4GmCP

1 PS3: its rumoured when the PSN returns, a PS3 update will also come bringing Cross game chat, in game video chat + more http://ht.ly/4Ieva

What Have You Played This Week?

Its been a couple of weeks since I last did one of these. It was mostly due to a mix of bank holidays, public holidays, internet destroying itself. Still, here we are again and yes there's the usual suspects on this list but it should become clear that I now have a new toy...yep my beloved HTC Hero has been replaced with my phone upgrade the iPhone 4. I did play more games, but the ones I mention here are my particular highlights.

Football Manager 2010 – PC – what i've not mentioned in news on this game is that i've been the national coach of Vanuatu. Some may think its a strange choice and its not easy at all, but I have a special affinity for the country and tend to look to help them out in these sort of games. Havant is doing great in the Championship and pushing for promotion. Its meant to be harder, but i'm finding this season in the championship easier than the last season in League 1.

Pokèmon White – DS – simply, I have all 8 gym badges now. I'm at the stage where i'm levelling up my team to lvl 50+. my current team is, and its the team I used at the last gym, Boldore, Leavanny, Zebstrika, Lampent, Sigilyph, and Samurott. I've also been making use of the Pokèmon Global link now its online. The games are pretty simple, but they are a ok way to waste 10 minutes and get a new Pokèmon for free. The link between the game and site is pretty slow and feels like a workaround limitations...but it gets the job done. So far i've got 5 Pokèmon this way and several items. It'll be interesting to see if the Global Link is only for this game or if it's the start of something much bigger...i personally think it's the latter.

Might & Magic: Clash of Heroes – PS3 – I didn't play too much. This isn't because the PSN is down, that actually hasn't affected me beyond I haven't had the BBC iPlayer or LoveFilm. I'm kinda having to grind with the necromancer character and i'm finding it a bit tough. Initially it was because I wasn't using the weapons effectively and slowly i'm getting better at using this character.

Game Dev Story – iPhone 4 – This game is very addictive. I love the simple graphics, it harkens back to Theme Park and Theme Hospital. The idea is simple and its very easy to play the game for long periods of time. My first play through was very exploratory and I didn't do that well as a company. The second play through was much better, multi million sellers and I was making money hand of fist. The next play through I aim to play with the staff more and use more of the options the game gives you, like the boosts the salesmen sells. This probably isn't for everyone, but it isn't too in depth and the tutorial is very good and if your curious it's worth playing.

Tiny Wings – iPhone 4 – This game, like the one above, has been talked about for a long time by several people and I was interested to give it a go. Its simple, looks great, and is very fun. I'm glad I picked it up. I was pretty terrible on my first couple of goes, but i'm understanding it more and enjoying the simple challenge it offers. This is more casual than Game Dev Story and I would recommend this for most people.

Super Soviet Missile Master – iPhone 4 – This is made by Behemoth and I had picked this up a while ago on iTunes just in case I did get an iPhone. This is a very basic game, your a missile and you have to avoid things that stop you bombing a country. Its a good way to waste 5 minutes and it very retro in style...maybe 8bit or earlier.

Super Mega Worm – iPhone 4 – This is another game that was popular a while back and when it was free I downloaded it just in case I got an iPhone. The idea here is your a worm and you have to kill everything. The clue in the title is that your more than just a worm...your a Tremors sized worm. Its a fun little game but a little repetitive. The different ways to kill things is fun and the animations are good.

Unpleasant Horse – iPhone 4 – I only recently picked this up and i've not played it much. Graphically it looks fine and it plays fine. Its one of those games that pretends to be easy when actually it requires a bit of skill and luck to truly master it.

Swords & Sworcery – iPhone 4 – People have been talking about this game for a while now and admittedly I was too curious not to get it. I've only played through the first story, the first play through of the game, but I really enjoy the artstyle. Its very stylised but its still clear what everything is. There is also room for your imagination to fill in the blanks, to add more to the art which is an amazing achievement and it comes in handy when it comes to the end of the first part. I enjoyed the music, I find it fits well with the game but I can understand if some people are not too keen on it. Its kinda hard to describe as there really is nothing like it. It is a “point and click” adventure game, but its also an interactive novel (in that your pushing the story along). The use of twitter is good but perhaps a touch gimmicky. Many people say its the first game made for the iPhone that's not some simple mini-game, and although my experience with games on the iPhone is still limited I tend to agree. If you consider yourself a hardcore gamer, than you should have this.