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Opinion Pieces - Give us yours!

reviews@yetanotherreviewsite.co.uk — Sun, 21 Mar 2010 02:47:34 GMT

We at YARS towers are looking for you to challenge our readers with your thoughts on the gaming world!
We would like you to send in your opinion pieces. Have you got strong views on nudity in games, or maybe you hate the decline of the small development studio. Does the rise of the iphone as a gaming platform make you jump for joy, or make your blood boil?

So, email us on reviews@yars.co.uk and give us you thoughts. If we like them they will get added to the site as a top news story.

Check Http://www.yetanotherreviewsite.co.uk/violence-in-games-just-my-news~692.htm for an idea on how to do it.

Mass Effect 2 Firewalker pack dated

reviews@yetanotherreviewsite.co.uk — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 21:44:52 GMT

Mass Effect 2 fans rejoice, for on the 23rd of this month, the Cerberus Network will be bringing you the Firewalker pack, the most anticipated expansion yet.
The much awaited Hammerhead tank will make it´s debut, with 5 missions to match. The pack is free to all Cerberus members.

Also dated, although less enthusiastically anticipated, the as-yet-unnamed paid content pack is due on April 6th. This pack is yet to be priced, but will contain a new character called Kasumi, a kind of spy with good tech skills. Think classic RPG rogue, and you are on the right lines.

The "Kasumi pack" will also ship with a couple of hours worth of playable missions, designed to be somewhat more stealthy that the usual run-and-gun. Expect more on this when we get it.

PUNK PIONEERS X MAKE THEIR ROCK BAND DEBUT, PLUS SINGLES FROM CARRIE UNDERWOOD, ONEREPUBLIC AND ACE FREHLEY

reviews@yetanotherreviewsite.co.uk — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 21:33:49 GMT

Harmonix and MTV Games today announced that a four pack of songs from American punk rockers X, three singles, including a free track, from British garage rockers Little Fish, as well as singles from Ace Frehley, Carrie Underwood and OneRepublic will be added next week to the Rock Band Music Store of downloadable content for the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system and Wii
These are among the more than 400 artists currently available through the Rock Band platform. With more than 1,100 songs available, Rock Band is, without question, the industry leader in providing the best selection of interactive musical content, songs and artists.

Rock Band DLC Additions for Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 System and Wii
Los Angeles-formed punk rockers X make their Rock Band debut next week with “Blue Spark” and “The Hungry Wolf” from 1982's Under the Big Black Sun, “I Must Not Think Bad Thoughts” from 1983's More Fun in the New World and “Los Angeles” from the band's 1980 debut album Los Angeles, which Rolling Stone named one of its 500 Greatest Albums of All Time and 100 Greatest Albums of the 80s.

Three singles from British garage rockers Little Fish will also be available, including “Am I Crazy,” “Bang Bang” and “Darling Dear,” all from the band's debut album, set to be released in July and titled Baffled & Beat. “Am I Crazy” will be available only on Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 system and will be a free track. Baffled & Beat was produced by Linda Perry and released on her label, Custard Records. After successful opening slots for acts such as Hole, Alice in Chains and Eagles Of Death Metal, Little Fish is headlining their own UK tour in March in support of Baffled & Beat, when they also open for Them Crooked Vultures at the Royal Albert Hall.

Additional singles from Ace Frehley (“Outer Space”), Carrie Underwood (“All-American Girl”) and OneRepublic (“Stop & Stare”) will also be available in the Rock Band Music Store next week.

Available on Xbox 360 and Wii (March 23) and PlayStation 3 system (March 25):

• X – “Blue Spark” +
• X – “The Hungry Wolf”
• X – “I Must Not Think Bad Thoughts”
• X – “Los Angeles”
• Little Fish – “Am I Crazy” +
• Little Fish – “Bang Bang” *
• Little Fish – “Darling Dear” *
• Ace Frehley – “Outer Space”
• Carrie Underwood – “All-American Girl” +
• OneRepublic – “Stop & Stare” +

(All tracks are original master recordings)

These tracks will be available for purchase as “X Pack 01,” as well as individual tracks on Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 system, and as individual tracks only on Wii. Tracks marked with “+” are also available for download in the family-friendly LEGO® Rock Band Music Store. “Am I Crazy” will be available only on Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 system and will be a free track.

Price: £.99 UK (160 Microsoft Points for Xbox 360) per track
£3.49 UK (560 Microsoft Points for Xbox 360) for “X Pack 01”
Denotes £.59 UK (80 Microsoft Points for Xbox 360)
(200 Wii Points™) per track

** Dates for Rock Band game tracks are tentative and subject to change. **

Website Links:
For more information, please visit:

Rock Band Website
X Website

Rock Band 2 is available for Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 system, PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system and Wii system. Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 system and Wii versions support downloadable content.

Downloadable content for Wii is purchased via the in-game Rock Band Music Store using Wii Points™ purchased through the Wii™ Shop Channel and can be downloaded to the system memory or to an SD card for additional storage. The tracks stream directly from the SD card for seamless play.

With these additions, there are now 1,129 tracks available to date via disc and download purchase (complete list of tracks at http://www.rockband.com/music). Rock Band continues to satisfy music fans' and gamers' voracious appetite for rock with more than 65 million paid downloads since its launch Nov. 20, 2007. The Rock Band Music Store allows players to preview and purchase downloadable individual music tracks and packs from the vast selection of offerings available to date without ever leaving the game as they build their own custom Rock Band library.

GET RIGHT ON THE PITCH AS CODEMASTERS® ANNOUNCES INTERNATIONAL CRICKET 2010TM

reviews@yetanotherreviewsite.co.uk — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 19:27:09 GMT

International Cricket 2010TM bowls in with new innovations and enhancements to set the new standard in authentic cricket gaming
Thursday 18th March/...Complete with all new 'Action Cam' that will take gamers right onto the pitch and into the heat of battle, Codemasters® today announced International Cricket 2010™, coming this summer for the PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system and Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft®.

International Cricket 2010 is set to continue Codemasters 15 year association with world class cricket and follows last summer's Number One best seller Ashes Cricket 2009. Produced by Codemasters and developed by Trickstar Games, the Australian developer with a team pedigree that includes Ashes Cricket 2009 and the Brian Lara series, IC 2010 steps up to the crease with a range of innovations and enhancements to set the new standard in authentic cricket gaming.

The new Action Cam will immerse players in all the on-pitch drama, intensity and excitement of fiercely competitive international cricket. Supplementing traditional broadcast views, players can now feel the satisfaction of smashing home 90mph+ deliveries and experience the thrill of thundering down the track to bowl from Action Cam's new on-field perspectives.

A key addition to the range of fielding, bowling and batting improvements is the new 'Power Stick'. Giving batsmen 360° analogue power and direction control, Power Stick enables the widest selection of shots, from pushing quick singles to gaps in the field to risky shots and everything in between.

Officially licensed by the England and Wales Cricket Board and Cricket Australia to feature official players, stadia and kits, International Cricket 2010 can be enjoyed in a wide range of game modes including new instant tournaments. A comprehensive player editor enables gamers to put themselves into the game and the squad editor allows players to edit the player name, appearance, team and attributes of all athletes. Gamers can compete as any of the expanded roster of 16 nations at an improved selection of 21 stadia around the world, including Lord's, the Home of Cricket.

“With a focus on taking gamers into the action like never before, International Cricket 2010 will deliver the most authentic cricket gaming yet,” said John Szoke, Producer, Codemasters. “Codemasters enjoys an unrivaled heritage in producing cricket games, and International Cricket 2010 will build on this success with a range of innovative gameplay features and enhancements.”

“We're delighted to partner with Codemasters to develop the next leap forward in cricket gaming,” said Tony Parkes, Studio Director, Trickstar games. “Our passionate team of industry veterans, which includes development talent who have worked on the Brian Lara series and Ashes 2009, is determined to deliver the most immersive and intuitive cricket experience for all fans of the sport.”

Complete with local and online multiplayer, International Cricket 2010 launches this summer for Xbox 360 and PLAYSTATION®3. For the latest news and screens, visit www.codemasters.com/cricket.

Nothing can stop the upcoming fierce stench of the 'Breath of Death'

reviews@yetanotherreviewsite.co.uk — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 19:04:12 GMT

Zeboyd Games is proud to announce their upcoming game, Breath of Death VII: The Beginning for the XBox 360. Join Dem the Skeleton Knight, Sara the Ghost Historian, Lita the Vampire Techie, and Erik the Zombie Prince as they explore a world filled with the undead, searching for the secrets of the past. Game features include:
* Fast turn-based combat!
* Retro visuals reminiscent of the best of 8-bit & 16-bit RPGs displayed in glorious 720p!
* World map filled with several dungeons & locations to explore!
* Deep yet easy to understand branching LV-Up system
* Special multi-character techniques & a combo count system add strategic depth to combat!

All this for the low, low price of 80 MS points!

Breath of Death VII will be coming to XBox Live Indie Games in April of 2010.

Playdead offers our first look into 'Limbo'

reviews@yetanotherreviewsite.co.uk — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 19:01:10 GMT

Independent game development studio PLAYDEAD today revealed new official screenshots and concept art from their black and white puzzle-platforming adventure, LIMBO. Players awaiting the game's launch on Xbox LIVE® Arcade this summer can get an early glimpse into LIMBO's eerie and treacherous world here: http://www.triplepointpr.com/dl/playdead/New_LIMBO_Art_and_Screenshots.zip
LIMBO won awards for both Excellence in Visual Art and Technical Excellence at the 12th annual Independent Games Festival last week in San Francisco. The IGF Awards, which take place during the Game Developers Conference, aim to highlight the top indie game developers and encourage innovation within the gaming industry.

Buddy up once again for the 'Chapter of Deceit' in 'Army of Two:The 40th Day'

reviews@yetanotherreviewsite.co.uk — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 18:56:45 GMT

Are you prepared to return to war-torn Shanghai? EA Montreal today released an all-new co-op campaign map pack titled 'Chapters of Deceit' on Xbox Live for the award-winning, ARMY OF TWO™: THE 40th DAY. The map pack will be available on April 1 on the PlayStation Network. ARMY OF TWO: THE 40th DAY – Chapters of Deceit puts players back amidst the disaster in Shanghai where they will stumble upon new information that could help end the invasion by Jonah and his 40th Day Initiative army. However, they quickly learn that everyone is out for themselves and no one can be trusted. The lives of this iconic two-man private military team are at risk, forcing players to rely on each other to get out alive.

Originally released in January 2010, ARMY OF TWO: THE 40th DAY boasts a robust playbook of co-op moves. The game features one of the most extensive and varied weapon customization systems ever found in an action/shooter game. Players can mix and match weapon parts and execute strategic two-man tactics that create a one-of-a-kind co-op action experience.

Metro 2033 launch trailer is now available!

reviews@yetanotherreviewsite.co.uk — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 17:02:37 GMT

Metro 2033 launches this Friday (19th March) on PC and Xbox 360, and THQ have provided us with a new trailer to whet our appetites!

Metro 2033 is a new first person shooter, following in the more cerebral and atmospheric shoes of titles such as Bioshock and Half-Life 2. For a bit more plot detail, over to the official release:

The year is 2033. An entire generation has been born and raised underground, and their besieged Metro Station-Cities struggle for survival, with each other, and the mutant horrors that await outside.

You are Artyom, born in the last days before the fire, but raised Underground. Having never ventured beyond your Metro Station-City limits, one fateful event sparks a desperate mission to the heart of the Metro system, to warn the remnants of mankind of a terrible impending threat. Your journey takes you from the forgotten catacombs beneath the subway to the desolate wastelands above, where your actions will determine the fate of mankind.

Excited? Well, don´t forget, anyone pre-ordering the game, or picking it up on launch day is also entitled to a FREE copy of Red Faction: Guerilla, giving PC gamers even more incentive to pick up this highly anticipated title.

Oh, and for all the movie buffs out there - the tune you recognise and can´t name? It is called In the House - In a Heartbeat, by John Murphy, and was first used in the film 28 Days Later.

Gears of War going Multiplatform?

reviews@yetanotherreviewsite.co.uk — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 08:06:02 GMT

Although in no way a concrete statement, in an interview with VG247, Epic VP Mark Rein stated that Epic, not Microsoft, has complete control of the franchise.
As part of an interview guaranteed to get the web buzzing, and coupled with the work done to Epic´s Unreal Engine 3 for iPhone use, there seems to be some smoke where there is fire.

Although the potential PS3 Gears has not been in any way mentioned, the lack of a firm announcement of Epic´s releases at this years GDC is pushing the rumour mill into overdrive.

Expect more on this soon.

Batman: Arkham asylum GOTY goes 3D

reviews@yetanotherreviewsite.co.uk — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 07:54:14 GMT

On March 26th, Batman: Arkham Asylum: Game of the Year Edition is released in Europe on PC, PS3, and Xbox 360 with a few surprises out of the box.
Although there is no definite news on who else may get the Joker expansion that is currently PS3 exclusive, buyers will get four extra challenge maps, and the game will also be playable in full 3D on any screen on all systems.

Utilising TriOviz technology, and a pair of special glasses included in the pack, "full colour" 3D will be available. The official TriOviz blurb reads thus:

TriOviz 3D is a patented 3D process which adds depth to the game, visible to players wearing the included 3D glasses. By leveraging the depth-of-field while maintaining the original gameplay and color integrity, TriOviz 3D creates a far more immersive gaming experience, allowing console players to dive deeper into the gothic world of Arkham Asylum. … TriOviz SDK for Games creates a three-dimensional depth-of-field, negating the need for rendering multiple images or using anaglyph while maintaining content integrity.

So, basically, no more red/blue and headaches? We will find out on launch day.

EA'S DRAGON AGE: ORIGINS – AWAKENING ARRIVES ON SHELVES THIS WEEK

reviews@yetanotherreviewsite.co.uk — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 20:20:58 GMT

BioWare Fans Can Extend their Journey with the First Expansion Pack to the Best RPG of 2009
Guildford, UK – March 16, 2010 – The siege begins again! Leading video game developer BioWare™, a division of Electronic Arts Inc. (NASDAQ: ERTS), today announced that Dragon Age™: Origins – Awakening, the expansion pack to the globally acclaimed Dragon Age: Origins, is available now at retailers and via download on Xbox LIVE® and the PlayStation®Network (PSN) in North America. In Europe, the game will be available on Xbox and PC at retail and also via download from Xbox LIVE® and PlayStation®Network on March 19. Dragon Age: Origins – Awakening builds on the original Dragon Age: Origins masterpiece beginning where the first game ended.
“Dragon Age: Origins introduced us to a robust, mysterious, and tumultuous fantasy world,” said Aaryn Flynn, Studio General Manager of BioWare in Edmonton. “Dragon Age: Origins -- Awakening brings players deeper into the folds to face even more complex moral decisions as the leader of the Grey Wardens and the results of those responsibilities and actions.”
In Dragon Age: Origins – Awakening players assume the role of a Grey Warden Commander entrusted with rebuilding the order of Grey Wardens and uncovering the mystery of how the darkspawn survive after the slaying of the Archdemon. In this chapter of the epic RPG saga, players make difficult moral choices about how to rebuild their order, resolve the conflict with the mysterious “Architect,” and determine the fate of the darkspawn. Each choice impacts the shape of each player's heroic journey. Players will be able to import their character from Dragon Age: Origins or start out as a new Grey Warden from the neighboring land of Orlais.
Designed and written by the same team that created Dragon Age: Origins, the Awakening expansion pack introduces a brand new area of the world to explore known as Amaranthine. In this dark and dangerous world, players set out to unravel the secrets of the darkspawn and learn their true motivations. Players will face a range of horrific and terrifying creatures including an evolved, intelligent breed of darkspawn and other menacing creatures such as the Inferno Golem and a spectral dragon. Dragon Age: Origins – Awakening provides new customization tools for players to tailor their heroes and party and re-spec their character attributes, allowing for even greater replayability. Featuring an increased level cap, new spells, abilities, specializations and items, plus five all-new party members, players can further advance their adventures from Dragon Age: Origins.
Dragon Age Origins won over 30 “Best of 2009” awards, was named “RPG of the Year” by Game Informer, G4, SpikeTV, and PC Gamer, and was hailed by Seth Schiesel of The New York Times as, “…perhaps the best electronic game made yet.”

Dragon Age: Origins – Awakening is available for the Xbox 360® videogame and entertainment system, the PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system, and PC. The game is rated “M” for mature by the ESRB 18 by the BBFC, and '18+' by PEGI, and has an MSRP of $39.99 in North America. Dragon Age: Origins is required to play Dragon Age: Origins – Awakening for original campaign, full features, and downloadable content.

For more information on Dragon Age: Origins – Awakening, please visit http://www.dragonage.com/awakening.

EA LAUNCHES BETA FOR NEED FOR SPEED WORLD

reviews@yetanotherreviewsite.co.uk — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 20:11:08 GMT

Need for Speed World is the First Massively Multiplayer Online Action Racing Game
Guildford, UK. – March 16, 2010 – Black Box, a studio of Electronic Arts Inc. (NASDAQ:ERTS), today announced that the closed beta for Need for Speed™ World, the massively multiplayer online action racing game has begun. Over the course of the next few months, thousands of players worldwide will have the opportunity to claim one of the limited slots in the PC beta test by enlisting at world.needforspeed.com. Need for Speed World testers will be the first in the world to get an insider's look at this hotly anticipated racing MMO, and their constructive feedback will go straight back to the development team to help add polish, finesse and tuning to the final product.

“Need for Speed World is the world's first MMO racer – a completely new entertainment experience for speed junkies all over the world,” said John Doyle, Need for Speed World Senior Producer. “We have expanded Need for Speed's classic adrenaline fueled racing with an all-new power up system and deep RPG style progression to create a truly massive, socially-connected white-knuckle Need for Speed experience.”

Need for Speed World brings together best in class action racing with an unparalleled social experience. For the first time in a racing game, players will be able to compete against any one of their friends, family or pick from thousands of top ranked players to challenge in intense online battles and police pursuits across 150 miles of sprawling open world. Need for Speed World takes the well known and popular cities from Need for Speed Most Wanted and Need for Speed Carbon to create the biggest, most exciting race world ever released in the Need for Speed universe.

Need for Speed World will be available this summer on the PC. More information and details on the beta test can be found at world.needforspeed.com or follow us on Twitter at NeedforSpeed.

3D DOT GAME HEROES

reviews@yetanotherreviewsite.co.uk — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 18:52:11 GMT

IRVINE, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 16, 2010 - Atlus U.S.A., Inc. today released "The Most Interesting Hero in 3D" video vignette for for the upcoming 3D Dot Game Heroes™, the ultimate retro action-adventure game for PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system. The video highlights intriguing traits about the hero of Dotnia in his adventure to save the kingdom and gives fans a glimpse of why he is the most interesting hero in 3D.
Want to be just as interesting? Pre-order your copy today! Dripping with old school charm, classic gaming pizzazz, and pure retro sexy, 3D Dot Game Heroes is the ultimate homage to the industry's golden era.

3D Dot Game Heroes is scheduled to release on May 11, 2010 with an MSRP of $39.99. For more information, visit the official website: http://www.3DDotGameHeroes.com and the official Facebook Page: http://www.facebook.com/3ddotgameheroes.

About 3D Dot Game Heroes

A long, long time ago, the Dark King Onyx brought an age of darkness upon Dotnia Kingdom. Only by the bravery of a hero with a legendary sword was Onyx sealed in an orb, restoring peace to the world. But Fuelle, a powerful Dark Bishop, has stolen the orb, and with it, peace. Dotnia requires a hero once more! Can you live up to the legend?

Key Features
• Ultimate retro love letter - Seamlessly fusing new and old, the golden era of gaming is felt in every detail of this lovingly-crafted adventure. Eye-popping visuals capture the nostalgic charm of pixel graphics in cutting edge 3D. Simple, but deep action-adventure gameplay is a throwback to the 8-bit era. Veterans will find references and jokes that pay homage to the great games of yore.
• Awe and adventure live again - Embark on the next generation of classic exploration and discovery in a grand story-based quest. A hero sets out to gain the power of the six sages and the six orbs that protected the kingdom of Dotnia, which now stands on the verge of destruction.
• Customize your hero - When pixels are your building blocks, the possibilities are unlimited. Freely edit the look of your character, or design one completely from scratch, and then trade designs with friends via a compatible USB storage device. Your hero's blade is also upgradeable, letting you add length and width to create a sword that fills the whole screen!

3D Dot Game Heroes has been rated E10+ (Everyone 10 and older) with Mild Cartoon Violence by the ESRB.

METAL GEAR SOLID: PEACE WALKER locked for June 18th on PSPTM and PSPTMgo

reviews@yetanotherreviewsite.co.uk — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 18:48:47 GMT

Hideo Kojima's continuation of the best-selling Metal Gear Solid series comes with adhoc Party mode to Europe…

Konami Digital Entertainment GmbH has confirmed that METAL GEAR SOLID: PEACE WALKER – Hideo Kojima's next instalment in the Metal Gear Solid series – will arrive on June 18th, 2010.

Series creator Hideo Kojima has crafted METAL GEAR SOLID: PEACE WALKER as the next true chapter in the story of legendary special ops expert, Snake (AKA Big Boss), and acts as a direct sequel to the previously released Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater. Developed specifically for the PSP™ (PlayStation®Portable) system, METAL GEAR SOLID: PEACE WALKER is set in 1974 towards the end of the cold war and boasts an all-new story penned by Hideo Kojima.

Taking full advantage of the PSP™ format, METAL GEAR SOLID: PEACE WALKER takes the series in an exciting new direction with incredible visuals, as it sheds new light on well-known adversaries and allies, along with a wealth of new characters. In true Metal Gear Solid tradition, METAL GEAR SOLID: PEACE WALKER drops the player into a series of hostile scenarios, as a terrible plan for world domination is revealed.

METAL GEAR SOLID: PEACE WALKER will be available for PSP™ (PlayStation®Portable) and PSP™go and will support the new adhocParty mode, which connects PSP systems via a PLAYSTATION®3 unit, allowing players to use the game's multiplayer mode online. The famous Metal Gear series is considered as a benchmark stealth series, which sold more than 27.7m copies (as of December 2009) worldwide since its debut in 1987.

METAL GEAR SOLID: PEACE WALKER boasts stunning visuals, remarkable enemy AI, and a fresh, exciting plot that will delight and surprise. In addition to solo operations, players can team up via the game's the multi-player CO-OPS (CO-operative OPerationS) mode. This extends to key gameplay advances, with players administering medical help to colleagues, sharing munitions, or providing cover for each other using the Snake formation to cover each other's blind spots.

“The METAL GEAR SOLID series is heading into exciting new areas, and METAL GEAR SOLID: PEACE WALKER unites the series' key gameplay elements with even more tactical possibilities,” enthused Hideo Kojima, Head of Kojima Productions and creator of the Metal Gear Solid series. “We look forward to recruiting PSP users to Snake's latest mission, as the Metal Gear Solid series returns in a guise that will constantly surprise the player.”

Justice Returns to Pacific City with the Launch of "Crackdown 2" in July

reviews@yetanotherreviewsite.co.uk — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 19:43:46 GMT

Video documentary series provides an inside look at this summer's most explosive blockbuster
LONDON – Monday 15 March – Pacific City needs your help, agents. A new enemy has overrun the city and it's time to restore law and order by any means necessary when “Crackdown 2” releases this July around the world. Microsoft and Ruffian Games today announced that the exhilarating, open-world action game will hit the streets on 9 July.

Developed by Ruffian Games exclusively for Xbox 360, “Crackdown 2” is the sequel to the award-winning 2007 title, “Crackdown.” Offering cutting edge gameplay, “Crackdown 2” will take multiplayer gaming to unprecedented heights, providing you and your friends with complete freedom to explore, destroy, and play your way as you restore justice to Pacific City.

To celebrate the road to launch, Ruffian Games invites fans to step into the world of “Crackdown 2” in the first video documentary, titled “Fun with Friends,” from a three-part series exploring different facets of the game.

“Fun with Friends” features interviews with Ruffian Games Creative Director Billy Thomson, Producer James Cope, Senior Engineer David Hynd and Senior Mission Designer Dean Smith as they discuss what it takes to design a living, breathing sandbox world with the most gripping multiplayer experiences yet, including 16-player PVP and 4-player co-op. The video documentary also shines a light on some of the extraordinary antics and mayhem that players can look forward to, including Renegade Orbs and the PVP mode called Rocket Tag, when they bring their personal brand of justice to Pacific City.

“Crackdown 2” is not yet rated by PEGI. “Crackdown 2” will be available in the UK on 9 July. To access and download the “Fun with Friends” video documentary, visit: http://edelmanadmin.psni.com/public/Crackdown 2/Videos/.

TIKGAMES AND CREAT STUDIOS TO RELEASE WAKEBOARDING HD FOR THE PLAYSTATION® NETWORK

reviews@yetanotherreviewsite.co.uk — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 19:37:10 GMT

Arcade Style Action Platform Game Featured By Sony at Game Developers Conference Launches on PSN on March 18th in Europe, October 25th in North America
March 15, 2010 – TikGames (San Mateo, CA) and Creat Studios (Canton, MA) today announced that Wakeboarding HD will be available for download on the PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system on Thursday, March 18th in Europe and March 25th in North America. The sixth release under the partnership between the two companies to deliver next generation console games, Wakeboarding HD features state-of-the-art water simulation and split-screen local multiplayer, and will be available via Sony's PlayStation® Network for $14.99 / €14.99.

Grab your board and hold on tight! Wakeboarding HD drops players into 20 high-speed, water-filled, arcade levels to maneuver through tracks, perform high-flying tricks, collect bonuses and avoid dangers from exploding mines to bloodthirsty sharks. Gamers of all ages can show their skills and wreak havoc as the tropical paradise resort transforms into an action-packed extreme playground.

“Wakeboarding HD returns gamers to the intense, over-the-top action of 90's arcade games, combined with the best of modern gameplay. TikGames is thrilled to bring another innovative, high-end title to gamers on the PlayStation® Network,” said Anatoly Tikhman, Founder and CEO of TikGames, LLC.

Challenges include performing a variety of assigned tasks while zooming through obstacles at top speed in order to keep action chains alive. Jump the ramps, ride the rails, crash through boats, docks and tourists, collect stars and power-ups, dodge the lurking sharks and evade the treacherous mines while feeling the force of the wake!

“Creat Studios is excited to deliver another high-quality action game like Wakeboarding HD to the PlayStation® Network and take advantage of capabilities only found on the PlayStation 3,” said Vladimir Starzhevsky, co-founder and CEO of Creat Studios, Inc. “We are continuing to push our design, technology and gameplay capabilities to bring PlayStation Network players the most engaging and entertaining titles.”

Wakeboarding HD will include PlayStation Trophy support and has been rated “E” for Everyone by the Entertainment Software Rating Board for this platform.

BETHESDA SOFTWORKS TO PUBLISH HUNTED: THE DEMON'S FORGETM

reviews@yetanotherreviewsite.co.uk — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 19:20:04 GMT

Next Gen Co-Op Dungeon Romp Being Developed by inXile Entertainment for Xbox 360, PlayStation®3 and Games for Windows
March 15, 2010 (London, UK) – Bethesda Softworks®, a ZeniMax® Media company, today announced that it will publish Hunted: The Demon's Forge™, a third-person co-op fantasy action game. Hunted is being developed at inXile Entertainment for the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, and PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system and Games for Windows.

inXile Entertainment was founded in 2002 by industry veteran Brian Fargo. During his distinguished tenure in the video game business, Fargo has been behind some of the greatest fantasy game franchises of all time including The Bard's Tale®, Baldur's Gate®, and Fallout®. Hunted's development is being overseen by Fargo while Michael “Maxx” Kaufman serves as the game's Director. Previously, Kaufman served as Art Director on such titles as Kingpin™: Life of Crime™, Redneck Rampage™ and the award-winning Return to Castle Wolfenstein® at Gray Matter.

“We are thrilled to be working with Bethesda Softworks on this upcoming release that takes us back to our roots,” said Brian Fargo, Founder of inXile Entertainment. “Bethesda's track record speaks for itself and the game we are developing for them is no exception.”

“inXile has an extremely talented team and we couldn't be more pleased to have them working on one of our upcoming titles,” said Vlatko Andonov, President of Bethesda Softworks. “We believe gamers will be really excited about what these guys have in store for them.”

In addition to Hunted, Bethesda Softworks' roster of upcoming games includes Fallout®: New Vegas™, the next chapter in the blockbuster Fallout franchise being developed at Obsidian Entertainment, Brink™, a ground breaking shooter being developed at Splash Damage and RAGE™, the new first-person shooter being developed by id Software.

For more information on Bethesda Softworks and Hunted, visit http://www.bethsoft.com.
To learn more about inXile Entertainment please visit http://www.inxile-entertainment.com.

MILITARY MADNESS, PUZZLING FUN, SPANISH LESSONS AND THE HANABI FESTIVAL KICK-OFF THIS WEEK

reviews@yetanotherreviewsite.co.uk — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 18:35:02 GMT

12th March 2010: Command your military unit and hone your strategic skills in MILITARY MADNESS NECTARIS® on WiiWare this week.
Available to download on DSiWare is the fabulously colourful Pop Island, where players will need to run, jump and spin their way around the island to collect the priceless flags, Simply Mahjong and Simply Sudoku, giving players hours of puzzling fun, and 4 TRAVELLERS™ - Play Spanish, a nifty game to have players speaking Spanish in no time. This week's quintuple of DSiWare is completed by the card based role-playing game Elemental Masters® inviting you to a quest in the mystical lands of Elendior.

And that's not all! Finally, it is Hanabi season again, with Virtual Console bringing you games released for the very first time in their original format in Europe. Play IRONCLAD, the classic NEOGEO side-scroller with a unique gameplay twist: You will not only take control of a mighty warship, but also command a tactical combat drone – the eponymous Iron Clad, allowing for strategies never seen before in a shoot 'em up. Another Hanabi gem is the NES version of a classic series, Lode Runner®. You will now be able to enjoy the first Lode Runner game to ever grace a Nintendo game system. Though originally released in 1984, this version offers an astonishingly easy-to-use level editor, and a two player mode to go hunt for gold nuggets with a friend in every puzzling stage.

WiiWare - MILITARY MADNESS NECTARIS®
(HUDSON SOFT, 1000 Wii Points)
The Military is back for a new generation of recruits. The classic turn-based strategy series MILITARY MADNESS, a.k.a. NECTARIS, is exploding onto WiiWare with a platoon of new features. Coordinate strategies or taunt foes in team or multiplayer modes for up to 4 people, offline or online.

Customise the all-new commander unit by selecting from 20 unique abilities as it leads your forces in multiplayer. Command respect as you increase your rank and march up the leader boards on your mission to prove you're the top general around. This is the maddest game yet in the series.

NINTENDO DSiWare - Pop Island
(odenis studio, 500 Nintendo DSi Points)
Discover a joyful universe where playing is always a pleasure. Colourful and fun, Pop Island is an all-action capture the flag game where you pick which team to compete on before running, jumping and spinning your way around the island in an attempt to collect the priceless flags hidden throughout it.

Become a surfing penguin, a flying fish or a waterskiing crocodile as you go all out for victory – unlocking 12 more joyful animals as you rack up points across eight different planets. You might even end up competing as a skateboarding mammoth.

Players can take up the challenge alone, but the madcap action reaches a new level when your friends get involved. By sharing the demo of the game via DS Download Play, up to seven more people can join you for some head-to-head or cooperative action. With plenty of power-ups, you'll need to concentrate on capturing more than just the rival team's flag to claim victory.

NINTENDO DSiWare - Simply Mahjong
(Engine Software, 200 Nintendo DSi Points)
Simply Mahjong gives you exactly what you want: pure Mahjong on your DSi. The simple game design and easy, intuitive controls make it a game that the whole family can enjoy. The game has 50 puzzles in each level guaranteeing hours of gameplay fun.

NINTENDO DSiWare - Simply Sudoku
(Engine Software, 200 Nintendo DSi Points)
Simply Sudoku gives you exactly what you want: pure Sudoku on your DSi. The simple game design and easy, intuitive controls make it a game that the whole family can enjoy. The game has 50 puzzles in each level to guarantee hours of gameplay fun.

NINTENDO DSiWare - 4 TRAVELLERS™ - Play Spanish
(AGENIUS Interactive, 800 Nintendo DSi Points)
4 TRAVELLERS™ can be played alone or together with friends, while at the same time teach you new words in Spanish. The game is suitable for both young and old, and no previous experience is necessary.

The more you play the more your Spanish vocabulary increases. You can also play and learn with the game's unique learning mode.

Listen to pronunciations, collect medals or win achievements and monitor your language skills development with up to three other players. This game is also perfect to bring on your trip, as over 240 carefully selected words are included specifically for this occasion.

In-game languages: English, Français, Deutsch, Italiano, Nederlands, Norsk, Svenska, Dansk, Suomi

NINTENDO DSiWare - Elemental Masters®
(lbxgames, 800 Nintendo DSi Points)
In this Fantasy Card Game, stand your ground in a quest full of magic and adventure, and experience a thrilling combination of strategy in this role-playing game.

Choose your character, build up your army in your card deck and fight the mystical creatures of Elendior. With thoughtful use of your cards, you can obtain the monsters of your enemy and support your attacks by using arcane spells and the rules of dark magic. Dive into this captivating story in the quest mode, or duel with your friends in multiplayer.

More than 100 creatures in over 15 maps are waiting for you.

VIRTUAL CONSOLE - IRONCLAD
(D4 Enterprise, NEOGEO, 1000 Wii Points)
Take control of a mighty warship alongside Iron Clad in this classic side-scrolling shoot 'em up. Bring the fight to the Iron Mask Republic and save the Kingdom of Chop by using a huge array of weaponry.

Dish out a variety of melee attacks in close-range combat, nullify the enemy's attacks using your bomber, or combine with Iron Clad to create even more damage. And when the dust has settled, go back and play through your favourite stages again, trying new weapon combinations and unlocking new endings.

In-game text will include some Japanese.

VIRTUAL CONSOLE - Lode Runner®
(HUDSON SOFT, NES, 600 Wii Points)
This landmark action-puzzle game has been a worldwide fixture in video games from the moment of its inception through to the present day, producing many sequels and related products along the way.

The player controls the hero, or "Runner", who collects gold nuggets located around every stage, all the while avoiding capture by relentless enemy robots. The action itself is simple, but the stages are designed as increasingly challenging puzzles and none of the 50 stages are as easy as they seem. The Runner avoids enemies by digging holes in the floor to the right and left of his position - by doing this, he can clear a path to places that, at first glance, seem unreachable. Players must use their brains to collect all the gold nuggets in every puzzling stage if they want to advance.

In addition to the regular play mode, this version of the game features an Edit Mode that allows players to design their own stages, adding a new level of enjoyment to the game.

As the Wii Shop Channel and Nintendo DSi Shop are continually updated with exciting and refreshing games and applications, make sure you keep checking the Nintendo Channel, Wii Shop Channel and Nintendo DSi Shop for all the latest news and releases on already available and upcoming Virtual Console, WiiWare and Nintendo DSiWare titles.

Be sure to also check out Nintendo of Europe's WiiWare portal, which functions as the main hub for the latest WiiWare news and game sites, while at the same time providing the perfect entry point for newcomers to the service. Weekly and all-time Top 10 lists show which WiiWare titles the UK Club Nintendo members are currently downloading most, and which are the most popular of all time.

The portal also provides step-by-step tutorials explaining how to connect the Wii console to the Internet and how to download WiiWare games, as well as a video showing how to use Nintendo Points. Visit www.wiiware.co.uk for all the details. Downloaded games can be saved to Wii's internal memory or SD card and added to the console's Wii Menu or SD Card Menu for anytime easy access.

TELLTALE ANNOUNCES SAM & MAX: THE DEVIL'S PLAYHOUSE EPIC FIVE GAME COMEDY SAGA DEBUTING ON PLAYSTATION® NETWORK

reviews@yetanotherreviewsite.co.uk — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 18:26:07 GMT

Check out mind expanding trailer and pre-order special at http://www.samandmaxgames.com/thedevilsplayhouse
A psychically empowered lagomorph battling unusual and fearsome villains can mean only one thing: Freelance Police Sam & Max are coming for a new series of monthly episodic games. Telltale Games' Sam & Max: The Devil's Playhouse premiere episode The Penal Zone will release April 15th. This series will be Telltale's first for the PlayStation® Network, exclusively for the PlayStation®3 (PS3 TM) computer entertainment system. The games will also release on PC and Macintosh.

As Sam & Max: The Devil's Playhouse opens, Max has been bestowed with a set of powerful psychic abilities from an unusual ancient source that he'll wield against the strongest and strangest foes the Freelance Police have ever faced. Join gaming's greatest dog and rabbit sleuths as they investigate the source of these powers, with manic Max exercising new and amazing abilities with each episode. Max's shape shifting, teleportation, mind reading and future sight powers prove particularly useful as intergalactic simians, eldritch gods, under-dwellers and an arcane scholar ruthlessly hunt down these powers for their own evil ends. The teaser trailer released today at http://www.samandmaxgames.com/thedevilsplayhouse gives a peek at the skewed humor of The Devil's Playhouse. The very first in-game screenshots and new concept art are also posted at the site.

"Telltale continues to excel at channeling Sam & Max's extremely peculiar sensibilities," said Sam & Max creator, Steve Purcell. "For each subsequent season they somehow manage to toss ever more mind-addling scenarios at the Freelance Police. The creative team inhabits these characters so well that if I were their parents I'd be worried about them."

The PC pre-order for the series which begins today at http://www.samandmaxgames.com/thedevilsplayhouse includes a FREE game episode from the Telltale library along with exclusive membership in the Freelance Police "Elite Forces" - all for just $34.95. Freelance Police Elite Forces members will gain access to a private forum for scheduled chats with Sam & Max creator Steve Purcell and Telltale designers along with first look posts about upcoming episodes before they release. Additionally, these customers will get special deals at the Telltale Store over the course of the season, as well as custom forum avatars and desktop wallpaper downloads. The pre-order for PlayStation users is expected to begin March 18th on the PlayStation Network.

"With Sam & Max: The Devil's Playhouse, we're bringing PlayStation fans five months of exciting episodic content and continuing our commitment to deliver exclusive, innovative gaming experiences to the PlayStation Network," said Rob Dyer, senior vice president of publisher relations, Sony Computer Entertainment America. "The unhinged humor, unforgettable cast and irreverent undertone of this enduring franchise are aspects we expect will resonate with our audience, and both Telltale and SCEA can't wait to deliver."

'Green Day' steals the 'Rock Band' spotlight on the 8th June

reviews@yetanotherreviewsite.co.uk — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 16:35:59 GMT

Green Day, MTV Games, Harmonix and Reprise / Warner Bros. Records Unleash Green Day: Rock Band™ on the World June 8, 2010

Full standalone music video game experience features 47 exportable tracks, rare access to the Green Day media vault, artist likenesses and more!
Multi-platinum selling and Grammy® Award winning group Green Day, along with Harmonix, the leading developer of music-based games, MTV Games, a part of Viacom's MTV Networks (NYSE: VIA, VIA.B), and Reprise / Warner Bros. Records today announced that Green Day: Rock Band™, the full standalone music video game experience that celebrates Green Day's historic career and genre-defining albums will launch worldwide June 8, 2010, for the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system and the Wii™ system from Nintendo.

Green Day: Rock Band allows players to step onto the stage and into the shoes of Green Day, the multi-platinum, Grammy® Award-winning band that jump-started the punk-pop revival and has continued to pave the way for American rock music into the 21st century. Taking on the likenesses of Green Day members Billie Joe Armstrong, Mike Dirnt and Tré Cool, players progress through the story and history of Green Day, gaining access into the band's media vault, where they can unlock more than 100 collectible images, and more than 40 minutes of rare and unreleased video from interviews, outtakes and performances.

Featuring the three-part vocal harmony technology Harmonix introduced with the award-winning The Beatles™: Rock Band™, Green Day: Rock Band gives players access to an incredible setlist of 47 tracks that span the band's career including “Brain Stew,” “Jaded,” “Hitchin' a Ride,” “American Idiot,” “Wake Me Up When September Ends” and “Boulevard of Broken Dreams.” All 47 tracks are fully exportable, providing players with the opportunity to play the songs in Rock Band™, Rock Band 2™ and the recently announced Rock Band™3! In addition, the six Green Day tracks already available in the Rock Band Music Store as downloadable content can be played in Green Day: Rock Band with added vocal harmonies, unique performance visuals, and exclusive archival material.

Green Day: Rock Band will be released simultaneously in North America, Europe, Australia, New Zealand and other territories on the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, PlayStation 3 computer entertainment system and Wii. The game is compatible with all Rock Band™ instrument controllers, as well as most Guitar Hero® and other third-party music video game peripherals and microphones.

This latest Rock Band title aims to encapsulate the spirit and energy of a band that has sold more than 50 million records worldwide and been hailed as one of the best live acts touring today. Green Day has won critical acclaim and numerous accolades, including Grammy Awards for Best Alternative Music Performance for Dookie, Best Rock Album for American Idiot and Record of the Year for their smash hit "Boulevard of Broken Dreams.” Earlier this year, Green Day released their eighth studio album, 21st Century Breakdown, on Reprise Records. The album debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Top 200 chart, as well as on the Rock, Active Rock and Alternative charts, fueled by the alternative radio No. 1 single “Know Your Enemy,” and won the Grammy Award for Best Rock Album.