I have seen some really great tributes this week for the King of Pop around the internet, but this one is very creative and very well done. Huge props to BOObbiO for this amazing video.

The Nintendo Channel has a very cool developer interview for the upcoming Konami survival-horror remake “Silent Hill: Shattered Memories. You can check the video out below as well, care of gametrailers.com.

ZEN Studios, a videogame developer and digital publisher known for its innovative arcade and action games, is proud to announce that its Marvel Comics-inspired first-person shooter The Punisher: No Mercy is available now in North America and Europe exclusively on PlayStation Network.

The Punisher: No Mercy delivers a fast-paced multiplayer experience loaded with original and comic-inspired in-game taunts, as well as access to a wide array of weaponry, intense combat and deafening destruction. Players can fight alongside or take on an eclectic mix of Punisher allies and villains in a series of arena-style multiplayer matches that feature solo and team-based missions for up to eight players. Battle arenas span from shipyards rife with contraband to the “birthplace” of Jigsaw, the Punisher’s archenemy.

In addition to the exceptional online gameplay, No Mercy also boasts a single-player campaign where players can unleash their vengeance on hordes of villains while unfolding an original storyline that’s brought to life with exclusive artwork from acclaimed Marvel artist Mike Deodato.

Delivering an intense and faithful first-person shooter experience, No Mercy is rated “M” for Mature by the ESRB with descriptors of Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Strong Language and it is now available exclusively through PlayStation®Store for $9.99. To learn more about the game, please visit: www.punishernomercy.com.

[View with PicLens]

 

The RPG from the makers of Gothic has entered the Beta phase

Risen will make its international debut on October 02, 2009. The new RPG from the inventors of Gothic, Piranha Bytes, has already entered the Beta phase and is now being honed to perfection. Risen will be available for PC and Xbox 360, the video game and entertainment system from Microsoft.

“The release date for Risen enables us to introduce the game to the market in the best possible condition,” says Daniel Oberlerchner, Brand Manager at Deep Silver. “We have been in the Beta phase here for several weeks, and now our focus lies on eliminating the remaining bugs.”

The contents of Risen are already complete, and all dialogs have been recorded. A total of three quality assurance teams are working on the game – one directly at Piranha Bytes, one at Deep Silver, plus an additional external studio.

About Risen:
This epic role playing game is set in a medieval world on a volcanic Mediterranean island, The “Risen” story unfolds over four chapters and will offer multiple ways to develop the story by his own actions and decisions. An innovative and intuitive user control interface will support both casual and hardcore gamers. With full world streaming support, the player will have a seamless experience while playing in a fully simulated game world with authentic characters.

Risen will be released for the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and Windows operating system. More information about Risen on http://risen.deepsilver.com

Continue Reading

Aspyr Media announced today that Treasure World has shipped to retailers across North America. The game, which encourages players to seek out Wi-Fi signals in order to unlock in-game treasures, is available on Nintendo DS for $29.99.

“With Treasure World, we’re offering players an entirely new level of interaction that crosses from the traditional game world into the real world,” said Ted Staloch, Executive Vice President, Aspyr Media. “With thousands of treasures to unlock and hundreds of player customization options, in addition to the real world treasure hunts, players are going to be able to spend months finding and doing everything the game has to offer.”

Treasure World is the world’s largest treasure hunt with hundreds of millions of treasure spots around the world. Players use the Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection to find Wi-Fi signals, DS and Wii systems and other wireless signals to collect treasures. Each of these signals delivers one of thousands of new treasure collectibles. A vast amount of treasures await to be found, ranging from traditional scenery such as flowers, statues and tiki torches, to iconic landmarks like the Statue of Liberty and Big Ben, to holiday themed items like jack-o-lanterns and snow men. In addition, players can unlock new attire for their character and offer limitless possibilities for customization, including Panda, Feline, Ninja and Anime costumes. And along the way, players accumulate in-game currency to purchase additional treasures.

They can then use their treasures to decorate their in-game world and create musical compositions. Each treasure even has its own sound associated with it such as a guitar, piano or trumpet. So when the treasure is placed on the ground players can create their very own music tracks. Players can then upload their DS save data to the official website, www.clubtreasureworld.com, and show off their treasures, world creations, character disguises and musical creations to other players around the world. The website even has a built in real world treasure map that allows users to place pins in order to show where they found their treasures.

Sign up to become a member of Club Treasure World and you’ll be automatically entered to win your very own copy of the game and a Nintendo DSi™ system! Deadline to enter is July 31, 2009.

With over 2,600 unlockable treasures in the game, Treasure World offers players limitless potential for creation and exploration!

For more information about Treasure World, visit www.clubtreasureworld.com.

Harmonix and MTV Games today announced that three exclusive tracks from multi-platinum, Grammy Award-winners Green Day, as well as eight songs from artists performing at the premiere of the RockStar Energy Drink Mayhem Festival, will be added to the Rock Band Music Store of downloadable content next week for the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, PLAYSTATION 3 computer entertainment system and Wii system.

The Green Day tracks available next week are the first in an exclusive partnership between MTV Games’ Harmonix and Warner Music Group’s Green Day to bring the band’s songs to the Rock Band platform as downloadable content. These first songs, “21 Guns”, “Know Your Enemy” and “East Jesus Nowhere,” are from the band’s latest album, 21st Century Breakdown.

Selling nearly 50 million records worldwide, Green Day has won critical acclaim and numerous accolades, including three Grammy Awards for Best Alternative Album for Dookie, Best Rock Album for American Idiot and Record of the Year for their smash hit “Boulevard of Broken Dreams.” Green Day recently released their eighth studio album, 21st Century Breakdown, on Warner Music Group’s 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.” 21st Century Breakdown, which Rolling Stone has called “a rock opera in which the rock always comes first,” is also a hit around the world, topping the charts in 24 countries, including the United Kingdom, Canada and Japan.

Continue Reading

ZEN Studios, creators of the recent PSN smash hit ZEN Pinball, confirmed today that it will release a free-to-play demo of The Punisher: No Mercy on July 2, 2009, exclusively for PlayStation Network. Releasing the same day as the full version of No Mercy, the demo will allow players to sample the fast-paced action of the Marvel Comics-inspired first-person shooter with two of the eight levels from the original version of the game.

Today the studio also released the list of No Mercy trophy achievements, which can be viewed at www.marvel.com or www.psu.com.

Powered by Unreal Engine 3, The Punisher: No Mercy lets players jump into Punisher action, fighting alongside or taking on an eclectic mix of Punisher allies and villains in a series of online arena-style multiplayer matches that feature solo and team-based missions for up to eight players. Battle arenas span from shipyards rife with contraband to the “birthplace” of Jigsaw, the Punisher’s archenemy.

In addition to the exceptional online gameplay, No Mercy also boasts a single player story mode where players can unleash their vengeance on hordes of villains while unfolding an original storyline and unlocking new additional content. The story mode also features exclusive artwork from acclaimed Marvel artist Mike Deodato.

To learn more about the game, please visit: www.punishernomercy.com.

[View with PicLens]

 

Ryan McDougall, Marketing Coordinator for Capcom announced today that “Capcom Classics Collection: Remixed” will be hitting the Playstation Store tomorrow. It looks like Capcom is rolling out all of its older UMD titles for download since the announcement of the upcoming PSP Go.

Coming up first is Capcom Classics Collection: Remixed, available tomorrow. The game is a collection of arcade classics from gaming’s glorious past. Pay homage to the best of the arcades, like Final Fight, Bionic Commando, Street Fighter, and Magic Sword. Prove your old-school dominance with twenty full arcade titles

Also announced were a few original Playstation 1 titles that are now confirmed to be coming to the US PSN Store. These include Dino Crisis and the mucn anticipated Resident Evil 2 and Resident Evil 3.No official announce dates for these 3 classic PS1 titles but at least we know they are finally coming to the PSN Store.

Source: Playstation.Blog

It’s Time! Get Creative with Microsoft Research’s New Xbox LIVE Community Game “Kodu Game Lab”

Have you ever wanted to create your own video game? Now is the time to put your imagination to the test. Microsoft Research’s new game lab “Kodu Game Lab” launches on Xbox LIVE Community Games today, giving aspiring game makers of all ages the chance to bring their own game creations to Xbox 360. For just 400 MS Points, or $5, anyone with a passion for game creation can harness the magic of programming and game development at every level.

Built using Microsoft’s XNA Games Studio, “Kodu Game Lab” is a pick-up-and-create toolset where any aspiring game creators can build their own unique world using a simple image-based creator menu that makes game-making easier than ever. With almost 200 different programming features to choose from, and the ability to share games with anyone on your Friends List, the opportunities are endless.

In addition to a simple image-based user menu, “Kodu Game Lab” enables game creation using only an Xbox 360 controller, right from the comfort of your couch. “Kodu Game Lab” comes equipped with a bridge and path builder, a terrain editor to build unique playgrounds, co-op gameplay for up to four players and 20 different characters with a range of abilities.

What’s more, “Kodu Game Lab” keeps minds active by developing logic, problem-solving and creative thinking skills since it was originally designed as a learning tool for kids.

“As a programmer, I wanted to help create something that unlocked the magic of Xbox 360 in the same way that I was able to unlock my computer as a child and bring my imagination to life through games,” Lead “Kodu Game Lab” Programmer Matthew MacLaurin said. “We had such success with bringing ‘Kodu Game Lab’ into classrooms and after-school programs that we wanted to offer it to any wannabe programmer or creator through the Xbox LIVE Community Games Channel.”

Just in time for summer, “Kodu Game Lab” finds its home among some of the freshest, most diverse and creatively independent games showcased on Xbox LIVE. Get ready to create!

More detailed information about “Kodu Game Lab” and Community Games can be found by visiting: http://creators.xna.com.

[View with PicLens]

 

NinjaBee, the creators of the first fully-enabled Avatar game on Xbox LIVE® Arcade, A Kingdom for Keflings, announced today that beginning July 8, Band of Bugs will include Avatar support. In addition, NinjaBee will be releasing Tales of Kaloki, a new, game-changing DLC for Band of Bugs.

The added Avatar support will allow gamers the option of replacing the original story’s hero, Maal, with their custom Avatar as they play through the main story mode. Players will also be able to engage in hand-to-hand combat and spell casting in eight-player Spider Hunter mode. Spider Hunter, one of several multiplayer modes, allows players to battle with or against their friends over Xbox LIVE to survive an onslaught of deadly spiders, mosquitoes, centipedes and more.

The Tales of Kaloki DLC is based on NinjaBee’s first Xbox LIVE Arcade game, Outpost Kaloki X. The DLC is set in space and uses the basic mechanics of Band of Bugs but adds a new tile set, new characters, new story, new skills, new strategy, new attacks and new abilities.

“We’re giving you an entirely new game,” said Steve Taylor, president of NinjaBee. “The Tales of Kaloki DLC is Band of Bugs but with long-range combat using lasers, rocket launchers, OO rays and a ton of other sweet weapons to blow attacking space ships to smithereens. It’s all the wackiness from Outpost Kaloki X and tactics from Band of Bugs rolled into one, and we’re stoked to be releasing it.”

In addition, NinjaBee will release a Band of Bugs Premium Theme. This theme, which features scenes from the game and concept art, can be downloaded through the Xbox LIVE Marketplace for 240 Microsoft Points.

The Avatar support will be added to the original game for free and the Tales of Kaloki DLC will be purchasable through the Xbox LIVE Marketplace for 240 Microsoft Points. Like the extensive collection of DLC already available for Band of Bugs, Tales of Kaloki can be played by downloading the original game, Band of Bugs (800 MS points). The Avatar support, Tales of Kaloki DLC and the Premium Theme will be available Wednesday, July 8. Band of Bugs is rated E for Everyone.

Continue Reading

Blast Entertainment Ltd, part of the Mastertronic Group, today announced the launch of Bob the Builder Festival of Fun for Nintendo Wii. Following the success of the PlayStation 2 and Nintendo DS Bob the Builder titles, this original game for Nintendo Wii, featuring the enormously popular Bob the Builder, has launched in the UK and European market.

Bob the Builder Festival of Fun Wii is a truly collaborative game for parents to play together with their children, so even very young children with limited coordination can play, with the child using the Wii Remote to control the action movement and the older player assisting by using their own Wii Remote to guide and steer. It really does enable young children to control the gameplay themselves and with help from their parents they can share and complete tasks together cooperatively.

Bob the Builder, currently airing on BBC2, Cbeebies and Nick Jr, is the number three pre-school boys brand in the UK* and is recognised as the most-loved character for children aged 0-4 in the UK**. Bob the Builder has enjoyed 10 years of success with 2009 marking his 10th anniversary, with a UK single release planned for summer 09 and the return of Bob the Builder LIVE global theatre tour this Autumn. Bob the Builder Magazine remains a Top Ten UK preschool children’s magazine and the official website receives on average 20 million hits per month globally, and nearly 1 million Bob books were sold in the UK during 2008, with 30 new titles to come from Egmont in 2009.

Continue Reading

505 Games today announced it has secured the global publishing rights for a video game based on the original high school musical, Grease. Working in collaboration with Paramount Digital Entertainment, 505 Games will oversee and publish a Grease video game for the Nintendo Wii and Nintendo DS.

The Grease video game will allow players to sing and dance alongside Danny, Sandy, The Pink Ladies and the T-Birds. The game will take full advantage of the Nintendo Wii’s motion-sensing controls and microphone, and the DS’s touch screen to create exciting gameplay for casual and family gamers eager to experience Grease in a new medium.

“We are really excited about working with Paramount Digital Entertainment to turn this world famous film into a video game for the very first time. Working with such a well known and much loved brand is a great opportunity and we believe the collaboration further strengthens 505 Games’ entertainment portfolio,” commented Ian Howe, Managing Director 505 Games.

“Paramount Digital Entertainment is pleased to be working with 505 Games to develop Grease,” said John Kavanagh, Senior Vice President of Video Games for Paramount Digital Entertainment. “Grease is the ideal opportunity to reach a broad gaming audience who love to sing, dance and have fun with a party-style game.”

Grease will be released on Nintendo Wii and Nintendo DS and co-published by 505 Games and Paramount Digital Entertainment.

Limited edition game locker, Kobe Bryant figurine and poster, NBA 2K retrospective video and VIP online lobby highlight Anniversary Edition

To celebrate 10 years of the popular NBA 2K franchise, and the milestone of having sold two million units of NBA 2K9 worldwide, 2K Sports today announced that the NBA 2K10: Anniversary Edition is planned for release in North America this fall for the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and PLAYSTATION 3 computer entertainment system. NBA 2K10: Anniversary Edition will come packaged in a specially designed 2K Sports locker configured for game storage, and include exclusive items featuring 2009 NBA Finals MVP, Kobe Bryant of the Los Angeles Lakers, along with a special commemorative video looking back on 10 years of the NBA 2K franchise and its past cover athletes.

As part of a limited edition offering of only 30,000 copies, each NBA 2K10: Anniversary Edition will be individually numbered for authenticity. Fans can now preorder their copy online and at local retail outlets across the country. Ten lucky fans will have the rare opportunity to find an autographed Kobe Bryant fine-art print, designed by Shepard Fairey’s Studio Number One, which will be hidden and randomly packaged among the different lockers. Gamers with Xbox LIVE online entertainment network and PlayStation Network membership will also be able to enjoy special privileges for NBA 2K10: Anniversary Edition, including exclusive access to an online lobby – the Gold Room – where celebrities and other VIP members will go to play, and only players with the Anniversary Edition will be allowed to enter.

NBA 2K10: Anniversary Edition will include:

• NBA 2K10 video game
• 2K Sports’ NBA 2K10 game locker
• 3” Figurine of Kobe Bryant by McFarlane Toys
• 16” x 36” Kobe Bryant poster
• Commemorative NBA 2K 10th anniversary DVD
• Access to the Gold Room, the NBA 2K10 VIP online lobby (accessible only with Xbox LIVE and PlayStation Network membership)

Continue Reading

Full Versions of Games from the Top Ten PC Publishers of 2008 Are Available for Download

Giant Realm Inc, the online media company that delivers millions of 18 – 34 year old males to advertisers via its publisher group of entertainment enthusiast communities, today announced its foray into ecommerce with the Giant Realm Store.

The Giant Realm Store features a complete selection of digital products from the Top Ten PC Publishers of 2008 (according to data from market research firm The NPD Group), including EA, SEGA, SouthPeak and Ubisoft®. Full versions of games as well as demos are available for download.

With the launch of its store, Giant Realm introduces a new revenue stream to its business. The rapidly-growing company also has exclusive advertising deals with all of the sites in its publisher group.

CEO James Green commented: “The Giant Realm Store is an important added-value feature for our publishers whose sites already draw huge audiences based upon a focused topic or product, such as a favorite PC game. Not only do visitors spend a substantial amount of time interacting with others to discuss and share information about the product but they are also willing to spend money on it. The Store gives these enthusiasts an easy way to consume more without having to leave their favorite community.”

Currently, the Giant Realm Store – found at store.gameriot.com – is available to the communities leveraging the Giant Realm Platform, the company’s free, web-based social media platform. The Store will be rolled out to other game-focused communities represented by Giant Realm in the coming weeks.

Continue Reading