Los Angeles, Ca. — Tuesday 9th, 2006 – WildTangent Inc., a leading developer and publisher of downloadable games, announced the release of a spectacular new casual game at E3, Penguins!
Penguins are cute, not very bright, in denial about their flightless condition, and desperately in need of your help to escape the zoo. To help 25 hapless penguins overcome the many obstacles they face along their escape route, players may employ a wide selection of devices including canons, trampolines, fans, rocket packs, and springs. Without your aid, penguins will obliviously stumble off in any available direction or worse, into the hands of the dreaded zoo keepers.
Penguins! is an entirely original new downloadable game unlike any on the Internet today. As penguins progress through the 100+ levels of the game, they can collect coins that players can spend at the zoo store to buy additional levels, posters, post cards, music, wallpaper and hilarious penguin costumes. Penguins! is also the first downloadable casual game to incorporate in-game content delivery from the web. This allows WildTangent Studios to continually create and publish new free content for Penguins! players to download from the in-game zoo store long after the game has been released.
Penguins! will be available with free trial play from www.WildGames.com on the opening day of E3. Penguins! will also be distributed through the WildTangent Game Console that ships with over 60% of new consumer PCs in North America.
WildTangent Studios has a reputation for producing the most innovative, family-friendly, high production value casual games available on the Internet; including last year’s hit original title Fate, which won runner-up for RPG of the year in PC Gamer Magazine, second only to Dungeon Siege 2, a $14 million dollar retail game from Microsoft. Other well known casual games from WildTangent Studios include Polar Bowler, BlasterBall, and BlackHawk Striker 2.
Casual downloadable games like Penguins! have become the fastest growing segment of the game industry and according to IDC Research, downloadable PC games will grow to a billion dollar business by 2008. WildTangent is one of the leaders in pioneering online game publishing with a catalog of over 225 downloadable games from all of the industry’s top casual game developers.
1. G25 Racing Wheel (Available: October; $299.99)
A member of the company’s extreme-performance G-series peripherals
for
PC gamers, the Logitech G25 Racing Wheel offers advanced features
for PC
racing enthusiasts.
Key Features
• 6-speed gated shifter with push-down reverse gear (Dial on
shifter
allows gamers to select mode: 6-speed shifter or sequential
shifting
mode)
• Included gas, pneumatic brake, and clutch pedals on a weighted
base
• High-torque, two-motor force feedback mechanism
• 900-degree wheel rotation
• Compatible with most PlayStation 2 titles
2. DriveFX Wheel for Xbox 360 (Available: July; $99.99)
The Logitech DriveFX wheel combines axial-feedback technology with
quality materials to deliver an exceptional driving experience on
the
Xbox 360.
Key Features
• Axial Feedback: Logitech’s feedback technology features
powerful
motors built into the base of the steering column. These motors
distribute the vibration throughout the entire wheel, shifters
and
casing, creating a sensory experience similar to that of a real
car
steering wheel and column.
• 10†diameter molded wheel with rubber grips for comfortable
driving
• Includes Xbox 360 connector and standard Xbox 360 buttons
• Responsive gas and brake pedals
3. G3 Laser Mouse (Available: July; $59.99)
The Logitech G3 Laser Mouse’s compact, ambidextrous design
encourages a
fingertip grip (or clawgrip) and includes the same ultra-powerful
mouse
engine as the Logitech G5 and G7 mice.
Key Features
• Processing power of 6.4 megapixels of images per second
• Tracks up to 45 inches per second
• Full-speed USB delivers 500 reports per second
• Logitech DryGrip surface provides secure finger grips during
long
gaming sessions
• Adjustable resolution: The mouse’s 2000 dpi maximum
resolution can be
adjusted to as low as 400 dpi, allowing gamers to vary their
resolution and balance the needs between maximum speed and
optimum
precision.
Santa Monica, CA – May 9, 2006 – Based on the highly anticipated feature film from DreamWorks Animation, Over the Hedge™ the game from Activision, Inc. (Nasdaq: ATVI) is a wild adventure that immerses fans in a backyard gone crazy, while taking the players beyond the story seen in the movie. Over the Hedge is the only game based on the feature film that lets players relive movie moments and go beyond the film in three different games being released simultaneously for consoles and PC, the Nintendo DS™ and Game BoyÒ Advance. In the games, players assume the roles of RJ the raccoon, Verne the turtle, Hammy the squirrel and Stella the skunk and turn a suburban neighborhood loaded with obstacles and traps into their personal playground.
“In collaboration with DreamWorks Animation we have developed three unique titles introducing new characters and all-new storylines expanding the Over the Hedge world,” said Kim Salzer, vice president of global brand management, Activision Publishing. “The games give movie and video game fans control of the four main characters and lets them experience firsthand their camaraderie and wacky adventures.”
In the console and PC versions of Over the Hedge, gamers find themselves in suburban madness when they choose to play as RJ, Verne, Hammy or Stella and switch between the characters or engage in two-player co-op with a friend. Comprised of more than 30 puzzle-filled levels, players use golf clubs, hockey sticks and other everyday items as they dodge lasers, defeat enemies and plan and execute heists. Fun mini-games such as suburban mini-golf and golf cart destruction derby extend the game play and offer players a chance to increase their health by collecting snacks, boost their energy through power up items and unlock exclusive content such as concept art, film assets and more.
The handheld versions of Over the Hedge give players two unique adventures. The Nintendo DS version takes place after the events seen in the movie and features an all-new storyline in which the characters must figure out how to save their woodland home from the encroaching home development. Over the Hedge for the Game Boy Advance closely follows the storyline of the movie allowing players to live the adventures of the movie.
Over the Hedge the game was developed for the console platforms by Edge of Reality, for the Game Boy Advance and Nintendo DS by Vicarious Visions and for the PC by Beenox.
Over the Hedge is available for the PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system, the Xbox® video game system from Microsoft, the Nintendo GameCube™ and PC are rated “E10+” (“Everyone 10+” – cartoon violence and crude humor – content suitable for persons ages 10 and older.) The console versions are available for a suggested retail price of $39.99 and the PC version is available for a suggested retail price of $19.99. Over the Hedge for the Nintendo DS and Game Boy Advance are rated “E” (“Everyone”– mild cartoon violence – content suitable for persons ages 6 and older.) The DS and the GBA versions are available for a suggested retail price of $29.99.
BradyGames’ Over the Hedge Official Strategy Guide is available at electronics, book, and software retailers nationwide, and online at bradygames.com.
LOS ANGELES — May 9, 2006 — Today at the Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3), Microsoft Corp. and top publishers worldwide unveiled the highly anticipated games lineup for the Microsoft® Windows® and Windows Vista™ operating systems. Microsoft also announced plans to bring the Xbox Live® game and entertainment network to the Windows platform.
Microsoft Game Studios and other leading publishers, including Electronic Arts Inc., NAMCO BANDAI Games America Inc., THQ Inc. and Funcom, will provide groundbreaking gameplay experiences for Windows Vista gamers across numerous genres, including role-playing games (RPGs), first-person shooter (FPS), real-time strategy (RTS), massively multiplayer online (MMO) and simulation. The showcase lineup for Windows Vista will include the following games:
· “Age of Conan: Hyborian Adventures” (Funcom) is an online action-RPG with a mix of a deep, story-driven single-player experience and massive and brutal multiplayer end game, bringing to life the ultimate representation of the “Age of Conan.”
· “Alan Wake” (Microsoft Game Studios) is a psychological action thriller from Remedy Entertainment Ltd. Cited as one of the best titles of E3 2005, “Alan Wake” introduces a deeply engaging and suspenseful story line in a free-roaming open world that invites players to unravel the riveting plot and experience intense combat that combines the use of light with more conventional weapons.
· “Company of Heroes” (THQ) is a World War II RTS from Relic Entertainment, the creators of game-of-the-year winners “Homeworld” and “Dawn of War,” that brings the cinematic intensity and dynamic battlefields of World War II to life through a truly visceral gaming experience.
· “Crysis” (EA) is an original FPS based on new intellectual property developed by Crytek, the makers of the award-winning “Far Cry.” In Crysis™, players battle an invading alien force in a number of environments against a backdrop of rising international tension and rivalries.
· “Flight Simulator X” (Microsoft Game Studios) is the 10th edition of the popular simulator that immerses players in a beautifully rich and realistic world, offering gamers a completely new and innovative experience with dozens of new aircraft, scenario-based missions and spectacular graphics.
· “Halo® 2 for Windows Vista” (Microsoft Game Studios), the game that redefined first-person combat and multiplayer action for millions of gamers worldwide, is set to explode onto Windows Vista.
· “Hellgate: London” (NAMCO BANDAI Games America) is an action-RPG that combines the depth of third-person role-playing games with the action of first-person shooters. Developed by Flagship Studios Inc., which includes the creators of the revolutionary “Diablo” series, the game offers infinite playability through dynamically generated levels, items, enemies and events.
· “Shadowrun” (Microsoft Game Studios) brings the Microsoft vision of “Live Anywhere” to life. “Shadowrun™” from FASA Studio is the first cross-platform game for Xbox 360™ and Windows Vista. It is a multiplayer, FPS that propels team-based combat into a new dimension with a revolutionary blend of modern weaponry and ancient magic. “Shadowrun” will be available when Windows Vista is launched.
Groundbreaking DirectX 10 Graphics Unveiled
In addition to highlighting showcase titles at E3, Microsoft previewed the incredible graphic capabilities of the company’s latest games-programming technology: DirectX® 10. The release of DirectX 10 heralds an astonishing leap in graphic fidelity over today’s hardware, enabling the most realistic and immersive games yet. With up to six times the performance of earlier versions of DirectX and support for massively more complex and intense environments, DirectX 10 will debut exclusively on Windows Vista. In addition to broad publisher support, DirectX 10 is backed by leading graphics hardware companies including ATI Technologies Inc. and NVIDIA Corp.
Windows Vista Key to Live Anywhere Vision
Under Microsoft’s Live Anywhere vision, announced by Chairman and Chief Software Architect Bill Gates on stage today, the power of the Xbox Live games and entertainment network will storm onto the Windows platform. This vision will first arrive on Windows Vista this winter with the release of “Shadowrun.” Published by Microsoft Game Studios, “Shadowrun” will be shipped simultaneously on Windows Vista and Xbox 360, enabling cross-platform gameplay and continuing to bridge the gap between consoles and computers.
The new online network will provide Windows Vista and Xbox 360 gamers with a consistent experience, with one gamertag, one set of achievements, one friends list and voice communications between all Xbox Live members. Bringing the Live Anywhere vision to Windows means that millions of gamers worldwide can access all the best elements of Xbox Live whether they’re playing on an Xbox 360 system, a Windows-based PC or their mobile phone.
“We’re incredibly excited to combine the best online innovations from Xbox Live with the platform innovations for which Windows is known,” said Peter Moore, corporate vice president of the Interactive Entertainment Business in the Entertainment and Devices Division at Microsoft. “Windows gamers have a lot to look forward to: Xbox Live experiences, revolutionary DirectX 10 technologies in Windows Vista and some of the best games in the world — all on Windows.”
Support for Games for Windows
In addition to delivering next-generation games for Windows Vista, industry leaders continue to deliver great games on today’s Windows platform. Microsoft Game Studios and third-party publishing partners are previewing a broad range of games for Windows on the show floor at E3:
· “Age of Conan: Hyborian Adventures” (Funcom)
· “Age of Empires® III: The WarChiefs” (Microsoft Game Studios)
· “Battlefield 2142” (EA)
· “Call of Juarez™” (Ubisoft)
· “Company of Heroes®” (THQ)
· “Crysis” (EA)
· “Desperate Housewives The Game” (Buena Vista Games)
· “F.E.A.R.™ Extraction Point” (Vivendi)
· “Flight Simulator X” (Microsoft Game Studios)
· “Hellgate™: London” (NAMCO BANDAI Games America)
· “Heroes of Might & Magic® V” (Ubisoft)
· “Neverwinter Nights™ 2” (Atari Inc.)
· “Rise of Nations®: Rise of Legends™” (Microsoft Game Studios)
· “Shadowrun” (Microsoft Game Studios)
· “SiN Episodes™: Emergence” (Ritual Entertainment)
· “The Ship” (Outerlight Ltd.)
· “Titan Quest™” (THQ)
· “Vanguard: Saga of Heroes” (Sigil Games Online Inc.)
New Games for Windows Brand Identity
Microsoft unveiled a new Games for Windows brand identity that will help consumers identify high-quality titles for the Windows platform. Moore reiterated Microsoft’s commitment to supporting Windows as a first-class gaming platform and a key consumer scenario for Windows. Evidence of this commitment to gaming on Windows can be found in the new Games Explorer in Windows Vista, the worldwide Games for Windows marketing campaign, and a strong retail initiative to promote the Games for Windows platform.
“First-class platforms deserve first-class treatment, and we’re investing in Games for Windows like never before,” said Moore. “We’ll make certain consumers can easily discover and enjoy the exciting lineup of Windows titles, today and in the future.”
Cross-Platform Wireless Accessories
Microsoft is expanding its wireless line of Xbox 360 cross-platform game peripherals to the Windows platform with the introduction of the Xbox 360 Wireless Gaming Receiver for Windows. Gamers will be able to use the Universal Serial Bus (USB) wireless receiver with Windows XP- or Windows Vista-based computers to enjoy racing games, sports games and other titles that work best with the Xbox 360 Wireless Controller, Xbox 360 Wireless Headset and Xbox 360 Wireless Racing Wheel. Today’s announcements follow the release of the company’s first cross-platform controller: the wired Xbox 360 Controller for Windows that shipped in fall 2005.
Today at Microsoft’s E3 press conference, Microsoft Game Studios confirmed it will publish “Alan Wake,” the highly anticipated psychological action thriller by the renowned and successful developer, Remedy. The title will be made exclusively for Windows Vista and the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system.
“We are thrilled about the opportunity to work with the gifted and experienced Remedy team,” said Frank Pape, Senior Director of Business Development at Microsoft. “Our teams are dedicated to pushing the envelope of the gaming experience for Windows and the Xbox 360 with ‘Alan Wake.’ Millions of gamers have come to expect highly innovative and compelling content from Remedy and Microsoft Game Studios is proud to partner with them on this phenomenal title.”
“Partnering with Microsoft Game Studios creates a complementary blend of talents and a shared passion to create something incredible,” said Petri Järvilehto, Creative Director at Remedy. “We put a lot of effort into finding the best publisher match for our game and the Remedy team. As a result, we are truly excited to work with MGS to make ‘Alan Wake’ the game it deserves to be and to continue our track record of success.”
Set in the deceptively idyllic town of Bright Falls, Washington, “Alan Wake” places gamers in the role of the best-selling suspense author, Alan Wake. He escapes to this small town to recover from the mysterious disappearance of his fiancée. In Bright Falls Wake comes face to face with his darkest nightmares.
“Alan Wake” immerses players in an intense and expansive cinematic world that enables players to roam freely in hyper-realistic, dynamic and interactive environments. “Alan Wake” is mission-based with a deeply engaging and suspenseful storyline unveiling new twists and profound character revelations at every turn. Players will unravel the riveting plot through character interactions, unique problem-solving and intense combat against terrifying enemies. In this nightmarish world, Alan Wake must use a variety of weapons to survive, including his most powerful ally against the creatures of darkness — light itself.
Richmond, Va., May 9, 2006—Velocity Micro, the premier manufacturer of award winning, ultra performance PCs, announces today the availability of gaming systems with the new AGEIA PhysX graphics solution. Customers can configure Gamers’ Edge and Raptor PCs with the new physics card, which utilizes new graphics technology to deliver a more realistic 3D gaming experience.
“We are pleased to be a launch partner with AGEIA on this exciting new technology,” said Randy Copeland, CEO and President of Velocity Micro. “Gamers are always looking to Velocity Micro to push the envelope when it comes to speed. With the AGEIA PhysX card, we can deliver PCs with even higher levels of performance to our customers.”
The AGEIA PhysX physics processing unit (PPU) is the world’s first dedicated, hardware-based physics accelerator. PhysX handles the ever-increasing processing demands of 3D games by offloading the calculation of complex physical interactions from the PC’s CPU and GPU. In games designed to take advantage of AGEIA PhysX, this technology can more accurately depict real-world objects and allow many more scene elements to interact in a realistic way. Explosions cause collateral damage to surrounding objects, scene elements can look and react more convincingly to player input, and smoke, fog, and liquids look more genuine.
Fully customizable systems in the Gamers’ Edge and Raptor series with the AGEIA PhysX card are available today at www.velocitymicro.com.
The press conference was held at the Chinese Theater and began with a demo of Gears of War. Someone played a level from the beginning of the game and it looked great. Very dark and futuristic, lots of realistic blood splatter, tons of shooting, and even a chainsaw. Spectacular graphics.
Then Peter Moore took the stage and talked about how Microsoft is delivering the most powerful HD gaming to date. For the first time ever, all of MS gaming is under a single organization unit. Games drive entertainment at MS. Fastest start in console history 5 million Xbox 360 sold by end of June, 4.5 games and 3 peripherals per unit sold. These are great numbers. It’s about the games, the friends, and the lifestyle.
Xbox Live – a unique online experience, friend’s lists, achievements, etc. 6 million members by this time next year. Evolving beyond a shared game space to a true entertainment venue. Xbox Live Arcade has something for everyone. Classic arcade games from Namco, Konami, Midway, SEGA. More than games, a shared heritage. Created a space for independent developers where innovation can thrive. Lumines Live with exclusive Warner Bros content.
Xbox 360 games – Lost Planet Extreme Condition, Mass Effect, Moto GP 06, Saint’s Row, John Woo Presents Stranglehold, Test Drive Unlimited, DDR Universe, Prey, Superman Returns: The Videogame, by this holiday there will be over 160 360 games. 825 titles currently available on Xbox.
Fable 2 announcement Peter Molyneaux and Lionhead Studios
Forza Motorsport 2 – more customization, 300 cars to tune and paint, 12 player races through xbox live, available this holiday season matched with wireless steering wheel
Wireless headset
Xbox Live Vision Camera
Working on building better games for Japanese market
Splinter Cell Double Agent to be released Sept 06
Viva Pinata – whole new world that kids can jump into anytime and anywhere this game is about what happens to piñata when they’re not at a party holiday 06
Xbox Live Marketplace – digital distribution, 1000 pieces of content available today. Changes the way people try and buy games. Provides true episodic content keeping your favorite games fresh for years. Opens new worlds of digital entertainment – music videos, movie trailers. All in HD.
Xbox 360 HD DVD Player – roughly 2/3 the size of 360. Available this holiday. $499
Grand Theft Auto IV – 360 on October 2007. Exclusive episodic content via Xbox Live
Windows Gaming – revitalized marketing effort, latest in graphics technology, Windows Vista is game friendly. “Games for Windows” Vista is where it’s at for gaming, Direct X 10, it does look good, parental controls, more horsepower, more stability, more joint release titles that will come out on 360 and PC such as Shadowrun. There is talk of a single “Live Anywhere” interface so you can be on the equivalent of Xbox Live from an Xbox, a PC, or a mobile phone. There will be seamless interaction between platforms, so someone on a 360 could message someone on a PC and then they could play Shadowrun against each other.
Bill Gates came on stage and that was pretty cool.
REDWOOD CITY, Calif., May 4, 2006– Electronic Arts (NASDAQ: ERTS) today announced its next generation of game titles for the upcoming Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3) taking place in Los Angeles May 10-12, 2006. EA’s line up of EA SPORTS™ and EA™ branded games for the Xbox 360™ video game system from Microsoft, the PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system, PSP™ (PlayStation®Portable) handheld entertainment system, Nintendo Wii™, Nintendo DS™, PC and mobile phones will be showcased in EA’s booth #1000 in the South Hall. With a renewed focus on original and wholly-owned intellectual property EA will unveil an array of titles and the technology that drives gameplay innovation.
Shown exclusively behind closed doors, EA is presenting its recently announced next generation console action title out of EA Montréal, ARMY OF TWO™; Will Wright’s original PC work in progress, SPORE™; and the newest PC iteration in the acclaimed Command & Conquer™ series, Command & Conquer 3 Tiberium Wars™.
The EA SPORTS line up will go behind closed doors in the EA SPORTS Lab highlighting the technology that fuels the gameplay innovations for the ’07 lineup. Madden NFL 07 will be playable on the PlayStation 3 console, Xbox 360, PSP system, Nintendo DS and Nintendo Wii.
“EA is leading the industry with a new generation of games on a new generation of platforms,” said Paul Lee President of EA Studios. “We’re pushing the technology to provide more innovation in our EA branded games and authentic athletic performance in our EA SPORTS games. We’re also leading the resurgence of PC gaming with groundbreaking titles like Battlefield 2142, Command & Conquer 3 Tiberium Wars, Crytek Studio’s Crysis and of course Will Wright’s new game, SPORE.”
“EA is demonstrating a ground-breaking level of quality and innovation at E3 this year,” said Frank Gibeau, EA Executive Vice President and General Manger of North American Publishing. “Games like ARMY OF TWO and NBA LIVE 07 are going to unleash the power of new consoles like PlayStation3 and Xbox 360. Madden NFL 07 makes great use of the new controller on Nintendo’s Wii system.”
“E3 is a showcase for EA’s portfolio of globally recognized entertainment,” said Executive Vice President and General Manager of International Publishing, Gerhard Florin. “Titles like FIFA Soccer, The Lord of the Rings, The Battle for Middle-earth II and the Battlefield franchise are among the most popular games in the world.”
EA SPORTS™ branded E3 line up
Along with playable demos that showcase deep new offerings of Madden NFL 07 and NCAA Football 07, EA will feature tech demonstrations of NBA LIVE, Tiger Woods PGA TOUR and FIFA Soccer behind closed doors in the EA SPORTS Lab. These demos will illustrate the new tools and development philosophy that drives gameplay and feature innovation in EA SPORTS games on next generation consoles. Highlighting the EA SPORTS Lab will be never-before-seen technology that delivers authentic athletic performance— the athletic movements, awareness, look and emotional intensity that bring characters to life in EA SPORTS games. The Lab will also feature a demonstration of ESPN content integrated in upcoming EA SPORTS games, including ESPN ticker and ESPN SportsCenter Radio updates.
Madden NFL 07 – With the exclusive video game license of the NFL and its players, Madden NFL 07 continues to be the #1 football franchise in history with more than 51 million copies sold. In its 17th installment, you control the running game like never before. For the first time ever, step up as the lead blocker to create a hole, and then take control of the tailback and smash through, overpower, or slash away from would-be tacklers as you fight for every yard. Innovative rushing controls give you a game-breaking ground attack featuring all-new jukes, cutbacks, and the distinct running styles of your favorite backs. Developed by EA Tiburon, Madden NFL 07 will launch in August on the Xbox 360, Xbox® videogame system from Microsoft, PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system, Nintendo GameCube™, PSP system, PC, Nintendo DS and Game Boy® Advance. Madden NFL 07 is also in development on the PlayStation 3 console and Nintendo Wii.
NCAA® Football 07 – Momentum changes everything—now college football’s most celebrated videogame turns the tide with NCAA Football 07. Whether battling your biggest rival or playing for the first-ever BCS National Championship Game in Dynasty Mode™, success on the field depends on your ability to maintain momentum. Featuring unprecedented graphics that capture every moment in complete detail—from the authenticity of the stadiums, mascots, and marching bands, to the true-to-life look and feel of the players on the field. NCAA Football 07 delivers the most realistic college football experience ever. NCAA Football 07 is scheduled to ship in July on the PlayStation 2 console, Xbox, Xbox 360 and the PSP system.
NASCAR® 07* (Working title) – Take risks, be rewarded, and become a champion with NASCAR® 07* on the PSP system. With all-new Adrenaline Moments, use your skill and instinct during the most intense situations and control the outcome by avoiding disastrous wrecks and flying debris. Maintain your focus on dangerous conditions ahead with the new RaceBreaker feature, which guides you through every treacherous moment of the race. With all-new speed blurring, realistic spark and smoke effects, and camera shakes, get your adrenaline pumping and experience the all-out drama and intensity of 190-mph racing with NASCAR 07.
EA™ branded E3 lineup
The EA game line up is as diverse as the audience games reach today. Gamers will have all-new experiences on award-winning franchises or discover completely new franchises; EA titles will demonstrate that next generation has arrived on the console, PC and handheld devices.
ARMY OF TWO™ – You’re not alone soldier, not anymore. At E3, EA unveils details of the action title that has been kept top secret for the past year. Developed at EA’s boutique production house in Montréal, Canada, the new, original game will redefine strategic TWO man cooperative play when it launches on the PlayStation 3 console and Xbox 360 in 2007. ARMY OF TWO will throw gamers into hot spots ripped from current day headlines where they will utilize unique TWO man strategies and tactics while seamlessly transitioning between playing with intelligent Partner AI (PAI) and a live player. When one man is not enough, it will take an army of two to fight through war, political turmoil and a conspiracy so vast it threatens the entire world.
Battlefield 2142™ – The year is 2142, and the dawn of a new Ice age has thrown the world into a panic. The soil not covered by ice can only feed a fraction of the Earth’s population. The math is simple and brutal: Some will live, most will die. In Battlefield 2142, players choose to fight for one of two military superpowers in an epic battle for survival. Armed with a devastating arsenal of hi-tech weaponry, including assault rifles, cloaking devices, EMP grenades and sentry guns, players can level the playing field against massive Battle Walkers that control the ground and futuristic aircraft that rule the skies. Massive online* battles for up to 64 players drop gamers on the front lines as part of a formal squad, or behind the scenes in Commander Mode to direct the strategic assaults of their team-mates. Battlefield 2142 also introduces an all-new game type for the first time in franchise history: “Titan” mode, which challenges gamers to control the battlefield and destroy their opponent’s Titan – a massive flying warship – while defending their own. Battlefield 2142 is developed by Digital Illusions/DICE Sweden and is slated to ship for PC in Fall 2006.
SPORE – SPORE takes players on an epic journey from the origin and evolution of life through the development of civilization and eventually into the outer reaches of space. Create a creature, then control every dimension of its evolution from pond scum to galactic god. Experience multiple styles of gameplay as your creature advances through different stages of development. Fight for survival in the wild, develop a sprawling metropolis, trade and war against rival civilizations and explore the outer reaches of the galaxy. Every aspect of the universe from creatures to vehicles, buildings to plants, are created by the player and automatically shared with other players, providing a limitless number of worlds to explore and play. Create, control and explore your universe with SPORE. SPORE is under development for the PC by legendary game designer, Will Wright.
Crysis™ – Crysis is all-new first person shooter from Crytek, the award-winning developers of the critically-acclaimed hit Far Cry. Powered by the revolutionary CryEngine™2, Crysis delivers next-generation PC technology, graphics and gameplay. Set in 2019 after a colossal asteroid crashes to Earth, Crysis begins amidst a tense military standoff between the North Korean and United States governments for control of the impact zone. Amid rising tensions, the asteroid suddenly bursts open revealing a massive alien ship, which begins freezing vast portions of the island and altering the global weather system. The invasion of Earth has begun. Crysis features an epic three-act story of alien invasion where players are able to customize their armor and weapons in real time to confront an ever-changing enemy and a harsh, dynamic environment. Advanced enemy AI employs realistic military tactics, forcing gamers to actively outsmart their opponents rather than simply reacting to them. Crysis is slated to ship for the PC in Winter 2006.
Command & Conquer 3 Tiberium Wars™ – The genre defining Command & Conquer series is back! The epic struggle between the Global Defense Initiative (GDI) and The Brotherhood of NOD continues…and the third Tiberium War™ is about to begin. Welcome back, Commander. Command & Conquer, the groundbreaking series that put the Real-time Strategy (RTS) genre on the map, is returning in full force with Command & Conquer 3 Tiberium Wars. This highly-anticipated next chapter takes the popular series back to its roots in the Tiberium universe and features the fast, fluid gameplay that Command & Conquer is known for and a gripping story that will redefine storytelling in RTS games. Experience a revolution in RTS gaming with a breakthrough single player campaign that rewards you for your gameplay style. Add layers of strategy to your gaming experience by building mobile bases, wielding the power of terrifying Ion Storms on the battlefield, or customizing your armies by combining units. Battle it out online with native voice-over IP, integrated clan support, and new spectator modes that let you play RTS games like a sport. Windows PC, 2007.
The Lord of the Rings™, The Battle for Middle-earth™ II for the Xbox 360 – Now command the epic battles of Middle-earth from your living room couch! Take control of huge armies and venture into the heart of Middle-earth to live the battles seen in the blockbuster New Line Cinema films and classic J.R.R. Tolkien literary fiction—all in spectacular high-definition. The game boasts a new, intuitive console-specific control scheme that allows novice players to enjoy the game’s signature Real-time Strategy gameplay while giving expert players the flexibility needed to engage in a deeply complex strategy experience. Directly control hundreds of units in an attempt to defeat enemy armies, conquer new lands, and seal the fate of Middle-earth. As the first game in The Lord of the Rings™ series to be playable over Xbox LIVE™*, add to the intensity of the experience and challenge friends online* to engage in action-packed real-time battles. Summer 2006.
SUPERMAN RETURNS™: THE VIDEOGAME challenges players to master Superman’s unrivaled powers to save Metropolis. Based on 60 years of DC Comics and the upcoming motion picture, SUPERMAN RETURNS™: THE VIDEOGAME creates the ultimate open-world super hero experience. As the Man of Steel™, you’ll hone your unworldly super powers such as Flight, X-Ray Vision and Freeze Breath to fight villains that only Superman™ can defeat. SUPERMAN RETURNS: THE VIDEOGAME will be available on Xbox 360, the PlayStation 2 console, Xbox, the PSP system, Nintendo DS and Game Boy Advance.
Def Jam® Fight For NY™: The Takeover – Experience the ultimate hip hop fighting game anywhere you go. Master over 180 new fighting moves and 50 new dirty moves in order to win fights and rise among the ranks of your crew. Create your own fighter and battle through over 40 of the hottest artists and celebrities in Hip Hop including Busta Rhymes, Ludacris, Method Man, Redman, Snoop Dogg, and Xzibit. With a new story, new moves, new venues, and head to head wireless gameplay, Def Jam Fight For NY: The Takeover is the summer’s must have title for the PSP system.
BURBANK, Calif. — (May 8, 2006) — Buena Vista Games, Inc. (BVG), the interactive entertainment arm of The Walt Disney Company (NYSE: DIS), today announced its largest and most diverse lineup ever of console, computer and handheld video game titles to be showcased at the Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3), May 10-12 at the Los Angeles Convention Center, Booth No. 1024 in the South Hall.
With a broad portfolio of video games that appeals to a wide audience, BVG’s portfolio includes titles inspired by major theatrical releases, popular and award-winning television shows and new intellectual properties.
“Buena Vista Games’ 2006 portfolio features the most diverse and extensive product mix to date, with titles based on the rich movie and television brands of The Walt Disney Company and new original properties that we look to build into evergreen franchises for the future,” said Graham Hopper, senior vice president and general manager, Buena Vista Games. “We continue to strengthen our self-publishing business with compelling new games that have broad entertainment appeal across all audiences and all major markets worldwide.”
For console game players, BVG will showcase a broad range of titles including Turok, an FPS game set on a mysterious planet that is based on the Classic Media comic book license; Disney’s Chicken Little: Ace in Action, based on the “super hero movie within a movie” of the box office hit film “Chicken Little”; Disney’s Meet the Robinsons, inspired by the upcoming Walt Disney Pictures’ futuristic computer-animated film; Lumines Plus, the first console extension of the highly popular Lumines puzzle franchise; and Disney’s Kim Possible: What’s the Switch?, the first console game based on the hit Disney Channel franchise.
For Windows PC users, Desperate Housewives: The Game, based on the award-winning ABC/Touchstone Television series “Desperate Housewives” will be available for game play for the first time.
BVG’s strategy for its kids games portfolio is focused on three endeavors in 2006 – the launch of the Disney on the Go brand; new efforts in handheld preschool learning games with the launch of Disney’s Little Einsteins for Game Boy® Advance; and migrating handheld franchise hits to the console for sophisticated gameplay in a family-safe environment with Disney’s Kim Possible for PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system.
BVG will showcase handheld games for all major handheld platforms (the PSP (PlayStation®Portable) system, Nintendo DS and Game Boy Advance). The company’s handheld portfolio will include Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest, based on the upcoming summer blockbuster movie; Spectrobes, a new original title being developed in Japan; Lumines II, Every Extend Extra and Meteos: Disney Edition, action puzzle games from Q ENTERTAINMENT; and games based on popular Disney Channel properties including “Hannah Montana,“ “Little Einsteins,” “American Dragon,” “Phil of the Future,” “The Suite Life of Zack & Cody,” “That’s So Raven” and more. Also, BVG will present new titles for young girls based on the Disney Princess franchise including a game based on the upcoming DVD release of “The Little Mermaid.”
Along with its self-publishing business, BVG continues to work with its licensing partners on phenomenal games based on Disney and Disney€Pixar properties. THQ Inc. will showcase Disney€Pixar Cars and Bethesda Softworks will show Pirates of the Caribbean: The Legend of Jack Sparrow in their respective booths at E3.
Console Games
Turok*
Turok is an epic, story-driven FPS game set on a dark, mysterious planet in the near future. Players take on the role of Joseph Turok, a former Black Ops commando, now part of an elite Special Forces squad on a mission to take down a war criminal on a genetically-altered planet. After the ship is shot down while approaching the planet, Joseph Turok must use his instincts and elite military training to elude an army of well-trained soldiers, and the ravenous, unpredictable creatures that populate the dangerous environment. Joseph Turok’s mission? Survive at all costs.
Platforms: Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system
Release Date: 2007
Lumines Plus*
Lumines Plus is a pulsing new version of the original PSP system game for the PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system. Lumines Plus includes new skins and a two-player battle mode.
Platform: PlayStation 2
Release Date: Fall 2006
Disney’s Meet The Robinsons
Disney’s Meet the Robinsons, based on the upcoming Walt Disney Pictures animated film, is a time-traveling action/adventure game. Players will experience the adventure as Wilbur Robinson, helping him chase the dastardly Bowler Hat Guy and his diabolical robotic hat Doris through multiple timelines in an attempt to thwart their evil plans. The game weaves in and out of the film’s plot, expanding the Robinson world and offering an all-new adventure. Wilbur will have a host of gadgets at his disposal as he battles enemies and solves puzzles while pursuing Bowler Hat Guy and trying not to alter the future.
Platforms: Wii, PlayStation 2, Nintendo DS and Game Boy Advance
Release Date: 2007
Disney’s Chicken Little: Ace in Action
Inspired by the “superhero movie within the movie” finale of Walt Disney Pictures’ box office hit film “Chicken Little,” Disney’s Chicken Little: Ace in Action features Ace, the superhero alter ego of Chicken Little, and the Hollywood versions of his misfit band of friends: Runt, Abby and Fish-Out-of-Water. The crew of the intergalactic Battle Barn faces off against Foxy Loxy and her evil Amazonian sidekick, Goosey Loosey, who have an evil plan to take over Earth. Battle evil alien robots through multiple levels across the solar system and combat your foes in one of three distinct game play modes: Ace on foot as a soldier, Runt as the driver of an armored tank, or Abby as the pilot of a spaceship. The original Chicken Little and his friends Abby, Runt and Fish we know from the film are featured in cut scenes throughout the game.
Platforms: Wii, PlayStation 2 and Nintendo DS
Release Date: Fall 2006
Disney’s Kim Possible: What’s the Switch?
Kim Possible and her perennial nemesis Shego must grudgingly team up to bring everything back to normal when the minds of Dr. Drakken and Ron Stoppable are switched in this action-packed adventure. It’s now up to Kim and Shego to save the day – together.
Platform: PlayStation 2
Release Date: Fall 2006
Windows PC Game
Desperate Housewives: The Game
A lifestyle simulation game for Windows based on the hit ABC/Touchstone Television phenomenon, Desperate Housewives: The Game lets you become the newest housewife on Wisteria Lane, extending the experience from the TV series through new storylines. As a new housewife, you must uncover delicious scandals and reveal some shocking secrets of your own. The gameplay is a story-driven adventure, in which each episode contains unique plot points and secrets for you to uncover.
Platforms: Windows XP and Windows Vista
Release Date: Fall 2006
Handheld Games
Spectrobes
An original concept and new intellectual property from Buena Vista Games, Spectrobes introduces two junior Interplanetary Patrol officers named Rallen and Jeena who learn of strange, prehistoric creatures called Spectrobes that possess special powers. These Spectrobes hold the key to defeating a vicious and merciless force, known only as the Krawl that threatens to destroy the galaxy. The two heroes embark on a mission to save their galaxy – to do so they must excavate, awaken, train and collect all the Spectrobes they can and battle to defeat the Krawl.
Platform: Nintendo DS
Release Date: To Be Announced
Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest
Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest, based on the upcoming Walt Disney Pictures’ film, is a swashbuckling third-person action/adventure. Players will engage in game play that reflects the cunning world of the film franchise — with an abundance of disloyalty, humor and revenge. Players embark on a daring adventure while sword dueling and hunting for hidden treasure in the quest for the legendary Dead Man’s Chest.
Platforms: PSP system, Nintendo DS and Game Boy Advance
Release Date: June 27, 2006
Lumines II
Lumines II is the highly anticipated sequel to the extremely addictive puzzle-based video game, Lumines. Gamers control squares made of four smaller block pieces that are dropped into the playing field one at a time to form same-color squares. The vertical “timeline” sweeps across the playing field from left to right and wipes the same-color squares from the playing field. Unmatched blocks pile up, and the game ends when the pile gets to the top of the playing screen. Advance through many action-packed levels, each with its own musical theme and sound effects.
Platform: PSP system
Release Date: Fall 2006
Every Extend Extra
Every Extend Extra is a unique “puzzle shooter,” brought to the PSP system by the creators of the critically acclaimed hit Lumines. Every Extend Extra delivers an addictive gameplay experience through a fusion of arcade-style shooting action, cutting-edge music and visuals. Players evade enemy attacks and then use perfect timing to blast their foes in a colorful display of explosive chain reactions. The bigger the chain reaction results in the higher the score and the larger the rewards.
Platform: PSP system
Release Date: Fall 2006
Meteos: Disney Edition
Meteos: Disney Edition is a new version of the popular galactic action puzzle title Meteos featuring beloved Disney characters.
Platform: Nintendo DS
Release Date: Fall 2006
BVG will also showcase upcoming handheld titles including for the Nintendo DS:
Disney’s American Dragon: Jake Long, Attack of the Dark Dragon
Disney’s Kim Possible: Global Gemini
Hannah Montana
That’s So Raven: Psychic on the Scene
Disney’s The Little Mermaid: Ariel’s Undersea Adventure
The Suite Life of Zack & Cody: Tipton Trouble
Games for the Game Boy Advance include:
The Cheetah Girls
Phil of the Future.
W.I.T.C.H.
Licensed Games
Disney€Pixar Cars
Published by THQ, Cars, the video game, is a high performance interactive experience in the open world created in the film, challenging players to relive the excitement created by Lightning McQueen and his friends. Fans will discover unique characters and environments inspired by the film with more than 10 playable characters and 30 races and mini games to choose from. The game features a fully immersive recreation of all major environments introduced in the movie, including Radiator Springs and Ornament Valley, which will offer distinctive racing experiences to players while maintaining the artistic style of the film.
Platforms: Xbox 360, Wii, PlayStation 2, Xbox® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, Nintendo GameCube®, Nintendo DS, PSP system, Game Boy Advance, Windows PC and Mac
Release Date: June 2006; Xbox 360 and Wii versions – Fall 2006
Pirates of the Caribbean: The Legend of Jack Sparrow
What’s not to love about Captain Jack Sparrow? Play as Jack Sparrow, Will Turner, and Elizabeth Swann as you hack and slash your way through fully interactive environments, including burning buildings, wrecked ships, and misty moonlit caves. One minute you are fighting hordes of enemies and the next you’re evading capture by the Royal Navy. Pirates of the Caribbean: The Legend of Jack Sparrow is being published by Bethesda Softworks.
Platforms: PlayStation 2 and Windows PC
Release Date: Summer 2006
Long Beach, CA – May 5, 2006 – DISCover, a premier provider of on-demand videogame content and technology products, today announced that the integration of its My Games software interface with the LogitechR Cordless RumblepadT 2 vibration-feedback controller has been certified for use on IntelR ViivT technology-based entertainment PCs. Intel tested the DISCover technology and Logitech controllers with many top PC games on the new Viiv platform, which is designed to make it easier for people to enjoy, manage and share digital entertainment in the home.
DISCover’s My Games application gives gamers the ability to play PC games without the hassle of downloading software and configuring controller settings for each individual title. DISCover’s technology, a Logitech Cordless Rumblepad 2 controller and an Intel Viiv technology-based entertainment PC combine to deliver a true plug-and-play, console-like gaming experience, enabling gamers to comfortably navigate and play popular PC games in the living room.
“PC gaming with a gamepad often requires special driver installation and game-by-game configuration,” said Fred Swan, Logitech’s director of strategic development for interactive entertainment. “Now, with an entertainment PC featuring Intel Viiv technology, a Logitech Cordless Rumblepad 2 controller, and the DISCover My Games living room-style gaming environment, gamers can enjoy a wide range of powerful PC titles from the comfort of their living-room couch, all with plug-and-play convenience.”
“The integration of DISCover’s technology with Logitech’s Cordless Rumblepad 2 has created a consumer friendly environment that allows PC gamers to quickly pick up a Rumblepad 2 and start playing their favorite games in the living room without any complicated configurations,” said Loren Kaiser, senior vice president of business development at DISCover. “Our work with Logitech for the Intel Viiv technology-based entertainment PC platform means that Rumblepad 2 users have a more complete living room gaming experience –
one that delivers a much more immersive and console-like experience than a keyboard and mouse set up.”
“The combination of DISCover My Games, Logitech’s Cordless Rumblepad 2 controller and a Intel Viiv technology-based entertainment PC gives consumers the option to take PC gaming from a small monitor desktop PC experience to a big screen, family room setting,” said Kevin Corbett, vice president of Intel’s Digital Home Group, and general manager of the Content Services Group.
DISCover’s My Games product includes the company’s patented Drop ‘n’ Play technology, which provides a simple, console-like experience when playing PC titles. My Games also gives players the added advantage of being able to organize, access, and play hundreds of top-selling PC games that they can try and buy right from their desktop. The user-friendly design allows customers to view in-depth game information, screenshots, box art and descriptions of thousands of top games. Customers can also purchase boxed
copies of games via top online retailers with ease via the Media Center Edition remote. A Parental Control feature is also available to ensure that only appropriately rated content is accessible to minors.
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