Santa Monica, CA – November 8, 2011 – After a year of anticipation, after the breakout success of the first-ever Call of Duty® XP live fan event, and after pre-order numbers that toppled even those of 2010’s mega-seller Call of Duty®: Black Ops, the ultimate shot has at last been fired. Call of Duty®: Modern Warfare® 3 is now available at retail worldwide. Also launching today alongside MW3, is the revolutionary new social gaming network Call of Duty® Elite, conceived expressly to help Call of Duty®’s 30 million devoted fans Play Together Better™.
Activision’s Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 kicked off its worldwide invasion at midnight as gamers crashed launch parties at over 13,000 retailers from Sydney to London to New York City, intent on being among the first to pull the trigger on the title dubbed “the most anticipated video game in history” by GameStop’s Senior Vice President of Merchandising, Bob McKenzie. “This watershed launch extends the legacy of the franchise like no other previous release,” said Eric Hirshberg, CEO of Activision Publishing, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Activision Blizzard, Inc. (Nasdaq: ATVI). “Combining the narrative punch and gameplay innovations of the next chapter in the Call of Duty: Modern Warfare series with the unique services of Call of Duty Elite will bring Call of Duty gamers together in a cohesive, fan-focused environment like no other.”
Co-developed by Infinity Ward and Sledgehammer Games, Modern Warfare® 3 delivers a full assault on gamers’ senses, including an intense single-player campaign that picks up immediately following the events of Call of Duty®: Modern Warfare® 2 and escalates into World War 3, as well as groundbreaking upgrades to the beloved Special Ops like the all-new Survival Mode. Special Ops serves as the perfect springboard to Modern Warfare 3’s re-imagined multiplayer, featuring the series’ trademark visceral gun-on-gun combat, a revamped pointstreak system with the introduction of “Strike Packages,” devastating new modes like “Kill Confirmed” and other gameplay enhancements, new features and a bevy of new weapons, equipment, and perks.
Gamers can ratchet up the excitement even further with the Xbox 360 Limited Edition Console package, featuring a console with custom Call of Duty® MW3 artwork, a 320GB hard drive, two wireless controllers, custom Modern Warfare-inspired system audio and a copy of the game.
Call of Duty Elite, from developer Beachhead Studio, is a comprehensive social gaming network and offers a deep and innovative free service for all registered Call of Duty players to Connect, Compete, and Improve. Call of Duty Elite provides “always-on,” universal communication between the platform and the game. Players can access Call of Duty Elite via mobile, web, or console—to connect with friends, plan matches with their Clan or social Group, configure load-outs, access comprehensive stats and interactive heat maps, and much more. Since Call of Duty Elite was developed alongside Modern Warfare 3, many of the features offer seamless interaction between the service and players’ in-game experience, including the ability to customize loadouts and sync them to the game, customize in-game Clans, upload HD videos, and find new friends from social Groups in-game. Call of Duty Elite’s premium tier adds the Modern Warfare 3 DLC delivered monthly throughout the 9 month DLC season, a constantly updated Program Guide of daily competitions for virtual and real-world prizes, exclusive clan leveling and competitions, access to the hotly anticipated Call of Duty Elite TV and more. Annual membership is available for $49.99, less than $5 per month. Many features of Call of Duty Elite are also backwards compatible with Call of Duty: Black Ops, and will also support future enabled versions of Call of Duty with one integrated platform.
Friday Night Fights, from executive producers Ridley Scott and Tony Scott and director RJ Cutler, debuts this Friday, November 11th on Call of Duty Elite TV. Friday Night Fights features real-life rivals taking it to the mat in Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 multiplayer. Additional original programming from digital content and production studio DumbDumb, the brainchild of Will Arnett and Jason Bateman in partnership with Ben Silverman’s multimedia powerhouse Electus, is in the pipeline. View the complete Call of Duty Elite TV programming schedule at www.callofduty.com/elite.
Following the phenomenal success of the first-ever Call of Duty fan celebration Call of Duty XP, Jeep®, Mountain Dew, and Xbox 360 have continued to support Activision and the Call of Duty: Modern Warfare saga. For the second year in a row, the Jeep brand will produce a 2012 Wrangler Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 Special Edition vehicle for fans. While Mountain Dew is driving the Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 “Rank Up Your Game” Double XP promotion – where fans get Double XP time in the game with every purchase of specially marked packages of DEW. These partnerships are components of an amazing multi-million dollar marketing blitz that promises to make an already historic entertainment launch even more memorable.
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 is rated “M” (Mature) by the ESRB for Blood and Gore, Drug Reference, Intense Violence and Strong Language and is available now for the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system, and Windows® PC. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 for the Nintendo Wii, developed exclusively for the platform by Treyarch, is also available for a suggested retail price of $49.99. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3: Defiance for the Nintendo DS™, developed exclusively for the platform by n-Space, is rated “T” (Teen) by the ESRB for a suggested retail price of $29.99.
For more information visit www.callofduty.com/mw3 and www.callofduty.com/elite.
About Activision Publishing, Inc.
Headquartered in Santa Monica, California, Activision Publishing, Inc. is a leading worldwide developer, publisher and distributor of interactive entertainment and leisure products.
Activision maintains operations in the U.S., Canada, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Sweden, Spain, Norway, Denmark, the Netherlands, Australia, South Korea, China and the region of Taiwan. More information about Activision and its products can be found on the company’s website, www.activision.com.
FOSTER CITY, Calif., Nov. 1, 2011 /PRNewswire/ – Sony Computer Entertainment America LLC (SCEA) today announced the North American release of UNCHARTED 3: Drake’s Deception™, available exclusively for the PlayStation®3 (PS3™) computer entertainment system. Created and developed by Naughty Dog, the third installment of the award-winning UNCHARTED™ series follows hero Nathan Drake on a treasure hunting adventure to uncover a historical conspiracy tying together Sir Francis Drake, T.E. Lawrence and the mythological city, the Atlantis of the Sands. Harnessing the power of the PS3™ system, Naughty Dog raises the bar again for cinematic gaming through extraordinary visuals, comprehensive character development and action-packed gameplay that together provide gamers with an experience never before found in entertainment media.
“Naughty Dog once again takes a leap forward in cinematic gaming, setting the UNCHARTED franchise apart from anything else in the industry,” said Scott A. Steinberg, Vice President of Product Marketing, SCEA, “Not only does UNCHARTED 3 deliver an impressive blend of interactive gameplay and stunning graphics, Naughty Dog has weaved an inspiring and personal story with genuinely relatable characters that consumers are going to want to pick up and play to the very end.”
In the franchise’s most compelling plotline yet, the tradition of exploring real-life historical mysteries continues with a quest for a legendary city lost to the sands in a desert that has ties to a lost chapter in the life of Sir Francis Drake, the reputed ancestor of Nathan Drake. Drake and his mentor, Victor Sullivan, travel through treacherous, new environments—including London, France, Syria, and the vast Rub’ al Khali desert—as they unravel a complex conspiracy involving an enduring secret society led by their main antagonist, Katherine Marlowe. The deeply emotional narrative and award-winning motion-capture performances in UNCHARTED 3 immerse players in the role of Nathan Drake as he tests the limits of his strongest relationships and is forced to confront his past and his very identity.
UNCHARTED 3 brings the story and characters to life through powerful set pieces and epic combat sequences only made possible by the Naughty Dog Engine 3.0. Pioneering sand technology recreates the harsh desert of the Rub’ al Khali with sand that displaces, swirls, and flows realistically in precise rendered detail. Effects such as fire and water have been overhauled to make each environment unique and interactive allowing gamers to rush through walls of water, aim and shoot through sloshing pools, and escape a chateau engulfed by fire that curls, billows, and smokes as it burns. UNCHARTED 3 can also be played entirely in stereoscopic 3D, which provides deeper immersion into the cinematic presentation and overall gameplay experience through such enhancements as an added sense of depth and scale to environments and an increased feeling of vertigo during set-piece moments.
Fast-paced gun combat, platforming, and puzzle solving all make a grand return alongside superior fighting mechanics. The enhanced melee combat system allows players to engage in brawl-style combat, with multiple enemies at once, using a combination of punches and kicks to shake off opponents. Drake can launch contextual attacks by using objects found in the environment, like an empty bottle, as improvised weapons. The game also features an expanded move-set including climbing backwards and traversal across physics-based objects, such as a crumbling staircase, a swinging chandelier or a fully realized, massive cruise ship that is tossed back and forth by a procedurally generated, real-time ocean.
Competitive Multiplayer and Cooperative Modes
In addition to the explosive adventure of the single-player campaign, UNCHARTED 3 returns with a full evolution of its cooperative and competitive multiplayer experience, introducing online players to expanded feature sets and deep social media integration. The dynamic cinematic experience and high-action, grand set-pieces that are hallmarks of the UNCHARTED series have been incorporated as playable components of the multiplayer maps. This brand new 10-player, action-adventure competitive multiplayer launches with a wealth of new and improved customization features that give players the freedom to define their own unique play styles within the game like never before. Leveraging Loadout slots, upgradable Boosters, Weapon Modifications, hundreds of mix-and-match character accessories and an emblem editor, the options are limitless for enhancing and personalizing in-game characters.
With multiplayer modes across 11 different maps, players can challenge each other in Three Team Death match, Free-for-All, Team Objective, Plunder, or the classic Team Deathmatch. Utilizing a new inherent player balancing system, matches are ensured to stay competitive by matching players based on player levels and by introducing Power Plays and gameplay modes, like Overtime and Sudden Death, to increase the intense competition between teams. Alongside the competitive mode, the local and online cooperative modes in UNCHARTED 3 encourage three teammates to play through rounds of objective-based scenarios, working together against the clock to collect and return idols or defend against waves of enemies with limited lives. Additionally, Co-op Adventure features a unique story arc found only in this mode that spans across five different levels as Drake and Sully embark on a mission to track down a rare and valuable Janus Head treasure. With a unique set of Co-op only Boosters and Kickbacks it’ll be up to the players to decide how they work together to solve all the Co-op missions.
Taking the online experience to the next level, Naughty Dog has integrated popular social networking sites like Facebook and YouTube in groundbreaking ways to create a compelling community experience, leveraging these popular social media platforms to share timely, relevant in-game content and activity to a broader network of friends. Players will be able to view their full list of Facebook friends, share treasures and post videos, providing a quick and easy way to participate with friends online outside of PlayStation®Network. An enhanced Cinema feature delivers a new suite of editing tools, including a rewind button and full camera control, to create highlight reels and the ability to upload them to YouTube and Facebook directly from within the game. With the launch of UNCHARTED TV, as players direct and publish their own unique content, the best user-generated content and videos from YouTube will be highlighted within the multiplayer interface.
UNCHARTED 3: Drake’s Deception is available exclusively for the PS3™ system for $59.99 MSRP and will include an Online Pass activation code that provides access to free online multi-player gameplay for the household. Also being released today is the PlayStation 3 UNCHARTED 3: Drake’s Deception hardware bundle for $299.99 MSRP. This limited edition bundle includes a 320GB PS3™ system, a full Blu-ray™ copy of the highly anticipated UNCHARTED 3: Drake’s Deception game, and a free month of PlayStation®Plus, a premium subscription service that gives consumers access to added features including automatic downloads, online storage for game saves, free games, exclusives, and discounts.
UNCHARTED 3: Drake’s Deception is rated T for Teen by the independent Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB). For more information about the ESRB visit www.esrb.org.
About Sony Computer Entertainment America LLC
Sony Computer Entertainment America LLC continues to redefine the entertainment lifestyle with its PlayStation® and PS one® systems, the PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system, the PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) handheld entertainment system, the ground-breaking PlayStation®3 (PS3™) computer entertainment system and its online and network services the PlayStation®Network and PlayStation®Store. Recognized as the undisputed industry leader, Sony Computer Entertainment America LLC markets the PlayStation family of products and develops, publishes, markets and distributes software for the PS one, PlayStation 2, PSP, PSP®go and PS3 systems for the North American market. Based in Foster City, Calif., Sony Computer Entertainment America LLC serves as headquarters for all North American operations. Visit us on the Web at http://www.us.playstation.com.
Call of Juarez: The Cartel
Developer: Techland
Publisher: Ubisoft
Rated “M”
Xbox 360, PS3, $59.99 (Windows PC version ships Sept 13, 2011)
Score: 8 out of 10
Step into a modern day Wild West where the end justifies the means and lawlessness runs rampant. Oh, you mean 2011 LA.
When a Mexican drug cartel bombs a US law enforcement agency, the government puts together a special task force to bring them down. Enter LAPD cop Ben McCall, DEA agent Eddie Guerra, and FBI agent Kim Evans, each of whom bring their own special skill and story to the game. Players can choose between characters based on how they play. Ben was good with pistols, Eddie with machine guns, and Kim with the sniper rifle.
Also, I posted my video review on YouTube
There was one serious glitch that I saw over and over again. The enemies are scripted to enter the battlefield when the player character enters a certain area. It is all highly synchronized to help the story develop. So it seems that if you’re like me and you want to run through the ghost town, because who on earth would walk slowly down the middle of the street, then you’re going to screw up the game. I apparently ran out ahead of the enemy triggers – because there were no enemies. I couldn’t advance the story. I didn’t know where to go or what to do. I had to restart the checkpoint and walk through the town slower this time.
All that said, Call of Juarez is a helluva lot of fun. I played through it twice (once as Kim and once as Ben) and I think the little story twists are highly engaging and entertaining. Kim knew things that Ben didn’t, which is very cool when you play Ben and see the same situation from a different angle.
Take justice into your own hands and experience the lawlessness of the modern Wild West
SAN FRANCISCO – February 7, 2011 – Today Ubisoft announced the development of Call of Juarez The Cartel, the third game in the award-winning Call of Juarez series. Developed by Techland for next-gen consoles and Windows PC, Call of Juarez: The Cartel will be available worldwide Summer 2011.
Call of Juarez: The Cartel is set in present day and brings the best elements of the Wild West to a new and modern setting. As a first person shooter with an immersive and mature story, players can expect to embark on a journey like no other – one that will take them from the heart of modern day Los Angeles, California to Juarez, Mexico.
“Call of Juarez: The Cartel is an action-packed shooter game with a strong story, interesting characters and a wide variety of gameplay options,” said Adam Novickas, director of marketing at Ubisoft. “The game will bring the best elements of the Wild West into modern times with a very gritty and relevant plot.”
Call of Juarez: The Cartel is featured in an exclusive first look in the March issue of Electronic Gaming Monthly, available on newsstands in North America on February 9, 2011.
For ongoing updates about the game, please visit: www.callofjuarez.com
About Ubisoft
Ubisoft is a leading producer, publisher and distributor of interactive entertainment products worldwide and has grown considerably through a strong and diversified line-up of products and partnerships. Ubisoft has offices in 26 countries and has sales in more than 55 countries around the globe. It is committed to delivering high-quality, cutting-edge video game titles to consumers. For the 2009–10 fiscal year Ubisoft generated sales of 871 million euros. To learn more, please visit www.ubisoftgroup.com.
Bodacious, EGO-dosed action game brings over-the-top FUN and non-PC humor back to games
New York, NY – January 21, 2011—2K Games and Gearbox Software announced today what will be a landmark date in gaming history—legendary hero Duke Nukem will make his triumphant return in Duke Nukem Forever on the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, PlayStation 3 computer entertainment system and Windows PC on May 3, 2011 in North America and May 6, 2011 internationally!
Duke Nukem is one of the biggest and most recognizable brands in the interactive entertainment industry. Irreverent, non-PC, and uber macho, Duke Nukem is the perfect, uncompromising ass-kicking hero to remedy the overdose of today’s gaming archetypes. Duke brings his signature brand of babe-lovin’, cigar-smoking, beer-chugging and ass-kicking action as he saves the Earth and its babes from hordes of invading aliens. Where will you be when Duke Nukem Forever launches? Better mark your calendars, Duke’s legend is being told this May and his brand new trailer, viewable at www.dukenukemforever.com, promises to blow your mind!
“The moment fans all over the world have been waiting for is almost here,” declared Christoph Hartmann, president of 2K. “May 3, 2011 marks Duke’s return as he unleashes his brash and brutally honest wit on the world. His return is going to be epic and one that will make video gaming history!”
Put on your shades and prepare to step into the boots of Duke Nukem, whose legend has reached epic proportions in the years since his last adventure. The alien hordes are invading and only Duke can save the world. Pig cops, alien shrink rays and enormous alien bosses can’t stop our hero from accomplishing his one and only goal: to save the world, save the babes and to be a bad-ass while doing it. The King arrives with an arsenal of over-the-top weapons, non-stop action, and unprecedented levels of interactivity. This game puts the pedal to the metal and tongue firmly in cheek. Shoot hoops, lift weights, read adult magazines, draw crude messages on whiteboards or ogle the many hot women that occupy Duke’s life – that is if you can pull yourself away long enough from destroying alien invaders. Duke Nukem was and will forever be a gaming icon, and this is his legend.
“When I said goodbye to 3D Realms and the original Duke Nukem 3D team in 1997 and soon after founded Gearbox Software, I never in my wildest dreams imagined that a day like today would come,” said Randy Pitchford, president of Gearbox Software. “Today I am proud, humbled and even astounded to announce that the day is coming at last for all gamers to be a part of video game history: Duke Nukem Forever will launch worldwide this May!”
Players looking to get access to the Duke Nukem Forever playable demo before it is publicly released can join the Duke Nukem Forever First Access Club. A membership certificate for the Duke Nukem Forever First Access Club is included within the Borderlands Game of the Year edition, where customers will be able to experience the definitive, value-packed collection of the critically acclaimed and best-selling Role-Playing-Shooter that has captured the imagination and attention of single-player and cooperative gamers around the world.
For more information on Duke Nukem Forever, including where to pre-order a copy, please visit www.dukenukemforever.com. Duke Nukem Forever is rated M for Mature by the ESRB.
2K Games is a division of 2K, a publishing label of Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. (NASDAQ: TTWO).
About Take-Two Interactive Software
Headquartered in New York City, Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. is a global developer, marketer and publisher of interactive entertainment software games for the PC, PlayStation®3 and PlayStation®2 computer entertainment systems, PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) system, Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, Wii™, Nintendo DS™, iPhone®, iPod® touch and iPad™. The Company publishes and develops products through its wholly owned labels Rockstar Games and 2K, which publishes its titles under 2K Games, 2K Sports and 2K Play. The Company’s common stock is publicly traded on NASDAQ under the symbol TTWO. For more corporate and product information please visit our website at www.take2games.com.
About Gearbox Software
Gearbox Software is respected industry wide for the award winning, best-selling original and licensed video games they have developed for major video game platforms. Founded in 1999 and located near Dallas, TX, Gearbox Software is well known for the creation and development of their original blockbuster franchise, Borderlands, and has developed numerous top selling add-on packs for Borderlands. Additionally Gearbox now has ownership of the Duke Nukem franchise, created and developed the Brothers in Arms series and developed games and added value to many of the industry’s top franchises including Halo, Half-Life, Tony Hawk, James Bond and others. Gearbox Software’s success has been enabled and supported through several key mutually beneficial business relationships with strong publishing partners including Activision, Electronic Arts, Ubisoft Entertainment, Microsoft Games Studios, Sega of America and Take-Two/2K Games.
Sequel to FINAL FANTASY XIII Coming to Xbox 360 and PlayStation3 Next Winter
LOS ANGELES (January 18, 2011) – Square Enix, Inc., the publisher of SQUARE ENIX interactive entertainment products in North America, today announced FINAL FANTASY XIII-2 for the PlayStation 3 computer entertainment system and the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft. FINAL FANTASY XIII-2 is a sequel to FINAL FANTASY XIII, which released in North America in March 2010 and has shipped 6 million units worldwide.
“Why does mankind defy its fate?”
Production on FINAL FANTASY XIII-2 is underway, and builds upon the best aspects of FINAL FANTASY XIII. In particular, a brand new story and evolved battle system promise to stand out markedly against the standard for high-quality content established by the previous title.
Since the release of FINAL FANTASY in 1987, this unique RPG series continues to showcase the spectacular visuals, highly imaginative worlds and rich stories leading the industry and earning the highest accolades from users around the world. The series have so far achieved a cumulative shipment of over 97 million units worldwide (as of September 2010).
Product overview
Title: FINAL FANTASY XIII-2
Platform: PlayStation 3, Xbox 360
Genre: RPG
Release date: Available Next Winter
MSRP: TBD
Copyright: © SQUARE ENIX CO., LTD. All rights reserved. CHARACTER DESIGN: TETSUYA NOMURA
Website: http://na.square-enix.com/ffxiii-2
Story summary from the previous title, FINAL FANTASY XIII
Cocoon – a utopia in the sky.
Its inhabitants believed their world a paradise.
Under the Sanctum’s rule, Cocoon had long known peace and prosperity.
Mankind was blessed by its protectors, the benevolent fal’Cie, and believed that tranquil days would continue forever.
Their tranquillity was shattered with the discovery of one hostile fal’Cie.
The moment that fal’Cie from Pulse – the feared and detested lowerworld – awoke from its slumber, peace on Cocoon came to an end.
Fal’Cie curse humans, turning them into magic-wielding servants.
They become l’Cie – chosen of the fal’Cie.
Those branded with the mark of a l’Cie carry the burden of either fulfilling their Focus or facing a fate harsher than death itself.
A prayer for redemption.
A wish to protect the world.
A promise to challenge destiny.
After thirteen days of fates intertwined, the battle begins.
FINAL FANTASY XIII-2 is not yet rated. Please visit the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) website at www.esrb.org for more information about ratings. For more information about FINAL FANTASY XIII-2, please visit the official website at: http://na.square-enix.com/ffxiii-2.
About Square Enix, Inc.
Square Enix, Inc. develops, publishes, distributes and licenses SQUARE ENIX , EIDOS and TAITO branded entertainment content throughout the Americas as part of the Square Enix Group. The Square Enix Group operates a global network of leading development studios and boasts a valuable portfolio of intellectual property, including: FINAL FANTASY , which has sold over 97 million units worldwide; DRAGON QUEST , which has sold over 54 million units worldwide; TOMB RAIDER , which has sold over 35 million units worldwide; and the legendary SPACE INVADERS . Square Enix, Inc. is a U.S.-based, wholly-owned subsidiary of Square Enix Holdings Co., Ltd.
More information on Square Enix, Inc. can be found at http://www.square-enix.com/na.
Sackboy’s Latest Adventure Provides Endless Fun for Fans While Redefining the World of User-Generated Content in this PLAY, CREATE, SHARE Sequel to the Award-Winning Franchise
FOSTER CITY, Calif., Jan. 18, 2011 /PRNewswire/ — Sony Computer Entertainment America LLC. (SCEA) today announced the North American release of LittleBigPlanet 2, the sequel to the award-winning, multi-million unit selling hit LittleBigPlanet, exclusively for the PlayStation 3 (PS3) system. Developed by Media Molecule, the same creative team that brought you LittleBigPlanet, LittleBigPlanet2 provides players a new means to PLAY, CREATE, and SHARE, with revolutionary gameplay mechanics that allow for a level of control and customization that has never been seen before. This franchise has always empowered players to CREATE their own levels with the same tool set used by the development team, but now with evolved creation abilities, players can not only make better levels, but completely new games across multiple genres. LittleBigPlanet2 also features a brand new storyline, a revamped graphics engine supplying stunning visuals, and added accessories and equipment to help Sackboy to make his way through this new world.
“Since the launch of LittleBigPlanet, our online community has uploaded over three million levels to the PlayStation Network, with creations popping up everyday that continue to amaze,” said Scott A. Steinberg, vice president, product marketing, SCEA. “With LittleBigPlanet 2, players now have the ability to create actual games across different genres, so it will be very exciting to see what our community can come up with. LittleBigPlanet 2 also boasts a brand new story mode for Sackboy to explore that, coupled with the millions of user-created levels online, provides an endless entertainment experience that can be enjoyed by the entire family.”
LittleBigPlanet 2 begins with a new story mode that provides a beautifully reshaped world for Sackboy to explore and PLAY. The campaign includes 40 story levels across six different themes; each level influenced by cultural high points in history and visually stunning when seen through the game’s revamped graphics engine. All of the new levels and territories to PLAY fuse different historical ideas together to create fresh aesthetics that populate this new world, with themes including: Techno Renaissance, Steampunk and Cake, Neon Propaganda, Fluffy High-Tech, Designer Organic, and Hand-made Arcade.
With the implementation of a new CREATE mode, the tools have evolved to allow users to make actual games, not just levels. Players can reset the controller buttons for any object and change the rules to any level using the Controlinator, and new multiplayer abilities advance the types of games possible for a social/competitive experience–imagine racing games, flying games, shooters, puzzle games, sports games, action/adventure games, and more.
And what would a LittleBigPlanet game be without new SHARE abilities. An enhanced SHARE experience will have gamers spending less time searching and more time playing the millions of levels and games created by fans around the world. With the unveil of LBP.me, a social networking website, every published online level/game will get its own webpage, so users can search/find creations while online at home/work, mark them, and have these favorites queued up and ready to PLAY when you return to your PS3 and sign onto PlayStation Network. Users will also be able keep an eye on what games/levels your friends are playing via activity steams, as well as link levels together to provide longer gameplay experiences without the breakup of going back to the ‘Pod.’
Sackboy will also have new tools and equipment to aid him on his journey, including a Grapple Hook for swinging across large gaps and pulling small objects towards you, the Grabinator for picking things up and throwing them, and the customizable Creatinator for Sackboy to carry and can spew out anything a creator desires.
Additional new features include the Music Sequencer, allowing players to compose their own musical score and connect in-game objects to your own custom tunes, a cinematic Cut-Scene Maker to create stand-alone movies or cut-sequences in levels, customizable Sackbots–interactive, programmable non player characters that bring the game to life, and of course a host of new CREATE materials and gadgets to satisfy any imagination.
LittleBigPlanet 2 offers four-player offline and online multiplayer, a host of fun and challenging trophies to collect, and is backwards compatible with LittleBigPlanet allowing players to access the more than three million online levels created with the original game. The Blu-ray disc will also include Sackboy’s Prehistoric Moves–stand-alone bonus levels that support PlayStation Move. LittleBigPlanet 2 is a single or multiplayer creative gaming experience that has an ESRB rating of “E” for Everyone. For more information about the ESRB, click here. For more information about the LittleBigPlanet franchise, click here.
Acclaim for the LittleBigPlanet Franchise
Since its launch in October 2008, the LittleBigPlanet franchise has sold more than four million copies worldwide. It has been widely praised and critically acclaimed with more than 80 industry awards worldwide, 15 of which have been for Game of the Year categories, with awards ranging from the top gaming critics to prestigious organizations such as the Academy of Interactive Arts and Sciences (AIAS) and The British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA). The title has established the PLAY, CREATE, SHARE creative gaming genre and the game continues to grow and evolve, helped by the support of countless fans around the globe. The customizable nature of the unique PlayStation exclusive title allows players to alter characters and build entirely new objects and levels, then share and play them online as part of the LittleBigPlanet community. In fact, the sharing nature of the game has become so embraced, it has attracted fans to publish more than three million levels to the PlayStation Network since the award-winning game was released.
About Sony Computer Entertainment America LLC
Sony Computer Entertainment America LLC. continues to redefine the entertainment lifestyle with its PlayStation and PS one systems, the PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system, the PSP (PlayStation Portable) handheld entertainment system, the ground-breaking PlayStation 3 (PS3) computer entertainment system and its online and network services the PlayStation Network and PlayStation Store. Recognized as the undisputed industry leader, Sony Computer Entertainment America LLC markets the PlayStation family of products and develops, publishes, markets and distributes software for the PS one, PlayStation 2, PSP, PSPgo and PS3 systems for the North American market. Based in Foster City, Calif., Sony Computer Entertainment America LLC serves as headquarters for all North American operations.
Visit us on the Web at http://globalmessaging2.prnewswire.com/clickthrough/servlet/clickthrough?msg_id=6786438&adr_order=723&url=aHR0cDovL3d3dy51cy5wbGF5c3RhdGlvbi5jb20%3D.
“PlayStation”, “PSP”, “PS one” and the “PS” Family logo are registered trademarks and “PS3″ is a trademark of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. LittleBigPlanet ©2007 Sony Computer Entertainment Europe. Developed by Media Molecule. LittleBigPlanet is a trademark of Sony Computer Entertainment Europe. Sackboy is a trademark of Sony Computer Entertainment America LLC.
Mixamp 5.8
ASTRO Video Gaming Equipment, http://www.astrogaming.com
$129.95
Score: 9 out of 10
The Astro Mixamp 5.8 is one of those rare products that cross the chasm between Matt the Reviewer’s life and Matt’s life. In other words, I like this little wireless audio system enough that I want to use it. It’s not that I’m forced to write reviews, but there is a difference between products I use long enough to review and products that become part of my life. I usually say, “It takes 10-20 hours of playing/testing to get enough info for a good review. If I find myself coming back to a product or game even after it’s reviewed, then that is one helluva product.
So there you have it. That’s my review. One helluva product.
Astro already had a product called the Mixamp on the market that has been high successful on the pro gaming circuit, but it is a wired amp. The next logical step was a wireless amp and transmitter. It was insanely simple to hook up. I just used the included optical cable to connect to my Rotel A/V controller and powered the unit on and I was in business. I used a pair of Astro A30 headphones during my testing – they are really good gaming headphones, maybe the best I’ve listened to in the sub $100 market. I also used my beloved Etymotic ER-4P in ear headphones. Both sounded great with the Mixamp 5.8, although the Bass Expander feature (which adds the equivalent of a subwoofer’s rumbling bass) worked much better with the A30’s. The A30’s have a built in mic so with another cable to the PS3 I could have the full game/voice experience. Incidentally, the MixAmp 5.8 and A30 bundle is available for $199.95 until 1/11/11.
The MixAmp 5.8 has only a few controls: volume, the game/voice balance control, on, and surround on. Game/voice control comes in handy because it allowed me to fine tune the volume of the other morons who were yelling at me during multiplayer Call of Duty.
Overall, I love the MixAmp 5.8 and the A30 headphones. This is the best wireless audio setup I’ve listened to. I think that it’s well worth the $229.95. And I’ll let you in on a secret. The other night I set them up for my girlfriend to watch some Real Housewives crap on TV – and then I didn’t have to listen to the insipid bantering. Oh, that was sweet! I think that if the MixAmp 5.8 can save me from that assault (plus save her from my assault on Khe San), then the utility far surpasses the cost.
Rock Band 3 Demo Available for Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3
Keyboard Parts Playable With Five-Button Guitar Controllers
Cambridge, Mass. – Nov. 5, 2010 – Harmonix, the world’s premier music video game developer, and MTV Games, a part of Viacom’s MTV Networks (NYSE: VIA, VIA.B), today announced that a demo for Rock Band 3, the next generation in the ultimate social and interactive music gaming platform, is now available for PlayStation 3 computer entertainment system and the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft.
The Rock Band 3 demo features the opportunity to play four songs in Quickplay, featuring one standard venue and one “music video” venue. Fans can try out three-part harmonies and, for those who don’t yet have the Rock Band 3 keyboard or Rock Band 3 Fender Mustang PRO-Guitar Controller, keyboard parts are playable on legacy guitar controllers. The demo includes the following songs from the master Rock Band 3 soundtrack:
• Spacehog – “In the Meantime”
• White Stripes – “Hardest Button to Button”
• Slipknot – “Before I Forget”
• Foreigner – “Cold As Ice”
To download and play the Rock Band 3 demo for the PlayStation 3 system, you must have an Internet-connected PlayStation 3 console, a PlayStation Network account and at least one Rock Band or Rock Band-compatible third-party music game controller or USB microphone. If you don’t already have a PlayStation Network account, simply create one in the PSN Home Menu. Next, simply head over to Demos in the Featured Games menu and click Rock Band 3 demo to download.
To download the Rock Band 3 demo for the Xbox 360, you must have an Internet-connected Xbox 360, a Gold Xbox Live account (the demo will be available to Xbox Live free accounts Nov. 12) and at least one Rock Band or Rock Band-compatible third-party music game controller or USB microphone. Sign in to your Xbox Live account. If you don’t already have a Xbox Live account, simply select Join Xbox Live from the Xbox dashboard and create your account. In the Xbox Live menu, go to Game Marketplace and select Game Demos. Find the Rock Band 3 demo and select to download.
Critical acclaim from around the world for Rock Band 3:
Associated Press – 4/4
“Rock Band 3″ is the kind of classy production we’ve come to expect from developer Harmonix. It’s great for people who just want to have fun at parties, and for those who seriously want to learn musical skills. Four stars out of four.”
G4TV – 5 out of 5
“The best music video game I’ve ever played. While no game can be all things to all people, Rock Band 3 comes close. It is both a great party game and an entirely hardcore music game experience.”
Joystiq.com – 5 out of 5
“Rock Band 3 is the greatest rhythm game ever made, and quite possibly the only rhythm game you need to own…”
Eurogamer – 10/10
“I can at least say with confidence that Rock Band 3 is the greatest music game ever made.”
Rock Band 3 delivers the deepest Rock Band experience yet with an incredible 83-song soundtrack featuring the music of Avenged Sevenfold, John Lennon, Jane’s Addiction, The Cure, Def Leppard, Ozzy Osbourne, Bob Marley and many more. Rock Band 3 gives players immediate access to more than 2,000 songs1 in the ever-growing Rock Band Music Library and support for most existing Rock Band songs.2 In addition, Rock Band 3 adds three-part vocal harmonies and introduces a keyboard peripheral to the band, allowing up to seven players to rock together for the ultimate social gaming experience.
Rock Band 3 also marks the debut of Rock Band Pro Mode, which bridges the world of gaming and real musicianship through a collection of new instrument controllers, trainers and gameplay options that open the door to real-world guitar, bass, keyboard and drum skills.
Rock Band 3 offers something for everyone. The game’sdeep Career Mode takes the band on a journey to gain new levels of status while the environment around them changes from streets and subways to tour stops and mega-venues. For the serious player, the revamped Career Mode features more than 700 goals and rewards and seamless leaderboard integration for an endlessly deep campaign experience. The game also features easy drop-in and drop-out, easier No Fail accessibility and an all-new Party Shuffle. Rock Band 3 also adds a suite of social networking tools to the game, including the ability to create, save and share playlists online or on the console, so fans can engage friends over Facebook, Twitter, email and more. Check out those tools and more at the newly launched RockBand.com.
Developed by Harmonix, published by MTV Games, and distributed by distribution partner Electronic Arts Inc. (NASDAQ: ERTS),Rock Band 3 is compatible with all Rock Band and The Beatles: Rock Band peripherals, as well as most third-party instrument and microphone controllers. Rock Band 3 Pro Mode requires Rock Band Pro-compatible instrument controllers. Mad Catz, the official peripheral manufacturer and distributor for Rock Band 3 game controllers, has released Pro Mode compatible controllers including the Rock Band 3 Fender Mustang PRO-Guitar Controller, Rock Band 3 Wireless Keyboard, Rock Band 3 PRO-Cymbals Expansion Kit and the Rock Band 3 MIDI PRO-Adapter.
Harmonix has also teamed with Fender to create the Rock Band 3 Squier by Fender Stratocaster Guitar Controller, a full-sized, six-string electric guitar that also functions as a game controller that will be compatible with Rock Band 3 Pro Mode. The Rock Band 3 Squier Stratocaster will be available in March 2011.
Pricing for Rock Band 3 is as follows:
• Rock Band 3 Software for Xbox 360/PlayStation 3 system: US MSRP $59.99, continental Europe MSRP €59.99, UK MSRP £49.99
• Rock Band 3 Software for Wii: US MSRP $59.99, continental Europe MSRP €49.99, UK MSRP £39.99
• Rock Band 3 Software for Nintendo DS: US MSRP $29.99, continental Europe MSRP €29.99, UK MSRP £24.99
• Rock Band 3 Software and Keyboard Bundle for Xbox 360: US MSRP $129.99, continental Europe MSRP €129.99, UK MSRP £109.99
• Rock Band 3 Software and Keyboard Bundle for Wii: US MSRP $129.99, continental Europe MSRP €109.99, UK MSRP£99.99
• Rock Band 3 Mad Catz Wireless Keyboard for Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 system and Wii: US MSRP $79.99
• Rock Band 3 Mad Catz Wireless Fender Mustang PRO-Guitar Controller for Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 and Wii: US MSRP $149.99
• Rock Band 3 Mad Catz Wireless PRO-Cymbals Expansion Kit– Universal: US MSRP $39.99
• Rock Band 3 Mad Catz MIDI PRO-Adapter for Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 system and Wii: US MSRP $39.99
Rock Band 3 is rated “T” for Teen (lyrics, suggestive themes) by the ESRB. Music downloads are not rated by the ESRB.
Follow Rock Band on Twitter and Facebook.
About MTV Networks
MTV Networks, a division of Viacom (NYSE: VIA, VIA.B), is one of the world’s leading creators of entertainment content, with brands that engage and connect diverse audiences across television, online, mobile, games, virtual worlds and consumer products. The company’s portfolio spans more than 150 television channels and 350 digital media properties worldwide, and includes MTV, VH1, CMT, Logo, Harmonix, Nickelodeon, Nick at Nite, Noggin, The N, AddictingGames, Neopets, COMEDY CENTRAL, Spike TV, TV Land, Atom, Gametrailers and Xfire.
About MTV Games
MTV Games is dedicated to creating, marketing and publishing high-quality, innovative interactive products that are relevant to the MTV audience and complement the core values of the MTV Networks brands.
About Harmonix Music Systems, Inc.
Harmonix Music Systems, Inc., based in Cambridge, MA, and established in 1995, is the leading developer of groundbreaking music-oriented videogames. Harmonix was founded by Alex Rigopulos and Eran Egozy, who formed the company to invent new ways for non-musicians to experience the unique joy that comes from making music and have pioneered music and rhythm gaming in the US. For more information please visit www.harmonixmusic.com.
About Electronic Arts
Electronic Arts Inc. (EA), headquartered in Redwood City, California, is a leading global interactive entertainment software company. Founded in 1982, the Company develops, publishes, and distributes interactive software worldwide for video game systems, personal computers, wireless devices and the Internet. Electronic Arts markets its products under four brand names: EA, EA SPORTS, EA Mobile and POGO. In fiscal 2010, EA posted GAAP net revenue of $3.7 billion and had 27 titles that sold more than one million units. EA’s homepage and online game site is www.ea.com. More information about EA’s products and full text of press releases can be found on the Internet at http://info.ea.com.
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