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From Jeeves:
This is also where you find out that, to be a part of the "Conversation with Carrie Fisher" you have to pay for a separate ticket... something that was never mentioned anywhere, to my knowledge, in the information I read about the event. That's okay, though, we thought, let's check out the store! Which we did... to find a few booths crammed up into the first half of the room... most of them independent sellers pushing the same old Episode One Anakin "Ani" Skywalker action figures. Lame. The Lego area was pretty cool, though...
They also had a cool life-sized Chewie, and a badass new Millennium Falcon that's coming out; one that's closer to scale to the minifigs -- and the largest set ever sold by Lego. They had a drawing to win some of them, but we missed it. Feh.
The back half of the room had a few lines leading to hidden areas where you could get signatures from the stars(most notably Peter Mayhew and - if you can believe the balls on this guy - Jake Lloyd, hahah)... for a price, of course. Heh. Surprise.
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From Jeeves:
we headed downstairs to join a game of Star Wars Lazer Tag(or, as everyone else calls it, Lazer Tag)... only to find that you had to pay - again - to get into that as well. Gah!
Okay, at that point we were pretty bummed. Still, we hadn't been to the official store yet, the one that had all of the official Celebration IV merchandise... so, we wind our way through several ill-planned hallways, and then through a deserted line that wrapped around that whole section of the center TWICE to find... a nearly empty room. I mean it! Some tables lined across the back selling mugs and a few t-shirts... two square tables out on the floor... and that's it. Big room... with nothing in it. Nice.
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From Jeeves:
By this point, we were all pretty much disgusted. What had our $45 tickets bought us? For the most part, it bought us... a chance to pay for more stuff, that's what. That, and a chance to look at nerds in homemade costumes. What a waste. Honestly, had I known that, once you pay once for the luxury of walking inside the door, that you have to pay again to play lazer tag, and again to get autographs, and again to see Carrie Fisher speak... no way in hell would I have gone. What a ripoff. Thanks George. Thanks for not even being there, but for filming a video telling us how much you hope to see us at the 40th and 50th anniversaries. I bet you do. Thanks for making this NOT a celebration of thirty years of Star Wars, but a celebration of thirty years of preying upon the love and adoration of fans around the world, and suckering us into buying more of your crap.
Liezen, Austria, March 29, 2007 - 1+1=2 and 5-3+6=8 – sound like homework for kids? No way! Genius DS – Equal Cards challenges the minds of both old and young with a stack of colorful numbered cards that must be sorted until you arrive at the correct sum. A variety of difficulty levels and the addictive gameplay make Genius DS – Equal Cards a terrific game for the whole family. Use the time you spend sitting at the airport or in your doctor’s waiting room to train your brain! Enjoy this unique brain enhancer on Nintendo DS®!
Genius DS – Equal Cards is a great teaching tool for the young generation of Nintendo DS® players. Children will use skills they have been taught at school while having fun and competing against their friends to solve math puzzles!
“With Genius DS – Equal Cards, G-Stars is presenting a real treat among the popular brain trainers available for Nintendo DS®, offering the perfect introduction into this genre," comments Gerald Kossaer, Vice President G-Stars.
Genius DS – Equal Cards will be available in summer 2007!
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Adopt & Raise Your Own Purrfect Kitten Pal
Newport Beach, CA - Mar 28, 2007 - Crave Entertainment, a leading publisher of console videogames for the casual gamer, today announced that Purr PalsTM, a full-featured pet simulator for Nintendo DSTM, has shipped this week to retailers throughout North America. Purr Pals lets players adopt, care for, and raise adorable kitten playmates.
Choose your favorite breed of kitten, give it a name, feed it and play with it, all through the easy-to-use Nintendo DS interface. Your kitten will even respond to your voice, and interact with the environment you provide. Earn an allowance to buy cute accessories and toys for your pet.
Features include:
* Choose from 40 breeds of kittens, each with unique personalities
* Use proper care and training techniques to meet your kitten’s needs and desires
* Modify your kitten’s behavioral traits
* Customize your kitten with limitless choices
* Use voice commands your kitten will respond to
* Train your kitten with toys and food
* Interact with your kitten within the environment you provide
* Compete in fun mini-games with you kitten
Just in time for kitten season, the game is available now for an MSRP of $29.99.
EDISON, N.J., March 28 -- Majesco Entertainment Company, an innovative provider of digital entertainment products and content, today announced The Wild West for the Nintendo DS(TM). Developed by Happy Happening and scheduled for a summer release, The Wild West will deliver Touch Screen shoot out scenarios on the untamed frontier.
"The Wild West features many of the gritty adventures that marked the settling of the American west," said Ken Gold, vice president of Marketing. "From gold rushes to train robberies to stagecoach chases, it includes a range of action-packed scenarios that handheld gamers can experience for only $19.99."
Featuring both 2D and 3D levels, The Wild West lets players choose between two different animal characters with varying storylines. Successful completion of themed mini-games earns players additional weapons that can be used in the main Story Mode. A variety of challenging bosses between levels will test even the most skilled Touch Screen sharpshooters.
For additional information about The Wild West as well as Majesco's exciting line of products, please visit http://www.majescoentertainment.com.
Online Casual Gaming is now On-the-Go with Five Puzzle Favorites from Pogo.com Making Their Debut on the Nintendo DS
REDWOOD CITY, Calif.-- Hours of island-themed casual gaming comes to the palm of your hands. Electronic Arts Inc. today announced that POGO™ Island has shipped to retailers in North America and Europe. Online entertainment is now on-the-go as Pogo.com™, a leading casual games site, makes its exclusive debut to the Nintendo DS™ system with five of the most popular puzzle games on the Internet - Word Whomp™, Poppit!™, Phlinx, Tri-Peaks Solitaire and Squelchies. Get your hands on this portable escape and brace yourself for hours of stimulating, challenging and stress-busting fun.
Each game features an easy to pick up and difficult to master style of gameplay, hooking in even the most casual gamer. Select the ‘Quick Play’ mode for immediate access to the five Pogo titles and begin accumulating tokens with repeated, successful play. Tokens can also be earned in the ‘Island Adventure’ mode in which you are put on a quest to scour the island for stranded Pogo mascots. Once you’ve rallied up a good number, you can transfer the tokens to Pogo.com* and reap the benefits of being a token guru, with bragging rights at your disposal.
With four fresh mini-games, as well as the island-themed favorites, POGO Island captures the online experience and more on the Nintendo DS. Game descriptions are listed below:
Word Whomp – Whomp adorable gophers and spell as many words as you can from a given set of letters before the clock runs out.
Poppit! – Just pop and go! Release hidden "prizes" in this puzzle favorite by popping groups of two or more balloons of the same color.
Phlinx – Create groups of colored stones, collect ancient power-ups, and make your way to the bonus round in this action puzzle.
Tri-Peaks Solitaire – A fun and fast-paced solitaire game where you remove cards to uncover tokens and powerup bonus cards.
Squelchies – In this puzzle game, match Squelchies by color to release them from the board.
POGO Island was developed by EA Canada in Vancouver, BC under the EA™ brand. The game is rated E for Everyone by the ESRB and 3+ by PEGI. Media can find screenshots and the fact sheet at http://info.ea.com. Visit www.PogoIsland.com for more information on Pogo Island and Pogo.com.
* Requires Internet Connection and Pogo registration.
Legendary Icons Appear Together for the First Time in Video Game History
TOKYO (March 28, 2007) - SEGA Corporation and Nintendo Co. Ltd. today made a historical announcement that two of the biggest icons in the entertainment industry, Mario and Sonic, are joining forces to star in Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games. Developed for the Wii video game system and the Nintendo DS system, this momentous agreement marks the first time these two renowned stars have appeared together in a game.
Published by SEGA across Europe and North America, and published by Nintendo in the Japanese market, Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games will be available for Holiday 2007 and is licensed through a worldwide partnership with International Sports Multimedia (ISM), the exclusive interactive entertainment software licensee of the International Olympic Committee (IOC).
In Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games, players will compete in events that take place in environments based on the official venues of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games. Using a supporting cast of characters from the amazing worlds of both Mario and Sonic, gamers will be able to compete as or against a range of lovable personalities including Mario, Sonic, Luigi, Knuckles, Yoshi, Tails and more. Innovative usage of the Wii and DS control systems to maneuver a favorite character will allow players to race the likes of Mario and Sonic down the 100m track, engage in exhilarating rallies in table tennis and churn water in a swimming heat, all while competing for the much sought after gold medal.
"We are thrilled to partner with Nintendo and ISM on this groundbreaking title," said Hisao Oguchi, President and Chief Operating Officer, SEGA Corporation. "For the first time, two of the world's greatest games' characters come together to compete in the world's greatest sporting event and we couldn't be more excited."
"Mario and Sonic have been respectful rivals since the early days of video games," says Shigeru Miyamoto, Senior Managing Director and General Manager, Entertainment Analysis and Development Division, Nintendo Co., Ltd.. "In fact, for a long time they have been discussing the possibility of one day competing against each other. Now that they have been given the perfect opportunity to meet at the Olympic Games, we may finally learn who is actually faster, Mario or Sonic?"
"The Olympic Games represent the true spirit of competition and passion," said Raymond Goldsmith, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of ISM. "Bringing together intensely competitive and fun characters like Mario and Sonic in an Olympic setting helps showcase the sports of the Olympic Games in a new and compelling way for all generations."
Past, Present and Future Collide in the New Film-Inspired Video Games from Disney Interactive Studios
BURBANK, Calif -- The dastardly Bowler Hat Guy and his robotic hat Doris are weaving through time, changing the past and warping the future. It’s up to Wilbur Robinson to outmaneuver the diabolical duo in Walt Disney Pictures Presents Meet the Robinsons video games. Offering a captivating, time-traveling adventure inspired by the upcoming Walt Disney Pictures animated film, Meet the Robinsons is now available for the Wii™ from Nintendo, Xbox 360™ video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system, Nintendo DS™, Nintendo GameCube™, Windows PC and Game Boy® Advance.
“With a completely original story, Meet the Robinsons expands on the film by allowing players to experience the unique and action-packed environments of the Robinson’s universe," said Craig Relyea, vice president of marketing, Disney Interactive Studios. “For example, players can completely explore the eccentric and mystifying Robinson house to uncover all of its secrets. Players of all ages will find the experience engaging and most of all, fun."
Meet the Robinsons illustrates Disney Interactive Studios’ commitment to extending the entertainment of Disney films. The games’ unique story line expands the movie’s plot by exploring the alternative futures of several characters that are affected by the Bowler Hat Guy. This original story line led to the creation of two new villains, exclusive to the video games and created in cooperation between developer Avalanche Software and Walt Disney Animation Studios.
“It was critical to create an authentic Robinsons’ experience by working closely with Walt Disney Animation Studios to explore new possibilities for the franchise while designing a creative and compelling experience for players," said Jon Warner, senior producer for the console versions from Avalanche Software.
The games’ levels represent entirely new worlds like Ancient Egypt and gadgets such as the Protectosphere, along with popular film sets such as the Science Fair. Players utilize Wilbur’s gadgets in clever and entertaining ways to unravel puzzles and complete missions. In addition to discovering hidden upgrades and exploring fantastical locales, players interact with hysterical and distinct characters from the film as they adventure through stunning, interactive environments that expand the movie universe.
Each console version showcases the platform’s unique capabilities. On the Xbox 360 players can post scores and view achievements on Xbox LIVE®. With the Wii, players can enable features like aiming the Wii Remote™ to fire gadgets and using the Nunchuk™’s motion sensor to target objects.
The handheld versions of Meet The Robinsons feature unique gameplay and story experiences. On the Nintendo DS, players take advantage of the system’s touch screen capabilities to aid Wilbur in his quest to retrieve Cornelius Robinson’s stolen time-machine, and participate in single or wireless multiplayer touch-based matches of the Charge Ball mini-game. On the Game Boy Advance, players will venture from the present to the future in an effort to free the Robinson family from the clutches of Little Doris and her villainous minions.
Published by Disney Interactive Studios and developed by Avalanche Software (for PlayStation 2 system, Wii, Xbox 360, Nintendo GameCube and PC), Altron Corporation (for Nintendo DS) and Climax Group (for Game Boy Advance). Meet the Robinsons is available for the suggested retail price of $19.99 (PC), $29.99 (PlayStation2 system, Nintendo DS, Nintendo GameCube and Game Boy Advance) and $49.99 (Wii and Xbox 360). The game is rated E 10+ for “Everyone ten and older" on all systems except Game Boy Advance, which is rated E for “Everyone" by the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB).
Simulator for PSP® system, PlayStation®2 system and WiiTM faithfully recreates classic Williams tables
Newport Beach, CA - Mar 27, 2007 Crave Entertainment, a leading publisher of console videogames, today announced Pinball Hall of Fame – The Williams Collection, the follow-up to the popular Pinball Hall of Fame – The Gottlieb Collection, for PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system, PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) system and WiiTM.
Pinball Hall of Fame – The Williams Collection faithfully recreates eight of the most memorable tables from the golden age of pinball in stunning, photorealistic 3D. Working closely with Williams to ensure authenticity of each of the games, the collection is highlighted by some of the most popular and innovative Williams pinball tables, including GorgarTM, the first-ever talking pinball machine, Black Knight®, which introduced “Magna-SaveTM" and Bonus Ball, and Space ShuttleTM, which took the pinball industry by storm in 1984. Every table has been meticulously recreated to bring players the visuals, sound effects and gameplay that made these games legendary successes. Pinball Hall of Fame – The Williams Collection harkens back to the arcades of the 1980s.
Players begin Pinball Hall of Fame – The Williams Collection with access to four pinball tables, and the remaining four tables are unlocked as the game progresses. Players can spend as little as two minutes on a quick pinball challenge, or delve deeper into the game, gaining rewards in a token-based system as they unlock each of the pinball tables. Single-player Arcade and Challenge modes provide hours of solo entertainment, and a Multiplayer mode lets players face each other head-on.
Pinball Hall of Fame – The Williams Collection will be available for PSP® system, PlayStation®2 system and WiiTM this year. Crave Entertainment is a publisher on this product for FarSight Studios, a licensee of Williams Electronic Games, Inc.
Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment Will Publish Games On Multiple Platforms in 2008
BURBANK, Calif.-- Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment and TT Games will bring LEGO® BATMAN™: THE VIDEOGAME to next-generation and current generation platforms and the PC in 2008 with Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment serving as the game’s North American publisher, including all sales and distribution functions.
In LEGO BATMAN: THE VIDEOGAME, TT Games brings the world of DC Comics’ Caped Crusader to life in an entirely new way. Players can explore a richly interactive LEGO Gotham City as Batman and Robin, capturing infamous villains – and even take control of the villains themselves.
“Batman spans several generations as one of the most popular DC Super Heroes, and LEGO BATMAN will appeal to several generations of gamers who grew up idolizing the Dark Knight and playing with LEGO toys," said Samantha Ryan, Senior Vice President, Development and Production, Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment. “Working with TT Games, we are confident they will continue their LEGO games’ success with this title, and we will expand our publishing endeavors with the introduction of the LEGO BATMAN franchise."
“We’re sure our fans will be excited to know that we have the same fantastic team at Traveller’s Tales responsible for LEGO Star Wars and LEGO Star Wars II working on LEGO BATMAN," said Tom Stone, Director of TT Games Publishing.
“There’s a special magic to the LEGO incarnation of Batman that makes him accessible to a younger generation of his fans," said Paul Levitz, President, DC Comics. “We look forward to the videogame version extending this fantasy."
The LEGO BATMAN: THE VIDEOGAME story unfolds with Batman’s greatest foes escaping from Arkham Asylum and creating mayhem throughout Gotham City. Tracking criminals, including The Joker and The Penguin, players will utilize Batman’s gadgets as well as build and operate fantastic vehicles in one or two player cooperative gameplay.
Milton Keynes, UK – March 27th: Publisher 505 Games is pleased to announce that the next evolution in the popular ‘brain training’ phenomenon is headed for Nintendo DS on May 4th. MinDStorm, from developer ASK Co. Ltd., takes brain exercise software to a new level and offers a whole raft of exciting new games, features and challenges – all designed specifically to stimulate and improve the player’s brain functions and most importantly, be fun to play in their own right.
Transform gaming curiosity into powerful thinking with MinDStorm. The game features ten distinct types of challenge for players, all of which are simple to pick up and play using the Nintendo DS stylus, touch screen and microphone. Each of MinDStorm’s challenges is designed to focus on enhancing the player’s reason, endurance, analysis, intuition or observation. Regardless of the type of game chosen, extended play results in improved overall brain function and enhanced memory.
A first for the brain training genre, MinDStorm throws additional challenges and problems into the mix. Players are rewarded with ever more complex riddles to solve as they do well in the main training mode. General knowledge and geography-based challenges are also included to accompany the more abstract trials such as sliding picture puzzles, mazes to navigate with the stylus and spot the difference games.
Further innovation is found in the way the game will adapt the tasks it asks players to perform according to the local environment it is being played in. When playing on a bumpy car or train ride for instance, MinDStorm will omit the tasks that require precise stylus action. When playing in public the game will spare players the need to vocalize into the Nintendo DS microphone. With its many innovative and exciting challenges and features, MinDStorm offers arguably the most thorough workout yet seen in a brain training title.
MinDStorm releases for Nintendo DS on May 4th, priced around £30, from publisher 505 Games.