Topics

[Go on a rescue of the roller variety.]

301

TalkBack / Hello Kitty Roller Rescue Goes Gold

« on: July 20, 2005, 02:53:22 PM »

Go on a rescue of the roller variety.

"HELLO KITTY(R) ROLLER RESCUE" GOES GOLD    

First 3-D Hello Kitty Game Arrives on the GameCube(TM)    

SANTA CLARA, Calif., (July 20, 2005) - Leading video games developer and  publisher Namco Hometek Inc. announced today that "Hello Kitty(R) Roller  Rescue" has gone gold.  Exclusively for the Nintendo GameCube(TM), the game  was developed by XPEC Entertainment Inc. and is the first 3D Hello Kitty  interactive adventure, and follows Hello Kitty and her Sanrio friends as  they work together to thwart Block-O - the ambitious menace from Block  Planet who aspires to take over the world - and his horde of troublesome  bullies.    

"Hello Kitty Roller Rescue" features Hello Kitty and more than 20 of her  lovable friends, including Badtz-Maru, Mimmy and Keroppi in a quest to save  Sanriotown.  Completing missions to overcome Block-O's clumsy forces, Hello  Kitty and her friends will explore detailed and colorful environments, and  utilize teamwork and special abilities to save the day.  Hello Kitty can  even select a partner to help her through the game's fifteen vibrant levels.    

  "Hello Kitty is recognized worldwide as an icon, synonymous with happiness,  sweetness and cheer," said Jeff Lujan, business director at Namco Hometek.  "'Hello Kitty Roller Rescue' is a game based around these enduring  qualities, providing an exciting and entertaining game for fans of all  ages."    

Rated E for Everyone, "Hello Kitty Roller Rescue" will skate into stores in  August 2005.    

For more information on "Hello Kitty Roller Rescue," please visit  www.namco.com.

[Marvel scribe Mark Millar and artist Terry Dodson will lend their hand to Rise of the Imperfects.]

302

TalkBack / Top Comic Talents Join Forces With EA

« on: July 14, 2005, 11:15:38 AM »

Marvel scribe Mark Millar and artist Terry Dodson will lend their hand to Rise of the Imperfects.

EA's Super Hero Fighting Videogame to Feature Character Back-story  Written by Millar and Artwork by Dodson    

  SAN DIEGO, Calif. - July 14, 2005 - At Comic-con 2005, Electronic Arts  (NASDAQ: ERTS) announced today that acclaimed comic writer, Mark Millar,  and artist, Terry Dodson, will be joining the roster of top comic book  talent, including Jae Lee, on the development of Marvel Nemesis(tm):  Rise of the Imperfects(tm). Set to release this fall, the game features  multiple Super Heroes(tm) from the Marvel Universe as well as a new set  of characters created by EA called, "The Imperfects(tm)."      

   

Millar's past works include the hit Marvel Comics' series, Ultimate  X-Men, The Ultimates, and Ultimate Fantastic Four, the highest-selling  comic launches in the year they were released. He is also currently  working on two major screenplays. EA is working closely with Millar to  create the back-stories for the new family of Super Heroes as well as  the story-line for the single player mode in the game.    

   

"It's been an incredible experience to see this new family of Super  Heroes come to life from initial stages of character development to the  videogame screen," said Millar. "Videogames are not all about mashing  buttons anymore; they're filled with intriguing stories and memorable  characters. I'm thrilled to be a part of this project."    

   

Dodson's credits include Marvel's X-Force, House of M and Marvel Knights  Spider-Man. Exclusive to the PSP version of Marvel Nemesis: Rise of the  Imperfects, Dodson has helped with the character concept designs of the  Marvel Super Heroes appearing in the game including Spider-Man,  Wolverine and Captain America. Captain America will be an exclusive  character only available for the PSP. Dodson is also working on the  front-end interface for the PSP version.    

     

Jae Lee is lending his artistic talents on Marvel character concept  designs and the game interface for the PlayStation(r)2 computer  entertainment system, Xbox(r) videogame system from Microsoft and  Nintendo GameCube(tm) versions. Lee has illustrated high-profile comic  titles including Spider-Man, Uncanny X-men, and X-Factor.    

   

Marvel Nemesis: Rise of the Imperfects is being produced at EA Canada  and developed by Nihilistic Software. For more information on the game,  please visit: www.marvelnemesis.ea.com

[That's why it's True Crime.]

303

TalkBack / Activision Touts Authenticism in True Crime

« on: July 14, 2005, 09:15:33 AM »

That's why it's True Crime.

ACTIVISION’S TRUE CRIME®: NEW YORK CITY DELIVERS AUTHENTIC DEPICTION OF THE CITY’S MEAN STREETS    

   

Santa Monica – July 14, 2005 – Activision Inc.’s (Nasdaq: ATVI) upcoming  True Crime®: New York City is poised to deliver the most authentic  depiction of New York ever portrayed in a video game.      

   

In the game, players take on the role of former gang member turned cop  Marcus Reed as they fight crime on the GPS-accurate streets of  Manhattan, complete with subways, hundreds of interiors, internationally  recognized landmarks and real neighborhoods from Harlem to Chinatown to  Times Square.  Players will navigate the city the way New Yorkers do, by  taking cabs, riding subways, walking and driving cars and motorcycles.      

   

Players will experience all the sights and sounds of New York, complete  with the energy and architecture authentic to the city’s diverse  neighborhoods, the voices and likenesses of real New Yorkers, and the  cacophony of ambient traffic and bustling noises unique to the city.  The game also includes character concentrations specific to each  neighborhood.   For example, the player will find a plethora of tourists  amidst the lights and large buildings of Times Square, but predominantly  locals near the brownstones of Harlem.      

True Crime: New York City is being developed by Luxoflux and is  scheduled to release this fall for the PlayStation®2 computer  entertainment system, the Xbox® video game system from Microsoft and the  Nintendo GameCube™.  The game has not yet been rated by the ESRB.

[They're buying PEOPLE now?!]

304

TalkBack / Electronic Arts Buys John Madden

« on: July 13, 2005, 12:13:55 PM »

They're buying PEOPLE now?!

EA SIGNS JOHN MADDEN TO MULTI-YEAR AGREEMENT    

July 13, 2005 – Redwood City, Calif. – Electronic Arts (NASDAQ: ERTS) today announced that John Madden, football icon and television analyst of ABC’s Monday Night Football, has signed a multi-year agreement to continue to license his name and appear in and consult on the development of future iterations of the blockbuster game that bears his name.  Madden NFL 06 , the newest iteration of the EA SPORTS™ best-selling football franchise with the official videogame license of the NFL and its players, will feature the name, voice, likeness and expertise of the celebrated sports personality. EA SPORTS Madden NFL 06 is scheduled for release on August 9, 2005 . Financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed.    

 “John Madden personifies authentic football in any medium -- television or interactive," said Electronic Arts Chairman and CEO Larry Probst. "We look forward to a great future with John in EA SPORTS Madden NFL.”    

 “I am proud that we started to develop Madden Football twenty years ago,” said Madden.  “Each year our goal is to improve the game, and with EA, we have been able to do that.”    

 With the official videogame license of the NFL and its players, and in its 16th year of the franchise, Madden NFL Football offers game changing innovation and complete NFL authenticity. With more than 43 million copies sold, Madden NFL Football continues to be the #1 football franchise and the all-time best selling sports franchise in North America . Since its inception in 1989 the game has become a cultural phenomenon and is the game the players all play. Madden NFL 06 is rated “E” (Everyone) by the ESRB and will be available on August 9, 2005 for six platforms and the PSP™ (PlayStation®Portable) entertainment system version will launch in September. For the first time in 10 years, the Madden NFL Football franchise has revolutionized its passing game with the new quarterback vision and precision placement.  For more information check out www.madden06.com

[According to their "Join Us" section, they're looking to start up DS development.]

305

TalkBack / DS Support from Rare Confirmed!

« on: July 07, 2005, 09:06:14 AM »

According to their "Join Us" section, they're looking to start up DS development.

After Rare was bought by Microsoft in 2002, many thought it was the end of their relationship with Nintendo. Fortunately, Rare still releases portable titles, such as Banjo Pilot and It's Mr. Pants. Up until this point, though, no one was completely sure if Rare would support Nintendo's newest handheld, the DS.    

Well, now we know. Recently, Rareware.com updated their "Join Us" section with two want ads:    

  GAMES PROGRAMMERS (NINTENDO DS)
 Must be motivated, enthusiastic and skilled in C/C++ to join our dedicated handheld team, recently nominated for a Develop Industry Excellence Award. 3D skills also an advantage in creating high-profile titles for this unique system.    

EXPERIENCED 3D ARTISTS (NINTENDO DS)
 Good understanding of 3D packages (preferably Maya), strong modelling and texturing abilities, imagination and motivation are all required from anyone hoping to join our Develop award-nominated team in creating key DS titles.    

Of course, the question still remains: will the DS serve as a port machine for Rare's earlier classics or will they use the platform for all-new games? Only time will tell.    

And thanks to BlackNMild2k1 for giving us the heads-up on this one!

[Activision will show off the new game at this year's Lifestyle Show.]

306

TalkBack / World Series of Poker to Debut in Las Vegas

« on: July 07, 2005, 06:55:58 AM »

Activision will show off the new game at this year's Lifestyle Show.

Activision Unveils World Series of Poker(R) Video Game at 2005 World Series of Poker(R) Lifestyle Show; Game to Feature Realistic Experience of the World Series of Poker Tournament    

LAS VEGAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--July 7, 2005--Activision, Inc. (Nasdaq:ATVI) will unveil a sneak preview of the highly anticipated World Series of Poker video game based on the widely popular World Series of Poker (WSOP) Tournament at this year's Lifestyle Show in Las Vegas on July 6 - 10.    

Activision will develop and publish the World Series of Poker video game for PlayStation(R)2 computer entertainment system, PSP(TM) (PlayStation(R)Portable) system, Xbox(R), Nintendo GameCube(TM) and PC featuring the likenesses of poker professionals participating in the 2005 WSOP Tournament. The game will offer players a truly unique experience unlike any other poker video game on the market today. The video game is expected to be available at retail stores nationwide later this summer.    

"The World Series of Poker is the world's premier poker event, drawing thousands of entrants and millions of viewers worldwide," said David Oxford of Activision, Inc. "So it's a perfect fit to preview this exciting video game to participants of the WSOP Tournament where it will deliver to consumers the same excitement and authenticity of pulling up a chair at the WSOP table and competing against players of this year's WSOP Tournament."    

For the first time ever, the 2005 WSOP Tournament will be held at Harrah's Rio Suites in Las Vegas, the same location simulated in the video game and the location of this year's Lifestyle Show. ESPN has aired the WSOP seven times since introducing the sport to the network in 1994, and garnered a 1.2 overall rating with an average of more than one million viewing households during their 2004 presentation of poker's premier event. The "World Series of Poker" video game will be featured in television spots on ESPN during the tournament.

[Well, not yet. But for now you'll just have to settle with Nintendo teaming up with Rip Curl.]

307

TalkBack / Mario Meets Surfing

« on: July 06, 2005, 03:19:02 PM »

Well, not yet. But for now you'll just have to settle with Nintendo teaming up with Rip Curl.

July 6, 2005    

     Dude, Didja Know?    

     Nintendo Makes Waves as Proud Presenter of Rip Curl's GromSearch 2005    

     Groms rejoice! Nintendo has solved the timeless summertime dilemma:  to   surf or to game?  This summer, the nations' top 6 to 16-year-old surfers,   known as "grommets," can do both. Nintendo is pleased to announce that it is   the presenting sponsor of the Rip Curl GromSearch 2005 national surfing   competition.  Nintendo is on board at GromSearch events coast-to-coast to   provide video game fun in the sun for groms and their fans.    

     Groms at each location will get buffed out with Nintendo prizes and will   bask in the summer's hottest Nintendo game play with new titles for Game Boy   Advance(R) SP including WarioWare(TM) Twisted! and Mario Golf (TM): Advance   Tour.  Each event also will dub one aggro grom as winner of the "Nintendo Wave   of the Day" award, honoring each day's best overall ride.    

     Between now and Nov. 7, Nintendo and Rip Curl will bring the interactive   and energetic vibe of the GromSearch to nine North American beaches. All   events are free and open to the public. For a list of dates and locations,   please visit www.ripcurl.com.

[Lunar: Dragon Song is the first original game in the series in a decade and is coming exclusively to a DS near you!]

308

TalkBack / Ubisoft Officially Announces Lunar: Dragon Song

« on: July 01, 2005, 11:51:17 AM »

Lunar: Dragon Song is the first original game in the series in a decade and is coming exclusively to a DS near you!

UBISOFT UNVEILS GAME DETAILS FOR LUNAR: DRAGON SONG FOR NINTENDO DS    

The First Original Installment of the Lunar Series in More Than a Decade Set  for September 2005 Release    

SAN FRANCISCO - July 1, 2005 - Today Ubisoft, one of the world's largest  video game publishers, is delighted to announce Lunar: Dragon Song, a new  video game exclusively for the Nintendo DS system. The game is the first  original installment of the Lunar franchise to be released in more than 10  years.    

Lunar: Dragon Song, also the first traditional fantasy RPG for Nintendo DS,  takes players to 1,000 years before the events that occurred in the first  game of the Lunar series, Lunar: The Silver Star. The world of Lunar is at  peace under the protection of the goddess Althena, creator of Lunar. At the  fringes of this peaceful existence, vicious demons have started to slowly  invade, and there are few with power enough to know how to deal with this  demon invasion. Players experience the world of Lunar as the human boy,  Jian, and his group of friends. Jian's story begins simply but quickly  evolves as he and his friends unravel the evil plot being laid against  Althena and discover that they alone can save Lunar from the forces of evil.    

Key Features:    

Exclusively on Nintendo DS, Lunar: Dragon Song, the first original game  in the Lunar series in 10 years, will only be available on Nintendo DS.    

The first fantasy RPG for Nintendo DS. Marks the first entry in the  traditional fantasy RPG category for Nintendo DS.    

New Light & Dark enemy system - Players must battle the forces of evil by  transforming Dark enemy creatures into Beings of Light.    

New characters - Five new main characters debut in the Lunar universe:  Jian, Gabryel, Lucia, Flora and Rufus.    

New Battle Card system - Find different Battle Cards during your quest to  alter the abilities and powers of members in your party.    

New weapons and items: Lunar: Dragon Song features all-new items and  weapons never seen before in any Lunar title.    

Wireless LAN connectivity - By connecting via wireless LAN, players can  share rare and unique items within the Lunar world.    

DS microphone support: Players can command situations by giving orders  into the DS microphone.    

Lunar: Dragon Song is developed by Japan Art Media (JAM), in conjunction  with GameArts and will be arriving in North America in September 2005. For  more information, please visit www.ubisoft.com.

[When you can feel a character, not just play as him. It's all about that moment.]

309

TalkBack / The Moment

« on: June 30, 2005, 08:49:16 PM »

When you can feel a character, not just play as him. It's all about that moment.

http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/editorial/561

I was recently going through some long-untouched games in my library, two in particular. First was Resident Evil 4 (not that old, but I haven’t played it in around four months). As I traveled along the path of Leon’s adventure, I eventually found myself at the cabin that left all who played it stunned. If you’ve played Resident Evil 4, you know the one. A horde of murderous villagers were attacking me all at once. I had nowhere to run, nowhere to hide – I was trapped within a would-be grave of spoiled wood. As I unleashed clip after clip of artillery, I could feel my heart beating, my hands shaking with each release of a round, my eyes narrowing in the hopes of overcoming the seemingly unbeatable challenge. Then it happened…

I had won. I had survived the attack long enough to proceed. It was at this time that I noticed I had stopped breathing, and I let out a sigh that could have been heard for miles. I could still feel the adrenaline pumping through my veins- the glory of a triumph was ripe within my soul. For a moment, I was Leon. I was shooting my way to conquest. I was completely immersed in the experience. It had ceased being a game. Just for that moment.

The second game I relived is widely referred to as one of the elite of this generation, Wind Waker. My favorite part of the game has always been the final battle scene, so I just picked up at the end of a previously beaten quest. For those of you who still haven’t finished the game, you may want to skip over the next couple paragraphs.

As I’ve done at least a couple dozen times before, I was once again up against the embodiment of evil, the sultan of sin, Ganondorf. After a somewhat lengthy precursor to the battle that followed, he revealed twin katanas to combat my trusty Master Sword. We dueled for what must have been a maximum of ten minutes. But what a fight… Sparks flew from each contact our blades made; I danced majestically through the air with each parry, and sped along the arena to accommodate a decent setup for Zelda to fire a light arrow into Ganondorf’s back.

And then it was over. I had sealed away evil once more and the world was safe again. The King of Hyrule then appears and we all know the rest, but it’s what follows that’s the most bizarre and perhaps the most sobering. As I sit through the credits, countless memories of the game’s adventure flow through my mind, coupled with the bubbled screenshots that are showed at the end. It’s here that I feel what I have yet to feel in any other game to date. Unlike Resident Evil 4, where it was action and suspense that bound Leon and I together, Wind Waker establishes a bond that goes much deeper – straight to the heart. Just for that moment, you feel Link’s pain, you feel his triumph, and you sympathize with his character, even though he doesn’t have a single line of dialogue.

When I talk to people who aren’t in-the-know about games, they often bring up controversial releases like Grand Theft Auto or Manhunt – citing the extreme degrees of violence or adult content. The way those people see it, games are about taking out aggression – it’s about some sort of perverse escape to perform cruel acts. And I feel sorry for them, because they’ll never know what I know. They’ll never experience the kind of catharsis I experienced during Wind Waker. They’ll never be bound to a character through a sense-shattering flurry of bullets in the attempt to save one’s own life. No, they’ll never understand why I play games. They’ll never understand that moment.

[Get fantastic with four new heroes, coming to the GBA and GameCube.]

310

TalkBack / Fantastic 4 Releases To Retailers

« on: June 28, 2005, 01:38:37 PM »

Get fantastic with four new heroes, coming to the GBA and GameCube.

   

Santa Monica, CA – June 28, 2005 – Marvel’s first family of Super Heroes is  taking the video game world by storm with the release of Activision, Inc.’s  (Nasdaq: ATVI) Fantastic 4, which is currently available in retail stores  nationwide.  Based on Twentieth Century Fox’s highly anticipated “Fantastic  4” feature film, the team-based action adventure game lets players take on  the role of Marvel Super Heroes, Reed Richards/Mr. Fantastic, Sue Storm/The  Invisible Woman, Johnny Storm/The Human Torch and Ben Grimm/The Thing and  master each character’s powers -- stretching, invisibility, shooting fire  and leveling superhuman attacks -- to overcome the evil Doctor Doom.      

“Fantastic 4 lets gamers relive the action and excitement of one of the  summer’s most anticipated films, from the plot to the locations to the  actors,” said Kathy Vrabeck, president, Activision Publishing.  “Players  also experience more than the film in a completely original storyline that  expands the Super Heroes’ universe through exclusive game missions and  environments.”    

Co-written by Zak Penn, who co-wrote the story for “X2” and is co-writing  the screenplay for the upcoming “X3,” Fantastic 4 lets players defeat  enemies and overcome obstacles in team-based combat and two-player co-op  mode.  Gamers control all four team members and can dynamically switch  between characters to wreak havoc in a variety of destructible environments  inspired by popular comic book locales.  Players take on the following  roles:    

·        Mr. Fantastic – Fans use brainpower to hack computers, override  security systems and outsmart their enemies as they deliver stretch attacks  from a distance, squeeze into tight spaces and go where no one else can.    

·        The Invisible Woman – Players become invisible and perform stealth  moves with ninja like speed or immobilize enemies using force fields created  through telekinetic powers.    

·        The Human Torch – Gamers create walls of fire, level super nova  fireballs or shoot flames from their fingertips to ward off enemies.    

·        The Thing – Fans use brute force to pick up heavy objects, tear  them apart and savagely obliterate foes.    

The movie’s five leading actors reprise their roles for the game.  Jessica  Alba (“Dark Angel,” “Sin City”) portrays Sue Storm; Emmy® award winner  Michael Chiklis (“The Shield”) is The Thing; Chris Evans (“The Perfect  Score,” “Cellular”) plays Johnny Storm; Ioan Gruffudd (“King Arthur”) is  Reed Richards; and Julian McMahon (“Charmed,” “Nip/Tuck”) is Victor Von  Doom/Dr. Doom.    

Fantastic 4 for the PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system, Xbox video  game system from Microsoft, and the Nintendo® GameCube was developed by  Seven Studios, the PC version was developed by Beenox and Fantastic 4 for  the Game Boy® Advance was developed by Torus Games.  The console SKUs and PC  game have been rated “T” (Teen – with mild language and violence) by the  ESRB, and the Game Boy® Advance version has been rated “E-10+” (Everyone 10  and older – with animated violence).

[MTV will now develop its own software.]

311

TalkBack / MTV Launches Game Division

« on: June 27, 2005, 11:38:08 AM »

MTV will now develop its own software.

MTV LAUNCHES NEW INTERACTIVE ENTERTAINMENT DIVISION: “MTV GAMES”     MTV’S INTERACTIVE ENTERTAINMENT STUDIO, “MTV GAMES”, TO INCUBATE & PRODUCE ORIGINAL GAME TITLES FOR THE MTV AUDIENCE;   PLUS CREATE INNOVATIVE STRATEGIC MARKETING PARTNERSHIPS WITH GAME PUBLISHERS
   

  New York, NY (June 27, 2005) – MTV: Music Television today announced the launch of its newest division, “MTV Games.”  Dedicated to developing, producing and promoting unique and creative gaming experiences that resonate with MTV’s audience, MTV Games will work in-house through its newly created interactive entertainment studio, along with industry partners, to produce and market original video game titles.  MTV Games will incubate original game franchises in partnership with independent game developers.  In addition, the new division will forge strategic marketing partnerships with game publishers to connect with the MTV audience across multiple platforms.  MTV will work closely with publishers, leveraging its unique brand and marketing capabilities to maximize the success of each MTV Games release.
   

   “In 1996 we launched MTV Films with the hopes of discovering some risky and bold stories to tell.  Nine years later, I’m ecstatic about what we have accomplished, and today we launch MTV Games with a similar objective -- incubating breakthrough gaming concepts that embrace creative risk-taking, and push the boundaries of interactive entertainment,”   said Van Toffler, President, MTV Networks Music/Logo/Films Group.  
   

   “Technology, creativity and entertainment have continually adapted, expanded and melded together to create successful new industries,” said Jeff Yapp, EVP, MTV Networks Music and Logo Enterprise Group.  “MTV Games is an exciting new division with enormous possibilities within an ever-evolving industry.  We are forging into new territory and are enthusiastic about this unique and exciting new way of working with game publishers and independent game developers.”
   

   As part of today’s announcement, MTV Games unveiled a strategic relationship with Midway Games Inc. (NYSE: MWY), a leading interactive entertainment publisher and developer, to market, jointly sell in-game advertising, and collaborate on soundtrack development for three upcoming games.  Under the deal, MTV and Midway will partner in a mutually beneficial royalty sharing structure.  The first release from this partnership will be “L.A. RUSH,” a high-octane, arcade racing game that allows users to fully embrace the car-tuning culture with creative design assistance from West Coast Customs, the automotive customization authority featured in the hit MTV series, “Pimp My Ride.”  MTV Games and Midway will announce the two other gaming titles to be released under the agreement at a later date.
   

  MTV Games will also be a dedicated gaming laboratory and interactive studio for the creation, incubation, and development of new original game titles culturally relevant to MTV’s audience.  In addition, MTV will tap MTV Games as a new creative hub, extending game concepts into larger entertainment franchises that have the potential to transition into television, film and more.
   

  In addition through strategic marketing partnerships, MTV Games will market a diverse slate of releases to core gamers and casual gamers alike, with unparalleled audience reach via broadcast platforms including MTV, MTV2, mtvU and others, online portals, wireless applications, outdoor platforms, MTV Films, and much more.  MTV Games will also partner with publishers to sell in-game advertising, collaborate on game soundtrack development, and develop complementary television programming.  In the coming months, MTV Games will announce additional publisher partnerships.
     

    MTV Games is overseen by Jeff Yapp, EVP, MTV Networks Music and Logo Enterprise Group who reports to Rich Eigendorff, Chief Operating Officer of MTV Networks Music and Logo Group.  Tony Calandra, Sr. Director of MTV Interactive Products, will manage the new division and Joseph Varet, Director MTV Business Development & Strategy will oversee MTV Games’ business partnerships and strategic relationships.  Jamie Leece (formerly President of Gotham Games, a division of Take Two) will serve as MTV Games’ Executive Producer working with independent developers to identify new projects.  Marc Nesbitt, Sr. Producer of MTV Games will oversee all project production and creative.

[I'm tempted to use the phrase, "Someone has been Yu-Gi-Ohned."]

312

TalkBack / Konami Announces U.S. King of Games

« on: June 24, 2005, 05:44:48 PM »

I'm tempted to use the phrase, "Someone has been Yu-Gi-Ohned."

KONAMI DIGITAL ENTERTAINMENT - AMERICA ANNOUNCES WINNERS OF THE YU-GI-OH! U.S. CHAMPIONSHIP FINALS VIDEO GAME TOURNAMENT    

Five Talented Duelists Advance to the Yu-Gi-Oh! World Championship 2005 Tournament in Tokyo , Japan    

REDWOOD CITY , Calif.  - June 24, 2005  - Konami Digital Entertainment America, a division of Konami Digital Entertainment, Inc. ,  today announced the winners of the Yu-Gi-Oh!  U.S.  Championship Finals Video Game Tournament.  Fifteen of the nation's best Yu-Gi-Oh!  duelists went head to head in the competition. The top five winners from the U.S. Finals won valuable prizes as well as a trip to Japan  to compete against the best duelists in the world at the Yu-Gi-Oh!  World Championship 2005 Tournament in Tokyo  August 5th  - 7th .  After hours of fierce competition, 15-year old Patrick Dicks from Warren , Ohio  triumphed over the 15 other competitors as the first place winner. Patrick Dicks was awarded a copy of Yu-Gi-Oh!  Online (PC),  Master Collection set and a limited edition booster pack of Yu-Gi-Oh!  cards from Upper Deck(tm), Yu-Gi-Oh!  branded merchandise, a spot to duel in the Yu-Gi-Oh! World Championship 2005 Tournament in Tokyo , Japan  and bragging rights as the Yu-Gi-Oh!  U.S.  Championship Finals Video Game Champion.    

The Yu-Gi-Oh! U.S. Finals second, third, fourth and fifth place winners are (in order): 13-year old Raymond Lantz III ( Miami , Florida ), 14-year old Matthew Mancuso ( Enfield , Connecticut ), 20-year old Jason Lee ( Oakland , California ), and 32-year old Brian Dunlap ( Morrison , Colorado ). Each were awarded a copy of Yu-Gi-Oh! Online (PC), a limited edition booster pack of Yu-Gi-Oh! cards from Upper Deck(tm), Yu-Gi-Oh! branded merchandise, and a spot to duel in the Yu-Gi-Oh! World Championship 2005 Tournament in Tokyo , Japan .     The Yu-Gi-Oh! U.S. Championship Finals video game tournament took place from 11:00am - 3:00pm at Konami Digital Entertainment - America 's offices in Redwood City , Calif.  Fifteen finalists competed in a bracketed tournament using the Yu-Gi-Oh! 7 Trials to Glory World Championship Tournament 2005 video game for the Game Boy® Advance.

[And come June 21st, it can be yours.]

313

TalkBack / Bomberman Ships To Retail

« on: June 16, 2005, 03:43:38 PM »

And come June 21st, it can be yours.

June 16, 2005 - Today, Ubisoft announced that Bomberman for Nintendo DS is  shipping for retail this week and will be available at North American  retailers by June 21, 2005.    

The Bomberman series returns with Bomberman for Nintendo DS, boasting the  first eight-player wireless LAN action for the Nintendo DS system and  supporting the DS microphone. Bomberman's addictive blend of strategy and  action will keep puzzle fans and players of all ages and skill levels drawn  to the 100 stages of gameplay.    

Key features:  * Multiplayer action: Eight players can battle it out simultaneously via a  wireless LAN connection.    

* 100 stages: Bomberman challenges even the most die-hard Bomberman and  puzzle-game fans with 100 stages to test their gaming reflexes and strategic  minds.    

* Dual-screen action: Bomberman creates massive mazes by using the DS  dual-screen capabilities.    

* DS microphone support: Bomberman supports the DS microphone via  sound-recognition, allowing players to call out battle commands to their  Bomberman.    

* Single-Card Play: Ensures friends will be able to get in on the  multiplayer action for up to eight players.    

Bomberman, developed by Hudson Software, ships with an ESRB rating of "E"  (Everyone) and a suggested retail price of $29.99. For more information,  news and updated content on Bomberman, please visit www.ubi.com.

[500,000 units have been shipped. 500,000 units of EVIL!CAPCOM ®’S RESIDENT EVIL ® 4 SURPASSES RETAIL MILESTONELatest Entry in Capcom’s Flagship Series Exceeds 500,000 Units in Sales]

314

TalkBack / RE4 Reaches Half-Million Milestone

« on: June 06, 2005, 11:20:38 AM »

500,000 units have been shipped. 500,000 units of EVIL!

CAPCOM ®’S RESIDENT EVIL ® 4 SURPASSES RETAIL MILESTONE

Latest Entry in Capcom’s Flagship Series Exceeds 500,000 Units in Sales

SUNNYVALE, Calif. - June 6, 2005 — Capcom’s Resident Evil® 4 , the critically acclaimed survival horror masterpiece for the Nintendo GameCube™, has sold more than half a million units since its debut on January 11. According to The NPD Group’s sales tracking report, the game claimed the number one position for its launch month of January this year and sales have continued to hold strong. The NPD Group’s most recent report, which monitors sales data through April 2005, confirms that the game has surpassed the 500,000 mark through its successful cumulative sales in the U.S. and Canada. In addition, the report reinforces the strength of the Resident Evil series on the GameCube with Resident Evil® , Resident Evil 4 , and Resident Evil® Ø (Zero) holding the positions as the top three “M” rated titles for the system with combined sales of more than 1.5 million units in the U.S. and Canada.

Based on the popular Resident Evil series, which has sold more than 26 million units worldwide and is Capcom’s highest selling series, Resident Evil 4 sees the return of a familiar hero on a mission of the highest level. Resident Evil 4 carries an “M” rating for mature audiences by the ESRB (Entertainment Software Rating Board) and will also be released for the PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system later this year.

“With Resident Evil 4 , the series and the entire survival horror genre have been advanced to a whole new level,” said Todd Thorson, director of marketing, Capcom Entertainment. “It’s been rewarding to see that the incredible response the game has received from fans and critics has been mirrored by a phenomenal retail performance.”  

[Despite rumors, Nintendo has yet to finalize their plans for the Revolution's download service.]

315

TalkBack / Nintendo's Download Plan STILL Tentative

« on: June 06, 2005, 10:42:22 AM »

Despite rumors, Nintendo has yet to finalize their plans for the Revolution's download service.

The Internet has recently been abuzz with rumors of Nintendo's plan for the Revolution's downloadable service, which will feature full backwards compatibility with previous Nintendo consoles. Along with a recent article in the Japanese publication, Famitsu, many people seem to believe that first party games will be completely free at launch. This rumor became even more bloated when a supposed "launch list" surfaced, containing all 221 Nintendo-published games for NES through N64.    

The gossip’s origin is probably this statement made by George Harrison during a Q&A session with GameSpot:    

“But certainly with the next console it would be, with a couple of important changes like eliminating the access fee so there's not really a monthly subscription, and making use of first-party games, downloadable for free. That to us will be really revolutionary.”    

The truth of the matter is, however, that Nintendo is still finalizing their approach with how games will be acquired and how/if gamers will be charged for them. The status of the download service was clarified in this statement from Perrin Kaplan, which PGC obtained from Nintendo of America today:    

"For Revolution and accessing older games, we haven't finalized how we will structure it yet. It is possible that players will enjoy these games without a charge from Nintendo, or there may be some pay structure for accessing the actual product.  We haven't finalized it yet.  Our goal is to make it as easy and inexpensive as possible, which could be free."    

So, in short, while it is certainly an entertaining and wishful thought, consider this rumor debunked.  Neither pricing nor game availability have been finalized for the Revolution's download service.

[Medal of Honor: European Assault has shipped to retailers.]

316

TalkBack / Recieve Your Medal of Honor

« on: June 06, 2005, 07:23:16 AM »

Medal of Honor: European Assault has shipped to retailers.

EA's Medal of Honor European Assault Ships to Store Shelves; The Newest Addition to EA's Best-Selling WWII Franchise Available on All Consoles    

REDWOOD CITY, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--June 6, 2005--Electronic Arts (Nasdaq:ERTS) today announced the release of Medal of Honor European Assault(TM), the latest video game from EA's award-winning Medal of Honor(TM) franchise, for the PlayStation(R)2 computer entertainment system, the Xbox(R) video game system from Microsoft, and the Nintendo GameCube(TM).    

Developed under the EA brand by Electronic Arts Los Angeles, Medal of Honor European Assault immerses players in an authentic WWII experience developed in partnership with acclaimed Hollywood writer/director John Milius (Apocalypse Now, Red Dawn, Conan the Barbarian) who penned the emotional storyline, and the Medal of Honor military consultant, war veteran Capt. Dale Dye, U.S. Marine Corps. who worked with the development team to ensure accurate historical representation and makes a cameo appearance in the Battle of the Bulge campaign.    

Medal of Honor European Assault features authentic WWII vehicles and weapons, and innovative game play features including an open battlefield that welcomes exploration as you complete multiple objectives, combat squad control, and an adrenaline feature which allows players to accomplish extraordinary feats under pressure. Developed using ground-breaking technology, these new features combine with authentic sound effects and an epic score to effectively bring the environments to life.    

"Medal of Honor European Assault builds on everything gamers loved about the best-selling Medal of Honor series," explained Executive Producer, Dan Winters. "The realistic WWII setting, the cinematic presentation and the emotional storyline are still there, but we have thrown them wide open with new features like the open battlefield that encourages players to use more 'duck and cover' gameplay, the adrenaline mode which players can deploy under duress, and combat squad control which allows players to control their squad mates with a simple press of the button. We're providing a new way of playing an old favorite and gamers are going to love it."

[Crave Entertainment brings the popular toy line to the GBA.]

317

TalkBack / Are You Craving Sky Dancers?

« on: June 01, 2005, 08:53:56 AM »

Crave Entertainment brings the popular toy line to the GBA.

Crave Entertainment Flies High with Sky Dancers®  for Game Boy® Advance    

Hot girls' toy is back with a whole new attitude    

Los Angeles, Calif.-June 1, 2005-Crave Entertainment, a leading publisher of  console videogames, today announced the signing of the Sky Dancers license.  Sky Dancers quickly became the #1 girls' toy around the world when first  introduced in 1994, and was featured in McDonald's Happy Meals and the  Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. The 2005 relaunch delivers a whole new look  and an animated DVD series where the characters and world of Sky Dancers  come alive for a whole new generation..    

"Girls are playing videogames more than ever before, so it makes sense to  extend the Sky Dancers brand to gaming consoles," says John Gentile,  President of Abrams Gentile Entertainment. "Crave knows how to reach the  mass consumer market."    

"Sky Dancers have been a huge hit with girls everywhere," says Rob Dyer,  president and chief operating officer of Crave Entertainment. "With a fresh  look and attitude, a new generation of girls can enjoy playing Sky Dancers  videogames."    

Sky Dancers are back with a whole new look and attitude and flying higher  than ever before! Over 20 million original Sky Dancers sold worldwide, and  rocketed to the top of the Toy Book "What's Hot" list. The brand will  relaunch in 2005 with a master toy introduction from PlayAlong, makers of  the mega-successful Care Bears and Cabbage Patch brands, as well as the  first ever DVD launch of the Sky Dancers animated series.    

Scheduled for release in September of 2005, Sky Dancers will be available  for the Game Boy® Advance with a MSRP of $19.99.

[Seeking to tighten its grip in Canada, Ubisoft has opened up a new studio.]

318

TalkBack / Ubisoft Expands Into Quebec

« on: June 01, 2005, 08:11:08 AM »

Seeking to tighten its grip in Canada, Ubisoft has opened up a new studio.

UBISOFT OPENS ITS DOORS IN QUEBEC CITY    

390 Charest East Becomes the Ubisoft Building; Nicolas Rioux, Appointed General Manager, Welcomes First Employees    

Quebec City, June 1, 2005 - Today Ubisoft, one of the world's leading video game publishers, officially opens its door in the provincial capital where it intends to invest 75 M$ CAD and create 200 jobs within five years. Ubisoft will start with 75 jobs in Quebec City this year. The new production studio will be located in the heart of the Saint-Roch district at 390, Charest East.    

"We are in Quebec City for its talent and its dynamic nature. Our objective is to build a studio where creativity and technological know how will come together to create world class games," said Martin Tremblay, president and chief operating officer of Ubisoft Canada.    

Tremblay also announced the appointment of Nicolas Rioux as vice president and general manager of the Quebec City Studio. "Nicolas is an experienced video game development manager, known for his vision and leadership. I'm confident that he'll quickly make our Quebec City studio an international leader, able to take on the most ambitious projects."    

"This is the start of an exciting adventure for Ubisoft in Quebec City," said Nicolas Rioux. "Ubisoft has a reputation for developing high quality, breakthrough games. Our new studio will pursue this same successful approach. Starting right away, we'll work on innovative projects based on strong licenses, using the latest technologies."    

Ubisoft was established in Montreal in 1997 and employs 1100 developers there. Ubisoft announced on February 1, 2005 its intention to invest 700 M$ CAD over five years and create 1000 new jobs in Quebec by 2010, bringing its total number of employees to 2000 in the province.    

Ubisoft is now recruiting candidates from the three major areas of video game development: artists, designers and programmers. Those interested in submitting their resumes can do so at : www.jobs.ubisoft.ca

[Activision strengthens its foothold in Canadian gaming.]

319

TalkBack / Activision Acquires Beenox Studios

« on: May 25, 2005, 10:40:24 AM »

Activision strengthens its foothold in Canadian gaming.

ACTIVISION ESTABLISHES DEVELOPMENT FOOTHOLD IN QUEBEC WITH ACQUISTION OF BEENOX STUDIOS    

Quebec Province Recognized As One of the Fastest Growing Development Talent Pools in North America    

  Santa Monica, CA - May 25, 2005 - Continuing to expand its roster of premier  development talent, Activision, Inc. (Nasdaq:  ATVI) today announced that it  has acquired game developer Beenox, Inc.  The acquisition further bolsters  Activision's internal development capabilities by providing it with a  foothold in the province of Quebec, one of the fastest growing development  talent pools in North America.      

   

Activision has worked with Beenox since 2003 on numerous games including  such titles as Shrek 2, Tony Hawk's Underground 2, and its upcoming release,  Fantastic Four.  Beenox has established itself as a leader in platform  conversion technologies that allow for simultaneous multiplatform game  development.  On March 17, 2005, the studio was honored with the prestigious  "Innovative Enterprise of the Year" award at the 22nd edition of the  Fidéides Awards, organized by the Quebec Business Council.    

   

"We are excited about the talent and experience that Beenox brings to  Activision," said Kathy Vrabeck, president of Activision Publishing.  "Beenox's extensive porting background will be a key component of our  console transition strategy by allowing us to focus our resources on  next-generation technologies while continuing to develop games for  current-generation systems.  Quebec's expanding innovative talent pool will  provide Activision with future growth opportunities."    

   

"We are thrilled to partner with Activision and believe that this  acquisition is a perfect fit for both companies," added Dee Brown, president  and CEO of Beenox.  "In particular, it will allow Beenox to continue to  develop high-quality titles based on well-established brands."    

   

Under the terms of the agreement, Beenox has become a wholly owned  subsidiary of Activision and Beenox's management team and key employees have  signed long-term employment contracts with Activision.  The 32 person team  will continue to be based in Quebec City, Canada.

[Activision has shipped the video game adaptation of the Dreamworks film.]

320

TalkBack / Madagascar Hits Stores

« on: May 25, 2005, 10:36:32 AM »

Activision has shipped the video game adaptation of the Dreamworks film.

ACTIVISION’S MADAGASCAR™ THE GAME  STAMPEDES INTO RETAIL STORES NATIONWIDE    

Santa Monica , CA – May 25, 2005 – Enter the hilarious world of four zany New York zoo animals in DreamWorks Animation’s Madagascar™ The Game from Activision, Inc. (Nasdaq: ATVI).   Based on the highly anticipated feature film, Madagascar The Game lets players discover their true animal instincts when an adventurous journey lands them on the remote island of  Madagascar .    Gamers must master each animal’s individual survival skills in order to tackle obstacles and foes in scenarios from the movie and beyond.    

“Our close collaboration with DreamWorks Animation has allowed us to create a video game that truly captures the humor, friendship and adventure portrayed in the film,”  said Kathy Vrabeck, president, Activision Publishing.    “ Madagascar The Game will further engage players in the zoo animals’ story and enhance their film-going experience.”    

The title features life-long pals Alex the lion, Marty the zebra, Melman the giraffe and Gloria the hippo as they escape from the zoo, encounter a crew of plotting penguins and land on the strange and exotic island of Madagascar where they each learn unique skills that help them work together to survive in the wild.     The team discovers the unknown by roaring, racing, spinning, sneaking, puzzle solving and exploring varied environments, interacting with animals and characters exclusive to the game and playing head-to-head against their friends in engaging mini-games such as “Tiki Golf” and “Lemur Rave.”    

The handheld versions of the game also gives players the same action and challenge and the Nintendo DS version allows players to engage in wireless multiplayer minigames and use the touch screen to switch characters in the middle of levels and to play wild mini-games exclusive to the DS version.    

Madagascar The Game was developed for the console platforms by Toys for Bob, for the Game Boy Advance and Nintendo DS by Vicarious Visions and for the PC by Beenox.     The game 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.   Madagascar The Game for the Nintendo DS™ and Game Boy Ò Advance are rated  “E” (“Everyone”– mild cartoon violence – content suitable for persons ages 6 and older.) The DS version is available for a suggested retail price of $39.99 and the GBA version is available for a suggested retail price of $29.99.

[A special contest is being held to go along with the video game release of The Fantastic Four!]

321

TalkBack / Activision To Give Away Fantastic Four #1

« on: May 24, 2005, 10:51:29 AM »

A special contest is being held to go along with the video game release of The Fantastic Four!

Attention comic book afficianados:    

Ever wanted to get your hands on the extremely rare first issue of The Fantastic Four? Well, you're in luck, because Activision is hosting a contest to give away that very issue signed by comic legend Jack Kirby. All you have to do is head over to Activision's official webpage for the Fantastic Four video game and enter.    

Best of luck!

[In a related story, you can breathe air.]

322

TalkBack / E3 2005 A Success!

« on: May 23, 2005, 11:46:44 AM »

In a related story, you can breathe air.

MORE THAN 70,000 INDUSTRY PROFESSIONALS CONVENE AT E3EXPO 2005    

   E3Insider.com Draws More Than 700,000 Visits In First Three Days    

   LOS ANGELES--May 20, 2005--More than 70,000 industry professionals  from 79 countries gathered at the Los Angeles Convention Center (LACC)  for the Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3Expo), the world's premier  interactive entertainment trade show. According to the show's owner,  the Entertainment Software Association (ESA), approximately 400  exhibitors occupied 547,000 net square feet of exhibit space and  displayed more than 5,000 computer and video game products -- 1,000 of  which made their debut. Exhibitors reported 80 percent of the 5,000  products will be found on store shelves by the 2005 holiday season.    

    "E3Expo has consistently been the exclusive venue to launch the  products and showcase the groundbreaking innovations that shape  interactive entertainment," said Douglas Lowenstein, president of the  ESA, the trade association that represents U.S. computer and video  game publishers and owns E3Expo. "E3Expo has once again delivered the  latest industry advances, across thousands of feet of exhibit space  where attendees conduct business, showcase the newest products,  network and connect with industry leaders."    

    This year, the ESA also brought back the first-ever official Web  site exclusively dedicated to delivering a live E3Expo experience  directly to the general public -- E3Insider (www.e3insider.com). The  third annual site opened its virtual doors to visitors and received  more than 100 million hits during its first three days live. E3Insider  provided consumers with a virtual tour of E3Expo and the most  comprehensive show news through expanded exhibitor coverage and unique  site features, such as dedicated exhibitor, games and hardware news  sections and the popular "fan cam." With the brand-new features, the  gamer had unlimited access to the never-before-seen games and  products, show floor, backstage and other restricted areas of the  LACC.    

    The E3Expo educational conference and workshop program sold out  this year. The program featured a faculty of more than 175 of the  industry's leading experts who shared their advice, experience and  insight with attendees. E3Expo 2006 is scheduled for May 10 - 12, 2006  in Los Angeles.

[Master of Spirits 2 is headed for the GBA.]

323

TalkBack / Konami Announces A New Shaman King

« on: May 23, 2005, 11:22:21 AM »

Master of Spirits 2 is headed for the GBA.

KONAMI ANNOUNCES SHAMAN KING:  MASTER OF SPIRITS 2    

Popular Anime Franchise Returns to Nintendo Game Boy® Advance    

LOS ANGELES – Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3) Booth #800 – May 17, 2005 – Konami Digital Entertainment - America, a division of Konami Digital Entertainment, Inc., today announced that it will release Shaman King: Master of spirits 2 for Nintendo Game Boy® Advance in August 2005. Introduced in Japan in 1998, the Shaman King property has become a phenomenal success with more than 20 million comic books and more than 165 million trading cards sold. The third video game in this multi-million dollar franchise, Shaman King: Mater of spirits 2 delivers an all-new exciting, action-packed RPG, where players continue their quest to become the next Shaman King.    

   The sequel to Shaman King: Master of spirits, players return to the role of Yoh Asakura as they traverse multiple stages filled with perils, enemies and traps in order to stop a diabolical shaman from resurrecting the evil “Guardian of Demons.”  To assist Yoh in his quest, players can collect the spirits of vanquished opponents and use these spirits to help him in battle. Additionally, they can summon old and new Guardian Ghosts in the battle to defeat the enemies. As players progress, they will build their skills and unlock special moves, combo systems and abilities. Adding to the excitement, gamers can upgrade their spirits and use the enhanced spirit system to negotiate treacherous levels filled with traps!      

Shaman King follows the story of Yoh Asakura, a junior high school student hiding an amazing secret. Yoh is a shaman, one of the few who can communicate with ghosts and spirits. Through his powers, Yoh can join forces with another spirit, uniting ghost and human together as one. Yoh teams up with Amidamaru, the spirit of the 600-year old samurai warrior, and with this powerful union, Yoh begins his quest to be crowned Shaman King in the grand tournament, held once every 500 years.

[Yu-Gi-Oh! comes to the DS.]

324

TalkBack / Konami Debuts New Yu-Gi-Oh!

« on: May 23, 2005, 11:13:57 AM »

Yu-Gi-Oh! comes to the DS.

KONAMI’S YU-GI-OH! NIGHTMARE TROUBADOUR DEBUTS ON NINTENDO DS THIS FALL    

  LOS ANGELES – Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3) Booth #800 – May 17, 2005 – Konami Digital Entertainment – America, a division of Konami Digital Entertainment, Inc., today announced new details about Yu-Gi-Oh! Nightmare Troubadour for the Nintendo DS.  Based on the popular trading card game and top-rated animated TV show, Yu-Gi-Oh! video games continue to captivate fans of the franchise with more than six million units sold to date in North America alone.    

   This September, Yu-Gi-Oh! Nightmare Troubadour marks the first Yu-Gi-Oh! title for the Nintendo DS. The game takes full advantage of the Nintendo DS’ touch screen and wireless technologies. Players will use the touch screen to navigate a city map to find duel opponents. Once a duel is initiated, the touch screen becomes a 2D card playing field and the battle begins. The top screen becomes a 3D arena that shows monsters rising from their cards to battle for Yu-Gi-Oh! supremacy.      

The wireless gameplay is truly groundbreaking in Yu-Gi-Oh! Nightmare Troubadour. Players will be able to duel one another wirelessly, as well as trade over 1000 of the newest Yu-Gi-Oh! cards. A special “Friendship” feature in single player mode will trigger special in-game events when you register your friend as duel colleague. Another unique game mechanic found in Yu-Gi-Oh! Nightmare Troubadour is “Game Time,” where time within the game advances as you move and take turns in duels. The time of day can affect duelist appearance rates and special events. Less challenging duelists appear during morning to afternoon “Game Times” while more difficult opponents appear during the evening times. With all these innovative features, Yu-Gi-Oh! Nightmare Troubadour will offer fresh gameplay to the most experienced Yu-Gi-Oh! Duelists.  

[Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles come to the GameCube and DS.]

325

TalkBack / Konami Announces New TMNT Games

« on: May 23, 2005, 11:07:13 AM »

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles come to the GameCube and DS.

KONAMI ANNOUNCES TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES® 3: Mutant Nightmare    

All-New Shell-Kicking Action Comes to the PlayStation 2, Xbox, Nintendo GameCube and Nintendo DS    

  LOS ANGELES – Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3) Booth #800 – May 17, 2005 – Konami Digital Entertainment - America, a division of Konami Digital Entertainment, Inc., today announced Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles® 3: Mutant Nightmare (TMNT3) for the PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system, the Xbox®  video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, Nintendo GameCube and Nintendo DS.  The most in-depth TMNT  game to date, TMNT3 introduces a wealth of unique features, including characters that evolve, a new experience point system, improved fighting control and more advanced multiplayer capabilities. As a special bonus, old-school Turtle fans will be able to unlock one of the original TMNT  arcade games.    

   TMNT3 for the PlayStation 2, Xbox and Nintendo GameCube puts more of a focus on teamwork, character development and control than any other console Turtles game to date. Gamers can play as their favorite Turtle alone or with up to three friends, earning experience points along the way as they slash and bash Foot Ninjas and powerful, well-known bosses from the TMNT  universe. These experience points allow players to improve and evolve their Turtles’ traits and abilities for more varied, powerful attacks and moves.  The Ninja Scroll System is another new feature on TMMT3 .  Being able to select which ninja scrolls to use allows the Turtles to use various special abilities strategically.  Cooperative play lies at the heart of TMNT3 and gamers who team up with friends for multiplayer action are rewarded with exclusive features such as Cooperative Attack for even more shell shocking damage to enemies. The effect of this attack changes depending on the number of players working together (between 2-4 players).    

   For even greater control, TMNT3 features a new combat system called the Target Attack system that lets gamers play more instinctively and strategically. With the Target Attack system, players will be able to lock onto specific enemies and block, dodge or counter attack accordingly for smoother and more maneuverable combat. Story Mode can be played with 1-4 players.   Even when you have less than 4 players to play, the other Turtles will be at your side, controlled through AI.  All the Turtles can participate in Cooperative Attack to beat enemies and players can give commands to the AI.        

TMNT3 for the Nintendo DS utilizes the features of the handheld system for an exciting and unique Turtles experience. A side scrolling melee action game with more than 50 exciting stages, it features the Turtles battling a nightmarish enemy in an effort to save the world from destruction. The emphasis of the game is strategic teamwork. Through each level, players will not only need to defeat enemies, but they will also have to explore and solve challenging puzzles. Playing alone or with friends, gamers will use the touch pad to get help from other Turtles to utilize their unique abilities to overcome obstacles and traps. Additionally, gamers can team up with friends via the Nintendo DS’ wireless multiplayer functionality. Along the way, the DS’ touch panel will come into play to help gamers solve different puzzles and, during fighting phases of levels, the Turtles will play out epic battles that take place.