Archive for May, 2008

2K Games Injects PLAYSTATION3 System Owners with Genetically Enhanced Version of BioShock

2K Games, a publishing label of Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. (NASDAQ: TTWO), announced today that BioShock®, the “genetically enhanced“ story-driven action game, is in development for the PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system at 2K Marin. The PLAYSTATION 3 system title will be released in October 2008 with new features and content that heighten the award-winning experience.

BioShock for the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and Games for Windows® was released in 2007 and received numerous Game of the Year honors from prestigious organizations including Associated Press, the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA), Game Informer, Spike TV’s VGAs and Paste Magazine. BioShock’s extension to the PLAYSTATION 3 system will bring exciting new content to this amazing title and reach many new players, while giving the title the opportunity to once again be named Game of the Year.

“Since BioShock for Xbox 360 and Games for Windows won countless 2007 Game of the Year awards, we are excited to see the impact of this stellar title for the PLAYSTATION 3 system when it debuts this fall,” said Christoph Hartmann, president of 2K. “Over the coming months we look forward to revealing the new features and content that will make this a must-have game for its new audience, as well as for those who enjoyed it on the other platforms.”

BioShock is a narrative-driven action experience that allows players to do the impossible as they journey through an amazing, immersive and terrifying world. Caught between powerful forces and hunted down by genetically mutated citizens, the player will come to grips with the mysterious and fascinating world of Rapture, a distinct Art Deco underwater utopia gone mad. BioShock not only challenges the players’ capacity to adapt and survive, but brings to question their values and commitment to the inhabitants of Rapture. With smart and adaptive AI, no encounter ever plays out the same, while numerous customization options provide gamers with an experience that adapts to their playing style.

As one of the highest-rated titles of 2007, BioShock was unanimously praised by the editorial industry’s top critics:

“While delivering a level of intrigue you rarely see in games, its most captivating element is its gameplay – which I can easily say delivers the most rewarding and adrenaline-filled experience I have ever had with an FPS.” – Game Informer Magazine, 10 out of 10, Game of the Year

“There’s ample flexibility in the game’s linear storyline that makes a second run through Rapture’s unique brand of madness an exciting prospect.” – Associated Press, 4 stars out of 4

“Why settle for watching the hero in a film have a thrilling adventure when you can all but live a narrative this masterfully woven.” – Paste Magazine, Game of the Year

“BioShock stands as a monolithic example of the convergence of entertaining gameplay and an irresistibly sinister, engrossing storyline that encompasses a host of multifaceted characters. This is an essential gaming experience.” – IGN.com, 9.7 out of 10, Editor’s Choice Award

“More so than any other game in recent memory, BioShock is dripping with atmosphere and intrigue, and it’s one of those rare titles where story, dialogue and character development are just as important as the action sequences.” – USA Today, 9 stars out of 10

BioShock for the PLAYSTATION 3 system will be available in October 2008 and is not yet rated by the ESRB. For more information on BioShock, visit www.bioshockgame.com.

BioShock

2K Sports Launches HypeKingdom.com in Anticipation of Don King Presents: Prizefighter

Learn the art of hype from the king himself, including creating the perfect nickname, self-promoting salvos using King’s voice, interpret King’s custom dictionary and more

2K Sports today announced it has partnered with the king of boxing and the godfather of hype, Don King, to launch HypeKingdom.com in support of the highly anticipated boxing video game, Don King Presents: Prizefighter. Fans can now enroll in the University of Hype to learn the art of larger-than-life self-promotion, while getting new insight into the man behind the mania.

“To be the king, you’ve got to know the king, and HypeKingdom.com provides what you need to know to follow in my footsteps,” said Don King. “You’ll also be witness to the spectacular promotionalization of 2K Sports’ Don King Presents: Prizefighter, the most exhilarating boxing title the world has ever seen!”

At HypeKingdom.com, fans can experience the thrill of being the king through the following features:

  • Nickname Generator – Joe Smith isn’t going to fill seats, so get a Don King-inspired nickname that screams “the champ is here!”
  • Customizable Hype Spoken by Don King – Generate your own hype, Mad Lib-style, with the voice of the king.
  • Complete Guide to King’s English – Now fans can accurately sling the slang to raise their hype game.
  • Hype Boards – A place where members can share their own hype glory stories as well as enthusiasm for Don King Presents: Prizefighter.
  • Screen Savers and Screen Shots – View all the screen savers and screen shots in its tenacious spectaculocity to download and share with friends.

Don King Presents: Prizefighter will deliver the deepest, most authentic and entertaining boxing experience available. The life of a boxer is more than just a night at the fights; it’s about building a career and rising to stardom. In Don King Presents: Prizefighter, players must train, overcome adversity, get promoted and avoid temptation to rise in notoriety. The story of their struggle to become champion unfolds in a unique, live-action sports documentary style that features real-life legends and current stars from the world of boxing including Ken Norton, Larry Holmes, Andrew Gollotta, Joe Calzaghe, and many others. Heather Vandeven, the reigning 2007 Penthouse Pet of the Year, and popular video vixen Bria Myles, also star in the documentary and act as temptations for boxers throughout their career.

Don King Presents: Prizefighter will be available on June 10, 2008 for Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, and this fall for Wii™ home video game system from Nintendo and Nintendo DS™. For more information, please visit www.2ksports.com/prizefighter/.

Pro Cycling Manager – Tour de France 2008 (PSP)

GET FIRST GLIMPSE OF EXCITING IN-GAME FOOTAGE

Pro Cycling Manager – Tour De France 2008 is the latest version of the popular racing management game for PC and PSP. To demonstrate the games outstanding graphics engine, Ascaron and 93 Games have released the official trailer and 9 new PC screenshots.

Watch the trailer here
http://www.cycling-manager.com/pcm2008/trailer_int/

Download the official trailer in SD (50 MB)
http://www.focus-files.com/trailers/pcm2008/Trailer_PCM2008_INT_DivxSD.rar

Download the official trailer in HD (131 MB)
http://www.focus-files.com/trailers/pcm2008/Trailer_PCM2008_INT_DivxHD.rar

Download the 9 new screenshots (6.5 MB)
http://www.cycling-manager.com/pcm2008/scr/pcm2008-scr.rar

Pro Cycling Manager – Tour de France 2008 features 180 real-time 3D playable races, including the famous Tour de France 2008. The new trailer displays the improved racing graphics, new lighting system, highly detailed environments and incredibly realistic rider models and animations. The trailer also includes footage of professional track cycling, a new type of racing to challenge fans of the series.

Chase the yellow jersey

Become the manager of one of 65 official cycling teams, handling all aspects of a professional season; choosing the team, finding new talent, taking charge of races, organising contracts, scheduling training and looking after finances. A variety of race commands and actions let you take control of your team, implementing winning tactics as you race to victory.
New features, combined with Pro Cycling Manager’s engaging gameplay ensure that Pro Cycling Manager – Tour de France 2008 is a highly realistic and enjoyable professional cycling experience.

Visit http://www.cycling-manager.com for more information.

Fast facts:
Publisher: Ascaron Entertainment / 93GAMES
Web: www.ascaron.com / www.cycling-manager.com
Developer: Cyanide
Release date: 27th June 2008
PEGI: 3+
Format: PC / PSP
Genre: Management / Racing

Brand new virtual events venue unveiled in Home on PLAYSTATION Network

Home, the interactive 3D world for PS3TM users, hosts the virtual re-run of PlayStation Day 2008 in its new Media and Events Space

Last week, PLAYSTATION®3 (PS3™) users experienced all the sights, sounds and action of PlayStation Day, the product showcase held on May 6th in London, from the comfort of their living rooms. The online event was held as a test-run of the new PlayStation Media & Events Space, a virtual arena that will serve as the live entertainment hub of the thriving PS3 online community, hosting everything from new game unveilings to sports events to fashion shows.

Attendees were drawn from 10,000 PS3 users who have been test-driving Home as ‘closed beta’ users. Given exclusive VIP entry to the Space, they were greeted by an impressive, large-scale area dressed with various elements from real-world PlayStation Day, including the iconic hexagonal branding and artwork from each of the day’s PlayStation zones. Users were able to explore the Space, experiencing highlights of the day such as a photo gallery of games developers and a jumbo screen of the day’s speeches with an introduction from Kazuo “Kaz” Hirai, President and Group Chief Executive Officer of Sony Computer Entertainment. Users were also able to enjoy a video stream of all the action from the real-world PlayStation Day experience.

The online Media & Events Space can be re-dressed and re-branded just like a real-life venue. Following the test event’s success, Home will now start scheduling more elaborate and exciting productions for the Space, which will be available for use by both first and third parties.

“As well as looking great, the Media and Events Space is flexible and user-friendly – it’s a real focal point for our virtual community. This was a very exciting first event and we’ve already received plenty of great feedback,” says Home producer Martijn Van Der Meulen.

Ataris Arcade Classic Warlords Now Live on Xbox LIVE Arcade

Battle with friends, and experience the competitive spirit of arcade games with Warlords, a multiplayer game where participants must knock other kings out of their castles while keeping their own king protected. Players use a shield to defend their fortress and launch a flaming ball to break down the other players’ forts. Up to four friends can join in the action, and The Evo mode allows players to import their own pictures to their castles.

Developed by Stainless Games, Warlords is available worldwide (with the exception of Japan and Korea) for 800 Microsoft Points and is rated E for Everyone by the ESRB. For more details on Warlords, please visit: http://www.xbox.com/en-US/games/livearcadexbox360

Warlords