Archive for November, 2008

Football Freestyler Delivers Skills Tutorials Around The World

November 30th, 2008 Console Digest

Jeremy Lynch demonstrates ‘Total Control’ in a series of video tutorials to launch Football Director DS.

Football Director DS, the first football management game for the hugely popular Nintendo DS™, has selected Jeremy Lynch the renowned UK football freestyler who recently appeared on Britain’s Got Talent, to deliver a series of freestyle football skill tutorials to coincide with the launch of Football Director DS.

The most famous football freestyle skill of all time is “Around The World”, which is the second in the series, where Jeremy demonstrates how to deliver the skill using total control of the football. Designed as a step-by-step tutorial, the video enables viewers to see how simple it is to learn a new football skill.

Similar to the skills tutorial, Football Director DS is easy to grasp. The game has an intuitive, stylus-driven interface, packed with plenty of tactical and strategic depth, which allows you to take total control over each of the 92 English & Welsh Football League and Premier League teams. Football Director DS will be available in all major high street retail outlets from November 28th 2008.

In addition, Jeremy will use his “freestyle football skills” in an attempt to break the current Guinness World Record™ record attempts for:

  • Longest time controlling a football with the soles – 6:01 minutes
  • Most football rolls across the forehead – 50
  • Most heal juggles in a minute – 88
  • Furthest distance travelled with a football balanced on the head – 281.57m

The world record attempts were held at the Crystal Palace training ground this week and will appear on Soccer AM during the remainder of 2008.

“I had great fun making this video and I hope that my football free-styling encourage others to try to learn new skills. Around The World is not as difficult as many would think, it just requires practice. I hope that those who try it will succeed” Jeremy Lynch said. “As for, breaking the records, it would be a great accomplishment as I know it will be challenging.”

Oliver Birch, Pinnacle Marketing Manager said “The football freestyle “Total Control” skills tutorials were designed to enable anyone to have a go, just like the Football Director DS game, which can be played in bite-sized chunks or over longer season-conquering sessions. ‘Around The World’ is the second in the series of total control skills tutorials, which will be hosted on the Football Director DS website, http://www.footballdirector.com and other football related sites from November 2008”.

Please see complete video at http://www.footballdirector.com/media/video

Pinnacle Software Ltd.
Pinnacle Software is a division of Pinnacle Entertainment, an independent and privately-owned company (formerly part of the Bertelsmann Media Group). For the past 20 years the company has provided bespoke sales, marketing and logistics solutions, primarily in the UK consumer entertainment marketplace, including music, DVD, video games and merchandise. Pinnacle Entertainment has recently diversified into new business areas, including worldwide distribution of new game content via strategic partnerships and licensing deals.

The Football League
Formed in 1888 by its 12 founder members, The Football League is the world’s original league football competition and is the template for leagues the world over. With 72 member clubs, it is also the largest single body of professional clubs in European football and is responsible for administering and regulating the Coca-Cola Football League, Carling Cup and Johnstone’s Paint Trophy, as well as reserve and youth football. To find out more go to www.football-league.co.uk.

Guinness World Records
Guinness World Records is the universally recognized authority on record-breaking achievement. First published in 1955, the annual Guinness World Records book is published in more than 100 countries and 25 languages and is one of the highest-selling books under copyright of all time with more than 3 million copies sold annually across the globe. Guinness World Records celebrated its 50th anniversary edition in 2004, a year after the sale of its 100 millionth copy. Guinness World Records also annually publishes the Gamer’s Edition; a records book devoted solely to the world of computer gaming and high score record achievements. The Guinness World Records website (www.guinnessworldrecords.com) receives more than 11 million visitors a year. Guinness World Records is part of the Jim Pattison Group, one of Canada’s largest privately owned companies which is a conglomerate of interests, including advertising, broadcasting, grocery stores and automotive retailing.

Posted in DS, News, Nintendo No Comments »

Junior Brain Trainer (DS)

November 28th, 2008 Console Digest

AVANQUEST LAUNCHES JUNIOR BRAIN TRAINER ON NINTENDO DS

Avanquest Software Publishing, a leading consumer software and games publisher, is soon to release Junior Brain Trainer on Nintendo DS. This is a stimulating and fun game to help children improve a range of important skills and includes a wide variety of fun puzzles and quizzes set in colourful environments to promote learning and education in an entertaining way.

Created specifically for 6-11 year olds, Junior Brain Trainer gives young minds a fitness workout to help develop important key skills in reading, writing, spelling, maths, geometry, logic and problem solving. Junior Brain Trainer takes a fresh and fun approach to teaching by delivering information in bite size chunks, making it easier to digest. The structured gameplay is designed to suit a child’s attention span and ensures they are continually engaged.

Users are encouraged to spend a small amount of time on the game each day to complete five different activities based around key skills. Players must successfully accomplish tasks such as completing a missing word in a sentence, finishing a maths calculation, drawing a shape or matching up pairs.

Once the five daily activities have been completed, users are rewarded by unlocking additional content, motivating them to continue to reveal further exercises. These include reading and writing activities such as fun stories, where the reader has to blow into the microphone to turn the page; Hangman, requiring a mystery word to be solved; and Alphabet, to encourage kids to practice writing the alphabet.

Players can also unlock a quiz to test their knowledge of mathematics and vocabulary, as well as a selection of entertaining games that include:

Snakes – a game of skill and timing that requires a snake to be guided around the screen to collect coloured sweets – but if the snake hits its own tail, it’s game over!

Football – the stylus is used to move a football boot across the screen kicking a ball against the wall to remove bricks. Don’t miss the ball or a life is lost!

Beggar My Neighbour – tap on a pile of playing cards with the stylus to play a move against the console. Who ever has the highest card wins the hand – the overall winner is the player who collects all the cards.

Balloon Pop – the D-pad is used to move a sling shot to the left and right. The A button fires at the balloons and pops them when on target. Balloons may fire back though!

Twins – a memory game requiring pairs of people to be matched up against a time limit.

Ghosts – use the stylus to touch a ghost and capture it. The ghosts are quick though and as many as possible must be caught within the time limit.

For further information visit www.avanquest.co.uk/dsgames

Fast facts:
Publisher: Avanquest Software Publishing
Developer: Avanquest SA
Distributor: Open
PEGI: 3+
Format: Nintendo DS
Genre: Brain Training
SRP: £19.99

Pricing and Availability
Junior Brain Trainer is available from www.avanquest.co.uk, Amazon.co.uk and Play.com on the 5th December 2008.

Posted in DS, News, Nintendo No Comments »

Xbox 360 Survey Reveals

November 27th, 2008 Console Digest

Families are sticking together and searching for better entertainment value this holiday.

A tough economy is casting a shadow over many people’s gift-giving list right now, providing a question mark as to how they will spend their hard-earned cash this holiday season. To better understand how America’s shopping and entertainment habits are evolving this year, Microsoft Corp. collaborated with Ipsos(1) and StrategyOne(2) to produce the Xbox 360 Holiday Entertainment Survey. It’s no surprise that the majority of respondents admitted to being more cautious about how they will spend their hard-earned cash.

Some of the key findings include these:

  • 60 percent of respondents are planning to stay at or close to home to save money over the holidays
  • 71 percent are looking for one gift to bring the family together
  • 89 percent are hunting for gifts that keep on giving
  • 81 percent of adults in households with children are looking for gifts that provide entertainment while staying home this year(2)
  • 86 percent of young adults hope to receive at least one video game this year
  • 40 percent of adults will visit the movie theater less than last year

Almost Everyone Will Stay Home for the Holidays

This year, the home is the destination for holiday entertainment with three out of five Americans anticipating spending Thanksgiving, Christmas or New Year’s Eve at home to save money. In other words, many families will spend their holiday season in the living room, looking for ways to be entertained economically.

Being Entertained at Home is Crucial to Family Happiness

As purse strings tighten, two-thirds of respondents said they are planning to spend less on friends and family than they did last year(2), with the average American reporting they plan to reduce holiday gift spending by 16 percent, an average of $124 less than 2007. People are looking for something that doesn’t cost too much yet will entertain a wide variety of relatives and holiday houseguests.

Moms polled were interested in finding a way to keep the entire family entertained, with 40 percent agreeing that it was difficult to keep everyone amused. To help put a smile on the faces of family members, 81 percent of parents are looking for gifts this year that can entertain everyone in the comfort of their own home(2). Almost one in three adult respondents said that too much family time around the holidays can get “boring,” and one in five agreed that their family spends long hours sitting around with “nothing to do” during the holidays.

Everyone loves movies. Nearly three-quarters of survey respondents said they plan on watching feature films this holiday. But 40 percent said they would cut back on trips to movie theaters, and 23 percent confirmed they’ll be watching more movies from home.

The Family That Plays Together . . .

After watching movies and TV, playing video games is the next-most popular way for 18-49 year olds to have fun over the holidays, and 86 percent of young adults are looking forward to receiving at least one game this holiday season(2). A recent Microsoft and Harris Interactive Inc. study also found that 64 percent of parents would spend more time playing video games if it was an activity the entire clan could do together. This means in 2008 the whole family can get together and play games such as “Scene It? Box Office Smash,” “Lips” and “You’re in the Movies.”

http://www.xbox.com/value

Launched today, http://www.xbox.com/value is a new section on Xbox.com that pulls together all the latest information about how to get the best return for your holiday entertainment spending this year.

The Xbox 360 Holiday Gift Influencer is a brand-new tool that allows you to answer a series of questions and then receive a customized letter that you can provide to the gift-giver in your life to prove why you need an Xbox 360 console. This funny letter can be e-mailed or printed out, along with an Xbox 360 product wish list to further lead your gift-giver down the right path this holiday.

Xbox 360: Something for Everyone

From games to music to movies, Xbox 360 gives you much more than the typical holiday present — and with an estimated retail price (ERP) starting at $199.99(3), it costs less than you think. With more than 200 E- and T- rated games for the family and the ability to watch TV shows, stream Netflix movies and more(4), Xbox 360 delivers something for every member of your family. After the holidays are over, Xbox 360 is one gift that won’t collect dust.

By joining forces with Netflix, Xbox 360 now offers an additional 12,000 movies and TV episodes to Xbox LIVE Gold Members, for a total of nearly 30,000 pieces of video content.

Xbox 360 is the most affordable next-generation console on the market. The Xbox 360 Arcade Holiday Console comes with six free games, including “Sega Superstars Tennis” and five Xbox LIVE Arcade titles. The Xbox 360 console ($299.99 ERP) and the Xbox 360 Elite Holiday Console ($399.99 ERP) pair the consoles with smash hits such as “LEGO Indiana Jones: The Original Adventures” and “Kung Fu Panda” at no additional cost. With Platinum Hits titles including “Forza Motorsport 2,” “Top Spin 2″ and “LEGO Star Wars II: The Original Trilogy” starting at a suggested retail price of just $19.99 ERP, it’s never been cheaper to start creating your own library of great games, too!

(1) Ipsos survey conducted online by a national representative sample of 1,008 adults aged 18 and older, during the week of Oct. 6, 2008, and during the week of Oct. 27, 2008.
(2) Data from StrategyOne study conducted by national random-digit-dialing phone study of 1,000 representative adults aged 18 and older in September 2008 (all other statistics from Ipsos survey).
(3) Estimated retail price; actual prices may vary.
(4) Xbox LIVE Gold membership and Netflix unlimited subscription plan required. See Netflix Terms of Use for details about Netflix service.

Posted in Microsoft, News, Xbox 360 No Comments »

Activision and RedOctane Rock the Holiday Season With New Games for the Entire Family

November 26th, 2008 Console Digest

Activision Announces Holiday Game Line-Up in Time for Black Friday

Activision Publishing, Inc. is rocking the holiday season with a robust slate of games for the entire family. Headlining is Guitar Hero(R) World Tour, the latest installment in the best-selling music-based video game franchise, featuring everything from full band to guitar solo challenges. Also touring are Call of Duty(R): World at War, the most intense World War II experience ever; Quantum of Solace(TM), which captures the edge and intrigue of the new Daniel Craig Bond series; Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa(TM), featuring the high-jinx and hilarity of the acclaimed feature film from DreamWorks Animation; and Spider-Man(TM): Web of Shadows, an original game featuring the most recognizable Super Hero of all time, Spider-Man.

Following is a more detailed listing of Activision’s holiday game line-up, which is currently available at retailers in North America:

Call of Duty(R): World at War

Call of Duty: World at War takes players to a grittier WWII than ever before – from facing down Imperial Japanese Banzai charges and guerilla tactics in the Pacific, to exacting ruthless revenge as you beat back the enemy all the way to the steps of Berlin. The title re-defines WWII games by offering an uncensored experience with unique enemies, jaw-dropping firepower like the flamethrower, and combat variety, including Kamikaze fighters and cunning ambush tactics. For the first time in the franchise, Call of Duty: World at War also introduces co-operative gameplay, where up to four-players online, or two-players on a local split- screen, can experience harrowing single-player missions together for greater camaraderie and tactical execution. The title also incorporates traditional multiplayer components such as challenges, rankings and online stats into the co-op campaign for deeper re-playability and advanced gameplay. (The game is rated “M” for Mature by the ESRB and is available on the Xbox 360(R) video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, PLAYSTATION(R)3 computer entertainment system, Nintendo Wii(TM) and Games for Windows(R)). A “T” for Teen rated version is also available on Nintendo DS(TM), while Call of Duty(R): World at War – Final Fronts, also rated “T”, is available on PlayStation(R)2 computer entertainment system).

Guitar Hero(R) World Tour

Guitar Hero World Tour transforms music gaming by expanding Guitar Hero’s signature guitar gameplay into a cooperative band experience that combines the most advanced wireless instruments with new revolutionary online* and offline gameplay modes including Band Career and 8- player “Battle of the Bands,” which allows two full bands to compete head-to- head online for the first time ever. The game features a slick newly redesigned guitar controller, a drum kit controller and a microphone, as well as an innovative Music Studio music creator that lets players compose, record, edit and share their own rock ‘n’ roll anthems. Music creators will also be able to share their recordings with friends online through GHTunes(SM) where other gamers can download and play an endless supply of unique creations. (The game is rated “T” for Teen and is available on the Xbox 360, PLAYSTATION 3, PlayStation2 and Wii).

Guitar Hero(R) On Tour: Decades(TM)

Guitar Hero On Tour: Decades allows gamers to Unleash Their Inner Rockstar anytime, anywhere and for the first time ever share their music with friends as they embark on a musical journey from the classics of the 1970′s through today’s greatest hits. Unprecedented song streaming features allow players of Guitar Hero On Tour: Decades and the smash hit Guitar Hero(R): On Tour to share songs and rock out together in multiplayer modes playing tracks from either version of the game. With a new library of music, characters and venues, the game delivers a portable way for gamers to Unleash Their Inner Rockstar while playing through the history of rock ‘n’ roll. (The game is rated “E10+” and is available on Nintendo DS).

Quantum of Solace(TM)

James Bond is back to settle the score in Quantum of Solace. Introducing a more lethal and cunningly efficient Bond, the game blends intense first-person action with a unique third-person cover combat system that allows players to truly feel what it is like to be the ultimate secret agent as they use stealth, precision shooting and lethal hand-to-hand combat skills to progress through missions. Seamlessly blending the heart- pounding action and excitement of the new “Quantum of Solace” and prior “Casino Royale” Bond films, the title propels players into the cinematic experience of international espionage. (The game is rated “T” for Teen and is currently available on the Xbox 360, PLAYSTATION 3, PlayStation2, Wii, Nintendo DS and Games for Windows).

Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa(TM)

In Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa, the four famous zoo animals – Alex the Lion, Marty the Zebra, Melman the Giraffe and Gloria the Hippo – and their entire madcap Madagascar crew take players on a whole new action-packed journey to help save the African savannah. Assuming the roles of all their favorite characters, including those crafty penguins, players must work through 12 distinct levels featuring a variety of wild adventures and fun mini-games. In addition to the diverse single-player gameplay, the Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa video game delivers an enhanced multiplayer tournament mode allowing gamers to participate in outlandish competitions alongside or against friends and family. (The game is rated “E10+” and is available on the Xbox 360, PLAYSTATION 3 and Games for Windows. An “E” rated version is also available on the PlayStation2, Wii and Nintendo DS).

Spider-Man(TM): Web of Shadows

With a story penned by acclaimed Marvel comic book writer Brian Reed, Spider-Man: Web of Shadows features a New York City devastated by a deadly symbiote invasion, in which players are faced with the choice to play as the heroic web-slinger in his classic, agile red suit or the dark, formidable black suit. Battling with or against a huge cast of fan- favorite Marvel Super Heroes and Super Villains, gamers can switch allegiances instantly as they decide which missions will ultimately save mankind. An all- new combat system, combining web-slinging and customizable superpowers provides gamers the unrivaled opportunity to fight and explore in an open free-roaming and destructible environment. In battle, Spider-Man’s speed and agility are tested within the diverse cityscape, challenging players to master fast-moving acrobatic combat, powerful new web-slinging moves and destructive combo attacks, as combat seamlessly migrates from the streets, up the sides of buildings and onto rooftops. (The game is rated “T” for Teen and is available on the Xbox 360, PLAYSTATION 3, Wii and Games for Windows. “E10+” for Everyone 10 and older rated versions are available on DS, PlayStation2 and the PSP(R) (PlayStation(R)Portable) system).

Posted in DS, Microsoft, News, Nintendo, PSP, PlayStation 3, Sony, Wii, Xbox 360 Tags: , , , , , , , , , No Comments »

Ultimate Band

November 25th, 2008 Console Digest

Plain White T’s fans rock out with their favorite band in new and exclusive ways

Disney Interactive Studios has teamed up with pop-punk band Plain White T’s for content, videos and promotional efforts for its upcoming music video game Ultimate Band. Developed by Fall Line Studio in Salt Lake City, Utah, Ultimate Band takes gamers of all ages on a journey to achieve rock stardom starting as garage-band beginners and working toward the ultimate rock notoriety. With the Plain White T’s featured in Ultimate Band, fans can play their favorite band’s music in an accessible game with great value.

Two-time Grammy nominee Plain White T’s are featured in Ultimate Band for Wii™ with exclusive videos including an acoustic performance of the single “Natural Disaster.” A re-recorded version of the Plain White T’s “Our Time Now” is also featured in the game allowing players to use male or female voices for their own uniquely customized Frontman. As players progress through the game’s garage to stardom storyline, they unlock specially designed Plain White T’s band characters while performing “Our Time Now.” These characters can be then played during any song throughout the game.

“Our Time Now” is also featured in Ultimate Band for Nintendo DS™. Players increase their fans by strumming along to the chords on the lead, rhythm or bass guitars, as well as rocking out on the drums.

Ultimate Band

With Ultimate Band, you don’t need to break the bank buying instruments to rock out with this peripheral-free performance music game. Use the Wii Remote™ and Nunchuk™ to become the ultimate “air band” as you perform to more than 30 hip indie and mainstream hits. This storyline-driven game also lets players create and customize characters that reflect their own unique personalities and attributes. For rocking-on-the-go, the Nintendo DS version features exclusive songs and puts players in the studio to let them create and perform their own tracks.

Ultimate Band has ESRB ratings of E10+ on Wii and E on Nintendo DS, and is available this holiday season. MSRP is $29.99 for Nintendo DS and $49.99 for Wii.

For more information on Disney Interactive Studios and Fall Line Studio, visit http://www.disney.com/videogames.

Posted in DS, News, Nintendo, Wii No Comments »
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