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About Rainier

PC gamer, WorthPlaying EIC, globe-trotting couch potato, patriot, '80s headbanger, movie watcher, music lover, foodie and man in black -- squirrel!

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Tuesday, October 31, 2006 Shipping Announcements

by Rainier on Oct. 31, 2006 @ 5:38 a.m. PST

Another day, another batch of games shipped to stores. Instead of giving them all their own posts, we grouped them, and so far there are announcements for:

ATV Offroad Fury 4 (PS2)

ATV Offroad Fury 4 and ATV Offroad Fury Pro feature compatibility, allowing gamers to exchange vehicles and tracks and access a shared online community. Using the new Track Editor feature, gamers can create and customize courses, then share and race them online. ATV Offroad Fury 4 also offers a new Point-to-Point race mode that kicks the action up a notch as players compete on "Baja-style" courses.

"ATV Offroad Fury 4 reaffirms our commitment to the PlayStation 2 by providing gamers with innovative features that strengthen our best-selling franchises," said Susan Nourai, director, online and product marketing, Sony Computer Entertainment America. "This game marks a major advancement for the franchise with the addition of new vehicle types, a captivating Story Mode experience, and the evolutionary compatibility between PSP and PlayStation 2."

ATV Offroad Fury 4's all-new Story Mode allows players to live the life of a rookie rider on and off the track. Players will engage in a variety of regional Point-to-Point races as they work their way to the pinnacle of the professional racing. The game features a robust online multiplayer offering, supporting up to eight-player races, tournaments, voice and text chat, forums, player profiles, and downloadable content.

Building on the frenetic action of the gameplay, ATV Offroad Fury 4 features a high-energy soundtrack from today's hottest artists, including Red Jumpsuit Apparatus, Saosin, and Billy Talent. The game also boasts original tracks created exclusively by such artists as Alkaline Trio, Senses Fail, All That Remains, From Autumn to Ashes, Moneen, and many more.

A multi-million dollar marketing campaign will support the launch of ATV Offroad Fury 4, including TV, print, online, and outdoor advertising. Additionally, in a promotional partnership with Toyota, a customized ATV Offroad Fury 4-branded FJ Cruiser will be displayed at major off-road racing events, starting today at the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) auto show. The vehicle is also entered to race in the nationally televised Baja 1000 in November.

ATV Offroad Fury titles "E" for "Everyone."

Battlezone (PSP)

A modern update to the 1980 classic arcade game, BattleZone immerses players in an interactive world with relentless onslaughts of quick, action-oriented battles. Developed by Paradigm Entertainment, BattleZone for the PSP system is rated E10+ and is available for a suggested retail price of $29.95.

Set in futuristic international military environments, BattleZone puts players in control of highly maneuverable hover tanks, challenging them in close combat scenarios against their rivals. BattleZone features fast and furious gameplay, photo-realistic environments, eight unique customizable team vehicles, an assortment of high-powered weapons and multiplayer battles. The four-player wireless mode lets players go head to head, while unlockable weapons, vehicles and upgrades add even greater depth to the gameplay experience. In addition, extra game content will be available through the BattleZone web site, www.battlezonegame.com, offering gamers news, leader boards and an exclusive online level builder tool that allows players to customize game maps. The extra content can then be downloaded to the player's PSP system through a local PC-USB connection.

"BattleZone for the PSP system is a modern day version of the immensely- popular classic property," said Stephen Baer, Senior Product Manager, Atari, Inc. "BattleZone is a fast-paced and addictive game that capitalizes on all the PSP system offers. Just as the original set the standard for combat action in the arcades, BattleZone for the PSP system is armed to meet today's generation of gamers anywhere they go."

BattleZone provides players with six popular and well-known game modes, including Deathmatch, Capture the Flag, Team Deathmatch, Hotzone, Knockout, and Fox and Hound. For casual gamers, the single player mode offers an easy learning curve for pick-up and play gaming and a tournament progression to win upgrades and enhancements.

Designed to take advantage of the PSP system's high quality display, BattleZone's crisp environments depict military combat arenas from around the world. Specific sights include abandoned cities of Russia, jungles of China, desert canyons of the United States, Antarctica's frozen tundra and the Canary Islands. Players can fight their way through the compelling open play of ten worlds in BattleZone, two of which can be customized online and transferred to their PSP system.

Dungeon Siege: Throne of Agony (PSP)

"The fast-paced action that made the Dungeon Siege series such a success is perfectly suited for the PSP system," said Christoph Hartmann, President of 2K. "Gamers will now be able to explore the world of Aranna wherever they are."

Developed by SuperVillain Studios, Dungeon Siege: Throne of Agony is an entirely new RPG adventure created specifically for the PSP system. The game features all-new playable characters, fierce new creatures, stunning spells and weapons, and a freshly designed, non-linear, single player campaign as well as support for ad hoc co-operative multiplayer games.

Dungeon Siege: Throne of Agony, rated T for Teen, is available now for the PSP system for $39.99.

Final Fantasy XII (PS2)

"Final Fantasy XII is the most accessible RPG yet, allowing casual and hardcore gamers to truly customize the complexity of the game to their playing style," said Daishiro Okada, President and COO, Square Enix, Inc. "We're also very pleased to be able to provide several exclusives for the North American release including true 16:9 functionality, additional voiced CG sequences and a truly special Collector's Edition. The Collector's Edition comes with completely unique packaging, in-depth interviews with the development staff, special trailers, a history of the Final Fantasy series and several other features. We are extremely proud of both versions of Final Fantasy XII and hope gamers will enjoy our efforts."

With more than 2 million copies in the first shipment in Japan, the twelfth installment in the most celebrated RPG franchise looks to continue its runaway success on the other side of the Pacific. For the first time in its history, Final Fantasy delivers an entirely new breed of RPG that seamlessly integrates exploration and combat. Overflowing with gorgeous, sweeping landscapes and breathtaking adventure, Final Fantasy XII is a gaming experience that captivates gamers with its immersive environment, riveting pace and gripping storytelling, made possible only by the creators of the Final Fantasy franchise.

Final Fantasy XII brings innovative, never-before-seen additions to the franchise. The all-new "Gambit" system allows players to fully customize the A.I. of each party member and dictate the flow of their actions. With this powerful system, players can "program" party members to act effectively and intelligently in any situation. Additionally, the new "License Board" feature creates fully customizable characters that evolve and grow to the player's specifications. Players are now able to dictate their development, raising multi-dimensional characters derived from the gamer's play style. These features, coupled with an intriguing storyline full of twists, turns and political intrigue, combine to form this year's most exciting and refined RPG experience that will touch the hearts of gamers everywhere.

Two years after the fall of Dalmasca, the once proud kingdom struggles under the rule of its oppressors. Subjugated by the mighty Archadian Empire and bereft of its royal family, the kingdom clings tenuously to life. Dalmasca's future has been enslaved.

To Vaan, a young man living on the streets of Rabanastre, the Empire is a hated foe that took the life of his brother. When Vaan meets Princess Ashe, the sole surviving heir to the Dalmascan throne, the two embark on an incredible journey through Ivalice, tracing the mysteries behind the Archadian Empire's invasion. As they travel, they encounter others opposed to the Empire. Together, the choices they make will determine the very fate of the world.

FEATURES

  • Newly implemented 16:9 feature enhances graphics on widescreen televisions
  • Brand-new, fully voiced cutscenes added for the North American release
  • Gorgeous CG cinematics and cutscenes in Dolby® Pro Logic II combined with real-time graphics rivaling those of next-gen titles
  • Shocking plot twists take players on an unforgettable journey of betrayal, political intrigue and a kingdom's struggle for survival
  • Active Dimension Battle (ADB) system enables players to move seamlessly between exploration and combat
  • Highly customizable Gambit system allows complete control over character A.I. during battles
  • License board gives the player the ability to customize each character's skills and abilities

Final Fantasy XII is available at North American retailers at a suggested retail price of $49.99 (USD). The Collector's Edition, offered exclusively at GameStop and EB Games stores as well as through the e-commerce sites GameStop.com and EBgames.com, is available at a suggested retail price of $59.99 (USD).

Final Fantasy XII has been rated T for Teen by the ESRB.

Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Stories (PSP)

Developed by Rockstar Leeds in conjunction with series creators Rockstar North, Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Stories takes all the glitz, glamour and revolutionary gameplay that has become synonymous with Vice City and places it in the palm of your hand. As Vic Vance, a soldier dishonorably discharged from the military, the player is faced with a stark choice, build an empire or be crushed.

Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Stories is rated "M" for Mature in North America.

Killzone: Liberation (PSP)

Developed by Guerilla, Killzone: Liberation has been designed specifically for the PSP system, creating a third-person shooter that puts the players into 16 intense missions to rescue hostages from the evil Helghast. Following the events in Killzone for the PlayStation 2 (released in November, 2004), the story continues in Killzone: Liberation with unique offline and online features for PSP.

"Following up on the PlayStation 2 Greatest Hit, we expect the growing Killzone franchise to perform well on the PSP system," said Susan Nourai, director, online and product marketing, Sony Computer Entertainment America. "With its new and exclusive features, including a third-person perspective and multiplayer wi-fi functions, we expect Killzone: Liberation to deliver the flexibility that PSP fans are expecting while appealing to a wide range of gamers, including those familiar with the franchise and those new to the title."

Set in an intense postmodern war established in the previous PlayStation 2 title, Killzone: Liberation features a unique graphical style that showcases a gritty realism that's unique to the Killzone franchise. In the game, players are engaged in a hostage rescue mission with both online and offline modes while giving players access to a wide range of weaponry and vehicles all inspired by modern military equipment, including tanks, sniper rifles, shotguns and more. With the evil Helghast troops lurking behind every corner, players utilize an intelligent third person camera, which allows for a more tactical surveillance viewpoint to scope out the action and read the enemy's behavior during gameplay. With the Tactical Command System players can also give orders to an AI buddy during intense stand-offs with the evil Helghast.

Neverwinter Nights 2 (PC)

Neverwinter Nights 2 is set in the Dungeons & Dragons Forgotten Realms universe created by Wizards of the Coast, and will transport players back to the embattled city of Neverwinter.

Developed by Obsidian Entertainment, Neverwinter Nights 2 features a new, extensive single-player game with deep character development and a powerful new toolset that provides players with unprecedented ability to create their own universes, quests and storylines. A limited edition of Neverwinter Nights 2 is also available at retailers nationwide for $59.95. Neverwinter Nights 2 Limited Edition features a robust array of collectibles including exclusive in-game content such as a powerful new feat called Blessed of Waukeen that will grant a bonus to all saving throws, two special items, access to a unique weapon, and a magical golden aura that surrounds players' characters. A detailed cloth map showing in-game locations, a book of art depicting characters and scenes from the game and two silver antique rings (Good & Evil) are also included.

"Obsidian has delivered an outstanding sequel to one of the most beloved RPGs of all time," said Nique Fajors, Vice President, Sales, Marketing, Atari, Inc. "Neverwinter Nights 2 offers a deeply satisfying role-playing experience and a robust toolset that together will extend the life of the Neverwinter tales and bring more members to the community."

The Neverwinter Nights franchise has sold more than two million copies worldwide, is translated into 10 languages, sold in more than 40 countries and features one of the largest and most active fan communities in all of gaming.

Rated "T" for Teen, Neverwinter Nights 2 is available for Windows platform at a suggested retail price of $49.95.

Tom and Jerry Tales (NDS/GBA)

The Tom and Jerry Tales hits stores today on the Nintendo DS and Game Boy Advance.

Developed by Sensory Sweep Studios, both versions of Tom and Jerry Tales allow gamers to play as Jerry, who must make his way through the house to survive - running through mouse holes, destroying the house through interactions with Tom and recovering the precious cheese that Tom has stolen along the way. Each version of the game features exclusive content: the Game Boy Advance version includes various mini-games to keep the chase rolling, while the Nintendo DS version includes touch-screen activated events that require players to use quick reflexes to cleverly avoid Tom and create general mayhem in the house.

Tom and Jerry Tales is rated "E for Everyone" (mild cartoon violence) for the Game Boy Advance and "E for Everyone" (comic mischief) for the Nintendo DS. The game is available for a suggested retail price of $29.99.

Unreal Anthology (PC)

Unreal has been one of the most popular and successful FPS franchises since its induction on PC's in the 1990s," said Steve Allison, chief marketing officer, Midway. "As such, Midway felt it was important to provide the loyal Unreal community with a first-ever compilation of some of the most-acclaimed Unreal titles for one low price."

"We are very excited that Midway is bringing Unreal Anthology to Unreal fans everywhere." said Mark Rein, vice president, Epic Games. "These are some amazing games and the collection is a fantastic value whether you're new to Unreal or just trying to update your library."

Since its debut in 1998, the Unreal franchise has sold more than seven million units worldwide. Unreal Anthology is now available for personal computers at a U.S. suggested MSRP of $29.95 and includes:

  • Unreal (including Return to Na Pali expansion pack)
  • Unreal II: The Awakening
  • Unreal Tournament (Game of the Year Edition)
  • Unreal Tournament 2004 (Editors Choice Edition & Mega Bonus Pack)

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