About Rainier

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

Advertising

As an Amazon Associate, we earn commission from qualifying purchases.





Tuesday, October 16, 2007 Shipping Announcements

by Rainier on Oct. 16, 2007 @ 8:40 a.m. PDT

Beautiful Katamari (X360)

In the next generation debut of the Katamari franchise, the Prince is back with larger levels, new cousins, a whole new soundtrack and an online multiplayer mode. Beautiful Katamari is rated "E" for everyone by the ESRB and carries a suggested retail price of $39.99.

"The Katamari series has always been known for its unique gameplay and we are excited to bring it into the HD era with the debut of Beautiful Katamari for the Xbox 360," said Makoto Iwai, Executive Vice President and COO at Namco Bandai Games America Inc. "With the addition of online gameplay and downloadable content, players will continue to experience all the endless fun and humor the series is known to offer."

One is a lonely number, but thankfully the Prince will have more than 50 cousins to keep the ball rolling. Having discovered new games to play since the Royal Family's last time out, players can now compete over Xbox LIVE with up to three friends in online challenges as the Prince or any of the cousins. But the fun doesn't end there. Building upon the amazing Beautiful Katamari world, multiple leaderboards will track worldwide statistics and a variety of downloadable content will become available soon after the game has launched.

Key Features:

  • Rolling in 720P - Katamari leaps into the next generation with an upgrade into the HD era with increased visual depth and seamless Katamari growth.
  • All new soundtrack - Pick up items at your leisure to a brand new catchy soundtrack that includes remixed and original Katamari-themed songs by 80s J-Pop stars.
  • New Levels - New levels and objects present the player with more craziness to conquer like keeping cool and collecting frosty items in an ice house.
  • Offline multiplayer - Share the experience with another player and see who can collect the most objects. Tired of battling it out? Make peace and work together in
  • CO-OP mode to roll the same Katamari. Make sure your communication skills are working at peak efficiency!
  • Online multiplayer - For the first time ever, the Katamari franchise rolls into the online world. With up to four players, compete to roll up as many specific objects as possible.
  • Downloadable content - The world's ever changing as Beautiful Katamari will continue to provide joy through downloadable content, giving players a fresh experience every time they fire up their system.

Dawn of Magic / Death to Spies / You are Empty (PC)

"We are excited to bring these innovative 1C titles to the North American market," said Todd Slepian, Producer, Atari, Inc. "Each title offers players a unique world to discover and fascinating gameplay: You are Empty throws gamers into an alternate history of the late 1950's Soviet Union, Death to Spies offers players a chance to be stealth spies during World War II, and Dawn of Magic presents a medieval world where players must rely solely on magic. These games offer intense immersive gameplay with interesting twists on tried and true genres."

You Are Empty is an intense FPS where players fight mutants that were inadvertently created by Soviet scientists in this alternate spin on history. Taking place in a 1950's Soviet Union, an experiment to create super humans capable of spreading communism goes terribly wrong. As a result, whole cities become infected, entire towns are overrun by mutant monsters and the main hero must try to understand what's happening around him to save the day.

Set during World War II, Death to Spies is a third-person stealth action game where you, the player, work for a soviet counterintelligence service and are tasked with various missions set within the heart of enemy territory. As an officer, you will have to complete missions such as stealing important documents, eliminating enemy officers or officials, kidnapping, and sabotage.

In one of the first action role-playing games (RPG) where players must rely solely on magic, Dawn of Magic will throw fans into the midst of a medieval world on the brink of destruction. Players will choose either to protect the medieval world from total annihilation, help aid in its destruction, or attempt to remain neutral in the struggle with almost limitless spell possibilities.

You are Empty, Death to Spies, and Dawn of Magic are all rated M for Mature and will each be available at the suggested retail price of $29.95.

The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Game of the Year Edition (PS3)

The Elder Scrolls IV: Shivering Isles (X360)

Bethesda Softworks announced that The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Game of the Year Edition (GotY) for the PS3 has begun shipping to retail stores throughout North America. Oblivion GotY includes the original version of the award-winning RPG, Oblivion, along with the official expansion, The Elder Scrolls IV: Shivering Isles, and the downloadable content, The Elder Scrolls IV: Knights of the Nine.

Also available at retail stores as early as today is The Elder Scrolls IV: Shivering Isles for the Xbox 360. This new product allows gamers to play the award-winning expansion to the 2006 Game of the Year, The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion, without accessing Xbox LIVE online entertainment network. The retail disc also includes the downloadable content, The Elder Scrolls IV: Knights of the Nine.

Released in March 2006 for Windows and Xbox 360 and in March 2007 for the PPS3, Oblivion has already earned countless awards from publications around the world and won numerous Game of the Year and RPG of the Year awards. It has also recently achieved the status of both Xbox 360 Platinum Hit (North America) and Xbox 360 Classic (Europe). The Xbox 360 Platinum Hits and Classics programs allow existing gamers and new gamers alike to have access to great games at an amazing price.

Oblivion features a powerful combination of free-form gameplay, unprecedented graphics, cutting edge AI, character voices by acting legends Patrick Stewart, Sean Bean, Terrance Stamp, and Lynda Carter, and an award-winning soundtrack. Gamers can choose to unravel Oblivion's epic narrative at their own pace or explore the vast world in search of their own unique challenges.

With more than 30 hours of new gameplay, Shivering Isles allows you to explore an entirely new plane of Oblivion – the realm of Sheogorath, the Daedric Prince of Madness. Shivering Isles features a bizarre landscape split between the two sides – Mania and Dementia –filled with vast, twisting dungeons mirroring the roots of the trees they are buried within. Sheogorath himself looks to you to be his champion and defend his realm and its inhabitants from destruction as you discover all new items, ingredients, spells, and much more.

Knights of the Nine features an all-new faction and quests for noble characters and answers many of the questions surrounding the Ayleid ruins found throughout Oblivion. Players can join a new faction and found their own order of holy knights – leading them into battle against a sorcerer-king and his demonic minions while exploring massive dungeons and searching for legendary relics – the holy armor and weapons of the Divine Crusader.

Fish Tycoon (NDS)

Originally created by Last Day of Work, as an online PC game, Fish Tycoon is a fish-breeding simulation game that lets players raise and crossbreed fish in real-time, virtual aquariums to sell in their virtual stores as new breeds.

"Already a tremendous success in the casual games market, Fish Tycoon for the DS takes the best-selling PC title and makes it that much more rewarding for handheld gamers with exclusive DS-only features and an attractive price point," said Ken Gold, vice president of marketing, Majesco.

"Fish Tycoon feels completely unique on the Nintendo DS," says Patrick Wylie, vice president of studios at Big Fish Games. "Players enjoy having a portable fish tank where they can not only create fascinating new fish breeds but also manage and grow their own virtual business. Fish Tycoon balances two interactive experiences into one compelling package."

Key Features:

  • Exclusive DS-only features: seven unique fish yield nearly twice as many fish types as the PC version (more than 750), all new 3D environments and several new tank decorations;
  • Simulated real-time experience yields potential surprises every time you turn the game on. Choose from four clock options to dictate how time passes in game. Take regular care of your fish or watch your hard work get flushed down the drain!
  • Set your own prices for specific fish based on prior sales and present needs;
  • Buy tanks, decorations, plants, fish food, and medicine to enhance the look of your tank;
  • Research environment, food, and advertising techniques to discover how to keep your rare fish healthy, feed more fish per feeding and attract new customers.

Fish Tycoon, developed by Majesco Entertainment, is rated E for Everyone and is currently available for a suggested retail price of $19.99.

Fury (PC)

Combining the fast paced gameplay of a first-person shooter with in-depth role-playing game elements, FURY is a Player versus Player powerhouse that wants you to waste enemies, not time.

With the success of the recent open-Beta tournament, The FURY Challenge, there have been many changes and improvements to both the gameplay and look of FURY. The revamped character creation/customization brings new meaning to the phrase "pick up and play." New players will be given increased flexibility when creating their avatar to get them into the fight harder and faster than ever before.

"FURY is pushing the boundaries of what people expect from an MOG," said Harry Miller, 'El Presidente' of Gamecock Media Group, "Players have been looking for a game that embraces PvP for years and now thanks to Auran they'll finally have it."

FURY is free to play right out of the box, which means all players from casual to hardcore can join the battle right from the start. An optional "Immortal" subscription plan will also be available at $9.95/month, but all players will have unlimited access to the game. All abilities, weapons, armor and free content updates will be available no matter which subscription players choose.

Rated T for Teen, FURY is available now on PC for an MSRP of $49.99.

Guilty Gear XX Accent Core (Wii)

Developed by Arc System Works, this latest iteration returns with its trademark high-resolution graphics along with an entirely retuned fighting system, new stages, new characters, graphics, voices and the ability to create matches between old and new characters in the Generations Mode.

"Guilty Gear XX Accent Core for the Wii is hardcore 2-D fighting for the masses," said Gail Salamanca, Director of Marketing, Aksys Games. "Having the option to play with the Wii Remote and Nunchuk is a great way to introduce the casual gamer to a game that is largely considered to be one of the most technical 2-D fighters ever made. That can be quite intimidating to someone who's never played a Guilty Gear game. With the Wii version, users can easily get into the game and start having fun."

Key Features:

  • Over 20 deadly combatants to choose from, including 2 new characters!?All of your favorite characters have returned with new moves and an alternate EX version of each. Accent Core also introduces 2 reinvented fighters, A.B.A and Order-Sol that have never been seen outside of Japan.
  • Refined fighting game system with 3 new gameplay systems!?Accent Core's Force Break, Throw Escape and Slash Back systems give all the fighters' new defensive and offensive capabilities.
  • New sights and sounds!?New backgrounds, character voices and an introductory animation have been added for a fresh Guilty Gear experience.
  • Multiple modes of mayhem!?Hone your fighting skills in 5 different modes: Arcade, Medal of Millionaire, Versus, Survival and Training.
  • Unique control scheme exclusive to the Wii!: Gamers can test their fighting game prowess by mastering the new Wii Remote controls that lets you pull off the fighters' punches, kicks and special moves with simple gestures. For purists, GGXXAC will also support the Nintendo GameCube and Classic Controllers.

Gulty Gear XX Accent Core has been rated T for Teen by the ESRB.

Rockstar Games presents Table Tennis (Wii)

Developed by Rockstar Leeds in collaboration with Rockstar San Diego, Table Tennis utilizes the Wii's motion-sensitive Wii Remote to offer a frenetic and intense experience. GamePro Magazine said, "There is so much depth and skill involved in Table Tennis on the Wii that this version stands up to any tennis game out on any system, period."

Rockstar Games presents Table Tennis, rated "E", is now available at North American retail stores for the suggested retail price of $39.99, and will reach European retail shelves on October 19th, 2007.

SWAT: Target Liberty (PSP)

SWAT: Target Liberty, a 3rd person tactical shooter game, is set in New York City where an elite special weapons and tactics team is tasked with thwarting an ever increasing number of international terrorist threats. Each officer in the unit has a specialty and using a unique skill system, the player can upgrade their individual combat expertise to increase their chances of success. The game will also feature an ad-hoc multiplayer system which allows gamers to play in a variety of game modes called Football, Rodeo Round-up and The Great Escape.

Developed in consultation with 29-year Los Angeles SWAT veteran Ken Thatcher and penned by acclaimed script writer Scott Rosenbaum (The Shield), the SWAT: Target Liberty game provides an authentic, real-life experience where the standing operating procedure is to think before you react.

"The SWAT: Target Liberty videogame is part of an award-winning lineage that includes an IGN Editors' Choice Award on PC and we are excited to bring the game to handheld where PSP system gamers can enjoy the intense action of this popular franchise," said Pascal Brochier, president, Global Retail for Vivendi Games.

SWAT: Target Liberty makes its handheld debut exclusively on the PSP, and is now available in stores.

Thrillville: Off the Rails (PSP/PS2/NDS/Wii/X360/PC)

Thrillville: Off the Rails allows players to build and ride their own creations, talk and joke with all of their guests, and play dozens of carnival games. Off the Rails lives up to its name with rides so outrageous, they inspire the same word from every park visitor who sees them: "WHOA!" They leap from one track to another, launch through the air like cannonballs and blast through burning rings of fire.

Promising a fun, accessible theme park experience for the entire family, Thrillville: Off the Rails, created in association with Frontier Developments is available on the Xbox 360, Wii, PlayStation 2, PSP, Games for Windows and, with the help of developer DC Studios, Nintendo DS.

From coaster building with complete customizable design and construction to hopping from one of 34 playable multiplayer mini-games to the next, Thrillville: Off the Rails allows players of all ages to experience the visceral fun of interacting with a theme park they create, as well as other players and park guests.

Tony Hawk's Proving Ground (NDS/PS2/Wii/PS3/X360)

Tony Hawk's Proving Ground delivers deeper customization than ever before, empowering players with the freedom to define their character and story based on the choices they make, the paths they skate and the style they want. In addition, the game features a fully-loaded video editor, complete with editing tools and a visual effects suite to create epic skate videos, and a customizable skate lounge where players can skate with friends online in the ultimate, personalized pad.

"With Tony Hawk's Proving Ground, we are giving gamers the chance to express their personal style like never before," said Joel Jewett, president, Neversoft Entertainment. "They can do everything from skating the way they want, and producing their own classic videos, all the way to pulling-off the newest Nail the Trick maneuvers and tricking out their skate lounge to hang-out with friends."

Set in the streets of Baltimore, Philadelphia and Washington, D.C., Tony Hawk's Proving Ground features an arsenal of amazingly detailed Nail the Trick moves, including Nail the Grab and Nail the Manual for total board control, and new gameplay mechanics like skateable terrain building and the Aggro Kick for intense action. In addition, the title enables gamers to seamlessly skate from single player to multiplayer online.

The title also features a booming soundtrack with more than 50 tracks from the likes of Bloc Party, Foo Fighters, Jurassic 5, Nirvana, the Rolling Stones, Slick Rick and more. Additionally, on the game disc, Xbox 360 enthusiasts will have the opportunity to play a demo of 5 songs from this year's hottest music based video game, Guitar Hero® III: Legends of Rock. The title, which is also being developed by Neversoft, will hit retail stores on October 28.

Tony Hawk's Proving Ground is rated "T" (Teen) by the ESRB and is available now on the Xbox 360 and PS3 for a suggested retail price of $59.99, the Wii for $49.99, and the PS2 for $39.99; the NDS version will hit shelves at a suggested retail price of $29.99 and carries a rating of "E 10+" (Everyone 10 and older).

Victorious Boxers: Revolution (Wii)

A challenging, intense boxing title exclusively for the Wii home video game system, Victorious Boxers: Revolution offers the best boxing simulation outside of stepping into a real ring. Not only will players get a chance to swing and knockout their opponents, but they will also get a great workout!

A boxing game with realistic boxing action and intuitive controls, Victorious Boxers: Revolution takes full advantage of the unique capabilities of the Wii Remote and Nunchuk to give players an authentic, real-life boxing experience. The various moves include punches like jabs, straights, uppercuts and hooks, as well as defensive maneuvers like ducks and sways. Players can enjoy several rounds with their friends or play through the deep and compelling Story Mode as they follow the story of Ippo Makunouchi, a high school student who is bullied by his classmates, as he rises to the top of the professional boxing ranks.

Various control schemes allow eager players to punch and weave with their body to make the action appear onscreen for the full boxing experience, as well as less strenuous options and even Classic Controller compatibility. The viewpoint is positioned right behind the player's transparent fighter to further enhance the feeling of being right there in the heat of battle.

Key Features:

  • Realistic one-on-one boxing experience, the first of its kind on the Wii
  • Massive Story Mode with loads of in-game cut-scenes, voiced dialogue and plenty of unlockable content including special abilities, stages and boxers, with three difficulty settings to choose from
  • Sparring Mode with a variety of adjustable settings such as number of rounds and knock-down limits
  • 25 playable characters to choose from, each with their own unique special moves such as the Gazelle Punch, Shotgun and Flicker Jab, and ability to adjust their speed, power and strength parameters
  • Four different types of control modes: Swing Mode allows the player to punch and maneuver using the Wii Remote and Nunchuk as if they are wearing boxing gloves; Pointer Mode allows the player to point and place a cursor on their target on screen and execute the moves with a smaller movement of the Wii Remote; Classic Controller Mode; and GameCube Controller Mode
  • A variety of stages/venues to choose from, including Sydney City Arena, Las Vegas Palace and Korakuen Hall

Victorious Boxers: Revolution is now available for a suggested retail price of US$39.99 and is rated "T" for Teen by the ESRB.

Zoo Tycoon 2: Extinct Animals (PC)

Developed by Blue Fang Games, "Zoo Tycoon 2: Extinct Animals" enhances the "Zoo Tycoon 2" experience by introducing new challenges, more than 30 new animals, new exciting ways to play and a new look through extinct-themed objects and buildings. "Zoo Tycoon 2" players can experience all of these new features with ease, as the expansion pack seamlessly integrates with the core game so that gamers can play immediately.

"Zoo Tycoon 2: Extinct Animals, requires the original Zoo Tycoon 2, is rated "E10+" and available for the estimated retail price of $29.99 for PC.

blog comments powered by Disqus