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Tuesday, November 6, 2007 Shipping Announcements

by Rainier on Nov. 6, 2007 @ 5:36 a.m. PST

Blazing Angels 2: Secret Missions of WWII (PS3)

In Blazing Angels 2: Secret Missions of WWII, you are the leader of Operation Wildcard, an undercover and elite squad of pilots secretly created by the American government. Your mission is to sabotage and destroy the Third Reich's evil plans to create a weapon of mass destruction. During this mission you and your team discover that the bad guys also have an elite team of their own. In an attempt to disarm the enemy, you engage in dramatic and movie-like spy missions in some of the world's most exotic locations, using experimental weapons and flying never-before-seen prototype aircraft.

The PlayStation 3 system version includes exclusive content enhanced by the power and features of the platform:

Innovative use of the SixAxis wireless controller: Experience a new sensation of flight. With four alternative control configurations, Blazing Angels will take full advantage of the motion sensor function/tilt feature. Players can easily maneuver the plane just by moving the SIXAXIS wireless controller. Arcade and Simulator modes are included, for both classic and motion-sensitive control.

All-new multiplayer racing: Fly in a racing circuit while trying to navigate the natural terrain, avoid urban obstacles and other landmarks, and pull ahead of your opponents to be the first to cross the finish line.

Key Features

  • Over-the-top action: Engage in 18 high-stakes missions where you will bomb bridges, steal secret weapons, destroy Zeppelins and more.
  • Never-before-seen aircraft: Pilot over 50 authentic planes and prototypes including the Gotha Go 229, DH Vampire F Mk 1, Me-163 "Komet," Meteor and many more.
  • Unusual experimental weapons: Get the advantage in combat by using experimental WWII weapons including high-velocity cannons (such as the German Mk 103), and self-guided and TV-guided missiles.
  • Exotic WWII setting: Engage in epic battles in some of the world's most captivating environments such as Cairo, the Himalayas, Moscow's Red Square, Rome's San Pietro's Cathedral, the Swiss Alps, the Baltic seacoast and China.
  • Next-gen graphics: Discover fully rendered environments and 3D aircraft models designed for next-generation gaming. Experience improved depth of field, jaw-dropping cinematographic lightening and outstanding sound effects.
  • Fast-paced multiplayer action: Challenge up to 15 players in free-for-all, co-op and squad-based missions, including the all-new Epic Battle and Capture the Flag modes.
  • Epic boss battles: For example, go up against a giant German Zeppelin over the pyramids of Cairo. Take out its nine gun turrets while you expose its vulnerable underside.

Blazing Angels 2: Secret Missions of WWII is rated "T" (Teen) and ships with a manufacturer suggested retail price of $59.99.

Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare (NDS/PS3/X360/PC)

Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare is a gripping modern-day action-thriller that deploys them into heart-stopping battles across the world's most treacherous hotspots. Developed by Infinity Ward, the game is now available at retail outlets nationwide and delivers unprecedented high-definition graphics, piercing 5.1 surround sound and a dynamic community-oriented multiplayer experience.

"We've set out to create the most intense, visceral experience in Call of Duty 4," said Infinity Ward Studio Head Grant Collier. "From the beginning, our team has been focused on pulling players into an unfolding, well-paced and relentless action experience that includes: fast-roping from attack helicopters in the dead of night; utilizing a camouflage Ghillie suit as you inch behind enemy lines; or being immersed in fun, competitive action in multiplayer that enables gamers to create classes, unlock new abilities and taunt opponents as they level up."

Featuring a tense storyline, filled with plot twists, the title thrusts players into battle like never before. With amazing special effects, including rim-lighting, depth of field, texture streaming and character self-shadowing, players are enlisted into one of the most photo-realistic gaming experiences imaginable. Famed composer Harry Gregson-Williams, whose credits include Enemy of the State, Man on Fire and Spy Game, directed a soundtrack featuring an original score by Stephen Barton that draws gamers harder and deeper into the epic experience.

The community-oriented Call of Duty 4 multiplayer gameplay features a robust leveling system, a variety of unlockable perks, hot-join and matchmaking, as well as create a class and party capabilities to ensure that players of all skill levels can join in the fun for up to 18-players on Xbox 360 or PLAYSTATION3 computer entertainment system and 32-players on Windows PC. Additionally over 100 challenges and a host of new game environments and modes deliver unlimited possibilities. Infinity Ward has also included Kill-Cam, a fan favorite feature that they created in Call of Duty 2 which allows for spectator instant replays.

Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare is rated "M" (Mature) by the ESRB for Intense Violence, Strong Language, Blood and Gore and is available now on Xbox 360 and PS3 for a suggested retail price of $59.99; the PC version for $49.99. Also available for NDS, developed by n-Space, the title is rated "T" (Teen) for Blood and Violence and carries a suggested retail price of $29.99.

Gamers have the option to enhance the experience with a Limited Collector's Edition for the Xbox 360 and Windows PC. Each Collector's Edition includes a special hardcover book featuring never-before-seen imagery and artwork. The Xbox 360 version carries a suggested retail price of $69.99 and also features a bonus DVD exploring the British S.A.S. behind-the-scenes footage from developer, Infinity Ward. The Windows PC edition has a suggested retail price of $59.99 and includes a digital copy of the BradyGAMES Official Strategy Guide.

Dragon Quest Monsters: Joker (NDS)

Dragon Quest Monsters: Joker is the latest installment in the premiere RPG franchise. Combining ingenious gameplay elements from series creator Yuji Horii, character designs from famed artist Akira Toriyama and music from renowned composer Koichi Sugiyama, the "big three" of game creators delivers the newest entry in a timeless franchise that continues to reinvent itself in new and exciting ways.

Capture, train and synthesize a powerful team from a selection of over 200 classic Dragon Quest creatures! Already achieving sales of more than 1.4 million units in Japan, Dragon Quest Monsters: Joker is a breakout title that combines the depth of a classic Dragon Quest RPG with the addictiveness of a monster-catching adventure.

Enter the world of Dragon Quest Monsters: Joker as the young hero, locked in a prison by your own father, the leader of a mysterious organization known as CELL. Released under orders to enter the Monster Scout Challenge, you will embark on a journey starting with a single monster and a scout ring, unaware of the dark and mysterious intentions that surround the competition.

Features

  • The "big three," comprised of series creator Yuji Horii, legendary manga artist Akira Toriyama and renowned composer Koichi Sugiyama, teams up once again to create an unforgettable gaming experience
  • Witness the same breathtaking visuals that brought Akira Toriyama's art to life in Dragon Quest VIII: Journey of the Cursed King
  • Create new species as you synthesize customized monsters from a selection of more than 200 different Dragon Quest creatures
  • Experience an innovative and exciting mix of the monster arena battles from Dragon Quest VIII and traditional Dragon Quest gameplay
  • Challenge your friends via local wireless play to see whose team is the strongest
  • Robust Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection component allows players to upload and download monster team data for battle on their Nintendo DS systems

Dragon Quest Monsters: Joker, rated E10+ will be available at North American retailers for the suggested retail price of $39.99(USD).

Empire Earth III (PC)

Developed by Mad Doc Software, Empire Earth III builds upon the success of Empire Earth II and redefines real-time strategy (RTS) games with a truly global approach to world domination.

Empire Earth III is an RTS video game that places the entire globe at the touch of the player's fingertips, making the Earth a canvas for the strategy mind. Gamers will build and command an enduring global empire with the goal of world domination. Empire Earth III is one of the few strategy games to offer players the scale and scope to take an empire from the ancient world to the far future.

"The Empire Earth series is a multi-million unit selling franchise that has a growing appeal among strategy gamers and the third iteration of this popular PC game is truly giving players access to the entire globe," said Pascal Brochier, president, Global Retail for Vivendi Games. "Empire Earth III provides numerous ways to play as you can lead your army in a variety of regions creating a different scenario each time."

Empire Earth III will be available for $49.99 and is rated "T" for Teen.

Gears of War (PC)

After launching exclusively for the Xbox 360 last November, Gears of War is now bringing the fight to Windows, featuring five new campaigns, new multiplayer modes and full Games for Windows – LIVE support for online multiplayer gameplay sessions.

With the Xbox 360 version of the game selling more than 4 million copies to date, Gears of War has been lauded by critics for its gripping campaign and fast-paced multiplayer action. Windows gamers can look forward to the Gears of War experience for the very first time, and will get to choose between doing battle via mouse and keyboard, or using the Windows-enabled Xbox 360 controller. From renowned developer Epic Games, Gears of War for Windows will engage gamers in hyper-realistic combat, allowing players to fight for survival against the Locust Horde, a nightmarish race of creatures that surface from the bowels of the planet.

In addition to retaining all of the content from its Xbox 360 counterpart and all previously released downloadable content (seven multiplayer maps and the Annex game mode), Gears of War for Windows will feature exciting original content, all-new Achievements to unlock and ultra-high resolution visuals, including support for DirectX 10. Five new campaign chapters expand upon the riveting story (including an epic battle with the fearsome Brumak), and the action-packed multiplayer offering is bolstered with three exclusive multiplayer maps, a "King of the Hill" game type and Games for Windows – LIVE support to deliver online matchmaking for LIVE members. A new game editor will allow users to develop an unlimited number of user-created levels with complete access to the Unreal Engine 3 Editor.

Players can get their hands on Gears of War for Windows for the estimated retail price of $49.99 in the U.S. Gears of War for Windows is rated "M" for mature audiences ages 17 years and older.

Horse Life (NDS)

Horse Life immerses players in the equestrian world by putting a horse right inside of their DS. Players must use the touch screen and microphone to keep their horse happy and fit by feeding them, cleaning their stall and riding them. Most importantly, players will put their training to the test by participating in national and international competitions to earn prestige and money to become a great champion.

"We are very pleased to be able to bring the joy of owning a horse to the Nintendo DS gamer with Horse Life. The game recreates the experience of owning a horse with exciting game play and the best graphics of any horse game available," said Kim Motika, vice president of sales and operations, D3PA. "We know players will fall in love with Horse Life as soon as they pick it up, and we hope to fulfill many wishes this holiday season by offering the horse that so many have wanted but never gotten."

Players will have the ability to choose from three horse breeds, French Saddle, English Thoroughbred and Thoroughbred Arabian that they can customize by choosing the name and coat color. Once players begin their training they can visit the Gear Shop to purchase over 80 different items such as clothing, saddles or food and treats for their horse. As players complete levels of competition, they will unlock the ultimate prize, a secret horse breed!

Horse Life, developed by Neko Entertainment, is rated "E" (Everyone)and will be available for $29.95 MSRP.

John Deere: Harvest in the Heartland (NDS)

John Deere: Harvest in the Heartland allows players to take a small piece of land and turn it into a profitable farm. Once they've earned enough cash, take it to the commodities market and use it to buy John Deere equipment, livestock, remedies for the various farmland ailments and more in order to make your farm even more profitable!

Earn extra cash in the exciting mini-games by lending a hand at Heartland farms. Shear a sheep in less than 10 seconds, collect all the good eggs in your basket, keep your hands on the runway pig and milk the cow just the way you're told, and you'll earn some extra cash for the farm! But don't lose track of what's going on back home or you'll see the consequences.

Developed by Black Lantern Studios for the Nintendo DS, Destineer brings farm life to cities for a suggested retail price of $29.99.

Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games (Wii)

Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games marks the first time Sonic and Mario will appear together in any game. Packed with excitement, Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games brings together the unique Wii interactive system and challenging Olympic events for the ultimate face-off of gaming legends.

Mario and Sonic at the Olympic Games allows players to experience the intensity of authentic Olympic competitions by using the full range of Wii control capabilities. Using the Wii Remote and Nunchuk, players can simulate the movements used in the actual competitions. On their own or against friends, gamers can take part in 20 official events including Swimming, Long Jump, Hurdles, Table Tennis and Skeet Shooting. Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games also offers four unlockable Dream events which take the sports competitions to brand-new video-game-inspired worlds complete with power-ups and obstacles from the universes of Mario and Sonic. Sixteen characters from the worlds of Sonic and Mario – including Luigi, Peach, Shadow and Knuckles – are available to play, each one with strengths and weaknesses unique to their character. Gamers can also enjoy the new Mii feature which allows them to bring their own Mii likeness into the game and challenge their favorite hero to an athletic showdown.

Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games offers several different gameplay modes – Single Event, Circuit and Mission – each offering new challenges and enticing unlockables to keep gamers coming back for more. The game also features the Gallery which offers a series of addictive mini-games as well as information on the rich history of the Olympic Games. Other key features of the game include multi-player support for up to four-players and online international gamer records via the Wii's Wi-Fi capabilities.

Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games is now shipping to stores across North America exclusively for the Wii and is coming to stores for the Nintendo DS in Q1 2008. The game is rated "E" for everyone.

My Word Coach (Wii/NDS), My French Coach (NDS), My Spanish Coach (NDS)

The "My Coach" series of games allows players to improve themselves and learn in an interactive and stimulating way, while having fun at the same time.

My Word Coach, developed under the guidance of a linguist, is a game that anyone can play to improve vocabulary and increase confidence in verbal expression. The game consists of a variety of training exercises, four "Coach" personalities and a database of more than 16,800 words to master. My Word Coach helps players in a number of ways in their daily lives, whether it's writing an email, interviewing for a job or taking a test.

My Word Coach features include:

  • Robust catalog of definitions: With a dictionary of over 16,800 words to master, players will never run out of fun.
  • Adaptable lessons for all skill levels: Activities are customized depending on each player's abilities, making My Word Coach a game for everyone!
  • Multiplayer mode: Players can challenge their friends to a vocabulary competition using one of five multiplayer games such as Safecracker and Cereal Letter.

My French Coach and My Spanish Coach for Nintendo DS teach players the basics of word use, grammar and construction of phrases through fun and easy-to-play mini-games. Designed under the guidance of French and Spanish teachers, the games are equipped with over 1,000 interactive lessons, complete with almost 10,000 words and 400 phrases to master.

My French/Spanish Coach features include:

  • Interactive lessons: Tutorials cover almost 10,000 words and 400 phrases, providing students with a comprehensive tool to language mastery.
  • Traveler's guide: With the ability to search for phrases by list, category or keyword, players won't find themselves at a loss for words anymore.
  • Pronunciation tests: Players can use the DS' built-in microphone to strengthen their speaking skills.

My Word Coach for the Wii has a MSRP of $49.99 and My Word Coach, My French Coach and My Spanish Coach, all for the Nintendo DS, have MSRPs of $29.99.

Neves (NDS)

Neves is a unique puzzle game that challenges players to think critically as they align seven wooden block pieces and build figures that correspond to a silhouette, which range from a simple item like a sword or key to more complicated ones such as birds or airplanes.

Utilizing the touch screen features of the Nintendo DS, Neves offers a challenging but relaxing puzzle experience to a broad audience of gamers. With over 500 different puzzles to choose from and four different modes including puzzle mode, count mode, time mode, and versus mode, players will have countless hours of fun solving puzzles of varying difficulty.

"Yuke's is a company dedicated to delivering quality games worldwide," said Shane Takahashi, CEO of Yuke's Company of America. "We're proud to create an engrossing puzzle game that would appeal to people from all walks of life."

Ontamarama (NDS)

On a peaceful tropical island, Ontama roam free. These gentle sound spirits, when properly conducted, offer the people of the land a beautiful and enchanting symphony. Wishing to rob the inhabitants of this joy, a netherworldly ne'er-do-well begins to control the natives, forcing them to capture the Ontama. Two aspiring "Ontamaestros", Beat and Rest, discover the plot and decide to foil the fiend's scheme by challenging the villagers under his control in order to release the trapped Ontama!

Tap to the beat to free the magical Ontama and use their musical powers against a mischievous fiend! Multiple play modes and difficulty settings, tons of unlockables, and an assortment of unique and exciting stages all come together to deliver a fantastically fun portable music experience!

Key Features:

  • Fast-paced music-based gameplay that challenges the player's reflexes, timing, and concentration
  • 12 stages to play, including a tutorial, each with its own catchy melody to master! Each successful challenge nets the player "Ontama Points," which can be used to unlock new songs, items, and Ontama styles!
  • Story mode with three difficulty settings that tailor the game to varying player skill levels
  • Freeplay and Challenge modes offer excellent replayability, allowing favorite stages to be revisited and offering greater levels of difficulty for skilled Ontamaestros! The more you play, the more you can unlock!

Ontamarama has been rated "E" for Everyone with Comic Mischief by the ESRB.

Silent Hill Origins (PSP)

Silent Hill Origins brings to North America the frightening and popular survival horror series with all new game play and a storyline set before the events of the original Silent Hill. Fans can experience this one of a kind game with updated controls allowing for more fluid combat and detailed exploration of environments.

"Fans of Silent Hill can expect a fear-inducing experience with Silent Hill Origins," said Anthony Crouts, Vice President of Marketing for Konami Digital Entertainment, Inc. "We're adding to the mythos by revealing some secrets hinted at in the original Silent Hill and have added an all-new soundtrack from series composer Akira Yamaoka to the elaborate puzzles and chilling storyline that has made Silent Hill a hit for gamers everywhere."

Reborn on the PSP, gamers take on the role of Travis Grady, a lone truck driver making a routine delivery when he makes an unfortunate detour to the mysterious town of Silent Hill. Players must help Travis escape the city's horrific inhabitants and unravel the mystery of the strange hallucinations from Travis' past, visions that have plagued him since childhood.

Updated controls maximize combat, allowing Travis to use his fists, his wits and an array of weapons including a meat cleaver, pool cue and sledgehammer to fight his way through the nightmarish world of Silent Hill and face more than one possible ending. Taking full advantage of the PSP's graphics, sound, and portability, Silent Hill Origins sets a new standard in handheld gaming terror.

Silent Hill Origins is rated "M" for Mature by the ESRB and available for an SRP of $29.99.

SOCOM: U.S. Navy SEALs Tactical Strike (PSP)

Released in time for the holidays and developed by Slant Six Games, this unique title brings a new gameplay format to the SOCOM: U.S. Navy SEALs franchise, letting players take tactical command of an entire SEAL team and experience a true combat simulation. With more than 20 hours of gameplay in single-player mode alone, established and new fans of the franchise alike will find that SOCOM: U.S. Navy SEALs Tactical Strike builds on the strength of its multi-million unit selling predecessors to create a new and exciting approach to tactical warfare.

Gamers will play their way through SOCOM: U.S. Navy SEALs Tactical Strike's nine main non-linear missions and 18 instant action missions as the tactical commander of an entire four-man SEAL team who react to commands given in real-time. Evaluating their situation from their team's perspective, players will plan their approach and execute their strategy using the innate expertise of their four-man team. Another first for the SOCOM: U.S. Navy SEALs franchise, players will also be given the option to play as international Special Forces from the UK, Australia, France, Italy, Spain, Germany, South Korea and the Netherlands, all supported with native languages.

"We are very excited by what we have accomplished with SOCOM: U.S. Navy SEALs Tactical Strike," said Seth Luisi, Director of Development, SCEA. "This PSP exclusive title offers the most realistic portrayal of Special Operations' team tactics and strategy seen to-date, while continuing to deliver the kind of excitement that the SOCOM franchise is known for. We feel strongly that established and new SOCOM fans alike will find that this game delivers an exhilarating experience enhanced by some of the most impressive graphics seen on PSP so far."

The storyline has players commanding a four-man SEAL team set in the midst of rising instability in South America after having been called on to rescue the ambassador to Panama who has been abducted by radical insurgent forces. With consent from the Panamanian government, players will guide their team as they are drawn through the country's urban and industrial centers, and then into the lush jungle surrounding the Panama Canal.

While planning, evaluation and execution play an important role in mission success, players will also need to have a solid grasp of coordination, field tactics and equipment use to achieve their campaign objectives. The title's open play style invites replay, and improvement is rewarded with command equity, allowing players to upgrade their skills, weapons and equipment.

SOCOM: U.S. Navy SEALs Tactical Strike gives players the opportunity to engage in multiplayer games of up to four players in both Ad Hoc and online Infrastructure modes. The title's innovative new gameplay format gives each player control of a team of four soldiers delivering a truly unique multiplayer experience.

Spectrobes Collector's Edition (NDS)

Spectrobes Collector's Edition includes the full version of the popular anime-style action and role-playing video game, Spectrobes, along with all 38 Code Input Cards and two exclusive Geo cards which enable players to unlock exclusive content. The special edition also includes a Mini Guide from Brady Games which includes statistics on all of the Spectrobes in the game. Spectrobes, released in March 2007, was the first original intellectual property from Disney Interactive Studios and has since shipped more than 800,000 units worldwide.

Spectrobes Collector's Edition allows players to take on the role of planetary patrol officer Rallen. Players must collect mysterious fossilized creatures known as Spectrobes in order to complete missions and defeat enemies. To collect Spectrobes, players use the Nintendo DS stylus and touch screen to excavate the creatures as fossils, awaken them using the DS microphone, and evolve them into more powerful Spectrobes. Spectrobes Collector's Edition also includes multiplayer functionality that enables players to battle one-on-one, participate in a tournament with up to 16 friends, and exchange items and Spectrobes via local wireless connectivity. Players can also participate in an interactive community where they can upload game results and stats, view leader boards, earn badges, and more via Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection.

Spectrobes Collector's Edition is rated "E" for Everyone and is now available at retail stores for $29.99.

Supreme Commander: Forged Alliance (PC)

Supreme Commander: Forged Alliance delivers an all new strategic single-player campaign, an additional playable faction, as well as new multiplayer maps to the series that defined scope and scale in the Real-Time Strategy (RTS) genre. Developed by Chris Taylor and Gas Powered Games, the game is now available at major retail outlets nationwide for the suggested retail price of $39.99.

"Supreme Commander: Forged Alliance builds on the features that made its predecessor one of the most compelling RTS titles on the market," said Kevin Kraff, director of global brand management, THQ. "Adding a new faction, more than 100 new units and plenty of new large-scale battlefields has opened up enough options to keep gamers planning galactic domination for years to come."

"Supreme Commander: Forged Alliance pushes the scope and scale of the RTS genre to the next level, offering the largest battlefields and the biggest armies ever seen," said Chris Taylor, CEO, Gas Powered Games. "GPG has listened closely to what the fans want and we've used that feedback to make Supreme Commander: Forged Alliance the ultimate RTS experience."

Developed by Chris Taylor and Gas Powered Games, Supreme Commander: Forged Alliance is the next chapter in the critically acclaimed Supreme Commander franchise that set the standard for scope and scale in the RTS genre. The game continues the series' epic story in an all-new single-player campaign following the Infinite War. In addition, Supreme Commander: Forged Alliance introduces the mysterious Seraphim faction and includes a myriad of innovative multiplayer features. More than 100 new units will give players access to cutting-edge strategic options, including fully realized navies, orbital weaponry and advanced counter intelligence technologies.

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