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Wednesday, November 14, 2007 Shipping Announcements

by Rainier on Nov. 14, 2007 @ 5:18 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:

Assassin's Creed (PS3/X360)

"Assassin's Creed is an incredible experience unlike anything else available this holiday season and we're thrilled with the buzz and attention the title has received," shared Tony Key, senior vice president of sales and marketing at Ubisoft. "We anticipate having a strong sell through for Assassin's Creed and it's exciting to push the industry with such a breakthrough title in terms of technology, design and story. The development team in Montreal set out to redefine the action-adventure category and we now know that they have accomplished their goal."

The game is set in 1191 AD, when the Third Crusade was tearing the Holy Land apart. Shrouded in secrecy and feared for their ruthlessness, the Assassins intend to stop the hostilities by suppressing both sides of the conflict. Players will assume the role of the main character, Altair, and will have the power to throw their immediate environment into chaos and truly experience the art of a master assassin.

Assassin's Creed, rated M for Mature, has arrived on the PS3 and the Xbox 360 at the MSRP of $59.99 with the Limited Edition priced at $69.99.

Need for Speed ProStreet (NDS/PS2/Wii/PS3/X360/PC)

Need for Speed ProStreet delivers something completely new by taking gamers to the highest level of street racing where the competition is fierce, the cars are hot and the races span the world. Experience the thrill and intensity of driving the most anticipated street racing cars that have yet to hit the North American market including the 2009 Nissan GT-R, the 2008 Porsche 997 GT2 and the 2008 Mitsubishi Evo X. Need for Speed ProStreet is your ultimate taste of the chaos and unbridled adrenaline sweeping street racing culture.

In Need for Speed ProStreet, gamers must prove they have the racing mettle to dominate the competition. Design and customize cars, face-off in iconic locations and battle in four distinct racing styles – grip, drag, drift and the all-new speed challenge. The competitive play is further amplified online with the introduction of a unique social feature that allows gamers to compete against their friends and rivals across the world without the need to be online at the same time(a).

Need for Speed ProStreet is an all-new racing experience. The atmosphere is electric – complete with energetic crowds, photo-realistic vehicles and billowing smoke – all designed to embody the pressure and intensity of the gladiatorial challenge known as Show Down. An all-new procedural damage system will have cars scratching, denting and crumpling differently with every driving mistake. Need for Speed ProStreet is the realization of the intense rivalry, raw power, and visceral aggression that embodies street racing culture.

EA is auctioning off a one-of-a-kind autographed Need for Speed ProStreet poster and will donate the proceeds to the non-profit organization, Save the Whales, founded 30 years ago. The poster was signed by over 40 celebrities including Hayden Panettiere from NBC’S Heroes. Proceeds from the auction will go to Save the Whales for their programs to educate children and adults about marine mammals and the importance of protecting them in their environment. The poster will be placed on eBay on Friday, November 16 at 9:00am PST.

“The development at team at Black Box is proud to be delivering an all-new experience in the Need for Speed franchise that ups the ante in the racing game genre,” Larry LaPierre, Executive Producer at EA Black Box. “We are equally proud to make this commitment to Save the Whales, especially in light of the recent oil spill in the San Francisco Bay.”

Need for Speed ProStreet, rated E10+, is available for Xbox 360, PS3 and the PC for $59.99, the Wii for $49.99, while the PS2 and NDS editions retail for $29.99. The game will also ship for the PSP early next year.

Lara Croft Tomb Raider: Anniversary (Wii)

With more than three hours of special gameplay designed specifically for the Wii version of the game, this marks the first time Lara Croft fans can take advantage of Nintendo’s innovative new console.

Lara Croft Tomb Raider: Anniversary for the Wii offers an altogether distinct hands-on experience. Taking full advantage of the unique Wii Remote and Nunchuk controllers, the game delivers the most intense action adventure for the system.

Players will use the innovative controller system to swing through hostile environments and uncover lost treasures by actually digging through crumbling civilizations with subtle hand movements.

The game also boasts an active aim combat system as well as introducing a set of all-new features to the successful series including the remote flashlight, brand new puzzles and an archaeological tool kit that allows players to break through walls, take charcoal rubbings and uncover important clues buried in dense layers of ancient rock.

Soldier of Fortune Payback (PS3/X360/PC)

Soldier of Fortune Payback puts players into the role of an underground gun-for-hire, who battles through some of the world’s most dangerous hotspots to defeat an extremist organization intent on throwing the world into global conflict.

“Soldier of Fortune Payback is an intense, high-octane action experience with a story that could be ripped from today’s headlines,” said David Oxford, Activision, Inc. “Leveraging the power of the next-gen consoles, the game delivers the grittiest and most brutal Soldier of Fortune experience yet.”

Soldier of Fortune Payback thrusts players into adrenaline-pumping mercenary combat action after a routine escort mission goes horribly wrong. The game evolves the signature gameplay of its predecessors with refined controls, tension-packed warzones, and an enemy damage system that may be shocking even to experienced FPS players. Players are armed with an impressive arsenal of more than 30 weapons, including sub-machine guns, assault rifles, and projectile explosives, as they hunt down an insidious enemy that respects neither laws, nations, nor armies. The game also offers individual and team based online modes including: Death Match, Team Death Match, Elimination, Team Elimination, Capture the Flag and Demolition.

Soldier of Fortune Payback, rated M for Mature, is now available for the Xbox 360 ($59.99) and the PC for $39.99, while the PS3 version will launch on Nov. 21 for $59.99.

Medal of Honor Heroes 2 (PSP/Wii)

Designed completely from the ground up for the Wii and the PSP, Medal of Honor Heroes 2 features 32-person online play for the Wii and PSP, support of the Wii™ Zapper, and a unique Arcade Mode that simplifies gameplay for players of all skill levels and plays like an old-school rail shooter.

“We’re excited to get Medal of Honor Heroes 2 into players’ hands and hope to see them online!” said Peter Choi, Group Producer at EA Canada. “We wanted to deliver the most full-featured FPS experience to date on both the PSP and the Wii while also customizing the experience for each specific platform. With intuitive controls, rich single player campaigns and huge 32-player multiplayer battles, we feel we’ve raised the bar for shooters on these platforms and can’t wait for people to play the game.”

It is June 6th, 1944 and you step into the boots of OSS Operative John Berg and infiltrate Normandy from behind enemy lines to undermine the Nazi regime. On both the Wii and PSP systems, players will choose to tackle missions in an all-new single player campaign or engage in massive, epic online multiplayer battles where they can jump into the battle at any time against anyone. On the PSP, Medal of Honor Heroes 2 will deliver the most comprehensive shooter experience to date, with a robust single player campaign and on-the-go 32-player multiplayer capability that allows you to battle it out, anytime and anywhere.

Medal of Honor Heroes 2, rated Teen, is now available in North America for the Wii ($49.99) and PSP ($39.99). MoH Heroes 2 for the PSP will be available in Europe on Nov. 23 and in the following months for the Wii.

Avencast: Rise of the Mage (PC)

Avencast: Rise of the Mage has a complete package of exciting features such as intense, action-packed combat sequences, mighty spells that are graphically stunning, and a multitude of perilous quests to conquer. Avencast combines role-playing with a fluid combat system found in beat-em-up games, which is unique to the RPG genre. It is accessible to novice RPG game players, but it will also challenge core RPG and Action fans. Both combat and non-combat interactions create a perfect balance between brains and brawn. By requiring players to bring their own combat and strategic skills to the forefront, they will have the excitement of crafting a powerful character unleashing their hero’s potential. Players who enjoy mastering spells, uncovering countless items, exploring exotic environments, and battling malicious foes will certainly enjoy the world of Avencast!

Erik Schreuder, CEO of Lighthouse Interactive said, “We are extremely proud that Avencast: Rise of the Mage has hit store shelves. Avencast is a game that can be thoroughly enjoyed by Action and RPG fans alike. Its combat system is unique to the RPG genre. Players will have fun casting spells and defeating hordes of demonic enemies as they take on each new quest.”

As the sun rises over Avencast, the renowned academy of magic; a young adept begins his perilous journey. In a world of wizardry, wonder and untold mystery, you must undertake some of the most diverse quests to hone your abilities in spell casting, weaponry and melee combat. Your martial skills are soon put to the test as demonic monsters of unknown ancient origin descend upon Avencast turning the academy into a horrific state of chaos and destruction.

Armed with over 50 combat moves and spells, and a vast arsenal of equipment items, you must uncover the source of these ominous happenings while vanquishing an onslaught of fiendish enemies. Treachery and deceit reveal themselves as the vicious army of adversaries beleaguers your frail haven threatening Avencast’s very existence. Amidst the mayhem, an astonishing truth unfolds which will forever change the battle scarred Wizard.

Features :

  • Cast Lethal Spells from Different Skill Trees – Surrounded by vicious foes, unleash a mighty soul magic spell. The pure agglomeration of energy alone produces a warp in the surrounding atmosphere before the catastrophic nova demolishes your enemies. Blood Magic (elementally charged blows with varying speeds, ranges, and damage properties) and Soul Magic (covers all kinds of ranged magic spells allowing better area control) – both allow players to summon reinforcements during combat.
  • Perilous Quests – While brawn and agility will win most battles, acumen and strategic thinking are necessary to survive challenging quests.
  • Fluid Combat System – Chain together spells and easily execute lethal attacks using an innovative system that favors skillful gameplay over dull mouse clicking. Unleash your hero’s potential as you bring your own player skills to each intense battle.
  • Strong Player Personification & Character Development - Acquire new equipment, armor, weapons and spell casting skills to craft a powerful character.
  • Over 30 Nightmarish Monsters with Advanced AI – Each with versatile combat strategies, attacks, and defensive moves dependant upon the player’s behavior and attack strategy.
  • State-of-the-art 3D Engine – Stunning graphics enhanced with advanced visual effects make for an impressive display of devastating spell casting.
  • Many Hours of Exciting Gameplay – Set in diverse worlds with both indoor and outdoor environments to explore.
  • Attractive to a Broad Range of Players – An Action RPG at its core, but dynamic gameplay and adventure-like quests make AVENCAST attractive to a broad range of game players.

The Sims 2 Teen Style Stuff (PC)

The Sims 2 Teen Style Stuff, now on store shelves, lets your teen Sims define their own space while showing some attitude with all-new, unique furniture, décor items, fashions and more! Whether your teen Sims identify as “Goth,” “Thrasher” or “Socialite,” there are plenty of new ways for them for them to express their true selves by the way they dress or the way they decorate their rooms inside The Sims 2 Teen Style Stuff!

With The Sims 2 Teen Style Stuff, players can give their teen Sims a new stereo, TV, and other gadgets to keep them up to date and in touch with their friends. Make sure your Sims are always sporting the latest teen fashions including track suits, designer jeans, and yoga outfits. Let your young Sims express themselves in ways only teenagers can! In addition, The Sims 2 Teen Style Stuff is the first stuff pack to feature a The Sims contest winner! A fan with the username Nessabop was the grand prize winner of The Sims 2 Seasons Simlish Karaoke Contest, which pitted fans of The Sims 2 and The Sims On Stage against each other in an online karaoke contest. The challenge was to sing the song ‘Smile’, originally recorded by Capitol Records artist Lily Allen. The top two finalists were chosen by Lily Allen herself. The grand prize winner was given the opportunity to record The Sims 2 song ‘Chocolate’ at EA Headquarters! Nessabop’s version of ‘Chocolate’ is featured in The Sims 2 Teen Style Stuff and is available for download at TheSims2.com!

Features :

  • Dress to Express: Give your teen Sims new outfits that truly express their personalities, from activewear for the skateboarding, surfing “thrasher” to the latest trends for the “socialite” or some more unique wear for the “goth” of the family!
  • Private Spaces or Party Spaces: All teens want their own room that is a place where they can be happy when they want to get away from it all, or a place where all of their friends can hang out. From elite furniture like a “Fit for Royalty” bed to the more laid-back look of a cool “Fluffy Rocker” to a “Tall and Terrible” armoire for a darker dominion, there’s something here to make everyone feel right at home.
  • Tech-Savvy Teens: Teens today spend their time playing with technology, and your teen Sims should be no different, so here you can find computers, music players and all types of gadgets and electronics for your Sims to stay as current as you do!

The Sims 2 Teen Style Stuff requires The Sims 2, The Sims 2 Special DVD Edition, The Sims 2 Holiday Edition or The Sims 2 Deluxe for PC to play.

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