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Tuesday, August 12, 2008 Shipping Announcements

by Rainier on Aug. 12, 2008 @ 5:14 a.m. PDT

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:

Bangai-O Spirits (NDS)

Bangai-O Spirits is a compelling blend of twitch-fest shooter and puzzle genres, seasoned with strategic and tactical elements. Bangai-O Spirits offers an extremely powerful level editor tool that makes the player into the game designer, as well as ground-breaking new technology known as Sound Load that allows gamers to transfer data among Nintendo DS™ systems via sound files—a first for DS handheld systems. Sound Load Technology allows gamers everywhere to catalog, share and compare levels and replay videos all over the world via forums, email and other Web applications.

This is a high quality game," said Bill Anker, vice president of business and licensing, D3Publisher. "Bangai-O Spirits is one more example of D3Publisher's commitment to finding innovative original content and technology which adds to the gameplay experience of our consumers."

Never before utilized for DS systems, the Sound Load Technology in Bangai-O Spirits allows players to transfer level data and gameplay footage among DS handheld systems via the use of sound files and the microphone. This revolutionary technology works by taking user-created levels or replay videos and converting them into sound files that can be output through the speakers or headphones of a DS system. The sound file data can be recorded to a PC or audio device and then can be sent or emailed to users across the globe, who can in turn download the data and play it into their microphone to receive the data. Nintendo DS will recognize the specific sound data and will convert it into the original level or video.

Bangai-O Spirits provides gamers with addictive shooter gameplay, punishing supermoves and a sensory overload of fireworks onscreen, with strategic and tactical elements and TREASURE's quirky design style. The game also offers co-op, competitive multiplayer for 1-4 players via local wireless connection. Developed in the eccentric, much-loved style of TREASURE, it is a re-imagination of their '90s cult classic game Bangai-O, perfected for the NDS handheld system.

Bangai-O Spirits, rated "E10+ - Mild Fantasy Violence" by the ESRB, is available for a suggested retail price of $29.95.

Madden NFL 09 (ALL)

Whether you are a seasoned veteran, or a franchise rookie, Madden NFL 09 will continuously assess your skills and adjust the gameplay to keep the experience both fun and challenging, all while training gamers to become better Madden players. Madden NFL 09 also includes a brand-new broadcast presentation package featuring Cris Collinsworth and Tom Hammond, online leagues, and the most realistic graphics in franchise history.

Due to the trade of Madden NFL 09 cover athlete Brett Favre to the New York Jets, new packaging featuring a first-look at Favre in a Jets uniform is now available on www.easports.com. A roster update with Favre as the Jets' starting quarterback is also now available. Offline users will find Favre on an all-time greats team in the final packaged version of the game and can place him on whichever team they choose.

"Madden NFL 09 truly embodies the rich history of Madden NFL football," said Senior Producer Phil Frazier. "With adaptable gameplay, stunning visuals, and beyond broadcast presentation this game is a fantastic and competitive experience for all types of gamers."

Included in the 85 new enhancements is the Virtual Training Center which establishes a player's gameplay difficulty. It is a new interactive tutorial mode, set in a holographic environment that aims at teaching gamers fundamental concepts about football strategy and how to use the controls in quick, fun and stylized drills. After players complete these drills, a Madden IQ score is given, and their "My Skills" difficulty settings are automatically set based on their strengths and weaknesses. Throughout their Madden NFL career, the all-new Adaptive Difficulty Engine will continually tailor the difficulty settings as the gamer's Madden IQ score evolves.

In addition, EA SPORTS BackTrack is a new replay learning tool imbedded within the game that dissects plays and shows the player what they should have done in certain circumstances. When a mistake is made, Collinsworth will breakdown where the user went wrong and what they could have done better.

Included in this year's new network-inspired broadcast presentation for Madden NFL 09 are sleeker player models, realistic weather and grass and exterior stadium views.

Madden NFL 09 gives gamers the ability to create online leagues. Avid Madden NFL fans can now take their rivalries online and compete in leagues with up to 32 teams. Online league play will feature in-depth stat tracking, player trades and a flexible scheduling option.

Madden NFL 09 will be available for the Xbox 360, PlayStation 2 and PlayStation 3, Wii, Nintendo DS and PSP and is rated E by the ESRB. Madden NFL 09 20th Anniversary Collector's Edition will ship on the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3.

Space Siege (PC)

Space Siege takes place in the confines of the Armstrong, one of the last remaining colonization ships, carrying what little is left of human civilization after a devastating alien attack on Earth. The Kerak aliens are hell bent on eradicating humanity’s existence in the universe, forcing gamers into a struggle to save humanity from extermination. As Seth Walker, a robotics engineer, players are offered opportunities to sacrifice or preserve pieces of Seth’s humanity. Gamers that choose the path of cybernetic upgrades will find the upgrades greatly assist Seth in his mission to preserve the human race, while gamers that avoid upgrading Seth will find the game much more challenging but rewarding. Will Seth sacrifice his own humanity to save others? Only the player can decide Seth’s ultimate fate.

Space Siege features a dynamic storyline based upon the decisions the player makes throughout the course of the game. Players will also be able to take on the Kerak in a multiplayer mode that allows up to four players to save humanity together.

Space Siege was developed by Gas Powered Games and the creative prowess of Chris Taylor, the mind behind Supreme Commander and the original Dungeon Siege series.

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