Archives by Day

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.





Wednesday, October 29, 2008 Shipping Announcements

by Rainier on Oct. 29, 2008 @ 4:44 a.m. PDT

Scene It? Box Office Smash (X360)

Grab your friends and family, bring out the popcorn, and find a comfy seat because the feature presentation "Scene It? Box Office Smash" is about to begin right in your living room! Screenlife and Krome Studios take the way you experience movies to the next level by creating an interactive experience from Hollywood's timeless classics and recent blockbusters that all movie fans can enjoy together.

This Xbox 360 exclusive and favorite of film buffs and trivia nuts is perfect for everyone who loves movies and trivia action. With clips from more than 250 Hollywood films, "Scene It? Box Office Smash" brings friends and family together to see whose movie knowledge reigns supreme while players relive some of their favorite moments from the silver screen. You'll find all-new questions, more high-definition (HD) movie clips, new puzzle types and the best part – you can now play with your friends over Xbox LIVE!

"Scene It? Box Office Smash" is the first title to completely integrate with the New Xbox Experience, putting players' customized Avatars right into the game.* Seeing your player avatar celebrate victories in the context of the game adds a new level of engagement for everyone playing. The game supports up to four teams locally and online, with up to four players on each team.

*Prior to the launch of the New Xbox Experience on November 18th, players will be able to play with their friends locally and using the existing Xbox LIVE service and use pre-rendered Avatars. A title update issued with the New Xbox Experience will allow players to bring their custom avatars directly into the game

Scene It? Box Office Smash, rated T for Teen, comes packaged with four easy to use Big Button Pads for $59.99; Fans of "Scene It? Lights, Camera, Action!" who already have the Big Button Pads can purchase the game-only for an estimated retail price of $39.99.

MotoGP 08 (PS2/PS3/X360/PC)

MotoGP 08 is the official game of the 2008 season and features all of the official riders, bikes and tracks from the event along with the all new Indianapolis track and night racing at the Qatar circuit. For the first time in MotoGP, users will create their own rider, compete alongside their sporting heroes and develop racing skills for up to 5 seasons. If they're successful, they have a shot at becoming the ultimate MotoGP champion.

After choosing a team and bike class, players can customize their riders' helmet design. As races are won, the stronger teams will look for recruits for the following season, enabling players to race better performing bikes. Users will finally have all three racing classes at their disposal – 125cc, 250cc and MotoGP. Including all three classes gives the game new depth and accessibility as both the beginning player and the hardcore fan will be able to jump right in for a full and satisfying MotoGP 08 experience with the game's competitive AI adjusting to match any skill level.

The all-new tutorial mode helps new players decide what motorcycle and racing style works best for them as they practice on arcade-style tracks. In Championship Race mode, players can select any class, rider and team and recreate the entire 2008 season from start to finish. Players can shape their own season by deciding weather conditions, difficulty setting, number of laps and handling model. Before each race, players can tweak the set-up of their bike, including which tires to use, suspension settings and gear ratios. There are 50 unique challenges that offer tons of hidden content. Up to 12 users can play online together.

Monster Jam: Urban Assault (NDS/PS2/PSP/Wii)

The original Monster Jam(R) re-defined the monster truck genre and now Monster Jam: Urban Assault takes all-out destruction to another level by busting the traditional Monster Jam action out of the stadiums and onto city streets across the globe with the most famous monster trucks in the world.

"Monster Jam: Urban Assault is all about the fun of wreaking havoc with the world's biggest and baddest monster trucks," said Dave Oxford, Activision Publishing. "Ever dreamed of driving one of these beasts through downtown, destroying everything in sight? In Monster Jam: Urban Assault, it's not only possible, you are rewarded for it."

Take your pick of 27 monster trucks, all with improved handling and suspension, including classic Monster Jam icons like Grave Digger, Maximum Destruction, Monster Mutt, Blue Thunder, and Captain's Curse and newer stars such as Stone Crusher) and Backwards Bob. Rack up points by crushing everything in your path and doing insane tricks you never imagined were possible in city and urban settings! There are 26 new urban tracks, 12 Monster Jam stadiums packed with things to demolish, seven different game modes, and 12 skill competitions. Multiplayer action lets you go head to head with up to four players at once via split-screen, and Nintendo DS(TM) has 4-player local wireless connection competition.

"Monster Jam: Urban Assault takes everything that is classic about the original Monster Jam video game to an entirely new level," said Charlie Mancuso, President of Feld Motor Sports, Inc. "The classic Monster Jam stadium racing and stadium freestyle elements will once again be included, but now taking your favorite monster trucks into the city streets and wreaking havoc outside of the traditional stadium settings will allow for an entirely new game play experience. We believe Monster Jam: Urban Assault will be a hit with not only core Monster Jam fans, but also traditional gamers."

Monster Jam: Urban Assault is out now for $39.99 for Wii, $29.99 for PS2 and PSP, and $19.99 for NDS.

Professional Bull Riders: Out of the Chute (PS2/Wii)

Capturing all the adrenaline and challenge of the Toughest Sport on Dirt, the game lets you play as a pro bull rider or as a bull in multiple events leading up to the World Finals.

"As the fastest growing sport in North America, PBR is the perfect fit for the video game world," says David Burchi, Sr. Vice President of Crave Entertainment / SVG. "We are thrilled to be bringing the high-octane thrills and excitement of the PBR to the living room with PBR Out of the Chute."

"A two ton bull is a lot less dangerous on Wii or PS2 than it is in a PBR arena, but Crave and D2C managed to capture the essence of the sport in this game", says Sean Gleason, COO of PBR. "We are extremely proud of PBR Out of the Chute and couldn't be happier about the relationship with such great game developers and publishers."

Players may create their own character and compete as a professional rider or a tenacious bull throughout 10 three-round events in multiple locations, including New York, Anaheim and Atlanta. Challenge the best or play as top riders, including Guilherme Marchi, Justin McBride, and Chris Shivers. Even compete as one of the tour's ferocious bulls! Unlimited play modes test players' skills in either staying on for at least eight seconds or bucking off the rider before his time is up. Season Mode features unlockable riders and bulls as players compete to become the best rider or bull through the nation touring PBR season ending with the Finals in Las Vegas. Multiplayer Mode allows players to compete against each other as rider vs. bull for ultimate battle of man vs. beast. Become part of the Millionaire's Club by beating some of the meanest, toughest bulls in the history of the PBR. Intuitive controls and multiple difficulty levels allow anyone to pick up and play, and realistic sounds from screaming crowds to bone-crunching falls max out the realism.

PBR Out of the Chute is now available for Wii ($29.99) and for PS2 ($14.99).

Neverland Card Battles (PSP)

Combining card-based gaming with strategy RPG mechanics, Neverland Card Battles offers hardcore and non-traditional card gamers alike a rich experience found in no other game on the PSP system. Play the part of Galahad, strategically cover as much territory as possible, and disperse legions of card spells to banish the evil deity Hellgaia to the Cardinal Arc shrine forever and save Neverland from judgment day.

Featuring over 200 unique cards, fully customizable decks, 15 different game boards, 10 unlockable characters and ad hoc networking for real-time multiplayer battles, Neverland Card Battles is a card-based SRPG unlike any other game available on the PSP system.

"On the heels of the original concept's huge success on the PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system in Japan, we saw an opportunity to bring an updated version of this great game over here to America," said Nate Fitt, Marketing Manager of YUKE'S. "We're confident that players seeking a new experience on the PSP system will enjoy the rich experience and deep storyline of Neverland Card Battles, from the amount of unique cards available to collect to the multiplayer battle mode. We're really happy with the final product and excited to get it in the hands of the players."

Neverland Card Battles, rated "T" for Teen , is now available in North America for $29.99.

Ninjatown (NDS)

Ninjatown, developed by Venan Entertainment in conjunction with Cashmere Productions and based on the world of Shawnimals plush toys, features "action strategy" gameplay that is unlike anything else in handheld games.

"It's a dream come true to see the world of Ninjatown come alive on Nintendo DS," said Shawn Smith, founder of Shawnimals and former editor at Electronic Gaming Monthly magazine. "Collaborating with everyone on this game has been a pleasure and its immensely satisfying to see it deliver on our original vision so faithfully."

Players assume the role of Ol' Master Ninja in defending Ninjatown after Mr. Demon and his minions launch a surprise attack. Looking at Ninjatown from a top down perspective, players use the Nintendo DS stylus to place a variety of Ninjas, each with their own fierce yet adorable abilities, around maps in order to defeat the Wee Devil army that Mr. Demon controls. The single player story mode includes over thirty-five maps across nine districts and is fueled by an epic tale about tasty ninja cookies.

"Ninjatown raises the bar on the growing strategy genre on DS," said Melanie Mroz, CEO of SouthPeak Games. "From the story to the characters to the gameplay, the development team delivered a highly addictive game with a fresh twist. Players will find themselves immediately hooked. We are immensely excited to release this title."

Ninjatown also features unique multiplayer gameplay, where players can challenge one another using single or multi-cart wireless modes. After choosing a map, both players are tasked with defeating enemies as quickly as possible, and each can earn rewards and power-ups that can quickly turn the tide on their opponent.

Ninjatown, rated E for Everyone, is now available in North America for $29.99.

Operation Mania (PC)

In Operation Mania, players race against the clock to send a variety of patients including well-known and beloved Cavity Sam through a series of treatment stations. Perform surgery and become an expert surgeon by completing mini-games reminiscent of the board game. Be quick and effective with treatment before the patient's nose starts flashing and time is up!

Key Features:

  • Hospital management: Diagnose and treat both standard and emergency patients, and run them through a gauntlet of medical procedures including admissions, x-ray and, of course, operations!
  • Unique hospital settings: Advance through 35 levels and five hospitals in different regions on a wacky continent.
  • Two game modes: Rise through the ranks in Story Mode or go for a challenge in Marathon Mode to care for patients as long as possible and experiment with over 100 upgrade combinations.
  • Mini-games: Show surgical finesse by completing mini games with a steady hand. The bite sized challenges are reminiscent of the board game that people have come to know and love.
  • Upgrade the hospital: Spend money earned curing patients to buy upgrades for the hospital, including better equipment, faster service and additional staff.
  • Multiplayer: Alleviate overcrowded waiting rooms by referring patients to friends and family online.

Operation Mania is available at select retailers in North America for $19.99, and is also available for download online in North America ($19.95) and the U.K. (£11.95).

Build-A-Bear Workshop: A Friend Fur All Seasons (Wii)

Build-A-Bear Workshop: A Friend Fur All Seasons for Wii invites players to create their own furry friends, sail away on the FriendShip to explore the four seasons-themed islands while playing in more than 20 different mini-games.

"Following-up on the success of our Build-A-Bear Workshop game for the NDS of which we have shipped more than 350,000 units to date, we are really excited to introduce Build-A-Bear Workshop A Friend Fur All Seasons for Nintendo Wii", says Leah Kalboussi, The Game Factory's North American Vice President. "The new Wii game brings the popular Build-A-Bear Workshop experience home where kids and parents can play this entertaining and interactive game together."

Game features include:

  • Choose, name and customize your very own furry friend, Explore the islands, meet the inhabitants, help your friends and have a beary good time in the process!
  • Two different game modes. Explore four season-themed islands in the Adventure mode and play lots of fun minigames in the Playground mode.
  • Twenty fun mini-games to play including ice-skating, build a snowman, croquet party and many more. Some of the mini-games contain surprises too.
  • Play the mini-games as single or multiplayer party games (co-op) with up to four players – it's fun for the whole family!
  • Find the six secret treasures hidden around the islands and dig up a magic chest filled with surprises!
  • Collect medals, other rewards and items to spend in the Build-A-Bear Workshop store!
  • Choose from more than eighty clothing and accessory items for your furry friend at the virtual Build-A-Bear Workshop store!
  • Natural and innovative game play that takes full advantage of the unique features of the Wii

Build-A-Bear Workshop A Friend Fur All Seasons is an exciting adventure game and fun for the entire family! It is a game where kids and adults can let their imaginations guide them as they board the FriendShip and set sail to have fun with their new virtual furry friends…

Developed by Neko Entertainment, Build-A-Bear Workshop: A Friend Fur All Seasons, rated E for everyone, is now available for $39.99.

Six Flags: Fun Park (NDS)

Step right and don't be shy, Six Flags: Fun Park brings 40 mini-games, in four uniquely themed areas to your very own DS, including Six Flags Hurricane Harbor, Six Flags Fright Fest, Funville and Astro City. Playing a bevy of midway-style games of chance and skill, players utilize the DS dual screen and stylus to simulate the motions of the games, recreating the beloved games of skill found at Six Flags, like Ring Toss, Whack-a-Mole, and many others, adapted to compliment the various themed areas of the park.

Players start the adventure by creating a customized character, and then begin exploring the vast park. Taking a stroll through the grounds, park patrons and workers deliver quests, which upon completion, will earn them prizes, clothing accessories and other un-lockables. These quests also lead players to secret areas of the park, unfolding a storyline that weaves in the parks' past, present and future. Players even have the chance to join the Six Flags team, as some challenges enlist players to work the various concessions stands throughout the park. Order up! After their shift is completed, players will earn enough coins and tickets to enjoy the marquee attractions at Six Flags Fun Park – the rides. Each of the themed areas boasts an interactive ride, where players shoot at obstacles and targets as the whoosh by.

Six Flags: Fun Park, rated "E10" for Everyone, is a zany adventure title available for the NDS with an MSRP of $29.99, and will also be released for the Wii later this year.

Close Combat: Wacht am Rhein (PC)

Based on the classic Close Combat: Battle of the Bulge, Wacht a Rhein brings all the classic Close Combat game elements together with a massive new grand campaign, improved art, and a variety of new features to create an experience true to the original series but much improved.

David Heath, Director of Operations at Matrix Games, said "The Strategy 3 Tactics team has worked very hard on this release to make Wacht am Rhein all that it could be. Whether you are new to the Close Combat series or a veteran, even if you've played and enjoyed Battle of the Bulge; you will find that Wacht am Rhein has plenty of new features and gameplay to keep you riveted to your screen!"

Based on Atomic Games' award-winning Close Combat series, Close Combat: Wacht am Rhein brings together the classic top-down tactical gameplay from the original series and plenty of new features, expansions, and improvements! This remake based on Close Combat - Battle of the Bulge gives newcomers and veterans to the series alike a vastly improved and expanded version of the original experience. The Wacht am Rhein remake comes with a brand new Grand Campaign including a new strategic map with 64 gorgeous hand-drawn tactical maps, over 70 scenarios, tons of new interface and unit graphics, countless engine improvements, and much more!

In Close Combat - Wacht am Rhein, you take command of US or German forces and either retrace the last steps of Hitler's army in one desperate attempt to turn the tide of the impending allied victory or ride to the rescue with General Patton and push back the German offensive to reclaim Bastogne.

Also included is a bonus "classic" version of the original Close Combat: Battle of the Bulge.

Features include:

  • Vastly improved and expanded rebuild of the critically acclaimed Close Combat: Battle of Bulge title, originally developed by Atomic Games.
  • New enhanced Grand Campaign with a new strategy level map as well as 64 gorgeous hand-drawn tactical level maps.
  • 70+ scenarios based on real-world battles, operations and campaigns.
  • New graphics for the user interface, aircraft, vehicles and other graphics.
  • An easy-to-use but powerful Scenario Editor - Create your own "what if" Scenarios.
  • Largely expanded moddability: all strategic layer features, all campaign details including weather, turns per day, scoring, support mission (artillery, airstrike) capabilities for both Germans and Americans, battlegroup recycling, battlegroup retreat/disband, supply and much more!
  • Further improvements have been made to the AI to enhance most, if not all, performance issues: vehicle pathing, infantry tactics, team and unit morale, overall AI aggressiveness and decision-making in general.
  • Accurately depicts World War II tactical warfare and its challenges
  • Realistic soldier psychological profiles during combat.

Wonder Pets!: Save the Animals! (NDS)

"We've worked hand-in-hand with Nickelodeon to create gaming experiences designed exclusively for today's preschoolers and their families," said Steve Lux, vice president of business development for 2K Play. "From the magical movements of the Wii Remote in Dora's first game for Wii to the touch and play activities that bring The Wonder Pets to life on their DS debut, we're heading into the holiday season with our most innovative and engaging lineup of Nick Jr. games to date."

In The Wonder Pets!: Save the Animals! interactive debut on DS, players team up with popular classroom pets Linny the Guinea Pig, Ming-Ming Duckling and Turtle Tuck to help animals in need. With the Nintendo DS stylus and microphone, gamers tap, drag, blow, speak and circle their way through activities including pulling a thorn from a tiger's paw, building a ladder to rescue a baby panda and towing a chimpanzee's space capsule to safety.

Each game features the voice actors from the popular Nick Jr. television shows. The games were tested by kids and parents for age-appropriateness, fun-factor and quality, and the packaging features a "Kid-Tested" seal. For the console games, parents and siblings can collaborate with younger gamers by using the special "Helper" feature and a second controller.

The Wonder Pets!: Save the Animals!, rated EC for Early Childhood, is available for NDS at $19.99.

Dora the Explorer: Dora Saves the Snow Princess (NDS/PS2/Wii)

"We've worked hand-in-hand with Nickelodeon to create gaming experiences designed exclusively for today's preschoolers and their families," said Steve Lux, vice president of business development for 2K Play. "From the magical movements of the Wii Remote in Dora's first game for Wii to the touch and play activities that bring The Wonder Pets to life on their DS debut, we're heading into the holiday season with our most innovative and engaging lineup of Nick Jr. games to date."

In Dora the Explorer: Dora Saves the Snow Princess, players join Dora, Boots and Pirate Piggy on an adventure to save the Magic Snowy Forest from the spell of an evil witch. Over 12 unique motions are used with the Wii Remote to build snowmen, skate on an icy pond, steer a dogsled, ride a snowboard and fly on Pegasus.

Each game features the voice actors from the popular Nick Jr. television shows. The games were tested by kids and parents for age-appropriateness, fun-factor and quality, and the packaging features a "Kid-Tested" seal. For the console games, parents and siblings can collaborate with younger gamers by using the special "Helper" feature and a second controller.

Dora the Explorer: Dora Saves the Snow Princess, rated E for Everyone, is available for Wii, PS2 and NDS ranging from $19.99 to $39.99.

Go, Diego, Go!: Great Dinosaur Rescue (NDS/PS2/Wii)

"We've worked hand-in-hand with Nickelodeon to create gaming experiences designed exclusively for today's preschoolers and their families," said Steve Lux, vice president of business development for 2K Play. "From the magical movements of the Wii Remote in Dora's first game for Wii to the touch and play activities that bring The Wonder Pets to life on their DS debut, we're heading into the holiday season with our most innovative and engaging lineup of Nick Jr. games to date."

Go, Diego, Go!: Great Dinosaur Rescue takes gamers back in time with Diego and Baby Jaguar to help Maia the Maiasaura find her lost family in this prehistoric quest. Players utilize more than 12 different Wii Remote motions to stomp and roar like a dinosaur, climb across monkey bars, bounce along the jungle on a pogo stick and fly atop a Pteradon.

Each game features the voice actors from the popular Nick Jr. television shows. The games were tested by kids and parents for age-appropriateness, fun-factor and quality, and the packaging features a "Kid-Tested" seal. For the console games, parents and siblings can collaborate with younger gamers by using the special "Helper" feature and a second controller.

blog comments powered by Disqus