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Tuesday, November 4, 2008 Shipping Announcements

by Rainier on Nov. 4, 2008 @ 6:13 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:

Dragon Ball: Origins (NDS)

Developed by Namco Bandai Games Inc., Dragon Ball: Origins takes players back to the original Dragon Ball series and around the world for a thrilling action-adventure game with innovative stylus controls. Marking the first ever Dragon Ball game to feature Goku and Bulma as kids, and filled with several new gameplay elements including puzzle solving, fighting action, and mazes, Dragon Ball: Origins will be an essential and unique part of any Dragon Ball collection.

Presenting an all-new story line that takes place before the Dragon Ball Z sagas, Dragon Ball: Origins introduces Goku and his clever sidekick Bulma who must travel the world overcoming enemies and obstacles to collect the 7 Dragon Balls. Players control Goku in two modes: Combat and Power Pole mode. Each mode allows Goku a new set of enemy attacks to protect Bulma from incoming assaults while Bulma's brains and her knack for handling machines and weapons help the formidable team to defeat the strongest of enemies and overcome the trickiest of obstacles.

Dragon Ball: Origins immerses fans with vibrant 3D graphics on both screens and further pulls players into the spectacular universe with the lively humor well-known to Dragon Ball games. This unique action-adventure game includes dozens of challenging puzzles and problem-solving obstacles, as well as plenty of room for exploration and treasure hunting - with, of course, an array of enemies on which to practice signature Dragon Ball fighting elements.

Through Goku and Bulma's travels, players can progress through the game using the stylus to direct the character, control action, and unleash a variety of attacks. For example, a double tap on Goku followed by tapping on the Ka-me-ha-me-ha letters unleashes his famous devastating move. Another DS feature available for the first time in a Dragon Ball title is a unique wireless exchange, which will enable players to wirelessly trade items, vehicles, costumes and weapons.

Rated T for Teen, Dragon Ball: Origins is now available for the suggested price of $29.99.

Dragon Ball Z: Infinite World (PS2)

Representing the last "Z" title for the PS2 system, Dragon Ball Z: Infinite World combines many of the best elements from the previous Budokai and Shin-Budokai series, as well as the recently released and much-admired next-gen Dragon Ball Z: Burst Limit, to deliver the definitive DBZ experience on the PS2.

Dragon Ball Z: Infinite World will boast several special features including "Dragon Missions", new battle types, and dramatic cut scenes that enable fans to delve deeper than ever before into the Dragon Ball Z universe. The new "Dragon Missions" will include many famous scenes from the Dragon Ball Z series never before seen in a video game. A range of missions from time attack in the "Snake Road Mission" alongside other action and racing-style missions puts players' strategy and quick-thinking skills to the test beyond simply showing off their deadly fighting skills.

But no Dragon Ball Z game would be complete without its fair share of spectacular battles. Dragon Ball Z: Infinite World uses a simplified battle system taken from the recently released next-gen Dragon Ball Z: Burst Limit for thrilling hand-to-hand fighting on the ground, or flying leaps and aerial combat in the skies. Defeat your opponent by blasting damaging Ki attacks from the sky or by diving into him and launching an explosive smash attack.

The game features over 40 unique characters, not counting the various character transformations which multiply the playing potential. On top of characters, fighting techniques and battle stages, Dragon Ball Z: Infinite World also includes selected drama scenes from the previous games all presented using beautifully refined effects and shading techniques.

Developed by Namco Bandai Games, Inc. and rated T for Teen, Dragon Ball Z: Infinite World will be available in North American for the suggested price of $29.99.

Exit DS (NDS)

An inventive and addictive action puzzle game, Exit DS returns to the portable arena making full-use of the touch screen functionality of NDS.

Players take on the role of professional escape artist Mr.Esc to dodge disaster and use their wits and bravery to rescue survivors and find the fastest way out of dangerous situations. Faced with fires, floods, earthquakes, sinking ships and other life-threatening emergencies, players must weave their way through over 100 stages to rescue a range of people and creatures in distress. A unique puzzle game that combines strategic thinking with fast-paced action, Exit DS will have players running, climbing and jumping to safety as quickly as possible.

Stay cool, calm and collected as the stylishly rendered Mr.Esc to save the day!

Rescue the helpless and guide them out of harm’s way! As Mr.Esc, players will be faced with a variety of complications ranging from natural disasters to injured companions. With over 100 obstacle-ridden puzzles, quick thinking and fast action are essential for survival. Give the right commands, utilize items and race against time to exit each stage with style.

Key Features:

  • Simple touch control and DS portability combine to create an accessible and addictive action puzzle experience
  • The art of escaping is enhanced by stylish characters and smooth animation
  • Various companions, from adults and children to dogs and aliens, await the players’ commands as they make their way to safety alongside Mr.Esc
  • Players can put their puzzle-solving expertise to the test with over 100 danger-filled stages
  • A Wi-Fi ranking system enables players to compare their scores with escape artists around the world

Exit DS, rated E for Everyone, will be available at North American retailers for $19.99 (USD).

Goosebumps HorrorLand (NDS/PS2/Wii)

Marking the brand's first foray into console gaming, Goosebumps HorrorLand features spooky themes and eerie plot twists characteristic of the beloved brand. Goosebumps HorrorLand finds players in a fright-themed amusement park filled with thrilling rides, scary monsters and bone-chilling attractions. Players must travel through the park's five themed areas - including Carnival of Screams, Vampire Village, Fever Swamp, Mad Labs and Terror Tombs - in order to unravel the mystery behind HorrorLand. By completing 30 pulse-stopping rides and mini-games, such as Garlic Crusher, Bumper Carnage, Rub-A-Dub Slug, Calamity Canyon and more, players are able to navigate through the perils of each area and make it out of the park alive! Additionally, players have the choice to play in Story Mode, Arcade Mode or compete with friends in 12 ghoulish challenges in the multiplayer mode.

Goosebumps HorrorLand is available now on Wii (SRP $39.99), Nintendo DS (SRP $29.99), and PlayStation 2 system (SRP $29.99).

KORG DS-10 (NDS)

KORG DS-10 music software is for professional and aspiring musicians alike. The sound sources in the KORG DS-10 come from KORG—one of the world's top musical instrument producers — and no effort was spared in recreating the ability to develop high-quality sounds. The Nintendo DS's touch-screen controls are utilized to the fullest to provide an authentic feel and operability across a dual-screen layout that is unsurpassed in portable music creation. A 6-track/16-step sequencer enables precise control and provides a wide range of musical possibilities, and up to eight DS units can be linked via wireless connection to play together or to exchange sounds and songs.

KORG DS-10 carries a suggested retail price of $39.99 and is rated "E" for "Everyone."

Kung Fu Panda: Legendary Warriors (NDS)

Kung Fu Panda's Po and the Furious Five return in an all-new awesome video game adventure in Kung Fu Panda: Legendary Warriors. Developed exclusively for Nintendo platforms, gamers can play as Po, Tigress, Monkey or Shifu on Wii and as Po or Tigress on Nintendo DS as they battle hordes of enemies using their masterful kung fu skills to save the rest of the Furious Five who have been captured by the evil Tai Lung. Players can even invite a friend to join the action at any point in the pick-up and play co-op mode or challenge each other in the head-to-head or team-based multiplayer mode.

"The Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa and Kung Fu Panda: Legendary Warriors games capture the fun, action and humor of both DreamWorks Animation movies," said Kim Salzer, vice president of Global Brand Management, Activision Publishing. "Kids of all ages will have a blast playing through expanded movie worlds on their own or engaging in the fun-filled adventures with family and friends."

Po, Monkey, Tigress and Shifu (Po and Tigress only on DS) return in an all-new action-packed journey to protect the Valley of Peace from Tai Lung and his minions. Utilizing motion and gesture-based controls gamers perform acrobatic jump attacks, wield weapons against foes and unleash powerful Chi Attacks by simulating customizable symbols featured on-screen. A second player can jump into the epic kung fu battle at any time to help chop, kick and punch their way to awesomeness in the co-op or multiplayer modes.

Kung Fu Panda: Legendary Warriors, rated "E10+", is available on Wii for $49.99 and NDS for $29.99.

Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa (NDS/PS2/Wii/PS3/X360/PC)

Based on DreamWorks Animation's highly anticipated sequel film, "Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa," which comes to U.S. theaters on November 7th, the Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa video game allows gamers to play as the popular characters from the movie including Alex the Lion, Marty the Zebra, Melman the Giraffe, Gloria the Hippo and members of their madcap Madagascar crew, most notably King Julien and those crafty Penguins, to help save the African savannah in an all new action-packed adventure. The game offers a large variety of gameplay as well as an extensive multiplayer tournament mode allowing fans to share the excitement with friends and family.

"The Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa and Kung Fu Panda: Legendary Warriors games capture the fun, action and humor of both DreamWorks Animation movies," said Kim Salzer, vice president of Global Brand Management, Activision Publishing. "Kids of all ages will have a blast playing through expanded movie worlds on their own or engaging in the fun-filled adventures with family and friends."

Following the success of DreamWorks Animation's 2005 blockbuster movie and best-selling video game "Madagascar" comes the all new Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa video game. Assuming the roles of all their favorite characters, including those crafty Penguins, players must work through 12 distinct levels featuring a variety of wild adventures and fun mini-games. In addition to the diverse single-player gameplay, the Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa video game delivers an enhanced multiplayer tournament mode allowing gamers to participate in zany competitions alongside or against friends and family.

Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa, rated E10+, is available for the Xbox 360, Wii and the PS3 ($49.99), PS2 ($39.99), NDS ($29.99); and PC ($19.99).

Monster Lab (NDS/PS2/Wii)

A story-driven role playing, action adventure hybrid video game for the entire family, Monster Lab invites players to engage in eerie experiments and epic monster battles as they explore the depths of the mysterious Uncanny Valley and attempt to become a full-fledged member of the Mad Science Alliance, an organization for the truly maddest of mad scientists.

Monster Lab is an original title set in the supernatural world of Uncanny Valley, where the evil Baron Mharti rules the region with a cruel hand. Players take on the role of an apprentice scientist who must perform a vast array of intricate experiments to create their very own monster from over 150 available monster parts. Bringing these creatures to life, gamers can explore the land as they search for ingredients to make monster parts, hunt down other gruesome monsters to defeat in combat, and uncover fun quests and challenges as they attempt to vanquish the evil baron and liberate the villagers of Uncanny Valley.

Players explore six chilling locales in their pursuit of mastering the Mad Science disciplines: mechanical, alchemic and biological, and choosing either solo play or competing against friends in multiplayer combat online and off. Along the way, they will experience mini-game challenges and experiments that will keep the game interesting and fun.

"An eccentric art style with wacky characters combined with the ease of a pick up and play game makes Monster Lab appealing to action RPG gamers of all ages," said Robert A. Lindsey, Executive Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Eidos, Inc. "With a compelling and engaging storyline, Monster Lab will keep you locked away in your lab for hours trying to build the perfect creation."

Monster Lab, rated "E 10+ for Everyone 10 and older, is co-published in North America by Eidos, Inc. and Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment and is available for Wii ($39.99), as well as The NDS and PS2 ($29.99).

Namco Museum: Virtual Arcade (X360)

Namco Museum: Virtual Arcade delivers more than 30 unforgettable favorites that spread across a variety of genres including action, racing and vertical shooters. Players can test out new revamped classics such as Galaga Legions, the latest masterpiece from the team behind Pac-Man Championship Edition, Ms. Pac-Man, and Mr. Driller Online.

"Namco Museum: Virtual Arcade continues our tradition of bringing high quality entertainment for all players," said Todd Thorson, director of marketing and public relations. "From cultural hits to cult classics, no stone has been unturned in bringing players the largest and most comprehensive Namco Museum collection yet."

Namco Museum: Virtual Arcade delivers a quarter century of classic arcade games into homes for the ultimate retro experience. Packed with 25 long-time favorites, Namco Bandai Games has also included 9 additional games from their Xbox LIVE Arcade library including racing game New Rally-X, the critically-acclaimed PAC-MAN Championship Edition and the underground drilling classic, DIG DUG. Each game enabled for Xbox LIVE online entertainment network comes with its own unique online functionality including online leaderboards to track your progress against gamers around the world.

Also Included in Namco Museum: Virtual Arcade:

  • Dig Dug – Released in 1982: Dig out tunnels and dislodge heavy rocks to defeat nefarious enemies. If all else fails, use your pump to inflate and blow up tricky monsters. The round is over when all the enemies have been destroyed.
  • Galaga – Released in 1981: Pilot an advanced space fighter and destroy an alien invasion. Shoot through their formations as they descend upon your ship.
  • Galaxian – Released in 1979: Defeat wave after wave of dragonfly-like enemies through this precursor to Galaga.
  • Mappy – Released in 1983: Help Mappy, the police mouse, through the Meowkys' mansion to recover stolen goods. Bounce on trampolines to reach higher floors and slam open doors to knock down enemies.
  • Metro-Cross – Released in 1985: Make your way through 32 levels in this futuristic foot race. Dodge and jump over dangerous obstacles to finish the courses within the time limit.
  • Pac-Man – Released in 1980: Guide Pac-Man though the original arcade classic. Avoid ghosts as you chomp away at pellets to clear each stage. Find the power pellets to turn the tables on the ensuing ghosts and take a bite out of them.
  • Pole Position – Released in 1982: Take first place in the premiere arcade racing classic.
  • Pole Position II – Released in 1983: This sequel to the ultimate arcade racing game adds three additional tracks for players to burn rubber.
  • Rally-X – Released in 1980: Make your way through the maze-like tracks and pick up the 10 rally flags. Use your smoke screen to confuse the enemy cars before they catch you.
  • Sky Kid – Released in 1985: Players must pilot Red Baron and Blue Max, the Sky Kids, through nine perilous missions as they break through enemy lines to bomb command fortresses and ships.
  • Super "Pac-Man" – Released in 1982: The sequel to the original arcade phenomenon! Use keys to unlock doors hiding fruit and power pellets to clear the stage. Eat the Super Pellet to turn into Super Pac-Man, a super-sized Pac-Man, able to chomp through barriers and knock away pesky ghosts.
  • Xevious – Released in 1982: This classic arcade shoot 'em up enlists players to target air and ground units as they fight their way through enemy territory.
  • And many more!

Namco Museum: Virtual Arcade is rated 'E10+' for everyone age 10 and over with a MSRP of $29.99.

Naruto: Ultimate Ninja Storm (PS3)

Naruto: Ultimate Ninja Storm introduces epic ninja clashes packed with acrobatic moves and over-the-top attacks in huge arenas modeled after the most memorable locations from the animated series. Featuring 25 playable characters, players can call upon support allies for help in battle, use a selection of customizable equipment and even fight on walls as they take on their opponent. Each character has a variety of close-combat and ranged attacks at their disposal, and can also take on new and powerful forms when low on health, giving players a last chance for victory when the outlook is bleak. Translating the incredible action of the animated series to video game form, Naruto: Ultimate Ninja Storm takes advantage of the PlayStation 3 system hardware to produce fluid animations, incredible visual detail and an advanced facial expression system.

Following the storyline of more than 130 episodes from the hit animated series, Naruto: Ultimate Ninja Storm lets players roam freely through the Hidden Leaf Village. Dedicated fans will be able to spot famous landmarks from the show and shop for new moves and equipment as they effortlessly leap from rooftop to rooftop. As they go about their journey, players can speak with villagers and other ninja to take on more than 100 unique missions. Unlockable skills allow them to quickly navigate the village and access hard to reach places for even more acrobatic exploration.

"The Ultimate Ninja series is recognized by Naruto fans and gamers alike as the video game franchise that best captures the high-energy ninja action of the hit animated series," said Todd Thorson, director of marketing and public relations at Namco Bandai Games America, Inc. "Naruto: Ultimate Ninja Storm represents an incredible leap forward for the franchise as we make our debut on the PS3 with an all-new battle system, free-roaming gameplay and undeniably stunning graphics."

Developed by CyberConnect2, Naruto: Ultimate Ninja Storm is rated "T" for Teen by the ESRB and carries a suggested retail price of $59.99. A Limited Edition version of the game featuring a full game soundtrack, an animation cel and trading cards in an exclusive SteelBook case is also available for a suggested retail price of $69.99.

Resistance 2 (PS3)

Created by independent developer Insomniac Games, Resistance 2 expands upon its predecessor with a bigger, more innovative and technically-advanced experience. In addition to an epic single-player campaign, Resistance 2 offers an unprecedented eight-player, class-based online co-op campaign and 60-player online competitive multiplayer. MyResistance.net, a global destination site for all Resistance fans, also has been re-designed to combine rich social networking features with a deep stat-tracking system while offering an unparalleled amount of user customization.

"Not only did we set out to create a game that offered the most content for shooter fans in 2008, we also wanted to produce the best overall first-person shooter in 2008," said Ted Price, founder and CEO, Insomniac Games. "With huge boss battles, massive enemy encounters, and three innovative and stand-alone game modes, Resistance 2 delivers a premiere shooter experience above any other with essentially three full games packed into one."

From the enflamed shores of San Francisco to the ravaged streets of downtown Chicago, Resistance 2 finds mankind on the brink of annihilation in an alternate reality 1953 America. With original new weapons like the devastating Splicer and redesigned favorites from Resistance: Fall of Man such as the Bullseye, players will be immediately thrown into a fast-paced, brutal single-player experience as they fight for humanity's survival against the vicious Chimera. Undaunted by defeat in London, the Chimera have continued their quest for worldwide obliteration by now targeting the United States. Picking up immediately where Resistance: Fall of Man concluded, players once again step into the war-torn boots of US Army Lt. Nathan Hale, who not only faces near impossible odds on the battlefield but also constantly struggles with the Chimeran virus raging within him. Fortunately, Hale is joined by a group of genetically-enhanced soldiers known as the Sentinels as they fight their through highly-detailed and interactive environments approximately up to two and four times larger than Resistance: Fall of Man.

For those looking for more of a global team-approach to taking down the Chimera, Resistance 2 offers two huge, distinct online modes -- co-op and competitive multiplayer. Following fan feedback from Resistance: Fall of Man, Insomniac Games set out to push the boundaries of co-op gameplay, ultimately delivering an unmatched, eight-player, class-based online co-op campaign. Players join up with seven other gamers to accomplish team-based objectives in a separate storyline paralleling the main campaign. Three distinctive character classes, Soldier, Medic, and Special Ops, each with unique weapons and attributes, require every player to assume a vital role and work together to ensure success and survival. In addition, randomly selected missions and paths ensure a unique experience with each game as players are forced to take down dozen upon dozens of enemies on-screen simultaneously.

A cornerstone of Resistance: Fall of Man's global appeal, competitive multiplayer has been enhanced to offer the largest PS3 online community with massive 60-player combat. Built upon a 'massive battles, greater intimacy' mantra, competitive multiplayer also features an entirely new squad-based focus with dynamic objectives. To balance progression, fire fights and rivalries, players receive on-screen objectives to accomplish in order to infiltrate new areas, attack certain players, and gain experience points which increase their overall rank within the game.

Resistance 2 will be offered both as a standalone Blu-ray Disc and in a special collector's edition while supplies last. The collector's edition for Resistance 2 will be available for a suggested retail price of $79.99 MSRP at participating retailers with the following premium items included:

  • Created by DC Unlimited, an exclusive Chimeran Hybrid action figurewith Bullseye weapon
  • A double-sided hard-cover Resistance 2 art book covering war-tornAmerica from two unique perspectives
  • Exclusive in-game HVAP Wraith multiplayer weapon skin
  • Copy of Resistance 2 with special edition cover artwork selected by the fans

The collector's edition also includes a bonus Blu-ray disc of exclusive Resistance 2 additional contents including:

  • "America Forever Lost", Behind The Scenes video of Resistance 2 withInsomniac Games
  • "Shattered History" Resistance chronology video -- provides a visualguideline from the earliest days of the Chimera invasion to the currentstoryline
  • A preview into the upcoming Resistance novel, "Resistance: TheGathering Storm" by well-known science fiction author William Dietz
  • Digital copy of Issue #0 of the Resistance comic book series publishedby Wildstorm

Resistance 2 is rated "M" for "Mature."

Ultimate I SPY (Wii)

In Ultimate I SPY players navigate 3-D riddle screens, play paddleball, or complete puzzles to solve I SPY riddles. A first for the franchise, the 3-D riddle screens allow players to navigate through 360° and 180° environments - searching above, under and between objects. The game delivers 10 distinctly diverse beautiful locations and 40 riddles that are actively solved. As the player solves more riddles, a mysterious machine slowly evolves and reveals its true form. Ultimately, the players will reach the pulse-pounding climactic ending that will have them breaking a sweat in a race against the clock to perform a series of intense movements and reveal a special surprise. Additionally, Ultimate I SPY features a Game Room with 10 mini-games, complete with multiplayer options.

Ultimate I SPY is available now for Wii at the SRP of $29.99.

Valkyria Chronicles (PS3)

Valkyria Chronicles stands apart from other role-playing games with its innovative BLiTZ battle system that combines the gameplay elements of traditional role-playing games and third-person action shooters, along with the ground breaking CANVAS engine that creates beautiful watercolor graphics.

In this epic adventure set in 1930s fictitious Europe, players assume the role of Welkin, a heroic commander who leads his small platoon against two neighboring enemy nations on the brink of war. As Welkin's small country is engulfed in battle, the "Valkyria," an ancient race with destructive powers, emerges in the invading faction. Faced with this new threat, Welkin and his troops gather their courage to fight as never before for their freedom and a better future.

Valkyria Chronicles has over 40 hours of gameplay, over 50 upgradable playable characters to choose from and over 30 beautifully rendered battlefields for players to battle through and explore. The epic storyline will also draw gamers deeper into the game and will provide enough depth and complexity to offer players a truly satisfying gameplay experience.

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