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Tuesday, October 14, 2008 Shipping Announcements

by Rainier on Oct. 14, 2008 @ 3:34 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:

Dead Space (PS3/X360/PC)

First introduced last year, Dead Space is an original horror intellectual property that quickly won over critics worldwide with its stunning visuals, spine-tingling gameplay and horrifying creatures.

"Dead Space has been an exciting new direction for the team seeing how it is the first survival horror game to come out of EA," says Glen Schofield, Executive Producer on Dead Space. "We created a very deep piece of fiction for the game and really pushed the boundaries on the violence, gore and psychological terror needed to produce a high quality horror entertainment product. We think that people will love the universe that we created and have a lot of fun with strategic dismemberment. You can even dig deeper into the Dead Space universe with our 6-book comic series, the animated feature Dead Space Downfall, and the interactive web series No Known Survivors."

Set five hundred years in the future, Dead Space follows the story of Isaac Clarke, a normal systems engineer, who is sent with a small repair team to restore communications aboard an immense mining ship, the USG Ishimura. Once onboard the vessel, Isaac discovers that the crew has unearthed an ancient and malevolent alien presence far beneath the planet's surface and brought it onboard. It's a living nightmare onboard the Ishimura, which has turned into a floating bloodbath, as the crew has been unspeakably mutilated and infected by an ancient alien scourge. Clarke's repair mission becomes one of survival as he fights not just to save himself, but to return the artifact to the planet at any cost.

Dead Space, rated M for Mature and 18+ for PEGI, will be available for MSRP $59.99 on the Xbox 360 and PS3 and MSRP $49.99 for the PC. The Dead Space Ultra Limited Edition will be available on the Xbox 360 for MSRP $149.95 through the EA Store. The PC version will ship on October 20. Dead Space will be in stores in Europe on Oct. 24 for the Xbox 360, PS3 and the PC.

Deer Hunter Tournament (PC)

The evolution of virtual hunting continues as Deer Hunter Tournament gives players a chance to compete in the most intense simulation hunting experience ever created. Deer Hunter Tournament is designed to create a massive network of virtual hunters by offering for the first time ever in hunting games organized, constantly updated online tournaments.

Gamers and hunting fans alike will venture to some of the world's most prestigious hunting locations, such as South Karelia in Finland, Kootenays in British Columbia, Sedona in Arizona and Denali in Alaska, in pursuit of exotic and big-game trophy animals. Virtual hunters can now enter different modes, such as stealth or adrenaline, or employ an array of master hunting strategies, including building stands and blinds, to track and shoot their targets. Deer Hunter Tournament provides numerous levels of gameplay to simulate the true hunting experience, allowing hunters to embark on scouting missions designed to explore maps and equipment while studying animal habits. Hunters can also take part in nine hunting tutorials, compete in open hunting sessions and improve their skills in either solo gameplay or the intense multi-player tournaments.

Employing some of the recent advancements in gaming technology, Deer Hunter Tournament features true-to-life animal behavior through advanced animal AI (artificial intelligence) designed to mimic animal sight, hearing, sense of smell and behavioral patterns. Additional features include an arsenal of new customizable weapons with bullet time slow motion replay and thermal scopes. Realistic effects in the game capture awe inspiring wildlife moments like hawks swooping down to snatch fish from lakes -- but hunters must also be wary of bears, moose, mountain lions and other dangerous predators who will stalk and attack.

"Deer Hunter Tournament represents the ultimate hunting simulation video game franchise," said Donny Clay, Producer, Atari, Inc. "With its first-ever online tournament gameplay, advanced animal AI, and numerous hunting modes, players are likely to become totally immersed and pulled into the pursuit of hunting a wide variety of animals across some stunning locations."

Deer Hunter Tournament, rated T for Teen, is now available on PC for a suggested retail price of $19.99.

Europa Universalis III: Complete (PC)

Europa Universalis III: Complete to retailers across North America. The collection contains the award-winning Europa Universalis III grand strategy game along with the Napoleon's Ambition and In Nomine expansion packs.

The collection, available for the first time as a retail package, features customizable nation building, co-operative multiplayer capabilities, and highly detailed and interactive cities that are unique to each of the hundreds of cultures in the game. The game is set to take over European shelves on October 17th.

Europa Universalis III: Complete includes expansion pack content that extends the playable timeline to encompass historical periods ranging from the Byzantine Empire, The Hundred Years' War, and the French Revolution, as well as advanced mission options and trading systems. New gameplay features like rebel uprisings, influential religious figures, and the ability to conquer Europe and overthrow the Holy Roman Empire add new layers of strategy to the game.

FIFA Soccer 09 (PSP/PS2/PS3/X360/PC)

With the launch of FIFA Soccer 09 in North America and Asia players can now register for the fifth FIFA Interactive World Cup (FIWC) season. FIWC 09 registration to participate in the online leg of the tournament takes place inside the FIWC mode of FIFA Soccer 09 on the PS3 which has been made accessible for today for gamers around the world. At the end of the qualifiers, the 13 best online players will have secured their space in the Grand Final, which takes place next Spring. Hopeful players will also be able to compete at one of 19 physical FIWC 09 Qualifier Events across the globe. Details about these live qualifier events will be made available over the coming weeks at www.FIFA.com/FIWC. Participation pays as the ultimate winner will not only be recognized as the best virtual soccer player by the real life world governing body of soccer FIFA, but he will also receive an invitation to the FIFA World Player Gala along with a US $20,000 cash prize and an all new KIA 'Soul'. For the first time in the tournament's history, the runner up will receive US $5,000, while the player coming third will be awarded US $1,000.

With 500 new animation sequences and all-new collision and shielding systems -- representing the biggest innovations to the multiplatform EA SPORTS soccer engine in four years -- FIFA Soccer 09 delivers more responsive, intelligent and realistic physical action on the PlayStation 2 system. The new collision detection system with 360 degree coverage enables players to behave according to their physical attributes where player speed, direction and strength determine everything from the severity of the collision to the outcome of possession. Changes to the animation system reward the skillful gamer during one-on-one situations between attackers and defenders.

FIFA Soccer 09 on PC features leading-edge visuals delivering graphics that exploit the power of hi-spec gaming PCs, customizable mouse gameplay controls that provide deeper, more intuitive command over your squad and customizable widgets integrated into the menu system.

FIFA Soccer 09 on the PSP (R) system now contains the innovative Be A Pro feature, including the unique Be A Pro camera that re-creates the rush and excitement of racing in on goal.

FIFA Soccer 09 has shipped to stores throughout North America and Asia today for the PlayStatio 3, Xbox 360, PC, PlayStation 2, PSP system and mobile. FIFA Soccer 09 launches in North America and Asia on the Wii and Nintendo DS on October 28, 2008.

Golden Axe: Beast Rider (PS3/X360)

Golden Axe: Beast Rider delivers an unparalleled gaming experience following the exploits of Tyris Flare, the original heroine from the arcade classic and features five playable beast characters that enhance Tyris' ability to lay waste to her enemies.

Golden Axe: Beast Rider is a re-imagination of the original SEGA arcade classic that debuted in 1989. Tyris and her Assyrian Priestess brethren are the stewards of the last remaining titan in the world. The evil Death Adder has sent his minions to capture this last titan for sacrificial use. With the use of the five playable beasts, Tyris sets forth on an adventure to rescue the dragon titan and thwart Death Adder's nefarious plans.

"We're extremely excited that Golden Axe: Beast Rider's debut on today's powerful next-gen systems is finally upon us," said Sean Ratcliffe, Vice President of Marketing, SEGA of America, Inc. "The re-imagining of the franchise with Golden Axe: Beast Rider has brought about gameplay and graphical advancements that the original Golden Axe developers could only dream of back in 1989, while at the same time has paid homage to its classic arcade past and we're sure fans will enjoy this new chapter in the Golden Axe saga."

Golden Axe: Beast Rider contains numerous legacy items that are sure to please fans of the original arcade game. Tyris has access to five different beasts, the Abrax, Lynth, Miragore, Krommath and the Megabrax. Each has their own unique skills and powers that Tyris can take advantage of to cover large expanses of territory and deal gory blows upon her enemies. The health and mana dropping gnomes are back, with the addition of three other gnomes that drop items that either help or hurt Tyris on her adventure. Tyris' magic spells draw their lineage from the magic spells she cast in the arcade classic. The Golden Axe: Beast Rider world is expansive and fans of the series will recognize numerous landmarks, such as the massive titan skeletons.

Golden Axe: Beast Rider for the Xbox 360 and the PlayStation 3 is available now in stores nationwide. Golden Axe: Beast Rider is rated M for Mature.

Littlest Pet Shop (NDS/Wii/PC)

"The launch of Littlest Pet Shop marks the first console game for girls that we're releasing under the EA-Hasbro agreement and underscores our commitment to bring to market highly innovative, fun interactive experiences that reach beyond the traditional hard-core gamer," said Chip Lange, General Manager and Vice President of EA Casual Entertainment. "As part of the Littlest Pet Shop game development process, we conducted extensive focus group testing, which tapped the insights of more than 1,000 young girls. The feedback was loud and clear -- girls want games that better suit their interests and gameplay styles. We're truly excited to deliver Littlest Pet Shop to this demographic as we know that it will meet girls' wishes and demands on so many fronts from the rich graphics and animations that bring the pets to life to the exciting adventures and mini-games that will keep them exploring, collecting, nurturing and playing for hours."

"We believe the launch of Littlest Pet Shop will redefine the landscape of video games for girls," said Mark Blecher, General Manager of Digital Media and Gaming at Hasbro. "Working together, Hasbro and EA have taken the toy industry's powerhouse girls' brand and reinvented the play experience by bringing the beloved collection of pets to life on digital platforms. We're confident that the Littlest Pet Shop video games will be a ‘must have' for the property's loyal and growing fan base, who have purchased more than 75 million pets since the toy line's launch in 2004."

Girls are able to initially adopt up to three pets as they set out on their Littlest Pet Shop adventures. Additional pets can also be unlocked throughout gameplay – up to 32 in the Wii and PC games and 20 in the NDS versions.

All Littlest Pet Shop action starts in the Pet Plaza, a central area where players manage their pet shops and take part in a variety of fun activities such as adopting pets, exploring the world, visiting the mini-game arcade to check out the 16 multi-level puzzles and earning "Kibble Coins." In turn, Kibble Coins can be used in the Plaza's shops where girls can buy their pets up to 100 accessories -- collars, hats, eyeglasses -- and 29 playsets, some of which are the digital recreation of the toy line playsets.

Littlest Pet Shop is stocked with mini-games offering three levels of difficulty making them appropriate for an array of tween interests and skill levels. In addition, girls can explore a variety of worlds such as Winter where pets chill in the snow riding a ski lift; the Jungle where a wild roller coaster ride awaits; or the Garden with an inviting tree house ideal for just hanging out.

The fun factor gets a boost in the Nintendo DS version with Party Hall which allows girls to schedule and host parties for their pets by simply sending an in-game Evite invitation to up to four friends. The festivities burst to life at the appointed party time with everyone participating in a variety of mini games. The party doesn't stop there either. In addition, fans can visit Evite.com, a social planning website, and use Littlest Pet Shop themed invites when extending invitations to their own real-life parties.

EA and several of its major retail partners have created fun and stylish Littlest Pet Shop Nintendo DS system and cartridge case accessory bundles that are sure to be the must have holiday gift for young girls. The exclusive, limited supply promotions include a chic pink patterned Nintendo DS clutch at Target, a cute giraffe Nintendo DS stylus at Toys R Us, and a furry pink cat Nintendo DS case at WalMart. Prices for each Littlest Pet Shop game and accessory bundle vary by retailer.

Littlest Pet Shop, rated "E" for Everyone, has a MSRP of $39.99 for the Wii. The PC and all three NDS versions (Winter, Garden and Jungle) each carry a price of $29.99. The Wii and PC games are single player, while the Nintendo DS versions support up to four players via wireless Multi-Card Play.

Naruto: Path of the Ninja 2 (NDS)

Based on the hit animated series by VIZ Media, Path of the Ninja 2 has players leading a hand-picked squad of Hidden Leaf Village's best fighters against a group of rogue ninja in the only NARUTO role-playing franchise available in the U.S.

"We put a lot of work into making Path of the Ninja 2 a worthy sequel to its predecessor," said Mark Shinohara, executive vice president and chief operating officer at TOMY Corporation. "There are more characters, more attacks, and an improved battle system, so it should appeal to anyone who likes RPGs, not just NARUTO fans."

With an expanded character roster of 30 ninja, all-new Squad Leader and Ninja Tag systems, and improved combat that uses the Touch Screen to unleash devastating melee and jutsu attacks, Path of the Ninja 2 offers more features than ever for new and seasoned fighters alike. Once they've conquered the storyline, the Wi-Fi multiplayer feature will even offer aspiring ninja the chance to take on challengers from around the world.

NARUTO: Path of the Ninja 2 is scheduled to ship to retail stores on October 14th, and is rated "E10+" (everyone 10 and older).

Saints Row 2 (PS3/X360)

In Saints Row 2, players will lead the 3rd Street Saints in a battle against ruthless gangs and an evil corporation to reclaim the streets of Stilwater. Internally developed by leading open-world designers Volition, Inc., Saints Row 2 features unmatched customization options, intense combat, both competitive and cooperative online multiplayer and an arsenal of over-the-top weaponry and vehicles.

"The Saints Row franchise has earned critical praise for its over-the-top game play experience featuring the most robust player options on the market, and Saints Row 2 is expanding on that in every way," said Bob Aniello, senior vice president, worldwide marketing, THQ. "The game is advancing the genre once again with expanded customization options, revamped over-the-top combat and full co-op support through the entire single player campaign."

"Saints Row 2 was designed to give players unlimited options and the freedom to complete the game in many different ways," said Mike Kulas, vice president, product development and general manager, Volition, Inc., "Gamers can customize their characters, clothes, gangs, cribs and vehicles, take part in hundreds of different activities, diversions and missions, and do it all with a friend online. There are limitless game play options to discover."

In Saints Row 2, gamers awake from a coma to find the city of Stilwater overtaken by back-stabbing thugs, ruthless gangs and the gleaming Ultor Corporation. Tasked with reclaiming their city, players will seek out revenge and bring the Saints back to their former glory. Saints Row 2 features unmatched customization options, including character, clothing, crib, gang and vehicle customization. The game also features over-the-top combat with all new weapons, melee combat options, and new vehicles including cars, motorcycles, boats, helicopters and planes. In addition, Saints Row 2 offers drop-in, drop-out co-op support through the entire single player game as well as full online competitive multiplayer options. Internally developed by Volition, Inc., Saints Row 2 is now available for Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 and wireless devices.

Saints Row 2 is now available nationwide for the suggested retail price of $59.99 and will launch worldwide on October 17.

Sam & Max Season One (Wii)

For the first time in twenty years of patrolling the sticky New York City streets in comic books, video games, and a Saturday morning cartoon, this week marks the first appearance of Sam & Max (also known as the Freelance Police) on a gaming console. Telltale and The Adventure Company are pleased to announce that the irreverent dog and rabbit crime-fighting team are descending into living rooms with the release of Sam & Max Season One for Wii, which is now shipping to retail stores across North America. Distribution in Europe will follow in November.

Sam & Max Season One is modeled after a television series. Each of the six game episodes on the disc has a self-contained storyline that feeds into an overarching season-wide arc, with comedic sensibilities akin to popular animated series such as The Family Guy and The Simpsons. The games play like interactive sit-coms, with the player collecting clues, interrogating a bizarre supporting cast of characters, and ultimately unraveling the overarching hypnosis conspiracy that spans the six episodes.

Sam & Max Season One has been critically acclaimed and has won numerous awards, including Adventure Game of the Year from IGN, GameSpy, and PC Gamer. The series is known for its rich engaging environments and cinematic camerawork, which have been enhanced by widescreen support which has been added to Sam & Max Season One for Wii. Enhancements to the game's point and click interface and the in-game tutorial makes the Wii version easily accessible even to more casual audiences.

Sam & Max Season One for Wii is rated Teen by the ESRB and retails for $29.99 (US). The title can be found in major North American retail stores including GameStop, Fred Meyer, Hollywood Video, Hastings, and Micro Center, and online at Gamestop.com, Amazon.com, and Telltalegames.com. Additional details about European availability will be announced soon.

SOCOM: U.S. Navy SEALs Confrontation (PS3)

Featuring a new engine built for PS3 with advanced physics, lighting and ballistics, SOCOM: U.S. Navy SEALs Confrontation will deliver the most intense and authentic high definition modern combat action. The title's focus is on online play and the global community that supports it and will feature tournaments, clan ladders, leader boards, advanced player matching and integration with SOCOM.com. Players will have the choice of playing as one of five Special Operation Forces units each with customizable facial features, camo, load outs weapons and gear.

SOCOM: U.S. Navy SEALs Confrontation features seven diverse North African environments, including a 32-player version of the most popular SOCOM map of all time "Crossroads." Gamers will have access to seven different game modes, including all previous SOCOM game types. Full support of DUALSHOCK 3 and SIXAXIS wireless controller will also offer players greater control and innovative movement. Additional themed packs containing new Special Operation Forces, weapons, maps and features will be made available for download via the PlayStation®Store.

"Working with the PS3 System Software, R&D and game development teams at Sony Computer Entertainment, we made a great effort to develop the most compelling headset for the PS3 community and are excited to bring it to market with the launch of SOCOM: U.S. Navy SEALs Confrontation," said Seth Luisi, director of development, SCEA. "With the new headset, we were able to implement new game features such as proximity chat which utilizes high quality voice chat play back within the game in full surround sound with reverb and sound occlusion to match all of the sound effects and VO in the game; providing players with the most immersive voice chat experience seen in any game title."

Featuring innovative features and advances in voice technology, the Headset brings next-generation voice chat features to PS3 and expands on SCEA's legacy as one of the first companies to popularize VoIP technology within a console videogame through SOCOM: U.S. Navy SEALs for the PlayStation 2 system. The Headset features High-Quality (HQ) mode* which provides wide-band and dual microphone input to enable accurate speech recognition required to support "voice command" and "voice animation" features that will be offered in select games on the PS3 system. HQ mode enables high bandwidth voice recording and playback, currently not available with any other Bluetooth Headset.

The Bluetooth Headset key features include:

  • High-Quality (HQ) mode enables or enhances advanced in-game features such as:
    • Voice command
    • Voice animation
    • Proximity chat (high quality voice playback in full surround sound to match all of the sound effects and voiceovers in the game)
  • Pairs automatically with the PS3 system just by connecting the Headset with a USB cable
  • Exclusive PS3 on-screen indicator displays connection status, battery charge level, speaker volume level and microphone mute status at a push of a button
  • Included cradle allows Headset to be used as a desktop microphone while charging
  • Compact, sleek and ergonomic design fits comfortably on either ear
  • Compatible with most Bluetooth enabled cell phones and audio devices

SOCOM: U.S. Navy SEALs Confrontation is available for download directly from PlayStation Network for $39.99 (SRP) and at retail, both a Blue-ray stand-alone version for $39.99 (SRP) and a bundle version for $59.99 (SRP). The bundle version of SOCOM: U.S. Navy SEALs Confrontation includes the new Official Bluetooth Headset providing superior voice technology and innovative features built specifically to enhance voice chat during online multiplayer gaming. The Headset also will be available as a stand-alone peripheral for $49.99 (SRP) by early November.

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