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Tuesday, June 24, 2008 Shipping Announcements

by Rainier on June 24, 2008 @ 9:18 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:

Alone in the Dark (PS2/Wii/X360/PC)

Developed by Eden Games, Alone in the Dark for Xbox 360 and PC marks a blistering return for the legendary franchise with startling innovations and wide screen cinematic presentation. The game follows paranormal investigator Edward Carnby over the course of one apocalyptic night in which he must fight to survive and uncover the earth-shattering secret behind New York's Central Park. With an exhilarating mix of challenging gameplay, intense storytelling in the style of a blockbuster TV series, unprecedented environmental interaction, realistic fire physics as a core gameplay element, and a DVD chapter select feature which lets everyone reach the game's climax, Alone in the Dark is set to change what players expect from video games.

"We set out to deliver an innovative, high quality game to the hands of players everywhere," said David Nadal, Studio Head and Game Director, Eden Games. "Driven by our studio's passion and the desire to create something genuinely original, Alone in the Dark is a game that will change how you play, and reward you with an entertainment experience you won't forget."

The Wii and PlayStation 2 system versions of Alone in the Dark were developed by Hydravision Entertainment in parallel with versions created by Eden Games for Xbox 360 and Games for Windows. The PlayStation 2 system game pushes the hardware to maximize the gameplay experience, while the Wii game has been specially adapted to make use of the unique controllers which perfectly suit the immersive gameplay that ranges from driving to real-time manipulation of objects.

Featuring a gripping story, design inspired by contemporary TV action dramas, and original gameplay based on real world rules physics, the action survival opus Alone in the Dark is in stores now across North America for Xbox 360, PC, Wii and PS2, with the PS3 version following later in 2008.

Cake Mania 2 (NDS)

Developed by Digital Embryo, Cake Mania 2 is the sequel to Sandlot Games' award-winning online PC hit that has been downloaded 70 million times worldwide and sold more than 325,000 units on DS. A playable Cake Mania 2 demo will also be featured in approximately 10,000 NDS Download Stations at major retail locations nationwide this summer.

In Cake Mania 2, Jill Evans returns in a fantastic all-new cake-baking adventure where she can strive for fame, fortune, or maybe even love! Players use the stylus to lead Jill through more than 200 different levels of baking and frosting mania that include 50 unique kitchen upgrades: from new ovens, frosters and display stands to microwaves, shoes and TVs. Cake-bakers must work quickly and accurately to please 18 all-new demanding customers that include aliens, federal agents, rock stars and grannies. Plus, Jill's new non-linear baking experience with six possible endings will take her to exotic locations like an underwater theme park and outer space. Throw in new cake shapes, decorations and frosting flavors and players will have their stylus busy at all times throughout the main game and in the new Endless Baking mode.

Cake Mania 2, rated E for Everyone, is now available for a suggested retail price of $19.99.

Final Fantasy Tactics A2: Grimoire of the Rift (NDS)

A sequel to the 2003 Game Boy Advance release, this grid-based tactical RPG contains everything that fans have continued to enjoy in the series, plus more. With over 50 jobs, more than 300 available quests and a stellar dual- screen presentation, Final Fantasy Tactics A2: Grimoire of the Rift arrives exclusively to NDS just in time for summer.

A delightful mix of strategy and accessibility, this new entry in the Ivalice Alliance invites fans to dive into a light-hearted adventure in the colorful world of Ivalice. Players will travel and explore alongside a lively crew of characters as they fend off enemies in true tactical RPG style. With refreshing new upgrades, both visually and in gameplay mechanics, Final Fantasy Tactics A2: Grimoire of the Rift is sure to impress fans of the original, as well as introduce newcomers to the tactical RPG genre.

School is out for the summer, but mischievous Luso Clemens must first face detention to make up for his misbehavior. Alone in the library, he stumbles upon an ancient book with magical powers that summons him to the mystical land of Ivalice. Warped into the middle of a battlefield, Luso joins Cid and his clan to set off on an adventurous journey looking for a way home.

Features :

  • Explore the fantastic world of Ivalice and join forces with famous heroes from Final Fantasy XII -- Vaan, Penelo and Al-Cid
  • All-new content and enhancements, including polished game mechanics, new jobs, new races and a new clan system that enrich the Ivalice experience for fans and newcomers alike
  • The North American release will allow players to command characters in battle and navigate through menus, all with a tap of the stylus
  • Witness vibrant and colorful visuals in dual-screen presentation, made possible by Nintendo DS
  • Increased replay value with over 300 available quests, allowing players to immerse themselves in a multi-faceted storyline

Final Fantasy Tactics A2: Grimoire of the Rift, rated E10+ for Everyone 10 and older, will be available at North American retailers for $39.99 (USD).

Hail to the Chimp (PS3/X360)

Players can now jump into the biggest political race the animal kingdom has ever seen in this fast-paced original game that delivers exciting gameplay and a comic look at politics. It's a bare-knuckled fight to win the crown of President of the animals and whoever gets the most clams (votes) wins!

Hail to the Chimp begins after the Lion is deposed as King following a series of embarrassing scandals. The rest of the animals decide it's time to give democracy a chance and hold an election for the first President of the Animal Kingdom. The election quickly becomes a frenzied multiplayer free-for-all, with each candidate using a combination of brute force and dirty tricks to try and win the most votes. Ten distinct animals will compete to win the election.

``Gamers complain about the lack of innovation and originality in video games. Hail to the Chimp is the antidote,'' said Rick Stults, console chief for Gamecock Media Group. ``Hail to the Chimp blends political satire with over-the-top beat-'em-up action that no one else has attempted before now.''

``Hail to the Chimp is designed for fun, pure and simple -- quick, easy, party game fun for everyone,'' said Alex Seropian, founder of Wideload Games. ``In addition, the immersive character-driven backstory and underlying humor provide an entertainment experience that anyone can enjoy.''

Up to four players participate online or on a single console to become the new President. Everything unfolds on GRR News, the animal kingdom's 24-hour news channel, as Woodchuck Chumley and his crew of reporters cover the political mayhem. Choose from a wide range of animal candidates, ranging from Monkey to Musk Ox to Octopus to Hippo, each with unique political platforms and competitive strengths. Players participate in 16 unique events in the race to the top, such as Political Minefield, Hack the Vote, and Character Assassin, and battle it out in 10 different arenas: waterfalls, mountain tops, factory floors, and more! A unique ``teamup'' option lets two players mix cooperation with competition, forming alliances and inflicting betrayals -- whatever it takes to finish on top.

Hail to the Chimp pokes fun at today's political news coverage and is content-rich with hours of cut scenes that include fake commercials, political ads and political debates that are fun to play or just watch.

Hail to the Chimp is available for Xbox 360 and PS3 at $39.99.

Hellboy: The Science of Evil (PSP/PS3/X360)

Following the cult success of the Hellboy comic book series and the commercial success of 2004's "Hellboy" movie, Hellboy: The Science of Evil features an original storyline with creative input from Hellboy creator Mike Mignola and famed movie director Guillermo Del Toro. The game release coincides with the theatrical release of the highly anticipated "Hellboy II: The Golden Army" this summer.

Featuring stunning next-gen graphics with dynamic lighting throughout, Hellboy: The Science of Evil, lets players experience all-new adventures featuring Hellboy's unmistakable fusion of action, atmosphere and humor. Taking control of Hellboy's superhuman abilities, players will smash their way through enemies on their quest to prevent Hellboy's nemesis, the crazed Nazi Hermann Von Klempt's plot for world domination. With Hellboy's unforgettable and indestructible Right Hand of Doom, players will wreak havoc on anyone that stands in their way. Additionally, players can also assume the roles of Abe Sabien and Liz Sherman in the co-op multiplayer mode. An explosive battle system with contextual grappling commands and fully destructible environments lend to additional adventures within the title.

Hellboy: The Science of Evil also features an all-star voiceover cast from the actors from the motion-picture film. In addition to Ron Perlman, who portrayed Hellboy in the 2004 feature film, Selma Blair and Doug Jones will reprise their roles as Sherman and Sapien to lend their voices to the game.

"With creative direction from Hellboy creator, Mike Mignola, and movie director, Guillermo del Toro, along with voiceovers from the top talent of the movie, the Hellboy video game captures the essence of the franchise," said Anthony Crouts, Vice President of Marketing at Konami Digital Entertainment, Inc. "Both newcomers and longtime fans will enjoy this completely original, action-packed Hellboy experience."

Developed by Krome Studios, Hellboy The Science of Evil is rated "T" (Teen) by the ESRB and is now available on the Xbox 360, PS3 and PSP.

Mega Man Star Force 2 (NDS)

The second game in the Mega Man Star Force series will offer an updated battle system with new Battle Cards and diabolical enemies. Mega Man Star Force 2 will have two versions: Zerker X Ninja and Zerker X Saurian.

Developed by the team behind the popular MegaMan Battle Network® series, Mega Man Star Force 2 continues two months after the previous game left off. Geo Stelar and crew return to battle a whole host of UMA's (unidentified animated beings) and a new rival character called "Rogue." Amidst this new conflict, a mysterious organization emerges with plans to revive the ancient civilization of "Mu" by utilizing the force of an ancient heritage "OOPArt." It's up to Geo and his virus-busting buddy, Omega-Xis, to thwart this latest threat.

Each of the three variants – Zerker, Ninja and Saurian – offers its own distinct Mega Man transformations with unique special attributes and abilities. Players can harness the spirit of an ancient species known as "Tribe" and transform or "tribe on" into three different forms: Elec Zerker wields a large sword imbued with the power of lightning; Wood Ninja can throw a huge Shinobi Star and move at great speed; Fire Saurian reduces enemies to smoldering pieces with a swipe of his fiery fist.

Mega Man Star Force 2 blends a unique formula of RPG exploration elements with fast-paced action, as players travel and battle between the coexisting physical and virtual Wave World. While seeking to unravel the mystery around the appearance of new troublemakers, players will encounter enemies in the virtual Wave World and battle them on three-by-five battle grids with their Battle Card deck. Mega Man Star Force 2 also adds an upgraded "Transer" system.

Activating the communications application via the Nintendo Wi-Fi connection or local wireless allows players to connect with in-game friends regardless of their location. Once connected, players can add new friends to their network to create a "Brother Band" network where they can share cards, status upgrades, and even help each other to perform upgraded transformations. Wireless match application via the Nintendo Wi-Fi connection is also available for Mega Man Star Force 2 which allows players to test their skills against friends across the internet.

Mega Man Star Force 2, rated E10+ for everyone 10 and older, carries a suggested retail price of $29.99.

Naruto: Ultimate Ninja Heroes 2: The Phantom Fortress (PSP)

Developed by CyberConnect2 and based on the popular Naruto animated series from VIZ Media, the game offers a superior handheld fighting experience as players take part in intense head-to-head clashes with a roster of more than 20 characters and participate in a massive interactive storyline.

In Naruto: Ultimate Ninja Heroes 2, a mysterious ghostly castle appears in the sky, casting an ominous shadow over the peaceful Hidden Leaf Village. As Naruto approaches the castle to try and discover the source of this disturbance, he is confronted by a strange masked woman who confronts him with disturbing visions of his past and threatening illusions. Together with Shikamaru, Sakura and the rest of his friends, Naruto must use all of his ninja skills to overcome this powerful new threat and save the village.

Combining one-on-one fighting with an epic interactive story, Naruto: Ultimate Ninja Heroes 2 lets players create a custom party of characters and take them through the 100 unique floors of the castle. Fierce battles, fast-paced mini-games and tests of the mind await as players make their way to the top of the fortress. Refining the series' trademark fighting engine, the game debuts new characters for a player roster of more than 20 memorable combatants equipped with new jutsu for more acrobatic ninja fighting than ever before. Providing the most authentic Naruto experience possible, fans can choose to play through the full game with either English or the original Japanese voices.

Packed with multiplayer features, Naruto: Ultimate Ninja Heroes 2 lets gamers test their fighting spirit with a friend in local wireless battles. Each multiplayer battle can be fully customized, letting players create and take their own ultimate ninja team of up to three characters into battle with just one copy of the game.

Naruto: Ultimate Ninja Heroes 2: The Phantom Fortress, rated "T" for Teen , carries a suggested retail price of $39.99.

Overlord: Raising Hell (PS3)

Release the Minions! In Overlord: Raising Hell, gamers are taken deeper into the twisted world of the Overlord with a series of new levels, each a supernatural abyss where an undead army is on the march. With the Overlord's supremacy under attack, it's time to unleash the manic minion horde and embark on a new tour of lively extermination in the underworld.

A dungeon-full of other improvements and new content come on the rounded Blu-ray Disc, including online co-op play, head-to-head slaughter and enhanced visuals. Top specification 7.1-surround sound support, a new on-screen mini-map, split-screen play, and hints, tips and tactics and more combine to make Overlord: Raising Hell's tongue-in-cheek trail of death and destruction the most delightful yet.

Overlord: Raising Hell is the Overlord's definitive outing and is now available for the PlayStation 3 system.

Top Spin 3 (NDS/Wii/PS3/X360)

Developed by 2K's PAM Development studio, Top Spin 3 offers players the most authentic and true-to-life video game tennis experience available on consoles and handhelds.

"We are extremely proud of Top Spin 3 and are confident that the intense gameplay, cutting-edge visuals and endless customization options will exceed players' expectations," said Christoph Hartmann, president of 2K.

Top Spin 3 features stunning graphics and revolutionary gameplay that contains innovative new controls, Signature Style™, and expansive online offerings, and gives players control over a wide selection of current top ranked tennis pros like Andy Roddick, Roger Federer and Maria Sharapova, as well as legendary* players Boris Becker, Bjorn Borg and Monica Seles. An incredibly deep player creator system provides fans with complete control over every aspect of their character with a new freeform face sculpting editor, and customizable swing animations, hairstyles, makeup, tattoos and grunts.

Top Spin 3 offers a wide variety of gameplay and features, including situation-specific behaviors, revamped audio with enhanced crowd reaction, and precise controls that fans can easily pick up and play while still providing the most genuine tennis experience possible. All-new Evolutionary Visuals™ showcase the intensity of the game as players sweat, demonstrate fatigue and accumulate grass and clay stains on their clothing over the course of a match, while competing at courts that have dynamic weather changes. Competitive players will also be able to create matches online and test their skills against friends or other ranked players around the world via singles or doubles in Exhibition, Custom, or World Tour Matches.

For more information, log onto www.topspin3thegame.com

Top Spin 3, rated E for Everyone, is available for the Xbox 360, PS3, Wii, and NDS.

Wacky Races: Crash & Dash (NDS/Wii)

Licensed from Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment and inspired by the legendary Hanna-Barbera cartoon, Wacky Races: Crash & Dash is an action racing game like no other, with fun-filled environments, crazy cars and hilarious characters. The game features all the characters and cars from the TV series including old favorites: Turbo Terrific driven by Peter Perfect, the Ant Hill Mob in their Bullet Proof Bomb, Penelope Pitstop, and the Mean Machine driven by Dick Dastardly and his sidekick, Muttley.

Players join Dick Dastardly and the gang, racing across a variety of action-packed and colorful cross-country rallies from the TV series. Racers watch out for traps and speed ahead to win the ultimate title of World's Wackiest Racer! Wacky Widgets are collected during the race to gain "Wacky Powers," as well as a character's super-special "Way Out Wacky" power, which can be used to gain the upper hand over sly opponents.

Wacky Races: Crash & Dash is now available in stores on Wii and NDS.

WALL-E (NDS/PSP/PS2/Wii/PS3/X360)

Developed by Heavy Iron Studios, the game will also be made available worldwide in more than 69 countries including UK, France, Germany, Spain, Italy, Japan and Australia over the coming months.

THQ's long-running and successful relationship with Disney/Pixar has achieved shipments of more than 35 million units worldwide. The launch of WALL-E marks the second installment in the company's well-established and successful association with Disney/Pixar, which includes rights to create games based on four newly created Disney/Pixar film properties. Last year's Ratatouille video game was the first property released by THQ under this agreement and was a top performing kids title in 2007.

Players take control of WALL-E and EVE through a fast-paced adventure based on the upcoming Disney•Pixar film. The game allows fans to relive some of the movie's most thrilling moments as they explore more than nine massive environments filled with non-stop action and adventure, along with head-to-head multiplayer challenges. Players will recognize the storyline, characters and key locations from the WALL-E film as they carry out intense missions, dodge dangerous enemies and navigate their way through a futuristic world. In addition, the game contains new storylines and environments that movie-goers will not see in theaters. WALL-E also features major movie "voice" talent, including Jeff Garlin (Curb Your Enthusiasm) and Academy Award -winning sound designer Ben Burtt.

WALL-E, rated E for everyone, is now available for the suggested retail prices of $49.99 (Wii, Xbox 360, PS3), $39.99 (PS2), $29.99 (PSP, NDS) and $19.99 (PC, Mac).

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