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Tuesday February 27, 2007 Shipping Announcements

by Rainier on Feb. 27, 2007 @ 10:58 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:

SSX Blur (Wii)

The game fully maximizes the intuitive capabilities of Nintendo's next generation console while staying true to the fast action-packed gameplay that you have come to expect from the franchise. Developed by EA Montreal, SSX Blur is huge air, insane speeds and monster tricks delivered in a fresh, innovative, Wii-a-fied package.

Experience the familiar as well as the unexpected. You're still ripping down the slopes, but this time you're carving and catching air with the revolutionary new on-the-ground and in-the-air control system. SSX Blur delivers the essence of the critically acclaimed franchise but takes it to the next level with the capabilities of the Wii. Use the Nunchuk to tear down the mountain and use the Wii Remote to paint a virtually unlimited array of aerial maneuvers. Every second of your SSX Blur experience will be maxed out with motion.

Your favorite characters return to the mountain to tackle 12 freshly laid tracks on three distinctly themed peaks. Feel the tunes intensify as you pick up speed and stick your tricks, with dynamic music mirroring your gameplay experience. Keep grooving, bombing and boosting to fill your groove meter and you're set to let your Uber Tricks loose on the mountain. SSX Blur is on-the-ground and in-the-air excitement from top to bottom.

SSX Blur is available for the Nintendo Wii and has an MSRP of $49.99. The game has been rated "E" (Everyone) by the ESRB and 3+ by PEGI.

Bullet Witch (X360)

Developed by Japan-based Cavia, Bullet Witch is set on a bleak planet earth in the year 2013 with human kind on the brink of extinction and hideous demons creating a tidal wave of destruction and havoc. All hope of mankind's survival rests with Alicia, a beautiful witch blessed with magical skills and a swift trigger finger. Players take control of Alicia in her heroic quest to prevent the decimation of mankind through her fearsome weaponry and spectacular powers with which she can manipulate natural phenomena in her environment.

"We are excited to bring this action-packed shooter to the Xbox 360. Bullet Witch offers exactly what fans have come to expect from a next- generation gaming experience," said Jeremiah Cohn, Product Manager, Atari, Inc. "Cavia has designed a game that offers all the successful elements of a next-gen title including sophisticated weaponry, destructible environments, downloadable bonus content coupled with a captivating storyline that bring gamers an extremely intense and exciting game."

Bullet Witch includes numerous features inspired by American horror and Japanese fantasy monsters. Combining shooting and magic, Bullet Witch will take advantage of Xbox 360's advanced physics engine by showcasing massive environmental damage, explosions and destruction. Cavia has balanced and fine tuned gameplay features and made enhancements including improved camera rotation during battle, increased shotgun power, increased Will Power, improved enemy AI and attack sensitivity, and more.

Details of post-launch downloadable content via Xbox Live Marketplace will be made available shortly. Bullet Witch, rated M for Mature, is available for a suggested retail price of $49.99.

Chili Con Carnage (PSP)

If you want gaming life to sizzle with pure satisfaction once again, Chili Con Carnage is here for you. Better yet… it ships to store shelves throughout North America today!

Bursting with action, comedy, some chickens and a healthy dose of awesomeness, Chili Con Carnage is just what you need to feel the true flavor of portable gaming. Shiver with delight as you control Ram on his quest for revenge, destroying everything and everyone in your path. Bust out the craziest, over-the-top, loco-moves and guffaw with laughter at the crazy antics of your larger-than-life adversaries.

So keep your eyes peeled, because Chili Con Carnage, available exclusively on the PSP, has shipped today and will be popping up on store shelves throughout North America before you know it!

Formula One Championship Edition (PS3)

Developed by Sony Computer Entertainment's Studio Liverpool, Formula One Championship Edition delivers a next generation racing simulation, providing both hardcore Formula One enthusiasts and novice drivers exciting interaction with the sport. The only official interactive game title of the 2006 FIA Formula One World Championship, Formula One Championship Edition features the sport's most authentic details, including all the professional drivers, licensed teams and cars, racing regulations and precisely recreated circuits from around the world.

Formula One Championship Edition puts players on the track with an unprecedented level of realism supported by High Definition visuals, full surround sound audio, and extensive circuit details, including the complete 22-car grid, precision lighting effects, progressive car damage and interactive pit stops. Adding to the authenticity,

Formula One Championship Edition supports the use of SIXAXIS wireless controller for PS3, enabling gamers to "steer" their vehicle around the tightest of hairpin turns through motion controls. Finely tuned and changing weather effects add to the exciting racing experience as rain and sunshine directly impact driving conditions. Taking on drivers representing top Formula One teams from around the world, up to 11 players can compete head-to-head in online play.

"The first Formula One title released in the U.S. in over five years, Formula One Championship Edition is set to kick start a new American adrenaline rush as it showcases the capabilities of PS3 in speed, High Definition graphics and power in an unparalleled racing simulation," said Susan Nourai, director, online and product marketing, Sony Computer Entertainment America. "The development team at Studio Liverpool has crafted an experience that delivers on the uniquely technical aspects of Formula One driving such that it is accessible for the pick-up-and-play novice but also allows for a high level of customization that will even impress professional drivers."

Formula One Championship Edition features a variety of game play modes, including Quickplay, Race Weekend, and Season Mode. Additionally, Career Mode starts players out as a rookie test driver, where gamers will prove their mettle as they drive their way to the top and secure a coveted position on a Formula One team.

The online racing feature allows gamers to test their guts and strategy in 11-person online competition with the rest of the 22-car field filled out by swift artificial intelligence powered drivers. Players will weave through a sea of online counterparts and make split second, real scenario decisions in the race to the finish line. Part of the strategy includes choosing when to pull in for pit stops, complete with a mini game that requires players to quickly change the tires and fill up the tank in a matter of seconds. As gamers dodge unexpected collisions and adapt to ever-changing weather conditions, live stat tracking and leaderboards will allow players to follow their progression in the field.

Formula One Championship Edition is reated "E" for "Everyone."

DDR Universe (X360)

DDR Universe takes dancing to a whole new level with crisp, high-definition graphics, more than 70 hit songs, all-new non-stop megamixes, new Relay Mode, exclusive downloadable songs and online head-to-head competitions via Xbox Live. In addition, newcomers to the franchise will love the game modes – How To Play, Lesson Mode and Game Mode Lite – which make learning DDR more fun than ever.

“DDR Universe is the first game in the DDR series for the Xbox 360 and the first next-generation music game from Konami. It is the most complete and customizable DDR to date, giving players the ability to create their own dance steps and video backgrounds,” said Jason Enos, Senior Product Manager at Konami Digital Entertainment, Inc. “With the added ability to download individual songs from Xbox Live, DDR Universe provides an amazing environment for players to tailor their gameplay experience.”

The song list includes tracks from top pop artists such as Depeche Mode, Chris Brown, Kylie Minogue, Jamiroqui and New Order as well as exclusive tracks from electronic music luminaries Steve Porter, Chris Fortier, Jondi & Spesh, skylab2000, GRIDLOK and Audio Magnetics (Bill Hamel). Further expanding the game’s music library is the ability to download songs to be released by Konami exclusively for DDR Universe. Additionally, the game’s online mode will allow DDR players to compete head-to-head against other players as well as the ability to upload new dance routines for others to try out via Xbox Live.

New modes of play include the Power Courses that offer even more opportunities for fun and fitness with non-stop megamixes, emulating the experience of listening to a continuous dj mix in a real dance club. Also new is the Relay Mode that allows more players than ever to get involved in DDR competitions, as they take turns competing on various songs. Both new modes are perfect for parties and family get-togethers. Rounding out the complete package is the popular Workout Mode, where players can track calories lost and other vital fitness stats as they play the game.

Dance Dance Revolution UNIVERSE is rated “E10+” by the ESRB and is available for an SRP of $79.99 for the video game and dance mat bundle. The software-only version will launch on March 27 for an SRP of $49.99.

MLB 07 The Show (PSP/PS2)

As the only first party game title officially licensed by Major League Baseball Properties Inc. (MLBP), Major League Baseball Advanced Media (MLBAM) and the Major League Baseball Players Association (MLBPA), MLB 07 The Show is set to deliver an unrivaled simulation with broadcast quality presentation.

For fans seeking an all-new experience in baseball simulations, MLB 07 The Show introduces the innovative Road to The Show mode, which enables fans to play solely as a custom-created rookie on both offense and defense while attempting to rise through the ranks and make a starting line-up in the Majors. Adding to the already robust online feature set, Online League Play is now available, providing players the ability to set up leagues with up to 30 teams, complete with statistical tracking, point benefits, and full customization. While playing in a league, users can catch the live status of all MLB games going on around the league with a Live MLB Ticker and MLB.com Headline News.

"Last year, the MLB franchise was the clear MVP of the baseball category," said Scott Rohde, director, sports product development, Sony Computer Entertainment America.

"MLB 07 The Show demonstrates our continued pledge to create the most precise baseball simulation available and to deliver a flawless blend of authentic gameplay and unsurpassed realism."

To deliver the closest experience to actually being on the mound, the new Pitching Command System (PCS) provides authenticity and strategy to pitch selection by offering players a predetermined pitch comfort level based on a best to worst pitch scenario, while Adaptive Pitching Intelligence (API) allows users to either shake off the catcher or trust the calls he makes, based on batter tendencies and the pitcher's strengths. In addition, MLB 07 The Show now incorporates Umpire Personalities, keeping players on their toes as each ump will have his own unique animation and definition of the strike zone. It will be up to the player to determine each umpire's tendencies, providing a more authentic experience from the diamond and requiring strategic thinking from the player.

Contributing to the realism, MLB 07 The Show includes unique stadium ambiances, wind effects, more than 3,000 individual player animations, including personalized stances, pitching animations, individual swings, batting rituals and pitcher release points, player-scaled strike zones, and motion captures from MLB players such as David Wright, David Ortiz, Eric Chavez, Shawn Green, Trevor Hoffman and more. Additionally, MLB 07 The Show incorporates more than 500 man-hours of development and analysis from the entire 2006 MLB season, which includes 18,891 at bats and 707,722 pitches in 2,429 games.

Returning key features for the MLB franchise include the popular Career and Season Modes, controlled access to full 40-man rosters, advanced batting and base running controls, interactive hot and cold zones, and the most comprehensive commentary ever produced for a sports game, featuring the three- man booth of Rex Huddler, Matt Vasgerian, and Dave Campbell. Returning gameplay favorites for PlayStation 2 include Rivalry Mode, which allows fans to set-up, track, and maintain heated rivalries, Franchise mode, where players take control of the entire team, the Home Run Derby and EyeToy(TM) functionality. MLB 07 The Show for the PSP system continues to be a fan favorite with its core features and ability to play anytime, anywhere, on the go.

This year's cover athlete, New York Mets Third Baseman David Wright joined a hallowed group of MLB All-Stars that have graced the cover including last year's cover athlete, Boston Red Sox(TM) All-Star, David Ortiz. In just his third season in the Majors, Wright was named to the NL All-Star Game as a starter, and ranked among the club's top three hitters in all offensive categories for the 2006 Mets, who were the top run-scoring team in the National League. In addition, Wright heads the Do The Wright Thing charity whose mission is to increase awareness about multiple sclerosis and to raise money for multiple sclerosis organizations and projects.

Marketing efforts for MLB 07 The Show include a multi-million dollar marketing campaign across TV, radio, print and online, that will run nationally throughout the entire Major League Baseball season. Additionally, MLB 07 The Show will receive full public relations and promotional support, as well as dedicated point-of-purchase displays and merchandising support.

MLB 07 The Show is rated "E" for "Everyone."

Marvel Trading Card Game (PSP)

Marvel Trading Card Game puts the forces of the Marvel Universe into players’ hands as they create a custom team of Super Heroes and Super Villains and do battle in strategic card-based clashes. With Spider-Man, the Fantastic Four, the X-Men, the Avengers, The Incredible Hulk and hundreds more at their disposal, players will be able to experience incredible battles made possible by Upper Deck’s “Vs. System,” a dynamic card-based game engine. With numerous card types, players can produce decks that follow a number of different strategic options that will lead them down different paths to victory.

The single player story mode of Marvel Trading Card Game lets players choose a path of good or evil as they progress with a team of heroes or villains through a story penned by Marvel writer John Layman. In between each epic battle, players will accumulate more cards to incorporate into their deck and also view detailed comic book cut scenes drawn by Marvel artists Dave Ross, Keron Grant, Pat Olliffe and others that progress the game’s story.

Highlighting the online infrastructure functionality of the PSP system, Marvel Trading Card Game features a persistent online community where players can compete with others in special game modes and tournaments, trade for cards and purchase new packs from the game’s online store. New sets of cards will be available exclusively through the online store, letting players explore new strategic possibilities while refining their deck with the most up to date game content. Frequent tournaments sanctioned by Konami will let players put their skills and decks to the test, with the winners securing valuable prizes such as rare card sets.

Marvel Trading Card Game for the PSP, rated T” for Teen, carries a suggested retail price of $29.99. The game will also be released for the NDS and PC this spring.

Meteos: Disney Magic (NDS)

Meteos: Disney Magic combines mesmerizing puzzle gameplay with an all-new story within the classic Disney universe. Published by Disney Interactive Studios and developed by Q ENTERTAINMENT, the creative minds behind popular puzzle titles such as the original Meteos and Lumines.

"Disney characters transcend generations and entertainment mediums. With Meteos: Disney Magic on the Nintendo DS, they even come to life in the palm of your hand," said Craig Relyea, vice president of marketing, Disney Interactive Studios. "Kids, long-time Disney fans and puzzle aficionados will all find something to enjoy in this game, which blends beautiful visuals and family-friendly gameplay."


Meteos: Disney Magic features favorite Disney characters from popular properties: The Lion King, Disney/Pixar Toy Story, Tim Burton's The Nightmare Before Christmas, The Little Mermaid, Cinderella, Lilo & Stitch, Winnie the Pooh, Pirates of the Caribbean and a previously unannounced unlockable level - Mickey Mouse and friends.


Fast-paced, yet easy to understand, the game is set up in a horizontal storybook format and challenges players to create patterns on the touch screen with the DS stylus using three or more identical blocks, which are then launched off the screen. Levels are based on different Disney properties, each with themed puzzle blocks and animations that change based on players' gameplay success. The game includes new features such as the horizontal storybook format, special blocks and abilities gauge, local multiplayer for up to four players and horizontal block-moving abilities.

Meteos: Disney Magic, rated E for Everyone, is available now for the suggested retail price of $29.99.

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