AGEOD'S American Civil War: The Blue and the Gray (PC)
David Heath, Director of Operations at Matrix Games, said "American Civil War: The Blue and the Gray has the depth and scope that will keep the history buffs happy, but the addicting nature and streamlined gameplay that will entice any strategy fan."
AGEOD'S American Civil War: The Blue and the Gray is a historical operational strategy game with a simultaneous turn-based engine (WEGO system) that places players at the head of the USA or CSA during the American Civil War. The player will be faced with a large selection of scenarios and campaigns which are played over the largest Civil War map ever, complete with an unequalled level of look and detail. Additionally, American Civil War: The Blue and the Gray includes dozens of different troops, hundreds of events, over 300 historical leaders with unique abilities to make this an enjoyable yet historically accurate Civil War experience for strategy fans and hardcore wargamers alike.
The Darkness (PS3/X360)
The Darkness is a next-generation, first-person action game that features an immersive and gritty storyline written in collaboration with famed comic book writer Paul Jenkins.
"The Darkness takes the first-person action video game to new depths on both a visual and a gameplay level and brings the graphic novel to grisly new life," said Christoph Hartmann, President of 2K. "Starbreeze Studios really captured the dark and gritty storyline of The Darkness comic book. Players can experience The Darkness through an intense and engaging game that will stay with them long after they've set their controllers down."
Set in the dark and seedy underbelly of New York City and the ethereal realm of The Darkness, players assume the role of mafia hitman Jackie Estacado, heir to "The Darkness," an ancient power that awakens within him on his 21st birthday. Jackie must use traditional weapons as well as learn to command his terrible new powers to seek revenge on his own crime family. The Darkness is based on the best-selling comic book series of the same name, published by Top Cow Productions and created by Marc Silvestri, Garth Ennis, and David Wohl. "The Darkness" comic book launched in 1996 and is currently published in 19 different languages around the world.
"We are excited to work with 2K and Starbreeze Studios to bring The Darkness from the printed page to the next-generation consoles," said Marc Silvestri, Founder of Top Cow Productions. "Since we have all worked very closely on this project, fans of the comic book will be pleased with how accurately and effectively it comes to life as an incredibly visceral and enjoyable video game."
Features:
- Varying manifestations of the Darkness allow you to devour, impale or implode your enemies. Use the Darkness to toss huge objects like cars as though they were toys.
- Summon darklings - impish and humorous demons - to do your bidding and eviscerate your foes.
- Cannibalize your victims - Slay your enemies and command the Darkness to eat their hearts and increase your strength and power.
- The light is your enemy - Extinguish any light in your path while seeking the shadows wherever possible in order to feed and replenish the Darkness.
- Insane multiplayer - Shapeshift between darkling and human in online multiplayer games and face other players in traditional as well as all-new innovative multiplayer modes.
- Diverse voice talent - An all-star cast adds authenticity to the characters and credibility to the overall cinematic experience, including Kirk Acevedo (Oz, Band of Brothers) as Jackie Estacado, Lauren Ambrose (Six Feet Under) as Jenny Romano, and Mike Patton (Faith No More, Peeping Tom) as the voice of the Darkness.
- In-game television - Watch select shows in their entirety, including everything from Nosferatu to Popeye. Players can also tune into breaking news that directly relates to the storyline.
The Darkness video game is rated "M" for Mature and is now available for Xbox 360 and PS3.
Final Fantasy / Final Fantasy II (PSP)
"It is amazing to see how much video games and the video game industry have evolved over the past 20 years," said Executive Producer Shinji Hashimoto. "With a lot of creativity and the aid of tremendous technological advancements, we have been able to recreate the classic Final Fantasy for PSP system, allowing fans to experience new adventures with their favorite characters -- and hopefully look forward to 20 more years of unforgettable Final Fantasy moments."
To observe 20 years of the Final Fantasy video game franchise, Square Enix is hosting an exclusive launch party to celebrate the release of Final Fantasy and the upcoming release of the remastered edition of Final Fantasy II, which will ship to retailers on July 24th. The event will take place at the PlayStation Store @ Metreon in San Francisco today, June 26th at 6:00 p.m. Event attendees will have the opportunity to purchase Final Fantasy and be amongst the first to experience Final Fantasy II, also developed exclusively for the PSP system. Additionally, the first 100 fans in attendance will receive a giveaway item exclusive to the event.
Originally released in Japan in 1987, Final Fantasy has been hailed by gamers and critics as one of the first RPGs to create a fantasy world that captured the imagination of players around the globe. Each game has brought new worlds and characters together with impressive graphics and storylines that have evolved into a one-of-a-kind series with a massive worldwide following. With unique characters, vast worlds and compelling storylines, the Final Fantasy series has generated its own subculture with the release of 30 console, online and handheld games, two CG-animated films and 49 music soundtracks worldwide.
Remastered as two separate titles exclusively for the PSP system, Final Fantasy and Final Fantasy II are timeless classics that created the blueprints for the future of RPGs. These all-new anniversary editions contain the best treatment of the classic RPGs and feature all-new character art, updated graphics, new dungeons, full 16:9 widescreen presentation and an updated camera view that gives players a new vantage point on two of the greatest RPGs ever made.
In Final Fantasy, the tale begins when four young warriors, each possessing a Crystal, are summoned to bring the world back to a harmonious elemental balance. During their voyage, they discover a nefarious entity has created turmoil in the structure of time in order to take control of the world, causing the heroes to travel to places they never imagined possible.
In Final Fantasy II, a malevolent emperor has called upon monsters from a demonic realm to take over the world, ending what seemed to be an eternal period of peace. Thousands of lives succumb to their attacks, leaving many children orphaned. From the destruction rise four young survivors who will take it upon themselves to stop the merciless ruler and avenge the death of their parents.
Final Fantasy is rated E10+ (Everyone 10 and older), while Final Fantasy II is rated T (Teen) and will ship to retailers on July 24, 2007 separately for the suggested retail price of $29.99 (USD) each.
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (ALL)
The Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix videogame allows players to explore the many key locations within Hogwarts, each one a visual match to its film equivalent, while being engrossed in the thrilling adventures described in the rich narrative of the books and films.
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix's non-linear gameplay allows the player to explore an interactive Hogwarts, discovering dark corridors and secret rooms along the way. Choose where you go, what you do and when you do it, using the innovative gesture-based spell casting system. In addition, attend a number of classes as side-missions and compete in wizard Mini-Games throughout Hogwarts to compete against the best from each house. Experience the most authentic-to-the-movie game experience in Harry Potter history, with authentic characters and locales that give the look, feel and sound of the movie!
With the ability to play multiple characters, including Harry Potter, Dumbledore and Sirius Black, the videogame of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix offers fans an opportunity to experience one of the most exciting and dangerous years in the life of the Boy Who Lived.
In Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, Harry returns for his fifth year of study at Hogwarts and finds himself meeting in secret with a small group of students who name themselves Dumbledore's Army. Hermione convinces Harry to teach them how to defend themselves against the Dark Arts, preparing the courageous young wizards for the extraordinary battle that lies ahead.
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, developed by EA's UK Studio, has been rated E 10+ by the ESRB and is available for the Wii with an MSRP of $49.99, PS3 and Xbox 360 with an MSRP of $59.99, PS2 and PSP for $39.99, as well as NDS, GBA, PC, (Apple Macintosh) with an MSRP of $29.99 and Mobile Phone.
Lost Planet: Extreme Condition (PC)
Lost Planet is an epic gaming masterpiece combining a gripping single player campaign and intense multiplayer modes. Lost Planet contains sophisticated visuals, with an unmatched level of detail as advanced light sourcing is used to ensure a realistic presentation that enhances every explosion, smoke and particle effect. Enormous world maps unfold as players battle hostile creatures in blistering weather conditions across vast snowfields and blazing volcanic areas either on foot or in armed, robotic Vital Suits.
The PC version features enhanced graphics and effects to optimize the realistic presentation and explosive action in the game, including better shadows and more detailed textures, as well as higher monitor resolutions. In addition, the game supports multiplayer modes for up to 16 players online via the internet as well as LAN connections. Setting up or joining multiplayer games has been made easier thanks to an improved lobby system for PC gamers, thanks to integration with Steam. Players also have the option to play either using a mouse and keyboard or a gamepad controller. Lost Planet for PC runs under Windows XP (supporting DirectX 9) and Windows Vista (supporting both DirectX 9 and DirectX 10.) The DirectX 10 version utilizes the advanced features of Shader model 4.0 and Geometry Shader only available with DirectX 10. Lost Planet also carries the Games for Windows branding, offering a better gaming experience with easy installation, reliability and safety features, and support for the Xbox 360 controller for Windows.
"With the cross-platform nature of our internally-developed Framework game engine running Lost Planet, it was a natural decision for us to deliver this intense experience to PC gamers," said Jack Symon, director, brand marketing, Capcom Entertainment. "By employing the latest and greatest technology available, the development team has been able to uniquely tailor the game for this highly important audience."
Lost Planet for PC is rated T for Teen by the Entertainment Software Ratings Board (ESRB) and is now available for a suggested price of $39.99. Lost Planet can be purchased at PC games retail locations, or digitally via Valve's Steam digital distribution service.
Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six Vegas (PS3)
Developed by Ubisoft's award-winning Montreal studio, Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six Vegas is the fifth iteration of the multimillion-selling tactical shooter franchise and will be available for the MSRP of $59.99.
The stakes are high when the world's most elite counter-terrorism unit enters Las Vegas, a city more than 36.7 million men, women and children visit each year. "Sin City," the home of the Las Vegas Strip, flashy hotels, high-rolling casinos and world-famous celebrities, becomes the setting for a terrorist threat of global proportions. What happens when one of the world's most famous cities is held hostage by terrorists?
Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six Vegas arrives for the PlayStation 3 system after critical and commercial success on previously released versions of the game. Today, with more than 15.5 million units sold worldwide, the Rainbow Six franchise is known as one of the best multiplayer experiences in gaming and is hailed for its immersive single-player campaigns. The PlayStation 3 system version will feature 20 multiplayer maps and 10 game modes, introducing 10 all-new multiplayer maps and two game modes not found in the title's previously released versions.
Ratatouille (GBA/NDS/PSP/NGC/PS2/Wii/PS3/X360/PC)
"THQ is thrilled to be breaking through the sequel clutter this summer with Ratatouille, the summer's most original animated property," said Bob Aniello, senior vice president, worldwide marketing, THQ. "Once again, the team at Pixar has delivered a compelling storyline with fresh characters and adventures that provide tremendous video game content."
"Launching the Ratatouille video games across multiple video game platforms simultaneously reflects the enormous appeal the franchise has with a broad audience," said Graham Hopper, executive vice president and general manager, Disney Interactive Studios. "Disney and Pixar's commitment to quality and creativity in entertainment is reflected perfectly in this wonderful animated film."
Inspired by the unique characters and storyline from the Ratatouille film, fans will experience the sights and sounds of Paris across a multitude of gaming systems. In the game, players will assume the role of Remy, a young rat whose love for great food puts him at odds with the needs of his family. Players will experience highlights from the film, as well as the memorable characters and key locations, as they explore five action-packed worlds, more than 20 challenging missions and mini-games and go head-to-head in multiplayer. Ratatouille will allow players to evade detection from dangerous and often hungry enemies, brave the perils of the dinner-rush, and create culinary masterpieces in this senses-shattering journey to fulfill Remy's life-long dream of becoming a great chef.
In addition, the Ratatouille video game includes an exclusive sneak peak of Disney/Pixar's next film, WALL•E, the story of a little robot's comic adventure as he chases his dream across the galaxy. With the film not scheduled to hit theaters until Summer 2008, this un-lockable preview will serve as the public's first glimpse into the world of WALL•E.
Ratatouille marks THQ's most comprehensive, simultaneous cross-platform launch, with the video game slated for release across 11 different systems including the Xbox 360, PS2 and PSP, Wii, GameCube, GBA, NDS, PC and Mac, as well as wireless devices. This holiday season, the Ratatouille video game is also expected to release for the PS3, along with an additional version for the Nintendo DS.
Transformers: The Game (ALL)
"Transfomers: The Game lets you choose your side - Autobots or Decepticons - to either protect or destroy Earth," said Will Kassoy, senior vice president of global brand management, Activision, Inc. "The game features fully destructible environments, an army of playable characters, split second changes from robot to vehicle form and a storyline that goes beyond the film to include some elements from the property's long history that will also appeal to Generation 1 fans."
"The Activision team has done an outstanding job of replicating the live-action movie scale and realism into Transfomers: The Game," said Jeff Burdeen, Vice President of Digital Media for HPG. "Across the current and next-generation platforms, gamers will have an awesome Transfomers experience from the amazing vehicle-to-robot changes to the heart-pounding action."
In Transfomers: The Game for the consoles and PC, players are presented with dual campaigns as they choose from an unprecedented line-up of characters including Optimus Prime, Megatron , Ironhide, Starscream, Bumblebee and more. Gamers must master each character's unique weapons, moves and instantaneous conversions from robot to vehicle mode as they rampage through fully interactive and destructible environments in their quest to protect or destroy Earth.
The Nintendo DS offers two completely different games, Transfomers: Autobots and Transfomers: Decepticons. Both titles enable players to engage in the "AllSpark Wars" through Nintendo® Wi-Fi Connection where they must help their side win the global conflict between Autobots and Decepticons via daily challenge missions and global player stats comparisons. Each Nintendo DS game features 20 unique story missions plus more than 20 challenge missions as well as local wireless multiplayer modes for up to four players.
The PSP system version of Transfomers: The Game features more than 20 playable Transfomers characters with three combat modes and 19 story-based missions that have players playing both Autobots and Decepticons as they progress through the game. In addition, gamers can battle in four-player Ad Hoc wireless competitions including Deathmatch, Team Deathmatch, Ascension Rites (king of the hill) and Secure the Energon (capture the flag), in more than 10 multiplayer arenas.
Transfomers: The Game was developed by Traveller's Tales for the Xbox 360, PS3, Wii , PS2 and PC, and is rated "T" (Teen) by the ESRB. The PSP version was developed by Savage Entertainment and is currently rated "E 10+" (Everyone 10 and older - Violence) by the ESRB. Two unique games for NDS, Transfomers: Autobots and Transfomers: Decepticons, were developed by Vicarious Visions and are rated "E 10+" (Everyone 10 and older - Violence) by the ESRB.