Dungeons & Dragons: Tactics (PSP)
Marking the first time the highly-coveted D&D license has ever graced a next-generation portable system, D&D: Tactics authentically utilizes the D&D 3.5 rule-set created by Wizards of the Coast, a subsidiary of Hasbro, Inc. Developed by Kuju Entertainment, D&D: Tactics is rated "T" for Teen and is available in North America for the PSP system for a suggested retail price of $39.95.
In D&D: Tactics, players take on the role of a mortal child caught in a conflict of two competing dragons striving for godhood. Choosing between these opposing forces is critical, as alignment and quests allows players to vacillate between good and evil. Gamers will play through a series of adventures, completing various objectives along the way. D&D: Tactics offers all the Dungeons & Dragons base character classes including Barbarian, Bard, Cleric, Druid, Fighter Monk, Paladin, Ranger, Rogue, Sorcerer and Wizard. In addition, there are two Psionic classes, the Psion and the Psychic Warrior. Players are able to customize their characters and store as many as their memory stick can handle.
"D&D: Tactics is an exciting and robust turn-based game that offers the strategic gameplay that Dungeons & Dragons fans and PSP system gamers have been waiting for," said Jeremiah Cohn, Senior Product Manager, Atari, Inc. "In addition, user-friendly and comprehensive controls move players through an engrossing story with more than 40 hours of gameplay."
D&D: Tactics takes advantage of the PSP system's wireless capability and offers gamers both co-op and competitive multiplayer modes. Players can host an adventure and work cooperatively with other players to storm through monster-ridden levels, killing everything they encounter. Competitive player-versus-player battle modes also exist including Last Man Standing, Gladiator and Dragon Kill.
Heroes of Mana (NDS)
Breathing new life into the popular Mana franchise, Heroes of Mana brings the beloved series into an entirely new dimension. For the first time in the franchise's history, players will plan, plot and strategize their way to victory on the battlefield, all through intuitive Touch Screen capabilities. With the use of the stylus, players can amass great armies, command troops and experience an all-new perspective on the ever-evolving battle for the Mana Tree.
"Heroes of Mana takes the World of Mana series into an exciting direction by allowing fans to command heroes and monsters in new ways," said Koichi Ishii, creator of the World of Mana series. "By using the Nintendo DS Touch Screen, players can immerse themselves into the game's vibrant environments and challenging gameplay. Our goal was to create a more active, passionate experience for Mana fans and fans of strategy games by pushing the boundaries of game design."
Taking advantage of the Nintendo DS Wireless functionality, stylus generals can compete in intense head-to-head multiplayer battles, and compare stats and rankings with players across North America through the use of the Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection. Skilled players can also earn bonus maps and other items based on their ranking.
Heroes of Mana has been rated E10+ (Everyone 10 and older) by the ESRB and will be available at retailers for a suggested retail price of $39.99.
High School Musical: Makin' the Cut! (NDS)
Based on the runaway Disney Channel hit movie and upcoming sequel, fans of all ages have a chance to experience the phenomenon as never before by putting their rhythm and beat skills to the test in a cross-country musical competition.
"We want to give fans the opportunity to be a part of the excitement of interacting with 'High School Musical,' anytime, anywhere," said Craig Relyea, vice president of marketing, Disney Interactive Studios. "'High School Musical: Makin' the Cut!' gives fans a unique opportunity to interact with the 'High School Musical' songs and characters that they know and love, whether at home or on the go."
In this rhythm-based game, "High School Musical: Makin the Cut!," fans choose between one of the six "High School Musical" characters — Troy, Gabriella, Sharpay, Ryan, Taylor or Chad — or create their own customized character as they dance to the beat and travel across America competing in the ultimate musical competition. Players can compete head-to-head and trade their original music video creations wirelessly with friends. With 12 songs from "High School Musical" and "High School Musical 2," friends can enjoy the tunes they love together. Available now for $29.99 MSRP, "High School Musical: Makin' the Cut!" is rated "E" for everyone.
Luminous Arc (NDS)
Luminous Arc offers gamers a tried-and-true strategy RPG experience, what sets the game apart from its competition is an involving storyline, versatile controls, professional voice acting, an inspired score, and multiplayer for both local wireless and online connections!
One thousand years ago, dragons and Witches warred against God for the fate of the world. God's power was triumphant, but it was a difficult struggle, and the deity sent Himself into a deep sleep to recover from the terrible wounds he suffered in the battle. Ten years ago, the Church has proclaimed that a great event will soon occur: God will be reborn, and the world will be led into a new golden age under His guidance. However, this news is coupled with a grave warning: the Witches will soon reappear to begin the millennia-old conflict once again.
Take control of the Garden Children, a group of fighters and mages trained since childhood and dedicated to eradicating the Witch threat, and discover the mysteries behind their return, their motives, and their history!
Key Features:
- An isometric strategy RPG on the Nintendo DS
- Create new weapons and equipment with the Vitae Imbuing system
- Strengthen your friendship with comrades and improve your attacks on the battlefield
- Compare your friends' strategic prowess against your own with Wi-Fi multiplayer
- A variety of unique characters drive an epic story featuring voiced dialogue
Luminous Arc has been rated "T" for Teen for Mild Fantasy Violence, Language, Alcohol Reference, and Suggestive Themes.
Madden NFL 08 (NDS/PSP/NGC/PS2/Wii/PS3/Xbox/X360/PC)
Now in its 18th year, the Madden NFL Football franchise continues to stand out as Madden NFL 07 was last year's #1 selling video game in North America with more than seven million copies sold(1) since launch.
Madden NFL 08 features a new Read and React system that allows gamers to quickly identify the strongest players on the field, and to make game-altering adjustments to further affect each and every play. New player skill icons identify on-field strengths and weaknesses, providing an immediate read on what an opponent is doing. This new icon system complements a deeper gameplay experience that maximizes the skill of the individual NFL superstars, separating them from the role players, and takes NFL football strategy to a new level.
Players will rule the gridiron with intuitive controls, fluid gameplay and a new branching animation system that yields the jaw-dropping tackles and spectacular catches in Madden NFL 08. New player moves, lateral passes and the dynamic Hit-Stick 2.0 gives gamers an unprecedented and hyperrealistic NFL football experience.
Madden NFL 08, rated E for Everyone, is developed by EA Tiburon, and available for the Xbox and Xbox 360, PS2 and PS3, Wii, NGC, NDS, PC, PSP.
Shin Megami Tensei: Persona 3 (PS2)
Enormously successful in Japan, P3 is the newest RPG from the publisher of the acclaimed Shin Megami Tensei series. After eight long years of anticipation, the wait is over! Moreover, every copy of Shin Megami Tensei: Persona 3 is a deluxe edition package, featuring a 52-page full color art book and soundtrack CD!
In Persona 3, you'll assume the role of a high school student, orphaned as a young boy, who's recently transferred to Gekkoukan High School on Port Island. Shortly after his arrival, he is attacked by creatures of the night known as Shadows. The assault awakens his Persona, Orpheus, from the depths of his subconscious, enabling him to defeat the terrifying foes. He soon discovers that he shares this special ability with other students at his new school. From them, he learns of the Dark Hour, a hidden time that exists between one day and the next, swarming with Shadows. These monsters have been steadily claiming victims aptly nicknamed "The Lost"—people who've inexplicably become mindless zombies. Under the supervision of school chairman Shuji Ikutsuki, he joins his new companions in confronting this threat to humanity…
With your school as the primary battlefield, you'll be forced to juggle between two lives: student by day, defender against evil by night. And your greatest challenges await you on the eve of each full moon.
Key Features:
- Engaging Social Link system lets you build intimate relationships with friends and love interests alike!
- Unforgettable characters, including familiar faces from previous Persona games, and professionally-acted dialogue bring the story to life!
- Massive replay value with over 20 Social Links and a complex storyline encompassing a full school year.
- Highly stylized designs grace the beautiful 2D character portraits, detailed 3D animations, and heartpounding cut scenes!
- Hip Urban-Techno soundtrack from Shoji Meguro, the composer for Nocturne and Digital Devil Saga!
- Intense, strategic battle system; find and exploit enemy weaknesses with the help of your allies!
Shin Megami Tensei: Persona 3 has been rated "M" for Mature by the ESRB for Blood, Language, Partial Nudity, and Violence.