Quantum of Solace (NDS/PS2/Wii/PS3/X360/PC)
Quantum of Solace, based on the "Quantum of Solace" and prior "Casino Royale" James Bond films, is dashing into European retail outlets today, and will be available in North American stores on November 4, 2008. Developed under license from EON Productions Ltd and Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios Inc. (MGM), the Quantum of Solace video game equips players with the weapons, espionage and hand-to-hand combat skills and overall charm needed to survive the covert lifestyle of legendary 007 secret agent James Bond.
"Activision's Quantum of Solace video game marks the first time players can become the newly re-imagined, dangerous and cunningly efficient James Bond as portrayed by Daniel Craig," said Rob Kostich, Head of Marketing for Licensed Properties, Activision Publishing. "We're extremely pleased to release the game day and date with the new movie, so for those of us waiting for the new era in Bond gaming, Quantum of Solace has arrived."
The Quantum of Solace video game balances a unique variety of gameplay elements, blending intense first-person action with a new third-person cover combat system, enabling players to strategically choose the best combat tactics for each situation. As James Bond, gamers must intelligently maneuver each challenge, identifying the best course of action while incapacitating enemies through silent, sneaky covert operations or full force, guns-blazing confrontations. Further, the Quantum of Solace video game features the return of fan favorite Bond multiplayer action, allowing gamers to experience a multitude of maps based on authentic locations from the "Quantum of Solace" and "Casino Royale" films and beyond. Based on the renowned Call of Duty(R) 4: Modern Warfare game engine with systems specifically engineered to immerse players in the Bond universe, the Quantum of Solace video game delivers superior high-definition graphics, reactive AI and visually stunning locations inspired by locales portrayed in the latest films.
To celebrate the releases of the Quantum of Solace and Guitar Hero World Tour video games, Bond aficionados and rock stars alike will be able to download and play "Another Way to Die," the new Quantum of Solace movie theme song performed by Jack White and Alicia Keys, in Guitar Hero World Tour. The track will be available on Xbox Live Marketplace for Xbox 360 for 160 Microsoft Points and on the PlayStation )Store for the PS3 for $1.99 on November 7th, 2008.
The Quantum of Solace video game, rated T for Teen, was created by Treyarch for the Xbox 360 and PS3. The PC and Wii versions were developed by Beenox Studios. The NDS version was developed by Vicarious Visions and the PS2 version by Eurocom.
Dancing with the Stars: We Dance! (NDS/Wii)
Following the success of last year's Dancing with the Stars videogame, Activision has worked closely with Disney-ABC Television Group's ABC Entertainment and BBC Worldwide America to make Dancing with the Stars: We Dance! something truly special.
The Wii version improves on the original with refined controls, where players vigorously use the Wii Remote and Nunchuck to strut their stuff on the dance floor. Other additions include all-new special "flair" moves that are bound to work up a sweat. Dancing with the Stars: We Dance! for Nintendo DS lets players take their favorite moves anywhere, and features the ability to change outfits and swap partners to maximize your performance.
Dancing with the Stars: We Dance! includes all-new stars such as season five champion Helio Castroneves, actress Jennie Garth, season four runner-up Joey Fatone, and season two champ, Drew Lachey. Players will also be able to boogie down with new professional dancers like Derek Hough and his sister, two-time "Dancing with the Stars" champion, Julianne Hough. In addition to some hot new dancers and celebrities there will be chart-busting megahits including "Bootylicious", "Push It", "Mony Mony", "She Bangs", and "Joker and the Thief."
"The 'Dancing with the Stars' show ups the ante every season in terms of excitement," said David Oxford, Activision Publishing, Inc. "We had to do the same with the game. Dancing with the Stars: We Dance! is a fresh way for fans of the program to get together and have fun, or enjoy it when on the go."
Dancing with the Stars: We Dance!, rated E10+ for ages 10 and up, is available for Wii for $39.99 and NDS for $19.99
Nerf N-Strike (NDS/Wii)
Nerf N-Strike, inspired by the globally popular franchise from Hasbro, Inc, features non-stop Nerf-style pandemonium where players are faced with a series of challenging missions that put blasting strategies and skills to the ultimate test. Nerf N-Strike also ships with a custom Nerf Switch Shot Ex-3 blaster, the first ever 2-in-1 video game and toy peripheral bundle to hit the market.
“EA and Hasbro are breaking new ground in the consumer space with the launch of Nerf ‘N-Strike’,” said Chip Lange, General Manager and Vice President of EA Casual Entertainment. “Nerf ‘N-Strike’ is the ultimate blend of each company’s leadership and expertise in their respective industries – video games and toys – and has allowed us to deliver the first ‘mom approved’ kid-friendly blaster game for the Wii bundled with an official Nerf blaster ratcheting up the mayhem on both the digital and asphalt playground.”
The bundled Nerf Switch Shot Ex-3 blaster, which offers two ways to play, can be used in-game by snapping the Wii remote into the chamber or swapping in the dart cartridge to transform the blaster for classic Nerf indoor and outdoor play.
“Nerf N-Strike truly showcases the power of the Hasbro-EA relationship in terms of innovation and integration,” said Mark Blecher, General Manager of Digital Media and Gaming at Hasbro. “We’re delivering a toy and video game industry first by bundling Nerf ‘N-Strike’ with a custom Nerf blaster that can be used for both traditional and digital play – a big win for consumers in terms of fun and value. EA has done a tremendous job of re-imagining the ultimate Nerf battleground on the Wii platform delivering over-the-top action heightened by the in-game use of the Nerf blaster.”
Nerf N-Strike, which targets boys 10 and older, features more than 25 unlockable in-game blasters including digital replicas of popular real world Nerf toy line blasters such as the Longshot CS-6 and Vulcan EBF-25 as well as never-before-seen fantasy blasters like the Crusher and Semper Fire created exclusively for the video game. As players enter the top-secret Nerf training facility and begin to engage in the high-octane action, they quickly discover the importance of choosing the best blaster for the job as they pull down big victories or fall short and get taunted by in-game characters who have already achieved top blaster status.
Nerf N-Strike gameplay progresses through various chambers, each featuring a series of missions and characters that must be overcome before moving to the next level. Example missions include “Dawn of Machines” which puts players behind the Nerf blaster long-range scope and “Onslaught” which overloads the screen with moving targets that must be cleared as quickly as possible. Nerf N-Strike offers multiplayer capabilities for up to four players to battle and determine who has what it takes to become the top Elite Striker.
Nerf N-Strike, rated “Everyone 10+”, for the Wii comes bundled with the Nerf Switch Shot Ex-3 blaster and has a MSRP of $59.99. For expanded multiplayer fun, additional Switch Shot Ex-3 blasters are available in retail toy aisles and can be purchased separately for $14.99. Both the video game and blaster are available now at stores nationwide and will ship internationally in 2009.
Disney TH!NK Fast (PS2/Wii)
With its TV game show format, Disney TH!NK Fast provides fans of all ages with the ultimate fastest-finger challenge. Players will use their quick wits and agility to answer both general knowledge and Disney-themed questions. Filled with beloved Disney characters, Disney TH!NK Fast is hosted by the wisecracking but always charming Genie from Disney’s “Aladdin.”
“The perfect party game for the entire family, Disney TH!NK Fast is guaranteed to give your brain cells a high-intensity entertainment workout this holiday season,” said Craig Relyea, senior vice president of global marketing, Disney Interactive Studios. “Whether you’re 6, 16 or 60, you’re never too old for a friendly showdown.”
Playing as Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Goofy, Donald Duck, and other Disney characters, contestants compete in a variety of trivia rounds ranging from multiple-choice questions to exciting mini-games set in themed locations based on Disney classics such as “The Lion King,” “The Little Mermaid,” “Lilo & Stitch” and “101 Dalmatians.” Each of the locations will feature special guest hosts, such as Stitch from “Lilo and Stitch.” Disney TH!NK Fast challenges one to four players with more than 5,000 questions on topics ranging from Disney trivia to general knowledge. A unique visual answer system puts players right in the game. Now available on Wii and PS2 in November, Disney TH!NK FAST is destined to be a family favorite party game this holiday season.
Disney TH!NK Fast, rated E for Everyone, will retail on the Wii for $49.99 and the PS2 system version, bundled with a set of four buzzer controllers will retail for $39.99.
The King of Fighters Collection: The Orochi Saga (PSP/PS2)
The first ever collection for The King of Fighters consists of 5 complete games on one action-packed disc. Not only will the collection feature the entire Orochi Saga ( KOF '95, KOF '96, KOF '97), but it will also feature The King of Fighters '94 and fan favorite, The King of Fighters '98 Dream Match Never Ends.
Games Included:
- The King of Fighters '94: Rugal Bernstein, an incredibly rich and notorious crime lord, as well as an incredibly skilled fighter, has become bored with the lack of worthy fighting opponents and decides to host a new King of Fighters tournament. Invitations to the tournament have been sent to the world's greatest warriors. The tournament begins.
- The King of Fighters '95: Rugal Bernstein, thought to have perished in an explosion in KOF 94, had in fact survived and has sent out invitations to the fighting teams signed simply 'R'. Unknown to everyone, Rugal has been augmented with cybernetic implants making him a Cyborg (known as 'Omega Rugal'). A new tournament begins and out fighters set forth to face a new threat.
- The King of Fighters '96: The King of Fighters tournament's fame has grown immensely, to the point that it has turned into a major international event. This year's sponsor, a woman named Chizuru Kagura, intends to make contact with Kyo Kusanagi, as well as his rival and enemy, Iori Yagami. After fighting Kyo, Chizuru reveals to him that a larger power was afoot, known as the Orochi, and that he would soon have to battle against it.
- The King of Fighters '97: Determined to harness the secret power of the Orochi, Geese Howard has created and entered a new '97 Special Team, which consists of Ryuji Yamazaki, Blue Mary and Billy Kane. Also, a mysterious New Faces Team, composed of three band-members (Shermie, Yashiro Nanakase and Chris) enters the tournament with the terrible intentions of raising Orochi from his slumber. Let The King of Fighters '97 commence!
- The King of Fighters '98: Known as a "Dream Match" KOF 98 contains the greatest fighters up to this point in the KOF history. A total of 50 characters making up 12 teams plus bonus and hidden characters.
Key Features :
- The most extensive KOF collection ever - containing 5 full games
- Includes the Orochi Saga trilogy (95-97)
- Over 60 playable characters across the titles
- PSP system features Ad-hoc mode
- Customizable characters with the in-game color edit feature
- Unlockable bonus content materials
The King of Fighters Collection: The Orochi Saga for the PS2 and the PSP is shipping to retailers across North America, with the Wii version to ship in November.
Runaway : The Dream of the Turtle (NDS)
Runaway, The Dream of the Turtle, the latest instalment of the internationally successful adventure series, is released on Nintendo DS today by Ascaron and 93 Games. Players can enjoy a colourful adventure set in an array of exotic locations, as they embark on a quest to find the missing character Gina Timmins.
Brian is a former science student on holiday with his girlfriend Gina. The pair are enjoying a relaxing holiday in Hawaii, but on a visit to Tiki Falls their plane crashes in the jungle leaving them separated. As they desperately try to find each other, the thrilling adventures unfold. Travelling to the four corners of the globe, they come face to face with soldiers, pirates, spies, surfers and even aliens.
Stunning graphics, mind bending puzzles, bamboozling riddles, great humour and a superb soundtrack are all on offer to players as they help Brian on his mission to find Gina. Over one hundred different exotic locations, including the ruins of The Temple of Tiki, the beautiful Luana Beach and the cascading Tiki waterfalls provide the backdrop for this truly unique point and click adventure.
Players will meet a whole host of humorous characters on their travels, including Hawaiian man eating beauties, adrenaline junkies, mad genius professors and clever computer geeks of superior intellect.
Runaway : The Dream of the Turtle is currently available in European stores for NDS, and will also be available on Wii early next year.
Atlantica Online (PC)
Atlantica Online’s combat system draws inspiration from traditional RPG gameplay and merges it with heavy strategic game elements with the mercenary and nation management systems to set it apart in the MMO world.
The turn-based combat gives players the chance to plan complex battle strategies as they control a party of up to 9 characters. Players can also form groups with two other players for a total of 27 characters in battle. Pre-battle planning will also be essential to success. Players must pick the optimal combination of party members called mercenaries to bring into a fight. This allows gamers to craft a different combat set-up for each battle and take advantage of hundreds of possible skill combinations.
With the mercenary system, players will recruit and develop mercenaries of different classes for their combat squad. Players must plan how to best spend their limited resources to obtain the optimal mix for their play style. They will be faced with decisions like would it be better to recruit a new healer, an additional ranged DPS or should they upgrade the armor for their existing front line tanks. Players will also need to lay long-term development plans to maximize the skill combinations of multiple characters as they level.
The nation management system allows guilds to plan the conquest of cities and even whole nations. More complex than simply engaging in PvP combat, guilds must oversee complex economies to keep their conquests strong. While managing a town, they plan everything from culture, commerce and industry, even down to the placement of buildings for the maximum output. Successful rulers are rewarded with rare items.
Along with Atlantica’s official launch, the game’s item mall has opened. The item mall contains many different power-ups, licenses and scrolls to aid players in their journey to Atlantis. Players can also take advantage of deals to get these items at a discounted rate. Items range from $5-$20, with 100 Gcoins equaling $1. Purchased items are transferred directly into a player’s accounts
“With Atlantica’s official debut into the MMO space, we’re ready to turn some heads,” said Peter Kang, CEO of NDOORS Interactive. “We’re very confident the market is ready to embrace strategic, turn-based gameplay.”
NDOORS is also currently running a promotion that gives players multiple chances to win thousands in cash and prizes by participating in the game’s PvP area called the Free Leagues. NDOORS is also hosting a satisfaction guarantee program. Putting their money where their mouth is, NDOORS will give $20 to qualified players who no longer want to play the game, Players have until Nov. 30 to win any of the bonuses or apply for the satisfaction guarantee program.
Atlantica Online is set on Earth, in a parallel reality that takes players through a fantastic journey to discover the lost secrets of Atlantis. With its heavy emphasis on strategy, Atlantica was designed to stand out amongst the ‘cookie-cutter’ MMOs. The strategic gameplay incorporated into the turn-based combat, mercenary and country management systems will appeal to strategy and RPG players.