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About Rainier

PC gamer, WorthPlaying EIC, globe-trotting couch potato, patriot, '80s headbanger, movie watcher, music lover, foodie and man in black -- squirrel!

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Tuesday, February 5, 2008 Shipping Announcements

by Rainier on Feb. 5, 2008 @ 4:45 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:

Devil May Cry 4 (PS3/X360/PC)

From the producer of the original Devil May Cry and Resident Evi® 4 comes the next installment in the hugely successful stylized action series that has so far achieved global sales of nearly seven million units. Devil May Cry 4 immerses gamers in a gothic supernatural world, where a new protagonist, Nero, clashes with Dante, the featured character in the previous Devil May Cry games. As Nero, players will unleash incredible attacks and non-stop combos using a unique new gameplay mechanic, his powerful “Devil Bringer” arm. Fans of Dante won’t be disappointed as he too will be playable during the course of the game.

With the advanced graphical capabilities of the next-gen systems, high definition visuals and intricate detail come to life as players explore new and exotic locales. Dynamic action and undeniable style combine with unprecedented fighting options and a gripping story to produce the incomparable experience that only a Devil May Cry game can deliver.

A special 2 hour Devil May Cry: The Animated Series anime disc will be packed into the Collector’s Edition of the game, included in the metal Steelbook case, and will include the first four episodes of the 12 episode anime series. Inside the case will be a second bonus DVD alongside the game that users can slip into their computers, Xbox 360 or PLAYSTATION 3. The bonus DVD will contain a “making of” feature on the game, music from the Devil May Cry 4 soundtrack, a digital art book with images and sketches from the development team, wallpapers, icons and screen savers.

Devil May Cry 4 includes the following features:

  • From the producer of the original Devil May Cry and Resident Evil 4
  • 2 playable characters – take control of both Nero & Dante
  • High-definition 720p visuals moving at 60 frames per second
  • Blend of familiar and new: newcomer Nero clashes with veteran Dante plus appearances from Trish, Lady and others from the DMC series
  • Exceed System allows Nero to easily charge up his sword with a throttle effect, revving up to three levels with powerful and varied attack options
  • Deep combo system rewards stylish dispatching of enemies
  • Unique "Devil Bringer" arm opens up a range of never seen before combo options
  • Distinct set of weaponry and moves for Nero and Dante
  • New active style change system for Dante allows him to switch styles and weapons on the fly, producing crazy combo possibilities
  • Numerous new characters and environments
  • Signature blend of guns and swordplay

Devil May Cry 4 Collector’s Edition contains the following extras:

  • Volume 1 of ADV Film’s Devil May Cry: The Animated Series on DVD, including four complete episodes of the anime (a retail value of $29.99)
  • Unique Steelbook metal case
  • Bonus DVD
    • Making of Devil May Cry 4
    • Music from the soundtrack
    • Digital artbook
    • PC content (screen savers, wallpapers, icons)

Devil May Cry 4, rated M for Mature, is available as both standard edition ($59.99 MSRP) and a special Collector’s Edition package ($79.99 MSRP).

Twisted Metal: Head On: Extra Twisted Edition (PS2)

When the original Twisted Metal was released in 1995, it introduced an array of fully-destructible battlegrounds and lethal machines, equipped with a variety of weaponry, designed to reduce the competition to scrap metal. Now, along with the vehicles and environments from the PSP version of Twisted Metal : Head-On, Twisted Metal: Head-On: Extra Twisted Edition lets players reminisce with classic characters and arenas of the past and offers up the "Lost" levels, built from the never-released Twisted Metal: Black sequel.

"Twisted Metal: Head On: Extra Twisted Edition returns to its roots and combines the perfect blend of gameplay and bonus content to deliver what I believe is the best Twisted Metal ever," said Jeff Reese, director, software marketing, SCEA. "A tremendous value at only $19.99, this title also demonstrates our continued commitment to providing new and compelling content to PlayStation 2."

With over eight million copies of previous Twisted Metal titles sold and legions of loyal fans worldwide, this latest edition also includes a comprehensive collection of bonus features, creating a "must-have" collectible for Twisted Metal followers. For the first time ever, in the "Sweet Tour" mode, players will be able to take the evil face of the franchise, Sweet Tooth, out of his ice cream truck and take direct control of him as they explore a new level on foot and learn factoids about the Twisted Metal franchise. Also included with the title is a documentary on the Twisted Metal franchise, the never-before-seen "Lost Ending Movies" from the editing room floor of the final version of the original Twisted Metal, a special online download code to access the "Twisted Metal Symphony" -- a collection of the team's favorite music and voice over selects, and an art booklet featuring never-released Twisted Metal concept art that provides insight into the demented evolution of the franchise.

Destruction is at the game's core. The latest installment in the multi-million selling franchise provides a variety of gameplay options as gamers can go head-to-head or compete against the Artificial Intelligence (AI). Players will deliver devastation in a variety of battle arenas as they strap themselves into one of several destructive machines equipped with machine guns, turbo boosts and special attacks unique to each vehicle.

Players can choose between several modes of play, all designed to test their mettle in the car combat arena. Challenge Mode allows drivers to choose their vehicle, the arena and a host of Artificial Intelligence (AI) controlled enemies before being sent into battle, while in Story Mode, drivers choose their vehicles before progressing through a series of increasingly difficult arenas. For the ultimate gauntlet, Endurance Mode provides drivers with an endless onslaught of punishment in the form of AI controlled opponents -- in a battle to the end. Additionally, players have the option of single-player or two-player split-screen battles, where friends become enemies in the heat of battle.

Twisted Metal: Head On: Extra Twisted Edition is rated "T" for "Teen".

The Spiderwick Chronicles (NDS/PS2/Wii/X360/PC)

The Spiderwick Chronicles, which recreates the fantastical world of the Spiderwick film and popular book series, gives gamers the opportunity to explore the world of the unseen.

From the beloved best-selling series of books and upcoming film adaptation, comes The Spiderwick Chronicles, a fantasy adventure for children and adults alike. Like the movie, the game recreates the adventures of Jared, Simon, Mallory and the mysterious book that offers them entrance into the unseen universe of faeries, goblins, pixies, elves, ogres and other extraordinary and enchanted creatures who have lived among people for centuries but are invisible to the human eye.

Players can take the role of all three Grace siblings, each with unique abilities, along with Thimbletack the Brownie, whose small size allows players to discover the inner passages of the enchanted Spiderwick home. Featuring several areas from the film to explore, gamers must solve quests by engaging in kid-friendly combat, while capturing and cataloging all the creatures they find along the way.

"Sierra Entertainment is thrilled to bring The Spiderwick Chronicles to eager gamers in the days leading up to the highly-anticipated movie release," said Pascal Brochier, president, global retail for Vivendi Games. "The video game allows fans to delve deeper into their favorite fantasy world and discover the mystery behind The Spiderwick Chronicles."

"Fans of the Spiderwick franchise will get an opportunity to go beyond the film and popular book series as they uncover the secrets hidden within the Spiderwick video game," said Sandi Isaacs, Senior Vice President, Interactive & Mobile, Paramount Pictures Digital Entertainment. "We're excited to give gamers a family-friendly experience that mirrors all the fantasy and adventure they'll see in the highly-anticipated film."

The Spiderwick Chronicles video game was developed at Stormfront Studios and is available for X360, Wii, PS2, NDS and PC.

The Experiment (PC)

Begin your innovative shared adventure in what appears to be a deserted old ship, grounded on a beautiful Pacific island. You mysteriously find yourself in the ship’s operations room faced with a highly advanced panel of controls, surveillance monitors and a wide array of sophisticated technology. As you watch the monitors for other signs of life, you discover a woman. Unable to find a way to communicate with her directly, you realize you are her only hope. She needs your help.

The problem is, you too are being held prisoner by an unseen captor. Soon you come to realize the only way to escape is to help one another. But… who are you? Who is she? Why do you control both your fates? Is escape from this floating prison your only goal, or is there a more cryptic scheme?

Features:

  • Unlock a powerful story revealed through vivid flashbacks and shocking plot twists
  • Each character has independent attitudes, notions, and fears requiring you to build trust with the other character and overcome human and environmental challenges.
  • As the extended eyes and ears of the captive woman, explore every corner of the eerie ship scouting the path ahead for unseen dangers and enemies.
  • Strategically employ high-tech surveillance equipment to solve ingenious puzzles including: the ship’s intranet, full 3D rotation cameras, light intensifiers, heat detectors, thermal vision and even cameras on remote-control vehicles

“Adventure gamers should get ready for a unique challenge where they need to act as the eyes and the ears of a mysterious woman, seemingly held captive in a dilapidated ship,” said Byron Gaum, Senior Product Manager at DreamCatcher Games. “The Experiment is full of mystery, suspense and unexpected plot twists. The characters are dynamic, the setting is eerie and the puzzles are innovative. Gaming enthusiasts are in for a treat with this one!”

The Experiment, is rated T for Teen, and is shipping to stores across North America for the suggested retail price of $29.99 USD.

Culdcept SAGA (X360)

Combining the luck and strategy of a traditional board game with the depth of trading card games, Culdcept SAGA offers gamers an entirely original play experience as they customize their decks and take on opponents in an addictive single player mode, multiplayer versus mode and online via Xbox LIVE.

Culdcept SAGA immerses players in a mystical world in which combatants wage war to possess pieces of a powerful book known as the “Culdcept.” Shattered into hundreds of cards imbued with incredible capabilities, the Culdcept has the power to grant its owner godlike abilities. As players battle others who seek to wield the Culdcept, they will move around a variety of game boards in an attempt to gain ownership of land squares while confronting enemy monsters. As they traverse the board, players can choose to pay a toll to their opponent to avoid battle, or go toe to toe with a creature of their own. With each successful encounter in the game’s single player story mode, players will acquire new cards as well as rare outfits they can use to customize their in-game avatar.

Featuring nearly 500 unique hand-illustrated cards, Culdcept SAGA lets players create their own custom decks that suit their individual play style. Choosing from fearsome creatures, powerful equipment and mighty spells, players have nearly infinite freedom to generate new strategies and techniques for overcoming their opponents.

Boasting an impressive range of multiplayer features, Culdcept SAGA lets up to four players match wits and custom decks in tactical battles on a single Xbox 360 system or online with Xbox LIVE. Players will be able to customize the full scope of their multiplayer experience by managing the in-game rules, match types and even holding “blind” matches to level the playing field by distributing a random deck of cards to all competitors.

Culdcept SAGA, rated “T” for Teen, carries a suggested retail price of $39.99.

Zoo Tycoon 2 DS (NDS)

Zoo Tycoon 2 DS includes a host of brand-new features that will captivate fans of the simulation genre, as well as anyone who has ever dreamed of running their own zoo.

In Zoo Tycoon 2 DS, players will be able to experience a menagerie of new exotic animals and environments. The game features three entirely different modes of play that allow players to layout and customize their zoo as Zoo Designer, manage their zoo and maximize its financial success as Zoo Director, or interact and care for three-dimensional versions of their animals as Zookeeper. Unique DS controls utilizing the touch screen and stylus allow players to perform all operations of the game, including zoo construction, purchasing animals and designing exhibits. Zoo Tycoon 2 DS also features the new wireless multi-card functionality where players can exchange zoo data and compete with friends.

Zoo Tycoon 2 DS is rated “E” for everyone and is now available for a suggested retail price of $29.99.

My Horse and Me (NDS/Wii/PC)

Boasting the first and only exclusive worldwide license from one of the world's foremost horse sports organization, the Federation Equestre Internationale FEI (International Equestrian Federation), My Horse and Me features a realistic and immersive video game representation of equestrian sports.

Delivering all the excitement and fun of equestrian life, from sports and leisure riding to horse care, My Horse and Me is a unique gaming experience for anyone with an interest or passion for horses. The game features the most accurate horse models and animations yet realized in a video game, alongside a richly rewarding gameplay experience, all set against a beautiful backdrop of charming indoor and outdoor environments.

"The rich and authentic gameplay of My Horse and Me offers the horse- enthusiast community a truly engaging family-fun ride," said Dane Cypel, Producer, Atari Inc. "The game's charming depiction of these noble animals is sure to win the hearts and saddles of horse devotees everywhere."

My Horse and Me has a rich variety of game play modes and options to give players a deep and rewarding experience. The Championship mode lets the player take part in competitions at indoor and outdoor locations around the globe ranging from rustic stables and classical riding schools to world-class tournament locations. A series of fun mini-games offer a variety of game play experiences alongside rewarding horse care game play and extensive customization.

My Horse and Me, rated "E" for Everyone, is now available for Wii/NDS ($29.99) and PC ($19.99).

Downstream Panic! (PSP)

The fish-out-of-water adventure challenges gamers to play the role of a sea-creature preservationist out to save the world's fish after a stunning cyclone has blasted them into the Earth's atmosphere. Using a slate of more than eight types of innovative tools like fans, bombs, trees, harpoons and freezers, players must help their fishy friends to safety on their Earthbound descent. But there are some nasty obstacles and treacherous predators that are also vying for the players' scaly amigos.

"We think gamers can't help but fall for Downstream Panic!" said Donny Clay, Producer, Atari, Inc. "The game combines action, tactics and puzzle elements with an incredibly colorful and fun style. Once gamers give this game a try, we think they'll be saying 'oh my cod!' But seriously, we think kids and adults alike should give the game a try just for the halibut."

Developed by Eko Software, Downstream Panic! offers more than 80 levels in five bright and colorful environments. Three different game modes (adventure, free play and survival) mix up the challenge. With more than 10 hours of standard gameplay as well as 10 new Paradise-themed maps available as downloadable content, Downstream Panic! promises to keep gamers reeling for months and months.

Downstream Panic! is rated E10+ and is available for the PSP system at the suggested retail price of $29.95.

Pet Pals: Animal Doctor (NDS)

Developed by Legacy Interactive and Frontline Studios, Pet Pals: Animal Doctor lets players experience the challenging world of veterinary medicine by diagnosing and treating 30 different medical cases created by real-life veterinarians.

"Pet Pals: Animal Doctor is designed to provide players with a deeper understanding of the care and expertise required to keep pets healthy," said Gui Karyo, Executive Vice President of Operations, Majesco. "Complete with realistic medical cases and intuitive Touch Screen procedures, Pet Pals: Animal Doctor is a fun and educational experience that players of all ages can enjoy at a great value."

In Pet Pals: Animal Doctor, players will learn the techniques required to diagnose and treat 23 different lovable pets, including a Yorkshire terrier, turtle, parakeet, rabbit and hamster. To do so, players must successfully administer more than 40 Touch Screen tests while interacting with stressed patients and concerned pet owners. Players face 30 different real-life medical cases from hairballs to infections to broken bones that add authenticity to the gameplay. After treatment, players can feed, clean and play with their patients in the Recovery Room to help improve each animal's spirits as it heals.

Pet Pals: Animal Doctor is now available for a suggested retail price of $19.99.

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