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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, March 11, 2008 Shipping Announcements

by Rainier on March 11, 2008 @ 4:05 a.m. PDT

Buzz! The Hollywood Quiz / Buzz! Jr.: Robo Jam (PS2)

Buzz! The Hollywood Quiz and Buzz! Jr.: Robo Jam provide accessible gameplay for people of all ages by utilizing the easy to use pick-up and play Buzz! buzzer peripherals instead of Dualshock 2 analog controller.

For the celebrity-obsessed, movie buffs and trivia fans, Buzz! The Hollywood Quiz brings a sophisticated, red carpet event "live" in your living room as players are cast as contestants in the ultimate Hollywood trivia event. Featuring over 5,000 questions on a number of topics including Hollywood's biggest box office hits and the lifestyles of its most glamorous stars, Buzz! The Hollywood Quiz is the perfect party starter that lets eight of your family and friends relive moments of their favorite feature films. With a simple push of the Buzz! buzzer, gamers and non-gamers alike can test their tinsel town knowledge on new and improved round types including Rollover, Fact or Fiction and Hollywood Stars, and also experience all the glitz and movie magic through hundreds of celebrity images, film clips and more.

Ideal for the younger gamer in the family, Buzz! Jr.: Robo Jam will bring kids, parents and grandparents together with its infectious and entertaining interactive gameplay. Featuring 24 brand new mini-games, Buzz! Jr.: Robo Jam places players in a futuristic world where mischievous robots are sent to Robot Boot camp. Up to four players can pick up the easy to use buzzers and compete in hilarious far-out tasks to see who will become the top cadet. Buzz! The Hollywood Quiz and Buzz! Jr.: Robo Jam both require buzzers to play and are available bundled with the buzzers or as a standalone version offered at a lower price.

"The Buzz! franchise brings players of all ages together to test their skills as the fastest buzzer in the house," said Jeff Reese, director, software marketing, SCEA. "Setting the stage for seemingly endless rounds of competitive fun, kids will be jumping off the furniture to be the best robot in Robo Jam, while the entertainment hounds get their trivia on with Buzz! The Hollywood Quiz."

Buzz! The Hollywood Quiz is rated "T" for Teen while Buzz! Jr.: Robo Jam is rated "E" for Everyone.

Condemned 2: Bloodshot (X360)

Condemned 2: Bloodshot, the next chapter in the horrifying series that began with the award-winning and critically acclaimed Condemned: Criminal Origins, is a first-person action thriller that will immerse players back into a universe of unimaginable psychological terror.

Condemned 2: Bloodshot follows Ethan Thomas, and his inner demons, in a string of gruesome murders where players must use their deductive skills and brute force to track down sadistic serial killers. The game features all-new fighting mechanics and high-tech forensics tools, giving players the resources they need to unravel the mysteries and cope with every disturbing event. Developed by the renowned Monolith Productions, creators of the original Condemned game, Condemned 2: Bloodshot also introduces a variety of thrilling online multiplayer modes, delivering the most brutal hand-to-hand combat experience the first-person genre has ever seen.

"Condemned 2: Bloodshot takes the horror genre to a whole new level," said Rick Naylor, Director of Marketing for SEGA of America, Inc. "Its brutal, first-person action, all-new online multiplayer modes, and terrifying atmosphere will stay with gamers even after they've turned it off."

Condemned 2: Bloodshot, rated "M" for Mature, carries a suggested retail price of $59.95. The PlayStation 3 version will be available on March 18, 2008.

El Tigre: The Adventures of Manny Rivera (PS2)

The game follows Manny, the youngest member of the famous Rivera family, as he uses his El Tigre powers to save Miracle City from Mikla, the Prince of Doom.

In El Tigre: The Adventures of Manny Rivera, players will race against the clock in fast-paced, platforming levels based on environments from the television show including Miracle City, Calavera Mesa, Old Cemetery and AzTech Ruins. Fans of the show can play as El Tigre, Frida or Black Cuervo in order to rescue the kidnapped Rivera family members. Players can collect Macho points by gathering tokens, defeating enemies and completing levels within the bonus time-limit in order to unlock additional content, defeat bosses and advance the story. El Tigre: The Adventures of Manny Rivera also marks the first appearance of Mikla, the Prince of Doom, a new villain created specifically for the video game by the show’s creator.

El Tigre: The Adventures of Manny Rivera is rated E for everyone and is now available for a suggested retail price of $19.99.

Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: Ring of Fates (PSP)

"We are extremely excited to bring Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: Ring of Fates to North American audiences," said Director Mitsuru Kamiyama. "The intuitive controls welcome players of all skill levels to jump right into the action, and the seamless, highly interactive multiplay experience allows players to work together as a team in this fun-for-all adventure."

Few titles epitomize the essence of multiplayer camaraderie like the Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles series. Released in 2004 as an innovative title that took advantage of the Nintendo GameCube(TM)-to-GBA connectivity, Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles bred an entirely new gameplay experience that expanded the horizons of conventional RPG gaming. Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: Ring of Fates is poised to continue this tradition by providing fans with two distinctly unique game types: a full-fledged single-player RPG experience and an addictive multiplayer element for up to four players.

Fraternal twins Yuri and Chelinka live happily with their father in a small village, but their happiness comes to an abrupt end with the arrival of an ancient evil. Now, with his family shattered, Yuri begins to train so that he will be strong enough to fight when the evil returns. Armed only with their determination, courage, and Chelinka's magic crystal, these brave twins set out on their quest to find their lost friends, avenge their family, and heal their world.

Features

  • Character designer Toshiyuki Itahana lends the game his trademark art style, combining an adorable cast and colorful world with a heroic storyline from the makers of Final Fantasy.
  • Players can enjoy a truly cooperative experience with Multiplay Mode, engaging in fast-paced, action-oriented gameplay with up to four players via local wireless connection.
  • A catalogue of over 300 items enables players to pick and choose from a variety of equipment and armor to customize a character's appearance and abilities.
  • An intuitive control scheme maximizes the capabilities of Nintendo DS, challenging players to coordinate both the command buttons and Touch Screen in battle.
  • The North American release contains additional quests not available in the original Japanese version.

Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: Ring of Fates is rated E10+ (Everyone 10 and older).

FlatOut: Head On (PSP)

FlatOut: Head On takes advantage of the PSP's recently enabled faster processing power and the instant pick up and play arcade style, boasting the most four-wheeled mayhem ever seen on PSP, with no less than nine different game modes, including carnage challenges, full career, destruction derbies, multiplayer party mode and the bone-crunching ragdoll stunt mode.

FlatOut: Head On is rated "T" for Teen and is now available for a suggested retail price of $29.99.

Lost Empire: Immortals (PC)

Long ago the immortal Aeons presented the fledging races with the technology to travel the stars. Without pause for reasoning, vast fleets colonised the cosmos expanding the interstellar community until a great cataclysm occurred.

Now the Aeon's, a technologically superior race that once guided the lesser races, is all but lost to myth. Their colonies and technology lie beyond reach - scattered throughout the galaxy, like so many stars.

Only fading memories recall the cause of the Aeons downfall and the loss of the star-gates that ended the first Galactic War. Devoid of the means to navigate the stars, the empires of the six major races began to look inwards as communication between worlds was lost.

From the depths of the abyss, the long forgotten desire for exploration and conquest calls out once again. For it would only be a matter of time before each race would: recover the knowledge to rebuild their fleets, reawaken their desire to explore, rekindle their need to expand and return to warring ways.

As the six galactic empires make ready for the arduous struggle ahead, all manner of citizens are rallied to the cause. Scouting expeditions leave the safety of their stellar berths seeking out potential systems ripe for colonisation. Close behind terra-forming ships prepare planets for swelling populations. Throughout countless shipyards powerful battle-fleets are forged from newly acquired resources, ready to face the threats that emerge with every cycle of the sun. A new age has arrived.

Lost Empire: Immortals is now available for a suggested retail price of $29.99.

Nanostray 2 (NDS)

A top-down, sci-fi shooter, Nanostray 2 features six game modes, including two-player co-op, two-player vs, Challenge (with 30+ different missions) and the brand new Simulator (go high-score hunting in four futuristic mini games). With both horizontal and vertical viewpoints that offer more variety between levels, Nanostray 2 also includes multiple control schemes and configurable weapons that are a necessity to defeat the game's 16 formidable bosses and 100 unique enemies. In addition, players can upload their scores via Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection to see how they rank against the best on www.Nanostray2.com.

Developed by Shin'en, Nanostray 2 combines classic arcade shooting action, spectacular graphics, new game modes and a variety of bosses to keep gamers consistently playing their DS.

"Shin'en has pushed the graphical capabilities of the DS to create an outstanding action shooter that looks as good as it plays," said Gui Karyo, Executive Vice President of Operations, Majesco. "Considering how few shooters are available on DS, Nanostray 2 stands out that much more as a high quality offering that fans of the genre can't afford to miss."

Nanostray 2 is rated E for Everyone, and is now available for a suggested retail price of $29.99.

Pro Evolution Soccer 2008 (NDS/PSP/PS2/PS3/X360)

The new edition marks the first time that the world's best-selling soccer video game franchise has exclusively used the Pro Evolution moniker in North America. While the name may be new, Pro Evolution Soccer 2008 combines the attention to detail that has always been the series' hallmark and has made Pro Evolution the world's definitive soccer title for any format. Pro Evolution Soccer 2008 contains a host of new features that will make this the most comprehensive version to date, including AI system Teamvision, cutting-edge graphics, and an extensive Edit mode.

"Pro Evolution Soccer 2008 marks a major step forward for the most popular soccer video game franchise in the world," said Anthony Crouts, Vice President of Marketing, Konami Digital Entertainment, Inc. "We pushed the envelope to make a title that captures all the subtleties and nuances of an actual soccer match. Next-gen capabilities such as the Teamvision AI system and photo-realistic graphics, along with a ton of licensed teams and leagues, combine to make this the definitive soccer game for fans and newcomers alike."

Pro Evolution Soccer 2008 shoots and scores with the renowned controls which create one of the most authentic soccer experiences in video gaming history. The new game boasts the revolutionary Teamvision AI system, a proprietary element that actively monitors the player's onscreen movements and adapts accordingly, forcing players to consider their own strategic play more carefully. Other new additions include amazing attention to detail as faces contort and shirts crease during a match, extensive Edit modes in all next generation versions, and closer control than ever before.

Featuring real players, a large variety of licensed teams and a huge variety of stadiums, gamers will be able to re-create the same excitement that surrounds the world's most popular sport. As with previous releases, the ball is treated as a separate entity, with the timing of shots completely controlled by the player, while the new AI ensures that defenders work to close down space and block efforts on goal. Similarly, distribution of passes works along the same lines, with players using the space available to them to switch the ball. Dribbling control has also been enhanced, and a number of subtle moves have been added to bypass defenders in order to move the ball into space.

Marking the series' first appearance on the PS3 along with its second Xbox 360 outing, these and the PC-DVD 'Next Generation' versions of Pro Evolution Soccer 2008 are further enhanced by stunning aesthetic elements. Player features have been taken to incredible levels with full facial animation and the high-definition detail afforded by the hardware shows full movement and subtle details on the various uniforms during the course of a match. All 'Next Gen' versions will also benefit from an extensive Edit mode, allowing players to customize their Pro Evolution experience.

Adding to the authenticity, Portuguese midfielder Cristiano Ronaldo will be the face of the latest version of the multi-million selling Pro Evolution Soccer series. Regarded as one of the most exciting talents of the modern game, the 22-year-old is a permanent fixture on the Portuguese national squad. His incredible ball control and trademark skills have seen him receive countless awards, including both the PFA's 2007 Player and Young Player of the Year awards.

Pro Evolution Soccer 2008, rated E for Everyone, will be available for a suggested retail price of $49.99 (PS3/X360), $29.99 (NDS/PSP), $29.99 (PS2 version).

Ratchet & Clank: Size Matters (PS2)

Featuring a remapped control scheme, re-worked lighting and textures, and the addition of 2-player split-screen gaming, Ratchet & Clank: Size Matters has been remastered to take advantage of the PlayStation 2 hardware.

Ratchet & Clank: Size Matters find the pair on a much needed vacation, Ratchet and Clank’s rest and relaxation time is suddenly cut short as they find themselves lured into a mysterious quest. Following the trail of a kidnapped girl, Ratchet and Clank rediscover a forgotten race of genius inventors known as the Technomites. They soon uncover a plot more dangerous than they could have imagined. With hallmark Ratchet & Clank gameplay, upgradable weapons and customizable armor; players will shrink and enlarge to explore the inside of Clanks head or fly through space as Giant Clank.

A new feature to the franchise is head-to-head split-screen multiplayer games. Two players battle on one of four different maps in Capture the Flag or the team based Iron Lombax game mode, which finds players competing to accomplish unique tasks such as collecting Martian cows to create meat crates and fill delivery trucks, the first to fill their truck wins.

Sprint Cars 2: Showdown at Eldora (PS2)

A hard-hitting action game where players get behind the wheel of their favorite race cars, Sprint Cars 2: Showdown at Eldora allows players to speed around the fastest tracks on the circuit at speeds of more than 170 mph.

In Sprint Cars 2: Showdown at Eldora, players will slide and grind around more than 25 racing arenas, including several new tracks such as the real-world Silver Dollar Speedway and Cedar Lake. New vehicle classes - Late Model, Pro Stock and Wingless Sprints - provide players with a wide variety of options to choose from, including for the first time Tony Stewart Racing’s #15 Sprint Car as well as the #20 Sprint and #20 Late Model. Rising stars can also get behind the wheel of their favorite vehicle and go from hometown hero to national star. Sprint Cars 2: Showdown at Eldora also features new modes of play including six split-screen Multiplayer modes, 20 Challenge events and the state fair favorite Tractor Pull. Crashes and out-of-control slides also provide heart-thumping excitement with spectacular, all-new damage modeling and physics.

Sprint Cars 2: Showdown at Eldora is rated "E" for everyone and is now available for a suggested retail price of $19.99.

The House of The Dead 2 & 3 Return (Wii)

Delivering two of the best versions from the popular arcade series, The House of The Dead 2 and The House of The Dead III, this great collection flawlessly brings the intense arcade action home with new features exclusive for Wii gamers.

Renowned for its non-stop pace, great visual quality and memorable boss battles, The House of The Dead 2 & 3 Return pits the player against the relentless attack of lumbering zombies, experimental horrors and gigantic monstrosities that will have hearts pounding and trigger fingers furiously firing. As players advance through each chapter, branching stages will reveal the terrible secrets behind the undead horrors.

Completing The House of The Dead 2 & 3 Return will unlock Extreme Mode, an exclusive gameplay feature that delivers an exciting new single player challenge found in The House of The Dead III. In Extreme Mode, players will be armed with a new “Guard Attack” that can be used as both a powerful melee attack and a life-saving defensive technique to guard against enemy attacks.

The House of The Dead 2 & 3 Return features seven intense modes of play that will entertain and challenge Wii gamers. These include Arcade, Original, Training and Boss mode in The House of The Dead 2 and Arcade, Time Attack, and the Wii exclusive Extreme Mode in The House of The Dead III. Full compatibility with the Wii Zapper and co-op multiplayer mode for up to two players ensures an authentic arcade experience.

The House of The Dead 2 & 3 Return, rated M for Mature, will be available on the Wii for $29.95.

Wild ARMs XF (PSP)

The once vibrant world of Filgaia is slowly dying, a result of some cataclysmic event lost in the dim, misty reaches of the past. The few pathetic remnants of once mighty nations are caught up in an endless cycle of war, fighting over the ever dwindling natural resources. Amidst the carnage and slow decay, there is one kingdom that has until recently managed to avoid the chaos and suffering plaguing its neighbors; the kingdom of Elesius.

However, the kingdom is slowly descending into anarchy with the king inflicted with a mysterious illness that has kept him bed-ridden, intensifying the future uncertainty as the heir-apparent disappeared a year earlier and is presumed dead. An opportunistic senate has formed its own police force and is gradually usurping power from the royal family.

It is against this backdrop of political intrigue and social decay that the main character Clarissa Arwin, accompanied by her half-brother and protector, Felius, enter Elesius hot on the trail of Rupert Dandridge, the man who murdered her mother. What started out as a personal vendetta soon turns into an epic battle to not only keep a kingdom from falling, but to save the world of Filgaia from being turned into an uninhabitable wasteland.

Features

  • Innovative hex-based battle grid system allows more tactical positioning options, such as Formation and Combination Arts, as opposed to the traditional square-based battle grid.
  • One of the deepest strategy games on the PSP system with over 50 stages containing a wide array of mission objectives, as well as numerous optional battles.
  • Deep party customization with over 20 unique job classes to choose from such as Berserker, Elementalist, Grappler, Geomancer and Sacred Slayer, among others.
  • Extensive material creation options to create more powerful weapons, spell books and armor by combining rare materials obtained from battle.
  • US-exclusive inclusion of a Music Library containing 20 select tracks from the game accessible any time from the game menu.
  • Original Japanese voice-over selectable from the Option Menu.

Wild ARMs XF is available for a suggested retail price of US$39.99 and is rated "E10+" for Everyone ages 10 and up by the ESRB.

World Heroes Anthology (PS2)

World Heroes Anthology is the complete collection (on one disc) of one of SNK's most popular 2D fighting game series, World Heroes. The titles included are: World Heroes, World Heroes 2, World Heroes 2 Jet, and World Heroes Perfect. Follow the storyline of Dr. Brown, a scientist, who having perfected a time machine has organized a fighting tournament throughout all of history to truly see who the best fighter of all time is. True to this plot many of the fighters are based on actual historical figures.

"We're very excited about bringing out this collection" said Ben Herman, President of SNK Playmore. The World Heroes series has always been a favorite amongst SNK fans. So now, not only do our fans get what they've been waiting for but also new gamers can now experience what makes SNK so great."

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