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Tuesday, September 23, 2008 Shipping Announcements

by Rainier on Sept. 23, 2008 @ 3:04 a.m. PDT

Brothers In Arms Hell's Highway (PS3/X360)

Developed by Gearbox Software, Brothers In Arms Hell's Highway is the third iteration of the highly successful and award-winning Brothers In Arms series.

Brothers In Arms Hell's Highway brings the critically acclaimed squad-based WWII shooter into the next generation of gaming with amazing graphics, sound and new cutting-edge gameplay features. Delivering on the franchise's compelling story, unrivaled authenticity and intense squad-based action, Brothers In Arms Hell's Highway drops you into Operation Market Garden, the largest airborne operation of World War II. Lead Matt Baker, Joe Hartsock and the rest of the 101st Airborne Division as they fight to open "Hell's Highway” in a daring bid for a quick end to the war.

"Brothers In Arms Hell's Highway has turned out to be the most authentic, intense and action-oriented recreation of true history ever offered as interactive entertainment,” said Randy Pitchford, President of Gearbox Software. "We know that many fans have been anticipating this day where our commitment to quality has finally led us to deliver the immersive story-driven, squad combat focused, next-generation vision of authentic warfare in Brothers in Arms Hell's Highway.”

Brothers In Arms Hell's Highway for the Xbox 360 and the PS3 has shipped to retail stores and is now available for an MSRP of $59.99.

LEGO Batman: The Videogame (NDS/PSP/PS2/Wii/PS3/X360/PC)

Gotham City’s most notorious criminals have broken out of ARKHAM ASYLUM and it’s up to the DYNAMIC DUO to stop them. Based on the iconic DC Comics’ heroes BATMAN and ROBIN, as well as many other memorable characters from the DC Comics Universe, LEGO Batman: The Videogame blends the wildly popular Batman universe with the versatility of LEGO building and the humor of the LEGO minifigure. Unlike any LEGO game done in the past, players can now explore their wicked side and play the game as the villains, not just the heroes.

From the rooftops to the sewers, players will experience Gotham City like never before as they choose to play from the perspective of either the villains, entering the game from Arkahm Asylum, or the heroes, swinging into action from The BATCAVE. LEGO Batman: The Videogame features fifteen hero levels and fifteen villain levels – for a total of thirty unique action-packed levels. Play as comic heroes Batman, Robin, ALFRED PENNYWORTH and BATGIRL, or wreak havoc as The Joker, HARLEY QUINN, MR. FREEZE, TWO-FACE and many more!

LEGO Batman: The Videogame features a completely original storyline, encompassing the lighthearted charm of LEGO and the multifaceted lore of Gotham City. LEGO Batman: The Videogame features co-op multiplayer allowing for easy pick-up-and-play. Players can also get behind the wheel of legendary vehicles, such as the BATMOBILE and BATWING. Enhance the abilities of the Dynamic Duo by unlocking Batman and Robin’s suits to help fight Gotham’s villains, or use The Joker’s electric buzzer to give our heroes a shock.

LEGO Batman: The Videogame, rated “E10+”, is a fast-paced action adventure title available on the Xbox 360, PS3 and Wii for $49.99, as well as PS2, PSP, NDS and PC, for $29.99.

Sid Meier’s Civilization IV: Colonization (PC)

Colonization is a standalone game experience that adds an entirely new scenario to the ever-evolving world of Civilization. In Colonization, players lead one of four European nations on a quest to colonize and thrive in the New World. Players will be challenged to guide their people from the oppressive motherland, discover the New World, and negotiate, trade and fight as they acquire power and battle for their freedom and independence.

“The decade-long groundswell of fan enthusiasm around Colonization was the driving force behind our decision to make a new version for today’s gamers,” said Sid Meier, director of creative development at Firaxis Games. “The terrific community support for the game, coupled with the opportunity to design a new edition using our Civilization IV engine, made it the right time to create this title for loyal fans and everyone else who loves great strategy games.”

As a complete reimagining of the 1994 classic, Colonization is a total conversion of Civilization IV that combines Civilization’s addictive “just one more turn” gameplay with all-new graphics and features that add more depth to the franchise. New features, such as a brand-new interface, improved diplomacy options and the included modding tools ensure that Colonization is the next great title from gaming’s premier strategy game developer.

Sid Meier’s Civilization IV: Colonization, rated E10+ for Everyone 10 and older , is available now in North America and will be available internationally on Sept. 26.

BUZZ! Quiz TV (PS3) / BUZZ! Master Quiz (PSP)

With over 5,000 questions for BUZZ! Quiz TV and over 3,000 questions for BUZZ! Master Quiz, trivia buffs will be put to the test with the vast variety of questions from topics including celebrities, music, movies & television, sports, history, science and more. Expanding upon previous PS2 installments, BUZZ! Quiz TV and BUZZ! Master Quiz expand the BUZZ! franchise into the next generation with PS3 features like online interactive play, content generation and wireless buzzers; and on-the-go social gaming with the PSP.

"The introduction of the BUZZ! franchise to the PS3 and the PSP demonstrates our continued commitment to expanding our social gaming catalogue while broadening our audience with exciting and fun content that brings people together," said Scott Steinberg, vice president, software marketing, SCEA. "With its accessible content, social, engaging gameplay and superior online and multiplayer capabilities that includes the ability for users to create and share their own quizzes online, the newest editions to the BUZZ! franchise continue to elevate the classic board game to an entirely new generation."

For an endless supply of fun, BUZZ! Quiz TV fans can now create and share their own questions online via MyBUZZquiz.com. Quizzes created via MyBUZZ can be played online or on the PS3 and provide opportunities to personalize quizzes for certain occasions or individuals. Players can choose to keep their quizzes private, share them with their PlayStation Network friends or open them up for full access within PlayStation Network. In addition, up to four "sofas" (sets of one to four players) from anywhere in the United States or Canada can team up for trivia showdowns in the online multiplayer mode, "Sofa vs. Sofa."

Further extending the already robust trivia content with BUZZ! Quiz TV for the PS3, new quiz packs containing over 500 questions each will be available to download from PlayStation Network, and will focus on genres such as Lifestyles, Music, Sports and other exciting categories. Three new quiz packs suitable for friends and family members of all ages will be available immediately upon launch: Sci-Fi, Videogames and National Geographic: Safari.

Also available on launch for BUZZ! Quiz TV via a downloadable update will be full trophy support, allowing players to collect a variety of trophies to bolster their PlayStation Network standings, based on several different achievements within the game. In addition, players will have multiple buzzer support in "Sofa vs. Sofa," a choice among four new contestants and ten new buzzer sounds, question and download pack management, and Eye and EyeToy support. Photos can be taken during the game and saved in galleries in-game. The "Get Your Buzz Face On" feature will allow players to favorite photos and save them to the PS3.

BUZZ! Master Quiz for the PSP takes the popular game show host, Buzz, and shrinks him down for fun on the go. BUZZ! Master Quiz features six all-new single and multiplayer games specifically designed for PSP, including the speed-is-of-the-essence "Quickfire Challenge," the picture puzzler "Picture This" and the mind-boggling "Virus Challenge." Each round comes with pictures and videos. BUZZ! Master Quiz also includes a more robust single-player mode with 15 different quiz challenges designed to test all aspects of general knowledge. Medals are awarded in each round and a variety of special in-game rewards can be collected according to how many correct questions the player has answered in a row, or how fast the player reacts.

For fans on the road, BUZZ! Master Quiz for the PSP offers three innovative multiplayer modes, all requiring either just one PSP or one copy of the game to enjoy. "Pass Around" involves one PSP system being transferred from player to player. In this mode, gamers can quiz their friends on their general knowledge and choose who to pass the PSP, adding a new tactical edge to gameplay. "Quiz Host" is a mode in which up to six players can compete against each other with one taking control of the game to select and answer the questions. The Quiz Host has the power to award or even deduct points as he or she sees fit. "Game Sharing" allows up to four to connect wirelessly and share one copy of the game in an effort to determine who can succeed in "Fastest Finger" play.

SimCity Creator (NDS/Wii)

SimCity Creator (Wii)

With your Wii remote, start zoning your city, constructing homes, businesses, factories, skyscrapers, freeways, railroads and much more. Your city will come alive with 13 distinct city styles including Chinese, Japanese, European, Mediterranean, Military State, Indian, Egyptian, Las Vegas, Greek, Sweets, Sci-Fi, Crystal and Jungle themes.

And for the first time in the series, build transportation systems with curved roads and rail lines, taking your city to new creative and curvy heights. Then get a new perspective on your cityscape from a helicopter or airplane, flying over your creation.

You created it, and now you can destroy it. With your Wii remote, you can create earthquakes, tornados, call in destructive robots and monsters, create fires and discover many more ways to cause havoc. The fate of your city and its citizens are in your hands!

"For nearly 20 years, SimCity has made building, managing and sometimes destroying cities a fun, cultural phenomenon," said Mitch Ueno, Senior Producer for SimCity Creator. "SimCity Creator takes the best of SimCity and adds accessibility, more creativity, more depth and, with the Wii version, a spectacular array of exotic disasters. We think we've made perhaps the most playable, most fun version of SimCity yet."

SimCity Creator (NDS)

Guide your city from ancient times into the future with SimCity Creator for Nintendo DS. Evolve your city through time, starting with ancient times, travel through the middle ages, modern times, present day and the future. Four play modes are available, Challenge, Free Play, DS Wireless Communications and Gallery, giving options to make the game as challenging or as creative as you want. Earn epic landmarks along the way to enhance your city and mark your progress into the next era. Choose your path through history and make a city for the ages.

SimCity Creator hits store shelves worldwide with an MSRP of $49.99 for the Wii version and $39.99 for the NDS version.

Cabela's Dangerous Hunts 2009 (PS2/Wii/PS3/X360)

Be afraid... very afraid. Activision released Cabela's Dangerous Hunts 2009, rendering no hunter safe amidst scores of savage animals in the world's most treacherous hunting locales. The latest title in the best-selling Cabela's Dangerous Hunts franchise turns the food chain upside down, where you will need to rely on precision shooting and quick reflexes to make it out of the wilderness alive.

Cabela's Dangerous Hunts 2009 is all about nonstop danger and fast action - this is a thrilling hunting experience for both hunting enthusiasts and first-person action fans. The stats speak for themselves: the game has 25 of the world's most dangerous animals, including lions, grizzly bears, Cape buffalo, rhino, jaguars and more in 9 exotic, rugged locations like the South American jungle, Alaskan wilderness, and the Russian tundra. To top it off, ferocious beasts aren't the only way you can meet your maker - you must survive plane crashes and boat down treacherous rivers, as well as avoid avalanches, stampedes, and piranha-infested waters.

"We've created an intense wilderness experience where hunting for sport is taken to a new level," said Dave Oxford, Activision Publishing. "The onslaught of danger is relentless. The question is, how long can you survive?"

You play as Flint Abrahams, a seasoned big game hunter on a quest to hunt the world's deadliest trophies. Equipped with Cabela's gear, the most respected outdoor recreation brand in the world, one would think the odds are on your side. But no one has even seen animals this fierce - they will charge you if you miss your shot, then you will be forced to fight them via melee defense. But pay attention, nearby animals may join the attack, which means dire consequences for those without the requisite combination of brawn and pinpoint shooting ability.

Cabela's Dangerous Hunts 2009 will also feature a wide variety of gameplay modes, including fan favorite Action Zone, where the player will fight off waves of surprise animal attacks, and Bonus Hunt Mode, where you use the skills you gained in a series of intense hunting challenges.

Cabela's Dangerous Hunts 2009 is available for $39.99 for Xbox 360, PS3, and Wii, and $29.99 for PS2.

Hell's Kitchen: The Game (NDS/Wii/PC)

Developed by Ludia, Hell's Kitchen: The Game is based on the FOX hit television series featuring world-renowned Chef Gordon Ramsay. The game will allow players to step into Hell's Kitchen to experience the show's high-pressure atmosphere. After successfully executing the three phases of an order – preparation, cooking, and service – players will be rewarded with recipes from Hell's Kitchen and Chef Ramsay. Failure will shut down the kitchen and incur the wrath of the man who put the hell in Hell's Kitchen.

Key Features:

  • Chef Ramsay watches the players' every move and judges them as they progress by yelling, praising or shutting down the kitchen if their skills don't meet his expectations.
  • As players progress, they'll gain access to authentic Gordon Ramsay recipes, including some that are offered exclusively to game owners.
  • In "Career Mode,” players can earn stars to build their way up from a Single Star restaurant to a prestigious Five Star establishment. As the player advances through the ranks, their star rating advances and the recipes become more varied and intricate.
  • In "Arcade Mode,” the pressure builds as customers become increasingly more demanding. Players will be challenged to keep up with the pressure before time is up or Chef Ramsay loses patience and closes the kitchen.

Hell's Kitchen: The Game, rated "T” for Teen, has an MSRP of $39.99 for Wii, $29.99 for DS, and $19.99 for the PC.

Dark Horizon (PC)

Dark Horizon is a stark and atmospheric space combat simulation that aims to hurl its audience through an action-packed adventure, piloting its own ship through the perils that only space could have to offer.

Dark Horizon is a plot-rich experience; 22 challenging missions, laced with special features such as full ship customization, original weapon creation, joystick support, and several modes of combat.

At the boundary of the known galaxy, a deep-space exploration probe begins its transmission to a star-base, light years away.Before the signal is prematurely cut-off, the base's central computer receives numerous images of a disturbing nature.On examination, they provide a tantalising glimpse of sinister alien spacecraft flying amid monstrous sized space stations.Could these belong to the race responsible, for the disaster afflicting the universe?

Set in the dark and beautiful galaxy of Enosta, Dark Horizon casts players as Guardians, the mysterious yet skilled fighters charged with saving the galaxy by overcoming the all-consuming spectral force known as the Mirk.

Dark Horizon is available for purchase in stores and for digital download at GamersGate.

Animal Paradise (NDS)

Animal Paradise takes players to a virtual farm where they can try their hand at caring for and raising 18 different animals including dogs, cats, hamsters, horses, pigs, and more. Pets will need to be fed, cleaned, walked, and played with in order to be kept fit, healthy, and happy. As they progress through the game, players will unlock new animals to care for and fun-filled mini-games like Treasure Hunting, Footprint Trail, and Shampoo Scrub. Getting to know the animals, learning what kind of care each one prefers, and building a bond with them will be rewarded by unlocking exclusive pet photos based on the ``Hanadeka'' or ``big-nose'' style of animal photography, by famed Japanese photographer Yoneo Morita, for their virtual photo album.

``This shipment marks a major milestone for Empire as a new partner with legendary game producer, Atari,'' said Karim Farghaly, vice president of sales at Empire Interactive. ``Like Empire, Atari recognizes that younger DS players appreciate pet simulation games that offer a variety of animals and engaging gameplay, and that are easy to pick-up and play. We expect this title to be well received in North America, particularly after its success in Europe and as we enter the upcoming holiday shopping season.''

Animal Paradise is rated ``E'' for ``Everyone'' with an MSRP of $19.99.

Brain Quest (NDS)

In partnership with the New York based Workman Publishing Company, Inc., EA has released two Brain Quest DS games based on the fast-paced, educational quiz cards: one available for third and fourth graders and another for fifth and sixth graders.

“We’re excited to have the Brain Quest NDS games as EA Casual Entertainment’s first foray into educational gaming space,” said Russell Arons, VP of Marketing, EA Casual Entertainment. “The series is such a natural fit for videogames and by further adapting it to the Nintendo DS, today’s tech savvy kids have an opportunity to be educated in an engaging and fun way.”

“We are very pleased that Brain Quest will now be able to educate and entertain children through the video game medium,” said Janet Harris, Brain Quest Publisher, Workman Publishing Company, Inc. “The Brain Quest video games are a great extension of the popular brand which is recognized by teachers, trusted by parents, and adored by kids.”

The Brain Quest video games are each packed with 6,000 curriculum-based questions developed specifically for the third/fourth and fifth/sixth grade levels. Kids will be entertained anywhere - whether on the way to soccer practice, at home, or while waiting for the school bus. The game’s Brain Mode allows kids to choose from an assortment of subjects, such as English, math, history, science and geography, and will engage them with a quick-to-the-fun, fast-paced question- and- answer format. A Quest Mode feature challenges players to help various characters by correctly answering questions in each subject. The game’s Multiplayer Mode allows children of all ages to play cooperatively, so everyone can get in on the action and enjoy the brain-challenging fun!

Throughout the game, players earn points by answering questions correctly, and use their points and cumulative achievements to unlock and redeem collectibles. These collectibles can then be used to customize up to six scenes in the game.

Both Brain Quest games, rated E for Everyone, have a U.S. MSRP of $29.99.

Shaun the Sheep (NDS)

In Shaun the Sheep, based on Aardman Animation’s television series, gamers will play as the loveable sheep, Shaun, as he tries to find the rest of the flock before the Farmer arrives home.

“We were thrilled to see Aardman’s unique style and animation from the show really come alive on Nintendo DS. It was imperative to capture the distinctive and comedic qualities that make Shaun the Sheep an award-winning series in order to create a truly fun gaming experience for kids and parents,” said Adam Roberts, European Managing Director for D3P. “From imagery to sound effects, the videogame really shines with all the quirky Aardman humor.”

In Shaun the Sheep, the sheep have escaped and Shaun must find the rest of the flock before the Farmer comes home. Gamers will play as Shaun and interact with favorite characters such as Shirley, Timmy, Bitzer and more as they adventure through their favorite scenes and explore areas from the series like the junk pile, the sheep pool and the circus tent. Players will utilize the DS touch screen and microphone as they experience three different gameplay modes: Story Mode, Mini-game Mode and Collection Mode and maneuver around obstacles, access hidden areas, and try their hand at eight unlockable mini-games and eight collectible slide puzzles. Five “micro” games will offer players more interactivity and depth by showcasing memorable moments from the show such as saving Timmy from the circus high wire or making a ball of wool to distract Pidsley the cat!

Developed by Art Co., Ltd., Shaun the Sheep, rated “E” for Everyone, will be available at North American retailers for $29.95 (USD).

Babysitting Mania (NDS)

Based on the hit PC simulation game, Babysitting Mania tasks players with feeding, entertaining and cleaning up after unruly children through 20 chaotic houses with indoor and outdoor areas.

The sequel to the highly successful Nanny Mania on PC, Babysitting Mania is a dynamic multi-tasking game in which players must manage rambunctious kids, a myriad of chores and neighborhood birthday parties all via the Touch Screen. Players progress through more than 100 levels of fast-paced, overlapping challenges while strategically employing "timeouts" and grabbing a quick cup of coffee for an extra dose of energy. Players will also care for children in various stages of their lives-from babies to toddlers to teens-and as a bonus can choose to play as either the babysitter or the nanny character from the original Nanny Mania game.

Babysitting Mania, rated E for Everyone, is now available at a SRP of $19.99.

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