Tropico 3 lets players take the reigns of a small, but strategically positioned Caribbean island and challenges them to stay in power for more than 50 years. As the famed "El Presidente," players ward off political opposition while choosing to either lead their country into peace and prosperity, or rule their banana republic through fear as a tyrannical dictator.
"We are thrilled to ship the true successor to Tropico and build upon the incredibly fun gameplay of the original, by adding exciting new elements that expand the Tropico universe," said Deb Tillett, president of Kalypso Media USA. "With its new features, customization capabilities and modes, Tropico 3 delivers a game that far surpasses the expectations of its loyal fans, while introducing new gamers to a great strategy experience."
Developed by Haemimont Games, Tropico 3 includes a robust set of new features, including a powerful new mission editor, an online challenge mode and a new avatar function that allows players to customize their own unique "El Presidente." Once created, the new ruler is free to travel the island giving speeches, issuing edicts and exerting other means of influence. A comprehensive campaign mode features 18 different missions, while a historical timeline editor, new buildings, industries and infrastructure provide players with a wide array of options for hours of in-depth gameplay.
Tropico 3, rated T for Teen, is currently available at retail stores in North America for $39.99.
Developed by Gearbox Software, Borderlands delivers this year's most explosive and entertaining role-playing shooter (RPS) by combining the most addictive gaming elements found in action-packed first-person shooters with the deep character development of role-playing games (RPG).
"We are excited by the overwhelmingly positive media response to Borderlands and can't wait for consumers to see for themselves how it takes the traditional first-person shooter experience and turns it completely upside down," said Christoph Hartmann, president of 2K. "Borderlands is unlike anything else on store shelves. It's got it all, from single-player to four-player co-op, two-player split-screen, character development that grants players a sense of ownership, and the biggest arsenal ever seen in a first-person shooter."
Featuring extensive co-op integration that seamlessly blends the single-player and multiplayer experiences, Borderlands allows players to freely join or leave each other's games at any time for collaborative mayhem or the freedom to choose to play in full single-player mode to experience the world on their own. Borderlands also includes a groundbreaking weapon generation system that offers a near infinite variety of weapons to the player. Borderlands combines these features with addictive non-stop action to form a breakthrough experience that challenges the conventions of modern shooters and RPGs.
More mayhem is set to come for players of Borderlands via The Zombie Island of Dr. Ned, the first in a series of downloadable expansion packs, which is scheduled to arrive for all platforms before the end of the year.
"The Borderlands team at Gearbox has brought together the things we know we love – co-op, skill-based action, character development and millions of guns – in a way we haven't seen before," said Randy Pitchford, president of Gearbox Software. "Borderlands is a great shooter that we can play alone or with friends. I think it's the best video game we've ever made and I have never been more excited about a launch."
As one of this holiday season's most unique and entertaining titles, Borderlands takes gun lust to a new level by featuring more than 17 million unique weapons. Each weapon has its own combination of manufacturer, specifications and advantages for gamers to wreak havoc on the evils of the wasteland planet of Pandora as they embark on a quest for the elusive Vault. Add Borderlands' eye-popping and visually compelling art style known as Concept Art Style that combines traditional rendering techniques with hand-drawn textures, and it is easy to see why 2K Games and Gearbox Software have created the must-have game of the year. Additionally, the Windows PC version will support NVIDIA 3D Vision, for high resolution, fully immersive 3D gaming.
Borderlands is rated M for Mature by the ESRB.
Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars (PSP)
"Chinatown Wars represents our desire to continue innovating and delivering an unparalleled level of entertainment for portable games," said Sam Houser, Founder of Rockstar Games. "The team at Rockstar Leeds has taken one of their most acclaimed titles of all time and built upon that experience in a way that could only be done on the PSP system."
In Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars, protagonist Huang Lee arrives in Liberty City to navigate through a gang and drug-infested criminal underworld in search of the man who murdered his father. Featuring additional missions, music, and graphical enhancements that support this bold and unique stylistic departure for the series on PSP system, players will experience a newly optimized control setup that never takes them out of the action.
Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars, rated M for Mature, is now in Norht Americna stores, and will be out in Europe, Oct. 23, 2009
WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2010 (NDS/PSP/PS2/Wii/PS3/X360)
Featuring the most authentic, entertaining and compelling simulation of World Wrestling Entertainment programming to date,WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2010 unleashes unparalleled creative and online freedom, including an enhanced Create-a-Superstar Mode and WWE Story Designer, key franchise improvements and a more comprehensive roster of today's most prominent WWE Superstars and Divas than previous versions.
"WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2010 gives players the definitive sandbox in which to create, customize and share their gameplay experiences," said Brian Coleman, vice president, global brand management, THQ. "Aligned with on-point franchise updates to the core gameplay experience and a sizable roster of today's most prominent WWE talent,WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2010 is the perfect addition to the collection of any fighting, sports, hit-driven or WWE videogame enthusiast this fall."
"WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2010's distinctive gameplay offerings are on track to take the franchise into a new virtual ring," said Nelo Lucich, senior vice president of interactive, JAKKS Pacific. "We look forward to seeing an incomparable outpouring of creativity from our fans using the Create-a-Superstar Mode and WWE Story Designer to showcase their unique Superstars, finishing moves, story designs and more as they construct and then share their WWE vision online, through the WWE Community Creations interface, with others from around the world."
WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2010 introduces a new Create-a-Superstar Mode, including a fresh look, all-new 3-D parts and improved graphical quality, allowing players to create Superstars and Divas comparable in quality with their in-game WWE counterparts. A new Paint Tool enables detailed creation of tattoos, logos and other unique designs, while a franchise-first Superstar Threads feature lets players create alternate ring gear for Superstars and Divas by customizing the colors of shirts, pants, face paint, elbow pads, boots and more. The game's Create-a-Finisher Mode has been updated to let players create acrobatic and gravity-defying diving attacks from the top turnbuckle, as well as move their creations to new heights by adjusting the trajectory. In addition, Create-a-Finisher delivers an extensive assortment of new moves from the front grapple position.
Taking creativity even further,WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2010 marks the debut of WWE Story Designer. In this new mode, players can create and customize their own storylines and cut scenes, including selection of talent and scene locations, writing their own dialogue, adjusting camera angles, choosing from over 100 scene animations, assigning talent emotions and much more. Players may also construct each night's show card with matches, unique match stipulations, interference events and other story twists and turns.
WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2010 empowers players with not only extensive creative freedom but the ability to share their gameplay experiences as well. For the first time in franchise history, the WWE Community Creations interface enables players to upload their creations online, including created Superstars and Divas, story designs, finishing moves, highlight reels and screenshots, and share them with others around the world. Players may also download created content via keyword search engine from other users for use both online and offline. In addition, players can tag their creations with search terms, as well as leave ratings, allowing for ease of use in searching the robust database for the most popular – or even the most obscure – created items.
In addition to its extensive creative and online offerings,WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2010 includes a number of key updates. The WWE Training Facility provides a franchise-first in-game tutorial, making it simple for both long-time fans and newcomers to get helpful gameplay tips and practice moves with their favorite Superstars and Divas. The popular Road to WrestleMania story-based mode returns with interactive cut scenes and six new storylines based on a created Superstar, Mickie James, Randy Orton, Shawn Michaels and Edge, as well as a "Brand Warfare" co-op storyline with Triple H and John Cena. In terms of match types, the Championship Scramble makes its WWE SmackDown vs. Raw franchise debut, while the renowned Royal Rumble delivers a revised presentation and more ways to eliminate opponents, including three elimination mini-games and match-specific finishing moves. In addition, a robust talent roster will include more than 60 playable Superstars and Divas, many of whom will make their videogame debut, as they represent the Raw, SmackDown and ECW brands. A high-profile soundtrack rounds out the gameplay experience, including songs from artists such as Lynyrd Skynyrd, Skillet, Sick Puppies, Adelitas Way and Trivium.
Delivering a button-based, simulation-style experience for the first time on the platform, WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2010 for Wii supports the Wii Remote and Nunchuk, Classic Controller and the Nintendo GameCube controller, enabling players to explore the WWE videogame experience in a number of ways. In addition, the game offers a broader features list to the Wii gaming audience, including a more robust move set, more match types, Create-a-Superstar, Create-a-Finisher, WWE Story Designer, Road to WrestleMania and more.
WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2010 f or NDS also offers a more simulation-based experience, introducing streamlined controls that take advantage of the DS directional pad and eliminate use of the stylus. Throughout gameplay, players earn a variety of collectible cards to gain power-ups and unlock content, including arenas, backstage areas and Superstar profiles. In Story Mode, players take their created Superstars on an action-packed journey through all WWE brands, participating in training mini-games and interactive cut scenes while earning new moves and customization parts along the way. Rounding out the Nintendo DS experience, a franchise-first Ambulance Match lets players attempt to lock their opponents inside an ambulance to attain victory.
WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2010, rated "T" for Teen, is available on Xbox 360 and PS3 ($59.99), as well as Wii ($49.99), PSP/PS2 ($39.99) and NDS ($29.99).
Marvel Super Hero Squad (NDS/PSP/PS2/Wii)
"We are excited to kick off our first Marvel-based video game with Marvel Super Hero Squad," said Kevin Kraff, vice president, global brand management, THQ. "Kids will enjoy playing as their favorite Marvel super heroes and villains as they battle their way through exciting and dynamic levels in the game."
"Our recent successful launch of The Super Hero Squad Show television series, currently the No. 1 show for boys on Cartoon Network1, underscores Marvel's effort to create a Marvel universe that is fun and approachable for a younger audience," said Simon Phillips, president, Worldwide Consumer Products, and CEO, Marvel Animation. "We are very pleased to work with leading kids and family videogame publisher THQ to build our kid-friendly Super Hero Squad brand in the interactive space."
Set in the ever popular Marvel Universe, the Super Hero Squad is on a dire mission against Dr. Doom's Lethal Legion of villains to recover the hidden Infinity Fractals; fragments of the all-powerful Infinity Sword. Each Infinity Fractal holds incredible power and can have significant effects on its possessor, giving each character special abilities that could alter the game's rules and playing field. With more than 20 Marvel characters to mix and match, players can choose to take on the role of their favorite Super Heroes and Super Villains, such as Captain America, Dr. Doom, Falcon, Hulk, Iron Man, Juggernaut, Ms. Marvel, Silver Surfer, Thing, Thor and Wolverine, to name a few. Using character-specific super powers and customized combo attacks, players will blast, punch, and bash in fast-moving combat with their nemesis. Players can either jump into a battle arena against up to three opponents in Battle Mode, or choose to relive six campaigns as depicted from the animated series in Adventure Mode.Marvel Super Hero Squad is an immersive, single and multiplayer game filled with dramatic, interactive environments where players are given extraordinary powers to fight for good or evil, depending on which Super Hero Squad character they chose to play as.
Marvel Super Hero Squad, rated E10+ for everyone 10 and older, is now available on Wii ($39.99), NDS/PSP ($29.99) and PS2 ($19.99).
Lips: Number One Hits (Xbox 360)
Wait no longer to rock out to your favorite number one songs, as "Lips: Number One Hits" hits retail shelves in North America today. The latest themed installment in the "Lips" franchise, "Lips: Number One Hits" lets you sing along to hits that have reached the top spot on the world's music charts.
"Lips: Number One Hits" contains 40 top songs from artists like Rihanna, Kanye West, Coldplay, Black Eyed Peas, MC Hammer, The Beach Boys and many more. The full list of songs, including interesting fun facts, is below.
Along with the 40 chart-topping songs included on-disc, "Lips: Number One Hits" also lets you choose an additional song pack with five songs to download free from Xbox LIVE for a limited time. Players can choose one song pack from the following list:
- "Lips" House Party
- LL Cool J – Going Back To Cali
- Bobby Brown – My Prerogative
- Janet Jackson – Nasty
- Paula Abdul – Straight Up
- Montell Jordan – This Is How We Do It
- "Lips" Hearts and Heartbreak Tour
- James Blunt – 1973
- Daniel Powter – Bad Day
- Robbie Williams – Eternity
- Daniel Bedingfield – If You're Not the One
- Jewel – You Were Meant For Me
- "Lips" Turn It Up to 11 Tour
- 30 Seconds to Mars – From Yesterday
- Coldplay – Lost!
- Nickelback – Photograph
- Hoobastank – The Reason
- My Chemical Romance – Welcome to the Black Parade
In addition to all the fresh songs, new features like Avatar Integration allow you to literally get into "Lips." Available through an upcoming title update, Avatar Rewards lets players earn accessories including a hat, shoes and even Lady Gaga's shades for your Avatar by scoring the right notes so you can show off to all your friends on LIVE.
New to "Lips: Number One Hits" and using the motion sensitive technology in the Xbox 360 Wireless Microphone, players will earn extra points when expressing themselves by matching timed, song-specific gestures on-screen, crafted to take full advantage of each individual song. Additionally, active Leaderboard Rankings keep the friendly competition going.
Bakugan Battle Brawlers (NDS/PS2/Wii/PS3/X360)
The Bakugan Battle Brawlers video game, licensed by Corus Entertainment Inc.'s Nelvana, is based on the top-rated television series and Spin Master's best-selling toy. The game allows fans to become a part of the universe they love - meeting all the characters from the show and taking part in battles to become the world's best.
"Bakugan is a true phenomenon that continues to explode in popularity and the videogame will draw even more people into its universe," said David Oxford, Activision Publishing. "The Bakugan Battle Brawlersvideogamecombines the characters and story from the cartoon series with the skill and strategy of the toy line to create an experience like no other."
Fans can jump in the game to answer the call to brawl as they throw Bakugan cards onto the battlefield and then try to carefully shoot their Bakugan balls onto the cards to unleash their monstrous powers. When two Bakugans stand on the same card, they transform into gigantic creatures and fight to the finish.
Bakugan is based on the story of Dan and his friends whose lives were forever changed when mysterious cards fell from the sky. Creating a game from the cards where powerful creatures known as Bakugan battle, it wasn't long before they discovered that their hobby was much more than just a simple pastime. Utilizing special game cards Bakugan battle masters roll spheres onto the cards, which activate and transform into Bakugan "battle brawling" action figures.
Bakugan Battle Brawlers is now available for NDS, PS2, Wii, PS3 and Xbox 360
Astro Boy: The Video Game (NDS/PSP/PS2/Wii)
Featuring the voice talents of Freddie Highmore (Astro Boy) and Kristen Bell (Cora), Astro Boy: The Video Game will allow players to become Astro Boy, a young boy robot with incredible powers as they embark on an epic adventure to save Metro City from the clutches of evil.
"Our development teams have worked hand-in-hand with Imagi Studios to bring Astro Boy, one of the most beloved action heroes of all time, to life and we are confident fans will be very pleased with the results," said Alison Quirion, vice president of marketing, D3Publisher. "Astro Boy: The Video Game allows players to experience Astro's incredible super powers, including Butt Machine Guns, in a heart-warming adventure of redemption and triumph that will appeal to fans of all ages."
"The visual world that is Astro Boy lends itself perfectly to the gaming space," said Erin Corbett, president, Imagi Studios U.S. and chief marketing officer worldwide. "Existing and new fans will be able to put themselves into Astro's shoes by grabbing the controls of the video game, adding yet another multi-dimensional layer to the property."
In Astro Boy: The Video Game, players become the iconic hero, Astro Boy, and take to the streets and skies on an epic adventure to save Metro City from the clutches of the evil President Stone and his robot army. Utilizing Astro's entire arsenal of iconic weapons and abilities—Super Strength, Flight, Arm Cannons, Butt Machine Guns and Drill Attacks, players will battle hordes of robot enemies and colossal bosses including some never-before-seen enemies across Metro City and the mysterious Surface. Using an intuitive combat system that adds depth to gameplay, players will experience classic platform action and exhilarating combat levels as they use Astro's unique rocket boosters to hover, avoid enemies and zip out of the way of danger. Astro Boy: The Video Game offers unlockable and collectible elements that include different versions of Astro Boy and more, as players live the story solo or side by side with a friend in 2 player co-op mode on Wii and the PlayStation 2 system.
Astro Boy: The Video Game for Wii ($39.95), PS2 and PSP ($29.95) , rated "E10+" (Everyone 10 and up – Fantasy Violence), are developed by High Voltage Software, the NDS edition ($29.95), rated "E" (Everyone – Fantasy Violence), by Art Co. Ltd.
Dragon Ball: Revenge of King Piccolo (Wii)
Dragon Ball fans can relive the early adventures of Goku as he explores the world, meets life-long companions and friends, and increases his martial arts power in this latest action-adventure side-scrolling brawler.
In Dragon Ball: Revenge of King Piccolo, players assume the role of an adolescent Goku as he races against the Red Ribbon Army to collect all seven of the coveted Dragon Balls which, when collected, grant a single ultimate wish. Fans of the series will delight in reliving the crucial moments in Goku's adventures in Adventure Mode, which take place between the Red Ribbon encounters to the pivotal King Piccolo conflict, including Goku's journey to Korin Tower and his very first World Martial Arts Tournament.
With a simple move of the Wii Remote™ and Nunchuk™, players can have Goku fire off intricate combos, fly across the screen to connect jump-kick attacks, and execute his signature Kamehameha ultimate attack against enemies with ease. Additionally, Dragon Ball: Revenge of King Piccolo supports a number of key gameplay features that will keep the action diverse and gameplay engaging including armor breaks, attack counters, and special lock-on aerial attacks.
In addition to the Adventure Mode, Dragon Ball: Revenge of King Piccolo also features a Tournament Mode which will allow players to take their favorite Dragon Ball characters into the ring and duke it out. Featuring in-game collectibles and a host of unlockable characters and modes, Dragon Ball: Revenge of King Piccolo will provide a thoroughly engaging and accurate portrayal of Goku's early formidable martial arts years.
Dragon Ball: Revenge of King Piccolo for Wii is rated "E10+" by the ESRB and has an MSRP of $39.99.
The Secret Saturday: Beasts of the 5th Sun (NDS/PSP/PS2/Wii/PS3/X360)
In The Secret Saturday: Beasts of the 5th Sun, players take control of Zak Saturday and the rest of the Saturday family, a group of scientific explorers dedicated to discovering and protecting the secret artifacts and mysterious creatures known as Cryptids. Using Zak's unique powers and The Claw to battle enemies and swing through action-packed environments, players will find and collect more than 30 never-before-seen Cryptids and face off against a number of the television series' most notable villains.
"The Secret Saturday: Beasts of the 5th Sun is the only video game based on the hit television series from Cartoon Network and offers players the opportunity to experience the adventures of a close-knit family of secret scientists," said Kim Motika, vice president of worldwide sales and operations, D3Publisher. "The game showcases an impressive list of playable characters that include the Saturdays family, the family pets and more than 30 additional never-before-seen Cryptids to discover, collect and interact with for hours of non-stop entertainment. "
In The Secret Saturday: Beasts of the 5th Sun, players will take control of multiple characters that include the entire Saturday family – Zak, Drew, Doc, Doyle and their pet Cryptids, Zon, Komodo and Fiskerton – and some select Cryptids to fly, swing, pole vault and battle enemies. Players will adventure through 10 action packed levels in amazing environments from dangerous jungles to lost undersea cities to collect and interact with more than 30 never-before-seen Cryptids. Along the way, players will record the details of each find in their very own Cryptipedia. Fun puzzle elements allow players to locate hidden Cryptids and discover new paths as they fight recognizable enemies from the show including Van Rook, Piecemeal, Munya and the evil V.V. Argost.
The Secret Saturday: Beasts of the 5th Sun, developed by 1st Playable Productions (NDS) and High Voltage Software, is now available for Wii ($39.95), and the PS2, NDS and PSP ( $29.95).
Cooking Mama 3: Shop & Chop (NDS)
In Cooking Mama 3, players use the stylus as the ultimate cooking utensil to shop and chop their way to the top in eight gameplay modes and 200 fun mini-games. In Let's Match mode, aspiring chefs can create their own dishes by combining ingredients together in delicious new ways. Cooking Contest lets you face-off against up to three friends in 20 multiplayer cooking challenges. Three different customization modes enable players to dress up Mama with earned outfits and accessories, change up the game screen or decorate each finished dish in their scrapbook with animated stickers. Cooking Mama 3 also supports gameplay connectivity with Gardening Mama so players can use items grown in Mama's garden to whip up their favorite dishes in Shop and Chop.
Developed by Cooking Mama Limited, Cooking Mama 3: Shop & Chop is rated E for Everyone and is available now for the suggested retail price of $29.99.
Space Invaders Extreme 2 (NDS)
Space Invaders Extreme 2 is an evolution of the legendary shooting game and a must-have for arcade fans everywhere, offering more strategic, immersive gameplay. Maintaining the simple premise that launched the popularity of Space Invaders in 1978, this latest installment features pop-art visuals, an enhanced battle system, a challenging new time attack mode and an expanded gameplay progression. In addition to the ever-addictive single player modes, players can challenge their friends through multiplayer mode and compete on scoreboards with gamers around the world!
Space Invaders has been enjoyed by millions for more than 30 years, and played on a wide variety of platforms including arcade game machines, consoles and mobile phones. Space Invaders Extreme 2 is the perfect, exhilarating gaming experience for new and returning fans alike.
Shoot, attack and stave off the assault by defeating all the Invaders on the screen. After annihilating a battalion of Invaders and defeating the Boss, players move on to the next stage. But it's "Game Over" if players lose all of their stock cannons!
Key Features:
- Try an assortment of modes, ranging from a variety of addictive single-player challenges like Score Attack and Time Attack, to interactive multiplayer options that enable players to compete against friends through Nintendo® Wi-Fi connection and join the global leaderboard
- Enjoy all-new up-beat techno tunes and vibrant backgrounds that give this classic arcade game a colorful new look
- Experience an enhanced battle system with fast-paced mini-events including Fever Time, Super Fever Time and Bingo
Space Invaders Extreme 2, rated E for Everyone, is available at North American retailers for a suggested retail price of $19.99.
Designed for tween girls, Charm Girls Club games provide fun, friendship and collectible charms. Each game delivers a unique theme including Charm Girls Club Pajama Party for the Wii, along with Charm Girls Club My Fashion Mall, Charm Girls Club My Perfect Prom and Charm Girls Club My Fashion Show for the NDS.
"Charm Girls Club is EA's first original property made specifically for young girls and highlights our commitment to create quality and meaningful gaming experiences for this audience," said Dyan Williams, Senior Producer at EA. "Based on input from hundreds of girls across the country, Charm Girls Club games are designed around places and events that resonate with these girls, like the mall, the prom or a sleepover."
In each Charm Girls Club game, girls begin by creating their own customized Charm Girl character choosing from a variety of different hair styles, clothing, shoes, accessories and make-up options. They are then joined by the Charm Girls Club "BFFs" – Anna, Sara, Olivia, and Emilie – who offer in-game guidance and encouragement as players embark on adventures filled with lots of fun and mini-games. Along the way, girls earn and collect shiny new virtual charms by completing challenges which are then added to their virtual jewelry box. In addition, the charms also unlock surprises in other Charm Girls Club games and special multiplayer charms can be earned while playing with friends.
In Charm Girls Club Pajama Party for the Wii, girls can ignite a gigglefest with the Charm Girls or up to seven friends creating an outrageously fun sleepover. Over 30 hilarious pajama party mini-games such as Speed Hair Tease, Bed Bounce, and Pillow Fight will keep girls engaged and entertained for hours.
The trio of Charm Girls Club games for the Nintendo DS packs a lot of amusement and adventure. In Charm Girls Club My Fashion Mall, girls manage their dream mall and tackle kooky mishaps while playing mini-games such as Dress A Friend, Mani/Pedi Palace, and Hamburger Heaven. Charm Girls Club My Perfect Prom sends girls on the search for the perfect dress and date as they earn charms by participating in various fundraising activities like Car Wash, Sort Sparkles, and Serving Sweets leading up to prom night. For girls who love fashion design, Charm Girls Club My Fashion Show lets girls create fashion collections, choose their models, pick poses and run the show while competing in over 20 fun fashion challenges.
Girls can also play games, design fashions, socialize, collect charms, and immerse themselves into the world of EA's Charm Girls at the Charm Girls Club website. This online destination is integrated with EA's Charm Girls Club video games for Wii and Nintendo DS so girls can experience the brand wherever they are playing.
Charm Girls Club Pajama Party for the Wii has a MSRP of $39.99, while Charm Girls Club titles for the NDS each have a MSRP of $29.99.