SoulCalibur: Broken Destiny (PSP)
SoulCalibur: Broken Destiny is the first handheld iteration in the series that promises to deliver its signature weapon-based fighting formula on-the-go. New and exciting gameplay modes, a more robust character customization feature, and a diverse roster of warriors make this a must-have for any fighting game fan.
SoulCalibur: Broken Destiny preserves all the fierce brawls and gorgeous visuals the franchise has been known for to create the most comprehensive fighting experience ever on a handheld system. With a vast roster of fighters, players can battle as one of many returning favorites or use the robust character customization feature to create a personalized warrior. Also new combatants have entered the ring for more blistering intense challenges including special guest character Kratos, from Sony Computer Entertainment America’s critically revered God of Warfranchise.
Adding depth to the combat, an all new single player Trials mode has been specifically created for the PSP system that not only tests a gamer’s reflexes but also improves their skills. Annihilating the competition has never been so satisfying as finely tuned and enriched battle mechanics including Critical Finishes, Soul Crushes and Equipment Destruction can be used to unleash devastating combos. In addition, players can further develop their basic fighting skills and fine-tune advanced techniques with over 80 exercise missions or practice in the vigorous Training mode. Let the trash talking commence as SoulCalibur: Broken Destiny allows gamers to engage in local wireless battles, allowing them to challenge a friend using the PSP system’s ad hoc networking.
“The Soulcalibur franchise has a rich history of raising the bar to deliver an unrivalled gameplay experience on every platform it’s available and SoulCalibur: Broken Destiny is no different,” said Todd Thorson, director of marketing and public relations, Namco Bandai Games America. “The game’s nail-biting action, new playable characters and modes further enhance an already stellar fighting formula.”
SoulCalibur: Broken Destiny, rated “T” for Teen, carries a suggested MSRP of $39.99.
Section 8 (X360/PC)
Section 8 casts players as futuristic, armor-clad soldiers who perform meteoric dives onto the battlefield, where they battle with up to 40 players on Windows PC or 32 on Xbox 360 for control of the immense cosmic landscapes.
Section 8 opens up the tactical possibilities of team-based shooters by placing players in vast, open battlefields, and giving them the ability to Burn-In anywhere they choose from 15,000 feet above the map. In addition, every player in the game is equipped with a jetpack and an overdrive sprint ability, which they can use to quickly get to any objective and attack from any angle.
“Under a familiar veneer of power armor and guns, TimeGate has carved out its own niche by designing something special," said Richard Iggo, VP of Marketing at SouthPeak. "Players will get schooled if they go into this expecting the same old multiplayer combat. Spraying and praying will result in a pretty quick death and fans of a certain Spartan won’t last long unless they can adjust to truly tactical combat. They have to think; using tactics beyond simple run-and-gun, such as selecting loadouts and deployables and how to coordinate their squad for maximum lethality. It’s the game that TimeGate, as massive fans of the multiplayer FPS genre, wanted to make and they’ve succeeded in delivering a gamer’s game; a benchmark of gameplay excellence.”
Section 8 allows players to join the epic conflict between the 8th Armored Infantry – nicknamed ‘Section 8’ - and the Arm of Orion by taking part in fierce combat across majestic alien worlds. Players create their own unique game experiences by customizing equipment Loadouts, and dramatically impact the flow of battle through strategic vehicle and asset requisitions. Dynamic Combat Missions (DCMs) are player-driven objectives, generated during the course of combat, that affect gameplay with tangible rewards for completion. In addition to the deep single-player campaign and multiplayer mode for up to 40 combatants, Section 8 features an Instant Action mode where players can challenge the game’s competitive AI on any of the multiplayer maps. For the competitive gamer, Section 8 will implement an online stats portal on Friday, September 11, which boasts a phenomenal in-depth stat-tracking system, showing clan and individual rankings on over 50 unique fully-searchable Leaderboards.
Section 8 is the first Xbox 360 title to allow players to host their own dedicated servers using a Windows®-based PC. These “X Servers” will support up to 32 players for Xbox 360. Windows PC users can play on dedicated servers with up to 40 players. When dedicated servers are not used, Section 8 supports up to 16 players on Windows PC and Xbox 360. More information about the X Server software is available on the official Section 8 website.
Champions Online (PC)
Based on the award winning pen and paper role-playing game, Champions, from HERO Games and powered by the groundbreaking Cryptic Engine, Champions Online taps into a rich universe of heroes and villains with unparalleled intrigue and adventure.
Cryptic Studios, already a leading developer and publisher of massively multiplayer online role-playing games (MMORPGs), has taken the genre to new heights with Champions Online's fast paced, "real time" action combat and the power of total customization. Through Champions' unique character customization tool the player can create and individualize every component of their hero: name, back story, costume, powers and abilities can all be modified in countless ways. In addition to allowing players to transform into the ultimate hero, gamers can craft an enemy of the extreme opposite, concoct a villainous history for their ultimate foe and guarantee themselves a truly unique experience.
"Champions Online is a great addition to Atari's line-up," said John Needham, CEO of Cryptic Studios. "After considerable anticipation and excitement, we are thrilled to present Champions to fans and gamers worldwide, and look forward to seeing what players create with the game's limitless customization options. We are already hard at work developing new content and updates that will expand the Champions Online world even further."
Champions Online brings epic heroism back to the MMORPG genre with depth that will certainly challenge the most experienced online gamers, while its fast paced action promises to engage new entrants to the online superhero universe. Enter a world where the diabolical genius Dr. Destroyer has returned to wreak havoc. After he single-handedly destroyed the city of Detroit, many thought he had perished in the colossal explosion, but he is back to inflict his evil plans on the unsuspecting world. Join with Defender and the legendary Champions to stop Dr. Destroyer and his minions in an ultimate showdown of good versus evil.
Guitar Hero 5 (PS2/Wii/PS3/X360)
Featuring some of music's leading bands and artists across a multitude of genres, the ability for players to rock any way they want with any combination of multiple guitarists, bassists, drummers and singers in any game mode, Guitar Hero 5 allows players to step into the spotlight as iconic rockers of the past, present and future with an all-star line-up of in-game playable characters, including Kurt Cobain, Johnny Cash, Carlos Santana, Garbage's Shirley Manson and Matt Bellamy of Muse. For a limited time, consumers who purchase Guitar Hero 5 will receive the unreleased Guitar Hero Van Halen when they mail in their proof of purchase.
"Guitar Hero 5 is the best Guitar Hero game yet and an incredible value for consumers by providing hours of entertainment as they play along to the music they love and discover new artists and tracks," said Dan Rosensweig, president and chief executive officer of Guitar Hero. "The game offers consumers access to an extensive library of music, including 85 songs on-disc, more than 150 songs available via DLC and the ability to import music from previous Guitar Hero."
Guitar Hero 5's refined GH Music Studio combines remarkably comprehensive features including improved editing tools, new guitar samples and more than 400 easy-to-use music patterns with complete accessibility for players of all creative abilities. To date, more than 300,000 songs have been uploaded to GHTunes and those songs have been downloaded for free more than 17 million times by users.
Features exclusive to the Wii version of Guitar Hero 5 deliver a unique and unforgettable gameplay experience with unprecedented integration, where up to two NDS players engage in an intense competition with two Wii guitarists in the new Roadie Battle mode. Mii(TM) Freestyle returns for a unique gameplay experience that allows Wii players to jam along to different genres, including Rock, Metal and Blues. The new Mii Freestyle Stage Manager allows Nintendo DS players to call the shots with control of on-stage lightshows, camera angles and pyrotechnics.
The entire set list is at players' fingertips from the start, featuring genre-defining hits from some of the biggest rock artists and bands of all time, including The Rolling Stones, The White Stripes, Kings of Leon, Tom Petty, Bob Dylan and Vampire Weekend.Players take complete control as Guitar Hero 5allows gamers to personalize and customize how they experience music by being able to play with any in-game instrument combination -- multiple vocalists, guitarists, bassists and drummers, in any game mode. With the game's all-new Party Play Mode, getting the band back together has never been easier. Players can now jump in or drop out of gameplay seamlessly, without interrupting their jam session. Elevating the Guitar Hero® series to new heights with unmatched social gameplay, an enhanced style, new in-game artists and more rock legends, Guitar Hero 5 features new surprises and challenges that will fire-up long-time fret board fanatics and create a new generation of addicts.