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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 23, 2010 Shipping Announcements

by Rainier on Feb. 23, 2010 @ 5:58 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:


We will update this throughout the day when new announcements become available. Read more for details ...

Arsenal of Democracy (PC)

Developed by BL-Logic, Arsenal of Democracy's focus on historical accuracy, realism and strategic depth, as well as countless tweaks, improvements and new features breathe new life into the core Hearts of Iron II experience upon which the game was built.

Key Features:

  • Rewrite history at the helm of any nation during World War II in a variety of other scenarios in single-player or multiplayer modes
  • Topple your enemies using advanced combat mechanics on land, in the air and at sea, based on historical research and the work of military theorists
  • Master the most detailed and flexible economic and production systems found in any Hearts of Iron game
  • Keep your war efforts operating smoothly with a realistic logistics and trading subsystem
  • Engage in espionage, intelligence, diplomacy and global trade to give your nation a decisive edge
  • Determine your country's National Identity, Social Policy and Ethnic Culture
  • Create your own campaigns, units, countries, minister traits, national ideas and more with extensive mod capabilities
  • Experience classic Hearts of Iron gameplay improved with a fine-tuned technology tree, better game balance, advanced statistics and polished graphics

Arsenal of Democracy is available for purchase via major digital distributors including GamersGate, Direct2Drive, Impulse and Steam for $19.99.

Art of Murder: Cards of Destiny (PC)

The latest mystery in the best-selling franchise, Art of Murder: Cards of Destiny puts players in the familiar role of FBI agent Nicole Bonnet as she finds herself in the crosshairs of a sadistic serial killer who leaves playing cards near the bodies of his victims.

Art of Murder: Cards of Destiny is truly a battle of wits as players assume the role of FBI agent Nicole Bonnet to gather the facts and evidence necessary to further the investigation. Players travel throughout the U.S. searching for clues and talking to locals in an attempt to get inside the mind of a callous serial killer before he strikes again. Can Nicole crack the case before the killer turns his sights on her?

Art of Murder: Cards of Destiny is available now at retailers nationwide at a suggested retail price of $19.99.

Deadly Premonition (X360)

Deadly Premonition is a third-person survival-horror action adventure game that places players in the role of Special Agent Francis York Morgan, the FBI agent in charge of investigating the brutal killing of a local beauty and solving the mystery of the "Red Seed Murders." Deadly Premonition offers a unique and haunting gaming experience unlike any other and is competitively priced at $19.99.

Investigate the murders and unravel each series of interlocking mysteries in the small rural town of Greenvale, Washington while encountering numerous complex, unusual characters along the way. The local townspeople hinder Agent York's work with their eccentric behavior while supernatural creatures and a folkloric killer seek to end York's investigation ... permanently!

Key Features:

  • Large cast of eccentric characters, each with their own unique stories and agendas
  • Numerous side quests
  • Open world adventure- Can you survive the town of Greenvale?
  • Combination of over-the-shoulder shooter action, driving and 3rd person adventure/exploration offers a variety of gameplay
  • Profiling prowess to recreate the crime with the various clues and items found on the scene of each crime, unraveling the mystery of the "Red Seed Murders"
  • Multiple mini-games, including fishing and racing, which gain you experience points to upgrade Agent York's arsenal
  • Dozens of melee, ranged and hidden weapons to choose from to battle the forces of evil
  • Over 20 hours of mystery, suspense and intrigue!

Deadly Premonition is rated "M" for mature by the ESRB

Endless Ocean: Blue World (Wii)

The words "professional scuba diver" and "marine biologist" might not appear anywhere on your résumé, but thanks to Endless Ocean: Blue World, people from all walks of life can enjoy an exhilarating undersea adventure without so much as a swimming lesson. Endless Ocean: Blue World takes Nintendo's unique ocean simulation series to the next level, with new features and story elements that create a mesmerizing aquatic odyssey for players of any age or experience level.

Endless Ocean: Blue World features an original story that players can follow as they choose. The plot involves Oceana, a girl who investigates the "Song of Dragons," which her father, a prominent ocean explorer, sought before his death. Players can advance the story by exploring the game's stunning underwater environments at their own pace.

"Endless Ocean: Blue World gives Wii owners the chance to take a round-the-world vacation from the comfort of their living rooms," said Cammie Dunaway, Nintendo of America's executive vice president of Sales & Marketing. "With exotic locations and hundreds of new marine animals to encounter, the game's adventures are as vast as the ocean itself."

Two years ago, the original Endless Ocean invited Wii owners to embark on a relaxing, richly immersive dive through undersea environments filled with fascinating marine animals and plant species. Endless Ocean: Blue World dives even deeper with more captivating creatures, enhanced graphics, an engaging new story and support for the optional Wii Speak microphone, which allows players with a broadband Internet connection to chat with friends near and far who also have the Wii Speak accessory/microphone while they play and explore the ocean depths.

As they investigate marine environments in regions around the globe, players can access information about the habits and behaviors of hundreds of sea creatures, from tiny seahorses to tanker-sized whales. They can also interact with creatures in interesting ways, such as viewing the health status of local fish. A new Pulsar tool sends waves of healing energy to ailing animals or calms aggressive sharks and crocodiles. Players also can train dolphins at the scenic Nineball Island and even grab onto them for a speedy undersea dive. For deeper interactive kicks, divers can sell salvaged items and use the dividends to buy coral that will attract new species to their own customized reefs.

With a broadband Internet connection, Endless Ocean: Blue World becomes a one-of-a-kind social experience. Using Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection, two players with their own individual game discs can connect wirelessly and join up for a cooperative dive. Players with Wii Speak microphones can talk to each other in real-time as they navigate the watery depths in search of rare species or hidden treasure. To facilitate this undersea chatter, Endless Ocean: Blue World is available bundled with the Wii Speak microphone at a suggested retail price of just $29.99, a great value that's sure to set explorers of all ages off on new adventures.

Heavy Rain (PS3)

Developed by Quantic Dream, developers of Indigo Prophecy, Heavy Rain takes players on an emotionally engaging and mysterious journey where the story path is shaped as players play the game. Each decision made will have an impact on how a particular story plays out, and Heavy Rain takes players through more than 60 emotionally powerful scenes that feature contextual actions, realistic visuals, and varying paths that lead to a unique ending.

Heavy Rain is a gripping psychological thriller filled with countless twists and turns in a gut wrenching search for the Origami Killer. Each player's experiences are based on their own actions as they are faced with various choices and consequences, each of which will lead them on an emotional roller coaster. By diving into the four lead characters' minds, the player will have insight into actions they should take before making their next move, discovering that every action or decision, big or small, will have a tangible impact on the fate of the characters.

"Tapping into the power and technology of PS3, Quantic Dream has pushed gaming boundaries to the limits, placing emotion at the forefront of the Heavy Rain experience," said Scott A. Steinberg, Vice President, Product Marketing, SCEA. "This dark and mysterious story delivers a setting and mood that trulyattests to the true film noir feel of the game. We're eager for fans to enter this world and experience their own unique story, one that can only be had on PS3."

Players will dive into the minds of the four main characters - an FBI profiler named Norman Jayden, a retired private detective named Scott Shelby, an architect named Ethan Mars, and journalist named Madison Paige - gaining an emotional attachment to their pain, joy and worries. Ethan Mars has a seemingly perfect life with a wife and two kids until his son is killed in an accident and then loses his wife. Scott Shelby is a private detective hired by the families of the victims of the Origami Killer in hopes of preventing another strike. Norman Jayden is an FBI agent on the hunt for the Origami Killer scouring for clues and working with the local police department. Lastly there is Madison Paige; an impetuous journalist who has somehow gotten mixed up in the investigation of the Origami Killer.

To create the interactive story-telling experience that Heavy Rain delivers, developer David Cage spent more than a year writing a 2,000 page script of linear dialogue and worked with a cast of 70 actors to bring the script alive. Possible only through the power of the PS3 system, Heavy Rain took a development team of 220 highly skilled people over the course of 170 days to create the game's extensive motion capture action and unique interactive narrative.

Heavy Rain has an ESRB rating of "M" for Mature.

Lovely Lisa and Friends (NDS)

Lovely Lisa and Friends marks the second installment to the popular fashion doll simulation game that gives girls an outlet to explore their individual style, while simultaneously developing the skills that promote responsible play habits.

"The original Lovely Lisa game resonated well with young girls and we are confident that Lovely Lisa and Friends will provide them with an enticing, updated version that comes equipped with new features, including the utilization of the Nintendo DSi camera functionality," said Mark Shinohara, executive vice president and COO at TOMY Corporation. "We are thrilled to bring Lovely Lisa and Friends to the market as it truly is one of the few titles that provides girls with a wholesome outlet to express their creativity."

Lovely Lisa and Friends is outfitted with socially responsible gameplay that guides girls on the path to their personal best while having fun. Players can explore their individual creativity and personal style by utilizing the Nintendo DSi camera functionality to take photos of real world images, and apply them to a variety of outfits to dress Lisa. Gamers can then use their new wardrobe to play dress-up with Lovely Lisa's two best friends, Alice and Maria. The fun continues in mini-games that include helping mom with shopping and cooking, and putting furniture together with dad.

Gamers will also try their hand at a number of professions including a police officer, nurse, and more. As an added feature, if players earn enough Lisa points to buy clothes and accessories, they can partake in the Heart Hills Idol Pageant, an idol game where they can dance their socks off and unveil their fabulous fashion creations.

Lovely Lisa and Friends, rated "E" for Everyone, is now available on NDS and NDSi for an MSRP of $29.99.

Pony Friends 2 (NDS/Wii)

Developed by Tantalus Media Pty Ltd., Pony Friends 2 provides a comprehensive pet simulation experience that lets players become best friends with their perfect pony. Pony lovers can customize their ponies and explore tricks, trails, quests, racing and much more. Players can also join their friends in the stables through a unique multiplayer feature that allows them to compete in pony trick competitions and race against each other.

Perfect for anyone who has ever wanted their own pony, Pony Friends 2 offers a total of 12 breeds to choose from. Each pony has its own personality that players can get to know in-depth. Ponies will even respond to player voices in the DS version when they talk into the microphone. The customizable experience also offers new, intuitive riding gameplay to explore the 25 diverse trails. Take the reigns of the perfect pet pony today!

Pony Friends 2 allows players to create their perfect pony and take part in a comprehensive range of fun activities. Featuring twelve ponies (four new breeds), each with different personalities, players can customize every aspect of their appearance. Taking special care of their pony to keep it clean and healthy, players can take it on trail rides across different landscapes and environments. Grab the reins, photograph wildlife and unlock countless secrets on the journey.

Pony Friends 2 features an exciting competitive mode across all formats. Players can compete in races and trick competitions alone or with friends on Wii and DS. Trade ponies and even talk to them on Nintendo DS!

Key Features:

  • Race, compete and trade with your friends: Enter race and trick competitions to win trophies! Experience multiplayer racing and trick competitions on Wii.
  • Explore 25 diverse trails, befriend wild ponies and photograph wildlife to discover secrets: Take the reins and ride your pony on a range of trails and through open areas, alone or with a friend. Photograph a variety of wild animals and earn the friendship of wild ponies.
  • Earn new accessories and create a special look for your pony: Choose and personalize your ponies and trade with friends!
  • Discover the PONY FRIENDS world and get to know your ponies at your own pace: There's always something new to explore. Groom and take care of your pony to keep it happy. Talk to your pony on DS and watch how it responds to your voice!

Pony Friends 2, rated E for Everyone, is now available at North American retailers for $29.99 (Wii) and $19.99 (NDS).

Sonic & SEGA All-Stars Racing (NDS/Wii/PS3/X360/PC)

Sonic & SEGA All-Stars Racing sees Sonic and friends in a frantic battle to the checkered flag around race tracks set in medieval castle ramparts, lush rainforests and bustling cities, all taken from the visually rich and varied universes of Sonic and SEGA.

With up to four friends able to race in the split-screen mode and up to eight players able to compete in the online mode, Sonic & SEGA All-Stars Racing is the ultimate racing showdown. Rev your engines, jostle to stay ahead of the pack, pick up weapons to use against your rivals and unleash your characters unique All Star moves to get yourself back in the race! Sonic & SEGA All-Stars Racing will also have downloadable content for Xbox 360 and the PlayStation 3, details of which will be announced at a later date.

The Windows PC version is available for download only.

Yu-Gi-Oh! 5D's World Championship 2010: Reverse of Arcadia (NDS)

Yu-Gi-Oh! 5D's World Championship 2010: Reverse of Arcadia's new features bring together players like never before. There are more than 3,500 playable cards packed into the game for players to duel with including new cards from the Absolute Powerforce series. Players can jump into the story mode and duel with gamers from all around the world. Or jump right into Turbo Dueling mode and go to battle immediately with favorite characters joining 20 new ones players are provided with ample opportunities to meet, duel and interact throughout the game. Racing has enhanced mechanics and new obstacles for the D-Runner to keep the dueling fun. Also new to the franchise is the in game Duelist Calculator that enables players to quickly calculate Life Points, judge dice and coins while battling opponents.

With the new Wi-Fi rating system, there are even more elements to keep the game fun and allow for maximum replay ability! Not only will the rating elevate and decline due to the outcome of the games, but when the rating gets to be a certain level, gamers will have to fulfill some conditions in order to move the rating further. There are various rating points that players can obtain as they progress further in the game, so the more gamers play, the stronger they will get!

Yu-Gi-Oh! 5D's World Championship 2010: Reverse of Arcadia's story continues the thread from the animated series revolving around the return of the Dark Signers. As they are revived from the Underworld and continue their plan to destroy New Domino City, Satellite and the rest of the world, it is up to the player and familiar characters from the Yu-Gi-Oh! 5D's series to stop them before total destruction mounts.

Yu-Gi-Oh! 5D's World Championship 2010: Reverse of Arcadia for Nintendo DS is rated E10+ by the ESRB and is available in retail stores nationwide for the SRP of $29.99.

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