Life is good for the residents of Heartflame Island, especially since new robots and automated machines do almost all of the work. But technology is a tool-not an answer to all problems. Maybe that's why everyone is a little uneasy about the old stories of strange magic and a prediction that Flame Mountain will erupt and destroy everything. That's why Dr. Hope, a caring and wise old scholar has sent you, his son on a journey to the ancient ruins to try and run a farm. It is your father’s dream that you will unlock the secrets of

Genre: Console
Publisher: SCEA
Developer: Sony & IBM
Release Date: Spring 2006

I can hear the system fanboys out there sharpening their knives after reading that teaser, but trust me, fannishness doesn't motivate this assessment of the situation. I don't really believe in system loyalty, since ultimately a console is just a computer and only as good as the software that gets made for it. I loved Nintendo's booth this year, but unless the Revolution actually shoots holograms out of your TV and, I don't know, can fit on the head of a pin as promised, then we're about to look

Genre: MMORPG
Publisher: TBA
Developer: Perpetual Entertainment
Release Date: TBA

When Stieg Hedlund, lead designer of Diablo 2 and a designer that worked on Starcraft, makes a new game, you had better sit up and take interest. And that (making a new game, not sitting up) is exactly what he's doing at Perpetual with the upcoming MMORPG Gods & Heroes: Rome Rising. Set in a classical world of myth and legend (roughly 300ish B.C. in ancient Rome), players will become elite Roman heroes literally descended from the gods themselves during the rise of the Roman Republic.

So you've saved your homeland…lived a wonderful life…and rescued the Harvest Goddess…but can you put your green thumb to the test? Puzzle de Harvest Moon is a fast-paced, highly addictive puzzle game where you grow and harvest crops. Compete against your favorite Harvest Moon characters as you test your farming know-how!

Features

• Four exciting modes!
• Based on the fantastic world of Harvest Moon!
• Up to four frantic farmers can play!

Put your math skills to the test as you arrange colorful numbered cards and create equations in four challenging game play modes. With a variety of difficulty levels, competitive multiplayer action and addictive puzzle play, Math Play is a wonderful game for the whole family, young and old alike. No matter how you play, it adds up to great fun!

Features:

• 4 Brain Boosting Game Modes!
• Innovative Touch Screen Controls!
• Single-Card Download Multiplayer Fun!

Release Date: August 2007

Genre: MMORPG
Publisher: Funcom
Developer: Funcom
Release Date: Q2 2006

Last week, I sat down with Gante Godager, game developer at Funcom, to take a look at a pre-alpha version of the upcoming action/adventure/strategy/MMORPG title, Age of Conan: Hyborian Adventures. While there were understandable issues with such an early build of the game, much of what is in place is impressive, and if the game can deliver on the promises on what is planned for future development, Funcom may have a hit on their hands.

You’ve been given the job to create and maintain an entire city! You must create a city that attracts new residences, while at the same time keep your approval rating in good standing! To do this you must interact with each and every citizen of your town. Of course some of your citizens have other ideas, so you’ll have your work cut out for you making everyone happy!

Features:

• Hundreds of unique businesses and residential houses to build, as well as railroads and freeways!
• Each member of the city has his/her own unique personality and wishes
• Customize your own character and build

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