EL33TONLINE: News archive for January, 2007

Nintendo looks set to continue breaking records this year. Its handheld console, the Nintendo DS, is the fastest-selling video game system in the world. More than 10 million consumers now own a Nintendo DS in the Americas. Since the DS was launched in November 2004, nearly nine Nintendo DS or DS Lite systems have sold every minute. Nine DS’s sold every 60 second!

“More than 5 million people joined the ranks as Nintendo DS owners in America last year alone,” says Nintendo of America President Reggie Fils-Aime. “And right now, they’re all saying the same thing – ‘give me more!’ Fortunately, no matter your taste or experience in gaming, that’s exactly what we’re supplying in the months to come.”

Last year Nintendo taught the world to play different types of games in new and different ways (mainly through their innovative Touch! Generation games), this year it looks set to continue this trend. Nintendo is releasing more than 20 new DS games in the US in the first three months of 2007. Here is the full list by launch month:

January

Hotel Dusk: Room 215 (Nintendo)

Arthur & the Invisibles (Atari)

Phoenix Wright Ace Attorney Justice for All (Capcom)

Fossil League DTC (D3Publisher)

February

Diddy Kong Racing DS (Nintendo)

Lunar Knights (Konami)

F24 Stealth Fighter (Majesco)

Disney’s Kim Possible: Global Gemini (Buena Vista)

Meteos: Disney Magic (Buena Vista)

Winning Eleven Pro Evolution Soccer 2007 (Konami)

Izuna: Legend of the Unemployed Ninja (Atlus)

March

Wario: Master of Disguise (Nintendo)

Custom Robo Arena (Nintendo)

Disney’s Herbie: Rescue Rally (Buena Vista)

Disney’s Meet the Robinsons (Buena Vista)

Spectrobes (Buena Vista)

Steel Horizon (Konami)

Cake Mania (Majesco)

Puzzle Quest: Challenge of the Warlords (D3Publisher)

TMNT (Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles) (Ubisoft)

After selling 3 million copies around the world, Gears of War was released in Japan last week and managed to sneak in to the top 10 selling video games for the week, with 33 212 copies sold according to tracking firm Media-Create. Meanwhile, in what must be a worrying turn of events for Sony, the PlayStation 3 is trending downwards after the holiday period, with only 21 105 units sold in the week of 15 to 21 January.

With Gears of War selling over 3 million copies, the Japanese sales are still low, but considering how poorly the Xbox 360 has been received in Japan, to get a game into position 7 on the sales chart is actually a good result for Microsoft, especially considering that the PS3 has no games currently in the top 30. However, it is unlikely that this small success will change the ailing fortunes of the console in Japan, as the game is unlikely to stick around in the top 30 for another week and there are no sure-fire hits coming to the console in the territory until the next Sakaguchi/Mistwalker creation, Lost Odyssey, for which a date is still to be announced.

It is possible to explain the PS3’s current poor sales since no games have been released for the system in January, so the real indication of its popularity will come when such popular games as Virtua Fighter 5 and Gundam Musou are released in the coming months.

For the first time in more than a month, the top 10 was dominated by new releases, with the PS2’s .hack//G.U. Volume 3 taking the top spot with 136 790 copies sold, Wario the Thief (on the DS) in second (91 249) and Sega Shining Force EXA (PS2) in third (72 306 copies). The Japanese top 30 is still dominated by the Nintendo DS, which has 18 titles in the list. Sony’s PS2 and PSP consoles have a combined total of 6, while the Wii has 5. The only new Wii title, Excite Truck, made it into the chart at position 13, while Wii Sports and Wii Play continue their success at positions 4 and 5 respectively.

The DS also continues to dominate hardware sales with 127 647 units sold, while the Wii is not too far behind with 86 395. Nintendo seems to be selling every unit they can manufacture at this point.

Hotel Dusk: Room 215 will be available exclusively on the Nintendo DS, having just been released in the US, Europe and Japan on the 22nd, 24th and 25th of January, respectively. Hotel Dusk has been described as a ‘thinking person’s DS title,’ it will appeal to gamers interested in unique game play and will captivate anyone who loves a good mystery.

Mysterious Room 215

This graphic adventure takes place in one night, the 28th of December 1979 in LA. Kyle Hyde is a disgraced New York ex-cop who has become a salesman and is trying to track down his missing friend. Players will assume the role of Hyde as he books into a seedy hotel and finds himself involved in a 30 year old mystery involving lies, betrayal, kidnapping and murder. Players will follow clues to this old hotel and discover something special about Room 215, a room rumoured to grant wishes. After checking in players should get ready for a surprised filled night, as they meet unusual characters and attempt to unravel the mystery surrounding Hotel Dusk: Room 215.

Femme fatales and shady bellboys

Players will hold their DS sideways like a book, which allows characters on the screens to face left or right for realistic conversations. The touch screen controls will ensure that newcomers can just pick up and play. Simply point and click the touch screen, any player of any skill can play this game. This is ultimately another title which Nintendo is using to appeal to new audiences through the use of creative new interfaces.

The display is of stylized sketch animation which evokes a ‘comic-book-like film noir.’ Use the touch screen to interrogate over a dozen characters and search for clues as Hyde tries to piece together the story and ultimately solve the mysterious puzzles. Expect to see distinctive hand-drawn character portraits and their animations in black and white, and expect to use the DS to solve riddles in Hotel Dusk: Room 215 in the tradition of ‘Trace Memory.’

Gritty crime novel

Prepare to follow a twisting and turning plot as Hyde searches for his friend and explores the mystifying Hotel Dusk. Where the story goes next depends on players as they weigh their options and use the stylus to tap their decision on the touch screen. Players must choose before they begin a conversation – will they play it cool or will they threaten the subject? The branching storylines give players options of how to speak to characters, will you charm the hotel maid, strong-arm the hallway girl or listen patiently to the manager’s ramblings? Choose wisely because if you get thrown out of the hotel, you may never discover the mystery of what happened on that fateful Christmas Eve long ago.

Hotel Dusk: Room 215 will appeal to mystery lovers and gamers alike, with its deep characters, grown-up themes and engrossing plot it resembles a gritty crime novel more than it does a video game.

New genre: the ‘video game book’

“Hotel Dusk: Room 215 could be considered a new genre for both video games and storytelling,” explains George Harrison, Nintendo of America’s senior vice president of marketing and corporate communications. “Just as audio books brought the printed word to a new medium, so does this new ‘video game book.’’”

You may be asking yourself just who is this Kyle Hyde and why is he haunted by his past and what exactly happened in Room 215? You will have to check into Hotel Dusk and play the game to find the answers to these questions as you unravel the mysteries behind Hotel Dusk: Room 215.

Nintendo announced today that strong sales of Nintendo DS hardware and software, combined with the successful launch of the Wii, have led to record consolidated sales and operational profit for the nine month period ending on the 31st of December 2006.

Nintendo also confirmed that recurring and net profits set record highs. Nintendo is maintaining its projections for record financial results through its fiscal year, which ends on the 31st of March 2007.

On the up and up

Nintendo’s consolidated net sales were up by 72.8% over the same nine month period last year, mainly due to the extremely strong Nintendo DS sales and the successful launch of the Wii. It reported that operating income was up 102.5%.

Nintendo also revealed that during the first nine months of the current fiscal year, consolidated shipments of 19 software titles for Nintendo platforms either reached or surpassed one million units. Included in these titles were 3 Wii titles, 13 DS titles and 3 GBA titles.

DS and Wii remain popular worldwide

Another astounding fact is that as of the 24th of January 2007, nearly 1.4 million Wiis have connected to the internet around the world. The Wii’s success continues with Nintendo estimating that as of the 24th of January 2007 1.5 million Virtual Console titles have been downloaded and sold worldwide. Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection continues to be popular with more than 3.5 million unique users enjoying game play on it for the DS (also as of the 24th of January 2007), making more than 100 million connections.

Nintendo previously forecast that it would have 6 million consolidated worldwide shipments of Wii hardware by the end of its fiscal year, and it is standing by this. By the end of 2006 Nintendo had manufactured 4 million Wii systems, selling and delivering 3.19 million to distributors and retail customers globally during that time.

This week saw the release of Nintendo’s Quarter 1 line-up. Included in this list, among many other great titles, was the announcement that Mario Kart 64 was being released as a Virtual Console title for the Wii.

Nintendo announces which Virtual Console titles it is releasing each Monday. This past Monday saw the release of The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past from SNES. Next week Wii owners will be able to visit the Wii Shop Channel and get their hands on the all-time favourite Mario Kart 64. Nintendo of America president Reggie Fils-Aime commented, “Every week we’re delivering more incredible content to further expand the experience.” Expand away Reg, wii are loving it!

A trip down Mario memory lane

In case you have not yet had the joy of experiencing Mario Kart 64, we thought we would provide our readers with a bit of a refresher course. Now maybe you were too young and so don’t remember this classic, hell you might not even have been born yet, perhaps you are a new gamer who has just begun to experience the wonder that is console gaming or you may even be a hardcore gamer just wanting to reminisce about the greatness that was, is and always will be Mario. Well, we are happy to deliver this to you, a little trip down Mario memory lane.

Let’s start with the basics…

Mario Kart 64 was a successor to the Super NES classic Super Mario Kart. Apart from great graphics, the game is packed full of unique power-ups along with a 3D version of the legendary Battle Mode. Mario creator, Shigeru Miyamoto, always ensures great control and he does not let the team down in this game.

Mart Kart 64 features eight familiar faces including Mario, Bowser and Yoshi. Players will race on four tracks, featuring four track circuits which get progressively tougher. Prepare to compete in the Mushroom Cup, the Flower Cup, the Choco Mountain! Star Cup and finally the Special Cup.

Mastering the karts and power-ups

Players are spoilt for choice in Mario Kart 64 and can choose between three engine sizes: 50cc, 100cc and 150cc. Master the power slide technique and grab power-ups to gain more speed and attempt to cross the finish line in first place. Players will learn the different handling, acceleration and speed capabilities of each kart as well as how to make use of the many power-ups including how to hurl shells at rivals, throw bananas to put opponents off their course or lightning bolts to shrink other players.

That in a nutshell is what Mario Kart 64 is all about, craziness and fun!! This is one you definitely don’t want to miss, trust me.

Ubisoft recently revealed their latest financial report which, apart from having some interesting figures, revealed its software line-up ending March 2007. Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon Advanced Warfighter 2 was present and scheduled to be released in Quarter 1, however, it was only listed as being released on the following platforms: Xbox 360, PSP and PC. Most notable was the absence of the PS3 version, leading to speculation that the title would be cancelled. Now it looks as if GRAW 2 will still be released on the PS3, but just later than was previously announced because it is still in development.

Ubisoft have confirmed that GRAW 2 is still coming to the PS3, but that it will now be released later than the Xbox 360 version. The Xbox 360 version seems to be on track and Ubisoft are rumoured to be releasing a GRAW 2 demo on Xbox Live Marketplace soon.

However, tactical combat fans will have more than enough to keep them satisfied should the PS3 version of GRAW 2 be delayed. Splinter Cell: Double Agent and Rainbox Six: Vegas are both scheduled to be released before April.

In the meantime, here are a few screenshots of GRAW 2 for the Xbox 360:

Sony Computer Entertainment Europe today announced that the PlayStation 3 will be launched in the PAL territories (Europe, Africa, the Middle East and Australasia) on the 23rd of March 2007. They also confirmed that the PS3 will retail at a price of 599 Euros (GBP 425, AUD 999.95, NZ 1199.95).

SCEE confirmed that an expected one million PS3 units would be available during the initial launch period and that over 30 titles will be available for the launch period. They further confirmed that only the 60 GB model would be available initially, but that the 20GB model would follow later in 2007 depending on demand.

Launch lineup

The launch lineup includes over 30 game titles for the PS3 and fans will be delighted to note that some the highly anticipated titles published by SCEE will be included in this lineup such as Resistance: Fall of Man; MotorStorm; Genji: Days of the Blade; Formula One Championship Edition; and Ridge Racer 7.

Titles in a variety of genres from leading third party publishers will also be available at launch including EA, Activision, Namco Bandai, Sega, Take 2, Ubisoft, Vivendi Universal and Sony Online Entertainment.

PlayStation Network

Gamers can also look forward to downloadable games debuting on the PlayStation Network including gaming icons such as Tekken: Dark Resurrection and Gran Turismo HD Concept. Gran Turismo HD Concept, created by Polyphony Digital Inc and published by Sony Computer Entertainment, has been downloaded by more than 350 000 users in North America and Japan since it was released in December 2006. Gran Turismo HD Concept will be the fully-featured PS3 debut of the best selling Gran Turismo franchise and will be realised with full HD (1080p) visual quality.

The PlayStation Network will also offer brainteasers including Go! Sudoku and Go! Puzzle. SCEE had promised to provide original content on the PlayStation Network, content created by non-traditional developers and publishers. It has delivered on this promise with Blast Factor and flOw, innovative games designed exclusively for the PS3. The European launch will also see the issue of a new System Update which promises to further enhance the entertainment potential of the PS3.

Strongest launch line-up in PlayStation history

Announcing the launch details, David Reeves, President of SCEE said, “Following the hugely successful launches of PS3 in Japan and North America, we are absolutely delighted to be able to bring significant numbers of PS3 to the SCEE territories. To be able to launch with over 30 titles across every genre shows that this is our strongest launch line-up in the history of PlayStation, and is what PlayStation fans in Europe have been crying out for.”

PlayStation 3 launch title line-up

Here is a list of the launch titles of the PS3. Please note that the publisher and whether it is Network or Disc based is indicated in brackets.

Resistance: Fall of Man (SCEE – Disc)

MotorStorm (SCEE – Disc)

Genji: Days of the Blade (SCEE – Disc)

FORMULA ONE CHAMPIONSHIP EDITION (SCEE – Disc)

Ridge Racer 7 (SCEE – Disc)

Tekken: Dark Resurrection (SCEE – Network)

Lemmings (SCEE – Network)

Go! Sudoku (SCEE – Network)

Go! Puzzle (SCEE – Network)

Blast Factor (SCEE – Network)

flow (SCEE – Network)

Super Rub’a’Dub (SCEE – Network)

Call of Duty 3 (Activision UK Ltd – Disc)

Marvel: Ultimate Alliance (Activision UK Ltd – Disc)

Tony Hawks Project 8 - Activision UK Ltd - Disc

Gundam - Target in Sight (Namco Bandai Games – Disc)

Full Auto 2: Battle Lines (Sega Europe Ltd – Disc)

Sonic the Hedgehog (Sega Europe Ltd – Disc)

Virtua Fighter 5 (Sega Europe Ltd – Disc)

Virtua Tennis 3 (Sega Europe Ltd – Disc)

World Snooker Championship 2007 (Sega Europe Ltd – Disc)

NBA 2K7 (Take 2 International SA – Disc)

NHL 2K7 (Take 2 International SA – Disc)

Blazing Angels Squadrons of WWll (Ubisoft Entertainment SA – Disc)

Enchanted Arms (Ubisoft Entertainment SA – Disc)

Tom Clancy’s Splinter Cell: Double Agent (Ubisoft Entertainment SA – Disc)

The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion (Ubisoft Entertainment SA – Disc)

Def Jam: Icon (Electronic Arts Ltd – Disc)

Fight Night Round 3 (Electronic Arts Ltd – Disc)

NBA Street 4 Homecourt 2007 (Electronic Arts Ltd – Disc)

Need for Speed Carbon (Electronic Arts Ltd – Disc)

The Godfather: The Don’s Edition (Electronic Arts Ltd – Disc)

Tiger Woods PGA Tour 2007 (Electronic Arts Ltd – Disc)

Untold Legends: Dark Kingdom (Electronic Arts Ltd – Disc)

F.E.A.R. (Vivendi Universal Games Intl SA – Disc)

Gripshift (Sony Online Entertainment – Network)

PlayStation 3 Peripherals which will be available at launch peripheral

SIXAXIS Wireless Controller - EURO 49.99

Blu-ray Disc Remote Control - EURO 24.99

HDMI Cable - EURO 24.99

AV cable - EURO 16.99

Component AV cable - EURO 24.99

S Video cable - EURO 16.99

More updates to follow

EL33TONLINE will continue to bring you more updates as they are released, so be sure to check back. In addition, we will be providing more information about the titles released shortly, so stay tuned!

There has been much debate as to whether Super Paper Mario would be released on the Wii platform, with most forum predictions holding out hope that this title would make it to Nintendo’s next-gen. Now, according to the latest edition of Nintendo Power Magazine, Mario fans can expect to see the much anticipated Super Paper Mario released on the Wii in April.

Nintendo Power has revealed that Mario will find himself in an interdimensional town of Flipside, a black hole looming over him with mathematical equations floating around. Players will use the Wii Remote controller sideways, jumping with button 2 and using the A button to switch view. Players have been tipped that Mario will be able to change perspective, switching between the normal side scrolling 2D view and a 3D view of the 2D ‘Paper Mario like’ world with the press of a button. Switching between the two dimensions will become necessary if Mario is to solve some of the puzzles. Some can only be solved if players switch cameras which will reveal new paths for Mario to pursue.

Players can also expect to encounter Pixis, creatures which Mario will befriend and collect. The Pixis will give Mario new abilities which are sure to push the Wii Remote to the limit! Players can search areas for secrets using a Pixi named Tippy. Simply point the Wii Remote at the screen to discover concealed passages and gather important information about enemies. Players will also be able to gain extra points by shaking the Wii Remote at the right time when jumping on enemies. Nintendo Power is tipped to have new screenshots of the game.

Nintendo have yet to confirm these details. We will be sure to post a news item if we should hear anything further about the release of Super Paper Mario for the Wii.

Since the Wii was launched late last year people from all around the world have reveled in the exciting innovation of Nintendo’s next-gen console. Nintendo promised to continue the flow of fun for veteran and new gamers alike this year. You only need take a peak at their first quarter lineup for North America to see that they are delivering on this promise.

New and classic games which everyone can play

The first three months of 2007 will see a variety of games for everyone being released. These include Wii Play, SSX Blur, The Godfather Blackhand Edition (EA) and a new Prince of Persia Rival Swords (Ubisoft). Nintendo fans can also enjoy the classics via the Wii Shop Channel including The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past and the upcoming Mario Kart 64. Make sure that you mark down the 27th of January in your diaries too, because the News Channel will be going live on this date with global coverage provided by the Associated Press.

“Our tremendous worldwide launch shows people, from experienced players to non-players, are hungry for the kinds of entertainment only Wii provides,” says Nintendo of America President Reggie Fils-Aime. “Wii hardware production continues full bore, and every week we’re delivering more incredible content to further expand the experience.”

Want to play?

If you were one of the many people who enjoyed Wii Sports and WarioWare: Smooth Moves, you can look forward to Wii Play. It is a collection of nine new games in the Wii Sports style. These games include billiards, fishing, shooting range and a target-practice game which is similar to the style of Nintendo’s classic Duck Hunt. Wii Play is being released on the 14th of February but I would not recommend giving it as a Valentines Day gift, unless of course your girlfriend/boyfriend is a hardcore gamer or Nintendo fan, in which case it would make the perfect present (provided of course said girlfriend/boyfriend has a Wii. If they don’t it could end up being a slightly expensive gift given that you would have to purchase the Wii as well, but rest assured that it is sure to rekindle the spark between the two of you). Wii Play comes packaged with a Wii Remote so friends and family can all enjoy the multiplayer aspect of the Wii. See, what did I tell you? You could spend quality time with said girlfriend/boyfriend and play multiplayer with your Wii.

Scheduled release titles

There are currently 34 new Wii titles in the library. Here is the schedule of the upcoming Wii releases:

February and March releases

14 February - Wii Play with Wii Remote (Nintendo)

27 March - Disney’s Meet the Robinsons (Buena Vista)

March - Bust-A-Move Bash (Majesco)

March - Prince of Persia Rival Swords (Ubisoft)

March - Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (Ubisoft)

March - Bionicle Heroes (Eidos)

March - Blazing Angels Squadrons of WWII (Ubisoft)

Quarter 1 releases

Q1 - Tiger Woods PGA Tour 07 (EA)

Q1 - SSX Blur (EA)

Q1 - The Godfather Blackhand Edition (EA)

Q1 - Medal of Honor Vanguard (EA)

Q1 - Sonic and the Secret Rings (Sega)

Other game action is also available on the Wii with the Virtual Console titles in the library of downloadable Wii titles growing to 42. This week saw the release of The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past (NES) and next week everyone’s favourite, Mario Kart 64 will be added.

Keep checking back because Nintendo make weekly announcements about upcoming games so as to update Wii owners and keep us Wii fans in the know.

Bethesda Softworks recently confirmed that there will be an official expansion for Oblivion, the 2006 game of the year, released in March 2006 and already topping three million unit sales. It has been confirmed that the expansion, titled The Elder Scrolls IV: Shivering Isles, will be released for the Xbox 360 and Windows this Spring.

“We’re thrilled with the response that Oblivion has received to date and feel that Shivering Isles will offer a whole new and different experience to anyone who played and enjoyed Oblivion,” said Todd Howard, executive producer for The Elder Scrolls.

Explore new realms and discover new truths

Players can expect more than 30 hours of new game play in Shivering Isles. The expansion will also allow players to explore a new plane of Oblivion, the realm of Sheogorath, the Daedric Prince of Madness. The expansion will add to the existing world of Oblivion, giving players the opportunity to continue playing with their saved game or character or to create an entirely new character to explore the new content with.

Once players are inside the realm of Sheogorath they can explore the two extreme sides of this god’s madness, his creative one or his psychotic one. But something is amiss in the Shivering Isles and players must become Sheogorath’s champion to help defend his realm and protect its people. The question posed to the player is this: “Do you have the strength to survive his trials, tame a realm fraught with paranoia and despair, and wear the mantle of a God?”

Players can expect to encounter a landscape within the Shivering Isles torn between mania and dementia, as well as new creatures including insects, Flesh Atronachs, skeletal Shambles and amphibious Grummites. But fear not, for if you should decide to accept this challenge and press on, you will discover new items, ingredients and spells to assist you, along with Crucible and Bliss, talented craftsmen who will forge weapons and armour for you.

Unlike anything you have seen or played in Oblivion before

“The enthusiastic response we’ve received to our downloadable content has been overwhelming, and we’re excited to bring Oblivion fans a full expansion,” said Vlatko Andonov, president of Bethesda Softworks. “The world we’ve created for Shivering Isles is unlike anything you’ve seen or played in Oblivion and we can’t wait for folks to play it.”

The Windows version of Shivering Isles is co-published by Bethesda Softworks and 2K games and will be available at retail. The Xbox 360 version is planned for release through Xbox Live by Bethesda Softworks. Fans eager to get more details about the expansion should look out for the February issue of Official Xbox Magazine (US), which will present an exclusive cover story.

Ubisoft has announced that it will soon be launching Driver 76 for the PSP. The game will feature new content along with 27 new missions which have been exclusively designed for on the go gaming.

Driver 76 is set to be released in March and is the first new edition of the popular Driver series to be released since Ubisoft acquired the famed franchise in 2006. It will be developed by Sumo Digital Ltd and Ubisoft’s Reflections Studio.

Action driving game

Ubisoft has remained faithful to the brand spirit so players can expect an action driving game featuring Hollywood-style car chases while still allowing players to experience the open environment on foot. Players will experience 27 missions, divided into six main plots, set in the 1970’s. If you want to modify your ride, be prepared to earn cash through side jobs. The game also features a multiplayer mode as well as mini-games ranging from a Destruction Derby Mode to street races.

New and exclusive content

Driver 76 has been exclusively designed for the PSP so all 27 missions are new and created just for this system. Driver 76 also happens to be a prequel storyline to Driver Parallel Lines. It is set in 1976, two years before Driver Parallel Lines.

Players can look forward to multiplayer games as well as downloadable content. Whether it be Destruction Derby, Pink Slip Racing or Swap Meet, there is sure to be something to appeal to every driver out there. Players can also download new paintjobs which they can use on the vehicles which they have collected in their garage. The vehicle modification system is also available to players whereby players can collect their favourite vehicles and complete side jobs missions to get cash and modify their ride.

Players will experience open environments in New York in the 1970’s. Take note of the architecture, classic music, clothes and cars of the grooving ‘70s with the game environments spanning New York from Jersey to Coney Island.

So, you want to race? No problem. Driver 76 caters for high-speed Hollywood racing action where players can engage in high-speed races and crashes. Should players wish to go faster they will need to customize their rides with special parts.

Three new packages of Lumines! Live content will become available for download on Xbox Live Arcade on the 24th of January at 9 GMT. Gamers are in for a treat with two of the add-on packs being available at special prices while Xbox Live Gold Members can get the third one for free, but for a limited time only.

“Lumines Live!” is not just about dropping blocks

Lumines Live! combines puzzles, music and video entertainment to give the gamer a fun experience. There are several different single player modes which players can select, along with online battle modes via Xbox Live. If creative juices run through your veins you should check out the new Skin Edit Mode. But whatever you choose, Lumines Live! will guarantee that you experience new ways to play via exclusive downloadable content.

And the downloads are…(drum roll please)

Heavenly Star Skin – Xbox Live Gold members can obtain this download for free, but only for a limited time, from the 24th of January to the 21st of February. After that it will set you back 150 Microsoft Points. The song is performed by newcomers Genki Rockets and is produced by Q Entertainment’s Tetsuya Mizuguchi. This catchy song was recently nominated Best Song at the 2006 Spike TV Video Game Awards and gamers will enjoy the music video in HD and 5.1 surround sound as they play their way through the falling blocks.

VS CPU Pack – It will set you back 100 Microsoft Points for a limited time from the 24th of January to the 21st of February. After the 21st of February it will cost you 300 Microsoft Points. Challenge the CPU as you put you skills to the test. Stylish skin and character designs matching the themes of each stage are also included in this new game pack. Look out for the bonus skin at the end of the challenge!

Puzzle/Mission Pack - Available for 100 Microsoft Points for a limited time starting from the 24th of January until the 21st of February, thereafter it will cost you 300 Microsoft Points. Puzzle Mode challenges gamers to create shapes using the blocks. Mission Mode allocates a mission to clear all of the blocks within a specified amount. It features an additional 90 puzzles to solve and 40 missions to clear, so you won’t want to miss out on this one. The Standard Edition includes the first 10 puzzles and missions, so if players purchase the Pack they will obtain 100 puzzles and 50 missions.

The team at EA Chicago was behind the acclaimed EA Sports Fight Night series. Now they are collaborating with Def Jam Interactive and ‘intergating hip hop culture and gaming like never before.’

“Become one with the beats to rule the streets”

The game features the latest music which is infused into the world around you, the environment resonating to every beat, as your surroundings crumble and explode. Players must learn to time their attacks to the bass and use the falling debris to attack rivals.

Def Jam Icon features a new single-player mode which sees you pursuing the life of a hip hop mogul trying to build a record label. First you will discover superstars and eventually you yourself will become a hip hop icon.

“Infusing hip-hop music, culture and lifestyle into the game play”

EA Chicago and Def Jam Interactive have sought to bring unique content to next-gen gaming, especially by changing the way in which fighting games are played. Read on for more information about how the game is played.

Music is your weapon – Players can expect their surrounding environments to come alive, triggered by the music beats. Players must take advantage of the surroundings, whether it be an exploding gas pump or a spinning helicopter propeller, as well as their fighting skills to defeat their rivals.

DJ controls – Players must learn to make music their weapon as they use the analogue sticks like turntables, adding beats and switching songs. Players must control the music if they are to control the fight’s result.

Become a Hip Hop Icon – The game has a story mode where you will become a music mogul, building an empire slowly as you sign artists, manage their careers and release hit songs. Players will seek to master this and become an icon, but should be wary of competing rivals.

Hip Hop’s Hottest Stars – Players can choose to fight with or against big hip hop stars including the likes of Big Boi, The Game, Ludacris, Paul Wall and T.I. These artists will help you build your record label and ultimately become a hip hop icon.

Online game play – Players can square up against friends or battle other hip hop icon wannabees.

Here are a few more screenshots:

EA recently announced the development of one of its popular franchises, Theme Park, exclusively to the Nintendo DS. The game will be based on the simulation game series and will allow players to create, manage and develop parks brimming with exciting rides, shops and sideshows – all through the use of the DS’s Touch Screen of course!

Theme Park will be developed by EA’s Japan Studio which is based in Tokyo. It is set to deliver the same fun that the franchise did in the most accessible format, ensuring that both hardcore and first-time gamers will enjoy the game. Theme Park is set to be released in Spring 2007.

Easy-to-pick-up game

“Theme Park is one of EA’s long standing properties, and we are excited to breathe new life into the series by bringing it to the NDS platform for the first time ever,” said Stan Chow, General Manager of EA Japan Studio and Executive Producer of Theme Park. “Taking advantage of the unique controls in the NDS, we are able to create an easy-to-pick-up game that offers the experience of creating and managing your own park to audiences of all age and gender. The game will have the depth to satisfy fans of the series, and also be accessible to lighter and new gamers with its user-friendly controls.”

Aiming to delight gamers

“We are in a unique position to develop compelling new games that appeal to consumers worldwide by combining EA’s proven global IP with the expertise of EA Japan Studio in the NDS platform. Theme Park will be the first title out of the studio for international release, and we look forward to delighting gamers with this new offering,” said Jon Niermann, President, EA Asia Publishing.

Konami recently announced the launch of dedicated online leagues for Metal Gear Solid 3: Subsistence for the PS2. This means that gamers in PAL territories can compete against each other within officially sanctioned events.

The tournament will be hosted by French online specialists Games-Services and Metal Gear Solid 3: Subsistence fans can visit this site to register for the tournaments and to check how they fare on the leaderboards. Players from all PAL territories can enter and the site is multi-lingual for English, French, German, Spanish and Italian users. Players will take on three challenges over two weeks in the tournaments and they stand a chance to win exclusive Konami prizes.

The site also hopes to build on the social aspect which online gaming delivers. It gives players the opportunity to establish clans and set up tournaments to practice. These performances will be tracked to create a league table of the best players.

This is the first time that a Metal Gear title has enjoyed online capabilities. It features Death Match, Team Death Match as well as Capture, Rescue and Sneaking Missions (each with their own set of goals). Up to eight players can play online at once and players can communicate using the ‘Voice Chat’ system. If you register as a player you can also contact other players to exchange tips and tactics using the site’s forums.

Here are two online gameplay screenshots: