Pearl Harbor Trilogy – 1941: Red Sun Rising is the first title in a trilogy of air-combat action games for the Wii. In the first episode, which is available on WiiWare™ for 700 Wii Points, players are dropped into the cockpit of famous World War II aircraft and thrown into some of the most contested air battles of the Pacific Theatre such as Pearl Harbor, Wake Island and Guadalcanal.

The game has been rated T for Teen (Violence) by the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB), PEGI 12 (Europe), USK 12 (Germany) and AGCB PG Mild Violence (Australia and New Zealand).

Hydro Hurricane Thunder screenshot

Microsoft Game Studios and developer Vector Unit will launch the Xbox Live Arcade sequel to the legendary Midway speedboat racing arcade game, Hydro Thunder Hurricane on July 28th as part of the Xbox Live’s Summer of Arcade promotion.

Hydro Thunder Hurricane is the first official sequel to the classic Midway hit Hydro Thunder, which splashed into arcades and consoles over 10 years ago.  Rather than simply recreate the original game with updated graphics, Vector Unit has delivered an all-new game engine for the sequel, with gorgeous HD visuals and amazing dynamic water physics.

Fans will recognize favorite speedboats from the original Hydro Thunder: Razorback, Damn the Torpedoes, Tidal Blade, Rad Hazard and others return with beautifully redesigned models, multiple unlockable skins, and articulated boost animations with massive rockets folding out from hidden compartments.   Race tracks are all original, but packed with the kinds of shortcuts and spectacular surprises the series is known for.

The indie developer’s motto is ‘Big games in small packages,’ and their first game as a studio delivers on that promise.  The downloadable game features 8 all new interactive race tracks, new Single Player game modes, Xbox LIVE Leaderboard challenges, as well as robust multiplayer support for 8 players online, local split screen races with up to 4 players and a combination of split screen and online play.

Ralf Knoesel, Vector Unit’s Technical Director and the programming visionary behind Hydro Thunder Hurricane’s cutting-edge interactive water, said the team is thrilled to be included as part of the Summer of Arcade.

“We know there were a lot of quality titles vying to be a part of Summer of Arcade, and it’s really a testament to the team’s hard work and creative energy that HTH made the cut. Our goal with Hurricane was to deliver tons of new content with the kind of polish and depth you expect to find in a full retail game. It takes hours to unlock everything in the single player mode, and once you’ve done that you still have multiplayer, which I think is where the game really shines.”

Creative Director Mat Small added;

“The feedback from Hydro Thunder fans has been overwhelmingly positive.  When you put a controller into the hands of a hard core fan, and he nods and grins the first time he goes off some 800 foot jump or nails a shortcut and says something like ‘Oh yeah, this is how I remember it’ – that tells me we pulled it off.
On top of everything else, Hydro Thunder Hurricane  is perfect for Summer of Arcade.   What’s the first thing people think about when it’s summertime?  Sun, fun, splashing around in the water, driving a speedboat at 200 mph, jumping off gigantic cliffs, and dodging dinosaurs.  Right?”

Mmm Possibly.

If thats what summer means to you then visit Vector Unit for more information.

Hydro Thunder Hurricane will be released on July 28, 2010, exclusively on Xbox LIVE Arcade.  The game will sell for 1200 Microsoft Points.

mythos screenshot

Mythos is back!

Despite the potential of the colourful monster hunting game Mythos, the previous developers were for some reason unable to continue with the game.

Its comeback is now securely on the cards with Frogster having secured the license for its publication in Europe. Mythos has been remoulded and will appear in five language versions following a free-to-play payment model according to the plans of the Berlin-based games publisher.

The essence of its game play will be retained: players will hunt down fearsome monsters in dark dungeons in the typical Hack-n’-Slay fashion, either on their own or in groups, to find rare loot and steadily develop into mighty heroes. Frogster will expand Mythos with new content and features in cooperation with the Korean publisher, HanbitSoft, but without altering the gaming principals that have made Mythos such a success.

Mythos was originally developed by Flagship Studios as a test program for ‘Hellgate: London’. The team headed by Bill Roper was so impressed by the final results that they decided to continue the Action-MMORPG as a completely stand-alone project.

Following Flagship Studio’s insolvency the closed-beta server was switched off in 2008 which saw the rights to Mythos being transferred to the Korean publisher, HanbitSoft. The experienced software firm announced in 2009 that it would continue the game’s license and has been working ever since on its comeback. The Berlin-based publisher, Frogster, plans to launch Mythos in Europe no later than in the first quarter of 2011 and the open beta is planned for the final quarter of this year.

Andreas Weidenhaupt, Chief Licensing Officer for Frogster Interactive Pictures AG and CEO of Frogster Online Gaming GmbH said:

“The premature dropping of Mythos before its release was a real loss for the genre. That’s why we’re really pleased to finally bring the game to Europe. We’re not just going to meet the expectations of the game’s fans – we’re going to surpass them.”

For more information visit the Mythos european site.

Blade Kitten screenshot

Major videogame producer Atari have announced the upcoming European launch of Blade Kitten, the game based on the  comic book series by creator Steve Stamatiadis.

Developed by Krome Studios, Blade Kitten brings the world of bounty hunter Kit Ballard to life and will launch this September on Xbox LIVE Arcade for Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, PlayStation Network, and Windows PC Download.

Blade Kitten marks the latest creation by Mr. Stamatiadis, the force behind the multi-million selling TY the Tasmanian Tiger series. In Blade Kitten, a prequel to the comics set three years prior; players are invited into the world of Hollow Wish where they take on the role of Kit Ballard, one of the best bounty hunters in the business.

With her pink hair and tail, Kit is part cat, part girl – and fully lethal.  As one of the last of her species, Kit commands her unique ‘Darque Blade’ hovering sword to defeat enemies.  Also along for the ride is Skiffy, Kit’s laid-back sidekick who lends a hand in collecting items, solving puzzles, and when needed, serves as Kit’s protector.

Blade Kitten goes beyond most downloadable titles to deliver a strong narrative, with high-quality cinematics, and a colourful, frenetic visual style, that lends to the pick-up-and-play arcade action.  Players will jump right in and easily begin exploring and fighting their way through 19 levels, including three exploration levels with Noot (a rideable alien mount).  Blade Kitten also features innovative gameplay mechanics, intuitive ’scramble style’ exploration, fully voiced dialogue, dramatic narrative and a powerful distinct anime-inspired visual direction.

John Burns, Vice President and General Manager for Atari Europe, said;

“We are pleased to announce the upcoming launch of Blade Kitten for Xbox LIVE Arcade, Playstation®Network and PC Download. With its colourful anime inspired universe, simple pick up and play arcade action and intuitive scramble style exploration Blade Kitten is destined to become one of the hot digital releases of 2010.”

For further information visit the Blade Kitten website.

microvolts screenshot

Rock Hippo Productions have announced that their fast and furious MMO-TPS (Massively Multiplayer Online-Third Person Shooter) game, MicroVolts is entering its Beta stage soon.

MicroVolts is a free2play online shooter that offers an innovative Third Person view over the traditional First Person genre, making the game compelling to play, more fun to watch and more importantly, providing an intense gaming experience.

MicroVolts places the gamer in a toy playground and pits players in the roles of action figures in a war that’s been waged in our own homes unnoticed.  How did the war start? Who made them?  It’s time to take up arms and fight for valuable battery resources and supremacy of the Micro World.

Featuring fast paced gameplay and a thriving number of different weapons, characters, levels and modes, another of the game’s unique features is the possibility to customize your character. With literally thousands of cosmetic items either purchasable or freely available, no one character must look the same.

Each individual player’s statistics are logged and MicroVolts also gives the opportunity to level up so your character becomes an even more feared opponent in the fun-to-play levels.

MicroVolts offers the player a huge choice of options for putting their own stamp on the game:
·         4 characters to choose from that are customizable with a choice of thousands of cosmetic items.

·         Choose from 7 different types of weapons, each being fully upgradeable.

·         Strategic teamwork that offers dynamic and fast paced game play.

·         Multiple maps, designed by Toy Concept, offer a distinct and visually rich view of the world.

·         Different game modes offer the player a unique experience.

Visit the MicroVolts website to be among the first to reciece a beta code and check out the exciting free to play new game.

Ascedia Peaks-Crusader

The latest online game from international publisher UTV Games has been announced as Faxion Online.

The upcoming highly competitive, fully featured MMORPG allows players to become part of the classic struggle between good and evil; but with a twist.

The game features the two forces of good and evil, The Crusader is a class that is available to players on the side of heaven, representing Good, and The Reaver is a class that is available to players on the side of Hell, representing Evil.

As the names imply, Crusaders and Reavers are strong all around. They can fill the classic roles of tanking or damage dealing with ease. They will also feature multiple skill paths players may choose to learn that best support their play style.

Reavers and Crusaders are powerful warriors who serve as the front lines in a fight, the close-range combatants who protect and defend their companions. Of all the classes, these rely most heavily on their gear and enjoy access to a broad range of weapons and armor. They know the quality of their equipment profoundly affects their ability to inflict and withstand damage. Only the mightiest of fighters with their great strength can survive the rigors of wearing such heavy armor and wielding such massive weapons.

Purgatory Valley-Reaver

Ascedia Peaks
Ascedia Peaks is a region of Purgatory where open world PvP may take place. Its appearance reflects the arrogance and pride of man. At their most noble, the folk who dwell here exude extreme self-confidence, a true appreciation for a job well done, and a profound belief in their own abilities. At their most base, however, their pride descends into disdainful haughtiness, vain boasting, and ultimately megalomania.

Purgatory Valley
Purgatory Valley is another region where open world PvP may take place. A lush tropical valley sits nestled among rocky cliffs where ancient, vine-strangled ruins stand as crumbling icons to numerous once-great civilizations. The seven-pointed, star-shaped city of Purgatory dominates the center of the valley, its towering walls looming over the gloomy floor of the jungle. The River Styx bisects both the valley and the city itself, where waterfalls plummet from the massive walls and spill into the river below.

Territory control, an important and deep feature of the game, will sport two main factions — the forces of heaven and hell – where players will engage in grand battles to vie for control of a territory and influence on behalf of their side of the conflict. Players can expect to see a ground-breaking, competitive action game that strips away the typical experience and leveling grind observed in many MMORPG’s today.

For further information visit the Faxion Online website.

Freejack screenshot

Game Bridger Entertainment have announced the latest game to become available on their free to play games platform Gamekraft. Freejack is a parkour racing game with slick cartoon-style graphics and innovative new gameplay mechanics based on the underground sport of free running, developed by Korean developer WiseOn.

In FreeJack, players race head-to-head as one of four hip characters, bustin’ stylish flips and tricks to increase their speed and come out on top!

The exciting new addition to the Gamekraft platform is scheduled for release in the North America and European market place during July 2010.

FreeJack is a free-to-play parkour racing game for Windows PCs supporting Windows XP, Windows Vista, and Windows 7. Players race head-to-head across the urban metropolis of New Jack City as one of four hip characters, bustin’ stylish flips and tricks to increase their speed and gain access to hidden pathways and shortcuts.

Players can personalize their character with fresh outfits and running gear and even customize their own unique in-game living space with cool furniture and accessories to show off to friends! FreeJack also supports online leaderboards, a club/clan system, in-game friends lists, and more.

FreeJack will be free to download and play. Visit the FreeJack homepage for registration and further details.

Tehra is a hybrid creature who is part human and part devil, a female warrior who must take on the monstrous Orcs, the undead and a horde of beasts, trying to confront Bacdar, the King of Demons.

Tehra: Dark Warrior is a  classic action hack’n’slash and adventure based in a fantasy world. Our heroine, Tehra will progress through the game increasing her combat skills, magical power and become brutally evil with extraordinary power.

Sistar is a world inhabited by three races: Humans, Demons and Dragons. The Humans and Demons, antagonistic races by nature, fought for control of the territory, enslaving the dragon race because of its great destructive power in battle. Finally realizing that the fight would never end, the factions of both opposing sides signed the Tarkhubal Treaty, according to which the territory would be divided into six kingdoms: three would be bestowed on the three human kings and the other three on the Devil Lords of the war. To watch over the implementation of this Treaty agreed by opposing sides, a hybrid creature, human and devil, was created: Tehra, whose mission is maintaining peace in Sistar. Her directive is straightforward, if a king breaks the Treaty, he will be eliminated.

Tehra is the only hybrid both human and devil in the game, and was created specifically to protect the fulfillment of the Treaty of Tarkhubal. She may change her physical appearance to take a more human or devil aspect although in order to do this, she needs some demon blood. When in demon mode, her attacks are stronger and more deadly, although she cannot keep this momentum for long.

The PSP version of the game includes several improvements that really convert this game into one of the most interesting titles you could find at any Playstation Store. There are new levels; more detailed scenarios; new movements and attack combos; new monsters; and better playability.

Key Features
• Tehra has two sides to her character: both human and devil.
• Easy to play. The player will understand the controls in a few minutes.
• Player magic and combat skills evolution.
• Great history mode and challenging minigames including a survival style game for fast-playing.
• Defeat enemies and complete levels to unlock Challenges.
• Hours of gameplay.
• 3D graphics with full use of PSP hardware for special effects as Bloom and smooth gameplay.

Tehra:Dark Warrior

Objects & Spells
The following list details the potions, spells and objects that the player will find across the world of Sistar, and a brief description of their effect:

Electricity: Transform demon blood into electricity, creating a lighting ray that damages the enemies.

Shockwave: Creates a powerful shockwave that can damage all the enemies on the screen.

Combustion: Creates an explosion around the player, causing damage to all the enemies near the player.
Some creatures are not damaged by this spell.

Fireballs: Results in the creation of one or various fire spheres, than cause serious damage to all the enemies currently on the screen. The numbers of spheres may change.

Power Attack: Powerful attack that hits multiple enemies in front of Tehra.

Gold: Found on chests, hidden places, or dropped by some enemies, allow Tehra to learn new spells and combat skills.

Demon Wrath: Allows Tehra transform into a Dark Warrior.

Rings of Eir: Magical body protection. Tehra will be more resistant to enemy attacks.

Dragon Claw: Provides a better assimilation of demon blood.
The consumption of blood to cast spells will be less.

Tehra: Dark Warrior is released today, June 2nd, through the Sony Playstation Store as a PSP MINI videogame suitable for PSP and Playstation 3, priced at €4.99.

As well as experiencing the Superbike championship, players can also participate in the Supersport series, testing the improvements of the Portimao circuit.

You can try out your riding skills in different weather conditions as well as riding against 15 other riders in the new Online Multiplayer Mode and you can also play both in Arcade or Simulation mode.

As well as the regular Regular SBK®X edition, there is to be a Limited Special Edition which features a list of 17 riders from the history of Superbikes plus a DVD documentary showing highlights of an exclusive interview with the 2009 Superbike World Champion Ben Spies.

Both versions of the game will be available for purchase from the 4th June.

You may have the original Sony Playstation stashed away safely in your room somewhere, but gaming on the go is the newer way to play, and if you haven’t yet caught on to the Sony PSP (PlayStation Portable), where have you been?!

The stylish portable games console lets you access games, music, videos and photos at any time of day. The PSP also features a TV-out socket for displaying content on a television.  As far as Sony PSP games and accessories go, there’s a mountain to choose from.  If you like a good grapple, you can’t beat Sony PSP’s Tekken: Dark Resurrection.

If you’re not familiar with the Tekken series, it’s about time you looked them up. The arcade style games let you select from an impressive list of diverse characters each with their own fighting style, before you pick your opponent and try to knock their block off.  What better way to pass the time on an otherwise dull train journey, or the miserable morning bus ride to work?

Delivering everything that makes the Tekken series so popular, Sony PSP’s Tekken: Dark Resurrection is an impressive graphical game.   One for the lads, it’s a staple PSP game that ticks all the right boxes.

Fans of spiky-headed favourite Sonic the Hedgehog will no doubt love Sony PSP’s Sonic Rivals.  With high speed thrills, this simple yet staple PSP game combines the old school feel of the Sonic classics with modern graphics and updated features.  Bright, colourful levels with plenty of jumps and loops ensure a rollercoaster ride from start to finish. Providing an interesting twist to the original Sonic game, Sonic Rivals sees Sonic save his friends from classic rival Eggman in a series of one-on-one races.

You’ll be hooked almost as soon as you switch on your PSP.

A game made exclusively for the Sony Playstation portable, Assassin’s Creed: Bloodlines, part of the popular Assassin’s Creed franchise, is a real hit with the boys.  The action-adventure game allows players to free-roam an island at will, all while keeping out of sight of deadly enemies on the way.

Fantasy fans can get a load of Final Fantasy VII: Advent Children, based on the film of the same name. Set in the world of Square Enix’s Final Fantasy VII, the game sees Cloud tackle the mystery of the ‘geostigma’, which has become infected by being exposed to the planet’s life stream energy. Cloud and the remaining Final Fantasy VII characters are to lash back at the planet, while saving themselves from destruction. Gripping and addictive, Final Fantasy VII: Advent Children is already storming the gaming charts.

Little Big Planet is the latest Sony PlayStation craze to take the gaming market by storm. Widely regarded as one of the top 10 Sony PSP games, Little Big Planet gives you the chance to step into a world of endless possibilities, where your imagination is key.  You can enhance whatever you see, using your own creativity, while the graphics behind Little Big Planet provide the rest.  Set out with Sackboy and explore a wealth of environments, while overcoming frustrating obstacles in order to build your own creations. The power is firmly in your hands!

Everyone loves a good virtual car chase, so why not check out Grand Theft Auto? Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars is a favourite in the Grand Theft Auto series, where players navigate their way through the streets as they uncover the truth behind a tale of crime and corruption. Gran Turismo, the real driving simulator, also recently made its debut on the Sony PSP. Featuring over 800 car models and 35 tracks, there’s mission and arcade modes to choose from as well as a multiplayer racing mode.

Footy fans will love Sony PSP’s FIFA 10, with its improved graphics and enhancements. Featuring refinements based on responsiveness and intelligence, plus a new ‘Manager Mode’ including a whopping 50 major improvements, the game includes the 360° dribbling system, which provides finer dribbling control, as well as more accurate passing and authentic shooting.

But the Sony PSP is not just about games: there’s also plenty of films to be downloaded too, as well as a wealth of gaming accessories. Ensure you get a decent durable case and screen protector, first off. PSP accessories packs come in a variety of combinations, with carry cases and screen protectors often included. Save on batteries and get yourself a Sony PSP adaptor, ensuring you can play without the worry that your game will cut out half way through.

For games, movies and accessories, you’ll certainly be spoilt for choice with your PSP. Happy gaming!