Looks like those obsessive folks who paused Lionhead's latest Fable II developer diary to see what Peter Molyneux was writing on his notepad were on to something, as Peter Molyneux announces the release month for the game at Microsoft's E3 2008 press conference, and surprise - it's October! Ah, the lovely fall season, when a boy's thoughts go to spending time with his dog and choosing between good and evil paths.

The Microsoft press conference at E3 2008 saw a game demo of Capcom's Resident Evil 5, after which Jun Takeuchi announced the release date for the eagerly anticipated title. Resident Evil 5 will be launching worldwide on Friday, March 13th 2009, except for Japan who get it a day earlier. Friday the 13th? Really? How many months do you think they pushed it back just to get that special, more-evil Friday the 13th release?

As revealed at the end of the trailer, Double D Dodgeball is coming to Xbox Live July 30th.

"Roogoo is a fun, family friendly puzzle game that is as addictive as it is cute," said Melanie Mroz, CEO of SouthPeak Games. "Not only does the game get progressively more challenging to play, but it also gets harder and harder to put down."

The PC version, which retails for $19.95 (boxes aren't free!), and features all 45 levels of the XBLA version, as well as split-screen multiplayer. Awww, remember back when we used to play multiplayer games together on the PC? We were such dorks back then.

ROOGOO NOW SHIPPING FOR PC

SouthPeak's Critically Acclaimed Xbox LIVE® Arcade Puzzle Game is Available Now Wherever PC Games are Sold

MIDLOTHIAN, VA - June 25, 2008 - SouthPeak Games today announced that its puzzle game Roogoo is now available for Windows PC. Roogoo, which was previously released on Xbox LIVE® Arcade for the Xbox 360 videogame and entertainment system from Microsoft, features 45 levels as well as two-player split screen.

"Roogoo is a fun, family friendly puzzle game that is as addictive as it is cute," said Melanie Mroz, CEO of SouthPeak Games. "Not only does the game get progressively more challenging to play, but it also gets harder and harder to put down."

Taking place in the fantasyland of Planet Roo, you star as one of the last Roogoo’s still uncorrupted by the evil King Goo. King Goo can think of nothing but power and uses his influence to make other Roogoos believe that greed is the way of life. He starts to steal joyful meteors from the sky and uses their powers to build bigger and more powerful cities. After a fair amount of stealing, many of the kingdom’s once cute and innocent Roogoos have turned into wicked Meemoos. It is your job to stop King Goo from collecting the remaining meteors and to turn the Meemoos back into Roogoos before it’s too late.

In order to accomplish your quest and save Planet Roo, you must guide falling meteors, in the form of different shape blocks, through rotating platforms. When matched correctly, the blocks are allowed to reach their intended destination. Each meteor you guide correctly gets you one step closer to your goal.

Roogoo is available now for $19.99 at retailers everywhere. It is rated E for Everyone.

The Witcher Enhanced Edition Release Date [Official Website]

Schizoid Game Page [Torpex Games]

I finally bought the game this weekend ($40 at Walmart) and I must say I am not disappointed with my purchase. A whole lot of game for a rather nice price, and with August bringing the addition of motorcycles to the game it only gets better.

Criterion Games Announces Date for Cagney Software Update [The Criterion Games Blog]

Looking for new reading material? A new book is out examining WoW, and is available from Amazon for the nice price of $19.77 (not bad for a book coming from an academic press!). I'm personally really fond of edited volumes, and this one sounds pretty interesting — both in the contents and background of the research. Scott Rettberg, one of the contributors, explains:

Hilde G. Corneliussen and Jill Walker Rettberg ... edited this volume, which is the first book-length anthology to carefully read the culture of the world’s most popular massively multiplayer online game. The anthology is the product of a unique collaboration. The volume’s contributors all played the game together for a year in a guild of academics known as “The Truants” before writing their chapters, each of which examines the game from a different theoretical/analytical bent. There are thirteen chapters in the book.

According to the publishing blurb, they're cutting a pretty wide swath here:

The contributors examine the ways that gameworlds reflect the real world—exploring such topics as World of Warcraft as a "capitalist fairytale" and the game's construction of gender; the cohesiveness of the gameworld in terms of geography, mythology, narrative, and the treatment of death as a temporary state; aspects of play, including "deviant strategies" perhaps not in line with the intentions of the designers; and character—both players' identification with their characters and the game's culture of naming characters. The varied perspectives of the contributors—who come from such fields as game studies, textual analysis, gender studies, and postcolonial studies—reflect the breadth and vitality of current interest in MMOGs

I'm currently up to my neck in reading on Japanese imperialism, but this is definitely on my list of to-dos this summer.

Digital Culture, Play, and Identity: A World of Warcraft Reader [GrandTextAuto]

Clank gets a Date [Official PlayStation Blog]

"We are thrilled to finally be putting the creative tools of Spore into the hands of players around the world," said Will Wright, chief designer, Maxis. "The amazing creations players design this summer will help populate the game universe we all enter when Spore ships this September, so in a sense, the Spore Creature Creator is the birth of Spore."

Spore Creature Creator Available Worldwide June 17 Free Demo and Complete Retail Versions Deliver Powerful Creativity Tools to Create, Play and Share

REDWOOD CITY, Calif.—(BUSINESS WIRE)—Electronic Arts Inc. (NASDAQ:ERTS) and Maxis today announced that a free downloadable demo, and complete retail version of the Spore™ Creature Creator will be available starting June 17, 2008. The Spore Creature Creator gives Spore fans, and those who are creatively curious, the first hands-on opportunity to design their own species and share it with their friends. All creatures designed with the Spore Creature Creator can be imported into the full retail version of Spore for PC and Mac when it launches on September 5, 2008 in Europe and September 7, 2008 in North America.

"We are thrilled to finally be putting the creative tools of Spore into the hands of players around the world," said Will Wright, chief designer, Maxis. "The amazing creations players design this summer will help populate the game universe we all enter when Spore ships this September, so in a sense, the Spore Creature Creator is the birth of Spore."

The free demo version of the Spore Creature Creator will be available worldwide via download from www.spore.com. The demo lets players shape, paint and play with an unlimited number of creatures, using 25 percent of the creature-making parts from Spore. Gamers can then share these creations with their friends, including seamless uploads to YouTube. The demo will also be included in the The SimCity™ Box, which ships on June 23.

A complete retail version of the Spore Creature Creator will also be available in North America for $9.99 and most European territories for €9.99, which gives players access to all the creature-making parts in the game.

Spore, the highly anticipated game from the creators of The Sims™, gives players their own personal universe in a box. Create and evolve life, establish tribes, build civilizations, sculpt entire worlds and explore a universe created by other gamers. Spore gives players a wealth of creative tools to customize nearly every aspect of their universe: creatures, vehicles, buildings, and even UFOs. Players can then seamlessly share their creations with the world or explore infinite new galaxies created by other gamers.

Consumers can visit www.spore.com to sign up for the Spore newsletter or check out all-new screenshots and video of the game.

Spore Creature Creator retail version is not available in all territories.

FINAL FANTASY IV SET FOR NINTENDO DS

FINAL FANTASY IV
THE STORY THAT SET A NEW RPG STANDARD
RETURNS ON NINTENDO DS

London (24th April 2008) - Square Enix Ltd., the publisher of Square Enix® interactive entertainment products in Europe and other PAL territories, today announces that FINAL FANTASY® IV will be released across PAL territories in Summer 2008 exclusively on the Nintendo DS™ system.

FINAL FANTASY IV, one of the highest rated adventure games of all time, makes an impressive return on Nintendo DS. With improved 3D graphics, fully-voiced dramatic cut-scenes, an inspiring remixed score and additional content never before seen, there has never been a better time to immerse yourself in this masterpiece of interactive storytelling.

The game that broke the RPG moulds with its innovative Active Time Battle (ATB) system has been revamped, whilst keeping all the charm of the original release. The gameplay benefits from all the Nintendo DS capabilities and allows for a deeper and richer experience of a tale of exceptional heroes, inevitable betrayal, unforeseen redemption, endless love and colossal magic.

John Yamamoto, president and chief executive officer of Square Enix Ltd. comments, "FINAL FANTASY IV is a benchmark in RPG history. This improved version of FINAL FANTASY IV is a great opportunity for fans, old and new alike, to experience one of the definitive titles in the FINAL FANTASY series in an exciting and innovative new way".

About FINAL FANTASY IV

Story

Four elemental Crystals, each possessing the awesome power, lie scattered throughout the realm. However, men are quick to covet things which offer strength, and easily corrupted by the might which they possess...

Seduced by the promised power of the Crystals, the kingdom of Baron begins employing unprovoked force to seize them from peaceful nations. The dark night Cecil - Lord Captain of Baron's elite force, the Red Wings - is ordered by his king to obtain the Crystals, but soon begins to question the monarch's motives. Stricken with grief at his own actions, yet burdened by his loyalty to his country and his personal sense of honour, Cecil at last decided to turn from the path of darkness and destruction.

Enraged, he king accuses him of disloyalty, strips Cecil of his command, and sends him off to slay a mysterious beast that lurks in the nearby Valley of Mist. Cecil embarks on a fateful journey that will bring trials, betrayals, friendship, loss and self-discovery. Can Cecil open his eyes and become the man of honour that he must be?

Features

- One of the most loved FINAL FANTASY games ever made, returns with a full remake for Nintendo DS.
- A classic, superbly written adventure with heroes, betrayal, redemption, love and magic are awaiting you.
- Beautiful 3D graphics with a stunning hand-painted style and fully arranged audio immerse you into the world of FINAL FANTASY IV like never before.
- Superb gameplay now with all-round additions including Touch Screen control, enhanced Dual Screen usage, arranged boss battles, a dungeon mapping system and also the facility for characters to learn abilities from their friends.
- Fully-voiced cut-scenes, with high quality 3D characters maximise use of the hardware to set a new standard in Nintendo DS storytelling.
- New additional episodes let you explore the unseen lives of the main characters.
- Event Theatre bonus mode lets you replay any scenes that have already been viewed.
- Special new mini-game lets you nurture your own summon monster and battle a friend via DS Wireless Communications!

The Homecoming of Silent Hill

Konami's first Silent Hill® title for Xbox 360 and PLAYSTATION®3

Konami Digital Entertainment GmbH has announced the official title of its first Silent Hill game for PLAYSTATION®3 and Xbox 360. Entitled Silent Hill: Homecoming, the game will be released end of September this year across Europe.

The sixth installment in the classic video games series, Silent Hill: Homecoming introduces another protagonist to the mythos. The story follows Alex Shepherd, returning to his hometown of Shepherd's Glen to investigate the sudden disappearance of his brother. From Shepherd's Glen to Silent Hill, Alex must face the darkest of horrors in order to find his brother. Struggling with his own grip on reality, Alex must unravel the mystery behind his nightmares, discover the truth behind his brother's disappearance, and confront the evil lurks in the seemingly empty streets of Silent Hill.

Homecoming is the first Silent Hill title for the new wave of 'next generation' consoles, featuring all-new graphics that bring the fear and terror of Silent Hill alive like never before. Alex must survive attacks from the misshapen denizens of the town using an all-new enhanced combat system that provides a wide array of attacks and counters. Along the way, Alex will encounter a variety of weapons to battle these horrific monsters and must also solve deadly puzzles as he uncovers the darkest secrets of Silent Hill.

Silent Hill: Homecoming also features an all-new soundtrack by acclaimed series composer Akira Yamaoka.

"People are going to be blown away when they see how true-to-life Los Angeles looks in this game," said Jay Panek, Midnight Club Producer Rockstar San Diego. "We've added some great twists and turns that let players experience the authentic vibe and feel of the city at blistering speeds that you simply couldn't get away with in real life."

Rockstar Games Announces Release Date for Midnight Club: Los Angeles on the Xbox 360® Video Game and Entertainment System from Microsoft and PLAYSTATION®3 Computer Entertainment System and Midnight Club: LA Remix for the PSP®

Open-world street racing series debuts on next generation consoles September 9th and 12th for North America and Europe respectively

NEW YORK—(BUSINESS WIRE)—Rockstar Games is proud to announce the fourth installment of its critically-acclaimed and genre-defining Midnight Club franchise, Midnight Club: Los Angeles, is set for release on September 9th in North America and September 12th in Europe. Developed by series creator Rockstar San Diego, Midnight Club: Los Angeles will give gamers the unprecedented freedom to race through a hyper-realistic LA.

"From the beginning, Midnight Club has been about street racing in a open-world," said Sam Houser, Founder of Rockstar Games. "With our team at Rockstar San Diego we have developed a game that we feel once again pushes the boundaries and expectations of what a racing game can be."

Whether driving by the beach or beating the competition by cutting through a parking garage at 200 mph, Midnight Club: Los Angeles provides a seamless, breathtaking environment for everyone who loves to compete. With no load times, no tracks, and no rules, the game allows players to race who they want, when they want, and where they want in an unbelievable recreation of Los Angeles.

"People are going to be blown away when they see how true-to-life Los Angeles looks in this game," said Jay Panek, Midnight Club Producer Rockstar San Diego. "We've added some great twists and turns that let players experience the authentic vibe and feel of the city at blistering speeds that you simply couldn't get away with in real life."

A racing game is nothing without the great cars and Midnight Club: Los Angeles allows extensive customization of vehicles for both performance and appearance. Players can now fully personalize their officially licensed imports, tuners, classic muscle cars and motorcycles both inside and out with a dizzying array of licensed rims, spoilers, interior gauges, tires and more.

Also scheduled for release on September 9th, Midnight Club: LA Remix for the PSP® system will provide another incredible portable racing experience. Developed by Rockstar London, the game will take full advantage of the hardware to deliver the unrivaled sense of speed and style that the best-selling Midnight Club series is known for.

For more information about Midnight Club, please visit our website at http://www.rockstargames.com/midnightclubla.

Rockstar Games is a publishing label of Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. (NASDAQ: TTWO).

The Gold Edition pack features exclusive content with behind-the-scenes action and strategy videos giving Battlefield: Bad Company players tricks and tips on how to own the battlefield. The Gold Edition also gives gamers early access to five unique weapons that players can take into battle. These weapons can also be unlocked after the launch of the game by ranking up to the highest level in multiplayer mode.

The Blockbuster Entertainment Experience of the Summer Isn't at the Movies... Battlefield: Bad Company Ships on June 23

Special Gold Edition Offers Fans Exclusive Content at Launch

REDWOOD CITY, Calif.—(BUSINESS WIRE)—Prepare for the gold rush! This summer, the blockbuster action event of the season will not be in theatres. EA DICE, a studio of Electronic Arts Inc. (NASDAQ: ERTS), today announced that Battlefield: Bad Company™ will ship to retail outlets on June 23. Action fans and gamers worldwide will get their chance to join the 'B' company on exciting, sometimes irreverent, missions that take them through deserts, cities and mountain terrain to capture the spoils of war. Players will experience the tactical, destructive power in the deep single player campaign or go online for intense multiplayer action that only the Battlefield team can deliver.

For a limited time only, gamers will be able to purchase the Gold Edition of Battlefield: Bad Company. The Gold Edition pack features exclusive content with behind-the-scenes action and strategy videos giving Battlefield: Bad Company players tricks and tips on how to own the battlefield. The Gold Edition also gives gamers early access to five unique weapons that players can take into battle. These weapons can also be unlocked after the launch of the game by ranking up to the highest level in multiplayer mode.

"Players can forget about using walls as cover as we've fundamentally changed the way to play shooters offline and online through the use of tactical destruction," says Karl-Magnus Troedsson, Senior Producer for Battlefield: Bad Company. "Players will get the chance to reap the spoils of war this summer as they annihilate the enemy and search for gold in the dark, character-driven, single player storyline while returning Battlefield fans will love the intense and vehicle-heavy multiplayer."

Developed by Sweden-based developer EA DICE (Digital Illusions Creative Entertainment, www.dice.se), Battlefield: Bad Company will be available for the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and the PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system. The game is rated "T" by the ESRB and "16+" by PEGI.

ATLUS TO INJECT NINTENDO DS WITH TRAUMA CENTER: UNDER THE KNIFE 2

The Operating Room is Portable Again this July

IRVINE, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 7th, 2008 - Atlus U.S.A., Inc. today announced Trauma Center(R): Under the Knife 2 for Nintendo DS(TM), a direct sequel to the 2005 smash hit. The fast-paced medical action that made the handheld original a classic is back, along with all of your favorite Trauma Center characters. Rejoin Derek and Angie as they deal with the unpredictable aftereffects of GUILT. With numerous enhancements, including new difficulty modes and new operations, handheld surgeons have a lot to be excited about.

Trauma Center: Under the Knife 2 is currently scheduled to release on July 1.

Saints Row 2

The game is scheduled for a Holidays 2008 release - barring the coming of the four horsemen of the apocalypse, you should be playing Banjo 3 before the end of the year (providing you buy the game, that is).

I really wouldn't base your ultimate judgments of the final Banjo model from what you've glimpsed on the teaser site if I were you - all shall be revealed in due course, not that long to wait now...

New Banjo Kazooie site launches [NeoGAF via Eurogamer]

"Our intention to deliver the game simultaneously worldwide is both a challenge and big responsibility to the many fans of the game around the globe. We are looking forward to achieve this ambitious goal in August." - said Sergiy Grygorovych, GSC World Publishing CEO.

GSC World Publishing and Deep Silver announce planned release date for S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Clear Sky

Game will be released on August 29, 2008

Basingstoke, England - 27th of march 2008 - GSC Game World, computer games developer, its publishing subdivision GSC World Publishing and Koch Media, a leading marketer of video games, today announced the planned release date for the title S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Clear Sky. According to the agreed plan, the game will ship August 29, 2008 worldwide. S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Clear Sky will be published by the games labels Deep Silver and GSC World Publishing.

"The topic of the release date for S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Clear Sky has created a lot of interest among gamers, press and fans. We're pleased to announce an exact date for this highly anticipated game now," said Craig McNicol, Managing Director of Koch Media.

"Our intention to deliver the game simultaneously worldwide is both a challenge and big responsibility to the many fans of the game around the globe. We are looking forward to achieve this ambitious goal in August." - said Sergiy Grygorovych, GSC World Publishing CEO.

S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Clear Sky is a survival FPS game for PC based on a 'what-if' scenario of the second Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant accident. The game is created as a warning to mankind against mindless play with technologies. S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Clear Sky is the official prequel to the renowned S.T.A.L.K.E.R. game by the Ukraine-based GSC Game World studio. The game is set in 2011and brings forth the events to have preceded the third campaign of Strelok to the Zone center. S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Clear Sky introduces an alternative look onto the events of the original game and offers the player to try himself out as a mercenary s.t.a.l.k.e.r. in search of his own path in the world of S.T.A.L.K.E.R.

Official game site: www.stalker-game.com

In The Name of the King: A Dungeon Siege Tale (R1) in April [DVD Times]

Dive Into The World Of Ivalice This Summer With FINAL FANTASY TACTICS® A2: Grimoire of the RiftTM

The Latest Square Enix Tactical RPG Enters the Ivalice Alliance on June 24, 2008

Los Angeles (Mar. 19, 2008) Square Enix, Inc., the publisher of Square Enix™ interactive entertainment products in North America, announced today that the latest entry in the IVALICE ALLIANCE™ series, FINAL FANTASY TACTICS® A2: Grimoire of the Rift™ is set to transport players to the fantastical world of Ivalice on June 24, 2008.

Embark on a journey through the vibrant world of Ivalice this summer with FINAL FANTASY TACTICS A2: Grimoire of the Rift. As the third entry in the Ivalice Alliance series, this follow-up to the 2003 Game Boy® Advance release brings the popular tactical franchise to the Nintendo DS™ for the first time. FINAL FANTASY TACTICS A2: Grimoire of the Rift will introduce newcomers to an engaging turn-based, grid-oriented battle system as they make new discoveries alongside the hero in this lighthearted adventure. Long-time fans will enjoy exciting new content and enhancements, including polished game mechanics, intuitive stylus control, and new jobs and classes.

"FINAL FANTASY TACTICS A2: Grimoire of the Rift makes the tactical RPG genre accessible to fans who may be unfamiliar with the grid-based battle system," said Director Yuichi Murasawa. "While maintaining the classic functionality of the much-loved gameplay, this newest release boasts upgrades that enable a more engrossing and fulfilling tactical RPG experience."

STORY
School is out for the summer, but mischievous Luso Clemens must first face detention to make up for his misbehavior. Alone in the library, he stumbles upon an ancient book with magical powers that summons him to the mystical land of Ivalice. Warped into the middle of a battlefield, Luso joins Cid and his clan to set off on an adventurous journey looking for a way home.

FEATURES

* Explore the fantastic world of Ivalice and join forces with famous heroes from FINAL FANTASY® XII - Vaan, Penelo and Al-Cid
* All-new content and enhancements, including polished game mechanics, new jobs, new classes, and a new clan system that enrich the Ivalice experience for fans and newcomers alike
* The North American release will allow players to command characters in battle and navigate through menus all with a tap of the stylus
* Witness vibrant and colorful visuals in dual-screen presentation, made possible by Nintendo DS
* Increased replay value with up to 400 available quests, allowing players to immerse themselves in a multi-faceted storyline

FINAL FANTASY TACTICS A2: Grimoire of the Rift is not yet rated. Please visit the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) website at www.esrb.org for more information about ratings. FINAL FANTASY TACTICS A2: Grimoire of the Rift will be available at North American retailers for the suggested retail price of $39.99 (USD). The official website can be found at http://na.square-enix.com/ffta2/.

In fact, that's what retailer GameStop just did, putting a new ETA on Too Human for August. It's yet another placeholder date, but generally these things are moved around for a reason, so the game may just need extra, extra polish. They're most likely just making sure that sound effect they used in the last level fits in here. *Pyew!* That one.

Too Human [GameStop - thanks, Travis]

Genius Products LLC Expands Its Offering with Publishing and Distribution of Video Games

The First Release, LINE RIDER™, Expected to Hit Shelves Summer 2008

Entry into Video Games Leverages Existing Distribution Channels and Management Expertise

College & University Pressroom

SANTA MONICA, Calif.—(BUSINESS WIRE)—Genius Products, Inc. (OTCBB:GNPI) "The Company" announced today its expansion into the publishing and distribution of video games. Genius' management team has extensive experience in the video game industry and this growth opportunity is an example of how the company is increasing revenue and earnings growth through new and expanding brand and content partnerships as well as co-productions.

"Our management expertise in the development, marketing and distribution of video games creates a tremendous growth opportunity for Genius," said Trevor Drinkwater, President and CEO of Genius Products. "As planned, this marks the beginning of our entrance into the fast growing and exciting interactive software category and the expansion of our distribution expertise in multiple entertainment based product categories."

Stephen K. Bannon, Chairman of Genius Products said, "In 2008, we enter phase two of our aggressive growth strategy which will focus on revenue growth and improvements in margin through brand and content partnerships, content production, intellectual property ownership, and the acquisition of additional revenue streams. Our planned entry into video games is a great example of value creating, higher margin opportunities we will continue to aggressively pursue in 2008 and beyond."

The Company plans to offer a number of new game titles in 2008 across a variety of gaming genres. The initial product, anticipated to hit shelves in the summer of 2008, is Line Rider™. Based on the Internet phenomenon and developed by InXile, Line Rider is built upon the simple premise of what happens when a boy and his sled are sent traveling along in a world drawn by the player. With a fan base for the original Internet game numbering over twenty million, the new Line Rider games from Genius Products for Wii™, Nintendo DS™ and PC will take players far beyond the original game with new game modes, new riders, new community features and new creative tools. Offering the ability to create and share gameplay like no game before it, the only limits of Line Rider are the laws of physics and the player's own imagination.

In Line Rider, the sled-stealing scumbag Chaz is up to no good and only you, as the clever and cunning Bosh, can defeat him. For Bosh to save his true love Bailey, players must solve over 40 mind-bending puzzles created by the #1 Line Rider player in the world, TechDawg. Players can also create their own puzzles and story-telling masterpieces and share them on the Internet by posting on sites such as YouTube, Facebook or the official Line Rider Web site www.linerider.com.

"Over the past few years, we have built one of the preeminent distribution platforms and assembled one of the leading teams in the home entertainment industry. We are well positioned to deliver record revenue, operating cash flow and earnings by fully exploiting our platform," stated Mr. Stephen K. Bannon.

Pinnacle Software casts a spell with Doodle Hex

Pinnacle unveils magical first Nintendo DS title for worldwide distribution

Pinnacle Software, a division of Pinnacle Entertainment Ltd, has announced its first Nintendo DS title for worldwide distribution. Entitled Doodle Hex, the game is a magic themed mixture of spell-casting, battle elements and unique Japanese styled anime characters. Doodle Hex will be released in June 2008.

Developed by renowned Spanish team Tragnarion, Doodle Hex has been created specifically for the DS format, and makes innovative use of the handheld's touch screen abilities within a clever spell-casting scenario. Players - nicknamed 'Doodlers' - are enrolled within a special College of Runes, wherein they are charged with learning the intricacies of rune-casting and their use within elemental magic. However, the tedium of college life is regularly interrupted by the school ghost, Kalamazoo, who organizes battles between the students as a way to further test their rune knowledge and casting skills.

Doodle Hex thus takes the form of a competitive spell-casting game where players use the DS stylus to draw their chosen runes in the centre of the touch screen, summoning spells that will transform, attack and weaken their opponent. The ultimate idea of the game is to deplete your rival's energy bar before they can do the same to you.

Using a stunning comic book-effect interface, Doodle Hex works as either a single player or two-player head-to-head experience. In single player mode you will encounter an increasingly tough roster of challengers, where as two player head to head mode will allow you to cast your wits and spells against your friends with exhilarating conflicts and effects. 14 characters are available to select, each of whom has a specialist field in rune use. Having selected a character, the game begins and 'Doodlers' can send as many runes as they are able during the course of a battle, which creates a more open and unpredictable challenge than in turn-based games.

The runes in Doodle Hex can be used to attack, restore health or be unleashed as devastating combination attacks, incapacitating your opponent or even their ability to cast their own spells. As each player gains enough energy, spells available to cast are highlighted; the more powerful runes will deplete more energy from the Doodler's who is casting than the less powerful attacks will. It is possible for both players to block incoming spells by activating a shield icon, however specific combination attacks can counter this, adding an extra element of skill and lateral thinking to the gameplay.

With over 250 available challenges, Wi-Fi compatibility for exciting two-player head-to-head action, and a wide range of unlockable bonuses, Doodle Hex is one of the most innovative and playable puzzle games to hit Nintendo DS to date. Its simple interface and huge number of runes to master combine to create a stunning and truly spell-binding challenge.

Apollo Justice Served in Europe [IGN]

Experience The Ultimate 'Hand Made' Fantasy With Odin Sphere

London (20th February 2007) - Square Enix Ltd., the publisher of Square Enix® interactive entertainment products in Europe and other PAL territories, today announces that Odin Sphere™ will be released across all PAL territories from 14th March 2008 exclusively on the PlayStation® 2 computer entertainment system.

Odin Sphere brings a lavishly illustrated world to a home console, experienced through an intuitive, high quality control system. Odin Sphere's fantasy world interlaces five individual tales to tell an epic story of amazing power, inevitable loss and irresistible love to enchant users.

Fully optimized for Europe, Odin Sphere delivers unique action-combat gameplay that rewards speed and style, revamping the action RPG genre. An alchemy system that lets you combine the spoils of combat for added bonuses and rare items adds further depth to this epic experience.

John Yamamoto, president and chief executive officer of Square Enix Ltd. comments, "Odin Sphere embodies the commitment of Square Enix in bringing new experiences to European gamers. This is especially reflected in our partnership with Atlus, allowing Square Enix Ltd. to publish the first non Square Enix title in PAL territories. The wonderfully crafted Odin Sphere is the best possible start to an exciting new period for the company."

For more information about Odin Sphere please visit the official website at www.odinsphere.co.uk

About ODIN SPHERE

Story
The nations of Erion had always held an uneasy peace, as the various kings and queens watched each other for any signs of weakness. When the country of Valentine is obliterated by the power of an ancient artefact, it sparks a bloody war between the fairies of Ringford and the warriors of Ragnanival. Little do they know that they are acting out an almost-forgotten prophecy: one that, if fulfilled, will lead to the destruction of the entire world. Take control of the warrior princess Gwendolyn, daughter of Odin, and follow the threads of an intricately woven story as you uncover the truth behind the prophecy - and how to bring it to an end.

Features

* Gorgeous hand-drawn artwork and animations
* Intense side-scrolling action with astonishing attacks and magic effects
* Fully-voiced dialogue that heightens the drama
* Five playable characters in all; each one's fate is intertwined with the others
* Powerful orchestral score from Hitoshi Sakimoto, composer of FINAL FANTASY® XII
* A robust cooking and alchemy system that can be used to create powerful attack and recovery items
* PAL version includes 60Hz display mode to deliver the experience that the creators intended, and an optimised 50Hz display mode too
* In-game text is fully localised into English, French, German, Spanish and Italian
* Option to select either English or the original Japanese vocal track

Can't wait for September 7? Creature-only Spore to launch sooner [Joystiq]

While we finish up the game over the next few months, we'll be sharing more information with you and other fans. As a newsletter subscriber, you'll be among the first to get new Spore information, screenshots, videos and other cool features from the Spore team. Check out our launch date teaser, and of course you can visit Spore.com for updates anytime.

The Spore Launch Date Annoucement Trailer [Spore.Com - Thanks Deadeyereborn!]

Surprised? But Girls Like It

What makes the Elf Online ( http://elf.happymmo.com) specially favored by girls? Quest? PK? No, weapons? You got it.

Weapons are the most shinning point of Elf Online. Getting tired of the stereotyped Excalibur in every RPG shining with golden lights? Elf Online ( http://elf.happymmo.com) provide something that overthrow these stereotyped thing?

According to a survey in game, most of girls do not choose the dated swords, huge axes and falchions. They prefered these creative weapons that are unique in Elf Online ( http://elf.happymmo.com) such clothes rack, fishing rod, ferule, strap and some other strange items that makes them special in game. To some extend, what girls compete in game is not only who gets the most powerful weapons but also who get the most peculiar one.

Peculiar:

Dizarre dress, weapons, creative features and extrodinary game settings is what makes girls so addicted to Elf Online ( http://elf.happymmo.com). What you are expected to get may be a kitchen fruit knife, sanitary settings or even mummy's cloth rack. May be one day, you will wear a pair of slippers and a suit with a guitar in hand fighting with the final boss in game, being the top one in Elf Online ( http://elf.happymmo.com).

There is nothing you can't do. Let's see what you will get in Elf Online.

More information please visit http://elf.happymmo.com

Official Forum http://forum.happymmo.com

Guitar Hero IV this year [Eurogamer.net]

"We are so excited to be releasing Grand Theft Auto IV," said Sam Houser, Founder and Executive Producer of Rockstar Games. "We've pushed ourselves very hard to make something incredible and hope the game sets a new benchmark for interactive entertainment."

Rockstar Games Announces Release Date for Grand Theft Auto IV

Next-generation Console Debut of the Grand Theft Auto Franchise Set for April 29, 2008

New York, NY - January 24, 2008 - Rockstar Games, a publishing label of Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. (NASDAQ: TTWO), is proud to announce the release date for Grand Theft Auto IV, the new title in the genre-defining Grand Theft Auto franchise. Developed by Rockstar North, Grand Theft Auto IV will be simultaneously available for Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system and PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system and will be in stores worldwide on April 29, 2008.

"We are so excited to be releasing Grand Theft Auto IV," said Sam Houser, Founder and Executive Producer of Rockstar Games. "We've pushed ourselves very hard to make something incredible and hope the game sets a new benchmark for interactive entertainment."

For more information, log onto http://www.rockstargames.com/IV

Even if you aren't the crazy, self-sacrificing DIY programmer type, any ETQW fan can appreciate that a full SDK means new, full maps and mods are on their way. Now if only those crazy, self-sacrificing DIY programmer types would get off their asses and do some coding...

Final ETQW Software Development Kit Released [etqw]

Savage 2: A Tortured Soul [S2 Games]

Square Enix Announces Prequel To The Most Famous Final Fantasy Of All Time

CRISIS CORE -FINAL FANTASY VII-

London (16th January 2008) - Square Enix Ltd., the publisher of Square Enix® interactive entertainment products in Europe and other PAL territories, today announces that CRISIS CORE® -FINAL FANTASY® VII- will be released across all PAL territories in Spring 2008, exclusively on the PSP® (PlayStation® Portable) system.

CRISIS CORE -FINAL FANTASY VII- is the highly anticipated prequel to the biggest selling FINAL FANTASY of all time, taking players on an exhilarating adventure filled with grandeur, excitement, characters that captured the hearts of a generation and many new secrets to discover hidden within the world of FINAL FANTASY VII.

With awe-inspiring visuals, full 16:9 widescreen presentation, an engaging battle system, and additional gameplay challenges not included in the original Japanese version, fans and newcomers alike can experience the world of FINAL FANTASY VII from an all-new perspective.

John Yamamoto, president and chief executive officer of Square Enix Ltd. comments, "CRISIS CORE -FINAL FANTASY VII- is one of the most anticipated FINAL FANTASY releases of all times. The game pushes the boundaries of the PSP hardware and will offer a truly fantastic gameplay experience for new fans and fans of the original instalment."

Earlier today Gamecock announced that their annual mini-con, EIEIO, was moving from California to Texas to coincide with South By Southwest. While the company only has only brought two titles to market so far, they have a ton in the wings. Here's how things official stand with their upcoming games, from Mushrooms to Insects:

Pirates Vs Ninjas Dodgeball XBLA - Feb
Insecticide DS - 2/26
Insecticide Episodes 1 & 2 (Downloadable PC Episodic) - March and April
Hail to the Chimp - May
Mushroom Men:Rise of the Fungi DS - June
Legendary PC Next Gen Consoles - Summer
Mushroom Men:The Spore Wars Wii - Fall
Sabotage 360/PC - Fall
Dungeon Hero 360/PC - Spring 09
Section 8 Next Gen Console/PC - Summer 09

Ubisoft® To Distribute Soulcalibur IV® And Soulcalibur LegendsTM Across PAL Territories

Soulcalibur® IV and Soulcalibur LegendsTM to Hit the Stores in Summer 08

London, UK - 10th January, 2008 - Ubisoft, one of the world's largest video game publishers, today announced that it entered into an agreement with NAMCO BANDAI Games Europe SAS to distribute Soulcalibur® IV on the Xbox 360™ video game and entertainment system from Microsoft® and PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system, and Soulcalibur Legends™ exclusively on Wii™. Both games will hit stores across Europe and other PAL territories in summer 2008.

Soulcalibur ® IV is the latest iteration of the world renowned melee-based fighting series. Delivering new gameplay modes, characters and enhanced features with groundbreaking 3D modeling and animation, Soulcalibur ® IV will be the definitive fighting game experience. Soulcalibur ® IV also provides unprecedented character customization possibilities and the eagerly expected online battle mode.

As part of a monumental collaboration between NAMCO BANDAI Games America Inc. and LucasArts, the Sith Lord Darth Vader will appear as a guest character in the PLAYSTATION 3 system version of the title, and Jedi Master Yoda will be available for the Xbox 360.

Soulcalibur Legends™ thrusts the players into a third person action adventure and takes a unique approach to the series by truly utilizing the Nintendo Wii™ Remote and Nunchuk.