The title contains a nice selection of six big-name board game favorites - Battleship, Yahtzee, Boggle, Connect Four, Sorry!, and the all-new Sorry! Sliders, each with its own twist for fresh gameplay. Connect Four gets power chips, Bobble gets portal cubes, etc. As a special added bonus, each game is hosted by Mr. Potato Head. Apparently we needed a host, and he was available.

If you ever wanted to get you parents into gaming, Hasbro Family Game Night will probably be your best chance when it comes out this Fall.

EA BRINGS FAMILY BOARD GAME FAVORITES TO THE WII AND PLAYSTATION 2 WITH HASBRO FAMILY GAME NIGHT VIDEO GAME

Host Interactive Video Game Parties with BATTLESHIP, YAHTZEE, BOGGLE, CONNECT FOUR, and SORRY! from the Comfort of Your Living Room

Guildford, UK. - May 16, 2008 - Join your host MR. POTATO HEAD for fun and games with family and friends like never before. From the Casual Entertainment Label of Electronic Arts Inc. (NASDAQ: ERTS) comes the fun-filled video game HASBRO FAMILY GAME NIGHT, launching Autumn 2008 on Wii™ and the PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system. Featuring six games including: BATTLESHIP, YAHTZEE, BOGGLE, CONNECT FOUR, SORRY! and the all new, SORRY! Sliders, HASBRO FAMILY GAME NIGHT is sure to become a valuable family favorite.

With the HASBRO FAMILY GAME NIGHT digital experience, families can enjoy familiar classic Hasbro board games or throw in a fun spin with new versions like CONNECT FOUR Power Chips, BOGGLE Portal Cubes, Reverse YAHTZEE and BATTLESHIP Barrage - which add fresh dimensions and challenges to these legendary favorites. Play with up to four people in YAHTZEE, BOGGLE, SORRY! and SORRY! Sliders or up to two players in CONNECT FOUR and BATTLESHIP.

Players can deck out their very own distinctive digital game room in HASBRO FAMILY GAME NIGHT by choosing a setting and adding earned trophies, cool furniture and decorations all themed to their favorite games. Not only can players customize where they play, but also how they play. HASBRO FAMILY GAME NIGHT features a party mode that gives players the option to build a custom party game by choosing their desired game(s), number of players and setting a time limit. Party mode mini-game challenges include Match the Pattern, Shake for Words and Bomb Run.

"We're giving families a new way to bond and play together," said Chip Lange, Vice President and General Manager of EA's Casual Entertainment Label. "HASBRO FAMILY GAME NIGHT offers parents and their children a digital party experience full of classic brands they know and love. Between original and new rule settings, an easy-to-play party mode and a customizable game room feature, the variety and choice promise hours of fun family play."

"HASBRO FAMILY GAME NIGHT is designed to bring family and friends of all ages together in the digital living room for an evening of 'anything goes' fun," said Mark Blecher, General Manager of Digital Media and Gaming at Hasbro. "Hasbro has been providing families with the best in game play for decades, and now they can enjoy some of our most beloved brands with an all-new digital twist."

For HASBRO FAMILY GAME NIGHT screenshots and assets, please visit www.electronicarts.co.uk/press.

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Zero Punctuation: Condemned 2: Bloodshot [The Escpaist]

Zero Punctuation on Army of Two [the escapist]

Zero Punctuation [the escapist]

It's ludicrous media piggybacking, but we don't blame you...pending that you sleep on a big pile of greenbacks after a hard day's work.

"X-Play" to Feature World Premieres of New "Zero Punctuation" Videos

With Weekly Sneak Previews

Previews of The Escapist Magazine's Popular Web Video Series Debut on "X-Play" Tuesday, Feb. 12 at 8 pm

LOS ANGELES, February 11, 2008 - "Zero Punctuation" is coming to "X-Play," giving viewers of the most-watched video game show on television an exclusive sneak peek at each new episode of the Web's most popular video game review series. Beginning Tuesday, February 12, short previews of the wildly popular videos from creator Ben "Yahtzee" Croshaw and The Escapist magazine will become an ongoing "X-Play" feature. Previews of "Zero Punctuation" videos will premiere exclusively on "X-Play" every Tuesday evening, before the Wednesday premiere of the full, uncut reviews at www.escapistmagazine.com, which will remain the series' online home. "Zero Punctuation" makes its world broadcast premiere on "X-Play," February 12, 2008 at 8 pm ET/PT, only on G4.

"Zero Punctuation" has become one of the video game world's most popular and infamous sources of criticism, unleashing reviews that combine humor and scathing insight with uproarious results. Each review combines deceptively simple animation with breathlessly blunt language, mercilessly mocking the weakest points in even the most critically acclaimed games.

"Every game has its faults, even the truly great ones," said Morgan Webb, host of "X-Play." "Nothing is funnier than seeing the mighty mocked."

"I was already really excited about the new 'X-Play' format," said Adam Sessler, host of "X-Play." "Now I can barely contain myself. We're dedicated to giving gaming fans what they want and we know they want 'Zero Punctuation.'"

"'Zero Punctuation' is game reviewing like it's never been done before," said Russ Pitts, Acquisitions and Production Manager at The Escapist. "We're pleased to share the schizophrenia with 'X-Play's' audience."

The "Zero Punctuation" previews are the newest addition to the updated "X-Play" format, which features a daily comprehensive overview of video game news and culture, in addition to the brutally honest reviews for which the show is known. Every weeknight at 8 pm, new, half-hour episodes of "X-Play" will give viewers a comprehensive update on each day's videogame-related developments, along with a wide range of new features, including behind-the-scenes sneak peeks at games in development; interviews with industry luminaries; live, hands-on demonstrations of games before they hit store shelves; and in-depth analysis of the latest videogame trends. More information is available at http://www.g4tv.com/xplay.

Electronic Arts today announced nine Hasbro games that will be hitting a variety of platforms over the next year.

Littlest Pet Shop and NERF "N-Strike" are both set to come to the Wii and DS this fall, with Littlest Pet Shop also making its way to the PC. Scrabble, Monopoly Here and Now and Yahtzee Adventures are all being developed for mobile phones. Electronic Arts is also developing Yahtzee, Monopoly Here and Now: World Edition, Trivial Pursuit and Operation for their online casual gaming service, Pogo.com.

"EA and Hasbro want to give families new ways to enjoy games; we want give them a new way to come together, connect, spend time and have fun around the TV or online," said Chip Lange, Vice President and General Manager of EA's Hasbro Studio. "Bringing the spirit of these games to life as video games has allowed us to create really unique and creative experiences for families and friends of all ages to enjoy together at home or online."

"We are thrilled that together we are bringing our great toys and games to life in the digital world and providing consumers with new and dynamic ways to enjoy our amazing brands," said Mark Blecher, Hasbro's Senior Vice President of Digital Media and Gaming.

EA will be showing off a number of the games at the upcoming Toy Fair in New York later this month. Hit the jump for the full release with game descriptions.

EA ANNOUNCES FIRST HASBRO TITLES IN DEVELOPMENT — PLAYERS CAN COLLECT, BLAST, DEAL OR SPELL THEIR WAY TO VIDEO GAME FUN!

LITTLEST PET SHOP, NERF, MONOPOLY and YAHTZEE among First Franchises to Hit a Variety of Game Systems, Online and Mobile under EA and Hasbro Agreement

REDWOOD CITY, Calif. - February 11, 2008 - EA Casual Entertainment today announces its first step in transforming the interactive family entertainment landscape with its initial slate of Hasbro games in development on a variety of game consoles, mobile devices and for online play. These games provide new ways for families to build relationships through digital entertainment with some of world's greatest brands. The first Nintendo Wii and DS titles that will be available this fall are LITTLEST PET SHOP, and NERF "N-Strike," both in production at EA's Salt Lake Studio. EA also is developing new MONOPOLY and SCRABBLE ®(in North America) titles for multiple platforms, as well as other titles that will be announced later this year.

Mobile gamers can already experience the fun of SCRABBLE (in North America) and YAHTZEE DELUXE on their phones. Starting this spring, EA Mobile will introduce the next generation of classic Hasbro titles. The first games in this exciting new expansion include MONOPOLY HERE & NOW, TRIVIAL PURSUIT®, RISK, and YAHTZEE ADVENTURES, a re-invention of the classic dice game.

For online web play EA's Pogo.com is developing engaging, authentic online experiences for MONOPOLY and YAHTZEE as fun, multiplayer experiences. Trivia fans can look forward to the much anticipated launch of TRIVIAL PURSUIT this fall. Additionally, Pogo.com is launching two connected downloadable titles, OPERATION and PICTUREKA, which can be played offline or players can connect online on Pogo for bonus features and the social experience of playing the game with others. With more than 13 million visitors a month, the pogo.com community delivers a unique online experience for family and friends to connect and play these hugely popular Hasbro games together in the virtual world.

"EA and Hasbro want to give families new ways to enjoy games; we want give them a new way to come together, connect, spend time and have fun around the TV or online," said Chip Lange, Vice President and General Manager of EA's Hasbro Studio. "Bringing the spirit of these games to life as video games has allowed us to create really unique and creative experiences for families and friends of all ages to enjoy together at home or online."

"We are thrilled that together we are bringing our great toys and games to life in the digital world and providing consumers with new and dynamic ways to enjoy our amazing brands," said Mark Blecher, Hasbro's Senior Vice President of Digital Media and Gaming.

At Hasbro's Toy Fair showcase in New York February 17-19th, EA will unveil LITTLEST PET SHOP on the Wii and DS, NERF "N-Strike", and EA Mobile's SCRABBLE, YAHTZEE ADVENTURES and MONOPOLY HERE & NOW.

EA HASBRO TITLES IN DEVELOPMENT INCLUDE:
LITTLEST PET SHOP for Wii, DS and PC, scheduled to ship Fall 08
LITTLEST PET SHOP brings the magic of owning your own pet shop to your home. EA brings the quirkiness and cuteness of the popular Hasbro girl's brand to life in a new digital world. Players can explore three unique environments as they unlock new pets, playsets, accessories and more.
Players will discover magical moments of delight as they build relationships with their pets. This game is the next must-have addition to fans growing Littlest Pet Show collection. Add to the ultimate Littlest Pet Show collection with three different versions of the Nintendo DS game; each with unique pets.

NERF "N-Strike" for Wii and DS, scheduled to ship Fall 08
Become the master of mayhem in the first NERF blaster action game. In a world created to be the perfect landscape for NERF pandemonium, players can wreak havoc and perfect their blasting skills or challenge friends to clashes with both single and multi-player game modes. With the brand new custom NERF blaster, players can then take the action outside as their controller transforms to fire actual NERF darts!

EA MOBILE
SCRABBLE® for mobile phones, currently available in North America
This exciting update of the classic board game now includes flexible difficulty levels, built-in word list, dynamic animations, scrolling and full-board views. Easy-to-use controls allow for alone play, a challenge with computer in a phone, or enjoy pass 'n play with a friend. Easily keep track of game scores and statistics. Fun new features appeal to both wordplay mavens and casual gamers. Test word wits with SCRABBLE!

MONOPOLY HERE AND NOW for mobile phones, scheduled to ship in March 08
Monopoly Here and Now, a modern makeover of the world's most popular board game. Buy and sell destinations around the U.S. as you compete to own it all and win! Unique player icons, sound effects, vivid graphics and easy-to-use, one-button controls deliver all the excitement of the beloved game.

YAHTZEE ADVENTURES for mobile phones, scheduled to ship in April 08
Play the treasured dice game on your phone. Travel the globe, meet new characters and challenge them to a game, roll the colorful dice and be the first to score a YAHTZEE! Enjoy Classic, Duplicate, Rainbow and Battle modes. Pass 'n Play with your friends, or try your hand at a Yahtzee single-player adventure. Dynamic, exciting gameplay, easy controls, automatic scorekeeping deliver terrific mobile entertainment for you, your friends and family.

POGO.COM GAMES
YAHTZEE for online play: scheduled to release Summer 08
Shake, Score and Shout YAHTZEE with family and friends online! There are two ways to win in this fun and addictive game from Pogo.com. Compete for the top score on a real-time leader board as you and up to 19 people roll the dice in a series of timed rounds. Show your team spirit as you collaborate with other players to advance your team goal and earn bonuses for scoring YAHTZEE together. Take the YAHTZEE fun online!

MONOPOLY HERE & NOW: WORLD EDITION for online play: scheduled to release Fall 08
Risk it all to own it all online! Jet set across the globe and buy and sell property in the most desirable cities in the world. Play alone or wheel and deal with up to 3 people using one of three sets of rules or make the game more challenging by customizing your own game. The unique player icons, sound effects and graphics deliver all the excitement of the beloved game. Will you be the next the next online billionaire?

TRIVIAL PURSUIT for online play: scheduled to release Fall 08
Get your daily dose of trivia fun online! Challenge your daily trivia knowledge with an easy to access, interactive online trivia game. Answer the trivia questions correctly and earn points towards your wedges in pursuit of completing your pie collection by the end of the week. The player with a full pie wins! Not a trivia expert? Take a stab at it. There's something in it for everyone!

OPERATION downloadable game for the PC: scheduled to release Fall 08
The medicine is madcap and YOU are the M.D. as the ER goes arcade-crazy in OPERATION. Your role: emergency surgeon. Your challenge: diagnose and treat patients by successfully performing operations, each one a mini-game. Resources are limited and the clock is ticking, so you've got to heal 'em up and move 'em out.... Do well, and you earn points and upgrades for your hospital. Do poorly, and you'll face malpractice lawsuits from angry plaintiffs with glowing noses. Either way, OPERATION will have you — and your patients — in stitches!

EA's Hasbro games in development are part of the newly formed EA Casual Entertainment Label within Electronic Arts Inc (NASDAQ:ERTS). The Casual Entertainment Label is focused on creating and delivering fun and appealing casual entertainment experiences for a mass audience. With simple rules and engaging designs, these games are easy for a new player to learn but difficult to master. EA's casual games portfolio include such titles as recently announced BOOM BLOX, and currently available SmartyPants™ for the Wii™, Tetris® for mobile phones and the online gaming destination Pogo.com™.

I usually take a few days to play through the game and I'll usually finish it, or get as far as I can before I feel I can formulate an opinion. After that I'll devote a day to writing the script...Then comes making the images, which usually takes me 2 or 3 days. I used to record the speech first, but I found that I'd sometimes want to make changes to the script while making the images, especially if I wanted to reword a phrase that I found too hard to visualise. Once the images are done, recording the narration and stringing it all together in Windows Movie Maker is the easy part.

A Nice Little Q&A with Zero Punctuation's Ben "Yahtzee" Croshaw [boingboinggadgets]

[the escapist]

Yahtzee gets stabby with Assassin's Creed [theescapist]

Zero Punctuation: Heavenly Sword and Other Stuff [The Escapist]