FromBumptoGrump.co.uk
...From pregnancy to teens and beyond...
...The online mini-mag for today's families...
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News
NEW GUITAR MASTER CD-ROM FROM MUSIC SOFTWARE SPECIALISTS; E-MEDIA PLAY GUITAR FOR REAL! Avanquest Software Publishing <http://www.avanquest.com/uk> , a leading developer and publisher of business and consumer software for the global PC market, announces the release of Guitar Master CD-ROM from music software developer e-Media. This new instructional release includes songs featured in Guitar Hero* and Rock Band*. eMedia Guitar Master teaches how to play for real, with over 100 step-by-step audio- and video-enhanced guitar lessons. It teaches everything needed to rock out on your guitar - from classic rock to modern techniques. eMedia Guitar Master will start you rockin' right away with some of your favourite Guitar Heroâ and Rock Bandâhit songs, including "Paranoid" by Black Sabbath, and "You Really Got Me" by The Kinks, plus more songs by Nirvana, Black Sabbath, Green Day and Van Halen. eMedia Guitar Master also features songs in the style of awesome bands like Blink 182, Sum41, Rage Against the Machine, Hoobastank, AC/DC and many more. Instructor Charles McCrone, a graduate of the Guitar Institute of Technology guides you through a variety of essential rockin' techniques including power chords, barre chords, hammer-ons, pull-offs, palm muting, distorted riffs, the blues scale, movable major and minor scales and more. The high quality videos feature your host, radio personality Steve Rock of KISW's Metal Shop, presenting eMedia's innovative teaching style with rock songs, chords, riffs and gear tips in an exciting, fast-paced learning format that doesn't require any previous music experience. eMedia Guitar Master features all the tools you'll need to rock: the exclusive Animated Fretboard, large screens with an easy-to-use interface, and high quality audio clips. eMedia Guitar Master also includes an Automatic Tuner, a multi-media Chord Dictionary, a Digital Recorder and a Digital Metronome. Priced at less than one or two private lessons, eMedia Guitar Master makes a great gift for the beginner or aspiring guitar player. The original eMedia Guitar Method has been the best-selling music education CD-ROM for the past seven years. It was named a top 50 CD-ROM of the year by Newsweek and favourably reviewed by more than 100 other sources. *Guitar Hero® is a registered trademark of Activision Publishing, Inc. Rock Band(tm) is a trademark or registered trademark of Harmonix Music Systems, Inc. eMedia Guitar Master is not affiliated with either of the above. Price: £29.99 Available from Avanquest.co.uk and Amazon.co.uk
ZoneAlarm Extreme Security ZoneAlarm Internet Security Suite ZoneAlarm AntiVirus Complete PC and Home Internet Security Solutions Avanquest Software Publishing, a leading developer and publisher of business and consumer software for the global PC market, announces the release of the new ZoneAlarm range. ZONEALARM EXTREME SECURITY is an entirely new all-in-one security product which integrates its award-winning security suite with the industry's most advanced browser virtualisation technology offering internet security, identity theft protection and safe browsing - all in one product. A new all-in-one premium software suite that combines core technologies with comprehensive browser security offers consumers unrivalled protection against sophisticated computer and Web attacks. The multiple security layers included in the new ZoneAlarm Extreme Security suite provide critical protection against computer and Web-based attacks that by-pass traditional security suites. Features include: * New Advanced Download Protection
ZONEALARM INTERNET SECURITY SUITE The new Internet Security Suite includes award-winning antivirus and anti-spyware, the world's No.1 firewall, and anti-spam. ZoneAlarm Internet Security Suite also features parental controls and PC-based identity protection. Features include: * New Advanced Download Protection
The trusted ZoneAlarm Internet Security Suite is an integrated product that includes a multitude of security essentials vital to fending off online attacks. It is fast to install and offers both simplified interface and a wide range of customisation features, making it an ideal security suite for all levels of users. ZONEALARM ANTIVIRUS The final product in this trio is ZoneAlarm AntiVirus - the only antivirus product with the No.1 firewall for your PC and operating system. Features include: * New Advanced Download Protection
ZoneAlarm's Award-Winning Antivirus Protection disables the latest and most sophisticated viruses before they infect your PC. It also finds and removes any existing viruses, completely cleansing your hard drive, emails, and files. All 3 products provide 3-PC licences and are fully Windows® 7 Compatible. ZoneAlarm Extreme Security Price: £49.99 ZoneAlarm Internet Security Suite Price £39.99 ZoneAlarm AntiVirus Price £29.99 Available from Avanquest.co.uk
and Amazon.co.uk
DISNEY INTERACTIVE STUDIOS ANNOUNCES
SPECTROBES: ORIGINS
Spectrobes: Origins brings the successful series to the Wii with a new story that reveals secrets from the past through flashbacks of significant events. In Spectrobes: Origins, players will use the unique Wii controls to explore vast worlds, excavate three-dimensional fossils and unravel an engaging story while discovering the key to preventing a galactic threat. While immersed in the universe as never before, players will fight enemies in large-scale, action-packed battles in real time. “The popularity and creativity of the Wii platform make it the perfect stage for this exciting evolution of the Spectrobes franchise,” said Craig Relyea, senior vice president of global marketing, Disney Interactive Studios. “Spectrobes: Origins delivers the immersive storytelling, dynamic action and memorable characters that audiences have come to expect of Disney entertainment.” Spectrobes, the first original franchise created by Disney Interactive Studios, has thrilled audiences worldwide. Spectrobes: Origins follows Spectrobes and Spectrobes: Beyond The Portals, successful Nintendo DS™ games that were released in each of the past two years. (Those games have shipped more than 1.6 million units worldwide.) “Spectrobes: Origins takes players to an incredible distant universe for an engaging storyline and innovative gameplay that will entertain them for hours” said Kentaro Hisai, producer, Disney Interactive Studios Japan. “We’re expanding the legacy for high quality entertainment that we built with the first two Spectrobes games.” Developed by Genki Co., Ltd., and published by Disney Interactive Studios, Spectrobes: Origins will be available only for Wii.
Ignition Entertainment and SNK
Playmore Proudly Announce First-Ever Next Generation King of Fighters
Game
PASS YOUR DRIVING THEORY TEST ON NINTENDO DS
REVISE AT COLLEGE, WORK OR HOME WITH COMPLETE AND OFFICIAL DSA THEORY TEST QUESTIONS IN THE PALM OF YOUR HAND
Avanquest Software Publishing, a leading consumer software and games publisher, will launch Pass Your Driving Theory Test for Nintendo DS in March 2009. It is the essential interactive guide for those preparing to take their driving theory test. All 1265 official DSA questions are included for both cars and motorcycles, with users given the option to customise a revision schedule to fine tune their knowledge.
A theory test costs £30 and must be completed before driving students can take their practical examination. Almost 40% of those taking their theory test will fail*, which can result in having to reschedule a practical driving test. This in turn increases costs, wastes time and adds annoyance to an already stressful situation. For £19.99, Pass Your Driving Theory Test DS is a cost effective tool to ensure a first time pass.
When learning to drive, an instructor keeps a personalised record of a student’s progress. With Pass Your Driving Theory Test DS, users can do this by analysing their test results and creating a tailored revision schedule to improve specific subject areas. There are four effective test modes for users to assess themselves:
· DSA Test – In this mode learner drivers can test themselves on questions from one of the 14 official DSA categories to improve a specific subject area · Custom Test – This test format allows users to customise an exam to develop their knowledge by specifying the number of questions from each of the 14 categories · Mock Theory Test – Just like the real thing, learners are given 57 minutes to answer 50 questions, enabling them to judge if they are ready for their official theory test · Quick Test – These tests enable driving students with a couple of minutes spare to do a rapid revision session of 10-40 randomly selected, timed questions
Pass Your Driving Theory Test DS includes all 1265 of the official theory test questions, with explanations for every answer to ensure learner drivers gain a clear understanding of the subject area. It has been developed in conjunction with LDC, one of the UK’s largest driving schools, that also offers a FREE driving lesson worth £26 for every owner of Pass Your Driving Theory Test DS.
Pass Your Driving Theory Test DS will be released by Avanquest Software Publishing in March 2009, priced £19.99 and available from www.amazon.co.uk, www.play.com and leading retail outlets including GAME and Morrisons.
GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS(tm): THE
VIDEOGAME Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment
and TT Games have teamed up with Guinness World Records to bring us
Guinness World Records: The Videogame to Wii and Nintendo DS. Scores are officially adjudicated by Guinness World Records so players really can be the best and get their name in the record books! Now you can break records from your front room at any one of the 36 games offered! If you are looking for an inexpensive Christmas present this year then look no further! http://www.guinnessworldrecordsgame.com/#home
Discover Fairy power in Pixie Hollow!
Disney Fairies: Tinker Bell, the new game that brings the magical world of Tinker Bell alive, is set to fly onto our shelves in November 2008. Playing as Tinker Bell herself, explore the delightful world of Pixie Hollow. As you explore this magical world you will be able to meet other enchanting Disney Fairies including Silvermist, Iridessa and Fawn. Embark on adventures, explore fashion tastes and complete fun quests to earn fairy coins. With these fairy coins, you will be able to shop at the Fairy Market Place with Tinker Bell. With hundreds of dresses, costumes, shoes and accessories to choose from, you will be spoilt for choice. You can even become the trendsetter by gifting outfits to friends. Take on special tasks for other Fairies in Pixie Hollow to earn medals and form new friendships. Using Tinker Bell’s special tinkering power you can repair broken items for your fairy friends and locate missing items. You can even barter and trade items collected in Pixie Hollow with other Fairies so you don’t miss out on the latest fashion item! Utilising the DS real-time clock, Pixie Hollow reflects the time of year or time of day. You will see snow falling in the wintertime, flowers blossoming in summer, fireflies coming out at night and Fairies throwing huge parties on their birthdays. Activities in the game also adapt according to the time of day, so no two days are ever the same. There are many puzzles and fun mini-games to try out as well including catching dew drops, painting ladybugs and tickling silkworms. Disney Fairies: Tinker Bell will be available on Nintendo
DS from 14th November 2008.
All in One: Driving Test includes the new official DSA Theory Test Question Bank for both cars and motorcycles. Questions can be organised into three unique learning systems; in conjunction with driving lessons, in highway code order or grouped into the fourteen DSA categories. Other features to prepare users for their theory test include: · An interactive theory test tutorial · Realistic theory test simulations based on the most commonly occurring questions · Unlimited random tests, all with a balanced set of questions · Progress reports to monitor which questions were answered incorrectly and identify where learners need to focus their revision · An interactive version of the latest highway code with training notes · The option to practice on portable devices including mobile phones, iPods and PDAs, so users can conveniently practice on the move · Interactive lessons
and games to help users learn road signs and signals Over 400 hazard perception test simulation video clips, including the 10 official DSA practice clips, are included in All in One: Driving Test. All have been shot in high quality from outside the car in an identical way to the clips from the actual test. Also included: · The official DSA test introduction video · 3 interactive and 30 video tutorials on hazard perception and defensive driving · 14 tutorials and video clips for each hazard type · 28 pre-set simulations each incorporating 14 clips to represent all hazard types · Unlimited mock hazard perception tests with clips chosen at random · Specific hazard type mock tests allowing users to focus on weaker areas · Reports identifying
how points are scored, where clicks occurred and the clips which users
found the most difficult The practical test section of All in One: Driving Test gives an insight into what users can expect on the day. The structured training system, Learn-2-Drive, incorporates 20 interactive lessons with animations, videos and puzzles. Also included: · An interactive tutorial provides a complete introduction to the practical test · A full driving test in which users can watch and interact as the examiner · 19 interactive mock test video clips with ‘Show Me, Tell Me’ official questions · Detailed notes about the marking process for extra preparation · An interactive examiner’s marking sheet with tutorials to explain what the examiner is looking for and what constitutes a fault · ‘Show Me, Tell
Me’ game to help users become familiar with car features
Obviously, Papa Docomodake has
a trick or two to help him on his quest. With a tap of the stylus he
can release ‘Minis’ that aid him when the going gets a little
tough. Remember, Minis make the impossible possible!
Prepare To Be Blown Away!! The devious collector of planets,
only known as the ‘The Prince’, has set his evil intentions
to Planet Earth. But this planet is like no other he has conquered.
Filled with an uncontrollable desire to possess items from this unique
world, he lets loose his ultimate weapon – the Black Hole Device
– to suck up all the desirable items from Earth and transport
them back to his home planet. For further information please
visit:www.ignitionent.com
Metal Slug 7 To Explode Onto The Nintendo DS™ The Original ‘Run and Gun’ Returns
SNK PLAYMORE and Ignition Entertainment
are pleased to announce the upcoming European release of Metal Slug
7 for Nintendo DS™.
XBOX 360 SALES DOUBLE IN EUROPE European leadership position
strengthened following recent price adjustment
The Golden Compass
COOK, LEARN, PLAY, DESIGN
Whether they’ve always dreamt of becoming a vet, famous fashion designer, the next Junior Master Chef or even the world’s best baby sitter, the Imagine range from Ubisoft has something for everyone this Winter!
For the Nintendo DS™ and with the aim to capture the imagination, creativeness, and social side, the fun Imagine Range has been created to match the interests and ambitions of young people across the country. With these enjoyable and nurturing titles, pre-teens can explore cooking with Imagine™ Happy Cooking, curing animals with Imagine™ Pet Vet, caring with Imagine™ Babies and creating with Imagine™ Fashion Designer! Imagine Happy Cooking takes girls and boys on a journey around the kitchen, guiding them through over 50 recipes and teaching the art of preparation to create lovely dishes for the family. Containing a fun storyline that teaches budding Nigellas and Jamies to knead, chop, fry and grill, they’ll gather all the essential skills needed to become mum’s special helper in the kitchen. Through several steps it teaches the player the importance of washing their hands, kitchen safety, food storage and also presentation to create the perfect meal.
Experience Imagine Fashion Designer to learn all the tricks of the fashion trade from fabrics and colours to shapes and accessories. Players can design their own clothes, dress up models, direct photo shoots and then produce their very own fashion show to show off all their fab designs, proving they’ve got what it takes to succeed in the cut throat world of fashion! Step into the world of Imagine
Pet Vet and become a master vet by learning the vital skills required,
including taking care of various animals and building an efficient surgery.
Using the correct instruments, players have to deliver fast and accurate
diagnosis on their patients and treat a variety of illnesses to improve
the reputation of the business. For youngsters who fancy taking on that extra bit of responsibility and looking after a little one, Imagine Babies allows them to assume the role of a babysitter, in control of a number of charges. The player has to feed them, change them and keep them entertained and contented, returning them to their families in a happy state. But looking after babies needs a welcoming home so users have to undertake numerous mini games to maintain the lovely house. Users can demonstrate their creative powers as they use money earnt to shop and decorate to their own style. RRP £19.99
The Deal or No Deal PC
game has been developed by Mindscape and is published by Focus Multimedia. Fancy a Christmas discount when you place an order at Focus Multimedia? Quote the discount code “frombumptogrump” in the “Discount Coupon” box on the right hand side of checkout for free P&P on all orders over £5!
Multimedia Britannica® Enhanced for 2008
September 2007 – Whether you’re eager to delve behind the day’s headlines and explore the background to current affairs, or you’re researching an academic project where accuracy is an absolute must, the new Encyclopædia Britannica 2008 Ultimate DVD-ROM is the essential reference suite for all ages. Ideal for homework, research or for swift access to accurate information, the Encyclopædia Britannica 2008 Ultimate DVD-ROM provides a safe learning environment that is suitable for the whole family. Three complete age related and easy-to-use encyclopedias on one disc put over 100,000 reliable articles at your fingertips: • The Encyclopaedia Britannica®,
for adults. Whether you are an entry-level, advanced, or student researcher, you will easily find what you need — simply select the version that is right for you. Each encyclopedia forms the cornerstone of an integrated reference library with its own distinctive interface that includes a dictionary, thesaurus, atlas and historical timelines appropriate to the age of the user. Britannica is always striving to exceed its own high standards of quality, excellence, and accuracy, and this year is no exception. New features such as Britannica Workspace enhance this unbeatable resource. Britannica Workspace allows users to organise their research and save multiple projects for easy access. Add an article, video or image to your Workspace with just a single mouse click. In addition to a sleeker and more intuitive interface, the product’s redesigned Explore feature provides engaging, interactive tours of special topics. A new special feature, Britannica Biographies, includes more than 2,000 articles on the greatest minds of all time. Other exclusive features include: • Britannica BrainStormer
- this popular visual browser is based on Britannica’s unique
classification system and provides an exhilarating ride through the
vast array of articles, making research easier and more fun. Lotta Farley, Head of Consumer Markets for Encyclopædia Britannica UK, said: “The Encyclopædia Britannica 2008 Ultimate DVD-ROM is extensive, reliable and up to date, it’s a pleasure to use, and this year it’s better than ever.” Britannica 2008 Ultimate DVD-ROM is published by one of the UK’s leading software publishers, Focus Multimedia, whose Managing Director Craig Johnson said: “Encyclopædia Britannica sets the standard by which other reference works are judged, so I’m delighted to strengthen our existing relationship with Britannica by publishing the brand new 2008 edition of the world’s most famous and trusted encyclopedia. The Britannica 2008 Ultimate DVD-ROM contains the equivalent of over 74 printed volumes. With trusted content worth in excess of £1,500, the customer is getting exceptional value for money.” Britannica 2008 is available on DVD-ROM for Windows and Macintosh computers with a suggested retail price of £39.99. Customers also get a free one-year subscription to Britannica's online premium service (worth £39.99). The Britannica software range also includes the Britannica 2008 Children's Encyclopedia CD-ROM SRP £19.99. Products will be available in all good software retail stores from the end of August 2007. Customers will also be able to order direct from Focus Multimedia by calling 01889 570156 or visiting www.britannica2008.co.uk *Source: ChartTrack, UK retail unit sales from January 1st, 2006 - June 30th, 2007. Fancy a Christmas discount when you place an order at Focus Multimedia? Quote the discount code “frombumptogrump” in the “Discount Coupon” box on the right hand side of checkout for free P&P on all orders over £5!
Alan Hansen fronts new quiz video game
Liverpool legend and leading
football pundit, Alan Hansen has signed up to front a brand new sports
quiz game from Oxygen Interactive – Alan Hansen’s Sports
Challenge available on Wii™, PlayStation®2 and PC
The Art of Adventure… Crayola® title drawing nearer to the European Nintendo DS™
Crave Entertainment and Ignition Entertainment is pleased to announce the European release of Crayola® Treasure Adventures for the Nintendo DS™.
Become an adventurer and explore various exotic locations and meet new friends on your journey of discovery. Armed only with your treasure map and Crayola® crayons you must draw, colour and think your way through challenging obstacles, fun mini-games and exciting quests to reclaim the stolen colour crystals and restore colour to the world.
‘Crayola® crayons has always been synonymous with creativity and fun, and have been part of everybody’s childhood’ said Peter Rollinson, Product Manager, Ignition Entertainment ‘The Nintendo DS™ is the perfect platform for creativity on the go’
‘We’re very excited to partner with Ignition Entertainment and Crave Entertainment on this new videogame project,” said Chuck Linden, managing director, Crayola Europe. “Crayola Treasure Adventures allows kids to be creative and adventurous through color and fun in a thought-provoking, developmental setting ~ that is what our brand is all about."
Since its inception in 1903, the Crayola® brand has grown into one of the most respected and recognizable brands in the consumer marketplace. Today consumers equate the brand with colour, fun, quality and development--all the characteristics that are reinforced in their growing product line which includes crayons, markers, coloured pencils, paints, modeling compounds and craft and activity products for use in schools and homes. The brand has come a long way since the first box of 8 Crayola® crayons made its debut in 1903. Currently the company makes more than 100 different crayon colours as well as an array of materials to stimulate children's creative development -- while having fun!
An adventure that proves that the crayon is mightier than the sword.
Key Features:
Draw, colour and think your way
through exotic locations and exciting adventures
For further information please visit: www.ignitionent.com/crayola
Computer games aren’t just for kids; they can be fun for the whole family too, so pick up a controller and get playing Play is a key part of a child’s development and every parent understands the benefits that regular play has on their kids. But it’s not just something that should be restricted to your childhood. Play can also benefit adults by reducing stress, improving energy levels, stimulating creativity and generally being a lot of fun, releasing the inner child in everyone. While it may be a bit odd to join in with your kids during some activities, one great way to get involved is with computer games. Kids love playing on their various consoles and while at first it might not seem to be as beneficial as more traditional forms of play; the same advantages are there to be seen. Playing computer games as a family is not only fantastic entertainment, it can be a great bonding experience too and certain games also aid a child’s development. Things such as hand-eye coordination, problem solving, perseverance and even reading are all key elements of many games.
Thrillville: Off the Rails (released 19 October 2007) the game where players create and experience their own theme park, encourages creativity by letting players design their own roller coasters, while the mission-0based frame work often involves deep thinking and even business acumen. Indeed, games such as these are often used in American universities as part of courses in business studies and management.
Obviously play is all about fun as well and games such as the Bee Movie Game (out in November), based on DreamWorks Animation’s Bee Movie film (released to cinemas 14 December 2007), lets players race, chase and fly their way through an exciting world of adventure, as they experience the antics of Barry B. Benson, a dynamic and daring bee who knows there is more to life than making honey. Kids will love the characters, colours and storyline as they try and help save the bees’ production of honey, while the skills they use to navigate each level and mission, not to mention the dexterity needed on the controller, will be beneficial in other areas too. Music teachers are often surprised at how well young children are able to read music without looking at what their hands are doing on the instrument, but it’s often a skill they have picked up from playing videogames, where they use intricate movements on the controller without taking their eyes off the screen. Studies have also shown that kids burn three times as many calories when playing ‘active’ video games, such as those on Nintendo’s Wii. Using the motion sensitive controller to swish your lightsaber around in Lego Star Wars: The Complete Saga (also on sale from November) is certainly quite a workout and one that you can get involved in too – this is finally your chance to become Han Solo!
Microsoft® teams up with leading film studios to offer free HD-DVDs
LONDON, Friday October 19th - Microsoft today announces a major promotion with Hollywood's leading film studios that will offer five blockbuster movie HD-DVDs completely free when you buy the Xbox 360 HD-DVD player at an ERP* of £114.99.
From now until the 31st January 2008, anyone who purchases the state-of-the-art HD-DVD player for their Xbox 360 will be able to choose from 13 major film titles from studios including Warner Brothers, Universal, Dreamworks and Paramount. To receive their movies, customers simply send in a form, along with the barcode of their new HD-DVD player and Microsoft will ensure they are sent their HD-DVDs within 28 working days.
Commenting on the deal, Stephen McGill, Head of Gaming and Entertainment for Microsoft UK said: "The HD-DVD player for Xbox 360 gives customers a high quality and affordable way to enjoy state-of-the-art HD-DVD movies. We're delighted to enable everyone to enjoy the technology to the full and offer some fantastic movie releases, completely free."
The titles on offer are: Serenity, The Chronicles of Riddick, Hulk, Children of Men, The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift, Troy, Full Metal Jacket, Corpse Bride, The Prestige, Swordfish, Black Rain, Dreamgirls, Word Trade Centre.
*(ERP - Estimated Retail
Price)
LOOK OUT FOR SEGA RALLY GRAFFITI ON A DIRTY CAR NEAR YOU
SEGA Rally is causing a stir on dirty cars and vans up and down the country with its new street advertising campaign. Vehicles everywhere are being scrawled on with messages relating to the newly released game. SEGA have been encouraging people to get down and dirty for the launch of their game SEGA Rally by urging fans to advertise the game on their own dirty cars. “King of Rally” and “SEGA Rally revs up for 2007” are being written on mucky machines by the public as part of the launch campaign for SEGA Rally. The UK is being urged to graffiti dirty vehicles with messages of support for the new game. SEGA Rally is available
on PS3, PSP, Xbox 360 and PC.
CakeMania for the Nintendo DS™
Now you can practice your baking skills on the move as the hugely popular online game Cake Mania is now heading for a Nintendo DS release on 14th September. The fast-paced culinary crisis makes the perfect edition to a long-journey or daily commute. Utilising the Touch Screen experience players have to wait for customer requests, bake their cakes, ice and decorate them, then hand them out and collect their cash. The online game, which has been downloaded over 35million times worldwide has earned the iParenting Media Award and the 2006 Casual Game of the Year award from Yahoo Games. With over 84 fast-paced levels, the DS version takes all the best bits from the online game and mixes this with the capabilities of the Nintendo DS. So if you can’t afford that kitchen you’ve always wanted, or you need to practice your baking skills, then this games is for you as you can purchase kitchen upgrades including ovens, shoes, decorations and frosting machines, and learn to make creative cakes for all occasions.
My Best Friends: Cats & Dogs for the Nintendo DS™
You will soon be able to get
the pet your child has always wanted, but instead of having to choose
between a cat and a dog, they can now have both. Children learn the values of long-term pet care, in a cheaper and more maintainable way as they must master how to clean, groom and teach their pets lots of crazy tricks. The more tender loving care they give them, the more their friendship develops.
By using the DS stylus the game also offers educational benefits teaching children how to use touch screen technology and how to perform a huge range of varied actions. So, with lots of action packed games waiting for your child to enjoy, it seems the perfect “back to School” present.
Microsoft Introduces Star-Studded Lineup of Japanese Developers and Blockbuster New Games for Xbox 360 Japan’s best developers are betting big on Xbox 360 in 2007 and beyond, as Microsoft announces best-ever holiday entertainment lineup.
London, 12th September 2007 — Flanked by a who’s who of Japanese gaming luminaries and video game development legends, Takashi Sensui, general manager of the Home and Entertainment Division at Microsoft Co. Ltd., took the stage at the Yebisu Garden Hall during Xbox 360 Briefing 2007 to announce support from some of Japan’s most renowned game developers and unveil an unparalleled lineup of holiday blockbuster hits and exclusives for the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system.
Two of Japan’s most celebrated game developers, Tomonobu Itagaki from Team NINJA/Tecmo Ltd. and Hironobu Sakaguchi from Mistwalker, joined Sensui onstage to announce their support for the Xbox 360 platform. Itagaki highlighted the announcement that Team NINJA will develop “NINJA GAIDEN® 2,” the true sequel to the best-selling and critically acclaimed Xbox® original, exclusively for Xbox 360. Sakaguchi revealed pricing1 and availability for Mistwalker’s upcoming role-playing game (RPG) “Lost Odyssey™,” available from 6th December 2007 in Japan and around the world in early 2008. In addition, representatives from SQUARE ENIX took the stage to discuss two new games for Xbox 360: “INFINITE UNDISCOVERY™” and “THE LAST REMNANT™.”
Japanese Developers Embrace Xbox 360 “NINJA GAIDEN® 2” is the long-awaited sequel to the platinum-selling Xbox original, where players once again assume the role of Ryu Hayabusa as they guide the ninja hero on a quest to avenge his clan and prevent the destruction of the human race. Team NINJA’s announcement that “NINJA GAIDEN® 2” will be exclusive to Xbox 360 and available worldwide in 2008 provided gamers everywhere with plenty of reason for excitement, and served as yet another example of the blockbuster games being created by Japanese developers exclusively for the platform.
Xbox 360 owners in Japan will be the first to experience the magical world of “Lost Odyssey,” created by Mistwalker/feelplus Inc., and featuring a beautifully told story by Hironobu Sakaguchi, creator of the “Final Fantasy” video game franchise. Available 6th December 2007 in Japan, January 2008 in Asia, and February 2008 in North America and Europe, “Lost Odyssey” headlines a lineup of games by Japanese developers for Xbox 360 owners around the world this holiday, including these: “Ace Combat 6: Fires of Liberation” (NAMCO BANDAI Games). “Ace Combat 6: Fires of Liberation” takes players up to the sky and into the heat of realistic air combat with next-generation audio and visual effects and online multiplayer action.2 Available this holiday, only on Xbox 360. “Beautiful Katamari” (NAMCO BANDAI Games). Marking the debut of Namco’s beloved ball-rolling puzzle game on a next-generation platform, “Beautiful Katamari,” the fourth installment of the “Katamari” series, features levels of quirkiness, cosmic animations and musical stylings never seen before. Available in October. “Lost Odyssey” (Microsoft Game Studios/Mistwalker/feelplus Inc.). Famed game producer Hironobu Sakaguchi leads a staff of gaming masters to bring a truly next-generation role-playing experience to Xbox 360 in “Lost Odyssey.” Players will be led through a dramatic story of massive scale that features breathtaking visuals and an epic adventure made possible only by the power of Xbox 360. Available 6th December 2007, in Japan, and worldwide in 2008, only on Xbox 360.
Plus:
· “Battlefield: Bad Company” (Electronic Arts) · “Battlestations: Midway” (Eidos) · “Bladestorm: The Hundred Years’ War” (KOEI Co. Ltd.) · “CASTLE SHIKIGAMI III” (ArcSystemWorks Co. Ltd.) · “Dynasty Warriors 6” (KOEI Co. Ltd.) · “Dynasty Warriors: Gundam” (NAMCO BANDAI Games) · “Final Fantasy XI Play Online All in One Pack 2007” (SQUARE ENIX) · “Final Fantasy XI Wings of the Goddess” (SQUARE ENIX) · “Just Cause” (Electronic Arts) · “Mobile Ops: The One Year War” (NAMCO BANDAI Games) · “Operation Darkness” (SUCCESS Corp.) · “Winning Eleven: Pro Evolution Soccer 2008” (Konami) · “ZOIDS ALTERNATIVE” (TOMY Co. Ltd.)
This incredible lineup joins many other amazing games from developers around the globe that will be available this holiday in Japan and around the world, including the following: “Assassin’s Creed” (Ubisoft Entertainment). “Assassin’s Creed” is the next-generation game developed by Ubisoft that merges technology, game design, theme and emotions into a world where players will assume the role of the main character, Altair, and will have the power to throw their immediate environment into chaos and experience the art of a master assassin. Available this November. “Halo 3” (Microsoft Game Studios/Bungie Studios). In “Halo® 3,” the third installment of the landmark “Halo” trilogy and hugely anticipated sequel to the critically acclaimed “Halo 2,” people everywhere can take on the role of Master Chief™ and experience Master Chief’s greatest battle as he launches an epic mission to stop the Covenant, destroy the impending Flood threat and ultimately save mankind. In this third chapter of the “Halo” trilogy, Master Chief returns to face his greatest challenge as he readies himself for the final battle and seals his place in history. A hero must rise. Believe. Available worldwide, with availability in Europe on 26th September 2007 only on Xbox 360. “Kingdom Under Fire: Circle of Doom” (Microsoft/Blueside Inc.). Six heroes from the “Kingdom Under Fire” universe fight their way through the Dark Dimension against hordes of demented monsters in a twisted action RPG exclusive to Xbox 360. Coming this winter, “KUF:COD” features seamless four-player co-op2 via Xbox LIVE®, randomly generated maps and nearly infinite weapons combos with unique abilities, enhancements and magical powers for players to learn and master. “Project Gotham Racing 4” (Microsoft Game Studios/Bizarre Creations Ltd.). “Project Gotham Racing® 4” will redefine the acclaimed “PGR®” franchise by delivering a unique, exciting racing experience complete with dynamic weather and iconic cars and motorcycles. Available this October, only on Xbox 360. “Viva Piñata: Party Animals” (Microsoft Game Studios/Krome Studios Pty. Ltd.). An exciting new party game based on the critically acclaimed Xbox 360 exclusive and hit animated TV series, “Viva Piñata™: Party Animals” brings back the familiar piñata characters and invites players to compete in more than 40 mini-games against friends at home or over Xbox LIVE.2 Available this |Christmas, only on Xbox 360. “Gamers around the world can look forward to the greatest holiday lineup in video game history,” said Don Mattrick, senior vice president of the Interactive Entertainment Business in the Entertainment and Devices Division at Microsoft Corp. “We continue to evolve our strong relationships with Japan’s best and most innovative developers, and we’re looking forward to delivering exclusive high-definition titles for consumers worldwide, this year and beyond.”
Xbox LIVE Arcade Continues High-Definition Downloadable Games Innovation in Japan Japanese developers have long embraced and championed Xbox LIVE Arcade, with hits including “Pac-Man Championship Edition” (NAMCO BANDAI Games), “Bomberman Live” (Hudson Entertainment), “Frogger” (Konami) and “Fatal Fury Special” (SNK PLAYMORE Corp.). Several new titles from these and other Japanese developers will be added to the diverse portfolio of digitally distributed, high-definition original and classic games currently available on Xbox LIVE Arcade, including the following: “Every Extend Extra Extreme” (Q Entertainment). The latest creation from Q Entertainment, “Every Extend Extra Extreme,” or E4, is a unique action-packed shooter where the goal is to perfectly time your self-destruction to create chain reactions that explode surrounding enemies. With outrageous visuals and the ability to play your own favorite music, E4 puts a new twist on puzzle shooter games. “EXIT” (Taito). An addictive, frenzied puzzle game, “EXIT” has players using their decision-making skills and wits to escape numerous obstacles, while rescuing people from more than 100 different emergencies. Players must save as many lives as possible while finding the fastest way out when “EXIT” arrives on Xbox LIVE Arcade by the end of the year. “Ikaruga” (Treasure Co. Ltd.). “Ikaruga” is a quick-paced shooter with strong strategy elements featuring a slow-motion training mode and co-op play for two.2 Available soon for download from Xbox LIVE Arcade, “Ikaruga” is the perfect combination of beautiful, manga-style storytelling and refined, ultra-challenging arcade heroics. “OMEGA FIVE” (Hudson Entertainment). “OMEGA FIVE” is a next-generation, high-definition shooter with awe-inspiring graphics. Players fly through dangerous 3-D environments in this side-scroller and try to avoid the enemies that come at them from all sides, even from behind. “Rez” (Q Entertainment). “Rez,” the legendary action-shooter created by Tetsuya Mizuguchi, is coming to Xbox LIVE Arcade. A fast-moving, wire-frame adventure backed by industrial beats, the story of “Rez” takes players deep into the world’s computer network, where they must hack the system, altering the visual output and even taking over the music, creating their own rhythms and eye candy as they dig deeper into the dreamlike cyberworld. “Triggerheart Exelica” (Warashi). A shoot’em-up game where players battle against hordes of enemy ships, “Triggerheart Exelica” dynamically adjusts the difficulty to match a player’s skill level. “Triggerheart Exelica” launches on Xbox LIVE Arcade this year. Other exciting Xbox LIVE Arcade games available in the coming months include these: “Braid” (Number None Inc.). Arriving in early 2008 on Xbox LIVE Arcade, “Braid” is a platformer/puzzle game. The player journeys across seven worlds to rescue a princess; in each world, time behaves in its own peculiar way. The player must cleverly manipulate the flow of time to solve puzzles. “Braid” aims to provide a mind-expanding, filler-free experience. “Castlecrashers” (The Behemoth). Arriving in early 2008 on Xbox LIVE Arcade, “Castlecrashers” is the second title currently in development by award-winning independent developer the Behemoth. The four-player RPG adventure will let players hack, slash and smash their way to victory. “Castlecrashers” delivers unique high-resolution illustrated visuals, including memorably hand-drawn characters that are cute and menacing at the same time. Gamers can play with up to three friends locally or over Xbox LIVE2 and discover mind-boggling magic and mystery in the amazing world of “Castlecrashers.” “Schizoid” (Torpex Games LLC). “Schizoid,” from independent studio Torpex Games, is the first Xbox LIVE Arcade game to be created with XNA™ Game Studio. Debuting on Xbox LIVE Arcade later this year, “Schizoid” is an action-packed game focused on co-op gameplay2 in which players smash barrages of glowing enemies while cooperating closely to protect each other.
Microsoft Brings Tokyo Game Show Home With Xbox LIVE Once again, Microsoft will bring the Tokyo Game Show experience into living rooms worldwide as it offers its “TGS Bring It Home” programming, delivering hours of coverage from the press briefing, all the best highlights from the show floor, interviews with developers, gameplay videos, exclusive cinematic trailers and a variety of Xbox 360 content for gamers to download over Xbox LIVE Marketplace, beginning 13th September 2007.
THE BEST JUST GOT BETTER . . .
MotoGP07 is the fourth and most revolutionary in the heralded series of MotoGP titles for mobile handsets. Taking the genre a step further with stunning 3D visuals and environments. MotoGP’07 not only includes all the adrenalin-packed MotoGP races, tracks, bikes and riders from previous versions; but also features all new 2007 season data, realistic weather conditions and crash simulations for the most faithful mobile racer yet!
• The only officially licensed
Dorna MotoGP™ product for wireless, featuring official riders,
bikes, tracks and 2007 season data For more information visit www.thqwireless.com MotoGP’07 is available now! Text ‘MOTOGP’ to 88188 (cost £4.50)
Nintendo Wii helps to burn calories A study by Liverpool John Moores University found regular use could help shift 27lb (12.25kg) a year. The study was carried out to establish whether computer games can contribute to the daily activity recommendations for children. The researchers compared activity levels during gaming using the Wii with those achieved using traditional seated joypad-controlled consoles. They found more active forms of gaming increased energy expenditure to a level which could help lose weight. Heart rate Lead researcher Professor Tim Cable said: "Through our testing it is clear that the motion sensor-controlled console can make an impact on a child's heart rate, energy expenditure and the amount of calories burned. "Research from GameVision's Consumer Intelligence Report shows that, on average, gamers in the UK currently spendaround 12.2 hours a week playing computer games. "Therefore, it is important to promote as much activity as possible during this time." Professor Cable said active consoles such as the Wii could provide a means of motivating children who are less active. But he added: "Parents should encourage other physical activities and outdoor pursuits in order for their children to lead well-balanced lives." Children do play these computer games because they find them fascinating, and so it would be best if the games they play include an element of physical activity The study measured the impact on five girls and seven boys, aged between 13 and 15, of playing both an active and inactive console. During 15 minutes of play using a traditional joypad operated console, energy expenditure increased above resting values by an average 60%. In comparison, when using the Wii console, the participants' energy expenditure increased 156% above resting. Based on the average gaming week of 12.2 hours, this translates to a potential 1,830 calories burned per week when using Wii - 40% more than when using a traditional format console. In both conditions the energy expenditure of boys was greater than that observed for girls. Heart rates were also much greater when using the active console, reaching values of 130 beats per minute, compared with 85 beats per minute for the traditional console. Dr Ian Campbell, medical director of the charity Weight Concern, said children should be encouraged to play outside, and that parents should limit the amount of time they played computer games. However, he said: "Children do play these computer games because they find them fascinating, and so it would be best if the games they play include an element of physical activity." Source: BBC News
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