Author - Jerry Paxton

Dead or Alive 5 Ultimate Coming to PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360

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BURLINGAME, Calif. – MAY 9, 2013 – Team NINJA, today confirmed that DEAD OR ALIVE 5 ULTIMATE is being developed for the PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system and Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft. The game will be published by Tecmo Koei America this fall as both retail packaged goods and digital download. DEAD OR ALIVE 5 ULTIMATE heightens the signature DOAfighting style with the inclusion of all of the new modes from DEAD OR ALIVE 5 PLUS, new stages and new fighters, including the first ever DOA appearance of Momiji and levels from the NINJA GAIDEN’s series to deliver the best in fighting entertainment.

DEAD OR ALIVE 5 ULTIMATE is a great addition to our franchise,” said Yosuke Hayashi, Team NINJA leader. “The game has a lot to offer and we’re excited that our fans will have the opportunity to enjoy an experience that delivers on our signature high energy fighting entertainment.”

DEAD OR ALIVE 5 ULTIMATE is the definitive DEAD OR ALIVE 5 package, with new content aimed to bring players the best 3D fighting experience to date. The addition of modes from DEAD OR ALIVE 5 PLUS,including “Move Details Plus” and a tutorial mode, will allow novice and expert fighters to refine their fighting style with razor-fine precision.

Players will take on the roles of their favorite DEAD OR ALIVE fighters—as well as combatants new to the franchise—in an intense, action-packed brawler set in visually striking locations from around the world. The game’s dynamic interactive stages include the return of classic fan favorites as well as new locations from the NINJA GAIDEN series, such as Sky City Tokyo, and features deadly new danger zones including the Great Buddha Statue that change with the flow of the fight.

Characters in DEAD OR ALIVE 5 ULTIMATE continue to push a sensual yet realistic style, rendered in incredibly lifelike detail bringing every fighter to life in the heat of combat. The largest lineup in DOA history includes the first ever appearance of NINJA GAIDEN’s Momiji who utilizes the Hayabusa-style Aikijutsu taught to her by the master himself, Ryu Hayabusa. Soon to be announced additional characters will also add to the massive cast of fighters from DEAD OR ALIVE 5 which includes Ryu Hayabusa, Hayate, Ayane, Kasumi, Hitomi, Bayman, Christie, Lei Fang, Zack, Kokoro, Bass, Rig, Jann Lee, Helena, Lisa, Brad Wong, Eliot, Tina, along with Akira, Pai and Sarah Bryant from the Virtua Fighter series.

Along with a plethora of single-player modes including story mode, DEAD OR ALIVE 5 ULTIMATE will retain Online battles allowing players to compete head-to-head in a variety of playing fields and battle modes with another opportunity for fighters to improve their skills as they watch competitive matches.

Currently in development by Team NINJA, more details about DEAD OR ALIVE 5 ULTIMATE will be revealed in the coming months.

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David Haddad Named Senior VP of Digital Publishing for Warner Bros. Interactive

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BURBANK, Calif. May 9, 2013 – Games Industry Veteran David Haddad has been named Senior Vice President, Digital Publishing, Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment, it was announced today by Martin Tremblay, President, Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment.

Haddad will oversee the global publishing business of the Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment’s digital games business, which includes Light Persistent World, Massively Multiplayer Online, Multiplayer Online Battle Arena, Free-To-Play PC and other digitally distributed games. He will also be responsible for identifying and evaluating new business opportunities in the digital games space and will manage virtual merchandise sales as well as in-game advertising and product placement deals.

“We are making innovative strides in the digital games business and we feel we have found a great leader in David who can build upon our foundation,” said Tremblay. “David has excellent experience and knowledge of the digital business world and will lead our broader efforts as we forge new opportunities in the industry.”

Haddad brings over 25 years of online, entertainment and games experience to his new role. Previously, he served as COO of Activision/Blizzard’s Guitar Hero business, leading the $2 billion business. He has also held the role of COO of Sierra Online for Vivendi Games where he was responsible for publishing and production for over a dozen online games.

“I’m thrilled to join Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment with its strong base of games and rich, diverse brands,” said Haddad. “To make the most of this great opportunity, my focus will be on expanding the company’s impact in the fast growing digital games space.”

Haddad’s considerable experience also includes leadership roles at Liveplanet, Etoys, Mattel and The Walt Disney Company.  He holds a B.S. from Miami University and an M.B.A. from Harvard Graduate School of Business Administration.

New Final Fantasy X-2 HD Remaster Screenshots

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Square Enix has released some new screenshots for their upcoming FINAL FANTASY X-2 HD Remaster. The screenshots feature HD versions of the three playable characters: Yuna, Rikku and Paine and the world of Spira, two years after the events of FINAL FANTASY X.

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Total War: ROME II Release Date, Pre-Order Bonuses, and More

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SAN FRANCISCO & LONDON – May 9, 2013 – SEGA® of America, Inc. and SEGA® Europe, Ltd. today revealed the release date, final pack art, pre-order bonus and Collector’s Edition for Total War™: ROME II.

Release Date:

The global release date for the most keenly-anticipated Total War game yet will be September 3, 2013 across all territories on both physical and digital formats.

The game is now available for pre-order from the SEGA Store (http://download-store.sega.com/eshop/total-war/rome-2-3418.html) and other retailers world-wide http://www.totalwar.com/preorder

Pre-order Bonus:

Those gamers who pre-order any edition from participating retailers will receive ROME II’s first DLC for free alongside the game on release day. This first DLC, the Greek States Culture Pack, adds three additional playable factions to the game: Epirus, Athens and Sparta.

These factions have their own unique units, buildings, missions and win conditions alongside a distinct tech tree and, in the case of Sparta, will present a considerable challenge to the advanced player wishing to restore the famous city state to its former glory.

Collector’s Edition:

The Total War™: ROME II Collector’s Edition will be produced in a single, extremely limited run; only 22,000 individually numbered copies will be manufactured. The CE contains a wealth of custom, Roman-themed games and items, bound in a leather-effect presentation box, complete with gold logo and magnetic closure, including:

  • Numbered copy of Total War™: ROME II

The most ambitious and expansive game in the Total War™ series to date, ROME II brings the statecraft, politics, intrigue, diplomacy and epic battles of the ancient world to life in thrilling detail. This version comes in a debossed Steelbook™ case, laser-etched with your unique collector’s number in Roman numerals.

  • Tabula set

o   The Roman forerunner to Backgammon, this Tabula set comprises 30 bone-effect game pieces supplied in their own burlap drawstring bag; the board itself is built into the base of the Collector’s Edition box.

  • Tesserae Dice

o   Three replica bone-effect dice for use in a variety of games. The design is based on original Roman Tesserae, found at the archaeological site of Herculaneum.

  • Total War Cards™: PUNIC WARS

o   Designed from the ground up to echo elements from ROME II, Total War Cards is a game of skill and luck for two players. Involving combat, territorial control, resource management and technological development, PUNIC WARS consists of 58 high-quality playing cards and a game-board printed with the PUNIC WARS tech-tree.

  • Canvas Campaign Map

o   A reminder of the world you must conquer, this ribbon-tied canvas map depicts each of the 57 provinces of the ROME II campaign.

  • Roman Onager

o   A complete, fully-functional Onager, or Roman siege catapult. This easy-to-assemble kit is constructed from weathered wood and steel, measures 26cm x 12cm x 12cm, and is capable of unleashing small projectiles at a variety of inanimate objects which may have affronted the glory of your empire.

A remarkable way to mark over 10 years of Total War games and Creative Assembly’s 25th Anniversary, the Total War™: ROME II Collector’s Edition is only available through selected retailers. Follow the link to pre-order from a list of participating retailers: http://www.totalwar.com/rome2_collectors

The award-winning Total War series returns to Rome in 2013 with the hotly anticipated Total War: ROME II, setting a brand new quality benchmark for strategy gaming. Players can become the world’s first superpower and command the Ancient world’s most incredible war machine. Find out more about ROME II at www.totalwar.com

Anomaly 2 Pre-Order Bonuses Announced

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11 bit studios has announced the bonuses to players who pre-order its upcoming Anomaly 2, which is scheduled to launch on May 15th, 2013.

Official Pre-Order Gift Descriptions

  • Anomaly Korea, which has never been available for PC, is announced as the bonus gaming gift for people who buy Anomaly 2 via the official site.
  • That means that if you pre-order Anomaly 2 on the official site, you get two copies of Anomaly 2, as well as a copy of Anomaly Korea. For $14.99. It’s ridiculous.

The Wolf Among Us Screenshots

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Telltale Games has sent out the first screenshots from its upcoming The Wolf Among Us, based on the comic book “Fables” by Bill Willingham. The game will be shown at the upcoming Electronic Entertainment Expo in Los Angeles, so stay-tuned for more on this one.

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After Earth The Mobile Game Announced

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LOS ANGELES, Calif. – May 8, 2013 – Reliance Games, a leading international developer and publisher of mobile games, Sony Pictures Consumer Products and Overbrook Entertainment, today announced a creative collaboration to bring the action-packed After Earth digital mobile game, based on the upcoming movie, in theaters May 31. Reliance Games is working closely with Sony Pictures and Overbrook Entertainment to craft an interactive experience to supplement the movie; Behaviour Interactive is developing the game.

The action packed runner game features two modes: one that lets users play the story and a second that challenges their skill with an endless level. Players must confront and defeat an array of vicious enemies in epic battles and explore the stunning environments inspired by the film.

“We are thrilled to work with Reliance Games to bring a high-quality, immersive experience to our fans,” said After Earth Producer, Caleeb Pinkett. “The game brings to life lots of the action and suspense of the After Earth universe.”

Throughout the After Earth gaming experience, players must show no fear as they dodge attacks and collect hidden and unique artifacts to enhance the game experience.

“We’re excited about this great opportunity to bring After Earth to mobile by creating a challenging game with stunningly beautiful 3D environments that were inspired by the film,” said Manish Agarwal, CEO of Reliance Games. “We have experience translating popular IPs into mobile and we aim to continue that success with our partnership with Sony Pictures and Overbrook.”

The After Earth game will launch this summer on smartphones and tablets. For more information, watch the teaser video here:

In After Earth, a crash landing leaves teenager Kitai Raige (Jaden Smith) and his legendary father Cypher (Will Smith) stranded on Earth, 1,000 years after cataclysmic events forced humanity’s escape. With Cypher critically injured, Kitai must embark on a perilous journey to signal for help, facing uncharted terrain, evolved animal species that now rule the planet, and an unstoppable alien creature that escaped during the crash. Father and son must learn to work together and trust one another if they want any chance of returning home. Columbia Pictures presents an Overbrook Entertainment/Blinding Edge Pictures production directed by M. Night Shyamalan from a screenplay by Gary Whitta and M. Night Shyamalan and a story by Will Smith, and produced by Caleeb Pinkett, Jada Pinkett Smith & Will Smith, James Lassiter, and M. Night Shyamalan.