TOKYO, Japan and SAN MATEO, Calif. — Oct. 9, 2008  Capcom®, a leading worldwide developer and publisher of video games, today confirmed that Japanese multi-platinum selling Monster Hunter Portable 2G will be coming to North American gamers as Monster Hunter Freedom Unite. Since its release in Japan earlier this year, the game has sold over 2.4 million copies, making it one of the most successful games on the PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) system. To date the Monster Hunter series has sold over 7.8 million units worldwide. This phenomenon will be made available to North American gamers in the spring of 2009.

The epic Monster Hunter action/role-playing game series is the leading PSP system franchise in Japan, and has quickly become the fastest-selling third party portable game on the platform. Monster Hunters can prepare for incredible adventures with more than 2000 armor sets, 1500 weapons and 475 missions to choose from.

With 500 hours of gameplay and previously unreleased monsters, weapons and missions, Monster Hunter Freedom Unite is set to be the biggest game of the series so far. Players can experience the social gaming phenomenon that’s gripping Japan, by adventuring with up to three friends for thrilling multiplayer hunting parties. Throughout the strategic gameplay experience, players are rewarded for their combat maneuvers and tactics, encouraging players to seek out more experienced Monster Hunters and team up with in order to benefit from their experience.

New to Monster Hunter Freedom Unite is the fully customizable AI “felyne” companion who will accompany players on quests and gather extra resources and can be shared and traded with other players. Also new to Monster Hunter Freedom Unite is the improved “Media Install Option,” which gives players the ability to save portions of the game from UMD to Memory Stick, resulting in much faster load times as well as improved PSP system battery life. Fans of the series will be pleased to hear that they can transfer their character and data from Monster Hunter Freedom 2 over to the new game.

For more information on Monster Hunter Freedom Unite and other Capcom titles, check out Capcom’s official site at www.capcom.com

Snowboarding and Next-Gen Gameplay Add New World of Fun to Epic Wintry Wii™ Experience

SANTA CLARA, Calif., (October 8, 2008) – Fresh powder, pristine slopes and winter fun will again drift into homes in March 2009, as NAMCO BANDAI Games America Inc. today announced We Ski^TM and Snowboard, a sequel to its much lauded snow sports game for Nintendo Wii^TM.

Topping the list of enhancements in this latest installment of Wii Balance Board standouts is the addition of high-performance snowboarding, as well as improved skiing functionality, two massive new mountains and 10,000 more vertical meters. Complete with fun boxes, rails and a half-pipe, both skiers and snowboarders alike can boost huge air and over-the-top aerial tricks in this epic wintry experience.

“We made major feature additions and control enhancements to an already impressive design set with We Ski and Snowboard,” said Andrew Lelchuk, EVP of marketing and sales for NAMCO BANDAI Games America Inc. “Our goal was to provide gamers with the same great experience of being on the slopes that they enjoyed in We Ski and evolve it by adding snowboards, two world class hills, real-time trick capability and a fully-interactive environment. And We Ski and Snowboard has accomplished just that.”

We Ski & Snowboard is a wintry thrill ride through many different environments on the awesome Mt. Angrio and cool Jamboree Snow Resort. Players enjoy the classic motion-based controls popularized by We Ski using the Wii Remote™ and Nunchuk controllers, or by adding the increased realism of the Wii Balance Board™ for even more ski and snowboard action. Custom characters and player Mii’s™ add even more dimension to snow-capped adventures across even more mountain terrain than ever with vast free-riding areas. Leisurely gondola rides to sloping peaks invite a breathtaking panoramic experience, while heli-drops from extreme dizzying heights offer-up opportunities to shred down vertical cliffs and severe precipices. Players should be sure to watch out for avalanches!

Hot Doggers can quench their thirst for excitement with half-pipe courses, and ski technique challenges, while loungers can look forward to other activities including ski school, board school, moguls and slaloms, as well as animal search and rescue. Players can enjoy the sprawling vistas with day, night and dusk skiing, offering countless nuances to an ever-expanding list of experiences. The whole family can still enjoy fast-paced racing action or free-skiing with four-player fun, while single players can enjoy the ride with up to three AI-controlled skiing buddies.

For more information on We Ski and Snowboard, please visit: http://www.namcobandaigames.com.

Is Japan’s video game industry recession proof? With stock markets swinging as violently as a fantasy warrior’s sword, it’s a significant question.

According to data collected by Enterbrain, the publisher of Famitsu magazine, combined sales of video game hardware and software for the first half of 2008 fell to just 78.7 percent of the level for the first half of 2007, dropping from 3.03 billion yen to 2.39 billion yen.

Year-on-year, hardware sales dropped to 66.5 percent of previous levels, while software didn’t fare quite as badly, dropping to 89.7 percent.

The figures were presented by Hirokazu Hamamura, Enterbrain’s president and Famitsu’s executive editor, at a press conference at the Foreign Correspondents Club of Japan in Tokyo on Tuesday. Hamamura shared the podium with another industry expert, Hiroshi Kamide, director of the research department of KBC Securities Japan.

“The software situation in Japan is not so bad,” Hamamura said, pointing to four games–Mario Kart Wii, Monster Hunter Portable 2nd G, Pocket Monster Platinum, and Dragon Quest V–that have sold more than 1 million copies each so far this year, compared to eight to hit that mark in all of last year.

With Wii Music and other highly anticipated titles still to come in 2008, “this half is going to be very good for software,” he said.

more on this article

Guildford, UK – October 8, 2008 – Black Box, a studio of Electronic Arts Inc. (NASDAQ:ERTS) today unveiled the online modes in Need for Speed™ Undercover, including the all-new multiplayer mode, Cops and Robbers. This visceral team-based mode pits two teams of four players against each other in the ultimate battle-royale.

Robbers must pick up the package and take it to the drop-off point while the cops attempt to prevent the delivery. Each game consists of two rounds giving the players the chance to play as cops and robbers. Up to eight players will also be able to prove their driving prowess in sprint and circuit multiplayer race modes.*

“High-intensity police chases are a signature component of Undercover and this extends to the multiplayer experience as well,” said Bill Harrison, Executive Producer at Black Box. “The cops and robbers mode will thrust players into adrenaline-pumping battles as they utilize the Heroic Driving Engine to deliver or prevent the delivery of the package to the safe house.”

Need for Speed Undercover also features a diverse soundtrack of over 30 songs from artists like The Prodigy, Tricky and Justice. To hear samplings of each song please visit www.ea.com/eatrax/.

Need for Speed Undercover has players racing through speedways, dodging cops and chasing rivals as they go deep undercover to take down an International crime syndicate. The new game heralds the return of high-intensity police chases and introduces the all-new ‘Heroic Driving Engine’ — a unique technology that generates incredible high-performance moves at 180 miles per hour during breathtaking highway battles.

Need for Speed Undercover is being developed by Black Box in Vancouver, B.C., and is slated to be in stores in Europe on November 21. The game will be available for Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system, PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system, and Wii™ as well as the PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system, Nintendo DS™, PSP® (PlayStation® Portable) handheld entertainment system, PC and mobile. More information can be found at www.needforspeed.com.

*PLAYSTATION 3, Xbox 360 and PC versions only. INTERNET CONNECTION required. See product pack for additional details.

Game Brings Epic Battle Between Humans and Machines

Online and to iPhone and iPod Touch

Game enthusiasts and TERMINATOR fans alike can now be at the center of the battle between humans and the machines with “Ambush,” a game based on TERMINATOR: THE SARAH CONNOR CHRONICLES, the hit series that airs Mondays (8:00-9:00 PM ET/PT) on FOX. “Ambush,” a free massive multi-player online (MMO) game, can be played at www.fox.com/terminator/ambush. The first MMO playable on iPhones and iPod Touch devices, “Ambush” is currently available for download at the Apple App Store at www.itunes.com/appstore.

“Ambush” pits human against machine. Players choose to engage as a human or a Terminator in the fight to protect or eliminate Skynet, the computer system programmed to destroy the world. The player’s goal is to predict the movement of his enemies throughout the virtual city and then set traps to terminate them, all while remaining undetected by other players. iPhone players survive within the virtual city by using their GPS function to avoid traps set by their online opponents. Log in and join the battle at www.fox.com/terminator/ambush.

This season on TERMINATOR: THE SARAH CONNOR CHRONICLES, life for the Connors intensifies as their relationships are challenged and the dynamics of their roles begin to change. As they continue to hunt down Skynet (in order to stop the annihilation of the human race), JOHN CONNOR (Thomas Dekker) must confront his destiny to become the leader he’s meant to be. Struggling with John’s independence, SARAH CONNOR (Lena Headey) is as desperate as ever to protect him from Skynet and prepare him for the future. John’s new friend RILEY (Leven Rambin) challenges CAMERON (Summer Glau), John’s cyborg protector, for his affection while ELLISON (Richard T. Jones) finds himself embroiled with a T-1001, CATHERINE WEAVER (Shirley Manson). Also this season, the future begins to haunt DEREK REESE (Brian Austin Green), and CROMARTIE (Garret Dillahunt) comes face-to-face with John Connor.

“Ambush” was created by FOX in collaboration with 65 Media. Honored by advertising and entertainment industries worldwide, 65 Media is an award-winning interactive marketing agency based in Marina Del Rey, CA, that has been providing creative innovation for more than a decade. Specializing in brilliant marketing campaigns, online communities and games, 65 Media’s progressive technology, strategic solutions and think-tank philosophy have made it the first choice for stellar companies worldwide. To learn more about the making of “Ambush” or to see 65 Media’s full portfolio or work, visit www.65media.com.

Pop quiz: What do you get when you add together 10 pins, 18 holes, two stolen jewels and hundreds of tumbling blocks? Never mind arithmetic-the answer lies in this week’s excellent additions to the Wii Shop Channel™. Wii™ lovers on the lookout for fresh gaming thrills can take their pick from a lively lineup that includes electrified bowling, Mario-styled golf, inventive puzzles and fantastic battles. Better yet, try out all four games and watch the fun grow exponentially.

Nintendo adds new and classic games to the Wii Shop Channel at 9 a.m. Pacific time every Monday. Wii owners with a high-speed Internet connection can redeem Wii Points™ to download the games. Wii Points can be purchased in the Wii Shop Channel or at retail outlets. This week’s new games are:

WiiWare™

Midnight Bowling™ (Gameloft, 1-4 players, Rated E for Everyone, 800 Wii Points): Plunge directly into the trendy and electric atmosphere of Midnight Bowling. With awesome playing sensations, prepare for ultra-fun gaming thanks to a new physics engine that lets you control your throws precisely and easily with your Wii Remote™ controller and make spectacular spins that will impress your opponents. Face up to three friends in the fun party mode, where your playing abilities will be put to the test. Whatever your experience level, launch yourself into the immersive career mode, where you will play in the trendiest bowling spots on the planet against charismatic characters that will give you a run for your money.

MadStone (Riverman Media, 1-2 players, Rated E for Everyone, 800 Wii Points): Time is short. Earth trembles as the forces of nature stir and grow restless. Can you turn the tide? In this dynamic puzzle game, you must clear the path for your elemental MadStones to reach the bottom of the screen. Blocks can be broken by striking them directly or by the force of falling objects. The novice tries frantically to break enough blocks, while the master sets up cascading collapses with only a handful of direct strikes. As two sides struggle for domination, titanic forces build, only to be unleashed in an earth-shaking final confrontation. Experience the mystical single-player journey, or challenge a friend in competitive two-player mode.

Virtual Console™

Mario Golf™ (Nintendo 64™, 1-4 players, Rated E for Everyone, 1,000 Wii Points): Mario™ takes a well-deserved break from his role as the Mushroom Kingdom’s busiest hero and returns to the links for some world-class golfing action. Since no one likes to hit the fairways alone, he’s brought along a group of friends-both familiar characters and brand new ones. Choose from 10 different modes of play and six 18-hole courses in a variety of environments for a golfing experience with endless replay value. Add in fun, colorful graphics with a Mario touch (a Boo indicates wind direction), intuitive controls, incredibly deep game play and multiplayer support (taunt your opponents), and you have a game anyone will enjoy-even if you’ve never played a round of golf. Fore!

Shining Force™ II (Sega Genesis, 1 player, Rated E for Everyone-Mild Fantasy Violence, 800 Wii Points): It’s a dark and stormy night in the kingdom of Granseal when a thief steals two jewels from the Tower of the Ancients. He sets in motion strange events that lead to the resurrection of Zeon, the Devil King. Granseal’s king falls sick, the princess is kidnapped, and a door to Arc Valley, the Devil King’s home, is opened. The young swordsman, Bowie, realizing the grave danger Granseal faces, must lead the Shining Force to find the Holy Sword and the stolen jewels, and protect Granseal against the invading armies of Zeon.

“Unreal Engine 3 is a powerful, easy-to-implement game engine that is helping the creative team at Grasshopper quickly bring our vision to life,” said Goichi Suda, CEO of Grasshopper Manufacture. “The innovative tools and technology in Unreal Engine 3 help developers create games faster, easier and with less risk.”

“It’s an honor to work with Mikami-san and Suda-san on their next project,” said Jay Wilbur, vice president, Epic Games. “Grasshopper Manufacture is one of the most daring and innovative studios in the world, and we can’t wait to see what they’re able to do with Unreal Engine 3.

For more information about Grasshopper Manufacture, please visit www.grasshoppermanufacture.com

For more information about Epic Games, please visit www.epicgames.com

For more information about EA, please visit our press Web site at http://info.ea.com

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About Grasshopper Manufacture Inc
Grasshopper Manufacture Inc. is an independent interactive entertainment studio based in Suginami-ku, Tokyo. The studio was founded in 1998 by CEO Goichi Suda, who is known around the world for his distinctive style and innovative work as a game designer and scenario writer. To date, Grasshopper Manufacture has shipped 11 titles, including 2007’s breakout hit, “No More Heroes.” More information about GhM can be found on the internet at http://www.grasshopper.co.jp/
About Epic Games
Epic Games, Inc., based in Cary, NC and established in 1991, develops cutting-edge games and cross-platform game engine technology. The company has created multiple million-selling, award-winning titles in its Unreal series, most recently shipping Unreal Tournament 3 for PC, PLAYSTATION® and Xbox 360®. Epic’s breakthrough game, Gears of War, sold 5 million copies and won over 30 game of the year awards. The highly anticipated sequel, Gears of War 2, is scheduled for release on November 7, 2008. Epic’s Unreal Engine 3 is the current holder and three-time consecutive winner of Game Developer magazine’s Best Engine Front Line Award. Additional information about Epic can be obtained through the Epic Games Web site at www.epicgames.com.
About Electronic Arts
Electronic Arts Inc. (EA), headquartered in Redwood City, California, is the world’s leading interactive entertainment software company. Founded in 1982, the Company develops, publishes, and distributes interactive software worldwide for video game systems, personal computers, cellular handsets and the Internet. Electronic Arts markets its products under four brand names: EA SPORTSTM, EATM, EA SPORTS Freestyle TM and POGOTM. In fiscal 2008, EA posted GAAP net revenue of $3.67 billion and had 27 titles that sold more than one million copies. EA’s homepage and online game site is www.ea.com. More information about EA’s products and full text of press releases can be found on the Internet at http://info.ea.com.

EA, EA SPORTS, EA SPORTS Freestyle and POGO are trademarks or registered trademark in the U.S. and/or other countries\ Epic, Epic Games, Unreal, Unreal Engine, Unreal Tournament and Gears of War are trademarks or registered trademarks of Epic Games, Inc. in the United States of America and elsewhere. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

Guildford, UK – Oct 7 2008 - DICE, an Electronic Arts Inc. studio (NASDAQ: ERTS), today announced that a remix album for their highly anticipated title Mirror’s Edge™ will be digitally released worldwide on November 11th in conjunction with the launch of the game on November 14th. The album features the title track “Still Alive” performed by Swedish rock/pop star Lisa Miskovsky and remixes by some of today’s hottest artists including Benny Benassi, Paul van Dyk, Junkie XL, Teddybears, and Armand Van Helden.

“A groundbreaking videogame demands an equally provocative theme song,” said Steve Schnur, Worldwide Executive of Music and Marketing for EA. “We’ve taken an unprecedented approach to this track, bringing together several of the world’s top remixers to create an album that will not only cross genres and borders, but also redefine how great new music can be delivered to the world.”

Recorded exclusively for Mirror’s Edge, “Still Alive” was written and produced by Rami Yacoub and Arnthor Birgisson who are best known for their chart-topping work with artists Pink, Britney Spears and Kelis. The song was performed by Lisa Miskovsky who earned international acclaim for her #1 self-titled debut album and #1 Platinum follow-up Fallwater. She also won Sweden’s top music awards including Best New Artist, Best Female Artist and Artist of the Year.

“When given the opportunity to work with Lisa, Rami and Arnthor, who are all avid gamers, we knew we had something very special on our hands,” added Magnus Walterstad, Audio Director at DICE. “With ‘Still Alive,’ we created a Mirror’s Edge theme song that is able to stand on it’s own two feet as well as accurately representing the emotional experience of playing the game.”

The complete track listing for the Mirror’s Edge Remix ALBUM is as follows:

ARTIST SONG
Lisa Miskovsky Still Alive – Mirror’s Edge Theme Song
Benny Benassi Still Alive – Remix
Junkie XL Still Alive – Remix
Paul van Dyk Still Alive – Remix
Teddybears Still Alive – Remix
Armand Van Helden Still Alive – Remix

“This is a terrific song from a tremendous new artist,” said Terry McBride, CEO of EA label partners Nettwerk Music Group. “And every one of these remixers responded not only to the power of the track itself, but also to what this project will mean to the continued convergence of music and gaming. Our entire worldwide marketing team is committed to making this a landmark digital release.”

When customers pre-order Mirror’s Edge at Best Buy in the U.S., they can pick up a music CD containing the theme song to Mirror’s Edge and an exclusive remix by Benny Benassi.

Mirror’s Edge is a revolutionary first person action adventure game that delivers players straight into the shoes of Faith, a modern day heroine who traverses the vertigo-inducing cityscape, engaging in intense combat, fast-paced chases and challenging puzzles. Mirror’s Edge was recently awarded “Best Xbox 360 Game” at the GC Developers Conference in Leipzig, Germany , “Best Action Game” of Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3) by IGN and the Game Critics Award for “Best Original Game” at E3 in July.

Mirror’s Edge is being developed at EA Digital Illusions CE AB (DICE) in Stockholm, Sweden. Available on the PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system and the Xbox 360® videogame and entertainment system on Nov 11, 2008 across North America, and on Nov 14 in Europe, the game is rated “T” by the ESRB and “16+” by PEGI. For more information on EA DICE or Mirror’s Edge, please visit www.ea.com, www.dice.se or www.mirrorsedge.com.

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The first of the Downloadable Content packs for Mega Man 9 will be available this week. Here’s the run down on what’s coming out.

Endless Attack – Test your skills on a stage without end. Try to break the record for getting the farthest. Results will be displayed in the Rankings page. Not compatible with other Challenges.

Proto Man Mode - Play the game as Proto Man. Some of Proto Man’s abilities may differ from Mega Man’s. Proto Man has the Charge Shot ability, Power Slide ability, and a shield that he can utilize to deflect bullets at enemies. However, Proto Man also takes double damage and has double bounce back when he is hit.

There is no story for Proto Man and he is not compatible with Rankings or Challenges.

Both DLC packs are available now on WiiWare Channel today (October 6 th, 2008) with XBLA following on October 7 th, and PSN releasing October 9 th.

The following are new screen captures for “Resident Evil 5″ courtesy of Capcom.

Just when it seemed that the menace of Resident Evil had been destroyed, along comes a new terror to send shivers down player’s spines. Chris Redfield, returning Resident Evil hero, has followed the path of the evil literally around the globe. After joining a new organization, Chris heads to  Africa  where the latest bioterrorism threat is literally transforming the people and animals of the city into mindless, maddened creatures. He is joined by a new partner, Sheva Alomar, who lends her strength, intelligence and sharp-shooting skills to the mission.  In order to survive, Chris and Sheva must work together to take on the challenges of discovering the truth behind this evil plot. Utilizing a revolutionary new co-op mode of gameplay, players will be able to assume control of either Chris or Sheva and experience Resident Evil in new ways. In Resident Evil 5, Capcom will have players fearing the daylight as much as they have feared shadow in previous games.