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ASSASSIN’S CREED III “THE TYRANNY OF KING WASHINGTON” DOWNLOADABLE CONTENT EPISODES DATED

Sydney, Australia — February 7, 2013 — Ubisoft has  confirmed the release dates of all three upcoming episodes of Assassin’s Creed III The Tyranny of King Washington. This all new single-player experience will let players discover an alternate history of the events following the American Revolution.

–      Episode 1: The Infamy will be available on Microsoft’s Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system and Windows PCs on February 19 and on PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system on February 20, as previously confirmed.

–       Episode 2: The Betrayal will release on Microsoft’s Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system and Windows PCs on March 19 and on PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system on March 20.

–       Episode 3 : The Redemption will be available on Microsoft’s Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system and Windows PCs on April 23 and on PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system on April 24.

In the first episode of the Tyranny of King Washington series, our hero, Ratonhnhaké:ton, awakens from an unsettling dream to find that, despite his efforts to deliver justice in the newly-founded United States of America, a new king has been crowned – George Washington. The Infamy will take gamers through the beginning of the journey to dethrone King Washington.

The three upcoming episodes of the Tyranny of King Washington are available through the Assassin’s Creed III Season Pass, which is available for purchase for 2400 Microsoft Points on Xbox LIVE or $49.95 on the PlayStation® Network and Windows PC. Each episode of The Tyranny of King Washington will be available for purchase separately as a single DLC pack for 800 Microsoft points or $15.95.

All Assassin’s Creed III downloadable content packs will also be available on the Wii UTM through the Nintendo eShop.

Assassin’s Creed III is now available on PlayStation®3, Xbox 360® and the Nintendo Wii UTM. For Windows PC gamers, the Assassin’s Creed III Deluxe Edition is available as a digital download and includes all future downloadable content.

 
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New Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance Trailers

Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance is due out on the 21st of February!

 
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“SPECIAL FORCES: TEAM X” NOW AVAILABLE ON XBOX LIVE ARCADE AND STEAM

TEAM BASED SHOOTER INNOVATES THE GENRE WITH TACTICAL MAP SYSTEM

NEW YORK, NY. – FEBURARY 6, 2013 — Microprose, together with publisher Atari, Inc., announced today that “Special Forces: Team X” is now available on Xbox LIVE® Arcade for the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft (1200 Microsoft Points) and Steam ($AUD 14.99).

Special Forces: Team X (STX), developed by Zombie Studios, creators of the hit “Blacklight” series, is a fast-paced tactical 3rd person shooter with a twist. Throwing customization fully into players’ hands, STX features a real time map selection system where the battlefield is divided into three zones, with the layout of each determined by the teams prior to the match. Over one hundred possible combinations give every match a unique look and feel, for a constant tactical challenge.

Become an elite marksman and build the perfect load-out through customizable skillsets using distinct tactics and special abilities to defeat the deadliest enemies. Create and upgrade an arsenal of lethal weapons, including from rocket launchers, grenades, machine guns, and exclusively licensed weaponry like the Kalashnikov, Famas, and Sig Sauer; there are even attack dogs that can be unleashed into battle. Equipped with real-world weapons, take charge and head into battle with 5 multiplayer modes that include new gametypes like Hot Zone and High Value Target, each supporting 2, 3 or even 4 teams.

As a special partnership, Microprose is teaming up with Gameservers in celebration of STX’s release into the digital marketplace. Gameservers will be hosting dedicated servers 24/7 for the Windows-based PC version, available in North America, Europe, and Australia. For more information, please visit www.gameservers.com.

 
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TECMO KOEI ANNOUNCES NINJA GAIDEN 3: RAZOR’S EDGE for PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360

New Iteration of Famous Action Series from Developer Team NINJA Is Packed with New Features, Brutally Tough Challenges, Additional Playable Characters, and Bonus Content

SYDNEY, February 7th 2013 – TECMO KOEI Europe today announced that NINJA GAIDEN 3: RAZOR’S EDGE, the latest chapter in the famed action series, is coming to the PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system and Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft. In the Team NINJA-developed title, the enigmatic warrior Ryu Hayabusa must fight to lift a curse that threatens to destroy him.

NINJA GAIDEN 3: RAZOR’S EDGE features additional playable characters, a new gameplay mode, a redesigned battle system with enhanced enemy AI, a robust Ninja Skills upgrade system, expanded online features including bonus content, and a host of other features. The game is scheduled to launch both at retail and via digital download on the 4th of April 2013.

“NINJA GAIDEN 3: RAZOR’S EDGE is the most action-packed and feature rich NINJA GAIDEN game ever created,” said Yosuke Hayashi, Team NINJA leader. “The brutal combat will challenge the hardest of hardcore NINJA GAIDEN fans while also rewarding them with tons of bonus content and new features including three playable female characters, new stages, and three times as many Ninja Trial missions.”

NINJA GAIDEN 3: RAZOR’S EDGE was designed from the ground up to satisfy core action fans with a redesigned battle system, improved enemy AI, the greatly reduced interactive QTE scenes, and the return of dismemberment. Even with severed arms or legs, enemies will fight on and players will find they have to change attacks on the fly to win brutally tough battles—the challenge level leaves little room for error. The Ninja Skills systems lets players use Karma earned in combat to freely purchase weapon and Ninpo upgrades, feats, and costumes. Adding to the variety of gameplay, Kasumi, Ayane, and Momiji all join Hayabusa as playable characters. Ayane will get her own chapters in Story Mode while all three female characters can be played in the new Chapter Challenge mode and Ninja Trials co-op play with multiple costume options.

Chapter Challenge mode is available with ten chapters including all-new Ayane stages. In this mode, players will compete for the highest score possible in each chapter of the story. Six brutal weapons are available to Hayabusa throughout the game, including the new Jinran-Maru & Blade of the Archfiend dual swords, Lunar Staff, and Kusari-gama. Additionally, Inferno, Wind Blades, and Piercing Void have been added as deadly new Ninpo. In the new Tests of Valor challenge, players who find Crystal Skulls hidden in each level will be transported to face off in skill-testing battles with familiar bosses from the NINJA GAIDEN series.

The online features in NINJA GAIDEN 3: RAZOR’S EDGE have been greatly expanded, with all the previously paid DLC from NINJA GAIDEN 3 available as a bonus. The Ninja Skills upgrade system works online to let players use Karma to purchase 64 customizable features for the Unknown Ninja used in multiplayer Clan Battles. Supporting up to eight players, five brand new Clan Battle stages have been added. Players can use all of Hayabusa’s weapons and Ninpo in Clan Battles, giving them access to their favorite methods of attack. The number of missions in Ninja Trials has been tripled to a total of 100, and all four playable characters—Hayabusa, Ayane, Momiji, and Kasumi—can be used in this co-op mode.

 
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AVG Technologies Wants a Safe Online Valentine’s Day

Five Tips For Keeping Your Head While You Lose Your Heart

Melbourne, 7 February 2013.  Whether you decide upon flowers, chocolates or something a little more unusual as the perfect symbol of your affection this Valentine’s Day, make sure you take extra precautions when ordering online. That’s the advice being given by AVG Technologies AU who believe that as more and more expressions of love are being bought online, buyers’ heightened states of emotion may bring increased risks to their browsing computer or mobile device, and their online identity.

Michael McKinnon, Security Advisor at AVG, explains: “The kinds of emotions involved in Valentine’s Day preparations, whether love or total panic in some cases, can often cause people to act without their usual level of care. The danger is that we become so focused on the act of giving or receiving affection that we become less alert to the tricks of cybercriminals looking to prey on our vulnerabilities.

“Young or old, we all still love the idea of having an admirer. The consequence of this is that we are much more likely to accept an unsolicited Facebook friend request or email offer, if sent at the right time of year,” McKinnon continues.

Valentine’s Day is one the largest days of the year for retailers and a boon for online crime as cybercriminals try to take advantage of the increased activity to cause as much damage as possible. Viral posts through social media are the new spam email, as are Twitter worms such as “Are these pictures of you?” Invitations to download apps ‘designed’ for Valentine’s Day can be a trap, particularly if you accept them from free marketplaces. Spam and e-greeting cards also continue to be popular in the lead up to Valentine’s Day simply because they are effective at tricking people into clicking on malicious links.

Cybercriminals may also try to target unsuspecting users thanks to impulse message sending via unfamiliar sites and last minute gift purchasing. Enticements such as “Order online today for fast delivery using this special discount code” could solve your problem, as long as the fast delivery they’re promising is for flowers and not malware.

With so many teens and adults now browsing and shopping using small screened smartphones and tablets there are risks to online activity because you can’t always see the full web address. Criminals may add to the end of legitimate URL addresses taking shoppers to corrupt sites.

The same potential lies in QR Codes displaying Valentine’s Day advertisements. The danger lies not in the codes themselves but in what can lie at the other end. When you use your smartphone to scan a QR Code, you are taken directly to the site without its URL being displayed or you being asked first if you want to go there.

AVG’s five safety tips for sending and receiving genuine online affection are:

1. Pre-qualify those potentially dodgy email links, e-cards or QR Codes by activating link scanning technologies, such as those embedded in AVG anti-virus for Android that automatically detect malicious sites and halt the action before your phone or tablet becomes infected.

2. Whether using a home computer or mobile device, before entering credit card information to order your flowers, ensure you either recognise the URL or that it begins with “https” to confirm the site is secure.

3. When you’ve finished buying your sweetheart a sweet treat, consider cleaning the cookies on your computer so you don’t leave a footprint for the crooks.

4. While there are daily reports of ‘harmless’ social media pranks, Valentine’s Day provides additional avenues for bullies. Always log out and make sure you’re using a good password or passphrase so someone else can’t access your account pages.

5. Don’t break someone’s heart or bank account by unintentionally sharing a malicious link with friends – they can so easily go viral on Facebook and Twitter.

 
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WD® PORTABLE HARD DRIVES CERTIFIED FOR USE WITH WINDOWS TO GO

My Passport® Enterprise Delivers Fully Manageable Corporate Workspace on a Bootable 500 GB Portable Hard Drive

Sydney, Australia – 7 February, 2013 – WD®, a Western Digital company, and a world leader in external storage and solutions for today’s connected life, today introduced My Passport® Enterprise, one of the industry’s first portable hard drives designed specifically for use with Microsoft Corp.’s Windows To Go, which enables corporate customers to provision a fully featured Windows 8 workspace on a bootable USB drive.

My Passport Enterprise includes 500 GB of storage space, while still maintaining a sleek and compact design for maximum portability. The capacity and portability allows users to easily carry all their data and settings so they can quickly boot and run their personalised Windows 8 system on any compatible PC in the office, at home or on the go. Additionally, setup is fast and easy with the WD Compass utility included with My Passport Enterprise.

“The way we work has radically shifted in the past several years, from bring-your-own-device trends to an increasingly mobile workforce, and we are delighted to work with WD to help deliver the Windows To Go experience on My Passport Enterprise,” said Karri Alexion-Tiernan director of product marketing, Windows Enterprise, Microsoft. “

Additionally, with security a top priority for corporate customers, My Passport Enterprise provides peace of mind through support of BitLocker full disk encryption. Data on the My Passport Enterprise separates itself from the host PC’s internal hard drive to avoid any accidental data disclosure. Security is further enforced as My Passport Enterprise leaves no traces of data on the host computer.

“My Passport Enterprise is an excellent solution for users who need to use their Windows 8 corporate environment from any compatible computer,” said Thomas Gallivan, vice president of marketing for WD’s SMB solutions group. “When businesses use My Passport with Windows To Go, employees have the ability to use their same settings and apps on multiple computers, at home or in-office. We see My Passport Enterprise helping increase employee productivity and efficiency for corporate customers while also providing the workplace flexibility that employees are looking for.”

Price and Availability
Manufacturer: WD
Product Name: WD My Passport Enterprise
RRP for My Passport Enterprise 500 GB: AU$129.00 NZ$169.00
Australia Distributors: Synnex AU / Express Online
New Zealand Distributor: Synnex NZ
Availability: Now
Website: http://www.wdc.com/en/products/products.aspx?id=930

WD My Passport Enterprise drives are covered by a two-year limited warranty, see http://www.support.wdc.com for details.

 
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TOP GUN BLU-RAY 3DT/BLU-RAYT 2D TWO-DISC SET TAKES OFF ON MARCH 6TH, 2013.

FEEL THE NEED FOR SPEED FOR THE FIRST TIME WHEN THE ADRENALINE-FUELED CLASSIC TAKES YOUR BREATHAWAY FOR THE FIRST TIME IN STUNNING 3D.   

TOP GUN BLU-RAY 3D™/BLU-RAY™ 2D TWO-DISC SET TAKES OFF ON MARCH 6TH, 2013. 

TOP GUN, the movie that helped define a generation, prepares to soar into a new dimension as it makes its home entertainment debut in breathtaking 3D. The action-packed drama will take audiences into the danger zone in a Blu-ray 2D/Blu-ray 3D two-disc set on March 6th from Paramount Home Media Distribution.

TOP GUN was re-mastered from high resolution original negative scans and painstakingly converted to 3D by Legend3D under the supervision of the film’s director, Tony Scott.  The artists at Legend3D began by studying every shot in the film and mapping out each element on screen in order to create a realistic sense of depth.  This process allows the artists to enhance the experience of each scene individually so that the appropriate elements are brought forward or back, depending on the scene.  Rendered in 3D, the film’s complex, long shots reveal extraordinary depth and clarity, allowing viewers to explore every detail of the action.  From the spectacular aerial dogfights to the intense close-ups in the cockpits, each frame gives the audience the feeling of being part of the story.

The story of an elite group of pilots competing to be the best in their class and earn the title of
“Top Gun” captured the imagination of a generation and earned a worldwide box office of over $350 million upon its release in 1986.  Tom Cruise is superb as the cocky but talented pilot Maverick and
Kelly McGillis sizzles as the civilian instructor who teaches him a few things you can’t learn in a classroom.  Featuring a sensational soundtrack with unforgettable songs including Berlin’s “Take My Breath Away” and Kenny Loggins’ “Danger Zone”, the film also stars Val Kilmer, Anthony Edwards and Meg Ryan.

Newly re-mastered to ensure the highest quality image, the TOP GUN Blu-ray 3D presents the film with pristine high definition picture and sparkling sound, as well as in spectacular 3D for the ultimate home viewing experience.  The Blu-ray 2D includes the re-mastered film in high definition, along with a six-part documentary on the making of the movie, a behind-the-scenes featurette, a survival training featurette, interviews with Tom Cruise, four music videos, commentary by producer Jerry Bruckheimer, director Tony Scott, co-screenwriter Jack Epps, Jr. and naval experts, a look inside the real “Top Gun” and more.

BLU-RAY™ 3D™/BLU-RAY™ 2D TWO-DISC SET TECHNICAL DETAILS

Title Top Gun
Discs 2
RRP $24.95
Rating PG:   Mild Coarse language and sexual references.
Technical   Details Feature Audio 5.1 Dolby TrueHD

Special Features Audio: 5.1 Dolby TrueHD

Subtitles:  English & Various

Aspect Ratio: 16 x 9 Anamorphic 2.40-1
Running Time 111:03 Minutes (3D) 109:34 Minutes (2D)
Special   Features Commentary by Producer Jerry Bruckheimer, Director Tony Scott,   Co-Screenwriter Jack Epps, Jr., Captain Mike Galpin, Technical Advisor Pete   Pettigrew and Vice Admiral Mike McCabe /       Danger   Zone:  The Making of Top Gun   /Multi-Angle Storyboards with Optional Commentary by Director Tony Scott /   Best Of The Best:  Inside The Real Top   Gun / Vintage Gallery /Music Videos / TV Spots / Behind-The-Scenes   Featurette/ Survival Training Featurette / Tom Cruise Interviews.

 

 technologies.

 
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NINTENDO AUSTRALIA TO LAUNCH CASTLEVANIA: LORDS OF SHADOW – MIRROR OF FATE ACROSS AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND ON 9TH MARCH 2013

The latest instalment in the Castlevania franchise is exclusive to Nintendo 3DS  

7th February, 2013 – Following the recent distribution agreement between Nintendo and Konami Digital Entertainment GmbH, Nintendo Australia announces that Castlevania: Lords of Shadow – Mirror of Fate[D1]  is scheduled for release exclusively on Nintendo 3DS™ across Australia and New Zealand on 9th March 2013.

In Castlevania: Lords of Shadow – Mirror of Fate, you take on the roles of multiple characters from the Belmont family across different eras, each of whom has unique abilities and skills. Featuring a deep strategic combat system and a huge array of combos, you will explore immensely detailed levels and encounter enormous boss fights. The action takes place within a unique, atmospheric setting that features high resolution 3D polygon graphics, and side-scrolling areas that segue seamlessly into full 3D battles. 

The game takes place 25 years after the events of Castlevania: Lords of Shadow and reveals the story of Gabriel Belmont’s descendants, Simon and Trevor Belmont, as they battle their own destiny only to discover their true, shocking fate. Trevor Belmont, a knight of the Brotherhood of Light, sets out to avenge the death of his mother by his father, who has returned from years of exile to take up residence in a mysterious castle. Gabriel Belmont, who is now the powerful vampire Dracula, has declared war upon the Brotherhood and the scene is set for a cataclysmic showdown between father and son.

Shinji Hirano, the European President of Konami Digital Entertainment GmbH, adds, “Nintendo 3DS is the perfect platform to release the latest instalment in the Castlevania: Lords of Shadow franchise. Because of the console’s unique 3D capabilities and graphical power this will be the best looking portable Castlevania experience ever and will give fans of the series thrilling action on the go.”

Castlevania: Lords of Shadow – Mirror of Fate will be available across Australia and New Zealand on 9th March 2013 exclusively on Nintendo 3DS.

 

Check out the latest trailer at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LbstMDXqpZs

For more information:

Press materials and images: http://images.nintendo.com.au
Konami’s official game website: http://www.konami-castlevania.com/mof/

Nintendo 3DS website: http://www.nintendo3ds.com.au/

Nintendo Australia on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/user/NintendoAU

 

Please note: Castlevania: Lords of Shadow – Mirror of Fate is rated MA15+ (Strong fantasy violence) in Australia and R13 (Violence and horror scenes) in New Zealand.

 [D1]

 
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DEAD SPACE 3 LAUNCHES TODAY TO GLOBAL CRITICAL ACCLAIM – HERALDED AS ONE OF THE BEST GAMES OF THIS GENERATION

EA and Visceral Games Announce Spine-tingling Downloadable Content Pack: Dead Space 3 Awakened

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA. – Feb. 7, 2013 – The tense, frightening and action-packed fight against the Necromorphs returns – but this time gamers don’t have to go at it alone! Visceral Games™, an Electronic Arts Inc. (NASDAQ: EA) studio, today announced that Dead Space™ 3, the first big entertainment blockbuster of 2013, is now available at retail stores in Australia and on Origin.com.

Heralded by more than 30 press outlets including USA Today, Forbes, NBC News and IGN as one of the most anticipated games of 2013, Dead Space 3 introduces an innovative drop-in/drop-out feature, all-new weapon crafting system and takes players on a thrilling ride through the terrors that lie hidden in deep space and the unforgiving ice planet of Tau Volantis.

Dead Space 3 is an International hit having received a 9.0 from Multiplayer.it in Italy, 9.0 from AusGamers in Australia, 8.8 from 3DJuegos.com in Spain and a 9.75 from Game Informer magazine in North America. As a result of these four, the game is launching with an average score of 91, and being raved by Game Informer magazine who said Dead Space 3, “[is] one of the best games of this generation.”

 
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Sony Computer Entertainment Australia introduces two new colours to PlayStation®3

Sony Computer Entertainment Australia introduces two new colours to PlayStation®3

Azurite Blue and Garnet Red PS3 consoles to launch in Australia this month 

SYDNEY, 6th February 2013 – Sony Computer Entertainment Australia (SCE Aust.) is set to bring a splash of colour to the living room with the announcement that PlayStation®3 (PS3™) will be available purchase in two new colours, Azurite Blue and Garnet Red, from 21st February, 2013*.

 

Since entering the Australian market, PlayStation 3 continues to deliver the ultimate in high quality gaming and award winning entertainment experiences.  The critically acclaimed home console has evolved to become a real cornerstone of the family living room through delivering classic game titles like LittleBigPlanet™ and Gran Turismo™ to the recently launched Wonderbook™: Book of Spells.  The state of the art system has become the entertainment hub of many homes, allowing families to play together and also enjoy a great range of movies, TV series and music directly from their PlayStation 3.

The PS3 in Azurite Blue and Garnet Red will be available in Australia from 21st February, 2013.

For information on stockists and the PlayStation range of products, please visit: www.au.playstation.com

 
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