Sydney, Australia — March 6, 2012 — Assassin’s Creed® III will hit store shelves on October 31, 2012, encouraging gamers to experience the American Revolutionary War not written about in history books. The largest project in Ubisoft’s history also introduces a new hero for the ages.

With a development cycle of over three years and twice the production capacity of any previous Ubisoft game, Assassin’s Creed III is set to release on the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system, Windows PC and is also in development for Wii U™ from Nintendo. Assassin’s Creed III is developed by Ubisoft Montreal in collaboration with six other Ubisoft studios.

Set against the backdrop of the American Revolution in the late 18th century, Assassin’s Creed III introduces a new hero, Ratohnhaké:ton, of Native American and English heritage. Adopting the name Connor, he becomes the new voice for justice in the ancient war between the Assassins and Templars. Players become an Assassin in the war for liberty against ruthless tyranny in the most stylised and fluid combat experiences in the franchise to date. Assassin’s Creed III spans the Revolutionary War, taking gamers from the vibrant, untamed frontier to bustling colonial towns and the intense, chaotic battlefields where George Washington’s Continental Army clashed with the imposing British Army.

Assassin’s Creed III is powered by Ubisoft-AnvilNext, a revolutionary new game engine that delivers breakthroughs in visual quality, character models and artificial intelligence. Assassin’s Creed III will feature a ground-breaking level of stunning graphics that bring Colonial America to life.

“Assassin’s Creed III features the franchise’s most expansive setting so far, along with an exciting new hero and exponentially more gameplay,” said Yves Guillemot, chief executive officer at Ubisoft. “Whether you’re a longtime fan of Assassin’s Creed or if you’re new to the franchise, you’re going to be blown away by the scale and marvel of Assassin’s Creed III.”

Assassin’s Creed III also can be pre-ordered at UBIShop® by visiting: http://shop.ubi.com/assassinscreed3

Collector’s Editions of Assassin’s Creed III will be available in Australia. More details will be unveiled by the end of March.

New artwork from Assassin’s Creed III also will be featured in Assassin’s Creed Recollection, the real-time board game for the iPad.

For more information on Assassin’s Creed, please visit the Assassin’s Creed Official Website (www.assassinscreed.com) and facebook.com/assassinscreed.

Tuesday 6^th March 2012 – SEGA® Europe Ltd. can confirm that Tecmo Koei Europe and its famed developer Team NINJA has today revealed that Akira Yuki, mascot of the Virtua Fighter™ series, will be a playable fighter in the upcoming Dead or Alive 5 game. Heading to the Xbox 360® and PlayStation® 3 in 2012, the addition of Akira Yuki to Dead or Alive 5 marks the first time ever that the beloved Dead or Alive franchise has opened its rosters to characters from other fighting games. To accompany this exciting announcement, Team NINJA has released a new video vignette showcasing an all new stage in the game and the renowned Akira Yuki in action with Dead or Alive characters.

“Gamers will have an opportunity to enjoy an unforgettable battle with an esteemed competitor in Akira Yuki set in the Dead or Alive environment,” said Yosuke Hayashi, studio head of Team NINJA. “This year will prove to be an amazing one for our loyal fighting fans as we are delivering a fantastic fighting game that can only been experienced in Dead or Alive 5.”

Driven by perfection and the desire to relentlessly master his techniques by taking on any challenger, Akira is a welcomed addition to the cast of dynamic characters only available in Dead or Alive 5. Utilising a Chinese martial art known as B?jíquán, Akira has become a serious, well-disciplined fighter despite his past as an impulsive hot-headed youngster. Seasoned Dead or Alive series fighters, Ayane and Kasumi join Akira in this video vignette to compete in the all new jungle stage.

Inside a cave in the heart of the jungle, a beaten wooden raft full of scars threatens to pull fighters into the strong current the longer the battle extends. As players bash challengers into the raft supports, it begins to fall apart and the fight escalates to a new level. Even as the raft falls to pieces from the brutal blows and reaches the white-waters at the end of the cave, the battle must continue. Players will be able to similarly train their characters as master fighters have done so in the past on this unique battleground.

Team NINJA will continue to share more exciting development details on Dead or Alive 5 in the coming months.

For more news on DEAD OR ALIVE 5 visit the official page: http://teamninja-studio.com/doa5

Don’t forget to like TeamNINJA on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/teamninjastudio

And, follow @TeamNINJAStudio <http://twitter.com/#!/TeamNINJAStudio> on Twitter.

John Famiglietti (left) and Jupiter Keyes (right) of HEALTH recording Brazilian percussion for the original score of Max Payne 3. Special thanks to Rockstar soundtrack veteran composer Woody Jackson for the use of his studio. Photo by Eric Coleman.

We received a ton of fan inquiries regarding the powerful music heard in the recent official trailer for Max Payne 3, and today we’re proud to reveal the artists responsible. Los Angeles-based rock band HEALTH are currently in the process of composing for both the score and soundtrack to the game, as revealed on music website Pitchfork.com today.

“Video games are redefining entertainment and whether people like it or not, they are becoming as culturally relevant as films,” said the band’s Jake Duzsik. “We feel that Rockstar’s projects have an undeniably raw and tasteful aesthetic. It’s vitally important to us that we be involved in things we respect artistically. Max Payne 3 has a complex story that unfolds mercilessly and we are excited to be a part of it.”

HEALTH’s distinctive style perfectly suits Max’s dark story, and the band went to great lengths to ensure that unique sounds and motifs were used to represent each specific locale featured in the game. In addition to composing the dynamic in-game score, HEALTH is creating exclusive songs for the game’s forthcoming soundtrack (which you can get as part of the Special Edition package).
Look for announcements of more soundtrack details – including contributions from some of Brazil’s own, and behind the scenes information about the music’s creation – here at the Newswire very soon.

ASUS HD 7800 /7850 TOP Graphics Cards Run Quieter and Cooler with DirectCU II

Specially-selected editions improve the performance of “sweet spot” 28nm GPUs through factory overclocking and enhanced cooling

ASUS HD 7870 TOP and HD 7850 TOP graphics cards, based on 28nm AMD “Pitcairn” GPU technology, deliver a golden median of power, efficiency, and exclusive features. They utilize factory-overclocked cores that run significantly faster than reference. The HD 7870 TOP is 100MHz over, while the HD 7850 clocks at 115MHz faster than stock. Both support extensive overclocking with cool and quiet ASUS DirectCU II thermal architecture. Exclusive GPU Tweak allows for easy access to the considerable power of these cards, while the inclusion of AMD Eyefinity™ multi-screen display, PCI Express 3.0, and DirectX® 11 optimization completes these offerings, which are sure to become highly popular among dedicated gamers and multimedia users.

Bringing 28nm graphics to the widest audience

The arrival of ASUS HD 7800 TOP graphics cards extends the benefits of AMD 28nm GPU technology to the “sweet spot” segment. The new models offer gamers and multimedia consumers an ideal option that balances powerful performance with superior value and a complete feature set. Both HD 7870 TOP and HD 7850 TOP variants ship factory overclocked. The HD 7870 TOP (reference speed 1000MHz) arrives clocked at 1100MHz, while the HD 7850 TOP (860MHz) has been sped up by ASUS to 975MHz. These frequencies offer a better starting point for overclocking and high intensity applications, and both use 2GB of GDDR5 video memory. The HD 7870 TOP has been labeled the GHz Edition, reflecting its higher speeds and more overclocker-friendly architecture.

DirectCU II sets new milestones in cool and quiet graphics

Complementing their overclocked TOP status, the two HD 7800 cards employ exclusive ASUS DirectCU II thermal technology. At its core are direct-contact copper heatpipes that touch the GPU unhindered for faster heat dissipation. The custom cooler also uses twin precision-mounted 100mm fans to reduce noise, resulting in cards that operate 20% cooler and 10dB quieter than reference. Lower temperatures lead to longer lasting products that are also better suited to overclocking, while reduced noise helps create more comfortable computing environments.

Easy and accessible tuning with GPU Tweak

Another ASUS exclusive in the box is the GPU Tweak utility, an extensive and user friendly frontend that allows for clock, voltage, and fan speed modification with ease. The latest version includes convenient clock and voltage syncing for safer and more stable overclocking, 2D/3D mode locking to ensure more accurate benchmarks, and live BIOS/driver updates to keep cards working at their best.

Multi-screen displays, PCI Express 3.0, and DirectX® 11

Like other ASUS HD 7000 Series cards, the HD 7800 TOP models support multi-screen AMD Eyefinity™ technology to expand viewing real estate. The HD 7870 TOP and HD 7850 TOP both enable multi-screen Eyefinity™, equipped with one HDMI, one DVI, and two mini DisplayPort outs. They also offer PCI Express 3.0 interfacing, which doubles the maximum bandwidth previously provided by PCI Express 2.0. As “Pitcairn” GPUs deliver better optimization for Microsoft DirectX® 11 compared with previous-generation 40nm GPUs, graphics performance has been updated with the latest developments for more impressive and detailed gaming. The HD 7870 TOP and HD 7850 TOP can sustain up to four times the tessellation capabilities, as well as significantly faster DirectCompute for better parallel computing output.

Specifications

Product specifications and features may change without prior notice. Check www.asus.com.au for further details.

Melbourne, VIC. Mar 6, 2012 – THQ Inc. (NASDAQ: THQI) today announced that all pre-orders of Darksiders^® II on the Xbox 360^® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft,  PlayStation^®3 computer entertainment system and Windows PC, will receive a complimentary upgrade to the Limited Edition.

The Darksiders II Limited Edition will include the standard retail game along with a unique code allowing the purchaser the opportunity to download the game’s first single player downloadable content pack, Argul’s Tomb for free once it becomes available. All pre-orders of Darksiders II will receive the Limited Edition version of the game at no additional cost.

Jim Huntley, Vice President of Global Brand Marketing commented: “We are delighted to be able to reward gamers who pre-order with a free upgrade to the Limited Edition version of the game.”

Darksiders II follows the exploits of DEATH, one of the four horsemen of the Apocalypse, in a weaving tale that runs parallel to the events in the original Darksiders game. This epic journey propels DEATH through various light and dark realms as he tries to redeem his brother WAR, the horseman who was blamed for prematurely starting the Apocalypse in Darksiders.

For full information on pre-order bonuses available for Darksiders II check out the Pre-order tab on www.facebook.com/Darksiders

Darksiders II is scheduled to be available for console and PC on 26^th June  2012, for more information check www.Darksiders.com.

Rift™ Anniversary Video Looks Back And Gives A Glimpse Into The Future Of The Genre-Defining MMO

Sydney, Australia – Mar 6, 2012 – Oh, what a year it’s been. In the 12 short months Rift™ has been live, Trion Worlds’ first MMORPG has proven to be a critical and commercial success. In the new anniversary video available below, members of the development team give a behind the scenes look at how they manage to keep engaging players on a global scale, from huge content updates to the development of game-extending innovations like Rift Mobile. Additionally, the team gives some hints on how dynamic content will play a part in shaping the world of Telara going forward.

***Download the Rift anniversary video here: http://trion.gamespress.com/?p=1&i=930

LEAVE YOUR MARK ON THE GALAXY IN STAR WARSTM: THE OLD REPUBLIC GAME UPDATE 1.2 – LEGACY

Build your legacy in the Star WarsTM galaxy! Continuing to deliver compelling new content for eager Star WarsTM: The Old RepublicTM players, EA, BioWare and LucasArts today revealed Game Update 1.2 — Legacy. Going live in April 2012, Legacy will introduce new high level group content and community-requested features including PvP Warzone Rankings and Guild Banks, along with enhancements to the game’s innovative Legacy system. This update also provides improved UI customization as well as gameplay fixes and the latest optimizations to combat balance. Also today, BioWare announced Star Wars: The Old Republic’s “Friends Trial*” program, allowing subscribers to invite as many as three of their friends for a seven-day free game trial.

“Prior to release, our main priority for Star Wars: The Old Republic was to deliver a high quality game and service, right from day one,” said Dr. Greg Zeschuk, General Manager of the BioWare Label’s MMO Business Unit and Co-Founder of BioWare. “Now that we’ve achieved that, we have shifted our focus to adding more content to the game and improving and refining the experience for our fans. Legacy is our biggest update yet and a great example of the kind of content players can expect for the months and years ahead.”

Game Update 1.2 presents the next evolution of the Legacy system. Players can now link their different characters together into a single family tree, giving them the power to unlock and share special Legacy-only abilities. Players can further customize new characters by unlocking different species from any class in their family tree. The Legacy system also provides fun new convenience items for player ships, including an on-board mailbox and Galactic Trade Network terminal. Companion Character affection and moral alignment will also benefit from Legacy bonuses, giving players even more control over their crew mates. .

Beyond the much-anticipated game features like improved UI customization, PvP Warzone Rankings, Guild Banks and valuable new in-game items, the Legacy update will introduce challenging new high-level content for both experienced and new players to enjoy:

Game Update 1.2: New Content:

• Flashpoint: Lost Island continues the Kaon Under Siege Flashpoint from Game Update 1.1 – Rise of the Rakghouls. Players must survive a menacing island of mystery on Ord Mantell as they hunt for clues to the Rakghoul virus outbreak that ravaged the Tion Hegemony. But the answers to this riddle may prove fatal!

• Operation: Explosive Conflict sends groups of eight or sixteen Imperial or Republic players to a new zone on the planet of Denova, where traitors and mercenaries are selling the rare explosive mineral baradium to the highest bidder. Players will battle through hordes of Droids, mercenaries and deadly creatures all fighting for control of the planet and its valuable resources.

• Warzone: Novare Coast pits two teams in an epic battle to control multiple mortar locations and use them to bombard vulnerable enemy bases. Like the Huttball Warzone, Novare Coast can be played Republic vs. Empire or with players of the same faction fighting each other in a thrilling contest of wills to determine each side’s greatest champions.

Beginning tomorrow, March 7th, current subscribers can start inviting their friends to join the galactic conflict as part of the Friends Trial* program for Star Wars: The Old Republic. For a limited time, current subscribers will have the opportunity to send an invitation to friends who have not played the game and who do not have an active, inactive or former Star Wars: The Old Republic game account. This trial experience will give new players seven days of free access to reach level 15 across all eight classes and experience the thrilling stories that make Star Wars: The Old Republic a unique MMO experience (some gameplay restrictions will apply). Trial members will also receive a limited time offer to purchase the digital version of Star Wars: The Old Republic on Origin.com at a special promotional price.

For more information on Game Update 1.2: Legacy and the Friends of Star Wars: The Old Republic Trial program please visit www.StarWarsTheOldRepublic.com.

These announcements were made today during the first day of the inaugural Star Wars: The Old Republic Guild Summit. Over 200 enthusiastic guild members from around the world have come to BioWare Austin for this two-day event to discuss the state of the game and its future direction with the development team. This event is being livestreamed for anyone who wishes to participate remotely.

Star Wars: The Old Republic is set thousands of years before the classic Star Wars movies, with the Galactic Republic and Sith Empire locked in the middle of an epic, galactic war. By choosing one of eight iconic Star Wars characters, including the Jedi Knight, Jedi Consular, Smuggler, Trooper, Sith Warrior, Sith Inquisitor, Bounty Hunter and Imperial Agent, players become the hero or villain of their own personal Star Wars saga. Players team up with friends online, fighting in heroic battles reminiscent of the films, immersing themselves in a galaxy full of vibrant characters and planets, while experiencing visceral Star Wars combat.

Disney congratulates Chunli Fu of Qingdao, China, whose download of the hit game, Where’s My Water? Free, solidified Swampy’s spot in App Store history.   In an official announcement by Apple today, the hit Disney game Where’s My Water? Free became the 25^th billionth app to be downloaded from the App Store.

Since Where’s My Water? launched in September of 2011, the game has reached the No. 1 spot on the App Store in 79 different countries, and has been a favorite amongst critics and gamers alike for its storyline, characters and gameplay that appeal to people of all ages and cultures. 

Where’s My Water? is available for download on the iPhone, iPod touch and iPad at: http://bit.ly/nMukZa

Consumers are set to benefit from a looming war in smart-phones as Nokia releases its flagship phone, the Lumia 800, at a more competitive price point than the top five smartphones on the market, according to leading comparison site, WhistleOut. Cameron Craig, Director of WhistleOut, says the pricing, features and professional reviews of the new Nokia  make it stand out from the crowd.

“This is a boon for consumers. For under $50 per month they’re now seeing a very high-end, easy-to-use smartphone from a brand that they know and trust. There are already 50-plus phone plans released for these two new Nokia phones,” says Cameron.

Vodafone, Optus, Virgin Mobile and TransACT have announced price plans for  the phone, available in shops from late last week, that are broadly cheaper than the iPhone 4S models, the Galaxy Nexus and the Galaxy S2.  Vodafone and Optus are both offering plans for $0 upfront, $49 per month for 24 month plans.

“These price points are very competitive at a time when carriers are increase their pricing. It may be that the stars aligning for Nokia. The Lumia 800 includes features like an eight-megapixel Carl Zeiss camera. It is the first phone from Nokia in partnership with Microsoft using the Windows Phone 7 operating system, a slick and easy to use interface,” says Cameron.

Nokia has attempted to create an entirely new offering with this partnership. The Lumia 800 will include Nokia Drive, a free turn-by-turn GPS, and Nokia music, to differentiate the phone from other Windows devices available in Australia.

Top Designs

See designers of the future! Now in its 11th year at Melbourne Museum Top Designs is part of the VCE Season of Excellence. Works are created by a selection of exemplary design students who completed VCE in 2011 and include furniture, garments using fibre, yarn and fabric, graphic and product design, short films, interactive media, print layout, photography, food product planning, mechanical and electronic projects.

Date: 24 March until 15 July 2012

agIdeas New Star
A long-standing scholarship and exhibition program for young designers. Students from around Australia and across the globe are invited to submit examples of their best work in 2D, 3D and multimedia. The submissions are short-listed by celebrated Australian and New Zealand designers and the top 30 ‘new stars’ are selected. The works of these talented young designers are showcased in a combined exhibition at Melbourne Museum.

Date: 26 April until 21 June 

The Wonders of Ancient Mesopotamia

The Wonders of Ancient Mesopotamia is a magnificent exhibition exploring an ancient era of extraordinary invention and innovation. The region of Mesopotamia played an extraordinary role in the development of human civilisation, from which emerged many of the fundamentals of the modern world, including the invention of writing, the 60-second minutes and systems of law and government. Visitors to the exhibition will see more than 170 artefacts that reveal many aspects of Mesopotamian culture, from massive carved stone reliefs depicting scenes of battles and hunting to gold jewellery.

Date: 4 May until 7 Oct

River Woman

Explore exquisite artworks, including carefully crafted embossed line work, lino prints, acrylic painting and sketching, by Muthi Muthi Elder and artist Aunty Barb Egan. This exhibition embodies Aunty Barb’s life and culture as she shares her journey and connection to the Murray River of North West Victoria and Lake Mungo, country that holds a deep place within her heart.
Date: Until 24 June 2012

Melbourne Museum, Nicholson Street, Carlton. Open daily 10.00am – 5.00pm. For further details phone 13 11 02 or visit museumvictoria.com.au/melbournemuseum