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DICE REVEALS NEXT GENERATION OF BATTLEFIELD – NEW BENCHMARK IN GAME DESIGN, MULTIPLAYER ENGAGEMENT

Battlefield 4 to Deliver Human, Dramatic and Believable Action, Powered by Best-in-Class Frostbite 3 Technology

SYDNEY, MARCH 27, 2013 – Only in Battlefield™ can players go through a building instead of around it or eject from a jet and take out the enemy mid-free fall. Those incredible gameplay moments that blur the line between game and glory can only be created by players, and occur only in Battlefield. DICE, a studio of Electronic Arts Inc. (NASDAQ: EA), today announced Battlefield 4™, a genre-defining action blockbuster launching in Spring 2013. Powered by the advanced technology of DICE’s proprietary Frostbite™ 3 engine, Battlefield 4 offers players a glimpse into the future of interactive entertainment – a future that is more human, dramatic and believable than anything before it. With more than 65 million players worldwide, the Battlefield series has consistently been praised by critics for its world-class multiplayer gameplay, and is recognized as the only game that allows players to own land, sea and air.

Battlefield 4 is a seminal moment for the Battlefield series as more award-winning, multiplayer game design elements are incorporated into the single-player campaign. In single-player, gamers will experience huge environments, a playground of destruction, access to an arsenal of vehicles and the ability to direct squad mates. Taking a page from the social aspect of multiplayer gaming, the single-player mode will now track players’ progress, adding an element of persistence and friendly competition to the campaign.

The game made its world debut today with a staggering 17-minute gameplay demo, available for view at Battlefield.com. The demo begins as the player – Recker – opens his eyes to discover that he is trapped in a rapidly sinking car with three of his squad mates. Shooting the window is the only way out. Panic and fear are pushed aside as Recker makes a difficult decision – take the shot and recover the intel but risk that not everyone will survive. The emotional demo features a cast of characters unrivaled in interactive entertainment. Players will learn how to work together in both the Campaign and Multiplayer, issuing squad orders and comparing achievements in both experiences. Adventure and Competition will unfold through a series of beautifully crafted locations constructed with some of the best art and sound design in modern shooters. All of this is only possible with Frostbite 3 – a new standard for interactive entertainment in 2013.

“We are so humbled and proud to debut Battlefield 4 on a global stage with simultaneous events in San Francisco and Stockholm. To be this early in development, and to already be so polished is a huge achievement for the DICE team and reflection of their passion and commitment to driving the franchise forward. Today’s demo was just the beginning — we have so much more in store,” said Patrick Soderlund, Executive Vice President, EA Games Label. “It is thrilling to witness peoples’ reaction when seeing the game for the first time. It really makes you realize that we are at the beginning of a whole new era for gaming. As artists and craftspeople, we are focused on creating a dynamic, open design that brings people together with amazing, surprising unscripted moments that they’ll talk about for days. That’s the beauty of Battlefield.”

By pre-ordering Battlefield 4 at any participating retail outlet, gamers will receive a Premium expansion pack at no additional cost*. DICE also announced today Battlefield 4 Digital Deluxe, an Origin™ exclusive special edition that includes the base game and bonus in-game digital items. Players that pre-order Battlefield 4 Digital Deluxe* on Origin will also receive the Premium expansion pack as well as access to the exclusive Battlefield 4 multiplayer beta.

To view the first Battlefield 4 single player gameplay footage, please visit www.battlefield.com. To join the conversation on Battlefield 4, please visit http://www.facebook.com/battlefield, follow us on Twitter® at www.twitter.com/battlefield and #BF4, or sign up for the official Battlefield newsletter at www.battlefield.com.

Conditions and restrictions apply. See http://store.origin.com/promo?promoID=88022500&linkid=BF4_CLP  for details.

 
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HYPERDIMENSION NEPTUNIA VICTORY AVAILABLE IN RETAIL STORES ACROSS AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND

NIS America is thrilled to announce that the third installment of the fan-favorite PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system exclusive comedy RPG series, Hyperdimension Neptunia™ Victory, is available in stores now in Australia and New Zealand. Neptune reprises her role as the self-aware main character and meets friends new and old after getting transported back to the 1980s version of Gamindustri. Prepare for a refined and even faster-paced battle system, more dungeons, and more comedy than you can waggle a controller at! Fans of the Hyperdimension Neptunia series will be able to immerse themselves even deeper in the mythos of Gamindustri with Hyperdimension Neptunia Victory. In addition to the release of Hyperdimension Neptunia Victory, the Neptunia iPhone® app will be available for fans worldwide. With this app, fans can take pictures with Neptune and Noire, wake up to their voices, and enjoy other exciting features!

About the game:

Several years after preventing Arfoire’s revival, Gamindustri has remained at peace. The CPUs and their younger sisters have been enjoying their quiet lives for a while… Then one day, the CPU of Planeptune—Neptune—is sent to another dimension. This new dimension feels very much like her own…except it has only progressed to the Gamindustri of the 1980s. In this dimension, a group of villains calling themselves the “Seven Sages” are trying to create a world free from the rule of CPUs. With help from her new friends, including that dimension’s CPU of Planeptune—Plutia—Neptune begins her quest to protect a totally different Gamindustri in her brand-new adventure! 

Key features:

  • Dynamic Combat: Freely move units in battle to tackle foes! Set up your own combos, fill up the EXE Drive gauge, and then deal “massive damage” with your finishing attacks!
  • Scout System: Send out Scouts to explore and gather information on dungeons! Level them up so they can find things you may have missed on your adventure!
  • Flag System: Break or repair “flag” triggers in dungeons to activate different events when your Scouts return from exploring! This can change enemy spawns or reveal new items!
  • Create Game Discs: Obtain blank discs and burn different types of data onto them to access new abilities! With the right combinations, you may even make a Godly Game! It’s your chance to craft your own AAA title for Neptune and her friends to equip!

You can view the official game trailer here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=svPheB4ex1M&list=UU23CkkRDleBbvcwu_CcB3rA&index=1

 
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Online gamers: the new target for theft

Cyber criminals stealing bank details and gaming profiles  

MELBOURNE, Australia – 27 March, 2013 – Online gamers are the latest target for theft, according to research by Kaspersky Lab. The company’s cloud based detection network, Kaspersky Security Network (KSN), recorded more than 7,000 attacks directly a day targeted at gamers.

Cyber criminals are targeting gamers in an attempt to steal personal gaming data and passwords. In-game items, such as avatars and virtual goods, are being stolen and sold for real money; while online profiles and passwords are used in an attempt to steal money directly from online bank accounts.

“It’s important to treat your online gaming profile with the same level of security as you would your email or online banking details. Because all three can be just as vulnerable to attack from cyber criminals.” said Wayne Kirby, Product Specialist, Kaspersky Lab Australia and New Zealand.

Direct attacks

In order to trap gamers, cyber criminals send emails with malicious links and attachments, disguised as coming from a legitimate gaming site. In addition, Kaspersky Lab’s online database detects 5000 new malicious programs targeting online games a day.

Phishing sites

Cyber criminals create fake versions of well-known gaming sites with the hope of harvesting real password details from registered gaming accounts. In 2012, Kaspersky Lab recorded 15 million attempted visits to phishing websites designed to look like the pages of one of the largest developers of online games. 

“Online gamers need to be aware that these scams exist, and be alert for any emails requesting account information, even if it looks legitimate. Don’t just click on the link right away – it could possibly lead you to a phishing site,” Mr Kirby said. 

Tips to stay safe when gaming online

  • Always confirm the authenticity of emails before clicking on any suspicious links
  • Be suspicious of any gaming site emailing you to authenticate your details – rather than following the link, go directly to the site and login from there
  • Beware of downloading unofficial patches – sometimes Trojans are disguised as ‘bonuses’ and once downloaded, can steal all your personal data
  • Ensure your internet security system is kept up to date at all times to protect against the latest security threats
 
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DICE REVEALS NEXT GENERATION OF BATTLEFIELD – NEW BENCHMARK IN GAME DESIGN, MULTIPLAYER ENGAGEMENT

Battlefield 4 to Deliver Human, Dramatic and Believable Action, Powered by Best-in-Class Frostbite 3 Technology

SYDNEY, MARCH 27, 2013 – Only in Battlefield™ can players go through a building instead of around it or eject from a jet and take out the enemy mid-free fall. Those incredible gameplay moments that blur the line between game and glory can only be created by players, and occur only in Battlefield. DICE, a studio of Electronic Arts Inc. (NASDAQ: EA), today announced Battlefield 4™, a genre-defining action blockbuster launching in Spring 2013. Powered by the advanced technology of DICE’s proprietary Frostbite™ 3 engine, Battlefield 4 offers players a glimpse into the future of interactive entertainment – a future that is more human, dramatic and believable than anything before it. With more than 65 million players worldwide, the Battlefield series has consistently been praised by critics for its world-class multiplayer gameplay, and is recognized as the only game that allows players to own land, sea and air.

Battlefield 4 is a seminal moment for the Battlefield series as more award-winning, multiplayer game design elements are incorporated into the single-player campaign. In single-player, gamers will experience huge environments, a playground of destruction, access to an arsenal of vehicles and the ability to direct squad mates. Taking a page from the social aspect of multiplayer gaming, the single-player mode will now track players’ progress, adding an element of persistence and friendly competition to the campaign.

The game made its world debut today with a staggering 17-minute gameplay demo, available for view at Battlefield.com. The demo begins as the player – Recker – opens his eyes to discover that he is trapped in a rapidly sinking car with three of his squad mates. Shooting the window is the only way out. Panic and fear are pushed aside as Recker makes a difficult decision – take the shot and recover the intel but risk that not everyone will survive. The emotional demo features a cast of characters unrivaled in interactive entertainment. Players will learn how to work together in both the Campaign and Multiplayer, issuing squad orders and comparing achievements in both experiences. Adventure and Competition will unfold through a series of beautifully crafted locations constructed with some of the best art and sound design in modern shooters. All of this is only possible with Frostbite 3 – a new standard for interactive entertainment in 2013.

“We are so humbled and proud to debut Battlefield 4 on a global stage with simultaneous events in San Francisco and Stockholm. To be this early in development, and to already be so polished is a huge achievement for the DICE team and reflection of their passion and commitment to driving the franchise forward. Today’s demo was just the beginning — we have so much more in store,” said Patrick Soderlund, Executive Vice President, EA Games Label. “It is thrilling to witness peoples’ reaction when seeing the game for the first time. It really makes you realize that we are at the beginning of a whole new era for gaming. As artists and craftspeople, we are focused on creating a dynamic, open design that brings people together with amazing, surprising unscripted moments that they’ll talk about for days. That’s the beauty of Battlefield.”

By pre-ordering Battlefield 4 at any participating retail outlet, gamers will receive a Premium expansion pack at no additional cost*. DICE also announced today Battlefield 4 Digital Deluxe, an Origin™ exclusive special edition that includes the base game and bonus in-game digital items. Players that pre-order Battlefield 4 Digital Deluxe* on Origin will also receive the Premium expansion pack as well as access to the exclusive Battlefield 4 multiplayer beta.

Premium expansion pack as well as access to the exclusive Battlefield 4 multiplayer beta.

Premium expansion pack as well as access to the exclusive Battlefield 4 multiplayer beta.

To view the first Battlefield 4 single player gameplay footage, please visit www.battlefield.com  To join the conversation on Battlefield 4, please visit http://www.facebook.com/battlefield, follow us on Twitter® at www.twitter.com/battlefield and #BF4, or sign up for the official Battlefield newsletter at www.battlefield.com.

Conditions and restrictions apply. See <gp_link type=”http” loc=”//store.origin.com/promo?promoID=88022500&linkid=BF4_CLP”>http://store.origin.com/promo?promoID=88022500&linkid=BF4_CLP for details.

 
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Tales of Graces™ f and Tales of Graces™ f – Knight Edition will be available this week for download on the PlayStation®Store

NAMCO BANDAI Games Europe S.A.S. today announced that Tales of Graces™ f and Tales of Graces™ f – Knight Edition will be available this week for download on the PlayStation®Store in Europe and Australasia.

Tales of Graces f was released last summer for the PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system. Two digital versions of the full game will be available this week for purchase on the PlayStation®Store : A stand-alone version will be available for AUD69.95 and the exclusive Knight Edition, which includes the full game plus more than 10 downloadable items to improve your fighting experience, will be available for AUD89.95.

Journey through a vibrant world full of political intrigue and strife, as you explore perilous dungeons and fight your way through fearsome adversaries! Command the tide of battle by freely switching between different fighting stances in real-time action-packed battles! Customize your character’s appearance and skills to truly personalize your fighting experience!

Tales of Graces f  and Tales of Graces f – Knight Edition will be available for download via the PlayStation®Store this week

 
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Final Fantasy X/X-2 HD Remaster Announced – Trailer

 
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BioShock Infinite – Launch Trailer

 
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An Enticing Subscription Offer and Brand New Content is Heading to PlayStation Plus This April

An Enticing Subscription Offer and Brand New Content is Heading to PlayStation®Plus This April 

Get 90 extra days free when you sign up for a one year subscription this April and enjoy all of the exciting new titles available on PlayStation®Plus 

SYDNEY, 26 March, 2013 – Sony Computer Entertainment Australia (SCE Aust.) has today confirmed the April line-up for PlayStation®Plus (PS Plus) subscribers with favourites such as Okami HD, Lord of the Ring: War in the North and The Cave being introduced.  On top of this, SCE Aust. will also be offering newcomers 90 extra days free with the purchase of a one year subscription to the service. Fans that already have a current PS Plus membership can still take advantage of this deal and extend their membership by stacking on top of their current membership.

Grab your celestial brush and take on the role of Japanese Sun Goddess Amaterasu in Okami HD where you’ll use her magic to restore the world to its previous glory and defeat the destructive demon. Or test out the strengths of Farin, Andriel or Eradan as you battle through the iconic Middle-earth universe in Lord of the Rings: War in the North. If you’re still hungry for adventure, descend into the ancient and mysterious depths of The Cave and embark on an epic journey to discover where the most desired treasures can be found. All three titles will be available to play from 4th April onwards.

To take advantage of the fantastic offer, which allows you to buy a year’s subscription and get 90 days for free, fans can redeem a one year PS Plus subscription online or via PlayStation®Store until April 11th. New subscribers will automatically get an additional 90 days membership at no extra cost and existing members can also take full advantage of the offer by stacking on top of their current membership.

If that isn’t enough you can grab your PlayStation®Vita (PS Vita) and enter a game of life or death in the novel-style title Zero Escape: Virtues Last Reward, which will be available on PS Plus from 11th April, or try using your magical skills to help characters find their way in Thomas Was Alone, narrated by Danny Wallace and available from the 25th April.

PS Plus subscribers receive an array of exclusive features and access, including 2GB cloud storage (1G for PS3 & 1G for PS Vita ) for game saves which will be welcomed by members keen to take advantage of the Instant Game Collection. Automatic update and beta access, as well as a huge collection of exclusive dynamic themes and PlayStation®Network avatars, makes PS Plus the place to be in 2013.

PS Plus is now available on PS Vita, extending the service to two platforms for a single price of AUD$69.95 for a one-year subscription or AUD$19.95 for a 90 day subscription will give users the same fantastic features including exclusive access, special features and huge discounts.

 
formats

UBISOFT® UNVEILS ASSASSIN’S CREED® IV BLACK FLAG COLLECTOR’S EDITIONS

Sydney, Australia — March 26, 2013 — Ubisoft® has announced details for the Assassin’s Creed® IV Black Flag Collector’s Editions, available exclusively in EMEA territories for the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system and PlayStation®4 from Sony Computer Entertainment Inc., Nintendo Wii U™ system and Windows PC versions of the game. 

The Black Chest Edition

This prestigious edition includes everything a true Assassin’s Creed fan could desire and a very limited quantity is available for pre-order exclusively via Uplay by visiting: http://shop.ubi.com/AC4BF

–        Premium Quality 55 cm Diorama of Captain Edward on the Jackdaw’s Bow

–        Exclusive SteelBook™

–        High Quality Artbook

–        The Official Soundtrack

–        2 Lithographs in their protective envelope

–        2 Canvas Prints

–        All Existing Additional Assassin’s Creed IV Black Flag Unlockable In-Game Content, including single player missions, skins and weapons

–        Collector’s Box

–        Physical Pirate Goodies:

  • A Parchment World Map
  • The original Black Flag

The Buccaneer Edition

This premium edition offers a selection of essential physical and digital items for the adventurers and is available for pre-order as a retailer exclusive at EB Games:

–        Premium Quality Edward Kenway Figurine on the Jackdaw’s Crow’s Nest

–        High Quality Artbook

–        The Official Soundtrack

–        2 Lithographs in their protective envelope

–        Collector’s Box

–        Additional Unlockable In-game Content

The Skull Edition

This edition includes physical and digital content for the Assassin’s Creed enthusiast:

–        Collector Jumbo Steel Case

–        High Quality Artbook

–        The Official Soundtrack

–        2 Lithographs in their protective envelope

–        Unlockable In-game Content

The Special Edition

This special edition will be available at the standard price and includes unlockable in-game content only available at game launch.

THE WATCH: A new VIP program accessible as a pre-order bonus

In addition to the exclusive bonus content for customers who pre-order any edition, a unique activation code will also be provided via retail, online stores or Uplay, granting access to the Assassin’s Creed VIP program: THE WATCH. The unique activation code will be given to customers on a physical Treasure Map (until stocks last) that will be distributed through EB Games, JB Hifi, UPlay and Mighty Ape.

THE WATCH offers unique content that goes deeper into the Assassin’s Creed Universe, granting exclusive access to additional information, bonus content, rewards and the opportunity to take part in an exclusive quest designed specifically for VIP members.

Customers who register for THE WATCH will become a member of a select community of Assassin’s Creed fans who can participate in online discussions, upload their own content and compare their skills and achievements!

Find more information here: http://www.assassinscreed.com/thewatch

A new high quality figurine, Edward Kenway: The Assassin Pirate, is also available for pre-orders starting today on Uplay, displaying Edward in a Mayan ruin, ready to fire his guns at his opponents. This premium collectible item will also include bonus in-game weapons and skins and will be on sale in October 2013.

Assassin’s Creed IV Black Flag tells the story of Edward Kenway, a young British man with a thirst for danger and adventure, who falls from privateering for the Royal Navy into piracy as the war between the major Empires comes to an end. Edward is a fierce pirate and seasoned fighter who soon finds himself embroiled in the ancient war between Assassins and Templars. Set at the dawn of the 18th Century, the game features some of the most infamous pirates in history, such as Blackbeard and Charles Vane, and takes players on a journey throughout the West Indies during a turbulent and violent period of time later to become known as the Golden Age of Pirates.

For more information on Assassin’s Creed, please visit: www.assassinscreed.com  and facebook.com/assassinscreed.

 
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Nintendo Australia presents Australia and New Zealand’s Ultimate Monster Hunter!

26th March 2013 – Nintendo Australia was recently on the hunt to find Australia and New Zealand’s Ultimate Monster Hunter by offering Monster Hunter players the opportunity to submit footage of themselves showing their skill in playing Monster Hunter™ Tri for Wii™. The hunt is complete, and Robert from Victoria was crowned the Ultimate Monster Hunter and given the opportunity to visit Nintendo Australia’s head office to create a gameplay launch trailer for Monster Hunter™ 3 Ultimate on Wii U™.

The trailer, where our Ultimate Monster Hunter shows us how it’s done with his second attempt against the mighty Stygian Zinogre (one of the rare species found in Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate) can be viewed here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eQPgFJEeGYc

For further details:
Nintendo Australia Website: http://www.nintendo.com.au/

Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate Gamesite: http://gamesites.nintendo.com.au/monster-hunter-3-ultimate/

Nintendo Australia YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/user/NintendoAU
Nintendo Australia Image Library: http://www.images.nintendo.com.au

 

 
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