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FINAL FANTASY XIV: A REALM REBORN SET FOR 27TH AUGUST 2013 RELEASE ON PS3 & PC

Pre-order Incentives and Collector’s Edition Also Revealed, With Early Access and Bonus In-Game Items Included 

SYDNEY (May 24, 2013) Square Enix Ltd., the publisher of SQUARE ENIX® interactive entertainment products in Europe and other PAL territories, today announced that FINAL FANTASY® XIV: A Realm Reborn™ and FINAL FANTASY XIV: A Realm Reborn Collector’s Edition are now available for pre-order in Australia & New Zealand. FINAL FANTASY XIV: A Realm Reborn is scheduled for release on 27th August, 2013, for both the PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system and Windows PC systems. Monthly subscriptions for the game will start at $19.95.

PREORDER INCENTIVES

As well as the FINAL FANTASY XIV: A Realm Reborn game disc, fans who pre-order the standard or Collector’s Edition of the game will receive the following exclusive in-game content:*

  • Early Access: Access the game servers ahead of the official launch. Get your head start and make your mark in the realm of Eorzea!
  • Cait Sith Doll Minion: On sabbatical from Shinra Inc. and looking for adventure, Cait Sith will join your party as a non-combat pet.
  • Mog Cap: Show your love of FINAL FANTASY and strut around the world of Eorzea in this Moogle themed hat. Kupo!

ANZ LIMITED EDITION

The ANZ Limited Edition includes the Helm of Light Helmet in game item, allowing you to become one of the fabled warriors of light.

COLLECTOR’S EDITION

The FINAL FANTASY XIV: A Realm Reborn Collector’s Edition will include:

  • Collector’s box designed by Yoshitaka Amano, legendary FINAL      FANTASY artist
  • 80-page “Art of Eorzea” hardcover art book featuring      never-before-seen concept art
  • “The Waning of the Sixth Sun,” a special bonus video      disc that takes a cinematic look at the events that led up to the realm      being reborn
  • “Sounds of Eorzea” album that features musical scores      by renowned FINAL FANTASY series composers
  • Five collectable character art cards
  • A FINAL FANTASY XIV: A Realm Reborn-branded      security token to secure user accounts
  • In-game bonus items: Helm of Light, Baby Behemoth      Minion, Coeurl Mount and Behemoth Barding 

“It gives me great pleasure to announce the release date of FINAL FANTASY XIV: A Realm Reborn. 

It has been a long road from the game’s inception to the beta, but thanks to your fervent support and invaluable feedback, the world of Eorzea will soon complete its journey of rebirth. 

We have endeavoured to make the game affordable so that adventurers will be able to experience the vibrant world of Eorzea. We have also prepared a collector’s edition version of the game, which includes a veritable assortment of premium items. 

The new adventure begins on 27th August, 2013. I hope to see you all then!”

FINAL FANTASY XIV: A Realm Reborn Producer & Director

–        Naoki Yoshida (Yoshi-P)

FINAL FANTASY XIV: A Realm Reborn is a standalone title; new adventurers will not need to purchase the original FINAL FANTASY XIV title in order to play FINAL FANTASY XIV: A Realm Reborn. Owners of the original FINAL FANTASY XIV title will be able to download the Windows PC version of FINAL FANTASY XIV: A Realm Reborn for free.

For more information on FINAL FANTASY XIV: A Realm Reborn, visit: www.finalfantasyxiv.com

WARNING: GAME INSTALL REQUIREMENTS EXCEED CAPACITY OF PS3 12GB MODEL. INTERNAL HARD DISK DRIVE (e.g. MODEL: CECH-ZHD1) REQUIRED TO PLAY GAME. 

* From participating retailers only 

Related Links 

Beta Sign Up: http://entry.ffxiv.com/beta/eu

Official Website: www.finalfantasyxiv.com

Official Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FinalFantasyXIV

Official Twitter: @FF_XIV_EN

Official YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/user/FINALFANTASYXIV

 
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TURTLE BEACH BRINGING NEXT GENERATION AUDIO TO XBOX ONE

Sydney, AUSTRALIA – May 24, 2013 – Turtle Beach is excited to announce that they are working with Microsoft to develop market-leading audio solutions for Xbox One. The two companies will leverage their proprietary technology and experience in gaming to bring advanced audio solutions to consumers.

Earlier this week Microsoft announced the powerful new Xbox One. Under the agreement Turtle Beach will be among the first to market with Microsoft-licensed gaming headsets for the Xbox One.

Turtle Beach designs and markets wireless and wired headsets for video game, personal computer and mobile platforms. The companies wide range of headsets, which combine quality with audio innovations, are popular with consumers because they make gaming more immersive and provide a competitive advantage. Turtle Beach manufactured 9 of the top 10 best-selling gaming headsets in 2012 when ranked in dollar sales, and 4 of the top 5 best-selling gaming headsets ever, according to the NPD Group. The Ear Force X12 wired headset for the Xbox is the No. 1 best-selling third-party gaming headset ever made.

“In Turtle Beach we have a partner that can help Microsoft deliver world class gaming audio experiences to our customers,” said Branden Powell Director of Strategic Alliances Xbox Hardware Group. “Turtle Beach has consistently innovated in wireless, surround sound, and other features and we are looking forward to working with them.”

Turtle Beach is largely responsible for the growth of the gaming headset category. The company quickly grew sales through a combination of product innovation, distribution, and marketing prowess and now owns more than 50% market share in the U.S. As a result, in less than five years gaming headsets have grown from only 3 percent to 21 percent of all U.S. gaming accessory sales, and now rank second only to gamepads based on NPD sales data.

“Turtle Beach is dedicated to creating audio products that improve players overall game experience,” said Bob Picunko, Chief Marketing Officer at Turtle Beach. “We are very excited about the opportunity to work with the XBOX team to develop new products that support the advanced XBOX platform.

Official products, pricing and release information to be revealed in the coming weeks.

 
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Company of Heroes 2 Story Trailer

This brand new story trailer for Company of Heroes 2 depicts the brutality of the war on the Eastern Front through the eyes of a war-weary Russian soldier. He recounts the futility and ferociousness of the conflict where the only options for those on the front lines were advance, or die. Company of Heroes 2 is due for release on June 25th, for more information log on to www.companyofheroes.com

 
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Star Trek Into Darkness – brand new featurettes

‘INTO THE MUSIC’ FEATURETTE

‘WORLD REACTIONS’ FEATURETTE

 
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Infinite Crisis – Shazam Champion Profile!

Get an in-depth look at Shazam in this brand new Champion Profile video for Infinite Crisis!

Gifted with the strength of ancient gods, Shazam wields amazing magical power to defend the weak. Shazam wants to be in the middle of the fight, disrupting and damaging the enemy team with his lightning, forcing them to deal with him before his more fragile allies.

Check out the new video here and don’t forget to sign-up for the closed beta to be among the first to test yours kills in the Infinite Crisis battle arena!

 
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Announcing the Grand Theft Auto V Special Edition and Collector’s Edition – Available for Pre-Order Starting Today

We are proud to announce full details of the Special Edition and Collector’s Edition of Grand Theft Auto V – which will be available for worldwide pre-order starting today from participating retailers.
As an additional bonus, those who pre-order any edition of Grand Theft Auto V (including the Special Edition, Collector’s Edition or the standard retail edition) between now and September 17th will get access to pilot the Atomic Blimp in-game vehicle.
High above the streets of Los Santos floats the Atomic Blimp, hawking Los Santos’ finest tire company (whose products are available in any LS Customs garage). Pre-order now to gain the ability to pilot the most iconic and leisurely aircraft in the Los Santos skies (please note that all pre-orders made before today will also get access to the blimp).
The Grand Theft Auto V Special Edition includes:
  • Full retail copy of Grand Theft Auto V
  • Collectible SteelBook with Exclusive Artwork This special SteelBook features double-sided, never-before-seen artwork of Michael, Trevor and Franklin. Custom color and metallic treatments bring out the detail of the artwork created exclusively for this SteelBook.
  • Blueprint Map This exclusive, additional 21.5” x 26.75” map displays a blueprint view of Los Santos and Blaine County. Cryptic markings indicate locations for fast cash and other points of interest for the up-and-coming entrepreneur.
  • Special Ability Boost Michael, Franklin and Trevor each have a unique special ability. With this boost, the special ability bar will generate 25% faster.
  • Stunt Plane Trials Single player Stunt Plane Trials let you take on additional aerial challenges spread throughout Los Santos and Blaine County.
  • Bonus Outfits, Tattoos and More Michael, Franklin and Trevor get bonus outfits in their wardrobes, character specific tattoos at tattoo parlors, and special deals from shopkeepers across Los Santos and Blaine County.
  • Additional Weapons When visiting Ammunation stores in single player, merchants will have special weapons in their inventory available for free: the Pistol .50, Bullpup Shotgun and melee Hammer.
The Grand Theft Auto V Special Edition. Click here for more detail.
The Grand Theft Auto V Collector’s Edition includes all the contents of Grand Theft Auto V Special Edition as described above plus:
  • Grand Theft Auto V Security Deposit Bag with Logo Key Inspired by the heists in Grand Theft Auto V, this custom 10.75” x 8.5” money bag features a pop-up style lock and laser cut logo key to secure important items. The reverse side features a pressed Rockstar Games logo on the security mount with a framed ID window.
  • Grand Theft Auto V New Era 9FIFTY™ Snapback Cap This exclusive New Era 9FIFTY™ cap features an embroidered Los Santos logo on the front, a stitched, black Rockstar Games logo on the wearer’s left side, a Grand Theft Auto ‘V’ logo applique on the opposite side, and snapback closure for an adjustable fit.
  • Custom Characters for Grand Theft Auto Online Get classic Grand Theft Auto characters to use within the Grand Theft Auto Online Character Creation System.
  • Unique Vehicles and Garage Property Players will instantly receive a garage to store custom vehicles. In single player, the garage will be stocked with the 1930’s style Hotknife hotrod and the CarbonRS sports bike. In Grand Theft Auto Online, players will get the high-end Khamelion electric car.
The Grand Theft Auto V Collector’s Edition. Click here for more detail.
The Grand Theft Auto V Collector’s Edition comes packaged in a premium outer box featuring a foil embossed Grand Theft Auto V logo on the top, finished with a matte, scuff-resistant film lamination, housing all of the contents.

The Grand Theft Auto V Collector’s Edition and Grand Theft Auto V Special Edition are the perfect way for fans to celebrate the return of GTA, with special digital content and exclusive Grand Theft Auto V physical items. Grand Theft Auto V Collector’s Edition will retail for AU$169.95 (NZ$199.95) while the Grand Theft Auto V Special Edition will retail for AU$119.95 (NZ$139.95). All versions are now available for pre-order until September 17, 2013 while supplies last.

 
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[Game announcement] EPIC

Gameloft and Fox Digital Entertainment are pleased to announce the launch of the official mobile game for the highly anticipated 3D animated adventure EPIC from Blue Sky Studios.  Through a collaborative effort between Gameloft, Fox Digital Entertainment and Blue Sky Studios, EPIC™ the official mobile game, promises an exciting adventure true to the theatrical experience, taking audiences on a magical journey through a secret world of hilarious creatures, visually spectacular locations and incredible aerial battles.

GROW AND CREATE A THRIVING FOREST KINGDOM

?Build your own Jinn kingdom and watch it come to life

?Play fun mini-games for ultimate rewards

BATTLE TO PROTECT THE JINN KINGDOM

?Defeat Boggan bosses with a final last stand against their leader, Mandrake, in single-player campaign (PVE)

?Train diverse Leafmen units to strategically fight in different battle locations from Moonhaven all the way to the perilous Wrathwood

YOUR KINGDOM IS A SOCIAL WORLD

? Connect with your friends and help them grow their kingdom

?Challenge other Leafmen armies, built by players around the world, in friendly feats of strength in the multiplayer (PVP) battle mode

EPIC is in theatres this winter in Australia, with the official mobile game available now.

Movie Trailer Link: http://youtu.be/hSbHwvGGPo8

App Store: https://itunes.apple.com/app/id586743861?mt=8

Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.gameloft.android.ANMP.GloftEPHM

 
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‘I Am Alive’ And ‘From Dust’ Now Available At Retail Stores

The highly acclaimed arcade games I Am Alive and From Dust are now available in Australia at retail for $19.95. Both titles have enjoyed success across digital platforms and are now available to PC gamers in EB Games, JB HiFi and on Uplay shop.  These titles are included within Ubisoft’s budget PC range That’s Hot! www.thatshot.com.au

That’s Hot: I Am Alive

I Am Alive follows an everyman’s journey to find his wife and daughter, who were lost during the “Event.” A year later, he finds Haventon, his hometown, in shambles. Buildings are destroyed, toxic ash fills the streets and society has been torn, causing inhabitants to take all necessary actions to survive.

That’s Hot: From Dust

Discover a unique Modern God game where nature is the star: From Dust, created by Eric Chahi. Behold the beauty of a primitive world pulsing with life and face the might of nature. Beware the danger of a world that is constantly changing under your command. Control the destiny of a tribe struggling to survive and help it recover its ancestors’ lost powers. Immerse yourself in a world as exotically beautiful as it is dangerous. A universe where Nature reclaims what is Hers; and you are your people’s only chance of survival.

 
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Miranda Cosgrove Joins Steve Carell for the Australian Premiere of Despicable Me 2

On June 5, the lovely Miranda Cosgrove (aka “Margo” – Gru’s eldest adopted daughter) will join Steve Carell and the mischievous minions at the Australian Premiere of Despicable Me 2.

Cosgrove and Carell will be available for photo and press opportunities in Sydney from June 5-7.

Despicable Me 2 sees producer Chris Meledandri and his acclaimed filmmaking team create an all-new comedy adventure featuring the return of (former?) super-villain Gru, his adorable girls, and a host of new and outrageously funny characters. Voice talent newcomers Kristen Wiig and the legendary Al Pacino join the ensemble cast in the sequel, not to mention thousands of those hilarious unpredictable yellow minions…

Universal Pictures and Illumination Entertainment’s worldwide blockbuster Despicable Me entertained audiences around the globe in 2010, grossing more than $540 million and becoming the world’s 9th highest grossing film of that year.

The Australian Premiere of Despicable Me 2 will be held at Event Cinemas, Bondi Junction on Wednesday 5th June.
____________________________________________________________________________________

DESPICABLE ME 2 in cinemas JUNE 20
http://www.despicablememovie.com.au/

DESPICABLE ME 2 Australian Premiere, Event Cinemas Bondi Junction, Wednesday June 5

 
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ASUS 7-inch Fonepad™ with 3G Mobile Data and Voice-Calling now available in Australia

Built-in 3G for fast mobile data and full telephony support give two-in-one flexibility at a competitive price

SYDNEY, Aust. – 23rd May 2013 – ASUS has announced its new 7-inch tablet, the Fonepad™ (RRP from $329) will be available in Australia from early June.

Launched at Mobile World Congress in February this year, the ASUS Fonepad™ is a competitively priced handheld with 3G voice and mobile data for all the features of a smartphone, with the versatility of a 7-inch tablet. Powered by the new Intel® Atom™ Z2420 processor with Android 4.1, Fonepad™ features a vibrant HD display with IPS technology for wide viewing angles and outstanding clarity.

“It is ideal to have a larger screen with entertainment, social media and other online activities now playing an increasingly important part in our mobile lifestyles,” said Jonney Shih, ASUS Chairman. “The incorporation of 3G mobile data with full telephony support, makes the Fonepad™ the perfect combination of a tablet and phone in one single device.”

“Extending our long history of collaboration, including most recently on the Ultrabook™ and Intel®-based tablets, we are very excited to be partnering with ASUS again,” said Hermann Eul, Intel® vice president and co-general manager of the Mobile and Communications Group. “Intel’s new Atom™ Z2420 processor delivers the power, performance and flexibility required to accommodate a range of devices and market needs. We think the ASUS Fonepad™ is a very innovative device in an emerging category of 3G tablets with telephony features.”

Beautiful metallic design with Intel® Atom™ performance
ASUS Fonepad™ is ideal for people who value both the voice communication features of a smartphone and the entertainment opportunities afforded by a tablet, but prefer the convenience of carrying just one device. Fonepad™ is a sleek and compact tablet with a metallic design that can be held comfortably in one hand, thanks to its light 340g weight and slim 10.4mm profile. Powered by the latest Intel® Atom™ Z2420 processor with full Android compatibility, Fonepad™ features a perfect balance of performance and energy efficiency, with hardware-accelerated 1080p Full HD video decoding and up to nine hours of battery life.

The 7-inch screen features 10-point multi-touch, and a sharp 1280 x 800 HD resolution for crisp, readable web page text and incredibly detailed photos. IPS technology ensures vibrant colour with 178-degree wide viewing angles, and images that are clear and bright, even outdoors.

Built-in 3G for mobile data and voice calls
Built-in 3G with HSPA+ mobile data means ASUS Fonepad™ is an always-connected mobile device for seamless web browsing, fast downloads from Google Play Store, and smooth streaming of audio and video. Thanks to its full 3G telephony support, Fonepad™ can also be used for voice calls using the built-in noise-cancelling digital microphone or an optional Bluetooth headset. With just one mobile data plan to pay for, running costs are also much lower than those of a separate smartphone and 3G tablet.

Fonepad™ is available in Australia in 8GB and 32GB capacities, and has an SD card slot for up to 32GB of additional storage. All models feature a front 1.2-megapixel camera for easy video chat and an optional rear 3-megapixel autofocus camera with 720p HD video recording. ASUS SonicMaster audio technology with MaxxAudio 3 processing by Waves ensures clear, well-rounded sound quality.

Exclusive ASUS apps and accessories enhance productivity
ASUS Fonepad™ comes with a number of exclusive ASUS productivity apps: Floating App for easy management of running apps and multi-tasking; SuperNote lite for handwritten notes and drawing; and WebStorage Office Online for Microsoft Office-compatible document editing on the move. Fonepad™ users also get 5GB of free lifetime ASUS WebStorage for syncing and sharing data with other devices.

AVAILABILITY & PRICING
ASUS Fonepad™ and accessories are available in Australia from early June, with prices starting from AU$329 for the 8GB model. Please contact your local ASUS representative for further information on retail availability.