Australia, 1 July 2009.  505 Games, in conjunction with All Interactive Entertainment, are proud to announce the that the highly anticipated military simulation exclusive to PC, ArmA II, will be  released into the Australian market on Thursday 16 July 2009.

Developed by Czech-based studio Bohemia Interactive, ArmA II features incredibly in-depth combat and tactical warfare on a massive scale. In fact, the game engine that powers ArmA II (Real Virtuality) is so realistic that armies across the globe use it as a framework for their virtual simulations and it’s been constantly refined and improved during 10 years of development.

For more information on ArmA II and to access the flash demo, please visit www.arma2.com

For the third consecutive time, Manaccom – one of Australia’s longest established software suppliers – has beaten international software suppliers to win the national title of Software Supplier of the Year Award at the Derni Retail Conference, which featured some of Australia’s largest computer retailers

The prestigious industry award was presented to Manaccom at Hamilton Island after voting from 230 Harvey Norman, Domayne and Joyce Mayne franchisees.

The award recognises the achievements and contribution of software suppliers. Voting takes into account a range of determining factors, such as product range, shipping practices, return and exchange policy, supplier support to stores, customer support and ongoing relationships.

The award is bi-annual, being only presented every two years, making it all the more coveted by industry. Significantly, Manaccom won the same award at the previous two conferences held in 2005 and 2007.

Manaccom’s managing director Ian Mackay said he was humbled and delighted that Manaccom had picked up the award third time running, cementing its position as preferred Supplier of Choice to computer stores.

“This award is testament to the wonderful relationship developed by the hard-working Manaccom team and our retail partners over the years,” Mr Mackay said.

“It is a rock solid relationship based on mutual hard work and respect that continues to go from strength to strength,” he said.

For the first time, Manaccom was also one of three nominees for the award of Overall Supplier of the Year to the Derni group.

“Road to Roubaix brought on goose bumps like the cobble stones on the screen. A big round of applause… Thank you for making such a powerful film.’

Benny Zenga, Bicycle Film Festival, Toronto 

Directors David Deal and Dave Cooper, bring you Road to Roubaix, a film that celebrates the toughest bike races in the world, Paris-Roubaix A.K.A ‘The Hell of the North’ and ‘The Queen of the Classics’.

Featuring rare interviews with current superstars and legends of the sport including Tom Boonen, Fabian Cancellara, Juan Antonio Flecha, Sean Kelly, Marc Madiot, Stuart O’Grady, and Peter Van Petegem, Road to Roubaix focuses on the 2007 event, an unforgettable year for Australian fans as South Australian Stuart O’Grady claimed victory for the CSC team and became the first ever Australian winner.

Road to Roubaix leads the audience through the brutal, unpredictable landscape that elevates Paris-Roubaix to its epic status with director of photography Patrick Reis and his team masterfully capturing the beauty of the region through stunning panoramic views and footage of the race, riders, and the infamous cobblestones which serve as the star of the film.

Edited by Kathryn Hempel, the film deftly weaves rare behind-the-scenes footage, interviews, and a collection photographs—both contemporary and archival—that make Road to Roubaix an organic visual narrative that engages audiences from beginning to end. This is a rare look at Paris-Roubaix usually reserved for the sport’s insiders.

In some ways, an updating of the awe-inspiring beauty of Jorgen Leth’s unforgettable 1974 feature, A Sunday In Hell, it’s refreshing to see that technology and the modern lifestyle mean nothing on the pave of Belgium – it’s still hell, and it’s only for fools and heroes.

Road to Roubaix premiered at 2009 BigPond Adelaide Film Festival and now, for the first time in Australia, is available on DVD through Aztec International. It is available from all good DVD retailers. 

www.aztecinternational.com.au

MELBOURNE – Tuesday 30 June, 2009 – The Game Developers’ Association of Australia (GDAA), convenor of Game Connect: Asia Pacific (GCAP), is seeking expressions of interest from potential speakers interested in being involved in this important industry event.

“GCAP has always boasted an impressive lineup of speakers, both from the Australian development community and from overseas. This year we’re raising the bar further still and calling for submissions that focus specifically on new and emerging innovations in game development across all disciplines of our craft,” advised Tom Crago, President of the Game Developers’ Association of Australia.

Scribblenauts, the inventive, wholly original puzzle game for Nintendo DS from independent developer 5^th Cell (Drawn to Life, Lock’s Quest) became the unexpected “must-see” game of E3 2009, intriguing and exciting everyone from mommy bloggers to hard-core gamers with its fun and approachable game play.  Incorporating innovative “write anything, solve everything” play, allowing players to write in words to solve puzzles using the Nintendo DS touchscreen and stylus, both expert and novice gamers can enjoy Scribblenauts – the only limit is players’ imaginations!

Following its show-stopping success at E3, Scribblenauts is the winner of more than 30 industry awards, including the prestigious Game Critics Award for “Best Original Game,” chosen by an independent group of 29 leading North American media outlets that cover the videogame industry.

Scribblenauts has also received the following awards for its one-of-a-kind game play:

·         Four honors as the best overall game of the E3 Expo, including Yahoo! Games “Best of E3 2009,” GameSpot.com’s “Editor’s Choice Game of the Show” and both IGN.com and GameSpy.com’s “Overall Game of Show”

·         Six awards for innovation and originality, including the Game Critics Award for “Best Original Game,” IGN.com’s award for “Special Achievement for Innovation,” 1UP.com’s “Best of E3 Most Innovative” and GameTrailers.com and G4TV.com’s “Best Original Game”

·         More than ten distinctions as the best handheld and/or Nintendo DS title of the show, including Game Critics Award for “Best Handheld Game,” IGN.com’s “Best Handheld” and “DS Game of the Show,” and GameSpot.com, GameSpy.com, GameTrailers.com, G4TV.com, GamePro.com and Kotaku.com’s honors as best handheld game

Scribblenauts stood out among hundreds of highly-anticipated video game titles at E3 2009, offering a completely original gameplay experience that can be enjoyed by anyone, from the most experienced gamers to new players. 

In Scribblenauts, players use the Nintendo DS touch-screen to help their character Maxwell acquire the Starite in each level by solving a series of puzzles armed with their stylus, notepad and imagination. Players jot down the word for any object that comes to mind in order to reach the goal. Every object behaves as it would in the real world, and the game contains tens of thousands of words that can be used to solve puzzles.  The game is easy to pick-up and play and offers nearly endless replay value – with Scribblenauts, you can write anything, and solve everything!

Scribblenauts, published by Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment, is rated PG and is set to surprise and delight players in spring 2009, exclusively on Nintendo DS.

Please see below for the game fact sheet and attached is a full list of E3 awards to date.  Please let me know if you are interested in more information, screens and trailers for Scribblenauts, or if you are interested in experiencing the game for future coverage.

SCRIBBLENAUTS

FACT SHEET

PLATFORMS:                      Nintendo DS™

RELEASE DATE:                  Spring 2009

PUBLISHER:                        Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment

DEVELOPER:                       5TH Cell  

OFLC RATING:                   PG

GENRE:                                 Emergent Puzzle/Action

PRODUCT OVERVIEW:

Scribblenauts is a completely original gameplay experience that anyone can play, offering fun for all ages with two styles of gameplay and more than 200 levels. In Scribblenauts, players use the Nintendo DS™ touch-screen to help their character Maxwell acquire the Starite in each level by solving a series of puzzles armed with their stylus, notepad and imagination. Players jot down the word for any object that comes to mind in order to reach the goal. Every object behaves as it would in the real world, and players can combine countless objects to create completely new scenarios.  Every level has more than one written object to use as a solution, opening up the game to endless replay.

In Scribblenauts, players advance through ten worlds, each with eleven puzzle and eleven action levels for a total of 220 challenges to complete.  Each level has a “par” for the number of objects suggested to finish the level. Beating a level with under par, earns “Ollars”, the in-game currency, which players can use to purchase new levels and music.

PRODUCT FEATURES:

• Create Your Own Interactive Experience: Objects you write down in the game are only limited by your imagination.
• Everyone Can Play: Pick-up-and-play fun for everyone. 
• Touch-screen Controls: Easy to pick up and play on Nintendo DS™.  If you can tap, you can play!
• Unlimited Replay Value: Use less objects to increase your score, or experiment with different objects for endless replay value. Write anything; solve everything!
• Playground Mode:  Play the entire game in a sandbox style right on the title screen.
• Create and Share Levels Online:  Share levels you create with the Level Editor via Nintendo DS™ Wi-Fi Connection.
• Innovative New Title from Leading Developer: 5TH Cell, the creator of the Drawn to Life franchise and Lock’s Quest, has experience creating high-quality, innovative DS games.

OFFICIALLY ANNOUNCED AS PLAYABLE CHARACTERS.  

* CASEY JONES

* ULROMINATOR (KRANG)

 * FOOT SOLDIER

WWE SUPERSTAR JOHN CENA FACES THE ULTIMATE CHALLENGE IN THE HARDCORE ACTION-PACKED THRILLER TWELVE ROUNDS.                     

A brilliant killer with a score to settle is putting Detective Danny Fisher to the ultimate test when 12 Rounds explodes on August 26 from Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment. WWE Superstar John Cena (The Marine) stars as Fisher, a New Orleans police officer playing a vicious game of cat and mouse after spoiling the multi-million dollar heist plan of an Irish arms dealer. When the thief’s girlfriend is accidentally killed in the melee he vows revenge, breaking out of prison and putting Fisher through a series of mental and physical challenges in order to save his kidnapped fiancée. With the clock ticking, Danny struggles to keep his focus as he races through The Big Easy completing each dangerous game and hoping he is still standing at the end of 12 Rounds.

Directed by action auteur Renny Harlin (Die Hard 2, Deep Blue Sea), 12 Rounds features intense supporting performances from Ashley Scott (“Jericho,” Walking Tall) and Aidan Gillen (“The Wire”). The Blu-ray disc and DVD are loaded with special features including both the theatrical and extended “Extreme Cut” of the film, commentary by Harlin, Cena and first-time writer Daniel Kunka, two behind-the-scenes featurettes, two alternate endings, a never-before “Cena” gag reel and more.

Synopsis:
When New Orleans Police Detective Danny Fisher (John Cena) stops a brilliant thief from getting away with a multi-million dollar heist, the thief’s girlfriend is accidentally killed. After escaping from prison, the criminal mastermind enacts his revenge, taunting the cop with a series of near-impossible puzzles and tasks… 12 Rounds… that Fisher must somehow complete to save the life of his fiancée.
DVD Facts:
Runtime: 108 mins approx
Rating: TBC
Aspect ratio: 16×9
Sound: English 2.0 Surround

Golden Globe® Winner Angela Bassett And Newcomer Jamal Woolard Star in The True-Life Account Of Christopher “Notorious B.I.G.” Wallace,

The life and death of one of hip-hop’s most powerful and iconic MCs is captured in the hard-hitting and controversial biopic NOTORIOUS, available to rent on DVD from July 15 from Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment.

Through raw talent and sheer determination, East Coast rapper Christopher “Biggie Smalls” Wallace went from Brooklyn street hustler to one of the greatest rappers of all time – The Notorious B.I.G. – refusing to succumb to expectations and redefining the notion of “The American Dream.”

Twelve years since the rapper’s unfortunate death, NOTORIOUS follows his meteoric rise to fame and provides a rare glimpse at a different side of the acclaimed artist – from his surprising youth as a Catholic school honor student, to an imprisoned drug dealer, to the hip hop sensation he has become today. Featuring a performance from Wallace’s real-life son, Christopher Jordan Wallace, NOTORIOUS also uncovers the complicated relationships in the rapper’s life, including protégé Kimberly “Lil’ Kim” Jones, wife-and-R&B singer Faith Evans and long-time friend-turned-rival Tupac Shakur, examining the struggle, music and triumph of game-changer Christopher Wallace, who became one of the most celebrated hip-hop icons in history.

Hailed as “the greatest rapper of all time” (The Source), “The Notorious B.I.G.” has sold over 15 million albums and in 2006 was ranked at #3 in MTV’s “The Greatest MC’s of All Time.” Directed by George Tillman, Jr. (Soul Food, Men of Honor) and produced with the help off Wayne Barrow (B.I.G.’s former manager), Voletta Wallace (mother of Christopher Wallace) and executive produced by music impresario Sean “Puffy” Combs, NOTORIOUS features “knockout” (Rolling Stone) performances from an ensemble cast including Golden Globeâ winner* Angela Bassett (Waiting To Exhale) as Voletta, Brooklyn rapper Jamal Woolard as Notorious B.I.G., Derek Luke (Lions For Lambs) as Sean “Puffy” Combs, Anthony Mackie (8 Mile) as Tupac Shakur and Naturi Naughton as Lil’ Kim.

*1994: Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture – Comedy/Musical, What’s Love Got To Do With It
Synopsis:
Chronicling the extraordinary life of Christopher “The Notorious B.I.G.” Wallace, NOTORIOUS follows the young rapper from the tough streets of Brooklyn to the heights of superstardom as he juggles the increasing demands of fatherhood, marriage and a music career. Amid chaos and controversy, Biggie’s remarkable talent and fierce determination help to solidify his legacy as one of hip-hop’s greatest MCs.
DVD Facts:
• Rating: MA 15+
• Running time: 129 min Approx.
• Aspect ratio: 16X9 LB 240
• Audio: English 5.1 Surround Sound
 
Notorious Bonus Features:

o 10 Deleted Scenes:
? Assassin Assembles His Gun
? Taking Care of Business
? Big on His Own
? Finding Inspiration
? The Assassin Watches
? In The Hotel Pool
? East Coast in the House
? After The Accident
? The Assassin Backsup
? Extended Concert: Primo Street Rap

o Two Featurettes:
o Anatomy of B.I.G Performance
o Party and Bullsh**t

o Two Audio Commentaries

Sydney, 29 June 2009 – 3 today announced that it has partnered with AVG (AU/NZ) to deliver a free 12 month subscription to the premium AVG Internet Security software suite for all Mobile Broadband customers.  

From today, all 3 Mobile Broadband customers (prepaid and postpaid) can log on and register for the download on the My 3 portal.  

AVG Internet Security is AVG’s premium solution providing real-time protection against traditional and new online threats including viruses, spyware, rootkits, malware, identity theft, plus spam and fraudulent emails. 

“Access to Mobile Broadband has now become a day-to-day necessity for many consumers and small and medium businesses,” said Klaas Raaijmakers, 3’s Head of Broadband. 

“Secure access and data protection is even more critical and we’re committed to ensuring our customers can email, download and surf the Internet with the comfort that they are protected from online threats.”  

Peter Cameron, AVG (AU/NZ) Managing Director, added, “We are delighted that 3’s Mobile Broadband customers will now be able to always feel safe when they go online, just like more than 80 million AVG users worldwide.”  

When the 12 month period ends, customers can choose to subscribe online and continue to be fully protected by AVG Internet Security.  

For further information about this offer visit www.three.com.au/internetsecurity

The much-anticipated sixth instalment of the J.K. Rowling-based Harry Potter series, Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince – The IMAX Experience, is set to feature stunning IMAX 3D sequences exclusive to IMAX theatres and opens at IMAX Melbourne Museum on 15 July. 

Originally planned for release in December 2008, Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince – The IMAX Experience, will finally screen from July 15 at IMAX Melbourne Museum, the world’s third largest screen. 

Using IMAX’s revolutionary live action 2D to 3D conversion technology, sequences of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince – The IMAX Experience have been transformed into IMAX 3D, making for a truly magical extravaganza. 

“We’re really excited that Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince is finally here and that we’re able to offer moviegoers a unique IMAX 3D experience,” said Richard Morrison, Manager, IMAX Melbourne Museum. “The wait will most definitely be worth it!”  

Voldemort is tightening his grip on both the Muggle and wizarding worlds and Hogwarts is no longer the safe haven it once was. Harry suspects that dangers may even lie within the castle, but Dumbledore is more intent upon preparing him for the final battle that he knows is fast approaching.  

Together they work to find the key to unlock Voldemort’s defences and, to this end, Dumbledore recruits his old friend and colleague – the well-connected and unsuspecting bon vivant Professor Horace Slughorn – who he believes holds crucial information. Meanwhile, the students are under attack from a very different adversary as teenage hormones rage across the ramparts. Harry finds himself more and more drawn to Ginny, but so is Dean Thomas. And Lavender Brown has decided that Ron is the one for her, only she hadn’t counted on Romilda Vane’s chocolates! And then there’s Hermione, simmering with jealously but determined not to show her feelings. As romance blossoms, one student remains aloof. He is determined to make his mark, albeit a dark one. Love is in the air, but tragedy lies ahead and Hogwarts may never be the same again. 

IMAX Melbourne Museum uses state of the art technology to deliver the world’s most immersive film experience. With the world’s third largest screen, a revolutionary projection system, combined with a 15,000-watt digital audio system and customised theatre geometry, IMAX Melbourne Museum delivers the ultimate film experience. 

Be among the first to see Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince – The IMAX Experience at our midnight screening on Tuesday 14 July, or for the early birds we have 9am sessions on Saturday 18 and Sunday 19 July. Tickets on sale now at www.imaxmelbourne.com.au. 

To view the latest Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince – The IMAX Experience trailer go to www.imaxmelbourne.com.au or http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=89214863563

Release Date:                      15 July 2009

Where:                                  IMAX Melbourne Museum, Carlton Gardens

Cost:                                      Adults $21.00 Concession $17.50 Child $16.00 Family $60.00

Session times:                    www.imaxmelbourne.com.au or 03 9663 5454

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