KONAMI’s stunning action title slices on to PlayStation®3 and Xbox 360® with a global release in February 2013

Konami Digital Entertainment GmbH has announced that METAL GEAR RISING: REVENGEANCE will be released for PlayStation®3 and Xbox 360® across Australia and New Zealand on February 21^st, 2013.

Developed by Kojima Productions and PlatinumGames, METAL GEAR RISING: REVENGEANCE takes the renowned METAL GEAR franchise into exciting new territory with an all-new action experience unlike anything that has come before. Effortlessly blending pure action and epic storytelling within the METAL GEAR universe, METAL GEAR RISING: REVENGEANCE uses Raiden as its central character: a child soldier transformed into a half-man, half-machine cyborg ninja, equipped with his signature High-Frequency Blade and fueled by revenge.

In the near future, cyborg technology has become commonplace throughout society. Several years have passed since the collapse of the Patriots system that had been secretly controlling the global power balance. Unfortunately, the dissemination of cybernetic technology has triggered instability and conflict, with those who control the war trade exerting their power over the weak. Furthermore, large ‘Private Military Companies’ (PMCs) that had been supported and controlled by the Patriots have collapsed, spawning countless rogue entities with links to larger criminal organizations.

These renegade PMCs are employing cyborg technology and have become increasingly disruptive, changing conflict policy and political power at will. As a member of the peace-keeping PMC ‘Maverick Security’, Raiden lives by the mantra of protecting and saving lives. But as the world plunges further into chaos, the only path that leads forward is rooted in resolving his past, and carving through anything that stands in his way.

As METAL GEAR RISING: REVENGEANCE delves into Raiden’s tragic past, it tells a stunning story with all the aplomb the series is known for. Rich characters are introduced, including the cyborg swordsman Samuel, a PMC assassin whose path crosses with that of Raiden. The remainder of the game’s adversaries are equally imaginative, with the new game introducing a wealth of cybernetically-enhanced enemies, and Blade Wolf, a cybernetic wolf with reasoning and communication skills,  equipped with a chainsaw that it wields with its tail…

For more information, please visit www.metalgearsolid.com and www.facebook.com/mgs and www.konami-europe.net/MG25th  

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA — August 17, 2012 — At Gamescom 2012, Ubisoft officially launched  Uplay PC, an application that serves as a digital distribution platform and central point for PC gamers to connect to Uplay’s community and consumer-centric services. The video game developer and publisher also kicked off a promotion making select Ubisoft PC titles available through Uplay PC for as little as AUD$1 for a limited time.

Uplay, Ubisoft’s online services and distribution platform, now has more than 35 million members and is available across Ubisoft games and across platforms. Uplay PC replaces individual game launchers and lets gamers access all their Uplay-enabled PC games and Uplay services in the same place. Uplay PC also includes new features, including an integrated shop, the direct purchase and download of games, a friends list and chat system that add value to PC players’ experience.

To encourage players to download and try Uplay PC, Ubisoft is making PC versions of Driver^®: San Francisco, From Dust^®, Silent Hunter^® 5 and Tom Clancy’s^® H.A.W.X.^® 2 available for AUD$1 for a limited time. Other popular titles — including Anno 2070™, Assassin’s Creed^® II, Assassin’s Creed^® Brotherhood, Assassin’s Creed^® Revelations, Might & Magic^®: Heroes^® VI,  Tom Clancy’s^® Splinter Cell Conviction^® — are discounted up to 75%, also for a limited time.

“Uplay PC is a great way for customers to discover Ubisoft’s games, connect with their friends and gaming communities, and win achievements and content that’s not available anywhere else.” said Stephanie Perotti, Worldwide Director for Online Games, Ubisoft. “For PC gamers that are already fans of Ubisoft’s titles or have been considering trying some of our classics, this promotion is a great deal, and our way of saying thank you for their support.”

Uplay PC and more information on the promotion can be found at www.ubishop.com.

WATCH THE UPLAY PC INTRODUCTORY TRAILER

Exclusive package to include NBA 2K13, downloadable All-Star add-on content, customised Spalding® basketball, Skullcandy Ink’d earbuds and Skinit controller skin

Sydney, Australia, 16^th August 2012 – 2K Sports today announced that the NBA® 2K13 Dynasty Edition will be available in Australia on 5^th October, 2012 for $129.95 on the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system. Limited quantities of the Dynasty Edition are being produced and fans are encouraged to pre-order at participating retailers.

In addition to a full retail copy of NBA 2K13 – the next installment of the top-rated and top-selling NBA video game simulation franchise* – the Dynasty Edition will include the all-new downloadable NBA 2K13 All-Star add-on content presented by Sprite, an exclusive NBA 2K13 full-sized basketball from Spalding® and Art of Basketball, exclusive 2K Sports Ink’d earbuds from Skullcandy, and an NBA 2K13 basketball textured controller skin from Skinit.

“With this special edition package, we want to give something meaningful to our great fans,” said Jason Argent, vice president of marketing for 2K Sports. “This is an awesome deal that is sure to please fans, and will become a must-have item while supplies last.”  

NBA 2K13 is the follow-up to NBA 2K12, which has sold-in over 5 million units worldwide and won more than 25 Sports Game of the Year awards from outlets including Gamespot, Sports Illustrated and the Spike Video Game Awards.

NBA 2K13 is being developed by Visual Concepts, a 2K Sports studio. NBA 2K13 and the NBA 2K13 Dynasty Edition will be available on 5^th October, 2012 in Australia and New Zealand.

To preorder NBA 2K13 Dynasty Edition at EB Games, visit: https://www.ebgames.com.au/any/any?q=NBA%202K13%20dynasty

To preorder NBA 2K13 Dynasty Edition JB HiFi, visit:
http://www.jbhifi.com.au/games/nba-2k13-game/

Konami Digital Entertainment GmbH has announced that it will release a Windows PC version of its stunning Castlevania: Lords of Shadow 2 alongside the versions for PlayStation^®3 computer entertainment system and the Xbox 360^® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft.

The Windows PC version of Castlevania: Lords of Shadow 2 is being simultaneously developed by Madrid-based Mercury Steam, and builds on its critically acclaimed predecessor in every way. The new game features an all-new storyline, a larger cast of characters, huge open world environments and breath-taking visuals delivered via a much more powerful, brand new in house game engine called Mercury Engine 2.

Whereas the first game detailed the origin of Dracula and his legendary connection with the Belmonts, Castlevania: Lords of Shadow 2, acts as a shocking finale to the Lords of Shadow saga, as Dracula returns once again; weakened and yearning for release from his immortal bonds. Facing a new and powerful threat, the vampire lord must amass his old powers – and his castle is central to regaining his abilities.

“Castlevania: Lords of Shadow successfully rebooted the franchise but now we want to go further and exceed people’s expectations on what to expect from the sequel,” commented Dave Cox, Producer of Castlevania: Lords of Shadow 2 and Head of Product Planning and Development for Konami Digital Entertainment GmbH. “This new game tells a much broader tale and one that spans centuries. It is a game that pushes whatever format it is on to the absolute limit, and we are delighted that Castlevania: Lords of Shadow 2’s rich blend of first-class fighting, deep exploration and rich storytelling are set to delight and enthrall PC users, too. There’s a darkness coming and with our new game engine, we hope to deliver something truly special across multiple formats that will set new standards for action adventure games …”

Release Date: 2013

Formats: PlayStation®3, Xbox 360®, Windows PC

Studio: Mercury Steam

URL: www.castlevania-lordsofshadow.com

Penélope and Mónica Cruz get competitive with New Super Mario Bros. 2, launching for Nintendo 3DS on 18th August

17th August 2012 – Penélope Cruz, the Academy Award®-winning actress, has joined forces with her sister, fellow actress Mónica Cruz, to star in a new campaign for New Super Mario Bros.™ 2, the side-scrolling Mario game launching on 18th August for Nintendo 3DS™ and Nintendo 3DS™ XL.

The TV advert, which will now launch in Australia, sees Mónica and Penélope taking a bet on which sister will reach the Goal Pole at the end of the course first – with a rather unusual forfeit for who finishes last… Watch the full advert at the official Nintendo AU YouTube channel and find out how the Cruz sisters settle a score after a romp through the Mushroom Kingdom!

New Super Mario Bros. 2 is the first traditional side-scrolling Mario game to be made especially for the Nintendo 3DS system. It offers classic elements that Mario fans will love but also introduces several new concepts that add a fresh spin on the cherished gameplay. This time around, the many courses of the Mushroom Kingdom are littered with more coins than ever to collect – with the challenge of gathering one million as the ultimate goal. The challenging Coin Rush mode delivers a careful balance between risk and reward, as players are tasked to complete three randomly selected courses while collecting as many coins as possible without ever failing once. Coin Rush scores can be shared as challenges with other players met via StreetPass™, while the option to play the entire adventure in Co-op Play together with a friend is another first for a handheld Mario platformer.

New Super Mario Bros. 2 truly is a family affair and will be available in Australian and New Zealand stores and, for the first time, simultaneously as a digital download from Nintendo eShop on 18th August.

For more information:

New Super Mario Bros. 2 website: www.nintendo.com.au/mario
Digital Downloads: http://www.nintendo.com.au/nintendo-digital-downloads
Official Nintendo AU YouTube channel: http://www.youtube.com/nintendoau

Can’t get enough ‘Raiders of the Lost Ark?’ Well, you’re about to get a lot more. To help promote the upcoming release of the Indiana Jones Blu-ray Box Set, we can confirm that Paramount will be re-releasing ‘Raiders of the Lost Ark’ in IMAX theaters this September and here’s the trailer!

Razer announces the DeathStalker Ultimate featuring the all-new Switchblade User Interface with dynamic adaptive tactile keys 

COLOGNE, Germany (GAMESCOM 2012) – Razer, the world leader in high-performance gaming hardware, set a technological benchmark today with the release of its new Razer DeathStalker Ultimate gaming keyboard, featuring Razer’s award-winning Switchblade User Interface (UI).

The Switchblade UI on the Razer DeathStalker Ultimate is the same acclaimed, customizable LCD trackpad and LED keypad combo introduced on the Razer Switchblade concept, which can currently be found in production on the Razer Blade gaming laptop and the Star Wars™: The Old Republic™ gaming keyboard. This unique interface transforms gaming keyboard functionality into a customizable control panel with 10 dynamic, adaptive tactile keys that can be used to bind commands, macros, skills and spells for an unparalleled in-game competitive advantage. Each key can display any image by using Razer’s Synapse 2.0 software, offering gamers the smartest keyboard on the market.

The LCD panel below the keys is capable of two modes. The first setting displays critical in-game information, such as damage dealt and heals-per-second on the new Star Wars™: The Old Republic™ Battle Logger application, or countdown timers that keep track of in-game events with the Razer Gamer Timer application. This display also allows for intuitive multitasking, running external applications like YouTube and most social media platforms, which allows gamers to stay connected to the world by instantly updating their status for friends and followers to see, all on the LCD panel.

The second mode of the panel functions as a highly sensitive, multi-touch trackpad with intuitive gestures built-in, offering an alternative method of navigating games or PC desktops.

List of Razer Apps

• Trackpad
• Numpad
• Macro Recorder
• Gaming Mode
• Browser
• YouTube
• Facebook
• Twitter
• Gmail
• Clock
• Screenshot
• Game Timer

Game Specific Apps

• Star Wars™: The Old Republic™ Combat Logger
• And many more…

The Razer DeathStalker Ultimate features an anti-ghosting infrastructure of up to 10 keys in game mode. Users may actuate as many keys as they have fingers, and have them all register accurately and swiftly in-game.

Powered by Razer Synapse 2.0, the world’s first cloud-based storage software, the Razer DeathStalker Ultimate automatically saves all of a user’s custom settings and profiles for the gaming keyboard on a cloud server. These settings can then be accessed from any computer, with any Razer DeathStalker Ultimate, to ensure the keyboard is instantly ready for use.

“With the Switchblade UI on the Razer DeathStalker Ultimate, we wanted to offer gamers an enriching and intuitive gaming experience built for total game control,” said Robert “RazerGuy” Krakoff, president of Razer USA. “We continue to work closely with independent software vendors to integrate the API of their games on the Switchblade UI, so that you can see more of the game as you play. I’m excited that we are making such cutting-edge technology available to gamers everywhere, and look forward to bringing more game-specific apps.”

In addition to the revolutionary Razer DeathStalker Ultimate, Razer also introduced the Razer Deathstalker gaming keyboard. The Razer DeathStalker maintains a standard keyboard layout, replacing the Switchblade UI with a numpad instead. The Razer DeathStalker features the same unique design and features of the Razer DeathStalker Ultimate – a 10-key anti-ghosting infrastructure, chiclet-style keycaps, and Synapse 2.0 support.

— Six months of additional content planned —

SYDNEY – (16^th August, 2012) – Square Enix London Studios, a part of Square Enix Europe, today announced its highly anticipated undercover cop drama SLEEPING DOGS will be in stores from today in Australia & New Zealand. An incredible open world experience, SLEEPING DOGS aims to keep players returning to Hong Kong with plans for an extensive six months of additional content.

“SLEEPING DOGS is a game we know fans will want to keep on playing, so over the next six months we’ll be creating a series of new content packs giving players everything they need to keep enjoying the game,” said Lee Singleton, General Manager, Square Enix London Studios. “We want to create something to suit everyone’s play style from cool cars and high-speed missions to outlandish outfits and game-extending mission packs. The game launch is just the beginning.”

There will be a range of new downloads available at launch to help players get ahead of the game, including the 80s-inspired Retro Triad Pack, a killer old school outfit with its own player buffs and funky kung-fu van. New content packs are planned from September, beginning with a high-speed Racing Pack and an explosive SWAT Pack – further announcements to follow soon.

The first SLEEPING DOGS packs will be available from launch on the Xbox LIVE® online entertainment network, PlayStation®Network and Steam.

Watch the Sleeping Dogs 60’sec commercial now at http://www.youtube.com/sleepingdogsgame