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CALL OF DUTY®: WORLD AT WAR DOWNLOADABLE MAPS NOW AVAILABLE

Sydney, Australia – March 20, 2009 – The battle rages on, as Activision Publishing, Inc. (Nasdaq: ATVI) and Treyarch today announced the Call of Duty®: World at War Map Pack 1 is now available for download on Xbox 360™ and will be available on PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system March 26th.  Players will fight through the burning streets of Berlin in “Nightfire,” take position in the deadly jungles of “Knee Deep” and carefully traverse the bombed out underground of “Station.” The Call of Duty: World at War Map Pack 1 will also add another heart-pounding chapter to the four-player co-op Nazi Zombie mode with “Verrückt” (Zombie Asylum). 

 

The map pack is available on Xbox LIVE® Marketplace for the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft for 800 Microsoft Points and will be available on the PlayStation®Store for the PLAYSTATION 3 computer entertainment system for $15.95.  The Call of Duty: World at War Map Pack 1 will be made available for Windows® PC at a future date to be announced.

 

Nightfire

Fire-bombed Berlin provides the backdrop for “Nightfire,” an intense battlefield for mid to large-scale team games. Shelled buildings and ruins of the city provide coverage among the war-ravaged streets, and the flames of the burning city expose the enemy running through the night.  Fight for your life knowing that this fiery urban battlefield may soon be your grave.

 

Station

”Station” offers a bombed out underground train station littered with destroyed subway cars, hidden passageways, loading platforms and second story overlooks to use to your advantage against any number of enemies. Ideal for dominating Capture the Flag and other team games, this map provides you with a wide range of combat options from close range choke points to hidden sniper spots.

 

Knee Deep

“Knee Deep” takes place on the island of Peleliu in a once tranquil village turned chaotic Japanese command centre. You and your squad will fight through the jungle, wading knee-deep in streams, in order to retrieve valuable intel and take battle positions in fortified Japanese bunkers all to secure an important communication centre. The harsh jungles of “Knee Deep” are perfect for tactical team games and all-out assaults on multiple enemy positions.

 

Verrückt (Zombie Asylum)

The fan favourite 4-player co-op Nazi Zombies Bonus Mode returns with “Verrückt,” a terrifying Zombie asylum located in the outskirts of Berlin. Players are split into pairs, in the challenge to find each other for survival. Featuring more weapons, and perks via the addition of Perks-a-Cola machines, electroshock defences and the endless Nazi Zombie horde, “Verrückt” will push you to the edge of your sanity.

 

Call of Duty: World at War is rated MA 15+ (Strong violence and coarse language, Gaming experience may change online) by the Classification Board.  For more information and exclusive updates about Call of Duty: World at War, visit www.callofduty.com.

 

 

About Activision Publishing, Inc.

Headquartered in Santa Monica, California, Activision Publishing, Inc. is a leading worldwide developer, publisher and distributor of interactive entertainment and leisure products. 

 

Activision maintains operations in the U.S., Canada, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Sweden, Spain, the Netherlands, Australia, Japan and South Korea.  More information about Activision and its products can be found on the company’s website, www.activision.com.

 

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-looking Statements:  Information in this press release that involves Activision Publishing’s expectations, plans, intentions or strategies regarding the future are forward-looking statements that are not facts and involve a number of risks and uncertainties.  Activision Publishing generally uses words such as “outlook”, “will,” “could,” “would,” “might,” “remains,” “to be,” “plans,” “believes”, “may”, “expects,” “intends,” “anticipates,” “estimate,” future,” “plan,” “positioned,” “potential,” “project,” “remain,” “scheduled,” “set to,” “subject to,” “upcoming” and similar expressions to help identify forward-looking statements.   Factors that could cause Activision Publishing’s actual future results to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements set forth in this release include, but are not limited to, sales of Activision Publishing’s titles, shifts in consumer spending trends, the seasonal and cyclical nature of the interactive game market, Activision Publishing’s ability to predict consumer preferences among competing hardware platforms (including next-generation hardware), declines in software pricing, product returns and price protection, product delays, retail acceptance of Activision Publishing’s products, adoption rate and availability of new hardware and related software, industry competition, rapid changes in technology and industry standards, protection of proprietary rights, litigation against Activision Publishing, maintenance of relationships with key personnel, customers, vendors and third-party developers, domestic and international economic, financial and political conditions and policies, foreign exchange rates, integration of recent acquisitions and the identification of suitable future acquisition opportunities, Activision Publishing’s success in integrating the operations of Activision Publishing and Vivendi Games in a timely manner, or at all, and the combined company’s ability to realize the anticipated benefits and synergies of the transaction to the extent, or in the timeframe, anticipated.  Other such factors include additional risk factors identified in Activision Blizzard’s most recent annual report on Form 10-K and any subsequent quarterly reports on Form 10-Q.  The forward-looking statements in this release are based upon information available to Activision Publishing  and Activision Blizzard as of the date of this release, and neither Activision Publishing nor Activision Blizzard assumes any obligation to update any such forward-looking statements.  Forward-looking statements believed to be true when made may ultimately prove to be incorrect.  These statements are not guarantees of the future performance of Activision Publishing or Activision Blizzard and are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors, some of which are beyond its control and may cause actual results to differ materially from current expectations.

 

***

©2009 Activision Publishing, Inc. Activision and Call of Duty are registered trademarks of Activision Publishing, Inc. All rights reserved. Xbox, Xbox 360, Xbox Live, Windows and Games for Windows are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corporation. All other trademarks and trade names are the properties of their respective owners.

 
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GUITAR HERO® METALLICA® DEMO TAKES CENTRE STAGE ON XBOX LIVE® MARKETPLACE

Sydney, Australia – March 23, 2009 – Gamers itching to get a taste of Guitar Hero® Metallica® in advance of the game’s release need not wait any longer as Activision Publishing Inc. (Nasdaq: ATVI) announced that the demo will be available today for free download on Xbox LIVE® Marketplace for the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft.  In the demo, virtual rock stars across the globe can shred, drum and wail to Metallica’s explosive hits “Sad But True” and “Seek And Destroy,” as well as “No Excuses” from Alice In Chains and “Stone Cold Crazy” from Queen, both hand-picked by Metallica as featured guest acts in the game.   Set in The Forum venue, highlighting the new in-the-round stage designs and custom camera angles, players can begin honing their skills in single-player and band Quickplay, head-to-head, Face-Off, Pro Face-Off and Battle gameplay modes.

 

“Ride the Lightning” with musical icons Metallica and 21 other rockin’ acts in an all new Guitar Hero® experience – Guitar Hero Metallica.  Enter the world of Lars Ulrich, James Hetfield, Kirk Hammett and Robert Trujillo and experience the intensity and skill of one of the greatest bands of all time.  Shred on the guitar controller, rip on the drum kit controller and wail on the mic to a set list featuring over 45 explosive hits from Metallica’s illustrious career and a wide variety of other legendary artists personally selected by the band, such as Bob Seger & The Silver Bullet Band, Alice In Chains, System of A Down, Foo Fighters and Queen.  Fans will be able to rock as Metallica while performing in venues reminiscent of the band’s epic album covers, themes from their music and real world locales.

 

Guitar Hero Metallica is being developed by Neversoft Entertainment for Xbox 360 and the PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system.  The Wii™ home video game system from Nintendo and the PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system versions are being developed by Budcat Creations.  The game is rated M (Infrequent Coarse Language) by the Classification Board.  For more information about Guitar Hero Metallica, please visit guitarhero.com.

 

About Activision Publishing, Inc.

Headquartered in Santa Monica, California, Activision Publishing, Inc. is a leading worldwide developer, publisher and distributor of interactive entertainment and leisure products.

 

Activision maintains operations in the U.S., Canada, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Sweden, Spain, the Netherlands, Australia, Japan and South Korea. More information about Activision and its products can be found on the company’s website, www.activision.com.

 

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-looking Statements: Information in this press release that involves Activision Publishing’s expectations, plans, intentions or strategies regarding the future are forward-looking statements that are not facts and involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Activision Publishing generally uses words such as “outlook,” “will,” “could,” “would,” “might,” “remains,” “to be,” “plans,” “believes,” “may,” “expects,” “intends,” “anticipates,” “estimate,” future,” “plan,” “positioned,” “potential,” “project,” “remain,” “scheduled,” “set to,” “subject to,” “upcoming” and similar expressions to help identify forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause Activision Publishing’s actual future results to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements set forth in this release include, but are not limited to, sales levels of Activision Publishing’s titles, shifts in consumer spending trends, the impact of the current macroeconomic environment, the seasonal and cyclical nature of the interactive game market, Activision Publishing’s ability to predict consumer preferences among competing hardware platforms (including next-generation hardware), declines in software pricing, product returns and price protection, product delays, retail acceptance of Activision Publishing’s products, adoption rate and availability of new hardware and related software, industry competition, rapid changes in technology and industry standards, protection of proprietary rights, litigation against Activision Publishing, maintenance of relationships with key personnel, customers, vendors and third-party developers, domestic and international economic, financial and political conditions and policies, foreign exchange rates, integration of recent acquisitions and the identification of suitable future acquisition opportunities, Activision Blizzard’s success in integrating the operations of Activision Publishing and Vivendi Games in a timely manner, or at all, and the combined company’s ability to realize the anticipated benefits and synergies of the transaction to the extent, or in the timeframe, anticipated, and the other factors identified in Activision Blizzard’s most recent annual report on Form 10-K and any subsequent quarterly reports on Form 10-Q. The forward-looking statements in this release are based upon information available to Activision Publishing and Activision Blizzard as of the date of this release, and neither Activision Publishing nor Activision Blizzard assumes any obligation to update any such forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements believed to be true when made may ultimately prove to be incorrect. These statements are not guarantees of the future performance of Activision Publishing or Activision Blizzard and are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors, some of which are beyond its control and may cause actual results to differ materially from current expectations.

 

###

 

Guitar Hero Metallica © 2009 Activision Publishing, Inc. Guitar Hero, Activision and RedOctane are registered trademarks of Activision Publishing, Inc.  Metallica is a registered trademark of Metallica.

 

“PlayStation”, “PLAYSTATION” and “PS” Family logo are registered trademarks of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. Used with Permission.  Microsoft, Xbox, Xbox 360, Xbox LIVE, and the Xbox logos are trademarks of the Microsoft group of companies.  Wii and the Wii logo are trademarks of Nintendo.

 
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THE CHRONICLES OF RIDDICK: ASSAULT ON DARK ATHENA GOES GOLD

– One Step Closer To Becoming The Galaxy’s Most Notorious Criminal with Development Complete on Anticipated New Game – 

– ‘Assault On Dark Athena’ Brings Riddick into Multiplayer Realm for First Time with Six Intense Online Combat Modes –

 

– Xbox LIVE Demo Available Now, PlayStation 3 Demo Coming Soon –

 

– 23 March 2009 – Atari, one of the world’s most recognized video game publishers, today announced that development is complete on the exciting new installment from the Riddick franchise, The Chronicles of Riddick: Assault on Dark Athena. 

 

Developed by the acclaimed team at Starbreeze Studios in conjunction with Tigon Studios and Universal Pictures, The Chronicles of Riddick: Assault on Dark Athena features a brand new 11 hour chapter in the Riddick saga with six intense online multiplayer game modes including the unique and thrilling Pitch Black mode.  In addition to the full Assault on Dark Athena campaign, the disc includes a stunning HD remastering of celebrated title The Chronicles of Riddick: Escape from Butcher Bay.

 

The game is scheduled for launch on the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system and Windows PC, April 24th worldwide.

 

Comments about The Chronicles of Riddick: Assault on Dark Athena from gaming media include:

 

“One of the best stealth games ever seen.” – The Games Machine, Italy

 

“The flow and the variation of the game is perfect.” – Level magazine, Sweden

 

“If you’re thinking this is just a rehash of an old game you couldn’t be more wrong.” – Official PlayStation Magazine, Australia

 

“The ingenious mix of stealth and uncompromising action is what blows us away.” – GamePro, Germany

 

“Riddick keeps you on the edge of your seat from the beginning  to the end.” – Power Unlimited, Benelux

 

 “Futuristic fighting has never looked this good.” – Official Xbox Magazine, Australia

 

“An amazing adventure.” – Micromania, Spain

 

“Some of the best scripting, character animation and voice acting you will ever see in a videogame.” – Total Film magazine, UK

 

“A wonderful blend of genres.” – Gamereactor, Denmark

 

“I can’t stop playing it! Fun and entertainingly mean.” – PC Action magazine, Germany

 

“A worthy follow up that builds upon the strong foundations of the original in every conceivable way.” – IGN, UK

 

“Is it a remake, new campaign or multiplayer extension? Answer: all three!” – PC Gameplay, Benelux

 

“It looks like this game will be the first big game of 2009.” – Gunk, Benelux

 

“Offers all of the elements that made the first game so great, and the voice acting, set pieces, and new combat elements added even more.” – Gamespot, UK

 

“We’ve never seen a game where the fighting and changing weapons was so natural and so intuitive.” – Games Guide, Benelux

 

“Two great brutal games in one package.” – PSM3 Magazine, UK

 

In The Chronicles of Riddick: Assault on Dark Athena the player takes the role of Riddick, as played by Vin Diesel, using stealth and action to overcome the merciless crew of the predatory Merc-ship Dark Athena which awaits its prey in the dark reaches of space.  Cheating death through a series of spectacular battles and events, Riddick will fight for his life amid a storm of malevolence and horror.  The Chronicles of Riddick series of games takes the player deeper into the universe of Universal Pictures’ films The Chronicles of Riddick and cult classic Pitch Black, which first introduced Vin Diesel as enigmatic anti-hero Riddick.

 

Starbreeze Studios has created an exciting and original multiplayer component in The Chronicles of Riddick: Assault on Dark Athena.  The game features six multiplayer modes, including the original and inventive Pitch Black mode and intense Butcher Bay Riot.  Unlike traditional MP modes, Pitch Black features a nerve-wracking stealth hunt through the darkness.  A six player mode on all maps, five players take the role of Mercenaries trying to hunt down and kill Riddick across levels swathed in darkness, with only weapon-mounted flashlights to see by.  Butcher Bay Riot presents a fast paced three team mode, in which 12 players split into teams of Guards, Prisoners and Mercenaries fight over a power cell.

 

The Xbox 360 playable demo of The Chronicles of Riddick: Assault on Dark Athena is available now for download worldwide, with the PLAYSTATION®3 demo available now in North America and coming soon to Europe.  Featuring the Athena Main Decks level, the demo showcases the evocative art style and breadth of the gameplay contained in the game, including brutal melee combat, nerve-rattling stealth, and high-powered gunplay.  Among other gameplay elements, the demo also lets players try one of the game’s unique features, controlling a Drone, while classic Riddick cut-scenes bring the harsh Riddick universe into sharp focus.

 

Featuring a tense and brutal new adventure, a high-definition re-work of the classic Escape from Butcher Bay campaign and exhilarating multiplayer gameplay, The Chronicles of Riddick: Assault on Dark Athena launches worldwide in April 2009.

 

For more information visit the game’s official website at http://atari.com/riddick/

 

About The Chronicles of Riddick
The Chronicles of Riddick was released in 2004 by Universal Pictures, in association with Radar Pictures and One Race Films, Vin Diesel reprised his star-making Pitch Black role of enigmatic anti-hero Richard B. Riddick in this science fiction action-adventure epic,. The Chronicles of Riddick also starred Colm Feore, Alexa Davalos, Karl Urban, Linus Roache, Thandie Newton and Dame Judi Dench.

In the film’s storyline, Riddick has spent the last five years on the move among the forgotten worlds on the outskirts of the galaxy, eluding mercenaries bent on collecting the price on his head. Now, the fugitive finds himself on planet Helion, home to a progressive multicultural society that has been invaded by the Lord Marshal, a despot who targets humans for subjugation with his army of warriors known as Necromongers.

Exiled to a subterranean prison where extremes of temperature range from arctic nights to volcanic days, Riddick encounters Kyra, the lone survivor from an earlier chapter in his life. His efforts to free himself and Kyra lead him to the Necromonger command ship, where he is pitted against the Lord Marshal in an apocalyptic battle with possibly the fate of all beings-both living and dead-hanging in the balance.

Written and directed by David Twohy, The Chronicles of Riddick was produced by Scott Kroopf and Vin Diesel. Ted Field, George Zakk and David Womark served as executive producers.

About Universal Pictures Digital Platforms Group

Universal Pictures Digital Platforms Group (UPDPG) is responsible for global digital product development, production, licensing, distribution, and growth strategy for the extensive catalogue of Universal’s properties across new and emerging digital platforms, including mobile, video game consoles, personal computers, and other portable devices.  With a worldwide mandate to help shape the digital future of Universal Pictures, the Group has offices in Universal City, California; London, England; and Tokyo, Japan.

Universal Pictures Digital Platforms Group is a unit of Universal Studios Home Entertainment and Universal Pictures. Universal Pictures is a division of NBC Universal, one of the world’s leading media and entertainment companies in the development, production, and marketing of entertainment, news, and information to a global audience.  Formed in May 2004 through the combining of NBC and Vivendi Universal Entertainment, NBC Universal owns and operates a valuable portfolio of news and entertainment networks, a premier motion picture company, significant television production operations, a leading television stations group, and world-renowned theme parks.  NBC Universal is 80% owned by General Electric and 20% owned by Vivendi..

About Tigon Studios
Founded by Vin Diesel in 2002, Tigon Studios is a game and film production company that strives to break new ground in interactive entertainment by combining key film components with unique game play, cutting-edge technology and high production values. Tigon Studios focuses on creating entertainment franchises with strong story and character that work fluidly as both games and films, designing and producing properties simultaneously.

About Starbreeze Studios
Based in Uppsala, Sweden, Starbreeze Studios is an award winning developer of bleeding edge technical, artistic, and gameplay experiences. Founded in 1998, the company today employs more than 90 people from all over the world. Assault on Dark Athena will be the 6th game from Starbreeze, after their much anticipated release of “The Darkness” which hit shelves in June of 2007 for both the PLAYSTATION 3 and the Xbox 360.

 

About Infogrames Entertainment and Atari

The Infogrames group, including the Atari brand and the massively multiplayer online game company Cryptic Studios, is a global producer, publisher and distributor of interactive entertainment software for all market segments and all interactive game platforms including consoles from Microsoft, Nintendo and Sony, advanced smartphones, Personal Computers, web and online. Its games are sold in more than 60 countries through an international distribution network and direct to consumers via www.atari.com.

Atari’s extensive catalogue of popular games is based on original franchises (Test Drive, Alone in the Dark, V-Rally, My Horse & Me, Backyard Sports franchise, Total Annihilation, Outcast etc.), Cryptic Studios titles (StarTrek Online, Champions Online), publishing properties (Ghostbusters, The Chronicles of Riddick, The Witcher, Race Pro etc.), international licenses (Dragon Ball Z, Dungeons & Dragons, Jamie Oliver etc.) and classic games covering the entire history of the video game industry (Pong, Missile Command, Asteroids etc).

 

© 2009 Atari Europe SASU. All rights reserved.

Atari word mark and logo are trademarks owned by Atari Interactive, Inc.

 

Microsoft, Xbox, Xbox 360, Xbox Live, the Xbox logos, and the Xbox Live logo are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the U.S. and/or other countries.

 

“Playstation”, “PLAYSTATION” and “PS” Family logo are registered trademarks of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc.

 

The Chronicles of Riddick TM & © Universal Studios. Licensed by Universal Studios Licensing LLLP. All Rights Reserved.

 

All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

 
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Dust off your old games and consoles and turn them into cash!

SYDNEY – Monday 23 March, 2009 – Got old games that you never play anymore, just gathering dust on your shelves? Is there an old console that you just never use anymore hiding somewhere under the bed? Well, there’s never been an easier way to turn your old games and consoles into cash – or ‘new’ games and consoles – with The SOC Exchange.com.au.

Launched mid last year to the US market, The SOC Exchange’s unique ‘buy and sell’ portal is already kicking some serious butt overseas and taking eBay to task in the ‘value add’ stakes. Now, the recently launched Australian version of the site is gearing up to do the same.
It’s sounds almost too good to be true, but The SOC Exchange.com.au gives sellers their own page with unique URL on which they can sell as much stuff as they want (across as many categories as they choose) for just $1 per month or $10 per year, flat rate.
Unlike other online selling sites, there are NO commissions and NO additional charges. The profit stays in your pocket!

“With a market clearly emerging for recycling old games and consoles and turning them into cash, we know any gamer keen to turn some of their trash into cash just can’t look past our site. The ridiculously low prices sellers pay to get their own piece of the net and create their own mini marketplace on The SOCexchange.com.au is something that simply isn’t available anywhere else,” commented The SOC Exchange Founder, Franco Lagudi.
“Why would you pay excessive, ongoing fees and charges for every sale you make when the profit stays in your pocket when you deal on the SOC market,” he added.
The SOC Exchange is fast becoming an ‘all in one’ portal, which offers sellers the capacity to list literally anything and everything – from video games and consoles, scrapbooking and craft materials, real estate, cars, boats, computers, sporting memorabilia, jewellery, jobs and much, much more.
Sellers get their own fully loaded, customisable website – with a unique URL – and have the capacity to add images and even post a blog – all for the set up fee of $10 per year – with no contract period requirements or commissions.
Buyers can register with the site free of charge and are then able to browse the numerous categories, search by product name, search within a set distance from their location, or go directly to a seller’s site. Buyers can also bookmark those sites they want to return to and can register with their favorite sellers for email updates and information on new products.
“We are giving individuals their own piece of the net for an unequalled cost. There are no hidden costs or restrictions on the number of listings on a page – so, the potential for people to create a market in the online space is unlimited.”

“I say to those gamers who want to finance their next purchase by selling some of the games that are just taking up shelf space in their entertainment units – what are you waiting for?” he concluded.

 
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Monsters Vs. Aliens 3D comes to IMAX Melbourne Museum on April 2

From the studio that brought you last year’s Kung Fu Panda and Madagascar 2 comes a
hilarious and out-of-this-world animated adventure. Monsters vs. Aliens 3D: The IMAX
Experience marks the first 3D collaboration between IMAX Corporation and DreamWorks
Animation and comes to IMAX Melbourne Museum on April 2.

“Monsters vs. Aliens 3D is full of visual effects, to the point where it is an immersive cinematic
experience in and of itself,” said director Conrad Vernon (Shrek 2). “IMAX’s technology adds an
unbelievably exciting element to the film and in 3D it’s truly unlike anything that’s been seen before
in the realm of CG animation,” added director Rob Letterman (Shark Tale).

Monsters vs. Aliens 3D has been digitally re-mastered using proprietary IMAX DMR® technology
to achieve the unparalleled image and sound quality of The IMAX Experience®. With crystal clear
images, laser-aligned digital sound and maximized field of view, IMAX provides the world’s most
immersive movie experience. At IMAX Melbourne Museum, which has the world’s third largest
screen and the largest 3D projection in Australia, the experience will be nothing short of
sensational.

Monsters vs. Aliens 3D: An IMAX Experience will debut concurrently with the worldwide release in
conventional theatres from Paramount Pictures.

When California girl Susan Murphy is unwittingly clobbered by a meteor full of outer space gunk on
her wedding day, she mysteriously grows to 49-feet-11-inches tall. The military jumps into action
and Susan is captured and secreted away to a covert government compound. There, she is
renamed Ginormica and placed in confinement with a ragtag group of Monsters: the brilliant but
insect-headed Dr. Cockroach, Ph.D.; the macho half-ape, half-fish The Missing Link; the gelatinous
and indestructible B.O.B.; and the 350-foot grub called Insectosaurus. Their confinement is cut
short, however, when a mysterious alien robot lands on Earth and begins storming the country. In
a moment of desperation, the President is persuaded to enlist the motley crew of Monsters to
combat the Alien Robot and save the world from imminent destruction.

DreamWorks Animation’s Monsters vs. Aliens 3D features the voices of Reese Witherspoon,
Seth Rogen, Hugh Laurie, Will Arnett, Kiefer Sutherland, Rainn Wilson, Paul Rudd and Stephen
Colbert. Conrad Vernon and Rob Letterman directed the film and conceived the original story. The
screenplay was written by Maya Forbes & Wallace Wolodarsky and Rob Letterman, Jonathan
Aibel & Glenn Berger. The producer is Lisa Stewart. The co-producers are Jill Hopper and Latifa
Ouaou.

 
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ALYSSA MILANO UNVEILED AS LOVE INTEREST IN UPCOMING BLOCKBUSTER TITLE ‘GHOSTBUSTERS: THE VIDEO GAME’

– Alyssa Milano Takes on the Role of Dr. Ilyssa Selwyn, Archeologist and Love Interest, in ‘Ghostbusters: The Video Game’ Coming June 2009 –

– 23 March 2009 – Atari has unveiled Alyssa Milano as the new love interest in the forthcoming blockbuster title Ghostbusters: The Video Game.  Alyssa Milano is best known for her roles in long running successful television series “Who’s the Boss”, “Melrose Place”, “Charmed” and most recently “My Name Is Earl” to name a few.  Milano joins members of the original cast from the beloved Ghostbusters movies to recreate the unique blend of humour and fright that established Ghostbusters as a pop culture sensation. 

Ghostbusters: The Video Game prides itself in staying true to the Ghostbusters universe, so it just wouldn’t feel right if Bill Murray’s character, Dr. Peter Venkman, wasn’t turning on the charm.  In Ghostbusters: The Video Game, he’s chasing one in particular: Dr. Ilyssa Selwyn is a smart and sassy archaeologist who doesn’t take too kindly to Dr. Venkman’s advances. 

In the game, Milano’s character, Ilyssa Selwyn, is an expert in Sumerian and pre-Sumerian cultures and is visiting New York City as guest curator for the highly anticipated ‘World of Gozer’ exhibition opening in 1991 at the Natural History Museum.  In the story line, Gozerian mythology has attracted a wide popular following since the still-unexplained events and attacks that occurred in the city in 1984.  Ilyssa is working late at the museum the night before the opening when a cataclysmic force is unleashed and summons an ancient enemy back to New York City. Strange events continue to erupt around her: what secret does she know? It’s up to the Ghostbusters to help Ilyssa find the key and stop the forces of evil that threaten the balance of the universe. That’s if they can keep Peter Venkman from hitting on her every three minutes.

Ghostbusters: The Video Game, based on the smash hit motion picture franchise, is penned by original Ghostbusters writers and stars Harold Ramis and Dan Aykroyd.  The other original Ghostbusters, Bill Murray and Ernie Hudson, lend their voices and in-game likenesses to the original story set two years after Ghostbusters II, with Manhattan once again overrun by ghosts and supernatural forces.  The player joins up as a new recruit with the original team, testing a variety of unique equipment and gadgets, to track, wrangle and trap this wide range of awe-inspiring phantasms in an all new funny and frightening battle to save New York City from its latest paranormal plague.

Ghostbusters: The Video Game will be available on the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, Games for Windows®, PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system, PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system, Wii™ and Nintendo DS™ on the 19 June 2009 to coincide with the 25th anniversary celebration of the film’s original theatrical release.  For more information on Ghostbusters, please visit www.ghostbustersgame.com, and for Atari’s entire line up, visit www.atari.com.

Ghostbusters and Ghostbusters II combined to gross over $500 million world-wide at the box office. The film spawned some of the most memorable comedic catch-phrases and scenes in motion picture history. To further celebrate the film’s 25th anniversary milestone this year, Sony Pictures Consumer Products has licensed the property for several new commemorative products including: toys, t-shirts, comic books, prop replicas, and a theme park attraction.  In addition, the original Ghostbusters car (Ecto-1) has been fully restored with plans for special promotional appearances throughout the US and additional replicas touring across Europe.  The Blu-ray Disc release of Ghostbusters will see unsurpassed picture and audio quality and advanced new bonus features including Slimer Mode, a picture-in-picture graphical viewing experience, a featurette on the refurbishing of Ecto-1, and more.

For more information on Atari’s entire product line up visit www.atari.com.au and log on to the Atari Trade Site for all box shots, demos, trailers and online screenshots.

 
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NEW WOLFENSTEIN WEBSITE

The new Wolfenstein website has now launched. Gain access to exclusive game content, features and the latest Wolfenstein game news at www.wolfenstein.com  

Very soon you will also be able to view new Wolfenstein webisodes so stay tuned…

 
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EA Mobile’s Need For Speed™ makes its debut on N-Gage

The undisputed king of street racing comes crashing onto the N-Gage for the first time, slamming gamers into the driving seat for a turbo-charged shot of auto adrenaline. 

Occupying its own unique slice of the compelling series storyline, Need For Speed™: Undercover challenges N-Gage players to infiltrate the secretive street scene, before earning the right to battle the best for the ultimate racing reward – respect.

 

The latest offering in EA’s award-winning franchise locks drivers in a frenetic duel with the law as they rip through the city in eight iconic rides, including the Porsche 911 Turbo and the Nissan GT-R. The streets become a racer’s playground as players blaze a trail through four distinct urban environments in classic Circuit, Sprint, Speed Camera, Highway Battle and Bounty events.

 

Need for Speed is now available at www.n-gage.com.au

 
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Guitar Hero Metallica Behind-the-Scenes-Vignettes

Watch these great behind-the-scenes vignettes, featuring metal legends Lars Ulrich, James Hetfield, Kirk Hammett and Robert Trujillo talking about full body leotards, extreme facial expressions and how Guitar Hero Metallica is as close as a fan can get to actually playing live with Metallica. 

Check out the three clips below: 

Into the Game (154MB) 

The Game (123MB) 

The Music (119MB)

 
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Logitech Gives Gamers Complete Control with New G-Series Peripherals for PC Gaming

SYDNEY — March 24, 2009 — The G-series line of gaming peripherals from Logitech gives gamers what they want: complete control. Today, Logitech announced that it has begun shipping its award-winning G-series line into Australian retail. Delivering precision, high performance and customisation. The Logitech® G13 Advanced Gameboard, Logitech® G19 keyboard for gaming, the Logitech® G35 surround sound headset and the Logitech® G9x laser mouse offer everything gamers need for a competitive edge – from programmable buttons to 7.1-channel surround sound and 5000 dpi laser sensors to backlit keys.

“The G-series product line is all about seeing how far we can push the envelope, giving gamers extraordinary, engineered-to-win features developed as a result of our deep connection with the gaming community,” said Ruben Mookerjee, Logitech’s director of product marketing for gaming. “With each one of these new G-series products, gamers gain exceptional benefits; but most importantly, they can transform their gear to suit their gameplay.”

The Logitech G13 Advanced Gameboard wins Best of Innovations in Electronic Gaming

The Logitech® G13 advanced gameboard, which was recently awarded the CES 2009 Design and Engineering Award: Best of Innovations in Electronic Gaming, offers a contoured design that complements the natural shape of your hand and fingers. So you don’t have to take your eyes off the screen, the concave keys along the home row make it easy to locate buttons by touch. And for a tactical advantage, the G13 gameboard includes 87 buttons, so you can set up custom button-profiles for each one of your favourite games, and a 160-by-43-pixel GamePanel™ LCD that shows live game stats, system info and messages from other players.

The Logitech G19 Keyboard for Gaming

Giving you an arsenal of advanced gaming technology, the Logitech G19 keyboard for gaming is the first Logitech keyboard to feature a colour GamePanel LCD. The tiltable, 320-by-240-pixel display provides valuable in-game information for over sixty games, including World of Warcraft® (requires installation of included Logitech GamePanel software). In addition to in-game information, the screen can show VoIP communication data, clock, CPU load, or other non-gaming specific items such as pictures or videos. And you can easily switch among types of information – without ever leaving your game.

Logitech’s newest keyboard for gaming offers 12 fully programmable G-keys with three macros per key, giving you 36 time-saving commands per game. Performing multiple actions simultaneously is also made easier with the keyboard’s multi-key input-functionality, which allows you to engage up to five keys at the same time.

A popular feature with previous Logitech keyboards for gaming, the Game Mode switch can disable the Windows® key so you don’t get accidentally locked out of your game. And so you can connect and power devices – such as your G9x mouse or G35 headset – the G19 keyboard features two high-speed USB 2.0 ports.

The G19 keyboard for gaming is compatible with both Windows-based and Mac® computers.

The Logitech G35 Surround Sound Headset: Honoree in Electronic Gaming

The Logitech® G35 Surround Sound Headset was recently awarded the CES 2009 Design and Engineering Award: Honouree in Electronic Gaming. For game-changing immersion, the Logitech G35 headset is the first Logitech headset to offer 7.1 surround sound – a perfect complement to the growing number of action games and high-definition movies that support 7.1-channel surround sound. Powered by second-generation Dolby® Headphone technology, the G35 headset simulates the complex acoustics of a listening room, creating a detailed, outside-the-head sound field. Plus, with its proprietary ear-enclosing design, the G35 headset greatly reduces ambient noise from interfering with your entertainment, while an adjustable, noise-cancelling microphone focuses on your voice and reduces background noise.

If you want to sound like your World of Warcraft character or disguise your voice when gaming, you can install the included software to enjoy six voice-morphing options, including cyborg, giant, mutant, space squirrel, troll and alien. If you use popular chat clients such as Ventrilo or Team Speak, the G35 headset includes three G-keys on the left earpiece for one-touch command over voice morphing. Additional on-ear audio controls provide quick access to volume, microphone mute and surround sound adjustments.

To ensure your headset remains comfortable during long gaming sessions, the G35 headset features three swappable headbands – thin, thick and contoured designs – so you can select the style that fits you best.

To enhance sound files recorded in more traditional formats, including MP3 files, the G35 headset uses Dolby® Pro Logic II in conjunction with Dolby Headphone technology to create an expanded stereo sound.

The Logitech G9x Laser Mouse

Providing precision at any hand speed (up to 150 inches per second on most popular gaming-mousepad surfaces), the Logitech G9x laser mouse extends the promise of the award-winning Logitech® G9 Laser Mouse with its next-generation laser sensor. Featuring on-the-fly adjustable dpi from 200 to 5000 dpi, the G9x mouse makes it easy to go from pixel-precise targeting to lightning-fast manoeuvres without pausing the action.

The G9x mouse includes two interchangeable, snap-on grips that let you choose a fit and feel that’s best for your playing style. With more ways to tune for the way you play, the G9x mouse also features onboard memory – program up to five ready-to-play profiles. The weight-tuning system gives you up to 28 grams of extra weight. And custom-colour LEDs let you match your G9x mouse to your personal preference – or the colours you choose for your G19 keyboard or G13 gameboard.

Pricing and Availability
The Logitech G13 advanced gameboard is available now in Australia for a suggested retail price of $159.95 inc GST. The Logitech G19 keyboard for gaming is expected to be available at the end of April for a suggested retail price of $399.95 inc GST. The Logitech G35 surround sound headset is expected to be available in April for a suggested retail price of $199.95 inc GST. The Logitech G9x laser mouse is expected to be available in April for a suggested retail price of $199.95 inc GST. 

About Logitech

Logitech is a world leader in personal peripherals, driving innovation in PC navigation, Internet communications, digital music, home-entertainment control, gaming and wireless devices. Founded in 1981, Logitech International is a Swiss public company listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange (LOGN) and on the Nasdaq Global Select Market (LOGI).