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SQUIDS Odyssey confirmed for a fall release on Nintendo 3DS & Nintendo Wii U

The Game Bakers’ popular deep-sea Action-RPG comes to Nintendo platforms.
Upgraded all around; contains a ton of fresh exclusive content.

MONTPELLIER, FRANCE – August 7, 2013 – Hot on the heels of their popular and innovative mobile brawler Combo Crew, The Game Bakers’ have today revealed that they are busy at work bringing their deep-sea Action-RPG series SQUIDS onto Nintendo platforms. SQUIDS Odyssey is poised for a simultaneous digital release on the Nintendo 3DS & Nintendo Wii U eShop during the fall of 2013.

Infectious black ooze threatens the Squids’ lush underwater world, turning ordinary crustaceans into dangerous mutants. The Ocean is endangered; it’s up to you and your squad of squids to save their peaceful homeland from assured destruction!

SQUIDS Odyssey takes the first two episodes in the oceanic saga and blends them together into a new edition, filled with novel ideas, extra mechanics specifically designed for the Nintendo hardware and a couple of surprises too. Controls are also completely revamped so to fully take advantage to the best unique specificities that the Wii U gamepad and the Nintendo 3DS handheld have to offer.

Features of SQUIDS Odyssey include:

  • Tactic RPG mechanics      meshed with precise slingshot action gameplay. Grab Squids by the tentacles then fling      them across the battlefield.
  • Recruit a unique team of Squids in four      different classes: shooters, scouts, troopers and healers. A new Squid      hero will star for the first time!
  • Epic exploration, solid story-line,      characters you’ll care for.
  • Plenty of new missions, new levels, new      tricks!
  • New range of unique ability-boosting      helmets.
  • Full-on utilization of Wii U GamePad      potential for gameplay and environment features.
  • Clever dual-screen design on the Nintendo      3DS – This edition also sports 3D effects and several layers of depth.

A short video segment of SQUIDS Odyssey running on Nintendo Wii U appears in the Nintendo Direct 8.07.2013 Presentation released earlier today:

http://www.nintendo.co.uk/Misc-/Nintendo-Direct/Latest-Nintendo-Direct/Nintendo-Direct-698557.html (24’44”)

“Nintendo hardware always had a prominent place on our living room shelves as we were growing up,” says Emeric Thoa, creative director at The Game Bakers. “We’re excited to contribute our Squids to their modern gear. The kid in me can tick that point off his bucket list.”

 
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captain bubblenaut – announced today!

 
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Don Bradman Cricket 14 Announced for Playstation3, XBox360 and PC

SYDNEY, Australia –August 2, 2013 – Home Entertainment Suppliers Pty Ltd (HES) and Big Ant  Studios today announced that “Don Bradman Cricket 14” for Sony PlayStation®3, Microsoft Xbox  360® and PC shall be released later this year.  HES and Big Ant Studios are working under license with the Bradman Foundation located in Bowral.  “It is indeed an honour to be able to bring the greatest player to a technology savvy generation of  fans in what promises to be the greatest cricket game of all time.” said Sebastian Giompaolo,  Managing Director for HES, “Big Ant Studios have been working hard on this title for four years and  we at HES are really excited with what they have been able to achieve. It is far superior to any cricket  game in the market.”

Don Bradman Cricket 14 includes:
• Career Mode, allowing you to take control of an aspiring young cricketer and take him  through the ranks to International glory.
• Unique Batting and Bowling Controls, giving full 360 Shot control and Line and Length  delivery without pitch markers.
• A fully featured fielding system that allows you to run down the ball and slide to prevent a  Four, catch a high ball on the boundary rope, or knock down the stumps to take a vital run  out. You are always involved in the play at every stage of the game!
• Ball Physics giving realistic Edges, bat pad catches and movement off the pitch.
• A complete player physics system with individual attributes including weight and height –  imagine running in a 2 metre bowler to delivery that perfect bouncer!
• Appeal and Electronic Review system allowing for the first time challenges of the umpires  decision.
• Practice Nets, Hone your skills to perfection before taking to the field.
• Dynamic time of day, Weather System and Pitch Degradation that are based on real world  data with effects occurring in real-time throughout a days’ play.
• The Cricket Academy, allowing for unparalleled customisation of your Cricket experience,  creating Teams, players, Tours, Competitions, Match Types and even Umpires.
• More than 4000 Community created Players and teams ready to download and use in game.
• An online Save system that lets you continue your match whenever you want with online opponents.

About HES
Home Entertainment Suppliers Pty Ltd (HES) are a Sydney-based firm specialising in the distribution of video  game consoles, games and accessories throughout the Australian market. Established in 1984, HES are the  exclusive distributors of Mad Catz and Tru Blu games in Australia, including 2003’s record breaking NRL Rugby  League for PS2, XBOX and PC. HES also has a video game publishing arm, Tru Blu Entertainment.

About Big Ant Studios
Big Ant Studios, developer of Rugby League Live 2 for PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360, specialise in the  development of premium sports, character and racing content for all major console platforms including Xbox  One and PlayStation4. Big Ant Studios has a proud development record which includes the highly successful  and critically acclaimed “AFL Live Game of the Year Edition” for PlayStation 3, Xbox 360 and PC. For more  information about Big Ant Studios, please visit www.bigant.com

 
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Dragon’s Crown is Now Available in Stores and On PlayStation Network

Irvine, Calif. – Aug. 6, 2013 – The adventure begins today with the release of Dragon’s Crown, the long-awaited PlayStation®3 and PlayStation®Vita title from ATLUS and Vanillaware. Dragon’s Crown is a 2-D side-scrolling multiplayer beat ’em up wrapped in the gorgeous storybook aesthetic Vanillaware is renowned for. The game sells for $49.99 for the PS3 and $39.99 for the PS Vita; the game is available beginning today in stores and on PlayStation®Network as a digital download.

A Dragon’s Crown theme is also available for the PS3 for $1.99 beginning today; PSN avatars of the 6 playable characters and the dragon will be available later this month for 49 cents apiece.

While supplies last, purchases of Dragon’s Crown will include the Dragon’s Crown Artworks from participating stores. This 64-page collector’s item features full-color production art from Vanillaware as well as guest art from notable artists BENGUS, Gouda Cheese and Kinu Nishimura.

Additional Dragon’s Crown downloadable content (DLC) will be free for the first month. The DLC comes in the form of a voice pack that replaces the narrator’s voice with any of the six playable character classes. The voice pack is a $1.99 value and will revert back to that price a month after the launch of Dragon’s Crown.

Dragon’s Crown also features an immersive skills system to customize individual play styles, a rich quest system that unlocks pieces of in-game art, and an expansive loot system that increases rewards with difficulty. The game is cross-save compatible and can be played with any combination of local/ad hoc, online and AI players. Dragon’s Crown is no quick adventure, with well over 100 hours of gameplay to fully clear the game.

Dragon’s Crown is rated T for Teen, and available for $49.99 for the PS3 and $39.99 for the PS Vita. There are no cross-buy or rebate voucher options. The official website for Dragon’s Crown received its final update and now contains all the  http://www.atlus.com/dragonscrown.

Pre-orders and first-run printings will include the 64-page full color

Dragon’s Crown Artworks book, pictured below.

 
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SUS Launches N Series Notebooks with Quad-Speaker Array

Completely new design, 4th generation Intel Core processors and immersive SonicMaster Premium audio culminate in powerful and stylish multimedia notebooks

Sydney, 7th August 2013 — ASUS today announced the Australian availability of new N Series multimedia notebooks with fine-treated metallic surfaces throughout, including the underside. The elegant design, which uses light and durable aluminum, also retains the ripple-like speaker mesh seen on previous N Series models. The notebooks are the first-ever to feature a quad-speaker array and use ASUS SonicMaster Premium to deliver rich surround audio.

N Series notebooks now ship with 4th generation Intel® Core™ processors and feature NVIDIA® GeForce® graphics for outstanding visual performance. Non-reflective screens are available throughout the range, while IPS displays and capacitive multi-touch are optionally available for vibrant images with wide viewing angles and responsive fingertip control with Windows 8.

SonicMaster Premium audio with quad-speaker array

The latest N Series generation advances multimedia notebook sound performance with upgraded SonicMaster Premium, co-developed by Bang & Olufsen ICEpower®. The N550 and N750 models are the first-ever notebooks with four speakers, and are capable of cinematic-quality surround sound to enhance immersion in movies, games and entertainment.

The included external SonicMaster subwoofer augments bass output and adds powerful deep notes music lovers are sure to appreciate. The strong bass also makes movies and games more realistic and impressive. For flexible user-controlled and automatic sound tuning, ASUS includes professional MaxxAudio sound-processing tools and the exclusive ASUS AudioWizard utility. Customers can easily change sound settings or choose one of several presets based on preference and usage.

High-powered multimedia

4th generation Intel® Core® processors provide fast and smooth performance in all applications, including when handling heavy multitasking loads. For graphics, the N Series notebooks include discrete NVIDIA® GeForce® gaming-grade GPUs that support the latest DirectX® 11 gaming in high detail.

Exclusive ASUS Super Hybrid Engine II power-management technology helps extend battery life and ensures two-second instant on resume from sleep mode. Customers can also depend on two-week standby, with automatic backup to prevent data loss.

N Series notebooks feature powerful dual rear-venting exhausts to expel heat and push noise away from users. Lower temperatures translate into stable operation, while customers enjoy cooler and quieter environments.

Entertainment-enabling displays

For vibrant and detailed visuals, the N550 uses a 15.6-inch IPS display with 178-degree viewing angles. It offers Full HD 1080p, so photos, movies and games always look their best. The N750 has a 17.3-inch Enhanced Wide Viewing (EWV) Full HD 1080p screen with 150-degree wide viewing angles.

ASUS offers optional touchscreens on N550 Series notebooks, giving customers the choice of making the most of Windows 8 touch-based input.

AVAILABILITY & PRICING

The ASUS N Series multimedia notebooks are available from ASUS authorised channel resellers and national retailers. Pricing for the N550 begins at $1599, and $2299 for the N750. The ASUS N Series notebooks are distributed in Australia by Altech, Dicker Data and Synnex.

SPECIFICATIONS1

Processor 4th generation Intel Core i5 or i7   processor
Operating system Windows 8 / Windows 8 Pro
Display N550JV   (R552JV): 15.6-inch IPS Full HD (1920 x 1080)
N750JV(R550JV): 17.3-inch HD+ (1600 x 900) / Full HD (1920 x 1080)
Graphics JV: NVIDIA® GeForce® GT 750M 4GB   DDR3 VRAM
Camera HD 720p web camera
Memory 1600MHz DDR3 (up to 16GB)
Storage 2.5-inch SATA III HDD (1TB   – 5400rpm) /
Dual HDD support (750GB X 2    – 5400rpm) (N750 only)
Wireless 802.11n, Bluetooth 4.0
Connectivity Gigabit Ethernet, Mini   DisplayPort, HDMI 1.4, multi-format memory card reader, 3.5mm headphone/mic   combo socket, 3.5mm external subwoofer socket
N550: 3x USB 3.0 ports
N750: 4x USB 3.0 ports
Battery N550: Li-polymer 59WHr (4000mAh)
N750: Li-polymer 69WHr (6260mAh)
Size N550: 383 x 255 x 27mm
N750: 415 x 275 x 29.9mm
Weight N550: 2.5kg
N750: 3.3kg

1Configurations subject to change

 
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MORTAL KOMBAT KOMPLETE EDITION

Sydney, Australia. – 7 August 2013 – Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment today confirmed Mortal Kombat Komplete Edition is available for PC at select retailers. Originally developed by NetherRealm Studios, led by Mortal Kombat co-creator and creative director Ed Boon, Mortal Kombat Komplete Edition is adapted for PC by High Voltage Software.

Featuring all of the previously released downloadable content (DLC), Mortal Kombat Komplete Edition for PC includes fearless warriors Skarlet, Kenshi, Rain and the nightmarish Freddy Krueger, as well as the 15 Klassic Mortal Kombat Skins and three Klassic Fatalities (Scorpion, Sub-Zero and Reptile).  

Mortal Kombat Komplete Edition for PC delivers action-packed single player gameplay through the full feature length story mode and the Tag Team and Challenge Tower modes. Multiplayer modes, including traditional 1 vs. 1 matches and King of the Hill mode, allow players to choose from an extensive lineup of iconic warriors from the Mortal Kombat legacy and challenge their friends to intense competitive showdowns. The Mortal Kombat Tournament Edition Fight Stick and gamepad functionality are supported on Mortal Kombat Komplete Edition for PC. Players will also be able to access achievements and leaderboard stats online on www.mortalkombat.com.

For more information about Mortal Kombat Komplete Edition, please visit www.mortalkombat.com, on Facebook at www.facebook.com/mortalkombat or on Twitter @MK_Mortalkombat

To watch the launch trailer click here!

 
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The worlds’ most advanced screen impact protection arrives in Australia with launch of Tech21’s Impact Shield

The worlds’ most advanced screen impact protection arrives in Australia with launch of Tech21’s Impact Shield

AUSTRALIA – August 6th 2013: Tech21 Impactology, the leading provider of ingenious impact protection cases and screen shields, today announced the Australian launch of Impact Shield, the world’s most advanced screen impact protection for devices. Impact Shield is immediately available for the iPhone 5 and Samsung Galaxy S4 at Vodafone stores Australia wide.

Impact Shield’s multi layer structure with BulletShield™ interlayer features the world’s leading chemical company BASF’s protection polymer which is used in military grade bullet proof glass, airplane cockpits and a key ingredient for impact absorption. Impact Shield reduces the risk of damage to a device screen by spreading the impact, absorbing and slowing the force.

The Impact Shield offers consumers the best available impact protection without inhibiting a device’s performance. While many other screen protection solutions exist, none have all the benefits that Impact Shield offers in one package. Some feature optical clarity but no impact protection, some have impact protection but take professional assistance to apply, while others offer impact protection but with a thick film or matte finish.

“Tech21 wanted to apply its innovative Impactology technology to screen protection, and spent two years studying the wear and tear of devices and looking for the best available materials and ingredients specifically focusing on optical perfection to create Impact Shield,” said Jason Roberts, CEO of Tech21. “Impact Shield achieves a combination of benefits that no other screen protector has achieved – unparalleled impact protection against scratches, drops and shattering, with perfect optical clarity – making it ideal for anyone wanting to protect their device.”

Tech21’s Impact Shield is available at Vodafone stores Australia wide for the iPhone 5 and Samsung Galaxy 4 with a RRP of $29.95.

Key benefits of Impact Shield include:

  • Advanced impact protection: An ingenious multi-layer      system which includes a hard top layer to disperse impacts; a middle layer      with BulletShield™ featuring a BASF protection interlayer, also used in      bulletproof glass; and a final soft layer which also absorbs impact.      Overall, this reduces the force passed through to the glass screen by up      to 80 percent, lessening the threat of screen breakage.
  • Easy and fast application: Attaching the Impact Shield      using OneTouch™ adhesive is simple and uses no glue, resulting in a      bubble-free application within seconds with no cure time.
  • Self-healing anti scratch: The anti-scratch technology is      perfect to protect against accidents or damages in everyday life, with      self-heal instantly closing up around day to day scratches, retaining      optimum optical clarity
  • Perfect optical clarity: With non-yellowing UV      protection provided by the BASF protection polymer, you won’t know it’s      there!

View a video about Impact Shield here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DTyqLHnU6yk
Over the last twelve months, Tech21 has been first-to-market manufacturing Impactology™ approved cases for key handset launches including the Samsung Galaxy S3, Samsung Galaxy S4 and the iPhone 5. It also manufactures cases for the iPhone 4, iPhone 4S; Samsung Galaxy Note II and iPad Mini, plus other smartphones, tablets and laptops

To find out what makes Impactology™ different, watch the latest video here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GNz8IYCzZho&list=TLUaebn7YDd4U

 
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New Huge Total War: ROME II panoramic screen showcases Barbarian lands

Weighing in at a tasty 30000 x 6116 pixels, our new panoramic screenshot (you can view previous ROME II panoramas here) focusses on the Barbarian-held lands near The Alps in ROME II’s campaign map. As you can see, the architecture of Barbarian settlements differs significantly from those in Greco-Roman or Eastern cultures.

http://wiki.totalwar.com/w/Alps_Panoramic

Front and centre stands a Warmaiden of the Celtic tribe of the Helvetii. A Champion agent type, she’s capable of a whole raft of activities, including hampering an enemy army’s ability to fight, reducing its morale, and even inciting slave uprisings in opposing cities.

Featuring 183 map regions and 117 factions, the full campaign map is truly epic in scope, stretching from Scotland to the Horn of Africa, and from Portugal to Afghanistan.

Rome II launches worldwide on September 3rd 2013. For more information, visit www.totalwar.com

 
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Arma 3 campaign to be deployed across 3 free DLC episodes

Sydney, Australia – August 7, 2013 – Bohemia Interactive is planning to release Arma 3’s campaign in 3 free episodes after the game’s initial launch. Supplied as free DLC, the first episode, Survive, will be made available within one month, while the following episodes, Adapt and Win, are slated for release in the months thereafter. This means that, with the free campaign arriving later, the game will premiere with the large island terrains of Altis (270 km²) and Stratis (20 km²), 12 single-player showcase missions, 3 faction showcases, 9 multiplayer scenarios, a set of 10 firing drill challenges, over 20 vehicles, more than 40 weapons, 5 factions, the powerful scenario editor and modding support.

Following an eventful past year, and a splendid reception of the Arma 3 Alpha and Beta, the studio honestly admits to the difficulties it experienced with its parallel development. While the team was developing the full game, at the same time it was supporting the Alpha and Beta. However, since the game has made tremendous progress as a result, Bohemia Interactive felt confident to maintain its quality-over-quantity mind-set and take some additional time to perfect the campaign. By releasing the expansive platform and adding the free campaign in 3 separate DLC episodes shortly thereafter, players (as well as mod-makers) will be able to get their hands on the full game as soon as possible, and take on the complete military package in Arma 3’s massive sandbox.

Joris-Jan van ‘t Land, Project Lead on Arma 3, elaborates:

“This was not a decision we made lightly. As game creators, we love developing and playing through campaigns so, to those awaiting ours, we say: sorry for the delay. After talking a lot about a focus on quality over the last year, it simply did not feel right to compromise now. Rather than pushing back the entire game, we launch this year with an awesome package – a splendid kick off for the Arma 3 experience.”

To further explain the motivations behind the decision, Bohemia Interactive has published a new post in their developer’s blog (available here).

Arma 3 is scheduled for release in the third quarter of this year. The specific release date will be announced soon. 

To participate in the Arma 3 Beta, people can purchase the regular Arma 3 Beta or the Arma 3 Digital Deluxe Edition from Steam or Store.bistudio.com. Both editions include the full retail game and prices will increase upon launch.

 
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JOIN US FOR A NEW NINTENDO DIRECT AT MIDNIGHT TONIGHT

7th August 2013 – Nintendo today announced a new edition of Nintendo Direct. The broadcast, hosted by Nintendo President Satoru Iwata and Nintendo of Europe President Satoru Shibata, will mainly provide updates on software coming to Wii U and Nintendo 3DS in the remainder of 2013.

The new Nintendo Direct will be streamed from the Nintendo Direct website in Australia and New Zealand tonight at midnight (AEST), between Wednesday 7th August 2013 and Thursday 8th August 2013.

Additional links:

Nintendo Direct website http://www.nintendo.com.au/nintendodirect

Nintendo AU on YouTube http://www.youtube.com/nintendoau