SYDNEY July 19, 2012 – Today IO Interactive A/S, a Square Enix studio can confirm the Hitman: Absolution Deluxe Professional Edition will be available for Australia & New Zealand.

The strictly limited Deluxe Professional Edition will include a 25 CM Agent 47 vinyl statue and the Professional Edition of the game containing; a hard-cover Hitman: Absolution art book, an in-depth making of DVD and the Agency Gun-Pack DL C.

Pre-Order customers will also receive immediate access to the Sniper Challenge experience. An exclusive standalone gameplay experience, only available with Hitman: Absolution preorders. Featuring online leader boards plus the ability to carry over skill and weapon unlocks into Absolution.

The Deluxe Professional Edition will feature stunning presentation packaging and is available for the  Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system and Windows PC on November 20th 2012.

Jon Brooke, Brand Director IO Interactive commented: “Our community and fans mean the world to us and we’ve worked hard to create a collector’s edition which we think they’ll love.”

HITMAN: ABSOLUTION follows The Original Assassin undertaking his most personal contract to date. Betrayed by the Agency and hunted by the police, Agent 47 finds himself pursuing redemption in a corrupt and twisted world.

https://www.ebgames.com.au/search?title=Hitman%3a+Absolution+Deluxe+Professional+Edition

http://www.jbhifionline.com.au/game/xbox-360/hitman-absolution-deluxe-professional-edition/669798

http://www.ebgames.co.nz/search?title=Hitman%3a+Absolution+Deluxe+Professional+Edition+PREORDER+ONLY

http://www.mightyape.co.nz/search/?i=All&prev=&s=hitman+deluxe&SearchButton=Search

ASUS offers consumers double movie passes to The Dark Knight Rises™, with purchase of Eee Pad Transformer Prime TF201 plus the chance to win an ultimate The Dark Knight Rises™ prize valued at up to $1000

Sydney, Australia (July 19, 2012) — To celebrate the release of The Dark Knight Rises™ today, ASUS, in conjunction with Warner Bros. Pictures and Legendary Pictures, is giving Dark Knight™ Trilogy fans a chance to win one of three ultimate The Dark Knight Rises™ merchandise prize packs, valued at up to $1000 each – plus The Dark Knight Rises™ movie passes with every consumer purchase of the ASUS Eee Pad Transformer Prime TF201 (RRP from $799).

The promotion, which started on the 18th of July 2012, will run for duration of three weeks. Customers can redeem The Dark Knight Rises™ movie passes online via the ASUS website.

The epic conclusion in Christopher Nolan’s Dark Knight™ trilogy, The Dark Knight Rises ™ sees Batman (Christian Bale) face off against Bane (Tom Hardy) and the enigmatic Catwoman (Anne Hathaway). The Dark Knight Rises™ is in cinemas nationally from today.

The powerful Eee Pad Transformer Prime is the world’s first Quad-core tablet, browsing the web and playing HD video at blazing speeds. A true mobile entertainment powerhouse, the Transformer Prime delivers all the mobility of a tablet with the added versatility keyboard dock.

Full terms and conditions of the promotion will be listed on the ASUS website – visit http://www.event.asus.com/au/batman for more details.

The ASUS Transformer Prime TF201 is available from Australian authorised ASUS resellers for $799 32GB/ $899 64GB. More product information is available on the ASUS website – http://eee.asus.com/en/eeepad.

National ASUS authorised retailers include Bing Lee, Betta Electrical, Costco, Dick Smith, Harvey Norman, JB HiFi, Leading Edge Computer, Officeworks, The Good Guys, Radio Rentals (SA), Retravision, and independent specialist resellers.

SYDNEY, Australia, July 19, 2012 – Intel today announced the appointment of Stephanie Ryan to the position of Public Relations Manager, Australia and New Zealand. In her new role, Stephanie will be responsible for communications across ANZ and will focus on driving awareness of Ultrabook™ devices and the 3rd generation Intel® Core™ processor family.

Stephanie replaces Anna Torres who has recently been promoted to ANZ Marketing Manager. “Stephanie brings to the role solid PR and communications experience, and a strong understanding of the technology industry,” said Torres.

“She is already familiar with Intel’s brand and communications strategy, having previously worked on the Intel PR team at Spectrum Communications. Stephanie’s existing understanding of Intel combined with her knowledge of the IT industry make her well suited to this role,” said Torres.

Stephanie is excited to take on the role during a time when innovation is paramount in the technology industry. “I’m thrilled to be moving into this role at a time when personal computing is undergoing such a significant transformation. This year has seen a number of advancements from Intel including the launch of 3rd Generation Intel Core processors and the continued evolution of the Ultrabook. I’m looking forward to sharing the company’s future direction,” said Stephanie.

Stephanie joins Intel from Medtronic, a medical technology company that specialises in therapies for people with chronic disease. At Medtronic Stephanie was responsible for media relations and internal communications.

Prior to her position at Medtronic, Stephanie spent a year in Bangladesh working for the Centre of Injury Prevention and Research (CIPRB), a UNICEF-funded NGO, as Media and Communications Officer. CIPRB is focused on preventing childhood injury, including drowning which claims the lives of 18,000 children in Bangladesh every year.

Stephanie’s appointment is effective immediately.

About Intel
Intel (NASDAQ: INTC) is a world leader in computing innovation. The company designs and builds the essential technologies that serve as the foundation for the world’s computing devices. Additional information about Intel is available at newsroom.intel.com and blogs.intel.com.

Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater HD is now available on Xbox Live Arcade! Rebuilt to an HD polish by Robomodo using Neversoft’s original level models, THPS HD takes the best elements of the classic THPS games and gives them a fresh update to create an all new skateboarding experience. There is a staggering amount of content here for 1200 MS points ($14.99), including seven levels, eight pros, four online multiplayer modes, and the ability to share scores on Facebook. Players pursue the same global and level-specific goals as the original games, including S-K-A-T-E and many more. The soundtrack is a 50/50 combination of classic THPS tracks (including “Superman”) and new songs. DLC is coming in a few weeks which will include levels from THPS3, new pros, and more.

The game is schedule to come to PSN and PC via Steam later this Winter. Exact release dates for these platforms will be announced soon.

BRAINS…GRAINS…AND FAIRIES IN THE SIMS 2 SUPERNATURAL

In today’s update, we reveal three new screenshots and take a closer look into the unexpected duo of the fluttering fairy and shuffling zombie in The Sims 3 Supernatural.

Fairies and fickle and magical supernaturals with an innate connection to the natural world. From the start of the game, fairies will naturally appear as human-like creatures with fluttering wings. Though special interactions they will be able to transform into their true form which resembles a glowing insect that is miniscule in size. Fairies can created in Create A Sim and have a slew of new customization options available that range from choosing the shape and colour of their wings to adjusting the pointiness of their ears. Fairies often bestow gifts to others and carry special auras that increase their skills as well as the skills of those around them.

In contrast to lithe and sprightly fairies, The Sims 3 Supernatural introduces moaning and roaming zombies to the game. These lumbering creatures have just two things on their mind: brains and grains! As they shuffle through the neighborhood, zombies attempt to nibble on Sims and pick at their well-manicured planter boxes. Not even other supernatural Sims are immune to zombification! A bite from one of these brain-hungry creatures can leave your Sims with temporary or long-last effects.

Although zombies cannot be created in Create A Sim, zombification can occur in a variety of different ways, so Sims should be on the lookout for a zombie attack at all times. We don’t want to reveal all those ways just yet, so here’s a quick preview of things to look out for:
1. A Sim can use the alchemy table to brew a zombifiction elixir and throw it at another Sim
2. Or, a Sim can be bitten by a meandering zombie

If your Sim is hit with zombification, don’t fret – there is a cure. Find all the correct ingredients to brew an elixir and change them back.

Arm your Sim’s lot with some Plants vs. Zombies Peashooters to prevent zombies on the attack. This new Peashooter object comes included in the Limited Edition version, available to those who Pre Order the game. In addition to the Plants vs. Zombies Peashooter, the Limited Edition of The Sims 3 Supernatural includes creepy-chic, iconic appeal from the world of Plants vs. Zombies.

For more information and all game assets, please visit www.ea-anz-press.com

Melbourne Australia – 18 July 2012 – Impulse Gamer reviews one of the most anticipated films of 2012… the Dark Knight Returns…

The Dark Knight rises is a very ambitious film from director Christopher Nolen which is filled with Batman symbolism (courtesy of the comics Knightfall and No Man’s Land) and even some social commentary. It is also the third movie by Nolan and takes place 8 years after the previous film (The Dark Knight – 2008) which has seen Batman (Christian Bale) vanish from the streets of Gotham.

Check out our full review – http://www.impulsegamer.com/movieimaxthedarkknightrises.html

The Australian Centre for the Moving Image (ACMI) has launched a membership deal to coincide with  Game Masters which will be sure to have gaming enthusiasts twitching their thumbs in excitement. The  ACMI Membership offer is not only great value for those wishing to power-up their gaming experience  but it comes with incredible discounts and special offers at ACMI events all year round.

Visitors who become an ACMI Member before Sunday 14 October 2012 receive two tickets for the price of  one to ACMI’s current blockbuster exhibition, Game Masters, with priority entry. Members also go into  the draw to win a prize pack including a night’s accommodation at the Ibis Apartments Melbourne, a  double pass to Game Masters in its closing weeks and a swag of games!

These perks are on top of the ongoing membership benefits such as complimentary ACMI cinema  passes, ongoing discounted exhibition and cinema passes, regular invitations to member events and  preview screenings, competitions, discounts in the ACMI Store and special discount offers from ACMI’s  partners including reduced-rate parking at Federation Square. All members also receive a copy of ACMI’s  quarterly What’s On guide posted to them.

ACMI Memberships are available online, via phone or in person and are perfect to give as a gift. For more  information about the Game Masters exhibition and ACMI Membership, please visit: www.acmi.net.au

BECOME AN ACMI MEMBER DURING GAME MASTERS AND RECEIVE AN EXCLUSIVE 2 FOR 1 TICKET OFFER* TO  THE EXHIBITION PLUS PRIORITY ENTRY, SPECIAL DISCOUNTS & MORE…

Score big during Game Masters by joining the ACMI Membership program and receive 2 tickets to the  exhibition for the price of 1*

HYPER SPEED
ACMI Members also get priority entry to the exhibition! Skip the queue and head straight for the priority  desk at ACMI Tickets & Information.

BONUS ROUND
Become an ACMI Member before Sunday 14 October and you’ll go into the running to WIN the ultimate  Game Masters prize pack including a night’s accommodation at the Ibis Apartments Melbourne, a double  pass to see Game Masters in the closing weeks of the exhibition and a games pack featuring games and  merchandise from our industry partners.

POWER UP
Get immediate savings on further Game Masters ticket purchases:
Save $6 on a single adult ticket
Save $10 on a family ticket
Save $15 on a 3-session pass

PLUS…
ACMI Members receive year-round discounts and rewards on ACMI Films, Exhibitions and selected Live  Events, ACMI Store discounts, home delivered What’s On guides, competitions and giveaways. And there  are great discounts at other selected retail and cultural outlets.

JOIN TODAY!
Online: www.acmi.net.au/members
Phone: (03) 8663 2524
In person: ACMI Tickets & Information Desk
ACMI MEMBER PRICES
Individual $60 Concession $50 Dual $90 Family $100
*A single 2-for-1 Game Masters ticket offered for each individual, dual & family membership.

Melbourne Australia – South Park Season 15 is out in Australia this week and Paramount had the kids from South Park (seriously) out and about in the streets of Sydney. Check out these happy snaps below from Cartman, Stan, Kyle and Kenny. Also, check out our exclusive review of South Partk Season 15 here!

In August, the US-renowned ASTRO Gaming headsets start to hit Australian retailers for the very first time!

Date, Stockists, RRP

Available in August in EB Games and JB Hifi. $349.95 RRP

Description

ASTRO Gaming is ready to invade the living room with the wireless A50 Headset. Experience Dolby 7.1 Surround Sound with clarity and performance powered by KleerNet’s strongest 5.8Ghz solution available. Hear the difference that professionally tuned audiophile-grade sound makes. Whatever your audio needs are, the A50 Headset comes with 3 different EQ modes for movies, hardcore gaming, and competitive shooters. When finished, simply charge your headset from your transmitter and the included display stand. Take over your gaming and home entertainment with the wireless A50 Headset.

Features

5.8GHz WIRELESS TECHNOLOGY

Operating at a higher frequency than most wireless devices, the A50 provides clarity and range with less interference.

Dolby Digital 7.1

Immerse yourself in the audio of your favourite games. With every gunshot, reload, and footstep, you can pinpoint exactly where the fight is so you can get the drop on your opponents before they hear you. 

Multi-system Compatibility

ASTRO audio systems are compatible with pretty much any platform you choose to game on. Whether you’re gaming on an Xbox 360, a PS3, a PC, or a mobile platform our audio systems will make sure you hear your games the way the developers intended.

Specifications:

Ships With:                         A50 Headset with Li-Ion Battery, Astro Wireless 5.8 Ghz Transmitter w/ KleerNet™, Headset Stand, 1.0M USB Power Cable, 0.5M USB Charging Cable, 1.0M Optical Cable, 1.5M XBOX Live® Chat Cable

Transducer Principle:      Open Air

Frequency Response:    20Hz – 20,000 KHz

Nominal Impedance:      48 ohm

Weight w/o cable:           363 grams

Characteristic SPL:           118 db @1kHz

Ear Coupling:                      Over-Ear

Distortion:                           THD<1%

Connector:                         2.5mm XBOX Live® chat port, Mini-USB port

Microphone:                      6.0mm uni-directinal noise cancelling

Power Supply:                   USB mini-B (USB 2.0 compatible)

Battery Life:                       12+ Hours

Wireless Radio:                 5.8GHz STS Module

Inputs:                                  Optical In, AUX In (3.5mm)

Outputs:                              Optical Pass-through, USB Power & Voice, USB Charging Port