magnify
formats

Red Wedding buzz sees surge in Game of Thrones book sales

WARNING! THE FOLLOWING PRESS RELEASE CONTAINS GAME OF THRONES SPOILERS

Red Wedding buzz sees surge in Game of Thrones book sales

Sales of George R. R Martin’s Song of Ice and Fire series have surged dramatically following the airing of one of the most shocking scenes in television history.

*SPOILERS AHEAD*

‘The Rains of Castamere,’ the penultimate episode of Game of Thrones’ third season, featured the brutal deaths of two beloved characters in the Red Wedding massacre.

With the finale screening on Monday and a long wait between seasons looming, TV fans have turned to the books for their Thrones fix. Sales of the series overall have risen considerably since the Red Wedding aired in Australia last week.

Game of Thrones, the first book in the Song of Ice and Fire series increased sales by 50 per cent in the week following the episode, while parts 1 and 2 of A Storm of Swords – the books adapted for the third season of the show – also saw significant jumps according to Nielsen BookScan figures.

“We’re continually impressed by the sales of this fantastic series,” says HarperCollins sales director Darren Kelly. “HBO’s brilliant adaptation has helped find a whole new readership, particularly amongst those who might never have read anything in this genre before.”

The Red Wedding massacre sees the death of Catelyn and Rob Stark, two of the series’ protagonists. On the show, Rob’s pregnant wife is also murdered.

The scene stunned viewers worldwide when it aired last week, with fans and media responses flooding the internet. A YouTube compilation of people reacting to the scene has already received more than 8.3 million hits.

Author George R.R Martin will be in Australia this November as a special guest of pop culture expo Supanova.

 
formats

New Grand Theft Auto V Screens

GTA-V-PS3Bundle_2-hdr

GTA-V-PS3Bundle_9

GTA-V-PS3Bundle_8

GTA-V-PS3Bundle_7

GTA-V-PS3Bundle_6

GTA-V-PS3Bundle_5

GTA-V-PS3Bundle_4

GTA-V-PS3Bundle_3

GTA-V-PS3Bundle_1

 
formats

[E3 Trailer] LEGO Marvel Super Heroes

The Super Heroes of the Marvel Universe are descending on the Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3) – this time in LEGO form! Marvel at your favourite LEGO® Marvel™ Super Heroes in this all-new trailer, featuring legendary Marvel characters, such as Captain America, Wolverine, Thor, Human Torch and Mr. Fantastic. Prepare yourselves for more brick-smashing good time as several LEGO Marvel Super Heroes and Super Villains make their epic debut at next week’s E3!

 
formats

NAMCO BANDAI GAMES ANNOUNCES BLOCKBUSTER LINEUP FOR E3 2013

NAMCO BANDAI GAMES ANNOUNCES BLOCKBUSTER LINEUP FOR E3 2013

Hit Franchises, Beloved Classics, and Popular Anime Titles Converge at the Annual Electronic Entertainment Expo

Free to Play Tekken Revolution, plus new Dark Souls II Trailer & Screens

Sydney – 12th June 2013 – NAMCO BANDAI Games Europe S.A.S. today revealed its stellar product lineup for the 2013 Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3) in Los Angeles, CA. The company will display a total of 11 titles in rooms #304 B&C on the second level of the South Hall at the Los Angeles Convention Center. These 11 titles represent the pinnacle of game development for an assortment of platforms currently available to consumers – including the Xbox 360™ video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system, Wii U, Nintendo 3DS™ and PC. This year’s NAMCO BANDAI Games E3 lineup features new installments of its most popular franchises as well as anime license-based titles, beloved classic franchise reimagined for today’s gamers, and Free-to-Play titles. NAMCO BANDAI’s diverse roster of products spans every genre for players of all ages and skill levels.

“Our E3 2013 lineup reaffirms NAMCO BANDAI Games’ commitment to bringing a varied collection of hardcore titles, highly popular anime licenses, and original properties that achieve our goal to reach and appeal to all gamers,” said Chris Gilbert, Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing at NAMCO BANDAI Games America Inc. “As our industry continues to evolve and grow; NAMCO BANDAI Games is uniquely positioned to meet the demands of an ever changing marketplace by offering engrossing high quality titles across a wide spectrum of platforms.”

Below is additional information on NAMCO BANDAI Games’ E3 2013 lineup:

Armored Core®: Verdict Day

Release date: September 26, 2013

Platforms: Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3

Genre: Mech Strategy and Battle

From the creative minds at Japanese game developer FromSoftware comes the hardcore mech action title, Armored Core: Verdict Day. The game is set in a world that has been thrown into chaos. Important natural resources needed for basic survival are scavenged and fought for across the world with deadly Armored Core units. Players with steady trigger fingers, a strategic mind for mech customization, and strong teamwork will be all that stand between players’ survival and complete annihilation.

Dark Souls® II

Release date: March 2014

Platforms: Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, and PC

Genre: Adventure Role-Playing-Game

Dark Souls II is the highly anticipated sequel to the 2011 break-out hit Dark Souls. Developed by famed Japanese developer FromSoftware, this new adventure features the return of the extremely challenging gameplay experience from its predecessor with enhancements in character design, animation, sound composition, lighting effects, and graphical fidelity. The combination of these upgrades creates a gaming experience that represents the pinnacle of game development on the Xbox 360. Dark Souls II is available for hands-on play in the NAMCO BANDAI meeting space located in rooms #304 B&C on the second level of the South Hall at the Los Angeles Convention Center.

Watch the Dark Souls II E3 Trailer now at: http://youtu.be/7ecITYi40tA

One Piece Pirate Warriors® 2

Release date: August 2013

Platform: PlayStation 3 Exclusive

Genre: 3rd Person Action Brawler

Castoff and set sail on grand pirate adventures with Luffy, Sanji, Zoro and the rest of the Straw Hat crew to explore and conquer islands in the New World. Playable characters from the original title along with never before seen characters will join in battle creating a frantic and challenging brawler experience. One Piece fans will enjoy seeing whole line-ups of their favorite One Piece characters springing to action, including Eneru for the first time ever on PS3.

PAC-MAN and the Ghostly Adventures

Release date: Spring 2013

Platforms: Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, Wii U, and 3DS

Genre: 3D Action Platformer

PAC is BACK! In an all-new gaming adventure for a whole new generation of Pac-Man fans. Featuring a 3D world inspired by the storyline of the upcoming PAC-MAN and the Ghostly Adventures animated series from Marvel Studios Director and Founder Avi Arad that will begin airing on Disney XD® this summer. With zany PAC-MAN characters and classic ghost chomping gameplay, PAC-MAN and the Ghostly Adventures will appeal to console gamers of all ages with Nintendo 3DS fans enjoying an exclusive side-scrolling version of the game when it releases this fall.

PAC-MAN CE DX Plus

Release date: Winter 2013

Platform: PC

Genre: Arcade

PAC-MAN also returns this summer with a free title update for PAC-MAN Championship Edition DX on Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 system, and Windows 8. PAC-MAN CE DX Plus upgrades one of 2010’s most celebrated downloadable titles with improved leaderboard functionality, in-game achievements and medals, as well as access to additional DLC mazes, music and graphics including classic DIG DUG® and RALLY-X® sprites. Players will chomp through bright neon mazes at blistering speeds in this modern update to the classic PAC-MAN gameplay.

PAC-MAN Museum

Release date: Spring 2013

Platforms: Xbox Live, PlayStation Network, STEAM, Nintendo eShop

Genre: Arcade

Relive over 30 years of PAC-MAN, the yellow 1980’s icon with a voracious appetite that has transcended generation upon generation of gamers in a nostalgia-packed collection of games with PAC-MAN Museum. Gamers will be fully immersed in the PAC-MAN universe as they play through the evolution of PAC-MAN franchise, from his 1980’s beginnings though 2010’s arcade smash-hit, PAC-MAN Battle Royale®.

Power Rangers Megaforce

Release date: Spring 2013

Platform: Nintendo 3DS Exclusive

Genre: Side-scrolling Action

In this new chapter of the popular Power Rangers video game series, fans play as their favorite Megaforce Ranger while the supporting Power Rangers provide valuable advice and encouragement to players as they battle their way through challenge after challenge. The Rangers’ dynamic vocal and physical support will prove valuable as challenging situations and conditions arise in an attempt to foil players’ advancement in the game. To enhance the players’ experience, Power Rangers MEGAFORCE will allow fans to scan official Power Rangers MEGAFORCE Morpher Cards to unlock special power-ups within the game. Players will also be able to utilize the Nintendo 3DS camera to take a picture and watch themselves actively morph into their favorite Megaforce Ranger and fend off enemy encounters with their own hands.

Project X Zone

Release date: July 4, 2013

Platform: Nintendo 3DS Exclusive

Genre: Strategy Role-Playing-Game

Project X Zone brings together the fiercest and most popular legacy characters from NAMCO BANDAI, SEGA®, and Capcom’s most beloved franchises to create a Strategy-RPG experience that can only be described as the ultimate cross-over title. Featuring over 50 playable characters from 29 historic game franchises, Project X Zone takes players into a world surrounded by a hidden chaos with shadows and evil lurking beneath the peaceful cover of everyday life.

Watch the Projext X Zone E3 Trailer now at: http://youtu.be/eVrxhm2_kUo

Tales of Xillia®

Release date: August 8, 2013

Platform: PlayStation 3 Exclusive

Genre: Japanese-Role-Playing-Game (JRPG)

Tales of Xillia follows Jude Mathis, a clever medical student attending school in the capital city, and Milla Maxwell, a mysterious woman accompanied by four unseen beings. Players will be able to choose either Milla or Jude at the outset of their adventure through the world of Rieze Maxia, where humans and spirits live together in harmony. Over the course of the game Jude and Milla’s lives will intersect with a vast ensemble of characters that will teach them the strength of unwavering conviction.

Players will engage enemies with the critically acclaimed “Linear Motion Battle System” allowing for real-time movement and attacks. Players will experience a more tactile role in the midst of fights. The battle system in Tales of Xillia has been upgraded to “Double Raid Linear Motion Battle System” allowing two characters to combine their attacks and form devastating dual-character attacks adding an extra layer of strategy for fans use in forming the best party setup for their style of play.

Watch the Tales of Xillia – Wishes of Hope trailer now from: http://youtu.be/xDaNDDj4tLw

TEKKEN REVOLUTION

Release date: June 12, 2013

Free-to-Play

Platform: PlayStation Network Exclusive

Genre: Arcade Fighting

Developed by NAMCO BANDAI Games’ internal TEKKEN development team, TEKKEN REVOLUTION takes the storied fighting game franchise into the Free-2-Play arena. Players will choose from an initial cast of eight iconic TEKKEN characters to train for battle against AI opponents in Arcade Mode and fearsome human opponents spanning the globe through online Ranked and Player Matches. Simplified combo commands allow new players to execute bone-crushing special moves and advanced players to employ new strategies. For the first time in TEKKEN history, players will be able to level-up their characters, increasing three key attributes; Strength, Endurance and Vigor, to create a combatant tuned to individual play styles.

Watch the Tekken Revolution E3 trailer now from: http://youtu.be/wPMUYhYmhyo

RIDGE RACER® Driftopia

Release date: 2013

Free-to-Play

Platforms: PlayStation Network and PC Steam

Genre: Arcade Racing

RIDGE RACER Driftopia puts the series’ irresistible signature drifting action right at the heart of the free-to-play gaming experience. Customizable cars, challenging tracks, and car crunching action await racing game fans in this newest incarnation of one of NAMCO BANDAI’s most popular franchises.

 
formats

FINAL FANTASY X|X-2 HD Remaster – E3 2013 Trailer

Sydney 12th June – Watch the E3 2013 Trailer for FINAL FANTASY X|X-2 HD Remaster at: http://youtu.be/dhbmtZo1P_s
Join us in celebrating one of the most popular FINAL FANTASY stories of all time! FINAL FANTASY X/X-2 HD Remaster takes you into the adventures of Tidus and Yuna in beautifully remastered HD!
Releasing this year on PlayStation® 3.

 
formats

KINGDOM HEARTS HD 1.5 ReMIX E3 Trailer

SYDNEY 12TH June – For the first time, KINGDOM HEARTS is available on PlayStation®3! Watch the new Kingdom Hearts HD 1.5 ReMIX E3 2013 Trailer now at: http://youtu.be/60iZqVPmBXk

Follow Mickey, Goofy and Donald and relive the origins of the first three KINGDOM HEARTS games in gorgeous HD, with full PS3 trophy support, and all-new content.

– KINGDOM HEARTS FINAL MIX
– KINGDOM HEARTS Re:Chain of Memories
– KINGDOM HEARTS 358/2 Days (HD cinematics)

Available on 12th September 2013 exclusively on the PlayStation®3. Limited Edition Art-book now available for pre-order from select ANZ retailers.

For more information about KINGDOM HEARTS HD 1.5 ReMIX, please visit www.kingdomhearts.com
Like KINGDOM HEARTS at www.facebook.com/kingdomhearts
Follow KINGDOM HEARTS at www.twitter.com/kingdomhearts

 
formats

FINAL FANTASY XIV: A REALM REBORN COMING TO PLAYSTATION®4 IN 2014

PlayStation®3 players will be able to continue their adventures on Sony’s next generation console 

SYDNEY (June 12th, 2013) Square Enix Ltd., the publisher of SQUARE ENIX® interactive entertainment products in Europe and other PAL territories, today announced that FINAL FANTASY® XIV: A Realm Reborn™ is in development for the PlayStation®4 (PS4™) system, and is due to release in 2014.

Watch the new Final fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn E3 2013 trailer now at: http://youtu.be/LWeTxlVXVTE

Square Enix is currently in talks with Sony Computer Entertainment to ensure that players who purchase the PlayStation®3 version of the game will be able to smoothly transition their game accounts to the PS4™ version upon its release.

“The heart of everything we’re working towards is enabling players and their friends to experience their own rich Final Fantasy adventure,” said Naoki Yoshida, Producer & Director. ”The deeply integrated social capabilities of the PS4 will make it a natural home for FINAL FANTASY XIV: A Realm Reborn. The team and I are thrilled to continue our adventure on the next generation gaming platform, and we hope that you’ll join us!”

The PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system and Windows PC versions will enter the third phase of beta testing on Friday, June 14th, and are due for global release on August 27th. A free 30-day trial is also included for new accounts, with monthly subscriptions starting at $19.95.

Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3) visitors are invited to demo FINAL FANTASY XIV: A Realm Reborn at the Square Enix booth (South Hall #1647).

Related Links 

Beta Sign Up: http://entry.ffxiv.com/beta/eu

Official Website: www.finalfantasyxiv.com

Official Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FinalFantasyXIV

Official Twitter: @FF_XIV_EN

Official YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/user/FINALFANTASYXIV

 

 
formats

KINGDOM HEARTS III is under development!

The latest sequel in the KINGDOM HEARTS series, created in collaboration between Disney and Square Enix, is finally announced! 

Sydney (June 12th, 2013) Square Enix Ltd., the publisher of SQUARE ENIX® interactive entertainment products in Australia, New Zealand, and other PAL territories, has revealed the ongoing development of KINGDOM HEARTS III, the next core sequel in the KINDOM HEARTS series, which celebrated its tenth anniversary in March 2012.

Watch the new Kingdom Hearts III Announcement trailer at: http://youtu.be/pQMwwGIyWwk 

About KINGDOM HEARTS III

KINGDOM HEARTS marked its tenth anniversary last year, and development on KINGDOM HEARTS III has officially commenced. KINGDOM HEARTS III is the latest instalment in the KINGDOM HEARTS franchise, and the first core sequel since KINGDOM HEARTS II was released in 2006 in Europe and North America.

A mature Sora sets out on a new adventure. The title will make full use of next-generation console technologies to deliver more exhilarating, action-packed gameplay and various fun features. As a culmination of the series so far, KINGDOM HEARTS III is shaping up to be an entertainment experience with a grand story of unparalleled scale.

A key trait of KINGDOM HEARTS is the universe packed full of worlds based on Disney properties. Look forward to things getting spiced up for this new entry, with gameplay that can only be experienced in KINGDOM HEARTS!

Story

Having learned that all the conflicts surrounding “Kingdom Hearts” were a part of Master Xehanort’s master plan to cause a Keyblade War, Sora and his friends search for the seven guardians of light to combat the darkness.

While King Mickey and Riku set off in search of previous Keyblade wielders, Sora, Donald and Goofy visit various Disney worlds in search of the “Key to Return Hearts.”

Title Overview 

Title Name KINGDOM HEARTS III
Platform PlayStation®4 / Xbox One®
Genre Role-Playing   Game (RPG)
Release   Date/Price TBD
Rating Rating Pending
Copyright   Information © Disney.   Developed by SQUARE ENIX.

About the KINGDOM HEARTS series

KINGDOM HEARTS is a series of role-playing games created through the collaboration of Disney Interactive and Square Enix. Since the first KINGDOM HEARTS was released in March 2002 for the PlayStation®2 system, the series has expanded with six subsequent entries. The series celebrated its 10th anniversary in March 2012, and has shipped over 19 million units worldwide.

Official Homepage: www.kingdomhearts.com

Official Facebook® Page: http://www.facebook.com/kingdomhearts

Official Twitter®: @KINGDOMHEARTS

 
formats

NAMCO BANDAI GAMES EUROPE ANNOUNCES PAC-MAN MUSEUM AND PAC-MAN CHAMPIONSHIP EDITION DX +

Popular Power Pellet-Eating Adventure Returns with a Collection of Classic PAC-MAN® Games this summer 

SYDNEY – June 12th, 2013 – NAMCO BANDAI Games Europe S.A.S. is bringing the legendary PAC-MAN® arcade gaming experience to Europe and Australasia in a sensational collection of PAC-MAN games in PAC-MAN MUSEUM. The exciting compilation is scheduled to launch this ANZ summer 2013 as a digital download release for the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system, Windows® PC, Nintendo 3DS™ system, and WiiU™ console from Nintendo.

PAC-MAN, the yellow 80’s icon with a voracious appetite that has transcended generation upon generation of gamers stars in this nostalgia-packed collection of games. In the game, players will need to skilfully dodge and juke troublesome ghosts while gobbling up all the pac-dots and power pellets lying in their path. PAC-MAN MUSEUM will include classic PAC-MAN titles as well as newer arcade releases, allowing gamers to play through the evolution of PAC-MAN from his humble beginnings from 1980 through 2008’s critically acclaimed PAC-MAN Championship Edition* and  2010’s arcade smash-hit like PAC-MAN Battle Royale. 

PAC-MAN Battle Royale turns PAC-MAN’s classic pellet chomping gameplay on its head with multiplayer madness and will be available for consoles and PCs for the very first time. The ghostly mayhem breaks out of the PAC-MAN formula and features an over-the-top experience for up to four players with each player controlling a PAC-MAN character to gobble up pellets, fruits and best of all… each other. Players will chomp their way to victory through fast-paced maze action with the constant threat of both ghosts and opposing PAC-MAN characters around every corner.

PAC-MAN also returns this late summer with a free title update for PAC-MAN Championship Edition DX on Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 system, Steam and Windows 8. PAC-MAN CHAMPIONSHIP EDITION DX + upgrades one of 2010’s most celebrated downloadable titles with improved leader-board functionality, in-game achievements and medals, as well as access to additional DLC mazes, music and graphics including classic DIG DUG and RALLY-X sprites. Players will chomp through bright neon mazes at blistering speeds in this modern and frenetic PAC-MAN experience.

NAMCO BANDAI Games will be celebrating the recent announcement of PAC-MAN and the Ghostly Adventures at the 2013 Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3)  with a special booth outside of the Los Angeles Convention Center‘s South Hall entrance. PAC-MAN and the Ghostly Adventures follows the exciting storyline and charming characters from the highly anticipated PAC-MAN and the Ghostly Adventures animated series created and produced by Avi Arad, acclaimed director and founder of Marvel Studios. The animated TV series, based on NAMCO BANDAI Games’ classic PAC-MAN property, will begin airing on Channel 11 this September in Australia.

“Evolving from a glorious “CLASSIC” legacy into a modern contemporary brand approach and an extremely promising future, we are delighted to bring for the first time ever on PC and consoles, three very different experiences in the PAC-MAN universe” said Olivier Comte, Senior Vice-President at NAMCO BANDAI Games Europe.

PAC-MAN MUSEUM will be coming to Australasia this summer via digital download on XBLA, PSN, Steam, and the Nintendo eShop. PAC-MAN CHAMPIONSHIP EDITION DX + is scheduled for digital release this late winter 2013 for the Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, Steam and Windows 8. PAC-MAN and the Ghostly Adventures will be available for Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 system, Wii U, and PC with an exclusive side-scrolling adventure for the Nintendo 3DS.

For more information on PAC-MAN titles, please visit: http://www.namcobandaigames.eu

 
formats

SQUARE ENIX UNVEILS THE FUTURE OF FINAL FANTASY

FINAL FANTASY XV in Development for Next Generation Consoles 

FINAL FANTASY Versus XIII Becomes FINAL FANTASY XV for the Next Installment in the Best-Selling Series

New Announcement Trailer + Battle Gameplay First Look Trailer 

SYDNEY (June 12th, 2013) Square Enix Ltd., the publisher of SQUARE ENIX® interactive entertainment products in Australia, New Zealand, and other PAL territories, today announced FINAL FANTASY® XV for the PlayStation®4 computer entertainment system and Xbox One®, the all-in-one games and entertainment system from Microsoft.

Watch the Announcement trailer at: http://youtu.be/mO92sHr4knM

Watch the Battle Gameplay First Look Trailer at:http://youtu.be/0Wsh9iPrWSg

Previously known as FINAL FANTASY Versus XIII, the title’s development expanded and evolved to take full advantage of the capabilities of next-generation platforms. While the main concept, world and story continue to be developed as originally envisioned, the First Production Development Team has further improved FINAL FANTASY XV’s action, gameplay elements and graphic quality to match the technology of the next-generation hardware, as well as the expectations of players eagerly awaiting the game’s release.

Story of FINAL FANTASY XV

The armed forces of Niflheim launch a devastating assault upon the Kingdom of Lucis, casting Crown Prince Noctis and his comrades out of their homes and into the fray. The engaging tale to follow draws audiences into an awe-inspiring world steeped in the rich storytelling traditions of SQUARE ENIX’s renowned First Production Development team.

FINAL FANTASY XV will be available for the PlayStation®4 computer entertainment system and Xbox One®.