Sydney, Australia – November 12, 2008 – Living-room legends are now free to jump on stage and rock as Activision Publishing, Inc.’s (Nasdaq: ATVI) Guitar Hero® World Tour, shreds, drums and wails onto retail shelves nationwide.  Transforming music gaming by expanding Guitar Hero’s® signature guitar gameplay into a cooperative band experience, Guitar Hero World Tour combines state-of-the-art wireless controllers in new online* and offline gameplay modes and a Music Studio feature that lets you compose, record, edit and share your own rock and roll anthems.  Guitar Hero World Tour is the most complete music game to-date with 86 on-disc tracks from music legends such as The Eagles, Van Halen, Metallica, Michael Jackson and The Doors and featuring in-game appearances by world famous artists like Ozzy Osbourne, Billy Corgan and Travis Barker.

“Only Guitar Hero World Tour has the star power and brand recognition to bring family and friends together to rock this spring,” said Dusty Welch, Head of Publishing for RedOctane. “With a massive on-disc set list and a host of downloadable content on the way, new high-quality controllers, including the drum kit controller and a redesigned guitar controller; multiple online and offline gameplay modes, plus the groundbreaking Music Studio music creator and GHTunesSM, a revolutionary user-generated music hub, Guitar Hero has again set the standard in the music-based videogame genre.”

Guitar Hero World Tour delivers more ways to play than ever before.  Virtual musicians can live out their rock and roll fantasies by playing either a single instrument, or any combination of instruments within the game, in addition to the full band experience.  In addition to all of the online gameplay modes from Guitar Hero® III: Legends of Rock, Guitar Hero World Tour introduces Battle of the Bands mode which allows eight players to join online and challenge each other band-to-band to determine who is the best of the best.  In the Band modes, up to four players can jam together, online or off, as they progress through the game, and in single-player Career Mode, players can jam on any of the instruments in-game utilising the controllers in branching venue progression enabling them to rock out in the order of their choice.

The game’s innovative new Music Studio lets players express their musical creativity by giving them access to a full complement of tools to create digital music from scratch, utilising all of the controllers, and then play their compositions in the game.  Music creators can also share their recordings with their friends online through GHTunesSM where other gamers can download their unique compositions and play an endless supply of unique creations.

The Wii™ version of Guitar Hero World Tour features the exclusive Mii™ Freestyle mode, an intuitive gameplay mechanic that connects players to music in a whole new way by incorporating their Mii and engaging players with the freedom to create their own groove.

In addition to a newly designed more responsive guitar controller which features a touch-sensitive slide on the neck and microphone, Guitar Hero World Tour delivers a genuine drumming experience by utilising a realistic drum controller.  Featuring three drum pads, two raised cymbal pads and a bass kick pedal, the drum kit controller combines larger and quieter, velocity-sensitive drum heads with soft rubber construction to deliver that certain bounce back when struck with a drum stick that drummers are used to and is easy to set up, move, break down and store.

Guitar Hero World Tour is now available for the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system.  The Wii™ home video game system from Nintendo version is developed by Vicarious Visions.  The PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system version is developed by Budcat. The game is rated “PG” (Mild themes and Violence, Sexual references and mild coarse language) by the Classification Board.  For more information on Guitar Hero World Tour, please visit worldtour.guitarhero.com.

SYDNEY – NOVEMBER 12, 2008: With the New Xbox Experience* set to launch November 19^th and reinvigorate the “interior of your console”, now is the perfect time to update the exterior of your Xbox 360 with some of the brand new accessories just launched onto the Australian market.

Xbox 360 60GB LIVE Starter Pack ($149.95 RRP*)

Available this November, the Xbox 360 60GB Starter Pack will come with what you need to join the fun on Xbox LIVE, including a 60GB detachable hard drive for storing music, XBLA Arcade games and additional game content. Additionally, it will come with an Xbox 360 Headset, an Ethernet cable and a three-month Gold subscription to Xbox LIVE.

This is the perfect upgrade path for those looking to enjoy all that the New Xbox Experience has to offer including installing games onto your hard drive, Xbox LIVE Parties and much more. There has never been a better time to become a part of the 14-million-member Xbox LIVE community. 

Xbox 360 Black Play and Charge Kit ($34.95 RRP*)

Say goodbye to disposable batteries as you recharge your Xbox 360 Wireless Controller while you are playing your favourite games. Now also  available in a sleek new black design, the Xbox 360 Play and Charge Kit comes with a charging cable and rechargeable battery pack, making it possible to juice up your Xbox 360 Wireless Controller—even in the midst of battle. 

Xbox 360 Red Wireless Controller ($ 99.95 RRP*)

The Award Winning Xbox 360 Controller now comes in the limited edition red! With the same high quality as the original controller, this new accessory adds that little bit extra to your gaming console. The Limited Edition Red Controller comes bundled with a red version of the Xbox 360 Play and Charge Kit, so you can pick-up and play whenever you like.

*About the New Xbox Experience

On November 19^th Xbox owners will be able to download a new user interface for their consoles through Xbox LIVE. This will update the console with a cleaner, more user-friendly interface that allows users to create online parties, chat with friends, share pictures, create avatars of themselves and much more.

Brisbane, Australia. Nov 10, 2008

Auran Games, developer of the long running Trainz franchise, today announced that Beta Testing had commenced for the new Trainz Simulator 2009: World Builder Edition (TS2009). Over 1,000 registered members from TrainzDev.com have been invited to join the initial testing group and more testers would be invited in the coming weeks.

“We’re thrilled to have reached our Beta milestone, and the early feedback from testers has been extremely positive” said Tony Hilliam, CEO. “We have built up a fantastic community over the past 8 years since Trainz began and everything is pointing towards Trainz 2009 being our best ever version.”

“Trainz is an evergreen product with more than a million units sold since the first release in 2001,” said Graham Edelsten, Director of N3VRF41L Publishing. “We’re extremely happy to be publishing the 2009 version and look forward to welcoming thousands of train fans of all ages. Half our customers are aged over 50 and that gives Trainz a very special place in the gaming market. It really is more of a hobby than a game and that’s one reason why we have built up a 300,000 strong online community.”

The Trainz Simulator 2009: World Builder Edition contains everything you need to build or operate your own railroad and includes dozens of routes and hundreds of locomotives from around the world. You can drive steam diesel or electric locomotives using controls in the fully 3D cabs or use a simple speed controller for easier train management.

The 2009 World Builder Edition includes a major upgrade in the graphics capabilities, new content management tools and a host of new features in the famous “Surveyor” module. It will be followed early in 2009 by “Engineers Edition” (TEE) which will deliver new content and new routes, plus a range of new Driver-specific features. Content from previous versions in 99% compatible and users will be able to import and upgrade their favourite routes and locos.

Pre-orders for TS2009 are live on the Auran website at www.auran.com/shop . All pre-order receive an invitation to the Beta plus a range of 20% and 60% discount vouchers on the Auran store.

Trainz Simulator 2009: Engineers Edition will be available from retail outlets in Q1 2009.

More information can be found at www.TS2009.com

MELBOURNE – Monday 10 November, 2008 – We all know that digital really is the way forward and so many of the things that we use in our day to day life are now going down the digital path. However, as with all new technology, people can get confused by what’s new and unknown.

The Digital Lifestyle Show, which will be staged alongside the eGames Expo at the Melbourne Convention Exhibition Centre, November 14 to 16, 2008 will help people learn, try and even buy the latest digital products on the market today – and find out about what’s just around the corner.

“The Digital Lifestyle Show has been designed specifically to offer people who want to find out about the latest, greatest and ‘soon to be seen’ digital products and services with the opportunity to see and learn about them first hand and speak with the experts to get the right advice for how to embrace the way of the future in their home and workplace,” Mr Barlow commented.

Battlestar Galatica:

available to own on DVD for the first time from December 3rd.

Battlestar Galatica: Season 4 Part 1 experience again the events in all ten episodes of Season Four Part One. With this 4-disc set in 5.1 surround sound,

includes the feature length Battelstar Razor, deleted scenes, and a sneak peek into the highly anticipated Part Two (The Final Season.)

– 3rd November 2008 – Atari today announced that development is complete on Neverwinter Nights 2: Storm of Zehir.  Developed by world-renowned studio Obsidian Entertainment, the second expansion pack for the acclaimed Neverwinter Nights 2 delivers thrilling original D&D^® adventures made even more exciting by a host of new gameplay features.

Neverwinter Nights 2: Storm of Zehir builds on the strong tradition of Dungeons & Dragons® computer games by marrying old-school concepts like full party customization and dungeon crawling with new innovations, such as a fully 3D Overland Map feature which allows for free exploration of the non-linear game world. The gripping storyline foreshadows the events of the Spell Plague that devastate the land in the latest Forgotten Realms® story arc by Wizards of the Coast.

The Neverwinter Nights 2: Storm of Zehir Overland Map feature lets players explore the Chultan Peninsula and Sword Coast in a way never before possible in any Neverwinter Nights game. Players will explore well-known locations, like Neverwinter and Crossroad Keep, alongside lesser travelled areas, such as the xenophobic jungle nation of Samarach. Vicious monsters and groups of bandits populate the Overland Map, and the farther from civilization the player roams, the more difficult the encounters become.

The 20 to 30-hour campaign in Neverwinter Nights 2: Storm of Zehir introduces new classes, including the fearsome Hellfire Warlock and the daring Swashbuckler, as well as brand-new spells, creatures, and playable races. Fans of the compelling multiplayer features of Neverwinter Nights 2 will be able to play through Storm of Zehir’s campaign in the online cooperative mode, while modders can use the included editor to create their own campaigns and Overland Maps to share online.

Game Features:

·        Travel the Sword Coast and Samarach with the open-ended exploration of the new Overland Map.  Use skills like Spot, Survival, and Hide to avoid ambushes and even find hidden locales and lost artifacts.

·        Create your own full party of adventurers.  Devastate your foes with a squad of fireball-flinging Sorcerers, form a solid wall of steel with a party of Fighters, or strike the perfect balance in your party by spreading out the classes you choose for your characters. 

·        Improved party gameplay with a sophisticated party conversation system, full party creation, and Teamwork Benefits.

Atari is committed to the continued success of the Neverwinter Nights series. The work that Obsidian has done in creating Neverwinter Nights 2: Storm of Zehir is a result of listening to the fan community, working to deliver on their requests and constantly improve the experience.

More information about Neverwinter Nights 2 and access to the Neverwinter Nights 2: Storm of Zehir site can be found at www.nwn2.com where visitors are encouraged to become part of the highly active Neverwinter Nights community and contribute their feedback.

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

– Localised Site Plays Host to Exclusive Downloads, Trailers, Info and More –

Visitors to the official Neverwinter Nights 2 website at www.nwn2.com can now access the brand new site for Neverwinter Nights 2: Storm of Zehir, the second expansion pack to the acclaimed role-playing adventure scheduled for launch this November 2008.  The site is localised in English, French, German, Spanish and Italian, and features news, trailers, exclusive downloads, screenshots, game info, and access to the game community forums.

Neverwinter Nights 2: Storm of Zehir hearkens back to the days of the Baldur’s Gate and Icewind Dale franchises by including full party customization, dungeon crawling, and free exploration of a non-linear game world via an Overland Map. The gripping storyline foreshadows the events that take place in the Forgotten Realms in the Fourth Edition of Dungeons & Dragons® Role playing Game released in June 2008.

Access the new website at www.nwn2.com.

Christmas has already begun on Melbourne’s biggest screen, IMAX Melbourne Museum, with the re-release of The Polar Express 3D: An IMAX Experience and Santa Vs The Snowman 3D, opening on 20 November 2008.

Back by popular demand and in time for Christmas, The Polar Express 3D and Santa Vs The Snowman 3D will be screening at IMAX Melbourne for a limited season.

Take the family on a magical North Pole adventure with the full length feature version of The Polar Express 3D: An IMAX Experience. This Christmas-themed film, based on the classic Caldecott medal-winning children’s book written by Chris Van Allsburg, is directed by Oscar® winner Robert Zemeckis and stars two-time Academy Award® winner Tom Hanks. Using state-of-the-art CGI and performance capture technology to create a unique blend of realism and fantasy, The Polar Express 3D tells of a doubting young boy who takes an extraordinary train ride to the North Pole and learns that the wonder of life never fades for those who believe in magic.

Don’t miss out of the wacky Christmas battle between Santa and the Snowman in Santa vs. The Snowman 3D. This cheeky yet feel good IMAX movie tells the story of a lonely Snowman who at first is swept away by the magical wonders of Santa’s Village, only to ultimately wage war on Santa because he’s jealous of all the attention Santa gets during Christmas time. An epic-scale polar war develops. The hilarious battle features such holiday defence mechanisms as hot chocolate squirt guns, giant igloo Robot Walkers and a 50-foot tall toy soldier manned by Santa himself.

“Treat the whole family to this special line up of Christmas movies on Melbourne’s biggest screen with Australia’s largest 3D images,” IMAX Melbourne Manager Richard Morrison said.

The movie line up for the holiday season will continue with the December 26 release of the digitally remastered IMAX version of the 1951 classic The Day the Earth Stood Still: The IMAX Experience. Starring Keanau Reeves and Jennifer Connelly.

If you’re looking for the perfect Christmas gift and want to avoid the crowds, why not buy that special person an IMAX Christmas gift voucher to Melbourne’s biggest screen? Gift vouchers can be purchased at the IMAX Box Office or by calling 9663 5454. 

IMAX Theatre Melbourne, Melbourne Museum, Rathdowne Street, Carlton.  Films screen daily from 10.00am. For session times and ticket pricing visit www.imaxmelbourne.com.au or call 03 9663 5454.

Sydney, Australia – 5th November – Today Ubisoft and Square Enix Ltd., announce exclusive unlockable content is now available with pre-orders for THE LAST REMNANT™ with EB Games. THE LAST REMNANT will be released across all PAL territories on 20th November, 2008, on the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system.

THE LAST REMNANT is a completely original adventure title, benefiting from the finest creative talent to build a lush, real-time fantasy world. The game’s battle system has been carefully crafted to deliver a brand-new experience for gamers, as they control forces in massive cinematic battles.

Pre-order THE LAST REMNANT now to receive three special unlockable formations (Scatterswarm, Goblet and Catapult) that will boost your tactical strength during battle. 

John Yamamoto, president and chief executive officer of Square Enix Ltd. comments, “THE LAST REMNANT represents a significant step in bringing our titles to a global audience and to make each new release a global event. I hope fans enjoy this exciting new adventure that delivers a thrilling gaming experience.”

For more information about THE LAST REMNANT and for links to pre-order, please visit: http://www.ebgames.com.au/Xbox/product.cfm?ID=13266

Official website: www.lastremnant-game.com. 

About THE LAST REMNANT
Story

In ancient times, mysterious artefacts referred to as Remnants were discovered all over the world. Offering incredible power, they soon came into the hands of the covetous few, and thus was the world’s delicate equilibrium shattered. The people were divided into those who ruled and those who were ruled over. War was inevitable. Our story begins a thousand years later…

Rush lives with his sister Irina on the secluded Eulam Island, a place far removed from the ceaseless battle for control over the Remnants which rages on the mainland. However, his peaceful life is shattered one day when he witnesses his sister’s abduction by a mysterious group of soldiers. He immediately sets off after them, ill-prepared for the evils of the outside world but determined to find his sister at any cost.

Features

·       A cutting-edge new adventure from Square Enix and the creators of the FINAL FANTASY® series

·       Innovative new battle system that allows for large scale battles delivered with an unrivalled cinematic intensity

·       Selective Encounter System allows you to engage the enemy your way, eliminating random battles

·       Unreal® Engine 3 takes Square Enix’s legendary production values to the next level

·       Fully localised for PAL territories with French, German, Spanish and Italian subtitles and menu screens

DLC Content

“March to War Set”

Boost your tactical strength with this pack of three formations.

·       Scatterswarm – Sacrifices defence to improve attack on the left flank and mystic attack of right.

·       Goblet – Improves attack of lead ranks, but reduces defence of flanks. Effective versus avian fiends.

·       Catapult – Improves the mystic attack of back ranks, but reduces attack and defence of lead ranks

AUSTRALIA — November 6, 2008 Today Ubisoft announces that Tom Clancy’s EndWarTM, the newest brand in the Tom Clancy series of video games, is now available in stores across Australia. Tom Clancy’s EndWar™ goes beyond other war games by allowing players to use their own voice to control units, offering command of the action at the speed of thought. Available for the Xbox 360™ and the PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system, Tom Clancy’s EndWar™ is the first brand new Tom Clancy franchise since Tom Clancy’s Splinter Cell was introduced in 2001.

“By allowing players to control the game entirely with their voice, the launch of Tom Clancy’s EndWar marks a strategic shift in the way games can be played,” said John Parkes, Ubsioft Marketing Director for EMEA. “Ubisoft is revolutionising gaming with the release of EndWar and we believe it will serve as the catalyst for the success of strategy games on consoles.”

Set on the battlefields of World War III, Tom Clancy’s EndWar pushes the envelope of technology with its revolutionary voice-command system. Tom Clancy’s EndWar has been built from the ground up as a pioneering war strategy game solely for the current generation of gaming consoles.

Ubisoft’s Tom Clancy video games are consistently among the best-selling and most critically-acclaimed video game series in the industry. Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six®, Tom Clancy’s Splinter Cell® and Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon® games have collectively sold more than 55 million units worldwide to date. Tom Clancy’s EndWar was recently named the Best Strategy Game of E3 2008 by Game Critics Awards, the first time ever a console game has received this award. In 2006, Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six Vegas was named Best First Person Action Game of the Year by the Academy of Interactive Arts and Sciences and Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon Advanced WarfighterTM took home the Best Video Game of the Year award from the prestigious BAFTA awards.