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Total War: ROME II Activation Times Announced

Creative Assembly  today announced the Activation Time for ROME II on its release day next week as a single worldwide unlock time of zero hours US Pacific Time on the 3rd Sept, equivalent of 00:00 PDT / 03:00 EDT / 08:00 BST / 09:00 CET / 17:00 AEST/ 19:00 NZST.

From that point game activation will be live and Total War: ROME II will be playable, with only the day one content patch including Pontus, an additional playable faction, needing to be downloaded once the game is live.

Please note that ROME II will be region-locked in some territories, if you are buying a copy from overseas please check with your retailer if you will be able to activate it your home country. Further details on the regions this effects are here: http://wiki.totalwar.com/w/Total_War_ROME_II:_Regional_Restrictions

 
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Acronis True Image 2014 is the First to Introduce Full-System Cloud Backup for Personal Use

Users Can Now Back Up Their Entire System or Specific Files to the Acronis Cloud to Easily Restore and Access Data Anytime and Anywhere;

Sydney, 29 August 2013– Acronis, a leading provider of physical, virtual and cloud backup solutions, today announced the availability of Acronis True Image 2014, the newest version of the market-leading personal backup and recovery solution. Among other user-requested enhancements, this major release features the industry’s first scheduled automatic backup of full system images to the Acronis Cloud, in addition to traditional, locally-attached storage.

With Acronis True Image 2014, PC users can take advantage of its advanced data protection capabilities to safeguard important data from natural disasters, theft or damage to their PC by keeping a complete system image in a safe remote location. Combined with best-in-class backup to locally attached storage devices, users can feel confident that their complete PC image data, including everything from applications and files to settings and bookmarks, is protected and secure.

The simple and intuitive graphical user interface (GUI) lets users backup and restore their data more easily than ever before. With its desktop and mobile applications, including iOS and Android support, the backup data can be accessed and restored anywhere, anytime to any PC.

Acronis True Image 2014 Features:

·         Full and incremental disk image backup to local storage and the Acronis Cloud – dual protection for the entire system in case a local backup is damaged, lost or stolen

·         Individual files, folders and data backup – both in the cloud and to local storage

·         Incremental restore from the cloud – rapidly restore the entire system, without the need for locally attached storage

·         5GB of secure Acronis Cloud storage is included at no charge for one year (with additional storage available to purchase from within the application) – users can upload their most important data and access it from anywhere

·         Windows 8 Support – Acronis True Image 2014 is certified Windows 8 compatible

·         Acronis True Image 2014 Premium – the new Premium version lets users restore a complete system to different hardware and additionally provides  support for Dynamic Disks and Windows Pre-Installation environments (WinPE)

Andy Purvis, General Manager ANZ for Acronis, said: “Before we added image backups to the cloud, users could only back up individual files and folders to online services. Now, they can back up their entire system. We are bringing enterprise-level data protection and availability to personal computer backup, and providing anywhere, anytime access and recovery of complete systems, all while making it easier than before. As the first to market with this innovative technology, Acronis is setting the bar for a new standard of personal backup and recovery. And, with a proven, 10-year track record of delivering cutting-edge data protection software and services, our customers can feel confident that their data is safe with Acronis.”

Availability & Pricing:

Acronis True Image 2014 is currently available for A$69.99. Acronis True Image Premium is available for A$99.99. Acronis Cloud storage options above 5GB start at A$39.99/year for 50GB.

To purchase either Acronis True Image 2014 edition, or to learn more about how it offers a complete cloud-enabled backup and recovery of an entire system, please visit the Acronis website for details.

 
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MADDEN NFL 25 BURSTS THROUGH THE LINE AND ONTO STORE SHELVES

Award-Winning Franchise Celebrates 25th Anniversary with the Greatest Game of a Generation

Sydney, Australia  – August 29, 2013 – Today Electronic Arts Inc. (NASDAQ: EA) officially launched Madden NFL 25 for the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system and PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system. Madden NFL 25 allows fans to Run Free and unlock the power, precision and creativity of an NFL ball-carrier with the brand-new precision modifier. Utilise an arsenal of over 30 new moves to destroy the competition and leave the defense grasping at thin air as you juke, spin and stiff-arm your way into the end zone.

This year also offers fans the opportunity to take full control of their favorite NFL team with the new Owner mode within Connected Franchise. Set prices on everything from concessions to merchandise; draft, sign and trade players; upgrade and renovate your home stadium or even pack up the team and move to a brand-new city. Owners retain full control both on and off the field, and do everything from calling and running plays on game day to managing all aspects of a team’s day-to-day operations.

On top of all this, Infinity Engine 2 brings even more polished physics to the series, and the new Force Impact system enhances and improves stiff-arms, truck moves, the Hit Stick and more. All of these additions, enhancements and improvements result in the greatest Madden NFL experience ever, a game 25 years in the making.

“We’re giving the fans the most technologically advanced, fully-featured football experience of a generation,” said Cam Weber, General Manager of American Football for EA SPORTS. “The precision modifier, combined with Infinity Engine 2, creates the most realistic gameplay experience to date, and Owner mode gives fans the level of control over their favorite team they crave. Madden NFL 25 is the culmination of years of hard work, and we hope fans love playing the game as much as we’ve loved creating it.
Madden NFL 25 also introduces a new way to play Madden Ultimate Team with Head-to-Head Seasons*, and the new Madden Share feature allows fans to find all the best rosters, playbooks, sliders and more, all created by the Madden NFL community.

Madden NFL 25 won’t only be coming to consoles today, as it also makes its debut on the App Store?. Fans will be able to build a dominant squad of NFL stars to challenge their friends on iPhone® and iPad®. In addition to exhibition games, fans can also take on several seasons of Solo Challenges or participate in fast-paced Head-2-Head mode. With full control on both sides of the ball, you run the show in Madden NFL 25 on mobile devices. Madden NFL 25 will also be coming to Google Play this spring.

Embraced by fans and honored by critics for 25 years, Madden NFL is known as the NFL’s “33rd Franchise” due to its authentic gameplay, the development team’s unparalleled access to NFL resources and its prominent place in NFL culture.

Madden NFL 25 is developed in Orlando, Florida by EA Tiburon is now available for the Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, iPhone and iPad. Madden NFL 25 will also be available for Xbox One, the all-in-one entertainment system from Microsoft, and the PlayStation®4 at launch. To learn more about Madden NFL 25, visit http://www.easports.com/madden-nfl. Fans are also invited to become a Madden Insider on Facebook for exclusive information including the latest news, original content and more for Madden NFL 25.

All player participation has been facilitated by National Football League Players Incorporated, the licensing and marketing subsidiary of the NFL Players Association (NFLPA).

 
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2K and Gearbox Software Announce Borderlands® 2 Game of the Year Edition

Borderlands 2, all of its Season Pass content and more bundled together at an unprecedented value 

Join the conversation on Twitter using #Borderlands2

Sydney, Australia – August 29, 2013 – 2K and Gearbox Software today announced that the Borderlands 2 Game of the Year Edition will be available on all platforms in Australia and New Zealand on October 11, 2013, in celebration of the success of Borderlands® 2. With the Borderlands 2 Season Pass now complete, this is the perfect opportunity to get all of its content as well as the base game, Premiere Club content, and more in one mayhem-filled package.

“For us and for fans, the love for Borderlands 2 has been nothing short of spectacular, so it’s natural for us here at Gearbox Software to want everyone else to have a chance to experience the best-selling game and its most valuable expansion content,” said Randy Pitchford, President of Gearbox Software. “The Borderlands 2 Game of the Year Edition offers more value than ever before in one package, giving everyone an opportunity to become a legendary Vault Hunter, and join in the award winning mayhem and fun.”

With the Borderlands 2 Game of the Year Edition, players can experience every epic boss battle, increase the level for each of the six playable Vault Hunters, play all of the additional campaign content, and enjoy hundreds of hours of shoot-and-loot mayhem at an extraordinary value. The Game of the Year Edition contains over $115 of gameplay content for only $79.95 on PC and $89.95 on console. It specifically includes:

•             Borderlands 2 Main Game;

•             Captain Scarlett and her Pirate’s Booty;

•             Mr. Torgue’s Campaign of Carnage;

•             Sir Hammerlock’s Big Game Hunt;

•             Tiny Tina’s Assault on Dragon Keep;

•             Creature Slaughter Dome;

•             Premiere Club Content:

o             Gaige, the Mechromancer Character Class;

o             Gearbox Gun Pack;

o             Golden Key;

o             Vault Hunter’s Relic;

•             Krieg, the Psycho Character Class;

•             Collector’s Edition Heads and Skins;

•             Ultimate Vault Hunter Upgrade Pack 1.

“The success of Borderlands 2 has been tremendous, and the game is on-track to become the highest-selling title in the history of 2K,” said Christoph Hartmann, President of 2K. “With the Game of the Year Edition releasing this fall, fans will have the opportunity to get their hands on the most comprehensive Borderlands 2 bundle at an incredible price.”

Borderlands 2 is rated MA15+ in Australia and New Zealand and is available now on the Xbox 360 games and entertainment system from Microsoft, PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system, Mac®, and Windows PC. For the latest Borderlands 2 news and information, please visit the official Borderlands 2 web site, and follow on Twitter and Facebook.

2K is a publishing label of Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. (NASDAQ: TTWO).

 
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NEW SAINT SEIYA: BRAVE SOLDIERS TRAILER

SAINT SEIYA: BRAVE SOLDIERS for PLAYSTATION®3 is coming on November 2013. For more information about NAMCO BANDAI Games Europe and its entire line up of games please visit www.namcobandaigames.com.au  and http://www.saintseiya-bravesoldiers.com/

 
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RAYMAN LEGENDS IS NOW AVAILABLE

To celebrate the launch of the game, Rayman Legends free Beatbox app takes the fans further into the universe of the game.

Rayman Legends, the highly anticipated platformer developed by Ubisoft Montpellier, is now available on Nintendo Wii U, Microsoft Xbox 360, Sony PlayStation 3 computer entertainment system and Microsoft Windows PC and will be available on PlayStation Vita on September 12th, 2013.

Following RaymanOrigins, our heroes take a 100-year nap, allowing nightmares to infest the Glade of Dreams. Once Rayman awakes from this mysterious sleep, he must set off on a new adventure with his friends to restore order in the universe. Rayman Legends features a wide range of gameplay, including traditional Rayman platforming action and new music rhythm-based stages. The award-winning team of artists, designers and composers has also returned with an advanced UbiArt engine to include multi-dimension gameplay elements, an improved lighting system and updated game rendering that elevate Rayman’s previous graphics to the next level. A fifth player can join in on the fun by taking on the role of Murfy exclusively on the Nintendo Wii U GamePad controller. All of the game’s adventures can be played by up to five players on Nintendo Wii U.

To celebrate the launch of the game, Rayman Legends Beatbox free app takes the fans further into the universe of the game by allowing them to play with parts of the game’s soundtrack in two different modes, with an easy-to-use drag & drop gameplay.

The “Legendary Mode” contains three music tracks to play with from Rayman Legends. Each song is split into six instrumental parts that the user can choose to activate/deactivate for different effects. The “Creation Mode” allows the user to create their own songs with a rich library of instruments/melodies – 5 categories of instruments and up to 6 sounds per instrument – from Rayman’s universe to record their own creation, and then to share with their friends.

Rayman Legends Beatbox is available as a free app on iOS 6 and Android 4.0.3 and for web browsers at www.raymangame.com/beatbox.

For more information on Rayman Legends, please visit: www.raymanlegends.com

 
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NINTENDO ANNOUNCES A NEW MEMBER TO THE NINTENDO 3DS FAMILY

29th August – Nintendo today introduces a new member to the Nintendo 3DS family – Nintendo 2DS*, which will arrive in Australia and New Zealand on 12th October 2013 with a SRP of AU $149.95/NZ $179.95**. Offering you additional variety and value in your handheld gaming options, the Nintendo 2DS is a streamlined version of the Nintendo 3DS that will play games available for Nintendo 3DS, as well as Nintendo DS in 2D.

The Nintendo 2DS retains many of the same hardware features as the Nintendo 3DS including the same Nintendo 3DS gameplay controls, backwards compatibility with the vast existing library of Nintendo DS games, as well as wireless connectivity features such as access to Nintendo eShop as well as StreetPass and SpotPass functionality. However the console takes on a new distinctive fixed, slate-form design, and will play all packaged and download Nintendo 3DS games in 2D. The new console is designed as an entry point into, or a new way to enjoy the Nintendo handheld experience and will be available at launch  in two colour combinations, White + Red and Black + Blue, with a Nintendo 2DS Carrying Case (in either Red or Blue) that can be purchased separately.

The end of year games line-up for Wii U and Nintendo 3DS is going to feature a vast array of games coming exclusively to Wii U and Nintendo 3DS this year, ensuring all can enjoy a choice of some of the best known and most loved franchises Nintendo has to offer. From Pokémon to Donkey Kong, Mario to  Zelda, Nintendo will be offering unforgettable gameplay experiences in the months ahead.

Take a look ahead at some of the games and hardware bundles coming soon from Nintendo and third party publishers for Wii U & Nintendo 3DS.

Wii U Software Publisher Release date (2013)
Rayman Legends Ubisoft 29th Aug
Just Dance 2014 Ubisoft 1st Oct
The Legend of   Zelda: The Wind Waker HD Nintendo 5th Oct
Sonic Lost   World™ Deadly Six Edition

(Limited   Quantity)

Nintendo 19th   Oct
Skylanders SWAP Force Activision 16th Oct
Batman: Arkham Origins Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment 25th Oct
Wii Party U + Wii Remote Plus (White)

(Limited Quantity)

Nintendo 26th Oct
Wii Party U + Wii Remote Plus (Black)

(Limited Quantity)

Nintendo 26th Oct
Assassin’s Creed IV Black Flag Ubisoft 31st Oct
Call of Duty: Ghosts Activision 5th Nov
LEGO® Marvel Super Heroes™ Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment 13th Nov
Watch_Dogs Ubisoft 21st Nov
Mario &   Sonic at the Sochi 2014 Olympic Winter Games Nintendo Nov
Donkey Kong   Country: Tropical Freeze Nintendo Dec
SUPER MARIO   3D WORLD Nintendo Nov
Wii Fit U Nintendo 2013

Nintendo 3DS Hardware / Accessories Publisher Release date (2013)
Nintendo 2DS (White + Red) Nintendo 12th Oct
Nintendo 2DS (Black + Blue) Nintendo 12th Oct
Nintendo 2DS Carrying Case  (Red) Nintendo 12th Oct
Nintendo 2DS Carrying Case (Blue) Nintendo 12th Oct

Nintendo 3DS Software Publisher Release date 2013
Etrian Odyssey™ IV: Legends of the Titan ATLUS 30th Aug
Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Summoner: Soul Hackers ATLUS 20th Sept
Harvest Moon: A New Beginning MAQL Europe Sept
Moshi Monsters Katsuma Unleashed Activision 16th Oct
Pokémon X Nintendo 12th Oct
Pokémon Y Nintendo 12th Oct
Sonic Lost World Nintendo 19th Oct
Skylanders SWAP Force Activision 16th Oct
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Activision 23th Oct
BEYBLADE™: Evolution Rising Star Games 24th Oct
Batman: Arkham Origins Blackgate Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment 25th Oct
Angry Birds Star Wars Activision 30th Oct
Professor Layton and the Azran Legacy Nintendo 9th Nov
LEGO® Marvel Super Heroes™ Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment 13th Nov
Mario Party: Island Tour Nintendo Nov
Ben 10 Omniverse™ 2 NAMCO BANDAI Nov
The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds Nintendo Nov
LEGO Friends Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment Q4
Bravely Default Nintendo End of 2013

 

 
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ATLUS Partners with Big Finish to Electrify PC Gaming with Tesla Effect: A Tex Murphy Adventure

IRVINE, Calif. and SALT LAKE CITY – Aug. 27, 2013 – Things can get rough in post-WWIII apocalyptic San Francisco on a gumshoe like Tex Murphy, and ATLUS and Big Finish Games are making sure of it by partnering to publish Tesla Effect: A Tex Murphy Adventure. The sixth installment in the legendary PC adventure game series started as a Kickstarter project, and the partnership with ATLUS will help Big Finish Games more fully develop their vision for the first Tex Murphy outing this millennium.

Tesla Effect revives the glory years of PC adventure games with a return to the full-motion video (FMV) game genre. Known for its sardonic humor, Tesla Effect will be the first Tex Murphy game since 1998. ATLUS and Big Finish Games will release Tesla Effect on Steam and other PC platforms worldwide in early 2014.Tesla Effect will also be Mac compatible.

“The Tex Murphy franchise is definitely much beloved around the ATLUS office; a lot of us were playing Tex games before we started our careers in the games industry,” said Bill Alexander, vice president of production and business development. “ATLUS has a great penchant for stepping in to help developers bring their incredible games to market, and we are eager to breathe new life into this classic franchise. We hope that it will bring back fond memories for Tex Murphy fans as well as introduce a new generation of gamers to his one-of-a-kind humor.”

Tesla Effect begins with Tex Murphy — the down-on-his-luck gumshoe in the post-apocalyptic future-regaining consciousness on the fire escape next to his office with a gaping head wound and an injection mark on his arm. With the last seven years of his life wiped from memory, the private eye has no choice but to figure who was behind the mysterious attack and why.

“The success of the Tex Murphy Kickstarter proved to us that fans were still out in the world, craving the nostalgic adventure gaming the series is known for,” said Ryan Jones, Big Finish Games. “By partnering with ATLUS, we’re going to bring the magic of Tex to a global audience in a big way. Their continued support will help us deliver the most exciting Tex Murphy adventure yet.”

Tesla Effect: A Tex Murphy Adventure will release on Steam beginning early 2014. The single-player adventure game will feature full-motion video. The game is not yet rated by the ESRB. For more information, please visit http://texmurphy.com/.

 
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Samsung Electronics Australia Introduces the GALAXY Mega

Available exclusively through selected JB Hi-Fi stores+

SYDNEY, Australia, August 28, 2013 – Samsung Electronics Australia Pty Ltd today announced the Australian availability and pricing of the Samsung GALAXY Mega, a device that combines the portability and convenience of a smartphone with the power, multitasking capabilities and extensive viewing experience of a tablet.

Available exclusively at selected JB Hi-Fi stores across Australia and Samsung Experience Stores, the newest addition to the GALAXY family balances an optimal viewing experience on a 6.3-inch HD screen, yet is ultra-thin and portable enough to put into a pocket or hold in one hand. The GALAXY Mega offers a mix of popular smartphone and tablet features such as an effortless user experience, a split screen, multitasking between video and other applications.

“With the success of the GALAXY Note range, there is growing demand in Australia for devices that offer the portability and connectivity of a smartphone with the features and productivity of a tablet,” said Tyler McGee, Vice President – Telecommunications, Samsung Electronics Australia.

“With the launch of the GALAXY Mega, Samsung is continuing to offer consumers more of what they want, with a smartphone featuring a stunning 6.3-inch HD screen. The GALAXY Mega is the perfect choice for any consumer seeking a device that is the perfect blend of Samsung’s innovative smartphone and tablet technologies,” added McGee.

Best of Both Worlds 

The GALAXY Mega is an ideal choice for customers who want to get the most out of one device. With a 6.3-inch HD LCD screen with landscape mode support, the GALAXY Mega enables an exceptional widescreen view for various applications including web browsing, video, and social networking. The GALAXY Mega is also light and thin for incredible portability and easy, convenient mobile phone use.

Customers can stay connected with a variety of great applications and content suited to the large screen including:

  • ‘Samsung Hub’*: Samsung Hub is your one stop shop for movies, books, learning content and games and allows consumers to search and buy across the store with one single sign in.
  • ‘Samsung WatchON’^: Transforms your GALAXY Mega into an IR remote controller for your compatible Samsung Smart TV. Connect your GALAXY Mega to your compatible home entertainment system, and it will provide program recommendations, schedules, and even remotely control your Smart TV. WatchON also offers a video on demand service which allows you to search and rent or buy from a range of local and Hollywood films and TV shows. WatchOn offers a personalised service which learns what you like to watch and recommends new movies and TV shows for you to enjoy.
  • ‘PLUS7’~: Catch up on your favourite Channel 7 shows wherever you are with the PLUS 7 app.
  • ‘Navigon’#: This premium voice-guided navigation application by Garmin comes pre-loaded on the GALAXY Mega with all maps pre-loaded to the SD card. Navigon by Garmin helps turn the GALAXY Mega into a GPS device.
  • ‘Group Play’~~: Enables easy content sharing for up to eight devices on the same Wi-Fi network.
  •  ‘Samsung Link’~~: Easily streams photos, videos, notes, or music to your compatible television, tablet or computer.
  • ‘S Translator’**: Say or text what you need translated into the GALAXY Mega, and it will provide translation, using text or voice translation on applications including email and ChatON.
  • ‘ChatON’^^: Share what’s on your screen with friends to stay connected, and chat or video call around the world to compatible devices.
  • ‘Samsung Apps’##: The app store specifically for Samsung devices; find free and paid apps that have been optimised and selected specifically for the Samsung GALAXY Mega.

Productivity and Multimedia for the Multi-Tasker

GALAXY Mega users can accomplish more with the rich, interactive experience and usability of the widescreen mode. Split screen capability for a variety of applications including email, messages, ‘MyFiles,’ ‘S Memo,’ ‘S Planner’, and more. With the popular ‘Air View’++ feature, customers can preview information in emails, photos in Gallery, and speed dial contacts. 

The GALAXY Mega is equipped with an 8 megapixel rear-facing camera with a 1.9 megapixel front-facing camera, along with a variety of camera modes, ‘Sound & Shot’ (captures 9 seconds of sound and voice together as the picture is taken to capture moments), ‘Rich tone’, ‘Sports’, and more.

The GALAXY Mega also packs various newly-introduced features, including:

  • ‘S Travel’: Provides trip information, local guides, resources and more.
  • ‘Story Album’: Allows customers to create albums of special events and keep special moments in one place using a timeline, geo-tag information and publish digital albums in hard copy.

The Samsung GALAXY Mega runs on Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean operating system, and features a Dual Core Processor, spacious internal storage along with up to 64GB of expandable memory to store your favourite apps, music, videos, photos and more. The device’s advanced software also facilitates an efficient processor for long battery life.

Pricing and Availability 

The Samsung GALAXY Mega is now available for sale exclusively at selected JB Hi-Fi stores across Australia for RRP $599.00. It will also be made available through the Samsung Experience Stores in Sydney and Melbourne.

 
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CALL OF DUTY®: BLACK OPS II APOCALYPSE AVAILABLE NOW FIRST ON XBOX LIVE

World Famous Rock Band Avenged Sevenfold and Highly-Acclaimed Comics Painter/Illustrator Alex Ross Lend Their Talents to Apocalypse,the Epic Conclusion of the Call of Duty: Black Ops II Season Pass  

Sydney, Australia – August 28, 2013 – The highly-anticipated conclusion to the Call of Duty Season Pass has arrived! Award-winning Treyarch and Activision Publishing cap off an epic season of Call of Duty®: Black Ops II downloadable content (DLC) with Apocalypse, available now on the Xbox Live online entertainment network from Microsoft. The game’s fourth and final DLC Pack delivers four thrilling and diverse multiplayer maps, as well as “Origins” – the all-new, wildly creative Zombies experience that reunites players with the original heroes going back to Call of Duty®: World at War, and closes this chapter of the Zombies story arch for Call of Duty: Black Ops II.

“We have been going hard at it all year, supporting the game, and delivering new content and experiences for fans, and Apocalypse is the perfect conclusion to the Black Ops 2 season of content,” said Mark Lamia, Studio Head for the developer Treyarch. “Multiplayer fans have it all with this one, and Origins will yet again set a new bar for Zombies.”

Call of Duty: Black Ops II Apocalypse delivers four diverse multiplayer maps:

  • Pod: A failed utopian community from the 70’s has left stacks of dilapidated residential pods nestled into an abandoned cliff side in Taiwan. Its residents long gone, the modernist compound now hosts frenetic combat as players must run atop the pods, as well as navigate their multi-tiered interiors for a strategic edge.
  • Frost: Fresh snow meets explosive gunpowder in this snow-capped European city, where the bridge over a frozen canal separates it into two sides, requiring players to employ multi-level strategies as they traverse the terrain in order to outsmart, and ultimately outshoot their enemies.
  • Takeoff:  Fans of “Stadium” from the original Call of Duty®: Black Ops First Strike DLC will find themselves at home on “Takeoff.” Marooned in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, this remote launch site is all about close-quarters combat, combining tight corners with open spaces for intense encounters.
  • Dig: An adaptation of the fan-favourite “Courtyard” from Call of Duty: World at War, where two archeological dig sites in Afghanistan become the perfect playground for combatants eager for hectic, unceasing confrontations. Treyarch, has retained the spirit of “Courtyard” with two major chokepoints and a wide open layout with raised platforms, but has also provided fans with a fresh take by including a multitude of pathways.

In addition to the four maps, Apocalypse also reveals “Origins,” the most horrifying and imaginative Zombies experience to date. Players will be deployed to a Dieselpunk-stylized World War I-era France that brings back the four original heroes – Tank, Nikolai, Takeo, and Richtofen – from the very first Zombies map featured in Call of Duty: World at War, as well as hordes of zombies that have overrun the French countryside’s trenches and fields, as well as the ruins of an ancient and mysterious location.

Apocalypse also marks Treyarch’s partnership with award-winning Warner Bros. Records rock band, Avenged Sevenfold, whose new song, “Shepherd of Fire” from their just released album, “Hail to the King,” headlines the soundtrack to the game’s Zombies experience.

Along with Avenged Sevenfold, Treyarch also enlisted the talent of famed comics illustrator and painter, Alex Ross, to lend his talent to “Origins,” providing original Zombies art depicting the four returning hero characters. 

Call of Duty: Black Ops II Apocalypse is available today first, exclusively on Xbox Live for the Xbox 360 games and entertainment system from Microsoft for a suggested retail price of $19.95, with other platforms to follow. Players who have already purchased the Season Pass on Xbox 360 can download Apocalypse now. Call of Duty: Black Ops II is rated “MA15+” (Strong Violence and Coarse Language) by the Australian Classification Board. More information on Call of Duty: Black Ops II can be found at http://www.callofduty.com/blackops2 or on www.facebook.com/codblackops. Fans can also follow @Treyarch on Twitter.