STARCRAFT II SEA/ANZ INVITATIONAL TOURNAMENT – THIS WEEKEND

Just a quick reminder that the StarCraft II SEA/ANZ Invitational Tournament will be kicking off tomorrow and running all weekend, boasting a very healthy representation of players from Australia and New Zealand, including former pro Legionnaire and local WC3 legend GLaDe.

NEW BLIZZARD CUSTOM MAP: BURNING TIDE

We’re proud to announce the release of Blizzard Entertainment’s first new StarCraft II: Wings of Liberty custom map: Burning Tide!

Featuring timed lava surges and collectable mineral caches, Burning Tide is a 3v3 map that combines several thematic elements from the epic single-player campaign mission “Devil’s Playground.” Like the campaign mission, the goal of this game is greed, and the first team to reach the specified resource total wins! Players hoping to achieve victory on this map will need to work together, carefully managing their team’s unit production and safeguarding their vulnerable workers as they defend against enemy forces.

Check out Burning Tide now in the custom games list in the game client.

THE RETAKING OF GNOMEREGAN AND ECHO ISLES BEGINS

Look lively — the efforts to retake the areas of Gnomeregan and Echo Isles have begun. While it’s been some weeks since we shared the details surrounding these calls to arms, the battle has finally begun!

If you are of the illustrious Alliance and wish to take up the charge of retaking Gnomeregan as called by Gelbin Mekkatorque, you’ll want to report to him for duty in the district of Tinkertown in Ironforge. Members of the noble and steadfast Horde are tasked to report to Sen’jin village in southern Durotar. No matter if you’re a weathered champion of your faction, or are still learning the ways of battle, you’ll be able to help in these monumental efforts to change the very landscape of Azeroth. Dismissed!

Sydney, 09 September, 2010: Konami Digital Entertainment GmbH will release the Wii version of its highly anticipated PES 2011 in October and has outlined the key additions to the new game.

Once again overseen by Producer Akiyoshi ‘Greyhound’ Chosogabe and his dedicated team, PES 2011 follows the lead set by its Next Gen cousins and concentrates on giving the player more control over the action than ever before. At the heart of the game lies true multi-directional dribbling, which allows users to run and turn in all 360-degrees and gives the player greater responsiveness when controlling the ball.

PES 2011 for Wii also retains the dual control methods pioneered by last year’s game. Players can either opt to play the game using a Wii Remote and Nunchuck, with the former used to pick out passes or send players on runs, while the Nunchuck offers total control over the player with the ball. Alternatively, players can use the Wii’s Classic Controller to play in a more conventional style, with the left-hand stick offering full 360-degree movement and the right stick allowing users to change cursors more efficiently. Players can also play against?rivals using different control methods now, regardless of whether they are online or offline. WFC Matches offer a default setting to play against players using the same control method; but there is an option to play against those using a different control method.

Other key new additions include the ability to tailor the runs players make in set piece situations. The Free Run Set Up allows users to assign several players to make runs before the kick is taken. The Free Run Set Up allows users to run their players into space to create goal-scoring opportunities easily when the kick is being taken, by moving players to bring opposition markers out of defence position. To accentuate this new element, a new camera option is also available during corner kicks, allowing users to zoom in or change the camera angle, allowing the both teams to execute finer controls.

The Wii version of PES 2011 also includes a wider range of feints and skills, while the game is brought to vivid life with more realistic player models and animations. The individuality of players has been emphasised with more attributes allocated to their abilities and graphically they have been improved in how they look and move. Players even sing the national anthem for certain national sides as they await kick off!

With new and improved online play, the Copa Santander Libertadores mode joining the existing UEFA Champions League options and the return of the absorbing Master League and Champions Road, PES 2011 represents a welcome return to the most realistic Wii football series available.

About Konami Group

KONAMI CORPORATION was established in 1973, and became a holding company of the Konami Group on March 31, 2006. KONAMI CORPORATION covers the fields of “Digital Entertainment Business”, “Gaming & System Business” and “Health & Fitness Business”. KONAMI CORPORATION went public on Tokyo Stock Exchange in 1988, the London Stock Exchange in 1999, and the New York Stock Exchange in 2002. Home Page URL: www.konami.co.jp. Konami Digital Entertainment GmbH is a wholly-owned subsidiary, responsible for popular franchises like Metal Gear Solid, Silent Hill and Pro Evolution Soccer amongst other top sellers. Konami Group is also the manufacturer of the wildly popular Yu-Gi-Oh! TRADING CARD GAME, which has sold more than 22 billion cards worldwide. For more information concerning Konami Digital Entertainment GmbH and its products, please visit www.konami-europe.com.

KONAMI is a registered trademark of KONAMI CORPORATION.

Customise Your Control with a New Xbox 360 Wireless Controller, Featuring a Transforming D-pad

This November, Xbox 360 owners will be able to alter their controller with the Xbox 360 Wireless Controller with Play & Charge Kit – with Transforming D-pad. The matte silver controller contains a transforming directional pad that provides ultimate accuracy and control for both directional as well as sweeping movements. The Xbox 360 Wireless Controller with Transforming D-pad comes complete with a Play and Charge kit for RRP: A$99.95/NZ$109.95 and will ship to retailers beginning Nov. 9.

Select the traditional plus for distinct cardinal direction movement in games like “Halo: Reach” to change weapons and perform complicated combinations and deadly finishing moves in “Street Fighter” games, or rotate the D-pad to the disc format for sweeping motions in games such as “Pro Evolution Soccer 2011.” Choose your favorite controller set-up and experience unrivaled precision for all Xbox 360 games.

The award-winning Xbox 360 Wireless Controller is taken to the next level with a unique and premium button design, a matte silver color with grey A, B, X, Y buttons and comfortable, concave analog sticks. The Play & Charge Kit includes a charging cable and rechargeable battery pack for uninterrupted gameplay and up to 25 hours of play per charge.

For more information on the Special Edition Xbox 360Wireless Controller with Transforming D-pad, visit www.xbox.com.

Released to DVD and BLU-RAY 8 September 2010! 

What’s a girl to do? Successful but single Beth (KRISTEN BELL) is in for the ride of her life when, in Rome, she chooses the wrong fountain to pick up coins from, and gains an army of devoted admirers in WHEN IN ROME, released to DVD and Blu-ray 8 September 2010!

Art curator Beth is on the verge of giving up on love altogether. With her job at the Guggenheim and her New York lifestyle to her liking, all that seems to be missing is that special someone in her life. Further still, when her sister announces her impulse Rome wedding, Beth packs her bag expecting to be alone on another perfect romantic occasion.

Things, however, are looking up! At the wedding Beth meets the handsome and charming Nick, played by JOSH DUHAMEL (Transformers and Transformers Revenge) and it seems maybe she has just met Mr Right.  

But when it looks as though her luck had changed, true to form Beth spies Nick in the arms of another women! Frustrated, and a little tipsy, she jumps into the reputed ‘fountain of love’ and collects three coins, instantaneously causing her luck to swing too much in her favour!

Not realising her error, Beth is now pursued back to New York by the four owners of the coins, all convinced that Beth is the love of their lives! This includes sausage magnate Al (DANNY DEVITO) who calls on Beth for private tours of the museum; Italian painter Antino, played by WILL ARNETT (of Arrested Development fame); Lance (JON HEDER), a creepy street magician; and Gale (DAX SHEPARD), a narcissistic model obsessed with his body.

Meanwhile, Nick has not forgotten Beth and begins to pursue her back in New York. But when Beth learns that by taking the coins from the fountain she was responsible for the curse that has men chasing her, could it be that Nick’s interest is the result of the same curse?  Or could it be true love?

Also starring ANJELICA HUSTON and packed with special features including deleted scenes, bloopers, and music videos. Exclusive to Blu-ray are also alternative openings and endings!

Don’t miss one of the funniest and heart-warming romances of 2010, WHEN IN ROME, released to DVD and Blu-ray, 8 September 2010.

Available to own: 8 September 2010

    Rated: PG

     Running time:  87 Minutes (DVD)

     91 Minutes (Blu-ray)

Xbox 360 250GB Console, Kinect Sensor and “Kinect Adventures” for $549.00 RRP*(AUD)

SYDNEY, Australia. — September 9, 2010 — On Nov. 18 be among the first to get Kinect for Xbox 360 with the Xbox 360 250GB with Kinect. This package includes the Xbox 360 250GB console, a Kinect sensor and “Kinect Adventures” (check the classification closer to launch date) for $549.00 RRP* (AUD) Set up controller-free entertainment in your home with the glossy black 250GB console that boasts 802.11n built-in Wi-Fi, an internal removable 250GB hard drive and touch sensitive controls. Plug in the Kinect Sensor to the dedicated port on the console and load “Kinect Adventures” where you can float in outer space, experience the thrill of roaring rapids and tackle mountaintop obstacle courses. Enjoy controller-free fun with any of the more than 15 games launching with Kinect and experience new ways to enjoy your favorite entertainment.

Xbox 360 paired with Kinect has something for everyone. Play an exciting game of soccer in “Kinect Sports,” (Rated G) go for the ride of your lives with the massive jumps and full-body stunts in “Kinect Joy Ride,” (check the classification closer to launch date) or adopt a pet tiger cub with “Kinectimals” (G) Get the most out of your morning workout with “Your Shape: Fitness Evolved” (G). Your virtual trainer will help you meet your specific fitness goals by providing feedback on your form in the comfort your own living room. Gather friends for a dance party, or work on your own moves one step at a time with “Dance Central” by MTV Games and Harmonix (check the classification closer to launch date). Spend quality time with friends and family around the world through Video Kinect**. Watch your favorite movies on Xbox LIVE, all with the wave a hand.

Kinect for Xbox 360 will take to the global stage once again at the Tokyo Game Show next week to reveal even more new controller-free games and experiences never before possible.

For more information on the Special Edition Xbox 360 250GB with Kinect, visit www.xbox.com.

*Recommended Retail Price – Actual price is set by the retailer

**Xbox LIVE Gold membership required for Video Kinect

Hamburg, September 9, 2010 – In just a few weeks gamigo’s much-anticipated MMORPG War of Angels will begin closed beta testing. Now the game’s official web page has been launched on which players can read up on everything they need to know about flying, guild towns or the innovative system of good vs. evil.

War of Angels has changed quite a bit over the past few months. The game’s graphics have been updated, more quests have been added and new features have been implemented. Soon players will be able to experience this unique fantasy world full of fascinating creatures first-hand. There are no ordinary wolves or rabbits in this game.

More information can be found on the official website.

New images of War of Angels have been made available for download on our press server.

War of Angels’ features at a glance:

Highly-detailed graphics in a unique style
A huge world which can be explored on foot, from the air and by swimming
A variety of dungeons full of traps and puzzles
Cleverly-devised community and trading systems
Choose between good and evil
Guild towns

6 September 2010, Australia – Australian International basketball star Andrew Bogut descended down under this weekend to celebrate the imminent release of EA SPORTS NBA Elite 11 – a title set to revolutionise the way basketball videogames are played.

Bogut, an Aussie pro playing for the Milwaukee Bucks in the NBA, gathered together with fans, media and stakeholders alike at a hip Sydney venue to get hands on with the highly anticipated videogame that is set to launch this October.

For the first time ever EA SPORTS NBA ELITE 11 will introduce real physics to a basketball videogame, as well as an all-new technology base and control scheme.

Bogut, one of the most dynamic big men in the NBA, was excited to be a part of the launch party. “EA SPORTS is such a well-recognised NBA video game series and has been a fan favourite for over 20 years. It’s amazing to see how far it’s come with this new release. I have no doubt Australian fans will enjoy it as much as I do — you never know, with the new physics elements, it may even help to improve your performance on the court!”

The new title’s ‘Hands-On Control’ scheme allows for one-to-one responsiveness of a player’s movement and actions on the court, as opposed to traditional predetermined animations that require users to wait while a scenario played out before making their next move.

Hands-on Control applies to everything within a player’s offensive and defensive arsenal, including dribble moves, dunks, drives to the basket, fadeaways, mid-air adjustments, blocks, steals and more.

The new real-time physics system in NBA ELITE 11 allows each player on the court to move independently of one another, removing the two man interactions that have long taken the user control out of basketball videogames. In addition, a new skill based shooting system requires accurate user input, based on a players position on the court, to score, versus the randomly generated dice roll that has driven shooting in basketball videogames of the past.

The game, rated G by the OFLC, will be available on October 7th for the PS3 and Xbox 360 videogame systems, and is being developed by EA Canada in Burnaby, B.C.

From the Creators of the Buddies, Comes an All New Movie The Search for Santa Paws.

Launching onto Disney Blu-ray™ & DVD, 10 November, 2010!

From the creators of the loveable Buddies, Disney’s original, fun-filled and heart-warming film that takes us back to the beginning of the friendship between Santa Claus and Santa Paws.

In this prequel to the hit holiday classic embark on an adventure through New York City to find Santa Claus and restore the spirit of Christmas. Before he was helping the Buddies and Puppy Paws in their Christmas adventure, Santa Paws was a very special stuffed toy delivered to Santa for his 1600 the magical, Great Christmas Icicle. Paws (voiced by ZACARY GORDAN), is a lovable and naïve Great Pyrenees pup, and has great fun helping Santa Claus (RICHARD RIEHLE) in his workshop.

When Santa Claus takes a trip to New York City, an accident leaves him without his memory, and families everywhere may miss out on Christmas! It is up to Santa Paws to find Santa Claus and restore the Christmas spirit, but New York City is a lot bigger than the North Pole, and to succeed he must find help from fellow canine and human friends.

Touching many lives along the way, including two orphans who wish only to have a family, new friends Eddy (voiced by RICHARD KIND) – a Jack Russell Terrier and fellow pup from the North Pole – and T-Money (voiced by JOSH FLITTER), a street smart bulldog pup, help Santa Paws as he embarks on a big city adventure. Will the mismatched group of loveable pups be able to beat this race against time to bring Santa Claus back to the North Pole, and save Christmas for everyone?!

THE SEARCH FOR SANTA PAWS, is anSANTA BUDDIES, Santa Paws and his new friendsTHE SEARCH FORis the must-own all new family DVD this holiday season!th birthday, and brought to life by 2 With all-new characters, featuring adorable talking dog friends, this is the perfect Christmas gift the whole family can enjoy. Only on DVD and Blu-ray can you see bonus features including: deleted scenes and doggy bloopers that will have you howling with laughter; music videos; a behind-the-scenes featurette and games and activities!

THE SEARCH FOR SANTA PAWS is a must-own all-new Christmas movie to share with your entire family.

Wargaming.net® is glad to announce the release of a new gameplay trailer for its highly-anticipated massively multiplayer online game World of Tanks that has recently entered its closed beta phase #2.

The trailer demonstrates the game’s most powerful fighting vehicles – heavy tanks – showcasing their features in dynamic gameplay footage staged on WWII era battlegrounds. The video gives insight into heavy tanks’ tactics in action and focuses on military characteristics of legendary Maus, Tiger I, KV and IS-7.

Heavy tanks accomplish a wide variety of objectives on the battlefield that range from defending the base and containing hostile advances to supporting attacks of medium allies and disrupting enemy defense lines.

“We are proud of the rich tank collection the game offers and heavy vehicles are our main boast, “says Nick Katselapov, producer of World of Tanks. “They are powerful multipurpose machines of destruction that all our players are dreaming of. However, they are by no means “uber” units in the game as a well-organized squad of medium tanks can literally pulverize a heavy counterpart.”

Join the beta at: http://game.worldoftanks.com/registration/cbt/

For more information on World of Tanks, visit http://www.worldoftanks.com/.

About World of Tanks

World of Tanks is the first and only team-based massively multiplayer online action game dedicated to armored warfare. Throw yourself into the epic tank battles of World War II with other steel cowboys all over the world. Your arsenal includes more than 150 armored vehicles from America, Germany, and the Soviet Union, carefully detailed with historical accuracy.

A flexible system of authentic vehicle upgrade and development allows you to try any of the vehicles and weapons in the game. Whether you prefer to exhaust your foes with fast and maneuverable light tanks, make deep breaches in enemy lines with all-purpose medium tanks, use the force of giant tanks to eliminate opposing armored forces, or become a heavy sniper with long-range howitzers, each unit type has its own advantages and can be extremely effective when operated by a true tank ace.

But being a great tank commander alone isn’t enough to win! In World of Tanks, it’s all about teamwork. Victory is achieved by combining your combat skills with those of the other members of your team, each playing their own role on the battlefield. Just add your favorite strategy to build your own iron empire and manifest the indisputable authority of the tank! Feel the TANK POWER!

Key Features:

· Action-packed 15-vs-15 PvP Tank battles

· Mixture of Action, Strategy, Simulation and MMORPG genres

· 150 Vehicles, thousands of upgrades

· Unprecedented global Clan Wars

About Wargaming.net®

Wargaming.net® is an award-winning strategy game specialist, incorporated in the UK. Its 140-strong development team is located in Minsk, Belarus. Since 1998, the company has shipped 13 titles, including acclaimed Massive Assault series, Order of War RTS published by Square Enix, and three add-ons for Blitzkrieg II. Wargaming.net’s Operation Bagration RTS was awarded the Best Strategy Game of 2008 at Russian Game Developers Conference (KRI). At KRI 2009 and 2010 Wargaming.net® was named The Best Developer Company from ex-USSR. At KRI 2010 World of Tanks won “Best MMO” prize.

Official web site: www.wargaming.net