A Shadow’s Tale (also known as Lost in Shadow in the US)- this surprise hit of E3 and has enjoyed some very positive feedback. We currently have preview code available so please let me know if this is of interest and I will send a copy over to you.
The trailer can be viewed here.
The winners of the New SUPER MARIO BROS. Wii National Coin Challenge were crowned at an exciting final in Sydney yesterday, the 28th of July.
Finalists from all across Australia, as well as three finalists from New Zealand, competed to take out the championship at The Mint in Sydney. Approximately 1500 people had competed in the Coin Challenge battle tour, therefore to participate in the final was a great achievement for all competitors.
Congratulations to Sandra and Andrew Dare, siblings from New South Wales, who took out the Tag Team Championship, and to Brendan Robeson from Western Australia who won the Individual Battle. The winners have each won a trip to New York, including all flights and accommodation, as well as $1000 to spend big at the Nintendo World Store!
Nintendo Australia would like to thank all who participated in the New SUPER MARIO BROS. Wii Coin Challenge.
BitDefender identifies dangerous iPhone unlocking software serving up malware
SYDNEY & AUCKLAND – July 29, 2010 – The U.S. government’s announcement on Monday that iPhone owners can legally ‘jailbreak’ out of their device has seen an increase in helpful articles, emails and blog all instructing owners how they can safely and quickly unlock their iPhones to third party applications, with the cybercriminals quick to issue their own supposedly helpful application.
Proving that cybercriminals never lack imagination, a new malware-spreading email campaign targeting iPhone unlocking fans purports to be a downloadable unlocking application for iPhones. Users are encouraged to click the link within the email that takes them to the web page with the apparently desired software.
But users who click on the link will find an exe file attempts to download, which once it is saved and run onto the user’s computer, opens up the way for an unfriendly Trojan.
Identified by BitDefender as Trojan.Generic.3010833, this piece of malware is a keylogger that transmits everything the user writes on the computer to a specific email address, in this particular case to directory[REMOVED]@hotmail.com.
This allows the malware creators to intercept the victim’s visited sites, usernames, passwords, bank accounts information, such as pin number, bank account numbers, passwords, etc.
In order to stay safe, BitDefender recommends never opening suspicious links or attachments without scanning them first and that all users run an up-to-date antimalware software solution on their computers.
Image 1: The email offering the wonder-software
Image 2: The software proves to be malware
All product and company names mentioned herein are for identification purposes only and are the property of, and may be trademarks of their respective owners.
New Downloadable Content Extends Multiplayer Gameplay in this Summer’s Definitive Action Shooter
Sydney, AUSTRALIA. 28th July 2010 – The legendary battle between the AUTOBOTS and DECEPTICONS rages on as Activision Publishing, Inc. (Nasdaq: ATVI) announced today that the Transformers(TM): War for Cybertron Map and Character Pack is available now for download on the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and the PlayStation 3 computer entertainment system. Based on Hasbro’s iconic TRANSFORMERS brand, the downloadable content pack will include five distinct playable TRANSFORMERS characters and four all-new maps for online multiplayer game modes.
“The fans have spoken and the response to Transformers: War for Cybertron has been colossal,” said David Pokress, Head of Marketing for Licensed Properties, Activision Publishing, Inc. “Our number one goal since the launch of the game has been to support the rapidly-growing online community, and we recognize the need for these characters and maps to continue the blistering multiplayer gameplay they have come to know and love.”
The additional TRANSFORMERS characters entering the pack include SCATTERSHOT, ONSLAUGHT, SHOCKWAVE, DEMOLISHOR and JAZZ. Players have access to all five characters in the game’s adrenaline-pumping, four-player co-op Escalation mode, and will be able to select their chassis to create their own TRANSFORMERS character in competitive multiplayer.
Additionally, four brand new multiplayer maps extend the diverse set of battlefields on which players can battle with or against their friends online. District and Forsaken allow fans to team up in all-new environments in Escalation mode, while Havok and Fortress deliver more frenetic gameplay in competitive multiplayer modes.
The Transformers: War for Cybertron Map and Character Pack is currently available on Xbox LIVE Marketplace for the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft for 800 Microsoft Points and in the PlayStation Store for the PlayStation 3 computer entertainment system for $15.95.
The game is rated “M” for Violence. For more information on the game, visit www.TransformersGame.com.
CALL OF DUTY®: BLACK OPS PLANS tactical assault ON NINTENDO DS
Sydney, AUSTRALIA. 29th July 2010 – De-classifying previously top secret information, Activision Publishing, Inc. (Nasdaq: ATVI) revealed new details today about Call of Duty®: Black Ops’ release on November 9th with the confirmation of an all-new companion game for the Nintendo DS™ family of hand-held systems, developed exclusively for the platform by n-Space. Call of Duty: Black Ops for the Nintendo DS will put gamers in the boots of CIA-backed operatives that are dropped into the shadowy world of deniable operations with an expansive arsenal of weapons at their disposal.
“Call of Duty: Black Ops for the Nintendo DS is going to take the handheld Call of Duty experience to a new level,” said Dan O’Leary, n-Space Studio Head. “From taking the controls of an attack helicopter to flying an experimental stealth fighter jet, players will have a wealth of new features to utilize.”
Call of Duty: Black Ops for the Nintendo DS will feature six-player online multiplayer mode with a new Perks System, as well as a unique two-player Co-Op mode and Arcade and Challenge Modes that allow gamers to replay the single-player missions to earn extra points to unlock additional achievements.
Call of Duty: Black Ops for Nintendo DS is yet to be rated by the Australian Classification Board. For more information, visit www.callofduty.com/blackops and also via Twitter @JD_2020.
About n-Space
n-Space is a world class independent game development studio located in Orlando, Florida. Founded in 1994, n-Space has become a leader in Nintendo Wii™ and Nintendo DS development, creating games specifically tailored for the unique experiences offered by those innovative platforms. For more information, log on to www.n-space.com.
About Activision Publishing, Inc.
Headquartered in Santa Monica, California, Activision Publishing, Inc. is a leading worldwide developer, publisher and distributor of interactive entertainment and leisure products.
Activision maintains operations in the U.S., Canada, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Sweden, Spain, Norway, Denmark, the Netherlands, Australia, South Korea, China and the region of Taiwan. More information about Activision and its products can be found on the company’s website, www.activision.com.
Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-looking Statements: Information in this press release that involves Activision Publishing’s expectations, plans, intentions or strategies regarding the future are forward-looking statements that are not facts and involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Activision Publishing generally uses words such as “outlook,” “will,” “could,” “would,” “might,” “remains,” “to be,” “plans,” “believes,” “may,” “expects,” “intends,” “anticipates,” “estimate,” future,” “plan,” “positioned,” “potential,” “project,” “remain,” “scheduled,” “set to,” “subject to,” “upcoming” and similar expressions to identify forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause Activision Publishing’s actual future results to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements set forth in this release include, but are not limited to, sales levels of Activision Publishing’s titles, shifts in consumer spending trends, the impact of the current macroeconomic environment, the seasonal and cyclical nature of the interactive game market, Activision Publishing’s ability to predict consumer preferences among competing hardware platforms, declines in software pricing, product returns and price protection, product delays, retail acceptance of Activision Publishing’s products, adoption rate and availability of new hardware (including peripherals) and related software, industry competition including from used games and other forms of entertainment, litigation risks and associated costs, rapid changes in technology, industry standards, business models including online and used games, and consumer preferences, including interest in specific genres such as music, first-person action and massively multiplayer online games, protection of proprietary rights, maintenance of relationships with key personnel, customers, licensees, licensors, vendors, and third-party developers, including the ability to attract, retain and develop key personnel and developers that can create high quality “hit” titles, counterparty risks relating to customers, licensees, licensors and manufacturers, domestic and international economic, financial and political conditions and policies, foreign exchange rates and tax rates, and the identification of suitable future acquisition opportunities and potential challenges associated with geographic expansion, and the other factors identified in the risk factors sections of Activision Blizzard’s most recent annual report on Form 10-K and any subsequent quarterly reports on Form 10-Q. The forward-looking statements in this release are based upon information available to Activision Publishing and Activision Blizzard as of the date of this release, and neither Activision Publishing nor Activision Blizzard assumes any obligation to update any such forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements believed to be true when made may ultimately prove to be incorrect. These statements are not guarantees of the future performance of Activision Publishing or Activision Blizzard and are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors, some of which are beyond its control and may cause actual results to differ materially from current expectations.
Hubble 3D
For nearly 20 years, the Hubble space telescope has dazzled us with unprecedented views of the cosmos—from the splendour of our celestial neighbourhood to galaxies billions of light years away. Now on 12 August, at IMAX Melbourne Museum, audiences will blast off alongside the Atlantis STS-125 crew and experience virtual star travel via breath-taking, never-before-seen 3D flights through Hubble imagery. Premiering at this year’s Melbourne International Film Festival, Hubble 3D will immerse moviegoers in the great wonders and astounding beauty of our universe on the world’s third largest screen in stunning IMAX 3D. They will also witness up-close some of the most challenging spacewalks ever performed as the Atlantis astronauts attempt some of the most difficult and important tasks in NASA’s history.
Release Date: 12 August, 2010
Tickets: $17.50 Adult, $14.00 Concession, $12.50 Child, $50.00 Family (2 adults & 2 children)
Dolphins and Whales 3D
IMAX Melbourne Museum is delving deep into the ocean this September school holidays with the breathtaking new IMAX film, Dolphins and Whales 3D. Narrated by environmentalist and actress, Daryl Hannah, Dolphins and Whales 3D immerses viewers in the daily lives of cetaceans small and large and follows these fascinating creatures as they interact socially, play, communicate through highly complex sound systems, feed, breed, migrate and fight for survival. Dolphins and Whales 3D also delivers a powerful message in favour of the protection of these tribes while they face the greatest challenge of all – to survive the destruction of their habitat and depletion of food resources.
Release date: 9 September, 2010
Tickets: $17.50 Adult, $14.00 Concession, $12.50 Child, $50.00 Family (2 adults & 2 children)
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: The IMAX 3D Experience
Experience Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows in IMAX 3D on the world’s third largest screen at IMAX Melbourne Museum! Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: The IMAX 3D Experience, the seventh and final adventure in the Harry Potter film series, is a much-anticipated motion picture event to be told in two full-length parts. Part 1 begins as Harry, Ron and Hermione set out on their perilous mission to track down and destroy the secret to Voldemort’s immortality and destruction—the Horcruxes. On their own, without the guidance of their professors or the protection of Professor Dumbledore, the three friends must now rely on one another more than ever. But there are dark forces in their midst that threaten to tear them apart.
Release Date: 18 November, 2010
Tickets: $22.50 adults, $18.50 concession, $16.50 child, $68.00 family (2 adults & 2 children)
Inception: The IMAX Experience
See the latest Chris Nolan sci-fi thriller, Inception, in a spectacular, fully immersive IMAX experience on the world’s third largest screen at IMAX Melbourne Museum. Nolan directs an international cast in an original sci-fi action film that takes audiences on a thrill-ride around the globe and into the intimate and infinite world of dreams. In a world where technology exists to enter the human mind through dream invasion, a single idea within one’s mind can be the most dangerous weapon or the most valuable asset.
Release Date: Now showing
Tickets: $22.50 adults, $18.50 concession, $16.50 child, $68.00 family (2 adults & 2 children)
For regular updates join IMAX Melbourne Museum on Facebook | Twitter | Youtube
IMAX Melbourne Museum, Rathdowne Street, Carlton. Films screen daily from 10.00am. For session times visit www.imaxmelbourne.com.au or call 03 9663 5454
Just announced: Avatar: Special Edition to be released at IMAX Melbourne Museum in spectacular IMAX 3D from 26 August 2010!
This version of Cameron’s history-making and groundbreaking epic will include more than eight minutes of new footage in full IMAX 3D.
The Oscar® and Golden Globe® winning epic broke attendance and earnings records internationally, including at IMAX Melbourne Museum where more than 100,000 Melbournians came to see Avatar on the world’s third largest screen.
In its initial season at IMAX Melbourne Museum, Avatar grossed over $2 million and sold out a record 152 consecutive screenings.
“Audiences repeatedly told me they wanted more of Pandora, and wished they could have stayed there longer. So we’re making that possible. Avatar: Special Edition will be exclusively in 3D, and will have eight minutes of never before seen footage, including new creatures and action scenes.”
“Whether you already love the movie, or you’ve never seen it, with this Special Edition, you’ll be seeing it like never before,” commented James Cameron.
Release Date: 26 August, 2010
Where: IMAX Melbourne Museum, Carlton Gardens
Tickets: $22.50 adults, $18.50 concession, $16.50 child, $68.00 family (2 adults & 2 children)
Enquires: 03 9663 5454
Bookings: www.imaxmelbourne.com.au or at the box office
For regular updates join IMAX Melbourne Museum on Facebook | Twitter | Youtube
– New Star Trek Online Season Launches at the Same Time as a Reduced $19.99 Retail Price – More Content, More Value – (New York, NY) July 27, 2010 – Atari, one of the world’s most recognized publishers and producers of interactive entertainment, and renowned MMO developer Cryptic Studios, have today announced the availability of Season Two: Ancient Enemies, the latest content update for the Star Trek Online universe. Season Two: Ancient Enemies is available at no additional cost to current Star Trek Online players. The content update allows players to encounter and battle even more of Star Trek’s iconic races, and enjoy all new Episodes. Star Trek Online is also now available for a new low price of $19.99.
Star Trek Online’s Season Two: Ancient Enemies boasts the following new features:
Season Two: Ancient Enemies also permits players to continue interaction with the Undine, venturing into their native Fluidic space to learn more about the enigmatic species and their struggle with the Borg. The Undine story continues with five new Episodes, a Fleet Action and all new Deep Space Encounters.
Taking place in the year 2409, Star Trek Online boasts extraordinary features and lets fans both new and old experience unparalleled adventures. Players have the opportunity to become high-ranking Starfleet officers and participate in missions that take them into the depths of space, across exotic planets and inside other starships. Star Trek Online offers total customization, from a player’s avatar to the ship he captains.
Star Trek Online is a licensed product from CBS Consumer Products. For more information, please visit: www.startrekonline.com and www.atari.com
Videos, screens, and additional assets are available at the Atari press vault. Log onto:
www.atari-press.com.
The eighth entry in the ongoing series of DC Universe Animated Original PG-13 Movies is being distributed by Warner Home Video. The film screened to a packed house of 4,250 fans at the recently concluded Comic-Con International in San Diego.
Produced by Warner Premiere, DC Entertainment and Warner Bros. Animation, “Batman: Under the Red Hood” is available as a Special Edition version on Blu-Ray™ and 2-disc DVD, as well as being available on single disc DVD, On Demand and for Download.
Sydney Australia, July 27, 2010 – As the amount of internet connectable products continues to increase, Symantec are looking beyond just the PC and the Mac. Whether it’s a Blu-ray player, a gaming console or even a wireless digital picture frame, it’s amazing how many products now connect to the internet.
Originally Symantec only offered protection for PCs and Macs
As the Android O/S becomes more widely accepted by a variety of mobile phone companies, Symantec have highlighted a huge security threat to these smart devices. From application blocking to call blocker and the most impressive feature… remote wipe and lock, users can now be assured that their Android compatible phones are truly safe. For example, if your phone gets stolen, all you need to do is log onto the internet or use another smart device to access the net and either “lock” or “remote wipe” your phone from anywhere. But as mentioned, Symantec are targetting other internet devices and hope to secure your entire internet network.
Symantec are working on a new secured network called Norton DNS which can be used on any internet device without software updates. This is a free service and by pointing your devices to this IP address, Norton does the protection on their side. This is available from today (http://www.nortondns.com) and they are working with a variety of companies to perfect this technology and more importantly, it’s faster than many of the DNS servers of today.
Working in collaboration with Mocana, a company that deals in smart devices, Norton is aiming to secure future internet capable devices from the world of cyber crime. Needless to say, it’s good to see that one of the world’s largest security experts are expanding their knowledge to other devices and although other non PC or smartphone internet devices may seem like the Wild West, it’s only a matter of time before cybercriminals attack these devices.