Just wanted to let you all know that I have some brand new assets and info on the Rapture Metro Pack, the next DLC for BioShock 2 that’s coming to Xbox 360, PS3 and Games for Windows –LIVE. Here are some details of the Rapture Metro Pack (800 Microsoft Points/ $12.95):

• Six all-new maps built, some built from the single-player portion of the game
• Three new Achievements/Trophies
• Rebirth Feature – Players who reach rank 50 have the option to rank down to Level 1 and receive a special mask 

And just to clarify, the content will not be available this week. We’ll have more details on timing in the very near future.

If You Build It, They Will Come…

New Attractions Feature in Absolute Power to Bring in the Tourists, and the Money 

Kalypso Media, a global publisher of award-winning PC and console games today released six new screenshots and more detailed information on their upcoming Tropico 3 PC expansion pack Absolute Power. Scheduled for release in June, Absolute Power invites players to return to the island paradise of Tropico and experience unprecedented power as the benevolent (or malevolent) ruler ‘El Presidente’ while enjoying a whole new series of adventures.

One of the many new features in Absolute Power includes the building of new tourist attractions allowing players to create new ways of attracting people to their tropical paradise. This will not only bring in that all important tourist money but create jobs for the locals and raise the local economy (or increase your Swiss bank account!). 

For example, the new balloon ride attraction offers tourists a bird’s eye view of the beautiful sights of Tropico but alternatively, the balloon could also be used as advertising space for Hola-Cola or to spread El Presidente’s propaganda. The huge ferris wheel is an entertainment icon for Tropicans and tourists alike and is another attraction available to build in Absolute Power. Building a ferris wheel increases the service quality of the island but be aware that Tropicans with below average courage or slob tourists dare not ride the ferris wheel so make sure you are attracting the right class of tourist. Complementing the zoo and museum, the ferris wheel introduces the idea of theme parks on the island of Tropico. The new marina is aimed at attracting wealthier tourists to Tropico. The Marina has several yachts available for hire and these can be upgraded to provide chartered fishing excursions which will increase the service quality for tourists, but will decrease the fishing resources for Tropicans who fish for a living. Remember you can’t please all of the people all of the time!

Tropico 3 Absolute Power is currently in development by Haemimont Games and will be available in June 2010 (RRP $39.95). Absolute Power requires the full version of Tropico 3 to play.

 “Halo: Reach” multiplayer beta launches in Australia from May 4^th through to May 20^th  

Sydney, Australia – 29^th April – Set your countdown clocks because the “Halo: Reach” multiplayer beta, poised to be one of the biggest test events in entertainment history, kicks off in just five days.

The “Halo: Reach” multiplayer beta is set to be one of the definitive Xbox LIVE events of the year and will run from May 4^th through to May 20^th. The beta, accessible via the “Halo 3: ODST” game disc*, will offer millions of “Halo” fans a unique opportunity to test and help refine one of the biggest blockbuster games of 2010.

As this is a beta, Bungie will be turning on different modes at different times to optimise testing. The beta kicks off with three playlists featuring the all-new, highly-competitive Arena mode (4v4 ranked Team Slayer games) as well as “Free-for-All” and “Grab Bag” playlists, which include a mix of classic and brand new game types. Beginning May 8^th, the new large-scale Spartan vs. Elite “Invasion” playlist will be added to the beta. Finally, beginning May 15^th, the “Generator Defence” game type will become available.

Everyone who logs in and plays at least one full game of any type in the “Halo: Reach” beta* will receive a free** “Halo: Reach” Avatar hoodie via the Halo Waypoint portal on Xbox LIVE. To redeem the hoodie, players must access Halo Waypoint and browse their “Halo” career statistics after completing a match. Additionally, as a way to give even more “Halo” fans a chance to join the fun, online multiplayer for the “Halo: Reach” beta, “Halo 3: ODST” and “Halo 3” will be free** for all Xbox LIVE members during the “Halo Multiplayer Unlock Weekend,” which runs from May 15^th at 2am EST through May 18^th at 2am EST.

Among the millions of “Halo” fans eagerly anticipating the beta is American actress Aisha Tyler and available tomorrow is a video introduction to the beta starring the actress, viewable exclusively through the “Halo 3: ODST” game disc. Tyler walks through all of the exciting new game modes and offers her own tips and insider hints for each of the maps while showing off some life-size “Halo” weaponry. It’s a fun introduction to the beta that no fan should miss.

Continue the experience online at the “Halo: Reach” experience site, www.welcometonobleteam.com. The destination is designed to capture the imagination of “Halo” fans and introduce newcomers to the fiction of “Halo: Reach” through videos, interactive experiences and additional content. For more information throughout the beta that is accessible from your Xbox 360, be sure to visit Halo Waypoint for exciting “Halo: Reach” coverage and features. Don’t miss out on the newest videos, interviews, montages, and screenshots as Halo Waypoint showcases “Halo: Reach” every step of the way.

Representing the impressive multiplayer elements that have become the hallmark of the “Halo” series and fused with a host of new content and features, “Halo: Reach” offers a robust and action-packed multiplayer experience and promises to set a new standard for competitive gameplay, customisation and community integration.

Developed by acclaimed studio Bungie, “Halo: Reach” launches in the spring of 2010, exclusively on Xbox 360.  “Halo: Reach” is currently available for pre-order from participating retailers in Standard, Limited and Legendary editions.

Please check the classification closer to release.

*“Halo 3: ODST” game disc, Xbox LIVE Gold membership and Internet connection required to play

**Download charges may apply as set by your ISP

You can watch the third developer diary on YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1CltcbgwDi4) or on the official Perfect World blog (http://www.perfectworld.com/blog/?p=35971).

AMD Delivers Elite Visual Computing Performance with Latest Desktop Computing Platform
New AMD Phenom™ II X6 Processor, AMD 890FX Chipset and ATI Radeon™ HD 5000 Series Graphics Create AMD’s Most Powerful Desktop Platform Ever

Sydney, Australia: April 28th, 2010 — AMD announced the immediate availability of the AMD Phenom™ II X6 processor and AMD 890FX chipset ushering in a new era of immersive 3D entertainment and visualization. Trailblazing consumers seeking immersive 3D entertainment and high definition multi-monitor display now can affordably upgrade to six-core performance and award-winning ATI Radeon™ HD 5000 series graphics. Today also marks the availability of the flagship AMD Phenom™ II X6 1090T Black Edition processor, AMD’s fastest and most tunable desktop processor ever.

“With AMD Phenom II X6 processors, discerning customers can build an incredible, immersive entertainment system and content creation powerhouse,” said Bob Grim, director of Client Platform Marketing at AMD. “AMD is answering the call for elite desktop PC performance and features at an affordable price.”
AMD Phenom II X6 processors feature new Turbo CORE technology that transfers performance to three dedicated cores operating at higher frequency. AMD Phenom II X6 processors can shift to Turbo mode for demanding games and productivity software which may employ two or three cores, or shift back to six real cores for the demands of core-hungry content creation and immersive 3D applications.

• The AMD Phenom II X6 processor works with existing AM3 and AM2+ socket motherboards with proper BIOS support, making these processors an easy upgrade
• With the new AMD OverDrive™ 3.2.1, computer enthusiasts can tune system performance, customize settings, and tune memory performance for the latest AMD platforms with the new AMD Phenom II X6 processor1
• The AMD 890FX chipset is the premier complement to the AMD Phenom II X6 processor, featuring ATI CrossFireX™ technology, and is ready for up to four ATI Radeon HD graphics cards and award winning ATI EyeFinity multiple-display technology2
• All of the necessary components to build a complete AMD-based system featuring the AMD Phenom II X6 processor can be purchased for less than the price of our competition’s only six-core desktop processor3
• The AMD 890FX with SB850 chipset includes the latest SATA 6Gb/s hard drive interface, Gigabit Ethernet, HyperTransport™ 3.0 technology, and PCI Express® Generation 2.0 designed to provide high performance data flow
• Many AMD 890FX-based motherboards feature SuperSpeed USB 3.0, quickly synchronizing and transferring digital media files on the new generation of USB 3.0 devices

Pricing and Availability
Vendor: AMD
Model: AMD Phenom™ II X6 processor and AMD 890FX chipset
RRP:
AU $371 for 1090T
AU $254 for 1055T
Website: www.amd.com
Australian and New Zealand Distributors: Avnet, Synnex and Ingram
Availability: Now

Supporting Resources
•    AMD Phenom II X6 Features on the AMD At Home Blog
•    AMD Underground Do-It-Yourself Web Site
•    AMD 8-Series Chipsets Product Page
•    AMD 5000 Series Graphics Product Page
•    AMD GAME! Web Site
•    ATI EyeFinity Technology

1    AMD’s product warranty does not cover damages caused by overclocking – even when overclocking is enabled via AMD software.
2    ATI Eyefinity technology can support up to 6 displays using a single enabled ATI Radeon™ graphics card with Windows Vista or Windows 7 operating systems (systems with multiple graphics cards can support a maximum of 8 displays with 6 in SLS and 2 in extended mode) – the number of displays may vary by board design and you should confirm exact specifications with the applicable manufacturer before purchase. ATI Eyefinity technology works with games that support non-standard aspect ratios, which is required for panning across multiple displays. To enable more than two displays, additional panels with native DisplayPort™ connectors, and/or certified DisplayPort™ adapters to convert your monitor’s native input to your cards DisplayPort™ or Mini-DisplayPort™ connector(s), are required. 
3    Pricing based on  competitive MSRP averages of: motherboard, memory, ATI Radeon HD 5670 graphics, hard drive (7200 rpm), chassis, power supply unit, standard  24” 1080P LCD, as advertised on www.newegg.com on 4/15. AMD processor pricing is online at AMD’s website. Intel Core i7 six-core price as advertised on www.newegg.com on 4/15. All prices subject to change.

April 28^th, 2010 – Precisely one week after the worldwide release, Fruit Ninja’s first juicy update is here with heaps of great extra content to improve the hottest new game on the App store! Halfbrick is continually working on the game to improve the slash-tastic experience, as well as taking feedback from members of the community on Twitter, Facebook and gaming forums!

Here is what you can expect in today’s free update:

–          New fruit: We proudly welcome two new additions to the Fruit Ninja family – Mango and Pear! They can look forward to a short and painful life.

–          Multislash: Take to the screen with more than one finger at a time and slash to your heart’s content! – http://www.fruitninja.com/screenshots/image_04.jpg

–          High score: Now displayed in-game for you to keep constant track of your best Fruit Ninja score!

–          Three new Openfeint Achievements!

–          10 new fruit facts!

–          Improved font and background for even more beautiful fruit carnage!

–          Collision / bug fixes and improvements!

Thanks for taking part in the Fruit Ninja way of life, and we look forward to serving you even more new content and gameplay in update 2!

Trailer

www.fruitninja.com

App Store

http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/fruit-ninja/id362949845?mt=8

About Halfbrick

Halfbrick is a professional game development studio based in Brisbane, Australia. Founded in 2001, it has developed popular titles for the Game Boy Advance, PSP, PlayStation 2 and Nintendo DS, with expansion into XBLA, PS3 and iPhone development. For further information, please visit www.halfbrick.com and follow on Twitter, Youtube and Facebook!

SYDNEY, Australia – 28^th April 2010 – Leading video game publisher and developer NAMCO BANDAI Games Europe S.A.S. announced that a new action-packed “GAC Pack” downloadable content (DLC) will be available in PAL Territories on May 26 for Xbox LIVE® Marketplace for Xbox 360 and PlayStation®Network. This new premium DLC pack will include two all new gameplay modes in addition to the “Jack Pack” and “Shadow Pack” DLC, which were previously only available to pre-order customers.

Dead to Rights: Retribution is a ground-up reinvention of the multi-million unit selling crime action series. Thrusting players into a mature neo-noir crime drama as vice cop Jack Slate and his canine companion Shadow, the game introduces an innovative new hybrid combat system that seamlessly blends third-person shooting with hand-to-hand brawling and AI partner. For the first time in the series, players will also be able to play as ferocious canine Shadow with his own unique gameplay style and feel. Deadly on their own, Jack and Shadow are even more formidable as they team up to defeat the threats they uncover in Grant City.

“We’ve completely rebooted the Dead to Rights franchise to deliver a satisfying, visceral and action-packed gameplay experience for existing fans and new gamers,” said Olivier Comte, VP Marketing, sales and publishing, NAMCO BANDAI Partners SA.S.. “We’re boosting the action up another notch with an accessibly priced DLC pack filled with all new missions and game-enhancing bonus content.”

The “GAC Pack” will include two new completely different modes of gameplay as well as exciting bonus options to enrich the player’s experience with the core retail game. “Assault on the 87^th Precinct” is a new mission that reveals a flip side to the story, allowing players to experience the action from the GAC (Grant City Anti-Crime) enemy’s side of the battle. Players step into the boots of the GAC Sniper, Brawler and Tank characters as they converge upon the GCPD (Grant City Police Department) stronghold under orders to contain all police officers so they can secure a tactical advantage. In “Riot Control Mode,” Jack and Shadow fend off increasingly difficult waves of GAC forces to earn points and achievements based on speed and style, with high score bragging rights on international leaderboards. In addition, the previously exclusive “Jack Pack” and “Shadow Pack” are also included in the “GAC Pack” allowing players to access armor for Jack, stealth camouflage for Shadow, an “action mode” with explosive rounds gunplay, and a “noir mode” with a black, white and red graphic filter.

Developed by Volatile Games the “GAC Pack” DLC add-on content will be released on May 26 for Xbox LIVE Marketplace and on PlayStation Network. Players must have the retail game in order to access the “GAC Pack” content. For more information, please visit http://www.deadtorights.com/ or www.namcobandaipartners.com.au

About NAMCO BANDAI Games Europe:

NAMCO BANDAI Games Europe S.A.S., is a leading interactive entertainment software publisher based in Cergy-Pontoise, France. The company is a part of the NAMCO BANDAI group of companies known for creating and publishing many of the industry’s top video game franchises including the RidgeRacer™, Tekken™, SOULCALIBUR™, Tamagotchi™, Digimon™, Dragonball® and Naruto™ brands.

About Volatile Games

Volatile Games specializes in the creation of games for the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 system. Based in Leamington Spa in the UK, Volatile Games is dedicated to the creation of high-quality and high-profile boxed console games for a mature gaming audience. Volatile Games is a division of Blitz Games Studios, founded in 1990 by games industry veterans Philip and Andrew Oliver and currently one of the largest independent games developers in the world.  

“PlayStation” is a registered trademark of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. Xbox, Xbox 360, and Xbox LIVE are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries. All other trademarks are properties of their respective owners.

Dead to Rights™: Retribution & © 2010 NAMCO BANDAI Games America Inc. All Rights Reserved. 

Press Release © 2010 NAMCO BANDAI Games Europe S.A.S.

Award-winning Gameplay and Technology From EA’s Best-Selling Franchise
Maximised For Console and Handheld Players With All-New Platform-specific Features  

28 April 2010, Australia – The EA Play Label of Electronic Arts Inc. today announced that the critically-acclaimed The Sims™ 3 is in development for the PlayStation® 3 computer entertainment system, Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system, the Wii™ and Nintendo DS™, and will be available this spring!

Millions embraced the launch of The Sims 3 on the PC/Mac last winter making it the biggest PC launch in EA’s history and going on to become to the #1 best-selling PC title in 2009*. The groundbreaking The Sims franchise has continued to gain momentum, remaining a worldwide cultural touchstone for its enormous and growing fan base.

“We’re bringing players the best console and handheld game for The Sims franchise to date and are excited to offer a unique experience for all types of gamers on their platform of choice,” explained Sam Player, Executive Producer at EA. “Building on the unique traits system, living open neighbourhood, lifetime wishes and endless customisation options, we’ve tailored each platform of The Sims 3 with exclusive features to allow for even more control, creativity and connectivity.”

In The Sims 3 for console and handheld, players will be able to create Sims with unique personalities, fulfill their desires…or not, and control their lives within a living neighbourhood.

Additionally, all-new features make it easier than ever to mess with life as players can unlock the ultimate “Karma Powers” for instant control and unleash them on their Sims. Players can help their Sim “get lucky,” bless them with “instant beauty” or be deviant and curse them with an “epic fail.” But players should use these powers wisely—they may have unexpected results and karma may come back to bite.

Rich, immersive gameplay is complimented with a seamlessly integrated exchange system on the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 platforms. Gamers will now be more connected than ever before as they design, build and share their creations, and download content from other players around the world without ever leaving the game.** Facing short and long term challenges, players will reap rewards and trophies and can even share achievements with friends by connecting to Facebook**.

Exclusive to the Wii version, players will be able to enjoy an all-new beach town with unique residents, traits, careers and lifetime wishes. For the first time ever, players can enjoy The Sims 3 with friends by going head to head in the new “Life Moments” game to earn rewards.

Finally, players will also enjoy several adventure quests, as the game will challenge them to explore their town and discover the secrets therein.

Never before seen on Nintendo DS, players can use the stylus to build their Sims’ homes with tools, draw walls and floors, and customise virtually everything from décor objects, textures and more. Players will use the stylus to sculpt their Sims’ facial features, choose hair styles and clothing, and dictate personalities in the most robust Create a Sim yet for a handheld game.

In Story Mode, players will control multiple Sims within a family and enjoy life’s special moments. For the first time ever on the Nintendo DS, players can enjoy a complete life simulation as they guide their Sims through completing challenges to unlock additional items, new buildings and landmarks, and more.

“The Sims series’ continues to be one of the most successful videogames of all time by providing universally appealing content and focusing on the player’s imagination, emergent gameplay mechanics and the innate humor evident in the virtual world of The Sims,” said Scott Evans, General Manager of The Sims Studio. “We’re building on this foundation and applying new features that will make for a robust, deep and rewarding gameplay experience. I’m extremely proud of the game that the team is making and can’t wait to bring these exciting new features like Karma Powers to life and get them into players’ hands.”

The Sims 3 for the PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, Wii, and Nintendo DS is developed by The Sims Studio and is not yet rated by the OFLC.

For more information about The Sims 3, please go to http://AU.TheSims3.com. The Sims 3 is also available for PC, Mac, iPhone®, iPod touch® and mobile devices. To download artwork, please visit www.info.ea.com.


* In North America and Europe according to NPD data, Chart-track UK, Gfk France, Gfk Spain, Gfk-MCC Germany and EA internal estimate.
** INTERNET CONNECTION, EA Online Account, and registration with single-use serial code enclosed with new, full retail purchase of The Sims 3 for Xbox 360 or PlayStation 3 required.  PlayStation®Network/Xbox LIVE® account required and separate fees may apply.  Some features subject to availability through PlayStation Network and/or Xbox LIVE. Registration is limited to one EA Account per serial code and is non-transferable once used.  You must be 13+ to register.  EA Online Terms & Conditions found at www.ea.com.