Majesco Entertainment has announced their games being showcased at the E3 Media & Business Summit 2008.
Major Minor's Majestic March Release date: Holiday 2008
Platform: Wii
Designed exclusively for Wii, Major Minor's Majestic March marks the return of the creative team behind the renowned PaRappa the Rapper franchise-legendary game designer and multimedia musician Masaya Matsuura and famed New York artist Rodney Alan Greenblat. This innovative rhythm-based music game turns the Wii RemoteÔ into a "magic" baton that bandleader Major Minor uses to keep tempo, recruit new band members and pick up valuable items. Players can add up to 15 different instruments to their dynamic procession-including brass, woodwinds, and percussion-to alter its composition and resulting performance.
Cooking Mama World Kitchen Release Date: Holiday 2008
Platform: Wii
The best-selling, award-winning cooking franchise returns! In Cooking Mama World Kitchen, Mama brings a lot more to the table, including all new 3D graphics, all new recipes from parfait to shrimp au gratin, comedic kitchen mini-games, new gameplay modes and much more. Cook with Mama and her friends by using the Wii Remote as your universal cooking utensil in this fun, family-friendly sequel to last year's Cooking Mama Cook Off.
Our House Release Date: Q1 2009
Platform: Wii
Our House is the only game that lets players build and remodel their homes into their own unique customized creations. Players use their Wii Remote to hammer, saw, paint, tile and much more as they assemble and decorate their family dwelling. Compete with friends in the four-player "build-off" mode or share creations with others via a WiiConnect24 community-building feature. If you dream it, you can build it!
Zoo Hospital Release Date: September 2008
Platform: Wii
Zoo Hospital is the first game of its kind on Wii that lets players experience a veterinarian's job. Players use the Wii Remote in surgical procedures to eliminate parasitic pests, perform dentistry, and remove foreign bodies like gallstones to restore the health of 48 ailing zoo mammals, reptiles and birds. Soothing and feeding each animal while following up on post surgical patients in their enclosures is as important as precise operations, since happy, healthy animals increase the Zoo Rating which in turn affects the number of visitors patronizing the zoo.
AWAY Shuffle Dungeon Release Date: Fall 2008
Platform: Nintendo DS
Featuring creative contributions from RPG creator Hironobu Sakaguchi, character designer Naoto Oshima and composer Nobuo Uematsu, AWAY Shuffle Dungeon for Nintendo DS is a groundbreaking role playing saga co-developed by Mistwalker and AQ Interactive. Players take control of the young hero "Sword," the sole resident left of the once booming Webb Village, who must rescue as many kidnapped townsfolk as possible from a mysterious unknown that has trapped them within underground dungeons. Saved villagers will lend assistance to Sword's quest, as will the magical ‘Fupongs' and dungeon treasure he finds that lets him shop in the village specialty stores for armor, weapons, health, medical aid and more.
Wonder World Amusement Park Release Date: Holiday 2008
Platform: Nintendo DS
In Wonder World Amusement Park, players experience the thrill of a day at the park anytime and anywhere! Using the Touch Screen, players will toss, drive, shoot, whack, fish and spin in 30 different mini-games scattered throughout six themed zones: Carnival, Spookyville, Prehistoric, Pirate, Fairy Tale and Space. Players can also unlock six interactive rides through gameplay or challenge a friend via local Wi-Fi multiplayer.
Babysitting Mania Release Date: September 2008
Platform: DS
Based on the hit online simulation, Babysitting Mania lets players progress through more than 100 levels of fast-paced, overlapping challenges as they feed, entertain and clean up after unruly kids in 20 chaotic houses. Players use the Touch Screen to manage every aspect of the household with speed and precision, from strategically employing "timeouts" to overseeing bonus birthday party levels that add neighborhood party guests to the mania.
Marker Man Adventures Release Date: November 2008
Platform: DS
Guide loveable stick figure, Marker Man, through hundreds of physics-based puzzles using the stylus as a creative tool to draw simple machines that help him safely bring Doodle Dog home. Players will collect power-ups, discover hidden areas and use logic to progress through a scrolling world of various themes.
Nyko has announced its peripherals for the Xbox 360, PLAYSTATION 3 and Wii, being showcased at the E3 Media & Business Summit 2008.
Media Hub for PS3 – August 2008
The all-new Media Hub from Nyko attaches to any available USB port on the PS3 and enables the connection of three additional USB devices including flash drives, PSP, MP3 players and additional controllers. Its form-fitting design matches the contour of the PS3 for a clean look. Expected to ship this August, the Media Hub requires no tools or internal modifications, draws its power directly from the PS3, and easily installs in just seconds.
Intercooler TS for Xbox 360 – September 2008
The successful Intercooler series gets an update! Easy snap-on installation and an AC power supply provides a more convenient and powerful solution than USB. New temperature control technology and additional assets will be revealed during E3.
Intercooler TS for PlayStation 3 – September 2008
Another innovation for this powerful system, the Intercooler TS for the PlayStation 3 also features easy snap-on installation, an AC power supply, and new temperature control technology which will be announced during E3. In addition, four powerful fans reduce ambient air temperature to help keep your system cool and running at peak performance.
In addition, Nyko products released in the first half of 2008 will be on display, including the Charge Base 360, Kama Wireless Controller for Wii, Cord-Free Wireless Adapter for Wii, Energy Pak for Wii Balance Board™ and FrontMan Guitars for Wii and PS3, among many others.
Prepare for a barrage of E3 2008 coverage! I'll be off to LA to attend the E3 Media & Business Summit and bring you some direct coverage from the show floor, conferences, individual game publisher and developer meetings, and hopefully some good after parties! You can see our top GamingBits.com header contains some of the confirmed meetups and events that will be covered during E3.
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Midway Games has announced their games being showcased at the E3 Media & Business Summit 2008. Watch for more on some of the titles we'll be covering at E3 2008!
Mortal Kombat® vs. DC Universe (PLAYSTATION®3, Xbox 360®, Fall 2008) -- For the first time ever Scorpion, Sub-Zero and the Mortal Kombat warriors battle with Batman, Superman and other popular DC Universe super heroes. Choose your side and challenge your opponents with a new fighting system including Freefall Kombat and Klose Kombat along with dynamic multi-tiered environments. Plus, pick your favorite character from MK or DCU and pursue a fighting adventure in the new single player mode with an intertwined storyline and two unique perspectives.
Wheelman™ (PLAYSTATION®3, Xbox 360®, PC; Fall 2008) - Combining spectacular Hollywood-style stunts with a gripping storyline, Wheelman provides an adrenaline-fueled, cinematic thrill ride guaranteed to leave you breathless. Vin Diesel stars as an undercover agent and highly skilled driver who must infiltrate the Barcelona underworld to gather intelligence surrounding a covert heist. Posing as a driver-for-hire, he ends up caught in a crossfire of corruption and chaos while trying to stay one step ahead of local law enforcement and rival gangs.
TNA iMPACT!™ (PLAYSTATION®3, Xbox 360®, Wii, PlayStation 2; September 2008) - TNA iMPACT!™ is the exclusive Total Nonstop Action wrestling game based on the top-rated weekly television show, "TNA Impact!" Choose the wrestling style, custom move set and clothing to construct the ultimate champion. TNA drenches the player in moves and match types that allow amazing acrobatic and aerial feats along with the bone-jarring crush of hard-hitting impacts. The game also features top wrestling talent such as Kurt Angle™, Jeff Jarrett™, Rhino™, Samoa Joe™, AJ Styles™, Sting™, Christian Cage™, Abyss™ and more to deliver all of the excitement and action of the television show!
Blitz the League® II (PLAYSTATION®3, Xbox 360®; Fall 2008) - As the sequel to the more than one million unit selling and award-winning football experience, BLITZ: THE LEAGUE II, continues the franchise legacy as the ultimate alternative to the watered-down, licensed competition. In addition to an all-new story mode penned by Peter Egan (ESPN's Playmakers), BLITZ: THE LEAGUE II features include: Precision-Aim Tackles, player-controlled touchdown celebrations, an enhanced on-the-field Clash Mode, online multiplayer capabilities, expanded rosters with all-new personalities, and the return of a cornerstone of the Blitz franchise...Late Hits! Football legend Lawrence Taylor returns as the game's cover-athlete and star linebacker for the New York Nightmare, Quentin Sands, along with a star-studded supporting cast.
This is Vegas™ (PLAYSTATION®3, Xbox 360®, 2009) -- When a ruthless businessman begins turning Vegas into a family-friendly tourist trap, you must start your own powerful empire and resurrect the famous adult playground. Party hard at the hottest clubs to make VIP connections. Grow your bankroll by hitting high stakes tables. Race the fastest cars on the underground circuit to raise your reputation. Fight off enemies with fists and firearms to prove your strength. Where you go and what you do is your call. Whether counting cards, seducing dangerous women, cruising the strip or starting bar brawls, there's lots of excitement on the way to the top.
Unreal Tournament 3 -- (Xbox 360®; July 2008) - Unreal Tournament 3, the world's premier PC first-person shooter makes its debut on the Xbox 360®. Unreal Tournament 3 unleashes the full power of Unreal® Engine 3, taking graphics, gameplay, and challenge to a whole new level. Players engage in intense battles with other human players online, or against Unreal artificial intelligence that sets the industry standard. With the most powerful futuristic weapons and vehicles available, this is FPS action at its best!
Game Party™ 2 (Wii, November 2008) -- With 11 games in all, Game Party 2 for the Nintendo Wii includes fun to play games that will provide hours of enjoyment with friends and family. Game Party 2 features new games like Bean Bag Toss, Horseshoes, Lawn Darts, Puck Bowling and more. Each game, including classics like Skill Ball, Darts and Hoop Shoot has exciting new features like four player mode, customizable characters and tournament play, making Game Party 2 the ultimate party game for all ages and skill levels.
Touchmaster® 2 (Nintendo DS, September 2008) -- TouchMaster 2 returns with a collection of 20 new exciting card, action, strategy and puzzle games with some of your favorite classic games from back in the day. For the gamer and non-gamer alike, TouchMaster 2 offers pick up and play, addictively fun, mini-games that everyone will enjoy. Kill some time by playing a quick round to beat your high-score or find some real competition against other players. TouchMaster 2, the personal arcade that fits snug in the palm of your hands.
Mechanic Master™ (Nintendo DS, September 2008) -- With over 100 levels! Mechanic Master uses the stylus as a weapon to rid the Earth of alien invaders that have scattered across the planet. Become the ultimate Master of Mechanics by creating crazy contraptions to free humans, keep the mechanics in motion and defeat those pesky foes. Test your skills. Creative-thinking is key to clearing the level.
MidwayArcade.com (Online, Available Now) -- Fans of Midway's classic arcade and Touchmaster casual games will now be able to download their all-time favorites and play them on their PC. More than 25 classic titles, such as Defender, Joust, Spy Hunter, Root Beer Tapper and Mahki, are now available at www.midwayarcade.com, starting for as little as 3 games for US $5. Compete for bragging rights against players from around the world and battle for the high score in each game.
A website in the works for BioWare's upcoming fantasy game Dragon Age: Origins has appeared (see here). There's not much on there yet, but a trailer should soon be available from gametrailers.com. BioWare's new "dark fantasy epic" PC game will be showcased by EA at the E3 Media & Business Summit next week.
The game has been described by 1up as using the "same branching conversation system as Bioware's Mass Effect." See earlier concept art on 1up as well. It's been referred to as the 'spiritual successor' to Baldur's Gate by BioWare's Ray Muzyka, dating back to E3 2004. We'll soon find out what has developed since then!
Think you got the tactical know-how to take on Kane himself? What about his henchmen, the developers from Command & Conquer 3: Kane's Wrath? Now's you chance to put your RTS prowess to work in the Xbox LIVE Weekend of Wrath.
The Play & Win Sweepstakes and Game With Fame event runs from today until the end of Sunday July 13th (11:59 PM ET). Here's the schedule and gamertags of the game's developers and Kane (actor Joseph D. Kucan):
7/10/08 Friday 7:00 – 10:00 PM ET:
KWDevJim: Jim Vessella, Lead Producer
KWDevAlan: Alan Newton, Engineer
KWDevJason: Jason Savopolos, Tester
KWDevJeremy: Jeremy Feasel, Designer
KWDevKeith: Keith Schaefer, Producer
KWDevWes: Wes Eckhart, Development Director
KWDevNick: Nick Clifford, Lead Tester
KWDevGreg: Greg Kasavin, Producer
KWDevMario: Mario Grimani, Development Director
Sign-up for the Play & Win Sweepstakes by downloading the free Kane's Wrath gamerpic from the Xbox LIVE Marketplace. See the goods being given away below!
The Dead Space development team has conducted their research well for the game. They've digested 100 sci-fi and horror flicks (see below). What a list! My personal favorites on there include Jacob's Ladder, Gozu, Pan's Labyrinth, The Thing, Aliens (Collectors Edition), Audition, eXistenZ, Event Horizon. Man, I could go on. If the list is any indication of what helped give birth to Dead Space, count me in! There's plenty of great stuff in there.
Why does it matter to you? Because EA is giving the whole collection away in their Dead Space "Win a hundred horror (and sci-fi) DVDs from Dead Space" contest. There are also Dead Space t-shirts and signed Dead Space posters (signed by the development team) for 15 second place winners. Even if you don't win, you may want to print out the list and check the movies out.
Xbox 360:
- A new Xbox 360 hard drive has been revealed. It's 60GB and will come with some goodies.
Source: Xtaster
- Joystiq has some pictures and info for us regarding Duke Nukem 3D, rumored to be coming to the Xbox LIVE Arcade.
Source: Joystiq
- Brütal Legend developer Double Fine loses an Xbox 360 to the Red Ring Of Death (RROD).
Source: Double Fine
PLAYSTATION 3:
- A new Walmart scan shows that the 40GB PLAYSTATION 3 will be replaced with a new model in August.
Source: Engadget
- Some downloadable content has been confirmed for Ferrari Challenge next month. Also, a patch will be released for the game that will fix some online game modes that people have problems with.
Source: Eurogamer
Nintendo:
- Castlevania Judgement artwork and screenshots posted online. Tanooki judges "sissyfied”.
Source: The Tanooki
- Nintendo UK shares some We Ski Balance Board videos (known as Family Ski in Japan and Europe).
Source: Nintendo UK
Multi-platform:
- Here is a developer's diary on Tom Clancy's HAWX. It includes some great game footage and looks like a game to consider purchasing.
Source: Shackvideo
- Well, with all this leaked info regarding Rock Band 2's set list, the full one actually surfaced today. Thanks to a YouTube leak, we have around 80 songs ready for the next game. Here are some of my favorites:
- American Woman, The Who
- One Step Closer, Linkin Park
- November Rain, Guns 'n' Roses
- TNT, AC/DC
- Crazy Train, Ozzy Osbourne
- Down With the Sickness, Disturbed
Check out the Youtube video for the complete listing of songs.
Source: YouTube
Two new games are available on the Xbox LIVE Arcade today. Schizoid and Golf: Tee It Up! are both available as a demo and for purchasing. Stop in the Xbox LIVE Marketplace to try them out and buy 'em if you like 'em!
Schizoid (800 Microsoft Points, $10):
If fast co-op gameplay is your thing, give Schizoid a spin. Take control of a red or blue ship, destroying enemies of like color. Features include:
- Over 120 levels
- Single-player mode
- Co-op mode
- Uberschizoid hardcore mode (control 2 ships!)
Golf: Tee It Up! (800 Microsoft Points, $10):
Xbox 360 gamers wanting a taste of some golf gameplay similar to Hot Shots Golf, check out Golf: Tee It Up! Features include:
- Customizable characters (hair, clothing, footwear, accessories)
- 36 locations
- Up to four players (online or local)
- Full 18-hole multiplayer competition
- Will support future downloadable content
Activision has announced that it is planning on developing games designed specifically for the Wii with it's new line of games called "Wee 1ST".
"The Wii is introducing new audiences to gaming," said Dave Oxford, Activision Publishing. "Clearly, the Wii's accessible controls are changing how the audience plays games and how we look at game design. This initiative is designed to showcase games that take full advantage of the Wii's capabilities."
The first titles noted to be part of the Wee 1ST brand include:
Little League World Series 2008
Rapala Fishing Frenzy
Dancing with the Stars: Get Your Dance On
More games remain to be announced, which will debut for the Wii from Activision in holiday 2008.
? Now's you chance to put your RTS prowess to work in the Xbox LIVE Weekend of Wrath.
, 
, 
, 
, Aliens (Collectors Edition), 
, 
, 
. Man, I could go on. If the list is any indication of what helped give birth to Dead Space, count me in! There's plenty of great stuff in there.
, 
and 
in time for Halloween 2008!
