BEN 10 ULTIMATE ALIEN: COSMIC DESTRUCTION SET FOR EPIC MULTI-PLATFORM ALIEN DEBUT IN UK AND AUSTRALIA
- This October, Fans of Cartoon Network’s Hit Series Ben 10 Can Experience and Star in the Latest Installment of Successful TV Franchise Ben 10: Ultimate Alien
LYON, FRANCE – 10 August 2010 – D3Publisher is “Going Hero” in true Ben 10 style to announce the forthcoming launch of the ultimate game for Ben 10 fans, BEN 10 ULTIMATE ALIEN: COSMIC DESTRUCTION, coming to the UK and Australia on six platforms this October 2010, distributed by NAMCO BANDAI Games.
The latest in the multi-million selling global Ben 10 video game franchise, BEN 10 ULTIMATE ALIEN: COSMIC DESTRUCTION from D3Publisher and Cartoon Network Enterprises puts players in the shoes of 16-year-old Ben Tennyson and 16 devastatingly powerful alien forms. Together they embark on a thrill packed mission to the four corners of the globe on the hunt for an ancient alien artifact that could save humanity from a mysterious cosmic storm and ultimate destruction.
Based on Cartoon Network’s all-new new television series, Ben 10: Ultimate Alien, BEN 10 ULTIMATE ALIEN: COSMIC DESTRUCTION lets players wield the power of the all-new Ultimatrix, the strongest Omnitrix to date, to transform Ben into more powerful, hyper-evolved ultimate alien forms and experience action packed battles in a string of brand new locations. The video game will be available for the Xbox 360® game and entertainment system from Microsoft, Wii™ , PlayStation®3, PlayStation®2, Nintendo DS™, and PSP® (PlayStation®Portable).
BEN 10 ULTIMATE ALIEN: COSMIC DESTRUCTION introduces new alien heroes Armodrillo, WaterHazard, AmpFibian, Terraspin and NRG from the Ben 10: Ultimate Alien television series, allowing players to tunnel through enemies, unleash water blasts, emit radiation beams and more, while a unique experience system lets them upgrade alien abilities. The game features all-new enhancements such as Quick Switch, to switch alien forms faster than ever, and Quick Time Events for a cinematic experience that guides players through fierce boss battles and challenging puzzles. PS3™ and Xbox 360 owners will receive their own exclusive aliens, with the quick and fiery Rath for Xbox 360 and the immensely strong Fourarms for PS3.
BEN 10 ULTIMATE ALIEN: COSMIC DESTRUCTIONfor Nintendo DS is developed by Griptonite Games. All other versions are developed by Papaya Studio Corporation.
“PlayStation”, the “PS” Family logo and “PSP” are registered trademarks of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. Memory Stick Duo™ may be required (sold separately).
Xbox, Xbox 360, and Xbox Live are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries.
NINTENDO DS, Wii AND THE Wii LOGO ARE TRADEMARKS OF NINTENDO.
All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. All rights reserved.
EA ANNOUNCES CREATE AND UNLOCKS A WORLD OF PLAY WITH CREATIVITY AT THE CORE
New IP from EA’s Bright Light Studio to Launch November 2010
The Play Label of Electronic Arts Inc. (NASDAQ: ERTS) today announced Create™, a must-have video game this holiday for the whole family that is powered by imagination and rewards players for being creative. Available this November for the Wii™, PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system featuring PlayStation®Move compatibility, Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system, PC, and MAC, Create presents imaginative gameplay challenges where the solutions are fuelled by the creativity of the player.
“Create uses families’ imaginations to develop new ways to play together that are both fun and challenging,” said Harvey Elliott, VP and General Manager at EA Bright Light. “We wanted to design a game where the entire family can explore, decorate, and solve challenges where no solution is wrong and the only limit is the imagination.”
The more players explore the game, solve level-based challenges, and customize their world, the more rewards will be unlocked. Creativity will be unleashed as players design environments with easy-to-use brushes and tools, including textures, props and animating objects that bring the scene to life. On the PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, PC, and MAC players can share any of their creations, solutions or challenges with the community through the console and also via the official Create website at www.create.ea.com. Friends can download and remix solutions and set challenges for other players to download and complete. Imaginations will run wild this holiday!
Create for the PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, Wii, and PC is developed by EA Bright Light and has not yet been rated by the ESRB. For more information or to download assets visit www.info.ea.com.
About Electronic ArtsElectronic Arts Inc. (EA), headquartered in Redwood City, California, is a leading global interactive entertainment software company. Founded in 1982, the Company develops, publishes, and distributes interactive software worldwide for video game systems, personal computers, wireless devices and the Internet. Electronic Arts markets its products under four brand names: EA SPORTS™, EA™, EA Mobile™ and POGO™. In fiscal 2010, EA posted GAAP net revenue of $3.7 billion and had 27 titles that sold more than one million units. EA's homepage and online game site is www.ea.com. More information about EA's products and full text of press releases can be found on the Internet at http://info.ea.com.
EA, EA SPORTS, EA Mobile, POGO, and Create are trademarks of Electronic Arts Inc. “PlayStation” is a registered trademark of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. Microsoft, Xbox, and Xbox 360 are trademarks of the Microsoft group of companies. Wii is a trademark of Nintendo. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
Toy Story 3
"this is an amazing game, a must have for all ds players, graphics superb, easy to play, great fun" says Beth 11
Join Woody, Buzz, Jesse, Bullseye, Rex, Slinky, Ham and a host of new toys in the new Toy Story 3 video game from Disney Interactive Studios available on all formats on 16 July 2010. Inspired by the hugely anticipated new film players can either play as the famous characters and follow the adventures of the movie or create their own Toy Story universe in Toybox mode on the Xbox 360, Playstation 3 and PC.
Toybox is a virtual world full of toys, bringing aliens, cowboys, space rangers and dinosaurs together and allowing players to customise characters, their environment and create their own Toy Story world. As players compete in the mini-games in Toybox mode they earn gold coins which can then be spent at Al’s Toy Barn on more toys.
In the film Andy is all grown up and his toys are sent to a nursery. In the video game Story Mode (across all platforms) players follow the film’s action and help the toys escape the nursery. There are also imaginative play modes on the Playstation 3, Xbox 360 and PC formats where you get to play as your favourite character in an exciting adventure such as Woody and the Runaway Train and Buzz in Star Command.
In addition on the Nintendo DS and PSP there are a series of mini adventure games including Rock Climbing with Woody and Lotso’s Orders with Buzz.
Toy Story 3, the video game from Disney Interactive Studios, is out on all formats on 16th July 2010.
Sonny With a Chance
"brilliant, there are loads of games and activities you need to complete and its great fun, just like the TV show" says Katie 8
Live out your dreams and become a practical joker by joining Sonny and her friends in an all new game based on the popular “So Random” TV show, out on Nintendo DS and DSi, on 25th June 2010 from Disney Interactive Studios.
Experience hilarious events with the “So Random” cast Sonny, Tawni, Nico, Grady and Zora with more than 40 mini–games to complete, with two designed exclusively for the Nintendo DSi.
These fun and comical games let players become their own comedians, allowing them to throw pies, solve puzzles and compete in races. The more pranks you manage to play, the more fan mail you receive, making you a star in your own right!
The game also allows players to run around a virtual board game, which is inspired by locations from the hit TV sketch “So Random” and “Mackenzie Falls” sets. Players can also create and customise their favourite characters with memorable costumes from the show.
Sonny With A Chance, the video game from Disney Interactive Studios, hits shelves on 25th June 2010 and is available on Nintendo DS and DSi.
Club Penguin
"good game, different from the website, in this game you are a secret agent and you have to complete missions and find goods, ideal for 6+ players" says Beth 11
You know Club Penguin - the ultra-popular, snow-covered virtual world? Well it’s back! Club Penguin: Elite Penguin Force: Herbert’s Revenge from Disney Interactive Studios is out on Nintendo DS from 25th June 2010.
Agents of the exclusive Elite Penguin Force are being called back into action to stop Herbert the polar bear from destroying the top-secret penguin agency. With your help they can bring Herbert to justice!
Meet all-new characters such as the Puffles and Pingu and join familiar faces like Gary the Gadget Guy, Dot and Rookie. Use cool new gadgets and vehicles to save the island and bring Herbert to justice, immersing yourself even further into the Club Penguin world.
There are also a whole bunch of new mini-games to play, including Jackhammer, Amazing Maze and Aqua Rescue in order to complete the top-secret missions.
This action packed adventure will allow you to develop your crime solving skills and earn coins along the way in order to unlock special locations at ClubPenguin.com.
Club Penguin: Elite Penguin Force: Herbert’s Revenge is out now, available on Nintendo DS. To play Club Penguin online visit Clubpenguin.com
Club Penguin Game Day
“It’s Game Day! Are you ready for the challenge?”
Play in the first ever Club Penguin island-wide Game Day challenge only on the Nintendo Wii.
Create your own penguin, join a team and compete against other penguin teams in Java Jump, Sled & Slide, Sumo Smash, Fast Freeze and more.
Compete to see who is the best team once and for all!
Compete in 12 events and 12 challenges
Choose your team - single or multi player up to 4 players and conquer the island
Connect to clubpenguin.com
Take your penguin to your friend’s house on your Wii Remote; Information will also be live on the Club Penguin blog on the 12th June.
Princess and The Frog
"wicked, loads of activities, you change from the princess to the frog and have to complete different tasks, great graphics, easy to play" says Katie 8
Become a Princess and experience Tiana’s magical world in The Princess and the Frog video game, which is out on 10th February 2010 on the Nintendo Wii and Nintendo DS.
Set in the jazz-infused era of 1920s New Orleans, celebrate favourite moments from the upcoming movie and take on new challenges with Disney’s new Princess, Tiana, as she pursues her dreams in this fun adventure.
Discover what it takes to make Tiana’s dreams come true as you meet favourite characters from the film, triumph over enemies, play frog games in the Bayou, create music, cook New Orleans style and so much more in this exciting game.
Nintendo Wii
Following on from the movie, and with over 25 replayable Wii-exclusive mini games, there is plenty to keep the entire family entertained! Play and dance to music, cook tasty New Orleans dishes and try on multiple outfits with Tiana and her friends. On your travels, you can even collect Mardi Gras beads to trade for new dresses, fabrics and ingredients!
Explore and discover five beautiful New Orleans hub locations in this adventure including the French Quarter and the Bayou. And with eight playable characters and drop-in/drop-out multiplayer, there are plenty of fun activities for everyone to try out and enjoy.
Nintendo DS
Explore 27 beautiful levels set in New Orleans and the Bayou as you play as Tiana and Ray, the lovesick Cajun firefly. Help them swing, jump and soar through the levels to reach new heights.
Embark on special quests to find and collect items and ingredients whilst outsmarting enemies along the way. And when you need a bit of help, use Ray’s special abilities to fly through the Bayou.
As well as the main adventure, you can also take part in multiple activities; cooking New Orleans cuisine, discovering real recipes and performing music with your friends, saving your tunes to the game’s jukebox!
Princess and the Frog, the video game from Disney Interactive Studios, hits shelves on 5th February 2010 and is available on Nintendo Wii and Nintendo DS
THE SORCERER’S APPRENTICE
DISNEY INTERACTIVE STUDIOS WILL BRING THE MAGIC TO NINTENDO DS WITH THESORCERER’S APPRENTICE
Handheld Video Game Inspired By The Highly Anticipated Walt Disney Pictures and Jerry Bruckheimer Films’ “The Sorcerer’s Apprentice” To Arrive This Summer
Disney Interactive Studios today announced the company will publish The Sorcerer’s Apprentice video game, inspired by the upcoming feature film “The Sorcerer’s Apprentice” from Walt Disney Pictures and Jerry Bruckheimer Films. The Sorcerer’s Apprentice is scheduled to appear in UK retail outlets in August 2010, exclusively for Nintendo DS™.
The Sorcerer’s Apprentice is an action-packed 3D arcade video game that casts players in the role of Dave, the powerful sorcerer’s apprentice, as he joins a mystical fight against the ultimate evil in a world filled with fantastical quests and magical combat.
In the game, evil sorcerers have escaped from their centuries old prison, the Grimhold, and taken over New York City. The legendary master sorcerer Balthazar is trapped in the magical realm, so it’s up to Dave to save New York. Guided by Balthazar, he travels throughout New York and the magical realm using special portals in order to defeat the enemy. Dave must master the elements of sorcery using magical attacks and spells to defeat the six evil sorcerers and their army of minions in order to free Manhattan.
“TheSorcerer’s Apprentice video game expands on the film experience by allowing fans to wield magic spells with their own hands,” said Craig Relyea, senior vice president of global marketing, Disney Interactive Studios. “The fast-paced action, magical spells and unique gameplay brings the adventure to life.”
The Sorcerer’s Apprentice video game will include competitive play with Pass the DS challenge modes for up to four players. The game will also include 30 achievements to unlock, as well as DGamer, Disney Interactive Studios’ innovative technology that provides a fun, connected game community for Disney video game fans.
About Disney Interactive Studios
Disney Interactive Studios, part of Disney Interactive Media Group, is the interactive entertainment affiliate of The Walt Disney Company (NYSE: DIS). Disney Interactive Studios self publishes and distributes a broad portfolio of multi-platform video games, mobile games and interactive entertainment worldwide. The company also licenses properties and works directly with other interactive game publishers to bring products for all ages to market. Disney Interactive Studios is based in Glendale, California, and has internal development studios around the world. For more information, log on to http://www.disneyinteractivestudios.com.
About “The Sorcerer’s Apprentice” film
Walt Disney Studios, producer Jerry Bruckheimer and director Jon Turteltaub, the creators of the “National Treasure” franchise, present “The Sorcerer’s Apprentice” -- an innovative and epic comedy adventure about a sorcerer and his hapless apprentice who are swept into the center of an ancient conflict between good and evil. Balthazar Blake (Nicolas Cage) is a master sorcerer in modern-day Manhattan trying to defend the city from his arch-nemesis, Maxim Horvath (Alfred Molina). Balthazar can't do it alone, so he recruits Dave Stutler (Jay Baruchel), a seemingly average guy who demonstrates hidden potential, as his reluctant protégé. The sorcerer gives his unwilling accomplice a crash course in the art and science of magic, and together, these unlikely partners work to stop the forces of darkness. It'll take all the courage Dave can muster to survive his training, save the city and get the girl as he becomes “The Sorcerer’s Apprentice.” The screenplay is by Matt Lopez and Doug Miro & Carlo Bernard from a screen story by Matt Lopez and Larry Konner & Mark Rosenthal.
About The Walt Disney Company in Europe Middle East and Africa:
The Walt Disney Company (TWDC) is a leading diversified international family entertainment and media enterprise with five business segments: media networks, parks and resorts, studio entertainment, consumer products and its interactive media group.
TWDC has had a presence in Europe Middle East and Africa (EMEA) for more than 70 years, operating in over twenty three countries with over 5,700 employees. Disneyland Paris opened in 1992 and is now Europe’s number one tourist destination. TWDC is a major film distributor in the region with recent successes such as ‘Up’ and ‘Princess & the Frog’ and is also one of Europe’s foremost suppliers of TV content, distributing Disney-branded and non-branded television including the hit series ‘Desperate Housewives’ which ranks in the top 10 US series on air in France, Germany, Italy and the UK with young adults. The Disney Channel originally launched in the UK in 1995 and in 2009 launched in an additional fifteen EMEA territories, making it available in over 58 million homes while Disney XD, the new boy-focused girl-inclusive channel has launched in thirteen territories in the region.
PROJECT RUNWAY VIDEOGAME FOR Wii™ STRUTS INTO RETAIL STORES NATIONWIDE
Heidi Klum, Tim Gunn, Michael Kors, Nina Garcia, and Season 6 Contestants “Make it Work” in This Fashion Forward Videogame Now Available on Wii
This is a great game for any family whose daughter is an aspiring model; they get the chance to do the makeup, design the clothes and model them on the catwalk. The graphics are amazing and the girls appear very life like. All girls get absorbed in the model world and love the game. Its ideal for girls as is fun, imaginative and makes them think about what to do next to produce the perfect model. The game is out now so get buy it, or enter the competition online to win a copy.
Atari, Inc., one of the world’s most recognized brands, and The Weinstein Company, executive producers of the award-winning reality series Project Runway, announced that the Project Runway videogame, based on the mega hit-TV program, is making its way “from the runway” into retail stores today.
A must have “accessory” for series fans; Project Runway the videogame puts players in the role of aspiring fashion designers. Similar to the show, “designers” are presented with a range of theme challenges as they create fashions, select models, and style them with hair, make-up, and accessories. Players can then go from designer to model and show off their creations and work their way down the runway using the Wii Balance Board™ accessory. Capturing the true essence of Project Runway, the title features the show’s key talent Heidi Klum, Tim Gunn, Michael Kors and Nina Garcia as well as eight contestants from season six including reigning Project Runway winner Irina Shabayeva.
“Project Runway has grown into one of the most powerful brands in fashion and pop culture,” said Jim Wilson, President and CEO, Atari, Inc. “Now Project Runway fans of all ages can become designers, stylists, models and photographers right in their own living rooms. The Wii Balance Board runway feature gives the entire franchise a whole new twist.”
In addition to the core reality show competition, the Project Runway videogame for Wii™ includes a variety of fun, family friendly game features inspired by the content from the show. These include:
· a Wii Balance Board-compatible catwalk game
· an interactive garment studio
· a fashion career mode
· hair and make-up studios
· a high-profile fashion photo shoot
TWC spokesperson Barbara Schneeweiss added, “We are extremely excited to partner with Atari and bring Project Runway to the video gaming audience. It’s a wonderful opportunity to allow new and existing fans to interact with the franchise in a way we never imagined possible.”
Developed by Tornado Studios, Project Runway is available now across EMEA and Asia-Pacific for Wii™.
ABOUT PROJECT RUNWAY Project Runway is produced by The Weinstein Company, Miramax Films, Bunim-Murray Productions and Full Picture. Executive producers include Bob and Harvey Weinstein (Co-Chairmen of The Weinstein Company), Jon Murray and Sara Rea of Bunim-Murray Productions, Heidi Klum, and Jane Cha and Desiree Gruber of Full Picture. Barbara Schneeweiss oversees the production on behalf of The Weinstein Company. Hosted by supermodel and fashion maven Heidi Klum, the hit series Project Runway provides budding designers with an opportunity to launch their careers in fashion, under the watchful eye of mentor and Liz Claiborne Chief Creative Officer Tim Gunn. The wildly successful competition reality series has proven to be one of television’s most talked about shows and, during its first season on Lifetime, Project Runway is the most watched reality program on basic cable in 2009 among Women 18+.
ABOUT ATARI, SA
Atari group is a global creator, producer and publisher of interactive entertainment for interactive game platforms that include PC, online, consoles from Microsoft, Nintendo and Sony and advanced smart phones (i.e. iPhone). Divisions of Atari, SA include Cryptic Studios, Atari London Studio, Eden Studios, Atari Interactive, Inc. and Atari, Inc.
Atari benefits from its global brand and an extensive catalogue of popular games based on classic owned game franchises (Asteroids®, Centipede®, Missile Command®, Lunar Lander®), original owned franchises (Test Drive®, Backyard Sports™, Deer Hunter®), MMO games from Cryptic Studios (Star Trek Online, Champions Online) and third party franchises (Ghostbusters®, Project Runway™, Rollercoaster Tycoon®, Dungeons and Dragons®).
Atari word mark and logo are trademarks owned by Atari Interactive, Inc.
About The Weinstein Company
The Weinstein Company (TWC) was created by Bob and Harvey Weinstein, the brothers who founded Miramax Films Corporation in 1979. TWC is a multi-media company that officially launched on October 1, 2005. Dimension Films, the genre label that was founded in 1993 by Bob Weinstein, is also included under the TWC banner.During the Weinsteins’ tenure at Miramax Films, the company released some of the most critically acclaimed and commercially successful independent feature films which received 249 Academy Award® nominations and won 60 Oscars®, and have generated billions of dollars in worldwide box office receipts and billions more in home video sales. In its history, Dimension Films has released some of the most successful franchises including Scream, Spy Kids and Scary Movie.
About Tornado Studios
Tornado Studios is an independent developer of AAA videogames focused on creating cutting edge interactive family based entertainment products. Founded in 2008 by Tom Kudirka, Tornado Studios was spun off from 2015, Inc., creator of the award winning Medal of Honor: Allied Assault. The Company is comprised of industry veterans from such companies as Electronic Arts, Ubisoft and id Software and was formed to develop high quality videogames for the mass market consumer. Tornado Studios is currently developing a videogame for Project Runway, one of the world’s top fashion licenses.
Wii and Nintendo DS are trademarks of Nintendo. (C) 2006 Nintendo.
EA LAUNCHES THE SIMS 3 AMBITIONS EXPANSION PACK Expansion Pack to Award-winning Game The Sims 3 Allows Players to Become Fearless Heroes, Ace Entrepreneurs and Successful Stylists
The Sims™ 3 Ambitions Expansion pack* will launch on 4th June 2010. The Sims 3 Ambitions allows players to pursue a variety of exciting paths and careers in their Sims’ lives that in turn affect their overall gameplay experience and neighborhood. While on the job, the player has direct control over their Sims’ work and can choose how to spend their days. Players can opt to make house calls and save lives as a doctor or choose the devious route and test experimental medicine on patients, be the hero firefighter tackling raging infernos or smashing everything in sight at the victim’s home with an axe, or take a shot at solving cases as an investigator, nicely convincing sources to divulge secrets or roughing up perpetrators in a dark alley to get information.
Players can now experience some of the most exciting and varied jobs. In The Sims 3 Ambitions, players can choose to hunt down vengeful spirits as the ghost hunter, invent brilliant and potentially destructive gadgets as an inventor, craft glorious masterpieces as a sculptor, and solve riveting cases by any means necessary as an investigator with dozens of cases to solve and numerous clues to find. Additionally, players will be able to change the look and feel of their town by becoming an architect and directly affecting the neighborhood around them leveraging Build and Buy mode. The stylist career and new tattoo system allow players to make over their Sim neighbors in fashionable or catastrophic ways. For the first time, players will be in charge of how their Sims’ career progresses and decide if they will work for good or evil, pursue creative endeavors or technical affairs, climb to the top quickly, or be a slacker. The future of a Sims’ success or failure is entirely in the hands of the player.
Big Beach Sports 2 for the Wii!
Big Beach Sports 2 which is great value at only £19.99 for a Wii game. Set on the sunny island of Moa Loa this is a great summer game where players can enjoy a collection of comical, fun games sure to keep friends and family entertained: Rugby Fives, Disc Golf, Cricket, Dune Buggy Racing, Surfing, Jet Ski Racing, Canoe Races and Football
Players can play on their own working their way up on the leaderboard in challenges or competing in grueling triathlons. Or you can play with up to four people and can compete in the annual Coconut Cup to see who will be crowned King or Queen of the beach!
The game is a great way to have some summer fun whatever the weather as you can bring the beach to your own living room!
TOY STORY 3: THE VIDEO GAME
TO FEATURE EXCLUSIVE CONTENT
FOR PLAYSTATION®3
Play as Emperor Zurg or unlock additional mini games
designed specifically for PlayStation®Move motion controller
Disney Interactive Studios today announced that Toy Story 3: The Video Game for the PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system, releasing on 16th July 2010, will exclusively feature content and gameplay available only on the PlayStation 3 system (PS3™). Emperor Zurg, one of the most beloved villains of the Disney•Pixar “Toy Story” franchise, will be a playable character exclusively on the PS3™ system. In addition, Toy Story 3: The Video Game will be one of the first games to market featuring the PlayStation®Move’s motion controller compatible gameplay.
As the sworn enemy of the Galactic Alliance, Emperor Zurg enters the video game’s Toy Box mode complete with his sphere-shooting cannon and speed on wheels to unleash mayhem on Woody’s Western Town.
“What we love about the evil Emperor is that he may be only six-inches tall, but he never comes to grips with his ‘toyhood’ - Zurg is forever out to conquer the universe,” said John Blackburn, vice president and general manager of Avalanche Software, the developer of the game. “We worked closely with Pixar to ensure the game’s animated toys behave true to their physical counterparts. Zurg is mischievous and fast, and with his arm cannon, he’s great at blasting things—he’ll earn you a lot of gold. But don’t ask him to climb any ledges - we’ve respected the fact that he’s got wheels, not legs.”
The game’s developer, Avalanche Software in Salt Lake City, UT and Sony Computer Entertainment America (SCEA) have also worked together to build PlayStation®Move compatible gameplay into the game. Following the game’s launch, PS3™ players will be able to download mini-games that will be playable with the PlayStation Move when the new motion controller is available to consumers this fall.
“Disney is bringing PlayStation fans a unique and compelling experience through Toy Story 3: The VideoGame’s exclusive PS3™ content and PlayStation Move mini-games. PS3™ is the only platform where players can become the beloved Zurg and hop in his specialized car, or take aim in the shooting gallery with PlayStation Move and experience an unmatched level of precision and realism,” said Rob Dyer, senior vice president of publisher relations, SCEA.
Developed by Avalanche Software in close collaboration with filmmakers at Pixar Animation Studios, Toy Story 3: The Video Game will debut on 16th July 2010. While Toy Story 3: The Video Game debuts alongside the franchise’s third film, the videogames feature unique storylines and gameplay. The video game will be available on all major gaming platforms, and Disney Interactive Studios will be releasing a new “Toy Story 3” app for the iPhone® and iPod touch®. Additional information can be found on www.disney.com/toystoryvideogame.
All Star Karate – available to buy from 21 May (RRP £17.99)
This new game will challenge players to punch, kick and chop their way through the game with play features based on real karate moves. With optional Wii MotionPlus™ compatibility, the game offers a true full-body experience by allowing players to experience the life of a karate trainee who is under the guidance of a wise, but humorous sensei, and is on the path toward attaining a black belt, the highest achievement level in karate.
“Perform real karate moves in the all new All Star Karate. Train to defeat a villainous ninja under the (often humorous) guidance of your Sensei. Experience the excitement of competition and the achievement of earning a new belt!”
There is the option to choose between the WiiRemote and Nunchuk or two WiiRemotes to play out different karate moves. Work your way through the 7 different colored belts until you achieve black!
Learning karate couldn’t be more fun! So join in the fun and challenge your friends and family to sparring matches and more. Who will triumph?
Big Beach Sports 2 – available to buy from June (RRP £14.99)
It’s summer time on the island of Moa Loa and athletes from around the world are converging on the remote volcanic island to compete in this year’s annual Coconut Cup Championship. A variety of games ranging from the everyday to the exotic will be played, with the overall winner being crowned King of the Beach. Players can play a collection of comical, fun games sure to keep the entire family entertained including Rugby Fives, Disc Golf, Cricket, Dune Buggy Racing, Surfing, Jet Ski Racing, Canoe Races, Football.
The game fully utilises the Wii Remote, Nunchuk, Balance Board and Wii Motion Plus and players can play against up to 4 friends in 5 different game modes in an endless combination of events! Or why not try to Work your way up on the leaderboard in Challenges, compete in grueling triathlons and show them what you got in the Coconut Cup!
LEGO Harry Potter: Years 1-4
Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment (WBIE) and TT Games have released a new gameplay video for the highly-anticipated LEGO®Harry Potter™: Years 1-4 for the Xbox 360, Wii, PlayStation 3, Nintendo DS, PSP and PC.
The video gives fans a sneak peek at the fun-filled humour that awaits players later this year!
LEGO® Harry Potter: Years 1-4 will give gamers the chance to experience the magic and adventure of Harry Potter in a new and uniquely LEGO way.
Playing as Harry Potter, Ron Weasley™ and Hermione Granger™, as well as many other favourite characters, gamers will have the opportunity to attend lessons, cast spells, mix potions, fly on broomsticks and complete tasks to earn house points.
Throughout the game, players will also have the freedom to explore iconic settings from the wizarding world including Hogwarts castle, Diagon Alley™, the Forbidden Forest and the village of Hogsmeade™.
Peppa Pig - Fun and Games
Katie 8 loved this game although it was very easy to move through the levels and complete all the game, best bit was you could do any level again and again. This would be ideal for younger DS users who love Peppa Pig and would really enjoy playing this game
Peppa Pig - Fun and Games, the highly anticipated sequel to Peppa Pig – The Game, will be released on Nintendo DS™ on 26th March priced £19.99 RRP. Based on the best-selling family friendly brand, Peppa Pig - Fun and Games will appeal to boys and girls aged 3-7 years and is a great way to entertain the kids during the Easter holidays. Pre-schoolers will love the new easy-to-play activities, in addition to newly enhanced, eye-catching graphics and captivating gameplay.
Peppa Pig- Fun and Games allows players to explore Peppa’s world and interact with some of their favourite elements from the TV show. There are 11 re-playable games and fun activities to be played in total which include Daddy Pig’s Bubbles, George’s Rocket, Cleaning Bicycles, Picking Apples, Watering Flowers, Duck Pond, Making Pictures, Decorating Cupcakes, Birthday Cake, Bursting Balloons- plus the bonus activity Dressing Up Game.
The mini-games have simple mechanics and controls specifically designed for a young audience to enjoy without complicated instructions or additional help from parents. This game will also help young children from an educational point of view as it develops their powers of concentration, aids development of good hand-eye co-ordination and helps to develop counting, number and creative skills. With Peppa Pig’s popularity at an all time high, the brand’s success on the videogame format has been incredible. The first video game from the Peppa Pig franchise, Peppa Pig – The Game was released on Nintendo DS in November 2008 and has now sold an impressive 200,000 copies.
Activision Publishing, Inc. (Nasdaq: ATVI) is bringing the ultimate dragon-training experience to kids with the release of How To Train Your Dragon™, the video game, based on the highly anticipated 3-D animated feature film from DreamWorks Animation SKG, Inc. (Nasdaq: DWA). Players become the ultimate dragon hero, launched into an epic quest to train the world’s fiercest creatures.
As gamers explore dynamic environments on and around the Island of Berk, they’ll customise their very own dragons with over 100,000 possible combinations. Along the way, gamers will collect valuable upgrades for speed, strength and fire, giving them powerful tools to battle for Viking victory.
”The How To Train Your Dragon video game allows kids to live the fantasy of creating their very own dragons and engaging in epic battles against other fire breathing foes,” said Rob Kostich, Head of Marketing for Licensed Properties, Activision Publishing, Inc. “Whether they are playing on their own or against family and friends, kids will have a blast in this high energy epic adventure.”
The game is available now for the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, Nintendo Wii™ and DS and the PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system. For more information on the How To Train Your Dragonvideo game, please visit www.HowToTrainYourDragonGame.com.
Percy Jackson and The Lightning Thief on the Nintendo DS
Based on the first novel of Rick Riordan’s best-selling book series and the highly anticipated film from 20th Century Fox, players are immersed into an exhilarating and gripping fantasy world where Greek mythology is reality and Gods walk the Earth. Taking the role of Percy and his two friends Annabeth and Grover, players weld their “godly” powers and abilities to battle ruthless enemies to protect Percy’s heritage; being the son of Poseidon, God of the Sea.
Gameplay is electrifying and allows players to use and combine the characters’ abilities to create dramatic, eye-popping and explosive action!
Percy and The Lightning Thief is available on Nintendo DS from 12th February 2010. Game is certificate 12a.
LEGO® ROCK BAND™ FOR NINTENDO DS™
Invite Friends to Rock On-the-Go and Leave the Peripherals at Home!
Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment, TT Games, the LEGO Group, Harmonix and MTV Games, a part of Viacom’s MTV Networks (NYSE: VIA and VIA.B), are building an all-new handheld music gaming experience that lets fans of all ages “Build a Band and Rock the Universe” wherever and whenever they want with LEGO® Rock Band™ for Nintendo DS™. Published by Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment, LEGO Rock Band for DS combines the LEGO style of humour with Rock Band gameplay to introduce a portable Rock Band experience that anyone can play without the need for peripherals to be purchased. The game also includes a multiplayer feature that allows up to four players to participate in local wireless multiplayer gameplay.
LEGO Rock Band for DS is developed by Backbone Entertainment, a Foundation 9 Entertainment studio, and will be compatible with the Nintendo DS, Nintendo DS Lite and Nintendo DSi™. LEGO Rock Band for Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system and Wii™ system is in development by TT Games in partnership with Harmonix. All versions are scheduled for release holiday 2009.
The DS version of LEGO Rock Band offers a journey to stardom that friends and families of all ages can enjoy as they rock out in local venues, stadiums and fantasy locations on Earth… and beyond! In a LEGO “build-and-play” gaming experience, players can customize their minifigure avatars to create their own individual LEGO Rock Band style. The game does not require any peripherals, as players can use the DS buttons or touchscreen to play any or all parts of a song: Bass, Guitar, Drums and Vocals. With dynamic track-switching and combo multipliers, the gameplay is ac cessible for young players, as well as deep and rewarding for even the most skillful of gamers.
Imagine Detective Adventures
Ever Wanted to Be A Detective?
With Imagine’s new game Imagine Detective Adventures, you can be! The latest in a series of new additions to Ubisoft’s Imagine series, Detective Adventures allows girls to take on the role of Kirsten, an adventurous teenage investigator in a high school which is more than it seems. Armed with a microscope and accompanied by Kirsten’s plucky ginger cat, Ozzy, you must solve the high school’s mysteries in order to uncover the puzzling case of Kirsten’s father’s disappearance. Wit, speed, and cunning will be required as you journey through over 48 mini-games, picking up clues and uncovering secrets to help you on your waytowards becoming a master detective and solving the mystery.
The game enables you to record case developments and receive hints from friends via a blog; lacking the use of the instruction manual. The mini-games were very simple to figure out how to play, and contained enough challenge to tease the brain - I had to play some twice in order to redeem a dismal score. The story moves through at a rapid pace and is headed by an engaging protagonist, whose rebellious cat is a tactful addition that girls will love.
The setting, pace, and additions such as Ozzy mean that Imagine Detective Adventures is a game which 8-12 year old girls will thoroughly enjoy. It will be available on the Nintendo DS for £29.99 from 11th September 2009.
Review by Sibylla Kalid from Newstead Wood School
EA ACTIVE PERSONAL TRAINER
Wii
BREAK A SWEAT WITH EA ACTIVE PERSONAL TRAINER– THE ALL-NEW HEART PUMPING, CALORIE BURNING WORKOUT
EA Active Personal Trainer; First in New Line of Fitness Products
"Sports Active has a great 30 day challenge which is a real keep fit activity, rather than the normal wii game, and is ideal for all those that just don’t have the time or interest to go to the gym or exercise classes. The programme advises you how to do the activities correctly, and tells you when we are going wrong. It keeps track of your progress along the way and advises if you are doing well or badly. This is not a play game but a serious one which will get you fit" Heather, Fife
Do you find there are too few hours in the day to run a household, hold down a job and fit in a workout? Or, are you just getting bored of the same old fitness routine? EA SPORTS™, a label of Electronic Arts Inc. have announced the development of EA Active Personal Trainer, an innovative new customisable and personalised fitness product that will get you motivated to move in the comfort of your home. EA Active Personal Trainer will launch exclusively for the Wii™ worldwide this May.
EA Active Personal Trainer is perfect for the whole family, seeking a simple, fun and cost-effective way to achieve a healthy lifestyle. The product will be the first in a new line of EA SPORTS fitness and sports performance products in development to improve the wellbeing of people of all ages.
“EA Active Personal Trainer and our entrance into the fitness space is an exciting and groundbreaking milestone for EA SPORTS,” said Peter Moore, President, EA SPORTS. “As we continue to expand our brand, we have a real opportunity to redefine the home fitness experience with a more Western cardiovascular approach and exercises that will appeal to a diverse audience, getting people off the couch and into shape while interacting with our products in a way never before possible. EA Active Personal Trainer costs less than a gym membership, it provides a variety of exercises unlike a one dimensional in-home fitness contraption, and it delivers an interactive experience that you don’t get from a DVD – this is a true fitness revolution and a space in which we intend to be leaders.”
EA Active Personal Trainer features a wide variety of interactive activities that target both the upper and lower body as well as cardio, and supports two players to allow family or friends to get fit together. EA Active Personal Trainer provides a new level of motivation with on-screen, real-time feedback on your workout such as calories burned, while also allowing you to adjust intensity levels. EA Active Personal Trainer will include one specially-designed leg strap that holds the Wii’s Nunchuk controller to track lower body movements, as well as a resistance band to support a number of upper body strength training exercises.
EA Active Personal Trainer features a “30 Day Challenge,” a fitness road map for players to reach their fitness goals with the guidance of a virtual trainer. The Challenge provides a new workouts everytime a player exercises, including clear instruction, feedback on technique and positive encouragement throughout the workout. Each circuit will feel different and increase in intensity as fitness levels improve to help you work up a sweat and work toward your fitness goals. Users can also create their own custom workouts that vary in activity, duration and intensity, and the Wii Balance Board will add functionality to many exercises.
EA Active Personal Trainer is priced at £44.99 and is available at all major retailers.
RHS Gardening Guide
Watch out! Your Mum or Dad might be after your DS. The Royal Horticultural Society have released a Gardening Guide which runs on the Nintendo DS.
You can organize and manage your garden as you please, adding or removing plants, using the calendar to plan your seasonal changes or view the Encyclopaedia to build on your knowledge of plants and gardening. “Paul the Gardener” is there to help you throughout the game with tips and advice about a new plant or a gardening quiz!
The Gardening Guide is available at a recommended price of £24.99 in the high street and online.
TRACY BEAKER MAKES HER VIDEO GAME DEBUT IN JACQUELINE WILSON’S™ TRACY BEAKER- THE GAME
AVAILABLE 11th SEPTEMBER
ON NINTENDO DS™ AND PC CD-ROM
Jacqueline Wilson’s™ Tracy Beaker – The Game is a fun and engaging video game that takes players on an interactive journey into TracyBeaker’s world and will be released on Nintendo DS™and PC CD-ROM on 11th September 2009. Based on the terrific characters created by Jacqueline Wilson and artwork by Nick Sharratt, Tracy Beaker – The Game is a high quality video and PC game aimed at children 7-12 years that will delight existing fans of Tracy Beaker and capture a whole new audience of gamers meeting this much-loved children’s character for the first time.
Jacqueline Wilson’s™ Tracy Beaker – The Game will be available to buy from GAME and other leading video and PC game stockists on Nintendo DS™ £24.99 RRP and on PC CD-ROM £14.99 RRP. Visit www.tracybeakergame.com for more information.
Amazing, fun game. Loved to play to it. In the game you have a load of challenges to do such as find Jenny’s lipstick, you have to go to school and behave or get a detention, attend a party at the end but you need to learn to dance first and have to be good to win the dance. It’s a great game and will keep you entertained for hours.
Beth aged 10
Everyone can have perfect recall
Remembering names, dates, numbers, appointments and facts is within everyone’s capability. Young or old, a perfect memory is possible …. it’s all a matter of technique. Tony Buzan, the world’s leading expert on the Brain and Memory, and the inventor of the mighty Mind Map®, reveals all in his mind-expanding book, USE YOUR MEMORY.
In Use Your Memory (BBC Active - £9.99 from good bookstores everywhere, or order online at www.BuzanWorld.com), guru of the grey matter Tony Buzan disagrees that declining brain power is an inevitable part of the ageing process.
Quite the opposite. The brain has a limitless capacity, and every day recalls between 1,000 and 10,000 things – bit interestingly, it’s always the things we forget that stand out! A good Memory is all about how we manage our brain’s capacity. A super-powered Memory involves combining left and right brain abilities to maximum effect.
Left brain processes deal with logic, analysis, words, lists, number, sequence and linearity. Right brain processes focus on rhythm, imagination, daydreaming, colour, dimension, spatial awareness and whole picture thinking. Everyone uses both sides, in every task they tackle – even if we profess to be ‘right brain’ or ‘left brain’ dominant.
Buzan wraps these right/left brain elements into a series of powerful Memory techniques which, with practice, become the intellectual platform for recalling anything – instantly.
The two underlying principles of Memory are imagination and association. The brain recalls easily when it is entertained by movement, colour, humour, sexuality, sensory triggers, sequences and exaggeration. Associating whatever you have to remember (say, items on a shopping list) with linked images that flow and interact like a picture story in your head will fix those items in the Memory.
To remember numbers, they can be associated with rhyming words or shapes – or a special code called the Major System, a 300-year old system for remembering any series of numbers or facts.
The more practice, the better the brain becomes at remembering – anything from key historical dates to a well-shuffled pack of cards.
The techniques are proven to work and are regularly cited by contestants at the World, UK and Schools Memory Championships. These annual competitions were the brain-child of Tony Buzan and now attract contestants from all round the world.
Hungry for a crackling gift idea?
Go the whole hog with ‘PiggoesPop’!
Bursting with hilarity, stuffed with incredible excitement, this little piggy has gone to market and is truly flying!
Pig goes Pop (rrp £16.99, 4+ - from Drumond Park Games) is a brilliant new family-fun game that will be adored by boys and girls, as well as Mums, Dad, Grans… in fact absolutely anyone. It’s incredibly easy to play (2 to 6 players), is a ton of superb fun… and a great opportunity for children and adults to play together.
Forget the year of the Ox, this is still very much the year of the Pig, and for this loveable cartoon-like character, it’s a year that’s one of abundance and plenty!
Simplypoptastic
Beautifully simple in concept, this addictive game is certainly NOT a swine to grasp. All you have to do is feed the Pig his burgers and pump up his swelling tummy WITHOUT bursting his coat open!
On the roll of the colourful dice, each player feeds this friendly hog a purple, red, yellow or green hamburger, pushing his cheery head down the number of times shown on the burger.
He’ll huff and he’ll puff!
Remember, this Pig is a greedy fella and although he can fit more than quite a few mouthfuls into his ever-bulging tummy, it won’t be long (although no-one knows how long) before his coat can no longer take the strain… and to everyone’s amazement and rapturous squealing delight, this little Pig goes POP!
Can the girls take on the boys and beat their best friends or mum or dad? Who’s winning? Well if the Pig goes Pop on your turn, you’re out – till the next round. If not, you’re still in the game. Just keep on going until he bursts at the seams.
For a new game, just rewind his curly tail… and the next round commences.
What a porker – great gift idea!
Going to a party, why not bring the Pig? Or if the kids have mates round to play, it’s a fantastic game to get out and have fun with before tea. And Pig goes Pop makes for a lasting ‘forever favourite’ present… that will keep them all happy and busy for hours and hours!
Drumond Park’s Adult, Family and Children’s games, magic sets, puzzles and action games are widely available from many department stores,
most major toy shop chains and independents, plus the
PARENTS BEWARE! VIDEO GAMES ARE ABOUTTO GET A LITTLE BIT HORRID...
HORRID HENRY MAKES HIS VIDEO GAME DEBUT IN
HORRID HENRY- MISSIONS OF MISCHIEF
ON NINTENDO DS, Wii AND PC CD-ROM
23rd OCTOBER 2009
Featuring loads of Horrid Henry’s trademark tricks, Horrid Henry: Missions of Mischief will transport you into the world of the horridest boy around, Horrid Henry! Play the hugely horrible role of Henry as you head off on his mischievous missions, wreaking havoc all around you. Horrid Henry- Missions of Mischief is aimed at children over 3 years old and will be available to buy from leading video and PC game stockists on Nintendo DS™ £24.99 RRP, Wii™ £29.99 RRP and on PC CD-ROM £19.99 RRP from 23rd October 2009.
Armed with a range of special skills and equipment, including a Double Drencher, oodles of Gross Goo and spiders and stink bombs galore, your mission is to be as horrid as possible and still make sure you get tickets to the Killer Boy Rats concert. Fun, fast and fantastic, this non–stop platform game is packed with the unique Horrid Henry yuck factor that will keep you entertained for hours! Unless you’re a smelly nappy baby of course!
There are 40 levels plus 8 bonus levels to unlock with multiple difficulty settings and genuinely horrid rewards! Includes all your favourite characters including Moody Margaret, Perfect Peter, Mum, Dad and Miss Battle-Axe.
About Horrid Henry
Based on the top rating massively successful TV show, produced by Novel Entertainment and multi-million selling Horrid Henry books series by Francesca Simon, Horrid Henry: Missions of Mischief is the first Horrid Henry video game.
Since first blasting onto the children’s book scene in 1993, Horrid Henry has quickly become a worldwide publishing phenomenon. With book sales exceeding 15 million copies in the UK alone, Horrid Henry is available in 27 countries worldwide including the US and has been translated into 22 languages. The hugely popular animated TV series, shown daily on children’s ITV in the UK and the most watched programme on the channel ever, Horrid Henry has also sold globally and has his own touring stage show, his own website and even a record deal with EMI!
BUMPS
99 engaging levels!
Alien invaders have imprisoned all the Bumps and it’s up to you to rescue them. Explore colourful landscapes and solve mind-boggling puzzles in your quest to free the Bumps from captivity.
Includes Colour Blind Mode! £9.78
This is a great PC game for all ages to enjoy, it is designed to make you think and solve problems to release the bumps and get to the next level. The game starts off with nice easy levels for you to solve and then moves to harder ones which do take you a while to reach a conclusion on how to solve, but it is great fun.
Especially good for children to gain their concentration, my youngest who is 7 cheers when she gets it right and releases them, it focuses them and makes them solve problems in a simple but logical way.
I would recommend this game for all the family to enjoy, but beware all will be challenged along the way.
This game is available for sale by www.focusmm.co.uk and costs £9.78.
To take advantage of the current Reader Offer for Focus Products, click here.
Hannah Montana
You’ve seen the film now play the game. Hannah Montana The Movie is available now from Disney Interactive Studios for Wii, Nintendo DS, Xbox 360, Playstation 3 and PC. Become Hannah on tour dancing, singing and playing the instruments as you perform favourite Hannah Montana songs – including ones from the movie. Learn those rock star poses, do a hoedown, design your own stage costumes, customise the tour bus and let rip on guitar, drums and keyboards.
For the first time you can also play as Hannah’s secret identity Miley Stewart as she gets to rediscover her life as an ordinary Tennessee farm girl. Switch to Crowley Corner mode to play as Miley and you’ll meet new characters and play a series of mini-games as she seeks to save her hometown, completing tasks like learning to ride Blue Jeans the horse as you visit places such as Ruby’s Farm, Downtown Meadow Hall and Derrick’s Petting Zoo.
You can earn spending money playing the mini-games and then go shopping for fabulous clothes and accessories for Hannah to wear on tour. And if you change your mind about your costume just before you go on stage, you can always head back to the tour bus for a last minute switch.
We’ve tried the Wii version and, while we’re still working on clapping our hands above our head, it’s very easy to play and, while the story doesn’t add up to much and it’s a pity Miley can only walk and not run, it’s still fun. Especially as you twist the remote to spotlight the floating musical notes to play the keyboard or drums, or shake the nunchuck to sing. If you forget what you’re doing, there’s always Miley’s onscreen organiser to remind you. Go cowgirl! MD
TrackMania DS
Do you like driving at fast speeds? Do you enjoy the thrill of seeing the floor above your head? In this fast paced, high speed racing game you can drive at speeds unknown to man! Tracks include loops, jumps, turbo boost pads and more wacky ideas straight from the creators at Firebrand studios.
The game offers 3 single player modes such as Race mode, where you are pitted against your racing foes to go for gold or even the rare Firebrand trophy! Other modes include Platform; where you attempt to get to the end of a tricky and mind boggling track, set out to throw you off, and Puzzle mode; in which you are required to build your track using the few pieces provided to get to the finish.
Also in every difficulty there are three types of driving; Stadium, Desert and Rally, each with 5 tracks of their own resulting in over 100 stunning tracks, all completely different from the last, resulting in ever-exciting gameplay and overall fun.
Another feature is the multiplayer mode in which up to four friends can play at the same time, either with their own game cartridges or hot seat style play on just a single card! You can also create your own custom tracks in the editor mode to play with your friends, and let your creative juices flow. Plus you can buy better track pieces with the ‘coppers’ you earn from beating computer opponents or your friends in multiplayer mode.
As mentioned earlier you can earn ‘coppers’, which are the in-game currency, to buy either track pieces, new pre-built tracks or skins to spice up your vehicle.
The game is also compatible with the Nintendo DS rumble pack feature
Reviewed by Cameron Blower, Chislehurst and Sidcup Grammar School
PLAY AND INTERACT WITH THE SPONGEBOB UNIVERSE LIKE NEVER BEFORE!
SpongeBob and Patrick stumble upon a magical pencil that brings whatever it draws to life. Unfortunately, the evil SpongeBob drawing ‘DoodleBob’ gets a
magic pencil of his own which he uses to cause havoc all over Bikini Bottom.
Players will draw their own unique hero that has the power to defeat
DoodleBob’s rogue drawings and rescue SpongeBob and his friends.
GAME FEATURES
• Create your own character and populate the world with your creativity.
• Draw, customize and furnish your own Bikini Bottom home.
• Play against your friends in an exciting two-player VS. mode.
• Battle, erase and redraw enemies as you work your way through the game.
• Over 20 levels, each with their own specific objectives.
Are You Ready For More Amazing PopCap Adventures?
Focus Multimedia, the UK’s leading PC casual games publisher, is delighted to once again team up with casual games pioneer, PopCap Games, to bring another three top game titles to retail shelves for the very first time.
Web favourites Bookworm Adventures, Amazing Adventures The Lost Tomb and Mahjong Escape: Ancient China are now on sale in the UK and Ireland as part of Focus Multimedia’s Essential PC range - all for the suggested retail price of just £9.99 each.
From the makers of classic casual game hits, Bejeweled and Peggle, PopCap’s Bookworm Adventures is a wickedly moreish game of vocabulary valour. A family favourite that sets minds and mouses racing, Bookworm Adventures can help parents relax while giving kids a mental workout and helping them beat the back-to-school Summer ‘brain drain’.
In Bookworm Adventures, players help Lex the Bookworm battle the biggest threat the Great Library has ever known. Put your vocabulary skills to the test by creating the longest and most complex words you possibly can from thecollection of letter tiles you are given.
As you travel through a selection of popular storybooks, you must deliver high-scoring words in order to annihilate your enemies and rescue your friend Cassandra - without being wiped out yourself!
From the makers of the UK’s best-selling “hidden object” game, Mystery P.I. The Lottery Ticket, comes another enthralling title; Amazing Adventures The Lost Tomb.
As an adventurer, you have been chosen to help search the sands of Egypt for a mysterious, long-lost tomb and recover the lost treasures of an ancient pharaoh. Hunt high and low to find items, collect precious scarabs and outwit clever puzzle traps on your quest. Train your eye and your brain as you seek 2000 cleverly hidden objects across more than 100 challenging levels.
Bend your brain while soothing your senses in Mahjong Escape Ancient China.If you’re a fan of the classic puzzle game, then this incarnation is sure to blow you away. You’ve never seen mahjong like this before!
Take part in a 4000-year journey of collecting treasure. This interesting twist on the popular game has you matching magic gold tiles and exploring ancient dynasties, as well as allowing you to enjoy the slower pace of the game. Stunning graphics and relaxing music, coupled with the alternate gameplay make for a truly serene experience.
PopCap Games is already a leading developer and publisher of casual games for platforms including Web, PC, Mac, mobile, Xbox, PS2 and iPod and many more. PopCap games have been downloaded more than 1 billion times by consumers worldwide. Flagship title, Bejeweled, has sold more than 10 million units across all platforms and PopCap estimates the Bejeweled franchise has consumed roughly 6 billion hours of consumers’ leisure time since 2001.
Bookworm Adventures, Amazing Adventures The Lost Tomb and Mahjong Escape Ancient China are available now for a suggested retail price of £9.99 each including VAT, from all good retail outlets of PC software. The products are also available to purchase direct from www.focusmm.co.uk.
Great games for girls!
Focus Multimedia, the UK’s market-leading publisher of budget PC software, has signed an exclusive deal with Ubisoft® to release titles from their successful Games for Girls range in the UK and Ireland.
Aimed at 6 to 14 year old girls, Imagine® Fashion Designer, Imagine® Pet Vet in Australia and Imagine® Pet Vet at the Zoo join Focus Multimedia’s best-selling range of budget PC software.
Imagine® Fashion Designer puts girls in the shoes of anup-and-coming fashion designer who’s just started a new job at a highly successfulNew York company. Their aim then is to work up through the ranks by completing a series of challenges, whilst at the same time keeping their eyes and ears open for the next hot trends. They must create successful fashion collections, make the models beautiful and progress to the role of Manhattan’s hippest designer.
Imagine® Pet Vet in Australia will appeal to animal lovers, as it has them training to become a master vet in a gorgeous coastal area of Australia.Players will manage their own animal hospital by taking care of the continent’s most popular wildlife, including the popular koalas, kangaroos and dolphins. Girls must learn everything about their cuddly patients in order to become an expert vet.
Imagine® Pet Vet at the Zoo introduces more weird and wonderful creatures to care for! A gorilla with a broken tooth, a polar bear with a sore paw a crocodile suffering from a cold. Players must manage the zoo hospital, respond to emergencies and gain new skills to become the world’s greatest zoo vet!
The Imagine® range is available now. The titles retail at a suggested price of £9.99 each including VAT, from all good stockists of PC software. The products are also available to purchase direct from www.focusmm.co.uk.
Focus Multimedia, the UK’s leading publisher of value and casual PC games, has acquired the rights to publish one of the world’s top adventure game franchises. Focus is teaming up with Her Interactive, the designer and developer of the award-winning Nancy Drew PC game series, to bring three titles to stores in the UK and Ireland.
The world’s most famous teen detective has enjoyed incredible longevity and success for over 75 years, with more than 200 million copies of the books in print around the globe. The PC game series stays true to thebrand by delivering the same compelling story telling and content fans expect from the Nancy Drew brand, while incorporating gameplay elements that adventure gamers of all ages will enjoy, including varying difficulty levels, enough puzzling to have players scratching their heads, and lenient options such as “Second Chance” and “Phone a Friend” available.
Nancy Drew: Curse of Blackmoor Manor, Nancy Drew: The Secret of Shadow Ranch and NancyDrew: The Secret of the Old Clock will be re-branded to fit in with the £9.99 Focus Essential label.
Available to buy now for Windows® XP and Vista, Nancy Drew Curse of Blackmoor Manor, Nancy Drew The Secret of Shadow Ranch and Nancy Drew Secret of the Old Clock PC Fitness can be ordered from all good stockists of PC software, or direct from www.focusmm.co.uk. The suggested
retail price is just £9.99 each.
Imagine™Teacher
Ubisoft proudly presents Imagine Teacher, the newest and most exciting addition to the Imagine range of videogames for the Nintendo DS that gives young girls the chance to live the exciting life of a teacher, and experience life on the other side of the teacher’s desk!
Play the role of a teacher in a brand new school, helping your students improve their creativity in many subjects such as music, drawing, and pottery. Start building relationships with your pupils to increase their knowledge and make school as fun as they want it to be. You can also participate in major school events such as parties for the End of the School Year and even organise birthday parties for the students!
Everything you do helps you aim towards upgrading your school to be the most fun and educational place possible! Imagine is a range of games from Ubisoft®for the Nintendo DS that encourages young girls to use their imagination, creativity and have fun creating their own virtual world through a number of different games.
Baby Club – it is a very good game, easy to play, hard to look after babies and keep them happy – great fun for all girls. Katie aged 7
Girl Band – really cool, fun to play with instruments, you follow the rhythm to earn money, you can get clothes for the band to wear, change their hair style, put make up on them, go to the library, and generally have great fun. Beth aged 9
Fashion Designer – whenever you do something good you have the chance to design something, you have to complete set tasks to reach a different level – if you complete one task you get another, once the tasks are completed you can design your own fashion. Katie aged 7
Secret World – you can keep you personal diary on here, design your own person, dress them, change their hairstyle, good fun and not too hard find your way round the game. Beth aged 9
PEGGLE
This is a great game for fun, and will have you playing for hours and hours. You work your way through a number of levels and then move to the challenge section (which gets really hard). You feel that you have to reach this section, and then the next. It is addictive but in a fun and harmless way. This game is suitable for all ages and you’re not likely to get bored as there’s so much involved. A great game for anyone who enjoys PC games and is looking for something a little different. I would recommend this for anyone for a Christmas or Birthday Present.
This game is available for sale by www.focusmm.co.uk and costs £9.99.
To take advantage of the current Reader Offer for Focus Products, click here.
DINER DASH 2
Review by Beth aged 9:
This is a great game where you get to run and serve in restaurants and have to improve them to gain access to new bits and fun things to do. Its hard as you have to run it like a real restaurant bt great once you understand what you need to do.
This game is available for sale by www.focusmm.co.uk and costs £9.99.
To take advantage of the current Reader Offer for Focus Products, click here.
BRATZ ROCK ANGELZ & BABYZ
Review by Beth aged 9:
This is so cool and a superb game, my friends are jealous and love playing it when they come over. My favourite is Rock Angels but Babyz is fine to play to. There are loads of things to go and solve that will keep you entertained for hours.
This game is available for sale by www.focusmm.co.uk and costs £9.99.
To take advantage of the current Reader Offer for Focus Products, click here.
BARNYARD
Review by Katie aged 6:-
This is a brilliant game and so funny. I love all the characters and the activities are really simple to understand and play. I could play for hours if my parents would let me. Think everyone should have a copy.
This game is available for sale by www.focusmm.co.uk and costs £4.99.
To take advantage of the current Reader Offer for Focus Products, click here.
Nemo's Underwater World of Fun – DVD-Rom (For PC)
A great game for all children who love the film, both my 6 and 8 year old girls loved the adventures and challenges of this game.
You work your way through different levels helping Nemo learn to swim, finding his friends along the way and solving puzzles and challenges at the same time.
This is another good game to boost creativity, thinking power and problem solving whilst having fun – so the children don’t realise they are being educated at the same time.
This game is available for sale by www.focusmm.co.uk and costs £4.99.
To take advantage of the current Reader Offer for Focus Products, click here.
Review submitted 27/6/07
Noddy and the Toyland Fair – DVD-Rom (For PC)
This is a great game for younger children, especially if they like the TV programme. Children get the chance to take Noddy on an adventure around the town and look for loads of items. This game helps children learn without them realising it is educational.
There are two levels to the game so it is great for older ones as well. One of the best features for a parent is that the voices are as the TV programme which helps children relate to the game.
Hours of fun for the younger ones; and fun for parents too!
This game is available for sale by www.focusmm.co.uk and costs £4.99.
To take advantage of the current Reader Offer for Focus Products,click here.
Review submitted 27/6/07
Cars – DVD-Rom (For PC)
For all the children who loved the film will love this game; they get the chance to be Lightning McQueen and race round tracks, roads, the town and do all the things they would love. You can also race with your friends at the same time, and if you don’t fancy being Lightning McQueen you can choose from 10 characters.
It kept my children happy for hours, but the one thing I would recommend is that your PC does need a good quality video card to ensure the game runs smoothly. Overall this is a great game for children used to playing games on their PC.
This game is available for sale by www.focusmm.co.uk and costs £4.99.
To take advantage of the current Reader Offer for Focus Products,click here.
Review submitted 27/6/07
Casper the Magical Toy Store (For PC)
This game is aimed at children 4 -6, but older children also enjoy the simplicity and fun way they have to complete the tasks but also means they can help the younger ones solve the problems posed.
It encourages children to work together to solve the different levels, and unlock sections that are hidden unless completed properly. The games help children learn new things, how to operate the computer, promotes independent play and to improve their listening and concentration.
Both my children loved this game, more so because it is led by Casper the friendly ghost who guides you round the various levels and helps you out.
This game is available for sale by www.focusmm.co.uk and costs £4.99.
To take advantage of the current Reader Offer for Focus Products, click here.
Review submitted by Heather McLean, 19/4/07
Happy Feet (For Nintendo Wii)
Happy Feet is based on Warner Bros' comedy adventure. You'll jump into the shoes of Mumble, a young penguin born into a nation of singing emperor penguins. In this land, each penguin needs a heartsong to attract a soul mate.
Unfortunately, Mumble is the worst singer in the world. But he is a brilliant tap dancer.
Based on the general storyline of the film, the player will be able to experience life from the point of view of Mumble in music, dance and interaction with the friends and enemies of the penguin's world.
This game is available for sale at www.amazon.co.uk and costs £23.90
Lego Island II (For Playstation 2)
What do the residents of Lego Island fear most? Deconstruction. The mischievous Brickster has broken out of the town jail and turned loose his army of Brickster Bots to take apart the island brick by little plastic brick.
Skateboarding pizza delivery boy Pepper is the island's best hope against this threat, and players will take him through 18 levels based on popular Lego play themes, such as Adventurers, Castle and Lego City.
Players will control different conveyances around the island, like blasting off in a space shuttle and riding on the back of a Pterodactyl, from a first-person perspective. Objectives within the levels include deep-sea-diving for bricks, jousting with the Dark Knight, snake shooting, matching mummies in ancient Egypt, and target parachuting. Friendly Lego figurines are always close by and willing to offer some observations.
This game is available for sale at www.amazon.co.uk and costs £3.95
Sonic the Hedgehog (For XBox 360)
Sonic the Hedgehog returns for his 15th anniversary in Style, as he is plunged into an epic adventure to save princes Elise who has been Kidnapped by the evil Dr Eggman as part of his plans to unleash a force that will threaten the kingdom. Unfortunately a mysterious new opponent is going all out to take to take our blue hero down with all new psychic abilities.
Unless Sonic can prevail, the very future of the world is at stake. Who is this new psychic talent, and what are "The Flames of Disaster"?
This game is available for sale a www.play.com and costs £17.99
Disney's Meet the Robinsons ( For Nintendo DS)
What if you could change the past? What if you could control the future? What if time was on your side? Disney's Meet The Robinsons video game brings the excitement of the film to life. Play as Wilbur Robinson and experience the thrills of time travelling adventure. With a host of crazy gadgets at your disposal, battle enemies and solve puzzles while in pursuit of the dastardly Bowler Hat Guy and his diabolical robotic hat Doris in an attempt to thwart their evil plans.
It's up to you to save the future!
This game is available for sale at www.play.com and costs £14.99 delivered
help the toys escape the nursery. There are also imaginative play modes on the Playstation 3, Xbox 360 and PC formats where you get to play as your favourite character in an exciting adventure such as Woody and the Runaway Train and Buzz in Star Command. 
her friends in an all new game based on the popular “So Random” TV show, out on Nintendo DS and DSi, on 25th June 2010 from Disney Interactive Studios.
Disney Interactive Studios is out on Nintendo DS from 25th June 2010.
Nintendo Wii and Nintendo DS.
trade for new dresses, fabrics and ingredients!
Runway, announced that the Project Runway videogame, based on the mega hit-TV program, is making its way “from the runway” into retail stores today.
Runway fans of all ages can become designers, stylists, models and photographers right in their own living rooms. The Wii Balance Board runway feature gives the entire franchise a whole new twist.”
fashionable or catastrophic ways. For the first time, players will be in charge of how their Sims’ career progresses and decide if they will work for good or evil, pursue creative endeavors or technical affairs, climb to the top quickly, or be a slacker. The future of a Sims’ success or failure is entirely in the hands of the player.
optional Wii MotionPlus™ compatibility, the game offers a true full-body experience by allowing players to experience the life of a karate trainee who is under the guidance of a wise, but humorous sensei, and is on the path toward attaining a black belt, the highest achievement level in karate.
Based on the best-selling family friendly brand, Peppa Pig - Fun and Games will appeal to boys and girls aged 3-7 years and is a great way to entertain the kids during the Easter holidays. Pre-schoolers will love the new easy-to-play activities, in addition to newly enhanced, eye-catching graphics and captivating gameplay. 
Licensed Properties, Activision Publishing, Inc. “Whether they are playing on their own or against family and friends, kids will have a blast in this high energy epic adventure.” 
highly anticipated film from 20th Century Fox, players are immersed into an exhilarating and gripping fantasy world where Greek mythology is reality and Gods walk the Earth. Taking the role of Percy and his two friends Annabeth and Grover, players weld their “godly” powers and abilities to battle ruthless enemies to protect Percy’s heritage; being the son of Poseidon, God of the Sea. 
Harmonix and MTV Games, a part of Viacom’s MTV Networks (NYSE: VIA and VIA.B), are building an all-new handheld music gaming experience that lets fans of all ages “Build a Band and Rock the Universe” wherever and whenever they want with LEGO® Rock Band™ for Nintendo DS™. Published by Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment, LEGO Rock Band for DS combines the LEGO style of humour with Rock Band gameplay to introduce a portable Rock Band experience that anyone can play without the need for peripherals to be purchased. The game also includes a multiplayer feature that allows up to four players to participate in local wireless multiplayer gameplay. 
Horticultural Society have released a Gardening Guide which runs on the Nintendo DS. 
Horrid Henry! Play the hugely horrible role of Henry as you head off on his mischievous missions, wreaking havoc all around you. Horrid Henry- Missions of Mischief is aimed at children over 3 years old and will be available to buy from leading video and PC game stockists on Nintendo DS™ £24.99 RRP, Wii™ £29.99 RRP and on PC CD-ROM £19.99 RRP from 23rd October 2009.
available now from Disney Interactive Studios for Wii, Nintendo DS, Xbox 360, Playstation 3 and PC. Become Hannah on tour dancing, singing and playing the instruments as you perform favourite Hannah Montana songs – including ones from the movie. Learn those rock star poses, do a hoedown, design your own stage costumes, customise the tour bus and let rip on guitar, drums and keyboards. 
shopping for fabulous clothes and accessories for Hannah to wear on tour. And if you change your mind about your costume just before you go on stage, you can always head back to the tour bus for a last minute switch. 
above your head? In this fast paced, high speed racing game you can drive at speeds unknown to man! Tracks include loops, jumps, turbo boost pads and more wacky ideas straight from the creators at Firebrand studios.
Also in every difficulty there are three types of driving; Stadium, Desert and Rally, each with 5 tracks of their own resulting in over 100 stunning tracks, all completely different from the last, resulting in ever-exciting gameplay and overall fun.
You work your way through a number of levels and then move to the challenge section (which gets really hard). You feel that you have to reach this section, and then the next. It is addictive but in a fun and harmless way. This game is suitable for all ages and you’re not likely to get bored as there’s so much involved. A great game for anyone who enjoys PC games and is looking for something a little different. I would recommend this for anyone for a Christmas or Birthday Present.
Review by Beth aged 9:
Review by Beth aged 9:
Review by Katie aged 6:-
A great game for all children who love the film, both my 6 and 8 year old girls loved the adventures and challenges of this game. 
This is a great game for younger children, especially if they like the TV programme. Children get the chance to take Noddy on an adventure around the town and look for loads of items. This game helps children learn without them realising it is educational. 
For all the children who loved the film will love this game; they get the chance to be Lightning McQueen and race round tracks, roads, the town and do all the things they would love. You can also race with your friends at the same time, and if you don’t fancy being Lightning McQueen you can choose from 10 characters. 
Happy Feet is based on Warner Bros' comedy adventure. You'll jump into the shoes of Mumble, a young penguin born into a nation of singing emperor penguins. In this land, each penguin needs a heartsong to attract a soul mate. 
What do the residents of Lego Island fear most? Deconstruction. The mischievous Brickster has broken out of the town jail and turned loose his army of Brickster Bots to take apart the island brick by little plastic brick. 
Sonic the Hedgehog returns for his 15th anniversary in Style, as he is plunged into an epic adventure to save princes Elise who has been Kidnapped by the evil Dr Eggman as part of his plans to unleash a force that will threaten the kingdom. Unfortunately a mysterious new opponent is going all out to take to take our blue hero down with all new psychic abilities. 
What if you could change the past? What if you could control the future? What if time was on your side? Disney's Meet The Robinsons video game brings the excitement of the film to life. Play as Wilbur Robinson and experience the thrills of time travelling adventure. With a host of crazy gadgets at your disposal, battle enemies and solve puzzles while in pursuit of the dastardly Bowler Hat Guy and his diabolical robotic hat Doris in an attempt to thwart their evil plans.
