Pac-Man Party has gone Gold for the Wii

Pop Culture Icon to celebrate his 30^th Anniversary

                To celebrate his 30^th anniversary, Pac-Man will be marking the occasion by featuring in an upcoming game that is exclusive for the Nintendo Wii.

                Set in a birthday-themed world, Pac-Man stars in this new title packed with dozens of mini-games, challenges and surprises.  With the game set to utilise the Wii Remote to ensure that Pac-Man Party has a distinct pick-up-and-play feel, Namco Bandai have guaranteed that players will be challenged to use their skills and reflexes to compete against one another as they move about virtual game boards.

                Taking this chance to add to the franchises already rich history, Namco Bandai promised that Pac-Man Party will provide engaging entertainment that can be enjoyed by people of all ages.  With more than 50 exciting mini-games and 8 characters to choose from, including newcomers Woofa, Patra, and Roger, players will be enticed by the games colourful setting and the Wii Remote’s motions to compete in time-based trials.  From dodging cascading blocks, to racing, and sheep-shearing challenges, Pac-Man is set to have a memorable and action packed birthday.

                Pac-Man Party is set to include 3 unique game modes.  These are Story mode, which provides the opportunity to explore all the game board worlds and protect Mr. Cookie’s secret recipe.  Yet, there is also Mini-Game mode for players who desire a quick fix for a sudden rush of competition without the commitment, and Party mode which provides a more in-depth experience that has up to four friends competing across different boards to collect the most points.

                But to make the competition more interesting, property can be strategically developed on any given space which can increase wealth and provide the quickest route to victory.  But to diversify itself from monopoly, if someone lands on a spot that is already occupied, players will have to fight for ownership via challenges.

                But the party doesn’t stop there. As an added bonus, Pac-Man Party will also feature a Classic mode where players can experience the original arcade versions of Pac-Man, Galaga and Dig-Dug.

                With something for everyone in the family, Pac-Man Party is available throughout Europe and Asia-Pacific on November 26, 2010.

               

Dance Central Track List Unveiled

Master Authentic Dance Routines Set to the Music of Lady Gaga, Audio Push, Dirty Vegas, Pitbull, M.I.A., Beastie Boys and More

Cambridge based studios, Harmonix Music Systems, MTV Games and Microsoft have today released the full track list for the upcoming Kinect title, Dance Central.  Free from any controller, Dance Central invites you to break social conventions and ‘drop it like it’s hot’ to the games original choreography and authentic routines.  Being aimed at the lucrative casual gamer market, Harmonix promises to cater for both beginners and experts, in order for everybody to enjoy the pop, funk, hip-hop, Latin and R&B soundtrack, which features stellar names such as Kool and the Gang, Cascada, Kylie Minogue, No Doubt, Salt-N-Pepa, and many more.

“We felt it was very important to launch Dance Central with a balanced selection of the latest, greatest and all-time classic tracks,” said Paul DeGooyer, Senior Vice President of Music, Electronic Games and Programming for MTV Networks. “The set list on the disc really achieves that goal, offering everything from “jerking” to disco, from Rihanna to Young MC. Whatever your jam, we think you’ll find something to get you moving in this contagiously fun soundtrack.”

 For those who are interested, here is the track list in full:

Audio Push – “Teach Me How To Jerk”

Lady Gaga – “Just Dance”
Basement Jaxx – “Rendez-vu”

Lady Gaga – “Poker Face”
Beastie Boys – “Body Movin’ (Fatboy Slim Remix)”

Lipps Inc – “Funky Town”
Beenie Man – “King Of The Dancehall”

M.I.A. – “Galang ‘05”
Bell Biv DeVoe – “Poison”

Nelly Furtado – “Maneater”
Benny Benassi – “Satisfaction”

Nina Sky – “Move Ya Body”
Cascada – “Evacuate the Dancefloor”

No Doubt – “Hella Good”
Christina Milian – “Dip It Low”

Pitbull – “I Know You Want Me (Calle Ocho)”
The Commodores – “Brick House”

Quad City DJ’s – “C’mon N’ Ride It (The Train)”
Craig Mack – “Flava In Ya Ear (Remix)”

Rihanna – “Pon de Replay”
Dirty Vegas – “Days Go By”

Salt-N-Pepa – “Push It”
Eric B. & Rakim – “Don’t Sweat the Technique”

Snoop Dogg/Pharrell – “Drop It Like It’s Hot”
Fannypack – “Hey Mami”

Soulja Boy Tell ‘Em – “Crank That (Soulja Boy)”
Jay Sean ft. Lil Wayne – “Down”

Technotronic – “Pump Up the Jam”
Kool & The Gang – “Jungle Boogie”

Wreckx-n-Effect – “Rump Shaker”
Kylie Minogue – “Can’t Get You Out of My Head”

Young MC – “Bust A Move”

               

          Winner of the E3 Game Critics Best Original Game and Best Motion Simulation awards, Dance Central will provide players with in excess of 600 moves in the game and more than 90 dance routines created by professional choreographers.  In addition, players can earn those all important achievements, unlock new character outfits and venues, whilst progressing through the dance ranks.  And if that is not enough to keep you interested, Harmonix has promised a Dance Battle mode, where players can attempt to ‘serve’ their friends in a living room showdown.  Dance Central will also feature downloadable content from November 10^th, with each pack featuring new music and routines so you can shake your ‘thang’ for months to come.

Dance Central, will be available exclusive for Kinect from November 4^th in the US, and November 10^th 2010 in the UK. 

EA unveil Microbot, a clever twist on traditional shooters

Today, EA have released screenshots of the innovative shooter Microbot, a game that will ask player to delve to new depths within the human body.  Set for download on XBLA and PSN, Microbot will challenge players to pilot a microscopic ship on a mission to destroy a biotechnological infestation.

The plot reads that fictional bio-medical firm MicroHexon Research has invented a transformative medical technology, an autonomous nanotech machine that is no larger than a blood cell.  When injected into the body they target and eliminate diseases at the cellular level. However, something has gone dangerously wrong, and the nanomachines have bonded to the diseased cells and are now multiplying inside the body at an unprecedented rate. Piloting a new prototype MicroBot, players must seek and destroy the infection before it consumes the human host from the inside.

In MicroBot, players must battle malicious enemies as they travel through veins, bones, lungs and brain. The constant fluctuations of the human body create a dynamic environment that affects movement and gameplay, providing both combat advantages and additional hazards to overcome. Just as each human body is unique, MicroBot dynamically creates new levels to ensure that the challenge is different every time gamers play.

EA have also promised collectibles and customisation options.  As players progress through the game, they will be able to harvest data fragments which allow them to unlock over 20 pieces of upgradable microtechnology. Using this newly acquired technology, players can strategically customize their MicroBot with powerful weapons, defensive systems, movement parts, and special abilities, leading to millions of possible configurations, ensuring that players can build a MicroBot to suit any style of play.

“We wanted to take gamers to a place they have rarely visited before — the world inside the human body. The fluid dynamics of the world and the customization of the MicroBot come together to create a unique take on the arcade shooter genre”, said Jason Haber of Electronic Arts. “MicroBot is an energetic and addictive game that is perfect for anyone that plays games on Xbox Live Arcade and PlayStation Network.”

Microbot will also feature a drop in/drop out co-operative mode.  Therefore, not only will players battle side-by-side, but they can also upgrade their MicroBots simultaneously in the innovative co-op editor, where they work together to create the ultimate MicroBot team.

Developed in conjunction with Naked Sky Entertainment, EA is scheduled to launch MicroBot in Winter 2011. 

               

Dragon Age II Limited Edition Announced

 

                For those keen for the release of Bioware’s second foray into the Dragon Age Universe, EA have released shots of the Limited Edition box art, depicting the titles lead character, Hawke.

                Dragon Age II is chiefly a game that reveals the story behind his unprecedented rise to power, a tale that begins with a young Hawke becoming a refugee after surviving to the destruction of his homeland, to eventually becoming the much celebrated champion of Kirkwall.  However, the lore that surrounds this unprecedented rise is shrouded in myth and rumour, with these mysteries becoming the driving force for the titles story, which spans 10 years of the Dragon Age universe.  Bioware promises that player will experience the thrill of gathering a deadly clan of allies, the difficulties of making tough moral decisions, the joys of amassing fame and fortune, and the pride at securing your place in history.

                But this is not the only news that the Bioware has announced, as the Canadian developer has chosen to reward their eager fans with a free upgrade to the Dragon Age II Signature Edition.  But how does one qualify for this promotion?  It’s simple, just pre-order the game by January 11^th, 2011, and player will be automatically receive this upgrade, which is said to contain $20 of extra content for free.  The Signature Edition will include the full version of Dragon Age II, along with a download code for an additional playable character and new missions, the Dragon Age II digital soundtrack, an exclusive in-game digital armoury featuring a variety of weapons and other digital items.

                “Over the past 15 years, we’ve been privileged to have the support of a passionate community of fans, who continue to grow in number with every game we release,” said Dr. Ray Muzyka, Senior Vice President of Electronic Arts and co-founder and Group General Manager of BioWare. “The BioWare Signature Edition of Dragon Age II is a chance for us to reward loyal fans who pre-order the game by providing them with additional high-quality content for free.”

                Dragon Age II is the sequel to the much revered ‘RPG of the Year’ for 2009 and will feature faster-paced combat, an art and stylistic change, as well as a gripping story-telling approach.

                This anticipated addition to the Dragon Age franchise will be available on the PlayStation 3, Xbox 360 and PC in North America on March 8, 2011 and in Europe on March 11, 2011.

Crazy Taxi to initiate Dreamcast Revival

Sega’s Dreamcast and Arcade classic will be available for hire again on XBLA and PSN, as Sega Europe and Sega of America have announced the HD remake of Crazy Taxi.  New features in this remake include high-definition 720p graphics presented in a widescreen 16:9 aspect ratio, leaderboards and trophy awards, with two game types to experience, which include Arcade Mode and Original Mode. Classic features making a comeback include sixteen minigames that cultivate gamer’s taxi-driving skills, huge San Francisco-style hills for plenty of hang time, and occasional underwater exploration opportunities.

                If revisiting San Francisco appeals to you, from November Crazy Taxi will be available to download for the fare of 800 Microsoft points or $9.99/ / £6.29/ €7.99/ AU$ 12.95.