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Worlds Largest Gaming Center Is Now Open In The UK

Omega Sektor, the brand new gaming and entertainment centre, today opens its doors in the heart of Birmingham. The venue, the largest of its kind in the world, features 450 state-of-the-art Intel Core 2 Quad-based PCs from leading UK manufacturer SCAN, a dedicated next-gen console room, and offers visitors more than 100 games to choose from. The Intel quad-core equipped SCAN PCs, and specially selected Razer peripherals enable gamers visiting the centre to experience all the action using the best gaming technology available. The centre is the largest permanent collection of Intel based gaming PCs available in Europe.

Commenting on Intel’s support of the centre, Adrian Le Mans, sales and marketing director for Omega Sektor says,

“Intel is synonymous with quality and performance, and its continuing investment in creating the ultimate gaming experience and supporting serious gaming talent, is a perfect match for Omega Sektor.”

“At Intel, we’re excited at the emergence of mainstream gaming, and Omega Sektor gives gamers, both serious and casual, the chance to try out our latest quad-core technology. It represents a new breed of centres that enable a gaming experience that the whole family can enjoy, and emphasises the fact that gaming is a thoroughly engaging and hugely sociable pastime,” Graham Palmer, at Intel Corporation (UK) Ltd. says.

The centre offers something for all types of gamers from casual right through to professional, with a number of tournament organisers signing up to use the centre for major events, and top-class gamers coming from all over Europe to play at the centre. In addition to externally organised tournaments, the centre will also host its own smaller tournaments, offering visitors the opportunity to try out multi-player gaming and win prizes.

The venue houses a range of brand new and classic games from major publishers including Activision, THQ, Square Enix, Electronic Arts, Ubisoft and Blizzard Entertainment – with 12+ and under games on the ground floor – and 15+ and above games on the first floor. Membership for the first 5,000 people to register for the centre is free, and there are a number of different gaming price packages available, including one hour of gaming for £3 and three hours of gaming for £5. The centre also has a VIP gaming room, the OS Club that can be hired for private events and special tournaments.

Omega Sektor is located at 90-98 Corporation Street (corner of Bull St), Birmingham, B4 6SX. The centre opens daily from Monday to Saturday from 8am until 11pm, and on Sundays from 9am until 11pm. There will also be late night sessions available on Fridays and Saturdays.

Would You like Fries with that Halo 3?

For the first time in video game history and on par with the scope of major movie releases, some of the world’s biggest consumer brands have aligned to support the launch. Many plan to offer a variety of promotions that give consumers the opportunity to obtain unique “Halo 3”-branded products and prizes and participate in one-of-a-kind “Halo 3”-themed events.

The Doctor says, “Congratulations! Its a 9 pound Baby Boy, would you like your limited edition copy of halo 3 or the regular one?”

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Speed Racer As a Movie and Wii Game?!?!

Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment will launch the Speed Racer videogame based on the upcoming film written and directed by the Wachowski brothers. The game will be available in 2008 on the Wii and Nintendo DS systems along with the Playstation 2 system.

In the Wii and PlayStation 2 system games, players will be able to take on the role of the characters from the film, getting behind the wheels of each character’s signature vehicles to experience firsthand the film’s high-adrenaline, combative racing style. The car-fu style of action within the game will closely represent the action style being designed by the Wachowski brothers for the film itself as they lend direction and assets to the development team directly from their Berlin set. John Gaeta, a long-time Wachowski collaborator and Co-VFX Supervisor on the Speed Racer film, is working with Sidhe and WBIE to assist in maintaining a close film-to-game aesthetic connection.

“Speed Racer is an exceptionally creative property and teamed with the Wachowski brothers’ vision it makes for action-packed racing gameplay,” said Samantha Ryan, Senior Vice President, Development and Production, Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment. “The game will capture the intensity of the racing in the film to give gamers and movie fans a chance to take the wheel after they experience the film.”

“We are very excited about this natural extension from the Speed Racer film to the videogame. Larry and Andy are videogame fans themselves, so they believe that an interactive game is a key component to the entire Speed Racer experience,” said film producer Joel Silver.

The game’s development for the Wii and PlayStation 2 system platforms is led by the New Zealand-based Sidhe, a game development studio recognized for producing high-quality entertainment titles with world-class creative and software development skills. Developing across console, handheld, and PC, Sidhe has created a range of innovative products including a variety of racing titles.

Written and directed by the Wachowski brothers (The Matrix trilogy, V for Vendetta) and produced by Joel Silver, Speed Racer is based on the classic series created by anime pioneer Tatsuo Yoshida. A live-action family adventure, Speed Racer follows the young race car driver Speed in his quest for glory on and off the track in his thundering Mach 5. The film will feature other characters that fans of the show will remember, including Speed’s family and his mysterious arch-rival, Racer X. The new high-octane actioner will combine the kind of revolutionary visual effects and cutting-edge storytelling that have become the benchmarks of the Wachowski brothers’ films, bringing Speed Racer into the 21st century. The film stars Emile Hirsch (”Alpha Dog”) as Speed, Christina Ricci (”Black Snake Moan”) as Trixie and Matthew Fox (TV’s “Lost”) as Racer X as well as Oscar winner Susan Sarandon (”Dead Man Walking”) and John Goodman (”Evan Almighty”) as Mom and Pops Racer.

EB Games Team Up With Madden NFL ‘08 For some Tailgate Partys

GameStop, today announced that it will host “Monday Night Madness” parties on Monday, August 13, 2007, at over 3,000 of its U.S. GameStop and EB Games stores for the launch of Madden NFL ‘08 by Electronic Arts. The festivities kick off the NFL video game season and will include tailgate events, a variety of football challenges and a Madden NFL ‘07 tournament leading up to the highly anticipated midnight release.

Most participating GameStop and EB Games locations will begin their parties at 11:00 p.m. local time; however, customers are encouraged to contact their local store to confirm the exact time of the event.

One of the hottest video game franchises, Madden NFL ‘08 takes football game play to a new level with an all-new read and react system, front office mode and player moves.

To participate, visit a local GameStop or EB Games store for details. To find a local store, log on to GameStop.com or EBGames.com, and search using the ‘Store Locator.’

Ya Ya we All Ready Know Xbox360 Price Drop Confirmed

Microsoft Corp. today kicked off the greatest holiday lineup in video game history by announcing it will reduce the estimated retail price (ERP) of Xbox 360 by $50 (U.S.) beginning Aug. 8.

At a new ERP of $349.99 (U.S.), Xbox 360 offers an unsurpassed experience right out of the box with a 20GB hard drive, wireless controller, Xbox 360 headset, and more. For those looking for the ultimate value and the freedom to customize their console as they see fit, Xbox 360 Core System now has an ERP of $279.99 (U.S.). Xbox 360 Core System provides everything needed to start gaming while giving consumers the ability to add new features and accessories they want. Dressed in black and equipped with a 120GB hard drive, Xbox 360 Elite will be priced at an ERP of $449.99 (U.S.) for those who want the premium games and entertainment experience. In anticipation of this year’s largest blockbuster game launch, the Xbox 360 Halo® 3 Special Edition Console will hit store shelves in September with an ERP of $399.99 (U.S.). Featuring an authentic Spartan green-and-gold finish, this console will include a matching Xbox 360 Wireless Controller, Xbox 360 20GB hard drive, Xbox 360 Headset, an Xbox 360 Play and Charge Kit, and more.

Buy The New 80GB PS3 and Get Online Racing Game MotorStorm

Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. today announced the availability of a new 80GB PLAYSTATION 3 (PS3) at online and brick-and-mortar retailers in the United States and Canada. The system, available immediately for a suggested retailer price of $599US/$659 CND, comes with the hit online-enabled off-road racing game MotorStorm packed in the box.

Featuring an expanded hard disk drive , the new 80GB PS3 is designed to appeal to the online gaming and entertainment enthusiast, providing ample storage space to download more games and other entertainment content from PLAYSTATION Network. There are currently more than 60 playable games and game-related downloads available through PLAYSTATION Store, with expanded entertainment content coming soon. The new model features the million-selling game MotorStorm in the box, allowing up to 12 players to play online at one time, hitting the dirt in this visually-arresting, fast-paced racing title.

New For Xbox LIVE Arcade Coming this Wednesday 08/08/07

This Xbox LIVE Arcade Wednesday, gamers can log virtual track time and exercise their fingers and thumbs with the highly anticipated “Track & Field” from Konami. Originally released in 1983, Track & Field was an arcade smash. The updated version for Xbox LIVE Arcade features the same button mashing game mechanic as the original, and now allows for up to four player multiplayer competition on one Xbox 360 or over Xbox LIVE. Clocking in at 400 Microsoft Points, “Track & Field” will be available to download on Xbox LIVE Arcade this Wednesday 8th August beginning at 09:00 GMT.

Other games also releasing in August include:

• “Ecco the Dolphin” (Sega) Cool off with this fun, whimsical update of the classic undersea exploration game featuring everyone’s favorite bottlenose dolphin, Ecco!
• “Hexic 2” (Carbonated Games) The highly anticipated sequel to the popular puzzle game “Hexic HD” will have gamers racing to solve brand new challenges, including an all new two player Battle mode.
• “War World” (Ubisoft) A pure adrenaline rush, War World features powerful armoured mechanoids battling head-to-head in all-out savage single and multiplayer battles that combine action and strategy.

More summer launches hitting in the coming weeks:

• “Geon: Emotions” (Eidos) Engage in the unique sport of Geon, where you must master a diverse range of emotions to best your opponents.
• “Puzzle Quest: Challenge of the Warlords” (D3Publisher of America, Inc.) Addictive and easy-to-learn, this game integrates story and character progression elements found in RPGs delivering a brand new type of game that pushes the puzzle genre to a whole new level.
• “Space Giraffe” (Llamasoft) Created by genre-defining game designer Jeff Minter, “Space Giraffe” is a psychedelic shooter that spans 100 levels, all set against vivid, pulsating backgrounds that synchronise with any custom music selection.
• “Streets of Rage 2” (Sega) One of the most popular side-scrolling beat ‘em ups of the 90’s gets the Xbox LIVE Arcade treatment, complete with enhanced graphics, sound, achievements and multiplayer modes.
• “Super Puzzle Fighter II Turbo HD Remix” (Capcom) This game combines addictive puzzle action with favourite Capcom fighting characters including Ryu, Ken, Chun-Li and Morrigan.

There have been over 45 million Xbox LIVE Arcade game downloads as of July, and the popularity of the service continues to grow. Over 100 games will launch on Xbox LIVE Arcade by year’s end, including dozens of original IPs and classic titles updated for this generation.

Wii Virtual Console releases for August 6, 2007

Time for another update of the weekly retro releases on Nintendo’s Wii Virtual Console. Available today from the Wii Shop, an N64 water racer, the quirky Lolo out to save Lala and a retro Galaga remake.

Wave Race 64 (Nintendo® 64, 1-2 players, rated E for Everyone, 1,000 Wii Points): Take to the waves on your own personal watercraft and experience some of the best water effects in video game history. Choose one of four characters, each with his/her own unique abilities and style, and master the game’s excellent controls. Make your way through nine courses, each with its own challenges. If the ramps, mines and hairpin turns aren’t enough, you’ll also have to deal with varying weather conditions that can make the water choppy or cover the course with fog. And if you ever feel like taking a break from racing, then try out Stunt Mode to polish your skills by pulling off handstands, rolls and more. Get good enough and you might even be able to ride a dolphin-just don’t get seasick.

ADVENTURES OF LOLO (NES, 1 player, rated E for Everyone, 500 Wii Points): This was the first game in the Eggerland puzzle series to be released in North America. After the love of his life, Lala, is kidnapped by the Great Devil and taken to a haunted castle, our hero Lolo sets out to rescue her. The journey is perilous because the Great Devil’s fortress is guarded by a massive army. But Lolo has a few tricks up his sleeve, including a Magic Shot that turns enemies into eggs and an Emerald Framer that shields him from attacks. Combining clever environmental puzzles with tricky enemies and an engaging style, ADVENTURES OF LOLO is a true classic.

GALAGA ‘90 (TurboGrafx16, 1 player, rated E for Everyone, 600 Wii Points): This is an updated version of the classic arcade shooter Galaga. Set in the vast reaches of space, you will fight your way through all 29 rounds to reach the enemies’ stronghold on Planet Galaga. Game levels consist of a few rounds with changing enemies and backgrounds. To top it off, the nostalgic “Galactic Dancing” lives on to mark the end of each level. With the new addition of dimensions, you can choose your attack route. Collect capsules and open dimension warps at branch sections to take on even tougher enemies. GALAGA ’90’s inclusion of the triple fighter, scrolling backgrounds, boss Galaga and even new system effects make it nothing less than a masterpiece.

STAR TREK: Conquest for Holiday 2007 On The Wii

Bethesda Softworks, a ZeniMax Media company, today announced its great looking next STAR TREK videogame, STAR TREK: Conquest, a blend of strategy and intense action set in “The Next Generation” era. Conquest will be available for the Wii from Nintendo.

Players take control of Federation, Klingon, Romulan, Cardassian, Dominion, and Breen forces and lead them in a campaign to control the Galaxy, one planet at a time. Build and manage your growing empire in turn-based strategy, fully utilizing the Wii Remote as you select and maneuver your starships throughout the large, galactic map.

Strategically, you must effectively manage limited resources to expand your empire. You decide how to best achieve objectives by managing your fleets and admirals, building support structures, researching technology, and engaging your enemies in combat. Once battle is initiated, Conquest switches to a ship level tactical view allowing direct command of your ships as you engage in real-time combat. While maneuvering your starship with the Nunchuk, take direct aim and fire away with the Wii Remote.

Conquest has not yet been rated by the ESRB. Scheduled for a simultaneous release this Holiday at an estimated MSRP of $29.99 on the Wii.

Guitar Hero III: Legends Of Rock Cranks It Up With 11 New Tracks

Activision, announced today 11 new songs for Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock, the next installment in the #1 best-selling music and rhythm based game franchise, including master tracks from rockers AFI, Iron Maiden, Queens of the Stone Age, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Slayer and the Strokes.

The 11 additional tracks include:

• Miss Murder (by AFI)
• Through Fire and Flames (by Dragonforce)
• Number of the Beast (by Iron Maiden)
• 3’s and 7’s (by Queens of the Stone Age)
• Suck My Kiss (by Red Hot Chili Peppers)
• Raining Blood (by Slayer)
• Reptillia (by The Strokes)
• Paranoid (as made famous by Black Sabbath)
• Cities on Flame (as made famous by Blue Oyster Cult)
• Mississippi Queen (as made famous by Mountain)
• La Grange (as made famous by ZZ Top)

“Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock features the most comprehensive song list ever assembled for a game,” said Tim Riley, Activision’s worldwide executive of music. “Artists and music execs from the major and independent record labels and publishers respect the brand and have given us unrivaled access to their music vaults allowing us to give gamers what they want - to grab their Gibson guitars and shred to their favorite music.”

In fact, real rock stars like Jade Puget, guitarist for AFI, a band featured in the game is anticipating the upcoming release of the Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock and wants fans to know that “if you’re going to start playing Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock, make sure you have, say, the next 2 years free, because that’s all you’re going to want to do.”

In addition to the newly announced tracks, Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock’s previously announced tracks include:

• Slash’s Original Boss Battle Recording
• Welcome to The Jungle (by Guns N’ Roses)
• Paint It Black (by The Rolling Stones)
• Cherub Rock (by Smashing Pumpkins)
• Sabotage (by Beastie Boys)
• The Metal (by Tenacious D)
• My Name is Jonas (by Weezer)
• Knights of Cydonia (by Muse)
• Even Flow (by Pearl Jam)
• Lay Down (by Priestess)
• Cult of Personality (by Living Colour)
• Rock and Roll All Nite (as made famous by Kiss)
• School’s Out (as made famous by Alice Cooper)
• Rock You Like a Hurricane (as made famous by Scorpions)
• Slow Ride (as made famous by Foghat)
• Barracuda (as made famous by Heart)

Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock will include explosive new content and features including a multiplayer action-inspired battle mode, grueling boss battles, a host of exclusive unlockable content and visually stunning rock venues. Expanded online multiplayer game modes will also allow axe-shredders worldwide to compete head-to-head for true legendary rock status. While continuing to retain all the key features from their prior legendary performances, fresh downloadable content will be offered on multiple platforms, and players can now shred to a killer set list from many of the most popular rock songs ever recorded.