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Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare Tonight on xbox Live!

Activision, announced today that Infinity Ward’s Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare multiplayer beta will launch via Xbox LIVE on Monday, August 27 at 12:00 p.m. Pacific Daylight Time. Users can visit Charlie Oscar Delta (www.CharlieOscarDelta.com) at noon for their chance to receive a Token and experience some of the maps and modes available in multiplayer before the game hits store shelves the week of November 5th.

The beta will enable players to experience the most advanced and powerful arsenal of modern day firepower in customizable multiplayer battles from the world’s most treacherous hotspots. Players will be able to customize their experiences by utilizing new features including create-a-class, player-ranking and the new perk system. Gamers will also be able to ease seamlessly into multiplayer matchmaking with the party system or even join games in-progress. New recruits will enlist for battle across a series of action-packed maps and dynamic game modes to test their mettle in the ultimate multiplayer gameplay arena.

“From day one we’ve set out to make Call of Duty 4 the best multiplayer experience ever,” said Grant Collier, Studio Head, Infinity Ward. “We’re excited to bring to our fans around the world this early look at Call of Duty 4 multiplayer. The gameplay possibilities are limitless from leveling-up and utilizing perks, to creating-your-own class and matchmaking. We’re only days away, so get ready!”

You can go to www.charlieoscardelta.com for the latest information about the worldwide beta including how to become a part of it, specifics on perks as well as the eventual end date of the beta. Entry to the beta and availability will vary by territory. U.S. residents will able to log on for a chance to receive a token on a first come basis.

Ultima Online: Kingdom Reborn Launches (Is This Game Still Around?)

I really thought this game died years ago and it should have. Does anybody even play this game any more?

Electronic Arts, the world’s leading interactive entertainment company, today announced that Ultima Online: Kingdom Reborn, the latest expansion to Ultima Online, is now available for free download at UO.com. Ultima Online: Kingdom Reborn introduces a graphic update, all-new user interface and updated new player experience to Ultima Online.

With Ultima Online: Kingdom Reborn, the legendary kingdom has been redrawn, reengineered and rebuilt for the next decade of players seeking an epic, fantasy MMO experience. The revamped new player content welcomes those who have never adventured through the celebrated lands of Ultima Online. Additionally, enhanced visuals and brand-new user interface present the game in a whole new light to veteran players.

“As the tenth anniversary of Ultima Online’s launch approaches, Kingdom Reborn introduces an entirely new experience while preserving the spirit of the classic MMO,” said Mark Jacobs, VP and General Manager of EA Mythic. “Kingdom Reborn represents EA’s ongoing commitment to MMOs and Ultima Online’s dedicated and loyal community, some of whom have been playing the game since its launch almost ten years ago.”

EA Ships Four New Games for the Mac

Electronic Arts today announced that Battlefield 2142, Need for Speed Carbon, Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix and Command & Conquer 3 Tiberium Wars are now available to order for Mac users. These are the first games ever published by EA for Mac OS X, Apple’s advanced operating system. Users can go to the Apple Store (http://www.apple.com) to purchase the games today.

All games will also be available at Apple’s retail stores nationwide. Need for Speed Carbon and Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix will be available on Tuesday, August 21, and Battlefield 2142 and Command & Conquer 3 Tiberium Wars will be available on Tuesday, August 28.

Some Info on the Games:

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix - In Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, licensed by Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment, Harry’s fifth year at Hogwarts is shaping up to be his most exciting yet. Fearing that Hogwarts’ venerable Headmaster, Albus Dumbledore, is lying about the return of Voldemort in order to undermine his power, Minister for Magic Cornelius Fudge appoints a new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher to keep watch over Dumbledore and the students. But Professor Dolores Umbridge’s ministry-approved course leaves the young wizards woefully unprepared, so Hermione, Ron and Harry form “Dumbledore’s Army” with the goal of preparing themselves and other courageous young wizards for the extraordinary battle that looms against Voldemort and his Death Eaters.

Need for Speed Carbon - What starts in the city is settled in the canyons as Need for Speed Carbon immerses you in the world’s most dangerous and adrenaline-filled form of street racing. You and your crew must race in an all-out war for the city, risking everything to take over your rivals’ neighborhoods one block at a time. As the police turn up the heat, the battle ultimately shifts to Carbon Canyon, where territories and reputations can be lost on every perilous curve.

Battlefield 2142 - Earth, 2142. As a new ice age depletes the planet’s resources, two massive multinational coalitions wage a brutal war for the only cause that matters–survival. Armed with a devastating arsenal of futuristic weaponry and gear, including active camouflage, EMP grenades, and sentry guns, plus Battle Walkers and vast airborne bases called Titans, you must coordinate the efforts of your teammates to win the war for Earth’s last fragile pieces of livable land. With extensive improvements to the groundbreaking Battlefield 2 ranking and upgrade system and the new Titan gameplay mode, Battlefield 2142 brings the franchise’s award-winning online warfare into a harsh and desperate future.

Command & Conquer 3 Tiberium Wars - The year is 2047. A massive nuclear fireball explodes high in the night sky, marking the dramatic beginning of the Third Tiberium War and the long-awaited return of the most groundbreaking Real-Time Strategy franchise of all time. Command & Conquer 3 Tiberium Wars unveils the future of RTS gaming by bringing you back to where it all began: the Tiberium Universe. With the corrupt substance Tiberium blanketing most of the Earth, the infamous Kane is back to lead his Brotherhood of Nod in a massive global assault on the Global Defense Initiative (GDI) and the few remaining livable Blue Zones left on the planet. Only you can stop him. Featuring state-of-the-art next-generation graphics, an epic story, and truly innovative features such as the ability to transform online battles into a spectator sport, Command & Conquer is about to reinvent RTS gaming … again. Welcome back, Commander.

Further rounding out EA’s portfolio of Mac games is the release of Tiger Woods PGA TOUR 08 and Madden NFL 08 in the September/October window.

In addition to these games, other EA titles available for Mac include The Sims 2, The Sims 2 Open for Business, The Sims 2 Pets, The Sims 2 Nightlife, The Sims 2 University, The Sims 2 Family Fun Stuff, The Sims 2 Seasons, The Sims 2 Life Stories and more.

Girlfriend Stabs Boyfriend Over Game System

A Warren woman is in jail and the father of one of her children is in critical condition after a stabbing early Monday morning at a Buckeye Avenue N.W. home. Police say an argument that started over a missing video game system led to the arrest of 30-year-old Tara Wheatley and a flight to Cleveland MetroHealth Medical Center for her boyfriend, Andrew P. McMichael, who had stab wounds to his back, neck and left arm.

Wheatley, is being held in the Trumbull County Jail on $100,000 bond following her first appearance later Monday in Warren Municipal Court. According to police, McMichael went to 595 Buckeye St. N.W., a home belonging to one of Wheatley’s relatives, to visit a child they have together.

While McMichael was there, he removed a video game system, police said.

When Wheatley, who was working when McMichael was at the home, discovered the system was missing, police said she called and reported the theft and then called McMichael.

Sometime about 1:30 a.m., police were called to the northwest side home for a man who was bleeding. The man told police he was stabbed by his girlfriend, according to the report.

As Reported by the Tribune-Chronicle. 

Warriors Orochi 20 New Screenshots

In Warriors Orochi the characters from both franchises must team-up to wage war against a new, yet powerful force. Warriors Orochi ships to North American retailers on September 18, 2007 for Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and PlayStation 2

Warriors Orochi boasts an amazing roster of 77 playable characters from both the Dynasty Warriors and Samurai Warriors franchises, while four action-packed “crossover” storylines unveil events where characters from either series are pitted against one another. The game’s new “Team Battle System” and “Weapon Fusion” push Tactical Action to a whole new level. For the first time in KOEI’s Tactical Action games, players can create their own three-person tag team. At any given time, one warrior will be engaged in battle, while the other two are recuperating; restoring their Life Meters and Musou Gauges. Every character is categorized according to offensive ability, and with new fighting techniques, it’s up to the player to find the most lethal combination of warriors. “Weapon Fusion” lets players combine the attributes from different weapons for more devastating results.

Warriors Orochi for Xbox 360 delivers the complete experience with stunning graphics in 720p HDTV and in game Dolby Digital audio.

EA SPORTS Madden NFL 08 Hits Retail Stores Nationwide

EA’s Madden NFL 08, the newest iteration of the best-selling EA SPORTS football franchise with the exclusive videogame license of the NFL and PLAYERS INC, is now available in stores nationwide. Awarded the 2007 Game Critics “Best Sports Game” award at last month’s E3 Media and Business Summit, Madden NFL 08 features a unique combination of innovative gameplay and authentic NFL football simulation.

Now in its 18th year, the Madden NFL Football franchise continues to stand out as Madden NFL 07 was last year’s #1 selling video game in North America with more than seven million copies sold1 since launch.

Madden NFL 08 features a new Read and React system that allows gamers to quickly identify the strongest players on the field, and to make game-altering adjustments to further affect each and every play. New player skill icons identify on-field strengths and weaknesses, providing an immediate read on what an opponent is doing. This new icon system complements a deeper gameplay experience that maximizes the skill of the individual NFL superstars, separating them from the role players, and takes NFL football strategy to a new level.

Players will rule the gridiron with intuitive controls, fluid gameplay and a new branching animation system that yields the jaw-dropping tackles and spectacular catches in Madden NFL 08. New player moves, lateral passes and the dynamic Hit-Stick 2.0 gives gamers an unprecedented and hyper realistic NFL football experience.

Cryptic Studios Adds Some Big Hitters To The Board of Advisers

Cryptic Studios, a leading independent developer of massively-multiplayer online games, announced today a newly formed Board of Advisers that will provide strategic counsel to the company as it works to expand its leadership position in the interactive entertainment market.

Cryptic Studios appointed five members to its Board of Advisers, including experts in marketing, technology, and business development. This elite group will direct the development studio in regards to current projects as well as future opportunities.

The joining board members are:

- Jeff Braun: A 20-year game industry veteran, Mr. Braun co-founded Maxis with Will Wright. Under Mr. Braun’s leadership as Chairman and CEO, Maxis became world famous for its “Sim” branded video games. Maxis went public on the NASDAQ exchange in 1995 before selling to Electronic Arts in 1997. He remained with Electronic Arts as SVP North American Studios until 2000. Mr. Braun is currently involved with a number of private companies in the fields of interactive entertainment, media production/services and community collaboration.

- Kevin Cloud: Mr. Cloud began his career in game development in 1985 as a computer artist for Softdisk. In 1992, he joined id Software to assist on game art as well as packaging and advertising. Kevin is now co-owner, artist, and executive producer for id Software, an independent game developer and technology provider with iconic brands such as Wolfenstein, DOOM, QUAKE, and Enemy Territory.

- David Higley: Mr. Higley served as the Managing Director and the Global Head of Digital Media at UBS Investment Bank, leading the coverage of Interactive Entertainment, Wireless Content, and Media Related Technologies. Mr. Higley successfully built a team of leading global franchise managers, with clients throughout Europe, Asia, and the US. Mr. Higley has nearly $20 billion of transaction experience and has worked with virtually every leading Digital Media company during his career. Prior to investment banking, Mr. Higley was an attorney at the law firm now known as Thelen Reid Brown Raysman & Steiner.

- Ed Roffman: Mr. Roffman held several key financial positions at Activision from 1979 to 1987 and from 1989 to 1991, including Controller, Vice President of Finance, and CFO, and was a key contributor to Activision’s successful 1983 IPO. After Activision, Mr. Roffman served as CFO and COO of Palladium Interactive, a PC gaming company, where he was instrumental in the company’s sale to The Learning Company. He has also held CFO positions for several business software companies including Forte Software (sold to Sun Microsystems) and Illustra Information Technologies (sold to Informics).

- Strategic Marketing Partners: Strategic Marketing Partners, Inc. (SMP) is the largest independent PC and video games sales force in North America. For the past 15 years, its clients have represented the highest quality software and video game publishers and accessory manufacturers to all North American resellers and distributors. Its current list of clients includes LucasArts Entertainment Co., Sony Online Entertainment Inc., Palo Alto Software, DeLorme, Disney Interactive Studios, Sega, Square Enix, and Sony Media Software.

iPhone Games Suck? Get An Nintendo Emulator For It!

Do you look at your iPhone and say “Hay I wish I could play my NES games on here” Well now you can. “The Hell You say?” How about some video!

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Thanks to a native NES emulator for the iPhone by a group over on the Google Code site. Sure there are problems just like any new software but, WOW. Presently there is no sound, and the emulator is a little slow. The control is a lacking but over the entire entire project has done some great things.

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.’

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.