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Mass Effect Exclusive Debut On SCI FI Channel

Microsoft, Yahoo! and SCI-FI Channel celebrate the upcoming release of the new action role-playing game with two weeks of exclusive special programming and events. The SCI FI Channel will also be celebrating the launch of “Mass Effect” with the debut of a 30-minute special entitled “Sci vs. Fi: Mass Effect.” Scheduled to air at 11 p.m. Eastern and Pacific Tuesday, Nov. 20.

As the Nov. 20 launch date for “Mass Effect” for Xbox 360 draws nigh, the threat of an alien rogue force looms ever closer. To help unlock some of the secrets and mysteries of the vast universe in the highly-anticipated action RPG, Microsoft and Yahoo! will debut the exclusive television trailer for the upcoming game on Thursday, Nov. 8. On Monday, Nov. 12, the SCI FI Channel and Microsoft will continue its countdown for the retail release of “Mass Effect” by premiering the all-new, two-hour extended episode of “Battlestar Galactica: Razor” in select movie theaters. For those lucky enough to attend the Seattle premiere, Jamie Bamber, who plays Apollo in “Battlestar Galactica,” and show creator and executive producer Ronald D. Moore will be in attendance.

On Tuesday, Nov. 20, the SCI FI Channel will celebrate the launch of “Mass Effect” with the debut of a 30-minute special entitled “Sci vs. Fi: Mass Effect.” Scheduled to air at 11 p.m. Eastern and Pacific, the special will feature more in-depth information about the game, exclusive interviews and exciting behind-the scenes footage.

In conjunction with the special, fans are encouraged to go to the SCI-Fi “Mass Effect” web site to find all the show times and sign up for the “Mass Effect” sweepstakes, starting Nov. 13, for a chance to win the coveted limited collector’s edition of “Mass Effect.” Also fueling anticipation for the game is the new “Mass Effect” micro-site on Xbox.com, which launched today.

The micro-site offers a wealth of “Mass Effect” content in one convenient portal, including the latest news and events on the game, as well as screenshots and special promotional items that no space traveling enthusiast should be without. Music fans will also find the “Mass Effect” Original Game Soundtrack, now available for presale and at retailers on Nov. 20.

From the creators of the critically-acclaimed “Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic” and “Jade Empire” comes an epic space saga exclusively for the Xbox 360 that spans the entire galaxy. Combining a rich and engaging narrative with intense sci-fi tactical combat, “Mass Effect” features an immersive and cinematic gameplay experience rarely seen before in video games.

Guitar Hero III Generates $115 Million In First Week

Activision announces that the release of Guitar Hero III has generated over $115 million in revenue in the game’s first week in stores, making it the fastest selling game in Activision’s history. Specific unit sales for each version have not been revealed. This month, Xbox 360 and PS3 owners of the game will get three downloadable song packs for Guitar Hero III, each pack featuring three songs.

Activision, Inc. (NASDAQ:ATVI) announced today that consumer sell through for Guitar Hero® III: Legends of Rock™ exceeded $115 million within seven days of the game’s North American release, making it the largest single product launch in the company’s history. The game was released on October 28, 2007, and will launch in Europe on November 23, 2007.

The Guitar Hero franchise has remained the #1 best-selling franchise in the U.S. through September, according to the NPD Group. The franchise has sold more than six million units worldwide to date, according to The NPD Group, Charttrack and Gfk.

Microsoft Windows Home Server Launched

Microsoft announces that the Windows Home Server software has officially launched, as the company pushes out their latest entry to make an easy server product for families. The first product specifically designed to use Windows Home Server, the HP MediaSmart Server, will launch later in November. Here is a snip:

Windows Home Server is a “stay-at-home” server that delivers the benefits of powerful server technology used by many people at work within a simple, easy-to-use solution for the home. It automatically backs up Windows XP-based and Windows Vista-based home computers each night, provides a central place to organize digital documents and media, and includes a free Windows Live Internet address to access the home server from virtually anywhere and share content with friends and family. It also monitors the health and security status of home computers and can stream media to other devices in the home, such as Xbox 360, allowing people to enjoy digital music, photos and videos on their television.

The HP MediaSmart Server, powered by the AMD LIVE! solution, was designed for the Windows Home Server platform. It provides consumers with easy, more secure access to all their movies, photos, music and documents through any broadband Internet-connected PC. The product also includes HP Photo Webshare software for consumers to easily and more securely share photos with select friends and family. The MediaSmart Server is offered in a 500GB version for $599 (U.S.) and a 1TB model for $749 (U.S.).

Devil May Cry 4 Collector’s Edition Announced

Capcom Entertainment, today announced the contents of the Devil May Cry 4 Collector’s Edition package, which includes volume 1 of ADV Films’ Devil May Cry: The Animated Series, a Steelbook case and a bonus DVD filled with extras. The $79.99 Devil May Cry 4 Collector’s Edition will be available February 5, 2008, for both the PLAYSTATION 3 computer entertainment system and the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft.

The Devil May Cry: The Animated Series anime disc will be packed with the Steelbook case, and will include the first four episodes of the 12 episode anime series. Volume one of the four-disc DVD anime series will be available from ADV Films at the same time the game launches. Inside the case will be a second bonus DVD alongside the game that users can slip into their computers. The bonus DVD will contain a “making of” feature on the game, music from the Devil May Cry 4 soundtrack, a digital art book with images and sketches from the development team, wallpapers, icons and screen savers.

The highly anticipated Devil May Cry 4 immerses gamers in a gothic supernatural world, where a new protagonist clashes with series mainstay Dante. As new leading man Nero players will be able to unleash incredibly powerful and stylish attacks and non-stop combos using a combination of the Devil Bringer arm and the Exceed system, both of which are new gameplay mechanics for the series. Fans of Dante won’t be disappointed as he too will be playable during the course of the game.

Devil May Cry 4 is an epic story where the lines between good and evil are constantly blurred. Taking full advantage of the advanced graphical and processing power of the next-gen systems and Windows PC it draws gamers into the rich and highly detailed world of Fortuna and its surrounds with more enemies than ever before and some of the most breath-taking bosses ever conceived.

Devil May Cry 4 includes the following features:
• From the producer of the original Devil May Cry® and Resident Evil® 4
• 2 playable characters – take control of both Nero & Dante
• High-definition visuals moving at 60 frames per second
• Blend of familiar and new: newcomer Nero clashes with veteran Dante plus appearances from Trish, Lady and others from the DMC series
• Exceed System allows Nero to easily charge up his sword with a throttle effect, revving up to three levels with powerful and varied attack options
• Deep combo system rewards stylish dispatching of enemies
• Unique “Devil Bringer” arm opens up a range of never seen before combo options
• Distinct set of weaponry and moves for Nero and Dante
• New active style change system for Dante allows him to switch styles and weapons on the fly, producing crazy combo possibilities
• Numerous new characters and environments
• Signature blend of guns and swordplay

Devil May Cry 4 Collector’s Edition contains the following extras:
• Volume 1 of ADV Film’s Devil May Cry: The Animated Series on DVD, including four complete episodes of the anime (a retail value of $29.99)
• Unique Steelbook™ metal case
• Bonus DVD
o Making of Devil May Cry 4
o Music from the soundtrack
o Digital artbook
o PC content (screen savers, wallpapers, icons)

Kingdom Under Fire: Circle of Doom Trailer

CPL announces $1 million Halo 3 tournament

Cyberathlete Professional League has announced today they will be giving away $1 million in total prize money for an open Halo 3 competition at the Extreme Winter Championships taking place Tuesday, Dec. 18 to Saturday, Dec. 22 at the Hyatt Regency in downtown Dallas, Texas.

The Cyberathlete Professional League® (CPL®) announces that it will host a $1,000,000 “Halo® 3″ Xbox 360™ competition at the Extreme Winter Championships taking place Tuesday, December 18 to Saturday, December 22, 2007 at the Hyatt Regency in downtown Dallas, Texas.

The winner of the $1,000,000 “Halo 3″ Xbox 360 competition will receive a $250,000 instant cash payout at the CPL Winter event. Other prizes will be paid to at least 64 places. The competition is open to gamers worldwide and does not require pre-qualification or previous tournament experience.

The online registration will open Tuesday, October 30th. More information will be available on Monday, October 29th at Halo3Competition.com

Soldier of Fortune: Payback Launches With New Trailer

The official website for Soldier of Fortune: Payback has launched.

Minneapolis, MN – Oct. 24, 2007 – Activision, Inc. (Nasdaq: ATVI) announced today that it has launched the official site for the upcoming Soldier of Fortune: Payback. The website, located at www.MercenariesWanted.com, features a new trailer and exclusive screenshots, videos and weapons profiles. In addition, fans of the series can find:

• Links to recent previews – find out what the press is saying!
• Information on upcoming gaming competitions
• Registration for email updates and pre-ordering information
• A very active Soldier of Fortune community on the Forum
• Frequent updates on the latest news, game information and more

Soldier of Fortune: Payback is the long-awaited third installment of the Soldier of Fortune videogame series. The saga continues with the organization known as “The Shop” where players take on the role of a hired mercenary. Players will experience all the thrills and dangers of authentic mercenary combat blasting their way through high intensity combat situations in the world’s most dangerous hotspots in the Middle East, Africa, Asia and Eastern Europe. Using any means necessary, players will need to uncover a complex plot and defeat an extremist organization determined to throw the world into global conflict. Failure is not an option.

Soldier of Fortune: Payback will be available for the Xbox 360™ video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, the PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system, and the PC. The game has been rated “M” for Mature by the ESRB and is scheduled for release in November 2007.

Make sure you check out these new Trailer as well

Clive Barker’s Jericho Now Available

Clive Barker’s Jericho Now Available Just to recap – Launch is: 23rd (today) in US, 26th (Friday) in the PAL, followed by Oceania on 2nd November.

Just in time for the scariest holiday of the year, Codemasters today announced its long-awaited action/horror game Clive Barker’s Jericho has shipped to retail outlets nationwide. A terrifying squad-based shooter based on an original concept by the master mythmaker, Clive Barker’s Jericho is available for the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, the PLAYSTATION 3 computer entertainment system from Sony and Games for Windows, and is rated “M” (Mature – Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Sexual Themes, Strong Language – Content that may be suitable for persons ages 17 and older) by the ESRB.

Cited as, “A poop your pants scary video game,” in the October 2007 issue of Stuff Magazine, Clive Barker’s Jericho is a spectacular, creative, blast from Barker’s cannon of nightmares, and an interactive experience that mingles the darkest elements of his horror fiction with an ambitious, age-spanning story aimed at mature gamers, fans of Clive Barker and horror fiction enthusiasts.

Clive Barker’s Jericho dispatches gamers to the Middle-Eastern city of Al-Khali, where the most ancient of evils has resurfaced; causing intense paranormal activity that has caught the eye of the military. Controlling the Jericho squad, an expert strike team skilled in both conventional and paranormal warfare, players fight their way through slices of time on a grueling journey as they make their way toward the heart of the evil. Along the way, gamers encounter the horrific armies of hellish denizens that now rule the city and corrupt everything they touch, and as they incrementally approach the source of evil, players will have to rely less and less on traditional weapons and instead focus on the combined psychic talents of the Jericho Squad.

Additionally gamers can still download the Clive Barker’s Jericho playable demo for the Xbox 360 from Xbox LIVE Marketplace and the PLAYSTATION 3 system version from the PLAYSTATION Network, with the Games for Windows demo available from the official game website.

Microsoft Officially Makes Xbox 360 Arcade Official

After weeks of deliberation, speculation and rumors the Xbox 360 Arcade Console has officially launched for a price of $279.99.  Talk about a poorly kept secret.

Just in time for holiday, Microsoft Corp. today released a new Xbox 360^® console that delivers games and content to everyone in the family for an incredible value of $279.99 (U.S. estimated retail price)*. Available in stores beginning today, Xbox 360 Arcade console is the first Xbox 360 console to include five family-friendly games, a wireless controller, a high-definition multimedia interface (HDMI) connection to enable high-definition output if desired and 256 MB of memory useful for storing games and entertainment content. At $279.99, the Xbox 360 Arcade console will include five best-selling games: “PAC-MAN Championship Edition” (NAMCO BANDAI Games America Inc.), “Uno” (Carbonated Games), “Luxor 2” (MumboJumbo), “Boom Boom Rocket” (Electronic Arts Inc.) and “Feeding Frenzy” (Sprout Games).

“As families gather together this holiday, it’s the perfect time to launch a new low-priced, high-value Xbox 360 that plays games, TV shows and music for everyone to enjoy,” said Jeff Bell, corporate vice president of global marketing, Interactive Entertainment Business at Microsoft. “In addition to offering an incredible all-in-one package for families to get right into the fun, the Xbox 360 Arcade system features the industry-leading Family Settings, which allow parents to control what their kids are watching and playing — and we know how important that control is to families around the world.”

Karen Dodge, senior vice president and chief merchandising officer at Toys “R” Us, added, “We are excited to offer this new gaming experience to our customers — children and families — who can now enjoy the fun of Xbox 360 together. Many of this holiday season’s hottest items provide Internet connectivity, and with the online entertainment options available through Xbox LIVE^®, Xbox 360 Arcade offers families a great mix of online content and traditional gaming in one console.”

The news of Xbox 360 Arcade comes as part of a broader initiative by Microsoft to bring the Xbox 360 experience to families everywhere. Microsoft also announced today that it is significantly expanding its catalog of high and standard-definition family fun content that is available on demand direct to the consumer’s living room. This includes the addition of everyone’s favorite characters such as “Bugs Bunny” and “Daffy Duck” from Warner Bros., which will be delivering the first ever “Looney Tunes” cartoons for download on Xbox 360, starting today. In addition, Nickelodeon is adding three new shows to its already large library of more than 300 episodes of TV shows on Xbox LIVE, Microsoft’s premier online gaming and entertainment service, with the inclusion of “Blue’s Clues,” “The Backyardigans” and “iCarly.”  “SpongeBob SquarePants Underpants Slam™” (THQ Inc.) and “SHREK-N-ROLL™” (Activision) games will also be available exclusively on Xbox LIVE Arcade, the place to download games for Xbox 360 over Xbox LIVE, adding more fun for everyone in the family.

Built In HD-DVD Drive 360

An Australia gaming site called SmartHouse claims they have inside source that Microsoft and Toshiba are working on a Xbox 360 with Builtin HD-DVD, Wifi and other features. If this is true and Microsoft can keep the price right they may have something here. Smarthouse says it will be released late 2008 or at CES 2009. We will keep you updated when we have more information.