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Medal of Honor Airborne Demo Release Date

On August 23, parachute into combat with EA’s demo release of Medal of Honor Airborne for the PC and Xbox 360 videogame and entertainment system. The Xbox 360 demo will be available on Xbox LIVE Marketplace and the PC version will be available on the official Medal of Honor website.

***UPDATE Demo Release Download ***

Demo Mission: Operation Husky
A joint allied operation into the island of Sicily, Operation Husky follows Boyd Travers and the 82nd Airborne on their first combat jump on July 11, 1943. After securing and sabotaging four anti-aircraft guns, Boyd is sent to rendezvous with a group of Airborne paratroopers at the edge of the village. Here, they run into the German Heer army, who is attempting to recapture the village from the Airborne. Boyd must push to the end of this small hamlet, eliminating Germans along the way, then find a sniper rifle and eliminate the German commander. He’s successful, but not before the commander has successfully called in reinforcements.

New Downloads For Guitar Hero II On Xbox Live

Activision, today announced details surrounding new downloadable content for Guitar Hero II on the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft. Guitar Hero fans now have the opportunity to download three original recordings from The Black Parade album from My Chemical Romance through Xbox LIVE Marketplace, beginning today.

My Chemical Romance track pack includes the following master recordings:

· Teenagers
· Famous Last Words
· This is How I Disappear

The three My Chemical Romance tracks available for download can be found on their latest highly touted and platinum-selling album, The Black Parade.

“We’re pleased to offer fans of the Guitar Hero franchise the best tracks from one of the hottest selling albums of the year,” said Tim Riley, Worldwide Executive of Music for Activision. “My Chemical Romance has even appeared on television playing Guitar Hero II, and we’re thrilled to build on our relationship with them.”

Fans will have the option of viewing a preview on Xbox LIVE Marketplace for the track pack before purchasing.

BioShock Demo Now Available on Xbox LIVE

2K Games and Take-Two Interactive Software, announced today that the demo of BioShock is now available on Xbox LIVE Marketplace for the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft. The BioShock Windows PC demo will be available for download later this month.

Developed by 2K development studios, 2K Boston and 2K Australia, BioShock is a highly anticipated first-person shooter that will be available exclusively on Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and Games For Windows in North America on August 21, 2007 and in Europe beginning August 24, 2007.

BioShock is a “genetically enhanced” first-person shooter that lets players do things never before possible in the genre - turn everything into a weapon, biologically modify your body with plasmids, hack devices and systems, upgrade weapons and craft new ammo variants, and experiment with different battle techniques.

The Xbox 360 demo introduces gamers to BioShock by inviting them to explore the world of Rapture, an underwater utopia torn apart by civil war. While immersed in the decaying art deco city, gamers can experiment with the various weapons and plasmids, as the captivating storyline unfolds. Caught between powerful forces and hunted down by genetically modified “splicers” and deadly security systems, players have to come to grips with a deadly, mysterious world filled with powerful technology and fascinating characters. No encounter ever plays out the same and no two gamers will play BioShock the same way.

Kick Some Ass on Your Cell Phone With Street Fighter II

Capcom is unleashing the first family of fight for mobile with the North American release of Street Fighter II. A direct translation of the classic 90’s arcade hit, Street Fighter II mobile has been built from the ground up to play fast and frenetic on today’s handsets, while appealing to the most ardent Street Fighter fans.

“Since the series debut 20 years ago, Street Fighter has defined the fighting genre, setting sales records as it makes its way to newer and newer platforms,” said Midori Yuasa, President, Capcom Interactive, Inc.” “With the launch of Street Fighter II for mobile, history is once again poised to repeat itself by offering players the experience they know and love in an ultra portable package.”

Designed to be the definitive Street Fighter II mobile title, the game allows players to control and eventually master eight different fighters including Ryu, Ken, Chun Li, E Honda, Blanka, Zangief, Guile, and Dhalsim. And like its big screen cousins Street Fighter II mobile incorporates dozens of combos and special moves for players to learn as they attempt to gain the coveted title of world champion.

Later this year, Capcom Entertainment, Inc. will publish Super Street Fighter II Turbo HD Remix. Originally developed by Capcom for the arcade, the game makes its downloadable debut on Xbox LIVE Arcade and PLAYSTATION Network. Capcom will stay true to the foundation of the popular game by utilizing the original game code, while creating a fresh upgraded experience with new artwork and high resolution 1080p graphics. All of the art will be completely redrawn and created by UDON Comics, which currently publishes the official Street Fighter comic.

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.

Forza 2’s First Ever Downloadable Content

The first downloadable content for Xbox 360’s acclaimed racer “Forza Motorsport 2” is now available. Speed on over to Xbox LIVE Marketplace now to download the all new free Nissan car pack, featuring three premiere Nissan models: the 2007 Sentra SE-R, Altima, and 350Z.

To celebrate this release, Xbox and Nissan will be hosting several activities focused around these new additions to “Forza Motorsport 2’s” already extensive car list. The first of these activities will be a Nissan Sentra SE-R tournament on Xbox LIVE. Fans are encouraged to customize and upgrade their Sentras and then race head-to-head in an all-out Nissan Sentra brawl. The 32 bracket 256 player tournament will kick off on 18th August and take place over the course of seven weeks. It will finish on the 6th October with a championship race live at the L.A. Auto Show. Finalists will compete for a series of prizes including a chance to win a new Nissan! Full tournament details, registration and rules can be found at www.xboxlivetournament.com starting on 10th August.

In addition to the tournament, Nissan and Xbox will also be hosting an in-game customisation contest, as fans utilise the incredibly deep livery system of “Forza Motorsport 2” to create unique and stunning paint jobs on their Nissan Sentra SE-Rs. The contest will be judged by a panel comprised of Turn 10 developers and Nissan representatives, as fans battle for the title of ultimate Nissan customiser. Full contest details and rules can be found at www.xboxlivetournament.com also starting on 10th August.

Also the famed Peugeot 908 race car is also now available for download. Coming off a second place finish at the recent 24 Hours of Le Mans, the 908 not only brings yet another amazing racecar to the Forza universe, but it is also the only paintable racecar to be included in the game. Please visit forzamotorsport.net for a full list of available downloadable content, as well as in-depth Pit Pass reports, Auction House bid wars, tournament standings, and stat tracking.

Xbox 360 HD DVD Player Price Drop

Today at Comic-Con International 2007, Microsoft Corp. announced it will lower the price of the popular Xbox 360™ HD DVD Player from $199 to $179 ERP (United States only) starting Aug. 1, 2007, and will add five free HD DVD movies for anyone purchasing an Xbox 360 HD DVD Player between Aug. 1 and Sept. 30. In addition, Microsoft further solidified the Xbox 360 as the ultimate high-definition (HD) entertainment platform, with key announcements around the HD DVD launches of “300” from Warner Bros. Home Entertainment Group and “Heroes: Season 1” from Universal Studios.

To promote the HD DVD versions of “300” and “Heroes: Season 1,” Microsoft unveiled exclusive content for Xbox LIVE Marketplace. Xbox LIVE will offer “300” on demand in HD starting Aug. 14, and is working with Warner Bros. at Comic-Con on a Bringing It Home campaign featuring “300” and other Warner Bros. properties. In advance of the street date for the “Heroes: Season 1” HD DVD boxed set, Xbox LIVE members will be able to download for free the show’s pilot episode in high definition for a limited time. Members will also be able to download trailers, teaser scenes and other promotional materials highlighting the “Heroes: Season 1” boxed set on HD DVD.

Already the most affordable high-definition player available, the Xbox 360 HD DVD Player is the best solution for movie lovers seeking HD content in the highest possible resolution. The player’s price reduction to $179 (U.S. ERP) continues to set the bar for value, making the Xbox 360 platform the most affordable solution for consumers seeking the broadest, most compelling selection of next-generation gaming and HD video experiences.

In addition to the price drop, Microsoft is extending Toshiba’s highly successful “Perfect Offer” of five free HD DVD discs to Xbox 360 consumers. Previously exclusive to Toshiba HD DVD Players, with the purchase of an Xbox 360 HD DVD Player at the new low price of $179 ERP, consumers can choose five HD DVD titles for free from a selection of 15 popular titles through a mail-in offer. With a retail value of over $140 (U.S.), this promotion makes the Xbox 360 HD DVD Player one of the most compelling offerings for consumers looking to make the leap into HD this holiday season.

Wing Commander Arena For Xbox LIVE Arcade!

Electronic Arts today announced the worldwide availability of a new take on its classic Wing Commander franchise with Wing Commander Arena for the Xbox LIVE Arcade this Wednesday, July 25. Up to 16 space pilots can take to the stars and blast opposing ships in a number of ways — single player, multi-team, multiplayer duel and multiplayer free for all.

Wing Commander Arena takes the classic space combat game in a much more action-oriented direction, where dueling teams can pilot up to eight ships, each with their own unique assets. With 16 player play, Wing Commander Arena offers the largest multi-player melee experience to date. Players can propel their ships through space, fire torpedoes and unleash deadly particle cannons as they try to climb the leader board.

“We’ve updated the Wing Commander series and brought it to a new platform, making it an action-packed, pure arcade style game,” said Sean Penney, EA Wing Commander Arena producer. “We’re redefining the Arcade multi-player experience — the adrenaline rush you get in a 16-player fight is an unmatched experience and gives those who remember the Wing Commander franchise a new way to experience it.”

The game offers everything a space combat rookie or a veteran Wing Commander pilot would expect: four types of game play, eight maps including team maps, free for all maps and dueling maps, 18 different ships within nine environments and two races with light fighters, medium fighters and bombers. Online players compete for frag count, high score and dueling stats.

Wing Commander Arena is produced and published by EA and cooperatively developed with Gaia Industries. This is the second EA title for Xbox LIVE Arcade with EA’s first title Boom Boom Rocket(TM) currently available. For more information about EA’s Xbox LIVE Arcade titles visit http://www.EA.com/Arcade. The Wing Commander Arena game manual can be found at http://images.ea.com/ea/arcade/draft2cRGB.pdf.

Single-Player Demo The Darkness On Xbox LIVE Marketplace

Embrace The Darkness! 2K Games has released a new demo of The Darkness video game on Xbox LIVE Marketplace. This demo features a single-player experience from three early levels in the game, including the Tunnel, Cemetery and Grinders Lane.

Developed by award-winning developer of The Chronicles of Riddick: Escape From Butcher Bay, Starbreeze Studios, The Darkness is a next generation, first-person action game that features an immersive and gritty storyline written in collaboration with famed comic-book writer, Paul Jenkins (also of Civil War: Frontline). Set in the dark and seedy underbelly of New York City, players experience the role of mafia hit-man Jackie Estacado, heir to “The Darkness,” an ancient power that awakens within him on his 21st birthday. Jackie must use traditional weapons as well as learn to command his terrible new powers to seek revenge on his own crime family. The Darkness is based on the popular comic of the same name published by Top Cow Publishing and created by Marc Silvestri and Paul Jenkins.

The Darkness was released June 25 for the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and the PLAYSTATION 3 computer entertainment system. The Darkness has been rated “M” for Mature by the ESRB.

Bomberman Live and Yie Ar Kung Fu coming to Xbox Live Arcade

Coming to Xbox LIVE® Arcade for Xbox 360 this Wednesday 18th July at 09:00 GMT are joint head-liners “Bomberman Live” from Hudson Entertainment, and “Yie Ar Kung Fu” from Konami.

Hudson Entertainment has created “Bomberman Live” specifically for Xbox LIVE Arcade. It delivers high definition graphics, four-person local multiplayer and eight-person online multiplayer over Xbox LIVE. And to show there is no Bomberman out there quite like yours, players now have over 10,000 unique ways to fully customise their Bomberman.

In “Bomberman Live,” players guide their unique Bomberman around a grid-like arena, avoiding opponents and their bombs while attempting to bomb the competition. “Bomberman Live” features eight multiplayer arenas including Lost World, where players can sink in puddles of quicksand, and Ghost Town, where players can fall into trap doors. By destroying blocks, players can reveal 16 different power-ups (and power-downs!) from the simple “Speed Up” to the devastating “Dangerous Bomb.”

“Bomberman Live” Game Features

• Prove you’re the best: Play at home with up to four players or hop online and challenge the best Bombermen (and women!) from around the world with up to eight players
• Fully customisable Bomberman: With over 10,000 possible combinations, players can customise Bomberman – from the gladiator outfit to the clown costume, or mix and match! Players can make Bomberman as cute or menacing as they like
• Do battle in eight exotic locations: Compete in eight striking arenas, each with their own traps and gimmicks
• Annihilate enemies with power-ups: Destroy blocks to reveal 16 distinct power-ups (and power-downs)

Try and master the classic fighting game “Yie Ar Kung Fu” from Konami, which also arrives on Xbox LIVE Arcade for Xbox 360 this Wednesday 18th July. Training his whole life, Oolong is on a quest to become the ultimate champion. To fulfil his destiny, Oolong must face and defeat masters of the throwing shuriken, nunchaku, bo, chain and more at the Martial Arts Championship. With enhanced graphics, hand painted backgrounds and new achievements, this classic fighting game is sure to test any player’s skills.

“Yie Ar Kung Fu” Game Features

• Choose to play the authentic arcade version or experienced the enhanced version, which features stunning hand painted models and backgrounds mimicking traditional Japanese art styles
• Xbox LIVE leaderboards where gamers can compare scores among friends and the rest of the Xbox LIVE world
• Earn up to 12 Achievements and 200 Gamerscore