From the press release:

LYON, FRANCE – Atari today announced the forthcoming release of Lucky Luke: Go West! for PC, Wii and Nintendo DS, an action packed platform game based on the adventures of legendary animated cowboy Lucky Luke in the forthcoming full-length animated feature film ‘Go West!’. The film is slated for December 2007 release in France and other European territories, following the video game launch in the autumn.

“Following the great success Infogrames has enjoyed with the Lucky Luke license in the past, we are extremely pleased to be working with licensor Lucky Comics and film producer Xilam on a brand new Lucky Luke product,” said Mathias Hautefort, Executive Vice President of publishing and production, Atari. “We are already working closely with them to ensure that this title delivers everything consumers expect from the license, and a high quality game.”

“We are very excited to have Atari bring our film to so many great game platforms,” said Marc du Pontavice, founder and President of Xilam. “We are very happy to be working closely with them to turn this story into such compelling gameplay.”

Inspired by the cucumber-cool cowboy’s adventures in the comic book ‘The Caravan’, Lucky Luke: Go West! lets players jump into his spurred boots for a thrill-a-minute journey escorting the notorious Dalton brothers to New York to stand trial. Of course, the Daltons do what they do best – they escape, rob banks, wreak havoc and blow stuff up. Throw in the tenacious Lucky Luke, his faithful steed Jolly Jumper, tribes of deadly Indians, cops by the cart-load, and a vast wagon train where the Daltons mislay their ill-gotten gains and the result is a wild world of hilarious new western adventures.

Play as a selection of different characters from the famous stories, including the Daltons and of course Luke himself, through the fun and colourful environments from the parched western desert to the mean streets of the Big Apple. A host of frenetic mini-games will test much more than the speed of the player’s draw with chaotic shooting, drawing, steering, dancing and music games. Take on the story mode solo or invite up to 3 friends to join in for party mode mayhem and see who really does have the fastest draw in the west.

Shooting faster than his shadow, Lucky Luke fights crime and injustice across the wild plains of the old west. Lucky Luke is one of the most popular and best-selling comic-book series in Europe with more than 250 million comic books sold in 20 countries. A total of 80 comic books, four feature length animated cartoons, two live action films, three cartoon series and five video games have been released to date, and the award-winning ‘The New Adventures of Lucky Luke’ animated TV series is currently broadcast in more than 20 countries worldwide from France to Indonesia.

Developed by Tate Interactive (Wii, PC) and Neko (DS), Lucky Luke: Go West! is scheduled for release across Europe this autumn, followed by the feature film ‘Go West!’.

From the press release:

Nintendo has found a way for people to exercise both their fashion sense and their minds at the same time. The first new color scheme to hit the hot-selling Nintendo DS™ system in the United States in nearly a year will come bundled with Brain Age™ 2: More Training in Minutes a Day, all at an MSRP of $149.99. The bundle hits stores Aug. 21.

The top half of the new Nintendo DS sports a smooth, glossy Crimson, reminiscent of a dangerous shade of lipstick or a cherry-red sports car. The bottom is a matte black – an Onyx yin that complements the Crimson yang.

Brain Age 2: More Training in Minutes a Day is the sequel to the smash-hit original that got baby boomers and seniors playing and redefined the concept of what video games could be. This new title includes 15 fun new activities designed to help users exercise their brains. It challenges players in areas like math, memorization and even music.

The original Brain Age: Train Your Brain In Minutes A Day has sold 8.61 million worldwide, including more than 1.4 million in the United States alone, while its sequel has already posted sales of 5.33 million in Japan.

From the press release:

Bath – Lexicon Entertainment, a leading publisher and distributor of interactive entertainment software for video game console systems and personal computers world-wide, is pleased to announce the signing of Rapid Racoon for Nintendo DS.

Rapid Racoon is a thrilling, fast paced and richly detailed racing game exclusively created by France developer, DK GAMES which is at the forefront of Nintendo development.

The player starts with a choice of 3 anti gravity craft which have different skills, speed and handling. There will be the opportunity to unlock 3 more craft if you win each championship attaining first place, as well as being able to unlock 2 extra craft after finishing the normal and hard mode.

As the player steers their craft around the cleverly designed track, hovering above the ground, collectables will randomly appear to both hinder and aid the player which will include missiles, mines, speedups, bombs, magnets, etc.

Three modes will be available: in easy mode, the opponents have a speed limit, which requires care and due attention, normal mode, the opponents will endeavour to not let you pass them, but will not be unduly aggressive, hard mode, the opponents will try to not let you pass them, and are outwardly aggressive! All three modes offer added gameplay for driving in a different manner with alternative strategies.

The space – sci fi themed tracks includes visits to 3 universes –

· UndaCity: based on an industrial environment: factory, dark and dirt…)

· Neo terra : cliff, trees, water…)

· The frontier: space station, meteor…)

Rapid Racoon offers an expertly created progression line for full enjoyment of the experience and longevity of the game!

Features include:

* 3 modes, easy/normal/hard
* Cutting edge graphical presentation through creation of an exceptional 3D engine and the best use of the NDS capabilities
* Network play
* Simply, effective controls
* Ingenious AI
* Each team has a mascot, and one of them will be the Racoon…

Utilizing both screens, the upper screen displays the 3D race whilst the bottom screen conveys the opponent’s position and map visualization.

Rapid Racoon, a space racer that leads the field in DS excitement and is characterized by its speed and fluidity of play!!

From the press release:

BURBANK, Calif. – This November, young girls will join their favourite Disney Princesses in exciting adventures designed just for them. In Disney’s first console video game created specifically for young girls, players befriend their favourite princesses  including Ariel, Cinderella, Jasmine and Snow White  and enter their enchanted worlds. The princess worlds are in peril and only the player can save them in Disney Princess: Enchanted Journey for Wii™ from Nintendo, PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system and Windows PC. In Disney Princess: Magical Jewels, also releasing this fall for Nintendo DS™, girls play as a Disney Princess, including Ariel, Aurora, Belle, Cinderella, Jasmine and Snow White. Entering a fun-filled enchanted adventure to regain a kingdom’s magical power, players strive to break the spell that binds the kingdom by recovering the stolen Magical Jewels.

“Based on a brand that girls and parents already know and trust, the Disney Princess video games are designed with young girls in mind through accessible, challenging and fun game play,” said Jessica Oifer, senior brand manager for Disney Interactive Studios. “We know that Disney Princess could be a young girl’s first entry into videogames. We embrace the simplicity required by this age group while providing a challenging and rewarding experience set in beautiful Princess worlds. Not only are the games fun, they also introduce players to the positive attributes that make a true princess: courage, friendship, trust and the joy of discovery.”

In Disney Princess: Enchanted Journey for Wii , PlayStation 2 system and PC, girls play as their own customized heroine, taking part in a fantastic adventure and helping the Disney Princesses restore order in their kingdoms. Girls exercise their creativity by choosing their character’s name as well as customizing her look – selecting hair colour, skin tone, dresses and more. As they meet and interact with their favourite Disney Princesses, girls discover that each Disney Princess has a unique story and magical world. These stories inspire players as they ascertain the attributes of being a true princess - courage, friendship, trust and discovery. The game’s two-player mode allows girls and their moms or friends to work together to fix the princess worlds.

Disney Princess: Magical Jewels for Nintendo DS invites girls to play as their favourite Disney Princesses in an enchanted adventure. Girls explore the game at their own pace and skill level to recover the Magical Jewels and restore the magical power of a kingdom. In a magic-filled romp through locations familiar to young girls, players experience the excitement of interacting with the environments through the Nintendo DS touch screen to solve puzzles and tasks that help each Princess on her adventure. A tiered design provides an accessible play experience for the younger player, yet also provides layers of challenges for older players. Multiplayer modes allow the player to have a friend join the fun.

Published by Disney Interactive Studios and developed by Papaya Studio, Disney Princess: Enchanted Journey for Wii, PlayStation 2 system and PC is scheduled for release in November. Also scheduled for a November release is Disney Princess: Magical Jewels for Nintendo DS, being developed by 1st Playable Productions.

From the press release:

BURBANK, Calif. – Families have a lot to look forward to with all-new video game adventures based on hit Disney Channel series coming to consoles and handhelds this autumn. Published by Disney Interactive Studios, fans of all ages will be singing along with the gang in High School Musical: Sing It! on Wii and PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system, and showing off their dance moves in High School Musical: Makin’ the Cut on Nintendo DS. Action-lovers will battle enemies alongside renowned heroes in Power Rangers: Super Legends on Nintendo DS, and PlayStation 2 system. The lineup also includes Hannah Montana on Nintendo DS.

“Whether they aspire to dance and sing with the characters of ‘High School Musical’ or save the world with the heroic Red Ranger, kids, tweens and families will have plenty of options with our lineup of video games based on popular Disney Channel properties,” said Craig Relyea, vice president of marketing, Disney Interactive Studios. “We understand parents are looking for games that are appropriate for the entire family, and we’re providing a line-up of games that are positive, safe and fun for every member of the family.

Get those vocal cords ready! Based on the phenomenally successful Disney Channel original movie “High School Musical,” Disney’s High School Musical: Sing It! features songs, sets and characters from the original film and “High School Musical 2” premiering in August. Available for Wii and the PlayStation 2 system, this karaoke video game allows fans to interact with the movies’ stars for the first time on any gaming console. With 30 songs to choose from, along with 30 minutes of “High School Musical” bonus footage and cast interviews, High School Musical: Sing It! will be the karaoke game of choice for fans, kids, tweens and families. Players can also choose their favourite backdrop and belt out hit songs from other popular Disney Channel favourites. High School Musical: Sing It! will be available in October and rated 3+ by PEGI.

High School Musical: Makin’ the Cut! on Nintendo DS tests players’ dance and rhythm skills as they compete in a cross-country musical competition, choreographing and dancing to the well-known songs from “High School Musical” and “High School Musical 2”. In this addictive rhythm-based game, fans play as any of the six “High School Musical” stars (or their own customized character) as they dance to the beat and travel across America. Additionally, players can create their own music videos and share them with friends via the Nintendo DS’ wireless capabilities. High School Musical: Makin’ the Cut! will be available in October with a 3+ rating by PEGI.

Power Rangers fans play as the ultimate super heroes on an action-packed adventure to save the world from evil in Power Rangers: Super Legends. Players battle enemies, solve puzzles and explore an interactive world as some of the most beloved Power Ranger heroes from the original Mighty Morphin squad to the current Operation Overdrive team. The game combines fast-paced, martial arts combat with super moves and gravity-defying aerial combos. In the spirit of the series, players can team up with a friend for cooperative missions and massive Zord battles. Power Rangers: Super Legends will be available in October on the PlayStation 2 system, and Nintendo DS.
Thirteen-year-old Miley Stewart lives a double life as girl-next-door and pop sensation in the Disney Channel original show, “Hannah Montana.” In Disney’s Hannah Montana for the Nintendo DS™, developed by DC Studios, someone is threatening to reveal Miley’s secret and it’s up to player to determine who it is. Playing as either Miley or best friend, Lilly, players must use spy skills and gadgetry to investigate their school, the boardwalk, stadium and beach to uncover hidden clues and solve the mystery. Players can interact with their favourite characters from the show using a branching dialogue system while exploring familiar “Hannah Montana” environments and meet hilarious new characters along the way. Mini-games include a wireless two-player skateboard, rollerblade and scooter challenge and a mode that enables players to share clothes in Miley’s secret wardrobe with others via wireless connection. Disney’s Hannah Montana will be available in September on Nintendo DS.

From the press release:

SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. - LucasArts today announced that Thrillville, the videogame where players create and experience the theme park of their dreams, will open its gates for a whole new season in Thrillville: Off the Rails. Featuring some of the most outlandish roller-coaster concepts ever imagined, as well as new ways to talk to park guests and a wider array of carnival games, this October release amps up the family-friendly mix of gameplay that made the original Thrillville such a hit. Frontier Developments returns to create Off the Rails, which will scream onto the Xbox 360™ videogame system from Microsoft, Wii™ home videogame system from Nintendo, PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system, PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) system, Games for Windows and, with the help of developer DC Studios, Nintendo DS™.

Off the Rails lives up to its name with 20 death-defying rides so outrageous, they inspire the same word from every park visitor who sees them: “WHOA!” Players build these incredible “WHOA Coasters” to leap from one track to another, launch through the air like cannonballs, blast through burning rings of fire and more.

A new lighthearted story ties together more than 100 missions, complete with 34 playable multiplayer theme-park games and improved social interaction with park guests. The in-depth conversations both advance the plot and suggest better ways to manage the park. But is every guest to be trusted? One never knows when a rival from the nefarious Globo-Joy might attempt to sabotage Thrillville parks with deceptive information…

“Between its amazing new WHOA Coasters, improved socialization, and a huge selection of minigames, Thrillville: Off the Rails is practically three great games in one, and it offers a fantastic bang for the buck,” said Jim Ward, president of LucasArts. “We’re also excited to introduce the franchise to four new platforms so that even more families can enjoy the Thrillville experience together.”

“Together, LucasArts and Frontier challenged ourselves to improve upon everything that made the original Thrillville such a success,” said David Braben, chairman and founder of Frontier.

“I believe that we have more than met this challenge, and I wouldn’t be surprised if Thrillville achieves some ‘record attendance’ with Off the Rails.”

Meanwhile, “attendance” of the original Thrillville should soon rise even higher, as it has achieved Greatest Hits status for the PlayStation 2 and PSP systems, as well as joined the new Platinum Family Hits line for the Xbox® videogame system from Microsoft. Now, families can experience the No. 1 original children’s franchise of 2006 for only $19.99 at participating locations.

From the press release:

REDWOOD CITY, Calif. – Konami Digital Entertainment, Inc., today announced Contra 4 (working title) for the Nintendo DS™. Marking the 20th anniversary of the quintessential action franchise, the game pushes 2D side-scrolling action in an all-new direction with gunplay that spans two full screens, original gameplay mechanics that grant players deadlier abilities than ever before, and frantic multiplayer functionality.

Contra 4 takes place two years after the events of Contra III: The Alien Wars. After saving earth from invasion by Red Falcon, Bill Rizer and Lance Bean are confronted with a new extraterrestrial menace: the terrifying Black Viper. Joined by hard-boiled mercenaries Mad Dog and Scorpion, the warriors must once again wage war against an entire army of invaders.

Refining the 2D side-scrolling genre the series established 20 years ago, Contra 4 delivers pure action at a fever pitch as players jump, shoot, and dodge oncoming hazards. Utilizing a new dual screen presentation, the action spans both screens of the Nintendo DS, giving players the opportunity to battle across expansive environments in which death can come from any direction. The use of both screens for the game’s core action also allows for massive boss battles as players try to seek and destroy the weak points of sky-high enemies. A first for the series, Contra 4 introduces a grappling hook accessory that lets players grab onto elements of the environment directly above them. Whether using it to avoid oncoming dangers or attack from a strategic vantage point, the grappling hook allows for new combat situations and dramatic set pieces that underscore the game’s adrenaline-soaked pedigree.

Continuing the multiplayer tradition of previous games in the series, Contra 4 lets two players battle together against Black Viper’s army of vile alien forces and reclaim Earth for mankind.

Developed by WayForward Technologies, Contra 4 is planned for release on the Nintendo DS in 2007.

From the press release:

LONDON & SAN FRANCISCO - SEGA® Europe, Ltd., SEGA® of America, Inc. and Canada-based developer studio BioWare® Corp. today announced a partnership to create a new video game based on the classic SEGA flagship icon, Sonic The Hedgehog. The exact name of the game is undetermined, but this new title developed exclusively for the Nintendo DS will ship in 2008.

“BioWare is one of the hottest names in RPG development in the world,” said Simon Jeffery, President and COO, SEGA of America, Inc. “Everyone at SEGA has huge confidence that Sonic is in the safest of hands, and that BioWare can create the ultimate handheld RPG experience for gamers of all ages.”

BioWare is the award-winning independent developer that has created some of the world’s best-selling titles including the Baldur’s Gate™ and Neverwinter Nights™ series, the 2003 Game of the Year, Star Wars®: Knights of the Old Republic™ and the 2005 RPG of the Year, Jade Empire.™ BioWare is currently developing one of the most anticipated next-generation titles of 2007, Mass Effect.™

“We’re thrilled to be working with SEGA on Sonic, one of the industry’s most enduring and compelling icons,” said Greg Zeschuk, president of BioWare. “As huge fans of Sonic ourselves, we’re committed to delivering a truly amazing story-driven experience within the Sonic universe, focusing on capturing the character’s broad appeal and placing him in a completely original adventure,” added Ray Muzyka, chief executive officer of BioWare.

The relationship with BioWare reinforces SEGA’s increased emphasis on Western content development for Western audiences. In the past few years SEGA has announced partnerships with developers Bizarre Creations, Gas Powered Games, Monolith Productions, Obsidian Entertainment, Planet Moon Studios, Pseudo Interactive and Silicon Knights. SEGA has also acquired development studios The Creative Assembly, Secret Level and Sports Interactive.

From the press release:

DALLAS, TX - June 20, 2007 - Premium casual games publisher MumboJumbo today announced a new relationship with the Universal Pictures Digital Platforms Group to develop a mass-market game based on the Emmy Award-winning television series “The Office.” Developed and published exclusively by MumboJumbo, The Office game will be available for online download and across multiple game platforms, including PC, PSP® (PlayStation®Portable), and Nintendo DSTM, starting this fall.

“The cast and creators of ‘The Office’ have done a fantastic job delivering a show with a personality all its own,” said Bill Kispert, vice president and general manager, Interactive, Universal Pictures Digital Platforms Group. “MumboJumbo is an innovator in the casual games space, and developing a game with them that combines the quirky characters and humor of the show with a proven, addictive game mechanic we think will be welcomed by fans and casual game players alike.”

“We are honored that NBC Universal has chosen us to be their partner for this exciting new project,” said Mark Cottam, chief executive officer of MumboJumbo. “We look forward to working closely with their team to ensure that the thematic elements of ‘The Office’ are closely approximated in the development of the video game.”

MumboJumbo has vast background in bringing beloved brands to games and will collaborate closely with NBC Universal to create an experience that will further engage fans of “The Office” in the franchise.

From the press release:

LOS ANGELES – NARUTO™ and his friends are unstoppable in 2007 as TOMY Corporation and D3Publisher of America, Inc. (D3PA) today announced the upcoming release of NARUTO: Path of the Ninja (working title) exclusively for the Nintendo DS™. Anticipated to ship in the Fall of 2007, NARUTO: Path of the Ninja will be the first Role-Playing Game (RPG) for NARUTO in North America and will offer original content and scenarios that have never been seen before! Based on episodes from VIZ Media’s hit anime series SHONEN JUMP™ NARUTO™ the new game will feature a unique time based combat system in which players must determine each characters strengths and use them accurately to help them defeat the enemy.

“The NARUTO RPG games have proven to be very popular in Japan,” said Mark Shinohara, executive vice president, TOMY Corporation. “The upcoming RPG title for North America will bring a completely new style of gameplay to NARUTO games, and the fans will love it!”

“We are really looking forward to bringing NARUTO: Path of the Ninja to North America,” said Careen Yapp, vice president of licensing and business development, D3PA. “Some of the best elements from all the Japanese NARUTO RPG releases will be utilized to create an exclusive and unique game that no one has ever seen!”

Choosing from six available characters, players will be able to explore the Village Hidden in the Leaves and the world of Naruto as you roam across forests, fields, rivers and mountains. Along the way players will encounter bosses and enemies that they must use their special techniques to defeat.

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