From the press release:

Follow the adventures of Shawn and Tam on an intergalactic journey through Pirate infested space, meteor fields, supernovas, and countless dangers as they seek out fame and fortune in the high-stakes world of Space Station management.

Station Tycoon is a fast paced, simulation game focusing on character interaction and humor, light puzzle solving, and customization in a free form, non-linear world. Meet exciting characters, buy new stations to customize, and try to keep an insane collection of clientele satisfied.

Features:
• Tons of customization: Continually expand your empire with an increasing number of islands and customize each one to attract business. Add Galactic Taverns and overflowing treasure chests to befriend the unruly Space Pirates. Looking for a livelier crowd? Build luaus and water parks to attract the fun-loving Party Pigs!
• Awesome cast of characters: Play as entrepreneur Shawn, with the help of his monkey sidekick Tam, and keep a crazy cast of quirky characters happy so they will gladly spend their money! Make the right friends and you will run your competition into the ground. But, it’s not so easy when your competition seems to have ties to Space Pirates, Ninjas and mysterious voodoo-practicing Chickens!
• Physics-based object interaction: Create gravity points with your Wii controller and interact with objects in the environment. Catch asteroids to keep them from smashing your space station, bounce rowdy ships, retrieve tips from visitors and even lob cannonballs at those troublesome pirates that keep attacking!
• Goal-based gameplay: Manage stations all over the galaxy and take advantage of the ebb and flow of the economy to maximize your income. Meet the objectives of each level in order to continue to expand your empire and become the ultimate Space Station Tycoon!
• Multi-player Party Mode, Co-op play and more!

From the press release:

Eidos Interactive, one of the world’s leading publishers and developers of entertainment software, confirms that a special Hitman Triple Pack, will be released throughout Europe on PlayStation 2 and PC this Friday June 22nd.

The Hitman Triple Pack is a compendium of the acclaimed games from IO’s sinister assassin series featuring; Hitman 2: Silent Assassin, Hitman: Contracts and last year’s chart topping Hitman: Blood Money.

Trace the story of one of the most enigmatic game characters of all time, the clandestine professional hitman, Agent 47. Undertake covert and deadly operations across the world including locations such as Japan, Las Vegas, Paris, Budapest, Hong Kong and Sicily.

Hitman 2: Silent Assassin™
Lured back into a global ring of deception by a twisted Russian crime boss, Agent 47 must kill not only to make a living, but to continue living. This time it’s not just business… it’s personal.

Hitman: Contracts™
Encounter Agent 47’s greatest adversaries, completing the work that made him so ruthlessly efficient, these are the ones that shaped him as an assassin.

Hitman: Blood Money™
Lucrative contracts on the rich and powerful in high profile locations make killing for money a good business. But when a rival agency enters the scene, it’s war and only the best man will be left standing.

The Hitman Triple Pack will be available on PS2 and PC throughout Europe on June 22nd.

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:

Burlingame, CA—KOEI, recognized worldwide as the premier brand of strategy and action games, today announced that its two blockbuster franchises, Dynasty Warriors® and Samurai Warriors® will finally meet this fall in an unforgettable crossover event. 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 computer entertainment system. The game is being developed by KOEI’s award-winning internal team Omega Force.

“Warriors Orochi will introduce players to the most explosive Warriors action to date, and the most venomous enemy they may ever face, the evil Serpent King Orochi. So awesome are Orochi and his army that players will need the combined forces of history’s greatest warriors to challenge them”, said Amos Ip, senior vice-president of sales and marketing for KOEI Corporation. “In the game, we’ll finally get to see and create some amazing team-ups, and we’ll even witness long-awaited confrontations between characters from both franchises.”

About Warriors Orochi
Without warning, the evil Serpent King Orochi descended from the skies above. Using his unworldly powers to shatter time and space, Orochi kidnapped the strongest, wisest and most courageous warriors from Ancient China and Feudal Japan in a scheme to test his might against the heroes of these ages.

Most of the great armies of these two periods would succumb to the might of Orochi. Yet powerful warriors remain and are ready to continue the fight. Now, the greatest showdown in history is about to take place…

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. This game is rated “T” (Teen- Mild Language, Mild Suggestive Themes, and Violence) by the ESRB. Press can find (watermark-free) assets at gamespress.com.

From the press release:

Milton Keynes, UK: 505 Games is today pleased to confirm further details of the online and multiplayer features of the forthcoming action title Armored Core 4 on both Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3.

Xbox 360 players will experience extreme online and system link multiplayer action in games of up to eight players. The Xbox 360 version also features full leader board support. PlayStation 3 gamers can join in multiplayer online matches for up to eight people, as well as enjoy system link multiplayer via network cable and split-screen action for two players on the same console.

The release of Armored Core 4 marks the first time gamers have been able to play an Armored Core title online in Europe. The game is the latest release in the historic mech-battling action and simulation saga, and is the first ‘next-generation’ incarnation of the internationally beloved franchise. In addition to the online support, Armored Core 4 features extensive modes for single-players and offline multiplayer action for two players.

Armored Core 4 exploits the power of next-gen systems to deliver an action game whose astonishing visuals are matched by clever gameplay tricks, massive levels of depth and customization and a completely reworked and enhanced control system for the most precise and enjoyable white-knuckle mech game yet seen.

Armored Core 4 releases on Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 on June 22nd from publisher 505 Games.

From the press release:

Rain or shine, the fun doesn’t stop! Electronic Arts (NASDAQ: ERTS) announced today that EA Playground™ – an all-new intellectual property in development at EA Canada – is now in development for the Wii™ and Nintendo DS™. Scheduled for release in the autumn, EA Playground captures the exuberance and nostalgia of your neighborhood playground, turning your gaming space into an arena of interactive fun with immersive activities designed for kids, and the kid inside all of us.

“Young, old, male or female — EA Playground has something for everyone,” said Executive producer Dave McCarthy. “EA Playground transports you to your fantasy playground, packed with interesting characters, over-the top gameplay, and a ton of collectables. Kids can bring the excitement of the playground home, and parents or even grandparents can re-experience their childhood thrills.”

EA Playground features games that are easy to pick-up-and-play by fully capitalizing on the unique control mechanics of both the Wii and the Nintendo DS. Swing the Wii remote to excel in tetherball, blow into the Nintendo DS mic to fire spitballs or battle your friends and family in dodgeball. Every game brings its own twist to the controls for the ultimate, all-ages, party game.

In EA Playground, you don’t always have to be playing with your friends and family in order to have fun. Explore the world on your own as you enter different locations, unlocking new activities, making wacky in-game friends and collecting rewards and stickers to upgrade your abilities along the way.

EA Playground joins a portfolio of blockbuster entertainment in development in EA’s three Canadian Studios, including new IP Skate from EA Black Box, and Army of Two™ and Boogie™ from EA Montreal.

EA Canada has built a worldwide reputation for quality and innovation in global blockbusters such as FIFA Soccer, NHL®, NBA LIVE and EA SPORTS Fight Night. EA Canada also flourishes as EA’s leading development studio for the Wii, Nintendo DS, and PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) system. In 2006, EA Canada also developed Medal of Honor Heroes™ (PSP), The Sims™ 2 Pets (PSP), POGO™ Island (Nintendo DS), Madden NFL 07 (Wii) and more.

EA Playground has not yet been rated by the ESRB in North America or PEGI in Europe.

Morning fellow readers. It’s time again for Virtual Console releases. We had our hopes that Sega would release Shining in the Darkness, but it looks like the TG-16 is going to be getting the love this week. Also, if you’re a sports fan, this is your week to shine. Nothing real exciting this week, but the selection isn’t the worst. Hudson seems to be enjoying the idea of having every TG-16 game ever released on the VC it seems. Which isn’t bad for us gamers or those who never owned a TG-16 when it was originally released. Remember all games will be available for download at 9am PDT. See you next week!

From the Nintendo Press release:

NES Open Tournament Golf™ (NES®, 1-2 players, Rated E for Everyone, 500 Wii Points): We all knew that Mario™ was a top-notch plumber, but did you know that he could also be a world-class golfer? You can challenge another player in Stroke, Match and Tournament modes. Play on three fantasy courses in the USA, the UK and Japan and try to win a million dollars. Make sure you keep an eye on the wind and distance to the hole before selecting your club, or else you’ll be racking up some high scores - which is exactly what you don’t want to do in this game. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced golfer, NES Open Tournament Golf is perfect for those days when you just can’t get to the local golf course.

World Sports Competition (TurboGrafx-16, 1-5 players, Rated E for Everyone, 600 Wii Points): Play through a total of 18 Olympic events in this action/sports title. Players compete in six categories of events that include shooting, archery, rowing, swimming and track and field. The game features Olympics mode, where you play all the events over the course of a few days, and Training mode, where you can choose individual events to play. After practicing in Training mode, go for the gold in Olympics mode and break world records. Depending on your play time and ability, you can enjoy the game a number of different ways. Gather friends and play in competitions with up to five players to get even more out of this great game.

Bloody Wolf (TurboGrafx-16, 1 player, Rated E10+ for Everyone 10 and Older - Animated Blood, Violence, 600 Wii Points): Enter alone, deep into enemy territory to rescue the kidnapped President in this overhead-view action shooter. Take on the role of a commando in a Special Forces team and face your enemies with an onslaught of weapons, including machine guns and grenades. Earn valuable information, weapons and items by rescuing POWs. Fight your way to the end of each stage and defeat the boss by effectively using your weapons and equipment. This port of the insanely popular arcade game features refined graphics, story and cut-scenes, making this action game a must-have. This new and enhanced version includes the never-been-told second half of the story that was left out of the arcade version.

From the press release:

Sherlock Holmes: The Awakened combines the eerie mysticism of H.P. Lovecraft’s Cthulhu mythos with the mystery-solving powers of the great detective Sherlock Holmes. The Awakened is the first fully 3D Sherlock Holmes game, and will feature rich graphics and detailed environments. Fans of the mystery genre will feel right at home with the classic point-and-click interface as they explore five distinctly chilling environments while solving mysteries and completing puzzles based on object physics and lighting. With 60 unique characters roaming the game world, it will be difficult to tell who is friend or foe in this, Sherlock Holmes’ most challenging, and horrifying, adventure.

* A new, darker take on Sherlock Holmes with the classic literary hero encountering minions of the Old Gods
* Dozens of challenging yet intuitive puzzles to challenge players
* The first fully 3D Sherlock Holmes adventure with rich, immersive graphics to capture the player’s imagination
* A classical point-and-click interface makes the game accessible to players of all skill levels
* A storyline filled with exciting twists and turns, where you’re never sure who’s an enemy, or an ally

Another normal week in Japan. The DS reigns supreme and the Wii rolls in at number 2. The PS3 is still below the 10,000 mark and the PSP is still chugging along. Many had speculated that the DS would slow down around summer, but that doesn’t seem to be the case. Judging by the last few weeks, it appears the market has stablized and will probably stay consistent unless something radical happens. See you next week.

• DS Lite: 123,140
• Wii: 69,748
• PSP: 26,358
• PS2: 11,814
• PS3: 8,998
• Xbox 360: 2,219
• Gameboy Micro: 310
• Gameboy SP: 247
• Gamecube: 226
• DS: 71
• Gameboy Advance: 16

Source

It’s time for the weekly Virtual Console releases. This week it seems fans of a long running series will finally get their wish as the second chapter in a long running series is released. It appears that Nintendo is also going back to three games a week, and if this is any indication, there will only be four or more games released on special occasions. Sega contributes two of the three games with the NES picking up the third. Should be a good week for retro gamers across the country. The games will be available at 9am PDT. Have fun and enjoy your week!

From Nintendo’s press release:

Lode Runner® (NES®, 1-2 players, Rated E for Everyone, 500 Wii Points): This landmark action-puzzle game has been a worldwide fixture in video games from the moment of its inception until today, producing many sequels and related products along the way. The player controls the hero, or “Runner,” who collects gold nuggets located around every stage, all the while avoiding capture by enemy robots. The action itself is simple, but the stages are designed as increasingly challenging puzzles, and none of the 50 stages is as easy as it seems. The Runner avoids enemies by digging holes in the floor to the right and left of his position—by doing this, he can clear a path to places that, at first glance, seem unreachable. Players must use their brains to collect all the gold nuggets in every puzzling stage if they want to escape to the next. In addition to normal play, this version of the game features an Edit Mode that allows players to design their own stages, adding a new level of enjoyment to the game.

Sonic the Hedgehog™ 2 (Sega Genesis, 1-2 players, Rated E for Everyone, 800 Wii Points): Dr. Eggman (aka Dr. Robotnik) is back to continue his zealous search for the Chaos Emeralds needed to fuel his new Death Egg contraption. The evil doctor secretly follows Sonic to his vacation spot, Westside Island, and launches a full-scale attack, imprisoning all the helpless animals of the island and turning them into mindless worker drones. Now Sonic must thwart the doctor’s plans at all costs. This time he isn’t alone, as a peculiar two-tailed fox named Miles Prower (aka Tails) decides to aid him in the battle. Together they must locate the Chaos Emeralds before Dr. Eggman does, and put an end to his diabolical scheme.

Golden Axe™ II (Sega Genesis, 1-2 players, Rated E10+ for Everyone 10 and Older – Fantasy Violence, 800 Wii Points): Not long after the devastating reign of the wicked Death Adder, another evil arose. Dark Guld and his minions invaded and took hold of the prized Golden Axe with plans to destroy it. Once again, as a fierce barbarian named Ax-Battler, a fearless female Amazon known as Tyris-Flare or a ferocious dwarf named Gilius Thunderhead, you will wield steely swords and powerful magic in an all-out war to recover the sword. Once you slash your way through the six side-scrolling levels, you’ll get the chance to defeat Dark Guld once and for all.

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