BETHESDA SOFTWORKS ANNOUNCES THE ELDER SCROLLS ONLINE

ZeniMax Online Studios Takes Award-Winning Elder Scrolls Franchise Online In Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Game

Bethesda Softworks®, a ZeniMax® Media company, today announced The Elder Scrolls® Online, an MMO in development at ZeniMax Online Studios. The Elder Scrolls Onlinewill be the first Elder Scrolls game to allow gamers to explore the legendary Elder Scrolls world with others.

The Elder Scrolls Online is being developed for PC and Mac under the leadership of industry veteran Matt Firor, who has spent the last two decades working in online game development. Details about the game are revealed in an exclusive cover story in Game Informer®’s June issue, which ships to subscribers and newsstands this month.

“We have been working hard to create an online world in which players will be able to experience the epic Elder Scrolls universe with their friends, something fans have long said they wanted,” said Matt Firor, game director of The Elder Scrolls Online. “It will be extremely rewarding finally to unveil what we have been developing the last several years. The entire team is committed to creating the best MMO ever made – and one that is worthy of The Elder Scrolls franchise.”

The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim® is themost recent title set in the award-winning Elder Scrolls universe. Skyrim, developed by Bethesda Game Studios, was released in November 2011 and enjoyed worldwide critical and commercial success. Skyrimearned hundreds of ‘Game of the Year’ awards, including top honors at the 2012 Game Developers Choice Awards, the 15^thAnnual 2012 Interactive Achievement Awards held at the 2012 D.I.C.E. Summit, and at the 2011 Video Game Awards. Internationally, Skyrim shipped over 10 million units within the first month of its release, was the second highest grossing title in the industry last year, and is the fastest selling title in Steam’s history.

The Elder Scrolls Online will be featured on magazine covers across Europe and in online stories in the coming months which will provide gamers with more information about this exciting title.

DEEP SILVER ANNOUNCES “DEAD ISLAND™ RIPTIDE”

Best-selling zombie horror franchise walks again

Deep Silver today announced the development of a new entry to the Dead Island™ franchise.

The next battle between life and death will be waged in Dead Island Riptide and is currently in full development by Techland for consoles & PCs.  An extensive reveal of its’ thrilling new perils is planned for later this summer.

For more information, visit one of the following official Dead Island portals:
Official website: www.deadisland.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/deadislandgame
Twitter: http://twitter.com/deadislandgame

WARNER BROS. INTERACTIVE ENTERTAINMENT ANNOUNCES BATMAN: ARKHAM CITY ARMOURED EDITION FOR Wii U

Become the Dark Knight like never before with the reimagined action game of 2011 featuring enhanced gameplay made possible with the Wii U GamePad

 

Step into the Arkham action like never before! Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment and DC Entertainment today announced Batman: Arkham City™ Armoured Edition for the Wii U™ system from Nintendo. Developed by WB Games Montréal the game delivers the same impactful story and gameplay of the award-winning blockbuster created by Rocksteady Studios, now with enhanced gameplay features made possible with Wii U and the Wii U GamePad™.  The game is scheduled for release holiday 2012.

Batman: Arkham City Armoured Edition contains all of the content from Batman: Arkham City, including all available downloadable content, and introduces Battle Armored Tech (B.A.T.) Mode and the new Armored Suits for both Batman and Catwoman.  Fans can become the Dark Knight like never before with the upgraded battle suit that gives players an additional power-up by allowing them to build kinetic energy during combat.  When activated, players enter B.A.T. mode and dole out more damage than previously possible. 

“Batman: Arkham City Armoured Edition harnesses the power of the Wii U system and the Wii U GamePad with features that allow fans to further immerse themselves in the role of Batman like never before,” said Martin Tremblay, President, Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment.  “WB Games Montréal evolved the incredible hit game by Rocksteady into a truly unique experience on Wii U.”

“WB Games Montréal is very excited to unveil the all new Wii U features we’ve created inBatman: Arkham City Armoured Edition,” said Reid Schneider, Vice President and Executive Producer, WB Games Montréal.  “The new controller allows for a different twist on the Batman: Arkham City game, as players now have the power of the Batcomputer and gadgets in the palm of their hands.”

The Wii U GamePad provides instant access to the wrist-mounted Batcomputer throughout the game, allowing players to use the touch screen to seamlessly select objectives, choose their gadget, track forensic evidence, upgrade their gear, detonate explosive gel, and more, all while remaining immersed in the action. Additionally, all gadgets have been reimagined to utilize the power of the GamePad, offering an unprecedented level of accuracy when using the Batarang and scanning for clues.

Batman: Arkham City builds upon the intense, atmospheric foundation of Batman: Arkham Asylum, sending players flying through the expansive Arkham City – five times larger than the game world in Batman: Arkham Asylum – the new maximum security “home” for all of Gotham City’s thugs, gangsters and insane criminal masterminds. Featuring an incredible Rogues Gallery of Gotham City’s most dangerous criminals including Catwoman, The Joker, The Riddler, Two-Face, Harley Quinn, The Penguin, Mr. Freeze and many others, the game allows players to genuinely experience what it feels like to be The Dark Knight delivering justice on the streets of Gotham City.

For more information on Batman: Arkham City Armoured Edition, visitwww.facebook.com/batmanarkhamcity.  .

KONAMI ANNOUNCES SOFTWARE LINE UP FOR 2012 E3


Focus on Core Franchises and New Social Gaming Experiences Await Attendees at the Nation's Largest Video Game Convention

Konami Digital Entertainment, Inc. today announced their software title lineup for the Electronic Entertainment Expo 2012 (E3), set to begin in Los Angeles, California today. The company also confirmed its digital press kit is now available and includes new fact sheets, logos, screenshots, trailers and more.

Showcasing core titles and new IP in the social space, KONAMI will showcase major franchise titles for the first time, such as the latest game from famed game designer, Hideo Kojima,  METAL GEAR RISING: REVENGEANCE, Castlevania: Lords of Shadow - Mirror of Fate, an all-new Castlevania handheld game on the revolutionary Nintendo 3DS, the latest iteration of Pro Evolution Soccer, and Silent Hill Book of Memories, the first multiplayer Silent Hill game, coming to the PS Vita handheld gaming device.

Playable demos to be shown at the Konami booth (#2423) at E3 include:

METAL GEAR RISING: REVENGEANCE
Produced by Kojima Productions and developed by Platinum Games, METAL GEAR RISING: REVENGEANCE is a breath-taking action title where players take the role of Raiden, one of the most popular characters in the Metal Gear Solid universe. Raiden first debuted in METAL GEAR SOLID 2: SONS OF LIBERTY for PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system as a playable character and appeared as a non-playable cyborg in METAL GEAR SOLID 4: GUNS OF THE PATRIOTS for the PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system. Armed with a High Frequency katana blade, Raiden seeks revenge against Sam and the rival PMC (Private Military Companies) group, Desperado Enforcement, and will cut through anything that stands in his way.

ZONE OF THE ENDERS HD COLLECTION
Two classic games return in a fully remastered, high definition bundle. The essential Zone of the Enders series features the engrossing storytelling of Hideo Kojima, paired with thrilling robot fights in a futuristic interplanetary setting. Players control fast and powerful mechs (robots) known as Orbital Frames to blast their enemies into oblivion.

METAL GEAR SOLID HD COLLECTION
From the critically acclaimed director, Hideo Kojima, METAL GEAR SOLID HD Collection for the Playstation®Vita system includes two beloved classics, METAL GEAR SOLID 2: Sons of Liberty and METAL GEAR SOLID 3: Snake Eater. Featuring stunning, upgraded graphics from the original releases on the PlayStation®2, both titles include Transfarring. Players can transfer and save data from their PlayStation®3 METAL GEAR SOLID HD Collection to their PlayStation®Vita system and start the action from where they left off. Using just their fingers, gamers can zoom in on captivating cut-scenes, peek around corners, interrogate enemies, cycle through weapons/items, as well as perform quick attacks with their knife.

PRO EVOLUTION SOCCER 2013
Pro Evolution Soccer 2013, endorsed by renowned soccer player Cristiano Ronaldo, continues to maintain the skill and grace of top level soccer that fans of the sport and the video game desire and expect. This will be the most faithful recreation of modern day soccer, with players modeled to match the running motions, the abilities and playing styles, and the flicks and turns of their real-life counterparts.
Three key elements form the basis of Pro Evolution Soccer 2013's innovations, with all new additions falling within the fields of Pro Evolution Soccer, which include FullControl, Player ID, and ProActive AI.

CASTLEVANIA: LORDS OF SHADOW – MIRROR OF FATE
Initially set 25 years after the events of Castlevania: Lords of Shadow, Mirror of Fate will reveal the story of Gabriel's descendants, as they battle their own destiny in each era only to discover their true, shocking fate.  Trevor Belmont, a knight of the Brotherhood of Light sets out to avenge the death of his mother, at the hands of his own father, who has now returned from years of exile to take up residence in a mysterious castle.  What was once Gabriel Belmont now stands a powerful vampire called Dracula. Dracula has declared war upon the Brotherhood and thus the scene is set for a cataclysmic showdown between Father and Son!

SILENT HILL BOOK OF MEMORIES
Book of Memories is a departure for the Silent Hill series, with a focus on co-operative multiplayer action rather than traditional Psychological Horror.   Players can work together as they explore several different Otherworlds, solving puzzles and defeating creatures to advance through the Nightmares and uncover the truth behind the Book of Memories.  Scare rooms, limited resources, and dark atmosphere all return—but in a gameplay package specifically designed to take advantage of the PlayStation Vita.

NEW LITTLE KING'S STORY
Featuring a brand new storyline and online functionality, New Little King's Story offers players a royal role playing game with enhanced PlayStation®Vita system graphics and features. New Little King's Story follows players as they assume the role of King Corobo, tasked with reclaiming his kingdom from the Devil King, "The Nightmare." Players will experience an incredible journey as they visit seven different kingdoms and battle against evil dark lords that have captured the royal princesses. As King, gamers will need to lead their Royal Guard in every grand battle, and plan attacks wisely as they grow their populations and broaden their territories.

PUZZLE CHASERS
In Puzzle Chasers available on Facebook, each level of the game starts with an incomplete puzzle. The player selects an empty space on the puzzle board and is presented with two to five random pieces that they need to pick to fit in the space. If correct, the piece is placed to help complete the picture. There's a limited amount of time to complete the puzzle and players can follow the story or repeat any puzzle they have completed by looking in their journal. To add to the difficulty, puzzle pieces are randomized so the player will never play the same puzzle twice. The game also gets more difficult the further a player progresses, so various power-ups and unlockables will be available to help complete the journey!

FROGGER PINBALL
In Frogger Pinball available on Facebook and the iTunes store, fans can defeat new and old enemies to rescue Lily and save Frogger's home from the evil clutches of RoboCroc.  It's pinball with a twist as Frogger curls up into a ball and rolls, flips and leaps his way to victory. Gamers can play on incredibly detailed pinball tables with 3D rendered graphic, ramps and realistic physics.  Players can also use flippers to shoot the ball up ramps, hit targets and unlock special modes including BOSS BATTLES, FROGGER FRENZY and MULTIBALL.

KONAMI RELEASES NEW SCREENSHOTS AND RELEASE DATE FOR SILENT HILL BOOK OF MEMORIES

Famed Survivor Horror Franchise Comes to PS®Vita in October with New Frights, Infamous Characters and an All-New Multiplayer Adventure

Today, Konami Digital Entertainment, Inc released new assets for SILENT HILL BOOK OF MEMORIES. The brand new adventure horror title, created exclusively for the PlayStation®Vita handheld entertainment system is a slight departure from the (para)normal Silent Hill narrative, as Silent Hill Book of Memories incorporates Role Playing Game elements and multiplayer capabilities for the first time ever.

Explore several different Otherworlds in SILENT HILL BOOK OF MEMORIES while working with other players to solve puzzles, defeat demonic creatures and advance through the Nightmares to uncover the truth behind the Book of Memories.

SILENT HILL BOOK OF MEMORIES is an all-new game in the Silent Hill series, with a unique premise and storyline.  The story begins with a strange book that is received, inside that book is your entire life story to this point, everything that's ever happened to you; all of your memories.  You discover that by altering what's written… you can actually change the past and write your own ideal history.

Silent Hill: Book of Memories will be available will be available in retail stores nationwide in October 2012.

KONAMI ANNOUNCES CASTLEVANIA: LORDS OF SHADOW - MIRROR OF FATE

Next Installment in Castlevania: Lords of Shadow Series Coming to Nintendo 3DS™ this Fall

Konami Digital Entertainment, Inc. today announced that the action adventure title Castlevania: Lords of Shadow - Mirror of Fate will be available this Fall exclusively for the Nintendo 3DS™system. The first hands-on demo for the next iteration in the Castlevania: Lords of Shadow universe will debut today at the Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3) event in Los Angeles.

Developed by Mercury Steam, Castlevania: Lords of Shadow - Mirror of Fate takes place 25 years after the events of Castlevania: Lords of Shadow, and is a precursor to the highly anticipated and recently announced Castlevania: Lords of Shadow 2 for the PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system and the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft.  Castlevania: Lords of Shadow - Mirror of Fate reveals the story of Gabriel Belmont's descendants, Simon and Trevor Belmont, as they battle their own destiny only to discover their true, shocking fate.

"With the enormous success of Castlevania: Lords of Shadow, we wanted to provide fans with the next installment in the Lords of Shadow universe, utilizing all the capabilities that the new Nintendo 3DS platform has to offer," said Dave Cox, Producer on the title and Head of Product Planning and Development for Konami Digital Entertainment GmbH. "Two years later, we are proud to announce the highly anticipated Castlevania: Lords of Shadow - Mirror of Fate, a stunning 3D action adventure title that will give players an unrivaled, intense handheld gaming experience, while shedding light on the lineage and true destiny of the Belmont family."

Trevor Belmont, a knight of the Brotherhood of Light, sets out to avenge the death of his mother, at the hands of his own father, who has returned from years of exile to take up residence in a mysterious castle.  What was once Gabriel Belmont now stands Dracula, a powerful vampire. Dracula has declared war upon the Brotherhood and thus the scene is set for a cataclysmic showdown between Father and Son.

In Castlevania: Lords of Shadow - Mirror of Fate, players take on the role of multiple characters, each with unique abilities and skills across different eras. Featuring a huge array of combos and a deep strategic combat system, players can use their characters' weapons and magical abilities to take down their evil foes. Fans will traverse through immensely detailed levels and encounter enormous boss fights, all within a unique Nintendo 3DS setting that features high resolution 3D polygon graphics, and side scrolling areas with full 3D battles combined.

Castlevania: Lords of Shadow - Mirror of Fate  will be available on Nintendo 3DS™ this Fall. 

PRO EVOLUTION SOCCER 2013

KONAMI lifts the lid on PES 2013's stunning control, AI and game modes

Konami Digital Entertainment, Inc. has used this year's E3 (Electronic Entertainment Expo) event in Los Angeles to release further details on PES 2013, fleshing out key modes within the game and additional details on the total control the new game offers.

"Soccer is all about how the player interacts with the ball, from the first touch, to dribbling, passing and all of the moves associated with playing," says Tomoyuki Tsuboi, President of Konami Digital Entertainment, Inc. "What PES 2013 is giving players is complete control to impact their game how they'd like, including all of those key elements I just referred to. Recreating that experience of an authentic soccer game and giving that freedom back to the players is paramount in the development of PES 2013."

By working directly with fans of the franchise, PES 2013 delivers the total freedom to play any style of ball, and gives full control over the placement and style of shots. The new game features stunning recreations of the biggest names in soccer, perfectly mimicking the way they run, move both on and off the ball, and display their skills. Fifty of the world's greatest players have been studied and brought to vivid life in PES 2013, and are instantly noticeable in the way they play on screen.

PES 2013 is built around three core elements: PES FC (FullControl), Player ID, and ProActive AI. PES FC provides the total freedom of movement, and incorporates all new dynamic first touch where players can choose how to receive or move on the ball and fully manual passing and shooting. Close control and dribbling is also enhanced with the game's pace  to mirror a real soccer match. Using the R2/RT button gives the player access to a number of control styles. Balls can be cushioned, pushed forward or shielded as the players around you make intelligent runs into space.

This level of control extends to fully manual one-twos, a beautifully-balanced defensive system wherein R2/RT and the tackle button are used to close and challenge an attacker. PES 2013's goalkeepers represent a massive advance, with all new animations and AI that helps them anticipate dangers and act accordingly. The new intelligence and AI falls under the Player ID banner, which ensures the world's greatest players behave like their real-world counterparts. The best players from around the globe, including cover star Cristiano Ronaldo, Brazilian sensation Neymar and the legendary Kaka have been copied down to the slightest level – including their most famous celebrations.

With players behaving individually, ProActive AI ensures the whole game ebbs and flows like a real match. The new AI routines ensure a more balanced match, with illogicalities of previous PES titles eradicated, and with better organization of the teams who backtrack and break, while maintaining a strong defensive line. Teams also react quicker to a lost possession, tying into the aforementioned defensive improvements and tackling system.

PES 2013 is also an incredibly deep game, and many of its options have been enhanced to exploit these key additions to the gameplay.

•       Performance Training: The training sessions are a popular part of the PES series, and are vital to mastering the new level of total control. A series of walk-thru guides will ease the player into the intricacies of quick passes and manual shooting. Training sessions  also allow the player  to refine the control over secondary players via the improved off-the-ball control, and the deft footwork of lobbing a goalkeeper.

•       Football Life: Introduced in PES 2012, Football Life is an umbrella term for the series' popular Master League and Become a Legend Mode and features a variety of changes and additions in PES 2013.. In the new game players will find new ways to bolster team performance by earning money to add special coaches to work on the team's weaknesses, while transfers are more open with clearer reasons as to why negotiations are stalling. In the Become a Legend mode players are given feedback on how they need to improve to break into the squad.

•       Online: Master League Online will introduce a new ranking system called Rival Ranking which sources players at a similar level. The community side of the game will be split into 240 cities across the globe, and will show when local players are online. Leagues can be created, and messages and challenges sent. The series' myPES synchronization with Facebook also returns, and will go into more detail. Match reports covering pass success rates, possession, etc, will be detailed, as will each user's top scorers, runs of results and scoring patterns. These can then be posted on the user's Facebook wall for bragging rights.

Pro Evolution Soccer 2013 will be available Fall 2012 on the PlayStation®3, Xbox 360®, Windows PC, PlayStation®2, PSP® (PlayStation®Portable), Nintendo 3DS™, and Nintendo Wii™.