World Championship Cards Shuffles Into Stores

Newport Beach, CA - Apr 07, 2008 - Crave Entertainment, a leading publisher of console videogames, today announced that World Championship Cards for the PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system has shipped to retailers throughout North America. The most complete collection of card games currently available for console devices, the game features more than 30 different varieties of classic card games including Bridge, Gin Rummy, 10 varieties of Solitaire, Cribbage, Hearts, Spades, Crazy 8's, and many more!

World Championship Cards includes a robust create-a-character mode that lets players choose from various personalities, skin tone, hair, clothing and hats. Powerful multiplayer capabilities allow up to 8 players to challenge each other online, and World Championship Cards also supports the EyeToy(tm) USB Camera and USB Headset for PlayStation 2 system.

The game is now available for an MSRP of $14.99 for the PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system and will be available in May 2008 for the PSP (PlayStation Portable) system.

Labels: eye toy, playstation 2, PSP

N+ is the successor to the beloved indie game that won the Independent Games Festival Audience Award in 2006. The game combines classic old-school run-and-jump gameplay mechanics with a robust physics engine and collision model, resulting in one of the most addictive action-platformers ever created. In addition to the hundreds of single player levels available, the game will feature cooperative and competitive modes and a built-in level editor.



N+ is being released on both the PlayStation Portable and Nintendo DS handheld platforms. The title is now slated for a July release, in order to refine the online feature set and take advantage of the online capabilities of the handheld consoles. Both the DS and PSP versions of the title will offer players the opportunity to browse and download user-made levels from all over the world using the systems' wifi capability.

Labels: nintendo ds, PSP

Live Action and In-Game Footage from Burnout Paradise Provide Unique Visual Canvas

for New Video, Which Will Be Available on PLAYSTATION Network

FOSTER CITY, Calif., March 25, 2008 - Sony Computer Entertainment America (SCEA) today announced that PLAYSTATION 3 (PS3 ) and PSP (PlayStation Portable) systems along with the blockbuster hit game title, Burnout Paradise, from Criterion Games, an Electronic Arts (NASDAQ: ERTS) studio, have been integrated into "Fast Car," the new music video from Grammy-winning Sony BMG artist Wyclef Jean. In this unique integration, Jean and the video's other characters utilize the PlayStation platforms to drive the video's storyline, as they interact in a surreal world brought to life with footage from Burnout Paradise. The video will be available for download on PLAYSTATION Store beginning on March 27 for a limited time.

"As an artist, Wyclef Jean is a great match for the PlayStation brand, and SCEA is excited about working with him on this music video because it showcases our platforms in an organic way that's relevant to our audience," said Peter Dille, senior vice president, marketing and PLAYSTATION Network, SCEA. "We're also looking forward to giving our PLAYSTATION Network members the opportunity to download the video in high-definition, which expands the entertainment content offering on PLAYSTATION Store."

"EA has always been a pioneer in integrating our videogames into other forms of media," stated Steve Schnur, worldwide executive of music for Electronic Arts. "Sony BMG has been a terrific partner in that process, and Wyclef Jean has always been an artist who is truly excited about videogames. The result is a very cool, creative collaboration that has produced a groundbreaking music video."

"To see Clef's idea come to life in this innovative marriage of technology and music is a real treat," said Mark DiDia of Columbia Records.

"Fast Car," which features Paul Simon as a guest vocalist, is the second single from Jean's latest hit album, "Carnival Vol. II: Memoirs of an Immigrant." The "Fast Car" video picks up where Jean left off in the video for the chart-topping "Sweetest Girl." The story starts with the multi-platinum artist receiving a message on his PSP system, pointing him to his next mission. From there, Jean accesses his PS3 system to enter the open world racing of Burnout Paradise, which serves as the video's visual backdrop. Burnout Paradise is built to provide the ultimate in freedom and discovery online and offline, where players are able to create their own personal driving experience. PLAYSTATION Eye also makes a cameo appearance in the video.

"When you're on tour, you have plenty of time, and every artist I know spends time on a tour bus with two things: PlayStation and the recording studio," Jean said. "The PlayStation brand and Burnout Paradise fit perfectly with my vision for the ‘Fast Car' music video. ‘Fast Car' is like life - the pace of life is moving so fast, where you can burn yourselves out at times. The concept was about taking a song with such meaning and combining it with technology, but still keeping the essence of what we're talking about and getting kids to listen to that message. A game like Burnout Paradise helps us get the attention of youngsters."

Wyclef Jean directed and wrote the concept for the "Fast Car" video with collaboration from Leopoldo Gout of Curious Films.

For a limited time beginning on March 27, PS3 owners will be able to download the video in high-definition from PLAYSTATION Store, and PSP owners will be able to download the video via a PC from http://store.playstation.com. In addition to offering the "Fast Car" video, PLAYSTATION Store will also have special behind-the-scenes videos featuring an interview with Jean available for PS3 owners to download.

Burnout Paradise is now available worldwide and has been rated E10+ by the ESRB and 3+ by PEGI. For more information about Burnout Paradise, please visit http://burnout.ea.com or the EA press website at http://info.ea.com.

For more information on Wyclef Jean and Columbia Records, visit www.wyclef.com

or www.columbiarecords.com.

Labels: celebrities, playstation 3, playstation network, PSP

The Highly Anticipated Prequel Ships to Retailers Today, Delivering a Tale of Epic Proportions to Fans across North America

LOS ANGELES (March 25, 2008) - Square Enix, Inc., the publisher of Square Enix interactive entertainment products in North America, announced that CRISIS CORE -FINAL FANTASY VII- , the much awaited prequel to one of the most influential titles in video-gaming history, has shipped to North American retailers today.

Before Cloud and Sephiroth's now legendary confrontation and the ensuing battle that captivated millions of gamers worldwide, there was Zack Fair and his simple yet whole-hearted ambition to become a SOLDIER 1 st Class. Players will now discover what was hitherto left untold, as they journey through the exciting and intriguing world of CRISIS CORE -FINAL FANTASY VII-, developed exclusively for the PSP (PlayStation Portable) system. Offering a compelling narrative coupled with breathtaking graphics and an action-packed battle system, this latest entry in the COMPILATION OF FINAL FANTASY VII series is sure to captivate both fans of the original FINAL FANTASY VII and newcomers alike.

Launch Event
To celebrate the arrival of this highly anticipated entry in the COMPILATION OF FINAL FANTASY VII, Square Enix is hosting an exclusive launch party at the PLAYSTATION Store @ Metreon in San Francisco today, March 25 th, at 6:00 p.m. The event will be limited to 200 attendees who will have the opportunity to purchase CRISIS CORE -FINAL FANTASY VII-. Fans will also be able to get a first-hand look at concept art and all-new merchandise, win raffle prizes, and much more! The first 100 attendees in line will also receive a special commemorative shirt.


Strategy Guide
Fans can complete their gaming experience with the CRISIS CORE -FINAL FANTASY VII- Signature Series Guide, now available from BradyGames.

BradyGames is proud to present the CRISIS CORE -FINAL FANTASY VII- Signature Series Strategy Guide. This one-of-a-kind strategy guide provides everything you need to get the most out of
CRISIS CORE -FINAL FANTASY VII-; complete walkthroughs, detailed maps, in-depth coverage of all magic and skills, expert boss tactics, and a complete bestiary, and that's not all! This awesome strategy guide also includes bonus content, an exclusive foldout and more! This strategy guide is the one and only official resource that allows you to play CRISIS CORE -FINAL FANTASY VII- at its maximum potential!

Visit www.bradygames.com and order your copy of the CRISIS CORE -FINAL FANTASY VII- Signature Series Guide today and receive a 20% discount! (Coupon code BGCCFF08)


Mobile Content
CRISIS CORE -FINAL FANTASY VII- content, including an assortment of VideoRings, is now available on mobile service provider Helio. Helio members can access the VideoRings microsite by entering "FANTASY" (3268279) on their mobile device and then pressing the "Jump" key. For more information on Helio, visit http://www.helio.com.

STORY

Seven years prior to the events of FINAL FANTASY VII—



The Shinra Company is rapidly increasing its influence through its monopoly on mako energy and military might. With the burgeoning city of Midgar as its base and symbol of prosperity, Shinra is on the verge of establishing absolute dominance over the world. SOLDIER is a group of skilled combat operatives within Shinra. The elite within the group—those strong enough to be deemed SOLDIER 1st Class—are respected and idolized by the citizenry.



Zack is a young SOLDIER 2nd Class who aspires to become a 1st. He spends his days carrying out assignments under the guidance of his 1st Class mentor, Angeal. During an operation in Wutai, a large number of SOLDIER members, led by 1st Class operative Genesis, go missing. The severity of the situation prompts Shinra executives to deploy even more SOLDIER operatives in hopes of bringing an end to the war with Wutai—and conducting an investigation into the mass desertion. The ones assigned to the mission are Zack, Angeal, and the 1st Class hero who is known the world over as Sephiroth...



What truths lie behind Genesis's disappearance? What secrets bind the three SOLDIER 1st Class operatives? For Zack, a cruel and fateful struggle awaits...



FEATURES

Complete the FINAL FANTASY VII experience and reunite with the most recognized RPG characters created by world-renowned character designer Tetsuya Nomura

Witness stunning graphics and gorgeous CG cutscenes coupled with top-notch voice acting in a 16:9 widescreen presentation, made possible by the PSP system

Innovative DMW (Digital Mind Wave) system enhances the action-packed real-time battle system, allowing players to unleash special attacks or call upon iconic FINAL FANTASY summons

Take on challenges with the all-new "Hard Mode" developed exclusively for the North American audiences

Acquire unique accessories made available through 300 side missions to further enrich the gameplay experience

CRISIS CORE -FINAL FANTASY VII- is rated T (Teen). Please visit the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) website at www.esrb.org for more information about ratings.
CRISIS CORE -FINAL FANTASY VII- will be available at North American retailers for the suggested retail price of $39.99 (USD). The official website can be found at http://www.crisiscore.com/.

Labels: PSP

Fans compete against the game's developers to win exclusive prizes April 4-6

March 25, 2008 - 2K Sports announced today a special Opening Day Xbox LIVE Weekend for Major League Baseball 2K8. Beginning April 4, 2008, fans of all ages will be able to participate in a number of exciting activities online including a 72-hour Play & Win Sweepstakes. Every hour, gamers who register and play can win special prize packages such as exclusive 2K Sports t-shirts, hats, Microsoft points, and other prizes.

Before fans step up to the plate, they will have the opportunity to practice their swings with a free game demo of Major League Baseball 2K8 available for download through Xbox LIVE Marketplace for Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft. The free game demo will allow players to practice their skills at Boston’s legendary Fenway Park by playing three full innings as either the Colorado Rockies or Boston Red Sox.

To kick off Major League Baseball 2K8 Opening Day Xbox LIVE Weekend, fans will have the unique opportunity to compete online against the developers of Major League Baseball 2K8 on Friday, April 4 from 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. EDT. Be on the lookout for the following development team Gamertags:

Gamertag Name
MLB2K8Robert
Robert, Senior Producer

MLB2K8Jon
Jon, Associate Producer

MLB2K8Dan
Dan, Designer

MLB2K8Joe
Joe, Production Assistant

More details on registering for Major League Baseball 2K8 Opening Day Xbox LIVE Weekend, and information regarding terms, conditions, and official rules will be available on March 26, 2008 through the official event page: www.xbox.com/openingday. Open registration will begin when the site goes live and will end at 11:59pm (EDT) on April 6, 2008. Xbox LIVE Gold members can also register for the weekend by downloading the free " Major League Baseball 2K8 Play & Win Registration" gamer picture from the Xbox LIVE Marketplace.

As the most fun and exciting baseball experience on the market, Major League Baseball 2K8 revolutionizes player control in the latest installment of the popular franchise with brand-new pitching, fielding and baserunning, as well as a completely overhauled batting interface. To bring fans closer to the action than ever before, Major League Baseball 2K8 also features authentic Major League and Minor League stadiums that have been redesigned for accuracy, complete with the details and specific architecture of each ballpark and city. Other in-game features include a wholly unique trading card system to reward special achievements, robust Minor League system including 90 playable teams, all-new Signature Style animations complete with home run celebrations and unique player walk-ups, and much more.

A part of every Xbox 360 game, Xbox LIVE is the first and only unified online entertainment network seamlessly integrated throughout the entire console experience, making it easy for you to find the friends, games and entertainment you want from the moment you power on your Xbox 360 system. The Xbox LIVE network connects you with more than 10 million members across 26 countries to enjoy hundreds of retail and arcade multiplayer games, free playable game demos, TV shows, movies, music videos and movie trailers, as well as new game levels, characters and vehicles for all your favorite retail games.

Major League Baseball 2K8, rated E for Everyone by the ESRB, is now available in retail stores for Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, PLAYSTATION 3 computer entertainment system, PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system, PSP (PlayStation Portable) system, and Wii home video game system.

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Labels: playstation 2, playstation 3, PSP, wii, xbox 360

2K Sports Announces Free Demo of Major League Baseball® 2K8 Now Available for Download on PlayStation®Store

While dedicated fans eagerly anticipate the start of opening day, 2K Sports today announced a free Major League Baseball 2K8 demo is now available for download through the PlayStation®Store. Players will be able to practice their skills at Boston’s legendary Fenway Park by playing three full innings as either the Colorado Rockies or Boston Red Sox.

The free game demo will also offer fans a chance to experience the new and exciting features that Major League Baseball 2K8 brings to the virtual diamond through retooled pitching, batting, fielding and baserunning gameplay mechanics. Fans will also get a sneak peek at the stunning realism and depth of gameplay in Major League Baseball 2K8 through new Signature Style™ animations and redesigned stadiums that showcase the detail and specific architecture of each city.

Major League Baseball 2K8, rated E for Everyone by the ESRB, is now available in retail stores for Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system, PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system, PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) system, and Wii™ home video game system.

For more information about Major League Baseball 2K8, please visit www.2Ksports.com.

Labels: nintendo wii, playstation 2, playstation 3, playstation network, PSP, wii, xbox 360, xbox live

No Quarters Necessary: Crave Brings Classic Pinball Tables to Videogame Consoles

Pinball Hall of Fame - The Williams® Collection for PSP® system, PlayStation(r)2 system and Wii(tm) faithfully recreates legendary Williams tables

Newport Beach, Calif.- March 10, 2008- Crave Entertainment, a leading publisher of console videogames, today announced that Pinball Hall of Fame - The Williams Collection, the follow-up to the popular Pinball Hall of Fame - The Gottlieb Collection, is now available for PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system, PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) system and Wii(tm).

Pinball Hall of Fame - The Williams Collection simulates some of the most memorable tables from the golden age of pinball in stunning, photorealistic 3D. Working closely with Williams to ensure authenticity of each of the games, the collection is highlighted by some of the most popular and innovative Williams pinball tables, including Gorgar(tm), the first-ever talking pinball machine, Black Knight®, which introduced "Magna-Save(tm)" and Bonus Ball, and Space Shuttle(tm), which took the pinball industry by storm in 1984. Every table has been meticulously recreated to bring players the visuals, sound effects and gameplay that made these games legendary successes. Pinball Hall of Fame - The Williams Collection harkens back to the arcades of the 1980s.

In Pinball Hall of Fame - The Williams Collection, players can spend as little as two minutes on a quick pinball challenge, or delve deeper into the game, gaining rewards in a token-based system as they unlock rewards like new balls and mirror play. Single-player Arcade and Challenge modes provide hours of solo entertainment, and a Multiplayer mode lets players face each other head-on.

Pinball Hall of Fame - The Williams Collection is available for PSP® system, PlayStation(r)2 system and Wii(tm). Crave Entertainment is a publisher on this product for FarSight Studios, a licensee of Williams Electronic Games, Inc.

About Crave Entertainment

Based in Newport Beach, California, Crave Entertainment is a subsidiary of Handleman Company. Crave, a publisher of videogame entertainment products creates games for the major console platforms including PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) system, Nintendo DS(tm), Game Boy® Advance, Nintendo GameCube(tm), Wii(tm), the PlayStation® game console, PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system, the Xbox® video game system from Microsoft and the Xbox 360(tm) video game and entertainment system from Microsoft. For more information about Crave Entertainment, please visit www.cravegames.com.

Web site: http://www.cravegames.com

Labels: playstation, PSP, wii