Week of November 13, 2005

Frozenbyte has released a new trailer for the topdown 3D action game Shadowgrounds. The trailer is available in 37MB high quality and 16MB low quality versions.

http://www.shadowgroundsgame.com/en/trailers.html

Nintendo of America today announces it will include a play control system in its next home video game system, code-named Revolution, coming in 2006.

By using a password-controlled setting, adults can decide what flexibility they'll allow younger players to have in playing video games rated E (Everyone), E10+ (Everyone 10 and Older), T (Teen) or M (Mature). The system also ensures that dedicated adult gamers can opt to play without limitations.

How does it work? The actual game software will contain a code indicating the rating, which will activate the control system to remain locked or unlocked. The feature will be included in every Revolution console worldwide.

"Even though many Nintendo games are rated E, E10+ or T, we believe this kind of feature should be included in the hardware. It's the right thing to do," explains Reggie Fils-Aime, Nintendo of America's executive vice president
of sales & marketing. "Game ratings are on the front and back of every game package, so families can easily make a decision about whether a game is right for them."

Game ratings are determined by a consensus of at least three specially trained raters reporting to the Entertainment Software Ratings Board. ESRB raters are of various ages and backgrounds, and to ensure their objectivity, are not permitted to have any ties to the computer and video game industry. The rating system, in place since 1994, is frequently cited as an example for other industries to follow.

"Nintendo has added an important tool for families in Washington state and around the world," said Gov. Chris Gregoire. "This new option gives parents more information and more control over what video games their kids play and at
what age."

Nintendo's next console will usher in a new era of video gaming. It will feature a controller designed to be used with either one hand or two, a first in the video game industry. The position and motion of the controller itself
dictates the action on the television screen. A second, plug-in expansion gives hard-core gamers additional control for more in-depth game play.

Revolution will play both new game discs, as well as Nintendo GameCube(TM) discs. It also will have access to 20 years of fan-favorite games, including those from the Nintendo(R) 64, Super NES(R) and NES(R) eras.

The official website for Rise & Fall: Civilizations at War, Stainless Steel Studios latest RTS, has gone live. The website features a wealth of information including new screenshots.

Visit the site

Kick-flipping into retail stores nationwide, Activision, Inc.’s (Nasdaq: ATVI) Tony Hawk’s American SK8Land™ for the Nintendo DS™ introduces a brand new way to play a Tony Hawk game on a handheld system. Designed to take full advantage of the Nintendo DS, the game is the first third-party title to utilize the Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection allowing fans to create a community where they can skate head-to-head against other DS players online worldwide. Players can post and download high scores and statistics, as well as view replays to see amazing skate runs, combos and other tricks completed by community members. In addition, Tony Hawk’s American SK8Land includes exclusive features such as voice in-game and touch-screen capabilities.

“Tony Hawk’s American SK8Land illustrates how the brand is continuing to grow and innovate,” said Will Kassoy, vice president of global brand management, Activision, Inc. “In addition to incredible gameplay, for the first time ever, fans will be able to create and become part of a handheld wireless Tony Hawk’s American SK8Land community that spans the globe.”

Built from the ground up, Tony Hawk’s American SK8Land features a unique cell-shaded art style and challenges players to prove themselves to Tony Hawk and other legendary pros as they undertake hundreds of skating goals set in seven popular areas of Los Angeles and restore the ultimate skatepark to its former glory. Along the way, gamers can complete signature skate tricks, including bert slides and Natas spins that have been made popular by the Tony Hawk franchise. Fans will also experience Nintendo DS specific features, such as drawing with the DS stylus to customize deck art and graffiti tags, performing special moves by touching “trick slots” that appear on the bottom screen, and recording voices that replay in the game when a player bails or performs a special gap.

Tony Hawk’s American SK8Land wireless multiplayer options allow two players to go head-to-head via the local wireless gameplay feature as well as the Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection and battle through several modes, including “Trick Attack,” “Score Challenge,” “Combo Mambo,” “The Price is Wrong” and more.

Tony Hawk’s American SK8Land was developed by Vicarious Visions and is currently available at retail stores nationwide for a suggested retail price of $39.99 and has been rated “E” (Everyone – mild lyrics) by the ESRB.

The Game Boy Advance version of Tony Hawk’s American SK8Land is now available for a suggested retail price of $29.99 and has been rated “E” (Everyone) by the ESRB. For more information and to become part of the Tony Hawk’s American SK8Land community, visit www.american-SK8Land.com.

Microsoft released their launch lineup for North American and European markets:

NORTH AMERICA

It's that time of the week where we unload a huge list of game reviews. This time around we have 15 reviews!