Sleeping Dogs catapults players into the role of undercover cop Wei Shen, tasked with taking down one of the world’s most fearsome criminal organizations from the inside – the Hong Kong Triads. As players explore the bustling and crowded Hong Kong island, through its neon-lit side streets and sprawling street markets, an incredible story unfolds of loyalty and betrayal, where Wei begins to question his own motives as he is sucked in deeper than he could ever imagine.

“From the moment you pick up the controller and experience the blend of driving, close combat and shooting you know you’re playing something fresh and a bit special,” said Lee Singleton, General Manager of Square Enix London Studios. “Sleeping Dogs has one of the best melee combat systems out there – it’s super brutal with devastating takedown moves, and when added to UFG’s proven heritage in driving games, a first class story and the vibrant backdrop of the Hong Kong underworld we get a fiery recipe with fun written all over it.”

“Working on Sleeping Dogs has been such a huge passion for the team at United Front Games and we’re really pleased to be working with Square Enix London Studios,” said Stephen Van Der Mescht, Executive Producer at United Front Games. “The extensive experience both our studios have in creating compelling openworld gameplay and rich and rewarding combat makes for a perfect partnership. Working together we can make sure that Sleeping Dogs is the most intense and immersive experience it can be.”

Offering players an island packed with action, every street corner, market stall, harbour dock or city skyscraper can become an opportunity for intense shoot-outs, adrenaline-fuelled street races and intense, brutal martial arts combat. Featuring one of the most intuitive and imaginative combat systems, Sleeping Dogs empowers players to perform an extensive set of martial arts moves, singlehandedly taking on numerous opponents. Players perform bone-crunching kicks and combos, vicious counters and a cinematic set of environmental takedowns making use of countless real-world items from circular saws to phone booths, incinerators to refrigerator doors.

“Dancing has been such an important part of my life since I was a little girl,” said Britney Spears. “As soon as I saw the new Twister Dance game, I knew I wanted to be involved. I think kids will love rocking the spots and dancing to the music as much as my boys and I do. It’s a lot of fun!”

In addition to having a custom remix of her hit song featured in the game, Spears will be featured on game packaging and in dance instruction videos that will be released in Fall 2012.

The game invites kids to rock the spots by placing moveable Twister spots on the floor and then following the direction of the Twister Dance console. The Twister Dance console offers superior sound quality and bright, multi-colour LED lights that light up to show dancers on which spots they should place their feet. Arm and hand movements are up to the dancers, allowing them to show off their individual style.

Girls will also be able to move to the beat of songs featuring Ke$ha and Willow Smith, and an exclusive Twister Dance song called “Caught Up in a Twister.” Plus, players can connect any mp3 player to the console to dance to their own tunes. The built-in beat detection system turns any song into a dance routine, so players can rock the spots with new and different songs every time they play.

Twister Dance will be available in Fall 2012 for the approximate retail price of $34.99. The game is recommended for 1 to 2 players, ages 8 and up. Four AA batteries are required for the dance console. The game includes 8 moveable Twister spots (4 per player).

Also on the new web site are the winners of the #MaxPayne3 casting event. Rockstar thanks  everyone out there who participated in the casting call. The turnout for this activity surpassed their expectations with #MaxPayne3 usage spiking to the top of the worldwide Trending Topics moments after the event was first announced.

From December 16th, 2011 through January 13th, 2012 Rockstar selected ten people at random each week from those they spotted using the #MaxPayne3 hashtag on Twitter. From there, selections were contacted and asked to send in a picture for consideration. The developers then picked two people from each group, in each of the four weeks (eight people in total) to have their likeness appear as a multiplayer gang character in Max Payne 3.

Suffice it to say, it was pretty difficult settling on only 8 people… The gang looks to be a pretty rad multiplayer hit squad of internationally-assembled killers – recruited from Germany, London, NYC, Los Angeles, Brazil, Australia, Japan, with Canada being represented by Dave Wheeler, the morning drive DJ at Winnipeg’s Power 97 radio station.

The new Max Payne 3 site also features updated original artwork and a chronicle of all Max Payne 3 news, videos, downloads and information released to date. Explore it all and check back often in the weeks and months ahead for a fully-loaded barrage of new videos, screens, game details and much much more as we barrel towards Max Payne 3′s release on Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 and PC this May.

As revealed last month, players will be able to choose their side in three online competitive multiplayer modes: Biohazard, Survivor and Team Attack. In a brutal four-versus-four player team battle players choose their character with unique skills and abilities that will help make them escape the terrifying madness that’s been unleashed on the streets of Raccoon City. In an evil twist that could only be possible in the world of Resident Evil players should expect complete chaos as a third force of zombies and B.O.W.’s, adds to the mayhem.

All roads will lead to hell when Resident Evil: Operation Raccoon City launches in North America on March 20, 2012 for PS3 and Xbox 360, with the PC version to follow.

“We are absolutely thrilled with the passion and emotion the entire cast brought to their performances in Mass Effect 3,” said Casey Hudson, Executive Producer of the Mass Effect series. “In a story where Earth and the entire galaxy are at war, we needed to take the performances to a level of dramatic power and intensity that we’ve never previously attempted. This extremely talented cast delivered.”

The star-studded cast for Mass Effect 3 includes the return of Golden Globe winner Sheen (“The Departed”, “Apocalypse Now”), Seth Green (“Robot Chicken”, “Family Guy”) as Joker, Tricia Helfer (“Battlestar Galactica”) as the Normandy’s A.I., Yvonne Strahovski (“Chuck”) as Miranda, and Carrie-Anne Moss (“The Matrix”) as Aria T’Loak. Other returning fan favorites include Meer and Hale as Male and Female Shepard, Ali Hillis as Dr. Liara T’Soni, Keith David (“Platoon”) as Captain Anderson and Lance Henriksen (“Aliens”) as Admiral Steven Hackett. Prinze, Jr. (“24”) and Jessica Chobot (G4 TV), as news reporter Diana Allers, are the newcomers to the series.

“I have always loved science fiction and I have always loved games and Mass Effect is really the first time both come together successfully,” said Prinze, Jr.- “It is a completely immersive game where you really feel like you’re part of this journey inside this universe. It will make you think, you will care about the character you are playing, and you will care about the characters that you bring into battle with you.”

In Mass Effect 3, players will be thrust into an all-out galactic war to save the galaxy from an ancient alien race known only as the Reapers. Players will assume the role of Commander Shepard, a war-torn veteran who’s willing to do whatever it takes to eliminate this nearly unstoppable foe. With a team of elite, battle-hardened soldiers at your side, each player decides how they will take Earth back, from the weapons and abilities they utilize to the relationships they forge or break. Gamers can get their first taste of the galactic war when the Mass Effect 3 demo launches worldwide on February 14.

Mass Effect 3 arrives on the Xbox 360®, PlayStation®3 and PC in North America on March 6, 2012 and in Europe on March 9, 2012 and is available for pre-order now at participating retailers. Fans who pre-order (usual EA conditions apply) have the opportunity to arm themselves with cutting-edge in-game weapons and armor to prepare for the all-out galactic war.

This weekly scheduled content will include in-game Events, Challenges, Avatar Items, Dynamic Themes and Behind-the-Scenes videos, as well as bonus Mutations for PROTOTYPE2′s main campaign.  Fans who participate in all of RADNET’s weekly challenges and events will unlock the ultimate shape-shifting reward…to be revealed in March 2012.  PROTOTYPE 2′s RADNET Edition content will only be available for free while supplies last.

“Radical Entertainment has always focused on bringing long lasting fun to its fans, and PROTOTYPE 2′s RADNET content is our way of rewarding the game’s most loyal supporters — the early adopters, the one’s who will replay it over and over again,” said Ken Rosman, Studio Head, Radical Entertainment.  “We think this is great because we’re giving our fans hours of additional gameplay outside PROTOTYPE 2′s main narrative, and cool rewards — all delivered weekly following the game’s launch!”

A disclaimer from Activision in the press release material states that “Activision makes no guarantees regarding the availability of online play or features, including access to or support for RADNET provided by the applicable console manufacturer, and may modify or discontinue online service in its discretion without notice, including for example, ceasing online service for economic reasons due to a limited number of players continuing to make use of the service over time.”  However, the FAQ about RADNET on Radical’s site states that once unlocked with the code, the RADNET content is permanently available:

Q:  What happens if I don’t start playing with RADNET content until a few days or weeks after April 24^th?  Do I miss out on the previous week(s) Challenges/Rewards?

Answer:  Once you have entered the RADNET access code from the back of your game manual, RADNET content will remain permanently available to you.

 Q:  Does RADNET content become unavailable after the seven weeks ending June 7^th?

Answer:  Once unlocked, all RADNET content will be available for you to play.

I hope EB Games is aware of this code, because I was probably the first person in the country to put a pre-order on this game back in July 2010. Looks like another phone call to the store’s manager to ensure that this is added to my list of pre-order bonuses.

Q:  How do you guarantee yourself access to PROTOTYPE 2’s RADNET content? 

Answer:  RADNET access is guaranteed for any customer who pre-orders their copy of PROTOTYPE 2 prior to April 24^th 2012 at participating retailers.  Pre-ordering will guarantee you a copy of the limited launch quantity of the “RADNET Edition Content” for PROTOTYPE 2.

Q:  How do you guarantee yourself access to PROTOTYPE 2’s RADNET content? 

Answer:  RADNET access is guaranteed for any customer who pre-orders their copy of PROTOTYPE 2 prior to April 24^th 2012 at participating retailers.  Pre-ordering will guarantee you a copy of the limited launch quantity of the “RADNET Edition Content” for PROTOTYPE 2.

“PROTOTYPE 2′s Hardened Steel Vehicle Armor allows Sgt. James Heller to jump into any military vehicle and shrug off even the most devastating attacks,” said Ken Rosman, Studio Head, Radical Entertainment.  “Whether fighting off individual soldiers, helicopters, tanks, and APCs or all the above at once, this upgrade provides Heller a defensive advantage as he goes head-to-head against everything the enemy Blackwatch forces throw at him.”

The sequel to Radical Entertainment’s best-selling open-world action game of 2009, PROTOTYPE 2 takes the unsurpassed carnage of the original PROTOTYPE and continues the experience of becoming the ultimate shape-shifting weapon.  As the game’s all-new infected protagonist, Sgt. James Heller, players will cut a bloody swathe through the wastelands of post-viral New York Zero with unparalleled locomotion, building up a vast genetic arsenal of deadly, biological weapons and abilities as they hunt, kill and consume their way toward the ultimate goal — to kill…Alex…Mercer!

The Hardened Steel Upgrade is unlockable for Xbox360® and Playstation®3 systems only and will be  available for a limited time exclusively through Best Buy while supplies last. Code received at time of purchase. Exclusive until June 12, 2012.

PROTOTYPE 2 is currently in development for Xbox^® 360, PlayStation^®3 and Windows PC at Vancouver’s Radical Entertainment.  The game is rated Mature — Blood and Gore, Drug Reference, Intense Violence, Sexual Themes, Strong Language.  Content suitable for persons ages 17 and older – by the ESRB.

“We have taken a key recommendation of the federal government’s Task Force on Financial Literacy – a self-assessment tool – to heart and evolved it considerably with the creation of this engaging interactive game,” says Investor Education Fund (IEF) President Tom Hamza. “Self-assessment is an important first step to education, and it won’t happen unless we reach people with something that captures their interest and makes financial literacy appealing and relevant.” While the Task Force recommended a self-assessment tool, IEF has not only done this but has gone above and beyond the objective by creating a game that provides direct interaction with Canadians about their knowledge of financial concepts through an interactive game. It appeals to their competitive nature and comes in a package that is fun and appealing.

The Cranial Cash Clash is an extensive online and mobile game released for Apple iOS, Google Android and available on our website to help Canadians assess how much they really need to learn about money. The fun and educational “stump-em” multiple-answer questions test players’ knowledge on a wide range of financial topics in such categories or “episodes” as Debt Drama, Quest to Invest, Scam Exam, Saving for School and Investment Shopping. The game features eight “episodes” that tackle financial topics like spending, saving, investing, debt, financial fraud, financial planning, Registered Retirement Savings Plans (RRSPs) and retirement planning. Players compete to score cranial points, which IEF believes will challenge Canadians to raise their scores – and improve their financial knowledge.

The game features provide help to money-challenged players, including “brain boosters”, which are helpful hints that offer the player a guiding hand when needed. It is designed to be fun, and players can also “clash” with their friends and family and see how they rank against them and the global community. A benefit of the game is that each answer is explained and tips are bountiful.

Mr. Hamza says “Canadians have radically changed the way they accumulate debt and save, and the change isn’t good. This game is designed to help people self-assess their financial knowledge and then help them learn about these topics on the most extensive financial literacy site in Canada.”

The Cranial Cash Clash “connects the world of financial literacy with the practical application of financial knowledge in the average Canadian household,” says Hamza. “If we want to make a significant change, we have to develop a tool that is interesting on its own. Then people will use it and start to take steps to address their shortfall in knowledge or action. That’s what this game will do.”

The Cranial Cash Clash will be rolled out to coincide with RRSP and tax season, with specific promotions at several Ontario Hockey League (OHL) games.

Sign up on the Shank game web site if you want to receive updates on all things Shank.

Ironflow is excited to see the beginnings to becoming a multi-language site. They plan to first make the web-site available in Spanish and then in French. With time, they plan on adding more language options to better accommodate new customers on an international level. With a growing clientele, this new change marks a milestone for TimeOffManager’s accessibility.

TimeOffManager’s Single Sign-on access raises the bar for this online software’s user-friendly reputation. This will allow users to sign on to their account only once on their browser and be able to access their accounts without ever needing to re-enter their username or password. SSO is a mechanism where a single authorization from a particular user can permit access to all computers and systems where he has access permission.

The final advancement in accessibility will be the integration with some payroll systems, starting with Quickbooks. This will allow companies to better co-ordinate and organize time-off in association with payroll.

TimeOffManager is a fully automated SaaS that tracks and manages employee absence, leave, time-off and attendance. It is now being used by over 140 companies internationally and is being proved as a highly dependable HR tool through customer testimonials.

In Warp, gamers play as Zero, a loveable – yet lethal – little orange alien with a big score to settle. Captured and experimented on by cruel scientists, Zero must escape the Commander’s research facility by deploying powerful and deadly abilities. The choice is up to players to take bloody revenge on every human in the incarcerating facility, or hide and plan their escape for a no-kills, stealth game. With endless combinations of abilities and upgrades, Warp lets players discover the most effective ways to solve puzzles and move throughout levels and challenge rooms, perfecting their skills and topping competitive leaderboards.

“We’re very excited to have Warp kick-off Microsoft’s Xbox LIVE Arcade House Party, an event that spotlights the work of independent developers,” said Ken Schachter, Founder, Trapdoor. “Warp delivers an experience that is unique, original and allows gamers to defy the traditional rules of videogames, letting them play the game their way. We are very proud of what we’ve been able to accomplish and hope players embrace it as well.”

Warp will be available on PlayStation®Network in North America and PC on March 13, 2012 for $9.99 USD. Warp will be available in Europe on PlayStation®Network on March 14, 2012.

Tales from Space: Mutant Blobs Attack is a side-scrolling puzzle platformer about an ornery mutant blob that, after being held captive in a lab that can only be described as something out of a retro sci-fi movie from the early ’50′s, escapes into the world and sets out on a path to destroy and consume everything! A follow-up to last year’s PlayStation®Network title Tales from Space: About a Blob, Mutant Blobs Attack will contain a wide range of exciting new features and gameplay modes designed exclusively for the PlayStation®Vita handheld entertainment system.

“We are all very excited about PlayStation®Vita and to be part of the launch,” said Ryan MacLean, CEO of DrinkBox Studios. “The system’s next generation features have allowed us to really think outside of the box while developing Mutant Blobs Attack – it feels as though the technology has in some areas exceeded that of its console counterpart. We’ve had a lot of fun creating the game and we’re working hard to get it out as soon as possible!”

Tales from Space: Mutant Blobs Attack

Tales from Space: Mutant Blobs Attack will feature new levels, new powers, new PlayStation®Vita controls, new gameplay modes, new puzzle solving elements, a new (faster) blob player character, and more.

• Play as an all-consuming mutant blob as you explore (and devour) your way through more than two dozen interactive levels.
• A wide range of environments: everything from a frat house to a metropolis
• Next generation touch controls (touchscreen and rear touch pad) combined with those of a classic platformer for a fresh take on the platforming genre
• “Tilt-a-Blob” bonus levels featuring gyroscopic controls reward players’ performance and add to the replayability
• Growth throughout levels provide players with a constantly changing perspective on the in-game world
• Challenging puzzles mixed into the action and mayhem
• Competitive, collection-based leaderboards, support for special in-game achievements and Trophies

Set in a pulp fiction world, Shank 2 puts players back in control of their favorite ex-mobster hitman, Shank. Klei has evolved the combat experience with precise controls, new weapons, smarter enemies, and more advanced combo techniques, all set to the backdrop of beautiful 2D art and animation. Players can put Shank’s trusty arsenal of handguns, chainsaws, grenades, plus all-new weapons to use in order to protect those close to him.

Introducing an all-new Survival Mode, gamers can team up with a friend online or locally, working together to take down hordes of goons in an action-packed, arcade-style brawl. Featuring stunning visuals from Klei’s veteran cartoon director, Jeff Agala, Shank 2 raises the bar even higher for 2D brawlers with art and animation that won Klei multiple awards and nominations, including IGF’s Excellence in Visual Arts nomination, and the Canadian Animator of the Year award for Klei’s lead animator, Aaron Bouthillier.

Shank 2 is rated M for Mature by the ESRB.

Players will go deeper into the campaign and also get a taste of the franchise’s new co-operative multiplayer mode as they preview the epic story, adrenaline-pumping action and deep customization options that lie ahead when Mass Effect 3 launches on March 6, 2012. The Mass Effect 3 demo will be available for the Xbox 360®, PlayStation®3 and PC. Mass Effect 3 will also be one of the first pre-launch demos to support full voice recognition functionality on Kinect™ for Xbox 360.

“We are excited to be able to give gamers an expansive demo that will put them right on the front lines of this all-out galactic war,” said Casey Hudson, Executive Producer of the Mass Effect series. “The entire scale of the game is bigger than anything we’ve ever done. With its intense action, deep customization and raw emotional power, Mass Effect 3 will deliver a spectacular action RPG experience to fans of the series and newcomers alike.”

In Mass Effect 3, players will be thrust into an all-out galactic war to take Earth back and save the entire galaxy, assuming the role of Commander Shepard, a war-torn veteran who’s willing to do whatever it takes to eliminate this nearly unstoppable foe. With a team of elite, battle-hardened soldiers at your side, each player decides how they will take Earth back, from the weapons and abilities they utilize to the relationships they forge or break.

Mass Effect 3 also features a new co-operative gameplay mode that allows fans to experience the war from a different perspective. Players who want to try this new mode will be able to do so on February 17, or by qualifying for early access to the co-op portion of the demo which begins February 14. Gamers qualify for early access if they have activated their Battlefield 3™ online pass (Conditions and restrictions apply. Early access requirement and availability may differ by platform and/or region) or though other opportunities that will be announced in the near future.

Mass Effect 3 is available for pre-order now at participating retailers. Fans who pre-order have the opportunity to arm themselves with cutting-edge in-game weapons and armor to prepare for the all-out galactic war (Conditions and restrictions apply). Mass Effect 3 arrives on the Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 and PC in North America on March 6, 2012 and in Europe on March 9, 2012.

Based on incredibly precise and fluid gunplay and maintaining the series’ famed dark and cinematic approach, Max Payne 3 follows the famed former New York detective onto the streets of São Paulo, Brazil. Max Payne now works in executive protection for the wealthy Rodrigo Branco in the hopes of escaping the memories of his troubled past. When a street gang kidnaps Rodrigo’s wife, Max is pulled into a conspiracy of shadowy, warring factions threading every aspect of São Paulo society in a deadly web that threatens to engulf everyone and everything around him.

In another first for the series, Max Payne 3’s multiplayer offering brings the game’s cinematic feel, fluid gunplay and kinetic sense of movement into the realm of online multiplayer. Building on the fiction and signature gameplay elements of the Max Payne universe, Max Payne 3 features a wide range of new and traditional multiplayer modes that play on the themes of paranoia, betrayal and heroism, all delivered with the same epic visual style of the single-player game.

Inspired by the supernatural horror comic book series created by Top Cow Productions, Inc., and developed by Digital Extremes, The Darkness II tells the next chapter in the story of Jackie Estacado, head of a New York crime family and wielder of the ancient force of chaos known as the Darkness. The demo of The Darkness II places gamers into the role of Jackie as he battles his way through hordes of enemies hell-bent on claiming the power of the Darkness for themselves. With this demo, gamers will get a taste of the violent power of the demonic abilities at Jackie’s disposal as he faces off against the ancient Brotherhood in the single-player campaign.

The Darkness II is the sequel to the hit 2007 title, The Darkness, and brings a unique new combat mechanic through Quad-Wielding™, which allows players to slash, grab and throw objects and enemies with two Demon Arms while simultaneously firing two weapons. The game is layered with thematic elements of dark versus light, steeped in deep and twisted storytelling, and drenched in stylistic violence which is brought to life through the hand-painted graphic noir art style, true to its comic book origins.

The Darkness II will be available in North America for the Xbox 360®, PS3™ and Games for Windows® on February 7, 2012, and internationally on February 10, 2012.

The Darkness II is rated M for Mature by the ESRB. An Xbox LIVE, PlayStation Networkor Steam account and Internet connection are required to access demo.

“Razorbill is a foundation for a lasting love of reading, a place to share fictional crushes, challenge villainous deeds, and visit the past, present and future, taking on the real issues of the day,” said Lynne Missen, Penguin’s Publishing Director for Young Readers.

Razorbill.ca is all about creating a unique experience for book enthusiasts. With exclusive access, members will be exposed to anticipated titles before they launch, be invited to live chats with critically acclaimed authors including Joseph Boyden, Hiromi Goto, Charles de Lint and Carrie Mac but most importantly, be part of an evolving community and conversation.

As recently reported in the Los Angeles Times, “Young adult continues to be the literary world’s fastest-growing genre” with middle grade fiction also experiencing a renaissance, thanks in large measure to Harry Potter and the Twilight saga, which have ushered in an era of more adults reading young adult fiction than ever before. Further, the traditional demographic boundaries of the category have widened so extremely they are almost irrelevant.

“Young adult fiction hits a unique sweet spot,” says Missen, “offering authentic entertainment for both teens and adults, as well as the opportunity to engage on real-life issues like bullying, suicide, love and relationships and mistakes.”

The young-adult fiction category now includes some of the world’s most popular names and authors. In the past year alone, writers including John Grisham, Kathy Reichs and Harlan Coben have crossed the genre line to write critically acclaimed books for young readers. Razorbill titles include Jay Asher’s 13 Reasons Why, John Green’s The Fault in our Stars and Playground, by 50 Cent. The first Canadian title to be published by Razorbill will be Hiromi Goto’s Darkest Light , on-sale January 31^st.

“The category is extremely diverse, concludes Missen. “There is quite literally a young adult fiction book for every reader.”

Like all of her fellow M&M’S® spokescandies, Ms. Brown has her own distinct personality, which is rooted in her wisdom, high intelligence and sharp wit.  Her unmatched knowledge of milk chocolate vaulted her to the position of Chief Chocolate Officer at Mars Inc. – a position she’s excelled in for seventy years – helping make M&M’S® brand one of the most popular chocolate candies in the world.

Following the successful launch of products like M&M’S® Pretzel Chocolate Candies, as well as witnessing the admiration her fellow characters enjoy from fans around the world, Ms. Brown decided now was the time to come out from behind-the-scenes and remind the world that M&M’S® candies are absolutely irresistible.

“We are extremely excited to be introducing Ms. Brown to Canada,” says Chantal Templeton, Brand Director, M&M’S®, Mars Canada Inc. “Her experience and knowledge of M&M’S® milk chocolate candies is unparalleled and Canadians will have the chance to enjoy her as much as we do once she is revealed to the Great White North.”

Canadian fans will have the unique opportunity to watch Ms. Brown be revealed for the first time during live events streamed on Facebook. The makers of M&M’S® will unveil her first-ever images during special events being held at The Grove in Los Angeles, as well as M&M’S® World in New York City on Monday, January 30, 2012, at 3:00 p.m. ET.

Following the live reveal event, Ms. Brown plans to stay in the national spotlight and will kick things off when she is featured in an exciting new television ad that showcases her character. Canadians will be given an exclusive sneak peak of this ad on the M&M’s Facebook page and will see it when it officially hits airwaves on February 6. Throughout 2012, Ms. Brown will continue to make appearances in a series of television, print and digital ads, in-store displays, promotions, as well as on Facebook and Twitter.

Compete against friends and global leaderboards, or enjoy a more casual experience as you unlock new areas and powerups. With the proper attention, no critter will ever go hungry again!

The all-new digital comic series will be broken into three original stories that bridge the gap between the original blockbuster game and the highly anticipated sequel, PROTOTYPE 2.  The first entry, “The Anchor,” illustrated by Paco Diaz, continues the story of Alex Mercer, the protagonist from the first game, while the second story, “The Survivors,” illustrated by Chris Staggs, follows a small group of residents of New York trying to escape the city after it has been transformed into NYZ with the outbreak of the Blacklight virus.  The third and final story, illustrated by Victor Drujiniu, is “The Labyrinth” and provides fans a deeper look into the backstory of PROTOTYPE 2′s new protagonist, Sgt. James Heller.  Each comic in the series will be available at Digital.Darkhorse.com every other week beginning February 15, 2012.

“We’re always looking for meaningful ways to expand the PROTOTYPE universe, and Dark Horse Comics is an industry-leading creative powerhouse delivering best-in-class graphic storytelling that integrates deeply to the core of our IP,” said Ken Rosman, Studio Head, Radical Entertainment.  “With this partnership, our fans will finally be given answers to some dramatic loose ends from the first PROTOTYPE game, as well as the truth behind Alex Mercer’s descent and evolution into a twisted shadow of his former self for PROTOTYPE 2.”

“Sgt. James Heller’s heart wrenching backstory meshed with the sheer amount of over-the-top shape-shifting action in PROTOTYPE 2 lend themselves perfectly to a comic book series,” said Dave Marshall, Editor, Dark Horse Comics.  ”We worked extremely close with Radical Entertainment’s story team for PROTOTYPE 2, and can’t wait to visually walk fans through the many dark secrets strewn throughout the tattered world of New York Zero!”

The sequel to Radical Entertainment’s best-selling open-world action game of 2009, PROTOTYPE 2 takes the unsurpassed carnage of the original PROTOTYPE and continues the experience of becoming the ultimate shape-shifting weapon.  As the game’s all-new infected protagonist, Sgt. James Heller, players will cut a bloody swathe through the wastelands of post-viral New York Zero with unparalleled locomotion, building up a vast genetic arsenal of deadly, biological weapons and abilities as they hunt, kill and consume their way toward the ultimate goal — to kill… Alex… Mercer!

“‘Manon of the Frozen North’ stands out of our other readable offerings, which are mainly comic books,” says Christian Viel, president of Movie Seals Digital, Publisher of the book and producer of the popular superheroes web series. “Delving deeper into the mind of the young girl that would become Nordik within the context of a dangerous and unsuspecting environment has been an absolute passion of mine – having lived in Labrador City myself in my childhood, I could definitely relate to Manon – and we felt that the diaries format was the best way to gain the intimacy, the ‘window into the soul’ we wanted in order to express properly the complex feelings of a tormented teenager growing up in an hostile environment.”

“Manon of the Frozen North” will be available in both trade paperback and digital download from the Official Heroes of the North website, as well as amazon.ca.

In Team Deathmatch, battle for the most kills in brutal triple threat chaos that leaves players never knowing what’s behind them, an element that could only exist in the twisted Resident Evil universe. Ensure that samples of the G-virus are returned safely to their base in Biohazard mode while fighting off all the competing forces at play in Raccoon City. Try to survive the horror just a little bit longer while waiting for rescue in Survivors mode. There’s limited space on board a helicopter so fight off the opposition and survive the hordes of hungry zombies, risking infection if they get too close. Try to make it out of Raccoon City alive!

Of course there’s also the previously announced Heroes Mode which allows fans to play as one of their favorite Resident Evil characters, including Leon S. Kennedy, Hunk or Jill Valentine. Resident Evil: Operation Raccoon City will be available for PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 on March 20 in North America.

Assault Rifle:  Arc’s Ol’ Faithful! The Assault rifle is standard issue rapid-fire fully automatic that releases a fury of high velocity rounds. The rifle does not sustain damage, and it boasts an unlimited supply of ammunition. Like a trusted friend, it is always there to back you up!

The Reaper:  The reaper, aka ‘Johnny Quick Death’ is a plasma propelled rocket launcher with optional upgradable seeking ammunitions. Once upgraded, the reaper can be used to deploy multiple simultaneous rockets for maximum devastation. Pull the trigger and forget about it!

The Decimator HD:  HD is for Heavy Damage. The decimator is a very tactile, high explosive grenade launcher that can be of real service when you’re in a tight spot, under enemy fire, or up against heavily armored enemies. Short ranged, but extremely powerful, the Decimator delivers the highest amount of impact damage within Arc’s weapons arsenal.

The Crippler:  Apply named for its ability to quickly debilitate an onslaught of enemies, the Crippler is a devastating spread-fire shotgun that packs a real punch. On the move or in a standoff against multiple attackers, the Crippler can dispatch enemies quickly and efficiently.

The XF Combustor:  An intense heat flamethrower, the XF Combustor boasts considerable stopping power against organic enemies and offers supreme protection from airborne attackers! With upgradable range and incineration power, the XF levels the playing field against the most menacing of adversaries!

Storm Cannon:  The weapon of the times! The Storm Cannon is an advanced lightening chain-gun capable of simultaneously targeting several enemies with a single pull of the trigger. Complete with an automatic target lock, the Storm Cannon identifies and electrifies all enemies within range of conduction!

Ion Torch:  Producing a focused blast of charged ION’s, the Ion Torch halts the hardest of enemies and rapidly cuts them down to size. Although the torch is limited in range, it is equally effective on both Organic, Robotic, and Hybrid enemy types.

Available on January 17, 2012, for the Xbox 360®, PlayStation®3 and PC, the Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning demo will give players a taste of the rich, diverse, action-packed world of Amalur, and will also unlock special items in the final game. There was no date given in the news release for the Mass Effect 3 demo availability.

“We are thrilled to have the opportunity to deliver this massive one-two punch with Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning and Mass Effect 3. We wanted to provide fans of the Mass Effect franchise with a unique set of rewards for diving into the expansive universe of Reckoning,” said Curt Schilling, Chairman and Founder of 38 Studios.

“We are excited to be collaborating with 38 Studios to bring pieces inspired by the Mass Effect universe into the world of Reckoning and to have items designed by Todd McFarlane in Mass Effect 3,” said Dr. Ray Muzyka, General Manager of EA’s BioWare Label and Co-Founder of BioWare. “This is an awesome way to reward our fans with unique content that not only looks cool, but also delivers some great in-game benefits.”

By playing the Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning demo, gamers will receive two unlocks for Mass Effect 3 when the highly anticipated game releases on March 6, 2012, both designed by the renowned creator of Spawn, Todd McFarlane:

• Reckoner Knight Armor: This armor will maximize damage done in close-quarters combat while a beefed–up power cell feeds energy into weapon systems to increase projectile velocity.
• The Chakram Launcher: This weapon uses a fabricator to manufacture lightweight, explosive ammunition discs. This weapon is earned after completing the Reckoning demo and watching the trailer at the end.

By playing the upcoming Mass Effect 3 demo, fans will unlock the following items for Reckoning when the game launches on February 7, inspired by Mass Effect:

• N7 Armor: Players can unlock special armor inspired by Commander Shepard’s iconic N7 battle armor including Helm, Cuirass, Gauntlets, Chausses and Greaves.
• Onmiblade Daggers: A holographic blade stemming from Commander Shepard’s Omni-Tool, the Omni-blade allows players to stab enemies in close combat. Once players install and play the Mass Effect 3 demo, they will unlock the daggers.

The Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning demo features the introduction to the game, allowing players to experience the game’s Tutorial Mode and a portion of its large, open world. Players will create and customize their hero and drop right into the action. Once players master the basics, they will have 45 minutes to explore the vast world of Amalur and begin to embark upon a quest that could redefine their character’s destiny forever.

In addition to the Mass Effect items above, players who play the Reckoning demo will also unlock:

• Twist of Fate Card: This card boosts the player’s ice resistance and is immediately unlocked when he or she activates the Reckoning demo using his or her Origin account.
• Twinned Souls Chakram: A unique weapon that damages enemies while boosting player health and mana in Reckoning.
• The Infernal Helm: Unlocked after completing the Reckoning Tutorial Mode, this protective helmet increases players’ fire damage throughout Amalur.

Set in an entirely new universe crafted by New York Times best-selling author R. A. Salvatore, Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning is brought to life visually through the trademark visceral style of renowned artist and Spawn creator Todd McFarlane. With a sprawling explorable world and deep RPG gameplay at its core, Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning adds a new level of intense action combat to the genre and a one-of-a-kind advancement system as players unfold and evolve their destiny through constant character customization. Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning is being developed under the creative leadership of Ken Rolston, lead designer of the critically acclaimed open-world RPGs Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind and Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion.

Through these six exclusive images, follow the two playable characters in their quests leading them to the heart of mythical locations from Westeros. The fate of Mors, sworn brother of the Night’s Watch, will lead him from the Wall to King’s Landing, through the hostile lands of the Gift. Alester, the red priest, will face troubles during his journey from Riverspring in Lannister territory, to Red Keep in the capital. Their epic quest will be guided by revenge, loyalty, honor, and family, along a twisting plot filled with betrayal and violence.

Like the novels, the stories of our two heroes are told in alternation, each character getting the main role in his chapter to deliver an exciting and original story…until their paths first cross at the corner of a common quest.

The Mediterranean Traveler Map Pack will be available for download on January 24th for 800 Microsoft Points on Xbox LIVE^® or $9.99 on PlayStation^®Network and Windows PC.

Featuring a 10-appisode live-action music comedy series, an original soundtrack and a suite of interactive activities designed to fully immerse kids in the action, Totally Amp’d will launch worldwide via the Apple App Store on Thursday, January 26^th and is published by XMG Studio. The first appisode and related activities of Totally Amp’d will be available for free download, and the remaining content can be unlocked for a one-time fee of $4.99 (U.S./Canada).

“Totally Amp’d is the first App of its kind for the underserved tween mobile entertainment market – we see this as a brand new category,” said Daniel Dales, CEO and Executive Producer, Smokebomb Entertainment. “Focusing on an aspirational story and very real characters that kids will fall in love with, Totally Amp’d offers hours of interactive entertainment that will put viewers in the middle of the action, delivering a creative and emotionally immersive experience.”

“Looking at the habits of today’s teens and tweens, always on their phones texting, messaging and emailing on the subway or the bus, the decision to work on Totally Amp’d was a no-brainer,” said Ray Sharma, founder and CEO of XMG Studio. “There’s huge potential in the ‘appisode’ space – no one wants to watch half of a made-for-television episode on their phone when commuting.”

Featuring 10 six to nine-minute “appisodes,” Totally Amp’d tells the story of five teenagers with raw talent who come together in the hopes of becoming the next big pop group. When XMP! Music announces a contest for an up-and-coming band to win a spot opening for pop sensation Charlie Fever, the label’s savvy receptionist-turned-manager, Zoe (Ashley Leggat), taps a group of teens to form the band Totally Amp’d in order to bring home the prize – and show up her arrogant boss, Archie. Through the course of the series, Zoe and her handpicked crew navigate the rocky – and hilarious – road to fame while trying to make their dreams come true. The dynamic young cast also includes Cristine Prosperi and Demetrius Joyette (Wingin’ It) as members of the aspiring band.

With each Totally Amp’d appisode, interactive content is unlocked that turns iOS devices into sophisticated Music, Movie and Design studios. Creating posters and album covers, customizing the band’s look, directing music videos, remixing and uploading their own vocals to the original songs, and much more, kids will have endless hours of artistic activity at their fingertips as they create their own custom content within the Totally Amp’d narrative.

Totally Amp’d is executive produced by Christina Jennings, Scott Garvie and Shane Kinnear; produced by Daniel Dales, Jarrett Sherman and Jay Bennett; and published by XMG Studio. The live-action series is directed by Benjamin Weinstein (Life with Derek, Baxter) and written by Karen McClellan (Being Erica). All original music performed by the cast was written and composed by award-winning composer Jared Gutstadt, CEO and co-founder of Jingle Punks (The Voice).

Totally Amp’d has been funded with the participation of the Canada Media Fund’s Experimental Stream and the OMDC’s Ontario Interactive Digital Media Tax Credit.

Featuring no less than 10 unique and massive bosses (one for each level!), 7 powerful weapons, a full set of marine upgrades, 3 separate gameplay modes including Boss Rush & Survival Mode, 30+ Game Centre Achievements, and over 100+ in game challenges through 4 unique worlds, ‘Star Marine: Infinite Ammo’ is locked and loaded full of features. As GlitchSoft’s latest and most exciting entry, Star Marine: Infinite Ammo is the first to solve Run n’ Gun for iOS touch controls!

While your fingers are your ultimate weapons in this feud, you will also be able to use barriers and repellants to slow down the ants as well as employing your friendly food vendor and aardvark to help you out when you’re in a bind.

The game, which the studio has classified as a Casual Ant Squisher, will be in development for the next few months, with an exact release date to be announced soon. Ants At A Picnic will initially be available on iOS as a universal app for iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad, as well as on GameTree TV.

Which secret society do you belong with? Find out by taking the initiation test! For the developer Q&A that will be held on Facebook on January 15^th, gamers everywhere can already start submitting their questions today via the ‘Questions & Answers’ app on the page.

The Illuminati are invisible puppet-masters and corporate manipulators, and they crave power and wealth by any means necessary. They may have ancient roots, but they remain forever young and hungry. The Illuminati’s golden agents enjoy power, money and glamour – but the real power they offer you goes beyond that: Information worked from every civilian, government and clandestine organization in the world.

“Butt Kicker is a fun twist on Heller’s already over-the-top new Bio-Bomb ability,” said Ken Rosman, Studio Head, Radical Entertainment.  “Rather than just throwing enemies once Heller has infected them with the Blacklight virus; Butt Kicker allows Heller to drop-kick punt them across the map, turning enemies into projectiles that rain down devastation from above.”

The Bio-Bomb Butt Kicker is unlockable for Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 systems only and is  available exclusively through Gamestop – exclusive until June 12, 2012.  Code received at time of purchase while supplies last, for a limited time only. I’ve had this game on pre-order since July 7th 2011, guess I had better make a trek into Langley and make sure that there’s a big note on the board so that I get my pre-order code when they arrive at the store.

The sequel to Radical Entertainment’s best-selling open-world action game of 2009, PROTOTYPE 2 takes the unsurpassed carnage of the original PROTOTYPE and continues the experience of becoming the ultimate shape-shifting weapon.  As the game’s all-new infected protagonist, Sgt. James Heller, players will cut a bloody swathe through the wastelands of post-viral New York Zero with unparalleled locomotion, building up a vast genetic arsenal of deadly, biological weapons and abilities as they hunt, kill and consume their way toward the ultimate goal — to kill…Alex…Mercer!

Star Marine: Infinite Ammo is a side-scroller that is inspired by, and features comparable gameplay, to popular titles like Contra, Rapid Reload, and Metal Slug. The game is completely original and designed from the ground up for iOS, and features a familiar dual stick control schematic with a single button to activate Arc’s propulsion pack. The controls are extremely responsive and allow Arc to run, dash, jump, hover, hang, climb, and prone while delivering a continuous rain of bullets upon his enemies!

As a studio, GlitchSoft has always aimed to develop games that push the boundaries of mobile gaming and fill the commonly overlooked micro niches of the App Store. Bar Star™ was the first casual time management game to feature dual protagonists, and a scrolling playable area for more drink serving mayhem. Similarly, Destructopus™ features a screen spanning gigantic monster and allows players to rampage on behalf the planet. In keeping with the studio’s tradition, Star Marine: Infinite Ammo will take iOS gaming to a whole new level.

The new web site will guide visitors through the key locations featured in the upcoming RPG.  Guests can explore and discover key characters and events that will shape their journey, as well as learn about unique game features and more.  Visitors can also choose to take on mini-quests to receive web-exclusive content.  The website is a must-visit for series fans and gamers eager to experience the upcoming RPG, and will reward repeat visitors as it opens new location-based sections over time.

“The all-star adidas team will be a must-have for street football fans wanting to play with the most stylish and skilled team in the game,” said Sid Misra, Lead Producer on FIFA Street. “Along with the iconic environment inspired by Plaça de Catalunya, our fans will enjoy the added flavor and depth that this special pre-order offer delivers.”

EA Sports recently signed Messi to a multi-year endorsement contract that will see Messi make his debut on the cover of FIFA Street, be featured in marketing and advertising campaigns, and utilized in social media activities around the world.

• Clint Mansell, Golden Globe nominatedHollywood composer recognized for scoring celebrated films including Black Swan, The Wrestler and Requiem for a Dream.
• Christopher Lennertz, Emmy nominated Hollywood composer known for his work on the recent movie Horrible Bosses, also composed Mass Effect 2: Overlord, Mass Effect 2: Lair of the Shadow Broker, and won the Interactive Academy Award for Medal of Honor.
• Cris Velasco, known for composing the God of War series’ score, has also worked on downloadable content Mass Effect 2: Kasumi and Mass Effect 2: Arrival.
• Sam Hulick, veteran to the Mass Effect series having composed the score for Mass Effect, Mass Effect: Bring Down the Sky and Mass Effect 2.
• Sascha Dikiciyan, video game industry veteran, known for composing the score for TRON: Evolution and the scores of Mass Effect 2: Kasumi and Mass Effect 2: Arrival.

“The magic of BioWare games has always been the emotional power of the story, so music is extremely important to the experience,” said Casey Hudson, Executive Producer of the Mass Effect series. “With Mass Effect 3, we’re taking players on a more personal journey, even though the scope is bigger than ever – an all-out galactic war!  Each composer has played an intricate role in delivering the combination of epic scope and delicate emotion that will make Mass Effect 3 the best game in the series.”

The Mass Effect franchise is set in a science fiction universe blending world-class shooter combat with interactive and cinematic storytelling and space exploration. It is one of the most highly decorated series in the history of games, having earned over 200 international awards including the 2011 AIAS Interactive Achievement Award for Game of the Year for Mass Effect 2. Mass Effect 3 enhances all elements of gameplay from its critically acclaimed predecessors and tells the epic story of Commander Shepard and his journey to unite the galaxy against an unstoppable force destroying life as we know it.

Catch the Princess will be released for iPhone and iPod Touch – alongside Catch the Princess HD for iPad – tomorrow, December 21st.

Catch the Princess includes:

- Over 60+ Levels of physics-based princess rescue (and more on the way)
- Hours of gameplay with no loading time
- Beautiful Retina HD graphics
- Over 200 Crystals to collect
- The Advanced Princess-In-Cage-Of-Weeping-Death Physics Engine
- A host of GameCenter Achievements to brag about
- Haunting audio by the renowned Steve Sim, former sound director at BioWare

Denison originally had the idea of publishing the story as a book but soon wondered if the online world wasn’t the better way to go. This led Denison to hire Forsefield to design a powerful online world for his fictional characters to inhabit, with downloadable apps, video games, and personalized content that reaches out to the new generation of readers.

There isn’t a contemporary idea that isn’t open for discussion, and every day the team comes up with new and interesting ways to bring the book’s story and characters to the public. For a great example see Occam’s Lazer, a free game available from itunes featuring characters from the book. The game, which is compatible with iPhone, iPod touch and iPad devices running iOS 4.2 or later, is rated 9+ for:

• Infrequent/Mild Horror/Fear Themes
• Infrequent/Mild Cartoon or Fantasy Violence

This striving for innovation led Denison to one of the project’s most innovative aspects. Denison has put out an open call for artists to sign-up to the site (it’s free) and upload their illustrations of his story for possible inclusion in the final published title. It is a worldwide invitation using the unique technology and crowdsourcing philosophy of the Internet in order to expand his book beyond the text.

And contributions are not limited to illustrations either. Denison stresses that artists are encouraged to upload their music, videos, games, etc., just as long as they contribute to the growing Occam’s Razor universe. Anything, really, that adds to the story will be welcome. He is also looking for budding audio book readers to record their readings of the book to be released as an Occam’s Razor audio book.

Artists can read the chapters 5 days in advance of their release to the public. It is a short deadline, but the whole experience is meant to be fun, exciting and creative for everyone involved.

And as there are a whopping 120 chapters in total the Open Call and project will be spread over 4 months, each day featuring more and more content for participants and readers to view. The site will also function as a sort of hub where those working on the book can exchange ideas and illustrations.

Denison hopes to get at least 10 pieces of artwork for every chapter. After all is said and done he will pick the best art and print a hard copy. Eventually the book will also be available as an ebook and through Print on demand. Denison also sees this part of the project as an opportunity for innovation. With so much material coming in, and so many folks involved, there is room for customization and personalization that is not possible with traditional publishing.

Plans are afoot to find a way for customers to customize each purchase. Buyers will be able to choose which of the illustrations they would like illustrating the text of their book. Contributing artists can also make a book featuring their art alone, sort of a calling card advertising their abilities as illustrators.

EA Sports FIFA Football on PS Vita delivers the first true next generation football experience in the palm of your hands. Enjoy the award-winning FIFA console gameplay, HD graphics, and the largest feature set ever created by EA Sports for a handheld device. The same physics-based, data driven technology that powers FIFA gameplay on PlayStation3 drives FIFA Football on the Vita across eight different game modes, including:

• Authentic 11 versus 11 – Compete with over 500 officially licensed clubs in 11 v 11 matches in authentic stadiums from around the world
• Be A Pro – Create yourself in game and become the next football legend. Build your reputation, and develop your skills to ultimately compete for your favourite club and national side
• Tournament Mode – Compete in over 50 real-world tournaments from around the world. Play with/against friends in leagues ranging from the Barclays Premiership to the Bundesliga
• Full in-depth Career Mode – Play or manage your way to glory through an authentic experience that mimics the real-world game. Begin as a real player or created player and evolve into a player-manager and manager-or just begin at the top-and enjoy a 15-season career. Enjoy authentic tournament structures and results, a Calendar system featuring simultaneous simulations that accelerate game flow, Team Management system for player comparisons, and Friends Leaderboards to compare stats and earnings.
• Head-to-Head Online – Play head-to-head online against a friend in authentic 11 v 11 matches
• Training Mode – Master Touch Screen controls, perfect set pieces and practice moves before playing games
• Be A Goalkeeper – Experience the thrill of the one-on-one battle, diving to make a save from a free kick, punching balls safely out of danger, and the pressure of keeping a clean sheet. Learn the position, track stats, complete achievements and test yourself against the best players in the virtual world
• 360° Fight For Possession – True freedom in man-to-man interactions, transforming physical play from individual lateral jostling to full 360° collisions involving multiple players

Innovations that utilize front and back multitouch screens create an intelligent and unique gameplay experience. Touch Screen Shooting delivers pin-point accuracy and removes the element of “hit and hope” from shooting, Touch Screen Passing opens up the field of play for more creative, precision passing, and Touch Screen Free Kick Control enables players to swipe a finger to aim and curl the shot around the wall. Plus, compete with over 500 officially licensed clubs in 11 v 11 matches in authentic stadiums from around the world.

Key Features

• Award-winning FIFA gameplay – Experience the same authentic, responsive and intelligent gameplay as the console game
• HD Graphics – Stunning player models, graphics and animations in High Definition
• Touch Screen Shooting - Enjoy complete control over shooting—the most rewarding part of football—by removing the element of “hit and hope.” Pick a spot precisely from the back touch screen and then finesse a shot with pin-point accuracy
• Touch Screen Passing – A more intelligent and creative way to play and distribute the ball. Make decisive passes with precision and ease utilizing the front touch screen
• Touch Screen Free Kick Control - Enjoy creative new ways to take free kicks and score utilizing optional touch screen controls on set pieces. Swipe your finger to aim and curl a shot around the wall for the match-winning goal that lifts your club to victory
• Touch Screen Defending - Take control of a specific defender simply by tapping on the player using the front touch screen, taking all the guess work out of auto switching

Interwoven into key points of Jackie’s single-player narrative, Vendettas expands the universe of  The Darkness II by branching off into unique, parallel missions, while connecting thematically to the core single-player story arc. Four players can collectively immerse themselves in the lore of  The Darkness II, and explore a variety of environments not found in the main story. Adding to the destruction and mayhem, Vendettas will also feature a new Hit List mode, which allows players to repeat their favorite campaign moments or wreak havoc in brand new scenarios.

Vendettas will also offer varied, intuitive combat with multidimensional scenarios for the four characters. Each individual possesses unique combat styles that will help shoot, smash and disembowel enemies in the most brutal and diverse ways. Designed to pick-up-and-play, gamers have their choice among the following wielders of dark power:

• Inugami: Wielding the mythical Kusanagi samurai sword rumored to have killed ten thousand innocents, Inugami is a dark and mentally unstable character with revenge-driven motives against The Brotherhood and their allies for the slaughter of his entire family. He can also use a swarm of miniature demons to attack and immobilize his enemies.
• Shoshanna: Shoshanna is an ultra-efficient agent for Mossad, the Israeli Intelligence Agency, who was sent to New York to combat a spike in Brotherhood activity. Her obedience and devotion to her superiors makes her a perfect operative, and she harbors a passion for hunting and destroying evil in the world as part of her legacy. Shoshanna wields the Arm of the Night, a powerful weapon fueled with Dark essence and the power to fire multiple rounds of gunfire at one time.
• Jimmy Wilson: A product of inner-city Glasgow, Scotland, and a notorious alcoholic, Jimmy believes The Brotherhood is simply another form of the Hated English that persecuted his family in the past, and he travels to New York to torment them to the fullest extent. He wields the Dark Axe, and has the ability to summon Darklings that he commonly refers to as “Little Jimmys”.
• J.P. DuMond: A former doctor from New Orleans, DuMond is burdened with guilt for using a form of Louisiana Voodoo to heal his patients. The use of dark magic drew the attention of The Brotherhood, an organization which J.P. is now forced to combat in order to halt their pursuit of evil relics. J.P. wields the Midnight Stick and can pull enemies into an anatomy-crushing vortex when he tosses his Box of Tricks – a black metal box filled with dark power – into an open area.

The Darkness II  is the sequel to the million unit-selling 2007 title,  The Darkness, and brings a unique new combat mechanic through Quad-Wielding^TM, which will allow players to slash, grab, and throw objects and enemies with two Demon Arms while simultaneously firing two weapons. The game is layered with thematic elements of dark versus light, steeped in deep and twisted storytelling, and maintains the stylistic violence visualized through a hand-painted graphic noir technique, true to its comic book origins.

The Darkness II  will be available for the Xbox 360^®, PlayStation^®3 and Windows PC on February 7, 2012 in North America and February 10, 2012 internationally. The Darkness II  is rated M for Mature by the ESRB.

Heller uncovers who these targets are by accessing Black.Net – Blackwatch/Gentek’s top-secret encrypted data network used to share information in the field – via disguising himself as a Blackwatch soldier or Gentek scientist and hacking into their mobile satellite trucks stationed throughout New York Zero (NYZ).

As Heller searches through Black.Net, he uncovers case files regarding specific operations that Blackwatch/Gentek are working on throughout the city.  Once Heller hunts down and consumes all the targets in a specific case file, he destroys and shuts down that particular operation.

Players are rewarded for shutting down these Blackwatch/Gentek operations with something else new to PROTOYTPE 2 called Mutations – specific upgrades allowing them to customise Heller’s powers and abilities to their liking.

Heller ‘hunts’ down his targets by sending a pulse out into the game’s New York Zero open-world setting – think of this like a submarine sonar pulse.  The pulse goes out into the environment, and once the pulse hits the target, it bounces back allowing Heller to hone in on the subject – typically leading to a gruesome ending for the target that PROTOTYPE fans are sure to enjoy.

Ho Ho Hospital is a quick-to-play distraction that is replayable, although the objects are the same on every play-through.

Spongelab is also inviting visitors to send a Spongelab gift to others. The gift includes access to the studio’s free educational and interactive science website along with 1100 credits and 500 XP that can be redeemed for premium games and tools. Check out all of the new and interesting features and games that the Spongelab community is planning for 2012 in their latest newsletter.

In Heroes Mode players will be able to compete in four vs. four multiplayer with classic Resident Evil characters including Leon. S Kennedy, Jill Valentine, Hunk and Ada Wong. Players will assume the role of either the good or bad guys and compete against each other in a battle for survival. But it’s not that simple. Adding a twist to the traditional TPS gameplay, players will not only need to defeat the opposing team but also zombies and B.O.W’s delivering a compelling triple threat battle.

Key Game Features

• Team based shooter set in the dark and sinister Resident Evil universe
• Triple threat battle as zombies and B.O.W’s add to the action
  • Return of favorite RE enemies, including Hunters, Tyrants and the Nemesis
  • Risk infection from the hordes of zombies, zombie dogs and lickers. Fight to survive with anti-viral sprays, your character’s special skills or help from field scientist Bertha before your character’s condition worsens, turning you into a violent zombie who will attack your own team members
• Compete with up to three friends as an Umbrella Security Service squad member in Campaign mode

• Choose from six U.S.S characters, each with their own unique skill set and roles.
• Features iconic landmarks and RE classic characters, such as Leon S. Kennedy and Hunk.
• Rewrite the history of the Raccoon City outbreak. Destroy all evidence of Umbrella’s involvement at the City Hall and discover UBCS operative Nicholai Ginovaef’s true intentions
• Explore Raccoon City, collecting evidence and intel to report back to Umbrella command

Making MicroVolts merry and bright, the upcoming Holiday Special Update will gift players with a variety of cool new holiday items including new Holiday Costume Bundles for Naomi and C.H.I.P that will have players rockin’ around the battlefield.  In addition to the Santa-size sack full of holiday accessories and weapons, MicroVolts is also hosting a 12 Days of Christmas event and a Deck the Walls wallpaper contest!  This seasonal contest will give players a glimpse at some of the all-new content coming up in the next update!

“The Holiday season is a time for fun and giving and we wanted to share that spirit with our loyal community,” said Howard He, President and CEO of Rock Hippo Productions.  “We invite new recruits and current MicroVolters alike to come check out all of the holiday fun starting this Friday!”

Coming in 2012 to MicroVolts is the exaVolt Tournament System, sponsored by The MicroVolts Team and spear-headed by MicroVolt community leader [MOD]Bacon and his team. The exaVolt Tournament will be a series of tournaments held every Saturday, featuring exclusive prizes for winners and clan rankings that will intensify the clan war system in MicroVolts. Here’s a sneak preview:

Setting the stage for the newest edition in the popular franchise, the trailer exemplifies the terrorist threat that not only poses a danger to Team Rainbow, but also to the nation. Tom Clancy’s Rainbow 6 Patriots is due for release on the Xbox 360®, PlayStation®3 and Windows PC in 2013.

Terrorism has evolved and America is under attack. Capitalizing on the sense of frustration in a nation seemingly corrupted by greedy politicians and corporate special interests, a group of US citizens-turned-radicals, the “True Patriots,” will stop at nothing to overthrow the government and financial institutions. As a leader of the elite Rainbow counter-terrorism unit, players will be the last line of defense tasked with saving the nation no matter the cost.

Tom Clancy’s Rainbow 6 Patriots revolves around an unprecedented narrative that captures the reality of modern-day terrorism and allows players to experience it from multiple perspectives. In addition to the immersive single-player storyline, the game will introduce a huge variety of new innovative co-op and multiplayer experiences that add a new dimension to squad tactics. Players will be rewarded for working as a team and mastering the game’s new features that enhance communication and strategic execution between teammates.

FlatOut 3: Chaos & Destruction is the sequel to IGN’s 2006 racing game of the year FlatOut 2. In the tradition of the franchise FlatOut 3: Chaos & Destruction will include the ever-popular Rag doll party games while at the same time introducing innovative game modes.

“FlatOut 3: Chaos & Destruction will provide the millions of fans of the franchise wide ranging game modes, extensive content, new vehicles and much more. We have more than doubled the amount of game play hours from previous installments and for the first time offer a fully integrated motion controller powered by Sixense which will complement SteamWorks. The game has received enthusiastic feedback from the FlatOut fanbase who were extremely involved in its development.  We are confident that this sequel will surpass the already high expectations of our loyal fans,” commented Strategy First Director Emanuel Wall.

FlatOut 3: Chaos & Destruction is a Steamworks title that offers over 30 steam achievements featured through out all 9 different game modes.  Some achievements involve maximum scores, fastest times, fastest speeds, and win/loss record to name a few.

FEATURES:

• Physics Engine capable of delivering over 20,000 fully destructible objects on every track
• 47 vehicles with everything from muscle cars, monster trucks, tanks, bulldozers and more
• 9 game modes plus challenge mode that incorporates all game modes into one with 50 events
• 10 racing environments with 62 different race tracks
• 3 stunt mode environments with 12 stunt tracks
• 9 Destruction Derby Battle environments
• All new Monster Truck, Nightshift, Off Road, and Speed modes
• 8 multiplayer modes with support for up to 16 players
• Force Feedback support for racing wheels
• Larger Destruction Derbies with 24 players
• Complete Chaos in Off-Road Mode
• Complete Destruction in All new Monster Truck Mode
• Head to Head in nightmarish, thunderous, rainy, fog weather in Night Shift Mode

FlatOut 3: Chaos & Destruction is available for $29.99 upon launch. Pre-Order is available with a 10% incentive. Also available is the FlatOut Complete Package which will feature FlatOut, FlatOut 2, FlatOut Ultimate Carnage and the all new FlatOut 3: Chaos & Destruction for only $39.99.   Pre-Order is available with a 10% incentive.

All offers are available at http://store.steampowered.com/app/201510

Players can customize their characters with a variety of weapons and armor choices, as well as headgear, boots and gloves. As in many role-playing games, players can then gain experience and upgrade their characters. Players can watch their enemies, learn their tactics and unleash real-time counterattacks.

The vast open world of Xenoblade Chronicles is ripe for exploration. Players can avert their focus from the main story and venture out looking for other challenges and side quests. Hidden areas and unique monsters are scattered throughout the game’s massive world, which players can explore freely.

Xenoblade Chronicles has already launched in Japan and Europe, and has received unanimously positive reviews, including several perfect scores.

Created as an epilogue story occurring entirely after the events of the movie, the game features the return of free-roaming web-slinging all over the city and evolutionary improvements to navigation and combat, as the newly anointed Spider-Man is plunged into an all-new storyline charged with protecting Manhattan from a variety of criminals.

The Amazing Spider-Man is in development at veteran game studio Beenox, and features an original narrative crafted by Hollywood writer Seamus Kevin Fahey (episodes of Spartacus: Gods of the Arena and the re-imagined Battlestar Galactica) that continues young Peter Parker’s adventures following the events of the new film.  Using the game’s new Web Rush mechanic allows players to pull off a vast array of moves never before possible.  With a story that takes players through many areas all over (and under) Manhattan, fans will feel what it’s truly like to be a Super Hero, as they experience the cinematic adrenaline rush of web-swinging through the city and fighting crime using Spider-Man’s spectacular acrobatic moves and attacks.

Fans can check out the World Premiere Exclusive Trailer for The Amazing Spider-Man video game during Spike TV’s Video Game Awards, airing live on Saturday, December 10 at 8:00 PM ET / 5:00 PM PT.