Consumer Electronics Daily News

King.com Launches Facebook Game Pyramid Solitaire Saga

King.com, the leading casual social games company, today announces that it has launched one of its most popular games, Pyramid Solitaire, onto Facebook. Pyramid Solitaire Saga becomes King.com's seventh Saga game on the platform, furthering the company's climb past 10 million daily active users.

Riccardo Zacconi, CEO of King.com, said: "The launch of Pyramid Solitaire Saga continues our strategy of bringing our most popular and well tested games from King.com to Facebook. We are delighted to surpass 10 million daily active users and look forward to launching more games and continuing the momentum."

Pyramid Solitaire Saga is based around the adventures of intrepid aviator Helena Lightfoot and her helper Kingsley as they explore the Pharaoh's Pyramid Kingdom. The goal is to clear a deck of cards and catch the scarabs, while collecting points or clearing a certain number of cards in a row. The game is free and includes 60 exciting levels across six episodes.

To play King.com's newest game, Pyramid Solitaire Saga, please visit http://apps.facebook.com/pyramidsolitairesaga/.

Machine Zone Shifts Into High Gear With The Launch Of Race or Die 2

Machine Zone, Inc., the successful Silicon Valley mobile social games startup, today released Race or Die 2 for iPhone, iPad and iPod touch. This social MMO RPG follow-up to Race or Die, utilizes the company's standard-setting, online chat system and shifts the action into high gear with new racing storylines, expanded in-game communities, and engrossing racing game play, plus intense, mobile PVP racing action.

"Our games represent the best of games, social community, and mobile," explains Machine Zone CEO Gabriel Leydon. "Race or Die 2 utilizes our new in-game chat system, which handles chat and messaging activity of tens of millions of players across several billion friendships within games, instantaneously and reliably. It's part of what makes our games sticky and why players are engaged with our titles years after they are launched." 

In Race or Die 2, players can select and customize their favorite cars, build their own pit crew and street racing team, and then race and burn their enemies in real time. Racers will compete against tens of millions of other players and strive to become the leader of their pack. The game is loaded with new features, including highly engaging in-game communities, messaging, and bulletins. Players can also launch several mini-games in chat, and play and share YouTube videos with their friends while remaining in the app.

The original Race or Die launched in July 2010, and continues to be widely played by a large active player base almost two years later. It remains the biggest free, MMO racing game in the App Store, and this new release will allow us to reach even more street racing fans.

Race or Die 2 is available today for free on the App store for iOS 3.0 and later. This is an online game requiring an active internet connection of either 3G or WiFi.

The Magic is at Your Fingertips with Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment and TT Games’ LEGO Harry Potter: Years 5-7

Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment and TT Games bring the final books and films about the Boy Who Lived to life to iPhone, iPad and iPod touch with the new LEGO® Harry Potter: Years 5-7 App, available now on the App Store. The game takes fans on a journey to the epic finale of the highly successful LEGO Harry Potter video game series, with hours of immersive gameplay and a unique interface created exclusively for iPhone, iPad and iPod touch.

LEGO Harry Potter: Years 5-7 unites the creative LEGO prowess with the expansive world of Harry Potter™ to deliver exciting and rewarding gameplay that features exploration, spell-casting, dueling and much more for players of all ages. Based on the final three books and final four films – Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix™, Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince™, and Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows™ – the game allows players to experience Harry’s last years at Hogwarts™ and battle Lord Voldemort™ in the ultimate fight of good against evil.

Players will follow Harry’s heroic endeavors and encounter new faces, new challenges, and new spells as they explore iconic settings including Grimmauld Place, the Ministry of Magic, Godric’s Hollow, Diagon Alley and Hogwarts. Fans can touch the screen to cast spells and target objects; use the interactive display to change characters and spells; and recreate legendary duels by casting and deflecting spells with their fingertips. The game also offers a Dueling Club expansion, which allows players to master advanced dueling skills against a host of famous witches and wizards including Professor Snape, Lord Voldemort and many others.

Developed by TT Games, the LEGO Harry Potter: Years 5-7 App is available now on the App Store for $4.99 or on www.itunes.com/appstore.

For more information, please visit: http://harrypotter.lego.com or find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/legoharrypottergame.

Bethesda Softworks Announces The Elder Scrolls Online

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

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

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

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

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

The Elder Scrolls Online has not yet been rated by the ESRB.

Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment Announces Cartoon Universe

Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment announces Cartoon Universe, a free-to-play, online world that will provide a safe, social environment for young kids to go on adventures, solve puzzles and play games with their favorite Looney Tunes and Scooby-Doo! characters. Cartoon Universe is being developed by WB Games Montréal, a Warner Bros.-wholly owned studio devoted to developing games based on Warner Bros.’ key brands.

Players can create and customize their characters, collect achievements and experience unexpected adventures in Cartoon Universe’s distinct worlds. The Looney Tunes island, based on the new, top-rated animated television series, The Looney Tunes Show, features all of the hilarious Looney characters and insanity that kids enjoy. Cartoon Universe also includes a separate Scooby-Doo! island built around the perennial fan favorite with a successful history in video games. Players can join the Mystery, Inc. gang to explore spooky environments and solve mysteries.

“Cartoon Universe is an online game filled with safe, social worlds designed just for kids,” said Samantha Ryan, Senior Vice President, Production and Development, Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment. “They’ll love discovering a constantly changing place full of fun activities, cool rewards and memorable humorous moments with their favorite characters!”

“It’s a privilege to bring some of the most popular Warner Bros. characters to Cartoon Universe, a brand new interactive environment available online,” said Martin Carrier, Vice President and Studio Head, WB Games Montréal. “With Cartoon Universe being our first endeavor as a studio, we are benefiting from close collaboration with the different divisions of Warner Bros. Studios, which we will apply to all of our other games in development.”

Launching in North America in fall 2012 and in select international markets in 2013, Cartoon Universe will be a continually updated world with regular content rollouts and seasonal events for players. Cartoon Universe is currently in beta, where players can sign up to explore the world and play games while the game is being tested and new features are being added. Players in North America can sign up now on the game’s website – www.CartoonUniverse.com.

Sniper Elite V2 Ships to North American Retail Outlets

505 Games, a global publisher of video games, and independent game developer Rebellion today announced that Sniper Elite V2 has shipped to North American retail outlets. A reboot of Rebellion’s acclaimed Sniper Elite from 2005, Sniper Elite V2 is a third-person tactical shooter set in the dying days of World War II. Players take on the role of undercover American OSS agent Karl Fairburne who must stalk enemy prey across key historical locations throughout Berlin and attempt to unravel the mysteries and dangers of the German V-2 rocket program before it falls into the hands of Stalin’s Red Army.

“We are very excited to have worked with Rebellion to bring gamers the most immersive sniping experience to date with Sniper Elite V2,“ said Ian Howe, president, 505 Games North America. “We can ensure Sniper Elite fans that Sniper Elite V2 offers everything they have come to expect and more with a deep single-player experience and an addictive online co-op mode.”

“We’re delighted to bring Sniper Elite V2 to the current generation of consoles,” said Jason Kingsley, CEO of Rebellion. “This is no run-and-gun shooter, it’s an authentic sniping experience rewarding stealth, forcing players to use their brain as well as their thumbs. We’re extremely proud of how this game looks and plays, gamers are in for an absolute treat.”

Sniper Elite V2 places an emphasis on learning to handle the anticipation and pressure of the hunt and using skill, patience and cunning in order to achieve missions. Featuring detailed sniping simulation with advanced ballistics, gamers must use their environments and take into account gravity, wind, aim stability and more. The celebrated “kill cam” from Sniper Elite makes its return and is more gratifying than ever – skillful shots are rewarded with a slow-motion sequence of the bullet running its full trajectory before the target is rendered in graphic x-ray detail, showing the bullet entering the body and causing lethal damage.

In addition to the single-player campaign, Sniper Elite V2 features two-player, online co-op in Kill Tally, Bombing Run, Overwatch and Campaign, where fans play through the single-player game with a friend.

Developed by Rebellion, Sniper Elite V2 is available on the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system and is rated “M” for Mature by the ESRB. The Windows PC version is available for download at http://store.steampowered.com/app/63380/.

For more information about Sniper Elite V2 and to access the game’s official forums please visit http://sniperelitev2.com/us/age.html. Be a part of the conversation and get updates at http://twitter.com/sniperelitev2 and http://www.facebook.com/sniperelitev2.

The Greatest Characters from the PlayStation Library Converge to Fight in PlayStation All-Stars Battle Royale

Sony Computer Entertainment America LLC (SCEA) today announced the release of PlayStation® All-Stars Battle Royale, available for PlayStation®3 (PS3™).  Developed by SuperBot Entertainment, PlayStation All-Stars Battle Royale is the ultimate four-player brawler, influenced by some of the greatest PlayStation themes and characters of all time. Spanning the entire PlayStation universe, players will select and control the likes of iconic characters such as Kratos, Sweet Tooth, Parappa, Fat Princess, Colonel Radec, and Sly Cooper among others. Additionally, PlayStation All-Stars Battle Royale will include a line-up of special characters from some of the game industry's top third party developers and publishers. With a host of playable characters, special attacks, themed stages, and mash up music, PlayStation All-Stars Battle Royale pits players in a deep fighting game that draws inspiration throughout the colorful PlayStation universe.

"PlayStation All-Stars Battle Royale delivers a veritable encyclopedia of PlayStation's rich gaming history," said Guy Longworth, Senior Vice President of Marketing, SCEA. "This game is a celebration for fans of PlayStation and we are excited to deliver the most comprehensive brawler available."

PlayStation All-Stars Battle Royale gives players access to a wide variety of PlayStation characters and ties in the excitement of a four player, full screen brawler.  Players can fight in a variety of configurations, including versus matches for four, team battles, special practice modes, and team up with friends to take on players online.  Online battles will deliver a new set of challenges, including Tournament mode, Special Event Battle, and Custom Matches.  In Tournament, players are matched online to gain experience and special awards.  Special Event Battles allow SuperBot to set match parameters daily, and players earn experience points towards an overall leaderboard based on performance.  Players can also arrange customized matches with their own rules. 

Environments and music are drawn from the rich and varied history of PlayStation titles, then thrown together in unique mash ups that showcase each property in a new setting.  The mash up elements will introduce a secondary IP to an existing theme, allowing situations where characters and environments from completely different PlayStation IP can interact during a match.  The in-game music, composed by John King of the Dust Brothers, will also stay true to the mash up theme by incorporating a mix of various IP soundtracks throughout. 

In addition to a rich and deep online multiplayer experience, players can engage in several single player modes including Combat Trials and Arcade mode.  In Combat Trials, players not only learn the basics of the game but perfect their skills through hundreds of unique challenges.  Additionally players can play through a fixed level progression with prizes in Arcade mode. 

PlayStation All-Stars Battle Royale has not yet been rated.  For more information about the title, please visit www.playstationallstarsbattleroyale.com.

Telltale Games' The Walking Dead Releases to Critical Acclaim

Telltale Games and Robert Kirkman, the Eisner Award-winning creator and writer of The Walking Dead for Skybound Entertainment and Image Comics, announced today that the first episode of the game series based on the critically acclaimed comic book series, The Walking Dead, is now available for download.  Players can purchase the PC and Mac versions from the Telltale Games Online Store, as well as Steam and other digital distribution services.  The first episode is also available for download now on PlayStation®Network for the PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system, and will be available Friday, April 27th on Xbox LIVE® Arcade for the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft.

Early critical response to Telltale's first episode of the series has been intensely positive from gaming critics across the web.  In their review, IGN.com awarded the episode an Editors' Choice award, saying, "'A New Day' is one of Telltale's finest games," also stating, "…This is a deeply personal and emotional experience, and that's why it feels so right as a part of this franchise."  The review praised, "…The Walking Dead Episode one has just about everything fans could want."

Other critics lauded the game, with Official Xbox Magazine awarding the game an Editors' Choice with a score of 9 out of 10, saying the episode was, "Slam-bang entertainment," adding that, "Everything just feels right" with its "Striking art style and cinematic presentation."  Website Shacknews said, "The Walking Dead is more than just a great adaptation of a beloved property—it is easily one of Telltale's best games."

Gaming site Polygon gave the game an impressive 9 out of 10, stating, "With choices that matter and intensity to spare, Telltale Games delivers one of its best efforts to date."  Their accolades continued with, "…the first episode of The Walking Dead held me in as I was thrown from one story-twisting, heart-stopping conflict to another, disaster threatening if I looked away from the screen even for a moment."  The reviewer also said that the episode was, "…one of the most intense gaming experiences in my recent memory," and that, "So many games have teased a truly "interactive" narrative, but I can think of none that have delivered this well."

The Walking Dead: Episode One – A New Day is set in the world of Robert Kirkman's award-winning comic book series.  Lee Everett, a man convicted of a crime of passion, has been given the chance for redemption in a world devastated by the undead.  Players will experience life changing events, meet new characters and familiar ones from the original comic, and also visit locations that foreshadow the story of Deputy Sheriff Rick Grimes.  The Walking Dead offers a tailored game experience – player actions, choices and decisions affect how the story plays out across the entire series.

Episode One – A New Day is the first of five monthly episodes of The Walking Dead games series and will be available for 400 Microsoft®Points on the Xbox LIVE Marketplace for Xbox 360® on April 27th; it is available now for $4.99 per episode on PlayStation®Network, and is available as the first part of a five episode season pass for $24.99 on PC and Mac from the Telltale Online Store and other digital outlets.

The Walking Dead: Episode One – A New Day is rated 'M' (Mature) for Blood and Gore, Intense Violence and Strong Language by the ESRB.

Activision Publishing And Twentieth Century Fox Consumer Products Announce All New Ice Age Video Game

Get ready to brave the icy cold glacial games in Ice Age: Continental Drift – Arctic Games, from Activision Publishing Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Activision Blizzard Inc. (Nasdaq: ATVI), in partnership with Twentieth Century Fox Consumer Products.  Developed by Behavior Interactive, Ice Age: Continental Drift – Arctic Games is the video game extension of the upcoming fourth installment of the Ice Age franchise, Ice Age: Continental Drift, where gamers of all ages can use teamwork or go head-to-head as Manny, Sid, Diego and their furry friends in motion controlled competition that's fun for the whole family.  Ice Age: Continental Drift – Arctic Games is planned to arrive on shelves this summer on the Wii™ system from Nintendo, Nintendo 3DS™ and DS™ hand-held systems, and Kinect™ for Xbox 360® from Microsoft.

"Anticipating the summer release of the new Ice Age movie, we're taking mammoth measures to give gamers of all ages an action packed Ice Age experience that parallels the clever and inventive qualities of the franchise," said David Oxford, Executive Vice President, Activision.  "It's important to give players the freedom to interact with these beloved characters in a motion-based video game for players of all ages."

When their island is set adrift in the midst of continental upheaval, Manny and the herd encounter a ragtag menagerie of seafaring pirates with a secret treasure.  Having trouble deciding on how to split the treasure evenly, they collectively decide to settle the problem through a series of off-the-wall sporting events including ski jumping, ice smashing, and glacial hopping.  Ultimately, the winner of the most events will be entitled to the prize.  As the prehistoric games begin, players must side with Manny and the herd, or the seafaring pirates to determine the fate of the riches.

"The Ice Age franchise has created such a strong connection with fans across the globe.  When the next chapter arrives in theaters we wanted to create a product that allows fans to immerse themselves in new worlds with new characters," said Jeffrey Godsick, President of Fox Consumer Products.  "Activision has created a great game that we're confident will extend the fan experience and truly augment the film in a fun and exciting way."

For more information on Ice Age: Continental Drift – Arctic Games please visit www.activision.com, and for more information on the feature film head over to www.IceAgeMovie.com.  The game is rated "E" (Everyone) by the ESRB.

King.com Launches Hit Game Bubble Saga Exclusively on Kindle Fire

King.com, the leading casual social games company, today announces that its popular game Bubble Saga is available exclusively for Kindle Fire. The tablet version of the game is the first to be fully synchronized, allowing gameplay, scores, progress, virtual goods and social interaction to be completely synchronized with the Facebook version of the game.

This industry-first fully synchronized mobile/Facebook game release builds upon King.com's strategy to make casual social games available in a true cross-platform fashion, while building on the company's successes on the Facebook platform.

"In 2011, there were over 67 million tablets sold worldwide according to Strategy Analytics. The Android platform had a record 39 percent of the world's share and the Kindle Fire is increasingly leading that drive," said Riccardo Zacconi, CEO of King.com. "We're excited to be exclusively teaming up with Amazon as a part of our multi-platform games initiative, building on our Facebook games successes and providing more access points for our consumers to play their favorite games whenever and wherever they want."

Bubble Saga is one of King.com's premier bubble shooter games on Facebook with over one million daily active users (AppData). The objective of the game is to help the princess be the lucky one to marry the wealthy prince by plucking the right petals from the magic flower and includes over 100 amazing levels across a universe of beautiful planets. Players shoot to create groups of three or more bubbles, causing them to burst. Every consecutive burst will increase the bonus meter for extra points. However, be aware, the flower will start spinning when players shoot, forcing them to make sure that it does not touch the edges and end their chances of marrying the prince.

To start playing King.com's Bubble Saga for free, download now from the Amazon Appstore for Android at www.amazon.com/appstore or directly from your Kindle Fire. A version of the game for all other Android devices to follow later.