April 2008

March has come and gone, and with it a number of major new game releases. Now NPD has released the numbers for the month, so we can take a look at them and  try to dig deeper into what they mean for the industry at large. READ MORE

Empire Interactive announced today that Ford Racing Off Road is under development and will ship this summer. The newest title in the Ford Racing franchinse ditches racetracks and urban streets for a new adventure in the world of off road racing. A convoy of vehicles are at your disposal as you take on one of the 24 available tracks.

“Thrill seekers can now see if they have what it takes to make it in the high-action sport of off-road racing as they take the driver’s seat behind 18 of the toughest 4x4s, SUVs and off-road trucks,” said Karim Farghaly, vice president of sales, Empire Interactive. “Taking the license off road takes the successful franchise to an exciting new level.” READ MORE

Majesco Entertainment announced today that they would be publishing Air Traffic Chaos for the Nintendo DS.

Air Traffic Chaos puts players in the chair of an air traffic controller, the person who has to safely manage a myriad of takeoffs and landings at an airport. Players will use the touch screen to manage takeoffs, gate assignments, and landings for all incoming and outgoing airport traffic for 14 different airlines. Varying weather conditions add a level of variety to the mix.

“Air Traffic Chaos means fun is taking off from Terminal A,” said Gui Karyo, Executive Vice President of Operations, Majesco. “The game’s frantic pace set against the backdrop of an already high-stress job will challenge fast-fingered Touch Screen gamers in an entirely new way.”

Air Traffic Chaos will be released in Summer 2008 for the Nintendo DS. READ MORE

Hudson Entertainment announced today that they would be bringing Star Soldier R out as a WiiWare title for the Nintendo Wii.

Star Soldier R is a tourney style space shooter that features 2-Minute and 5-Minute modes where gamers race to achieve the highest score possible. Gamers can also test their trigger fingers in Quick Shot Mode. Once done, you’ll be able to head on over to the online leaderboards and see how you match up to other gamers in your region.

Star Soldier R is a vertical scrolling shooter that features a top down view and features a configurable control scheme to fit gamers’ personal preferences. No word on a release date for Star Soldier R. READ MORE

Electronic Arts announced today that The Sims celebrated a significant entertainment milestone by selling 100 million units worldwide. The Sims debuted in 2000 and has gone on to become the best-selling PC franchise of all time. With The Sims available in 22 languages in 60 countries around the world, there is no denying that the franchise is a major influence in the industry.

“At this milestone, we want to thank players of The Sims everywhere for making The Sims such a worldwide phenomenon,” said Rod Humble, Head of Studio for The Sims Label.  “The Sims has been an interactive experience for people around the globe to explore their passion for creativity and we’re thrilled to be a part of that.  From building houses and relationships, from the first kiss to a toddler’s first step, from kitchen fires – and even visits from ghosts, players have told more than 100 million unique and fun stories!” READ MORE