Namco Brings Garters & Ghouls to iPhones
October 31, 2009 by Laura
Filed under Cell Phones, Games
Players can now get ready to command the not-too-dead Marie Dupois in the haunting new franchise, Garters & Ghouls, now available on Apple’s App Store. Namco Networks, a leading publisher and developer of mobile, iPhone and PC games for mass-market casual gamers, today announced the release of Garters & Ghouls for iPhone and iPod touch, available for $4.99.
Players control Marie as she is summoned to battle the minions and horrors beyond description! Garters & Ghouls features a twisted world in the form of 25 action-packed levels, providing hours of unique game play. Players help Marie on her quest by unearthing devastating weapons and massive power-ups! With downloadable content the fun never dies!
“Interesting characters, a compelling and humorous storyline and lots of undead destruction are just a few things that distinguish this from other titles,” said Jonathan Kromrey, general manager of Apple Games for Namco Networks. “What will keep fans coming back is the insatiable appetite for more…just like a zombie.”
To produce Garters & Ghouls, Namco collaborated with Big Blue Bubble, an award winning developer specializing in casual games for mobile devices for over 6 years. “As we’re constantly focused on innovation, we were really excited about helping launch this new property,” said Damir Slogar, CEO of the Canadian based developer. “Working with a major publisher like Namco allows us a great opportunity to get these games out to ever-expanding audiences. Namco offers unparalleled reach and support.”
Garters & Ghouls also features Facebook Connect, allowing users to post their rankings on Facebook and share achievements with their friends.
For more information on Garters & Ghouls, please visit www.gartersandghouls.com.
Documents To Go Now Available for BlackBerry
October 31, 2009 by Laura
Filed under Applications, Cell Phones
DataViz has announced the availability of Documents To Go Premium Edition version 2.0 for BlackBerry smartphones. Included in this latest version is an easy to use desktop application with support for bi-directional file synchronization, a robust update to PDF To Go, support for password-protected Microsoft Office 2007 files, and a new file browser for accessing and managing documents. New version 2.0 features include:
Desktop Application with Bi-Directional File Synchronization
Version 2.0 now includes a desktop application that provides Windows customers with the ability to easily transfer files from their computer to their BlackBerry smartphone via USB cable. With this application, users can select individual files or entire folders to synchronize and all updates made on either the computer or the smartphone will be automatically transferred to the other location. This eliminates the need to manually manage files and ensures that documents are always up-to-date. Throughout this process, all original file formatting will be maintained thanks to DataViz’s acclaimed InTact Technology.
“The introduction of desktop file synchronization is the direct result of the very high number of customer requests we received for this feature,” said Kathleen McAneany, Business Manager, DataViz, Inc. “We believe that providing an easy way for users to transfer their important and frequently used files to and from their BlackBerry smartphones will increase the overall usage of Documents To Go and add greater value to our Premium Edition offer which already includes an extensive list of advanced features such as creating new files, spell check, advanced formatting and much more.”
Enhanced PDF To Go
Offered as a free bonus application for customers who purchase the Premium Edition, PDF To Go provides high-fidelity viewing of native Adobe PDF files and attachments without any desktop or server conversion needed. With this new version customers will be able to take advantage of many new features including: find and copy text, save as, send file via email, bookmarks and more!
New ‘Documents To Go Files’ Application
A new application called ‘Documents To Go Files’ is also included with this Premium Edition upgrade. This file browser for BlackBerry smartphones provides customers with one centralized location where they can conveniently access and manage (delete, rename, copy and paste) all of their Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Adobe PDF, and image files without having to navigate between programs.
Pricing & Availability
Documents To Go Premium Edition retails for $69.99 and is available to all BlackBerry smartphone users running Device Software 4.5 or higher, including those that received Documents To Go Standard Edition pre-installed on their mobile device. Current Documents To Go Premium Edition customers can upgrade to version 2.0 for $29.99. Documents To Go Premium Edition is currently available in English. Additional language support will be available later this year. Volume licensing is available. To learn more about the benefits of DataViz’s Volume Licensing Program please visit: www.dataviz.com/bbvolume
Boingo Releases Authentication Software for BlackBerry
October 30, 2009 by Laura
Filed under Applications, Cell Phones
Boingo Wireless has announced the availability of its authentication software and Boingo Mobile service for the BlackBerry platform. Available immediately from the Boingo Download Center, Boingo Mobile provides BlackBerry smartphone owners with an alternative to cellular data through one-click, high-speed access to Boingo’s Wi-Fi network of over 100,000 hotspots.
The Boingo Mobile application will initially be available for the BlackBerry Curve 8900, BlackBerry Curve 8320 and BlackBerry Bold smartphones. Boingo will announce support for additional BlackBerry smartphone models as they become available.
The free Boingo Mobile application improves the Wi-Fi user experience for BlackBerry smartphone owners by providing a convenient, automated way to connect. It automatically notifies users when they are in a Boingo hotspot, and connects to the Boingo network with a single click.
“Boingo Mobile is about ease of use and a low-cost, high-speed alternative to cellular data,” said Jonathan Mendelson, general manager of mobile and product management. “BlackBerry users can seamlessly switch to a Boingo Wi-Fi connection when they’re online using data-intensive applications.”
With the addition of BlackBerry platform support, Boingo continues to expand its support for smartphones, including those based on the Android, iPhone, Symbian Series 60 and Windows Mobile platforms.
Boingo Mobile’s Blackberry software is based on public beta testing by Boingo Labs and incorporates extensive user feedback. Boingo will continue to foster innovation and update its application for BlackBerry smartphones to provide new features providing users even more benefits from the Boingo network and its locations.
League of Legends “Pre-Season” Now Online
October 30, 2009 by Laura
Filed under PC Games, Video Games
Riot Games has launched the League of Legends “Pre-Season” for the multiplayer online battle arena game for Windows PC. League of Legends, which was nominated for the Game Critics Awards Best Strategy Game of E3, combines elements of role-playing and strategy genres with battle action.
League of Legends will operate in seasons to help facilitate the best in competitive gaming and communities. The League of Legends “Pre-Season” will allow time for players to learn the game, build teams, as well as develop advanced strategies and tactics, when Season One begins in the first half of 2010. Players can also look forward to the addition of clans, teams, tournaments, ladders, draft mode, as well as additional content such as new Champions and maps, between now and the start of Season One.
“I am excited to welcome all gamers to join us in League of Legends, which builds on the fast-paced, team based, player vs. player gameplay pioneered in DotA-Allstars, one of the most popular mods of all time,” Brandon Beck, co-founder and CEO, Riot Games, said. “The launch of the League of Legends Pre-Season marks the beginning to providing our dedicated community epic competitive online gameplay and exciting new content for years to come.”
A player in League of Legends takes on the role of a Summoner – a gifted spell caster who has the power to bring forth a champion to fight as his or her avatar in Valoran’s Fields of Justice. As the Summoner controls the champion in combat, it also influences the outcome of the match through the use of spells, masteries and runes. Once a match is over, the Summoner gains Influence Points and Riot Points that can be used to assist their champions in future battles. Influence Points will be earned by simply playing the game, while Riot Points will be available for purchase with real money.
The League of Legends Collector’s Pack, containing exclusive items such as 20 Champions, a selection of Runes and $10 worth of Riot Points, is now available for download at www.leagueoflegends.com. The retail League of Legends Collector’s Pack available at all major retail outlets for $29.99, additionally includes an exclusive poster-size fold out map of Valoran with detailed champion portraits and bios on the other side, a $10 pre-paid game card for in-game purchases and an exclusive champion skin. The game is rated “T” for Teen
In celebration of the launch of the game, Riot is unlocking all 40 champions for immediate play on October 27 for a limited time. During the launch celebration, Collector’s Pack customers will get an experience boost, allowing them to level quickly. After the Launch Celebration ends, the in-game store will go live and owners of the Collector’s Pack will continue to have access to the exclusive items packaged in the collector’s edition. All players will be able to unlock exclusive items and content through the in-game store by using Influence points earned by playing during the Launch Celebration and after, or by purchasing Riot Points.
Warhammer Online Now Available for Mac
October 30, 2009 by Laura
Filed under Mac Games, Video Games
Mythic Entertainment has announced that the critically acclaimed MMORPG, Warhammer Online: Age of Reckoning (WAR), is now available for the Mac. The Mac version is available to new subscribers via digital download at Gametreeonline.com for $19.95. Current subscribers can download the Mac version free of charge at www.warhammeronline.com/download.
In the game, players can declare their allegiance and join hundreds of thousands of mighty heroes on the battlefields of Warhammer Online: Age of Reckoning, the new MMORPG from Mythic Entertainment, the creators of Dark Age of Camelot. They enter a grim fantasy world of perpetual conflict to fight for the Realms of Order (Dwarfs, High Elves, and Empire) or Destruction (Greenskins, Dark Elves, and Chaos).
“We couldn’t be more excited to officially bring Warhammer Online and our intense Realm vs. Realm combat to Mac gamers,” said Jeff Hickman, Executive Producer of Warhammer Online: Age of Reckoning. “We welcome MAC users to experience the thrill of WAR and take up arms with their PC brethren.”
Based on the popular tabletop war game from Games Workshop, Warhammer Online: Age of Reckoning features revolutionary Realm vs. Realm conflict that will provide players with an engaging battleground for years to come. WAR is available now for PC and MAC and rated “T” for Teen by the ESRB. For more information about Warhammer Online: Age of Reckoning and to download the free* trial, visit http://www.warhammeronline.com/
Disney.com Debuts New IPhone App
October 30, 2009 by Laura
Filed under Applications, Cell Phones
Disney.com announced it has launched an app for iPhone and iPod Touch on the App Store. The Disney App features an array of high quality Disney content including areas dedicated to Characters, Music, Video and Games. Content in the app will be updated regularly, providing kids and families with instant access to the latest Disney news and entertainment.
The new Disney App will also offer innovative features including “Click2Life” which allows iPhone users to take pictures of images from the online version of Disney.com with their device that will then come to life within the app and turn into an animated image. Additionally, the Disney App will automatically discover other Disney apps and games available through the App Store, organizing all Disney-branded content within one destination on each device so users can easily access their favorite games and entertainment content.
Key content features within the new Disney App include:
- Disney at your fingertips – instant access to the latest Disney news and entertainment.
- Characters – interact with hundreds of Disney’s most popular characters through customizable photo frames and audio greetings that can be customized by users.
- Music – listen to Radio Disney live, play “Name that Song,” watch music videos and purchase the latest Disney music from the iTunes Store.
- Videos – watch new featured and original videos each week including Disney.com’s “Backstage Pass” and “Spotlight” segments.
- Games and My Disney Apps – download and manage free and paid Disney games and other apps.
“While this app provides seamless access to all things Disney, delivering unmatched entertainment and information directly to mobile devices, we’re not simply recreating Disney.com on your iPhone or iPod touch,” stated Jason Davis, vice president, Disney.com. “Features like ‘Click2Life’ utilize iPhone’s revolutionary functionality to create exciting new ways to interact with Disney characters and content.”
The Disney.com App is available for free from the App Store on iPhone and iPod touch or at iTunes.com/WaltDisney along with an extensive line-up of other free and paid Disney Apps.
Flixter Adds Updates and New Apps
October 30, 2009 by Laura
Filed under Applications, Cell Phones
Flixster is getting bigger this week by releasing its first fully native Blackberry application and a major update to its popular Android app – simultaneously reaching a new milestone of 8 million mobile users.
Flixster 2.0 for the Android launched today, adding integration with Facebook Connect, a newsfeed for up-to-date friend ratings, and other enhancements. Flixster also submitted its first fully native version for the Blackberry, which is expected to be available at the Blackberry App World soon. The beta version of Flixster for the Blackberry is already among the smartphone’s top 40 free apps. Flixster’s mobile “Movies” app remains one of the top 5 entertainment apps for the iPhone, and is installed on 1 in 5 iPhones in the U.S.
Flixster continues building its mobile presence. It crossed 8 million users for the first time in its history this week, adding to the 20 million monthly unique visitors it attracts on the Internet through Flixster.com and the “Movies” application on Facebook, in addition to its presence on MySpace and Bebo. Flixster’s mobile user base has more than doubled in 2009 alone.
“Flixster is one of the few apps that’s a top download on all four leading smartphone platforms – the iPhone, Android, Blackberry and the Palm Pre,” said Joe Greenstein, co-founder and CEO of Flixster. “Highly mobile moviegoers like to make their movie choices at the last minute, and Flixster has become a habit for them. In fact, more than 75 percent of Flixster’s mobile users are active, returning to Flixster frequently when they’re deciding what movie to see.” On average, mobile Flixster users rate a movie every five seconds and stream 140 trailers per minute, Greenstein said.
Launched in January 2006, Flixster now offers its users access to more than 2.2 billion user movie ratings and more than 19,000 movie trailers, plus quizzes, games, photos and details about more than 75,000 movies. Visit Flixster at www.flixster.com for more details.
Stronghold Collection Coming to Your PC
October 30, 2009 by Laura
Filed under PC Games, Video Games
2K Games has announced that The Stronghold Collection is now available for Windows PC in North America. The Stronghold Collection brings together five games from the critically acclaimed real-time strategy (RTS) series that allows players to conquer the Middle Ages.
The Stronghold series has become one of the most popular dynamic castle building sim games in the world, combining the finest aspects from the city builder and RTS genres. The Stronghold Collection includes the strategic gameplay of Stronghold, Stronghold 2, Stronghold Crusader, Stronghold Crusader Extreme and Stronghold Legends in a $29.99 value-priced package that is entirely DRM-free.
“The Stronghold series has seen worldwide success, and we are excited to now offer The Stronghold Collection in one epic bundle,” said Christoph Hartmann, president of 2K. “Now fans and newcomers alike can experience the entire Stronghold heritage and embrace the series’ strategic, well-balanced gameplay while building, defending and expanding through the Middle Ages.”
The Stronghold Collection will combine historically accurate castle construction and management, and authentic medieval combat. Players will journey to lands of brave warriors, epic legends and fearsome weaponry, where they will build and fortify fortresses; lay siege to intrepid enemies; and conquer harsh terrains. The Stronghold Collection includes the following games:
- Stronghold: The original, award-winning castle sim that takes players through medieval Britain as they lead strategic military and economic expansion, defend against invaders, and conquer enemy castles.
- Stronghold 2: The King, having fled after the defeat of his own armies, is now attempting to rule his country from a secret location. Powerful barons are jostling for what is fast becoming a disintegrating kingdom, and it is up to you to stem the tides of their ambition and unite the land again under the King.
- Stronghold Crusader and Stronghold Crusader Extreme: Journey to distant Arabian lands and lead a determined group of Crusaders. Relive the historic Crusades in four campaigns as Richard the Lionheart and Saladin, the Sultan of Syria. Stronghold Crusader Extreme adds 20 new missions, new buildings and larger armies of 10,000 troops.
- Stronghold Legends: Play as epic leaders throughout history, including King Arthur and the forces of Camelot, Siegfried and Dietrich in the German Ice Campaign, and Vlad Dracul and his evil forces in Transylvania.
The Stronghold Collection is rated T for Teen by the ESRB.
Warner Bros Launches TouchMaster 3
October 30, 2009 by Laura
Filed under Nintendo DS, Video Games
Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment has announced the launch of TouchMaster 3, the latest installment in the hit casual puzzle game series, today for Nintendo DS in North America. The TouchMaster brand is the top selling non-first party puzzle game franchise for Nintendo DS, and TouchMaster 3 offers 20 all-new games for pick-up-and-play fun on the go this holiday season.
TouchMaster 3 is packed with challenging and addictive mini games for players of all ages and abilities, making it a great gift and perfect for holiday travel. Making full use of the DS touch screen and stylus, TouchMaster 3 is perfect for quick play sessions or hours of fun, and players can work through puzzles alone or compete head-to-head. Up to two players can compete using local wireless in addition to single player and download play options.
Players take on action, word, puzzle, strategy and card game challenges to become a TouchMaster expert. The game features 16 brand new games to the franchise including Bumperball, Canon Fire, Domino Run, Nine Hole, Electro Maze, Sea Word, Stud Royale, Target Royale, Counterweight, Block Dropper, Fuse Line, Slime Assault, Recall, Chef Memory, Sludge Works and Wild Words. Newly updated games include Prisma Tix 2, Dice King 2, Triples Plus, and Poker Slide Challenge.
TouchMaster 3 contains updated graphics and features new 3D art in the trophy rooms. Players can track progress by collecting trophies and badges to earn wizard points and unlock new titles. Gamers can earn all 500 wizard points and become the Grand Touch Master!
TouchMaster 3 is developed by Hijinx Studios, published by Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment and rated “E” with Mild Cartoon Violence and Mild Language. The game is available for the suggested retail price of $29.99. For more information, please visit www.touchmaster3.com.
Wizard Media to Distribute Space Buster 3D
October 30, 2009 by Laura
Filed under Cell Phones, Games
Wizzard Media has announced the acquisition of exclusive distribution rights to Space Buster 3D, currently for sale through the App Store for use on the iPhone and iPod Touch.
Like game classics ‘Breakout’ and ‘Arkanoid’, Space Buster 3D captures the magic of the brick breaking genre and takes it to the next level for mobile touch gaming. “It’s like what we all played at our favorite pizza parlors years ago, just much, much cooler,” says Dave Mansueto, Wizzard Media. “Space Buster 3D is the epitome of the touch renaissance of gaming classics: Taking proven formulas and giving them new life to satisfy the installed base of retro enthusiasts and this new generation of on-the-go gamers. Certain game types never lose popularity. We are proud to be working with one of the best, and we’re not the only ones that think so.”
Touch Arcade reviewed all the available Arkanoid-Breakout style games on the iPhone and concluded that Space Buster 3D was the best of the bunch, providing the best game playing experience amongst the games they tried.
This announcement represents ongoing progress on the first step of Wizzard’s expanded monetization plan for its podcasting network of 12,200 podcast producers and their 18 million monthly viewers and listeners, approximately 70% of whom use iTunes to subscribe and download their favorite podcasts. Wizzard plans to continue to acquire the rights for up to 100 high quality Apps to provide podcast producers with a continuous stream of relevant, paid advertising for their episodic shows and provide App developers and Wizzard with increased sales revenues. Marketing efforts for Space Buster 3D will target the intersection of classic and casual gamers via popular technology, anime, and video gamerelated podcasts.To date, over 100,000 paid copies of Space Buster 3D have been downloaded from the App Store.
Space Buster 3D can be purchased here: http://itunes.com/apps/spacebuster3d