Boom Blox

Products by Electronic Arts
Platform: Nintendo Wii

ASIN: B000YDIYFG
Media: Video Game
Release Date: May 6, 2008

Product Description
BOOM BLOX, is the first game developed in collaboration between two giants of multimedia entertainment, Electronic Arts and director/producer, Steven Spielberg. Spielberg is obviously a master storyteller and so knows a thing or two about blockbusters, but he also no stranger to the gaming world. A long-time gamer himself, he conceived the original idea behind Lucas Art’s PC/Mac title The Dig, but busting these BLOX is an entirely new concept.

Levels and Levels of Fun

A Puzzle/Action game inspired by Spielberg's own search for a game that he would enjoy playing with his own kids, BOOM BLOX is designed specifically with the strengths and versatility of the Wii in mind. In it players can look forward to a fast-paced gameplay blending the simplicity of the wildly popular block game Jenga and the crazy complexity of a Rube Goldberg machine--devices that although performing very simple tasks are designed to do it by the most complicated means possible.
BOOM BLOX features over three hundred levels, a variety of activities, a cast of over thirty wacky characters, and an easy-to-use in-game editor that allows players to express their creativity. It’s visceral gameplay is perfectly suited for the Wii’s interactivity. The action gets going fast and the fun never ends as you throw baseballs, blast lasers, save wacky animal characters, explore cool worlds and more!... making it the ultimate Wii blox-buster for 2008.

Features:
-Throw, grab, and blast your way through 300+ levels - Use fun action gestures and crazy virtual tools (like bowling balls, baseballs and fire hoses) to destroy your way through over 300 brain-twisting challenges.
-Fast-paced Multiplayer Action - Fun for kids and the entire family, BOOM BLOX offers action-packed interactive activities that takes Wii play to a new level of creativity and fun with single player, co-op, and versus gameplay. Up to 4 players at once.
-Over 30 Wacky Characters set in 5 Unique Worlds - Tackle the action and interact with entertaining characters such as the Blox-laying chickens or the baseball throwing monkeys, who bring personality to the Tiki, Medieval, Frontier, and Haunted themed environments.
-Make It Your Own/Share – Unlock characters, worlds, blox, and props throughout the game and use to build whatever you can imagine in Create Mode. You can virtually build anything you can dream up. Remix any level and share what you create with friends via WiiConnect24TM.

Endless Play and Replay Combinations

Built upon a full real-time physics model, each player's BOOM BLOX experience can be as easy or difficult as you want it to be. Additionally, players can remix any level of the game in Create Mode using props, blocks, or characters that have been unlocked during the game. Players can also virtually build anything they can dream up. This makes for nearly endless play and replay options in what promises to be the latest must-have Wii title for the entire family.

Boom Blox

Grand Theft Auto IV Special Edition

Products by Rockstar Games
Platform: Xbox 360
ASIN: B000TG72OW
Media: Video Game
Release Date: April 29, 2008

Product Description
What does the American Dream mean today?
For Niko Bellic, fresh off the boat from Europe, it is the hope he can escape his past. For his cousin, Roman, it is the vision that together they can find fortune in Liberty City, gateway to the land of opportunity. As they slip into debt and are dragged into a criminal underworld by a series of shysters, thieves and sociopaths, they discover that the reality is very different from the dream in a city that worships money and status, and is heaven for those who have them and a living nightmare for those who don’t.
Beginning with the 1997 release of the original Grand Theft Auto, the GTA series has been one of the most prolific, controversial and down right entertaining franchises in video games history. This pedigree of success guarantees that the highly anticipated eleventh game in the series, Grand Theft Auto IV, will garner at least as much attention if not more.

The Plot

Grand Theft Auto IV is a brand new adventure in the GTA universe following the experiences of Nikolai "Niko" Bellic, a new immigrant from an undisclosed eastern European country whose troubled past and the persuasion of his cousin Roman have brought him to the fictional Liberty City. Unfortunately, Niko’s search for the American Dream and a much needed fresh start, hits an immediate snag when the rags to riches story Roman spun to pique Niko's interest is exposed as not only a complete fabrication, but a ploy to enlist Niko’s well-known skills as a tough guy against the ample list of enemies clamoring for Roman’s debt-ridden blood.
Because Roman is the only person Niko knows in Liberty City he begrudgingly accepts his role as Roman’s protector despite the deception. But as time goes on Niko comes into his own, and his experience on the wrong side of the tracks proves more valuable than he could have ever imagined as he fights for survival and later supremacy on the crime ridden streets of Liberty City.
Game Environments

Based on several of the boroughs of New York City and parts of New Jersey, Liberty City, familiar to players of previous games in the series, has been entirely redesigned for GTA IV. Players can expect visible detail down to the weeds growing in the cracks in the sidewalk, cars and buildings of visibly different ages and a much greater level if verticality in the buildings and bridges that they are able to explore as Niko moves through the city streets. In addition, pedestrians in GTA IV are much more realistic. No longer simply moving cardboard cutouts, these NPCs are intelligent, modern, human representations that laugh, cry, eat, drink, use cell phones and ATMs, and talking amongst themselves regardless of Niko’s interaction with them.

Gameplay

Historically GTA games have focused heavily on mission-based play, requiring successful completion of fixed tasks in order for players to progress through the game, but this has changed to a great extent in GTA IV. Players will experience an entirely new and exciting emphasis centered on the blending of on-mission and off-mission play, resulting not only in an increased sense of realism, but more interesting and unrestricted gameplay.

Features

Official features for GTA IV have yet to be released. Stay tuned for more information as the game’s release in early ’08 draws nearer.
What Comes with Grand Theft Auto IV: Special Edition?

Grand Theft Auto IV: Special Edition will be presented in a customized Grand Theft Auto metal safety deposit box. The box will contain:
-Grand Theft Auto IV for the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system with special packaging.
-Grand Theft Auto IV Art Book, featuring never-before-seen production artwork from Grand Theft Auto IV.
-Selected soundtrack CD from Grand Theft Auto IV, featuring new material from top artists, only available on this release.
-An exclusive Rockstar key chain for the safety deposit box keys.
-Completing the collection is a limited edition Rockstar duffel bag.
All of the items have been created with the utmost attention to detail to create a unique Grand Theft Auto IV experience for any fan of the series.
Grand Theft Auto IV Special Edition

Team Fortress 2

Products by Electronic Arts
Platform: Windows 98 / 2000 / XP

ASIN: B00140S21O

Release Date: April 8, 2008

Product Description

Team Fortress 2 (TF2) is the sequel to the game that put class-based, multiplayer team warfare on the map. A long time coming, TF2 was first announced in 1998, but in the years that followed went through various concept and design changes, which left it looking less and less like the beloved original release. Luckily by the time the final version came off the presses and was bundled as part of EA’s 2007 release, The Orange Box, it had returned to something very close to the original game.

Gameplay

Built around multiplayer battles of two teams, Reliable Excavation Demolition (RED) and Builders League United (BLU), representing competing construction teams, players choose between two game modes: capture the flag (CTF) and a control point mode. In CTF the objective is to obtain a briefcase of intelligence from the enemy team's base and return it to their own base while preventing the opposing team from doing the same. In the control point mode the objective is similar, only related to holding particular territories. To be successful in either the most important thing is to understand and use each character class in the best way possible.

A Game That's a Class Operation

Unlike other "class-based" games that offer a variety of combat classes only, Team Fortress 2 features a wide variety of classes which provide a broad range of tactical abilities and personalities, and lend themselves to a variety of player skills. All nine playable character classes from the original game are available and although a few of these, like the Medic and Heavy generally work well with any mix of characters, overall each have particular strengths in offensive, defensive and support capacities. Each also will respond dynamically with different comical dialogue when in combat.

The full character classes include:
-Pyro - An offensive class with average damage tolerance, Pyros are armed with a flamethrower, shotgun and a fire axe.
-Engineer - A defensive class with a low threshold for damage, Engineers can upgrade weapons and equipment and are armed with a shotgun, a pistol and a wrench.
-Spy - Used for sabotage the Spy carries a revolver, a butterfly knife, an electronic zapper and a diguise kit.
-Heavy - Tough on offense and defense the Heavy's weapons are the minigun, the shotgun and his fists.
-Sniper - A support class with low damage tolerance, the Sniper is armed with a sniper rifle, a submachine gun and a machete.
-Scout - The Scout is fast but susceptible to damage. His weapons are a sawed off shotgun, a pistol and a baseball bat.
-Soldier - A slow, but a powerful offensive class, the soldier wields a rocket launcher, a shotgun and a spade.
-Demoman-A defense class with an average amount of protection, the Demoman is armed with a remotely detonated sticky bomb and a bottle of Scotch.
-Medic - Medics keep other characters alive and are armed with a healing 'medigun,' a syringe-firing launcher and a bone saw.

The importance of the abilities of particular classes aside, far and away the dominant factor in Team Fortress 2 and the secret to its popularity, is its clear dedication to fun. This is seen in its rejection of realism in favor of cartoon-style art in the game's graphics, the inclusion of super weapons like lasers and missile launchers hidden within the six standard maps and the attention given to each character's incidental trash talking functionality. Combined, these simply make for fast-paced, over-the-top fun which are the building blocks of any multiplayer shooter.

Team Fortress 2

Gran Turismo: 5 Prologue

Products by Sony
Platform: PLAYSTATION 3

ASIN: B000FPOJOS
Media: Video Game
Release Date: April 15, 2008

Product Description
Amazon.com

The award-winning Gran Turismo franchise returns with its 5th installment, Gran Turismo 5 Prologue, exclusively for PlayStation 3. With its signature realism and unrivaled physics, this highly anticipated precursor to Gran Turismo 5 continues to blur the line between simulation and reality.
"Prologue" is defined as an introductory or preceding event or development, and true to every letter, Gran Turismo 5: Prologue treats both long-time fans of the Gran Turismo franchise as well as those coming to it new, with a generous sampling of what they can expect to see in Gran Turismo 5 later in the year and further releases on the PS3.

Developed By the Best

Polyphony Digital is the developer of the Gran Turismo franchise, led by creator Kazunori Yamauchi. Polyphony Digital is known for pushing the limits of the PlayStation hardware, and with its realistic graphics and physics, Gran Turismo 5: Prologue is no different. In addition to receiving CAD data from the auto manufacturers, they have taken thousands of photos to model each car (and track). As an example of the level of detail, a car in Gran Turismo 4 has the same number of polygons as a headlight in Gran Turismo 5: Prologue.Polyphony works even closer with the automotive industry to make sure that the cars look and drive just as they do in real life. In fact, Kazunori Yamauchi designed the on-board computer for the real Nissan GT-R. If you’re lucky to buy one when it releases, you will notice the Polyphony Digital logo when you start your car.

Take Your Cars and Tracks Online and Off

Gran Turismo 5: Prologue features over 60 stunning cars – including vehicles by Lotus, Mitsubishi, Nissan and Ferrari for you to race on seriously realistic, real-life tracks: including the Eiger Nordwand, the London City Track and Suzuka – all rendered in incredible High Definition graphics. There's also all-new driving physics for the most lifelike driving experience ever and new, improved opponent artificial intelligence for the toughest race challenge yet.

But that's not all – for the first time ever in the history of Gran Turismo, players will now be able to race online. Up to 16 players will be able to go head-to-head on some of the world's best racetracks on PlayStation Network. All you need to get racing is a broadband connection and PS3. Once you're up and revving, Global Online Rankings and the My Garage homepage feature will leave the world in n o doubt as to just who is the best at Gran Turismo.

And then there's the Online Dealership, providing a wealth of information on cars and manufacturers and also Gran Turismo TV – a dedicated online channel available exclusively from PSN and packed with some of the greatest content that Motorsport, car manufacturers and TV has to offer.

Key Features:
-Race over 60 cars from worldwide automotive manufacturers, precisely modeled both inside and out.
-All-new interior dash view, featuring full driver animation and working gauges.
-Compete on 6 tracks with 12 total layouts, including Fuji Speedway, Suzuka Circuit, and for the first time ever, Daytona International Speedway.
-Online racing with up to 16 players, complete with detailed rankings, plus downloadable ghost cars and race replays of top racers.
-New online community features including Gran Turismo TV, featuring worldwide automotive and motorsport programming.
-Tune vehicle performance, from suspension and tires to gear ratio and engine modifications.
-Rendered in stunning 1080p at 60 frames per second with crisp, realistic lighting and camera effects (replays rendered in 1080p 30fps).
-Full Car List (71 cars)

Gran Turismo: 5 Prologue

Worms: A Space Oddity

Products by THQ
Platform: Nintendo Wii
ASIN: B000XJD33Y
Media: Video Game
Release Date: March 17, 2008

Product Description
Amazon.com
Retaining the classic turn based gameplay, stylized environments and humor synonymous with the brand, Worms: Wii brings players closer to the game than ever before! Taking advantage of the Wii Remote with a redesigned control scheme, players will launch attacks with unique Worms weaponry via a wide range of gesture based maneuvers.
Now everyone can join in the all new single and multiplayer experiences of Worms: A Space Oddity, enjoy a host of new Worms party games, and take on friends in classic Worms matches. The more players put into the game, the more they get out!
With an all new visual style, environments, intuitive controls, and even more customization options, its never been easier to pick up a Worms title and join in the wormy fun!

Features:
-Innovative Wii Gameplay! Get closer to Worms than ever before as you launch attacks with a variety of unique gestures with the Wii Remote! The more players put into the game, the more they get out!
-A more casual experience: With more intuitive controls, and handy on-screen hints, its never been easier to pick up a Worms title and join in the wormy fun!
-Classic Worms with a twist!: The ultimate blend of classic Worms game modes with a host of all new party games. Experience a reinvented single player experience, multiplayer modes, and even more customization for the most rewarding Worms experience ever!
-Its Worms in Space!: Immerse yourself in 6 all new environments with a whole new visual style as the Worms battle their way home through Space! (Cavernia, Tenticlia, Frostal, Kaputzol, Mechanopolis, Earth).
-A more casual experience: Worms has always been a difficult title for the newcomer. A large number of different weapons, long times until game completion, and nothing in the way of helpful on-screen prompts all conspire to make life difficult for the newbie.
-Worms: Wii addresses all of these issues, with a more intuitively controlled reduced weapon set, shorter game times and a plethora of handy on-screen hints.
-In-game help system: The player will never be at a loss as to control the worm and fire the different weapons. A redesigned interface makes sure that on-screen prompts are never far awa
-New art direction: A brand new style for the "Worms" universe embraces the traditional drawn look with a style that better fits the softer image of the Wii. The game has an embossed 3D card-board cut-out look throughout.
-New environmental settings: The worms have made it to the far reaches of outer space! The worms battle across six planets found within a fictional solar system. Each planet has its own distinct look.

Worms: A Space Oddity

Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six Vegas 2 Limited Edition

Products by UBI Soft
Platform: PLAYSTATION 3

ASIN: B0012S4S5C
Media: Video Game
Release Date: March 18, 2008

Product Description
Amazon.com
Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six Vegas 2 – the sequel to the award-winning next-generation first-person shooter – returns to Sin City. Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six Vegas 2 is your last chance to rescue America's sexiest city from an escalating terrorist siege that will force you into heart-pounding action from beginning to end. The best are back and this time winner takes all.
Recipient of numerous awards, including 2006 Best First Person Shooter and Best Online Game, Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six Vegas 2 will push the top-selling franchise to new heights with new gameplay features and groundbreaking co-op and multiplayer modes.

Limited Edition Bonus Features:
-Collectible Rainbow Six Vegas 2 Poker Chip Key Chain.
-Exclusive Multiplayer Strategy Video.
**With insider tips and strategies from developers, Frag Dolls and pro gamers to take your multiplayer game to the next level.
-Pro Gamer Interview.
**Get an exclusive look at the life of a professional gamer with MLG player FinestX.
-MLG Insider Videos.
**Learn the secrets to creating a perfect tournament map, plus, watch a professional Rainbow battle with player commentary.
-Bonus Features
***Go deeper into the game with a developer diary and the official trailer.
-Tom Clancy’s EndWar Sneak Peek (first release of gameplay).
**Join the Frag Dolls for a hands-on look at the latest thrilling game in the Tom Clancy arsenal.
**Delve into the game with the official EndWar announcement trailer.

Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six Vegas 2 Limited Edition

Myst

Products by Empire Interactive
Platform: Nintendo DS
ASIN: B0013M2SJ0
Media: Video Game
Release Date: April 1, 2008

Product Description
Amazon.com

Myst, the number-one-selling game title of all time with more than 13 million units sold, is THE adventure to have on the DS. Myst is one of the most well known adventure licenses in the world.
The classic adventure that defined the genre, Myst, brings hours of immersive play to the Nintendo DS. Myst is an engaging experience that pulls players into beautiful yet eerie worlds with unique settings in varied times and places. The non-linear game play of Myst is designed unlike any other adventure game with no instructions, inventory, death or dialogue. Myst is about the experience encountered throughout the breathtaking worlds and environments. While venturing through the six worlds of Myst, players help individuals trapped in parallel dimensions – without ever actually encountering living beings – by solving a multitude of puzzles, mazes and problems. Close observation and precise logic will help players unlock the secrets of Myst.
Features:
-Immerse yourself in six worlds ("Ages") that for the first time include the totally new ‘Rime Age’, a new Arctic world for DS players to explore as they endeavor to uncover clues and solve the mysteries of Myst.
-Newly re-mastered Video, audio and new music.
-Solve a multitude of puzzles which will challenge your skills of perception and thought. And Unravel hidden mysteries that will reveal the dramatic events of the islands past.
-New interface – The game uses the stylus as the key method of interaction and takes advantage of the dual screens to enhance game play. The upper screen provides information and allows players to view magnified images while the bottom screen is used to access mini-tools and navigate throughout Myst.
-New mini-tools
*Players have a new arsenal of tools at their disposal including a magnifying glass, camera, notebook and map.
*Magnifying glass – With this tool, players can closely inspect clues and items as well as interact with them.
*Camera – The camera allows players can take a snapshot to use for future reference.
*Notebook – Players can keep notes in their diary as they travel through Myst.
*Map – The map can aid in exploration by pinpointing key locations.
-Original soundtrack – The players experience is enhanced by new music and sound effects that add to the realism of the game.

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