E3 News

**Ruslan74** · 2nd May 2006

There are way too many events happening to deserve a thread each, thus a summary of all the events i can get hold of will show here.

EA, id Software and Fountainhead Entertainment Announce Orcs & Elves

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Electronic Arts Inc. announced today the development of Orcs & Elves, a brand new first-person, turn-based fantasy RPG, created exclusively for mobile phones by id Software and Fountainhead Entertainment. The game will be available exclusively to Verizon Wireless Get it Now customers on May 9, 2006 and nationwide in July.
Following the success of DOOM RPG, EA has teamed up with id Software and Fountainhead Entertainment to create Orcs & Elves, an epic adventure that utilizes the next generation DOOM RPG graphics engine resulting in rich gameplay of unparalleled depth. The title, which immerses mobile gamers in an original fantasy universe, provides a hybrid gameplay experience, combining first-person action and tactical turn-based RPG. With the help of a magical talking wand, players explore an ancient Dwarven fortress riddled with legendary beasts and untold treasures.

"We are thrilled to be working again with the brilliant team at id Software and Fountainhead Entertainment to create Orcs & Elves exclusively for mobile," said Mitch Lasky, Senior Vice President of EA Mobile. "We are committed to delivering the most innovative wireless titles and this collaboration with id Software is testament to that dedication."

"The formative computer games of my youth were fantasy games, so I am happy to finally bring one to market," said John Carmack, founder and technical director, id Software. "Orcs & Elves has been explicitly designed to play to the strengths and avoid the weaknesses of the mobile platform, with easy game play, a tight design, and a rewarding presentation of a world we think players will want to see more of."

"Creating a rich world for the mobile market where players can immerse themselves at any time or any place is truly rewarding," said Katherine Kang, CEO, Fountainhead Entertainment. "It's exciting to see games evolving on this platform."

Orcs & Elves catapults gamers into a world of sword and sorcery with over five hours of feature-rich gameplay. Players can wield eleven mystical weapons from flaming swords to powerful cross bows as they confront over thirty five vicious enemies - including trolls, dark elves and the undead. In this heroic quest to save the Dwarven citadel from the forces of darkness, mobile gamers encounter secrets, treasure chests, devious traps, puzzles and mysterious characters.
Assassin Creed Announced

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Today Ubisoft, one of the world's largest video game publishers, announced the development of a new video game franchise: Assassin's Creed. Assassin's Creed is being developed for PLAYSTATION 3 by an all-star team from Ubisoft's world-class Montreal studio - the studio responsible for acclaimed franchises such as Prince of Persia and Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell. The Assassin's Creed franchise will combine compelling new gameplay, superb graphics, and an immersive and sophisticated storyline to deliver an epic experience that will launch the action genre into the next generation and beyond.
"Assassin's Creed is going to push the video game experience as we know it today into an entirely new direction," said Yannis Mallat, chief executive officer at Ubisoft's Montreal studio. "Assassin's Creed's compelling theme and storyline experienced through the next-generation console will captivate audiences and affect them on the same level as an epic novel or film."

The first game in the Assassin's Creed franchise is set in 1191 AD, when the Third Crusade was tearing the Holy Land apart. Shrouded in secrecy and feared for their ruthlessness, the Assassins intend to stop the hostilities by suppressing both sides of the conflict. Players, assuming the role of the main character Altair, will have the power to throw their immediate environment into chaos and to shape events during this pivotal moment in history.

Ubisoft has a strong record of creating some of the industry's top-selling video game franchises and anticipates that Assassin's Creed will experience the same success.

"Ubisoft has established itself as a creative force in the video game industry by developing new intellectual property and turning it into multimillion-unit selling brands," said Serge Hascoet, chief creative officer at Ubisoft. "Our goal to introduce three new brands into the marketplace every two years is working. With Assassin's Creed we're introducing a franchise that will establish itself as the must-have next-generation game for the next-generation gamer."

The first game in the Assassin's Creed franchise will make its worldwide debut at E3 in Los Angeles and will be available to consumers in 2007.
Warhammer : Mark of Chaos News

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Faithful to the Warhammer license, Warhammer: Mark of Chaos puts the focus squarely on the battlefield with a real-time combat system that gives the player unprecedented customization and control of his army. An epic battle rages following a brutal Chaos invasion, where four fully playable armies (Empire, Chaos, Skaven, and High Elves) as well as additional controllable races (Orcs, Dwarfs, Vampires, and Goblins) clash on a massive battlefield.

MASTER THE ART OF WAR: Warhammer: Mark of Chaos is about WAR, focusing on the armies and battles while de-emphasizing the tedious aspects of base and resource management.

EPIC, VISCERAL BATTLES ON A MASSIVE SCALE: Epic sense of both scale and detail where big demons and huge beautifully rendered battalions clash with thousands of characters battling on screens in intricate detail.

USE ENVIRONMENTS TO YOUR ADVANTAGE: A variety of buildable features and randomized, destructible terrains such as forests, swamps, plains, and tundra change the shape of the battlefield and add a layer of strategy that provides infinite replayability.

COMMAND HEROES AND CHAMPIONS: As armies move from battle to battle in an epic war, Heroes and Champions learn new tactics, unlock new abilities, command larger units, even challenge other Champions in a duel to the death.

CUSTOMIZE YOUR ARMY: Warhammer: Mark of Chaos takes customization to a new level by allowing for body part swaps, weapon and armor enhancements, and more powerful controls to paint units and customize banners. Additionally, players can accent armies with mercenaries and "Dogs of War", augmenting the look and play of their army for a unique game experience.

VARIETY OF PLAY MODES: Dynamic cooperative campaign mode and a full assortment of multiplayer modes for both casual and competitive gamers.

Publisher: NAMCO BANDAI Games America, Inc.
Developer: Black Hole Entertainment
Release Date: Fall 2006
Platform: PC
Genre: RTS
Multiplayer: Yes
ESRB Rating: RP
URL: www.markofchaos.com
Mobile Ops : The One Year War Screenshots

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In the future, Rebel space colonies launch a brutal war for independence with a series of orbital strikes against the Earth. War is reinvented as advanced ECM renders long range sensors and communications virtually useless. In this chaos, a frightening new weapon, the mobile suit, is born. Agile, heavily armed and armored and optimized for short range combat with melee attacks and a wide array of weapons, the Mobile Suit is the ultimate instrument in this new age of warfare. Rediscover the thrill of mechanized warfare as you are thrown into battle as a soldier on the front lines of the One Year War. Fight on foot, in vehicles and in Mobile Suits around the globe. Crush your enemies online no matter where they hide, be it open battlefield or urban environments. Pick your side, choose your weapon, prove your supremacy.

Giant Mecha Warfare Comes to Life!- For the first time ever, giant mecha will engage in hand to hand combat with beam sabers, heat hawks and other melee weapons never before seen in the genre.

The battlefield of the future, now! -Jump into the cockpit of your war machine and experience first hand what mobile suit warfare in the Universal Century feels like as you battle in a host of vehicles and mobile suits, or engage in small unit infantry tactics as you pit your wits and body against the mightiest war machines ever created.

Fight the One Year War like never before! - Engage enemies on the battlefields of the One Year War any way you want -- on foot, in vehicles and in a wide array of mecha.

Fight on the frontlines, online! - Online play brings mobile suit warfare to life like never before. Fight in teams through multiple scenarios and battlefields.

Total Immersion! - Immerse yourself in the world of the Universal Century. Dramatic cockpit views, exquisitely detailed Mobile Suits and vehicles modelled down to the differences in ejection systems and boarding protocols. Using the power of the XBOX 360, view Mobile Suits and environments in unparalleled detail, right down to the rust and damage from combat, all in HDTV resolution.

Robust customization options! - Customize your mobile suit in near limitless ways. Determine weapon load outs from a huge arsenal and fully utilize your sensor suite.

Title: Mobile Ops: The One Year War
Genre: Mechanized Shooter
Platforms: Xbox 360
# of Players: 1 player, TBD players online
Developer: Dimps / Dream Execution
Release Date: Holiday 2006
URL: www.namcobandaigames.com

**Ruslan74** · 2nd May 2006

Mage Knight Apocalypse Screenshots

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Set in the richly detailed Mage Knight universe, players take on the role of one of five guardians, warriors sworn by oath to seek out the heart of evil plaguing the land and stop it no matter what the cost. Guided by the magical and mysterious race known as the Solonavi, the guardians embark on an epic journey to rescue their world from the hands of an army of pure evil determined to bring about the Apocalypse. As the forces of Chaos rise, a creature of unimaginable strength and destructive power is born to lead the enemy: the Apocalypse Dragon, a seemingly unstoppable five headed monstrosity. In order to face this threat players cannot go it alone, they must rally support from all of the factions of the land and recruit brave heroes to fight for their cause. The future rests on the shoulders of these noble adventurers, and the battle to end all battles is about to begin.

Epic! - A beautiful and unique 3D world provides the panoramic backdrop to a story that has only before existed in your imagination. MKA offers a free camera system that takes you out of the isometric view normally seen in Action RPG's. Sweeping, panoramic backdrops, rich worlds, dramatic viewing angles, huge monsters and gorgeous visuals all put you into the game as never before. Battle the largest and most daunting foes ever seen in an Action RPG including the mighty Apocalypse Dragon!

Depth! - Use hundreds of skills, and thousands of weapons and items to face hundreds of unique enemies. Use the "Mage Stone" system of forging and alchemy to customize any item in literally hundreds of different ways for tens of thousands unique items.

Imagination! - No levels, no experience points, your character becomes an extension of your play style. To be a better fighter, swing your sword. A better mage? Cast more spells. Every click, defines how you progress up the skill tree and who your character becomes. Dynamic enemy scaling and multiple alternate scenarios means near- infinite replay-ability.

Title: Mage Knight: Apocalypse
Genre: Action RPG
Platform: PC
# of Players: 1-5 players
Developer: IS Games
Release Date: Spring 2006
URL: www.namcobandaigames.com
Hellgate : London Screenshots

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Hellgate: London is the first original title from premier developer Flagship Studios, whose team hails from such blockbusters as the Diablo, StarCraft, and WarCraft series. Set in the near future, Hellgate: London introduces a world devastated by a demon invasion. Players are thrust into a desolate city scorched by hellfire where the survivors meld science and sorcery to gain a foothold against the minions of darkness and save the bloodline of humanity.
Hellgate: London combines the depth of Role Playing Games with the action of First-Person titles, while offering infinite replayability and an individualized gaming experience through dynamically created levels, monsters, items, and events. Players create a hero and then battle through innumerable hordes of demons while completing quests and advancing through experience levels and branching skill paths. A robust, flexible skill and spell system, highly-customizable items, and a massive variety of randomly generated equipment allow players to create heroes that are truly unique.

Features:

A New Perspective on RPGs - Combining the depth and customizability of Role-Playing Games with the immersive experience of a first-person perspective, gameplay is fast-paced without requiring lightning-fast FPS reflexes, making it accessible to a broad audience of RPG fans.

Unique and Appealing World - Experience the ominous setting of post-apocalyptic London. From ancient ruins buried beneath city streets to shattered cathedrals to the last remnants of humanity bunkered in the Underground, the boundary between fact and myth are blurred as a few glorious heroes fight for their very souls.

Customizable Character Classes - Fight against the demons of the underworld as one of several unique character classes. Like the Templar, each class has a unique visual and game play style based on their particular history and heritage. Randomly generated and modifiable items ensure that heroes are distinct and individualized.

Hell on Earth - Battle against a wide variety of demonic enemies, each with their own unique attributes, abilities, and vulnerabilities.

Infinite Replayability - With dynamically- generated levels, massive quantities of randomly- created items, chance events and story- driven quests, no two gaming experiences are ever the same.

Single-Player and Online Multiplayer Support - While Hellgate: London stands on its own as a single-player game, it also provides a compelling cooperative multiplayer experience through a dedicated online gaming destination. By creating unique and individualized game play "instances" within a vast online community, gamers get all the best parts of traditional massive multiplayer games without the common downsides.

Publisher: NAMCO BANDAI Games America Inc.
Developer: Flagship Studios
Release Date: TBD
Platform: PC
ESRB Rating: RP (M expected)
Genre: RPG
Game URL: www.hellgatelondon.com / www.namco.com / www.flagshipstudios.com
Players: Single and Multiplayer
Overlord Announced ; Screenshots

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Codemasters today announces an original next-generation title with the signing of Overlord from developer Triumph Studios, whose pedigree includes the award-winning strategy series Age of Wonders.
Overlord is a groundbreaking action adventure, set in a seriously warped fantasy world. Scheduled for a summer 2007 release, Overlord will launch for PC and as a console exclusive for the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft.

Controlling a mysterious figure that has inherited the legacy of the evil, long-dead Overlord, the player emerges, near death, from the ruins of the old Overlord's Dark Tower. Only the player's actions will determine if they will rise to become the new all-powerful Overlord; it's all down to how much of a bad ass they want to be in order to succeed… evil or really evil! Played out with plenty of black humour and dark irony, the game will immerse players in twisted parodies of classic fantasy scenarios and characters.

Overlord's key innovation is the introduction of an array of impish creatures - the Minions. They believe you are the old Overlord reborn and will use their unique skills to fetch, fight and die for you. Throughout the game players will actively control a horde of these gremlin-like critters and they'll follow your every instruction no matter how despotic or, for the Minions, life threatening it is.

Says Lennart Sas, Director at Triumph Studios: "Overlord offers a wealth of freedom and allows players to experience classic fantasy like never before. Working with the minions, players can loot and pillage their way through the game's world or maybe resist the temptations of evil. In Overlord, player choices truly shape the world."

Says Barry Jafrato, Senior VP of Brand for Codemasters: "Overlord comes loaded with innovative and compelling game mechanics wrapped in a scenario that's played out with plenty of black humour. We're delighted to be working with Triumph on the title, bringing something fresh and original to next-generation gamers."

With more details on this unique gaming property to be revealed through the course of its development, Codemasters will publish Overlord for Xbox 360 and PC in summer 2007.

**Ruslan74** · 2nd May 2006

Army of Two from EA

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You're not alone soldier, not anymore. Electronic Arts today unveiled details of the action title that has been kept top secret for the past year. Developed at EA's boutique production house in Montréal, Canada, the new, original intellectual property will redefine strategic TWO man cooperative play when it launches on the PlayStation 3 computer entertainment system and Xbox360 videogame system from Microsoft in 2007. ARMY OF TWO will throw gamers into hot spots ripped from current day headlines where they will utilize unique TWO man strategies and tactics while seamlessly transitioning between playing with intelligent Partner AI (PAI) and a live player. When one man is not enough, it will take an army of two to fight through war, political turmoil and a conspiracy so vast it threatens the entire world.
Alain Tascan, VP and General Manager of EA Montréal has been serving as Executive Producer on the title. Tascan comments, "ARMY OF TWO is a first for EA in many ways. This is the first EA studio to be built entirely from the ground-up. This is EA's first original title for the next-gen systems. ARMY OF TWO is the first game to put players inside tactical warfare involving Private Military Corporations."

Reid Schneider, Senior Producer at EA Montréal noted, "This is the game we've always wanted to create. Until now, the hardware would not allow us to deliver truly intelligent AI characters. We've built this game with co-operative TWO man gameplay as the centerpiece of the experience. Whether you're playing with PAI or a friend, it's about the TWO man missions, TWO man strategies and the TWO man advantage that really sets this game apart."

EA established a state-of-the-art studio in downtown Montréal in 2003. It has since drawn some of the industry's most talented creative specialists - programmers, digital artists, 3D animators, lighting experts, modellers, writers, directors, musicians and audio engineers.
Alone in the Dark Episodes?

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Atari today revealed details about the innovative game structure of forthcoming action-survival opus Alone in the Dark, continuing the pioneering heritage that began with the first Alone in the Dark in 1992, the game that launched the survival genre in gaming in 1992. The next-generation structure of Alone in the Dark has been designed by the team at Eden Games to enhance the players engagement with the story and keep them riveted to the screen throughout.
Taking inspiration from the presentation style and structure of a number of acclaimed and globally popular TV action dramas, Alone in the Dark will be split into a number of distinct episodes in a season-style format. Ten hour games based on film-style scripts and structures naturally lose narrative intensity as they progress, whereas the TV-season format delivers a constant sustained pace and high level of narrative intensity, all of which is key to delivering Eden's vision of a fiercely gripping and terrifying experience.

"Our new format for Alone in the Dark greatly enhances the pace and tension, keeping players permanently hooked into the engrossing story surrounding the mysteries of Central Park and beyond," said David Nadal, Game Director, Eden Games. "You barely have time to breathe before the next cliffhanger hits you…"

With approximately 30-40 minutes of gameplay comprising each episode, the structure of Alone in the Dark is adapted for an audience familiar with the hard-hitting bite-size delivery of contemporary TV dramas, offering easy accessibility whether the player has hours to devote or only wants a quick TV-style fix.

Each time the player launches a saved game, the episode will begin with a video summary of the previous episode to quickly re-immerse the player in the story, removing the need to remember where they were or what they were doing. Every episode will close with a nail-biting cliff-hanger ending to rattle players' nerves, and if the player is leaving the game a video teaser of the next episode will play to leave them wanting more.

The original Alone in the Dark is the video game that launched survival gaming and set the standard within the genre. Alone in the Dark returns with a heart-stopping survival experience realized through the use of state-of-the-art real-time physics and unprecedented environmental interaction. Delivering an exhilarating action-orientated experience within a highly detailed, open environment, Alone in the Dark once again takes the lead for innovation and excellence within the genre.

I am just wondering how many times has the word innovative been used in all these announcements... geez.

**Ruslan74** · 3rd May 2006

Neverwinter Nights 2 info

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Bards sing tales of heroes from ages past, but never have the Forgotten Realms so desperately needed a champion. Years have passed since the war between Luskan and Neverwinter, almost enough time for the wounds of war to heal. But the brief peace the Realms have known may be at an end. Tension growing between the mighty city-states means the Sword Coast again teeters on the edge of open war. Unnoticed, a greater danger stalks the City of Skilled Hands. Unbeknownst to the denizens of the North, deep in the Mere of Dead Men, dark forces from across the Realms have been rallied under the banner of a legendary evil. If left unchallenged, all of the North is doomed to fall under its power.
Even in this darkest hour, hope remains. A mysterious relic is borne to Neverwinter in the hands of a lone hero so that its secrets may be unlocked - secrets that carry the fate of all the North. So begins an epic tale of shattered alliances, noble acts and dark deeds to be told across the Realms for generations to come.

PRODUCT FEATURES:

Experience the long-awaited sequel to the game that revolutionized creating and playing computer role-playing games;

Use the completely rewritten, powerful Obsidian Neverwinter Nights 2 Toolset to create your own adventures, share them with friends, or run them through your adventure directly as the Dungeon Master;

Play online with other gamers and enjoy limitless adventure;

Explore the Forgotten Realms in greater graphical splendour than ever before with a completely new, cutting-edge graphics system and an overland map;

Play new subraces like the Tiefling and Aasimar, while employing new spells, feats, and advanced prestige classes, based on the exciting Dungeons and Dragons 3.5 Edition rules;

Customizable Strongholds that allow the players to hire workers (like blacksmiths etc.), assemble and train troops, and expand the stronghold;

Recruit up to three companions to assist in your adventures. Improved party control allows for more dynamic tactical decisions in combat and more personal interaction;

Rediscover familiar locations and meet old friends from the Neverwinter Nights series.

PLATFORM: Windows
RELEASE DATE: September 2006
DEVELOPER: Obsidian Entertainment
PUBLISHER: Atari, Inc.
CATEGORY: Role Playing Game
ESRB RATING: 'RP' for Rating Pending
Test Drive Unlimited info

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With the ability for thousands of gamers to play simultaneously, Test Drive Unlimited is M.O.O.R.: Massively Open Online Racing. This is a truly unprecedented experience for racing gamers and is the ultimate automotive experience for car and bike enthusiasts alike. Once in the game, players can visit the most sophisticated car and motorcycle dealers to purchase new vehicles or simply take them for a spin. Gamers can then participate in 8 player races or take vehicles for a drive on over 1000 miles of diverse Hawaiian roads and pass by thousands of other real players. Further, players can collect and trade rare performance parts and customize each vehicle to make it one-of-a-kind. Finally, gamers win races, challenges, missions and tournaments to earn credits and purchase new cars, bikes, rare performance parts, clothes, apparel, homes and garages.
PRODUCT FEATURES:

Test Drive Unlimited is redefining the racing genre online with M.O.O.R.: Massively Open Online Racing. It is the only game that allows for literally thousands of gamers to play within the same game world simultaneously. The seamless online connection offers unlimited new challenges, opponents and competitions as well as monthly additions of vehicles, aftermarket parts, clothes and apparel;

More than 125 licensed vehicles from exclusive manufacturers including Lamborghini, Ducati, Aston Martin, Mercedes, Saleen, Shelby, and Jaguar;

Realistic cars and bikes: Amazing render quality and unrivalled interior details including full car functions such as radio, electric windows, horn, wipers and more;

Personalization: Upgrade each car or bike with options from the actual manufacturers' catalog. Players create characters, buy new homes and garages, and tune and upgrade vehicles with aftermarket parts;

Create challenges or races from more than 50 game rules and settings. Upload your created challenges online to become part of the player community;

A gathering of communities: Players can create or join a club to talk, chat, trade, race or organize club-based competitions and tournaments;

Simplified match making and division based rankings make this game the most comprehensive and accessible online racing experience.

Platform: Xbox 360 and Windows
Release Date: September 2006
Publisher: Atari, Inc.
Category: Racing
ESRB Rating: TBD
Arthur and the Minimoys info

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STORY AND PRODUCT OVERVIEW:
Directly inspired by the upcoming animated film of the same name, Arthur and the Minimoys is currently in development for PlayStation 2, PSP (PlayStation Portable) system, Nintendo DS, Game Boy Advance, and the Windows platform, and is planned for a simultaneous release with the film in January 2007. The game allows players to relive the fantastic adventures of young Arthur and his two pals, Selenia and Bétamèche, in their mission to save the Minimoys' world from destruction. The game will incorporate filmmaker Luc Besson's entire Minimoy universe and its tiny inhabitants with the richness and extraordinary visuals of the film.
'Arthur and the Minimoys' in a nutshell:

Originally a four-volume literary adventure written by Luc Besson, with more than 950,000 books sold in France alone, and translations into over twenty different languages

The film, in production in Europe for $85 million, is being distributed in the US by the Weinstein Company. A worldwide marketing budget of over $125 million is planned.

The film uses three technologies (2D, 3D and real film footage) and a unique graphical style that is groundbreaking in the world of animation

Voices and original music for the film by internationally renowned artists including David Bowie, Madonna, and Snoop Dogg.

GAME FEATURES:

Game play is based on the concept of the "trio" - each phase of a puzzle or combat requires utilizing the skills of all three characters (Arthur, Selenia and Bétamèche).

Each character has unique but complimentary powers which players must use to their advantage. The three heroes have their own particular objectives, but they must also aid one other.

Players can watch integrated scenes from the film offered in the form of parallel action phases.

PLATFORM: PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system, PSP (PlayStation Portable) system, Nintendo DS, Game Boy Advance, and Windows
RELEASE DATE: January 2007
DEVELOPER: PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system, PSP system, PC - Etranges Libellules; NDS - Etranges Libellules and Neko; GBA - Misitc
PUBLISHER: Atari, Inc.
ESRB RATING: RP
GENRE: Action-Adventure

**Ruslan74** · 3rd May 2006

Ubisoft's E3 Lineup

Today Ubisoft, one of the world's largest video game publishers, announced its lineup of titles for the 2006 Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3) May 10-12, 2006 at the Los Angeles Convention Center in Los Angeles, Calif. Ubisoft will showcase its titles at booth #924 in the South Hall.

"Our E3 lineup demonstrates Ubisoft's profound commitment to the next-generation of video games," said Yves Guillemot, president and chief executive officer of Ubisoft. "Ubisoft is very excited to be introducing ground-breaking new intellectual property and showcasing how we bring innovation to our best-selling franchises. Our award-winning development teams are pushing the limits of what can be achieved and leading the industry into the future."

Ubisoft lineup for E3 2006:

Assassin's Creed: Experience the power of a feared Assassin in the game that will redefine the action adventure genre for the next generation. Players' actions will throw the immediate environment into chaos and shape events in this pivotal moment during the Third Crusade.
Brothers In Arms Hell's Highway: Gearbox Software's critically acclaimed squad-based WWII shooter launches into the next generation of gaming with amazing graphics and cutting-edge game play features powered by Unreal Engine 3 and a completely redesigned online component. As Matt Baker, lead a squad of real soldiers who think, relate and fight together through the brutal trials of the dramatic Operation Market Garden.
Dark Messiah of Might & Magic: Discover a new breed of PC game that will redefine the Action-RPG genre. Powered by an enhanced version of the Source engine from Valve, the second chapter in the new Might & Magic franchise allows players to experience ferocious combat as an expert warrior, mage, or assassin using a vast array of devastating weapons against vicious creatures in a captivating fantasy environment.
Enchanted Arms: The first RPG developed exclusively for Xbox 360, this epic adventure created by FromSoftware in Japan is arriving for the first time in North America and Europe. Enchanted Arms allows players to escape to a fantasy world filled with beautiful cinema-quality graphics, unique characters and bizarre creatures.
Game to be Unveiled: Experience the next-generation project from Ubisoft and Free Radical, the developers of the critically-acclaimed Timesplitters series for the first time at E3.
Open Season: Team up with the cast of characters from Sony Pictures Animation's feature-length CGI film Open Season coming in September. It's a riotous romp in the great outdoors for kids of all ages when a rowdy brood of forest animals turn the tables on unsuspecting hunters.
Rayman Raving Rabbids: Developed by famed creative director Michel Ancel, this new installment of the Rayman franchise will be the funniest and zaniest yet. Rayman's world is threatened by a devastating invasion by the most unexpected creatures and Rayman must battle to save his world and its inhabitants.
Red Steel: The only original first-person game built from the ground up and exclusively for the Wii launch. Red Steel takes full advantage of Nintendo's innovative controller and provides the unique experience of combined gunplay and swordplay.
Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell Double Agent: The best-selling Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell saga is taking an entirely new direction. In the highly anticipated next chapter, play as a double agent spy for the first time. Take on dual roles of covert operative and ruthless terrorist, where choices of whom to betray and whom to protect affect the outcome of the game.
Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six Vegas: Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six makes its dramatic next-generation debut. Rainbow operatives take to the chaotic streets of Las Vegas as an escalating terrorist siege in "Sin City" threatens to take world terrorism to new heights.

**Ruslan74** · 3rd May 2006

Midway's E3 Lineup

Unveiling one of the most diversified and high powered lineups in company history, Midway Games Inc., a leading interactive entertainment software publisher and developer, announced today its product portfolio to be shown at the annual Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3), May 10-12 in Los Angeles. This year's lineup showcases proven brands such as Blitz: The League, Unreal Tournament 2007 and Mortal Kombat: Armageddon; exciting new properties such as John Woo Presents Stranglehold; kid's properties like The Grim Adventures of Billy and Mandy; high-end PC titles such as The Lord of the Rings Online: Shadows of Angmar along with full support for both handheld and next generation game systems.

"Our 2006 E3 lineup truly reflects our product strategy to broaden our portfolio and commit our resources to developing titles in a wide range of genres on all major platforms: handhelds, PC, and next generation consoles, " said David F. Zucker, president and CEO, Midway. "From proven brands like Mortal Kombat and exciting next generation games such as John Woo Presents Stranglehold, to high-profile PC titles such as Unreal Tournament 2007 and games for the younger market and handhelds, this is Midway's most diverse and powerful line up yet."

Midway's exciting E3 product lineup with expected ship dates include:

John Woo Presents Stranglehold: (PLAYSTATION3, Xbox 360, PC; Winter 2006) - Experience exhilarating, next-gen action for the PS3, Xbox 360 videogame and entertainment system from Microsoft and PC, as you continue the story of Inspector Tequila from John Woo's influential action film, "Hard Boiled" starring Chow Yun-Fat. Run into danger with both fists full of lead and take down the organized crime bosses who stepped over the line when they took your family. Stop at nothing as you destroy the entire world around you to get them back. You are a desperate man following your own rules; honor thy family; do what's right; fear no man.
Unreal Tournament 2007: (PC, PS3) - The latest entry into the Unreal franchise, Unreal Tournament 2007, is currently in development by Epic Games Inc. Fans will be blown away by the next-generation game play, modifiability and visuals that Epic's Unreal Engine 3 technology will bring to the franchise. This title has not yet been concept approved by Sony Computer Entertainment America.
Blitz: The League: (Xbox 360, Nintendo Wii, PSP (PlayStationPortable) system; October 2006) - The celebrated arcade-style football franchise is back and better than ever with a new treatment of America's most popular sport. Blitz: The League exposes the harsh and troubling, behind-the-scenes stories of a fictional professional football league.
Mortal Kombat: Armageddon: (PlayStation2 computer entertainment system, Xbox; October 2006) - Introducing Mortal Kombat: Armageddon - the latest chapter in Midway's best-selling, award-winning, videogame fighting franchise. With the most complete Mortal Kombat roster ever, including every character from the Mortal Kombat fighting universe, revolutionary Create-A-Fighter and Create-A Fatality modes, Mortal Kombat: Armageddon promises to be the most complete, intensely lethal, fighting experience ever!
Spy Hunter: Nowhere to Run: (PlayStation 2, Xbox; September 2006) - Spy Hunter: Nowhere to Run takes the Spy Hunter franchise where it's never gone before - on foot. Featuring action superstar Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson as government super-spy extraordinaire Alex Decker, players for the first time ever can step out of the Interceptor and straight into third-person action, utilizing The Rock's physical prowess by taking down enemies with intense melee combat moves.
The Lord of the Rings Online: Shadows of Angmar: (PC) - The Lord of the Rings Online is the world's first and only massively multiplayer online (MMO) role playing game based upon the literary works of J.R.R. Tolkien. Gamers of all levels will establish their unique reputations, explore incredibly detailed realms and join familiar Tolkien characters, while adventuring solo or in fellowships within an evolving and persistent re-creation of Middle-earth. The Lord of the Rings Online: Shadows of Angmar is developed by Turbine, Inc. Midway will co-publish (along with Turbine) and distribute The Lord of the Rings Online: Shadows of Angmar in North America.
Rise & Fall: Civilizations at War: (PC; June 2006) - Rise & Fall: Civilizations at War is the first real-time strategy game to place players directly in the heart of combat as a heroic general fighting side-by-side with their troops. Players can completely command one of the four mightiest empires of the ancient world as in a traditional RTS, but can also use Rise & Fall's innovative Hero Mode to enter the battlefield as one of history's eight greatest heroes. Rise & Fall will be exclusively shown on Alienware systems at E3.
Happy Feet: (PlayStation 2, Nintendo GameCube, Nintendo Wii, Game Boy Advance, Nintendo DS, PC; November 2006) - Based on Warner Bros. Pictures' upcoming comedy adventure Happy Feet, Midway's immersive video game puts the player in the "tap shoes" of Mumble, a young penguin born into a nation of singing Emperor Penguins where each needs a Heartsong to attract a soul mate. Unfortunately, Mumble is the worst singer in the world... however, as it happens, he is a brilliant tap dancer! Based on the general storyline of the film, the player will be able to experience life from the point of view of Mumble in music, dance and interaction with the friends and enemies of the penguin's world.
The Ant Bully: (PlayStation 2, Nintendo GameCube, Game Boy Advance, PC; July 2006 - Nintendo Wii; November 2006) - Go pick on someone your own size! After bullying an innocent ant colony, a young boy named Lucas is magically shrunk down to ant size and embarks on a remarkable adventure. Play as Lucas, experiencing the dangerous and thrilling life of an ant as you battle, explore and forge new friendships with natives and other species in his new ant world. Based on exciting moments from Warner Bros. Pictures upcoming digitally animated family adventure The Ant Bully, and featuring all -new challenges created especially for the game, help Lucas evolve from recluse to hero in his quest to save the colony from extermination
The Grim Adventures of Billy & Mandy: (PlayStation 2, Nintendo GameCube, Game Boy Advance; November 2006) - The Grim Adventures of Billy & Mandy video game pits the characters from the popular Cartoon Network television show against each other in a fighting-adventure game, filled with mayhem, chaos and over-the-top graphics. In battle mode, up to four players can use a multitude of weapons in destructible arenas like the "Desert of Doom " and the "Underworld " to battle it out and be the last one standing. Players also have the option to play on their own or with a friend in mission mode. There are a series of 45 story-based missions which will encourage players to unlock new weapons and characters like the Boogey Man and Jack O'Lantern.
MLB SlugFest 2006: (PlayStation 2, Xbox; May 2006) - Midway's newest offering of its over-the-top baseball series, MLB SlugFest 2006 features a new create-a-player mode, updated 2006 team rosters and stadiums, along with a new library of signature animations and extreme collisions that have distinguished the franchise since its debut in 2002.
RUSH: (PSP system; September 2006) - For the first time ever on the PSP system, attempt mad jumps, high-flying stunts and arcade-style racing from the original RUSH franchise. Go head to head with a friend in a street race or cruise mission using wireless functionality, or experience Story Mode which allows you to race through 5 Los Angeles city re-creations while finding treacherous shortcuts and surviving death-defying jumps!
Mortal Kombat: Unchained: (PSP system; September 2006) - Mortal Kombat: Unchained takes the Mortal Kombat franchise to new heights with an innovative fighting system tailored for wireless functionality, unparalleled depth and brutally intense action that will appeal to long-time Mortal Kombat fans, as well as new gamers.
NBA Ballers: Rebound: (PSP system; May 2006) - NBA Ballers: Rebound is the only one-on-one basketball videogame available for the PSP highlighting the rags-to-riches path from an unknown Baller to today's biggest NBA superstar.