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EA has sent out an all points bulletin that Need for Speed Undercover will feature and new cooperative mode, Cops and Robbers. The mode supports two teams of four playing against each other. The criminals pick up a package they must get to their safe house while the cops try to thwart them at every turn.

Cops and Robbers play is meant to showcase the game’s new Heroic Driving Engine. Players will be able to experience high speed chases through the city streets at up to 180 MPH. Given the destructibility of the setting and the espionage theme, Undercover seems like it can deliver on the promised adrenaline rush.

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Activision is offering up a PS3 each week to Quantum of Solace Sweepstakes winners. In addition, gamers can get ready for the Quantum of Solace videogame by registering with Activision and playing the 007 strategy game online. the rewards for completing missions are codes good for exclusive screenshot, concept art and other M16 swag.

You can get signed up and into the 007 game at the Sony Pictures Entertainment Quantum of Solace web site. The Sweepstakes runs for eight weeks with one lucky winner receiving a PS3 each week. To enter the sweepstakes, you have to register with Activision or mail in an entry form. For more information on rules and formalities click here.

I’ve been looking forward to Quantum of Solace the movie since Casino Royal. I’m more than ready for the shadow organization 007 has taken on to be exposed and taken down. So far it looks like the videogame won’t be the stereotypical fiasco that most games based on movies end up being. However having the web strategy game online is a great diversion to keep me occupied until the November 07 release.

Apparently not slowed by the economic crisis in the United States (or perhaps as a result), GameStop has reached an agreement with private equity fund L Capital to purchase Micromania, France’s largest videogame retailer, for roughly $700 million. GameStop doesn’t presently have any stores located in France, but the purchase of Micromania will give them 332 locations in the country, bringing their worldwide total up to an astonishing 5,889 stores.

Of course, there are legal hoops to be jumped through; the deal is subject to clearance by the European Commission, but forgoing any snags the deal will be closed by November. While the press release doesn’t go into much detail on GameStop’s plans for Micromania, it sounds as if they won’t seek to rebrand the company to carry GameStop’s name.

The deal will help cement GameStop’s position as the largest videogame retailer in the world and guarantees that — if they aren’t already — our readers in France will soon be hassled for preorders and to sell their used games.

LEGO Batman is finally out on shelves near you. Whether you know him as the Caped Crusader or the The Dark Knight, Batman has spawned a number of memorable allies and enemies over the years, which you can take your pick of to play.

LEGO Batman, what little time I spent with it at E3 this year felt like it played perfectly to the concepts presented in previous LEGO action games but with the mythology and mischief of the Batman universe. The game’s demo level felt like it better used the environmental puzzles to present the 4-color superhero setting of Gotham than say LEGO Indy did. I hope that continues in the full version of the game which I know I’m anxiously awaiting. It appeals to all ages, like LEGO Star Wars before it, but who doesn’t know love Batman, Catwoman and the Joker? This is a game for anyone.

The Ancient Roman Empire will rise again when D3Publisher brings the well known PC casual games brand Cradle of Rome to Nintendo DS this fall.  Players will re-create the legendary city of old using a unique variation of the much loved Match-3 puzzle mechanic to build more than 20 masterpieces of the Ancient Roman architecture.  More than 100 levels, each with its own puzzle board design, will allow players to use a different strategy each time to build and conquer their way to become Emperor.

In Cradle of Rome, players can build more than 20 historical sites from 5 different eras of Ancient Roman architecture by gathering resources such as wood, tools, gold and more by matching rows of 3 or more on the puzzle board and obtaining as many as possible before the time runs out.  The more resources players gather, the faster they can build the city from a lowly saw mill and progress to such historical monuments such as the Temple of Venus and eventually the mighty Coliseum.  Multiple gameplay modes offer various degrees of difficulty and a vast array of bonus tools adds even more incentive to continue the game and eventually become Emperor.

Cradle of Rome is slated to ship to North American retail stores on November 18, 2008.

There’s a new trailer out Disgaea DS in the form of a Prinny Commentary. These cute demonic attack penguins are a staple of the Disgaea series. Disgaea DS revisits the original Disgaea: Hour of Darkness story of Etna and Laharl. New features have been added to the original turn-based strategy combat system like Demon Gadgets that will allow you to power up your units to ungodly levels.

Disgaea DS will be out in stores September 23. Check out the trailer Dood.

Igor will be coming out for the PC, DS, WIi and mobile sometime in October. The video above was shown at GC 08, and even though it is the trailer for the movie - it should still give you an idea of what to expect from the game as far as the looks of it go anyway.

Hopefully the trailer will not lock up on you during that damn Bangkok Dangerous ad like it did for me.. I am so sick of seeing that. Every time I hear Nicholas Cage say “My name’s Joe… this is what I do” I want to punch someone in the neck. Seriously, I hate that guy.

Igor, is the upcoming animated movie which follows a hunchbacked lab assistant named Igor (voiced by John Cusack) forced to serve a mad scientist while dreaming of one day becoming a notorious mad scientist himself and winning the Evil Science Fair. Other stars contributing their voice talents to the film are Molly Shannon (Eva), John Cleese ( Dr. Glickenstein), Steve Buscemi (Scamper), Sean Hayes (Brain) and Eddie Izzard (the maniacal Dr. Schadenfreude).

In the Wii and PC versions of the game, players have the ability to choose one of the main characters (Igor, Eva, Scamper or Brain) and play either simultaneously or cooperatively with up to four people. They’ll be challenged to play within locales from the film, fight enemies and achieve goals that advance them through the storyline.

Here is the list of stars appearing in the movie, just in case you are curious or have nothing else better to do:

John Cusack - Igor (voice)
Steve Buscemi - Scamper (voice)
Christian Slater-  Dr. Schadenfreude’s Igor (voice)
Jennifer Coolidge - Jaclyn (voice)
Eddie Izzard - Dr. Schadenfreude (voice)
John Cleese - Dr. Glickenstein (voice)
Sean Hayes - Brain (voice)
Molly Shannon - Eva (voice)
Jay Leno - King Malbert (voice)
Arsenio Hall - Carl Cristall (voice)
James Lipton - Himself
Paul Vogt - Fly-headed Guy (voice)

In the Nintendo DS game based on the movie, you will use the stylus to perform movement combos, combat enemies and solve puzzles. Players can custom build their own monsters to take on puzzle challenges and battle against other mad scientists.

***UPDATE: Could not get GameVideos to work so I posted the YouTube version just in case others had the same issue***

Multiplayer betas have proven to be very popular even on consoles, with Halo 3 and Call of Duty 4 proving that public beta tests aren’t just for PC games. Now Call of Duty: World at War will be following its predecessor’s example by releasing a multiplayer beta on both Xbox 360 and PC in October. Those looking to get into the 360 beta can register at the game’s official website or pre-order the game at GameStop.

The open beta announcement also reveals that World at War is scheduled for release on November 11 (confirming what we had previously heard). A release date this close to the beta means that the beta will have little to no impact on the version of the game that ships, instead working more like an online demo that’s being passed off as a beta. Still, an early shot at some intense Call of Duty multiplayer is difficult to pass up.

Unfortunately, PlayStation 3 and Wii owners who don’t have access to other platforms will have to pass it up. Those unfortunate gamers can check out our recent preview of the game and cross their fingers that Treyarch will have managed to top their most recent mediocre COD offering with the help of the Call of Duty 4 engine and some extra development time.

Tecmo today announced a holiday lineup filled with a variety of games in several genres, promising hours of entertainment for everyone and almost every genre. The holiday lineup will include the following four titles:

Robocalypse (October 28): Developed Vogster, Robocalypse is a  real-time strategy game for the Nintendo DS featuring robotic armies equipped with unique weaponry and strategic warfare with a twist of humor. With over 50 A.I. driven units with advanced distributed path-finding, dynamic music and 3D particle effects, the comical was penned by Jay Lender (SpongeBob Squarepants), and Micah Wright. Early previews of Robocalypse have been very positive, with the title receiving the runner-up spot in July for IGN’s Best of E3 2008, Best Strategy Game for Nintendo DS.

SPRay (October 28): An action-platformer game with puzzle elements for the Wii, SPRay features the use of several liquids that are sprayed onto the game universe. Players will play a spirited prince named Ray who must save his village from a banished evil queen who’s returned to capture and enslave the villagers. After donning a magic crown which summons two liquid spraying spirits, he sets out to defeat the evil queen and her army of anti-matter soldiers. The key will be to skillfully use the “angelic” and “wicked” spirits to spray water, oil, slime and other liquids on enemies and surfaces to solve puzzles and wipe out evil. The also features several mini-games in multiplayer mode, where up to four players can challenge themselves in games using the various liquids.

Tecmo Bowl: Kickoff ( November): Made for both long time fans and newcomers alike, Tecmo Bowl: Kickoff for the Nintendo DS boasts easy to employ controls, fun, huge plays and exciting cut-scenes. This over-the-top, all-American football game will enable players of all levels to engage in a fast paced, arcade style of football. With new features including full customizable teams, super abilities, optional stylus control, Wi-Fi and wireless multiplayer; the title offers a good hit of nostalgia for old time arcade fans while implementing new elements ro draw in new fans. In July, the title earned IGN’s Best of E3 2008, Best Sports Game for Nintendo DS as well as a runner-up spot for 1UP’s Best of E3, Best Nintendo DS Game.

Ryagr: The Battle for the Argus (December): The legendary warrior, Rygar, is back! This Wii remake of the PS2 classic brings new enemies, techniques and an all-new Gladiator Mode, specifically equipped for the versatile swinging movement of the Wii Remote.  The story is set in the Greco-Roman era surrounding a noble warrior attempting to save Princess Harmonia, players must bring the Island of Argus back to peace and annihilate the Titans using the “Diskarmor.” In Rygar: The Battle of Argus, use of the Wii Remote allows players to effectively control the powerful weapon to destroy enemies and maneuver on, around, over, and under obstacles. The action/adventure game spans various various zones and incorporates light puzzle solving.

For more information on all of these games, check back with us closer to release. Meanwhile, you can view more details and check out some screens for each game by clicking on the game titles above.

Colin Sebastian, the vice president of Lazard Capital Markets, has once again put on his swamy hat and predicted that September will be a banner month for Electronic Arts. Why you ask? Because of Warhammer Online and Spore of course!

Sebastian expects Spore to sell over 2 million copies and Warhammer Online to garner close to 650,000 registered users in North America alone. That is a pretty hefty number for both titles, and if his estimation pans out, it could help Electronic Arts out with thier sagging sales, which has a lot to do with the recent releases in the past year and a half of  such large non-EA titles Halo 3 and GTA IV.

The analyst went on to talk about softwarre shortages, PS3 SKU changes, and the August NPD results, which are actually a bit boring in my honest opinion; therefore if you want to know what else he had to say, hit the link at the bottom of this post.

I am laying money down now that Spore sells slightly more than the 2 million units he is predicting by the end of the month, but I do not think that 2 million will be the number for NA alone. There are already over two million Spore creatures running about right now, so yes, demand for the game is high but I just do not think that 2 million people in North America will buy the game by the end of the month. I could be wrong though - I once thought that I could actually undertstand the language of horses, but a swift kick to the shin and one in the back of the head proved me wrong. Very wrong indeed.

Spore is expected to hit Europe on September 5 (this Friday) and to arrive in stores over in Asia and here in North America on September 7. In the meantime, enjoy the Spore Galactic Edition trailer posted above, and the new screens we got in today here.

Thanks: GamesIndustry.biz

Those of you looking for a game to go with the new metallic silver DS lites coming out next week, here’s a video review of The World Ends With You.This Square Enix title take the RPG out of a fantasy setting and into Shibuya, the coolest district in Tokyo. You’ll be racing the clock to keep yourself alive while listening to a progressive soundtrack featuring a fusion of hip-hop, rock, and techno. Take a look at this video review from ChannelFlip to see if you want to take The World Ends With You on.

This seems to be a really good year for DS fans.

Today I’m looking at The World Ends With You, a trendy action RPG by the team that brought you Kingdom Hearts.

This really is an incredible game, from the funky, vibrant graphics and uber hip soundtrack, to its high levels of customisation and kick-ass dual screen fighting system.

There is a hell of a lot going on here, and even if you’re tired of playing moody Japanese teenagers it’s had to imagine not enjoying this game. Go buy it!

Nintendo is rolling out two shiny new DS colors for Fall. DS fans will be able to grab to new models in metallic silver September 7. If you want to trade in an old working model for a new DS in sleek silver, check your local GameStop for specials. Mine was offering a trade in discount for GBAs and DSs.

Nintendo has a commercial with Liv Tyler showing off these two DS models. It’s interesting to see how the games and film industry are coming together in the US. After the WoW commercials, these are the first I’ve seen where gaming products are being advertised by celebrities. With cross over games and films on the rise, I’m sure we’ll see many more star powered games commercials.

Counting down the minutes to the Spore launch next week? Now you can get one step closer by pre-loading the game direct from EA. Starting today, gamers who pre-order the PC version of Spore from the EA Store can pre-load the game now and be among the first to start playing on the day of release.

Pre-loading Spore is available only for PC and the Spore Galactic Edition will be available as a boxed product-exclusive at retailers.

Once pre-ordered, you will see Spore in your EA Download Manager. You will then be able to download 99 percent of the game to your computer with the remaining part of the game to be downloaded upon the date of the game’s release. It will only take 30-60 minutes for the install to complete before you can begin conquering galaxies in Spore before anyone else - you will be charged for the game on the 28th of August and your statements will reflect this.

Spore ships on September 5 in Europe and Asia and on September 7 in North America. In addition to the PC version, Spore will be available on the Mac, Nintendo DS and mobile phones.

GameStop and company absolutely love it when you buy and sell used games. They hand you $20 for a game you just paid $60 for, then turn around and sell it for $55 which — for the price-conscientious consumer — makes much more fiscal sense than paying a few dollars more for a new copy. That money adds up, so who can blame them? It’s a win-win situation as far as retailers and consumers go, but the sales of used games are of no benefit to the developers and publishers who see nothing come their way each time a used game is sold. But just how much of a detriment are these second-hand sales to game companies?

If we’re to believe Electronic Arts senior VP and general manager for European publishing Jens Uwe Intat, it’s a “critical situation.” Speaking with GamesIndustry.biz on the matter, Intat claimed that comparisons to other second-hand sales in other industries (such as cars and books) aren’t valid, and that EA is trying to counteract used game sales by giving gamers a reason to hang onto their games for months after release.

“What we’re trying to do is build business models that are more and more online-supported with additional services and additional content that you get online. So people will see the value in not just getting that physical disc to play at home alone, but actually playing those games online and paying for them.” …

“In our understanding of the business model we are actually giving away the rights to play, and if you just pass it on, pass it on, pass it on, that is not comparable to second-hand sales in the normal physical goods area where you have physical wear-out - second-hand cars, second-hand clothes, second-hand books… they’re all physically wearing out, so you have an inferior quality product.” …

“But digital goods is not actually becoming inferior in quality, so people passing that on is actually very challenging for us.”

With that in mind, suddenly the tremendous amount of support for Burnout: Paradise makes sense. All of the game’s downloadable content is being handed out for free — certainly that’s not the sort of thing you’d expect from an EA-published game. Perhaps EA has been backing the decision to release it all for free as a method of convincing gamers to not sell their copies of Paradise. And don’t forget the recent announcement that the game would be sold on the PlayStation Store, which would completely remove the option of selling the game.

Outside of MMOs and subscription-based games, the Paradise model definitely seems like the most effective method for ensuring games aren’t sold more than once. One has to wonder, though, if the return they’re seeing really justifies whatever resources they’re pouring into post-release content. Hopefully it does, as any owner of Paradise will tell you that it’s been phenomenal to get so much bang for your buck.

In the past, the ESRB has been the one to accidentally reveal some unannounced games through their website. But now it looks like it’s their European counterpart’s turn to leak a new game in the works. The PEGI now has a listing on their website for a mysterious game for the PSP and DS, titled “Indiana Jones and the Staff of Kings.” And that’s it really, except for a “16+” rating for violence. No word on whether this has anything to do with the previously announced “next-gen” Indiana Jones game. All I know is that if they leave out the CG gophers and any ties to UFOs, I’m all for it.

Also in totally related and off-the-wall news, this.

Via PEGI

Square Enix has released a trailer for its upcoming Dragon Quest IV: The Chapters of the Chosen for the DS. I believe what little text is in the video is actually in French, but that won’t stop gamers for getting a good long look at the graphics and art. The isometric view appears to be handled well and the animation is signature Square Enix JRPG. Enjoy the trailer courtesy of FileFront.

Although The Sims 3 is well underway, EA hasn’t slowed its onslaught of expansion packs for The Sims 2. The latest edition to the series are The Sims 2: Apartment Life for the PC and the stand alone The Sims 2: Apartment Pets for the DS. More details on both games are available after the break courtesy of the Business Wire press release.

Also available is The Sims 2: Apartment Life Limited Collection which is geared towards first time Sims players. Besides the Apartment life expansion pack, you’ll get The Sims 2 Double Deluxe which consists of The Sims 2, The Sims 2 Nightlife Expansion Pack, The Sims 2 Celebration Stuff and a video DVD walkthrough for tips and tricks in one package.

As much as I loathe The Sims, I’m destined to get this for my wife and daughters who enjoy the series way to much. I just wonder what if any monster comes in the expansion pack. Sims can be aliens, vampires, werewolves, zombies and Plant Sims as well as any combination of these. Ghosts, robots and Bigfoot thrown in to boot. There’s not much left to use.
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Over on the LEGO Batman website, Gotham is brimming with a series of new additions.

First, users of the website can choose their allegiance — Hero or Villain – as they explore the streets of Gotham and uncover the city’s secrets. These latest additions include the recently revealed heroes Alfred Pennyworth (video posted above), who is Batman’s trusted butler and friend - and Batgirl, who fights alongside the Dynamic Duo as they clean the streets of Gotham City.

As users make their way through the virtual streets and rooftops of Gotham City, they will also find new gameplay footage of the heroes and villains in action, as well as a sizzling batch of new and exclusive screenshots.

What’s more, users will find all-new widgets of Batman and the Joker. Once downloaded, these animated characters will live on a computer desktop and offer Gotham-inspired trivia. The widgets also include a timer that counts down the days, hours and minutes until the release of LEGO Batman: The Videogame.

The game is expected to be released on September 23 for the DS, PC, PS2, PS3, Wii, and Xbox-360. Europe and Australia can expect it to arrive around October 8.

Alison Carroll made waves on the internet a couple weeks ago when she was crowned the new official Lara Croft model and the face of the upcoming Tomb Raider: Underworld. Now Eidos has released a video showing behind the scenes of a photo shoot where some of her Tomb Raiding skills get put to the test. It’s actually a little impressive to see the former gymnast flipping through the air and contorting herself much like Ms. Croft would. It is a little strange though that Eidos still has yet to reveal all that much about the actual Tomb Raider: Underworld game itself; especially since it’s due out in November. But on the other hand, a cute, flexible Brit in short shorts and tank top is always bound to get more attention than any video game.

Grab your seeds, your watering can and your DS people, because Natsume announced today that Harvest Moon: Island of Happiness has shipped.

In celebration of the franchise’s 10-year anniversary,  Natsume’s Harvest Moon games have sold millions of units over the years, and the RPG/simulation phenomenon has appeared on almost every Nintendo handheld and console made. Also popular on with the PlayStation crowd, in celebration of Harevst Moon’s ten year success,  special anniversary packaging with various retail promotions and special collectible pre-order plush toys will be available. Also for DS collectors, a  10th anniversary DS Lite Kit complete with strategy guides, and many more specialty items to commemorate the beloved Harvest Moon series will also be available.

Harvest Moon: Island of Happiness brings the largest portable Harvest Moon experience ever to the DS  where players find themselves shipwrecked on a deserted island. Starting off with nothing but an abandoned farm, a handful of seeds, and the determination to start a new life, it’s up to them to tame the land and develop this mysterious island into a bustling tropical paradise.

By harvesting crops, raising animals, and mining for precious gems, players will help the island grow into a vibrant town filled with people, businesses, and eligible bachelors and bachelorettes. Players can take on the role of a male or female in their quest to find love and start a farming family. Players can also test their farming skills against each other and compete for prizes via the Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection.

The game wil be sold at the retail price of $29.99; but players who pre-ordered the game through select retailers will also receive a free chicken plush as a bonus gift with purchase while supplies last.

So get to farming folks and don’t forget to pet your cows once in a while. They need love and affection too ya know.