MADWORLD, the first title set for release in Q1 2009, is an inventive third-person action game exclusively for Wii. Produced by Atsushi Inaba, MADWORLD has a unique black and white style depicting an incredibly sharp backdrop that straddles graphic novels and 3D worlds. As players battle opponents, they must master the use of various weapons and items found within their environment, such as chainsaws and street signs, while entertaining sports commentary adds to the third-person gameplay. With its irreverent humor and over-the-top violence, MADWORLD will deliver a unique core gaming experience currently missing on the Wii.

Infinite Line (working title), a role playing game exclusively for the Nintendo DS, takes place in outer space and gives players the ability to control, build, outfit and customize more than 150 spaceships. Infinite Line stretches the DS hardware to the limit, offering over 200 characters and the ability to control multiple spaceships at any one time. Releasing in 2009 and currently being produced by Atsushi Inaba and directed by Hifumi Kouno (from developer Nude Maker), Infinite Line is one of the most complex RPG titles developed for the DS to date.

Bayonetta is a stylish and cinematic action game, directed by Hideki Kamiya, set for release in 2009 on the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3. A witch with powers beyond the comprehension of mere mortals, Bayonetta faces-off against countless angelic enemies, many reaching epic proportions, in a game of 100% pure, unadulterated all-out action. Outlandish finishing moves are performed with balletic grace as Bayonetta flows from one fight to another. With magnificent over-the-top action taking place in stages that are a veritable theme park of exciting attractions, Bayonetta pushes the limits of the action genre, bringing to life its fast-paced, dynamic climax combat.

The demo has players taking on the role of the Overlord, and embarking on a session of serious destruction in the once tranquil area of the Mellow Hills. As the Overlord, players are supported by the Minions, a raucous horde of impish creatures who are more than willing to act as instructed, no matter how unpleasant that may be for the unsuspecting populace and, most notably, the local wildlife. Add to that upgrades for the Minions, including pumpkins as helmets, throw in some peasant intimidation and a show-down with the Guard Troll at the Slave Camp and that’s just a taste of the havoc that a minion horde can wreak.

Due for release on June 24th, the full game allows players to amass armies of up to 50 minions and select from three further minion types to lead into battle as they explore and conquer the world’s five kingdoms. Overlord Raising Hell also takes players deeper into the Overlord’s world with a series of additional levels. With the addition of online co-operative pillaging, and split-screen head-to-head, the PS3 edition will also be enhanced with detailed visuals, a top-spec audio system with 7.1 surround sound and feature additions, such as the new on-screen mini-map.

Featuring bright, abstract graphics and fast-paced side-scrolling action, Blast Works is a "sticky" creative shooter that lets players absorb fallen enemies as protection. The in-depth and intuitive Blast Works Editor allows gamers to customize every element of their game play experience from levels, ships, enemy ships, objects and bosses to unique bullet patterns, movements, sound effects, hit box placement and more.

Whether you want to create a trendy, spacious home office, a chic living room, or a cozy and inviting bedroom, with the new The Sims 2 IKEA Home Stuff, you can make your Sims’ dream home truly special. Design your Sims’ rooms to fit their personalities with all-new sofas, beds, tables, a TV unit, shelving and more in a variety of colors and patterns for a truly customized look. You can even add the finishing touches with popular IKEA wall art, mirrors, lighting options and vases. Be your Sims’ interior designer with inspiring, contemporary styles from IKEA!

Turn your Sims’ living room into a haven of comfort and relaxation with a plush EKTORP sofa, a unique EXPEDIT TV unit, a complementing LEKSVIK coffee table and chic décor like the VÄNNA mirror. Create a revitalizing space in the bedroom, your Sims’ most intimate place at home with a new MALM bed, matching chest of drawers, a shapely Storm floor lamp and a bright red IKEA PS rug.

For those Sims who might work at home, indulge them with an office that is sure to promote an environment dedicated to productivity. Decorate with an elegant VIKA HYTTAN table, inspiring KILA lamp, bold HELMER drawer unit and LACK zigzag wallshelf.

Players will hunt in different eras in search of trophies such as white-tailed deer, Yukon moose, Alaskan brown bear and Roosevelt elk in over ten of North America’s top hunting locations, including Kodiak Island, the Yukon and the Rocky Mountains. Each location in Cabela’s Legendary Adventures is a visually stunning open outdoor environment that encourages exploration and tactical variation. Shooting mechanics have been developed to reflect modern as well as historical hunting technology, so players relive the hunts complete with detail from specific time periods.

Under Cabela’s guidance, the firearms, tactics and gear in Cabela’s Legendary Adventures are as true to real life as a game will allow. The title will also include a large variety of additional hunts featuring over 30 species of other big game, small game, waterfowl, upland birds and turkey.

3 New Weapons

Blobber: Shoots blobs of goo at enemies, does damage over time in the part of the ground that it covers.

Beamer: Shoots lighting at enemies, does high intensity damage.

Bomber: Shoots grenades instead of bullets; grenades explode on impact doing damage.

2 New Secondary Weapons

Falcon: Robotic falcon that attacks enemies automatically

Screw bomb: Rocket that turns into a proximity mine on impact

3 New Levels

Level 11 - Finding Jane: The player must escape the Saturnian prison mine and reclaim Nick's ship, the Icarus Jane.

Level 12 - Clear the Asteroids: The player must clear a path for the ship through Saturn's rings

Level 13 - The Plan: The player must make his way through the Saturnian palace and convince Angelica, leader of the Saturnians, to join the Alliance.

New Enemies

Saturnian Marine

Saturnian Elite

Heavy Mining Terra Scientists

Terra Rocket Marines

Saturnian Pit Boss

Saturnian Asteroid Demolition Machine

Lord Angelica

Naruto: Path of the Ninja 2 is set to give players a portable outlet for their inner ninja this fall. A deep, original storyline will allow players to access 30 major characters from the series, from standards such as Naruto and Sakura to unlikely allies like the weapons-based Tenten. The improved and intuitive battle system will make it easy for even the newest fighters to get into the combat, using the DS Touch Screen to unleash devastating melee and jutsu attacks on any opponent foolish enough to get in their way. The new Squad Leader and Ninja Tag systems provide even more squad-building options, while the Wi-Fi multiplayer feature offers aspiring ninja the chance to take on challengers from around the world.

Lost Planet Colonies Edition provides the compelling single player experience found in the original Lost Planet: Extreme Condition, with the addition of three new modes. In Score Attack, all enemies have points assigned to them and the score awarded will change depending on how they are defeated, with skilled marksmen being rewarded. For those who thrive on a challenge, Trial Battle Mode delivers the goods, pitting players against all of the game’s bosses, one after another. Players of both Score Attack and Trial Battle modes will be able to compare their skills and compete for bragging rights via the online ranking system. Finally, for fans that want to take their skills to a whole new level, the new Off Limit Mode will allow players to take on Lost Planet’s harsh environments and enemies with over-the-top, super-charged weapons and a powered-up grappling hook. p> Fans of multiplayer action will not be disappointed as Lost Planet Colonies Edition allows them to enjoy 4 new maps, 5 new playable characters, 10 new weapons and 7 new multiplayer modes. Players become poachers as they attempt to steal opponents’ alien Akrid eggs in a number of individual and team play modes, while the addition of VS Annihilator Mode assigns one robotic Vital Suit to each team, which must be defended at all cost. Lost Planet Colonies Edition also includes the feature that Lost Planet fans across the globe have been clamoring for – the ability to play as a gigantic marauding Akrid. Revel in the chance to turn the tables on the Snow Pirates as you assume the role of one of E.D.N. III’s indigenous creatures in Akrid Hunting mode.

All of these modes can be played across a total of 20 diverse maps, including a number of brand-new multiplayer arenas set in areas such as the confines of an ancient coliseum or the broad expanse of desert. For the first time, Xbox 360 owners will be able to join up with or play against PC gamers, thanks to Lost Planet Colonies Edition’s cross-platform compatibility.

In The Hardy Boys: The Hidden Theft, the vault of the Spencer Mansion is robbed, and the Bayport Police call on the Hardy Boys to help tie up some loose ends, but they soon find themselves in the middle of a major criminal investigation that takes them on an adventure all over Bayport, and even into New York City. But the pieces don’t add up, and Frank and Joe find themselves embroiled in a drama of sinister proportions. Is the recent theft linked to something from the past? Can Frank and Joe find and decipher the clues in time to prevent another crime from happening?

MySims Kingdom for the Wii
King Roland needs your help to make the Kingdom a better place. Throughout this tale to bring the Kingdom back to its former glory, you must help new and old friends alike, discover new lands and build to the limit of your imagination.

Your MySims Kingdom experience begins in The Capital, the majestic land at the center of your adventure. After you have met an initial cast of characters including King Roland, Princess Butter, and your constant companions Buddy and Lyndsay, you can venture beyond The Capital. Find out more of what awaits you, and then get in your boat to sail to many more lands on the horizon!

Throughout your journey new characters, lands, and clever new contraptions will be revealed. Construct and do everything from tending your pigs to finding treasure chests. Newly-added building options will help you accomplish the tasks you’re challenged with along the way. In true MySims fashion, everything is customizable, allowing every creation within your world to have a signature look.

MySims Kingdom for Nintendo DS
Take the Kingdom with you! MySims Kingdom on Nintendo DS adds a new chapter to the saga, challenging you to help the King thwart the plans of evil in a far flung corner of the Kingdom. Many new activities and mini-games are included to help you persuade the King that your island is the ultimate royal destination.

Featuring up to 12-player events with incredible full car damage, GRID's online multiplayer races will see gamers competing in aggressive races on iconic city streets and famous championship circuits across Europe, the U.S. and Japan.

Players will earn fear and respect by taking their custom paint jobs online and competing in a huge range of racing disciplines - from drifting around Yokohama Docks, charging through the mean streets of Detroit, racing touring cars around Spa-Francorchamps to competing in chaotic demolition derbies.

Only the purest race experience is at the heart of GRID's gameplay design, so in online multiplayer, everything is geared towards maximizing the player's time spent on track and minimizing their time spent in lobbies. Players can rapidly find the event they want and a slick voting system, matchmaking mechanism and seamless host migration means gamers find competitive races quickly and sessions stay together longer.

An innovative new online ranking system charts players' progress as they advance from Junior Rookie to Legend, with experience points being awarded based on a wide range of achievements, from events won to beating higher ranked opponents.

As players rise through the rankings, online leaderboards record the fastest laps for each track and gamers can download ghost cars to test out their skill against the best in the world in Test Drive mode or check out the competition in Spectator mode. Players can also fully customize their game including switching damage on or off, enabling catch-up mode, setting driver aids and allowing public and private games.

Manage a team of elite war machines through a campaign of intense military conflicts. Advanced upgrade and customization options combine with challenging objective-based gameplay to offer a fresh new strategy RPG and a daring new vision of the long-running Zoids universe. Commanders, start your engines (of war)!

Touch Darts comes with four classic dart modes: tournament, challenge, quickplay, and multiplayer. Quickplay and multiplayer mode gives up to four players the chance to square off on the board via single cartridge. Tournament mode includes four different levels of difficulty ranking from Rookie to Expert.

n Viva Piñata: Pocket Paradise, players will inherit a neglected garden on Piñata Island and turn it into a piñata paradise by tending to all aspects of cleaning the garden, growing and maintaining vegetation, caring for and breeding piñatas, as well as attracting new piñata species. The game features seven all-new piñata species, each with new requirements, houses and unique cut scenes. Viva Piñata: Pocket Paradise also includes twelve full motion video clips that serve as tutorial levels within the game. The videos feature the stars of the Fox 4Kids Viva Piñata TV series, including Hudson Horstashio, Fergy Fudgehog and Paulie Pretztail. The brand-new Playground mode allows players to create a lush garden full of exciting and exotic piñatas in a very short amount of time. In addition, certain rare piñatas can only be acquired by using the Nintendo DS local wireless connection, where players can transfer items from their garden to a friend’s garden.

Castle of Shikigami III takes place in the calm and forgotten kingdom of Alcaland. This relatively small country has suddenly been struck by a series of mysterious events which have caused people to disappear and go into comas. You play the role of one of ten psychics which have been reluctantly hired by the royal family to investigate and solve this mystery.

MGS will also crack open Viva Piñata: Trouble in Paradise, set to appear on store shelves this September. Developed by Rare, this sequel builds upon the gameplay of the original and adds innovative twists to the mix. In an effort to help Piñata Central rebuild their computer database of piñatas, players will send piñatas at full candiosity to parties all around the world while using their creativity and imagination to attract, capture, protect, train and manage more than 100 newly discovered and existing piñata species. A new “Just for Fun” setting makes getting into the game fast and easy. For the first time, players will be able to collaborate together on a garden through a co-op experience, connect and play with others online via Xbox Live as well as instantly introduce new piñata species to their garden through a new feature utilizing the Xbox Live Vision Camera.

MGS will also pull back the curtain on another beloved franchise with the triumphant return of Banjo, one of Rare’s most successful characters, in Banjo-Kazooie: Nuts & Bolts. Defying the laws of nature, a bear, a bird and a backpack team up to embark on another incredible adventure this November. MGS is breaking the rules of traditional platformer games by putting the power to invent new abilities for Banjo directly into the players’ hands. By using their ingenuity to build imaginative vehicles that can be combined with infinite variations, gamers help Banjo successfully complete missions through multiple terrains. Through exploration, discovering hidden secrets and solving puzzles to win rewards, players will continually find increasing ways to customize and improve their contraptions, creating an unprecedented level of user-generated content and emergent play for a 3-D adventure game.

These franchises join the company of Fable 2, Too Human and Ninja Gaiden II from Team Ninja/Tecmo on the Xbox 360 this year. Other news and features of 2008 Xbox 360 titles:

Fable 2: The wait is almost over for the sequel to the action role-playing game. Swords, guns and now the newly unveiled magical power round out the combat in this action RPG from developer Peter Molyneux and Lionhead Studios. Players will have even more choices to continuously shape who their characters become in a world 10 times the size of the Xbox game. Fable 2 introduces a host of new features for gamers, including a first-of-its-kind Xbox Live Arcade experience, and a multiplayer experience, allowing gamers easily play Fable 2 with friends and family side-by-side from the comfort of a living room couch. Players can immerse themselves in this vibrant world beginning this holiday.

Too Human: Today, MGS and Silicon Knights will confirm that the wait is almost over - Too Human will be available on August 19 in North America. Too Human is an action game with integrated RPG elements and features a rich storyline with deep character development. Additionally, Silicon Knights is showcasing for the first time, the title’s online cooperative play via Xbox Live; allowing gamers to experience Too Human with friends in a multiplayer setting.

Ninja Gaiden II: Team Ninja/Tecmo will reveal today that gamers can get a head start on expanding and customizing their Ninja Gaiden II experience with the release of Gamerpics and Themes, available as PDLC on Xbox Live beginning today. The Gamerpics packs include five new images each, at 100 points per pack; and the Themes, which focus on heroes and bosses, are 150 points per pack. Soon gamers everywhere will follow Ryu Hayabusa’s entire blood-drenched mission – through cities like Venice, New York and Tokyo – to avenge his clan and prevent the destruction of the human race. Ninja Gaiden II slashes its way onto store shelves on June 3 in North America. Additional Ninja Gaiden II PDLC will be available for download on May 20, with subsequent releases throughout the summer.

Penny Arcade Adventures: On the Rain-Slick Precipice of Darkness, Episode One on Xbox Live Arcade provides a first-of-its-kind RPG-Adventure experience based on the popular Web comic. The creative collaboration between Penny Arcade creators Mike 'Gabe' Krahulik and Jerry 'Tycho' Holkins, game designer Ron Gilbert and producers at Hothead Games results in a 100-percent authentic Penny Arcade experience that pushes bizarre characters, outrageous combat and adult humor to the precipice of darkness. Penny Arcade Adventures: On the Rain-Slick Precipice of Darkness, Episode One will be available on Xbox Live Arcade May 21st.

Players can hit the slopes using the motion-based Wii Remote and Nunchuk or step onto their Wii Balance Board to further increase the rush of downhill action. Various activities await as players explore the Happy Valley Resort complete with a ski school, races, moguls, and slaloms. Aspiring ski patrollers can even assist with a search and rescue mission. Robust customization options can be used to tailor characters to the players’ desire, including changeable face and body types, goggles, unlockable costumes, and the option of using their Mii. We Ski is everyone’s lift ticket to fun, no matter what the season may be.

Players assume the role of Violette Summer and head deep behind enemy lines with no support or official backing from the British Government. Violette risks her life fighting to defeat the German war machine one stealth mission at a time. Velvet Assassin combines lush, surreal visuals and a ground-breaking stealth combat system to deliver a gaming experience which is truly the first of its kind.

All ten sports support both single and multiplayer modes. Up to 4 players can compete on one system and in several events, co-op on the same team. Single player modes include Open Match, Tournament (one sport competition between eight teams), Deca League (ten sport decathlon between eight teams) and Deca League (time/point based challenge mode). Team and player management is an important aspect of the game as certain players are better at certain sports. In the Deca League mode gamers must maneuver their players through ten sports as well as manage their fatigue levels through the competition. Awards are also a big part of the game, as the Locker Room feature allows players to keep track of their medals and trophies.

Myst has been seamlessly enhanced and recreated for the DS with carefully re-mastered video and audio. The game's new tools take full advantage of the dual screen, and include a magnifying glass, camera, notebook and map. Players will especially appreciate the clues from their snapshots and diary pages as they take their adventure on-the-go, and will be immersed into the brain-teasing puzzles and breathtaking environments they will encounter while navigating through the memorable worlds of Myst.

In a desperate war against the mysterious alien race known as the Bydo, humanity sends wave after wave of fighters into Bydo space-none of which are ever heard from again. Mankind's main hope now resides with a lone commander, sent to lead a small armada on a perilous mission into the heart of the Bydo Empire. Low on fuel and forced to scavenge resources and equipment from his surroundings, the commander must use all his cunning and wits if he hopes to succeed, let alone make it home alive.

Players star as Luna, a young girl living in Dazzleon, who longs for something more. One day, her uncle, Matt visits and discovers a mine that seems to possess odd powers. He becomes so intrigued that he decides to stay and investigate. Soon, to the horror of Luna and her neighbors, he becomes obsessed with the mine as it starts to possess him (so much that it turns his skin green!). He begins to experiment on his pets and in the process, turns them into evil monsters. Because it’s her uncle, Luna feels responsible for his actions and desperately looks for a solution. She comes across one when she finds and adopts her uncle’s lost pet. She decides to train her pet in order to challenge her uncle to the ultimate battle to restore Dazzleon back to its original, peaceful village.

In Falling Stars, players will be able to help Luna’s neighbors by completing quests, playing mini games, training and battling with their pet, and delving deeper into the mystery that surrounds Dazzleon.

Assault Heroes 2 reveals that the original enemy in Assault Heroes is merely a pawn of a more sinister force, which players must now seek out and destroy. Armed with stronger weaponry and the ability to hi-jack more powerful enemy units, players must prepare to face relentless enemies and outrageous bosses in climactic battles, including an all-out skirmish in outer space.

In the sequel, players can experience the full fury of war outside of the safety of their vehicle with even more intense on-foot gameplay, where increased firepower and the new dodge roll feature are necessary to survive. Players can choose to fight alone or battle with a friend using the enhanced two-player cooperative mode. Either way, players will travel through diverse and interactive environments on land and in space to overcome the newest enemy and save mankind.

Set in the Peruvian jungle, Pitfall: The Big Adventure combines the action of reptile dodging and vine swinging with clever puzzles. The game will feature over 60 levels spanning lush rainforests, creature-filled caves, and glacial mountains. Within these dynamic worlds, players will explore cavernous jungles, discover lost treasures, battle shamen, narrowly escape treacherous traps and outwit creatures using innovative, accessible game mechanics developed specifically to take advantage of the Wii motion sensing controls.

Hands-on play time with upcoming Blizzard Entertainment releases

Discussion panels with Blizzard Entertainment developers

Competitive and casual tournaments for players to showcase their talents

Areas and activities devoted to licensed products such as the World of Warcraft Trading Card Game

Costume, machinima, and character sound-alike contests with great prizes

Commemorative merchandise based on the Blizzard Entertainment franchises

A silent auction

More exciting activities to be announced

Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: My Life as King (Square Enix, 1 player, Rated E for Everyone – Mild Fantasy Violence, Mild Suggestive Themes, 1,500 Wii Points) - Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: My Life as a King takes a legendary franchise and launches it into the realm of simulation gaming. Players are challenged to rebuild a kingdom, leading its young king on a path of discovery through an adventure bristling with mystery and intrigue.

LostWinds (Frontier Development, 1-2 players, Rated E for Everyone – Mild Fantasy Violence, 1,000 Wii Points): A fresh, enchanting platform adventure that puts the power of the wind in the palm of your hand – from raging tornados to the gentlest breeze. You’ll wield your Wii Remote controller to power Toku’s jumps and glides, suspend and smash enemies, meet friends and solve puzzles using LostWinds’ novel, intuitive and playful control system.

Defend your Castle (XGen Studios, 1-4 players, Rated E for Everyone – Cartoon Violence, 500 Wii Points): Defend your Castle takes place on a grassy plain surrounded by invaders. You are the commander of your castle, and it is your duty to fling the invading enemies sky-high, watching them plummet to their demise. As you progress, add powerful spells and upgrades to your arsenal for repelling the attacks. How long can you hold them off?

Pop (Nnooo, 1-4 players, Rated E for Everyone, 700 Wii Points): Pop bubbles to score points and stop the timer from running out. Pop can be enjoyed by anyone – casual gamers can simply play to pop bubbles and keep the game moving, whereas advanced players will need to pick their shots rapidly and accurately and generate combos to maximize their score.

V.I.P. Casino: Blackjack (High Voltage Software, 1-4 players, Rated T for Teen – Simulated Gambling, 700 Wii Points): V.I.P. Casino: Blackjack re-creates the casino experience, with fully animated players and a realistic Las Vegas dealer. Single players can increase their bankrolls, while multiple players can engage in a head-to-head mini-blackjack tournament.

TV Show King (Gameloft, 1-4 players, Rated E for Everyone, 1,000 Wii Points): TV Show King transforms your living room into a real TV quiz show studio where you’ll face the challenge of answering more than 3,000 questions across six different categories. Compete against family and friends and use your Wii Remote controller in original ways to make it to the finals to see who can win the greatest amount of cash in one final, deciding duel.

In Cake Mania: In The Mix! players use the Wii Remote to lead Jill through nine new bakeries filled with baking and frosting mania. Aspiring bakers control every aspect of the business, from serving cakes and advertising in the Dessert Daily newspaper, to running a catering business by phone. By unlocking bonus levels, players can expand the bakery to exotic locales on the moon, under the sea and in the rainforest, among others. In addition, the all-new Shop Rating feature lets players earn extra cash, promote catering services and unlock special kitchen upgrades and new cake designing mini-games where they can use the Wii Remote as a cake decorating tool.