Developed by Behaviour Interactive, Ice Age: Continental Drift – Arctic Games is the video game extension of the upcoming fourth instalment of the Ice Age franchise, Ice Age: Continental Drift, where gamers of all ages can use teamwork or go head-to-head as Manny, Sid, Diego and their furry friends in a motion controlled competition that’s fun for the whole family. Ice Age: Continental Drift – Arctic Games is planned to arrive on shelves this summer on the Wii system from Nintendo, Nintendo 3DS and DS hand-held systems, and Kinect for Xbox 360 and in European territories for the PS3 and PC.

“Anticipating the summer release of the new Ice Age movie, we’re taking mammoth measures to give gamers of all ages an action packed Ice Age experience that parallels the clever and inventive qualities of the franchise,” said David Oxford, Executive Vice President, Activision. “It’s important to give players the freedom to interact with these beloved characters in a motion-based video game for players of all ages.”

When their island is set adrift in the midst of continental upheaval, Manny and the herd encounter a ragtag menagerie of seafaring pirates with a secret treasure. Having trouble deciding on how to split the treasure evenly, they collectively decide to settle the problem through a series of off-the-wall sporting events including ski jumping, ice smashing, and glacial hopping. Ultimately, the winner of the most events will be entitled to the prize. As the prehistoric games begin, players must side with Manny and the herd, or the seafaring pirates to determine the fate of the riches.

“The Ice Age franchise has created such a strong connection with fans across the globe. When the next chapter arrives in theatres we wanted to create a product that allows fans to immerse themselves in new worlds with new characters,” said Jeffrey Godsick, President of Fox Consumer Products. “Activision has created a great game that we’re confident will extend the fan experience and truly augment the film in a fun and exciting way.”

For more information on Ice Age: Continental Drift – Arctic Games please visit www.activision.com, and for more information on the feature film head over to www.IceAgeMovie.com. The game is rated PEGI 3+ for the Nintendo Wii, 3DS and DS and has a rating pending for all other formats.

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Whether you’re a shooting, racing or role-play fan, we’ve got something to get you through the Christmas holidays and beyond. Battle aliens in downtown New York in Crysis 2 – one of the most visually stunning and technically accomplished shooters ever released. Rejoin Alice for another trip down the rabbit hole in horror-platformer Alice: Madness Returns. Or go full throttle with the unique coast-to-coast action driving experience of Need For Speed: The Run.

Sims fans will be able to complete their collection this Christmas with both the original Sims 3 and up to three fun expansion packs, including the long-awaited Sims 3 Pets. Score your way to victory with FIFA 12, the latest in the long running football franchise. Or for gamers of a more trigger-happy persuasion, discover the award-winning multiplayer combat experience of Battlefield 3.
Get your game on – visit Origin today!

*Offer ends 08/01/2012. Selected titles include Battlefield 3, FIFA 12, Need For Speed: The Run, Sims 3, Sims 3 Pets, Sims 3 Generations, Sims 3 Ambitions, Mass Effect 2 Digital Deluxe, Crysis 2, Dragon Age 2, Alice: Madness Returns.

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Dragon Age Legends, a collaboration between BioWare and EA’s Play4Free studio EA2D, expands on the award-winning action RPG franchise and introduces deep, high-quality gaming to Facebook. Dragon Age Legends also ties directly into Dragon Age II,currently available in stores. Players who complete specific quests in Dragon Age Legends can earn up to five exclusive items for use in Dragon Age II.

“We built Dragon Age Legends with one goal in mind: to bring the AAA quality gameplay BioWare is famous for to the social space,” said Mark Spenner, General Manager of EA2D. “Dragon Age Legends brings true RPG combat and style to this massive social platform and delivers it at BioWare blockbuster quality, raising the bar for social games.”

Set in the Free Marches, the primary setting of Dragon Age II, Dragon Age Legends combines accessible and engaging turn-based tactical combat with gripping co-operative gameplay. By simply logging in Facebook, players can jump in to the online RPG to recruit their friends and embark on a battle-rich journey filled with challenging quests. Like all classic RPGs, players will earn loot and share rewards with their friends to grow their hero’s might and their kingdom’s power. The game includes a gratifying character-customization and upgrade system that allows players to tackle demons and darkspawn to become a legendary hero within the Dragon Age universe.

For more information on Dragon Age Legends , play the game at http://apps.facebook.com/dragonagelegends

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When Dragons Age Origins first hit the shelves that same wow factor was there and although it felt like a PC port that just failed to stand on its own two feet, lovers of the RPG genre were amazed at what Dragon Age Origins brought to the table.  The muted hero still had character and the game was epic in scale as well as brave at the same time taking game mechanic cues from Mass Effect and implementing them into a package that offered an experience that kept gamers happy for hundreds of hours.

So, Dragon Age 2 is almost upon you and I can safely say that the improvements and advancements that have been made will not only satisfy the hardcore RPG fans out there but will also cater for the hack and slash crew with a beautifully balanced gameplay mechanic, intense visuals and the tried and trusted Bioware narrative love.  The game no longer feels like a port but a beautifully crafted piece of gaming art that console owners can now call their own.

Dragon Age 2 thrusts players into the role of Hawke, a refugee who survives the destruction of his homeland and becomes the Champion of Kirkwall. The lore around Hawke’s rise to power is shrouded in myth and rumor and is the driving force behind this all-new story spanning 10 years in the Dragon Age universe timeline as narrated by a silky smooth talking Dwarf named Varric.

Dragon Age 2 obviously starts with the obligatory customisation of your character. A customisation that will let you choose your class, gendre and add your basic skills and traits with base points to make Hawke completely your own. Once this is done then it is off into the wilderness to follow your destiny in which ever way it takes you.

Meeting various characters along the way will lead you into sumptuous cut scenes laden thick with back story and some kind of developmental narrative and the outcome of what hapens to your character is again dictated by how you speak to them, sometimes with grave consequences.  The communication wheel now feel a little like Mass Effect 2′s one with positive, neutral and negative responses to choose from that determine how the conversation plays out.

The missions themselves are structured in a way that is easy on the eye and aren’t too hard to figure what to do and where to go.  This has a positive and negative feel in terms of gameplay and is my only gripe with the game so far.  The exploration areas themselves are all based in the city of Kirkwall and the surrounding areas which limits the opportunity to explore as some other RPG’s out there.  This has unfortunately given Dragon Age 2 a repetitive feel in terms of exploration areas that lessens the grandeur of the game in scale where other areas are epic.  That’s not to say that the areas you do explore will annoy you too much but is something you will notice very quickly.

The map itself is accessed via the start button with a radial control to get there.  In the map you will see your mini map which will show you various exits, important people and and quest waypoints that are easy to follow.  Also, when leaving an area it will show you the world map to discover in each section where quests you have taken on are which you can make active via the journal via the start button and complete at will.

Also in the start menu is your gateway to your inventory which is an RPG players dream offering you deep statistical analysis from which you can decide how to play things out.  From your skills tree to putting on and taking off armour, equipping different weapons and using various items to either craft or to use, a couple of button presses will get you there in an instant.

Levelling up your character also comes with its own rewards and after applying your points to the usual attributes like strength, dexterity, constitution etc you enter a skills tree for each class which will allow you to advance your special skills through a tree system.  Each class will have its own skills to apply dependent on where you want to take him or her, utilising and unlocking special attacks that you can apply to your combat radial.

Talking of combat, this has also been refined to provide more action then its predecessor.  The dice may still be rolling underneath in the engine but it is not apparent on the surface as you hack, slash, cast spells and kill all at a touch of a button or two.  Your special attacks being assigned to the X, Y and B buttons with your base attack coming from the X button it is very easy to see how this caters for the action market as well as keeping the hardcore RPG player happy too.  Being able to switch to any character in your party to is very slick and provides some very strategic combat elements that will test you on occasion.

Overall, Dragon Age 2 goes above and beyond its predecessor to deliver a game that will appeal to a wide ranging audience whilst not compromising on its hardcore RPG roots.  Graphically beautiful in looks with a deep and immersive narrative that only Bioware seem to be able to pull off cements Dragon Age 2, yet again, at the top of the RPG tree for console gaming.  If you loved the first it’s a must buy, if you have been slightly intruigued about what Bioware delivers but have been a little afraid of its hardcore roots then this caters for you too.   With over 50 hours of gameplay the value for money here is impressive and cements Kirkwall and all that it has to offer into gaming folklore.

Sponsored by:- Music Matters – The audio and visual specialists

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Visceral Games and BioWare are working together to bring two of the year’s most highly anticipated action/adventure games together. Gamers who purchase the year’s first blockbuster entertainment release, Dead Space 2, can bring the terror to the sequel to 2009’s RPG of the Year, Dragon Age II with the exclusive “Ser Isaac of Clarke” armor set.

Modelled after Isaac Clarke’s signature rig, the “Ser Isaac of Clarke” armor set can be activated with a one-time use, non-transferable code found in Xbox 360 and PC versions of Dead Space 2, including body armor, boots, gauntlets and a helm, all of which carry extra benefits for you to take on your rise from warrior to legend in Dragon Age II. PS3 owners can visit  www.DragonAge.com or look at the insert insideDragon Age II for detailed instructions on unlocking the Ser Isaac Armor in the PlayStation 3 version of Dragon Age II.

In Dragon Age II, the chilling tales of Ser Isaac of Clarke are a favorite of bards performing in the wee hours of the night. In dank taverns throughout the land, these horror-filled stories captivate listeners and bring nightmares to those faint of heart.

Ser Isaac of Clarke’s Armor includes:

• Isaac’s Armor
  • Heavy Armor
  • Contains a rune slot
  • Increases armor
  • Requires high dexterity and cunning
• Isaac’s Boots
  • Increases armor
  • Requires high dexterity and cunning
• Isaac’s Gauntlets
  • Increases armor
  • Requires high dexterity and cunning
• Isaac’s Helm
  • Contains a rune slot
  • Increases armor
  • Critical damage factor
  • Requires high dexterity and cunning

Dead Space 2 will be available on Jan. 28, 2011 for the PS3, Xbox 360 and the PC. Dragon Age II will be available across the same platforms on March 11, 2011. Visit www.DragonAge.com for more details and info on this special cross promotion.

Mature-gaming has been enveloped into Dead Space 2′s sphincter twitching storyline for the last couple of days.  Look out for our review coming soon.

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Beginning today, fans who have previously pre-ordered or will pre-order Dragon Age II at participating retailers will receive two unique weapons — the Fadeshear long sword and the Lion of Orlais shield.

Additionally, BioWare is unveiling “The Black Emporium”, a mysterious new location in Kirkwall that is home to the appearance changing mirror of transformation and a wealth of rare artifacts including a rare whistle that will allow you to summon your very own mabari warhound throughout the game.  “The Black Emporium” will be available with every original version of Dragon Age II.

Find out more about these exciting new weapons and features and how they will add to your rise to power in Dragon Age II, which comes out on March 8, 2011 on the Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 and PC.

THE FADESHEAR

The core of this blade is old, as old as the first smiths who sought a way to battle the nightmares from the land beyond. It has fought the demonic hosts in countless battles. Sometimes it has been held high in triumphant victory. Other times, it has lain broken besides its dying owner. But after every defeat it has always been reclaimed, reforged, and made stronger. Fadeshear has passed through many hands before yours. Now it is your turn to make the demons of the Fade pay for crossing the Veil into the waking world.

• Improves with level-up
• Additional damage versus demons and undead

THE LION OF ORLAIS

At the height of the Summer War all of Orlais was embroiled in fierce battles. Over the course of the war dozens of contenders for the Imperial Throne emerged – most long forgotten except as footnotes in scholarly tomes. But everyone remembers the gallant young lord Emile Deveraux, “The Golden Prince”. Thought outnumbered at every turn, he racked victory upon victory culminating in the Seventh Battle of Roses. While wearing this shield he broke through his uncle’s vanguard to win the day. He never knew the taste of defeat, instead meeting his end at the hands of a jealous lover in the dead of night.

• Two rune slots
• Adds to health
• Adds to % XP gain

THE BLACK EMPORIUM

Come one, come all to the Black Emporium! There, nestled deep under Kirkwall, you’ll find a curious collection of items, some for sale, some for free, and ranging from the mundane to the mysterious! One artifact can even transform your very body, face, hair, eyes—all new! We’ve even granted you your very own mabari war hound to call to your side with a whistle—a boon in battle and a beloved pet at home. Visit the Black Emporium today, and you’ll be the envy of adventurers everywhere! Once you’ve escaped imminent danger, return home. Your invitation awaits!

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The new game is inspired by the award-winning BioWare franchise but custom-designed for the casual and social play style for Facebook users of all ages. Dragon Age Legends blends accessible and engaging tactical combat with compelling co-operative gameplay perfectly suited for social networks, making for a unique offering on the platform. Launching in February 2011, Dragon Age Legends will also give gamers the chance to earn exclusive unlocks for Dragon Age II, one of the most highly anticipated video games of 2011.

“We are privileged to be working with BioWare to bring the Dragon Age universe to the hundreds of millions of gamers on Facebook,” said Mark Spenner, General Manager of EA 2D. “Our goal is to change the perception of social network games and attract new players to the Facebook platform by raising the quality bar. Dragon Age Legends will deliver a deep, sophisticated experience, and we will continue to delight gamers by adding new features and content far into the future.”

Dragon Age Legends will give players their first taste of the Free Marches, the primary setting of Dragon Age II. Alongside their Facebook friends, players will take on challenging quests within an engaging storyline, earning loot, sharing rewards and growing their kingdom. The game will include a gratifying character customization and upgrade system that will allow players to tackle demons and darkspawn to become a legendary hero within the Dragon Age universe.

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The Ultimate Edition includes Dragon Age: Origins, the expansion pack Dragon Age: Origins – Awakening, and seven DLC packs including Warden’s Keep, The Stone Prisoner, Return to Ostagar, Darkspawn Chronicles, Leliana’s Song, Golems of Amgarrak and Witch Hunt. The complete package, valued at over £80, is available for the low price of £39.99. With the Ultimate Edition, BioWare offers gamers the opportunity to collect new rewards, gain new party members and to explore the rich world of Dragon Age ahead of the launch of 2011’s highly anticipated release of Dragon Age II next March.

Dragon Age: Origins is a larger-than-life tale of violence, lust and betrayal that places gamers in the role of a Grey Warden, an ancient order of guardians who have defended the lands throughout the centuries. Gamers explore a stunning world and make complex moral choices that affect the outcome of the game, full character customization, the potential to develop romantic relationships and bone-crushingly visceral combat.

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Throwing gamers back into epic battles with new stories revolving around key supporting characters in each franchise, the Dragon Age: Origins DLC pack, “Witch Hunt” (560 Microsoft points on the Xbox 360, 560 BioWare Points on PC) features a story that reconnects players with one of the series’ original larger-than-life heroes, Morrigan. The Mass Effect 2 DLC pack, “Lair of the Shadow Broker” (800 Microsoft Points on Xbox 360, 800 BioWare Points on PC), centers around Liara, a popular character and squadmate from the original Mass Effect.

“Both ‘Witch Hunt’ and ‘Lair of the Shadow Broker’ represent our commitment to keeping the game worlds alive with high quality content, even post-launch,” said BioWare Edmonton General Manager Aaryn Flynn. “Fans are asking for more characters, more adventures and that is what we’re delivering. Morrigan and Liara are two of the most beloved characters in their respective franchises and completing these new journeys will add to the story and action of both games.”

Dragon: Age Origins “Witch Hunt” picks up Morrigan’s story after the defeat of the Archdemon and her disappearance into the shadows. Nearly a year has passed since the Archdemon’s death, and word has reached the Wardens that Morrigan has returned to Ferelden. Seeking to confirm her presence and confront her about her mysterious disappearance, players will head into the forest to tie up this last loose end once and for all. Players can either import their characters from Dragon: Age Origins and Dragon Age: Origins — Awakening or create a new, high-level hero. Dragon Age: Origins was the “RPG of the Year” for 2009 as named by Game Informer, the SpikeTV Video Game Awards and IGN.com among others.

For more information on “Witch Hunt”, please visit http://dragonage.bioware.com/dao/witch_hunt/.

In Mass Effect 2 “Lair of the Shadow Broker”, Liara T’Soni is tracking down the mysterious Shadow Broker with the hopes of recovering a kidnap victim. Liara enlists the help of Commander Shepard and his crew, chasing clues from the luxurious heights of Illium to the depths of the Shadow Broker’s own secret lair. The new DLC pack adds the Shadow Broker intel center, new research, as well as the chance to continue a relationship with Liara from the original Mass Effect. With more than 70 perfect review scores, Mass Effect 2 is the highest rated game of 2010 on Xbox 360 and PC* and was recently named the number one game of all time for Xbox 360 by IGN.com. For more information on “Lair of the Shadow Broker,” please visit http://masseffect.bioware.com/info/dlc/.

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Dragon Age 2 is the sequel to the triple-platinum-selling Dragon Age: Origins which was named “RPG of the Year” in 2009 by Game Informer, G4, IGN, and SpikeTV. With Dragon Age 2, the world’s preeminent RPG developer is revolutionizing the genre again, infusing the universe with more action, a new, more responsive combat system and a dynamic story that is already among the most multifaceted in gaming. Dragon Age 2 traces the rise to power of Hawke, a survivor of the Blight and a hero who will transform the face of the Dragon Age universe forever. The new game is scheduled for release in March of 2011 on the Xbox 360 videogame and entertainment system, PlayStation 3 computer and entertainment system, and PC.

“Last year’s launch of Dragon Age: Origins was one of the most successful in BioWare’s 15-year history and one of the most successful new IP launches in the 28 year history of EA,” said Dr. Ray Muzyka, Senior Vice President of Electronic Arts and co-founder and Group General Manager of BioWare. “Dragon Age 2 will simultaneously deliver an epic story and set a new bar for intense action in the genre. We’re very excited to deliver this next bold evolution in the Dragon Age franchise to our fans.”

“With Dragon Age 2 we are creating an exciting new entry point into the Dragon Age universe while ensuring that fans of the original game retain a sense of satisfaction and familiarity in the world,” said Dragon Age 2 Executive Producer Mark Darrah. “We are amplifying the things that made Dragon Age: Origins such a huge success while introducing a more dynamic combat system, improving the graphics, and telling the most important story in our world.”

Dragon Age 2 thrusts players into the role of Hawke, a penniless refugee who rises to power to become the single most important character in the world of Dragon Age. Known to be a survivor of the Blight and the Champion of Kirkwall, the legend around Hawke’s rise to power is shrouded in myth and rumor.  Featuring an all-new story spanning 10 years, players will help tell that tale by making tough moral choices, gathering the deadliest of allies, amassing fame and fortune, and sealing their place in history. The way you play will write the story of how the world is changed forever.

Dragon Age 2 is in production for the Xbox 360, PS3 and PC.

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