Electronic Arts Inc. (NASDAQ:EA) announced the key features for EA SPORTS^TM NHL^®13, promising the biggest change to the franchise since the introduction of the Skill Stick in NHL^® 07. Headlined by all-new True Performance Skating, and supported by an innovative new A.I. system dubbed EA SPORTS Hockey I.Q., NHL 13 will deliver a revamped gameplay experience that accurately captures the speed, creativity and strategy of NHL hockey. In addition, NHL 13 will also deliver new experiences that connect hockey fans to their friends and the real world of hockey with the all-new GM Connected and NHL Moments Live modes. NHL 13 will be available on September 11, 2012 in North America and September 14, 2012 in Europe.

“The NHL team has been a leader when it comes to innovation in the sports videogame category on this console generation by redefining player control with the introduction of the Skill Stick, creating connected experiences such as the EA SPORTS Hockey League and introducing real world physics to the team sports category,” says Dean Richards, General Manager, NHL, EA SPORTS. “With our feature set in NHL 13, hockey fans and sports gamers have a lot to be excited about as we are again going to deliver major innovations that will change the way you play the game.”

NHL 13 delivers an innovative new gameplay experience, accurately capturing the speed, creativity and strategy of today’s NHL through:

• True Performance Skating — A game-changing innovation for the franchise that adds physics-driven skating and over 1000 new animations. True Performance Skating authentically replicates the explosiveness, momentum and top end speed displayed by today’s NHL players. True Performance Skating combined with the Skill Stick, finally gives gamers access to the entire toolset of an NHL player, delivering unprecedented control and unlocking a level of creativity never before possible in a hockey videogame.
• EA SPORTS Hockey I.Q. — An innovative new A.I. system that governs the behaviors of players, goalies and team systems. In previous NHL games, players were only aware of skaters in their immediate proximity and goalies could only react to the player in control of the puck. With EA SPORTS Hockey I.Q., all players are now fully aware of every other player on the ice, resulting in quicker, smarter and more true-to-life decision-making. EA SPORTS Hockey IQ also delivers the deepest and most customizable set of real-world hockey systems and strategies ever for the franchise.

NHL 13 will deliver new experiences that connect hockey fans to their friends and to NHL hockey with:

• GM Connected — The ultimate fantasy league with friends. GM Connected takes the franchise’s most popular offline mode, Be a GM, and allows you to play with and against your friends in your own 30-team NHL. Whether you are a hardcore sports gamer or a hockey fan that moonlights as an armchair general manager, the mode offers unrivaled accessibility and depth by allowing players to manage, play or coach on the road to building your team’s legacy. GM’s can also take their experience with them with a mobile companion app, ensuring that they never miss a single moment.*
• NHL Moments Live — Rewrite or relive history as you replay some of the most thrilling moments from today’s NHL. NHL 13 evolves the concept introduced by other sports games, introducing each scenario with real-world NHL footage to bring players closer to the intensity of the moment. Moments from the 2011-12 NHL season will ship on disc and new moments from the 2012-13 NHL season will be added as and when available throughout the season.

Fans of the franchise can expect several other improvements and innovations in NHL 13, such as:

• Team-First Presentation, which customizes your NHL 13 experience based on your favorite NHL team
• The addition of Customizable EA SPORTS Hockey IQ allowing players to create and record their own player and team strategies to a level never before seen in the franchise.
• Improvements to core offline and online modes, including Hockey Ultimate Team, Be a Pro, EA SPORTS Hockey League, a refined on-ice presentation, and more.

NHL 13 Stanley Cup^® Collector’s Edition Available for Pre-Order

Celebrate over 20 years of EA SPORTS NHL hockey with the first ever collector’s edition on this console generation. With Stanley Cup-inspired digital offerings, the NHL 13 Stanley Cup Collector’s Edition includes:

• Exclusive collectible Stanley Cup^® tin featuring an embossed Stanley Cup image
• Two Stanley Cup^® Theme Hockey Ultimate Team packs featuring randomized player items from the Western and Eastern Conference Champions
• Gold Jumbo Hockey Ultimate Team Pack (Regular) featuring 24 randomized items, including an exclusive Wayne Gretzky Hockey Ultimate Team Legend and six other rare items
• A CCM Boost Pack featuring the all-new CCM RBZ stick (For use in Be a Pro and EA SPORTS™ Hockey League)
• A 10% discount on a one-time purchase at shop.NHL.com
• A complete copy of NHL 13

MSRP: $79.99

Visit the EA SPORTS NHL 13 website for more details and other pre-order offers.

*App not available in France, Gibraltar, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Libya, Morocco, Serbia and Montenegro, and Syria

NIS America announces that Atelier Meruru: The Apprentice of Arland will be shipped to retailers nationwide on May 29th. Initially, its release was scheduled for May 22nd, but due to a delay in the manufacturing process, we regretfully had to push back its release for the North American market. Atelier Meruru is the latest installment in the fan-favorite Atelier series. With Atelier Meruru, the Arland trilogy comes to a most enchanting conclusion. Atelier Meruru follows the story of spunky Princess Meruru, who finds herself entranced by alchemy and vows to become Totori Helmold’s apprentice. With new and updated game systems and returning characters from Atelier Rorona and Atelier Totori, Atelier Meruru will once again capture the hearts and minds of all the Atelier fans out there.

About Atelier Meruru:

The tiny kingdom of Arls, located on the northeastern border of the Arland Republic, is where Princess Meruru calls home. Ever since she was exposed to alchemy by famed adventurer Totori Helmold, all she could think about was becoming an alchemist. With Totori’s guidance, Meruru sets out to develop her home kingdom of Arls using the power of alchemy. On her way, Meruru will encounter new adventures, obstacles, mysteries, and friends, and discover what life is like outside the castle walls. How you choose to guide her through the advancement of her land will determine the final outcome in the tale of Atelier Meruru.

Game Features
-New “Development” system: develop new areas and facilities in Arls to gain access to even more lands to explore!
-Developing new areas and facilities will change the appearance of the in-game world! How you develop the kingdom will alter the outcome of the story.
-Classic turn-based battles feature a Time Card turn system, making the battles even more strategic!
-Master item synthesis with the help of the ever-popular Homs!
-Fan-favorite characters from previous Atelier games return with more stories and mysteries to uncover!

ATLUS and ACE Team today announced that Rock of Ages™, their balls-to-the-walls game of tower offense featuring fast-paced strategy, high art, and gigantic boulders of doom, is now available in North America on PlayStation®Network for PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system.  The game, which previously released late last year for Xbox LIVE® Arcade for the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and PC via Steam, releases on PlayStation Network with a host of added features and content.  Also, as a special treat for North American PlayStation®Plus subscribers, Rock of Ages will be available for free for a limited time!

A new game mode, “Obstacle Course,” challenges players to compete head-to-head with a friend (local or online) or an AI opponent to navigate a stage full of randomly placed defenses.  The player to cross the finish line first wins, although the inclusion of boulder power-ups that can be acquired along the way offers an element of excitement and unpredictability that’s sure to satisfy existing fans and newcomers alike.  An enhanced version of the classic “War” mode allows players to utilize defensive units that would otherwise be locked away and inaccessible given the stage and its time period.  There is also a new tactical wrinkle for explosive defenses, added boulder skins to enjoy, and a wealth of tweaks and refinements.  The new features and content in the PlayStation Network release of Rock of Ages are currently exclusive to the console, although that may change at a later date.

Hailed as “a must-have download” by GamePro, Rock of Ages is a treat for the eyes, ears, and mind.  As players progress through nearly two dozen stages of crushing action, rewarding strategy, and breathtaking visuals, they’ll be toured through five distinct periods of classic art history, encountering an assortment of famous historical and literary characters, outlandish and inspired defensive units, and fantastical bosses therein.  The blend of genres and visual elements is so unlike anything else, the overall experience so unprecedented, that Joystiq deemed Rock of Ages “worth playing for the sense of disbelief that results.”

Rock of Ages is now available on PlayStation Network for PS3 system in North America.  It was also previously released on Xbox LIVE Arcade for the Xbox 360 system and PC via Steam.  For more information, please visit www.atlus.com/rockofages.

ATLUS, a brand of Index Digital Media, Inc., today announced that “Game of Thrones™,” the RPG based on the internationally bestselling book series A Song of Ice and Fire by George R. R. Martin and the critically acclaimed HBO® television series, Game of Thrones®, is now available in stores across North America for Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system, and PC via download.

Replete with the authentic political intrigue and complex narrative the acclaimed fantasy series is known for, this captivating interactive adventure gives fans a new and exciting way to lose themselves in the world of Westeros. With an original story written under the watchful eye of George R. R. Martin, who recently stated, “I’ve sampled the work Cyanide has done, and I’m largely happy with it. I think many of my fans will share that feeling,” the “Game of Thrones” RPG is filled with characters and locations straight from the pages of the beloved fantasy novels. Moreover, the game includes the likenesses of fan favorite characters from the television adaptation. “Game of Thrones” promises to deliver the ultimate interactive roleplaying experience for fans of the series and its gritty, sophisticated medieval drama.

“Author George R. R. Martin’s masterful storytelling have helped make the A Song of Ice and Fire universe into one of the most heralded literary series of all time,” commented Tim Pivnicny, Vice President of Sales and Marketing at ATLUS. “With the official ‘Game of Thrones’ roleplaying game, fans can discover a story crafted under Mr. Martin’s supervision, loyal and respectful to series canon yet full of new characters and locations as well. It’s one thing to read about or watch the towering majesty and bitter cold of The Wall or the alleyways and daunting Throne Room of King’s Landing, but playing is believing!”

“Game of Thrones” is out now in North America for Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system, and PC via download. For additional information, including game details, screenshots, video, interactive web quests, and more, visit http://gameofthrones-thegame.com.

Bethesda Softworks®, a ZeniMax® Media company, today announced that Dishonored, the supernatural assassin action game under development at Arkane® Studios, will be available in  North America on October 9, 2012 and throughout Europe on October 12, 2012.  Developed under the direction of co-creative directors Raphael Colantonio and Harvey Smith, Dishonored is slated for release on the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system, and Games for Windows.

Dishonored is set in Dunwall, an industrial whaling city where steampunk- inspired technology and otherworldly forces coexist in the shadows. You are Corvo, the once-trusted bodyguard of the beloved Empress who has been murdered. Framed for the crime, you become an infamous assassin, known by the disturbing mask that has become your calling card. In a time of uncertainty, when the city is besieged by plague and ruled by a corrupt government armed with frightening technologies, dark forces bestow supernatural abilities upon you – but at what cost? The truth behind your betrayal is as murky as the waters surrounding the city, and the life you once had is gone forever.

Creatively eliminate your enemies with Dishonored’s flexible combat system as you combine supernatural abilities with weapons and gadgets at your disposal. Pursue your targets under the cover of darkness or boldly attack them head on with weapons drawn. The outcome of each mission plays out based on the choices you make.

“We are pleased that Dishonored has captured people’s attention,” said Vlatko Andonov, president of Bethesda Softworks. “We are looking forward to sharing lots more information about the game leading up to its launch in October, and having a hands-on build of Dishonored in our booth at E3!”

Dishonored has not yet been rated by the ESRB.

For more information on Dishonored visit www.Dishonored.com.

The Scoop: Naughty Dog let’s us relive the good ol’ days of Jak and Daxter’s many escapades again on the PS3 with the release of a HD collection. And it’s a gun blazing, globe trotting, eco blasting hell of a time! With three great games for only $39.99 this is a steal!

The Setup: You (Jak) and your best friend Daxter leave your village and take a boat to go explore “Misty Island” (against their village Sage’s order’s to stay away from it.) As you explore the island you happen upon a vat of purple ooze known as Dark Eco. Suddenly out of nowhere you are ambushed by a Lurker (Ape type enemy). You see a odd ancient orb lying nearby and chuck it at the Lurker. Luckily it explodes on impact, yet unexpectedly blasts Daxter in the Dark Eco. Daxter appears to be unscathed, but… comes out of the eco as a orange ostel. Upon returning to the village (and to a infuriated sage) you find out that the only way to turn Daxter back is to find two other Sage’s known as Maya and Gol, who might have the power of turning Daxter back too his previous self. Oddly, they have goon missing for ages… So begin’s the perilous and exciting adventure known as “Jak and Daxter The Precursor Legacy”.

Yes, believe it or not you actually fight that....

What’s Hot: The gameplay of all 3 Jak’s are extremely fun and engaging. The 1st Jak play’s and feels slightly reminescent to a Crash Bandicoot type of gamepay style. With you adventuring to different part’s of the world with teleport gates that take you to a designated area. When faced with a enemy you can use your fists and kicks to deal damage or if your powered up with eco a special bonus or added damage attack. Which varies with what eco your channeling, adding a fun mixup too combat. Boss battle’s normally rely on doging enemy atacks then counter-attacking by using a specific eco that is around you considering the boss is a lot larger than you most of the time.

You make Dark Jak angry! Dark Jak smash!

What’s Not: Althought these game’s don’t have a difficulty settings there are a few thing’s I found unfair. When your doing a mission, a lot of times there ia a checkpoint smack halfway into it. The problem is it might take about 20 min’s to get to that point. If I’m almost at the point then I die, I have to restart all the way from the begininng. There are also missiona were you have to fly a futursitic type of motorcycle to a specific place in under a short amount of time. If you aren’t skilled with the driving, you will easily crash into something. It only takes three crashes before your ride is destroyed and you have to quickly find another before your remaining time runs out. These are small quips that hardly deter the gameplay experience though.

Riding in style...

The hilarious Griffin family and their friends from Quahog are coming to gaming consoles this fall in an all-new Family Guy video game from Twentieth Century Fox Consumer Products and Activision Publishing Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Activision Blizzard Inc. (Nasdaq: ATVI).  Appropriately titled Family Guy: Back to the Multiverse, the title will offer gamers an interactive Family Guy experience inspired by one of the most popular and notable episodes in the series’ history.

“Fans of Family Guy will love that we’ve taken some of the series’ most iconic and memorable moments and built them into an impressive and uncensored video game,” said David Oxford, Executive Vice President, Activision.  “Anyone who watches the show will appreciate how much we have adhered to its rich and twisted universe and characters.”

Family Guy is one of the most-watched and influential shows of the last decade, reaching over 33.5 million viewers weekly in the U.S., and is the number one TV show on Facebook with more than 40 million ‘likes’.  In the U.S., the series is the number one TV franchise on DVD with more than 25 million copies sold.  The new console game from Fox and Activision intends to tap into the core components of the Family Guy spirit.

Jeffrey Godsick, President of Twentieth Century Fox Consumer Products said, “With Activision at the helm, we’ve found a world class partner for a Family Guy console video game.  Family Guy: Back to the Multiverse will utilize the source material, including the talented voice cast and writers, authentic humor and subversive spirit of the series, giving fans a whole new way to interact with their favorite show.”

More details about the console game will be announced in the near future.  To find out all the latest news please visit www.activision.com.  For more information on the animated series, visit www.familyguy.com.

First wave pre-order customers are invited to show off their exclusive bonus by snapping a shot with the limited edition poster and sharing it on Twitter or Facebook using #GSFIRSTWAVE. Beginning May 21, 2012, GameStop will showcase the most creative pictures each week for its 4.2 million-fan Facebook community.

In addition to the poster, GameStop® PowerUp Rewards™ members that join the first wave and pre-order by June 30, 2012 will also receive an instantly redeemable Prestige Token for Call of Duty®: Modern Warfare® 3, the record-breaking title that continues to be played by millions. This highly sought-after currency within the Call of Duty multiplayer universe can be spent in the Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 Prestige shop for highly valuable items, including Double XP.

Customers that get in early and pre-order during the first wave will automatically receive bonuses revealed in waves two, three and four. Visit www.GameStop.com/BlackOps2 for information on upcoming waves and complete details on how to get in early to get more.

Set in the year 2025, Call of Duty: Black Ops II propels players into global conflict featuring advanced weaponry, robotics and drone warfare in a new Cold War scenario whose seeds are being sown in today’s headlines. Featuring new graphics technology that drives stunning cinematic action, Treyarch’s new creation delivers an epic single-player campaign including branching storylines and non-linear missions, a re-imagined multiplayer and the most diverse and biggest zombies experience ever. Call of Duty: Black Ops II is in development by Treyarch and will be published by Activision Publishing, Inc. The title has not yet been rated. For more information, visit www.callofduty.com/blackops2 or follow Call of Duty: Black Ops II on www.facebook.com/codblackops. Tune-in to Spike TV tonight at 9 p.m./8 p.m. CDT for a GameStop special feature hosted by GTTV’s Geoff Keighley for a closer look at Call of Duty: Black Ops II.

Fighting in an arena… Well, it can be a tricky business.  First, there’s that part where you kind of can’t run away from your enemy.  It IS an arena after all.  And then there’s that bit where you get punched in the face repeatedly.  Not pleasant.

That’s why it’s SO important for future arena-destined fighters to learn more about the controls and skills that will help them to victory, and it’s also why we’re releasing this first video tutorial for the upcoming PS3/360 fighting game spinoff of the acclaimed Persona series of role-playing games: Persona 4 Arena.

You know, that mind-blowingly gorgeous collaboration between ATLUS and Arc System Works, masters of the 2D anime-style fighter?  The one with a roster of beautiful characters from Persona 3 and Persona 4 (two of the best rated RPGs of all time) and fighting mechanics that incorporate the titular Personas and their special attacks?  The one coming out this summer?

If you’re having trouble remembering, I can help you with that.  Why don’t you join me in this somewhat arena-ish space over here…