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

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 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…

Dishonored is slated for release on the Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, and PC in 2012. For more information on Dishonored visit www.Dishonored.com.

As a master of the ‘survival horror’ genre, Shinji Mikami is committed to making a game that is the realization of *pure* survival horror, an experience which he defines as one that pushes the limits of fear and exhilaration. He and his team at Tango are committed to attaining this vision.

“A true ‘survival horror’ game is one in which the player confronts and overcomes fear,” says Shinji Mikami, president and creative director for Tango Gameworks. “I’ve found my focus and once again I’m striving for pure survival horror. I am being very hands-on in the development of this game to ensure that the quality is there. Rest assured.” – Shinji Mikami

Below you’ll find a collage of different environments from the game that communicate the tone and the direction that the production is taking.

The Scoop: Namco bandai conducts a great, but not perfect storm of ninjas. Yes naruto fan’s the trademark orange jumpsuit ninja is back with his second installment Naruto Ultimate Ninja Storm 2! The sequel comes equipped with more fighter’s, better graphics, a RPG style story mode, and a brand new online mode! Who said that it couldn’t get any better?

The Setup: Naruto Shippuden Ultimate Ninja Storm 2 follows the story of a now older Naruto Uzumaki. For those of you who are not familiar with the anime Naruto and Naruto Shippuden, Naruto chronicles Naruto on his quest to become hokage (basically president) of the hidden leaf village. But before he can even think of accomplishing that, he must first learn what it means to be a true ninja. Luckily he has his comrade’s and sensei along the way for the journey. This is all you need to know story wise to enjoy the cell shaded beauty that is Ultimate Ninja storm 2.

The main story is broken up into chapter’s. The action comes from “Free Battles”. You have the choice to use various projectiles and stat boosters that last a limited time in battle. These items of course may only be used a certain number of times before they cannot be used again. Combat revolves around mashing the circle button in different directions to pull off combos and pressing the triangle button to use special attacks that use “chakra”. You can manually charge your chakra bar by holding down triangle. The controls sound simple yet there a blast to actually play.

What’s Hot: As I mentioned above, the controls are simple enough for a casual player, but strategic enough for the most hardcore fighting gamer.Seeing all this actually unfold in cell-shaded graphics is a true beauty to watch. The story mode is mixed with components of exploration and RPG. While the story mode is not very engaging the boss battles at the end of every chapter will give you your moneys worth. The boss battles themselves are broken up into QTE’s (quick time events) that result in the player pressing a particular button or input combanation that pops up on screen. Succesfully pulling these off will not only take off a chunk of the bosses health off, but reward you with minor health every time you enter the buttons correctly. The cell-shaded graphics shine their best in these cinematic QTE’s.

"That looks painful, bandaid?"

What’s Not: While the combat is engaging thats just about the only thing that compliments the game itself. The story mode isn’t necessarily horrible but the cheap voice acting and RPG setup feels unescessary and forced. Because of the fact its a drag to hear that the only way to unlock characters to enjoy free batlle is by playing the story. Unless your willing to grind points in free battle mode to enjoy the one thing that gives the most fun out of the game. Give or take you have to endure the rough edges to get the gold.

Final Verdict: If your willing to brave a tedious, anime cliched full story mode to enjoy your many exciting ninja endeavours (online and off), you have what it takes to play one of the most memorable fighting games. Naruto Ultimate Ninja Storm 2.