Harmonix, the leading developer of music-based games, and MTV Games, a part of Viacom's MTV Networks (NYSE: VIA, VIA.B), along with marketing and distribution partner Electronic Arts Inc. (NASDAQ: ERTS), announced today that for a limited time Rock Band Special Edition Bundle for the PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system is available for a MSRP of $99.99 at participating retailers. Rock Band instrument controllers for PlayStation 2 system are compatible with the PlayStation 3 computer entertainment system.

"For a limited time this promotion will provide music fans and casual gamers the chance to experience the Harmonix masterpiece Rock Band at an extremely affordable price," said Bob Picunko, Vice President of Electronic Games and Interactive Products for MTV. "This is a great value for a Father's Day gift, a graduation party or summer vacation."

The Rock Band Special Edition Bundle for the PlayStation 2 system features a wireless Fender Stratocaster guitar controller, electronic drum kit, real drum sticks, microphone, USB hub and Rock Band software. In addition, Rock Band Track Pack Volume 1 for the PlayStation 2 system and Wii home video game system from Nintendo will be available on July 15, 2008, for a MSRP of $29.99. The 20-song pack features an electrifying mix of classic hits and current favorites, including songs by Boston, NIN, Stone Temple Pilots, and 30 Seconds to Mars.

Rock Band is the ultimate platform for music fans and gamers challenging players to put together a band and tour for fame and fortune, while mastering lead/bass guitar, drums and vocals. Featuring the most master recordings than any other music game, Rock Band features some of the world's biggest rock artists and spans every genre of rock ranging from alternative and classic rock to heavy metal and punk.

Rock Band has garnered more than 40 awards, including Game Critics Award: Best of Show E3 2007 and three awards at The 11th Annual Interactive Achievement Awards including Outstanding Innovation in Gaming, Family Game of the Year, and Outstanding Achievement in Soundtrack.

Rock Band is rated "T" for Teen (lyrics, mild suggestive themes) by the ESRB.

EA is the exclusive distribution and marketing partner for Rock Band.

For more information on Rock Band and Harmonix Music Systems please visit www.rockband.com and www.harmonixmusic.com.

DFC Intelligence is reporting that the gaming industry had a spectacular 2007 performance, with the Playstation 2 still commanding the largest install base in homes worldwide. Of next generation consoles, the Wii has taken the lead, but overall, next-gen systems are being adopted slower than previously expected. The Playstation 3 is in last place, with Xbox 360 ahead of it, but not by much.

DFC points to another factor that is impacting sales, albeit in an unexpected way. The firm says that despite rising gas prices and a slowing economy, the industry has actually benefitted as more gamers stay home and play more. Video games provide a high rate of entertainment return on the dollar, making them a deal in a slowing economy.

DFC also projects that current-generation systems will not reach the install base of last-gen systems until 2013.

New Features:

* Added save state support
* Reorganised menus
* Error messages printed to screen

Bug Fixes:

* Corrected palette, so that it is brighter
* Updated RomTool to work with older JVM (1.1+)

As you know, current versions of Glide64 have problems with widescreen monitors. The wrapper allows you to select one of predefined screen resolutions, and none of them corresponds to the native resolution of widescreen display. This project is a prototype, aimed to solve this problem. KoolSmoky rewrote the wrapper, so it probes your system for all supported screen resolution, and now you may select any fullscreen resolution, supported by your video card. I modified the plugin, so if a wide resolution is selected, plugin will render in that resolution, but keep original 4:3 screen aspect; image will be centered on the screen.
The prototype is based on Glide64 WonderPlus HQ code. If this solution will satisfy you, I'll add it to 'Napalm'.
The package contains modified wrapper and plugin. They must be used together. This version of the wrapper will NOT work with other versions of the plugin and vice versa.
Before first run you must select fullscreen resolution for the wrapper. It uses the same registry key, as other wrappers, but its value is very different. Thus, when you will switch back to regular version, you will have to select fullscreen resolution again.
We need feedback from our users with widescreen monitors. Does it work for you? Do you like it? Which games are broken in compare with current Glide64 WonderPlus HQ version (http://www.emuxhaven.net/forums/showthread.php?t=6490)?

GAH people! I forgot to disable the stretcher debugging prints in the build. I will release 1.9r2 without that print and MAYBE another fix, soon.

I uploaded beta 1.9 r2, which includes a EXPERIMENTAL mixer (yes a new one). It might be too loud for some games, but should generally give more approximate volumes, if I´m right.

Can you people try with games which used to be louder/quieter, and make none of them is extremely quiet, or extremely loud (overflowing)? I´d ike if you could help test this.

Improved handling of VU flags, fixes SPS on Dark Cloud/Chronicle, God of War and stops the falling through the floor problem on Metal Gear Solid 3.

FPU Fixes for ordering errors (text on Tales of Legandia)

The official Japanese 360 site was updated this morning with details on the new content we'll be receiving on Friday 13!

New free mission - "Remote Base" (name pending localization) introduces players to a new field on Moatoob, Il Cabo Base. Here, Guardians will be entering an abandoned research facility to purify the hordes of SEED-infected native creatures!

New item - A new room decoration, Lab Set, will become available as a drop item in the new area.

Humongous Inc., announced today that Backyard Baseball 2009 for the Wii, PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system, and Windows PC is now available at retail outlets nationwide. (A Nintendo DS version hit store shelves in March.) The seventh iteration of the best selling youth baseball video game, Backyard Baseball 2009 introduces a full line up of new features including a current player from every MLB team.

The only kids' video game series to hold the Major League Baseball (MLB) and Major League Baseball Player's Association (MLBPA) licenses, Backyard Baseball 2009 combines real baseball strategies with wild power ups and arcade action to entertain and excite baseball's next generation of fans.

"Backyard Baseball 2009 marks our tenth year partnering with this exceptional franchise," says Colin Hagen, VP Hard Goods Licensing for Major League Baseball. "It is a fun yet authentic baseball experience for kids and families who may not be ready for the complexity of the more sophisticated sports games."

Known for featuring pro athletes as animated kids, Backyard Baseball 2009 has expanded its roster to include at least one ballplayer from each of the 30 Major League™ ball clubs, including Ichiro, Alex Rodriguez, Derek Jeter, Albert Pujols, Ken Griffey Jr., and cover athlete David "Big Papi" Ortiz. Other new features include Tournament, MLB All Star, and auto-play play modes along with enhanced player options.

Backyard Baseball 2009 includes all current MLB teams and uniforms along with a variety of Backyard Sports players and teams. The game offers single pick-up games or season play (with all the stats), a Home Run Derby mini-game, and varying levels of difficulty to make it appropriate for kids of different ages and skill levels. In addition, the game's kid-friendly, non-violent format makes it especially popular with parents.

Backyard Baseball 2009 is Rated "E" (everyone) by the ESRB and available for an MSRP of $29.99 for the Nintendo DS, $39.99 for Wii, $29.99 for and PlayStation 2 system and $19.99 for Windows PC.

NASCAR 09, the latest version of EA Sports' racing simulation, has shipped today and will be available in retail stores starting tomorrow.

The twelfth iteration of EA's NASCAR series, NASCAR 09 features Jeff Gordon on the cover and in an advisory role throughout the game, guiding players to and through the game's major features. It marks Gordon's first time on the cover since NASCAR 06, where he ironically was on the cover with teammate Jimmie Johnson. It's the job Gordon did mentoring Johnson that led him to be the driver in this year's game that teaches you the ropes.

NASCAR 09 offers new features like the Paint Booth customization tool, a supplementary driving model designed to usher inexperienced players into the game, and more adaptable gameplay. It retails for $59.99 on next-gen systems and $39.99 for the PS2.