Harmonix and MTV Games today announced that singles from a smattering of stars, including Blondie, La Roux, The Decemberists and more will be available next week in the Rock Band Music Store of downloadable content for the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system and WiiTM.

With more than 400 artists, including Jimi Hendrix, The Who, AC/DC and Green Day, who are exclusive to Rock Band, as well as more than 1,550 songs available through the Rock Band platform and 70 million songs sold through its download store alone, Rock Band is the undisputed sales and content leader in the interactive music space, providing the deepest and best selection of artists, songs and albums.
Rock Band DLC additions for Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 system and Wii

We’re bringing you a bunch of singles next week from a variety of awesome artists, including several who are making their Rock Band debut! Alternative rock group dc Talk debuts in Rock Band with “Jesus Freak,” the title track from their Grammy® Award-winning album of the same name. Indie rockers The Decemberists also make their Rock Band debut with “The Perfect Crime # 2” from 2006’s The Crane Wife. Making their Rock Band debut as well, indie rockers Eels are bringing “Saturday Morning” from their 2004 album Shootenanny!. And English electro-pop duo La Roux also make their Rock Band debut next week with “Bulletproof” from their 2009 self-titled debut. The song debuted at No. 1 on the UK Singles Chart and went to No. 8 on the Billboard Chart in the United States. And finally, Jesse Hughes and Josh Homme-formed rock group Eagles of Death Metal debut in Rock Band with “I Only Want You,” the single from their 2004 album, Peace, Love, Death Metal.

We’re also adding to some artists’ Rock Band catalogs! From new wave goddess Blondie, we’re bringing you “Rapture,” one of the first mainstream hits to incorporate rap music and the first rap-influenced single to reach No. 1 on the Billboard Chart. Next week’s additions will also include “Sturm & Drang” from metal rockers KMFDM’s 2002 album, Attak, as well as “Love Addict” from Atlanta-formed rap rockers Family Force 5 debut album, Business Up Front/Party in the Back. Both Family Force 5 and KMFDM have previously only been available through the Rock Band Network Music Store.

Available on Xbox 360, Wii and PlayStation 3 system (Aug. 3):

Blondie – “Rapture”
dc Talk – “Jesus Freak”
The Decemberists – “The Perfect Crime # 2”
Eagles of Death Metal – “I Only Want You” +
Eels – “Saturday Morning” +
Family Force 5 – “Love Addict”
KMFDM – “Sturm & Drang”
La Roux – “Bulletproof” +

(All tracks are original master recordings)

(These tracks will be available in Europe on PlayStation 3 system Aug. 4)

These tracks will be available for purchase as individual tracks, on Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 system, and as individual tracks only on Wii. Tracks marked with “+” will also be available in the family-friendly LEGO® Rock Band Music Store.

Price: $1.99 USD, £.99 UK, €1.49 EU (160 Microsoft Points) per track
$2.00 USD (200 Wii PointsTM) per track ...

Engineous Games today announced that its hit iPhone game, Sketch Nation Shooter, recently surpassed an astounding 500,000 games played . This new milestone for the do-it-yourself shooter creator references the community’s continued efforts to develop and showcase their unique games and bring them to the masses. With a growing library of over 2,000 user created titles, Sketch Nation Shooter continues to motivate and impress aspiring game designers all over the world.

“Since its debut in April, Sketch Nation Shooter has been enjoyed by tens of thousands and we’re looking forward to seeing its success climb higher as players keep using their imagination to build novel and exciting games,” said Nitzan Wilnai, CEO of Engineous Games. “We plan to continue giving players the tools they need to create more intricate games by consistently providing updates full of new art packs, new features, and more!”

Sketch Nation Shooter, along with thousands of user generated games, is available in the app store for only 99 cents. For more information, visit their website and follow the game on Twitter. ...

Experience the fantasy adventures that became a cultural phenomenon! Game publisher Destineer today announces a partnership with Digital Leisure Inc. to develop Dragon’s Lair Trilogy, bringing three timeless arcade adventures together on one disc for WiiTM: Dragon’s Lair, Dragon’s Lair 2: Time Warp, and Space Ace. For the first time ever on a console platform, you can experience the stunning visuals and engaging storylines from all three of these classic arcade games created by legendary American animator Don Bluth. Lead on brave adventurer, your quest awaits!

An instant hit in its 1983 debut, Dragon’s Lair is one of the most beloved arcade games of all time. As valiant knight Dirk the Daring, immerse yourself in a fantasy adventure on a quest to rescue Princess Daphne from the clutches of an evil dragon. You control the actions of the daring adventurer, finding your way through the castle of a dark wizard, who has enchanted it with treacherous monsters and obstacles.

Straight off the success of Dragon’s Lair, Don Bluth and his creative team began working on a galactic adventure known as Space Ace! In Space Ace you play the heroic Ace who must stop the evil Commander Borf from taking over the Earth! Only two people have the courage and strength to stop Borf and save Earth: the beautiful Kimberly and Ace. But as they approach Borf’s stronghold, Ace is hit by the Infanto Ray, changing him into a child, and Kimberly is kidnapped by the evil madman! The fate of Earth is in your hands!

In the sequel to the smash-hit, Dragon’s Lair 2: Time Warp allows you to once again play the heroic Dirk the Daring, who must stop the Evil Wizard Mordroc as he has kidnapped Princess Daphne and taken her through time! But you must hurry, for once the Casket of Doom has opened, Mordroc will place the Death Ring upon Daphne's finger in marriage and she will be lost forever… in the Time Warp!

Features:

Completely arcade authentic
Original arcade gameplay modes
Remastered animation
Both standard and widescreen editions
All-new move guides for beginners
Watch Mode - View all of the stunning animation without playing!

Dragon’s Lair Trilogy will be available this fall for a suggested retail price of $29.99 for Wii. For additional information please visit
http://www.dragonslairtrilogy.com or www.destineergames.com. ...

Suspense and intense first-person action reign in Activision Publishing’s (Nasdaq: ATVI) Cabela’s Dangerous Hunts 2011, the first game to utilize the all new TOP SHOT ELITE hunting controller. Coming late fall for Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system, WiiTM and Nintendo DSTM, the game unfolds a story of drama and survival as players face kill-or-be-killed scenarios deep in the wild. All of the console versions are available with the TOP SHOT ELITE, the first-of-its-kind wireless controller that allows players to take aim against the world’s deadliest predators.

Developed by the team at Activision that created the guitar controllers for the Guitar Hero franchise, the groundbreaking TOP SHOT ELITE will redefine how first-person action games are played. The Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 system versions operate with 2.4GHz wireless technology and include a sensor bar and high-sensitivity camera, while the Wii version integrates the Wii RemoteTM and NunchukTM. The scope includes a red lens filter that gives players a different perspective on the environment, exposing hidden animal tracks and blood trails. The TOP SHOT ELITE also features pump-action reload and an adjustable stock to fit gamers of all sizes.

An extremely high level of production value and attention to detail has been injected into the Cabela’s Dangerous Hunts 2011 story and gameplay. Scripted by renowned scriptwriter and creative director Brad Santos, the game tells the story of Cole Rainsford, who has joined his estranged father on an African safari to hunt savage animals that have been terrorizing remote villages. Soon finding themselves stranded, their survival depends on cunning instinct and expert skill to make it out alive. The game also includes next-generation shooting galleries featuring hot-seat, multi-stage and head-to-head multiplayer options – perfect for playing with the TOP SHOT ELITE.

“Cabela’s Dangerous Hunts 2011 is the complete entertainment package – no one is offering gameplay this intense and a controller this amazing,” said David Oxford, Activision Publishing. “The TOP SHOT ELITE is so captivating that I believe hordes of first-person action fans will snap up the game just to get it.”

“Activision went above and beyond to create an extraordinary gaming experience,” Bryan Stave of Cabela's. “Cabela’s Dangerous Hunts 2011 is the most thrilling game we’ve ever worked on together.”

Cabela’s Dangerous Hunts 2011 is slated for a late fall 2010 release. The game is not yet rated by the ESRB. ...

Launching in less than seven weeks, Halo: Reach, is set to be the BIGGEST entertainment launch of 2010, and will be available exclusively on Xbox 360! The award-winning 'Halo' franchise is a global phenomenon, with Halo 3 making entertainment history in 2007 setting launch sales records that beat all previous video games and blockbuster movies.

Created by acclaimed developer Bungie, Halo: Reach is the latest installment to the most successful gaming franchise ever, and is set to launch on 14 September. More than 2.7 million players participated in the Halo: Reach multiplayer beta earlier this year, making it the most popular console video game beta test on record.

To celebrate the upcoming launch of Halo: Reach, football legend Rio Ferdinand and Gadget Show presenter, Jason Bradbury teamed up today to announce the launch of a major nationwide competition and the Halo: Reach Elite Spartan Squad at a press conference in London. The competition, launching next Wednesday 4th August, at www.xbox.com/lookingforaleader , gives Halo fans and gamers the chance to take part in a series of online mini Halo 3 tournaments in mid-August. Winners will then be selected to attend a mega-launch event taking place in London in mid-September. This is a once-in-a-lifetime chance to be a part of the most exciting live Halo battle in gaming history – all with the special Celebrity Elite Spartan Squad!

As well as Rio and Jason the Halo: Reach Elite Spartan Squad includes a star studded line-up, including: Gorgeous model and T4 presenter, Jameela Jamil; and England Rugby hunk, Ben Cohen. The 5th Spartan member will be revealed next week and the 6th Spartan member will be chosen via the competition and will be the Team Captain ensuring the Elite Spartan Squad is charged and ready to battle at the launch event!

More details about the competition and Elite Spartan Squad activity will be revealed on Wednesday 4th August at www.xbox.com/lookingforaleader. ...

The Widgets are back! Frima Studio, a leading and award-winning multiplatform game developer based in Quebec, announced today that Widgets Odyssey II will be landing on the PlayStation Store in North America for only $1.99 USD on August 3, 2010. As a PlayStation Mini title, playable on both the PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system and PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) system, Widgets Odyssey II will conclude the intergalactic platforming exploits of Spad, Cosmo, Bruce, Helmet and Monk first embarked upon in Widgets Odyssey, which launched on July 6.

Widgets Odyssey II represents the conclusion of Frima’s “Summer of the PlayStation Mini” in which Widgets Odyssey and Young Thor were also released.

“What a summer! I think with the release of Widgets Odyssey and Young Thor, we have shown the gaming world at large that the PlayStation Mini platform is one worth paying attention to,” said Steve Couture, CEO and co-founder of Frima Studio. “We’re proud to continue that tradition with Widgets Odyssey II, and we can’t wait to see the reaction from gamers looking to play the next great Mini.”

In the Widgets Odyssey saga, five robots aboard their space vessel have just one simple mission… to save the universe from the tyrannical Yagor and his evil henchmen! Armed with the abilities of Spad, Cosmo, Bruce, Helmut, and Monk, players will guide each robot along their exciting adventures filled with puzzles, mazes and minigames. ...

JCE (GameKiss, www.gamekiss.com) announced Tuesday that its mobile game, “Angry Honey” which was released to global smart phone market for the first time, seized the top rank for downloading service in the category of Top Free Apps within two days since its update after it received a warm review from major Asian markets including Korea.

Since registering with the global AppStore late June, “Angry Honey” of GameKiss was ranked at the top in the category of ‘Top Free’ download for the entire global AppStore in 7 major Asian countries such as Singapore, Viet Nam, Malaysia and Philippine.

“Angry Honey” is a rhythm action game based on a storyline of domestic dispute between husband and wife, which contains mild addictiveness as well as offers soft game actions well-suited for mobile platform. The game depicts comic surroundings where an angry wife throws dish, chair and even a refrigerator while a husband responds by breaking the home appliances in order to avoid being hit. It is believed that the key element for its popularity is based on its strength to promote the feel of touching through light sound effects and irregular rhythmic feels.

World-wide users also pointed out the rhythmic, speedy and hitting feels for the strength of “Angry Honey,” saying that they started out the game just to release tensions but couldn’t easily stop playing it because of its subtle addictiveness.

GameKiss plans to further invest into a new product development after successfully launching and maintaining a popularity of their first-ever AppStore game, “Angry Honey.” At the same time, their second product, “Fly Gaga” is also drawing attention whether the game could follow the feat of “Angry Honey.”

Roman Lee, PM of GameKiss, said, “Our first-ever mobile game, ‘Angry Honey’ has garnered quite an attention from all around the world after ranked on the top of AppStore,” and he added, “We plan to expand into mobile game market in full-scale based on recent experience with success as well as long-standing know-how that GameKiss possesses.” ...

Digital Leisure announced the upcoming launch of Match Up!, designed exclusively for Nintendo's DSiWareTM game service.

Flip, match and…kaboom! - How fast can you find the right set in Match Up!? Whether you’re 4 or 40, Match Up! will have you captive for hours. Reveal shapes, colors and even hidden bonuses with a new take on a childhood favorite. Quick hands and a sharp mind are the only way to beat the clock and disarm the explosive cards riddled throughout. Not quite ready for the explosive action? Then start with the absolutely addictive classic concentration play, and see if you can level up. So come on – get matching!

Match Up! is available Monday in North America, exclusively on DSiWare for only 200 Nintendo points. ...

Industry veteran Jiovanie Velazquez, formerly of Volition Inc. and Blazing Lizard, releases his first solo and self-published project Bubble Rockit for iPhone and iPod Touch.

Bubble Rockit is an "ascension" style game made popular by games such as Doodle Jump and Mega Jump. With less frenetic gameplay mechanics, a finite level design, and touch tapping interactivity Bubble Rockit adds just the right touch to immediately engage and addict the player.

Rockit needs to get to outer space, and it’s your job to help him get there! Guide him upwards from his tiny launch pad in the grass, through the skies and up into space using bubbles for fuel! Collect stars for big points, but don't be hasty with that tapping finger... You may need to sacrifice a star or two for emergency fuel... ...