Following the successful launches of Zoo Keeper & Archer MacLeans Mercury, Ignition has secured the European rights to publish the PSP & DS versions of SEGAs highly addictive, Puyo Pop Fever.

SEGA has revamped its signature brainteaser with wacky new puzzle pieces and a combo-crazy Fever Mode. Playing as Amitie, encounter many weird and wonderful characters as you progress through the games challenging, yet fun Story Mode. Your goal, of course, is to match up Puyos of the same colour. Players will try to obliterate opponents by linking explosive combinations, and bombarding them with massive chain reaction combo attacks with Fever Mode.

Puyo Pop Fever is perfectly suited to the PSP & DS says Peter Rollinson, Product Manager, Ignition Entertainment. The game oozes with addictive gameplay and has a style which will appeal to young and old alike. Puzzle pieces, featuring triple and quadruple sets and a giant Puyo, which adds a new spin to a classic puzzle game. Jump right into the action or learn advanced techniques in the training mode.

Fever Mode gives a new twist to completing combination
Multiplayer Mode allows two players to play against one another in simultaneous action
Stunning 3D graphics enhance the impact when completing massive combinations
Introduces 13 new characters and a whole new story with voice-over
Voice-over navigation to walk you through a Tutorial Mode (PSP Only)
Exclusive DS features, such as Play up to 8 players with a single-Card download play and unique touch screen controls.
For further information please visit our website: www.ignitionent.com/puyo
Puyo Pop Fever will be released for PSP and Nintendo DS in April 2006, with a suggested retail price of 29.99 Pounds. ...

Games produced by two of Yorkshire's most successful games developers currently occupy three of the top four positions in the Sony PSP section of the Leisure software charts from ELSPA (compiled by Chart Track) – the UK's most recognised and respected monitor of software sales.

In the week ending 2nd April, Wakefield based independent developer, Team 17 was dug-in at second and fourth spot respectively with Lemmings – the handheld version of its classic PC games and Worms: Open Warfare – another long-running and highly successful franchise. Third place was taken up by Rockstar Leeds with Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories – a title that shows no signs of flagging, having spent a staggering 21 weeks in the chart.

Regional success in the portable games sector has been boosted further with the continued success of Sheffield-based Distinctive Developments' 3D Pool maintaining 10th spot in the O2 mobile phone chart.

"We're extremely pleased with the chart success both Lemmings and Worms: Open Warfare have proffered," said Martyn Brown, Studio Director, Team 17. "It just goes to show proven franchises such as these have plenty of life left in them yet and are finding a whole new audience in PSP."

Team 17, Rockstar Leeds and Distinctive developments are members of Game Republic, a regional alliance of high-tech companies operating in the computer and video games business.

Game Republic receives funding from Yorkshire Forward and is part financed by The European Union. ...

Assistance from investigators at the Entertainment and Leisure Software Publishers Association has resulted in the extension of a prison sentence for a British man convicted of handling stolen goods.

Following a police raid on his shop, DH Wings, Essex resident David Hoang was arrested on 23rd February for handling stolen goods and ELSPA was called in to provide evidence at his court trial after the accused pleaded not guilty to additional charges of chipping offences.

"We're pleased we could assist in this case," commented Michael Rawlinson, deputy director general of ELSPA. "The modification of games consoles, more commonly known as 'chipping', is a criminal offence and so is the possession of modified chips. The successful resolution of this case highlights the very real threat of prosecution and a criminal record to anyone tempted to become involved."

As a result of the input from ELSPA investigators, Mr Hoang's sentence was extended by a month, bringing the total term to eighteen months in prison.

Publishers have long contested the use of console mod chips, which are generally billed as a tool for allowing hardcore gamers access region encoded import titles that may be delayed or never released in the West, but clearly offer the added, illegal functionality of playing pirated software.

In the UK, 'chipping' is currently an illegal practice. ELSPA argues that this particular case further highlights the gravity of the situation, and the determination of both trade bodies and police officials to trace and fully prosecute offenders.

Next-generation consoles such as the Xbox 360 and PS3 will further negate the plausibility of using mod chips to play imported games, thanks to region free coding on software. However, publishers will still have the option to lock titles to specific regions, to maintain a staggered launch strategy, for example, which means the availability and use of mod chips is unlikely to disappear, despite the re-enforced risk of legal prosecution. ...

Assistance from investigators at the Entertainment and Leisure Software Publishers Association has resulted in the extension of a prison sentence for a British man convicted of handling stolen goods.

Following a police raid on his shop, DH Wings, Essex resident David Hoang was arrested on 23rd February for handling stolen goods and ELSPA was called in to provide evidence at his court trial after the accused pleaded not guilty to additional charges of chipping offences.

"We're pleased we could assist in this case," commented Michael Rawlinson, deputy director general of ELSPA. "The modification of games consoles, more commonly known as 'chipping', is a criminal offence and so is the possession of modified chips. The successful resolution of this case highlights the very real threat of prosecution and a criminal record to anyone tempted to become involved."

As a result of the input from ELSPA investigators, Mr Hoang's sentence was extended by a month, bringing the total term to eighteen months in prison.

Publishers have long contested the use of console mod chips, which are generally billed as a tool for allowing hardcore gamers access region encoded import titles that may be delayed or never released in the West, but clearly offer the added, illegal functionality of playing pirated software.

In the UK, 'chipping' is currently an illegal practice. ELSPA argues that this particular case further highlights the gravity of the situation, and the determination of both trade bodies and police officials to trace and fully prosecute offenders.

Next-generation consoles such as the Xbox 360 and PS3 will further negate the plausibility of using mod chips to play imported games, thanks to region free coding on software. However, publishers will still have the option to lock titles to specific regions, to maintain a staggered launch strategy, for example, which means the availability and use of mod chips is unlikely to disappear, despite the re-enforced risk of legal prosecution. ...

Assistance from investigators at the Entertainment and Leisure Software Publishers Association has resulted in the extension of a prison sentence for a British man convicted of handling stolen goods.

Following a police raid on his shop, DH Wings, Essex resident David Hoang was arrested on 23rd February for handling stolen goods and ELSPA was called in to provide evidence at his court trial after the accused pleaded not guilty to additional charges of chipping offences.

"We're pleased we could assist in this case," commented Michael Rawlinson, deputy director general of ELSPA. "The modification of games consoles, more commonly known as 'chipping', is a criminal offence and so is the possession of modified chips. The successful resolution of this case highlights the very real threat of prosecution and a criminal record to anyone tempted to become involved."

As a result of the input from ELSPA investigators, Mr Hoang's sentence was extended by a month, bringing the total term to eighteen months in prison.

Publishers have long contested the use of console mod chips, which are generally billed as a tool for allowing hardcore gamers access region encoded import titles that may be delayed or never released in the West, but clearly offer the added, illegal functionality of playing pirated software.

In the UK, 'chipping' is currently an illegal practice. ELSPA argues that this particular case further highlights the gravity of the situation, and the determination of both trade bodies and police officials to trace and fully prosecute offenders.

Next-generation consoles such as the Xbox 360 and PS3 will further negate the plausibility of using mod chips to play imported games, thanks to region free coding on software. However, publishers will still have the option to lock titles to specific regions, to maintain a staggered launch strategy, for example, which means the availability and use of mod chips is unlikely to disappear, despite the re-enforced risk of legal prosecution. ...

New for us in Europe, heres the info:



OutRun 2006: Coast to Coast features a choice of 15 fully licensed Ferrari models, featuring the all-new F430 and F430 Spider, as well as the dazzling Superamerica and the stunning 550 Barchetta. Power your way across 15 new American themed environments from the "OutRun2 SP" arcade experience. Race from coast to glorious coast with a fresh new mission structure, a license mode and online play, with up to 6 players for a thrilling head-to-head journey.



More info --> http://www.yesasia.com/?/info.php?pro...5&lsaid=219793 ...

News from Lik Sang

The eagerly anticipated Delux' Chrome Faceplate for the Xbox 360 system has been delivered to our warehouse last Friday. All preorders are on their way, there is a bit more in stock for quick hands who want to grab one now. Stylish front cover with beautiful finishing, the Silver Metallic blade fits very nicely with the Controller faceplate of the same color.

...

News From Lik Sang

We have received today two more shades of the popular replacement faceplates for the Sony PSP. Arriving just in time for Dutch fans to have something that make them stand out in the crowds next June when attending the clash of their Netherlands heroes with Argentina in Frankfurt, the Agent Orange mask is available now. Also in stock are the Orange buttons that go along. Now, I just wish the maker produces some Brazilian and Argentinian editions of their covers... or a Jamaican flag version of it, but don't ask me what actually ended up bringing my mind to that suggestion



The second new flavor on the menu is the Black Matte faceplate. Without glossy coating of any kind, it looks similar to the solid black color of a Dual Shock 2. It will for sure please people with sweaty or greasy hands and anti-fingerprints activists. All of the above is in stock now, and so are the previously released faceplates from the same manufacturer, from Sexy Red and Candy Pink to Liquid Silver and Ocean Blue. The next model in line is Sunny Yellow, poised for a release within this month.

The faceplate installation is very easy, even for a non-tech user, as it only requires removal of 7 screws, and lifting a front cover, no soldering involved whatsoever. The exhaustive installation manual fits on one single page and is available for download as a PDF file right here: guide for replacement faceplate installation on PSP. Still, you have to be aware and it is our duty to point out that by removing these 7 screws and by performing this little faceplate swap, you will indeed void the manufacturer's warranty on your precious PSP system. Please ponder that when making the decision whether to go for it or pass on it. Please also note that the replacement faceplates come without buttons, you will have to switch those from the original factory faceplate into the new one that you are about to put up. There is a protective plastic window for the screen, attached to each faceplate. ...

Source Eurogamer

THQ's announced that it's planning to bring WWE SmackDown! vs. RAW to both PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 for its 2007 incarnation.

Due out this Christmas, WWE SVR 2007 is also set for release on the PS2, as is tradition, while it'll also be appearing on the PSP for the second time around.

Announced on the eve of WrestleMania 22, the new SmackDown includes an enhanced season mode, moves grapples to the right analogue stick, and even lets you get in among the fans in certain places.

It still features online play - presumably on all formats - and yes, there will be voice chat support this time, which ought to be interesting.

As ever, those trusty chaps at Yuke's are handling development of the game, and you should expect to see much more about it leaping off the turnbuckle onto your internet breadbasket in the coming months. ...