“Critics agree that Bejeweled 3 raised the standard for match-3 games to new heights,” said Ed Allard, studio head at PopCap Games.  “This holiday, we’re bringing that experience to PlayStation 3, PSN, Xbox 360, Xbox LIVE, and Nintendo DS gamers with adaptations that look great and play even better on each platform.”

Bejeweled 3 took the match three genre to the next level. The third installment added eight mini-games and a complete revision of sound and graphics. The fundamental game play has not changed; players still match three or more of the same gem. Bejeweled 3 is a fun game and it is great news that it will be coming to more platforms.

Press Release Follows:

SEATTLE, Washington – June 21, 2011 — PopCap Games, the worldwide leader in casual games, today announced plans to bring five  new adaptations of its famed Bejeweled® 3 franchise to the Nintendo DS®, PlayStation® 3, PSN, Xbox 360®, and Xbox LIVE® Arcade.  This move marks the first time a Bejeweled title will appear on all the top video game platforms simultaneously. The games are scheduled to ship in Q4 2011 in both North America and Europe.

“Critics agree that Bejeweled 3 raised the standard for match-3 games to new heights,” said Ed Allard, studio head at PopCap Games.  “This holiday, we’re bringing that experience to PlayStation 3, PSN, Xbox 360, Xbox LIVE, and Nintendo DS gamers with adaptations that look great and play even better on each platform.”

Originally launched in the spring of 2000, Bejeweled has become one of the top 10 video game franchises in history. More than half a billion people worldwide have played the game, and over 50 million units have been sold across 17 platforms from iPhone to Xbox and even airline seatbacks.  An estimated 8 billion hours have been spent playing Bejeweled, and the game continues to sell at the rate of one copy every 4.3 seconds.

With twice the game modes of its predecessor as well as eight mini-games and a complete revision of sound and graphics, Bejeweled 3 is a quantum leap forward in the match-3 category pioneered by the original Bejeweled.

There are five different eras to challenge the players. The player will travel through the eras constructing different buildings and battling mythological creatures, while collecting gold and jewels. Players use the stylus to drag orbs onto the board and destroy blue marble slots. The levels is complete when all blue slots have been destroyed.

Jewel Link Chronicles: Legend of Athena will be available February 25th.

Press Release Follows:

Avanquest Software Publishing is soon to release Jewel Link Chronicles: Legend of Athena for the Nintendo DS™. Adding to Avanquest’s popular portfolio of casual titles, the new game features Match-3 gameplay, which requires players to match or swap adjacent tiles and items until rows of three or more of the same symbol appear.

Players will travel through 5 different eras constructing legendary buildings and competing against mythological creatures, while collecting jewels and gold along the way. Using the stylus, gamers must drag and drop matching sets of jewels over blue marble slabs in order to destroy them. When no blue slabs remain, the Orb of Tyche, the Goddess of Fate appears and gamers must drag the orb off the game board to complete the level.

Featuring over 100 jewel-themed Match-3 levels and 15 bonus mini-games, players are put to the test with challenging time restrictions. By combining logic, skill and speed to gain bonuses players can advance through the levels. Bonus tiles include additional time, gold, food, and building resources.

Gamers must use different strategies in order to acquire valuable tools that will help them construct ancient buildings such as the Theatre of Dionysus and the Pergamon Altar. Players will build-up an enchanting metropolis as they advance through the game with the aim of reaching the legendary Olympus. Players must keep their subjects happy by erecting temples and ports while defending their empire against dangerous creatures from Ancient Greek mythology.

For those few of you who still don’t know what Plants Vs. Zombies is, it’s a modified tower defense game in which you thwart a zombie invasion on your suburban lawn with plants, which can be “bought” with sunshine. Some plants like sunflowers generate sunshine, while others fire projectiles that damage zombies. Other plants devour, blow up, and freeze zombies, while others can cause them to attack other zombies. The zombies come in just as many varied forms. Some have road cones on their heads to protect them, while others are tied to balloons to float over the plants. Some are armed with pick axes to burrow under the ground, while others ride zombie dolphins. The goal is to prevent them from entering your house and eating your brain. Successful protection results in cash being sent your way.

During all this, Crazy Dave – who is craaaAAAAaaazy - will sell you plant and tool upgrades, while you can send your other plants to Zen gardens to earn even more money to buy more stuff. Aside from the main game, there are tons of minigames that often riff off of other Popcap games, like “Beghouled” which is Plants Vs. Zombies, Bejeweled-style.

So how well is the game implemented on the Nintendo DS?

Well, it seems clear that Popcap was presented with a choice on how to stuff the game onto a DS cart – content or graphic fidelity – and they wisely went with content. All of the stuff you have with the with the PC Game of the Year edition, including the Zombatar feature in which you can create your own customized Zombie, is there. Not only are all of the minigames present, but Popcap actually managed to fit in four new exclusive DS minigames. Air Raid is a zombie-themed side scrolling shooter. Home Run Derby has the player having to hit home runs to earn sun to fend of zombies. Heat Wave actually utilizes the DS microphone, in which you have to coax your tired plants into cheering up using the mic. Bomb All Together gives the player a limited amount of explosive plants to deal with zombies.

As for gameplay, Plants Vs. Zombies is the rare DS game that uses only the touch screen and stylus. All aspects of the game are controlled as such. One of the unexpected delights is that it also features ad hoc multiplayer for some good old versus head-to-head action, which one player controlling the plants and the others the zombies.

The graphics, however, do suffer. The downgrade is comparable to seeing the Atari 2600 try to handle an NES game. The characters seem to have four frames of animation, while being highly pixellated. However, the gameplay and massive number of minigames as well as multiplayer makes it an easy price to pay. There’s too much game here not to be pleased with the final result, and Plants Vs. Zombies is the perfect DS game for having some quick gameplay sessions.

Plants Vs. Zombies is a welcome addition to the Nintendo DS library, and anyone who hasn’t tried this addictive gem yet – or have and want it on the go as well, should pick this game up.

TouchMaster: Connect allows players to connect to Facebook and Twitter to post their scores for all of their friends to see. This feature is not normally found in DS games and this is one of the first to bring that feature to DS games. Players can connect to world wide leader boards to see how their scores stack up against the rest of the players around the world.

TouchMaster: Connect is available now at retail stores for $19.99.

Press Release Follows:

BURBANK, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment today announces the North American launch of TouchMaster: Connect, exclusively for the Nintendo DS™ family of hand-held systems. The game features a collection of 20 entertaining action, strategy, puzzle, trivia, and card games based upon AMI Entertainment Network’s successful Megatouch touchscreen games. TouchMaster: Connect is currently available in stores in North America and is listed at a suggested retail price of $19.99.

Developed by DoubleTap Games, TouchMaster: Connect is the first game for the Nintendo DS that will connect players to social sites Facebook® and Twitter and allow them to post their high scores and badge achievements via the Nintendo® Wi-Fi Connection. Players will also be able to share select TouchMaster: Connect games with friends locally through Nintendo DS Download Play.

In addition to sharing info and content, competitive players will be able to compare their high scores against a worldwide leaderboard, as well as challenge friends head-to-head on the same DS for best score via “System Swap” multiplayer. Those playing on a Nintendo DSi™ will be able to use the camera functionality to personalize their TouchMaster: Connect game profile with a picture or leave their best “winner face” when they beat a friend’s high score.

For more information about TouchMaster: Connect please visit www.touchmasterconnect.com.

Both screens of the Nintendo DS are utilized to play this game. The top screen contains the entire hidden object level and a box. Players can move the box around the screen, which will cause the bottom screen to get a zoomed in view of everything that fits in the box. The bottom screen is the touch screen and if a hidden object is located, the player touches the object.

The objects are listed at the bottom of the screen. The players has to locate each object before the level is complete. Besides finding hidden objects, players are challenged by puzzles that progress the plot. The puzzles can not be skipped and have to be completed in a set time. The puzzles are challenging and it is a bit annoying that you can not skip the puzzles and continue on with the game.

The graphics are nice for a Nintendo DS game. All of the objects are clear and the player can tell what the object is. It is nice to have a hidden object game that has objects that look as they are expected to look.

Overall, Vampire Moon: The Mystery of the Hidden Sun is an entertaining game. The Nintendo DS screens are a bit small for hidden object games, but the game makes a good use of the screen size. If you like hidden object games and own a Nintendo DS, check out Vampire Moon: The Mystery of the Hidden Sun.

Charming or creepy? Mini Marios infest the Nintendo Distribution Plant in this trailer for Mario vs. Donkey Kong: Mini-land Mayhem! for the Nintendo DS, which is a puzzle game in the same family as Lemmings! – let us know what you think.

(Thanks, Siliconera.)

The pioneer of the interactive game show format, YOU DON’T KNOW JACK combines the social dynamics of classic board games with the entertaining story arcs of great television game shows. Returning with all-new questions and classic features such as Screw Your NeighborTM and commercial parodies, the homecoming of YOU DON’T KNOW JACK is sure to thrill excited fans as well as launch a new generation of devoted players.

You Don’t Know Jack was best known for taking a dry game genre – trivia – and infusing with off-the-wall attitude and television production values. Let us know how amped you are for the return of this classic.

THQ Jacks up Video Gamers This Winter with YOU DON’T KNOW JACK

High Culture Meets Pop Culture With Multiplayer Connectivity

AGOURA HILLS, Calif., Oct 28, 2010: THQ Inc. (NASDAQ:THQI) today announced that the award-winning YOU DON’T KNOW JACK® franchise is scheduled to come to the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system, the WiiTM system and the Nintendo DSTM family of hand-held systems this winter.

The pioneer of the interactive game show format, YOU DON’T KNOW JACK combines the social dynamics of classic board games with the entertaining story arcs of great television game shows. Returning with all-new questions and classic features such as Screw Your NeighborTM and commercial parodies, the homecoming of YOU DON’T KNOW JACK is sure to thrill excited fans as well as launch a new generation of devoted players.

“YOU DON’T KNOW JACK has been a phenomenal worldwide success,” said Martin Good, Executive Vice President, Kids, Family, Casual Games, and Global Online Services. “Now, the irreverent trivia party game is back with its signature style and humor, and we’ve heightened the hilarity and challenge with an all-new multiplayer mode and entertaining online play over XBLA and PSN. Add in popular classic challenges like the DisOrDatTM and the Jack AttackTM, and YOU DON’T KNOW JACK is poised to deliver the ultimate trivia game experience to America’s living rooms.”

About YOU DON’T KNOW JACK

The YOU DON’T KNOW JACK series has been testing players’ smarts and making them laugh for years with its unique trivia-based challenges and in-your-face style of gameplay. Now, THQ is bringing the wise-cracking fun and challenge of YOU DON’T KNOW JACK to today’s popular video game systems (PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, Wii & DS). Filled with more than 15 hours of game play, YOU DON’T KNOW JACK offers all-new multiplayer action and online challenges via XBLA and PSN. Along with classic quiz modes such as the DisOrDat and the Jack Attack, YOU DON’T KNOW JACK offers brand new features like the Wrong Answer of the Game and collectible prizes, with more than 70 full episodes of trivia quiz show fun. A worldwide phenomenon since its debut in 1995, YOU DON’T KNOW JACK from developer Jellyvision Games has been embraced by millions of players as the gold standard for interactive trivia games.

About THQ

THQ Inc. (NASDAQ: THQI) is a leading worldwide developer and publisher of interactive entertainment software. The company develops its products for all popular game systems, personal computers and wireless devices. Headquartered in Los Angeles County, California, THQ sells product through its global network of offices located throughout North America, Europe and Asia Pacific. More information about THQ and its products may be found at www.thq.com. THQ and the THQ logo are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of THQ Inc.

All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

The statements contained in this press release that are not historical facts may be “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements are based on current expectations, estimates and projections about the business of THQ Inc. and its subsidiaries (collectively referred to as “THQ”), including, but not limited to, expectations and projections related to the You Don’t Know Jack video game, and are based upon management’s current beliefs and certain assumptions made by management. Such forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to, business, competitive, economic, legal, political and technological factors affecting our industry, operations, markets, products or pricing. Readers should carefully review the risk factors and the information that could materially affect THQ’s financial results, described in other documents that THQ files from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including its Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal period ended March 31, 2010, and particularly the discussion of risk factors set forth therein. Unless otherwise required by law, THQ disclaims any obligation to update its view on any such risks or uncertainties or to revise or publicly release the results of any revision to these forward-looking statements. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this press release.

“The 50 games featured in Atari’s Greatest Hits: Volume 1 have defined a generation of casual gamers” said Jim Wilson, President of Atari, Inc. “By adding a new single cartridge multiplayer mode to such games as Pong, Space Duel and Outlaw, we continue to find new ways to expand our brands to a new generation of gamers.”

The complete Atari’s Greatest Hits:  Volume 1 line-up is as follows:

Atari Arcade Hits
Asteroids, Battlezone, Centipede, Gravitar, Lunar Lander, Missile Command, Pong, Space Duel, Tempest.

Atari 2600 Favorites
3D Tic-Tac-Toe, Adventure, Air-Sea Battle, Asteroids, Atari Video Cube, Basketball, Battlezone, Bowling, Centipede, Championship Soccer, Dodge ’Em, Flag Capture, Football, Fun with Numbers, Gravitar, Hangman, Haunted House, Home Run, Human Cannonball, Math Gran Prix, Miniature Golf, Missile Command, Outlaw, Realsports Baseball, Realsports Boxing, Realsports Football, Realsports Tennis, Realsports Volleyball, Sky Diver, Slot Maching, Slot Racers, Sprintmasters, Starship, Stella Track, Submarine Commander, Surround, Swordquest Earthworld, Swordquest Fireworld, Swordquest Waterworld,Tempest and Video Checkers.

If you are looking for some retro games or to introduce young gamers to retro games, check out Atari’s Greatest Hits: Volume 1 for the Nintendo DS when it is released this fall.

Press Release Follows:

Los Angeles, CA – August 25, 2010 – 50 of the most addicting games from Atari’s legendary vault will be compiled into the must-have Nintendo DS title of the holiday season as Atari, one of the world’s most recognized publishers and producers of interactive entertainment, launches Atari’s Greatest Hits: Volume 1.  The ultimate DS title for casual gamers, Atari’s Greatest Hits: Volume 1 brings together dozens of the most popular Atari arcade and Atari 2600 titles of all-time, including such blockbusters as Asteroids®, Pong®, Centipede®, Missile Command®, Tempest®, Lunar Lander®, Space Duel, Battlezone® and Adventure.  This true treasure trove of timeless gaming classics will hit retail stores in North America this Fall.

In the late 1970’s and early 1980’s, Atari introduced a new era in interactive entertainment with its addictive arcade games and home gaming system.  Now with Atari’s Greatest Hits: Volume 1, a retro gaming revolution will be ignited on the Nintendo DS.  Each spotlighted game will feature the same pick-up and play control scheme as their original arcade and 2600 form, with modern updates to align with the Nintendo DS platform.  Single card multi-player will be available for 20 titles including Space Duel and Pong with multi-card play available for head-to-head games.

Additionally, Atari’s Greatest Hits: Volume 1 will feature the original game manuals for each title, an Atari memorabilia showcase, and special bonus extras — including an Atari Trivia game where gamers can race against the clock to answer questions about Atari history and then post their scores to Atari.com.

“The 50 games featured in Atari’s Greatest Hits: Volume 1 have defined a generation of casual gamers” said Jim Wilson, President of Atari, Inc. “By adding a new single cartridge multiplayer mode to such games as Pong, Space Duel and Outlaw, we continue to find new ways to expand our brands to a new generation of gamers.”

The complete Atari’s Greatest Hits:  Volume 1 line-up is as follows:

Atari Arcade Hits
Asteroids, Battlezone, Centipede, Gravitar, Lunar Lander, Missile Command, Pong, Space Duel, Tempest.

Atari 2600 Favorites
3D Tic-Tac-Toe, Adventure, Air-Sea Battle, Asteroids, Atari Video Cube, Basketball, Battlezone, Bowling, Centipede, Championship Soccer, Dodge ’Em, Flag Capture, Football, Fun with Numbers, Gravitar, Hangman, Haunted House, Home Run, Human Cannonball, Math Gran Prix, Miniature Golf, Missile Command, Outlaw, Realsports Baseball, Realsports Boxing, Realsports Football, Realsports Tennis, Realsports Volleyball, Sky Diver, Slot Maching, Slot Racers, Sprintmasters, Starship, Stella Track, Submarine Commander, Surround, Swordquest Earthworld, Swordquest Fireworld, Swordquest Waterworld,Tempest and Video Checkers.

Developed by Atari in partnership with Code Mystics, Atari’s Greatest Hits: Vol. 1 is Rated “E” for Everyone and will be available exclusively on Nintendo DS for a suggested retail price of $29.99.  For more information, please log onto www.atari.com.

Princess Isabella has returned from a trip to find out an evil curse has been put on the castle. The curse has turned everyone in the castle into mirrors. The players take on the role of Isabella and fight the evil witch that has cursed the castle. The player does have a fairy that will be helping them battle the witch. Players have to search the castle for broken mirror pieces. The pieces have to be put back together to release the people from the curse.

If you are looking for a hidden object game/puzzle game for the Nintendo DS, check out Witches Curse.

Press Release Follows:

Avanquest Software is soon to release the award winning* puzzle adventure game Witch’s Curse, now on Nintendo DS™. Online casual gamers and fans of the PC version can now experience the new look and feel on the handheld format as they look to complete 40 puzzles and 15 mini-games, set against the backdrop of 135 magical castle scenes.

The game begins with Princess Isabella returning home from a trip to discover that an evil curse has been put upon her castle. The curse has placed evil in every room and turned everyone inside the castle into mirrors. With the help of a fairy friend, players must step into Princess Isabella’s shoes and battle against an evil witch to lift the curse.

Players must search the castle for shards of broken mirror pieces that are scattered around the rooms. Each piece must be collected and reassembled in the Hall of Mirrors to bring back loved ones and help to release the witch’s curse. Every time a loved one is freed from the bewitching mirror spell, players receive new clues that will help them progress through the cursed castle. A Fairy guide armed with hints, special abilities and power-ups including Fire, Water, Rock and Wind helps players through each stage should they become stuck.

Walking through the cursed castle and its mystical grounds, players will visit the rooms ruined by the witch. Starting in the Courtyard then moving on to the Grand Hall, Hall of Reflections, Piano Lounge, Hunting Gallery, Tea Room and the Observatory, players must complete over 40 spell-binding puzzles and hidden object games. Once the castle rooms have been lifted of the curse, players will then face the witch in a final puzzle showdown to win back the castle and banish the witch forever.

The question is, what will the Nintendo DS version have? According to Escapist Magazine:

The DS version of Plants vs Zombies will include the Adventure, Survival, and Puzzle modes already available in other versions, along with their mini-games, but PopCap also promises “new and exclusive” game content. Depending on what this means, it could make Nintendo’s handheld the platform with the most complete edition of the game. Or it could just be a couple of exclusive zombies.

Let us know if you’ll be picking up this iteration of the popular Plants Vs. Zombies. You can check out Casual Gamer Chick’s original review here.