Gaming Round Up for 2/8/07

Ben 10 Set for Game Debut

D3Publisher of America has inked another deal with Cartoon Network in order to bring the action cartoon Ben 10 to video game format.

Launching a little more than a year ago, the animated series debuted Ben Tennyson, who is not just a superhero, but 10 superheroes in one. Through an alien "wristwatch" device, Ben is able to transform into one of 10 alien being, each featuring their own distinctive superpowers. The series recently got a go-ahead from Cartoon Network to continue on to a fourth season on air.

"Cartoon Network's Ben 10 has all the right ingredients for a successful game," said Careen Yapp, vice president of licensing and business development at D3PA. "Working with this strong franchise will give D3PA the opportunity to translate the smart and edgy action of the series into a fantastic game play experience for its large fanbase."

The deal grants worldwide publishing rights to develop and publish console, handheld and PC games based on the series. The first game for the franchise is scheduled for a fall release.

DS Gets Pick of the Litter

Cat lovers will get the Nintendogs treatment with Crave's entry into gaming pet care – Purr Pals.

Raise, adopt, care and training cats will be made easy on the Nintendo DS with voice recognition and presumably touch-screen support. If only real cats were that easy to train.

The game promises 40 different breeds of feline, which can interact with a number of mini-games, accessories and toys that players will purchase through earned in-game money. Purr Pals' pet parade begins this March with a suggested retail price of $29.99.

Old Spice Looks to Spice Up Gamers

Looking to do more for gamers than freshen them up, the company's Experience program on Xbox Live finally sheds light on the rumored achievement point cash-ins.

With the announcement of more than 200 million achievements unlocked since the 360 launched a little more than a year ago, achievements earned between the next two months can earn gamers more than respect (which is what it's all about anyway). Those who can rack up 1,500 points between Feb. 12 – April 12 can take home one the program's three-tiered packages.

Article Author: Aaron Auzins

Aaron Auzins, better known as "nestlekwik," is an avid gamer and collector who resides in Ohio. He has written video gaming reviews for his personal site GemuBaka, Diehard GameFAN, J2Games, Bemanistyle as well as news for Arcade Heroes.

Visit Aaron Auzins's author page — Aaron Auzins's Blog