After coming out on PC, Xbox 360 Arcade and the Wii last year, Sam and Max: Beyond Time and Space is going to come to retail for both PC and Wii.  Telltale Games has signed up with Atari to bring these episodes to a storefront near you, 

The Second Season of Sam and Max takes our two animal heroes out of their normal locals, sending them to the North Pole, Easter Island and even the very essense of the space time continuum.

Look for Sam and Max: Beyond Time and Space starting today for the low price of $19.99 on Nintendo Wii and Windows PC.

SAM & MAX: BEYOND TIME AND SPACE WII™ AND PC COMES TO RETAIL

Sleuthing Canine and Rabbit Duo Seize Space in Stores with the Series’ Award-Winning Second Season Coming to Retail in North America

NEW YORK– March 10, 2010 – Atari, Inc., one of the world’s most recognized videogame publishers announced today that Sam & Max: Beyond Time and Space has shipped to retailers in North America through its partnership with Telltale Games. Fans can play this videogame sitcom as their favorite canine and rabbit detective duo on Wii™ and PC. The critically acclaimed franchise’s second season features five full episodes of the unhinged humor, vexing mysteries, and exotic environments audiences have come to expect from the series.

In Sam & Max: Beyond Time & Space the canine gumshoe and hyperkinetic “rabbity thing” explore the surreal and supernatural, venturing out of the confines of their New York City office to intriguing locales like Santa’s North Pole workshop and a bumping zombie dance party as they attempt to solve an epic mystery over the course of several bizarre misadventures. Along the way, the Freelance Police will get a little help from some familiar faces from the series’ first season, including Bosco, Flint Paper, and Stinky!

The game’s very accessible approach is ideal for living room play on the Wii with friends and family. Episodes are the perfect length for the discerning casual player who desires a satisfying gaming experience within a reasonable amount of time. Additionally, the game boasts an innovative, integrated hint system that detects when a player is stuck and provides adjustable levels of assistance, unobtrusively integrated within the game experience.

Sam & Max got their start in comics in 1987, courtesy of cartoonist Steve Purcell. They have appeared in several formats over the years, including a graphic adventure game, Sam & Max Hit the Road, in 1993; an award-winning animated series in 1998; and an online web comic in 2006, for which Purcell was awarded an Eisner Award for Best Digital Comic. Sam & Max: Beyond Time and Space won IGN’s “Best Graphic Adventure Game” award in 2008, along with two “Editor’s Choice” accolades from PC Gamer.

Sam & Max: Beyond Time and Space is rated “T” (for teen) by ESRB and will be available on Wii and PC beginning March 9 for a suggested retail price of $19.95 in North America.

More information available at www.atari.com/samandmax.

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About Telltale, Inc.

Telltale is the first and only studio to release interactive episodic content on a monthly schedule. Founded in 2004 by LucasArts veterans with decades of experience, Telltale has quickly become an industry leader, establishing the model for downloadable game seasons and releasing more than 30 games to date. Telltale’s titles have won numerous awards including “Adventure Game of the Year” accolades from publications such as IGN, PC Gamer, GameSpy, and Adventure Gamers, and have been recognized by mainstream outlets ranging from USA Today, to The New York Times to Variety. Telltale currently develops and publishes episodic series on Mac, PC, Wii™, Xbox 360™ with plans to expand to additional platforms and channels in 2010.

About ATARI, SA

Atari group is a global creator, producer and publisher of interactive entertainment for interactive game platforms that include PC, online, consoles from Microsoft, Nintendo and Sony and advanced smart phones (i.e. iPhone). Divisions of Atari, SA include Cryptic Studios, Eden Studios, Atari Interactive, Inc. and Atari, Inc.

Atari benefits from its global brand and an extensive catalogue of popular games based on classic owned game franchises (Asteroids®, Centipede®, Missile Command®, Lunar Lander®), original owned franchises (Test Drive®, Backyard Sports™, Deer Hunter®), MMO games from Cryptic Studios (Star Trek Online, Champions Online) and third party franchises (Ghostbusters®, Project Runway™, Dungeons and Dragons®).

For more information please visit www.atari.com

© 2010 Atari Europe SASU. All rights reserved.

Atari word mark and logo are trademarks owned by Atari Interactive, Inc.

When the first Test Drive Unlimited came out for the Xbox 360 and PC, I was absolutely in love with the concept.  You had a huge world to explore, in this case, the island of Oahu.  Then you were given a rather large set of vehicles and races to participate in all over that island.  You could straight up race, give people rides or deliver questionable packages.  Mix in little things like owning houses, clothing and more, along with an always online presence and it was a fantastic game.  However, things like vehicle damage and questionable physics really held the game back from being a genre defining game.

Today, Atari announced that they are going back to the Test Drive Unlimited concept with Test Drive Unlimited 2.  Now you will get vehicle damage, along with a slew of new cars and a new physics based driving engine.  Also, it looks like they are going to expand on the persistent online concept in new ways, adding to feel of the already seemless online experience.  No release date was given, but the game is coming to the PS3, Xbox 360 and PC in the future.  Check out Aeropause for more updates in the future, as well as a presser after the jump.

Atari To Transform Online Racing With Test Drive(R) Unlimited 2

Join Thousands of Players Online, Race the Worlds Most Coveted Cars, and Live the Ultimate Luxury Lifestyle

NEW YORK, March 3 /PRNewswire/ — Atari, SA, one of the world’s most recognized videogame publishers, and much-acclaimed developer Eden Games, are proud to announce the newest installment in the legendary racing franchise with Test Drive® Unlimited 2 for the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system and Windows PC coming Fall 2010.

Test Drive Unlimited 2 expands on the traditional racing experience providing gamers with M.O.O.R.®: Massively Open Online Racing®; immersing drivers in a persistent online environment and revolutionizing multiplayer racing communities as players compete, team up, and share their achievements and creations online. Unlike any other driving game, TDU2 blends the open world experience with realistic vehicles and performance dynamics and for the first time, TDU2 features vehicle damage, weather effects, day and night cycles, and a brand new island to explore.

The first Test Drive® Unlimited innovated the racing genre with an immersive online and offline experience – over 1 million players created online accounts. Test Drive Unlimited 2 blends the single player and multiplayer experiences seamlessly, creating a dynamic world of unique content and challenges. Test Drive Unlimited 2 is “always live,” with automatic updates and seamless online/offline integration. A revamped single player narrative mode can be played offline or as part of the multiplayer experience.

“After the highly successful Test Drive Unlimited which redefined the genre with massively open online racing, Test Drive Unlimited 2 will be an innovative evolution in racing games, expanding its unparalleled multiplayer experience and immersing players in a world full of new online content and lifestyle customization.” said Jeff Lapin, CEO of Atari, SA. “The game fits squarely into our strategy of moving online and generating new revenue streams while maintaining our current retail business.”

Test Drive Unlimited 2 puts the world’s most desirable vehicles in the players hands. These ultra-limited edition masterpieces are flawlessly replicated with Eden’s finely tuned driving technology. Players define their online persona through the customization of their vehicles, and the acquisition of property, clothing and all the accoutrements of a luxurious car-based lifestyle. The challenge comes to life with the most expansive and comprehensive multiplayer offering on the console and the ultimate refinement of the core Test Drive driving experience. All-new race types, vehicle classes, environmental challenges, locations and much more push this epic franchise to new levels of performance and luxury.

For more information on Test Drive Unlimited 2 please visit www.testdriveunlimited2.com or log on to www.atari.com.

ABOUT ATARI, SA

Atari group is a global creator, producer and publisher of interactive entertainment for interactive game platforms that include PC, online, consoles from Microsoft, Nintendo and Sony and advanced smart phones (i.e. iPhone). Divisions of Atari, SA include Cryptic Studios, Atari London Studio, Eden Studios, Atari Interactive, Inc. and Atari, Inc.

Atari benefits from its global brand and an extensive catalogue of popular games based on classic owned game franchises (Asteroids®, Centipede®, Missile Command®, Lunar Lander®), original owned franchises (Test Drive®, Backyard Sports(TM), Deer Hunter®), MMO games from Cryptic Studios (Star Trek Online, Champions Online) and third party franchises (Ghostbusters, Project Runway, Dungeons and Dragons).

For more information please visit www.atari.com.

© 2010 Atari Europe SASU. All rights reserved.

Atari word mark and logo are trademarks owned by Atari Interactive, Inc.

About Eden Games

The second largest game development studio in France, Eden Games has achieved international recognition through the creation of games including V-Rally 1, 2 and 3, Need For Speed: Porsche, Kya: Dark Lineage, Titeuf, Test Drive Unlimited and Alone in the Dark. Base in Lyon, France, Eden Games is a wholly owned subsidiary of Atari SA. For more information, please visit www.edengames.com.

Anyone from the early 80’s probably remembers walking up to a Missle Command cabinet and playing a few games.  There was something about protecting your cities from an immenent missle attack that alluded to the situations going on in real life regarding the Cold War between the US and Soviet Union.  Okay, maybe I took it a bit too deep, but it was a ton of fun to play, trackballing my targeting reticule around the screen and kicking ass.

Well, Atari has teamed up with OMGPOP.com to put out an updated version of Missle Command out on their website, and available to play for the low cost of free.  Apparently, it has now been 30 years (holy crap!) since the orignal Missle Command came out, and this is the way Atari is celebrating that milestone.

Check the jump for a video and some screenshots of the remake.  Play the game over at www.misslecommand.com.

Star Trek Online is gearing up to add in a new race and a new ship class for the newly launched MMORPG.  The new race are the Unidine, a strange looking race that seems to be very formidable.  In the video, we see them take out several Borg cubes without breaking much of a sweat.

The new Destiny class cruiser is a multiple role ship, that is good for fighting in ship to ship combat as well as small solo player missions.

No word on when the two items will be added into the game, but you can see videos for each of these new additions after the break.

Species 8472 aka The Unidine

Destiny Class Federation Ship

Okay, as a Star Trek fan, I have always loved the Borg Collective.  I mean, they are a networked race of cyborgs hell bent on assimilating anyone and everyone they encounter.  After events unfolded in Star Trek: Voyager, it appeared that the Borg were all put destroyed.  Of course, no one is ever truly dead when dealing with comics, or insanely huge science fiction films, so the Borg have come back and are meaner than ever.  As you can see from the screens and video in the article, the Borg seem to look a tad bit different, with each Borg member wearing a lot more armor than I remember from the show.

The Borg will show up in three dedicated episodes in Star Trek Online, and are meant to be played by higher level characters, at about level 43 and above.  Lower level characters are invited, but looking at the destruction in the video, you might be wise to wait.

For a few bucks, you can now get access to Klingon and Ferengi Federation officers, something that was in the beta at one point, and then was pulled due to development issues.  Now we find out that Cryptic was doing business as usual, milking consumers for content that was in the game at one point.  I hope that some people start to wise up and not buy this stuff, to show the developer that when you are already paying $50 for a product, $15 a month for a subscription to the game, fluff content should not cost you a dime.  Expansions yes, but a costume skin should not cost you any money. 

See a full sized shot of the ad from the Cryptic site after the jump.  Also, here is a link to the Cryptic Studios page where the content can be viewed.

Today, Cryptic studios and Atari laid out their plans for the preorder bonuses that you will get for their upcoming title, Star Trek Online.  In what I think has to be a first, there are a total of seven different pre-order options for the MMORPG title, depending on where you go to get it.  Some are trivial, but at least two, the Direct2Drive and Steam versions seem to offer the best options for players looking to get an advantage in-game.

Also, all pre-orders, no matter where you order, will guarantee you access to the open beta in January, as well as early access to the final game.

Check the jump for the full press release, and all the pre-order options.

ADVANCED RETAIL PROGRAMS ANNOUNCED FOR STAR TREK ONLINE

December 7, 2009 – New York, NY – Atari, Inc., one of the world’s most recognized videogame publishers, and acclaimed MMO developers Cryptic Studios™, are pleased to announce several pre-order programs for the highly anticipated Star Trek Online for PC. Based on the world renowned sci-fi series, Star Trek Online gives gamers and fans of the fiction a chance to boldly explore the Star Trek universe for the first time on a truly massive scale. Star Trek Online is available at retailers in North America on February 2, 2010.

All Star Trek Online pre-orders receive guaranteed access to the Star Trek Online Open Beta test from January 12th to January 26th, 2010. In addition, Star Trek Online also offers an exclusive Early Start Program with pre-orders at all participating retailers that runs January 29, 2010 through launch on February 2. The Early Start Program allows players to get a leg up on other interstellar explorers and access the Star Trek universe the weekend prior to the game’s launch. Unlike beta play, all in-game progress made during the Early Start Program will carry over to the live adventure.

All customers who pre-order Star Trek Online receive access to the Open Beta and Early Start Program. Details on exclusive pre-order content for Star Trek Online include:

GameStop

GameStop customers receive the ability to command the exclusive and always classic USS Enterprise from Star Trek The Original Series.

Best Buy

Best Buy is offering their customers a fun in-game pet. As a Federation Captain, players own a famed Tribble of Star Trek lore that will accompany them on their travels into the final frontier. As a Klingon commander, players control the boar-like Targ, a beast found on the Klingon home world of Qo’noS.

Amazon

Amazon is offering an exclusive “Liberated Borg” Bridge Officer. This bridge officer, who comes with unique nanotechnology augmentations, assists in missions and gains experience as the player does.

Wal-Mart

With the Wal-Mart Bonus Skill Points package, receive addition skill points that enable players to improve their characters quickly.

Target

Target customers who pre-order Star Trek Online receive a unique ground weapon – a TR-116. This rare projectile weapon is used in dampening fields and other challenging environments; it is also modified with a micro-transporter which beams the fired projectiles to targets at close range so that a user can fire without a direct line of site.

Direct2Drive

Direct2Drive customers receive an exclusive Multi-Spatial Personal Shield. This advanced personal shield system is based on Borg technology, which constantly regenerates itself and the health of its wearer.

STEAM

STEAM is offering customers Chromodynamic Armor. This armor is based on technology brought back from the Delta Quadrant by U.S.S. Voyager improves the damage and critical hits of energy weapons.

In Star Trek Online, players will visit iconic locations from the popular Star Trek fiction, travel to unexplored star systems, and contact new alien species. Every moment spent playing Star Trek Online will feel like a new Star Trek episode in which you are the hero. Immerse yourself in the future of the Trek universe as it moves into the 25th century: a time of shifting alliances and new discoveries. As the Captain of your very own ship, it’s up to you to lead your crew on missions that span the galaxy.

For more information, please log onto www.startrekonline.com

ABOUT STAR TREK ONLINE

Star Trek Online is being developed by Cryptic Studios, creators of the critically-acclaimed Champions Online. It’s built on the Cryptic Engine, a core technology that means the designers can focus less on a game’s nuts and bolts and more on creating a game that captures Star Trek’s essence, guaranteeing that both longtime fans of Star Trek and people new to the universe will feel at home. For more information, please visit: www.startrekonline.com

ABOUT ATARI, SA

Atari group is a global creator, producer and publisher of interactive entertainment for interactive game platforms that include PC, online, consoles from Microsoft, Nintendo and Sony and advanced smart phones (i.e. iPhone). Divisions of Atari, SA include Cryptic Studios, Atari London Studio, Eden Studios, Atari Interactive, Inc. and Atari, Inc.

Atari benefits from its global brand and an extensive catalogue of popular games based on classic owned game franchises (Asteroids, Centipede, Missile Command, Lunar Lander), original owned franchises (Test Drive, Backyard Sports, Deer Hunter), MMO games from Cryptic Studios (Star Trek Online, Champions Online) and third party franchises (Ghostbusters, Project Runway, Dungeons and Dragons).

For more information please visit www.atari.com.

© 2009 Atari Europe SASU. All rights reserved.

Atari word mark and logo are trademarks owned by Atari Interactive, Inc.

About Cryptic Studios

Based in Los Gatos, CA, Cryptic Studios is a leading developer of massively multiplayer online games committed to delivering the next level of MMO gameplay. Cryptic develops AAA titles for PC and consoles, including Star Trek Online and Champions Online. For more information on Cryptic Studios, please visit the official website at: www.crypticstudios.com.

Cryptic Studios was nice enough to send over a series of new screenshots from their early 2010 title, Star Trek Online.  Currently the game looks like it is getting a lot more polish as it goes through the final stages of development.  Now if we could just get a price point, all would be well.

Check the jump for the rest of the screens.

Atari and Cryptic Studios have finally put a date on their upcoming sci-fi MMORPG, Star Trek Online.  People will be able to beam up to the Federation or Klingon side of battle come February 2nd, 2010.

Star Trek Online is set to offer players a full Star Trek experience, including captaining their own ship, creating their customized character, and even the possibility of creating their own race.  Star Trek Online will contain both ship to ship combat, as well as away missions which will give on foot combat. 

No word on whether there will be PvP battles, or even a pricing scheme for that matter.  We have heard something about two tiers, with a free basic tier and a premium tier, but nothing concrete on these details.  Also, Star Trek Online is releasing right on the heels of Mass Effect 2.  While the two titles sit in different game types, they attack the same genre, which might cause some problems.

Check the jump for more info from the Press release.

Atari to Ship Star Trek Online on February 2, 2010

Star Trek Online Offers Fans and Gamers Opportunity to Experience Beloved Star Trek Universe through Space and Ground Gameplay

NEW YORK, Nov. 9 /PRNewswire/ – Atari, Inc., one of the world’s most recognized videogame publishers, and Cryptic Studios(TM), creators of the acclaimed Champions Online, City of Heroes and City of Villains, announced today the highly anticipated Star Trek Online for PC is set to release on February 2, 2010 in North America and February 5, 2010 across Europe and Australia. This first-of-a-kind massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG) will offer space and ground gameplay to fans and players.

“Star Trek Online is poised to become the ultimate Star Trek gaming experience,” said Jim Wilson, CEO of Atari, Inc. “Throughout the last four decades, Star Trek has been a mainstay in pop culture, influencing legions of fans through television, film, and more. Star Trek Online opens a whole new chapter and expands upon this incredible universe in 2010.”

Taking place in the year 2409, continuing the story of the latest film installment, Star Trek Online boasts extraordinary features and lets fans both new and old experience unparalleled adventures. Players will have the opportunity to become a high ranking Starfleet officer and will participate in missions that will take them into the depths of space, across exotic planets and even inside other starships. Star Trek Online offers total customization, where every ship players command can be customized, from color to construction. Additionally, anyone can create their own species in Star Trek Online, as well as customize the look of their avatar’s uniform.

For more information, please visit: www.startrekonline.com.

ABOUT ATARI, SA

Atari group is a global creator, producer and publisher of interactive entertainment for interactive game platforms that include PC, online, consoles from Microsoft, Nintendo and Sony and advanced smart phones (i.e. iPhone). Divisions of Atari, SA include Cryptic Studios, Atari London Studio, Eden Studios, Atari Interactive, Inc. and Atari, Inc.

Atari benefits from its global brand and an extensive catalogue of popular games based on classic owned game franchises (Asteroids, Centipede, Missile Command, Lunar Lander), original owned franchises (Test Drive, Backyard Sports, Deer Hunter), MMO games from Cryptic Studios (Star Trek Online, Champions Online) and third party franchises (Ghostbusters, Project Runway, Dungeons and Dragons).

For more information please visit www.atari.com.

© 2009 Atari Europe SASU. All rights reserved.

Atari word mark and logo are trademarks owned by Atari Interactive, Inc.

About Cryptic Studios

Based in Los Gatos, CA, Cryptic Studios is a leading developer of massively multiplayer online games committed to delivering the next level of MMO gameplay. Cryptic develops AAA titles for PC and consoles, including Star Trek Online and Champions Online. For more information on Cryptic Studios, please visit the official website at: www.crypticstudios.com.

With Star Trek Online going into its closed beta phase, Atari and Cryptic were nice enough to send over a new batch of screenshots from the latest build of the game.  So far, the game is looking really good for an early build, and I am trying to find out who I have to buy off to get into the closed beta.

Check the jump for a dozen screens from Star Trek: Online.