Mere weeks after the release of Monster Hunter 2nd G and the PSP is still managing to maintain its clear dominance in the weekly Japanese sales charts, according to data from marketing research firm Media Create.

For the week ending May 4, the PSP edged past the 100,000 mark in unit sales. Its rival, the Nintendo’s DS, sold 52,542 units during the same time period. That’s nearly less than half of what the PSP sold. But even with these impressive numbers, we can’t imagine that Nintendo is worried much, considering the DS has already sold through 22 million units across Japan, compared to 9 million PSPs.

As usual, the full list of hardware sales can be found after the break. more »

In an earnings conference call with investors today, Activision reaffirmed its position on reinventing the long-running Tony Hawk skating series from the ground up, with company CEO Michael Griffith revealing that an exclusive Nintendo DS entry in the series is currently in development.

While the developer for the title went unnamed, Griffith further noted that the new DS title will be the only Tony Hawk title released this year. A separate developer is working on a new console installment planned for release in fiscal 2010, which begins on April 1, 2009.

“For competitive reasons, we’re not going to talk about it today but we are very bullish on the kind of innovation this will bring and this won’t be your father’s Tony Hawk,” said Griffith.

Publisher Activision today released its financial figures for the 2008 fiscal year ending March 31, revealing whopping net revenues of $2.90 billion, up from $1.51 billion the previous year.

Reporting $602.5 million in revenue for the fourth quarter of 2008, Activision attributed the results to “strong market conditions” and the ongoing success of multi-platform software hits Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock and Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare. For comparison’s sake, the company made $312.5 million in the fourth quarter of last year.

In terms of future outlook, Activision’s first quarter of fiscal 2009, which runs through April 1 to June 30, will see the release of Enemy Territory: Quake Wars, Kung Fu Panda, Guitar Hero: On Tour for the Nintendo DS, Guitar Hero: Aerosmith.

Electronic Arts today confirmed that Lord of the Rings: Conquest is in development at Pandemic Studios, the LA-based studio responsible for crafting the popular Star Wars Battlefront series.

According to an early preview over at IGN, the game will feature massive battlefields that allow up to 150 characters on-screen. Players will be able to assume the role of a number of characters from the series in the main campaign, which features support four player co-op via online and split-screen. Additionally, the online multiplayer component will allow up to 16 players to wage war amongst each other.

Conquest is scheduled for a release this fall on Xbox 360, PC, and PlayStation 3. A handheld version on the Nintendo DS is also planned, although specifics were not disclosed.

Sierra Entertainment today announced the development of third-person action adventure title The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor. Developed by Eurocom Studios and based on the forthcoming live-action film, players will assume the role of adventurer Rick O’Connell and his son, Alex.

The Mummy: Tomb Of The Dragon Emperor is slated to hit shelves July 22 on the Wii, PlayStation 2, and Nintendo DS. A European release will follow on August 8. more »

Publisher SEGA has released twelve new stills from the Xbox 360 version of The Incredible Hulk, showcasing the rampaging Hulk as he fends off foes in a variety of action sequences.

The game is slated to hit store shelves next month on a number of handheld and console platforms, including the Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, PC, PS2, Nintendo DS, and Wii.

The Incredible Hulk Screenshots

The Game Factory has announced that it has signed an agreement with Seven Towns Limited to publish Two Tribes’ upcoming 3D puzzle game Rubik’s World for the Wii and Nintendo DS.

Catering to the family-friendly audience of ages eight and up, the game takes players inside a virtual Rubik’s Cube, challenging them to construct 3D shapes and objects in order to navigate through a plethora of brain-busting mazes.

The DS version of the title will allow players to connect to a “community of Rubik’s World enthusiasts” via Nintendo WiFi connection, while the Wii release is said to feature an online message board and multiplayer support for up to four players. more »

Tecmo today announced that its classic football franchise is making a comeback exclusively on Nintendo’s DS handheld this fall with the release of Tecmo Bowl: Kickoff.

Based on Tecmo Super Bowl, Kickoff promises 32 playable teams along with a myriad of customization options, allowing players to select team colors, emblems, player names, team cities and abilities. In addition to a standard single player mode, players will be able to go head-to-head against their friends over local wireless or Nintendo WiFi connection.

Furthermore, the game will feature stylus controls, a remixed sound track consisting of memorable football tunes, all-new cut scenes, and a customizable playbook.

French-based publisher Infogrames today announced that it has formed a definitive pact with Atari to merge. Reached to the tune of $11 million dollars, the agreement gives Infogrames complete control over Atari.

“Bringing Atari US and Infogrames businesses together will enable us to create a simplified global structure for our business as we seek to re-build a well-managed, cohesive and financially disciplined company,” said Infogrames CEO David Gardner. “This is a key strategic event for Infogrames that will benefit all of our shareholders. I believe that this transaction will generate significant benefits for the Group,” he added.

As part of the deal, Infogrames has agreed to lend Atart $20 million in funding to cover capital requirements. The publisher expects to close and seal the merger deal in the third quarter of 2008.

Hit the jump for the full press release. more »

While we’re still anxiously awaiting official word from Square Enix on a solid North American release date for Dragon Quest IV: Chapters of the Chosen, a listing for the game recently popped up on the search pages of German ratings board USK.

Of course, in no way does this directly confirm that the game is coming to Europe, but the chances of a such a release in the region suddenly became a whole lot more likely.

DRAGON QUEST: The Chapters of the Chosen [USK Ratings Board]