9/2/06 - Brent Electronic wins Comestero distribution
Brent Electronic has added to its string of high profile distribution agreements by securing the exclusive UK rights to the Comestero range of change machines and money handling equipment.
The agreement, which was struck with the Milan-headquartered company in the week prior to ATEI 2006, raises the number of exclusives held by Brent to over 30 - covering sectors including music, pool, security, dedicated spares and money handling.
Sales director, Peter Murphy believes that the agreement with Comestero works well for both companies: "We can certainly provide Comestero with great exposure and sales in the UK and the fact that they have chosen us to represent the range is a powerful endorsement of Brent Electronic's standing in the market."
He added: "Even though we had no time to pre-publicise the agreement, which was completed on the Friday prior to ATEI, the response to the range - in particular Comestero's low cost change machines - was magnificent and augurs especially well for the future."
Piero Martellotta, export sales manager at Comestero Group, welcomed the agreement, saying: "The UK is an important market for amusements and gaming. It's vital that we maximise market share and I believe that in Brent Electronic we have found a distributor that has the infrastructure, contacts and professionalism to take us to a new level."
Universal Space the Chinese amusement equipment manufacturer exhibited their products on several booths at the ATEI exhibition in London last week. Amongst them was Caroubot a new coin operated carousel pictured here with Universal's Steven Tan.
Other products included Basket Fortune which is tipped by many to be this years must have redemption product.
Less is more goes the saying, but Sega, despite producing 62" widescreen monitors for the initial House of the Dead 4, are launching a mini deluxe at ATE this week. The manufacturer believes that the market needs something at the opposite end of the spectrum to the massive deluxe version first seen at the London preview.
"Sales of the deluxe in both 52" and 62" version have been fantastic since the launch, but we saw requirement for a smaller cabinet and for operators on a different budget, who didn't feel that gun games in upright cabinets worked that well, the solution is the Mini-Deluxe" offered Sega boss Paul Williams.
House of the Dead 4 is the first title to demonstrate the powerful new Lindbergh hardware. The London based storyline is a continuing one involving two government agents battle against the evil genius Goldman. Previously agent Taylor defeated Goldman's attempt to wipe out the human race and gain world domination in what became known as the "Goldman Incident"
James Taylor is accompanied this time by a sexy and sophisticated sidekick, Kate Green. House of Dead 4 sees a European city under attack from Goldman's army of zombies - if Taylor and Green fail it is the end of mankind!
Players will be able to experience a new weapon that features not only a new reload technique, no more shooting outside of the screen, and also a hand-to-hand combat feature. At times in the game it will appear that a zombie is grabbing the player, and in order to get out if it the player must 'shake' the gun the free himself of the zombie.
"The game has been incredibly strong and Christmas income reports were excellent. With the Mini Deluxe having a small footprint and lower cost, but equally strong game, the return on investment should be very attractive," Paul Williams, continued.
20/01/06 - Sega Brings Centre Court to Earls Court!!
Some of the most realistic graphics to come out of Sega's world leading R&D teams will be on display at Earls Court this week. Taking a look at the latest version of Virtua Tennis 3 on the new Lindbergh universal cabinet and you will think you are at home in July watching Centre Court on your brand new widescreen plasma. All that is missing is the strawberries and cream!
The game boasts the top players in the world including Henman, Roddick, Hewitt and World No.1 Roger Federer. The format of the game takes players on a world tour of some of the most famous courts in the world across France, the US, Australia, Germany and of course the famous halloed turf from SW16.
To increase the player's involvement this version features IC Smart card technology. With the card the player can participate in a virtual "World Ranking", starting at 999th in the world with the aim of becoming World Champ. The progression up the ranks depends on how well matches are won and who against. Equally any matches lost will affect the ranking. Also as a feature to stimulate regular repeat play if a player does not use his card for a period of time his ranking will decrease.
It is also possible to manipulate the play style of the tennis player; whether you want to "play base" line, "serve and volley" or "offensive" amongst a choice of 8 styles you can. With the IC Card the player can change outfits and build up a collection of tournament medals.
For the novice player the game features a series of training sessions. This will strengthen various techniques by setting the player a mission - such as performing 6 forehands followed by 6 backhands followed by a smash volley.
Sega's Justin Burke commented, "Aside from all the great names, famous courts and games features perhaps the 'wow' factor is the amazing graphics that are recreated on the screen. This in a location is going to stand out by a long way. The first two games in this series have both been massive hits and there is every reason that this will be another smash!"
17/1/06 - International distributors wanted for Crazy Frog
The Harry Levy team is hoping to talk to International partners keen to distribute The Annoying Thing - the whacker machine based on the Crazy Frog of ringtone fame. The Annoying Thing is available either as ticket redemption or as play for fun and is a must for every location. It will get its worldwide debut at the ATEI show on booth no. 1010.
"This is definitely the best whacking game ever bought to market," said Harry Levy's Gary Newman. "I can guarantee Easter delivery now if operators place their order before the show. This is a must for any location which takes its business seriously."
"The cabinet, sound effects and this wonderful licence all mean this machine is going to be a huge success," added Colin Mallery. "We would like to invite any International distributors who are interested, to visit us on Stand 1010 to discuss future partnerships."
