Koch Media and System 3 are cooking up Ferrari Challenge (Wii, DS) with a promise that the Wii version will have "the most accurate motion-sensing steering yet seen on the revolutionary console." We have no idea how the DS version will hold up, or even if how accurate exactly the game will be given little details we know, but we stumbled upon screenshots at least.

From what we can see, both iterations of Ferrari Challenge are making good use of their respective platforms. Sharp car models and lively environments represent the Wii version. The DS version is utilizing both screens, with competent graphics comparable to the best we've seen for the handheld.

We share the sentiments of all racing fans excited to see a flaming hot Ferrari in action, so we'll keep our eyes peeled. Check out these screens for now; updates are sure to follow, so watch this space.

  

More screenshots after the jump!

Trading paint is in an entirely new league when you're driving a Ferrari, and it's the dream of almost every kid to take these gorgeous rides for a spin. Koch Media and System 3 knew this, and decided to make Ferrari Challenge (PS3, Nintendo Wii, Nintendo DS). As promised, the game made a debut at Games Convention 2007 in Leipzig.

The video sure teased our senses even if it clocked just over a minute. The cars look great and tracks are well crafted - what else do you need before getting the urge to step on the gas and break speed limits? Brief gameplay footage doesn't really tell us how the game will run though, but those wheels sure are moving fast.

Expect Ferrari Challenge to reach the shelves this November 23. So far, we know that the game will be as realistic as possible and will deliver a true Ferrari experience.

Here's the PS3 trailer that rocked convention grounds:

System 3 has announced that the Leipzig Games Convention will be the venue for the world debut of Ferrari Challenge (DS, PS3, Wii). System 3's August 23 press conference will be the first time that people will see a playable version of the officially licensed racing sim.

The multiplatform title will be running on the PlayStation 3, the Nintendo Wii and the Nintendo DS during its global premiere. The PlayStation 3 version will reportedly focus on the technical side of the game, while the Wii version will feature "the most accurate motion-sensing steering yet seen on the revolutionary console".

System 3 has also released one PS3 screenshot of the game along with the global debut announcement. Check it out up top. Ferrari Challenge's global debut will take place on August 23 at 3:00 P.M. The game is currently slated for release on November 23, close enough for System 3's hints that the game will roll out this Christmas.

And the Games Convention Developers Conference (GCDC) for 2007 is rolling to a good start as another company has officially announced, via press wire, games that will be offered for gamers, media and retailers at the Leipzig Business Center come late August. Deep Silver (X3: Reunion Game of the Year Edition, Warhammer: Mark of Chaos) and its partners have listed ANNO 1701, Ferrari Challenge, Final Fantasy Tactics, Secret Files 2, Flatout Ultimate Carnage, Heroes of Mana, Perry Rhodan, and Valkyrie Profile 2: Silmeria as featured games for gamers.

 

ANNO 1701 is Deep Silver's upcoming add-on to the ANNO (PC) real-time strategy series, published by Ubisoft. Ferrari Challenge (PlayStation 3, DS, Wii), published by System 3, will be there to tout realistic modeling and racing simulations of the Italian sports car and the motor sports series of the same name.

Final Fantasy Tactics: The Lion War (PSP) under Square Enix' supervision will also be at the Leipzig Convention, enticing fans of the Square Enix Final Fantasy and tactical action persuasion to give the game a try over handheld. Mystery fans might want to to stop by to take a gander at the sequel to the classic German adventure Secret Files: Tunguska, Secret Files 2 (PC) - the predecessor being a winner of several local and regional game of the year awards.

And if you're a fan of Mana, you could check out Heroes of Mana (DS), a real-time strategy title published by Square Enix and based on the Mana series. Empire Interactive's Flatout Ultimate Carnage (Xbox 360) will be smashing its way to Leipzig, too, after a well-anticipated, timely launch for the destructive driving title.

Perry Rhodan (PC) will feature the famous astronaut of the same name in a fictional adventure game published by Brain Game. And if Heavenly Sword coming out for the PlayStation 3 just shattered your day, worry not, because Valkyrie Profile 2: Silmeria (PS2) by Square Enix will be brandished at the event to satisfy the Sony current generation console gamers.

But wait, Deep Silver isn't done yet, because more games will be announced when the second part of the European-centric trade fair highlights by the developer is polished before the curtains rise by August 23. Catch them, and their games, at stand A12 of Hall 3 of the Leipzig Business Center.

Just about anyone, automotive buff or not, has dreamed of driving a Ferrari and getting his freak on with it on a freeway. Koch Media and System 3 are making that happen very soon with the coming of their new game, The Ferrari Challenge.

The title isn't ready to roll out of the garage yet, but Koch Media has already announced that it will be distributing System 3's multi-million euro project in all German and French-speaking territories in the European market.

"The distribution reach of Koch media was never in question, but we needed a company that understands our marketing strategy and has the resource to realise our plans," says System 3 CEO Mark Cale. "Koch has shown the level of commitment that we were looking for and we’re delighted to be working with them on this key launch."

Fans of Ferrari cars should be satisfied with the level of authenticity that the game will carry as the car maker has made an active and concerted effort to scrutinize the development and see to it that the experience is as realistic as possible.

The release date for The Ferrari Challenge is yet to be determined, but it has been confirmed that it will have distinct versions for the Sony PlayStation, Sony PSP, Nintendo Wii and Nintendo DS platforms.

We imagine that this year holds a special place for car fans, as it marks the 60th anniversary of the Italian-based car manufacturer, Ferrari. As part of this occasion, the car-manufacturer is currently holding a special "Ferrari 60 Relay" world tour, with vehicles spanning Ferrari's history being paraded around a few days ago at London.

On the gaming side of the news, we're also announcing that this event was sponsored by System 3 - the group that's currently publishing the Ferrari Challenge racing game headed for the PlayStation 3, PlayStation 2, Nintendo Wii, PlayStation Portable and Nintendo DS. In line with the tour and future game release, Ferrari GB Managing Director Massimo Fedeli had this to say:

Since the launch of the next-generation consoles, the video game industry finally has, at its disposal, a machine with enough power to truly and loyally represent the Ferrari driving experience. The British public's incredible reaction to the "Ferrari 60-Relay" coming to these shores has demonstrated the strength of the Ferrari brand here and we're very excited to be working with System 3 to produce a cutting-edge racing experience for those fans.

The "Ferrari 60 Relay" celebration tour began this January at Abu Dhabi, and is expected to travel through 50 countries before before concluding on June 23 at the home of Ferrari in Maranello, Italy. The tour will also feature a special commemorative baton, 60 badges symbolising the memorable events in the Company's 60-year history, from the Rome Grand Prix in 1947 - the Ferrari FXX Programme of 2006. System 3 hints that Ferrari Challenge will be launching this Christmas - just stay posted for more details as the tour goes through its paces.

In addition to some up and coming new video games on the Wii and DS platforms, Nintendo of Europe has also released some updates to their already extensive list of titles, with some exciting additions for the Q2 lineup.

Here's the pretty extensive Wii games lineup for you. Combine this with our previous coverage of the listings for the most up-to-date report on the happenings from Nintendo's game makers. Enjoy!

Wii Software:

• April 13 Wing Island (Nintendo / Hudson)
• April 20 Chicken Little: Ace in Action (Disney Interactive Studios)   
  
• April      Cooking Mama Wii (505 Games)    
  
• April      Elevator Action (505 Games)   
• April      Pop’n Pop (505 Games)

More Wii and DS goodies after the jump!

More than two weeks would still have to pass before the Market for Home Computing & Video Games Industry Excellence Awards (MCV Awards) happens, but the event has already sold out. To be attended by over 600 industry executives from all aspects of the gaming industry, the prestigious awards honors excellence across 15 categories.

The event will be held at the London's Brewery venue in Chiswell Street on Thursday April 19th. It will start with pre-event drinks at The King's Head, Chiswell Street from 5 pm, care of Sennheiser and Gem Distribution. At 6pm, a champagne reception sponsored by IGA Worlwide will follow, and then the awards proper happens.

Sounds like a lot of boozing, huh? Well, the event is a celebration, as the industry itself chooses the winners of the awards. MCV Awards recognizes effort, innovation and commercial success. Every major company will be attending the event. Pub landlord at the London's Brewery Al Murray will even be performing, so you can expect more to be there because of them.

There are 17 coveted awards to be competed for by the finalists. The categories include awards for Star Store, Games Publisher, Marketing Team, Sales Team and Game Campaign. The event is sponsored by Xbox 360, Nintendo, Nvidia, Kiss FM, System 3, Mice Domino and GamerTV.

IGN reports that Ferrari and System 3 have announced System 3's acquisition of the rights to publish Ferrari licensed games on the PS3, PSP, Wii, and DS videogame platforms. Both companies haven't yet released any concrete details regarding the upcoming titles other than that they'll be based on the Ferrari Challenge series.

The PS3 game is apparently being "developed to maximise the technology in the new console format" and will include features such as "a 16-player feature-rich simultaneous online mode with elements not yet seen in any race game to-date." The Wii game will, of course, support the Wii's innovative control system, including "control by a Wii steering-wheel."

Over at the handheld front, both the PSP and DS versions will feature wireless playability for up to four players including ad hoc play and game sharing. More information is expected to surface in the next three months. System 3 has already announced a preview session that will take place in Maranello, Italy in late June, coinciding with Ferrari's 60-year celebration.

Old school videogames enthusiasts are in for another treat, as System 3 announced today that it will be re-launching the classic Epyx Commodore 64 title, Impossible Mission. The game will feature several special enhancements and will be released for the DS, PSP, PS2 and Wii.

Originally released 25 years ago, Impossible Mission was the first game to use real synthesized speech, an incredible development when first unleashed on the 8-bit formats. The original game included a random game-map system which ensured that no two games were the same. The inclusion of brand new graphics and sound ensures that Impossible Mission is primed to thrill a brand new audience.

  

While there's no Cruise Tom or Rhames Ving in this game (see what I did there?), Impossible Mission does feature new graphics, 3D objects, new sound effects and music. Gameplay remains impressively loyal with the game layout changing for every new game. There are now three main characters to choose from plus a brand new tutorial mode. Players can now chose from three game modes: new, original and for the purist, a hybrid mode with the original gameplay using the updated graphics.

The PSP version includes a new feature which allows players to send a full copy of their game to a friend by wireless so they can try it for themselves. No details yet on what exclusive features the other console releases will have, but you can check out the DS screenshots below for a sneak peek. Impossible Mission is slated for a Q2 release.

DS screenshots after the jump!