Fledgling publisher Gamebridge has grown from strength-to-strength since its inception last year and is now ready to showcase its early 2010 line-up. The publisher will be using the London MCM Expo as a launch pad for Papermates and Way of the Samurai 3, set to arrive in Europe early next year, with marketing and sales coordinated by Rising Star Games.

Papermates is to be released on the Nintendo DS and is Nintendo DSi compatible. With a wide range of mini-games, trading and character customisation, including taking photos, Papermates has huge potential. The Way of the Samurai series is one of the finest culturally accurate games revolving around feudal Japan, set in the warring states period, with the player taking the role of a wandering warrior arriving in a small province. In Way of The Samurai 3 players have direct involvement in the plot by choosing dialogues and actions in the game. A new outstanding feature in the game is that players can draw their weapon anytime during cutscenes; this breathes new life into the way stories unfold also the Current-Generation treatment of this already established title will be sure to please fans of the series.

“We are elated to be working with Gamebridge on these great titles next year. Happy Party with Hello Kitty and Friends, Papermates and Way of the Samurai 3 all have that X-factor amongst the other great games present at the show this year” commented Tyrone Walcott, of Rising Star Games. “Following the phenomenal success Rising Star Games experienced at the last Expo in May, we are confident that Gamebridge will have a great show accompanied with Hello Kitty who also is making an exclusive personal appearance at the London event days before her official 35th birthday party in the capital.”

In Papermates, players can create their own individual characters and use them in a variety of ways; collect and customise their assortment into a personal album, trade character parts and characters worldwide and individualise each character as all clothing has different attributes. Try out your characters in various games with these different attributes to open the world of Papermates.

In Way of the Samurai 3, players can create their own samurai and explore three defining settings within feudal Japan. With vast improvements that include high level Artificial Intelligence for Non-Player Characters (NPCs), the new system is being worked into the game changes the dynamics of the traditional gameplay. This system lets players influence the storyline by their actions. During dialogue scenes, you'll occasionally see icons on-screen indicating that you can use your weapon during the event. Based on your actions, you could end up creating more enemies, so you'll have to determine when it's best to use your blade or tongue.

A number of other features have been revealed for this highly-anticipated sequel, following the confirmation of a European release yesterday. Players can now either walk from place to place or travel instantly between areas by using the map. If you use the map, time will wind forward. Players can get a henchwoman who will follow the main character around to help him, and possibly agree to join you at the "safe house", if you are polite enough. Over one hundred weapons will feature in the game, including swords, spears, and even some novelty weapons like sticks, vegetables and fish. Players can now kneel down and beg for mercy, as can NPCs if they are losing the fight. A number of mini-games will be included, and players can do jobs for any of the three sides. Working for one side will increase the main character's popularity with that side, and terrorising them will make them hate him instead.

London MCM Expo is set to provide the grand opening for this year’s London Games Festival, the capital’s celebration of the best in videogame culture. Held at Excel on 24th-25th October, the Expo will be a gamers’ feast, with top publishers from across the globe giving visitors hands-on experience with the hottest new games as well as sneak peeks at their latest projects. Electronic Theatre will be at the London MCM Expo, bringing you all the latest details direct from the show.

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