Black Ops DLC, coming Feb 01 2011

Treyarch has confirmed the 1st DLC for Call of Duty: Black Ops which will be hitting the XBOX Live Marketplace on Feb 01 2011 for 1200 Microsoft Points. The DLC includes four new multiplayer maps and one new zombie map.  The multiplayer maps include "Berlin Wall" which takes place at Checkpoint Charlie where people use to cross from East Berlin to West Berlin in the Cold War, "Discovery" in an arctic German base, "Kowloon" based on the single-player China level and "Stadium" is a hockey rink.

XBOX Live Rewards Program

Microsofts new Xbox Live Rewards Program went live today and is now open to anyone with an XBOX 360 in the US and UK.  Signing up and participation is free, if you already have an Xbox.com account or an XBOX Live Gold subscription, you are already enrolled. 

The rewards program gives you Microsoft Points in exchange for things such as renewing your Xbox Live Gold Membership, purchasing select Xbox Live Marketplace content, using Netflix, taking monthly surveys and much more.  Points earned can range from 10 - 400+ depending on what action you take, for instance, renewing a 12 month Xbox Live Gold Membership earns you 200 Microsoft Points.  Free (silver) accounts and Gold accounts are eligible for earning these rewards. 

Little Big Planet 2 Demo Coming in December

Media Molecule has announced they will be releasing a free demo for Little Big Planet 2 on Dec 22 2010 on the PlayStation Network.  The demo will be a story mode demo that allows players to "experience the swinging good fun of the Grapple Hook, rescue some helplessly adorable Sackbots, and see the chaotic multiplayer fun that blows up when competitive scoring mode and some Creatinators armed with rockets are combined."

In addition, for those of you that purchased Sony's Move (motion controlled remote), you can download Prehistoric Moves on Dec 15 2010, a stand-alone, Move-enabled co-op only game.  This requires one player to have a Move controller, while others will be forced to play with the DualShocks: "The player with the PlayStation Move controller leads the way, flicking switches and triggering platforms to help others, using DualShock controllers, through each level." Prehistoric Moves will also be included on the Little Big Planet 2 disc for free.

Fable III DLC expected Nov 23

The first DLC has been announced for Fable III and there are a few things to choose from (unless you want it all of course).  All the below mentioned DLC will be available on the XBOX Live Marketplace on Nov 23 2010.

• The Understone Quest Pack (400 MS Points): Includes 3 new quests, one of which lets you decide the fate of The Understone, a shooting range with in-game prizes and "The Wheel of Misfortune" which offers arena-based challenges.
• Exclusive Hair Pack (160 MS Points): Includes different hair styles to choose from.
• 5 Star Dog Potion (80 MS Points): Gives your canine companion the full 5-star ability for treasure hunting (or you could just earn or buy the book in the game, there is a dog book seller in Brightwall, hint hint, don't be dumb and waste your money).
• Reaver Industries Hero Outfit (160 MS Points)
• Colorful Dye Pack (80 MS Points)

Halo: Reach Map, Castle by RedLace

Castle by RedLace
Symmetrical bases surround a large castle in the sky.
(4 - 16 players) Team Slayer, Slayer, Capture the Flag, Multi-Flag, 1-Flag.

Download Map

Halo: Reach, Noble Map Pack out Nov 30 2010

Microsoft announced today that Nov 30 2010 will mark the release of the first DLC map pack for Halo: Reach for an additional 250 gamerscore.  The Noble Map Pack will be 800 Microsoft Points and include three new multiplayer maps, low orbit Anchor 9 (2 - 8 players), the abandoned shoreline facility Tempest (8 - 16 players) and a frozen xeno-archaeology site Breakpoint (8 - 16 players). 

Anchor 9

Within the confines of this low orbit dry-dock, UNSC craft undergo rapid repair and rearmament in support of the enduring war effort. But for the small squads of infantry who now fight over the mirrored interior hallways and open central hangar bay, this platform no longer provides any safe harbor whatsoever – whether the close quarters combat is occurring inside or out of its artificial gravitational field.

Tempest

This abandoned shoreline facility bends both sea and sky to an unnatural purpose, but the ground itself has quickly become another all too familiar battlefield. Though the two opposing symmetrical bases may never reveal their ancient purpose, both now offer makeshift shelter and access to strategic routes perfectly suited for small and large scale skirmishes alike.

Breakpoint

Atop this icy precipice, the Invasion continues. These modular archaeological labs were never intended to withstand such a large scale onslaught of Covenant military power, but the information being extracted here may prove vital to humanity’s survival. In response to the imminent Covenant threat, UNSC ground and air assets have been deployed to bolster entrenched Spartan countermeasures. This site must yield salvation, or it will become a grave.

Microsoft XBOX 360 Fall Dashboard Update

Some of the major changes for the Fall 2010 XBOX 360 dashboard update include ESPN3, NetFlix Search and a new Zune Marketplace.  However, there are many smaller changes to in addition to a new look.  All of which is going live sometime between now and Nov 04 2010, which marks the launch of Kinect.

Some of the minor changes include improved voice quality for XBOX Live Party Chat, improved experience for choosing a new gamertag (which is actually quite lame and involves your Avatar spinning a wheel), streamlined in-dashboard virtual keyboard, improved XBOX Live Marketplace UI and browse experience, more proportional avatars to work better with Kinect, easier access to wireless networks, ability to sign-out other controllers and profiles from one controller and a new browse experience for 100% completed games.

Halo: Reach Ranking Breakdown and Credit Requirements

Halo: Reach has a ranking system based on credits, the more credits you earn by playing the game, the higher your rank.  Currently, Bungie has only made ranks available up to Lt. Colonel Grade 3.  Bungie has confirmed that any credits you earn once you max your level, are still applied toward your next rank and when the remainder of the ranks are made available, you will likely skip ahead multiple ranks.  Currently, only 1% of Halo: Reach players are at the current level cap, myself included.

The rankings are listed below along with all their credit requirements.

• Recruit – 0 cR
• Private – 7,500 cR
• Corporal – 10,000 cR (+2,500 cR) 
• Corporal Grade 1 – 15,000 cR (+5,000 cR)
• Sergeant – 20,000 cR (+5,000 cR)
• Sergeant Grade 1 – 26,250 cR (+6,250 cR)
• Sergeant Grade 2 – 32,500 cR (+6,250 cR)
• Warrant Officer – 45,000 cR (+12,500 cR)
• Warrant Officer Grade 1 – 78,000 cR (+33,000 cR)
• Warrant Officer Grade 2 – 111,000 cR (+33,000 cR)
• Warrant Officer Grade 3 – 144,000 cR (+33000 cR)
• Captain – 210,000 cR (+66,000 cR)
• Captain Grade 1 – 233,000 cR (+23,000 cR)
• Captain Grade 2 – 256,000 cR (+23,000 cR)
• Captain Grade 3 – 279,000 cR (+23,000 cR)
• Major – 325,000 cR (+46,000 cR)
• Major Grade 1 – 350,000 cR (+25,000 cR)
• Major Grade 2 – 375,000 cR (+25,000 cR)
• Major Grade 3 – 400,000 cR (+25,000 cR)
• Lt. Colonel – 450,000 cR (+50,000 cR)
• Lt. Colonel Grade 1 – 480,000 cR (+30,000 cR)
• Lt. Colonel Grade 2 – 510,000 cR (+30,000 cR)
• Lt. Colonel Grade 3 – 540,000 cR (+30,000 cR) - CURRENT MAX
• Commander – 600,000 cR (+60,000 cR)
• Commander Grade 1 –650,000 cR (+50,000 cR)
• Commander Grade 2 – 700,000 cR (+50,000 cR)
• Commander Grade 3 – 750,000 (+50,000 cR)
• Colonel – 850,000 cR (+100,000 cR)
• Colonel Grade 1 – 960,000 cR (+110,000 cR)
• Colonel Grade 2 – 1,070,000 cR (+110,000 cR)
• Colonel Grade 3 – 1,180,000 cR (+110,000 cR)
• Brigadier – 1,400,000 cR (+220,000 cR)
• Brigadier Grade 1 – 1,520,000 cR (+120,000 cR)
• Brigadier Grade 2 – 1,640,000 cR (+120,000 cR)
• Brigadier Grade 3 – 1,760,000 cR (+120,000 cR)
• General – 2,000,000 cR (+240,000 cR)
• General Grade 1 – 2,200,000 cR (+200,000 cR)
• General Grade 2 – 2,350,000 cR (+150,000 cR)
• General Grade 3 – 2,500,000 cR (+150,000 cR)
• General Grade 4 – 2,650,000 cR (+150,000 cR)
• Field Marshall – 3,000,000 cR (+350,000 cR)
• Hero – 3,700,000 cR (+700,000 cR)
• Legend – 4,600,000 cR (+900,000 cR)
• Mythic – 5,650,000 cR (+1,050,000 cR)
• Noble – 7,000,000 cR (+1,350,000 cR)
• Eclipse – 8,500,000 cR (+1,500,000 cR)
• Nova – 11,000,000 cR (+2,500,000 cR)
• Forerunner – 13,000,000 cR (+2,000,000 cR)
• Reclaimer – 16,500,000 cR (+3,500,000 cR)
• Inheritor – 20,000,000 cR (+3,500,000 cR)

Fight Like a Girl

The annual FLAG Fight Like a Girl Halo tournament to help fight cancer is now accepting sign-ups.  The tournament takes place on Oct 23 and Oct 24 2010 with four different events to play in Halo Reach for a good cause.  Events include;

• Halo: Reach FFA Double Elimination Tournament
• Halo: Reach 2v2 Double Elimination Tournament
• Halo: Reach 4 Player Firefight Matchmaking (starts Oct 22 2010)
• Halo: Reach "Play with Bungie" Event

All proceeds benefit the Susan G Komen Breast Cancer Foundation and NCCC.  To register for an event or to donate, go to the Official Site.

Little Big Planet 2 Now Set for Jan 18 2011

Media Molecule has confirmed that the Little Big Planet sequel will not release this holiday season on the PS3 as scheduled.  Instead, it is set to hit shelves Jan 18 2011 in order "to make the best game possible".

Potential DLC for Reach, Already?

The screenshot clearly shows a potential gamerscore of 1250, the game only released with 1000 possible achievement points.  DLC coming so soon?

Rambi Returns in Donkey Kong Country

It wouldn't be Donkey Kong without our beloved rhino Rambi to help Donkey Kong crash his way through barriers, collect bananas and trample enemies.  Rambi will officially make a return in the upcoming Donkey Kong Country Returns, a Wii exclusive, out on Nov 21 2010.

Claptrap's New Robot Revolution

Borderlands latest add-on, Claptrap's New Robot Revolution will be available this coming Tuesday, Sept 28 2010 on XBOX Live for 800 Microsoft Points. 

The fourth add-on has the claptraps coming after you, instead of helping you.  In addition, you must team up with Hyperion Corporation, the guys usually trying to kill you, in order to defeat the rebel claptraps.  The DLC includes over 20 new missions, along with new bosses, ten new skill points and three more backpack slots.

Bungie reveals "Forge World"

If you haven't seen this ViDoc 'Forge World' released by Bungie, then you need to watch it.  Everything you have ever wanted to do in Forge, now will be possible, easier, bigger and cooler than ever before.  They have taken 5 maps and combined it into one huge world for you to forge.

Halo: Reach launches Sept 14 2010.

Little Big Planet 2 launches Nov 16 2010

Media Molecule and Sony have announced that Little Big Planet 2 will be releasing on Nov 16 2010. 

They have also announced the three retailers that will offer pre-order bonuses.  Amazon.com will offer two costumes of Ratchet and Clank, Best Buy will offer a three-eyed claw alien costume from Toy Story and GameStop will offer a TRON: Legacy costume.  In addition, each retail will also be giving away a "Even More Animals" bonus costume pack which includes a Cobram Vulture, Mandril and Crocodile.

BioShock 2 Predator Trials DLC

BioShock 2 will be getting another DLC next month on Aug 03 2010 called 'Predator Trials' which is a single-player horde/firefight mode where you must protect the Little Sister from waves of Splicers.

The DLC will be 400 Microsoft Points on XBOX360 or $4.99 USD on the Playstation Store.

Little Big Planet 2 set for November 2010

Little Big Planet 2 is confirmed for a November 2010 release date.  An exact day has yet to be announced. 

The title has also been announced as a Sony Move enabled game.

Assassin's Creed Brotherhood Multiplayer Walkthrough

Assassin's Creed Brotherhood will include a new multiplayer game mode.  There will be a multiplayer beta released before the November 2010 launch exclusively for the PlayStation 3. Check it out.

Firefight 2.0 Trailer

Microsoft has revealed that Firefight will be returning in Halo Reach, due out in September of this year.  Along with the classic firefight mode you played in Halo: ODST, there will also be Default, which is a jump in, jump out sort of play (think of it as casual), Generator Defense which was available in the Halo Reach beta and Rocket Fight Mode, which is armor and rockets only.  You can watch the trailer below to see some of the action and new weapons we didn't see in the beta.

No word on whether or not Firefight will be available in matchmaking or if it is a solo/co-op only feature.  Sure would be nice if they would incorporate the outstanding matchmaking system they have, into firefight.  I personally would probably still be playing firefight on ODST if they had it available as matchmaking but most my friends have moved on from the game and while it is fun solo, online would make it even greater. One can only hope...

Assassin's Creed Brotherhood E3 Trailer

The new trailer for Assassin's Creed Brotherhood was revealed at E3, looks like Ezio has some friends with him this time which implies a new co-op mode.  The end of the video also mentions a multiplayer mode.  The game is set to launch on Nov 16 2010.

Bulletstorm dated for Feb 22 2011

EA has announced that Bulletstorm, a new game by Epic Games and People Can Fly will launch on Feb 22, 2011 for XBOX360, PS3 and PC.

Fable III E3 Trailer

The first full-length trailer for Fable III was shown at Microsoft's press conference at E3 today. Coming Holiday 2010.

Halo Reach Campaign Trailer

Microsofts press conference at E3 revealed the first glimpses into Halo Reach's campaign.  Looks like we will be taking a flight through a serious space battle this time around.  Reach is scheduled for a release date of September 14th, 2010 as an XBOX360 exclusive.

Donkey Kong Country Returns

Those of you that grew up swinging on vines, popping out of barrels and collecting ridiculous amounts of bananas, such as myself, will love to hear that Donkey Kong Country Returns was announced today at E3 for the Nintendo Wii.  The title is set to launch Holiday 2010.

ModNation Racers Demo Now Available

ModNation Racers demo is now available on the PlayStation Store.  You will have access to one track that you can race against AI opponents in single player plus full access to the Creation Station, where you can customize your Mod (character), Kart and create your own tracks from scratch.  The best news?  All user created content in the demo is transferrable to the full game which releases on May 21 2010 for the PS3 and PSP. 

Modern Warefare 2 "Resurgence" Map Pack

Modern Warefare will receive a new DLC map pack, "Resurgence" on June 03 2010 for 1200 Microsoft Points or $15 USD for the PS3.  The map pack will include two old maps and three new, same formula as its predecessor. 

The new maps include the two old ones hardcore Call of Duty fans may recognize, Vacant, a wide open Russian office complex and Strike, an urban town.  New maps include Carnival, an abandoned theme park.  Trailer Park, a super tight maze.  And Fuel, a "sniper heaven" and one of the biggest multiplayer maps to date.  Below are screenshots of all five of the new maps.

3 New DLC Packs for BioShock 2

The following DLC will be released today for BioShock 2 for both XBOX Live and the PlayStation Network.  The PC version will "soon" follow.

The Rapture Metro Pack which includes six new multiplayer maps based on sections of the games campaign for 800 MS Points and 150G worth of new achievements. Kill Em' Kindly, a free multiplayer mode where players will fight to the death using only golfclubs (as shown). And a Character Pack which includes two new multiplayer characters for 160 MS Points or $1.99 USD.

inFamous 2?

Sony has registered the domain name infamous2thegame.com, suggesting that there may be a sequel in the pipeline, perhaps an E3 announcement?  The developers at Sucker Punch have been very hush hush regarding any sequel news since the games original release almost a year ago.

Call of Duty: Black Ops Coming 11.09.2010

Call of Duty: Black Ops has been announced for an official release date of 11.09.2010.  Watch the trailer here.  While the game was only announced yesterday, co-op has been confirmed. 

According to reports, you will witness the birth of the Elite Special Forces and participate in off-the-record missions from Cuba to the Arctic to the jungles of Vietnam. 

BioShock 2 Multiplayer DLC Announced

BioShock 2 Multiplayer DLC will be arriving "in the very near future."  The DLC will feature six new multiplayer maps for 800 Microsoft Points or $9.99 USD.

Halo: Reach ViDoc "Carnage Carnivale"

Violent Video Games Make You Smarter

Yep, that' right.  A team of researchers in the Netherlands said a quick study proves that violent video games like Call of Duty and Resident Evil can make you smarter.  The study shows that shoot-to-kill video games improve quick thinking and make players more able to cope with demands of modern life.  So go ahead, rack up endless hours of shooting mahem.

Cloud Mario Unveiled

Official Nintendo Magazine released this image today of Cloud Mario.  Nintendo has been keeping most of the details behind Cloud Mario a secret but clearly you will be able to walk through the sky on platforms made of clouds in Super Mario Galaxy 2.

Other costumes we know are included in Super Mario Galaxy 2 include Bee Mario (as seen in the original) where Mario can fly for a limited time, stick/climb to honeycomb walls but cannot go into water or he reverts back to regular Mario and Drill Mario where Mario can drill through planets.  Super Mario Galaxy 2 is set to release in early Summer 2010.

Halo: Reach Beta Multiplayer Gametypes

May 03 2010 is quickly approaching (although to me it seems like an eternity) which means the Halo: Reach beta is close.  When you first get into the beta through your copy of Halo 3: ODST or via free code provided by Microsoft, you will notice you only have two options, Matchmaking and Theater.  Bungie has said they want to put the focus on Matchmaking and to do that, they need us to play it so we can experience any bugs, complain about them and they can fix them. 

Gametypes that you can play in the Halo: Reach beta:

• Grab Bag: Includes Slayer with Assault Rifle and Magnum starts. Want a long range game, vote for 'Pro'.  Also includes 1 Flag, Crazy King, Oddball and Three Plots (from Halo 2, cap and defend three neutral territories).  You will also find a new game type here, Covie Slayer (Elite on Elite evasion).
• Free for All: Unless you are the Juggernaut, you will have a Gravity Hammer and be on fire, literally on fire.  You'll be close to unkillable, really fast and unbound by the laws of gravity but these power-ups are limited.  Once your indicator on your HUD turns from a skull to a bullseye, you are back to normal with no power ups and you are now the Juggernaut, and a target.  10 points per kill as the Juggernaut and 5 points for killing the Juggernaut, goes to 150. No armor abilities, no load outs.
• Headhunter: Score 25 skulls to win or cash in 10 at one time for a Skullamanjaro which ends the game instantly. Skulls drop out of dead opponents and when you pick them up, a number appears about your head, everyone else can see this number and you ultimately become a bigger target the more skulls you have in tow.  Your drop all your skulls you are carrying when you die.  To score, you must deposit the skulls into one of your territories and territories move so there will be no camping.  This gametype will be FFA for the beta but will also have team play in the full game.
• Stockpile: Two teams fight over four neutral flags, flags are scored by bringing them into your teams designated territory and protecting them until the time reaches zero.  Flags are collected every 60 seconds.  If the flag is not in your territory when the timer reaches zero, it doesn't count, even if you are carrying it.  To win, score a total of 10 flags, score the most flags in 10 minutes.  FYI - You cannot carry a flag while using an Armor Ability, so no jetpacking the flag off, it will drop from your hands instantly if you try.
• Generator Defense: Three Spartans defend three generators from three assaulting Elites.  To win the round, the Elites must destroy all three generators.  Spartans can defend by activating a temporary blast shield on the armed generators which locks it down for 30 seconds before it can be armed again.  This gametype is not confirmed for the final game, it is merely a beta test.  If you like it, let Bungie now and perhaps it will be included.
• Invasion: Mystery...

XBOX 360 Natal Bundle for $299 USD

As Project Natal's release comes closer with an expected launch of 'holiday 2010', Microsoft has announced they will be releasing a redesigned 250GB XBOX 360 with the Natal motion device included for $299 USD.  

Wedbush analyst Michael Pachter said, "It is far more likely that we will see a slim version of the XBOX 360 with a 250GB hard drive and with a Project Natal bundled into the box while maintaining the $299 price point."  While the "slim" part has yet to be verified, that would be cool.

Three New Hasbro Game Night Games Announced

Hasbro Family Game Night will be adding three new titles to their current roster.

Jenga - The original towering, toppling wood block game includes Classic Play and 'Chance Blocks' where players must perform challenges, such as removing red blocks and defusing bombs.

Pictureka - Find it fast, find it first.  Players race the clock and each other to see who has the best eyes and who can think outside the box in this visual game of hide and seek.

Connect 4 x 4 - With double the grid spaces and double the players, this new take on the original Connect 4 game features a remixed 'Super Squares' mode where power-ups reside inside the board itself.

The addition of these three games brings the total for Hasbro Family Game Night up to 100 achievements worth 2000G.  No current news on the release date, other than Summer 2010 or price.

Free MW2 Night Vision Goggles for your Avatar

Activision and Microsoft in light of the recent release on the Modern Warfare 2 Stimulus Package DLC are now also giving away free Night Vision Goggles for your avatar. Gold and Silver XBOX Live Members (yes, that means everyone) can download the goggles for free through midnight Sunday in the Avatar Marketplace.

If you had previously purchased the Goggles, you will be refunded the full amount of Microsoft Points sometime between now and May 01 2010.

Sackboy becomes 'Incredible'

Media Molecule has announced that Little Big Planet will be releasing a costume pack and level kit based on Disney Pixar's The Incredibles.  The costume kit will include nine costumes (also available indvidually), The Incredibles family, Frozone, Edna Mode, and their nemesis, Syndrome.  The Incredibles Level Kit will feature a Gallery level filled with all the memorable moments from the film and prize bubbles featuring all the materials, objects, stickers and sounds from the movie.

The costume kit will be available on the Playstation Store starting Apr 08 2010 for $5.99 USD and the Level Kit will be priced at $4.99 USD..

Sonic the Hedgehog Coming to LBP

The Sonic Unleashed Costume Kit for Little Big Planet will be available from the PlayStation Store on Thursday Mar 25 2010.  The costume kit includes Sonic the Hedgehog, Knuckles, Dr. Eggman, Sonic Werehog and Tails.  Pricing has not yet been announced but it will probably be $5.99 USD, the same as previously released character costume kits.

ModNation Racers Official Release Date, May 25 2010

ModNation Racers official release date has been announced, May 25 2010 for both PS3 and PSP.  The preorder bonus includes racing as your favorite character (depending on where you pre-order your copy) from other PlayStation 3 games and includes Ratchet and Clank, Nathan Drake and Kratos.  Preorders also include a BONUS mystery mod and kart package, you will receive 1 of 4 different bonus packages but it will be a surprise until you download it as to which one you are getting.

Here is the list of pre-order bonus' per location of order;

• GameStop = Kratos and his Kart of Chaos
• Amazon = Ratchet or Clank
• Best Buy = Nathan Drake and his Jungle Jeep

Four-player split-screen has also been confirmed and the Play, Create, Share feature will be included in both the PS3 and PSP versions.

Sony Shoves 'Move' Down our Throats

Sony has officially announced that the new Little Big Planet sequel will include and require their new upcoming motion controller which has now been officially named 'Move'.  By the looks of the video, the focus of the sequel is on the motion controller and personally, I think focusing on better creator tools and gameplay would have pleased more of the hardcore LBP fans such as muself than shoving their new motion controller down our throats.  

Batman: Arkham Asylum 2?

While not much has been officially announced, the sequel itself is not even yet official but by the looks of it, it appears to be real whether a PR guy has said so or not.  On other rumors, two new characters will be joining the Arkham 2 cast, Robin, Batman's faithful sidekick and beloved villain, Two-Face.

LBP Leprechaun Costume, One Week Only

Media Molecule will be re-releasing the seasonal St. Patricks Day Leprechaun Costume starting this Thursday Mar 11 2010 in the PlayStation Store for free.

Remember, this costume is seasonal and will only be available for one week, if you miss it, you will have to wait till next year.

Scribblenauts Sequel Announced

Today, Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment announced the next Scribblenauts for the Nintendo DS. The follow-up to the groundbreaking game where players use their imaginations to write any word, bring that object to life and use it to solve innovation puzzles will now include new and creative ways to play. One of the new includes is the use of a new adjectives system, that allows players to further push their creativity in the game play experience. The adjectives can change the color, size, elements, behaviors and other aspects of the object players are describing. Jeremiah Slaczka, Creative Director and Co-Founder of 5TH Cell, the developers of the Scribblenauts sequel said, “The next Scribblenauts broadens the players’ experience from the first Scribblenauts through more creativity, innovation and in-depth gameplay.”

In the sequel, players use the touch screen and stylus to help the game’s hero, Maxwell, acquire the “Starite,” the prize earned from solving the puzzles in newly redesigned levels and brain bending challenges.
Scribblenauts fans of all ages can look forward to many more words, more creativity and new game play experiences such as the adjectives system in Fall 2010.

BioShock 2 "Sinclair Solutions Test Pack" DLC

BioShock 2 will be releasing it's first DLC, "Sinclair Solutions Test Pack" for multiplayer on Mar 11 2010.  The pack is said to include two new multiplayer characters (whether or not these are the same characters that came with the preorder bonus or not is unknown), 20 new trials, new weapon upgrades and masks to customize your character.  The DLC will be 400 Microsoft Points / $4.99 USD and will be available on XBOX Live, PlayStation Store and Windows Live.  

More good news, the first single-player DLC will be launching "in the coming months".  There is hope for those of us that want more story about Rapture.

ModNation Racers Trailer

Since the ModNation Racers beta closed, there have been rumors of people discouraged by the extremely long load screens and a lack of track creation props and tools to enhance gameplay.  Sony has released a new trailer for the game that reveals the Track Studio is not short handed any more, jump over Godzilla-sized Camels, shoot fire barrels at unsuspecting drivers, navigate your way through the walls of flame, or simply jump right over that huge castle wall.  They have also said that frame rate, load times and race cameras are a few others areas they have improved upon.

Microsoft Handing out Freebies

On April 15 2010 Microsoft will be discontinuing the XBOX Live service for original XBOX games playable on both the XBOX360 and original XBOX, this includes Halo 2.  While you can still play Halo 2 offline, online multi-player will no longer be available.  I suggest you get in your flashbacks of Halo 2 fun in before the cut off.

On the bright side of things, since Microsoft is discontinuing this service and many of us are still playing Halo 2, Microsoft has decided to give away some freebies to ease our suffering.  If you receive an email from Microsoft, you will receive a free, three-month XBOX Live Gold Membership, 400 Microsoft Points and an invitation to the Halo: Reach Beta which launches May 03 2010.  By the looks of Halo: Reach, I don't think I will have too much trouble letting go of Halo 2... although I really will miss Terminal and Ivory Tower.

"March Multiplayer Madness" : Halo:Reach Multiplayer

Bungie and Microsoft have released a trailer showing the first in-game footage of the much anticipated Halo:Reach.  This video shows only multiplayer footage and by the looks of it, it will be fraking AMAZING!  Can you say "jet packs"?  It also shows a new game type "Spartans vs. Elites" which one can only imagine what that involves.



The beta launches on May 03 2010 while the full game is set to release in Fall 2010.

Sony Aquires Media Molecule

Sony Entertainment has just aquired Media Molecule, the developers of the multi-million selling and multi-award winning game Little Big Planet for the PlayStation 3 and PSP.  Now my first thoughts here are, Sony is upset Media Molecule has stated they don't plan to ever release a sequel to Little Big Planet (which is one of the PS3 top selling games), how do they get them to do it?  Buy them.  So Sony can now force MediaMolecule into creating a sequel so they can make more money.  My second thought, they are going to force their motion control software down our throats (which MM has been kind enough not to do as of yet).

It sounds to me like it could turn out to be a bad repeat of what Bungie Studios went through when Microsoft aquired them... Stiffling their creativity and forcing unwanted elements into their loved games. Bummer.

New Trailer for Super Mario Galaxy 2

Nintendo has released a new trailer for the upcoming Super Mario Galaxy 2 at the San Francisco Media Summit, the sequel is set to release on May 23 2010.

DSi XL Arrives Mar 28 2010 to US

The DSi XL is set to arrive in the US on Mar 28 2010.  The system will retail for $189.99 USD and comes in two colors, burgundy (shown) or bronze. 

The system also comes preloaded with Brain Age Express: Arts & Letters, Brain Age Express: Math and Photo Clock, DSi web browser capable and Flipnote Studio. 

Super Mario Galaxy 2 to release May 23 2010

New from the Nintendo Medium Summit in San Francisco, Super Mario Galaxy 2 will release sooner than originally expected.  It's new release date is scheduled for May 23 2010.  That is a whole month earlier than originally planned.

As previously shown in New Super Mario Bros. Wii Gameplay video (don't let the name fool you, it includes Super Mario Galaxy 2 footage as well), the new Super Mario Galaxy will include a rideable Yoshi, new Mario power-ups, new levels and obviously new gameplay features.

LBP Memories of 2009 Video

Media Molecule has released a video documenting the memories of 2009, a year in DLC.  Watch the video now.

Secret Armory of General Knoxx Releases Tomorrow

The third Borderlands DLC, Secret Armory of Genera Knoxx will be released tomorrow Feb 23 2010 for 800 Microsoft Points on XBOX Live followed by the PC and PS3 versions on Feb 25 2010 for $9.99 USD.
Rumors of the new DLC includes new level cap to level 61, new four person vehicles, new gun classes (beyond 'Orange'), many new missions, new loot and new baddies. This DLC is said to be the largest of the three thus far.

P.B. Winterbottom Launch Trailer

2K Games and 2K Play have released this launch trailer for The Midadventures of P.B. Winterbottom. 

Watch Trailer Now

This downloadable title hits the XBOX Live Arcade on Feb 17 2010 for 800 Microsoft Points.

Fable III Footage Debuts at X10

Adapting weaponry, morphing, new combat moves all add up to "A Damn Good Adventure."

Fable III Not an RPG?

Yes, you heard correctly.  Fable III may not even really be an RPG.  Peter Molyneux said while speaking at Microsoft's X10 event in San Fransisco that "I'm not sure I even call Fable an RPG anymore.  Certainly not a 1990's RPG, for sure."  While this is hugely disappointing for many hardcore Fable fans, Molyneux went on to describe a bit more detail of the upcoming game.  "In a way, you could look at it and say it's like an action adventure.  There's a lot of drama, there's a lot of story, there's a lot of emotion in there - but with leveling up.  I love that leveling up," he added that being given a pre-planned character and told 'this is you no matter what' is not to his liking.  Not to mine either and I am sure not to many others.

It was also revealed that the game has changed in a few other ways as well.  There's no HUD, when the player is in danger the coloring of the screen will change, similar to Mass Effect 2 and Modern Warfare 2.  The expression system has also been replaced with a touch mechanic. This allows players to interact with other characters by holding hands, hugging, shaking, etc.  No word on whether this 'touch mechanic' will require Project Natal. 

Fable III has been confirmed for a Holiday 2010 release date.