Wednesday, September 30, 2009

Super Street Fighter IV debut trailer



Although this debut trailer for Super Street Fighter IV seems like more of the same, it still manages to excite the SF sequel fanatic in me to become intrigued for the upcoming fighter.
GameTrailers

Atari announces Ghostbusters: The Video Game for PSP



After months of Ghostbusters getting the Wii, DS, Xbox, PS2 and PS3 treatment, finally the game has been announced for a PSP release. If you haven't busted ghosts yet, PSP owners, now is your chance. The game is set for release this November.

Joystiq

Tuesday, September 29, 2009

Super Street Fighter IV Confirmed


Just days after leaked images of new Street Fighter IV characters and settings Capcom has officially lifted the veil on it's next SF offering. The screenshots, thought to be a clever hoax or new DLC, actually come from the all new Super Street Fighter IV.

So what's so super? Keeping with Street Fighter traditions, Super Street Fighter IV will introduce new characters (including classics like T. Hawk and new brawlers like Juri), more balance across fighters, new hyper combos and a smoother online interface.


The decision to go with a retail release versus DLC centers around SFIV's coding. According to GameSpot, Capcom claims that SFIV just isn't compatible with the updates and changes they have in mind. But fear not frugal gamers, because Capcom stated Super Street Fighter IV will hit shelves at a lower price point than the usual new title $59.99.

Expect to take to the streets with your 360 or PS3, spring 2010. I'll do one better and predict that Super Street Fighter IV Mondo-HD Remix will be available spring (possibly fall) 2021.

Thursday, September 24, 2009

Wednesday, September 23, 2009

Breaking News: Wii price slashed to $199

[After weeks of rumors and speculation, Nintendo has just announced that their Wii console will shed 50 dollars, dropping to $199. The price cut will go into effect September 27th.

Today marks the 120th anniversary of Nintendo, a company that started out selling playing cards in Japan. Today, their Wii console remains on top across worldwide sales. The price drop for the Wii console will undoubtedly continue Nintendo's high ranks as the next-gen console enters its fourth holiday season.]

Nintendo

Tuesday, September 22, 2009

TMNT: Smash Up isn't filling in those question marks


After months of waiting and guessing who the mystery characters are, finally all has been revealed! Aside from the characters above, and three Rayman Rabbids... you get nothing. No other characters are featured in the game. Why on God's green earth did Ubisoft use the above image to amp up the excitement for these mystery characters? Are they coming later by secret code? Did something happen with licensing at the last minute? Regardless, a game promising to celebrate 25 years of TMNT conveniently decided to forget the first two decades. Shame, Ubisoft.

Today's Wii and DS Shop Releases (9.21.09)

WiiWare

You, Me, and the Cubes
Publisher:
Nintendo
Players: 1-2
ESRB Rating: E (Everyone) - Comic Mischief
Price: 1,000 Wii Points™
Description: Experience a unique combination of strategy and skill as you maintain a level playing field in the physics-based action puzzler You, Me, and the Cubes. The action centers around Fallos, mysterious creatures that resemble humans and have an ability to balance on a playing field of 3-D cubes. First, create a pair of Fallos inside your Wii Remote™ controller by shaking it up and down. Next, determine suitable places for the Fallos to land, then fling them to the selected cube with a swinging motion. After that, the Fallos are on their own. If your placement is sound, the Fallos will remain stable and you'll clear the stage after tossing a required number onto the cubes. But if the weight or locations of Fallos causes the cubes to tilt and sway too much, the Fallos will lose their balance and fall off. Adding to the challenge, you'll find that some cubes have different properties, making tosses tricky and further threatening the stability of the Fallos. Guide Fallos through dozens of single-player stages or invite family and friends to join you in two-player cooperative mode.

Family Tennis
Publisher:
Aksys Games
Players: 1-4
ESRB Rating: E (Everyone) - Comic Mischief, Mild Suggestive Themes
Price: 500 Wii Points
Description: Daddy, Mommy, Sarah and Billy return for some hard-hitting, fast-paced tennis action. Battle it out between the happy family members as you vie for the top spot. Choose from three different modes: Elimination Match, Free Match and Thrilling Rally. Play against the CPU or compete with friends. Elimination Match mode pits you against the CPU to test your skills, while Free Match mode allows you to play against another player under conditions of your choosing. Thrilling Rally mode lets you join up to three other players and rally to see who can get to 100 points first.

Virtual Console

Last Ninja 2
Original platform:
Commodore 64
Publisher: Commodore Gaming
Players: 1
ESRB Rating: E10+ (Everyone 10 and Older) - Mild Violence
Price: 500 Wii Points
Description: The ninja known as the Mystic Shadow Warriors were the elite fighting force of ninth-century feudal Japan. The evil Shogun Kunitoki was once beaten, but he has gathered all his mystic powers to create a modern-day tyranny in Manhattan. Face your archenemy Kunitoki in the urban jungle and conquer him with your ninja skills. Transported to 1988 Manhattan by an unknown force, the ninja leader Armakuni must find a way to defend himself against the unknown dangers that lie before him. Will this be the final battle? Can you vanquish the evil Kunitoki once and for all?

Nintendo DSiWare

Clubhouse Games Express: Strategy Pack
Publisher:
Nintendo
Players: 1-8
ESRB Rating: E (Everyone)
Price: 500 Nintendo DSi Points
Description: Prepare yourself for a lesson in tactics as you play through five strategy-based games in this Nintendo DSiWare version of the popular Clubhouse Games. Take on an opponent in the classic Backgammon, invade an enemy base in Field Tactics, sandwich your opponent's pieces to capture them in Turncoat, create strings of five in a row in Connect Five and guess where to attack your opponent's pieces in Grid Attack. Play by yourself or use DS Download Play to host as many as seven friends.

MySims Camera
Publisher:
Electronic Arts
Players: 1
Price: 200 Nintendo DSi Points
Description: MySims Camera is a camera application that utilizes popular MySims characters. You can take photos and overlay 3-D MySims characters to bring them into the real world. The 3-D characters can be animated, moved, scaled, rotated and cropped. You can also draw on the photos with the stylus or use the stamp tool to add more art and style. Create a unique frame and save the photos to the Nintendo DSi Camera album to share with friends. MySims Camera is a fun, creative experience for the entire family.

Nintendo adds new titles to the Nintendo DSi Shop and the Wii™ Shop Channel at 9 a.m. Pacific time on Mondays. Users with broadband Internet access can redeem Wii Points or Nintendo DSi Points to download the games. Wii Points can be purchased in the Wii Shop Channel. Nintendo DSi Points can be purchased in the Nintendo DSi Shop. A Nintendo Points Card™ can be purchased at retail locations. All points from one Nintendo Points Card must be redeemed in either the Nintendo DSi Shop or the Wii Shop Channel. They are not transferable and cannot be divided between the two systems.

Saturday, September 19, 2009

Best Buy's "Geek Squad" appallingly lame

bestbuyad

Although Best Buy has made strides in the gaming industry by starting their own price matching and trade-in program, they deserve a big F minus in the ripping off customers department. A Kotaku reader spotted this ad, which shows the Geek Squad offering a service to essentially plug in your newly purchased PS3 console, update the firmware, and charge you $130. Or if you really don't know how to do any of that yourself, you could easily find a 10-year-old kid to do it for you, all for 5 bucks.

Kotaku

Friday, September 18, 2009

New Super Mario Bros. Wii boxart

For now at least. Although recycled artwork, I freakin' love it!

Bio Shock 2 release date announced

2K Games has finally announced the release date to the much anticipated BioShock 2. The game will release February 9, 2010. The game is the sequel to Bio Shock, a title that won over 50 "Game of the Year" awards. Below is a description of the game, taken from the official press release:

[Set approximately 10 years after the events of the original BioShock, the halls of Rapture once again echo with sins of the past. Along the Atlantic coastline, a monster has been snatching little girls and bringing them back to the undersea city of Rapture. Players step into the boots of the most iconic denizen of Rapture, the Big Daddy, as they travel through the decrepit and beautiful fallen city, chasing an unseen foe in search of answers and their own survival.] -2K Games Press Release

via Examiner

Thursday, September 17, 2009

Newly updated TMNT Smash Up boxart


This new boxart for TMNT: Smash Up shows even more characters than the previous one. This is definitely the best out of the previous two we saw before. Although a few characters are still unannounced, Wikipedia has announced "Hip Hop Mickey" an alternative character for Michaelangelo, will be available.

Sonic's Ultimate Genesis Collection on sale


Enjoy all the goodness that Sonic's Ultimate Genesis Collection for the PS3 or Xbox 360 at a new low price. Originally $30, the game is on Amazon for the discounted $19.98.

The game includes such titles as Congo Bongo, Altered Beast and Zaxxon in glorious 720p.

Buy the game here!

A second 250GB Xbox bundle announced

Yesterday, we told you about the upcoming 250GB Xbox 360 Modern Warfare 2 bundle. Today, Forza Motorsport 3 has just been announced as another 250GB bundle.

The racing bundle will include two wireless controllers, a 250GB HDD, while the Xbox itself will just be a regular 360, without any custom skins.

Unfortunately it has only been announced for the European market so far, with a release date of October 23 $411 US dollars, but that could change. Keep an eye out for a North American announcement, hopefully.

Kotaku

Wednesday, September 16, 2009

PS3 adds pizza ordering option

The future is finally here. An optional PS3 update will not only fix some bugs, it will add some flavor! Sony has now added the ability to order a Papa John's pizza with the touch of a button on your controller.

You'll find the new feature on the browser's main page, where a Papa John's button is found around the YouTube links. Or rather, it's the button that makes your mouth salivate.

Aside from the overuse of garlic that seeps through your pores after a slice of their pizza, it is great to know that my dream of a world without human communication is upon us.

1UP

Two new Xbox bundles announced (including a 250GB Xbox)

Microsoft is releasing two new bundles this fall season. The first is a Halo 3 ODST bundle, which will include Halo 3, Halo 3 ODST and Halo Reach multiplayer beta. The Xbox will be a 120GB model in black, with standard black controller. As of now, this is only a PAL exclusive item that will release later this month, but cross your fingers and your dreams may come true.

Additionally, for those who have been craving more than the minuscule 120GB, I'd like to introduce the Modern Warfare 2 Xbox bundle. This bundle will a 250GB HDD, the game Modern Warfare 2, a black Xbox covered in MW2 logos, and 2 wireless controllers. The bundle is set to release November 10th. This console bundle is a limited edition, so don't lollygag, ya hear?

Kotaku

Tuesday, September 15, 2009

TMNT Smash Up quiet release?

Despite having a release date of September 22nd, there appears some release date confusion with TMNT Smash Up. Ubisoft's official website says the game is already in stores, while Amazon and other retailers are showing an September 22nd release. However, upon adding the game to your cart on Amazon, the website notifies you that the item is likely to ship September 28th. Additionally, many people have reported buying the game as early as September 15th at their local Best Buy stores.

It is odd that we haven't heard many specifics about the game in a while, as many of the characters are still a secret, as well as the original story mode written by Peter Laird. Whether that means its delayed or Ubisoft just isn't good at properly promoting the title is up for debate. Either way, we'll find out in less than a week.

Nintendo Power November issue sneak peak!

The November issue of Nintendo Power will release 9/29, but the preview of that issue has just been released. Of note are reviews for Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Winter Games, as well as TMNT: Smash Up. Additionally, you can expect previews for Wii Fit Plus and Resident Evil: The Darkside Chronicles.

The issue also includes the much hyped 2010 calendar, which features 15 months of different Nintendo games. Take a look at the calendar preview image below!

Nintendo denies reported Wii price cut

Just a day after a leaked Toys R Us circular ad was shown having the Wii console at a $199 price tag, a rep for Nintendo has issued a statement to the contrary.

"We currently have no plans to cut the price of Wii. Current talk of price cuts is rumour and speculation. This is rumour and speculation as Nintendo have made no announcements on price. Furthermore this is most likely retailer led much in the same way retailers in the UK offer price promotions on our products." - Nintendo rep

That is about as confident of statement as you can get in the gaming industry. Unfortunately, Nintendo has been known to use clever phrases like "no announcement has been made," to desguise an upcoming announcement. Either way, we'll find out by the 27th, the day when the supposed leaked Toys R Us ad is slated to release.

Examiner via C&VG

Skate 3 announced for May release


Eurogamer has announced a three-quel to the popular EA skating franchise. Skate 3, will bring team-based co-op to the table. Additionally, the game allows you and your friends to skate together in group challenges and advancing your careers as you go.

Skate 3 will also allow gamers to edit videos and graphics, and offers up a customizable feature to create skate parks.

Also announced is a pre-order bonus, giving you a code to unlock the Black Box Distribution Skate Park, which is home to the Zero, Mystery and Fallen skate teams.

via Examiner

New Super Mario Bros. Wii, walkthrough video



I don't think this game could be any cooler if it tried. I can't wait to grab me a Yoshi.

Monday, September 14, 2009

Report: Wii dropping price to $199

First, it was Microsoft and Sony that cut prices of their Xbox and PS3 consoles. Now, Nintendo seems to be feeling the pressure of the console price wars. A preview of an upcoming Toys R Us circular ad shows the Wii with a $199 price tag. This will be Wii's fourth holiday season on the market, meaning a price drop would be expected at this stage in the game.

Sony's PS3 dropped its price last month to $299. Many argued that the PS3's hardware specs alone warrant more than a $50 differential between that and the Wii, although the Wii contains a pack-in software title. Despite being the console leader, Nintendo likely noticed that a recent decline in sales created a situation where they had to take action.

With $199 price point, Nintendo is bound to take the top spot this holiday season, once again. The Toys R Us circular is set for the week of September 27th, so that is presumably the price cut start date.

Today's Wii and DS Shop Releases (9.14.09)


DSiWare

Oscar in Toyland
Art Academy: First Semester

WiiWare

Mart Racer
Texas Hold’em Poker
Spaceball Revolution

VC

Crash ‘N The Boys: Street Challenge

Mario & Luigi: Bowser's Inside Story, released

[Sure, he's a villain, but Bowser™ is one of the most beloved characters in Nintendo's imaginative Mushroom Kingdom. Now, with today's launch of the Mario & Luigi™: Bowser's Inside Story game for the hand-held Nintendo DS™ and Nintendo DSi™ video game systems, fans will get to know the cantankerous King Koopa inside and out — literally. The new game finds Mario™ and Luigi™ getting inhaled by Bowser, sending players straight to the belly of the beast for an outrageous hand-held adventure.

Mario & Luigi: Bowser's Inside Story lets players adventure through two fun and hilarious storylines at the same time, taking control of the famous Mario brothers and even Bowser himself. Not only must players control Bowser to win back control of his castle from the evil Fawful, they've also got to muster the guts to help Mario and Luigi as they try to escape from Bowser's body. Players can switch between the two storylines independently as they attempt to rescue Princess Peach™ and restore order to Mushroom Kingdom.

In addition to its inventive dual storyline, Mario & Luigi: Bowser's Inside Story makes creative use of the unique interface capabilities of Nintendo DS and Nintendo DSi. Players will press buttons with precise timing to enhance their attacks, tap the touch screen with the stylus, blow into the built-in microphone and even turn the whole game system sideways and hold it like a book in order to successfully overcome obstacles and advance the plot. A lively mix of puzzles, character battles and humorous dialogue and storyline delivers all the action and amusement fans can stomach.

"The imagination and humor of Mario & Luigi: Bowser's Inside Story make it a can't-miss adventure," said Cammie Dunaway, Nintendo of America's executive vice president of Sales & Marketing. "Featuring some of Nintendo's most iconic characters, the game is full of hilarious surprises for fans and newcomers alike."]

Sunday, September 13, 2009

Paperboy: The Movie, trailer



I can't believe how cool this is. I'm so glad that there are people out there that appreciate the classic games of my youth. Paperboy will always go down as one of my favorite retro gaming past times, and this faux movie trailer explains why!

Mother 3 DS boxart is inspiring

Mother 3 has undoubtedly earned a place in our hearts for years, but the game has been out of our reach for as long as we can remember. Well, YoshiStar at VGBoxArt created this Mother 3 DS boxart, leaving me feeling all warm inside. Great job, YoshiStar!

Saturday, September 12, 2009

The WORST boxarts of all time!

Throughout the weekend, we're going to be updating this post to bring you the WORST boxart of all time. There are some great contenders, so many that picking one just isn't in the cards. (If you have suggestions, send them to OneLifeGamer! So let's start it off:

John Madden wants you to play his game so much, EA had him break through a wall. Can you feel the football excitement?

I'm not really sure what to say, other than a boxart with Michael Jordan holding his balls is no way to sell a game.

Mega Man is one of the coolest video game characters of all time. His shiny blue armor and arm blaster really make him a legend in the hall of coolness. Too bad Capcom had the ingenious idea of hiring an artist to make him look like an American Gladiator in the Tron universe. The boxart was so bad, that Capcom used the same shitacious art style for the 2008 release of Mega Man 9 as part of a sad inside joke.

More like, "A Boy and his green bowel movement." Mr. Hankey's cucumber clone and Dennis the Menace don't really work well together. Although not laughably bad, the drawing pales in comparison to the newly revamped animation style of next month's A Boy and His Blob. And why is Grimace hiding in the games's logo?

- Oh my god... distressed leather! Clearly this girl is afraid of something. Of what isn't really clear. Maybe more of a focus should have been on the game, Ju-On: The Grudge, and not the reaction of a gamer playing it? Based on this model, the DVD cover of Bruno would feature an angry conservative redneck holding a rifle. Fail.

- The first Ten Pin Alley game was one of the most fun sports titles on the PlayStation One. I played it for hours because bowling simulators were few and far between at the time. Unfortunately, for the sequel Ten Pin Alley 2, they apparently hired a third grade art student to create the cheesiest boxart I've ever had the privileged of ripping apart.

First of all, why the hell is the pale ogre waving at me? If I was cursed enough to have an ugly friend with man boobs like him, I'd blatantly ignore him in any social setting, a bowling alley no less. And be careful because it looks like Janette from the Chipettes is about to hit your fat ass with a bowling ball. I don't have to be a rocket scientist to tell you the game failed in being a Wii Sports bowling competitor.

The return of Kuribo's Shoe in New Super Mario Bros. Wii?

According to Mario Wiki, 2 returning elements from the Mario series are set to make appearances in this Winter's New Super Mario Bros. Wii:
In the August 2009 Issue of Nintendo Power, In the interview with Nate Bihldorff, the magazine asked if there will be any surprise cameos in the game. Nate replied the there are 2 confirmed. One is a certain enemy from world 5-3 in Super Mario Bros. 3, which is almost certainly the Goomba's Shoe goomba. The other he could not tell, although it is believed to be referring to the hidden Shroob bosses.
If the Kuribo's Shoe, a.k.a. Goomba's Shoe happens to appear in the game, I would squeal so highly in excitement. The return of Frog Mario is the only thing higher on my wishlist.

Thursday, September 10, 2009

Kingdom Hearts 358/2 Days boxart (DS)

Turtles Forever, DVD cover art revealed

Turtles Forever is a new animation movie set to rock the world of those who enjoy the mean green fighting machines, or more commonly known as the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. The direct-to-DVD film will feature the new 2003 drawn Turtles in a world that also brings the original 80's cartoon Turtles! Some Comic Com '09 attendees got a chance to see the flick, but hopefully soon, we can all witness the awesomeness that is new and old Turtles coming together and defeating The Shredder.

Honestly, when Ubisoft first announced TMNT: Smash Up, my first thought was to bring the old art style Turtles as playable characters as well as the new Turtles. I guess they opted out of that idea, but it is great to see that the concept was in someone's mind, as is evident by the upcoming DVD film.

TMNT Turtles in Time Reshelled hits PSN... Now!


Sony has just announced that the Turtles are heading to PSN today:

Downloadable Games

TMNT: Turtles in Time Re-Shelled ($9.99)
The Turtles are back! The game has been recreated in beautiful full 3D HD graphics and enhanced animations but still has all of the favorite moments and gameplay from the original.
ESRB Rated 10+
File size: 369 MB

Netflix likely coming to more consoles... eventually


Netflix has listed an opening for a Gaming Programmer to join their team. The online video rental service has primarily focused their attention on delivering movies via snail mail but lately have they've excelled with their streaming service that allows viewing access for anyone with a computer. Their Xbox Live support has also expanded this year, allowing gamers to watch thousands of movies and TV shows on demand.

The job opening is for "The Gaming Platforms team member" which will work in a "newly [formed] group responsible for prototyping, testing and building the Netflix experience for gaming consoles. Over the last ten years, Netflix has developed the world’s best personalization and movie finding technology – this team’s challenge is to bring it to gaming consoles and create a fantastic experience used every day by our growing subscriber base of over 10 million customers." It appears that either the company is planning on building further the Xbox streaming interface, or they're adding support to PS3 and Wii sooner than later.

If you are looking to apply, do so here! Then make sure to spill the beans as to what Netflix's plans are!

Wednesday, September 9, 2009

Courtney Love suing Activision for Cobain's GH5 appearance


I guess the woman blamed for Kurt Cobain's uncomfortable appearance in Guitar Hero 5 wasn't so happy with the outcome. Courtney Love wrote on her Twitter page that she is planning on suing Activision:

“For the record this Guitar Hero shit is breach of contract on a Bullys part and there will be a proper addressing of this and retraction," she tweeted. “WE are going to sue the shit out of ACtivision we being the Trust the Estate the LLC the various LLCs Cobain Enterprises.”

This probably stems from Cobain singing songs by other licensed artists, something that in no way seems like something he would want to be a part of, if alive today. We can't wait to see what happens with this one.

Zing! Nintendo forgets Smash-UP is also PS2 bound

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Smash-Up
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Smash-Up
Get ready for hours of turtle-on-turtle fighting action with this Wii™ exclusive. Cowabunga!!
ESRB Rating: Everyone 10+ with Cartoon Violence, Mild Suggestive Themes
> Learn More

Portable retro gaming just got easier

Introducing the Pocket Retro Game Emulator. This handheld allows you to upload NES, SNES, GBA, Sega Genesis or Neo Geo roms, and play them on the go.

The handheld has a 4GB hard drive with micro SD support, allowing you to store all your precious retro games conveniently in one place. For all the specs or to order the dream machine, visit ThinkGeek!

Apple's 9.9.09 Event: Live Updates

Steve Jobs is back in action!

The man, the myth, the legend has announced:

-Video Nano will come in a variety of colors: pink, red, orange, yellow, green, blue, purple, silver, black. 8GB $159 and 16GB for $179, both will be available today.

-iPod Shuffle's voice over commands will be available in Nano. iPod gets a video camera! iPod Nano gets camera, microphone and speaker built into every unit.

-The iPod Shuffle will now come in more colors. Pink, green, and blue in addition to the silver and black. It's also now $59 for 2Gb and $79 for 4GB. There's also a special edition in stainless steel for $99.

-Now onto the iPod Classic. Now it will be 160GB for $249, which is up from 120GB.

-OpenGL ES 2.0 is also on the iPod Touch now, so games are faster--except for the $199 version, which will not have that.


-Apple competing with DS and PSP as a "better" gaming handheld. Over 21,000 entertainment and gaming Apps. Assassin's Creed II coming, Madden '10 available today.

-As of today, the iPod Touch is $199 for 8GB. You can also get 32GB for $299 and 64GB for $399 now, all new price cuts.

-iPhone OS 3.01: The update will fix some bugs, and will be available today

-iTunes 9: Much easier to manage. Introduces Home Sharing. Can use Twitter and Facebook to share info about songs you like. Introduces iTunes LP, which brings back the fun of buying a CD. Album artwork, lyrics, etc. much easier to view. Available today.

Thanks to CNET's Erica Ogg for the play-by-play

Apple drops iPod prices, new iPod will be announced

Today, Apple is scheduled to announce a line of new iPods (or some mysterious announcements) starting today at 1pm EST. In the meantime, it seems the company is preparing for the new stock by cutting prices on existing models. Currently, here are the new prices:

iTouch:
8GB = $189
16GB = $249
32GB = $279

Nano:
16GB $149
8GB $129

Rumor is that the new iPods will include camera and microphone support. Additionally, rumors of The Beatles finally coming to iTunes have been swirling. Check back later today for a full report!

Okamiden trailer

Sonic to return to 2D in HD!



Sega has announced (on the Dreamcast 10 year anniversary mind you) that Sonic the Hedgehog will be returning to his 2D glory. Coming next year, the game will be an HD version of the traditional Sonic games we know and love. Not much is known about the game, including what consoles it will appear on. "Project Needlemouse" is the current code name for the upcoming game.

Watch the teaser trailer above!
GameSpot

Tuesday, September 8, 2009

Final Fantasy XIII gets release date in Japan

Square Enix has announced in Tokyo that Japanese gamers will be able to get their hands on Final Fantasy XIII on December 17th. The game will release internationally shortly after, likely after Q1.

Gamers first got a glimpse of the epic 13th installment at E3 2006. The wait has been a long one, but it is good to know that a solid release date has been announced, as least for Japan.

Source: AndriaSang

The Beatles: Rock Band debuts tomorrow, love

Music and gaming fans will unite tomorrow, as 9.9.09 marks the launch of the much anticipated The Beatles: Rock Band. Developed by Harmonix and published by MTV Games, the game combines the familiar gameplay seen through the Rock Band franchise, while boasting an impressive tracklist filled with hits through the career of "The Fab Four."

Almost every song you could imagine is included, from "A Hard Day's Night" to "Yellow Submarine." The game has seen rave reviews, earning a 4/5 from G4 and 9/10 from Eurogamer.

The Beatles: Rock Band will retail for $59.99 software only, or instrument bundle for $99.99.

Examiner

Monday, September 7, 2009

Another Zelda plate hits eBay

Competition has arisen on the Zelda eBay front. Earlier last month, it was reported that a listing appeared for a rare Zelda collector's plate with a $15,000 "Buy It Now" price. Well now a new auctioneer has listed their Zelda plate, substantially cheaper. Listed at $7,500 it seems that those looking to get their gaming plate collection up and running can do so at a bargain price.

Here's a link to the auction.

Mario & Luigi: Bowser's Inside Story U.S. trailer

Today's Wii & DS Shop Downloads (9.7.09)


WiiWare

Contra Rebirth
Publisher: Konami
Players: 1-2
ESRB Rating: E10+ (Everyone 10 and Older) - Fantasy Violence
Price: 1,000 Wii Points™
Description: Chief Salamander and his Neo-Salamander Force travel back to 1973 A.D. to invade Earth. They land in Central America and take control of the Shizuoka ruins on the Yucatan Peninsula. There, the aliens plan the destruction of all the "Contra" on Earth. The Galactic President calls on Lance Bean, a member of the elite "Contra" warriors, to save the day, but his sudden disappearance jeopardizes the safety of the planet. Now, Bill Rizer and samurai Genbei Yagyu are the last hope for Earth. They must pick up their weapons and defeat the evil Neo-Salamander Army before all is lost. Experience the fast-paced, action-packed, side-scrolling adventure that pioneered the run-and-gun genre.

ColorZ
Publisher: Exkee
Players: 1-3
ESRB Rating: E (Everyone) - Comic Mischief
Price: 700 Wii Points
Description: With ColorZ, go forth in your spaceships on a mission to clean up virus-infested planets. Immerse yourself in a new gaming experience that will reveal mind-hand-eye coordination skills you never knew you had. Absorb viruses of your own color, but steer clear of the others. If necessary, you can cleverly merge your ships together to create new colors. Buzz past your enemies to keep your combo and clock up a new high score. Explore an extra dimension with the game's multiplayer mode and share the unique experience of cooperative play between friends. Pool your forces, synchronize your movements and become a unified team of up to three players to meet the challenge together.

Virtual Console

Super Return of the Jedi
Original platform: Super NES™
Publisher: LucasArts
Players: 1
ESRB Rating: E (Everyone) - Fantasy Violence
Price: 800 Wii Points
Description: Join the Rebellion and crush the Death Star in a giant universe filled with all the action and adventure of the Star Wars® finale. Take command of five different characters - from Wicket the Ewok to Princess Leia - and go up against the Empire's worst, from Jabba the Hutt to the Emperor himself. You're going to need every ounce of Force you've got in you. Battle in actual movie locales, from Jabba the Hutt's palace to the Forest of Endor and the Emperor's Tower. Cross sabers with the darkest of the dark side: Bib Fortuna, Jabba the Hutt, the rancor, Darth Vader and the Emperor.

Nintendo DSiWare

Clubhouse Games™ Express: Family Favorites
Publisher: Nintendo
Players: 1-8
ESRB Rating: E (Everyone)
Price: 500 Nintendo DSi Points
Description: Choose from five family-friendly games in this Nintendo DSiWare version of the popular Clubhouse Games. Play classic card games like Hearts and Contract Bridge; connect bones to other bones in Dominoes; think strategically in the simple but addictive Dots and Boxes; and move your pieces towards a common goal in Ludo. Play by yourself or use DS Download Play to host as many as seven friends.

Sunday, September 6, 2009

Saturday, September 5, 2009

OLG Profiler: Xbox 360 Case Moder



Chocolate City Customs may sound like a tasty bakery, but they actually mod and repair Xbox 360 consoles. Some of their previous mods include themes of Batman, the Joker, Michael Jackson and Gears of War. Above, I posted a video of their DanceDanceRevolution case mod, which is pretty freakin' awesome if you ask me. Below, is their video for a recent case mod featuring Sub-Zero from Mortal Kombat.



The company is based out of Baltimore, Maryland, so if you are looking for a custom case mod, they take requests at cccustoms360@yahoo.com

Friday, September 4, 2009

New Super Mario Bros. Wii controller shell


Forget about the Classic Controller! Introducing PDP's New Super Mario Bros. Wii themed Wii Remote shell adapter. This adapter attaches to your Wii Remote, acting like a SNES controller of sorts (minus the R, L and 4 button layout). The larger buttons and better placement truly makes using the Wii Remote sideways a pleasure rather than a pain. The controller shell debuts this Holiday season around the launch of New Super Mario Bros. Wii, for only $9.99.
Kombo

New 'Blur' power-up trailer



This new trailer for Blur shows off the 5 different power-ups. My personal favorite is naturally shooting rockets. This game is like James Bond meets Mario Kart on crack. The game launches November 3rd.
Joystiq

Thursday, September 3, 2009

Classic Controller Pro gets Samurai Warriors 3 makeover

We first saw the Classic Controller Pro make its debut when sold at the Japanese launch of Monster Hunter 3. Well, now a special version of the controller is getting bundled with the release of Samurai Warriors 3.

The black controller, with a new golden art style draped on top. The special controller will be sold as a bundle with the software, as well as sold separately, and will reach stores November 19th in Japan. No word if the Classic Controller Pro, or the Special Classic Controller Pro will come to the US of A.
Adriansang