Summon Night: Twin Age Trailer

"A quick peek at the new game being published by Atlus for the Nintendo DS. Summon Night: Twin Age will be released on June 3rd, and is a continuation of a long series of Summon Night games (mostly released in Japan). If you are interested in what you see, click the jump to see some more game play without any of those nasty spoilers" - Infendo

Wii: Speed Racer Gameplay Video

Super Mario Sluggers: Screenshots

See all seven screenshots here.

LEGO Indiana Jones - Jaws of Death Gameplay Video

Quake Wars: PS3 vs. XBox 360

The article below is a pre-production of an article on JoyStiq.
"A Tale of Two (different) Ports" has reached its (anti-) climactic conclusion, asEnemy Territory: Quake Wars was released for PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 this week. Development of the console ports was fractured between two different studios, and when we checked in on the games six weeks ago, Underground Development's PS3 version was lagging behind -- yet refused to be delayed. And so, broken and stuttering, the port pushed on, crossing the finish line (into the retail market) hand in hand with its Xbox 360 counterpart. A tie then? Clearly not:

• VideoGamer: "Although Quake Wars on PC had a long development, it still looked great when PC gamers finally got hold of it last year. On Xbox 360 this look has been ported overly pretty much intact and, although not top of its class, Quake Wars still looks like it fits on Microsoft's console. On PS3 it's a different story altogether -- the game is simply less attractive, with fewer effects, rougher edges and a less consistent frame rate. Although minor visual differences between console games are normal, here there's a pretty big gap, with the Xbox 360 game [80/100] having a level of polish that the PS3 version [70/100] is sorely missing. PS3 owners even have to sit through an eight-minute install before they can begin playing, and this doesn't seem to help the game load any faster than the 360 version." [PS3 review; Xbox 360 review]
  
• Cheat Code Central: "What was really weird is we were given the debug code for the 360 and the full retail copy for the PS3, but the shuttering occurred far more often on the PS3 than it did on the 360 ... The biggest differences between the PS3 [66/100] and Xbox 360 [76/100]versions are found in the menu interface and online matching. Both versions are well organized, but I'll have to give the nod to the 360 once again, as the 360 version's interface is far more accessible. I did like being able to choose from a list of available matches on the PS3 though ... Another big difference between versions is the quality of the voice chat; the PS3 produces some terrible echoes and painfully distorted feedback." [PS3 review; Xbox 360 review]
• IGN: "See, unlike the Xbox 360 version [61/100], the PS3 rendition[53/100] of Quake Wars' greatest failing isn't the structure that was built under the fairly uninspired gameplay. Instead, this Quake Wars falls short because of its core gameplay and the total lack of fluidity that it brings to the table ... While it does have a lot to do with the quality of your server, the gameplay experience can be totally ruined if the map is crowded with frenetic action and a few lacking connection. We didn't have the same problem while trying to join a game on Xbox 360." [PS3 review;Xbox 360 review]

Castlevania: Order of Ecclesia trailer

"We've yet to play a DS incarnation of Konami's vamp-slaying franchise that we didn't thoroughly enjoy -- if this debut trailer for the next installment in the handheld series is any indication, that streak appears to show no signs of stopping. This stylish trailer introduces us to the protagonist of Castlevania: Order of Ecclesia -- the raven-haired Shanoa (who looks a bit too similar to Bullet Witch's Alicia for our comfort), and her many, many methods for murdering and dismembering ol' Vlad's minions. Sure, she may not wield the Vampire Killer whip made famous in other Castlevania titles, but she does dispatch a Giant Enemy Crab with a falling elevator, which arguably possesses a bit more panache than the Belmont family's legendary cord." - JoyStiq

StillAliveDS: 2D Portal brewed for DS

"Inspired by the Flash game inspired by Portal, StillAliveDS packs all the joy of in hole / out hole, squashes it into 2D, and serves it onto your DS (with supported hardware). So clear out those pirated Pokemons and make room! This is the sort of delicious, home-baked, icing covered code that inspired you to cop a flash cart all the way from China in the first place ... right? (If you're asking, "What's a flash cart?" then you best start here.) Otherwise, get downloading -- it's free!" - JoyStiq

Captivate '08: Resident Evil 5 Trailer

"As promised yesterday, GameTrailers recently dropped their debut preview for Resident Evil 5. For those yet to run an anticipatory pointer over that quivering play button, the trailer heralds the return of the third-person view present in the franchise's last installment, features familiar parasites who recently and irrevocably wrecked the shop of a small European village, and introduces the game's obligatory female accomplice -- though the new femme fatale appears to be able to hold her own a bit better than the president's daughter. Controversial imagery or no, our excitement for Capcom's newest head-buster is thick enough to drizzle over pancakes, and as infectious as that rascally T-Virus." - JoyStiq

FaceBreaker: Voodoo

Wii: Sadness Concept Art

click images to enlarge

Wii: Sadness

Don't trade in that Wii just yet... Sadness, currently in development for the Wii, looks to be one of the games in which its developers are trying to push the envelope on Wii graphics (see the E3 Trailer below).

Sadness is a horror adventure game aimed at adults with strong nerves. Players will need to confront their greatest fears and protect themselves in hopes of not getting trapped inside the main character’s nightmare. The game has eight different extreme endings each with their own premise, which are assigned to a player based on specific factors during the game. To compliment the intense gameplay, the Wii-mote and Wii Nunchuk control the main character’s hands so players feel as though they are in the psychological thriller.

The Clone Wars: Theatrical Trailer

Here's the trailer that debuted alongside Speed Racer in theaters... a look at the fantastic new animated Star Wars adventure that arrives August 15, 2008.

Footage Of Samus In Marvel: Ultimate Alliance

"Don’t think it’s terribly well-known (and the possibility remains it’s an elaborate hoax), but when Marvel: Ultimate Alliance was in development, Activision apparently were keen on throwing Link & Samus into the game as bonus characters, sweeten the Nintendo-branded pot. They even went ahead and got the characters running in the game. Didn’t work. Nintendo said no, thanks. Bummer. Ah well, this vid’s now surfaced, allegedly of the unreleased content, showing Samus in action. On the PS2 version of the game," - Kotaku

Gears Of War 2 Getting Photo Mode, Bots and More

Back in March, I posted my Gears of War 2 Wish List where I mentioned my desire to see Bots used in Gears of War 2. Well, according to EGM we'll see just that:

This month’s issue of Electronic Gaming Monthly features some new details on Gears of War 2, the upcoming chainsaw-wielding action game from Epic Games. The feature in the magazine says that the game will incorporate a photo mode similar to the one found in Capcom’s Dead Rising. Snapshots taken will be graded based on the amount of action and carnage present in the frame. How it will be rated was not detailed.

The article also says that Epic is currently considering adding computer-controlled bots for use in the game’s 10-player multiplayer matches. Additionally, it wasn’t confirmed if the rumored four-player cooperative play would be added or not.

Epic will also introduce new weapons in the game, including a flamethrower weapon called the Scorcher, a short bust weapon called the Gorgon Burst Pistol, and more.There will also be new deathblows and moves that can be performed on enemies.

Gears of War 2 is set for release this November.

(Source DigitalBattle.com)

Saints Row 2 Delayed

"It looks as if you are going to have even more time to enjoy GTA IV. Saints Row 2 has been pushed back from Aug 26 to Oct 14. The reason cited is marketing issues and product quality. I’ll tell you the reason: GTA IV is maybe the best game off all time and Saints Row 2 pales in comparison. I played Saints Row and did not like it all that much. It had its good points, but was and is a GTA clone. If THQ wants to sell this game, they have to make very sure that it does not suck uber balls. If this game is not close to at least a 8.5-9, the franchise is dead." - Loot-Ninja.com

Red Alert 3 Demo Video

The embedded video is of the Red Alert 3 Demo by Electronic Arts (approx. 15 minutes)

Ubidays 2008: Tom Clancy’s EndWar Trailer

LucasArts teases Wii, DS-exclusive Star Wars games

"Remember the God of War III tease on the back of the Chains of Olympus manual? Well, IGN reports that LucasArts has gotten in on the back-of-booklet-surprise trend by slapping an ad for a new Wii and DS Star Wars game on the flip-side of the LEGO Indiana Jones manual.

The promo is for a game (or games) based on the upcoming Star Wars: The Clone Wars CGI movie and TV series, and only icons representing Nintendo's console and handheld platforms are present. If the games stick solely to the Big N's machines, they'll be the first Nintendo-only Star Wars titles that we've seen since long ago in a galaxy far, far away." - Joystiq

No More Heroes could've been so much more on 360 or PS3...

No More Heroes, released for the Wii earlier this year, is a beam kantana (lightsaber) swinging masterpiece of a game that could have been so much more if not for the Wii's graphical limitations. The game made perfect use of the Wiimote, and avoided making its use gimmicky.

Interestingly, although it was very well received by critics and remains one of the top rated games for the Wii, it didn't sell well, most likely due to the Wii's more casual demographic.

Since No More Heroes announcement for the Wii, I always hoped that somehow it would find it's way to either the XBox 360 or PS3 because I feel it could be the action game of the year on one of those platforms. To that end, while searching on the net to see if there were any rumors or speculation about a No More Heroes port to one of the high-end consoles, I found the following posting on MCV:

Suda51 admits upcoming Wii action hit was originally designed for Microsoft console

Grasshopper founder Suda51 has told MCV that he first planned for Rising Star’s No More Heroes to be an Xbox 360 title.

Speaking exclusively in the No More Heroes Recommended Extra magazine given away free in this weeks’s MCV magazine, Suda51 said:

“Originally, I’d wanted to make this game for Xbox 360, actually. [Marvelous Interactive boss] Wada-san had information about the new Wii and how the new controller would work before it came out, so that’s why he thought I should produce the game on that format.

“At the time, I didn’t really understand why, but after seeing and understanding how it works, I think it was a good choice and the controller works really well with the game.”

In a word, horrified!!!  Just think, we could have enjoyed the game as it should have been.  Well,  if either the PlayStation 3 or XBox 360 get their respective rumored waggle controllers (see here and here) perhaps Grasshopper Manufacture will see fit to re-create No More Heroes the way it should have been!!!

Ubidays 2008: Prince of Persia IV, First-Ever Interview Part 1

Hugely controversial changes set this next-gen title apart; producer Ben Mattes tells us what to expect, and about this title's relationship with Assassin's Creed.

Ubidays 2008: Prince of Persia IV Trailer

Here's the Prince of Persia Trailer from the Ubidays 2008 Event:

Far Cry 2: PS3/360 Comparison Video

Can you tell the difference?

Target Terror aims at a sequel

"There are only two ways to think of Target Terror: bad, or awesomely bad. The game is so ridiculous that it's in the same vein as the cheesiest of low-budget movies. It may surprise you, then, that the inspiration for Target Terror came from something as serious as the events of 9/11. Eugene Jarvis, the head of Raw Thrills, recently told MTV Multiplayer, "I think video games spend too much time in fantasy realms of little relevance to life today. The 9/11 story is so rich in action, destruction, death, heroism, megalomania, patriotism and paranoia that it begs for a video game to be made. What red-blooded American would not want to turn back time and heroically change history?"

You may be even more surprised, however, to learn that there's a sequel on the way. Jarvis promises a more fleshed out storyline, oddly enough (that doesn't seem like something that Target Terror fans would be concerned about). The game will stay true to its fanbase, though, as players can still shoot terrorists and enemies in the nuts." - NintendoWiiFanBoy.com

See the original Terror Target post here, which includes a video with commentary.

Soul Calibur IV: Transcendence Trailer

Transcending history and the world, a tale of swords and souls eternally retold.

Soul Calibur IV: Yoda Trailer

The embedded video showcases the XBox 360 version of Soul Calibur IV with its exclusive character Yoda.

Soul Calibur IV: Darth Vader Trailer

The embedded video showcases the PlayStation 3 version of Soul Calibur IV with its exclusive character Darth Vader.

Doom IV Announced

Id confirmed that Doom 4 is in development and placed a call on its website on Wednesday for new hires at the Texas-based company.

In a statement on the site, Id CEO Todd Hollenshead said the team "demands the greatest talent and brightest minds in the industry to bring the next installment of our flagship franchise to Earth."

Source

This Is How Home Will Flood You With PR

"Anyone lucky enough to be part of the Home beta tests right now will know that Ubisoft's Ubidays 08 event was one of the first to be broadcast in the service's "Media and Events" hub, an area of Home that lets publishers and Sony throw up videos and screenshots of upcoming games in a virtual exhibition. It all sounds great in theory, but as the clip above shows, it's going to take a particular breed of person/fanboy to be bothered running around a virtual space (complete with eerily disembodied David Reeves talking head) just to see a clip when they're only a few mouse-clicks away on this here internet." - Kotaku

BREW 2008: BioShock coming to iPhone

"Can a rich super-atmospheric first-person shooter like BioShock really work well on a mobile phone?

IG Fun has taken on the challenge, as we've previously reported. But today I bumped into the company's CEO Sean Malatesta at the BREW 2008 show.

He had some footage running on a BREW handset of that version of the game, but also revealed that IG Fun wants to bring the game to iPhone too, as well as Symbian.

Meanwhile, he said the company is working on a 2D version for handsets that can't handle the full 3D game.

But back to that BREW demo. It was non-interactive, but Malatesta said the visuals were being rendered on the handset itself (i.e. it wasn't just a video).

The demo included some spooky cut-scenes that indicate IG Fun is squeezing the most out of the BREW platform in terms of visuals.

Meanwhile, the snatch of gameplay footage looked spectacular, too – certainly not worth sniffing at, even if you're a hardcore fan of the original game.

The real questions are over controls (will the game be intuitive to play on a mobile keypad?) and on whether IG Fun can successfully translate the original's atmosphere to the small screen.

It's way too early to tell that from this demo. But from what I could see, IG Fun is certainly pulling out all the stops. And the iPhone version could be even better." - PocketGamer.co.uk

Ubidays 2008: Beyond Good & Evil 2 Announced

Ubidays 2008: Prince of Persia IV Concept Art

"Ubisoft has released eight new screenshots of their upcoming next-generation Prince of Persia title for the PLAYSTATION 3 and Xbox 360. The new screenshots show the amazing style of cell-shading in the game along with the new Prince's female companion. Enjoy! [GALLERY]" - ScrawlFx.com

Click images to enlarge

Postal III

"POSTAL III promises to be a hysterically violent title that will give you a load of laughs. Following the “accidental” nuclear destruction of Paradise AZ in the previous entry, we rejoin the Postal Dude as he and his semi-faithful pitbull Champ arrive in Catharsis, AZ. Due to the absurdly high price of gas, the Dude is forced to subject himself to a string of demeaning temp jobs to earn some cash so he can escape the insanity and corruption of Catharsis. Expanding on the Freewill concept of the previous titles, missions do not require killing for completion, this is left to the discretion of the player. POSTAL III's unique, edgy humor fuels a branching storyline that rewards the Good and "punishes" the Insane. It is a hysterical title basically, that we think should see light on the PLAYSTATION 3." - ScrawlFX.com

Star Wars: Force Unleashed Interview with the Producer

"The game's producer, Dan Wasson, recently conducted a video interview on the game. Sure, he talks up the inclusion of Vader, but also goes into detail regarding the Wii version specifically. This is good, considering most of the coverage the game has received has been in relation to the PS3 and Xbox 360 versions" - NintendoWiiFanBoy.com

Gears Of War: Redux

I've read a few of the "thought pieces" on the Internet about the recently announced Gears of War Remix, and surprisingly most of them have been less than enthusiastic, citing that bringing the PC content to the XBox 360 was previously stated as "Impossible for many reasons" by EPIC Games (See here and here)

Actually, what EPIC said was that brining the new content as Downloadable Content (DLC) was impossible due to the size of the content and the fact that the PC release used an updated version of the Unreal 3 Engine.  So, because this is a new game, you can have every confidence that it will indeed have all the extras that the PC release had and more.

Why?  Because Microsoft and EPIC want as many gamers as possible to buy the new Gears Of War; even those who've previously purchased it.  And why would you do so unless you had at least everything the PC release had and more?  Most of you probably wouldn't.

Here are my predictions for the Gears of War Remix:

• New Achievements
  
• All previously released DLC will be included (Map Packs, Game Modes, etc)
  
• At least 6 Acts (including the missing chapter with the Brumak boss battle)
  
• Improved graphics (textures and lighting) because of advances in Unreal Engine 3 technology
  
• New Game Features & Modes
  
• Bonus Gear of War background story videos
  
• Bonus Gears of War 2 preview videos
  

If you haven't seen the Unreal Engine 3 Tech Demo yet (video below), have a look to see what to expect from the new Gears of War:

Gears of War 2: Multiplayer details

This article is directly quoted from CVG.

The first details for Gears of War 2's multiplayer mode have emerged and it all sounds bloody brilliant.

The sequel to one of the most-played Xbox Live games will up the player count from eight to ten, with five-on-five gameplay options. Nice.

New gameplay mode, Wingman, sees ten players face off in teams of two. And Epic has invented its own take on the typical CTF scenario with 'Meatflag', in which the flag is a (presumably CPU-controlled) character who runs around the centre of the map trying to defend himself, while teams attempt to shoot him down and drag him back to base as a 'meatshield' (like a hostage).

Assassination mode has been renamed Guardian, and changes to the gameplay see team members respawn endlessly until the team leader is killed. The game ends only when the leader is dead and then everyone else on the team is killed.

Two new maps are detailed: River and Security. River is a symmetrical map, with two houses with sniping towers connected by a thin path and a river.

Security is said to be a long, thin map with two "power weapons" being guarded by deadly laser turrets at either side of the map. These turrets can be deactivated for 20 seconds by pressing a button in the centre of the map, apparently. Interesting.

A new weapon, called the Medusa, is described as a "power weapon" that shoots six shells with each shot - so like a powerful shotgun, we imagine. Bullet Shields - carry-able metal shields to guard you from enemy fire - have also been added. These shields can apparently be stuck into the floor to create new fixed cover.

The executions on each weapon will vary. The Sniper Rifle can, according to NeoGAF's report from X360 magazine, be used as a club to beat opponents to death.

As well as grenade now being attachable to any surface - not just enemies - a new Poison Grenade emits a green gas that's fatal to anyone within close proximity. Stick one of these to an enemy and not only do they die, but they're be deadly to others, too.

And lastly, a new screenshot mode has been added for players who've been killed in game modes where they can't respawn. While they wait, players can fly around in a free-cam mode and take snaps of the action, which can then be uploaded to an online community source.

Again, we can't bloody wait.

Enemy Territory: Quake Wars lands on Xbox 360, PlayStation 3

"PC gamers have been shooting each other up in id Software's Enemy Territory: Quake Wars for quite a while now, but the time has finally come when console owners can partake in the team-based multiplayer fragfest as well.

That's right, the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 versions of Quake Wars are out now in the U.S., and will be released on May 30 in Europe and Australia.

I've never been a huge team player, so when I tried the PC beta for Quake Wars a while back, my team got destroyed more often than not. Even though I never took the time to learn how to play as the different classes correctly, I still sort of dug the game." - Destructoid

Far Cry 2: The Story

"The latest trailer for Far Cry 2 gives us a little insight to the game's storyline. There's an arms dealer named the Jackal and it looks like you're trying to hunt him down. The trailer shows off a variety of guns that you'll be using to take on enemies and set things on fire. The big selling point of this game seems to be the burnable environments and lots of fire is shown off in this trailer." - Destructoid

Ghostbusters Details (Wii version)

This article is quoted directly from NintendoFanAlliance.com (See link below)

This is what we know about the story so far. The games story takes place in 1991, two years after the epic battle with Gozer the Carpathian. The city for some reason has decided to open a museum dedicated to his architecture. As you can guess, the paranormal activities in the city began to increase again and the Ghostbusters are called back into action. Okay, so the story isn’t all that important at the moment, but what is important is that the story is being written by long time Ghostbusters writers Dan Akroyd and Harold Ramis themselves.

So, what can you expect? Well, first in the story mode the game will have ten action packed levels. According to Gamespot, these will include. “ The streets of New York during the Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade, a library basement, a graveyard, and a Lost Island."

In addition to the main game there will also be;

*Multiplayer modes with two-versus-two battle modes.

*Four player co-op and competitive modes.

*Mini games.

The Wii and PS2 versions are going to have a cartoony look opposed to the ultra realistic visuals of the more powerful PS3 and Xbox 360. However, don’t think that the Wii version is getting the short end of the stick. Jeff Mills of Red Fly Had this to say in response to Derk of Infendo.com who questioned if the Wii was getting shafted yet again with another lazy port?

“Our product is not a simple down-port of the Xbox 360 and PS3 versions of the game. It’s a unique experience built from the ground up to make full and extensive use of the Wii’s unique and powerful hardware as well as providing unique multiplayer experiences.

There is no doubt in anyone’s mind that holding the Wii remote should feel like you’re holding the proton gun. That is the first thing everyone says when we mention “Ghostbusters” and “Wii” in the same sentence. There are a few other special treats for players who pick up the Wii version that will further immerse them into the game experience due to the Wii’s controller. More will be revealed in the coming months.

Our primary objective as we develop this project is to make you feel like a Ghostbuster when you play our game. The Wii remote and nunchuck allow us to do that in so many ways. So Nintendo fans rejoice! Next year, you will bust some ghosts ...

Graphically Wii's game will have a more cartoon-based style. Some good news is that we won't be playing a PS2 port. Wii is the lead platform for development, and then the game is being scaled down for the PS2.”

In addition to all this there is also news that Wii version of the game will be able to connect wirelessly to your DS so that you can use the DS as a PKE Meter.

See NintendoFanAlliance.com for full details, or check out the Official Ghostbusters Game Website

Far Cry 2: Gameplay Video (13 Minutes)

The video below showcases the XBox 360 version of Far Cry 2.

Venetica

"When it comes to video games, dealing with Death just comes with the territory, but while we're used to seeing him on a pale horse and lining Piers Anthony's pockets with gold, we're less informed about the old guy's family tree. Nevertheless, one thing we now know, if developer Deck 13 is to be believed, is that the immortality incarnate had a daughter named Scarlett, with the German dev casting her as the central character in Venetica, an upcoming RPG for the Xbox 360 and PC." - Joystiq

Click images to enlargeSee the announce trailer on IGN here.

Army of Two Gets New Freebies!

"This year’s breakout 3rd person co-op shooter just got more intense! Players now have the chance to extend their ARMY OF TWO™ experience with two brand new co-op campaign maps and an enhanced multiplayer map that offers more opportunities to show that a two-man team can be unstoppable. The free Veteran Map Pack, sponsored by Pontiac, will be available on May 29 in North America and Europe on Xbox LIVE® Marketplace and PLAYSTATION® Store.

Players will experience an all-new map as they find themselves underground in a subway station in Kiev where they must find and destroy the central hub of a dangerous militia. The second map takes players back to SSC headquarters in Miami where they finally get the chance to take out Dalton, Rios and Salem’s ex-boss and the man responsible for framing them, in an intense boss fight where the glory of revenge is finally felt. The Veteran Map Pack features dynamic and interactive environments including destructible objects that were not available in the retail version. The action also continues online with two-on-two teams battling it out in the China Canal Lock map.

ARMY OF TWO has been rated M by the ESRB and 18 by PEGI. It is available on the PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system and Xbox 360™ videogame and entertainment system. For more information on the game, please visit the official game website at www.armyoftwo.com or the EA press website at www.electronicarts.co.uk/press" - GameIndustry.biz

Biohazard 5: Interview with the producer

Biohazard 5 (Resident Evil 5 here in the States) is the next chapter in the ongoing cover-up of a widespread zombie infestation by the Umbrella Corporation.  The once PS3 exclusive is now being released simultaneously for the PS3 and XBox 360 (sorry Nintendo, no Wii version of this one).

Afro Samurai - Gameplay Monta

Based on the animated series starring and co-produced by Samuel L. Jackson, Afro Samurai blends modern hip hop and technology with traditional Japanese culture into a fresh cinematic action experience.

Ninja Gaiden 2

Ryu Hayabusa returns in the ultraviolent follow-up to the 2004 Xbox resurrection of Tecmo's classic series.

Ubidays 2008: Tom Clancy's H.A.W.X.

Developed by Ubisoft's Bucharest studio, Tom Clancy's HAWX (high-altitude warfare) is an air combat game set in the near future when a private military force attacks the U.S. using technologically advanced jet fighters.

Gears of War re-release!!!

GameStop is taking pre-orders for Gears of War re-release ($39.99)!!! Could this release include the updated Unreal Engine enhancements and exclusive PC content (additional multiplayer maps and new chapter w/Brumak boss fight) that I've longed to play (See my original post here).  

"We're pretty sure that everyone and their dog played the original Gears of War the first time around (aside from most Border Collies, who are, in fact, devout PS3 fanboys), but if you've yet to divide a competitor using a firearm/lumberjack tool, a Gamestop pre-order listing for a $40 Gears re-release might tickle your fancy. We've yet to hear from Microsoft about details for the title (or a confirmation of the game's existence, for that matter), but as the listing reads "Gears of War with Maps", we can only assume it will contain the Hidden Fronts DLC as well as the Raven Down and Old Bones levels, rather than the hit song by the Yeah Yeah Yeahs. With less than a month until the game's supposed release date of June 24, we're sure to hear more soon." - Joystiq

UPDATE 05/26: The game is listed as "Gears of War With Maps" at GameStop.

PS3 TEST SD Launcher 1.00 Video released!

"As promised, below you will find a video of our PS3 TEST SD Launcher. The quality is not great nor was there sound, but it's the best capture from the old camera we have so we improvised and added a tune in the background.

A video capture of the PS3 would have been much clearer, but we wanted to show the PS3 in the video as well. It starts from the XMB, and allows non-NPDRM SELF's to be executed from SD card.

In the video you can see the SD Launcher loading and booting to the select screen. There is the ability to "move" throughout the list, and upon hovering on your slot of choice, pressing X.

At the moment the titles and locations are hardcoded, we need to add in support for reading either a filelist or the PARAM.SFO's." - PS3 News

Dragon Ball Z: Burst Limit playable characters revealed

We're sure enough gamers have been waiting for the playable character list for the upcoming Dragon Ball Z title and it has finally been revealed. With a strong cast of 21 characters you can take the battlefield with, Burst Limit is shaping up to be an action-packed fighting game for the [XBox 360 and] PlayStation 3.

Developed by Atari, you'll be able to take Burst Limit online in both the co-op and versus modes of play. On top of this, you'll be treated to a world that changes depending on how a battle transpires. With a unique story to unfold and a new Z3 unique technology, Burst Limit is preparing to take fans of the series to an entirely new level of play. We've included the list of characters that you can expect to get your hands on below.

1. Android #16
2. Android #17
3. Android #18
4. Bardock
5. Broly (Legendary Super Saiyan transformation)
6. Captain Ginyu
7. Cell (up to Perfect transformation)
8. Frieza (up to 100% Final Form transformation)
9. Goku (up to Super Saiyan transformation)
10. Kid Gohan
11. Krillin
12. Nappa
13. Piccolo (up to the Fusion with Nail)
14. Raditz
15. Recoome
16. Saibamen
17. Teen Gohan (up to Super Saiyan 2 transformation)
18. Tien
19. Trunks (up to Super Trunks transformation)
20. Vegeta (up to Super Vegeta transformation)
    1. Yamcha

Homebrew Channel beta released

"This weekend saw the release of the "semi-official" Homebrew Channel, created by hard-working members of the Wii's homebrew community. The release, which is available to the public, lets you run homebrew on your console without having to perform the Twilight Hack. Also, you're no longer restricted to a ten-minute demo.

The release comes with a few applications, like Tetris, a Nintendo 64 Emulator, Wii Linux, ScummVM, and Gecko Region Free. Just remember: keep it legal, kids." - NintendoWiiFanBoy.com

BioShock coming to PS3

It's Official...  BioShock, which took the XBox 360 by storm when it was released last year, is now coming to the PS3 with improved graphics. There's no word on additional exclusive PS3 content, but it would be very welcomed.

Super Mario Sluggers: Announced

Following hot on the heels of Wii Sports, Nintendo is bringing baseball fans Super Mario Sluggers, see the screen via JeuxFrance.com

Metroid Movie?

Rumor has it that Michael Bay (think Transformers: The Movie) will be producing a Metroid Movie... Check out the fan video.

FaceBreaker: Kiriko

FaceBreaker is a new game from EA Sports that takes Boxing to new comedic heights. If you missed any of previously posted videos for this game, click here.

Enemy Territory: Quake Wars Trailer

In this epic multiplayer-focused game, players can choose to defend humanity as a part of the Global Defense Force (GDF) or destroy it as a merciless Strogg alien invader. Players battle as one of five unique classes in either the conventionally armed GDF army or the futuristic Strogg invasion force, each outfitted with specialist weapons and combat hardware. In this adrenaline pumping fight for survival, warring forces utilize a variety of different vehicles, deployable structures, and defense systems including quad-bikes, tanks, and alien walkers for epic ground assaults; or helicopters and anti-gravity ships to unleash airborne attacks. Throughout each battle, teams establish bases, deploy defense structures, artillery, radar, and advanced forward-command systems into enemy territory while constructing and demolishing obstacles to speed progress and gain a tactical advantage over the opponent. Enemy Territory: Quake Wars features 16-player battles on the console systems, delivering the ultimate team-and objective-based multiplayer experience. [Activision/id Software]

Dragon Ball Z: Burst Limit new trailer

Dragon Ball Z: Burst Limit is the first game of the Dragonball Z series to hit the next generation consoles. During each battle, find conditions to create new dramatic scenes. After the battles, watch a unique story unfold each time you play. There is also a stronger element of offence and defence, due to added energy saving and fighting techniques. Competition grows with the ability to play online in both the co-op and vs. modes. During each battle, find conditions to create new scenes and watch a unique story unfold at the end of each game. Experience visuals and movement reminiscent of the anime due to Z3 shading technology and detailed effects. Increased speed of charge and release on the field, free movement around the field, and increased speed and power of attacks. Use of special skills will no longer drain energy. The lower your energy, the stronger you get, making for a possible turnaround of the battle. Each character in the game has his own "Fatal Blow". If the player successfully attacks his opponent, this would be a finishing move, but if not, it will put the player in the disadvantageous situation, and he must battle with no Fatal Blow for the rest of the battle. [Atari]

Resistance 2 first official trailer

Haze

Twenty-five years in the future. Governments have outsourced military operations to private multinational corporations. As Jake Carpenter, a newly enlisted soldier in the Mantel army, you are seeking fulfillment and thrills by fighting for a good cause. Thanks to their high-tech arsenal of vehicles, deadly weaponry, and performance enhancing bio-medical support, the Mantel Corporation's ruthlessly efficient soldiers are the most feared by terrorists, dictators, and the corporation's political enemies. Your conflict begins in a war-torn country in South America, where you have been sent to fight a vicious rebel faction, The Promise Hand. At first glance, all is well, but things quickly begin to look a little strange... State of the art multiplayer modes Fire up your console or PC for online battles on one of two carefully balanced sides. Choose from a variety of online modes including furious co-op action with your friends! [Ubisoft]

Killzone 2

Two years after the Helghast assault on Vekta, the ISA is taking the fight to the enemy's home world of Helghan. The ISA goal is direct: capture the Helghast leader, Emperor Visari, and bring the Helghast war machine to a halt. Assuming the role of Sev, a battle-hardened veteran and a member of the special forces unit known as the Legion, players lead a group of highly trained soldiers on a mission to take out the Helghast threat. For Sev and his squad, the invasion of Helghan is just the beginning. Tasked with securing Pyrrhus, the Capital City, the team quickly discovers that the Helghast are a formidable enemy on their home planet. Not only have they adjusted to the planet's hostile conditions, they have also harnessed a source of power they can now use against the ISA. Sev discovers his squad isn't just fighting enemy forces – their fiercest opponent may be the planet itself. [Sony]

Mirror's Edge

EA DICE's new first-person action adventure game will allow you to move in ways never before seen in a first-person game.

Sam & Max for Wii

The Sam & Max episodes let players guide the Freelance Police through a series of bizarre—and often sidesplitting—mysteries. Sam is a six-foot dog in a baggy suit sporting a trombone-sized .44 hand-cannon. Max is a three foot "rabbity thing" with a saw blade grin and the impulsive nature of the average piranha. Together they patrol the sticky streets of a fantastical New York City, righting wrongs, pummeling perps, and ridding the urban landscape of the shifty legions of "self-propelled gutter trash" that litter their streets. Sam & Max have appeared in comics, video games, an animated TV series coming soon to DVD, and an Eisner award-winning webcomic. [TellTale Games]

What's going on with the graphics on the Wii?

Let me start by saying:

• I understand the Wii is about gameplay over graphics.
  
• I understand that all current Wii games are rendered at a maximum of 480p (although the Wii is technically capable of rendering at 720p, see here) .
  
• I understand that the Wii is not as powerful as the XBox 360 or Playstation 3 (PS3).

However, I also recognize that the Wii is more powerful than the Gamecube, the PS2, and is about as powerful as the original XBox (the Wii has a more capable CPU, but it's GPU lacks support for programmable shaders).

So, given that you'd expect the graphics for Wii games to easily surpass the Gamecube and PS2, and be as impressive as the original XBox, right?

Well, in practice this has not been the case. And if you own a Wii you probably share in my pain, as the last generation consoles showcased more impressive games than one can find on the Wii:

Halo 2 (XBOX)	God of War 2 (PS2)
Ninja Gaiden Black (XBOX)	Beyond Good & Evil (XBOX)
Star Wars Battlefront 2 (XBOX)	Star Wars Knights of the Old Republic (XBOX)

So why is it we don't see graphics that are at least as good as the last generation on the Wii? There are a few reasons:

• Nintendo advertised to 3rd Party Developers that they could save money by developing games on the Wii, since it's audience doesn't care as much about graphics. As a result, developers aren't spending as much time (or money) trying to push the limits of the Wii to improve the way the games look.
  
• For the reasons above, many Wii games are direct ports of PS2 games with waggle controls bolted on (no graphical enhancements were made for the Wii).
  
• To reduce the cost of the Wii's graphics card, Nintendo chose to implement fixed function shaders (instead of programmable shaders) which makes it more difficult to perform effects that have been commonly seen in last generation consoles. It's not that these effects could not be duplicated on the Wii, it just takes more effort to do so. Nintendo could provide a free game engine to 3rd Party Developers thereby reducing the effort (and cost) for generating these effects; however, I could find no evidence that Nintendo is pursuing such a course.

So is all hope lost for quality graphics on the Wii? Is Nintendo taking any steps to improve the situation? Or are they going to rest on their laurels due to the current phenomenal success of the Wii? Well, I'm happy to report that at least one company has seemingly provided a solution. They've built a proprietary game engine for the Wii that's capable of generating advanced effects and some very impressive graphics (see the video below).

Hey Nintendo, if you use this game engine for the next Zelda game for the Wii, I'll actually buy it this time!!!