This week’s first downloadable feature is actually an application and not a game. AdHoc Party is available free at the PlayStation Network store as an application that will allow PlayStation Portable owners to play their PSP games online through their PlayStation 3. A program that was released in Japan last year that connects the PSP to the internet using the PlayStation Network instead of standing within close range of another player just to challenge them. You can now connect to them in much the same way you connect to multi-player games on your PS3. How does this program work? Check out this introduction video by Sony:

The next downloadable feature is Assassin’s Creed: Bloodlines for $39.99 for the PSP. Follow Altair from the holy land into Cyprus trailing the Templar’s to their newest conquest and assassinate them. A direct sequel to the original Assassin’s Creed and a prequel to Assassin’s Creed II, in fact players who own Assassin’s Creed II can connect the PSP to their PS3 to unlock and transfer health and weapon upgrades from the PS3 game to the PSP game to aid in your missions. Check out Assassin’s Creed: Bloodlines:

Price Drops

• Uno (PS3/Now $7.99)

Here is what else is new:

Downloadable Games

• Echoes (PSP/$2.99)
• D-CUBE Planet (PSP/$3.99)
• Circles (PSP/$3.99)
• PSOne Classic: Resident Evil 2 (PS3/$5.99)
• PSOne Classic: Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver (PS3/$5.99)
• Peggle (PS3/$9.99)

Free Demos:

• Smash Cars Demo (PS3/Free)
• PixelJunk Monsters Deluxe Demo (PSP/Free)
• LittleBigPlanet PSP Demo (PSP/Free)
• Promethus Demo (PSP/Free)

Bonus Game Content:

• Way of the Samurai 3 Accessories (PS3/Free)
• High Velocity Bowling: Techno Modern Ball Pack (PS3/99 cents)
• High Velocity Bowling: Psychedelic 60’s Ball Pack (PS3/99 cents)
• PAIN: Flavor Flav (PS3/$1.99)
• Peggle Nights (PS3/$4.99)

Guitar Hero 5 Pack:

• KISS Track Pack (PS3/$5.49)
Individual Tracks:
• “Lick It Up” by KISS (PS3/$1.99)
• “Modern Day Delilah” by KISS (PS3/$1.99)
• “I Was Made For Lovin’ You” by KISS (PS3/$1.99)

Rock Band Pack:

• AFI Pack 01 (PS3/$8.49)
Individual Tracks:
• “Beautiful Thieves” by AFI (PS3/$1.99)
• “End Transmission” by AFI (PS3/$1.99)
• “Love Like Winter” by AFI (PS3/$1.99)
• “Medicate” by AFI (PS3/$1.99)
• “The Leaving Song, Pt 2″ by AFI (PS3/$1.99)

Individual Song Tracks

• “Walk Like An Egyptian” by The Bangles (PS3/$1.99)

Rock Band Unplugged bonus content:

• “California Über Alles” by Dead Kennedys (PSP/$1.99)
• “You’re No Rock ‘n’ Roll Fun” by Sleater-Kinney (PSP/$1.99)

The Beatles Rock Band Pack:

• Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band (Album) (PS3/$13.49)
Individual Tracks:
• “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band (Reprise)” by The Beatles (PS3/$1.99)
• “Within You Without You” by The Beatles (PS3/$1.99)
• “When I’m Sixty-Four” by The Beatles (PS3/$1.99)
• “She’s Leaving Home” by The Beatles (PS3/$1.99)
• “Lovely Rita” by The Beatles (PS3/$1.99)
• “Fixing A Hole” by The Beatles (PS3/$1.99)
• “Being For The Benefit of Mr. Kite!” by The Beatles (PS3/$1.99)
• “A Day In The Life” by The Beatles (PS3/$1.99)

Free Game Videos:

• Pulse 11/19 Edition (PS3/Free)
• Pain: Flavor Flav Trailer (PS3/Free)
• Jak and Daxter: The Lost Frontier Launch Trailer (PS3/Free)
• Uncharted 2: Among Thieves 15 sec Accolade TV Spot (PS3/Free)
• FIFA Soccer 10: Director’s Cut Trailer (PS3/Free)
• Madden NFL Arcade Trailer (PS3/Free)
• Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 Flag Runner Trailer (PS3/Free)
• NBA 2K10 TV Commercial (PS3/Free)
• Assassin’s Creed II Arsenal Trailer (PS3/Free)
• Assassin’s Creed II TGS Trailer (PS3/Free)
• Assassin’s Creed II Dev Diary 3 (PS3/Free)
• Assassin’s Creed II GP Trailer (PS3/Free)
• Critter Crunch “Feeding Time” Trailer (PS3/Free)
• Army Of Two: 40th Day Extraction Trailer (PS3/Free)
• Peggle Trailer (PS3/Free)

Wallpapers and Themes:

• Peggle Theme (PS3/Free)
• Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 Wallpaper (x5) (PS3/Free)
• Topatoi Wallpaper (PS3/Free)
• Peggle Wallpaper (PS3/Free)
• DJ Max Fever Wallpaper (x4) (PSP/Free)
• Armored Core 3 Wallpaper (x2) (PSP/Free)
• Armored Core 3 Portable Theme (PSP/Free)
• Celtic Maidens PSP Theme 3 (PSP/$1.49)
• Celtic Maidens PSP Theme 4 (PSP/$1.49)
• Celtic Maidens 2 Premium Plus Theme (PS3/$1.99)

Read [PlayStation Store Blog] Site [PlayStation]

Full Story » | Written by Lucy Newman for Gamertell. | Comment on this Article »

Before Sony first threw down against Microsoft, before Nintendo first battled Sega, there was Mattel Electronics vs. Atari.

I was firmly entrenched in Intellivision’s corner and, when INTV Corp. went down swinging in 1991, I went down with them.

Content to play games on my Mac, I didn’t get seriously involved in console gaming again until the release of the Wii, which seemed as fresh and exciting upon its release as the Intellivision did in the late ‘70s.

But a group of Intellivision game developers (known as the Blue Sky Rangers) has kept the heart of the system beating. Its members still make appearances at gaming conventions, in documentaries, and even at health conventions, and they’re actively working with the games that helped to launch an industry longer than 30 years ago.

I recently spoke with Keith Robinson at Intellivision Lives about this group of developers and the state of the gaming industry, then and now.

Gamertell: Intellivision was the first to create (or at least popularize) many genres that are staples today: the city building sim with Utopia, the first-person shooter with Treasures of Tarmin, the drafting system in sports games in Slam Dunk: Super Pro Basketball. Any of these could’ve become franchises if Mattel Electronics had weathered the storm. Was there ever talk of moving these games to other systems as Nintendo and Sega started their rise at the end of the ‘80s?

Keith Robinson: In July 1983 as all the video game companies started posting losses, Mattel Electronics revamped its management team and focus. From then on, games would be “all flavors,” that is, for all platforms. If you look at our commercial for BurgerTime on YouTube, for example, you’ll see at the end it is advertised as available for Intellivision, Atari 2600, Apple II, IBM PC and Aquarius (the Mattel Electronics computer). We had games in development for all of these platforms (plus ColecoVision and were looking at Commodore 64) at the end of 1983. So had Mattel Electronics continued, I’m sure we would have developed for Nintendo and Sega as those consoles came out.

Mattel Electronics was closed in January 1984 and its assets sold in February. The company that rose from its ashes, INTV Corp., initially focused exclusively on supporting the 3 million Intellivision owners out there. As the Nintendo came out and grew in popularity, Intellivision sales shrank and it became obvious that for INTV to survive, it would have to start developing for the Nintendo. In 1988, INTV developed Monster Truck Rally for both Intellivision and Nintendo. This was planned to be the future model for INTV—develop games for both platforms—but it was too late. INTV didn’t have the money to distribute Monster Truck Rally, so they sold the Nintendo version to another distributor, who made INTV change the name of the Intellivision version to Stadium Mud Buggies, otherwise it’s the same game.

Stadium Mud Buggies came out for Christmas 1989. INTV filed for bankruptcy protection in 1990 and closed its doors in 1991.

Gamertell: And that was a shame. I remember getting the catalogs in the mail, and seeing all these great new games in the works, and then they suddenly quit coming. What do you think would have been more fun, Grand Theft Auto on the Intellivision or Night Stalkers on the PlayStation 3?

Robinson: As funny as Grand Theft Auto on Intellivision is, I’d have to opt for Night Stalker on PS3. We did have an advantage in designing for Intellivision in that the graphics and sound were so limited, you had to spend your time on gameplay—making the game fun. So much of the time and budget today goes into creating an immersive cinematic experience, the gameplay itself is sometimes given short shrift. But if you had game designers given free reign like we were to create something fun with the technology available today—simple, addictive games but with limitless space and graphics potential—that’d be awesome.

Gamertell: I imagine it was easier to get free reign back then when there was a smaller up-front investment and there were maybe only one or two people on a project, as opposed to teams of dozens for today’s games. Even with the licensed games, you developed TRON Solar Sailer on your own. Was that all you, or was Disney looking over you shoulder all the while?

Robinson: Disney never looked at any of the TRON games before they were released, and possibly after. I was responsible for the entire Solar Sailer game and the graphics. A number of others helped out, threw in ideas, worked on optimizing the code, etc., but ultimately I was responsible and no one from Disney or Mattel was looking over my shoulder. Some of the licensors did take more of an interest; the Dungeon & Dragons people did review the games before putting the D&D trademark on them and Mattel Toys, our sister company, was very persnickety about the Masters of the Universe game, particularly the colors used in the Castle Grayskull graphic. But I don’t recall anyone from Disney taking any interest in the Solar Sailer game.

The marketing of the Intellivision games, aside from the sports titles which were “the closest thing to the real thing,” was to have games “like” the big hits. Lock ‘N’ Chase is like Pac-Man. Vectron is like Tempest. Buzz Bombers is like Centipede. As long as marketing could broadly show that our games were like the hit games, they didn’t worry about the details. And when it came to TRON or the Hanna Barbera games, they just used the licenses to sell them, not the game play.

[To learn where we’ll next be playing Intellivision games, head over to the Appletell half of the interview.]

Full Story » | Written by Kirk Hiner for Gamertell. | Comment on this Article »

Title: new Super Mario Bros. Wii
Price: $49.99
System(s): Wii
Release Date: November 15, 2009
Publisher (Developer): Nintendo
ESRB Rating: “Everyone” for comic mischief.
Pros: Many of the best elements of previous Mario platform games in one place. Players can join and leave the main game at any time. Quicksave feature. A lot of great powerups, new suits and hidden stuff to find.
Cons: Odd timing issues, slightly lighter gravity and a few awkward motion control issues.
Overall Score: Two thumbs up; 90/100; A-; * * * * out of five.

New Super Mario Bros Wii exudes games of olde, melding the best aspects of pretty much every Mario-based platformer ever made and then some.

But it’s more than just a jumpastic, coin gathering platformer. It’s a speed trek through gaming nostalgia that pretty much any gamer will enjoy.

Nice Hat

Still in the box the fist thing you notice is that Nintendo has opted for a red box instead of the standard white now infamous for Wii games. While meant to exude some additional nostalgia for That means you’ll be able to immediately pick out the game not matter which shelf you store it on.

As soon as you open it, the manual nearly bursts out of its twin plastic tabs holding it in. A massive 60+ page, unheard of for most consoles games (note that it is in three languages, so third of it is in English). Even the art on the manual is meant to reinforce the idea of older games with pixelated images of Mario and Luigi.

Upon launching the game you are greeted by the voice of our friendly pipe fixer belting a greeting in his big ol’ faux accent, ending with an appropriately elongated “Wi-i-i-i-i-i-i-i-!” From there you use big Wii-ish menu buttons to get to the game.

Something a Olde

Right away you’ll notice a couple multiplayer minigames available as well as the main, cooperative single- or multi-player game. The main game uses the 3D map system started with Super Mario Bros. 3 and includes castles, hidden paths, periodic extra challenges and mushroom houses.

While one player controls map movement and main choices, everything else is cooperative with all the characters stomping, jumping and otherwise wandering the world together. It can make finding hidden blocks a breeze as well as clearing particularly pesky opponents.

The screen widens as characters separate but there is a maximum width which makes some sense since, otherwise, everything wold become unbearably tiny.

To play you use the WiiMote (Nunchuck attachment is optional) held sideways, a la an old school controller with much the same controls as ye olde games utilized, continuing the nostalgic feel of the game even further.

The story, opponents, actions, objects, the ending flagpole and even the background music are all familiar, blending aspects of multiple Mario games into one massive - and more modern - platformer.

From there things get some modern tweaks. Rolling hills actually role in different directions, often allowing a pipe, tunnel or deadly nook to rotate around. You can triple jump through a level (nice of them to lay things out that way) but then you’ll miss all the hidden bits that make these 2D platformers fun.

Nintendo has also made going back to earlier levels an enjoyable task, giving you reasons to return and try to defeat each board more way than one (and likely find more hidden pipes, tunnels and treasures).

Most of the older powerups are there with revamped graphics and more outfits have been added to the wardrobe of available power suits. One of the earliest is a propeller super suit that lets you fly up and drift back to the ground, much like the Raccoon suit but without needing a bunch of runway space. Instead shaking the WiiMote gets you off the ground. You’ll even get to ride a Yoshi.

Something a Annoying

And here’s where some of the annoyances come into play. The WiiMote, while making for a lovely sideways style NES remote system, sometimes bundles motion controls in an awkward way. To grab objects, for example, you need to swing the controller up and press the 1 button. Sounds simple enough but you can also shake the WiiMote up and down to perform a Spin Jump (which also sprays whatever projective powerup you have enabled). The two often get crossed so not only are you grabbing an object but also leaping into the air and tossing whatever you just grabbed (shell, Toad, frozen opponent, etc.) when you might have waned to hold onto it a bit longer.

Timing characters’ jumps is also a little drift-y, with gravity seeming just lighter enough to throw off an expert old school gamer for the first dozen or so levels until they fully adapt to the difference.

Finally, when multiple players are on the screen, the old school stick-together-or-else rule apply. Find a pipe and want to gather bonuses, everyone else needs to jump in with you. Also, whenever someone gets a nifty powerup, the pregnant powerup pause kicks in making everyone on the screen wait for that awkward second. While the screen resizing is a pretty nice aspect (it means you’re not limited to one crappy screen’s worth of stuff to do and don’t need to stay completely huddled together) it can throw off your timing and result in a lot of extra deaths. In rare circumstances it can also cause a character to get irrecoverably stuck between a rock and the game border.

Something a New

To make up for some of the annoyances Nintendo has added a Hints section that unlocks as you play (and cost giant gold coins to actually watch the hint videos). One is a so-called Unlimited Extra Lives that has you speed-Triple Jumping through one of the earliest levels. Time it perfectly and you do ring up a bunch of 1-Ups, but not really Unlimited (unless you return to that world ad nauseam),

All of the graphics have been overhauled so that fireballs have a lot of extra flames, ice balls trail ice and most everything moves a lot smoother. That might contribute to the feeling of slightly lighter gravity but, overall, it makes the game that much more enjoyable to look at, even if a lot of the elements are taken from older, lower-res games.

One of the many nice additions is that gamers can be added or dropped between levels so you can start the as a single player and have one to three friends hop in and help at almost an time.

It’s a Fun a game

This game is as fun and as silly as expected but not without a few mostly forgivable faults. There’s so much to do, see and enjoy in this game that it’s hard to let any faults weigh it down for very long.

Do not mistake this as an extended port of the DS version of New Super Mario Bros. As fun as that game may be, this one has so much more and the up-to-four player option makes it even more of a group event.

New Super Mario Bros. Wii does well integrating the many disparate elements of previous Mario games and blending them with new elements so both older and newer gamers have something to enjoy and appreciate.

Site [New Super Mario Bros. Wii] Photo Gallery [Gamertell]

Full Story » | Written by PJ Hruschak for Gamertell. | Comment on this Article »

Prepare the laser cannons and bring those shields up this week at the PlayStation Store with this week’s downloadable game Star Trek D.A.C. for $9.99. Based on Paramount Picture’s motion picture movie Star Trek, this game allows players can choose a starship to command (including the U.S.S. Enterprise) from either Starfleet Command or the Romulan Empire. There are three modes players can select: single-player mode, online versus and co-op. It also features music and sound effects from the movie.

Check out Star Trek D.A.C.:

This week’s downloadable PSP game is Kenka Bancho: Badass Rumble for $39.99. In this game players control a student named Takashi Sakamoto who wants to rise to the top of juvenile delinquency in Japan as a Kenka Bancho. In the US. we would know these guys as the super cool tough guy in school most student’s either fear, challenge or suck up to. In Japan Takashi must take down all his rivals to include established Banchos during a school trip to Kyouto where all the Banchos from the other schools will eventually meet.

Check out Kenka Bancho: Badass Rumble:

Price Drops

• Tank Battles (PS3/Now $6.99)

Here is what else is new:

Downloadable Games

• Pinball Heroes – High Velocity Bowling (PSP/$3.99)
• Pinball Heroes – Hot Shots Golf (PSP/$3.99)
• Pinball Heroes – PAIN (PSP/$3.99)
• Pinball Heroes – UNCHARTED (PSP/$3.99)
• Bubble Trubble (PSP/$4.99)
• PSOne Classic: Command & Conquer: Red Alert (PS3/$5.99)
• Braid (PS3/$14.99)

Free Demos:

• Inferno Pool Demo (PS3/Free)
• NCAA Basketball 10 Demo (PS3/Free)
• MX Vs. ATV Reflex Demo (PS3/Free)
• Star Trek: D-A-C Demo (PS3/Free)

Bonus Game Contents:

• PAIN Fat Princess Character (PS3/Free)
• Rag Doll Kung Fu Mistress of Mime Character (PS3/Free)
• Rag Doll Kung Fu Shaolin Scarecrow Character (PS3/Free)
• Dynasty Warriors: Strikeforce Quest Pack #7 (PSP/Free)
• PAIN Speed Oocher Mode (PS3/$1.99)
• Ninja Gaiden Sigma 2 Costume Pack (PS3/$3.99)

Guitar Hero 5 Pack:

• Lenny Kravitz Track Pack (PS3/$5.49)
Individual Tracks:
• “Fly Away” by Lenny Kravitz (PS3/$1.99)
• “Lady” by Lenny Kravitz (PS3/$1.99)
• “Let Love Rule” by Lenny Kravitz (PS3/$1.99)

Rock Band Pack:

• SpongeBob SquarePants Pack 2 (PS3/$2.99)
Individual Tracks:
• “Employee of the Month” by SpongeBob SquarePants (PS3/99 cents)
• “A Day Like This” by SpongeBob SquarePants (PS3/99 cents)
• “Ridin’ the Hook” by SpongeBob SquarePants (PS3/99 cents)

• White Stripes Pack 1 (PS3/$5.49)
Individual Tracks:
• “Dead Leaves and the Dirty Ground” by White Stripes (PS3/$1.99)
• “Girl, You Have No Faith in Medicine” by White Stripes (PS3/$1.99)
• “Icky Thump” by White Stripes (PS3/$1.99)

Individual Song Tracks

• “Club Foot” by Kasabian (PS3/$1.99)
• “Smash it Up (Part II)” by The Damned (PS3/$1.99)

Rock Band Unplugged bonus content:

• “Excuse Me Mister” by No Doubt (PSP/$1.99)
• “I’m Shipping Up to Boston” by Dropkick Murphys (PSP/$1.99)

Free Game Videos:

• Ratchet & Clank Future: A Crack in Time – Launch Trailer
• Ratchet & Clank Future: A Crack in Time – Space Trailer
• Ratchet & Clank Future: A Crack in Time – Time Trailer
• Ratchet & Clank Future: A Crack in Time – Weapons Trailer
• Assassin’s Creed: Bloodlines Teaser Trailer
• The Saboteur Just Getting Started Trailer
• The Saboteur Pre-Order Trailer
• Battlefield Bad Company 2 Limited Edition Trailer
• Star Trek: D-A-C Trailer

Wallpapers and Themes:

• Tekken 6 Lars Wallpaper (PS3/Free)
• Tekken 6 Lilli Wallpaper (PS3/Free)
• Tekken 6 Nina Wallpaper (PS3/Free)
• Tekken 6 Yoshimitsu Wallpaper (PS3/Free)
• Tekken 6 Zafina Wallpaper (PS3/Free)
• Deep Space Theme (PS3/PSP/$1.49)
• Road to China Theme (PS3/PSP/$1.49)
• Dita Von Teese Theme 1 (PSP/$1.49)
• Dita Von Teese Theme 2 (PSP/$1.49)
• Dita Von Teese Theme (PS3/$1.99)
• Junkyard Girl Theme (PS3/PSP/$1.99)
• Ratchet & Clank Dynamic Theme (PS3/$2.99)

Read [PlayStation Store Blog] Site [PlayStation] Site [Star Trek D.A.C.]

Full Story » | Written by Lucy Newman for Gamertell. | Comment on this Article »

Title: Superman (aka Ruby-Spears Superman)
Format: DVD
Price: $18.36
Release Date: November 3, 2009
Publisher: Warner Home Video
Rating: Not Rated
Pros: The complete series in one place, interesting take on Superman, great art and nice nods to previous incarnations. Decent transfer.
Cons: A few voices can get a little grating (especially Lex’s), Superman Family Album sometimes too silly and Lex’s voice and light on the extras.
Overall Score: One thumb up, one thumb sideways; 88/100; B+; * * * 1/2 our of five.

Celebrating Supe’s 50th anniversary, Ruby-Spears Productions miraculously got the rights to create Superman the animated TV series.

It exists in an awkward gap between the kitche-y late-1970s-to-early-1980s Super Friends cartoons and the slick 1990s Superman: The Animated series. It’s a series that only those who could bear the live-action Superboy TV series recall.

Superman goes far to embrace elements from print, film and even previous animated series, sometimes seeming disjointed but, by the time you get through all 13 episodes, becomes appropriate.

It’s A Bird

Superman aired Saturday mornings on CBS from 1988 to 1989, with only thirteen 30-minute episodes. While it has many nostalgic nods to previous incarnations our do-good alien, it definitely screams ‘80s.

Lex Luthor (voiced by Michael Bell) is a boisterous, swarming gajillionaire, his bimbo sidekick Miss Moganberry (Lynne Marie Stewart) sports poofy sleaves and high-front hair and even Lois Lane (Ginny McSwain) got a decade-appropriate, tight-skirted makeover while acquiring some assertive strength.

Poor Jimmy Olsen (Mark L. Taylor), however, will forever be stuck in the ‘50s forever but even that’s OK since the series starts with a nod to the 1950s Superman cartoons. You’ll even hear the infamous, “It’s a bird,” line a few times.

Superman also borrows a lot of scenes and reworked soundtrack from the 1978 live-action film starring Christopher Reeves. Even Lex’s shouts for Miss Moganberry are easily mistaken for similar shouts calling for Miss Tessmacher in the live-action movie.

It’s a Plane

As mixed as the decades may seem, the series has a lot going for especially in terms of talent. Marv Wolfman (DC Universe Online) was the head writer, also penning a few specific segments, while Gil Kane (Green Lantern) worked as the lead artist.

The stories also tried try to show a slightly softer side of Supes (voiced by Beau Weaver) even though he’s a bit beefier than earlier versions, with less bravado and a seemingly appropriate dab of assuredness that was part of the character’s comic book reinvention. The villains do come right out of the comics’ sense of absurdity (what was with that crazy, non-Joker clown?). The series also reverts back to Lex a bit too often but, for the time, an regular villain was just beginning to become the cartoon norm. Lex’s voice does get a bit irritating early on but will mellow out for later episodes.

You’ll also see a flying Wonder Woman which will seem unfamiliar to those who only know her as the lady with the lasso, high kicks, wrist bands and invisible jet.

One of the initially gut-wrenching elements are the “Superman Family Album” segments that ran as the final few minutes of each episode. Often scripted by different writers, each segment gives a glimpse into the theoretical childhood of a superhero starting in diapers and going through those awkward dating high school years. The first few are the most ridiculous - as in how would no one recall this little baby openly demonstrating such abilities - but they eventually tame down and become more bearable and entertaining, leading up to Clark Kent’s emergence as the caped hero.

Get Superman!

Even though Rub-Spears, known for producing some outrageous cartoons (Piggsburg Pigs, Mega Man), had much of the work done overseas, there are a few rare sparks of anime stylings in a few background gestures and expressions only a cartoon aficionado will recognize.

The art style certainly fits with comic books with Superman looking more like his print partner here than any other cartoon take. The reproduction, as well, is rather nice, with hardly a speck and fairly vibrant colors. It’s a bit light on extras but you do get the whole series which I have not seen on TV in many years.

This Superman animated series is certainly worth watching a time or to for a giggle and an historical bridging of the gap between the Super Friends Superman with his chesty bravado and the more mild-tone Supes of the ‘90s and early ‘00s.

Photo Gallery [Gamertell] Purchase [Ruby-Spears Superman DVD] Site [Ruby-Spears] Read [Superman Super Site]

Full Story » | Written by PJ Hruschak for Gamertell. | Comment on this Article »

This week’s first featured downloadable game is Military Madness: Nectaris for $9.99 on the PS3. This remake of the original Military Madness for the TurboGrafx-16 Entertainment System back in 1986, features two opposing forces battling for supremacy on the moon. Players choose a commander for their Army and strategically use up to 20 unique abilities by plotting their attacks on an overhead map and watch the battles unfold in a cinematic view of the action. Up to four players can choose the maps they wish to fight on in multiplayer mode, set the number of turns and time limit for each game, and customize their armies. This game allows controller share for players who don’t have enough controllers for everyone playing on the same console. Check out Military Madness: Nectaris for the PS3:

The next downloadable game this week is Numblast for $4.99 for the PS3 and PSP. In this game a young boy accidentally changed his friend into a monkey while trying to solve the Numblast stones. Players must help the boy change his friend back by lining up the correct stones together. Check it out:

Price Drops

• X-Men Origins: Wolverine Weapon X Arena Pack (PS3/Now $4.99)
• TV Show King Price Drop (PS3/Now $6.99)
• Mercury Bundle 2 Sale (PS3/Now $9.99)
Bundle includes:
• Archer Maclean’s Mercury
• Mercury Meltdown

Qore Subscription

• Qore Episode 18: November 2009 (PS3/$2.99)
• Qore Annual Subscription: November 2009 (PS3/$24.99)

Here is what else is new:

Downloadable Games

• PSOne Classic: Gex (PS3/PSP/$5.99)
• Crimson Room: Reverse (PSP/$7.99)
• Creature Defense (PSP/$7.99)
• Ben 10: Protector of Earth (PSP/$14.99)
• Dungeon Maker: Hunting Ground (PSP/$14.99)
• Ben 10 Alien Force (PSP/$19.99)
• Ghostbusters The Video Game (PSP/$29.99)
• Star Wars Clone Wars: Republic Heroes (PSP/$29.99)
• Star Wars Battlefront: Elite Squadron (PSP/$29.99)
• Class of Heroes (PSP/$39.99)
• Dissidia Final Fantasy (PSP/$39.99)

Free Demos:

• Trine Demo (PS3/Free)
• Military Madness: Nectaris Demo (PS3/Free)
• MotorStorm Arctic Edge Demo (PSP/Free)

Bonus Game Contents:

• LittleBigPlanet Anniversary Costume (PS3/Free)
• LittleBigPlanet Spaceman Costume (PS3/Free)
• Brutal Legend Tears of the Hextadon Map Pack (PS3/Free)
• Marvel Ultimate Alliance 2 Character Compatibilty Pack (PS3/Free)
• Topatoi: Arcade Style Pack (PS3/Free)
• Way of the Samurai 3 Weapons DLC (PS3/Free)
• Marvel Ultimate Alliance 2 Juggernaut Playable Character (PS3/$1.99)
• Dragon Age: Origins Warden’s Keep (PS3/$6.99)
• Marvel Ultimate Alliance 2 Character and Mission Pack (PS3/$9.99)
• Dragon Age: Origins Stone Prisoner (PS3/$14.99)

Rock Band Pack:

• Nirvana Bleach Pack (PS3/$5.49)
Individual Tracks:
• “About a Girl” by Nirvana (PS3/$1.99)
• “Blew” by Nirvana (PS3/$1.99)
• “School” by Nirvana (PS3/$1.99)

• Foo Fighters Pack 03 (PS3/$6.99)
Individual Tracks:
• “Best of You” by Foo Fighters (PS3/$1.99)
• “The Pretender” by Foo Fighters (PS3/$1.99)
• “Wheels” by Foo Fighters (PS3/$1.99)
• “Word Forward” by Foo Fighters (PS3/$1.99)

Individual Song Tracks

• “Fake Friends” by Joan Jett & the Blackhearts (PS3/$1.99)

Rock Band Unplugged bonus content:

• “Toxicity” by System of a Down (PSP/$1.99)
• “Waking the Demon” by Bullet for My Valentine (PSP/$1.99)

Free Game Videos:

• Pulse 11/5 Edition (PS3/PSP/Free)
• PlayStation 3 TV Commercial – “Candle” (PS3/PSP/Free)
• PlayStation 3 TV Commercial – “Montage” (PS3/PSP/Free)
• Numblast Trailer (PS3/PSP/Free)
• Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars “Out For Revenge” Video (PSP/Free)
• Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars Trailer (PSP/Free)
• 2 for 1 Mercury Bundle Trailer (PSP/Free)
• God of War Collection Trailer (PS3/Free)
• Assassin’s Creed 2 Dev Diary 4 (PS3/Free)
• Dragon Age: Origins City Elf Origin Trailer (PS3/Free)
• Dragon Age: Origins Dwarf Commoner Origin Trailer (PS3/Free)
• Dragon Age: Origins Mage Origin Trailer (PS3/Free)
• NIER TGS 2009 Trailer (PS3/Free)

Wallpapers and Themes:

• Tekken 6 – Returning Characters Theme (PS3/Free)
• Tekken 6 – The Fight Card Theme (PS3/Free)
• Tekken 6 – The New Faces Theme (PS3/Free)
• Tekken 6 Alisa Wallpaper (PS3/Free)
• Tekken 6 Asuka Wallpaper (PS3/Free)
• Tekken 6 Hwoarang Wallpaper (PS3/Free)
• Tekken 6 Jin Wallpaper (PS3/Free)
• Tekken 6 Kazuya Wallpaper (PS3/Free)
• FIFA Soccer 10 Wallpaper (PS3/Free)
• Let’s FIFA 10 Wallpaper (PS3/Free)
• FIFA Soccer 10 Blanco Wallpaper (PS3/Free)
• FIFA Soccer 10 Rooney Wallpaper (PS3/Free)
• FIFA Soccer 10 Rooney Wallpaper 2 (PS3/Free)
• Lemmings PSP Theme (PSP/Free)
• Roadkill – Animal PSP Theme (PSP/$1.49)
• Roadkill – Human PSP Theme (PSP/$1.49)
• Roadkill Theme (PS3/$1.99)
• Family Guy Theme (PS3/$1.99)
• DarkMatter Quadrilogy PSP Theme Pack (PSP/$4.49)
• DarkMatter Quadrilogy Theme Pack (PS3/$5.99)

Read [PlayStation Store Blog] Site [PlayStation]

Full Story » | Written by Lucy Newman for Gamertell. | Comment on this Article »

As a followup to the 2008 Pac-Man mini arcade cabinet ornament, Hallmark is sticking with the same theme.

This year’s ornament is a miniaturized reproduction of the Galaga arcade cabinet (QXI1365) complete with mini buttons, mini joystick, lights and sounds. Press the buttons and you are treated to several seconds of classic tuneage including the intro and what sounds like the first wave of diving aliens. The top panel of the cabinet also lights up so the Galaga logo glows a bit. Aside from the effects, the cabinet also features a mini “screen shot” of the game.

Galaga is one of the great early arcade shooters and was released in arcades by Midway in 1981 (in the US). It features a flying-in-formation row of aliens that periodically swoop down and try to zap your semi-fixed ship. It was a followup to the 1979 release of Galaxian.

The battery operated ornament is all plastic, only 4.25 in. tall and retails for $18.50. I’ve already spotted it in a few non-Hallmark stores.

Although Hallmark has not yet called this a continuing series it sure is starting to shape up as one. Here a list of previous game-themed ornaments:

• 2008 -  Pac-Man mini arcade cabinet ornament with sound effects ($18,50 QXI2154)
• 2007 - Player 1 game controller ornament with sound effects ($15.00, QXG2119)
• 2006 - GameOn ornament (QXG3346) featuring the words “Game On” in bright green, the image of a joystick and a modern game controller with stars and a few explosion-esque graphics behind it.

Hey, if Hallmarks released a few more mini arcade cabinet ornaments you can create your own action figure-sized video game arcade.

Other geeky noteworthy ornaments include Robby the Robot a la Forbidden Planet ($18.50), three classic theme Star Trek ornaments including a Starfleet Phaser ornament with sound effects ($18.50), four Star Wars ornaments including Luke’s landspeeder from Star Wars: A New Hope ($22.50 and the Han Solo ornament looks like it’s been done before unless I’m thinking of action figures), seven comic book heroes and a “Jingle Bell Rock” guitar with sound effects ($16.50).

They also snuck in the Ectomobile from Ghosbusters with sound effects ($18.50). Finally, for those who have the purple-pink PSP, there is a Hanna Montana ornament as well ($16.50).

Product Page [Hallmark Keepsake Galaga Ornament] Read [Gamertell]

Full Story » | Written by PJ Hruschak for Gamertell. | Comment on this Article »

This week’s first featured downloadable game is PlayStation One Classic Oddworld: Abe’s Oddysee for $9.99. Players control Abe, a skinny little ugly creature that must survive a world filled with dangers armed with only physic abilities, farting and other weird noises as well as hand signals to rescue his own species from extinction. Check it out:

The next downloadable game this week is Trine for $19.99. In this game there are tons of traps and skeleton armies trying to stop you from completing your quest. Players control three characters - a magician, a thief and a knight - to help them solve puzzles, create objects that can smash or trap the enemy as seen in this Video.

Price Drops

Note: Some price drops are only temporary unless marked and may return to full price at any time.

• Lumines Supernova (PS3/Permanent Price Drop $9.99)
• Burnout Paradise (PS3/Temporary Price Drop $14.99)
• Siren Halloween Sale Full game (PS3/Original Price was $39.99/Now $29.99)
• Three Siren Halloween Sale Bundle Packs (PS3/Original Price was $14.99 each/Now $11.99 each)

Here is what else is new:

Downloadable Games

• Oddworld: Abe’s Exodus (PS3/$9.99)
• Armored Core 3 Portable (PSP/$14.99)
• Yggdra Union (PSP/$14.99)
• Riviera: The Promised Land (PSP/$14.99)
• R-Type Command (PSP/$14.99)
• Lemmings (PSP/$15.99)
• Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories (PSP/$19.99)
• Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Stories (PSP/$19.99)
• The Warriors (PSP/$19.99)
• Hammerin’ Hero (PSP/$19.99)
• Capcom Puzzle World (PSP/$19.99)
• The Secret Saturdays: Beasts of the 5th Sun (PSP/$29.99)
• Marvel Super Hero Squad (PSP/$29.99)
• Steambot Chronicles Battle Tournament (PSP/$29.99)
• Crimson Gem Saga (PSP/$29.99)
• Half-Minute Hero (PSP/$29.99)
• Undead Knights (PSP/$39.99)
• FIFA Soccer 10 PSP (English and French version) (PSP/$39.99)
• WWE Smackdown vs RAW 2010 (PSP/$39.99)

Free Demos:

• Star Wars Battlefront: Elite Squadron Demo (PSP/Free)
• Ratchet And Clank Future: A Crack In Time – Clank Demo (PS3/Free)
• Critter Crunch Demo (PS3/Free)
• Dragon Ball: Raging Blast Demo (PS3/Free)

Bonus Game Contents:

• Way of the Samurai 3 – Head & Apparel Items (PS3/Free)
• Lumines Supernova Holiday pack (PS3/$2.49)
• Lumines Supernova Add-on Bundle (PS3/$4.99)
• FIFA Soccer 10 Live Season 2.0 All Leagues (PS3/$9.99)

Guitar Hero 5 Packs:

• Classic Rock 2 Track Pack (PS3/$5.49)
Individual Tracks:
• “Lay It On The Line” by Triumph (PS3/$1.99)
• ”Show Me The Way (Live)” by Peter Frampton (PS3/$1.99)
• ”Freeze-Frame” by J. Geils Band (PS3/$1.99)

Rock Band Pack:

• Queen Pack 01 (PS3/$15.99)
Individual Tracks:
• “Another One Bites the Dust” by Queen (PS3/$1.99)
• “Crazy Little Thing Called Love” by Queen (PS3/$1.99)
• “Fat Bottomed Girls” by Queen (PS3/$1.99)
• “I Want It All” by Queen (PS3/$1.99)
• “I Want to Break Free” by Queen (PS3/$1.99)
• “Killer Queen” by Queen (PS3/$1.99)
• “One Vision” by Queen (PS3/$1.99)
• “Somebody to Love” by Queen (PS3/$1.99)
• “Tie Your Mother Down” by Queen (PS3/$1.99)
• “Under Pressure” by Queen (PS3/$1.99)

Albums:

• Abbey Road Album — The Beatles (PS3/$16.99)

Individual Songs:

• “Because” by The Beatles (PS3/$1.99)
• “Oh! Darling” by The Beatles (PS3/$1.99)
• “Maxwell’s Silver Hammer” by The Beatles (PS3/$1.99)

Rock Band Unplugged bonus content:

• “All I Want” by The Offspring (PSP/$1.99)
• “The Rock Show” by Blink-182 (PSP/$1.99)

Free Game Videos:

• Pulse 10/22 Edition (PS3/PSP/Free)
• UNCHARTED 2: Among Thieves – Eye of Indra 1 (PS3/Free)
• UNCHARTED 2: Among Thieves Behind The Scenes: Technology and Gameplay (PS3/Free)
• UNCHARTED 2: Among Thieves Behind The Scenes 2: Story And Art (PS3/Free)
• UNCHARTED 2: Among Thieves Behind The Scenes 3: Making of the Cinematics (PS3/Free)
• Aliens vs. Predator – Predator Trailer (PS3/Free)
• Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 Infamy Trailer (PS3/Free)
• Guitar Hero Van Halen Trailer (PS3/Free)
• FINAL FANTASY XIII TGS 2009 Trailer (PS3/Free)
• Dragon Age: Origins Sacred Ashes Trailer (PS3/Free)
• Dragon Age: Origins Stone Prisoner Trailer (PS3/Free)
• Dragon Age: Origins Warden’s Keep Trailer (PS3/Free)
• Eight Summer Dew Tour Videos (PS3/Free)

Wallpapers and Themes:

*Note: Items with star is only available from the U.S. PlayStation Network Store only.
• LocoRoco: Midnight Carnival Wallpaper (PS3/PSP/Free)
• Hot Pockets PS3 Theme (PS3/Free)*
• Three Hot Pockets PS3 Wallpaper (PS3/Free)*
• LocoRoco: Midnight Carnival Theme (PSP/Free)
• Zombies On TV PSP Theme 1 (PSP/$1.49)
• Zombies On TV PSP Theme 2 (PSP/$1.49)
• 40’s WWII Pinups PSP Theme 1 (PSP/$1.49)
• 40’s WWII Pinups PSP Theme 2 (PSP/$1.49)
• Beach PSP Theme 3 (PSP/$1.49)
• Beach PSP Theme 4 (PSP/$1.49)
• School Girls Attack! Hook-Ups Theme (PS3/PSP/$1.99)
• Tokyo City Police Hook-Ups Theme (PS3/PSP/$1.99)
• Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs Theme (PS3/$1.99)*
• 40’s WWII Pinups Theme (PS3/$1.99)
• Beach Theme 2 (PS3/$1.99)
• Zombies On TV Theme (PS3/$1.99)
• Cat Girl Akiko Hook-Ups PSP Theme (PSP/$1.99)
• Ice Cream Girls Hook-Ups PSP Theme (PSP/$1.99)
• Nurse Girl Nikki Hook-Ups PSP Theme (PSP/$1.99)

Read [PlayStation Store Blog] Site [PlayStation]

Full Story » | Written by Lucy Newman for Gamertell. | Comment on this Article »

One of the best reasons to join Club Nintendo has been declared “Sold Out.”

The Game & Watch Collection is a Club Nintendo exclusive DS game that collects and improves upon three classic 1982 Game & Watch handheld games: Oil Panic, Donkey Kong and Green House.

Before Nintendo was in the handheld game business it was in the, well, handheld game business. Game & Watch games were ye olde all-in-one 2-D games with a mini monochromatic LED screen and a few buttons encapsulated by a plastic shell. You’d move an avatar across preset positions on a screen by pressing buttons. They had a very stop-action feel to it and were incredibly addictive (and repetitive). Some even had two screens with a top section that flipped down (very, very much like the DSi and DS Lite).

The nostalgic Club Nintendo release slightly improves upon the graphics of each of the games (don’t want to destroy that original stop-and-go feel) and sounds. It also includes built in alarm clock feature.

I’m not exactly certain when Club Nintendo ran out of G&W but it was certainly one of the - if not the - first items to go. Other rewards include Hanafuda Cards (800 coins), Animal Crossing and Mario Party Playing Cards (500), hat-shaped Mario Nintendo DS Game Rack (600), three different card and stylus sets (600 each), Nintendo DS Lite Case (Silver, 400), Wii Remote Holder (300) and The Legend of Zelda 3-Poster Series (350).

To get the game you had to earn 800 Club Nintendo coins which was done by registering eligible purchased Nintendo games, downloads and hardware. It was previously only available through the Japanese Club Nintendo (for 500 points). Now you’ll have to try and find it on eBay, Craigslist or some other game trading site where it can easily go for more than $40.

Read [Gamertell] Site [Club Nintendo]

Full Story » | Written by PJ Hruschak for Gamertell. | Comment on this Article »

This week’s featured downloadable game is Topatoi: The Great Tree Story for $9.99. Players control a vehicle that operates much like an old fashioned children’s spinning top toy through a platform puzzle to make their way up a tree by leaping, spinning or rolling through, over or across moving platforms. As you conquer the different challenges and make it up the tree players can unlock more challenges and obstacles to face as they continue their adventure. Check it out:

This week’s PSP downloadable game is SOCOM: U.S. Navy SEALs Tactical Strike for $15.99. Players can control a team of highly trained Special Operations Command team into hostile territory to neutralize the enemy, collect important information and survey the area. Players can play in single or multiplayer online mode and even play special operation units from different countries. Check it out:

Price Drops

Note: Some price drops are only temporary and may return to full price at any time.

• Supersonic Acrobatic Rocket Powered Battle Cars (PS3/Original Price $9.99/Now $4.99)
• Ratchet & Clank Future: Quest for Booty (PS3/Original Price $14.99/Now $9.99)

Here is what else is new:

PlayStation One Classic:

• Tomb Raider: The Last Revelation (PS3/$5.99)

Downloadable Games

• .detuned (PS3/$2.99)
• BUZZ! Junior: Monster Rally (PS3/$4.99)
• Mushroom Wars (PS3/$9.99)
• Harvest Moon: Boy & Girl (PSP/$14.99)
• Innocent Life: A Futuristic Harvest Moon (PSP/$14.99)
• Reel Fishing: The Great Outdoors (PSP/$14.99)
• Midnight Club L.A. Remix (PSP/$19.99)
• Midnight Club 3: DUB Edition (PSP/$19.99)
• Street Fighter Alpha 3 Max (PSP/$19.99)
• Astro Boy: The Video Game (PSP/$29.99)
• Manhunt 2 (PSP/$29.99)

Free Demos:

• NBA 2K10 Demo (PS3/Free)

Bonus Game Contents:

• Dynasty Warriors Strikeforce DLC Pack 6 (PSP/Free)
• High Velocity Bowling Ball Pack: Planets (PS3/99 cents)
• High Velocity Bowling Ball Pack: Halloween (PS3/99 cents)
• High Velocity Bowling Doug Graves (PS3/99 cents)
• Hot Shots Golf Costume Pack 4 (PS3/$2.99)
• Red Faction: Guerrilla Smasher Pack (PS3/$4.99)
• BUZZ! Quiz TV Space Pack (PS3/$5.99)

Guitar Hero 5 Packs:

• Wolfmother Track Pack (PS3/$5.49)
Individual Tracks:
• “California Queen” by Wolfmother (PS3/$1.99)
• “Cosmic Egg” by Wolfmother (PS3/$1.99)
• “Pilgrim” by Wolfmother (PS3/$1.99)

Rock Band Pack:

• The Brütal Legend Pack (PS3/$5.49)
Individual Tracks:
• “(We Are) The Road Crew ‘08″ by Motörhead (PS3/$1.99)
• “The Metal” by Tenacious D (PS3/$1.99)
• “More Than Meets the Eye” by Testament (PS3/$1.99)

Individual Tracks:

• “Show Me the Way” by Black Tide (PS3/$1.99)
• “What’s My Age Again?” by Blink-182 (PS3/$1.99)
• “Satch Boogie” by Joe Satriani (PS3/$1.99)
• “Surfing with the Alien” by Joe Satriani (PS3/$1.99)
• “Icarus – Borne on Wings of Steel (Live)” by Kansas (PS3/$1.99)
• “Point of Know Return (Live)” by Kansas (PS3/$1.99)
• “Andres” by L7 (PS3/$1.99)

Rock Band Unplugged bonus content:

• “Jeremy” by Pearl Jam (PSP/$1.99)
• “Headknocker” by Foreigner (PSP/$1.99)

Free Game Videos:

• UNCHARTED 2: Among Thieves – Cologne Gamescom Trailer (PS3/Free)
• Gran Turismo PSP TV Ad: Behind The Scenes (PS3/PSP/Free)
• GT PSP Producer Interview 2 (PSP/Free)
• White Knight Chronicles Quest Trailer (PS3/PSP/Free)
• LocoRoco – Midnight Carnival Trailer (PS3/PSP/Free)
• Madden NFL 10: Celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the AFL (PS3/Free)
• Tekken 6 Motivation Trailer (PS3/Free)
• DJ Hero Jazzy Jeff Trailer (PS3/Free)
• DJ Hero Grandmaster Flash Trailer (PS3/Free)
• UNO Trailer (including French and Spanish) (PS3/Free)

Wallpapers and Themes:

• Fate/Unlimited Codes Wallpaper 3 (PSP/Free)
• Azmodeus Dark Angels PSP Theme 9 (PSP/99 cents)
• Azmodeus Dark Angels PSP Theme 10 (PSP/99 cents)
• Shades of Autumn PSP Theme (PSP/99 cents)
• Nebula Tunnels Theme (PS3/PSP/$1.49)
• Hells Heads Theme (PS3/PSP/$1.49)
• Shades Of Autumn (PS3/$1.49)
• German Panther Tank PSP Themes 1 (PSP/$1.49)
• German Panther Tank PSP Themes 2 (PSP/$1.49)
• German Panther Tank (PS3/$1.49)
• Cat Girl Akiko Hook-Ups (PS3/$1.99)
• Azmodeus Dark Angels 5 (PS3/$1.49)
• Azmodeus Dark Angels Premium Theme (PS3/$1.99)
• Ice Cream Girls Hook-Ups (PS3/$1.99)
• Nurse Girl Nikki Hook-Ups (PS3/$1.99)

Read [PlayStation Store Blog] Site [PlayStation]

Full Story » | Written by Lucy Newman for Gamertell. | Comment on this Article »

This week’s featured downloadable game is an old PC classic from the 1980s with a serious makeover Digger HD for $9.99. In this game you control the construction digger through the ground tunneling to find precious jewels lost gold and even artifacts. But look out, strange alien-like monsters trying to stop you from successfully gathering all items beneath the ground.

Also this week, in celebration of the release of the new PSPgo there are 100 titles available for download today. The featured game for the PSP and PSPgo is Gran Turismo PSP for $39.99. This game features more than 100 different cars to choose from and trade with friends through wireless AdHoc connection with friends, more than 60 tracks to race on and hundreds of challenges to complete or challenge up to three friends in a race. Check it out:

Qore Subscription:

• Qore Episode 17: October 2009 edition (PS3/$2.99)
• Qore Annual Subscription: October 2009 (PS3/$24.99)

Here is what else is new:

Downloadable Games

• Puzzle Challenge: Crosswords and More! (PSP/$4.99)
• Blade Dancer: Lineage of Light (PSP/$4.99)
• Jumping Flash! 2 (PS3/PSP/$5.99)
• Um Jammer Lammy (PS3/PSP/$5.99)
• Nuclear Strike (PS3/PSP/$5.99)
• Gex 3: Deep Cover Gecko (PS3/PSP/$5.99)
• UNO (PS3/$9.99)
• Pinball Hall of Fame (PSP/$9.99)
• Brunswick Pro Bowling (PSP/$9.99)
• The Sims 2 Castaway (PSP/$9.99)
• The Sims 2 Pets (PSP/$9.99)
• Lord of the Rings: Tactics (PSP/$9.99)
• THEXDER NEO (PSP/$9.99)
• Def Jam Fight For New York: The Takeover (PSP/$9.99)
• Prince of Persia Revelations (PSP/$9.99)
• The Sims 2 (PSP/$14.99)
• Cabela’s African Safari (PSP/$14.99)
• Rapala Trophies (PSP/$14.99)
• Gun Showdown (PSP/$14.99)
• Crash Tag Team Racing (PSP/$14.99)
• Cabela’s Dangerous Hunts: Ultimate Challenge (PSP/$14.99)
• Activision Hits Remixed (PSP/$14.99)
• Dragon Ball Z Shin Budokai (PSP/$14.99)
• Dragon Ball Z Shin Budokai Another Road (PSP/$14.99)
• Need For Speed Underground Rivals (PSP/$14.99)
• Burnout Dominator (PSP/$14.99)
• Mana Khemia: Student Alliance (PSP/$14.99)
• Disgaea: Afternoon of Darkness (PSP/$14.99)
• Dragoneer’s Aria (PSP/$14.99)
• Prince of Persia Rival Swords (PSP/$14.99)
• 300: March To Glory (PSP/$14.99)
• Justice League Heroes (PSP/$14.99)
• Hot Brain (PSP/$14.99)
• God of War Chains of Olympus (PSP/$15.99)
• LocoRoco 2 (PSP/$15.99)
• Daxter (PSP/$15.99)
• Alien Syndrome (PSP/$15.99)
• Super Monkey Ball Adventure (PSP/$15.99)
• Crazy Taxi: Fare Wars (PSP/$15.99)
• Sonic Rivals (PSP/$15.99)
• Full Auto 2: Battlelines (PSP/$15.99)
• Sega Genesis Collection (PSP/$15.99)
• Crush (PSP/$15.99)
• SWAT: Target Liberty (PSP/$19.99)
• PixelJunk Monsters Deluxe (PSP/$19.99)
• Crash of the Titans (PSP/$19.99)
• Capcom Classics Collection Reloaded (PSP/$19.99)
• Need For Speed Most Wanted (PSP/$19.99)
• Need For Speed ProStreet (PSP/$19.99)
• Need for Speed Carbon (PSP/$19.99)
• Medal of Honor Heroes (PSP/$19.99)
• Fight Night Round 3 (PSP/$19.99)
• Iron Man (PSP/$19.99)
• Scrabble (PSP/$19.99)
• Medal of Honor Heroes 2 (PSP/$19.99)
• Burnout Legends (PSP/$19.99)

• Indiana Jones and the Staff of Kings (PSP/$19.99)
• LEGO Indiana Jones: The Original Adventure (PSP/$19.99)
• Thrillville: Off the Rails (PSP/$19.99)
• Star Wars: Battlefront Renegade Squadron (PSP/$19.99)
• Star Wars: Battlefront II (PSP/$19.99)
• Star Wars: The Force Unleashed (PSP/$19.99)
• Mortal Kombat: Unchained (PSP/$19.99)
• The King of Fighters Collection (PSP/$19.99)
• Metal Slug Anthology (PSP/$19.99)
• SNK Arcade Classics Vol. 1 (PSP/$19.99)
• Samurai Showdown Anthology (PSP/$19.99)
• Avatar: The Last Airbender (PSP/$19.99)
• Juiced 2: Hot Import Nights (PSP/$19.99)
• SpongeBob SquarePants: The Yellow Avenger (PSP/$19.99)
• MX vs ATV Untamed (PSP/$19.99)
• WWE SmackDown vs RAW 2009 (PSP/$19.99)
• Lego Batman The Video Game (PSP/$19.99)
• Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six: Vegas (PSP/$19.99)
• Guilty Gear XX Accent Core Plus (PSP/$24.99)
• IL-2 Sturmovik: Birds of Prey (PSP/$29.99)
• Crash: Mind Over Mutant (PSP/$29.99)
• Monster Hunter Freedom Unite (PSP/$29.99)
• Dirt 2 (PSP/$29.99)
• Disgaea 2: Dark Hero Days (PSP/$29.99)
• Dynasty Warriors Strikeforce (PSP/$29.99)
• Warriors Orochi 2 (PSP/$29.99)
• Obscure: The Aftermath (PSP/$29.99)
• Sonic Rivals 2 (PSP/$29.99)
• Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs (PSP/$29.99)
• Tom Clancy’s EndWar (PSP/$29.99)
• Secret Agent Clank (PSP/$31.99)
• Resistance Retribution (PSP/$31.99)
• MLB 09 The Show (PSP/$31.99)
• MotorStorm Arctic Edge (PSP/$39.99)
• Shin Megami Tensei: Persona (PSP/$39.99)
• Need for Speed SHIFT (PSP/$39.99)
• G.I.JOE The Rise of Cobra (PSP/$39.99)
• Madden NFL 10 (PSP/$39.99)
• Tiger Woods PGA TOUR 10 (PSP/$39.99)
• NCAA Football 10 (PSP/$39.99)
• SOULCALIBUR: Broken Destiny (PSP/$39.99)
• Beaterator (PSP/$39.99)

 
PSP Mini downloads:

• Alien Havoc (PSP/$4.99)
• Brainpipe (PSP/$4.99)
• Sudoku (PSP/$4.99)
• Funky Punch (PSP/$4.99)
• Hero of Sparta (PSP/$6.99)
• Fieldrunners (PSP/$6.99)
• Tetris (PSP/$9.99)

Price Drop Updates:
Note: Some price drops are only temporary.

• Cube (PS3/$4.99)
• WTF: Work Time Fun (PSP/$4.99)
• PQ: Practical Intelligence Quotient (PSP/$4.99)
• PQ: Practical Intelligence Quotient 2 (PSP/$7.99)
• Puzzle Quest: Challenge of the Warlords (PSP/$7.99)
• Dead Head Fred (PSP/$7.99)
• TV Show King (PS3/$7.99)
• Prinny: Can I Really be the Hero? (PSP/$9.99)
• Holy Invasion of Privacy, Badman! (PSP/$9.99)

Game Demos:

• Brutal Legend Demo (PS3/Free)
• Need For Speed Shift Demo (PS3/Free)
• Undead Knights Demo (PSP/Free)

Bonus Game Contents:

• LittleBigPlanet Watchmen Costume Pack (PS3/$5.99)
Individual items:
• LittleBigPlanet Nite Owl Costume (PS3/$1.99)
• LittleBigPlanet Ozymandias Costume (PS3/$1.99)
• LittleBigPlanet Rorschach Costume (PS3/$1.99)
• LittleBigPlanet Silk Spectre Costume (PS3/$1.99)
• Fallout 3: Operation: Anchorage (PS3/$9.99)
• Fallout 3: The Pitt (PS3/$9.99)

Guitar Hero 5 Packs:

• Queens of the Stone Age Track Pack (PS3/$5.49)
Individual Tracks:
• “Avon” by Queens of the Stone Age (PS3/$1.99)
• “How to Handle a Rope” by Queens of the Stone Age (PS3/$1.99)
• “Mexicola” by Queens of the Stone Age (PS3/$1.99)

Rock Band Pack:

• Breaking Benjamin Pack 1 (PS3/$5.49)
Individual Tracks:
• “So Cold” by Breaking Benjamin (PS3/$1.99)
• “I Will Not Bow” by Breaking Benjamin (PS3/$1.99)
• “The Diary of Jane” by Breaking Benjamin (PS3/$1.99)

• Alice in Chains Pack 1 (PS3/$8.49)
Individual Tracks:
• “A Looking in View” by Alice in Chains (PS3/$1.99)
• “Check My Brain” by Alice in Chains (PS3/$1.99)
• “No Excuses” by Alice in Chains (PS3/$1.99)
• “Rooster” by Alice in Chains (PS3/$1.99)
• “Would?” by Alice in Chains (PS3/$1.99)

Individual Tracks:

• “U Suck” by Just Kait (PS3/99 cents)
• “Knight on the Town” by Kula Shaker (PS3/$1.99)
• “Hey Dude” by Kula Shaker (PS3/$1.99)

Rock Band Unplugged bonus content:

• “Monkey Wrench” by Foo Fighters (PSP/$1.99)
• “Lonely as You” by Foo Fighters (PSP/$1.99)

Free Game Videos:

• Gran Turismo – Jay Leno Interview (PS3/PSP/Free)
• Gran Turismo PSP – TV Ad (PS3/Free)
• Lost Planet 2 TGS 2009 Trailer (PS3/Free)
• FIFA Soccer 10: Live Season 2.0 Tutorial (PS3/Free)
• WET Video Short 2 (PS3/Free)
• WET Video Short 3 (PS3/Free)
• WET Video Short 5 (PS3/Free)
• Shatter Behind the Scenes – Gameplay (PS3/Free)
• Shatter Behind the Scenes – Sounds (PS3/Free)
• Shatter Behind the Scenes – Visual (PS3/Free)
• Need for Speed SHIFT: Driver Film – Vaughn Gittin (PS3/Free)
• Need for Speed SHIFT: Track Film – Laguna Seca (PS3/Free)
• Need for Speed SHIFT: Track Film – Road America (PS3/Free)

Wallpapers and Themes:

• Fate/Unlimited Codes Wallpaper 2 (PSP/Free)
• Gran Turismo PSP Theme (PS3/PSP/Free)
• The King of Fighters XIII (5 Custom Themes) (PS3/$1.49 each)
• Electric Tattoo Theme (PS3/PSP/$1.49)
• Mistresses of Halloween Theme (PS3/PSP/$1.49)
• B17 Flying Fortress Theme 2 (PS3/$1.99)
• Focke Wulf German Fighter (2 Themes) (PSP/$1.49 each)
• Focke Wulf German Fighter Theme (PS3/$1.99)
• Sorority Girls Theme (PS3/PSP/$1.99)

Read [PlayStation Store Blog] Site [PlayStation]

Full Story » | Written by Lucy Newman for Gamertell. | Comment on this Article »

Title: Metroid Prime Trilogy Collector’s Edition
Price: $49.99
System: Wii
Release Date: August 24, 2009
Publisher (Developer): Nintendo (Retro Studios, Inc.)
ESRB Rating: “Teen” for animated blood and violence.
Pros: Quintessential use of Wii controls, outstanding visuals and level design, fantastic and unique boss battles, good balance of exploration and action. Three games for the price of one
Cons: Basically the same game three times with plenty of repetition in each
Overall Score: Two thumbs up; 97/100; A; ****1/2 out of 5

The first Metroid game I ever completed was Metroid Prime 3: Corruption on the Wii. I’d tried Metroid Prime on the Game Cube, and enjoyed it, but never enough to stick with it when something else came along. I wanted to go back and finish it up after completing Corruption but suddenly that Game Cube controller seemed so, primitive. It felt clunky. It wasn’t sleek and intuitive like, well, like Samus.

Now, that’s no longer a concern. The Game Cube games Metroid Prime and Metroid Prime 2: Echoes have been updated for the Wii. They’ve been touched up here and there, they’ve been converted to widescreen and they’ve been blessed with the WiiMote-Nunchuck combo. To top it off, they’ve been bundled with Metroid Prime 3: Corruption, placed on one dual-layer disc and given perhaps the best packaging yet seen in the US With all this, Nintendo and and Retro Studios have given us the best deal available on the Wii.

Even if you’ve played all these games before, it’s a package all Wii gamers should own.

Wait, This Robot’s a Girl!? Awesome!

Metroid is a first-person shooter set on distant, largely uninhabited planets and, in some cases, spaceships. You play as Samus, bounty hunter extraordinaire in her sleek robot suit with the illogically puffy shoulders. Samus’ suit can acquire various upgrades and will throughout the course of all three games. Why all three? Because at the beginning of each, she seems to lose them and has to spend the adventure getting them back. Samus really needs to see a mechanic. If I lost my brakes every morning on the way to work, I’d start taking the car to a different shop.

Samus’ suit does, in fact, have a personality of its own, especially considering its ability to turn into a into a ball to roll through various tunnels and puzzles. The ball mechanic is a lot of fun but is also very useful in many of the combat situations (it is easier to roll away from trouble than to run). In addition, she’s eventually equipped with four types of laser fire with specific weapons needed against certain enemies and doors (and you spend more time shooting doors than anything else). She also gets visor upgrades, which allow her to see in the dark, to see invisible objects, etc. And, finally, there are countless missile, bomb and energy upgrades to be found. The more you acquire, the more equipped you’ll be to tackle the numerous, complicated and awesome bosses.

It’s Three, Three, Three (Largely Similar) Games In One!

Yes, the description above does apply to all three games because all three are basically the exact same thing. That’s not a big deal when the games were released a couple years apart but, when you get all three at once, it becomes Metroid overload.

All three require plenty of backtracking, as accessing certain areas can’t be done until you’ve got the proper suit upgrade. You can run through certain areas more than a dozen times, fighting the same opponents each time (who’s repairing those security lasers?) and that gets tiresome. The Metroid worlds are huge, so you really will spend more time running back and forth than you will encountering new enemies and cracking open new puzzles.

But this is all worth it because the action is fast and furious when it has to be and the puzzles are fun. The balance between fighting and exploring is well handled and it doesn’t hurt that the locations are gorgeous. You’ve got lava flows deep underground, snowy cliffs, cities in the sky, derelict spaceships and more.

The core gameplay may remain the same throughout all three games but the locations keep things feeling fresh.

Play It Again For the First Time.

Want more detail? You don’t really need it. Any Nintendo owner who takes gaming at all seriously has played through at least one - and likely all three - of these games. If you’ve played all three, whether you go for this package depends upon how much you enjoyed them.

Are they worth playing again? Yes, if only for the ability to use the fantastic WiiMote and Nunchuck control system. It’s easily the best of any component system and the Metroid developers certainly know how to use it to its greatest potential. All developers of first-person shooters should be taking notes. In addition, the widescreen presentation is great and the various other tweaks certainly don’t hurt.

This is a fantastic package. As if getting three A-quality games for the price of one wasn’t enough, it’s packaged in a shiny tin with with great artwork. All three games come on one dual layer disc, so there’s no need to manage multiple discs (which would also add extra bulk to the packaging).

A trilogy worth trying

What we have here are three extraordinary games in one fantastic box at one amazing price. It’s perfect for gamers like me who started on Metroid Prime 3: Corruption for Wii and just couldn’t go backwards in time or technology to play Metroids Prime 1 and 2 without widescreen and Wii controls. I’ve now been able to work up to Corruption and had a blast doing it. If time permits, I may even play Corruption again (after a break). This is a lot of Metroid to tackle at once, so make sure you get some other games to play between chapters.

When buying another game, though, don’t argue with the salespeople that $50 for only one game in a cheap plastic box sure seems like a rip-off. You don’t want to look like a spoiled Wii owner.

Site [Metroid Prime Trilogy] Read [Gamertell]

Full Story » | Written by Kirk Hiner for Gamertell. | Comment on this Article »

Full Story » | Written by Jessica Moen for Gamertell. | Comment on this Article »

And you thought Disney’s recent purchase or Marvel meant the House of Mouse would get to keep all of Spider-man’s amazing friends. Heirs to several of the Marvel characters are suing Disney to make certain they recover rights to their parent’s creations.

The children of deceased artist Jack Kirby have reportedly filed 45 notices of termination of copyright. If successful, they would acquire their father’s share of copyrights on characters including the Fantastic Four, Hulk and X-Men, retaining the rights for several years before the characters become public.

If they win the suit, they would get a share of profits from anything involving those characters and could even sell the rights. Heck, they could even sell them to Disney. According to Guardian, “The new claims have implications for a large number of media companies, including Sony Pictures, which owns film rights to Spider-Man, Universal, which has distribution rights to Hulk films, and 20th Century Fox, which owns film rights to the Fantastic Four and X-Men.”

Read [Guardian] Read [Gamertell]

Full Story » | Written by PJ Hruschak for Gamertell. | Comment on this Article »

New this week at the PlayStation store is a seek-and-find mystery game called Interpol: The Trail Of Dr. Chaos for $9.99. In this game you play as a detective that must travel around the world to international cities to investigate crime scenes for clues that can help bring Dr. Chaos to justice. You can solve the crime on your own or have your friends help you find evidence. Check it out:

This week’s PlayStation One Classic game is Final Fantasy Tactics for the PlayStation 3 and PlayStation Portable for $9.99. Let the war of the lions rage again in the world of Ivalice as players control Ramza, a young nobleman and the friends he meets along the way. The game is about strategy, players can build up their strengths and abilities using one of many job classes to add to their army. Check out this original gem from the Final Fantasy world:

Here is what else is new:
Downloadable Games - PSOne Classics

• Tomb Raider III (PS3/PSP/$5.99)

Downloadable Games

• Switchball (PS3/$9.99)
• State Shift (PSP/$9.99)

Game Update Information
For those who purchased Lemmings a new version has been updated with a patch. The game is the same with two new features, trophies and rumble support. Those who downloaded the demo or thought about downloading the demo will find the game now has two extra free levels to try.

Game Demos:

• FIFA Soccer 10 Demo (PS3/Free)
• NBA LIVE 10 Demo (PS3/Free)

Bonus Game Contents:

• Batman: Arkham Asylum Insane Night Challenge Map Pack (PS3/Free)
• Dynasty Warriors: Strikeforce Pack 5 DLC (PSP/Free)

Guitar Hero World Tour Packs:

• AFI Track Pack (PS3/$5.49)
Individual Tracks:
• “Beautiful Thieves” by AFI (PS3/$1.99)
• “Girls Not Grey” by AFI (PS3/$1.99)
• “The Missing Frame” by AFI (PS3/$1.99)

Rock Band Pack:

• Anvil Pack 01 (PS3/$5.49)
Individual Tracks:
• “666″ by Anvil (PS3/$1.99)
• “This Is Thirteen” by Anvil (PS3/$1.99)
• “Metal on Metal” by Anvil (PS3/$1.99)

Individual Tracks:

• “Hand Me Down World” by The Guess Who (PS3/$1.99)
• “No Time” by The Guess Who (PS3/$1.99)
• “Rock Your Socks” by Tenacious D (PS3/$1.99)
• “Tribute” by Tenacious D (PS3/$1.99)
• “Pick Me Up” by Dinosaur Jr (PS3/$1.99)
• “The Wagon” by Dinosaur Jr (PS3/$1.99)

Rock Band Unplugged bonus content:

• “Bring Me to Life” by Evanescence (PSP/$1.99)
• “Back from the Dead” by Spinal Tap (PSP/$1.99)

Free Game Videos:

• GT PSP Creator Interview (PS3/PSP/Free)
• Marvel: Ultimate Alliance 2 E3 Video (PS3/Free)
• Marvel: Ultimate Alliance 2 NYCC Trailer (PS3/Free)
• Modern Warfare 2 Multiplayer Vignette – AC130 (PS3/Free)
• Demon’s Souls Premiere Trailer (PS3/Free)
• Welcome to Need for Speed SHIFT Video (PS3/Free)
• Need for Speed SHIFT: Drift in SHIFT (PS3/Free)
• Need for Speed SHIFT: Exclusive Driver Profile Feature Video (PS3/Free)
• FIFA Soccer 10 Official Trailer (PS3/Free)
• NBA 2K10 Teaser 1 (PS3/Free)
• WipEout PULSE Trailer (PSP/Free)

New Movies to Rent or Own:
This week’s video store features the X-men collection with Wolverine: X-Men Origins available with bonus documentary to own for $14.99 in SD format. This film is a prequel that follows the origins of everyone’s favorite and most notable mutant Wolverine from the back woods of an 1800s Canada through two wars leading the steel-clawed mutant we know today. Check it out under a new category just for all things X-Men at the PlayStation Network Store in the video section. Check it out:

Here’s what else is playing:

• Crank 2: High Voltage. Rated R (Own/SD Format/$14.99)
• Fast & Furious. Rated PG-13 (Own/SD Format/$14.99)
• Fast & Furious. Rated PG-13 (Rent/SD Format/$3.99)
• Fast & Furious. Rated PG-13 (Rent/HD Format/$5.99)
• The Office Season 6. Rated TV-PG (Own/SD Format/$1.99)
• The Office Season 6. Rated TV-PG (Own/HD Format/$2.99)
• It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia Season 5. Rated TV-MA (Own/SD Format/$1.99)

Wallpapers and Themes:

• Fate/unlimited Codes Wallpaper 1 (PSP/Free)
• Fat Princess Wallpaper 2 (PS3/Free)
• Batman: Arkham Asylum: ‘Joker Theme’ (PS3/Free)
• Katamari Forever and NOBY NOBY BOY Final Theme (PS3/Free)
• Ghost Skulls Theme (PS3/$1.49)
• My Bloody Valentine Theme (PSP/$1.49)
• Transporter 3 Theme (PSP/$1.49)
• Bloody Escape Theme (PS3/$1.49)
• The Godfather Theme (PSP/$1.99)
• Star Trek – Terran Empire Theme (PS3/PSP/$1.99)
• Star Trek – Original Series Theme (PS3/PSP/$1.99)
• Natasha Yi Theme (PS3/$1.99)
• A Pirate’s Booty Theme (PS3/$1.99)
• Light and Shadows Theme (PS3/$1.99)
• Star Trek Dual Pack Themes (PS3/PSP/$3.99)

Read [PlayStation Store Blog] Site [PlayStation]

Full Story » | Written by Lucy Newman for Gamertell. | Comment on this Article »

Title: Battlestar Galactica Season 4.5
Price: $49.98
Format: DVD
Release Date: July 28, 2009
Publisher (Distributor): Universal Studios
Rating: Not Rated
Pros: The same great story, acting and effects we’ve come to expect and appreciate throughout the series. Most everything is nicely wrapped up without a dumb, dangling sequel-generating element.
Cons: Purely subjective dislikes that might include unusually paced scenes, the enigmatic Starbuck, the last few scenes and intentionally unanswered phenomena.
Overall Score: Two thumbs up; 95/100; A; * * * * 1/2 out of five.

The final half season of the groundbreaking revamp TV series, Battlestar Galactica, wraps up all of the mysteries, visions and even relationships that had been developing throughout the series. Even with all the bonus footage, extended episodes and commentary tracks, that doesn’t mean the ending will make any more sense.

But do not despair. This is the perfect followup to the amazing first half of the final season and a beautiful, even if somewhat intentionally enigmatic conclusion to the series.

So Watched We All

Caveat Emptor: Small spoilers ahead.

The story picks up with the disappointing discovery of a charred Earth which exasperates existing frustrations, causing bigger rifts and inciting dual civil wars. You’ll see surprising defections, lead characters being killed, at least one character unexpectedly returning and a lot of action. As for the Fab Five Cylcons, they eventually learn more about their past with seemingly random and uncontrollable events colliding into a grand climax even for them.

Baltar continues his twisty existence as a religious (and scientific) leader, resulting in the outing of a main characters’ resurrection. Adama gets a little more nookie and gets to fire off many shots. Starbuck, even though she finds herself, her strange past continue to haunt her as do musical echoes that will, of course, become very important later. And Tyrol continues to get crapped on, which, of course, makes him even more cranky.

Eventually Adama leads the crew and a deteriorating Galactica into one final mission which ultimately brings the series to a rather finite end. The series definitely goes in unexpected directions and, at every turn, it’s a joy to watch.

The pace of the final season swings between intense action, suspense and long, thoughty pauses, which is rather unusual compared to the previous seasons. Some of it is rather intentional, especially with the final episode, may annoyingly slow down the pace for some viewers down but, overall, even those moments offer slight respites and moments of profound background.

And, yes, the theme song from the original series does get its own moment in the final episode. Aside from that, the nods to the original series are almost completely gone save the re-emergence of an old foe for only a few brief moments.

Don’t Lose an Eye

For those of you looking for hard answers to those little mysteries, forget it. What you see on screen is essentially what you get in terms of deeper meanings although they do bring together a lot of the series’ images (the Opera House), resolve those little things that have been developing (Starbuck and her childhood childhood visions and recent musical interests) get couples together for good and even put the Galactica to rest. Even with all that, the series’ creators have intentionally left a lot up to be interpreted in many ways.

That means the commentary tracks will ultimately prove useless to those who need something more solid to help them come to grips with the end of the series. Instead, the writer, director and others talk about off screen experiences, hardly relating to whatever is happening on screen. When you see that key moment or two you’ve been waiting an hour to have explained you will instead be listening to the middle of some tangent about filming or set design. In terms of film education, that’s all useful information but, for fans that’s not necessarily what you want to hear right at that moment.

Deleted scenes also don’t add much to the overall experience (although I almost always enjoy seeing what was left out). The extended versions include footage that is blended well enough that it’s hard to recall exactly what you didn’t see when the episodes aired. It is nice to have the podcasts collected in one place.

Perhaps the most interesting revelation in the bonus features is that much of the success is due to a “manifesto” written by series’ developer, writer and producer Ron Moore (who gets a big ol’ cameo in the final scenes). Interestingly, it was meant for the sales team to use and was instead copied and accidentally sent out with copies of the script. As fate would have it, that page, called a “manifesto” by everyone except Moore, proved to be vital to the series being picked up, developed and getting a great cast. It’s hard to think that didn’t play into the series story lines, even if unconsciously. Even more interesting is that they did not want the series to become a “space opera,” though it certainly had operatic imagery, undertones and even tragedies.

I’ll Buy That for a Starbuck

If you get this set expecting to watch all of the bonus footage and listening to hours of commentaries to get all of your questions answered, you will be massively disappointed. That should not, however, deter you in any way from getting the final episodes to this amazing series. It’s worth a watch for anyone, even if only once.

The only reason not to get this and the previous seasons might be to save up and buy the pricey Blu-ray complete series set (MSRP $349.99). In any case, I cannot imagine why you would not (or not have already) complete(d) your Battlestar Galactica home video collection.

Read [Gamertell] Site [Battlestar Galactica DVD]

Full Story » | Written by PJ Hruschak for Gamertell. | Comment on this Article »

This week’s PlayStation Store is full of action-packed games to keep you entertained. First game available in the store is Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Turtles in Time Re-Shelled for $9.99. It takes everyone’s favorite ninja turtles Donatello, Micheal Angelo, Raphael and Leonardo back through time to fight Shredder, foot-soldiers and many familiar foes - including Krang and Leatherhead - to repair the damages done in the present. In this game you can face Shredder’s army alone, invite up to three friends to play at home or go online and play. Recreated in beautiful full 3D HD graphics and animations, players will enjoy that the game retains its favorite moments and familiar game play of the original.

This week’s PlayStation One Classic will take players back to the small ghost town of Silent Hill for $5.99. Follow Harry Mason through the town of Silent Hill in search of his daughter Cheryl lost somewhere on the dangerous streets of Silent Hill filled with bizarre creatures and strange people. Celebrate its 10-year anniversary and re-live the frightening story of Harry Mason and play the game that started it all.

Here is what else is new:

Downloadable Games - PSOne Classics

• Blood Omen: Legacy of Kain (PS3/PSP/$5.99)
• Syphon Filter 2 (PS3/PSP/$5.99)

Downloadable Games

• Wild Arms XF (PSP/$14.99)
• WipEout Pulse (PSP/$22.99)

Game Demos:

• LittleBigPlanet Demo (PS3/Free)
• Katamari Forever Demo (PS3/Free)
• Star Wars The Clone Wars: Republic Heroes Demo (PS3/Free)
• TMNT: Turtles in Time Re-Shelled Trial Version (PS3/Free)
• Half-Minute Hero Demo (PSP/Free)

Bonus Game Contents:

• High Velocity Bowling Heather (PS3/99 Cents)
• High Velocity Bowling Ball Pack – Graphic Patterns (PS3/99 Cents)
• High Velocity Bowling Ball Pack – Back To School (PS3/99 Cents)
• PAIN Character 2 – George Takei (PS3/$1.99)
• Marvel Ultimate Alliance 2 Juggernaut Playable Character (PS3/$1.99)
• UFC 2009: Undisputed Additional Fighters (PS3/$3.99)
• Tiger Woods PGA Tour 10 Gary Player GC (PS3/$4.99)
• Red Faction Guerilla Multiplayer Pack 2 (PS3/$6.99)

Guitar Hero World Tour Packs:

• Street Sweeper Social Club Track Pack (PS3/$5.49)
Individual Tracks:
• “100 Little Curses” by Street Sweeper Social Club (PS3/$1.99)
• “Fight! Smash! Win!” by Street Sweeper Social Club (PS3/$1.99)
• “Somewhere In The World It’s Midnight” by Street Sweeper Social Club (PS3/$1.99)

Rock Band Pack:

• Freezepop Pack 01 (PS3/$2.99)
Individual Tracks:
• “Science Genius Girl” by Freezepop (PS3/99 cents)
• “Less Talk More Rokk” by Freezepop (PS3/99 cents)
• “Get Ready 2 Rokk” by Freezepop (PS3/99 cents)

• The PAX 2009 Collection (PS3/$2.99)
Individual Tracks:
• “Re: Your Brains” by Jonathan Coulton (PS3/99 cents)
• “Origin of Species” by MC Frontalot (PS3/99 cents)
• “Opening Band” by Paul and Storm (PS3/99 cents)

Individual Songs:

• “Miss Murder” by AFI (PS3/$1.99)
• “Gasoline” by Audioslave (PS3/$1.99)
• “Kryptonite” by 3 Doors Down (PS3/$1.99)
• “ABC” by The Jackson 5 (PS3/$1.99)

Rock Band Unplugged bonus content:

• “Love Spreads” by The Stone Roses (PSP/$1.99)
• “I Stand Alone” by Godsmack (PSP/$1.99)

Free Game Videos:

• Pulse 9/10 Edition (PS3/PSP/Free)
• NHL 2K10 1 on 1 Moves Trailer (PS3/Free)

New Movies to Rent or Own:
With summer winding down PlayStation Network Store will offer a special 99 cent sale of TV shows from now until September 17, 2009. Shows include popular hit series like Heroes, Robot Chicken and more. Here’s a clip of one of the shows available for 99 cents, Community:

Wallpapers and Themes:

• Fate/unlimited Codes Wallpaper 1 (PS3/Free)
• The Transporter 3 Theme (PS3/$1.49)
• My Bloody Valentine Theme (PS3/$1.49)
• Cosplay Girls (PS3/$1.49)
• Hyperdesk Pulse Theme (PSP/$1.49)
• Hyperdesk Deep Shadows Theme (PSP/$1.49)
• Beach Theme 1 (PSP/$1.49)
• Beach Theme 2 (PSP/$1.49)
• Godfather Theme (PS3/$1.99)
• Ele’Gals Theme (PS3/$1.99)
• Beach Theme (PS3/$1.99)
• Hyperdesk Pulse (PS3/$1.99)
• Hyperdesk Deep Shadows (PS3/$1.99)
• Dark Matter Gamma Ray (PS3/$1.99)
• Dark Matter Subspace (PS3/$1.99)
• Dark Matter Solar Flare (PS3/$1.99)
• Hyperdesk Dual Pack Theme (PSP/$2.99)
• Hyperdesk Dual Pack Theme (PS3/$3.99)
• Dark Matter Trilogy (PS3/$3.99)

Read [PlayStation Store Blog] Site [PlayStation]

Full Story » | Written by Lucy Newman for Gamertell. | Comment on this Article »

Namco Bandai’s Tales of series hasn’t been developed in North America, Europe and other regions the way it has in Japan. We’ve never seen any of the DS entries (Tales of Tempest/Tales of Innocence/Tales of Hearts), didn’t catch the Game Boy Advance Narikiri Dungeon or Summoner’s Lineage spin-offs and weren’t priviledged enough to see Tales of Rebirth. We’ve also been neglected when it came to remakes, as we didn’t get the Tales of Destiny PS2 remake, the Tales of Symphonia PS2 port or the Tales of Eternia PSP port. And to us, Tales of Destiny 2 refers to Tales of Eternia, and not the direct PS2 sequel to Tales of Destiny.

This has given Tales of fans a greater appreciation for every entry in the series that does manage to make it out of Japan. To be honest, there really haven’t been all that many. And, while we do greatly appreciate the ones we haven’t gotten, Namco Bandai’s still chosen to leave some of the best entries in the series in Japan.

Today, Gamertell’s looking back at the five best Tales of games North America has been lucky enough to get.

5. Tales of Phantasia

The 1995 Super Famicom game Tales of Phantasia is where the series began. It is a wonderful game which introduced the linear motion battle system, included voice acting, had a voiced theme song and an epic storyline that, in the end, made players wonder about the nature of good and evil and how perspective and personal feelings can effect how one feels about a situation or person. It was a revolutionary SNES game trapped in Japan.

While Tales of Phantasia is an incredible adventure and a notable entry in the Tales of series, the only official English language release is the atrocious Game Boy Advance port. While the Game Boy Advance port does have some of the revised graphics and additional content from the PlayStation remake and some original sidequests, the translation is sloppy, the graphics look don’t look good despite the supposed polish, the sound quality is awful and there’s noticeable lag during battles and other parts of the adventure. It’s commendable that Nintendo stepped up to bring this game to North America since Namco Bandai didn’t, but the quality is atrocious and makes the port difficult to play and appreciate.

4. Tales of Destiny

For people outside of Japan, Tales of Destiny was their first exposure to the budding Tales of series, despite being the second game in the series. It’s also one of the most popular games in the series in Japan as well, earning a PlayStation 2 remake and having the distinction of being the first game in the series to receive a true sequel (Tales of Destiny 2.)

It’s memorable and deserves to be considered one of the best Tales of games because it is a pioneer and memorable first. It allowed Namco to test the waters for the Tales of franchise overseas, and the first Tales of experience for many players. The nostalgia factor alone earns Tales of Destiny a spot among the best Tales of games.

3. Tales of Symphonia

If there’s one genre woefully under-represented on the GameCube, it was the RPG. Thankfully, Namco stepped up with Tales of Symphonia, a two disc RPG for the system. This prequel to Tales of Symphonia was very well received around the world, and marked the first time the Tales of series appeared in Europe. It was so beloved that Namco Bandai created a Wii sequel to it, Tales of Symphonia: Dawn of the New World.

The storyline is very identifiable, a traditional world saving situation where a childhood friend’s life is on the line, which may have had some effect on its success. It also featured an interesting system where players could influence the story and course of the game based on choices. Choices could affect the plot, as well as the character with whom the main character Lloyd would have a relationship with. The fact that it’s one of the few GameCube RPGs and it’s success worldwide make it a natural choice for one of the best Tales of games.

2. Tales of the Abyss

Tales of the Abyss is among the most loved and hardest to find entries in the Tales of series. This PlayStation 2 game was beloved by many, and even inspired an anime and manga. It is often mentioned as one of the most interesting RPGs for the console, due to the interesting storyline and character development.

Other interesting points worth mentioning is that Tales of the Abyss is unique in that the economy of the game can change based on how you choose to play, costumes and titles are available for all of the playable characters and the US version had additional skills for characters to learn.

1. Tales of Vesperia

Tales of Versperia for the Xbox 360 is one of the most successful entries in the Tales of series to be released in recent years. It merited a limited edition release in the US, inspired an animated movie and has lead to a PS3 port with additional content. It had downloadable content, trophies for players to earn, allows characters to learn skills and abilities through equipment and skits with English voice acting.

Out of all the Tales of games, Tales of Vesperia is being hailed as the best entry in the series. It is critically acclaimed by media outlets around the world. As the first next-gen entry in the series, and one of the most popular, it definitely deserves to be considered one of the finest Tales of games.

Site [Tales of Vesperia] Site [Tales of Phantasia]

Full Story » | Written by Jenni Lada for Gamertell. | Comment on this Article »

In light of this year’s Dreamcast anniversary I’ve decided to write up a guide for many of you who either are just diving into Dreamcast or rejoining the Orange Swirl Society.

I’ll try to cover as many aspects as I can about the system but if I miss some burning question, feel free to ask in the comments below and I’ll do my best to answer them.

Acquiring a Dreamcast

The first step is perhaps the most obvious one – get a system. You can find one on the usual online marketplaces (eBay or NCSX for instance) or check your local pawn shops, Goodwills and even a yard sale.

A decent running price for the system alone is about $25 to $75 depending on condition. Some places will even include bundles with extra games and controllers. Be sure to acquire a VMU (Virtual Memory Unit) or you won’t be making much progress in your games. These will run anywhere from $0.50 to $8, they come in various colors and, even if the battery is dead, it will still work once plugged into your controller.

Setting Up Your Dreamcast

Next we naturally have to hook the thing up. There are various ways to do this.

If you have a standard CRT television, the composite cables will work fine for you.

However, I prefer the method of VGA adaption, especially if you are going to play shooters or are just going to hook the system up to an HDTV. You can either purchase a VGA box or grab one of these adapters that goes straight from your Dreamcast into your monitor/television.

What to Play?

The Dreamcast is an amazing system with a great library of software to boot. Most of it was aimed at the arcade crowd although there are plenty of other genres represented. Here a few suggestions to get you started:

• Jet Grind Radio
• Shenmue
• Soul Calibur
• Sonic Adventure
• Seaman
• JoJo’s Bizarre Adventures
• D2
• Evolution
• Giga Wing
• Marvel vs. Capcom 2
• Street Fighter: Third Strike
• Crazy Taxi
• Space Channel 5
• Skies of Arcadia

For the completionist, Sega once posted a complete checklist of Dreamcast titles on their site, however the link is currently dead. Thankfully, the strong community surrounding the system has kept the list alive today in PDF form. The best thing of all is that most Dreamcast games these days are kicking around for a few bucks. However don’t be surprised to see high price tags on rarer more complete finds.

Import Heaven

Much like the Sega Saturn, one of the Sega Dreamcast’s true strengths was the easy ability to play imported games. All it takes is a Boot Disc or a Gameshark CDX and your Dreamcast is region-free.

You can acquire these one of three ways: Either purchase them online or do some digital footwork and you may be able to find an image of the Boot Disc and instructions on how to make it work on your system via Google. Finally, there are mod chips but it’s perhaps easier to use one of the other routes.

What kinds of imports can you expect to play on your system? Tons. Here’s a tiny list just to name a few:

• Ikaruga
• Border Down
• Under Defeat
• Radirgy
• Princess Maker series (thanks for informing me of this Jenni!)
• Sakura Taisen
• Capcom vs. SNK 2
• Psyvariar 2
• Puyo Puyo Fever
• Super Street Fighter 2X
• Trigger Heart Excelica
• Shenmue II
• Rez

TATE (TAH-TAY!)

What is Tate Mode? It’s the mode in which the picture on your screen shifts at a 90-degree angle. This is where it’s handy to have your Dreamcast hooked up to a VGA monitor (not a flat screen unless it has a swivel stand). How do you play with the screen shifted? Simply turn your monitor onto its left side. Relax, it won’t hurt it (remember to bend at the knees).

Why would you want the screen shifted 90-degrees? Because it lends itself to a more arcade feel and, in most instances, actually shows you the entire screen without bunching it up.

Accessory Fever

Don’t you just love accessories? Stop lying. I know you have more than two plastic guitars in your house. The Dreamcast has some awesome accessories.

For instance, the official Sega Dreamcast Arcade Stick was a solidly built piece of hardware. It’s been seven years and mine is still going strong. There are plenty of sticks available for the system yet I find the official one the best of them.

Then there was the Dreamcast keyboard. This thing provided many a classic moments with Typing of the Dead. Typing in words to kill zombies was hilarious enough especially when you are no good at it. But the keyboard also had other uses. Since the Dreamcast could go online via the built-in 56k modem, you could browse the web and if you had a VMU plugged in, you could (and even still can) download games and other things straight to the unit.

Then there was the microphone and Seaman. Talking to that human headed fish was/is perhaps one of the most surreal experiences gamers can have. It’s just something you have to experience on your own to grasp.

Playing Online

Yes its true, avid Dreamcast owners can still take their systems online either through the 56k modem or the viable alternative of the cable modem adapter. What are you going to play though? Chu Chu Rocket was a big time waster but perhaps the biggest and most addictive reason is Phantasy Star Online (PSO).

For people longing to relive their days on Ragol, there’s good news in that there are still working servers for the Dreamcast, GameCube and PCs.

Now Go Play!

Alright, that about covers the basics so go get started and let us know how it’s going for you. Was it everything you remembered? Was it better as nostalgia? Did I miss something you wanted to know? Write us!

Read [Racketboy] Also Read [Bitmob] Shop [NCSX]

Full Story » | Written by Kris Rosado for Gamertell. | Comment on this Article »

On September 9. 1999, I remember sitting with my friends talking about whether or not we would be getting a Dreamcast. I boldly claimed, “No!” among a sea of yes-es and also claimed the system would never make it. No, I wasn’t a prophet embedded with the knowledge that the Dreamcast really wouldn’t make it longer than 16 months, I was simply a burned consumer who bought a Sega Saturn and only played Panzer Dragoon and Sonic Jam.

However, it wouldn’t be long before I joined in with the masses. In fact, I could only hold out until that Christmas (I literally asked my dad to buy me one the day before Christmas Eve) when I read an article about Soul Calibur in an issue of Electronic Gaming Monthly and began a love affair that goes on still today, 10 years later.

The love people share for this particular piece of hardware year after year never ceases to amaze me though I completely understand. Thanks to a combination of internal struggles, which are too far and winding for me to go over here and piracy, the Dreamcast only lasted 16 months on store shelves. Yet, thanks to a strong community and indie game developers, the beloved system lives on even today with complete games still being created for it. It’s a safe bet that the Dreamcast will still be thinking until the last remaining unit dies out.

So as 09/09/09 goes by today, I will be hooking up my still kicking Dreamcast to my dusty VGA monitor and will be enjoying the nostalgic goodness of games like Soul Calibur, Crazy Taxi, Sonic Adventure, D2, and Street Fighter: Third Strike with a mix of Marvel vs. Capcom 2 and Capcom vs SNK 2.

Of course I encourage you to join me on the trip back into the orange swirl because without the Dreamcast who knows where gaming would be today.

Read [Gamertell]

Full Story » | Written by Kris Rosado for Gamertell. | Comment on this Article »

This week’s PlayStation Store update features an interesting game of destruction called Battle Tanks for $9.99 on the PlayStation 3. Players can control a World War II tank over more than 50 different battlefields against friends or other online players. Destroy the enemy before they destroy you. Last tank standing wins. Check it out:

Another featured download this week includes two Capcom game bundles containing several Capcom games in one. The first one is the Capcom Combo Pack for $29.99 for the PlayStation 3 and includes:

• 1942
• Wolf of the Battlefield: Commando
• Super Puzzle Fighter 2 HD Remix
• Rocketmen: Axis of Evil
• Rocketmen: It Came from Uranus mission pack

The second game bundle, the Capcom Super Pack cost $49.99 for the PlayStation 3 and includes:

• Super Street Fighter II HD Remix
• FLOCK!
• Age of Booty
• 1942
• Wolf of the Battlefield: Commando
• Super Puzzle Fighter 2 HD Remix
• Rocketmen: Axis of Evil with the It Came from Uranus mission pack

Here is what else is new:

Qore:

• Qore Annual Subscription: September 2009 (PS3/$24.99)
• Qore Episode 16: September 2009 (PS3/$2.99)

Downloadable Games - PSOne Classics

• CoolBoarders 3 (PS3/PSP/$5.99)

Downloadable Games

• NBA 2K10: Draft Combine (PS3/$4.99)
• Patapon (PSP/$15.99)
• Fate/Unlimited Codes (PSP/$29.99)

Game Demos:

• Fight Night Round 4 Demo #2 (PS3/Free)
• NBA 2K10: Draft Combine Demo (PS3/Free)

Bonus Game Contents:

• PAIN Space Monkey Character (PS3/99 Cents)
• PAIN Space Mime Character (PS3/99 Cents)
• PAIN Space Granny Character (PS3/99 Cents)
• PAIN Space Character Bundle (PS3/$1.99)
• FEAR 2: Project Origin Reborn Map Pack (PS3/$9.99)

Guitar Hero World Tour Packs:

• The Rolling Stones Live Track Pack (PS3/$8.99)
Individual Tracks:
• “I’m Free (Live)” by The Rolling Stones (PS3/$1.99)
• “Prodigal Son (Live)” by The Rolling Stones (PS3/$1.99)
• “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction (Live)” by The Rolling Stones (PS3/$1.99)
• “Under My Thumb (Live)” by The Rolling Stones (PS3/$1.99)
• “You Gotta Move (Live)” by The Rolling Stones (PS3/$1.99)

Rock Band Pack:

• Talking Heads Pack 01 (PS3/$8.49)
Individual Tracks:
• “And She Was” by Talking Heads (PS3/$1.99)
• “Crosseyed and Painless” by Talking Heads (PS3/$1.99)
• “Girlfriend Is Better” by Talking Heads (PS3/$1.99)
• “Once in a Lifetime” by Talking Heads (PS3/$1.99)
• “Take Me to the River” by Talking Heads (PS3/$1.99)

Individual Songs:

• “Bat Country” by Avenged Sevenfold (PS3/$1.99)
• “Supersonic (Live)” by Oasis (PS3/$1.99)
• “Guerrilla Radio” by Rage Against the Machine (PS3/$1.99)
• “Going Underground” by The Jam (PS3/$1.99)
• “Town Called Malice” by The Jam (PS3/$1.99)

Rock Band Unplugged bonus content:

• “Lucid Dreams” by Franz Ferdinand (PSP/$1.99)
• “Riad N’ the Bedouins” by Guns N’ Roses (PSP/$1.99)

Free Game Videos:

• Crash Commando New Recruits Trailer (PS3/Free)
• Gravity Crash GamesCom Trailer (PS3/Free)
• King Of Fighters XII Trailer 4 (PS3/Free)
• NBA 2K10: Draft Combine Teaser Trailer (PS3/Free)

New Movies to Rent or Own:

Warning: Following trailer does contain violence.

• Dance Flick (Unrated) (Own/SD Format/$14.99)
• Crank 2: High Voltage. Rated R (Own/SD Format/$14.99)
• State of Play. Rated PG-13 (Own/SD Format/$14.99)
• State of Play. Rated PG-13 (Rent/SD Format/$3.99)
• State of Play. Rated PG-13 (Rent/HD Format/$5.99)
• Bully Beatdown Season 2. (Own/SD Format/$1.99)*
*Two episodes free now through September 10, 2009
• Gunslinger Girls Season 2. Rated TV-MA (Own/SD Format/$1.99)**
**First episode free now through September 16, 2009

Wallpapers and Themes:

• Bad Business – Sir George Theme (PSP/99 cents)
• Bad Business – Benny Theme (PSP/99 cents)
• Dark Matter Gamma Ray Theme (PSP/$1.49)
• Dark Matter Subspace Theme (PSP/$1.49)
• Dark Matter Solar Flare Theme (PSP/$1.49)
• College Football: USC Theme (PS3/$1.99)
• College Football: Penn State Theme (PS3/$1.99)
• Dark Matter Trilogy Theme (PSP/$2.99)
• PixelJunk Monsters Dynamic Theme (PS3/$2.99)
• PAIN Dynamic Theme (PS3/$2.99)
• High Velocity Bowling Dynamic Theme (PS3/$2.99)

Read [PlayStation Store Blog] Site [PlayStation]

Full Story » | Written by Lucy Newman for Gamertell. | Comment on this Article »

This week’s PlayStation Store update features a kung-fu fighting game Invincible Tiger: The Legend of Han Tao for the PlayStation 3 for $14.99. In this game you play as Han Tao battling against an overlord either alone, cooperatively with a friend or online to conquer the overlord and protect the Star of Destiny.

This week’s PlayStation One classic is Tomb Raider 2 for $5.99 on the PlayStation 3. In this sequel to Lara must search for the Dagger of Xian which will take her to China and then venture through Europe and the rest of the world fighting power craving fanatics to find a powerful dagger that had been sealed away for centuries.

Here’s a list of everything else that’s new:

Downloadable Games - PSOne Classics

• CoolBoarders 2 (PS3/PSP/$5.99)
• SimCity 2000 (PS3/PSP/$5.99)

Game Demos:

• WET Demo (PS3/Free)
• DiRT 2 Demo (PS3/Free)
• NHL 10 Demo (PS3/Free)
• F.E.A.R. 2: Project Origin Demo (PS3/Free)

Bonus Game Contents:

• LittleBigPlanet Artist Vera Bee Sticker Pack (PS3/$1.99)
• Crash Commando Character Pack 1 (PS3/$1.99)
• Crash Commando Character Pack 2 (PS3/$1.99)
• Crash Commando Character Pack 3 (PS3/$1.99)
• Cross Edge Add TP (PS3/$1.99)
• Cross Edge Add G (PS3/$1.99)
• Cross Edge Add EP (PS3/$1.99)
• Cross Edge Add PP 1 (PS3/$1.99)
• Cross Edge Add PP 2 (PS3/$1.99)
• Crash Commando Heist Map Pack (PS3/$2.99)
• Crash Commando Add-On Bundle (PS3/$4.99)
• Fight Night Round 4 Champions Pack (PS3/$4.99)
• Tiger Woods PGA Tour 2010 Wolf Creek (PS3/$4.99)
• Transformers: Revenge Of The Fallen Maps & Characters DLC (PS3/$9.99)
• Star Wars: The Force Unleashed Tatooine Mission Pack (PS3/$9.99)

Rock Band Songs:

• “Mony Mony” by Billy Idol (PS3/$1.99)
• “Rebel Yell” by Billy Idol (PS3/$1.99)
• “Don’t Stop” by Fleetwood Mac (PS3/$1.99)
• “World Turning” by Fleetwood Mac (PS3/$1.99)
• “She’s a Genius” by Jet (PS3/$1.99)
• “I Won’t Back Down” by Tom Petty (PS3/$1.99)
• “Runnin’ Down a Dream” by Tom Petty (PS3/$1.99)

Rock Band Unplugged bonus content:

• “Black Sunshine” by White Zombie (PSP/$1.99)
• “She’s Not There” by The Zombies (PSP/$1.99)

Free Game Videos:

• PULSE 8/27 Edition (PS3/PSP/Free)
• Crash Commando Heist Map Pack Add-On Trailer (PS3/Free
• Madden NFL 10 Accolades Trailer (PS3/Free)
• Madden NFL 10 Season in Reverse (PS3/Free)
• Madden NFL 10 AFC East Network Trailer (PS3/Free)
• Madden NFL 10 AFC North Network Trailer (PS3/Free)
• Madden NFL 10 AFC South Network Trailer (PS3/Free)
• Madden NFL 10 AFC West Network Trailer (PS3/Free)
• Madden NFL 10 NFC East Network Trailer (PS3/Free)
• Madden NFL 10 NFC North Network Trailer (PS3/Free)
• Madden NFL 10 NFC South Network Trailer (PS3/Free)
• Madden NFL 10 NFC West Network Trailer (PS3/Free)
• White Knight Chronicles GamesCom Trailer (PS3/Free)
• Ratchet & Clank Future: A Crack in Time Ratchet Trailer (PS3/Free)
• Ratchet & Clank Future: A Crack in Time Clank Trailer (PS3/Free)
• ModNation Racers Create A Track Trailer (PS3/Free)
• LittleBigPlanet History Pack Trailer (PS3/Free)
• Heavy Rain Gamecom Trailer (PS3/Free)
• MAG “Choose Your Loyalties” Trailer (PS3/Free)
• Eight AST Dew Tour 2009 Videos (PS3/Free)
• WET Video Short 1 (PS3/Free)

New Movies to Rent or Own:

• I Love You, Man. Rated R (Rent/SD Format/$3.99)
• I Love You, Man. Rated R (Rent/HD Format/$5.99)
• Duplicity. Rated PG-13 (Own/SD Format/$14.99)
• Duplicity. Rated PG-13 (Rent/SD Format/$3.99)
• Duplicity. Rated PG-13 (Rent/HD Format/$5.99)
• Fighting (Unrated). Rated R (Own/SD Format/$14.99)
• Sunshine Cleaning. Rated R (Own/SD Format/$14.99)
• Nitro Circus Season 2. Rated TV-14 (Own/SD Format/$1.99)
• Fantasy Factory. Rated TV-14 (Own/SD Format/$1.99)

Wallpapers and Themes:

• Batman Theme Pack (PS3/Free)
• The Punisher: No Mercy Wallpaper 1 (PS3/Free)
• Punisher No Mercy Comics Wallpaper 2 (PS3/Free)
• Zen Pinball Shaman Wallpaper (PS3/Free)
• Zen Pinball ZP Wallpaper (PS3/Free)
• Metal Battalion Maidens Theme 5 (PSP/99 Cents)
• Metal Battalion Maidens Theme 6 (PSP/99 Cents)
• Fractal Fire Theme (PS3/PSP/$1.49)
• Mythical Creatures Of Pandora Theme (PS3/PSP/$1.49)
• Cosplay Girls Theme (PSP/$1.49)

Read [PlayStation Store Blog] Site [PlayStation]

Full Story » | Written by Lucy Newman for Gamertell. | Comment on this Article »

This week’s PlayStation Store update features a game of destruction called Smash Cars for $14.99 for the PlayStation 3. The game offer real-time physics, stunts and next-gen graphics to make this experience fun with a choice of single or multi-player car racing with twists, turns and don’t forget serious stunts while earning trophies. Check it out:

This week’s PlayStation Portable download features Warriors Orochi for $14.99 for the PSP. In this game the Serpent King Orochi shattered time and space to kidnap the greatest warriors from Dynasty Warriors and Sumari Warriors and brought them together for the biggest showdown in history. Players can choose to play alone or in wireless co-op mode to unleash their powerful moves on nearby enemies. Check it out:

Here’s a list of everything else that’s new:

Downloadable Games - PSOne Classics

• Bloody Roar (PS3/PSP/$5.99)

Game Demos:

• IL-2 Sturmovik: Birds Of Prey Demo (PS3/Free)
• Mini Ninjas Demo (PS3/Free)

Bonus Game Contents:

• Batman: Arkham Asylum Play As The Joker Challenge Map (PS3/Free)
• Cross Edge Service Point Pack (PS3/Free)
• Dynasty Warriors Strikeforce Pack 4 (PSP/Free)
• BlazBlue: Calamity Trigger Unlimited Hakumen (PS3/99 cents)*
• BlazBlue: Calamity Trigger Unlimited Rachel (PS3/99 cents)*
• BlazBlue: Calamity Trigger Unlimited V-13 (PS3/99 cents)*
• BlazBlue: Calamity Trigger Unlimited Ragna (PS3/99 cents)*
*Note: This content can also be unlocked through regular game play.
• Cross Edge Open Voice (PS3/$1.99)
• Cross Edge Open Gallery (PS3/$1.99)
• Cross Edge Beauty & Beast Pack (PS3/$1.99)
• Cross Edge Exotic Pack (PS3/$1.99)
• Cross Edge Thanks for Waiting Pack (PS3/$1.99)
• Cross Edge Strongest (in a Way) Pack (PS3/$1.99)
• Cross Edge Lots of Legends Pack (PS3/$1.99)
• PAIN Celebrity Character Andy Dick (PS3/$1.99)
• Zen Pinball Street Fighter II Tribute Table (PS3/$2.49)
• BlazBlue: Calamity Trigger All Additional Colors (PS3/$4.99)
Individual Color Packs:
• BlazBlue: Calamity Trigger Additional Colors (Type A) (PS3/$1.99)
• BlazBlue: Calamity Trigger Additional Colors (Type B) (PS3/$1.99)
• BlazBlue: Calamity Trigger Additional Colors (Type C) (PS3/$1.99)

Guitar Hero World Tour Packs:

• “Dueling Banjos” by Steve Ouimette (PS3/$1.99)

Rock Band Music Packs:

• Foo Fighters Pack 02 (PS3/$5.49)
Individual Songs:
• “I’ll Stick Around” by Foo Fighters (PS3/$1.99)
• “Lonely As You” by Foo Fighters (PS3/$1.99)
• “All My Life” by Foo Fighters (PS3/$1.99)

Single Songs:

• “There’s No Other Way” by Blur (PS3/$1.99)
• “No Rain” by Blind Melon (PS3/$1.99)
• “Inside Out” by Eve 6 (PS3/$1.99)
• “I’m Shipping up to Boston” by Dropkick Murphy (PS3/$1.99)
• “I Predict a Riot” by Kaiser Chiefs (PS3/$1.99)

Rock Band Unplugged bonus content:

• “Heartbreaker” by Pat Benatar (PSP/$1.99)
• “A Favor House Atlantic” by Coheed and Cambria (PSP/$1.99)

Free Game Videos:

• Gran Turismo PSP interview video (PS3/PSP/Free)
• Red Faction: Guerrilla Demons Of The Bad Lands Trailer (PS3/Free
• Borderlands Premiere Gameplay Trailer (PS3/Free)
• Mini Ninjas Suzume Gameplay Video (PS3/Free)
• Mini Ninjas Suzume Vignette (PS3/Free)
• Tekken 6 GamesCom 2009 Trailer (PS3/Free)
• NHL 2K10 Teaser Video 1 (PS3/Free)
• Eight Dew Tour Summer Videos – Chicago (PS3/Free)

Free Game Music:

• Ten Marvel Vs Capcom 2 tracks

New Movies to Rent or Own:

• Tyson. Rated R (Own/SD Format/$14.99)
• Last House on the Left. Rated R (Rent/SD Format/$3.99)
• Last House on the Left. Rated R (Rent/HD Format/$5.99)
• Last House on the Left. Rated R (Own/SD Format/$14.99)
• The Soloist. Rated PG-13 (Rent/SD Format/$3.99)
• The Soloist. Rated PG-13 (Rent/HD Format/$5.99)
• Race to Witch Mountain. Rated PG-13 (Rent/SD Format/$3.99)
• Race to Witch Mountain. Rated PG-13 (Rent/HD Format/$5.99)


Wallpapers and Themes:

• US Army Best Ranger Competition XMB Theme (PS3/Free)
• Gamer Theme (PS3/Free)
• Bioshock 2 Multiplayer Theme (PS3/Free)
• Savage Moon Grey Theme (PS3/Free)
• Savage Moon Red Theme (PS3/Free)
• Four US Army Wallpapers (PS3/Free)
• Three Gamer Wallpapers (PS3/Free)
• Six Warriors Orochi (PSP/Free)
• Army Of Two: 40th Day Theme (PS3/$1.99)

Read [PlayStation Store Blog] Site [PlayStation]

Full Story » | Written by Lucy Newman for Gamertell. | Comment on this Article »

---

]]> Gaming News, Features, Collecting, Lists, Nostalgia, Previews, Consoles, PS3, Handhelds, PSP, Gear, Accessories, Displays, Gear-Other, Updates, Playstation-Store 2009-08-24T14:37:17+00:00 http://www.gamertell.com/gaming/comment/sony-home-update-holy-bat-cave-batman/ http://www.gamertell.com/gaming/comment/sony-home-update-holy-bat-cave-batman/ Section: Gaming News, Exclusives, Features, Lists, Nostalgia, Consoles, PS3, Gear, Accessories, Clothing, Displays, Figures & Toys, Furniture, Gear-Other, Genres, 3D, Casual, Online, Game-Genres-Other


This week another wave of updates hits the PlayStation Home community bringing new unique unlockable items and even a personal space that can be unlocked playing the new Batman: Arkham Asylum game.

New Spaces and Unlockables

MotorStorm: Pacific Rift

The new MotorStorm: Pacific Rift area has just opened allowing fans a huge space to hang out and participate in launching parties scheduled to be held every Monday from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. PST. According to the blogs this space will only be up for a limited time, so take advantage of the space while its on the map.

Here’s a glimpse of the “Globe of Death” space:

Exclusive Bat Cave personal space

With Batman: Arkham Asylum coming out next week for the PS3, a new exclusive unlockable item will be made available. Players who purchase the game when its released August 25, 2009 will be awarded with a Batcave Outpost of their very own when they play the game. The space will come with your own life-sized batmobile much like the Ecto-1 for those who purchased the Ghostbusters Firehouse personal space a few months ago. Batman fans would also love the personal museum of all things Batman.



Another exclusive item at the theater

Players who enjoyed the coffin-style sofa from watching Criss Angel’s exclusive clips from his upcoming new show The Five Lives of Criss Angel, can return to the theater for another exclusive furniture item by watching his next clip. The next item is a matchng coffin-style coffee table and another chance to be entered to win one of two real-life coffins used in Criss Angel: Mindfreak and one of three Criss Angel: Burn DVDs and books. Only five winners will be selected and to participate register and log on to Sony Home and visit the theater to watch the video.

Also at the theater, new music videos by Shakira that unlocks free disco glasses or shades for viewers. The movies change often so if you like free stuff or want to know what is in store for the Playstation Home or view trailers of upcoming games, be sure to check the theater often. Players can find the Theater in Central Plaza or by selecting the space from the World Map.

Suggestions for future home spaces needed

Speaking of spaces, players who would like to see more themed spaces for their favorite game are always welcomed to visit the PlayStation Home forums and make suggestions or request items like animated furniture which just released today at the mall and the hamster suit that was released a few month. It never hurts to ask, but it kind of helps if you can find fellow gamers that share the same interest. Let’s see if my Final Fantasy or Silent Hill space opens soon. (Insert giggles here.)

Home Shopping Mall

This week many new items are available at the mall with more to come in the near future, here is what’s happening this week:

Threads I (located on the first floor)

• Fight Night Boxing outfit bundles for male and female avatars, choice of red or black outfits for $1.99.
• Resident Evil 5 T-shirts for male and female avatars, 22 different designs for 99 cents each.
Males Only:
• Board Shorts cost 99 cents

Female Only:

• Brigand Pants cost 99 cents
• Neo Victorian Skirt cost 99 cents

Threads 2 (located on the second floor)

Males Only:
• Sombrero cost 49 cents
• Black Animated Growing Vines t-shirt cost $1.99

Females Only:

• Black Animated Growing Flowers t-shirt cost $1.99
• Blue Animated Growing Flowers t-shirt cost $1.99

Costume Shop (located on the second floor)

Males Only:
• Male Bicycle Messenger Outfit bundle cost $1.99

Individual items:

• Small Billed Cap cost 49 cents
• Men’s Cycling Shoes cost 49 cents
• Messenger Shirt cost 99 cents
• Messenger Pants cost 99 cents

Females Only:

• Female Bicycle Messenger Outfit Bundle cost $1.99

Individual items:

• White Bicycle Helmet cost 49 cents
• Pink Bicycle Helmet cost 49 cents
• Bike Messenger Shoes cost 49 cents
• Bike Messenger Jeans cost 99 cents
• Bike Messenger Shirt cost 99 cents

Furniture Store 1 (located on the first floor)

• EA Fight Night Furniture Bundle cost $4.49
Includes following items:
• Fight Night themed Sofa
• Chaise Lounger
• Half-Chaise Lounger
• Table
• Ottoman

Furniture Store 2 (located on the second floor)

Animated Neon Furniture in your choice of blue, pink or green:
• Animated Neon Chairs cost $1.99
• Animated Neon Foot Stools cost $1.99
• Animated Neon Table cost $1.99
• Animated Neon Trash Can cost $1.99
• Animated Neon Flower in a Vase cost $1.99
• Animated Neon Lamp cost $1.99
• Animated Neon Sofa cost $1.99

Site [PlayStation] Site [Criss Angel’s Official Website] Site [Official Batman Anarkham Asylum Website]

Full Story » | Written by Lucy Newman for Gamertell. | Comment on this Article »

Title: Watchmen
Release Date: July 21, 2009
Format: DVD, *Blu-ray, Digital Download
Company: Warner Bros.
Rating: “Restricted” for strong graphic violence, sexuality. nudity and language.
Length: 186 min (3 hours, 6 minutes)
Pros: Maximum Movie Mode is very worthwhile and the extra footage adds more blood. A respectable adaptation of the comic(s), great costumes and special effects, good soundtrack and several good performances.
Cons: Some extra footage unnecessary (makes the movie even longer) and online features are too laggy to enjoy. Moments of unintentional awkwardness, poor makeup not helped by high def and a few mixed performances.
Overall Score: Two thumbs up; 91/100; A-; * * * * out of five.

As I’ve already given a review of the Watchmen film, here’s a look at the Director’s Cut of Watchmen along with a look at the special features included with the Blu-ray purchase.

The main bonus features in the Blu-ray release are the dozen plus extra minutes of footage embedded within the movie, the Maximum Movie Mode, BD-Live extras, the Special Features disc and the Digital Copy disc.

Director’s Cut, Director’s Schmut

The release does include both the Director’s Cut and the theatrical release, so you can compare the two. Of course, doing so will require about 6+ hours of your time, something you likely won’t do in one sitting.

The extra footage is primarily 15 minutes of more violence and blood, usually involving Rorschach. It makes it more true to the comic but the fifth axe chop is not more meaningful than the first two, just more gut wrenching. In one case, involving the original Night Owl’s attackers, the extra footage is actually a determent to the movie, taking away from a few rather decent bouts of acting to them focus on overacted, uber rehearsed lines, detracting from the dramatic effect of the following scene. In that case, the scene was best left edited out and the film slightly suffered because of it. Luckily, it’s only a couple minutes of the movie and, for most, will soon be forgotten.

The Director’s Cut proves to be a mixed bag of beneficial and detrimental footage that makes an already long movie even longer. For a movie buff, that’s probably OK but for most that’s a dozen more minutes of sore butt syndrome.

It’s Totally Maximum Movie Mode, Dude

Maximum Movie Mode is much like a lecture class where the director (Zack Snyder) periodically stops the film to talk about it, brings in guest lecturers and tosses in some gratuitous extra effects and insights to keep you interested. And it works despite the seemingly annoying aspect of being interrupted every few minutes with a comment, tidbits, historical timeline overlay or cast member comment. It’s informative and certainly a good way to learn more about the movie, graphic novel and thought process behind the details and differences between the movie and the book.

It combines all the familiar extra features - director’s commentaries, photos, factoids and interviews - in a way that make a lot more sense and is a lot more fluid than scrolling through an unreadable menu.

The main drawbacks are is that it sometimes seems a little scripted and ends with a personal “Thank You” session from Zack that viewers won’t really appreciate. Otherwise, it’s highly informative and vastly superior to the featurettes offered on the second disc. Aside from the high-def video, your extra money is well spent with this potion of the Blu-ray. Kudos to Warner for this feature and I look forward to more releases with a similar feature.

One potentially irritating part feature is that it isn’t easy to find, especially if watching on a PS3. You’ll need to hit the “Pop Up Menu” button to bring up the bottom menu with the Maximum Movie Mode option. Otherwise it’ll go right from previews to the movie. (I guess that’s what happens when companies cut back on printed manuals.)

BD-Live is BD-ogus

BD-Live is essentially an online component that pairs the offline Blu-ray disc with online content. You can record commentaries and host online viewings with your friends. I was initially excited with the potential of the interactive features offered via BD-Live when Dark Knight was released. With Watchmen, however, there are hardly any worthwhile online extras. Sure, you can scroll through the confusing menus to get to content you watched months ago online (Dr. Manhattan making-of featurettes and a couple retro videos) but the user-created content is completely lacking. Anything that is available is marred by a laggy server that leaves you watching the loading icon longer than you watch any videos.

The only worthwhile commentary might be the writing team of David Hayter and Alex Tse who offer an uninteresting look into what they had to do, for several years, with an infamous graphic novel to turn it into a movie. Even then, you’ll spend more time with the loading icon than absorbing anything useful. Aside from the making-of segments you might have missed and are mistakenly not included as menu items on a disc, don’t even bother with this feature.

Semi-Special Features

The disc labeled “Special Features” include a lot less than expected. I expected to see compilations of interviews, photos and other stuff from the Maximum Movie Mode that could be scrolled at your leisure. Instead it was only a couple 30 minute featurettes that seemed more standardized for DVD releases than special. The fact that it is Blu-ray implied that much more would be available. Instead, the three features and music video (by Gerard Way’s band My Chemical Romance) are a letdown and offer little more than you’d find on most Watchmen fan sites.

I’ll retract that a little to give some credit to the DC editors, cast and crew that helped to dissect the graphic novel a bit for those who are unable to ponder it that deeply purely because they were not alive int he 1980s (no insult intended). The real-world vigilantes featureless was at times more silly than serious so it might be viewable for a few giggles.

Warner Bros. really missed an opportunity with this disc. They should have included a complete, selectable menu of all the items offered in the Maximum Movie Mode.

Digital Download Disc

This is the bonus that will probably make a lot of people happy. With your purchase you also get a free download of the movie for both your PC (Mac or Windows) and iTunes. That’s at least a $10-$20 value right there considering you can take the movie and watch it on a portable device to help cut down the doldrums of your cross-continental flight. You need to use the code included on a piece of paper in your disc case and expires July 21, 209, So if you are thinking of keeping that case sealed for collector’s sake, you might want to rethink it to cash in on the downloads before they expire.

Also, I noticed that the end of the legal goo at the bottom of the paper offer the humorously straightforward plea, “Don’t steal movies.”

Re-Watching the Watchmen

The most interesting things I learned from this release were that the blue glows around Dr. Manhattan were real-world effects and Zack’s thoughts on the reworked ending (which I like better than the graphic novel). That sadly means that the special features were too little too late, clearly outdone by internet.

The movie stands up extremely well as a home video with great audio (make sure you have it properly calibrated to get the vocal track up to volume with the sound effects) and amazing visual effects. Any effects that seemed cartoony in the theater are far little more forgiving at home and Patrick Wilson’s Dan Dreiberg (and Nite Owl) are a lot less creepy at second viewing. Of course, if you have a large HD TV, the rubbery makeup on Robert Wisden as President Richard Nixon and Carla Gugino as the aged Sally Jupiter will not be any less forgiving.

Not certain whether or not to get the Blu-ray release? Stop wondering. Simple answer is, if you have not already, “Hecks yes.” If you are going to get this movie for home viewing, the highest def you can get is best. Then watch it though a couple more times just to look for everything you missed the first times around.

Read [Gamertell] Photo Gallery 1 [Gamertell] Photo Gallery 2 [Gamertell]

Full Story » | Written by PJ Hruschak for Gamertell. | Comment on this Article »

Mimobot, makers of fancy USB Flash drives, today (August 11, 2009) announced the upcoming release of a Hello Kitty themed Flash drives.

The drives will be available early September 2009, pre-empting Hello Kitty’s 35th Anniversary on November 1, 2009.

The drives will feature Hello Kitty imagery and range in capacity from 2 GB to 16 GB. As with Mimobot’s earlier themed drives (eg Halo), each will come pre-loaded with wallpapers, screensavers, icons, avatars, videos and “other digital surprises.” The site currently shows a red drive but that doesn’t mean other colors will not be available.

Prices have not yet been announced but the drives will be sold online at Mimobot‘s site, Sanrio‘s site and select retail outlets.

Mimobot plans to also release other Sanrio-themed Flash drives including Badtz-Maru, My Melody, Kuromi, Keroppi Chococat, and TuxedoSam.

Site [Mimoco] Read [Gamertell]

Full Story » | Written by PJ Hruschak for Gamertell. | Comment on this Article »

The Harvest Moon games are something special. They’ve developed a devoted cult following, which people who have never experienced the games may not understand. Especially since, on the surface, each game seems to be pretty much the same. Natsume obviously gets it, as the series is probably it’s best known property. Games in the series have appeared on practically every system, including the Wii, GameCube, PS2, PS1, PSP, DS, GBA, Game Boy Color, Game Boy and SNES.

It’s only when you take a closer look at the Harvest Moon series that you appreciate what the games allow players to achieve. I recently had the opportunity to rent the Wii entry, Harvest Moon: Tree of Tranquility, and fell in love with the series again because of it.

So if you’ve never played the games and are wondering why people are drawn to them, here’s a brief overview of Harvest Moon‘s many charms.

There’s more to the world than what you can see.

There’s a strong fantasy element present in the Harvest Moon world, in the form of the Harvest Goddess, Harvest Sprites, and occasionally the Harvest God, Witch Princess and Wizard Prince. These fantasy characters won’t do mystical and magical things every day, but sometimes Harvest Sprites will help you at your farm or the Harvest Goddess will bestow some kind of blessing. It’s really more about the element of fantasy being there, but the whole point of the game is to focus on hard work and real, daily life.

Hard work is rewarded.

In Harvest Moon the overall goal is to be a successful farmer. And, thankfully, there’s really no way to fail. If you want to focus on crops to build your wealth, go for it. Or if you’d prefer to raise animals, that’s fine too. There’s really no way to totally waste or lose money, especially in the Wii entry, Harvest Moon: Tree of Tranquility, where you can take a part time job during the day at one of the island’s establishments to earn some extra cash. As long as you’re making some sort of effort, you’ll gradually earn money that you can put toward expanding your place.

There’s no need to rush.

There are no deadlines in the majority of the Harvest Moon games. You can work at your own pace to achieve your goals, and you can spend as much or as little time a day/week/month playing the game to reach those goals. Once you’ve developed a basic farming routine for essential work and your character has built up some stamina, it’s easy to complete many tasks. There is an in-game clock, but unless it’s a festival day, you need to attend to a potential spouse event or you need to get to one of the stores before it closes, you can pretty much ignore that.

Small actions can make a difference in the lives of others.

Harvest Moon also has elements of a communication game. Players can develop relationships with all of the townspeople, and sometimes even the supernatural characters like the Harvest Goddess, Harvest Sprites, Witch Princess, Wizard or Harvest God. If you become good friends with people, you could unlock special events, earn the right to enter their homes, get special items, learn new recipes or perhaps even get one of the bachelor or bachelorette characters to marry your character. Building a relationship could be somewhat trying in earlier games, where you’d have to talk and give gifts to townspeople, but in more recent games relationships can be built by talking on a regular basis or working at the same job together.

No two games are ever really the same.

There are two basic plot elements to every Harvest Moon game - the Harvest Goddess is in some kind of trouble and there’s a dilapidated farm your character is going to restore to prosperity. Plus there’s the whole animal/crop raising and townspeople to make friends with. Aside from the fundamentals, Harvest Moon is sort of a sandbox game. Since there are no requirements that must be met to have a successful farm, you can achieve it any way you want. So you could mine, ranch, harvest, fish or work part time jobs until you get enough money to expand your little empire. Plus, there can be different villagers, crops or farm animals in each entry. Occasionally the tasks to assist the Harvest Goddess do require players to perform certain tasks, but again, assisting her isn’t mandatory. Each time you play, you can use different strategies to succeed.

Site [Natsume]

Full Story » | Written by Jenni Lada for Gamertell. | Comment on this Article »

This week’s PlayStation Store is featuring the game Fat Princess for $14.99 for the PlayStation 3, this game is about capturing and keeping your enemies princess while rescuing your own, except there’s just one problem. Your enemy has been feeding your princess a magical cake that makes her fatter and harder to carry back to your castle. Battle the enemy using five different character classes - mage, ranger, worker, warrior or priest.

Available for the PlayStation Portable, Brave Story: New Traveler is available for $14.99. Based loosely on the manga of the same name Brave Story. This game brings an RPG filled with beautiful graphics to the PSP featuring turn-based battles, mini-quests and a story of a boy who must go on a quest in an alternate world to save a friend from a mysterious illness waiting for him in the real world. In the alternate world the boy meets strange and fascinating new friends and devious foes.

Here’s the big fat list of everything else that’s new:

PSOne Classics:

• Spec Ops: Airborne Commando (PS3/$5.99)

Downloadable Games:

• Pocket Pool (PSP/$9.99)
• Strikers 1945 Plus (PSP/$11.99)
• Watchmen: The End is Nigh Part 2 Videogame (PS3/$14.99)

Game Demos:

• Madden NFL 10 Demo (PS3/Free)
• Watchmen: The End is Nigh Part 2 Videogame Demo (PS3/Free)

Bonus Game Contents:

• Cross Edge Enigma Synth Pack Pack (PS3/Free)
• Dynasty Warriors 6 Empires Eclectic Armor Set (men) (PS3/Free)
• Dynasty Warriors Norse Armor Set (men) (PS3/Free)
• Dynasty Warriors Priestess Armor Set (women) (PS3/Free)
• Dynasty Warriors Valkyrie Armor Set (women) (PS3/Free)
• Cross Edge Hero Pack (PS3/99 cents)
• Cross Edge It’ll Come in Handy Pack (PS3/99 cents)
• Cross Edge This is Equipment Pack (PS3/99 cents)
• Rag Doll Kung Fu Time Saver DLC (PS3/$1.99)

Guitar Hero World Tour Music Packs:

• Knuckle Sandwich Track Pack (PS3/$5.49)
Individual Songs:
• ”Bloodmeat” by Protest the Hero (PS3/$1.99)
• ”I’m Shipping up to Boston” by Dropkick Murphys (PS3/$1.99)
• ””New Wave” by Against Me! (PS3/$1.99)

Rock Band Music Packs:

• KISS Pack 01 (PS3/$5.49)
Individual Songs:
• “100,000 Years (Live)” by KISS (PS3/$1.99)
• “Deuce (Live)” by KISS (PS3/$1.99)
• “Parasite (Live)” by KISS (PS3/$1.99)

• Blink 182 Pack 01 (PS3/$5.49)
Individual Songs:
• “Down” by Blink 182 (PS3/$1.99)
• “Feeling This” by Blink 182 (PS3/$1.99)
• “The Rock Show” by Blink 182 (PS3/$1.99)

• Weezer Pack 02 (PS3/$5.49)
Individual Songs:
• “My Name Is Jonas” by Weezer (PS3/$1.99)
• “Pork and Beans” by Weezer (PS3/$1.99)
• “Undone – The Sweater Song” by Weezer (PS3/$1.99)
Single track:
• “Out Here All Night” by Damone (PS3/$1.99)

Rock Band Unplugged bonus content:

• “Funk #49″ by James Gang (PSP/$1.99)
• “Smooth Criminal” by Alien Ant Farm (PSP/$1.99)

Free Game Videos:

• Pulse 7/30 Edition (PS3/PSP/Free)
• Unbound Saga Between the Panels Issue 1 (PS3/PSP/Free
• Killzone 2 DLC Bundle Pack Trailer (PS3/Free)
• MAG Developer Diary 3 (PS3/Free)
• MAG Developer Diary 4 (PS3/Free)
• Dark Void Composer Interview (PS3/Free)

Wallpapers and Themes:

• Katamari Forever and Noby Noby Boy Themes (PS3/Free)
• Strikers 1945 Plus four wallpapers (PSP/Free)
• God of War III three wallpapers (PS3/Free)
• G.I. Joe: Rise Of The Cobra—Cobra theme (PS3/99 cents)
• G.I. Joe: Rise Of The Cobra—G.I. Joe theme (PS3/99 cents)
• Tomb Raider: Legend Theme (PSP/$1.49)
• Tomb Raider: Anniversary Theme (PSP/$1.49)
• Harry Potter XMB Theme Pack (PS3/$1.99)
• College Football Theme: Kansas (PS3/$1.99)
• College Football Theme: Kentucky (PS3/$1.99)
• College Football Theme: Michigan State (PS3/$1.99)
• College Football Theme: Nebraska (PS3/$1.99)
• College Football Theme: Wisconsin (PS3/$1.99)

Read [PlayStation Store Blog] Site [PlayStation] Site [Brave Story Official Site]

Full Story » | Written by Lucy Newman for Gamertell. | Comment on this Article »

This week’s the PlayStation Store is featuring the Namco Museum Essentials collection for $9.99 bringing those old arcade classics from the mall or game center right into your home with five games like Dig Dug, Pac-Man, Galaga, Xevious, Xevious Resurrection and Dragon Spirit. This game unlocks PlayStation Home rewards and trophies, and allows players to challenge their friends to beat their all-time high scores by posting the results to the net.

Also, this week for a limited time only the PlayStation Network Store will have a sale on the following selected titles:

• WipEout HD (PS3/ Original price was $19.99 on sale now for $14.99)
• Flock! (PS3/Original price was $14.99 on sale now for $7.49)
• Savage Moon (PS3/ Original price was $9.99 on sale now for $4.99)
• Crash Commando (PS3/Original price was $9.99 on sale now for $4.99!)
• PixelJunk Eden (PS3/Original price was $9.99 on sale now for $4.99)
• Brain Challenge (PS3/Original price was $9.99 on sale now for $4.99!)
• 3 on 3 NHL Arcade (PS3/Original price was $9.99 on sale now for $4.99)

PSOne Classics:

• Spec Ops: Ranger Elite (PS3/$5.99)

Downloadable Games:

• Unbound Saga (PSP/$14.99)
• Holy Invasion of Privacy Badman! What Did I Do to Deserve This? (PSP/$19.99)
• MYST (PSP/$19.99)

Game Demos:

• Namco Museum Essentials Trial (PS3/Free)
• Trash Panic Demo (PS3/Free)
• FUEL Demo (PS3/Free)

Bonus Game Contents:

• Cross Edge Bromidic Pack (PS3/Free)
• Cross Edge Defense Is Offense Pack 1 (PS3/Free)
• Cross Edge Defense Is Offense Pack 2 (PS3/Free)
• Dynasty Warriors 6 Empires Desert Armor Set (Men) DLC (PS3/Free)
• Dynasty Warriors 6 Empires Lion Armor Set (Men) DLC (PS3/Free)
• Dynasty Warriors 6 Empires Paladin Armor Set (Women) (PS3/Free)
• Dynasty Warriors 6 Empires Shaman Armor Set (Women) (PS3/Free)
• NCAA Football 2010 Add-ons (PS3/17 items ranging from $1.25 to $12.50)

• LittleBigPlanet Ghostbusters Costume Pack (PS3/$5.99)
Individual items:
• Ghostbusters Uniform Costume (PS3/$1.99)
• Ghostbusters StayPuft Marshmallow Man Costume (PS3/$1.99)
• Ghostbusters Slimer Costume (PS3/$1.99)
• Ghostbusters “No Ghosts” Logo Costume (PS3/$1.99)

Guitar Hero World Tour Music Packs:

• Eagles of Death Metal Track Pack (PS3/$5.49)
Individual Songs:
• “Anything ‘Cept The Truth” by Eagles of Death Metal (PS3/$1.99)
• “Cherry Cola” by Eagles of Death Metal (PS3/$1.99)
• “I Only Want You” by Eagles of Death Metal (PS3/$1.99)

Rock Band Music Packs:

• Judas Priest Pack 01 (PS3/$5.49)
Individual Songs:
• “Dissident Aggressor (Live)” by Judas Priest (PS3/$1.99)
• “Eat Me Alive (Live)” by Judas Priest (PS3/$1.99)
• “Prophecy (Live)” by Judas Priest (PS3/$1.99)

• Third Man Records - The Dead Weather Pack 01 (PS3/$5.49)
Individual Songs:
• “Hang You from the Heavens” by The Dead Weather (PS3/$1.99)
• “No Hassle Night” by The Dead Weather (PS3/$1.99)
• “Treat Me Like Your Mother” by The Dead Weather (PS3/$1.99)

• Big Dipper Pack 01 (PS3/$2.99)
Individual Songs:
• “All Going Out Together” by Big Dipper (PS3/99 cents)
• “She’s Fetching” by Big Dipper (PS3/99 cents)
• “Younger Bums” by Big Dipper (PS3/99 cents)

Rock Band Unplugged bonus content:

• “My Curse” by Killswitch Engage (PSP/$1.99)
• “My Iron Lung” by Radiohead (PSP/$1.99)

Free Game Videos:

• Pulse 7/16 Edition (PS3/PSP/Free)
• ModNation Racers Trailer (PS3/Free
• Alpha Protocol Dev Diary #3 (PS3/Free)
• Call Of Juarez: Bound In Blood Launch Trailer (PS3/Free)
• Call Of Juarez: Bound In Blood Multiplayer Trailer (PS3/Free)
• Call Of Juarez: Bound In Blood Oh Mama Trailer (PS3/Free)

New Movies to Rent or Own:

• The Haunting in Connecticut (Unrated). Rated R (Own/SD Format/$14.99)
• Horsemen. Rated R (SD Format/$14.99)
• Ali G Indahouse: The Movie. Rated R (Rent/SD Format/$2.99)
• Ali G Indahouse: The Movie. Rated R (Rent/HD Format/$4.50)
• Ali G Indahouse: The Movie. Rated R (Own/SD Format/$9.99)
• BASEketball. Rated R (Rent/SD Format/$2.99)
• BASEketball. Rated R (Rent/HD Format/$4.99)
• BASEketball. Rated R (Own/SD Format/$9.99)

Wallpapers and Themes:

• Dynasty Warriors 6 Empires Cao Pi Wallpaper (PS3/Free)
• Dynasty Warriors 6 Empires Ling Tong Wallpaper (PS3/Free)
• Dynasty Warriors 6 Empires Meng Huo Wallpaper (PS3/Free)
• Dynasty Warriors 6 Empires Taishi Ci Wallpaper (PS3/Free)
• Dynasty Warriors 6 Empires Yue Ying Wallpaper (PS3/Free)
• Dynasty Warriors 6 Empires Zhang He Wallpaper (PS3/Free)
• Burn Zombie Burn! Theme (PS3/$1.99)
• College Football Theme: Alabama (PS3/$1.99)
• College Football Theme: California (PS3/$1.99)
• College Football Theme: Florida (PS3/$1.99)
• College Football Theme: Florida State (PS3/$1.99)
• College Football Theme: Georgia (PS3/$1.99)
• College Football Theme: LSU (PS3/$1.99)
• College Football Theme: Mississippi (PS3/$1.99)
• College Football Theme: Ohio State (PS3/$1.99)
• College Football Theme: Oklahoma State (PS3/$1.99)
• College Football Theme: Texas (PS3/$1.99)

Read [PlayStation Store Blog] Site [PlayStation]

Full Story » | Written by Lucy Newman for Gamertell. | Comment on this Article »

Gamertell recently told you that classic fighter Marvel vs. Capcom 2 is coming to Xbox Live. At that time, there was no official word on when it would hit PlayStation Network. Today (July 16, 2009) Capcom let us know the wait will be over for PlayStation 3 fighting fans August 13, 2009, for $15 (US).

This game’s 56-character roster is the biggest to ever trade punches in a Capcom game, which may be part of the reason for its success.  Additions to this version of the arcade stalwart include ranked matches and optional visual filters to smooth out the game’s graphics. Also the “Quarter Match” type tries to recreate the old-school arcade feel by allowing four players to watch and chat while two players battle.

Because, let’s face it, the highs are higher and the lows are lower with friends waiting in the wings to praise or taunt your performance. Can’t you just smell the stale popcorn and overpriced food-court cookies from the shopping mall of your youth?

A demo of the fighter is currently available on PSN. It includes six playable characters, two-player local matches and seven selectable environments.

Read [Gamertell] Also Read [Punch Jump]

Full Story » | Written by Brian Allen for Gamertell. | Comment on this Article »

Gonna take ya for a ri—i-ii-de!

Sorry. Ever since I heard the news that Marvel vs. Capcom 2 was coming to current gen consoles, I cannot get the soundtrack for the game out of my head. Capcom has confirmed the acclaimed fighter will be available July 29, 2009, on Xbox Live Arcade for 1,200 Microsoft Points (US$15). The game is also coming to the PlayStation Network but and official date has not yet been announced.

One of the hardest parts of creating a fighting game is coming up with a cast of characters that will make players across the globe want to Hurricane Kick each other. In the ‘90s Capcom mashed its already rabidly popular Street Fighter characters with the superheroes of the Marvel Comics universe in several fighting games. That partnership hit its peak with Marvel vs. Capcom 2, a game that is still selling for $100 or more in classic game auctions. It was light on story but high in fun factor, as Capcom proved that deep down gamers didn’t really care why Hulk was fighting Zangief, or why it was even a close fight. Gamers just wanted to have those crazy fights.

It’s a great promotional move for Marvel, which has stepped into the big time with its own movie studio. Iron Man and War Machine, who many kids in the ‘90s primarily knew from the game, are now movie stars in their own right. Any game pitting comic book superheroes against fighting game superstars (we’re glancing in your direction, Mortal Kombat vs. Street Fighter) owes the Marvel vs. Capcom series a debt. Pay up, now. You don’t want Tron Bonne and her army of Servbots to have to beat it out of you, do you?

Read [Capcom] Also Read [PlayStation Lifestyle]

Full Story » | Written by Brian Allen for Gamertell. | Comment on this Article »

Danielle mentioned that Michael Jackson’s Moonwalker is among the more unique collectibles from theKing of Pop’s career and now speculators are moving the game on eBay.

Bids on a non-working copy of the Sega Genesis game are up to $61 at the time of this article and working copies complete with instruction manuals have fetched as much as $1,000.

Before Jackson’s untimely death, you would have been hard pressed to get $5 for this cartridge even in excellent condition. Some sellers have set pretty lofty goals and set a Buy It Now price of $1,999.99. Good luck with that, guys. For whatever reason, there isn’t as much action on his appearances in Space Channel 5 and Ready 2 Rumble Round 2.

That could be because Moonwalker is sort of a pixelated love letter to Jackson’s classic Smooth Criminal video. Or because of the pure awesomeness of the old Sega Genesis system. With collectibles, you never know what’s going to happen.

Opinions on the game’s actual quality vary. Danielle loved it, while a reviewer at Game Freaks had a completely different take. You can hit eBay and judge for yourself, just don’t buy the $60 non-working copy.

Read [Gamertell]  Also Read [PlayStation Lifestyle]

Full Story » | Written by Brian Allen for Gamertell. | Comment on this Article »

Can you say, “the dog days of summer”? This Nintendo download update is certainly on the sedate side, with 2 water-based titles on WiiWare (including a fishing game!) and Sudoku (yes, Sudoku!) on DSiWare. I’m interested in the sole VC release, Fantasy Zone II: The Tears of Opa-Opa, and potentially Silver Star Reversi on WiiWare, but if you’re still not satisfied, hell, Natsume does make a mean fishing game. Nintendo adds to it’s virtual game stores each Monday at 9 AM Pacific, and Wii points may be purchased at a rate of $1=100.

Nintendo’s Descriptions:

WiiWare

Water Warfare
Publisher: Hudson Entertainment
Players: 1-8
ESRB Rating: E10+ (Everyone 10 and Older) - Cartoon Violence
Price: 800 Wii Points
Description: Water Warfare is a comical first-person shooter that uses water guns to battle and soak opponents. A map with a particular theme - Playground, Beach, Plaza or Nature Park - is generated automatically when the game begins, so you can think up new strategies each time you engage. Game modes include Single Player Missions, CPU Match and 2-Player Split Screen. On top of that, players with broadband Internet access can use Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection to battle with up to eight players from around the world, or participate in Ranking Mode.

Reel Fishing Challenge
Publisher: Natsume, Inc.
Players: 1
ESRB Rating: E (Everyone)
Price: 500 Wii Points
Description: Reel Fishing Challenge offers a fun and challenging experience for novice fishers and master anglers alike. Put your skills to the test and discover new types of fish in the challenging mission mode, or relax and enjoy the game at your own pace in free play mode. No matter which mode you play, the game’s beautiful graphics and natural setting bring the fishing experience to life. Choose from a variety of lures to attract and hook the game’s numerous fish. Each fish looks and moves like the real thing - it’s the closest you can get to real-life fishing without putting on your waders.

Silver Star Reversi
Publisher: Agetec, Inc.
Players: 1-2
ESRB Rating: E (Everyone)
Price: 500 Wii Points
Description: Silver Star Reversi has two modes: 1-Player mode allows you to play a match against the computer opponent, and 2-Player mode allows you to play against another person. In 1-Player mode, you can choose from five different computer opponents, turn the background music on or off, adjust sound effects and access in-game help features. During each match, you can also redo your last move, save the game at any point, or resign from the game. After a match has ended, you can review each move and resume the match from any point you choose.

Virtual Console

Fantasy Zone II: The Tears of Opa-Opa
Original platform: SEGA MASTER SYSTEM
Publisher: SEGA
Players: 1
ESRB Rating: E (Everyone) - Mild Cartoon Violence
Price: 500 Wii Points
Description: Ten years have elapsed since Opa-Opa restored peace to the Fantasy Zone. Now history is repeating itself, and the planets that make up the Fantasy Zone once again find themselves attacked by the mastermind of the Nenon planet forces. This mastermind is secretly constructing a huge fortress in the Fantasy Zone and aims to put an end to their ambitious plans. Just as he did 10 years ago, Opa-Opa must do battle to save the Fantasy Zone.

Nintendo DSiWare

SUDOKU MASTER
Publisher: Hudson Entertainment
Players: 1
ESRB Rating: E (Everyone)
Price: 500 Nintendo DSi Points
Description: SUDOKU MASTER offers 150 unique puzzles that beginners and experts alike will enjoy. A handful of tutorials will help you learn the rules and controls as you go, and handy features like Write Mode and Temp Numbers make Sudoku pleasantly user-friendly. Feeling confident? Then try your hand at Title Mode to work your way up from Rookie to Sudoku Master. All puzzles were created by Sudoku veteran NIKOLI Co., Ltd., and tips from Sudoku godfather Maki Kaji are offered between games.

Read Nintendo Life

Full Story » | Written by Danielle Riendeau for Gamertell. | Comment on this Article »

The Dreamcast is an example of a console that its fans refused to let die. When Sega discontinued it outside of Japan, people purchased Boot Disks that would let them play import video games and imported. When licensed games stopped coming, people started creating and selling their own independent games. One look at the console’s history, and it’s easy to see that it has been loved.

This week, Important Importables salutes the Dreamcast. We’ll quickly go over some basic facts about the system, talk about running import games and hunt down retailers which still carry licensed or independent games.

A Dreamcast refresher

Sega’s Dreamcast was part of the console generation that included the GameCube, PlayStation 2 and Xbox. However, it was released much earlier than the other systems. It was available in 1998 in Japan, 1999 in the rest of the world, while the PS2 was released in 2000 and the GameCube and Xbox were released after 2001. By 2002, Sega’d discontinued the Dreamcast in North America, Europe and Australia, officially withdrawing from the console race.

Some of the hallmarks of the Dreamcast include the 3D gaming, a built in modem to support internet gaming and a visual memory unit that plugged into the controller. While it failed overseas, the console was still sold in Japan until 2006 and a PAL version was sold until 2009. While licensed games are no longer released, there’s a strong independent and homebrew community.

If you’re actually looking for a Dreamcast console, a lot of places still sell them used or new. A used console will probably cost you between $14.99 and $49.99, depending on the retailer and condition. (Be sure to test it first, if you can!) A new console will be much harder to find, and will most likely cost more than $49. ThinkGeek has a product listing for new Dreamcast consoles and offers replacement units if you console isn’t new and a 30 Day return policy.

How to play import games on a Dreamcast

One option is to mod the Dreamcast. Of course, this requires some technological knowledge and abilities, and there’s a small chance things could go wrong. The best way to go is to find or create a Boot Disk for yourself.

The DC-X Import Game Adapter is a commercial CD Boot Disk. You just pop it in the Dreamcast, do what it says on screen and you’ll be able to play games from any region and the new homebrew games. Unfortunately, it can occasionally be hard to find. If you do find one, it’ll probably cost around $19.99. Fortunately, an Innovation Dreamcast Super Game Converter is also listed on Amazon for $12.99 that does the same thing. They both work in the same way. Put the disk in, and let it start running. It will then tell you to put in the game disk you want to run. Then you play as normal.

Another option is the Utopia Boot Disk program. You download the program from the internet and burn it to CD. Then, you pop the newly created Utopia Boot Disk CD into the Dreamcast. It will tell you to put in the CD you want to use, and you’ll be able to play games from any region.

Finding Dreamcast games

For official games, you’ll probably have to find a privately run video game resale store or online store. As you’ve probably noticed, GameStop stopped selling Dreamcast games years ago.

Amazon and eBay are viable places to start. If you purchase a game from eBay though, double check and make sure it is an authentic game before placing any bids.

Three other, fantastic sites to visit are Play-Asia, GOAT Store and redspotgames, since they carry independent, commercial Dreamcast games. Last Hope and Wind and Water: Puzzle Battles are the only two independent, commercial games that redspotgames sells. Play-Asia and GOAT Store both carry a wide variety of Dreamcast accessories and games, however GOAT Store only carries the independent games Cool Herders, Feet of Fury, Inhabitants and Maquipai. Be careful when buying independent, commercial games, as some Dreamcasts won’t play them. Check your Dreamcast model first, before ordering.

COMING NEXT WEEK: Important Importables will take a look back and review the game which got me into playing import video games, Angel Collection for the GBA.

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT: Last week Important Importables discussed finding Japanese video game fan art using Google.co.jp and Pixiv.

Site [Play-Asia] Site [YesAsia] Site [NCSX] Site [Himeya Shop] Site [Strapya World]

Full Story » | Written by Jenni Lada for Gamertell. | Comment on this Article »

Nostalgia can go a long way these days. We would gladly hand over money to play the same game we enjoyed more than ten years ago if we don’t own a physical copy. Some companies have taken it a step further and have or will remake games with a glossy coat of HD graphics built in such as Bionic Commando: Rearmed, Marvel Vs. Capcom 2 and Turtles in Time.

There are still a few games that we will stumble over ourselves to buy if they were touched up and distributed over Xbox Live, PSN or WiiWare and we thought we’d share them with you today.

The Simpsons Arcade Game

There are a lot of Simpsons games but none of them are as fun or as memorable as The Simpsons Arcade Game. If you’re old enough to remember the glory days of the arcade in the late ‘80s or early ‘90s you almost certainly spent a lot of quarters on this game. For a game that’s almost 20 years old (released n 1991) it contained some elements that were ahead of its time. We could pick between Homer, Bart, Lisa or Marge (or all four) and go through stages inspired from the cartoon in order to save Maggie from Smithers. The graphics were colorful and clear for that time and the voice actors from the show reprise their roles just for the game. Surely you remember the balloon blowing minigame or the fight against the giant hairy ape creature right? A remake to this game is begging to happen and we hope Konami feels the same way.

Battletoads

It may be one of the hardest games of all time but Battletoads (1991) was charming enough to win us over every time. In an age where talking cartoon animals were all the rage, Battletoads came on the scene with a rebellious attitude and oversized fists. We remember when you could knock an enemy right into the screen or even attack your partner if you felt like it. We also remember limited lives, no save files and few continues. Our hats go off to anyone who managed to beat this game and if it’s remade we’ll finally get our chance to see the ending too.

X-Men Arcade Game

If you wanted to play a beat’em-up game featuring an assortment of Marvel superheroes your only modern option would be Marvel: Ultimate Alliance. If you want something more simplistic and straight forward look no further than the X-Men Arcade Game (1992). This side scrolling game let you play as Cyclops, Colossus, Nightcrawler, Wolverine, Storm or Dazzler. The basic concept was to move to the right and defeat every enemy until the arrow tells you to continue. The mutant powers super moves stand out in our minds the most. The game had eight stages which is perfect for a quick pick up and play.

Zombies Ate My Neighbors

Who can ever get sick of zombies? Zombies Ate My Neighbors (1993) pitted two kids against the undead and a giant baby for some reason. We don’t know why the neighbors you had to rescue were oblivious to what was going on around them or why some levels contained hedge mazes. We can see this game with online co-op built in and perhaps leader boards to set the professional zombie slayers apart from the others. Maybe there can be a mode where you play as one of the zombies. We can dream.

Read [RetroTreasures] Also Read [RacketBoy] Also Read [BattleToadsPreorder] Also Read [Progressive Boink]

Full Story » | Written by Jeremy Hill for Gamertell. | Comment on this Article »

It’s another insanely eclectic week on Nintendo’s downloadable game services. WiiWare is boasting a new Sega game,  fighting kitchen appliances and rainbow islands, DSiWare has your ripoff clock and calculator needs covered, and the excellent Arcade version of Space Harrier wraps up the pickings. Personally, I’m all for the toaster, the catching and the Harrier. Nintendo adds to it’s virtual game stores each Monday at 9 AM Pacific, and Wii points may be purchased at a rate of $1=100.

WiiWare

Eduardo the Samurai Toaster
Publisher: Semnat Studios
Players: 1-4
ESRB Rating: E (Everyone) - Mild Cartoon Violence
Price: 800 Wii Points
Description: Fight your way through 13 diverse locations on your own or with up to three friends in this frenetic and stylish side-scrolling action game. Play as Eduardo and his fellow toaster buddies as you fire an assortment of pastries at all kinds of dastardly food products. Hop onto laser-mounted scooters and fly across the screen in rocket packs, and learn to cooperate with your teammates or simply annoy each other in an awesomely fun way by throwing each other around the screen. The choice is up to you.

RAINBOW ISLANDS: TOWERING ADVENTURE!
Publisher: TAITO
Players: 1-2
ESRB Rating: E (Everyone) - Comic Mischief
Price: 800 Wii Points
Description: In Rainbow Islands: Towering Adventure!, players control the rainbow-magic-wielding Bubby or Bobby as they climb the seven seamless areas of a tower reaching the heavens while defeating enemies with their rainbow powers. Bosses controlled by the scientific genius Dr. Crescent await players at the end of every area. Race through every area within the allotted time to meet the rainbow-colored Holly’s Comet. There are three game modes: Story mode, which tells the tale of Holly’s Comet; Challenge mode, where players attempt to climb as high as they can; and Time Attack, where players select an area and see how fast they can climb it. Rainbow Islands: Towering Adventure! is an exhilarating action game where you use rainbows to climb into the heavens.

Let’s CATCH
Publisher: SEGA
Players: 1-4
ESRB Rating: E (Everyone) - Comic Mischief, Mild Suggestive Themes
Price: 1,000 Wii Points
Description: Play catch with friends in multiplayer party games and compete for high scores using your Mii character and others. Choose from six different single and multiplayer modes such as Speed Catch, which tests your ability to catch a fastball, and Bomb Catch, an elimination party game for up to four players. Select from a variety of characters or use your Mii character to play other favorite catch games. Unlock special features when you own both Let’s TAP and Let’s CATCH.

Nintendo DSiWare

Mario Calculator
Publisher: Nintendo
Players: 1
ESRB Rating: N/A
Price: 200 Nintendo DSi Points
Description: Mario and Luigi take a break from their normal adventures to dedicate their heroic talents to working with numbers. Mario Calculator features the full functionality of a traditional calculator, including a Memory key and the ability to display up to 13 digits, and adds a layer of atmosphere reminiscent of the original Super Mario Bros. Use the Unit Converter to turn one unit of measure into another (such as length, weight, volume, age and others), or track the history of calculations you’ve performed with ease. Listen to the Mario-related sounds and watch the coins fly as calculations are performed. Now, back to adding up those high scores…

Mario Clock
Publisher: Nintendo
Players: 1
ESRB Rating: E (Everyone)
Price: 200 Nintendo DSi Points
Description: Turn back time and enjoy a bit of classic game play based on the original Super Mario Bros. with Mario Clock. Help Mario and Luigi collect more coins than ever (POW block anyone?) while they run through a variety of stages. Gather enough coins and you’ll be treated to another scene bound to bring back fond memories for many. Mario Clock includes both analog and digital clocks that use the system’s internal clock or allow you to offset the time however you like. Program up to three alarms (with snooze functionality for those that need it) and assign them a Mario-related sound or use one created in the Nintendo DSi Sound application. You’ll find yourself thinking “Just a few more coins…” in no time!

Virtual Console

Space Harrier
Original platform: Virtual Console Arcade
Publisher: SEGA
Players: 1
ESRB Rating: E (Everyone) - Animated Violence
Price: 800 Wii Points
Description: “Welcome to the Fantasy Zone. Get ready!” This is the greeting given to you as you start Space Harrier, but you don’t have much time to take this advice. Even as the words are being spoken, your Harrier warrior is already charging into battle. Toting a huge laser gun under his arm, the Space Harrier can either run along the checkerboard ground or freely fly through the sky. Either way, he’s always heading forward into the hostile 3-D world. As you progress, hordes of strange creatures and robots fly toward you. Fast reflexes are required to dodge their incoming fire. Environmental hazards can be a problem, too. Take care not to run into any trees or stone structures. If you need a bit of a morale boost, just defeat a boss, and the narrator will remind you that “you’re doing great!”

Read [Nintendo Life]

Full Story » | Written by Danielle Riendeau for Gamertell. | Comment on this Article »

A common misconception among the gaming population is that the Wii is home to mini-game collections and family friendly shovelware. While there is a substantial amount of sub-par games, there are many quality games as well.

Another misconception is that there are no Wii RPGs. It’s true that there aren’t very many RPGs in stores, but they are there if you pay attention and look for them. Plus, there are quite a few classic RPGs available on Virtual Console for between 800 and 1000 Wii Points ($8-10).

To get a better idea of what’s available for budget conscious gamers, I decided to do a little bargain shopping and research to see what kinds of affordable RPGs are out there for Wii owners. I didn’t look at GameCube RPGs, though there are quite a few like Baten Kaitos that are cheap and easy to find at your local GameStop.

• Alien Syndrome is one of the cheaper Wii RPGs. It’s an action RPG follow up to the 1988 Sega game also called Alien Syndrome. Players step into the shoes of Aileen Harding as she finds herself on a foreign planet fighting aliens. It has a devastating score of 48 on Metacritic, but if you’re willing to take a chance it’s only $14.99 used at GameStop and $19.49 new at Amazon.
• Baroque is an affordable Wii rogue-like, dungeon crawling, action RPG. It’s interesting as dying is a good thing in the game, and ends up unlocking more information concerning the game’s story. It’s also an incredibly difficult game. It received a score of 50 on Metacritic and is a good deal at GameStop, where it is $19.99 new or $17.99 used.

• Dokapon Kingdom is a Wii party RPG. The goal of the game is to be the player with the most money, so you can become the next king of Dokapon Kingdom. While it is best enjoyed with other human players, someone can play through the game alone. It’s a bit like Monopoly with RPG elements, since you engage in random battles, fight bosses and other players and liberate occupied towns. Out of the three RPGs we’ve looked at so far, Dokapon Kingdom‘s the highest rated on Metacritic, with a score of 72. It’s $19.99 new at both GameStop and Amazon, and $17.99 used at GameStop.
Dragon Quest Swords: The Masked Queen and the Tower of Mirrors is a good bet for Wii owners who enjoy action RPGs and using the remote as a sword. It’s a first person, on-rails Dragon Quest spin-off where the player is the only warrior capable of defeating an evil demon. It’s Metacritic score is 65, and it’s available new at Amazon for $19.75.
• Okami, the action RPG starring the wolf goddess Amaterasu on her quest to bring color and life to a world under the influence of the evil Orochi using the celestial paintbrush, is available for a reasonable price. The brush mechanics may be a bit finicky in the Wii version and the ending may be chopped off, but Okami is still a classic. It’s also the budget-priced Wii RPG with the highest score, earning a 90 on Metacritic. It’s still slightly pricey at GameStop, but Amazon’s selling it new for $18.99.
• Opoona‘s the last Wii budget priced RPG I managed to find. This unique RPG that is controlled soley with the nunchuk has a young, shipwrecked alien boy and his siblings fighting on the planet of Landroll to defeat rogues, complete jobs and reunite with their parents. It received a score of 65 on Metacritic, and is the most affordable game on this list, costing $14.99 new or $12.99 used at GameStop.

Site [Metacritic] Site [Amazon] Site [GameStop]

Full Story » | Written by Jenni Lada for Gamertell. | Comment on this Article »

Title:Punch-Out!! Punch-Out!!
Price: $49.99
System(s): Wii
Release Date: 05, 19, 2009
Publisher (Developer): Nintendo
ESRB Rating:"E+10" for Cartoon violence and mischief
Pros: very fun game, and a nice workout! Funny, unique characters and rather challenging.
Cons: controls are a bit annoying, and unpredictable. And where is Mike Tyson?
Overall Score: Two Thumbs Up 98 A * * * * 1/2

Round 1: Get Ready to Rumble

Round 2: Time for a Breather

Round 3: A total KO for Nintendo

Full Story » | Written by Jessica Moen for Gamertell. | Comment on this Article »

This week’s PlayStation Store is featuring the game Trash Panic by Sony Computer Entertainment America. It’s an eco-friendly puzzle available for download for $4.99 that pits up to two players against the clock challenging them to dispose of garbage as quickly as possible as random garbage is delivered via crane that is controlled using the DualShock 3 controller. The more garbage you can remove the higher your score.

For those who missed E3 2009, there is a category titled “E3 2009” in the PlayStation store containing videos of interviews, game content and trailers for download. Also in the store this week, featured video collections inspired by video games and don’t forget episode 1 of Dexter is free for today (June 8, 2009) only.

Featured Demo for the PS3:

• CellFactor: Psychokinetic Wars Demo (PS3/Free)
• Fight Night Round 4 Demo (PS3/Free)
• Overlord II Demo (PS3/Free)

Bonus Game Contents:

• MotorStorm Pacific Rift Voodoo Signature Livery Pack (PS3/Free)
• Sonic Unleashed Apatos & Shamar Adventure Pack (PS3/$2.99)
• Wolverine - Weapon X Arena Pack (PS3/$9.99)

PlayStation One Classics:

• Street Fighter Alpha 2 (PS3/PSP/$5.99)

Downloadable Games:

• Wolfenstein 3D (PS3/$4.99)
• CellFactor: Psychokinetic Wars (PS3/$9.99)

Rock Band Music Packs:

Bonnaroo Pack 01 (PS3/$9.99)

Individual Songs:

• “A Favor House Atlantic” by Coheed & Cambria (PS3/$1.99)
• “Shimmer & Shine” by Ben Harper (PS3/$1.99)
• “The Running Free” by Coheed & Cambria (PS3/$1.99)
• “Wilson (Live)” by Phish (PS3/$1.99)
• “Steady at the Wheel” by Shooter Jennings (PS3/$1.99)
• “Wolf Like Me” by TV on the Radio (PS3/$1.99)

Rock Band Unplugged individual tracks:

• “The Kill” by 30 Seconds to Mars (PS3/PSP/$1.99)
• “Feed the Tree” by Belly (PS3/PSP/$1.99)
• “Inside the Fire” by Disturbed (PS3/PSP/$1.99)
• “Gimmie Three Steps” by Lynyrd Skynyrd (PS3/PSP/$1.99)
• “Hysteria” by Muse (PS3/PSP/$1.99)
• “Typical” by Mute Math (PS3/PSP/$1.99)
• “Just a Girl” by No Doubt (PS3/PSP/$1.99)
• “Wonderwall” by Oasis (PS3/PSP/$1.99)
• “CrushCrushCrush” by Paramore (PS3/PSP/$1.99)
• “Under the Bridge” by Red Hot Chili Peppers (PS3/PSP/$1.99)

Free Game Trailers:

• LittleBigPlanet PSP system E3 TRAILER (PS3/PSP/Free)
• Pulse E3 Special Part 2 (PS3/PSP/Free)
• Patapon 2 Launch Trailer (PS3/PSP/Free)
• Monster Hunter: Freedom Unite Trailer (PSP/Free)
• Monster Hunter: Freedom Unite Multiplayer Trailer (PSP/Free)

New Movies or TV Shows to Rent or Own:

• Dexter Season 3 Rated TV-MA to Own (SD Format $1.99)
• Naruto Season 1, Volume 1 Rated TV-14 to Own (SD Format $1.99)
• The Soup! Rated TV-14 to Own (SD Format $1.99)

Wallpapers and Themes:

• Disruptive Premium Themes: Element Girls Theme (PS3/PSP/$1.49)
• Disruptive Premium Themes: Krazy Kittenz Theme (PS3/PSP/$1.49)
• Disruptive Premium Themes: Liquid Metal Theme (PS3/PSP/$1.49)
• SMobile Premium Themes: Anime MBM Theme III (PS3/$1.49)
• SMobile Premium Themes: Elven X - Theme II (PS3/$1.49)
• SMobile Premium Themes: Anime MBM Theme 5 (PSP/99 Cents)
• SMobile Premium Theme: Anime MBM Theme 6 (PSP/99 Cents)
• SMobile Premium Theme: Elven-X Theme III (PSP/99 Cents)
• SMobile Premium Theme: Elven-X Theme 4 (PSP/99 Cents)
• Four Bionic Commander Wallpapers (PS3/Free)

Read [PlayStation Store Blog] Site [PlayStation]

Full Story » | Written by Lucy Newman for Gamertell. | Comment on this Article »

During E3 2009, Hideo Kojima announced a true sequel to Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater (see clip below) for the PlayStation Portable called Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker. The game will be set in the 1970s in Latin America where, according to the video, the patriots are taking advantage of a country lacking a stable government, calling upon Snake to set things right again.

By the looks of the game it will play smoothly like the PlayStation 2 and 3 games which is a relief to those who were annoyed by the card-based turn system as much I was in Metal Gear Solid Acid and MGS: Acid 2. But Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker seems to have a more alluring story to tell.

Being set in 1970 puts the events 10 years following Metal Gear Solid 3 on the shores of Columbia, South America in the wake of the Cuban missile crisis. After bringing peace and neutrality to east and west Costa Rica a mysterious military group began engaging in suspicious activities calling on Snake to try and maintain the peace.

The game is scheduled to be released sometime in 2010.

Read [Games.Kikizo.com] Also Read [Hideo Kojima’s Blog] Site [Konami Japan]

Full Story » | Written by Lucy Newman for Gamertell. | Comment on this Article »