With the holidays getting closer faster than a runaway sleigh, it’s time to start thinking about presents.

It’s really frustrating when you just don’t know what to get for someone but if that someone likes video games, you’re in luck.

If you are shopping for a video games fan, there are different options and stellar games this year, so to make things a little easier, here are a few suggestions based on the most popular categories:

Shooters

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 - This is definitely one of the best shooters out there and should be at the top of most gift lists this holiday season. You play as different operatives in elite units around the world in order to stop an international terrorist plot. The game features intense firefights, diverse missions and realistic weapons, as well as the brand new Spec-ops co-op mode. Look no further if you’re shopping for a shooter fan. Rated “Mature” by the ESRB.

Left 4 Dead 2 - Here’s a game for those that have ever seriously considered the Zombie Apocalypse. A four player co-op team, armed with an assortment of guns and melee weapons, is pitted against hordes of zombies in a fight for survival. The game is presented like a movie with a system that changes difficulty on the fly according to the players’ performance. If you want to hone your survival skills, this is the way to go. Rated “Mature” by the ESRB.

Music

DJ Hero - This is a great game for people who like music of all kinds. The turntable-shaped controller allows entry-level players to follow the beats and enjoy the game and more skilled players will encounter a challenge in the higher difficulties. With interesting remixes and some exclusive tunes this is a great game for parties or for those couch DJs out there. Rated “Teen” by the ESRB.

Brutal Legend - For those about to rock, here is your game. This is actually an action title, but the amounts and quality of the musical references in this game make it ideal for any rock and heavy metal fan. You play as Eddie Riggs, a roadie that gets transported to a world created by the Gods of Metal. Eddie must use his battle axe and guitar to save the world and restore it to its glory. With cameos from legends like Ozzy Osbourne and Rob Halford this is one of the best action titles of the season. Rated “Mature” by the ESRB.

RPG

Dragon Age: Origins - Any fan of fantasy stories will be drawn to this title. From the developers of the successful Mass Effect, it mixes elements of magic and swordplay in a world reminiscent of the Lord of the Rings. With different races and classes to choose, players develop their characters in order to become Grey Wardens and battle the Darkspawn. With a branching story affected by the player’s actions and multiple ending this is a perfect choice for the RPG fan. There’s even some downloadable expansion coming for the holidays so you’ll get more mileage out of this great title. Rated “Mature” by the ESRB

Borderlands - This game is a rare breed that could have been included in the “Shooters” category. It mixes elements of First Person Shooters and RPG and blends them for a unique feel that has proven a success. Players take the role of one of four classes: Berserker, Siren, Hunter or Soldier and scavenge the land in search of the legendary Vault. The game offers an amazing number of armor and weapon combinations for loot fans and it has a beautiful cel-shaded visual style that gives it a unique look. Another great option for RPG fans. Rated “Mature” by the ESRB.

Racing

Forza Motorsport 3 - For car buffs, this is the way to go. The game features hundreds of amazingly detailed cars and customization options making it one of the best racing sims out there. It might as well be one of the best looking games on the system with beautiful scenery and realistic locations. The game has different driving assist options like automatic shifting and a line on the road showing the optimal path during turns. This guarantees that players of any skill level will enjoy this title. Rated “Everyone” by the ESRB.

Action

Assassin’s Creed II - This awaited sequel has tons of improvement over its predecessor. Complaints about the first game regarding slow pacing and repetitive gameplay have been addressed making this game a great choice for the holidays. Set in renaissance-era Italy, you play as Ezio, an assassin bent on revenge, while the story revolves around a bigger plot involving an ancient feud between two opposing factions. The game features beautiful animations, an innovative battle system and diverse missions as well as some insights and history about ancient Italy. This is one of the best choices for this holiday season. Rated “Mature” by the ESRB.

Sites [Modern Warfare 2] [Left 4 Dead 2] [DJ Hero] [Brütal Legend] [Dragon Age: Origins] [Borderlands] [Forza Motorsport 3] [Assassin’s Creed II]

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Good news! If you happen to get to Old Navy early enough on Black Friday 2009 and purchase $20 worth of clothes, you can get Lego Rock Band for free. It’s one of two limited, video game related promotions that the store is offering this Black Friday. Pretty surprising move. All Old Navy stores will open at 3am on November 27, 2009.

Keep in mind, you’re only getting the Lego Rock Band game for free. You aren’t getting any free guitars, microphones or drum kits. Still, you get to pick out Lego Rock Band. The adscan on TheBlackFriday.com states that you can only choose from the PS3, Xbox 360 or Wii versions. No free DS game for you! The PS3, Xbox 360 and Wii versions are normally $49.99 each. This promotion will only be available on November 27, 2009 and will be very limited.

The second offer is a free Rock Band guitar controller if you purchase the Rock Band 2 PS2, PS3 or Xbox 360 video game. Once again, not a bad deal. The ad once again states that the offer is very limited.

The Old Navy Gobblepalooza Black Friday site is now open as well. It reports that the stores Black Friday sale will last from November 27-29, 2009, Rock Band will be set up in stores for people to play and there will be a $200 shopping spree to possibly win. Also, if you visit the site you can use the Band Name Generator to create a band name and custom logo.

Image Source: Old Navy Gobblepalooza

Read [TheBlackFriday.com] Also Read [Joystiq] Site [Old Navy Gobblepalooza]

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Thanksgiving 2009 will definitely be a day when Tekken 6 players give thanks. November 26, 2009 just happens to be the date Namco Bandai has chosen to release a patch for both the PS3 and Xbox 360 versions of the game. This downloadable update will primarily fix and improve the online multiplayer portions of the game.

The online mode fixes are varied and essential. There are now better search priorities, to make sure you fight someone with a similar rank and connection speed. Also, when you play against an online opponent, the data transmission has been improved so you aren’t sitting around enjoying the lag. Those signal strength bars won’t just be for decoration anymore, and will correctly report connection strength and speed. Finally, you’ll be able to check that signal strength before a match begins and cancel the match if you see your opponent has an atrocious connection. Hopefully, these fixes will help prevent any problems before they pop up.

The other improvement relates to general gameplay. This Tekken 6 patch also makes the game respond to the buttons you push and command you put in than it did before, ensuring you’ll have no problem starting combos or pulling off special moves.

I don’t own a PS3 or Xbox 360, so those who do will have to enlighten me. Do all fighting games with online portions have these kinds of issues? I still remember the King of Fighters XII fiasco and patches. Now you hear that Tekken 6 experienced some similar issues.

Read [Gaming Age] Also Read [Siliconera] Also Read [PS3 Attitude]

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The holidays are coming a little early this year for fans of brawler games.

The playable Bayonetta demo will be available for download on December 3, 2009, on Xbox Live and PlayStation Network. The full Bayonetta game will be available January 5, 2010, for the Xbox 360 and the PS3. It is rated “Mature” by the ESRB for blood, gore and partial nudity.

Bayonetta tells the story of a witch who is one of the last members of a dying order. After awaking from a 500-year nap, she finds herself being hunted down by hosts of angels. Fortunately for her, this really isn’t as much of an overkill as it sounds.

Bayonetta has an arsenal of deadly moves under her, well, hair. As strange as it sounds, Bayonetta can use her hair in performing devastating magical attacks against her foes.

She also uses different kinds of firearms as well as guns attached to her stilettos to fend off opponents. The game has a similar style to the Devil May Cry franchise which is little surprise since the game’s director, Hideki Kamiya, created Devil May Cry.

I’m a big fan of the Devil May Cry games. I really like that smooth fighting style and the overall look of the series. If Bayonetta stays close to that formula it should be a good game. It is already out in Japan and it has already gotten excellent reviews from different Japanese publications.

Read [Kotaku] Also Read [Joystiq] Site [Bayonetta]

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Datel, manufacturer of the Max Memory card that is one of the “unauthorized” memory units Microsoft recently locked out of use with the Xbox 360 console, is taking the company to court.

A federal court in San Francisco is now charged with the task of determining whether the memory card lockout is within Microsoft’s rights or constitutes unfair business practices.

Since the wheels of justice don’t always turn swiftly, I would still refrain from buying any Max Memory cards for a while. Even if Microsoft were to lose here, I’m sure an appeal would be forthcoming.

Money is not exactly an object for Microsoft, so they could theoretically keep this tied up in court until the next console generation.

Read [Joystiq] Also Read [Gamertell]

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EA Sports has revealed some of the madness that will ensue in its Madden Arcade downloadable title coming to PlayStation Network and Xbox Live this week.

This downloadable title comes to PSN November 24, 2009 and XBLA November 25, 2009.  It costs $14.99 on PSN or 1200 Microsoft Points on XBLA.

Teams will have the opportunity to receive powerups - called Game Changers - before every play and can choose to use them right then or save them for later.

Here’s the list and some of these are game changing indeed. Flip-Flop looks to be the biggest momentum shifter of them all.

• Entourage – Bring in the reinforcements as Entourage sends the rest of your linemen into the game to help out for a play. (The game is five-on-five, so this is huge.)
• Triple Threat – Disguise which receiver you’re throwing the ball by sending out two other decoys with the Power Ball game changer.
• Bonus Play – Give yourself an additional down to help get in the end zone and earn some much deserved points with Bonus Play.
• Make it, Take it - If you’re good enough to score when you trigger Make It, Take It, the ball is yours to keep on the next possession.
• Turbo – The Turbo game changer will send players in fast forward by giving them an extra speed burst.
• Molasses – Game too fast for you? Use Molasses to take down the action on the field to a less frantic pace.
• Fumbilitis – Turn your opponent’s into butter fingers as they’ll have a difficult time holding on to the ball with Fumbilitis.
• It’s Alive – Make any pass a scramble for the ball as its Alive will turn any incomplete pass into a live ball.
• Frostbite – Put the freeze on one opposing player from moving by using the game changer Frostbite.
• Fast Pass – Fast Pass gives the power to a QB to throw the ultimate bulleted pass.
• Flying Blind – Sabotage your opponent by using Flying Blind to turn off their passing icons.
• Flip Flop – Jealous of your opponents score? Flip Flop will nicely borrow the score and never give it back.
• Dud – Hey, they can’t all be winners.

Read [Pasta Padre]

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Good news importers, Mushihimesama Futari Ver 1.5 comes out November 26, 2009. The Xbox 360 game Mushihimesama Futari Ver 1.5 is not only Cave’s latest bullet hell shoot ‘em up and sequel to Mushihime-sama, it’s also region-free. That means that you can play it, no matter what region your Xbox 360 is.

It’s also notable for another important reason. As Cave told Kotaku, the company made Mushihimesama Futari Ver 1.5 region-free to test the waters, so to speak. If there’s a large import response to the game, then it could mean more Cave region-free games and North American versions of previous Cave shooters like Espgaluda II or Death Smiles. Siliconera helpfully pointed out that the menus are in English, which makes importing even easier.

The Xbox 360 version includes the 1.5 version of Mushihimesama Futari, as well as all previous versions. The game follows the story of the search for a lost prince named Aki, who went into Reco’s forest to stop monstrous insects from preying on his people. Aki never returned, and now his brother Palm goes to find out what happened.

Aside from the standard $68 version of the game, there was also a slightly more expensive limited edition version that came with an Xbox 360 faceplate and a comemorative phone card. But good luck finding one of those. They’re sold out practically everywhere. If you have the extra cash though, the Mushihimesama Futari Ver 1.5 Hori arcade stick is still available at online stores for around $159.

Read [Siliconera] Also Read [Kotaku] Site [Cave (Japanese)] Product Page [Full Story » | Written by Jenni Lada for Gamertell. | Comment on this Article »

Electronic Arts’ upcoming game, Dante’s Inferno, is using an unlikely ally in its latest publicity stunt. Instead of going with the Xbox or the PlayStation, they are using a Church’s game and unique game system. Well, sort of.

In a controversial move, the latest game trailer is “hidden” in a web page promoting a video game console called Mass: We Pray. This imaginary console comes with stools and cross shaped controllers that look like WiiMotes and supposedly simulates the experience of attending mass. When any of the links in the page are clicked, the page changes to the latest trailer for Dante’s Inferno.

Dante’s Inferno is a re-imagining of the first part of Dante Alighieri’s classic poem, The Divine Comedy. The game focuses on the journey the author takes through the nine circles of hell accompanied by the poet Virgil. It pictures Dante as a knight who has to battle his way through hell to rescue his beloved Beatrice from Lucifer.

Dante’s Inferno will be available on February 9, 2010, for Xbox 360, PS3 and PSP

Promotion for the game has focused on different sins which are explored throughout the game. This latest stunt was focused on heresy. When the web page changes from the Mass: We Pray version, text appears explaining that mass without an ordained priest amounts to heresy and whoever does this is condemned to the sixth circle of Hell.

Even though the relation with church may sound odd for a hell-based game, the original material is firmly rooted on the teachings of the Christian church and serves as an allegory for the punishments reserved for each of the sins.

I read the first part of the poem a while back and I really liked it. It painted an impressive scene of each circle and helped establish a mythology for all references to Hell. If the game can convey these images it should at least be visually stunning.

Read [G4TV] Also read [Gamepro] Site [Dante’s Inferno] Site [Mass: We Pray]

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The second episode in Halo Legends, the new series of animated shorts based on the Halo universe, debuted last Saturday, November 21st on Xbox Live. These episodes will be appearing on selected Saturdays on Halo Waypoint - Live’s new channel for all things related to the Halo universe -  and will be available for a period of 24 hours.

The new episode is called The Duel and it explores the world of the Sangheili - the Elites in Halo - as well some of their traditions and culture. It takes place on Sanghellion, the planet of origin of the Elites where we can see how they had a culture reminiscent of feudal Japan, with a strong emphasis on honor and social classes.

The short has a beautiful visual style that makes every frame look like a watercolor painting. The story is presented in a non-linear fashion, with flashbacks that intermingle with the main thread. Although this is already getting some criticism on the internets I found it a very interesting way to change the pacing of the story and if you put a little attention on what’s going on the screen, the plot is easy to follow. Throughout the story we find out a little more about the origin of the title of The Arbiter and how it became what we know today.

The Duel was directed by Mamoru Oshii, the acclaimed director of the anime classic Ghost in the Shell. In contrast to the first episode, The Babysitter, this short is mostly based around action sequences, which could be expected with Oshii on the helm.

The Duel will be available along with other short films on the Halo Legends Blu-ray and DVD on February 9, 2010.

Read [Kotaku] Also read [Blast Magazine] Site [Halo Legends]

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Amazon’s next gaming deal as the site counts down to Black Friday is all about the music. If you’ve been waiting for prices to drop on some of Activision’s music rhythm games including Band Hero, Guitar Hero 5 or DJ Hero, Amazon is the place you want to go.

Starting November 21, 2009, until 11:59 p.m. Pacific time next Thursday (November 27, 2009) Amazon is offering a $40 store credit when you purchase either DJ Hero, Band Hero, Band Hero Super Bundle or Guitar Hero 5 at regular price.

Two business days after your order ships you will receive an e-mail confirming the $40 credit has been applied to your Amazon account.

Note that you must purchase the bundles from Amazon and not an Amazon Marketplace store in order to qualify for this offer.

Each game is available for PS2, PS3, Xbox 360 and Wii consoles.

Purchase [Amazon]

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If you were looking for individuals with fast reaction times, tons of coordination experience the ability to think quickly in random situations look no further than the Xbox Live community. Playing games online with other humans is one of the best places to use your wits to outsmart and outmaneuver the opposition. Xbox Live is teeming with individuals with potential to become real life agents and this is why a government intelligence organization named GCHQ (Government Communications Headquarters) will use Live to recruit.

GCHQ is a British intelligence agency located in Cheltenham, Gloucestershire (England), that partners with MI5 and MI6 agencies to protect the UK’s security interests.

GCHQ will run ads for six weeks on Xbox Live’s dashboard as well as within games including Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2, Assassin’s Creed 2 and Left 4 Dead 2.

After clicking on the ads gamers will be able to download gamer pictures, themes and videos in addition to information that will help them learn more about GCHQ.

Caroline Waterfield, a press officer for GCHQ, explained in an official statement what tasks the GCHQ hope to accomplish and why the agency chose Xbox Live as a recruiting tool:

“As well as tackling ‘traditional threats’ GCHQ’s work is also about helping government departments, such as the Ministry of Defence, to protect their information and communication systems.

This means we can offer excellent training and careers for people with specialist technical skills. However, the fact remains that many potential candidates remain unaware of GCHQ and what we do. Using video on Xbox Live helps carry our message to the right people in a creative and innovative manner.”

Read [Guardian] Also Read [This is Gloucestershire] Also Read [Gamertell]

Photo Credit: GCHQ

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Gamers who want to get a sample of what Microsoft’s Xbox Live service has to offer can get a glimpse this weekend for free. During this weekend (Friday, November 20, 2009, through Monday, November 23, 2009), Xbox Live Gold membership will be free to anyone with a Silver account.

The Xbox Live service comes in two flavors. The Gold membership offers the meat of online interaction, which is multiplayer gaming. It also offers services such as Twitter, Facebook and Netflix downloads. The Gold membership costs $50 USD a year. The Silver membership doesn’t offer online gaming. It only allows basic online interaction such as gamer profiles and Avatars.

Registering for a Silver account is free, so basically anyone with an Xbox and an Internet connection can get the Gold membership at least during this weekend.

In my opinion, the best part about some games is online multiplayer so, for anyone who hasn’t experienced this part of gaming, this is a great opportunity to get on board. According to Microsoft, this promotion will be offered again on certain weekends to give people a chance to sample the Gold membership.

Gamers in Europe will get a longer trial starting on Wednesday, November 25 and ending on Monday, November 30.

Read [PC World] Also read [Gamasutra] Website [Xbox Live]

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On a typical Sunday, November 15, 2009 afternoon, a teenager in Buffalo Grove, Illinois decided that he wasn’t about to just take his Xbox ban lightly. After a 15 year old boy had been told by his parents that part of his punishment for misbehaving to have his Xbox taken away, he resorted to desperate measures. He called 911.

He didn’t actually stay on the line, but he did call. Police then went to the scene, to make sure that everything was in order. It was then that the teenager pleaded his case to the police, asking if his parents had a legal right to confisgate his property for his wrongdoing.

Of course, the officers told the teenager that his parents were within their rights. They then advised him to listen to is parents and left the scene. No charges were filed against the teenager for his unwarranted call to 911. It was not revealed what the teenager did to cause his parents to deny him his Xbox, or whether it was an Xbox or Xbox 360 system.

If the kid thought he was in trouble before, imagine the kind of punishment his parents will have in store now that he called 911 for a frivolous reason and wasted the Buffalo Grove police officers’ time. If I’d ever pulled anything like that when I was a kid and my parents took away my Game Boy or NES, I probably wouldn’t see my system for a year!

Read [Buffalo Grove Countryside] Also Read [Chicago Tribune] Also Read [Daily Herald]

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Most of the movies made from video game adaptations up to date have been less than stellar productions (thanks Uwe Boll), to say the least.

From Street Fighterto Doom , every one has strayed far from the original material and ended up a mess. Only the Resident Evil franchise has barely escaped that destiny - thanks to Milla Jovovich’s hotness - but, in general, video game movies have been epic failures.

Now there is some light shining on video game fans with the news that Brad Pitt’s production company, Plan B Entertainment, is making its debut on games-to-film adaptations with Capcom’s upcoming action title Dark Void. Plan B has secured the movie rights for the game and there is even some speculation that Brad Pitt might star in it.

Dark Void tells the story of a pilot named William Grey who encounters trouble on a flight and ends up crashing in the Bermuda Triangle. After wakeing he realizes he is stranded in a parallel world inhabited by aliens with plans to take over the Earth. With alien technology and the help of other humans trapped in this world William tries to stop the aliens and escape.

Plan B Entertainment is behind movies including Troy, The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford and The Departed. Also, Brad Pitt is a serious and successful actor and I doubt he would agree to putting out a mediocre movie so I think we are safe to expect a good adaptation on this one.

Dark Void will be released on January 2010 for the Xbox 360, PS3 and PC. It is rated “Teen” for animated blood and violence by the ESRB.

Read [Movieweb] Also read [IGN]

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Capcom has announced that new downloadable content will be released for Resident Evil 5 for the Xbox 360 and PS3 next year (2010). Also, a “Gold Edition” of the full game and downloadable content will be available March 2010.

That DLC includes two new episodes, new costumes and a new game mode called “Mercenaries’ Reunion” featuring eight new playable characters and weapon load outs.

Resident Evil 5: Gold Edition will be $49.99 on both 360 and PS3. The PS3’s additional content will be on the disc and the 360 version will be released with a token to download the content via Xbox Live.

According to Capcom’s press release, the first new episode, titled “Lost in Nightmares,” places BSAA agent Chris Redfield and his partner Jill Valentine in an investigation of Ozwell E. Spencer’s hideaway.

Spencer, the evil mastermind and co-founder of Umbrella Corporation, has something bad hidden in his basement. I’m betting whatever Spencer’s hiding does not involve insider trading and that Chris and Jill are going to terminate whatever’s down there with vengeance, shotguns and cut scenes. That episode hits the US and Europe February 17, 2010, along with the new costumes for Chris and Sheva.

Kill those creatures quickly because the next episode (title TBA) is slated for March 3, 2010, for 360 and March 4, 2010, on PS3.

Or, if you haven’t purchased the game and just want to wait it out, the Gold Edition comes to the US March 9, 2010, and Europe March 12, 2010.

Read [Capcom Unity] Also Read [Push Square]

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The Black Friday ad for Gamestop has been leaked and it has some pretty nice deals.

It’s disappointing that some of the Nintendo DS games including Mario Kart DS and New Super Mario Bros. are still selling for $35. Since that’s how much those games usually sell for, why would they even be present in a black Friday circular?

Odd advertising aside, there are still some specials worth checking out. For example you could buy a 120GB PS3 Slim with LittleBigPlanet GOTY Edition and God of War Collection for $299. If the Xbox 360 is more your flavor Gamestop is selling a Xbox 360 Elite with Pure, Lego Batman and a choice between Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare and Spider-Man: Web of Shadows for $299.

Many other popular games such as Guitar Hero 5, Left 4 Dead 2, Tekken 6 and Batman: Arkham Asylum have been discounted to $39.99. Other recently released games such as Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 and Assassin’s Creed 2 retain their $60 price tag. At least Gamestop guarantees those games will be in stock.

Doorbuster deals are good from 6 a.m. to 11a.m. on November 27, 2007. The other items on sale should be good while supplies last.

Here’s a list of the most noteworthy items:

Door Busters

• 120GB PS3 Slim w/ LittleBigPlanet GOTY and God of War Collection - $299.99
• Xbox 360 Elite w/ Pure, Lego Batman, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare or Spider-Man: Web of Shadows - $299.99
• Batman: Arkham Asylum (PS3, 360) - $39.99
• Call of Duty: World at War (PS3, 360) - $39.99
• Dead Space Extraction (Wii) - $19.99
• Wii Sports Resort with extra Wii MotionPlus - $49.99

PS3

• Tekken 6 -$39.99 (1 day only)
• Prototype - $29.99
• Guitar Hero 5 (game only) - $39.99
• Borderlands - $49.99 (3 days only)
• GTA IV - $19.99 (3 days only)

Nintendo

• Metallica Blue Nintendo DSi Bundle w/ Mario vs. Donkey Kong: Mini’s March Again, WarioWare Snapped, Dr. Mario Express, Mario Clock and Mario Calculator - $169.99
• White Nintendo DSi w/ Clubhouse Games Express Card Classics, Brain Age Express: Arts & Letters, Brain Age Express: Sodoku, Brain Age Express: Math, and Photo Clock - $169.99
• Wii/DSi 2GB SD Memory Card - $7.49
• Wii/DSi 4GB SDHC Memory Card - $14.99

Xbox 360

• Tekken 6 - $39.99 (1 day only)
• The Beatles: Rock Band - $49.99
• Left 4 Dead 2 - $39.99
• Need for Speed Shift - $39.99
• Call of Juarez: Bound in Blood - $19.99
• Prototype - $29.99
• Borderlands - $49.99
• Guitar Hero 5 - $39.99 (game only)
• Halo 3: ODST - $39.99
• Forza Motorsport 3 - $39.99

PC

• Left 4 Dead 2 - $29.99
• Guild Wars Trilogy - $24.99

Read [Black Friday Ads] Also Read [Gamertell]

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This week is filled with announcements. First,RealArcade and GameHouse have joined forces. So now there’s just GameHouse. If you have a RealArcade account, don’t worry. It’s been transferred over to GameHouse and you can still use it.

Second, Cute Knight Kingdom and Gyromancer are out! Both are highly anticipated games. One’s a Princess Maker style simulation from independent developer Hanako Games, the other is a puzzle RPG collaboration between Square Enix and PopCap. Gamertell even reviewed Cute Knight Kingdom yesterday.

Third, there were more than just four or five hidden object games released this week! Still no new Mac games, but plenty of new PC games making their debut!

This week’s best bets are: Cute Knight Kingdom (PC), Gyromancer (PC, Xbox Live Arcade) and Delicious: Emily’s Holiday Season (PC)

Murder She Wrote
Genre: Puzzle (Hidden Object)
Availability: Big Fish Games, Harmonic Flow
Retail Price: $6.99
Platform: Windows XP and Vista
Premise: “Has there been a murder?” Sorry, after watching Craig Ferguson for years, I couldn’t resist. There has indeed been a murder, and in this hidden object game based on Murder, She Wrote, you help Jessica Fletcher solve it.
Demo Available: Yes

Cake Shop 2
Genre: Simulation (Time Management)
Availability: Big Fish Games, Harmonic Flow
Retail Price: $6.99
Platform: Windows XP and Vista
Premise: Run a roadside cafe that specializes in tasty cakes and try to become a success.
Demo Available: Yes

Cute Knight Kingdom
Genre: Simulation / RPG
Availability: Hanako Games, Harmonic Flow, Amaranth Games
Retail Price: $19.95
Platform: Windows 2000, XP, Vista and 7
Premise: The sequel to Hanako Games’ insanely popular and successful Cute Knight is now available! If you liked the Princess Maker games and Spirited Heart, you’ll love the Cute Knight series. You help an orphan girl make her way through life, helping her decide what jobs to take, what classes to attend, whether to search dungeons or not, who to make friends with and so on. Depend on how her life goes, she’ll get one of many endings, maybe get married and perhaps even find out who she really is.
Demo Available: Yes

Asguaard
Genre: RPG
Availability: Aldorlea Games
Retail Price: $28.99
Platform: Windows PC (The site doesn’t give specific system requirements - test the demo to see.)
Premise: Asguaard is a relatively peaceful fantasy world. The only thing is, the Pandora Box has been opened and plagues are starting to overwhelm their world. The Asguaard fairies decide there is only one thing to do, summon a creature with something they don’t have to their world so it can be saved. Now a human has come to Asguaard, and will be tasked with saving it.
Demo Available: Yes

The Time Machine: Trapped in Time
Genre: Puzzle (Hidden Object)
Availability: Harmonic Flow
Retail Price: $9.99
Platform: Windows 2000, XP and Vista
Premise: Professor Einwin created a time machine and used it. Unfortunately, he wasn’t very careful when he did. He tampered with the past, with dire results. He destroyed the time machine, after seeing what he did. Now you must find the pieces, rebuild it and fix his mistakes.
Demo Available: Yes

Gyromancer
Genre: Puzzle RPG
Availability: Steam
Retail Price: $14.99 / 1200 Microsoft Points
Platform: Windows Vista and XP, Xbox 360
Premise: Help Rivel and Laska get through puzzle stages based on Bejeweled Twist as he searches through Aldemona Wood to try and track down his bounty, Qraist.
Demo Available: Yes

Escape the Museum 2
Genre: Puzzle (Hidden Object)
Availability: Big Fish Games
Retail Price: $6.99
Platform: Windows XP and Vista
Premise: An earthquake has hit, separating David from his family. He must find a way to get back to his wife and daughter safely.
Demo Available: Yes

Delicious: Emily’s Holiday Season
Genre: Simulation (Time Management)
Availability: GameHouse, Harmonic Flow, Reflexive Arcade
Retail Price: $9.99
Platform: Windows 2000, XP, Vista and 7
Premise: Emily has been hired to work at a lodge, planning parties and catering. She also gets to spend time with family, choose one of two men to become her boyfriend and take part in winter activities and games.
Demo Available: Yes

Natalie Brooks: Mystery at Hillcrest High
Genre: Puzzle (Hidden Object)
Availability: Alawar Entertainment
Retail Price: $9.95
Platform: Windows PC
Premise: The Black Cat Gamg are planning a massive heist, and its up to Natalie to find out what they’re up toand prevent it from happening by searching for hidden objects and playing minigames.
Demo Available: Yes

Editor’s Note: Due to so many casual games sites offering game plans or preferred member prices, which can cause a game to have multiple price-points, the games’ average retail prices is mentioned in Casual Friday.

Site [Big Fish Games] Site [PlayFirst] Site [GameHouse] Site [eGames] Site [Alawar Games] Site [Amazon] Site [Reflexive Arcade] Site [Harmonic Flow]

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

The sequel to 2007’s amazing underwater shooter is coming up soon - making its debut on February 9, 2009. Fans looking for the ultimate package on day one can spring for the Special Edition, which will reportedly include the game, the game’s soundtrack and an art book, along with a vinyl LP of the original BioShock soundtrack and three sweet-looking posters done up in the “Rapture propaganda” style. The package will run you $99.99 for the Xbox 360 or PS3 version, and $89.99 for the PC iteration.

It looks like 2K Marin is avoiding the Big Daddy figurines (some of which famously shipped broken with the original game’s Special Edition), but it looks like a nice collection either way. The music alone (especially the OST on vinyl!) is intriguing, and the posters are definitely drool-worthy.

The game itself is looking good - it probably won’t be quite the revolutionary experience that the first was, but I know I’m excited to visit Rapture again.

Read [1up]

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

Left 4 Dead is a series that can live on for years through downloadable content. Killing zombies with friends is fun no matter where the setting happens to be. Left 4 Dead 2 has only been out for a hot second and our brows are already raising in curiosity after looking at a teaser site for Midnight Riders.

This could be a hint of upcoming downloadable content or we could just be getting our hopes up. However we do have good reason to believe our crazy ideas.

Midnight Riders is the name of a band in Left 4 Dead 2. In the episode “Dark Carnival” the survivors fight off a relentless horde of zombies on a concert stage for Midnight Riders.

The teaser site has the four band members posing in classic L4D fashion complete with watercolor style animation. Midnight Rider is also an achievement you get after completing that campaign.

The final indication is the words “Coming Soon” printed on the bottom of the page.

It also doesn’t hurt to point out there are four band members pictured and Left 4 Dead always has four survivors.

It may be a rumor but our crystal ball is looking pretty shiny right now.

Site [Midnight Riders] Read [Brave New Gamer]

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

With the global economy going through hard times, most markets have been affected and unfortunately video games are not the exception. Sales are falling behind this year compared to 2008 and the holiday season is sure to bring a fierce price battle amongst the main retailers.

Not even the big companies are being spared from the effects of the economy. Video game giant Electronic Arts has decided to close Pandemic Studios, one of its recently acquired studios. This decision was part of a plan to cut 1,500 jobs in an effort to restructure the company.

EA plans to start publishing less console games and focus more on online titles which can prove more profitable for them. Pandemic Studios was acquired by EA, along with Bioware Corp. in 2007.

It’s really sad to see this happening, but I guess it’s the price for staying afloat in hard economic times. The video games industry has been growing strongly for the past few years and when the economy bounces back it’s sure to continue its growth. Studios are going to start growing again soon and when that happens I’m sure that these people will find positions in the industry.

Pandemic was most recently working on The Saboteur which was scheduled to be released December 2009 for the Xbox 360, PS3 and PC.

Read [Top News] Also read [USA Today]

Full Story » | Written by Christian Morlotte for Gamertell. | Comment on this Article »

If you’re enjoying Dragon Age: Origins and anxiously waiting for more DLC so there’s even more to love about the PC, PS3 and Xbox 360 game, there’s good news. EA is going to spread some holiday cheer in 2009 with a “Return to Ostagar” DLC pack for all versions of the game. An exact release date hasn’t been announced yet, just that it’ll be out around the holidays in both North America and Europe.

The latest quest is going to send players who purchase the DLC back to Ostagar. Originally in the game’s history, King Cailan of Ferelden and his Grey Wardens suffered defeat there, with Cailan losing his life in the ensuing battle. In “Return to Ostagar,” you get the opportunity to return to find out what happened for yourself and reclaim the equipment he left behind. Sounds like this DLC pack is going to include some nice loot.

It also is a pretty good deal, for DLC. “Return to Ostagar” is $4.99/400 Microsoft Points/400 BioWare Points.

Read [El Mundo Tech] Also Read [WELT Online] Site [Dragon Age: Origins] Also Read [Worth Playing]

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

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 has done exceedingly well despite some bouts with controversy. That controversy probably helped boost its sales to higher levels than originally projected. A game such as this doesn’t sell 4 million copies without drawing some fire from unhappy organizations or countries

It was reported by GotPS3, and translated by Hellforge that MW2 was banned in Russia because of the infamous “No Russian” mission. The Russian government allegedly wanted that level to be taken out of the game and will relaunch it in one month.

Contrary to this report Activision released a statement to VG247 which reads, “Reports that Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 has been banned in Russia are erroneous. Activision only released a PC version of the game in Russia which went on sale on Tuesday, Nov. 10.”

Console versions of MW2 allow players to skip “No Russian” altogether when starting the campaign. There also isn’t a penalty to achievements if you choose to not take part in that stage. Infinity Ward also released a patch for the PC version of MW2 that eliminates this mission from the game.

Perhaps banning isn’t the correct word to use which is why Activision denies the claim. Let’s call it a temporary hiatus.

Read [VG247] Also Read [Hellforge]

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

If you sign into your Xbox Live account and take a look at your Friends list, chances are at least half of your friends are playing Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2. This shouldn’t be surprising as Activision said MW2 sold 4.7 million copies in its first day of release in North America and the UK. We’re sure Activison is rolling around in all the profits while laughing manically but XBLA games are paying a steep price to exist in a post MW2 world.

GamerBytes has been taking a look at leaderboard activity for XBLA games for some weeks and found a very interesting trend.

It seems since everybody is playing MW2, new leaderboard entries for other popular XBLA games have taken a nosedive. A prime example of this is Trials HD which as of two weeks ago had nearly 15,000 new entries in its leaderboards. When MW2 came out last week, Trials HD leaderboard entries dropped to almost 9,000. That is a decrease of about 40% in activity. Likewise, leaderboard activity for games including Defense Grid, South Park: Let’s Go Tower Defense Play!, and Zombie Apocalypse were just about cut in half.

This would definitely explain why so many games were pushed to the first quarter of 2009. There also aren’t many high profile XBLA games coming out for the rest of 2009 either. That is a very smart move for publishers who don’t want to be crushed under MW2‘s massive following.

Read [GamerBytes] Via [Gamasutra]

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

It’s a hectic time of year for consumers. There are pre-Black Friday sales. Thanksgiving Day sales, Black Friday sales and post-Black Friday sales. Thankfully, you’ll get a brief break for a few weeks in December, before the after Christmas and year end sales starts.

Toys R Us has announced yet another sale. Yeah, the weekend flier sales and Black Friday sale weren’t enough. This time Toys R Us has announced a sale that is going to run from November 22-26, 2009. Even better, many of the deals will be available online.

Here are the video game deals you’ll be able to find:

• The Beatles: Rockband (PS3, Wii, Xbox 360) will be $49.99
• The Beatles: Rockband Special Value Edition Bundle (PS3, Wii, Xbox 360), that comes with the game, guitar, drum kit and microphone will be $134.99
• $25 iTunes gift card when you buy certain games at your local Toys R Us store.
• $15 gift card for Cold Stone Creamery, Subway or Wendy’s when you buy a $199.99 Wii or Xbox 360 Arcade at your local Toys R Us store.
• Some video game storage units will be $34.99.
All DS and PSP games will be buy one, get one 50%.