Skate 3 Downtown Dev. Diary #1

SKATE 3 features an all-new co-op mode where teammates can complete challenges together while advancing each other’s careers. From rewarding epic bails and fails with a beefed up Hall of Meat mode to honing your craft with the all-new skate.School, players of all skill levels have multiple ways to “kill it” in the game. The franchise also continues to raise the bar for user created content with the "skate.Create" feature suite, an innovative toolset that empowers gamers to truly express their skate style by creating their own graphics, videos, and skate parks.

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New Lead and Gold Screens

Lead and Gold: Gangs of the Wild West features intense gunfights in beautifully rendered Western settings. Incorporating the unique Synergy system, which encourages cooperation and team tactics to achieve a maximum gameplay experience and rewards, Lead and Gold: Gangs of the Wild West calls upon players to team up to relive the excitement, danger, and mystery of the Wild West.

     

     

Click here to view all screenshots

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NinjaBee Announces Keflings Followup

IGN reports that Kingdom for Keflings developers Ninjabee have confirmed that they're in development on the follow up, A World for Keflings. The original game gained attention as one of the first titles to feature Xbox Avatars in a prominent way. Via IGN:

"A World of Keflings is much more than a sequel," said Steve Taylor, President of NinjaBee. "It's a new game with a ton of new features, including some innovative ideas that stand out from both Live Arcade and full retail games. A World of Keflings also has a new story focus, with new exotic lands, characters, quests, buildings, customization options, and a lot more."

A World of Keflings will release on the Xbox Live Marketplace this year.

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Xbox Live This Week Caterina and Zombies (1/27/10)

This week on Xbox Live, we've only got one full-fledged Live Arcade release, the so-unknown-Major-frigging-Nelson-had-nothing-on-it word puzzle game KrissX, for 800 MS Points ($10.00 USD). We should have a review up for it later this week. I think.

Otherwise, it's all existing content and Games on Demand on Xbox Live this week. This week's Deal is Portal: Still Alive for 800 MS Points ($10.00 USD). This is the slightly barebones XBLA release of the world's finest first person puzzle game. From our Portal review:

"I can’t imagine the emptiness your life has been up to this point without having experienced the joys of the Companion Cube or the awesome song over the end credits. Portal: Still Alive is your chance to set your life right."

What do you mean you haven't played Portal?

Meanwhile, the seminal (and incredibly difficult) zombie shopping mall simulator Dead Rising debuts on the Games on Demand marketplace this week for $19.99 USD. From our Dead Rising review:

" Dead Rising is a game that takes the tried and true survival horror genre and turns it on its head. It melds brand-new gameplay ideas – and there really are a ton of new ideas to enjoy – with a B-movie style storyline that does an admirable job of keeping players engulfed in the strange goings-on in the Williamette Parkview Mall. It’s part Grand Theft Auto, part Resident Evil, and part Dawn of the Dead. The best news? Despite taking so many ambitious chances in the game’s design, it’s still great fun to play from beginning to end. And isn’t that what gaming is all about? "

Yes those are short shorts, and yes that's a bench he's swinging.

Also on Games on Demand this week is Ensemble Studios' console RTS swan song Halo Wars for $29.99 USD. From our Halo Wars review:

"Since that’s what RTS’s have always felt like to me, Halo Wars feels like the ultimate backyard battle with my friends, provided we had action figure versions of every last vehicle and character in the Halo universe. Since that’s somewhat impossible, we have a video game to realize our adolescent dreams. One heck of a video game, I might add."

It's like playing army mens with Halo toys.

In DLC news this week, the Pinball FX Excalibur Table releases today for 240 MS Points ($3.00 USD), and tomorrow sees the release of the first Assassin’s Creed II DLC, the "Battle of Forli," for 320 MS Points ($4.00 USD). While the story elements of the DLC are welcome (Caterina Sforza is expanded upon in very entertaining ways), things aren't all red wine and celebrations. From our AC2 DLC impressions:

"From a gameplay perspective, the Battle of Forli is sloppy. The missions in the DLC are all combat with little variation, save for a spectacularly broken chase sequence (or two), and the combat encounters in question don't feel very well planned out. There were repeated occasions where allies died well out of my sight in a confined area with little warning, and the sorts of combat arenas encounters took place in felt clunky and unnecessarily difficult to navigate."

And that's it for this week. Now if you'll excuse me, I'm going to play some Dante's Inferno.

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MX vs ATV Soundtrack Announced

THQ Inc. today announced the official soundtrack for MX vs. ATVTM ReflexTM, the latest edition to the multimillion unit-selling franchise, is now available for purchase and download at online retailers worldwide. The soundtrack, helmed by renowned music industry veteran Raymond Herrera (Fear Factory, Arkaea) through his company, 3volution Productions, unites a powerful blend of original, hard hitting creations with the game's cutting edge features, including intuitive, dual-stick control and real-time terrain deformation. In addition, the soundtrack is compatible with most MP3 players (including with iPod®), iTunes® and Windows Media Player.

Recorded at Temple Studios in Chatsworth, Calif., which Herrera co-owns and operates with B-Real (Cypress Hill), the soundtrack came to fruition through collaboration between Herrera, his industry colleagues and the team at THQ's Rainbow Studios. The end result impressively reflects a variety of heavier music styles, with influences such as Killswitch Engage, Soilwork, Corrosion of Conformity and Fear Factory. Collaborators on the MX vs. ATV Reflex soundtrack included Christian Olde Wolbers (Fear Factory, Arkaea), Jon Howard (Threat Signal/Arkaea), heavy music industry professionals Jeff Kendrick and Mike Spreitzer, as well as emerging hip-hop artist Young De.

"The MX vs. ATV Reflex soundtrack is a perfect example of great synergy between the right music and a compelling gameplay experience," said THQ Vice President of Global Brand Management Brian Coleman. "The overall product is certain to have appeal with a widespread audience of game enthusiasts, off-road fans and mainstream consumers."

"We wanted the soundtrack for MX vs. ATV Reflex to sound like a full-fledged album, and as a long-time fan of Motocross, it was great to help add the realism to this already amazing game and franchise," said Herrera. "All in all, it was a fun project to work on, and the end result sounds great - especially every time I play the game!"

The MX vs. ATV Reflex official soundtrack list is as follows:

"Pressure Plate" (3volution featuring Raymond Herrera)
"Nac Nac" (3volution featuring Raymond Herrera)
"Aftermarket" (Robert Cote)
"Holeshot" (3volution featuring Raymond Herrera)
"50 Ft. Drop" (3volution featuring Raymond Herrera)
"Pilot Jet" (3volution featuring Raymond Herrera)
"Terrain" (3volution featuring Raymond Herrera)
"Devil's Swingarm" (Dave Lowmiller)
"Wheels In Motion" (Robert Cote)
"Scraping the Can" (3volution featuring Raymond Herrera)
"Machined From Billet" (Dave Lowmiller)
"Silencer" (3volution featuring Raymond Herrera)
"Accelerate" (3volution featuring Raymond Herrera)



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Doritos and Microsoft Announce "Unlock Xbox" Finalists

The Doritos brand today announced that "Avatar Crash Course" and "Harm's Way," unique game concepts created by Jill Robertson of Raleigh, NC and Justin Carpenter of Ogden, Utah, respectively, are the two remaining finalists of the Doritos "Unlock Xbox" challenge. The games now will be developed into full Xbox LIVE® Arcade games, expected to be released in fall 2010 where they will compete head-to-head for the contest's grand prize -a $50,000 cash reward and an opportunity to consult with Doritos on gaming.

This marks the second time PepsiCo's Frito-Lay division has brokered a partnership between the Doritos brand and Microsoft to provide video game enthusiasts the creative challenge of a lifetime and the opportunity to play a lead role in developing a video game based on their own ideas and inspiration.

Robertson and Carpenter now will collaborate with Xbox 360 and a renowned development team to turn their visions into reality. Once both games are completed, they will become available on Xbox LIVE Arcade, the premier destination for downloadable games, where one grand prize winner will be crowned based on the number of votes they receive. The entire process will be turned into an online documentary video series that fans will be able to watch by visiting www.UnlockXbox.com.

"We continue to be amazed by the creativity of Doritos fans and feel like we are once again on the brink of creating blockbuster gaming experiences that we hope Xbox fans will enjoy," said Rudy Wilson, vice president, marketing, Frito-Lay. "It was incredible to see the consumer voting community rally around a wide range of innovative game ideas, and we are thrilled to offer our fans a chance to live their dream and create their own Xbox LIVE Arcade game."

Both games, along with runner-up game "Thrown," a concept by Jason Santa Maria of San Diego, CA, were narrowed down from 1,500 unique game ideas submitted in the fall of 2009. Eight quarter-finalists were selected and fans voted online for their favorites based on video pitches made to Microsoft. In early January, the field was narrowed to the top-three contenders, who then traveled to Seattle for one final pitch to executives from Microsoft and Doritos, where the selection of the final two was made.

Robertson's "Avatar Crash Course" is high-energy fun for everyone. Full of comical mishaps, players maneuver their avatars through ruthless obstacles and crazy levels as they battle to be number one. Great as a casual party game, "Avatar Crash Course" also can be enjoyed in multiplayer mode with up to four friends. Or, go for the challenge of playing solo and try to level up and beat your best times through the campaign, fighting to achieve the best time and get the gold. Either way, you'll have a chance to get great power-ups, such as shoes to run faster and a belt that improves balance.

Carpenter's "Harms Way" is a fast-paced, action-packed race that pairs up drivers and snipers, offering various game modes to choose from. As a sniper, players will help their driver win by any means necessary doing anything from blocking an opponent's path to creating shortcuts that earn nitrous. When you're the driver, players will want to be aggressive and ram the other cars off the road. Enjoy four-player split screens, online play and plenty of explosions. Unlock Xbox is one of many ways the Doritos brand continues to turn control over to consumers. The brand's commitment to fan-empowerment began with the Doritos "Crash the Super Bowl" program, which started in 2007 and has turned the brand's Super Bowl advertising over to its fans every year. In addition, the brand has put consumers in control through a variety of other exciting opportunities, including the Doritos "X-13D Flavor Experiment," where consumers had a chance to name a new mysterious flavor of chips; "THE QUEST," which engaged fans in a multi-faceted online and real-world adventure of challenges; and "Doritos Late Night," which provided Doritos fans ground-breaking virtual musical performances by blink-182 and Big Boi through the power of augmented reality technology where fans could enjoy and control the performances in the palm of their hand.

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Ben 10 Coming to XBLA

Konami Digital Entertainment and Cartoon Network Enterprises (CNE) announced today that Ben 10 Alien Force: The Rise of Hex, the latest next-generation installment for the popular Cartoon Network original series, will be available in Q1 2010 on Xbox LIVE® Arcade for the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and on Nintendo WiiwareTM. Utilizing the all-powerful Omnitrix, Ben sets forth to battle a new threat to Earth with 10 alien transformations in the franchise's first ever-downloadable game for home consoles.

"The console downloadable gaming space is such an amazing frontier to bring content to gamers of all ages," said Careen Yapp, VP Acquisitions and Franchise Development for Konami Digital Entertainment Inc. "We are fully supporting the online community with a Ben 10 Alien Force game that features the high-energy action and adventure from the series. With new characters and the extensive content, we believe Ben 10 Alien Force: The Rise of Hex will be one of the most coveted downloadable titles this year."

"We are excited to partner with Konami to introduce Ben 10 to the downloadable games market and are confident that Ben 10 Alien Force: The Rise of Hex will deliver on the same exciting experience fans have come to expect from Ben," said Christina Miller, senior vice president, CNE. "This will be a great addition to an already successful interactive program that includes multiple console titles and on-line games available on CN.com."

Ben 10 Alien Force: The Rise of Hex is an action-puzzle platformer where gamers play as Ben Tennyson with the ability to transform into 10 different aliens. Utilizing the powers of the Omnitrix players will set out to battle a new threat to Earth. Players transform into Swampfire, Brainstorm, Big Chill, Humongousaur, Echo Echo, Chromastone, Jetray, Spider Monkey, Goop and Lodestar to defeat Hex and his minions, with many surprises along the way. Players will have to utilize each alien during pivotal points in the game to take advantage of their special abilities and unique attributes. Players battle through 15 levels of fast-paced action and alien-specific puzzles to reach the final fight to save the Earth from destruction.

Ben 10 Alien Force: The Rise of Hex will be released for Xbox LIVE® Arcade for Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and Nintendo WiiWareTM in the first quarter of 2010.

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Vandal Hearts Flames of Judgment Launch Trailer

In this tactical role-playing game, two rival kingdoms stand on the brink of war on the continent of Sostegaria. Caught in the tide of battle is young Tobias Martin, an orphan left alive in the wake of the last Great War. On a quest for peace in his homeland, Tobias joins forces with his friends to take on the enemy and avenge lost loved ones. A threat more deadly and menacing than they could have imagined crosses their path in the midst of war. As the massive battle unfolds across expansive environments, players will have to adapt to the gameplay styles of each character with a deep range of character customization options.

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This Week's New Xbox 360 Releases 1/19/2010

It's all jetpacks all the time as Capcom's Dark Void is the only major release at retail this week. While there was a fair amount of pre-release... well, let's call it hope, rather than buzz, given Dark Void's repeated delays over the last two years, unfortunately, it would seem Dark Void has taken its own Bermuda Triangle premise seriously, as developer Airtight Games have made something that will ultimately be lost at sea. From Tom Price's Dark Void review:

In the world of sports, there’s a saying: “That’s why they play the game.” It means that it doesn’t matter how much one team is favored or how good they are, they still have to go out and execute to win the game. The same is true for video games. No matter how good your idea or concept is, you have to actually execute it to make a successful title. And to continue the football (American, if you were wondering) analogy further, even a good team can fall victim to a handful of crucial mistakes. That’s what Dark Void feels like: a potentially good game that made some crucial mistakes, resulting ultimately in a failure to succeed…season’s over, clean out your locker.

Somehow the game doesn’t really make its sense of scale believable.

On the bright side, now that Dark Void has shipped, Airtight can focus on their unannounced secret project involving leads from Portal, Dead Space, and the original Bioshock.

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Remedy Demo For Alan Wake "Unlikely"

VG247 reports that Alan Wake developers Remedy have down-played the likelihood of a demo on Xbox Live prior to the game's release later this year. Remedy CFO Mika Reini also confirmed that the title is on track for release this Spring. From VG247:

“Demo before the launch, most likely not,” said the developer’s CFO, Mika Reini when asked if there would be a pre-release taster during a live-chat with fans.

Earlier, Reini confirmed the game would see a “a conclusive and satisfactory ending” while also confirming the game’s recently announced DLC is still in the “idea stage.”

Remedy also hinted at a collector’s edition for the thriller, although it wouldn’t confirm or deny one.

It was also re-confirmed in the chat that the game would see a release during spring 2010 – as first confirmed by writer Sam Lake – with the date already set for a while now.

Asked if it was indeed spring, Remedy’s Markus Maki said: “Yes. Definitely."

For more information, read our previous Alan Wake impressions.

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Halo 3 Mythic Maps Releasing on XBLM Next Month

"Halo" fans, make ready your battle rifles and prepare to step into an expanded fight on Xbox LIVE. Mythic 2 Map Pack, a Game Add-on developed by Bungie for "Halo 3" consisting of three multiplayer maps available previously only on the "Halo 3: ODST" multiplayer disc, is set to arrive on Xbox LIVE on Feb. 2, 2010.

The release of the Mythic 2 Map Pack brings the total number of "Halo 3" multiplayer maps to 24. The Game Add-on includes three action-packed maps: Heretic, Citadel and Longshore.

Heretic brings players to familiar ground as the "Halo 2" arena Midship returns in "Halo 3." The stark interior of the Pious Inquisitor might appear austere on first glance, but Heretic's symmetrical spaces require players to execute complex strategies in order to outplay their opponents.

Citadel may be a long abandoned Forerunner stronghold, but its small, symmetrical confines are far from secure. Two opposing bases offer little safety for players looking for solace. Instead, Citadel forces small squads to stay in constant communication, keep their heads on a swivel, and be prepared to adjust combat tactics in close quarters.

Longshore lacks the commercial ships that once made it a lucrative port for Old Mombasa, but it still bustles with activity. Designed for large-scale combat and well-suited for smaller affairs, Longshore's multitude of industrial buildings, elevated walks, and open inlets conspire to create a complex battleground tailored for multiple combat scenarios.

Mythic 2 Map Pack will be available on Xbox LIVE for 800 Microsoft Points. Mythic Map Pack 1 and 2 are also included in "Halo 3: ODST," which includes the complete "Halo 3" multiplayer map collection, an all-new campaign and the incredibly popular cooperative experience, Firefight. "Halo 3: ODST" will act as a key to the upcoming "Halo: Reach" multiplayer beta which goes live later this spring.

Additionally, beginning today, "Halo" fans can contribute to Bungie's relief efforts for Haiti by participating in the "Be a Hero" campaign on Xbox LIVE. For every 1,000 people that wear a red heart emblem and play "Halo 3" or "Halo 3: ODST" online today or tomorrow, Bungie will donate $100 to Red Cross, up to $77,000. To find out more about the "Be a Hero" campaign, visit Bungie at http://www.bungie.net/News/content.aspx?type=topnews&link=BeAHero.

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Halo 3 Mythic Maps Releasing on XBLA Next Month

"Halo" fans, make ready your battle rifles and prepare to step into an expanded fight on Xbox LIVE. Mythic 2 Map Pack, a Game Add-on developed by Bungie for "Halo 3" consisting of three multiplayer maps available previously only on the "Halo 3: ODST" multiplayer disc, is set to arrive on Xbox LIVE on Feb. 2, 2010.

The release of the Mythic 2 Map Pack brings the total number of "Halo 3" multiplayer maps to 24. The Game Add-on includes three action-packed maps: Heretic, Citadel and Longshore.

Heretic brings players to familiar ground as the "Halo 2" arena Midship returns in "Halo 3." The stark interior of the Pious Inquisitor might appear austere on first glance, but Heretic's symmetrical spaces require players to execute complex strategies in order to outplay their opponents.

Citadel may be a long abandoned Forerunner stronghold, but its small, symmetrical confines are far from secure. Two opposing bases offer little safety for players looking for solace. Instead, Citadel forces small squads to stay in constant communication, keep their heads on a swivel, and be prepared to adjust combat tactics in close quarters.

Longshore lacks the commercial ships that once made it a lucrative port for Old Mombasa, but it still bustles with activity. Designed for large-scale combat and well-suited for smaller affairs, Longshore's multitude of industrial buildings, elevated walks, and open inlets conspire to create a complex battleground tailored for multiple combat scenarios.

Mythic 2 Map Pack will be available on Xbox LIVE for 800 Microsoft Points. Mythic Map Pack 1 and 2 are also included in "Halo 3: ODST," which includes the complete "Halo 3" multiplayer map collection, an all-new campaign and the incredibly popular cooperative experience, Firefight. "Halo 3: ODST" will act as a key to the upcoming "Halo: Reach" multiplayer beta which goes live later this spring.

Additionally, beginning today, "Halo" fans can contribute to Bungie's relief efforts for Haiti by participating in the "Be a Hero" campaign on Xbox LIVE. For every 1,000 people that wear a red heart emblem and play "Halo 3" or "Halo 3: ODST" online today or tomorrow, Bungie will donate $100 to Red Cross, up to $77,000. To find out more about the "Be a Hero" campaign, visit Bungie at http://www.bungie.net/News/content.aspx?type=topnews&link=BeAHero.

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Xbox Live This Week Death and Vandals (1/19/10)

If you like Japanese games, you're in luck this week as both Xbox Live Arcade releases fit the bill. The new offering out this Wednesday is Death by Cube from Square-Enix, which sees a non-descript cube inflicting bloody (no, really, really bloody) violence on other shapes in an odd twin stick shooter entry. Death by Cube will run you 800 MS Points ($9.99 USD).

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If hardcore arcade shooters aren't what you're looking for, then maybe hardcore tactical JRPGs are more likely to stir your interest. If so, then Vandal Hearts might demand some of your precious MS Points, assuming you're willing to hand over 1200 of them ($14.99 USD).

Meanwhile, two games have been added to the Games on Demand Marketplace this week. First up is Brave - A Warrior's Tale for $29.99 USD. Unfortunately, the nicest thing we can say about it is that you might want to save your money; From our Brave review:

It says it right there on the box: “Xbox 360 Family Games,” a designation that Microsoft has been slapping on what it considers to be more family-friendly type games. Brave: A Warrior’s Tale could be consider friendly for your family to play, provided no one is under the age of ten. It might be a good idea if they’ve never played a video game of any kind before; otherwise they’re going to play Brave for five minutes, say “this sucks,” put the controller down and go outside. Hey, I think we’ve found a cure for childhood obesity!

In better news, EA's skate. also releases this week for a pretty reasonable $19.99 USD. From our skate. review:

It’s important to repeat, though, that EA and developer Black Box seem to have created the game so that you can more easily do tricks. For instance, there’s no button you have to hit to initiate a grind. All you need to do is ollie or jump off an obstacle toward a rail, and then land on it with some part of your board, and you’ll grind. Similarly, there’s no balance meter to track, but Skate does seem more realistic in that momentum in a grind will somewhat keep you in place, but when you slow down, you’re more likely to drop off. It doesn’t feel like you’re glued on the rail, but more that EA has assumed your character has some innate skills to keep a grind going and doesn’t force you to micromanage that part.

Finally, this week's XBLA special is timed to coincide with next week's release of Mass Effect 2. You can get both DLC packs for the original Mass Effect for 240 MS Points each. We'll have reviews up for Death by Cube and Vandal Hearts later this week.

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Light Posting Day Today

As many of you are aware, today is Martin Luther King Day in the United States, which is a national holiday. As your faithful TeamXbox staff aren't in the office today, updates will be on the very light side. Meanwhile, I know Tom is working on his Dark Void review, which you'll see tomorrow, and I'm playing through Mass Effect 2, which will get its own review next week. We'll return to your regularly scheduled shenanigans tomorrow!

Arthur Gies, News & Features Editor

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Uber Entertainment Announces Monday Night Combat

Monday Night Combat is a class-based, third-person shooter... and the most popular lethal sport of the future! It blends intense combat, finishing moves, and gameshow-like challenges and rewards to produce an action experience unlike any other. Why fight for "honor" or "duty" when you can fight for the real American dream: cash, fame and endorsements?!

Big Money! Big Prizes!

Players who drive the fans wild and catch the eye of corporate sponsors will win cash and prizes that can be used to upgrade their weapons and their defenses.

Blitz

Blitz allow players to defend their Money Ball against armies of robots by themselves or with up to three of their closest friends over XBOX Live

Crossfire

Crossfire pits teams of players against each other over Xbox Live. Each team is supported by an endless stream of robots fighting on their behalf; overwhelming your opponent's stream will be the key to your success!

Six Unique Character Classes

Each Pro caters to their unique style of play and comes with their own set of upgradeable skills. Customize those skills and abilities even further with a variety of unlockable products and "My Pro" create-a-class feature.

Career

Extensive career meta-game gives players lots of room to enhance their Pro and show off their gaming prowess.

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Deadly Premonitions The Road Trailer

Deadly Premonitions is a new suspense/horror/action adventured for Xbox 360. As Special Agent Francis Morgan, the game sends players to investigate the brutal murder of a young local beauty. Amidst the backdrop of soaring mountains and a town filled eccentric natives, Agent Morgan must solve the mystery of the red seed murders and stay alive in a place where supernatural creatures and a folklore killer seek to end his investigation permanently.

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Quantum Theory Screenshots Surface

A dark tower looms over a wasted world. Infected by the diablosis, the living battlefields within shift and twist while a lone warrior, Syd, fights his way to the top.

Immerse yourself in an organic world as you make Syd climb on living platforms and throw his partner Filena in powerful melee attacks against colossal enemies. Merging intense combat with fast-paced action, experience a rich unique journey like you have never seen in Quantum Theory. Only from Tecmo. Are you ready for the tower?

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Your Unresolved ‘Avatar’ Questions AnsweredNew Alan Wake Screenshots

Dragon AgeOrigins DLC Now Available

EA/BioWare announced today that the Dragon Age: Origins DLC "Return to Ostagar" is now available on the Xbox Live Marketplace. The DLC was previously announced with a release date of January 5th, which was pushed back.

The battle of Ostagar laid waste to your order and claimed the lives of many great men and women, including the brash King Cailan and your mentor, Duncan. Now, there are rumors that a fellow survivor of the battle has escaped from captivity and is seeking the Grey Wardens' help. The time has come to make your return to Ostagar and exact revenge upon the darkspawn. Includes: (1) A return to the battlefields of Ostagar, now thick with darkspawn encamped amidst the snow. (2) An opportunity to regain the lost arms and armor of a king. (3) A second chance to add Dog to your party. To find the survivor: (1) Play through Dragon Age: Origins until after the village of Lothering. (2) Travel to Bann Loren's Lands along the Bannorn's northwest border.

     

     

Click here to view all screenshots



Chris Weitz Responds To Negative ‘New Moon’ ReviewsNew Final Fantasy XIII Screens

Transformers War for Cybertron Reveal Trailer

Experience the legendary battle between the AUTOBOTS and DECEPTICONS in Transformers™: War for Cybertron, in development by award-winning High Moon Studios. Based on Hasbro’s legendary TRANSFORMERS property, the game takes players to the TRANSFORMERS characters’ home planet of CYBERTRON for a new look into the epic story of the grand civil war that spawned one of the most brutal rivalries of all time.

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New Alan Wake Screenshots

In this long-awaited exclusive Xbox 360 title, fill the shoes of one Alan Wake, a man who makes his living from the terror of others as a best-selling suspense novelist. Trapped in the deceptively peaceful Washington town of Bright Falls, where he came to escape the trauma of losing his fiancée, Alan must piece together a mystery to prevent himself from being trapped inside a nightmarish world forever.

An intense psychological thriller from Remedy, the creators of Max Payne, Alan Wake looks to raise the bar for future games, creating a true cinematic experience. Explore an expansive world filled with missions, unique puzzles, intense combat, and horrifying enemies. Dig into a twisting and multi-layered story filled with suspense, engaging characters, and shocking revelations.

     

     

Click here to view all screenshots

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Forza AutoWeek Car Show Pack Now Available

"Forza Motorsport 3" Celebrates the North American International Auto Show with the "AutoWeek Car Show Pack"

The North American International Auto Show kicks off this week, as car manufacturers, professional drivers, and fans from around the world flock to Detroit, Michigan to see what's revving up in the automotive industry this year and beyond. To mark one of the biggest auto shows in the world, Turn 10 and AutoWeek are partnering to bring some of the year's best cars to life in "Forza Motorsport 3" with the "AutoWeek Car Show Pack."

Available starting today for 400 Microsoft Points on Xbox LIVE Marketplace, the new downloadable car pack raises the curtain on some of the most exciting new cars for 2010, and adds several elite 2009 racers to the ever-growing "Forza Motorsport 3" car roster, including the 2010 Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport, 2010 Ford Shelby GT500 and 2010 Aston Martin One-77.

Coveted by car enthusiasts for years, the Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport was first conceived in 1963 by legendary Chevrolet engineer Zora Arkus-Duntov. The 2010 model brings classic style and track-proven performance to the table with an updated 6.2-liter LS3-based V8 engine rated at 430 horsepower, wide-body styling, and an updated suspension setup. The 2010 Ford Shelby GT500 is a must-have in any "Forza" fan's garage. Featuring a 5.4-liter supercharged V8 that pumps out 540 horsepower, the Shelby GT500 runs on an updated chassis with new suspension and aerodynamic improvements. Additionally, the 2010 Aston Martin One-77 combines modern technology and design with supreme craftsmanship for the ultimate expression of Aston Martin exclusivity. The 7.3-liter V12 pushes the car to well above 200 MPH, which may make it the fastest car in your "Forza Motorsport 3" stable.

Now available on Xbox LIVE Marketplace, the "AutoWeek Car Show Pack" gives fans 10 great reasons to continue racing, drifting, tuning, and painting in the new year:

2009 Audi RS 6
2010 Ford Shelby GT500
2009 Lotus 2-Eleven
2010 Aston Martin One-77
2010 Porsche Boxster S
2009 Audi R8 LMS Show Car
2010 Pagani Zonda R
2010 Saleen S5S Raptor
2010 BMW Motorsport M6 Coupe
2010 Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport

For fans who like to try before they buy, Turn 10 is offering the 2009 Lotus 2-Eleven as this month's free car download, so strap in and take the "AutoWeek Car Show Pack" for a test spin!

"Forza Motorsport 3" is rated "E" for Everyone and is now available globally. To access and download the new "AutoWeek Car Show Pack" screenshots, visit the Forza Motorsport 3 FTP or Forzamotorsport.net.

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Xbox Live This Week Serious Magic

This is a light week numbers wise for Xbox Live, but the sole new release is on the bigger side (both content and price-wise). Wednesday sees the release of Serious Sam HD, the remake of Croteam's popular, bat-s*** insane first person shooter, for 1200 MS points ($15.00 USD). We'll have a review up later this week.

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The Xbox Live Arcade Deal for the week January 11th is Magic: The Gathering for an pretty easily stomached 400 MS points ($5.00 USD). The title typically sells for 800 MS points ($10.00 USD). As usual, this deal is for Gold members only. From our Magic: The Gathering review:

"Once you’re comfortable with the gameplay (if you’re not already experienced with the card game’s structure), Duels of the Planeswalkers offers a lot of options for you, especially when you consider the reasonable price of 800 Microsoft Points (or about $10). To start, there’s a single-player Campaign mode that is deep, with matches against 16 AI players to get through. As you work your way through the Campaign, you’ll unlock cards and other decks that will broaden your abilities. You can also select a Custom Duel, which enables you to set up a match against a particular AI character."

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Rock Band Adds More Alice In Chains

Harmonix and MTV Games today announced that a five pack of songs from Alice In Chains will be added next week to the Rock Band Music Store of downloadable content for the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, PlayStation® 3 computer entertainment system and WiiTM.

Alice In Chains is among the more than 390 bands currently available through the Rock Band platform. With more than 1,000 songs available, Rock Band is, without question, the industry leader in providing the best selection of interactive musical content, songs and artists.

Rock Band DLC Additions for Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 System and Wii

Alice In Chains formed in Seattle in 1987 and has since released four studio albums and sold more than 17 million albums worldwide. The band released Black Gives Way to Blue on Virgin Records Sept. 29, 2009, their first album in 14 years. Black Gives Way to Blue debuted at No. 5 on the Billboard 200, and "Alice In Chains Pack 02" features two songs from this album, "Last of My Kind" and "Your Decision," the latest single from the band's new album. The pack also includes "Grind" and "Heaven Beside You," from the band's double-platinum, self-titled 1995 album; as well as "We Die Young" from their 1990 debut, Facelift.

Available on Xbox 360 and Wii (Jan. 12) and PlayStation 3 system (Jan. 14):

Alice In Chains - "Grind"
Alice In Chains - "Heaven Beside
You" Alice In Chains - "Last of My Kind"
Alice In Chains - "We Die Young"
Alice In Chains - "Your Decision"

(All tracks are original master recordings)

These tracks will be available for purchase as "Alice In Chains Pack 02," as well as individual tracks on Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 system, and as individual tracks on Wii.

Price: $1.99 USD, £.99 UK, €1.49 EU (160 Microsoft Points for Xbox 360) per track

$8.49 USD, £4.39 UK, €6.59 EU (680 Microsoft Points for Xbox 360) for "Alice In Chains Pack 02"

$2.00 USD (200 Wii PointsTM) per track

** Dates for Rock Band game tracks are tentative and subject to change. **

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EA Teams With Dr. Pepper for Promotional Giveaway

REDWOOD CITY, Calif. & PLANO, Texas --(Business Wire)-- Jan 08, 2010 Electronic Arts Inc. (NASDAQ:ERTS) and Dr Pepper today launched an innovative brand marketing program delivering custom built interactive entertainment to Dr Pepper fans. Beginning this week, consumers who buy 20-ounce bottles of Dr Pepper can also download new, exclusive content in EA games like virtual clothes for their Sims or body parts for their SporeTM creatures. Gaming fans will receive access to these exclusive add-ons for select EA titles throughout 2010 with codes* found on more than 500 million Dr Pepper bottles and fountain cups.

"Dr. Pepper's decision to partner with EA is an investment that will bring a lot of value to their brand and to their consumers," said Elizabeth Harz, Senior Vice President of Global Media Sales for EA. "Consumers get free game content and a whole new way to experience the Dr Pepper brand."

"We wanted to give consumers an unrivaled experience by offering a range of valuable game enhancements that elevate their experience within the games and create brand affinity," said Tony Jacobs, vice president of marketing, Dr Pepper. "The EA promotion gives fans an unbelievable gaming experience that they can only access through Dr Pepper."

How it Works:

1. Purchase a participating bottle of Dr Pepper.

2. Find an exclusive redemption code under the bottle cap.

3. Go to: http://www.drpepper.com/promotions/ea to redeem the code and select from a wide range of game enhancements for Battlefield HeroesTM, Battlefield: Bad CompanyTM 2, Mass EffectTM 2, SporeTMand The SimsTM 3 and others to be announced throughout the year.

Game enhancements for The Sims 3, for example, feature theme-based bundles including Vintage Vegas, Beach Party, Celebrity and Football. Consumers will be able to download exciting new content ranging from a party top or hot boots all the way to a cool Retro car. Fans who have played The Sims over the years will recognize items inspired by previous The Sims games like the Lips Couch or Boomerang Window.

Other examples of exclusive downloadable content include the following:

In Spore, a dozen Cyborg-themed body parts - such as eyes, heads and arms - can be redeemed and used in the Spore Creature Creator. These parts allow players to mix robot and organic creature body parts to design their own Cyborg creatures. The exclusive Cyborg parts will be usable by all owners of the Spore PC game and anyone who downloads the free SporeCreature Creator Trial Edition from the Spore.com website.
In Mass Effect 2 (shipping January 26th for the Xbox 360 videogame and entertainment system, PC), a shooter RPG from EA's award-winning BioWareTM division, there are three unique pieces of armor: two helmets and a visor. The game was recently named by The New York Times as one of 2010's most anticipated games.
In Battlefield Heroes, there are four sets of unique character clothing, and consumers get a pair of outfits per download, one for each side.
In Battlefield: Bad Company 2 fourkit upgrades allow you to become a unique Special Activities soldier, with new camouflage and a modified weapon. Kit upgrades also contain new awards and an additional achievement.

*In-game items require applicable EA game, applicable game system, Internet connection and EA registration.

More games and enhancements will be announced throughout the year. Full rules and regulations as well as download descriptions and product details can be found at: www.drpepper.com/promotions/ea/rules/

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Super Street Fighter IV New Features Trailer

Capcom has seen fit to bless you all with additional screens and footage of their upcoming Super Street Fighter IV, what with CES and all going on. You can check out the new videos below, and 8 new screenshots in the gallery.

I still wish they'd put Cody in something other than that damned prison outfit. But I'm really digging Cammie's Bison costume.

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Microsoft Patents Muscle Control

Gamasutra's Chris Remo reports that Microsoft recently filed patents for a method of control of an interactive system using detection of muscle movement. Using electromyographs, the sensors involved detect positioning and movement of specific muscle groups. The video on Microsoft's official research site demonstrates how this might be used for a title such as Guitar Hero or for more general applications, such as controlling an mp3 device's playback using muscle movement in the leg (though this seems counterproductive to this news editor). From the research page:

Many human-computer interaction technologies are currently mediated by physical transducers such as mice, keyboards, pens, dials, and touch-sensitive surfaces. While these transducers have enabled powerful interaction paradigms and leverage our human expertise in interacting with physical objects, they tether computation to a physical artifact that has to be within reach of the user.

As computing and displays begin to integrate more seamlessly into our environment and are used in situations where the user is not always focused on the computing task, it is important to consider mechanisms for acquiring human input that may not necessarily require direct manipulation of a physical implement. We explore the feasibility of muscle-computer input: an interaction methodology that directly senses and decodes human muscular activity rather than relying on physical device actuation or user actions that are externally visible or audible.While its rather unlikely that this tech will see any sort of adoption during this generation of consoles, the Wii has changed the audience that Microsoft seems intent on capturing with their Xbox business, meaning that the next generation of consoles could feature some variation of this tech, at least in some form.

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Divinity II Ego Draconis Launch Trailer

cdv Software Entertainment today unleashed the epic launch trailer for Divinity II - Ego Draconis, the action-RPG released earlier this week to North American retail outlets! In the new trailer, discover the vengeful history between warrior and dragon and prepare to seek justice for all, not only as a dragon slayer, but as a dragon! Take to the skies, perfect dozens of skills and strategies and fight against deadly creatures as you battle to protect the citizenry of the game's fantasy world of Rivellon. Get a glimpse of your cursed destiny and divine voyage in the Divinity II - Ego Draconis launch trailer below.

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Xbox Live This Week Keflings and Hazards and Nuts

It's another slow time this week on Xbox Live, but there is a new game and some great deals to be had. First, Matt Hazard:Blood, Bath, and Beyond hits the Live Arcade on Wednesday. The side scrolling parody of video game cliches can be had for 12oo Microsoft points ($15.00 USD).

That's a side scroller alright.

The Xbox Live Deal of the Week for January 4th is A Kingdom For Keflings, last year's sleeper strategy title on the Live Arcade that allows you to use your Xbox 360 Avatar to build a village for the Keflings, often in a hilariously brutal manner. For this week only you can grab it for 400 MS points ($5.00 USD), which is half-off.

If they say anything about how big your head is you can kick them really hard.

Finally, this week sees the criminally under-appreciated Banjo-Kazooie: Nuts & Bolts release on Games on Demand for $19.99 USD (unless you're in Japan). Go buy this. Right now. It's like LEGOS only with ridiculous humor and surprisingly cutting satire about video games.

YOU CAN RIDE AN ENGINE WITH WHEELS.

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