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Games: I haven't been up on my download titles and the way I should lately, so I've been trying to rectify that over last week or two. I decided to comb through the PSP Minis store alphabetically and see what caught my eye. There’s a whole lot of junk in there, quite frankly, but there are some nice titles if you look hard enough.

Here are some real winners that I recommend:

Fighting Fantasy

Fighting Fantasy. I've mentioned these before, but they're worth mentioning again. Taken from the book series by Steve Jackson Games, both The Warlock of Firetop Mountain and The Talisman of Death are text adventures that the player reads through like a book. At certain junctures, you make a choice (do you go down the tunnel, or do you climb the ladder?) and a combat minigame pops up when enemies are encountered. For those of you who like to read, or those of you who grew up books like FF or Choose Your Own Adventure, these are absolute gold.

Jelly Pops

Jelly Pops. I'm a big fan of PomPom Games, and everything I’ve played from them has been a winner. This one is no exception, despite the completely absurd and nonsensical title. The player takes control of a snake-like creature and scrolls constantly from left to right. The snake’s life is constantly depleting, so it's a race against time to keep eating life-ups long enough to get a high score. Each level has different variations (color combos, avoid spikes, etc.) that give the game legs, and there are different faux-Achievements for each level that keep you coming back for more.

Babel: the King of the Blocks

Babel: the King of the Blocks. Kind of a three-in-one title, this game stars a little Egyptian kid who needs to earn his stripes by completing three different physics-based challenges. One is building a tower with differently-shaped blocks that fall similar to Tetris. The second has him piling blocks on a balancing board, and the third challenges him to stack blocks over a pit by carefully arranging them so that they support each other without falling. It might not sound that exciting from the description I've written, but I've found myself coming back to this one time and time again. The physics are spot-on, and it's easy to get a few quick levels in on the go.

I still have a few more letters to get through in the Minis store (I was going alphabetically, remember) so if I find any more worth talking about, I'll update.


Games: The demo for Kingdoms of Amalur: The Reckoning hit the 360 a few days ago, so I gave that a whirl. I've been hearing from some sources in the know (also known as @finalmacstorm) that this was one to watch for, and after having gone through the demo, that info seems to have panned out.


It's a little hard to describe (and of course the final version will have features that the demo couldn't cover) but it's best described as a third-person action game combined with dungeon crawling loot elements and some quests/open areas that are vaguely Skyrim-Lite-ish-ish.

From what I played, my gut is telling me that this one will be kind of a straightforward grinder with a whole bunch of magic and weapons to keep the player going until the end. Nothing wrong with that at all, and when you're in the right mood for it, this type of game (if my impression ends up being correct) can be fantastic. I will definitely be giving the full version a look-see.


Games: The Ryder White DLC for Dead Island was unexpectedly announced for launch on 1/31 (PS3) and 2/1 (360), $10 on both systems. I was fortunate enough to get my hands on an early copy and I've played through the entirety of it. Reviews are still under embargo, but I can share a little bit of information…


It's a one-player campaign that runs about 4-5 hours, give or take. It's much more focused and linear than the main game, and Ryder himself is at level 15 for purposes of stats and such. There is no skill tree or leveling up, so players will have to make the most of this military man as he is in order to get to the end of the content. PROTIP: The difficulty is much higher here than it is in the core game, but to balance that out, guns are about 42,000 times more useful. If you plan on checking this DLC out, REMEMBER THAT. (Props to sandwich eater @MitchyD for hipping me to that fact.)

I'm working on the review now, so you can look forward to that hitting GameCritics sometime after the embargo lifts.




CAPCOM CONFIRMS RESIDENT EVIL 6 – 11/20/12

Capcom®, a leading worldwide developer and publisher of video games, is very proud to announce thatResident Evil® 6 is in full development and scheduled for release on the Xbox 360 ® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system on November 20, 2012 with a Windows PC version to follow. Blending action and survival horror, this latest instalment in the multi-million selling franchise is the most ambitious, immersive and feature rich title of the series to date and promises to be the dramatic horror experience of the year. (see the trailer here, courtesy of IGN: http://ps3.ign.com/articles/121/1216867p1.html)


Do you feel a chill on your neck? A feeling of anticipation as an unseen force inches closer to you? It could be that you know Resident Evil Revelations is right around the corner. Releasing in North America on February 7 for the Nintendo 3DS, Resident Evil Revelations returns to the classic survival horror style with infected enemies lurking in dark confined corridors. To help ease your anxiety before the full game is out, a downloadable demo is available beginning today from the Nintendo eShop. Download the demo now to experience the outstanding visuals and immersive gameplay.

Resident Evil Revelations introduces a brand new storyline, locations and characters to the series. Playable , characters include BSAA members Jill Valentine, Chris Redfield and Keith Lumley with their partners Parker Luciani, Jessica Sherawat and Quint Cetcham.

Jill Valentine and BSAA partner Parker Luciani have been sent to search for Chris Redfield, whose last known GPS data positions him as being onboard a supposedly abandoned cruise ship. Danger hides around every corner as they explore the confined space of the ship and face a menacing new enemy and virus: the T-Abyss.


WARNER BROS. INTERACTIVE ENTERTAINMENT AND WIZARDS OF THE COAST UNVEIL DUNGEONS & DRAGONS ONLINE®: MENACE OF THE UNDERDARK™

Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment and Wizards of the Coast unveiled today Dungeons & Dragons Online®: Menace of the Underdark™, the first expansion to the award-winning free-to-play massively multiplayer online roleplaying game (MMORPG) developed by Turbine. Menace of the Underdark launches in the Summer of 2012 expanding for the first time into the beloved Forgotten Realms setting and the vast subterranean world of the Underdark, an increased level cap, the new Druid class and much more!

Players can download and play DDO Unlimited for free by visiting http://www.ddo.com/.

Kalypso Announces "Tropico 4: Modern Times" Expansion

It's a new year, and with that, come new challenges - especially to the beloved El Presidente and his regime! Today we are pleased to announce a new expansion forTropico 4 for the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and Windows PC. The expansion, dubbed "Tropico 4: Modern Times," will offer players a huge variety of new challenges as El Presidente must modernize his island nation while battling sinister underground forces that threaten the future of Tropico itself in an extensive new single-player campaign. New buildings, fresh challenges, additional presidential edicts and more will all be part of Tropico 4: Modern Times when it is released in March of 2012.

Tropico 4: Modern Times will be priced at 1200 Microsoft Points / $19.99 USD when available.


THE KING OF FIGHTERS XIII, NOW AN OFFICIAL EVO CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES 2012 TITLE, GETS TWO NEW DLC CHARACTERS: NESTS STYLE KYO AND MR. KARATE!

ATLUS today announced the availability of two new downloadable characters for THE KING OF FIGHTERS XIII, the latest in the legendary fighting franchise, for PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system (PS3™) and Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft.

Martial arts master Mr. Karate and NESTS Style Kyo, a fan favorite from the series' past, join Iori with the Power of Flames and 33 other fighters in a roster already bursting at the seams with some of the most popular characters in KOF history. Both fighters are now available for download from Xbox LIVE®Marketplace for 400 MS points. In the PlayStation®Store, Mr. Karate is available for $4.99 while NESTS Style Kyo will sell for a discounted $2.99 for a limited time in recognition of his tardy arrival on PlayStation®Network.

For more info, visit http://www.atlus.com/kofxiii.


Under Siege, the real time strategy game for PSN, is getting a massive update. We listened to our friends, fans, and critics and took all their opinions very seriously. So we went back and decided to improve Under Siege in every way possible. Today’s free 1.02 update adds the following features:

Upgrade to 4 players online and local

Antialiasing in both 720p and 1080p

Players can now continue the campaign from any level they have already finished, instead of only the last

The first few levels of the game were rebalanced to make the game more accessible to new players and the casual difficulty was completely redone

Cooperative maps are unlocked from the start

General performance improvements and shorter load times

News feed from the team directly on the Main Menu


DISNEY UNIVERSE STEPS INTO THE WILD WITH THE NEW “JUNGLE BOOK COSTUME PACK”

Disney Interactive Studios introduces new content to its latest video game, Disney Universe, with a downloadable “Jungle Book Costume Pack” that is available now. The “Jungle Book Costume Pack” is the latest installment of downloadable content available for Disney Universe on the Xbox LIVE® online entertainment network and the PlayStation®Network. Inspired by the stories about the feral child Mowgli from the book of the same name, players can suit up and battle friends in five brand new costumes including the independent man-cub, Mowgli; the ferocious tiger, Shere Khan; the rowdy King Louie; the nurturing black panther, Bagheera and the adorable Baby Elephant.

Individual costumes for the “Jungle Book Costume Pack” is available for download for 99 cents on PlayStation Network or for 80 Microsoft Points on Xbox LIVE. The complete set of costumes is also available for $2.99 on PlayStation Network or for 240 Microsoft Points on Xbox LIVE.

For additional details about Disney Universe, please visit http://www.disneyuniverse.com/ for more information.


ZACK ZERO, THE DEBUT GAME BY CROCODILE ENTERTAINMENT, IS NOW AVAILABLE ON PLAYSTATION®STORE

The worldwide launch for the PlayStation Network coincides with the release of the new trailer.

Crocodile Entertainment studios, founded by Carlos Abril and Alberto Moreno, creators of games like Premier Manager 97, present Zack Zero, their first development for PSN.

Experience a great action platform adventure with Zack Zero boasting incredible 3D graphics and the playability and enjoyment of the classic games. Help Zack Zero to save his beloved Marlene, captured by the evil Zulrog with the intention of exchanging her for the kelestinia, a unique material with the power to travel in time.

ROCK HITS 60’S-70’S DLC NOW AVAILABLE FOR UBISOFT’S ROCKSMITH

Songs included in this pack are “Space Oddity” by David Bowie, “Barracuda” by Heart, and “(Don’t Fear) The Reaper” by Blue Oyster Cult.

Each song will be available for individual purchase only for $2.99 on the Playstation network. Each song will be available for individual purchase for 240 Microsoft points on Xbox Live.

For more information on Rocksmith, please follow the game on Facebook at www.facebook.com/rocksmithgame, or visit http://www.rocksmith.com/.


Capcom announced SIX new characters have been introduced for Street Fighter X Tekken. From the Street Fighter corner… Balrog, Juri and Vega have now been confirmed, and from the Tekken side… Paul, Law and Xiaoyu will be playable in the game. Fight!

Street Fighter X Tekken delivers the ultimate tag team match up featuring iconic characters from each franchise, and one of the most robust character line-ups in fighting game history. With the addition of new gameplay mechanics, the acclaimed fighting engine from Street Fighter IV has been refined to suit the needs of both Street Fighter and Tekken players alike.

Street Fighter X Tekken for the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 launches in North America on March 6, 2012 and March 9, 2012 in Europe. More details on the PlayStation Vita and PC versions will be announced soon.


Red 5 Studios and its CEO, Mark Kern, have launched a non-profit organization for gamers and developers to help fight against anti-industry legislation like SOPA and PIPA.

Introducing the League For Gamers (LFG). Founded by Red 5 Studios and Mark Kern through a $50,000 pledge, it was established as a true alternative to the Entertainment Software Association (ESA) and its subsidiary organization, the Video Game Voter’s Network (VGVN).

LFG is a gathering place for gamers, developers and industry supporters who want to stand against legislation that's detrimental to the games industry. Its first action was to petition the ESA to withdraw its support from PIPA, which still looms large in the senate: http://www.leagueforgamers.org/2012/01/17/help-lfg-join-now/


DUSTFORCE available Now On Steam for PC

Independent studio Hitbox Team is proud to announce the global release of Dustforce via the platform, Steam for $9.99 on PC (Windows). Dustforce earned an Honorable Mention for art at this years’ Independent Games Festival, and also took the Grand Prize at indiePub’s Independent Developer Competition in 2010.

Clean up the world with style! As an acrobatic janitor, you are an adept force against dust and disorder. Leap and dash off walls and ceilings, and deftly traverse 50 precarious environments varying in difficulty. Cleanse each level swiftly and thoroughly to achieve mastery in this 2D sweep-‘em-up platformer.


NEVER SAY NEVER: ATLUS TO BRING GROWLANSER: WAYFARER OF TIME FOR PSP SYSTEM, LONG-REQUESTED ENTRY IN CLASSIC RPG SERIES, TO NORTH AMERICA IN 2012

ATLUS today announced plans to bring Growlanser: Wayfarer of Time for PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) system, the enhanced and expanded remaster of the strategy RPG classic, to North America this summer in both retail and downloadable (via PlayStation®Network) formats.

Never before released outside of Japan, patient North American fans can look forward to a long list of improvements and additions over the original game: new characters, scenarios, and events are complemented by dramatically improved loading times and a message skip option that allows players to advance the story at a faster pace. Blending a sprawling 40+ hour narrative with over 40 different possible endings; deep tactical RPG mechanics; the character designs of the legendary Satoshi Urushihara; and a host of enhancements over the original release, Growlanser: Wayfarer of Time continues the proud ATLUS tradition of epic adventures set in breathtaking worlds and gives PSP system owners something to look forward to in 2012.

ATLUS also revealed that while the PSP system version's many anime cutscenes would be fully voiced, the remainder of the game would not include Japanese or English voice work. The Japanese track could not be included due to licensing restrictions, while the sheer scope of the game's script -- expanded and fleshed out over and above the original PlayStation®2 system release and already one of the largest localization projects in the publisher's two decade history -- was prohibitive to the prospects of a new English voice track.

Growlanser: Wayfarer of Time for PSP system is currently scheduled for release this summer. For more info, please visit http://www.atlus.com/growlanserpsp.