nylatenite.com

Last June, I reported that Gamefly had decided (in what was most likely a cost cutting move) to cease using protective cardboard inserts in their mailers. While I wasn't particularly fond of that decision, I will admit that I never received a damaged game from the company when the insert wasn't present.

Apparently, something with that plan didn't quite work out as they envisioned. Over the last week, I've noticed that the company has begun including that protective insert with rentals once more. I can only assume that they found that the increase in the number of damaged discs received when the insert wasn't present outweighed any savings they were seeing from the lighter weight of the packaging.

I've shot an e-mail off to Gamefly seeing if I can get some more information on the insert's return, specifically whether or not this is a permanent change. I'll be sure to report back once I've received an answer. 

• Gamefly Confirms Missing Cardboard Inserts - nylatenite.com
• Gamefly stops using protective cardboard mailers? - nylatenite.com

Okay, this week, the Xbox Live Arcade brings us a top down shooter in the form of Warashi Inc's Triggerheart Exelica. As with most shmups, the backstory here is a little weak. You control a humanoid weapon system (that for some reason was designed to look like a hot woman) that must defend the Earth from the invading forces of an alien race bent on conquest.

Where this one differs from the standard top-down fare (at least according to it's description) is in the player's ability to use captured enemies in varying ways during the battle. It's an interesting idea, if not completely original, that should add some variation to the gameplay. In addition, the game also features a boss-fight difficulty system that will adapt to each player's skills, making the encounters either more or less difficult based on how well the player is doing.

The game carries an 800 point ($10) price tag, and a demo is available. As always, be sure to give it a try before you buy to avoid any unpleasant surprises.

Title: Triggerheart Exelica
Developer: Warashi Inc.
Publisher: Warashi Inc.
Genre: Xbox Live Arcade
Release Date: 2/27/08
Console: Xbox 360
Players: 1
Full Game: 800 points ($10)
Rating: E10 (Everyone 10+) Mild Fantasy Violence, Mild Suggestive Themes
Demo?: Yes

From the Xbox.com product description;

"Mankind's newest and best weapon is the Triggerheart, a humanoid weapons system with a human-like personality. When the Ver'mith attack, only the Triggerhearts Exelica and Crueltear have the power to destroy the enemy. In the classic vertically-scrolling Japanese arcade shooter Triggerheart Exelica, each weapon has a different combat style, but both can perform unique anchor shots. Anchor an enemy ship, capture it to use as a shield, or throw it back into the fray to cause massive damage. With five levels, three difficulty settings, and all the usual Xbox LIVE® leaderboards and achievements, Triggerheart Exelica is a fast-paced, full-featured arcade shooter masterpiece!

• Unique anchor shot element: The Triggerhearts can anchor enemies, capture them to use as a shield, or toss them back into the field of battle to cause havoc.
• V.B.A.S. (Variable Boss Attack System): The game dynamically reacts to your skill level. If you have a low score, the bosses will be slightly easier to defeat. Carry a higher score, and the bosses become more challenging.
• High-def graphics: Fully compatible with HDTVs, the graphics bring the top-down shooter genre to a new level of intensity.
• New music: New background music willl have you grooving to the rhythm as you destroy the Ver'mith." - Xbox.com

As for last week's Live Arcade release, I thought that N+ was fun, but ultimately felt a bit too much like a web-based game to justify it's price point. At 400 points ($5), I would have certainly snatched this one up. Your mileage may certainly vary (especially since I am generally not a fan of platformers), and if you really are into the genre, you'll probably find this one a worthwhile addition given both it's length and how well the control scheme works here.

Yeah, it does seem like it's "Grub Off Kotaku Day" here at the House of Latenite, but I always go with the first place I saw a story when posting them, and Kotaku just seemed to beat everyone to the punch today.

PlayStation 3 fans have finally gotten the answer they've been waiting to hear for so long… Konami has dated Metal Gear Solid 4. Rather than tease you any further (and since the date is in the title, it's not like that teasing would be effective anyway), the game is scheduled to hit retail on June 12th, 2008.

However, much like a late night infomercial, there's more - Sony has announced that they will be releasing a PlayStation 3 bundle that includes the 80GB PS3, a DualShock 3 controller and Metal Gear Solid 4 for $499.99. That's a combination that will probably win over quite a few who have been waiting on the sidelines for MGS4 before investing in a PS3.

• Metal Gear Solid 4 - Official website
• PlayStation 3: Metal Gear Solid 4 Finally Has a Release Date - Kotaku
• Metal Gear Solid 4 PS3 Bundle Announced - Kotaku

Kotaku is reporting that Sony has announced they will be releasing the DualShock 3 controller for the PlayStation 3 on April 15th of this year. As the name implies, the controller (priced at MSRP $54.99) will finally bring vibration feedback to Sony's console, eliminating one of the bigger complaints about the system.

At the $54.99 price point, I certainly don't see myself replacing both of my Sixaxis controllers, but I'll certainly grab at least one to serve as my "main" PS3 controller shortly after they become available. How about you?

• DualShock 3 Dated For US - Kotaku 

While no one at Microsoft is shouting this one from the rafters, if you take a look at the product page for the Xbox 360 HD-DVD Player over at Xbox.com, you'll notice that the official MSRP is now $49.99.

I'm guessing the lack of any kind of fanfare over this second price drop centers around the fact that Microsoft has officially discontinued the drive and would probably like nothing better than to never hear the words HD-DVD again. Regardless of the reason, if you've been considering grabbing one for either the cheap movies or collectible reasons, now may be the best time to grab one.

(Once again, just in case you aren't aware, Toshiba has officially abandoned the format, and Microsoft has announced they are discontinuing the drive. You have been warned.)

• Xbox 360 HD-DVD Player -  Xbox.com 

Well, I was planning on hitting the sack, but then I made one last stop in at Amazon.com to check on the Xbox 360 HD-DVD player and, as was the rumor this weekend, the drive is being sold (at least at Amazon right now) for $49.99 brand new. While I haven't seen the price drop at other retailers as of yet, I can't imagine Amazon will be the only one.

(Just in case you aren't aware, Toshiba has officially abandoned the format, and Microsoft has announced they are discontinuing the drive. You have been warned.) 

• Xbox 360 HD-DVD Player - Xbox.com
• Xbox 360 HD-DVD Player $49.99 - Amazon.com
• HD-DVD Statement Issued - Gamescore Blog

UPDATE: 10:42AM - 2/25/08: It looks like the drive is now sold-out at Amazon.

Unlike last week, there's neither a demo of the game of the week to be played, nor is there a game of the week. Still not feeling 100%, so you're just going to have to deal with both of those facts. So there!

Now let's take a closer look at some of this week's more notable releases;

• Patapon (PSP)
  • Think Parappa the Rapper meets Populous and you may have some idea what this one is all about.
• Sega Bass Fishing (WII)
  • Arcade fishing at it's finest!
• The Sims 2: Free Time (PC)
  • Yet another Sims 2 expansion pack - will the madness ever end?

Below is the week's full release list - also completely unplayable - unless you're playing some gaming version of Scrabble.

• Agatha Christie: And Then There Were None (WII) - 2/26/2008
• Blokus Portable: Steambot Championship (PSP) - 2/27/2008
• Brain Assist (DS) - 2/27/2008
• Bratz: Super Babyz (DS) - 2/26/2008
• Bubble Bobble Double Shot (DS) - 2/27/2008
• Destroy All Humans: Big Willy Unleashed (WII) - 2/26/2008
• Disney Friends (DS) - 2/27/2008
• Fantasy Aquarium (DS) - 2/27/2008
• Farm Vet (PC) - 2/27/2008
• Frontlines: Fuel of War (360) - 2/26/2008
• Frontlines: Fuel of War (PC) - 2/26/2008
• Lost Planet: Extreme Condition (PS3) - 2/27/2008
• Lost: Via Domus (360) - 2/27/2008
• Lost: Via Domus (PC) - 2/27/2008
• Lost: Via Domus (PS3) - 2/27/2008
• Naruto Ninja Destiny (DS) - 2/27/2008
• Patapon (PSP) - 2/27/2008
• Petz Wild Animals: Tigerz (DS) - 2/27/2008
• Powerboat GT (PC) - 3/1/2008
• Red Baron (PC) - 2/27/2008
• Rhem 3: The Secret Library (PC) - 2/29/2008
• Ricochet Infinity (PC) - 2/27/2008
• Sega Bass Fishing (WII) - 2/27/2008
• Spitfire Heroes: Tales of the Royal Air Force (DS) - 2/28/2008
• The Sims 2 Free Time (PC) - 2/27/2008
• The Sims 2 Free Time Bundle (PC) - 2/27/2008
• Turning Point: Fall of Liberty (360) - 2/27/2008
• Turning Point: Fall of Liberty (PC) - 2/27/2008
• Turning Point: Fall of Liberty (PS3) - 2/27/2008
• Turning Point: Fall of Liberty (Collector's Edition) (360) - 2/27/2008

Please keep in mind these are only estimated release dates and could change at any time.

Yeah, you're probably groaning right now as much as I am. If this article over at Kotaku is right, then it appears that Electronic Arts has made a considerable offer to acquire longtime rival Take-Two Interactive (2KGames, Rockstar, etc). 

According to the article, EA isn't fooling around either. The offer they've made is supposedly $26 a share - some 64 percent higher than the stock was selling for roughly one week ago. That's considerable money, though I'm sure the stock itself would see a rise as we approach the launch of Grand Theft Auto IV. 

It also seems that Take-Two has already spurned this offer, and much like the ongoing situation between Microsoft and Yahoo, Electronic Arts will be taking their offer directly to the shareholders of the company - the question now is just how much faith do those shareholders have in TakeTwo's current management and GTAIV.

Wow, I didn't think I'd hear one this week that would dwarf the rumor that Microsoft was looking to acquire Epic, but here it is. We'll be sure to keep you updated on any movement on this story as we hear about it. 

EDIT: While posting this one, it appears the news is breaking everywhere about this offer, making it appear that it is indeed legitimate. May God have mercy on our consoles. Consider this rumor confirmed. (The offer, not that it is a done deal)

• Electronic Arts - Company website
• Take-Two Interactive - Company website
• EA Makes Offer to Buy TakeTwo - Kotaku 

You read that right, true believers, it’s official - Gears of War 2 is in production and slated for a November 2008 release exclusively on the Xbox 360. If you recall, this site was pretty much engulfed in Emergence Day fever back in 2006, and I fully expect to once again catch the bug for this next installment. I’d ramble on more and more about this right now, as well as all the other juicy announcements coming out of the 2008 Game Developer’s Conference, but I’m still not really feeling 100% and just want to crawl into bed.

Since this is a Lazy Day Trailers post, it wouldn’t be complete without a video courtesy of the fine people at GameTrailers.com - check it out below!

While we’re talking about Gears of War 2, a free Xbox 360 dashboard theme and gamerpicture set (as well as the above video) are currently available in the Xbox Live Marketplace.

Gears of War 2 will be coming exclusively to the Xbox 360 (though you can just about be sure a PC port will eventually follow) in November of 2008. Expect many updates in the months to come.

• Gears of War 2 - Official website
• Gears of War 2 GDC 2008: Debut Trailer - GameTrailers

I'll be perfectly honest - aside from the fact that it's priced at 800 points ($10) and based on a web-based, free-to-play title, I know absolutely nothing about this week's Xbox Live Arcade release N+. I'll also say that I'm really not feeling well enough at the moment to find out more - so for that reason the only recommendation I can make to you is that you download the demo and give it a try for yourself before you decide if it's worth the asking price.

Title: N+
Developer: Slick Entertainment Inc
Publisher: Metanet Software Inc
Genre: Xbox Live Arcade
Release Date: 2/20/08
Console: Xbox 360
Players: 1-4
Full Game: 800 points ($10)
Rating: E10 (Everyone 10+)
Demo?: Yes

From the Xbox.com product description;

"In a futuristic world of inadvertently homicidal robots, a daring ninja must use deft acrobatic skill and guts of steel to survive. N+ is a peerless action-puzzle platformer with more than 300 levels in which to hone your ninja reflexes, plus a built-in level editor for when you're hungry for more. N+ also features unique, physics-based controls, stylish graphics, unlimited lives, competitive and cooperative multiplayer, plenty of gold, and several flavors of sweet, sweet action. Running, jumping, and dying in an unpleasant-yet-comical manner has never been more fun!

• Addictive gameplay: N+ features run-and-jump gameplay with hilarious ragdoll physics. It's easy to get into, but challenging enough for the hardcore gamer.
• Many, many levels: Featuring well over 300 all-new levels, the game also includes a built-in level editor for players to create their own levels. Additional level packs, including the classic N levels from the PC version, and multiplayer level packs, will be available in the future.
• Multiplayer modes: Multiple cooperative and competitive multiplayer modes are included. Try survival, race, or co-op play.
• Replays: Each level can be replayed to see how fast you completed the level.
• Additional content: Check out additional ninja costumes for both single-player and multiplayer games, and skin your dashboard the N+ way." - Xbox.com

As for last week's Live Arcade releases, While not as bad as Tron or some of the XBLA Atari classics, Discs of Tron still feels like it's just missing something. I'd only recommend it to those who desperately want to experience even a small bit of the game again.

If you think that isn't saying much, get a load of this - I never got the chance to try Commanders: Attack of the Genos, so I'll continue to recommend you just try the demo for yourself (wow, that sounds familiar). Enjoy!

I got an e-mail from the fine folks over at Wizards of the Coast yesterday afternoon advising me that they've just announced that Magic: The Gathering, their venerable collectible card game, will be coming to the Xbox Live Arcade at some point in the future.

"RENTON, Wash.—February 18, 2008 — Wizards of the Coast (WotC), the leader in strategy hobby collectible trading card, board and role playing games, and a subsidiary of Hasbro, Inc. (NYSE: HAS), today announced its plans to extend the Magic: The Gathering® franchise to gamers on Microsoft’s Xbox 360 Xbox LIVE® Arcade and the PC through partnerships with Stainless Games, Ltd. and Mind Control Software, Inc. Stainless Games will develop a game using the Magic: The Gathering IP for both Xbox LIVE Arcade and the PC, while Mind Control will develop a game for the PC and Mac.  

“We’re excited to bring the Magic brand to new platforms and give our fans new ways to experience this great property,” said Jared Gustafson, Brand Director for Magic: The Gathering at Wizards of the Coast. “It’s partnerships like these that will advance the strategy games category and transform it to meet the needs and desires of today’s digital gamers.”

Magic: The Gathering, introduced in 1993, is the premier and original trading card game that inspired an entirely new game genre. Combining the dynamics of a card game with the excitement of trading and collecting, Magic™ offers fun for casual play, as well as the option of highly competitive tournaments.  Magic: The Gathering currently has a thriving online edition (Magic Online®) made up of more than 350,000 active accounts. The game allows gamers to collect and trade virtual cards, build the perfect deck, get help from mentors, find opponents at all skill levels, and compete for prizes every day without ever leaving the comforts of home.

Specific details on the games Stainless Games and Mind Control will develop using the Magic: The Gathering IP will be announced at a later date." - Official press release

I'm torn over this one. On one hand, I freely admit to single-handedly keeping Wizards of the Coast afloat during the 90's with the number of MTG cards I bought, yet at the same time, I hesitate to play any of the newer online offerings they've made because it would require me to invest in online cards. I just can't justify spending that much cash to play the game the way I'm accustomed to again, you know?

While no announcements have been made as to how exactly the franchise will be making it's XBLA appearance, the smart money is on a console version of the card game with additional cards being available via the Xbox Live Marketplace. Personally, I'd love to see the game appear on XBLA, but instead take the "Duel of the Planeswalkers" route and include a full set of cards. I'd even pay a full release retail price for that one.

Check out the full text of yesterday's press release below. We'll be sure to report more on this one as details become available. 

• Wizards of the Coast - Company website
• Magic: The Gathering - Official website
• Wizards of the Coast Extends It's Magic: The Gathering IP to Multiple Platforms - Official press release

Another week, another list… but wait… what’s that? There’s something different around here…

You’ve no doubt noticed the big window below this paragraph - well, thanks to the folks at Capcom, rather than just tell you about the pick of the week, Apollo Justice: Ace Attorney, you get to try it. That’s right, the flash box below includes a fully playable part of the beginning of the game. Enjoy!.

Now let’s take a closer look at some of this week’s more notable (and non-playable) releases;

• Apollo Justice: Ace Attorney (DS)
  • Phoenix Wright takes a backseat for this continuation of the Ace Attorney series - this time designed with the Nintendo DS in mind!
• Dynasty Warriors 6 (360/PS3)
  • More big battle action with the Dynasty Warriors franchise.
• The Club (360/PC/PS3)
  • Bizarre Creations takes on the first person shooter tournament genre.

Below is the week’s full release list - also completely unplayable - unless you’re playing some gaming version of Scrabble.

• Abra Academy (PC) - 2/19/2008
• Apollo Justice: Ace Attorney (DS) - 2/19/2008
• Balloon Pop (WII) - 2/19/2008
• Carrier Strike Force (PC) - 2/19/2008
• Dragon Quest Swords: The Masked Queen and the Tower of Mirrors (WII) - 2/20/2008
• Dungeon Explorer (DS) - 2/19/2008
• Dungeon Explorer: Warrior of the Ancient Arts (PSP) - 2/19/2008
• Dynasty Warriors 6 (PS3) - 2/19/2008
• Dynasty Warriors 6 (360) - 2/20/2008
• FIFA Street 3 (360) - 2/19/2008
• FIFA Street 3 (DS) - 2/19/2008
• FIFA Street 3 (PS3) - 2/19/2008
• Forgotten Riddles: The Mayan Princess (PC) - 2/20/2008
• History Channel: Battle for the Pacific (360) - 2/20/2008
• History Channel: Battle for the Pacific (PS3) - 2/20/2008
• MX vs ATV: Untamed (WII) - 2/19/2008
• Mystery Case Files: Madame Fate (PC) - 2/19/2008
• Need for Speed: Pro Street (PSP) - 2/19/2008
• Pimp My Ride (WII) - 2/20/2008
• Pirateville (PC) - 2/19/2008
• Rhem 3: The Secret Library (PC) - 2/19/2008
• Spider-Man 3 Enhanced (PS2) - 2/20/2008
• The Club (360) - 2/20/2008
• The Club (PC) - 2/20/2008
• The Club (PS3) - 2/20/2008
• The Guild Universe (PC) - 2/20/2008

Please keep in mind these are only estimated release dates and could change at any time.

Just a quick note here - to celebrate the announcement of Guitar Hero: Aerosmith, Activision Blizzard is offering a free download of the band's "Dream On" for use with Guitar Hero III to all PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 owners from February 16th through the 18th via the PlayStation Store and Xbox Live Marketplace.

"Santa Monica, CA – February 15, 2008 – Fire up the fret board, crank the amp to 11 and get ready to rock this way with Activision, Inc.'s (Nasdaq: ATVI) Guitar Hero®: Aerosmith®, the first game built around the legendary music of America's Greatest Rock 'N Roll Band: Steven Tyler, Joe Perry, Brad Whitford, Tom Hamilton and Joey Kramer.  Slated for release this June, this latest installment from the franchise with the #1 best-selling video game in 2007, puts players in the shoes of Perry (guitar), Whitford (guitar) and Hamilton (bass), as they rock out alongside frontman Tyler and drummer Kramer.  Gamers will experience Aerosmith's GRAMMY® winning career, from their first gig to becoming rock royalty, in a way that no other entertainment vehicle offers. 

To celebrate this historic, ground-breaking collaboration, Guitar Hero® III: Legends of Rock fans will have the opportunity to download and jam to Aerosmith's "Dream On." The song will be available for free from February 16-18 on Xbox LIVE^® Marketplace for Xbox 360^® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and PLAYSTATION®Store for the PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system.  For more information, please visit www.guitarhero.com." -  Official press release

 No word on if there will be any future option on the song for Wii owners. That's all I've got for you, so get moving and get it downloaded.

• Guitar Hero - Community website
• Guitar Hero: Aerosmith - GuitarHero.com

A demo of Sierra’s The Spiderwick Chronicles for the Xbox 360 is now available for download in Canada and The United States via the Xbox Live Marketplace. Download size is approximately 630MB.

Please note: As of late November, it appears that Microsoft has re-instituted the one week wait before free content becomes available to Xbox Live Silver members. As such, if you're not an Xbox Live Gold member, this demo most likely won't be available for download until sometime next week.

•  The Spiderwick Chronicles - Official website

Yup, you read that right, Electronic Arts has finally stuck a date on Will Wright's highly anticipated god-game Spore. While there's always room for another delay or ten, if all holds to plan, gamers will be taking their creations from microbes to rulers of the galaxy on September 7th of this year.

While I've seen the descriptions of each stage of creature evolution, I'm still a little fuzzy on exactly how the game will play out across them. My hope is that more details will be forthcoming now that the game has been dated.

• Spore - Official website 

We've got another Xbox Live Arcade double feature this week, as we get one classic title in the form of 1983's arcade classic Discs of Tron and Commanders: Attack of the Genos - a turn based strategy title making it's debut on the Live Arcade.

I remember the first time I saw a Discs of Tron machine - I was at a small fair in the Pocono mountains, bored as most kids tend to be at those things, when I came across an arcade in the pavilion. Along with the usual machines, there was a large, glowing environmental cabinet… Discs of Tron. Stepping inside, I was hooked - for the time, the game was just an overwhelming experience and a blast to play. I remember racing back and forth to my parents quite a few times for some more quarters. Good times.

Unfortunately, given the treatment Backbone Entertainment gave the original Tron arcade game, I'm not holding out much hope for this one. It's not badly priced at 400 points ($5), but I'd still strongly suggest you download the demo first to see how well the arcade controls have been transferred over to the 360's control pad.

Title: Discs of Tron
Developer: Backbone Entertainment
Publisher: Disney Interactive Studios
Genre: Xbox Live Arcade
Release Date: 2/13/08
Console: Xbox 360
Players: 1-2
Full Game: 400 points ($5)
Rating: E (Everyone) Mild Fantasy Violence
Demo?: Yes

From the Xbox.com product description;

"The arcade classic is back! The electronic battleground of Discs of Tron© transports you into an exciting world of sight, sound, and energy. Take control of Tron as he enters the arena to fight against the evil Sark. Armed with only his disc weapon and limited deflector shield, Tron must withstand Sark's multiple attacks to survive all 12 levels to become the most powerful video warrior in the world.

Discs of Tron is even better this time around with enhanced graphics, CD-quality sound, and two-person multiplayer—face off and find out who truly is the greatest disc warrior!

• Perfect recreation: Discs of Tron for Xbox LIVE Arcade is a perfect recreation of the classic arcade game based on the pioneering computer animated Disney Film.
• Next-gen presentation: Authentic graphics, game play, and audio have been upgraded to take advantage of the Xbox 360 high-def graphics and sound (CD bit rate quality).
• Multiplayer fun: The original arcade game was single player only. The Arcade version is the first version of the game with two-person multi-player functionality—co-op and versus.
• Electronic battleground: Get transported to an exciting world of sight, sound, and energy!
• Disc combat: Play as Tron and fling discs at Sark in an attempt to knock him off his platform.  Sark has his own discs as well as two unique weapons—a chaser and super chaser making defeating him even more difficult.    
• Twelve levels: Beating Sark advances you to levels of even more chaotic platforming mayhem." - Xbox.com

Next up, we've got Commanders: Attack of the Genos… a title I've heard virtually nothing about before it's announcement as one of this week's titles. My understanding is that this is a turn based strategy game with a humorous twist, but don't quote me on that. My advice to you is to download the demo and see what it's all about for yourself before dropping the required 800 points ($10) on the game.

Title: Commanders: Attack of the Genos
Developer: SouthEnd Interactive
Publisher: Sierra Online
Genre: Xbox Live Arcade
Release Date: 2/13/08
Console: Xbox 360
Players: 1-4
Full Game: 800 points ($10)
Rating: E10 (Everyone 10+) Mild Fantasy Violence
Demo?: Yes

From the Xbox.com product description;

"Commanders: Attack of the Genos is an accessible turn-based tactical battle game providing challenge for all levels of players. The genetically enhanced army of the Genos have decided to attack Earth. With your powerful Commander unit, use Missile Launchers, Bombers, Infantry, and other attack units to cripple the enemy and defend your territory—online or off!

• Specialized attack units: Fifteen different units are provided to serve alongside your Commander unit. Use the units' unique powers to conquer the Genos.
• Single-player campaign: Fight fifteen different missions sprawling across three different landscapes, with two levels of difficulty for ease of play.
• Multiplayer modes: Three intense multiplayer modes are included, allowing up to four players in Versus mode. Try the Team Play mode, or take on Skirmish with a friend on the same system.
• Replayability: The game has two distinct endings to encourage replayability.
• Retro-futuristic environment: The science-fiction setting features a gorgeous 30s Art Deco style. It's a blast from the past into the future." - Xbox.com

As for last week's Live Arcade releases, I'm going to stand by my original statements on the game - Poker Smash is a pretty good "match 3" puzzler with a poker twist. If you haven't already soured on the genre, be sure to pick up the demo and give it a shot.

In a move that is sure to be reviled by many gamers, Electronic Arts has announced that they have reached a deal with the NFL and the NFL Players Association to extend the exclusivity agreement signed in 2004 through the end of the 2012 season.

"REDWOOD CITY, Calif. - February 12, 2008 - Electronic Arts (Nasdaq: ERTS) today announced an extension of its exclusive licensing relationships with the National Football League and NFL PLAYERS to develop, publish and distribute interactive football video games.  These agreements - which were negotiated separately and are extensions of contracts originally signed in December 2004 - provide EA continued rights to NFL teams, stadiums and players for its critically-acclaimed and best-selling football videogames through the end of the 2012 season, which culminates in February 2013.

Both agreements include all aspects of the interactive experience, including console and handheld games as well as console-based online features.  The agreements also provide EA access to both NFL Films and the NFL Network to enrich its game experiences.  Financial terms of the agreements were not disclosed." - Electronic Arts press release

I can't begin to tell you just how disappointed I am right now. I've been waiting patiently for the original deal to expire in hopes that the at it's expiration, the NFL would come to it's senses and put an end to this "exclusive license" crap. Simply put, any company - whether it's EA, 2K or anyone else - needs to have competition in order to really move a series forward. All the NFL has done here is given EA carte blanche to sit on it's laurels making minor tweaks and changes to each year's edition of Madden knowing that fans will have no choice but to pick up their product if they want to play with current rosters.

Personally, I hope in response 2K chooses to scrap the All-Pro Football "legends" concept and simply release a game that has the same local teams and players just without using the actual team and player names. Let the players edit (and share) their rosters and team colors to whatever they choose or design and sit back and watch as the game becomes an unofficial NFL product.

*sigh* Check out the links below for more details and the full text of the press release.

• Electronic Arts - Company website
• National Football League - Official website
• National Football League Players Association - Official website
• EA Extends Interactive Videogame Agreements with NFL and NFL Players - Press release

Well, another week is upon us and, while not as robust as late 2007's lists, there are a few games worth mentioning coming to retail. While I was tempted to give the game of the week honors to Sam & Max's latest episodic adventure, I think the role playing fans out there would burn me in effigy if I didn't give the nod to legendary producer Hironobu Sakaguchi's Lost Odyssey.

Lost Odyssey is an epic JRPG where players will follow the apparently immortal Kaim through the past 1,000 years, living through his greatest moments, loves and failures. The game scored a 36/40 at Famitsu following it's release in Japan, and I think we can all agree that for an Xbox 360 game, that's saying something.

Bottom line from me is that while I won't be racing out to buy it, I will probably give it a rental in the coming weeks. Having said that, I do need to remind everyone that it's not a slam on the game, but rather the fact that I neither have the time for a long RPG, nor am I a huge fan of the JRPG style. What that means is that those of you 360 owners who have a love of classic JRPGs should ignore my personal preferences and give this one a try - you may finally have a title to rally behind.

With that out of the way, let's take a look at some of this week's more notable releases;

• Lost Odyssey (360)
  • Hironobu Sakaguchi's epic role playing game makes it's North American debut. Follow Kaim, a man who has lived a thousand years through all the generations he has touched.
• Sam & Max Episode 203 - Night of the Raving Dead (PC)
  • It's Sam & Max in a graphic adventure game - need I say more?
• Wipeout Pulse (PSP)
  • Another season of anti-grav racing begins on Sony's portable.

Look upon this week's release list and despair.

• Abra Academy (PC) - 2/13/2008
• Balloon Pop (WII) - 2/13/2008
• Carrier Strike Force (PC) - 2/14/2008
• Chessmaster (PSP) - 2/13/2008
• Conflict: Denied Ops (360) - 2/13/2008
• Conflict: Denied Ops (PC) - 2/13/2008
• Conflict: Denied Ops (PS3) - 2/13/2008
• Dark Messiah of Might and Magic: Elements (360) - 2/13/2008
• Dora the Explorer: Dora Saves the Mermaids (PS2) - 2/12/2008
• Dungeon Explorer (DS) - 2/13/2008
• Forgotten Riddles: The Mayan Princess (PC) - 2/12/2008
• Go Diego Go: Safari Rescue (PS2) - 2/12/2008
• Go Diego Go: Safari Rescue (WII) - 2/12/2008
• Jumper (360) - 2/13/2008
• Jumper (PS2) - 2/13/2008
• Jumper (WII) - 2/13/2008
• Lost Odyssey (360) - 2/13/2008
• Mystery Case Files: Madame Fate (PC) - 2/13/2008
• Pirateville (PC) - 2/13/2008
• Powerboat GT (PC) - 2/13/2008
• Professor Layton & The Curious Village (DS) - 2/12/2008
• Rock Band Drum Set (360) - 2/13/2008
• Rock Band Drum Set (PS3) - 2/13/2008
• Sam & Max: Episode 203 - Night of the Raving Dead (PC) - 2/13/2008
• The Experiment (PC) - 2/16/2008
• Winter Sports (WII) - 2/12/2008
• Wipeout Pulse (PSP) - 2/13/2008

Please keep in mind these are only estimated release dates and could change at any time.

I'll keep this one short as I'm running massively late at the moment and haven't had much time to prepare any kind of a post for today. It seems I forgot to mention that Electronic Arts has officially delayed Mercenaries 2: World in Flames a few weeks back. 

According to Kotaku, while retailers are listing the game as coming this November, EA will only commit to a fiscal 2009 release, meaning the game could ship anywhere from April of this year to March of 2009. 

I've said it before and I'll say it again until the end of time - these delays don't bother me so long as the end product benefits from teh added time. I would far prefer to see Mercenaries 2 be the kickass funfest the first game was than The Outfit v2.

• Mercenaries 2: World in Flames - Official website
• Mercenaries 2 Officially Delayed By EA - Kotaku 

Hey gang, it’s time for yet another edition of Lazy Day Trailers - today well be looking at Grand Theft Auto IV once again as we’ve got a new "commercial" for the Steinway Beer Garden of Liberty City courtesy of the folks over at GameTrailers.com.

If you’re a fan of the mock radio ads in the previous games, you’ll feel right at home with this one. Before you click though, please be advised that due to language, this is probably best considered Not Safe For Work (NSFW). You have been warned.

Grand Theft Auto IV will be coming to the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 on April 29th, 2008.

• Grand Theft Auto IV - Official website
• Grand Theft Auto IV - The Steinway Beer Garden - GameTrailers

According to Microsoft's in-house blog, Gamescore Blog, effective immediately the Xbox 360 HD-DVD drive add-on will see a $50 price reduction, bringing it's cost down to $129.99. 

"We’re happy to announce that we’re lowering the price of the popular Xbox 360 HD DVD player from $179 to $129 (estimated retail price) in the U.S. and Canada, effective immediately." - Gamerscore Blog

That's the whole text of the message - which makes me think that Microsoft isn't quite as happy to be making this announcement as they claim to be. I don't know about you, but this one has the smell of desperation written all over it. With the recent upswing in Blu-Ray's install base and the rumored departures of even more studios from the HD-DVD side, I do have to wonder if Microsoft will continue to produce the drives or if this is just their way of clearing inventory. 

One thing is for certain, collectors should begin keeping an eye on the drive, because if history teaches us anything, it's that once the price bottoms out and the spare inventory is gone, the aftermarket cost will explode. It may not happen this month, next month or the even in the next six months depending on how the high-definition video format wars go, but I get the feeling at some point, the drive is going to wind up in the clearance bin.

•  Xbox 360 HD DVD Drops Price to $129.99 in US and Canada - Gamerscore Blog

This week, Xbox Live Arcade brings us another original title in the form of Void Star Creations' Poker Smash. What we've got here is your standard "match the objects" puzzle game mixed with everyone's favorite card game poker.

I was originally hoping the game would play more like the old Poker Solitaire game found on the Atari 2600 cartridge Casino, but while that little dream may have been crushed, Poker Smash does present an interesting twist to the standard puzzler and offers some fun gameplay all of it's own. Gameplay is simple enough, poker cards appear in columns that are moving towards the top of the screen. Your job is to move cards around sideways from column to column in an attempt to form poker hands. As you create hands, the cards are removed from the column and the game continues until one of the columns reaches the top of the screen. Players are also given the ability to destroy specific cards they target as well as change the speed of the columns movement. Put it all together and you've got a pretty decent puzzler.

Title: Poker Smash
Developer: Void Star Creations LLC
Publisher: Microsoft Game Studios
Genre: Xbox Live Arcade
Release Date: 2/06/08
Console: Xbox 360
Players: 1-2 / 2-5 Online
Full Game: 800 points ($10)
Rating: E (Everyone) Mild Language
Demo?: Yes

From the Xbox.com product description;

"Poker Smash™ is an action-packed puzzle game with a poker twist. Poker Smash expands on the traditional match-three puzzle mechanic with elements of one of the world's most popular card games: poker. Make vertical and horizontal matches by forming poker hands, and play in seven different game modes, including multiplayer. Fast and fluid controls paired with radical features such as super-slow motion and card-blasting bombs make this game a whole new puzzle experience!

• Innovative gameplay: Match-three gameplay with a twist. Create poker hands and form chains to rack up the big score.
• Seven game modes: Intense game modes include action, timed, puzzle levels (55 of them), practice, custom playlist, split screen head-to-head, and multiplayer tournaments.
• Multiplayer experience: Two-player offline and multiplayer over Xbox LIVE® is featured.
• New leaderboards: In addition to the traditional leaderboards, Poker Smash features never-before-seen rivalry tracking and even movie recording with shared playback. 
• Immersive environment: The next-gen 3-D graphics feature eleven different highly detailed environments and background themes, coupled with thirteen new original soundtracks for play." - Xbox.com

As for last week's Live Arcade releases, I'm going to keep this short as I've been experiencing technical difficulties all day long here and just want to get this up on the site…

As I mentioned in last week's post, I'm not the person to judge Chessmaster Live, so I have nothing to say about how well it plays a game of chess. You're still on your own on that one. Rez HD on the other hand, maintains all the trippiness of it's predecessors while still being a quality rail shooter. Try the demo and I'm sure you'll agree.

As promised, the good folks over at the Child's Play Charity have released the final numbers for the 2007 charity drive - and it's a staggering number…

This year, gamers around the world donated over 1.3 million dollars in games, toys, books and cash to over 40 children's hospitals around the globe, breaking last year's record generosity while bringing smiles to sick kids everywhere. I want you to stop and think about that for a moment - if you participated in this year's drive, you're a part of that number. You, and those like you, were a part of this stunning achievement and helped to make the world a little bit of a nice place. Yes, there's no denying it, you rock. Just deal with it.

I'm sure many of you wonder what happens to the cash donations that are made directly to the charity each year, so I'm going to answer that one too. Once more, the charity made it's visit to Nintendo's headquarters and picked up a sizeable amount of hardware and software to be spread out among the charities. While it wasn't expressly noted this year, I know that last year Nintendo gave a pretty nice discount on the purchase, so it wouldn't surprise me if they did so once again. Here's one of the shots Jerry "Tycho Brahe" Holkins of Penny Arcade posted of the haul - makes you drool, doesn't it?  

Things are certainly looking up this week. While this isn't the end of the post-holiday drought, we do actually have a few games to talk about. Heading up that bunch is my pick of the week - Stardock / Ironclad Games' space RTS Sins of a Solar Empire.

I've been following the development of Sins for a long time now, and it's one of those games that I desperately want to love, but fear will just have too deep of a learning curve to keep me interested. I love the concept of a real-time strategy title that takes place in space - I mean, I loved Homeworld, but it was just too regimented for me to really get into. Every video of Sins I've watched looked absolutely amazing, especially when zoomed in during large scale battles, but when that same camera angle zoomed out, the scope of the game just seemed as if it could be overwhelming.

Bottom line is this - I'll definitely be grabbing Sins of a Solar Empire, but I'm going to hold back from fully endorsing it to you. Those of you who are fans of the genre know whether or not you want the game - as for the rest of you, with no rental option available, I'm hoping we'll see the release of a demo in the coming days so you can see whether or not Sins is for you.

One last note about Sins of a Solar Empire - as with Galactic Civilizations II, Sins of a Solar Empire will be released with no copy protection on the disc. Please support Stardock in their crusade to show that you don't need to kill consumer's pcs with anti-piracy schemes in order to make a profit - in other words, don't pirate the game - buy it.

With that out of the way, let's take a look at some of this week's more notable releases;

• Assassin's Creed: Altair's Chronicles (DS)
  • How well will Assassin's Creed play on Nintendo's handheld? I guess we're about to find out…
• Devil May Cry 4 (360 & PS3)
  • Dante may have been made a supporting character, but Nero picks up in his stead in this, the fourth installment of the Devil May Cry franchise. Both the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 demos were a load of fun, but I do always worry about the way the difficulty of the series seems to ramp up dramatically between the standard gameplay and the boss battles.
• Sins of a Solar Empire (PC)
  • My personal pick of the week, Sins of a Solar Empire brings real-time strategy gaming to the deep reaches of space.

Look upon this week's release list and despair.

• 20 Questions (PC) - 2/6/2008
• Assassin's Creed: Altair's Chronicles (DS) - 2/6/2008
• Culdcept Saga (360) - 2/6/2008
• Dance! Online (PC) - 2/6/2008
• Devil May Cry 4 (360) - 2/6/2008
• Devil May Cry 4 (PS3) - 2/6/2008
• Devil May Cry 4: Collector's Edition (360) - 2/6/2008
• Devil May Cry 4: Collector's Edition (PS3) - 2/6/2008
• Downstream Panic! (PSP) - 2/6/2008
• First Battalion: Gold Edition (PC) - 2/6/2008
• Forgotten Riddles: The Mayan Princess (PC) - 2/6/2008
• Karaoke Revolution Presents: American Idol Encore (PS2) - 2/6/2008
• Karaoke Revolution Presents: American Idol Encore (Bundle) (360) - 2/6/2008
• Karaoke Revolution Presents: American Idol Encore (Bundle) (PS2) - 2/6/2008
• Karaoke Revolution Presents: American Idol Encore (Bundle) (WII) - 2/6/2008
• Medieval II: Total War - Gold Edition (PC) - 2/6/2008
• Merv Griffin's Crosswords (PC) - 2/6/2008
• My Horse and Me (DS) - 2/6/2008
• My Horse and Me (WII) - 2/6/2008
• Nobunaga's Ambition : Rise to Power (PS2) - 2/6/2008
• Paws and Claws: Pet Resort (DS) - 2/5/2008
• Puppy Palace (DS) - 2/6/2008
• Real Soccer 2008 (GameStop Exclusive) (DS) - 2/6/2008
• Sins of a Solar Empire (PC) - 2/5/2008
• Spaceforce Captains (PC) - 2/6/2008
• The Spiderwick Chronicles (360) - 2/6/2008
• The Spiderwick Chronicles (DS) - 2/6/2008
• The Spiderwick Chronicles (PC) - 2/6/2008
• The Spiderwick Chronicles (PS2) - 2/6/2008
• The Spiderwick Chronicles (WII) - 2/6/2008
• Turok (360) - Released
• Turok (PS3) - Released
• Twisted Metal: Head On (PS2) - 2/6/2008
• Zoo Tycoon 2 (DS) - 2/5/2008

Please keep in mind these are only estimated release dates and could change at any time.

A demo of Eidos Interactive's Conflict: Denied Ops for the Xbox 360 is now available for download in all regions except Germany and Japan via the Xbox Live Marketplace. Download size is approximately 736MB.

Please note: As of late November 2007, it appears that Microsoft has re-instituted the one week wait before free content becomes available to Xbox Live Silver members. As such, if you're not an Xbox Live Gold member, this demo most likely won't be available for download until sometime next week.

• Conflict: Denied Ops - Official website