PLAYSTATION 3 GUITAR HERO III BOSS BATTLE SONG PACK NOW AVAILABLE

If you've got the PlayStation 3 version of Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock and have been waiting for the "Boss Battles" download pack that Xbox 360 users have been enjoying for the past week or so, your wait is over. The Guitar Hero III "Boss Battle" Song Pack is now available through the PlayStation Store as a free download. Approximate file size is 78mb.

Just don't hold your breath hoping for the Halo 3 Mjolnir Mix track to show up for the PS3, okay? Enjoy!

• Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock – Official website

FREE HALO 3 THEME SONG FOR XBOX 360 GUITAR HERO III

Okay, so I'm really late on this one – I meant to post it over the Thanksgiving weekend, but obviously that didn't happen due to issues involving gluttony and tryptophan. What I'm talking about here is the long-rumored release of the Halo 3 theme for the Xbox 360 version of Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock.

While some may gripe that it was first rumored to be a downloadable track for Guitar Hero II, the fact remains that it was never officially promised by Microsoft, Bungie or Activision, so it's not like GHII owners are missing out on something that they were told they'd be getting by anyone other than the internet water cooler.

While the news about the Halo 3 track is good, the second part of the announcement is even better… it's a free download. If you've got the 360 version of GHIII, you've got no excuse to head over to the Xbox Live Marketplace and add this one to your hard drive. Get to it!

• Guitar Hero III – Official website
• Guitar Hero III: Halo Theme Mjolnir Mix (Free) – Major Nelson

XBOX LIVE ARCADE WEDNESDAYS – ASTEROIDS / ASTEROIDS DELUXE

Hey, you! Straighten up that tie and tuck your shirt in – you're in the presence of royalty today. Two more all-time classic arcade games come to the Xbox 360 via Xbox Live Arcade as both Atari's Asteroids and Asteroids Deluxe make their way to the marketplace in one neat package. That's right, you get both games for 400 ($5) points.

Now I won't lie – given the way Missile Command turned out, I am a bit concerned for Atari's dynamic duo. There are quite a few ways his one could be screwed up, and as always, the thought of the 360's controller and classic games makes me cringe. Microsoft, I implore you – release an arcade style controller already – It really is tiring dragging out all the equipment I need to make my customized X-Arcade stick work with the 360.

There's not much else to say about these two, as I'm sure just about everyone reading knows what they are all about. Give the demo a try and decide if the games are worth the five bucks for yourself. (and if you're a PlayStation 3 owner and feeling a bit left out at the moment, I will advise you that I think Super Stardust HD (available via the PlayStation Store) is a worthy modern day successor to the genre and a steal at $7.99.)

Title: Asteroids / Asteroids Deluxe
Developer: Stainless Games
Publisher: Atari
Genre: Xbox Live Arcade
Release Date: 11/28/07
Console: Xbox 360
Players: 1
Full Game: 400 points ($5)
Rating: E (Everyone) – Mild Fantasy Violence
Demo?: Yes

From the Xbox.com product description;

"Two of the all-time classic arcade games come to Xbox LIVE® Arcade in Asteroids©, Asteroids Deluxe©, a combo of intense action where players must save earth from a deadly bombardment of asteroids. The full historic game is available in its original form, along with a completely re-stylized version featuring evolved graphics.

• The original Asteroids: Released in 1979 by Atari, the simple black and white game was a masterpiece of vector graphics game design, and had millions of arcadegoers entranced by its simple mechanic of controlling a spaceship firing at and destroying asteroids.
• The release of Asteroids Deluxe: The sequel to the original, released in 1980, Asteroids Deluxe featured the same classic gameplay but added a new shield feature and dangerous satellite enemies. Play both the original and its sequel in all of its classic old-school style.
• Next-gen evolution: But now, both games have evolved. Support is provided for both 4:3 and 16:9 aspect ratios, including HDTV. Full-screen anti-aliasing and Dolby Digital surround sound complete the gaming experience.
• Throttle Monkey mode: Both game versions come with a high-speed version known as Throttle Monkey. Can you survive?
• Achievements and leaderboards: Twelve new achievements for you to earn, and new leaderboards to conquer. Show your friends who is the master at Asteroids and Asteroids Deluxe." – Xbox.com

As for last week's Live Arcade release, Undertow just wasn't everything I hoped it would be. As I mentioned in last week's post, I was hoping for a side scrolling, twin-stick shooter and instead found myself playing a side scrolling team based shooter with serious gameplay issues.

XBOX 360 GETS ANOTHER BACKWARDS COMPATIBILITY UPDATE!

Football fans everywhere let out a massive cheer as Microsoft rolled out the latest Backwards Compatibility list for the Xbox 360 and at long last, ESPN NFL 2K5 made the list. That's right, the game that is, in my opinion, still the best football game out there is now playable on the Xbox 360.

Today's update list included quite a few other titles people have been pining for, I'm just overjoyed (as you can obviously tell) that at long last 2K5 has arrived on the 360. Now to wait for people to figure out how to transfer roster updates over…

While I'm waiting, why don't you check out the list of newly added Xbox BC titles below – enjoy!

2006 Fifa World Cup Germany
25 to Life
AMF Bowling 2004
Apex
Arena Football
Armed and Dangerous
Baldurs Gate: Dark Alliance
Batman: Rise of Sin Tzu
Bionicle
Blade II
Blinx: The Timesweeper
Blitz: The League
Blood Omen 2
Blowout
Breakdown
Burnout 2: Point of Impact
Cabelas Dangerous Hunts 2
Championship Manager 2006
Colin McRae Rally 2005
Crime Life: Gang Wars
Dave Mirra Freestyle BMX 2
Dungeons & Dragons Heroes
ESPN College Hoops 2k5
ESPN NFL 2k5
Fantastic 4
FIFA 06 Soccer
Fight Night: Round 3
Final Fight: Streetwise
Forgotten Realms: Demon Stone
Freedom Fighters
Freestyle Street Soccer
Future Tactics: The Uprising
Godzilla: Destroy All Monsters Melee
Godzilla: Save the Earth
Goldeneye: Rogue Agent
Greg Hastings Tournament Paintball Max'd
High Heat MLB 2004
Hunter: The Reckoning
Indiana Jones And The Emperors Tomb
MLB Slugfest Loaded
MVP Baseball 2003
MVP Baseball 2004
Nascar Thunder 2002
Nascar Thunder 2003
NBA 2k3
NBA Ballers
NBA Inside Drive 2002
NBA Street V3
NCAA College Basketball 2k3
NCAA March Madness 2005
NCAA March Madness 2006
NFL 2k2
NFL 2k3
NHL 2005
NHL 2K3
NHL Hitz Pro
Nightcaster: Defeat The Darkness
NTRA Breeders Cup: World Thoroughbred Championships
Playboy: The Mansion
RLH: Hunt or be Hunted
Robin Hood: Defender of the Crown
Rocky
Rugby 2006
Shattered Union
Shrek Super Party
Star Wars: Jedi Starfighter
Starsky & Hutch
Syberia II
Techmo Classic Arcade
Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines
Test Drive
The Bard's Tale
The Chronicles of Narnia The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe
The Guy Game
The Lord Of The Rings: The Third Age
Thousand Land
Thrillville
Tom and Jerry in War of the Whiskers
Turok: Evolution
Van Helsing
WarPath
Worms 3D
Zathura

PLAYSTATION 3 MX VS ATV UNTAMED DEMO NOW AVAILABLE

A demo of THQ’s MX vs ATV Untamed for the PlayStation 3 is now available for download via the PlayStation Store. Download size is approximately 715MB.

• MX vs ATV Untamed – Official website

THIS WEEK’S RELEASES: NOVEMBER 26TH – DECEMBER 2ND

Well, that's it gang – it's over. Most of the holiday games have now hit retail, and in the post November rush, we've barely got any new titles coming to market this week.

It's hard to name a "Pick of the Week" when there are only nine titles on the release list, but if I had to choose one, I'd certainly go with the Nintendo DS version of Geometry Wars: Galaxies. I make no secret of my love for the Geometry Wars franchise, and the chance to play it on the go is more than enough for it to take the top spot.

As for the weak release list, you know what? I'm glad it's a slow week. Hell, I'm thrilled. I don't know about you, but I have far too many games sitting here right now waiting to be played. It's been a brutal month for new releases, and at this point, I relish the idea of being able to just sit down and really get into some of these titles without the lure of a new game on the horizon. Honestly, I probably have enough games here to last me well through the new year without even taking a break.

As you have probably guessed, even this week's highlight section is going to be a little sparse. Let's take a look;

• Geometry Wars: Galaxies (DS)
  • Bizarre Creations' twin-stick darling gets a full fledged sequel on the DS, and seeing how the DS doesn't use two sticks, learning how the game handles with the DS' touch controls should be very interesting.
• Puzzle Quest: Challenge of the Warlords (WII)
• Puzzle Quest continues it's march across the console front as the oh-so-addictive puzzler makes it's way to the Wii.

Be sure to check out the below list for all the titles you can expect to find at retail this week.

• Boogie (DS) – 11/28/2007
• Cranium Kabookii (WII) – 11/28/2007
• Cruis'n (WII) – 11/28/2007
• Deal or No Deal: Secret Vault Games (PC) – 11/27/2007
• Game Party (WII) – 11/28/2007
• Geometry Wars: Galaxies (DS) – 11/28/2007
• History Channel: Battle for the Pacific (360) – 11/30/2007
• History Channel: Battle for the Pacific (WII) – 11/28/2007
• Master of Illusion (DS) – 11/27/2007
• Puzzle Quest: Challenge of the Warlords (WII) – 11/30/2007

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

PLAYSTATION 3 SYSTEM SOFTWARE VERSION 2.01 NOW AVAILABLE

Sony has made the latest update to the PlayStation 3's system software (v2.01) available for download via the PlayStation Network and PlayStation.com.

This update adds a few nifty new features, including system stability updates for both backward compatible titles and web browsing along with improved upscaling capabilities. There have also been a few reports that the update has bricked more than it's share of PS3's, so if you have the ability to back up your saves, I'd suggest doing it before upgrading just as a precaution.

Check out the full list of new features below.

"The PLAYSTATION®3 system software version 2.01 (with 2.00) update includes the following:

• New for 2.01: System stability during use of some PLAYSTATION®3 format software has been improved.
• New for 2.01: System stability has been improved for some operations, including the use of the Internet browser and  (Information Board).
• New for 2.01: System stability during output of upscaled PlayStation®2 format software images has been improved.*1
• New for 2.01: Functionality of the [Remote Start] feature has been changed to prevent an unintentional remote start. *2

*1 Applies only to models that support playback of PlayStation®2 format software. > See details

*2 If remote start via the Internet is enabled, the PS3™ system may turn on unintentionally, depending on the type of router in use. (In this case a remote play connection cannot be established.) To avoid unintentional power-up of the system, remote start via the Internet may be disabled automatically if a remote play connection is not established within a certain amount of time after the system is turned on. 

• Custom themes
• You can now customize the XMB™ (XrossMediaBar) icons or background design. > See details

• Playlists
• You can now create playlists to organize content under [Music] and [Photo]. > See details

• Information board
• [Information Board] has been added as a feature under [Network]. PlayStation® related news can be displayed on the XMB™ screen. > See details

• PLAYSTATION®Network category
• [PLAYSTATION®Network] has been added as a category in the XMB™ home menu . > See details

• Remote start
• [Remote Start] has been added as an option under [Remote Play Settings]. A PS3™ system in standby mode can be turned on from a PSP® system used for remote play via the Internet. > See details

Other new or revised features in version 2.01 (with 2.00):

• Overall
  • New grouping options for the [Group Content] feature have been added to the options menu.

• Settings
  • [Color], [Background], and [Font] have been added as options under [Theme Settings].
  • You can now select [Brightness] as an option under [Theme Settings] > [Background].
  • The procedure for setting [Internet Connection Settings] under [Network Settings] has been changed.
  • You can now select Canon printers with the [Printer Selection] option under [Printer Settings]. For a list of compatible printers, select here.

• Game
  • [Vibration Function] has been added as an option under [Controller Settings] in the menu that is displayed when you press the PS button on a DUALSHOCK®3 wireless controller. *
    *Available for purchase in early 2008.

• Network
  • You can now view video content (as a progressive download) as it is being downloaded from PLAYSTATION®Store.
  • [Trend Micro Web Security for PS3™] has been added as an option under the Internet browser.

• Friends
• The voice / video chat menu has been changed.
• You can now use the PLAYSTATION®Eye camera for voice / video chat.*
  * For details on the PLAYSTATION®Eye camera, select here." – PlayStation.com

For further information or to obtain the update via the internet, check out the link below.

• System Software Update (2.01) – PlayStation.com

MAMEUI .121.1 RELEASED

Following in the footsteps of the latest MAME update, MameUI v.121.1, the Windows GUI port of MAME v.121u1 is now available. The same advice I gave about the latest build of MAME applies to this version of MameUI as well.

As you may or may not already know, MameUI was previously known as MAME32. The emulator's name has been changed as it is now available in both 32 and 64 bit versions (as MameUI32 and MameUI64 respectively). Please be sure to download the correct version for you CPU.

• MameUI – Official website 

MAME V.121U1 RELEASED

The updates continue on the Multiple Arcade Machine Emulator, as version .121u1 is now available for download. This update focuses on fixing a few bugs introduced in v.121, but contains no major new features.

As usual, unless you've been having difficulties with your current installation, I’d recommend holding off on upgrading until the next full release. Those of you interested in testing this build for the dev team should download the update and then head on over to MAME Testers to find out how to get started.

The updated emulator files can be found at the official MAME development page at Mamedev.org. You can Click here to see the full list of what’s new in this update.

• MAME – Official website
• MAMEDev – Official site of the MAME development team

XBOX 360 HALF-LIFE 2: EPISODE 2 DEMO NOW AVAILABLE

A demo of Valve’s Half-Life 2: Episode 2, one of the games included in The Orange Box, for the Xbox 360 is now available for download in all regions except Germany, India and Japan via the Xbox Live Marketplace. Download size is approximately 723.93MB.

• The Orange Box – Official website
• Half-Life 2: Episode 2 – Product page

NEW XBOX 360 BLACKSITE: AREA 51 DEMO NOW AVAILABLE

A second demo of Midway’s Blacksite: Area 51 for the Xbox 360 is now available for download via the Xbox Live Marketplace in all regions except India. Approximate download size is 988.11MB.

• Blacksite: Area 51 – Official website 

XBOX LIVE ARCADE WEDNESDAYS – UNDERTOW

It's a rare solo release week in the Xbox Live Arcade as Chair Entertainment's Undertow rises from the depths. What we've got here is a twin-stick shooter that tries to encompass some of the more popular team game mods seen in most modern first person shooters.

I've got to say I was originally really excited about this title, but once I discovered that all it featured were "capture the checkpoints" and "Team Deathmatch" game modes, my enthusiasm diminished. Based on the demo, the game just doesn't play tight enough to make those type of modes fun, and the loss of what could have been a great scrolling solo shooter does indeed make me sad. It could have been a contender for my 800 points ($10), but instead it will just sink beneath the waves of indifference.

While I wallow in sadness over this one, you can check out the particulars;

Title: Undertow
Developer: Chair Entertainment Group
Publisher: Chair Entertainment Group
Genre: Xbox Live Arcade
Release Date: 11/21/07
Console: Xbox 360
Players: 1-2 / 2-16 online
Full Game: 800 points ($10)
Rating: E10 (Everyone 10+) – Fantasy Violence
Demo?: Yes

From the Xbox.com product description;

"Undertow is a fast-paced action-shooter that sends you underwater as you battle up to 16 players for control of the oceans! Non-stop conquest-style battles push the envelope of onscreen effects and combat action and boast some of the most stunning graphics ever seen in an Xbox LIVE® Arcade title.

• Combat control: Undertow features relentless high-speed combat with simple and intuitive controls.
• Visual style: The incredible next-gen graphics resonate with a vibrant underwater visual style.
• Multiplayer matches: Undertow features 16-player multiplayer battles and two-player co-op modes.
• Races and upgrades: The game includes three different playable races, each with four unique upgradeable units.
• Single-player campaign: The 15-level single player campaign has a compelling story told through cutscenes." – Xbox.com

As for last week's Live Arcade releases, I went into detail about them in last week's post, so just click here for the required info. I can't wait until the Live Arcade starts pushing out classic titles again, because these original releases of late have left me kind of numb.

MAMEUI .121 RELEASED

MameUI, the Windows GUI port of the Multiple Arcade Machine Emulator, has now made the jump to v.121, incorporating all of the changes seen in the most recent build of it’s command line based parent. Please note: this is the same emulator previously known as MAME32, however it's name has been changed as the builds now come in both 32bit and 64bit flavors.

Check out the official MameUI page here for more details and the download links.

• MameUI – Official home of MameUI

MAME V.121 RELEASED

The latest version of the Multiple Arcade Machine Emulator is now available. Version 1.21 incorporates all of the changes made over the last series of interim updates. If you were having problems with anything in v.120, this new version may be the one for you.

The updated files can be found at the official MAME page at Mamedev.org. You can Click here to see the full list of what’s new in this release.

• MAME – Official website
• MAMEDev – Official site of the MAME development team
• MAME v.121 “What’s New” File – MAMEDev

XBOX 360 MX VS ATV UNTAMED DEMO NOW AVAILABLE

A demo of THQ’s MX vs ATV Untamed for the Xbox 360 is now available for download in all regions except Hong Kong, India, Japan, Singapore and Taiwan via the Xbox Live Marketplace. Download size is approximately 911.78MB.

• MX vs ATV Untamed – Official website

XBOX 360 COLLEGE HOOPS 2K8 DEMO NOW AVAILABLE

A demo of 2K Sports College Hoops 2K8 for the Xbox 360 is now available for download in Canada and The United States via the Xbox Live Marketplace. Approximate file size is 725.78MB.

• College Hoops 2K8 – Official website

XBOX 360 NCAA MARCH MADNESS 08 DEMO NOW AVAILABLE

A demo of Electronic Arts’ NCAA March Madness 08 for the Xbox 360 is now available for download in Canada and The United States via the Xbox Live Marketplace. Download size is approximately 927.81MB.

• NCAA March Madness 08 – Official website

THIS WEEK’S RELEASES: NOVEMBER 19TH – NOVEMBER 25TH

It's a rare week when I can look at my "most anticipated" list down on the left and notice that all five titles on it are releasing in the same week… this is that week.

The final holiday push is in full swing now, and most of the remaining "A-List" titles will be finding their way to retail this week. While there are a ton of titles that could claim the coveted "Latenite's Pick of the Week" only one can find the everlasting fame and glory that title imparts. This week, that title is… (drum roll, please) Rock Band.

Sure, the genre isn't new, and it's a game that many will feel they've played before, but there's just something about Rock Band that is too tempting to resist. Maybe it's the chance to play the drums, maybe it's the fact that the guitar is a little larger than a ukulele, maybe it's just the thought of playing with friends or maybe, just maybe, it's the fact that in one of it's forms, it comes in a giant box, but Rock Band has that certain something that's going to set it apart from the rest.

Now, Electronic Arts has made no secret of the fact that they expect there to be serious shortages of the bundled version of the game, so if you haven't pre-ordered yet and do plan on getting the game before 2008, you may want to do so now, or at the very least, be ready to hit your local mass merchant on day one. According to some sources, once that initial supply of bundles are gone, there will not be a re-supply before the new year. What I'm saying is this – grab it now or face disappointment.

With that out of the way, let's move on to this week's highlights;

• Geometry Wars: Galaxies (WII)
  • Bizarre Creations' twin-stick darling gets a full fledged sequel on the Wii – and it even includes a port of Geometry Wars: Retro Evolved!
• Mass Effect (360)
• BioWare's epic sci-fi trilogy kicks off as you take the role of Commander Shepard and attempt to save the galaxy from the forces of a renegade alien army and an ancient menace.
• Rock Band (360 & PS3)
  • The band is back together! Grab some friends and get ready to rock the night away!
• Soul Calibur Legends (WII)
  • First off, I refuse to call this one Soulcalibur Legends. It's just not going to happen, ok? Secondly, am I the only one who thinks nothing good will come from this adventure game offshoot of Namco's classic weapon-based fighting series?
• Trauma Center: New Blood (WII)
  • Don't touch the sides… oh wait, wrong game. The Trauma Center series jumps to the big screen as it makes it's debut on the Wii.
• Uncharted: Drake's Fortune (PS3)
  • See? you don't need great legs and a nice rack to search for treasure! Join Nathan Drake in the search for El Dorado. Depending on where you look, this one is already in stores.
• Unreal Tournament III (PC)
  • Epic's premiere shooter comes back for another round, and I for one could not be more disappointed. Not because the game isn't going to be good, but because there's just no way my PC can handle it. Good stuff.
• Wii Zapper (with Link's Crossbow Training) (WII)
  • Okay, so the game itself is really more of a tech-demo for the Wii Zapper, but it's still a peripheral that comes with a game.

Be sure to check out the below list for all the titles you can expect to find at retail this week.

• AMF Bowling Pinbusters (WII) – 11/21/2007
• Avatar: The Burning Earth (360) – 11/20/2007
• Baby Pals (DS) – 11/20/2007
• Cabela's Monster Bass (PS2) – 11/20/2007
• College Hoops 2K8 (360) – 11/20/2007
• College Hoops 2K8 (PS2) – 11/20/2007
• College Hoops 2K8 (PS3) – 11/20/2007
• CSI: Dark Motives (DS) – 11/20/2007
• Final Fantasy XII: Revenant Wings (DS) – 11/21/2007
• Geometry Wars: Galaxies (WII) – 11/21/2007
• Ghost Squad (WII) – 11/21/2007
• Godzilla Unleashed (PS2) – 11/21/2007
• Godzilla Unleashed: Double Smash (DS) – 11/21/2007
• History Channel: Battle for the Pacific (PC) – 11/21/2007
• History Channel: Battle for the Pacific (PS2) – 11/20/2007
• Imagine: Fashion Designer (PC) – 11/20/2007
• John Deere: Harvest in the Heartland (DS) – 11/21/2007
• Luxor: Pharaoh's Challenge (PS2) – 11/21/2007
• Mario Party (DS) – 11/20/2007
• Mass Effect (360) – 11/21/2007
• Mass Effect (Limited Edition) (360) – 11/21/2007
• Medal of Honor: Airborne (PS3) – 11/20/2007
• Monster Jam (WII) – 11/20/2007
• Petz: Dogz 2 (PS2) – 11/24/2007
• Petz: Hamsterz Life 2 (DS) – 11/24/2007
• Phantasy Star Universe: Ambition of Illuminus (PC) – 11/21/2007
• Phantasy Star Universe: Ambition of Illuminus (PS2) – 11/21/2007
• Rock Band (360) – 11/21/2007
• Rock Band (PS3) – 11/21/2007
• Rock Band (Bundle) (360) – 11/21/2007
• Rock Band (Bundle) (PS3) – 11/21/2007
• Sega Rally Revo (PC) – 11/20/2007
• Showtime Championship Boxing (WII) – 11/21/2007
• Soldier of Fortune: Pay Back (PS3) – 11/20/2007
• Soul Calibur Legends (WII) – 11/21/2007
• Star Trek: Conquest (PS2) – 11/21/2007
• Star Trek: Conquest (WII) – 11/21/2007
• Strawberry Shortcake: The Four Seasons Cake (DS) – 11/21/2007
• Time Crisis 4 (with Guncon) (PS3) – 11/20/2007
• Timeshift (PS3) – 11/20/2007
• Trauma Center: New Blood (WII) – 11/21/2007
• Uncharted: Drake's Fortune (PS3) – Released
• Unreal Tournament III (PC) – 11/20/2007
• Unreal Tournament III (Collector's Edition) (PC) – 11/20/2007
• Wii Zapper (With Link's Crossbow Training) – 11/20/07

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

NEW WARBEARS ADVENTURE AVAILABLE ONLINE

It's been awhile since I've had anything new to report about our crime fighting friends the Warbears, but thankfully series creator Gionatan "Ioji" Iasio has been busy working on their latest adventure – and now it's ready for the world to play. Warbears: Mission 03 – An Oceanic Problem sees the ursine quartet responding to a distress signal coming from an offshore platform with a sinister secret…

"An S.O.S. signal from the Gas Platform in the Great Ocean! A new enemy surfaced with an evil plan. Will the Warbears be able to stop them?" – Warbears.com

As always. this Warbears adventure is a free, web based game, so if you like puzzle intensive graphic adventure games, you have absolutely no excuse not to check it out! 

• Warbears – Official website 

PLAYSTATION 3 TOY HOME DEMO NOW AVAILABLE

A demo of Sony's Toy Home for the PlayStation 3 is now available for download via the PlayStation Store. Download size is approximately 504MB.

• Toy Home – Official product page

PLAYSTATION 3 BLAZING ANGELS 2 DEMO NOW AVAILABLE

A demo of Ubisoft’s Blazing Angels 2: Secret Missions of WWII is now available for download via the PlayStation Store. Download size is approximately 1.09GB.

• Blazing Angels 2: Secret Missions of WWII – Official product page

XBOX 360 GUITAR HERO III BOSS BATTLE SONG PACK NOW AVAILABLE

If you've been waiting to be able to play the tracks used in the boss battles of Guitar Hero III as regular songs on the Xbox 360, you're in luck. The Guitar Hero III Boss Battle Song Pack is now available via the Xbox Live Marketplace, and best of all, it's a free download. Approximate download size is 75mb. Enjoy!

• Guitar Hero III – Official website 

RUMOR MILL – UNCHARTED: DRAKE’S FORTUNE RELEASED EARLY?

Just a quick note here for those of you waiting on Sony's Uncharted: Drake's Fortune – some retailers (and Gamefly) are now listing the game as available. I'm not sure if Sony moved the launch date up at the last minute, or if some locations have decided to break the release date, but it appears the game is, at least unofficially, out in the wild.

• Uncharted: Drake's Fortune – Official Website

MAME32 RENAMED – MAMEUI .120.4 RELEASED

Following in the footsteps of the latest MAME update, MameUI v.120.4, the Windows GUI port of MAME v.120u4 is now available. The same advice I gave about the latest build of MAME applies to this version of MameUI as well.

As you may have noticed in this post's text, there's been a slight change to MAME32. The emulator has now been renamed MameUI and is available in both 32 and 64 bit flavors (as MameUI32 and MameUI64 respectively), so be sure to download the correct version for you CPU. 

Check out the official MameUI page here for more details and the download links.

MAME V.120U4 RELEASED

The updates continue on the Multiple Arcade Machine Emulator, as version .120u4 is now available for download. This update features a decent number of small background updates, but contains no major changes to the emulator's code.

As usual, unless you've been having difficulties with your current installation, I’d recommend holding off on upgrading until the next full release. Those of you interested in testing this build for the dev team should download the update and then head on over to MAME Testers to find out how to get started.

The updated emulator files can be found at the official MAME development page at Mamedev.org. You can Click here to see the full list of what’s new in this update.

• MAME – Official website
• MAMEDev – Official site of the MAME development team

XBOX 360 TIMESHIFT MULTIPLAYER DEMO NOW AVAILABLE

A multiplayer demo of Sierra’s Timeshift for the Xbox 360 is now available for download in all regions via the Xbox Live Marketplace. Download size is approximately 867.07MB.

• Timeshift – Official website

XBOX LIVE TURNS FIVE YEARS OLD – FREEBIES HIT MARKETPLACE

Xbox Live turns five years old today, and to celebrate Microsoft is rolling out a bunch of freebies for the masses via the Xbox Live Marketplace. That's right – Xbox Live is having a birthday, but we get the presents.

"Wait… presents? What presents?", you ask – well, let me tell you all about them;

• Carcassonne
• On Thursday, November 15th and Friday, November 16th, Carcassonne – the Xbox Live version of the classic European board game – will be made available to all Xbox Live subscribers as a free download. The game is normally priced at 800 points ($10), so be sure to grab it during this 48 hour window.
• Xbox Dashboard Themes
• Microsoft will be offering the following "special edition" Dashboard Themes available as free downloads;
• Live is 5ive – A dashboard theme celebrating five years of Xbox Live.
• Return to Castle Wolfenstein – A dashboard theme based on the game of the same name.
• Gears of War – A dashboard theme based on the game of the same name.
• Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon 2 – A dashboard theme based on the game of the same name.
• Halo 2 – A dashboard theme based on the game of the same name.
• Mech Assault – A dashboard theme based on the game of the same name.
• Special 5 Year Member Bonus
• Xbox Live members who have been with the service since the very beginning will be receiving 500 Microsoft points ($6.25) and a few bits of "exclusive content" as Microsoft's way of saying "Thank You". According to the promotional page, those eligible will be receiving more details via e-mail. I've been a member since day one and haven't seen that e-mail yet, so I'm assuming it won't be sent out until the promotion is fully underway.

It's definitely been a fun five years and I think just about everyone will agree that Xbox Live is without a doubt THE defining feature of the Xbox 360. It really is amazing when you stop and think just how fast the service has grown since the launch of the 360.

Think about it – at the time Live was launched, many people said it would never work, that no one would be willing to pay for the privilege of playing their games online.  Microsoft took that challenge and presented a solid service on the original Xbox that many (myself included) felt was well worth the price and then massively expanded the concept with the Xbox 360 while raising the quality of that service even farther. If there is one thing Microsoft has done right since their entry into the console market, it would have to be Xbox Live.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY XBOX LIVE – SEE YOU AT THE 10 YEAR MARK! 

• Xbox Live is 5ive – Xbox.com 

XBOX LIVE ARCADE WEDNESDAYS – SCREWJUMPER! & SHREK-N-ROLL

You know, it's been awhile since I've been thrilled by an Xbox Live Arcade release and it looks like the string of yawners is going to continue for at least another week. Sure, last week's set had one passable, yet overpriced, game in the form of Switchball but I still find that, of late, there just hasn't been much to get excited about. I'm hoping that it's due to the end-year rush of A-List titles and no one wanting to get lost in the shuffle. Oh well, as they say, the show must go on… which leads us to Screwjumper! and Shrek-n-Roll.

We'll open up with Screwjumper! – a game that certainly qualifies for the "games that sound dirty, but really aren't" genre. I sometimes look at the flavor text the marketing folks at Xbox.com come up with for these games and wonder if they have as much of a hard time finding things to say that are interesting about the game as I do writing about Live Arcade games that I couldn't care less about. That little bit of random trivia aside, I decided that I'd give Screwjumper! a fair shake and load up the demo to see what it was all about. The game itself isn't horrible, it's just a little too basic. Fall down a shaft, avoid some obstacles while hitting others. Then do it in reverse. Try the demo and see for yourself – I think you'll agree that there are better Live Arcade titles for the money they're asking.

Title: Screwjumper!
Developer: Frozen Codebase
Publisher: THQ
Genre: Xbox Live Arcade
Release Date: 11/14/07
Console: Xbox 360
Players: 1-2 / 2-4 Online
Full Game: 800 points ($10)
Rating: E10 – (Everyone 10+) – Mild Violence, Tobacco Reference
Demo?: Yes

From the Xbox.com product description;

"Take the plunge in Screwjumper!™ Freefall into the depths of the chaotic underworld as a Screwjumper, and drive the aliens back to their home world by destroying their precious mining equipment. Demolish structures in freefall as you increase your destructive power by increasing your velocity. Use dynamite to pick off hazards and high value targets. Destroy the mine core and jetpack out alive. Dead screwjumpers don't get paid!

• Multiple levels and characters: Descend and destroy 20 mines on four different planets with six different characters, including Skruii the foreman of the Screwjumpers Union, Filch the reckless thrill-seeker, Zyree the unpredictable, Xoona the aloof, Ula the mad, and Zomar the mysterious.
• Ultimate destruction: Chain your destruction by plunging through objects at ultra-terminal speeds. You're a screwjumper. Go for it!
• Single player modes: Risk your neck in four single-player modes including Destruction, Race, Time Trial, and Score.
• Multiplayer: Compete with your friends via split screen and Xbox LIVE® multiplayer." – Xbox.com

Which brings us to the second release of the week, Shrek-n-Roll. Looking at this title, all I can say is "at least they didn't try to release it as a retail title for $59.99". It looks much like that kids game where you bounce a marble down a board with pegs in it to see what prizes you get. In other words, certainly not something worth playing as a videogame nor something worth 800 points. ($10) – Needless to say, unless someone comes along and says this is the greatest thing since ice-cream, I'm not even going to bother with the demo.

Title: Shrek-n-Roll
Developer: Backbone Entertainment
Publisher: Activision
Genre: Xbox Live Arcade
Release Date: 11/14/07
Console: Xbox 360
Players: 1-2
Full Game: 800 points ($10)
Rating: E – (Everyone) – Comic Mischief
Demo?: Yes

From the Xbox.com product description;

"Join Shrek, Fiona, Donkey, Puss in Boots, and 20 other twisted fairy tale friends in Shrek-N-Roll, an addictive and hilarious puzzle game designed for ogres of all ages!

Navigate through 16 challenging mazes across four unique evironments in Far Far Away's newest competitive tournament. Test your tilting and rolling skills in Single Player mode, challenge others in Versus mode, work together with friends and family in Co-op mode, or gain bragging rights with the highest points in Score Attack mode.

• Adventure through Shrek's world: Start rolling at Worcestershire Academy, venture forth onto the Pirate's ship, visit Shrek's Swamp and brave the Evil Queen's Castle. Mastering each of the 16 levels allows you to move on to more fun and challenging puzzles.
• Play the whole Shrek gang: Play with 24 twisted fairy tale characters, including Shrek, Fiona, Donkey, Puss in Boots and other unlockable heroes and villains.
• Enjoy signature Shrek humor: From fast-talking Donkey to sword-fighting Puss in Boots, the animation, dialogue and environments throughout the game bring the humor of Shrek alive!
• Experience multiple game modes: Test your tilting and rolling skills in Single Player mode, challenge others in Versus mode, work together with friends and family in Co-op mode, or gain bragging rights with the highest points in Score Attack mode." – Xbox.com

As for last week's Arcade titles, like I mentioned earlier, Switchball was an enjoyable enough game that, while not having the same charm as Marble Madness, at least kept things varied enough to stay interesting throughout the demo. Unfortunately, while I would have rated it a buy at 400 points ($5), I don't quite feel the same about it at 800 ($10). As for Word Puzzle, I didn't even bother with the demo and I
doubt I ever will. Don't encourage trash is my motto.

XBOX LIVE ARCADE WEDNESDAYS – SCREWJUMPER! & SHREK-N-ROLL

You know, it's been awhile since I've been thrilled by an Xbox Live Arcade release and it looks like the string of yawners is going to continue for at least another week. Sure, last week's set had one passable, yet overpriced, game in the form of Switchball but I still find that, of late, there just hasn't been much to get excited about. I'm hoping that it's due to the end-year rush of A-List titles and no one wanting to get lost in the shuffle. Oh well, as they say, the show must go on… which leads us to Screwjumper! and Shrek-n-Roll.

We'll open up with Screwjumper! – a game that certainly qualifies for the "games that sound dirty, but really aren't" genre. I sometimes look at the flavor text the marketing folks at Xbox.com come up with for these games and wonder if they have as much of a hard time finding things to say that are interesting about the game as I do writing about Live Arcade games that I couldn't care less about. That little bit of random trivia aside, I decided that I'd give Screwjumper! a fair shake and load up the demo to see what it was all about. The game itself isn't horrible, it's just a little too basic. Fall down a shaft, avoid some obstacles while hitting others. Then do it in reverse. Try the demo and see for yourself – I think you'll agree that there are better Live Arcade titles for the money they're asking.

Title: Screwjumper!
Developer: Frozen Codebase
Publisher: THQ
Genre: Xbox Live Arcade
Release Date: 11/14/07
Console: Xbox 360
Players: 1-2 / 2-4 Online
Full Game: 800 points ($10)
Rating: E10 – (Everyone 10+) – Mild Violence, Tobacco Reference
Demo?: Yes

From the Xbox.com product description;

"Take the plunge in Screwjumper!™ Freefall into the depths of the chaotic underworld as a Screwjumper, and drive the aliens back to their home world by destroying their precious mining equipment. Demolish structures in freefall as you increase your destructive power by increasing your velocity. Use dynamite to pick off hazards and high value targets. Destroy the mine core and jetpack out alive. Dead screwjumpers don't get paid!

• Multiple levels and characters: Descend and destroy 20 mines on four different planets with six different characters, including Skruii the foreman of the Screwjumpers Union, Filch the reckless thrill-seeker, Zyree the unpredictable, Xoona the aloof, Ula the mad, and Zomar the mysterious.
• Ultimate destruction: Chain your destruction by plunging through objects at ultra-terminal speeds. You're a screwjumper. Go for it!
• Single player modes: Risk your neck in four single-player modes including Destruction, Race, Time Trial, and Score.
• Multiplayer: Compete with your friends via split screen and Xbox LIVE® multiplayer." – Xbox.com

Which brings us to the second release of the week, Shrek-n-Roll. Looking at this title, all I can say is "at least they didn't try to release it as a retail title for $59.99". It looks much like that kids game where you bounce a marble down a board with pegs in it to see what prizes you get. In other words, certainly not something worth playing as a videogame nor something worth 800 points. ($10) – Needless to say, unless someone comes along and says this is the greatest thing since ice-cream, I'm not even going to bother with the demo.

Title: Shrek-n-Roll
Developer: Backbone Entertainment
Publisher: Activision
Genre: Xbox Live Arcade
Release Date: 11/14/07
Console: Xbox 360
Players: 1-2
Full Game: 800 points ($10)
Rating: E – (Everyone) – Comic Mischief
Demo?: Yes

From the Xbox.com product description;

"Join Shrek, Fiona, Donkey, Puss in Boots, and 20 other twisted fairy tale friends in Shrek-N-Roll, an addictive and hilarious puzzle game designed for ogres of all ages!

Navigate through 16 challenging mazes across four unique evironments in Far Far Away's newest competitive tournament. Test your tilting and rolling skills in Single Player mode, challenge others in Versus mode, work together with friends and family in Co-op mode, or gain bragging rights with the highest points in Score Attack mode.

• Adventure through Shrek's world: Start rolling at Worcestershire Academy, venture forth onto the Pirate's ship, visit Shrek's Swamp and brave the Evil Queen's Castle. Mastering each of the 16 levels allows you to move on to more fun and challenging puzzles.
• Play the whole Shrek gang: Play with 24 twisted fairy tale characters, including Shrek, Fiona, Donkey, Puss in Boots and other unlockable heroes and villains.
• Enjoy signature Shrek humor: From fast-talking Donkey to sword-fighting Puss in Boots, the animation, dialogue and environments throughout the game bring the humor of Shrek alive!
• Experience multiple game modes: Test your tilting and rolling skills in Single Player mode, challenge others in Versus mode, work together with friends and family in Co-op mode, or gain bragging rights with the highest points in Score Attack mode." – Xbox.com

As for last week's Arcade titles, like I mentioned earlier, Switchball was an enjoyable enough game that, while not having the same charm as Marble Madness, at least kept things varied enough to stay interesting throughout the demo. Unfortunately, while I would have rated it a buy at 400 points ($5), I don't quite feel the same about it at 800 ($10). As for Word Puzzle, I didn't even bother with the demo and I doubt I ever will. Don't encourage trash is my motto.

XBOX LIVE DOWN FOR MAINTENANCE THIS MORNING

Just a quick note here – according to Xbox Live Director of Programming Larry "Major Nelson" Hyrb, Xbox Live (and Xbox.com) will be down for maintenance in the early hours of this morning (11/13) and should be back online some time after 5:00am EST.

"On Tuesday November 13th from 0000-0200 PT our engineering team will be performing server maintenance. 

Specifically, Xbox.com maintenance will begin at 0000 while the Xbox LIVE service maintenance will begin at 0100.

That means you can stay on LIVE until approximately 0100.

Click this link to find out what time the maintenance will begin in your time zone

Both Xbox.com and Xbox LIVE will be available again at 0200.

This is for maintenance only, there will be no new features that will appear on Xbox.com, your dashboard or Xbox Live when we return to service. It’s not time for the dashboard update…yet." – Major Nelson

I'll keep my fingers crossed that everything goes as planned for those of you who happen to have the day off and were hoping to get some online gaming in today.

• Xbox Live Maintenance (11/13) – Major Nelson 

THIS WEEK’S RELEASES: NOVEMBER 12TH – NOVEMBER 18TH

We're heading into the heart of the storm now! The next two weeks will see the heaviest of the holiday releases, and while picking just one title as my game of the week is pretty rough, when all is said and done, it's Assassin's Creed that really has me most excited.

Set in the year 1191, Assassin's Creed will put you in the role of Altair, an assassin charged with killing several figures who seem to be behind much of the cruelty on both sides of the crusades. The game features realistically modeled cities, a revolutionary crowd AI system as well as open ended gameplay – all of which should help it stand out from the pack.

We've got a lot of ground to cover, so we'll cut this short and get on with this week's highlights;

• Assassin's Creed (360 & PS3)
  • As mentioned above, it's time to go medieval on some bad people.
• Cooking Mama 2: Dinner with Friends (DS)
• Mama returns with more cooking recipes and techniques to teach you.
• Crysis (PC)
  • Crytek's highly anticipated system killer makes it's way to retail – video card manufacturers cheer as older PCs weep.
• EverQuest: Secrets of Faydwer (PC)
  • Didn't Sony say that they were done with EverQuest about 6 expansions ago?
• Kane & Lynch: Dead Men (360, PC & PS3)
  • The murderer / serial killer duo finally see the light of day – still without online co-op.
• Need for Speed: ProStreet (360, DS, PC, PS2, PS3 & WII)
  • Electronic Arts goes to the street racing well one more time.
• Rayman Raving Rabbids 2 (DS & WII)
  • Those adorable Rabbids return for another adventure on the two systems best designed for their antics.
• Super Mario Galaxy (WII)
  • This one is some little indie title about a vertically challenged flying plumber – I don't expect it to go far. Please, it's Mario, people – do you really need to know anything more?

Be sure to check out the below list for all the titles you can expect to find at retail this week.

• Alien vs Predator: Requiem (PSP) – 11/14/2007
• America's Army: True Soldiers (360) – 11/16/2007
• Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader? (DS) – 11/13/2007
• Assassin's Creed (360) – 11/14/2007
• Assassin's Creed (PS3) – 11/14/2007
• Assassin's Creed (Limited Edition) (360) – 11/14/2007
• Assassin's Creed (Limited Edition) (PS3) – 11/14/2007
• Baby Pals (DS) – 11/14/2007
• Beowulf: The Game (360) – 11/14/2007
• Beowulf: The Game (PC) – 11/14/2007
• Beowulf: The Game (PS3) – 11/14/2007
• BlackSite: Area 51 (360) – 11/13/2007
• BlackSite: Area 51 (PC) – 11/13/2007
• Boogie (with microphone) (PS2) – 11/13/2007
• Cars: Mater-National (WII) – 11/13/2007
• Code Lyoko: Quest for Infinity (WII) – 11/17/2007
• Contra 4 (DS) – 11/14/2007
• Cooking Mama 2: Dinner with Friends (DS) – 11/14/2007
• Crysis (PC) – 11/14/2007
• Crysis (Collector's Edition) (PC) – 11/14/2007
• Dancing with the Stars (with DancePad) (PS2) – 11/14/2007
• Dragon Ball Z: Budokai Tenkaichi 3 (Gamestop Exclusive) (PS2) – 11/14/2007
• EA Sports 07 Collection (PC) – 11/14/2007
• EverQuest II: Rise of Kunark (PC) – 11/14/2007
• EverQuest: Secrets of Faydwer (PC) – 11/14/2007
• Fire Pro Wrestling Returns (PS2) – 11/14/2007
• Foster's Home for Imaginary Friends: Imagination Invaders (DS) – 11/13/2007
• Ghost in the Sheet (PC) – 11/17/2007
• Imagine: Fashion Designer (PC) – 11/14/2007
• Impossible Mission (DS) – 11/16/2007
• Jenga (DS) – 11/14/2007
• Kane & Lynch: Dead Men (360) – 11/14/2007
• Kane & Lynch: Dead Men (PC) – 11/14/2007
• Kane & Lynch: Dead Men (PS3) – 11/14/2007
• King of Fighters XI (PS2) – 11/14/2007
• Left Behind: Eternal Forces (Expansion Pack) (PC) – 11/16/2007
• Medal of Honor Heroes 2 (WII) – 11/14/2007
• Medal of Honor: Heroes 2 (PSP) – 11/14/2007
• Metal Gear Solid: Portable Ops Plus (PSP) – 11/14/2007
• Mission: WWI Combat (PC) – 11/16/2007
• Monster Jam (360) – 11/14/2007
• Monster Jam (DS) – 11/14/2007
• Monster Jam (PS2) – 11/14/2007
• Need for Speed: ProStreet (360) – 11/14/2007
• Need for Speed: ProStreet (DS) – 11/14/2007
• Need for Speed: ProStreet (PC) – 11/14/2007
• Need for Speed: ProStreet (PS2) – 11/14/2007
• Need for Speed: ProStreet (PS3) – 11/14/2007
• Need for Speed: ProStreet (WII) – 11/14/2007
• Next Life (PC) – 11/14/2007
• Orcs & Elves (DS) – 11/14/2007
• Panzer Killer (PC) – 11/16/2007
• Petz Catz 2 (DS) – 11/14/2007
• Petz Catz 2 (PC) – 11/14/2007
• Petz Catz 2 (PS2) – 11/14/2007
• Petz Catz 2 (WII) – 11/14/2007
• Petz Dogz 2 (DS) – 11/14/2007
• Petz Dogz 2 (PC) – 11/14/2007
• Petz Dogz 2 (PS2) – 11/14/2007
• Petz Dogz 2 (WII) – 11/14/2007
• Petz Hamsterz Life 2 (DS) – 11/14/2007
• Petz Horsez 2 (DS) – 11/14/2007
• Petz Horsez 2 (PC) – 11/14/2007
• Petz Horsez 2 (PS2) – 11/14/2007
• Petz Horsez 2 (WII) – 11/14/2007
• Puzzle Quest: Challenge of the Warlords (PS2) – 11/14/2007
• Rayman Raving Rabbids 2 (DS) – 11/14/2007
• Rayman Raving Rabbids 2 (WII) – 11/14/2007
• Resident Evil: The Umbrella Chronicles (WII) – 11/14/2007
• Sim City Societies (PC) – 11/14/2007
• Smarty Pants (WII) – 11/14/2007
• Soldier of Fortune: Pay Back (360) – 11/14/2007
• Soldier of Fortune: Pay Back (PC) – 11/14/2007
• Sonic Rivals 2 (PSP) – 11/14/2007
• Spongebob: Atlantis Squarepantis (WII) – 11/13/2007
• Strawberry Shortcake: 4 Seasons Cake (DS) – 11/14/2007
• Super Fruit Fall (DS) – 11/16/2007
• Super Mario Galaxy (WII) – 11/13/2007
• Tomb Raider: Anniversary (WII) – 11/14/2007
• Ultimate Mortal Kombat (DS) – 11/13/2007
• Warhammer 40,000: Squad Command (PSP) – 11/13/2007
• Word Jong (DS) – 11/16/2007
• WWE Smackdown vs. Raw 2008 (360) – 11/14/2007
• WWE Smackdown vs. Raw 2008 (DS) – 11/14/2007
• WWE Smackdown vs. Raw 2008 (PS2) – 11/14/2007
• WWE Smackdown vs. Raw 2008 (PS3) – 11/14/2007
• WWE Smackdown vs. Raw 2008 (PSP) – 11/14/2007
• WWE Smackdown vs. Raw 2008 (WII) – 11/14/2007
• WWE Smackdown vs. Raw 2008 (Collector's Edition) (PS3) – 11/14/2007

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

A FEW THOUGHTS ON THE EYE OF JUDGMENT’S PROBLEMS

I'd like to take a moment to talk about the situation surrounding Sony's The Eye of Judgment and the use of photocopied cards in online play. A lot has been said on the internet about how the "pirating" of cards could well kill any chance for future expansion sets for Eye.

I'm going to take a bit of a counter-point stance here. I'm not saying the photocopying of cards is acceptable – it's not. Part of the balance of a game like The Eye of Judgment is that not every card is available to every player. You can make the argument that the game then winds up catering to the "rich kid", but I'd bet that even that rich kid doesn't have every single card.

You see, while the problem of card copying is certainly real and a concern, what I want to talk about is how much of this entire issue is due to a lack of thought and follow through on the part of Sony and it's partners. While there would always be a percentage of users who would try to find a way to beat the system, the problem certainly wouldn't be as prevalent if not for the following points.

1. Security: 
1. For all the times Sony went on record as saying the card coding was secure and there would be no way to "copy" cards, the fact that on the very first day of release, a photocopy of a low-resolution scan of a card proved to work just as well as an original shows that, like so many other games in the current generation, no one really tested anything. Seriously, how much testing went into the security of this game when scans, photocopies and even hand-drawn copies of cards are working just as well as the originals. What did you think was going to happen when you price your cards at a premium and then make bootlegging this easy? This leads us into my second point…
2. Greed: 
1. In many ways, Sony, Hasbro and Wizards of the Coast are now reaping the "rewards" of their greed. To begin with, the cards are priced at $3.99 for a booster pack of 8 cards or $14.99 for a pre-built "Starter-Deck" of 30 cards. That's well over the cost of other collectible card games, and when combined with the next fact, is actually quite a bit appalling. You see, if my data is correct, of the 110 cards available in the initial EoJ set, 50 cards are Rare, Ultra-Rare or Phantom cards. Fifty… 45 percent. This ranks right up there with the worst examples of greed we're seeing in the downloadable content arena. For those of you unfamiliar with the way the packaging for the cards works, that means that in every $3.99 booster pack of cards, you're going to get ONE of those 50 cards. Normally, that's an acceptable thing – except when there are only 60 cards that don't fall into that category. Hell, remove the 30 uncommon cards in the set from the equation and we're left with only 30 "common" cards. If you're a little lost at this point, here's what I'm trying to say – there are more "rare/ultra-rare/phantom" cards in the set than there are "common" cards. That's just ridiculous.
3. Supply Issues:
1. As if that wasn't enough, Sony and friends can claim that bootlegging is killing card sales all they want – however, those of us trying to legitimately buy the cards know another truth… the cards just aren't available. Whether there was some problem with printing or the demand for the game was just far more than anyone expected, you would have to look for a long time to find a steady supply of cards. If you look at online retailers, they have messages like "expected in stock in 1 or 2 months" listed for any of the card packs. eBay is almost barren of any card sales beyond individual commons and uncommons. Shortages like this can push even the most honest player into being tempted by those copied cards because they can't play the game they bought online competitively without a variety of cards. Then only people in good shape right now are those that grabbed cards on day one in anticipation of a shortage or fear that should the game bomb, no more would be forthcoming. (For the record, I've managed to grab all 5 starter decks as well as 5 booster packs, with all but the Wood Swarm booster being bought on the day the game came out. Beyond that one additional starter, I haven't seen packs available anywhere since launch. I've got more booster packs on order, but even online sellers are stating that WoTC is far behind in their shipments.) Here's a fact – if you want to sell cards, you have to have cards to sell.

So there you have it. Whether any of these issues can be solved before irreparable harm befalls The Eye of Judgment's card sales is really anyone's guess right now – probably because there would have to be cards freely available on the market to see if anyone is buying them.

Bottom line? People can claim bootlegging is the biggest danger to the game all they want, but in my opinion, it's the ineptitude and greed being shown on the part of the parties behind Eye that are the biggest problems.

• The Eye of Judgment – Official website 

LAZY DAY TRAILERS: MASS EFFECT

Now this is what Lazy Day Trailers are all about! I’m not talking about Mass Effect, I’m talking about days where I’ve overslept so badly that I need something I can toss online to entertain you. See? I do really care about you and your entertainment needs!

Today we’ve got an exclusive look at Mass Effect direct from the good folks over at GameTrailers.com. Check it out!

Mass Effect will be hitting retail on November 20th exclusively for the Xbox 360.

• Mass Effect – Official website
• Mass Effect: Exclusive Launch Trailer – GameTrailers.com
• Mass Effect Video Page – GameTrailers.com 

MAME32 .120.3 RELEASED

Following in the footsteps of the latest MAME update, MAME32 v.120.3, the Windows GUI port of MAME v.120u3 is now available. The same advice I gave about the latest build of MAME applies to this version of MAME32 as well.

Check out the official MAME32 page here for more details and the download links.

• MAME32 – Official home of MAME32

MAME V.120U3 RELEASED

The updates continue on the Multiple Arcade Machine Emulator, as version .120u3 is now available for download. This update continues the recent focus on background improvements such as the emulator's polygon rendering system.

As usual, unless you've been having difficulties with your current installation, I’d recommend holding off on upgrading until the next full release. Those of you interested in testing this build for the dev team should download the update and then head on over to MAME Testers to find out how to get started.

The updated emulator files can be found at the official MAME development page at Mamedev.org. You can Click here to see the full list of what’s new in this update.

• MAME – Official website
• MAMEDev – Official site of the MAME development team

SAM & MAX SEASON TWO BEGINS TODAY

While it hasn't made it's appearance in Telltale Games' store at the time of this posting, Sam & Max Episode 201: Ice Station Santa, the first episode of Season Two, is due to make public debut at Telltale's website following a one-day exclusive premiere on Gametap.

While I admit I was a little disappointed in the way season one was handled, I've got enough love in my heart for everyone's favorite dog and rabbit duo to be willing to pre-order another full season on faith alone. Here's to hoping Telltale can capture some of that old school LucasArts magic this time around.

Sam & Max Episode 201: Ice Station Santa will be priced at $8.95 and a discounted full season price of $34.95 will be offered to those willing to order all five of the episodes at once. As with Season One, at the end of it's run in April, those who pre-ordered the full season will be given the option of obtaining all five episodes on disc for the cost of shipping.

• Telltale Games – Official website
• Sam & Max: Season Two – Telltale Games

SAM & MAX SEASON TWO BEGINS TODAY

While it hasn't made it's appearance in Telltale Games' store at the time of this posting, Sam & Max Episode 201: Ice Station Santa, the first episode of Season Two, is due to make public debut at Telltale's website following a one-day exclusive premiere on Gametap.

While I admit I was a little disappointed in the way season one was handled, I've got enough love in my heart for everyone's favorite dog and rabbit duo to be willing to pre-order another full season on faith alone. Here's to hoping Telltale can capture some of that old school LucasArts magic this time around.

Sam & Max Episode 201: Ice Station Santa will be priced at $8.95 and a discounted full season price of $34.95 will be offered to those willing to order all five of the episodes at once. As with Season One, at the end of it's run in April, those who pre-ordered the full season will be given the option of obtaining all five episodes on disc for the cost of shipping.

• Telltale Games – Official website
• Sam & Max: Season Two – Telltale Games

PLAYSTATION 3 COLLEGE HOOPS 2K8 DEMO NOW AVAILABLE

A demo of 2K Sports College Hoops 2K8 for the PlayStation 3 is now available for download via the PlayStation Store. Download size is approximately 579MB.

• College Hoops 2K8 – Official website

PLAYSTATION 3 UNCHARTED: DRAKE’S FORTUNE DEMO NOW AVAILABLE

Oh yeah, nothing tastes quite like the flavor of a demo for a highly anticipated game – especially when it's one that's been keeping a bit of a low profile. As was rumored earlier this week, a demo of Sony’s Uncharted: Drake's Fortune for the PlayStation 3 is now available for download via the PlayStation Store. Download size is approximately 1.17GB.

• Uncharted: Drake's Fortune – Official website

PLAYSTATION 3 SYSTEM SOFTWARE VERSION 2.0 NOW AVAILABLE

Sony has made the latest update to the PlayStation 3's system software (v2.0) available for download via the PlayStation Network and PlayStation.com.

This update adds a few nifty new features, including the ability to customize the XMB's icons and backgrounds, the ability for the system to be started remotely (via the PSP) and… vibration feedback support for the Dual Shock 3 controller! (Coming in early 2008 according to the patch notes)

Check out the full list of new features below.

• Custom themes
• You can now customize the XMB™ (XrossMediaBar) icons or background design. > See details
• Playlists
• You can now create playlists to organize content under [Music] and [Photo]. > See details
• Information board
• [Information Board] has been added as a feature under [Network]. PlayStation® related news can be displayed on the XMB™ screen. > See details
• PLAYSTATION®Network category
• [PLAYSTATION®Network] has been added as a category in the XMB™ home menu . > See details
• Remote start
• [Remote Start] has been added as an option under [Remote Play Settings]. A PS3™ system in standby mode can be turned on from a PSP® system used for remote play via the Internet. > See details
• Other new or revised features in version 2.00:
• Overall
• New grouping options for the [Group Content] feature have been added to the options menu.
• Settings
• [Color], [Background], and [Font] have been added as options under [Theme Settings].
• You can now select [Brightness] as an option under [Theme Settings] > [Background].
• The procedure for setting [Internet Connection Settings] under [Network Settings] has been changed.
• You can now select Canon printers with the [Printer Selection] option under [Printer Settings]. For a list of compatible printers, select here.
• Game
• [Vibration Function] has been added as an option under [Controller Settings] in the menu that is displayed when you press the PS button on a DUALSHOCK®3 wireless controller. *
  *Available for purchase in early 2008.
• Network
• You can now view video content (as a progressive download) as it is being downloaded from PLAYSTATION®Store.
• [Trend Micro Web Security for PS3™] has been added as an option under the Internet browser.
• Friends
• The voice / video chat menu has been changed.
• You can now use the PLAYSTATION®Eye camera for voice / video chat.*
  * For details on the PLAYSTATION®Eye camera, select here.

Unfortunately, it looks like the ability to bring up the XMB while playing a game is still just a dream.

• System Software Update (2.00) – PlayStation.com

XBOX 360 TWO WORLDS DEMO NOW AVAILABLE

A demo of Reality Pump's Two Worlds for the Xbox 360 is now available for download in all regions via the Xbox Live Marketplace. Download size is approximately 566.51MB.

• Two Worlds – Official website

TELLTALE GAMES OFFERS FREE SAM & MAX EPISODE!

The good folks over at Telltale Games have announced that they're offering Sam & Max: Abe Lincoln Must Die (Season One, Episode Four) for the low, low price of free. That's right gang, you too can now try out an episodic adventure of everyone's favorite dog and rabbity thing without having to shell out a single penny.

Telltale's site seems to be down at the moment (no doubt because they're gearing up for the launch of Sam & Max Season Two), but they have been kind enough to leave the download link on their "we're sorry" page as well. Be sure to check it out!

• Abe Lincoln Must Die free for all (literally!) – Telltale Games
• Sam & Max: Abe Lincoln Must Die – Telltale Games
• Telltale Games: Under the Knife – Telltale Game

TELLTALE GAMES OFFERS FREE SAM & MAX EPISODE!

The good folks over at Telltale Games have announced that they're offering Sam & Max: Abe Lincoln Must Die (Season One, Episode Four) for the low, low price of free. That's right gang, you too can now try out an episodic adventure of everyone's favorite dog and rabbity thing without having to shell out a single penny.

Telltale's site seems to be down at the moment (no doubt because they're gearing up for the launch of Sam & Max Season Two), but they have been kind enough to leave the download link on their "we're sorry" page as well. Be sure to check it out!

• Abe Lincoln Must Die free for all (literally!) – Telltale Games
• Sam & Max: Abe Lincoln Must Die – Telltale Games
• Telltale Games: Under the Knife – Telltale Game

XBOX LIVE ARCADE WEDNESDAYS – SWITCHBALL & WORD PUZZLE

Another Wednesday, another two Xbox Live Arcade titles. This week we have two offbeat titles in the form of Switchball and Word Puzzle. These two titles have been completely off my radar, so I really don't know what to expect beyond that which their descriptions and screen shots would seem to imply. What I can say based on that is that I'm really not too enthusiastic about either title given the fact that both are tagged at 800 points ($10) apiece.

According to it's description, Switchball seems to be a game very much along the lines of Atari Games' classic arcade title Marble Madness. Players control a ball that must be guided through a maze packed with obstacles within a set time limit. Let's take a look;

Title: Switchball
Developer: Atomic Elbow
Publisher: Sierra Online
Genre: Xbox Live Arcade
Release Date: 11/07/07
Console: Xbox 360
Players: 1-2
Full Game: 800 points ($10)
Rating: E – Everyone
Demo?: Yes

From the Xbox.com product description;

"Control an ever-changing ball along a narrow winding maze suspended in midair in Switchball™. Stunning 3-D environments including Skyworld, Iceworld, and Caveworld are the background for this puzzle game based on real-world physics. Maneuver your way through challenging levels jam-packed with obstacles and traps. Transform the marbleball with metal, electric and lighter-than-air properties to quickly get through each area. Then go online and play the competitive multiplayer courses.

• Action puzzler: Inventive and fun puzzle-driven play is based on real world physical interactions.
• Exciting game environments: Beautiful and elegant 3-D graphics offer panoramic views of 30 single player levels in five amazing environments: Skyworld, Iceworld, Caveworld, Cloudworld, and Lavaworld. 
• Traps and obstacles: Navigate more than 40 interactive objects including wooden blocks, sheets of cloth, spinning fans, magnets, cannons, and many more.
• Transform: Morph your marble to take advantage of the unique physical properties of the dense and heavy metalball, the super-charged powerball, or the floating airball, and find your way through the level.
• Multiplayer modes: Join in the fun with co-op and competitive racing courses." – Xbox.com

Next up we have… Word Puzzle. Seriously. Could they have tried any less on this game's title? Probably not seeing how this seems to just be an electronic version of the word search games we all played as children. How this is going to relate to a fun experience or even come close to being worth 800 points ($10) is beyond me.

Title: Word Puzzle
Developer: Interserv International Inc.
Publisher: Microsoft Game Studios
Genre: Xbox Live Arcade
Release Date: 11/07/07
Console: Xbox 360
Players: 1-2 / 2-4
Full Game: 800 points ($10)
Rating: E – (Everyone)
Demo?: Yes

From the Xbox.com product description;

"You'll never think about word search puzzles the same way again.Word Puzzle takes a new spin on the classic game, plunging you into an action-packed arcade experience complete with combos, exploding word bombs, unique 3-D boards, achievements, and the chance to prove your textual superiority against other players. Five different game modes and frequently updated downloadable word packs give you nearly unlimited flexibility and excitement. So put down that pen and paper, because this is a word search for the 21st century!

• New twists: Exploding word bombs, prop cards used to distract your opponents, 3-D game boards, and other effects combine to provide a word search game like you've never played before.
• Five unique gameplay modes: Try Freeplay for traditional word search fun, Arcade mode to score impressive combos, Local Battle for competitive play on a single console, Live Multiplayer with support for up to 4 players online, and check out the unique Survival Mode where word bombs can explode, and have to be defused.
• Camera-enabled: The game supports the Xbox LIVE® Vision camera during live match play.
• Achievements and leaderboard: Twelve new achievements to master and a leaderboard to compare your word search skills with others." – Xbox.com

As for last week's Live Arcade title, Mutant Storm Empire was a bit of a let down. The game simply felt uninspired – and given the fact that while they did indeed remove the loading screens between levels, they did it by making the player travel through another area where nothing happens. So really, they just replaced a static loading screen with an interactive one. I had high hopes for MS:E, but the levels felt too short and there was that feeling that I'd "been there and done that" in every part of the game I played. It's another game that I'd have to say isn't a bad game, but certainly isn't one that I'd purchase.

XBOX LIVE ARCADE WEDNESDAYS – SWITCHBALL & WORD PUZZLE

Another Wednesday, another two Xbox Live Arcade titles. This week we have two offbeat titles in the form of Switchball and Word Puzzle. These two titles have been completely off my radar, so I really don't know what to expect beyond that which their descriptions and screen shots would seem to imply. What I can say based on that is that I'm really not too enthusiastic about either title given the fact that both are tagged at 800 points ($10) apiece.

According to it's description, Switchball seems to be a game very much along the lines of Atari Games' classic arcade title Marble Madness. Players control a ball that must be guided through a maze packed with obstacles within a set time limit. Let's take a look;

Title: Switchball
Developer: Atomic Elbow
Publisher: Sierra Online
Genre: Xbox Live Arcade
Release Date: 11/07/07
Console: Xbox 360
Players: 1-2
Full Game: 800 points ($10)
Rating: E – Everyone
Demo?: Yes

From the Xbox.com product description;

"Control an ever-changing ball along a narrow winding maze suspended in midair in Switchball™. Stunning 3-D environments including Skyworld, Iceworld, and Caveworld are the background for this puzzle game based on real-world physics. Maneuver your way through challenging levels jam-packed with obstacles and traps. Transform the marbleball with metal, electric and lighter-than-air properties to quickly get through each area. Then go online and play the competitive multiplayer courses.

• Action puzzler: Inventive and fun puzzle-driven play is based on real world physical interactions.
• Exciting game environments: Beautiful and elegant 3-D graphics offer panoramic views of 30 single player levels in five amazing environments: Skyworld, Iceworld, Caveworld, Cloudworld, and Lavaworld. 
• Traps and obstacles: Navigate more than 40 interactive objects including wooden blocks, sheets of cloth, spinning fans, magnets, cannons, and many more.
• Transform: Morph your marble to take advantage of the unique physical properties of the dense and heavy metalball, the super-charged powerball, or the floating airball, and find your way through the level.
• Multiplayer modes: Join in the fun with co-op and competitive racing courses." – Xbox.com

Next up we have… Word Puzzle. Seriously. Could they have tried any less on this game's title? Probably not seeing how this seems to just be an electronic version of the word search games we all played as children. How this is going to relate to a fun experience or even come close to being worth 800 points ($10) is beyond me.

Title: Word Puzzle
Developer: Interserv International Inc.
Publisher: Microsoft Game Studios
Genre: Xbox Live Arcade
Release Date: 11/07/07
Console: Xbox 360
Players: 1-2 / 2-4
Full Game: 800 points ($10)
Rating: E – (Everyone)
Demo?: Yes

From the Xbox.com product description;

"You'll never think about word search puzzles the same way again.Word Puzzle takes a new spin on the classic game, plunging you into an action-packed arcade experience complete with combos, exploding word bombs, unique 3-D boards, achievements, and the chance to prove your textual superiority against other players. Five different game modes and frequently updated downloadable word packs give you nearly unlimited flexibility and excitement. So put down that pen and paper, because this is a word search for the 21st century!

• New twists: Exploding word bombs, prop cards used to distract your opponents, 3-D game boards, and other effects combine to provide a word search game like you've never played before.
• Five unique gameplay modes: Try Freeplay for traditional word search fun, Arcade mode to score impressive combos, Local Battle for competitive play on a single console, Live Multiplayer with support for up to 4 players online, and check out the unique Survival Mode where word bombs can explode, and have to be defused.
• Camera-enabled: The game supports the Xbox LIVE® Vision camera during live match play.
• Achievements and leaderboard: Twelve new achievements to master and a leaderboard to compare your word search skills with others." – Xbox.com

As for last week's Live Arcade title, Mutant Storm Empire was a bit of a let down. The game simply felt uninspired – and given the fact that while they did indeed remove the loading screens between levels, they did it by making the player travel through another area where nothing happens. So really, they just replaced a static loading screen with an interactive one. I had high hopes for MS:E, but the levels felt too short and there was that feeling that I'd "been there and done that" in every part of the game I played. It's another game that I'd have to say isn't a bad game, but certainly isn't one that I'd purchase.

CHILD’S PLAY CHARITY KICKS OFF 2007 DRIVE

 

It's that time of the year again folks – on November 1st, the gang over at Penny Arcade kicked off this year's Child's Play charity drive. For those of you unfamiliar with Child's Play, the charity was founded in 2003 by Gabe and Tycho of Penny Arcade fame as a way for gamers to help children in need while simultaneously showing that we're not all the socially maladjusted misfits the media so often makes us out to be.

Since that first year, Child's Play has amazed just about everyone involved with just how much gamers worldwide have been willing to open their hearts and wallets to help those less fortunate than themselves. Every year, the drive seems to draw in even more donations and is able to expand to include even more locations – and make the world just a little bit of a nicer place in the process. To date, the charity has brought in donations of toys and cash in excess of 1.6 million dollars. That's a lot of smiling children.

"Every year we put the call out to the game community, and every year we’re blown away by your response. Raising over a million dollars in 2006 was a phenomenal achievement, and although it’ll be a challenge to beat, there’s certainly no harm in trying. We’ve expanded our partner hospital network to over 45 this year, but if you would like to have a specific hospital added, please get in touch with us and we’ll get that ball rolling. For those of you wondering about the charity auction dinner, December 11th is the date; details will be coming in the next week.

So get involved, check out the wish lists or see if your company wants to participate on the sponsor level! Every little bit makes a difference, so thank you for chipping in- this is what the game community is all about!" – ChildsPlayCharity.org

By now, I'm willing to bet that you're chomping at the bit wondering how it all works and how you can help – Well, it's very simple – and I'll tell you all about it;

The charity selects children's hospitals around the world and asks them to create a wish list over at Amazon.com for items that they could use to make the children who stay there more comfortable during their time in the hospital – some of these children will only be in the hospital for a short period of time, while others may never leave. 

This is where you come in – visit the Child's Play charity website and select the hospital you would like to assist. When you click on that hospital's icon, you'll be taken to their wish list over at Amazon.com, where you can see what items they are requesting and how many they could use. Simply find something on the list that you'd like to donate, add it to your cart and proceed to checkout. Once purchased, Amazon will speed your donation out to the selected hospital where it will find it's way into a child's hands. It really is that easy.

Child's Play is a charity that has no overhead aside from things like shipping costs for items donated to or purchased directly by the charity – for the most part, every single dollar you may donate – and certainly every book or toy you send to a hospital – goes right where it belongs. I wouldn't advertise it as much as I do if I didn't believe 100% in Gabe & Tycho's vision and honesty in that matter.

I could talk about how studies have shown that videogames can help reduce the pain children feel from chronic afflictions, or how a book can take them to a world removed from the situation they are in for a little while, but when push comes to shove, it's all about making children who so desperately need a smile happy. I think that's something we can all get behind.

Besides, you really do need to make up for your indiscretions against the Weighted Companion Cube, you know. 

THIS WEEK’S RELEASES: NOVEMBER 5TH – NOVEMBER 11TH

When looking over this week's list, there was absolutely no question in my mind as to which title was going to take the coveted "pick of the week" spot – Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare has been on my mind ever since the multiplayer beta ended a little over a month ago, and at long last it's making it's way to retail.

What can I say about Call of Duty 4 that hasn't been said already? The series finally jumps from the battlefields of World War II and lands smack in the middle of the modern era. Developer Infinity Ward appears to have once again crafted what is sure to be one of the most exciting titles of the year – and between the fast-paced taste of the campaign provided in the PC demo and the rich multi-player experience the Xbox 360 beta allowed many to experience, there really doesn't seem to be anywhere where the game fails to deliver.

I've heard some rumors stating that the single player campaign will clock in a little short at around 6 hours, but I can't confirm that at this time – what I can confirm is that I'll certainly be racing to my local shop to grab this one the moment it's available and playing it with friends for months to come.

That said, let's get on with this week's retail highlights;

• Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare (360, DS, PC & PS3)
  • As mentioned above, Activision's premiere first person shooter enters the modern era.
• Empire Earth III (PC)
• Sierra's epic real time strategy series comes back for a third time – build an empire that spans the ages.
• F.E.A.R. Files (360)
  • It's both the Extraction Point and Perseus Mandate expansions available on one disc for XBox 360 owners.
• F.E.A.R.: Perseus Mandate (PC)
  • The second stand-alone expansion for Sierra's spooky shooter makes it's way to the PC.
• Gears of War (PC)
  • Gears finally appears on the PC! Those of you who haven't yet had a chance to try the game on the Xbox 360 (and who own a computer than can handle the game) owe it to yourselves to play this one. As an added bonus, the PC port includes 5 chapters not present in the 360 version.
• Supreme Commander: Forged Alliance (PC)
  • Gas Powered Games' futuristic real time strategy title gets it's first expansion. A new faction, new units and new strategies should keep fans of the original on their toes.

Be sure to check out the below list for all the titles you can expect to find at retail this week.

• Aqua Teen Hunger Force: Zombie Ninja Pro-Am (PS2) – 11/6/2007
• Bee Movie Game (WII) – 11/6/2007
• Blackbeard's Revenge (PC) – 11/7/2007
• Bladestorm: The Hundred Years War (PS3) – 11/7/2007
• Bladestorm: The Hundred Years' War (360) – 11/7/2007
• Blazing Angels 2: Secret Missions of WWII (PS3) – 11/7/2007
• Bratz: 4 Real (DS) – 11/6/2007
• Build A Bear Workshop (DS) – 11/6/2007
• Cabela's Big Game Hunter (360) – 11/8/2007
• Cabela's Big Game Hunter (PS2) – 11/7/2007
• Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare (360) – 11/6/2007
• Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare (DS) – 11/6/2007
• Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare (PC) – 11/6/2007
• Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare (PS3) – 11/6/2007
• Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare – Collector's Edition (360) – 11/7/2007
• Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare – Collector's Edition (PC) – 11/6/2007
• Chessmaster (PSP) – 11/7/2007
• Democracy (PC) – 11/7/2007
• Dora the Explorer: Dora Saves Mermaid (DS) – 11/6/2007
• Dragon Quest Monsters: Joker (DS) – 11/7/2007
• Empire Earth III (PC) – 11/7/2007
• Enchanted (DS) – 11/7/2007
• F.E.A.R. – Platinum Collection (PC) – 11/7/2007
• F.E.A.R. Files (360) – 11/7/2007
• F.E.A.R.: Perseus Mandate (PC) – 11/7/2007
• Fire Emblem: Radiant Dawn (WII) – 11/6/2007
• Gears of War (PC) – 11/7/2007
• Ghost in the Sheet (PC) – 11/7/2007
• Go Diego Go: Safari Adventure (DS) – 11/6/2007
• Hannah Montana: Music Jam (DS) – 11/8/2007
• Hannah Montana: Spotlight World Tour (WII) – 11/7/2007
• Horse Life (DS) – 11/7/2007
• Hot Wheels: Beat That (DS) – 11/7/2007
• Hot Wheels: Beat That (PC) – 11/7/2007
• LEGO Star Wars: The Complete Saga (360) – 11/7/2007
• LEGO Star Wars: The Complete Saga (DS) – 11/7/2007
• LEGO Star Wars: The Complete Saga (PS3) – 11/7/2007
• LEGO Star Wars: The Complete Saga (WII) – 11/7/2007
• Mario and Sonic: Olympic Games (WII) – 11/7/2007
• My French Coach (DS) – 11/7/2007
• My Spanish Coach (DS) – 11/7/2007
• My Word Coach (DS) – 11/7/2007
• My Word Coach (WII) – 11/7/2007
• Ontamarama (DS) – 11/7/2007
• Panzer Tactics (DS) – 11/7/2007
• Puzzle de Harvest Moon (DS) – 11/7/2007
• Scene-It (with 4 Controllers) (360) – 11/7/2007
• Shrek the 3rd: Ogres and Donkeys (DS) – 11/6/2007
• Silent Hill: Origins (PSP) – 11/7/2007
• SOCOM US Navy Seals Tactical Strike (PSP) – 11/7/2007
• Spectrobes – Collectors Edition (DS) – 11/7/2007
• Supreme Commander: Forged Alliance (PC) – 11/7/2007
• The Lost Crown (PC) – 11/9/2007
• The Office (PC) – 11/7/2007
• The Simpsons Game (PSP) – 11/7/2007
• The Sims 2: Teen Style Stuff (PC) – 11/7/2007
• Tips, Tricks & Trips + Aircraft Collection (PC) – 11/6/2007
• Viva Pinata (PC) – 11/7/2007
• World Series of Poker 2008: Battle for the Bracelets (DS) – 11/7/2007
• World Series of Poker 2008: Battle for the Bracelets (PSP) – 11/7/2007
• Zoo Vet: Endangered Animals (PC) – 11/6/2007

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

MAME32 .120.2 RELEASED

Following in the footsteps of the latest MAME update, MAME32 v.120.2, the Windows GUI port of MAME v.120u2 is now available. The same advice I gave about the latest build of MAME applies to this version of MAME32 as well.

Check out the official MAME32 page here for more details and the download links.

• MAME32 – Official home of MAME32

MAME V.120U2 RELEASED

The updates continue on the Multiple Arcade Machine Emulator, as version .120u2 is now available for download. This update focuses on several background improvements, including an overhaul to the drivers for Mad Alien.

As usual, unless you've been having difficulties with your current installation, I’d recommend holding off on upgrading until the next full release. Those of you interested in testing this build for the dev team should download the update and then head on over to MAME Testers to find out how to get started.

The updated emulator files can be found at the official MAME development page at Mamedev.org. You can Click here to see the full list of what’s new in this update.

• MAME – Official website
• MAMEDev – Official site of the MAME development team

XBOX 360 AMERICA’S ARMY: TRUE SOLDIERS DEMO NOW AVAILABLE

A demo of Ubisoft's America's Army: True Soldiers for the Xbox 360 is now available for download in The United States only via the Xbox Live Marketplace. Download size is approximately 535.46MB.

While at DigitalLife '07, I actually wound up running into Red Storm Entertainment's Randy Greenback on the floor and we discussed what the company hopes will set America's Army: True Soldiers apart from the other military simulations on the market – realism combined with teamwork.

Simply put, if you don't work with, and take care of, your teammates, don't expect to last long in America's Army. The game may have the real-life slower pacing of combat, but if you prefer being a one-man show, this is definitely not the title for you.

To assist in making players understand the need for true teamwork, the game will have such real world features as voice proximity (at a certain distance, your teammates can no longer hear you even if you shout), realistic injuries, a specialist system that makes each player a unique part of a team, a feedback system that rewards players who play the game as intended and of course, all the little touches that working directly with the U.S. Army allowed Red Storm Entertainment to craft into the title.

While I may be a fan of more run n' gun style shooters, I do believe this title could definitely interest those who find the somewhat over the top technology of the Ghost Recon series a little too unrealistic.

• America's Army: True Soldiers – Official website

PLAYSTATION STORE: TWISTED METAL 2

Well, this week's PlayStation Store update has brought another original PlayStation classic to the PlayStation 3 and PSP. Twisted Metal 2, the first sequel to Twisted Metal (duh), is now available for download at a cost of $5.99. This is two weeks in a row now for classic PS1 games and the store after what seemed an eternity without an update. Color me impressed. 

I'd love to regale you with tales of my days with TM2, but while everyone goes on and on about what a classic it was, I just never really cared for it. I had played the original Twisted Metal quite a bit, but for some reason, TM2 and I just never got along – I wouldn't return to enjoying the vehicular combat genre until about 2 years later when Vigilante 8 made it to the scene.

Based on that last paragraph, I'm sure that I'll start receiving nasty e-mails from the Twisted Metal fanatics in the audience… and probably even a nasty-gram from David Jaffe himself. Hell, I'll probably get a postcard with Kratos on the front of it giving me the finger. (Ok, so actually that would be truly epic and something I would keep forever)

Anyway, it's getting late (or early to be more specific), so I'm going to wrap this one up by stating that if you've been waiting for Twisted Metal 2 to hit the PlayStation Store, it's happened. Have a great ride. 

• Twisted Metal 2 – Official website
• Twisted Metal 2 – Wikipedia entry 

PLAYSTATION 3 TIMESHIFT DEMO NOW AVAILABLE

A demo of Sierra’s Timeshift for the PlayStation 3 is now available for download via the PlayStation Store. Download size is approximately 479MB.

• Timeshift – Official website

PLAYSTATION 3 NEED FOR SPEED PROSTREET DEMO NOW AVAILABLE

A demo of Electronic Arts’ Need for Speed ProStreet for the PlayStation 3 is now available for download via the PlayStation Store. Download size is approximately 907MB.

• Need for Speed ProStreet – Official website

XBOX 360 FREEBIE: BUCCANEER TABLE FOR PINBALL FX

Stix over at Gamer's Lounge clued me in to the fact that Buccaneer, a free downloadable table for owners of Pinball FX, is now available in all regions for the Xbox 360 via the Xbox Live Marketplace. Download size is 30.01MB.

While that alone would be great news, it gets better. Not only is the new table being provided to owners of Pinball FX for free, but it just happens to be a pirate themed table. Take that, Ninjas. 

"Content: Buccaneer Table
Price: Free
Availability: All Xbox LIVE Regions
Dash Text: [ESRB: E (Everyone) MILD SUGGESTIVE THEMES] Avast, scurvy dogs, there be treasure in these waters! Weigh anchor, hoist the Jolly Roger, and set sail for BUCCANEER, a pirate-themed table that will shiver your timbers!" – Major Nelson

A big thanks to Stix for pointing this one out as it was buried inside of Major Nelson's 10/31 marketplace roundup post.

• Pinball FX new FREE table released … Buccaneer  – Gamer's Lounge
• Marketplace Roundup for October 31, 2007 – Major Nelson

STATE OF THE SITE: WE HAVE A WII!

Well, it turns out that rumor we reported on yesterday turned out to be true – Amazon.com did indeed put their inventory of Wii consoles up for sale at 1pm EST. Surprisingly, the Wii was in stock for at least an hour, meaning either demand is abating a bit or they had a ton of them in stock.

The reason I report back on this is that I was one of the people who managed to grab a Wii. What this means to you as that our coverage of Wii news will probably begin to expand as I now will have access to the Virtual Console and Wii titles.

You know, this is the first time I've had all three of the major consoles within a year of their release. Usually there will be one system that I just totally ignore until well into the price cut period. Now to start looking into what accessories I should grab.

Let the games begin!