Monday:
BIT.TRIP CORE - $6 (Wii Shop)
Bust-A-Move Plus - $6 (Wii Shop)
Heracles Chariot Racing - $8 (Wii Shop)
California Games - $5 (Wii Shop)
Asphalt 4: Elite Racing - $8 (DSi Shop)
Art Style: BASE 10 - $5 (Wii Shop)

Tuesday:
BioShock and The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Bundle (Xbox 360, PS3, PC)
CID The Dummy (PS2, PSP)
Europa Universalis Rome Gold (PC)
Street Fighter IV (PC)
Tales of Monkey Island: Launch of the Screaming Narwhal - $9 (PC via Telltalegames)
The Bigs 2 (Xbox 360, PS3, PS2, Wii, PSP)

Wednesday:
Armed and Dangerous (Steam)
Battlefield 1943 - $15 (Xbox Live Arcade)
Indiana Jones and the Fate of Atlantis (Steam)
Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade: The Graphic Adventure (Steam)
LEGO Indiana Jones: The Original Adventure (Steam)
LOOM (Steam)
Star Wars Battlefront II (Steam)
Star Wars Republic Commando (Steam)
Star Wars Starfighter (Steam)
The Dig (Steam)
Thrillville: Off the Rails (Steam)

Thursday:
Battlefield 1943 - $15 (PlayStation Network)
Hotel Giant 2 (PC via GameTap Gold)

Friday:
Agatha Christie: Peril at the End House (PC)
The Hardy Boys: The Perfect Crime (PC)

Nintendo has now added these new/classic games to the Wii Shop Channel and Nintendo DSi Shop. The games go live at 9AM Pacific time. Users with a high-speed Internet connection can redeem Wii Points or Nintendo DSi Points to download the games. Wii Points can be purchased in the Wii Shop Channel. Nintendo DSi Points can be purchased in the Nintendo DSi Shop. A Nintendo Points Card can be purchased at retail locations or Amazon (see Card on the right).

Where available, we’ve included videos of each of today’s games. Either for nostalgia’s sake or so you can see if any new game is to your taste.

This week’s new WiiWare games are:

BIT.TRIP CORE
Publisher: Aksys Games
Players: 1-2
ESRB Rating: E (Everyone)
Price: 600 Wii Points = $6
Description: BIT.TRIP CORE continues the BIT.TRIP saga in this retro-arcade-style game. BIT.TRIP CORE adds up to an exciting action/rhythm game that’s best played while zoning out on the tunes and letting the visuals swallow you whole. The experience is inspired by games from the ’80s, but with a modern twist. The game play is entirely new to the series, leaving the single-axis controls of BIT.TRIP BEAT behind in favor of the ability to control two axes. If the difficulty gets you down, grab a friend and play cooperatively with two-player multiplayer. Make it to the end and you’ll have journeyed one step further to completing your BIT.TRIP.

Bust-A-Move Plus!
Publisher: Taito
Players: 1-2
ESRB Rating: E (Everyone)
Price: 600 Wii Points = $6
Description: BUST-A-MOVE Plus! is a simple but hugely addictive puzzle game in which you must try to burst a multi-colored mass of bubbles with your very own bubble launcher. Every time you make a group of three or more bubbles of the same color, they pop. There are two game modes available: 1P Puzzle (players tackle the game’s 135 stages in pursuit of a new high score or best time) and Battle (players take on friends or computer-controlled opponents). If that doesn’t satisfy your passion for popping, there are a total of 270 extra stages waiting for you in the two add-on-content packs, available for purchase on the Wii Shop Channel. BUST-A-MOVE Plus! is simple to get into and deep enough to keep you coming back for more.

Heracles Chariot Racing
Publisher: Neko Entertainment
Players: 1-4
ESRB Rating: E (Everyone) – Comic Mischief
Price: 800 Wii Points = $8
Description: The famous Heracles has taken on a challenge like none he has ever faced. Our hero will have to beat his opponents in a race across mythological kingdoms and be the first to reach the top of Mount Olympus. You can play as Heracles and help him return the sacred trophy, or play as one of the other varied mythological characters from Satyr to Poseidon and claim the prize for yourself. Race through three racing cups across 10 courses set in five mythic landscapes. Use awesome fantasy weaponry to defeat your opponents: tridents, fireballs, Zeus’s lightning rods and more. Get your friends together for intense two-to-four-player split-screen multiplayer action in Championship, Single Race or Battle mode.

This week’s new Virtual Console game is:

California Games
Original platform: Commodore 64
Publisher: Commodore Gaming
Players: 1-5
ESRB Rating: E (Everyone)
Price: 500 Wii Points = $5
Description: Welcome to California, home of the most radical sports in the world. You’re about to hit the beaches, parks and streets of the Golden State to go for trophies in everything from surfing to bike racing. California Games gives you the hottest sports and the most aggro competition. You even have to pick your own sponsor. So pull on those kneepads – you’re about to get into the most fun you’ve had since Mom hid your skateboard. California Games is going to take you from surf to the turf, from the pipe to the parks.

This week’s new DSiWare games are:

Asphalt 4: Elite Racing
Publisher: Gameloft
Players: 1-4
ESRB Rating: E10+ (Everyone 10 and Older) – Mild Violence
Price: 800 Nintendo DSi Points = $8
Description: For the racing elite, the world is their racetrack. Choose among 28 dream cars and motorcycles from the world’s most prestigious manufacturers. Then race your way through eight of the most renowned cities, fully rendered in 3-D. Control your speed machine with either standard or touch-screen controls for precision driving. Photos taken with the Nintendo DSi Camera can be used as your personal icon or can appear throughout the various environments, including the garage where you can customize and tune your vehicles. From New York to Shanghai, Paris to Dubai, you’ll weave a course through busy streets in six kinds of races plus four-player Multiplayer mode. Avoid police, demolish competitors and pass the leader to win. You’ll need to floor it at every straightaway and push every drift to the limit to stay one step ahead and become the ultimate VIP of urban racing.

Art Style: BASE 10
Publisher: Nintendo
Players: 1-2
ESRB Rating: E (Everyone)
Price: 500 Nintendo DSi Points = $5
Description: Art Style: BASE 10 is a game of numbers. Your goal is simple: create combinations equaling 10 by sliding numbers around the playing field. Move them horizontally or vertically, but be careful not to create an unusable non-number in the process. Choose from one of three modes: eliminate a set amount of numbers as quickly as possible in ZEROSUM MODE; get rid of prearranged groups of numbers in as few moves as possible in PUZZLE MODE; or continue removing numbers until your game is over in INFINITE MODE. In addition, you can challenge an opponent to a two-player wireless battle in VS MODE and see whose number-crunching skills reign supreme. If you think you’re a master with numbers, the straightforward yet challenging world of Art Style: BASE 10 gives you the opportunity to prove it in a unique way.

Meanwhile Europe’s celebrating another Japanese/U.S. import Hanabi Festival from July 3-24, 2009. The new games include: Ogre Battle: The March of the Black Queen (SNES), Pulseman (Sega Mega Drive), Kirby’s Dream Land 3 (SNES), MUSHA (Sega Mega Drive), Bomberman ‘94 (Turbografx-16), Smash Table Tennis (NES), Zoda’s Revenge: StarTropics II (NES), Detana Twin Bee (Turbografx-16). Watch this trailer to see them all.

In week 26, 2009, he talks about: No LAN for you, faction transaction and an attempt to hit the entertainment beat. Did I mention this show was random?

For its North American release, the Limited Edition package (available while first-run supplies last) includes a two-disc original soundtrack that contains 48 tracks, bonus video disc containing basic tutorials and expert advice, and limited edition packaging. A few weeks later in July the regular edition will come out.

The story takes place in the 13th hierarchical city, Kagutsuchi, the Librarium regulates the amazing power of Armagus, a fusion of magic and technology. Currently they are after a wanted criminal named Ragna The Bloodedge, also known as Death, who wants to destroy the Librarium. Due to Ragna possessing a powerful form of Armagus known as the Azure Grimoire, people far and wide are after not only his bounty, but his grimoire as well. This is where our story begins.

Beneath its strange title and candy-colored veneer lies a legitimate threat to Street Fighter’s crown. Watch the BlazBlue: Calamity Trigger video review:


BlazBlue Key Features:
* The first hi-res 2D fighter from the creators of the Guilty Gear series! Experience the beauty of high-resoluti on, hand-drawn sprites on 3D backgrounds, all in glorious high-definition. Online Battle Action. Get ready to take the action online and battle the best players from all over the world!
* Console Exclusive Modes. BlazBlue features the following console-only modes: Arcade, Vs, Practice, and a completely fleshed-out Story Mode that tells the tales of each character.
* Over 10 unique combatants to choose from! Choose a character that represents your own fighting style, like the lightning-fast Taokaka or the wickedly powerful Tager.
* Drive your way to victory! Use the unique “Drive Attacks” specific to each character to decimate your opponent. Depending on the character, control the elements like wind and ice, or even absorb the life force from your opponents. A plethora of offensive and defensive options at your disposal! Take advantage of Barriers, Counter Assaults, Rapid Cancels, and Distortion Drives to turn the tide of battle!

To quote the GT video review: “In spite of its uncompromising take on anime or the liberties it takes with the English language, BlazBlue is a true champion for the masses. Its over-the-top vibrant style is a true spectacle in HD and its strokes of fighting innovation trickle down into every one of its bells and whistles. If you’re looking for an extremely smooth fighter, BlazBlue is a sure bet!”

Design — 8.7
Gameplay — 9.2
Presentation — 9.4
Overall — 9.0

The back of the box describes the game as follows: “Michael!” Katy’s voice rings out — you’ve found her! But more children are still lost! Can you stop the psycho mastermind Mr. Big and his goon squad before they kidnap all of the kids? You can, if you’re Michael Jackson! Moonwalk on muggers, lean on meanies, and pop the punks! Outfight, outjump, outdance! Move like only Michael can, to the beat of Smooth Criminal, Beat It, Billie Jean, and Bad! No bad guy can last through Michael’s Star Magic! Punch down gangsters in Club 30. Rumble in the streets. Swing, spin and kick past graveyard ghouls. Chill in the coverns, then sizzle ‘em with ultra-tech weapons in Mr. Big’s hideout. Experience the baddest video game ever. Defy physics with Michael’s dancing! You never lose your cool. See it and be it — Michael Jackson’s Moonwalker!

The man, the myth, the legend… THE GAME! The start of this video review is rather disrespectful towards MJ considering the cases against him always ended with court judging him not quilty. But you should still watch this Michael Jackson’s Moonwalker review to see the game in action. I played this back in the day and it’s as fun as it looks!

Note: Michael Jackson is credited for both the game’s concept and design.

Nintendo Wii
North America: 1. Wii Fit (Nintendo), 2. EA Sports Active (Electronic Arts), 3. Mario Kart Wii (Nintendo), 4. Guitar Hero World Tour Band Kit (Activision), 5. Tiger Woods PGA Tour 10 Wii MotionPlus Bundle (Electronic Arts).

Japan: 1. Wii Sports Resort including Wii MotionPlus (Nintendo), 2. EA Sports Grand Slam Tennis (Electronic Arts), 3. Wii Fit (Nintendo), 4. Parallel of Haruhi Suzumiya - SOS Team Heroes Collection (Sega), 5. Mario Kart Wii (Nintendo).

Europe: 1. EA Sports Active (Electronic Arts), 2. Wii Fit (Nintendo), 3. Mario Kart Wii (Nintendo), 4. My Fitness Coach (Ubisoft), 5. EA Sports Grand Slam Tennis with Wii MotionPlus Accessory (Electronic Arts).

Xbox 360
North America: 1. Guitar Hero World Tour Band Bundle (Activision), 2. Gears of War 2 (Microsoft), 3. BlazBlue: Calamity Trigger Limited Edition (Aksys), 4. Fight Night: Round 4 (Electronic Arts), 5. Call of Duty: World at War (Activision).

Japan: 1. BlazBlue (Arc System Works), 2. X-Blades including Stategy Guide (Ubisoft), 3. BioShock - Platinum Collection (2K), 4. Gears of War - Platinum Collection (Microsoft), 5. Prototype - North American Import Version (Activision).

Europe: 1. Prototype (Activision), 2. Call of Duty: World at War (Activision), 3. Gears of War 2 (Microsoft), 4. Call of Juarez: Bound In Blood (Ubisoft), 5. Fight Night Round 4 (Electronic Arts).

PlayStation 3
North America: 1. BlazBlue: Calamity Trigger Limited Edition (Aksys), 2. Infamous (Sony), 3. Fight Night: Round 4 (Electronic Arts), 4. Grand Theft Auto IV (Rockstar), 5. Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots - Greatest Hits (Konami).

Japan: 1. Atelier Rorona: Arland no Renkinjutsushi - Limited Edition (Gust), 2. BlazBlue (Arc System Works), 3. Valkyria Chronicles - The Best of PlayStation 3 (Sega), 4. Demon’s Souls (Sony), 5. Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots - The Best of PlayStation 3 Edition (Konami).

Europe: 1. Fight Night Round 4 (Electronic Arts), 2. Call Of Juarez: Bound In Blood (Ubisoft), 3. Infamous (Sony), 4. LittleBigPlanet (Sony), 5. Tiger Woods PGA Tour 10 (Electronic Arts).

PlayStation 2
North America: 1. Shin Megami Tensei Digital Devil Saga 2 (Atlus), 2. Guitar Hero World Tour Band Kit (Activision), 3. Shin Megami Tensei: Nocturne (Atlus), 4. Shin Megami Tensei: Digital Devil Saga (Atlus), 5. Metal Gear Solid: The Essential Collection (Konami).

Japan: 1. Vitamin Z (D3 Publisher), 2. Devil Kings 2 - PlayStation 2 Best Price (Capcom), 3. Alchemist: The Entertainment Tribes - Special Set (Warashi), 4. Wand of Fortune - Limited Edition with Illustrations Set & Drama CD (Idea Factory), 5. Devil Kings 2: Eiyuu Gaiden - PlayStation 2 Best Price (Capcom).

Europe: 1. Harry Potter and The Half-Blood Prince (PS2), 2. SingStar: ABBA (Sony), 3. FIFA 09 (Electronic Arts), 4. SingStar Singalong with Disney (Sony), 5. Guitar Hero: Metallica (Activision).

PC & Mac
North America: 1. The Sims 3 (Electronic Arts), 2. World of Warcraft: Wrath of the Lich King (Blizzard), 3. Spore Galactic Adventures (Electronic Arts), 4. World of Warcraft Battle Chest (Blizzard), 5. Age Of Empires Collector’s Edition (Valusoft).

Japan: 1. Monster Hunter Frontier Online - Premium Package 2nd Year Anniversary (E-Frontier), 2. Aion: Tower of Eternity - Starter Kit (E-Frontier), 3. SimCity 4: Deluxe (Electronic Arts), 4. Ragnarok Online RJC2009: Memorial Package (E-Frontier), 5. Street Fighter IV (Capcom).

Europe: 1. The Sims 3 (Electronic Arts), 2. Street Fighter IV (Capcom), 3. Call Of Juarez: Bound In Blood (Ubisoft), 4. ArmA 2 (505 Games), 5. Football Manager 2009 (Sega).

Nintendo DS
North America: 1. Mario Kart DS (Nintendo), 2. New Super Mario Bros. (Nintendo), 3. Pokemon Platinum (Nintendo), 4. The Legendary Starfy (Nintendo), 5. Brain Age: Train Your Brain in Minutes a Day! (Nintendo).

Japan: 1. WarioWare D.I.Y. (Nintendo), 2. Kingdom Hearts 358/2 Days (Square Enix), 3. Pokemon Platinum (Nintendo), 4. Ace Attorney Investigations: Miles Edgeworth (Capcom), 5. Sloane and McHale’s Mysterious Story (Level-5).

Europe: 1. Professor Layton and the Curious Village (Nintendo), 2. Pokemon Platinum (Nintendo), 3. Club Penguin: Elite Penguin Force (Disney), 4. Mario Kart DS (Nintendo), 5. Mystery Case Files: Millionheir (Nintendo).

PlayStation Portable
North America: 1. Monster Hunter Freedom Unite (Capcom), 2. God of War: Chains of Olympus (Sony), 3. Grand Theft Auto Liberty City Stories (Rockstar), 4. Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII (Square Enix), 5. Crimson Gem Saga (Atlus).

Japan: 1. Hatsune Miku: Project Diva (Sega), 2. My Summer Vacation 4 (Sony), 3. Hatsune Miku: Project Diva - Award Version (Sega), 4. Monster Hunter Portable 2nd G - The Best of PSP Collection (Capcom), 5. Class of Heroes 2 (Acquire).

Europe: 1. Monster Hunter Freedom Unite (Capcom), 2. FIFA 09 (Electronic Arts), 3. Virtua Tennis 3 (Sega), 4. Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories - Platinum Edition (Take 2), 5. Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Stories - Platinum Edition (Take 2).

BlazBlue: Calamity Trigger Limited Edition debuts on top of the PS3 chart. Guitar Hero World Tour Band Bundle makes a comeback on the Xbox 360 stage. Wii Fit returns to the #1 spot on the Wii chart. Shin Megami Tensei Digital Devil Saga 2 rises to the top of the PS2 chart. The Sims 3 remains high on the PC chart. New Super Mario Bros. returns on top of the DS chart. And lastly, Monster Hunter Freedom Unite remains captured on the first place in the PSP chart.

“Extra! Extra! Read all about it!” A listing of the top 10 sellers per region, for all systems combined.

North America: 1. Wii Fit with Wii Balance Board (Wii), 2. The Sims 3 (PC), 3. EA Sports Active (Wii), 4. Mario Kart with Wii Wheel (Wii), 5. Guitar Hero World Tour Band Kit for Wii Deluxe Kit (Wii), 6. Tiger Woods PGA Tour 10 Wii Motion Plus Bundle (Wii), 7. BlazBlue: Calamity Trigger Limited Edition (PS3), 8. Infamous (PS3), 9. EA Sports Grand Slam Tennis (Wii), 10. Mario Kart DS (DS).

Japan: 1. WarioWare D.I.Y. (DS), 2. Hatsune Miku: Project Diva (PSP), 3. Wii Sports Resort including Wii MotionPlus (Wii), 4. Atelier Rorona: Arland no Renkinjutsushi - Limited Edition (PS3), 5. My Summer Vacation 4 (PSP), 6. Final Fantasy VII Advent Children Complete Blu-ray including Final Fantasy XIII Demo (PS3), 7. Hatsune Miku: Project Diva - Award Version (PSP), 8. EA Sports Grand Slam Tennis (Wii), 9. Monster Hunter Portable 2nd G - The Best of PSP Collection (PSP), 10. BlazBlue (Xbox 360).

Europe: 1. The Sims 3 (PC), 2. EA Sports Active: Personal Trainer (Wii), 3. Wii Fit with Wii Balance Board (Wii), 4. Mario Kart with Wii Wheel (Wii), 5. Professor Layton and The Curious Village (DS), 6. My Fitness Coach (Wii), 7. EA Sports Grand Slam Tennis with Wii MotionPlus Accessory (Wii), 8. Fight Night Round 4 (PS3), 9. Call Of Juarez: Bound In Blood (PS3), 10. Wii Play with Wii Remote Controller (Wii).

For the full lists go to Amazon’s US, JPN (PC) & UK / DE / FR sites.

I didn’t think so.

Here’s the latest internet meme, Keyboard Cat, real name Fatso. Who took piano lessons and now plays the keyboard with all the cool of a true jazz artist. And it just so happens to make for the perfect tune for someone who just embarrassed themselves.

Watch Keyboard Cat in 2D 8-bit style, playing off poor Mario as he loses a life.

Here’s the original Keyboard Cat in case you’re not familiar.

In the game players will battle on interactive, stages that feature many environmental hazards and interactive elements, from gushing water that will push you off-stage to swingable poles. Each character has their own unique moves and attacks. The game is not based on a previous Turtles license which gives the developers liberty to draw from all previous Turtles material. The storyline meanwhile is being penned by TMNT co-creator Peter Laird.

The list of playable characters:

1. April O’Neil (Voiced by Veronica Taylor)
2. Casey Jones (Voiced by Marc Thompson)
3. Donatello (Voiced by Sam Riegel)
4. Foot Ninja
5. Leonardo (Voiced by Michael Sinterniklaas)
6. Master Splinter (Voiced by Darren Dunstan)
7. Michelangelo (Voiced by Vinnie Penna)
8. Raphael (Voiced by Greg Abbey)
9. Shredder (Voiced by Scottie Ray)
10. Utrominator

The most wanted characters:

* Bebop
* Rocksteady
* Krang
* Super Shredder
* Slash
* Baxter Stockman
* Metalhead
* Usagi Yojimbo
* General Traag
* Leatherhead
* Tokka
* Rahzar
* The Rat King
* Who do you want to see added as a playable character?

Here is a LIVE video of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Smash Up in action.

As the game draws closer to release we’ll update this list with confirmed characters.

This makes it one of the most popular social networking online titles. According to Gamasutra, the number of daily players taking part in the game has doubled over the last three months.

And although the game is free, microtransactions are offered which allow the company to make some direct cash. Zynga also believes that microtransactions are helping the game on its way to becoming a true “cult classic”.

Zynga itself has even been building its own company just like in the game. They recently added game designer Brian Reynolds of Alpha Centauri and Rise of Nations fame as their “chief designer”.

I’m actually surprised that the game has only reached 4 million. Given that every single young person I know seems to play it and other games of its type fairly regularly.

Via Gamasutra

This is huge because in 2008, the Dragon Ball franchise made up nearly half of Atari’s sales.

The rights that Namco Bandai now owns stretches to all consoles and handhelds and will begin in January of 2010. The deal with rights-holders Toei Animation and FUNimation will last for five years, so Namco Bandai will be publishing Dragon Ball games until 2015!

Although the rights don’t officially start until 2010 for Namco, nonetheless they actually will be publishing a few Dragon Ball games before then, proving how far out of favor Atari has fallen with the license holders. Namco will publish Dragon Ball: Raging Blast on Xbox 360 and PS3, Dragon Ball: Revenge of King Piccolo for Wii and Dragon Ball Z: Attack of the Saiyans for DS this Fall.

They purchased Midway for a cheap $33 million dollars, and cut costs even further by only purchasing certain aspects of the company. What did they buy? Naturally, the license to Mortal Kombat was at the top of their list, but they also purchased two of Midway’s four development studios . . . . leaving the other two to fend for themselves (i.e., they better find a publisher quick before they go under. They were given 60 days notice).

Now we just need to wait and see what the next Mortal Kombat 9 title will be all about. This also makes me wonder if Warner Bros. will put the 3rd Mortal Kombat movie on the fast track, cause they could certainly make some dough by creating an awesome MK-based film that serves as a reboot of the MK film franchise.

We covered Mario Marathon 2008, the multi day internet event broadcast live online, last year as well. And they did a great job attracting an audience from around the world. Be sure to come and watch as a team of three plays through twenty five years of Super Mario Brothers video games. Those wishing to support the event are encouraged to donate directly to Child’s Play through the mariomarathon.com web site.

The initial event, held in 2008, lasted fifty seven hours, attracted over 100,000 viewers, and raised nearly $12,000 for Child’s Play. This year’s event is projected to last longer, with the length extended by each donation. “It’s a kind of endurance stunt to promote Child’s Play,” says Brian Brinegar, Event Coordinator, “a video game reality show.” Viewers of the event will have the opportunity to interact with the team and win various Mario themed prizes.

The Child’s Play Charity is a game industry charity dedicated to improving the lives of children with toys and games in a network of over sixty hospitals world wide. Since its inception in 2003, the charity has distributed over 3.5 million dollars worth of toys, games, books, and cash . “We rely heavily on community run initiatives such as Mario Marathon.” says Kristin Lindsay, with Child’s Play, “These fund raising events represent our greatest strength: the generosity and determinations of gamers.”

“We would not be able to offer the opportunity to play video games to so many patients without the generous donation of Child’s Play”, says Rena Brown, Toy Room co-chair with Indianapolis based Riley Hospital for Children, “Video games are a great activity because the children can “escape” to another world.”

Watch the event live on the web at beginning July 10th at 9:00 AM EDT. Donations for the event are being accepted through July 15th.

The company is holding the vote on their Capcom Unity blog, and they say that the voting WILL be used for something “fun”. But they can’t tell us what it is yet. The game will be released “this Winter” (which could slip into early 2010) exclusively for Wii.

To quote Capcom:

“Why vote? It matters to . . . something fun. I can’t tell you exactly what that is YET, but if you like these characters or this game, take the time to tell us who you like best.

We’re looking to see your very favorite character from the current Tatsunoko Vs Capcom: Ultimate All-Stars lineup, so pick one from the Tatsunoko side, and one from the Capcom side.”

Vote here who your favorite Tatsunoko vs Capcom character is. And let us know what you think this “something fun” might be?

Last but not least, here is a video interview for Tatsunoko vs Capcom

According to an interview with Shacknews, Blizzard’s Dustin Browder stated how players will have the ability to come back to missions later on when they are more powerful.

To quote:
He says the missions aren’t linear, so if you can’t beat one, you can say “I’m going to go [get] myself something powerful and come back here and make this one suffer”.

Blizzard also says that they want to add as much originality and “spice” to the standard RTS single-player patrol/destroy formula as they can.

Examples of this include:

* Rising lava that will kill everything on the ground. Get to the high ground above it or risk total annihilation.
* One mission has Terrans attacking at night. But they hide during the day. So to get to them you need to stay out all night.

These situations are interestingly described by the developers as “minigames”, and they say these mini-games will range in time from 15-45 minutes long and will all have unique content that won’t be recycled from previous missions.

All of these missions are accessible via a “central, immersive hub” as seen in the screenshot above.

Via Shacknews, Kotaku

Below you can watch a video of founder David Perry explaining and demoing the service. Including these aspects:

* No installing anything. (He is running regular Windows Vista, with the latest Firefox and Flash is installed.)
* Using a low-spec server, a very custom configuration, fully virtualized. Why? To keep the costs to an absolute minimum. They had 7 Call of Duty games running in their E3 demo server recently.
* Data travel distance is around 800 miles (round trip) on this demo as that’s where the server is. They get a 21 millisecond ping on that route. The final delay will be 10 milliseconds as they just added a server in Irvine California, but it’s not added to their grid yet. (So this demo is twice the delay you would personally get).
* This server is not hosted by a Tier 1 provider, just a regular Data Center in Freemont California. Also, I’m not cheating and using fiber connections for our demos. This is a home cable connection in a home.
* According to Perry, “We don’t claim to have 5,000 pages of patents, we didn’t take 7 years, and we do not claim to have invented 1 millisecond encryption and custom chips. As you can see, we don’t need them, and so our costs will be much less.”
* They designed Gaikai for the “real” internet. The video compression codecs change in realtime based on the need of the application (or game), and based on the hardware & bandwidth you have.
* Their bandwidth is mostly sub 1 megabit across all games. (Works with Wifi, works on netbooks with no 3D card, etc.)
* Perry says regarding the video below: “If you hear any clicks, they are coming from my wireless headset microphone. I won’t use that next time I promise.”
* Perry regarding the below video: “I made a few video cuts using Windows Movie maker to cut out dead air. Like Need for Speed has far to many menus with loads & delays between them. So I tried to keep the pace up so you see plenty of demos”
* Perry says, “I keep getting asked what operating system we use. We are completely OS agnostic, some demos come from Linux, some come from Windows and will ultimately support streaming from MAC servers too.”

Their goal is to “remove all the friction between hearing about a game and trying it out, to help reduce the cost of gaming, to grow video game audiences, to raise the revenue that publishers and developers can earn, and (most importantly) to make games accessible everywhere.”

See Gaikai in action with this video from David Perry.

Battlefield 1943 is a critically acclaimed First-Person Shooter (FPS) multiplayer game that puts players in the middle of a dogfight on land, sea or in the skies.

The game introduces two thrilling new modes that can be played across four classic Battlefield tropical WWII maps: Wake Island, Guadalcanal, Iwo Jima and Coral Sea. These maps are inspired by the award winning Battlefield 1942 game, but have been redesigned and reengineered using the DICE destructible Frostbite engine which takes down walls, blockades and cover spots, leaving players with almost nowhere to hide.

The Coral Sea map will be unlocked as part of a worldwide community challenge, where players will work together to reach 43 million kills on both Xbox Live and the PlayStation Network. To help gamers reach that goal, up to 24 players can play together online in countless matches.

They will have the freedom to compete by land, air and sea as either the US Marines or the Imperial Japanese Navy. Whether they choose to play the role of a rifleman crawling through the trenches, a steel-fisted tank commander, or a dog fighting ace pilot, gamers will have the power to rule the battlefield.

“Battlefield 1943 is going to change consumer expectations of what a downloadable game can be. By offering Frostbite’s next generation destruction technology with a full Vehicle Warfare FPS multiplayer experience at a mere 560MB, Battlefield 1943 sets a new standard,” said Gordon Van Dyke, Producer on Battlefield 1943. “Our goal is to blow people away with a fully accessible, retail-calibre game for veteran Battlefield fans and shooter fans alike to enjoy for only $10.”

Here is the official trailer for the game.

As you would expect, the game will allow players to sing and dance along with all their favorite characters to their favorite songs from the classic musical such as Danny, Sandy, The Pink Lady and the T-Birds.

The game will use both the Wii’s Motion Sensing abilities as well as the microphone Wii Speak accessory for the Wii version and the DS version will make use of the built-in microphone and touch-screen.

“We are really excited about working with Paramount Digital Entertainment to turn this world famous film into a video game for the very first time. Working with such a well known and much loved brand is a great opportunity and we believe the collaboration further strengthens 505 Games’ entertainment portfolio,” commented Ian Howe, Managing Director 505 Games.

“Paramount Digital Entertainment is pleased to be working with 505 Games to develop Grease,” said John Kavanagh, Senior Vice President of Video Games for Paramount Digital Entertainment. “Grease is the ideal opportunity to reach a broad gaming audience who love to sing, dance and have fun with a party-style game.”

What’s even more interesting about this dubiousness, is the fact that several studios (four in fact) had a bidding war over the rights to make the classic game into a movie! Of those studios bidding for the chance to make a movie about blowing up asteroids with a spaceship, Universal Studios emerged as the winner.

The script for the film is to be written by Matthew Lopez (Disney films Escape to Witch Mountain and Bedtime Stories and the upcoming The Sorcerer’s Apprentice) and produced by Lorenzo di Bonaventura (Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen, G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra).

Now we just gotta wait for the Hollywood films of Pac-Man, Pong, Qix, Galaga and Q-Bert!

Via Arst Technica

AMERICAN PlayStation Store for PS3

Qore
Qore Annual Subscription - July 2009 ($24.99)
Qore: Presented by the PlayStation Network is a high-definition monthly interactive video production covering the world of PlayStation. Qore provides its audience with exclusive behind-the-scenes access to upcoming titles from both the SCE Worldwide Studios and third-party developers across the globe.
File size: 1.17 GB

Qore Episode 14: July 2009 ($2.99)
Episode 14 of Qore: Presented by the PlayStation Network takes you inside the dangerous world of Assassin’s Creed 2.
File size: 1.17 GB

Downloadable Games
Punisher: No Mercy ($9.99)
Zen Studios gives you a first look at The Punisher: No Mercy, coming exclusively to Playstation Network. Powered by Unreal Engine 3, No Mercy features fast-paced first person shooter action and explosive online multiplayer game play. With inspiration rooted in the Punisher’s rich comic book history, the game allows players to choose from an eclectic mix of Punisher allies and villains.
ESRB Rated M
File size: 737 MB

Add-on Game Content
High Velocity Bowling Ball Pack 6 - 4th of July Americana ($0.99)
It’s time to bowl – High Velocity style! Spice up your bowling game with this cool pack of six custom “4th of July Americana” theme bowling balls.
File size: 4.68 MB

High Velocity Bowling Ball Pack 7 - Route 66 Americana ($0.99)
t’s time to bowl – High Velocity style! Spice up your bowling game with this cool pack of six custom “Route 66 Americana” theme bowling balls.
File size: 6.55 MB

LittleBigPlanet Sacktue of Liberty Costume (free)
“Celebrate Independence Day in LittleBigPlanet with this special costume for Sackboy! Available for a limited time!”
File size: 1.04 MB

MotorStorm Pacific Rift Monarch Signature Livery Pack (free)
Make your vehicle stand out from the crowd with this exclusive MotorStorm Pacific Rift livery pack, available for a limited time only from PlayStation Store.
File size: 100 KB

MotorStorm Pacific Rift Speed Expansion ($9.99)
Download the Speed Expansion Pack to get 3 brand new tracks for MotorStorm Pacific Rift, playable in all online modes, and offline in Time Attack, Free Play, and Split Screen.
* Quicksands
* Darkfire Swamp
* Engorged
File size: 572 MB

Cross Edge Safety Pack (free)
Add a few extra items to your inventory with this free pack!
File size: 111 KB

Cross Edge Additional Dungeon 2 (free)
Extend your adventure with this bonus dungeon!
File size: 111 KB

Cross Edge New Costume Set 1 ($3.99)
Expand your wardrobe along with your power with this clothing pack!
File size: 192 MB

Quantum of Solace: The Game 007 Camille Map Pack ($4.99)
The Camille Map Pack includes four new multiplayer maps: “Canals,” a claustrophobic section of Venice where constant movement is the key to winning and losing; “Bags” places you in a gloomy area of the Miami airport that will have you frantically trying to find cover; “Dam” an outdoor arena that requires constant teamwork and “Cisterns”, the dark underbelly of Siena where trouble lurks around every dark corner.
File size: 348 MB

Tiger Woods PGA Tour 10 The Predator ($7.50)
Grab your clubs and prepare for a true adventure at The Predator! Bring all your shots including your ability to work the ball left and right as creativity will help you get around this jungle of a course.
File size: 170 MB

Guitar Hero World Tour songs:
* “21st Century (Digital Boy)” by Bad Religion ($1.99)
* “Linoleum” by NOFX ($1.99)
* “Ruby Soho” by Rancid ($1.99)
* Epitaph Punk-O-Rama Track Pack ($5.49) - Downloadable Track Pack for Guitar Hero World Tour featuring “21st Century (Digital Boy)” by Bad Religion, “Linoleum” by NOFX and “Ruby Soho” by Rancid. Please Note: Many songs are available both as singles and as part of a Track Pack, so please carefully consider your purchases before downloading.
File sizes: 24 MB - 33 MB (singles), 83 MB (track pack)

Rock Band songs:
* “Blue Morning, Blue Day” - Foreigner ($1.99)
* “Feels Like the First Time” - Foreigner ($1.99)
* “Headknocker” - Foreigner ($1.99)
* Foreigner Pack 01 ($5.49) - Build your Rock Band library by purchasing this song game track pack: Foreigner Pack 01. This pack includes: “Blue Morning, Blue Day,” “Headknocker,” and “Feels Like the First Time” by Foreigner.
* “Hey John, What’s Your Name Again?” - The Devil Wears Prada ($1.99)
* “Image of the Invisible” - Thrice ($1.99)
* “Sweet Talk” - Dear and the Headlights ($1.99)
* Warped Tour 2009 Pack 02 ($5.49) - Build your Rock Band library by purchasing this song game track pack: Warped Tour 2009 Pack 02. This pack includes “Sweet Talk” by Dear and the Headlights, “Hey John, What’s Your Name Again?” by The Devil Wears Prada, and “Image of the Invisible” by Thrice.
* Weapon of Choice” - Black Rebel Motorcycle Club ($1.99)
File sizes: 25 MB - 31 MB (singles), 86 MB - 87 MB (track packs)

Game Videos (free)
Pulse 7/2 Edition
Join host Christina Lee for PULSE presented by the PlayStation Network. This edition features a patriotic add-on to LittleBigPlanet, the puzzles of Droplitz and an exciting challenge from Battlefield 1943. We also take a look at the PSone Classic, Metal Gear Solid, and the Top 10 PSone Classics to date. New video arrivals include NYC Prep, Bravo’s series about the privileged teenagers of Manhattan’s elite high school scene.
File size: 255 MB (HD) 438 MB (1080)

MotorStorm Pacific Rift Speed Expansion Pack Trailer
File size: 81 MB (HD) 139 MB (1080)

MotorStorm Pacific Rift Adrenaline Expansion Pack Trailer
File size: 79 MB (HD) 133 MB (1080)

Bayonetta E3 Trailer
File size: 69 MB (HD)

PS3 Themes
Anime MBM 4 PS3 ($1.49)
File size: 4.03 MB

Farmer’s Daughter PS3 Theme ($1.99)
File size: 5.2 MB

Ink Skulls PS3 Theme ($1.49)
File size: 5.17 MB

Sniper Girls PS3 Theme ($1.49)
File size: 5.54 MB

PlayStation Store for PSP

Downloadable Games
Capcom Classics Collection Remixed ($19.99) (also available from PS3 storefront)
Bursting with retro flavor, this portable arcade compilation comes together in an amazing collection of 20 all-time Capcom favorites.
Included games are: Street Fighter, Strider, Final Fight, 1941, Captain Commando, Bionic Commando, Legendary Wings, Forgotten Worlds, Black Tiger, 3 Wonders, Avengers, Block Block, Last Duel, Side Arms, Mega Twins, Varth, Magic Sword, Section Z, Quiz and Dragons, and The Speed Rumbler.
ESRB Rated T
File size: 489 MB

Mind Quiz ($9.99) (also available from PS3 storefront)
Mind Quiz is the only PSP game that helps you make your brain younger.
ESRB Rated E
File size: 20 MB

Tom Clancy’s Splinter Cell Essentials ($19.99) (also available from PS3 storefront)
You are double agent Sam Fisher, caught in a menacing conspiracy. Immerse yourself in the world of international espionage and discover the entire Splinter Cell series through flashbacks and exclusive new missions.
PLEASE NOTE: Due to media differences, the digital and UMD disc versions of this title are incompatible with each other in Multiplayer mode.
ESRB Rated M
File size: 1.23 GB

Add-on Game Content
Rock Band Unplugged songs (also available from PS3 storefront):
Build your Rock Band Unplugged library by purchasing these song game tracks. For song credits, visit www.RockBand.com.
* “Losing My Religion”— R.E.M. ($1.99)
* “Sin Wagon”— Dixie Chicks ($1.99)
File sizes: 15 MB - 19 MB

Game Videos (free)
Pulse 7/2 Edition
File size: 50 MB

PSP Themes
Anime MBM 7 PSP Theme ($0.99) (also available from PS3 storefront)
File size: 534 KB

Anime MBM 8 PSP Theme ($0.99) (also available from PS3 storefront)
File size: 500 KB

4th of July PSP Theme 1 ($0.99) (also available from PS3 storefront)
File size: 480 KB

4th of July PSP Theme 2 ($0.99) (also available from PS3 storefront)
File size: 489 KB

Farmer’s Daughter PSP Theme ($1.49) (also available from PS3 storefront)
File size: 495 KB

Ink Skulls PSP Theme ($1.49) (also available from PS3 storefront)
File size: 330 KB

Sniper Girls PSP Theme ($1.49) (also available from PS3 storefront)
File size: 561 KB

EUROPEAN PlayStation Store for PS3

Downloadable Games
Numblast (£3.99/€4.99)
To play Numblast, move the cursor around the board and swap the positions of numeric cells to create combos of identical numbers aligned in 2×2 squares. These combos trigger explosions and as your skills improve so will the size of your combos.
PEGI 3+

Punisher: No Mercy (£6.99/€7.99)
The Punisher comes straight from the Marvel Universe to the PlayStation Network in this exclusive game – Offering frantic, arcade-style shooting action, with a heavy emphasis on multiplayer (supports eight players online), the goal is simple – survive!
PEGI 18+

topatoi: The Great Tree Story (£7.99/€9.99)
You may have already read the post by Natalia from the Boolat team on the blog yesterday about topatoi - this unique puzzle/platform game allows you to control a gyroscopic vehicle and offers varied and inventive ways to control, and make your way round, the 3D environments.
PEGI 7+
Trial (and unlock)

Red Baron Arcade (Trial free – unlock key £6.29/€7.99)
Available to buy via this trial version, the full version of Red Baron Arcade features 20 historic WW1 planes, where you can battle against countless enemies including zeppelins, battleships and other authentic aircraft. This game offers 36 levels of single player action, and you can also take the fight online against 7 other players.
PEGI 7+

PSone Classics (PS3 & PSP compatible)
James Pond 2: Codename Robocod (£3.99/€4.99)
(I don’t know about you, but this game was one of my most-played when I was younger). Join James Pond as he jumps and stretches his way around some truly memorable levels. This is a true platforming classic.
PEGI 3+

Add-On Game Content
Tiger Woods PGA Tour 10 DLC:
There is a vast array of content which will allow you to customise the way you play the game, give you a competitive edge (if you feel you need it) or add more gameplay; all this new content is listed below:
PEGI 3+
* +0.5 Putting Equipment (£0.79/€0.99)
* +0.5 Short Game Apparel (£0.79/€0.99)
* +0.5 Short Game Equipment (£0.79/€0.99)
* +1 Accuracy Apparel (£1.19/€1.49)
* +1 Accuracy Equipment (£1.19/€1.49)
* +1 Power Apparel (£1.19/€1.49)
* +1 Power Equipment (£1.19/€1.49)
* +1 Putting Apparel (£1.19/€1.49)
* +1 Putting Equipment (£1.19/€1.49)
* +1 Short Game Apparel (£1.19/€1.49)
* +1 Short Game Equipment (£1.19/€1.49)
* +1.5 Accuracy Apparel (£1.19/€1.49)
* +1.5 Accuracy Equipment (£1.19/€1.49)
* +1.5 Power Apparel (£1.19/€1.49)
* +1.5 Power Equipment (£1.19/€1.49)
* +1.5 Putting Apparel (£1.19/€1.49)
* +1.5 Putting Equipment (£1.19/€1.49)
* +1.5 Short Game Equipment (£1.19/€1.49)
* +1.5 Short Game Apparel (£1.19/€1.49)
* +2 Accuracy Apparel (£1.59/€1.99)
* +2 Accuracy Equipment (£1.59/€1.99)
* +2 Power Apparel (£1.59/€1.99)
* +2 Power Equipment (£1.59/€1.99)
* +2 Putting Apparel (£1.59/€1.99)
* +2 Putting Equipment (£1.59/€1.99)
* +2 Short Game Apparel (£1.59/€1.99)
* +2 Short Game Equipment (£1.59/€1.99)
* Advanced Drivers (£1.19/€1.49)
* Advanced Fairway Woods (£1.19/€1.49)
* Advanced Irons (£1.19/€1.49)
* Advanced Putters (£0.79/€0.99)
* Advanced Wedges (£1.19/€1.49)
* Expert Drivers (£1.59/€1.99)
* Expert Fairway Woods (£1.59/€1.99)
* Expert Irons (£1.59/€1.99)
* Expert Putters (£0.79/€0.99)
* Expert Wedges (£1.59/€1.99)
* Intermediate Drivers (£0.79/€0.99)
* Intermediate Fairway Woods (£0.79/€0.99)
* Intermediate Irons (£0.79/€0.99)
* Intermediate Putters (£0.79/€0.99)
* Intermediate Wedges (£0.79/€0.99)
* Max Stats Costumes (£2.39/€2.99)
* The Predator Fantasy Course (£4.79/€5.99)
* Spyglass Hill (£4.79/€5.99)
* Course Pass (£1.59/€1.99)

MotorStorm: Pacific Rift – Expansion Speed (£4.79/€5.99)
The Expansion Speed pack contains three extra tracks, with three track variants, three previously unseen vehicles and a Speed mini-festival featuring 48 new brutal events. There are also plenty of unlockable rewards, and new trophies to be gained too.
PEGI 12+

MotorStorm: Pacific Rift – Monarch Signature Livery Pack (free)
Another exclusive livery pack to customise your vehicle with, available for a limited time only; hurry if you want to download this free pack before it’s gone.
PEGI 12+

LittleBigPlanet – Sacktue of Liberty Costume (free)
Free and available only for one week, you can dress your Sackboy up in iconic fashion!
PEGI 7+

Dynasty Warriors 6 Empires
You can now customise your characters with these additional armour sets:
PEGI 12+
* Kempo Armour Set (men) (free)
* Royal Armour Set (men) (free)
* Artemis Armour Set (women) (free)
* Queen Armour Set (women) (free)

Guitar Hero: World Tour songs:
This week Guitar Hero offers tracks from the punk label Epitaph available to download:
* 21st Century Digital Boy by Bad Religion (£1.59/€1.99)
* Linoleum by NoFX (£1.59/€1.99)
* Ruby Soho by Rancid (£1.59/€1.99)
* Epitaph Punk-O-Rama Track Pack (This pack contains all three tracks listed above) (£4.39/€5.99)
PEGI 12+

Rock Band songs:
Further your Rock Band experience with this selection from Foreigner, an additional track by Black Rebel Motorcycle Club as well as the second pack taken from the Warped Tour 2009:
* Blue Morning, Blue Day by Foreigner (£0.99/€1.49)
* Feels Like The First Time by Foreigner (£0.99/€1.49)
* Head Knocker by Foreigner (£0.99/€1.49)
* Foreigner Pack 01 (this combines all the above tracks in one pack) (£2.49/€3.99)
* Hey John, What’s Your Name Again? By The Devil Wears Prada (£0.99/€1.49)
* Image of the Invisible by Thrice (£0.99/€1.49)
* Sweet Talk by Dear and the Headlights (£0.99/€1.49)
* Warped Tour 2009 Pack 02 (this combines the above tracks in one pack) (£2.49/€3.99)
* Weapon of Choice by Black Rebel Motorcycle Club (£0.99/€1.49)

Videos(free)
* WipEout HD Fury Trailer
* Battlefield 1943 Coral Sea Trailer
* MotorStorm: Pacific Rift Adrenaline Expansion Trailer
* Batman: Arkham Asylum Combat Trailer
* Batman: Arkham Asylum Breakout Trailer
* Batman: Arkham Asylum Invisible Predator Trailer
* Bayonetta Second Climax Trailer
* Mini Ninjas Hiro Gameplay Trailer
* Astro Tripper Trailer

PlayStation Store via PSP and Media Manager

Downloadable Games (also available via the PS3 store)
Monster Hunter Freedom Unite (£24.99/€39.99)
The massive hit in Japan makes it way over to Europe and now you can experience the phenomenon for yourself. Embark on a massive adventure (with up to three friends in Ad-Hoc Mode) hunting down possibly the fiercest monsters ever known!
PEGI 12+
(817 MB required)

Numblast PSP (£3.99/€4.99)
The only difference between this version and the PS3 version is that you can take this one of the move with you via your PSP. Create those combos everywhere you go!
PEGI 3+
(43MB required)

Tiger Woods PGA Tour 10 (available from Friday the 3rd of July - £29.99/€39.99)
Play tournament golf with Tiger Woods and many other PGA Tour pros as you aim to be the best golfer in the world, feel the drama with every swing.
PEGI 3+
(982MB required)

Donkey Xote (£7.99/€9.99)
Join Rucio, Sancho and Don Quixote on a journey to Barcelona Fair, where a prestigious battle is set to take place.
PEGI 3+
(687MB required)

Super Hind (£15.99/€19.99)
What would you do if you were given access to the deadliest military helicopter created and the power to change the world? Now is your chance to find out.
PEGI 7+
(182MB required)

Add-On Game Content (also available via the PS3 store)

Rock Band Unplugged songs:
PEGI 12+
* Losing My Religion by R.E.M. (£0.99/€1.49)
* Sin Wagon by Dixie Chicks (£0.99/€1.49)
* Still Alive by GLaDOS and Jonathan Coulton (£0.99/€1.49)

The game is not a remake of the original Final Fantasy but is instead a spin-off which stars a teenage protagonist who is summoned to rescue the princess of his kingdom from a witch by the king on his 14th birthday. Deep stuff I know.

Very little information was released on the game Although it is clear from screenshots and artwork that it will be in 3D like the two previous core Final Fantasy DS games (Final Fantasy III and Final Fantasy IV) and the in-game art style looks similar to those titles.

Like past classic Final Fantasy games players can have a party of four characters and the game is menu driven. Another feature of the game has you meeting new characters depending on what weapons and armors you have equipped. A “Charge” command will also replace the traditional “MP - Magic Points” system seen in previous games.