Launch Trailer: Spelunker World

Square-Enix is launching today on the Playstation 4, their follow-up to Spelunker HD, Spelunker World.

In SPELUNKER WORLD, players take the role of a Spelunker, following in the footsteps of his father who disappeared 10 years ago. Players can venture into caverns solo or together with up to six players online in search of legendary treasures while avoiding dangerous pitfalls, boulders and wicked creatures. Hidden within every nook and cranny are various power ups and unlocks to customize characters’ skills and appearances. The title offers an array of adorable pets that aid players as they uncover deeper and dangerous caves.

Square-Enix is also giving out ten cakes as a North American launch bonus. All players who start Spelunker World from November 11 at Noon to December 2 at 11:59 PM (PST) will receive ten free cakes. With this special bonus, players can use the Doggie Digging feature where their pet will go out to dig for rare items.

[Source: Square-Enix]

Little Big Planet 2 Meets the Muppets

Little Big Planet 2 has released a Muppet Level Kit with costumes, level pieces and more. HOW CUTE!!!!

Reviews: Dragon Age Origins - DLCs & Expansion Pack

Dragon Age: Origins - All Download Content and Expansion Packs
EA, Bioware
Available for Xbox 360, Playstation 3 and PC

Dragon Age Origins is probably the best RPG game available on the market right now and while you can play the main disc over and over again for multiple endings and different game play experiences, it’s still nice to know that there is add-on content available for the game. Currently you can download 2 new quests, 1 expansion pack and 2 item packs for the game and I’ve reviewed them all to save you from wasting some good coin on unworthy content.

Dragon Age Origins: The Stone Prisoner
Downloadable Content

This downloadable quest was available as a free extra when you purchased the initial game, so this review is really more for those who buy a used copy of the game. The Stone Prisoner starts with an encounter with a merchant who gives you a control rod for a Golem and information on where he got the rod. Following his information, you arrive in a small town which is under a Darkspawn attack and there you find the rod’s matching broken stone golem, and its former owner’s son in need of much help. Once you complete the son’s mission, you will walk away with the key to a new party member, a stone golem named Shale.

While the main quest of The Stone Prisoner will only take you a couple of hours to complete, the new character and items you gain are quite worth the money spent on the download. Not only do you get a new powerful ally who uses crystals as armor and weapons but you will gain new dialog with this character and eventually a new companion quest which is both funny and enlightening.

Honestly even if this content hadn’t been free with my game purchase, I would have purchased it anyway because Shale alone is worth the spending the all those points. If I had to recommend any download quest as your first, this would be it.

Buy it!

Dragon Age Origins: Return to Ostagar
Downloadable Content

Dragon Age Origins: Return to Ostagar was the first real download made available for purchase after the release of the game. The add-on content was setup as a quest to find the body of King Cailan and Duncan as well as important documents but what the quest really turned out was a poor excuse to get King Cailan’s armor. You end up battling random Darkspawn in the snow for a bunch of armor pieces that aren’t even worth the time unless you decide to download this quest early on in your travels. The rest of the quest is just fluff as far as I’m concerned because even though you manage to find and give final rights to King Cailan, the developers left out finding Duncan’s body which to me should have meant way more to my characters. Sure, you get to slay the ogre that killed him and Cailan but who cares ... I wanted to lay Duncan’s body to rest as well.

The quest is just too short and completely lacking any good items to make it a worthwhile download. Basically this quest was so useless to me when I downloaded it at the end of my main game that I could compare it to the horse armor download for Oblivion, so unless you are really obsessed with having every download available from this game, I would avoid this add-on like the plague.

Pass on it!

Dragon Age Origins: Awakenings
Downloadable Content or Purchase as Hard Disc

I would think that any game that starts you off naked is probably not a good sign. Dragon Age Origins: Awakening was the first true expansion to Dragon Age Origins. Available both as a download or hard disc purchase, Awakening offered a new story, new characters and a whole new land to go killing in. Playing as either your previous Dragon Age Origins character (possibly resurrected) or as a new Grey Warden from Orlais, you arrive at Virgil’s Keep in Amaranthine as the new Grey Warden commander, just as the keep is being attacked by Darkspawn. Once the stronghold is retaken, you discover the Darkspawn are different than before: they are intelligent and split into two feuding factions. With this new information, you must quickly rebuild the Grey Wardens’ defences and defeat the Darkspawn before they destroy everything.

While I can’t say this expansion was a horrible follow-up to the initial game, I can say that it sure as heck wasn’t worth its sticker price. When I spend cash on my games I expect the dollar value to match the game value and if you compare the value of the first game to the value of this game, they don’t match up in the least bit. The first game took me a week to finish roughly and cost $64.99 while the expansion took me 2 days and cost $44.99, so you can see already this expansion isn’t earning its worth. On top of that, they destroyed my favourite part of the first game which was the great characters and their dialog. You get one character in your party from the first game which is Oghren and the rest are all new plus you don’t get to talk to them whenever you choose, only when the game lets you.

There were a couple of new features that made the game a little bit better than the first like the storage chest which would have been handy in the original game and there were some new skills that allowed characters to built up health, stamina, etc. Ultimately I think the storyline is worth a walkthrough if you want to keep saving the world from Darkspawn but I would honestly wait for the price to come down as I feel the expansion is not long or good enough to paid full sticker price for.

Pass on it!

Dragon Age Origins: Blood Dragon Armor
Downloadable Content

The Blood Dragon Armor was the first item you could purchase for Dragon Age: Origins and it came as a free item with your game purchase. Again this review would be for people who bought a used copy of the game. This armor purchase had a couple of good and bad points about it which made it a 50/50 either way purchase. On the good side, it was a strong armor that once purchased all components could be found easily for sale at the camp and a couple of components were placed in your inventory for free. Also the DLC came with a bonus armor download for Mass Effect 2 which was good because it was like getting two items for one.

But on bad side of things, the armor isn’t useful until later on the game when your characters were strong enough to wear it, so you have to cart the extra two pieces around in your inventory which took up precious room and the armor could only be worn by strong characters so buying the armor for the first time is only a good idea if you have a fighter as your main character, otherwise expect a companion to sport the new goods.

Ultimately I think this armor is really only good as a freebie and I wouldn’t personally have downloaded it even if I had bought Mass Effect 2. But hey, some people are item buyers and I’m just not one of them so if you want to jazz up your characters with hot looking armor, then go for it.

Pass on it!

Dragon Age Origins: Feast Day Combo Pack
Downloadable Content

Now I know I said I wasn’t an item buyer on a general basis but I can make exceptions if the items help me rule the world as Queen. The Feast Day Combo Pack was released on April Fool’s Day and it was filled with custom gifts and pranks for your companions plus a bunch of mini gifts and pranks. While the custom pranks aren’t exactly useful in my mind unless you are trying to drive everyone in your party away, the custom gifts are extremely useful as were the mini gifts. The custom gifts will give you a 50 point boost with each companion which is some cases is enough to start a flirtation with a character. Add on the mini gifts and you have a guaranteed flawless relationship with any one as long as you don’t do anything huge to tick them off like defile an urn of sacred ashes.

Now both the custom pranks and the gifts are available in separate download packs but you can’t get the mini gifts without buying the prank pack, so honestly you may as well spend the points and buy the combo pack which is cheaper than the two packs combined. It’s worth it just to see all the funny pranks and their effects but just remember to save before you use them.

Buy it!

Trailer: Dragon Age Origins: Darkspawn Chronicles DLC

They will be releasing later this month a new DLC for Dragon Age Origins and honestly after the last 3 expansions I've tried I think maybe I might skip this one, especially since I don't really have any interest in playing as the Darkspawn horde.

The DLC changes the history of the game and has your character die during the joining. This means that Alstair becomes the hero of the land and leads the armies into battle instead. Unfortunately he doesn't do it as well as you and the Darkspawn will win with you commanding them.

Review: January 2010 Downloadable Games

Fat Princess
SCE, Titan Studios
Available on the Playstation Network

Fat Princess is a 2 team, 16 player online game that is pure cartoon chaos. Two teams must work together to kidnap the other team’s Princess from inside a defended castle, while trying to defend their own Princess. To make things interesting each Princess can be fatten up by each team member with random pieces of cake found on the battle field. The more cake you feed your Princess, the bigger the she gets and the harder she is to kidnap which can help or hinder your team depending on the situation.

Each team member can choose one of 6 character classes like a mage or a warrior which each has their own abilities and weapons. Classes can be changed by grabbing hats from stations inside your castle. In addition to the main “Capture the Princess” mode, Fat Princess has a multiplayer death match mode and two single player modes: a story mode and a survival mode.

While I found this game to be clever and whimsical, overall the game has just too chaotic for me. I never saved the Princess once because I always died before I got to her and I tend to hate games that don’t give me even a fighting chance. I know some people love hard games like Mega Man but to me, this was like trying to ice skate up a hill. It just wasn’t possible.

Pass on it!

Final Fantasy VII
Sony, Square Enix
Available on the Playstation Network

Retro games are all the rage and most game companies are cashing in by placing old titles online for players to purchase and download. Now I personally would rather own the old systems and the games themselves, but sometimes it’s nice to be able to get these games instantly rather than having to hunt for them in flea markets and garage sales.

Square Enix is one of those companies that have taken up the task to re-release old titles from their vault onto services like the Nintendo Wii’s Virtual Console and the Playstation 3’s Playstation Network. While I’m still praying for Final Fantasy VI to show up, I have been thankful for the release of Final Fantasy VII which any fan will tell you is the most loved game in the series.

This online version of FFVI is probably as close as you can get to the actually game without actually buying yourself a hard copy – every side quest, chocobo ride and boss battle is here. So I suggest that if you want to relive the greatest heart breaking moment in gaming history, then download this game now. As for the newcomers to the game, please don’t delay – buy today, so you can finally understand what we FF fans are finally babbling about. Aerith who?

Buy it!

Sam and Max: Beyond Space and Time
Telltale Games
Available on the Xbox Live Marketplace

Sam and Max: Beyond Space and Time aka Sam and Max: Season 2 has finally made its way to the Xbox Live Marketplace. Based on the comic books series by Steve Purcell, this point and click adventure game follows up Season one aka Sam and Max Save the World which is also available on the Xbox Live Marketplace.

The crazy crime fighting duo of Sam and Max bring you five of the weirdest stories for your adventure solving pleasure. Sam and Max will encounter everyone from Abe Lincoln to Santa Claus during these coo-coo adventures and you will need to think outside of the box in order to keep up with them.

Each episode is better than the last and the hilarious dialog will have you rolling on the floor laughing. While I am a fan of the old 2D graphics from Sam and Max: Hit the Road, I do like the updated 3D graphics used by Telltales. Overall, this is a great series and I suggest my readers check out both Season 1 and 2.

Buy it!

Borderloads DLC: The Zombie Island of Dr. Ned
2k Games, Gearbox Software
Available on the Xbox Live Marketplace, Playstation Network and Steam

Considering how huge a game Borderlands is on its itty bitty own, it’s hard to believe anyone would want to purchase additional quests for the game but honestly offer up anything with zombies in it and I will buy. The Zombie Island of Dr. Ned is the first downloadable content for the holiday hit, Borderlands, which brings your team to the creepy island of Jakob’s Cove. There you discover zombies are eating the locals and you need to find away to stop them, starting with seeking helping from Dr. Ned – no relation with Dr. Zed, your health provider in the Arid Badlands.

There are quite a few new quests, items and enemies here for your skag killing enjoyment. The humour in the main story is far more off the wall than anything you’ll find in the main Borderlands game and the new enemies will have you on your toes every minute you traverse these new swamp lands.

Zombie related content is usually better released at Halloween but I’ll take my zombies any way I can get them. Zombie lover or not, I highly suggest Borderland fans check this download out whether you have finished the main game or not. The quests are tailored to your character’s current level, so you can jump in any time.

Buy it!

The Girl Gamer's Top Ten Games of 2009

10. Resident Evil 5

I couldn’t start my list without included one of my favourite franchises, Resident Evil. Resident Evil 5 brought back favourites like Chris Redfield, Jill Valentine and Albert Wesker as well as introducing a few new characters and enemies. Resident Evil started our video game love affair with zombies and it will always be as addictive as the T-Virus is infectious. I plan to check out The Darkside Chronicles on the Nintendo Wii very soon.

9. Ghostbusters: the Video Game

This has been a good year for fan boys in the video game industry and Ghostbusters was just one game to proof that fact. Picking up where the 2nd movie left off, the excellent story line will bring you back into the world of the Ghostbusters as if you never left, and the excellent voice-over work of the original movie cast and funny humour of Dan Aykroyd and Harold Ramis doesn’t the nostalgia factor either.

8. Professor Layton and the Diabolical Box

Who knew all my knowledge of logic puzzles would finally pay off in video games? Professor Layton and the Diabolical Box, the sequel to the highly cool Professor Layton and the Curious Village, will have you using brain cells you didn’t know you had in order to solve all its many logic puzzles and dark mysteries. Only Nintendo could make learning this fun and addicting. Kudos to the Professor and his assistant on another excellent game and hopefully we’ll see another one of your sequels come to our shores next year.

7. Ratchet and Clank Future: Crack in Time

This was truly a year of new game experiences for me and one of those experiences was my first real Ratchet and Clank game. So many franchises don’t survive to see their next generation of consoles or if they do, they live on a series of failed titles like Sonic the Hedgehog, but Ratchet and Clank is now on their 3rd generation console and they are still rocking the platforming genre. You’ll love this dynamic duo and their crazy arsenal of weapons and gadgets. Bonus points for the awesome weapons commercials shown in the game.

6. New Super Mario Bros. Wii

Like a blast from the past, the New Super Mario Bros. Wii is like playing Super Mario Bros. 3 all over again with a shiny new coat of paint. With a new power-up suits and multiplayer modes, it’s time venture forth into the Mushroom Kingdom with the brothers and save the Princess again. Hopefully she’s not in another castle this time.

5. Halo 3: ODST – Xbox 360

I have to give high props to the first Halo FPS that managed to grab my attention. Halo 3: ODST’s film noir style story line and all-star voice cast made this a fabulous game to kill a Sunday afternoon with. Sure, the campaign mode might be short but you’ll have Firefight mode afterwards to fill the void as well as the second disc full of Halo 3 multiplayer maps if you don’t already own them all. I plan to go back and finish the fight this winter with the first 3 Halo games now that this game has shown me what I’ve been missing.

4. Borderlands – Xbox 360, Playstation 3 and PC

Imagine Fallout 3 – take out all the extreme walking times between missions, add a 4 player co-op mode and injected some wicked humour and you have Borderlands. This futuristic Mad Max like role-playing game will have you and your friends addicted to its vast landscapes, cool weapons and freaky looking enemies. Fallout 3’s vault will be a thing of the past and Pandora’s legendary vault will be all you can think about all.

3. Batman: Arkham Asylum – Xbox 360, Playstation 3 and PC

Batman: Arkham Asylum couldn’t have been a more perfect Batman video game and it was hard not to put this game higher on the list after all the crappy games we Batman fans have suffered through over the years, but honestly I can’t let my fan girl love of the Dark Knight affect my decisions. While Batman: Arkham Asylum did sport one of the best storyline lines, amazing game play and one of the best voice-over casts possible, the short ending, crappy Riddler reward and a few other issues kept this game at the number 3 spot.

2. Assassin’s Creed 2 – Xbox 360, Playstation 3 and PC

From the breath-taking digital recreation of Renaissance Italy to Ezio’s amazing killer moves, Assassin’s Creed will have you loving every minute of this sequel to the Assassin’s Creed franchise. You will be drawn into the story line here and once that’s complete, the side quests and item collection will keep the major perfectionists out there busy. This was an amazing follow-up to Assassin’s Creed which only improved upon the franchise and I can’t wait to check out the first DLC in February.

1. Uncharted 2: Among Thieves - Playstation 3

If you need a reason to purchase a Playstation 3, this Uncharted 2: Among Thieves is it. Heart stopping action, eye popping graphics and interactive game play unlike anything I’ve ever seen. The developers at Naughty Dog have set the bar high for what games should be – interactive Hollywood blockbusters. While this was an amazing year for games, Uncharted 2 is still the clear winner in my mind as the game’s amazing musical score still tugs at my heart strings and the graphics still blow my mind every time I see them. When my brother-in-law bought his Playstation 3 on Boxing Day this year, this was the first game suggestion that popped out of my mouth as would it be to anyone buying the console.

Honourable Mentions: Loco Roco 2, Patapon 2, Little King’s Story and Boom Blox Bash Party.

Best Downloadable Games of the Year

1. Tales of Monkey Island: All Episodes – PC Game, Wiiware
2. Plants vs. Zombies – PC Game
3. Axel & Pixel – Xbox 360
4. Machinarium – PC Game
5. Shadow Complex – Xbox 360

Honourable Mention: Farmville

Presents from The Girl Gamer: Day 1

In the holiday spirit, I've decided to be holly and jolly and all that crud to my readers this year, and give away a few gifts over the next few days before the Christmas. I've been saving up a few codes I've received and plan to give them away to my readers.

The contest is simple. Answer the daily trivia question correctly and I'll pick one winner from the comment section with the correct answer to receive the daily prize.

Today I'm giving away a free code for the Beatles Rock Band Rubber Soul Album DLC on Xbox 360.

Just answer this question and you could win!

"Name the blue creatures in The Beatles Cartoon movie, Yellow Submarine."

Good luck and stay tuned for another prize tomorrow. Note: players can only win one prize. Once you win a code, please opt out of playing the contest.

Playstation Store Downloads for November 11, 2009

Updates
Tank Battles Price Drop (now $6.99)

Downloadable Games
Braid ($14.99)
Braid is an artful puzzle-platformer where the player manipulates the flow of time in strange and unusual ways. In each world, time behaves differently, and it is time’s strangeness that creates the puzzles. The time behaviors include: rewinding, independent time streams, time that is tied to space, parallel realities, time dilation, and perhaps more.
Braid treats the player’s time as precious; there is no filler. Each puzzle shows the player something new about the game world.
ESRB Rated E10+
File size: 240 MB

Star Trek: D-A-C ($9.99)
Star Trek: D-A-C is a fast-paced, top-down space shooter inspired by the new motion picture. This pick-up and play game allows you and your friends to choose from 5 classes of starships (from a list including the all-new U.S.S. Enterprise) and battle it out solo or online! Enlist in Starfleet or join the Romulan Empire as you battle with up to 11 friends in game play modes including: Solo Play, Online VS, and Online Co-op. Choose your side, fire your weapons, boldly go!
ESRB Rated E
File size: 134 MB


PSone Classics: PS3/PSP
Command & Conquer: Red Alert ($5.99)
Re-live the glory of the first Red Alert in the Command & Conquer franchise with this downloadable PSOne classic. Imagine an alternate history where Hitler never existed, and the USSR and Stalin rose to power and begin a full scale invasion of Europe. Welcome to Red Alert, comrade. Wage World War II like never before as the Allied faction and restore freedom, or claim Europe for the glory of the Soviet Union in over 25 strategic missions.
ESRB Rated T
File size: 978 MB

Game Demos (free)
Inferno Pool Demo
Inferno Pool is a revolutionary, simultaneous multi-player Pool action game, where every ball you pot is dropped onto your opponents table. Battle against your friends locally or compete against the world online. Learn punishing skill shots to unleash Inferno Mode and humiliate your opponents. This is Pool on fire!
ESRB Rated E
File size: 267 MB

NCAA Basketball 10 Demo
See the game like it has never been seen before, with authentic broadcasting presentations from the all-star announcing crews of Dick Vitale, Brad Nessler, and Erin Andrews of ESPN, and Gus Johnson and Bill Raftery of CBS Sports. Enjoy ultimate control over your team’s strategy and style of play, including real Motion Offensive Systems. From the broadcast table to the hardwood – it’s all there in NCAA Basketball 10.
ESRB Rated E
File size: 1.01 GB

MX Vs. ATV Reflex Demo
Playable on either MX or ATV. 6 tutorial lessons, 1 National event, 1 Freestyle event.
ESRB Rated E
File size: 913 MB

Star Trek: D-A-C Demo
Star Trek: D-A-C is a fast-paced, top-down space shooter inspired by the new motion picture. This pick-up and play game allows you and your friends to choose from 5 classes of starships (from a list including the all-new U.S.S. Enterprise) and battle it out solo or online! Enlist in Starfleet or join the Romulan Empire as you battle with up to 11 friends in game play modes including: Solo Play, Online VS, and Online Co-op. Choose your side, fire your weapons, boldly go!
ESRB Rated E
File size: 134 MB

Add-on Game Content
PAIN Fat Princess Character (free)
You may recognize this launchable character from another PSN exclusive title, Fat Princess. Now that she’s in our world though, she’s not such a PAIN to move around! In fact, once you start launching her around, she’ll prove herself capable of taking her fair share of ooches while posing with royal style.
File size: 100 KB

PAIN Speed Oocher Mode ($1.99)
The second Naughty Bit mode is a straight evolution from the fan-favorite PAINLab of the same name. This is a Single Player race mode that features multiple courses, each with its own set of rules. Launch into the track and get ready for a fast-paced ride that just might “Ooch” you into the top of the Leaderboard!
File size: 100 KB

Rag Doll Kung Fu Mistress of Mime Character (free)
Add an extra fighter to your kung fu collection with this amazing additional character for Rag Doll Kung Fu: Fists of Plastic – created by the very talented Agnese from Italy as part of SCEE’s and SCEI’s special ‘Design Your Own Rag Doll’ competition.
File size: 884 KB

Rag Doll Kung Fu Shaolin Scarecrow Character (free)
Add a new fighter to your arsenal with this incredible extra character for Rag Doll Kung Fu: Fists of Plastic – created by the imaginative Mark from Hong Kong as part of SCEE’s and SCEI’s special ‘Design Your Own Rag Doll’ competition.
File size: 1.52 MB

Ninja Gaiden Sigma 2 Costume Pack ($3.99)
Download the pre-order exclusive white costume for Ryu as well as all new costumes for Ayane, Momiji, and Rachel!
File size: 100 KB

Guitar Hero 5
For all song credits please visit www.guitarhero.com.

“Fly Away” by Lenny Kravitz ($1.99)
“Lady” by Lenny Kravitz ($1.99)
“Let Love Rule” by Lenny Kravitz ($1.99)
Lenny Kravitz Track Pack ($5.49) – Downloadable Track Pack featuring “Let Love Rule”, “Fly Away”, “Lady” by Lenny Kravitz. 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 size: 38 MB – 56 MB (singles), 133 MB (track pack)

Rock Band
Build your Rock Band library by purchasing these song game tracks. For song credits, visit www.RockBand.com.

“Club Foot”— Kasabian ($1.99)
“Employee of the Month”— SpongeBob SquarePants ($0.99)
“A Day Like This”— SpongeBob SquarePants ($0.99)
“Ridin’ the Hook”— SpongeBob SquarePants ($0.99)
SpongeBob SquarePants Pack 2 ($2.99) – Build your Rock Band library by purchasing this song game track pack: SpongeBob SquarePants Pack 2. This pack includes: “A Day Like This,” “Employee of the Month,” and “Ridin’ the Hook” by SpongeBob SquarePants.
“Smash it Up (Part II)”— The Damned ($1.99)
“Dead Leaves and the Dirty Ground”— White Stripes ($1.99)
“Girl, You Have No Faith in Medicine”— White Stripes ($1.99)
“Icky Thump”— White Stripes ($1.99)
White Stripes Pack 1 ($5.49) – Build your Rock Band library by purchasing this song game track pack: White Stripes Pack 1. This pack includes: “Dead Leaves and the Dirty Ground,” “Girl, You Have No Faith in Medicine,” and “Icky Thump” by White Stripes.
File sizes: 8.72 MB – 26 MB (singles), 56 MB – 72 MB (track packs)

Game Videos (free)
Ratchet & Clank Future: A Crack in Time – Launch Trailer
File sizes: 81 MB (HD) 135 MB (1080)

Ratchet & Clank Future: A Crack in Time – Space Trailer
File sizes: 60 MB (HD) 103 MB (1080)

Ratchet & Clank Future: A Crack in Time – Time Trailer
File sizes: 63 MB (HD) 106 MB (1080)

Ratchet & Clank Future: A Crack in Time – Weapons Trailer
File sizes: 61 MB (HD) 102 MB (1080)

Assassin’s Creed: Bloodlines Teaser Trailer
File size: 46 MB (HD)

The Saboteur Just Getting Started Trailer
File sizes: 53 MB (HD)

The Saboteur Pre-Order Trailer
File size: 21 MB (HD)

Battlefield Bad Company 2 Limited Edition Trailer
File size: 68 MB (HD)

Star Trek: D-A-C Trailer
File size: 63 MB (HD)

Themes
Ratchet & Clank Dynamic Theme ($2.99)
File size: 2.37 MB

Dita Von Teese Theme ($1.99)
File size: 1.07 MB

Deep Space Theme ($1.49)
File size: 5.62 MB

Junkyard Girl Theme ($1.99)
File size: 5.8 MB

Road to China Theme ($1.49)
File size: 5.74 MB

Wallpaper (free)
Tekken 6 Lars Wallpaper
File size: 1.41 MB

Tekken 6 Lilli Wallpaper
File size: 1.68 MB

Tekken 6 Nina Wallpaper
File size: 1.74 MB

Tekken 6 Yoshimitsu Wallpaper
File size: 1.63 MB

Tekken 6 Zafina Wallpaper
File size: 1.56 MB

PlayStation Store for PSP
Downloadable Games (also available from PS3 storefront)
Pinball Heroes – High Velocity Bowling ($3.99)
Virtual pinball game based on the hit PS3 downloadable game “High Velocity Bowling.”
ESRB Rated E
File size: 21.3 MB

Pinball Heroes – Hot Shots Golf ($3.99)
Virtual pinball game based on the hit video game series “Hot Shots Golf.”
ESRB Rated E
File size: 22.3 MB

Pinball Heroes – PAIN ($3.99)
Virtual pinball game based on the hit PS3 downloadable game “PAIN.”
ESRB Rated E
File size: 20.3 MB

Pinball Heroes – UNCHARTED ($3.99)
Virtual pinball game based on the hit PS3 series “UNCHARTED.”
ESRB Rated E
File size: 25.3 MB

Kenka Bancho: Badass Rumble ($39.99)
As the toughest student in school, it’s up to you to prove your badassitude when all the schools in the nation get together for a weeklong trip to the historic city of Kyouto. In this free-roaming brawler, take to the streets and kick ass to rise to the top in the world of delinquents. Hunt down more than 45 boss enemies, each with their own schedules, and dispense righteous beatdowns before stealing their respect, territory, and special moves.
ESRB Rated T
File size: 401 MB

PSP minis
Bubble Trubble ($4.99)
ESRB Rated E
File size: 18 MB

Add-on Game Content
Rock Band Unplugged (also available from PS3 storefront)
Build your Rock Band Unplugged library by purchasing these song game tracks. For song credits, visit www.RockBand.com.

“Excuse Me Mister”— No Doubt ($1.99)
“I’m Shipping Up to Boston”— Dropkick Murphys ($1.99)
File sizes: 14 MB – 16 MB

Dynasty Warriors: Strikeforce (free)
Quest Pack #7 – A selection of four brand new missions that will push your skills to their limit. Also includes all previous Quest Packs. To learn more about this pack and about Dynasty Warriors: Strikeforce go to www.koei.com/strikeforce
File size: 1.13 MB

PSP Themes
Dita Von Teese PSP Theme 1 and 2 ($1.49 each) (also available from PS3 storefront)
File sizes: 199 MB – 213 MB

Deep Space PSP Theme ($1.49) (also available from PS3 storefront)
File size: 487 MB

Junkyard Girl PSP Theme ($1.99) (also available from PS3 storefront)
File size: 605 KB
*Road To China PSP Theme ($1.49) (also available from PS3 storefront)
File size: 474 KB

Playstation Store Downloads for November 5, 2009

Updates
Mercury Bundle 2 Sale – Includes Archer Maclean’s Mercury and Mercury Meltdown (now $9.99)
This is Shane Bettenhausen from Ignition Entertainment with a quick heads-up about a killer PlayStation Store promotion that kicks off today. For a limited time, you’ll be able to snag two great PSP games–the classic Archer Maclean’s Mercury and its supercharged sequel, Mercury Meltdown—for the shockingly low total of only $9.99. Check out this video!

TV Show King Price Drop (now $6.99)

X-Men Origins: Wolverine Weapon X Arena Pack Price Drop (now $4.99)

Qore
Qore Episode 18: November 2009 ($2.99)
Episode 18 of Qore: Presented by the PlayStation Network gets creative with ModNation Racers, goes behind the scenes at ILM and takes a closer look at Star Trek on Blu-ray, and revisits the world of Assassin’s Creed II.
File size: 1.63 GB

Qore Annual Subscription: November 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: 1.63 GB


Downloadable Games
Military Madness: Nectaris ($9.99)
The Military is back for a new generation of recruits! The classic turn-based strategy series Military Madness, a.k.a. Nectaris, is exploding onto PlayStation Network. With an all-new graphical barrage, an all-new commander unit, online team and vs. multiplayer, and a platoon of other new features, this is the maddest game in the series yet!
ESRB Rated E10+
File size: 95 MB

Numblast ($4.99)
Prepare yourself for a number puzzle game that’s easy to play, totally addictive and laced with dreamlike, surreal undertones: are you ready for Numblast™?
ESRB Rated E
File size: 330 MB

[Read More]

Review: November's Downloadable Games

Shadow Complex
Microsoft Game Studio, Epic Games
Available on Xbox Live Arcade

In a sea of casual arcade games on Xbox Live, Shadow Complex tends to stand out with its stellar cut-scenes and visually impressive world. Sure, a lot of people will compare this game to the Metroid and Castlevanias of the past but trust me when I say; you haven’t played anything quite like this.

Shadow Complex follows the events from a book called Empire which centers on Jason Flemming as he attempts to save his girlfriend, Claire after she is kidnapped by a secret organization called the Progressive Restoration. Jason must work his way through the organization’s secret complex to find Claire and collect equipment to aid him in his efforts.

Though this is technically a side-scroller, the levels are more 2.5D than 2D since Jason has access to layers of the levels rather than just the typical up, down, left and right directions. This gives the player a feeling of 3D when really the game is still just 2D. Being a huge Uncharted fan, I was happy to hear Nolan North (voice of Nathan Drake) as the voice of Jason Flemming but it would given the game more of uniqueness if the character didn’t look so much like Nathan Drake too. Some of the in-game instructions were a little unclear which made some of boss battles hard but overall, the controls were pretty easy to pick up.

I know there was some mass controversy over this game because of the negative gay right views of Orson Card Scott, the author of Empire but honestly this is a great game and I don’t think anyone should let some closed-minded author’s views just in the way of enjoying a great videogame. Even I didn’t let my personal issues with Cliffy B get in the way of enjoying it.

Buy it!

Axel & Pixel
2K Play, Silver Wish Games
Available on Xbox Live Arcade

If you are looking for the next thing in indie art games, then look no further than Axel & Pixel, the new title from 2K Play and Silver Wish Games. This unique title looks like an oil painting come to life with the Monty Python animations. Be prepared to fall into this dream world and never come back.

Axel & Pixel follows a young painter and his faithful dog into a seasonal dreamland of fantastic life forms and environments as they attempt to steal back the key to reality from an evil giant rat. Axel & Pixel must interact with the objects in each level with their magical cursor in order to move onto the next level in pursuit of the rat. Both Axel & Pixel can affect objects which you can click on when your cursor becomes highlighted. Some objects must be clicked on in a specific order or at a specific time in order for them to work. Sketches, bones and paints can be found throughout the game for bonus achievements in the end.

Mini games have been placed in between the main levels of the game that require you to drive vehicles like a hot air balloon or car, and while they tend to break up all the pointing and clicking, I found them to be really hard to complete. The controls were unforgiving and each vehicle had a small health bar that took massive damage with each hit.

While you would think the highlighting cursor would take all difficulty out of this game, Axel & Pixel’s clever puzzles will have you constantly using your wits to help get the duo home. Don’t worry though; there is a nice little hint system to help you in your moments of need.

In a world of mainstream videogame hype, it really doesn’t hurt to check out an indie game or two once in a while and support the little guy. Obviously 2K Play saw potential in this game enough to back it so made you should too.

Buy it!

Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: My Life as a Dark Lord
Square Enix
Available on Wii Ware

Tower defence games are now all the rage with everyone from Square Enix to South Park jumping on board with a game in the genre. Square Enix came to the table with Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: My Life as a Dark Lord, one of many in the FFCC series, and surprisingly this game wasn’t what I expected.

Sure, I expected something decent as I always do from Square but with so many tower defence games out there following the same format as Pixel Junk Monsters; I expected something like that but with Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicle characters and monsters. Instead I found they went in a whole other direction with RPG elements, an evil main character and a vertical playing field rather than a flat one.

You play as Mira, the daughter of a fallen Dark Lord who is trying to regain her dark realm by taking revenge over the kingdoms that destroyed her Father, the previous Dark Lord and their tower. As she tries to rebuilt, heroes are sent from the nearby kingdoms to destroy her and her minions in their tower. You must defend your tower by adding new floors and monsters, both defensive and offensive in order to stop the heroes before the reach the source of your power, the tower’s crystal, which is posted on the top level.

I love how unique Square Enix was in creating this game as they opted for an evil female character rather than the typical male hero character and even made the assistant, Tonbetty (a Tonberry), a female as well. The monsters in the game were quite well designed and the goblins especially remind me of something from the Jim Henson Workshop. Be prepared though for lots of RPG experience grinding in order to advantage to higher levels and better monsters because points don’t come easy and you will have to replay levels in order to gain enough for advancement.

While I was happy to see something a little different from the rest, I still wasn’t overly impressed with this game like I was with Pixel Junk Monsters or even Plants vs. Zombies. Sure, this is still a decent game but you have to have the patience to play it and with a stack of review games to be just waiting to be played, I just don’t have the time to replay levels when I really just want to move on to new things.

Pass on it!

Plants vs. Zombies
Pop Cap Games
Available at Pop Cap Games & Steam

Along with tower defence games, zombies are also the big genre in games right now, almost to the point that you have to wonder if the t-virus was injected into the game industry and is now running rampant through the world of game design. Plants vs. Zombies takes both the zombies and tower defence genres, and manages to mash them so perfectly that I couldn’t imagine any other game laying claim to the throne in the Kingdom of Zombie Tower Defence Games from this point forward.

Plants vs. Zombies bring to life a garden full of plant life in order to protect you from a horde of zombies trying to eat your precious brains. You must plant one plant after another in different areas like your backyard, pool and roof in order to keep the zombies at bay. You will get to unlock an arsenal of plant life like pea shooters, tall nuts, cob cannons and more in order to defend against an evil undead army full of zombies with traffic cone hats, football player zombies and even thriller zombies.

Along the way you’ll get help from your crazy neighbour who will give you mini games to play and a store to shop in. You can buy items to help you from the store and also buy supplies for your Zen garden which will net you coins. As you progress through the game, you will also unlock puzzles, mini games and some endless survival modes which will net your more coins and items for your Zen garden.

For only $19.99, Plants vs. Zombie is probably one of the best valued PC games you could possible own on the market right now as its comes with a lengthy adventure mode which can be played over and over again for extra goodies and it also comes with addictive puzzles and mini games which are like two more games on their own. Once you played all those modes through, you then have the Zen garden to play around with and the endless survival modes to clear as well. The game is just full of stuff to do. I’ve been playing it for months now and I still haven’t got everything there is to collect in the game.

The whimsy cartoon graphics and humour in everything in the game will have you amused to no end. The game will continue to challenge you with its ever changing elements and endless supply of different game types. No game will give you as much choice and challenge as this one does for so little cash and as a bonus, the Steam version gives you achievements to work towards.

Pop Cap Games has a flash version available on their website currently for those who wish to check the game out before they buy but I highly suggest you download this game today.

Buy it!

Contest: Win Rock Band Abby Road DLC for Beatles RB or Queen Pack DLC

UPDATE: Contest is over. Thanks for playing.

I have two codes to give away today. One is for the Beatles Rock Band Xbox version which will net you the complete Abby Road album for download and the other code will get you the new Queen download pack for the Rock Band Xbox version.

The Abby Road DLC includes:

• Abbey Road singles: “Maxwell's Silver Hammer,” “Oh! Darling,” and “Because”
• The entire Abbey Road B-side 16 minute medley that includes: “You Never Give Me Your Money,” “Sun King,”  “Mean Mr. Mustard,” “Polythene Pam,” “She Came in Through the Bathroom Window,” “Golden Slumbers,” “Carry That Weight” and “The End”
• Additionally, the following songs from Abbey Road can also be played as 1-to-3-song sets, based on how they were recorded / composed:
• “You Never Give Me Your Money”
• “Sun King”/ “Mean Mr. Mustard”
• “Polythene Pam”/ “She Came in Through the Bathroom Window”
• “Golden Slumbers”/ “Carry That Weight”/ “The End”*  
• “Her Majesty” 

The Queen DLC pack includes 10 songs like Fat Bottomed Girls, Killer Queen and Somebody to Love.

All you have to do to win one of these DLC codes is answer one of the following questions:

Abby Road DLC: Name the two Beatles members that didn't stay with the band past 1962.
Queen DLC: What was the name of the band that Queen guitarist's Brian May was in before he formed Queen?

You can only win one code so choose wisely which one you answer. First people to answer the questions right in the comments below win. Don't answer if you can't use the codes. You need a copy of Beatles Rock Band on Xbox for the Abby Road DLC and a copy of Rock Band 2 on Xbox for the Queen DLC.

Two Good Reasons to Download Tales of Monkey Island Now

Episode 1 is still free and there's Murray in the 3rd episode. See, I have photographic proof, so why want any longer. GO AND DOWNLOAD THESE GAMES!

Few people know that you can still get your free demo copy of Tales of Monkey Island - Episode 1: Launch of the Screaming Narwhal, if you just follow this link - FREE DEMO HERE

Episode 3: Lair of the Leviathan will be available for download on September 29th, so I suggest you hurry up and download the 1st and 2nd episodes if you haven't already. Both 1&2 are also available as Wiiware titles if you prefer.

For those of us, you have played the first two games, we'll have to be tied over with these new screenshots until Tuesday.

Playstation Store Downloads for Thursday, August 6, 2009

Qore
Qore Annual Subscription: August 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: 1.55 GB

Qore Episode 15: August 2009 ($2.99)
Episode 15 of Qore: Presented by the PlayStation Network transports viewers to the massively multiplayer battlefields of MAG, jumps into Ninja Gaiden Sigma 2, rolls on with Katamari Forever and gets its kicks with Tekken 6.
File size: 1.55 GB

Downloadable Games
Crystal Defenders ($9.99)
Crystal Defenders is a defensive strategy game in which players deploy popular jobs from FINAL FANTASY Tactics A2, such as Black Mages and Soldiers, to fend off encroaching enemy hordes and prevent them from stealing their party’s crystals.
ESRB Rated E
File size: 52 MB

TV Show King ($9.99)
Confront friends and family in a TV quiz game show! Try to answer fun and challenging trivia questions, from the classics to original stumpers, spanning history, geography, literature, science, sports, and entertainment! Make it to the finals and see who can win the greatest amount of cash in one final, deciding duel. TV Show King will challenge your brain!
ESRB Rated E
File size: 220 MB

Game Demos
Rag Doll Kung Fu Demo
All the puppets were kung fu fighting! Rag Doll Kung Fu: Fists of Plastic is a unique party fighting game featuring hilarious, customizable kung fu puppets that deliver a sharp jab to the funny bone!
Rated E10+
File size: 669 MB

Batman: Arkham Asylum Demo
Experience a twisted and gritty adventure that takes you to the depths of ARKHAM ASYLUM.
Rated T
File size: 1.01 GB

Crystal Defenders Demo
Crystal Defenders is a defensive strategy game in which players deploy popular jobs from FINAL FANTASY Tactics A2, such as Black Mages and Soldiers, to fend off encroaching enemy hordes and prevent them from stealing their party’s crystals.
Rated E
File size: 32 MB

Worms Demo
The Worms are coming to PLAYSTATION 3, and this time they mean war! Battle up to three other players offline or online on one of six landscape themes, utilising a selection of classic Worms weaponry: from the famed Bazooka to the devastating Banana Bomb. With a fine selection of single player battles and plenty of ways to customise your annelid army, it’s a package sky-high on entertainment!
Rated E10+
File size: 45 MB

Add-on Game Content
Savage Moon Waldgeist Add-On ($4.99)
This action-packed tower defense strategy game takes you to distant planets where you must defend mining facilities from relentless Insectocyte monsters. Build towers in strategic locations to fend off the attackers, then use funds from kills and mining to build, upgrade, or research new weapons and technologies to strengthen your defenses. It will take equal parts skill and strategy to survive in Savage Moon.
File size: 117 KB

LittleBigPlanet inFamous Costumes Pack ($1.99)
Check out this new Sackboy costume inspired by Cole from inFAMOUS!
File size: 1.04 MB

Call of Duty: World at War Map Pack 3 ($9.99)
Call of Duty: World at War Map Pack 3 further expands the COD multiplayer experience with four new maps. Fight for ocean territory in “Battery,” defend Russia’s resources in “Revolution,” and battle through the dense city streets of “Breach.” Zombies return in “Der Riese” (Zombie Factory), a Nazi research facility featuring the weapon upgrading Pack A Punch Machine, teleporters, and 10 Trophies.
File size: 894 MB

Call of Juarez: Bound in Blood Old West Map Pack ($9.99)
Call of Juarez: Bound in Blood Old West Map Pack continues to expand the addictive CoJ multiplayer experience with four new maps. Players fight through the bloody battlefields of “Little Bighorn”, relive a famous gold theft in “Vulture Mine”, and attempt to shoot their way out of prison in “Fort Smith” and “Elmira Prison Camp.”
File size: 268 MB

Cross Edge Latest Technology Pack ($1.99)
Pick up this pack and outfit yourself with the latest gear!
File size: 111 KB

Cross Edge Pretty Little Pack ($1.99)
Pick up this pack and outfit yourself with the latest gear!
File size: 111 KB

Cross Edge Trial Edition Pack (free)
2500G, 500EP, 50PP, and 100TP MIGHT just help you survive Hard Mode.
File size: 111 KB

Cross Edge Additional Dungeon 4 (free)
Extend your adventure with this bonus dungeon!
File size: 111 KB

Cross Edge Enigma Synth Pack (2) (free)
Add a few extra items to your inventory with this free pack!
File size: 111 KB

Dynasty Warriors 6 Empires: Additional Music Set 3 (free)
Add these additional “Dynasty Warriors” music tracks to the game’s BGM Select screen.
File size: 18 MB

GTI Club Plus ($1.99)
Add four exciting new cars to the high speed arcade racer GTI Club+. The Abarth 500, the BMW Mini Cooper, the Peugeot 207 GT and the VW Polo GTI are four modern classics that suit the narrow, winding streets of the Cote D’Azure perfectly.
File size: 11 MB

Guitar Hero World Tour
For all song credits please visit www.guitarhero.com.

“Camel’s Night Out” by Eric Johnson ($1.99)
File size: 50 MB

Rock Band
Build your Rock Band library by purchasing these song game tracks. For song credits, visit www.RockBand.com.

“America”— Spinal Tap ($1.99)
“Big Bottom”— Spinal Tap ($1.99)
“Cups and Cakes”— Spinal Tap ($1.99)
“(Funky) Sex Farm”— Spinal Tap ($1.99)
“Gimme Some Money”— Spinal Tap ($1.99)
“Heavy Duty”— Spinal Tap ($1.99)
“Hell Hole”— Spinal Tap ($1.99)
“(Listen to the) Flower People (Reggae Stylee)”— Spinal Tap ($1.99)
“Rock ‘n’ Roll Creation”— Spinal Tap ($1.99)
“Stonehenge”— Spinal Tap ($1.99)
“Tonight I’m Gonna Rock You Tonight”— Spinal Tap ($1.99)
Spinal Tap’s TAP TEN – ($17.99) – Build your Rock Band library by purchasing this song game track pack: Spinal Tap’s TAP TEN. This pack includes “Tonight I’m Gonna Rock You Tonight,” “Stonehenge,” “Rock ‘n’ Roll Creation,” “Cups & Cakes,” “Gimme Some Money,” “Hell Hole,” “America,” “Heavy Duty,” “Big Bottom,” “(Listen to the) Flower People (Reggae Stylee),” and “(Funky) Sex Farm” by Spinal Tap
File sizes: 11 MB – 36 MB (singles), 292 MB (track pack)

Tiger Woods PGA Tour 2010 Cog Hill Golf & CC ($4.99)
Play like a pro on the course where the PGA’s Western Open is hosted every year. The signature hole is number 6, a long par 3 with a two-tiered green that slopes toward the front and is surrounded by six deep sand bunkers. Cog Hill has something to offer players at every level.
File size: 195 MB

Game Videos (free)
TV Show King Trailer (English, French and Spanish versions)
File sizes: 8.49 MB – 9.38 MB (SD)

Watchmen The End Is Nigh Part 2 Launch Trailer
File size: 63 MB (1080)

Watchmen The End Is Nigh Part 2 The Complete Experience Launch Trailer
File size: 69 MB (1080)

G Force The Video Game Trailer
File size: 88 MB (1080)

Mini Ninjas Futo Gameplay Trailer
File size: 50 MB (HD)

Mini Ninjas Futo Vignette
File size: 62 MB (HD

Mini Ninjas Shun Vignette
File size: 67 MB (HD)

Unbound Saga Between the Panels Issue 2
File size: 19 MB (SD)

Themes
College Football Themes (x5) (Arkansas, Clemson, Colorado, Illinois and Missouri) ($1.99 each)
File sizes: 4.61 MB – 5.28 MB

PlayStation Store for PSP
Downloadable Games
Dynasty Warriors ($14.99) (also available from PS3 storefront)
Dynasty Warriors transports you to the virtual battlefields of Ancient China to experience the thrill of fighting legions of ruthless enemy soldiers. Choose up to 42 characters, each wielding powerful weapons and lethal fighting skills.
ESRB Rated T
File size: 115 MB

Add-on Game Content
Hannah Montana: Rock Out The Show Musicians Wardrobe Add-On (free) (also available from PS3 storefront)
Style your musicians with cool new wardrobe pieces in this download pack. Get 5 new items to create more unique looks for the ultimate style for your dancers.
File size: 1.08 MB

Hannah Montana: Rock Out The Show Moment Maker Special Effects Add-On (free) (also available from PS3 storefront)
Pump-up your performance with new special effects for your Rock star Moments with this download pack. Get 5 new special effects to create even more cool Moments for your performances.
File size: 1.18 MB

Hannah Montana: Rock Out The Show Stage Prop Add-On (free) (also available from PS3 storefront)
Enhance your selection of rock star stage props with this download pack. Get 4 new stage pieces to create more custom looks and rock the stage for your fans.
File size: 1.05 MB

Hannah Montana: Rock Out The Show Fashions Add-On (free) (also available from PS3 storefront)
Expand your wardrobe with exciting new looks in this download pack. Get 5 new fashions for Hannah and create even more rock star looks for the stage.
File size: 1.05 MB

Rock Band Unplugged (also available from PS3 storefront)
Build your Rock Band Unplugged library by purchasing these song game tracks. For song credits, visit www.RockBand.com.

“Had a Dad”— Jane’s Addiction ($1.99)
“Renegade”— Styx ($1.99)
File sizes: 17 MB – 18 MB

Game Videos (free)
Unbound Saga: Between the Panels Issue 2
File size: 9.72 MB

July’s Downloadable Game Reviews

Kingdom for Keflings
Microsoft Game Studios, Ninja Bee
Available for download via Xbox Live Arcade

Give me the chance to build mini cities or control little tiny people in your game and you’ll have me addicted to it for hours. Kingdom for Keflings not only gives you the opportunity to control mini people in order to build a little kingdom but you can also kick them around while you do it. Bonus!

Playing as a giant or as your XBLA avatar, KfK has you controlling a kingdom of mini people called keflings in order to build their small village into a giant kingdom with a castle. You give these little people orders to collect resources or run buildings as you control the building of structure pieces and building completion. The game does offer a multi-player mode that allows up to 4 players to build the kingdom together.

This game can become mindlessly addicting, almost taunting you to keep going with its promise of another blue print and another building erected, but as you get into the later hours of this game, the process slows down and I found it all to be very empty. The building process became too lengthy and the management of all my keflings became so annoying that I soon tuned out. While the game does have some cute traits, I would honestly suggest that simulator fans stick to games like Sim City or The Sims to feed their sim addictions.

Pass on it!

Trash Panic
Sony Computer Entertainment Japan
Available for download via Playstation Network

If you’re like me when it comes to garbage maintenance, then you probably fill your trash can to the very brim before you finally cave and toss it outside. If so, then you will be an expert at playing Trash Panic, a new game on the Playstation Network that has you compacting trash into a bin much like Tetris pieces.

In Trash Panic, trash pieces like brooms, coffee cups, computer screens and even buildings are moved down a conveyor belt towards a large trash bin and you must move and rotate the pieces into the bin in order to fit them as compact as possible. Using techniques or items, you can break, burn, decompose or even blow up the trash to reduce its size in the bin. There are 6 level s to complete in main mode and 3 difficulty levels to complete them on. You also get an unlimited mode, a versus mode and a mission mode for extra game play, but the main mode is pretty hard even on easy to finish so expect to spend some time it.

I love that this game is fun and environmentally responsible. At the end of each level, you get a score based on how environmental responsible you were disposing of the trash. Plus the added stress relief of smashing pieces of garage is nice too. On the other hand though, some of the boss battles were incredible hard and if you didn’t prep your bin before hand, you were doomed to fail against them. Ultimately though, this is a unique and challenging game and I highly recommend it.

Buy it!

Final Fantasy IV: The After Years
Square Enix
Available for download via Nintendo WiiWare

Fans of the Final Fantasy series are about take a trip back to their childhood with the newest WiiWare release from Square Enix, Final Fantasy IV: The After Years. Using 16 bit graphics and the original ATB battle system, FFIV: The After Years will probably have anyone who played FFIV or FFVI instantly in love with it after the first 5 minutes of playing it. I know I wanted to propose to it.

FFIV: The After Years follows the story of Ceodore, the son of Cecil and Rosa as he tries to restore peace to his world after the second moon returns and bring the reign of monster terror back with it. During his journey, he is helped by familiar faces from the FFIV story like Palom, Porom, Rydia and many more.

The main WiiWare game will set you back 800 points which will get you three chapters of the story to play through. Now these are lengthy chapters and they will have you busy for quite a few hours as you transverse through them, but in order to finish the whole story you will have to purchase 8 more add-on storylines. The 7 character based storylines will cost you 300 points each and the final add-on will cost you another 800 points. These add-ons will be released over the next 3 months and can be purchased via the in-game download menu.

While I’m not impressed about forking out another 2900 Wii points on top of the 800 I already spent to download the first game, I can’t help but defend this amazing game. Too be completely frank, Square Enix has been putting out some God awful remakes and sequels lately and this is the first throwback to the retro stuff that I have not only loved how great it looks and plays, but can’t help but smile while playing. This game is like the old Square Soft games I grew up with but new. If I have only one download to suggest this month and for the next 3 months, then I suggest you spend your money on this.

Buy it!


Hasbro Family Game Night
Electronic Arts
Available for download via Xbox Live Arcade

If you lived through the 80s, then there’s a chance you played at least one game of Battleship or Scrabble with your annoying parents or siblings. I remember many childhood fights that started over Scrabble and whether or not something was really a word. The problem with board games is that pieces go missing and the newer generation could care less about them when they have videogame and iPods to keep them entertained.

That’s where Hasbro Family Game Night comes in! Sporting the games you loved as child but now in a shiner videogame form for those easily distracted generation of kids. Hosting by everyone’s favourite spud, Mr. Potato Head, HFGN allows you to download 6 different board games: Scrabble, Battleship, Boggle, Yahtzee, Connect 4, Sorry and Sorry Slider, all which cost 800 marketplace points. Each game comes with various modes that allow you to experience the game the classic way or in new, advanced ways. There are also multiplayer modes, both local and online so you can play with friends and family.

While I was more of a Clue fan growing up, I definitely played most of these games and this is a great trip down memory lane. Mr. Potato Head is quite the little joker in the background during each game and free customizable background themes are a nice touch to your HFGN game lounge. Honestly though, spending 800 points per game is a bit much and I think EA could have dropped the price to maybe 400 instead. I know this game was released on Nintendo Wii as a full priced game in stores, but still it just seems a lot for board games you could pick up at garage sales for 25 cents.

I would suggest as a purchase only if you really like one specific board game and want to play it with your family and friends. Beyond that wait to see if the point price comes down on this before you consider this a purchase.

Pass on it!

Playstation Store Downloads for June 25, 2009

Downloadable Games
Droplitz ($9.99)
Immerse yourself in this addictive puzzler that’s all about strategically twisting and connecting mismatched dials to save precious droplitz. Just making a single junction is child’s play; can you master the art of the combo or will you let your pipes runneth over? With four unique play modes, a variety of board sizes, and infinite replayability, Droplitz promises to drain all your time away.
ESRB Rated E
File size: 144 MB

PSone Classics PS3 / PSP
Mobile Light Force ($5.99)
This classic vertical scrolling shoot ‘em upbrings all the best of arcade action games into your home.
ESRB Rated E
File size: 69 MB

Game Demos (free)
The BIGS 2 Demo
The BIG LEAGUES just got BIGGER! The BIGS 2 allows fans to experience heroic gameplay, legendary game modes and incredible player models. Experience a 3 inning game between the American and National League All Stars, as well as Home Run Derby Pinball in the all new Las Vegas level. The BIGS gets BIGGER 7.7.09!
File size: 562 MB

Add-on Game Content
High Velocity Bowling 60’s Surf Ball Pack ($0.99)
File size: 5.08 MB

High Velocity Bowling Tiki Polynesian Ball Pack ($0.99)
File size: 5.52 MB

LittleBigPlanet Summer Solstice Costume (free)
File size: 1.04 MB

LittleBigPlanet Artists Sitcker Pack - Jon Burgerman ($1.99)
File size: 1.04 MB

MotorStorm Pacific Rift Wombat Signature Livery Pack (free)
File size: 100 KB

Cross Edge Mystery Synth Pack (free)
File size: 111 KB

Cross Edge Mighty Rare Pack (free)
File size: 111 KB

Cross Edge Additional Dungeon 1 (free)
File size: 111 KB

Disgaea 3: Absence Of Justice Class World Command Attack Mode ($3.99)
File size: 1.23 MB

Cuboid Bundle Pack ($4.99)
File size: 100 KB

Cuboid Level Editor ($3.99)
File size: 100 KB

Cuboid Booster Pack ($2.99)
File size: 100 KB

Guitar Hero World Tour
For all song credits please visit www.guitarhero.com.

“Chalk Dust Torture (Live)” by Phish ($1.99)
“Down With Disease (Live)” by Phish ($1.99)
“Sample In A Jar (Live)” by Phish ($1.99)
Phish Live Track Pack ($5.49)
File sizes: 52 MB - 63 MB (singles), 169 MB (track pack)

Rock Band
Build your Rock Band library by purchasing these song game tracks. For song credits, visit www.RockBand.com.

“Little of Your Time” — Maroon 5 ($1.99)
“Makes Me Wonder” — Maroon 5 ($1.99)
“Wake Up Call” — Maroon 5 ($1.99)
“Maroon 5 Pack 1 ($5.49)
“21st Century (Digital Boy)” — Bad Religion ($1.99)
“The Downfall of Us All” — A Day to Remember ($1.99)
“The Flood” — Escape the Fate ($1.99)
“I Didn’t Say I Was Powerful, I Said I Was a Wizard” — Chiodos ($1.99)
“Reinventing Your Exit” — Underoath ($1.99)
Warped Tour 2009 Pack 1 ($8.49)
“Alive” — Pearl Jam ($1.99)
“Brother” — Pearl Jam ($1.99)
“State of Love and Trust” — Pearl Jam ($1.99)
Pearl Jam “Ten” Bonus Pack ($5.49)
File sizes: 21 MB - 42 MB (singles), 94 MB - 140 MB (track pack)

Game Videos (free)
inFAMOUS Commercial
File size: 23 MB (HD)

Mini Ninjas Gameplay Trailer
File size: 56 MB (HD)

Mini Ninjas Hiro Trailer
File size: 55 MB (HD)

Monster Hunter Freedom Unite Handover Video
File size: 55 MB (HD)

Monster Hunter Freedom Unite Hunt Video
File size: 101 MB (HD)

The Saboteur E3 Trailer
File size: 85 MB (HD)

Darksiders Story Trailer
File size: 51 MB (HD)

The BIGS 2 Legendary Catches & Big Slams
File size: 50 MB (HD)

The BIGS 2 Teaser Trailer
File size: 78 MB (HD)

PS3 Themes
Battlefield 1943 Theme (free)
File size: 3.77 MB

Elven X III Theme ($1.49)
File size: 5.95 MB

PlayStation Store for PSP
Downloadable Games
Brothers in Arms D-Day ($14.99) (also available from PS3 storefront)
On the night before D-Day, the 101st Airborne parachuted behind enemy lines in Normandy. The hopes of the free world rested upon their shoulders.
ESRB Rated M
File size: 1.05 GB

Chessmaster: The Art of Learning ($19.99) (also available from PS3 storefront)
The world’s best program for beginners and advanced players. Play the best selling chess program for the first time on PSP.
ESRB Rated E
File size: 84 MB

Driver 76 ($19.99) (also available from PS3 storefront)
Take to the streets of 1976 New York, in this action packed, Hollywood style driving game, where you can become the ultimate godfather of the street racing!
ESRB Rated M
File size: 637 MB

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles ($19.99) (also available from PS3 storefront)
Based on the CGI TMNT movie, Ubisoft’s TMNT video game takes place in New York City, a city plagued with fast-moving shadows and attacks from strange creatures. Could the wealthy and mysterious Max Winters be involved? New York City needs the Turtles now more than ever but they face their most trying time both as heroes and as brothers.
ESRB Rated E10+
File size: 864 MB

Add-on Game Content
Dynasty Warriors Strikeforce Pack 2 (free) (also available from PS3 storefront)
File size: 1.13 MB

Rock Band Unplugged (also available from PS3 storefront)
Build your Rock Band Unplugged library by purchasing these song game tracks. For song credits, visit www.RockBand.com.

“Afterlife” — Avenged Sevenfold ($1.99)
“Dr. Feelgood”— Motley Crue ($1.99)
File sizes: 20 MB - 22 MB

PSP Themes
Elven X PSP Theme 5 ($0.99) (also available from PS3 storefront)
File size: 545 KB

Elven X PSP Theme 6 ($0.99) (also available from PS3 storefront)
File size: 661 KB

Playstation Store Downloads for June 11, 2009

Downloadable Games
Heavy Weapon ($9.99)
Mount an assault on the enemy like never before with Heavy Weapon and the PLAYSTATION 3 computer entertainment system! Launch your mission as an atomic tank to collect power-ups from friends and engage the enemy! Choose Mission or Survival modes to blast your way through 19 exciting stages or see how long you can stand against the enemy. Heavy Weapon features new and unique PLAYSTATION 3 system trophies!
ESRB: E10+
File size: 48 MB

Gunstar Heroes ($4.99)
The Gunstar 9 planet was peaceful for many years until the vicious dictator, Colonel Red, kidnapped the Gunstar twins’ older brother and used mind control to make him his slave. You’ll face many different enemies and bosses as you battle to stop the dictator from unleashing “Golden Silver the Destructor” with apocalyptic consequences!
ESRB: E
File size: 35 MB

Bomberman ULTRA ($9.99)
Because you demanded it! Bomberman ULTRA gives everyone who picks up the controller the chance to bomb their way to victory. Hop online to play against up to 8 people from around the world! Pick from any of 14 levels and mix and match over 50 character costumes with over 150,000 possible combinations! Stat-tracking leaderboards will show just how good you are!
ESRB: E
File size: 71 MB

PSone Classics PS3 / PSP
Medal of Honor Underground ($5.99)
The classic Medal of Honor franchise is back! Germans have invaded your country. Now you must take the battle underground and lead the resistance in the fight against tyranny.
ESRB Rated T
File size: 474 MB

Game Demos (free)
Heavy Weapon Demo
Mount an assault on the enemy like never before with Heavy Weapon and the PLAYSTATION 3 computer entertainment system! Download the demo now to launch your mission as an atomic tank to collect power-ups from friends and engage the enemy! Choose Mission or Survival modes to blast your way through 19 exciting stages or see how long you can stand against the enemy. Heavy Weapon features new and unique PLAYSTATION 3 system trophies!
File size: 48 MB

Bomberman ULTRA Demo
Because you demanded it! This demo of Bomberman ULTRA gives everyone who picks up the controller the chance to bomb their way to victory. You can play offline against 2 CPU opponents in the traditional Bomberman game mode in the classic Bomberman arena! In the full game you can hop online to play against up to 8 people from around the world! Pick from any of 14 levels and mix and match over 50 character costumes with over 150,000 combinations!
ESRB Rated E
File size: 71 MB

Add-on Game Content
Killzone 2 Flash & Thunder Pack ($5.99)
Download this Killzone 2 pack for a trip down memory lane with two classic multiplayer maps from the original Killzone, updated with new, even more brutal gameplay environments. Revisit the Vektan shores in Beach Head and battle through the wastelands of the Southern Hills.
File size: 169 MB

LittleBigPlanet ICO Costume Pack ($5.99)
The best thing about Sackboy is that you can make him look and act exactly how you want. Download this pack and pay homage to characters from the critacally aclaimed ICO Franchise!
File size: 1.04 MB

LittleBigPlanet Gaius costume ($1.99)
Pulled from the critically acclaimed PS2 adventure- Shadow of the Colossus, get this new costume and dress up as the Colossus Gaius!
File size: 1.04 MB

LittleBigPlanet Quadratus costume ($1.99)
Pulled from the critically acclaimed PS2 adventure- Shadow of the Colossus, get this new costume and dress up as the Colossus Quadratus!
File size: 1.04 MB

LBP Ico costume ($1.99)
Pulled from the critically acclaimed PS2 adventure, ICO, get this new costume for LittleBigPlanet and make your Sackboy resemble the brave horned hero of the game.
File size: 1.04 MB

LittleBigPlanet Wander costume ($1.99)
Pulled from the critically acclaimed PS2 adventure - Shadow of the Colossus, get this new costume and dress up as Wander, the brave hero of the game.
File size: 1.04 MB

LittleBigPlanet Yorda costume ($1.99)
Pulled from the critically acclaimed PS2 adventure- ICO, get this new costume and dress up as Yorda, the main character companion.
File size: 1.04 MB

MotorStorm Atlas 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.
Reminder: to use this download, you must own MotorStorm Pacific Rift.
File size: 100 KB

The Last Guy Add-on ($1.99)
You are the chosen one, a zombie hero from the Himalayan mountains, and it is up to you to rescue the last survivors on Earth by leading them to safety through zombie-infested streets. Make your way through 15 detailed real-world cities, shown from a classic arcade style overhead view, and lead them to the Escape Zone before time runs out in this frantic, addictive game.
File size: 68 MB

Burnout Paradise Big Surf Island ($12.99)
Get this pack and head over the suspension bridge at the end of 4th Street to reach Big Surf Island! A whole new location packed with gameplay.
File size: 100 KB

Call of Duty: World at War Map Pack 2 ($9.99)
Call of Duty: World at War Map Pack 2 continues the addictive COD multiplayer with 4 new maps. Battle to control the river in “Banzai” featuring a waterfall and hidden caves. In “Corrosion” face your enemy in a shattered train yard and in “Sub Pens” struggle over a bombed-out submarine base. And Zombies return in “Shi No Numa” (Zombie Swamp) with new Trophies and flaming Hell Hounds.
File size: 729 MB

DYNASTY WARRIORS: GUNDAM 2 DWG2 - Pack 7 (free)
Focus! Defeat all the squad leaders within the time limit. Every 100 units defeated will extend the time limit. Once all squad leaders have been defeated, you can obtain the license for the Musha Gundam Mk I or II! Remember, they’re mobile suits, not people! Whatever that means…
File size: 128 KB

DYNASTY WARRIORS: GUNDAM 2 DWG2 - Pack 8 (free)
Decisions… decisions…Two longtime foes and their selfish fighting is wreaking untold havoc and destruction! You must end their stalemate by joining one of the forces and defeating the other! Which side should you join? I don’t know, flip a coin or something.
File size: 112 KB

DYNASTY WARRIORS: GUNDAM 2 DWG2 - Pack 9 (free)
True Dynasty Warriors Gundam II! Surface Edition! Just when you think you’re done with this mission. It comes crawling back. This time you will face off against the greatest Gundam pilots the universe has ever known! If you can survive this ordeal, your name will be renowned forever as the greatest Gundam pilot in the universe… on land.
File size: 100 KB

DYNASTY WARRIORS: GUNDAM 2 DWG2 - Pack 10 (free)
True Dynasty Warriors Gundam II! Space Edition! Just when you think you’re done with this mission. It comes crawling back. This time you will face off against the greatest Gundam pilots the universe has ever known! If you can survive this ordeal, your name will be renowned forever as the greatest Gundam pilot in the universe… in space.
File size: 100 KB

Guitar Hero World Tour
For all song credits please visit www.guitarhero.com

“Adrenalina” by Finley ($1.99)
“Cadillac Solitario (Live)” by Loquillo y Trogloditas ($1.99)
“The Bitter End” by Placebo ($1.99)
European Track Pack 06 ($5.49) - Downloadable Track Pack for Guitar Hero World Tour featuring “The Bitter End” by Placebo, “Cadillac Solitario (Live)” by Loquillo y Trogloditas and “Adrenalina” by Finley. 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: 31 MB - 59 MB (singles), 121 MB (track pack)

Rock Band
Build your Rock Band library by purchasing these song game tracks. For song credits, visit www.RockBand.com.

“Aces High (Live)” — Iron Maiden ($1.99)
“2 Minutes to Midnight”— Iron Maiden ($1.99)
“Run to the Hills (Original Version)”— Iron Maiden ($1.99)
“Number of the Beast (Original Version)”— Iron Maiden ($1.99)
“The Trooper”— Iron Maiden ($1.99)
“Can I Play with Madness”— Iron Maiden ($1.99)
“The Clairvoyant”— Iron Maiden ($1.99)
“Wasted Years”— Iron Maiden ($1.99)
“Hallowed Be Thy Name (Live)”— Iron Maiden ($1.99)
“Powerslave”— Iron Maiden ($1.99)
“Fear of the Dark (Live)”— Iron Maiden ($1.99)
“Iron Maiden (Live)”— Iron Maiden ($1.99)
Iron Maiden Pack 01 ($19.99) - Build your Rock Band library by purchasing this song game track pack: Iron Maiden 01. This pack includes “Aces High (Live),” “2 Minutes to Midnight,” “Run to the Hills (Original Version),” “Number of the Beast (Original Version),” “The Trooper,” “Can I Play with Madness,” “The Clairvoyant,” “Wasted Years,” “Hallowed Be Thy Name (Live),” “Powerslave,” “Fear of the Dark (Live),” and “Iron Maiden (Live)” by Iron Maiden.
File sizes: 26 MB - 60 MB (singles), 473 MB (track pack)

Sonic Unleashed Empire City & Adabat Adventure Pack ($2.99)
Download all-new Empire City & Adabat adventures! For the final downloadable pack, play four daytime & four nighttime stages that range from a high-rise metropolis to an exotic jungle strewn with ancient ruins. This pack includes three brand new stages and three new missions. Be sure and download the other location packs to unleash the full Sonic experience!
Note: These stages are accessed in Empire City & Adabat, so unlocking Empire City & Adabat are requirements to play these additional stages.
File size: 585 MB

Saints Row 2: The Unkut Pack (free)
Pimp out your personality with over 60 brand new customization items including Unkut watches, necklaces, bracelets, shirts, jeans, and hoodies. Show your love for the Row with 16 brand new tattoo options.
File size: 53 MB

Tom Clancy’s H.A.W.X - Supremacy Pack ($9.99)
Secure a powerful fleet of 16 mainstay and prototype aircraft and fight for supremacy in online and single player modes. This download combines three packages: the US Eagles pack, the European Assault pack, and the Russian Falcons pack.
File size: 1.95 MB

Tiger Woods PGA TOUR 10 Spyglass Hill Golf Course ($7.50)
Discover Pebble Beach’s hidden gem, Spyglass Hill. This course is consistently ranked as one of America’s Greatest Public Courses and is known for having some of the toughest holes on the PGA Tour. Watch out for holes 6, 8 and 16 in particular and be ready for a great challenge.
File size: 231 MB

Tiger Woods PGA TOUR 10 Course Pass ($2.25)
Instantly unlock all the courses in Tiger Woods PGA TOUR 10 with this download. You can play through the game to unlock each of these courses or unlock them all now.
File size: 100 KB

Tiger Woods PGA TOUR 10 Apparel (x16) ($1.50 - $2.25)
Use Apparel to increase your created golfer’s Attributes. Note: You can play through the game in order to unlock and purchase each item individually, or unlock and purchase the entire collection now.
File size: 100 KB each

Tiger Woods PGA TOUR 10 Equipment (x16) ($1.50 - $2.25)
Use Equipment to increase your created golfer’s Attributes. Note: You can play through the game in order to unlock and purchase each item individually, or unlock and purchase the entire collection now.
File size: 100 KB each

Tiger Woods PGA TOUR 10 Intermediate, Advanced and Expert Clubs (Drivers, Woods, Irons, Wedges and Putters) (x15) ($1.50 - $1.99)
After your purchase, don’t forget to take your new clubs to the in-game Club Tuner so that you can customize your clubs to match your personal play style. Note: You can play through the game in order to unlock and purchase each item individually, or unlock and purchase the entire collection now
File size: 100 KB each

Tiger Woods PGA TOUR 10 Max Stats Costumes ($3.75)
Max out your original golfer’s Attributes. Save yourself the time of building up your golfer, and instantly set all Attributes to 12!
File size: 100 KB

Game Videos (free)
PAINalympics Trailer
File size: 70 MB (HD)

Fat Princess Developer Diary Video 2
File size: 225 MB (HD)

Burnout Paradise Big Surf Island Trailer
File size: 96 MB (HD)

Cell Factor Launch Trailer
File size: 15 MB (SD) 47 MB (HD) 73 MB (1080)

PS3 Themes
Bomberman ULTRA Theme (free)
File size: 4.30 MB

Terran 3020 PS3 Theme ($1.49)
File size: 4.76 MB

Anime Snipers PS3 Theme ($1.49)
File sizes: 3.60 MB

Wallpaper (free)
Final Fantasy XIII E3 Wallpaper
File size: 371 KB (SD) 457 KB (HD)

PlayStation Store for PSP
Downloadable Games
Hot Shots Golf Open Tee 2 ($22.99) (also available from PS3 storefront)
Step out of the clubhouse and onto the tee box with Hot Shots Golf Open Tee 2. The classic, entertaining golf franchise returns to the PSP system with new quirky characters, beautiful courses and a huge variety of customizable options that enable you to take your golf game wherever you go.
ESRB Rated T
File size: 742 MB

Add-on Game Content
Rock Band Unplugged (also available from PS3 storefront)
Build your Rock Band Unplugged library by purchasing these song game tracks. For song credits, visit www.RockBand.com.

“Constant Motion” — Dream Theater ($1.99)
“Sex Type Thing”— Stone Temple Pilots ($1.99)
File sizes: 16 MB - 27 MB

PSP Themes
Terran 3020 PSP Theme (x2) ($0.99 each) (also available from PS3 storefront)
File sizes: 639 KB - 676 KB

Anime Snipers PSP Theme (x2)($0.99 each) (also available from PS3 storefront)
File sizes: 518 KB - 525 MB