“It’s on the backburner,” said de Plater when asked if work on EndWar 2 was ongoing

No other details on the title were given except that the game is officially put on hold, which will definitely come as a bummer for those fans of the original game.

Previously Ubisoft had said that the sequel would focus more on offline play.

“Giving more attention to the single-player is straightforward to address and will make the game a lot of fun,” Michael de Plater said in July last year.

“Changing the way the combat chain works, the paper, scissors, rock, and adding the differentiation between the three factions, again it’s not something that’s even necessarily hard to do; it’s something that we chose not to do with the accessibility.”

The original game was a voice-controlled Real-Time Strategy title that was released in 2008 for the PC, Xbox 360 and PC by developer Ubi Shanghai.

Via VG247

This was confirmed by Square Enix president Yoichi Wada who stated at the Games Summit:

“It would be the first collaboration between Square Enix and Eidos Montreal. We would like to be able to create a new title that is made by the group as one.”

Now Square Enix has trademarked something called Deus Ex: Human Revolution in both Europe and in North America (the trademark includes both with and without the colon, btw).

However it’s impossible to know whether this is a new game, if it’s Deus Ex 3, if it’s Dues Ex 4 or something else entirely. Though if I had to guess I’d say it is probably Dues Ex 3 (which is a prequel and will be released on Xbox 360, PS3 and PC), they just gave it name.

Either way, any Dues Ex news is good news.

Via VG247

Nintendo states:

“This legal proceeding was commenced to protect the creative rights and innovation of game developers, and to combat the growing international problem of Internet piracy. Under Australian law, copying and distributing games without the permission of the copyright holder is a breach of the Copyright Act.

The legal proceeding resulted in a settlement in which the individual will pay to Nintendo the sum of $1.5 Million dollars by way of damages to compensate Nintendo for the loss of sales revenue caused by the individual’s actions.

Upon the game being uploaded to the Internet, Nintendo was able to employ the use of sophisticated technological forensics to identify the individual responsible for illegally copying the file and making it available for further distribution. On 23 November, 2009, Nintendo obtained a Federal Court search order in respect of the individual’s residential premises. This led to the seizure of property from those premises in order to gain further evidence against the individual.

Nintendo guards its intellectual property rights in order to protect the interests of its valued consumers, its own interests, as well as the interests of game development companies. Nintendo will pursue those who attempt to jeopardise our industry by using all means available to it under the law.”

This should obviously serve as a warning to anyone who would consider uploading and spreading videogames on the Internet illegally. And if you break this law, they can literally come to your house and seize your property, not to mention possible jail fines and hefty fees.

The sad thing is that some really cool PC mods can and did come from what was released online. But obviously it came at a very high price for the original individual who committed the crime.

Via Nintendo Mobile

“Are you God’s gift to gun fights? Think you’re the best? Wanna prove it? Then help us celebrate the grand opening of Marcus Bank (a subsidiary of Marcus Corp) by killing hundreds and hundreds of people in Mad Moxxi’s Underdome Riot, the only competitive arena around where your next of kin can be assured that you’re coming back famous . . . or not at all. (All proceeds are kept by us)”

This DLC features three new Riot Arenas and storage for player items. Plot-wise, “Mad Moxxi” is a crazed lover who is seeking a new man (her 4th husband) and creates arenas in which they demonstrate their manly prowess over all others. The DLC includes several of the campaign’s enemies and bosses to fight in an arena setting. New game modes include: low-gravity, enemy health regeneration, and shieldless battles.

This video demonstrates some tips for players as well as showing off all of the game’s new features.

Borderlands Mad Moxxi’s Underdome Riot Walkthrough Part 1 – Main Hub

Borderlands Mad Moxxi’s Underdome Riot – The Gully – Round 1 – Waves 1, 2, 3, 4, 5

Borderlands Mad Moxxi’s Underdome Riot – The Gully – Round 2 – Waves 1, 2, 3

Borderlands Mad Moxxi’s Underdome Riot – The Gully – Round 2 – Waves 4, 5

Borderlands Mad Moxxi’s Underdome Riot – The Gully – Round 3 – Waves 1, 2, 3, 4, 5

Borderlands Mad Moxxi’s Underdome Riot – The Gully – Round 4 – Waves 1, 2, 3, 4, 5

Borderlands Mad Moxxi’s Underdome Riot – The Gully – Round 5 – Waves 1, 2, 3

Borderlands Mad Moxxi’s Underdome Riot – The Gully – Round 5 – Waves 4, 5

Borderlands Mad Moxxi’s Underdome Riot – Hell Burbia – Round 1 – Waves 1, 2, 3, 4, 5

Borderlands Mad Moxxi’s Underdome Riot – Hell Burbia – Round 2 – Waves 1, 2, 3, 4, 5

Borderlands Mad Moxxi’s Underdome Riot – Hell Burbia – Round 3 – Waves 1, 2, 3

Borderlands Mad Moxxi’s Underdome Riot – Hell Burbia – Round 3 – Waves 4, 5

Borderlands Mad Moxxi’s Underdome Riot – Hell Burbia – Round 4 – Waves 1, 2, 3, 4, 5

Borderlands Mad Moxxi’s Underdome Riot – Hell Burbia – Round 5 – Waves 1, 2, 3, 4, 5

Borderlands Mad Moxxi’s Underdome Riot – Angelic Ruins

Thanks to Ramza411sb for the walkthrough videos.

“The Jakobs Corporation would like to invite you to discover and experience the mysteries of our corporate owned small town known as Jakobs Cove. Any rumors you may have heard about Were Skags, Crawling Torsos, Exploding Tankensteins and the so-called “undead” walking our streets are completely preposterous and we officially deny them all. If those rumors turn out to be true simply purchase a firearm from the conveniantly located Jakobs Brand Vending Machines and aim for the head. Also, would you mind saving our employees? (Non-union only please)”

The Zombie Island of Dr. Ned is an add-on pack for Borderlands with amazing new areas to explore, dozens of new missions to complete and hours of new gameplay and new enemy types to eviscerate.

Borderlands Zombie Island of Dr. Ned Walkthrough Episode 1 – Zombie Gameplay

Borderlands Zombie Island of Dr. Ned Walkthrough Episode 2: The Bleeding Heart Infirmary

Borderlands Zombie Island of Dr. Ned Walkthrough Episode 3: Badass Tankenstein

Borderlands Zombie Island of Dr. Ned Walkthrough Episode 4: Ned

Borderlands Zombie Island of Dr. Ned Walkthrough Episode 5: Hamburger Hill

Borderlands Zombie Island of Dr. Ned Walkthrough Episode 6: Hank Reiss

Borderlands Zombie Island of Dr. Ned Walkthrough Episode 7: Ping Pong

Borderlands Zombie Island of Dr. Ned Walkthrough Episode 8: Pumpkin Head

Borderlands Zombie Island of Dr. Ned Walkthrough Episode 9: Detective Work

Borderlands Zombie Island of Dr. Ned Walkthrough Episode 10: The Return of Hank

Borderlands Zombie Island of Dr. Ned Walkthrough Episode 11: Bigfoot Exists

Borderlands Zombie Island of Dr. Ned Walkthrough Episode 12: The Abandoned Lab

Borderlands Zombie Island of Dr. Ned Walkthrough Episode 13: Franken Bill

Borderlands Zombie Island of Dr. Ned Walkthrough Episode 14: Claptrap on Claptrap Crime

Borderlands Zombie Island of Dr. Ned Walkthrough Episode 15: The Long Walk to Ned

Borderlands Zombie Island of Dr. Ned Walkthrough Episode 16: Tank Death

Borderlands Zombie Island of Dr. Ned Walkthrough Episode 17: Wuss and Chump

Borderlands Zombie Island of Dr. Ned Walkthrough Episode 18: Undead Ned

Thanks to SSoHPKC for the walkthrough videos.

“Your memories of the battle of Ostagar will haunt you for years to come. It laid waste to your order and claimed the lives of many great men and women, including the brash young King Cailan and your mentor, Duncan. Now, there are rumors that a fellow survivor of the battle has escaped from captivity and is seeking the Grey Wardens’ help. The time has come for the Grey Wardens to make their return to Ostagar and exact their revenge upon the Darkspawn.”

Players can discover the armor of the late King Cailan and the arms of the last Grey Warden Commander, Duncan, in the Return to Ostagar expansion. You’ll also have another opportunity to recruit Dog, can gain new items and can earn one new Achievement.

Dragon Age Origins Return to Ostagar Walkthrough Part 1

To start this DLC, you’ll visit a small new area where you must fight a survivor. He will give you a key to a treasure chest, which he claims contains important documents from the king himself. You’ll then go back to Ostagar where Darkspawn are still roaming. In addition you’ll visit the place where The Joining took place and will retrieve the chalice.

Dragon Age Origins Return to Ostagar Walkthrough Part 2

In part two, you’ll do some more fighting against Darkspawn, you’ll recover more pieces of King Cailin’s armor, and will also get his documents (which strangely seem to have no impact on gameplay including at the meeting).

Dragon Age Origins Return to Ostagar Walkthrough Part 3

In part three, you will find that the King’s body has been desecrated. You’ll then meet a Necromancer who is resurrecting Darkspawn. That leads to a chase where you’ll recover some more armor. You’ll eventually reach the tower.

Dragon Age Origins Return to Ostagar Walkthrough Part 4

In part four, you’ll make your way into the tower and continue chasing the Darkspawn Necromancer. Afterward you’ll head into the Darkspawn Tunnels.

Dragon Age Origins Return to Ostagar Walkthrough Part 5

This brings us to the end of the DLC in part five. You’ll face the boss and after killing him will get the King’s Helm, a Sword from the Ogre and Duncan’s Dagger. Note that you can kill the Yellow Necromancer immediately if you want, but in the video the Ogre is killed first. The Necromancer will keep re-animating the Ogre until the Necromancer is taken out. Once the Necromancer is dead then all the spirits and the Ogre will die permanently. For the end, you can either leave Callian as is, let the wolves devour him, or give him his farewell via the pyre. It’s also worth noting that, in the video, it is only by coincidence that the spirits die with the Ogre. This is due to Shale killing off the Necromancer in the background.

Thanks to asaphelps2 for the walkthrough videos.

“Some claim the fortress of Soldier’s Peak is corrupted and overrun by demons. Others whisper of betrayal and the spirits of murdered Grey Wardens. Whatever the truth, Soldier’s Peak is no place for the living.”

In Warden’s Keep, players relive the darkest hour of the Grey Wardens with new content that adds to the main Dragon Age: Origins campaign. This downloadable adventure reveals secrets hidden for generations, and includes unique achievements, unlockable character abilities, powerful items, and more.

Dragon Age Origins Warden’s Keep Walkthrough Part 1 – It Begins

Dragon Age Origins Warden’s Keep Walkthrough Part 2 – They Did What?!

Dragon Age Origins Warden’s Keep Walkthrough Part 3 – Demons Demons Everywhere

Dragon Age Origins Warden’s Keep Walkthrough Part 4 – The One Behind It All

Dragon Age Origins Warden’s Keep Walkthrough Part 5 – A New Home

Thanks to Toegoff for the walkthrough videos.

This newest game promises to combine all the best elements of all the previous Lego games while also adding brand new gameplay elements to make it the best Lego game yet. It is once again developed by Traveller’s Tales, the same team that has created all the other Lego games (Lego Star Wars, Lego Indiana Jones, Lego Batman, etc.) and will be released this Autumn for Xbox 360, PS3, PSP, PC, DS and Wii.

Lego Star Wars 3: The Clone Wars is based on the animated series of the same name and will include all of the characters from both seasons of the show, as well as fan favorites from the Star Wars film saga.

All-new to this game are head-to-head battle modes and an upgraded level builder that allows more customization than ever before, including the ability to create customized basses and in-game battlefields! Gamers can play as either a Jedi or a Separatist, which gives you all-new powers including Squad command, Lightsaber slicing, Lightsaber Jumps, Long-distance Jedi Attacks and new Grapple Tie-Ups. The game will also include a new, easy-to-navigate hub.

“LucasArts continues to set the bar for next-generation family entertainment,” said Darrell Rodriguez, president of LucasArts. “The LEGO Star Wars franchise is a massive hit with fans, bringing in sales of over 20 million units worldwide. We’re thrilled to extend this experience to LEGO Star Wars III: The Clone Wars, delivering the humour and fun players expect from this award winning franchise.”

“The team at TT is working hard at making this simply the best LEGO game ever with all new gameplay and features never before seen in a LEGO game.”

Monday:
Blaster Master Overdrive – $10 (Wii Shop)
Bloons – $5 (Wii Shop)
Extreme Hangman – $2 (DSi Shop)
Fieldrunners – $5 (DSi Shop)
Hubert The Teddy Bear Winter Games – $5 (Wii Shop)
Link ‘n’ Launch – $5 (DSi Shop)
Oscar in Movieland – $8 (DSi Shop)
Princess Tomato in the Salad Kingdom – $5 (Wii Shop)
Sudoku 4Pockets – $5 (DSi Shop)
Tomena Sanner – $5 (Wii Shop)

Tuesday:
Bermuda Triangle: Saving the Coral (DS, Wii)
Best Friends Tonight (DS)
BioShock 2 (Xbox 360, PS3, PC, Steam)
Dante’s Inferno (Xbox 360, PS3)
Dante’s Inferno: An Animated Epic (DVD, Blu-ray)
Data East Arcade Classics (Wii)
Jigapix Pets (DS)
Jigapix Wonderful World (DS)
Legend of Kay (DS)
Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Lightning Thief (DS)
Rock Blast (Wii)
Scene It? Twilight (DS)
Shiren The Wanderer (Wii)
Square Logic (PC)
Star Ocean: The Last Hope International (PS3)
Super Monkey Ball Step & Roll (Wii)
The Daring Game for Girls (DS, Wii)
World Cup of Pool (DS)
World of Outlaws Sprint Cars (Xbox 360)

Wednesday:
Darwinia+ – $15 (Xbox Live Arcade)

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.com.

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 Virtual Console game is:

Princess Tomato in the Salad Kingdom
Original platform: NES
Publisher: Hudson Entertainment
Players: 1
ESRB Rating: E (Everyone) – Mild Cartoon Violence, Tobacco Reference
Price: 500 Wii Points = $5
Description: Featuring a cast of cute characters and an endearing sense of humor, this unique title has gained a dedicated following since its release on the original NES system. The wicked Minister Pumpkin, a nobleman in the Salad Kingdom, has rebelled and kicked King Broccoli off the throne. Worse yet, he has kidnapped Princess Tomato and, with the help of the treacherous Farmies, proceeded to abolish all truth, justice, sweetness and light from the Salad Kingdom. Players take on the role of the brave Sir Cucumber, hero of the kingdom, and set out on a quest to rescue the princess and topple Minister Pumpkin. Progress through multiple locations using set commands (such as MOVE, LOOK and TALK) while winning bouts of Finger Wars (Rock-Paper-Scissors), collecting information and items and heeding helpful clues from your faithful companion, Percy (a persimmon). If you fail, the entire Salad Kingdom will be tossed into frenzy. Sir Cucumber, your princess awaits!

This week’s new WiiWare games are:

Blaster Master Overdrive
Publisher: Sunsoft
Players: 1
ESRB Rating: E10+ (Everyone 10 and Older) – Mild Fantasy Violence
Price: 1,000 Wii Points = $10
Description: Blaster Master Overdrive is an action-adventure game that takes place on an Earth infected by an aggressive, polymorphic virus. Poor, defenseless animals worldwide have been turned into flesh-eating, hemoglobin-swilling terrors. Fortunately, the world has Alex, who happens to be one of the world’s foremost biologists and specializes in viral mutation profiles and genetic manipulation. Every studious biologist facing imminent global annihilation needs a sweet ride, and Alex is no exception. He has S.O.P.H.I.A., a shape-shifting, gas-guzzling, projectile-spewing paean to destruction on four wheels. Things look grim, but with Alex and S.O.P.H.I.A. on the case, the world just might have a chance.

Tomena Sanner
Publisher: Konami Digital Entertainment
Players: 1-4
ESRB Rating: E (Everyone) – Comic Mischief, Mild Cartoon Violence
Price: 500 Wii Points = $5
Description: Businessman Hitoshi Susumu is behind schedule and in quite a rush. In fact, once he starts running, he won’t stop! Dashing past samurais, T-Rexes, cowboys and all manner of wacky obstacles, Mr. Susumu must get to the goal as fast as he can for the ultimate 2-D dance party. Tomena Sanner is a high-speed side-scrolling action game with a unique timing-based control system that’s as challenging as it is fun. As they fly, jump and dance over the many zany obstacles, players need to time their moves to keep their speed up and perform awesome tricks. Using just one button on the Wii Remote™ controller, players of all ages and skill levels will be able to play and help Mr. Susumu get to his goal. Four players can compete to see who is the fastest at running through the bizarre and comical world of Tomena Sanner.

Bloons
Publisher: Hands-On Mobile
Players: 1
ESRB Rating: E (Everyone)
Price: 500 Wii Points = $5
Description: Bloons is an exciting puzzle game based on the simple fact that popping balloons is fun. Pop your way through dozens of puzzling levels in this exciting puzzle adventure. Each level will have a different arrangement of balloons. Using the darts you’re given, try to pop as many as you can. Look out for special balloons, blocks and darts, and have fun discovering what they do. You can pick up and play for a few minutes or spend hours working your way through the game’s 70 levels. As an added bonus, there’s also a level editor that allows you to create your own balloon puzzles.

Hubert The Teddy Bear Winter Games
Publisher: Teyon
Players: 1-16
ESRB Rating: E (Everyone) – Comic Mischief
Price: 500 Wii Points = $5
Description: Hubert The Teddy Bear is a party game in which players confront crafty bunnies. Outsmart them in eight winter activities including snow fight, sleigh ride, Christmas tree decoration, fishing, catching a bunny and more. Create a teddy bear and customize it to fit your own style. Choose its name and gender and dress it up by combining elements from plenty of clothes and accessories. Play solo or engage your family and friends by competing in one of the multiplayer modes. As many as 16 players can take part in one competition. Thanks to the balanced levels of difficulty – kid, youngster and adult – everyone can enjoy the game. This collection of casual winter sports provides a new experience for the whole family.

This week’s new DSiWare games are:

Oscar in Movieland
Publisher: Virtual Playground
Players: 1
ESRB Rating: E (Everyone)
Price: 800 Nintendo DSi Points = $8
Description: Following his Oscar in Toyland escapades, Oscar now plays the leading actor in sensational worlds of hit movies and TV shows. From Sci-Fi to Cartoon, Western to War, Horror to Jurassic and more, this is a game not to be missed. Oscar in Movieland features eye-popping graphics, parallax scrolling backgrounds and fabulous game play. This jump-and-run game is easy to play and packed with hours of fun and nonstop action. Use Wings to Fly, Springy Boots to Jump, and Oscar’s secret weapon – his magical Yo-Yo – to swing on and zap enemies in some of the craziest platform levels you’ll ever play.

Link ‘n’ Launch
Publisher: Nintendo
Players: 1
ESRB Rating: E (Everyone)
Price: 500 Nintendo DSi Points = $5
Description: Take your puzzle-solving skills to new heights in Link ‘n’ Launch, a puzzle game in which you must move tiles to create a path that connects fuel to your rocket, blasting it through space. Complete the basic training mode to learn how to play Link ‘n’ Launch, and then buckle in for the ride through the robust Missions and Puzzles modes. Missions mode has you propelling the rocket through space to reach the target planet within a three-minute time limit, while Puzzles mode challenges you to clear all fuel and pipe tiles from the screen. In both modes, not only do you need to create a path to keep your rocket fueled, but you’ll also have to account for immovable tiles and special tiles that upgrade your rocket or give you additional time to complete the level, all while keeping your rocket’s flight path within the established boundaries. The launch countdown has begun – are you prepared?

Fieldrunners
Publisher: Subatomic Studios
Players: 1
ESRB Rating: E10+ (Everyone 10 and Older) – Mild Cartoon Violence
Price: 500 Nintendo DSi Points = $5
Description: Descend into the world of Fieldrunners, one of the most anticipated and visually stunning games in mobile tower defense history. Defend and control the field with a diverse selection of upgradeable towers, using a wide array of tactics and strategies against countless waves of unique land and air combatants. Enjoy hours of entertainment and replayable challenges. Do you have what it takes to dominate the fieldrunners and rise to the top as the ultimate tower defense master?

Sudoku 4Pockets
Publisher: 4Pockets.com
Players: 1
ESRB Rating: E (Everyone)
Price: 500 Nintendo DSi Points = $5
Description: Sudoku 4Pockets offers you 3,600 puzzles, and your assistant Kiku will be there to guide you through each of the Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced skill levels. The aim of sudoku is to complete a grid of nine-by-nine squares with the numbers 1 through 9 in each square, row and column. As you play, Kiku will guide you: She can tell you if you’ve entered an incorrect number, offer you hints and explain the moves and terms as you play. The simple-to-use number entry makes it easy to select numbers and add possible number candidates to aid your thought process. Whether you’re new to sudoku or an advanced player, you can have fun playing and learning on your quest to become a sudoku master.

Extreme Hangman
Publisher: Gamelion
Players: 1-2
ESRB Rating: E10+ (Everyone 10 and Older) – Alcohol Reference, Animated Blood, Mild Cartoon Violence
Price: 200 Nintendo DSi Points = $2
Description: There’s never been a Hangman game like this before! The world’s favorite time-killer game takes an absurdist twist of comical proportions. Taking place in various settings, the game challenges players to save the Hangman from his enemies by guessing hidden words correctly. When players guess incorrectly, he is put one step closer to being shot, strangled, erased or hanged by his enemies. Play a single-player game or challenge your friend to a duel. Extreme Hangman features seven different settings with fun animations, over 2,000 words in various categories, and three difficulty levels.

Via voting on the official web-site (click the link above) fans will be able to vote who they want to get on the cover . . . OR they can reverse it and vote on who they want the “Madden Curse” to fall on next!

Your choices are:

* Jared Allen of the Vikings.
* Drew Brees of the Saints.
* Riggie Wayne of the Colts.

Doritos is also running a contest promotion in which the winner gets a grand prize trip for two to see the NFL Draft live in New York City this April.

As a Cards fan myself, I was secretly hoping Kurt Warner would get the cover nod for retiring and having such a big year. Alas . . .

A former college and WWE professional wrestler, Lesnar made his UFC debut in 2008, losing to MMA veteran Frank Mir. However, two fights later, Lesnar went on to take the UFC heavyweight championship belt by defeating MMA legend Randy Couture, who has signed on to rival EA Sports MMA fighting game.

Lesnar would go on to defend his title against Mir in July 2009, and his current UFC record stands at 3-1. Though he has been sidelined with an illness since last year, Lesnar is expected to return in 2010.

Lesnar will join more than 100 Ultimate Fighting Championship league fighters in the 2010 edition of this best-selling franchise, whose previous title, UFC Undisputed 2009, sold over 2.5 million units. The new game will also feature a new “sway and posture” system that promises to enhance the ability of players to defend and deliver coups-de-grace attacks, and to more successfully incorporate new moves from the various styles into their fighting pattern (including sambo, karate, and Greco-Roman wrestling).

The game will be released this May on Xbox 360, PS3 and PSP.

Via GameSpot

On the cover of this years game will be a ballplayer who needs no introduction. Two-time Gold Glove winner, Three-time Silver Slugger, Three-time American League (AL) batting champion, and newly crowned 2009 American League Most Valuable Player (MVP), Joe Mauer of the Minnesota Twins.

Arriving just in time for the start of Spring Training, MLB: The Show has been the highest ranked officially licensed baseball title of this console generation (according to Metacritic), and the 2010 version promises to deliver true-to-life gameplay, authentic franchise and season modes, and incredible detail not found in any other game.

The long awaited Home Run Derby leads the deep features list in MLB 10 The Show for the PS3 system. Fully implemented in the season modes and available as a stand alone feature, Home Run Derby follows the MLB rules and flow. The MLB Futures Game will also be available within season modes in its correct timeframe (just before the HR Derby), as well as fully functional online leagues. The new online season leagues will save and display MLB player stats, track player energy, allow for trades/injuries, and offer 40-man roster functionality.

Additional new features for the PS3 game include “Catcher Mode,” the ability to call the game as the catcher, select pitches, and be the ultimate field general, just like Joe Mauer. MLB 10 The Show will also offer daytime transitional lighting, user controlled pick-offs, a newly added “Movie Maker” menu giving the user the ability to select multiple replays to add to and edit a single movie, and 11 new stadiums. Five new Minor League stadiums will be introduced, as well as a selection of classic parks available on the PS3 system for the first time including Forbes Field, Crosley Field, The Polo Grounds, Shibe Park, Sportsman Park, and Griffith Stadium.

The popular “Road to The Show” mode returns with version 4.0 featuring the addition of two new interactive training modes, new settings, and new presentations. Interactive training will consist of a set of mini-games designed to improve a player’s fielding and pitching ability, adding to last year’s introduction of batting and base running training. “Franchise Mode” also returns to the game, including the 40-man roster, salary arbitration, waiver transactions and September call-ups.

For fans who want to take The Show on the go, MLB 10 The Show for the PSP and PSPgo systems delivers big baseball action in the palm of your hand by utilizing core gameplay features found on the PS3 system version.

Exclusive for PlayStation 2 system is the unrivaled “Player Creator,” providing users with endless possibilities for creating players, including everything down to their player’s face with EyeToy USB Camera. Users can also adjust their personal rituals, swings, and even emotions as they create and place themselves in the heat of a pennant race.

Speaking about his selection as cover athlete, Joe Mauer stated: “I’m truly humbled to be chosen for the cover of MLB 10 The Show, a honor that has only added to a special year for me. It’s a dream of every sports fan to be on the cover a video game, so to have the chance to work with a leading franchise like The Show is really a thrill.”

You can see him in action in this gameplay video.

“Over the past four years we’ve seen the greatest offensive output from a catcher in the history of baseball. Joe is already in truly rarefied air with his three batting titles, an unprecedented feat for a catcher. With both The Sporting News and Sports Illustrated naming Mauer to their ‘All-Decade Team,’ he is destined to be an all-time great, and he’s only 26,” said Scott A. Steinberg, Vice President, Product Marketing, SCEA. “Similarly, The Show has become the highest rated, best selling baseball video game franchise of all time. So, as we look to add upon the richest and most immersive baseball experience, we could not ask for a more perfect ambassador to represent MLB 10 The Show.”

In his breakout 2006 season, Mauer became the first catcher in Major League history to lead both leagues in batting average and the first American League catcher to win the batting title, finishing with a .347 average. In 2008, he showed off his versatility by winning his first Gold Glove Award, but still impressed at the plate becoming the first American League catcher to win the batting title twice, leading the AL with an average of .328.

In 2009, Mauer became the first catcher to lead the Major Leagues in batting average, on-base percentage, and slugging percentage in a single year—his .365 average was the all-time highest mark among catchers in MLB history. Mauer also won his second consecutive Gold Glove in 2009, followed by a near-unanimous win (27 out of 28 first place votes) for the American League MVP crown, only the second catcher in 33 years to win the AL MVP.

MLB 10 The Show is the first baseball game cover for Mauer, who joins an elite cast of MLB cover athletes and spokespersons to represent the franchise including Red Sox second baseman and 2008 AL MVP Dustin Pedroia, Philadelphia Phillies first baseman Ryan Howard, and New York Mets third baseman David Wright. As the newest representative of SCEA’s baseball series and face of MLB 10 The Show, Mauer’s duties include participation in the game’s motion capture process, A.I. consultation, integration into all facets of the marketing campaign, and spokesperson for the franchise.

As Mauer continues to establish himself as one of the most talented individuals to play the game, MLB 10 The Show is also building upon an already stellar reputation for immersion and unparalleled delivery of the baseball experience. With several new key features and enhancements to the critically acclaimed title, MLB 10 The Show is poised to continue the franchise’s reign as the premier MLB licensed game on any platform.

Here is a video interview with Mauer about his being chosen as the cover athlete for the game.

In a recent interview with Destructoid, the developer was asked what they think about the system loyalists out there who are vehemently opposed to the other gaming systems.

This was sprung by the fact that Bioshock started out as an Xbox 360-exclusive. And at that time many PS3 gamers dismissed the game . . . of course until it was later released for the PlayStation 3 as well. The sequel Bioshock 2 was then released for both systems.

So what are the thoughts of creative director Jordan Thomas on the system wars?

“There’s a cognitive effect known as ‘confirmation bias’ which leads people to latch onto conclusions that support their preferences and ignore data which doesn’t. This leads to wild, unreasoning loyalty to a chosen platform, sports team, or brand of soda.

“From a development perspective, the console wars are a bit silly; our target is consistency, and it’s always kind of sad to see people throwing their energy into “platform partisanship”, because it seems to flood the critical channels and drown out other creative discourse.”

He goes on to state, “I, of course, am immune to such bias – best platform? Coleco Adam. Everyone else is really, really dumb.”

As an ex-Nintendo-fanboy (who’s still very much a fan), I find the system wars deal to be rather pointless. Why devoid yourself of great entertainment? You’re only doing yourself a disservice if you ask me.

Via Destructoid

This was confirmed by the American magazine’s editor Matthew Kato, who posted on their web-site in the comments section of a post that the game has indeed gone multiplatform.

His quote reads:

“It’s not a PS3-exclusive. It was at one point, but it’s coming out for the PS3 and 360.”

Not too much is known about L.A. Noire, although it has been in development for quite a while by Team Bondi and Rockstar, and is described as a murder mystery that is set in a perfectly re-created Los Angeles during the late 1940’s. As such, it will feature heavy themes from the era including Jazz music, corrupt police and government officials, and high crime, drug and gang activity.

Here is the original trailer for the game.

Via Joystiq

Entirely text-based as before, this latest version offers players a whole host of new jobs that become available to them in Bangkok as part of this latest expansion (which will be the fourth). And it caters to both high-level as well as low-level players.

Like the other expansions, you play by clicking various links that are lists of missions available to your level of Mafia thuggery, while checking to make sure you have enough energy required to take on the mission. You also will be required to have certain items for specific missions. Completing missions gives you experience and cash, which you can use to buy additional items that later missions require, invest in businesses and do other “Mafia” things. Eventually gaining enough experience to rise in the ranks of the Mafia world.

So here are the specifics in this new version:

* Mafia Wars: Bangkok gives players 90 new jobs to complete.
* Six new boss fights are available.
* Faction-specific missions are now available.
* Two episodes are available in the beta, six will be in the finished game.
* You will regularly be offered to help either the Yakuza or Triad, increasing your reputation with that group.
* This new reputation system will build a close relationship with your chosen group, while lowering your reputation with the opposing group. Reach specific milestones and gain new perks (high-end items, faction-exclusive store access).
* New businesses allow you to earn the new form of currency called Baht (old money won’t work in Bangkok).
* Businesses can be upgraded in three ways: capacity, output and quality. Doing so allows you to collect any money earned from the business.
* You must be level 18 to access Bangkok.

Although there are new aspects to the experience in Mafia Wars: Bangkok, it is generally more of the same and will appeal to those who are already fans. Although if you have done most of what is available in the game and are looking for new content, this will be right up your alley.

Via 1UP

Here we will post images that you can use as desktop wallpapers, both official and otherwise. We will add to this list as we find cool new wallpapers for the game.

To download to your PC computer: Right click on the Image. Select “Set as Background Image.”

To download to your Mac computer: Click Image to Download to Desktop. Go to Apple Menu > System Preferences. Click Desktop & Screen Saver. Click “Choose Folder…”.

Below you can find the rest of the Again: Eye of Providence wallpapers.
Click on each thumbnail for the wallpaper size image to pop up.

Here we will post images that you can use as desktop wallpapers, both official and otherwise. We will add to this list as we find cool new wallpapers for the game.

To download to your PC computer: Right click on the Image. Select “Set as Background Image.”

To download to your Mac computer: Click Image to Download to Desktop. Go to Apple Menu > System Preferences. Click Desktop & Screen Saver. Click “Choose Folder…”.

Below you can find the rest of the Dead or Alive Paradise wallpapers.
Click on each thumbnail for the wallpaper size image to pop up.

Blaster Master: Overdrive is an action-shooting game that takes place on an Earth infected by an aggressive, polymorphic virus. Poor, defenseless animals worldwide infected by the virus have been turned into flesh-eating, hemoglobin-swilling terrors! Fortunately, the world has Alex. And, even more coincidentally, he happens to be one of the world’s foremost biologists – specializing in viral mutation profiles and genetic manipulation.

Every studious biologist facing imminent global annihilation needs a sweet ride, and Alex is no exception. He has S.O.P.H.I.A., a shape-shifting, gas-guzzling, projectile-spewing paean to destruction on four wheels. Things look grim, but with Alex and S.O.P.H.I.A. on the case, the world just may have a chance.

The newest installment in this classic series will return to the crtically acclaimed format of the NES original but with slick new graphics, with alternating gameplay that switches from side-scrolling platforming in S.O.P.H.I.A. to overhead-perspective blasting and exploration when controlling Alex.

Upgrades for S.O.P.H.I.A. must be collected to access progressively more challenging terrain and the game features a total of eight distinct areas. Each area features a mutant boss that must be defeated to progress.

As with the BLASTER MASTER NES Virtual Console release, fans are encouraged to improve their skills completing this game so they can compete and win in a coming promotion that will test their skill for collectible prizes. The game is available now for 1000 Wii Points.

Here is the official trailer showing off gameplay footage of this great looking action game.

About GAIJINWORKS. GAIJINWORKS was founded by Victor Ireland after spending more than 15 years as President of Working Designs, where he innovated deluxe packaging, special premiums, pack-in soundtracks and game documentaries for their RPG product. Many of the practices he innovated have become standard in the RPG segment, and console video games in general. GAIJINWORKS is focused on continuing a tradition of fanservice for game fans.