The second episode in Halo Legends, the new series of animated shorts based on the Halo universe, debuted last Saturday, November 21st on Xbox Live. These episodes will be appearing on selected Saturdays on Halo Waypoint - Live’s new channel for all things related to the Halo universe -  and will be available for a period of 24 hours.

The new episode is called The Duel and it explores the world of the Sangheili - the Elites in Halo - as well some of their traditions and culture. It takes place on Sanghellion, the planet of origin of the Elites where we can see how they had a culture reminiscent of feudal Japan, with a strong emphasis on honor and social classes.

The short has a beautiful visual style that makes every frame look like a watercolor painting. The story is presented in a non-linear fashion, with flashbacks that intermingle with the main thread. Although this is already getting some criticism on the internets I found it a very interesting way to change the pacing of the story and if you put a little attention on what’s going on the screen, the plot is easy to follow. Throughout the story we find out a little more about the origin of the title of The Arbiter and how it became what we know today.

The Duel was directed by Mamoru Oshii, the acclaimed director of the anime classic Ghost in the Shell. In contrast to the first episode, The Babysitter, this short is mostly based around action sequences, which could be expected with Oshii on the helm.

The Duel will be available along with other short films on the Halo Legends Blu-ray and DVD on February 9, 2010.

Read [Kotaku] Also read [Blast Magazine] Site [Halo Legends]

Full Story » | Written by Christian Morlotte for Gamertell. | Comment on this Article »

What? Video game sales are down? That hasn’t stopped Texas-based GameStop from posting big profits.

The Dallas Morning News reports that the retailer pulled in $1.83 billion for the quarter ending October 31, 2009. That was an 8.3% increase over the same period in 2008.

Those are impressive numbers in a 2009 that has been down overall for the game industry. The DMN article also notes that GameStop is preparing for digital downloads to become a bigger portion of overall game sales, hiring two executives to work on that issue and improve online sales.

DMN‘s Victor Godinez talked with GameStop Chief Operating Officer Paul Raines, who doesn’t sound that worried about digital downloads:

“Consumers don’t pay the same amount for digital product as they do for boxed. I don’t know that there’s more profit to be made in a downloadable world than in a boxed one.”

The future is still a great unknown for the video game industry but GameStop is currently doing just fine. The retailer also has the 2009 holiday season ahead, filled with blockbusters including Uncharted 2,  Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 and New Super Mario Bros. Wii.

Read [Dallas Morning News] Also Read [Gamertell]

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Amazon’s next gaming deal as the site counts down to Black Friday is all about the music. If you’ve been waiting for prices to drop on some of Activision’s music rhythm games including Band Hero, Guitar Hero 5 or DJ Hero, Amazon is the place you want to go.

Starting November 21, 2009, until 11:59 p.m. Pacific time next Thursday (November 27, 2009) Amazon is offering a $40 store credit when you purchase either DJ Hero, Band Hero, Band Hero Super Bundle or Guitar Hero 5 at regular price.

Two business days after your order ships you will receive an e-mail confirming the $40 credit has been applied to your Amazon account.

Note that you must purchase the bundles from Amazon and not an Amazon Marketplace store in order to qualify for this offer.

Each game is available for PS2, PS3, Xbox 360 and Wii consoles.

Purchase [Amazon]

Full Story » | Written by Jeremy Hill for Gamertell. | Comment on this Article »

The January 2010 issue of Japanese gaming magazine B’s Log is sure to bring big smiles to fans of Konami’s popular dating simulation game Tokimeki Memorial Girl’s Side (TMGS).

Gracing the cover of this month’s current issue was one of the new characters coupled with the official title of the new addition scheduled for a tentative 2010 release on the Nintendo DS.

Tokimeki Memorial Girl’s Side 3rd Story takes place seven years after the events of the first TMGS game at Habataki Gakuen. This new chapter in the series promises new locations, gameplay, delectable date-ables (of course) and even a new main character sporting a new hairstyle and school uniform. The main character will still have a sidekick who serves as a barometer for your crushes’ affection as well as important statistics, but no additional details have been released yet.

So far, only 3 character have been introduced: Ruka Sakurai, Arashi Fujiyama, and Tamao Konno.

Here are some stats and a short description for each of these fine young men:

Ruka Sakurai

• Birthdate: July 7
• Astrological Sign: Cancer
• Blood Type: O
• Height: 178cm
• Weight: 64kg

A first year high school student at Habataki Gakuen, he has a friendly atmosphere which has won him popularity among the girls of the school. However, sometimes, he’s also capable of having a sharp tongue. He often seems aloof and sometimes wears an expression of loneliness.

Arashi Fujiyama

• Birthdate: September 8
• Astrological Sign: Virgo
• Blood Type: AB
• Height: 177cm
• Weight: 70kg

Arashi is a first year student at Habataki Gakuen and described as an honest and good young Japanese who whenever he has free time, can be found practicing Judo. When you speak with him, you can’t help but feel fresh and lively.

Tamao Konno

• Birthdate: January 19
• Astrological Sign: Sagittarius
• Blood Type: O
• Height: 181cm
• Weight: 65kg

Tamao is the younger brother of Tamami Konno (one of the main character’s rivals/friends from the first TMGS), and is the bookworm of the bunch. Unlike the main character, he’s a second year high school student and is also the student council president. He’s described as a reliable person who’s peaceful smile rarely ever fades.

Site [Tokimeki Memorial Girl’s Side] Read [Gamertell] And [Gamertell]

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If you were looking for individuals with fast reaction times, tons of coordination experience the ability to think quickly in random situations look no further than the Xbox Live community. Playing games online with other humans is one of the best places to use your wits to outsmart and outmaneuver the opposition. Xbox Live is teeming with individuals with potential to become real life agents and this is why a government intelligence organization named GCHQ (Government Communications Headquarters) will use Live to recruit.

GCHQ is a British intelligence agency located in Cheltenham, Gloucestershire (England), that partners with MI5 and MI6 agencies to protect the UK’s security interests.

GCHQ will run ads for six weeks on Xbox Live’s dashboard as well as within games including Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2, Assassin’s Creed 2 and Left 4 Dead 2.

After clicking on the ads gamers will be able to download gamer pictures, themes and videos in addition to information that will help them learn more about GCHQ.

Caroline Waterfield, a press officer for GCHQ, explained in an official statement what tasks the GCHQ hope to accomplish and why the agency chose Xbox Live as a recruiting tool:

“As well as tackling ‘traditional threats’ GCHQ’s work is also about helping government departments, such as the Ministry of Defence, to protect their information and communication systems.

This means we can offer excellent training and careers for people with specialist technical skills. However, the fact remains that many potential candidates remain unaware of GCHQ and what we do. Using video on Xbox Live helps carry our message to the right people in a creative and innovative manner.”

Read [Guardian] Also Read [This is Gloucestershire] Also Read [Gamertell]

Photo Credit: GCHQ

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Sony recently began rebranding the PS3 as the console that “does everything” in an effort to drive up sales following the release of the PS3 Slim.

While not a purely true statement, Sony is looking to bring new gaming experiences to the PS3 before any other console. According to the Associated Press Sony demonstrated a multi-tier strategy during a conference with investors from its headquarters in Tokyo Thursday (November 19, 2009) that outlined its plans to deliver 3D gaming to all PS3 consoles.

Slides from the presentation reveal that all PS3 consoles are capable of displaying 3D games through a firmware update.

Getting the full experience from 3D gaming isn’t as simple as a software update. Gamers will need to purchase televisions that are 3D ready in order to take advantage of this new feature.

It’s all reminiscent PS3’s launch when the reality was (and still is) that HDTVs are required to witness the full graphical fidelity of PS3 games and Blu-ray discs. Perhaps only a handful of games will be produced with 3D graphics being a central selling point until 3D HDTVs become more commonplace.

Until then Sony has other plans to make the PS3 profitable by March 2011.

Although the PlayStation Network has always had the advantage of being free, Sony is looking into the possibility of subscription services to increase its revenue stream. Additional features that might be bundled with the subscriptions were not mentioned.

Sony also plans to release non-game development kits the second quarter of 2010. This could usher in new services that could very well go along with Sony’s premium subscription plans.

Finally, Sony wants to create what its calling “Sony Online Service” which will connect most of its hardware to the PlayStation Network. By using a single user ID, consumers will be able to access content from their PS3, PSP, PC, television, EBook and MP3 player.

This all sounds very promising on paper but only time will tell whether Sony will make good on these plans in a reasonable amount of time.

Read [Examiner] Also Read [Guardian]

Full Story » | Written by Jeremy Hill for Gamertell. | Comment on this Article »

Remember that Walmart Black Friday 2009 ad scan Gamertell reported on back on Wednesday, November 18, 2009. It was a legitimate ad scan. I can say that with some confidence, because I just picked up the Sunday, November 22, 2009 issue of the Chicago Tribune and the Walmart Black Friday ad was in it. In a funny turn of events, the scanned in ad that made its debut online this past week actually looks better than the real thing. Must have been a printing error.

The actual Walmart Black Friday 2009 ad is identical to the scanned in ad that appeared on many Black Friday websites and such. So if you don’t subscribe to a paper or feel like going out to purchase the Sunday edition, you can just visit a website like TheBlackFriday.com and see the whole thing.

As you may recall, this year’s ad includes incredible sale items like a $98 DS Lite, $50 copies of the PS3 or Xbox 360 Rock Band Special Edition bundles, and many other great system bundles and game deals. Check out Gamertell’s report on the leaked ad to see all of the applicable video game deals.

So, anyone think they’re going to brave the crowds and head to Walmart for one of the store’s sale items this year?

Read [Gamertell] Also Read [TheBlackFriday.com]

Full Story » | Written by Jenni Lada for Gamertell. | Comment on this Article »

Gamers who want to get a sample of what Microsoft’s Xbox Live service has to offer can get a glimpse this weekend for free. During this weekend (Friday, November 20, 2009, through Monday, November 23, 2009), Xbox Live Gold membership will be free to anyone with a Silver account.

The Xbox Live service comes in two flavors. The Gold membership offers the meat of online interaction, which is multiplayer gaming. It also offers services such as Twitter, Facebook and Netflix downloads. The Gold membership costs $50 USD a year. The Silver membership doesn’t offer online gaming. It only allows basic online interaction such as gamer profiles and Avatars.

Registering for a Silver account is free, so basically anyone with an Xbox and an Internet connection can get the Gold membership at least during this weekend.

In my opinion, the best part about some games is online multiplayer so, for anyone who hasn’t experienced this part of gaming, this is a great opportunity to get on board. According to Microsoft, this promotion will be offered again on certain weekends to give people a chance to sample the Gold membership.

Gamers in Europe will get a longer trial starting on Wednesday, November 25 and ending on Monday, November 30.

Read [PC World] Also read [Gamasutra] Website [Xbox Live]

Full Story » | Written by Christian Morlotte for Gamertell. | Comment on this Article »

Guess what? Time for a pre-Black Friday Best Buy sale! In your local Sunday paper today, there should be a pretty impressive Best Buy ad. It is a 12 page circular filled with all sorts of sales and deals. They aren’t as impressive as the Black Friday 2009 sales the store will be offering, but there’s still some pretty good stuff.

If you turn to the second age, you’ll see Best Buy’s main video game promotion during the sale that will last from November 22-25, 2009. There are 33 Wii games and accessories on the second page. They’re all normal price, but if you buy one, you get a $5 Best Buy gift card. If you buy two, you get a $20 gift card.

Here’s a list of the applicable games and accessories for that promotion. Keep in mind, they’re all full price. So unless you’re planning to get two and get the $20 gift card, you’re probably better off waiting until Black Friday.

Wii games

• Backyard Football 10 - $29.99
• Carnival Games - $29.99
• Deca Sports 2 - $29.99
• Medieval Games - $29.99
• A Boy and his Blob - $39.99
• Disney’s The Princess and the Frog - $39.99
• Food Network: Cook or be Cooked - $39.99
• Hasbro Family Game Night 2 - $39.99
• Jillian Michaels Fitness Ultimatum 2010 - $39.99
• Just Dance - $39.99
• Marvel Super Hero Squad - $39.99
• We Cheer 2 - $39.99
• World of Zoo - $39.99
• Bakugan Battle Brawlers - $49.99
• Cabela’s Big Game Hunter 2010 - $49.99
• Drawn to Life: The Next Chapter - $49.99
• Lego Rock Band - $49.99
• Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Winter Games - $49.99
• Metroid Prime Trilogy - $49.99
• Need for Speed Nitro - $49.99
• Planet 51 - $49.99
• Punch Out - $49.99
• Rabbids Go Home: A Comedy Adventure - $49.99
• Star Wars: The Clone Wars: Republic Heroes - $49.99
• Super Mario Galaxy - $49.99
• Tiger Woods PGA Tour 10 - $49.99
• Toy Story Mania - $49.99
• Dance Dance Revolution Hottest Party 3 with dance mat - $69.99
• Tony Hawk Ride with skateboard controller - $119.99

Wii peripherals

• Gamecube Wireless Controller (required to play Gamecube games on your Wii) - $19.99
• Wii 8’ Component Cable - $24.99
• Induction Charger for Wii Remotes - $34.99
• Wii Starter Kit - $39.99

There are also a few other PC and Mac sale items in the ad. Here there are, conveniently listed all at once for your viewing pleasure:

• Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare Game of the Year Edition (PC) - $29.99
• The Sims 3 (PC, Mac) - $29.99
• Spore (PC, Mac) - $29.99
• World of Warcraft Battle Chest (PC, Mac) - $29.99
• Empire: Total War (PC) - $39.99
• Fallout 3 (PC) - $39.99

The last video game sale promotion in the ad is really only good if you’re looking to purchase a Wii. If you buy a $199.99 Wii and the $99.99 Wii Fit Plus, you get a $25 Best Buy gift card. Not all that earth shattering, but I suppose its still something. Especially if you want to buy a Wii this year and not go out on Black Friday 2009.

Read [Gamertell]

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This week’s first downloadable feature is actually an application and not a game. AdHoc Party is available free at the PlayStation Network store as an application that will allow PlayStation Portable owners to play their PSP games online through their PlayStation 3. A program that was released in Japan last year that connects the PSP to the internet using the PlayStation Network instead of standing within close range of another player just to challenge them. You can now connect to them in much the same way you connect to multi-player games on your PS3. How does this program work? Check out this introduction video by Sony:

The next downloadable feature is Assassin’s Creed: Bloodlines for $39.99 for the PSP. Follow Altair from the holy land into Cyprus trailing the Templar’s to their newest conquest and assassinate them. A direct sequel to the original Assassin’s Creed and a prequel to Assassin’s Creed II, in fact players who own Assassin’s Creed II can connect the PSP to their PS3 to unlock and transfer health and weapon upgrades from the PS3 game to the PSP game to aid in your missions. Check out Assassin’s Creed: Bloodlines:

Price Drops

• Uno (PS3/Now $7.99)

Here is what else is new:

Downloadable Games

• Echoes (PSP/$2.99)
• D-CUBE Planet (PSP/$3.99)
• Circles (PSP/$3.99)
• PSOne Classic: Resident Evil 2 (PS3/$5.99)
• PSOne Classic: Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver (PS3/$5.99)
• Peggle (PS3/$9.99)

Free Demos:

• Smash Cars Demo (PS3/Free)
• PixelJunk Monsters Deluxe Demo (PSP/Free)
• LittleBigPlanet PSP Demo (PSP/Free)
• Promethus Demo (PSP/Free)

Bonus Game Content:

• Way of the Samurai 3 Accessories (PS3/Free)
• High Velocity Bowling: Techno Modern Ball Pack (PS3/99 cents)
• High Velocity Bowling: Psychedelic 60’s Ball Pack (PS3/99 cents)
• PAIN: Flavor Flav (PS3/$1.99)
• Peggle Nights (PS3/$4.99)

Guitar Hero 5 Pack:

• KISS Track Pack (PS3/$5.49)
Individual Tracks:
• “Lick It Up” by KISS (PS3/$1.99)
• “Modern Day Delilah” by KISS (PS3/$1.99)
• “I Was Made For Lovin’ You” by KISS (PS3/$1.99)

Rock Band Pack:

• AFI Pack 01 (PS3/$8.49)
Individual Tracks:
• “Beautiful Thieves” by AFI (PS3/$1.99)
• “End Transmission” by AFI (PS3/$1.99)
• “Love Like Winter” by AFI (PS3/$1.99)
• “Medicate” by AFI (PS3/$1.99)
• “The Leaving Song, Pt 2″ by AFI (PS3/$1.99)

Individual Song Tracks

• “Walk Like An Egyptian” by The Bangles (PS3/$1.99)

Rock Band Unplugged bonus content:

• “California Über Alles” by Dead Kennedys (PSP/$1.99)
• “You’re No Rock ‘n’ Roll Fun” by Sleater-Kinney (PSP/$1.99)

The Beatles Rock Band Pack:

• Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band (Album) (PS3/$13.49)
Individual Tracks:
• “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band (Reprise)” by The Beatles (PS3/$1.99)
• “Within You Without You” by The Beatles (PS3/$1.99)
• “When I’m Sixty-Four” by The Beatles (PS3/$1.99)
• “She’s Leaving Home” by The Beatles (PS3/$1.99)
• “Lovely Rita” by The Beatles (PS3/$1.99)
• “Fixing A Hole” by The Beatles (PS3/$1.99)
• “Being For The Benefit of Mr. Kite!” by The Beatles (PS3/$1.99)
• “A Day In The Life” by The Beatles (PS3/$1.99)

Free Game Videos:

• Pulse 11/19 Edition (PS3/Free)
• Pain: Flavor Flav Trailer (PS3/Free)
• Jak and Daxter: The Lost Frontier Launch Trailer (PS3/Free)
• Uncharted 2: Among Thieves 15 sec Accolade TV Spot (PS3/Free)
• FIFA Soccer 10: Director’s Cut Trailer (PS3/Free)
• Madden NFL Arcade Trailer (PS3/Free)
• Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 Flag Runner Trailer (PS3/Free)
• NBA 2K10 TV Commercial (PS3/Free)
• Assassin’s Creed II Arsenal Trailer (PS3/Free)
• Assassin’s Creed II TGS Trailer (PS3/Free)
• Assassin’s Creed II Dev Diary 3 (PS3/Free)
• Assassin’s Creed II GP Trailer (PS3/Free)
• Critter Crunch “Feeding Time” Trailer (PS3/Free)
• Army Of Two: 40th Day Extraction Trailer (PS3/Free)
• Peggle Trailer (PS3/Free)

Wallpapers and Themes:

• Peggle Theme (PS3/Free)
• Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 Wallpaper (x5) (PS3/Free)
• Topatoi Wallpaper (PS3/Free)
• Peggle Wallpaper (PS3/Free)
• DJ Max Fever Wallpaper (x4) (PSP/Free)
• Armored Core 3 Wallpaper (x2) (PSP/Free)
• Armored Core 3 Portable Theme (PSP/Free)
• Celtic Maidens PSP Theme 3 (PSP/$1.49)
• Celtic Maidens PSP Theme 4 (PSP/$1.49)
• Celtic Maidens 2 Premium Plus Theme (PS3/$1.99)

Read [PlayStation Store Blog] Site [PlayStation]

Full Story » | Written by Lucy Newman for Gamertell. | Comment on this Article »

Haven’t caught all of the Gamertell news this week?  Here’s your chance to catch up on this week’s top 10 articles!

• Black Friday 2009: Meijer sale ad has been leaked
  “Meijer’s 2009 Black Friday ad is now online and it’s pretty good in terms of game deals. Specifically, there isn’t much, but the doorbusters are quite impressive if you don’t already own a console or handheld system. I mean,…” MORE »
• Black Friday 2009: Walmart’s video game sale items revealed
  “The ad that perhaps every Black Friday 2009 shopper has been waiting for has been leaked onto the internet. Walmart’s 2009 Black Friday ad has been scanned in and is ready for your critical perusal. From what I’ve…” MORE »
• Black Friday 2009: Toys R Us video game sales
  “Next up for leaked Black Friday 2009 ads, Toys R Us! Yes, the ad is out and, if you’re going to be buying toys this holiday season, you’ll find some deals that will make you very…” MORE »
• Toys R Us sale going on November 20-21, 2009
  “Just checked my mailbox and lo and behold, there’s a new Toys R Us sales flier. The latest sale runs from Friday, November 20, 2009 until Saturday, November 21, 2009. It looks like Toys R Us is…” MORE »
• NASA hoping to recruit new talent with Astronaut: Moon, Mars and Beyond
  “In an effort to attract new and younger talent to its ranks, NASA has come up with a new strategy: Using video games to give people a chance to get a glimpse of outer space.  NASA believes that there are…” MORE »
• Advertorial: Binverse, the next evolution In downloads
  “Experience what it’s like to download at unlimited speeds from a massive collection of over 800 Terabytes of user uploads. You’ll max out your Internet connection downloading a file in minutes that would take hours using other technologies.  Binverse utilizes 256-bit…” MORE »
• Xbox Live update includes new features, Facebook and Twitter account access
  “This Tuesday (November 17, 2009) Microsoft unleashed a new update for it’s Xbox 360 system.  The new update includes the ability to use a bigger screen, a clearer picture and accessibility from the comfort of your living…” MORE »
• Deal of the Day: Buy a PSPgo via Amazon, get $50 PlayStation Network credit
  “So you were thinking about buying a PSPgo but couldn’t quite swallow the $250 it costs to own one? That’s well understood these days and we could use an uplifting deal every now and then. Amazon has…” MORE »
• Black Friday 2009: Toys R Us holds pre-Black Friday game sales, allows layaway for consoles and more
  “It’s a hectic time of year for consumers. There are pre-Black Friday sales. Thanksgiving Day sales, Black Friday sales and post-Black Friday sales. Thankfully, you’ll get a brief break for a few weeks in December, before the after Christmas and…” MORE »
• Konami selling its iPhone, iPod Touch games for 99 cents each
  “Black Friday deals are always exciting to look at and fantasize about. Getting up and bearing the weather and crowds is a whole new can of worms though. For now lets take the digital approach…” MORE »

Full Story » | Written by NEWS for Gamertell. | Comment on this Article »

On a typical Sunday, November 15, 2009 afternoon, a teenager in Buffalo Grove, Illinois decided that he wasn’t about to just take his Xbox ban lightly. After a 15 year old boy had been told by his parents that part of his punishment for misbehaving to have his Xbox taken away, he resorted to desperate measures. He called 911.

He didn’t actually stay on the line, but he did call. Police then went to the scene, to make sure that everything was in order. It was then that the teenager pleaded his case to the police, asking if his parents had a legal right to confisgate his property for his wrongdoing.

Of course, the officers told the teenager that his parents were within their rights. They then advised him to listen to is parents and left the scene. No charges were filed against the teenager for his unwarranted call to 911. It was not revealed what the teenager did to cause his parents to deny him his Xbox, or whether it was an Xbox or Xbox 360 system.

If the kid thought he was in trouble before, imagine the kind of punishment his parents will have in store now that he called 911 for a frivolous reason and wasted the Buffalo Grove police officers’ time. If I’d ever pulled anything like that when I was a kid and my parents took away my Game Boy or NES, I probably wouldn’t see my system for a year!

Read [Buffalo Grove Countryside] Also Read [Chicago Tribune] Also Read [Daily Herald]

Full Story » | Written by Jenni Lada for Gamertell. | Comment on this Article »

Most of the movies made from video game adaptations up to date have been less than stellar productions (thanks Uwe Boll), to say the least.

From Street Fighterto Doom , every one has strayed far from the original material and ended up a mess. Only the Resident Evil franchise has barely escaped that destiny - thanks to Milla Jovovich’s hotness - but, in general, video game movies have been epic failures.

Now there is some light shining on video game fans with the news that Brad Pitt’s production company, Plan B Entertainment, is making its debut on games-to-film adaptations with Capcom’s upcoming action title Dark Void. Plan B has secured the movie rights for the game and there is even some speculation that Brad Pitt might star in it.

Dark Void tells the story of a pilot named William Grey who encounters trouble on a flight and ends up crashing in the Bermuda Triangle. After wakeing he realizes he is stranded in a parallel world inhabited by aliens with plans to take over the Earth. With alien technology and the help of other humans trapped in this world William tries to stop the aliens and escape.

Plan B Entertainment is behind movies including Troy, The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford and The Departed. Also, Brad Pitt is a serious and successful actor and I doubt he would agree to putting out a mediocre movie so I think we are safe to expect a good adaptation on this one.

Dark Void will be released on January 2010 for the Xbox 360, PS3 and PC. It is rated “Teen” for animated blood and violence by the ESRB.

Read [Movieweb] Also read [IGN]

Full Story » | Written by Christian Morlotte for Gamertell. | Comment on this Article »

Capcom has announced that new downloadable content will be released for Resident Evil 5 for the Xbox 360 and PS3 next year (2010). Also, a “Gold Edition” of the full game and downloadable content will be available March 2010.

That DLC includes two new episodes, new costumes and a new game mode called “Mercenaries’ Reunion” featuring eight new playable characters and weapon load outs.

Resident Evil 5: Gold Edition will be $49.99 on both 360 and PS3. The PS3’s additional content will be on the disc and the 360 version will be released with a token to download the content via Xbox Live.

According to Capcom’s press release, the first new episode, titled “Lost in Nightmares,” places BSAA agent Chris Redfield and his partner Jill Valentine in an investigation of Ozwell E. Spencer’s hideaway.

Spencer, the evil mastermind and co-founder of Umbrella Corporation, has something bad hidden in his basement. I’m betting whatever Spencer’s hiding does not involve insider trading and that Chris and Jill are going to terminate whatever’s down there with vengeance, shotguns and cut scenes. That episode hits the US and Europe February 17, 2010, along with the new costumes for Chris and Sheva.

Kill those creatures quickly because the next episode (title TBA) is slated for March 3, 2010, for 360 and March 4, 2010, on PS3.

Or, if you haven’t purchased the game and just want to wait it out, the Gold Edition comes to the US March 9, 2010, and Europe March 12, 2010.

Read [Capcom Unity] Also Read [Push Square]

Full Story » | Written by Brian Allen for Gamertell. | Comment on this Article »

Full Story » | Written by NEWS for Gamertell. | Comment on this Article »

There isn’t a day that goes by that doesn’t find someone trying to draw a link between video game violence and real world criminal behavior.

But where it is usually Grand Theft Auto, or some similarly violent game sparking the controversy, this time MMO World of Warcraft has been tied to a school shooting attempt.

The TimesOnline reports that a 13-year-old male student in France apparently planned to shoot his teachers for giving him poor grades.

The potential tragedy was averted when his parents noticed he had left early for school and posted a blog that said November 17, 2009, would be “the last day of his life.” The parents alerted police and, when the child reached Catholic private secondary school Saint Esprit College, police had already blocked the front gate. The boy panicked and dumped his father’s shotgun and 25 cartridges into a nearby field.

His father later found him at an Internet cafe. Under as much scrutiny as the case itself is the news coverage, with nearly every media outlet that covered the story playing up the news that the boy enjoyed playing WOW, with TimesOnline referring to it as a “violent online game.”

WOW‘s fantasy setting is legendary for sucking up hours upon hours of players’ time but lumping it in the same category as GTA seems a bit of a stretch. Rather than wonder what effect the game may have had, here’s a better question: How does a 13-year-old boy manage to wake up, go get his father’s shotgun and ammo, then head off to school with them as easily as he might pack a sack lunch?

Read [Times Online] Also Read [The Mirror UK]

Full Story » | Written by Brian Allen for Gamertell. | Comment on this Article »

The Black Friday ad for Gamestop has been leaked and it has some pretty nice deals.

It’s disappointing that some of the Nintendo DS games including Mario Kart DS and New Super Mario Bros. are still selling for $35. Since that’s how much those games usually sell for, why would they even be present in a black Friday circular?

Odd advertising aside, there are still some specials worth checking out. For example you could buy a 120GB PS3 Slim with LittleBigPlanet GOTY Edition and God of War Collection for $299. If the Xbox 360 is more your flavor Gamestop is selling a Xbox 360 Elite with Pure, Lego Batman and a choice between Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare and Spider-Man: Web of Shadows for $299.

Many other popular games such as Guitar Hero 5, Left 4 Dead 2, Tekken 6 and Batman: Arkham Asylum have been discounted to $39.99. Other recently released games such as Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 and Assassin’s Creed 2 retain their $60 price tag. At least Gamestop guarantees those games will be in stock.

Doorbuster deals are good from 6 a.m. to 11a.m. on November 27, 2007. The other items on sale should be good while supplies last.

Here’s a list of the most noteworthy items:

Door Busters

• 120GB PS3 Slim w/ LittleBigPlanet GOTY and God of War Collection - $299.99
• Xbox 360 Elite w/ Pure, Lego Batman, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare or Spider-Man: Web of Shadows - $299.99
• Batman: Arkham Asylum (PS3, 360) - $39.99
• Call of Duty: World at War (PS3, 360) - $39.99
• Dead Space Extraction (Wii) - $19.99
• Wii Sports Resort with extra Wii MotionPlus - $49.99

PS3

• Tekken 6 -$39.99 (1 day only)
• Prototype - $29.99
• Guitar Hero 5 (game only) - $39.99
• Borderlands - $49.99 (3 days only)
• GTA IV - $19.99 (3 days only)

Nintendo

• Metallica Blue Nintendo DSi Bundle w/ Mario vs. Donkey Kong: Mini’s March Again, WarioWare Snapped, Dr. Mario Express, Mario Clock and Mario Calculator - $169.99
• White Nintendo DSi w/ Clubhouse Games Express Card Classics, Brain Age Express: Arts & Letters, Brain Age Express: Sodoku, Brain Age Express: Math, and Photo Clock - $169.99
• Wii/DSi 2GB SD Memory Card - $7.49
• Wii/DSi 4GB SDHC Memory Card - $14.99

Xbox 360

• Tekken 6 - $39.99 (1 day only)
• The Beatles: Rock Band - $49.99
• Left 4 Dead 2 - $39.99
• Need for Speed Shift - $39.99
• Call of Juarez: Bound in Blood - $19.99
• Prototype - $29.99
• Borderlands - $49.99
• Guitar Hero 5 - $39.99 (game only)
• Halo 3: ODST - $39.99
• Forza Motorsport 3 - $39.99

PC

• Left 4 Dead 2 - $29.99
• Guild Wars Trilogy - $24.99

Read [Black Friday Ads] Also Read [Gamertell]

Full Story » | Written by Jeremy Hill for Gamertell. | Comment on this Article »

This week is filled with announcements. First,RealArcade and GameHouse have joined forces. So now there’s just GameHouse. If you have a RealArcade account, don’t worry. It’s been transferred over to GameHouse and you can still use it.

Second, Cute Knight Kingdom and Gyromancer are out! Both are highly anticipated games. One’s a Princess Maker style simulation from independent developer Hanako Games, the other is a puzzle RPG collaboration between Square Enix and PopCap. Gamertell even reviewed Cute Knight Kingdom yesterday.

Third, there were more than just four or five hidden object games released this week! Still no new Mac games, but plenty of new PC games making their debut!

This week’s best bets are: Cute Knight Kingdom (PC), Gyromancer (PC, Xbox Live Arcade) and Delicious: Emily’s Holiday Season (PC)

Murder She Wrote
Genre: Puzzle (Hidden Object)
Availability: Big Fish Games, Harmonic Flow
Retail Price: $6.99
Platform: Windows XP and Vista
Premise: “Has there been a murder?” Sorry, after watching Craig Ferguson for years, I couldn’t resist. There has indeed been a murder, and in this hidden object game based on Murder, She Wrote, you help Jessica Fletcher solve it.
Demo Available: Yes

Cake Shop 2
Genre: Simulation (Time Management)
Availability: Big Fish Games, Harmonic Flow
Retail Price: $6.99
Platform: Windows XP and Vista
Premise: Run a roadside cafe that specializes in tasty cakes and try to become a success.
Demo Available: Yes

Cute Knight Kingdom
Genre: Simulation / RPG
Availability: Hanako Games, Harmonic Flow, Amaranth Games
Retail Price: $19.95
Platform: Windows 2000, XP, Vista and 7
Premise: The sequel to Hanako Games’ insanely popular and successful Cute Knight is now available! If you liked the Princess Maker games and Spirited Heart, you’ll love the Cute Knight series. You help an orphan girl make her way through life, helping her decide what jobs to take, what classes to attend, whether to search dungeons or not, who to make friends with and so on. Depend on how her life goes, she’ll get one of many endings, maybe get married and perhaps even find out who she really is.
Demo Available: Yes

Asguaard
Genre: RPG
Availability: Aldorlea Games
Retail Price: $28.99
Platform: Windows PC (The site doesn’t give specific system requirements - test the demo to see.)
Premise: Asguaard is a relatively peaceful fantasy world. The only thing is, the Pandora Box has been opened and plagues are starting to overwhelm their world. The Asguaard fairies decide there is only one thing to do, summon a creature with something they don’t have to their world so it can be saved. Now a human has come to Asguaard, and will be tasked with saving it.
Demo Available: Yes

The Time Machine: Trapped in Time
Genre: Puzzle (Hidden Object)
Availability: Harmonic Flow
Retail Price: $9.99
Platform: Windows 2000, XP and Vista
Premise: Professor Einwin created a time machine and used it. Unfortunately, he wasn’t very careful when he did. He tampered with the past, with dire results. He destroyed the time machine, after seeing what he did. Now you must find the pieces, rebuild it and fix his mistakes.
Demo Available: Yes

Gyromancer
Genre: Puzzle RPG
Availability: Steam
Retail Price: $14.99 / 1200 Microsoft Points
Platform: Windows Vista and XP, Xbox 360
Premise: Help Rivel and Laska get through puzzle stages based on Bejeweled Twist as he searches through Aldemona Wood to try and track down his bounty, Qraist.
Demo Available: Yes

Escape the Museum 2
Genre: Puzzle (Hidden Object)
Availability: Big Fish Games
Retail Price: $6.99
Platform: Windows XP and Vista
Premise: An earthquake has hit, separating David from his family. He must find a way to get back to his wife and daughter safely.
Demo Available: Yes

Delicious: Emily’s Holiday Season
Genre: Simulation (Time Management)
Availability: GameHouse, Harmonic Flow, Reflexive Arcade
Retail Price: $9.99
Platform: Windows 2000, XP, Vista and 7
Premise: Emily has been hired to work at a lodge, planning parties and catering. She also gets to spend time with family, choose one of two men to become her boyfriend and take part in winter activities and games.
Demo Available: Yes

Natalie Brooks: Mystery at Hillcrest High
Genre: Puzzle (Hidden Object)
Availability: Alawar Entertainment
Retail Price: $9.95
Platform: Windows PC
Premise: The Black Cat Gamg are planning a massive heist, and its up to Natalie to find out what they’re up toand prevent it from happening by searching for hidden objects and playing minigames.
Demo Available: Yes

Editor’s Note: Due to so many casual games sites offering game plans or preferred member prices, which can cause a game to have multiple price-points, the games’ average retail prices is mentioned in Casual Friday.

Site [Big Fish Games] Site [PlayFirst] Site [GameHouse] Site [eGames] Site [Alawar Games] Site [Amazon] Site [Reflexive Arcade] Site [Harmonic Flow]

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The sequel to 2007’s amazing underwater shooter is coming up soon - making its debut on February 9, 2009. Fans looking for the ultimate package on day one can spring for the Special Edition, which will reportedly include the game, the game’s soundtrack and an art book, along with a vinyl LP of the original BioShock soundtrack and three sweet-looking posters done up in the “Rapture propaganda” style. The package will run you $99.99 for the Xbox 360 or PS3 version, and $89.99 for the PC iteration.

It looks like 2K Marin is avoiding the Big Daddy figurines (some of which famously shipped broken with the original game’s Special Edition), but it looks like a nice collection either way. The music alone (especially the OST on vinyl!) is intriguing, and the posters are definitely drool-worthy.

The game itself is looking good - it probably won’t be quite the revolutionary experience that the first was, but I know I’m excited to visit Rapture again.

Read [1up]

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While its great that Atlus is going to bring the Wii rogue-like RPG Shiren the Wanderer, it isn’t all good news. The Japanese version of the game was compatible with the Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection, allowing people to download dungeon content, rescue other players, take part in versus multiplayer and trade items. Sadly, the North American release isn’t going to have all of that. It will have the downloadable dungeon included right away when you buy the game, but the other online options aren’t going to be available when the game comes out February 9, 2010.

The Wii version of Shiren the Wanderer is the third game in the series. In this adventure, Shiren gets the key to the Karakuri Mansion, and sets off to discover the truth behind a story that says a princess sleeps inside. The game also has multiple difficulty levels, extra dungeons and quests to play after the main storyline has been completed. You even have people journeying through the dungeons with Shiren, and you can either trust the game’s judgement or control your other party members.

While the loss of the online features is quite sad, at least we’re actually getting the game in North America. It isn’t a total loss, we’re still getting the downloadable content included on the disc. Besides, the Wii can always use more RPGs.

Read [GoNintendo] Site [Shiren the Wanderer]

Full Story » | Written by Jenni Lada for Gamertell. | Comment on this Article »

Left 4 Dead is a series that can live on for years through downloadable content. Killing zombies with friends is fun no matter where the setting happens to be. Left 4 Dead 2 has only been out for a hot second and our brows are already raising in curiosity after looking at a teaser site for Midnight Riders.

This could be a hint of upcoming downloadable content or we could just be getting our hopes up. However we do have good reason to believe our crazy ideas.

Midnight Riders is the name of a band in Left 4 Dead 2. In the episode “Dark Carnival” the survivors fight off a relentless horde of zombies on a concert stage for Midnight Riders.

The teaser site has the four band members posing in classic L4D fashion complete with watercolor style animation. Midnight Rider is also an achievement you get after completing that campaign.

The final indication is the words “Coming Soon” printed on the bottom of the page.

It also doesn’t hurt to point out there are four band members pictured and Left 4 Dead always has four survivors.

It may be a rumor but our crystal ball is looking pretty shiny right now.

Site [Midnight Riders] Read [Brave New Gamer]

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With the global economy going through hard times, most markets have been affected and unfortunately video games are not the exception. Sales are falling behind this year compared to 2008 and the holiday season is sure to bring a fierce price battle amongst the main retailers.

Not even the big companies are being spared from the effects of the economy. Video game giant Electronic Arts has decided to close Pandemic Studios, one of its recently acquired studios. This decision was part of a plan to cut 1,500 jobs in an effort to restructure the company.

EA plans to start publishing less console games and focus more on online titles which can prove more profitable for them. Pandemic Studios was acquired by EA, along with Bioware Corp. in 2007.

It’s really sad to see this happening, but I guess it’s the price for staying afloat in hard economic times. The video games industry has been growing strongly for the past few years and when the economy bounces back it’s sure to continue its growth. Studios are going to start growing again soon and when that happens I’m sure that these people will find positions in the industry.

Pandemic was most recently working on The Saboteur which was scheduled to be released December 2009 for the Xbox 360, PS3 and PC.

Read [Top News] Also read [USA Today]

Full Story » | Written by Christian Morlotte for Gamertell. | Comment on this Article »

Could the United States’ next General Patton be a 13-year-old currently playing Halo 3:ODST?

That is not as far fetched as it may seem, according to Washington Examiner columnist Peter W. Singer.

Singer notes United States Army officials’ testimony in Congress that video games including America’s Army are more effective than “any other method of contact” at recruiting potential soldiers. A 2008 Massachusetts Institute of Technology Study found that 30 percent of Americans aged 16-24 had a more positive impression of the Army because of that particular game.

Not only that, Singer found officers willing to testify that gamers make very useful young soldiers, particularly in the piloting of remote drone vehicles. An Air Force colonel called skilled gamers “naturals” at the task that often requires years of training. As a caveat though, that same colonel said gamers didn’t understand the consequences of war as well as regular recruits.

“The video game generation is worse at distorting the reality of it [war] from the virtual nature. They don’t have that sense of what’s really going on. It (video games) teaches you how to compartmentalize it ( the reality of war).”

America’s Army makes no real effort to disguise its goal as a recruitment tool and that has drawn the ire of people that are worried the government is brainwashing youngsters. In May 2009, seven protesters were arrested at a Philadelphia mall that boasts a video game equipped recruitment center.

Read [Washington Examiner] Also Read [Game Politics]

Full Story » | Written by Brian Allen for Gamertell. | Comment on this Article »

If you’re enjoying Dragon Age: Origins and anxiously waiting for more DLC so there’s even more to love about the PC, PS3 and Xbox 360 game, there’s good news. EA is going to spread some holiday cheer in 2009 with a “Return to Ostagar” DLC pack for all versions of the game. An exact release date hasn’t been announced yet, just that it’ll be out around the holidays in both North America and Europe.

The latest quest is going to send players who purchase the DLC back to Ostagar. Originally in the game’s history, King Cailan of Ferelden and his Grey Wardens suffered defeat there, with Cailan losing his life in the ensuing battle. In “Return to Ostagar,” you get the opportunity to return to find out what happened for yourself and reclaim the equipment he left behind. Sounds like this DLC pack is going to include some nice loot.

It also is a pretty good deal, for DLC. “Return to Ostagar” is $4.99/400 Microsoft Points/400 BioWare Points.

Read [El Mundo Tech] Also Read [WELT Online] Site [Dragon Age: Origins] Also Read [Worth Playing]

Full Story » | Written by Jenni Lada for Gamertell. | Comment on this Article »

The title of the game may have more colons than I would have liked but it matters very little in the long run. The fact is that Vivendi Games Mobile and Activision has brought the beloved zombie slaying mini-game from Call of Duty: World at War to the iPhone and iPod Touch platforms.\

Call of Duty: World at War: Zombies was released November 16, 2009, on the Apple Store for $9.99. It’s a bit more expensive than what we’re used to paying for iPhone or iPod Touch games especially since it only contains the original Nazi Zombie map “Night of the Undead” to play on.

The iPhone/iPod Touch version features a couple controls styles. You can either use virtual joysticks or use tilt controls to play the game. You can also team with up to three other players over the internet or play with one person through a local Bluetooth connection. Zombies has a full list of Achievements to obtain, leaderboards and a promise of downloadable content in the form of new maps in the future.

Read [Casual Gaming] Also Read [The iPhone Blog] Purchase [Apple App Store]

Full Story » | Written by Jeremy Hill for Gamertell. | Comment on this Article »

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 has done exceedingly well despite some bouts with controversy. That controversy probably helped boost its sales to higher levels than originally projected. A game such as this doesn’t sell 4 million copies without drawing some fire from unhappy organizations or countries

It was reported by GotPS3, and translated by Hellforge that MW2 was banned in Russia because of the infamous “No Russian” mission. The Russian government allegedly wanted that level to be taken out of the game and will relaunch it in one month.

Contrary to this report Activision released a statement to VG247 which reads, “Reports that Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 has been banned in Russia are erroneous. Activision only released a PC version of the game in Russia which went on sale on Tuesday, Nov. 10.”

Console versions of MW2 allow players to skip “No Russian” altogether when starting the campaign. There also isn’t a penalty to achievements if you choose to not take part in that stage. Infinity Ward also released a patch for the PC version of MW2 that eliminates this mission from the game.

Perhaps banning isn’t the correct word to use which is why Activision denies the claim. Let’s call it a temporary hiatus.

Read [VG247] Also Read [Hellforge]

Full Story » | Written by Jeremy Hill for Gamertell. | Comment on this Article »

If you sign into your Xbox Live account and take a look at your Friends list, chances are at least half of your friends are playing Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2. This shouldn’t be surprising as Activision said MW2 sold 4.7 million copies in its first day of release in North America and the UK. We’re sure Activison is rolling around in all the profits while laughing manically but XBLA games are paying a steep price to exist in a post MW2 world.

GamerBytes has been taking a look at leaderboard activity for XBLA games for some weeks and found a very interesting trend.

It seems since everybody is playing MW2, new leaderboard entries for other popular XBLA games have taken a nosedive. A prime example of this is Trials HD which as of two weeks ago had nearly 15,000 new entries in its leaderboards. When MW2 came out last week, Trials HD leaderboard entries dropped to almost 9,000. That is a decrease of about 40% in activity. Likewise, leaderboard activity for games including Defense Grid, South Park: Let’s Go Tower Defense Play!, and Zombie Apocalypse were just about cut in half.

This would definitely explain why so many games were pushed to the first quarter of 2009. There also aren’t many high profile XBLA games coming out for the rest of 2009 either. That is a very smart move for publishers who don’t want to be crushed under MW2‘s massive following.

Read [GamerBytes] Via [Gamasutra]

Full Story » | Written by Jeremy Hill for Gamertell. | Comment on this Article »

It was big news when everyone discovered that the Ace Attorney DS games were being adapted for the Wii in Japan. It gets even better though, it’s coming to North America as well. Capcom has just announced that it will start releasing the Phoenix Wright WiiWare games in North America in January, 2010, for 1,000 Nintendo Points / $10 each.

They will come out in three parts. First Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney‘s first four cases will apear on WiiWare in January, 2010. If you want the final case, which was a DS exclusive, you have to wait until May, 2010, to download it for 100 Wii Points / $1. The second game, Phoenix Wright Ace Attorney: Justice for All will debut in March, 2010. The third game, Phoenix Wright Ace Attorney: Trials and Tribulations will debut May, 2010.

No news on whether or not the games will use the Wii Speak microphone to allow players to shout “Objection!” and “Hold it!” at the screen. However, each entry will have multiple save slots and allow you to use the Wii remote to present evidence or interrogate witnesses.

If you haven’t played the games before, the WiiWare versions are going to be pretty good deals! You could spend around $20 on each DS entry, if you can find them.

Read [Gamertell]

Full Story » | Written by Jenni Lada for Gamertell. | Comment on this Article »

It’s a hectic time of year for consumers. There are pre-Black Friday sales. Thanksgiving Day sales, Black Friday sales and post-Black Friday sales. Thankfully, you’ll get a brief break for a few weeks in December, before the after Christmas and year end sales starts.

Toys R Us has announced yet another sale. Yeah, the weekend flier sales and Black Friday sale weren’t enough. This time Toys R Us has announced a sale that is going to run from November 22-26, 2009. Even better, many of the deals will be available online.

Here are the video game deals you’ll be able to find:

• The Beatles: Rockband (PS3, Wii, Xbox 360) will be $49.99
• The Beatles: Rockband Special Value Edition Bundle (PS3, Wii, Xbox 360), that comes with the game, guitar, drum kit and microphone will be $134.99
• $25 iTunes gift card when you buy certain games at your local Toys R Us store.
• $15 gift card for Cold Stone Creamery, Subway or Wendy’s when you buy a $199.99 Wii or Xbox 360 Arcade at your local Toys R Us store.
• Some video game storage units will be $34.99.
All DS and PSP games will be buy one, get one 50%.