This week saw X10 hit San Francisco and along with it, the showcasing of the 360′s heavy hitters in the form of exclusives like Alan Wake, Crackdown 2 and Halo: Reach. While Bioshock released also this week, both this and Mass Effect 2 had nuisances revealed forcing the developer to address…or not address in both cases.  Here’s what else got our attention.

Around the Web

Sonic returns to it’s roots
Following the successful return to 2D platforming with New Super Mario Bros. Wii, and after countless attempts to bring Sonic to the 3D platforming arena with mixed reviews (most or all being flops after Sonic Adventure 1 & 2 for the Dreamcast), Sega will be bringing their mascot back to the source of it’s original success picking up where the original Genesis titles left off.  Let’s just hope it’s not too late before the Sega mascot fades from a household name to 2nd rate obscurity.
http://www.gamespot.com/xbox360/action/projectneedlemouse/news.html?sid=6249445&tag=topslot;thumb;1&mode=previews

Facebook goes FPS
After rejecting thousands of requests to join lame facebook game communities like Mafia Wars and Farmville, 3G looks to finally try convince me to click on the accept button.
http://worldsinmotion.biz/2010/02/3g_studios_releasing_social_sh.php?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+WorldsInMotion+%28WorldsInMotion.biz%29&utm_content=Google+Reader

Bioware won’t/can’t fix Mass Effect 2 text problem for SD player
Though it may seem like a necessity to game in this generation (unless your a Wii owner only) in High Definition, there are still quite a number of people stuck in SD.  So when one of the hottest titles so far this year lays out their text in a way unreadable to those playing in Standard Definition, you might expect a patch to have it fixed for this still significant segment….unless it is unfixable.
http://social.bioware.com/forum/1/topic/107/index/785123/16

2K won’t/can’t add gamepad support to Bioshock 2 for the PC
Then there’s the situation when an option (like gamepad support) looks like it could be easily made available for a format (like PC) where the majority of users would use another control scheme anyways (like keyboard and mouse) for a genre like FPS.
http://forums.2kgames.com/forums/showthread.php?t=55818&page=37

Alan Wake is 360 exclusive exclusive
Games exclusive to Microsoft would usually make thier way to the 360 and most likely (but not always) to the PC, unfortunately this won’t be the case for Alan Wake…even though it was originally was meant for both.
http://www.strategyinformer.com/news/6978/microsoft-alan-wake-will-no-longer-be-coming-to-the-pc

Uncharted 2 lives on!
Thought you were down with Uncharted 2?  Not just yet as the multiplayers is slated for a significant spruce up with more skins, maps and tropjhies.
http://ps3.ign.com/articles/106/1069066p1.html

What we reviewed

MAG
WiiWare double review: Alex Kidd in Shinobi World/Pokemon Rumble

Our Top 5

FERRARI RACES INTO NEED FOR SPEED SHIFT
Microsoft X10 (San Francisco)
Final Fantasy XIII lead sponsor of NBA All-Star Game
Ghost Recon Future Soldier Announced
Bad Company 2 set to break EA demo download record

This year more than ever, a post holiday release timeframe has become a significant period to release those titles trying to get an early jump to contend for Game of the Year honors and/or just to get a bigger piece of the annual sales pie.

So far we’ve seen the release of Mass Effect 2 and Bioshock 2 each solidifying their AAA status, while games like Splinter Cell: Conviction, Halo: Reach, Alan Wake and Final Fantasy XIII have the hype machine already revved up for their upcoming releases that are just around the corner.

This past week, Microsoft held X10 in San Francisco and along the way to promoting the aforementioned titles (most of which are exclusives), they also reminded us of games still coming down the road with the likes of Crackdown 2, Dead Rising 2 (with exclusive DLC entitled CASE ZERO), Fable III and Left 4 Dead 2: The Passing.

Not to be left out, soon to be released XBLA titles were also highlighted with the much talked about “Game Room” leading the charge, joined by Scrap Metal, Toy Soldiers and the anticipated re-release of Perfect Dark.  Sean C.
Official details below:

SAN FRANCISCO — Fire up the flat screen and crank up the volume for the biggest year in Xbox 360 gaming history. Today at X10, Microsoft Corp. proved to the world why 2010 will be a landmark year for gamers of all types, and it showcased a barrage of exclusive games that defy traditional genres and create new experiences filled with emotion, adrenaline and suspense. Heart-pounding action and rich storytelling encompass a massive line-up of blockbuster exclusives announced today with the hotly anticipated multiplayer beta of this year’s biggest entertainment phenomenon, “Halo: Reach,” blasting off May 3, and the chilling and immersive mystery of “Alan Wake” coming May 18 — both only available on the Xbox 360 gaming and entertainment system, starting at just $199.99 ERP.1 Celebrating the franchise’s Xbox 360 debut on March 9, Microsoft and Square Enix have created the Xbox 360 “FINAL FANTASY XIII” Special Edition Bundle.

Available in North America on Aug. 31, Japan on Sept. 2 and Europe on Sept. 3, “Dead Rising 2” picks up the suspenseful action where the original left off, as gamers fight to survive swarming hordes of the living dead. Microsoft and Capcom Co. Ltd. have also announced that they are teaming up to set a new standard in storytelling through an exclusive “Dead Rising 2” downloadable prologue only on Xbox LIVE. “Dead Rising 2: CASE ZERO,” available shortly before the title releases in August, will allow Xbox 360 gamers to get their first glimpse into the “Dead Rising 2” story with exclusive content that will not be featured in the full game.

Last November, acclaimed developer Infinity Ward took gamers back to the action-packed world rife with political intrigue, betrayal and heroism in “Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2,” becoming the largest entertainment launch in history, shattering Xbox LIVE launch records along the way. Now Xbox 360 owners will be the only players in the world to fully experience the biggest blockbuster titles with exclusive Game Add-ons, including a “Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2” content pack arriving first on Xbox LIVE this spring.

“This is going to be an amazing year for Xbox 360 and for gamers worldwide. It’s our biggest and most breakthrough year yet, filled with games and entertainment that you won’t find on any other console,” said Phil Spencer, corporate vice president of Microsoft Game Studios. “I’m floored on a daily basis with what the ‘Crackdown 2’ team is doing, and Bungie is proving the impossible possible by eclipsing even its own untouchable standards with ‘Halo: Reach.’ I can’t wait to jump on Xbox LIVE with some friends to amp up our Gamerscores in co-op or talk a little trash to fuel some friendly competition.”2

Gamers can grab their Xbox 360 controllers and envelop themselves in heroic tales of revolutionaries and kings, struggles to save mankind from annihilation, and action-packed stories of mystery and espionage, or simply have some nostalgic fun with family and friends across the globe on Xbox LIVE with the following games:

•    “Halo: Reach” (Bungie). As the blockbuster prequel to the best-selling Xbox franchise of all time, developed exclusively for Xbox 360 by acclaimed developer Bungie, “Halo: Reach” puts you front and center in the fateful moments that forged the “Halo” legend. As part of Noble Team, a squad of heroic Spartan soldiers, you will be called upon to defend the planet Reach, humankind’s last line of defence between the terrifying Covenant and Earth. Starting on May 3, the “Halo: Reach” public multiplayer beta will give you the opportunity to drive the latest advancements in multiplayer gameplay in the blockbuster franchise that started it all on Xbox LIVE. Access to the beta will be available through the “Halo 3: ODST” game disc on Xbox LIVE.

•    “Alan Wake” (Remedy Entertainment Ltd.). Launching May 18 in North America and May 21 in Europe, nightmares come to life in this Xbox 360 exclusive that will establish a new gaming genre, the gripping psychological action thriller. It is built like a chilling episodic TV series, where your wits and light are your only allies, and you can pre-order your copy now at participating retailers to reserve your Bright Falls Bonus Pack, which includes exclusive content such as avatar gear, an Xbox LIVE theme, and a “making of” video. Those looking to immerse themselves in the mystery beyond the game can also pre-order the limited collector’s edition, packed with bonus discs of behind-the-scenes footage, exclusive in-game commentary and hints from Remedy, a game soundtrack, “The Alan Wake Files” book, and more, all bound together in a hardcover bookshelf-worthy package.

•    “Crackdown 2” (Ruffian Games). Available exclusively on Xbox 360 and hitting store shelves later this year, the sequel to the 2007 smash hit features over-the-top action, a massive living world, unprecedented online and multiplayer capabilities, and stylish graphics. Reserve your copy today and stand above the crowd — you’ll receive a code to download four exclusive suits of Agency-Issue armour: Gold, Brushed, Red and Blue Metal.

•    “Dead Rising 2” (Capcom). Following the 2006 bone-crunching, zombie-bashing action adventure hit, “Dead Rising 2” puts a new offbeat defender in the heart of the fight to save the United States from complete zombification. Before the mayhem launching in August and September, “Dead Rising 2: CASE ZERO” will release as an exclusive Game Add-on only on Xbox LIVE.

•    “Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2” content pack (Infinity Ward/Activision). The first content packs for this award-winning title and biggest entertainment launch ever will be available first on Xbox 360 and Xbox LIVE.

•    “Tom Clancy’s Splinter Cell Conviction” (Ubisoft Entertainment). Coming exclusively to Xbox 360 and PC on April 13 in North America, April 16 in the United Kingdom, and April 28 in Japan, “Tom Clancy’s Splinter Cell Conviction” is the highly anticipated sequel in the multimillion-selling “Splinter Cell” series, and one of the most critically acclaimed Xbox franchises of all time. Uniting revolutionary gameplay enhancements with a high-octane, no-holds-barred storyline, the game also features intense co-op espionage missions on Xbox LIVE, making Xbox 360 the only console where you can unleash your inner renegade spy.

•    “FINAL FANTASY XIII” (Square Enix). The Xbox 360 “FINAL FANTASY XIII” Special Edition Bundle includes a 250GB hard drive, two wireless controllers, exclusive downloadable avatar items and a standard-edition copy of the dramatic sequel in the multimillion-selling series. Xbox 360 is the only console outside of Japan to be bundled with the game, available in stores starting March 9, while supplies last. In addition, a very limited number of “FINAL FANTASY XIII” Limited Edition Faceplates have been created by designer Tetsuya Nomura. These faceplates are only available promotionally in fixed quantities across select retailers in Europe, North America, Australia, and New Zealand.

•   “Fable III” (Lionhead Studios). “Fable III” delivers an unparalleled action and adventure experience as players journey from revolutionary to the ruler of Albion and beyond. With your trusted canine companion, you will embark on an epic hero’s quest against injustice, forge alliances, crush your enemies and take control of your kingdom. But with great power comes great responsibility. Will you honour promises made in your rise to power, or sacrifice allegiance for personal gain? Choose wisely, as the decisions you make will forever impact your ever-evolving world.

•    “Lost Planet 2” (Capcom). The next instalment of the popular third-person shooter returns you to breathtaking environments, unique Vital Suits and larger-than-life bosses of the world of E.D.N. III. The story picks up 10 years after the original game as players follow the exploits of their own customized snow pirate on their quest to seize control of the changing planet. You’ll be able to play through the intense and action-packed campaign mode with three of your friends on Xbox LIVE. “Lost Planet 2” launches in North America and Europe on May 18.

•    “Left 4 Dead 2: The Passing” (Valve). The first Game Add-on brings the original “Left 4 Dead” survivors down south for a meeting with the “Left 4 Dead 2” cast, while delivering new single-player, multiplayer and co-operative gameplay, exclusively for Xbox 360 and PC. Targeting an early spring release, “Left 4 Dead 2: The Passing” will include new co-operative campaign and associated narrative and new arenas for Survival, Versus and Scavenge modes, and introduce a new co-operative challenge mode.2

•    “Toy Soldiers” (Signal Studios). An intense action game kicking off the Xbox LIVE Arcade Block Party on March 3, “Toy Soldiers” casts players into a fantastic, miniature world where antique toy soldiers fight in vintage World War I dioramas. To celebrate the release of “Toy Soldiers” on Xbox LIVE Arcade, Microsoft is launching a companion Facebook experience on Feb. 12, “Toy Soldiers: Match Defense,” which will have you and your friends matching items to collectively win countries and conquer Europe.

•    “Game Room” (Krome Studios Pty Ltd.). Launching this March as a part of the Xbox LIVE Arcade Block Party, “Game Room” lets gamers relive the glory days of classic arcade and console games in their original forms, as the player’s avatar takes part in the original sights, sounds and gameplay only on Xbox 360 and Windows-based PC.

•    “Perfect Dark” (4J Studios). Fire up your Farsight and prepare for assignment — the Dark returns this March as part of the Xbox LIVE Arcade Block Party. Agent Joanna Dark brings her epic tale of galactic conspiracies in future America to Xbox 360 with remastered visuals, LIVE-enabled multiplayer modes, leader boards, achievements and avatar awards.

•    “Scrap Metal” (Slick Entertainment Inc.). Launching in March as a part of the Xbox LIVE Arcade Block Party, “Scrap Metal” lets gamers drift around corners with guns blazing and take out competitors in this fast-paced, top-down racer. Gamers fight their way through explosive, action-packed missions, defeat cunning bosses, or jump on Xbox LIVE to race against their friends, exclusively on Xbox 360.

This week’s update is highlighted by a spattering of Sony exclusive demos, most importantly with the greatly anticipated (at least on my part) Heavy Rain for the PS3.  The PSP rounds out the demos with SOCOM Fireteam Bravo 3 and the Echochrome spinoff echoshift.

Other than that, there are a bunch of new dynamic themes featuring PSN exclusive titles Flower (celebrating it’s one year birthday), Trash Panic and Wipeout HD.  There also price drops and special offer galore with Burnout Paradise Complete Edition for $20, Valkyria Chronicles DLC pack  for $10, Trine for $10, and the much adored Patapon 2 for $15 (permanent).

As for Playstation Home, be sure to check out the newly re-skinned Singstar space in spirit of Valentines, along with the new Warhawk personal space and a SOCOM item giveaway at the Playstation Theatre.

So forget about your Valentine this weekend…spend some time where your heart really is….on video games (sad).  Sean C.

Full Listing below

Special Offers
Burnout Paradise Complete Edition Bundle ($29.99)
Burnout Paradise Complete Downloadable Content Bundle ($19.99)
Sonic Unleashed “Unleash Your Desire” Bundle ($11.99)
Valkyria Chronicles “Love Conquers All” Bundle ($9.99)

Price Updates
Patapon 2 Permanent Price Drop (now $14.99, original price $19.99)
Call of Duty: World at War Map Pack Bundle Temporary Sale (now $19.99, original price $24.99)
Trine Sale, One Week Only (now $9.99, original price $19.99)

PSone Classics
Dirt Jockey ($5.99)
Earn your license and get behind the wheel of your very own dump truck, bulldozer, wheel loader, or crane and see what it’s like to operate these massive machines.

Populous: The Beginning ($5.99)
Use your power and magic as a shaman to build armies, unleash awesome spells, and conquer all of the worlds in the solar system in this real-time strategy game sequel to the popular “god game” series. Download this PSone classic game today and conquer the solar system to become a god!

Sim Theme Park ($5.99)
Build and manage the theme park of your dreams! Take control of every aspect of managing your park, from the dimensions of the roller coasters to the prices of food and drinks, to keep the customers happy and your theme park thriving!

Game Demos (free)
Heavy Rain Demo
Get your hands on one of the most anticipated and talked about PlayStation 3 exclusives of 2010!

Add-on Game Content
LittleBigPlanet Valentine’s Day Mini-Pack ($2.99)
Get these Valentine’s costumes and stickers to spread some love in LittleBigPlanet!

LittleBigPlanet Chinese New Year Costume (free)
The best thing about Sackboy is that you can make him look and act exactly as you want. Download these additional costumes and really stand out from the crowd!

Blazblue: Calamity Trigger Other Unlimited Characters Unlocked ($4.99)
Unlimited characters step in the ring to join the fight!

Blazblue: Calamity Trigger Additional Character Colors (x6) ($1.99 each)
Additional color palettes based on European flag and more for Blazblue: Calamity Trigger Characters.

Blazblue: Calamity Trigger All Additional Colors 2 ($4.99)
Additional color palettes based on European flag colors for all 12 characters. (Packs A, B, and C combined.)

Blazblue: Calamity Trigger All Additional Colors 3 ($4.99)
This package includes 4 more colors for all 12 characters. (Packs A, B, and C combined.)

Dante’s Inferno Free Soul Pack (free)
Contains 500 souls. You can use souls to purchase and upgrade either Dante’s holy or unholy abilities.

Dante’s Inferno Small Soul Pack ($0.99)
Contains 1500 souls. You can use souls to purchase and upgrade either Dante’s holy or unholy abilities.

Dante’s Inferno Medium Soul Pack ($1.99)
Contains 3000 souls. You can use souls to purchase and upgrade either Dante’s holy or unholy abilities.

Dante’s Inferno Large Soul Pack ($3.99)
Contains 5000 souls. You can use souls to purchase and upgrade either Dante’s holy or unholy abilities

Dark Void Survivor Missions ($4.99)
Prepare for the fight of your life! In the Survivor Missions, relive key events from Dark Void as you battle waves of increasingly difficult enemy troops. Rack up massive points with score multipliers for headshots and hijacking enemy aircraft. Pick up time bonuses and fight back the alien armada! But never forget what matters most: Survival!

Fairytale Fights Treasure Pack 1 (free)
Expand your Fairytale Fights experience with 3 new gruesome player vs player arenas and 4 brand new characters for even more bloodshed! Fairytale Fights delivers an unmatched fury of cartoon violence on your console. Download the latest pack for Fairytale Fights and grab a slice of the action!

NBA Live 10 All-Star Weekend Pack (free)
Get up-to-date for NBA All-Star Weekend 2010 from Dallas, Texas with the official jerseys. This free update pack includes the official East and West All-Star game jerseys for All-Star 2010.

Guitar Hero 5
•“Until The End” by Breaking Benjamin ($1.99)
•“Sooner or Later” by Breaking Benjamin ($1.99)
•“Give Me A Sign” by Breaking Benjamin ($1.99)
•Breaking Benjamin Track Pack ($5.49)
Rock Band
•“Holy Wars… The Punishment Due”— Megadeth ($1.99)
•“Hangar 18″— Megadeth ($1.99)
•“Take No Prisoners”— Megadeth ($1.99)
•“Five Magics”— Megadeth ($1.99)
•“Poison Was the Cure”— Megadeth ($1.99)
•“Lucretia”— Megadeth ($1.99)
•“Tornado of Souls”— Megadeth ($1.99)
•“Dawn Patrol”— Megadeth ($1.99)
•“Rust in Peace… Polaris”— Megadeth ($1.99)
•Rust in Peace (Album)

Game Videos (free)
The Tester Preview Episode
White Knight Chronicles IE Launch Trailer
Heavy Rain Gameplay Engine Trailer
After Burner Climax Announcement Network Trailer
Dynasty Warriors: Strikeforce Hd Up Close #1 Network Trailer
Dynasty Warriors: Strikeforce Hd Up Close #2 Network Trailer
Dynasty Warriors: Strikeforce Hd Up Close #3 Network Trailer
Dynasty Warriors: Strikeforce Hd Up Close #4 Network Trailer
Just Cause 2: Grapple Documentary Video
Army of Two: The 40th Day “World Tour”

PS3 Themes
Flower Dynamic Theme ($2.99)
WipEout HD Dynamic Theme ($2.99)
Trash Panic Dynamic Theme ($2.99)
BioShock 2 Single-Player Theme (free)
Army of Two: The 40th Day PS3 Theme (free)
Dante’s Inferno Theme (free)
Dita Von Teese Premium Theme ($1.99)

PlayStation Store for PSP
Special Offers (also available from PS3 Storefront)
Crazy Taxi & Full Auto 2 “Driving Me Crazy” Bundle ($19.99)
Includes Crazy Taxi: Fare Wars + Full Auto 2: Battlelines for PSP.

Sonic Rivals “Set My Pulse Racing” Bundle ($29.99)
Includes Sonic Rivals 1 and 2 for PSP.

Game Demos (free) (also available from PS3 Storefront)
echoshift Demo
echoshift redefines puzzle games with an innovative game play mechanic that challenges you to manipulate time and be in multiple places at once! Plan ahead to solve puzzles by layering your actions on top of each other to push switches, bridge gaps, and much more. You’ll have to think quickly and use your past decisions in this artistically stylized world, available exclusively on the PSP system.

SOCOM: Fireteam Bravo 3 Demo
Playble demo for SOCOM: U.S. Navy SEALs Fireteam Bravo 3 for the PSP contains level from campaign playable via single player or co-op (ad hoc) and multiplayer trailer (480p).

Add-On Game Content (also available from PS3 Storefront)
LittleBigPlanet PSP Lurve Costume (free)
PLAY, CREATE, SHARE…Everywhere. LittleBigPlanet’s critically acclaimed “PLAY, CREATE, SHARE” experience, makes its way to the PSP system with a completely new Sackboy adventure. Get a free costume and show everyone you’re in “lurve”!
NOTE: Manual Update required – please reference the following instruction to manually download the latest update patch for LittleBigPlanet (PSP):

If accessing wirelessly:

•Ensure an online connection
•On the XMB, highlight the LBP game icon and open the menu by pressing (Triangle)
•Highlight and select “Update” and continue with the on-screen instructions
If accessing thru the PlayStation Store (for the first time*):

•Download the latest LBP PSP Update manually from the XMB – if downloaded through the PS3, install and transfer files to PSP
•*To download future updates through the PlayStation Store, access the “Download List” and re-download the LBP PSP Update.

LittleBigPlanet PSP Lurve Theme Level Pack ($2.99)
PLAY, CREATE, SHARE…Everywhere. Download a new set of costumes and CREATE materials to create your levels of “lurve”.
NOTE: Manual Update required

PSP Minis
Spaceball: Revolution ($4.99)

Game Videos (free)
The Tester Preview Episode
Dante’s Inferno Developer Diary – Gluttony
Dante’s Inferno Developer Diary – Lust
Valkryia Chronicles II Teaser Trailer
Ultimate Board Game Collection Trailer

PSP Themes (also available from PS3 Storefront)
Lindsay Kaye PSP Theme 1 ($1.49)
Lindsay Kaye PSP Theme 2 ($1.49)
Azmodeus Dark Angels PSP Theme 11 ($0.99)
Azmodeus Dark Angels PSP Theme 12 ($0.99)

IT’S FRIDAY!!! Check out what the peeps at Console Creatures HQ have on the gaming menu this weekend. We’re also grabbing a few of you on the street for YOUR weekend picks!

This review is sort of a double-feature showcasing the chops of Nintendo’s Wii Shop channel, which up until this point I had only had minor experience with. By “minor” I mean I used it to hoard a bunch of best-loved and half-forgotten games from my childhood for easy access. Chances are that if you have a penchant for “older” games, the Wii Shop Channel is for you; after all, many of your classic favourites are probably Nintendo made, leftover from a time where Nintendo dominated the gaming scene. One of the games I’ll be discussing is from that generation, but not from a classic Nintendo console. The second is a more recent entry from the Wiiware section with a little more depth and ties to everyone’s favourite collectable monster fad.

1. Alex Kidd in Shinobi World

Like most classics, this one comes complete with a 10-second intro cutscene and the strong sense that the developers weren’t entirely sober when they made the game. Alex’s eye-rolling girlfriend is stolen from their favourite field of flowers by the Dark Ninja, and all appears lost until a ghost ninja comes along and gives Alex the power to slay ninjas en masse.

Pros

Alex Kidd is one of those tripped-out classic games where the main theme (ninjas) seems at odds with the cutesy characters and Alex’s strange abilities (like becoming a fireball when swinging on a pole or turning into a tornado). Both the trippiness and those abilities make the game a fun and unique experience, as well as the ability to upgrade Alex’s basic sword to a host of other ninja-y weapons.

Cons

The level design is often not very interesting, easy to navigate, and each level seems like a terrible place for a ninja stronghold. Furthermore the whole oddball-classic dynamic of the game can get a little too loopy sometimes, like the floating metal golem boss who fires small helicopters from his mouth… Seriously, what’s up with that?

1. Pokemon Rumble

I don’t care what anyone says, this game is freaking sweet. It’s the Pokemon you know and love, except it’s centred around fast-paced real time combat and the constant search for more powerful Pokemon. If you love to collect those little monsters as much as I do but you’ve grown tired of the turn-based battles common to the Pokemon game series, this game is for you.

Pros

Pokemon Rumble includes all 151 of the original Pokemon as well as a host of Pokemon from the Diamond and Pearl generation, pleasing to both old and new trainers alike. It’s great fun to tank out your strongest Pokemon and just go on a rampage, using awesome attacks and snapping up new Pokemon as you go… Yeah, that’s pretty much the whole game. It sounds simple, and it is. It’s also a ridiculously good time, especially if you bring in up to 3 friends for co-op play!

Cons

This game could have easily been fun in virtually every aspect, but a few senseless technical problems mar what would otherwise be a near-perfect package. In short, both the attacks and the Pokemon you can buy with in-game currency are entirely random. This wouldn’t be so bad if the pool of attacks and Pokemon weren’t so massive, meaning that every attempt is more likely to give you something useless or that you already have rather than an interesting new addition to your repertoire. Buying new attacks and Pokemon is a large part of progressing in Pokemon Rumble, so these problems stand out as the most obvious.

Here’s the Deal

I think both of these games are excellent selections for the Wii Shop Channel. Want something classic, cheap, and oodles of fun? Get Super Mario Bros. But if you’ve already played that get Alex Kidd in Shinobi World, because it’s in the same classic-platformer vein and it’s a reasonably fun ride. Pokemon Rumble costs three times as much, but this game is far more enjoyable and unique, with the added bonus that it can be played co-op. I’d recommend both in the end, but if it comes down to one or the other you won’t be disappointed with Pokemon Rumble. Mike D.

Alex Kidd in Shinobi World: 7/10

Pokemon Rumble: 8/10

DICE, an Electronic Arts Inc. studio,today announced that Battlefield: Bad Company 2 is on pace to become the fastest downloaded demo* in EA history. Battlefield: Bad Company 2 continues to dominate online multiplayer gaming with over 2M demo downloads across Xbox LIVE and the PlayStation Network (combined) in the first five days of availability. The recently launched PC beta has also met great success, with hundreds of thousands of players already signed up. With the huge popularity of the Xbox LIVE and PlayStation Network demo and the PC beta, Battlefield: Bad Company 2 is positioned to be the premier first person-shooter of 2010 when it hits stores on March 2nd.

“We couldn’t be more thrilled to hear that Battlefield: Bad Company 2 is already in the hands of almost 2½ million gamers, and it hasn’t even shipped yet,” said Patrick Bach, Senior Producer on Battlefield: Bad Company 2. “This massive rush to experience the game early is proof positive that action gamers are looking for more. Battlefield: Bad Company 2 delivers on every front. This is intelligent, strategic warfare that our competitors simply cannot replicate.”

Battlefield: Bad Company 2 will be in stores on March 2, 2010 in North America and March 4, 2010 in Europe for the Xbox 360 videogame and entertainment system, PlayStation 3 computer entertainment system and the PC. The Limited Edition can be pre-ordered now on all platforms at no extra cost, with participating retailers worldwide (while supplies last).

* Internet connection required. Demo will end on February 25, 2010.

I’ve never been a big online shooter fan throughout my time owning various consoles and PCs over the years, yet here I am doing a review for the online only, first person shooter, MAG (an acronym for the straight forward title of the game: Massive Action Game).  But therein lies the opportunity to look at this title with a fresh set of eyes, optimistic about the chaotic idea of 256 players online simultaneously on a single map yet expecting to be hampered by my unwillingness to socialize with PSN strangers.  Considering this, I dive head first in what has been promised as a different kind of shooter and enlist in the Shadow War.

The Pros

If you’re only looking to test your twitch reflexes in standard FPS modes and concentrate on your kill/death ratio then a game like Modern Warfare 2 might serve you better. Where MAG works best is not as a competitor to the guns blazing type of first person shooters, but more so as purveying the grand scale of a fully fledged war and your specific role within it.   That and that itself is well worth the venture into MAG, regardless if you are an experienced FPS player or not, whether you approach it as a lone wolf or consistently communicating with teammates, the game offers a certain gratification for anyone who participates within the ideas MAG attempts reinforce.

The game starts off with you choosing one of three factions (Raven, S.V.E.R., and Valor), where in the not-so-distant future the management of war is outsourced to PMCs (private military corporations) each vying for supremacy and reputation.  Whether you play casually or frequently, the online “Shadow War” will continually rage on as the game tracks the stats of every battle/match played ultimately contributing to the overall scoreboard between the three PMCs.  In the battles itself you start off with you’re standard deathmatch mode entitled “suppression” to wet you’re feet, but then eventually unlock objective based modes highlighted by the 256 player “Domination”.  It’s in these objective based matches you’re split up into squads of 8 where you cycle through tasks given to you by your squad leader (a position available to you once you garner enough XP) on the field of battle.  The idea is not that you’ll always immediately get straight to the main objective of the match (i.e. in “Aquisition” the main objective is to steal/defend two prototype vehicles) but every sort of task contributes to the end goal and are subsequently rewarded with XP by doing so.  Regardless of the task set before you, once completed successfully you can’t help but get this feeling that you’ve contributed to something larger than just you as an individual player and that you’re playing with the bigger picture in mind.

The best example of this is in the much hyped 256 player Domination mode.  On one huge map 256 players are simultaneously active and organized in platoons, further grouped in squads each with their own set of objectives for the squad and platoon leaders to strategize and plan out.  Though you see and hear explosions off in the distance as well as feeling the overall chaos of the situation (all of which would be a direct result of other players in the match), you begin to realize that the best you can do to realize a win for your PMC is to complete your specific tasks while putting trust in your squad and platoon leaders along with the other 128 teammates on the map to do the same.

This gratification is still accessible by newcomers or players with no familiarity with the others in the squad as it really can be as simple as following the orders to complete tasks set out by your squad leader, regardless if you want to communicate back or not, ultimately still contributing to a potential team victory.  However, if you do take the time and initiative to organize and communicate with your squad then the payback is that much more satisfying when you see a plan in motion and successfully realized.

One last thing I’ll mention is the broad customization options available to you as an individual.  Not only concentrating on attack based upgrades, skills that benefit the team (i.e. healing, repairing) are equally represented and are not just an after thought to attack based upgrades.  The game also provides for up to 5 customizable loadouts allowing you to endlessly fiddle with the different options your character will take with them to battle.

The Cons

The major con is not necessarily the developer’s fault but it’s idea that in this specific type of online shooter everyone will adopt the same mindset. The concept that this game is about winning a match by completing what’s asked of you from an assigned superior as part of a bigger strategy might be hard for some players not to grasp but embrace.  At times a player will disregard their tasks for the easy kills unaware/not caring about the importance of the task they were responsible for that’s essential to an overall team victory.

If one must make the comparison of this game to other first person shooters, you might consider the graphics are pretty standard, while being slower paced than what some may be used to.  Other than that, in terms of maps/environments the games offers little in variety barely deviating from a constant color scheme.

Here’s the Deal

Though you can try to make the comparison of MAG to any other war themed console first person shooter, the result will be a shallow one at best.  Comparing the game to other premiere FPS’, MAG may not look like a stand out when you look at it’s exterior.  However, MAG is special in the sense that it’s the first FPS that gave me as a player the impression that I was part of something larger in scale, that regardless of my killing prowess (or lack of), there were more important things to be done to achieve victory.  This is only exemplified by the 256 player Domination mode where you’re thrown into a large scale battle where it’s impossible to win on your own creating a dependency on teamwork while contributing by doing what’s asked of you as an individual and a squad.  Let’s just hope all your teammates are on the same page.   8/10  Sean C.

The National Basketball Association (NBA) and Square Enix  Inc. (Square Enix) today announced a promotional partnership that will make FINAL FANTASY XIII – the latest in the world-renowned  action-packed role-playing videogame series that has shipped more than 92 million units – the presenting partner of the 2010 NBA All-Star Celebrity Game.

As the presenting partner of the NBA All-Star Celebrity Game, FINAL FANTASY XIII will have prominent exposure throughout Center Court at NBA All-Star Jam Session presented by adidas, where the game will be played.  The role-playing videogame, which features futuristic characters and gameplay, will receive significant presence during the broadcast on ESPN, which will televise the NBA All-Star event for the sixth consecutive year.  There will also be a dedicated FINAL FANTASY XIII area at NBA All-Star Jam Session where fans will be able to preview the videogame, which will be available for both PlayStation 3 and the Xbox 360 on March 9, 2010.

“FINAL FANTASY XIII ,the next evolution in videogame entertainment, will appeal to first time players and series fans alike,” said John Yamamoto, President and CEO of Square Enix, Inc.,  “We are delighted to be the presenting partner at the NBA All-Star Celebrity Game and give fans a chance to experience the most highly anticipated game of the year before it launches on March 9.”

“FINAL FANTASY is a storied brand in the videogame category and this partnership will bring an exciting new element to this year’s NBA All-Star Celebrity Game,” said Mark Tatum, NBA Executive Vice President of Marketing Partnerships.  “A good portion of our fanbase overlaps with the young, videogame-playing audience, so it is a natural fit for us to partner with a leading franchise like FINAL FANTASY around one of our marquee All-Star events.”

The 2010 NBA All-Star Celebrity Game presented by FINAL FANTASY XIII will tip off on Friday, Feb. 12 at 7:00 p.m. EST/ 6:00 p.m. CST from NBA All-Star Jam Session presented by adidas inside the Dallas Convention Center.  This year’s celebrity participants will include a cast of players from film, TV, and music who will be outfitted in retro 1986 NBA All-Star uniforms paying tribute to NBA All-Star 1986 in Dallas.  The game will also feature former NBA players and current WNBA players.

FINAL FANTASY XIII marks the dawning of a new era for the celebrated franchise, bringing the series to multiple high-definition consoles simultaneously for the first time in its history. The series is defined by a constant evolution, offering nothing less than the finest creative vision, graphical quality and gameplay system of its generation with every installment, and FINAL FANTASY XIII will be no exception to its legacy.