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The Reviews of 2009...In Review: Day 2

Wed, 25 Nov 2009 13:00:00 -0800

With Black Friday lingering and just a small handful of games left in 2009, it’s high time to take a refresher course in some of this year’s biggest and best reviews. I’ve broken down most of our most illustrious verdicts, platform by platform, to pick out some samplings of read (and watch) worthy material. Yesterday, I focused on handheld and PC highlights from 2009. Today, I'll be focusing in on the best multiplatform and downloadable games. And, because you need something to do either before eating turkey or before camping out in the freezing cold for a $200 game console and free games, tomorrow brings the best reviews across platform exclusives.

Come back tomorrow at 1pm PST/4pm EST for our final day of recaps.

Put on your reading glasses; without further ado, here’s G4’s The Reviews of 2009...In Review!

Multiplatform

People will argue back and forth over the Internet for eons about what version of a game is better and which game console sucks. And then there are people too busy playing games to sweat the platform pie fights. Here’s a look at games across multiple platforms (and before the tin-foil hats come on, I pulled the review links based on pagination, not platform preference):

Street Fighter IV - 5/5
Available on Xbox 360, PS3, PC

“The fighting game has evolved considerably since Street Fighter II exploded the genre into superstardom in the early ‘90s. Street Fighter IV proves that Capcom still has what it takes to dominate the genre almost two decades later. The fourth installment may, at long last, have trumped the second. Anyone with even a passing interest in one-on-one brawling owes it to him or herself to get into Street Fighter IV. Even if you haven’t touched a fighting game since the 16-bit era, one match of Capcom’s new masterpiece will remind you why you spent so many hours at those now long-shuttered arcades.”

Skate 2 - 4/5
Available on Xbox 360, PS3

“While it’s basically just a more polished version of the first game with a few additions here and there, Skate 2 is easily the best skating game on the market. The city is massive, the trick system still feels like butter on wheels, there are endless challenges, events and places to discover, and the online features are plentiful. It would have been nice to have seen a truly new city, more fluid off-board controls and maybe a more engaging narrative, but in terms of giving players plenty of skating bang for their bucks while being consistently fun and satisfying, Skate 2 is a worthy addition to any library, especially for anyone who missed the first ride.”

Red Faction: Guerilla - 4/5
Available on Xbox 360, PS3, PC

“Overall, Red Faction: Guerrilla manages to distinguish itself enough from the competition to be a fun change of pace. The sci-fi atmosphere and destructive landscape are great, and there's plenty to do. While the story itself is fairly linear, the ways to accomplish your objectives are anything but ordinary. Grab a hammer and get out there. There are a lot of walls and even more heads to crack if you’re hoping to liberate this little red planet.”

Fight Night Round 4 - 5/5
Available on Xbox 360, PS3

“Fight Night Round 4 offers that all too rare experience of seeing stunning visuals have a profound effect on gameplay – yes these boxers look amazing, but the way that you box move will have an effect on how long you’re standing. Factor in a highly improved career mode and an in-depth online title chase and you’re looking at one of the years finest titles across any genre. The franchise is in new hands, and after several hours of jabs and hooks, I’m happy to say that it’s in good hands.”

Batman: Arkham Asylum - 4/5
Available on Xbox 360, PS3, PC

“Ultimately, Batman: Arkham Asylum succeeds because it’s a great game, with or without the license. It seamlessly transitions between beat-‘em-up brawler, intense stealth action, and exploration-friendly adventure without missing a beat. When broken up, they’re not necessarily strong enough to stand on their own -- Challenge Mode is an afterthought – but together, the components make for a lean, tight experience. If you’re a huge fan of the Dark Knight, this will go down as one of the best games you’ll play in 2009. If you’ve got a passing interest, there’s still plenty to dig into and enjoy.”

Guitar Hero 5 - 4/5
Available on Xbox 360, PS3, Wii

“It's hard to believe we're already on Guitar Hero 5. I remember sneaking into Red Octane's pint-sized E3 booth years ago to see the first Guitar Hero prototype. There was no hype. These days, music games are a dominating force in the industry. The Guitar Hero series has been playing catch-up since Harmonix split to make Rock Band, however, and while Neversoft has admirably picked up the slack, each edition since the divide has been a little…off. Guitar Hero 5, however, is a return to form for the series.”

The Beatles: Rock Band - 4/5
Available on Xbox 360, PS3, Wii

“It could be argued that The Beatles: Rock Band transcends being ‘just a game’ and is more of an experience, but at heart, it is simply an exemplary casual game that capitalizes (possibly literally) on the love and admiration people share for the world's biggest music sensation. The Beatles iconography readily lends itself to a standalone title, and what it lacks in difficulty, it makes up for in charm and sheer authenticity.”

Need for Speed: Shift - 5/5
Available on Xbox 360, PS3, PC

“There’s always something to strive toward in Need for Speed: Shift beyond finishing first, and the actual driving is rewarding thanks to the amazing cockpit camera (the best I’ve ever experienced in a racing game) and spectacular controls. If you’re a racing game fan, go ahead and pick up Need for Speed: Shift. It brings back a lot of the fun that has been missing from sim-oriented racers for a while.”

FIFA Soccer 10 - 5/5
Available on Xbox 360, PS3, Wii, PC

“FIFA 10’s rich subtleties reward everyone. If you’re looking to pick up a soccer game in time for next summer’s big tournament and kick a ball around, there’s something here for you. If you’ve tracked every evolutionary change year-by-year, there’s an embarrassment of riches... FIFA 10 renders the Beautiful Game more beautifully than ever before.”

Brutal Legend - 4/5
Available on Xbox 360, PS3

“It’s got some bumpy moments, but overall, Brutal Legend is an absolute blast. Between the excellent voice talent, the heavy metal-driven universe and mythology that Tim Schafer and Co. have crafted, and the totality of the game’s vision make this a truly unique and worth addition to the Double Fine canon. That said, there are some plot stumbles, and control issues, and the multiplayer could be much deeper. However, for those willing to embrace the game’s tone and style, you’re in for one hell of a ride.”

Borderlands - 4/5
Available on Xbox 360, PS3, PC

“Despite (some) issues, the game is incredibly fun and still offers a good amount of loot satisfaction for the treasure-monger in all of us. Above all else, the shooting is incredibly polished and would stand on its own in a game without randomized guns and RPG elements. Borderlands is meant to be played co-operatively and should not be enjoyed alone. Not everyone will rush to start their second playthrough, but it’s definitely worth playing at least once with a few buddies.”

Dragon Age: Origins - 5/5
Available on Xbox 360, PS3, PC

“Dragon Age: Origins is a triumph of RPG design for BioWare -- albeit one that takes some work to truly appreciate. What at first glance seems like a standard-issue fantasy universe with a typical save-the-villagers-from-the-horde plotline eventually morphs into an amazingly deep RPG experience that invites the player to explore and re-explore this rich and incredibly well-drawn alternative reality. You’ll come for the sword-fighting and spell-slinging but you’ll stay because of characters you care about and an amazing world that rewards patient exploration.”

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 - 5/5
Available on Xbox 360, PS3, PC

“Nobody does war like Infinity Ward. Its Call of Duty titles have evolved from excellent examples of the first-person shooter genre to a redefinition of what gamers expect from a war title. With Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2, Infinity Ward takes the already solid foundation laid in Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare and polishes it to a jaw-dropping shine.”

Left 4 Dead 2 - 4/5
Available on Xbox 360, PC

“Left 4 Dead 2 is a worthy sequel and at no point comes across as a game that should have been released as a downloadable expansion to the original. You are getting a true sequel here. Valve may have produced Left 4 Dead 2 in a single year, but it's a game smartly engineered for fans of the original and meant to frustrate you in the most entertaining way possible while you bleed out on the floor screaming for help.”

Assassin’s Creed II - 4/5
Available on Xbox 360, PS3, PC version coming 2010

“It's not uncommon for a developer to take criticism to heart and incorporate changes in ensuing games, but the structural overhaul done in Assassin's Creed II exposes the indefensible flaws of the first game. Some older things didn't get fixed, and some new things were broken in the process, but the Montreal studio is definitely sending a message: ‘This is what we really wanted to do from the beginning.’ It shows.”

Xbox Live Arcade & PlayStation Network

Summertime is usually a period of gaming doldrums. Most of the big blockbusters are still under development, and if you’re lucky, an unlikely game emerges as the “must-play” experience. Fortunately, thanks to initiatives such as “Summer of Live” and a more flexible release schedule, we saw plenty of great pint-sized games this year that delivered the goods.

Battlefield 1943 - 4/5

“All in all, Battlefield 1943 is a steal. Great sound, great graphics, great fun, and great price. That about sums up what we’re all after, right? It inherits some minor ticks from its big brother, but it’s tough to beat the price.”

‘Splosion Man - 4/5

“‘Splosion Man is a quirky, challenging, stylish platformer with tons of replayability that every Xbox 360 owner should check out. There are few minor issues here and there, but overall, it’s an absolute blast.”

Fat Princess - 4/5

“It’s a fun romp that allows you to use more serious gameplay mechanics in a fanciful world and let’s face it: who doesn’t love force-feeding a woman giant slices of magical cake? The strong core game opens the door for future expansion with more maps and modes, so for $15, Fat Princess is a safe bet for gamers craving some off-beat action.”

Marvel vs. Capcom 2 - 4/5

“Marvel vs. Capcom 2 is unquestionably one of the high points of Capcom’s golden era of fighting games. It’s accessible, vibrant to look at even today, and online play alone makes it a must buy. Sure beats paying $80 on eBay for the PlayStation 2 version.”

Shadow Complex - 5/5

“When you add in how gorgeous the game is -- a fantastic display of Unreal Engine 3 grafted onto a 2D template -- to the rest of the game’s accomplishments, Shadow Complex might be the most deceptive game of the year. It plays so well, looks so good and offers so few obstacles to enjoyment that the elegant crafting of the game disappears behind the veneer of breezy simplicity. It’s a subtle deconstruction of the core elements of excellent game design and should not be missed.”

Come back tomorrow at 1pm PST/4pm EST for our final recap, which covers platform exclusives!

Sessler's Soapbox: 4 out of 5 vs. 5 out of 5

Wed, 25 Nov 2009 12:00:00 -0800

This week, we have much to be thankful for. One thing we should all be thankful for is the fact that Adam Sessler takes the time out of his busy schedule each week to let us know what's on his mind. This week, Adam is going to respond to some of your ciricisms about the recent scoring of Assassin's Creed II and Left 4 Dead 2. Many of you pointed out that these sequels have improvements over their predicessors, but got a lower score. Press play to find out why.

Watch Larger Version | Watch HD Version

Subscribe to G4's Sessler's Soapbox Podcast by clicking your preferred service:

Final Fantasy XIII Japanese Pre-Launch Trailer Is Like Thanksgiving For Your Eyes

Wed, 25 Nov 2009 11:59:00 -0800

There isn't that much to say about this new pre-launch trailer for the Japanese version of Final Fantasy XIII other than to prepare hearing nothing but “THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU!” from your eyes for the next hour or so. New stunning cinematics and a solid bit of new gameplay sit just behind that little play button. Click now you fool!

Watch Larger Version | Watch HD Version

BioShock 2 Multiplayer Trailer: Sinclair Solutions Recruits You!

Wed, 25 Nov 2009 11:09:00 -0800

The fall of Rapture. Could there be a more compelling and stylistic multiplayer setting? I honestly don’t think so. And to prove my point, check out this latest BioShock 2 trailer and witness the glorious civil war that tore Andrew Ryan’s underwater utopia to plasmid-defiled shreds.

Watch Larger Version | Watch HD Version

Darksiders Hellbook 2 Video: War's Arsenal

Wed, 25 Nov 2009 10:24:00 -0800

Slicing and dicing your way through the Apocalypse in THQ’s action title Darksiders ain’t going to be easy (nor should it be; it is the Apocalypse after all), but luckily for you will have plenty of delicious weaponry at your disposal to deal with the twisted beasts ravaging the world. If you thought being one of the Four Horseman of the Apocalypse was sweet, wait until you see some of the job's gloriously violent perks.

Watch Larger Version | Watch HD Version

Nirvana And Night Ranger Tracks Coming To Rock Band

Wed, 25 Nov 2009 09:55:00 -0800

Should you find yourself having a quite timely and specific craving for some Nirvana and Night Ranger next week, then be sure to check out the Rock Band store, because two new track packs will be available for your downloading pleasure.

Here are the details:

Nirvana Pack 2

“Come as You Are (Live from MTV Unplugged)”
“Lithium (Live at Reading)”
“Smells Like Teen Spirit”

Night Ranger Pack 1

“Don’t Tell Me You Love Me”
“(You Can Still) Rock in America”
“You’re Gonna Hear It From Me”

Price: $5.49/440 Microsoft Points per pack, or $1.99/160 MP/200 Wii Points per track

Really? No “Sister Christian”? Inconceivable.

Black Friday Deal: LEGO: Rock Band "Free" At Old Navy

Wed, 25 Nov 2009 09:02:00 -0800

While I feel that my list of some of this year’s best Black Friday deals includes many a great deal, I have just learned that there will in fact be another rather good bit of savings to be had over at Old Navy on the most civil shopping day of the year. The clothing retailer will be handing out free copies of LEGO: Rock Band when you spend $20 or more.

Of course, supplies will be extremely limited, so don’t be surprised if you end up with a copy of the game on a console you don’t own, if you get a copy at all. Still, LEGO: Rock Band isn’t a throw away title by any means, so if you can walk away with a new hoodie and a copy of the game, then hold your head high; for you will have hunted and claimed one mighty bargain, my friend.

Morning Hangover: Your Travel Stories

Wed, 25 Nov 2009 06:00:00 -0800

Welcome to Morning Hangover -- an excellent way to start your day with the crew at TheFeed...no matter what you're recovering from. Every morning you'll hear musings from our editors and have the chance to share your thoughts on what's going on in the gaming world.

The day before Thanksgiving is usually considered the busiest travel day of the year. So with that in mind, I wanted to open up the floor to all manner of travel related stories. If you’re traveling today, where are you headed? How far are you traveling? If you’re on your way somewhere at this very moment, how’s the trip going so far? Are you stuck somewhere? If so, how are you passing the time?

And just to give the whole thing a solid video game anchor, what are some of the most memorable trips you’ve taken in games? I’d say my first trip across Hyrule Field on the back of Epona in The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time stands as one of the all-time greats. Driving from Los Santos to San Fierro to Las Venturas and back would also be high on the list just because of the staggering size of Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas’ map. Also, hang gliding for the first time in the original Far Cry was pretty spectacular at the time.

So have at it. They could be long trips, short trips, a single mission, whatever; anything travel related qualifies. And if you are traveling today, stay safe!

TheFeed gang wants your thoughts on gaming, tech, zombie turduckens, and more. Let everyone know what you're thinking and chat it up with your fellow readers. Leave comments on anything and everything that's on your (gaming/tech/nerd) mind!

The 2009 Thanksgiving Turkey Game Pardon

Wed, 25 Nov 2009 05:00:00 -0800

Somewhere in a secret underground bunker in Washington, D.C., key members of the Department of Justice (Poultry Division) have convened to decide which of our nation's millions of turkeys is to receive the annual White House pardon. In that same spirit of forgiveness, we're going to do the same with one of this year's biggest digital turkeys. This absolutely does not mean that we're forgiving the "winner's" myriad flaws or that we're doing an about-face and recommending it for purchase, just that we can kind of see where they were coming from with it...even if the end result was the equivalent to dropping a frozen turkey in a deep fryer. That is to say: a lesson to be learned by everybody.

This year's candidates are...

WET

You aren't truly terrible, WET. You've got stylish flair, tolerable controls, and Malcom MacDowell, Eliza Dushku, and Alan Cumming. But still selling for $59.99 after mediocre reviews and the promise of superior hack-and-slash games on the horizon? It's like paying more than 50 cents per pound for an off-brand bird. That kind of arrogance can cost you your life...and it just did.

Tony Hawk: Ride

We'll admit it: We were the ones clamoring for a reboot of the Tony Hawk franchise for the past few years. But an overpriced peripheral that can be activated by random passers-by and a game that appears to be completely dumbed-down isn't exactly what we had in mind. We'd send you to the kids table, but you'd still have trouble following the conversation.

G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra

To quote Matt Keil's review: "This is largely due to the fact that the base gameplay is essentially Contra post-debilitating brain injury. For the most part, stages can be cleared by simply holding down the right trigger and waiting for everything to die." Sorry, Joe: you're too dumb to live.

This is where it gets interesting. A fight nearly broke out over the internal e-mail thread discussing these final three candidates, and which one was the worst in the best way.

Darkest of Days

It's always a shame when a developer wastes a golden concept by building truly awful game around it. Such is the case with Darkest of Days, which featured a time-traveling soldier who must restore the proper time line by fighting in the world's most famous wars. Unfortunately, it also featured a litany of debilitating problems that nearly rendered it unplayable. We never liked dark meat, anyway.

Wanted: Weapons of Fate

Similar to WET, Wanted: Weapons of Fate has got some style...but not enough to compensate for its 4-hour running time and full price tag. It probably would have been better served as a download-only game, but even then, the near lack of challenge still wouldn't justify the investment.

Eat Lead: The Return of Matt Hazard

Darkest of Days shares the award for "best concept, worst execution" with this spoof of the video game industry's most treasured cliches. They got the humor part down -- having Arrested Development/30 Rock's Will Arnett helps -- but whiffed on pretty much everything else. The joke is stretched too thinly over repetitive, bland gameplay and mechanics that were poorly executed.

HOWEVER! The idea is still a really good one, as there are too few games that are genuinely funny and self-aware. That there's a sequel coming in the form of Blood Bath and Beyond hopefully means the developer has learned some lessons about actual game design...you know, the real reasons we play these things in the first place.

So congratulations, Eat Lead: The Return of Matt Hazard...you are this year's best terrible game! You are hereby pardoned for crimes against interactive entertainment, and may continue your existence in equal measure of hope and shame.

Great Gifts For Gamers

Tue, 24 Nov 2009 19:43:00 -0800

Deciding what to buy can be a daunting, stressful endeavor. Especially in these challenging economic times. The gaming industry has expanded in recent years and, as a result, offers even more choices on where to spend your hard-earned and ever-more-precious money. If you haven't already, take a gander over at X-Play's Holiday Buyers Guide for our game recommendations, then look below at some more specific gift ideas for the gamer in your life (and yes, you can count yourself).

Gifts For Giving With General Purpose

A/V switchbox -- Depending on your TV (or your audio receiver), you might be running out of A/V inputs if you're running multiple consoles. If you've used up all your plugs, look into a switchbox and get multi-tasking. Make sure it's component at least...the HDMI boxes are going to be a bit more expensive.

Harmony remote -- Admittedly, the Harmony remote is kind of ridiculous. But in that "I can't remember how I ever got along with out it" way. One simple press of a button will activate all of your electronic components and Xbox 360 (the Wii doesn't support it, and the PS3 needs an adapter), set them to the correct inputs, and you don't have to leave the couch. Setting it up via your computer is not quite as simple, but the reward of reduced movement is worth it.

Cheap cables -- Do not, repeat, do not, pay full retail price for A/V cables. If you do, we will be sad, because that's less money you can spend on actual games. Instead, check out monoprice.com or Amazon for reasonably-priced equipment (HDMI and component cables, specifically).

Netflix subscription ($8.99 one disc/month + streaming or $10.99 one/disc month + streaming + Blu-ray access) -- The PS3 just joined the Xbox 360 as a Netflix-enabled movie stream machine. You'll need to request a disc from Netflix for the PS3, but when it arrives, there's a feast of television and movies waiting for you. Save money by taking the 1-disc option...you'll have plenty to stream while you wait for your next disc.

Gifts For The Xbox 360 Gamer

Xbox Live Gold Card (3 month/1 year)
Marketplace Point Card: 1600 ; 4000
Text Messaging Kit
Quick Charge Kit
Wireless Headset

Gifts For The PlayStation 3 Gamer

Bluetooth Headset
PlayStation Eye
Blu-ray Remote Control
Longer USB cables (for more convenient charging)
PSN Card $50.00

Gifts For The Wii Gamer

Wii Classic Controller Pro (Japanese import)
Extra Wii MotionPlus
Wii Points Card (2000)
Nyko Wii charge station

Gifts For The Musician

Rock Band and Guitar Hero inevitably come out of the closet around the holidays. What better way to awkwardly bond with the cousins you haven't seen in years? Inevitably, however, there's the one guy who keeps playing by himself...long after the rest of the family band has moved onto greener pastures. We've got recommendations for every step of the process. These suggestions will amp up the stage presence of your inebriated-driven performance, make everyone else sleep a little better when that one cousin starts a solo gig at 2:00 a.m. and even something to get him everyone away from the plastic instruments.

Gifts For The Historian

No, video games haven't been around as long as books, movies and music, but they have a long and noteworthy history to them. Unfortunately, the video game industry hasn't done a very good job at making it easy to access that nostalgia. Games are spread across countless platforms and just because it has a "3" or a "360" attached to it doesn't mean it'll play the games from the last piece of hardware. Until there's one box to rule them all, here are some ways you can access the tomes of video game history and remember what gaming used to be like (pixelated, lots of continues and broken controllers mostly).

PS3/PS2 Memory Card Adapter
Wii Memory Card
Wii Points Card (2000), for Virtual Console
Xbox Live Marketplace Points (4000), for Xbox Originals
PS3 60GB (backwards compatibility)
PSN Card ($50.00), for PSone classics

Gifts For The Traveler

Most of us will be traveling somewhere during the holidays. Personally, not only will I be flying from Los Angeles to Chicago, but from Chicago to Maryland (and a few days later, all of that in reverse!). I'm well equipped technologically to survive the many hours in the airport headed my way, but someone you love (or care enough to monitor their sanity) may not be. Lucky for you, we've compiled a list of what you should be picking up for that very person. The gift receiver may not understand why they're getting all these accessories at first, but when they're stuck on the tarmac...they'll understand.

PSN Card ($50.00), for PSP games and Videos
Memory Stick Pro Duo (4GB)
A Good Pair of Headphones
A Tin of Altoids -- Opinions on carrying cases vary greatly, but if you've only got a few UMDs or a handful of DS games, nothing beats a circular Altoids tin for durable game storage.

The Gaming Newbie

Nintendo is responsible for getting many of our loved ones involved in video games that otherwise would have never considered picking up a controller. These people have some serious catching up to do. What better way to give them a direct deposit of the best gaming has to offer from some cheap downloadable games? Whether you're on an Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, Wii or PC, each platform provides exactly that, so here are some recommendations on what to put in their download queue. The best part? There are literally hundreds of great games we didn't pick. You (and who you're buying for) can't go wrong.

If you're on Wii, Wii Points for Virtual Console and some must have games (Legend of Zelda: Link to the Past, Super Mario Bros. 3, Super Metroid)
If you're on Xbox 360, Xbox Live Marketplace points and some most have games (Braid, Castle Crashers, Shadow Complex)
If you're on PlayStation Network, PlayStation Network points and some must have games (Flower, PixelJunk Eden, Echochrome)
If you're on the PC, Steam gifts for must have cheap games for $9.99 or less (Audiosurf, The Secret of Monkey Island: Special Edition, Peggle Deluxe)

See X-Play's Holiday Buyers Guide NOW!

Tue, 24 Nov 2009 18:10:00 -0800

The holidays will be upon us soon, friends, and that means it's time to seek guidance about which games you'll be buying for friends and family...or at least the ones you'll be buying for friends and family that you know they'll hate and you'll inherit because they can't return them.

In case you missed it, X-Play's Holiday Buyers Guide lives on in the wondrous space called the internet, so you can go back and watch it at your leisure, and in pieces! That's right, all of it! Please go there now and enjoy.

Forget world peace and love, X-Play's Holiday Buyers Guide is a one-hour special totally devoted to the things you care about most this holiday season: games! We'll let you know the best titles for each platform, help you find some bargains, and give you staff picks from the crack X-Play team to use in composing your shopping list.

So, go do something nice for someone quickly. We know you've been naughty all year long and it's time to get back in Santa's good graces, because he's watching. He's always watching. Just like you should be doing now. What are you waiting for?

The Reviews of 2009...In Review: Day 1

Tue, 24 Nov 2009 17:45:00 -0800

With Black Friday lingering and just a small handful of games left in 2009, it’s high time to take a refresher course in some of this year’s biggest and best reviews. I’ve broken down most of our most illustrious verdicts, platform by platform, to pick out some samplings of read (and watch) worthy material. Today, I'm focusing on handheld and PC highlights from 2009. Tomorrow, I'll be focusing in on the best multiplatform and downloadable games. And, because you need something to do either before eating turkey or before camping out in the freezing cold for a $200 game console and free games, Thursday brings the best reviews across platform exclusives.

Come back tomorrow at 1pm PST/4pm EST for our second day of recaps.

And now, put on your reading glasses; without further ado, here’s G4’s The Reviews of 2009...In Review!

PSP

Besides a new hardware launch and a stronger push for digitally distributed PSP games (both in the PlayStation Store and with the PSPgo), Sony continued the trend of translating first-party console hits to handheld, as witnessed by the debuts of PS3 hit franchises Resistance, MotorStorm, and LittleBigPlanet on PSP. That extends to third-party as well, as witnessed with new renditions of JRPG franchises like Final Fantasy and Disgaea.

Resistance: Retribution - 4/5

“Much is always made about the perspective in video games. Some people prefer first-person whenever possible, while others like third better. But as you’ll see from playing Resistance: Retribution — a PSP installment of the PS3 sci-fi first-person shooter series — it doesn’t matter if you change the perspective if you don’t change the controls.”

MotorStorm: Arctic Edge - 4/5

“MotorStorm: Arctic Edge is a solid racing game, and a worthy addition to the series lineage. It plays just like its big brothers, but the new setting adds some welcome new wrinkles. Sure, it's not perfect -- it's not so pretty, and some of the audio sounds tinny -- and it did make us want to go play Pacific Rift again, if only to warm ourselves up, but next time I'm on a real tropical beach, I know how I'll be cooling down.”

Dissidia: Final Fantasy - 4/5

“Final Fantasy fans will love this game for the graphics, music, gameplay, and -- most of all -- the sheer awesomeness of multiple FF heroes and villains teaming up. Even though the plot lacks depth, it’s just cool seeing Cecil, Tidus, and Cloud adventuring together. Although Dissidia is a fighting game, it’s definitely not for the Street Fighter crowd. But it is an excellent PSP title that’s best for RPG fans that want a little more action and a change of pace.”

Soulcalibur: Broken Destiny - 4/5

"PSP-toting fans of Soulcalibur will want to pick this game up, especially if they are looking for a way to practice their skills on the go, since the gameplay is so similar to Soulcalibur IV. Newcomers will get a bit more out of the game’s tutorial mode, but it isn’t the most fully-featured introduction to the series. Namco Bandai should get credit for nailing the fantastic gameplay, but could have added a bit more content to the game.”

Disgaea 2: Dark Hero Days - 4/5

“Disgaea 2: Dark Hero Days is, the in most literal sense, a portable version of Disgaea 2: Cursed Memories, the 2006 PS2 cult hit. As we’ve discovered many times over the last couple of years, simply chopping the top and bottom off a console game’s graphics -- or grabbing at both ends and stretching them the other way -- does not suddenly make it fun to play on the go.That said, Dark Hero Days happens to work surprisingly well on the PSP.”

Beaterator - 4/5

“Over the past few years, music-based games have infected the gaming world with tremendous fury. Rockstar Leeds adds another title to the fray with Beaterator. Is it another incarnation of rhythmic Simon Says? Nope. Not even the slightest. To even call Beaterator a game would be a disservice to its potential and what it really is. Beaterator is, by all accounts, a music production suite and a surprisingly robust one at that.”

Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars - 4/5

“Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars may not have sparked the revolution in mature games for the DS that Nintendo and Rockstar Games were bracing for, but the sales numbers are largely irreverent to me; Chinatown Wars was one of the best games I've played all year and I'm thrilled Rockstar decided to bring it elsewhere. PSP owners are in for a treat, even if the transition to Sony's handheld proves a little rocky.”

Jak & Daxter: The Lost Frontier - 4/5

“Jak is back! The PS2 icon had plenty of hits earlier this decade, but has been painfully neglected for some time. Thankfully, the latest iteration -- though out of Naughty Dog’s hands for this PSP and PS2-only adventure -- retains the series' charm. High Impact Games (also responsible for the handheld Ratchet & Clank spin-offs) delivers a new adventure with Jak & Daxter: The Lost Frontier. This new game picks up right where Jak III left off, and it’s full of the great 3D action that defines the series.”

LittleBigPlanet Portable - 4/5

“…If you are a fan of LittleBigPlanet, the PSP version should delight and satisfy in many of the same ways the PS3 version did. If you are new to the franchise, then the PSP game is a fantastic introduction. It’s an elegantly crafted, artistically vibrant and wonderfully inventive adventure that has endless replayability thanks to the hefty level editor and ability to share and download new levels via PSN. There are a few frustrating control issues, and it’s far less challenging than the PS3 version, but overall, LittleBigPlanet is every bit as deserving of your time as its console cousin.”

Nintendo DS

Another year, another series of big game development gambles. From the under-the-radar FPS action of Moon and Grand Theft Auto’s DS debut to a game that let you scribe your own way to play, there’s been no shortage of great DS games to check out. That includes follow-ups to fan favorites Professor Layton and Mario & Luigi.

Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars - 5/5

“It’s a great comfort to know that Rockstar Games not only makes great games, but understands what makes them great. Chinatown Wars is the culmination of years of work as well as the spirit of ingenuity to bring one of the biggest series to the smallest screen. Nothing in the game feels half done or forced. If anything, the game feels like a development team having fun with a concept. Everything from being able to ram police cars, rampage missions, the touch screen mini-games, and even the story has this sense of fun underlining every bullet fired. Even if you are not a fan of the series, you will be doing yourself a favor by taking this tiny terror out for a spin.”

Moon - 4/5

“Moon makes good use of the DS's abilities and provides a distinctive mix of action and adventure. The game wouldn't make it on the PSP, or other more powerful machines, but you'll be hard pressed to find a better recent shooter on the DS.”

Rhythm Heaven - 4/5

“For a Nintendo-developed game, Rhythm Heaven is a surprisingly challenging title that requires a keen sense of timing. Yet its lighthearted humor and whimsical design draw you back for more despite the frustrations. Let's face it, you're not often asked to dropkick vegetables into a knapsack, fuel robots with Kool-Aid, or help concert-going monkeys clap in unison. The unusual art style, so-bad-it's-good music, and sheer variety of activities are not to be missed, unless of course, you've been known to have a tin ear and two left feet.”

Dragon Quest V: The Hand of the Heavenly Bride - 4/5

“The goddess be praised. Fans of classic role-playing games have a lot to be thankful for. Square Enix’s re-releases for the Nintendo DS have kept us up to our kilts in amazing retro gaming experiences. The release of Dragon Quest V: The Hand of the Heavenly Bride, the latest in a long stream of old-school gaming goodness, marks the first time the game has been released for Western audiences. And it’s well worth playing for anyone that has affection for the way Dragon Quest games tell a yarn.”

Scribblenauts - 4/5

“Warts and all, it's hard not to love Scribblenauts. For every puzzle I'd skip while scratching my head, another had me feeling like the smartest man on the planet. It's difficult for a puzzle game to balance challenge with personal accomplishment, but Scribblenauts succeeds enough times that it doesn't feel like an accident. Plus, it's hard to dislike a game where you can ride a dinosaur and summon black holes. I mean, c'mon.”

Professor Layton and the Diabolical Box - 4/5

“Professor Layton & The Diabolical Box, Level-5’s follow up to last year’s Professor Layton & The Curious Village, continues the tradition of giving players challenging puzzles to solve and compelling mysteries to uncover. The puzzles are varied and plentiful, the cinematics are even more stunning than before, and there are a host of new mini-games. In other words, it doesn’t take a world-renowned detective to realize that this game is fantastic.”

Mario & Luigi: Bowser’s Inside Story - 5/5

“The previous Mario & Luigi games have been must-purchase titles for Game Boy Advance and DS owners, and Mario & Luigi: Bowser’s Inside Story is no exception. If you have even the slightest affinity for the various characters in the Mushroom Kingdom or for light-hearted RPGs, this game is worth your attention. It’s too good, too fun, and too funny to miss.”

PC

Say what you will about console gaming, there are some experiences that can’t be replicated with a controller -- honorable mention to Halo Wars for trying. In 2009, gamers got their hands on sequels to some of the finest PC games of the decade, including Warhammer 40K: Dawn of War, The Sims and the Total War series. Also, no matter what anyone tries to tell you, play Dragon Age on PC unless your rig can’t handle it.

Warhammer 40K: Dawn of War II - 4/5

“It’s been a long time coming, but Warhammer 40K: Dawn of War finally has a proper successor. It’s not perfect, as anyone who enjoys the resource management side of strategy gaming will be turned off by the gung-ho style here, but it’s no different than most of the earlier Warhammer 40,000 titles out there. So, if you’ve been following this franchise you won’t want to miss out on this latest installment – even if you decided to skip the last few expansion packs.”

Empire: Total War - 4/5

“Empire: Total War is a completely encompassing experience that offers oodles of offline gameplay, entertaining online battles (and supposedly co-op, soon), and no shortage of challenge whether you’re playing against human or AI opponents. And, with its frequent quotes and tie-ins to historical events, it’s thoroughly educational, too, adding another element of appeal for fans of the era. The slow pace and broad complexity make it a game for only those who like to swim on the deeper side of the strategy game pool, but if you aren’t afraid to dive in this game is not to be missed.”

Demigod - 4/5

“Designed by the company responsible for such wildly divergent franchises as Dungeon Siege and Supreme Commander, Demigod is part strategy, part action, and part role-playing game. This potpourri approach to game design is a risky one, one that is sure to frustrate those looking for an undiluted take on their favorite genre. In Demigod, there's not enough management for a strategy game, not enough character customization or progression for a role-playing game, and not enough freedom for an action game. And yet somehow, perhaps through divine influence, Demigod rises above the sum of its parts and manages to be addictively fun.”

The Sims 3 - 4/5

“Try to explain The Sims to someone who's never played it and you're likely to be met with the same incredulous expression: a raised eyebrow, a disdainful shaking of the head, or a blank stare. This is followed by some variant of "more work than fun." Truth is, mopping up floors, cleaning toilets, and taking out the trash aren't exactly the stuff dreams are made of. On a basic level, play is akin to setting up an aquarium, picking decorations, introducing some fish, and watching them blow bubbles. If you aren't a tinkerer at heart, you probably aren't a fan of the series. The Sims 3 doesn't try to convert the non-faithful, opting to polish and streamline 2004's The Sims 2 instead of moving the virtual life genre significantly forward. It's more a nudge than a push.”

Spore: Galactic Adventures - 4/5

“Gamers just looking to expand their universe may be better off waiting at least for the number of missions to start building up. Spore Galactic Adventures may not add that much in terms of overall content, it does allow for more variety. Honestly, it won’t bring people back to Spore, but it will keep those already in the game glued to their tiny ship for awhile longer.”

Aion: Tower of Eternity - 4/5

“Aion is definitely a refreshing looking MMO; online gamers tired of certain other franchises will initially feel like they’re really doing something new. Of course, after a few hours it’ll become apparent that there isn’t much radically different here, but it’s all very well polished, very well balanced sameness. It’s partially a shame that gamers won’t experience the Abyss until they’re a fair distance into the game, but that should help to prevent those newbs from rushing in, getting creamed, and signing off in disgust. Overall it’s perhaps not the completely refreshing experience some might be looking for, but one worth experiencing just the same.”

Come back tomorrow to check out the recap of multiplatform and downloadable games!

Namco: If There Is Tekken 6 DLC, It Will Most Likely Be Free

Tue, 24 Nov 2009 16:07:00 -0800

Tekken 6 fans have a little bit extra to be thankful for today thanks to a recent PlayStation Europe Q&A in which Namco Bandai revealed they are strongly considering releasing downloadable content for their wacky brawler somewhere down the line. Best of all though, the DLC will be absolutely free when/if it’s finally available.

Granted, this doesn’t ensure the DLC will be substantial or even worth the hard-drive space, but at least price won’t be an issue when its finally released.

Source: PlayStation Europe

Just Cause 2 Release Date Announced

Tue, 24 Nov 2009 16:02:00 -0800

Open-world action game Just Cause 2 will be available for purchase on March 23rd, 2010, in North America.

We've been holding our breath for a long time for Just Cause 2; originally, the game was announced for a Christmas 2008 release. Judging from what Square Enix says, it will be worth the added wait. Just Cause 2 features over 1000Km (400miles) of South East Asian island landscape in "one of the richest, most realistic game worlds ever seen." Terrain includes snow-capped mountains, beaches, dense jungle and arid deserts.

Now as long as there's a great game that takes place in all that open-world space, we're all set. I don't know about you, but I would rather play a game that takes place in a "linear world" but has an awesome story and exciting gameplay than play a game with minimal story but a huge map.

Of course, in a perfect game, a big, interesting map and exciting story co-exist in awesomeness-- Fallout 3 did it perfectly -- so let's hope Just Cause 2 can hit that sweet spot.

Check out this brand new gallery of pretty, pretty screenshots!

Square Enix Doing Cinematics For Deus Ex 3

Tue, 24 Nov 2009 15:16:00 -0800

Square Enix has announced that the first collaborative effort between the Final Fantasy publisher and the (fairly) recently purchased Eidos Interactive will in fact be Eidos Montreal’s next installment in the Deus Ex franchise.

As Square Enix general manager Stephane D’Astous told Edge Online, “Deus Ex 3 is going to be the first project which will be a concrete product of joint effort between Square Enix and Eidos. The cinematics—by which I mean any CGI pre-rendered cinematics — are going to be done in Tokyo by Square Enix, and that's going to be amazing."

D’Astous went on to say that the Square team is especially excited about the project since it will be their “first project…that’s a non-Final Fantasy title – they even want to work on Thief 4 too, so everyone is really excited.”

When I think of Deus Ex cinematics, the first thing that comes to mind if the opening of Deus Ex: Invisible War, because I can still remember being floored by it (When that goo melts down that guy's arm and goes on to consume all of futuristic Chicago? Come on!). So the thought of Square Enix creating “at least the trailer and the introduction cinematic” has me thoroughly intrigued.

I haven’t thought about Deus Ex: Invisible War in a long time, but I remember really digging it. Am I misremembering?

Source: Edge Online

Tony Hawk Hints At Future Games Using Ride Peripheral

Tue, 24 Nov 2009 14:17:00 -0800

In a recent interview with GameSpot UK, professional skateboarder Tony Hawk revealed that the unique skateboard peripheral that comes with Tony Hawk: Ride may be used in a future Tony Hawk game or even other kinds of games.

"As far as I'm concerned, it's all systems go with trying to make at least a sequel for this," Hawk said. "I feel like we've only just really tapped what's possible with this technology."

Of course, Hawk isn't the end-all decision-maker when it comes to what games Activision is going to make, but, for the record, Hawk would love to see the board peripheral used for a snowboarding or a surfing game. According to the vert-master, snowboarding "would lend itself [to the board] a little bit easier [than other genres], and beyond that I'd love to do a surfing game. I always thought that Kelly Slater's [Pro Surfer] was an underrated title for the PlayStation 2."

Wait, what about hoverboards?

The critical reaction to Tony Hawk: Ride has been not-stellar (and I'm being charitable here; X-Play gave the game one out of five stars it), so I gotta wonder if the game's sales will ultimately reflect this. Time will tell whether the famous Tony Hawk name and the series' reputation is enough to earn the sales needed to inspire future Tony Hawk games, with or without board peripherals. At some point, you have to stop wringing out the sponge of an over-the-hill series; either that, or you re-boot it into something awesome. What do you think is the future of Tony Hawk brand skateboarding games?

Source: GameSpot

Adon, Cody And Guy To Appear In Super Street Fighter IV

Tue, 24 Nov 2009 13:57:00 -0800

Final Fight and Street Fighter Alpha fans will be pleased to hear that Cody, Adon and Guy will all be appearing in Capcom’s expanded and improved Super Street Fighter IV. The news comes via some scans from Japanese gaming mag Famitsu (via Event Hubs), which also confirms that the characters are in full Street Fighter Alpha mode.

As some keen-eyed observers have noticed, one of the scans features Guy defending himself against a kunai, which I know I don’t have to remind you is the weapon of choice of Street Fighter III’s Ibuki. While Ibuki isn’t mentioned, it’s a pretty good bet that she will also be making an appearance in the new game.

Are you particularly excited about any of these characters showing up in SSFFIV?

Source: Event Hubs

Black Friday Gaming Deals Round-Up

Tue, 24 Nov 2009 13:34:00 -0800

If there’s one thing gamers love it’s getting quality games on the cheap, and that’s why we’ve gone ahead and compiled the following list for you (with some help from TheBlackFriday.com, and Black-Friday.net), and highlighted some of the deals being offered at several major retailers on the upcoming Black Friday at the end of the week. I've whittled the lists down to what I felt were the most noteworthy, so expect to see plenty more deals than the ones listed if you decide to brave the crowds. Before I get to the full list though, I want to turn the spotlight on some of the deals that caught my eye, because the lists can kind of blend into one another after a while, and really, I'm just here to help.

By far, the best deal from any of the following retailers is Walmart’s “doorbuster” offer of a 120GB PlayStation 3 bundled with Infamous, Batman: Arkham Asylum, and The Dark Knight on Blu-ray for $299. Of course, if you have either game or the movie already, you probably won’t think it’s such a good deal, but as far as straight-up bang for your buck, this bundle wins. A close second would have to be Best Buy’s 120GB PS3 bundled with Ratchet & Clank Future: A Crack in Time and LittleBigPlanet Game of the Year Edition for $299.

The 120GB Xbox 360 Elite bundle being offered by Best Buy is impressive too, because it comes with LEGO Batman: The Video Game, Pure, Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon: Advanced Warfighter 2, WALL-E, Sonic the Hedgehog and Spider-Man: Web of Shadows, all for $299.

Game wise, there are tons of great deals. Best Buy is offering Brutal Legend, Dragon Age: Origins, FIFA Soccer 10, Left 4 Dead 2, NBA Live 10, and Need for Speed: Shift for $34.99 each, Fallout 3 for $20 and BioShock on PC for $5. If for some reason you haven’t picked up Grand Theft Auto IV, head over to Walmart and grab it for $10. And while you’re there, definitely think about picking up Tiger Woods PGA Tour 10 for Wii, NBA 2K10, or Madden NFL 10 for just $25 each.

As you can see, there tons of great deals out there, and all you have to do is read on to find out where you'll be spending your money this Friday. Savings ho!!!

$20 Gift Card w/Any DSi Game System Purchase
Assassins Creed (PC Game) $4.99
Bash Party (Wii) $14.99
Bioshock (PC Game) $4.99
Brutal Legend (PS3) $34.99
Brutal Legend (Xbox 360) $34.99
Call of Juarez: Bound in Blood (PS3, Xbox 360) $19.99
Civilization IV (PC Game) $4.99
Cooking Mama (DS Game) $9.99
Cooking Mama (Wii) $14.99
Dragon Age: Origins (PS3/Xbox 360) $34.99
Fallout 3 (PS3/Xbox 360) $19.99
Far Cry 2 (PC Game) $4.99
FIFA Soccer 10 (PS3/Xbox 360) $34.99
HAWX (PS3/Xbox 360) $19.99
Left 4 Dead 2 (Xbox 360) $34.99
Madden 10 (PS3, Xbox 360) $34.99
Marvel Ultimate Alliance (Wii) $14.99
My Sims Kingdom (Wii) $9.99
NBA Live 09 (Wii) $9.99
NBA Live 10 (PS3/Xbox 360) $34.99
Need For Speed: Shift (PS3, Xbox 360) $34.99
NHL 10 (PS3, Xbox 360) $34.99
Nintendo DSi Brain Age Bundle (White) w/$20 Gift Card $169.99
Nintendo DSi Mario Bundle (Metallic Blue) w/$20 Gift Card $169.99
Pikmin Classic (Wii) $14.99
Rayman Raving Rabbids (Wii) $9.99
Resident Evil 5 (PS3, Xbox 360) $19.99
Chronicles of Riddick: Assault on Dark Athena (PS3, Xbox 360) $19.99
Sony PlayStation 3 Package w/120GB Console, LittleBigPlanet and Ratchet & Clank Future: A Crack in Time $299.99
Spyro (DS Game) $9.99
S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Shadow of Chernobyl (PC Game) $4.99
The Bigs 2 (PS3, Xbox 360) $19.99
Wii Ski & Snowboard (Wii) $14.99
World Of Warcraft (PC Game) $4.99
Xbox 360 Elite 120GB Bundle w/ Four Pack Game Set (includes Pure, LEGO Batman: The Video Game, Sonic the Hedgehog, WALL-E, Spider-Man: Web of Shadows and Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon Advanced Warfighter 2) $299.99

AC/DC Track Pack Free w/Rock Band Purchase
Batman: Arkham Asylum (PS3, Xbox 360) $39.99
The Beatles: Rock Band (Xbox 360) $49.99
Borderlands (PS3, Xbox 360) $49.99
Buy 2 Get 1 Free On All Pre-Owned Games and Accessories
Call of Duty: World at War (PS3, Xbox 360) $39.99
Call of Juarez: Bound in Blood (Xbox 360) $19.99
Crisis Core: Final Fantasty VII (PSP) $9.99
Dead Space (Wii) $19.99
Dirt 2 (Xbox 360) $49.99
Dynasty Warriors 6 (Xbox 360) $19.99
Forza Motorsport 3 (Xbox 360) $39.99
Gears of War (Used) (Xbox 360) $9.99
Grand Theft Auto IV (PS3, Xbox 360) $19.99
Gran Turismo 5 Prologue (PS3) $29.99
Guild Wars Trilogy (PC) $24.99
Guitar Hero 5 (PS3, Xbox 360) $39.99
Guitar Hero: Aerosmith (Used) (PS3, Xbox 360) $7.49
Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock (Used) (PS3, Xbox 360) $4.99
Guitar Hero World Tour (Used) (PS3, Xbox 360) $14.99
Halo 3: ODST (Xbox 360) $39.99
Left 4 Dead 2 (PC) $29.99
Left 4 Dead 2 (Xbox 360) $39.99
LEGO Rock Band (Xbox 360) w/Free Lego Keychain $49.99
Monster Hunter Freedom 2 (PSP) $19.99
MySims Agents (Wii) $19.99
Naruto Shippuden Ninja Destiny 2 (DS) $19.99
NCAA Football 2010 (Xbox 360) $49.99
Need for Speed: Nitro (Wii) $19.99
Need for Speed Shift (Xbox 360) $39.99
Nintendo DSi Limited Edition Brain Age Bundle (includes Brain Age Express: Arts & Letters, Brain Age Express: Sudoku, Brain Age Express: Math, Clubhouse Games Express: Card Classics, Photo Clock) $169.99
Nintendo DSi Limited Edition Mario Bundle (includes Mario vs. Donkey Kong, Dr. Mario Express, WarioWare: Snapped!, Mario Calculator, Mario Clock) $169.99
Nintendo DS Lite Pre-owned System $59.99
Nintendo DS Original Pre-owned System $49.99
Prototype (PS3, Xbox 360) $29.99
PS3 120GB Holiday Bundle with LittleBigPlanet and God of War Collection $299.99
Rainbox Six: Vegas (PSP) $9.99
The Sims 3 (PC) $29.99
Spore Hero (Wii) $19.99
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Smash-Up (Wii) $29.99
Tekken 6 (Xbox 360) $39.99
The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass (Used) (DS) $19.99
Wii Sports Resort with Free second MotionPlus Controller $49.99
World of Warcraft Battlechest (PC) $19.99
World of Warcraft (PC) $4.99
Xbox 360 Elite Holiday Bundle with three games (includes LEGO Batman and Pure, plus either Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare Game of the Year Edition or Bakugan: Battle Brawlers) $299.99
Xbox Live 3 Month Gold Card $19.99

$25 Nintendo gaming coupon with any DS system purchase
Assassin's Creed: Bloodlines PSP Entertainment Pack w/ Assiassin's Creed II for PS3 $199.99
Batman: Arkham Asylum (Xbox 360) $39.99
Brutal Legend (PS3, Xbox 360) $39.99
Dirt 2 (PS3, Xbox 360) $39.99
Dragon Age: Origins (PS3, Xbox 360) $39.99
Forza Motorsport 3 (Xbox 360) $39.99
Halo 3: ODST (Xbox 360) $39.99
Left 4 Dead 2 (Xbox 360) $39.99
LEGO Batman: The Video Game (DS) $14.99
Need for Speed: Shift (PS3, Xbox 360) $39.99
Nintendo DSi bundle w/ five pre-installed games $169.99
Spore Hero (Wii) $29.99
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Smash Up (Wii) $29.99
WWE Smackdown vs. Raw 2010 (PS3) $39.99
Xbox 360 Elite Bundle (includes LEGO Batman, Pure and Halo 3: ODST) $299.99

$10 Gift Card With Select Video Game Purchases
$20 Gift Card With Any DSi System Purchase
Animal Crossing (Wii) $27.00
Assassins Creed II (PS3, Xbox 360) with $10 Gift Card $59.99
Batman: Arkham Asylum (PS3, Xbox 360) $37.00
Call Of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 (PS3, Xbox 360) with $10 Gift Card $59.99
Call Of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 Super Elite Xbox 360 System Bundle with $50 Gift Card $399.99
Call Of Duty: World At War (Wii) $27.00
DSi Game System With Free $20 Gift Card $169.99
Guitar Hero 5 (Wii) $37.00
Halo 3: ODST (Xbox 360) $37.00
Marvel Super Hero Squad (DS) $17.00
Marvel Ultimate Alliance 2 (PS3, Wii, Xbox 360) $37.00
Need For Speed: Nitro (Wii) $27.00
Need For Speed: Shift (PS3, Xbox 360) $37.00
Rock Band (PS3) $7.00
Star Wars: Clone Wars Republic Heroes (PS3, Xbox 360) $37.00
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Smash Up (Wii) $27.00
Wii Sports Resort with $10 Gift Card $49.99
Xbox 360 120GB Elite Bundle (includes LEGO Batman and Pure) with $50 Gift Card $299.99

Dead Space: Extraction (Wii) $24.99
Forza Motorsport 3 (Xbox 360) $34.99
Halo 3: ODST (Xbox 360) $34.99
Marvel Ultimate Alliance 2 (Nintendo DS) $17.99
Need For Speed: Shift (PS3, Xbox 360) $34.99
PSP Accessories 50% Off
Spore Hero (Wii) $24.99
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Smash Up (Wii) $29.99
Xbox 360 Arcade System With Carrying Case And Three Games $229.95

NBA 2K10 (Xbox 360) $25.00
Call Of Duty 4: Modern Warfare (PS3) $25.00
Command & Conquer: Red Alert 3 (Xbox 360) $7.00
Grand Theft Auto IV (Xbox 360) $10.00
Madden NFL 10 (PS2) $25.00
Midnight Club: Los Angeles (Xbox 360) $10.00
MX vs. ATV: Untamed (Nintendo DS) $10.00
Need For Speed: Undercover (PS3) $10.00
Nintendo DS Lite $98.00 *
Nintendo Wii Value Bundle With Console, Remote, Nunchuck, 2 Games And An Extra Set Of Nyko Controllers (Online Only) $249.00
Over 30 Games For $25
Over 40 Games For $10
Over 50 Video Games For $7
Playstation 3 Console with Infamous, Batman: Arkham Asylum, and The Dark Knight on Blu-ray $299.00
Rock Band Special Edition (PS3, Xbox 360) $50.00
The Godfather II (PS3) $10.00
The Sims 3 (PC/Mac) $25.00
Tiger Woods PGA Tour 10 (Nintendo Wii) $25.00
UFC 2009 Undisputed (Xbox 360) $25.00
WWE Smackdown vs. Raw 2009 (PS3) $25.00

Datel Sues Microsoft For Disabling "Unauthorized Devices" On Xbox 360s, Microsoft Won't Comment Yet

Tue, 24 Nov 2009 12:25:00 -0800

Accessory manufacturer Datel is calling Microsoft out. In October, Microsoft announced the next dashboard update would eliminate support for "unauthorized devices," essentially removing compatibility with memory units that weren't manufactured by Microsoft. As the only notable company producing memory units besides Microsoft, this directly impacted Datel's bottom line. Microsoft told G4 the reason for the change arose from consumers using the devices to cheat.

In a 21-page lawsuit filed against Microsoft, Datel claims that Microsoft told the company its devices would no longer work on Xbox 360s because of an "unintentional effect" of the latest dashboard update. Referencing the story that appeared here, Datel noted that's not what Microsoft told me.

"Microsoft goes to great lengths to protect the Xbox 360 and Xbox LIVE service from cheating, which is the primary purpose and use of these unauthorized MUs [memory units]," said the spokesperson at the time. "Unauthorized MUs are not tested for compatibility or certified for safety and compliance standards and thus could damage customer’s Xbox 360 consoles."

Datel alleges the move represents a "technological step backwards, which harms Xbox 360 users" and is "nothing more than a pretext for forcing consumers to purchase its own overpriced memory cards." Furthermore, the company believes its memory units do not "encourage cheating and disabling the [memory units] will not prevent cheating."

Microsoft offers a 512MB memory unit for $29.99, a 60GB hard drive "starter park" for $99.99 and a 120GB hard drive for $149.99. Datel's 2GB memory unit is $39.99 but holds 2GB of data.

When contacted, Microsoft declined to comment on the lawsuit.

"Thank you for requesting a comment from Microsoft on the lawsuit filed by Datel last week regarding the memory card issues with Xbox 360," said a Microsoft spokesperson. "However, Microsoft must politely decline your request, as the company is not commenting on the lawsuit."

You can read the entire 21-page lawsuit courtesy of TechFlash.

[image credit: flickr / malin-wahlborn]

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Electronic Arts Committed To Pandemic Brand, Announces Mercs Inc

Tue, 24 Nov 2009 12:17:00 -0800

In the middle of writing up a story about superannuation discovering an early video for the currently unannounced follow-up to Mercenaries 2: World in Flames, Electronic Arts decided to make the whole situation official. Mercs Inc, which EA says is very much a working title for the project, is currently in the early stages of development at Pandemic's "new home" within EALA.

Mercs Inc will be the first Pandemic-branded game from EA following Pandemic's official dissolution. It will be produced internally at EA but carry the Pandemic branding.

EA released no details on Mercs Inc, but the leaked video suggested the next game would adopt a focus on cooperative and competitive multiplayer amongst more than two players.

It's currently unknown how many of the original Mercenaries team are on this project.