spawn622

Ladies and gentlemen, with the opening of the new forums here at Gamercide, some of our AMAZING members have contests for you to enter! Take a look at the links below and get in on the action: Bogey's Up & Running Points Giveaway Here's your chance to win 1600 MS Points! Just head here and sign up! . . Dateranoth's FRAPS ContestWin a full license for the latest release of this amazing PC software. Just add the link to your 30 second clip created using the free version (Found here) to the thread and Dateranoth will determine the winner. It's really that simple to enter. Read more about it here. Dateranoth's Borderlands (PC) GiveawayHere is your chance to win a Steam copy of Borderlands on the PC! That's right, Dateranoth is back again and this time he's giving away a copy of Borderlands. Head over here to put your name in the hat! . Final Fantasy Avatar Outfits and Gears of War 2 All Fronts Map Pack Giveaway by Nexus Enter to win one of two female Final Fantasy XIII Avatar outfits or the All Fronts Map Pack for Gears of War 2. Our member Nexus is offering these up for us. Just sign up and make a post here.. Dateranoth's Duke Nukem (PC) GiveawayDateranoth is at it again! This one was just added a bit ago. Enter to win one of 3 copies of Duke Nukem 3D on the PC. Go here and post your favorite Duke quote for a chance to win. . . You will need to sign-up for our forums to win, so what are you waiting for!!!

The controls are fairly typical of the series thus far, but there are enough tweaks to make this installment feel new and different enough. The ability to swap between weapons mid combo is a very welcome addition. Also, this time around, the other weapons you are given actually have a place. You won’t just be using the Blades of Athena throughout the entire game. Each weapon feels different enough and you may even find a favorite other than the standard blades. Upgrading the weapons is the same as before, you collect red orbs and upgrade the weapons as you like. Again, just like the other games in the series, you have no control over the camera, which may cause some rolling around more while trying to adjust the camera. After a little while playing though, you get back in to the swing of things and realize the camera control isn’t really necessary. I never found a place where the camera felt like it was working against me. Graphically the game is super impressive. I’d go out on a limb and say this is the best looking PS3 game to date. As you play though the graphics seem to get better and better. It’s not just the cut scenes that are truly impressive either, as Kratos kills more and more enemies he will become drenched in blood, in real time. There are also so many subtle details that really impress, such as the scaled skin on the Gorgons. As I said, this truly is one of the more impressive PS3 games to date. The ending is very satisfying for fans of the series, but may irritate some. The final battles are epic in scale and you get a real adrenaline rush when you realize you are getting close to the end and start going through those last few quick time events. As with the previous games, most of the finales of the fights are played out through quick time events. The subtle change to these is very helpful. Instead of the button presses being randomly distributed on the screen throughout the fights, they coincide with the actual layout of the controller. Meaning, if you have to press the “O” button, it will always be on the right hand side of the screen, “X” is on the left, etc. There is one section of the game that may take you out of the action by incorporating the actual Playstation buttons in to the game. While small, this may bother some players. Tips and Tricks - Certain enemies require specific weapons to defeat. - Learn each weapon’s strengths and weaknesses. - Be sure to look for upgrades where you see lingering gold dust. - Use magic wisely. In the right situation it can deal tons of damage. - Utilize your roll to get out of the way quickly and keep from being cornered. Reaction I thoroughly enjoyed every single minute of the game. The controls are tight and responsive. There were also enough changes made for everything to feel fresh and new again, while still being a God of War game. The game is a graphical powerhouse and is easily the best looking PS3 game to date. The overall story was very well tied up at the end and is filled with just the right amount of twists and turns that will keep you riveted and wanting more. Kratos’ journey for revenge has been a long time in the making and really is one of the best series in gaming today. While I am sad to see it come to an end, if this is how it was meant to go out from the start, I am glad to see things went out with a very big bang. While most long running series tend to lose something in their sequels, this one stayed the course and got better and better. I would highly recommend not only this game, but the entire series to anyone. Spawn gives this one 10 out of 10

Tips and Tricks - Make use of the larger plasma cannon when you can, but do it safely - As with all shmups, try and learn the enemy attack patterns Reaction While the game may be on the short side, it is definitely a great top down shooter. The new gameplay mechanic of having all your ships/lives on screen at once is really fun and can get pretty intense in the later levels. The risk/reward of the more powerful plasma shot versus maneuverability is something I think other games should try and add. For a small developer, this is a pretty big idea for the genre and for only 80 MS Points ($1) this is one that everyone should try out. Give it a demo at the very least. Spawn gives this one an 9 out of 10

TELLTALE ANNOUNCES SAM & MAX: THE DEVIL'S PLAYHOUSE EPIC FIVE GAME COMEDY SAGA DEBUTING ON PLAYSTATION® NETWORK A psychically empowered lagomorph battling unusual and fearsome villains can mean only one thing: Freelance Police Sam & Max are coming for a new series of monthly episodic games. Telltale Games' Sam & Max: The Devil's Playhouse premiere episode The Penal Zone will release April 15th. This series will be Telltale's first for the PlayStation® Network, exclusively for the PlayStation®3 (PS3 TM) computer entertainment system. The games will also release on PC and Macintosh. As Sam & Max: The Devil's Playhouse opens, Max has been bestowed with a set of powerful psychic abilities from an unusual ancient source that he'll wield against the strongest and strangest foes the Freelance Police have ever faced. Join gaming's greatest dog and rabbit sleuths as they investigate the source of these powers, with manic Max exercising new and amazing abilities with each episode. Max's shape shifting, teleportation, mind reading and future sight powers prove particularly useful as intergalactic simians, eldritch gods, under-dwellers and an arcane scholar ruthlessly hunt down these powers for their own evil ends. The teaser trailer released today at www.samandmaxgames.com/thedevilsplayhouse gives a peek at the skewed humor of The Devil's Playhouse. The very first in-game screenshots and new concept art are also posted at the site. "Telltale continues to excel at channeling Sam & Max's extremely peculiar sensibilities," said Sam & Max creator, Steve Purcell. "For each subsequent season they somehow manage to toss ever more mind-addling scenarios at the Freelance Police. The creative team inhabits these characters so well that if I were their parents I'd be worried about them." The PC pre-order for the series which begins today at www.samandmaxgames.com/thedevilsplayhouse includes a FREE game episode from the Telltale library along with exclusive membership in the Freelance Police "Elite Forces" -- all for just $34.95. Freelance Police Elite Forces members will gain access to a private forum for scheduled chats with Sam & Max creator Steve Purcell and Telltale designers along with first look posts about upcoming episodes before they release. Additionally, these customers will get special deals at the Telltale Store over the course of the season, as well as custom forum avatars and desktop wallpaper downloads. The pre-order for PlayStation users is expected to begin March 18th on the PlayStation Network. "With Sam & Max: The Devil's Playhouse, we're bringing PlayStation fans five months of exciting episodic content and continuing our commitment to deliver exclusive, innovative gaming experiences to the PlayStation Network," said Rob Dyer, senior vice president of publisher relations, Sony Computer Entertainment America. "The unhinged humor, unforgettable cast and irreverent undertone of this enduring franchise are aspects we expect will resonate with our audience, and both Telltale and SCEA can't wait to deliver."

Made as part of the Bricks In Motion Challenge, Youtube user "xxxfancypantsxxx" created this AMAZINGLY done stop motion Lego Star Wars lightsaber battle. I know it's technically not gaming related, but with the popularity of the Lego Star Wars games I thought it would be great to pass along to everyone. Entitles Lego The Force Unleashed, we see Darth Vader's apprentice kick some major butt. Enjoy.

Bungie said they would have a "Multiplayer Bomb" to drop later this week, is this it? If so, it looks pretty great. This may or may not be Halo Reach, but if it's not, it should be. Take a look at the video below. Edit: It appears this is the official trailer. Bungie's YouTube page has been updated with it.

All of us here at Gamercide would like to wish our resident old man the best birthday ever!! PK, we love ya man . . .

Gearbox just announced their 3rd DLC for Borderlands. No release date or price just yet, but the level cap will be raised and looking at the screens we'll get new vehicles and new enemies. Gearbox Software and 2K Games are excited to announce the largest DLC for Borderlands to date: The Secret Armory of General Knoxx (coming to the Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, and PC)! Get ready to face off with brutal, never-before-seen enemies in a huge new environment complete with tons of brand new missions. Don’t worry, you’ll be able to get guns (even more guns) to give you the firepower you’ll need as you discover entirely new weapons and items! This DLC extends the Borderlands experience, providing new challenges and opportunities for growth for characters from around level 34 to level 50. Growth for characters at 50? Yeah, that’s right, we’ve raised the level cap; even players who think they’ve seen it all have tons more to do! The Secret Armory of General Knoxx offers hours of thrilling shooting and looting for Borderlands players! Images Via: http://www.wouldyoukindly.com/

We here at Gamercide would like to wish our very own head writer Siren the best birthday EVER!!!

505 Games released the first trailer for the upcoming comic mischief adventure, Naughty Bear, currently being developed by Artificial Mind and Movement (A2M). The trailer gives gamers a glimpse into the troubled mind of the mischievous, misunderstood protagonist, Naughty Bear. While it is hard for those with a sound state of mind to grasp the madness of such a character, this introductory video reveals the root of his bad behavior. Gamers will tear the stuffing out of all things cute and cuddly when Naughty Bear stalks its way onto store shelves on Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 later this year. http://youtu.be/sjp9x2LkCyE More info about Naughty Bear after the break. About Naughty Bear Naughty Bear is an action video game featuring a unique blend of comic mischief and shamefully bad behavior. Players will take on the role of Naughty Bear, a bear driven to seek vengeance after the other bears don’t invite him to the big birthday party. Scorned for the last time, Naughty Bear becomes hell bent on manipulating and terrorizing the blissful bears inhabiting the Island of Perfection. Featuring an array of weapons, objects and scare tactics, gamers strive to earn Naughty Points as they inflict physical and psychological harm on Naughty Bear’s enemies. This all-new scare-based points system means players will win the most rewards for being deviant and maniacal. The variety allows for a completely new experience every time players pick up a controller and the ill-fated bears become more difficult to harass and terrorize as the game progresses. Naughty Bear will be available for Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 later this year. For more information, please visit the official Web site at: http://www.naughtybearthegame.com

Today Ubisoft announced that both Splinter Cell: Conviction and R.U.S.E. have been delayed in to the companies next fiscal year. While Splinter Cell was given a release date, R.U.S.E. was given no tentative date. With both originally scheduled for release in February and Splinter Cell's numerous delays, this may not be a good sign for either.

In a move that really surprises no one, Netflix and Nintendo have finally announced that Netflix streaming will be available on the Wii this spring. As with the PS3, a disc will be needed to access the streaming on the Wii, as well as a $9 per month subscription to the Netflix service. No additional fees from Nintendo or Neflix will be required. As I'm sure you are aware, the Wii does not have high-def capabilities, so no HD streaming will be available. Hopefully with Netflix on all 3 major consoles everyone can access some of the great stuff that Netflix has been working hard to add to their streaming lineup. Stay tuned to Gamercide for information on how to get your Netflix streaming disc for the Wii, as soon as they become available.

Download Complete Trogdor Episode from Telltale’s Game Series Today only at www.trogday.com SAN RAFAEL, Calif. – January 13, 2010 – Happy Trogday, everyone! Seven years ago today, the beefy-armed dragon, Trogdor, first appeared on HomestarRunner.com, burninating the hearts and minds of audiences around the globe in the Strong Bad email installment, “Dragon.” In celebration of this momentous anniversary, Telltale Inc is giving away the very special Trogdor-themed episode of Strong Bad’s Cool Game for Attractive People for free at http://www.trogday.com. As part of this celebration, Telltale is also making the full season available for $19.95 (reduced from its regular $29.95 list price). First drawn into existence through the artistic aplomb of Strong Bad, Trogdor is best known for terrorizing countrysides and burninating peasants and their thatch-roofed cottages at every available opportunity. Over the years, the green scaled menace has exploded in popularity, with devotees paying tribute through homemade offerings, including delicious Trogdor-shaped baked goods, Halloween costumes, custom plushies, and some pretty legendary tattoos. "From the instant I drew Trogdor, I knew I'd done something special, something lasting,” said Trogdor creator and all-around awesome dude, Strong Bad. “Even cooler than that butt with three cheeks I one time drew." In the Trogdor episode of Telltale’s game series, entitled 8-Bit is Enough, the beefy-armed dragon of legend has broken free of his arcade cabinet prison and is burninating Free Country, USA without remorse! With the help of classic 8-bit Videlectrix characters, Strong Bad must find a way to conquer the scorching menace and restore Strong Badia to its former glory. This episode is the fifth episode of the critically acclaimed five game series. More information can be found at http://www.telltalegames.com/strongbad

Electronic Arts Inc. announced today that EA SPORTS is developing one of the most popular and culturally influential arcade basketball games ever made -- NBA JAM -- for the Nintendo Wii. EA SPORTS NBA JAM revives the classic franchise with vintage NBA JAM gameplay, and all-new features that deliver a fresh new take on the game. Featuring the sights and sounds that fans of the franchise will instantly recognize, EA SPORTS NBA JAM mixes the old school with the new, to deliver a one-of-a-kind sports presentation on the Wii. “NBA JAM is one of the most recognizable franchises in videogame history,” said Peter Moore, President, EA SPORTS. “Diehard fans of the original game have been asking for a remake for more than a decade. We’re very excited to give them their wish this year with the return of this iconic franchise.” Featuring gameplay that is true to the original, NBA JAM will have players spinning with ankle breaking moves to the basket and on the way to high-flying, backboard-smashing dunks. In addition to the classic experience, EA SPORTS NBA JAM will also introduce new game modes, characters and gameplay depth. NBA JAM brought an all-new visual style to the sports videogame genre when it debuted in 1993. Now, the new EA SPORTS NBA JAM re-defines the visuals for a sports game yet again by bringing true-to-life body types, updated physics, and visible player emotion to the over- the - top experience. EA SPORTS NBA JAM is currently in development at EA Canada in Vancouver, BC and will be available for the Nintendo Wii videogame system in 2010. The game has not yet been rated by the ESRB or PEGI. For more information, visit www.nba-jam.easports.com, or join the EA SPORTS NBA JAM Facebook group at: www.facebook.com/NBAJAM/

It's not gaming related, but the video is so very awesome that I had to post it up. Enjoy the best fail videos of 2009. http://www.collegehumor.com/video/5862416/best-fails-of-2009

Watching the gaming portion of Microsoft's keynote at CES 2010 was quite disappointing. There was only one new announcement (Game Room) and then retreads of trailers for Halo Reach, Alan Wake, and Crackdown 2. There was mention of the Modern Warfare 2 DLC coming this spring. I was very disappointed with what was shown (Or blacked out if you watched online) during the entertainment portion of the keynote. You can head over to Microsoft's New Center to watch the full keynote and a few of the videos shown. Link to News Center

Microsoft announced at CES that Project Natal will be released this holiday season. No definite date was nailed down, nor was a price mentioned, or even a real name for the technology. I'm guessing closer to release we'll get more info. Stay tuned to Gamercide for updates as we get them.

Reportedly during their keynote address at CES, Microsoft will announce an "Xbox Game Room" to give gamers a retro gaming experience. Robbie Bach, president of the entertainment devices division, announced in a video interview earlier today that Microsoft plans to offer something akin to the compilations of older games that have been hitting the market lately. See Bach's quote after the break. It will be interesting to see what games are offered in this new "Game Room". Hopefully it won't just be a link or repository for the retro games that are already available on the Marketplace. (Update) As expected, Game Room was announced. Interestingly enough it will be available on PC as well as Xbox and the games will be playable on both systems. The pricing structure will have 2 tiers. First you can purchase the games for 240 MS Points to play on one system (360/PC) or 400 MS Points to play on both systems (360/PC). You can also make it feel just like a real arcade and spend 40 MS Points for one play. Supposedly there will be over 1000 games available from the likes of old Atari and Intellivision games. Check the announcement video below:

At CES Kaz Hirai, Sony Computer Entertainment Chief, somewhat detailed Sony's plan to unify all their products and offer premium media across the PS3, Vaio, Blu-ray, Bravia TVs, etc. A new studio called "Sony Network Entertainment" will be formed and Kaz will head this new studio. All this will use one username/password to access and purchase the content across all Sony devices. This could be big news for all those hardcore Sony fans that refuse to buy anything not branded with their logo. I'm sure more information will become available after the Sony keynote at CES. I'll be sure to update as more becomes available.

IRVINE, CA - JANUARY 5, 2010 - Atlus U.S.A., Inc. today announced METAL SLUG XX, a side-scrolling, arcade-style, run-and-gun shooter for PSP (PlayStation Portable) system, exploding with the same winning formula of over-the-top action and cartoon mayhem that has kept METAL SLUG a premier franchise for over a decade. Frantic and fun, serious METAL SLUG fans and casual gamers alike can relive the glory and charm of old school cooperative arcade play, teaming with a friend via ad-hoc multiplayer to outrun and outshoot hundreds of enemies and liberate as many prisoners as possible. Choose between six zany METAL SLUG characters and shoot through seven action-packed levels with varying obstacles, numerous enemies, and diverging paths. Confident players can put their skills to the test by playing more than 70 mission-based trials in "Combat School." With its unmistakable style and personality, nostalgic gameplay, more than 70 missions, and the ability to play with a friend, METAL SLUG XX is the definitive portable METAL SLUG arcade experience. Consider yourself the ultimate METAL SLUG fan? Purchase Leona, a seventh playable character with her own unique abilities, via PlayStation®Store for only 99 cents. METAL SLUG XX is currently scheduled for release on February 23, 2010 with an MSRP of just $19.99. For more information, please visit the website www.atlus.com/metalslugxx.

Guildford, UK – January 5, 2009 – Leading video game developer BioWare, a division of Electronic Arts Inc, announced today Dragon Age: Origins – Awakening, the first official expansion pack to Dragon Age: Origins, the recent recipient of Spike TV’s Best RPG and PC Game of 2009, IGN’s Best RPG of 2009 and CNN.com’s Best RPG of 2009. Dragon Age: Origins – Awakening will be available for the Xbox 360 videogame and entertainment system, the PlayStation 3 computer entertainment system and PC on March 16, 2010. Designed and written by the same team that brought you Dragon Age: Origins, the Awakening expansion pack offers a brand new area of the world to explore known as Amaranthine, featuring an epic story that will allow players to unravel the secrets of the darkspawn - and their true motivations! Players will face a range of horrific and terrifying creatures including an evolved, intelligent breed of darkspawn and other menacing creatures such as the Inferno Golem and Spectral Dragon. Dragon Age: Origins – Awakening provides exciting new ways for players to customize their heroes and party, including the ability to re-spec their character attributes, allowing even greater customization and replayability. Featuring an increased level cap, new spells, abilities, specializations and items, plus five all-new party members, players can continue their adventures from Dragon Age, or begin with a brand new party. “Dragon Age: Origins – Awakening shows BioWare’s commitment to our fans by delivering new story-driven experiences which enrich the dark heroic fantasy universe our fans have come to know and love,” said Dr. Ray Muzyka, Group General Manager of the RPG/MMO Group, EA, and Co-Founder, BioWare. “The vibrant worldwide community of Dragon Age fans will relish uncovering the secret motivations of the darkspawn, revealing how the darkspawn continue to infest the world despite the defeat of the Archdemon.” Dragon Age: Origins – Awakening, BioWare’s next thread in the Dragon Age: Origins tapestry, occurs following the events of Dragon Age: Origins and puts players into the role of a Grey Warden Commander entrusted with rebuilding the order of Grey Wardens. In addition to rebuilding the ranks of the Grey Wardens, you will be tasked with uncovering the mystery of how the darkspawn survive after the slaying of the Archdemon dragon. How players choose to rebuild their order, resolve the conflict with the mysterious “Architect,” and determine the fate of the darkspawn are just some of the many intriguing moral choices that will shape each player’s heroic journey. Players will be able to import their character from Dragon Age: Origins or start out as a new Grey Warden from the neighboring land of Orlais. Dragon Age: Origins – Awakening will be released March 16, 2010 worldwide on the Xbox 360, the PlayStation 3 console and PC. Dragon Age: Origins – Awakening will be available for $39.99 on PC, Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 consoles in North America and will require Dragon Age: Origins to play. Dragon Age: Origins – Awakening is rated M by the ESRB and 18+ by PEGI. For more information on Dragon Age: Origins – Awakening, please visit www.dragonage.com/awakening.

San Diego, January 05, 2010—Mad Catz® Interactive, Inc. (AMEX/TSX: MCZ), a leading worldwide third-party interactive entertainment accessory provider, today announced a new range of Licensed Nintendo accessories for use with Wii™, Nintendo DSi™ and Nintendo DS™ Lite video game systems. The new range of accessories marks the first Nintendo licensed products to be released by Mad Catz on Nintendo DSi and Nintendo DS Lite video game systems. Check out the full list after the break. The new range of licensed accessories include: · Wireless SenseBar – Wii Battery or AC adapter powered, the Wireless SenseBar features a built-in timer which can be set for one, two or three hours of operation in order to conserve the lifespan of your batteries. MSRP: $19.99 · Premium Suede Folio Case – Nintendo DSi Ideal for the discerning gamer, the Premium Suede Folio Case presents a fashionable yet practical solution for carrying the Nintendo DSi, up to 6 DS games, and up to 2 extra styli. With micro-suede inner lining, the console, games and extra styli are certain to travel in style. MSRP: $14.99 · Premium Suede Game Wallet – Nintendo DSi and Nintendo DS Lite The Premium Suede Folio Wallet presents a fashionable yet practical solution for carrying up to 6 game cartridges and up to 2 extra styli on the go. Featuring micro-suede inner lining, games and extra styli are sure to travel in style. MSRP: $19.99 · Brain Pak – Nintendo DSi Comprised of a protective hard case with a built-in adjustable strap, the Brain Pak helps ensure that the handheld stays in the palm of the player when held in a horizontal or vertical position. Perfect for puzzle or ‘train your brain’ style games, all Nintendo DSi buttons and ports are still accessible when the console is safely nestled within the play-and-protect case. Includes two clear styli to match the protective clear case. MSRP: $14.99 · ArmorStore Case – Nintendo DSi Provides convenient storage and protection for Nintendo DSi, three DS games, three SD cards and an extra stylus. The durable, impact-resistant case permits access to all buttons and ports, allowing for unhindered game play. The easy-to-install design allows the console to be stored and protected, making the ArmorStore Case the ideal solution for the gamer on the go. MSRP: $9.99 · Sockz 2-Pak – Nintendo DSi and Nintendo DSi Lite The Sockz are durable, washable, and compatible with both Nintendo DSi and Nintendo DS Lite. Vibrant colors, high quality design and plush feel make the licensed Sockz a fun and contemporary method for storing and protecting the console. Includes two different color Sockz in each pack. MSRP: $9.99 · Stylus and Screen Protector Pak – Nintendo DSi and Nintendo DSi Lite Features a trio of high-quality styli, ideal for all handheld gaming needs. Designed for comfort and provided in colors which match the console, the Styli have been designed to fit flush in either the Nintendo DSi or Nintendo DS Lite video game systems. A set of screen protectors (with a squeegee to simplify application) for both consoles is included as an added bonus. MSRP: $7.99 · Stylus Pak– Nintendo DSi and Nintendo DSi Lite Features twin high-quality styli, ideal for all handheld gaming needs. Designed for comfort and provided in colors which match the console, the Styli have been designed to fit flush in either the Nintendo DSi or Nintendo DS Lite video game systems. A unique thumb stylus which simulates analog joystick control, is included in pack, providing an alternative method of handheld game play. MSRP: $7.99 · Screen Protector Pak – Nintendo DSi and Nintendo DSi Lite Consisting of two sets of high-quality protective layers, the Screen Protector Pak will help shield the screens of your Nintendo DSi and Nintendo DS Lite systems from scratches, smudges and fingerprints, helping to keep your handheld in prime condition at all times. MSRP: $5.99 Darren Richardson, President and Chief Executive Officer of Mad Catz commented: The new range of Mad Catz licensed accessories is expected begin shipping to North America and key European territories beginning spring 2010.