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Telltale Games, the leading independent publisher of cinematic adventures and the pioneer of episodic content delivery, today announced that the highly-anticipated Puzzle Agent 2, the sequel to the smash hit game Puzzle Agent, will be available for purchase on June 30. Puzzle Agent 2 for PC and Mac can be pre-ordered at the discounted price of $8.99 from www.telltalegames.com, and as a special bonus, includes the original Puzzle Agent game for free. Touch screen players are not left out of the action either as Puzzle Agent 2 will also be available on iPad and iPhone. For series newcomers, the original Puzzle Agent for iOS will be on sale for the period of June 7-14 for $2.99 on iPad and $0.99 on iPhone. “The Puzzle Agent series illustrates what can happen when top indie development talent has an opportunity to shine in front of a big audience,” said Telltale CEO Dan Connors. “As the first game in our Pilot Program, Puzzle Agent validates our decision to create the program and set the stage for Puzzle Agent 2 as well as other amazing indie projects.” Puzzle Agent 2 builds on its award-winning predecessor with a wider variety of rewarding puzzles based on the feedback of Puzzle Agent fans. Developed in collaboration with comic artist and animator Graham Annable, it garnered PC Gamer’s “Puzzle Game of the Year” award and IGN’s Best iPhone Game of E3 2010. Puzzle Agent 2 picks up after FBI Agent Nelson Tethers “solved” the Scoggins Eraser Factory case. However, with factory foreman Isaac Davner missing and the “Hidden People” mystery largely unsolved, troubled Agent Tethers goes rogue and ventures back to the eerie town of Scoggins, Minnesota to solve the biggest case of his career. Telltale Games is providing a first look at Puzzle Agent 2 at this year’s E3 conference at the Los Angeles Convention Center in Room #8205 in the Concourse Hall.

Konami announced HD remakes of both Zone of the Enders, as well as a pack of Silent Hill games coming to PS3 and Xbox 360 sometime next year. They also announced a pack of HD remakes (a la the God of War pack) of Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty, Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater, and the recent PSP title Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker. Both packs will have upgraded graphics, new interfaces, and new 2D art. Also, Kojima announced the new "Transfarring" technology that will allow easier game save transfers between PS3 and PSP versions of games. We'll have to wait for more details on this one, but hopefully it will make things less cumbersome. And on a final note from Konami, for now, a fireball crisscrossed the screen and this was shown: That's right, a NEW CONTRA GAME IS COMING!! I, for one, can not wait for a new game. The recent Nintendo DS iterations have been great. We will have more info as it becomes available.

MonkeyPaw Games and Frozen Codebase released the first full gameplay trailer and a ton of screenshots for the upcoming HD remake of the classic Burgertime. Take a look at the the screenshots below and the full press release after the break. We will have the trailer uploaded later today.

Back to the Future – Episode 3: Citizen Brown is Now Available on iPad Telltale’s Hit Time Traveling Adventure Generates 1.21 Gigawatts and hits the AppStore So far the Back to the Future game series has prompted players to search for a missing Doc Brown and save Marty from the notorious 1930’s mobster Kid Tannen. Now, in Back to the Future Ep 3 HD, Marty returns to the 1980s to find Hill Valley is not the way he left it. Only he can save the town from the dystopia created by the mysterious ‘First Citizen Brown.’ Back to the Future Ep 3 HD can now be purchased on iPad for $6.99. Back to the Future: The Game is also available on the PC, Mac and PlayStation®Network.

Zen Studios has maybe the best pinball simulation game on the market today with Pinball FX2. In my previous review I mentioned that the upcoming Fantastic Four table. With its release, do we get another great addition to the already stellar table lineup? Keep on reading comic fans and let's find out in Gamercide's first "Quick Review" As with all the other tables, Zen Studios has done a great job capturing the feel of the Fantastic Four comics. Artwork for the table is colorful and quite impressive for a pinball game. Each character is represented in great detail and put their powers to good use as you play through the missions. Voice work is very well done, as is the case with all the Marvel tables. Game play is where the table takes a slight hit. Sure, just hitting the bumpers and pins is a blast, but when it comes to getting the missions down, the learning curve ramps up quite a bit. Getting the necessary angle to the Baxter Building can be a little frustrating. However, once you get things down you will be ruling the table with a Galactus like fist. Impressive graphics and sound really make you feel like you're playing around in the Marvel universe. Hearing the voices of the characters being so well done, as well as seeing things like Reed Richards stretching around the board bring a lot to the table. The slight frustration in learning curve can be easily overcome by spending a little time getting used to the angles and where/when to shoot the ball. Overall, this is another great addition to Pinball FX2. The new table is available now and I highly recommend it to any fan of the Fantastic Four or pinball. I can't wait to see what Zen comes up with next for a newly converted pinball fan.

OnLive has announced that Duke Nukem Forever will be launching on their game streaming platform coinciding with the games US launch on June 14th. Partnering with Gearbox Software and 2K Games, they have also announced that with each pre-order, you will receive either a free game or the OnLive Micro Console. This deal is very similar to things they have done in the past with high profile game releases. John Spinale, OnLive VP of Games and Media had this to say: If you have ever wanted to try OnLive's Micro Console and plan on picking up Duke Nukem, this may be the way to go. Duke Nukem Forever lists for $44.99 for pre-order on the OnLive website. Head over to http://www.onlive.com/go/duke and jump on this deal.

Pinball FX 2 really isn't a game unto itself. It is a free base of the game that allows you to try each table before you buy them. This sounds weird, but in this case it really does work. If you test out a table and decide you like it, go buy it. Also, if you have the first Pinball FX your tables import over in to the new shell and they get a graphical and physics upgrades. Tweaks are found throughout the multiplayer and the competitiveness of the leader boards really does make the game shine. While playing, you get updates on who is the best among your friends on each table. If you're getting close to beating a friends score, you get a countdown as to how many more points you need to beat them. Along with the ever growing amount of achievements (Which, if you're like me, you compare these just like a scoreboard.) there are a couple of other types of scores to try and outdo your buddies. Superscore is your cumulative score across all the tables. Pinball Wizard is a combination of your Superscore along with your friends' Superscores. There's also hot seat multiplayer and split-screen multiplayer. This game is literally jam packed with features. Game play in Pinball FX 2 is flawless. Each table has its own feel and the licensed tables are very well done. Tables ranging from Street Fighter II, Rocky and Bullwinkle, and Marvel superheroes all capture the aesthetic of the characters. The Marvel tables include a table each for Spider-Man, Wolverine, Iron Man, and Blade (With an all new Fantastic Four table coming soon). All of which are extremely fun and really are what sold me on the game. The original tables are really fun as well. Ranging from a Roman theme to super secret spies and a ton more, they are all varied enough that if you get tired of one, it is easy to exit out and go to a different table and start the fun all over again. With new tables releasing frequently, they all do very well to keep you coming back for more. The recently released Mars table is one of the best yet. Plenty of "missions" to complete and new achievements to try and get, the Mars table feels like none of the others offered to date. As I'm sure you can tell from everything you've read, I really enjoyed Pinball FX 2. As a gamer who has never really enjoyed pinball, this game does a great job of selling you and making you feel like you're really standing at a machine pumping quarters in to get a higher score than your friends. Graphics are amazing for each table and do well to keep things interesting. Going in I was hesitant to get in to the game, but once I started playing, I had numerous late nights trying to beat my friends’ scores. Good job Pinball FX 2 and Zen Studios for turning this non-pinball fan in to a pinball junkie. Head over to the Xbox Live Marketplace and try out Pinball FX 2.

Last week, Sony detailed their "Welcome Back" package to PSN users who had their personal information stolen during the PSN attacks. While thus far this has included free PSN Plus and free downloads, they have upped the ante with a free year subscription to Debix, Inc's AllClear ID Plus identity theft protection. Providing up to $1 million dollars in protection, this may help give some a piece of mind that even though their information was stolen, Sony is at least trying to ensure nefarious actions don't take place with your information. The latest Sony blog gives these details of the program: Cyber monitoring and surveillance of the Internet to detect exposure of an AllClear ID Plus customer’s personal information, including monitoring of criminal web sites and data recovered by law enforcement. If his/her personal information is found, the customer will be alerted by phone and/or email and will be provided advice and support regarding protective steps to take. The customer will also receive monthly identity status reports. Debix works with an alliance of cyber-crime experts from the government, academia and industry to provide these services. Priority access to licensed private investigators and identity restoration specialists. If an AllClear ID Plus customer receives an alert, or otherwise suspects that he/she may be the victim of identity theft, the customer can speak directly, on a priority basis, with an on-staff licensed private investigator, who will conduct a comprehensive inquiry. In the case of an identity theft, the customer can work with an identity restoration specialist to contact creditors and others, and take necessary steps to restore the customer’s identity. A $1 million identity theft insurance policy per user to provide additional protection in the event that an AllClear ID Plus customer becomes a victim of identity theft. This insurance would provide financial relief of up to $1 million for covered identity restoration costs, legal defense expenses, and lost wages that occur within 12 months after the stolen identity event. To get the full post, head over to Sony's blog here: http://blog.us.playstation.com

The fine folks at Zen Studios are holding a tournament for fabulous prize packs going to the top 3 scorers on the new Mars table for Pinball FX2. There will also be random entrants for prizes like Mars candy bars, DVDs, and game codes. Take a look at the full press release below and go check out the new table. Be sure to let us know what you think of the table in the forums. Also, be on the lookout for our forthcoming reviews of Zen Studios games. Pinball FX2 Mars Tournament April 29 – May 13 Finding life a little lonely on Mars? The Red Planet is about to get invaded by pinball wizards seeking a SuperScoreRocketBoost and Martian themed prizes. Download the Mars table now on Xbox LIVE® Arcade for your chance to compete over the next two weeks to determine the Mars pinball champion. There will be official prize packs for the top three scores, and prizes for random entrees such as MARS candy bars, DVD’s, and game codes. 1st Place 4,000 MS Points Choice of Mars Attacks!, Martian Chronicles, or Total Recall Special Edition Codes to future games from ZEN Studios 2nd & 3rd Place 1600 MS Points Choice of Mars Attacks!, Martian Chronicles, or Total Recall Special Edition Codes to future games from ZEN Studios The tournament will run April 29 – May 13, 2011. Winners will be notified via private message following the conclusion of the tournament. To participate in the tournament, select the tournament icons in the Pinball FX2 menu bars. Choose Mars, and your score will automatically register upon game completion. Stay in touch! Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter.

Starting June 17th the kiosk based movie rental provider, Redbox, will finally move in to the games market at all it's locations. With over 21,000+ locations nationwide, the $2 per day rental fee seems like a pretty decent price point. Selections will include select games for the Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, and the Wii. The service has been tested in over 5,000 locations and must have done fairly well, with the full launch coming soon. Check out the full press release: GAME ON! REDBOX ANNOUNCES IT WILL OFFER VIDEO GAME RENTALS NATIONWIDE THIS JUNE April 28, 2011 –Redbox, America's movie rental destination, today announced it will offer video game rentals at more than 21,000 redbox locations nationwide beginning June 17, 2011. Top video games will join new release movies for only $2 a day complementing $1 DVD and $1.50 Blu-ray™ daily rental prices. The announcement follows a test of video game rentals in select U.S. markets that began in August 2009. "Redbox will increase consumers' access to video game rentals by leveraging our incredible technology and business model to keep rental prices low for consumers," said Mitch Lowe, president, redbox. "With more than 21,000 redbox locations slated to feature video game rentals alongside movies this June, redbox will be the one-stop shop for entertainment." Redbox, a Coinstar, Inc. brand, has tested video game rentals alongside movies at 5,000 redbox locations. "Redbox has rented more than one million video games in less than two years at these locations, underscoring the popularity of video game play in America," added Lowe. Today, nearly 64 percent* of people in the United States own a game console. Upon launch, redbox will feature games across the three major console platforms: PLAYSTATION® 3, Nintendo Wii™ and Xbox 360®. Video game titles will range from top releases to popular family and kids titles. "Redbox will make discovering the latest games as easy as a trip to the local grocery, convenience or drug store," said Joel Resnik, vice president, games, redbox. About Redbox Redbox Automated Retail, LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Coinstar, Inc. (NASDAQ: CSTR), offers new release DVD and Blu-ray Disc rentals through its network of conveniently located, self-service kiosks. Redbox has rented more than one billion movies and is available at more than 27,000 locations nationwide, including select McDonald's restaurants, leading grocery, drug and convenience stores, select Walmart locations and Walgreens locations in select markets. For more information, visit www.redbox.com.

What was speculation has now been confirmed by Major Nelson. Hulu Plus will launch tomorrow on Xbox 360 and for one week (Through May 6th), it will be free for all US Xbox Live users. That's right, thanks to Jack's Links beef jerky, everyone (Gold and Silver) will get to try it out for free. Now go mess with Sasquatch while watching SNL and The Simpsons. Source: Major Nelson's Blog

Overall story is nonexistent here. You are a ship that is set loose in a puzzle with fairly straightfoward tasks. Light the stars, collect the items, or cross the line before the time runs out. It sounds simple, but once you get going in the level, controls are limited to attaching to posts around the level and using momentum as your control. Zero gravity also play a big roll here. Once you get going, you can't stop without attaching to the posts. There is a map of the level that shows a top down view of the map to see where your missing pieces of the puzzle. Also, you can freely view the map to further explore missing pieces. Over 50 levels of play, concepts for each one are introduced throughout and then thrown together in later levels. There are also upgradees for your ship, such as shields or weapons that will come in handy as tougher enemies are introduced. The main key to the game is it's target times for each level. The game is strangely addicting and you'll find yourself going back to earlier levels to try and beat your own time. Eventually you'll be hooked enough to try and beat the par time for each level, which in most cases are really diabolical. They will keep you wondering how in the world you are supposed to get through the level in those short times. StarDrone is a fun game. For some it may not be your cup of tea, but you can easily see the charm for those that get truly hooked. Playstation Move controls really bring a new aspect to the game that PC gamers didn't get to experience. With over 50 levels, tight controls, and a huge amount of replay value this is a really good value for a fairly inexpensive game.

Gearbox, in a "very special" announcement video, have pushed the release out on Duke Nukem Forever from the original May release to June. See the video below: Some may worry, but we here at Gamercide have full faith in Gearbox and know they need the extra time for making sure this game gets the polish it deserves. It also gives us more time for the impending demo, whenever that comes out.

This would initially seem like a negative, however after the palette swapping and redundant move sets that was rampant in part 2, this time around each character has their own play style and move sets. This translates to a ton of play variety and no two characters play the same. Almost anyone can find a character that will just "feel right" to play and almost every character is well balanced. Speaking of move sets, the controls in the game are extremely well balanced. There are 2 control schemes available. One is the "Simple" controls. This limits your move set but makes them extremely easy to pull off with just the press of a button. Also, Hyper Combos can be achieved with multiple button presses. This truly does simplify the game to the point of being cheap as hell. This scheme would be great if it was limited to local only play, but you can take it online and literally watch your win/loss percentage skyrocket. Hopefully Capcom will realize this and put in some limitations on this scheme being used online. The "Standard" controls have been re-tooled to work better with a standard console controller. There are 4 main attack buttons, down from the usual 6. Light, Medium, Heavy, and the new "Launcher" buttons are all mapped to the face buttons on the controller. The right and left bumpers and triggers are used for calling in partners and pulling off Hyper Combos. This redesign really takes some time to get used to for MvC fans, but after a few matches you realize it truly is a better console design. My favorite change is the air combo starter is the same for all characters, which is truly a godsend. Graphics and sound are truly the most impressive in the series. The Street Fighter IV-esque view really works well to give the game a good depth. Anyone that has seen and loved the almost seizure inducing visuals of the Marvel Vs Capcom series won't be disappointed with this one. Colorful moves and insane Hyper Combos have been a series mainstay, but have been amped up to 11 in this latest edition. Remixed songs from throughout the series are really great and sound amazing through a good surround sound. Also, voice acting is pretty stellar and the option to use the Japanese voices for the Capcom characters is a really nice touch. Story mode for each character is told with a comic book panel style ending which really works well in my view. Some may be sad that there are no fully voice acted video endings, but I'm okay with this omission as it gives the game a more comic book feel. There are subtle touches throughout the game that you may not even notice at first. Hearing Phoenix scream out for Scott when she is taken down or hearing Magneto say Wolverine is lucky he didn't pull the adamantium out of his body again really go a long way to give a cohesive feel to the game and the Marvel and Capcom universes. Now, we'll move in to the main issues I have with the game, the online lobby system. I can't say the online play is bad at all. No dropped frames, no lag, etc. However, the 8 person lobby system really needs an overhaul. Basically, 2 players start the match and the winner stays to fight the next person. This is easily trying to mimic the "next quarter up" feel of an arcade. While the concept is great it could really benefit from allowing the waiting players to watch the fight happening. That's right, if you are 8th in line, you sit and wait. This is honestly pretty boring. Why not allow 3 on 3 play as well? Let each player pick their favorite character and start up a huge battle royal? Also, a replay system would be great to watch back your own matches or even the top ranked players' matches. For fans of the series, this game will be a godsend. Tight controls, great sound, and amazing visuals make everything come together to give us almost everything we wanted. However, a few missteps may turn off some of the more fair-weather fans to the series. Simple controls make the game way too easy and some issues with the online play really should be addressed. Those few quibbles aside, I really recommend this game to fighting game and comic book fans. So, until next time my fellow gaming fans I say this...EXCELSIOR!

The overall story of the game is very engaging. A Matryoshka doll family, the Blackmores, are forced to sell off all of their belongings because of the disapperance of their father. A Master Chimney sweep that gets a new job working for The Baron at his new enterprise. As Charlie Blackmore you are easily dismissed by everyone in the world. You receive a letter that lets you know all your siblings have been sold in to slave labor and need your help. You set out to save them from The Baron with only your heart and courage in tow. The graphics in the game are really great. Especially for a downloadable game. The miniature world of these stacking dolls is littered with posts made from sewing pins and suitcases made of matchstick boxes. The 1930s silent film aesthetic is used to great effect. Cutscenes are all created in a diorama style, with all the dialogue being spoken by cards. These small touches make for an engaging world that you just don't want to put down. Gameplay is no less impressive. With Charlie being so small, he can easily "stack" with another Matryoshka doll that is one size larger than him. Each subsequent stacking doll needs to follow suite. You can't just jump from one doll to another without taking this in to account and this is where the puzzle game aspect really starts to shine. You are given a goal and you must find the "special doll" that will help you achieve this goal. Also littered throughout each level are other special dolls to be found, all in the effor to 100% each level. Each special doll also has a unique ability that are used to solve the puzzles or even find alternate solutions. There are also "hi-jinks" that are hidden goals in each level. They are all very inventive and extremely entertaining. Each hi-jink is basically rewarding you for disrupting other doll's lives. Each special doll type, puzzle solution, hi-jink, and more are tracked in a pretty unique way. Charlie meets a hobo named Levi that tracks each and every thing in the game. While this may seem just completely random or just a way to track things, it is very indicitive of Double Fine. The game controls well, but the dolls control like you would expect a doll to control. It takes a bit to get used to, but doesn't hamper the game at all. The camera on the other hand could use a little work. Stacking really is fun and doesn't lose its charm as you go through it. There are some issues with controls initially and the camera has issues, but there is nothing showstopping. The game is graphically impressive and the small touches are what make you want to keep playing. The silent film setting really does justice to the Matryoshka dolls and makes for a great overall presentation. As a downloadable game, there is a lot to find and do in the game. It is fairly short and I think that helps the fun to not wear off quickly. I'd recommed this to any Double Fine fan and would say that anyone that enjoys puzzle games should at least give the demo a shot.

I would be remiss if I did not mention the music in the game. Our good friends at the newly re-branded HyperDuck SoundWorks do one hell of a job with the tunes in the game. When I interviewed the guys a few months back, we got to sample some of the tracks from the game and I have to say, the remainder of the music did not disappoint. I can not wait to see what these guys have up next for us and hope to nail them down for another interview soon. **Just a subtle hint there for the guys** I seriously urge everyone to go to the Duck's page and take a listen to their stuff, it's amazing. The controls are fairly well balanced. Keyboard and mouse controls are available, but in all honesty, a gamepad or Xbox 360 controller really is a must for this one. Heck, even the explanation of the controls shows an Xbox controller for reference. Each weapon has a good "feel" to it and allowing the player to use the right analog stick to fine tune their firing was a great decision. If I had to pick something to complain about in the game, I would say the jumps feel too heavy. There were a couple of very frustrating areas that took multiple tries to get through because of the jumping issues. I did eventually get used to this, but a little more tweaking in this would really have helped a good bit. Overall, this is a great side-scrolling shooter that fans of the Mega Man X series will love. Great music and suprisingly good graphics round out a pretty solid package. The few jumping issues really don't detract all that much from the experience and could easily be addressed in a later patch, if the developers so desire. I'd highly recommend this one to anyone that wants an old school gaming experience with new school graphical polish and some really bumping music. Go out and drop the $10 on this one now. Links to buy: Steam Direct 2 Drive X10 Studios

Duke Nukem Forever releases on May 3rd in the US and May 9th Internationally. The trailer below is pretty much all you need to see, so now get out there and pre-order! There is box art and a few screens below in the slideshow. No word yet on if there will be a collector's edition or any pre-order goodies. Stay tuned for more as new comes out. Official Press Release: Duke Nukem Forever® Set to Kick Ass and Chew Bubblegum Starting May 3, 2011 Bodacious, EGO-dosed action game brings over-the-top FUN and non-PC humor back to gamesNew York, NY - January 21, 2011 - 2K Games and Gearbox Software announced today what will be a landmark date in gaming history - legendary hero Duke Nukem will make his triumphant return in Duke Nukem Forever® on the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, PlayStation® 3 computer entertainment system and Windows PC on May 3, 2011 in North America and May 6, 2011 internationally! Duke Nukem is one of the biggest and most recognizable brands in the interactive entertainment industry. Irreverent, non-PC, and uber macho, Duke Nukem is the perfect, uncompromising ass-kicking hero to remedy the overdose of today's gaming archetypes. Duke brings his signature brand of babe-lovin', cigar-smoking, beer-chugging and ass-kicking action as he saves the Earth and its babes from hordes of invading aliens. Where will you be when Duke Nukem Forever launches? Better mark your calendars, Duke's legend is being told this May and his brand new trailer, viewable at www.dukenukemforever.com, promises to blow your mind! "The moment fans all over the world have been waiting for is almost here," declared Christoph Hartmann, president of 2K. "May 3, 2011 marks Duke's return as he unleashes his brash and brutally honest wit on the world. His return is going to be epic and one that will make video gaming history!" Put on your shades and prepare to step into the boots of Duke Nukem, whose legend has reached epic proportions in the years since his last adventure. The alien hordes are invading and only Duke can save the world. Pig cops, alien shrink rays and enormous alien bosses can't stop our hero from accomplishing his one and only goal: to save the world, save the babes and to be a bad-ass while doing it. The King arrives with an arsenal of over-the-top weapons, non-stop action, and unprecedented levels of interactivity. This game puts the pedal to the metal and tongue firmly in cheek. Shoot hoops, lift weights, read adult magazines, draw crude messages on whiteboards or ogle the many hot women that occupy Duke's life - that is if you can pull yourself away long enough from destroying alien invaders. Duke Nukem was and will forever be a gaming icon, and this is his legend. "When I said goodbye to 3D Realms and the original Duke Nukem 3D team in 1997 and soon after founded Gearbox Software, I never in my wildest dreams imagined that a day like today would come," said Randy Pitchford, president of Gearbox Software. "Today I am proud, humbled and even astounded to announce that the day is coming at last for all gamers to be a part of video game history: Duke Nukem Forever will launch worldwide this May!" Players looking to get access to the Duke Nukem Forever playable demo before it is publicly released can join the Duke Nukem Forever First Access Club. A membership certificate for the Duke Nukem Forever First Access Club is included within the Borderlands™ Game of the Year edition, where customers will be able to experience the definitive, value-packed collection of the critically acclaimed and best-selling Role-Playing-Shooter that has captured the imagination and attention of single-player and cooperative gamers around the world. For more information on Duke Nukem Forever, including where to pre-order a copy, please visit http://www.dukenukemforever.com/. Duke Nukem Forever is rated M for Mature by the ESRB. Official Game Informer announcement at http://www.gamerinformer.com/