Siren

Fans eager to get their hands on the next chapter of the Batman: Arkham series can rejoice. Warner Bros. has announced the Europe, Australia, and North America release dates. The caped crusader and Joker hijinks will be available for gamers to enjoy in Europe on October 21, Australia on October 19, and North America on October 18. via Joystiq

Bit Barons is celebrating the release of their easy going puzzle game for gamers of all ages and experience, Astroslugs on the Mac App Store by offering the game for free on the Mac App Store from now until Sunday March 13. If you download Astroslugs during this time make sure to send in proof of your receipt to info@bitbarons.com and Bit Barons will give you a free copy of Astroslugs for Windows and a free copy of the Astroslugs soundtrack as a thank you. Talk about free gaming goodness overload! For more information on Astroslugs please check out our review or the official Astroslugs website.

Major Nelson announed today that Xbox Live is looking for help from Xbox Live users for network testing in order to improve service. In the Community Channel on the dashboard you will find a new "Xbox Live Labs" tab. You can sign up for the volunter testing from there and with each test you complete, you will receive three different avatar awards that include a lab coat, crazy lab hair, and a brain helmet. You will also hear everybody's favorite "blip" giving you three zero point achievements showing that you completed the testing and have helped out Xbox Live. While running the network test from your console to Xbox Live you will not be able to play games, watch movies, and download items. Your internet connection might also be slower during the test. The Xbox Live Lab testing will last from March 10 - 27 and is only available to users in the US for now. [caption id=" align="aligncenter" width="150" caption="image Major Nelson][/caption] via Major Nelson

Imagine running down the street, pulling out a brightly colored vibrator, and smacking random strangers with it. You will be able to do this in Saint's Row: The Third. Now imagine running down that same street and taking a jar that you previously farted in to and tossing it like a grenade at some unsuspecting stranger. This you will not be able to do. Make sense? Didn't think so. The team behind Grand Theft Auto's worst nightmare, THQ''s Voilition talked to Game Informer about the not allowed "Farts in a Jar" idea and described censoring the latest installment of the franchise to porn. "It's like defining porn. I can't define it, but I know when I see it," stated Senior Producer Greg Donovan. "Not every crazy weapon idea that gets thrown out at meetings ends up getting used. With some ideas, we're like 'that's not over the top... even we know that's distasteful' to the point where I don't even want to tell you what the ideas were. Put it that way,". He then spoke of the "Farts in a Jar" weapon that did not go over well with some members of the Saint's Row group despite that fact that the sex toy idea did. For more details regarding the upcoming Saint's Row: The Third including the "San Andreas style" leveling up system, details on playing as the same custom character from the previous games, no online multiplayer except for co-op, and mission details check out the April edition of Game Informer. via CVG

It might be a little early for April Fool's day jokes, but Sony has already pulled a fast one on gamers looking to pick up the PSP Go. On Thursday, Sony dropped the price of their PSP Go from $199.99 to $149.99. Today in a rather strange move, Sony took the price cut back and has returned the price of the PSP Go back to $199.99. Sony has not released any statements regarding the price cut and the price jump. (Thanks Chris!) via Gizomodo and Slash Gear

During GDC 2011, Gamasutra Editor in Chief, Brandon Sheffield and Game Developer Magazine held a discussion with some of the most successful Xbox Live Indie Game developers including James Silva, Robert Boyd, Nathan Fouts, and Ian Stoker. They all provided insight and a little bit of ranting about the games that they create for the indie lineup. According to James Silva who created the 2009 successful indie title, I MAED A GAM3 W1TH ZOMBIES 1N IT!!!1 which has sold 308,000 copies since it's release in 2009, the developers are not allowed to create games involving killing things like Nazi's and hunting people. "That's like an inherent human right that's been taken away from us. We grew up on killing Nazis." According to Joystiq, Silva later talks about a game concept he had that was not allowed, because you played a "burly mountain man" who hunts people. Whoever gets to publish their game on the indie network receive 70% of revenue, while Microsoft keeps 30%. This has helped to provide Silva with the ability to pay his three person staff which includes his girlfriend, a regular salary. A topic that all of the developers are united on is the lack of support on Microsoft's end for advertising. They claim that most if not all of the advertising is done by themselves through Youtube trailers, press releases, and even making wiki pages and finding advertisers for their games themselves. Both Robert Boyd and Ian Stoker have created their own promotions for their games and even got together to do a cross advertising of Cthulu Saves the World and SoulCaster II. To read more of the excerpts from the panel including what the developers were doing before they started developing the Indie Games for Xbox Live, on Armless Octopus.

For those of you looking to purchase the first set of Mass Effect 2 detailed little miniatures, you will be waiting a bit longer. The first series of Mass Effect 2 look alikes that are being made by DC Direct were originally suppose to be delivered to stores in August 2010. That shipment was delayed and the figures were then given a new date of February 2011. Now it does not look like that is not going to be happening and Mass Effect 2 creator Bioware is not happy with how DC Direct is handling the situation and it appears that the second series of figures that DC Direct were also suppose to create has disappeared off of their website. "On the ME2 Action Figures it looks like the first series is again delayed. We are all, including Treehouse, BioWare, and yourselves extremely frustrated with DC Direct. Their handling of this issue has been extremely unprofessional and disrespectful to fans. Once we get the ME2 Action Figure shipped we will not be working with DC Direct again. I’ll update again if we have more news, but it looks like April is correct." This statement was made by a Bioware store spokesperson on Bioware's forum and has since been deleted. via: Bleeding Cool

Resident Evil will be getting yet another movie added to the list, bringing the total of movies that have nothing to do with series except for the name up to five. Sony Pictures announced today that a fifth movie has been ordered and should be in theaters on September 14, 2012. No details have emerged about the plot of the movie or cast members, however Sony Pictures did say the movie will be shot in 3D. via Box Office Mojo

For those of you who cannot get enough of your Xbox Live representation of yourself via your XBL avatar, Microsoft has made it possible for you to never have to lose sight of your little mini me. Available for purchase is an avatar Fathead. Fathead is a popular poster brand that focuses on making otherwise boring wall posters come to life and appear to pop off your wall. Fathead sells numerous sports atheletes and other wall decals including video game themed Fatheads from Halo and more. Now your avatar can add their name to that list. An avatar Fathead that you can pose in various positions will set you back $79.99 - $149.99 depending on the size you choose. Also available is a 3D FigurePrint model replica. These miniature model replicas will cost you $49.95 plus shipping. The replicas can all be posed in various predetermined positions. Lastly you can bring your avatar to a Zune. Pick which Zune you would like to purchase and choose between the 10 avatar poses and your avatar will be etched onto the back of your Zune. Prices range from $169.99 - $349.99 depending on the HD space you pick. via Unleash Your Avatar and Major Nelson

Major Nelson has released details involving Xbox's latest promotion, "Xbox 360 Gearfest 2011" as well an upcoming sneak peak at Deal of the Week and all things Xbox Live Marketplace. Xbox 360 Gearfest 2011 Running now until the end of April, save up to 40% on select Xbox 360 accessories. Wireless Controller - Glossy Black $39.99 (was $49.99) Wireless Controller with Play and Charge Kit - Silver $44.99 (was $64.99) 250GB HDD - Xbox 360 Slim Only $93.27 (was $129.99) Quick Charger Kit $19.99 (was $29.99) Wireless Headset $24.95 Xbox 360 Black Wireless Controller Play and Charge Kit $54.99 (was $64.99 Deal of the Week Week of March 7 - Lara Croft Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light - 600 MS points Raizel and Kane Character Pack - 200 MS points A Hazardous Reunion Challenge Pack 3 - 200 MS points All the Trappings Challenge Pack 1 - 200 MS points T-Rex Avatar Pet - 123 MS points Week of March 14 - Celebrate Saint Patrick's Day! Clover: A Curious Tale - 200 MS points Rock Bank "Bad Luck" - 80 MS points Rock Bank Green Day Pack 01 - 220 MS points Lips "Some Guys Have All The Luck" - 80 MS points Lips "Chasing Cars" - 80 MS points Green Avatar Tuxedo - 120 MS points Leprechaun Avatar Prop - 120 MS points Green Shamrock Avatar Tee - 40 MS points Red Dead Redemption Irish T-Shirt - 40 MS points NBA211 Celtics Jersey - 120 MS points Marketplace March 3: Robots March 10: Update for Halo: Reach Add Ons March 8 Dragon Age 2 Exiled Prince - 560 MS points Dragon Age 2 The Black Emporium - 800 MS points Need for Speed Hot Pursuit Porsche Unleashed - 560 MS points Your Shape: Fitness Evolved Add Ons Sale - 50%-60% Off (running from March 8- March 14) March 15 Halo: Reach Defiant Map Pack - 800 MS points Marvel vs. Capcom 3: Jill character - 400 MS points Marvel vs. Capcom 3: Shuma character - 400 MS points XBLA March 9 - Torchlight - 1200 MS points March 16 - Full House Poker - 800 MS points Games on Demand Kane and Lynch 2 - March 8 Halo: Reach - March 15 via Major Nelson

The beautiful Hikari Yamaguchi who started her career as a bikini model and turned into a Japanese spokesperson for Xbox has been paralyzed in an accident at her home. The 19 year old from Japan slipped on a balcony at her residence and suffered a cervical spine fracture that has left her paralyzed. At the tender age of 12, Hikari began her career as a model and since then has appeared in DVD's, photobooks, and television shows. She was offered a host for Japan Inside Xbox in 2009 and has been there since. via Feed the Gamer

Gamertags that are in use and have been considered abandoned are now being resurrected so that gamers who want a gamertag change can now use them. According to Major Nelson the process will take some time and that gamers should check back regularly to see if a name that they would like is now available, because they are adding newly revived gamertags daily. via Major Nelson

The half live action trailer for Homefront that made it's appearance at GDC 2011 is full of explosions, bullets, and a creepy baby nursery rhyme. via

Late February Australia struck down another video game from being sold in their country due to the violence in the game. This time it was NetherRealm's and Warner Bros's bloody good fighting game, Mortal Kombat. The reason for the ban involved a series staple, the fatalities. The Australian Classification Board which refused to rate the game said, "......The game includes over 60 fatalities (some of which are noted above) which contain explicit depictions of dismemberment, decapitation, disembowelment and other brutal forms of slaughter. Despite the exaggerated conceptual nature of the fatalities and their context within a fighting game set in a fantasy realm, impact is heightened by the use of graphics which are realistically rendered and very detailed." The ban should come as no surprise considering that Valve's Left 4 Dead 2 had to be remade after their appeal was lost. The blood and body parts were removed in order to jive with Australia's rating system. While all of this news may seem depressing for fans of the series in Australia, the good news is that Warner Bros. is fighting back by appealing the classification boards rating and the statement below is proof that they are working to get the issue resolved. "After careful consideration Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment Australia have decided to appeal to the Australian Classification Review Board against the RC (Refused Classification) decision given to Mortal Kombat. After reviewing both the game play and the Board's original decision WBIE Australia believe the violence in the game is on par with numerous other titles readily available for sale in the Australian market. As such the company wants to exhaust all options to make the game available to Mortal Kombat fans in this country. An identical version of the game will be submitted for appeal." (IGN AU) Whether or not Warner Bros. will be successful in their appeal remains to be seen, but unfortunately appeals usually do not work with Australia and game ratings. via IGN AU and Game Podunk

Rumors have been swirling since the findmakarov.com countdown appeared. Fans of the shooter wondered if this was sign that their beloved franchise was going to be announcing Modern Warfare 3. Those rumors can be put to rest now, because the countdown is over and the reveal is a live action film made by a viral advertising company out of Canada who wanted to show Activision that their profitable series could be made into a movie. What do you think? via and Joystiq

Everybody's favorite little wad of juicy, cubed meat is getting an "Ultra Edition" version for the PC. The "Ultra Edition" includes a 40-page booklet and a behind the scenes look, as well as a soundtrack with audio samples, extended Team Meat's comic book, and a mini poster of Super Meat Boy that is fan made by Dave Rapoza and happens to be quite disturbing. This ultra sized edition of Super Meat Boy will cost PC gamers $20 and will be available in retail stores sometime in April. via Game Pro

Confirmed by Atlus is that the adult puzzle/horror game Catherine is headed to the 360 and PS3 sometime this summer, although Amazon is claiming the game will release on July 26. In Catherine, gamers control Vincent who is being pressured to marry a girl he went to school with and is sleeping with, Katherine. Vincent later meets a rather luscious and lovely young woman by the name of Catherine at a bar. After the two spend the night together, Vincent begins to have nightmarish dreams that are spilling over into his real life. Vincent must stay alive in his dreams or else he will die in real life. The cover art for the game differs for which console you buy it for. If you purchase the 360 version you get the dark haired, glasses wearing Katherine who is angling her rear in the end. The PS3 cover art features the mysterious blonde Catherine that Vincent meets at the bar who happens to be getting ready to undress in front of your eyes. via Catherine the Game and Warped Zone

Ninja Gaiden, one of the toughest games to ever grace a console is back and there's a brutal trailer to prove it. At GDC, Tecmo revealed a teaser trailer that shows a bloody and yellow eyed Ryu, shoving a sword into presumably an enemy and then about to reveal himself when it cuts away to a screen that says, "Unmask E3 2011". In a gaming world where first person shooters are dominating, Ryu cannot come soon enough. via Joystiq

The latest news in the rumor mill has Take Two Interactive registering what appears to be several different domain names for the next installment in the Grand Theft Auto series. According to video game blog Ripten, Take Two has registered CashForDeadDreams.com, SixFigureTemps.com, StopPayingYourMortgage.net, HammersteinFaust.com, and LifeInvader.com between January 26th and January 7th showing signs that Rockstar and Take Two will be continuing the tradition of viral advertising like they did with GTA IV that included the "Wanted" posters that were put up in different cities in New York. That is if this rumor proves to be true. via Ripten

PopCap's Bejewled Blitz LIVE has hit the Xbox Live Marketplace today at 800 MS points as part of the House Party promotion. The second Bejewled game to hit the marketplace features a classic and twisted modes as well as 16 online player puzzle loving fun. Also added to the Xbox Live Marketplace include demos for Dragon Age II and Lego Star Wars III: The Clone Wars. via Major Nelson

Major Nelson has posted an upcoming preview of what will be hitting the Xbox Live Marketplace next week. Xbox Live Deal of the Week - February 21 Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon Advanced Warfighter 2 Co-op Collection, 200 MS Points Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon Advanced Warfighter 2 Co-op Collection 200 MS Points Tom Clancy’s Splinter Cell Conviction Deniable Ops: Insurgency 400 MS Points Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon Advanced Warfighter Chapter 2, 300 MS Points Tom Clancy’s H.A.W.X. Air Supremacy, 400 MS Points Tom Clancy’s H.A.W.X. 2 All-in-one Pack, 400 MS Points Tom Clancy’s EndWar Escalation, 200 MS Points Tom Clancy’s Splinter Cell Chaos Theory, 600 points Tom Clancy’s Splinter Cell Conviction Outfit, 200 points Avatar Related Items - February 22 Homefront Collection Xbox Live Arcade - February 23 Bejeweled Blitz LIVE - 800 MS Points via Major Nelson

In January 2011, Activision announced that they are shutting the doors at the studio that has brought you hits like Project Gotham Racing, Geometry Wars, and Boom Boom Rocket. Today is the final day for Bizarre Creations and they have put together a video to say goodbye. We here at Gamercide wish the faces behind Bizarre Creations nothing but the best in their future endeavors. video via Vimeo (via Joystiq)

Rocky Donadio, an ex-soldier from Fort Sill has been found guilty in the brutal beating of his 8 year old girlfriend's son. The beating took place in April 2009, after the 8 year old deleted Donadio's GTA IV game save. The beating was so severe that the child's intestines burst and he had to spend 5 months in the hospital recovering. According to KSWO, when the child was able to speak to police about the incident he told them that Donadio "had stomped on his stomach because he had erased an X-Box game." When the incident occurred, the boy's mother and Donadio told police that he fell out of his bed. When police discovered the severity of the boys injuries, they pressed the couple and found out the horrible story. The jury has sentenced Donadio to 75 years in prison. via KSWO

Have yet to play and experience Remedy Entertainment's 2010 thriller, Alan Wake? Amazon is running a deal where you can purchase the full game via a downloadable code for the Xbox 360 for as little as $4.00 plus shipping. The full game will take up 6.3 GB of space on your hard drive. (Thanks Kevin)