Siren

Wii owners, do you want meat? We know you do especially after the earlier announcement that it looks like Super Meat Boy will not be happening for you. Super Smash Bros. Brawl hackers found a way to put Super Meat Boy into the game via imitation meat. via Y and That Soviet Guy.

If you were thinking of buying Nintendo's 3DS for your child or little brother or sister, you might want to hold off on that. Nintendo's Reggie Fils-Aime has released quite a few statements saying that Nintendo's latest DS model which uses 3D technology is not safe for children under the age of 7 who's eye muscles are still not fully developed and that the 3DS can cause them to have headaches and other symptoms because their eyes will have to strain to make sense of the 3D imagery. In a report by Helium, this announcement made by Fils-Aime might cut Nintendo's demographic field with the 3DS by 60% considering that the handheld is geared more to children in the 5-10 age range. Fils-Aime also stated that they will continue to do more studies on 3D technology in the future. Nintendo has also recommended that after 30 minutes of gameplay with the 3DS you take a break and that if you were to experience any symptoms of becoming ill or other issues to stop playing, because 3D imagery will effect people including adults in different ways. Looks like children aren't the only ones who might be effected by this. via FeedTheGamer

The developer of fan favorite Rock Band has found a new home. Viacom sold Harmonix to Harmonix-SBE Holdings LLC on Thursday, December 23. What does this mean for gamers who own Harmonix's Rock Band and Dance Central? Absolutely nothing at the moment. "We’re excited to be returning to our roots as an independent and privately owned studio. As for what it means for you, the DLC schedule marches on for Rock Band, we will continue our support of previously released titles and we’re hard at work on some unannounced projects that we think you’re going to be pumped about," stated Harmonix. Viacom first announced that they were looking to sell Harmonix about a month ago which was followed by lawsuits from shareholders of Harmonix who said that Viacom was manipulating costs to deny bonus payments. via GameSpot and Viacom

Shitty. Really shitty. Those are the words used by Team Meat's Edmund McMillen to describe the now not so upcoming Super Meat Boy for Wiiware. "There is no way to avoid the fact that if we released a 40MB version of Super Meat Boy it would be a shit version of the game, It's a lose lose situation, but the fact of the matter is if we release a shitty game, we will have to live with that for the rest of our careers and have to cop to the fact that it is a shitty game." Team Meat also said that a retail version of Super Meat Boy for the Wii is probably not going to happen either. Sounds like you Wii owners are SOL. via IGN

Deal of the Week Forza Car Packs World Class Car Pack - 200 MS Points (50% off) Summer Velocity Car Pack - 200 MSt Points (50% off) Exotic Car Pack - 200 MS Points (50% off) Road & Track Car Pack, 200 MS Points (50% off) Audi R8 LMS RC Car - 160 MS Points (50% off) Checkered Flags - 80 MS Points (50% off) Games on Demand Red Dead Redemption Prince of Persia The Forgotten Sands Avatar Items Bomberman LIVE Sonic the Hedgehog 4 Episode I Winter Wear Disney Sidekicks University Collection (College Football Bowl Season) Ninjas Collection Game Add Ons Battlefield: Bad Company 2 Vietnam Expansion Pack - 1200 Microsoft Points (December 21) XBLA - Holiday Specials A World of Keflings - 800 MS Points (December 21) Raskulls - 800 MS Points (December 29) ilomilo - 800 MS Points (January 5) via Major Nelson

Tis the season for discounts on the Xbox Live Marketplace. Beginning on December 21st and lasting until December 31, some titles available in the XBLA will be discounted as well as a some Game Add Ons. Super Meat Boy - 800 MS points (33% off) Comic Jumper - 800 MS points (33% off) Toy Soldiers - 800 MS points (33% off) Banjo Tooie - 600 MS points (50% off) Castle Crashers - 600 MS points (50% off) The UnderGarden - 400 MS points (50% off) Risk Factions - 400 MS points (50% off) After Burner Climax - 400 MS points (50% off) Carcassonne - 400 MS points (50% off) Borderland's Claptrap New Revolution - 400 MS points (50% off) via Major Nelson

RC cars, machine guns, and grenades, oh my! Call of Duty: Black Ops is about to get it's first map pack called, "First Strike" on February 1, 2011. The map pack will only be available for download on the Xbox Live Marketplace upon release. No date for when the other platforms will receive it. The $15.00 First Strike map pack includes 4 multiplayer maps, "Discovery", "Kowloon", "Stadium", and "Berlin Wall" while the zombie map is called "Ascension". Most interestingly out of all of those maps should be Stadium which is an ice hockey stadium in the US. via IGN

[caption id=" align="alignright" width="420" caption="Lionhead Studios][/caption] Feel like your loveable pooch in Fable III just isn't cutting it? Or maybe you just want your dog to look more like Mr. Fluffy, your grandma's adorable poodle? Well wish no more. Out today is DLC for Fable III that includes three new breeds for your four legged friend. The Poodle, German Shepard, and Doberman breeds will cost you 240 MS points. Getting into the Christmas spirit, Lionhead also announced that you can download a Santa Hat for free for your hero to run around in. via Lionhead Studios

A video which was posted on Youtube and has since been removed for violating Youtube's policy on nudity and sexual content, showcasing ThriXXX's sex simulation game for Microsoft's Kinect. The game allows users to simulate sexual acts to virtual girls using just their bodies. A spokesperson for ThriXXX expects Microsoft to block them from being able to use Kinect's technology. "We do not have permission from anyone on any of this stuff and have been using stuff from the hacker community to do a working prototype, following what [is] going on in that world," stated Brad Abram. via Fox News *Another video has surfaced. NSFW

Say this phrase out loud please, "the ultimate fighting weapon". Did you say it? If so, you can now be sued by the UFC! Ubisoft is feeling the wrath of the UFC's parent company, Zuffa who feels that Ubisoft's fighting game for the Kinect, "Fighter's Uncaged" is "false association with the UFC and "deliberate" confusion in the mind of the consumer..." and is also tarnishing the UFC brand and causing them to lose money. So what did Ubisoft do that peeved off Zuffa? If you guessed used that phrase in their game that I asked you to say earlier, then you are correct. Fighter's Uncaged asks gamers to become "the ultimate fighting weapon". Apparently in Zuffa's mind, the UFC is only allowed to use that phrase and are requesting, no they are demanding, that Ubisoft gets rid of the phrase altogether in the game and that all copies of the game using that saying be destroyed. via DailyTech

When the trailer for the newest Elder Scrolls V was shown at the Spike Video Game Awards last Saturday there excitement, squealing, and then confusion amongst fans of the series who have waited years to hear anything regarding a new Elder Scrolls game. The confusion came from a tweet from Bethesda later that night in which Bethesda said, "Seeing lots of speculation about #tesv game engine. It's brand new... and it's spectacular!". Well consider yourself confused no more, because Bethesda's Community Manager, Nick Breckon has sorted the issue out. According to Breckon, Skyrim will feature a completely "brand new, internally created, gameplay and graphics engine". The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim is coming to a PC, Xbox 360, and PS3 near you on November 11, 2011. via GameSpy

Assassin Creed fans rejoice, because Ubisoft really loves you. Announced on Tuesday from Ubisoft's camp is that the next DLC coming for Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood will be absolutely free just like the last DLC, Animus Project Update 1.0 released on December 14. Animus Project Update 2.0 looks to be coming to a PS3 and Xbox 360 near you in January. Included in 2.0 is an addition to the multiplayer called, "Chest Capture". In Chest Capture, two teams of 3 players will be defending or capturing treasure chests. Also included in the free DLC will be a Templar Score feature which according to Ubisoft is "reward diligent work by Abstergo recruits." via GameSpot

PS3 owners are outraged over the recent patch that was put out for Call of Duty Black Ops which was suppose to improve the problems that gamers were having connecting to mulitplayer matches. Instead, the patch which went out on Monday has made the problems much worse and PS3 owners want the game fixed and they want it fixed now. Found by Eurogamer on the official website for Call of Duty Black Ops is a thread that was started in the forum for the PS3 version that has been named, "the retard 1.04 patch". The majority of the complaints seem to be that since this patch was released, the multiplayer is pretty much unplayable with the game freezing within 5 minutes and some gamers cannot even find a match or get transmission errors. Most of the posts consist of gamers thanking Treyarch for ruining the PS3 version of the game. Treyarch's Josh Olin is firing back over Twitter at the angry mob of PS3 owners claiming that it has nothing to do with Treyarch and the problem is with themselves and their routers at home. via Eurogamer

Every year the members and staff here at Gamercide.org have this little thing we like to call, "The Annual Gamercide.org Giveaway". The best part about this giveaway is that all prizes are donated by, the members of Gamercide.org. We just aren't talking video games here either folks. Prizes given out in the past include a gaming PC, consoles, video games, accessories, and more. If you would like to donate and/or become a contestant, you can read the rules here. You must be a member of Gamercide.org to become a contestant.

Mortal Kombat fans everywhere might not be saying "Finish Him" with their favorite characters from the fatality happy game, Mortal Kombat. Warner Bros. announced today that Best Buy, GameStop, and Amazon will be getting their own special editions of the upcoming Mortal Kombat. Both stores will have their own exclusive fatalities that you will not be able to get anywhere else, in game or at another store and the characters that it will effect are some of the most popular out of the Mortal Kombat series.. One of the fatalities that will only be available with Best Buy's version is Sub Zero's Spine Rip. You will also be able to get Sub Zero's "Klassic Sub Zero" skin from Best Buy. On GameStop's end, you'll have access to Scorpion's original fatality, along with his "Klassic Scorpion" skin. If you are a fan of Reptile, you'll want to preorder from Amazon. Amazon's version will allow you to have Reptile's original fatality and his "Klassic Reptile" skin. Do not get discouraged though. Each character will have fatalities wherever you choose to purchase the game according to Ed Boon, the creator of Mortal Kombat stated after a warcry was sent to Ed Boon from Mortal Kombat fans everywhere. What Ed Boon doesn't get though is that they took the most popular fatalities out of the game and made them exclusive. Down right stupid if you ask me. How do you feel? via The Escapist

It is that time of the year again. That's right gamers, it is time to find the special gifts on your list for your gaming buddies, kiddos, and spouses. Thankfully Gamercide's Grim Reaper spoke to a few of Santa's elves who recommended the following gaming goodies for every budget that are sure to get the reaction you are looking for. For The Social Gamer The Social Gamer. The gamer who spends their time playing games to keep in contact with friends or uses games as an attempt to make new friends. The "I Love Farmville" Mug - $9.99, Amazon.com This white mug is perfect for the social gamer who spends hours sitting in front of the their PC or iTouch/iPhone playing Zynga's farm building game on Facebook, Farmville. Playfish Cash Card - $10 and $25, available at select retailers including Walmart, Walgreens, and Gamestop Playfish is a popular social gaming company that offers game such as Country Story, Pet Society, Madden Superstars, and Restaurant City. The Playfish Cash Cards are redeemable online via Playfish's website. These cards can be used to make online purchases for select games where you can make purchases through coins, game currency, and the points can also be used to be certain items that otherwise unavailable. The Sims 3 - $39.99, available online at various websites and wherever video games are sold Not every social gamer sticks to playing gaming apps on Facebook, Myspace, and/or their smart phone. The Sims 3 which is available on the PC, Xbox360, and PS3 allows gamers to create a virtual mini me of themselves where they can take on various jobs, eat, sleep or in some cases drink espresso, raise a family, shower, and take a number two. Zynga Game Cards - $10.00 and up, available online and at retail stores Everybody knows who Zynga is. They are the creators behind some of the most popular social apps on Facebook, Myspace, Yahoo, and the iPhone. The Zynga Game Cards can be used for Farmville, Zynga Poker, Mafia Wars, and their many other apps that Social Gamers cannot get enough of. For the PC Gamer The PC Gamer. The gamer who prefers to play on a PC and argues about how much better gaming is on a PC compared to a silly console. Hello, My Name is Leeroy Jenkins T-Shirt - $15.99 to $17.99, available online at ThinkGeek.com Everybody knows about the character Leeroy Jenkins and the World of Warcraft incident that has taken on a life of it's own. The video which is plastered all over shows a group of gamers preparing for battle in Blizzard's World of Warcraft. One of them just happened to be away from his computer at the time that the preparations were being discussed and upon returning, he ruins the game and yells the infamous, "Leroooooy Jenkins!" followed by, "at least I have chicken" when being called out by his fellow gamers. Razer Naga: MMO Gaming Mouse - $79.99, available online at ThinkGeek.com This mouse is designed for the MMO player. There are 17 MMO optimized buttons and you can program thousands of in game commands. This mouse is the ultimate buy for any serious MMO gamer. Newegg Gift Card - $10 - $2,500, available at www.newegg.com You can't go wrong with a gift card from Newegg.com. Accessories, storage, games, and hardware. You name it, Newegg has it. Logitech G15 Gaming Keyboard - $98.96, available online This online gaming friendly keyboard lets you know what servers your friends are playing and other important information via the Logitech LCD GamePanel. The backlit keyboard which is perfect for late night game sessions, features 6 G-keys that you can use to create macros without having to stop what you are doing. You can manage your cords by routing them through channels that are on the underside of the keyboard making this keyboard a neat and organized gift for the PC gamer. For the Younger Gamer The Younger Gamer. We all know one. The young kid who looks to be about 10 standing in line to buy Gears of War, but is turned away by store employees do to his age or your younger brother or sister who picked up a controller at the tender age of 2 and never looked back. Nintendo New Super Mario Bros. Mini Duffle Bag, $24.99, available in store at Toys R Us Know a little gamer who loves Mario and Luigi and goes to sleepovers at their grandparents or friends house? Featuring side pockets and a large pocket, this duffle bag can easily store the essentials for the little gamer on your list. Toy Story 3 The Video Game - $29.99 to $49.99, available at video game retailers and online at GameStop.com Disney's Toy Story 3 was not only a hit in the movie theater, but also as a video game. Scores ranging between 7.5 on the Wii and 8-9's for the PS3 and Xbox 360 versions, Toy Story 3 gained mostly positive reviews from the media and from little gamers all over. Vtech MobiGo Touch Learning System - $55.00, available in stores and online at Vtech.com Not every gamer is old enough to handle a PSP or Nintendo DS. Not every parent wants their child to be playing a PSP or DS either. This is where the Vtech MobiGo comes in. The layout is easy to use and you can purchase educational, but fun games for it featuring Toy Story, Shrek, and others. This handheld is perfect for on the go travel or just to get your kids learning in a fun way. Epic Mickey - $49.99 - $69.99, available at video game retailers and online Colorful and edgy, Epic Mickey is a must have for the older child who owns a Wii. Epic Mickey received rave reviews from critics everywhere and was called, "The Best Wii Game" by IGN. For the Zombie Loving Gamer The Zombie Loving Gamer. The gamer who cannot get enough of zombies and lives to play every zombie game around even if it is complete crap. Resident Evil - $19.99, available online at amazon.com Maybe you have a gamer on your shopping list that never played the game that started it all when it comes to horrifying zombies, then this would be the perfect buy. Or maybe you have a friend on your list that brags about how awesome and scary L4D is and you want to prove him wrong. Set in a creepy mansion, Resident Evil has it all. From the undead, dogs that will make you leave yellow streaks on your furniture, and crows that want nothing more than to pluck your eyes out this game is must have for anybody who loves zombies. "I Love Zombies" Apparel - $2.50 to $35.00, available online at trainedmonkeys This funny design for the zombie lover can be put on everything from buttons, coffee mugs, shirts, sweaters, and tanks. They have female and male sizes so it is perfect for the male or female in your life that cannot get enough of these special undead creatures. World War Z: An Oral History of the Zombie War - $9.00 or below, available at Barnes and Noble Maz Brooks retells the terrible tragedy that took place when the Zombie War fell upon us. Featuring interviews and eyewitness reports, this novel is sure to please anybody who is preparing for the zombie apocalypse. L4D Apparel - $15.00 - $40.00, available online at Zazzle.com These creative zombie shirts features sayings from the L4D series. Ranging from "Hunter on Zoey", "I survived a zombie infested carnival and I got was this gnome", "Don't Startle my Witch!" and more these shirts are sure to please the male or female L4D gamer on your list this year. For the Console Gamer The Console Gamer. Lives, eat, and breathes their Wii, PS3, and/or Xbox 360. Turtle Beach Ear Force X41 - $159.00 and up, available online and at some electronic retail stores This wireless headset is a beast. It features 7.1 surround sound allowing Xbox 360 gamers to hear every little in game noise possible. Every gamer's ear deserves the best and this headset is one of the best out in the market today. Playstation Move - $29.99 and up, available in bundles or sold separately online and at video game retailers Sony's entry into the motion controlling craze that has seemingly taken over gaming universe is "smart". The Move works with the Eye Toy and will select a color for your orb on the the Move depending on what colors can be distinguished amongst the rest. The Move is wireless and charges via an USB "mini" port on the controller. This motion controller won the 2010 Popular Science award for "Most Immersive Controller". Super Mario Bros. All Stars Limited Edition - $29.99, available online at amazon.com and at video game retailers on December 12. It's the 25th Anniversary of the release of Super Mario Bros. and for Wii owners who love Nintendo's flagship character, this game is perfect. Containing all of the classic Mario games, this is sure to provide Mario lovers with hours of fun and memories from "back in the day". Staff Recommendations PeeKnuckle - 360 Quick Charger Kit. Can't recommend this enough to all my friends. Charges faster than any other recharger I've used. $28.99 Borderlands Game of the Year Edition (w/ 4 DLC's) Obviously, I can't recommend this enough. I need more co-op partners. =] $39.99 Xbox Live Arcade Unplugged - Comes with Geometry Wars/Bejeweled 2 Deluxe, Wik - Fable of Souls/Hardwood Backgammon, Outpost Kaloki X, Texas Hold 'Em and One Month Subscription to Xbox Live. A great starter kit for any new 360 owner. $17.99 Prey $8.50 Probably the best early 360 game. It used portals before Valve had their success with Portal. Just a wonderful, often missed game. Everyone should own Prey. AudaciousKevin: While they may still be close to full retail price, there are two games that I would highly recommend to any gamer, that are both completely worth it. Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood - $55 (Amazon.com) Assassin's Creed II was a fantastic game and in every way an improvement over the groundbreaking original game. Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood improves even further upon the best parts of Assassin's Creed II, and adds several great new features, including one of the most refreshing multiplayer experiences I have played in a long time. It's much more than an expansion or spinoff, too. There is easily just as much to do in the single player campaign as there was in the previous games. I highly recommend this game. If you're looking to get started on the Assassin's Creed series, you can find the first and second game for around 10 and 30 dollars respectively. You could start with the second, as it has a recap of the first game in the intro, and fixed practically all of the game design flaws present in the first. Halo: Reach - $50 (Amazon.com) Halo: Reach continues Bungie's tradition of redefining what a multiplayer game should truly be. There are so many different ways to play, from the campaign, to versus modes, to wave defense against AI that can be played solo or with friends, and exceptional community features such as a level editor, options to record clips or entire matches in theater mode, and a file share to share your screenshots, maps, and videos with friends. All of these features, that you'd normally expect to only see in a PC game, are all available on the Xbox 360 console. Being a prequel, you don't need to play the other games in the series for the story to make sense, either. I can't recommend it enough. CoyAndChris: CoyAndChris's Pick for Budget Priced Shooter - Shadowrun Currently can be bought for $0.39 from Amazon.com(plus shipping obviously)!!! A great game that can be played cross-platform with PC players. CoyAndChris's Pick for the Racing Enthusiast- Forza 3 Forza is Microsoft's definitive racing simulator. Boasting a gratuitous amount of vehicles and customization options, this newest entry into the series is guaranteed to please any gearhead. CoyAndChris's Pick for Family Gaming - Lego Harry Potter: Years 1-4 The Lego games continue to roll out for consoles everywhere, with the newest taking a magical turn into the world of Harry Potter. With a huge cast of characters, this Lego entry is fun for the whole family and places a larger emphasis on puzzle solving instead of combat. CoyAndChris Pick for the Role-Playing Enthusiast - Fallout 3: Game of the Year Edition Bethesda's Fallout 3 is an expansive and engaging epic adventure. The Game of the Year edition includes all the additional storylines and locations to explore and adds many hours of gameplay to an already amazing experience. Recommended over the newer Fallout: New Vegas because of the current amount of unpatched glitches in the newer entry. Spawn622: First up, how about a little Star Wars action? The R/C Millenium Falcon is great for that Star Wars geek in your life and may even get them to go outside and get some of that dreaded sun. It's also great for flying around in larger living rooms. It's a little on the expensive side, but not a bank breaker at $69.99 over at R/C Millenium Falcon. Next up, let's try a few books out. The Gears of War books are great reads all the way around and can even be found on Amazon's Kindle bookstore fairly cheap, while the actual paperback versions can be found for just over $10 apiece. Any fan of the series really needs to check them out and as with most books, they make the perfect gift. Gears of War: Aspho FieldsGears of War: Jacinto's Remnant Gears of War: Anvil gate Next up, let's go for the movies that almost anyone can love. One is the most underrated film of the year and my winner for Best Picture that will never be nominated for any major awards. The other is the best 2+ hours I've ever spent in a cinema. With Scott Pilgrim Vs The World you get gaming references abound and a very unconventional love story. This one will find your DVD/Blu-Ray player multiple times and with all the extras on the disc it will take you a good 10+ hours to get through everything. At $25 for the Blu-Ray and $19 on DVD, it really is a steal. Scott Pilgrim Vs The World (Blu-ray)Scott Pilgrim Vs The World (DVD) Next up is Inception. I really can't say enough about this film. Christopher Nolan made me think for 2 weeks after seeing this film and kept me coming back to the theater multiple (Read 5 times) to watch the film. Enough good things can not be said about it. Amazon as the Blu-Ray on sale for $18 and the DVD for $17. Inception (Blu-Ray) Inception (DVD) Lastly, let's go for one big gift. The one thing that is on my list that I know no one is going to get for me. It is still reasonably priced, but at $250 I'll be buying this one on my own. The Nook Color is Barnes and Noble's answer to Amazon's Kindle. Sure the Kindle is more widely known and overall more popular, but the Nook Color runs on the Android OS and has the potential to be unlocked in to a full fledged Android based iPad clone. More over, there are magazines and almost as many books as Amazon offers for the Kindle. With apps, more customization and much more I think the Nook Color is going to force Amazon to soon look (If not already in development) in to making something very similar. This is the big gift on my list and I'll get one soon. Even if I have to get it myself. Nook Color Siren: I recommend the Touch Screen Rubik's Cube. Not really a video game recommendation, but it's fun. It'll set you back between $50 and $150 depending on where you purchase it, but it's bright and colorful and will keep your hands busy. Star Wars Mimobot Thumb Drives, $29.99 - $34.99. Available online at ThinkGeek.com, these cute Star Wars thumb drives can hold up to 2-4 GB of information. You can purchase all the major characters from the Star Wars franchise including Darth Maul, Luke Skywalker, Darth Vader, Yoda, and more. Know somebody is pregnant and loves to game? Courtesy of ThinkGeek.com comes the Maternity shirt that says, "Geekling Inside" on the belly. Totally adorable and only costs $17.99 - $22.99. Halo Risk, $39.99 and available online at ThinkGeek.com. Three different modes, three different factions. All Halo themed. 'Nuff said. Available online at amazon.com for $29.99 is everybody's favorite Companion Cube. This weighted cube will never leave your side and stick by you through thick and thin.

Developed by: Blue Fang Games Players: 1 Platforms: Apple iPad (Requires iOS 3.2 or later) Rated: 9+ (Frequent/Intense Cartoon or Fantasy Violence) As the player you control the females (and sometimes the lazy male) of a lion pride as they stock and kill prey to feed the pride. It's simple, it's fun, it's easy to play, and hard to master. At a price of $4.99 from the iTunes App store some players may feel it's a bit steep of a price since the average App runs around $0.99 -$2.99. Well this is far from an average App. It's difficult me for to review or recommend games for mobile platforms such as smart phones and tablets. Most of these "games" can be classified under time wasters. Not much depth, story, poor controls, repetitive action, or a simple virtual touch joystick placed in the corner to represent an 80's arcade cabinet. Blue Fang did a fantastic job developing Lion Pride HUGE for the iPad. It feels like before the development of the game they sat down with an iPad and figured how to make it's game control work with iPads touch screen. Your finger is the control and it's one of the better uses of this interface and at no point will you find yourself missing a target or looking for a button/controller that your hand is blocking. The controls are simple .. tap lioness, draw a slow stroke line slowly to stalk unsuspecting prey, draw a quick stroke line to make the lioness run, double tap to stun prey, lather--rise--repeat. It's simple, intuitive, and easy. You instantly understand how to play so the learning curve is pretty low making this game easily accessible to everyone. Music gets a little repetitive, but that's okay. It's catchy, light hearted and enjoyable to listen too The sound effects more than make up for it. The cartoon sounds of the lioness, boars, zebras, and other animals more than make it for it. You'll need to listen to these sounds closely unless you goal is to allow Hyena's to carry off your cubs. If you grow tired of the soundtrack you can aways just turn on the iPod function and listen to your own music along with the sound effects of the game. Just make sure you do it BEFORE starting your game. Being able to create your own sound track is a feature lacking in many games right now and it's a pleasant surprise to find games that allow you do this. Also the game is simple enough that you could listen to audio books or podcasts while you play. Level design is simple .. you're in Africa .. it's big, it's flat, it's empty. Plenty of room to move and set up ambushes using multiple lioness. This also allows the prey to escape easily if your are not paying enough attention. You can easily play the game in a frenzied button mashing/finger swiping way, but if you want a decent score .. well then you're going to have to use your brain a little harder. Strategy is key to achieving a higher score. You'll find yourself coming back to early levels and playing them multiple times trying to increase your high score. This is far from frustrating, because Blue Fang was kind enough to offer a well written tutorial section and they also provide hints for each level. Love or hate Apple products the iPad is a strong and well built device and during some of the more frenzied killing sprees you'll never find your self thinking .. "Oh My GOD!! I'm going to break my iPad". So that's another plus to playing this game on the iPad. OpenFeint allows you to post your score, access to forums and chats, invite friends and see leader boards. It's a nice feature, but not one that effects game play. Something I liked a lot was not actually part of the game itself. There's a selection called "Fun Facts" that provide interesting facts of the animals in game. .. it's just .. well .. fun to read! The art style of the game if well done. It's fun, bright, has great character and menu designs, and it's easy to navigate. To sum up Lion Pride HUGE can be done in a single sentence. "Fun and easy to play, difficult to master." The game is simple but far from boring and you'll likely find yourself thinking why you are up past midnight playing this in bed when you have a 9am meeting tomorrow. Okay just one more level, then I'm done. I really like this game .. it's fun .. it's cheap .. it works (I didn't come across any bugs), it's a great addition to anyones iPad App Library for kids in the car or waiting at the airport for your plane to arrive. Plus the guys at Blue Fang are great people. They love what they do and they appreciate their fans. What else can I say . .. if you have an iPad pick this game up. If not, and are planning on purchasing a different tablet, keep an eye out for this game to show up. You'll be pleased you did. Written by: Kevin English (Super Kev 1000)

Gaming retail giant GameStop and the successful online gaming website IGN have merged together in an effort to attract more gamers to do what else, but to visit their websites if that was at all necessary. The details laid out from Kara Swisher's blog, All Things Digital describes the merger regarding the advertising end. Both websites will be sharing traffic as well as advertising their ads on the other website including buttons on IGN for e-commerce buys from GameStop.

[caption id=" align="alignright" width="204" caption="GameInformer][/caption] Lara Croft, everybody's favorite busty female heroine is about to go back in time to revisit her past. Crystal Dynamics and Square Enix issued a statement today regarding the entry into the famed series. ""Forget everything you knew about TOMB RAIDER, we are exploring things that have never been done before in this game, "This is an origins story that creates Lara Croft and takes her on a character defining journey like no other." ~Darrell Gallagher, Head of Studio, Crystal Dynamics For more information on the upcoming Lara Croft adventure, we will have to wait for January's issue of GameInformer. via USA Today

Deal of the WeekPolar Panic - 400 MS points Burton Snowboard - 120 MS points Burton Red Hi Fi Helmet - 80 MS points Gingerbread Man - 120 MS points Gears of War 2 Snowblind Map Pack - 160 MS points 3 on 3 NHL Arcade - 200 MS points Games on DemandArmy of TWO 40th Day Game Add OnsPinball FX2: Marvel Comic Table Pack - 800 MS points Avatar MarketplaceStar Wars: The Force Unleashed II Holiday Collection Coming soon.... December 22 - A World of Keflings 800 MS points December 29 - Raskulls 800 MS points January 5 - ilomilo 800 MS points via Major Nelson

A new video of the much talked about Playstation Phone from Sony has surfaced and this time it looks very clear. The phone which looks to be about as wide and thick as a feminine napkin, features Playstation Buttons and at about 13 seconds you can spy an app that has Playstation under it fueling rumors that there will be some kind of Playstation game support. via Youtube

If you thought last week's Deal of the Week was spectacular with popular Hasbro Family Game Night titles being discounted, wait until you see what goodies are awaiting your discount loving mitts. Worms 2: Armageddon is 400 MS points Band of Bugs is 400 points Earthworm Jim HD is 400 points Centipede & Millipede is 400 points You have until Monday, December 6 to purchase these XBLA games at their discounted price. via Major Nelson

Have yet to purchase Shank, the beat 'em up 2D side scrolling game from Klei Entertainment? Now is your chance to get your hands on Shank for the discounted price of 800 MS points. This offer is good until Monday, November 22. Also announced today via Major Nelson's blog is the addition of a holiday promotion from Microsoft. From November 16 until November 22, if you spend 1600 MS points on select Microsoft Game Studios Games on the XBLA, you will receive 400 MS points back in return. For a complete list of XBLA games that qualify and details on how to register for the promotion, head on over to Xbox.com.

Ghost Recon: Future Soldier just does not want to see the light of the day. According to Ubisoft both Driver: San Fransico and for the second time the highly anticipated Ghost Recon: Future Soldier are being delayed. Ubisoft says that both Driver: San Fransico and Ghost Recon: Future Soldier will be releasing now sometime in their 2011-2012 lineup. There have been comments as to why both games have been delayed and why Ghost Recon: Future Soldier is now on it's second delay. G4tv.com

Wren and Reynold both learn that something more sinister is at work in their neighborhood after stopping at a seemingly quiet jack-o-latern decorated house. Unfortunately for your brother or sister, depending on your choice you made at the beginning of the game, this house is anything but quiet. Mistaken for a giant piece of candy corn, the monsters that have invaded your neighborhood kidnap your sibling and it is up to you to get him or her back and stop the monsters from taking over your neighborhood as they search for candy. Reynold or Wren start off in Costume Quest as a robot. When a battle is triggered after running into a monster, your character is transformed into a real version of their costume that has it's own special attack, along with standard attacks. The battles are turn based like many RPG's. This allows you enough time to choose what action you wantyour character to do. After choosing an action, you are faced with a quick time event where you have to tap the right button at the right time in order to block or deliver more damage to your enemy. During battles, you can control up to four characters that each have their own special attacks depending on their costume. After the battles you are given XP and candy for your trick or treat bag. Throughout the beginning of Costume Quest, you will find yourself walking around town finding quests, candy, and costume materials that allow you to upgrade your costume. You gain quests by interacting with the other kids and sometimes bullies in your neighborhood. You can view not only your quests, but your candy, costume patterns, battle stamps, and character's status by accessing your journal that can easily be found by tapping the Y button. As you advance in Costume Quest other areas are unlocked as your search for your kidnapped sibling and of course candy. Overall, Costume Quest is a delightful blend of light hearted and sarcastic humor and unique features such as comic bubbles instead of talking that make this ghoulish entry from Double Fine and THQ a rare treat in the the growing number of lacking and sometimes overpriced Xbox Live Arcade titles. Siren Says: "Costume Quest is a joy to play. I had no problems navigating throughout the game and the menu interface is so easy to use that my four year old could navigate through it. At times I found myself laughing at some of the remarks made by the characters. I throughly enjoyed Costume Quest and I believe that if you like turn based RPG's, Halloween, and can appreciate all types of humor, then this might be the arcade game for you."