Siren

One of the two DLC packs being brought to you by Infinity Ward for Modern Warfare 2 will be releasing on March 30th. The "Stimulus Package" will bring back two favorites from the original Modern Warfare, Overgrown and Crash. Besides Overgrown and Crash, the new DLC will introduce 3 new maps Complex, Compact, and Storm. According to CVG, there is a rumor going around that XBL will be getting the DLC a whole 30 days before the PC and PS3 get to see it. (Update - According to the press release from Activision that you can view below, XBL is receiving the the DLC before the PC and PSN) Call of Duty®: Modern Warfare® 2 Stimulus Package Coming to Xbox LIVE March 30 SANTA MONICA, Calif., March 10, 2010 /PRNewswire via COMTEX News Network/ -- Begin the countdown to a new infusion of Call of Duty! The Call of Duty®: Modern Warfare® 2 Stimulus Package will strike worldwide on March 30. Representing the first new multiplayer maps from the biggest entertainment launch in history, Infinity Ward's Modern Warfare 2 Stimulus Package will release first on Xbox LIVE®, Activision Publishing, Inc. (Nasdaq: ATVI) announced today. Additionally, Silver Xbox LIVE members who have not yet experienced the exciting adrenaline rush of "Modern Warfare 2" will be able to try it with a Multiplayer Unlock event running from March 12 to March 15. Developed by Infinity Ward, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 became a cultural phenomenon when it launched to the world in November. The epic title set new entertainment records for the greatest one-day and five-day openings in history* on the way to topping $1 billion in sales and becoming the best selling title ever on the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft. Additionally, Xbox LIVE celebrates having the largest Call of Duty community than any other entertainment system. The Call of Duty®: Modern Warfare® 2 Stimulus Package is rated "M" (Mature) by the ESRB for Blood, Drug Reference, Intense Violence and Language. For more information, visit www.modernwarfare2.com.

In the newest addition of OXM set to hit shelves on March 11, Microsoft reveals their plans to add video replays into future DLC for Crackdown 2. The video replays can be saved and shared with other gamers. Executive Producer Peter Connolly who spoke to OXM about the video replays and what it can do for the four player co-op. "We wanted to get that functionality into this game, "It won't be there at release, but that doesn't mean we're not going to work on it. We want to do it properly. "That's an important part of Crackdown, the emergent gameplay. People did a lot of things in the first game that we didn't really know could be done. We've expanded it a bit now so we're expecting them to do more with it this time. But in order to do a replay system in a four-player co-op game is not a simple task, and we want to do it well." For more details about the DLC that is planned for Crackdown 2, head to your local newstand on March 11th and pick up the latest addition of OXM.

EA has announced that Need For Speed Shift is getting seven new cars and a new racetrack in the new DLC pack, Exotic Racing Series. Fans of Need For Speed will be able to download the Exotic Racing Series DLC pack on March 18th for the price of $10.00 on the PSN and 800 MS Points on XBL. You can read the official press release below. Need for Speed SHIFT Expands the True Driver’s Experience With Exotic Racing Series Pack Get in the Race with Seven Celebrated New Cars on the New Riviera Track REDWOOD CITY, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Electronic Arts Inc. (NASDAQ:ERTS) today announced the all-new Exotic Racing Series pack for Need for Speed SHIFT. On March 18th, gamers will have access to seven phenomenal new cars and an amazing new track in the game. Highlighting this exclusive pack of cars are the McLaren MP4-12C and the legendary BMW M1. Players won’t find more brilliance, innovation, or drama than in these magnificent machines, where each is a potent mix of race car and road car. The Exotic Racing Series pack will be available worldwide on the PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system for $10.00 or the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system for $10.00 or 800 Microsoft Points*. Over 50 exciting new events have also been created specifically for these cars including time challenges, endurance and sprint races. The challenging and spectacular new Riviera track boasts four unique layouts, each with daring corners, multiple blazing straight-aways and a few hairpins that will push these cars to the limit. Players that complete the package will receive an additional 125 Microsoft gamerpoints or 5 PlayStation Trophies as a reward for undertaking various exciting challenges. The Exotic Racing Series pack cars include: 1. Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione 2. BMW M1 Procar 3. GUMPERT apollo 4. Honda NSX 5. McLaren MP4-12C 6. Maserati GranTurismo S 7. Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Stirling Moss Need for Speed SHIFT features an intense first-person crash dynamic and a signature cockpit view that delivers a true driver’s experience. The game further personalizes the experience through the all-new driver profile -- a unique persona based on the driving skill and style of each player. With a perfect ‘10’ score from GameSpy.com and G4TV.com, and 90+ scores from IGN.com, Official Xbox Magazine, PlayStation: The Official Magazine, Team Xbox.com, Game Daily.com, Gametrailers.com and more, Need for Speed SHIFT is the highest rated Need for Speed game in years. Need for Speed SHIFT is now available on the PlayStation®3, Xbox 360, PC, PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) system, mobile and the iPhone™. More information can be found at www.needforspeed.com or follow us on Twitter at NeedforSpeed.

Epic RPG from Studio Founded by World Series MVP Curt Schilling to be Published by EA Partners Game Developers Conference 2010 REDWOOD SHORES, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Electronic Arts Inc. (NASDAQ:ERTS) today announced an agreement with 38 Studios, LLC to publish the company’s first video game, an epic single-player role-playing game codenamed ‘Project Mercury’. 38 Studios is the creative enterprise of World Series MVP and avid gamer Curt Schilling. ‘Project Mercury’ is being developed at Big Huge Games, a wholly-owned subsidiary of 38 Studios, under the leadership of Ken Rolston, former lead designer of the critically acclaimed hits, Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind and Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion. The game marks the first entry into the company’s vast universe created by New York Times best-selling fantasy author R. A. Salvatore, with artistic direction by Todd McFarlane, renowned artist and creator of Spawn. “We are thrilled to be working with 38 Studios. The world of RPG gaming is so rich and it is a perfect complement to our partners and title portfolio in EAP” “From day one, 38 Studios has been focused on creating the next generation of entertainment experiences that embrace all mediums, including film, television, comics, novels, toys and, of course, games,” said Curt Schilling, Founder and Chairman of 38 Studios. “We are creating an enormous world, with heroes and villains and a rich back story from the brilliant minds of R. A., Todd and Ken at its heart, and I can think of no finer partner than the global powerhouse that is EA Partners. Being able to leverage the expertise of EA's publishing organization to bring our first product to market is a dream come true for 38 Studios." “We are thrilled to be working with 38 Studios. The world of RPG gaming is so rich and it is a perfect complement to our partners and title portfolio in EAP,” said David DeMartini, Senior Vice President and General Manager of EA Partners. “Project Mercury is bursting with first-rate talent, with passion that spans across the board, from Curt to R. A. to Todd and Ken. We look forward to collaborating with them to create an amazing game set in this incredible new world.” R. A. Salvatore, who has sold over 15 million books worldwide, will be at the Game Developer’s Conference in San Francisco this week speaking about the creative process of building fantasy worlds. His lecture, entitled “From Fantasy to Franchise: How to Build a Universe Worthy of Devotion”, will take place on Thursday, March 11th from 4:30 PM – 5:30 PM in Room 306 in South Hall at the Moscone Center. Salvatore will discuss his past experiences in writing and games, as well as touch upon his role at 38 Studios as Executive Creator of Worlds. Project Mercury will be available for the PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system, Xbox 360® videogame and entertainment system, and PC. For more information about 38 Studios, please visit www.38studios.com.

My faithful Fail Award junkies, it is that time again. Who had the most brown stained week in the gaming industry? This week was full of blunders and angry child like rants, (looking at you David Jaffe) but who stood out the most? Ladies and gentlemen, I am proud to bring to you your Fail Award winner for the week of Feb. 28........ That's right Activision. You have won this award plenty of times in the past and you might as well add one more notch to your Fail Award winning belt. What led Activision to winning this glorious award? Their douchebagery this past week that led to the firing of Infinity Ward's two main men and the announcement of whoring out the Call of Duty franchise that probably led to EA staining their pants brown is what has led to the decision to give Activision the Fail Award for the Week of Feb. 28, 2010. It all began early in the week when news surfaced that Activision sent "bouncer types" over to Infinity Ward's office. During this time a meeting took place that led to Jason West and Vince Zampella from Infinity Ward both being fired. Rumors were abound as too why they were fired since in the weeks prior to this event, tensions were increasing with Infinity Ward's Community Manager, Robert Bowling accusing Activision's Robert Heller of using "bullshit quotes" while Heller was talking up Treyarch's Call of Duty: World at War in an interview where Heller claimed that World at War fixed things that other Call of Duty's could not. Bowling's response to Heller ended with Bowling calling Heller a "Super Senior Douche" . Later in the week, Infinity Ward's fired twosome threw a punch at Activision with suing them for royalities that they have yet to see from Modern Warfare 2. They are alleging that Activision fired them weeks prior to when they were suppose to receive the unpaid royalities. Activision answered with a response of their own claiming that both West and Zampella were in talks with EA before their contract expired which is soon which has led to Activision's own allegations against the two. Since the he/she said cat fight between Activision and Infinity Ward broke out, Activision announced that they are bringing Sledgehammer Games on board to make an action/adventure Call of Duty for 2011 while Treyarch will be making the next Call of Duty which is set to drop in 2010. (There are also fresh rumors that another Call of Duty game is going to be developed besides those two, but details are sketchy and unclear) So where does Infinity Ward fit into the sluttage the Call of Duty series? They get to put out two DLC pakcs for Modern Warfare 2. Yes folks you read that correctly, only two DLC packs for Modern Warfare 2. With those reasons behind one of the most brown stained weeks for a gaming company, I am declaring you Activision the Fail for the week of Feb. 28, 2010. Since nobody is here to accept your Fail Award, Gamercide proudly accepts it for you. Everyone rise and please give Activision the longest and slowest round of applause that you can muster.

Gamespot has posted a preview of Lara Croft's newest game that was recently announced by Crystal Dynamics. It appears that Crystal Dynamics is changing a couple things besides the name of the series. Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light finds Lara gaining some aid in the form of a playable partner, Totec who is a Mayan Tribesman. Each character has their own weapons and set of skills to aid them in battle. Lara and Totec will also be able to do co-op maneuvers. Besides the addition of co-op, another change is that Lara's latest adventure will be available for digital download sometime this summer. As far as price for the download, nothing has been stated. For the full preview, please check out Gamespot.

There is more Portal in the works for you. Valve has confirmed that Portal 2 is in the works for the Xbox 360 and PC. It is expected to be out in time for the holiday season. Eurogamer Update Gamestop has details regarding Portal 2.... "Coming this holiday. Portal 2 is the sequel to 2007's Game of the Year and draws from the award-winning formula of innovative game play, story, and music that earned the original over 70 industry accolades. Portal 2 introduces a cast of dynamic new characters, a host of fresh puzzle elements, and a much larger set of devious test chambers. Players will explore never-before-seen areas of the Aperture Science Labs and be reunited with GLaDOS, the occasionally murderous computer companion who guided them through the original game." The price of the game is listed at $49.99.

David Jaffe, the creator of God of War and the Twisted Metal series on Sony's Playstation took to his blog and vented some frustration towards Microsoft's Scrap Metal game and the upcoming movie called War of Gods. According to him both the game and the movie are rips of Twisted Metal and God of War and believes that Sony should be doing something about the matter. “Sony should [sue] or if I owned the rights to TWISTED METAL and GOD OF WAR, I sure as hell would at the least send a sternly worded legal letter. Heck, I’d send two legal letters if it were me. I mean, first Microsoft puts out a car combat game and calls it SCRAP METAL? Hey, looks like a great game! Right up my alley! Day one purchase for me. But come on guys, isn’t that just a little too close to Sony’s own car combat game TWISTED METAL? And then Sony has GOD OF WAR, a game and potential movie about mortals fighting ancient Greek Gods. And then this movie gets announced called WAR OF THE GODS about- yep!- mortals fighting ancient Greek Gods. And look: Sony doesn’t- and should not- own the concept of the Greek Myths. Nor should they own the idea of mortal fighting ancient Gods, Greek or any other kind. That’s all public domain stuff. But the TITLE? Sony DOES own that. And GOD OF WAR/WAR OF THE GODS seem a little too close to comfort ya’ll. Anyway, like I said, not my fight. I don’t own shit!" He has since updated his blog regarding his rant and it's full of more colorful language and an image of Chris Rock. VG247

To watch or not to watch that is the question. The first 10 minutes of God of War III were leaked and according to VG247 it is full of spoilers. VG247 is also reporting that the video has been pulled from one website, but still remains up on .

It appears that Lara Croft has lost the "Tomb Raider" name. Lara's developer, Crystal Dynamics announced that a new Lara Croft game is on the horizon, but missing from the game is the name "Tomb Raider". Instead the game is being called, "Lara Croft And The Guardian Of Light" based on the logo. No information on what consoles the game will appear on, but it does appears that Crystal Dynamics is looking for a 2010 release. Press The Buttons

EA now has the rights to publish two upcoming games that will be coming out on the XBL, PSN, and PC. Hothead Game's action role playing game, Deathspank will be releasing on XBL and PSN while Klei Entertainment's 2D side scrolling action title will be available on XBL, PSN, and PC. Shank will be releasing sometime this summer, but no date has confirmed for Deathspank. Joystiq *Update.....According to the press release from EA, Deathspank will be releasing in 2010 EA Partners and Hothead Games Team up to Deliver DeathSpank in 2010 EA to Publish the Latest Game from Industry Icon Ron Gilbert REDWOOD SHORES, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--EA Partners, a division of Electronic Arts Inc. (NASDAQ: ERTS) and leading independent developer Hothead Games announced today an exclusive publishing agreement that will bring DeathSpank to Xbox LIVE® Arcade and PlayStation®Network in 2010. Developed under the vision of The Secret of Monkey Island creator and industry icon Ron Gilbert, DeathSpank blends a story filled with Gilbert’s unique humor and wit with classic and addictive action RPG gameplay. “The team at Hothead Games is a perfect fit for EA Partners. They are a great example of how the EA Partners program continues to emphasize the importance of building strong relationships with the world’s top indie developers”. “The team at Hothead Games is a perfect fit for EA Partners. They are a great example of how the EA Partners program continues to emphasize the importance of building strong relationships with the world’s top indie developers,” said Jamil Moledina, Outreach Director, Business Development at EA Partners. “DeathSpank is an engrossingly fun and hysterically funny experience, and we are all excited to have the opportunity to help introduce DeathSpank to gamers across the world.” Ian Wilkinson, CEO of Hothead Games added, “We are proud of our independence, but are very excited to be working with EA Partners on a title as big as DeathSpank. With EA Partners handling distribution and marketing, Hothead can continue to focus on what we do best, making great games.” The game casts players in the role DeathSpank, the Hero to the Downtrodden, a Vanquisher of Evil and Defender of Justice as he fulfills his life-long destiny and searches for a mysterious and magical item only known as "The Artifact". Along the way he'll rescue a few Orphans, defeat a local tyrant and tumble headlong into the even deeper mystery surrounding the legendary Thongs of Virtue in an epic adventure game that includes collecting loot, crazy puzzle solving, witty dialogue, collecting loot, over-the-top animations, fun, accessible action combat, and of course, collecting loot. For more information on DeathSpank, please visit www.deathspank.com

Six Days in Fallujah which Konami deemed to controversial to publish in April 2009 and dropped the game, has fallen back on the radar. Atomic Games, the developers behind the first game to be directly about Operation Iraqi Freedom says the game is ready to go and will come out. There are no other details available about if Atomic Games found a publisher for the game. Six Days in Fallujah is about the Second Battle in Fallujah that took place over a period of six days. The game focuses on a squad of United States Marines from the 3rd Battalion 1st Marines. Originally Atomic Games was working on training tools for the Marines and some of the Marines from the 3rd Battalion 1st Marines were assisting. They were later deployed to Iraq and upon returning had asked Atomic Games to develop a game showing what they went through over in Iraq. Atomic Games found Konami to publish it, but they later backed out after the media began calling Six Days in Fallujah, "a bit much too soon". via IGN

Major Nelson confirmed today that Splinter Cell: Conviction will be getting a 360 bundle. The bundle includes a standard copy of the game, two wireless controllers, and a 250 GB hard drive. The bundle which will cost you $399 will be out in early April in North America, Europe, New Zealand, and Australia.

The bell has been sounded and the gloves are off. Activision and Infinity Ward's increasing tensions have finally come to a head and it appears there is not an end in sight with senior employees of Infinity Ward being let go (whether or not they were fired has yet to be confirmed) and Infinity Ward's Community Manager Robert Bowling firing back at Activision with a few choice words of his own. Last night, Activision sent "bouncer types" over to Infinity Ward's office and held a meeting between Activision and Infinity Ward's lead developers Jason West and Vince Zampella that ended with both employees no longer being employeed at Infinity Ward. Again, nothing has been confirmed on whether they were fired or quit, but True/Slant is reporting that they were fired over possible "insubordination" due to both of the men talking to EA about a new contract when theirs expired. According to Joystiq, Infinity Ward's Commmunity Manager Robert Bowling has had a few choice words for Activision saying Activision's Noah Heller is using "bullshit quotes" and is sick of Activision's Heller comparing Call of Duty WaW to Call of Duty 4 by saying that Treyarch's World at War fixed things that apparently previous Call of Duty's couldn't do. In response Bowling stated, "WTF are you talking about?! ... First of all, you didn't work on 'previous Call of Dutys', so don't talk as if you're down with how / why things were designed the way they were. Second, you're completely fucking wrong." Bowling goes on further to state, "Senior Super Douche Noah Heller from Activision - who apparently has never played the game and doesn't even work at the developer."

The walking undead, horrifying creatures, rabid savage dogs, deadly black crows, sprawling dark cornered locations, and insane puzzles all gave Resident Evil the edge when it came to knowing what fans wanted and expected from a survival/horror game. However with fans branding the once coveted zombie survival franchise as turning into a “disappointment” and claiming that Resident Evil is losing the survival/horror element that once had everyone shaking with terror on their couches, one has to wonder. What happened to a series that quickly became the teacher for survival horror games? "I really liked the older games (1, 2, 3) because it seemed a lot more realistic to me well at least more than the newest games. With the cops being the last line of defense against the bacterial outbreak. I think that capcom should really start heading back in that direction. I'm just really not buying into the series lately, it has more of an arcade feel to it." - CoDyHD Resident Evil first debuted on the Playstation One in 1996 and was later ported to the Sega Saturn and the PC and revamped in 2002 for the Nintendo Gamecube. Set in the outskirts of Raccoon City, gamers are quickly thrown into a world of undead beings, health spray, puzzles, and unraveling the truth behind the gruesome mansion while investigating the disappearance of STARS team members after being trapped by some not so average dogs in a mansion. Resident Evil’s playable characters, the powerhouse Chris Redfield and the smaller, but faster Jill Valentine became instant fan favorites and would make appearances in future Resident Evil games and spin offs. "Bring back the adventure/horror/puzzleness of the older titles please! All they really need to change from 1-3 is the walking/running controls. If that was more fluid and not as linear it would be perfect" - Towncryer Following the release of Resident Evil, fans were salivating and wanted more demanding puzzles, flesh eating creatures, and horrific dogs that lept through windows when your back was turned allowing you only to hear the glass shattering behind you. Capcom answered the fans demands for more zombie killing action with Resident Evil 2, followed by Resident Evil 3: Nemesis, Resident Evil: Code Veronica, and Resident Evil Zero allowing gamers to further explore and uncover the plot of the Umbrella Corporation. "Resident evil 4 introduced alot of great aspects like the new controls and camera and was certainly random." - NightWing XII In 2005, Capcom released the turning point in the series, Resident Evil 4 staring Leon Kennedy. Resident Evil 4 introduced new additions that appeared to ensure the longevity of the franchise while adapting to the needs of what fans wanted. "My beginning with the RE franchise was with 4 because I heard it was awesome, got it, played it, and loved it. Later (towards the end of last year, in fact) I went back and played RE1 and 2, and those games are pretty great for their time, and I can see how the series is shifting a bit from the original focus. I preferred the zombies to the parasites, as they are the original, and they define the series." - AudaciousKevin With Resident Evil 4, gamers found themselves taking control of Leon Kennedy in third person view where the camera was locked over the shoulder of Leon which was a first for the franchise. Other new additions to the series included a laser sight that allowed better aiming, enemies reacting to where the bullets hit them, situation based controls, and dynamic cut scenes where gamers had to react to certain things by pushing the right button when prompted. "Real Zombies, no more parasites or whatever." - PaNfoot Along with the introduction of the new elements in Resident Evil 4 came the introduction of a new parasite that replaced the fan's beloved undead. The "Las Plagas" parasite infected villagers and caused them to become loyal to the cult, "Los Illuminados". The infected villagers were quick, agile, and would often attack in groups instead of the series staple slow moving zombies who would rather attack from a dark corner while consuming fresh meat off of a dead corpse. While the new parasite seemed to be replacing the previous T and G virus outbreaks in Raccoon City, fans still embraced Resident Evil 4 and this innovative entry into the series became one of the most acclaimed games in the franchise. " I think the games have passed their prime. I think now, it's a novelty, and they'll try anything in the series. The things people liked about the game, aren't in it so much anymore. It was one of those rare games that didn't need much of a next gen upgrade." - PeeKnuckle If Capcom was pleasing fans as time passed, then what happened? How did a series go from climbing to the top spot for it's genre to descending down a spiraling staircase that fans just could not negotiate anymore. Many fans argue that the "spiraling staircase" came in 2009 with the release of Resident Evil 5. "It's been nearly four whole years since the last Resident Evil crept it's way into the dark hearts of zombie killers and virus afficionados, but the long wait hasn't exactly been a fruitful one. Jun Takeuchi has taken over the reigns to Capcom's survival-horror enterprise and in my own personal opinion has completely thrown out the window everything that made the Resident Evil series what it is." -CoyandChris Resident Evil 5 brought back fan favorite Chris Redfield as one of the playable characters in the game and introduced a new partner as the second playable character, Sheva Alomar. Resident Evil 5 also brought back a familar enemy that just will not die and a familiar face from Chris's past. But why wasn't this enough for the fans of Resident Evil? Where Resident Evil 4 was innovative and a step forward from past games, fans felt that Resident Evil 5 tried to eliminate the classic elements that Resident Evil 4 took from the series and ran with and instead turned Resident Evil into your everyday co-op shooter with enemies, but attached the Resident Evil name and the familiar faces to the game. However not everyone felt that Resident Evil 5 was a step in the wrong direction and enjoyed being able to play through the story with newly added co-op and bonuses such as unlockable character/enemy models and unlimited ammo. "5 is actually one of my favorite games on the 360, I liked all the unlockables you could get and weapons, and if you used a weapon enough you could get unlimited ammo etc." - Green Grenades Are the days of fan loved classic survival/horror Resident Evil officially dead and buried? Only Capcom can answer that and with the 4 year gap between Resident Evil 4 and Resident Evil 5, fans might be waiting a long time for an official answer to see if Resident Evil can return to the roots that it once was, but maintain the innovative game play that Resident Evil 4 introduced.

News Civilization V PC Trailer Just How Many Gigs is FFXIII? - Fans of the Final Fantasy series that do not own a PS3 rejoiced when it was announced that the RPG was coming to the 360. Well hopefully those of you that needed your pants changed after that announcement do not own a 20 GB hard drive and have plans to install to it your hard drive. Battlefield Bad Company 2 Launch Day DLC - EA has announced that on March 2nd when Battlefield Bad Company 2 releases in North America, that there will be 2 multiplayer maps that will be availble for download for free. MLB 2K10 Demo Available - Baseball fans gather round the couch with your boxes of Crackjacks. The MLB 2K10 demo has been released on Xbox Live. EA Montreal Announces Two New Co-Op Campaign Maps for ARMY OF TWO: THE 40th DAY - Full Press Release Would You Kindly Look at Your BioShock 2 Special Edition - Chances are there is something you missed if you purchased the special edition of BioShock 2. Microsoft's Xbox Live Block Party Details - Major Nelson has released the details regarding Microsoft’s Xbox Live Block Party that was announced during the X10 event. BioShock 2 DLC Coming Soon - 2K has released details regarding the upcoming DLC ”Sinclair Solutions Test Pack” for BioShock 2. The Return of the Fail Awards - Gather around my Fail Award junkies. The Fail Awards are back and ready to bring you the most embarassing, facepalm story of the week within the gaming industry. Member Corner Birthdays Happy Birthday PK! - Gamercide's Editor keeps getting younger! Happy Birthday CoDy! Member Game Discussions Halo Reach Bayonetta BioShock 2

More Sid Meier's Civilization V Videos via IGN

Fans of the Final Fantasy series that do not own a PS3 rejoiced when it was announced that the RPG was coming to the 360. Well hopefully those of you that needed your pants changed after that announcement do not own a 20 GB hard drive and have plans to install to it your hard drive, because if so you might want to upgrade that hard drive right about now. FFXIII altogether is going to take up 18.3 GB of space on your 360's hard drive. Broken down it comes out to 5.9 GB on Disc One, 5.8 GB on Disc 2, and 6.6 GB on Disc 3. Meanwhile on the PS3 it will take up 38 GB. If you need a bigger hard drive after that announcement you still have some time. FFXIII releases on March 9. via Kotaku

EA has announced that on March 2nd when Battlefield Bad Company 2 releases in North America, that there will be 2 multiplayer maps that will be availble for download for free. However, this offer is only extended to those of you that buy the game new. The multiplayer maps will be available to download in the in game store that will be available to all gamers, but free to gamers who buy the game new via a "VIP Code". The in game store which is similar to Mass Effect 2's Cerberus Network was announced last week along with a $15 price tag for gamers will have to pay to download the in game store if they purchase the game used. EA has also announced that later in March, a second map pack will be released that again will be free to those who have access to the in game store. *The Official Press Release* EA Expands Battlefield: Bad Company 2 With Extra Multiplayer Content STOCKHOLM--(BUSINESS WIRE)--DICE, an Electronic Arts Inc. studio (NASDAQ:ERTS), today announced that two massive, all-new multiplayer maps for Battlefield: Bad Company™ 2 will be unlocked on March 2nd when the game launches in North America. This map pack features the Laguna Alta map playable in Conquest mode and Nelson Bay map playable in Rush mode, bringing the total number of multiplayer maps up to 10. Later in March, DICE will release yet another map pack at no extra charge*, giving players a chance to experience the Arica Harbor map in Conquest mode and Laguna Presa map in Rush mode. Available in the box, the content packs are unlocked by simply inputting a VIP code**. “These first two map packs are just the beginning. We’re planning ongoing support for the community by always keeping the experience fresh and ensuring the best possible gameplay experience.” “Battlefield: Bad Company 2 will redefine online modern warfare on March 2. We are deeply committed to the FPS community and Battlefield fans worldwide,” said Patrick Bach, Senior Producer for Battlefield: Bad Company 2. “These first two map packs are just the beginning. We’re planning ongoing support for the community by always keeping the experience fresh and ensuring the best possible gameplay experience.” Battlefield: Bad Company 2 is setting a new standard for action games with the quality of its highly detailed, war-torn landscapes and massive, destructible environments. The game’s tactical destruction shakes up the gameplay delivering epic battles never before seen in a modern warfare game. Battlefield: Bad Company 2 will be in stores on March 2, 2010 in North America and March 4, 2010 in Europe for the Xbox 360® videogame and entertainment system, PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system and the PC. The Limited Edition of Battlefield: Bad Company 2 can be pre-ordered now on all platforms at no extra cost, with participating retailers worldwide (while supplies last). For more information on DICE, please visit www.dice.se. For more information on Battlefield: Bad Company 2 please visit: www.badcompany2.ea.com. Or follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/OfficialBFBC2. * Included with purchase of new game. Internet connection required. ** VIP codes included in the shrink-wrapped box. Those players that do not have a code can purchase one via the in-game store for $15. PC players will get the content as a game update. Internet connection required.

Baseball fans gather round the couch with your boxes of Crackjacks. The MLB 2K10 demo has been released on Xbox Live. PSN users will have to wait until March 4th to get the demo. MLB 2K10 slams onto game store shelves on the Xbox 360, PS3, Wii, PS2, and PSP on March 2nd. In the latest addition of the baseball franchise, the "My Player" mode will have gamers building up their player from the minors to the majors. Gamers will also have a chance to win one million dollars if they can pitch a no hitter game on the 360 or PS3 from March 2 until May 2. Joystiq

MONTREAL--(BUSINESS WIRE)--EA Montreal, a studio of Electronic Arts Inc. (NASDAQ:ERTS), today announced an all-new campaign map pack called ‘Chapters of Deceit’ for the third-person co-op shooter ARMY OF TWO™: THE 40th DAY. Available for download on Xbox LIVE™ and the PlayStation®Network on April 1, 2010 for $9.99 or 800 Xbox LIVE points, players will return to war-torn Shanghai where they will encounter more destruction, more devastation and enemies determined to bring the city to the brink of ruin. ARMY OF TWO: THE 40th DAY – Chapters of Deceit features two all-new co-op campaign maps. In the new chapters, players stumble upon information that could lead to ending the invasion by Jonah and his 40th Day Initiative army. However, they quickly learn that everyone is out for themselves and to trust no one but their partner. In ARMY OF TWO: THE 40th DAY, players have to work together to escape Shanghai as it falls under attack. The game boasts a robust playbook of co-op moves with one of the most extensive and varied weapon customization systems ever found in an action/shooter game. Players can mix and match weapon parts and execute strategic two-man tactics that create a one-of-a-kind co-op action experience. ARMY OF TWO: THE 40th DAY is rated “M” by the ESRB and available for the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system, the PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system, and the PSP® (PlayStation®Portable). Gamers can also download a demo of the game now on PlayStation®Network and Xbox LIVE™ Marketplace. For more information on ARMY OF TWO: THE 40th DAY please visit: www.armyoftwo.com. For more information on EA Montreal, please visit www.eamontreal.com or www.ea.com. Or follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/Army_Of_Two.

Chances are there is something you missed if you purchased the special edition of BioShock 2. A community member over at the 2K Forums discovered that if you look at the posters that came with the special edition of BioShock 2 under a blacklight, there are hidden messages. Another 2K forum community member was nice enough to make videos and upload the pictures of the posters under a blacklight to Photobucket.

Major Nelson has released the details regarding Microsoft's Xbox Live Block Party that was announced during the X10 event. The Xbox Live Block Party is set to kick off on March 3rd with the release of Toy Soliders on the XBLA for 1200 MS points. The next downloadable XBLA game, Scrap Metal will be available on March 10 for 1200 MS points. Perfect Dark will release on the XBLA on March 17 for 800 MS points and finally the Game Room will be available for free to download on March 24. The cost to download classic arcades titles for the Game Room ranges from 240 - 400 MS points. Keep in mind that even if you own some of those classic titles on the XBLA, you will have to pay again to play them in the Game Room. If you purchase everything mentioned above, Microsoft will credit your account with 400 MS points. If you are a gold member, you will also receive a one month gold subscription. During the Block Party, Silvers are also catching a break. "And from Noon ET Friday, March 26, – Noon ET Monday, March 29 Block Party is making it easy for you to play together with an Xbox LIVE Multiplayer Unlock weekend! For this weekend only, we’re unlocking the online multiplayer features of all Block Party titles for Xbox LIVE Silver Members to play for free (games sold separately)." - Major Nelson

2K has released details regarding the upcoming DLC "Sinclair Solutions Test Pack" for BioShock 2. The "Sinclair Solutions Test Pack" which is set to release in March will add new additions to BioShock's 2 multiplayer. Among the new additions include an increase in level rank to level 50 with rank rewards, two new playable characters, 20 new trials, a third weapon upgrade for every weapon, and five new masks. Some of these items will not be usuable until your multiplayer character reaches a level 41 and above. The "Sinclair Solutions Test Pack" will cost you 400 MS Points or $5. Besides the announcement of this DLC, 2K stated that more DLC will be on the way including DLC to add to the single player campaign. Shack News

Gather around my Fail Award junkies. The Fail Awards are back and ready to bring you the most embarassing, facepalm story of the week within the gaming industry. For those of you who might be wondering what exactly a Fail Award is, let me break it down. There are two types of Fail Awards, the Weekly Fail Award and the Monthly Fail Award. The Weekly Fail Award is determined by which little piece of news is the ultimate facepalm of all facepalms in the gaming industry for that current week. With each passing week, the Weekly Fail Awards pile up and at the end of the month, there is a Monthly Fail Award that is given out to whomever the members of Gamercide feel had the most embarassing piece of news for that month. How is this done you ask? I'll post all of the Weekly Fail Awards in one nifty little article for you and you send me your vote. After all of the votes are received, the winner is determined by the majority of votes. The members who picked the winner of the Monthly Fail Award will then have their name thrown into an old fashioned hat drawing where a name will be drawn and that person will win a prize. The prizes can be anything from points, subscriptions, games, goodie bags....you get the point. So just when will the Fail Awards be making their glorious comeback? March 6, 2010 is when, so keep your Fail Award loving eyes peeled for them!