Year of the Puzzle Game?: There are lots of puzzlers every year, but this year the lineup was unusually good. A handful are worthy of special mention: Catherine, Portal 2, Might and Magic: Clash of Heroes, and Cubixx HD. Catherine had a perfectly integrated narrative. Portal 2 had amazing production values and the best co-op play. Clash of Heroes and Cubixx were hugely addicting. Biggest Disappointment of the Year and Generation: Sony pushes C#/Mono for hobbyist development. As a programmer, this is heartbreaking. With such a vibrant landscape of new languages and runtimes, why would Sony, arguably the biggest competitor to Microsoft, mandate the ultimate in conformist Microsoft only tools on the development community? How about tools like Fantom , Scala (for type theory purists), Google Go (a cleaned up version of C++ for high performance applications), LLVM (adopted by Apple), OpenGL/OpenCL, or the upcoming Kotlin (from JetBrains who create the world’s best IDEs)? The following is a must-watch video regarding Java and .NET: Most Overlooked: Motorstorm Apocalypse. The action racing in this game is the best, the tracks are brilliantly creative and packed with fun art and content, yet most people didn’t even realize that this title existed. Worst Products: Sony’s smartphones and tablets. The Android space is exploding with amazing products. The bar for quality is just so high when you see budget entries like the Kindle Fire and the Nook Tablet and super Tablet products like the Transformer Prime (wow!!!), or premium superphones from HTC, Samsung, and Motorola. Then, Sony and Dell, seem to be making the worst Android products on the market that are both overpriced and using old hardware and software. I can’t imagine why anyone would buy them or what Sony and Dell are thinking. I was chatting with some Dell employees and they definitely didn’t “get it”. They were telling me about Android products have such a low ROI (return on investment), but they really just didn’t fully understand how far behind the competition their Android products really were and how significant that is if you want to have a hot product. Biggest Trend: Rise of the smartphones and tablets. I’m surprised to hear so many predictions for the end of dedicated handheld gaming devices as I see the home-console market at more of a risk. Personal Favorite Game: LittleBigPlanet 2 . The provided levels are the most fun I’ve had all year, they are extremely co-op friendly, and perfect for playing with kids. The level editing tools are a joy to tool around with, and the Move pack is the most fun I’ve had with the Move controller.

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Darrin’s 2011: Year in Review

GameStop now has another exclusive pre-order for FINAL FANTASY XIII-2. PowerUp Rewards members who pre-order FINAL FANTASY XIII-2 at GameStop will receive the exclusive “Genji Bow” weapon for Serah. “With a unique look for both its sword and bow forms, the Genji Bow allows the player to attack more frequently.” The exclusive weapon is retroactive for existing pre-orders, as long as the customer is a PowerUp Rewards member and is purchased/picked up by Feb. 2, 2012. For more information, visit: http://www.GameStop.com/finalfantasy . Players will follow Serah as she ventures through time across various worlds in search of her lost sister, Lightning. FINAL FANTASY XIII-2 is developed for the PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system and the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, and will be available in North America on Jan. 31, 2012. Source: Press Release

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FINAL FANTASY XIII-2 Exclusive “Genji Bow”

After the huge number of releases from last week (both at retail and on the PSN store) we HAD to know this week would scale back things and dole out just a couple of games so we can actually have enough time to play catch up with our backlog (mine goes all the way back to 2009!). Because of that, we’re left with the following brekdown: 3 retail releases, 2 new PSN releases, 2 former retail-only releases finding their way to the PSN store, 1 PSOne Classic, 3 minis and a single “I am Alive” presentation of a PSP Digital-only release (Cooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooorpse Party!). Want to know what will be out there for you to spend some money on so close to thanksgiving? Full list after the break. PS3 RETAIL RELEASES You Can Buy WWE ’12 Right Here! You Can Buy Tekken Hybrid Right Here! Or Maybe You Want The Awesome Limited Edition? You Can Buy The King Of Fighters XIII Right Here! PSN RELEASES You Can Buy Ratchet and Clank: All 4 One Right Here! You Can Buy Call of Duty: Modern Warfare Right Here! Learning with the Pooyos Episode 2 PSOne Classics PSP RELEASES minis Where is my hearth?

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Releases for the Week (November 21th-27th)

Rumors of Sony’s new console (PS4) had been circling the gaming sites recently. It first started with a report from Digitimes , who claimed that a Taiwanese manufacturer partners will begin production of PlayStation 4 at the end of 2011 for launch in 2012! Foxconn and Pegatron (a Taiwan- based Manufacturers) assemblers of PS3 will take on the job of assembling the PS4. The rumors also claims that a planned shipment of 20 million units will be ready for launch in 2012. The report follows another from IndustryGamers (a reliable US news site), which claimed that a top developer industry source said that “the PlayStation 4 will become a real thing in the next 18 months”. It was also reported that PS4 will feature a body movement-based control like Kinect. Going back to May 27th, Sony made it official that they are already working on the new console. Sony’s chief financial officer (Masaru Kato) commented for Industrygamers via phone call that “For the home equipment the PS3 still has a product life, but this is a platform business, so for the future platform – when we’ll be introducing what product I cannot discuss that – but our development work is already under way, so the costs are incurred there”. He also talked about how Sony won’t make massive investment in PS4. The next 12 months will certainly reveal more on this subject as we prepare ourselves to E3 2012, which probably will hold all the answers to our suspicions and speculations. Are we ready for a new console? is the PS3 era coming to an end?, or is WiiU too much of a threat to both Sony and Microsoft? I’ll leave the answers to you …

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PS4 to be revealed in 2012?

Rockstar Games has announced the details of their Rockstar Pass and upcoming DLC content for L.A. Noire. All previously “pre-order only” content is now available. They also announced that two new cases will be coming this summer. The “Nicholson Electroplating” Arson case will be released on June 21, and the “Reefer Madness” Vice case will be released on July 12. The cases will sell for $3.99 each, or you can get all the DLC by purchasing the “Rockstar Pass” for $9.99. Starting today you’ll be able to purchase the L.A. Noire Rockstar Pass, a new way to pre-order and purchase DLC that gives players access to all of the upcoming downloadable content for L.A. Noire, available for a limited-time discounted price of just $9.99 on PlayStation Network and 800 Microsoft Points on Xbox LIVE. Then, later this summer, look for two brand new DLC cases. The “Nicholson Electroplating” Arson case (coming June 21st) and the “Reefer Madness” Vice case (coming July 12th). Below is the full breakdown of L.A. Noire downloadable content pricing and release dates. Stay tuned for more details and information on these L.A. Noire DLC cases in the weeks to come. Now Available * “Chicago Lightning” Detective Suit (Free via the Social Club) * “Chicago Piano” Machine Gun (Free) * L.A. Noire Rockstar Pass ($9.99 PSN / 800 MS Points until June 14th) * “The Naked City” Vice Desk Case ($3.99 PSN / 320 MS Points) * “A Slip of The Tongue” Traffic Desk Case ($3.99 PSN / 320 MS Points) * The Badge Pursuit Challenge ($1.99 PSN / 160 MS Points) * “The Broderick” Detective Suit ($0.99 PSN / 80 MS Points) * “The Sharpshooter” Detective Suit ($0.99 PSN / 80 MS Points) Available June 21st * “Nicholson Electroplating” Arson Desk Case ($3.99 PSN / 320 MS Points) Available July 12th * “Reefer Madness” Vice Desk Case ($3.99 PSN / 320 MS Points) Source: Rockstar Games

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Rockstar Pass and DLC Details for L.A. Noire

With Wii 2 due to be shown at E3 and hints of new Microsoft hardware abound, it was only a matter of time before Sony dropped hints about its plans for the next gen. Sony’s executive vice president and chief financial officer Masaru Kato has confirmed that the company is putting together a “future platform” – the almost assured PlayStation 4. He referred to Sony’s next console during a conference call to investors when asked to clarify an increase in research and development costs, according to Eurogamer . Kato said: “For the home equipment the PS3 still has a product life but this is platform business, so for the future platform – when we’ll be introducing that product, I cannot discuss that – but our development is already under way, so the costs are incurred there.” The news contrasts claims made by Sony Computer Entertainment chief Kaz Hirai earlier this year, who said that the firm was “not deliberating” a PS4.

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Sony Confirms PlayStation 4

The Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences and the Entertainment Software Association have announced the winning pieces of the 2011 Into the Pixel collection. These seventeen works of art, which features notable artists from Valve Software, Naughty Dog, Insomniac Games, Bioware, and Big Fish Games, among others, will be unveiled and displayed at this year’s E3 Expo from June 7-9, 2011 in the Concourse Foyer. Four of the images come from PS3 Exclusive games: From God of War 3, “Cronos Battle” by Tyler Breon (seen above) From Uncharted 3: Drake’s Deception, “The Pelican Inn (Pub)” by Andrew Kim From Killzone 3, “Stahl Arms” by Jesse van Dijk From Ratchet & Clank: All 4 One, “Oktonok Cay Cannery” by David Guertin “Now that public institutions have accepted video games as a legitimate form of art, there is no question that video game art has and will continue to have a place in the contemporary art scene,” said Martin Rae, president, Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences. “The AIAS is pleased to partner with the ESA in this celebration, and is looking forward to continue pushing the recognition of our artist members’ efforts.” “Into the Pixel is the industry’s premier showcase for the art of computer and video games and celebration of the artists whose talent creates these stunning images,” said Michael D. Gallagher, president and CEO of the Entertainment Software Association, the trade association representing U.S. computer and video game publishers and the owner of the E3 Expo. “ESA is proud to partner with AIAS to facilitate this valuable intersection between the traditional and digital art worlds.” “Into the Pixel showcases the incredible creativity, skill and artistic talent that pervades in the video game industry,” said Glenn Phillips, Senior Project Specialist & Consulting Curator, Department of Architecture and Contemporary Art, Getty Research Institute. “You really see that there are great artists working across every genre of video games, and at every stage of the production process.” The Into the Pixel 2011 Jurors were: Glenn Phillips, Getty Research Institute, Senior Project Specialist & Consulting Curator, Department of Architecture and Contemporary Art Nora Dolan – Independent Curator Ryan Wilkerson, Microsoft Game Studios, Senior Art Director Matt Hall, Timbuk2 Studios, Senior Partner Production Designer Brian Moore, Microsoft Game Studios, Art Director Into the Pixel 2011 Winners: Title of Artwork Artist(s) Game Company Amorphous Drake Lucas Graciano Legends of Norrath Sony Online Entertainment The Bridge Erik Zaring & Anders Gustafsson The Dream Machine Cockroach Inc. The Cottage Hamzah Kasom Osman Drawn 3 Big Fish Games Cronos Battle Tyler Breon God of War® III SCEA/Santa Monica Studio Dead Walking Chris Moffitt, Brad Crow, Nathan Stefan, Bart Tiongson Orcs Must Die! Robot Entertainment The Dragon Play Brian Thompson and Hamzah Kasom Osman Drawn: Dark Flight Big Fish Games Flemmeth Matt Rhodes Dragon Age 2 BioWare Good Friends Matthew Halpin, Andrew Matthews, Matthew Preece, Radek Walachnia, John Laws Kinectimals Frontier Developments Ltd Grim Exploits Colin Foran, Claire Hummel, Ryan Wilkerson Trenched Microsoft Game Studio/Doublefine Incident at the Workshop Ivan Simoncini Alien Swarm Valve Software Market Fire, Columbia (Shop Sweeper) Ben Lo BioShock Infinite Irrational Games Normandy Mikko Kinnunen Mass Effect 2 BioWare Oktonok Cay Cannery David Guertin Ratchet & Clank®: All 4 One Insomniac Games Paper World Say Oh and Damian Kim Paper World Namco Bandai Games The Pelican Inn (Pub) Andrew Kim UNCHARTED 3: Drake's Deception™ Naughty Dog, Inc. Stahl Arms Jesse van Dijk Killzone® 3 Guerrilla Swamp Skull Jeff Haynie Mystery Case Files: 13th Skull Big Fish Games You can see all the winning images at intothepixel.com , and if you’d like high res images to use as a background etc., please let me know and I’ll get you a copy! Source: Press Release

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The 2011 Into The Pixel Collection Winners

Dark Souls will have a Collectors Edition available for pre-order only at $59.99 and will include the following: – Custom-designed metal case. – Limited edition art book containing premium illustrations of characters and environments from the game – A mini-strategy guidebook. – Behind-the-scenes videos from the development studio detailing various stages of game concept, design and building. – Dark Souls game soundtrack digital download. You can pre-order HERE Original announcement NAMCO BANDAI GAMES ANNOUNCES DARK SOULS™ RELEASING OCTOBER 2011 Pre-order Incentives and Collector’s Edition Details Revealed SANTA CLARA, Calif., – May 11, 2011 – Leading video game publisher and developer NAMCO BANDAI Games America Inc., today announced the exclusive pre-order incentives and Collector’s Edition of Dark Souls™, releasing in North America and Europe in October 2011 for the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system. A new action-role playing game (RPG) developed by FromSoftware, Dark Souls is the spiritual successor to 2009′s critically acclaimed Demon’s Souls. The Dark Souls Collector’s Edition can be pre-ordered for $59.99, the same price as the standard edition, and will include a limited edition art book containing premium illustrations of characters and environments from the game, a mini-strategy guidebook, behind-the-scenes videos from the development studio detailing various stages of game concept, design and building, and the game’s soundtrack for digital download. All of this will come packaged with the standard edition game in a custom-designed metal case. Spiritual successor to PlayStation®3 system exclusive Demon’s Souls – winner of GameSpot’s “Overall Game of the Year” and “Best PS3 Game”, and IGN’s “Best RPG for PS3″ awards – Dark Souls also brings that game’s uniquely challenging and rewarding style of gameplay to the Xbox 360® for the first time. Stricken by the curse of undead, gamers are abolished to the northern realms and must battle hideous demons and unimaginable monsters to collect souls and find the Eternal Flame of Life, which is losing its light, to survive and cure the curse of undead. With tense dungeon crawling and fearsome enemy encounters, the seamlessly intertwined world of Dark Souls is full of extreme battles, rewarding challenges, nuanced weaponry and magic, and the flexibility to customize each character to suit any desired play style. The innovative online component allows gamers to draw from the collective experience of the Dark Souls community as they either help or sabotage each other on the journey through the Northern Realms to save the land from darkness. With a massive, seamless open world design, Dark Souls encourages deep exploration and an adaptable gameplay experience. Read more: http://www.gamingbits.com/xbox-360-news-bits/dark-souls-to-be-packed-as-collectors-edition-for-standard-edition-price-available-starting-october-2011/#ixzz1MAIlSGEN Source: Gamingbits

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Dark Souls Collectors Edition $59.99

Mmm, shouldn’t the title have an extra K in there? Let me know if you find the spot! AFTER the new Mortal Kombat was released at retail someone had the bright idea that a great way to drive up hype, and therefore sales, would be to give us a collection of the original arcade trilogy as a single download from the Playstation Network… again, AFTER the release. And what better way of announcing it than during the PSN outage! Price is set at $9.99 which, for three games, is a very good price. This new edition will have online play, leaderboards and trophies. Still need to find out if each game has it’s own set of trophies (as has been the case with retail HD collections) or if we’re getting a single set of trophies for all three games since it’s a single, below $20, PSN title. No release date yet, but soon we’ll be able to relieve our childhood memories with such great, diverse and rich characters as this guy:

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Mortal Kombat Arcade Kollection soon on PSN

DLC for todays release of the game Marvel Vs. Capcom 3 has just been explained in greater detail. This is all taken from the MvC3 Facebook page: We’ve recently announced 2 more pieces of DLC content and from looking at the comments on the wall and posts, it looks like some of you are a bit confused about what’s what and we’d like to help you out! DLC Costume pack- Available March 1st, 2011 New costume for Ryu, Iron Man, Captain America, Dante, Chris, and Thor All 6 are available for 400 Microsoft points or $5 These are NOT included in the special edition. Shadow Mode- Available March 1st, 2011 The first Shadow Mode pack will include teams and AI from three Capcom staff members, including producer Ryota Niitsuma, associate producer Akihito Kadowaki, and a QA tester. The first pack is scheduled for release on March 1st, 2011 with more packs becoming available for download at a later date. If you ever wanted to say you beat the producer of Marvel vs. Capcom 3 at his own game, this is your best shot. These are NOT included in the special edition. Bought the special edition of MvC3? You get Jill and Shuma Gorath! Available March 15th, 2011. The SE version of the game comes with downloadable characters, Jill and Shuma Gorath. You may redeem these characters on March 15, 2011. We did not intentionally delay the DLC characters as we know how badly our fans want to play them. This was an unfortunate technical issue and we apologize for them not being available today. For PS3 copies of the special edition, your PSN code is printed on the back of your art book. On March 15th, your PSN code will be available for activation. If you attempt to enter your code before March 15, 2011, PSN will tell you that it’s an invalid code. For Xbox 360 copies of the special edition, we will send you your Xbox LIVE DLC code on March 15, 2011. To register your email with our system, please visit: marvelvscapcom3.com/redeemand follow the step by step instructions. The code on the back of your art book is NOT a Xbox LIVE code but rather, the code you input into our redeem site. Jill and Shuma-Gorath is the only DLC that comes with the special edition. Buying the special edition does not also make you eligible for other DLC. If you’ve got any questions, please ask them in this note and we’ll try to answer them.

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Marvel vs. Capcom 3 DLC Already Detailed