The first cinematic from the upcoming Green Lantern video game has been released:

And I have to say it looks like it could be okay. My only real complaint is that we don’t get more badass side scrollers out of these movies. Sure, this looks like it’ll be a great game, but wouldn’t it be cool if we got some great 2D virtual console content out of these big summer tentpoles?

Maybe I’m just old, but I’d rather drop $10 on a side-scroller I can download than $60 on some overly complicated game that will most likely confuse me and get boring after four levels.

This cinematic also raises an interesting question: This game is clearly set after Hal Jordan gets his power ring and as far as I know the Manhunters aren’t part of the plot of the film. That would make this set AFTER the film, right? And Sinestro is in this as a Green Lantern, being a badass and defending the Guardians. Does that mean we won’t see Sinestro turn against the Corps in this film? Leaving the possibility of a sequel open that utilizes our favorite Yellow Lantern as the villain?

Only time will tell.

Multiplatform:
Marvel vs. Capcom 3: Fate of Two Worlds (come play at our 3rd Anniversary)

XBox 360:
Gears of War Triple Pack
Dance Paradise
Brunswick Pro Bowling (already available for Wii and PS3)

PS3:
Hyperdimension Neptunia

PSP:
Tactics Ogre: Let Us Cling Together

Nintendo DS:
Dragon Quest VI: Realms of Revelation

The latter half of the week has been a little more active in video gaming news than the early part. Thanks in big part to Activision. Here we go.

Do you still have a Dragon Age: Origins game save? Are you planning on playing Dragon Age II? Don’t delete your save game. BioWare hasn’t disclosed much about the save import feature in their upcoming sequel, but it will have one. If you already deleted your save, don’t sweat it. None of changes are game-breaking, but they will add an extra level of satisfaction for long-time players.

Batman: Arkham City apparently takes place one year after the events of Arkham Asylum. So what happened in the intervening year? Series writer Paul Dini is going to tell you, with a little help from concept artist Carlos D’Anda. Starting with issues 1 and 2 in May, DC will be publishing a six-issue mini-series leading up to the game’s launch in Fall 2011. Issues will be available for $2.99. I’m a little unclear on whether these will be print or digital only at the moment. I’ll update once it’s clarified (or perhaps one of our comic shop regulars can chime in). Between issues you can get eight-page digital interludes highlighting the villains’ power struggles in Quincy Sharp’s Arkham City for $0.99. The interludes will be available in printed form in the Collector’s Edition.

If you’re a Kinect or MOVE owner you may have heard about Yoostar 2, a movie karaoke game where you replace characters in iconic scenes. Sounds like a great party – if you have no shame. The full movie list has been released but you don’t want to read all 80 of them here so I’ll just highlight a few the BSR! readers will love: 300, Frankenstein, The Godfather, The Hangover, Kick Ass, Shaun of the Dead, Star Trek: TNG (Locutus) and TOS (Tribbles), and Superman Returns. There are also classics like Casablanca and, my favorite, The Wizard of Oz. I’m sure the wife will tell me we’re buying this once she hears about The Blues Brothers and Grease.Yoostar Entertainment Group promises hundreds more scenes as DLC. With the music genre’s death, this could be the next big thing.

On to the promised Activision news. Boy have these guys been busy. Apparently spending your life in court doesn’t mean you can’t wreak havoc on the video game world. By now you know that they’ve decided to end the Guitar Hero franchise. They are also ending the DLC for that game along with the DJ Hero franchise. What else is on the chopping block? True Crime: Hong Kong has been canceled despite a planned 2011 release. They’ve also revealed there will be “no new… skating [Tony Hawk] franchise in 2011.”

So what is Activision actually doing? Making money hand over fist on Call of Duty and World of Warcraft. These are the two titles where they will be focusing the majority of their efforts in the future. They also still have a Bungie property and “an innovative new universe.” This new universe is supposed to “bring the world of toys, video games and the Internet together in an unprecedented way.” Sounds like fun if it weren’t Activision doing it. They also still have sole gaming custody of your favorite franchises: X-Men, Spider-Man, Transformers, and Family Guy.

In further Call of Duty news, Activision has announced a new internal studio, Beachhead, devoted solely to a new digital platform for the franchise. Intended to “super charge the online gaming experience like never before,” Beachhead is apparently working on something new and grand for CoD. I don’t get it, but it sounds suspiciously like an MMO.

By the way, speaking of Call of Duty, Black Ops’ First Strike DLC is coming to PSN March 3rd. Apparently console exclusive deals are getting shorter and shorter. It’s only been exclusive to XBox 360 for about a month. This also comes on the heels of news the Dead Money DLC for Fallout: New Vegas will be on PS3 shortly. Further DLC for New Vegas is planned to hit both consoles simultaneously.

Have you seen the previews for Rango, the new animated film from Paramount? Looks cute to me, if not very original. As you can imagine, there will be a video game tie-in. Behaviour (aka Artifical Mind and Movement) is developing. Not good news since they also made Wet and Naughty Bear, two tragically bad games with awesome concepts. You could play it March 1st, if you cared.

I’ve personally never been a huge fan of Duke Nukem, but plenty of you are. The loooooooooooong-awaited Duke Nukem Forever is finally coming May 3, 2011. And, of course, there’s a Balls of Steel edition. It’s a bit pricey at $100 but it’s one of the better collector packages I’ve seen: collectible bust, numbered C of A, 100 page hardcover art book, postcards, emblem sticker, comic book, origami, poker chips, deck of cards and logo dice.Check it:

With the upcoming Mortal Kombat reboot I’ve been wondering why NetherRealm has been so quiet about Liu Kang. Obviously the Shaolin star of the series would be making a comeback. And I’m not disappointed. A new trailer has been released (looking for an embed, hopefully update later) that not only shows his classic bicycle kick and a fatality, it also reveals two other characters, Kano and Shang Tsung. Tsung should have been obvious, but Kano is a welcome surprise.

Wow, that’s a lot of news. And looking back through it I can see a lot wallet pain on the horizon. Which part will have you smashing the piggybank?

It wasn’t too long ago that hanging out at Kill-tacular-tron’s house on the weekends, drinking beer and playing Guitar Hero was a regular event – but those days are now few and far between. For the last few years Guitar Hero game sales have been dropping dramatically, so I guess it only makes sense that Activision and Blizzard would eventually have to pull the plug, which is exactly what they did yesterday.

Activision Blizzard will close its music-game business division, laying off hundreds of employees, and cancel the Guitar Hero game that was in development for 2011, the publisher said in a conference call Wednesday.

Activision said that the decline of the genre, plus the high cost of licensing music and producing the games, led it to close the business.

“There was nothing that Activision or anybody could have done to save Guitar Hero,” said Jesse Divnich, vice president of analyst services for Electronic Entertainment Design and Research, in an interview with Wired.com. Divnich said that Activision realizes the “opportunity cost” of continuing to make Hero games when it could instead be putting those resources towards more profitable games.

[Wired]

Guitar Hero III was released back in 2007 and in its first month of release they moved 1.5 million units, compare that to last years release, Guitar Hero: Warriors of Rock, which sold just 86,000. This combined with last year’s selling of Harmonix by Viacom has pretty much sealed the fate of this once popular gaming genre.

To call this game genre a “fad” may seem a little harsh, but I doubt it’s too surprising. I personally never owned any of these games because frankly I enjoyed just playing it with my friends, some of which who already had copies, and couldn’t justify the cost for a game I would never play by myself. The last few years, the popularity of Rock Band and Guitar Hero seemed to be on the steady decline, even I noticed it just by the amount of desire to play the games by my friends and I. It was a fun game to play for a while, but eventually the repetetiveness of playing a fake plastic instruments wore on us and we moved on to different games. In fact, I don’t think I’ve even picked up a plastic guitar to knock out some “Don’t Fear the Reaper” in at least a year and a half.

Guitar Hero was the original plastic-guitar game, and I know my friends and I, along with many of you out there have spent many a weekend night playing it with friends and have some pretty fun memories of that. That being said, this news doesn’t really bum me out too much – especially since in my opinion each sequel to the game was just the same with a varied track list that may or may not be that good. Besides, should we ever get the hankering to belt out some Weezer with our friends we all know somebody with the game and all the gear, collecting dust in their gaming room.

So, so long Guitar Hero – we all had a great ride.

Are you sad to see this franchise come to an end? How often do you still play Guitar Hero or Rock Band these days! Leave your thoughts in the comments below!

We’ve got just a few tidbits so far this week, but they are fun tidbits.

Two pieces of news about Marvel vs. Capcom 3: First, screens have dropped of the game’s monster villain, Galactus. Second, as if fighting a screen filling world eater as zombie-killing cop isn’t hard enough, they’ve announced the Shadow Mode DLC. This is sort of an interesting concept that I’ve only ever seen before in ESPN NFL 2K5, and even that wasn’t near as optimistic. Basically the game will learn play styles of players at the top of the leaderboards and developers. Then you can play against AI versions of those people. I’m seriously one of the worst fighting gamers ever. What the hell am I supposed to with that DLC?

Take Two Interactive recently released their financial reports. While that isn’t news in itself, their plans for the upcoming fiscal year can be telling. Contrary to some rumors that have been floating, Bioshock Infinite is not delayed as it is still on the yearly. Spec Ops: The Line is also on is also listed for this fiscal year. What’s missing? Max Payne 3. Disappointing.

Mentioned last week in VGQH (or maybe the week before, I’ve lost track of time), Konami has taken over Hudson Soft. As part of the acquisition, Hudson Entertainment is being shut down, including the cancellation of all current projects. It’s a sad for the creators of Bomberman. The Japanese branch of Hudson Soft will continue to operate with a focus on social gaming. In other words, look for Bomberman on Facebook soon. (Please note I made that up, it’s not even a rumor, but if it’s true you can call me a prophet.)

I’ve long since given up on doing the full weekly breakdown of the PSN releases (and considering I’m in the process of getting my new PS3 up to fighting form I barely got a look at it last night), but this week is pretty notable. It’s nice to see a big downloadable week considering the retail releases have been so lackluster. Double Fine’s intriguing new game, Stacking, is free for Playstation Plus subscribers ($15 for everyone else). Explodemon ($10), Plants vs. Zombies ($15), and Tales From Space: About a Blob ($15) are all out as well. Also, don’t forget to pick up your Pink Knight for Castle Crashers to donate to breast cancer research. Save the Boobies! If you’re into classic gaming, Pocket Fighter and Harvest Moon: Back to Nature are both $6 in the PSOne Classics department. Also a great classic, Super Puzzle Fighter II Turbo is on sale this week. Even if you have no idea what this is (it’s an HD remake of the greatest PSOne puzzle game ever), spend the $5. Then hit me up on the PSN for some online match making where I will destroy you.

I’m hearing rumors about a new trailer for LEGO Star Wars III: The Clone Wars but I can’t seem to find a solid link with my limited resources. If I can get one working I’ll update this as soon as possible.

Lastly, in case you missed it, Amazon temporarily had a listing for an inFamous 2 Hero Edition. I’m assuming it will probably come back sooner rather than later. This edition was listed for $100 and had a release date of March 24, 2011. Considering no date has been set for the game, that’s probably why it was pulled. What was included? An 8 1/2″ statue of Cole, a voucher for several pieces of DLC (weapons, Kessler skin, etc.), 24k gold Amp weapon (whatever that is), a soundtrack, and a comic book. I loved the first game in this series and all the trailers are stacking up for an awesome sequel; don’t know if I’ll spend an extra $50 on the fancy package though.

Multi-platform:
You Don’t Know Jack
Test Drive Unlimited 2

Playstation 3:
Trinity: Souls Of Zill O’ll

XBox 360:
Body and Brain Connection

Nintendo Wii:
Mario Sports Mix

Nintendo DS:
Junior Brain Trainer Two (Nintendo DS)
Naruto Shippuden: Shinobi Rumble
Zhu Zhu Princess: Carriages and Castles

Nothing this week jumps out at me except You Don’t Know Jack. Racing fans have been anticipating Test Drive Unlimited 2 for some time. Other than that you’re stuck with children’s titles for the DS or yet another sports themed arm flailer for your Wii.

We heard the rumors forever now, and if you ever venture into the hellish dimension that is the bungie.net forums, you’ve heard the rumors for forever and a day. Well, it looks like the rumors have finally be confirmed and Halo fans can rejoice because a remake of Halo: Combat Evolved is coming on November 15 – the 10 year anniversary of it’s original release date.

Joystiq broke the story, and included some interesting tidbits:

Sources explain that the re-release is not Bungie’s 2001 Xbox game simply running at a higher resolution — it’s being remade with new art assets. While Halo’s audio will likely remain unaltered, the controls will allow for more recent Halo configurations.

The Halo: Combat Evolved remake is allegedly being developed by New Jersey-based Saber Interactive, the company behind TimeShift and Namco’s upcoming Inversion, but we’ve been unable to confirm the nature of the engine powering it. We understand that it’s something other than the Reach engine.

So it looks like we are getting a true remake of the game graphics-wise, and it’s also my understanding that 343 Industries -the owners of the Halo franshise, now, who are rumored to be working on a Halo 4 game continuing the story of Master Chief- will have a hand in its development as well. Joystiq also went on note that the game will be in full 1080p and be 3D TV compatible, as well as that campaign co-op is “likely” but had no further details on what other multiplayer aspects may be included.

I can’t believe that it has already been 10 years since the original Halo: CE game was released, and I am more than thrilled knowing now that this holiday season I will be able to jump in and kick some Covenent ass with my friends! I’m hoping they will introduce some online head-to-head multiplayer that was in the sequels that followed so we can jump into some original Halo maps and talk shit to all those annoying 12-year olds that are kicking our asses – afterall, I do have a 77% avoidance rate that I need to keep up! I couldn’t be more thrilled with this news and I’m hoping that Saber Interactive will do this classic title justice with this upgrade! Now if we could just get a Halo 2 remake in the pipes as well – or at least some Halo 2 map remakes for Halo: Reach, because all of us Halo fans know, it had the best multiplayer maps of any Halo game to date!

As I mentioned before, the Halo: Combat Evolved remake is currently slated to hit stores (or will it be the XBL Marketplace?) on November 15, 2011!

If you’re a Halo fan, there’s no way you’re not excited about this news! Sound off with your thoughts in the comments below!

IGN UK has revealed a new cinematic for DC Universe Online produced by Blur studios. This cinematic follows up on the one that was debuted last year which saw a bleak future with heroes and villains killing each other. I don’t want to spoil the surprise, but one of the heroes believed to be dead isn’t as we find out in this new movie. Blur has also done beautiful cinematics for the forthcoming SW: The Old Republic MMO along with The Force Unleashed II television spots. They are also working with producer David Fincher on the upcoming movie “The Goon” based on Eric Powell’s comic book from Dark Horse. I think this is a beautiful looking cinematic and helps progress the story of DCUO as we learn whether or not we can trust Lex Luthor. If you want to see some of their other work you can check them out on their official website.

Also released today was a teaser video for the first bit of “monthly” content we will see. Each month will spotlight or revolve around a different character. February will see a group of quests revolving around Catwoman. This new content that will be coming out February 15th. A breakdown of what will be included in the update will be after the video:

SOE has been hyping a classic character playing a large role in this batch of content, and it turns out it’s Catwoman. Selina Kyle is going to factor into a few new parts to DCUO.

New Duo: A two-player Bane duo will be available for players.

Level 30 Catwoman Episode: Here, your character will race to Gotham Museum and find Catwoman robbing the joint. Then, some ancient Egyptian artifacts turn people into lions and tigers that you have to fight. Look for five boss battles in this mission.

Buy and Sell: Auction houses will go live in the Watchtower and the Hall of Doom so that places can swap gear on a massive scale.Additions: New collections, races and investigations will be added.

Legends PVP: Catwoman will now be playable in “Play as Iconic” PVP.

Multiplayer Race: Chase Catwoman with your friends.

New Loot: You’ll now be able to collect the “ancient Mayan Armor” and “Cat Burglar” gear.

Collectable Hearts: Completing races, participating in PVP and other actions will earn you hearts that you can use to purchase chocolates and gifts to give to other players.

Valentine’s Day ContentBelieve it or not, February is for lovers — and now, DCUO is, too. In a rather interesting move, the Goddess of Love is pissed and has put down fountains across Metropolis. Enter one of these, and you’ll be transported to a 100-person instance where you’ll play as a cherub and battle “to determine the true meaning of love.”

New Tier 2 Raid: There’s a new eight-player raid zone for the Batcave. You’ll fight alongside Batman against Brainiac and Brother Eye.

PVP Battles: Dunk the other team into the fountain.Love Alert: This is a four-player boss fight against the Goddess of Love, Devotion and Scorn.

Loot: There’s a new harlequin clown suit with hearts and a cherub disguise to earn.

Mock the Boss: When you replay boss fights, you’ll be able to give them “be mine” cards for Feat points.

PVP Expansion: There will be a new Gotham PVP zone.

It’s been sort of a slow week in video game news, but I think we’ve got a few tidbits you might like.

As a new game with old school style, Bionic Commando: Rearmed 2 has a lot of appeal. It released this week on PSN and XBLA for $15 (or equivalent points). Unfortunately it’s only getting average reviews. Probably won’t stop me from buying when I get some time to play it, but I was hoping this would be top shelf.

Batman: Arkham City has had several new screens released. The Caped Crusader is seen sneaking and gliding. And Harley Quinn is SEEN. Yum. I liked the refreshed look for her in Arkahm Asylum, this time I’m not as sold but it’s certainly attractive. And I dig the barber pole bat. The game is scheduled for Fall 2011.

Keeping up its habit of turning everything good into better through bricks, Traveller’s Tales is set to launch LEGO Pirates of the Caribbean in May. The game will cover all three existing movies as well as the upcoming fourth movie, On Stranger Tides.

I think I may have already mentioned this in prior segment, but if you can’t wait to get your hands on Yakuza 4, you can look forward to the demo on February 23rd (or the 16th if you’re a Playstation Plus member).

A lot seems to be changing in Cole’s world for inFamous 2. His look, his voice, the setting are all different. What doesn’t seem to have changed though is karma-based decision making and the animated comic style cut scenes. Some new screens are floating around the interwebs and a new trailer was released on PSN this week as well.

THQ has some good news and some bad news. Homefront has been delayed by a week. Of course, that just brings you a week closer to Saint’s Row 3‘s release this fall.

If you just can’t get enough action-RPG, rejoice. Dungeon Siege III from Square Enix and Obisidan Entertainment is coming for PC, PS3 and XBox 360 in May. The game will feature four main characters fighting for the land of Ehb and drop in/out cooperative gameplay.

Last but not least, Valve has made some cross-game promotion news regarding Team Fortress 2 and Rift. Hasn’t TF2 been out for like 10 years? Hmm. Either way, Steam customers pre-ordering Rift (an MMO from Trion Worlds) will get two exclusive melee weapons in TF2. The Sharpened Volcano Fragment and Sun-on-a-Stick should automatically boot into your game after preordering Rift. Viceing the versa, Valve has added a new achievement to TF2, “Riftwalker.” Upon completing the achievement the player will receive a special downloadable code that will unlock the Well-Spun Hat (big damn spider on your head) for use in Rift.