Previously slated for a Spring 2013 release, Ubisoft has announced Splinter Cell: Blacklist will be coming August 20, 2013. Additional content will be available with preorders; more details are coming soon on that front. If the rumors hold true, this may be their last title on current consoles.

The Kat (Gravity Rush) and Emmett (Starhawk) DLC for PlayStation All-Stars Battle Royale has been slated for February 12, 2013. Both characters will be free for two weeks. If you haven’t picked up this game yet, but know that it’s on your list, there’s an easy way to score this DLC for free after the two week limit. As savvy PS3ers know (especially PS+ members) you can “purchase” this item while it’s free on the store without downloading it. The transaction will be saved in your history, allowing you to go back to it in your download history or directly from the store to add it in to your game when you do eventually get it.

As you might expect, Microsoft’s acquisition of Skype in 2011 means they’ll be implementing the service as far and wide as possible. BSR! recently reported that Windows Live Messenger is being shut down, with Skype intended as the replacement service. Recent next-gen rumors indicate Skype could replace the chat functions on the neXtBox. If true, asynchronous voice and video chat is also a possibility.

Speaking of next-gen consoles, the technical specs for neXtBox have supposedly been leaked. This is probably all fake, but leaks are so common anymore that it might actually be true. So take it with a grain of salt, but maybe it should be a grain of that ever-so-tasty garlic salt:

CPU:

• x64 Architecture
• 8 CPU cores running at 1.6 gigahertz (GHz)
• each CPU thread has its own 32 KB L1 instruction cache and 32 KB L1 data cache
• each module of four CPU cores has a 2 MB L2 cache resulting in a total of 4 MB of L2 cache
• each core has one fully independent hardware thread with no shared execution resources
• each hardware thread can issue two instructions per clock

GPU:

• custom D3D11.1 class 800-MHz graphics processor
• 12 shader cores providing a total of 768 threads
• each thread can perform one scalar multiplication and addition operation (MADD) per clock cycle
• at peak performance, the GPU can effectively issue 1.2 trillion floating-point operations per second
• High-fidelity Natural User Interface (NUI) sensor is always present

Storage and Memory:

• 8 gigabyte (GB) of RAM DDR3 (68 GB/s)
• 32 MB of fast embedded SRAM (ESRAM) (102 GB/s)
• from the GPU’s perspective the bandwidths of system memory and ESRAM are parallel providing combined peak bandwidth of 170 GB/sec.
• Hard drive is always present
• 50 GB 6x Blu-ray Disc drive

Networking:

• Gigabit Ethernet
• Wi-Fi and Wi-Fi Direct

Hardware Accelerators:

• Move engines
• Image, video, and audio codecs
• Kinect multichannel echo cancellation (MEC) hardware
• Cryptography engines for encryption and decryption, and hashing

Rumors on the PS4 front exist, but aren’t as detailed. The biggest news in that direction is that the raw computational power is possibly as much as 50% greater and their blu-ray drive will be 100GB. the extra computational power is technically true of the PS3 versus 360 as well, but developers don’t take advantage of it. Regarding the increased capacity on the blu-ray drive, it’s unlikely developers will take advantage of that either. If they do, we’ll just see two-disc versions for Microsoft’s console throughout the next generation.

After seven years, Bethesda has finally learned something about the PS3. Okay, that’s unfair. I’m sure Skyrim will still be glitchy as hell, but at least they’ve figured out the DLC thing. Beginning with “Dragonborn,” all of the current DLC is headed to Sony’s console in February. “Hearthfire” and “Dawnguard” are both set for release later in the month. We dont’ have exact dates yet, but the 1.8 update patch will be the harbinger. They say it’s coming before the DLC, but I’d wager it’s dropping at the same time as “Dragonborn.” All three additions will have a 50% discount in their first week.

No details are actually available yet, but Starbreeze Studios is teasing their next game. Storm is the operating name for what will be a first-person co-op shooter. Starbreeze has had critical success with The Darkness, Chronicles of Riddick, and Syndicate. It’s a little early to be excited, but the company’s past success definitely makes this something to watch.

Sony is hosting a pretty ridiculous sale this week on the 13 games and 13 movies from last year. The 13 for ’13 Sale runs from January 22nd through January 28th. The games in the sale run about 50% off for everyone, and 75% for PS+ members. This is a really great time to get in on Little Big Planet Karting if you were late to that party, or a perfect opportunity to take a chance on the unusual The Unfinished Swan without dropping a lot of cash. Here’s the list of games, check out the PlaySatation Blog for the movies:

• LittleBigPlanet Karting Regular $39.99, Sale $19.99, PS Plus $10.00
• The Unfinished Swan – Regular $14.99, Sale $7.49, PS Plus $3.75
• Ratchet & Clank – Regular $14.99, Sale $7.49, PS Plus $3.75
• Jak and Daxter: The Precursor Legacy – Regular $7.99, Sale $3.99, PS Plus $2.00
• Hot Shots Golf: Out of Bounds Complete Collection – Regular $24.99, Sale $12.49, PS Plus $6.25
• Warp – Regular $9.99, Sale $4.99, PS Plus $2.50
• Shank 2 – Regular $9.99, Sale $4.99, PS Plus $2.50
• NiGHTS into dreams – Regular $9.99, Sale $4.99, PS Plus $2.50
• Jet Set Radio – Regular $9.99, Sale $4.99, PS Plus $2.50
• The House of the Dead: OVERKILL Extended Cut – Regular $19.99, Sale $9.99, PS Plus $5.00
• Psychonauts – Regular $9.99, Sale $4.99, PS Plus $2.50
• Tiger Woods PGA TOUR 13 – Regular $39.99, Sale $19.99, PS Plus $10.00
• Machinarium – Regular $9.99, Sale $4.99, PS Plus $2.50

BioShock Infinite: Mind in Revolt, a prequel e-book will be coing to Amazon’s Kindle next month (02/12/2013). Written by Irrational Games joe Fielder and Ken Levine, the e-book will be available free for pre-orders. It will also be available for purchase separately for $2.99. The game is set for release March 26, 2013.

Capcom had a rough year with their Resident Evil franchise in 2012. The best part of it was Resident Evil: Revelations on the 3DS. Looking to capitalize on that one gem, the game will be ported to consoles this year. The game has been “redefined” for it’s launch on PS3, 360, and WiiU on May 21, 2013. Disc and digital versions are planned.

Two collector’s editions have been announced for The Last of Us. The Survival Edition will come with an art book from Dark Horse Comics, the American Dreams Comic #1, a DLC voucher, and Naughty Dog stickers. Not a bad package for $79.99. If you want to double your cost ($159.99), you can trade in that art book for some extra DLC and a Joel and Ellie 12-inch figurine. The game is set for release May 7, 2013.

The official results of the THQ auction have not been released, but a few things have hit the leaked rumor mill. SEGA is rumored to have purchased Relic Entertainment and its games, most notably the WWII strategy series, Company of Heroes. This would be a good fit for SEGA considering some of their other properties. The Volition unit, containing one of THQ’s most prominent franchises, Saints’ Row, looks to have gone to Koch Media, the owners of Deep Silver (Dead Island). Obsidian’s South Park RPG seems to have gone to Ubisoft, an odd choice but one of the few powerhouses that can really use it. Of course, nothing is set in stone for now. A sales meeting is scheduled for later today where we’ll likely learn the true fate of THQ’s properties. It’s also worth noting that all sales are contingent on a total of $60 million. If the combined sales do not total that amount, THQ will actually retain the properties through support of Clearlake Capital as an investor. What that means for their future is also unclear at this time.

This is amazing. I can’t wait for this expansion being released on March 12, 2013.

It’s been a little slow on the gaming front again this week, but I sort of think that’s to be expected. We know which blockbusters are coming in the first half of 2013, and no one’s talking about the last half because the whole industry knows there will be next-gen systems coming – even if Sony and Microsoft are keeping mum about them. Although, if we read too much into a recent statement by Sony’s Hiroshi Sakatomi, theyll likely be making the announcement in May, slightly before E3. Also of note, according to research group Baird Equity, PlayStation 4 is expected to release for about $400 in October, one month before the next generation of XBox launches at a similar price point. Baird expects the new consoles will be made from currently available PC components, which seems a little strange to me – as does the $400 price tag. They also say an enhanced Kinect will be bundled with Microsoft’s new hardware.

In case you missed some of the recent stories we’ve run on BSR!, check them out here:
A first person shooter from the NRA
Two special editions of Injustice: Gods Among Us
The announcement of Disney Infinity

In other news:

A December 2012 study from International Data Corporation reveals the Sony PlayStation 3 has shipped 77 million lifetime units. This is notable for two reasons. First, 77 million units is a lot and should give you a little perspective on how massive a hobby we enjoy. Second, this is actually one million more units than Microsoft’s XBox 360. The PS3 has been trailing the 360 since Sony launched it a year after Microsoft’s console. Forecasts had 360 being the big winner on the HD front for this console generation, but the lead may be changing hands as the cycle begins to close out. Note these are units shipped, not sold. Sony’s report in November indicated they had actually sold 70 million units at that time. Microsoft hit that milestone about a month earlier. Expectation is that Sony will likely surpass Microsoft’s units sold before the new consoles are released later this year. The lead position, while new for the PS3, would not be new for Sony. The PS2 only recently saw production being halted in some territories and it still holds the record for best-selling console of all time.

One of the top-rated games of last year (also topping some game of the year lists) is having some trouble on the XBox 360. The disc-based version of The Walking Dead is having some stuttering and freezing issues the 4GB consoles. Telltale, looking to resolve the problem, has a dubious solution. Head over to the appropriate forum thread to download a form. After confirming your proof of purchase they’ll send you a code to download all five episodes from the Marketplace. Why is this a dubious solution? Because the game with all five episodes runs 2.85GB and you’ve only got 4GB on your console. That’s why these people aited for the disc version in the first place! Is it worth shuffling everything off your 360 just to play? I would say so. But, if you agreed with me you probably would have done that already.

Speaking of The Walking Dead, Terminal Reality’s FPS version, The Walking Dead: Survival Instinct, has been issued a March 26, 2013 release date. This version will star Merle and Daryl Dixon (played by Norman Reedus and Michael Rooker, respectively in a prequel to the hit AMC television series. Resource management will reportedly play a major role.

Another zombie story? Why not? The Rigor Mortis edition of Dead Island: Riptide has been announced. The upgrade will include an alternate cover, collectibles, and DLC in travel suitcase packaging. Your collectibles will include a magnetic severed hand bottle opener, bungalow key with wooden tag, and zombie hula girl bobble figurine. Kind of silly, but definitely classier than the European bonus: a bust (literally) of a woman’s bikini-clad torso, missing its head, arms, and legs (which is somehow bloody everywhere except the actual breasts). The Rigor Mortis edition will be $79.99, as opposed to $49.99 for the standard edition. The game releases April 23, 2013.

[Deep Silver has apologized for the UK edition statue. Whether it’s still releasing or not is unclear. The official line is that they are “deeply sorry” and “committed to making sure this will never happen again.” Frankly, it’s misogynistic, but not nearly as bad as far too many gamers want it to be.]

Let’s go ahead and make this the zombie issue. An achievement list has been leaked for Resident Evil: Revelations. This would indicate the game, previously a 3DS exclusive, is coming to consoles. A 360 release is obvious based on this being an achievment list, but it’s likely we’ll see it on PS3 as well. Also, it has the full 50 achievments, unlike the abbreviated list that came with Code Veronica. Look for more when we have an official confirmation from Capcom.

Tim Schafer’s Double Fine Studios has apparently requested the bankruptcy filings of THQ, Inc. ahead of the upcoming auction for the publishers IPs. THQ published Double Fine’s Costume Quest and Stacking. Could Shafer and company be looking to pick up some portion of THQ’s portfolio? It seems an odd move for a smaller (but high quality) developer. They likely don’t have the financial clout to butt heads with an Ubisoft or Warner Bros. It’s doubtful Schafer would be sniffing around for Saints’ Row or Red Faction. But, THQ has a lot of franchises without those huge names. Color me curious. Now I’m even more interested in the auction, taking place January 22, 2013.

On the subject of Double Fine, Ron Gilbert’s The Cave has been confirmed for release on PSN and XBLA next week. the price is expected to be $14.99. If you don’t know what this is… I can’t really help you. Ron Gilbert is pretty amazing and has worked with Tim Schafer for a long time. The game is being touted as a co-op platform/puzzler, but the backstory on it strikes me as a weirdly dark update to Chaucer’s The Canterbury Tales. Maybe that’s just me. Regardless, three player couch co-op is pretty rare, and this game has it.

Starting today, Sony is giving away one PlayStation Mobile title per week for the next six weeks. The promotion launched today with Samurai Beatdown, a 2D rhythm-based brawler. Not sure what this means for PS Mobile. Are they not doing as well as they thought and trying to generate excitement? Or are these good games that just need a little love. By only running them for a week, they could easily create excitement in the handful of quick pick-ups – excitement that may not reach the ears of friends until after the game reverts to full price. Regardless, free games for Vita, Sony smartphones and tablets, HTC Android devices should be a good thing for owners of those gadgets.

That’s it for this week’s VGQH. Keep checking Big Shiny Robot! throughout the week for up to the minute news. Also, check back next Wednesday for any of the smaller stories you may have missed.

Skylander’s success had to be followed with something, and what better to do so than a world that already has thousands of characters loved by everyone. Today Disney announced Infinity which will release this June. The game will be feature sandbox style game play and looks to have level creation in the works as well. Characters will enter the game through a “portal” like device that the figure will connect to. The characters seem to be mainly out of Pixar productions thus far and seem to include: Jack Skellington, Woody, Buzz, Sully, Mike Wizowsky, Mr. Incredible, members of the Cars cast, and even Captain Jack Sparrow and more.

The Characters of Infinity

If this hits anything like Skylander’s I already see madness ensuing. Limited edition figures available only at Disney Stores, or at Disney Land during certain seasons, level creation tools and pieces through on line promos, and millions of children raiding Gamestops and Toys ‘R Us alike. Who said that Skylander’s wasn’t on to something?

Trailer below

When it comes to geek-related games there are very few on the immediate horizon that are attracting as much attention as Injustice. It’s Mortal Kombat meets DC, without all the weird plot stuff that didn’t make sense in the actual MK vs. DC crossover game.

Obviously, since we’re talking comics, there had to be at least one version bundled with some must-have collectibles. Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment and DC Entertainment have just announced the Battle Edition, which will be available “in limited quantities” at GameStop stores. Retail price on the Battle Edition will be $149.99 and it will, of course, be available on April 16, 2013 alongside the standalone game. Included for your premium price will be an exclusive fight stick, featuring official artwork from the game. The fight stick will have adjustable illumination, a foam, non-skid underside and has the option to lock out the Start, Select, and Guide buttons to avoid accidental pausing. You’ll also get three exclusive skins based on New 52 Batman, Superman, and Wonder Woman.

Injustice: Battle Edition

Those three skins are also included in the Collector’s Edition, launching at the same time for $99.99. If you’re not a stick enthusiast, this is probably the better of the two packages. That bundle will include the aforementioned skins, a 10″ collectible statue, and an Injustice comic book.

Injustice: Collector’s Edition

After a press conference following the tragedy at Sandy Hook where the NRA spokesperson villainized “vicious, violent video games” and other forms of media as the cause for this travesty. The NRA has released their own FPS gem for iOS. The NRA licensed title NRA: Practice Range, puts players in multiple practice scenarios with different weapons.


The NRA is not the only organization to villify gaming. They are the only one I know of to call out an industry and then utilize it for marketing as well.

The game isn’t violent by any measure, you’re simply blasting targets, but I do think it’s important to differentiate what you’re actually practicing with vs. what the average gun owner would use. The only weapon available for free in the outdoor range is an M-16 which is semi-automatic instead of full-auto. The weapons you can purchase are an: AK-47, MK11, Dragunov SVD, or an AWM. This game, meant to educate your standard gun owner, and give people practice with target shooting, is therefore packed with guns that the average person would not own. I was relieved to see a handgun in the indoor range and a shotgun for skeet shooting, at least it makes sense somewhere. I suppose someone would take an M16 onto a golf course to shoot flying targets.

The NRA needs to figure out their message and find a different scapegoat, if gaming was responsible for the mindset of people willing to commit horrible crimes, then I would have been a mass murderer years ago. On another note, the NRA game might be the most boring shooter I’ve ever played. You’d be better off downloading something with some story and maybe violence.

CD Projekt Red is the studio that brought you The Witcher games which, in my opinion, pushed the boundaries of what a game can achieve in terms of narrative, emotion, and utilization of the nonlinearity unique to games. The latter comes in the form of choices that leave you pacing around your house trying to make up your mind.

Their new project is called Cyberpunk 2077 (based on the popular pen-and-paper Cyberpunk 2020) which promises to bring more of the head scratching, gut wrenching decisions and affecting moments of The Witcher, but this time the setting is way on the other side of the SciFi/Fantasy spectrum. After The Witcher though, I have faith in CD Projekt Red to do it well. Hell, to do anything well. You could tell me their next game is going to be set entirely on a Mormon-exclusive golf course and I’d probably still give it a shot.

More details on Cyberpunk after the trailer.

Mature content warning.

Cyberpunk 2077 takes place in Night City, in a world where cybernetic augmentation (like in Deus Ex), designer drugs, roving gangs, and “Braindances” have wreaked havoc on society. And don’t forget the shadowy megacorporations endemic to the cyberpunk genre, of course.

Overdoing it with augments, booster-drugs, and Braindances can do a number on a person’s brainpan. Those who do eventually turn into “Psychos”–which, from the sound of things, is a legally recognized designation. As the name probably implies, Psychos are pretty scary dudes. MAX-TAC, or the “Psycho Squad,” is an elite police force tasked with taking down, you guessed it, Psychos. You saw a few of them in the trailer.

The aforementioned Braindances are basically neural recordings. Streaming one into your brain-mounted BD-Player allows you to experience everything the recorder experienced. From sensual data to curiosity. You can check out the Uncharted of the Cyberpunk world or, if you felt so inclined, could check out the Silence of the Lambs of Braindances and finally, finally understand how Buffalo Bill felt when he asked himself that infamous question.

If anything has stood out to you about the (admittedly sparse) details surrounding Cyberpunk 2077 it should be this. The Braindances are a (kind of silly) name for a well-known trope in cyberpunky fiction, but in the context of a game these could offer some extraordinarily interesting gameplay options.

So what’s it gonna be, cyberpunk? Are you gonna fight your way through and survive in this messed up world, or will you devolve into a muttering BD-junkie?

Keep an eye on this one folks, looks like it could turn out to be something really incredible. It’s due to hit shelves, and I’m quoting here: “When it’s ready.”

Bleary-eyed and yawning, you check the clock: 2:30 a.m. It feels like only a few minutes have passed since you started playing. Sure, sleep is important, but you just have to get past one more checkpoint.

But for the gamers at Speed Demos Archive (SDA) and GameToAid, it’s more than just bragging rights or a new high score that’s at stake. There are thousands watching. And money to be gained. But it’s not what you think: these gamers are running for charity.

And they don’t even have to get off the couch.

Couch To $5K

SDA is currently in the middle of their seventh “Awesome Games Done Quick” marathon in the Washington, DC area. They are running 115 games this week, and it ends Saturday. The runs can be viewed live on streaming web video. In the past 3 years SDA has raised more than $400,000, including over $140,000 in the last several days.

GameToAid, an Australian-based site, is doing an Apocalyptathon starting tomorrow, January 10th. They will be doing a marathon of apocalypse-type games for the charity Free the Children, which helps impoverished children around the world. They raised $265 before the marathon even began.

Yes, you read that right. Thousands of gamers have given close to a half-million dollars just to watch others play games. It’s wonderful and mind-blowing all at once.

Viewers can give as much or as little as they want via PayPal (GameToAid’s entry system would like a minimum of $5) while watching gamers play through classic and new games. SDA’s goal is to get through them as quickly and successfully as possible. They are even offering prize giveaways for donations. Both groups’ grand prize is a Nintendo WiiU.

No Better Reason To Game

SDA, which verifies game runs by archiving user-uploaded videos, has more than 700 games archived and thousands of registered users. Its popularity means increased funding goals for each marathon.

Their original goal for their first marathon in 2010 was $5,000 to CARE, a charity that combats poverty.

“When I set that goal, a lot of people thought it was too high,” said Mike Uyama, one of SDA’s founders, before their 2011 marathon. “It was our first marathon, and no one really knew how popular it would be. We had a lot of technical problems from the start. Basically we had to start 3 hours later.”

They doubled that goal and then some: $11,000 in three days.  They have also done runs for other charities, particularly the Prevent Cancer Foundation, the current marathon’s charity of choice.

“A lot of people wanted to do cancer research because helping out millions of people with a disease that effects pretty much everyone in some way or another would be a much better cause,” Ayuma said. Last year’s donations went towards a research grant for preventing stomach cancer, one of the most lethal forms of the disease.

Who knew button-mashing could be such an incredibly fast way to raise dough?

Note: As of publication, SDA nor GameToAid did not give further comment on their current marathons. Duh. They are too busy gaming!

Are you aware of a geeky way folks are giving back to their community? What do you think of these marathons? Sound off below!

Followers of VGQH have may have noticed the last two regular updates haven’t been posted. A combination of slow news and life outside of writing have teamed up to turn this feature, temporarily at least, into a once a week column that we’ll target for Wednesdays. In conjunction, more individual gaming stories will hopefully be coming as well. For instance, today’s huge news about LEGO Marvel Super Heroes being announced. I’ve never been shy about my ridiculous love for these “kids” games and I’m a total Marvel zombie. This is a match I’ve been pining for but figured would never happen with WBIE being involved in the franchise’s publishing and Disney owning Marvel. Seriously, my favorite bit of gaming news this year. And that might continue to be true beyond the first ten days of 2013.

In the meantime though, there is other news to report. Some of this may be a little old hat considering the delay since the last issue of VGQH, but here goes:

There’s been no official announcement, but news of a new DLC pack for Black Ops II has been leaked. “Revolution” will include four multiplayer maps (Hyrdo, Downhill, Grind and Mirage), a zombie map (Die Rise), and a Peacekeeper SMG. The leak included a January 29th release date, with the usual timed exclusivity on XBox 360.

Speaking of XBox exclusivity, Phil Fish’s Fez may no longer be stuck to that platform. Writing on his blog, Fish says “2013 is going to be an interesting [year]. For one, Fez will finally be ported to other platforms.” Those “other” platforms haven’t been formally announced, but PSN seems like a reasonable bet. Possibly PS3 and Vita? Maybe WiiU?

Going in the opposite direction, Retro City Rampage, formerly a Sony-exclusive is now available on XBLA. If you have options, the cross-buy feature for PS3 and Vita still makes the better deal, especially if you can get it free through PS+. But, there are plenty of 360-only players that should be thrilled with this news.

Ubisoft is apparently going movie crazy. The video game company apparently has a lot of faith in their interactive properties as films. We’ve known about the Assassin’s Creed and Splinter Cell projects for some time, though we haven’t heard a lot about them. The latest project announcement is another of Tom Clancy’s brain children, Ghost Recon. This is still the early phase, as Ubisoft Motion Pictures’ Jean-Julien Baronnet is currently working on the pitch. That’s a long way from an actual film but having two other projects underway could easily net them an agreement that hinges on those successes.

Time for another list of server shutdowns on EA Sports titles. Sure they’re a couple of years old, but if you don’t constantly get the latest iterations then this could affect your online play:

• FIFA Soccer 11 – PC, PS3, Wii & Xbox 360
• FIFA Soccer 11 Ultimate Team – PS3 & Xbox 360
• Madden NFL 11 – PS3, Wii & Xbox 360
• Madden NFL 11 Ultimate Team – PS3 & Xbox 360
• NBA JAM – PS3 & Xbox 360
• NBA LIVE 10 – PS3 & Xbox 360
• NCAA Football 11 – PS3 & Xbox 360
• NHL 11 – PS3 & Xbox 360
• NHL 11 Ultimate Team – PS3 & Xbox 360

Guillermo del Toro fans have been waiting since Augsut, when inSANE was shelved by THQ to learn the fate of the game. The final ruling the “Lovecraftian sandbox” title is not set in stone, but del Toro has reportedly been in “talks with a very, very big company. [He] can’t say who, but it’s one of the big ones.” So, no promises yet, but it looks like it could be happening after all. Stay tuned.

Speaking of THQ, their last ditch efforts to remain a functional company by selling to Clearlake Capital for $60 million have failed. As a result, Distressed Debt Investing has announced the company’s assets will be auctioned on January 22nd. The auction will allow for piecemeal purchase of assets, meaning no one will have to buy the whole bag. Instead, interested parties like EA, Warner Bros., and Ubisoft will be able to buy individual titles, like Red Faction and Saints’ Row. That’s definitely a date I’ve got markedin my calendar and we should have a full report on any data that comes from the auction as it becomes publicly available.

The PS Plus update this week has at least one thing to be excited about scoring. MegaMan 9/10 for free is good but not great. A free DLC pack for NCAA Football 13 is pretty lame, unless you’re a Tebow fan. But beta access to God of War Ascension‘s multiplayer is a nice bonus. I’m skeptical of the concept, but the last time I downloaded a multiplayer beta with some skepticism I got hooked on Mass Effect 3‘s multiplayer. Count me in. Hesitantly.

Most of the ‘bots here are excited for Injustice: Gods Among Us, and even more so with two more confirmed characters on the roster. Lex Luthor’s style will be all about the gadgets and projectiles, keeping his distance from some of the more super-powered foes. Bane, on the other hand, will be a wrestling/grappling type character with no projectile attack. He will have a Venom pump that offers a temporary power boost.

That’s going to cover it for this week. Thanks for reading.

Today in a Nintendo Direct video we got our first look at the first full fledged Pokemon game for the 3DS. This is the first Pokemon game that will be in 3D. Pokemon X and Y will be the start of generation six, feature all new Pokemon. We see five of them in this video from Nintendo. There are the three starters (Grass – Chespin, Fire – Fennekin, and Water – Froakie). We also got a look, but no names, at the two version specific legendaries. That’s all the info there is for now, except for the release date. Pokemon X and Pokemon Y will release worldwide in October 2013!

And here is the official press release Nintendo put out:

BELLEVUE, WA—January 8, 2013—The Pokémon Company and Nintendo announced today that the next generation of Pokémon video games, Pokémon X and Pokémon Y, will launch worldwide in October exclusively for the Nintendo 3DS system. New Pokémon, a new storyline set in a spectacular 3D world, and dynamic battles instantly make Pokémon X and Pokémon Y two of the most highly anticipated video game titles of 2013.

“The worldwide launch of Pokémon X and Pokémon Y this October allows players to begin their adventures at the same time,” said Tsunekazu Ishihara, CEO of The Pokémon Company. “Now, Pokémon fans across the globe can discover the secrets of Pokémon games and can collect, battle, and trade with each other immediately.”

“We brought Pokémon into an entirely new dimension and we’re incredibly excited to bring Pokémon X and Pokémon Y to fans,” said Junichi Masuda, video game director at GAME FREAK inc. “The stunning visuals, a completely redesigned environment, game scenario, music, and communication features will bring smiles to the faces of video game players around the world.”

Want an early sneak peek at Pokémon X and Pokémon Y? Visit Pokemon.com to watch a video introducing this new Pokémon adventure, including an exciting first look at the new starter Pokémon in battle! Fans can also catch a glimpse of the newest Legendary Pokémon and gameplay footage from the upcoming titles.

Pokémon X and Pokémon Y will be the blueprint for an exciting array of new animation, Pokémon TCG, and toys debuting around the world.

Be sure to visit Pokemon.com, Like the official Pokémon Facebook page at Facebook.com/Pokemon, and follow Pokémon on Twitter @Pokemon to ensure you’re receiving the latest Pokémon X and Pokémon Y news!