Did you see the title? It says FREE. That’s right, no strings attached FREE. Zen studios is celebrating a year of great tables by giving back and putting out their newest table for free for this next week. From today October 26th until November 2nd all you need to do is get on your XBOX marketplace, if you haven’t already download the Pinball FX 2 client and download the new Paranormal table for free. That’s it. So if you’ve read our stuff on this game or you just want a completely free game go grab it. Make sure to get it before November 2nd!

For those who have been following us for a while you will know a bunch of us are really into Pinball FX2. Well I have some new information to report, I didn’t really expect it to be so but my playing Pinball FX2 has actually made me into quite an expert at actual pinball tables. The way these guys make these tables is so fantastic because they use the real mechanics that you would find on pinball tables. There’s a local place I go to for lunch which has 2 pinball tables and since I got good at pinball FX2 I’ve been playing on those tables and for just a quarter I can usually get in a good 15 minute game. So if you’re anything like me and you always had the secret desire to become a pinball wizard, I’m living proof that these tables can actually make you into one.

The new table they’ve created is like the banner says “Sorcerer’s Lair.” It’s a good Halloween table full of spooky ghosts and goblins. As I first started playing this table it didn’t feel like it would be a good table for beginners, however once I got the hang of the overall feel I really started to like it. My favorite thing about the table is there are some new views and you can even change your view during multiballs. I really became comfortable and good at pinball when I got the hang of playing multiballs simply because they’re so chaotic, and so it’s tables like this one or Secrets of The Deep where there are a bunch of different methods to getting multiballs so you can really have a good amount of practice at becoming accustomed to multiballs.

As I said this table has some good multiballs but it also has some fantastic missions. Do you see those 3 yellow buttons in the middle of the table right below the goblin? If you hit all three of those buttons a stairwell appears and if from there you can go downstairs into the cellar where you can battle spiders in a smaller table.

Now I was saying earlier that this isn’t a beginners table but it’s a bit more then that, it’s not the easiest table to get started on however it’s incredibly fluid and once you get accustomed to the feel of the table it becomes one of the higher scoring tables you’ll play on. I was also really happy because I was actually able to get all 3 xbox achievements which on many tables seems too impossible. This table has been out for about 2 weeks now and it’s just 240 points.

Wait, there hasn’t been a formal “Anime Update” for like 30 days?!? Sorry about that folks! I got into New York Comic Con / New York Anime Fest mode and it’s taken me this long to get back to the usual. If you haven’t seen it yet, check out our NYCC/NYAF interview with Chris Sabat, Justin Cook and Sean Schemmel from Dragon Ball Z – it was a blast meeting them!

On to this week’s update: We’ve got some great announcements from Viz Media! (And for those of you still following my “Videos from Japan” at the bottom of the Update – I’ve got a new Uncharted 3 commercial with Harrison Ford!)

Press Release: October 21, 2011

VIZ MEDIA ADDS NARUTO SHIPPUDEN THE MOVIE: BONDS TO NARUTO MOVIE MARATHON ON VIZANIME.COM AND HULU

Limited Time Marathon Celebrates Upcoming DVD and Blu-ray Release of Latest Movie, And Includes All Five NARUTO Movies

To celebrate the upcoming DVD and Blu-ray release of NARUTO SHIPPUDEN THE MOVIE: BONDS (in stores October 25^th), and the birth month of the Naruto character, VIZ Media has just announced the addition of the NARUTO SHIPPUDEN THE MOVIE: BONDS (dubbed) to the special NARUTO movie marathon on VIZAnime.com, the company’s own website for free anime, as well as on the streaming content provider HULU (www.Hulu.com).

A total of 5 feature films featuring the spunky ninja are now available to stream from both sites thru October 23^rd. The marathon includes NARUTO THE MOVIE: NINJA CLASH IN THE LAND OF SNOW, NARUTO THE MOVIE 2: LEGEND OF THE STONE OF GELEL, NARUTO THE MOVIE 3: GUARDIANS OF THE CRESCENT MOON KINGDOM (all movies rated TV-14), available with either subtitled or English dubbed dialogue tracks. NARUTO SHIPPUDEN:THE MOVIE is also available dubbed on both streaming sites.

In NARUTO SHIPPUDEN THE MOVIE: BONDS (rated TV-14), a group of mysterious flying ninja have arrived from overseas to launch a sudden attack against the Hidden Leaf Village, leaving behind a wake of destruction. The group is revealed to be the “Sky Ninja” from the Land of Sky, a nation thought to have been destroyed by the Hidden Leaf Village long ago. To save their village, Naruto and his friends set out to stop this new threat. During the course of the mission, Naruto crosses paths with Sasuke, his friend who has parted ways from the Leaf Village.

The NARUTO movie marathon may be accessed from the dedicated site at www.VIZAnime.com/naruto-movie-marathon/. More information on NARUTO SHIPPUDEN THE MOVIE: BONDS is available at www.Naruto.com and www.VIZ.com/naruto-shippuden-movie-video.

Press Release: October 24, 2011

VIZ MEDIA PARTNERS WITH JAPAN’S ANIMATE AND LIBRE PUBLISHING TO LAUNCH

SuBLime, A NEW YAOI MANGA LINE

North American Manga Publishing Powerhouse Launches A Bold New Initiative To Deliver Acclaimed Boys’ Love Titles Digitally And In Print To An Eager Fan Base

San Francisco, CA, October 24, 2011 – VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), the largest distributor and licensor of anime and manga in North America, has announced the launch of its highly anticipated new yaoi manga (graphic novel) line – SuBLime – which represents an innovative new partnership between VIZ Media and Japan’s Animate, Ltd. (Animate) and Libre Publishing Co., Ltd. (Libre Publishing).

This bold, global publishing initiative will present English-speaking fans everywhere with a broad selection of high quality titles. SuBLime will offer titles digitally worldwide on its dedicated web site at SuBLimeManga.com, with many available in Download-to-Own format, and selections in print also available in English-language editions worldwide. From the supernatural men of Naono Bohra’s tales of fantasy to the sexy actors portrayed in some of Youka Nitta’s best works, SuBLime will offer something for even the most discerning yaoi manga fan.

“The yaoi manga genre enjoys a sizeable and very passionate following, and the launch of SuBLime will give fans around the world an entirely new outlet that will deliver an exciting range of titles,” says Leyla Aker, Vice President of Publishing, VIZ Media. “We invite fans to join us as we prepare to bring some of the best new boys’ love manga titles to North America and beyond!”

“I’m very excited to open the way to providing boys’ love manga to fans all over the world,” says Shingo Kunieda, Director of Animate’s Overseas Division. “There are many wonderful yaoi manga titles released every month in Japan, and we know that fans want to read them as soon as possible. We are always moving forward to find new ways of doing business, and by partnering with VIZ Media, we can make yaoi fans happy and release boys’ love titles as quickly as possible!”

Toshiko Ohta, President of Libre Publishing, concurs, saying, “Libre’s dream is to bring our content to yaoi fans around the world. In partnership with VIZ Media, this is now a reality. We look forward to readers’ support for SuBLime!”

SuBLime’s first round of digital manga titles are scheduled to launch this December, and will feature LOVE PISTOLS Vol. 1, by Tarako Kotobuki, and the North American debut of DANNASAMA TO MITSUGETSUCHU Vol. 1, by Haruka Minami. January 2012 sees the debut of OUSAMA NO BED, by Sakae Kusama, and in February, SWEET POOL Vol. 1, by Nitro+CHiRAL. Additional new titles slated for 2012 include SHIZUKU HANABIRA RINGO NO KAORI Vols. 1 and 2 by Toko Kawai, DEVIL’S HONEY by Isaku Natsume, KEKKON ZENYA by Kou Fujisaki, ADULT TEACHER WA OSUKI? by Kiu Aion, and YOKUBOU NO SHIZUKU by You Higashino.

SuBLime’s first print titles are scheduled to be THREE WOLVES MOUNTAIN, by Naono Bohra, and HACHIMITSU DARLING, by Norikazu Akira, which will both be released in Spring 2012, followed by PUNCH UP Vol. 1, by Shiuko Kano, and AITSU NO DAIHONMEI Vol. 1, by Suzuki Tanaka, to be released in the Summer of 2012.

For up-to-date news and release information, please visit the SuBLime website at www.SuBLimeManga.com, or follow SuBLime on Twitter at @SuBLimeManga and Facebook at facebook.com/SuBLimeManga.

Finally: Here is the new Japanese Uncharted 3 commercial starring Harrison Ford, in which he says “Sugei” (the Japanese explanation for “WOW! It’s awesome!”). Enjoy!

If you can’t stand anticipation just scroll to the bottom right now. Seriously, my stomach still has that weird excitement mixed with anxiety thing that I can never explain. I can’t even tell you how downright giddy I am about this news. But, if you like the suspense, just start reading the news in order. There isn’t a whole lot this week.

To start, I was putting some serious thought into how I was going to summarize the press release for Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary, including some dubious Kinect features, in a Quick Hits style paragraph. There’s a lot to see. Thankfully, SenadorKooch already had a full story with all the details and some nice pictures.

Preorder incentives have been announced for Binary Domain. The first, the “Dan Marshall” Pack, applies to your single player character (Dan Marshall, odd how that works, isn’t it). This pack gives Dan the SOWSAR-17 SBMOD Type G Assault Rifle. I don’t know what that means either, but apparently it’s a lot better than his default weapon. You’ll also get three assault perks: Physical Enhancement, Protective Coating, and Quick Prompt. Those beef up Dan’s strength, resiliency, and speed, respectively. The other pack is for multiplayer. Not one for complicated names, SEGA is calling this one “The Multiplayer Pack.” This will come with the “Outside High Rise, Upper City” map. Having read the rest of the names, I’m thinking you can guess where that one will take place. But it’s not just a map, this will also open up the Ninja class for both teams, the Hoga Type 69 Sniper Rifle for distance assaults, and the Yamato-0 Handgun for more up close battles. Pre-order now to get these benfits on release day, February 14, 2012.

After the huge announcement of Ezio as a playable character in Soul Calibur V, Namco Bandai is now showing off the Collector’s Edition. It’s pretty standard fare. You’ll get the typical art book, Making Of… DVD, and soundtrack. This one also includes two DLC armors, Paladin and Dark Knight, plus a parchment letter and art print signed by the staff. What sets this edition apart is the packaging, resembling a high end, hardbound book. No price announced yet, but this looks like your average $80 collector set. Look for the game on January 31st.

Valve loves its fans. Or at least it seems that way. The recent free add-on, “Peer Review” for Portal 2 has gotten a great reception. And now the team is working on the second expansion, Level Editor. I’ve seen a lot of user-generated content in games like Little Big Planet, inFAMOUS 2, and ModNation Racers, not to mention a plethora of PC titles over the years. A lot of the levels can be pretty hit or miss, but when they hit they can be amazing. Knowing Valve, and the kind of weirdos that love Portal as much as I do, this level editor should put on an amazing show. No word yet on when it will be available – Valve is slow, but steady. I wouldn’t expect it until early next year. Also, this hasn’t actually been confirmed for consoles yet. Considering the titles mentioned above, I don’t see any reason not to include on PS3, and I’m certain XBox Live would also be up to the task.

When you open up your Battlefield 3 limited edition today, pay attention to the inserts. You should find one hinting at an official announcement of Medal of Honor 2. The artwork is striking, and on the back you’ll find the Medal of Honor web address and an ESRB Pending logo. The success of the recent reboot means a sequel is a no-brainer, and with Battlefield 3 behind them, it’s high time Danger Close focus their efforts on the sequel to their other shooter.

I’m not sure I dare admit this, but when I first saw this announcement my heart actually fluttered and a very non-manly sound escaped my lips. I’m a shill and I know it. But that doesn’t change the fact that an official announcement from Rockstar about Grand Theft Auto V makes my testicles crinkle. It’s been rumored for months, with multiple casting call leaks for characters that obviously fit the GTA universe. Now it’s official. I wish I had more information, but that’s all we have for now. Well, that and the first trailer should be making its debut on November 2nd. You’ll do well to check Rockstar’s website as soon as possible next Wednesday. In the meantime, all it shows is this:

Yay. Nothing I have to say tops that announcement. So, have a great week and come back Friday for more of the best news in bite size chunks.

It’s a war that has been going on for centuries, a constant struggle for control of the arctic and farmlands. Hundreds of casualties in tens of battles have now been brought to your home console in Rocketbirds: Hardboiled Chicken.

Single Player boasts a 15 chapter campaign with some of the most furious pressing of the R trigger that I have ever experienced. You play as a chicken who has presumably been on the same diet plan as Marcus Phoenix, and it is your job to overthrow the evil, oppressive penguin army. The game is played as a you would expect your typical side-scrolling shooter to be played like. Here, however, there isn’t really any side-scrolling so much as you are presented with one screen at a time. You run to the right and shoot baddies as you enter new screens. After entering into a new screen and immediately getting shot before I could react, I spent the rest of the game immediately firing my gun as quickly as I could every time I walked into the next screen. A lot of the time I would just waste ammo but I got too many kills this way. Also, you get a health bar here instead of dying in one hit because you will get shot a lot. Right off, though, the art stands out as very unique. The character design reminds me of Castle Crashers but what really caught my eye was the setting.

The environment is very well done, especially when you aren’t inside another gray army base. There are a levels that take place outside and it looks fantastic. I’ll go so far as to say that the art is the strongest trait of this entire game. The gameplay at first, was pretty fun and I found enjoyment turning militarized penguins into Swiss Cheese.  This got to be very tedious though once I found out that most of the game is played the same way: Walk into room. See enemy. Shoot enemy repeatedly. Repeat.

You cannot shoot in any other direction than straight ahead. This doesn’t usually become a problem because the enemies can’t either but what really bothered me was that I couldn’t jump and shoot. This meant that any time you jump anywhere, you are left completely vulnerable and this get you shot more than you would think. They introduce items like new weapons, a jetpack (which is kind of fun), and even a mind-controlling bugs throughout the course of the game which serve to kind of spice things up. But it all circles back around to doing the same thing again and again.

I can’t really complain about the story as it is just as in-depth as any other side-scrolling shooter I have played. X is the enemy and they need to be destroyed. Not that interesting but it doesn’t really need to be. The voice acting is a little lackluster and the jokes just fall flat most of the time. I would have preferred if they just didn’t have it in the first place, to be honest.

Then there is co-op. This is basically the same as the first game as you play through most of the same areas but with smaller chickens and a buddy at your side. They do much less here to keep you interested in the new story of “Find the President’s Daughter.” They take out the jetpacks and mind control bugs which introduced new dynamics into the gameplay of single player. You will probably spend most of your time accidentally jumping on top of your partner and sending each other into a jumping frenzy. You can stack onto each other to reach higher areas which adds a little new puzzle element but this becomes more of an annoyance than anything. I couldn’t even find somebody who would play through the entire co-op with me as it just got too repetitive for most of my friends.

I think that the art is fantastic but the gameplay definitely needed something more. The single player is more fun than the co-op but even still, I was bored well before the final chapter (15). I give Rocketbirds: Hardboiled Chicken…2/5 Hardboiled Chickens

Multiplatform:
Back to the Future – The Game (PS3, Wii)
Battlefield 3 (360, PS3)
Champion Jockey: G1 Jockey and Gallop Racer (PS3 Move, Wii)
The Cursed Crusade (360, PS3)
Disney Universe (360, PS3, Wii)
Dragonball Z Ultimate Tenkaichi (360, PS3)
Grease Dance (Kinect 360, PS3 Move)
Heavy Fire: Afghanistan (360, 3DS, PS3, Wii)
Just Dance Kids 2 (Kinect 360, PS3 Move, Wii)
Puss in Boots (DS, Kinect 360, PS3 Move, Wii)

Microsfot:
Dance Central 2 (Kinect)
Kinect Sports Season Two (Kinect)

Nintendo:
Active Life Magical Carnival (Wii)
Captain America: Super Soldier (3DS, already available on other platforms)
Centipede: Infestation (3DS, Wii)
Country Dance 2 (Wii)
Harvest Moon (3DS)
Kirby’s Return to Dreamland (Wii)
Monster High – Ghoul Spirit (DS, Wii)
Nikoli’s Pencil Puzzle (3DS)
PhotoWorld (DSi)
Pokemon Rumble Blast (3DS)
Squinkies 2: Adventure Mall Surprize (DS)
Zoo Resort (3DS)

Sony:
House of the Dead: Overkill Extended Cut (PS3 Move)
InviZimals: Shadow Zone (PSP)

You know the holiday shopping season is shaping up when you see a release list this long. It doesn’t matter that most of them crap shovelware. All those ridiculous dancing games are what Grandma is buying for the little ones. When what she really should be buying is Disney Universe. The gameplay for this looks a lot like they’re skinning Little Big Planet or one of the LEGO games with Disney characters. But that’s not a bad thing. I love both of those franchises – and I’m a grown man with no children.

Of course, most of the adult male gaming community (as well as some females and non-adults) will be skipping the Disney fun to play the first of two major FPS games set to fight each other on the sales floor this season. Battlefield 3 gets a leg up on its competition, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 by releasing two weeks earlier. Since I have no dog in this fight, my opinion on which will be better or sell more is basically irrelevant – but also more fairly balanced, so I’ll give it anyway. Ultimately I think DICE and Battlefield have shown they are the more robust, and dare I say better, game. Call of Duty has the name recognition amongst fratties and sweet bros everywhere (as well as a better framerate that makes a little difference). If I were to pick one for myself, I’d skip the sweet bro community and go with the one my military friends prefer, Battlefield. But, considering the disposable income in frat houses, Call of Duty (and Activision’s undeniable but evil short-term financial savvy) will be the monetary winner this year.

This week several new pieces of information on new maps and Kinect features for Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary as well as a behind the scenes video were dropped.  The final in a set of 6 maps was officially revealed as High Noon; the reimagined version of the popular Hang ’em High from Halo Combat Evolved.  Like the other remade maps coming with the game, High Noon will feature 2 versions.  One will be nearly faithful to the original map, while the other will have some changes to taken into account Armor Abilities and other progressions the games have made.

Kinect voice features have been added so while playing you can say things such as “reload” or “grenade” to perform the corresponding action.  Analyze Mode is Metroid Prime-esque Kinect-exclusive mode in which players are able to “scan” different things in the games such as enemy bodies and weapons by saying “analyze”.  Scanned items can be viewed in a gallery called The Library.  Players will have access to motion controls and 3D models of the item with additional information on each one.  This feature has been met with mixed feelings.  While it isn’t vital to playing the game, it is a nice feature added with additional content.  It can only be accessed and used if Kinect is present, but it seems that this feature could have just as easily been added to a button press.  Some fans (including myself) will be missing out on some content it seems.

The other announcements are updates to Halo Waypoint.  A new interface is on the way as well as a new Windows Phone app called Halo Waypoint ATLAS which show realtime data for the current map the player is on in Halo: Reach and Halo: Anniversary.  It will allow the player to see teammates as well as weapon locations as they play.

Finally, Custom Challenges are coming to Halo: Reach.  You’ll be able to create new challenges on Halo Waypoint for yourself and friends to try.  The challenges will even feature a payout of Credits for Halo: Reach.  It’ll be interesting to see how this feature actually works.

For more information on visit Halo Waypoint and checkout the behind the scenes video below.

Full press release:

Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary” Reimagines Classic Map Hang ‘Em High and Introduces New Kinect Integration

New Halo Waypoint design, “ATLAS” companion experience, and Custom Challenges set to launch alongside “Halo: Anniversary” this holiday

With less than a month until the highly anticipated release of “Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary” on Nov. 15, Microsoft’s “Halo” studio, 343 Industries unleashed a volley of exciting news at New York Comic-Con this weekend, including the return of the fan-favorite multiplayer map Hang ‘Em High in “Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary,” details about the game’s innovative Kinect integration, and the next evolution of Halo Waypoint, the ultimate online destination for “Halo” fans.

Hang ‘Em High Makes Its Triumphant Return in “Halo: Anniversary”

Announced at New York Comic-Con, High Noon, the stunning remake of the classic “Halo: Combat Evolved” map Hang ‘Em High, is set to make its glorious return in “Halo: Anniversary.” High Noon (also known as Hang ‘Em High in classic mode) combines a decade of poignant nostalgia with the adrenaline-pumping thrill of classic “Halo” multiplayer combat, to round out the cavalcade of seven fan-favorite multiplayer maps launching with “Halo: Anniversary.”

HIGH NOON – High Noon returns players to the familiar canyons and catwalks of Hang ‘Em High, the “Halo: Combat Evolved” classic multiplayer map, now reimagined for “Halo: Anniversary” with unprecedented detail. The vast generator complexes, which power this enormous slipspace portal, allow it to connect with an unknown number of locations across the galaxy. High Noon is a densely-packed arena of platforms, corridors and cover, best suited for team-based combat in both Slayer and Objective gametypes (4 – 12 players).

Uncover Rich Details about the “Halo” Universe through the Power of Kinect

Alongside the reveal of High Noon, 343 Industries also unveiled details about Kinect functionality in “Halo: Anniversary,” including voice commands and a new feature that lets players gather canonical  information about its universe as they explore “Halo” and relive the iconic adventure:

• Analyze Mode – Analyze Mode is a Kinect-exclusive feature that allows players to “scan” items of interest within the “Halo: Anniversary” campaign to populate the Library, an interactive encyclopedia of “Halo” lore.  Once in Analyze mode, new articles of interest can be added to the Library by focusing the reticule on them and saying “Scan.”

• The Library – The Library is an expansive index that provides detailed information on items of interest players have scanned through “Analyze Mode,” such as vehicles, characters, enemies and weapons. Through the use of gesturecontrols, players can explore the entire Library at any time and then return to the campaign to continue unlocking more secrets within the “Halo” universe.

• Voice Commands – Harness the technology of Kinect for Xbox 360 to reload your weapon, throw grenades, switch seamlessly between Classic and Remastered graphics and more, using only your voice.

ATLAS Companion Experience and Custom Challenges Usher in the Next Evolution of Halo Waypoint

Halo Waypoint has been the ultimate destination for “Halo” fans on Xbox LIVE since 2009, and this weekend, 343 Industries offered a sneak peak at what’s in store for the groundbreaking online service this holiday:

• New Halo Waypoint Interface – A revamped design and user interface lets players navigate Halo Waypoint and access the content they want more easily than ever before, whether they’re online, on their Xbox 360 or on their Windows Phone.

• Halo Waypoint ATLAS – Available on Windows Phones this holiday, Halo Waypoint ATLAS (Advanced TacticaL Assault System) is a new mobile experience that offers players a detailed, top-down view of any “Halo: Anniversary” or “Halo: Reach” map in real-time, letting them monitor teammates’  movements and positions as they play. This innovative app encourages strategic gameplay and offers a fun companion experience to any multiplayer match.

• Custom Challenges – Building upon the “Halo” series’ genre-defining user-creation toolset, 343 Industries is empowering the community even further by introducing Custom Challenges in “Halo: Anniversary” and “Halo: Reach.” For the first time, players will be able to issue custom Challenges and create friendly competitions with Xbox friends, unlocking infinite creative possibilities to invent and test their “Halo” skills against one another.

For example, players can create a Challenge to get a specific number of headshots (say 50) in Multiplayer, within 24 hours.  They can then try the challenge themselves, or invite their friends to give it a shot to see who can get the most headshots.  Challenges can be created for Campaign, Matchmaking Firefight, Multiplayer and even Custom modes.

Players will also be able to earn “Halo: Reach” Credits by completing Custom Challenges, infusing new creative potential into the game’s deep player progression system, and leveraging all the great new multiplayer maps from “Halo: Anniversary”!

For a sneak peek at Halo Waypoint ATLAS and Kinect functionality in “Halo: Anniversary,” new footage of the iconic level, “The Pillar of Autumn,” and screenshots of High Noon, be sure to check out the new behind-the-scenes videos and screenshot galleries from 343 Industries available today on Halo Waypoint and HaloWaypoint.com.

For more information about “Halo: Anniversary” and the “Halo” franchise, please visit HaloWaypoint.com and follow the 343 team on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/HaloWaypoint.

With a bounty of new features including cooperative play over Xbox LIVE, a bundle of some of the most beloved multiplayer maps in “Halo” history reimagined, new challenges and new story to uncover, “Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary” is a must-have experience, coming exclusively to Xbox 360 on Nov. 15, 2011.

Kind of a big update today, with lots of pictures. Let’s get straight to it….

Could someone explain Dead Rising 2: Off the Record to me, please? Apparently Frank West wasn’t in Fortune City during the second game, while Chuck was trying to save his daughter. But now he’s been retconned into actually having something very similar to Chuck’s adventure? Actually, hell with it. I don’t need to know. What I do know is that Frank will be an even better zombie-killer come October 25th. That’s when the “Cyborg Skills Pack” DLC is released for $1.99. This pack turns Frank into an awesome cyborg with electric powers, a la Cole McGrath. The add-on will add electricity damage to all of your attacks, increase your overal melee damage, and amp up your electric effects when using appliances. But forget all of that, look how awesome this guy is:

If you’re excited about Uncharted 3: Drake’s Deception, and who isn’t, you may be interested in the DLC pre-order plan Sony has launched. Appropriately named the Fortune Hunters Club, for $24.99 you’ll have access to the upcoming DLC and some extra bonuses. Pre-order the Club now, before the game launches on November 1st, and you’ll get the the first four multiplayer map packs, and three multiplayer skins for free. If you’re planning to buy all of this DLC at $45, you may as well save yourself $20 by ordering it ahead of time. You’ll also get an exclusive XMB theme immediately upon ordering. By the way, this would also count towards the October promotion where you’ll get $10 in November if you spend $60 on PSN this month.

Just a guess, but I’m thinking all of that DLC from Uncharted 3 is going to bring a bunch of multiplayer trophies as well. Not that these little icons (or their XBox equivalent achievements) actually do anybody any good, but it is fun to see them ding up and then compare your scores to your friends. At least, I think it’s fun to compare, but that’s probably because I have the highest level on my friends list. Of course, I’m only at level 15 (with 19 platinums – that’s 1000/1000 for the XBoxers), so the latest news on this front from Sony means little to me or anyone I know. Apparently the trophy level was capped at 50, which a player called Hakoom reached after earning over 15,000 trophies. He has since had his level upped to 55. Is there a new cap? If so, what is it? So far, Sony hasn’t said. Unless you’re Hakoom, or play on a shared account, it’s safe to assume that you’ll never actually know.

Sony’s got a couple of other big news drops this week as well. First, the Playstation Store is now available on the Sony Tablet S. This is an expansion of the Playstation Suite, which brings classic Playstation games to Android-based products. At launch, the PS Store App will have ten PSOne Classics for $5.99 each, with more planned to arrive shortly. In addition to what you can see in the picture, launch games include Motor Toon Grand Prix, Rally Cross, and Wild Arms.

But probably Sony’s biggest news drop for the week is the North American launch date for the PS Vita. You’ll be able to get your hands on the next generation of portable gaming on February 22, 2012. There are currently over 100 titles in development for the device, which is a good thing, considering the PSP has always suffered from a lack of quality titles. Among those 100 are some huge names, particularly Call of Duty, Uncharted, and Assassin’s Creed. The handheld will also come with connectivity to Facebook, foursquare, Skype, and Twitter, making it a social tool as well as a solitary one. You can pre-order the Vita on Amazon now. The 3G version is $300, while the wi-fi only option is $250.

Since the latest way to scrape a little more cash from game consumers has become the collector’s/limited/ultra special cool/thematically titled edition, why not go one step further and make two of them? That seems to be Square Enix’s thinking with Final Fantasy XIII-2, though it’s hardly a new concept. They’ve recently announced the Limited Collector’s Edition, which includes a soundtrack CD, art book, six postcards, a lenticular print, and a clamshell package. Also announced was the Crystal Edition that includes everything from the Limited Edition, plus a t-shirt and premium packaging. Both editions will be available alongside the standard retail package on January 31st. Prices for the special editions haven’t been announced, but I would guess $80 for the Limited and $100 for the Crystal.

Classic, over-the-top, arcade, 90s football action is making a return in HD. My first thought when I saw this story was “how can that be legal?” But, it turns out that EA bought the rights for NFL Blitz from Midway when they went bankrupt. Which makes sense. No one else is going to buy it when EA holds the exclusive NFL video game rights. Regardless, this is certainly inspired by the recent success of NBA Jam‘s return in the downloadable space and I think it’s a great idea. In addition to the classic 7-on-7 gameplay, two minute quarters, no penalties, 30 yard first downs, and players ON FIRE!, updated features to the game include HD, 60 fps, Blitz battles (head to head or two on two match-ups, locally or online), Blitz Gauntlet single player campaign, and an Elite league where you build teams with card packs (bought through in-game currency earned by winning online matches) and gamble them in risk-reward match-ups. The game is set for a January release on XBLA and PSN, $14.99.

I expressed some discontent in Tuesday’s VGQH about Catwoman only being available in Batman: Arkham City via the online pass pack-in with new games. If you don’t buy new, you’ll have to buy the online pass for $10 to access the additional character. Turns out, Rocksteady and Warner Bros. have had a little trouble with his beyond just annoying fans. Apparently, some of the games shipped didn’t actually include the code slip to give the buyer access. Further expounding the problem, some of the packed in codes are not registering as valid with their online service. To be fair, only about one half of one percent of purchasers are having either one of these problems. Which, considering the logistics of a game that will sell this many copies, is still pretty good quality control. If you are one of the unlucky few with a bad or missing code, Warner Bros. wants to help. You can contact the WB Games customer service department via phone (410-568-3680), email (support@wbgames.com), or their forum. So, kudos to them for trying to fix it. But, the biggest advertised selling point of the game could have just been included and avoided this whole problem.

On a related note, Mark Hamill told IGN in May that Arkham City would be his final bow as the Joker. While legions of fans hoped this wasn’t true, it appears the actor, best known for his role as Ken in Corvette Summer (not an epic trilogy by George Lucas), has not changed his mind. Hamill recently posted on Twitter, “Hello/Goodbye Joker! I’ve enjoyed every minute behind the wheel of the Crown Prince’s crazy car- I’m going to miss him more than I can say!!” And we’ll miss your talents behind that wheel, Mark.

I know I’m a little late to the game by just starting L.A. Noire earlier this week. But, if you havent played it yet, you may want to hold off just a little longer. The Complete Edition, which features all DLC cases released so far (and there probably won’t be any more with Team Bondi out of business), will be hitting shelves November 15th.

On the other side of the coin, a game that is getting more DLC is Ace Combat: Assault Horizon. The new pack will include two new skins and a fictional plane. The first skin is a Halloween-themed jack o’lantern. The other is a respectful nod to the legendary Marine Corps squad, a Red Devils skin for the F/A18-F Super Hornet. Your fictional plane is the ASF-X Shinden. All three will be available via XBLA and PSN on October 25th.

It’s never been a secret that the ‘bots around here are big fans of Zen Studios’ pinball games (in whatever incarnation they come on your console). Anyone wanting to step into the virtual pinball arena has some stiff competition already established. That hasn’t stopped Creat Studios, who will be releasing Pinballistik, exclusively to the PlayStation Network, on November 1st. Much like Zen Studios, they are releasing a small version of the game at a relatively cheap price with additional tables available as DLC. The pricing ($3.99 for the first table, $2.99 for each additional) isn’t quite as good as Zen’s in my opinion, but they have an ace in the hole. There will be a local multiplayer (or against an AI bot) battle mode. This looks like it has potential, featuring two players battling on a conjoined table, vying for shared goals. I have a hard enough time playing pinball as it is. I’m not sure if making it actively competitive will change that for better or worse. But it does sound cool. The initial buy will get you the “Circle the Wagons” table. “Sector X” and “Made of Money” will both be available at launch.

It’s not too often that I get really excited for a demo, especially one that won’t be out for another 2-3 months. But when we’re talking about Mass Effect 3, I just get giddy. Bioware announced this week that the demo for Shepard’s climactic third game will be available in January. The demo will include both single player and “Galaxy at War” multiplayer. Considering I just pre-ordered the game this week, a demo doesn’t need to sell me on the game. But hopefully it will set me at ease about the addition of multiplayer to the franchise. And if January just seems too long for you to wait, then I hope you’re buying Battlefield 3. An early unboxing of the game revealed an insert advertising early access for buyers of DICE’s latest FPS. The in-game ticker will keep you up to date about when you’ll actually be able to access the demo. All of this is just to whet our appetites for the full game’s release on March 6th.

As mentioned in Tuesday’s column, I have held the idea of Ezio Auditore da Firenze as a playable character in Soul Calibur 5 as wild rumor. Until I saw the official confirmation from Namco Bandai and Ubisoft this morning. Also announced, but much less cool, is the pre-order bonus DLC: Dampierre, the top-hatted freak show from Soul Calibur: Broken Destiny. You’ll be able to play as both characters when the game releases January 31st.

That’s not the only news in Ezio’s world today. Sony Pictures has acquired the movie rights to the Assassin’s Creed franchise. Apparently they are handling production and distribution of the film, but Ubisoft Motion Pictures will have heavy involvement. The newly formed studio also has projects in the works for Ghost Recon and Splinter Cell movies. I’m looking at this with serious trepidation. Video game movies have a pretty bad reputation. Sony Pictures was responsible for the Jake Gyllenhaal Prince of Persia film. That one wasn’t exactly cinematic gold, but it wasn’t completely awful.

There hasn’t been an announcement that the SSX reboot has been delayed, but it apparently has. The original release window for the game was January 2012. But the confirmed street date is actually a little later, February 14th. Not a big slip, and it may just be related to timing the retail landscape. Regardless, I’m certain many of us can think of worse ways to spend Valentine’s Day than rocketing down a mountain on a thin board catching ridiculous air and bouncing hard on the ground below from holding a trick a little too long.

As we get closer to Halloween, I’m finding an urge to play games that are more themed to the holiday. I just started L.A. Noire this week, which just doesn’t put me into the mood for my favorite annual holiday. Also, I’m apparently really bad at that game. I picked up Costume Quest for free via my PS+ account recently. I think I’ll have to start that one this weekend.

What other games would you suggest for getting into the Halloween spirit?

If this is the future of gaming… I will sell my computer and console tonight!

I want to see the full episode now- to learn all I can about it and build one myself! BOOYAH!

This is a world first. A unique FPS simulator that turns gaming into reality as you move, aim, fire and get shot within a 360-degree immersive environment.

Using a pre-release copy of Battlefield 3 and a team of top technology experts from across Europe we’ve built a truly one of a kind simulator.

Centred on the world’s first, portable omni-directional treadmill (designed by Swedish company MSE Weibull) the simulator lets you control the movements of a Battlefield 3 character with your own body. Other key technology employed includes: 12 paintball markers that allow the player, in real time, to feel the enemy gunfire experienced in the game; a wireless gun system; ambient LED lighting; and an Xbox Kinect camera hack.

The full Gadget Show episode premieres in the UK on Monday 24th October 2011 at 8pm on Channel 5.

www.channel5.com/thegadgetshow
www.twitter.com/thegadgetshow

Let’s be honest here. I can pretty much write whatever I want today because everyon’es playing Batman: Arkham City instead of getting their news fix from their favorite geek site. But I’m still going to do my best to get the other four of you up to date on all your gaming news bits:

Speaking of Batman: Arkham City, how excited are you to be play as Catwoman? Hopefully excited enough to buy the game new, or pay $10 for it. Instead of being the integral part of the game Rocksteady has been talking about for months, it appears Catwoman’s levels are not actually required for beating the game. Furthermore, the $10 online pass (that comes free with the game) will be the only way to play as Ms. Kyle in her story missions and Riddler’s Revenge challenges. I’m really not sure how I feel about this one. On the one hand, I completely understand the developers’ need for getting a piece of the reseller pie with an online pass. But if you’re renting the game (through Netflix, GameFly, Redbox, or one of the last two brick and mortar locations on earth) they’re still getting a royalty cut. Not as much as a purchase, but still a cut. Is it right to cut out one of the top talking points of the game for renters? If anything, developers should consider making a game with enough content for someone to buy it rather than rent it. The lack of replay value for Arkham Asylum, combined with a 12 hour campaign time means I had done everything I wanted in five days, playing only about three hours per day. If Rocksteady and WBIE want me to pay more than the $8 rental fee I paid at Blockbuster in 2009, they better give me the content to warrant it, especially now that I’m on GameFly. Catwoman is cool, but not $60 cool.

Street Fighter x Tekken gets two big announcements this week. First, the release date has been announced as March 6, 2012. The other big reveal is the special edition. What do you get for buying the fancy version? How about an arcade cabinet piggy bank (some assembly required), a prequel comic book (you mean this game has a story?), and 45 power up gems? Wait, what are power up gems? The “Gem System” allows you to modify your characters’ stats and abilities by equipping them with various powered gems. The special edition says it comes with nine exclusive gems, and 36 others that include all of the pre-order items. Which, in a roundabout way, also means they’ve announced the pre-order incentives as well.

Another major game coming from Capcom, Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3, also had an announcement regarding a DLC pack. The “Heroes vs. Heralds” add-on will use a new card-based mechanic in a battle against Galactus and his heralds. The card system will allow you to unlock moves and abilities, like super armor, invisibility, combo chains, and the like. Also, according to Seth Killian (Strategy Manager), Galactus will be playable in “his own little mode.” Not sure about the rest of it, but playing as Galactus in a fighting game has got to be pretty empowering. The full game releases November 15th.

If you’re a fan of collector’s editions and the WWE games, you’ll want to preorder your “People’s Edition” of WWE ’12 from the THQ store. This edition comes with a foil sleeve, The Rock in-game character, Topps’ The Rock foil trading card, photo of the Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, and a blu-ray (PS3) or DVD (360) of the “Greatest Superstars of the 21st Century.” The game releases, in regular or “People’s” editions, November 22, 2012.

As promised, Zen Studios announced the first of two “Virtue” tables for Marvel Pinball at NYCC over the weekend. It should come as no suprise that the X-Men, one of Marvel’s flagship franchises, is finally getting their own virtual pinball table. The player will be helping Professor Xavier to assemble the X-Men and train them to master their powers in order to take on Magneto and a cadre of other villains. The use of magnets in real pinball machines can create some interesting effects. I’m excited to see what they do with a character like Magento and a metal ball when they aren’t as strictly confined by the laws of physics. Colossus, Cyclops, Iceman (my favorite), Jean, Nightcrawler, Psylocke, Storm, and Wolverine (who also has his own table) take on The Blob, Juggernaut, Mystique, and the Sentinels in events inspired by actual comics. Expect to see Magneto destroy the Brooklyn Bridge, the Dark Phoenix Saga, and more. It also appears you’ll be sending your ball directly into Cerebro, which looks awesome. The remaining “Vengeance” and “Virtue” tables will be announced soon. And I’m still sticking with my Punisher prediction for the second “Vengeance.”

Square Enix has announced the first piece of their plans for the PS Vita with Army Corps of Hell. Players will control an army of goblins to reclaim the King of Hell’s throne. Not exactly the lightest of subject matter. Looting corpses, building stronger weapons, and using the rear touch pad to make your goblins play instruments (wtf?) all seem to be integral parts of gameplay. This sort of seems like a cross between Overlord and Patapon, but it’s too early to really tell. It will also feature a four player (ad hoc) mode to take on tougher bosses and acquire rare items. The game is exclusive to Vita and is planned as a launch title, whenever that launch happens. Development is being handled by Entershpere, Inc.

While most of the crying and moaning over a dark-haired Dante in Ninja Theory’s upcoming reboot of Devil May Cry has died down, there are still plenty of fans of the classic series that want nothing more than to play the original trilogy (well, two of them at least) in high def. Enter the Devil May Cry HD Collection. Coming to PS3 and 360 in Spring 2012, this collection will include the original Devil May Cry, the much-maligned Devil May Cry 2, and the definitive Devil May Cry 3: Dante’s Awakening Special Edition. In addition to high def sound and visuals, expect some bonus content and the prerequisite addition of trophies/achievements. Not bad for $40.

Until I see something official come from either Ubisoft or Namco Bandai I’m generously filing this one under “wild rumor.” It probably ought to be filed under “pretty good fan created Photoshop.” Either way, it’s a cool idea and would be a perfect fit. Supposedly this is a screen shot from a beta version of Soul Calibur 5 featuring a special guest character. If you don’t recognize him immediately it’s time to sell off your consoles.

And, since that seems to be the last of the news, I’ll just leave things off with a short list of goodies to look for on XBLA and PSN this week. Obviously there will be more, but these are the highlights:

1. “The Missing Link” DLC for Deus Ex: Human Revolution
2. Need for Speed: The Run Demo
3. Okabu, Rocketbirds, and Payday on PSN
4. Dungeon Defenders on XBLA and PSN