PSN updated early

Since tomorrow is Turkey Day here in the States, the PSN has been updated a bit early:

Downloadable Games

Gravity Crash ($9.99)
Gravity Crash combines old school arcade gameplay with next-gen visuals, delivering a simple yet addictive experience. Players can even create their own custom levels to share. You’ll need quick wits and a precise, steady hand to survive the action in Gravity Crash, coming exclusively to the PlayStation 3 and PSP systems via PlayStation Network.
ESRB Rated E
File size: 178 MB
Diner Dash ($9.99)
Players take direct control of Flo, an office-worker turned restauranteur, as she runs to seat patrons, take orders, deliver food, take payment and bus tables as efficiently as possible within the time limit allowed. Play Flo’s career through 4 unique diners. Test your skills against the unrelenting Endless Mode! Play cooperatively with a friend in local or online matches! Form a team with another person and compete online against 6 opponents in Endless, Tip or Time-based matches!
ESRB Rated E
File size: 71 MB
Madden NFL Arcade ($14.99)
Get Madden NFL Arcade on the PlayStation Network!
ESRB Rated E
File size: 535 MB

PSone Classics: PS3/PSP

Command & Conquer ($5.99)
Welcome to the New World Order. Choose between the evil Brotherhood of NOD and the Global Defense Initiative and prepare for combat on a global scale. Will you rule? Or will you be ruled?
ESRB Rated T
File size: 901 MB
Dino Crisis ($5.99)
Survival Horror on a Much Larger Scale. Your most primal fears grab you on this new journey into survival horror from the creators of Resident Evil. Suspicious and terrifying… the world’s most renowned scientist has disappeared and you’ve been recruited to investigate on a mysterious, remote island. Suddenly, out of the mist appears a predator, which has haunted mankind’s imagination for centuries… experience the pure terror!
ESRB Rated M
File size: 248 MB
Reel Fishing ($5.99)
Never has fishing been so realistic! Earn your license and try to catch the biggest fish across seven locations! Break those world records!
ESRB Rated E
File size: 135 MB
Fighting Force ($5.99)
The made scientist, Dr. Dex Zeng is trying to destroy the world, and only the Fighting Force can stop him!
Take the role of Hawk Manson, Ben “Smasher” Jackson, Mace Daniels, or Alana McKendrick, and battle your way through seven expansive levels. Will the Fighting Force stop Zeng’s evil plot in time?
ESRB Rated T
File size: 85 MB
Backstreet Billiards ($5.99)
Chalk up those cues for the best billiards action available! Compete with friends or against computer opponents.
ESRB Rated E
File size: 327 MB
International Track & Field ($5.99)
Do you have the power of a champion? Become the world’s greatest athlete in International Track & Field. You can compete in 11 events, including: 100-meter dash, 110-meter hurdles, long jump, triple jump, high jump, pole vault, hammer throw, javelin, discus, shot put, and 100-meter freestyle swimming.
ESRB Rated E
File size: 71 MB

Game Demos (free)

Gravity Crash Demo
Gravity Crash combines old school arcade gameplay with next-gen visuals, delivering a simple yet addictive experience. Players can even create their own custom levels to share. You’ll need quick wits and a precise, steady hand to survive the action in Gravity Crash, coming exclusively to the PlayStation 3 and PSP systems via PlayStation Network.
ESRB Rated E
File size: 178 MB
Comet Crash Demo
Comet Crash revolutionizes tower defense strategy games by placing control back into the hands of players through an added layer of thrilling offensive gameplay. A group of planetary scientists have detected a fleet of deadly comets streaking toward your home world. It’s up to you to land on each comet and battle the alien forces controlling each one to save your world from destruction.
ESRB Rated E
File size: 59 MB

Add-on Game Content

LittleBigPlanet Rare “SuperStar” Shirt ($4.99)
File size: 1.04 MB
Borderlands Zombie Island DLC ($9.99)
The Zombie Island of Dr. Ned is an addon pack for Borderlands with new enemy types, new missions, and new…surprises.
File size: 922 MB
DJ Hero David Guetta Mix Pack 01 ($7.99)
Downloadable Track Pack for DJ Hero featuring “When Love Takes Over” by David Guetta featuring Kelly Rowland, On the Dancefloor” by David Guetta featuring Will.I.Am and Apl.De.Ap, and “Sexy Chick” by David Guetta featuring Akon. Please Note: Some mixes may be available both as singles and as part of a Track Pack, so please carefully consider your purchases before downloading. For all song credits please visit www.djhero.com.
File size: 45 MB
Dragon Ball Warriors on Earth Pack (free)
The “Dragon Ball: Raging Blast” Character Pack #1 is now available! The first release is the “Warriors on Earth Pack!” This pack contains Krillin, Yamcha, Tien and Chiaotzu!
These familiar warriors with unbelievable powers enter the battle and add intensity to the gameplay! Experience the ultimate battle with these warriors with exceptional abilities!!
File size: 116 KB
Guitar Hero 5
For all song credits please visit www.guitarhero.com.

• Neversoft Thanks The Fans Track Pack (free) – Downloadable Track Pack featuring “Lemon Frosting” by Bunny Knutson, “RockNRola” by Nancy Fullforce, “From the Blue/Point of No Return/T.T.R.T.S” by An Endless Sporadic, “Love Holds It Down” by Dom Liberati, “You Really Like Me” by Davidicus, and “Guilty Pleasures” by Tony Solis. Please Note: Many songs are available both as singles and as part of a Track Pack, so please carefully consider your purchases before downloading.

251 MB (track pack)
Rock Band
Build your Rock Band library by purchasing these song game tracks. For song credits, visit www.RockBand.com.

• “Our Lips Are Sealed”— Go Go’s ($1.99)
• “Miss Independent”— Kelly Clarkson ($1.99)
• “Who Knew”— Pink ($1.99)
• “American Girl (live)”— Tom Petty ($1.99)
• “A Thing About You (live)”— Tom Petty ($1.99)
• “Even the Losers (live)”— Tom Petty ($1.99)
• “Here Comes My Girl (live)”— Tom Petty ($1.99)
• “Mary Jane’s Last Dance (live)”— Tom Petty ($1.99)
• “Refugee (live)”— Tom Petty ($1.99)
• Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers Live Anthology Pack 1 ($9.99) – Build your Rock Band library by purchasing this song game track pack: Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers Live Anthology Pack 01. This pack includes: “A Thing About You (Live),” “American Girl (Live),” “Even the Losers (Live),” “Here Comes My Girl (Live),” “Mary Jane’s Last Dance (Live),” and “Refugee (Live)” by Tom Petty.

File sizes: 22 MB – 39 MB (singles), 191 MB (track packs)

Game Videos (free)

Assassin’s Creed II Dev Diary 5
File sizes: 163 MB (HD)
Assassin’s Creed II Factions Video
File sizes: 104 MB (HD)
Final Fantasy XIII Special Announcement Video
File sizes: 200 MB (HD)
MX vs ATV Reflex Announce Trailer
File sizes: 20 MB (HD)
MX vs ATV Reflex Freestyle Trailer
File size: 19 MB (HD)
MX vs ATV Reflex Variety Trailer
File size: 29 MB (HD)
Resident Evil 5 Lost in Nightmares Trailer
File size: 45 MB (HD)
Planet 51 Chuck Trailer
File sizes: 32 MB (HD)
Planet 51 Gamescom Trailer
File size: 36 MB (HD)
Planet 51 Lem Trailer
File size: 45 MB (HD)
Dragon Age: Origins Dwarf Noble Origin Trailer
File size: 56 MB (HD)
Avatar Ignite War Trailer
File size: 61 MB (HD)
Polar Panic Story Trailer
File size: 57 MB (HD)

Themes

Afrika Dynamic Theme ($2.99)
File size: 5.3 MB
Assassin’s Creed II Launch Theme ($1.49)
File size: 5.53 MB
Cavalier Warrior Theme ($1.49)
File size: 5.66 MB
King Zumo Theme ($1.49)
File size: 5.88 MB
Yuefeng: Fire Prince Theme ($1.49)
File size: 5.14 MB

Wallpaper (free)

topatoi: Wallpaper 3
File size: 226 KB (SD) 1.96 MB (1080)

PlayStation Store for PSP

Downloadable Games (also available from PS3 storefront)

LittleBigPlanet PSP ($39.99)
PLAY, CREATE, SHARE…Everywhere. LittleBigPlanet’s critically acclaimed “PLAY, CREATE, SHARE” experience, makes its way to the PSP system with a completely new Sackboy adventure. Platform through 35+ levels , CREATE your own levels and challenges and SHARE your creations via ad-hoc mode or post them to the community in infrastructure mode. Now you can take LBP everywhere you go!
ESRB Rated E
File size: 1.30 GB
Tekken 6 PSP ($39.99)
Armed with the largest character roster ever in TEKKEN history, wireless ad-hoc battle mode, ability to trade ghost data, Robust single player game experience and character customization system, the greatest fighting game franchise soars onto the PSP system!
ESRB Rated T
File size: 714 MB

PSP minis

Fortix ($4.99)
ESRB Rated E
File size: 25 MB
Pinball Fantasies ($6.99)
ESRB Rated E
File size: 5.45 MB
Blast Off ($2.99)
ESRB Rated E
File size: 24 MB
Bloons ($3.99)
ESRB Rated E
File size: 7.96 MB
Kahoots ($4.49)
ESRB Rated E
File size: 23 MB
Let’s Golf ($6.99)
ESRB Rated E
File size: 45 MB

Add-on Game Content

Disgaea 2 DLC (x7) – Hanako, Pram, Marona, Ash, Plenair, Sapphire and Almaz ($1.99 each)
Hanako, Pram, Marona, Ash, Plenair, Sapphire and Almaz enter the fray! Recruit each of them as an addition to your dark army.
File sizes: 5.83 MB – 5.90 MB

PSP Themes

Cavalier Warrior PSP Theme ($1.49) (also available from PS3 storefront)
File sizes: 493 KB
King Zumo PSP Theme ($1.49) (also available from PS3 storefront)
File sizes: 508 KB
Yuefeng: Fire Prince PSP Theme ($1.49) (also available from PS3 storefront)
File sizes: 506 KB


Yay! LBP as DLC! Huzzah! Oh look, a sale!

Now $4.99, originally $9.99:

• Flower
• The Last Guy
• Prince of Persia Classic
• Comet Crash
• Bomberman Ultra

Now $7.49, originally $14.99:

• Smash Cars
• Invincible Tiger: The Legend of Han Tao

UNCHARTED 2: Among Thieves – Eye of Indra 2 Motion Comic ($0.99)(US only)
Killzone 2 DLC Sale (Flash & Thunder now $2.99, bundle now $9.99)
Fate/Unlimited Codes Sale (now $14.99)


Meh. Not all that great of a sale. Still a sale but kind of a stinker...

LEGO Rock Band free @ Old Navy

Yes, free as in free. Sort of. It will cost you sleep and twenty dollars American.

All you have to do is spend $20 on Black Friday and you get one. A fifty dollar game for twenty bucks. The way I figure it, you get some gifts for the Holidays and a game for yourself (or that could be a gift too), not bad.

Here's the drawback: only around the first hundred or so customers will get a copy and I hear from an inside source that wrist bands and a special line will be in your future if you decide to partake. That's not set in stone but it certainly sounds plausible. Oh, and get there early.

Like one in the morning early. Ugh-

I some additional Rock Band news, some of the tracks from LEGO RB will be exportable into other RB games. No real surprise there, but cool nonetheless.

Nintendo download- Super Mario Kart and pile 'o' electroplankton edition

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WiiWare
 
BIT.TRIP VOID
Publisher: Aksys Games
Players: 1-4
ESRB Rating: E (Everyone)
Price: 600 Wii Points^™
Description: The third installment in the retro-arcade BIT.TRIP saga is a synesthetic exploration of rhythm and music as they pertain to our everyday lives and moods. With a control scheme that’s new to the series yet wholly familiar to gamers, players have complete freedom to move about the screen wherever they desire, interacting with the music in brand new ways. The classic game-play aesthetic remains as color – and the absence of color – are explored to the fullest. Trip out in four-player co-op and get lost in the beat with a friend. See if you can survive the onslaught of Beats and further your own BIT.TRIP.
 
Harvest Moon: My Little Shop
Publisher: Natsume, Inc.
Players: 1
ESRB Rating: E (Everyone)
Price: 1,200 Wii Points
Description: Welcome to Clover Town, where you’ve just taken over your grandparents’ farm and shop. The town has fallen on hard times, though. People are leaving, businesses are struggling and the magic of the Harvest Sprites is gone. Can you turn Clover Town’s fortunes around and restore its missing magic? Raise crops and animals, then use what you farm at your shop. Keep your customers happy by making wild fruit juices, towering ice cream cones and extravagantly decorated eggs in a series of fun and fast-paced activities that use the Wii Remote^™ controller to its fullest potential. Chop vegetables in midair, shake your Wii Remote controller to match your cow’s moves, roll eggs through tilting mazes and more. Use your hard-earned money to buy new crops and animals or expand and decorate your shop. Along the way, you’ll meet and befriend lots of new and interesting characters, as well as several familiar faces from the Harvest Moon series.
 
Little Tournament Over Yonder
Publisher: Gevo Entertainment
Players: 1-2
ESRB Rating: E (Everyone) – Mild Cartoon Violence
Price: 800 Wii Points
Description: In the world of Little Tournament Over Yonder, play as a young Prince or Princess and lead your team through numerous battles. Plan and deploy your units to gain strategic advantages. Launch real-time battles between units and fight hard, fast and smart. Build your team, hire new units with different powers, then groom them with battle experience to gain level. With strategic planning and real-time, fast-paced fighting, this game is for the complete warrior – one who works his mind and his muscles. Go for Single-Player Tournament glory or challenge your friend in a 2-Player Versus match.
 
Learning with the PooYoos: Episode 1
Publisher: Lexis Numérique
Players: 1
ESRB Rating: EC (Early Childhood)
Price: 500 Wii Points
Description: Welcome to the world of the PooYoos, the first fun, poetic brain trainer for children aged 3 to 6. With the PooYoos, a merry band of adorable baby animals, children will have fun while learning the developmental basics: numbers, letters, lateralization, shapes, colors and more. Children get to dance with their new friends and enjoy lovely interactive rewards. There are two levels of interactivity, so children can play according to their age and level. This game has been designed for use by children who have not yet grasped reading.

Virtual Console 

Super Mario Kart
Original platform: Super NES^™
Publisher: Nintendo
Players: 1-2
ESRB Rating: E (Everyone)
Price: 800 Wii Points
Description: Get in, sit down, buckle up and experience frantic kart racing in the game that started it all. Select one of eight characters from the Mario series – offering a variety of driving styles – and take on three championship cups in three different kart classes. Win enough and you’ll unlock a fourth circuit: the ultra-tough Special Cup. Crossing the finish line in first place isn’t an easy task, though, as each track has unique obstacles to conquer. Racers can obtain special power-ups that boost them to victory. For a different kind of challenge, take on a friend in multiplayer races or go head-to-head in a Battle Mode arena, where the object is to pop your opponent’s balloons before you lose your own. With more than 15 tracks to master and nearly endless replay value, Super Mario Kart is classic gaming with some banana peels thrown in for good measure.

A Boy and His Blob: Trouble on Blobolonia
Original platform: NES^™
Publisher: Majesco Entertainment
Players: 1
ESRB Rating: E (Everyone)
Price: 500 Wii Points
Description: Blob has come from the distant planet Blobolonia in search of an Earth boy to help him save his world. Join him on this fantastic adventure, searching for treasures in mysterious caverns beneath the earth, then traveling to Blobolonia to battle the evil emperor. Discover Blob’s amazing appetite for jellybeans and the different transformations that occur with each flavor. Use these shapes to overcome even the most outrageous obstacles. A Boy and His Blob is a fantastic journey filled with constant surprises and humorous characters.

Nintendo DSiWare
 
Castle Of Magic
Publisher: Gameloft
Players: 1
ESRB Rating: E (Everyone) – Mild Cartoon Violence
Price: 500 Nintendo DSi Points^™
Description: Be prepared for anything as you try to save your friend from the clutches of the horrifying magician Nefastax. Stand up to wild monsters in environments that directly influence your movement. As you navigate this universe, the ground will make you stick, slide, sink, swim, levitate and even walk on the ceiling when gravity disappears. A never-before-seen use for the Nintendo DSi Camera application lets you transform yourself into powerful new forms. Visit an in-game Photo Cabin and search for a real-life object that matches the color of the character you want to transform into. Take a picture of a blue object with your Nintendo DSi system and…presto, you’re transformed into a swordfish. You can customize game items – from coins to enemies – with pictures of your choice. Our cute hero’s adventure is just too big and immersive for one screen, so he’ll have to jump between the top and bottom screens of your Nintendo DSi system. Ready to dive into the adventure?

myNotebook: Blue^™
Publisher: Nnooo
Players: 1
Price: 200 Nintendo DSi Points
Description: myNotebook allows you to take notes wherever you are. Just pop open your Nintendo DSi system and jot down your thoughts. Make a list and cross it off or play your favorite pen and paper games (games not included). You can even personalize your notebook by drawing on the cover and changing the paper type with 18 unlockable paper styles. Use the pen or pencil to make notes or doodles, then erase the bits you don’t like. With five ink colors, you’ll always be able to make your notes and doodles look stylish.

Electroplankton Luminarrow
Publisher: Nintendo
Players: 1
ESRB Rating: E (Everyone)
Price: 200 Nintendo DSi Points
Description: Luminarrow plankton are famous for their habit of perfectly following arrow-shaped formations. The plankton spin as they move, changing directions as soon as they come in contact with an arrow that’s pointing in another direction. The pitch of the sound they make will change depending on where the arrows are positioned. There are four types of Luminarrow: red, yellow, green and blue. Each type floats at a different speed and makes a distinctive musical tone. The four types of Luminarrow drift together to create beautiful melodies. Completely alter the direction of the arrows to change their sound dramatically.
 
Electroplankton Sun-Animalcule
Publisher: Nintendo
Players: 1
ESRB Rating: E (Everyone)
Price: 200 Nintendo DSi Points
Description: Sun-Animalcule plankton get their name from their tendency to emit light in a sphere around them. The plankton begin as eggs and gradually grow, emitting light and fascinating sounds throughout their entire life cycle. The sounds they make will change as they grow from infancy to maturity, growing very quickly until they disappear completely. Sun-Animalcule plankton only emerge in the morning, noon and evening. They lose strength as the night wears on; that’s when the crescent-shaped Falcato plankton take their place. The pitch of the plankton changes depending on where they grow.
 
Electroplankton Lumiloop
Publisher: Nintendo
Players: 1
ESRB Rating: E (Everyone)
Price: 200 Nintendo DSi Points
Description: Lumiloop plankton are curious, donut-shaped aquatic creatures. While stationary, they have the ability to spin at a very high rate of speed. As they spin, the Lumiloop emit unique sounds and a fascinating ring-shaped glow. Lumiloop plankton seem to always grow in clusters of five. They produce sounds at different pitches as they spin together, creating a beautiful harmony. This is called a pentatonic scale. Depending on where they live, Lumiloop plankton that produce several different sounds have been identified.
 
Electroplankton Marine-Crystals
Publisher: Nintendo
Players: 1
ESRB Rating: E (Everyone)
Price: 200 Nintendo DSi Points
Description: Resembling delicate snow crystals, Marine-Crystal plankton float elegantly on the surface of the water. The plankton get their name from their distinctive snowflake shape. They grow in clusters of 35 and line up in very orderly formations. When stimulated, Marine-Crystal plankton spin and produce vibrant sounds. While the plankton do grow in size if they are repeatedly tapped, they gradually return to their original size over time. They are born in four polygonal shapes: triangle, square, pentagon and hexagon. The ends of the crystalline protrusions also take on the same shapes. The tone of the sound they make will change depending on the shape of the Marine-Crystal plankton’s body.
 
Electroplankton Varvoice
Publisher: Nintendo
Players: 1
ESRB Rating: E (Everyone)
Price: 200 Nintendo DSi Points
Description: Varvoice plankton memorize the sound of human speech and repeat it over and over. They accomplish this amazing feat by oscillating the long flagellum that extends from their heads. By resonating the vibration with their water-droplet-shaped body, the plankton produce sounds that closely resemble the human voice. The body can expand and contract at will. By changing shape, they can easily manipulate the sound of the voice. Words that the Varvoice memorize and play back in reverse have a particularly strange ring to them. Researchers refer to this phenomenon as Varvoice inversion.

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Lots of stuff this week. It's nice to see so much content for the somewhat lacking DSiware lately. Now if they would just put out some VC games on it, they'd really have a winner.

When I think of all the time I spent on Mario Kart, wow what a great game. Recommended whole-heartedly for anyone who's never played any of the MK games- is there such a person? -This is still the best game in the series...

How about some Nintendo DSi Black Friday bundles?

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Limited-Edition Bundles Include a New Color, Won’t Last Long
Two extraordinary releases from Nintendo are about to give Black Friday holiday shoppers an incredible value – but they won’t last long. Starting Nov. 27, U.S. consumers can purchase Metallic Blue or White Nintendo DSi^™ systems that come pre-installed with more than $20 in software value. These Nintendo DSi bundles are priced for the holidays and will be available while supplies last at participating retailers nationwide.
“These limited-edition bundles come packed with some of the great Nintendo DSiWare games and applications that have made Nintendo DSi such a big hit with shoppers young and old,” said Cammie Dunaway, Nintendo of America’s executive vice president of Sales & Marketing. “The special price and pre-installed titles make the bundles a huge value for the holidays.”
Fans of global gaming superstar Mario^™ will be especially eager to get their hands on the Metallic Blue Nintendo DSi, which comes pre-installed with five Mario-themed Nintendo DSiWare^™ titles, including:

• Mario vs. Donkey Kong^™: Minis March Again: Can Mario and his Mini Marios rescue Pauline from Donkey Kong’s clutches yet again?
• Dr. Mario^™ Express: Mario once again dons his stethoscope to battle the forces of illness in this downloadable version of the classic puzzle game.
• WarioWare^™: Snapped!: Wario^™ returns with more manic action made especially for the Nintendo DSi system. WarioWare: Snapped! uses the built-in Nintendo DSi Camera to make players the star of the show by placing them right into fast-paced mini-games.
• Mario^™ Calculator: Mario and Luigi^™ take a break from their normal adventures to dedicate their heroic talents to working with numbers.
• Mario^™ Clock: Mario Clock includes both analog and digital clocks that use the system’s internal clock or allow you to offset the time however you like.

The White Nintendo DSi bundle is designed for anyone who has a passion for brain teasers. The special White system bundle comes pre-installed with the following Nintendo DSiWare title:

• Brain Age^™ Express: Arts & Letters: Test your spelling in Word Attack, enjoy literary classics in Reading Aloud and tune your musical skills in Piano Player.
• Brain Age^™ Express: Sudoku: Solve a variety of puzzles at three different skill levels using the touch screen and an intuitive interface.
• Brain Age^™ Express: Math: Players can enjoy a mix of new and familiar exercises, including Change Maker, Triangle Math, Sum Totaled and Multi Tasker.
• Clubhouse Games^™ Express: Card Classics: Play familiar favorites like Blackjack and Five Card Draw, or test your ability in the fast-paced Last Card, Last Card Plus and President.
• Photo Clock: Experience all the enjoyment of a photo album while ensuring you won’t lose track of the time.

Beyond the pre-installed titles, Nintendo DSi owners also have access to a wealth of additional games and applications in the Nintendo DSi Shop. Owners with wireless broadband Internet access can exchange Nintendo DSi Points^™ for the titles and wirelessly download them directly to their Nintendo DSi systems. A Nintendo Points Card^™ can be purchased at retail locations, or Nintendo DSi Points can be purchased online directly through the Nintendo DSi Shop.

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Twenty bucks worth of pre-loads is pretty nice - Why Black Friday bundles though? Why not just say they're holiday bundles? Odd...

Know who's giving you free comic books for your PSP?

Sony! Head on over here for a free issue of Transformers: All Hail Megatron #1. When you're done there, go here, for a gratis issue of Star Trek: The Enterprise Experiment.


AND, when you snag both of those, go here for a bonus copy of Astroboy. Okay, okay, so that last one is 't kinda weak- don't complain! You just got some Trek  & Transformers for nuttin'!


I think you did pretty good for a Saturday morning.


Oh, by the way, make sure you check that Sony Twitter often, there might be more codes to be had-

Splinter Cell Conviction : Special Ed

...ition.

Here's a preview of the set and what you'll get aside from the game:

Custom USB Drive
This credit card–sized 3rd Echelon USB drive can stealthily fit in your wallet, is compatible with Xbox 360, and is loaded to the max with exclusive content you won't find anywhere else, including:

• Full-length "Making of Splinter Cell Conviction" video
• Wallpaper
• Concept art
• Renders
• Screenshots
• Storyboards
• And more …

Fifth Freedom: The Art Of Splinter Cell Book
Relive the best of Splinter Cell from past to present. This comprehensive hard-bound art book by Prima™ includes detailed art from the original Splinter Cell, Pandora Tomorrow, Chaos Theory, Double Agent, and Conviction, as well as in-depth commentary and notes from the developers.
Exclusive In-Game Items
Gain first access to the MP5-SD3, a lethal close-quarters submachine gun with an integrated suppressor. Customize your multiplayer character with an exclusive 3rd Echelon outfit.
Collectible Decals
Available only in the Collector's Edition are two unique Xbox 360 decal stickers:

• 3rd Echelon Logo Decal
• Iconic Bullet Hole Decal

Digging In The Ashes Comic Book
Watch the sequence of events preceding Splinter Cell Conviction unfold before your eyes in this one-of-a-kind digital Splinter Cell comic book.
Steelbook DVP Case
The game is packaged in a premium metallic steel case with iconic imagery.

Worth it for the USB drive alone? You decide!!!

The SE of Splinter Cell will be available only on the Xbox 360. It will drop on February 23rd 2010 and cost you $79.99 - not all that bad for a collector's.

Cannot wait for this one. Good God, Bioshock 2 and Sam Fisher in the same month?!?

Deals of the week for the rest of the month on Xbox Live

Here's some more Live info- the deals of the week for the rest of the month:

Week of November 23: 

“Fable II:  See the Future” (Microsoft Game Studios) will be available for 400 Microsoft Points

“Peggle” (PopCap Games, Inc.) will be available for 400 Microsoft Points, and “Death Tank” (Snowblind Studios, Inc) will be available for 800 Microsoft Points worldwide.

Week of November 30: 

“Sonic The Hedgehog™ 2” (SEGA) available for 240 Microsoft Points worldwide (except India.)

Personally, I'll be getting Sonic 2. I have some great memories of playing that with my little friends over Christmas vacation. Watching Sonic fall to his death countless times on my parents massive 25" TV while freezing because my Dad wouldn't turn up the heat was pure magic... good times... good times...

New games on demand and Arcade titles for November on LIve

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“Gyromancer” (Square Enix) | November 18 | Worldwide (except Korea):  The puzzler is back! Starting Wednesday, November 18 download “Gryomancer” on Xbox LIVE Arcade for 1200 Microsoft points. In the game, assume the role of a deadly mage, ‘Rivel’ who is trying to rid ‘Aldemona Wood’ of her brooding darkness. Collect monsters using Bejewled Twist battles to pass through over 10 stages and fight evil. Rated T for Teen by the ESRB, for more game information visit the web site: www.xbox.com/en-US/games/splash/g/gyromancerxbla/

“Diner Dash” (Hudson Entertainment Inc.) | November 18 | Worldwide (except Korea):  The best-selling PC series, Diner Dash, from PlayFirst, has landed onto Xbox LIVE Arcade!  Guide Flo, a former office-worker turned restaurateur, as she builds up her diner empire over four unique diners!  Go online and face players in head-to-head matches to see who the best Flo is on XBLA! Available for 800 Microsoft Points, “Diner Dash” is rated E for Everyone by the ESRB. For more information visit the game page: www.xbox.com/en-US/games/d/dinerdashxboxlivearcade/

“Madden NFL Arcade” (Electronic Arts) | November 25 | Worldwide: The days are getting shorter, the breeze a little cooler, but it’s still the perfect opportunity to play some NFL football. Starting Wednesday, November 25, battle your friends and family for something other than the Thanksgiving leftovers- gridiron glory!  Download “Madden NFL Arcade,” the new, fast-paced 5-on-5 football title from EA SPORTS.  Available for 1200 Microsoft Points, “Madden NFL Arcade” is rated E for Everyone by the ESRB.

Too much turkey land you on the couch? Re-energize with thrilling Games on Demand titles .

“Battlefield: Bad Company” (Electronic Arts) | November 24 | Japan: Blast onto the scene with this non-traditional single player story and engaging sandbox gameplay with “Battlefield: Bad Company”. Featuring continued innovation in online multiplayer combat, “Battlefield: Bad Company” is sure to please Battlefield fans and game players everywhere.

“Saints Row 2” (THQ Inc) | November 24 | Worldwide (except Japan): “Saints Row 2” brings true freedom to open-world gaming. Play as who you want, how you want and with whomever you want in this sequel to the much-acclaimed and tremendously successful “Saints Row”. Set years after the original, Stilwater is both familiar and strange. Help bring the Saints back as the rightful kings of Stilwater and bring vengeance to those who wronged you.

“LEGO Indiana Jones: The Original Adventures” (LucasArts)| November 24 | Worldwide (except Japan and Mexico): “LEGO Indiana Jones: The Original Adventures” combines the fun and creative construction of LEGO with the wits, daring and non-stop action from the original cinematic adventures that enthralled audiences everywhere. “LEGO Indian Jones: The Original Adventures” follows the escapades of Dr. Jones through the jungles of South America to the mountaintops of India with a unique tongue-in-cheek take on the original adventures.

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The Xbox company would also like you to know that Nov. 20th - Nov. 23rd will be a free upgrade weekend for all Silver Live members, meaning that you'll all be Gold members for those days- that includes all the requisite perks that Goldies get.

Need some reasons to buy a DS?

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Remember when you were a kid and stayed on your best behavior for weeks to ensure you got that one amazing gift for the holidays? This year, Nintendo DSi is the holiday gift that kids of all ages have their sights on.
Want to know why the Nintendo DSi is a great gift for kids this holiday season? Check out this exclusive animation by Aardman Animations LTD., created with Flipnote Studio, a free downloadable application available only for Nintendo DSi. With Flipnote Studio, anyone can draw a series of images to create an animation, just like flipping through a notepad.
www.nintendodsi.com/flipnotestudio/wishlist
Nintendo DSi is everything kids want, and is an affordable holiday gift that families can enjoy together:

• Endless hours of fun! With more than 1,000 available games, Nintendo DSi is the platform for fun on-the-go. Many of this year’s most exciting games will be available for Nintendo DSi, including Mario & Luigi: Bowser’s Inside Story, The Legend of Zelda: Spirit Tracks and Scribblenauts.
• Bring Your Creativity to Life! Nintendo DSi features two built in cameras and enhanced sound capabilities that allow users to manipulate photos and music with ease. Create a one of a kind portrait or record a special greeting for friends. With Nintendo DSi, it’s all up to you.
• Downloadable games and applications! With a visit to the Nintendo DSi Shop, users will find Nintendo DSiWare, such as Flipnote Studio, that can be downloaded directly to their portable system. These games and applications expand the functionality of the system and give kids new ways to have fun.
• Safety first! For parents concerned about their kids exchanging data with others, Nintendo DSi features Parental Controls that make it possible to restrict online features and control what kind of games can be played on the system. 

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You know, it's so hard to find any info on the DS. It's such an obscure little console. I mean, nobody I know has even ever heard of it. Good of Nintendo to let us all know it's very bestest points. /sarcasm

Nintendo download- 'We finally get some demo's' edition

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Pokémon Rumble
Publisher: Nintendo
Players: 1-4
ESRB Rating: E10+ (Everyone 10 and Older) – Mild Cartoon Violence
Price: 1,500 Wii Points
Description: Available exclusively for the WiiWare service, Pokémon Rumble is an action game in which you control Toy Pokémon (referred to as “Pokémon”) and take on wave after wave of other Pokémon in a variety of stages. You can befriend some of the defeated Pokémon along the way, which lets you add them to your collection and grants you the ability to use them in battle. Switch between collected Pokémon at any time, taking advantage of the fact that the amount of damage you deal depends on the type of move used and the type of Pokémon hit. Be the last one standing to gain the right to compete in the Battle Royale and test your skills against many Pokémon at once. You can also team up with three people for some multiplayer action (additional Wii Remote controllers required), working together to take down tough Bosses and earning points that can be used toward recruiting or training Pokémon. You can even save your favorite Pokémon to your Wii Remote^™ controller for exchanges with friends. Combining beautiful cel-shaded graphics and exciting game-play features, this is one rumble you won’t want to miss. Note that a demo version of Pokémon Rumble is also available for zero Wii Points.
BIT.TRIP BEAT Demo
Publisher: Aksys Games
Players: 1-4
ESRB Rating: E (Everyone)
Price: 0 Wii Points
Description: BIT.TRIP BEAT brings retro action back as you use the Wii Remote controller’s motion sensor to bounce beats in this rhythm game. Retro visuals, classic game play, four-player multiplayer and an 8-bit soundtrack will get you in the zone and rock your world. Pay attention, though: As with most classic games, the challenges are mighty. If you can stay cool as the difficulty increases, you’ll discover the beginnings of the BIT.TRIP saga.
FINAL FANTASY CRYSTAL CHRONICLES: My Life as a Darklord Demo
Publisher: SQUARE ENIX
Players: 1
ESRB Rating: E10+ (Everyone 10 and Older) – Mild Fantasy Violence, Mild Suggestive Themes
Price: 0 Wii Points
Description: Step into the royal shoes of the Darklord’s daughter as she installs traps and monsters inside her tower to fight back the endless waves of invading adventurers in this world-conquest role-playing game. Filling your demonic tower with monsters and traps called Artifacts is your only hope to keep the adventurers from destroying the Dark Crystal on the top floor. Fly your tower across the land and conquer every stage on your way to dominating the entire world.
NyxQuest: Kindred Spirits Demo
Publisher: Over The Top Games
Players: 1-2
ESRB Rating: E (Everyone) – Mild Fantasy Violence
Price: 0 Wii Points
Description: NyxQuest: Kindred Spirits is the awesome story of Nyx, an enigmatic winged girl who must descend from heaven in search of her missing friend, Icarus. Fly over the ruins of ancient Greece and avoid falling into blazing sands or perishing in the claws of cruel harpies and hydras. You’ll need the help of Zeus and other benevolent gods from Olympus to summon their powers. They will let you cast rays, modify the scenery and control winds at will. Fly, aim and shoot using the Wii Remote controller. Play with a friend and maximize your abilities: While one player controls Nyx, the other will control the powers from the gods.
World of Goo Demo
Publisher: 2D BOY
Players: 1-4
ESRB Rating: E (Everyone) – Comic Mischief
Price: 0 Wii Points
Description: World of Goo is an award-winning, physics-based puzzle/construction game made entirely by two guys. Use living, squirming, talking globs of goo to build structures, bridges, cannonballs, zeppelins and giant tongues. The millions of Goo Balls that live in the beautiful World of Goo are curious to explore, but they don’t know that they are in a game, nor that they are extremely delicious.
Virtual Console
Indiana Jones’ Greatest Adventures^™
Original platform: Super NES^™
Publisher: LucasArts
Players: 1
ESRB Rating: E10+ (Everyone 10 and Older) – Mild Violence
Price: 800 Wii Points
Description: Grab your trusty whip and slash your way through all three Indy classics in this no-thrills-barred adventure. If it happened in the movies, it happens here: the giant boulder from Raiders of the Lost Ark, the mine-cart chase from Temple of Doom, the three trials from Last Crusade, Rene Belloq and Colonel Vogel – it’s three times the action, all in one fully loaded game.
STREET FIGHTER II’: CHAMPION EDITION
Original platform: TurboGrafx16
Publisher: Capcom
Players: 1-2
ESRB Rating: T (Teen) – Mild Blood, Violence
Price: 700 Wii Points
Description: This is the classic PCEngine (TurboGrafx16) version of the two-player fighting game that started it all. At the time, a large capacity HuCARD was used to allow faithful recreation of the dynamic arcade game and its features, including bonus stages and sound effects. In the game, players select one of 12 characters and face opponents in a no-holds-barred battle to decide the top fighter. Master a character’s special moves and combos to defeat your rivals around the world. In “V.S. BATTLE” mode, there’s a convenient handicap feature. Using this feature to adjust a character’s performance, a novice player can be evenly matched against a seasoned player to enjoy an intense, head-to-head combat experience.
Nintendo DSiWare
Art Style^™: DIGIDRIVE^™
Publisher: Nintendo
Players: 1-2
ESRB Rating: E (Everyone)
Price: 500 Nintendo DSi Points^™
Description: It’s traffic control with a twist as you try to direct identical cars down the same road in Art Style: DIGIDRIVE. This constantly moving puzzle game combines an easily understood playing field (an intersection) and a simple goal (create fuel), challenging you to properly guide a never-ending stream of cars. Stack similar cars five deep to create some fuel, then use that fuel to continue your progress in the game. Play in ENDLESS mode to see how long you can last, or compete against the computer or a human opponent in VS mode. Use combos to your advantage and see if your reflexes can handle the intensity of Overdrive mode. When all is said and done, you may never look at gridlock quite the same way again.
Arcade Bowling
Publisher: Skyworks Interactive
Players: 1
ESRB Rating: E (Everyone)
Price: 200 Nintendo DSi Points
Description: From Skyworks comes another addictively classic game, Arcade Bowling. It was designed by video game legend David Crane, one of the original founders of Activision and one of the most critically acclaimed game designers of all time. In the tradition of everyone’s favorite Boardwalk bowling game, use your stylus and steady aim to flick “laser” balls down the alley and up the ramp into the scoring holes. The farther away the scoring hole is, the more points you’ll get. Arcade Bowling features three futuristic sound tracks, state-of-the-art 3-D graphics and two addictive game modes, Classic and Progressive. In Classic Mode, roll up to nine balls to score as many points as you can. In Progressive Mode, enjoy multiple levels of game play with increasing score plateaus and bonus targets.
Robot Rescue
Publisher: Teyon
Players: 1
ESRB Rating: E (Everyone) – Comic Mischief
Price: 200 Nintendo DSi Points
Description: Robot Rescue is a fun logic game based on a simple but entertaining concept. Your mission is to free robots trapped in 45 evil computer labyrinths while avoiding deadly traps. Sound easy? Not so fast. Each robot shares linked controls, so when you move one, you move them all. It will take clever planning and nerves of steel to pull off this electronic escape. You’ll need to avoid many traps, such as mines or electrical circuits, and take advantage of special elements like glue stains. Choose one of three difficulty levels and get ready for a challenge.

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The demos are loooong overdue but DSiware has to step it up. In the last few weeks there's been way more releases, and that's great, but the quality of those releases has been very suspect. I know this isn't meant to be the VC from the Wii- but it'd be a better service if it was. Just sayin'

Nintendo tops the sales charts

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Nintendo’s Wii^™ and Nintendo DS^™ systems claimed the top hardware sales positions for October, making them well-positioned to become one of the must-have holiday gifts for the fourth consecutive year. U.S. shoppers snapped up nearly 507,000 Wii systems in October, bringing lifetime sales to more than 22 million, according to the independent NPD Group, which tracks video game sales in the United States. Wii sales spiked more than 9.5 percent over September, a remarkable result, considering that September was a five-week reporting month for NPD, while October included just four weeks. Consumers were attracted by top software like Wii Sports Resort^™ and Wii Fit^™ Plus, as well as the system’s new suggested retail price of $199.99.
Nintendo’s hand-helds, Nintendo DSi^™ and Nintendo DS Lite, combined to sell more than 457,000 units, and placed second in overall video game hardware sales. The Nintendo DS franchise has sold through nearly 34 million units in the United States since its 2004 launch and is poised to surpass the all-time single-year U.S. hardware sales record, set in 2008 by the Wii console, with more than 10 million units sold.
“Nintendo’s year-to-date share of total game sales and total industry revenues are up over the same period last year,” said Cammie Dunaway, Nintendo of America’s executive vice president of Sales & Marketing. “We are very appreciative of the continued, strong consumer response to both of our systems as we head into the holidays, and are excited to bring to them our key games, like New Super Mario Bros Wii, which launches this Sunday, and The Legend of Zelda: Spirit Tracks, which launches Dec. 7.”
Four games published for Nintendo systems finished in the top 10 best-sellers of October in the United States. These include Wii Fit Plus at No. 5 with nearly 232,000 sold, Wii Fit Plus (with the Wii Balance Board^™ accessory) at No. 6 with more than 209,000 sold, Wii Sports Resort with two Wii MotionPlus^™ accessories at No. 8 with nearly 179,000 sold and Kingdom Hearts 358/2 Days for Nintendo DS and Nintendo DSi at No. 10 with more than 169,000 sold.
Along with Wii Sports Resort, which launched in July, games such as Wii Fit, Mario Kart^™ Wii, Wii Play^™, Pokémon^™ Platinum Version and Mario Kart DS currently sit in the top 10 best-sellers for all of 2009.

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A little bit surprising considering that the Wii has really slowed dow in sales. Whats not surprising at all is the continued success of the DS line. The thing's a  juggernaut and cannot be beat for sheer entertainment and variety of software. It's a shame that the PSP Go was such a massive failure, it would have been good to see some competition in the mobile market. Now we'll have to wait and see what happens with the rumored next-gen PSP and DS.

Mobile TV just got overpriced and useless!

Well, not completely useless as the FLO TV handheld does allow you to watch your favorite 'stories' just about anywhere. This might sound cool but as Engadget reports, the thing costs a brutal $250 and an $8 per month fee to receive signals! With a three year contract! That's really an outrageous pricing system for something that only does one thing- and it's not even something all that special in this day and age. Reminds me a little of the Peek (the device that allows you to check your email... and nothing else).

At least it looks cool.

Natal priced and dated?

Big story going around today is that the much anticipated Project Natal camera and motion detection system for the Xbox 360 from Microsoft has had it's deets leaked. Hate when that happens...

From the reports, it looks as though Natal (still officially unnamed) will bust out in one year, November 2010, and will cost $80 or less. Possibly as low as $50.00- it will also launch with 14 games behind it. I assume one of those has to be Halo: Reach.

MS is really treating this as a console launch, which is something I wasn't expecting since I've long held the thought that the 360 (as welll as the PS3) won't see anywhere near the 10 year estimates for this console cycle. Makes you wonder.

Also, at those prices (might one be a bundle?) this is pretty much a must buy for any 360 owner looking for a new experience, even someone like me who hates motion controls.

Of course this is all rumor at this point. *ahem*

Did you guys know that Halo Waypoint launched on Xbox Live?

A lot of people don't for some reason.

If you're a Halo fan you definately want to check it out because you'll most likely get a bunch of goodies in the form of Avatar Awards the second you log on. Here's a list of the bonuses that you'll be get just for playing and/or beating Halo themed games-

Achievement Title	Achievement Description	Achievement Awardable
Tourist	Accessed and downloaded the city map to your VISR.	ODST Black T-shirt
Dark Times	Killed 5 enemies while using VISR mode.	ODST hoodie
Campaign Complete: Normal	Completed the Campaign on Normal difficulty.	ODST Rookie Helmet
Good Samaritan	Killed no Engineers in the city at night during entire campaign, alone or with another ODST.	ODST Full Body Armor
Vidmaster Challenge: Endure	In Firefight, on any mission, pass the 4th Set on 4-player Heroic LIVE co-op	ODST Dare Helmet (Female) Recon Helmet (Male)

There's a lot more stuff too for beating H3 and Halo Wars, all for nothin' too.

Modern Warfare 2 dropped today, You get it?

Of course there are some people who are boycotting the game, that's the case for any big release (those non-conformist-conformists, they're wacky), but some are not buying the game for different reasons. Be it no dedicated servers for online play (not a very good reason in my book), or because of the harsh depictiions of real world violence-

What do you guys think? Are you picking the game up or not? And why? The best emails will get posted here and the bestest one (chosen by me and based on nothing) will win a swell prize.

New Super Mario Bros. Wii Brings the Mushroom Kingdom to Manhattan

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Nintendo of America Inc. is giving fans and consumers an unforgettable way to mark the release of its highly anticipated New Super Mario Bros.™ Wii video game. On Nov. 14, the Nintendo World store in New York’s famed Rockefeller Plaza will be transformed into the Mushroom Kingdom, filled with interactive gaming stations, costumed characters, trivia challenges, prize giveaways (while supplies last) and a live gameplay tournament highlighting the game’s new multiplayer capabilities. The event will also feature a one-of-a-kind Super Mario Bros. Museum filled with memorabilia pulled from Nintendo’s archives that chronicles Mario’s history and cultural impact over nearly 25 years. Stop Transmission Sounds like a lot of fun to me- The party runs from 3-7pm so get there early if you want in on the Mario Madness