Left 4 Dead Maps Resurrected in Left 4 Dead 2 Over Forty New Final Fantasy XIII Screens Just In Time For The Weekend PlayStation Network Plans To Implement Premium Content Subscription-Based Model Microsoft Game Studios Hiring Epic Liason/Producer For Gears of War & Shadow Complex Madden NFL Arcade Game Changers Video Toys“R”Us Goes Game Stop, Geoffrey the Giraffe Now Accepting Used Console Trade-Ins

Over forty new Final Fantasy XIII images were released today giving us a closer look at the game’s Crystarium leveling system, enemy stomping Chocobos, and the summoned Alexander. In addition, a few screens show off the various backdrops in the game — everything from lush green fields to colorfully lit theme park type environment. Have at them, and enjoy the weekend. Read more…

Sony talked about their future plans for the PlayStation Network in their latest investor meeting, with the biggest news undoubtedly being the company’s intention to put a “new revenue stream from subscription” into effect.

A subscription model. That sounds familiar now doesn’t it? Is it the end of the world for free loading PSN hippies? I don’t think so, but while I firmly believe that PlayStation Network users will still get more for free than Microsoft’s Xbox Live Silver members, I’m willing to bet that certain currently enjoyed free features will eventually phase themselves into the “premium” package right before our eyes. Read more…

EA just released a new video for Madden NFL Arcade that outlines the “game changers” built into the game. Check it out and skim through the list which I’ve broken down for you below. Read more…

Toys“R”Us announced an additional service today. In addition to shopping for bikes, trains, and video games in the biggest toy store there is (gee whiz!), you can now exchange your used Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, and Wii consoles at Toys“R”Us too.

You’ve been able to trade-in used games for some time now, but this piece of the puzzle practically eliminates the need to deal with often irate Game Stop employees. Plus, wouldn’t you rather exchange your old console for a few boxes of Legos or some tricked out Hotwheels? I sure would. Full press release below. Read more…

Just one day after the Sony next-gen console celebrates it’s third birthday, the PlayStation 3 gets firmware update v3.10, a perfect compliment to half eaten ice cream cake.

The latest update contains the features we reported on just a few days ago, most notably the addition of Facebook and a new gamercard customization option. Feel free to examine the full press release below. Read more…

The leaks just keep coming today. Japanese mag, Shonen jump, had two pages surface on the web which showcase a gigantic blue monster, a dinosaur looking beast, and a more familiar Final Fantasy enemy — the Cactuar, who apparently has a significant other this time around. High res scan below. Read more…

According to the translated pages of Japanese mag, Famitsu, Capcom’s “Resident Evil 5: Alternative Edition” will feature new costumes, a new chapter, and an updated “Mercenaries Reunion” mode allowing you to play under the same rules of the previous version with characters you couldn’t access before.

North American and European regions will have access to the new content via DLC download, while Japanese gamers will have the option to purchase a disc as well. Below is the pricing breakdown with Microsoft Point information included as well. Read more…

In a recent interview, Square Enix President, Yoichi Wada, was asked if he thought Final Fantasy XIII would be the best selling Final Fantasy ever, and considering the recent US & European announcement video touted Final Fantasy XIII as “possibly the most anticipated game of all time”, his response may shock more than a few Final Fantasy fans. Read more…

Yes. The Sony PlayStation 3 is as old as its generation number indicates. Happy Birthday, you sleek black box that only does everything. May you enjoy a long and prosperous life cycle.

[Thanks PlayStation Blog]

Joe Madueira’s “manga meets graffiti” art style created an Uncanny X-Men comic book craze in the 90s, and his work as Vigil Games’ Creative Director on the company’s action adventure game titled “Darksiders: Wrath of War” looks to be loaded with the same stylistic flare.

If slaying gigantic monsters as a lone horsemen in a sandbox style post apocalyptic world sounds like a good time, you’re going to want to add this title to your watch list. The team at Vigil has done an amazing job translating Madueria’s style into a video game environment, and as someone who still has stacks of his comics stashed away in my basement,  I’m very interested in giving this game a spin.

Darksiders will be available on both the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 consoles and is scheduled to hit stores January 5th, 2010. In the mean time, check out the video walkthrough below narrated by Vigil Games’ Daniel Isaac for a glimpse into the world of Darksiders’ protagonist “War” and his trusty steed “Ruin”. Read more…

There’s “The News”, and then there’s “Duh News” … kind of like “Da Bears” only spelled differently and way less comical. So without further ado, let’s get to it.

Infinity Ward’s Creative Strategist, Robert Bowling, commented on the relationship between their studio and Treyarch (both of which put out Call of Duty games) in a recent GameTrailers’ interview. Host, Geoff Keighley, asked how Infinity Ward felt about another studio developing sequels for a title they created, whether or not they collaborate, and if there was any “rivalry” between the two teams. Here’s what Robert said: Read more…

From Sunday to Sunday, we bring you the new game releases for each week like a UPS driver speeding through a red light for a nooner in the Desperate Housewives section of town.

This week is loaded with games sure to leave you wallet void of everything but sales receipts, gum wrappers, and fake phone numbers from uninterested dating prospects.

Heading off the list would have to be the we can “absolutely” outsell Modern Warfare 2 “New Super Mario Bros. Wii” title for the Nintendo Wii. I’ll have to admit that I was not really into this game at first but having seen a few videos I realized I miss the straight forward “rescue the princes” plot and classic overhead level selection screen. The only problem for me is I’ll have to finally give in and  pick up a Nintendo Wii.

Other notable store shelf additions include Assassin’s Creed II, Left 4 Dead 2, NCAA Basketball 10, Resident Evil: The Darkside Chronicles, and Tony Hawk Ride.

Full list of releases broken down by console available below. Let us know what you plan on picking up in the comment section below. We may laugh at you, but we won’t resort to physical abuse or name calling. That’s a promise. Read more…

I’m a big fan of online co-op as it adds a layer of connectivity to the outside world that traditional story modes lack. That said, the rumor of such a feature being available in God of War III was shot down quickly by Sony today in very few words. Read more…

Several leaked interface images surfaced one the web a few days ago depicting new gamercard customization and Facebook integration for the PlayStation 3 console. Without official word from Sony, it was easy to believe that they were nothing more than well done Photoshop job. Well, that official word came today. As part of an announcement on their Official PlayStation blog, Sony confirmed that the features listed above will be a part of their upcoming v3.10 update.

Feature fanatics may be a tad upset to find that the Facebook integration won’t have all the bells and whistles out the gate, as the blog explains that its initial push will allow PlayStation owners to share trophy achievements as well as their recent PlayStation Network purchases with other Facebook friends, with future updates allowing for a more complete Facebook experience down the road.

No release date information has been announced for the v3.10 update, but we’ll keep you posted as soon as we know more. In the mean time, check out the walkthrough video below for a first look at these new features. Read more…

The last few seconds of a multiplayer team deathmatch can really suck for the players who are already dead and left with nothing to do but watch and wait. It sucks even more when you’re one of the two players left standing, and you’re facing an inevitable draw because the other bastard is no where to be found.

Well, here’s a pro tip for anyone who finds themselves in the aforementioned predicament … go John Rambo on their ass! That’s right, toss your throwing knife through the air, directly over a roof, and into the back of your opponents head. Don’t believe it’s possible? Watch the last few seconds of the Modern Warfare 2 multiplayer video below. Read more…

Square Enix announced the North American and European release date for Final Fantasy XIII utilizing the script that surfaced on the web a few weeks ago. While the release won’t be in time for Christmas, March 9, 2010 is still close enough to put a smile on my face. The latest installment will feature a track by R&B singer-songwriter, and winner of British TV series The X Factor, Leona Lewis, titled “My Hands”.

The five minute narrated video below features developer segments and a thirty second never before seen look at some Final Fantasy XIII in-game footage. PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 won’t be left with this alone though as Square Enix promises to deliver even more periodic updates on the 13th of every month in line with their “Lucky 13″ campaign. Read more…

Some may knock the cartoony style of Madden NFL Arcade, but as a kid that grew up playing NBA Jam in the arcades, I’m really looking forward to getting my hands on Madden Arcade. The game looks fun as hell and I welcome a break from the “just how realistic can we make things look” next gen graphics conga line. Read more…

Way back in March of 2008, we reported on a pretty impressive Bioshock 2 fan art collection by then student Ben Mauro. The art was so well done that it caught the attention of 2K Games Community Manager Elizabeth Tobey. That was just the beginning for a kid who “never expected anything to come” from his school assignment. Read more…

Square Enix seems to full of surprises lately, as the publisher unveiled a new Final Fantasy XIII weapon system in the latest issue of Japanese Mag, Shonen Jump.

You will of course still seek new weapons as you did in the past, however the new weapon modifier system will utilize  materials you obtain from killing enemies, looting boxes, etc, as enhancements increasing your current weapons power. Over one hundred of these modifiers exist in game, allowing for multiple application combinations. Read more…

In an interview about Borderlands, the creative director for Gearbox said that a Borderlands 2 seemed like a no-brainer.

“Everyone here loves the franchise, and it seems like the public is really coming back with praise and love. So yeah, if everything makes sense, Borderlands 2 seems like a no-brainer to me.”

That’s what Mike Neumann said in an interview with VG247. He went on to say that it just makes sense to do a sequel, but they’re still working on DLC content for the original and it’s just watercooler talk at this point.