Unfortunately, Bionic Commando Rearmed was delayed a little bit before being released. To ease the pain, Capcom have released the official Bionic Commando Rearmed Soundtrack, available via iTunes or Sumthing Digital!

Both places carry the full album for $9.99US - but if you're outside of America, you'll have to go with Sumthing Digital - as currently only the US can enjoy some BCR beats via iTunes. Sumthing Digital's ID tags seem to be screwed up though - at least, mine were.

I know that once something hits the net it can be pirated very easily but I hope you can see the amount of time and money we have put forth to make this a reality. Just so that you don't see us as the evil corporation that is rolling in money and sticking it to the end-user, let me break down some costs:

We are charging 99 cents per song of which we usually make about 60% or so. That's 60 cents. Additionally there are server management fees, the internal staff hours it took to get the contract up and running, and of course a license fee to create the initial contract. All in all, it probably costs us around 10K just to get the product up and running. We would need to sell 15,000 songs to break even and when it comes to game soundtracks that just isn't a number that you can easily hit.

Source: Bionic Commando Blog - Let there be MUSIC!

Over the weekend Team Xbox got the chance to play a little bit of the original Soul Calibur for the Xbox Live Arcade, giving us a new preview and a whole slew of new screen shots.

The first thing you'll notice is that everything is the same - the textures, the models, the text - all the same. The major addition is the boost of resolution, so now the models look a lot cleaner. No Widescreen mode, instead a - frankly - bland border will go around the screen.

While the resolution boost is great, it would have been nice to see at least some re exported textures. They're looking rather blurry in the screens, and the writing of players names and other text is very ugly - like the sprites in Namco's Mr. Driller Online.

The game will include Arcade Mode, Survival, Extra Survival, Practice Mode, Team Battle, Vs. Battle, and Battle Theater, allowing two CPU players to battle it out.

An interesting omission from the game is the Mission Mode. On the Dreamcast version, Mission Mode would allow players to complete a series of objectives on a map to unlock different artwork. Despite it not being there - the Artwork is! It appears that the Art Gallery is still within the game despite no mission mode, and also gives the player an achievement by looking at everything.

A quick note that may just be a website error, but they specify "Content Downloads" as being available on the Team Xbox page. Maybe some DLC is in the works to add the old Mission Mode?

Check out the more in depth preview over at Team Xbox.

Source: Team Xbox - Soul Calibur XBLA Preview

Over the past couple of weeks light has been shed on some new policies that Microsoft has begun to enforce upon the current Xbox Live Arcade marketplace - that if a game falls within a certain criteria, they will be eligible to be removed from the Live Arcade store.

While I've been quite adamant that this is not the correct direction to go with the live arcade service, I got in contact with as many different developers as possible, and see what they had to say about the new policies. I've been able to get several responses, and over the next week we'll be able to get a bit of insight into the developer mindset!

Mare Sheppard, one half of Metanet software

"Wow, that seems so extreme! It seems very unfair that the offending titles would be pulled entirely, regardless of their sales. Sure, they may be rated/reviewed poorly, but isn't that, realistically, entirely subjective? And, a conversion rate of 6% is still admirable, isn't it?"

Raigan Burns, the other half of Metanet Software

"It really doesn't make any sense that they wouldn't just bump them to a lower-profile category.. deleting them outright is INSANE. Amazon stocks books with single-digit annual sales, and they have to deal with physical inventory! You'd think digital would be even cheaper to manage.."

"We both believe that a rating system would be a better solution to this problem. The system implemented on the Wii is working very well, for example, especially since it requires players to have played the game for a certain amount of time before they get to rate it. It's fair, and such an important feature. Cutting down the catalog is not an effective way to manage complexity; user ratings are."

Thanks to both Mare and Reigan for taking the time to respond to my query.

After the mysterious title Galaga: Legions showed up on the German Rating Board late last week - it's now shown up on the Australian Classification website!

Things are starting to get interesting...

Source: OFLC - Galaga Legions

Two two-game weeks in a row! Are Microsoft on a roll? This week brings you the Space Shooter Aces of the Galaxy, and the cute original puzzler Roogoo!

Enjoy the frantic action of Aces of the Galaxy, an old fashioned arcade adrenaline-pumping shoot-em-up that allows players to save the Universe from the wicked Skurgian Empire. Players annihilate enemy ships with an impressive arsenal of upgradeable weapons including high-powered missile launchers, devastating torpedoes and the relentless chain gun.

Battle intense waves of enemy Skurgians against a breathtaking outer space backdrop, and choose to fight alone or join up with a friend at home or via Xbox LIVE.

Click here for brand new images of Aces of the Galaxy!

Click here for the official Xbox.com webpage, or here for the official webpage!

Roogoo updates the square peg in round hole premise to a whole new level. Help the Roogoo defeat their enemies, the evil Meemoo, in Roogoo, a new and innovative action based-puzzler with addictive gameplay. Players line up multiple platforms on different levels to allow shaped blocks to pass through and once enough stack up, that particular shape closes off.

A simple premise becomes more complicated as Meemoos begin to obstruct players' paths and butterflies attempt to steal blocks away. Players must swivel, roll and boost their way through 45 puzzle-filled levels alone or with up to four friends in cooperative party mode play.

For those with a more competitive spirit, Roogoo offers a two-player multiplayer mode over Xbox LIVE where players battle to solve the same puzzle and can build up attacks to thwart their competitors' efforts.

Click here for new images of Roogoo!

Click here for the official Xbox.com webpage!

In the latest episode of Top Secret: The Bionic Commando Podcast, Ben Judd discussed the impending release of Bionic Commando Rearmed.

Whether it's June or ends up being pushed back to July is unknown, it's all up to Microsoft at this point, and their XBLA summer is quite full as it is. He mentioned that it's a little difficult to get the releases set up for all 3 platforms to release at the same time, along with the in game commerce (ie; buy via demo).

A little extra quip that popped up is this nugget:

... we are going to tie-in in some other secrets into it, there are going to be some more tie-ins with magazines in the future...

All speculation of course, but it's fascinating to see that Capcom are taking great lengths to promote Bionic Commando Rearmed in many forms of media, and for a $10 download does not happen at all. Good on them.

Top Secret File 016: The Top Secret Team

The Top Secret team arrange a hastily-convened podcast, where matters such as sex in games, gaming violence, and the release date of Bionic Commando Rearmed are laid bare. Who needs guests with this level of discussion?!

Housemarque have been making quite a name for themselves over the past year - this group out of Finland, previously known for some classic games for the Amiga Computer, had come back in a big way on the PlayStation Network with the release of Super Stardust HD - a dual-stick shooter with fantastic visuals and the PSN answer to Geometry Wars - some would say it surpasses it.

So who would have thought their next title would be an XBLA exclusive golf game?

Today begins the Captivate '08 Press spectacular! Well, actually it occurred last week, but the embargo has been lifted, and the new screens and videos are now out there! So here's a list of everything (currently) out and about for Capcom's known upcoming titles:

1942: Joint Strike

Gametrailers: Kamikaze Gameplay HD
Team Xbox: Screenshots
XBLAH: Artwork

Bionic Commando Rearmed

Gametrailers: Fortress Gameplay HD

Wolves of the Battlefield: Commando 3

Gametrailers: Gunning Gameplay HD
Gametrailers: Hedge Trimming Gameplay HD
Team Xbox: Screenshots

Plunder!
XBLAH: Screenshots, Artwork

Street Fighter II Turbo HD Remix
Gamersyde: Screenshots - Dee Jay in Action

Thanks to Shard and Kay on NeoGAF for sorting out some of this!

That's right! Despite the game still not announced (and yet, we know about it, and the achievements have been leaked), the Frogger 2 Xbox.com webpage has suddenly popped up, with information of the game and the first screenshots!

Hop along with Frogger 2 as you travel through more than fifteen challenging levels filled with new enemies and obstacles. Each of the five exotic environments provides a new set of challenges, but beware of the bosses that try to thwart your progress. Compete with up to four friends in two different online multiplayer modes, and hop your way to victory.

- Gameplay: Dodge new enemies, obstacles, and engage in thrilling boss battles.

- Hours of fun: Take on more than fifteen levels of action across five exotic environments.

- Multiplayer modes: Challenge your friends as you compete in two new online multiplayer modes. Try Race Mode to see who can finish an enhanced version of the original Frogger level first. Or hang on to the jewel in Jewel Duel, and prevent your friends from taking the jewel.

With this bit it looks like the game might end up being released in the next few weeks without ever being announced. That's... not good.

Check out more images of Frogger 2 here!

Source: Frogger 2 page on Xbox.com, and thanks to Justin for pointing this out to me!

This weeks ESRB update brings us updated Braid ratings, updated Darwinia + ratings, and... what's this? Samurai Shodown?

There are now TWO Samurai Shodown games rated by the ESRB for Xbox 360 consoles - the first and the second. Previously only the first game was announced and shown. Could they be bringing both to the Xbox Live Arcade now? Perhaps SNK are intending to do a double-pack scenario with both titles and then selling that for 800 Points?

SNK's previous titles of Fatal Fury Special and Metal Slug 3 make it a little harder to determine what they'll go for. FFS was 400 Microsoft Points, while MS3 was 800. We'll know when we'll know, I suppose.

Source: ESRB - Samurai Shodown

For Part 1 of Delisting - Developer Response, click here.

For the second part of responses, I was able to talk with Lloyd Melnick, Chief Customer Officer and Co-Founder of Merscom, who recently released Buku Sudoku onto the service. With their single release on the Xbox Live Arcade now under their belt, Mr. Melnick has a much different take on the changes to that of Metanet.

Lloyd Melnick, CCO and Co-founder of Merscom

"I support this policy. I think it is important to maintain a consistent level of quality and if a game is not hitting these targets (which are not that rigorous) they aren't giving the gamer a good experience.

"We put almost three years into Buku and it is frustrating that there is so much noise that player's may not realize our game really is good.

"I always believe in quality over quantity and I think the Microsoft policy is a good move in this direction. I understand how some developers feel they might end up wasting their effort, but I think if they make a REAL effort these hurdles should be a piece of cake."

Thanks to Lloyd Melnick for taking the time to respond to my query.

Penny Arcade Adventures: On the Rain-Slick Precipice of Darkness Episode 1

Team Xbox review by David Chapman - 8.5 / 10
1UP review by Sean Molloy - B
Giant Bomb review by Ryan Davis - 4 / 5 Stars
Xbox360 @ IGN review by Hilary Goldstein - 7.8 / 10
Gamespot review by Tom McShea - 7.5 / 10
Eurogamer review by Dan Whitehead - 6.0 / 10

Buku Sudoku

Team Xbox review by David Chapman - 6.0 / 10
Xbox360 @ IGN Review by Nate Ahearn - 6.0 / 10

Warlords

Team Xbox review by David Chapman - 7.5 / 10
Xbox360 @ IGN Review by Ryan Geddes - 5.0 / 10
Gamespot review by Don Francis - 4.0 / 10

No images have released, just this video and a bizarre press release to go along with it. However, oddly enough, the game was just rated by the German USK rating board along with Castle Crashers!

EDIT: A logo has appeared!

Source: Ninjabee.com - A Kingdom of Keflings

Shortfuse Games - a small game company out of Skövde, Sweden - have announced their first title - Colosseum - is coming to the Xbox Live Arcade.

Colosseum is a large scale arena fighting game being made with XNA. In the game, you play as a fighter in ancient times, where you can fight up to 15 other players online in a giant Colosseum!

Their website also has a competition for you to create a new sword for the game - simple draw a single handed sword and send it in! Check their website out here!

XBLA Activity for week of 5/12Top Arcade Titles (Full Versions)
1 Assault Heroes 2
2 UNO
3 Brain Challenge
4 DOOM
5 N+
6 Ikaruga
7 Wits & Wagers
8 Worms
9 Bomberman LIVE
10 Assault Heroes

Click 'read more' for the rest.

Source: Major Nelson

According to the Capcom USA Blog, Super Street Figher II Turbo HD Remix features a new play mode - Hitbox mode!

In this mode, the character hitboxes, which determine what is and is not a hit in the game, as well as where you can hit, can be displayed whilst playing the game, so you can see just how you can connect correctly against a player, or how you can cancel them out!

Check out more about the mode below.

Source: Capcom USA Blog: Hitbox mode?!

Hudson have released new screenshots of their upcoming Wii Bomberman game!

Though these are from the retail game, the Wiiware version will be the same. The retail version will include an additional single player campaign - but the multiplayer aspect will be the same across Wii and Wiiware, allowing both types to play against each other!

Click 'read more' for more screenshots:

Source: Hudson.co.jp website

Capcom and Tiki games have both announced that their respective games are both coming out this week on the Playstation Network!

Wolf of the Battlefield: Commando 3 is Capcom's second PSN game behind Rocketmen: Axis of Evil some months ago, and a sequel to the classic Capcom game.

As a special treat - the game is being released exclusively on the PSN a week before the Xbox Live Arcade version. Two reasons I can think of for this - A) The PSN version does NOT have the Super Street Fighter II Turbo BETA within it, and B) Next week is Metal Gear Solid 4 week, and supposedly new firmware week. Much like GTAIV, nobody wants to release a small game the same week as the big game.

And secondly, Novastrike will be released on PSN as well! A two-fer week that most likely will never be seen again.

NOVASTRIKE is going to be the first self-published game available on PSN so we’re pretty pleased with that. I’d also like to thank SCEA for all their assistance in making that possible. For you gamers that might understandably not mean much, but for any independent developers that are currently developing a title for PSN or thinking about doing it – we’re proof that you can self-publish a game on PSN.

I suppose I should probably give a little overview of the game now. NOVASTRIKE is a free-roaming top-down arcade shooter where you’re flying an advanced fighter and combating the Draelus invasion. Yes, aliens are pretty single-minded in that regard. Airborne enemies consist of fighters, aces, kamikazes, bombers and capital ships, and you’ll also need to deal with enemy ground installations.

Fortunately the ship you’re flying – the Scythe – can acquire and upgrade weapons over time. And there are nine weapons total, each with three additional upgrade states, to aid you in sending the Draelus to the great beyond!

Sonic the Hedgehog was a big star back in the early 90's. Not so much now, but he was a huge inspiration for a a lot of other console platformers

But he also inspired a PC game - going by the name Jazz Jackrabbit. The game was created by Epic Megagames, being produced by a young Mark Rein, and young Cliff Bleszinski was also a designer for the game. It was also programmed by Arjan Brussee, who currently is a Director over at Guerrilla Games and head of the Killzone franchise. Jazz brought a lot of talented people to the table, who are still going strong in this industry.

Today Europe gets no new games. No Commando 3, no Novastrike, no Fatal Enertia - nothing. Instead, Europe gets the table scraps that is some additional Downloadable Content for Toy Home

Toy Home DLC [$6.95AU, 2.99GBP, 3.99EUR]
- 6 New Vehicles (including a Monster Truck)
- 6 new courses set in "A Girly Room and Family Living Room)

The very same DLC that was released months ago for the US store. Hmph.

Also released however was a new PSOne title - the very original Rainbow Six! Nice to see more games coming out for that!

Continue reading for the entire European PlayStation Store release list.

Though it may not exactly appear to be 'exciting', there seems to be quite a bit of strategy involved, making sure other players aren't stealing your captured towns, and the Hex system seems to work very well.

Source: Gametrailers - Captivate 08: Ship Battling Gameplay HD

While Europe gets essentially nothing, The US Playstation store is getting plenty - Commando 3, Novastrike, and the new Qore "magazine", the equivelant of paying for PlayStation Propaganda with the extra insentive of a SOCOM: Confrontation BETA key!

Qore Episode 001: June, 2008 ($2.99 Issue, $24.99 Annual Subscription)

Qore: Presented by The PLAYSTATION Network is a monthly interactive video production covering the world of PlayStation. Qore provides its audience with exclusive behind-the-scenes access to developers and their games, from both the SCE Worldwide Studios and the third-party community, where the audience member can control and direct the content. This issue comes with a code to get into the SOCOM Confrontation Open BETA
File size: 1.53 GB

Wolf of the Battlefield: Commando 3 ($9.99)

One of the most popular arcade shooters is back! Wolf of the Battlefield: Commando 3 revives classic Commando action with an all new adventure.
ESRB Rated T
File size: 111 MB

Wolf of the Battlefield: Commando 3 Trailer

Download the exciting new trailer complete with 3 player co-op Commando action!
File size: 25 MB (SD), 48 MB (HD)

NOVASTRIKE ($9.99)

The Draelus armada struck without warning and now it’s up to you to strike back! Strap into the cockpit of an advanced Scythe fighter and take the fight from our system back to Draelus itself.
ESRB Rated E10+
File size: 259 MB

Continue reading for the entire list of new items on the PSN Store.

Source: Blog.PlayStation

Straight out of EGM, 1UP have posted an interesting interview with Long Vo - Sprite Designer and Lead Artist of Super Street Fighter II Turbo HD Remix - about the difficulties of bringing new graphics to such a classic game. Here is a quick excerpt:

EGM: Which character presented the biggest challenge when it came time to redraw their sprites? Were you worried about pissing off all of the Chun-Li fans? They're notoriously hard to please....

LV: Surprisingly enough, Chun-Li turns out not to be as difficult as some of the other characters. Once we had decided to base the look off of [Capcom artist] Edayan's Super Street Fighter 2: Turbo Revival designs, Chun-Li's design pretty much stayed really true to the original sprites. The more difficult characters to tackle were the ones who underwent proportional changes like Sagat, T. Hawk, Zangief, and Dhalsim.

Source: 1UP.com - Previews: SF II HD Remix

Surprise Europe! No Virtual Console games this week! Instead, we get a single release for WiiWare - Actionloop Twist!

ActionLoop - also known as Magnetica in America and allegedly ripped off as Zuma by Popcap, is a game of matching colours and chain reactions! The original was also released on the DS - but this version includes a Quest Mode, Challenge Mode, and 4 player cooperative and competitive modes!

The game has been released in Europe and Australia, and will cost you 1,000 Wii Points.

While not an actual game that makes use of the guitar peripheral - you use your Wiimote instead - the game has its own take on the Rhythm game genre.

They plan to release the game in Japan during the Summer, with an eventual European and American release. The Japanese release will be 800 Wii Points. They also plan to have downloadable content with new songs later on!

Source: IGN - New for WiiWare: Aero Guitar!