World of Goo (2D Boy, 1-4 players, Rated E for Everyone—Comic Mischief, 1,500 Wii Points):

World of Goo is an award-winning, physics-based puzzle/construction game made entirely by two guys. Grab 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, or that they are extremely delicious. World of Goo Corporation is contractually obligated to state that everyone is a winner, and is enthusiastic to celebrate everyone's Goo building opportunities equally.

This game has been getting some fantastic reviews. A shame it's not coming out for WiiWare in Europe - only retail. Looks like I'll have to grab the PC version.

Art Style: CUBELLO (Nintendo, 1 player, Rated E for Everyone, 600 Wii Points):

Art Style: CUBELLO mixes the strategy and feel of a traditional puzzle game with the precision and reflexes required in a shooter. As each stage begins, various colored cubes form into one large object called a Cubello, which floats and rotates as you play. Launch additional cubes from your magazine and try to connect four or more of the same color, removing them from the Cubello and eventually leaving only its core. Take on the challenge of either Stage or Endless mode and watch what happens when Bonus Time is activated. The straightforward controls and goal ensure that anyone can play, while offering enough depth that even advanced players will find themselves quickly addicted to the unique world of Art Style: CUBELLO.

There is a big Virtual Console release as well - SECRET OF MANA is now available for 800 Wii points.

Perhaps the most bizarre video you'll see in some time. WiiWare apparently. I... don't know what to say.

I don't know... would you consider this a PlayStation Network game? Apparently it's being made by Polyphony, and allows you to dress up your dude and dance the night away. Wouldn't this make more sense in PlayStation Home?

What say you reader?

Source: Gametrailers - Dress Debut Trailer HD

High Voltage Software, creators of Gyrostarr, have announced a new WiiWare title is in the works - High Voltage Hot Rod Show.

High Voltage Hot Rod Show requires players to master more than the basic racing skills to compete. A unique stunt system gives players multiple ways to build boost, which drastically increases a Hot Rod's speed. If you get too greedy, you might crash and burn! The game utilizes the company's proprietary Quantum 3 Game Engine technology, which provides graphical performance and game play not possible on other Wii titles.

"We wanted High Voltage Hot Rod Show to be a fresh and exciting racing title for the Wii that would provide up to four friends with endless replay value," said Kerry Ganofsky, CEO and founder of High Voltage Software. "The result is a game that is easy to pick up and play, but maintains a core of skill-based racing, which gives it special appeal."

Looks pretty interesting. It's god a Super Off Road meets Micro Machines look, while also including some sort of Unirally combo boosting system.

Looks nice - I would like to know where Animales is at right now though.

Check out some more screenshots and artwork here.

Over on the Capcom Unity forums, Capcom PR Christian Svensson have officially revealed that Talisman is no longer in production for the Xbox Live Arcade.

Rather recently we have finally stopped development completely. After a misfire at the start, the details of which I won't get into, we evaluated several options for moving the project to new developers, but the costs of moving forward outweighted the potential revenue. I realize this will be disappointing for the fans of the game.

The rights have reverted back to Games Workshop where I hope someone will pick them up and try again. I too still would like to play a Talisman videogame.

A damn shame.

Source: Capcom Unity Boards.

Could it be true? Could Capcom have gotten back into bed with Marvel to bring back one of the greatest fighting series of all time?

On the ESRB website a little change has been added to the old Marvel Vs. Capcom 2 rating - additions of Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 as where it is available on.

After this digging occured (Thanks to Shard) another member revealed the image on the left - supposely an image from the Microsoft Partnetnet service claiming to be Marvel Vs. Capcom 2 as available. It uses the Street Fighter II HD Remix icon, as well as says "String Text", so this could possibly be only very early in development, if at all.

Still, it will be fantastic if Capcom can bring back this awesome title back to the console. The backwards compatable Xbox version is buggy, and is also ridiculously rare to find.

Last week it was announced that Ace System Works were working on three new titles in their Family line of WiIWare titles. This Trailer shows off their previous Family Table Tennis title, and then goes into the future.

Family Air Hockey (sic) seems to be an expansion of Family Table Tennis. That's pretty much it.

Family Putter Golf seems to have a bit more of a arcade aesthetic to it than you'd expect. Putting courses have boost pads, fans and easy-to-get holes to complete the green.

Family Sugoroku appears to be some kind of card / board game. I can't say much more than that.

Family Slot Car Racing seems like it's real slot car racing, not like PixelJunk Racers on PSN. Seems you'll have to base everything around your speed and not actually driving around.

It will be interesting to see how these games are priced. Family Table Tennis has yet to make it into Europe either despite being one of the first titles, and doesn't look like it will ever make it. Right now Putter Golf looks pretty interesting, and certainly different enough from Fun! Fun! Minigolf that both could be good additions to your Wii.

Source: Gametrailers: TGS 08: Family Series Trailer

Fight for fortune and infamy in Age of Booty, Certain Affinity and Capcom's game of pirate strategy and cannon-blasting action that's fun for all ages. Sail the high seas alone or with friends as you build your pirate empire by plundering villages, sinking ships, and sending your enemies to the briny deep!

* Acclaimed developer: Age of Booty was developed in collaboration with Max Hoberman, designer of the multiplayer game for Halo 2 and Halo 3.
* Deep strategy: With 25 multiplayer maps and a fully-featured map editor, Age of Booty features easy-to-play game mechanics with deep multiplayer strategy.
* Multiplayer gameplay: Jump into pirate fun with up to four players on one console, and up to eight players over System Link or Xbox LIVE®. You can also play the free trial version online!

Age Of Booty will cost 800 Microsoft Points, and $9.99 on the PlayStation Network. The game also supports FREE online play via the trial game - but it lasts only two days. Check out the demo details here. I've played a little bit of this game and it really is a ton of fun. Definitely give it a go.

Click here for the Xbox.com Splash Page

Click here for some screenshots of the game.

For the XBLA specifically this week, N+ will be releasing their final downloadable pack - a free set of new levels!

Can Microsoft get anything right this month with releases? Apparently not - Crazy Mouse has shown up on Xbox.com, and claims to be coming out this week as well.

Crazy Mouse, the first original Xbox LIVE® Arcade title from mainland China, is a class arcade-style action game. Easy to pick up but tough to beat, Crazy Mouse features unique, funny characters and highly addictive gameplay. More than 30 single-player levels provide a variety of action and strategic challenges, and 16 multiplayer levels ratchet up the fun by supporting cooperative, competitive, tournament, and ranked play. Crazy Mouse is always a party, whether you're playing online or alone!

* Inviting gameplay: Crazy Mouse features easy pick-up and play controls, funny characters, simple rules, and diverse levels.
* Online extras: Crazy Mouse supports Xbox LIVE multiplayer matches and ranked matches.

This MIGHT be out this week for 400 Points.

Last week the Tokyo Game Show was in full swing, and Microsoft announced a ton of great titles that everyone should be looking forward to. This week we've got a great selection of downloadable titles too - Age of Booty is coming for PSN and Xbox Live Arcade, PSN gets SOCOM Confrontation too, and WiiWare got World of Goo - supposedly the best WiiWare title to date.

Xbox 360

XBLA This Week - Age Of Booty (PSN On Thursday), Plus Free N+ Expansion
Age Of Booty Is Getting its release this week on the Xbox Live Arcade and PlayStation Network - a hexagonal real-time strategy game featuring Pirates and Rum. The most fascinating thing about this game is that the demos for both platforms will feature free online play for the first two days you play! Check out all about that here - I really hope it catches on.

TGS 2008 - Microsoft Keynote Notes - Space Invaders Extreme, Arkanoid and More Announced
A ton of fantastic titles were announced for Xbox Live Arcade at the Tokyo Game Show - Space Invaders Extreme, Arkanoid Live, R-Type Dimensions, Metal Slug 7 and King of Fighters '98 were all announced. That is all great stuff. Click the links for more information, including screenshots, for those titles.

Microsoft No Longer Delisting Titles, NXE allows you to remove "0" Point Titles
With the upcoming release of the New Xbox 'Experience', it appears Microsoft have changed their mind about removing low selling Xbox Live Arcade titles... for now.

PSN

NA PSN Store Update - Puzzle Quest, Linger In Shadows and Battle Cars Now Available
Big PSN update this week. You can now play Puzzle Quest: Challenge of the Warlords (With the XBLA expansion free), Supersonic Acrobatic Rocket Powered Battle Cars, and Linger in Shadows. Brand new expanded content for Mega Man 9, and new packages for those who haven't picked up Super Stardust HD.

Don't forget - this week you can also download SOCOM Confrontation!

Marvel Vs. Capcom 2 Coming To XBLA and PSN?
New leaked ESRB websites and Partnernet screenshots appear to show that Marvel Vs. Capcom 2 might be making its way to the Xbox Live Arcade and PlayStation Network.

Prince Of Persia Classic Confirmed For PSN
It's been in the air for some time, but now it appears that Ubisoft's Prince of Persia Classic remake on XBLA will be making its way to the PSN sometime soon.

WiiWare

NA WiiWare Update - World Of Goo, Art Style: Cubello
World Of Goo, supposedly the best WiiWare title to date, is now available for download in North America. Also available is Cubello, the latest in the Artstyle line of games.

EU WiiWare Update - Midnight Bowling, Potpourrii
Europe played catchup last week with the addition of some older WiiWare titles making their way over.

High Voltage Software Announce High Voltage Hot Rod Show
High Voltage Software announce a brand new racing game for WiiWare. It's Micro Machines meets Super Off Road meets Unirally, with 4 player split screen multiplayer.

One game that was mentioned several times on many TGS podcasts was Gomibako for the PlayStation Network. Unfortunately it seems that nobody actually took screens of it.

Thankfully, the video ninjas over at Gamersyde were able to grab some high quality video of it. Known as "garbage tetris" you throw junk into a chute and then burn it away once a flammable object pops through the chute.

Click here for the Gamersyde Video

Click here for the GameSpot hands on preview

Also Gamersyde were able to capture some video of Flower. It's generally the same as we've seen before, but it's still looking great.

Check out the Flower video here.

With NinjaBee announcing Boingz for WiiWare a little over a week ago, I was able to contact the developers about the game and their two other upcoming titles - A Kingdom for Keflings and the Adver-game Doritos: Dash Of Destruction.

Here we discuss how each game came about, what their inspirations were like, and how it has been working between WiiWare and Xbox Live Arcade.

Gamerbytes: A Kingdom for Keflings is a very different game from what you've made previously. What is the objective for the game?

Steve: It’s definitely off the beaten path in comparison to our other games, and really to most games available today. That said, the objective isn’t too different from most city building games: to manage your resources in order to build a Kingdom for your inhabitants, the Keflings. It’s just the way we get to that objective that’s a bit different than others.

GB: What was your inspiration for the game?

Steve: It stemmed from a game-in-a-day prototype I did years ago for a simple city management game that focused on what the inhabitants of the city were assigned to do. We re-designed that basic concept a couple of times, and Jeremy suggested the avatar-based approach to controlling the game, as opposed to the “hand of God” approach that most management games take. From there, it sort of grew into what it is now, an avatar-based city building game with a big focus on working with the inhabitants directly.

Continue reading for the full interview.

PomPom Games, creators of the Mutant Storm series on Xbox Live Arcade, have revealed their next title - Astro Tripper for the PlayStation Network..

Astro Tripper is an revitalized evolution of one of PomPom's first titles - Space Tripper, a game for the PC, Mac and Linux. While it's very difficult to find information of a game from 2001, it appeared to get quite good scores for the time.

Gameplay is simple. You are free to travel anywhere on the platform at anytime, but don’t fall off! Powerful Blue Lasers and Red Spread Lasers come equipped, so use both weapons tactically to get through tricky situations. Power up your weapons with power crystals dropped by destroyed enemies. Oh, did we mention the blasting absolutely anything that moves?

Enemies encountered are varied. Zippy UFOS. Fat Motherships. Tanks. Choppers. Slimy Slug creatures. Alien Insects. Aztec structures brimming with electricity. And of course, Big Bosses! 14 unique levels spread over 4 diverse worlds means there’s always something new just around the corner.

The game features 1080p graphics, online rankings, unlockable challenges and trophy support.

Source: PomPom Games - Astro Tripper

Age of Booty™

Developer: Certain Affinity
Publisher: Capcom
Genre: Strategy and Sims
Price: 800 Microsoft Points
Availability: Everywhere but Japan

Click here for the Xbox.com Splash Page

Click here for some screenshots of the game.

Click here for the official NeoGAF forum topic.

Crazy Mouse

Developer: Ultizen Games
Publisher: Microsoft
Genre: Action
Price: 400 Microsoft Points
Availability: Everywhere

Hey Microsoft! Tell people what's coming out beforehand!

Click here for the official Xbox.com splash page.

[Matt Matthews of Curmudgeon Gamer wishes to inform those without Sony's new Qore initiative to just what exactly 'Qore' is. With each episode, he will kindly educate the GamerBytes masses.]

As it did in September, the October issue of Sony's Qore magazine continues to capitalize on the torrent of big games arriving during the latter half of the calendar year. Using a scary-slash-Hallowe'en theme, it covers Bethesda's Fallout 3, Capcom's Resident Evil 5, and EA's Dead Space.

Distinctly out of place is Shawn White Snowboarding, which isn't in the least bit frightening. This month's episode is on par with last month's – great games and decent presentation – but still fails to deliver the quality clearly within its reach.

The segments on Fallout 3, Resident Evil 5, and Dead Space are generally well done, and include a reasonable amount of background material for modestly informed players. I enjoyed each game's treatment, and I know a bit about each of the games already. Still, complete newcomers may have some difficulty understanding the context for two of the games.

Price: Free

The 3rd and final N+ expansion includes 150 singleplayer, 50 co-op, and 50 race levels.

Price: 100 Microsoft Points

The new DLC package includes Barrier, a player that creates a protective barrier around itself after catching a super shot for some added defense. Additionally, a new Bomb Ball can be thrown into the fray, a ball that explodes when it hits an opponent and causes a blast radius that knocks out any other players nearby. Finally, heat up the competition with a Fire Line, a flame-laden baseline that sends players to the sidelines when touched.

Gripshift is certainly considered one of the most overlooked Xbox Live Arcade and PlayStation Network games of last year. It's simple car-platforming challenges, complete with great mutliplayer action.

This week on 1UP FM, they all had a look back at this great game, as well as have an interview with creators over at Sidhe about what they've got in store next for downloadable services.

It's TGS round-up time with Shane, Fitch, and Matt L.! We also celebrate Blizzcon with a leftover Diablo III Leipzig interview with lead designer Jay Wilson, Greg and Jay stop by for Shelf Life, Tina unzips the Mailbag, and a very special one-off GripShift Backlog with its creator Andy Satterthwaite!

Download the podcast or join the RSS feed.

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Mike Skinner of Team RamRod has revealed on the PlayStation Blog that High Velocity Bowling is being updated - with Online play, Trophies, and the ability to choose which alley to play on.

Surprisingly the game never came out with any of these features. It's like an entirely new game now, really. You can check out all the latest additions in the post below. This free patch will come out on Thursday's update.

Source: Major Update to High Velocity Bowling

The US PlayStation website has revealed a new expansion is being readied for players of PAIN - a new Hollywood Studio level.

Surprising considering the Amusement Park expansion came out just over a month ago, and that it took almost a year from release to get that out. Still, far better than just adding new character - an a very interesting way to keep a game consistently in the news.

The new level is set to come out in November.

Microsoft have announced that Portal: Still Alive will be next weeks Xbox Live Arcade release.

In addition to the original award winning first-person puzzle experience, Aperture Science is proud to provide 14 new challenge maps exclusive to Xbox LIVE Arcade. Six advanced maps will also be provided to help guide you along the way.

Though prior test subjects proved to be unstable and may have presented false information, Aperture Science is pleased to inform you that your cake is indeed waiting for you and that the Weighted Companion Cube misses you in your absence.

Portal: Still Alive will be available for 1200 Microsoft Points. The game also have achievements completely different to that of the Steam or Orange Box X360 versions. You can view them here.

SOCOM: U.S. Navy SEALs Confrontation ($39.99)

Alone I am Lethal. As a Team I Dominate. SOCOM: U.S. Navy SEALs Confrontation deploys you online into intense and unpredictable 32-player battles where it’s better to fight as a team than it is to be a hero. Battle teams across the world, earn your Community stripes and become the ultimate Spec Ops squad.

ESRB Rated M
File size: 2.65 GB

Unfortunately, Age Of Booty has been delayed at the last minute. According to the Capcom blog, there may have been some last minute online problems or changes with the map editor that was required.

The game will now come out in November for the PlayStation Network. Because of the delay however, the game will now support Trophies.

WipEout HD ($19.99)

It was there back at the beginning and now it’s taking the franchise into the future: WipEout HD is set to deliver 1080p high definition visuals running at a breathtaking 60-frames-per-second. WipEout HD features a selection of the best tracks taken from previous versions of the franchise, meticulously crafted and fully reworked to showcase the processing power of PS3. Available exclusively on PSN.
File size: 997 MB

James Mielke at 1UP.com writes:

"That it's available to anyone with a broadband connection for an extremely reasonable price point instantly places Wipeout HD in the must-buy/must-have category for anyone who considers themselves a fan of high-quality, high-speed, white-knuckle racing."

Chris Roper at ps3.ign.com writes:

"A fantastic experience through and through. Though it's a downloadable title and runs one-third the cost of a full retail disc, it could have been packaged on a Blu-ray disc and sold in stores for full price and we would've been happy to pay for it."

Click here for the official WipEout HD PlayStation page.

Burnout Paradise PSN ($29.99)

Welcome to Paradise City, the ultimate driving playground. Burnout Paradise is set in a vast open-world, filled with events and challenges that will push your driving and riding skills to the limit. So grab your first set of wheels and head on out into the city; what happens next is completely up to you.
File size: 3.24 GB

Jeff Gerstmann at Giantbomb.com writes:

"The team at Criterion took a big chance and it’s paid off very well. The game revamps the stock formula in major ways without losing most of the high-speed racing flavor that you hope to see from something with Burnout in the title."

Kristan Reed at Eurogamer.net writes:

"In truth, I would have preferred to select events on the fly, change vehicles on a whim, and restart failed events when I choose, but nor is it a deal-breaker that these features have been omitted. Once you (reluctantly) adapt to the demands of the game, a massive amount of fun awaits."

Click here for the official Burnout Paradise PlayStation page.

Mega Man 9 (free demo, $9.99 to buy)

Mega Man fans, your wait is over! The classic Blue Bomber that debuted in 1987 is back with the ninth installment in the classic series. It’s a new adventure for Mega Man all done in an 8-bit style — graphics, music, and gameplay are all like you remember them!
File size: 62.9 MB

Ryan Scott at 1UP.com writes:

"MM9 is an unapologetic nod to one of gaming's greatest eras. It might've been made especially for nostalgia-crazed dorks like me, but it's something that any challenge-seeking gamer can dig."

Mark Bozon at wii.ign.com writes:

"Mega Man 9 is exactly what hardcore gamers were hoping it would be, as Capcom has come out of the gate with a game that's full of nostalgia and fan-service, but also one that truly does rival the best in the franchise's 8-bit roots."

Click here for the official Megaman 9 PlayStation page.

1942: Joint Strike (€9,99, EU Release)

Based on the popular arcade series, 1942: Joint Strike combines classic top-down shooting with amazing 3D HD graphics. Maneuver aircraft carriers to take on waves of enemy fire and face off with huge enemy bosses. Recruit a wing man locally or online to employ Joint Strike attacks, combining firepower into one explosive barrage. With a whole new arsenal, prepare to rejoin the battle!

Anthony Gallegos at 1UP.com writes:

"Joint Strike is a great way to kill a short period of time...just like an arcade game should be. "

Hilary Goldstein at ps3.ign.com writes:

"1942: Joint Strike is the kind of game that will have you very excited for about an hour. It looks great, it's accessible, and it's fun. But come back on day two or day three and you'll probably be eyeing other games on your hard drive to play."

Click here for the official 1942: Joint Strike PlayStation page.

September was a big month for the PlayStation Network. Well... September 25th, anyway. Certainly WipEout HD was the biggest title of the month. Long in the making, WipEout HD just looks fantastic, plays incredibly well, and has great online play to jump into. If it were retail, it would still be worth it.

Not to say that the other big release wasn't regarded well - Mega Man 9 has also been long in the making, or at least been wanted for an awfully long time. It's straight up Mega Man, something every classic game fan can enjoy.

And Burnout becomes the first full retail title to become a downloadable affair on PlayStation Network (outside of Fatal Inertia, I guess). Could we start seeing more titles do this?

Before,, I've tried to do review wrap-ups on every single game that gets released. Unfortunately, this takes quite a lot of time -- time I don't have -- and I'm already far behind on all of them. I wouldn't have thought I'd be complaining about 3 games a week, but here we are.

So instead I'll do this -- repost games that I believe should not be missed, or were reviewed very well, on a per-month basis. There's plenty to go around, and with 3 games per day, and more than that if you put all 3 systems together, this will hopefully get you to go back and give some of these games a go, even if they're not the newest on the block.

Shred Nebula (800 Microsoft Points)

Shred Nebula combines the best elements of arcade space-shooter action with free-roaming exploration and multiplayer excitement. Pilot the experimental R.I.P. Rocket through the galaxy in search of the Lost Expeditions … no ship has ever returned from the vastness of interstellar space!

This top-down, fast-paced ship-combat game features three loaded modes of play—Adventure, Score Attack, and Multiplayer. Play co-op with your friends, or go head-to-head in a deathmatch dogfight. No one knows what lies in the center of the galaxy. Will you be the first to discover the secrets of the gravitational region known as The Shred and make it home alive?

Team Xbox said:

"Stick to the four or better multiplayer mayhem, and you’ll find Shred Nebula offers you more than enough bang for your ten space bucks."

Eurogamer.net said:

"Both the unwieldy control scheme and the bafflingly forgiving nature of the game count against it, which is a shame because for the most part it's a thoroughly satisfying and meaty shooter, blessed with some stunning backdrops and a blistering frame-rate."

Check out the official Xbox.com splash page here.

Check out some screenshots of Shred Nebula here.

Gin Rummy (400 Microsoft Points)

Enjoy challenging variations of the classic card game Gin Rummy. Strategically select the right cards to complete sets of combinations, minimizing the risk of getting caught with a poor hand. "Knock" out your opponent with high scores and bonus points, and enjoy video chat with players from around the world for endless hours of casual card game fun.

Team Xbox said:

"The card game may be old, but it’s far from obsolete, providing a perfect counter from the faster-paced, high-concentrate titles."

Eurogamer.net said:

"It's a solid adaptation of a fun card game, and at 400 Microsoft Points it's priced just right."

Check out the official Xbox.com splash page here.

Samurai Shodown II (800 Microsoft Points)

Choose from 16 glorious samurai warriors and prepare for an epic battle in an infamous 2D sword-fighting game. But be careful not to make the wrong move; in this game every move is crucial to the outcome of the challenge.

Players also have the opportunity to battle samurais from all over the world to become lord of the sword!

Xbox360.ign.com said:

"A great nostalgic release for Xbox Live Arcade. Diehard fans will appreciate the ability to take the game online and do battle against the masses, while others will just enjoy the ability to play a classic fighter on the 360, despite the terrible d-pad."

Giantbomb.com said:

"Samurai Shodown is a great series, and as far as I'm concerned, SS2 is the best installment of the bunch. Between that and the game's online support, I'm well satisfied with this release. If you have fond memories of '90s arcades, I'd guess that you'll be satisfied, as well."

Click here for the Xbox.com splash page

Click here for screenshots of Samurai Shodown II

Duke Nukem 3D (800 Microsoft Points)

Duke Nukem, the politically incorrect action hero and ultimate alien ass kicker, defends Earth and its babes from alien invasion in Duke Nukem 3D. This is the award winning game that helped define the FPS genre, introducing unparalleled interactivity, and a main character that spoke. Take the fight to the aliens across 39 levels featuring Hollywood, Los Angeles, a moon base, and alien spacecraft. Innovative items like the Jetpack, HoloDuke, Shrink Ray, or Pipe Bombs allow you to fight the aliens in any style you want. Defeat the aliens, so Duke can get back to some R&R with a stogie, a warm belly, and a bottle of Jack.

Gamepro Arcade said:

After 12 years, Duke still kicks ass. He may not be as good looking as he used to be but he continues to prove that the adage - its not the graphics that make a game great, its the gameplay - will always be true.

Xbox360.ign.com said:

Yet another classic release that makes a wonderful conversion onto Xbox Live Arcade. Some might be put off by its convoluted, old school level design and predictably unattractive appearance but there’s no doubt that it’s one of the fathers of the most popular genre in our industry.

Check out a ton of screenshots here.

Click here for the Xbox.com splash page.

My personal favorites this month were Shred Nebula and Duke Nukem 3D. Despite the odd control scheme, I got the hang of Shred Nebula pretty quickly. It's certainly different to that of a Geometry Wars, but I think that's what is really needed right now.

Unfortunately a lot of people simply saw it as "another shooter", despite the differences it has with everything else on the platform - thrusting control scheme, a campaign mode, and online multiplayer that's actually a lot of fun.

I was a huge fan of Duke Nukem 3D back when it was first released, and it's still a fantastic game now -- going through every level, trying to find those secret places, and beating The Queen at the end of it all. The online modes are really great too - online and cooperative are excellent additions for Xbox Live Arcade.

After several months of average-to-terrible games coming out on WiiWare, the sun started to peek through the clouds. Strong Bad continued on his journey, Mega Man made a reappearance after so many years, Bomberman made his debut and Nintendo surprised us with its new Art Style branded titles, bringing us a new twist on the Japanese-only Bit Generation titles from the GBA.

September was a good month. Let's hope they can keep it up.

Strong Bad Episode 2: Strong Badia the Free (1,000 Wii Points)

Strong Badia the Free is the second of five monthly episodes starring Strong Bad – the self-proclaimed "coolest person ever" – and the rest of the cast from the popular Homestar Runner web cartoons.

When Strong Bad fails to obey the King of Town's totally unfair email tax, he's placed under house arrest. Once freed from his wrongful imprisonment, Strong Bad goes on a mission to unite the local warring factions under the Strong Badian flag. Is Free Country USA ready for such an awesome ruler?

Daemon Hatfield on wii.ign.com

"Episode two is a little longer than the first and feels more complete, so here's hoping Telltale and the Chapman brothers keep improving with each episode."

Ryan at Giantbomb.com writes:

"It's a much fuller and funnier experience than the first episode. "

Click here for the official Strong Bad Episode 2 Nintendo page.

Mega Man 9 (1,000 Wii Points)

Mega Man 9 brings the series back to its old school roots with retro gameplay, music and classic 8-bit style graphics!

Mega Man fans, your wait is over! The classic Blue Bomber that debuted in 1987 is back with the ninth installment in the classic series. It's a new adventure for Mega Man all done in an 8-bit style -- graphics, music, and gameplay are all like you remember them!

Ryan Scott at 1UP.com writes:

"MM9 is an unapologetic nod to one of gaming's greatest eras. It might've been made especially for nostalgia-crazed dorks like me, but it's something that any challenge-seeking gamer can dig."

Mark Bozon at wii.ign.com writes:

"Mega Man 9 is exactly what hardcore gamers were hoping it would be, as Capcom has come out of the gate with a game that's full of nostalgia and fan-service, but also one that truly does rival the best in the franchise's 8-bit roots."

Click here for the official Mega Man 9 Nintendo.com page.

Bomberman Blast (1,000 Wii Points)

Look out for Bomberman Blast! There's 8-person online multiplayer and you can even use your Mii as a Bomberman!

A brand new addition to the Bomberman series is available on WiiWare! Up to eight players can battle online simultaneously via Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection! Simple controls make this a great game for family and friends to enjoy at anytime! New items can be triggered by shaking the Wii Remote controller for excitement never before experienced in a Bomberman title! You can even take the intensity up another notch by adding your own Mii caricatures to the mix! Battle results can be recorded on Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection Ranking, so see how you stack up against others around the globe! This title will prove to be a blast for everyone--from those who've never touched a Bomberman game, to the Bomberman masters!

Daemon Hatfield on wii.ign.com

"This offering doesn't innovate, but it's got that classic, addictive quality we've been enjoying since Super Bomberman on the SNES. Blast is, to surrender to an easy pun, a blast to play."

Marcel Van Duyn on WiiWare-World writes:

"Bomberman Blast captures mostly everything Bomberman Live has, and adds some excellent new content into the mix. It’s been a long time since we got some classic Bomberman action on a Nintendo console, but it’s back now, and possibly better than ever."

Click here for the official Bomberman Blast Nintendo.com page

Art Style: ORBIENT (600 Wii Points)

Explore the universe like never before in Art Style: ORBIENT. Take control of gravity and anti-gravity and carefully maneuver your small star through 50 stages set in multiple galaxies. Collide with other stars to absorb them and make your own star expand in size, or capture the stars in your orbit and have them become your satellites. Space isn't empty, though, and you'll have to avoid bumping into obstacles or getting pulled into a black hole. If you feel like relaxing while still being challenged, this is the game for you. Its combination of simple controls, atmospheric sound and unique environment make for an experience unlike any other.

Stephen Witkowski on WiiWare World writes:

"Putting our incessant nitpickings aside for a moment (and to be fair they are really observations as opposed to complaints) this game rocks. Many WiiWare games lack depth, but Orbient nips that stereotypical quality in the bud. The game may be conquerable within a matter of hours but after a few levels the genius of the gameplay really starts to shine through."

Craig Harris of wii.ign.com writes:

"Orbient is an incredibly mellow, relaxing experience, but at the same time can be one of the most challenging games you'll ever play. It's amazing to play a design that can be so much fun and have so much strategy using so few buttons on the controller."

Click here for the official Art Style: ORBIENT page Nintendo.com page