This week we get another two titles. WiiWare sure has been bringing quite a lot to the table lately in terms of releases. The first being Tetris Party, which for all intense and purposes is one of the best versions of Tetris around - up there with Tetris DS in terms of different game play modes and features. Considering that's out of print and ridiculously difficult to get a hold of, this might be your best bet.

Tetris Party

Wii Points: 1,200
Game Type: Puzzle
Control Type: Wii Remote, Classic, Wii Balance Board
Players: 1-6
Publisher: Tetris Online, Inc.

Tetris Party is a deceptively simple, totally addictive puzzle game that is sure to keep you and all of your friends and family entertained for hours on end. The WiiWare game features 10 never-before-seen single-player and multiplayer variations of Tetris, including Field Climber, Stage Racer, Shadow and Wii Balance Board-enabled modes (Wii Balance Board™ accessory sold with Wii Fit™). Several of the modes give users the chance to take advantage of the unique point-and-shoot capabilities of the Wii Remote™ controller. The party doesn't stop there, though. Take the Tetris fun online via Nintendo® Wi-Fi Connection, where you can play multiplayer Tetris against up to five friends at a time. You can also see how your Tetris Party skills stack up against the rest of the world using the global ranking system.

Also this week is another completely random release out of the blue which nobody knew about whatsoever. Which is crazy in this day and age, really. It's like you want us to not care. At 500 points in might be something to look into though.

It has been rated by the ESRB, but also with the OFLC, so it will be making its way to Europe at some point.

The Incredible Maze

Wii Points: 500
Game Type: Puzzle
Control Type: Wii Remote, Wii Balance Board
Players: 1
Publisher: Digital Leisure Inc.

Get lost in The Incredible Maze! Simply tilt your Wii Remote controller to navigate a series of exciting and twisted mazes. Entering the maze could not be easier, but finding your way out will require a keen eye and a steady hand. Obstacles and traps are around every corner, so move your ball around the maze without falling off the edge. But watch out, there are lots of surprises in store. You can hunt for gems in a timed challenge, or test your abilities in a race against the clock. The Incredible Maze is also compatible with the Wii Balance Board, so you can really put your weight into it. This is the way in, but you'll have to find your own way out.

Also this week is the next batch of Mega Man 9 DLC, which will also be popping up for other consoles as well.

Hero Mode - 100 Wii Points: A more difficult and challenging single player mode.

Superhero Mode - 100 Wii Points: An even more difficult version of the game.

Special Stage - 100 Wii Points: Another time attack stage, including a brand new boss (Fake Man, above) to fight against.

European website TheSixthAxis has confirmed that the PSN title NovaStrike will be making its way to Europe this Thursday - complete with all additional content.

The game will be available for 7.99 Euros, and will be the enhanced version with Trophies and interchangeable control schemes.

TheSixthAxis also have held an interview with Kevin McCann, director at Tiki Games, discussing the creation of an Independent title for the PlayStation Network, working on a grass root campaign from the PlayStation blog, and how they've been working on patches for Trophies and other allsorted updates.

You can read the full interview here.

Joju Games have announced their first console title, Mart Racer, will be coming out for WiiWare.

The game invites players to run around a shopping mall against other players to find items and win the game. Players can throw plungers at enemies to stop their progress, as well as bump into them to grab their items.

The game also supports local split screen multiplayer for 4 people, as well as 4 player online multiplayer as well - something you don't see too often on WiiWare.

The game is set to come out in Q4 of this year, so it's not too far off from release.

Portal™: Still Alive features the full award-winning Portal single player game from Valve, plus a new challenge mode. Designed to change the way you approach, manipulate, and surmise the possibilities in any given environment, Portal has earned over 70 industry honors for its innovative gameplay, with more than 30 "Game of the Year" awards.

Break the laws of physics using "portal" technology to solve puzzles and survive in this darkly comic story weaving adventure with brain-bending puzzles.

* Innovative gameplay: Experience the first first-person puzzle-action-adventure game with hours of single player gaming.
* Extras: The game includes fourteen brand new bonus puzzles to challenge even the most skilled test subjects. And, get a glimpse into the making of Portal: Still Alive with commentary from the developers.

Portal: Still Alive will be 1,200 Microsoft Points.

Click here for the official Xbox.com splash page

Click here for the official NeoGAF forum topic.

"What in the world is that title supposed to mean, Ryan?" Eh, I try to throw a few Aussie terms in here sometimes, sue me!

Last week was slow, yet not. Surprising how little Xbox Live Arcade and WiiWare news popped out, and yet the PlayStation Network got the lion's share of announcements and revelations. Doesn't happen too often.

This week you'll be able to pick up Portal: Still Alive on Xbox Live Arcade. If you've never played the Orange Box versions on the console or PC, you'd be silly not to download this. Cheaper than the PC version too.

Last week on the PlayStation Network we got SOCOM Confrontation. New and old players alike are enjoying it quite a lot - though it seems that it's going through a few problems right now. Hopefully everything settles down once the weight gets taken off the servers. The 500MB instant patch didn't help either.

Today on WiiWare you've got Tetris Party - apparently a great new addition to the platform, and The Incredible Maze - a game nobody had heard of before today. Strange that.

This week we're also starting a new set of columns - the monthly wrapup of the best games for each downloadable service.

The September Wrapup

Every month we will be recap the top games for each console for the previous month. We have a look back at WipEout HD, Shred Nebula, Mega Man 9, Strong Bad, Duke Nukem 3D and more.

The September Wrapup: What You May Have Missed Out On XBLA?

The September Wrapup: PSN Gets Wiped Out on classic titles

The September Wrapup: WiiWare's Strong Mega Bomb

Xbox Live Arcade

This week on Xbox Live Arcade - Portal: Still Alive
2007's PC game of the year is making its way to the Xbox Live Arcade this week. If you never got the chance to play this game, I'd suggest you do so now.

Gamerbytes Interview - NinjaBee On A Kingdom of Keflings, Boingz and Doritos: DOD
We get the chance to chat with indie downloadable game aficionados NinjaBee about their 3 upcoming titles for WiiWare and Xbox Live Arcade.

PlayStation Network

NA PSN Store Update: Confrontation, No Booty
It's been a long wait, but the PlayStation 3 was able to become a Navy Seal in the Multiplayer of SOCOM: Confrontation. People have been having quite a few problems getting online I hear - hopefully that gets fixed. Unfortunately Age of Booty was not released - delayed until November for PSN users.

TGS 2008 - Gamersyde Gomibako and Flower Gameplay Videos
Gomibako aka "Junk Tetris" was a hit at TGS last week, everyone was talking about it, but there was little to no media for it anywhere. Video Ninjas Gamersyde get some videos on the sly - check it out.

PomPom Games Announce Astro Tripper For PlayStation Network
From the people who brought you the Mutant Storm series on Xbox Live Arcade comes Astro Tripper - a grand rethink of their classic PC title exclusive to the PlayStation Network.

Guest Analysis: A Curmudgeon's Review Of Qore - Episode 05
This months Qore review by guest analyst Matt Matthews discusses Fallout 3, Resident Evil 5, and Dead Space.

High Velocity Bowling Becomes What It Should Have Been
Remember High Velocity Bowling? The developers sure do - they're bringing a giant update to this title soon - including online play and Trophies!

WiiWare

NA WiiWare Update - Tetris Party, Mega Man 9 DLC and... The Incredible Maze?
Tetris Party bursts onto the scene today with online play and a flurry of gameplay modes, while The Incredible Maze sneaks in on the side, unnoticed by the masses. Not our fault - they didn't tell us they're even making the game!

After this morning's announcement and release of The Amazing Maze, Digital Leisure have revealed their next title, due for November - Sudoku Challenge.

Now’s your chance to play the brain-busting puzzle game taking the world by storm. With over 100,000,000 Sudoku puzzles, you’ll never see the same puzzle twice in Sudoku Challenge! You can select the classic nine-by-nine Sukodu gameboards as well as Grand Sudoku which challenges you to complete five intersecting Sudoku boards simultaneously!

Just a beginner? Don’t worry – With three difficulty options, even the most novice player can complete a Sudoku with ease. But if you’re a seasoned pro, challenge yourself in ‘Expert’ mode and test your true skills. It’s time to get your thinking cap on and see how many Sudoku puzzles you can conquer!

Honestly I'm surprised it took this long to bring a Sudoku game to WiiWare.

Source: Digital Leisure: Sudoku Challenge!

PS3 Fanboy is reporting that the PSN version of Prince of Persia Classic, released early last year on Xbox Live Arcade, will be released next week.

The game, made by GameLoft and Ubisoft, got great reviews back when it was first released. With the upcoming Prince of Persia on consoles, it's a great time to go back and play the original game with a ton of improvements.

Source: PS3 Fanboy - Prince of Persia Classic available on PSN this Thursday

Siliconera has done some sleuthing and found the Japanese press releases that Game Republic, or, as they like to be called for these games Board Game Republic, released about their new PlayStation Network titles. These include board game adaptations such as Catan, Shadow Hunters, Trick or Treat and Owner's Choice.

Catan, which is different to the game released on the Xbox Live Arcade last year, will be released in December in Japan. Meanwhile, the rest of the titles are planned for 2009 releases.

Check out the rest of the screens, along with the PDF documents, below.

Source: Siliconera - Game Republic Becomes Board Game Republic Starting With Catan

Capcom have released 20 brand new screenshots of the upcoming Super Street Fighter II Turbo HD Remix, as well as a lot of new art pieces from the game.

Check them all out here.

The Xbox Live Primetime Experience, initially set for release with the new Dashboard update, has now been delayed.

Forbes have revealed that Primetime games such as 1 Vs.100 will not be available until Spring 2009 in North America.

"Microsoft has delayed the launch of "Xbox Live Primetime," its programmed series of interactive games with real-world prizes, until the spring. Microsoft managers say the delay is necessary in order to ensure a smooth launch of the system's new user interface (or, if you prefer the terminology of Microsoft's PR department, the "new Xbox experience"). "

"That's too bad. Xbox Live Primetime is a provocative concept and could represent the gaming industry's first serious foray into the turf dominated by TV. By waiting until the spring, Microsoft's offering will likely go up against a more compelling lineup of television shows--and put its chances of instant success at risk."

A shame. Hopefully they can expand the amount of territories it will be available for before release, too.

Source: Forbes - Microsoft Xbox: Not Ready For Primetime

With each coming week we're seeing more and more games be announced for WiiWare - sometimes being released the exact same day. This week we got the first look at Mart Racer from Joju Games in the form of a video trailer.

So we contacted Juan Gril, Studio Manager for the company to discuss how they became Wii developers, what their previous work and credentials were, implementing online play in a WiiWare title and much more.

Read on and let us know your thoughts below:

GamerBytes: Please introduce yourself and your company. Who are Joju Games?

Juan Gril: My name is Juan Gril and I'm the Studio Manager at Joju Games. I've been doing online and casual games for 10 years now. I started Joju back in 2005, after working at Yahoo! Games for 5 years. I wanted to create a studio that focused on creating simple and fun games for people like me who weren't interested in playing 3-in-a-row games, and didn't have time to play AAA games. It turned out that there were a lot of us out there, so it has been a good run so far.

GB: You've just announced Mart Racer for WiiWare. What was your inspiration to make a game where you run around a Supermarket?

JG: I think it came from two different places. On one hand, a recurring theme in our games is humor. We wanted to come up with something that was funny and really different from themes you usually see on videogames. On the other hand, the first time I grabbed a Wiimote instinctively I grabbed it with both hands like a bar. That made me start thinking on a game where you would maneuver it as you would be grabbing a bar.

It appears that October is the month of "catch up" for the PlayStation Network - Puzzle Quest, Prince of Persia Classic, and now the first episode of Penny Arcade Adventures will be releasing this week in North America.

Initially released on Xbox Live Arcade back in May, Penny Arcade Adventures: On the Rain-Slick Precipice of Darkness is an RPG-Adventure game series set in the comic-book-meets-pulp-horror-meets-H.P. Lovecraft deranged 1920s universe of New Arcadia, delivered to gamers via accessible episodic releases. Players join Gabe and Tycho, the crime-solving team of the Startling Developments Detective Agency, to combat savage enemies and solve mysteries hidden deep in the sinister heart of New Arcadia.

The game is the result of close collaboration between Hothead Games and Penny Arcade, featuring distinct artwork and characters designed exclusively by Mike "Gabe" Krahulik, story and dialogue by Jerry "Tycho" Holkins, and all brought to life by the Hothead team.

The game will be available for $14.99. The PC, Linux and Mac versions will also be going down in price - however the XBLA version will continue to be 1600 Points, or $20 for the time being. It is unknown as to when they will be able to bring down the price of that specific version - hopefully before the second episode makes its appearance.

The PSN version will include Trophy support, along with everything else from the Xbox Live Arcade version. Hopefully more of the quality XBLA titles will make their way over - I'm still waiting for the Switchball announcement.

Portal™: Still Alive

Developer: Valve
Publisher: Microsoft
Genre: Action
Price: 1200 Microsoft Points

Click here for the official Xbox.com splash page

Click here for the official NeoGAF forum topic.

Casual Games Producer and Developer Reflexive Studio has been bought up by online store conglomerate Amazon.com.

In terms of console downloadable games, Reflexive are best known for Wik: Fable of Souls, a very early Xbox Live Arcade title, and the upcoming Big Kahuna Party for WiiWare, an expansion of one of their top PC titles with an expanded focus on puzzle based multiplayer modes.

Lars Brubaker, CEO of Reflexive, explains their new collaboration with Amazon:

"Reflexive Entertainment Inc. has been acquired by Amazon.com! As I'm sure you can all imagine this is a very exciting day for us at Reflexive. It means we'll be able to expand our distribution network to include Amazon's amazing distribution channel. With Amazon we will bring a huge new group of customers into play."

While this new plan is more so based on making casual PC titles available through Amazon.com, it looks like it should be business as usual for the development side - perhaps with some more capital they'll be able to expand their portfolio and take more risks in the casual space.

Whether their console download portfolio will expand is unclear at present - though its certainly not their largest concern right now. I do wonder what happened to Axiom Overdrive.

Source: Gamasutra - Casual Portal/Developer Reflexive Acquired By Amazon

While Penny Arcade Adventures: Episode 1 will be getting its release on the PlayStation Network this week, next week will be release of the second episode for the Xbox Live Arcade and all PC platforms.

"The madcap Penny Arcade experience continues in Episode Two of the RPG-Adventure romp! Rejoin Gabe and Tycho and go crazy in a whole new episode with more puzzles, areas to explore and levels to gain, all while moving ever closer to solving the sinister mystery hidden deep in the heart of New Arcadia. Players can jump right in with a fresh character and new customization options or carry over their looks and stats from Episode One. Plus, new difficulty settings allow gamers to play it safe or go insane, battling bigger and badder enemies than ever before.

"Penny Arcade Adventures: On the Rain-Slick Precipice of Darkness, Episode Two will also boast music from The Darkest of the Hillside Thickets, a Canadian rock band dedicated to promoting the literature of H. P. Lovecraft and a recent performer at the 2008 Penny Arcade Expo gaming festival. The song, entitled "Some Things Man Was Not Meant To Know," will enhance the game's closing credits."

The game will be released for 1,200 Microsoft Points, which is 400 points less than the original version, We recently tried to contact Microsoft on whether the first episode would be getting a price cut but as of today we have not got any response. The PSN release should hit before the end of the year.

Source: Press Release

The PlayStation Blog has revealed that David "The Hoff" Hasselhoff will be an included character in The new PAIN Movie Lot Expansion coming on November 6th.

"What am I doing in PAIN you ask? It’s the Movie Studio! What’s a movie studio without The Hoff? You can now put The Hoff into a launcher and fling me into harm’s way – exploding crates, cars, people – everything is fair game. And best of all, you’ll never even put a scratch on this mug of mine!

"When I was first approached about PAIN, I really didn’t know what to think. I mean, it’s great to think that someone would want to put me in a game, but THIS game is all about flinging people into walls, smashing them into cars, and spanking monkeys. While I wholeheartedly approve of the monkey spanking, I wasn’t too sure about the rest of the game. When I finally got my hands on PAIN though, everything changed, and I “got it”. If anybody can understand silly fun, it’s me."

Apparently the PAIN developers are also trying to include other celebrities as well. The price for the Movie Studio expansion has yet to be revealed at this time.

Source: PlayStation Blog - A Very Special Message from David Hasselhoff

What's this? Is that you Virtual On?

No no, this isn't Sega's classic arcade and Sega Saturn title. Japanese developer Zan Studios is bringing their own mech fighting title to WiiWare called Over Turn.

While not much is known about the control scheme for the game (will it try to emulate Virtual On's Twin-Stick movement scheme?) the game will include a Story mode, a local versus mode, as well as online play - including an online ranking system.

Online play and a ranking system? In a Japanese title? It's almost unheard of for the Wii, retail and WiiWare alike. Good on them for supporting these kinds of options.

Source: Game Watch - Zan studio, Wii Ware "turn over"

Famitsu have revealed a new title coming to WiiWare In Japan - Bomb Tapper.

Coming from the company Alpha Unit, Bomb Tapper gives players the task to create a chain reaction to solve puzzles. You plug down a set amount of bombs onto the screen in order to create an explosion which destroys all of the blocks on the screen.

The game is set for release in Japan on the 11th of November for 500 Wii Points. While the graphics on the game look a little poor graphically, the mechanics themselves looks pretty interesting. Certainly better than a lot of Japanese only titles.

Source: Famitsu - Bomb Tapper Announced

NOVASTRIKE (€7,99 / £6.29 / Not released in Australia)

"NOVASTRIKE is a top-down arcade shooter in which the player takes control of a prototype advanced Scythe fighter and combats invading aliens over various planetary surfaces. The player fights both air and ground opponents ranging from enemy fighters to capital ships and ultimately an end-Boss. As the player progresses the Scythe unlocks its full potential through upgrading its weapon systems and overall capabilities."

Prince Of Persia Classic (€9,99 / £7.99 / $15.95AU)

"Prince of Persia Classic is a remake of the original 1989 title, often referred to as THE game that kick-started the platforming genre. This new version features updated character designs, animations, visuals, and lighting effects, all transforming the game into a fresh, close to 3-dimensional look. New traps, puzzles, enemies, and achievements add to the excitement. It's time to save the princess from her terrible fate!"

Mega Man 9 DLC

- Hero Mode (€1,49 / £1.19)
- Special Stage (€1,49 / £1.19)
- Superhero Mode (€1,49 / £1.19)

Penny Arcade Adventures: On the Rain-Slick Precipice of Darkness, Episode One ($14.99)

"The first installment in the RPG-adventure game series based on the web comic Penny Arcade. Create your character in the classic comic style, and join Gabe and Tycho in the alternate 1920s universe of New Arcadia, where you’ll combat savage enemies, solve mysteries, meet bizarre new characters, and discover their distinctive adult humor for a 100% authentic Penny Arcade experience!"

File size: 215 MB

Prince of Persia Classic ($9.99)

"The original action adventure game comes to the PlayStation Network! Rescue the Princess from the clutches of the evil Jaffar in a redux of the original 1989 action-adventure that redefined the platform genre. All set for the HD-era, this enhanced and updated version features new character designs, animations, visuals, and lighting effects, all brought to you in glorious 1080p!"

File size: 117 MB

High Velocity Bowling Expansions

All Hallow’s Eve Ball Pack ($0.99)

"This High Velocity Bowling All Hallow’s Eve Ball Pack download contains six balls inspired by the fear and fun of Halloween! Add these downloadable balls to your High Velocity Bowling selection. It’s time to bowl – High Velocity style!"

Foxy ($0.99)

"It’s time to bowl – High Velocity style! Add Foxy Powers, a retro revolutionary, to your High Velocity Bowling roster. Foxy hails from Oakland and has a powerful shot with good spin. Download includes Foxy’s special ball The Revolution, plus her new lane Foxy’s Den, styled with funky 70’s disco ambiance and music!"

Chastity ($0.99)

"It’s time to bowl – High Velocity style! Add Chastity Falls, a talented and enthusiastic dancer, to your High Velocity Bowling roster. Chastity hails from South Carolina and puts some decent spin on the heavy balls. Download includes Chastity’s special Spare Change ball, plus the new Redneck Mansion lane, set in a rundown trailer park with unique audio."

Mega Man 9 DLC

Mega Man 9 Superhero Mode ($0.99)

"Superhero Mode will be added to the Special Games Section.
This mode is above and beyond Hero Mode in difficulty."

Mega Man 9 Special Stage ($0.99)

"Special Stage will be added to Time Attack.
You will be able to play the Special Stage."

Mega Man 9 Hero Mode ($0.99)

"Hero Mode will be added to the Special Games Section.
The enemies in this mode are much harder to defeat."

Twilight Creations have revealed that their board game title Zombies!!! will be making its way to the PlayStation Network and Xbox Live Arcade. The developers, Big Rooster, have also revealed that they will be bringing Wings Of War to both systems as well.

"Zombies!!! puts you in the middle of the action as you try to escape the ever advancing zombie horde. Players must use a combination of wits and brawn to be the first to the heliport and certain escape. The only problem is, the zombies are everywhere, they appear to be very hungry and your opponents would really prefer if you didn't escape."

No screenshots have been revealed as of yet, but it will be interesting to see how well it works with a console controller. Being based on Zombies might also allow it to break into a better demographic that previous board games on XBLA.

Wings Of War - Famous Aces is also based on a board and card game variant by Fantasy Flight Games. From the looks of it (check out this Youtube video) it is a turn based dogfighting game in which you place cards to maneuver your miniatures and take down your opponent's fighters. It was made by Andrea Angiolino, an Italian game creator.

"Airplanes can be as different as the aces who command them and the fighters in Wings of War: Famous Aces are no exception. With a variety of maneuver and damage deck combinations, players must master each plane if they’re going to become a top ace. Players will deal with broken rudders, flaming engines, jammed guns, and a hail of bullets in their pursuit of the shooting down the enemy and winning the war—are you up to the challenge?"

Both games look like they could both do well in 2009. While Wings Of War is claiming to be a 2008 title, I would not be surprised to see it slip into next year. Big Rooster had previously been known for the development of Talisman - an XBLA board game title that was canceled by Capcom just a few months ago.

Source: Zombies, Big Rooster: Wings Of War.

Doublesix Games have announced the long rumored title Burn Zombie Burn for the PlayStation Network.

It appears to be a simplified Zombie Bashing game in which you survive an onslaught of Zombies trying to kill you, a bit like Smash TV, but with a lot of horror film influence.

The game will be available in January 2009, and will include two player modes. Now to find out what's going on with Underfire and their South Park XBLA title.

Source: IGN - Burn Zombie Burn! Announced

This week Europe is getting a hold of both WiiWare releases from America, but with an additional game - Home Sweet Home from Big Blue Bubble.

Next week will be a Virtual Console week, but then Europe should receive Strong Bad Episode 3 (announced for this week for America) and hopefully one of either Space Invaders Get Even or Alien Crush Returns.

Home Sweet Home

Wii Points: 1,000
Game Type: Puzzle
Control Type: Wii Remote
Players: 1
Publisher: Big Blue Bubble

"Home Sweet Home is a home design game in which you will listen and learn about your clients’ tastes, create fabulous designs for your clients, and then direct your build team to assemble it all in front of your eyes.

"Picture the scene. You move into a new house and you have visions of how you want every room, except for one. Sure, there are some items you know you need in that room but, other than that, it’s a blank canvas. Who do you call? How about the ‘Home Sweet Home’ team?"

Click here for the official web page via BigBlueBubble

Tetris Party

Wii Points: 1,200
Game Type: Puzzle
Control Type: Wii Remote, Classic, Wii Balance Board
Players: 1-6
Publisher: Tetris Online, Inc.

"Tetris Party is a deceptively simple, totally addictive puzzle game that is sure to keep you and all of your friends and family entertained for hours on end. The WiiWare game features 10 never-before-seen single-player and multiplayer variations of Tetris, including Field Climber, Stage Racer, Shadow and Wii Balance Board-enabled modes (Wii Balance Board™ accessory sold with Wii Fit™). Several of the modes give users the chance to take advantage of the unique point-and-shoot capabilities of the Wii Remote™ controller. The party doesn't stop there, though. Take the Tetris fun online via Nintendo® Wi-Fi Connection, where you can play multiplayer Tetris against up to five friends at a time. You can also see how your Tetris Party skills stack up against the rest of the world using the global ranking system."

The Incredible Maze

Wii Points: 500
Game Type: Puzzle
Control Type: Wii Remote, Wii Balance Board
Players: 1
Publisher: Digital Leisure Inc.

"Get lost in The Incredible Maze! Simply tilt your Wii Remote controller to navigate a series of exciting and twisted mazes. Entering the maze could not be easier, but finding your way out will require a keen eye and a steady hand. Obstacles and traps are around every corner, so move your ball around the maze without falling off the edge. But watch out, there are lots of surprises in store. You can hunt for gems in a timed challenge, or test your abilities in a race against the clock. The Incredible Maze is also compatible with the Wii Balance Board, so you can really put your weight into it. This is the way in, but you'll have to find your own way out."

Hero Mode - 100 Wii Points: A more difficult and challenging single player mode.

Superhero Mode - 100 Wii Points: An even more difficult version of the game.

Special Stage - 100 Wii Points: Another time attack stage, including a brand new boss (Fake Man, above) to fight against.

Over at GameSpot they've gotten their hands on a new build of the highly anticipated Puzzle Quest: Galactrix and go in-depth on just how this game works - filled with new galaxies, new mini-games, and plenty more.

"In the original game, you controlled a character whose abilities you customized as you leveled him or her up. This time around, your character has been replaced by a spaceship (you can own up to three ships, in fact), complete with a full crew and ship upgrades that look to replace the spells and abilities you used in the previous game. Colored gems are tied to the various aspects of your ship--red are used for weapons upgrades, green will give you various buffs, yellow gems will affect the board itself, and blue will upgrade your ship's shield.

"If you want to sink all your available upgrade points into shields, playing the game turtle-style and looking to do all your damage on the puzzle board (and not with ship abilities), that will be a perfectly valid, if seemingly time-consuming, strategy. With three slots for ships in your inventory, you'll be able to customize your trio of ships (from a total of 30 available in the game) with specific build-outs that can be used in certain situations."

Certainly sounds like a great extension on the concept that Puzzle Quest laid down. While I was one who initially missed out on Puzzle Quest, Galactix and its many new cousins (Puzzle Kingdoms and Neopets Puzzle Adventure) interest me greatly.

Read the full preview below.

Source: Puzzle Quest: Galactrix Updated Hands-On