Family Glide Hockey

Wii Points: 500
Game Type: Sports
Control Type: Wii Remote, Nunchuk
Players: 1-4
Publisher: Aksys Games

"Daddy, Mommy, Sarah and Billy are back for more family fun, and this time it's glide hockey. Hone your skills in a gymnasium, a forest park, a beach, an amusement park, even the freezing Arctic. Family Glide Hockey sports appealing cel-shaded graphics and endearing music to go with its friendly, competitive match-ups. Choose between single-player mode, versus mode (up to four players can play), or challenge your skill in engaging minigames such as Glide Hockey Brawl, Glide Hockey Drill and Glide Hockey Tracer."

Click here for the official Family Glide Hockey website.

High Voltage Hot Rod Show™

Wii Points: 1,000
Game Type: Racing
Control Type: Wii Remote, Nunchuk, Classic, GameCube, Wii Wheel
Players: 1-4
Publisher: High Voltage Software, Inc.
Unique Features: Nintendo Wi-Fi

"High Voltage Hot Rod Show is a slick and fast-paced racer that challenges up to four players to tear up the track on a variety of off-road courses, mastering death-defying stunts and building enough Boost to stomp the competition. Players must learn to tame their monster Hot Rods by nailing ramps, power slides, bunny hops, and tricks while avoiding mud pits and smashing through Boost Rings to fill their Boost Meters. Players can compete against seven CPU opponents in Championship mode or set their best lap times in the time trials. Top times can be uploaded to an online scoreboard via Nintendo® Wi-Fi Connection and shared with players around the world. Multiplayer supports up to four players in split-screen mode, giving each player a wide range of controller choices. High Voltage Hot Rod Show is an addictive racer that fully leverages the company's cutting-edge technology! "

Click here for more screenshots of High Voltage Hot Rod Show.

On a light note, looks like not even Nintendo know what's happening with WiiWare. The official screenshots for Hot Rod Show on their press site are actually from WiiWare World - logo and all. Nice to know that they come to the fansites like us for all the latest information!

Infinite Interactive has given people the chance to check out their upcoming XBLA / PSN title Puzzle Quest: Galactrix early - by checking out a demo on their website.

By going to playpuzzlequestgalactrix.com, you can play a standard battle of Puzzle Quest: Galactrix. Unlike the original Puzzle Quest, which used a set of squares in a grid, Galactrix takes players into the world of hexagons on a more circular playfield. People have commented that generally hexagons "scare" some people due to their complexity. If you're not quite sure if you can handle it, check out the demo above.

I'm currently playing through the original Puzzle Quest, via the Nintendo DS version. Hopefully this game will be just as addictive when it comes out mid-year.

GameTrailers has been able to snag the first footage of NHL Arcade 3-on-3 for Xbox Live Arcade and the PlayStation Network. You've got big heads, short people and plenty of mayhem on the ice field.

Looks good - though personally, the power ups that make you grow and shrink or drop bananas seem a little too much for me. Hopefully, you can turn them off.

Continue reading for the second video of NHL Arcade:

"The pinnacle of alien evolution, Maw is a cowardly fat blob concerned mostly with snacking and lounging. He can, however, absorb the traits of anything he eats, is virtually indestructible, and can grow to unlimited size. If he wasn't a danger to all life in the universe, he'd make the perfect pet. In the action/adventure game The Maw, he's the best friend of our hero Frank, and only by working together, can Maw help eat their way to freedom. The Maw was honored with the Audience Choice Award in the 2008 PAX-10 showcase of independent games, and is a finalist at the 2009 Independent Games Festival for Technical Excellence."

Click here for the official Xbox.com splash page.

Kellee Santiago, president and co-founder of thatgamecompany has revealed via the PlayStation Blog that wind simulator Flower will be making its way to the PlayStation Network on February 12th - in America at least.

To celebrate, they've released a new trailer which you can check out above. Hopefully the European release date is on the same weekend - or somewhere around the same time.

Source: The US PlayStation Blog

When OutRun Online Arcade was originally announced there were some strange occurances happening with the press releases. Two separate ones were released for Europe and America - with the American one strangely having no mention of the PS3 version.

UK gaming outpost CVG have now gotten the final word on the situation - the PlayStation Network version of OutRun Online Arcade is a European exclusive. It will not be released in North America.

The reasons could be many - are Microsoft shelling out for an American exclusive? Are Sony not keen on releasing a port in NA? Either way, Sega has declined to comment on the issue.

Source: CVG: NO Outrun for PSN in US

The Maw

Developer: Twisted Pixel Games
Publisher: Microsoft
Genre: Action
Price: 800 MSP
Availability: All Xbox LIVE regions

Click here for the official Xbox.com splash page.

Click here for the official NeoGAF forum topic.

Click here to download the demo via online marketplace.

And in yet another example of the Xbox team not knowing what they're actually meant to do, another release this week - FunTown Mahjong. Well, maybe. You see, FunTown Mahjong hasn't actually been announced officially, only leaked via Xbox360Achievements.org and various other websites. Major Nelson have claimed that FunTown Mahjong has been released, but it has not got an Xbox.com splash page, hasn't got a marketplace page, and 2 hours after claiming to now be available, is not.

Congratulations Microsost, you've allowed another XBLA game to go (supposedly) released unannounced, and now likely to sell far fewer copies than it probably could otherwise.

FunTown Mahjong

Developer:
Published:
Genre:
Price: 800 MSP
Availability: Not available in Korea

"Unlock the full version of FunTown Mahjong to play even more of this traditional Chinese tile game! The full version includes the ability to compete against your friends on Xbox LIVE or against AI opponents. You can also earn achievements, aim for the top of the leaderboards, and enjoy tons of exciting Mahjong variations!"

Click here to download the demo via the online marketplace. (assuming it'll pop up later on today)

5th Grader: Are You Smarter than a 5th Grader?™ Brainiac Pack

Price: 150 MSP
Availability: United States Only
"Join Mr. Foxworthy’s class and play the Are You Smarter than a 5th Grader?™ trivia game. Every question is based on grade school curriculum and the answers are elementary."

Click here to download the pack via the Xbox online marketplace.

There was also mention of a METEOS WARS - Planet Pack downloadable content being available on the Xbox.com marketplace, but it seems to have been taken down. Oh the drama!

Edit: Ah, it's up now.

METEOS WARS: Planet Pack

Price: 350 MSP
Availability: Worldwide

"Can't get enough of METEOS WARS? Challenge yourself and your opponent to more planets! The Planet Pack features 9 planets, each with its own visual and audio style as well as gravity effects. Find the planet that best fits your style of play in METEOS WARS! Simply slide, stack and ignite your blocks to blast away the world-ending Meteos. Only you can stop them from falling and crushing your planet. Master the combo links and power-ups to challenge your friends in intense multiplayer sessions. This fast-paced action puzzler is nothing but one explosive adventure!"

Click here to download the expansion pack from the web marketplace.

[Every week GamerBytes' editor Ryan Langley passes along the top console digital download news tidbits from the past 7 days, including brand new game announcements and scoops through the world of Xbox Live Arcade, PlayStation Network and WiiWare.]

This week's top story is our interview with Craig Forrester, creator of the popular XNA Community game Johnny Platform's Biscuit Romp. Originally a Nintendo DS homebrew title, it's made its way onto the Xbox 360. We discuss the time and effort required to bring it over to XNA.

Outside of that, this weeks XBLA release is The Maw and possibly FunTown Mahjong (read that article for the whole ridiculous antics behind this), the PlayStation Network got its hand with Magic Ball - a new take on Breakout, and GTI Club+, a remake of a classic Konami racer that our friend Simon Carless is quite fond of. WiiWare got the latest game from High Voltage Software - Hot Rod Racing as well as Family Glide Hockey.

Xbox Live Arcade

The Maw And Funtown Mahjong (maybe) Now Available On XBLA
The one-eyed purple beast of the apocalypse makes its way onto XBLA. And in another example of not knowing what's coming out, possibly FunTown Mahjong. Some 5th Grader DLC too.

GamerBytes Interview: From Nintendo DS To XNA Community Games - How The Cookie Crumbles
We interview Craig Forrester about his recently released XNA game Johnny Platform's Biscuit Romp and its history of originally being Nintendo DS homebrew.

Try Defense Grid: The Awakening Right Now On PC
Upcoming Tower Defense game for the XBLA has released a demo for the PC version - try before you buy!

Try Out Puzzle Quest Galactrix Via Online Demo
Another PC demo released for upcoming XBLA and PSN title - give Puzzle Quest Galactrix a shot now.

PlayStation Network

EU PSN Store Update - Magic Ball and An Explosion Of PSN DLC
CREAT Studio's Magic Ball is released, and about a years worth of High Velocity Bowling DLC released along with it.

US PSN Store Update - GTI Club+ And Magic Ball
People in North America now get a chance to drive around in a remake of a classic Konami racer, and smash down pirate ships Arkanoid style.

First Footage Of NHL Arcade Revealed
Title says it all - watch big headed hockey players slip over banana peels.

Flower Out On Feburary 12th
The PlayStation Network's wind simulator is only three weeks away.

OutRun Online Arcade Not Coming To PSN In America
If you love OutRun and live in America, you're going to have to grab it on the XBLA.

WiiWare

NA WiiWare Update: High Voltage Hot Rod Show And Family Glide Hockey
High Voltage Software's latest foray onto WiiWare is now up along with a cheap rendition of air hockey.

EU WiiWare Update - Lonpos
One of the Japanese WiiWare launch titles finally makes its way to Europe.

Hudson Announce Pop'em Drop'em SameGame
Hudson continue their dominance on WiiWare with a new rendition of SameGame.

Square-Enix appears to be very interested in new digital download opportunities, with the release of My Life As A King onto WiiWare, and their Taito division working hard on Arkanoid Live! and Space Invaders Extreme - not to mention the recently leaked information of Yosumin! coming to Xbox Live Arcade.

Now, the next stage of their plans have been unveiled, with two new titles. The first is their iPod and iPhone tower defense game Crystal Defenders, now set to be released for WiiWare, PlayStation Network and Xbox Live Arcade.

In this week's Famitsu Magazine, it has been revealed that Crystal Defenders R1 will be getting its Japanese WiiWare release on January 27th for 1000 WiiPoints. The Xbox Live Arcade and PlayStation Network versions, shown in the image below, will be released at a later date.

Check out the full information at the links below:

Source: WiiEveryDay / GoNintendo.

Along with the announcement of Crystal Defenders R1, Square Enix and its Taito division have revealed that they are bringing Bubble Bobble Wii to WiiWare.

The game will include 400 stages - 100 arcade, 100 arranged and 'difficult' versions of both level sets. From the look of some of the screenshots, the game may be more of a remake of the original. They will also be releasing two downloadable level packs with 50 stages each -- each costing 200 points. The game will also have 4 player support.

We previously suggested that Bubble Bobble would be an excellent candidate for WiiWare in our old 'What needs to be on digital download?' segments, so I'm very glad that Taito have decided to bring it back. Check out the full information below:

Source: GoNintendo

In another Famitsu reveal, Sega have announced -- in a strange twist of fate -- a WiiWare title that looks, at least visually, almost exactly like a Famicom game.

The title - Pole's Big Adventure - is somewhat of a parody game, according to the translation, being a 2D action platformer filled with in-jokes and gags. The game will be released on February 3rd in Japan, and cost 500 Wii Points.

We'll have more information about the game in another day, once the super secret website updates. In the meantime, check out the full Famitsu info below:

Source: GoNintendo - Famitsu scan - Pole’s Big Adventure - Sega’s teaser site revealed

Age Of Booty was one of the neatest games to come out last year for the PlayStation Network and Xbox Live Arcade. Online battles were great, and there were a fair few people playing, thanks to the excellent matchmaking system and free online play through the demo.

Now the creators hope for a second wind of buyers, with new updates coming for both versions of the game. Capcom have told IGN that during February, along with the PC version of the game, they will also be releasing a patch for Trophies on PSN, and Avatar support for the Xbox 360 version.

Source: IGN: Age of Booty Expanded

The wait to knowing exactly what Noby Noby Boy is seems to be almost up - Namco-Bandai Europe have revealed that Noby Noby Boy will be released in PAL territories on February 19th for the low price of €3.99.

The press release gives us a nice look into the premise of the game, but even still, I don't think we'll really understand it until we get our hands on it.

"Delivering a new and innovative approach to online gaming, NOBY NOBY BOY lets players collaborate to unlocks new game stages. As players stretch BOY in their individual play sessions, the lengths to which they grow are uploaded to a persistent character known as GIRL, who grows at the same rate of all the players in the world. GIRL starts at Earth and expands through the solar system as more games are played and BOYs from all players continue to grow. When GIRL reaches a new milestone in the solar system, these areas are unlocked as playable stages in the game for everyone around the world."

With Flower out on February 12th in North America, Noby Noby Boy shouldn't be too far behind. Looks like February is the month for crazy ideas over on PSN.

Source: PR.

The talent pool spawning from the Newgrounds pond appears to be expanding even more onto digital console downloads - Super Meat Boy is on its way to WiiWare, courtesy of some of the top minds of Indie games.

The original Meat Boy is a simple-yet-difficult Flash game created by Edmund McMillen and Jon McEntee. Similar in style to N+, your goal is to use your platforming prowess to jump through mazes filled with death traps and more - all in the name of saving your girlfriend.

You can actually check it out right now by going over to Newgrounds, and you can see the potential straight away.

Outside of Meat Boy, Edmind is one of the minds behinds Gish, winner of the 2005 IGF Open Category Grand Prize and now available on Steam. The game is also being worked on by Tommy Refenes, whose game Goo! was a finalist in last year's IGF for technical excellence.

Right now, all we have is their website teaser now being live. How drastically different Super Meat Boy is to the original is yet to be determined.

Super Meat Boy is set for release at the end of the year.

In this round-up, we highlight some of the notable jobs posted in sister site Gamasutra's industry-leading game jobs section this week, including positions from Nintendo of America, Square Enix, N-Fusion Interactive, Redtribe, and more.

Each position posted by employers will appear on the main Gamasutra job board, and appear in the site's daily and weekly newsletters, reaching our readers directly.

It will also be cross-posted for free across its network of submarket sites, which includes content sites focused on online worlds, cellphone games, 'serious games', independent games and more.

Some of the notable jobs posted in each market area this week include:

Penny Arcade Adventures: On the Rain-Slick Precipice of Darkness, Episode One (9,99€ / £7.99)

"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!"

Click here for the original debut post for the game on the PlayStation blog.

About time really. It's been 4 months since the game was released on the American PlayStation Store. Hopefully Episode 2 isn't too far behind.