Evasive Space

Wii Points: 1,000
Game Type: Action, Adventure
Control Type: Wii Remote
Players: 1-4
Publisher: Yukes Company of America / Akinai Games
Developer: High Voltage Software

"Launch on a one-of-a-kind mission to rescue the stars! The universe is going dark, and it's up to you, Konki, Stellar Guardian, to put things right. Dr. Dark Matter and his roving band of space thieves have stolen many of the Constellation Stones that make up the heavens. It’s time to suit up, power up, and live up to the task at hand. Recover the Stones and once again bring light to the night sky. Featuring unique use of the Wii Remote controller's Pointer capabilities, simply point and thrust Konki through 20 dangerous time- and collection-based missions in the harshest of environments. Navigate through narrow, mazelike astral caves riddled with space worms, steam pipes, and mining drills. Explore vast space stations while avoiding turret fire, mines, and huge crushing gears. Weave through cluttered asteroid fields and gaseous planetary rings, and more. Evade the hazards, pick up precious items and ship upgrades, and save the Constellation Stones before the night sky is lost forever."

Click here for screenshots of Evasive Space for WiiWare

The latest episode of XNA Roundup takes a look back at one of the best XNA Community Games around - Johnny Platform's Biscuit Romp. Without much out in terms of quality over the past week, there wasn't much more choice.

If you haven't given the trial a download yet, check out this episode. You can also download each episode via the iTunes music store.

The Watchmen film is almost upon us, and its one video game adaptation, a digital download prequel for Xbox Live Arcade and the PlayStation Network will be hitting just days before release, on March 4th and 5th respectively.

Joystiq got word of the release date via the official Watchmen website. In fact the official splash page is also up and also suggests the date.

Watchmen will be a very interesting game to keep an eye on. The game is looking very good, but the games length is up in the air. Watchmen is a 120 Million dollar movie, and there is a good chance that this movie will be one of the highest earners of the year along with Transformers 2. But like Zach Snyder's previous big title 300, which only got a PSP adaptation, it's also getting a very strange release.

If Watchmen ends up being something huge on the scale of Transformers or The Dark Knight we could end up seeing a large amount of sales over digital download, and in turn have more people start to download games over the internet. I wouldn't be surprised if Warner Bros. plan to do an advertising campaign in which the game is mentioned - a first for an XBLA or PSN title.

There are only 3 weeks to go before we can take control of Rorschach and Nite Owl through the crime busting era of Watchmen. I just hope it ends up being good, and that it's priced appropriately.

Source: Joystiq - Watchmen: The End is Nigh hitting 360 and PC March 4, PSN March 5

"Enter the ever-changing Death Tank arena and unleash your destructive power in multi-player, next-gen combat. Equip your futuristic tank with earth shattering weapons and roll on over to Xbox LIVE to join in epic battles between friends.

Published by Microsoft, and developed by Snowblind Studios/Flat Games. Death Tank will be available for 1200 Microsoft Points worldwide."

"For those wanting more from The Maw, Twisted Pixel Games has announced that a new level called "Brute Force" will be launching this Wednesday, February 18 on Xbox LIVE® Arcade for 100 Microsoft Points ($1.25 USD). Featuring new puzzles, characters, cinematics, and explosive action this level pits Frank and Maw against a new foe: the Brute Soldier, a member of the bounty hunters' elite strike force sent to stop Maw at any cost.

This is the first of three DLC levels that Twisted Pixel Games has been working on ever since The Maw development wrapped last year. "There's a period of time where we're not allowed to touch the game because it's going through certification, but there was more we wanted to do, so rather than calling it a day we threw ourselves into making all new levels," explains CEO Michael Wilford. "We've never done DLC before so it's a bit of an experiment for us, but there seems to be a lot of excitement for it so I don't think we can go wrong."

Each DLC level will expand The Maw storyline by fitting in between the original levels as "deleted scenes". "As with any production, there are always pieces left on the cutting room floor that you wished could have made it into the final cut," says CCO and Director Josh Bear. "We had a lot of half-finished story elements and gameplay mechanics, so we are picking the best ones, polishing them up and making new levels that are bigger in size and scope than the ones in the main game.""

Would you believe it? After Taito finally revealed EXIT 2 for Xbox Live Arcade last week, apparently it's also coming out this week. Who knew? Certainly not the Xbox Live Arcade Team in charge of informing the press and customers alike about their new releases before they come out.

The EXIT 2 splash page popped up on Monday, and in a later update revealed a price and a date - this Wednesday for 800 Microsoft Points. The page reads that the game will consist of "240 stages with an additional 30 original Xbox 360 stages available for download". That's a lot of game for only 10 bucks.

Thanks to Shard over at NeoGAF for the information, continuing to keep us all as informed as possible on the latest Xbox Live Arcade releases.

Last week we revealed that the Puzzle Quest: Galactrix splash page had been added to Xbox.com, and revealed a date. That date however was a little muddled, citing the game would be released on the 24th of February 2008. That's not a Wednesday, and it's not even in the right year.

Today the page has been once again updated, this time with the correct date - the 25th of February 2009. That's next week. Time to get your 3-match game on.

No price has been revealed for the Xbox Live Arcade version at this time. The original game was released at 1200 Microsoft Points, which was quite high compared to most other games on the service. With this game being released day and date with the Nintendo DS version, which retails for $29.99, and the PC which sells for $19.99 we could easily see this game become the second title to be released at 1600 MSP. It is unlikely that the PSN version will hit at the same time, since the original Puzzle Quest was also delayed.

Considering I've spent the last month and a half worth of hour long bus trips on the original Puzzle Quest on my Nintendo DS, and that I've yet to complete Chapter 3, I'm sure you'll get your moneys worth whatever it costs.

In other news, the Peggle splash page has been added to Xbox.com. The page reveals a few interesting tidbits for those looking forward to the title: this version is developed by Gastronaut Software, the people behind Small Arms and the upcoming Gel: Set & Match.

The game will also only feature 10 characters, meaning additional character Marina the Electric Squid from Peggle Nights will not be making an appearance. The game will also include 55 levels, the same amount of levels featured in the original Peggle, but we hear that Peggla XBLA may be mixing up levels from both it and Nights.

The splash page has also been added for PopCap Arcade Volume 2, the retail title featuring the XBLA versions of Peggle, Feeding Frenzy 2 and Heavy Weapon. It will be hitting stores at the end of March for only $19.99, a saving of $10 if you downloaded them all.

Galactrix next week, Watchmen the week after. While Peggle and CellFactor: Psychokinetic Wars both currently have splash pages, they will probably be released in the weeks afterward - but who really knows in this strange climate of Arcade releases we're currently in?

Connect2Media have announced a new casual PC and iPhone title Go! Go! Rescue Squad, with plans to release the game later on for the Xbox Live Arcade.

"The game has been developed at the company’s Manchester development studio and sees the player taking on the role of a brave firefighter in order to save ‘Darwins’, the hapless inhabitants of the town. The game has a wide appeal combining compelling gameplay, original character and level design and unique gameplay mechanics in 64 puzzle packed levels over six themed districts. Gameplay sees the firefighter squad doing everything they can to save the various Darwins from fire, floods and explosions. The game has a gentle learning curve but its size and variety of levels gives it plenty of depth and hours of gameplay."

From the video above it looks like a cross between EXIT, previously released on the Xbox Live Arcade, with the graphical design of Man Overboard / Sink or Swim, an old Genesis / Amiga title. The naming of the game is a little weird as well, since we already have a game with Go! Go! in the title on Xbox Live Arcade.

This release practice is also similar to the upcoming Defense Grid and Pipe Mania, which should be hitting the XBLA sometime this year. It doesn't look too bad, although the game looks very flash-based. The iPhone and PC versions shouldn't be too far away, so we should get a good idea on its quality when those are released.

Source: CONNECT2MEDIA ANNOUNCE MAJOR NEW CASUAL GAME BRAND: Go! Go! Rescue Squad! (PR)

Square Enix's first cross platform digital download title Crystal Defenders is well on its way, and Siliconera has been paying very close attention. Already available in Japan for WiiWare, Crystal Defenders R1 was released for 1,000 Wii Points at the end of January. R1 ended up with less maps and characters than its iPhone predecessor, where we assumed the rest would be available as add-ons later.

Now it appears that Square Enix will be releasing Crystal Defenders R2 for WiiWare in Japan as a separate download for another 1,000 Wii Points. What Square-Enix appears to be doing is following a model similar to the Japanese phone versions of the game, which were split into three parts - W1, W2 and W3.

Siliconera is suggesting that Crystal Defenders for the Xbox Live Arcade and PlayStation Network will not follow this model, and will instead collect the entire game in one package. With the current pricing trend on XBLA, it could certainly sell for $15USD.

But will all three versions be coming to the West? According to the ESRB, which rated Crystal Defenders little over a week ago, the game may only be coming out for Xbox Live Arcade and the PlayStation Network. Germany's USK rating system also rated the game, but only for the Xbox Live Arcade. The USK rating has since vanished.

The reasoning for this is most likely due to the different naming of the WiiWare version, but if that's the case shouldn't the WiiWare versions appeared before the XBLA and PSN versions? Square Enix has not announced a price or date for any versions of the game in the Westm but we should hear the full story soon.

Source: Siliconera - WiiWare Crystal Defenders Sold In Shards

Dutch studio Ronimo Games have released a new trailer for Swords & Soliders, their upcoming side scrolling strategy game.

The video shows off the games single player campaign mode, traveling the world and taking on different factions for the powers of the gods.

The game was originally scheduled for a late 2008 release, but ended up being delayed to sometime this year. It's one of my most anticipated WiiWare titles, and the fact that they're planning for a worldwide release means I'll actually be able to play it.

Source: Youtube - Swords and Soldiers Story Trailer

Death Tank

Developer: Snowblind Studios, Inc.
Publisher: Microsoft
Genre: Action
Price: 1200 MSP
Availability: All Xbox LIVE regions

Click here for the official Xbox.com splash page

Click here for the marketplace page to download the demo.

Please note, much like Age of Booty Death Tank has free online play in the demo, which will last 60 minutes. Check it out!

The Maw Deleted Scene - Brute Force

Price: 100 MSP

"In this "deleted scene" from The Maw, the Bounty Hunters have sent in members from their new elite strike force, the Brutes, to stop Frank and Maw. The two must use powers from the Beetull and Gastro creatures to avoid capture. This part of the story occurs between the Bulb Valley and Chaindown levels."

Click here for the marketplace page to download the expansion.

In other news, it appears that Xbox.com was wrong for the release of EXIT 2. Suddenly it's changed from today to TBD. There was some European press releases stating both would be available, but now it looks like the game will be out sometime in the next few weeks instead.

In the latest Famitsu Magazine, Namco Bandai have revealed that Mr. Driller World will be making its way to WiiWare in Japan.

The game basically looks similar to all the previous Mr. Driller games - get as far down as you can while grabbing more air. The game appears to have a new mode as seen in the left screenshot above, but I can't be a completely certain. It does look aesthetically better than last year's Mr. Driller Online for the Xbox Live Arcade though.

Mr. Driller World is set to be released on WiiWare in Japan in just a week's time for 800 Wii Points It will be coming the same day as a Nintendo DS variant, which seems to be closer to Mr. Driller Drill Spirits - one of the early retail Nintendo DS games.

Source: GoNintendo: Famitsu - new game announcements

It appears that we may have been a bit hasty in announcing the dates for Puzzle Quest: Galactrix and Exit 2 for Xbox Live Arcade this week - their dates have been reset to TBD.

Exit 2 supposedly was going to come out today alongside Death Tank, but clearly this isn't the case. Galactrix went from an incorrect date, to next week, and now back to TBD.

We've got no idea on what their release plans are now. It's now a guessing game for what's coming next week.

The latest update to the German rating board website has revealed the latest WiiWare title coming from Hudson Entertainment - Water Warfare.

The game has been rated 12 in Germany and is suggested to be a Shooter. With Onslaught just released by them, could we see another shooter so quickly, or may this one be on rails, similar to Sega's own Ocean Hunter Arcade title?

Another title has also appeared, titled Karate Phants. Created by Snap Dragon Games, known usually for their cheap DS titles in Europe, but the fact that they are self-publishing this title makes the chances of this being WiiWare very high. Apparently it will be a Beat-Em-Up, and from the title you may be controlling Karate Elephants. Can they go up against a Samurai Toaster? We'll have to wait and see.

Source: USK Rating Board.

[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, gamers can finally check out Death Tank on Xbox Live Arcade. Despite the 1200 Microsoft points ($15) it may cost you, those interested in checking it out before buying should know that the demo includes free online play for Gold users - a whole hour's worth of free online multiplayer to try out. This needs to happen more - and it helps that it's a great game.

Last week, the PlayStation Network got Flower, and this week, users can check out Noby Noby Boy. Even the creators aren't quite sure what sort of monster they've created this time.

Finally, WiiWare users can download Evasive Space, a space shooter where you... do not shoot. If you're a fan of Geometry Wars' passive mode you might want to give this a shot.

Xbox Live Arcade

Death Tank And The Maw DLC Now Available
Hey kids, it's time for a blitz round!

Sega Vintage Collection Expands - Sonic 3, Gunstar Heroes And More
Leaked screenshots show more Sega classics coming to Xbox Live Arcade.

XNA Roundup Episode 5 - Johnny Platform's Biscuit Romp
This week's XNA Roundup episode showcases one of the best XNA titles currently available.

Watchmen: The End Is Nigh Hitting XBLA March 4th, PSN March 5th
Check out the Watchmen companion game, days before the theatrical release.

Xbox.com Reverts Dates, Galactrix, Exit 2 Now TBD
We thought Exit 2 was coming out this week, and Galactrix next week. Looks like we were wrong.

PlayStation Network

Comet Crash And Hammer Fall Announced For PSN
A new Desktop Tower Defense game coming exclusively to the PlayStation Network.

EU PSN Store Update - Flower
Flying through the sky so fancy free.

NA PSN Store Update - Flower, Lumines Classic Pack
Become one with the wind, as you fly through this beautiful game.

WiiWare

Crystal Defenders Splits Up On WiiWare, XBLA And PSN Only In The West?
Square-Enix's Tower Defense game gets expensive on WiiWare.

Animales De La Muerte No Longer WiiWare Bound
High Voltage Software's zombie animal decapitating simulator now on hold.

Mr. Driller Burrows His Way To WiiWare
Famitsu magazine shows off the latest Mr. Driller title coming to WiiWare and DSiWare.

EU WiiWare Update - Onslaught, Pop Up Pirate
Hudson's first person shooter comes first to WiiWare, as well as Tomy's classic toy going digital.

NA WiiWare Update - Evasive Space
High Voltage Software's non-shooting shooter now out in America.

D3 have revealed, through a somewhat strange method, that there are currently plans to create a prequel to their upcoming Eat Lead: The Return of Matt Hazard for Xbox Live Arcade and the PlayStation Network.

Eat Lead is the story of Matt Hazard, a "video game character" retrofitted with a story of being part of the 8 and 16-bit days, who slowly disgraced himself in horrible games to be almost forgotten - until his return in Eat Lead. Basically, he follows the life of Duke Nukem.

D3 have done some cool press discussing his past hit The Adventures Of Matt In Hazard Land, which you can see in this introductory video. Instead of directly announcing the title, D3 have release a statement that there is a "rumor" of an XBLA and PSN title coming soon. It's a nice way to keep in tune with the crazy nature of the game itself.

They have released two pieces of artwork, giving us an idea on what it may look like. It's looking a lot like Contra style game, even looking a little like XNA Community Game Weapon Of Choice. I'm hoping for a game more similar to classic Apogee games, like Duke Nukem II, Bio Menace and Alien Carnage. Check them out over at the below link.

This will be the third title published by D3 this year - with Galactrix and Texas Cheat'em being the other two. Seems everybody's getting in on the action.

Source: Destructoid - D3 announces rumor that 'classic' Matt Hazard game is coming to XBLA, PSN

Noby Noby Boy
Noby Noby Boy

Genre: Misc
Publisher: Namco Bandai
Players: 1
Price: £3.19 / €3,99 / $6.95AUD

"Push the boundaries of your imagination in the latest game from the creator of the Katamari Damacy series - Noby Noby Boy. Control the main character, BOY, to play, stretch and interact with objects and characters in surreal worlds. This enchanting title isn't just about stretching. By connecting to PlayStation Network you can record gameplay movies and upload them to YouTube for everyone to see. Download Noby Noby Boy and stretch your imagination. "

Super Street Fighter II HD Remix
Super Street Fighter II HD Remix

Genre: Fighter
Publisher: Capcom
Players: 1-2
Price: £11.99 / €14,99 / $23.95AUD

"Capcom's popular Street Fighter II series has returned in the shape of Super Street Fighter II Turbo HD Remix. Blessed with a whole new look, which boasts HD redrawn art and widescreen support, SFHD Remix offers a unique experience that appeals to new fans and Street Fighter purists alike. Download this fighting game classic and play at home versus a friend or test your skills online."

Burnout Paradise
Time Saver Pack

Price: £3.99 / €4,99 / $8.45AUD

"Burnout Paradise has a massive batch of downloads for you to increase your enjoyment of the fast paced racing game. First off the grid is the Time Savers Pack, which is the ideal purchase for those who want all the cars and bikes of Burnout Paradise, yet don't quite have the time to win them all.

"Purchasing this pack will immediately unlock all the cars that you can get for free by playing Burnout Paradise all the way to completion. However, you'll still need to win the events to earn your Burnout Licenses."

Legendary Cars Collection

Price: £6.29 / €7,99 / $12.95AUD for the set or £1.59 / €1,99 / $3.45 each.

"If you're looking for some entirely new vehicles, there is also the chance to download four Legendary Cars, either separately or as a combined pack in the Legendary Cars Collection. These vehicles are familiar cars from well known TV shows and movies, recreated with a twist - the GT Nighthawk (a Knight Rider homage), the Jansen 88 Special (based on Back to the Future's signature car, complete with hover capabilities), the Hunter Manhattan Spirit (a nod to the Ghostbusters station wagon) and the Hunter Cavalry Bootlegger (taken after the Dukes of Hazzard car). Download them all and give Paradise City a new spin."

Noby Noby Boy
Noby Noby Boy

Genre: Misc
Publisher: Namco Bandai
Players: 1
Price: $4.99

"Push the boundaries of your imagination in the latest game from the creator of the Katamari Damacy series - Noby Noby Boy. Control the main character, BOY, to play, stretch and interact with objects and characters in surreal worlds. This enchanting title isn't just about stretching. By connecting to PlayStation Network you can record gameplay movies and upload them to YouTube for everyone to see. Download Noby Noby Boy and stretch your imagination. "

Zuma
Zuma

Genre: Puzzle
Publisher: PopCap Games / SOE
Players: 1
Price: $9.99 (Demo Also Available)

"Discover the ancient secrets of Zuma! Now available on the PlayStation Network, experience the game that will have you on the edge of your seat from start to finish! Choose Adventure mode to explore a series of temples or Gauntlet mode to challenge your skills! With dazzling colors and levels in 1080p, Zuma will excite and mystify you!"

Burnout Paradise
Time Saver Pack

Price: $4.99

"Burnout Paradise has a massive batch of downloads for you to increase your enjoyment of the fast paced racing game. First off the grid is the Time Savers Pack, which is the ideal purchase for those who want all the cars and bikes of Burnout Paradise, yet don't quite have the time to win them all.

"Purchasing this pack will immediately unlock all the cars that you can get for free by playing Burnout Paradise all the way to completion. However, you'll still need to win the events to earn your Burnout Licenses."

Legendary Cars Collection

Price: $7.99 for the set or $1.99 each.

"If you're looking for some entirely new vehicles, there is also the chance to download four Legendary Cars, either separately or as a combined pack in the Legendary Cars Collection. These vehicles are familiar cars from well known TV shows and movies, recreated with a twist - the GT Nighthawk (a Knight Rider homage), the Jansen 88 Special (based on Back to the Future's signature car, complete with hover capabilities), the Hunter Manhattan Spirit (a nod to the Ghostbusters station wagon) and the Hunter Cavalry Bootlegger (taken after the Dukes of Hazzard car). Download them all and give Paradise City a new spin."

High Velocity Bowling

High Velocity Bowling: Patches Pack Two

Price: Free

"It’s time to bowl – High Velocity style! Add this free downloadable Trick Shot Pack to your High Velocity Bowling selection, and get another opportunity for a gold star and some of those tough patches."

Hudson's classic Adventure Island series is making a return to WiiWare, and WiiLoveIt.com have the first available screenshots.

Master Higgins returns in Adventure Island: The Beginning, a 3D return of the original games' formula. The game will also include several mini-games based around the different island locales.

Going by the screenshots this might be a hit or miss game. Not going for a retro look may have been a mistake. Hopefully it looks better in motion.

Check out more screenshots at the link below.

Source: WiiLoveIt - Adventure Island: The Beginning

In this round-up, we highlight some of the notable jobs posted in big sister site Gamasutra's industry-leading game jobs section this week, including positions from Telltale Games, Konami, Krome Studios, Lucasfilm Animation Singapore, 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:

The past few years have been an interesting time for consoles. With the growth of digital download services on all consoles, developers and publishers can produce a different kind of experience gamers are used to - whether it was a port of a classic arcade game, or the return of the dual-stick shooter.

Sierra, Konami and Namco were on board straight away with numerous titles, but Electronic Arts weren't so quick to the draw. They dabbled in digital download with the less than stellar Wing Commander Arcade and the Fantasy Football applications, but it looked like EA had given up on the service. With the beginning of 2009 however, they've done a complete turnaround and have begun taking the services by storm - first with NHL 3-On-3 Arcade, then the upcoming Hasbro Family Game Night, and finally today's topic - Battlefield 1943.

DICE have taken the ideas behind three classic Battlefield 1942 maps, recreated them using the Battlefield: Bad Company engine, tinkered with each, and finally released as a stand alone download for Xbox Live Arcade, PlayStation Network and PC as Battlefield 1943.

With Bad Company 2 and Battlefield Heroes set to storm into the scene this year, we talked with Patrick Liu, director of Battlefield 1943 to discuss what's new in the title, the gritty details on file size and matchmaking, and how it fits into the trifecta of Battlefield games this year.