It appears that some individual has decided to go break NDA and go rebel, releasing brand new, high definition video of Outrun Online Arcade and The Dishwasher: Dead Samurai.

The videos are available in high definition, but the Youtube encoding appears to make the framerate chug along pretty badly. You can download the true high resolution video here for Outrun and here for Dishwasher - just click and save as.

Somewhat of a blessing since the original Outrun Online Arcade trailer was only released at low resolution, the amount of leaks lately could end up being a very bad thing. Putting games up on Partnernet is only done to test out online modes and for game writing enthusiasts to preview and review their games in advance. This could stop happening entirely and could lead to people getting into a fair bit of trouble.

Continue reading for the embedded video of The Dishwasher.

It appears that Japan doesn't really care to do any hype for their upcoming downloadable title, particularly on WiiWare. Both Crystal Defenders R1 and Bubble Bobble Wii were officially announced days before release. Now the first screens of Rainbow Island: Towering Adventure have been released, and the release is only days away.

The game includes three modes of play - Story Mode where you follow Bubby and Bobby up through a standard Rainbow Island fare, a Challenge Mode, and a Time Attack mode. The game also support two player mode and will sell for 800 Wii Points.

The levels looks very much like Rainbow Islands prior, but the designs of Bubby and Bobby have changed quite drastically. Usually they're... well, fat kids. They're much taller now, the answer to how this might affect gameplay is only a day away though.

Click the link below to see more screenshots of Rainbow Island WiiWare.

Source: WiiWare.co.jp - Rainbow Island Towering Adventure

Last week it had come to our attention that, for some reason, the comments were not working on GamerBytes.com for those who used Internet Explorer or Opera browsers. How long this was occurring for is unknown, as I was using Firefox, and the comments work fine using it.

Suffice to say, it's now been fixed. Go and comment to your hearts content.

Family & Friends Party

Wii Points: 1,000
Game Type: Board Game
Control Type: Wii Remote
Players: 1-8
Publisher: Gammick Entertainment

"Have fun with all your friends and family as you take on some very exciting challenges! This is an interactive board game for all ages and for one to eight players. The object of the game is to complete all the challenges set by Family & Friends Party. The first to complete them all is the winner! Teams take turns to play. The team selected in each turn must complete a specific challenge. The challenge will be played by one or two players in the team depending on the type of challenge you have been given. Nevertheless, the other the players in the team can help and support you. You can never get enough help! There are six different "Single" challenges. These challenges must be played cooperatively by members of the same team. Sometimes, Family & Friends Party will also suggest playing "Versus" challenges, which must be played competitively by all the teams at the same time."

Well Siliconera, 1UP.com and we at GamerBytes have been debating about Square's previously Japanese phone-only sequel to Final Fantasy IV, titled The After and its plans for it. Will it be getting an English release? What console will it be coming too? Today's ESRB update clears is all up.

The rating for Final Fantasy IV - The After Years claims that the game will be coming to WiiWare specifically. The rating states that the game is a "2D role-playing game in which players embark on an adventure involving magical crystals and a mysterious kingdom", so it sounds like it will be a straight port of the game, rather than something that looks similar to the recent DS remake of Final Fantasy IV

The ESRB has also updated with ratings for Crystal Defenders R1 and R2. We had previously suggested that it may be only making it to Xbox Live Arcade and the PlayStation Network due to other ratings for the game, but its clear now that it had to be rated seperately due to the splitting up of the episodes.

Since the XBLA and PSN versions have all 300 stages included in the game, and the WiiWare one is split up into ten dollar chunks, I have a feeling that WiiWare players might end up getting ripped off. Still, we do not know the pricing of the other versions yet, but considering the iPhone version has the whole experience for $9.99 it's a little overpriced.

Source: ESRB

Aksys Games have revealed the third game in the Family line of WiiWare titles - Family Pirate Party

Previously we saw this Japanese trailer showing off 5 games in the Family line of games, including Family Slot Car and Family Putter Golf which have yet to get official American titles. Pirate Party was the most baffling of the lot, so it's good to get an official title.

Pirate Party has the family, being Mom, Dad, Brother and Sister, play a virtual board game. with different Pirate themes. virtual board game. Travel around the board, increasing your gold, battle enemies and win the game.

The game will also support downloadable content for new maps and costumes for your character. The game should be coming out fairly soon, so if you're up for a Mario Party styled board game you might want to give it a go. Check out the official website for the new screenshots.

Source: AKSYS GAMES ANNOUNCES FAMILY PIRATE PARTY

The lines between good and evil have been blurred and crime and terror run rampant in the streets. The alleys, rooftops, and sewers are crawling with criminals and brutal gangs. And now, Underboss—in a daring escape—has broken out of prison and is ruling with vicious darkness. The city is in need of saviors and only masked hero vigilantes answer the call. Answer the call in Watchmen: The End Is Nigh.

Two Watchmen characters: Play either as Rorschach, a feral, street-wise fighter who can disarm enemies to use their own weapons against them, or Nite Owl, a refined fighter who uses martial arts expertise and high-tech wizardry.
Fierce action: Fight and watch the blood fly through six chapters of gut-wrenching in-your-face action.
Intense, visceral battles: Fight up to 20 enemies at the same time with bloody, street-fighting moves.
Multiplayer: Clean up the streets with friends in split screen co-op multiplayer competition, or solo.

The game will retail for 1600 Microsoft Points or $19.99USD.

Click here for the official Xbox.com splash page.

The Partnernet leaker strikes again - this time with videos of Yosumin! Live and Space Invaders Extreme.

Unfortunately the fellow doesn't seem to know how you're meant to play Space Invaders Extreme - you're meant to grab the power-ups. Not the best way to see the mechanics of the game being used, but it will show you the high definition design of the game compared to the PSP and Nintendo DS versions.

Yosumin Live! is a simple puzzle game being released by Square-Enix. It's a fairly simple title that should get a fairly cheap price once released. It's a quite relaxing game with little on screen to bother or irritate you. Check out that video after the jump.

Like the previous videos of Outrun Online Arcade and The Dishwasher, the videos play far better when downloaded directly. Click here and here for the SIE and Yosumin videos.

In a very strange move, it appears that EA will be releasing a completely unannounced, unheard of title for the Xbox Live Arcade next week - A March Madness version of NCAA Basketball.

According to GameSpot's exclusive interview with producer Connor Dougan, NCAA Basketball: MME will allow players to play through the NCAA tournament with all 65 teams - but removes most of the bells and whistles, including online play.

The game is made essentially for those who follow March Madness, but haven't picked up a NCAA Basketball game before. This is in contrast to their NHL 3-On-3 Arcade game, which was meant for those who don't follow NHL all that closely and wanted a cheap, fun Hockey game.

The game is apparently out next week, but it looks like it will only be released in the US, since it has not appeared in the OFLC, PEGI or USK rating system. It's not in the ESRB either, but I'm sure that'll change this weekend. It will retail for 1,200 MSP and is an Xbox Live Arcade exclusive.

The game also appears to have an incredibly simple set of achievements - only 4 are in the game. Kind of makes you feel like the game was very quickly put together.

Now hopefully they'll make a arcade style NBA Basketball game for the XBLA and PSN so that the world can enjoy some NBA Jam style gameplay. NHL 3-On-3 Arcade is now a great party game and my brother loves playing it with his mates down here in Australia, and the world loves Basketball too.

Source: GameSpot - Exclusive: First Look at NCAA Basketball 09: March Madness Edition

The achievements for Hasbro's Family Game Night have been revealed - showing off that the game has a slightly different structure to your regular Xbox Live Arcade title.

When looking at the game in the dashboard, it looks like it will show up as having 1400 Gamerscore and 70 achievements - 10 achievements per game with 200 Gamerscore each.

The 7 games, all previously announced, are Sorry!, Sorry! Sliders, Boggle, Connect 4, Battleships, Yahtzee and Scrabble (North America Only). Those outside of America will only ever be able to get 1200 of that Gamerscore. Yahtzee and Boggle also have a secret achievement each.

Check out the full set of achievements below.

Source: Xbox360Achievements.org - Family Game Night Achievements

Developer: Deadline Games
Publisher: WB Games
XBLA Price: 1600 MSP
EU PSN Price: €14,99 / £12.99 / $23.95AUD

"The lines between good and evil have been blurred and crime and terror run rampant in the streets. The alleys, rooftops, and sewers are crawling with criminals and brutal gangs. And now, Underboss—in a daring escape—has broken out of prison and is ruling with vicious darkness. The city is in need of saviors and only masked hero vigilantes answer the call. Answer the call in Watchmen: The End Is Nigh.

Click here for the official Xbox.com marketplace page.

In a very strange move, the European PSN version of the game is actually cheaper than the XBLA version. Generally the Euro price is in direct correlation to the US price, ie; €14,99 equals $14.99, while the XBLA version is $20. In another odd twist, the European Xbox.com pages are claiming the game should be 1200 MSP too. What in the world is going on here?

We should see the US version on PSN show up in a day, so if you own both consoles you may want to wait a little bit.

It's Zombie season in the land of digital download. Zombie Wranglers is up in limbo somewhere, Burn Zombie Burn is coming very soon to the PlayStation Network, and board game Zombies!!! will make its way to several platforms sometime in the next year. Now it appears that a new challenger is approaching - Zombie Apocalypse from Nihilistic and Konami.

Last month, Destructoid discovered Nihilistic programmer and artist Mike Parsons' resume, which specified that he was working on an "Arcade style downloadable zombie game" for the Xbox Live Arcade and PlayStation Network, and also got a tip that they were working on a game titled Zombie Apocalypse. The Australian classification update today has solidified the title, and that it is being produced by Konami's Digital Entertainment line.

Nihilistic have recently been known for their Conan action adventure game released a couple of years ago, and are currently working on other next generation projects as well. Konami Digital Entertainment originally brought us the awful Frogger 2, Coffeetime Crosswords and Beat'n Groovy on XBLA, but published the decent Sandy Beach on WiiWare. It appears that they're now into publishing a couple of digital titles from third party developers. Let's see where they go from here.

Source: OFLC - Zombie Apocalypse

Since all of Team 17's games keep getting announced via ratings websites and leaks, they've now taken it upon themselves to start their own viral campaign, via their Facebook page.

Through the page they've now released the first screenshots of the now officially titled Worms 2: Armageddon for Xbox Live Arcade and Worms for PlayStation Network. Worms 2: Armageddon is a bit of an odd name choice, considering the original Worms Armageddon was the third title in the series. I guess they couldn't fit Worms Armageddon Decade into the title limits on Xbox Marketplace.

The first two screenshots of W2A can be found here. They show off the new vertical styled map options, which are kind of like how Worms 3D was handled, the Avatar integration, and the hats - first put into 2D by Worms: Open Warfare 2 on PSP.

The Worms PSN screenshots can seen here, and show off a new level design that I don't believe was in the XBLA version. This version will feature "more features, weapons, levels and audio" compared to the XBLA version.

And to finally top it off, they've started discussing Alien Breed Evolved, the new game in their classic Amiga franchise from long ago. All we know is the name, and that it will feature online and offline cooperative play for up to two players. Team 17 will be doing a lot more media during GDC '09, so look out for it in the coming weeks.

Source: Team 17 Facebook page.

Watchmen: The End Is Nigh

Watchmen: The End Is NighWatchmen: The End is Nigh
Category: Action
Publisher: Warner Bros Interactive
Price: $19.99 (Trial Also Available)

"The lines between good and bad have been blurred and crime and terror run rampant in the streets. And now Underboss - in a daring escape - has escaped prison and is ruling with vicious darkness. The city need saviors and only masked vigilantes answer the call. Play the demo and experience Watchmen’s unlawful brand of justice as Nite Owl and Rorschach team up to brutally take down the ruthless gangs and street thugs."

Age Of Booty

Age of Booty Trial Version, Trophies Patch

"Fight for pirate supremacy in this game of 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! Upgrade your ships with new, more powerful weapons, and explore 25 different maps or create your own to share. Download the multi-player, online demo today!"

Trophies patch is also available for those with the full version of the game.

Burnout Paradise
Burnout Paradise: Toy Car Collection

Price: $12.99

"Want all the Toys? Want amazing value? This is the collection for you!"

Burnout Paradise: Toy Car Pack 1

Price: $5.99

"See some of your favorite Burnout Paradise cars as you’ve never imagined them. 4 of the fan favorites in Toy form."

Burnout Paradise: Toy Car Pack 2

Price: $5.99

"Another 4 of the fan favorites come to you in Toy form."

Burnout Paradise: Toy Hunter Cavalry

Price: $1.99

"Introducing the Toy Hunter Cavalry."

Burnout Paradise: Toy Hunter Citizen

Price: $1.99

"Introducing the Toy Hunter Citizen"

Burnout Paradise: Toy Nakamura Firehawk

Price: $1.99

"Introducing the Toy Nakamura Firehawk Bike."

Burnout Paradise: Toy Carson GT Concept

Price: $1.99

"Introducing the Toy Carson GT Concept."

Burnout Paradise: Toy Carson Inferno Van

Price: $1.99

"Introducing the Toy Carson Inferno Van."

Burnout Paradise: Toy Hunter Takedown 4X4

Price: $1.99

"Introducing the Toy Hunter Takedown 4×4."

Burnout Paradise: Toy Hunter Manhattan

Price: $1.99

"Introducing the Toy Hunter Manhattan."

Burnout Paradise: Toy Jansen P12

"Introducing the Toy Jansen P12."

Burnout Paradise: Toy Krieger WTR

Price: $1.99

"Introducing the Toy Krieger WTR."

High Velocity Bowling

High Velocity Bowling - Bruce

Price: $0.99

"It’s time to bowl – High Velocity style! Add Bruce “Flyboy” Fitzpatrick to your High Velocity Bowling roster. Bruce is a real flyboy and world traveler. His ball control is fabulous, but he has to avoid heavy balls to protect his manicure. Download includes Bruce’s special Round the World ball, plus the new Fabulous Airways lane."

File size: 51 MB

High Velocity Bowling - Carmen

Price: $0.99

"It’s time to bowl – High Velocity style! Add Carmen “Sordida” Sanchez to your High Velocity Bowling roster. Carmen is a homegirl from Cali with a chip on her shoulder and much to prove. But she only bowls barefoot, so her form leaves something to be desired. Download includes Carmen’s special Pink Butterfly ball, plus the festivous new Avenida de Bowlarama lane."

File size: 57 MB

Watchmen: The End Is Nigh
Watchmen: The End Is NighWatchmen: The End is Nigh
Category: Action
Publisher: Warner Bros Interactive
Price: €14,99 / £12.99 / $23.95AUD (Trial Also Available)

"The lines between good and bad have been blurred and crime and terror run rampant in the streets. And now Underboss - in a daring escape - has escaped prison and is ruling with vicious darkness. The city need saviors and only masked vigilantes answer the call. Play the demo and experience Watchmen’s unlawful brand of justice as Nite Owl and Rorschach team up to brutally take down the ruthless gangs and street thugs."

Burnout Paradise
Burnout Paradise: Toy Car Collection

Price: €9,99 / £7.99

"Both Car Collections + Toy Firehawk"

Toy Car Collection 1

Price: €4,99 / £3.99 for the pack or €1,99 / £1.59 each.

"Hunter Cavalry, Manhattan, Krieger WTR, Jansen P12"

Toy Car Collection 2

Price: €4,99 / £3.99 for the pack or €1,99 / £1.59 each.

"Hunter Takedown 4x4, Carson GT Concept, Carson Inferno Van, Hunter Citizen"

High Velocity Bowling
High Velocity Bowling - Bruce

Price: €0,99 / £0.79

"It’s time to bowl – High Velocity style! Add Bruce “Flyboy” Fitzpatrick to your High Velocity Bowling roster. Bruce is a real flyboy and world traveler. His ball control is fabulous, but he has to avoid heavy balls to protect his manicure. Download includes Bruce’s special Round the World ball, plus the new Fabulous Airways lane."

File size: 51 MB

High Velocity Bowling - Carmen

Price: €0,99 / £0.79

"It’s time to bowl – High Velocity style! Add Carmen “Sordida” Sanchez to your High Velocity Bowling roster. Carmen is a homegirl from Cali with a chip on her shoulder and much to prove. But she only bowls barefoot, so her form leaves something to be desired. Download includes Carmen’s special Pink Butterfly ball, plus the festivous new Avenida de Bowlarama lane."

File size: 57 MB

LUMINES Supernova
LUMINES Supernova Classic Pack

Price: €3,99 / £3.19

"This LUMINES Supernova download pack contains special classic skins from the original Lumines!"

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 2K Marin, Infinity Ward, ngmoco 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 Summer Of Arcade was a great promotion for Xbox Live Arcade last year, bringing us 5 weeks of fanastic games. Now they've decided to do it once again with the Days Of Arcade, spanning through March and April, with 7 title releases in 6 weeks.

Those games are The Dishwasher: Dead Samurai, Flock, Hasbro Family Game Night, Lode Runner, Outrun Online Arcade, Puzzle Quest: Galactrix and UNO Rush. All excellent games

It will begin on March 18th with Hasbro FGN.While no specific release date has been specified for the rest of them, this list might be something to look at for future reference.

While it is great news that Microsoft have finally revealed some structure for the upcoming titles on XBLA, continuing to do this on an irregular basis can only be bad for the those not encapsulated in these periods. It will make other games be perceived as being not nearly as good as the other, and by that nature ignore some quality games outside of it.

Strangely ignored from this list are the likes of Peggle, Banjo Tooie and Virtual On: OT. Peggle has been slated for a March release, so it is very possible that it will be coming out next week despite the claim of NCAA Basketball MME coming out. Banjo Tooie and VOOT had been slated for April, but with only one extra week of that month outside of the allocated weeks, one or the other may miss the mark.

While some may balk at the idea of Minesweeper Flags being celebrated, all games deserve to have the same amount of care taken with their release publicity. I would hope that Microsoft will begin to follow a similar announcement pattern to this, but instead, for each month of the year.

Source: The Days Of Arcade Promotion