On this episode of XNA Roundup Nick checks out Trino, Karnn Age and Halfbrick Echoes.

Support XNA Roundup by subscibing via iTunes or YouTube.

Click here to download the trial of Trino

Click here to download the trial of Karnn Age

Click here to download the trial of Halfbrick Echoes

Industry sleuth Ron Workman, known to many as someone who provides info about upcoming digi-download games, has received information indicating that The Ship and Bust-A-Move Live! will be released for digital download on HD consoles.

Bust-A-Move, also known as Puzzle Bobble, is said to be coming to the Xbox Live Arcade and PlayStation Network. Previous WiiWare titles like Bubble Bobble Plus! and Rainbow Islands: Towering Adventure have been revealed to be coming to Xbox Live Arcade and now it appears Puzzle Bobble Wii! might be as well. While the Live! subtitle works against it coming to the PlayStation Network, Ron suggests it will be.

The Ship was a great multiplayer game for the PC that used Valve's Source Engine -- a completely different experience to anything else out there. The game had you as one of many on a ship and in each round you are given someone to kill. The catch being they don't know who is out for them and you don't know who is out for you.

You have to kill the other person while not being seen by other players or by the police, and you had to find an array of weapons by searching through drawers and cupboards in the ship.

It really was a fascinating title, which unfortunately does not have much of a following online anymore. Developers at Outerlight have been seen playing Hollywood Murder Party, presumed to be the sequel, and Ron Workman also says it will definitely be coming to the Xbox Live Arcade and might be coming to the PlayStation Network. To add to this thought we've noticed one of Outerlight's developers mention themselves as a Xbox 360 programmer on their Twitter account.

Source: Ron Workman Says Thing

CRYSTAL DEFENDERS R2

Wii Points: 800
Game Type: Defense Simulation
Control Type: Wii Remote
Players: 1
Publisher: SQUARE ENIX

"In CRYSTAL DEFENDERS R2, you must deploy various units, such as Fencers and Black Mages, to stop waves of encroaching monsters from escaping the area with your party's crystals. There are many types of units to choose from: Some specialize in powerful short-range attacks, some wield far-reaching magicks and still others are equipped with bows, enabling them to bring down aerial foes. Deploy units in strategic locations to take full advantage of their traits. Each time an enemy breaches your defenses and reaches a map's exit, your party will lose crystals. When all your crystals are gone, the game is over. CRYSTAL DEFENDERS R2 offers several new, challenging maps containing multiple entrances and exits. It also introduces three varieties of Power Crystals, allowing you to enhance the abilities of your units, while new jobs, including Flintlock and Tinker, set the stage for even more complex strategies. Can you defend all the maps without losing a single crystal?"

Silver Star Chess

Wii Points: 500
Game Type: Board Game
Control Type: Wii Remote
Players: 1-2
Publisher: Agetec, Inc.

"Silver Star Chess has two modes: 1-Player and 2-Player. 1-Player mode allows you to play a chess match against the computer opponent. 2-Player mode allows you to play against another person. In 1-Player mode, you can select one of five different computer opponents, as well as turn the background music off, adjust sound effects and access in-game help features. Also, during the match, you can redo your last move, save the game at any point or resign from the game. After the match has ended, you can review each move made during the match. While reviewing the match in this way, you can resume that match at any point."

The Legend Of Zelda: Majora's Mask

Wii Points: 1000
Game Type: Action, Adventure
Players: 1
Format: Nintendo 64

"The acclaimed sequel to The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time arrives on Virtual Console! Link must wield the power of several magical masks to save the land from destruction – and he has only 72 hours to do it! Majora's Mask is an epic, gripping race against time that should belong in every fan's collection"

"Gel: Set & Match offers brain-busting fun for everyone with its unique take on puzzle gameplay. Match colored blocks together and they melt, but throw a melting block into another one and the chain continues! In Puzzle Mode, blocks are arranged to test your wits. Action mode throws in a side-scrolling twist and challenges you to clear a path. Battle mode puts you up against your friends in fast-paced multiplayer showdowns. Jiggle up, and get ready for fun!"

Gel will be 800MSP and will be available this Wednesday.

Click here for the official Xbox.com splash page.

Click here to listen to an interview with Xbox's Major Nelson with Gastronaut Studios

"Compete in the sport of robot Badminton. Challenge sixty computer controlled opponents over three levels of difficulty. Invite your friends to play multiplayer matches or Round Robin tournaments with up to twenty players. The unique control scheme allows for blazing fast action and responsive control. Score points using a variety of shots such as “smash”, “drop”, and “clear” using either manual or automatic aiming. Unleash seven deadly power shots including “Meteor Strike”, “Firecracker”, “Hyperspace”, “Lightning Bolt”, “Dragon Flight”, “Hunting Season”, and “Wormhole”. Only the best will face Signum IV."

Blazing Birds will be 400MSP and will be available this Wednesday.

Nintendo Life have gotten the exclusive first look at the latest BIT TRIP sequel -- CORE.

Unlike BIT TRIP BEAT, which took PONG to a rhythm game scenario, CORE makes things a little more complicated, now you have to worry about squares coming from all four directions.

The game is currently slated for release for Summer 2009. Expect more to come from Askys and Gaijin Games closer to E3.

Source: Nintendo Life Exclusive - Bit.Trip Core E3 Trailer

[EDITOR'S NOTE: We're doing an Indie Games Summit at GDC Austin this September, so if there's developers making console digital download games and reading GamerBytes, we'd love to see your lecture submissions!]

Organizers of this September's GDC Austin have announced a call for submissions for the first-ever Independent Games Summit there, also revealing the Advisory Board and topics to be discussed at the two-day Summit.

Initial information about the September 15th-16th Summit is available on the GDC Austin website, with organizers noting that the Indie Games Summit will include "discussions surrounding business models and methods, promotion and marketing, deep game design techniques and inspirational case studies."

Press Play have revealed their first title Max & The Magic Marker will be making its way to WiiWare -- and it's looking really good so far.

While it may initally appear as a simple platformer Magic Marker relies on a complex drawing mechanic using the Wii Remote. Players will be able to draw platforms, hooks and a variety of physics based objects. The preview video above only demonstrates a fraction of what might be possible with this mechanic.

The game which this is most similar to would have to be Kirby's Canvas Curse, an overlooked gem on Nintendo DS, and a little bit of A Boy And His Blob in terms of puzzle solving -- with a little less jellybean frustration.

Press Play seem to still be early in development but even in this work-in-progress state it looks very interesting, definitely one to look out for this year.

Source: maxandthemagicmarker.com

Yes, it's been an awfully long time, but it appears that The Secret Of Monkey Island is coming back, and to the Xbox 360.

The German USK rating board has revealed that The Secret Of Monkey Island - Special Edition is on its way. This was the very original Monkey Island game, from all the way back in 1990. As for what makes it a Special Edition is currently unknown -- could they be re-doing the graphics? Could the game possibly have a voice cast?

The rating suggests that Activision might have some involvement in the project, but most likely this is simply Activision Europe rating the title for LucasArts, as they are the European publishing arm that LucasArts use. We can only assume this is an Xbox Live Arcade title, but there is a slim chance that this is a retail retelling of the original too.

Source: German USK Rating Board.

Gel: Set & Match

Developer: Gastronaut Studios
Publisher: Gastronaut Studios
Genre: Puzzle and Word
Price: 800MSP
Availability: All Xbox Live Regions

Click here for the official Xbox.com splash page

Click here to download the trial through the Xbox.com web marketplace


Blazing Birds

Developer: Vector 2 Games
Publisher: Vector 2 Games
Genre: Sports Games
Price: 400MSP
Avilability: All Xbox Live Regions

Click here for the official Xbox.com splash page

Click here to download the trial through the Xbox.com web marketplace


Buku Sudoku - Puzzle Pack 6

Price: 200MSP

"Extend your Buku Sudoku experience with 1200 new Sudoku puzzles! "

Click here to download new puzzles via the Xbox web marketplace

Mobile and digital download developer Gameloft appear to be working on a new PlayStation Network title called Battle Tanks, according to the German USK rating board.

Gameloft has previous worked on titles such as Brain Challenge, Block Breaker Deluxe and Midnight Pool. Unlike most of their titles Battle Tanks has not had a previous release on mobile platforms which could mean this is Gameloft's first HD console title that is exclusive to the platform.

I would expect that something might show up during E3, keep checking back to GamerBytes for the latest information on this title.

Source: German USK

Strawdog Studios have revealed that their upcoming title Bounce has had a name change -- it will henceforth be known as Space Ark.

Space Ark is a mixture of of Arkanoid and a Pinball game where you must bounce cute Arkonaut characters (see what they did there?) on jello platforms to remove the blocks and other objects from the screen. The game will contain 180 different levels, 24 selectable characters and several additional mini-games -- quite the package.

The developers have said that the game is nearing completion, so it should hopefully be released by the end of the year. Continue following GamerBytes for the latest news on Space Ark, in the mean time you can check out the latest screenshots here.

[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, we exclusively revealed evidence that The Secret Of Monkey Island is coming to the Xbox Live Arcade, in what has been called a "Special Edition" of the classic 1990's point and click adventure. Everyone is excited at the prospect of Monkey Island finally making its return, but what can we expect from a remake of the original, and on a console without a pointer? We're wondering, too.

Here's the top XBLA, PSN, and WiiWare stories for the week:

This Week's Releases

XBLA Update - Gel: Set & Match, Blazing Birds, Buku Sudoku Puzzle Pack

EU PSN Store Update - Zen Pinball, Texas Cheat'em, Bejeweled 2, Buzz Jr, PAIN DLC, And Bargain Bionic Commando
NA PSN Store Update - Texas Cheat'em, Zen Pinball, Free Rag Doll Kung Fu And Cheap Bionic Commando

EU Nintendo Update - Swords & Soldiers
NA Nintendo Update - Crystal Defenders R2, Silver Star Chess, Legend Of Zelda: Majora's Mask

Xbox Live Arcade

The Secret Of Monkey Island Coming To Xbox 360
Is LucasArts finally making its first step towards digital distribution?

Workman Says Things: The Ship, Bust-A-Move Live! To Download Services
Classic puzzler and overlooked shooter making their way to the XBLA?

New Worms 2 Armageddon Trailers, Glorious Return Of Fire
Burn enemies, reflect rockets, and react to your near-death experiences in these latest trailers.

Bounce into Space Ark
StrawDog Studios gives its game a new name.

PlayStation Network

Gameloft Bringing Battle Tanks To PSN?
Is this Gameloft's first console-only title of recent?

WiiWare

Max's Magic Marker Draws Its Way To WiiWare
Platforming with physics-based Kirby Canvas Curse gameplay? Yes, please.

BIT.TRIP CORE Takes Things Up A Notch
You thought BIT.TRIP BEAT was difficult? Check this out.

It's just a little more than a week away, but E3 is already upon us. And I'll be right there in the midst of it.

I'll be on my way across the Pacific Ocean in a 22 hour plane trip to make it into the Los Angeles Convention Center, complete with my Photo Camera, Video Camera, iPhone and Netbook Laptop to bring the experience home to you, the readers.

I will be reporting each days news through GamerBytes, but we I will also be reporting through our Twitter account. I will be attending both Microsoft and Sony press conferences (didn't get a response from Nintendo), and I plan to report directly from the floor. I also plan to take requests while there, so send me a @twitter response during the show to let me know what you want to see.

For the developers and publishers out there, let me know if you'll be showing your console digital download game there, so I won't miss you.

Marvel Vs. Capcom 2
Marvel Vs. Capcom 2 Trial

"Fans asked, and Capcom listened! One of the most popular fighting games of all time returns! MvC2 brings legendary characters from throughout Marvel and Capcom history to duke it out in an insane tag-team fighting experience. Featuring an unprecedented 56-character roster and now with HD support and online play, one of the best fighting games ever just got better!"

PAIN
PAIN: Ded Baron Character

Price: £0.79

"This is the PAIN character that fans have been asking for. Voted on by fans ages ago, Idol Minds brings this ex-pilot zombie launchee to the legions of PAIN fans out there. Even his name, Ded Baron, was decided upon by the fans."


PSOne Classics
Creatures 3: Raised in Space

Price: £3.99

"This inventive game has cutting edge game play, challenging activities and unique characters. Hatch your baby, give it a name, and start exploring."

PAIN
PAIN: Ded Baron Character

Price: $0.99

"This is the PAIN character that fans have been asking for. Voted on by fans ages ago, Idol Minds brings this ex-pilot zombie launchee to the legions of PAIN fans out there. Even his name, Ded Baron, was decided upon by the fans."


PSOne Classics
Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six

Price: $5.99

"Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six pits you as the commander of an elite counter-terrorism squad, and you will have to plan and execute complete a variety of covert operations to take down terrorists and make the world a safer place. Assemble your team from an international pool of special operatives and select from authentic gear and weapons to help you complete your missions."

Ford Racing

Price: $5.99

"Push yourself to the limit as a new driver on the Ford Racing team. Test your driving skills in 12 different Ford cars, from Mustangs to tuned high-performance race cars. Compete in single races, time trials, or start a career in Career mode and work your way up the ranks. Upgrade your car and tweak its performance and handling in the body shop."

CRYSTAL DEFENDERS R2

Wii Points: 800
Game Type: Defense Simulation
Control Type: Wii Remote
Players: 1
Publisher: SQUARE ENIX

"In CRYSTAL DEFENDERS R2, you must deploy various units, such as Fencers and Black Mages, to stop waves of encroaching monsters from escaping the area with your party's crystals. There are many types of units to choose from: Some specialize in powerful short-range attacks, some wield far-reaching magicks and still others are equipped with bows, enabling them to bring down aerial foes. Deploy units in strategic locations to take full advantage of their traits. Each time an enemy breaches your defenses and reaches a map's exit, your party will lose crystals. When all your crystals are gone, the game is over. CRYSTAL DEFENDERS R2 offers several new, challenging maps containing multiple entrances and exits. It also introduces three varieties of Power Crystals, allowing you to enhance the abilities of your units, while new jobs, including Flintlock and Tinker, set the stage for even more complex strategies. Can you defend all the maps without losing a single crystal?"

Penguins & Friends - Hey! That's My Fish!

Wii Points: 800
Game Type: Interactive Board Game
Control Type: Wii Remote
Players: 1-4
Publisher: Gammick Entertainment

"The penguins are hungry and need your help. Catch all the fish you can before someone steals them from you. Strategy is fundamental in this exciting game. Keep moving ahead of the other penguins so you don't get trapped, and try to get to the ice floes that hold more fish. One to four players can play Penguins & Friends at the same time, provided they can handle the polar cold. The board is made up of ice blocks with a set number of fish under them. The ice blocks are hexagonal and form a structure like a beehive. The starting position of the ice blocks can change, creating different game boards."

Click here for new screenshots of Penguins & Friends

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 Radical Entertainment, Ubisoft 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:

It appears that the popular indie PC game Trials 2 may be making its console debut in the form of Trials HD, according to the Korean Game Rating Board.

Trials 2 is a physics based puzzler revolving around a motorcycle. Using acceleration, gravity and precision aiming players must try to get through tens of levels. Just check this video of the PC version.

There has been no official word for the game coming to the Xbox Live Arcade, but considering the previous examples of Garou: Mark Of The Wolves and Tower Bloxx Deluxe also appearing on the Korean GRB we're confident that this is accurate.

Source: Korean GRB - Trials HD(트라이얼스HD)