On XNA Roundup this week Nick checks out the latest Xbox Live Arcade title Rocket Riot, which was created with the XNA development environment. He also checks out Ezmuze+ Hamst3r Edition, which is the music editor for Xbox Live that we checked out a little while ago.

Click here to download the trial version of Ezmuze+ through XBLCG.info

Click here to download the trial version of Rocket Riot through Xbox web marketplace.

NEVES Plus

Wii Points: 600
Game Type: Puzzle
Control Type: Wii Remote
Players: 1-4
Publisher:YUKES Company of America

"Try your hand at the newest addicting puzzle craze to come out of Japan—NEVES Plus! Enhanced for WiiWare, NEVES Plus not only retains all the simple, mind-bending tangram-based game play from the original Nintendo DS version but includes all new multiplayer modes wrapped up in an Egyptian theme. This time, you and up to three others can work together to move, rotate, and flip the seven Lucky stones into each of the 500+ silhouette puzzles. Or, you can challenge one another in any of the new multiplayer modes such as Versus, Speed, Lucky Number, and Party Mode! Whether you play every mode by yourself or with friends, NEVES Plus is set to charm you with its deceptively harder-than-they-look silhouette puzzles."

Family Mini Golf

Wii Points: 500
Game Type: Sports
Control Type: Wii Remote
Players: 1-8
Publisher: Aksys Games
Unique Features: Add-on Content

"Daddy, Mommy, Sarah, and Billy are back for some mini-golf action! Play through multiple golf courses that contain obstacles ranging from bumpers to speed ramps to fans and more! Up to eight players can play with one another using a single Wii Remote! See who among all your friends is truly the best at tackling every course. You can download new courses to continue the fun-filled mini-golf experience. They up the ante, creating even more complex and difficult mini-golf courses to overcome. Can you conquer all the courses and become the mini-golf champion!?"

Drill Sergeant Mindstrong

Wii Points: 800
Game Type: Puzzle
Control Type: Wii Remote, Nunchuk
Players: 1-4
Publisher: XSEED Games

"Line up and get ready to use your mind! Drill Sergeant Mindstrong is a party game that allows up to four people to play at once. Players will become boot-camp trainees under the tough Drill Sergeant Mindstrong and go through mind-boggling, mind-strengthening training games. The rules are simple, but concentration and quick thinking are both key to playing this game and emerging as lean, mean, thinking machines. Become the top boot of your class and earn promotions based on your efforts! This game is best played with friends and family."

SimEarth: The Living Planet

Original platform: TurboGrafx16 CD-ROM
Wii Points: 800
Game Type: Simulation
Publisher: Hudson Entertainment

"An entire planet becomes your laboratory in this large-scale simulation game. Players help foster new life and promote its evolution into life-forms of higher intelligence. Guide civilization along the path of evolution until it can achieve Exodus, the ultimate goal of settling on another planet. The basic challenge of the game is to maintain a comfortable environment for the life-forms by adjusting atmospheric and geological parameters. Small organisms called Prokaryote and Trichordate will grow and evolve into a multitude of life-forms. Making a drastic change is a recipe for disaster. The key to success is to make small adjustments and watch how the life-forms react. SimEarth also includes planets with environments different from Earth, such as Mars and Venus. Try your hand at terraforming these planets with harsh conditions into a world where life can thrive."

Cosmonaut Games have revealed their first title for digital download - 5 Spots Party, a casual WiiWare title based on "find the differences" puzzles.

The game consists of over 300 different photos where one side is different to the other, and the objective is to find all the differences the fastest. The game will also support a 4 player mode so anyone can go in and play.

It's a nice concept that'll actually play quite well on WiiWare - but it is an incredibly casual game. It will be interesting to see if this catches on at all.

Source: 5 Spots Party press release.

"The legend grows as this classic descendant of Fatal Fury arrives on Xbox LIVE Arcade. It's been 10 years since the death of Geese Howard. However, Howard's immense martial arts skills have been passed to his son, Rock. The new hero is joined by a cast of 12 new characters plus one returning fighter, Terry Bogard, for this tournament of champions. Representing the world's best, the maulers gather once again to crown the "King of Fighters." Garou: Mark Of The Wolves improves on the Fatal Fury system by adding three new battle formats, creating fights more furious than before."

Click here for the official Xbox.com splash page.

Garou: Mark Of The Wolves will be released this Wednesday for 800 Microsoft Points.

"Immerse yourself in an addictive puzzler that's all about strategically twisting and connecting mismatched dials to save precious Droplitz. Just making a single junction is child's play. Can you master the art of the combo, or will you let your pipes runneth over? Be warned! Losing too many droplitz can be hazardous to your ability to win. With four unique play modes, a variety of board sizes, and infinite replayability, Droplitz promises to drain all your time away."

Click here for the official Xbox.com splash page.

Droplitz will be released this Wednesday for 800 Microsoft Points.

Deal Of The Week - Street Fighter II HD Remix

From today until next week, any Xbox Live Gold subscriber can buy Street Fighter II HD Remix for only 800 Microsoft Points - a 33% saving on the regular price.

Poor choice of a week though - Street Fighter II versus Garou: Mark of the Wolves.

The NPD Group revealed the top retail sales of May 2009 some two weeks ago, and every month at GamerBytes, we look at what NPD numbers don’t cover: the games released via the Xbox Live Arcade and the PlayStation Network.

We're analyzing the weekly Top 10 Xbox Live Arcade game purchase list released by Microsoft through the Major Nelson weblog, checking out Leaderboard data for games when available, and seeing which new releases have done well and which have fallen off the map.

Please note that we do not have the Top 10 list for the week of May 25th. Due to the Electronic Entertainment Expo and Larry Hryb's trip to see the troops in Iraq, the numbers were never posted. But thankfully, we do have Leaderboard data for those titles.

The month of May brought 10 new games to the Xbox Live Arcade, meaning 2 to 3 titles were released each week – all costing from 400 to 800 Microsoft Points each.

Can the Xbox Live Arcade handle so many titles at once? Let's try to work it out, starting with the public releases of the weekly Top 10 XBLA charts:

Playbrains have revealed that their upcoming Xbox Live Arcade title Madballs In... Babo Invasion will include a previously unannounced mode - Avatar Attack, allowing you to roll your own Avatar's head in a heated battle against other friends.

It's quaite surprising given the rules that companies using Avatars in games need to adhere to, but it appears that they've made their way around it in the best way possible - confetti instead of blood.

Source: Playlogic's Madballs website.

Zen Studios have confirmed that their second PlayStation Network title The Punisher: No Mercy will hit the PSN Store on July 2nd, 2009.

"Powered by Unreal Engine 3, The Punisher: No Mercy was designed with fast-paced online multiplayer FPS action in mind. The game allows players to choose from an eclectic mix of Punisher allies and villains. Battle arenas span from shipyards rife with contraband to the “birthplace” of the Punisher’s archenemy, Jigsaw, and up to eight players can blast away at each other in a variety of solo and team-based missions."

Zen Studios released Zen Pinball just last month, and it's been doing quite well for them. Punisher looks good, but with the recently released CellFactor: Psychokinetic Wars and the upcoming Battlefield 1943 the cheap online multiplayer shooter is looking mighty crowded.

The Punisher: No Mercy will be released at the low price of $9.99, whether or not this release includes Europe is currently unknown.

THQ and CodeGlue have kindly sent us 5 codes for last weeks' release Rocket Riot - and we want to give them to you, the reader.

So how do you win? Simply follow our Twitter feed. Tomorrow we will post each of the 5 codes throughout the day, so keep an eye out!

In the meantime check out this quick look at Rocket Riot from GiantBomb.com and get yourself accustomed to this great little multiplayer shooter.

The NPD Group revealed the top retail sales of May 2009 some two weeks ago, and every month GamerBytes looks at what NPD numbers don’t cover: the games released via the Xbox Live Arcade and Sony's PlayStation Network for PlayStation 3.

We’re taking a look at the Top 10 PlayStation Network titles for May 2009, supplied to us through Sony's PlayStation press representatives. The PlayStation Network received 3 new titles during May – Puzzle Quest Galactrix, Zen Pinball and Texas Cheat’em, all which must battle against recent titles such as Flower and continued top-sellers such as Mortal Kombat II.

In this analysis, we'll look to see how well each title did, see which games released for PSN in April 2009 were able to hold on, and try to determine what trends this downloadable space might be adhering to.

Here's the North American Top 10 for PlayStation Network games on the PS3 for May 2009:

The Zen Of Cheating

Zen Studios’ Zen Pinball was the best selling game on the PlayStation Network for May, and from data we have picked from the game's Leaderboards, we can see that the title has had well over 50,000 people playing for long enough to post a high score.

Garou - Mark of the Wolves

Developer: SNK PLAYMORE CORPORATION
Publisher: SNK PLAYMORE CORPORATION
Genre: Action
Price: 800 Microsoft Points
Availability: Not available in Japan and Korea
File Size: 148 MB

Click here to view the Xbox.com splash page.

Click here to add the game to your queue via Xbox web marketplace.

Droplitz

Developer: Blitz Arcade
Publisher: Atlus U.S.A., Inc.
Genre: Puzzle and Word
Price: 800 Microsoft Points
Availability: All Xbox LIVE regions
File Size: 176 MB

Click here to view the Xbox.com splash page.

Click here to add the game to your queue via Xbox web marketplace.

Family Game Night: Sorry! Sliders

Price: 800 Microsoft Points
File Size: 204 KB

"Unlock the full version of Sorry! Sliders and you'll be able to play the original Hasbro board game or new versions – Advanced, Battle Boxes and custom modes! You'll have access to party games, unlockable items, leaderboards and achievements!"

Click here to add the DLC to your queue via Xbox web marketplace.

Yosumin! LIVE: Yosumin Adventure

Price: 80 Microsoft Points
File Size: 14 MB

"A puzzle adventure where you must travel the world to recover the pieces of a beautiful stained-glass window. Play your way through stage after stage, using the Treats given to you by the Grand Goldmin to help you on your way!"

Click here to add the DLC to your queue via Xbox web marketplace.

Deal Of The Week - Street Fighter II HD Remix

From today until next week, any Xbox Live Gold subscriber can buy Street Fighter II HD Remix for only 800 Microsoft Points - a 33% saving on the regular price.

Poor choice of a week though - Street Fighter II versus Garou: Mark of the Wolves.

Majesco, through Eurogamer, have revealed that they intend to publish a remake of the 2001 PC classic Serious Sam to the Xbox Live Arcade this Summer, and for the nice price of 1,200 Microsoft Points.

Dubbed Serious Sam HD, the game will include the entire first game with completely remade visuals, and will also feature 4 player cooperative play. Serious Sam is a completely over the top shooter in the vein of the hundred-of-enemies style of gameplay that the original DOOM with a bit of Duke Nukem 3D added to the mix.

The game is being developed by Croteam, the original creators of Serious Sam, and as mentioned will be published by Majesco. Previously Majesco had only ever released one title through digital download on consoles - Psychonauts on Xbox Originals, so this will be their first foray into the Xbox Live Arcade.

With Perfect Dark, the original Call Of Duty, Battlefield 1943, and possibly Quake Arena Arcade all coming this year, it's going to be quite a full back end of the year for first person shooter fans.

Check out Eurogamer.net for all the new screenshots as well as some comparison shots - it's certainly come a long way.

Source: Eurogamer.net - Croteam making Serious Sam for XBLA

Super Stardust HD
Price Reduction

Price: £1.59 / €1.99

"To celebrate the game’s second anniversary, for one week only the price of Super Stardust HD is now reduced!"




Zuma
Zuma

Genre: Puzzle
Publisher: PopCap Games / SOE
Players: 1
Price: £6.99 / €7.99

"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!"

High Velocity Bowling
‘60s Surf Ball Pack

Price: £0.79 / €0.99

Tiki Polynesian Ball Pack

Price: £0.79 / €0.99

"Now you can download either of these themed ball packs to take to the lanes, the balls don’t make the player, but at least you can bowl with some added style!"

Droplitz
Droplitz - Full Game

Genre: Puzzle
Publisher: Atlus / Blitz Arcade
Players: 1
Price: $9.99

"Immerse yourself in this addictive puzzler that’s all about strategically twisting and connecting mismatched dials to save precious droplitz. Just making a single junction is child’s play; can you master the art of the combo or will you let your pipes runneth over? With four unique play modes, a variety of board sizes, and infinite replayability, Droplitz promises to drain all your time away."

High Velocity Bowling
‘60s Surf Ball Pack

Price: $0.99

Tiki Polynesian Ball Pack

Price: $0.99

"Now you can download either of these themed ball packs to take to the lanes, the balls don’t make the player, but at least you can bowl with some added style!"

Cuboid
"You can now enjoy further action from this 3D puzzle game (in which you maneuver a rectangular block through lush environments in the hunt towards mystical exits) via these additional packs:"

Booster Pack
Price: $2.99

Level Editor Pack:
Price: $3.99

Bundle Pack
Price: $4.99

"This pack bundles together the Booster Pack and Level Editor Pack"

PSOne Classics
Mobile Light Force

Price: $5.99

"This classic vertical scrolling shoot ‘em upbrings all the best of arcade action games into your home."

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 Crystal Dynamics, Trion 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:

Puzzle Bobble Plus!

Wii Points: 800
Game Type: Puzzle
Control Type: Wii Remote
Players: 1-2
Publisher: TAITO CORP.

The latest in the Puzzle Bobble / Bust A Move Franchise - Puzzle Bobble Plus! Connect 3 colored bubbles together and complete the puzzle! The game has two modes - "1P PUZZLE" where each ZONE has been divided into 135 mode, then clear the stage clear time and score. "BATTLE" COM mode is fun to play and to play with other players. Use the Nintendo Wifi Connection to purchase additional content through the service connection, you can enjoy new stages.

Water Warfare

Wii Points: 800
Game Type: FPS
Control Type: Wii Remote & Nunchuk
Players: 1-8
Publisher: Hudsonsoft.

"Presenting the second first-person-shooter to hit WiiWare (the first being Hudson's very own raved about Onslaught)! Water Warfare is not only the second FPS, but also the very first family-friendly FPS downloadable digitial title for the Wii. Fast-paced and action-packed with no blood and gore, prepare to soak your friends and family in an all out water fight!

"Water Warfare is an FPS devoid of bullets and other bad stuff. Players will be able to run around playgrounds and beaches with their trusty watergun in hand, soaking any poor chap who crosses their path. Not only are there a bucket-full of items in Water Warfare such as squirt shotguns, rocket launchers, and more being fired at you, there are also ample defensive items to take on that barrage of mayhem. Protect yourself with towels, raincoats, and anything else you can find!"

SimEarth: The Living Planet

Original platform: TurboGrafx16 CD-ROM
Wii Points: 800
Game Type: Simulation
Publisher: Hudson Entertainment

"An entire planet becomes your laboratory in this large-scale simulation game. Players help foster new life and promote its evolution into life-forms of higher intelligence. Guide civilization along the path of evolution until it can achieve Exodus, the ultimate goal of settling on another planet. The basic challenge of the game is to maintain a comfortable environment for the life-forms by adjusting atmospheric and geological parameters. Small organisms called Prokaryote and Trichordate will grow and evolve into a multitude of life-forms. Making a drastic change is a recipe for disaster. The key to success is to make small adjustments and watch how the life-forms react. SimEarth also includes planets with environments different from Earth, such as Mars and Venus. Try your hand at terraforming these planets with harsh conditions into a world where life can thrive."

Altered Beast Arcade

Original platform: Aracde
Wii Points: 800
Game Type: Action
Publisher: Sega

"When Zeus, the legendary Greek God, brings you back to life, set forth on a mission to rescue Zeus' daughter Athena from the underworld in Altered Beast. Along the way, collect the Spirit Balls dropped by enemies to increase your strength and transform into a variety of mythical creatures with powerful attacks."

On this week's XNA Roundup Nick and special guest Carlos Rodela from Mevio.com's Press Pause show change up the format of the show by providing a roundtable review style. Will it stick? Let us know in the comments.

This week they check out Chalked, Plows in Hell, Light's End and Revenge of the Evil Aliens, all new titles on the XNA Community Games channel.

To find more about Revenge of the Evil Aliens and add it to your Xbox queue, click here.

To find more about Plows In Hell and add it to your Xbox queue, click here.

To find more about Chalked and add it to your Xbox queue, click here.

To find more about Light's End and add it to your Xbox queue, click here.