Pokemon Conquest and gamestop are teaming up to bring it this June

Pokemon Conquest is now incredibly close!  With a US release date of June 16th this game really snuck up since it's announcement earlier this year.  This strategy RPG will blend Pokemon with Nobunaga's ambition like it has never been done before in an all new Pokemon experience.  As the game draws near, some tasty morsels of information have come forth.

The first is a message on the official site, http://www.pokemonconquest.com/en-us/news, which talks about upcoming downloable episodes and content via Nintendo WFC.

The second is a pre-order announcement from Gamestop detailing a way to have ten Pokemon under your command from the start of the game.  If you pre-order by June 16th and pick up your game by June 26th you will gain access to Emolga, Lapras, Pikachu, Riolu and Scyther.  If you are a Power-Up member, you can cash in 1,000 points to gain access to another five: Axew, Beldum, Darmanitan, Larvitar, and Sneasel!

AWESOME!!

THQ Goes Hollywood with an amazing Metro Last Light Live Action Trailer

One of the highlights of last year's E3 is sure to make a big splash again this year.  THQ is warming us up for the upcoming post-apocalyptic thrill ride Metro: Last Light.  As the follow up to 2010's Metro 2033, you take on the role of a young survivor going out into a post nuclear war-torn Soviet Union.  This series is based on a novel by Russian author Dmitry Glukhovsky, and while not becoming a sales blockbuster, it garnered great reviews and a great cult following.  THQ seems to be pulling out all the stops for the 2013 follow up and has dazzled our eyes with this fantastic live action trailer.  Enjoy the show and prepare yourself for the terror that awaits deep under ground in Moscow.

Tell me what you want to see at E3 2012 and win

As I prepare for my next adventure into the wonderful world of E3 my mind races with the prospects of what amazing delights await.  Maybe some more hands on time with the Wii U, or a playable demo of Resident Evil 6, Darksiders II or Borderlands 2.  HALO 4 and Black Ops 2 will also surely be a huge draw.  It'll be exciting to see what will be new for the PSVita and if anything will be shown for the next generation of Xbox and Playstation.  With all the amazing possibilities ahead, I will need some help.  So what would you like to hear about this year?  What upcoming announcements have you in a froth?  Are you more excited about Nintendo, Playstation or Xbox this year?

Place the game or event that you are most excited to hear about this year in the comments below and follow me on Twitter to get live updates and win exclusive E3 treats!

Be sure to include your Twitter handle in the comment and I will randomly chose one winner after the show to be the recipient of an E3 2012 goodie!  Click HERE for official rules and entry methods.

In Darksiders II Death Strikes Twice

Darksiders II is coming soon and THQ is eager to show that Death is no slouch in this follow up to his brother War's adventure.  Here are parts one and two of the awesome Death Strikes Official Darksiders II trailer, and check out the sweet collector's edition at the end of the second trailer:

Tron: Uprising Episode One

Behold the first episode of the new animated series set to air on DisneyXD, Tron: Uprising!

Leaked Pokemon Black and White 2 Animated Trailer

Just leaked is the new fully animated Pokemon Black and White 2 trailer!  Sadly, it only depicts exsisting Pokemon and no new ones other than the Black and White versions of Kyurem.  The trailer does offer up some tantalizing action and some cool plot premises with lots of returning characters and locations, and of course, the insidious Team Plasma.  Get ready to return to Unova with this amazing trailer and see what events will transpire just two years after to conclusion of the last story.

Help Improve Kinect Technology and Walk Away With Freebies

Hey guys!  Here is your chance to contribute and get some free Avatar gear and achievements while you're at it. Microsoft released an app called Voice Studio on XBLA.  Basically, it's a voice calibration tool that will have you saying lines of dialogue from the different places you will use Kinect such as where you sit while watching movies or where you stand while playing Kinect.  This will help devs improve the Kinect's voice recognition technology and improve the entire experience as your TV is creating noise wile playing or watching movies.  The best part is the rewards!  Not only are you improving the experience but you get freebies!  Here's what you can earn:

Avatar awards include a tin can phone, vinyl record glasses, a VU meter shirt (m/f) and a giant speaker

You also can earn four achievements for 50GS by completing all eight tracks:

1. 

   Golden Voice

   Sucessfully completed all eight tracks in Voice Studio

   20 UNLOCKED ON 4/3/2012
2. 

   Fast Talker

   Successfully completed the sixth track in Voice Studio

   10 UNLOCKED ON 4/3/2012
3. 

   Massive Mumbler

   Successfully completed the fourth track in Voice Studio

   10 UNLOCKED ON 4/3/2012
4. 

   Baby Babbler

   Successfully completed the second track in Voice Studio

   10 UNLOCKED ON 3/31/2012

Bungie Finished the Fight on 03/31/2012

"We have followed your careers with great interest here on Bungie.net, and you have gifted us a mountain of heroic moments to memorialize. It is with a sense of awe that we step back and admire the impact that you have had on our games, and upon our studio. Thanks for sharing your stories with us."

I got a lump in my throat today as Bungie.net said farewell to HALO and left it in the hands of others to continue their great work in keeping up with the endless statistical analysis that comes with all the fragging in this universe.

"This week’s Mail Sack marks an important milestone for the Bungie Community. For more than a decade, gamers have been clashing on the virtual battlefields of Halo multiplayer. Ever since Halo 2 brought them together via Xbox LIVE, the statistical analysis enabled by Bungie.net has tracked all of the fragging, shooting, splattering, pummeling, capturing, detonating, controlling, betraying, and assisting you brought to the virtual battlefield. It’s been a glorious run."

"On Sunday, that comes to a close as we yield the stage to developers who will be ensuring that the legacy of Halo lives on."  Those are some mighty big Spartan armor to fill.

Of course, you can still follow your stats on halo.xbox.com, but there is something to the love that was felt for this franchise on Bungie.net that may never be matched.  

I salute you Bungie, for changing the face of the gaming world by making Xbox relevant and by advancing online multiplayer with HALO 2.  

Bungie did leave us with something amazing though.  Behold some of the most outrageous statistics you have ever seen!  Witness how you and others like you have built an online universe that reaches to the farthest reaches of the Milky Way and back by clicking the image below (you may have to use the zoom function).

Pokemon Black and White 2 covers

If the covers to these games don't get you worked up, then nothing will!!

Pokemon Black and White Sequels Finally Announced

My Pokefever is now heating up!  Announced today by Junichi Masuda on the Japanese show Pokemon Smash is the latest installment to the long running franchise.  Contrary to the popular thought that a Grey version would be coming as has been the current formula of two titles and a third to wrap them together, this will be a Pokemon first.  A numbered sequel.  Two games entitled Pokemon Black 2 and Pokemon White 2 are due out for a Japanese release on the DS (not the 3DS?) this June!  No word yet on a stateside release, but one can't help but wonder what changes will come with this title.  Will it take place in the Unova region?  Will it be the same hero?  How will new Pokemon be introduced and will it offer anything new in combat?  Lastly, are those Pokemon pictured evolved states of Reshiram and Zekrom??  Can't wait to find out!  Stay tuned for updates!!
-source Serebii.net

Mass Effect 3 Space Edition is no monkey business

We should have packed a monkey

Yesterday Bioware released it's historic first videogame into space.  These Space Editions of Mass Effect 3 being launched worldwide through February 29th in Berlin are sent up in balloons and are GPS tracked to land in random locations where eager fans await to get their hands on the space ready copy with a one-of-a-kind binus. Perhaps this first launch that took place in San Francisco should have been sent up with a monkey as the copy landed securely in a national park mocking fans from a treetop view of 150ft.

At least they didn't go into the ocean

Of course, since it's a national park, the tree is protected so no chainsaws will be used to get the game down.  As they try humane ways to bring it to earth, like a baseball tied to a rope, we await to see if the launch from Las Vegas will get shot down over Area 51.

Guess Who's Back

Sega of America's channel has a tantalizing new Youtube video.  If you are a Dreamcast fanboy, and I know you are, this should be getting you up and polishing your inline skates!  Click the image for the Jet Grind Radio/Jet Set Radio teaser!  Coming soon to XBLA and PSN.  Obey!!

Credit: :X360A and Destructiod

Borderlands 2 Comes Out Guns Hot Today!

Ok, I think they are done spilling the beans for today...Take 2 and Gearbox came out with a bevy of Borderlands 2 awesomness today.  Here is the skinny:

New trailer!  Click on the image to behold the glory (if you don't joy puke, you're wrong):

Also announced was a release date.  A cross platform street date of September 12, 2012 in the US and September 21, 2012 internationally, which seems so far away!  The looting four player co-op fragfest will be back with "With more guns, more enemies, more missions, an engaging story and all-new characters, Borderlands 2 promises to bring a new era to gaming this fall."

Also announced was a sweet pre-order deal if you do so through Gamestop or Amazon!  The Borderlands 2 Premier Club.  In this premium package you will receive the Golden Key, Vault Hunter's Relic and Gearbox Gunpack which should all prove to add quite a bit of badassery to your starting arsenal!  For full details click HERE.

I don't know about you, but I'm joy puking about stepping back into the Wasteland and take on the giant Clap Trap in that trailer!!  I'm calling Zero!

Lollipops and Chainsaws, like peanut butter and jelly

I can't wait for the May release of Lollipop Chainsaw from the Grasshopper Manufacture team led by the almighty mad scientist Suda51.  As if I wasn't excited enough, then they hit me with this madcap Japanese trailer showcasing some of the Undead Elite like Vikke the Viking Metal Zombie and Punk Rock Zombie, Zed, as well as some amazing mini-games!!  Move over 2K, zombie basketball is taking over!!  It's hard to explain the madness, so feel free to see it for yourself.  Click on the image for the video and enjoy pure Japanese insanity.

"The world is infested with rotten and madness.  And comes despair..."  Happy Sparkle Hunting!!

Another Big Day in Gaming Goodness 2/22/12

Some great stuff so far today!!  To have it all in one place, here it is:

First, the "big" Nintendo announcement, which by definition slightly underwhelming but still offered up some tasty nuggets of information.  Here is the breakdown:

They spoke about a new eShop title releasing today about a cowboy armadillo titled Dillon's Rolling Western which promises over 20 hours of gameplay, even for experienced players.

Also featured was Kid Iccarus Uprising.  They spoke about some multiplayer features, Street Pass integration, weapon upgrading and combining, a stand that releases with the game, and a pre-order bonus at select retailers which is quite nice!  Pre-order the game and receive a free download code for the 3D Classics remake of the original Kid Iccarus!

They spoke about the new Mario Tennis Open and some of it's WiFi multiplayer goodness

Last they hinted at the upcoming American release of Last Story, a much anticipated RPG from the pros at Square Enix which will be published by XSeed sometime later this year, and the current release of some blockbuster titles on the 3DS

Sadly, nothing about WiiU or Pokemon was mentioned as this was an entirely 3DS driven announcement.  To watch the video, click on Reggie.  Also click on the titles below for some extra content on the games mentioned.

Dillon's Rolling Western 1

Dillon's Rolling Western 2

Kid Iccarus Uprising 1

Kid Iccarus Uprising 2

Kid Iccarus Uprising 3

Kid Iccarus 3D Classics

Mario Tennis Open

Spirit Camera: The Cursed Memoir

**UPDATED**On XBLA, Alan Wake's American Nightmare launches today on the House Party line up for the price of 1200 Microsoft Points. This is a solid play!  You play Alan Wake after the events of the first title.  The game begins with Barry asleep in a motel and the television on to Night Springs.  As the camera zooms in to the TV, you are treated by some nicely done FMV of Wake trying to battle Mr. Scratch, after which you are left to your own devices as a Rod Serling sound-alike tells the tale.  After some exploring and baddies coming after you, you get to the Desert Shore Motel where you meet Emma Stone.  You are tasked with retrieving 21 manuscript pages and to get the story started three items to rewrite reality.  Everything is close by and you get to fight more nasties as you progress.  After retrieving the items, you are ready to go back to the oil rig and re-write the story.  Soon after, the demo ends, leaving me clamoring for more.  Also playable is an arcade mode in which you fight off waves of enemies in different arenas to earn multipliers and the high score on the leader boards.  This mode was quite enjoyable as well as the controls are tight and the enemies like to sneak up behind you.  This is a great sequel to a great game, and definetly loses nothing being an arcade release.  Check it out!! To go to the official page, click on the image.
There are 12 achievements for 200GS in this title.

Also, IGN is hosting a huge, live tournament for Street Fighter X Tekken today!  To watch the live stream, click on the imgae and check out some gaming gold!  You can watch the main feed, a Street Fighter feed and a Tekken feed which runs from 9:00am to 7:30pm Pacific!  Enjoy.

Hot Stuff For 2/21/12

Big day for gaming today!  Makes me wish I was rich!!  Here are the highlights for today:

Asura's Wrath Launches today!!

This looks like one hell of a good time with some gorgeous graphics and over the top battles among gods!  Could be another classic from Capcom.

IGN Score: 7.5

This game has 45 Achievements for a total of 1000 Gamerscore

Syndicate also launches today!!

This is a follow up to an old PS1 classic, Syndicate Wars by EA.

Another promising action packed title that should keep gamers busy for a while

IGN Score: 7.5

This game has 50 Acievements for a total of 1000 Gamerscore

Also, if you have purchased the Elite service for Call of Duty MW3, the new map drops today!  Overwatch offers some vertigo inducing action as you battle atop a high-rise under construction!  Look out below Elite members and enjoy your early drop on your MW3 Season.

Windows Phone News

Hey gang, here are a few recent nuggets about my personal favorite mobile OS:

Facebook got a Facelift!  Check out the update to the Facebook app.  Not that you need it much being that it's completely integrated into the phone, but if you are one that prefers to use apps, the new improvements to the UI should be a welcome change.  For the full details go here: *LINK*

Easy Gamerscore Booster! Downloaded the game Collapse! recently as the deal of the week and completed all 200GS within a couple of hours.  I came nowhere near to completing the game, so if you're looking for a quickie for the max GS, this is a good one which is also enjoyable. *LINK*
Awesome Deal of the Week!  This weeks DoW is amazing!  If you haven't tried Gravity Guy, give it a whirl.  For $1.99, you can't miss. *LINK*
Last but Not Least! Paul Thurrott wrote a really comprehensive article about Windows 8, he is pretty much the Windows Genius.  Check it out here, it's more on the PC side of things but there are many great articles on his site.  *LINK*
Also, feel free to use the GIF as you please as it's approved for use by Microsoft.  Originally shared here: *LINK*

Cool Tidbits From the Kinect Revolution

If you own a Kinect, then you know that it's far  more than just a kid's gaming gimmick.  While most games for it are child-centric, the device offers many functionalities that take it well beyond gaming hardware.  I feel cheated when I can't tell my living room TV to pause a video, or change the channel.  Once you get used to controlling an entire echo system with your voice, it feels as if you are living in the future and it's hard to go back to using your hands.  Here are some really cool Kinect stories I've seen floating around the web that show some of the future possibilities powered by Kinect:

The Holodeck is closer to being a reality than ever imagined.  Engandget has been reporting some really cool holagraphic technologies.  How about controlling your Android smartphone on a projection on the wall?  Or creating full 3D renderings with your Windows Phone?  Or even a complete virtual theme park in Korea?  All these things are real and could be closer to becoming available to the masses than you may think.

Check out programming4fun's cool video:

Or this video posted by DDRBoxman controlling an Android phone via Kinect and a projector:


How about integrating your Windows Phone with playing Kinect games on the 360:


Click the image below for the Engadget article about the Korean Kinect theme park:

This SOPA thing is scary...

I don't know about you, but I find this whole SOPA thing frightening...

As I've tried to browse the internet today, I found many of the sites that I frequent blocked by the US government, and many more blacked out in protest.  I felt as if I was being robbed...how can a source of infinite knowledge and sharing, a wild west with no boundaries, suddenly be silenced in a way that makes it feel so barren and cold?

If this is what big dollars are paying the government to do, then this is not a future I want.  I was already banned in the US and Germany for posting my best friend's bachelor party on Youtube because of the soundtrack.  A soundtrack spliced together of music from a show we paid for and went to.  To think not being able to use anything you didn't create yourself in such a public forum is unfathomable.  Just thought I'd post my opinion on this whole thing.  This is a free country, after all.  The web should be kept free as well.  Coming from a family that fled Cuba from communism, and moving from Venezuela to miss it there myself, a government controlled internet is a future I would like to escape again.

As an artist, I view the internet as a way to get my work out to the masses, and encourage anyone to use any of the work I've crafted.  In the end, "pirates" are just fans and probably line the pockets of the man trying to block them far more than those who don't share their passions online.  The man should begin to consider the "pirate" as free advertising and let those of us who love what we love continue sharing and perhaps creating new fans to line their greedy pockets.

Snake! Snaaaaaake!!!

Hideo Kojima released a very awesome picture of a Snakeskin 3DS that will launch with the Special Edition of the Metal Gear Solid: Snake Eater 3D remake for that system when it launches in Japan.  No official word on this until January 20th, and no word whether this will be available in the US for it's Q1 release, but I am already frothing for this one!