via Engadget




Though Ben's still hard at work at the modular "Access" one-handed controller to be sold by eDimensional, he's certainly not frittering away that free time of his. The latest and greatest mod by Ben Heckendorn is a refined version of his right-handed Xbox 360 controller.

As opposed to the one-size-fits-all modularity of the Access, his one-handed controllers puts all the buttons easily within reach and places the right analog stick at the base of the controller -- you play the game by moving the analog stick against your leg. The new version has slimmed down the design considerably and spruced up the aesthetics -- thought the inclusion of a PS3 d-pad could be seen as sacrilege to some. ...

via Computer and Video Games


Microsoft has revealed the selection of games heading to Xbox Live Arcade in the coming weeks, and sorry shooter fans; Ikargua isn't mentioned once.

Rocky and Bullwinkle, Shotest Shogi and Capcom's Wolf of the Battlefield: Commando 3 head up the list, which (with the exception of Commando) probably says a lot about the quality of the rest of the roster.

The company also revealed the Doom and Assault heroes will be added to the discounted Arcade Hits section, and will now flog for 400 points each (about 3 quid).

Here's the full listing (PR spiel included):

Rocky and Bullwinkle (Zen Studios) Based on the highly popular US cartoon series of the same name, Rocky and Bullwinkle on Xbox LIVE Arcade is a fast and fun party experience packed with over 100 micro-games and decked out in authentic retro art style. Plus, players with an Xbox LIVE Vision camera can control 25 of these games using fun gestures.

Shotest Shogi (AI Factory and Rubicon Development) Experience a new kind of shogi, Japan's top board game, which encourages complex tactical play and strategic sacrifices. Set in an elegant Japanese room, this beautifully rendered game features 16 challenging artificial intelligence opponents as well as an online multiplayer mode. For beginners, "Shotest Shogi" on Xbox LIVE Arcade also offers an advanced tutorial that guides and tests players as they progress through the game.

TiQal" (Slapdash Games) An addictive new puzzler, TiQal takes players on an epic journey to save an ancient Mayan village. Players demolish enemy block walls by matching squares of the same colour and building them up to unleash massive combo points and mind-blowing power-ups. Partner with a friend over local or Xbox LIVE* co-op play to rescue the village, while enjoying sumptuous graphics, exciting sound effects and an awe-inspiring musical score.

Wits & Wagers (Hidden Path Entertainment) Party and trivia fun! Even if trivia isn't your thing, the first trivia and party game to hit Xbox LIVE Arcade is one in which players can win by making educated guesses, playing the odds or just knowing the interests of other players, whether they are local or online. Break out the Big Button Pad controllers or play couch vs. couch on Xbox LIVE for a trivia party extravaganza.

Wolf of the Battlefield: Commando 3 (Capcom) Xbox LIVE Arcade's Wolf of the Battlefield: Commando 3 revives one of the most popular arcade shooters with an all-new adventure. Battle solo or recruit two other specialised commandos to conquer the evil tyrant, General Ratiev. Players can play as Codename Wolf, Coyote or Fox to take on waves of soldiers, rescue POWs and blow up armoured vehicles through a variety of dangerous battlefields. ...

via IGN


Following leaked Jump Magazine images from last week, Square Enix today made the new DS installment of the Valkyrie Profile series officially known, and even shared a few screens and pieces of artwork.

As we reported last week, this new entry in one of Square Enix's most critically acclaimed franchises is fully titled Valkyrie Profile: Toga wo Seou Mono. This surname is currently being unofficially translated around the web as "The Accused." We reserve the right to tack on a "One" to the end of that title depending on how many people are actually being accused.

Aside from the screenshots, we don't have too much in the way of details on the game. The word "toga" will reportedly play a major role in the game's storyline and gameplay systems. No, that doesn't mean everyone will be walking around in togas. "Toga" here is the Japanese word for "fault," as in, "It's all your toga!" Although we don't recommend mixing in Japanese words with your English, because it makes you sound like a jerk.

Fans of the Valkyrie Profile series can rest assured that developer tri-Ace is once again heading up the development effort on this title. Although the viewing perspective now appears to be 3/4 overhead, the game is said to maintain the strategic, high-paced battle system for which the developer is known.

Looking to get an early glimpse? Recently, Square Enix announced a bonus item for the PSP version of Star Ocean 2, due for Japanese release in April. The bonus item is a DVD that will contain footage of tri-Ace developed games like Star Ocean 4 and Infinite Undiscovery. Also included is footage of one game that was unannounced when the bonus item was unveiled. Although Square Enix hasn't officially announced so, we're going to speculate that the mystery footage is from the new Valkyrie Profile game.


Screenshots here ...

via IGN


Following leaked Jump Magazine images from last week, Square Enix today made the new DS installment of the Valkyrie Profile series officially known, and even shared a few screens and pieces of artwork.

As we reported last week, this new entry in one of Square Enix's most critically acclaimed franchises is fully titled Valkyrie Profile: Toga wo Seou Mono. This surname is currently being unofficially translated around the web as "The Accused." We reserve the right to tack on a "One" to the end of that title depending on how many people are actually being accused.

Aside from the screenshots, we don't have too much in the way of details on the game. The word "toga" will reportedly play a major role in the game's storyline and gameplay systems. No, that doesn't mean everyone will be walking around in togas. "Toga" here is the Japanese word for "fault," as in, "It's all your toga!" Although we don't recommend mixing in Japanese words with your English, because it makes you sound like a jerk.

Fans of the Valkyrie Profile series can rest assured that developer tri-Ace is once again heading up the development effort on this title. Although the viewing perspective now appears to be 3/4 overhead, the game is said to maintain the strategic, high-paced battle system for which the developer is known.

Looking to get an early glimpse? Recently, Square Enix announced a bonus item for the PSP version of Star Ocean 2, due for Japanese release in April. The bonus item is a DVD that will contain footage of tri-Ace developed games like Star Ocean 4 and Infinite Undiscovery. Also included is footage of one game that was unannounced when the bonus item was unveiled. Although Square Enix hasn't officially announced so, we're going to speculate that the mystery footage is from the new Valkyrie Profile game.


Screenshots here ...

via Kotaku




Europe's delay in getting Smash Bros Brawl is causing great amounts of distress. So it's good to know that amidst all the wailing and teeth-gnashing, somebody can see the funny side of it all. Above is a shot of the game's product page from the online store of British supermarket chain Tesco. Obviously not a release date that's come from Nintendo themselves, but hey, the way things are going it may not end up being too far off the mark! ...

via Computer and Video Games


Microsoft has sent word that more Forza Motorsport 2 download content will be out this week, though we reckon everyone's moved on to PGR4 and GT5 Prologue by now.

OK, we're sure someone's still playing the Xbox 360 Turn 10 racer, and for that loyal bloke the 400 Microsoft Point (£3) pack , which includes 13 motors, isn't a bad deal at all.

It's out on Wednesday and includes a whole bunch of Ferraris and Lamborghinis we can't be arsed to learn the names of. Read about it here.

Turn 10 will also be taking to the Xbox Live track this weekend, with lots of lovely racing wheels and signed games up for grabs. So, if you're not in a beer garden somewhere drinking your weight in cider, it might be a nice way to spend your four-day weekend. ...

via Eurogamer


Activision has decided that it's about time a Game of the Year Edition of Call of Duty 4 was available for Xbox 360.

Down for a release in April, it'll include a flashy box as well as a token to download the upcoming Variety Map Pack, according to reports.

The map pack costs 800 Points (GBP 6.80 / EUR 9.60) and adds Creek, Broadhouse, Killhouse and Chinatown maps to the fray. Infinity Ward has only referred to a "spring" date so far.

We're waiting to hear back from Activision about specifics and if PS3 and PC owners can expect a GOTY Edition too. ...

via Kotaku


You might want to think twice about keeping your credit card information stored on your video game consoles, especially after reading the cautionary tale of one Xbox 360 owner who unwittingly bought 15,000 Microsoft Points for a bunch of thieves. The story of Clinton's bad luck combined with bad judgment is a bit of a scary one. The Canadian gamer writes that he was robbed to the tune of about $25,000 when someone broke into his residence, swiping his Xbox 360, games and computer equipment, as well as the keys to his truck.

But it's the Points he's pissed about.

While his insurance covered the majority of the loss, the one thing he couldn't recover was the hundreds of dollars in Microsoft Points charged to his credit card, via the information stored on his Live account. Oddly enough, he says he was talked out of canceling his credit card (bad, bad idea) by a customer service rep at his card company, resulting in someone else enjoying the entirety of NHL 08's downloadable content.

Unfortunately for Clinton, Xbox Live customer service reps told him that "it can take up to 30 days to remove credit card information from your account, and up to 5 years for that information to be purged from Microsoft servers." Might not be a bad idea to see if you can wrest some of that control back in your direction, folks.

The full harrowing tale is recounted at Evil Avatar's forums. I'm definitely going to check up on my stored financial info on my three current-gen consoles. Convenience be damned! Just kidding, I didn't mean that, Convenience. You know I still love you. ...

via Computer and Video Games


As the initial disappoint at the discovery that Lost Planet Colonies is nothing more than a spruced-up special edition dies down, Capcom has released the first media of the 360 release in action.

For your money the 360 update gives you a new playable character (a girl in winter gear) and a wicked-sounding online mode which has bugs and humans battling for supremacy (but probably not flags).

There's also cross-platform play between PC and Xbox 360, although owners of the new version will not be able to play with players of the original Lost Planet.

Probably not worth a double dip then, but if you missed it the first time around the mid-range price ($30 in US - probably £25 over here) at least might be tempting.

See screens below, check back for a trailer shortly and look for the game on shelves in May.


Screenshots here ...