Batman Arkham Asylum Developers Wise Up, Release Previously Restricted DLC May 11, 2010

I was checking out the Playstation Network Store a few minutes ago to see the update and I was impressed by what I saw.  For those of you who viewed the deleted scenes video of my “What Makes a Good Collector’s Edition” video, you saw me say a few bad things about the Batman: Arkham Asylum Collector’s Edition.  Don’t get me wrong, it’s a fantastic game and a fantastic CE I’m proud to own, but I espressed suprise and dismay that the restricted DLC that was exclusive to only Collectors Editions sold at GameStop was never made avalible for seperate purchase.

The DLC in question was the “Dem Bones” DLC, which were only released with preorders from GameStop, and the “Crime Alley” DLC, which were only released with Collector’s Editions.

Both are now avaliable for download from the Playstation Store for $3.50 each.  All the other released DLC, including the Joker Challenge Maps, are still avaliable for free download.

Bright Falls Episodes 3 and 4 FINALLY Released to Xbox Live May 11, 2010

After a week’s delay, Episodes 3 and 4 of the Alan Wake live-action prequel miniseries, “Bright Falls” have been released to Xbox Live in HD, as you can remember from my previous editorial, the third episode should’ve been released over a week ago, and the fourth is two days late.

If you don’t have Xbox Live and still want to watch the series, you are more than welcome to watch them on their official site or right here:

The Force Unleashed II Coming October 26th, 2010 May 4, 2010

Lucasarts has announced the sequel to Star Wars: The Force Unleashed, The Force Unleashed II, will be launching multiplatform on October 26th.  The Force Unleashed II was announced a few months ago, but since that time no in game footage has been released about the game.

The Force Unleashed was an extremely hyped game promised to be a continuation of the Star Wars canon, when it was released it sold extremely well but reviews were mixed due to the frustrating gameplay at times due to issues with the physics engine.  The story and graphics were phenominal, detailing the story of a secret apprentice to Darth Vader, more powerful than any Jedi or Sith before.

We do know than the game will star the protagonist from the previous game, who DIED at the end of that game, and became more powerful than we could possibly imagine.

The Force Unleashed II will be released multiplatform (sans PC) on October 26th, 2010.

New God of War PSP Game Announced! May 4, 2010

Ready at Dawn Studios have announced the next God of War game will be coming exclusively to the Sony Playstation Portable and PSPgo.

Entitled God of War: Ghost of Sparta, the game will follow after the first God of War, where Kratos will be looking for the secrets to his past in order to cure his nightmares.  Along the way we’ll learn the origins of his tattoo, his scar, and his family.

Ready at Dawn Studios has previously made 2008’s God of War: Chains of Olympus, considered to be by many to be the best game on the PSP.  I personally thought it was a fantastic game, but to me, the best PSP game was 2005’s Infected by Planet Moon Studios, and will probably continue to be until Planet Moon decides to make a sequel.

God of War: Ghost of Sparta is expected for a release this year on the PSP and PSPgo.  Two God of War games in one year?  We gamers are spoiled!

Halo Reach Beta is Live! May 3, 2010

Got copies of Halo 3 ODST around?  Boot em up because the Halo Reach beta is Live on Xbox Live!

The Halo Reach beta is about a 1.13 GB download, and because this beta is multiplayer only, to play you need to have an Xbox Live Gold account.  The beta also requires the Halo 3 ODST disc 1 to be in your Xbox while you play.

Oh and after you play some, make sure to check out the Halo Waypoint and download an exclusive T-Shirt for your Avatar.

iPad 3G Released May 1, 2010

For those of you waiting on your purchase of the iPad until the 3G model was released, the wait is over. The 3G model iPad, able to run over a cellular data network, has been released.

The 3G iPad has a $130 premium over its WiFi only counterpart. Preorders have started shipping since earlier in the week. The model should be in stores as I type this.

Since it uses a cellular data network, the device will carry a $30 a month price tag for AT&T data plan.

All New Copies of Alan Wake to Include Free DLC April 30, 2010

Remedy has already announced new content for Alan Wake (dubbed episodes) will be coming post game release for an unannounced amount. Today, Remedy announced in their official forums the first DLC will be free of charge, as download codes for it will be included in all copies of the game released worldwide.

This could be the latest volley against preowned game sales, or it could be a gift from Remedy to their loyal fans. More DLC for the game is expected after the initial episode, and Remedy has announced if the demand is high enough to release a second “season”, they will make a full sequel.

Steam Mac coming May 12 April 29, 2010

Well now that the new version of Steam has been released to Windows users I’m sure many Mac users (including friends of mine) were wondering when their own Mac version would be released.

Now we know. Valve has announced Steam will be avalible for the Mac on May 12th. I was one of the original Steam testers back in 2003. I never imagined the Steam service wouldve grown as much as it has since then. I thought 2006 was the major year for Steam, when they broke out and started publishing non Valve games. Looks like 2010 is going to be the next chapter.

Remedy Releases Alan Wake Launch Trailer April 29, 2010

With only half a month until Alan Wake hits store shelves, it seems like Remedy has gone all out and released what appears to be the final trailer for Alan Wake before release to their YouTube channel.  This’ll probably go up on Xbox Live pretty soon, but it’s not up yet.

Without a doubt looks to be the game of the summer.

Halo Reach Beta Will Run from May 3rd-19th! April 29, 2010

Bungie has announced today that the Halo Reach beta will begin five days from now on May 3rd, and will end on the 19th of May.

Tomorrow, an exclusive video is going to be posted starring Aisha Tyler, who will give a introduction to the beta.  It can only be viewed through the Halo 3 ODST disc 1.

When the beta becomes active on May 3rd, the option to play the beta will be added to Halo 3 ODST’s main menu, simply select “Play the Beta” from the menu (which will be an option at that point) and download the beta.  The beta will be 1.2 GB.  Load times will be high.

Anyone who participates in the beta will get an exclusive Halo Reach avatar tee through Halo Waypoint, and during the beta your stats will be fully trackable through bungie.net.  gameXcess will be playing this beta, hope to see you all there!