Alan Wake DLC Episode 2 Announced! May 23, 2010

Alan Wake’s downloadable content page updated yesterday with further information about the upcoming downloadable content, and announced a whole new episode to boot.

The first DLC, redeemable by the download codes in all new copies of the game, is actually going to be a two part story, concluded in the recently announced second episode.

The new episode, dubbed “The Writer” will conclude the new storyline started in the first episode, “The Signal”.

The episodes will retail for 800 MS points each ($10US), however that cost is waved for the first episode if you redeem your game’s included DLC code (shipped in all new copies of the game) when it’s released.  No release date has been announced for Episode 2, Episode 1 is still expected to be released July 27th, 2010.

My Local GameStop is doing a Midnight Launch Monday, Yours Might Too May 16, 2010

I went into my local GameStop today to confirm my preorder of the Alan Wake Limited Edition, just regular run-of-the-mil stuff.  By this point I had given up on GameStop doing a midnight launch of the game since the game is going to be released in two days, and there haven’t been any posts about that on their official website.

When I talked to the clerk as I was paying my preorder off I just decided to ask if they were doing a midnight release.  He told me that because practically five new games were coming out on Tuesday, including Alan Wake and Red Dead Revolver, they were doing a midnight release.

I had heard some GameStops were doing midnight releases for Red Dead Revolver, but I had assumed if they were going to be open, they would be selling only that and you would still have to wait until the morning to buy Alan Wake.  The guy assured me since they would have the right to sell Alan Wake at the same time as Red Dead Revolver, they would have no problem selling any game that came out Tuesday after midnight Monday night.

So even though GameStop lists no midnight releases on their official website, check with your local stores to see if there will be a midnight release, you might be lucky enough to have one that will.

Final Bright Falls Episodes Released (Just not on Live) May 15, 2010

Bright Falls, the official live action prequel series to Alan Wake, has concluded it’s six episode run.  The final two episodes have just been released in anticipation for Alan Wake‘s release on Tuesday.

As per usual, the episodes are currently not up on Xbox Live, as they were intended to premere there, however, every other host of the videos, including the series’ official homepage, do have the last episodes uploaded.  I’m sure at some point they’ll make it to Xbox Live, but until they do, here are some alternatives.  Of course, you can always just watch the videos embedded below.  Enjoy.  Hopefully this’ll tide you over until Tuesday.

First Alan Wake DLC Coming July 27th May 13, 2010

In an announcement today on Remedy’s official forums, the first downloadable content for Alan Wake, entitled “The Signal” will be released on Xbox Live July 27th, 2010.

All new copies of Alan Wake will come with a one time use download code to obtain this content for free.  The codes will not be active until the DLC is released.

“The Signal” will be a whole new single player episode, taking place after the conclusion of Alan Wake.  More episodes are expected to be released via DLC depending on sales.  This will be part of what Remedy is calling the first “season” of Alan Wake.  If a second “season” is merited, Remedy will begin work on a sequel.

Alan Wake will be released in the United States on May 18th, 2010 for the Xbox 360.

Steam Mac Released, Portal Included Free May 12, 2010

Valve has released a version of Steam for the Mac OS X operating system.  All Mac users are welcome to download the platform to purchase and play the games on it.

To Celebrate the release, all Steam users will be offered a free copy of 2007’s Game of the Year, Portal, which will be free for PC and Mac users until May 24th.  Current Steam users who don’t have a copy of Portal can get it for free here.

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.