2010 was a year full of ups and down, moving platforms and floating blocks. I guess when I phrase it that way it sounds like 2010 itself was something of a platformer game. That’s fitting because this Looking Back post is about the platforming games that shaped 2010. While some genres of games have grown over the decades with graphics and the latest technology, platformers can be elaborate or simple, next-gen or retro. So while your ultra-modern shooter needs to have forty billion polygons to look good, you can enjoy a platformer with realistic graphics, or simple shapes.

Platformer purists exist in every generation. Old school gamers can appreciate the throwback to Mega Man. Gamers who grew up in the 90s can now play The Sly Collection in glorious HD. Modern-day gamers can play games like Lara Croft and Prince of Persia. There was a little something for everyone this year, so let's take a look back at 2010 via hopping, skipping, jumping, climbing, and crawling.

FEBRUARY

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Super Monkey Ball Step & Roll

AiAi and friends' Super Monkey Ball Step & Roll is giving you a reason to dust off the ol' balance board. Over the past 30-odd years of video game history we've experience a lot of changes, but one thing will always remain true: Playing with monkeys in balls is still fun. This is unquie because of its gameplay of rolling simian-filled spheres across mazes and platforms.

The Wii balance board is very sensitive, that combined with how much I enjoy shaking my hips makes this an accident waiting to happen. I frankly like that kind of risk. That's right. I am dangerous. This game has tons of levels meaning you're going to be living dangerously for hours at a time.

MARCH

Sonic Classic Collection

Sonic has been working the platformer circuit for longer than I've been alive. He's learned a thing or two about running and jumping, primarily through rings. If you're a fan of Sonic and own a DS then you've probably played the Sonic Classic Collection. This compilation of games includes the four original Mega Drive games, Sonic The Hedgehog, Sonic The Hedgehog 2, Sonic The Hedgehog 3 and Sonic & Knuckles.

Instead of just porting these games over SEGA has made improvements to the series. One of the most appreciated features is allowing the ability to save anywhere. I think I speak for gamers everywhere when I say "Thank you." It's never to late to catch up on the Sonic series.

MAY

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Prince of Persia: The Forgotten Sands

To some Prince of Persia: The Forgotten Sands might seem like a high-definition Sands of Time reboot. It definitely is its own, unique game even if it feels similar. While Forgotten Sands wasn't met with the best reviews it does stay true to the Prince of Persia style of gameplay. The ability to seamlessly run in and out of death-defying jumps is as prevalent as ever.

PoP: Forgotten Sands came out to correspond with the Prince of Persia film and because of this it might feel rushed. The game has it's own cinematic moments though. If you make it to the end get ready for one of the most surprising and suspenseful closing battles in a game.

Super Mario Galaxy 2

Super Mario Galaxy 2 is the sequel to 2007's hit Super Mario Galaxy. SMG 2 was a high point in the 20 years of Mario platformers. The game built off of everything the first Super Mario Galaxy game had then upgraded it and added Yoshi.

In Super Mairo Glaxay Yoshi is so much more than Mario's sweet dinosaur mount. He actually is needed to jump, fly and complete levels. Even though Yoshi was a NPC it gave the game a sense of teamwork that was missing from the first Galaxy game.

JUNE

Mega Man Zero Collection

Mega Man Zero Collection is a compilation of all four Mega Man games for the Game Boy Advance. Capcom's Mega Man Zero series began back in 2002. Each installment told a different part of the Mega Man Zero story and more specifically the character of Zero.

The Mega Man Zero Collection has interwoven levels instead of the typical Mega Man stage-system. The more mission-based system makes the game more story based than a typical Mega Man platformer that might feel like you're simply trying to time jumps to get through a level.


JULY

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Limbo was an Xbox Live downloadable game that surprised us all. It followed the tale a young boy who is unaware of the fate of his sister so he enters Limbo to find her. The game takes a very minimalistic approach to game design as the entire game is in black and white. Despite seeming simple the game's story was anything but. Over the course of the game you'll begin to care about the characters and their fates.

Limbo was rated T for Teen, a rating platformers rarely get. The reason this game might not be for younger audiences is because of how dark the game was. There is plenty of animated blood and plenty of incidents of plummeting to your death. Limbo is a sophisticated game with multiple layers for you to uncover.

SEPTEMBER

Laura Croft and the Guardian of Light

The video game world's hottest heroine is back at it and this time you get to play with her, well in co-op. Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light was a downloadable title released for the Xbox 360, PS3 and PC. The controls are what allow this game to compete with the other full-price platformers out there. Combat is accurate, puzzles are tough and the platformering is just as challenging as always.

Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light is the video game you never knew you always wanted to play. Lara Croft: GoL abandons the over the shoulder style from the Tomb Raider games and instead has an isometric view, like in Diablo. Online co-op was later added as a patch and it adds a new layer to the game.

OCTOBER

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Super Meat Boy

Super Meat Boy mixes ninja-like platforming action with quality and intricate level design. This game is fast-paced, don't expect a chance to take a breather. The riveting gameplay will keep your fingers on the keys or on the joystick. Plus plenty of levels mean you'll be on quest to save bandage girl for quite some time. The very limited story is about a boy with no skin trying to save his girlfriend badange girl.

Unlike the other games on this last that I might praise for focusing on story I'm going to praise this game for the exact opposite. Super Meat Boy is about the action, not the plot, and for that it's awesome. As much as you really do care about the litle boy without skin you're going to keep playing simply because you want to play through the levels.
 

NOVEMBER

The Sly Collection

Sly Cooper is back. The raccoon in a thief's costume is the star of a series of platformer games with stealth and action elements. PlayStation 3 fans just got the chance last month to get their hands on three remastered PlayStation 2 Sly Cooper games, Sly Cooper and the Thievius Racconus, Sly 2: Band of Thieves and Sly 3: Honor Among Thieves.

All three classic games came on one blu-ray disc. They've been fully remastered in HD. New features include 3D mini-games and mini-games with Move support.

Donkey Kong Country Returns

2010 wasn't just all about platformers, it was about platformers on the Wii.Donkey Kong Country Returns follows closely to the Donkey Kong games of the 16-bit days. Along with the nostalgic gameplay the game features vibrant graphics and audio.

The platforming style of DK Country Returns is challenging, think "old school" platforming. The game has eight worlds and over 70 levels, there's so much to do in this you'll go bananas. Yes, I did.

Sonic Colors

In Sonic Colors our furry friends have entered Dr. Robotnik's amusement park of evil. Solid 2D mechanics sets this game apart from the rest of the franchise. The level design is interesting too, some of the worlds include idustrial candylands or underwater Japanese temples.

Sonic Colors is the best looking Sonic game to date. One thing that separates this game not just from other Sonic games but from 2010's crop of platformers is its humor. The characters engage in funny and interesting dialogue. It's not often to have humor in these types of games.

New Super Mario Bros. Wii

New Super Mario Bros. Wii is a 4-player co-op, multiplayer, 2D extravaganza. It's style is a throwback to the Mario games of the 80s while still having the updated graphics of today. Well, as updated as the Wii will allow. This game shines when you're playing with other people and since Mario is accessible even the most casual gamers can pick up a Wiimote and play.

New Super Mario Bros Wii keeps every part of what made the originals great: solid platforming, the need for precise timing, and just enough whimsy to make dying repeatedly bearable. The level design helps keep the game light, light as cloud even. Nintendo has done a great job making the levels fresh. As the levels scroll or rise you'll be looking for solid ground, don't forget to employ the things around you, like clouds.
 

DECEMBER

Disney Epic Mickey

Disney Epic Mickey had been building up anticipation for months. The game was being developed by Warren Spector and Junction Point Studios. Epic Mickey was a delight for any fan of Disney or Diseyland. The game gave nods to forgotten characters and to the leader of forgotten characters, Oswald the rabbit.

The game suffered from a lack-luster performance financially and failed to make it up the video game charts. Some site it’s marketing while others, like myself, couldn’t get past the wonky and often disabling camera angles.  What the game lacked in sales it made up for in feeling. It’s rare that a game makes me feel such a spectrum of emotions. I felt guilt for having forgotten Clarabelle the cow, I felt nostalgia for the re-imagined Disneyland levels, I felt curiosity in wanting to know more about Walt Disney’s first creation. What it brings to the table is heart.

These were some of the games that caught our platforming eye this past year. What were the ones you were playing?

The awesome main image is from robotzombieplague. Check out their amazing development diary.

Section: Gaming News, Consoles, PS3, Xbox-360, Handhelds, PSP & PSPgo, iPhone & iPod Touch & iPad, Game-Companies, Developers, Publishers, Genres, 2D, 3D, Action, Casual, Shooter, Puzzle, Role-Playing, Strategy

There haven’t been very many new retail game releases, so you should have plenty of spare change after holiday shopping, right? Good. Sega wants it. Not only that, but it is fully prepared to sink to underhanded means to get it. That is, if you consider a massive iTunes, PlayStation Network and Xbox Live Arcade sale underhanded. Yes, from December 21, 2010 until January 3, 2011 the Sega Mega Holiday Sale 2010 is on and you can stock up on gaming goodness. Or send some downloadable games to friends as gifts. It’s your choice really.

What I found most interesting was a little blurb on the Sega America Blog directed towards Xbox Live Arcade buyers. It hints that people who buy for friends will get a gift from Santa on December 30, 2010. How vague. A more blatant clue is given later under the section of the blog entry discussing the Xbox Live Arcade deals. Apparently a few games games will experience a price drop that day.

For now, let’s go through what’s on sale.

Sega iTunes Sales

• Altered Beast - 99¢
• Chu Chu Rocket! - 99¢
• Chu Chu Rocket! HD (iPad) - $2.99
• Gunstar Heroes - 99¢
• Phantasy Star 2 - 99¢
• Sonic the Hedgehog - $2.99
• Sonic the Hedgehog 2 - $2.99
• Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode 1 - $2.99
• Super Monkey Ball 2 - 99¢
• Super Monkey Ball 2 Sakura Edition (iPad) - $2.99

Sega PlayStation Store Sales

• After Burner Climax (PS3) - $4.99
• Gunstar Heroes (PS3) - $2.99
• Iron Man 2 (PSP) - $15.99
• Phantasy Star Portable 2 (PSP) - $15.99
• Sega Genesis Collection (PSP) - $9.99
• Sonic Adventure (PS3) - $4.99
• Sonic Adventure DX Upgrade (PS3) DLC - $1.99
• Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode 1 (PS3) - $9.99
• Valkyria Chronicles 2 (PSP) - $15.99

Sega Xbox Live Arcade Sales

• Afterburner Climax - $5

Those sale copies of Phantasy Star Portable 2 and Valkyria Chronicles 2 are so tempting! Must resist!

Read [Sega America Blog] Via [The Warp Pipe]

Full Story » | Written by Jenni Lada for Gamertell. | Comment on this Article »

Section: Gaming News, Features, Lists, Consoles, PS3, Handhelds, PSP & PSPgo, Ads & Media, Other Media, Genres, 2D, 3D, Action, Adventure, Casual, Updates, Playstation-Store

This week’s downloadable PlayStation 3 game is Crescent Pale Mist for $5.99. In this side-scrolling fighter, players control a sorceress named Yunou who happens to be the only magic user able to use a deadly magic known as Pale Mist who must stop the toxic pale mist from leaking into the outside world as well as deal with the ones responsible for the leak—her former comrades. Check out Crescent Pale Mist:

This week’s PlayStation Portable Download is Who’s That Flying!? for $5.99. Players control the Guardian of Earth who happens to be on trial for allowing an invasion to enter the city. While on trial the Guardian must recount his actions leading to the trial allowing players to play his flashback in a side-scrolling shooter combined with elements of a tower defense game to stop as many invaders as possible from entering the city. How you play the game changes the flashback. The game features a story mode with full animated cut scenes, five unique stages with more than 40 individual levels and 24 unique unlockable trials, bonus artwork and awards, various combos, medals and power-ups to discover as players battle 17 different enemy types and more. Check out “Who’s that Flying!?”:

Price Updates

• The Mystery of the Crystal Portal (PS3/PSP/Original Price $4.99/Now $2.99)
• Crash Bandicoot (PS3/PSP/Original Price $5.99/Now $2.99)
• PSOne Classic: Cool Boarders (PS3/PSP/Original Price $5.99/Now $2.99)
• Punisher: No Mercy (PS3/Original Price $9.99/Now $4.99)
• Jeopardy (PS3/Original Price $9.99/Now $4.99)
• Droplitz (PS3/Original Price $9.99/Now $4.99)
• Riviera: The Promised Land (PSP/Original Price $14.99/Now $7.49)
• Steambot Chronicles Battle Tournament (PSP/Original Price $14.99/Now $7.49)
• R-Type Command (PSP/Original Price $14.99/Now $7.49)
• Blade Kitten (PS3/Original Price $14.99/Permanent Price Now $9.99)
• Grand Theft Auto IV: The Lost And Damned (PS3/Original Price $19.99/Permanent Price Now $9.99)
• Hammerin’ Hero (PSP/Original Price $19.99/Now $9.99)
• Crimson Gem Saga (PSP/Original Price $29.99/Now $14.99)
• Hexyz Force (PSP/Original Price $29.99/Now $14.99)
• Class of Heroes (PSP/Original Price $39.99/Now $19.99)
• Kenka Bancho: Badass Rumble (PSP/Original Price $39.99/Now $19.99)
• Shin Megami Tensei: Persona 3 Portable (PSP/Original Price $39.99/Now $19.99)
• Shin Megami Tensei: Persona (PSP/Original Price $39.99/Now $19.99)

Here’s what else is new

New Games

• 3, 2, 1 …Supercrash! (PSP/$2.99)
• Fort Commander II: Counterattack (PSP/$4.49)
• Jewel Keepers: Easter Island (PSP/$4.99)
• Japanese Import: Money Idol Exchanger (PS3/$5.99)*
• Japanese Import: Arcade Hits: Sonic Wings Special (PS3/$5.99)*
• Crazy Taxi (PS3/$9.99)
• Peggle PSP (PSP/$9.99)
• 3D Ultra Mini Golf Adventures 2 (PS3/$9.99)
• Sky Fighter (PS3/$9.99)
• Prince of Persia: Sands of Time HD (PS3/$14.99)
• Soldner-X 2: Final Prototype Complete Bundle (PS3/$14.99)*
• Monster Jam: Path Of Destruction (PSP/$19.99)
• Game Show Party Bundle (PS3/$19.99)
• Knights In The Nightmare Bundle with Yggdra Union (PS3/$29.99)*
• Pro Evolution Soccer 2011 (English & Spanish) (PSP/$29.99)
• Pro Evolution Soccer 2011 (French & Canada Only) (PSP/$29.99)
• Pro Evolution Soccer 2011 (Portuguese & Mexico Only) (PSP/$29.99)
• Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon: Predator (PSP/$29.99)
• *The Knights in The Nightmare bundle includes a free copy of Yggdra Union with purchase. This offer is only available for a limited time. Japanese Import games Money Idol Exchanger and Arcade Hits: Sonic Wings Special is a direct import from Japan, text is limited and the game is presented in original Japanese form. For translations or help playing the game visit www.monkeypawgames.com. The Game Show Party bundle includes full versions of the following games: The Price Is Right, Family Feud and Press Your Luck. The Soldner-X 2: Final Prototype Complete Bundle includes the original game and expansion packs.

Demos

• Apache Air Assault Demo (PS3/Free)
• CSI: Fatal Conspiracy Demo (PS3/Free)
• 3D Ultra Mini Golf Adventures 2 Trial (PS3/Free)
• PSMove: Start The Party Demo (PS3/Free)*
• Saw II: Flesh & Blood Demo (PS3/Free)
• John Daly’s ProStroke Golf Demo (PS3/Free)
• Sky Fighter Demo (PS3/Free)
• Vanquish Challenge Demo (PS3/Free)

Avatars

• Darkstalkers Donovan Avatar (PS3/49 Cents)
• Darkstalkers Morrigan 2 Avatar (PS3/49 Cents)
• Mega Man Legends 2 Servbot (Waving) Avatar (PS3/49 Cents)
• Mega Man Legends 2 Servbot (Yelling) Avatar (PS3/49 Cents)
• Mega Man Legends 2 Data Avatar (PS3/49 Cents)
• Mega Man Legends 2 Data (Rear) Avatar (PS3/49 Cents)
• Devil May Cry 4 Kyrie Avatar (PS3/49 Cents)
• Soldner-X 2: Final Prototype Avatar Bundle 2 (PS3/$1.49)*
• Soldner-X 2: Final Prototype Avatar Bundle 3 (PS3/$1.49)*
• *Bundles include random Soldner-X 2: Final Prototype avatars already available in the store. If you already own an avatar from the series you may want to avoid buying the bundle as there are no refunds for purchasing the same item twice.

Bonus Content

Warning: Players downloading any bundle should own a copy of the game or the system required for the item to work or function properly. Always make sure you have the game the add-on was intended for before downloading as there are no refunds for anything mistakenly purchased from the PlayStation Network Store.

• LittleBigPlanet Anniversary Costume (PS3/Free)
• PSEye: EyePet Winter Sports Pack (PS3/Free)*
• PSEye: EyePet Hoodie Pack (PS3/Free)*
• Assassin’s Creed Brotherhood – Copernicus Conspiracy (PS3/Free)
• DJ Hero 2 Compatibility Update (PS3/Free)
• Just Cause 2: Chaos Parachute (PS3/Free)
• PAIN – H8 Squadder Character (PS3/99 Cents)
• The Fight: Lights Out – Bottle of Win Pack (PS3/99 Cents)
• The Fight: Lights Out – Chinese Secret Pack (PS3/99 Cents)
• The Fight: Lights Out – Energy Drink Pack (PS3/99 Cents)
• The Fight: Lights Out – Lubrication Pack (PS3/99 Cents)
• The Fight: Lights Out – Reindeer Horn Pack (PS3/99 Cents)
• The Fight: Lights Out – Rigged Betting Pack (PS3/99 Cents)
• The Fight: Lights Out – Russian Medicine Pack (PS3/99 Cents)
• The Fight: Lights Out – Street Surgeon Pack (PS3/99 Cents)
• ModNation Racers – Ratchet and Clank Mods (PS3/$1.99)
• Hustle Kings Carom and U.K. Billiards Pack (PS3/$1.99)
• Vanquish Weapon Pack – Tri-Weapon Pack (PS3/$1.99)
• Scott Pilgrim – Knives Chau Add-On Pack (PS3/$1.99)
• Space Invaders Infinity Gene – Bonus Stage Pack 3 (PS3/$2.99)
• Marvel Super Hero Squad: The Infinity Gauntlet – Captain America Collection (PS3/$2.99)
• Front Mission Evolved: Wanzer Weapons Pack 2 (PS3/$2.99)
• PSEye: EyePet – Dinosaur Pack (PS3/$2.99)*
• Front Mission Evolved: Wanzer Pack 3 (PS3/$3.99)
• Super Street Fighter IV Ultra Femme Fatale Pack (PS3/$3.99)
• Need For Speed Hot Pursuit Racer Timesaver Pack (PS3/$3.99)
• Need For Speed Hot Pursuit SCPD Timesaver Pack (PS3/$3.99)
• Worms 2: Armageddon Battle Pack (PS3/$4.99)
• Fist of the North Star – DLC Pack 2 (PS3/$4.99)
• Comet Crash Bionic Swarm Expansion Pack (PS3/$4.99)
• Split Second – Onslaught Pack (PS3/$9.99)
• *Players must own the PSEye device for any EyePet add-ons to work properly.

DJ Hero

*Warning: When purchasing a track pack always review your play list carefully before purchasing as most songs are also included in other track packs or sold individually. Always check first to avoid paying extra for a song you may already own as there are no refunds for purchasing the same song twice. If the song is available in a previously purchased track pack consider purchasing the remaining songs individually.

• Electro Hits Mix Pack (PS3/$7.99)
• Tracks include:
• “Hustler” by Simian Mobile Disco vs “Pump Up the Jam” by Tecnotronic*
• “I’m In The House” by Steve Aoki ft. Zuper Blahq*
• “I’m In Miami” by LMFAO*
• *Individual tracks are not sold separately for this pack.

Def Jam Rapstar

*Warning: Some songs intended for use with the Def Jam Rapstar game have not been rated by the ESRB, players must own a copy of the game to use the following tracks. Also, when purchasing a track pack always review your play list carefully before purchasing as most songs are also included in other track packs or sold individually. Always check first to avoid paying extra for a song you may already own as there are no refunds for purchasing the same song twice. If the song is available in a previously purchased track pack consider purchasing the remaining songs individually.

Individual Song Tracks:

• “Around The Way Girl” by LL Cool J (PS3/$1.99)
• “Can’t Tell Me Nothing” by Kanye West (PS3/$1.99)
• “Crank That” by Soulja Boy Tell ‘Em (PS3/$1.99)
• “Lavish” by Cool & Dre (PS3/$1.99)
• “My Humps” by Black Eyed Peas (PS3/$1.99)
• “Regulate” by Warren G (PS3/$1.99)
• “Say Something” by Timbaland (PS3/$1.99)
• “Tango Cash” by Bangladesh (PS3/$1.99)
• “Wasted” by Gucci Mane (PS3/$1.99)
• “Get Me Home” by Foxy Brown (PS3/$1.99)
• “Hustlin’” by Rick Ross (PS3/$1.99)
• “Mind Is Playin Tricks On Me” by Geto Boyz (PS3/$1.99)
• “Over” by Drake (PS3/$1.99)
• “Playmaker” by Nitti Beatz (PS3/$1.99)
• “Right Round” by Flo Rida (PS3/$1.99)
• “Stadium Status” by Danja (PS3/$1.99)
• “The 15th” by DJ Khalil (PS3/$1.99)
• “Wyld Money” by Danja (PS3/$1.99)

Rock Band 3

*Warning: When purchasing a track pack always review your play list carefully before purchasing as most songs are also included in other track packs or sold individually. Always check first to avoid paying extra for a song you may already own as there are no refunds for purchasing the same song twice. If the song is available in a previously purchased track pack consider purchasing the remaining songs individually.

Individual Song Tracks:

• “A Whiter Shade of Pale” by Procol Harum (PS3/$1.99)
• “The Thrill Is Gone” by B.B. King (PS3/$1.99)
• “Blue Monday″ by New Order (PS3/$1.99)
• “Burning Down the House″ by Talking Heads (PS3/$1.99)

• The Bee Gees Pack 01 (PS3/$9.99)
• Individual Tracks Include:
• “Jive Talkin” by The Bee Gees (PS3/$1.99)
• “Night Fever″ by The Bee Gees (PS3/$1.99)
• “Stayin’ Alive″ by The Bee Gees (PS3/$1.99)
• “Nights on Broadway″ by The Bee Gees (PS3/$1.99)
• “Tragedy″ by The Bee Gees (PS3/$1.99)
• “You Should Be Dancing″ by The Bee Gees (PS3/$1.99)

• Bon Jovi Greatest Hits: Rock Band Edition Album (PS3/$19.99)
• Individual Tracks Include:
• “Bad Medicine” by Bon Jovi (PS3/$1.99)
• “Blaze Of Glory″ by Bon Jovi (PS3/$1.99)
• “Have A Nice Day″ by Bon Jovi (PS3/$1.99)
• “I’ll Be There For You″ by Bon Jovi (PS3/$1.99)
• “It’s My Life″ by Bon Jovi (PS3/$1.99)
• “Lay Your Hands On Me″ by Bon Jovi (PS3/$1.99)
• “Livin’ On A Prayer″ by Bon Jovi (PS3/$1.99)
• “Runaway″ by Bon Jovi (PS3/$1.99)
• “Wanted Dead Or Alive (RB3 version)″ by Bon Jovi (PS3/$1.99)
• “We Weren’t Born To Follow″ by Bon Jovi (PS3/$1.99)
• “Who Says You Can’t Go Home″ by Bon Jovi (PS3/$1.99)
• “You Give Love A Bad Name (RB3 version)″ by Bon Jovi (PS3/$1.99)

Rock Band Network

*Warning: When purchasing a track pack always review your play list carefully before purchasing as most songs are also included in other track packs or sold individually. Always check first to avoid paying extra for a song you may already own as there are no refunds for purchasing the same song twice. If the song is available in a previously purchased track pack consider purchasing the remaining songs individually.

• “Blood Red Rock” by Bang Camaro (PS3/99 Cents)
• “A Drug Against War” by KMFDM (PS3/$1.99)
• “Dethroned” by Death Angel (PS3/$1.99)
• “Scavengers Of The Damned” by Aiden (PS3/$1.99)
• “You Ain’t No Family” by iwrestledabearonce (PS3/$1.99)
• “Curse You All Men! (Live)” by Emperor (PS3/$1.99)
• “Fight To Kill” by Holy Grail (PS3/$1.99)
• “In Circles” by Sunny Day Real Estate (PS3/$1.99)
• “Radiator” by Family Force 5 (PS3/$1.99)
• “Spin” by We the Kings (PS3/$1.99)

Game Videos

• The Tester Season 2 – Episode 2 (PS3/PSP/Free)
• The Tester Season 2 – Episode 3 (PS3/PSP/Free)
• Pulse 11/9 Edition (PS3/PSP/Free)
• Ys: The Oath In Felghana Game Trailer (PSP/Free)
• LittleBigPlanet 2 – Bounce Pad Featurette (PS3/Free)
• Eat Them! – Gameplay Trailer (PS3/Free)
• Patapon 3 – Story Trailer (PS3/Free)
• Call of Duty: Black Ops Prestige Edition Trailer (PS3/Free)
• Ben 10 Ultimate Alien: Cosmic Destruction Trailer (PS3/Free)
• nail’d Environment Trailer (PS3/Free)
• nail’d Gamescom Trailer (PS3/Free)
• Dragon’s Lair Game Video (PS3/Free)
• Need For Speed Hot Pursuit Arms Race Trailer (PS3/Free)
• Need For Speed Hot Pursuit Settling The Score Trailer (PS3/Free)
• Need For Speed Hot Pursuit Uncovered Trailer (PS3/Free)
• Need For Speed Hot Pursuit Wanted Trailer (PS3/Free)
• Red Dead Redemption – Undead Nightmare Launch Trailer (PS3/Free)
• Red Dead Redemption – Undead Nightmare Undead Overrun Trailer (PS3/Free)
• WWE Smackdown vs Raw 2011 MVP Mocap Trailer (PS3/Free)
• Assassin’s Creed Brotherhood Enter Rome Trailer (PS3/Free)
• Crescent Pale Mist Trailer (PS3/Free)
• Mafia II – Clothing & Cars Packs Trailer (PS3/Free)
• Mafia II – Joe’s Adventure Trailer (PS3/Free)
• NBA 2K11 – Cooking With Rose Trailer (PS3/Free)
• Call of Duty: Black Ops Single Player Trailer (PS3/Free)
• Dead Space Ignition Trailer (PS3/Free)
• Need For Speed Hot Pursuit Sun, Sand, and Supercars Trailer (PS3/Free)
• Star Wars: The Force Unleashed II – Snow Trailer (PS3/Free)
• Star Wars: The Force Unleashed II – Wall Trailer (PS3/Free)
• Red Dead Redemption – Undead Nightmare Graveyards Trailer (PS3/Free)
• Red Dead Redemption – Undead Nightmare Weapons Trailer (PS3/Free)
• Vanquish Gameplay Trailer #8 (PS3/Free)
• Vanquish Launch Trailer (PS3/Free)
• Assassin’s Creed Brotherhood Comic-Con Multiplayer Trailer (PS3/Free)
• Assassin’s Creed Brotherhood E3 CG Trailer (PS3/Free)
• Assassin’s Creed Brotherhood Gamescom Singleplayer Walkthrough (PS3/Free)
• Heavy Rain Interface Trailer (PS3/Free)
• Heavy Rain Action Trailer (PS3/Free)
• PlayStation Move Heroes Gamescom Trailer (PS3/Free)
• The Sly Collection Store Trailer (PS3/Free)

Themes and Wallpapers

• Crescent Pale Mist Wallpaper (PS3/Free)
• Dragon’s Lair Wallpaper (PS3/Free)
• Valkyria Chronicles 2 PSP Theme (PSP/Free)
• Gothic Maidens Theme (PS3/PSP/$1.49)
• Creation Theme (PS3/PSP/$1.49)
• Bombshell Babes Theme (PS3/PSP/$1.49)
• Spider Silhou Theme (PS3/$1.49)
• Abstract Lasers PSP Theme 1 (PSP/$1.49)
• Abstract Lasers PSP Theme 2 (PSP/$1.49)
• Abstract Smoke PSP Theme 6 (PSP/$1.49)
• Abstract Smoke PSP Theme 7 (PSP/$1.49)
• Inner Warrior PSP Theme 1 (PSP/$1.49)
• Inner Warrior PSP Theme 2 (PSP/$1.49)
• Abstract Smoke Premium Theme 2 (PS3/$1.99)
• Abstract Lasers Premium Theme (PS3/$1.99)
• Dragon’s Lair Premium Theme (PS3/$1.99)
• Son’s Of Anarchy Theme (PS3/$1.99)
• Red Dead Redemption Undead Nightmare Premium Theme (PS3/$1.99)
• Star Wars: The Force Unleashed II Dynamic Theme (PS3/$2.99)
• Aqua Teen Hunger Force Dynamic Theme (PS3/$2.99)
• Bees In Bloom Dynamic Theme (PS3/$2.99)
• Vintage Sunsets Dynamic Theme (PS3/$2.99)
• Journey To Frisco Dynamic Theme (PS3/$2.99)
• Virtual Fireplace Dynamic Theme (PS3/$2.99)
• A Tranquil Stream Dynamic Theme (PS3/$2.99)

Read [PlayStation Store Blog]
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Section: Gaming News, Features, Lists, Nostalgia, Consoles, PS3, Handhelds, PSP & PSPgo, Genres, 2D, 3D, Action, Adventure, Casual, Fighting, Shooter, Horror & Suspense, Music, Puzzle, Role-Playing, Sim, Updates, Playstation-Store

This week’s downloadable PlayStation 3 game is Dead Space Ignition for $4.99. In this prequel to Dead Space 2, players follow the story of an engineer named Franco Delille and his partner Sarah Andarsyn who find themselves stranded when the Necromorph outbreak occurs and must make their way across the Sprawl to multiple locations to hack into the system and escape. This game is actually a graphic novel that tells the story of the events that take place before Dead Space 2 but players do get a chance to help Franco hack into the computer through mini-games to try and contain the virus from spreading further in the ship. The game has four unique endings to the story that can change based on the puzzles solved. There are three different hacking puzzles to solve—Hardware Crack, System Override and Trace Route. In Hardware Crack, players must align projectors and reflectors to bounce lasers to complete circuits on a grid to crack through the broken control panels. System Override is similar to a tower-defense game except players are on attacking not defending. Trace Route is a race to the central computer core. As added bonus, players who complete Dead Space Ignition will be rewarded with unlockable items for Dead Space 2 which includes exclusive hacker suit and matching weapon skins for the main character Isaac Clarke. Check out Dead Space Ignition:

This week’s PlayStation Portable Download is NBA 2K11 for $19.99. NBA fans will want to grab this game, because Michael Jordan makes a debut appearance in NBA 2K11. Now players can follow Jordan’s career by completing the Jordan’s Challenge mode and play his most memorable games to unlock other challenges. Or play the game using classic teams in exhibition or association mode complete with classical looking stadiums to name a few. Check out NBA 2K11:

Halloween Special

Starting this week, there’s a new category in the PSN store for Halloween-themed games such as Burn Zombie Burn, PSOne classics like Silent Hill, PSP games like Undead Knights, premium themes and more. Now until the end of October keep checking this category for more content.

Price Updates

• PSOne Classic: Fighting Force (PS3/PSP/Original Price $5.99/Now $2.99)
• Astro Tripper (PS3/Original Price $4.99/Now $2.99)
• Resident Evil 5: Untold Stories Bundle (PS3/Original Price $12.49/Now $5.99)
• Blue Toad Murder Files Episodes 4-6 Bundle Pack (PS3/Original Price $14.99/Now $7.49)
• Ultimate Ghosts N Goblins (PSP/Original Price $19.99/Now $9.99)
• Power Stone Collection Legacy (PSP/Original Price $19.99/Permanent Price Now $9.99)
• Section 8 (PS3/Original Price $29.99/Permanent Price Now $14.99)
• Fate Unlimited Codes (PSP/Original Price $29.99/New Permanent Price Now $19.99)

Here’s what else is new

New Games

• PSOne Classics: Arc The Lad (PS3/$5.99)
• PSOne Classics: Alundra (PS3/$5.99)
• Zenonia (PSP/$6.99)
• Sonic The Hedgehog 4 Episode I (PS3/$14.99)
• FIFA Soccer 11 (English/Spanish) (PSP/$39.99)

Demos

• Star Wars: The Force Unleashed II Demo (PS3/Free)
• Dead Space Ignition Demo (PS3/Free)
• Sonic The Hedgehog 4 Episode I Demo (PS3/Free)

Avatars

• Darkstalkers Hsien-ko Avatar (PS3/49 Cents)
• Darkstalkers Sasquatch Avatar (PS3/49 Cents)
• Mega Man 10 Proto Man (Running) Avatar (PS3/49 Cents)
• Mega Man 10 Tango Avatar (PS3/49 Cents)
• Street Fighter Ken Avatar (PS3/49 Cents)
• Soldner-X 2: Final Prototype Buzzsaw Avatar (PS3/49 Cents)
• Soldner-X 2: Final Prototype Cyclops Avatar (PS3/49 Cents)
• Soldner-X 2: Final Prototype EDF Marine Avatar (PS3/49 Cents)
• Soldner-X 2: Final Prototype Nyx Avatar (PS3/49 Cents)
• Soldner-X 2: Final Prototype Vielkopf Avatar (PS3/49 Cents)
• Soldner-X 2: Final Prototype Vielkopf2 Avatar (PS3/49 Cents)
• Soldner-X 2: Final Prototype Wuchtklinge 2 Avatar (PS3/49 Cents)

Bonus Content

Warning: Players downloading any bundle should own a copy of the game or the system required for the item to work or function properly. Always make sure you have the game the add-on was intended for before downloading as there are no refunds for anything mistakenly purchased from the PlayStation Network Store.

• Red Dead Redemption – Hunting & Trading Outfits Pack (PS3/Free)
• ModNation Racers – Progressive Insurance “Flo” Mod (PS3/Free)
• Disney Sing It: The Party Hits “Ordinary Girl” – Hannah Montana (PS3/Free)
• LittleBigPlanet PSP – Costumes of UNCHARTED (PSP/99 Cents)
• Dead Rising 2 – Skills Pack – Psycho (PS3/$1.99)
• Tom Clancy’s H.A.W.X. 2 – Cold War Pack (PS3/$3.99)
• Tom Clancy’s H.A.W.X. 2 – Mig Alley Pack (PS3/$3.99)
• Moto GP 09/10: Twin Track Pack (PS3/$4.99)
• PAIN: Alpine Ski Lodge (PS3/$5.99)
• Split Second – Survival At The Rock Pack (PS3/$6.99)

Rock Band

*Warning: When purchasing a track pack always review your play list carefully before purchasing as most songs are also included in other track packs or sold individually. Always check first to avoid paying extra for a song you may already own as there are no refunds for purchasing the same song twice. If the song is available in a previously purchased track pack consider purchasing the remaining songs individually.

• “Are You Experienced: Rock Band Edition” Album (PS3/$19.99)
• Individual Tracks Include:
• “Purple Haze” by Jimi Hendrix (PS3/$1.99)
• ”Manic Depression″ by Jimi Hendrix (PS3/$1.99)
• “Hey Joe (Live)″ by Jimi Hendrix (PS3/$1.99)
• “Love or Confusion″ by Jimi Hendrix (PS3/$1.99)
• “May This Be Love″ by Jimi Hendrix (PS3/$1.99)
• “The Wind Cries Mary″ by Jimi Hendrix (PS3/$1.99)
• “Fire (Live)″ by Jimi Hendrix (PS3/$1.99)
• “Third Stone from the Sun″ by Jimi Hendrix (PS3/$1.99)
• “Foxey Lady″ by Jimi Hendrix (PS3/$1.99)
• “Are You Experienced″ by Jimi Hendrix (PS3/$1.99)
• “Stone Free″ by Jimi Hendrix (PS3/$1.99)
• “Highway Chile″ by Jimi Hendrix (PS3/$1.99)

Rock Band Network

• “Parhelia” by Heaven Ablaze (PS3/99 Cents)
• “American Underwater” by LoveHateHero (PS3/$1.99)
• “Death Metal Guys” by Reverend Horton Heat (PS3/$1.99)
• “Incubus” by Amberian Dawn (PS3/$1.99)
• “No One’s Gonna Love You” by Band of Horses (PS3/$1.99)

Def Jam Rapstar

*Warning: Players must own a copy of Def Jam Rapstar in order to play or listen to these tracks properly. These tracks will not work with any other music game.

• “I Got Five On It” by Luniz (PS3/$1.99)
• “Passin’ Me By” by The Pharcyde (PS3/$1.99)
• “Ridin’” by Chamillionaire (PS3/$1.99)
• “You’re A Jerk” by New Boyz (PS3/$1.99)

Game Videos

• Phantasy Star Portable 2 Story Trailer (PSP/Free)
• Dew Tour 2010 Portland – BMX Highlight (PS3/Free)
• Dew Tour 2010 Portland – Event Highlights (PS3/Free)
• Dew Tour 2010 Portland – Pedro Barros (PS3/Free)
• Dew Tour 2010 Portland – Pierre-Luc Gagnon (PS3/Free)
• Dew Tour 2010 Portland – Playstation Pro Moments (PS3/Free)
• Dew Tour 2010 Portland – Ryan Guettler (PS3/Free)
• Dew Tour 2010 Portland – Skate Highlight (PS3/Free)
• Dew Tour 2010 Portland – Skate Park Course (PS3/Free)
• UNCHARTED 2: Among Thieves – GOTY Announcement Trailer (PS3/Free)
• Bulletstorm Cliff Bleszinski E3 Demo Commentary (PS3/Free)
• Star Wars: The Force Unleashed II – Combat Documentary (PS3/Free)
• Star Wars: The Force Unleashed II – Hero Documentary (PS3/Free)
• Star Wars: The Force Unleashed II – Story Documentary (PS3/Free)
• Red Dead Redemption – Liars And Cheats Pack Trailer (PS3/Free)
• Vanquish Gameplay Trailer #4 (PS3/Free)
• Vanquish Gameplay Trailer #5 (PS3/Free)
• Deus Ex 3 TGS Trailer (PS3/Free)
• Dungeon Siege 3 Trailer (PS3/Free)
• Kane & Lynch 2: Dog Days – Additional Content Trailer (PS3/Free)
• Sky Fighters Gameplay Trailer (PS3/Free)
• Pro Evolution Soccer 2011 Gamescom Trailer (PS3/Free)
• Ratchet & Clank: All 4 One PAX Demo Walkthrough (PS3/Free)

Themes and Wallpapers

• Top Gun – Wallpaper 2 (PS3/Free)
• Top Gun – Wallpaper 3 (PS3/Free)
• Scion Dynamic Theme (PS3/Free)
• Dragon Theme 1 (PSP/$1.49)
• Dragon Theme 2 (PSP/$1.49)
• Scenic Toy Village Theme (PS3/$1.49)
• Toy Harbor Theme (PS3/$1.49)
• Halloween Horror Theme 1 (PSP/$1.49)
• Halloween Horror Theme 2 (PSP/$1.49)
• Vampires Theme 5 (PSP/$1.49)
• Vampires Theme 6 (PSP/$1.49)
• Clown Theme (PS3/$1.99)
• Halloween Horror Premium Theme (PS3/$1.99)
• Vampires Premium Theme 2 (PS3/$1.99)
• DJ Hero 2 Dynamic Theme (PS3/$1.99)
• DP Aquarium Dynamic Theme (PS3/$3.49)

Read [PlayStation Store Blog]

Full Story » | Written by Lucy Newman for Gamertell. | Comment on this Article »

Dancing, You Know It Baby

“Hi, Walter, sorry I’m late, I… what’s wrong? Why do you look so sad?”

“Oh, Elaine. It’s so hard being a cool video store clerk these days. Back in your day, working in a video store was all you needed to be cutting edge. But these days, the underground is so fragmented! The technorati hate the people in skinny jeans, the people in skinny jeans hate the photographers, the photographers hate the film students, the film students hate the avant-rockers, the avant-rockers hate the Facebook elite, I just don’t know where to fit in! I mean, who ever heard of a skinny jeans wearing photographer/filmmaker?”

“Walter, don’t be silly! If I learned one thing from watching The Breakfast Club and Sixteen Candles it’s that different groups can ALWAYS get along once they start making out in a closet! And that means there’s always a way. Here, look at this!”

“A Panasonic 14.1MP Digital Camera? Wow, it’s so… thin!”

“That’s right, Walter. And that’s something else I learned in the 80s. Thin is always better. So it’s no surprise to me that the Panasonic 14.1MP Digital Camera is powerful enough to record movies in HD. And yet, it also carries all the features you’d expect in a 14.1 megapixel camera. There’s a touch screen, and a lens cover to protect the lens from scratches or dust. And you know what that means? It means you can easily fit the Panasonic 14.1MP Digital Camera right in the pocket of your skinny jeans! Like this!”

“Elaine, that’s amazing! Only… well, I know you’ve worn tight jeans all your life, but how did you manage to put an entire camera in your pocket like that?”

“That’s the magic of the Panasonic 14.1MP Digital Camera, silly! It’s the very latest thing. And even better, it’s a perfect way to balance yourself between all the different trendy groups. Photos, movies, style, class, why, it’s just like Ferris Bueller! And everyone loved Ferris Bueller, right?”

“They sure did! You know, I never considered it before, but with a Panasonic 14.1MP Digital Camera, I could be the first skinny jeaned photographer that also makes Motion JPEG films! And if I learn to play guitar, I’ll probably get thousands of Facebook friends, and… I can do it, Elaine! I can bring the whole world together! No more nerds and preps and jocks and goths, just people! All of us, together, as one! And the Panasonic 14.1MP Digital Camera is the key!”

“Wow, man, what a great idea! You should get started on that right away! Hey, while you’re out, can you get me a slice of pizza?”

“Elaine, I don’t think you’re taking my plan for world peace very seriously.”

“No, no, I am, really. I just rushed here so I didn’t have time to eat lunch. Hey, why don’t you bring me the pizza BEFORE you get started on this great idea? I mean, Duckie would have done it for me.”

Warranty: 1 Year Panasonic

Condition: New

Features:

• Flat body and compact size allows it to fit nicely into a pocket or small handbag
• Lens cover both protects the lens from scratches or dusts and serves as the camera’s power switch, making it fast and easy to slip the camera out of a pocket or a bag and turn on the power
• Touch Screen Operation: the static sensor type 3.0-inch touch-screen LCD gives you an easy, intuitive control thanks to a hybrid operation combined with the 4 major operation buttons
• Touch operation is free and smooth either in recording or playing back images
• Recording mode: once you compose the frame, all you have to do is touch the area you wish to focus on before pressing the shutter button halfway
• Playback mode: you can drag the image across the screen with a finger to browse the collection of photos as you flip over the pages of the book
• Recording and playback mode demonstration video
• Fast and accurate AF performance: the Sonic Speed AF system has a maximum speed of approx. 0.33 second for auto focusing. It includes numerous re-engineering enhancements, including a higher-speed actuator, optimized algorithms and parallel software processing. The result is you can quickly get moving subjects in focus, such as when you’re shooting sports scenes
• HD Movie Recording (1,280 x 720 pixels at 30 fps in Motion JPEG Format): the pixel mixed readout method enables bright motion-image recording even in low-light settings. You can also record full-size motion images in WVGA (848 x 480 pixels at 30 fps) or standard motion images in VGA (640 x 480 pixels at 30 fps) and QVGA (320 x 240 pixels at 30 fps)
• 4x Optical Zoom / Up to 8.4x: equipped with a 4x optical zoom lens (35mm camera equivalent: 35-140mm)
• Extra Optical Zoom function: uses the center part of the CCD to extend this 4x zoom ratio to powerful 8.4x zoom (35mm camera equivalent: 295mm) at a resolution of 3-megapixel or less. Adding the Extra Optical Zoom to the 4x digital zoom extends the total zooming power to a maximum of 33.8x
• Venus Engine IV: this image-processing engine uses advanced signal processing to give you beautiful images even when the sensitivity is high. Multi-task signal processing is employed for all images to enable high-speed, high-performance shooting. Venus Engine IV also effectively raises the precision of various functions, such as MEGA O.I.S. (Optical Image Stabilizer) and Intelligent ISO Control.
• Along with its extremely high performance, Venus Engine IV reduces power consumption thanks to a number of energy efficiency improvements
• Extended Battery Life: the energy-saving Venus Engine IV image-processing engine and the efficient, rechargeable lithium-ion battery which has been slimmed down to fit into thinner camera bodies work together to extend the shooting time. This lets users take approx. 300 shots on a single battery charge

Specifications:

• Camera Effective Pixels: 14.1 Megapixels
• Sensor Size: 1/2.33-inch
• Total Pixels: 14.5 Total Megapixels
• Filter: Primary Color Filter
• Aperture: F3.5 – F5.9 / Multistage Iris Diaphragm (F3.5 – 5.6 (W) / F5.9 – 7.1 (T))
• Optical Zoom: 4x
• Digital Zoom: 4x / Max. 16.0 x combined with Optical Zoom without Extra Optical Zoom / Max. 33.8 x combined with Extra Optical Zoom (Note: as digital magnification increases, resolution significantly decreases)
• Focal Length: f=6.3-25.2mm (35-140mm in 35mm equiv.)
• Lens: LUMIX DC VARIO / 11 elements in 10 groups (4 Aspherical Lenses / 7 Aspherical surfaces/ 1 ED Lenses)
• Optical Image Stabilizer: MEGA O.I.S. (Off / Auto / Mode1 / Mode2) Photo & Movie (Note: MEGA O.I.S. may not be available depending on the lens that is mounted)

Performance Features:

• Focusing Area: Normal: Wide 50 cm – infinity / Tele 50 cm – infinity; Macro / Intelligent AUTO : Wide 10 cm – infinity / Tele 50cm – infinity
• Focus Range Display: Yes
• AF Metering: Face / 9 pt/ 1pt / Touch Area on screen
• Focus: Normal / Macro, Zoom Macro, Quick AF (Always On), Touch AF
• AF Assist Lamp: Yes
• ISO Sensitivity: I.ISO / 80 / 100 / 200 / 400 / 800 / 1600; High Sensitivity (ISO 1600-6400)
• White Balance: Auto / Daylight / Cloudy / Shade / Halogen / White Set (Selectable at Portrait, Soft Skin, Transform, Self-Portrait, Sports, Baby, Pet, High Sensitivity, Highspeed Burst, Photo Frame)
• Exposure: Program AE
• Exposure Compensation: 1/3 EV Step, ± 2 EV
• Backlight Compensation: Only in Intelligent AUTO mode
• Light Metering: Intelligent Multiple
• Face Detection: Photo
• Still Image Scene Mode: Portrait, Soft Skin, Transform, Self-Portrait, Scenery, Sports, Night Portrait, Night Scenery, Food, Party, Candle Light, Baby1/2, Pet, Sunset, High sensitivity, Hi-Speed Burst, Flash Burst, Starry Sky, Fireworks, Beach, Snow, Aerial photo, Film Grain
• Shutter Interval: approx. 1.2 sec
• Self Timer: 2sec / 10sec
• Auto Review: 1sec, 2sec, Hold
• Aspect Ratio: 4:3 / 3:2 / 16:9

Convenience Features:

• Unlimited Consecutive Shooting: 1.5 frames/sec (Note: Number of shots may vary depending on memory card size, battery power, picture size, and compression. The consecutive shooting speed varies depending on the memory card or the built-in memory.)
• Scene Mode Help Screen: Yes
• Travel Date: Yes
• World Time: Yes

Standard Features:

• LCD Monitor: 3.0” TFT Touch Screen LCD Display (230K dots), AR Coat / Field of View : approx. 100% AUTO Power LCD mode, Power LCD mode, High Angle mode
• Playback Mode: Normal Playback, Slideshow, Category Playback, Favorites Playback
• OSD Language: English, Spanish
• Recording Media: Built-in Memory, SD Memory Card, SDHC Memory Card, SDXC Memory Card
• Interface: AV Output (NTSC), USB2.0 Full-speed, DC Input
• Built-in-Flash: Auto, Auto/Red-eye Reduction, Forced On, Slow Sync./Red-eye Reduction, Forced Off 0.3 – 4.9m (Wide/ISO Auto), 0.5 – 2.9m (Tele/ISO Auto)

Additional Specifications:

• Quick Menu: Yes
• Continuous Shooting Mode: High-speed Burst Mode: approx. 4.6 frames/sec (image priority) (recorded in 3M for 4:3, 2.5M for 3:2, 2M for 16:9)
• Focus Icon Select: Yes
• Macro Zoom: Yes
• Orientation Detector: Yes
• Additional Playback Mode: Yes (Motion JPEG)
• Slideshow Mode: All / Category / Favorites; BGM Effect (Natural / Slow / Swing / Urban / OFF)
• Delete Image: Single / Multi / All / All except Favorites
• PictBridge Support: Single / Multi / All / Favorites / DPOF
• iA Direct Button: Yes
• Flash Burst Continuous Shooting Mode: Max. 5 images (Standard mode)
• Intelligent ISO Control: Photo
• Intelligent Scene Selector: Photo (Portrait, Scenery, Night Portrait, Night Scenery, Sunset, Macro)
• File Format: Still Image: JPEG; Motion picture: QuickTime Motion JPEG
• Mode Dial / Mode Button: Intelligent AUTO, Normal Picture, SCN, My SCN, Motion Picture
• Motion Picture Recording: 4:3 VGA: 640 x 480 pixels, 30fps (Motion JPEG), 4:3 QVGA: 320 x 240 pixels, 30 fps (Motion JPEG), 16:9 WVGA: 848 x 480 pixels, 30 fps (Motion JPEG), HD Movie 1280x720 pixels, 30fps (Motion JPEG)
• Still Picture Recording: 4:3 4320x3240(14M)/3648x2736(10M EZ)/2560x1920(5M EZ)/2048X1536(3M EZ)/640X480(0.3M EZ); 3:2 4320 x 2880 (12.5M); 16:9 4320 x 2432 (10.5M)
• Color Mode / Color Effect: Standard, Vivid, Natural, Black & White, Sepia, Cool, Warm
• Copy / Title Edit / Text Stamp: Yes / No / Yes (only Baby, Pet, Travel)
• Dimensions: 98.6mm (W) x 58.9mm (H) x 18.6mm (D) / excl. protrusions: 16.4 mm (3.88 x 2.32 x 0.73 in / excl. protrusions: 0.65 in)
• Weight: Approx. 145g with Battery and SD Memory Card (0.32 lb); Approx. 125g without Battery and SD Memory Card (0.28 lb)
• Extra Optical Zoom (EZ): 4.7x (4:3 / 10M), 6.8x (4:3 / 5M), 8.4x (under 3M)
• Shutter Speed: Still: approx. 8 – 1/1600 sec; Starry Sky Mode : 15, 30, 60sec.
• Digital Red Eye Correction (Red-Eye Removal): Photo
• Mode Switch: [Recording] / [Playback]
• Composition Guide line: 1 pattern
• Thumbnails / Zoomed Playback: 12,30-thumbnails / Max 16x
• Calendar Display: Yes
• Set Favorites / Rotate Image: Yes / Yes
• DPOF Print Setting / Set Protection: Yes / Yes
• Resize / Trim : Yes / Yes
• Travel Date / World Time: Yes / Yes
• Built-in-Memory: Approx. 40MB
• Microphone / Speaker: Mono / Yes
• Power: ID-Security Li-ion Battery Pack (3.7V, Minimum: 695mAh) included; AC Adaptor (Input: 110-240V AC), not included
• Battery life (approx.): 300 pictures (CIPA Standard)
• Touch Panel: Yes
• (Note: This cameras comes with a function to check whether the battery and unit can be safely used together. Batteries made by other companies which have been certified by Panasonic may be used with these units, but Panasonic offers no guarantee as to the quality, performance or safety of such batteries.)

In the box:

• Panasonic 14.1MP Digital Camera, Model #DMC-FP3 (Choose: Blue OR Red)
• PHOTOfunSTUDIO 5.0 Edition / QuickTime / Adobe Reader
• Battery Charger
• Li-ion Battery Pack
• Battery Case
• Wrist Strap
• AV Cable
• USB Cable

Tokyo Game Show is one of the biggest videogame conventions of the year. Our boys Dale North, Tim Sheehy and Jonathan Holmes rocked the show while the home team provided you all with the latest new screens and videos.

Of everything that was announced, I am so looking forward to Azura's Wrath. It's looks like it's going to be a ton of insane fun. What new games that were announced are you looking forward to?

Everything from Tokyo Game Show below.

TGS Originals:
TGS: No worries about the west, says Inafune
TGS: Today's 'rebellious youth' inspired Devil May Cry
TGS: Asura's Wrath gave Inafune goosebumps
TGS: We're here!
TGS: The Last Guardian's pal was originally a girl
TGS: Microsoft Kinect booth babes wear Xbox panties
TGS: Warg murder in Castlevania: Lords of Shadow
TGS: Hidden cam of sticking it in Dream Club Zero
TGS: Yakuza of the End cosplay and mini-games
TGS: The scoop on Marvel Vs. Capcom 3's new fighters
TGS: Hidden cam footage of Mega Man Universe
TGS: What would the fastest car in the world look like?
TGS: Here's the extent of Catherine on the show floor
TGS: Wanna see where TGS is? Why our feet hurt?
TGS: The show floor in photos, plus booth babes
TGS: IRL images of the blue GT5 PS3
TGS: Behold Marvel Vs. Capcom 3's giant chicken stage
TGS: A better look at the Monster Hunter PSP new nub
TGS: Look at all these freakin' people
TGS: The Accidental Pervert's best of booth companions
Child of Eden dev laughs at the notion of a Wii/3DS port
The Best of TGS cosplay: Part 1
'New' NES game Battle Kid spotted in local Tokyo shops

TGS Preview:
TGS: Tentacles-on with GalGun
TGS: Hands-on interview with Quantum Theory
TGS: Hands-on with Onechanbara SPECIAL!
TGS: Trinity Souls of Zill O'll impressions
TGS: My mega frustration with Mega Man Universe
TGS: Hands-on interview with Mega Man Universe
TGS: Tokyo Jungle is strange and hilarious
TGS: Hands-on interview with Marvel Vs. Capcom 3
TGS: Dissidia 012 Doudecim has a silly name, Lightning
TGS: Valkyria Chronicles 3 is all I hoped it would be
TGS: Hands-on with The 3rd Birthday
TGS: Nikudan is bar fighting for the lazy
TGS: Final Fantasy Legends (mobile)
TGS: Ape Escape Move rocks the meh with a vengeance
TGS: My mega frustration explained
TGS: Hands-on with El Shaddai's angels and umbrellas
TGS: Michael Jackson DS is the new Elite Beat Agents
TGS: Ni no Kuni PS3 is what Ghibli fans want
TGS: Hands-on with rhythm heroics in Astro Ranger
TGS: Hands on with Miles Edgeworth 2
TGS: Yakuza Black Panther PSP hands on
TGS: Dynasty Warriors Gundam 3 hands on
TGS: Hands-on with the spooktacular Ghost Trick
TGS: Hands-on with the technically awesome Okamiden

TGS News:
TGS: It's the new Catherine trailer and OH SHI- MONSTERS
TGS: Team Ninja working on Ni-Oh
TGS: Ninja Gaiden 3 announced
TGS: New Xbox 360 titles from Japanese devs revealed
TGS: New Last Guardian screens appear
TGS: PS3 firmware v3.5 next week, actually adds function
TGS: New details of Shadow of the Colossus/ICO collection
TGS: Shadow of the Colossus is looking smooth at 30fps
TGS: How will The Last Guardian relate to ICO and Shadow?
TGS: The Last Guaridan may not be as tragic as we thought
TGS: Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater hitting 3DS in 2011
TGS: Demon's Souls team announces Project Dark
TGS: A massive amount of new Pokemon have been revealed
TGS: Gran Turismo 5: New courses and cars announced
TGS: Gran Turismo 5's weather changes revealed
TGS: Gran Turismo 5 special events revealed, demoed
TGS: Play Gran Turismo 5 from your web browser...kind of
TGS: Another Vanquish demo? Yes please!
TGS: New dual color PSPs are so sexy
TGS: Spider-Man and Wesker in Marvel Vs. Capcom 3
Inafune: Japan is making 'awful' games

TGS Media:
TGS: Capcom announces Asura's Wrath (Update)
TGS: Dead Rising 2 epilogue starring Frank West announced
TGS: Suda51/Mikami/EA reveal Shadows of the Damned
TGS: First look at Dead Space: Extraction on PlayStation
TGS: EA announces My Garden for Nintendo 3DS
TGS: Alice has a rough trip back to Wonderland
DmC: Devil May Cry trailer is hot ... what's the problem?
TGS: New Devil May Cry starring a younger Dante revealed
TGS: Sly Cooper Collection trailer
TGS: The new Edgeworth trailer makes me hard
TGS: Steel Battalion: Heavy Armor for Kinect announced
TGS: Yakuza Of The End shows shooting, zombies, silliness
TGS: Tron Bonne and X-23 join Marvel Vs. Capcom 3
TGS: Last Guardian scheduled to release 'Holiday 2011'
TGS: Here are some Valkyria Chronicles III screenshots
TGS: First look at level creation in Mega Man Universe
TGS: Michael Jackson: The Experience trailer
TGS: Steel Battalion: Heavy Armor reveal trailer
TGS: Holy crap ... Vanquish has a story!
TGS: Three minutes of Okamiden goodness, new images
TGS: Castlevania: Lords of Shadow trailer is too long
TGS: And now for a Valkyria Chronicles III story trailer
TGS: Cop a load of this Sonic 4 trailer
TGS: Ghost Trick gameplay trailer
TGS: Nathan Spencer has some new moves
TGS: You need another Sengoku Basara trailer!
TGS: Sonic 4 takes us to the Lost Labyrinth
TGS: Tokyo Jungle trailer is FINE HUNT!
TGS: Fresh Castlevania: Lords of Shadow screenshots
TGS: Here's some weird-ass Yakuza Of The End gameplay
TGS: Tekken Tag Tournament 2 announced
TGS: Project Dark steps into the light

Dale North, Jonathan Holmes and Tim Sheehy are out in the land of the rising Sun right now bringing us a ton of awesome Tokyo Game Show coverage. We have interviews, previews and underwear all for you to check out.

The team back here at home have been busy bring you news and media as well. Some highlights include a ton of The Last Guardian news, Real Time Worlds shuts down, Homefront was delayed till next year and more happened on 09/16/10.

TGS Originals:
TGS: Microsoft Kinect booth babes wear Xbox panties
TGS: Hidden cam of sticking it in Dream Club Zero
TGS: Warg murder in Castlevania: Lords of Shadow
TGS: Yakuza of the End cosplay and mini-games
TGS: Hands-on with Onechanbara SPECIAL!
TGS: Hands-on interview with Quantum Theory
TGS: Hidden cam footage of Mega Man Universe
TGS: The scoop on Marvel Vs. Capcom 3's new fighters
TGS: Hands-on interview with Mega Man Universe
TGS: What would the fastest car in the world look like?
TGS: My mega frustration with Mega Man Universe
TGS: Hands-on interview with Marvel Vs. Capcom 3

TGS Previews:
TGS: Tentacles-on with GalGun
TGS: Trinity Souls of Zill O'll impressions

TGS News:
TGS: Last Guardian scheduled to release 'Holiday 2011'
TGS: PS3 firmware v3.5 next week, actually adds function
TGS: The Last Guardian's pal was originally a girl
TGS: Shadow of the Colossus is looking smooth at 30fps
TGS: How will The Last Guardian relate to ICO and Shadow?
TGS: The Last Guaridan may not be as tragic as we thought
TGS: Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater hitting 3DS in 2011
TGS: Demon's Souls team announces Project Dark
TGS: A massive amount of new Pokemon have been revealed
TGS: Play Gran Turismo 5 from your web browser...kind of
TGS: Gran Turismo 5 special events revealed, demoed
TGS: Gran Turismo 5: New courses and cars announced

TGS Media:
TGS: Have this LittleBigPlanet 2 trailer
TGS: Sly Cooper Collection trailer
TGS: The new Edgeworth trailer makes me hard
TGS: Michael Jackson: The Experience trailer
TGS: Yakuza Of The End shows shooting, zombies, silliness
TGS: New details of Shadow of the Colossus/ICO collection
TGS: Tron Bonne and X-23 join Marvel Vs. Capcom 3
TGS: First look at level creation in Mega Man Universe
TGS: Here are some Valkyria Chronicles III screenshots
TGS: Steel Battalion: Heavy Armor reveal trailer
TGS: Holy crap ... Vanquish has a story!
TGS: Castlevania: Lords of Shadow trailer is too long
TGS: Sega announces Phantasy Star Online 2 for PC
TGS: Three minutes of Okamiden goodness, new images
TGS: Oh look, a Deus Ex: Human Revolution trailer
TGS: And now for a Valkyria Chronicles III story trailer
TGS: Gran Turismo 5's weather changes revealed
TGS: Gran Turismo 5: New courses and cars announced
TGS: You need another Sengoku Basara trailer!
TGS: Cop a load of this Sonic 4 trailer

Destructoid Originals:
A romantic evening with Need For Speed: Hot Pursuit

Previews:
Hands-on: Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit

Contests:
Win a sexy Darksiders art book signed by Joe Mad

News:
'Black Rain' in Warriors of Rock and vice versa
Dynasty Warriors 7 announced as a PS3 exclusive
Halo: Reach owners getting unreadable discs (again!)
Greenberg: Kinect will sell 3 million units this Xmas
Rise of Nightmares is a new horror game for Kinect
White PS3 comes to Japan October 21st
Goodbye Realtime Worlds, goodbye, APB
THQ's Homefront slips to March 2011
Mortal Kombat developer: We have a PSP2
THQ: UFC 'confirmed suspicion' about pre-owned games
Dragon's Lair headed to the Nintendo DS this fall
Devil May Cry creator doesn't like new Dante very much
Wait, what? Japanese idol group AKB48 gets a dating sim
Alundra, Arc the Lad getting a PSN re-release
Deadly Premonition drinks UK's coffee on October 29
Namco announces Body and Brain Connection for Kinect
Show your love for indie with two great bundles
Assassin's Creed Brotherhood beta dated for October 24
EA blames media for Medal of Honor controversy

Media:
Sonic Adventure on XBLA, trailer proves it
'Joe's Adventure' content coming to Mafia II
A moody Battlefield: Bad Company 2 Vietnam trailer
Atlus publishing 2 Naruto games, brings trailers and swag
Enslaved demo hits North American PSN next week

Chad wrote a feature today on the irrational things he does in videogames and it frightened me. I'm guilty of almost all of these acts also. We're like obsessive-compulsive brothers.

Shank came out today and we have a review. Dead Nation snuck in a beta, a deluxe Sims 3 is on the way, PAX is embracing chiptune performers and more happened on 8/24/2010.

Destructoid Originals:

• Six completely irrational things I do in videogames
• Game SERIES Debate to the Death! Ultima series

Reviews:

• Book review: Udon's Art of Capcom 2
• Review: Shank

News:

• PAX Prime to have first official Chiptune Music Showcase
• Alien Swarm gets new mode, difficulty setting in update
• MS: Kinect won't launch with voice control O WAIT it will
• Call of Duty: Black Ops will support the mod scene
• Surprise Dead Nation beta launched
• Sony wants to know how the PS3 affects your love life
• 'Uncomfortable' Saw II hits shelves October 19
• Sony could charge used gamers for online play too
• EA announces The Sims 3 Deluxe, coming September 28
• PS3 online argument turns into real life beatdown
• Rock Band Network to include most Rock Band 3 features
• What's the Forza 3 'Ultimate Collection'?
• Rumor: This Is Vegas canned… finally
• Gas Powered Games has 'a lot of interest in' Demigod 2
• Free App of the Day: Run Kattie
• This is really happening: Press Your Luck hits PSN today
• XBLA gets Serious Sam HD: The Second Encounter next month
• Two bucks gets you Plain Sight from Steam
• This is how GameStop will tackle digital distribution
• Game budgets have peaked, says EA
• Rumor: Sonic Colors features 2-player simultaneous play?
• Zombies and the Tyrant were cut from Resident Evil 5

Offbeat:

• Awesome Fallout 3 replica guns
• You can print your own Alan Wake cut-out
• Game creation in seven minutes or less!
• Y. Inferno: Mega Man Vs. Street Fighter fan made mash-up

Media:

• Shank releasing today, soundtrack available now
• Vanquish trailer doesn't skimp on the guns

[As Summer of Arcade kicked off with titles like Limbo, GamerBytes editor Ryan Langley offers charts and leaderboard data to get an idea of which titles are hits on the service this summer.]

In Xbox Live Arcade's history, July 2009 was bolstered by the release of Battlefield 1943, Secret Of Monkey Island and the second coming of the Summer of Arcade promotion.

Conversely, July 2010 saw six new releases – Monkey Island 2: Special Edition from LucasArts, and Blacklight: Tango Down from Zombie Studios and Ignition Entertainment, Deadliest Warrior: The Game from Pipeworks and Spike TV, DeathSpank from Hothead, plus the first two new titles for Summer of Arcade in 2010, Playdead's Limbo and Vector Unit's Hydro Thunder Hurricane.

Make A Monkey Out Of Me

The first Monkey Island’s Special Edition was released on July 15th 2009 – and in its first three weeks, we saw 66,000 players added to the Leaderboard. Despite Monkey Island 2's larger budget, and possibly larger fan base, the game only added 29,398 players in a similar time frame.

However, unlike the original, Monkey Island 2 was not a timed exclusive. The game was also released on PlayStation Network, iPhone and iPad in the same week, so it’s quite possible that consumers picked it up on another device. The PlayStation Network version only supports the top 1,000 players on the Leaderboards, so we’re unable to follow it.

Zombie's Blacklight: Tango Down did remarkably well – nearly 50,000 players in the first week and almost 100,000 players by the end of the month. For a game that requires an online connection, it means 100,000 Xbox Live Gold subscribers were hungry for a new shooter. It might not be selling a million like Battlefield 1943 last year, but it’s still a strong performance, and the title will likely continue to trot along for a while – well, at least until Halo: Reach in September.

Deadliest Of All Spanks

The last two releases before the Summer of Arcade promotion were Deadliest Warrior, the first game published by Spike TV's entertainment division, and DeathSpank, Ron Gilbert and Hothead Games’ action-RPG.

DeathSpank did quite well, with over 34,000 players in its first week on the Leaderboards, and a total of 62,638 players by the end of the month. This is already triple what the second episode of Penny Arcade Adventures sold, and nearly as many as the first – though the first was also 400 Microsoft Points more expensive. The game was also released worldwide on PlayStation Network in the same week.

The most surprising game this month was Deadliest Warrior – a 3D fighting game loosely based on the gonzo TV series. Despite some poor reviews and a Metacritic rating of 58, the game has sold remarkably well. It was still the third-best-selling title in its third week, and while we don’t have single-player Leaderboard statistics, we do know that at least 70,000 people have played at least one game online, which is an amazing feat and beyond expectations.

One major reason for this could be advertising – Spike are in the unique position of owning a television network, and are promoting the game through Deadliest Warrior and through advertisements – a first for an Xbox Live Arcade title.

In the Beginning, There Was Limbo

The Summer of Arcade began in the third week with Limbo, the IGF-winning puzzle platformer from Danish developer PlayDead Studios. In its first week of release it added 160,000 players to the Leaderboards, with a total of 240,000 in the first two weeks.

In comparison to the previous Summer of Arcade, ‘Splosion Man had only 70,000 in its first week of sale, and TMNT: Re-Shelled had 80,000. Trials HD was able to garner 246,000 players over 3 weeks, while Limbo has done the same in just two, an incredibly impressive feat.

Rock You Like A Hurricane

The final new release was Vector Unit's Hydro Thunder Hurricane, something of a sequel to the 1999 arcade racer originally created by Midway. In its first week it added 53,563 players to its Leaderboards – less than Limbo, but still a great start.

The Top 20

Of the four weeks that we covered in July, only two of those weeks had Top 20 lists available through MajorNelson.com.

EA’s RISK: Factions continues to be an amazing seller after its release in July. It added an additional 41,000 players to its Leaderboards over the month, and now sits with 105,227 players total, a great feat for the strange alternative take on a classic board game.

Smart Bomb's Snoopy: Flying Ace saw a more significant drop, and fell off of the Top 20 entirely -- it added 11,671 players during the month for a total of 77,805. Earthworm Jim also saw a drop-off with 9,915 players in the month, for a total of 57,321 players.

One game you might find odd among these is Sonic & Knuckles – for some reason it retained its discount price, at 240MSP instead of 400MSP and remains that way as of press time.

Deals Of The Week

There were 5 Deals of the Week during July – however, we were only able to follow three of them.

The first deal was a collection of four titles – Death By Cube, Scrap Metal, Afterburner Climax and Mega Man 10. The first two sold several times more than they had been regularly selling, but were still unable to hit the Top 20. After Burner Climax and Mega Man 10 cannot be followed by Leaderboard stats, but they both did hit 3rd and 4th place on the Top 20 respectively.

The second deal was just for South Park: Let’s Go Tower Defense Play, a title that has been on sale an awful lot since its release. For its week on sale, it added 13,123 players to the Leaderboards, and now nears 180,000 players total since its release a year ago.

Downloadable Content

No new DLC this month, but we do get to see how the older DLC has been selling. The new Defense Grid maps have been slowly declining in sales – not spectacular, but will they will continue to trudge along for another month or two. The Toy Soldiers DLC has done okay as well – it’s no Trials HD DLC, but then what is?

The Little Big List

While we’re not following every single Xbox Live Arcade title each month, we do still continue to look at Leaderboard statistics for a selection of games – those that will likely appear in the Top 20 lists during the month. Here, we’ve compiled each game we’ve followed and their Leaderboard statistics for each week, as well as their total for the month, their all time total, and their current Metacritic rating.

This indie collective have taken the pure pop brilliance 10cc's I'm Not in Love as the template for our album of the year so far

Hometown: Minneapolis.

The lineup: Ryan Olson, plus POS, Dessa, Michael Lewis, and various members of, among others, Bon Iver, Megafaun and Solid Gold.

The background: Gayngs are an indie supergroup, led by producer Ryan Olson, and their debut album Relayted features as many as 25 musicians – members of a variety of Minneapolis bands including Solid Gold, Megafaun, Lookbook, Leisure Birds, Rhymesayers (rapper POS), the Rosebuds and, most famously, Bon Iver – Mike Noyce appears here on guitar and vocals, while Justin Vernon lends his sweet falsetto to a couple of tracks.

Only this is far, far away from the desolate, cold, wintry northwoods cabin where Vernon recorded the acclaimed lonesome singer-songwriter acoustica of For Emma, Forever Ago. Gayngs are a studio collective, a large one at that, and Relayted is the result of much studio processing. It began simply enough, as a collaboration between Solid Gold's Zach Coulter and Adam Hurlburt and producer Ryan Olson in the latter's Minneapolis bedroom. One move to a Wisconsin studio, April Base, and those two-dozen-plus guest musicians later, Relayted had changed shape considerably and grown into something rather bigger and more epic.

It was a radical departure for all concerned – all comfort zones were instantly demolished. "We just wanted to start playing some soft-rock music," explains Olson. "I'd been listening to a shitload of 10cc and I was just like, yeah, I want to do something like this." According to the press release, what he wanted to create was "a collection of drugged-up keyboards and slick production almost exclusively inspired by 10cc's I'm Not in Love". On the Gayngs MySpace, under "Sounds Like", it simply says: "10cc's I'm Not in Love." And there on Relayted, as final confirmation of their plan, three tracks in, is a cover version of Cry, the 1985 single by Godley & Creme, who were the "brainiac" half of forward-looking Manchester four-piece 10cc – the Lennon, if you like, to Graham Gouldman and Eric Stewart's McCartney.

Now, 10cc fans out there will know that it was, in fact, Gouldman and Stewart, not Kevin Godley and Lol Creme, who wrote I'm Not in Love, the six-minute No 1 hit that, in June 1975, set new standards for pop production and made the young Trevor Horn, to name but one, prick up his ears, thereby altering the course of hi-tech 80s pop. But that's just us being picky. The point is, Gayngs, like a lot of contemporary acts – among them Daft Punk, Air, Monarchy and the late J Dilla – are finally cottoning on to the brilliance of 10cc, and we couldn't be more delighted.

10cc became a byword for studio invention, and that's what Gayngs have picked up on. You can hear it in the treated, layered vocals (the billowing, ethereal harmonies on I'm Not in Love were created by a painstaking process of multitracking and overdubbing, so that they ended up with a lavish 256-voice "virtual choir") and the general attention to detail, with sounds and instruments ricocheting around the mix. Every one of the 11 tracks has been recorded at 69 beats-per-minute. We're not sure whether 10cc's epochal single moved at the same speed or if this is a Gayngs tribute to same, but the songs on Relayted strike a similar note of sepulchral sorrow.

The slow, stately pace and lush sonics also point towards, of all things, modern hip-hop and R&B; as influences on Gayngs, as well as 70s symphonic soul (which, of course, hip-hoppers and R&B; producers have been sampling for years). Of all the groups involved in Gayngs, it is Solid Gold's etiolated white-boy soul that you can hear most clearly, but on Relayted the musicians take it further – way further, to the point where some of the tracks sound as much like Barry White or Isaac Hayes-sampling, low-riding G-Funk as anything. There's a track called Ride, for instance, that makes us think of Dr Dre and, yes, Godley & Creme slumped over the mixing desk over at Strawberry Studios in Stockport (which closed years ago, but you know what we mean). We won't spoil it by saying any more, suffice to say that it's just one of many utterly exquisite dirges on Relayted, our album of the year so far.

The buzz: "It has a smoking-in-a-jazz-club feel to it that's almost too smooth, unexpected from a track that features Justin Vernon on vocal duty."

The truth: Do we wanna be in their Gayng? Yes, we really do.

Most likely to: Rule 2010.

Least likely to: Bring about the rehabilitation of Jonathan King (he "discovered" 10cc).

What to buy: The album Relayted is released by Jagjaguwar on 17 May.

File next to: 10cc, Flaming Lips, Bone Thugs-N-Harmony, Ginuwine.

Links: myspace.com/gayngs

Tomorrow's new band: Lonely Galaxy.

Here is a list of upcoming content scheduled for the Xbox LIVE Marketplace* Please see the blog post I’ll make for each of these for regional availability.

Xbox LIVE Deal of the Week:

March 29: Cyber Troopers Virtual-On Oratorio Tangram, 800 Points

April 5: Geometry Wars: Retro Evolved 2, 400 points each 

Xbox LIVE Games on Demand:

March 23: Avatar The Last Airbender: The Burning Earth
March 23: Operation Darkness (Japan)

March 23: SEGA Superstars Tennis

March 30: Record of Agarest War: Reappearance (Japan)

Xbox LIVE Arcade:

The Block Party promotion wraps up this week with:

March 24: Game Room, Free to download. Individual games will cost 240 to 400 points

March 31: Mega Man 10, 800 points

Xbox Avatar Marketplace:

These are just a few of the collections scheduled for the Xbox LIVE Avatar Marketplace.

March 23: Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2  
March 25: Sonic & Sega All-Stars Racing

April 1: Army of Two: 40th Day

April 1: Avatar Marketplace Spring Collection

Also, the following Xbox 360 Game Add-Ons are scheduled to be available:

March 30:Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 Stimulus Package, 1200 Points

Also, on April 1 from 12:00 pm ET/9am PT through April 5 at 12:00 pm ET/9am PT, Xbox LIVE Silver members can enjoy features that are reserved exclusively for Xbox LIVE Gold members – including Netflix, Facebook, Twitter, Last.fm and premier multiplayer features. Sign up for a free Xbox LIVE account today and be prepared to play.

SALE: Between April 1st and April 7th, there will be Ten Arcade Games on sale (like Super Street Fighter II HD, South Park LET'S GO TOWER DEFENSE PLAY and Defense Grid: The Awakening) I’ll post the complete list of titles and sale prices as soon as get my hands on it.

 
You may want to follow my Twitter account if you want to be reminded when many of the above items become available.

*Current schedule. Subject to change. All content may not be available in all Xbox LIVE regions.

Video game rental firm Gamefly.com's list of the most-wanted games of the week gives us a view into the hidden desires of gamers all over the country. Here are the most requested games for the week ending 3/15/10

Most Popular Games Cross-Platform:

  Rank   Title   Platform(s)   Category   Publisher  

1. God of War III   PS3   Action Adventure   Sony Computer Entertainment  
2. Battlefield: Bad Company 2   PS3, Xbox 360   Shooter   Electronic Arts  
3. Final Fantasy XIII   PS3, Xbox 360   RPG   Square Enix  
4. Just Cause 2   PS3, Xbox 360   Action Adventure   Eidos  
5. Metro 2033   Xbox 360   Shooter   THQ  
6. Heavy Rain   PS3   Action Adventure   Sony Computer Entertainment  
7. Dante's Inferno   PS3, Xbox 360, PSP Games   Action Adventure   Electronic Arts  
8. Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell Conviction   Xbox 360   Shooter   Ubisoft  
9. BioShock 2   PS3, Xbox 360   Shooter   Take Two  
10. Aliens vs. Predator   PS3, Xbox 360   Shooter   Sega 

Click the "Read More" tag to check out console-by-console lists.

Xbox 360 Most Popular Games:

  Rank   Title   Category   Publisher  

1. Battlefield: Bad Company 2   Shooter   Electronic Arts  
2. Final Fantasy XIII   RPG   Square Enix  
3. Just Cause 2   Action Adventure   Eidos  
4. Metro 2033   Shooter   THQ  
5. Dante's Inferno   Action Adventure   Electronic Arts  
6. Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell Conviction   Shooter   Ubisoft  
7. BioShock 2   Shooter   Take Two  
8. Aliens vs. Predator   Shooter   Sega  
9. Mass Effect 2   RPG   Electronic Arts  
10. Halo: Reach   Shooter   Microsoft 

PlayStation 3 Most Popular Games:

  Rank   Title   Category   Publisher  

1. God of War III   Action Adventure   Sony Computer Entertainment  
2. Final Fantasy XIII   RPG   Square Enix  
3. Heavy Rain   Action Adventure   Sony Computer Entertainment  
4. Battlefield: Bad Company 2   Shooter   Electronic Arts  
5. Dante's Inferno Divine Edition   Action Adventure   Electronic Arts  
6. Just Cause 2   Action Adventure   Eidos  
7. Yakuza 3   Action Adventure   Sega  
8. Grand Theft Auto IV: Episodes from Liberty City   Action Adventure   Take Two  
9. MLB '10: The Show   Sports   Sony Computer Entertainment  
10. Resonance of Fate   RPG   Sega 

Nintendo Wii Most Popular Games:

  Rank   Title   Category   Publisher  

1. New Super Mario Bros. Wii   Action Adventure   Nintendo  
2. Red Steel 2   Fighting   Ubisoft  
3. Alice in Wonderland   Kids/Family   Disney Interactive  
4. Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Winter Games   Sports   Sega  
5. Sonic & Sega All-Stars Racing   Racing   Sega  
6. Racquet Sports   Sports   Ubisoft  
7. Super Mario Galaxy 2   Action Adventure   Nintendo  
8. Super Mario Galaxy   Action Adventure   Nintendo  
9. Wii Sports Resort   Sports   Nintendo  
10. Mario Kart Wii   Racing   Nintendo 

PlayStation 2 Most Popular Games:

  Rank   Title   Category   Publisher  

1. God of War II   Action Adventure   Sony Computer Entertainment  
2. God of War   Action Adventure   Sony Computer Entertainment  
3. Shadow of the Colossus   Action Adventure   Sony Computer Entertainment  
4. MLB '10: The Show   Sports   Sony Computer Entertainment  
5. Kingdom Hearts: Re-Chain of Memories   RPG   Square Enix  
6. Silent Hill: Shattered Memories   Action Adventure   Konami  
7. Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas   Action Adventure   Take Two  
8. Sakura Wars: So Long, My Love   RPG   Koei  
9. KillZone   Shooter   Sony Computer Entertainment  
10. Final Fantasy XII   RPG   Square Enix 

Nintendo DS Most Popular Games:

  Rank   Title   Category   Publisher  

1. Pokemon SoulSilver   Strategy/Sim   Nintendo  
2. Pokemon HeartGold   Strategy/Sim   Nintendo  
3. Mario & Luigi: Bowser's Inside Story   Action Adventure   Nintendo  
4. Alice in Wonderland   Kids/Family   Disney Interactive  
5. The Legend of Zelda: Spirit Tracks   RPG   Nintendo  
6. New Super Mario Bros.   Action Adventure   Nintendo  
7. Sonic Classic Collection   Action Adventure   Sega  
8. Scribblenauts   Arcade/Puzzle   WB Games  
9. Shin Megami Tensei: Strange Journey   RPG   Atlus  
10. Mario & Luigi: Partners in Time   RPG   Nintendo 

PlayStation Portable Most Popular Games:

  Rank   Title   Category   Publisher  

1. Dante's Inferno   Action Adventure   Electronic Arts  
2. Little Big Planet   Action Adventure   Sony Computer Entertainment  
3. Lunar: Silver Star Harmony   RPG   Xseed Games  
4. Assassin's Creed: Bloodlines   Action Adventure   Ubisoft  
5. SOCOM: U.S. Navy SEALs Fireteam Bravo 3   Shooter   Sony Computer Entertainment  
6. Mimana: Iyar Chronicles   RPG   Aksys  
7. Dissidia: Final Fantasy   RPG   Square Enix  
8. God of War: Chains of Olympus   Action Adventure   Sony Computer Entertainment  
9. Dead or Alive Paradise   Action Adventure   Koei  
10. MLB '10: The Show   Sports   Sony Computer Entertainment 

Xbox Most Popular Games:

  Rank   Title   Category   Publisher  

1. Halo 2   Shooter   Microsoft  
2. Halo   Shooter   Microsoft  
3. Star Wars: Republic Commando   Shooter   LucasArts  
4. Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas - 2nd Edition   Action Adventure   Take Two  
5. Star Wars: Battlefront II   Action Adventure   LucasArts  
6. Fable   RPG   Microsoft  
7. The Sims 2   Strategy/Sim   Electronic Arts  
8. Family Guy - Video Game!   Action Adventure   Take Two  
9. Psychonauts   Action Adventure   Majesco  
10. Doom 3   Shooter   Activision 

GameCube Most Popular Games:

  Rank   Title   Category   Publisher  

1. Legend of Zelda: Collector's Edition   RPG   Nintendo  
2. Mario Kart: Double Dash   Racing   Nintendo  
3. Super Mario Sunshine   Action Adventure   Nintendo  
4. Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker   Action Adventure   Nintendo  
5. Super Smash Bros. Melee   Fighting   Nintendo  
6. Pokemon XD: Gale of Darkness   Action Adventure   Nintendo  
7. Luigi's Mansion   Action Adventure   Nintendo  
8. The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess   Action Adventure   Nintendo  
9. Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door   Action Adventure   Nintendo  
10. Eternal Darkness: Sanity's Requiem   Action Adventure   Nintendo 

Game Boy Advance Most Popular Games:

  Rank   Title   Category   Publisher  

1. Pokemon Emerald   Action Adventure   Nintendo  
2. Pokemon: Sapphire   RPG   Nintendo  
3. Pokemon Fire Red   Strategy/Sim   Nintendo  
4. Pokemon Leaf Green   Strategy/Sim   Nintendo  
5. Super Mario World: Advance 2   Action Adventure   Nintendo  
6. Final Fantasy VI Advance   RPG   Nintendo  
7. Super Mario Advance 4   Action Adventure   Nintendo  
8. Legend of Zelda: Minish Cap   RPG   Nintendo  
9. Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past   Action Adventure   Nintendo  
10. Metroid: Zero Mission   Action Adventure   Nintendo 

DS, Sega, cert U

Spiky blue hedgehog, notable for a turn of speed absent from his real-world cousins; collects rings and saves woodland creatures from balding maniac Dr Ivo "Eggman" Robotnik.

The story so far Sega launched its rival to Mario, Nintendo's platforming colossus, almost 20 years ago. Going on to become the company's mascot, Sonic first wagged a gloved finger at owners of the Mega Drive system in 1991, and the franchise has since sold 70m units.

Hitting the skids Since the late 90s, Sonic has been trading off past glories, his 3D adventures markedly less successful than his early work in two dimensions. He has also picked up an array of irritating sidekicks, the worst being the despised Big the Cat.

Back from the brink The DS's Sonic Rush (2005) and its sequel briefly made Sonic feel relevant once more. But 2006's awful 15th anniversary title, simply named Sonic the Hedgehog, is a career nadir.

Greatest hits The Sonic Classic Collection sees four of Sonic's best games (basically, the first four) squashed on to one DS cartridge – and they are squashed, the DS's screens being the wrong resolution for these classics. Otherwise they've aged surprisingly well, with Sonic 3 perhaps the best exponent of the series's fast-paced platform action.

Lock and load As a bonus, the collection allows players to use Knuckles the Echidna in Sonic 2 and 3 without having to "lock" one game cartridge into the other to access this content, as original MD owners had to.

Deals today are so good they'll make you feel dirty about saving cash. Top picks are a Dell for super cheap, Mass Effect 2's space opera goes for even less, and free fired shrimp doused in sweet mayo sauce.

Top Deals:
• Get 7 Mac Apps with the Macheist Nanobundle2 for only $19.95 (normally $260)
• Mass Effect 2 (PC) for $29.99 plus free shipping (normally $40.54).
• Coupon for Honey Walnut Shrimp at Panda Express (Mar. 10 ONLY) for $0 (use this form).

Computing and Peripherals:
• Dell March Days of Deals
• Dell Studio XPS 8000 Core i5-750 Desktop + Star Trek Movie & Game for $599 (normally $774)
• 18.4" HP Pavilion dv8t Notebook with Intel Core i7-720QM Processor 1.6GHz for $1177 with free shipping (normally $1450 - use coupon code:SVMC84425).
• 16" Toshiba Satellite A505-S6015 Intel Core i5-430M Dual-Core Laptop (4GB/500GB) for $699.98 plus free shipping (normally $849).
• 15.6" HP Pavilion DV6-2150US Core i3 Laptop with 320GB HDD, 4GB RAM for $599.99 plus free shipping (normally $730 - use this form).
• 15.6" Compaq Presario CQ61 Laptop for $349.99 plus free shipping (normally $439 - use this form).
• 15.6" Dell Inspiron 15 Laptop with Intel Dual Core Processor for $399 plus free shipping (normally $683).
• 15.5" Sony VAIO VPC-EB15FX/WI Core i3 Laptop w/Blu-ray for $699.99 with free shipping (normally $819)
• 14.1" HP dv4i Core i3 Laptop w/Free 512MB Mobility Radeon for $609.99 with free shipping (normally $799.99 - use coupon code SVMC84425)
• 14" Lenovo G450 Laptop for $469 plus free shipping (normally $669 - use coupon code USP2949DX2).
• 13" HP Pavilion dm3 Laptop for $499.99 plus free shipping (normally $650 - use this form).
• 11.6" Lenovo U150 Ultra Portable Core 2 Duo Laptop for $599 plus free shipping (normally $799 - use coupon code USPU1693).
• 10.1" Asus EEE PC 1005HA Intel Atom N270 Netbook (1GB/160GB/Win XP/3-Cell) for $249.99 (normally $299).
• Dell IN1910N 19-Inch Widescreen LCD $99.00 with Free Shipping at Dell Home & Home Office (normally $129).
• Lexmark X7675 Wireless All-in-One Printer for $79.99 plus free shipping (normally $118).
• Epson Stylus NX415 All-in-One Printer for $44.24 plus free shipping (normally $65.07).
• OCZ Vertex Series 2.5" 30GB SATA II MLC SSD for $70 after $40 rebate (normally $100)
• Korg nanoKEY 25-Key USB Controller Keyboard for $35 (normally $50)
• Apple Magic Mouse for $59.49 (normally $68.95)
• Dell AY410 Multimedia Speaker System for $20 with free shipping (normally $60).
• Iomega Prestige 1.5 TB USB 2.0 Desktop External Hard Drive for $129.99 plus free shipping (normally $149.95).
• Seagate FreeAgent Go 880GB Portable External Hard Drive for $119.99 (normally $159).
• Seagate Expansion 750GB Portable External Hard Drive + $20 Newegg Gift Card for $109.99 plus free shipping (normally $169).
• Iomega Prestige 500 GB USB 2.0 Portable External Hard Drive for $84.99 plus free shipping (normally $105.39).
• Antec 300 Computer Case for $50</a (normally $70)
• Creative Labs Sound Blaster Arena Surround USB Gaming Headset for $74.99 plus free shipping (normally $90).
• Get 7 Mac Apps with the Macheist Nanobundle2 for only $19.95 (normally $260)

Gaming:
• 15% off any in-stock God of War title @ Gamestop (use coupon code ASHEN).
• XBOX 360 Final Fantasy XIII Special Edition Bundle for $399.99 with free Final Fantasy Face Plate
• Xbox 360 Elite Winter console bundle + $50 Amazon gift card + Mass Effect 2 (360) for $328.99 plus free shipping (normally $397).
• Xbox 360 120GB Elite Holiday Bundle w/Lego Batman & Pure for $269.00 plus free shipping (normally $299).
• Tony Hawk: Ride Skateboard Bundle (360) for $69 (normally $90).
• SHIPS TOMORROW - Final Fantasy XIII Game (Xbox 360, PS3) w/ $10 Gift Card $59.96 (normally $69).
• Mass Effect 2 (360) for $39.99 plus free shipping (normally $50.95).
• NCAA Basketball 10 (360/PS3) for $39.99 plus free shipping (normally $47).
• Assassins Creed II (PS3/360) for $36.00 (normally $49.90).
• Battlefield: Bad Company (Xbox 360) for $12 (normally $18)
• Dark Void (360) for $25 plus free shipping (normally $32.92).
• PlayStation 3 Slim 120GB + Controller Charge Cradle + Extra Controller + HD Component Cable for $389.99 plus free shipping (normally $449.99).
• Avatar (PS3) for $29.99 plus free shipping (normally $41.89).
• Folklore (PS3) for $31.99 plus free shipping (normally $49.96).
• Nintendo Wii System Console, Wii Sports Resort & Wii MotionPlus for $199.00 (normally $242).
• Nerf N-Strike Elite Bundle (Wii) for $29.99 plus free shipping (normally $40).
• The Sims 3 + The Sims 3: World Adventures Expansion Pack + The Sims 3: High-End Loft Stuff (PC downloads) for $54.95 (normally $87.88).
• Football Manager 2010 (PC download) for $19.99 (normally $39.95).
• Splinter Cell: Conviction (PC) for $34.90 (normally $47.99).
• Mass Effect 2 (PC) for $29.99 plus free shipping (normally $40.54).
• Supreme Commander 2 with Free $15 Gaming Credit (PC) for $39.99 plus free shipping (normally $62).
• Sony PSP 3000 Core Pack for $149.99 plus free shipping (normally $170).

Home Entertainment:
• 55" Vizio VF551XVT LED-Backlit LCD HDTV (1080p, 240Hz) for $1749.00 plus free shipping (normally $2499).
• 46" SONY BRAVIA KDL-46W5100 1080p LCD HDTV for $1,198.99 plus free shipping (normally $1529).
• 42" Panasonic Viera TC-P42U1 1080P Widescreen Plasma HDTV for $700 with free shipping (normally $1000).
• Sony ES Series STR-DA4400ES Home Theater A/V Receiver for $799.99 plus free shipping (normally $1099.99 - use coupon code SONYSTR440ES).
• Sony HT-CT100 Sound Bar Speaker + Subwoofer for $219.99 (normally $299 – use coupon code: 3A825).
• Creative Inspire Speaker System $40 Shipped (normally $50 - use coupon code EMCYPYN25).
• Skullcandy Ink'd Earbuds - Black for $9.99 plus shipping (normally $19.99).
• Best Buy $9.99 + Free Shipping Blu-ray Movie Sale (Quantum of Solace, Dark City, MORE).
• Austin Powers Collection: Shagadelic Edition Loaded With Extra Mojo (Blu-ray) for $24
• Harold & Kumar Escape From Guantanamo Bay Unrated Special Edition (Blu-ray) or Harold & Kumar Go To White Castle Extreme Unrated (Blu-ray) for $11

Personal Portables and Peripherals:
• iLuv iMM153BLK Alarm Clock for iPod with bed shaker for $19.99 (normally $32.99)
• Nokia 5800 XpressMusic Navigation Edition Cell Phone (US Version, Unlocked, Quad Band) for $229.99 plus free shipping (normally $349 – use coupon code: 2HBF22GQ4Z6MVL).
• Jawbone Icon - The Thinker (black or silver) for $69 with free shipping (normally $89)
• Panasonic SDR-H80 SD and HDD Camcorder for $229 plus free shipping (normally $259).
• Samsung SMX-F34 Flash Memory Camcorder w/16GB Memory & 42x Intelli-Zoom for $167.23 (normally $230).
• Oregon Scientific ATC 3K Waterproof Action Cam Flash Memory Video Recorder with Web Cam Capabilities for $89 plus free shipping (normally $129.15).
• Nikon D5000 w/18-55 & 55-200mm lenses for $779
• Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W290 12.1MP Digital Camera for $166.45 plus free shipping (normally $185).
• Sony CyberShot DSC-W180 10MP 3X Digital Camera for $89.99 plus free shipping (normally $139).
• Casio EX-Z33VP 10.1MP Digital Camera for $79.99 plus free shipping (normally $91.85).
• 10MP Fujifilm FinePix Z30 Digital Camera $70 Shipped (normally $100).
• Apple iPod Shuffle 4GB for $55.99 plus free shipping (normally $79).
• Audio-Technica ATH-ES7 BK Circumaural Portable Headphone for $59 (normally $90)
• JBuds J2 Premium Hi-Fi Noise-Isolating Earbuds for $14.99 (normally $29.95).
• Lift Audio Groove Noise-Isolating In-Ear Headphone for $9.99 (normally $17.39).
• Motorola MOTOROKR S305 Bluetooth Stereo Headphones for $24.99 plus free overnight shipping (normally $59 – use coupon code: ACC5).

Hobomodo:
• GameFly 21-day Free Trial for $0 (normally 10 days - use coupon code 2military1)
• TeamViewer iPhone Remote Desktop App for $0
• Big Brain Of Fire (iPhone/iPod Touch) for $0 (normally $1.99).
• Good to Be by Backyard Tire Fire (MP3) for $0 (download here).
• Rachael Ray Nutrish Dog Food sample for $0 (use this form).
• Coupon for Honey Walnut Shrimp at Panda Express (Mar. 10 ONLY) for $0 (use this form).

If a deal looks too good to be true, investigate the store and see if it's a good, reputable place to buy. Safe shopping!

[Thanks TechDealDigger, Dealzon, Logic Buy, GamerHotline, Cheap College Gamers, CheapStingyBargains and TechBargains.]

Electronic Arts' latest military first-person shooter takes point, Sony and 2K Sports release their annual MLB double-header, Supreme Commander 2 debuts, and Mega Man hits 10 in a busy week.

The early 2010 parade of high-profile games continues without pause this week, as Electronic Arts' anticipated Battlefield: Bad Company 2 leads a solid lineup of new releases. The DICE-developed shooter won't be deploying alone, as retailers will also be receiving the year's new baseball games, the latest massive-scale real-time strategy game from Gas Powered Games, and more.

The world of Bad Company 2 is littered with dead bodies. Watch your step.

A direct sequel to last year's console-exclusive game, Bad Company 2 picks back up with the derelict B Company, which comprises a fictitious US military's expendable misfits and outcasts. Destructible environments, which were a core component of the original game, will again play front and center in Bad Company 2, thanks to further revisions to its proprietary Frostbite game engine. EA is also placing a new emphasis on vehicular combat, with 15 different rides from which to choose.

The week will also see the return of baseball, as Major League Baseball spring training games kick off and this season's new baseball efforts from 2K Sports and Sony hit store shelves. Sony's MLB 10: The Show will be hitting the electronic giant's PlayStation family of systems, while 2K Sports' MLB 2K10 will appear on all major consoles and handhelds, as well as the PC.

PC gamers more interested in strategy than sports will be able to check out Supreme Commander 2. Picking up 25 years after the events depicted in 2007's highly acclaimed PC original, Supreme Commander 2 lets players assume command of three separate factions, each with its own special and experimental war-waging units. The game's single-player campaign features more than 18 missions, while multiplayer accommodates play for up to eight.

Rounding out the biggest of the new releases is the freshly dated Mega Man 10 for the Wii. The latest retro-styled downloadable adventure for the Blue Bomber will feature the usual gauntlet of robotic villains, as well as a new "easy mode" and the ability to play as either Mega Man or Proto-Man from the outset. Mega Man 10 is also set to hit the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 this month, though Capcom hasn't confirmed exactly when.

For further details on the week's games, visit GameSpot's New Releases page. The full list of downloadable games on the PlayStation Store, Xbox Live Marketplace, and the Wii Shop Channel will be revealed later this week. Release dates are based on retailer listings and are subject to change.

FEBRUARY 28, 2010
Crazy Garage--WII, DS--Playlogic
City Builder--WII --Virtual Play Inc.
Party Designer--DS--City Interactive
Aztec Treasure Hunt--DS--Playlogic
Zooloretto--WII--Playlogic

MARCH 1, 2010
Dante's Inferno--PSP--Electronic Arts
Mega Man 10--WII--Capcom

MARCH 2, 2010
Battlefield: Bad Company 2--PS3, X360, PC--EA Games
MLB 10: The Show--PS3, PS2, PSP--SCEA
Major League Baseball 2K10--PS3, X360, Wii, PC, PS2, PSP, DS--2K Sports
Lunar: Silver Star Harmony--PSP--Xseed Games
Silent Hunter V: Battle of the Atlantic--PC--Ubisoft
Sonic Classic Collection--DS--Sega
Lips: Party Classics--X360--Microsoft Game Studios
Supreme Commander 2--PC--Square Enix
Alice in Wonderland--WII, DS--Disney Interactive Studios
Deca Sports DS--DS--Hudson Entertainment
Battle of Giants: Mutant Insects--DS--Ubisoft
SpongeBob's Boating Bash--Wii,DS--THQ
N.E.O. Online--PC--PlayOMG

MARCH 3, 2010
Clover: A Curious Tale--PC--Blitz Arcade
Toy Soldiers--X360--Microsoft

Read and Post Comments | Get the full article at GameSpot

_{[New releases is your weekly look at all the hot new titles coming out this week.]}

The big title out this week is Battlefield: Bad Company 2 (X360, PS3, PC). As you can tell from the above video, Bad Company 2 is a lot more focused on skills rather than pure luck. Also, don't forget to use back/select when you're playing. Seriously.

The other biggie this week is easily Mega Man 10. The blue bomber is back to fight evil robots terrorizing humanity. A lot more features are thrown into this retro-style game including the super easy mode.

What's looking sw33t to all of you this week, Dtoiders?

WVC: Mega Man 10

X360: Dust Devils, Battlefield: Bad Company 2, Lips: Party Classics, Major League Baseball 2K10

PS3: Battlefield: Bad Company 2, MLB 10: The Show, Major League Baseball 2K10

Wii: City Builder, Zooloretto, Crazy Garage, Build-a-Bear Workshop: Friendship Valley, Alice in Wonderland, SpongeBob's Boating Bash, Major League Baseball 2K10

PC: House M.D., Royal Envoy, Theatre of War II - Kursk 1943, Hunted, Crazy Garage, Ella's Hope, Alganon, Silent Hunter V: Battle of the Atlantic, Supreme Commander 2, N.E.O. Online, Clover: A Curious Tale, Battlefield: Bad Company 2, Major League Baseball 2K10

PSP: Gunbird 2 Remix, Halfbrick Rocket Racing, Dante's Inferno, Lunar: Silver Star Harmony, MLB 10: The Show, Major League Baseball 2K10

DS: Crazy Garage, Aztec Treasure Hunt, Party Designer, Build-A-Bear Workshop: Welcome to Hugsville, VT Tennis, Alice in Wonderland, Battle of Giants: Mutant Insects, Deca Sports DS, SpongeBob's Boating Bash, Sonic Classic Collection, Major League Baseball 2K10

PS2: MLB 10: The Show, Major League Baseball 2K10

Releasing 03/01:

Mega Man 10 (WVC)



Releasing 03/02:

Major League Baseball 2K10 (PS3, X360, PSP, DS, PS2, PC, Wii)



Battlefield: Bad Company 2 (X360, PS3, PC)

Lunar: Silver Star Harmony (PSP)



MLB 10: The Show (PS3, PS2, PSP)

Electronic Arts' latest military first-person shooter takes point, Sony and 2K Sports release their annual MLB double-header, Supreme Commander 2 debuts, and Mega Man hits 10 in a busy week.

The early 2010 parade of high-profile games continues without pause this week, as Electronic Arts' anticipated Battlefield: Bad Company 2 leads a solid lineup of new releases. The DICE-developed shooter won't be deploying alone, as retailers will also be receiving the year's new baseball games, the latest massive-scale real-time strategy game from Gas Powered Games, and more.

The world of Bad Company 2 is littered with dead bodies. Watch your step.

A direct sequel to last year's console-exclusive game, Bad Company 2 picks back up with the derelict B Company, which comprises a fictitious US military's expendable misfits and outcasts. Destructible environments, which were a core component of the original game, will again play front and center in Bad Company 2, thanks to further revisions to its proprietary Frostbite game engine. EA is also placing a new emphasis on vehicular combat, with 15 different rides from which to choose.

The week will also see the return of baseball, as Major League Baseball spring training games kick off and this season's new baseball efforts from 2K Sports and Sony hit store shelves. Sony's MLB 10: The Show will be hitting the electronic giant's PlayStation family of systems, while 2K Sports' MLB 2K10 will appear on all major consoles and handhelds, as well as the PC.

PC gamers more interested in strategy than sports will be able to check out Supreme Commander 2. Picking up 25 years after the events depicted in 2007's highly acclaimed PC original, Supreme Commander 2 lets players assume command of three separate factions, each with its own special and experimental war-waging units. The game's single-player campaign features more than 18 missions, while multiplayer accommodates play for up to eight.

Rounding out the biggest of the new releases is the freshly dated Mega Man 10 for the Wii. The latest retro-styled downloadable adventure for the Blue Bomber will feature the usual gauntlet of robotic villains, as well as a new "easy mode" and the ability to play as either Mega Man or Proto-Man from the outset. Mega Man 10 is also set to hit the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 this month, though Capcom hasn't confirmed exactly when.

For further details on the week's games, visit GameSpot's New Releases page. The full list of downloadable games on the PlayStation Store, Xbox Live Marketplace, and the Wii Shop Channel will be revealed later this week. Release dates are based on retailer listings and are subject to change.

FEBRUARY 28, 2010
Crazy Garage--WII, DS--Playlogic
City Builder--WII --Virtual Play Inc.
Party Designer--DS--City Interactive
Aztec Treasure Hunt--DS--Playlogic
Zooloretto--WII--Playlogic

MARCH 1, 2010
Dante's Inferno--PSP--Electronic Arts
Mega Man 10--WII--Capcom

MARCH 2, 2010
Battlefield: Bad Company 2--PS3, X360, PC--EA Games
MLB 10: The Show--PS3, PS2, PSP--SCEA
Major League Baseball 2K10--PS3, X360, Wii, PC, PS2, PSP, DS--2K Sports
Lunar: Silver Star Harmony--PSP--Xseed Games
Silent Hunter V: Battle of the Atlantic--PC--Ubisoft
Sonic Classic Collection--DS--Sega
Lips: Party Classics--X360--Microsoft Game Studios
Supreme Commander 2--PC--Square Enix
Alice in Wonderland--WII, DS--Disney Interactive Studios
Deca Sports DS--DS--Hudson Entertainment
Battle of Giants: Mutant Insects--DS--Ubisoft
SpongeBob's Boating Bash--Wii,DS--THQ
N.E.O. Online--PC--PlayOMG

MARCH 3, 2010
Clover: A Curious Tale--PC--Blitz Arcade
Toy Soldiers--X360--Microsoft

Read and Post Comments | Get the full article at GameSpot

Pitchers and catchers reported last week. One week later we have opening day on the consoles, as MLB 2K10 and MLB 10 the Show release on Tuesday. Oh yeah, Battlefield: Bad Company 2 is also out.

This week's count: Eleven for PC, 10 for Wii, nine for DS, six for PSP, five for Xbox 360, three for PS3 and two for PS2.

Sunday (Feb. 28)
Aztec Treasure Hunt (DS)
City Builder (Wii)
Crazy Garage (DS, PC, Wii)
Dust Devils (360)
Ella's Hope (PC)
Gunbird 2 Remix (PSP)
Halfbrick Rocket Racing (PSP)
House M.D. (PC)
Hubert the Teddy Bear: Winter Games (Wii)
Hunted (PC)
Party Designer (DS)
Royal Envoy (PC)
Theatre of War II - Kursk 1943 (PC)
Zooloretto (Wii)

Monday (March 1)
Alganon (PC)
Build-a-Bear Workshop: Friendship Valley (Wii, DS)
Dante's Inferno (PSP)
Mega Man 10 (Wii)

Tuesday (March 2)
Alice in Wonderland (DS, Wii)
Battle of Giants: Mutant Insects (DS)
Battlefield: Bad Company 2 (PC, PS3, 360)
Foto Showdown (DS)
Lips: Party Classics (360)
Lunar: Silver Star Harmony (PSP)
Major League Baseball 2K10 (PS2, PS3, PSP, Wii, 360)
MLB 10: The Show (PS2, PS3, PSP)
Project Runway (Wii)
Silent Hunter V: Battle of the Atlantic (PC)
Sonic Classic Collection (DS)
SpongeBob's Boating Bash (DS, Wii)
Supreme Commander 2 (PC)

Wednesday (May 3)
Clover: A Curious Tale (PC)
Toy Soldiers (360)

We have some astounding discounts on laptops including a huge deal on the Dell Studio 15 in Promise Pink. If you've held out for a cheap Xbox your stinginess has finally paid off and you can celebrate by pillaging hobomodo.

Top Deals:
• 15.4" Dell Studio 15 for $654 plus free shipping (normally $1150).
• Xbox 360 Arcade for $159 plus free shipping (normally $199).
• Blop (iPhone) for $0 (normally $.99).

Computing and Peripherals:
• 16.4" HD Widescreen Vaio FW590 Core 2 Duo Notebooks $100 off (normally $909 - use coupon FW590CTO100).
• 16" Lenovo G550 Core 2 Duo 2.2GHz LED Laptop for $449 with free shipping (normally $677 - use coupon code:USP2958HHZ).
• 16" Asus N61JQ-X1 Core i7-720QM Laptop for $999 with free shipping (normally $1,099)
• 15.6" Lenovo ThinkPad SL510 Laptop for $474 plus free shipping (normally $734 - use coupon code USPTHINKSALE).
• 15.6" Dell Studio 15 Laptop with Intel Core 2 Duo 2.2GHz and High Definition LED Display for $654 with free shipping (normally $1032 - use coupon code:JDL7S90JFMMB96).
• 15.5" Sony VAIO NW Laptop for $599.99 plus free shipping (normally $700).
• 15.4" Dell Studio 15 for $654 plus free shipping (normally $1150).
• 14.1" HP Pavilion DV4-2160US 2.26GHz 4GB RAM 320GB HDD Laptop for $699.99 plus free shipping (normally $770).
• 14" Lenovo ThinkPad SL410 Laptop for $474 plus free shipping (normally $734 - use coupon code USPTHINKSALE).
• 13.3" Asus UL30 ULV Laptop for $629.99 plus free shipping (normally $729 - use this form).
• 13.3" HP Pavilion dm3 Laptop for $549 plus free shipping (normally $630 - use this form).
• 13.3" Dell Vostro 1320 Laptop for $549 plus free shipping (normally $845 - use coupon code GD456QJ1Q0ML1H).
• 10.1" Toshiba NB205-N330BN 1.66GHz Intel Atom Netbook for $300 with free shipping (normally $394).
• 10" Lenovo IdeaPad S10-3t Netbook Tablet for $499 plus free shipping (normally $599 - use coupon code USPS6514F).
• 26" ASUS VW266H Full HD Widescreen LCD Monitor $249.99 with Free Shipping, after coupon & rebate at Newegg (normally $298 - use coupon code EMCYNNS52 - use this form).
• Iomega Home Media 2 TB Network Attached Storage 34571 for $229.99 plus free shipping (normally $268.58).
• Western Digital 2TB My Book Mirror Edition USB 2.0 External Storage $170 Shipped (normally $220).
• 1.5TB Western Digital Caviar Green 3.5" Internal Hard Drive for $94.50 plus free shipping (normally $110 - use coupon code GO4GOLD).
• Samsung EcoGreen F2 1.5TB Internal Hard Drive for $99.99 plus free shipping (normally $129 - use coupon code: EMCYNNS37).
• 500GB Western Digital Scorpio Blue WD5000BEVT 2.5" Notebook Hard Drive for $67.99 plus free shipping (normally $84 - use coupon code GO4GOLD).
• Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium Operating System for $92.99 plus free shipping (normally $109 - use coupon code: GO4GOLD).
• Microsoft Wireless Laser Desktop 6000 v3.0 Keyboard and Mouse for $25 + $3 shipping (normally $50)
• Microsoft Wireless Mobile Mouse 4000 for $22 plus shipping (normally $40).

Gaming:
• Xbox 360 Arcade for $159 plus free shipping (normally $199).
• Xbox 360 Live 4000 Points Card for $45 plus free shipping (normally $50).
• Xbox Live 12 Months Gold Card for $34.99 plus free shipping (normally $40).
• Call of Duty Modern Warfare 2 Hardened Edition (360) for $49.99 plus free shipping (normally $58.37).
• Assassin's Creed 2 (360/PS3) for $36.99 plus free shipping (normally $47.92).
• Bioshock 2 (PS3) for $49.99 plus free shipping (normally $54).
• Bioshock 2 (360) for $49.99 plus free shipping (normally $55).
• PSP 3000 Limited Edition Gran Turismo Pack for $169 with free shipping (normally $199)
• Operation Flashpoint 2: Dragon Rising (PS3) for $36.99 plus free shipping (normally $47).
• Little Big Planet (PSP) for $26.99 plus free shipping (normally $40).
• Aion: The Tower of Eternity Steelbook Edition (PC) for $28.98 plus free shipping (normally $41.95).
• DJ Hero Bundle with Turntable (360) for $69.99 with free shipping (normally $79.99)

Home Entertainment:
• 65" Mitsubishi LaserVue L65-A90 65in Rear Projection HDTV (Lasers!!!) for $3844 plus free shipping (normally $5999 – use coupon code: AFLMIT3844).
• 58" Panasonic Viera TC-P58V10 Plasma HDTV (Panasonic's Top End Plasma) for $2398.00 plus free shipping (normally $2699 – use coupon code: AFLPAN2398).
• Sharp 47" LC47SB57UT 1080p 120Hz LCD HDTV for $699 or $678 (normally $900)
• 46" Sharp Aquos LC46E77U 1080P 120Hz LCD HDTV for $877 with free shipping (normally $999 - use coupon code:AFLSHP877).
• 46" Samsung Luxia UN46B6000 1080p 120Hz LED TV, plus Wall Mount for $1,283.18 plus free shipping (normally $1337 - use coupon code LOYALTY15).
• 42" LG 42LH30 1080p LCD HDTV $640 Shipped (normally $699).
• 40" Sony BRAVIA KDL40EX400 LCD HDTV (1080p) for $629.00 plus free shipping (normally $799).
• 40" Samsung LN40B550 1080p LCD TV for $699.00 plus free shipping (normally $765 - use coupon code EMCYNNS48).
• Pioneer BDP-120 1080p Blu-ray Disc Player for $108.00 (normally $130).
• Yamaha RX-V565BL 630 Watt 7-Ch. Home Theater Receiver, plus Klipsch KSW10 Subwoofer for $429.99 plus free shipping (normally $553 - use coupon code EMCYNNS73).
• Polk Audio SurroundBar 360 DVD Theater System for $280 (normally $500)
• Planet of the Apes 40th Anniversary Collection (Blu-ray, 5 movies) for $45.99 plus free shipping (normally $77).
• Dreamgirls Show Stopper Edition (Blu Ray) for $10.99 (normally $20.85).
• The Mel Brooks Collection (Blu-ray) for $55.99 plus free shipping (normally $92).
• The Hills Have Eyes 2: Unrated (Blu Ray) for $9.99 (normally $18.38).
• Alien vs. Predator and Aliens vs. Predator: Requiem 2 Pack Bundle (normally $40.56).
• The Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2003 (Blu Ray) for $9.99 (normally $17).
• The Adventures of Brisco County, Jr: The Complete Series on DVD for $19 shipped (normally $82).

Personal Portables and Peripherals:
• Nikon Coolpix S630 12MP Digital Camera for $172.36 plus free shippping (normally $193.90).
• Samsung HZ15W 12MP Digital Camera with 10x Schneider Wide Angle Dual Image Stabilized Zoom for $186.75 plus free shipping (normally $227.95).
• 10.2MP Samsung SL420 Digital Camera $120 Shipped (normally $139).
• Mio Moov 300 Portable GPS Navigation (4.3in, Text To Speech) for $59.99 plus free shipping (normally $119).
• Bushnell ONIX 400 Handheld GPS Navigator for $120 with free shipping (normally $399).
• Canon FS200 Flash Memory Camcorder for $229 with free shipping (normally $250).
• Jabra SP200 In-Car Bluetooth Speakerphone for $40 with free shipping (normally $48).
• TomTom ONE 130S 3.5" GPS Navigation for $90 with free shipping (normally $149).
• Garmin Nuvi 205W 4.3-inch Widescreen GPS w/ Text-to-Speech for $99.99 plus free shipping (normally $115).
• Samsung HMX-U10 Ultra-Compact Full-HD Camcorder for $104.73 plus free shipping (normally $120).
• SpongeBob SquarePants: 1GB Micro Clip MP3 Player for $8.99 plus free shipping (normally $30).
• 100 8-inch Glow Stick Bracelets for $9.39 (normally $20).

Hobomodo:
• Blop (iPhone) for $0 (normally $.99).
• Playtex Gentle Glide Tampon sample for $0 (use this form).
• South Beach Living Fiber Fit Smores Bar for $0 (use this form).
• Pop-A-Tronic (PC/Mac) for $0 (normally $7).
• Once You Got Me Going by Debby Blackwell (MP3) for $0 (download here).
• PCHand Screen Capture Recorder Suite (Thursday ONLY) for $0 (use this form).
• Dave Matthews Band Music Download "Seven" for $0 (use this form).
• Samples of Prilosec for $0 (use this form).
• Breathe by Paramore for $0 (use this form).
• Republic of Tea Sample with Catalogue Request for $0 (use this form).
• 4 Music Downloads from Lincoln for $0 (use this form).
• Swiffer/Febreeze Trial Kit for $0 (use this form).

Domain Registration:
• $.99 Domain Names at Godaddy (normally $9.99 - use coupon code BUY2010).

If a deal looks too good to be true, investigate the store and see if it's a good, reputable place to buy. Safe shopping!

[Thanks TechDealDigger, SlickDeals, DealHack, Dealzon, Logic Buy, GamerHotline, Cheap College Gamers, CheapStingyBargains and TechBargains.]

This is the secret to making games. Totally.

We reviewed Enless Ocean: Blue World, win some awesome God of War III swag, Bobby Kotick isn't a dick, BioShock 2 DLC is on the way, Boderlands DLC #3 comes out this week and more happened on 02/22/10.

Destructoid Originals:
Best of the Network this week
New releases: Heavy Rain, Sonic All-Stars Racing & more
Podtoid is tonight, and Samit has been here for two years
Monday Mind Teasers: Blosics 2

Community:
Community blogs of 02/22/10
Forum of the day: What did you think of the Heavy Rain demo?

Reviews:
Dynasty Warriors: Strikeforce
Endless Ocean: Blue World

Previews:
Fragile Dreams

Contests:
Strike a pose, win rare Muscle March-themed Wii
God of War III contest series -- Week 1
Win a custom Left 4 Dead health pack!

News:
Bobby Kotick says he isn't a dick
Valve is sick of 'sh*tty party games'
UK Charts: Aliens vs. Predator is ... number one?
Shocker: Heavy Rain banned by Arabs
Ninety-Nine Nights II coming to Europe and Australia
Mad as hell about Ubisoft's DRM? Try this
Capcom teases 'huge announcement' for April
Fallout 3: Fallout dev would 'done things differently'
John Carmack to get Lifetime Achievement award at GDC
XBLA this week: Fret Nice, Greed Corp, and Lazy Raiders
Super Meat Boy headed to XBLA... before WiiWare
God of War III eats up 35 gigs on a Blu-ray disc
Borderlands getting 'General Knoxx' DLC this week
Pachter: Natal will outsell PS3 motion controller 5-to-1
FarmVille to remain free, probably
Irrational Games' latest won't be shown at PAX East
Visceral Games is interested in the XBLA/PSN space
Some Mass Effect 2 PC bugs zapped with first patch
All Blizzcon '08 attendees will get into the SCII beta

Offbeat:
Mega64: How EA really made Dante's Inferno
Here's another one of those mind-blowing Nintendo moments
The only thing I know ...

Media:
MLB 2K10 videos have baseball in them
Heavy Rain: Samuel L. Jackson wouldn't go very far for love
NIntendo DLC: These ghosts are so gonna get slain
BioShock 2 DLC 'Sinclair Solutions Test Pack' announced
This is what Mega Man ZERO Collection looks like
Agreed: Jace Hall is the 'Super Playa'
Backbreaker dev diary 2 tells you why Euphoria is awesome

It's time for more Tonetta! This is Dale North's second favorite Tonetta song, MMM MAMA, which recently returned to Youtube after an undeserved hiatus. As the official fan blog for Tonetta, Destructoid is thrilled to see justice served and this classic tune back in the public domain where it belongs. All is right once more.

Anyway, videogames were played this week, yet again. Let's look at what ones, eh?

Chester: Well, because I write about videogames, that means I play videogames all day long. What that translates to is that I played about an hour of Mass Effect 1 this week, and I'm not entirely sure I like it. But I will complete it, because by all accounts, people who didn't like the first game tell me that the sequel is amazing.

Nicholson: If only BioWare made you push "Circle" fourteen times to loot bodies ...

Sterling: Amusingly, I did the same thing as Nick this week. I have been replaying Mass Effect to see if I can make myself like it enough to get the sequel. I will say I'm getting into it slightly more than I did last time, but it's still too early to fully rescind my earlier statements on the game. I also spent a long time playing Aliens vs. Predator but, well, we all know the story now. 

Also been playing Dynasty Warriors: Strikeforce for review, and I think the online play has really given the title more life. That said, it's great fun being called a "faggot" when I enter online mode because I chose the Vega-like Zhang He for my character. This was on PS3 as well, not via the usual hub of homophobia that is Xbox Live. Still, what I've started to do is follow the homophobes around and pretend that I am bumming them. That really freaks them  out. They also hate it when I totally kick their ass at the game. They don't like being beaten by a "queer", apparently.

Also, finally playing Sonic CD and struggling to see what all the fuss is about.

North: After a short run of PS3 RPGs, I'm back to the DS and Shin Megami Tensei: Strange Journey. I think this game is longer than the PS3 RPGs. Also, even though I already had it for Xbox 360, I bought Zuma for PS3. It plays so much better on PS3. Control is tighter, and the Xbox version is buggy and sometimes freaks out on the directional control. Finally, I'm also replaying Valkyria Chronicles in preparation for the sequel.

Tolentino: Most of my console play has been devoted to Last Rebellion, but I've been rather polygamist (pun intended) on the PC, with Dragon Age, Mass Effect 1, and the Bad Company 2 beta all sharing some my time. Of particular note is Bad Company 2, which so far has some of the best sound design I've heard in a game. I'm no audiophile, but my play experience has never been more improved by awesome sound as in this case. Seriously. If you're playing the demo, just stand around during a game some time and try to hear something explode nearby.

Razak: I've been playing pack my 360 into a box and ship it off to Microsoft so they can repair it. It's an awesome game that I'm glad I paid $300 to play.

Chester: Instead, BioWare decide to not tell me how anything in the game works or where to go. Ever.

Concelmo: I have to agree with Nick Chester and say Dante's Inferno is a really good time. I beat it this week and, while it is obviously a God of War rip-off, it doesn't take away from the fact that it is a really fun game.

Also started on BioShock 2 and loving it. Not as good as the original (Captain Obvious!), but still a moody, haunting experience.

Oh, also Endless Ocean: Blue World for the Wii, which I ... eh, you will have to wait until Monday for my review! Woo hoo!

Ross: The new Miles Edgeworth game and Starcraft II. Nothing else. Both rule.

Grim: I got Beautiful Katamari for some reason and have been playing it incessantly. In my defense, I don't own a PlayStation 3, and I had never played a Katamari game before. I also got P.B. Winterbottom the day it came out and proceeded to play it to completion. Being in the top ten on a bunch of the challenge room leaderboards was pretty rad, even though my scores have almost certainly been pushed way down since Wednesday.

Holmes: Helped a friend get her Wii online and played Tomena Sanner, Bit.Trip BEAT, Excitebike: World Rally, Super Mario Bros 3, and New Super Mario Bros Wii in the same sitting. I forgot how hard BEAT can be on multi-player. I also realized how spoiled I've gotten with New Super Mario Bros Wii's multi-player. Playing Mario 3 with just one person seemed downright dull compared to NSMBWii.

I vote for Nintendo to put out Super Mario All-Stars Wii with multi-player added to all six of Mario's prior 2D outings. Such a collection would sell no less than ten million copies worldwide, and make many people very happy. They could charge $100 for the game and it would still sell like crazy.

Speaking of All-Stars, I also put in some more time with Tatsunoko vs. Capcom: Ultimate All-Stars this week. Still main-ing Frank West, still getting my ass kicked, and still having fun while I do it.

Sarkar: I bought the Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band and Rubber Soul (full albums) DLC for The Beatles: Rock Band and proceeded to play through both albums on Hard drums. I'm going to tackle Expert vocals next. Otherwise, I didn't do much gaming this week aside from the now-requisite round or two every other night of the Battlefield: Bad Company 2 demo. I'm conflicted about that game: the Squad Rush mode is limited for a month to GameStop pre-orders only, and I have a standing policy to avoid setting foot inside a GameStop if I can help it. WHAT DO I DO?!

Grim: Just don't pre-order it, and we can play all of the other modes for a month. No biggie!

Aziz: Hangover

( Max score: 100 )

88

Film Synopsis:

A powerful thriller that recreates on screen the world of Uganda under the mad dictatorship of Idi Amin. Deftly mixing fact and fiction and startlingly resonant with today's world, the film features a tour de force performance from Forest Whitaker as Amin and carves two unforgettable portraits: one of a charismatic but psychopathic ruler who ravaged his country, and the other of a witness to history who finally finds the courage to make a stand.

My Take:

Boy am I glad I received this one to watch; what a great film! There are few movies of late that really go beyond entertainment and resonate with me after its over; 'The Last King of Scotland' was one of those films. Forest Whitaker won an Oscar in 2006 for his performance of the "Charming, magnetic and murderous", megalomaniac dictator, Idi Amin. If you have yet to see the film, his performance alone is well worth the price of admission...well, purchase. 'The Last King of Scotland' is a thrilling fictional drama that is set in and around Idi Amin's rule of Uganda in the 1970's. I found it quite interesting how the screenplay weaved in fact and fiction. The story is of Scotsman Dr. Nicholas Garrigan (James McAvoy) who is fresh out of med-school. Instead of following in his father’s footsteps he literally spins a globe and goes where his finger lands (well it landed on Canada first, so he spun again:)). He ends up going to Uganda to do missionary work in a remote village. The luck of the draw has Nick treating Amin's hand after a car accident near the mission. Nick hits it off immediately with Amin who is an obsessed fan of Scotland (Amin even had his army wear kilt's!). His command of the situation impresses Amin who insists that Nick become his personal physician and eventual "advisor". Nick's story-arc is much like I assume Uganda's was. He was charmed by Amin and the luxury being close to him provided. Amin's charismatic personality created blinders to who he really was and atrocities he was inflicting upon his people; he had over 100,000 Ugandans slaughtered. When Nick (and Uganda) finally realizes what he got himself into, he tries to escape before it's too late. 'The Last King of Scotland' was impeccably paced, never once feeling slow in its over 2 hour runtime. It speaks for itself when a film has a director that understands how to build upon a great screenplay, beautiful cinematography and an Oscar winning lead performance. Whitaker is in command as Idi Amin from his boyish, silly and charming nature to pure evil the next. James McAvoy (Wanted) was perfect as Dr. Nicholas Garrigan, who held his own next to the powerful Whitaker; I am interested in seeing what lies ahead for him. 'The Last King of Scotland' is an example of great film-making and a rare treat. If you have yet to see it, put it on the top of your "must see" list.

Parental Guide:

Rated R for some strong violence and gruesome images, sexual content and language.

Audio: 88

• Dynamics:
• Low frequency extension:
• Surround Sound presentation:
• Clarity/Detail:
• Dialogue Reproduction:

Video: 88

• Resolution/Clarity:
• Black level/Shadow detail:
• Color reproduction:
• Fleshtones:
• Compression:

The Last King of Scotland comes to Blu-ray Disc from Fox featuring 1080p VC-1 encoded video that has an constant bitrate of 30 mbps and lossless DTS-HD 5.1 Master Audio sound that has an average bitrate of 4.3 mbps.

There is no hiding that 'The Last King of Scotland' is a film in the literal sense. Grain purists should love this one. There is a bit of style to the cinematography here, there is an enhanced level of contrast that coupled with the grain added to making it feel like the 1970's. Fox left this one alone, adding no DNR or other terrible processing agents. The result is a dynamic looking cinema-like experience. Colors, though intentionally washed out at times, were true to life, as were the flesh-tones. The Black levels were the only limit here, as they seemed to struggle at times. It’s always nice to see a transfer where fine details such as pores and wrinkles shine through the natural film grain. The DTS-HD 5.1 Master Audio track was quite fitting. All dialogue was discernible, crisp and up-front in the sound-stage. Though not an action packed film, the effect channels were filled with real life sounds. Babies crying on the right, chatter on the left...always engaged and adding to the films power, sucking you in. When needed, the track dug deep for gunfire or a car's rumble, though not many moments for deep bass. The Last King of Scotland's audio, like its video are faithful to the source and do what they are supposed to- work perfectly for the film.

* CIH users should note that the subtitles appear below the picture area *

Bonus Features:

• Commentary by Director Kevin Macdonald
• Deleted Scenes
• Capturing Idi Amin
• Forest Whittaker - Idi Amin
• Fox Movie Channel Presents: Casting Session

Final Thoughts:

This is what having a home theater as all about. A great movie and a beautiful looking film with top notch sound. Fox Blu-ray did it right with its treatment of 'The Last King of Scotland'. Included are some interesting bonus features. The Directors commentary is quite insightful on the production of the film as well as historical facts. The "Capturing Idi Amin" documentary, at 30 minutes, is also part documentary on the film and part history lesson, defiantly an interesting additional feature. If you have seen 'The Last King of Scotland' and were waiting to see if the Blu-ray release is worth an upgrade OR if you are a film-buff like me, who let this one slip, I can confidently say it’s worth adding to your collection.

Lee Weber AVS Forum Blu-ray Reviews

Reference Review System: Anthem LTX 500 1080p High Definition Front Projector Prismasonic HE1500R Anamorphic Lens Custom 1.3 Gain 128" 2.37:1 CinemaScope Screen Pioneer SC27 Receiver Pioneer Elite BDP-23FD Blu-ray Player (HDMI Audio/Video) Triangle Zerius Speakers (7.1) SVS PC13-Ultra Subwoofer

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use coupon code <b>KKMN9162SRDH4$</b>)<br /></li> <li><a href="http://www.logicbuy.com/deals/sony-klh-w32-32-inch-lcd-hdtv/17073.aspx">32" Sony KLHW32 720p LCD HDTV for $369.95 with free shipping</a> (Regular Price: $400 - use coupon code <b>8XV2XG82VC3?1H</b>)<br /></li> <li><a href="http://dealzon.com/deals/lg-26lf10-26-inch-720p-lcd-hdtv">26" LG 26LF10 720p LCD HDTV for $326 + Free Shipping</a> (Regular Price: $428)</li> <li><a href="http://www.techdealdigger.com/pr/cheap-toshiba-bdx2000-blu-ray-player-deals/2984">Toshiba BDX2000 Blu-ray Disc Player for $105.00 + Free Shipping</a> (Regular Price: $119 - use coupon code <b>GAMETIME10</b>)</li> <li><a href="http://www.techdealdigger.com/pr/cheap-panasonic-sc-bt200-71-ch-blu-ray-home-theater-sound-system-deals/2951">Panasonic SC-BT200 1000W 7.1-Channel Blu-ray Home Theater Sound System for $334.64 + Free Shipping</a> (Regular Price: $400 - use coupon code <b>BONUSBUY</b>)</li> <li><a href="http://www.techdealdigger.com/pr/cheap-logitech-harmony-620-advanced-universal-remote-deals/2988">Logitech Harmony 620 Advanced Universal Remote Control for $45.99 + Free Shipping</a> (Regular Price: $69)</li> <li><a href="http://www.cheapcollegegamers.com/forum/showthread.php?p=6477">Altec Lansing Inmotion Immini Portable Speakers for $14.99</a> (Regular Price: $45)</li> </ul> <h3>Portable Gear!</h3> <ul> <li><a href="http://dealzon.com/deals/tomtom-xl-340s-live-4-3-inch-widescreen-internet-connected-gps-navigator">TomTom XL 340S Live 4.3-inch WS Internet GPS for $119.99 + free pickup or $7 ship</a> (Regular Price: $197).</li> <li><a href="http://dealzon.com/deals/plantronics-discovery-925-bluetooth-earpiece">Plantronics Discovery 925 Bluetooth Earpiece Headset (4 colors) for $39.99 + free shipping</a> (Regular Prices: $74-$82).</li> <li><a href="http://www.cheapcollegegamers.com/forum/showthread.php?p=6471">Panasonic HDC-HS300 HDD HD Camcorder for $969.95 + Free Shipping</a> (Regular Price: $1257.80)</li> <li><a href="http://www.cheapcollegegamers.com/forum/showthread.php?p=6493">Samsung SL30 10MP Digital Camera for $69.99 + Free Shipping</a> (Regular Price: $81.02).</li> <li><a href="http://www.cheapcollegegamers.com/forum/showthread.php?p=6494">Casio EX-Z33VP 10.1MP Digital Camera for $83.95 + Free Shipping</a> (Regular Price: $92.31).</li> <li><a href="http://www.cheapcollegegamers.com/forum/showthread.php?p=6497">Creative Labs Sound Blaster Arena Surround USB Gaming Headset for $79.99 + Free Shipping</a> (Regular Price: $97.62).</li> <li><a href="http://www.cheapcollegegamers.com/forum/showthread.php?t=6062">Creative Zen X-Fi 32 GB Video MP3 Player with Wireless LAN and Built-In Speaker for $179.99 + Free Shipping</a> (Regular Price: $209).</li> <li><a href="http://www.cheapcollegegamers.com/forum/showthread.php?t=5543">Ultimate Ears TripleFi 10 Noise Isolating Earphones for $198.89 + Free Shipping</a> (Regular Price: $365.49).</li> <li><a href="http://www.cheapcollegegamers.com/forum/showthread.php?p=6504">Plantronics Discovery 925 Bluetooth Earpiece for $39.99 + Free Shipping</a> (Regular Price: $77).</li> <li><a href="http://www.cheapcollegegamers.com/forum/showthread.php?p=6505">Creative Labs Zen MX 16 GB MP3 Player for $79.99 + Free Shipping</a> (Regular Price: $130).</li> <li><a href="http://www.logicbuy.com/deals/Creative-Labs-Vado-HD-4GB-Pocket-Video-Camcorder-2nd-Generation/17048.aspx">Creative Vado HD 4GB Pocket Camcorder 2nd Gen for $79.99 with free shipping</a> (Regular Price: $109)<br /></li> <li><a href="http://slickdeals.net/permadeal/30736/Verizon-Droid-Multi-media-Charging-Station-or-Window-Mount-20-each">Verizon Droid Multi-media Charging Station for $20</a> (Regular Price: $30)<br /></li> <li><a href="http://slickdeals.net/permadeal/30736/Verizon-Droid-Multi-media-Charging-Station-or-Window-Mount-20-each">Verizon Droid Window Mount for $20</a> (Regular Price: $30)<br /></li> <li><a href="http://www.cheapcollegegamers.com/forum/showthread.php?p=6480">Creative Zen X-Fi 16 GB Video MP3 Player with Built-In Speaker for $139.99 + Free Shipping</a> (Regular Price: $168)</li> <li><a href="http://www.techdealdigger.com/pr/cheap-creative-labs-zen-mx-16-gb-mp3--video-player-deals/2989">Creative Zen MX 16GB MP3/Video Player for $79.99 + Free Shipping</a> (Regular Price: $130)</li> <li><a href="http://www.techdealdigger.com/pr/cheap-motorola-droid-multimedia-docking-station-deals/2990">Motorola DROID Multimedia Docking Station for $19.49 + Free Shipping</a> (Regular Price: $25 - use coupon code <b>DROID35</b>)</li> <li><a href="http://dealzon.com/deals/creative-labs-vado-hd-4gb-pocket-video-camcorder-2nd-generation-black-gloss">Creative Labs Vado HD 4GB Camcorder (2nd Gen) for $79.99 + Free Shipping</a> (Regular Price: $115)</li> <li><a href="http://dealzon.com/deals/nikon-coolpix-s220-10mp-digital-camera">Nikon Coolpix S220 10MP Digital Camera for $97.85 + Free Shipping</a> (Regular Price: $107)</li> <li><a href="http://www.dealhack.com/archives/2010/02/kodak_m341_122mp_digital_camer.html">12.2MP Kodak M341 Digital Camera for $94.99</a> (Regular Price: $104.99 - use coupon code <strong>FREE3</strong>)<br /></li> <li><a href="http://www.gamerhotline.com/logitech-ultimate-ears-metrofi-170-noise-isolating-earphones/">Logitech Ultimate Ears MetroFi 170 Noise-Isolating Earphones for $29.99</a> (Regular Price: $49.99)</li> </ul> <h3>Free Stuff!</h3> <ul> <li><a href="http://dealzon.com/deals/love-is-free-by-the-101-strings-orchestra-mp3-free">Love Is Free by 101 Strings Orchestra (10-song Mp3 Album) for $0</a> (use <a href="http://go.dealzon.com/loveisfree101strings">this form</a>).</li> <li><a href="http://www.cheapcollegegamers.com/forum/showthread.php?p=6502">Gelax (iPhone/iPod Touch) for $0</a> (Regular Price: $2.99).</li> <li><a href="http://www.cheapcollegegamers.com/forum/showthread.php?t=4853">What Makes Him Act So Bad by Adam Green (MP3) for $0</a> (download <a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B0035MTB2S/ref=nosim/mmbevigaotst-20">here</a>).</li> <li><a href="http://dealzon.com/deals/get-crest-3d-whitestrips-sample-for-free">Crest 3D Whitestrips sample for $0</a> (use <a href="http://www.startsampling.com/sm/walmart/captureAddress.iphtml?item=101112&source=&url=http://www.startsampling.com/sm/whiteteeth&dealzon.com">this form</a>).</li> <li><a href="http://www.cheapcollegegamers.com/forum/showthread.php?p=6469">Nicky Boom 2 (iPhone) for $0</a> (Regular Price: $2.99)</li> <li><a href="http://www.cheapcollegegamers.com/forum/showthread.php?t=4853">Acts Of Man by Midlake (MP3) for $0</a> (download <a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B0031N6F8O/ref=nosim/mmbevigaotst-20">here</a>)</li> <li><a href="http://dealzon.com/deals/sister-hazel-20-in-10-collection-mp3-free">Sister Hazel "20 in 10" MP3 Album (20 songs) for $0</a> (use <a href="http://go.dealzon.com/sisterhazel2010">this form</a>)</li> <li><a href="http://www.cheapstingybargains.com/forums/freebies/34455-giveaway-day-paragon-system-backup-2010-special-edition-wednesday-only.html">Paragon System Backup 2010 Special Edition (Wednesday ONLY)</a> (use <a href="http://www.giveawayoftheday.com/system-backup-2010-special-edition/">this form</a>)</li> <li><a href="http://dealzon.com/deals/get-tropical-chewy-lemonhead-sample-for-free">Lemonheads - 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Windows 7 Ultimate 32 bit $99.95
Windows 7 Ultimate 64 bit $99.95
Windows XP Professional with Service Pack 3 $59.95
Office Professional 2007 $69.95
Office Home and Student 2007 $49.95
Office Enterprise 2007 $79.95
Office Ultimate 2007 $99.95
Office 2003 Professional (including Publisher 2003) $59.95
Visio Professional 2007 $79.95
Adobe Creative Suite 4 Master Collection $329.95
Adobe Creative Suite 4 Design Premium $259.95
Adobe Acrobat 9 Pro Extended $99.95
Adobe Photoshop CS4 Extended $119.95
CyberLink PowerDVD 9 Ultra $39.95
WinZIP Pro 14 $29.95
QuarkXPress 8 $129.95
CorelDRAW Graphics Suite X4 $119.95
AutoCAD 2010 32 and 64 bit $189.95
FileMaker Pro 10 Advanced $99.95
Nero 9 Reload $39.95
ACDSee Pro 3 $49.95
Kaspersky Internet Security 2010 $39.95
Norton 360 Version 3.0 Premier Edition $49.95
More WINDOWS Software >>>>

Adobe Creative Suite 4 Master Collection for MAC $329.95
Adobe Creative Suite 4 Design Premium for MAC $259.95
Adobe Photoshop CS4 Extended for MAC $119.95
Adobe Acrobat 9 Pro for MAC $99.95
Adobe Creative Suite 3 Master Collection for MAC $299.95
Adobe Creative Suite 3 Design Premium for MAC $229.95
Microsoft Office 2008 Standart Edition for Mac $99.95
StuffIt Deluxe 2009 for MAC $39.95
Roxio Toast 10 Titanium Pro for MAC $49.95
Mac OS X 10.6 Snow Leopard $29.95
Quark XPress 8 for MAC $119.95
Parallels Desktop 5 $39.95
FileMaker Pro 10 Advanced for MAC $99.95
Mac OS X v10.5.6 Leopard $69.95
Final Cut Studio 3 Full Pack with Content $269.95
More Mac Software >>>>

We've stacked today's dealz a mile high with a great Dell Inspiron and a roundup of some superb 360 games. Set your alarm and get up early tomorrow for a free Grand Slam at America's top desperate singles locale, Denny's.

Top Deals:
• 15.6" Dell Inspiron 15 Laptop for $449 (normally $633).
• Left 4 Dead Game of the Year Edition (360) + Fallout 3 (360) + Halo 3 (360) for $55.98 plus free shipping (normally $100.88).
• Denny's Grand Slam Breakfast for $0 (normally $5).

Computing and Peripherals:
• Studio XPS 8100 Desktop Intel Core i5-750 Processor 2.66GHz and 20" HD Widescreen Monitor for $898 plus shipping (normally $1237).
• HP Elite HPE-180t Core i7 Desktop w/8GB RAM for 1,029.99 with free shipping (normally $1,399 - use coupon code SVBB34842)
• HP Elite HPE-170t Core i7 Desktop w/1TB HDD for $937.49 with free shipping (normally $1,249 - use coupon code SVBB34842)
• Dell Studio Hybrid Intel Dual-Core T4300 2.1GHz Mini Desktop for $299.00 (normally $499).
• 18.5" Acer X183HB Widescreen LCD Monitor for $90 with free shipping (normally $110).
• 17.3" Dell Inspiron 17 Intel Core i3-330M Laptop (4GB/320GB/Win7) for $599.00 (normally $799).
• 17.3" HP dv7 Quad Edition for $1,002 with free shipping (normally $1,414.99 - use coupon code NBS978841)
• 15.6" Dell Studio 15 1555 2.2GHz Laptop for $549 with free shipping (normally $699)
• 15.6" Acer Aspire AS5732Z-4280 Intel Dual Core Laptop for $399.99 plus free shipping (normally $500).
• 15.6" Dell Inspiron 15 Dual Core Laptop with 3GB RAM for $449 (normally $633).
• 15.6" HP dv6 Quad Edition w/6GB RAM for $997.64 with free shipping (normally $1,408.99 - use coupon code NBS978841)
• 15.6" Asus K52JR-X5 COre i3 2.2GHz Laptop for $749.95 with free shipping (normally $849)
• 14.1" HP dv4i Core i3 Laptop for $588.49 with free shipping (normally $829.99 - use coupon code SVBB34842)
• 14.1" HP Pavilion DV4-2160US Laptop with Core 15 for $649.99 plus free shipping (normally $740 - use this form).
• 13.3" Toshiba Satellite T135D-S1325RD AMD Turion Notebook for $530 with free shipping (normally $600).
• 13.3" Dell Inspiron 13 Laptop for $499 plus $13 shipping (normally $753).
• 12.1" Dell Vostro 1220 Laptop with Core 2 Duo 2.20GHz and WXGA LCD Display for $669 with free shipping (normally $1237).
• 11.6" Toshiba Satellite T115 Laptop for $439.99 plus free shipping (normally $451).
• 11.6" Fujitsu LifeBook P3010 1.6Ghz Laptop for $499 with free shipping (normally $549 - use coupon code MINIPCDISC)
• 10.1" Gateway LT2023u Black Netbook for $273.41 plus free shipping (normally $320).
• 24" LG W2486L Widescreen LED Monitor for $299.99 plus free shipping (normally $320 - use coupon code EMCYNYS62).
• 23" Viewsonic VT2342 Widescreen LCD HDTV for $249.00 plus free shipping (normally $279.99).
• 22" Acer X223WDbd Widescreen LCD Monitor for $139.99 plus free shipping (normally $159.99).
• 19" Acer X183H b Widescreen LCD Monitor for $89.99 plus free shipping (normally $120).
• Creative Labs Live! Cam Optia AF 2.0MP Webcam with Autofocus Lens for $66.26 plus free shipping (normally $89.99).
• Logitech Webcam C600 for $59.99 plus free shipping (normally $74.93).
• Fantom GreenDrive II 1TB External Hard Drive for $104.96 plus free shipping (normally $119.99).
• Seagate Expansion 500 GB USB 2.0 Desktop External Hard Drive for $59.94 plus free shipping (normally $75.84).
• Iomega 500GB USB External Hard Drive for $67.39 plus free shipping (normally $74.99).
• Western Digital Passport 500GB Portable External Hard Drive for a low $79.99 plus free shipping (normally $129).
• Thermaltake BlacX External Hard Drive Docking Station (USB 2.0) for $22.89 plus free shipping (normally $36).
• 80GB Intel X18-M SSDSA1MH080G201 2nd Generation SSD for $227.99 with free shipping (normally $245)
• Dell Wasabi PZ310 Mobile Photo Printer (Blue or Pink) w/ 48-Pack of Paper for $28.00 plus free shipping (normally $99).
• Brother HL-2170w Wireless Laser Printer for $89.99 (normally $135 - use coupon code BROTHER291).
• Logitech G500 Laser Gaming Mouse for $49.99 (normally $55.99).
• Logitech Gaming Headset G330 for $36.97 plus free shipping (normally $45.40).

Gaming:
• Sega Dreamcast Console for $88.99 with free shipping (normally $99.99).
• Xbox 360 Arcade and $25 Gift Card for $199.99 plus $10 shipping (normally $225).
• Xbox 360 Platinum Hits: Buy 2, Get 1 FREE (36 titles).
• Left 4 Dead 2 (360) for $39.99 plus free shipping (normally $47.95).
• Fable 2 Limited Edition (360) for $29.88 plus free shipping (normally $60.49).
• Darksiders: Wrath of War (360) for $42.99 plus free shipping (normally $49.90).
• Madden NFL 10 and NCAA Football 10 (Xbox 360) for $59.95 plus $4.99 shipping (normally $92).
• Left 4 Dead Game of the Year Edition (360) + Fallout 3 (360) + Halo 3 (360) for $55.98 plus free shipping (normally $100.88).
• Shaun White Snowboarding (360) for $11.99 plus free shipping (normally $19.49).
• MX VS ATV Reflex (360) for $39.99 plus free shipping (normally $49.99).
• Assassins Creed II (360/PS3) for $39.99 plus free shipping (normally $47.92).
• MX vs ATV Reflex (PS3) for $43.99 plus free shipping (normally $49.99).
• Spider-Man: Web of Shadows (PS3) for $19.07 plus free shipping (normally $29.96).
• SAW (PS3) for $42.98 plus free shipping (normally $58.31).
• Little King's Story (Wii) for $29.96 plus free shipping (normally $36.24).
• Muramasa: The Demon Blade (Wii) for $39.99 plus free shipping (normally $46.99).
• futureU (DS) for $14.99 (normally 27.99
• Drawn to Life: Spongebob Squarepants Edition (DS) for $19.99 (normally $27.95).
• Daxter (PSP) for $8.99 plus free shipping (normally $14.82).
• Left 4 Dead 2 (PC) for $29.99 with free shipping (normally $42.99)
• Brothers in Arms: Hell's Highway (PC) for $3.99 with free shipping (normally $15.99)
• Overlord 2 (PC) for $9.95 download (normally $19.99).
• Street Fighter 4 (PC) for $19.99 plus free shipping (normally $30.98).
• Rome: Total War Gold Edition (Mac) for $28 plus $3 shipping (normally $36).

Home Entertainment:
• 65" Panasonic VIERA TC-65S1 S1 1080p Plasma HDTV for $2,335.75 with free shipping (normally $2499 - use coupon code BONUSBUY)
• 52" Sharp AQUOS LC-52D85U 1080p 120Hz LCD TV for $999 plus free shipping (normally $1350).
• 47" Hitachi UT47V702 1080p 120hz LCD Monitor for $900 with free shipping (normally $1322).
• 47" LG 47LH85 1080p 120Hz Wireless HDMI LCD TV for $999.99 (normally $1400).
• 42" LG 42LH50 1080p Broadband LCD HDTV for $779.99 plus free shipping (normally $867).
• 42" Sharp LC42SB45UT 1080p LCD HDTV for $499 with free shipping (normally $724.99)
• 42" Samsung PN42B450 720p Plasma HDTV for $539.97 plus free shipping (normally $575).
• 37" Vizio VA370M 1080p LCD HDTV for $459 with free shipping (normally $478)
• 22" Samsung LN22B360 720p LCD HDTV for $246 plus free shipping (normally $280).
• Sony MHC-EC99i 530W Mini Hi-Fi Component Speaker (REFURB) for $109.99 plus free shipping (normally $199).
• Panasonic SC-BT200 7.1ch 1000W Home Theater w/ Blu-Ray Player for $334.64 plus free shipping (normally $549 - use coupon code: BONUSBUY).
• Yamaha RX-V365BL 500 Watt 5-Channel Home Theater Receiver for $154.99 plus free shipping (normally $194.98).
• Boston Acoustics Horizon I-DS2 iPod Dock w/ Speaker System for $99 plus free shipping (normally $179.99).
• Denon S52WT WiFi Internet Radio Networked Audio System for $299 plus free shipping (normally $498.75).
• Iron Man 2 Disc Edition (Blu Ray) for $19.49 (normally $28.76).
• O Brother, Where Art Thou? Soundtrack (MP3) for $2.99 (normally $10).
• Lost: The Complete Collection (Blu-ray) for $195.99 plus free shipping (normally $269.99).
• Nature's Most Amazing Events (Blu-ray) for $17.49 (normally $27).

Personal Portables and Peripherals:
• 5-MP Sony Webbie HD MHS-PM1 Digital Camera/Camcorder for $103.48 with free shipping (normally $126.99)
• Canon PowerShot SD1200 IS 10MP 3X Digital Camera (Image Stabilized) for $134.99 plus free shipping (normally $199 - use coupon code: 146003).
• Garmin nuvi 285WT 4.3" Widescreen GPS with Text-to-Speech for $99.99 plus free shipping (normally $130).
• HTC Touch Dual Unlocked Smartphone for $180 with free shipping (normally $450).
• JBuds J2 Premium Hi-FI Noise Isolating Earbuds Onyx Black for $13.99 (normally $23.34).
• Skullcandy SC-LOW/MacPink Lowrider Headphone Pink for $14.79 (normally $34.99).
• Apple iPod nano 16 GB Pink 4th Gen for $139.99 plus free shipping (normally $157.79).
• Insignia NS-NAV01 GPS Navigation System for $81 shipped (normally $100).
• Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX3K Digital Camera for $368 with free shipping (normally $390).
• FLO TV (PTV 350) 3.5" Personal Television + 6 mo. subscription for $199.99 plus free shipping (normally $340).
• Creative Labs Vado HD Camcorder (New 3rd Gen, 5 colors) + Extra Battery for $179.99 plus free shipping (normally $195).
• DryGuy Wide-Body Boot and Glove Dryer for $63.31 plus free shipping (normally $80).
• Denon S52WT WiFi Internet Radio Network Audio System for $299 with free shipping (normally $400)
• 2GB Philips SA2925A/37 MP3 Player for $24.99 with free shipping (normally $45)

Hobomodo:
• Denny's Grand Slam Breakfast for $0 (normally $5).
• LuckyBulb (iPhone) for $0 (normally $2.99).
• Farewell Dear Stranger by ENT (MP3) for $0 (download here).
• H&R; Block At Home 2009 Deluxe Federal + State + eFile Tax Software for $24.99 plus free shipping (normally $49).
• World's Best Cat Litter for $0 (normally $13, use this form).
• Customized Disney Maps for $0 (use this form).
• Simpo PDF Merge & Split for $0 (use this form).
• Subscription to Ski Magazine for $0 (use this form).
• Beyond Seven Condoms for $0 (use this form).

If a deal looks too good to be true, investigate the store and see if it's a good, reputable place to buy. Safe shopping!

[Thanks TechDealDigger, Dealzon, Logic Buy, GamerHotline, Cheap College Gamers, CheapStingyBargains and TechBargains.]

Dennis' Pick of the Week
Galactic: Ya-Ka-May (Anti)
These sons of New Orleans have done their city proud by honoring Armstrong, Prof. Longhair, and other innovators by crafting a resolutely modern collection that also successfully incorporates ancestral elements. Less hip-hop oriented than its predecessor, 2007's From the Corner to the Block, this announces with authority that music continues to evolve in the Big Easy, absorbing the crispness and edge prevalent on today's charts and folding it into the city's irresistible tub-thumping, primal swing. Ya-Ka-May (arriving February 9) differentiates itself from most other modern soul/funk by retaining a human feel, often felt in the crackling rawness of guest vocalists like Allen Toussaint, Big Chief Bo Dollis and Irma Thomas and big band largess of drum stud Stanton Moore. In these settings, the old hands school today's chart toppers and Galactic themselves reveal what a sham the bloodless, Pro-Tools, Auto-Tuned mainstream really is. Bangers like "Liquor Pang," "Dark Water" and "Double It" are ripe to go toe-to-toe with anything Timbaland or Lil' Wayne serve up, except these sweat and grunt in a way that sidesteps the factory produced sterility of most mass consumption singles. One longs to see this entire assemblage tour as a massive revue that would showcase the interlocking nature of New Orleans music throughout several generations. Ya-Ka-May is a juggernaut of fat grooves and slinky sensibilities that announces that New Orleans is alive and well, at least when Galactic is the custodian of its traditions. (Dennis Cook)

Ron's Pick of the Week
Peter Gabriel: Scratch My Back (EMI)
If there is anything to be learned about Peter Gabriel in the 40-plus years he has been in the pop eye, it's the fact that he is definitely one advanced-minded Englishman. Whether it be pushing the boundaries of rock 'n' roll theatre as the Fox-headed, flute playing frontman of Genesis, with his music videos in the 1980s as a solo act, or the art of the film score with his stunning soundtracks to such critically acclaimed films as The Last Temptation of Christ and Rabbit Proof Fence over the last 20 years, the man hasn't seen a glass ceiling he didn't want to throw a bowling ball through. So, leave it up to PG to reinvent the concept of the covers album as well, which is exactly what he's done with the haunting Scratch My Back (arriving February 16 in the U.K. and March 2 in the U.S.), his first proper solo album since 2002's Up. With nothing more than a piano and a string section, Gabriel handpicks a dozen songs - six from like-minded contemporaries David Bowie, Paul Simon, Neil Young, Lou Reed, Randy Newman and David Byrne, and six from some of the newer acts he admires like Radiohead, Bon Iver, Elbow, Regina Spektor, The Magnetic Fields and Arcade Fire - and by the power of his unmistakable rasp, makes every one of them entirely his own. Most of his choices fit swimmingly with the stripped down format, most notably Bon Iver's haunting "Flume," Young's "Philadelphia," Reed's "The Power of the Heart" and surprisingly, "Listening Wind," a deep cut from Talking Heads' Remain In Light. But it's his take on Simon's Graceland hit "The Boy in the Bubble," substituting the song's quasi-Zydeco buoyancy with a downright somber arrangement that really brings out the paranoia in the song's Orwellian message that seems more fitting now than it did in 1987. Following Scratch My Back is I'll Scratch Yours, where the artists featured here have their way with the Peter Gabriel catalog. Thom Yorke is allegedly already on board and planning to record "Wallflower" from Gabriel's 1982 album Security. And one could only hope Randy Newman comes through with a full-on Basin Street run through "Sledgehammer." (Ron Hart)

Salvador Santana: Keyboard City (Quannum)
The label that brought us Blackalicious, Lyrics Born and other bright lights in today's funk/hip-hop scene scores again with Santana's solo debut, a swirling analog hot tub of muddled Latinismo (a la War), lilting disco, '70s Herbie Hancock-isms, the brighter side of Gil Scott-Heron & Brian Jackson and video game bloops. Nuggets like "Don't Even Care" and "This Day (Belongs To You)" are sonic sunshine and ooh, don't it feel good. Helped out by Money Mark, Gza and Del the Funky Homosapien, Keyboard City (released February 2) is a lovingly stirred concoction that goes down as sweetly as home brewed lemonade on a thermometer poppin' afternoon. (DC)

King Crimson: Lizard: 40th Anniversary Edition (Panegyric/Discipline Global Mobile)
The 40th anniversary remaster campaign of British progressive rock titans King Crimson, helmed with great detail by group founder and resident guitar genius Robert Fripp and self-anointed uber-fan Steven Wilson of Porcupine Tree, with the deluxe edition of Crimson's third and most challenging album, Lizard (released January 12). In his scholarly liner notes, Fripp derides his group's 1970 work as "unsatisfactory" and "joyless". But thanks to the skillful care of Wilson's loving revamp, which features bonus material and a DVD-A containing the album in lossless 5.1 surround sound stereo, he renewed the doubtful author's faith in its unprecedented fusion of classical, free jazz and experimental rock. And if you never quite took to the most misunderstood monster of the King Crimson canon like you did with, say Red or Discipline, allow this definitive version to school you on the brilliance of this legendary band's transitional classic. (RH)

The Wishing Tree: Ostara (Eagle)
"It's time for eyes to open now/ It's time to raise the dead." Uttered by the honeyed, effervescent voice of Hannah Stobart and given further lift by Marillion guitarist Steve Rothery (who also produced and engineered), these lines are indicative of the big ideas and striking beauty of this prog-pop outing, which begs comparisons to All About Eve, Jane Siberry and frothier Peter Gabriel. Unabashedly romantic and sweetly melodic, Ostara resonates with Rothery's Fish-era Marillion work infused with female energies. A fine, lovingly sculpted second outing by this pair (released January 19). (DC)

Pierced Arrows: Descending Shadows (VICE)
Garage punk fans the world over were rightfully shocked when Fred and Toody Cole unexpectedly put their longtime group Dead Moon out to pasture in 2006, just six months after the release of Sub Pop's stellar two-disc anthology, Echoes of the Past (JamBase review) chronicling the Oregon mainstays' two-decade-strong run. But as quick as they were to shoot the Moon, they returned just as quickly in the form of Pierced Arrows, whose only significant change was the replacement of longtime drummer Andrew Loomis with Portland punker Kelly Hallliburton, whose father played with Fred in the '60s. Descending Shadows (released February 2) is the Coles' second album under the new moniker, and finds them as visceral in their AARP years as they were when they first started rattling cages in the Pacific Northwest 20-odd years ago. (RH)

Big Smith: Roots, Shoots & Wings (Mayapple)
It'd be very easy for a group with song titles like "Toted A Load" and "My Overalls (Don't Fit Me Anymore)" to be jokey, just another tongue-in-cheek country act like Nashville pumps out with alarming regularity. Happily, Big Smith is rootsy as hell and slathered in hot jazz technique, pinches of dissonance, an earthy vocal mix that's part bluegrass & part The Band, and a good sense of bittersweet humor. If anything, they remind one of early killer Jimmy Buffett and the '70s Outlaw Country gang, right down to Willy's penchant for swing. Damn fine band, sweet lil' album (arriving February 9). (DC)

Black Cobra: Chronomega (Southern Lord)
Though only two players deep, San Francisco's Black Cobra play their unique brand of sludgy punk-metal with the precision and fury of the four-to-five man Bay Area thrash bands that preceded them 25 years ago. Their fourth album and Southern Lord debut shows ex-Cavity guitarist/vocalist Jason Landrian and one-time Acid King drummer Rafael Martinez can throw down their trademark Death Angel-cum-Melvins style riff attacks. Chronomega also shows how well these guys can space out a la Sunn 0))) and Earth as well. (RH)

Field Music: (Measure) (Memphis Industries)
Following a short three-year break that saw the Brothers Brewis record a pair of respective solo albums that barely held up to their work as a group, Field Music makes a momentous return to the world stage in 2010 with a magnificent double LP that explores the darker edges of the English duo's Steely Dan-gone-indie-rock sound. (Measure) (arriving February 16) finds the Brewis boys challenging themselves by adding prog-jazz phrasing, rhythm-defying time signatures and embellishments of guitar fuzz to their effortless harmonies, all married perfectly across this 20 song thread about the human condition. Few newer bands could pull off a double album with such panache, and Field Music stay in line with the age-old tradition of making theirs a masterpiece. (RH)

Lionel Loueke: Mwaliko (Blue Note)
Following up on his 2007 star-making Herbie Hancock-produced debut Karibu, West African guitar lion Lionel Loueke pays homage to his motherland on his second Blue Note offering. Here, Loueke tests his dazzling fusion of playing, rooted in the fretwork rulebooks of Jim Hall and King Sunny Ade, against a series of intimate duets with the likes of vocalist Angelique Kidjo (who hails from the guitarist's home nation of Benin), singer/bassists Esperanza Spalding and Richard Bona, as well as promising young jazz drummer Marcus Gilmore, the grandson of the immortal Roy Haynes. However, Mwaliko's true gems are three new tracks featuring his longtime trio rounded out by Massimo Biolcati and drummer Ferenc Nemeth, whose seamless interplay is unmatched in 21st century jazz. (RH)

Various Artists: Psych Bites: Australian Acid Freak Rock -1967-1974 (Vol. 1) (Past & Present)
If there is anything we learned from AC/DC, The Birthday Party and Lubricated Goat, it's that the Australian continent shows no fear in displaying its collective ability to get loud. So it should come to no surprise that Oz's surprisingly little-known late '60s/early '70s psychedelic rock scene was equally as brain melting. Compiled by master freak rock archivist Psychomania for Bevis Frond frontman Nick Salomon's Past & Present imprint, Psych Bites (released February 2) compiles 20 super heavy, mega-rare artifacts from Australia and New Zealand's second and third wave freak rock movements, a true collector's bin of bands you've probably never heard of but should like Pirana, Long Grass, Flake, Chook, Freshwater and The Dave Miller Set, to name a few. Dig it! (RH)

Watch Larger Version of this Video

Here's what happened today in the world of video games, popular culture and technology!

• VIDEO: We finally get a look at Fallout: New Vegas in a brand-new teaser trailer.
• Sega announced today that Sonic The Hedgehog 4 will hit PSN, Live and Nintendo this summer.
• Ubisoft announced today that Splinter Cell: Conviction will be released on April 13.

• Check out part 2 of the best of X-Play's comedy.
• Rockstar Games have announced the winner of its Red Dead Redemption Movember mustache-growing contest.
• It's looking more and more like Sony's motion controller will be called the "Arc."
• A photo showing a prototype version of Project Natal has reportedly surfaced.
• THQ revealed some new titles: A new Saint's Row, a UFC game and a Red Faction title.
• VIDEO: War Machine Debuts In Iron Man 2: The Video Game Trailer
• Nintendo says that Metroid: Other M will explore the more "emotional side" of Samus.
• Sony has acknowledged they're currently working out how to charge for PlayStation Network services.
• VIDEO: Metro 2033 Trailer Journeys Into The Unknown
• We recently got some hands-on time with Metro 2033, and you can hear all about it right here.
• Take a look back at the very first episode of X-Play, Adam's first appearance on TV, as well as see Adam and Morgan throughout time!
• Capcom is considering Monster Hunter Frontier on Xbox 360 for a release outside Japan.
• In Patrick Klepek's latest My Life In Home column, he expores an online magazine entirely dedicated to Home.
• Gamers have beaten World of Warcraft: Wrath of the Lich King. See the proof.
• In this episode of Feedback, the crew discusses Mass Effect 2 and reacts to the iPad. Is it good for games?
• VIDEO: Halo Legends Clip Previews Animation Collection Coming Feb. 16
• Today is Tweet Like a Zombie Day!
• Casey tells you about the new Lord of the Rings Online expansion, shows off the WoW arena season 8 armor sets, and more.
• L.A. Noire will be in the next issue of Game Informer.
• The Who's Super Bowl performance will be available in Rock Band as a downloadable track.
• Next week, you'll be able to download Megadeth's Rust in Peace for Rock Band and Rock Band 2. That's the entire album, baby.
• VIDEO: Demo Discussion: Aliens vs. Predator
• The Sims franchise is ten years old today, and it made us think of just how awful we've treated them in the past.

<p><a rel="lytebox" href="http://cache.gawker.com/assets/images/4/2010/02/template.jpg"><img src="http://cache.gawker.com/assets/images/4/2010/02/500x_template.jpg" class="left image500" width="500" /></a>The Superbowl is this Sunday so snag an HDTV in addition to the guacamole you plan on mainlining. Also, check out an HP <a href="http://gizmodo.com/5440162/hps-tm2-tablet-finally-touchable">TouchSmart</a>, a nicely discounted <a href="http://gizmodo.com/5396168/motorola-droid-review">Motorola Droid</a>, or snag a surprisingly free and fun game for the iPhone.</p><p><br clear="all" /> <br /> <b>Top Deals:</b><br /> • <a href="http://www.logicbuy.com/deals/hp-touchsmart-tm2-12-inch-convertible-laptop/14734.aspx">12.1" HP TouchSmart tm2 Multi-touch Tablet for $899.99 with free shipping</a> (normally $1,199.99 - use coupon code <b>NBLB654853</b>).<br /> • <a href="http://www.techdealdigger.com/pr/cheap-motorola-droid-deals/2489">Motorola DROID for $109.99 plus free shipping</a> (normally $200).<br /> • <a href="http://www.cheapcollegegamers.com/forum/showthread.php?p=6171">Twin Blades (iPhone) for $0</a> (normally $.99).</p> <p><a href="http://www.walmart.com">Walmart's Superbowl HDTV Deals</a>:<br /> • Vizio 55-inch 1080p LCD TV – $1,298 (save $200)<br /> • Vizio 47-inch 1080p LCD TV – $898 (save $100)<br /> • Sony 46-inch Bravia 1080p LCD TV – $778 (save $300)<br /> • Sony 40-inch Bravia 1080p LCD TV – $668 (save $130)<br /> • Vizio 32-inch 720p LCD TV – $368 (save $30)</p> <p>Party planners can go <a href="http://www.walmart.com/gametime">here</a> to create a shopping list based on the number of party guests, receive party planning tips and find simple gametime recipes.</p> <p><b>Computing and Peripherals:</b><br /> • <a href="http://www.techbargains.com/news_displayItem.cfm/195594">Dell Studio XPS 8100 Intel Core i5-650 3.2GHz Dual Core for $649.00</a> (normally $899).<br /> • <a href="http://www.cheapstingybargains.com/154222/dell-vostro-220-desktop-with-core-2-duo-processor-28ghz-and-215-widescreen-flat-panel/">Dell Vostro 220 Desktop with Core 2 Quad Q8300 Processor 2.50GHz and 20" Widescreen Flat Panel LCD Monitor for $529 with free shipping</a> (normally $920).<br /> • <a href="http://www.cheapstingybargains.com/192138/dell-vostro-430-desktop-with-core-i5-750-w-vt-processor-266ghz-and-23-full-hd-widescreen-monitor/">Dell Vostro 430 Desktop with Core i5-750 w/ VT Processor 2.66GHz and 20" Widescreen Monitor for $749 with free shipping</a> (normally $1075).<br /> • <a href="http://dealzon.com/deals/hp-dv8t-18-4-inch-laptop">18.4" HP dv8t Core i7 Laptop for $1,234.99 plus free shipping</a> (normally $1,500 - 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use <a href="http://images10.newegg.com/uploadfilesfornewegg/rebate/SH/Hitachi2MIRSJan22Jan31010USSL75.pdf">this form</a>).<br /> • <a href="http://dealzon.com/deals/kingston-2gb-datatraveler-101-usb-flash-drive-cyan">Kingston 2GB DataTraveler 101 USB Flash Drive for $9.89 plus free shipping</a> (normally $16).<br /> • <a href="http://www.techbargains.com/news_displayItem.cfm/195602">Western Digital Elements 640GB Portable External Hard Drive for $89.99 plus free shipping</a> (normally $129 – use coupon code: <b>EMCYZNT24</b>).<br /> • <a href="http://www.cheapstingybargains.com/200916/iomega-320gb-usb-20-ego-ii-portable-hard-drive/">Iomega 320GB USB 2.0 eGo II Portable Hard Drive for $59 with free shipping (today only)</a> (normally $80).<br /> • <a href="http://www.cheapcollegegamers.com/forum/showthread.php?p=6166">HP TouchSmart 300-1020 20-Inch Black Desktop PC for $799.99 plus free shipping</a> (normally $856.19).<br /> • <a href="http://www.cheapcollegegamers.com/forum/showthread.php?p=6161">Epson Stylus NX215 Color Inkjet All-in-One Printer for $69.99 plus free shipping</a> (normally $85.26).<br /> • <a href="http://www.cheapcollegegamers.com/forum/showthread.php?p=6164">Logitech Anywhere Mouse MX for $44.99 plus free shipping</a> (normally $68.95 - use this <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/redirect.html?location=http://g-ecx.images-amazon.com/images/G/01/00/00/07/12/22/37/712223710._V202435555_.pdf&token=957BBB0669152D76BE1C614537975585163C1748&tag=mmbevigaotst">form</a>).<br /> • <a href="http://www.cheapcollegegamers.com/forum/showthread.php?p=6165">Logitech G9X Laser Mouse for $61.98 plus free shipping</a> (normally $88.40 - use this &lt;a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/redirect.html?location=http://g-ecx.images-amazon.com/images/G/01/00/00/07/12/22/37/712223750._V202435580_.pdf&token;=957BBB0669152D76BE1C614537975585163C1748&tag;=mmbevigaotst-20").<br /> • <a href="http://www.techbargains.com/news_displayItem.cfm/195561">Samsung SCX-4623F Laser All-in-One Printer for $129.99 plus free shipping</a> (normally $199).</p> <p><b>Gaming:</b><br /> • <a href="http://dealzon.com/deals/xbox-360">Xbox 360 Arcade + $25 Amazon Gift Card for $199.99 plus free shipping</a> (normally $225).<br /> • <a href="http://www.techdealdigger.com/pr/cheap-psp-go-pearl-white-deals/2908">PSP Go for $209.99 plus free shipping</a> (normally $235).<br /> • <a href="http://dealzon.com/deals/army-of-two-the-40th-day">Army of Two: The 40th Day (PS3, Xbox 360) for $39.99 plus free shipping</a> (normally $57).<br /> • <a href="http://www.gamerhotline.com/new-super-mario-bros-wii/">New Super Mario Bros. (Wii) + $10 Gift Card for $50.96 plus free shipping</a> (normally $59).<br /> • <a href="http://www.logicbuy.com/deals/band-hero-bundle-nintendo-wii/16146.aspx">Band Hero Bundle featuring Taylor Swift (Wii, PS3, 360) for $125.99 with $16.45 shipping</a> (normally $169.99)<br /> • <a href="http://www.logicbuy.com/deals/tony-hawk-ride-skateboard-bundle-wii/16571.aspx">Tony Hawk: Ride Skateboard Bundle (Wii, PS3, 360) for $83.99 with $6.79 shipping</a> (normally $99)<br /> • <a href="http://www.logicbuy.com/deals/DJ-Hero-Bundle-with-Turntable--Wii-/12880.aspx">DJ Hero Bundle with Turntable (Wii, PS3, 360) for $69.99 with $8.32 shipping</a> (normally $90.53)<br /> • <a href="http://www.gamerhotline.com/just-dance-wii/">Just Dance (Wii) $29.99</a> (normally $36.99).<br /> • <a href="http://www.gamerhotline.com/god-of-war-collection-ps3/">God of War: Collection (PS3) for $29.99 + $5 Game Credit plus free shipping</a> (normally $35.96).<br /> • <a href="http://www.gamerhotline.com/rabbids-go-home-wii/">Rabbids Go Home (Wii) for $39.99 plus free shipping</a> (normally $49.99).<br /> • <a href="http://www.gamerhotline.com/darksiders-360/">Darksiders (360) for $42.99 plus free shipping</a> (normally $56.99).<br /> • <a href="http://www.gamerhotline.com/spectrobes-origins-wii/">Spectrobes: Origins (Wii) for $9.99 plus free shipping</a> (normally $18.99).<br /> • <a href="http://www.gamerhotline.com/logitech-2-4ghz-wireless-controller-ps3/">Logitech 2.4GHz Wireless Controller (PS3) for $24.99</a> (normally $34.99).<br /> • <a href="http://www.gamerhotline.com/bioshock-2-pc/">Bioshock 2 (PC) + $10 Video Games Credit for $46.99 plus free shipping</a> (normally $56.61).<br /> • <a href="http://www.gamerhotline.com/bioshock-2-360ps3/">Bioshock 2 (360) $53.99 (PS3) $54.98 plus free shipping + $10 Video Games Credit</a> (normally $68.94).<br /> • <a href="http://www.gamerhotline.com/personal-trainer-walking-ds/">Personal Trainer: Walking (DS) for $36.99 plus free shipping</a> (normally $44.82).<br /> • <a href="http://www.gamerhotline.com/god-of-war-iii-ps3/">God of War III (PS3) + $10 Video Game Credit for $56.99 plus free shipping</a> (normally $67.99).<br /> • <a href="http://www.gamerhotline.com/battlefield-bad-company-2-360/">Battlefield: Bad Company 2 (360) + $10 Walmart.com eGift Card for $56.00</a> (normally $66.99).<br /> • <a href="http://www.gamerhotline.com/battlefield-bad-company-2-ps3/">Battlefield: Bad Company 2 (PS3) + $10 Walmart.com eGift Card for $56.00</a> (normally $66.99).<br /> • <a href="http://www.cheapcollegegamers.com/forum/showthread.php?p=6147">MySims Agent (DS) for $14.99</a> (normally $27.99).<br /> • <a href="http://www.cheapcollegegamers.com/forum/showthread.php?p=6148">MySims Agents (Wii) for $24.99</a> (normally $40.75).<br /> • <a href="http://www.cheapcollegegamers.com/forum/showthread.php?p=6149">BlazBlue: Calamity Trigger (PS3) for $29.99 plus free shipping</a> (normally $49.99).<br /> • <a href="http://www.cheapcollegegamers.com/forum/showthread.php?p=6150">Onechanbara Bikini Samurai Squad (360) for $15.20</a> (normally $39.95).<br /> • <a href="http://www.cheapcollegegamers.com/forum/showthread.php?p=6151">The Conduit (Wii) for $17.18</a> (normally $27.99).<br /> • <a href="http://www.cheapcollegegamers.com/forum/showthread.php?p=6152">Avatar The Game (360/PS3) for $39.99 plus free shipping</a> (normally $50.90).<br /> • <a href="http://www.cheapcollegegamers.com/forum/showthread.php?p=6153">Divinity II: Ego Draconis (360) for $39.99 plus free shipping</a> (normally $59.99).<br /> • <a href="http://www.cheapcollegegamers.com/forum/showthread.php?p=6154">Dynasty Warriors 6 (PS3) for $30.56 plus free shipping</a> (normally $39.99).<br /> • <a href="http://www.cheapcollegegamers.com/forum/showthread.php?p=6155">NBA 2K10 (360) for $42.98 plus free shipping</a> (normally $47.69).<br /> • <a href="http://www.cheapcollegegamers.com/forum/showthread.php?p=6156">Logitech G15 Gaming Keyboard (PC) for $64.99 plus free shipping</a> (normally $77.95).<br /> • <a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/B001TOQ8OI/?tag=mmbevigaotst-20">Rabbids Go Home (Wii) for $39.99 plus free shipping</a> (normally $47.99).<br /> • <a href="http://www.cheapcollegegamers.com/forum/showthread.php?p=6158">Splosion Man (360) for 400 points/$5</a> (normally 800 points/$10).<br /> • <a href="http://www.gamerhotline.com/kuma-shockwave-2-4ghz-wireless-controller-wiigamecube/">Kuma ShockWave 2.4GHZ Wireless Controller Wii/Gamecube for $18.35 plus free shipping</a> (normally $22.69).</p> <p><b>Home Entertainment:</b><br /> • <a href="http://www.techdealdigger.com/pr/cheap-panasonic-viera-tc-p65s1-65-1080p-plasma-tv-deals/2421">65" Panasonic VIERA TC-P65S1 1080p Plasma TV for $2,199.99 plus free shipping</a> (normally $2490).<br /> • <a href="http://www.cheapstingybargains.com/200874/58-samsung-pn58b550-1080p-plasma-hdtv/">63" Samsung PN63B590 1080p Plasma HDTV for $2737 with free shipping</a> (normally $2840).<br /> • <a href="http://www.cheapstingybargains.com/200874/58-samsung-pn58b550-1080p-plasma-hdtv/">58" Samsung PN58B550 1080P Plasma HDTV for $1599 with free shipping</a> (normally $1667).<br /> • <a href="http://www.logicbuy.com/deals/lg-55lh40-55-in-120hz-1080p-lcd-hdtv/14450.aspx">55" LG 55LH40 120Hz, 1080p LCD HDTV for $1,295 with free shipping</a> (normally $1,359.98)<br /> • <a href="http://www.logicbuy.com/deals/vizio-xvt-240hz-47-inch-1080p-lcd-hdtv/13984.aspx">47" Vizio SV471XVT 240Hz, 1080p LCD HDTV for $1,049 with free shipping</a> (normally $1,1197)<br /> • <a href="http://dealzon.com/deals/lg-47lh85-47-inch-1080p-120hz-wireless-lcd-hdtv">47" LG 47LH85 1080p Wireless LCD HDTV for $999.99 plus $29.99 shipping</a> (normally $1,539).<br /> • <a href="http://www.logicbuy.com/deals/Panasonic-VIERA-TC-P46G10-46-inch-1080p-Plasma-TV/13216.aspx">46" Panasonic VIERA TC-P46G10 1080p Plasma HDTV for $899.99 with $67.84 shipping</a> (normally $1,039.77).<br /> • <a href="http://www.logicbuy.com/deals/toshiba-regza-46sv670u-46-in-1080p-lcd-hdtv/14354.aspx">46" Toshiba Regza 46SV670U 240Hz, 1080p LED HDTV for $1,329 with free shipping</a> (normally $1,419)<br /> • <a href="http://www.techdealdigger.com/pr/cheap-magnavox-42mf439bf7-42-inch-1080p-lcd-tv-deals/2910">42" Magnavox 42MF439B/F7 1080p LCD TV for $449.10</a> (normally $767 - use coupon code <b>URTYJLI8</b>).<br /> • <a href="http://www.logicbuy.com/deals/sharp-lc42sb45ut-42-inch-1080p-lcd-tv/15595.aspx">42" Sharp LC42SB45UT 1080p LCD HDTV for $499.99 with free shipping</a> (normally $720.99).<br /> • <a href="http://www.techbargains.com/news_displayItem.cfm/195507">42" Magnavox 42MF439B LCD HDTV (1080p) for $449.10</a> (normally $599 - use coupon code: <b>WH2TEBMD</b>).<br /> • <a href="http://www.logicbuy.com/deals/Hitachi-L42S503-42-Inch-1080p-120hz-LCD-HDTV/16294.aspx">42" Hitachi L42S503 120Hz, 1080p LCD HDTV for $699.99 with free shipping</a> (normally $825.38)<br /> • <a href="http://dealzon.com/deals/panasonic-viera-tc-l32c12-32-inch-720p-lcd-hdtv">32" Panasonic VIERA TC-L32C12 720p LCD HDTV for $332.49 plus free shipping</a> (normally $377).<br /> • <a href="http://www.cheapcollegegamers.com/forum/showthread.php?p=6160">HP DF808C1 8" Digital Picture Frame for $44.99 plus free shipping</a> (normally $59.99).<br /> • <a href="http://www.gamerhotline.com/sling-media-slingbox-solo/">Sling Media Slingbox SOLO for $139.00 plus free shipping</a> (normally $159.99).<br /> • <a href="http://www.techbargains.com/news_displayItem.cfm/195624">Pioneer BDP-120FD Blu-ray Disc Player w' 1GB USB Flash Drive for $108.00</a> (normally $159).<br /> • <a href="http://www.gamerhotline.com/oceans-twelve-blu-ray/">Ocean's Twelve (Blu-ray) for $7.99</a> (normally $17.40).<br /> • <a href="http://www.gamerhotline.com/wedding-crashers-blu-ray/">Wedding Crashers (Blu-ray) for $7.99</a> (normally $17.53).<br /> • <a href="http://www.cheapcollegegamers.com/forum/showthread.php?p=6167">A Scanner Darkly (Blu Ray) for $7.99</a> (normally $21.88).<br /> • <a href="http://www.cheapcollegegamers.com/forum/showthread.php?p=6168">Dumb and Dumber (Blu Ray) for $11.99</a> (normally $20.35).<br /> • <a href="http://www.cheapcollegegamers.com/forum/showthread.php?p=6169">Fool's Gold (Blu Ray) for $11.99</a> (normally $26.39).<br /> • <a href="http://dealzon.com/deals/the-sopranos-the-complete-series-dvd">The Sopranos: Complete Series (DVD) for $119.99 plus free shipping</a> (normally $159).<br /> • <a href="http://dealzon.com/deals/kings-the-complete-series-dvd">Kings - The Complete Series (DVD) for $24.49</a> (normally $40).</p> <p><b>Personal Portables and Peripherals:</b><br /> • <a href="http://www.techdealdigger.com/pr/cheap-motorola-droid-deals/2489">Motorola DROID for $109.99 plus free shipping</a> (normally $200).<br /> • <a href="http://www.gamerhotline.com/flip-ultrahd-camcorder-120-min/">Flip UltraHD Camcorder 120 Minutes Black for $149.99 plus free shipping</a> (normally $179.99).<br /> • <a href="http://www.cheapcollegegamers.com/forum/showthread.php?p=6159">Samsung HMX-H100 HD Flash Memory Camcorder with10x Optical Zoom for $299 plus free shipping</a> (normally $358.46).<br /> • <a href="http://www.logicbuy.com/deals/tomtom-ease-portable-gps-navigator-red/18651.aspx">TomTom EASE 3.5" Portable GPS (red) for $119.99 with free shipping</a> (normally $149.99).<br /> • <a href="http://www.logicbuy.com/deals/Sony-Walkman-X-Series-16GB-OLED-Video-MP3-Player/13558.aspx">Sony WALKMAN NWZ-X1051FBLK 16GB OLED Video MP3 Player for $254.86 with $4.97 shipping</a> (normally $276.69)<br /> • <a href="http://www.cheapcollegegamers.com/forum/showthread.php?p=6162">Canon PowerShot A480 10 MP Digital Camera for $79 plus free shipping</a> (normally $89.95).<br /> • <a href="http://www.cheapcollegegamers.com/forum/showthread.php?p=6163">Sony Cyber-shot DSC-TX1/H 10MP "Exmor R" CMOS Digital Camera for $299.95 plus free shipping</a> (normally $315).<br /> • <a href="http://www.cheapcollegegamers.com/forum/showthread.php?p=6170">Apple iPod nano 16 GB Blue 4th Gen for $139.99 plus free shipping</a> (normally $154.18).<br /> • <a href="http://dealzon.com/deals/tomtom-ease-3-5-inch-gps-navigator-with-text-to-speech">TomTom EASE 3.5-inch GPS with Text-to-Speech for $119.99 plus free shipping</a> (normally $150).<br /> • <a href="http://www.cheapstingybargains.com/200883/garmin-nuvi-785t-automobile-navigator/">Garmin nüvi 785T Automobile Navigator for $193 with free shipping</a> (normally $300).<br /> • <a href="http://dealzon.com/deals/magellan-roadmate-1212-3-5-inch-portable-gps-navigator">Magellan RoadMate 1212 3.5" GPS Navigator for $99.95 plus free shipping</a> (normally $130).<br /> • <a href="http://dealzon.com/deals/the-sonic-alloy-earbuds-featuring-ap-noise-isolation-technology">Sonic Alloy Noise-Isolation Earbuds for $8.99</a> (normally $21).</p> <p><b>Hobomodo:</b><br /> • <a href="http://www.cheapstingybargains.com/200932/free-ultimate-video-poker-for-iphone-or-ipod-touch/">Ultimate Video Poker (iPhone) for $0</a> (use <a href="http://cheapstingybargains.com/bounce.php?linkid=2964">this form</a>).<br /> • <a href="http://www.cheapstingybargains.com/forums/freebies/33832-giveaway-day-perfect-macro-recorder.html">Perfect Macro Recorder for $0</a> (use <a href="http://www.giveawayoftheday.com/perfect-macro-recorder/">this form</a>).<br /> • <a href="http://www.cheapcollegegamers.com/forum/showthread.php?p=6171">Twin Blades (iPhone) for $0</a> (normally $.99).<br /> • <a href="http://www.cheapcollegegamers.com/forum/showthread.php?t=4853">Paris By Night (Original Mix) by The Disko Starz (MP3) for $0</a> (download <a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00317FUZY/ref=nosim/mmbevigaotst-20">here</a>).<br /> • <a href="http://www.logicbuy.com/deals/shutterfly-free-prints/18619.aspx">Shutterfly 50 prints for $0</a><br /> • <a href="http://dealzon.com/deals/send-your-friend-yogi-tea-samples-for-free">Yogi Tea samples for $0</a> (use <a href="http://www.yogiproducts.com/ecard?dealzon.com">this form</a>).<br /> • <a href="http://dealzon.com/deals/romantic-moments-digital-sampler-mp3-album-6-songs">Romantic Moments MP3 Album, 6 songs for $0</a> (use <a href="http://go.dealzon.com/romanticmoments">this form</a>).</p> <p><i>If a deal looks too good to be true, investigate the store and see if it's a good, reputable place to buy. Safe shopping!</i></p> <p>[<i>Thanks <a href="http://www.techdealdigger.com/">TechDealDigger</a>, <a href="http://www.dealzon.com/">Dealzon</a>, <a href="http://www.logicbuy.com/">Logic Buy</a>, <a href="http://www.gamerhotline.com/">GamerHotline</a>, <a href="http://www.cheapcollegegamers.com/">Cheap College Gamers</a>, <a href="http://www.cheapstingybargains.com">CheapStingyBargains</a> and <a href="http://www.techbargains.com">TechBargains</a>.]</i></p><br clear="both" /> <br clear="both" /> <a href="http://ads.pheedo.com/click.phdo?s=310c3fc0105d87cc51182cfb5da432a9&p=1"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ads.pheedo.com/img.phdo?s=310c3fc0105d87cc51182cfb5da432a9&p=1" /></a> <img alt="" height="0" width="0" border="0" src="http://a.rfihub.com/eus.gif?eui=2226" /><div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.gawker.com/~ff/gizmodo/full?a=-LUd72Z3WvA:E4qbsjuyUH0:H0mrP-F8Qgo"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/gizmodo/full?d=H0mrP-F8Qgo" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://feeds.gawker.com/~ff/gizmodo/full?a=-LUd72Z3WvA:E4qbsjuyUH0:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/gizmodo/full?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://feeds.gawker.com/~ff/gizmodo/full?a=-LUd72Z3WvA:E4qbsjuyUH0:D7DqB2pKExk"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/gizmodo/full?i=-LUd72Z3WvA:E4qbsjuyUH0:D7DqB2pKExk" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://feeds.gawker.com/~ff/gizmodo/full?a=-LUd72Z3WvA:E4qbsjuyUH0:V_sGLiPBpWU"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/gizmodo/full?i=-LUd72Z3WvA:E4qbsjuyUH0:V_sGLiPBpWU" border="0" /></a> </div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/gizmodo/full/~4/-LUd72Z3WvA" height="1" width="1" />

Dennis' Pick of the Week
The Society of Rockets: Future Factory (Underpop)
The future has of late not been so bright we need shades. Enter this under-known S.F. marvel to paint the sky with ROYGBIV colors as rhumba beats tickle our heels. An inscription on their site observes, "We've been thinking a lot about how buildings should be less like caves and more like trees…about how the future looked brighter in the past…Here's to new beginnings!" Sweet but not syrupy, Future Factory ladles Summer of Love vibes - bright strokes and beatific harmonies - over a thick, cerebral stew - a dish both homey in its immediate satisfaction yet modernly dense. There's the tomorrow clang of H.G. Wells and the rocket ship '50s wedded to batucada shimmy and a sonic inquisitiveness that's positively intoxicating. A 21-track opus (available for download now and in March on double vinyl) is a ballsy move by any band, but Future Factory holds up under repeated spins, and in fact grows by leaps and bounds as one picks up on the connective tissue and observant, restorative lyrics. While it may not jump out as an immediate modern classic like their previous release, Our Paths Related (JamBase review), this song cycle full of breakneck changes, head snap inducing guitars, fabulously swoon-y vocals, and hip shaking rhythms continues the evolution of a truly terrific band hell-bent on making some of the most interesting, satisfying rock today. They have succeeded with flying colors once again. (Dennis Cook)

Ron's Pick of the Week
Four Tet: There Is Love In You (Domino)
"I think a lot of Four Tets (sic) awesomeness roots in the contrast of slick/clean and random/dirty," recently gushed someone in the comments sections of the recent "official leak" of Four Tet's long-awaited new full-length on the Soundcloud website (the official release date is January 26). Given the complexity by which Kieran Hebden crafts his grooves, I was at first a little put off by reading this statement. How could someone deduce the agenda of this otherwise multifaceted artist to such black and white terms? But after giving some thought to this tidbit of wisdom left in the wake of the near 30,000 plays There Is Love In You has streamed on Soundcloud (posted by Hebden himself) over the course of this past week, especially when thinking in the context of the totality of the Four Tet catalog, it soon becomes clear that this kid's clean/dirty theory to his music is actually spot-on. And whether or not you will consider There Is Love In You, the former Fridge guitarist's fifth full-length under his longtime solo guise, to be a misstep or a masterpiece will likely depend on how you take your Tet. For those who like the chaotic cacophony of his recent work, particularly his brain-rattling collaborative LPs with legendary jazz drummer Steve Reid, as well as his last proper full-length, 2005's Everything Ecstatic, the strong club vibe this new album gives off with its unapologetic use of cooing female voices and dubstep-inspired rhythmic hops might certainly be met with cries of "sell-out" from the experimental end of the Four Tet fanbase. However, for those who give this remarkable work a deeper and more educated listen - preferably with headphones or within the confines of a soundproof automobile at high volume - and take in all of the intricacies interwoven within these songs' more dance-ready tendencies - the subtle use of Hebden's beloved ring modulator, atmospheric Slint-like guitar passages, throwback illbient vibes, elements of such exotic instruments as harp and kora - and you will appreciate There Is Love In You as Hebden's finest and yes, cleanest album since Rounds and most straightforward release since Pause. Amazing, amazing stuff right here. (Ron Hart)

Beach House: Teen Dream (Sub Pop)
Already shaping up to be this year's Grizzly Bear-esque anointed joint, Beach House's third long-player (arriving January 26) is decidedly more direct than Veckatimest, though there's a shared harmonic reach and woozy beauty that's pretty bloody charming. The duo of Victoria Legrand (niece of legendary composer Michel Legrand) and Alex Scally ooze '60s melancholy pop vibes, though their candy colored lens is suitably cracked and teeth pocked for modern times. This spins along like a light bedecked carousel filled with the smitten and those smited by amour - a romantic haze that's thick but not treacle-y and a fine update of what Dusty Springfield, Lesley Gore and Lee Hazelwood once wrought. (DC)

Emancipator: Safe In The Steep Cliffs (self-released)
Fresh out of Portland, Emancipator's sophomore effort (released January 19) offers a revitalizing glimpse into auditory canvas of one the electronic scene's budding new gems. Effortlessly meshing subtle melodies with delicious doses of downtempo and seductively silky songwriting, Emancipator builds around a beat to form a heavily layered, well-produced collection of 14 tracks. From opener "Greenland" and its sultry strings to the laid-back, dubby hand-clap "Kamakura" to the worldly melange of textures and samples of the album-closing title cut, he has a way of transforming live instrumentation into a multihued portrait that looks towards the likes of Bonobo, Bluetech and Sigur Ros, performed with its own potion of delicate intricacy. (Chris Clark)

Kevin Barker: You and Me (Gnomonsong)
As one man John Fahey tribute band Currituck County, Kevin Barker was an instrumental staple of the East Coast "freak folk" movement. But on his first album under his own name (released January 19), the go-to guitarist for such acts as Vetiver, Espers, Antony and the Johnsons and Devendra Banhart showcases his talents as a songwriter with this lovely collection of rural country rock gems crafted with the help of such pals as Wilco's Pat Sansone, Shins sideman Eric Johnson and Drag City chanteuse Joanna Newsom among others. (RH)

Overmountain Men: Glorious Day (Ramseur)
Rebel pluck, flamenco echoes and "Curtis Lowe" Skynyrd-isms - Overmountain has it all. From the "Death To Tyrants" and May 20, 1775 inscriptions and band photos that paint them as musical soldiers, this project - which includes unsung Avett Brothers bassist Bob Crawford - is actually more wide-angled and swinging than these signposts suggest. Underground mainstay David Childers' perfectly Haggard voice provides grit and a classic country feel (with a broader world view), and this debut (arriving January 26) exudes the boisterous bonhomie of its creation. Joe Strummer would've loved this. (DC)

The Silent League: …But You've Always Been The Caretaker (Something in Construction)
Named after the enigmatic line at the end of Stanley Kubrick's The Shining, the latest title from sometime Mercury Rev keyboardist Justin Russo's chamber pop group looks to gap an unlikely bridge separating Van Dyke Parks' Song Cycle and Kanye West's 808s and Heartbreak on this strange, beautiful album about the future. Make sure you check out the bonus disc, however, which contains a bevy of worthwhile Silent League odds and ends, including great covers of ELO's "Can't Get It Out of My Head" and Alicia Keys' "No One." (RH)

Collin Herring: Ocho (self-released)
Herring arrives with a strange angled honesty, a dustbowl true voice whispering about doubts and the hard things he's seen, yet also capable of gently hooky rockin' and moody drift. Ocho, beautifully produced by Centro-matic's Will Johnson, is a dense half hour whose melancholy tendrils grip one long after it's over. Kindred spirits include Clem Snide's Eef Barzelay, Vic Chesnutt and Jim James, but Herring, particularly in these well carved settings, has a thoroughly compelling voice of his own that's perfect for crawling inside and shutting out the day. (DC)

Elvis Costello & The Attractions: Live at Hollywood High (Hip-O/UMe)
Originally recorded for a promotional 7-inch that was given away with copies of Armed Forces in 1979, this explosive concert that went down on June 4, 1978 at the Hollywood High School auditorium finds a then 23-year-old Elvis and the original Attractions blasting their way through favorites from Costello's first two albums, 1977's My Aim Is True and 1978's This Year's Model, while previewing cuts from Forces, including a beautiful piano-only version of "Accidents Will Happen." Produced by Nick Lowe, Universal's Costello Show series continues to impress with this monumental showcase for the savage young Elvis at the peak of his punk powers. (RH)

The Len Price 3: Pictures (Wicked Cool)
Mods arise! Shamelessly lifting from the usual '60s sources and more modern templates like Teenage Fanclub and Holly Golightly, the LP3 succeed in making exceedingly well-tread ground seem freshly furrowed. The songs are pure dynamite - from the '60s Pete Townshend-esque title cut to the Help! era Beatles style of "After You've Gone" to the Jam-y growl of "If You Live Round Here" - and the spit 'em out with apostolic gusto over a tight instrumental snap. No new ground broken but who gives a damn when the music's this bloody fun? This could bring back the Frug and Hully Gully in a big way! (DC)

The Hotrats: Turn-Ons (Fat Possum)
As The Hotrats, Gaz Coombes and Danny Goffey of England's venerable modern rock underdogs Supergrass unleash a fun, excellently executed collection of quality cover tunes that includes inventive remakes of the Beastie Boys' "Fight For Your Right (To Party)," the Sex Pistols' "EMI," and The Doors' "Crystal Ships" interspersed with faithful renditions of such AOR snob faves as Pink Floyd's "Bike," The Kinks' "Big Sky," David Bowie's "Queen Bitch," and a great take on Roxy Music's "Love is the Drug." Produced by the great Nigel Godrich (Beck, Radiohead), Turn-Ons sounds like the Grass boys secretly dubbed 40 minutes of my old radio show in college and decided to make it an album. Good show, lads! (RH)

Jason Boesel: Hustler's Son (Team Love)
After more than a decade drumming for the likes of Rilo Kiley and Bright Eyes, Boesel drops his first solo album, and it's every bit as well crafted and appealing as any of his associations. Hustler's Son (released January 12) has the warmly caressed feel of '70s FM, slipping between countryish chooglers ("Black Waves"), what could be prime Lindsey Buckingham ("French Kissing") and Yacht Rock gold ("Miracles"). Aided by pals Jonathon Wilson, Benmont Tench, David Rawlings and Blake Sennett, this is a creeper likely to become a repeat spin favorite, its bittersweet, worldly-wise optimism finding a ready home in one's breast. (DC)

Harvey Milk: Harvey Milk (Hydrahead)
The first recordings of the recently reunited Athens, GA, stoner/noise heavyweights Harvey Milk, produced by Shellac's Bob Weston sometime in the early '90s, have been floating around the Internet via various Mediafire and Megaupload links on more educated Blogger sites for years. But thanks to the band's new label, Hydrahead, the barely audible, lo-fi hiss and sonic corrosion that made this ultra-rare debut album such a challenge to listen to has been cleaned up thanks to a beautiful remastering job worthy of the Maxell XL II 90 minute tape that graces the cover of this long-overdue reissue (arriving January 26). (RH)

Editors: In This Light And On This Evening (Fader)
This proffers a glass and chrome futurism that's besmirched with the oils and complications of human fingerprints. Finally seeing a U.S. release on January 19, this set has already garnered serious European love, and if one is a fan of early Depeche Mode and other bastions of New Romanticism it's easy to see why. Tom Smith's keening pipes suggest a (un)happy meeting point of Sisters of Mercy, Bauhaus and Muse, and the music's grimy click 'n' thump proves fairly stirring, if one's open to such baroque silicon constructions. (DC)

Fucked Up: Couple Tracks: Singles 2002-2009 (Matador)
One of the most inventive, original hardcore bands to ever set fire to North America gathers up all of the previously uncollected, one-off 7- and 12-inchers the Canadian sextet recorded for various labels over the course of the '00s on this jam-packed two-disc set. For anyone who likes screaming vocals and throat-stomping riffs offset by jazz flute and a melodic style as influenced by Unrest as it is the Cro-Mags, this incidental anthology is a great beginner's guide to the most exciting, innovative band on the hardcore circuit. (RH)

Our friends at Cloned in China managed to get their hands on the ViewSonic VPC08 which was released sometime last year, and this MID/cellphone hybrid is just not something you would want if everything else in your gadget collection is thin and slim. Underneath the hood, you will find an Intel Atom Z500 800MHz processor, alongside a MTK 6235 chipset that caters for the phone system. Apart from that, your eyes will be treated to a 4.3" display at 800 × 480 resolution for Windows XP purposes, and a 2" 240 × 320 resolution display meant for the phone system. Internal storage is provided via an 8GB SSD, while you get Wi-Fi, a 2-megapixel camera and EV-DO 3G radio support. Would you fork out $700 for something like this? It seems to us as though it is occupying no man's land, and we hope to see future iterations that are sleeker if it were to move more units in the market.

Permalink: ViewSonic VPC08 hands-on from Ubergizmo | Hot: Nexus One Review

One of the biggest knocks toward Amazon’s Kindle has been the closed nature of the Internet-capable device. That starts to dissipate today with word from Amazon (NSDQ: AMZN) that “later this year” the Kindle Store will start featuring “active content” produced by developers who can suggest their own prices and get 70 percent of the take after delivery costs. The Kindle Development Kit is already in use by a small group of developers including Electronic Arts (NSDQ: ERTS) and Handmark, which is building a Zagat app. Amazon is taking names for more to participate in a limited, U.S.-only beta to start in February.

Timed a week in advance of Apple’s anticipated unveiling of a tablet meant to compete on the e-book front, the announcement is the latest sign that Amazon wants to build a better image with publishers and make the device more useful to consumers—within its own limits, of course. Wednesday, the company unveiled a new royalty plan that lays out how publishers who publish e-books through Amazon can make 70 percent.

Developers can’t include “VoIP functionality, advertising, offensive materials, collection of customer information without express customer knowledge and consent, or usage of the Amazon or Kindle brand in any way.” They are also banned from offering a “generic reader.” But publishers who have complained about the way Amazon handles pricing would be able to develop their own active content and suggest their own prices. Amazon still keeps the customer relationships, though, which means this isn’t the solution Rupert Murdoch wants. The apps fall into three pricing categories:

—Free: for apps that are smaller than 1MB and use less wireless data than 100KB per user per month. Amazon covers the costs.

—One-time payment: The fee will be split 70-30, net of delivery fees of $0.15 per megabyte, The app has to be priced to cover the costs of downloads and on-going usage.

—Subscription: Same split but for monthly charges.

The apps are limited in size to 100MB; anything larger than 10MB will have to be downloaded via USB, not wireless.

Ian Freed, VP for Kindle, Sonic Boom is building word games and puzzles.

Related

Sonic Boom is building word games and puzzles.

Related

Sonic Boom is building word games and puzzles.

Related

Sonic Boom is building word games and puzzles.

Related

• Amazon Unveils New Kindle Royalty Option; Incentive To Keep E-Book Prices Down
• Will E-Readers Help Spread Knowledge, Or Wall It Off? Here's A Scorecard That We Can Use
• Sony E-Reader Announces Newspaper Partners in Drips: 19 More after News Corp
• First Take: Nook Ready To Try; Buy? Not So Fast
• Ten Predictions For The E-Reader/E-Book Market In 2010

<div><a href="http://gizmodo.com/5452354/ultimate-genesis-segas-official-console-emulator-for-iphone"><img hspace="4" vspace="4" border="1" alt="" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2010/01/sega-ultimate-iphone-1.jpg" /></a></div> After packaging and re-marketing to us our childhood over Nintendo's Wii <a href="http://www.engadget.com/tag/VirtualConsole/">Virtual Console</a> and in a multitude of other forms, Sega is putting another platform to good use in its eternal quest to make us poor: the iPhone. Due for the App Store next month, the upcoming Sega Ultimate Genesis Collection will bring together some of Sega's existing, disparate releases for the iPhone under one roof and add a bunch more, allowing users to buy Sega Genesis games directly from the app. The first one's free, of course (Space Harrier II), but after that you'll be paying a decent amount for your emulation fix: Sonic is $6, Golden Axe is $5, and Ecco the Dolphin and Shining Force go for $3. The variety will undoubtedly grow over time, but we would hope that at some point Sega will offer some sort of discounted megabundle, since you can currently get 49 notable Sega titles for around $20 in the form of Sonic's Ultimate Genesis Collection for the Xbox 360 and PS3. Basically: we're not sure if this is all supposed to make us worse or better about jailbreaking.<p><a href="http://www.engadget.com/2010/01/20/sega-ultimate-genesis-collection-bringing-official-genesis-emula/">Sega Ultimate Genesis Collection bringing official Genesis emulation to iPhone, pain to your wallet</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://www.engadget.com">Engadget</a> on Wed, 20 Jan 2010 15:04:00 EST. Please see our <a href="http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.</p><h6></h6><a href="http://www.engadget.com/2010/01/20/sega-ultimate-genesis-collection-bringing-official-genesis-emula/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp; &nbsp;|&nbsp; <img class="img_label" src="http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.engadget.com/media/post_label_source.gif" alt="source" /><span class="caption"><a href="http://gizmodo.com/5452354/ultimate-genesis-segas-official-console-emulator-for-iphone">Gizmodo</a><!--//--></span> &nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.engadget.com/forward/19324594/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.engadget.com/2010/01/20/sega-ultimate-genesis-collection-bringing-official-genesis-emula/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a> <p><a href="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~at/tWlSCD2VQ9l6EFgfrLrFIUTlNx0/0/da"><img src="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~at/tWlSCD2VQ9l6EFgfrLrFIUTlNx0/0/di" border="0" ismap="true" /></a><br /> <a href="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~at/tWlSCD2VQ9l6EFgfrLrFIUTlNx0/1/da"><img src="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~at/tWlSCD2VQ9l6EFgfrLrFIUTlNx0/1/di" border="0" ismap="true" /></a></p><div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.engadget.com/~ff/weblogsinc/engadget?a=rhgw_Pni478:MWfIibw8_ZU:wF9xT3WuBAs"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/weblogsinc/engadget?i=rhgw_Pni478:MWfIibw8_ZU:wF9xT3WuBAs" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://feeds.engadget.com/~ff/weblogsinc/engadget?a=rhgw_Pni478:MWfIibw8_ZU:V_sGLiPBpWU"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/weblogsinc/engadget?i=rhgw_Pni478:MWfIibw8_ZU:V_sGLiPBpWU" border="0" /></a> </div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/weblogsinc/engadget/~4/rhgw_Pni478" height="1" width="1" />

Today's deals are overrun with laptops, netbooks, videogames, HDTVs, and cameras of all shapes and sizes. Get your looting face on as you grab a Lenovo G450, a Flip Camcorder, and an extravagantly discounted Reign of Swords. Booyah, grandma.

Top Deals:
• 14" Lenovo G450 Laptop for $499 plus free shipping (normally $699).
• Flip Mino F360B Video Pocket Camcorder for $96.99 with free shipping (normally $119.99).
• Reign of Swords (iPhone) for $0 (normally $2.99).

Computing and Peripherals:
• 23" Lenovo IdeaCentre B500 2.7GHz All-in-One Desktop for $719 with free shipping (normally $869 - use coupon code USP0114B500).
• Studio XPS 8000 Desktop with Intel Core i5-750 Processor 2.66GHz and 20" LCD for $899 with free shipping (today only) (normally $1318)
• HP Pavilion s5380t Core2 Quad Desktop for $599.99 plus free shipping (normally $880).
• Dell OptiPlex 380 2.93GHz Desktop + 20" Dell LCD Monitor for $539 with $35 shipping (normally $856).
• 18.4" Toshiba Satellite P500-ST6822 2.2GHz Laptop for $679.20 with free shipping (normally $849).
• 16.4" Sony VAIO F1190X Core i7 Laptop for $989 with free shipping (normally $999).
• 16" Toshiba Satellite A505-S6989 2.13GHz Intel Core 2 Duo for $540 with free shipping (normally $756).
• 15.6" Dell Inspiron 1564 Core i5 Laptop for $769 with $12.95 shipping (normally $874).
• 15.6" Acer Aspire AS5532 Laptop for $349.99 plus $14.99 shipping (normally $408).
• 15.5" Sony VAIO NW Laptop for $549.99 plus free shipping (normally $679).
• 14" ASUS X83 Laptop for $764.82 plus free shipping (normally $850 - use this form).
• 14" Lenovo G450 Laptop for $499 plus free shipping (normally $699).
• 14" Dell Inspiron 14 Laptop with Core 2 Duo Processor 2.2GHz for $649 plus shipping (normally $853)
• 14" HP dv4-2170us Core i5 Laptop for $649.98 with free shipping (normally $809.98)
• 13.3" Lenovo ThinkPad X301 1.4GHz Laptop for $959.40 with free shipping (normally $1,599 - use coupon code MSStore-PC-40%).
• 11.6" Lenovo IdeaPad U150 Netbook for $551.65 plus free shipping (normally $699 - use coupon code USP0114U150).
• 11.6" Lenovo ThinkPad X100e Laptop for $449 plus free shipping (normally $584).
• 10" Dell Inspiron Mini 10 Netbook w/ TV Tuner for $336.54 plus free shipping (normally $449).
• 10" Sony VAIO W VPCW121AX Netbook (Pink) for $299 with free shipping (normally $484.99 - use coupon code MSStore-PC-40%).
• Lenovo P550 Headset for $11 plus free shipping (normally $20 - use coupon code USPCJ22065).
• 10.1" MSI Wind U100 Intel Atom N270 Netbook (1GB/160GB/3-Cell Battery) for $259.99 plus free shipping (normally $329 - use coupon code: SHINE1130).
• 10.1" Toshiba Mini NB205-N312/BL Royal Blue Netbook for $327.98 plus free shipping (normally $372.94).
• 24" Samsung 2494HM 1080p LCD Monitor w/HDMI for $219.99 with free shipping (normally $249.99 - use coupon code 24HRSALE12A).
• 22" Asus VW224U WideScreen LCD Monitor for $134.99 plus free shipping (normally $162.99 - use coupon code LAUGH0315 and this rebate form).
• 21.5" Dell ST2210 Widescreen LCD Monitor for $134 with free shipping (normally $189).
• 2TB Western Digital Green WD20EADS SATA Hard Drive for $159.99 with free shipping (normally $179.99 - use coupon code 24HRSALE12A).
• LaCie Little Disk 320GB USB External Hard Drive for $68.99 plus free shipping (normally $88).
• Toshiba 400GB Portable External Hard Drive + Medium Cargo Laptop Sleeve + Wireless Laptop Optical Mouse 3000 for $149.99 plus free shipping (normally $185.99).
• Intel Core i3-530 2.93GHz Processor + ECS H55H-M (rev. 1.0) Motherboard for $166.98 (normally $199 - use this form).
• Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit (OEM) for $92.99 plus free shipping (normally $129 - use coupon code: WINTER10).
• Canon PIXMA iP4700 Premium Inkjet Photo Printer for $59.99 plus free shipping (normally $79.99).
• OCZ 1GB DDR3 Laptop Memory for $2 with free shipping (normally $27 - this form).
• Lexmark Interact S605 Wireless 3-in-1 Color Inkjet Printer for $117 with free shipping (normally $150).

Gaming:
• Xbox 360 Elite Holiday Bundle w/Pure & Lego Batman + $50 Gift Card for $299.99 (normally $349).
• Microsoft Xbox 360 Arcade for $169.00 plus free shipping (normally $199).
• BioShock 2 Special Edition (PS3, Xbox 360) for $89.82 plus free shipping (normally $100).
• BioShock 2 (PC) Four Pack Steam Game Download for $134.97 (normally $179.96).
• MAG (PS3) + $10 Amazon Credit for $56.99 plus free shipping (normally $70).
• Dark Void + $10 video games credit (PS3, 360) for $54.99 with free shipping (normally $64.99).
• Microsoft Xbox 360 Wireless Controller (Black) for $29.99 plus free shipping (normally $37.96).
• Xbox 360 Wireless Controller (White) for $29.99 plus free shipping (normally $38.99).
• Microsoft Xbox 360 Wireless Controller for Windows for $38.99 plus free shipping (normally $49.99).
• God of War (PS2) for $8.96 (normally $15.68).
• Men of War: Gold Edition (PC) Game Download for $11.89 (normally $34.99).
• Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 Hardened Edition (PS3) for $49.00 (normally $59).
• Retrolink USB Nintendo NES Classic Controller for $7.99 (normally $19.99).
• Wii Dual Charging Station w/ 2 Rechargeable Battery for Wiimote for $10.32 (normally $17.40).
• Star Wars: The Force Unleashed (PS3) for $14.92 (normally $19.99).
• Nerf N-Strike Elite Bundle (Wii) for $39.00 (normally $59.99).
• DJ Hero Renegade Edition Featuring JAYZ & Eminem (Wii) for $159.99 plus free shipping (normally $189.99).
• DJ Hero Renegade Edition Featuring JAYZ & Eminem (PS3) for $159.99 plus free shipping (normally $189.99).
• Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare Game of the Year Edition (360) for $36.63 plus free shipping (normally $49.95).
• Petz Nursery (DS) for $19.99 (normally $29.96).
• Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots (PS3) for $19.99 plus free shipping (normally $27.41).
• Eat Lead: Return of Matt Hazard (360) for $9.99 plus free shipping (normally $14.98).
• Mirror's Edge (PS3) for $14.90 (normally $19.99).
• Star Wars: The Force Unleashed (PS3) for $14.92 (normally $19.99).
• DJ Hero Bundle with Turntable (360/PS3/Wii/PS2) for $89.99 plus free shipping (normally $100).
• SingStar 2 Mic Bundle (PS3) for $28.99 plus free shipping (normally $56.99).
• Rogue Warrior for PC for $14.90 plus $2.99 shipping (normally $37).
• Call of Duty: World at War Collector's Edition (PC) for $33.99 plus free shipping (normally $38.94).
• Nintendo Wii Speak for $19.99 plus free shipping (normally $29.99).
• Singstar Volume 2 w/2 Microphones (PS3) for $24.99 plus free shipping (normally $39.90).
• Mario and Sonic at the Olympic Winter Games (DS) for $25.00 plus free shipping (normally $33.99).

Home Entertainment:
• 55" Samsung LN55B650 1080p 120Hz LCD TV for $1,479.00 plus free shipping (normally $1640 - use coupon code LN55B650).
• 47" Viore LC47VXF60PB 1080p LCD HDTV for $800 shipped (normally $1020).
• 46" Sony BRAVIA KDL-46S5100 1080p LCD HDTV for $779 plus free shipping (normally $850).
• 46" Samsung LN46B750 LCD HDTV (1080p, 240Hz) for $1299 plus free shipping (normally $1579 - use coupon code: EMCYZZX79).
• 37" Sceptre X370BV-HD 720p LCD HDTV for $379.99 with free shipping (normally $428 - use coupon code 24HRSALE12E).
• 32" Sony BRAVIA KDL-32L504 720P LCD TV for $360 with free shipping (normally $400).
• 32" Sylvania LC320SLX 720p LCD HDTV for $299.99 (normally $359.99).
• 23" VIZIO VM230XVT 1080p LED HDTV for $331.66 with free shipping (normally $349.99).
• Yamaha RX-V665 7.2ch AV Receiver + Klipsch KSW-10 10in Subwoofer for $499.00 plus free shipping (normally $599 - use coupon code: FREEGFT1118A).
• Pinnacle MB10000 Home Theater System for $548.99 plus free shipping (normally $2500).
• Opteka OPT15 15-Inch Digital Picture Frame with 1GB Built-In Memory for $142.77 plus free shipping (normally $179.95).
• Free Samsung 2.1-channel soundbar speaker system With the purchase of select Samsung LED-LCD HDTVs (normally $299.99).
• Star Trek Blu-ray for $16.99 (normally $19.96).
• Futurama: The Complete Collection (DVD) for $107.99 (normally $129.99).
• Inglourious Basterds (Blu-ray) for $16.99 (normally $19.99).
• Burn After Reading (Blu-ray) for $6.49 (normally $13.85).
• Weeds: Season Five (Blu-ray) for $25.99 plus free shipping (normally $29.78).
• Pan's Labyrinth (Blu Ray) for $14.99 (normally $29.62).
• Bonnie and Clyde (Blu Ray) for $14.99 (normally $22.23).
• Training Day (Blu Ray) for $14.99 (normally $24.44).
• The 40-Year-Old Virgin (Blu-ray) for $9.99 (normally $18).

Personal Portables and Peripherals:
• Flip Mino F360B Video Pocket Camcorder for $96.99 with free shipping (normally $119.99).
• Kodak EASYSHARE Z1485 14 Megapixel Digital Camera for $120 with free shipping (normally $180).
• Canon VIXIA HF20 HD Dual Flash Camcorder for $599 with free shipping (normally $699).
• Nikon Coolpix P90 12.1MP Digital Camera w/ Tilt LCD for $322.98 plus free shipping (normally $349).
• Garmin nuvi 265WT GPS (REFURB, 4.3in, Blueooth, Lifetime Traffic Updates) for $129.99 (normally $169).
• Invisio G5 Bluetooth Headset for $29.99 plus free shipping (normally $79.95).
• HP Photosmart E327 5MP Digital Camera for $29.99 plus free shipping (normally $115).
• Fujifilm Finepix Z37 10MP Digital Camera for $99.99 plus free shipping (normally $122.22).
• SteelSeries 5H v2 USB Headset with Soundcard for $89.99 plus free shipping (normally $120).
• JBuds J3M Micro Atomic In-Ear Earphones with Microphone Compatible with iPhone for $29.95 plus free shipping (normally $39.99).
• Ultimate Ears TripleFi 10 Noise Isolating Earphones for $198.89 plus free shipping (normally $365.49).
• Creative Labs Vado 2GB Pocket Video Camcorder for $39.99 plus free shipping (normally $94).
• Nokia E63 Cell Phone (Unlocked, Quad-Band GSM, 3G) for $149.99 plus free shipping (normally $199 - use coupon code: $NC714XVMPS9FM).
• Kodak EasyShare Z1485 14MP Digital Camera for $119.99 plus free shipping (normally $170).

Hobomodo:
• Samples of Prilosec for $0 (use this form)
• Free 1AVCapture Download (Capture & record anything on PC) for $0 (use this form)
• Free Selena Gomez "Naturally" Music Download for $0 (use this form)
• Reign of Swords (iPhone) for $0 (normally $2.99).
• Stamps.com 4-week trial with $25 worth of postage, digital scale, supplies for $0
• We've Got A Long Way To Go by Joe Perry (MP3) for $0 (download here).
• 50 Digital Photos Printed by CVS for $0 (normally $9, use this form).

Contests:
• Gizmodo Apple Tablet Sweepstakes!

If a deal looks too good to be true, investigate the store and see if it's a good, reputable place to buy. Safe shopping!

[Thanks TechDealDigger, Dealzon, Logic Buy, GamerHotline, Cheap College Gamers, CheapStingyBargains and TechBargains.]

Sega Ultimate Genesis Collection bringing official Genesis emulation to iPhone, pain to your wallet originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 20 Jan 2010 15:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

It seems that a lot of people really enjoyed this month's episode of Once Upon a Pixel, which makes me incredibly happy because it's a combination of two of my earliest loves: videogames and educational books. If you haven't seen it yet, it's right over here. It's got lots of familiar robots, couplets and letters! It's great for both young and old, and it doesn't hurt if you're a Mega Man fan either.

Now that it's been out for about a week or so, it's time to take a look at the art and creative processes behind the creation of the Mega Man alphabet book. You can hit the jump link to read more, but if you don't want to do that, there's a bunch of pretty pictures down below that for you to look at, download and enjoy.

A videogame-related alphabet book is something I've been wanting to do since way before OUP came to fruition. Along with playing games, I grew up with a stash of picture books passed down from my mother's childhood. My favorites from the collection were her old alphabet books. Long after I was taught to read and write, I enjoyed them for their humorous rhymes and awesome illustrations.

Mega Man was not my first choice to fit into this format; I wanted to do an all-encompassing video game alphabet, but as I made up my alphabetical list of characters, it dawned on me how many of the letters could be represented just by blue bomber and company. With the recent announcement and excitement over Mega Man 10, it felt like a great time to pay the series tribute.

Yes, there is even a Robot Master for the letter U (Uranus from the Game Boy game Mega Man V), which I didn't find out until after the fact. But I'm kind of glad that was the way things happened. I like Ukelele Man and I still stand by him because he had multiple purposes, one of which was to make sure that viewers were still paying attention. Another was to poke a little fun at some of the more questionable Robot Masters (though I have a theory that Sheep Man was created for this exact purpose).

Ukulele Man's most important purpose, however, was to be a subtle tribute to all of the Robot Masters created by fans. Back in the days of the original NES games, there were a few official contests held where kids could create their own robot masters. The two winners appeared in Mega Man 6: Wind Man and Knight Man. Other entries got to appear in issues of Nintendo Power, but I would imagine there are thousands of other Men who never even got that far. Even our own Chad Concelmo still dreams of his contest creation, Toy Man (I'm so sorry if I got that wrong, Chad! I'm going by memory!), to appear in a Mega Man game someday. Ukulele Man is my (very late) late entry to the contest.

The idea of these characters being used to teach basic knowledge to children isn't actually so far off from the truth. A Japanese OVA called Once Upon a Star was created specifically for that purpose, though it taught Japanese culture rather than the American alphabet. Then there are all of the video game mascots who have been used to teach throughout the years; both Mario and Sonic the Hedgehog have each had their own slew of edutainment titles. Characters originally created to entertain make pretty good teachers because children already know and love them.

But if all of the Mega Man robots in particular were created in a world without videogames, I think they would fall very nicely into educational territory. The world has a Busytown or Seussian feeling to it when you look at it from the side of the majority, the Robot Masters. They are just these weird robots with wild, imaginative designs and purposes, all living together in the same world. Of course, that meant Mega Man had to be viewed as a bad robot. That and other small elements (the depressed Fire Man and Ice Man, the decaying Wood Man, the sleepless robots in Sheep Man's illustration) helped give the episode a bit of a dark edge, so that it would be a bit more palatable for a mature audience.

As far as the work that went into it, this was actually the easiest episode of OUP that I've made so far. The style of the Mega Man universe was a pretty easy one to emulate, and doing soft, watercolor images is kind of my forte. The hardest part was writing the rhymes, as I haven't written poetry since high school. I only had a tiny amount of help from Anthony this time around, making this the episode that is the most representative of myself. Which is probably why it's so damn cute.

That about wraps up my look back on this particular episode. Thanks again to everyone who watched, commented, Dugg, and had nice things to say about it (I would also thank those who sent hate mail, but I haven't gotten any!). Please enjoy the high resolution pieces of art, and stay tuned for more OUP!

Win a free 1TB portable external hard drive from Western Digital! Also, are you on Facebook? If you are, we've just launched our fan page, another way to stay up to date with us and of course our weekly free gadget giveaways.

New ultra slim Panasonic DMC-FP3 has touchscreen and records HD videos

Available in three colors silver, black, and navy blue, the Lumix DMC-FP3 is a new slim camera on an additional diet. The 3” touchscreen LCD display (230k pixels) with touch focusing is another feature not often seen in cameras of its caliber (but will definitely soon be ver popular). Other specs also include a 14.1 Megapixel CCD, 4x optical zoom, image stabilization, face detection and best of all, our favourite – HD Video capability.

Full press release attached below…

January 6, 2010: Panasonic is pleased to introduce the new ultra slim design digital camera 14.1-megapixel DMC-FP3/FP2 and 12.1-megapixel DMC-FP1 of newly developed ultra thin 4x optical zoom (equivalent to 35mm to 140mm on a 35mm camera) lens with folded optics. Newly adopted lens cover is not only for the lens protection but also to serve as a power switch of the camera. Actions of taking the camera out and turning the power of it on can be seamless and astonishingly quick. The cover for FP3 has a noble hairline finish on the surface of the cover to add an exquisite accent.

Panasonic’s world-acclaimed iA (intelligent auto) mode makes it easy for anyone to take beautiful photos by various shooting-assist functions. It comprehends MEGA O.I.S.(Optical Image Stabilizer) for hand-shake, Intelligent ISO Control for subject movement, Face detection and Intelligent Scene Selector. The dedicated iA button on the top of the camera lets you enter the iA mode directly. Once you enter iA mode, these multi-capable functions happen automatically, so you can shoot without the bother of adjusting settings every time conditions change. You can enjoy easy, trouble-free shooting in any situation and get the satisfaction that comes with capturing clear, beautiful images.

What is newly featured in the FP3/FP2/FP1 is HD(high definition) movie recording capability in 720p motion jpeg. Not only viewing the movie on PC but also burning the movie and photos made into a slideshow of MPEG2 file on a DVD disc to enjoy watching it on TV via the bundled software PHOTOfunSTUDIO 5.0.

The DMC-FP3 incorporates a 3-inch, while the DMC-FP2/FP1 a 2.7-inch 230,000-dot LCD with Intelligent LCD function, which detects the lighting condition and controls the brightness level of the LCD in 11 fine steps, to offer a display with the most appropriate clarity in any situation. The 3.0-inch Intelligent LCD for FP3 features a touch-screen that boasts an intuitive hybrid operation combined with the buttons. Other various upgrades make FP3/FP2/FP1 enhance fun of taking pictures.

Built of high-quality aluminum, the DMC-FP3/FP2/FP1 bring an especially wide color variation to the series to choose from, with silver, black, red, navy, gray, orange, violet, blue, light pink, pink and green for FP3, silver, black, red, gray, orange, blue, light pink and green for FP2, and silver, black, red, gray, orange, blue, pink and green for FP1. Uncompromising beauty lies in both appearance and recording photo of the DMC-FP3/FP2/FP1.*2

4x Optical Zoom (35-140mm*1) Lens with Folded Optics to Fit in a Flat, Futuristic Design and 14.1-Megapixel(FP3/FP2) / 12.1-Megapixel(FP1) High Resolution CCD
The DMC-FP3/FP2/FP1 features a high-quality 4x optical zoom Lumix DC Lens(35-140mm*1). The folded optics of the shaft guide method is adopted to secure the toughness of the lens unit. Comprising 11 elements and a prism unit in 10 groups, including an ED lens and 4 aspherical lenses with 7 aspherical surfaces, this advanced lens unit renders high resolution image corner to corner even adopting the folded optics.

Further, in 3-megapixel resolution mode, the Extra Optical Zoom function provides additional magnification, extending the zoom power to 8.4x (294mm*1) for FP3/FP2 and 7.8x (273mm*1) by using the center part of the high resolution CCD.

The image-processing LSI, Venus Engine IV, features advanced signal processing technology for rendering high quality images. Featured in the DMC-FP3/FP2/FP1, the multi-task image-processing engine Venus Engine IV supports a super-fast response time. The shutter release time lag is as short as approx. 0.006 (FP3/FP2) / 0.007 (FP1) second. The camera’s quick response makes it easier to capture sudden, spur-of-the-moment photo opportunities together with the sonic speed AF(auto focus) that lets you lock on the subject minimum 0.33 second*3 and the short start-up time of approx. 0.96 second.

The Venus Engine IV also supports a High Sensitivity mode that lets the DMC-FP3/FP2/FP1 record at a setting of up to ISO 6400, sensitive enough to capture subjects in near-total darkness without using a flash.*4

The iA(Intelligent Auto) mode for making every photographer to be a good photographer
Panasonic incorporated the Intelligent Auto mode in pursuit of the ultimate ease of operation and the reduction of misshots. This mode is of course comes with the new FP3/FP2/FP1. The MEGA O.I.S. suppress hand-shake and the Intelligent ISO control prevents moving subject to be blurred by optimizing the shutter speed and ISO setting, to render sharp, clear images whatever the shooting situation is. Human faces are captured in focus and appropriate exposure with the Face Detection.

Unwanted red-eyes are digitally corrected and backlight compensation automatically activates if they happens. Intelligent Scene Selector, which automatically selects whichever of 6 scene modes — Macro, Portrait, Scenery, Night Portrait, Night Scenery and newly added Sunset – that best suits the shooting situation. The Quick AF system allows the camera to keep focus on the subject while the camera is in recording mode even before without pressing a shutter button halfway, to get the best result out of a shutter chance because the focus is always near the subject and the AF time is minimized.

The user can activate all of these useful, convenient shooting-assist functions by simply pressing an dedicated iA button on the top of the camera. All these make the FP3/FP2/FP1 the ultimate, super-versatile automatic camera for capturing clear, beautiful, mistake-free photos with ease.

Exciting Options to Expand the Fun of Photography in the High-Definition Era
All Lumix cameras can take 16:9 HD (high-definition) quality photos that perfectly fit a wide-screen HDTV for full-screen viewing. You can enjoy slideshow of photos taken with the camera in stunning HD quality by inserting an SDHD/SD memory card in to the SDHC/SD card slot with the VIErA HDTV (VIErA Image Viewer).

The new DMC- FP3/FP2/FP1 even records dynamic HD movie in 1280 x 720p at a smooth 30 fps, in addition to WVGA (848 x 480) and normal VGA (640 x 480). It is also possible not only to watch the movie on PC but also to upload it on YouTube with the included software PHOTOfunSTUDIO ver.5.0.

･Use a card with SD Speed Class*5 with “Class 6” or higher when recording motion pictures.
･For Europe, motion images can be recorded continuously for up to 15 minutes.

Advanced 3.0-inch Touch-Screen(FP3) / 2.7-inch (FP2/FP1) Large Intelligent LCD for Easy Shooting and Playback
The DMC-FP3/FP2/FP1 incorporates an easy-to-see, 230,000-dot Intelligent LCD for comfortable viewing while both monitoring shots and playing back the results. The Intelligent LCD function detects the light condition and automatically boosts the LCD backlighting by Max. 40% when shooting outdoors in bright sunshine, and adjusts the frame rate when shooting in low-lit situations in addition to using the pixel mixed readout method to secure clarity in such situations. Detecting the lighting condition precisely and automatically controlling the brightness with a total of 11 fine steps, this function gives the display the most appropriate clarity in any situation without using extra energy. The High-angle mode makes the LCD screen extremely easy to view when the camera is held high, such as when shooting over a crowd.

The newly adopted static sensor type 3.0-inch touch screen LCD on FP3 gives users an easy, intuitive control thanks to a hybrid operation combined with the four major operation buttons. Touch operation is free and smooth either in recording and playing back images. In recording mode, once you compose the flame, all you have to do is touch the area you wish to focus before pressing the shutter button halfway. In playback mode, you can drag the image across the screen with a finger to browse the collection of photos as you flip over the pages of the book.

Exciting Options to Expand the Fun of Photography
The new DMC-FP3/FP2/FP1 feature a variety of functionalities to expand fun and convenience for users at every stage to enjoy taking beautiful pictures.

A rich variety of scene modes make it easy to get beautiful photos in a range of photographic situations. Baby, Pet and Sports mode take advantage of the Intelligent ISO Control as previously described, to let you get great results even if the subjects have unexpected motion. Furthermore, you can record the name and birthday of your children or pet and embed the information of the name and at which age in year and month the photo was taken on the photo, and choose to print either or both of them on the photo. Photo Frame mode lets the user put attractive borders around the photo. When printed, the photos look like postcards in picture frames, making them ideal postcards.

The functions and settings used most often, such as O.I.S., consecutive shooting, auto focus point, white balance adjustment, ISO level, image size and LCD mode are quickly and easily accessed via the Quick Setting function. There’s no need to open menus to adjust them.

The user can select from among several pretty icons for the camera to use for indicating when the subject is in focus. With the My Scene setting, the user can assign up to specific Scene modes to that setting, and switch instantly to the mode when desired.

Using the Macro Zoom function, the user can pull subjects even closer than the closest point possible with the wide-angle setting by using 3x digital zoom, and capture dramatic close-ups.

In addition to the conventional SD/SDHC memory card, the DMC-FP3/FP2/FP1 accepts next-generation SD format SDXC, that features high potential in both capacity and data transfer speed. The DMC-FP3/FP2/FP1 is compatible with Windows 7.

[via Panasonic]

CES has us full-blown-crazy and today's deals reflects our madness. Marvel at the HP Blu-ray packin' laptops and check out the 1.5TB Western Digital External HDD because for $79 you can finally up the cap on your porn storage.

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If a deal looks too good to be true, investigate the store and see if it's a good, reputable place to buy. Safe shopping!

[Thanks TechDealDigger, Dealzon, Logic Buy, GamerHotline, Cheap College Gamers, CheapStingyBargains and TechBargains.]

In case you missed it, we've got the full details on the the six new Lumix point-and-shoots Panasonic introduced at CES this week. Ultraslim, video, touchscreens, oh my!

PANASONIC INTRODUCES LUMIX FH-SERIES DIGITAL CAMERAS, PACKED WITH WIDE-ANGLE LENSES AND POWERFUL ZOOMS

Panasonic LUMIX FH20 Ideal for Sophisticated Users Looking for Compact Digital Camera Capable of HD-Quality Photos and Video & Powerful 8x Optical Zoom

LAS VEGAS, NV (January 6, 2010) – Panasonic today introduced the new FH-Series to its 2010 line of LUMIX digital cameras, which includes the LUMIX DMC-FH20 (14.1-megapixels), LUMIX FH3 (14.1-megapixels) and LUMIX FH1 (12.1-megapixels). The LUMIX FH-Series are slim, pocketable models that pack a 28mm wide-angle lens with 8x optical zoom for the FH20 and 5x optical zoom for the FH3/FH1. All models can record High Definition video and thanks to iA (Intelligent Auto) – are extremely easy to use.

"With the new Panasonic LUMIX FH-Series, consumers will be thrilled to see small, easy-to-use digital cameras that do not compromise quality or advanced features. Though there are similarities within the family, we expect slightly different users for each model. The step-up FH20 will be attractive for sophisticated digital camera users who want a longer zoom, perhaps to take photos of their kids playing sports," said David Briganti, Senior Product Manager, Imaging, Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company. "Meanwhile, for the LUMIX FH3/1, we expect first-time buyers who may not be as concerned with a long zoom, but who still demand high performance and ease-of-use will be drawn to these models."

The LUMIX FH-Series features High Definition (HD) 720p motion jpeg video recording capabilities. By recording 1280 x 720p at a smooth 30 fps, in addition to WVGA (848 x 480) and normal VGA (640 x 480), the LUMIX FH-Series makes it easy to view videos on a PC or upload it seamlessly to YouTube*1 with the bundled PHOTOfunSTUDIO version 5.0 software. All models are compatible with Windows® 7*2 and can take HD-quality still photos that fill a 16:9 HDTV. Users with a Panasonic VIERA® HDTV can enjoy a slideshow of photos simply by inserting an SD Memory Card into the HDTV's SD Memory Card Image Viewer slot.

Panasonic's popular iA mode, a suite of technologies that engage automatically – with no setting changes needed by the user – makes it easy for anyone to take beautiful photos. Panasonic iA includes the following: MEGA O.I.S. (Optical Image Stabilization) to help reduce blurry photos due to hand-shake; Intelligent ISO Control to help reduce blur when the subject is moving; Face Detection to ensure registered faces are captured in focus with appropriate exposure and unwanted red eyes are digitally corrected; and Intelligent Scene Selector which selects the best option from: Macro, Portrait, Scenery, Night Portrait, Night Scenery and newly-added Sunset. There is even a dedicated iA button, letting users engage easily with one click. The three models also have a 2.7" 230,000-dot Intelligent LCD, meaning the LCD detects the lighting conditions and controls the brightness level in 11 fine steps, to display with the most appropriate setting.

The Panasonic LUMIX FH-Series includes the Venus Engine IV image processor, which features advanced signal processing technology to produce a fast response time. The shutter release time lag on the FH20 and FH3 is approximately 0.006 second; and approximately 0.007 second for the FH1. The Auto Focus on the three models can lock on the subject in minimum 0.35 second*3.

Other features of the Panasonic LUMIX FH-Series digital cameras include:

* Quick Setting – Allows the users' most frequently-used settings, such as O.I.S., consecutive shooting, Auto Focus Point, White Balance – to be easily accessed through the "Quick Menu" button. There's no need to open several menu screens to adjust them – the user simply selects convenient icons displayed on the menu.
* Scene Modes: Baby, Pet and Sports modes let the user choose the setting and the camera does the rest. Users can also record the name/birthday of a child or pet and embed the information in the photo and have it printed if desired.
* Photo Frame: Put attractive borders around the photo and when printed, the photos look like postcards in picture frames.
* My Scene – Lets the user customize specific Scene modes that they like best, so they can quickly and conveniently switch instantly to the mode
* Macro Zoom – Pulls subjects even closer by using 3x digital zoom, and captures even more dramatic close-ups.
* SDXC Computability – Compatible with SDXC Memory Cards, including Panasonic's newly announced 48 GB*4 and 64 GB SDXC Memory Cards – to enable high capacity content storage and fast data transfer speeds.
* Battery Life – The FH20 can take up to 300 images and the FH3/FH1 can take up to 310 images on a single battery charge*5.

Pricing and availability for the Panasonic LUMIX FH20, LUMIX DMC-FH3 and LUMIX DMC-FH1 will be announced 30 days prior to shipping date. Encased in a brushed metal-finished panel, the FH20 will be available in silver, black, red and violet models. The LUMIX FH3 and FH1 will be available in silver and black.

PANASONIC'S NEW LUMIX FP-SERIES DIGITAL CAMERAS FEATURE SLEEK DESIGN AND ULTRA-SLIM PROFILE FOR USERS WITH STYLE

Panasonic LUMIX FP3 Digital Camera, Complete with Folded Optics Design, Features 3.0" Touch-Screen LCD and Ultra-Slim Profile for Easy Carry

LAS VEGAS, NV (January 6, 2010) – Panasonic today announces new LUMIX digital cameras for the 2010 line with the additions to the ultra-slim FP-Series, the LUMIX DMC-FP3 and FP1. Both FP-Series models have a 4x optical zoom with a folded optics design so the front has a flat and stylish design, featuring a newly-adopted lens cover that protects the lens, and also serves as the camera's power switch. The Panasonic LUMIX FP3 also features an intuitive 3.0" touch-screen LCD for an easy-to-use operation combined with buttons.

The LUMIX FP3 (14.1-megapixel) features a 3.0" touch-screen LCD, while the LUMIX FP1 has 12.1-megapixels and a 2.7" 230,000-dot LCD. The newly adopted, 3.0-inch touch screen LCD on the LUMIX FP3 provides an intuitive control thanks to a hybrid operation combined with the four major operation buttons. The touch-screen operation is fluid and smooth – whether in record or playback mode. While recording, once the frame is composed, users can simply touch the area they want focused before pressing the shutter button. In playback mode, users can drag the image across the screen with their finger to browse the collection of photos, as though it is a page in a book. Both models include Intelligent LCD, which detects the lighting condition and controls the brightness level of the LCD in 11 fine steps, to offer a display with the most appropriate clarity in any situation.

"Panasonic's new LUMIX FP-Series models are designed to be sleek in appearance and easy-to-use, perfect for a user who is concerned with the look and style of their digital camera, but does not want to compromise performance," said David Briganti, Senior Product Manager, Imaging, Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company. "Starting with how the camera is turned on – simply by sliding the lens cover, the FP-Series is innovative and uniquely designed. Add our Intelligent Auto Mode, making it easy for consumers to take High Definition-quality photos, plus an intuitive touch-screen, and we are confident the LUMIX FP3 will be a standout this year."

Panasonic's popular iA (intelligent auto) mode, a suite of technologies that engage automatically – no setting changes needed by the user – makes it easy for anyone to take beautiful photos. The LUMIX FP3 and FP1 include iA with the following technologies: MEGA O.I.S. (Optical Image Stabilization) to help reduce blurry photos due to hand-shake; Intelligent ISO Control to help reduce blur when the subject is moving; Face Detection to ensure registered faces are captured in focus with appropriate exposure and unwanted red eyes are digitally corrected; and Intelligent Scene Selector which automatically selects the best option from six popular Scene modes: Macro, Portrait, Scenery, Night Portrait, Night Scenery and newly added Sunset. To make it even easier, the new FP-Series models feature the dedicated iA button, which lets the user engage iA easily with a click of the button.

New to the FP-Series is High Definition (HD) video recording capability at 1280 x 720p at a smooth 30 fps, in addition to WVGA (848 x 480) and normal VGA (640 x 480). The FP-Series models are compatible with Windows® 7*. Also, the new FP-Series models include the Venus Engine IV processing engine, which supports a fast response time. The shutter release time lag is approximately 0.006 second for FP3 and 0.007 second for the FP1. With fast shutter speeds, the Panasonic FP-Series makes it easy to capture sudden, spur-of-the-moment photo opportunities. Both LUMIX FP-models also have a start-up time of approximately 0.97 second.

Other features of the Panasonic LUMIX FP3 and FP1 include:

· Quick Setting – Allows the users' most frequently-used settings, such as O.I.S., consecutive shooting, Auto Focus Point, White Balance – to be easily accessed through the "Quick Menu" button. There's no need to open several menu screens to adjust them – the user simply selects convenient icons displayed on the menu.
· Scene Modes: Variety of options, such as Baby, Pet and Sports – lets the user set in this Mode and the camera does the rest. Users can also record the name/birthday of a child or pet and embed the information in the photo and have it printed if desired.
· Photo Frame: Put attractive borders around the photo and when printed, the photos look like postcards in picture frames.
· My Scene – Lets the user customize specific Scene modes that they like best, so they can quickly and conveniently switch instantly to the mode.
· Macro Zoom – Pulls subjects even closer by using 3x digital zoom, and captures even more dramatic close-ups.
· SDXC Computability – Compatible with SDXC Memory Cards, including Panasonic's newly announced 64 GB** and 48 GB SDXC Memory Cards – to enable high capacity content storage and fast data transfer speeds.
· Battery Life – Can take up to 300 images on a single battery charge***.

Pricing and availability for the Panasonic LUMIX FP3 and FP1 will be announced 30 days prior to shipping date. Both models are built of solid, high-quality aluminum, and will be available in the following colors: silver, black and navy for the LUMIX FP3; silver, black, red, blue and pink for LUMIX FP1. For more information on these Panasonic LUMIX digital camera models, please visit www.panasonic.com/ces2010.

PANASONIC'S NEW LUMIX DMC-F3 DIGITAL CAMERA DELIVERS ON STYLE AND CONVENIENCE FOR ENTRY-LEVEL USER

New LUMIX F3 Digital Camera is Compact with 4x Optical Zoom and High Definition Video Recording Capabilities

LAS VEGAS, NV (January 6, 2010) – Panasonic today introduces a new entry-level digital camera, the LUMIX DMC-F3, which has been designed with simplicity in mind, without overlooking the importance of style and performance. The 12.1-Megapixel LUMIX DMC-F3 has an impressive 4x optical zoom, considering its small size, as well as Panasonic's shooting-assistant, Auto Scene Mode. The LUMIX F3 also records dynamic High Definition video in 1280 x 720p, at a smooth 30 fps, in addition to WVGA (848 x 480) and normal VGA (640 x 480). The LUMIX F3 is equipped with a 28mm wide-angle lens, a high-sensitivity CCD, and an Extra Optical Zoom function which extends zoom power to 7.8x, plus a 2.7" 230,000-dot resolution LCD designed so the user can clearly see it while shooting still photos and videos.

"The Panasonic LUMIX F3 was designed for the casual and frequent user who wants a digital camera that is not only small and stylish in design, but that has sophisticated features to help enrich the photo-taking experience," said David Briganti, Senior Product Manager, Imaging, Panasonic Consumer Electronic Company. "With extended zoom and Auto Scene Mode, the Panasonic LUMIX F3 can take high-quality photos and videos, while still being easy-to-use and small enough to fit in your pocket."

Other features include, Auto Scene Mode, which when activated, includes the following three shooting-assist functions:

· Intelligent ISO Control prevents the blurring of a moving subject by optimizing shutter speed and ISO settings to render sharp, clear images. On the LUMIX F3, unwanted red-eyes are digitally corrected and backlight compensation automatically activates.

· Face Detection helps to clearly capture registered faces and focus on faces with the appropriate exposure. This is helpful when trying to focus on one person within a group.

· Intelligent Scene Selector automatically selects one of six scene modes that best suits the shooting situation – Macro, Portrait, Scenery, Night Portrait, Night Scenery.

Additionally, the Panasonic LUMIX F3 also has a Digital Image Stabilizer which helps suppress hand-shake and prevent blurry photos. The Panasonic LUMIX F3 has an auto power LCD function which detects light conditions and automatically boosts the LCD backlighting by a maximum of 40% when shooting outdoors to secure clarity and visibility of the screen. In addition to supporting conventional SD/SDHC Memory Cards, the LUMIX F3 is compatible with SDXC Memory Cards, including Panasonic's newly announced 48 GB* and 64 GB SDXC Memory Cards – to enable high capacity content storage and fast data transfer speeds. The LUMIX F3 is compatible with Windows 7**.

Pricing and availability for the Panasonic LUMIX DMC-F3 will be announced 30 days prior to shipping date. The Panasonic LUMIX F3 will come in silver and black models. For more information on these LUMIX models, please visit: www.panasonic.com/ces2010.

Do I need to get my eyes checked? Did Final Fantasy XIII, one of the most advertised, hyped games of the past four years, just get outsold by New Super Mario Bros Wii, LoZ: The Spirit Tracks, and that God damned "Miis make friends on the DS" game in only it's second week of release in Japan?

That's nuts.

Now, I know that Final Fantasy games aren't known for their long legs, but to see the mega-budgeted, mega-advertised game get outsold so quickly by three games that likely cost one tenth of what Final Fantasy XIII cost to produce just confuses me. All this time, I secretly thought that the PS3 and Final Fantasy XIII would end up conquering all of Japan, and they defintiely did... for a week. To see the game almost get outsold by a months old Pokemon remake teaches me how little I understand about Japan.

Hit the jump for the rest of the Japanese numbers for the week of Dec 21st. After checking them out, riddle me this; does it make sense for Square Enix to spend so much more money to produce the Final Fantasy games that they used to if they don't start selling more than they used to?

[via Gonintendo]

01. / 02. [WII] New Super Mario Bros. Wii (Nintendo) - 506,000 / 2,440,000
02. / 00. [NDS] The Legend of Zelda: Spirit Tracks (Nintendo) - 291,000 / NEW
03. / 03. [NDS] Friend Collection (Nintendo) - 227,000 / 2,317,000
04. / 01. [PS3] Final Fantasy XIII (Square Enix) - 189,000 / 1,690,000
05. / 04. [NDS] Pokemon HeartGold/SoulSilver (Pokemon) - 125,000 / 3,465,000
06. / 05. [WII] Wii Fit Plus (Nintendo) - 114,000 / 1,315,000
07. / 06. [NDS] Inazuma Eleven 2 Fire/Blizzard (Level 5) - 99,000 / 908,000
08. / 11. [WII] Wii Sports Resort (Nintendo) - 72,000 / 1,568,000
09. / 12. [WII] Taiko no Tatsujin Wii 2 (Bandai Namco) - 64,000 / 200,000
10. / 08. [NDS] Professor Layton and the Flute of Malevolent Spirits (Level 5) - 64,000 / 559,000

11. / 07. [WII] PokePark Wii: Picachu's Great Adventure (Pokemon Co.)
12. / 09. [PSP] Phantasy Star Portable 2 (Sega)
13. / 14. [NDS] Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Winter Games (Nintendo)
14. / 16. [NDS] New Super Mario Bros. (Nintendo)
15. / 13. [NDS] Pen 1 Grand Prix: A Penguin's Trouble Special (Konami)
16. / 18. [PSP] World Soccer Winning Eleven 2010 (Konami)
17. / 24. [WII] Mario Kart Wii (Nintendo)
18. / 27. [WII] Momotaro Railway 2010: Sengoku Ishin no Hero Daishuugou! no Maki (Hudson)
19. / 20. [WII] Samurai Warriors 3 (Koei)
20. / 15. [PSP] Mobile Suit Gundam: Gundam Vs. Gundam Next Plus (Namco Bandai)
21. / 17. [PSP] Naruto: Shippuden Narutimate Accelerator 3 (Namco Bandai)
22. / 22. [NDS] Powerful Pro-Kun Pocket 12 (Konami)
23. / 25. [NDS] Tamagotchi no Narikiri Channel (Namco Bandai)
24. / 19. [PS3] Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 (Square Enix)
25. / 28. [WII] Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Winter Games (Nintendo)
26. / 35. [NDS] Doraemon Baseball 2: Nettou Ultra Stadium (Namco Bandai)
27. / 00. [PSP] Monster Hunter Freedom Unite (PSP the Best) (reprint) (Capcom)
28. / 32. [NDS] Dragon Quest IX: Sentinels of the Starry Skies (Square Enix)
29. / 00. [PS2] Little Busters! Converted Edition (Prototype)
30. / 30. [NDS] Metal Fight Beyblade: Bakutan Cyber Pegasus (Hudson)

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use coupon code <b>BONUSBUY</b>)<br /> • <a href="http://www.logicbuy.com/deals/Toshiba-46RV525U-46-inch-1080p-LCD-TV/11369.aspx">46" Toshiba 1080p LCD HDTV for $799.99 with free shipping</a> (normally $899<br /> • <a href="http://www.cheapstingybargains.com/191929/vizio-sv420m-42-1080p-120hz-lcd-hdtv/">42" Vizio 1080p LCD HDTV for $827 with free shipping</a> (normally $850).<br /> • <a href="http://www.techdealdigger.com/pr/cheap-lg-37lg30-37-inch-720p-lcd-hd-deals/1089">37" LG 720p LCD TV for $479.99 plus free shipping</a> (normally $645).<br /> • <a href="http://dealzon.com/deals/auria-eq2688-26-inch-720p-lcd-hdtv">26" Auria 720pLCD HDTV for $249.99 plus free shipping</a> (normally $392).<br /> • <a href="http://www.techdealdigger.com/pr/cheap-klipsch-f-2-synergy-floorstanding-loudspeaker-deals/1317">Klipsch F-2 Synergy speaker + $150 Gift Card for $374.99 plus free shipping</a> (normally $525).<br /> • <a href="http://dealzon.com/deals/logitech-harmony-890-advanced-universal-remote-control">Logitech Harmony 890 Advanced Universal Remote Control for $174.97 plus free shipping</a> (normally $312).<br /> • <a href="http://www.cheapcollegegamers.com/forum/showthread.php?p=5573">Up - 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use coupon code:<b>shoppingbargains</b>).<br /> • <a href="http://www.cheapstingybargains.com/191886/sony-cyber-shot-dsc-h20-digital-camera/">Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H20 Digital Camera for $215 with free shipping</a> (normally $240).<br /> • <a href="http://www.cheapstingybargains.com/191934/kodak-easyshare-m863-82mp-digital-camera-bundle/">Kodak EasyShare M863 8.2MP Digital Camera Bundle for $86 shipped</a> (normally $130).<br /> • <a href="http://www.logicbuy.com/deals/panasonic-rphje900-zirconia-in-ear-headphones/17921.aspx">Panasonic RP-HJE900 Zirconia In-Ear Headphones for $109 with free shipping</a> (normally $171.95)<br /> • <a href="http://www.logicbuy.com/deals/Etymotic-Research-ER6I-BLK-C-Isolator-In-Ear-Earphones/9966.aspx">Etymotic Research ER6i Isolator In-Ear Earphones for $59.97 with free shipping</a> (normally $71.99)<br /> • <a href="http://www.logicbuy.com/deals/Sony-Digital-Reader-Touch-Edition-credit-at-sonystyle/15118.aspx">6" Sony PRS-600BC Digital E-Book Touch Edition for $267.99 with free shipping</a> (normally $279)<br /> • <a href="http://dealzon.com/deals/nextar-ma588-2gb-mp3-player-black">Nextar MA588 2GB MP3 Player for $15.99 plus free shipping</a> (normally $25).<br /> • <a href="http://www.techbargains.com/news_displayItem.cfm/191269">Nokia 5800 XpressMusic Cell Phone for $189.99 plus free shipping</a> (normally $259 - use coupon code: <b>2SPF2G8VDV8R38</b>).<br /> • <a href="http://www.techbargains.com/news_displayItem.cfm/191294">Asus Videophone SV1TS for Skype Video Chat Device for $149.99 plus free shipping</a> (normally $209 - use <a href="http://www.bhphotovideo.com/FrameWork/Rebates_Promos/123109_ASUS_Videophone.pdf">this form</a>).<br /> • <a href="http://www.gamerhotline.com/garmin-nuvi-1350t-gps/">GARMIN nuvi 1350T GPS for $179.99 plus free shipping</a> (normally $198).<br /> • <a href="http://www.techbargains.com/news_displayItem.cfm/191272">Magellan SE4 Portable GPS Navigation for $80.99</a> (normally $99).<br /> • <a href="http://www.techdealdigger.com/pr/cheap-samsung-sl420-10mp-digital-camera-silver-deals/2750">Samsung SL420 10MP Digital Camera for $98.00 plus free shipping</a> (normally $119).<br /> • <a href="http://www.techdealdigger.com/pr/cheap-ifrogz-ep-np-5200-earpollution-nerve-pipe-headphones-deals/2752">iFrogz Nerve Pipe Headphones for $12.25 plus free shipping</a> (normally $25 - use coupon code <b>shoppingbargains</b>).</p> <p><b>Hobomodo:</b><br /> • <a href="http://www.cheapstingybargains.com/forums/freebies/32496-free-nature-made-tripleflex-liquid-softgel-sample.html">Nature Made TripleFlex Liquid Softgel Sample for $0</a> (use <a href="http://instoresnow.walmart.com/enhancedrendercontent_ektid83277.aspx">this form</a>).<br /> • <a href="http://www.cheapstingybargains.com/forums/freebies/32495-free-1-yr-subscription-motor-trend.html">1 YR Subscription to Motor Trend for $0</a> (use <a href="http://www.autoshowtickets.com/sv/index.asp?code=RADIO">this form</a>).<br /> • <a href="http://www.cheapstingybargains.com/forums/freebies/32494-free-sample-prilosec-otc.html">Sample of Prilosec OTC for $0</a> (use <a href="http://instoresnow.walmart.com/EnhancedRenderContent.aspx?id=82774">this form</a>).<br /> • <a href="http://www.cheapstingybargains.com/forums/freebies/32493-free-book-science-staying-young.html">The Science Of Staying Young for $0</a> (use <a href="http://www.gobeneviacoupons.com/">this form</a>).<br /> • <a href="http://www.gamerhotline.com/free-fresco-taco-at-taco-bell/">Fresco Taco at Taco Bell for $0</a>.<br /> • <a href="http://www.cheapcollegegamers.com/forum/showthread.php?p=5578">Wild West Pinball (iPhone/iPod Touch) for $0</a> (normally $.99).<br /> • <a href="http://www.cheapcollegegamers.com/forum/showthread.php?t=4853">14 Track Summer Compilation 2009 for $0</a> (download <a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B002K7ERBY/ref=nosim/mmbevigaotst-20">here</a>).<br /> • <a href="http://www.logicbuy.com/deals/Free-15-Days-Carbonite-Online-Backup/16097.aspx">15 Days Carbonite Online Backup for $0</a></p> <p><i>If a deal looks too good to be true, investigate the store and see if it's a good, reputable place to buy. Safe shopping!</i></p> <p>[<i>Thanks <a href="http://www.techdealdigger.com/">TechDealDigger</a>, <a href="http://www.dealzon.com/">Dealzon</a>, <a href="http://www.logicbuy.com/">Logic Buy</a>, <a href="http://www.gamerhotline.com/">GamerHotline</a>, <a href="http://www.cheapcollegegamers.com/">Cheap College Gamers</a>, <a href="http://www.cheapstingybargains.com">CheapStingyBargains</a> and <a href="http://www.techbargains.com">TechBargains</a>.]</i></p> <br clear="both" /> <br clear="both" /> <a href="http://ads.pheedo.com/click.phdo?s=d3e05aea74801a420b3d159c9a157a5f&p=1"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ads.pheedo.com/img.phdo?s=d3e05aea74801a420b3d159c9a157a5f&p=1" /></a> <img alt="" height="0" width="0" border="0" src="http://a.rfihub.com/eus.gif?eui=2226" /> <p><a href="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/Dej0dKDIIm79QhFAvcsIbW1w7Xs/0/da"><img src="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/Dej0dKDIIm79QhFAvcsIbW1w7Xs/0/di" border="0" ismap="true" /></a><br /> <a href="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/Dej0dKDIIm79QhFAvcsIbW1w7Xs/1/da"><img src="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/Dej0dKDIIm79QhFAvcsIbW1w7Xs/1/di" border="0" ismap="true" /></a></p><div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.gawker.com/~ff/gizmodo/full?a=1KLWjURWcaw:iwn5E_PFHag:H0mrP-F8Qgo"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/gizmodo/full?d=H0mrP-F8Qgo" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://feeds.gawker.com/~ff/gizmodo/full?a=1KLWjURWcaw:iwn5E_PFHag:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/gizmodo/full?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://feeds.gawker.com/~ff/gizmodo/full?a=1KLWjURWcaw:iwn5E_PFHag:D7DqB2pKExk"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/gizmodo/full?i=1KLWjURWcaw:iwn5E_PFHag:D7DqB2pKExk" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://feeds.gawker.com/~ff/gizmodo/full?a=1KLWjURWcaw:iwn5E_PFHag:V_sGLiPBpWU"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/gizmodo/full?i=1KLWjURWcaw:iwn5E_PFHag:V_sGLiPBpWU" border="0" /></a> </div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/gizmodo/full/~4/1KLWjURWcaw" height="1" width="1" />