First Impressions: LEGO Star Wars: The Complete Saga

I'm a total sucker for LEGOs and Star Wars so it's no surprise that the first two LEGO Star Wars titles have spent more time in my 360 than any other games to date. My family and I have logged over 150 hours on LSWII alone. I think this speaks volumes for the quality of work that TT has done. The number of oddities and glitches my 3 yr old son has found is another topic for another day.

With The Complete Saga now in stores, it was only fitting that I would pick it up and jump right back into the action. Nevermind that I have played virtually all of these missions countless times, this is a new game right? My 360 seems to believe it so it must be true.

Regardless, I think there is a lot here for those of us that have played through these games before and there is one hell of a deal for newcomers to the titles. For starters, TCS is only $49.99 versus the standard price of $59.99 and that comes with what was previously only available on 2 separate discs. A whole list of new Achievements, new features, and an online co-op mode and you've got yourself a whole new gaming experience based around the same levels you've played before.

It could be argued that this is merely clever marketing and re-selling something that has already paid for itself. I might be inclined to believe you, but I'd add that this isn't necessarily a bad thing for this particular title and if you haven't checked out what they are doing with LEGO these days, you should.

Nov 12, 2007 - 5:08 pm | 5 comments

Super Mario Galaxy Launch Details - NYC

With the launch of Super Mario Galaxy only a few days away, Nintendo has a host of festivities in store for those of you that live in the Big City of NYC. The event they have planned will take place at the Nintendo World Store and here is a rundown of what is going down:

• Activities kickoff at 8 p.m., but there will likely be a long line before that outside the doors of the store


• There will be a DJ with dancers, a Velcro wall, a bungee run and trivia questions with prizes


• There will be a laser light show inside the store


• Mario himself will be in attendance to greet fans and prepare for his adventure


• The holiday season is upon us, and it's time to think gifts. To celebrate this event, 250 Wii systems will be available for purchase so shoppers can not only have the hottest system around, but also the hottest game of the year


• The store will extend its hours until 10 p.m., and will reopen at midnight when the game officially goes on sale

Nov 9, 2007 - 4:32 pm | 0 comments

Win My Copy: Disgaea Afternoon of Darkness

Disgaea was always one of those titles that garnered a lot of attention and praise from fans of the series. Unfortunately for me, I don't have a PSP so one lucky winner is going to get my copy of Disgaea: Afternoon of Darkness.

Entering is simple, register for the forums if you haven't already done so and make a single post in this thread. I'll randomly select a winner on Monday, November 12th at 4pm CST. One entry per person and this is limited to US and Canadian residents. Given that the game is only rated T, I'll open this up to anyone 13 and older.

Nov 7, 2007 - 5:28 pm | 87 comments

Super Mario Galaxy Flight Team

FedEx just dropped off a thick metallic package that had the following items inside: a flight patch and a printed note on metallic paper. The note read:

"Congratulations! You've been selected to join Mario's flight team and encounter a new set of enemies on planets and in galaxies you've never seen before. So, dust off your space suit and get ready for Super Mario Galaxy, the must-have game of the year for Wii, landing on your desk soon!"



Pics of the Super Mario Galaxy Flight Patch and letter are below.

Nov 1, 2007 - 4:18 pm | 12 comments

Pirates vs Ninjas Dodgball Headed to Xbox Live Arcade

Gamecock Media Group just announced that the upcoming title from Blazing Lizard, Pirates vs. Ninjas Dodgeball, would be headed to Xbox Live Arcade in early 2008.

"It is no secret that Pirates and Ninjas have beef," stated Chris Stockman, Studio Director of Blazing Lizard. "But it turns out both have a great love for dodgeball and unique skills when it comes to playing the game. We are bringing together sworn enemies for what I can guarantee will be explosive dodgeball action."

PvND is one of my more anticipated titles for the next year despite it's simple concept. It'll make a perfect XLA title.

Nov 1, 2007 - 2:24 pm | 3 comments

Podcast Episode 38 Online

The podcast for November is now online and Pretz and Pic get down with a look forward to 2008 as well as a Holiday Wishlist for this holiday season. Check it out here.

Nov 1, 2007 - 10:59 am | 9 comments

I Am Now A Victim

My wife just called and asked me this:

"What does it mean when the Xbox has red rings around the circle?"

I have now joined the ranks of people with a busted 360. I am not a happy gamer right now.

Oct 30, 2007 - 12:40 pm | 19 comments

Stranglehold Goes Gold On Playstation 3; Release Date Stays 10/29

Midway just sent news that the PS3 version of Stranglehold has now gone gold. The title was released for the Xbox 360 and PC back in September. You can read our review of the Xbox 360 version of Stranglehold here.

I confirmed with Midway this morning that despite only 5 days until it's scheduled release, the title is still on track for a 10/29 release date.

Oct 24, 2007 - 10:32 am | 8 comments

Xbox 360 Arcade Officially Released

Microsoft sent word today that the much rumored Xbox 360 Arcade was official. The new console is being marketed at families for the holiday season. The Xbox 360 Arcade comes with 5 XLA games, a wireless controller, and HDMI cable, and a 256MB memory card for $279.99. The 5 included games are Pac-Man Championship Edition, Uno, Luxor 2, Boom Boom Rocket, and Feeding Frenzy.

The Xbox 360 arcade is available in stores today.

Oct 23, 2007 - 6:01 pm | 0 comments

Mass Effect Goes Gold

Microsoft and BioWare announced today that their new Action RPG, Mass Effect, has officially gone gold. The game will come in 2 varieties including a standard edition as well as a limited collector's edition for a few bucks more.

The collectors edition will be available at certain retails and includes the following bonus material:

• Mass Effect fiction book titled "Galactic Codex: Essentials


• Mass Effect art book titled "A Future Imagined"


• Bonus DVD of Mass Effect background material and additional content

Oct 22, 2007 - 4:53 pm | 11 comments