Fans of Metal Slug series will have something to look forward to as Metal Slug 3 hits the XBL Arcade This Wednesday. This will be an updated version of the run and gun classic game. Metal Slug 3 provides gamers with plenty of action and more than one way through each level. It will also feature a new Co-Op mode with updated HD graphics. The game will cost 800 Microsoft points and developed by SNK Playmore.

THQ and XBL have an exclusive arcade game coming to the XBL Arcade Wednesday December 26th. SpongeBob SquarePants Slam! The game will feature characters from the popular Nickelodeon TV series. It will have a single-player and an online mode so three others can join in on the fun. The price will be 800 Microsoft Points so this would be a great one for the kids the day after Christmas and the young at heart.

The problems with the online play and other issues with Sensible World of Soccer are fixed. The new version is now up on the Xbox Live Arcade and ready to download. If you downloaded the game before it was removed simply delete the game and download the new version there is no charge for downloading it again. There was no official word of why or what went wrong just an update on Major Nelson’s blog. You can read what he wrote by clicking here.

Here is some news that can only be filed under bizarre! The Romantics filed an injunction asking that the sale of Activision’s Guitar Hero Rocks the 80’s be stopped. The Romantics stated Activision violated copy write infringements and wanted their song “What I Like About You” removed from the title. The first draft even asked for a recall of all copies already sold. The Judge found in favor of Activision stating in the preliminary hearing. Judge Edmunds made it clear that Activision did exactly what they were authorized to do while developing the game and no copy write issues were violated. He also added the sale of the title would continue. This seems more of a way to try and regain some popularity and a PR Stunt. Really when was the last time you wondered when the next Romantics CD would hit?

If you downloaded the new arcade title Sensible World of Soccer please delete the copy you have. It seems the wrong version was released and the game will not work right. Major Nelson posted the information on his blog and I was also asked to pass this information on. The title has been pulled and no word on when the right version will be available once it is you can download it for free if you already bought the game. At times things like this happen although rare you can read Major Nelson’s comments by clicking here.

Sidhe Interactive sent word they are planning a race night against gamers this Thursday to play GripShift. This will be a chance to meet the team and beat them at their own game. GripShift is one of the new arcade titles to hit the arcade last week. If you want to take part you need to sign up and register. You can visit their forums here and sign up and also find all the details.

Some of you may already have seen the new issue of Game Informer magazine with this new game on the cover. It seems there was a mix up and I only got the word sent late last night. EA is always known for throwing their hats in the ring so to speak and for surprises. It seems the Command & Conquer franchise will now have a spin off called Tiberium and it will be a FPS title. The game has been in the works for the last two and half years. Tiberium will offer gamers a deep story line and some great weapons to use. Check out the Official Website for more information. The only release information I have is fall of 2008.

Headsets for Xbox Live are a dime a dozen these days, so is it worth it to spend the extra cash on a third party headset? We recently took a closer look at Plantronics’ Gamecom headset lineup (the Gamecom X10, X20, and X30) and found that it boils down to personal preference, style, and sound quality.

Read the rest of this entry

Take-Two shed some light on their new plans of creating the 2k Marin studio. Rumors were flying around the internet that this was being built for work on BioShock 2. It would not make sense to create a brand new studio just for one title. Take-Two explained that 2K Marine will help create AAA franchises and would develop original IP’s. The newly formed studio is located in Novato, California.

THQ sent word that they have shipped MX vs. ATV Untamed and it should be in stores everywhere in North America today. The next installment of the popular franchise features an all new X-Cross career mode. The new game looks good from the demo that hit the marketplace awhile back and the franchise has always been a popular one. The Xbox 360 version is priced at $59.99.