Gallery Update: RAGE

OK, it's only a mere three new screens, but yikes. That idTech 5 engine is sure pumping out some glorious-looking images, huh? RAGE is slated for release on the Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, and PC in North America on September 13, 2011 and across Europe on September 16, 2011. More updates to follow, of course...

Operation Flashpoint: Red River Cover Art/Screens Update

Cover art and four more screens from Codemasters' upcoming military-themed tactical FPS. Don't call it COD, MOH or anything similar until you've gven it a try. The series is known more for its realism than the usual online mayhem and non-stop single player shoot-festing. Granted, Dragon Rising wasn't as deep as the original Op Flash (the edit feature was sorely missed!), but it was still a more complete game in terms of pure immersion and actual challenge than many shooters this generation.

Arkane Studies Releases Final Arx Fatalis Patch, Source Code

One of the best PC role-playing games of the last decade, was Arx Fatalis, Arkane Studios' homage to the classic PC games Ultima Underworld and Ultima Underworld II. In case you've never played it, it's time you finally did. It's still around today as a downloadable game over at Steam, gog.com and Direct2Drive or you can probably track down a physical copy on ebay for either PC or original Xbox (but I don't think it's backward compatible on the 360, so you may want to check that out first).

Arkane has just released the final patch as well as the complete source code for the game (it's now Vista and Windows 7 compatible), which means the mod community now has another game to take apart and improve into an even better experience. I hadn't played the game in about a year or so, but after downloading the new patch and firing up an old save and playing for an hour or so, it's still a solid chunk of gaming. I'm not a fan of the window mode that's been patched in, but I'm sure there's a quick fix for that. Anyway, yes - another great game to try if you haven't yet - enjoy!

Sega to Release Dreamcast Collection on Xbox 360, Windows PC

Well, alright (with a minor gripe) - Sega is tapping back into its Dreamcast library and will release a collection of four classics for the system as both a retail packaged disc for the Xbox 360 and a digital download for Windows PC. The simply titled Dreamcast Collection will be available on February 25, 2011, in Europe and February 22 in North America and feature Sonic Adventure, Crazy Taxi, Sega Bass Fishing and Space Channel 5. According to the press release, both versions will have enhanced graphics while only the 360 version will have Achievements as well as online leader board support.

“The Dreamcast console is still remembered as a pioneering console for online gaming,” commented Gary Knight, VP of Marketing at SEGA of America and SEGA Europe “We are delighted to be able to offer to our large community of dedicated fans a collection such as Dreamcast Collection for them to enjoy old favorites on this Xbox 360 and Windows PC."

True... but none of those games in this collection were online enabled in terms of gameplay as far as I remember (he said, looking at his DC collection). That and, for the love of Knuckles... why no PS3 version?

Review: Plane Weaver

Platform: Windows PC

Developer: Blue Coral Studio

Publisher: DADIU

# of Players: 1

Official Site

ESRB Rating: None

Score: A-

Developed in one month (!) by a team of eleven students at The Danish Academy of Digital & Interactive Entertainment (DADIU), Plane Weaver is a marvelous mix of 3D platforming and puzzle elements that come off as more fresh and innovative than much of what constitutes "Game of the Year" material on consoles and PC. While it's not a supremely lengthy experience, it's visually striking, nicely challenging and genuinely rewarding as you're pulled into some excellently designed levels. The game lightly echoes elements of sleeper hits such as ICO and the upcoming Lost in Shadow, yet never feels too derivative or under-polished. At only 66MB and a free download (for now), it's an absolute must for anyone who craves originality and creativity in their games.