Designer Alexis Vanamois has stepped in with a solution to help fill the void . . . and by void, I mean coffin, and by coffin I mean . . . well, precisely that: we’re talking about a coffin here.

No, they’re not available for retail yet. But going on the speed at which these pictures have hit the global gaming community, I suspect they will be before long …

Want to see more glamour shots? Check out the original post at PC World Australia.

PC World via Hawty McBloggy

Early in April 2010, we will see the first of Premium DLC for Mass Effect 2, which will add a new character to the crew that Shepard will assemble for his suicide mission.  The character is Kasumi Goto, a rogue like female that has been contacted by Cerberus to assist with Shepard’s mission to save humanity.

However, everybody always wants something, and Kasumi is no different.  She is looking for assistance with a vault heist from the dangerous criminal known as Donovan Hook.

Check the jump for a few more pictures of Kasumi Goto.  Mass Effect 2 is available for PC and Xbox 360, as will the DLC.

I might be showing my age here, but one of my favorite dungeon crawl titles is The Bard’s Tale.  Not the cheeky remake from inXile a few years ago, but the classic title from the 80’s.  It was three quarters of the screen dedicated to text and stats, with one little window showing us a color screen of the map that you moved around in first person.  It was great stuff.

Well, inXile is now back with Hunter: The Demon’s Forge, a co-op dungeon crawler that will bring back some of the flavor from Bard’s Tale, but with updated graphics and action.  Brian Fargo, the creator of Fallout and Bard’s Tale is helming this new project, and it will be brought to PC, Xbox 360 and PS3 by Bethesda Softworks.  No release date is set, but I am sure we will see more at E3 this year.  Keep your eyes on the site for more on this title.

BETHESDA SOFTWORKS TO PUBLISH HUNTED: THE DEMON’S FORGE™

Next Gen Co-Op Dungeon Romp Being Developed by inXile Entertainment for Xbox 360, PlayStation®3 and Games for Windows

March 15, 2010 (Rockville, MD) – Bethesda Softworks®, a ZeniMax® Media company, today announced that it will publish Hunted: The Demon’s Forge™, a third-person co-op fantasy action game. Hunted is being developed at inXile Entertainment for the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, and PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system and Games for Windows.

inXile Entertainment was founded in 2002 by industry veteran Brian Fargo. During his distinguished tenure in the video game business, Fargo has been behind some of the greatest fantasy game franchises of all time including The Bard’s Tale®, Baldur’s Gate®, and Fallout®. Hunted’s development is being overseen by Fargo while Michael “Maxx” Kaufman serves as the game’s Director. Previously, Kaufman served as Art Director on such titles as Kingpin™: Life of Crime™, Redneck Rampage™ and the award-winning Return to Castle Wolfenstein® at Gray Matter.

“We are thrilled to be working with Bethesda Softworks on this upcoming release that takes us back to our roots,” said Brian Fargo, Founder of inXile Entertainment. “Bethesda’s track record speaks for itself and the game we are developing for them is no exception.”

“inXile has an extremely talented team and we couldn’t be more pleased to have them working on one of our upcoming titles,” said Vlatko Andonov, President of Bethesda Softworks. “We believe gamers will be really excited about what these guys have in store for them.”

In addition to Hunted, Bethesda Softworks’ roster of upcoming games includes Fallout®: New Vegas™, the next chapter in the blockbuster Fallout franchise being developed at Obsidian Entertainment, Brink™, a ground breaking shooter being developed at Splash Damage and RAGE™, the new first-person shooter being developed by id Software.

For more information on Bethesda Softworks and Hunted, visit www.bethsoft.com.

To learn more about inXile Entertainment please visit www.inxile-entertainment.com.

About Bethesda Softworks

Bethesda Softworks, part of the ZeniMax Media Inc. family of companies, is a premier developer and worldwide publisher of interactive entertainment software. Titles from two of the world’s top development studios – Bethesda Game Studios and id Software – are featured under the Bethesda Softworks label and include such blockbuster franchises as DOOM®, QUAKE®, The Elder Scrolls®, Fallout®, Wolfenstein® and RAGE™. For more information on Bethesda Softworks’ products, visit www.bethsoft.com.

Hunted: The Demon’s Forge, Brink, ZeniMax, Bethesda Softworks, Bethesda Game Studios, The Elder Scrolls and related logos are trademarks or registered trademarks of ZeniMax Media Inc. in the U.S. and/or other countries. Fallout and Fallout: New Vegas are trademarks or registered trademarks of Bethesda Softworks LLC. in the U.S. and/or other countries. ID, id Software, DOOM, QUAKE, Wolfenstein, Return to Castle Wolfenstein, RAGE and related logos are trademarks or registered trademarks of id Software LLC in the U.S. and/or other countries. All other trademarks and trade names are the properties of their respective owners. All Rights Reserved.

About inXile Entertainment

Located in Newport Beach, California, inXile Entertainment is a game development company that focuses on both licensed and original intellectual properties. Formed in late 2002 by Interplay Entertainment founder Brian Fargo, inXile Entertainment develops for personal computers and the major console platforms including the Nintendo Wii™, Nintendo DS™, PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system and the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft.

For those people that are still hitting up the Bioshock 2 multiplayer component, the new Sinclair Solutions DLC pack is now available on the Playstation Network, Xbox Live Marketplace and Games for Windows LIVE marketplace.  Adding some new maps, powers and missions, the Sinclair Solution Test Pack raises up the level cap to 50 and mixes in 20 new trials for players to complete.  The map pack runs for 400 points on the Xbox Live and Games for Windows marketlaces, while the PS3 pack runs for $4.99.

2K Games also lets us know that this is the first of several planned DLC releases for Bioshock 2, including some new single player content that will be coming shortly.

Capcom has finally pinned down a release date for their upcoming speedbike racing title, MotoGP 09/10.  So when will you be able to crotch-rocket your way to a checkered flag?  That date would be March 23, 2010.  MotoGP 09/10 captures all the high speed racing on two wheels and presents it in high definition quality, right down to the wrecks. 

Check out the jump for a few more shots from the gorgeous looking title.  Moto GP 09/10 will be coming to the PS3 and Xbox 360 in two weeks.

Last year, Might and Magic: Clash of Heroes hit the DS and was a surprising hit for Ubisoft.  The title took the Might and Magic brand and fused it together with an anime style, setting up the title for a new audience that might not be as familiar with the Might and Magic brand.

A year later, the title is now coming to both the Xbox Live Arcade and Playstation Network, although we do not have a pricing structure in place for it.  Might and Magic: Clash of Heroes will sport multiplayer battles as well as a co-op feature for those that want to team up to fight the enemy.

Check the jump for more screenshots and a video of the title in action.

UBISOFT® ANNOUNCES MIGHT & MAGIC® CLASH OF HEROES® FOR PlayStation®Network & Xbox LIVE ARCADE

SAN FRANCISCO – March 11, 2010 – Today Ubisoft announced that it will bring the critically acclaimed Might & Magic Clash of Heroes to the PlayStation Network from Sony and Xbox LIVE® Arcade for the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft. Developed by Capybara Games, the creators of Might & Magic Clash of Heroes for the Nintendo DS ™ system, Might and Magic Clash of Heroes for Xbox LIVE Arcade for Xbox 360 and PlayStation Network will give players the opportunity to enjoy the remarkable gameplay but now in high definition (HD).

“We’re very excited to bring Might & Magic Clash of Heroes to Xbox LIVE Arcade for Xbox 360 and PlayStation Network,” said Senior Producer, Romain de Waubert de Genlis. “Not only have we had the chance to adapt all of our graphics to High-Definition, but we’ve also had the opportunity to improve the game even further, both in single-player battles and in the main campaign. We took many of the community’s recurring wishes into consideration, allowing players to match their strategic skills and taking full advantage of the online capabilities of Xbox LIVE Arcade for Xbox 360 and PlayStation Network.”

Might and Magic Clash of Heroes for Xbox LIVE Arcade and PlayStation Network will take advantage of the next-gen consoles’ capabilities to increase its visual appeal and enrich the multiplayer experience. With a unique mix of RPG and an exceptional puzzle battle system, this upcoming release will give Might & Magic fans something to look forward to this Summer 2010.

Key features include:

• Might & Magic Universe

• High-definition environments with manga art design

• Five different factions and five different heroes with five different stories

• Fresh turn-based puzzle battle system with offensive & defensive combos

• Unlockable heroes

• Online Level-up & Ranking

• Multiplayer mode for 2-4 players local and online.

For the latest information on Might & Magic Clash of Heroes, please visit: http://mightandmagic.com/clashofheroes/

About Ubisoft

Ubisoft is a leading producer, publisher and distributor of interactive entertainment products worldwide and has grown considerably through a strong and diversified line-up of products and partnerships. Ubisoft is present in 28 countries and has sales in more than 55 countries around the globe. It is committed to delivering high-quality, cutting-edge video game titles to consumers. For the 2008–09 fiscal year Ubisoft generated sales of 1.058 billion euros. To learn more, please visit www.ubisoftgroup.com.

© 2009 Ubisoft Entertainment. All Rights Reserved. Heroes, Might and Magic, Heroes of Might and Magic, Ubisoft, Ubi.com, and the Ubisoft logo are trademarks of Ubisoft Entertainment in the U.S. and/or other countries. Microsoft, Xbox, Xbox 360, Xbox LIVE, and the Xbox logos are trademarks of the Microsoft group of companies and are used under license from Microsoft. “PlayStation” is a registered trademark of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. Nintendo DS is a trademark of Nintendo.

Its kind of funny when someone realizes their ears are burning.  I sent over an email to our press contact about the lack of Clash of the Titans news, seeing as their was a big push at the announcement of the game, and then everything went dark.  The response I got was, “There will be some new stuff shortly.” 

Well, yesterday was when I got the email that was chock full of new screens from the upcoming title release.  For those that might not of been around in 1981, Clash of the Titans is a remake of the classic film, complete with new visuals and a new star, Sam Worthington in the starring role of Perseus.

Check the jump for more screens.  Clash of the Titans is coming to Xbox 360 aned PS3 in the Spring of 2010.

With the release of Prison Break: The Conspiracy coming up rather quickly, we now have a bio for the lead character in the game, Tom Paxton.  We also now know tha the story in Prison Break: The Conspiracy runs in parallel to the events that happened in Season 1 of the show, but from a different perspective.

Check out the jump for more screens as well as a full bio on Company man, Tom Paxton.  Prison Break: The Conspiracy is launching on March 30th on PS3, Xbox 360 and PC.  It will be $50 on consoles, with a $10 price break for PC owners.

About Tom Paxton

Tom Paxton is a top-drawer agent for the Company with an impeccable resume. His extraordinary physical strength and agility as well as his talent for remaining undetected make him the ideal candidate for the job.

Paxton is tall (6’1”) and well-built with an athletic body.

Very little is known about his childhood. His father was initially a Secret Service agent, but later became an agent for The Company. His mother died when he was very young.  The tragic death of his mother in a bank robbery and growing up with a domineering father and no siblings affected his view of the world and left him to fend for himself at a young age.

As soon as he could, he joined the military.  Stationed in Burma for three years, Paxton had a short-lived relationship with a local woman.  As the relationship became too close for his comfort, he severed it abruptly. However, the woman gave birth to his daughter and Paxton still supports them, exposing traces of compassion – a rarely seen trait of his personality.

His ambition drove him to continue his military career at West Point, leaving his previous life in Burma behind. He graduated with honors and wound up joining the Secret Service. Shortly afterwards, he was recruited by the Company. Paxton was attracted by the Company’s goal-oriented approach, efficiency, no pencil-pushing all-action assignments, and the unscrupulous Machiavellianism of the leaders.

Paxton was on the fast track to leadership in the Company, getting more and more responsibilities and climbing up the hierarchy. He fully believed that what he’s doing was for the good of the country and a higher cause.  This belief, fueled by strong patriotism and combined with his extreme efficiency, makes him the perfect agent for the company. Two years ago his father was killed in the line of duty, working on an undercover assignment for The Company.

The Company is now his family. He respects the Company’s resoluteness and omnipresent power. Although being a man of action, Paxton believes people must be forced into prosperity, as the masses are too lethargic to get there themselves.  Above all, he believes in completing a mission – any mission – no matter what stands in between him and success.

With the success of 2008’s Mega Man 9, it was no surprise when Capcom announced the return of the 8-bit style Mega Man once again, and with Mega Man 10, fans are treated to an even better experience than 9 offered. However, there are still some areas that could really use improvement.

What’s the story?

Roll collapses one day and is diagnosed with roboenza, some kind of robot disease. Wily comes screaming in from the sky in his battered flying saucer and begs Light and Mega Man for help, as he claims his robots have gone crazy and attacked him. Wily says he can make a cure, but Mega Man needs to retrieve the machine that manufactures it. We can only assume everyone knows how this will end, but he heads off to fight some robots and rescue the machine anyway.

How does it play?

Players reprise the roll of Mega Man or Proto Man. Both are available from the beginning of the game, while you had to buy Proto Man in Mega Man 9. Play through eight themed stages, each headed by a robot master. Beat the robot master and gain one of his abilities, then move on to the next. As always, each robot master has a weakness to at least one of the other robot masters’ abilities, and doing these things in just the right order is clearly to your benefit.

After beating the eight robot masters, you’ll move on to Wily’s multi-stage fortress. Each stage in the fortress ends with another boss, though there are often several returning bosses within the stages as well, including those from previous games in the series. I’d prefer not to spoil it any more than that, as there are some real surprises here.

Advancements made for Mega Man 9 return here, such as collecting screws to buy or “make” items from Light’s shop, like energy tanks, weapon tanks, extra lives, and special little one-time-use tools that will do things like rescue you from bottomless pits or boost your armor for a single stage. My personal favorite, the power balancer, is a permanent upgrade that automatically gives any weapon charge cells you collect to the weapon with the least ammo, as long as you have your default weapon selected.

The ability to buy things like lives and energy tanks allows the level design to be a bit more devious. While I don’t feel this game is any harder than 9 (I actually found it easier), those who do can choose an easy difficulty level from the beginning. As with all these Mega Man games, once you’ve beaten a stage, you’ve likely mastered it, and after a few plays you’ll be breezing through, almost without a scratch. By the time you beat the game, you can play through the whole thing in under two hours.

Another important feature is the save system, which is the main area I think needs work. It’s great to be able to save your place in the game and not have to fight through stages again. That’s a big departure from the NES games, where you had to play through the entire game in one sitting. The problem is that while you’re given unlimited continues, and even in Wily’s fortress you can continue from the segment you’re on, there’s no way to suspend your position in the game and resume later. That means if you want to turn off your PS3, you’re going to have to start over from your save, and once you get to Wily’s fortress, that means starting at the very beginning of the fortress.

Another thing I don’t understand is why this game is not a PSP Mini. PSP Minis are now playable on both PS3 and PSP, which would open up one more platform for people to play Mega Man 10 on. I understand that this would mean we wouldn’t have any trophies in the game, but honestly, I could live with that. Beyond that, the only thing I can complain about is the fact that sliding and charge shots have been removed from Mega Man’s repertoire, just as in 9. I can live without charge shots, but I’m so accustomed to sliding to cover ground quickly and evade attacks that I sometimes feel helpless without it. Fortunately, Proto Man can slide, so it is there for those who favor the move over the look.

How does it look and sound?

Mega Man 10 is effectively one of the best looking and sounding NES game you’ve ever seen. The illusion is complete, as there’s nothing here that would seem out of place in an NES game. That said, it’s incredibly feature-rich, with some very intimidating trophies, downloadable content (including Bass as a playable character), and more. The music is even a little better than it was in Mega Man 9. All the traditional sound effects are still here, from the sound of your shots to the grating noise of Wily’s saucer.

Is it worth it?

The replay value in the game is moderate. You can play through as Mega Man or Proto Man, which is fun. You can download Bass and play as him as well. There’s a short list of very challenging trophies to tackle if you’re a glutton for punishment. Some of these require you to rough it. For example, do not use any energy tanks while playing. I leaned heavily on purchased energy tanks to get me through the robot masters, and I’m not embarrassed about it.

Look, you already know whether you’re interested in this game. If you’re a fan of 8-bit Mega Man, this is one of the best ones in the series. While the first three are still king, 9 and 10 are up there as well, and I like 10 even a little more than 9. While I’d love to give this a perfect score like I did with 9, it doesn’t get the free pass on feature omissions now that it’s not new. I want it on PSP and I want a better save system next time. It gets a 4.5 out of 5.

Mega Man 10 is available for PS3 in the PlayStation Store today for $10. Go get it!

As if our Fourhman had some sort of precognitive vision, Capcom has announced that the new DLC packs, “Lost in Nightmares” and “Deadly Escape” are now available on the Xbox 360 and PS3 as a bundle for one low price.  If you have an Xbox 360, the DLC is available for 960 points, while the PS3 version will run you $12.50.

So why does the DLC cost more separately than in a bundle?  Because you get two costume packs that will allow you to wear some different outfits through the single player campaign.  So the question now is whether our Fourhman makes good on the promise and buys the DLC.