Need For Speed SHIFT
Platform: Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, PC, PSP
Developed by: Slightly Mad Studios
Published by: Electronic Arts
Release date: September 15, 2009
Official website: shift.needforspeed.com

Game summary from EA:
"Need For Speed SHIFT redefines the racing genre with the combination of real world physics with perception based G-forces. The game includes a brutal first person crash dynamic to create an immersive cockpit view. When combined with the all-new driver profile, which gives each player a unique persona based on their driving skill and style, Need For Speed SHIFT is the most realistic and intensive authentic racing game ever."

Review Summary:
If you've been away from racing games or the Need For Speed series for awhile, come back. Need For Speed SHIFT is a fun racing game that plays to your preference of a racing game. Whether you're an arcade racer or simulation racer, Need For Speed SHIFT is a joy to race.

Rating: 4.5 out of 5

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The SEGA Genesis is back for a new generation of gamers and for those of you wanting to relive some classic gaming moments. AtGames has licensed the SEGA Genesis gaming system to produce the Firecore Classic SEGA Genesis Console. This version of the SEGA Genesis packs in 20 SEGA Genesis games in one compact hardware package. It also includes 2 controllers, which are designed like the classic 6-button Genesis controller. Get ready to experience gaming as it was 20 years ago with cartridges.

See pictures of the AtGames Firecore Classic SEGA Genesis Console below.

An NTSC and PAL switch on the back of the system allows you to use SEGA Genesis or Mega Drive (PAL equivalent) game cartridges. So if you ever missed some games you weren't able to play in your region, you can probably find them on eBay and use them with the Firecore. I tested out the system with a Street Fighter II Special Champion Edition SEGA Genesis cartridge and it worked great. Whenever you use a cartridge in the Firecore's slot, it loads that up instead of the menu of 20 included games. SEGA Genesis cartridges can be found relatively cheap through eBay, secondhand stores, or several game retailers that still carry used versions of them. Including a functional cartridge port is a nice bonus to the already included 20 games.

The 20 games included with the SEGA Genesis Firecore are:

Alex Kidd in the Enchanted Castle
Alien Storm
Altered Beast
Arrow Flash
Columns III
Crack Down
Decap Attack
Dr. Robotnik's Mean Bean Machine
Ecco
Ecco Jr.
ESWAT: City Under Siege
Flicky
Gain Ground
Golden Axe
Jewel Master
Kid Chameleon
Shadow Dancer - The Secret of Shinobi
Shinobi III: Return of Ninja Master
Sonic Spinball
Sonic and Knuckles

When you power on the Firecore, you get a menu that allows you to boot up any of those games listed above. A nice variety of classics that span game genres including shooters, side-scrolling games, action-adventure games, puzzle games, and gaming icons of the '90s.

So what are the advantages of having this console versus getting one of the many SEGA Genesis compilations or downloadable games available for just about every current generation system out today? There are a few things to consider. Back like in the cartridge days, load times are instant. You won't have to wait to load anything up. The form factor of the controllers allow you to feel how it was made to be played. The cartridge slot will allow you to use your old Genesis and Mega Drive cartridges or play some unique retro games that haven't been re-released. It's also compact and easy to take to a friend's place for some pure gaming moments. Now, one thing to remember is that the games that this system plays were designed to look best on an interlaced CRT television. On an HDTV, it won't look as crisp and clean as some of the re-released classics on the PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, Wii or PSP. This is how it was back in the day, not in HD, kids. With two controllers and the selection of games built into the hardware, it's a great setup for gamers of the '90s who want to play with their children or relive a retro night of gaming with friends.

Everything that is included in the Firecore SEGA Genesis package includes the Firecore console, 2 wired game controllers, AV cable (yellow/white), AC adapter, and an instruction manual. The Firecore also supports wireless controllers using its IR receiver. You hardcore Genesis fans that have been keeping up with Genesis homebrew games, the Firecore also supports "true color technology" and is compatible with the Firecore SD cartridge. For just about the cost of one game available today, you can get 20 SEGA Genesis classics in a fully backwards compatible retro system. Just about any gamer would love breaking out a SEGA Genesis system, ready to game. The AtGames Firecore Classic SEGA Genesis Console is distributed in North America by Innex and has a $49.99 MSRP.

Darkest of Days
Platform: PC, Xbox 360
Developed by: 8monkey Labs
Published by: Phantom EFX
Release date: September 8, 2009
Official website: darkestofdays.com

Game summary from Phantom EFX:
"In Darkest of Days, players will travel back and forth through the annals time to relive some mankind's most dire hours, when human society was at its lowest points. By fighting through terrible events such as The Battle of Antietam, the bloodiest conflict of the Civil War, and the volcanic eruption in Pompeii in the year 79, the player will attempt to save certain key individuals who were never meant to become involved in these truly monstrous events and thereby change human history for the better."

Review Summary:
Darkest of Days falls short on basically every aspect as compared to other first person shooters on the PC and Xbox 360. With an interesting story and a promising setting, the game surprised many people before its release. But horrendous voice acting and lack luster controls bring the game back down to its "budget" category. Traveling through time using both local and futuristic weapons is fun, but their lack of "weight" take away from any fun to be had. Read through the rest of my review to see my recommendation.

Rating: 2 out of 5

Read the full review below.

Dead Space Extraction
Platform: Wii
Developed by: Visceral Games
Publisher: Electronic Arts
Release date: September 28, 2009
Official website: deadspace.ea.com

Game summary from Electronic Arts:
"Telling the story of four space colonists trying to escape a mysterious infection, Dead Space Extraction explores the origins of the necromorph invasion that threatens humanity and the universe. At the center of this group is Lexine, an important new heroine being introduced for the first time to the Dead Space storyline. As the crew continues to fight for their lives, it becomes clear that protecting her is their only hope for survival. Luckily, players are armed with an arsenal of weaponry, an easy-to-use control system built from the ground up for the Wii, and can even recruit a friend to play co-operatively, a first for the Dead Space franchise."

Review Summary:
Dead Space Extraction is a great looking and fun to play sci-fi horror shooter on the Wii. Although the campaign is fairly short in length, there are more difficulty levels, gameplay stats to master, and Challenge Modes to keep your Wii Remote blazing. Seasoned Dead Space players will appreciate environments that are familiar and new. Take heed to the Motion Sickness warning for this game, especially in the earlier levels. I haven't felt a level of this queasiness in a videogame since Prey. Whether you played the original Dead Space game (Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, PC) or not, this is one of those few, must play games on the Wii that caters to the older audience of Wii gamers.

Rating: 4 out of 5

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Halo 3: ODST
Platform: Xbox 360
Developed by: Bungie Studios
Publisher: Microsoft
Release date: September 22, 2009
Official Website: Bungie.net

Game summary from xbox.com:
"Halo 3: ODST returns players to familiar ground on a vital, top-secret mission. The gripping story, cooperative campaign and new multiplayer content will have Halo fans "Preparing to Drop" in Fall 2009. Originally titled Halo 3: Recon, the new game brings the perspective of new characters to the Human-Covenant struggle, as it explores the ODST, or Orbital Drop Shock Troopers."

Review Summary:
Bungie's next installment of the Halo universe is Halo 3: ODST. What was supposed to be an expansion to Halo 3 is now a full-fledged title. It features a new hero, new campaign, new weapons, and an all new game mode called Firefight. Does Halo 3: ODST make worth of its value as a full game or does it fall short to "just an expansion"? The GamingBits.com review just dropped and is ready to show you what is in store. Read the full details below.


Rating: 4 out of 5

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MadBalls in...Babo: Invasion
Platform: Xbox 360, PC
Developed by: PlayBrains
Release date: July 15, 2009 on Xbox 360; September 17, 2009 on PC
Official website: playbrains.com

Game summary from xbox.com:
"Combat revolved! In Madballs in … Babo: Invasion, campaign across distant worlds either solo or with four-player online co-op, taking no prisoners in your wake. Challenge your friends (and your enemies) to see who's the baddest ball on the planet in no-holds-barred 16-player multiplayer arenas with freaky characters or with your own Xbox 360® Avatar! Or really push your limits and try your hand at Invasion Mode where combatants create the very worlds where they wage war. Dozens of unique character classes, weapons, special abilities, worlds, unlocks, secrets, maps, and game modes give you limitless gameplay!"

Review Summary:
MadBalls in... Babo: Invasion is a great arcade game that really exemplifies the value of having a quick, fun experience on Xbox LIVE Arcade. It has a lot of options and good gameplay whose only downsides are the camera and targeting system.

Rating: 3.5 out of 5

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Muramasa: The Demon Blade
Available for Wii
Game Developer: Vanillaware
Game Publisher: Ignition Entertainment
Release Date: September 8, 2009
Official Website: muramasathedemonblade.com

Game summary from Ignition Entertainment:
"Developed by Vanillaware, the creative team behind the critically acclaimed game Odin Sphere, Muramasa: The Demon Blade is a unique, highly stylized action adventure that showcases a striking visual look and a colorful cast of more than 100 characters. Muramasa: The Demon Blade features eye-popping hand-drawn 2D art that reflects the heritage and tone of its ancient Japanese storyline. Set in the little-known feudal Genroku era, players are invited to take on the role of a male ninja or female kunoichi, utilizing their prowess to traverse the perilous yet picturesque levels."

Review Summary:
Muramasa: The Demon Blade is a platformer with RPG elements blessed with breathtaking visuals, an exceptional storyline and tight gameplay. The game is a must for Wii owners, especially those who grew up with Castlevania. With the inclusion of a powerful soundtrack and voice acting, alongside Japanese mythology, this is a purchase you can't go wrong with. Muramasa will have you playing for at least 20 plus hours the first way through and with great replay value, Muramasa: The Demon Blade can't be beat.

Rating: 4.5 out of 5

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Defense Grid: The Awakening
Available for Xbox 360, PC
Game Developer: Hidden Path Entertainment LLC
Game Publisher: Hidden Path Entertainment LLC (XBLA), Aspyr (PC)
Release Date: September 2, 2009
Official Website: defensegrid.hiddenpath.com

Game summary from Xbox.com:
"The definitive tower defense game for Xbox LIVE, Defense Grid: The Awakening is easy to pick up, engrossing to play, and hard to set down. Strategically place your towers on the map to prevent alien enemies from stealing your power cores. Play for just fifteen minutes or several hours! This award-winning game includes 10 hours of story play with 20 unique maps in the Awakening campaign, four bonus Borderlands maps, a wide variety of tower and enemy types, an interactive soundtrack, plus over 100 unlockable challenge modes adding dozens of hours of additional fun."

Review Summary:
Defense Grid: The Awakening is a must play game, whether you know about tower defense games or not. It's a well paced game that unfolds with many challenges and unique sci-fi environments, aliens and weaponry. Hidden Path Entertainment delivers hours of escape and challenge in Defense Grid: The Awakening.

Rating: 4.5 out of 5

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The Beatles: Rock Band
Available for Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, Wii
Game Developer: Harmonix (Xbox 360, PS3), Pi Studios (Wii)
Game Publisher: MTV Games
Distributed by: Electronic Arts
Release Date: September 9, 2009
Official Website: thebeatlesrockband.com

Game summary from EA:
"The Beatles: Rock Band allows fans to pick up the guitar, bass, mic or drums and experience The Beatles’ extraordinary catalog of music through gameplay that takes players on a journey through the legacy and evolution of the band’s legendary career. Additionally, for the first time in a music videogame, The Beatles: Rock Band introduces three-part vocal harmonies to gameplay, allowing gamers to revel in the unparalleled vocal stylings of The Beatles."

Review Summary:
The Beatles: Rock Band is a stunning and ingenious romp through Beatlemania. The Rock Band gameplay is basically unchanged, but the art style and psychedelic graphics are perfectly matched with the attitudes of The Beatles members. Although there are forty five songs, I would have wanted even more of the catalog to be on the disk and not offered as DLC in the future. This game, like The Beatles themselves, is not for everyone and if you do not like their music, you won’t like this game. The note tracking and complexity of the game are minimal, not because of lack of quality, but because of the simple nature of the source material. The Beatles: Rock Band is not the most robust music game out there, but does a great job in bringing Beatlemania to video game form.

Rating: 4 out of 5

Read the full review below.