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WithBattle & Get! Pokemon Typinghitting DS in Japan later this month, new screenshots for the educational game have surfaced on andriasang. It’s looking about as adorable as you’d expect, thanks to those bright-eyed fifth-generation Pokemon. The mere existence of this game makes me happy; it’s reassuring to know that typing games are still being made. I recently went back and playedMario Teaches Typingfor a laugh, andman, talk about not standing the test of time....

It’s no secret that publishers utterly loathe the used market, and UK retailer GAME has given them something to really get pissed about. The store chain is planning to trial pre-orders for pre-owned games, allowing customers the chance to reserve something that somebody’s already bought. Unlike a regular pre-order, where you’ve reserved the first print of a game as soon as it hits the store, you’ll be calling dibs on the first game to be returned....

The level of quiet surroundingAliens: Colonial Marineshas been concerning, even more so since Sega stated that the game’s release willdepend upon how successfulAliens vs. Predatoris. Gearbox boss Randy Pitchford is still convinced the game is coming, and is waiting for Sega to let him say more. “Yeah, of course. I’m committed to it,”states Pitchford. “I know there’s been a lot of rumors, but I try to be above that stuff. Whatever....

If you’re in college (or a particularly rambunctious teen) you’ve probably played a drinking game called King’s Cup. Well, substitute the Shlitz for a three-color platformer with an absolutely killer soundtrack and you might have something resembling Askiisoft’sTower of Heaven. Tower of Heavenlooks like a typical platformer (except for the charming Game Boy visuals) about a Pikmin-inspired protagonist jumping and floating his way to the top of a tower. Here’s the kicker — an increasingly arbitrary and sadistic deity keeps dropping down Sinai-style commandments that the player must obey, lest he be struck by lightning or spontaneously explode....

If you’ve got an iPod or an iPad or an iPhone and you like monsters and dashing, Halfbrick has got the thing for you. The Australian developer has revealed its next title,Monster Dash, will hit Apple’s App Store on August 19. Starring your new favorite hero Barry Steakfries (of PSP Mini titleAge of Zombiesfame), the game looks to mix the fun ofCanabaltwith guns and monsters. You’ll only have to worry about two “buttons” — jump and shoot....

Now wouldn’t be a bad time to stick yourHalo Warsdisc in the console tray. This morning the latest batch of downloadable content “Historic Battles” — created by Robot Entertainment — went live on Xbox LIVE Marketplace. Get pumped. The DLC adds four Skirmish and multiplayer maps: Barrens, Blood River, Glacial Ravine, and Memorial Basin. Each map represents a “key turning point” in the war between the UNSC and Covenant. We’re not sure of the exact meaning behind each map (only nerds read), but you’re able to checkthis announcement postfor helpful blurbs if your purchasing decision hinges on it....

When EA announced Darkspore earlier this summer, the fusion betweenSpore’scharacter customization and aDiablo-esque RPG set in space makes for an interesting set-up. Last night, we had the chance to see how the game’s PvP elements are coming together, and whileDiabloandTorchlightclearly have inspired the game, there’s enough here that makes the multiplayer unique and worth playing. Follow the jump for more. [And after you do, be sure to check outJonathan Holmes interview withDarkspore‘s Creative Director, Mike Perry....

Thank the promotional gods for the Japanese style teaser clip. They’re always longer than your typical Western trailers, they’re always narrated, and they’re always slightly over the top. We love that.What we have here is two minutes of footage and images from Atlus’ upcoming PSP RPGPersona 3 Portable. This looks so good! I’d say it compares favorably to the PS2 version, wouldn’t you? Revisit some of your favorite moments fromPersona 3, like the school trip and the beach days, now with new art and voices and music....

In a recent interview withHollywood In Hi-Def, Kaz Kirai went with the usual song and dance about the PS3 and its infinite superiority. PS3 versus other consoles were discussed as always, and Kaz had a bit to say on that: HIRAI: I have heard many people say our competitors’ systems are just as powerful as PS3. That simply is not true. No other next-generation entertainment system pushes the envelope on advanced technology like PS3....

I don’t know why this is so funny, but it just is. Maybe I’m losing my mind, don’t know. I just know you should watch this and that you might really want to make a peanut butter and jelly sandwich after watching it.

It’s almost as if Hello Games is daring you not to have fun with its upcoming PlayStation Network title,Joe Danger. Everything about it screams “you will play this with a smile on your face, and you will like it, damn it.” From the bright, Pixar-like design of its thrill-seeking protagonist to the loop-de-loops and fake shark tanks, it’s hard hard not to love what Hello Games is selling. Even the damned theme music, a happy, jazzy tune that will get caught in your head for hours and have you shuffling your feet, will make you grin....

[It’s time for another Monthly Musing — the monthly community blog theme that provides readers with a chance to get their articles and discussions printed on the frontpage. — CTZ] When searching for strong narrative, the last place that any gamer would look is in a racing game. The player’s many laps around a track leave little place for the development of a story, characters, or personal experiences. Though you, as a racer, might gain a fortune, purchase new cars, and eventually win the most prestigious race out there, the stories that you tell about your experiences will likely be identical to those told by thousands of other players....

It’s Halloween, not April Fool’s Day, so I’m not seeing much in the way of wiggle room on this one. That’s the Tron Bonne stage forMarvel Vs. Capcom 3, and that’s Mike Haggar standing in front of it. He could be a playable character, a skin for another character, or just a background element, but it looks like he’s definitely in the game. This pic was lumped in with a bunch of other photos taken at Capcom Japan’s Halloween party....