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Xbox LIVE Arcade continues to deliver quality games at a great value with the fifth annual Summer of Arcade. This diverse line-up includes the best and most highly anticipated games of the season with five back-to-back weeks of unparalleled releases.

• Deadlight

  • US Release DateSummer 2012
  • PublisherMicrosoft Studios
  • DeveloperTequila Works

  In an apocalyptic world where existence is futile, a solitary man treks the American west coast. Survival is the measure of all. In an alternate vision of the 1980s, a mysterious disease has decimated mankind, transforming
  people into killer automatons. During his odyssey, Randall Wayne will find other survivors, men and women who are no more than ghostly remnants of a fading society, a flame in the desert fighting extinction.

• Dust: An Elysian Tail

  • US Release DateSummer 2012
  • PublisherMicrosoft Studios
  • DeveloperHumble Hearts

  Immerse yourself in a gorgeous hand-painted world on a search for your true identity. As the mysterious warrior, Dust, your action-packed journey will take you from peaceful glades to snowy mountaintops and beyond. At your disposal is the mythical Blade of Ahrah, capable of turning its wielder it into an unstoppable force of nature, and the blade's diminutive guardian, Fidget. Battle dozens of enemies at once with an easy-to-learn, difficult-to-master combat system, take on a variety of quests from friendly villagers, discover ancient secrets and powerful upgrades hidden throughout the massive, open world, and uncover the story of an ancient civilization on the brink of extinction as you fight to uncover your own past.

• Hybrid

  • US Release DateSummer 2012
  • Publisher5TH Cell
  • Developer5TH Cell

  "Hybrid" is a pioneering third person shooter set in the near future, where global conflict exists between a species known as the Variant and a rebel human faction known as the Paladins. 5TH Cell strives to give players a completely new gameplay experience never seen before in the genre.

• Tony Hawk's Pro Skater HD

  • US Release DateSummer 2012
  • PublisherActivision
  • DeveloperRobomodo

  Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater HD is the best elements of THPS 1 and 2, upgraded for today with sharp visuals and fresh content.

• Wreckateer

  • US Release DateSummer 2012
  • PublisherMicrosoft Studios
  • DeveloperIron Galaxy

  “Wreckateer” uses Kinect for Xbox 360 to put you in control of a massive castle-wrecking ballista. With the help of Wreck and Tinker, travel the land and destroy sixty goblin-infested castles using six magical projectiles. Aim and fire each shot and then control it in mid-air, motion-activating special powers and guiding them toward their target. Utilize an arsenal of Flying, Explosive, Splitting, and rocketing Speed shots to explore the infinite ways you can wreak havoc with “Wreckateer”'s fully-dynamic destruction.

Exclusively from E3 2012: check out Forza Horizon, coming soon to Xbox.

I'm not a fan of simulation driving, so the more arcadey feel to this is welcome to me... what do you think?

Is that Skrillex?

I recently won a copy from Gouki.com and thought I'ld share my experience with you.

First off I want to say thanks to Gouki.com for hooking me up with Gears of War 3.  Best Jimmy of the Month prize yet.  I also got Infinite Undiscovery but haven't tried it yet.

When the game arrived it went straight into my Xbox 360 and stayed there until I finished the story.  I found it hard to turn off the game some nights.  As the story unfolds you get some big surprises and you can't help but to want to see it through.  In particular Act 3 ends with a big theatrical bang.  The musical score fits perfectly as the cut scenes roll.  Even the graphics are top notch.

While you play through the story mode the experience is so complete you are drawn into a story that puts many of the recent movies to shame.  When compared to most of the FPS genre Gears of War 3 stands out.  That just makes it obvious how games like Call of Madden, I mean Call of Duty, have a long way to go.

Your basic controls will feel natural if you have any other FPS experience.  You have a nice selection of weapons to choose from.  Everything from shotguns, sniper rifles, bows, to the occasional rail gun.  You really aren't missing anything.  And having grenades, a pistol, and two other weapon slots gives you some options.  Throw in some up close executions and again you pass the standard.

They also give you the basic versus mode, kind of self explanatory I hope, that lets you have other players or bots.  Horde mode puts you up against wave after wave of Locust.  You get to make a base, set up defenses, and decoys.  As you play you earn money to buy all this and later on you get new options.  And then there is Beast mode, you as the Locust .  You have a few to choose from at the start and the further you get the more choices you have.  You get a time limit to kill off the Stranded, regular humans with weapons, and the COG, the guys you plays as in story mode.

Overall a very enjoyable game and a definite buy it.  And even better when you can win it from a site like Gouki.com.

No rebates this year... How about a bonus game instead? You'll need to buy a Kinect game though... :(

Here are the dates and prices for the Summer of Arcade 2011, enjoy!

Bastion

1200 MSP, July 20 

Team Gouki got a chance to play the new and improved GoW3 horde mode at Microsoft's E3 2011 booth. -Updated- FnJimmy's official take on horde mode video

E3 day 3, FnJimmy and I bolted at the opening striaght to the Gears of War demo. As we were standing in line, the Microsoft guys were passing around these giant cards of what to expect in the new Horde mode.

Check out FnJimmy's quick iPhone grab of the card:

If you can't read that (good luck) here's what we saw and played...

You start off by selecting an area to defend, we started in the hotel lobby. There are a bunch of glowing spots where you can set up fortifications such as barbed wire, turrets, and decoys. These slow down or even take out Locust as they try to make their way into the lobby, making them easy pickings for you. These fortifications aren't free, however. You need cash to set them up. You start off with a limited amount of cash, but you rack it up by killing enemies and completing any bonus objectives that pop up (these will require you to leave the relative safety of the fortified area usually, so watch out). In between rounds, you can purchase new fortifications, repair old ones, and get new weapons. Every 10th round is a boss wave... we had to fight this thing.

Unfortunately, you can't just lay down fortifications where you want, Gears has spots chosen for you. It's ok, but I expected a little better from the game that started this horde mode craze. Still, it's a lot of fun to build up your defenses and rail a bunch of Locust, especially when the big baddies come along.

We still haven't got a chance to see the campaign yet, but we did see the new limited edition Xbox 360 (with custom sounds!). Check this bad boy out...

Yeah... that's pretty sweet. I think it looks better than the Halo Reach edition. (We here at Gouki.com are especially fond of the red & black color scheme.)

Gears of War 3 and the Limited edition GoW3 console release Sep 20, 2011

The reveal trailer to Trials Evolution was just released with a very interesting last few seconds.

Skip the video up to 39 seconds in because the start is just padding. Obviously, the first thing you notice is the multiple riders which will hopefully mean online multiplayer. But what I noticed is that the game is actually outside and not in a warehouse. I know I definitely like the change in setting.

Source: Trueachievements

What games can you expect in this year's Summer of Arcade promotion? Kinect games? Read on...

No word on pricing yet, but expect there to be a refund program of some kind if you buy all of them as MS does every year.

Updated with video:

Toy Soldiers: Cold War

The Cold War is decided when eighties-era action toys come alive and wage war! Toy Soldiers: Cold War blends intense first person combat with addictive action strategy, whether you're scrapping solo or jumping into the fray with friends.

Insanely Twisted Shadow Planet

Experience a captivating adventure set in a unique, rich and insanely twisted world, blending exploration, intense shooter action, and puzzle-solving with gorgeous visuals and rich story telling in a Hollywood-quality presentation. Insanely Twisted Shadow Planet draws you into an epic journey full of surprises, danger and wonder.

Fruit Ninja Kinect

The worldwide gaming phenomenon Fruit Ninja has now arrived for Kinect! Your arms are now blades, and the epic battle against the world’s most delicious produce is just beginning. Fruit Ninja Kinect is an amazing evolution of the slice-em-up genre created by Halfbrick, using next-gen power for the juiciest combat ever. Fruit Ninja Kinect includes all the action you know and love with precision control -- along with special features exclusive to Kinect.

Bastion

Take control of a character known as The Kid, who is thrust into a world that has literally collapsed around him. He must now construct a safe haven and build a new world from the remnants of the past. The game features lush and imaginative artwork as well as an innovative reaction system that responds to your actions in real time throughout the adventure.

From Dust

Immerse yourself in a world as exotically beautiful as it is dangerous! Control the destiny of a primitive tribe against the backdrop of a world in constant evolution—a universe where mighty Nature reclaims what is hers, and your mastery of the elements is your people's only hope of survival …

Source: Xbox.com

Want to try RPGS in a new way?

This is going to be a 4 player co-op rpg.  Be ready do get online and team up in what looks to be another dark rpg.  This is being brought to you by Certain Affinity, the people who made Age of Booty.

"It takes everything we've learned about high action from working on shooters like Halo and Call of Duty," claims the studio, "and everything we love about the fantasy genre, but gets rid of all that tedious backpack rummaging, and boring dialog!"

Source http://www.destructoid.com/certain-affinity-announces-crimson-alliance-202349.phtml

official site http://www.certainaffinity.com/2011/05/27/crimson-alliance-announced/

Here is another game for you E3 Checklist Jimmy.  They say expect more details then.

and here is a link to the future, says it was posted tomorrow. http://games.on.net/article/12676/Join_the_Crimson_Alliance

Here is an in game shot of the game from E3.  Even as a downloadable game this needs some polish if it is going to sell.

Want to see what cool swag you get for Gears of War 3 Limited and Epic Edition?

LIMITED EDITION: $79.99

• Octus Award Box and a to-scale zinc Octus Service Medal.
• Exclusive Adam Fenix multiplayer character. The code for the download is engraved on the service medal.
• A fabric COG flag.
• Adam Fenix's personal effects -- his "Last Will & Testament", Hammer of Dawn schematics, and Fenix family mementos. 

EPIC EDITION: $149.99

• Marcus Fenix statue -- PVC. 11.2" 
• Art and Design of Gears of War book
• Infected Open Weapon Pack -- special skins for Lancer, Retro Lancer, Hammerburst, Gnasher, Sawed-off Shotgun.
• Everything from the Limited Edition -- Award Box, Medal, COG Flag, Adam Fenix, Adam Fenix's personal effects.

Special Amazon Offer: $20 coupon with purchase of GOW3

 http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002I0H79C?ie=UTF8&ref_=sr_1_1&s=videogames&qid=1305559857&sr=1-1&linkCode=shr&camp=213733&creative=393173&tag=goukicom-20

Gears fans, do these bonuses feel worth the extra cash? Limited edition definately sounds good enough for the price but the chunk of extra cash to get "Epic" edition for a little statue, art book and gun-skins doesn't feel right. Will you be getting just the game, any of these special editions or not getting any? Leave a comment with your thoughts and opinions.

Source- http://www.destructoid.com/gears-of-war-3-limited-and-epic-edition-revealed-201256.phtml

Finally we find out what comes with the Limited and Epic editions of gears of war 3.

In this new video, we go behind the scenes with Epic Games Art Director Chris Perna, giving fans a window into the mind of the visionary artist who helped berth some of gaming’s most iconic characters and settings.

In this revelation, Perna unveils the centerpiece of the “Gears of War 3” Epic Edition – a hand-crafted statue of Marcus Fenix, designed by his own hand and brought to life by the expert artisans at Triforce. Available for pre-order now, “Gears of War 3” will be available in a Standard Edition ($59.99 US), and two special editions:

Limited Edition ($79.99 US) – The must-have for fans who want to celebrate the culmination of the trilogy, the Limited Edition includes:

• An Octus Award Box and Octus Service Medal – Replicas of the honors bestowed on Adam Fenix, Marcus’s father, for his work on the Hammer of Dawn.
• Exclusive Unlockable Adam Fenix Multiplayer Character – Each Octus Service Medal replica is engraved with a unique Xbox LIVE code that is the only way to unlock Adam Fenix in multiplayer.
• A fabric COG Flag – Proud colors that once flew above the House of Sovereigns.
• The personal effects of Adam Fenix, including his “Last Will and Testament,” the initial Hammer of Dawn schematic, and other Fenix family mementos.

Epic Edition ($149.99 US) – The ultimate collection for hardcore fans who can’t get enough “Gears of War 3,” the Epic Edition includes:

• A Limited Edition Marcus Fenix Statue – Designed by Epic Games Art Director Chris Perna and expertly crafted by the artisans at Triforce, this fine PVC statue collectible makes the ultimate living room centerpiece for any true “Gears” fan.
• The Art and Design of Gears of War by Tom Bissell – Through unprecedented access to the Epic Games team, acclaimed author Tom Bissell (Extra Lives) gives readers an incisive behind-the-scenes glimpse into one of the most celebrated sagas in video game history with 96 pages of interviews, photos, concept artwork and more.
• Infected Omen Weapon Pack — Custom multiplayer skins for the game’s five starting weapons; Lancer, Retro Lancer, Hammerburst, Sawed-off Shotgun, and Gnasher Shotgun.
• All the contents of the “Gears of War 3” Limited Edition.

The “Gears of War 3” Limited Edition and Epic Edition are the only ways to obtain these high-end collectibles and downloadable content. With production values worthy of the most discerning fans, the “Gears of War 3” Epic Edition is available in very limited quantities and only while supplies last. .

I am so HYPE i have the limited edition reserved so i'll be getting some of these goodies. I'm sure these will satisfy any gears fan.....so what do you guys think about the extras? let us know don't be a jimmy.

Source:http://epicgames.com/community/category/gears-of-war/

Check out this bananas apparatus that takes twitch gaming to a whole-notha-level.

From AvengerController.com:

The Avenger is an external adapter for the XBOX 360 controller, designed to enhance your skills and make your opponents blow chunks! This lean mean accessory provides gamers with a more immersive gaming experience, while improving situational awareness, accuracy, agility, and reaction-time. The Avenger allows for rapid, fluid movements between individual buttons and analogue sticks, allowing gamers to access up to nine functions simultaneously. Equipped with a stabilizer stand, customizable levers, high-precision tension straps, hair-trigger capabilities, and sensitivity adjusters, this space-age monster can be fine-tuned like an instrument. The Avenger is engineered for those who want to push their gaming abilities to new heights and leave their opponents begging for mercy!

Personally I'm really excited about testing out this product. Watch these videos below and let me know what you think in the comments. 

Avenger Controller Promo & Testimonials

The Avenger Reviewed on G4's X-Play

Atlus U.S.A., Inc. today announced that for its upcoming action RPG Divinity II: The Dragon Knight Saga for Xbox360 it will included a bonus soundtrack CD inside every launch copy.

I played a little bit of Divinity II and thought it was a decent game, as it turns out there is going to be a follow up to that game titled "Divinity II: The Dragon Knight Saga" I'm not sure if it's coming to the PS3, but the 360 version will come with a sample CD of the games soundtrack in every new copy.

Check out the press release info:

"Each and every launch copy of Divinity II: The Dragon Knight Saga includes a free soundtrack CD featuring 21 tracks from composer Kirill Pokrovsky's heroic fantasy score," commented Aram Jabbari, Manager of PR and Sales at Atlus.  "The music thrills and soars, not unlike the actual in-game rush of taking to the skies as a dragon.  This bonus CD complements the game's over 100 hours of action RPG gameplay, which includes the aforementioned excitement of flying and fighting as a colossal dragon.  And of course, if fans pre-order at a participating retailer, they'll also get The Art of Divinity II: The Dragon Knight Saga, a 52-page, full color art book (7.5" wide x 5.25" tall) featuring spectacular creature and world designs from the game.  All for just $39.99.  Really, the only two senses we're not taking care of with this offer are smell and taste, but we're not going to stop anyone from licking or sniffing their game or bonuses.  Certainly not me," he added with a nervous chuckle before scurrying off."  

Divinity II: The Dragon Knight Saga for Xbox 360 system brings its fast-paced action RPG combat and high-flying dragon battles to North America on April 12, 2011.  For more information, visit the website.  

Tell us what you think in the comments. Don't be a Jimmy!