Sonic The Hedgehog 4: Episode II “Reunion” Trailer: Change Is Good (Unless You’re A Nitpicker Who Thinks It’s Not)…

While I’d still prefer Sega just get all the parts done and release this on a DISC with all the other Genesis/Saturn/Dreamcast Sonic games ever made (they’ll fit on a single Blu-Ray comfortably, I’d bet), we’ll have to “settle” for installments. The good thing is, the dev team is addressing the complaints about Part 1 and it looks as if the animation is fixed up quite nicely. Of course, SOME people out there are going on and on about how the game doesn’t PERFECTLY replicate the Genesis version to a T in terms of every single animation or how some parts seem to take control away from the player and so forth and so on. I say knock it ff and wait for the game (or at least a demo) to drop before swallowing that foot.

Touch My Katamari Trailer: Hey, Go Touch Your OWN (But Buy A Vita First)!

Remember kids: There’s no sin in pleasure… er, at least when it comes to gaming. Namco Bandai’s double shot of Vita launch games (the Shinobido 2 trailer is here) gets off to a rolling start with what’s looking like some pretty decent titles. I’ll need to get my paws on a review copy to see if the latest in the junk-rolling up series has what it takes to be a touchy-feely funny classic or one for the dust bin. Given the Vita’s funky dual touchscreen that adds a lot to some games, I’m rolling toward some positive impressions…

Borderlands 2 “Doomsday” Trailer: You’ll Want To Make Friends Just To Play This One…

Gearbox and 2K Games are knocking it out of the park with this upcoming sequel and here’s the proof. If you’re not dancing around like a fool with your wallet in hand screaming “TAKE MY MONEY!” at your monitor (please don’t watch this trailer on a mobile device, as you’ll be arrested for solicitation when you scream those words on the subway or bus), well, you’re either not much of a gamer or just don’t see the beauty of 87 bazillion guns. That and hey, a robot doing the Robot? Claptrap is back and probably up to no good (again). September 18 is going to be a pretty sleepless day here and in other parts of the US, is all I’ll say…

Er, I Forgot To Add The Hitman: Absolution Diana Burnwood ICA File Video (Oops)…

Eh, it happens every so often, but I’ll get over it if you will. Here’s the supplemental video to the Marsha Thomason interview I posted earlier (er, yesterday as of an hour or two ago so you can see a bit more about the character (as well as some nice comic art by Ben Oliver). Um, that is all. I’ll try and make less mistakes (well, after I finally get some sleep)…

Asura’s Wrath US Launch Trailer: This Year’s GOD HAND, I Say…

CyberConnect2’s masterpiece mash-up is in stores NOW for the PS3 and Xbox 360, so grab it. My review copy is on the way, so I can’t wait to see how it turned out. I played the demo to death and back, so I have a good idea of what’s coming. Still, I always go into a review with NO expectations, as it helps judge a game based on its own merits and not stacked up to something completely different. Yeah, yeah, I made a GOD HAND reference in the title above, but I meant in terms of how quirky, funny and flat out insanely creative both games ended up.

Hitman: Absolution VO Interviews: Marsha Thomason

Here’s a excellent interview with one of the voice talent behind IO Interactive’s upcoming game. Actress Marsha Thomason lets you in on a few cool things about her character, Diana Burnwood as well as what goes into performance capturing for the game. It’s been far too long since Agent 47 has appeared on the scene, but from what I’ve seen so far, everyone’s favorite bald (and bar-coded) assassin is coming back in fine form indeed in a game that looks spectacular. I’d say Square Enix has another hit on their hands as a publisher…

Hey, Sony? Where The Heck is PANEKIT On The PS3 and Vita?

(thanks, akiha777!) 

I’ve been on the hunt for a reasonably priced copy of PANEKIT for ages and I’m still surprised that Sony has passed up on localizing this seriously awesome game for the U.S. of A. while also never updating it for a home or portable console since its release*. And you’re now asking me: “What’s a PANEKIT?” Basically, it’s a toy construction kit where you get to build whatever you want out of metal “parts” and set it in motion (if you like) in a 3D world. Sure, it’s visually “dated” by today’s standards and DEFINITELY a niche title, at that. Nevertheless, in this age of all sorts of junk games on phones and tablets, anything that allows you to create and share digital toys with others without losing pieces or worrying about dropping what you’ve built (and seeing it smash into a million pieces) deserves a new shot…

*Yes, the game was popular enough in Japan to get a PSN reissue not too long ago, but it STILL wasn’t even looked at for a more worldwide release (which is too bad)…

Escape Plan: The Vita’s Fun, Funky Puzzler That Needs To Be Played…

What, another Vita hit? Yup. Escape Plan’s black & white “comic noir” visuals, easy to learn, tricky to master puzzle/adventure gameplay and just pure sense of fun make this a memorable launch title. Sure. it’s probably not going to make some of you “hardcore” gamers get all gushy (you’re getting your shooters, don’t worry!). Nevertheless, it’s great to see all sorts of games coming to the Vita that just aren’t the usual ports or other truncated “casual” experiences derived from a social network page. More, please!

Kid Icarus: Uprising Three Sacred Treasures Trailer (Try Saying That Three Times Fast)

Nintendo’s biggest (or at least most wanted by many) first-party 3DS game of 2012 is soaring toward its release – here’s the latest trailer bound to get fans thrilled (and me wanting to see an sequel on the Wii U). Of course, I’d also love a new 3D Metroid game at some point, but I guess we’ll have to see what’s what at E3 this year…

WipEout 2048 Launch Trailer: Yet Another Great Reason To Grab A Vita…

The one constant for every Sony system: A great WipEout game. 2048 looks to continue the trend, this time as a prequel to the long-running franchise that also shows off how powerful the Vita is and as a first-gen title, it’s a total knockout (long load times aside).  Provided Sony gets all the support from its dedicated console base PLUS a fair shake form the pure tech dopes who think a dedicated gaming device with standalone games (many available as digital or physical purchases), I think the Vita will be a bigger hit than some skeptics are thinking.