Red Lynx has enjoyed a boom in game sales and is reporting a dramatic increase from 2008 to 2009. Red Lynx has announced that its four published games in 2009 sold 1.5 million copies worldwide. That's a big jump when you compare it to their 2008 year, where they only published one game and sold just over 150,000 units.

The four Red Lynx games released in 2009 include Trials HD (Xbox LIVE Arcade), Monster Trucks Nitro (PC), Monster Truck Nitro (iPhone) and DrawRace (iPhone). Trials HD on Xbox LIVE Arcade was among the top 10 Xbox LIVE Arcade games sold in 2009 (see more details here). The iPhone and iPod touch game platform has been a booming market as well, likely to increase even more with the iPad. Things will only be on the upswing for Red Lynx as they plan on releasing 8 to 10 games in 2010, at least double more than in 2009.

"This year is looking even better, as we're bringing 8-10 new games to market," said Tero Virtala, CEO of RedLynx. "We have experienced teams, strong partners, and a unique development model that lets us significantly expand our offerings while keeping the extremely high quality for which our games are known."

"Making great games that resonate with gamers from all around the world is the key to our success," said Antti Ilvessuo, creative director and co-founder of RedLynx. "We strive to add that extra something that players love, and they have responded."

For more details on Red Lynx and their games, visit redlynx.com.

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Descend into the nine circles of Hell, beginning today. Dante's Inferno is now available for the Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 and soon on the PSP. The game comes from EA's internal studio, Visceral Games (Dead Space series) and is an adaptation of the first book of Dante Alighieri's poem, The Divine Comedy. 

You can catch a live developer chat today, starting at 2pm PST (5pm EST). Here are the details from EA:
"To help celebrate the release of Dante's Inferno, join the Dante's dev team and other fans like you for a CoverItLive chat event on launch day, this Tuesday, February 9th. Fans can chat live with the Dante's production team from 2-5pm PST! 

The event schedule is as follows: 

2-2:45 = Vince Napoli, Combat Designer
2:45-3:30 = Zach Mumbach, Assistant Producer
3:30-4:15 = Jonathan Knight, EP
4:15-5 = Justin Lambros, Producer"

Watch for the developer chat here.

EA and Visceral Games also have planned an upcoming line-up of downloadable content (DLC) for Dante's Inferno, to be released over the next few months. This will encourage you to keep Dante's Inferno in your collection of games. Downloadable content packs will include "souls, skins, relics and magics." The "Dark Forest" DLC will be released in March, which is a prequel with "new enemies, puzzles and relics." April will bring the "Trials of St. Lucia" DLC, an expansion to the game which includes many features, such as "co-operative multiplayer mode, a new playable character, and an in-game combat editor." The combat editor will allow you to create custom combat trials and share them online.

A Dante's Inferno animated film is also available (as Blu-ray or DVD). Visit the official website at www.dantesinferno.com for plenty of details on Dante's Inferno and more on the history of The Divine Comedy. Good luck on your descent!

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It's been several years since the last Ghost Recon game was released. There's good news today if you've been itching for more. Today Ubisoft announced their next follow-up to the Tom Clancy series of combat games. Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon: Future Soldier has been announced for a Holiday 2010 release. The game is in development from Ubisoft Paris, who brought us Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon Advanced Warfighter and GRAW 2 as well. Ubisoft is touting that Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon: Future Soldier will "go beyond the core Ghost Recon franchise and deliver a fresh gameplay experience."

In addition to announcing the upcoming Ghost Recon game, Ubisoft has revealed that a multiplayer beta for it will be available in Summer 2010. How do you get access? By purchasing Ubisoft's other upcoming game, Tom Clancy’s Splinter Cell Conviction, for the Xbox 360. Tom Clancy’s Splinter Cell Conviction will be available for the Xbox 360 (and PC) on April 2010. It's available for pre-order in a Limited Edition and Standard Edition.

Visit www.GhostRecon.com for more upcoming details on Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon: Future Soldier. Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon: Future Soldier is headed to the Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 and PC.

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BioWare has announced some new downloadable content will be available for Mass Effect 2 on Tuesday, February 9, 2010. If you're itching for some new weaponry and a new suit of armor, you'll be able to download the M-22a Eviscerator Shotgun and Cerberus Assault Armor, for free via the Cerberus Network. Watch for it on Xbox LIVE and for the PC beginning 12:00pm Mountain Standard Time. Go rogue!

Details from masseffect.bioware.com:

"M-22a Eviscerator Shotgun:
The M-22a Eviscerator Shotgun is a longer-range shotgun with armor-piercing loads. This design also violates several intergalactic weapons treaties, so the M-22a is not distributed to militaries.

Cerberus Assault Armor:
Cerberus assault armor is designed for shock troops, who are expected to turn the tide of battle against creatures or forces that would decimate normal soldiers. The troops demanded three things in its design: shields, armor thick enough to last against a superior foe, and a rechargeable pack to extend a heavy weapon power cell. The only drawback of the armor is its weight, which the troops carry as a point of pride. They have a saying: "Out of shape going in, in shape coming out."

- Increases heavy weapon ammo capacity by +10%
- Increases shields by +10%
- Increases health by +10%

Mass Effect 2 is now available for the Xbox 360 and PC. Read and see our video review of Mass Effect 2 here.

From BioWare's Mass Effect Forums

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Electronic Arts today released new screens and announced the release date of the upcoming Need for Speed SHIFT Ferrari Racing Pack. The downloadable content pack will include 10 Ferrari automobiles and 46 new Ferrari challenges for 800 Microsoft Points ($10). It will be released on the Xbox LIVE Marketplace on February 16, 2010.

See screenshots of some of the included Ferrari cars below.

Here are the details on the Need for Speed SHIFT Ferrari Racing Pack from EA:
"On February 16th, players of Need for Speed SHIFT will be able to download a content pack that delivers 10 extraordinary Ferrari cars including the 430 Scuderia and the ultra-rare FXX and F50 GT. Now, Need for Speed SHIFT players will feel the rush of being in the driver’s seat, realizing the true driver’s experience of being behind the wheel of a Ferrari car.

In addition to 10 new cars, the Ferrari Racing Series will also extend SHIFT’s career mode with 46 new Ferrari specific challenges designed for the Ferrari cars to participate in including hot laps, eliminators, endurance races and a world tour. Completing the perfect Ferrari package are an additional 125 gamerpoints as a reward for undertaking various exciting challenges. All Ferrari cars can also be taken online where players can prove who has the skills to master these high-performance Italian racing machines."

The Ferraris available include:
1996 Ferrari F50 GT
2005 Ferrari F430 Spider
2005 Ferrari FXX
2005 Ferrari Superamerica
2006 Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano
2006 Ferrari F430 Challenge (Online/Quick event only)
2006 Ferrari F430 GTC (Online/Quick event only)
2007 Ferrari 430 Scuderia
2008 Ferrari California
2008 Ferrari 16M Scuderia Spider

“Need for Speed is recognized globally for showcasing amazing cars, including some of the world’s most desirable high-performance vehicles,” said Keith Munro, vice president at EA. “We are thrilled to be partnering again with Ferrari.”

Need for Speed SHIFT is available for the Xbox 360, PC, PlayStation 3 and PSP. A release date of the Ferrari Racing Pack for the PS3 and PC has not been announced. Visit the official website at www.needforspeed.com for more details on one of the most exciting racing games of recent time.

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Today PopCap Games announced that Plants vs. Zombies is headed to the iPhone and iPod touch very soon. Next week, on Monday February 15th, you'll be able to get the addictive tower defense game (or in this case, plant defense) from the App Store.

Watch a trailer from the Plants vs. Zombies iPhone/iPod touch below.

Plants vs. Zombies is currently available for the PC and Mac (here). Pricing on the iPhone/iPod touch game has not been announced. See the other games available on the iPhone and iPod touch from PopCap Games here on popcap.com.

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Mass Effect 2
Available for Xbox 360, PC
Game Developer: BioWare
Game Publisher: Electronic Arts
Release Date: January 26, 2010
Official website: masseffect.bioware.com

Review Summary:
Mass Effect 2 multiplies the improvements from the first game. Graphics, gameplay, characters and dialogue immerse you in a must play, and own, sci-fi RPG. There's much to love about Mass Effect 2, which manages to balance the very fine line of action and storytelling like few games can. Very minor technical things get in the way of Mass Effect 2. Overall, if you love science fiction with a blend of choice and consequence, you need to play Mass Effect 2.

Rating: 4.75 out of 5

Watch the Review Bit video summary below.

Read the full review below.

LucasArts and TT Games today announced another follow-up to the LEGO Star Wars saga, LEGO Star Wars III: The Clone Wars. TT Games, the developer behind the LEGO Star Wars and Indiana Jones games, is working on the new chapter of LEGO Star Wars games, based on the animated series.

Here are the details from LucasArts on what will be new this time around:
"LEGO Star Wars III: The Clone Wars will include all the characters from both seasons of the hugely popular animated television series, Star Wars: The Clone Wars, as well as some fan-favourite characters from the beloved theatrical Star Wars Saga. The game will feature brand new battle modes, giving players unique, head-to-head combat and an upgraded level builder, allowing the creation of customized bases and in-game battlefields. Play either as a Jedi or Separatist with all-new character abilities, such as Squad command, Lightsaber slicing, Lightsaber jumps, long distance Jedi attacks and Grapple Tie-Ups, all within a new, easy-to-navigate hub."

Watch for LEGO Star Wars III: The Clone Wars to be released in Autumn 2010 for the PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, Wii, DS, PSP and PC. Keep a lookout for more details on LEGO Star Wars III: The Clone Wars at www.legostarwars.com.

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Nintendo has announced today's Wii Shop and DSi Shop game releases. One of the highlights includes Blaster Master Overdrive on WiiWare from Sunsoft. Fans from the NES 8-bit adventures should remember the classic, now revamped for the Wii. The odd Tomena Sanner is also available, which was previously released on the iPhone from Konami. Fieldrunners, an addictive tower defense game, makes its DSiWare debut today, which also launched on the iPhone and was released as a PSP minis game. For the Virtual Console, well, see below.

Use your Wii and DSi Points (or get more here) to purchase the games from the Wii Shop or DSi Shop. The following WiiWare, Virtual Console and DSiWare games will be available today, starting at 9am PST:

From Nintendo:

WiiWare releases:

BLASTER MASTER OVERDRIVE
Publisher: SUNSOFT
Players: 1
ESRB Rating: E10+ (Everyone 10 and Older) – Mild Fantasy Violence
Price: 1,000 Wii Points™
Description: BLASTER MASTER OVERDRIVE is an action-adventure game that takes place on an Earth infected by an aggressive, polymorphic virus. Poor, defenseless animals worldwide have been turned into flesh-eating, hemoglobin-swilling terrors. Fortunately, the world has Alex, who happens to be one of the world’s foremost biologists and specializes in viral mutation profiles and genetic manipulation. Every studious biologist facing imminent global annihilation needs a sweet ride, and Alex is no exception. He has S.O.P.H.I.A., a shape-shifting, gas-guzzling, projectile-spewing paean to destruction on four wheels. Things look grim, but with Alex and S.O.P.H.I.A. on the case, the world just might have a chance.

Tomena Sanner
Publisher: Konami Digital Entertainment
Players: 1-4
ESRB Rating: E (Everyone) – Comic Mischief, Mild Cartoon Violence
Price: 500 Wii Points
Description: Businessman Hitoshi Susumu is behind schedule and in quite a rush. In fact, once he starts running, he won’t stop! Dashing past samurais, T-Rexes, cowboys and all manner of wacky obstacles, Mr. Susumu must get to the goal as fast as he can for the ultimate 2-D dance party. Tomena Sanner is a high-speed side-scrolling action game with a unique timing-based control system that’s as challenging as it is fun. As they fly, jump and dance over the many zany obstacles, players need to time their moves to keep their speed up and perform awesome tricks. Using just one button on the Wii Remote™ controller, players of all ages and skill levels will be able to play and help Mr. Susumu get to his goal. Four players can compete to see who is the fastest at running through the bizarre and comical world of Tomena Sanner.

Bloons
Publisher: Hands-On Mobile
Players: 1
ESRB Rating: E (Everyone)
Price: 500 Wii Points
Description: Bloons is an exciting puzzle game based on the simple fact that popping balloons is fun. Pop your way through dozens of puzzling levels in this exciting puzzle adventure. Each level will have a different arrangement of balloons. Using the darts you’re given, try to pop as many as you can. Look out for special balloons, blocks and darts, and have fun discovering what they do. You can pick up and play for a few minutes or spend hours working your way through the game’s 70 levels. As an added bonus, there’s also a level editor that allows you to create your own balloon puzzles.

Hubert The Teddy Bear Winter Games
Publisher: Teyon
Players: 1-16
ESRB Rating: E (Everyone) – Comic Mischief
Price: 500 Wii Points
Description: Hubert The Teddy Bear is a party game in which players confront crafty bunnies. Outsmart them in eight winter activities including snow fight, sleigh ride, Christmas tree decoration, fishing, catching a bunny and more. Create a teddy bear and customize it to fit your own style. Choose its name and gender and dress it up by combining elements from plenty of clothes and accessories. Play solo or engage your family and friends by competing in one of the multiplayer modes. As many as 16 players can take part in one competition. Thanks to the balanced levels of difficulty – kid, youngster and adult – everyone can enjoy the game. This collection of casual winter sports provides a new experience for the whole family.

Nintendo DSiWare releases:

Oscar in Movieland
Publisher: Virtual Playground
Players: 1
ESRB Rating: E (Everyone)
Price: 800 Nintendo DSi Points™
Description: Following his Oscar in Toyland escapades, Oscar now plays the leading actor in sensational worlds of hit movies and TV shows. From Sci-Fi to Cartoon, Western to War, Horror to Jurassic and more, this is a game not to be missed. Oscar in Movieland features eye-popping graphics, parallax scrolling backgrounds and fabulous game play. This jump-and-run game is easy to play and packed with hours of fun and nonstop action. Use Wings to Fly, Springy Boots to Jump, and Oscar’s secret weapon – his magical Yo-Yo – to swing on and zap enemies in some of the craziest platform levels you’ll ever play.

Link ‘n’ Launch
Publisher: Nintendo
Players: 1
ESRB Rating: E (Everyone)
Price: 500 Nintendo DSi Points
Description: Take your puzzle-solving skills to new heights in Link ‘n’ Launch, a puzzle game in which you must move tiles to create a path that connects fuel to your rocket, blasting it through space. Complete the basic training mode to learn how to play Link ‘n’ Launch, and then buckle in for the ride through the robust Missions and Puzzles modes. Missions mode has you propelling the rocket through space to reach the target planet within a three-minute time limit, while Puzzles mode challenges you to clear all fuel and pipe tiles from the screen. In both modes, not only do you need to create a path to keep your rocket fueled, but you’ll also have to account for immovable tiles and special tiles that upgrade your rocket or give you additional time to complete the level, all while keeping your rocket’s flight path within the established boundaries. The launch countdown has begun – are you prepared?

Fieldrunners
Publisher: Subatomic Studios
Players: 1
ESRB Rating: E10+ (Everyone 10 and Older) – Mild Cartoon Violence
Price: 500 Nintendo DSi Points
Description: Descend into the world of Fieldrunners, one of the most anticipated and visually stunning games in mobile tower defense history. Defend and control the field with a diverse selection of upgradeable towers, using a wide array of tactics and strategies against countless waves of unique land and air combatants. Enjoy hours of entertainment and replayable challenges. Do you have what it takes to dominate the fieldrunners and rise to the top as the ultimate tower defense master?

Sudoku 4Pockets
Publisher: 4Pockets.com
Players: 1
ESRB Rating: E (Everyone)
Price: 500 Nintendo DSi Points
Description: Sudoku 4Pockets offers you 3,600 puzzles, and your assistant Kiku will be there to guide you through each of the Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced skill levels. The aim of sudoku is to complete a grid of nine-by-nine squares with the numbers 1 through 9 in each square, row and column. As you play, Kiku will guide you: She can tell you if you’ve entered an incorrect number, offer you hints and explain the moves and terms as you play. The simple-to-use number entry makes it easy to select numbers and add possible number candidates to aid your thought process. Whether you’re new to sudoku or an advanced player, you can have fun playing and learning on your quest to become a sudoku master.

Extreme Hangman
Publisher: Gamelion
Players: 1-2
ESRB Rating: E10+ (Everyone 10 and Older) – Alcohol Reference, Animated Blood, Mild Cartoon Violence
Price: 200 Nintendo DSi Points
Description: There’s never been a Hangman game like this before! The world’s favorite time-killer game takes an absurdist twist of comical proportions. Taking place in various settings, the game challenges players to save the Hangman from his enemies by guessing hidden words correctly. When players guess incorrectly, he is put one step closer to being shot, strangled, erased or hanged by his enemies. Play a single-player game or challenge your friend to a duel. Extreme Hangman features seven different settings with fun animations, over 2000 words in various categories, and three difficulty levels.

Virtual Console release:

Princess Tomato in the Salad Kingdom
Original platform: NES
Publisher: Hudson Entertainment
Players: 1
ESRB Rating: E (Everyone) – Mild Cartoon Violence, Tobacco Reference
Price: 500 Wii Points
Description: Featuring a cast of cute characters and an endearing sense of humor, this unique title has gained a dedicated following since its release on the original NES system. The wicked Minister Pumpkin, a nobleman in the Salad Kingdom, has rebelled and kicked King Broccoli off the throne. Worse yet, he has kidnapped Princess Tomato and, with the help of the treacherous Farmies, proceeded to abolish all truth, justice, sweetness and light from the Salad Kingdom. Players take on the role of the brave Sir Cucumber, hero of the kingdom, and set out on a quest to rescue the princess and topple Minister Pumpkin. Progress through multiple locations using set commands (such as MOVE, LOOK and TALK) while winning bouts of Finger Wars (Rock-Paper-Scissors), collecting information and items and heeding helpful clues from your faithful companion, Percy (a persimmon). If you fail, the entire Salad Kingdom will be tossed into frenzy. Sir Cucumber, your princess awaits!

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Tonight several stores will be open after hours for the launch of BioShock 2. GameStop and Best Buy will be open to sell the anticipated game to the first players at the crack of February 9th.

GameStop will be opening over 2,500 stores in North America and several will be keeping customers busy with some BioShock inspired events. Starting at 10 pm, several stores will host an ADAM scavenger hunt, Big Daddy dress up contest, BioShock trivia challenge and an ADAM prize drawing. Make sure to check with your local GameStop store to see if they are participating in the midnight launch and the contests. See more details on the GameStop midnight launch at www.gamestop.com/biomidnights. Best Buy will also be open at midnight to sell BioShock 2. See the details and participating stores here on bestbuy.com.

Here are some last-minute pre-order deals or bonus items to take advantage of before the launch of BioShock 2 tomorrow:

Amazon.com:
Get a $10 credit when you pre-order the standard edition of BioShock 2 for the Xbox 360, PS3 or PC. You'll also save $5 off the Xbox 360 and PS3 release, and $3 off the PC release. Purchase the PlayStation 3 version and you'll get a free Big Daddy PlayStation Home costume for your avatar. BioShock 2 strategy guides (also in a standard and limited edition) are also on sale.

GameStop:
Pre-order BioShock 2 now and you'll get an exclusive code to unlock Zigo the fisherman and Blanche the actress, two multiplayer characters. See more details on here on GameStop.

Toys R Us:
This is the only place to find a deal on the BioShock 2 Special Edition. You can purchase the BioShock 2 Special Edition as part of the Toys R Us buy 3, get 4th free deal. You won't be able to get the Special Edition for free since it is going to be the highest priced item at $99.99. If you are thinking of picking up BioShock 2 and two other games this week, you'll qualify for a free fourth game. Valid on games $29.99 and up, and starting on launch day for BioShock 2 since pre-orders aren't included. See the offer here.

Walmart:
Walmart is offering a $10 Walmart eGift Card with purchases of the standard edition game. See the deal here on walmart.com.

Found any other good BioShock 2 deals or midnight launch events? Let us know with your comment(s) below. Visit the official website of BioShock 2 for more details, screens and videos of the game at www.bioshock2game.com.

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