Today's new Xbox LIVE Arcade releases include Encleverment Experiment, NBA UNRIVALED, and 0D Beat Drop. Each game offers something different, from trivia to basketball to rhythm-puzzle gameplay. See the summary of each game below, along with their links for full game or demo downloads.

Here are the details on the new games available from Xbox LIVE Arcade, from xbox.com:

Encleverment Experiment - (800 Microsoft Points, $10)
"A myriad of mini-games to make your mind more magnificent await in the Encleverment Experiment! Join Professor Ivor Question in his lab and test your mental faculties to the limit. One to four players compete in 16 mind-bending games, collecting Noodles (the currency of geniuses!) to spend on over 50 collectable Mascots. Or Take-A-Test and track your ongoing Encleverment over time! Train the four quadrants of your brain or use the Home-Made game feature to create your own quiz shows. With 15 in-game opponents to beat, many multiplayer modes, full Avatar support and the Professor as your guide, the Encleverment never ends!"

See more details on Encleverment Experiment and queue up the full game or demo here on xbox.com.

NBA UNRIVALED - (1200 Microsoft Points, $15)
"Paying homage to the old school look and feel of the arcade classics, NBA UNRIVALED™ brings back all of the intensity and pulse pounding action—AMPLIFIED! Hit the hardwood with the 2009-2010 NBA season's team and player rosters with current stats, logos and jerseys. Ball your way up to the top of the league with unthinkable slams and outrageous plays to get the crowd pumped for momentum on your side!"

See more details on NBA UNRIVALED and queue up the full game or demo here on xbox.com.

0D Beat Drop (800 Microsoft Points, $10)
"The fusion of "rhythm" and "puzzle" creates a completely new kind of game in 0D Beat Drop! Drop pieces along with the beat, and go for the win with explosive chains. In addition to the single player mode with over 100 stages, online play includes options such as playing against a single player, playing with four players total, or having a team battle! The unique "Beat-O-Matic" function analyzes your own songs and lets you use them in the game. Feel the rhythm of the beat!"

See more details on OD Beat Drop and queue up the full game or demo here on xbox.com.Write Comment (0 Comments)

Capcom has released Ghosts‘N Goblins: Gold Knights for the iPhone and iPod touch. Ghosts‘N Goblins: Gold Knights is based on the classic series of side-scrolling platformers. For a limited time for the launch of the game, Capcom is offering Ghosts‘N Goblins: Gold Knights for $2.99 (until November 23rd).

Get Ghosts‘N Goblins: Gold Knights here from the App Store.

Here are some of the features noted by Capcom:
- Brilliant 3D graphics and classic platform action!
- For the first time, play as two different heroes each with a unique play style.
- Master six different weapons per character and power up each weapon with magic.
- Destroy treasure chests to uncover weapons and more powerful suits of armor.
- Further customize your Ghosts ‘N Goblins experience with DLC.

There are some in-game purchases that you can make, which essentially work like cheats. For .99 cents each, you can get upgrades like infinite lives, defense boost, power-ups and more.

See more screenshots and details of Ghosts‘N Goblins: Gold Knights here at the App Store.

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Microsoft has finally announced the much rumored Xbox 360 Wireless N Adapter is now available. The dual band adapter (5 GHz and 2.4 GHz Wireless A/B/G) is designed to work with the wireless N standard, "allowing two times the range and a speed seven times faster than before."

Details on the Xbox 360 Wireless N Networking Adapter, from Microsoft:
"The Wireless N Networking Adapter provides increased speed, coverage and reliability, and features a high-performance design with two external antennas that works great with 802.11a/b/g and n connections. Simply snap the adapter on to the back of your console and enjoy wireless connectivity in multiple rooms or congested wireless environments and connect safely with WPA2 security support."

The Xbox 360 Wireless N Networking Adapter has a $99.99 MSRP, but is available for ordering at $87.99 from Amazon.com (ships November 13th). No details have been announced on whether the original Wireless Adapter will be dropped in price. The original Wireless Networking Adapter supports 802.11b, 802.11g, and 802.11a and is currently available for $76.49 from Amazon.com.

Thanks to Joe S. for the heads-up on its availability!

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Game developer Visceral Games and EA have announced that gamers will be invited to open the "Gates of Hell" from the upcoming game Dante's Inferno when the demo is released in December.

The demo from Dante's Inferno will include the entire opening level of the game, including a boss battle, where players will be introduced to the game's hero, gameplay and storyline. The demo will also include two cinematics made by Blur, an incredible animation studio.

"Our main goal from the start of this project has been to create a journey that will make gamers truly feel like they are going through hell," said executive producer Jonathan Knight. "The demo will give everyone some insight into how we are treating the story and a taste of the gameplay. And with nine more circles of hell to explore once the game comes out in February, we are literally just scratching the surface."

Dante's Inferno will be available for the Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 and PSP on February 9th, 2010 for North America and February 12th, 2010 for Europe.

Nintendo is planning a welcoming launch party for the debut of New Super Mario Bros. Wii. This Saturday, November 14th, Nintendo is hosting a launch event at their Nintendo World Store in New York City. There will be a multiplayer tournament, a display of a Super Mario Bros. Museum and more. The hosts from Nintendo Week, the weekly Nintendo show available from the Wii's Nintendo Channel, will be there as well. It's also the first place you'll be able to purchase the New Super Mario Bros. Wii game, one day in advance of its official November 15th release date on Sunday.

Here are the event details, from Nintendo:
"On Nov. 14, the Nintendo World store in New York’s famed Rockefeller Plaza will be transformed into the Mushroom Kingdom, filled with interactive gaming stations, costumed characters, trivia challenges, prize giveaways (while supplies last) and a live gameplay tournament highlighting the game’s new multiplayer capabilities. The event will also feature a one-of-a-kind Super Mario Bros. Museum filled with memorabilia pulled from Nintendo’s archives that chronicles Mario’s history and cultural impact over nearly 25 years."

When:
Saturday, November 14th from 3 to 7 p.m.

Where:
Nintendo World store
10 Rockefeller Plaza
New York, NY 10020

New Super Mario Bros. Wii will be released on Sunday, November 15th. Pre-order for $46.99 from Amazon.com and you'll get $10 off a future video game purchase.

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Game developer Infinity Ward and publisher Activision announce that Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 is now available at stores. Many of you anticipating the first-person shooter game have probably already spent the early morning playing it, following the midnight launches that took place worldwide. Over 10,000 stores were open in the US at midnight last night to sell Modern Warfare 2.

GameStop proclaims the midnight launch resulted in the "largest number of stores opened for a midnight launch event in GameStop history." Tony Bartel, executive vice president, merchandising and marketing, GameStop Corp., stated "By all indicators, we anticipate Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 will be the biggest entertainment launch of all time. As of today, the number of pre-order reservations we've taken for the game is the highest for any title we've ever sold in our 6,200 store network."

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 is available for the Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 and PC. A couple of other not so highly publicized Modern Warfare games are also now available for the Nintendo platforms, including the Wii's Modern Warfare: Reflex and DS version, Modern Warfare: Mobilized.

Here's a breakdown of all your choices of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 games and gear:

Xbox 360 Modern Warfare 2 Limited Edition Console
The special Modern Warfare 2 Elite console features an exclusive Modern Warfare 2 high-speed, low-drag design, inspired by the epic thriller.
- 250GB hard drive
- Xbox 360 Headset
- Two wireless controllers
- Standard Edition copy of Modern Warfare 2
Available in limited quantities for a limited time at select retailers.

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 PRESTIGE EDITION - Collector's Edition (Xbox 360, PS3)
Individually numbered, one-time only limited quantity includes Modern Warfare 2 in a collectible collection featuring:
- Night Vision Goggles, up to 50 feet in absolute darkness
- Individually numbered "Soap MacTavish" night vision goggles collector's stand
- Token to download Call of Duty Classic
- Limited edition SteelBook case
- "Behind the Lines" collector's artbook

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 HARDENED EDITION - Collector's Edition (Xbox 360, PS3)
Includes Modern Warfare 2 in a collectible collection featuring:
- Token to download Call of Duty Classic
- Limited edition SteelBook case
- "Behind the Lines" collector's artbook

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 VETERAN'S EDITION - Statue Bundle Edition (Xbox 360, PS3, or individual statue)
Includes Modern Warfare 2 Standard Edition game and:
- "Captain Soap MacTavish" ultra-premium ARTFX Statue sculpted by Kotobukiya
- 1/6-scale, 12" tall if standing upright
- Depicts Modern Warfare veteran Cpt. "Soap" MacTavish of Task Force 141, equipped with custom snow camouflage and weaponry as seen in "Cliffhanger" mission from Modern Warfare 2
- 3 sets of interchangeable weapons/arms, including:
Dual ice-climbing pickaxes (pictured)
Dual .45 caliber pistols
M14 Enhanced Battle Rifle (affixes to Soap's back when not in use)

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 STANDARD EDITION (Xbox 360, PS3, PC)

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare: Mobilized (Nintendo DS)
Developed exclusively by n-Space, the DS title delivers a unique storyline and an arsenal of handheld features.

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare Reflex Edition (Wii)
A port by Treyarch of the record-setting and award-winning, original Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare.

In addition to the games, Mad Catz has introduced a line-up of Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 peripherals licensed for Call of Duty Modern Warfare 2:

For Xbox 360:
Xbox 360 Modern Warfare 2 Throat Communicator - Camo
Xbox 360 Modern Warfare 2 Throat Communicator - Snow
Xbox 360 Modern Warfare 2 Combat Controller - Camo
Xbox 360 Modern Warfare 2 Combat Controller - Snow
Xbox 360 Modern Warfare 2 Controller Faceplate - Camo
Xbox 360 Modern Warfare 2 Controller Faceplate - Snow

For PlayStation 3:
PS3 Modern Warfare 2 Wireless Combat Controller - Camo
PS3 Modern Warfare 2 Wireless Combat Controller - Snow
PS3 Modern Warfare 2 Wireless Headset
PS3 Modern Warfare 2 Controller Faceplate - Camo
PS3 Modern Warfare 2 Controller Faceplate - Snow

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 details from Activision:
"Picking up following the historic events of Call of Duty(R) 4: Modern Warfare(R), Modern Warfare 2 completely immerses players in one of the most intense storylines, filled with unexpected plot twists and death-defying battles set in exotic locales across the globe. As gamers fight to save the world from annihilation, the soundtrack of Academy Award(R), Golden Globe(R) Award and Grammy(R) Award winning composer Hans Zimmer sets the dark and ominous tone for a truly cinematic gaming experience. Modern Warfare 2 marks the first time that the legendary artist has scored a video game.

Delivering the complete package, in addition to the heart-racing intensity of the single player campaign, Modern Warfare 2 also offers an entirely new gameplay mode, "Special Ops," which supports 2-player co-operative play via online or split screen dropping gamers into a surplus of time-trial and objective-based missions. As players rank-up, ever challenging missions are unlocked, including highlights from the single player campaign, fan favorites from Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare and all new, exclusive missions. While, the all-new Multiplayer mode raises the bar even higher from the world-record setting online play from its predecessor delivering new capabilities, customization, gamestates and modes, including customizable killstreaks, accolades and new create-a-class features."

See more on Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 here at the official website.

Next Thursday, November 19th, a new PSP minis game will be coming from game developer Halfbrick. Echoes will be available from the PSP's PlayStation Network for $2.99. It's an action/puzzle game with a time-bending gameplay mechanic.

Watch a gameplay trailer for Echoes below.

Details from Halfbrick:
"Players control Charlie, a girl transported to a dream world while studying art, and finds herself in a series of bizarre and surreal levels. To complete each level, the player must collect crystals and avoid the deadly Echoes which spawn and follow the player’s previous movements. Gameplay quickly becomes fast-paced strategic action as more complex paths are taken and the Echoes begin to close in!"

Gameplay modes include:
Arcade: Collect the specified number of crystals without dying and progress through each level. High score times are recorded.
Jackpot: Obtain the highest score possible within 60 seconds.
Survival: Obtain the highest score within the time limit; collecting crystals adds to the time and hitting Echoes loses time.
Clockwork: Controls the flow of time, and therefore movement of Echoes with left and right shoulder buttons.

Visit the official website at www.halfbrick.com for more on Echoes and a look at a few other upcoming PSP minis games.

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Today Capcom confirmed that Resident Evil 5: The Alternative Edition will be coming to North America and Europe this spring, as downloadable content. Resident Evil 5: The Alternative Edition was announced at the 2009 Tokyo Game Show, which will include the "Lost in Nightmares" scenario and will also support the upcoming PS3 Motion Controller. No specifics were made on the Xbox 360's control features, but it's possible (not confirmed) that a Natal version could be in the works.

Capcom went with the downloadable content decision, rather than another retail release, based on fan feedback from the Capcom community. Hang on to your Resident Evil 5 game if you want to play Resident Evil 5: The Alternative Edition!

From Capcom

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Wizards of the Coast announced today that Magic: The Gathering - Duels of the Planeswalkers, the popular Xbox LIVE Arcade game, will be available on the PlayStation 3 and PC platforms next year. The game will be available with the current and future downloadable content expansions when it is released on the respective platforms.

Currently, Wizards of the Coast plan to release two new expansions in 2010 for Duels of the Planeswalkers on all platforms. Here is some information on when this game and the expansions will be made available.

More Magic: The Gathering on Xbox LIVE Arcade - Spring and summer 2010 – The Duels of the Planeswalkers expansions for XBLA will begin arriving in the first of the year and follow with a release in the summer. Similar to the first expansion, the two releases will feature new cards, Planeswalkers, puzzles and surprises to keep players challenged throughout the year.

Expand your Duels to the PC - Summer 2010 – The PC version offers gamers the same style of gameplay as the XBLA title but with an extra bonus.

Discover Duels of the Planeswalkers on the PlayStation 3 - Fall 2010 – Magic: The Gathering fans worldwide can experience Duels of the Planeswalkers on the PlayStation 3. The title will feature similar content and gameplay as the Xbox LIVE Arcade version.

For more information on Magic: The Gathering - Duels of the Planeswalkers, please visit wizards.com.

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Social networking games prove to be big business and will soon be playing hand-in-hand with veteran game developer and publisher Electronic Arts. Electronic Arts today announced they have acquired the creator of many Facebook games, Playfish, for $275 million and $25 million in equity. Does this mean games like Rock Band and The Sims will enter the online social gaming space? You can expect to see a crossover of some of EA's games into the web and wireless social gaming space as Playfish becomes part of EA Interactive.

"Social gaming, with its emphasis on friends and community, is seeing tremendous growth and this is the right time to invest to strengthen our participation in this space," said Barry Cottle, Senior Vice President and General Manager of EA Interactive.

"The industry is undergoing dramatic transformation and joining EA is the ideal opportunity for us to push forward our goals to lead in the social entertainment evolution on a faster and much larger scale," said Kristian Segerstrale, CEO and Co-founder of Playfish.

See more on Playfish and their games here at their official website.

From EA and Playfish