If you played the Legacy DLC, you’re already familiar with how these things are working. In Hawke’s Kirkwall estate, there’s a new statue in the library that activates the story for the DLC. You’re transported to where the quest starts – ‘it’s a trap!’ and then the new character (the one modeled after Felicia), Tallis, shows up and starts throwing her knives around. Yes, much like the our other DLC companion, Sebastian, Tallis is a rogue. Once she’s in your party you’ll be able to level her up to match the rest of your party, but overall I found her more annoying to have in my party, and I longed for that companion slot to give away to one of my other companions. Yes, for the entirety of the DLC, one of your three precious companion slots is taken up by Tallis.

Now, let me stop here and say that if you’re not already overwhelmed by Felicia’s presence everywhere right now – or even if you are, and you still love her for it – that for the points, this is interesting DLC and probably worth the few hours your are going to get out of it. Much like Legacy, there’s a ton of new banter between party members and a bit more lore for you to enjoy if you’re a fan of the Dragon Age series.

That said, if you’re a bigger fan of Dragon Age than you are of Felicia Day, chances are this DLC might make you do a few double takes. The story in Mark of the Assassin, is that Tallis asks Hawke to help her get into a party given by an Orlesian Duke so that she can break into his house and steal something back from him, otherwise, in his hands (or anyone’s hands, it could cost a lot of lives). That’s all well and good really, but here’s the thing (and if you watch the Dragon Age: Redemption web series also staring Day’s character, Tallis,you’re going to see it there too) – Tallis’ character follows the Qun. But, as the story progresses (and I think it’ll be much the same in the web series) there seem to be a lot of inconsistancies in the lore regarding the Qunari and the Qun.

Because the story in Mark of the Assassin takes place outside of Kirkwall, on the estate of a Orlesian Duke we get a glimpse at a few new things – like different creatures. In fact, several of the bigger fights in the game are going to require a bit more strategy than you might be used to and might take more than one or two tries to get it right. Also, since once you’re at the estate, you can’t chance party companions, who you take with you to the party (aside from Tallis), especially given that you CAN play post-game which could change who you have available to take, will make an impact on how well those fights can go.

Overall, it’s these inconsistances and the constant presence of Tallis (and efforts to make her character look cool) that really make the Mark of the Assassin kind of a disappointing experience. I already felt burnt out on Day’s presence in geek culture right now and this DLC feels more like a fan letter to Dragon Age by Day, than it feels like true canon to the Dragon Age series. What makes it worth getting, in my opinion is not Tallis’ character or story, but the chance to expand on your character’s interaction with your companions (it can be played post-game, so some of the new party banter relates to how your game may have ended) and the chance to get your behind kicked by some new creatures. I know I’ve been a little down on the experience as a whole, but if you’re a big fan of the series (as I am) ultimately, you’re still going to want to get this DLC to experience it for yourself.

And, to that end, we’re giving one lucky PS3 owner a code to download the Mark of the Assassin DLC for themselves. If you’d like a chance to win, comment below with your favorite thing about the Dragon Age series.  I’ll hand over the code this Sunday, October 23rd.

Over the coming weeks, they’ve already got more games they’ll be launching. Individual cartridges will be available for $20.  So, if you’re looking to get your hands on a cool copy of God of War to hang on your wall, then you’re going to want to act soon. Below is a picture of the 8 titles that are available later today.

Keep your eyes on http://www.72pins.com/ to grab some of these for yourself.  And keep your eyes peeled here on GamingAngels.com for a something special from 72pins.

If you’re planning to be around at SDCC, you’ll be able to find author John Shirley signing over at the Tor booth.

Green Lantern #1

Geoff Johns has been charting the adventures of Hal Jordan and the Green Lantern Corps since Green Lantern: Rebirth, collaborating with such major artists as Ethan Van Sciver, Darwyn Cooke, Prentis Rollins, Marlo Alquiza and Mick Gray. This fall, Johns reunites with artists Doug Mahnke and Christian Alamy, as the series begins anew with Green Lantern #1 with cover by Ivan Reis and Joe Prado. Together they will continue to thrill readers and expand the Green Lantern mythos.

Change is coming. But set aside your fear. It’ll be worth the wait.

Green Lantern Corps #1

When deadly conflicts emerge across the universe, it’s up to Guy Gardner, John Stewart and an elite Green Lantern strike force to keep the peace. Green Lantern Corps #1 will be written by Peter J. Tomasi with art by Fernando Pasarin and Scott Hanna. The cover to #1 is by Doug Mahnke and Christian Alamy.

Green Lantern: The New Guardians #1

Who are The New Guardians?

The power of Rage, Avarice, Fear, Will, Hope, Compassion and Love combine to be the most powerful (and colorful) team in the corps under the leadership of Kyle Rayner. Beware their power . . . and their volatility! Green Lantern: The New Guardians #1 will be written by Tony Bedard and illustrated with cover by Tyler Kirkham and Batt.

Red Lanterns #1

Going solo. Atrocitus and his Red Lantern Corps return in their own series, battling against injustice in the most bloody ways imaginable. This Lantern Corps takes no prisoners, they are judge, jury and executioners! Red Lanterns #1 will be written by Peter Milligan with art and cover by Ed Benes and Rob Hunter.

The first look at these figures has been revealed on Halo Waypoint at http://halo.xbox.com, and you can see the current Play Arts -Kai- action figures at www.square-enix-shop.com/usa.

It’s long, but we split our discussion in two parts.  First, the four of us talk about the details of the game, the gameplay, the graphics, controls and music as well as the  historical aspects of the game.  In the Second part of the podcast, it’s just Tiffany and I as we talk the more spoilery parts of the game, the cases we liked (or didn’t) and how the game ends.

This is something we haven’t done here at GamingAngels before, we hope you give it a listen and enjoy.

This podcast is also available via our iTunes page.

Want to know what’s going to be available? You can check out the full list over at FreeComicBookDay.com and you can also check their Store Locator for stores near you that are participating. Below are just a few of the comics you might be able to pick up:

• Amazing Spider-Man
• Avatar Last Airbender & Star Wars Clone Wars
• PEP Comics Betty & Veronica
• Dawkwing Duck and Chip Dale Rescue Rangers
• Green Lantern Flashpoint Special Edition
• Geronimo Stilton & Smurfs
• Kizoic Kung Fu Panda & Richie Rich
• Locke & Key Free Comic Book Day Edition
• Mouse Guard Dark Crystal Flip Book
• Super Dinosaur Origin Special #1

There’s also a ton of 2011 Silver Comics available, so make sure to check out the full list before you head to the stores so you know what to look for.

Here’s a video from Heroes star, Milo Ventimiglia talking about FCBD last year.

I recently had the chance to sample some of both the beef an turkey flavors and was pleasantly surprised.  I’m usually a fan of beef jerky — I think it makes for good snack and good travel food.  Perky Jerky is different than your standard convenience station fare however.  They’ve done their best to give it good flavor, this is not teriyaki jerky like you’ve had before.  It’s all good ingredients, premium meats, lots of flavor and low in both fat and calories.

In terms of flavor, I think the turkey is a little sweeter than it’s beef counterpart — definitely more of the teriyaki taste coming through.  And the beef jerky has more of the pepper flavor that regular jerky is often known for.  If you’re a fan of jerky for casual snacks, for travel, or actual protein sustenance, you’re not going to go wrong with either flavor from Perky Jerky.  As for the energy boost?  It’s not going to make a drastic difference in your day but it’s there if you’re looking for it.

But here’s the best part.  Perky Jerky was started by two guys that just had a good coincidence when they spilled energy drinks on their beef jerky.  Now, Perky Jerky is a burgeoning go-to snack with a good purpose.  When you buy from them, they give back to support the fight against both Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy and Down Syndrome.  Mostly, I think if you’re a fan of jerky, you’re going to want to give Perky Jerky a shot.  Get on the bandwagon before all the cool kids do.  Or, if you’ve not been a fan in the past, now’s the perfect time to give jerky a shot.  It’ll be good for those long Portal 2 sessions I know many of us have planned very soon.

If you’re interested, Perky Jerky is available for purchase one bag at a time, or by the dozen over at the Perky Jerky website.