New “Mass Effect 2″ Story-So-Far Demo and Add-Ons

If you haven’t played Mass Effect 2, you’re missing out on a beautiful game that just happened to receive some of the best reviews of a game to date. Luckily for you, our friends at BioWare have released a new demo that includes the first two levels of the full version and a ‘story so far’ video narrated by Martin Sheen that helps players understand the Mass Effect universe. You can then transfer your character, including weapons and decisions you’ve made, over to the full version on PC or 360. All full versions of the game give you access to the Cerberus Network, where players can download extra content for free. Overlord Add-on / Xbox Premium Theme / XBL Avatar Items Coming out tomorrow, June 15, BioWare is releasing five new regions and two new achievements. The add-on will be available for 560 Microsoft Points on XBL and 560 BioWare Points

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New Mass Effect DLC Unlocks a Thief

BioWare revealed today that a new character, a master thief named Kasumi Goto, will be added to the squad. The Kasumi – Stolen Memory PDLC pack will be available for 560 Microsoft (or BioWare) points, and features an all-new mission in which Shepard helps her with a dangerous heist. Players will be able to gain her loyalty and ultimately use her throughout the entire game. The DLC also contains a research upgrade, a new weapon and a new achievement. The Kasumi mission won’t be available until April, but tomorrow (March 23), a new DLC pack will become available through the Cerberus Network – Firewalker. It includes five new missions and the ability to use the Hammerhead hover-tank in battle.

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Save money on video games this week!

The last few weeks have been crazy on the releases side. Maybe you missed a few or maybe you are still looking forward to some of the releases this week. Either way, we’re going to list the best places where you can get the most gaming for your dollar! New Games out this week: Zhu Zhu Pets (DS) How to Train your Dragon (Wii/DS,360,PS3) Bakugan: Battle Trainer (DS) Moto GP 09/10 (360,PS3) Just Cause 2 (PC,360,PS3) Red Steel 2 (Wii) My Pet Chimp (DS) Imagine: Gymnast (DS) Rooms (Wii,DS) Shin Megami Tensei: Strange Journey (DS) Disney Stitch Jam (DS) Settlers 7: Paths to a Kingdom (PC) Hall of Fame Ultimate Hoops Challenge (Wii) Where the sales are: Toys R Us Zhu Zhu Pets has Limited Edition “Baxter” baby and free Zhu Zhu pet to the first 24 people that buy the game Free $25 gift card with Xbox 360 Arcade

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EA Financial Report Reveals Handheld Dragon Age, Confirms Console Versions of The Sims 3

Looks like EA has quite a bit up its sleeve for the next fiscal year, and their third quarter fiscal year 2010 report confirms the existence of a “hit-driven market” in its forward-looking statements. For instance, we can look forward to new installments of Tiger Woods Golf and “the world’s most beautiful game,” FIFA ’11, not to mention console versions of The Sims 3. EA is definitely taking its mantra of “fewer and bigger” to heart – it’s their version of quality over quantity, since their top 20 games amount to 80% of their sales numbers. Whereas normally that would just mean making the investors happy, this time, it looks like it means making gamers happy as well, with a new Dead Space installment and second Dragon Age title (both also bound for handhelds/mobile as well as consoles and PCs) on the way in the first few months of 2011.

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Mass Effect 2 is Still Steamrolling the Competition

Despite a few hiccups in the beginning, BioWare’s Mass Effect 2 has quickly reached blockbuster status. In the single week it’s been on sale (okay, actually less than that), it’s already sold two million copies. It’s also garnered 40 perfect reviews and has retained a 96 on Metacritic. How long will the hype last? So far, it seems entirely deserved. What do you readers think?

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Mass Effect 2 Scores Are In, And They’re Fantastic

Now, don’t tell anyone this who’s still cursing at their television, but lifting the Mass Effect 2 embargo at midnight meant that a flood of reviews posted pretty much simultaneously. And now that they’re in, there’s actually not a bad one in the bunch. No, I’m not kidding. As of right now, the 360 version of Mass Effect 2 has a 96 Metacritic score, and not a single review goes below a 90. I’m sure that’ll change after the game has been out more than…you know, a day…but you’d think the people who had review copies in hand two weeks ago would find more things to complain about. Apparently it’s just that good. Good enough to have 16 perfect ratings so far? You tell us.

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“Dude, Where’s My Armor?” Mass Effect 2 Forums Overrun With Cerberus Problems

Seeing lots of reports in the BioWare forums this morning of Mass Effect 2 codes for the Cerberus Network not working properly after following the directions that came with the game. So now, not only are people who buy used missing out (Update: You can now buy Cerberus Network access for $15), but it looks like BioWare’s loyal “original purchasers” are, as well. Both BioWare’s Xbox 360 and PC forums are filling rapidly with eager gamers who just want to get the free downloadable content promised to them. Some users are reporting that after using the code on their computer, they’re unable to access Cerberus Network on their 360s. Others claim that a Cerberus download becomes available after using their code – for 1200 MS points. A few can’t even get their code to be accepted in the first place. Mac users who bought the game for 360 are unable

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Mass Effect 2 Gets A Downloadable Content Portal…Well, At Least the Original Purchasers Do

This is a definite shot to the heart for people who love buying used games. Looks like BioWare has opted to create a portal for downloadable bonus content that is available only to those who are the “original purchaser” of a disc (something tied to a non-transferable EA account). “The Cerberus Network” will be accessed via a special code included with downloadable and retail versions of the game. When accessing the network, gamers will be rewarded with messages, news, and (the big kicker) bonus content. So, what items are Mass Effect lovers missing out on if they buy used? First, a DLC pack that contains in-game items and extra missions. Without these extra missions, players will miss out on a new character: Zaeed, an assassin who is recruited to join Commander Shepard’s mission. The next DLC pack will include a new vehicle, new ammo, and new armor that will be

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Demo: Dark Void and Impressions in HD Video

Shucks, looks like we have another rental on our hands brought to you by Airtight games and Capcom. Amanda seems to possess a real knack for selecting less than average titles to Demo, but I’m a pro at pointing-out “UR  DEWIN’ IT ‘RONG.” So you’re probably thinking I’m chuggin’ this here hatorade right about now, but my initial judgment is correct more often than not. I’d say it’s just another WET: enjoyed by the minority, flawed in important places, and another 7-7.5/10  to be buried under the sequel monster that is Mass Effect 2. Dark Void is a third-person shooter that may be given a lowly sequel for fun, but even the lowsy fun-factor I experienced in mid-air combat is hardly the right amount of amusement to overcome the rest of the 2010 line-up; I can already hear the melodious piano echoing T.I.’s “Dead and Gone.” The whole sha-bang centers

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EA and Dr. Pepper Partner for Exclusive Game Content

More new from EA today as they’ve announced  a new marketing program to deliver custom built items to Dr Pepper fans. I myself am a huge fan of Dr. Pepper (especially the Cherry Vanilla kind, which isn’t being carried anymore), so this sounds pretty cool. Starting this week, people who buy 20-ounce bottles of Dr Pepper will be able to download new, exclusive content in EA games like virtual clothes for their Sims or body parts for their Spore creatures. Gaming fans will receive access to these exclusive add-ons for select EA titles throughout 2010 with codes* found on more than 500 million Dr Pepper bottles and fountain cups. “Dr. Pepper’s decision to partner with EA is an investment that will bring a lot of value to their brand and to their consumers,” said Elizabeth Harz, Senior Vice President of Global Media Sales for EA. “Consumers get free game content

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