The new creation tools, now seem to give players unlimited power with the Direct Control Seat and Sackbots. When used in conjunction, these two tools allow players to create the genre-bending, outside-the-box stages which you saw in the game’s debut trailer. The other big new tool are Sackbots — humanoid AI creations whose behavior can be completely determined by the creator.

Sackbots can also be fitted with Direct Control Seats as well. One simple application for this technique: A player encounters a gigantic block they can’t get past. If they hop into the equally gigantic Sackbot lying dormant nearby, they can use its superior strength to pull the block to a less bothersome location.

The Direct Control Seat lets the creator map simple functions to the PS3 controller. Placing the device on an object creates a collapsible “circuit board” in the shape of a DualShock. Mapping buttons is as easy as choosing a button on the controller, and then clicking the object you want it to manipulate.

LittleBigPlanet 2 looks to make a huge leap in game creation on the PS3, so far no release date has been announced.

Like a battering ram through the basement doors of gamers everywhere, Sony hits us with an impact leaving us with just enough breath to say one word… “Wow!”

• Live demonstrations of the new Sony “Move”, show us that even though it still requires a hands-on controller, motion control takes a whole new leap. From Eye Pet to Socom, from Sports Champions to Little Big Planet, the Move has all our jaws on the floor in both shock and awe.

• Along with news of the Move, Sony shows us a list of its upcoming titles that already have everyone working on their Christmas wish lists such as Final Fantasy 14, DC Universe Online, Medal of Honor, Twisted Metal, Gran Turismo 5, Little Big Planet 2, Marvel vs. Capcom 3, Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit, MotorStorm: Apocalypse, Killzone 3, Bulletstorm, and so much more.

• Not only can Ps3 and Ps2 users expect tons of great games, but PsP fans as well. With God of War: Ghost of Sparta, Kingdom Hearts: Birth by Sleep, Parasite Eve 3: The 3rd Birthday and other glorious hand held titles…Sony wants to let everyone know that the PsP is back again and is going strong.

• The million of gamers who are also users of the Playstation Network (PSN) can expect a new service coming before the end of the month, PlayStation Plus. It’s a premium service much like the Xbox’s “Live” network… but with a few key differences. The PS-Plus will come with exclusive downloadable content (DLC) for pending and already released titles, free “Qore” subscription (Sony’s online magazine), three free months of said services, as well as goodies and treats not yet released to the public. Subscriptions start at $49.99 a year or $17.99 for three months. And fear not Playstation fans, those of you who do not wish to join the new Playstation experience can still enjoy your free PSN accounts with no change in services or support.

All in all, Microsoft, Nintendo, and Sony had very interesting press conferences and although the “console wars” are still in full effect…there will always be a winner, no matter the outcome…us… the gamers!

On July 6, 2005, music and video games came together at the Hollywood Bowl in L.A. Music from different video games spanning from Mario to Halo was beautifully played. Video Games Live has been touring the entire world and posting dates to all of their concerts.

A 90-minute Video Games Live special, consisting of never before televised live musical performances from the Mario, Zelda, Sonic, Halo, Warcraft, Final Fantasy, Castlevania, God of War, Civilization, Chrono Cross, StarCraft and Guitar Hero franchises, including a musical journey through Classic Gaming, will make its national premiere on July 31 and air throughout August 2010 on PBS stations (check local listings). The CD and DVD/Blu-Ray release will coincide with the nationally televised special and will be available in North America exclusively through PBS until November 1, 2010. — Video Games Live

Mark your calenders and keep checking out PBS.org for the CD/DVD, this is definitely something you don’t wanna miss.

Snake and his mercenary group must defeat a threat in Costa Rica, which can change the power struggle between the East and West.

Tiger Woods PGA Tour 11

Tiger’s new game has the Ryder Cup tournament (America vs. Europe) for the first time in the series. The game will also sport 24 player online multiplayer.

Earthworm Jim

After years since his 1994 Sega Genesis release, Earthworm makes his reappearance on Xbox Live with 4 player co-op.

6/8

Call of Duty: The War Collection (360)

Disgaea Infinite (PSP)

Green Day: Road Band (PS3, 360, Wii)

Joe Danger (PSN)

Mega Man Zero Collection (DS)

Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker (PSP)

Smash Cars: Virus Run (PSN)

Tiger Woods PGA Tour 11 (PS3, 360, Wii)

6/9

Earthworm Jim (XBLA)

Rockstar announced today that the ‘Outlaws To The End Co-Op Mission Pack’ for Red Dead Redemption will be available for download on June 22 for both Xbox Live and PlayStation Network. The new content will be free to download and includes six brand-new co-op missions, as well as new co-op challenges, bonus multiplayer XP rewards, and extra opportunities to unlock additional Achievements and Trophies.

Up to four players can team up together online to experience the new missions, full of intense shoot-outs and strategic cooperative play.

As some of you may know, Square-Enix has been working on plenty of games…most of which are being kept in the dark.  Well, we here some new information for you.  After an interview held with some of Final Fantasy Versus XIII’s head developers and character designers, we may see this highly anticipated title making an appearance onto the Xbox 360?  Seeing how successful sales were with the release of Final Fantasy XIII on both the Playstation 3 and the Xbox 360, Square-Enix has stated that they are looking into the possibilities of releasing Vs XIII on multiple platforms.

Not much is known about this game aside from speculation on the trailer released last year, but one thing is known for sure…this will be one of Square’s most cherished games once it comes to fruition. If you are familiar with “world maps” as seen in FF1-9 and are familiar with the “world map” of FF 12, this new title will blow your socks off. While still in early development, this was said by an unknown character and level designer: “The world map in Final Fantasy Versus XIII is so large, while journeying from one town to another, we actually got lost for hours”. The world can barely wait for Final Fantasy Versus XIII.

Also, Square-Enix producer Yoshinori Kitase spoke about the possibility of a Final Fantasy 7 remake: “…if it took 3-4 years to make Final Fantasy XIII, it would most likely take 10 times longer to make Final Fantasy 7 to the same quality level as FFXIII”, so don’t look for any remakes of that game anytime soon.

““Their new video game controller will take racing games to a new level of challenge and realism by allowing players to replicate the bets driving techniques used by race drivers.” They will also be showing some of what they have to offer at this years E3 convention.

Since the days of Super Mario Kart, we all have enjoyed most of the games from the series. With the most recent iterations that was released being Mario Kart Wii, it had received some great reviews. It features new and remade tracks, choice between karts and motorcycles, and online racing. Although gameplay felt as if you are penalized for being in first place. Inescapable weapons that can hit you and hardly any defense for them. Minor no-free-for-all option in Mario Kart battle and due to the longevity of the series, the game is getting outdated.

A cure is given for those who want a great vehicular combat racing game. Here are four racing games that can put Mario Kart on the ropes.

This futuristic alternative has had mostly outstanding reviews on the presentation and visuals of the game especially since the game has sharp detail, amazing lighting, a distinct artistic style that is great to see while playing. The zone mode is also beautiful and addicting. The audio and soundtrack in the game are a perfect fit. Not only that but can also play your own music which is then integrated into the game while racing. Wipeout HD released the Fury Expansion Pack adding new vehicles and tracks. Also this combination is not expensive.

Sonic takes the lead on one of the best kart racers on the 360 and PS3 with other various Sega characters. This game has great pick up and play fun while having lots of characters with different racing styles. Online play works well for a racer of this type . The game is more than a copy, it has very responsive controls which helps with gameplay and beautiful track designs that are in HD. The music ranges from many of the previous Sega games like House of the Dead, Jet Set Radio and of course Sonic the Hedgehog. While it has only had a small amount, the game does have DLC. Sega’s DLC for this game is able to be played online and offline.

Going with the whole “Play, Create and Share” theme, this is overall an excellent kart racing game. The gameplay mechanics are on point and the deep level design tools are great for those with track ideas. This game has a new level of creativity. No other racing game lets you create your racer, car and track. ModNation also has DLC which is going to be just spewing out in the form of new racers, new vehicles and new tracks. Don’t forget the endless amount of ideas that players can post for the countless people to download.

Although this game is not a kart racer, it basically plays like one. The cars are modeled after real cars and tracks are modeled after real life places. The game has a great sense of speed and worth playing. The online play is very solid, game lobbies can incorporate many players, and due to the leveling system this adds great longevity to the game. Activision will be releasing DLC for this souped up racer. You can also take in game pictures and upload numerous forms of progress on facebook and twitter.

As you can see, none of these games are slouches. With constant Mario games being released, Mario Kart does not have 3 main things that the others do: HD visuals, DLC and a reliable online multiplayer function. The Wii is not able to go HD, their is hardly ever any DLC planned for titles, let alone Mario Kart and let’s not get into Nintendo’s online services. The 360 versions of Blur, Sonic & Sega All Star Racing and Wipeout HD for PS3 are able to play your own custom music. All of these things are not required to have fun in a racing game but Nintendo needs to upgrade this game to the present times. Mario Kart has been placed on such a high pedestal and it should be taken down a few notches. These 4 previously mention games should keep Mario Kart sitting on store shelves or at least make Nintendo rethink the franchise.