For the first time ever you can experience the stunning visuals of Dragon’s Lair™ in full High Definition video! Using today’s most sophisticated film transfer technology, this smash hit arcade game can now be played in 1080p and fantastic 5.1 surround sound on your HD DVD or Blu-ray™ player including the Playstation 3™.

Control the actions of Dirk the Daring a valiant knight, on a quest to rescue a fair princess from the clutches of an evil dragon. Fight your way through the castle of a dark wizard who has enchanted it with treacherous monsters and obstacles.

More on Dragon’s Lair products:
http://www.digitalleisure.com/contents/DVDRom_games.htm

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Sega’s Streets of Rage 2, Toe Jam & Earl in Panic on Funkatron, Shining in the Darkness and Kid Chameleon are all headed to the Nintendo Wii’s Virtual Console, Sega confirmed today.The Genesis titles will be available to download on Nintendo’s Wii Shop Channel “soon,” according to Sega.

Prices for Sega Genesis titles start at 800 Wii Points, or $8.

Earlier this week, SNK Playmore USA revealed that it would be bringing a number of Neo Geo titles to the Virtual Console.

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Shuji Suzuki labels himself a ‘clayer’ but in my book he’s one of the coolest Japanese artists out there and worth taking notice! Shuji sent over 100 figures to be showcased as part of the ‘i am 8-bit’ exhibition currently going on at Gallery 1988 in Hollywood, California. If you are anywhere near – then I recommend checking out the show! Because Mr. Suzuki’s work is so tiny I decided to take some video with my tiny photo camera. Better quality video will be available soon!

More on Shuji Suzuki:
http://eightbit.tamahobby.com

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 yah know I kinda like the ‘white’ look over black….. it matches my DS

but this in from GAMESTOP:

Due to the impending release of the Xbox 360 Elite, some retailers are set to offer improved trade-in value on older Xbox models.

Image Reports vary at present, but GameStop has confirmed that it and EB Games, its subsidiary, will be offering improved trade-in prices for the original Xbox, Core Xbox 360 and Premium 360 consoles when the Xbox 360 Elite goes on sale on 29 April, and that the promotion will run “while supplies last.”

While improved trade-in values weren’t specified, it is thought that GameStop will offer $250 in-store credit for Premium 360s with wireless controller and hard drive, up $35 on usual trade-in value, $200 in-store credit for Core 360s, a $10 hike on current trade-in value, and $50 for an original Xbox, up from $30.

Despite reports to the contrary, GameSpot contacted a number of stores who confirmed that improved trade-in offers only come into play when users purchase an Xbox 360 Elite.

More on Xbox trade-in:
http://www.next-gen.biz/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=5268&Itemid=2

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Unsurprisingly, Guitar Hero III will support online multiplayer when it goes up against Rock Band this holiday season. RedOctane President Kai Huang let the cat out of the bag, however, with regards to a DS version. He also announced that GHIII will use wireless controllers. More within…

Most gamers and Guitar Hero fans would probably argue that Guitar Hero II on the Xbox 360 should have included online multiplayer, not just leaderboards for high scores. With Guitar Hero creator Harmonix introducing online multiplayer with its new project Rock Band later this year from EA and MTV, RedOctane had little choice but to include the feature in Guitar Hero III. And indeed, according to a GameSpot interview with RedOctane president Kai Huang, the game will offer both co-operative and competitive online modes, and extra downloadable content of course.

Link to article:
http://biz.gamedaily.com/industry/feature/?id=15805

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The arcade games industry is undergoing a muted resurgence amidst the ongoing next generation console war.

Following a substantial price hike in shopping mall floor space and increased competition from games consoles, the number of US arcades plummeted to as low as 2,500 in recent years, down three quarters from 10,000 sites during the industry’s 1980s peak. However, a revival has seen that figure rise to 3,500.

“Quite a resurgence,” according to Michael Rudowicz, president of the American Amusement Machine Association. “The Y generation communicates by word of mouse. It’s cool to get out to play with your peers,” he said.

A Fox News report claims that nostalgia and an increased focus on family orientated entertainment centers both play a prominent role in this growth. Popular Japanese import Dance Dance Revolution is just one game doing the rounds at national chains including AMC Theaters and Chuck E. Cheese, a restaurant franchise set up by Atari founder Nolan Bushnell.

Game designers and developers frustrated with mainstream industry practices are also getting in on the action, with last year’s top selling arcade title Big Buck, which shifted 7,000 units, designed by former Midway Games employee Eugene Jarvis.

More on article:
http://www.next-gen.biz/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=5234&Itemid=2

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At the Rocky Mountain Pinball Showdown, pinball fans play over 100 modern and electromechanical pinball machines and video games set on free-play. No Quarters Needed.

At this family-friendly event, players can test their pinball skills in the multiple tournaments for all skill levels and ages, buy and sell pinball machines, parts, and memorabilia, and attend PinChats — free pinball seminars.

Join us at this exciting three-days of pinball fun held every April in Golden, Colorado, just minutes from downtown Denver.

More on Pinball Showdown:
http://www.pinballshowdown.com/index.htm

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It’s that time again. Gallery 1988 is proud to announce the 3rd annual “I AM 8-BIT” art show, where over 100 artists will reinterpret images, characters and scenes from our favorite old school 1980′s video games. Look and purchase new and original video game masterpieces from Joe Ledbetter, Amy Sol, Luke Chueh, SEEN, Erik Alos, Matt Dangler, Greg “Craola” Simkins, Bob Dob, Jose Emroca Flores and many, many more. This exhibit is always our most anticipated and this year plans to be our biggest and best yet. And this year, Gallery 1988 will be releasing a handful of new video game prints featuring some of the fan favorites from the past years.

More on I am 8-Bit show:
http://www.nineteeneightyeight.com/home.html

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Tabula Rasa is one of the most hotly anticipated MMOs of the year.  But the story of its realization has been an object lesson in the difficulties of trans-cultural development projects. Colin Campbell spoke to Richard Garriott about his difficult experiences of cross-Oceanic game design.

‘Frankly, America has shown little inclination to start playing unadulterated Korean games, generally caricatured as being a cross-between endless grinds and chat-rooms.’

More on this:
http://www.next-gen.biz/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=4995&Itemid=2

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