Retro City Rampage has been out on the PlayStation Network and PC for some time now, providing its fan base with old school references and parodies galore. Sadly for Xbox 360 and Wii owners, the wait has been a bit lengthier. Thankfully, however, that ongoing wait may not be too long now.

As announced by Eurogamer, both the Xbox Live Arcade and WiiWare versions of Retro City Rampage have officially entered certification. Now we wait. Developer Brian Provinciano is hopeful that the game will pass certification, and while no release date has been confirmed for the Xbox Live Arcade edition, the WiiWare version will “hopefully” launch later this month.

A lot of folks (myself included) have been enjoying the heck out of Retro City Rampage for the past two months. It’s a bit of a shame that the game isn’t widely available yet, but here’s hoping that changes soon.

As far as a Retro City Rampage 2 is concerned, Provinciano specified that there are “no plans” for a direct follow-up at this time.

It’s been quite the lengthy road leading up to this point, but Telltale Games has announced that The Walking Dead will reach its season finale soon. Titled The Walking Dead: Episode 5 – No Time Left, the final chapter in this wildly successful adventure game series will come to a halt next week.

The game will launch on the PlayStation Network on November 20. Xbox Live Marketplace, PC, Mac, and iOS versions will follow shortly the next day. Because ya know, if you’re going to have a zombie apocalypse, you might as well spread it evenly across all gaming platforms.

No Time Left was preceded by four truly riveting chapters of zombie lore and tough decisions. Each game managed to get more tense and, to put it bluntly, really effed up, providing an experience that fans were quick to jump into.

After the upcoming season finale’s launch, you really have to wonder how long it’ll take for Telltale to continue the series with a second season.

After a bit of a delay, the latest DLC for Max Payne 3 has landed. The Hostage Negotiation Map Pack is available now on Xbox Live, PlayStation Network, and PC for 800 Microsoft Points or $9.99. As per usual, Rockstar Pass owners won’t have to pay anything extra.

The Hostage Negotiation Pack includes for new maps for Deathmatch, Team Deathmatch, and Payne Killer modes. Additionally, players who purchase the DLC also receive new weapons and items including a powerful assault rifle and a stat enhancing mask. A new faction, burst, achievements, and grinds have also been thrown in for good measure.

It should be noted that at this time PlayStation 3 users are experiencing problems and are being asked to pay for the DLC even if they own the Rockstar Pass. This isn’t the first time something like this has happened, so I’d suggest just hanging tight until Rockstar addresses the issue, which it will hopefully do later today.

If you intend on playing The Walking Dead Episode 4: Around Every Corner, then I would suggest you get your affairs in order. As announced by Telltale Games, the latest chapter in the zombie-killing, decision-making series is set to launch on the PlayStation Network tomorrow and on Xbox Live Arcade, PC, and Mac the day after.

If you purchased the Season Pass, you’ll get the game without having to pay extra. If you didn’t, Episode 4 will run you $5. I would highly recommend you do any necessary catching up if you haven’t already done so. Finish up Episode 3, get started on the series, or just sit tight. Depending on how invested you are in The Walking Dead, there are several things you can do until Episode 4 launches this week.

This latest entry in Telltale’s vision of The Walking Dead was penned by Gary Whitta. It is the fourth of five episodes, and given the sheer quality of these titles, you have to imagine that a lot of fans are probably hoping this doesn’t mean the end of the series.

A couple of revered Sega classics are available on the download scene this week. First, we’ve got NiGHTS Into Dreams, a Sega Saturn original that became one of the most beloved titles on the platform back in 1996. The game, produced by the legendary Yuji Naka, featured rich on-rails flying gameplay through multiple dream worlds. It was a joy to play and a real treat to see and listen to thanks to its colorful visuals and great soundtrack.

Also out this week is Sonic Adventure 2. Originally released on the Dreamcast in 2001, we eventually saw the game land on the GameCube. Both versions were well received, so it’s going to be interesting seeing how this digital remake fares. I’m actually excited to jump back into the world of Sonic Adventure 2. Maybe I’ll actually finish the game this time.

Both NiGHTS Into Dreams and Sonic Adventure 2 have received an HD update, achievements, and leaderboard support. The games are currently available for $9.99 apiece on the PlayStation Network, and they’ll land on Xbox Live Arcade this Friday, October 5.

Developer Just Add Water was cool enough to allow gamers to choose the name for the upcoming Oddworld: Abe’s Oddysee HD remake. The fans have voted, and the project is now Oddworld: Abe’s Oddysee – New ‘n’ Tasty. I like it! The reveal was made at the Eurogamer Expo, where new details and some gameplay footage surfaced.

You can check out the delicious video of the game in action above. You should be aware that this is pre-alpha footage of New ‘n’ Tasty. That said, it’s still pretty damn nice to look at. It’s great to see that some impressive visuals are already being used for such early footage. It’s like when you compliment a woman’s sexy outfit and she says, “This old thing?”

Just Add Water will release New ‘n’ Tasty on Xbox Live Arcade and PlayStation Network (PlayStation 3 and Vita). The game will later be released on the PC. New ‘n’ Tasty is due out sometime in Q4 2013. If you’re a fan of the original or want to find out what all the buzz was about back in 1997, watch out for this HD remake.

A couple of launch windows for upcoming Sega titles have been revealed. The HD remake of NiGHTS into Dreams, which was first confirmed back in July, is expected to hit download platforms sometime this October. Back on the Sega Saturn, NiGHTS was lauded for its refreshing gameplay and wonderful soundtrack, delivering an experience that is often remembered as one of the best on the platform.

Also due out next month is Sonic Adventure 2. The HD remake of the iconic Dreamcast game was unveiled at a Sonic Boom event that took place during San Diego Comic-Con, much to the approval of gamers.

As expected, Jet Set Radio will drop across multiple download shops later this month. It’s great to see some of our favorite Sega titles getting new life on modern platforms. Here’s hoping they all hold up well and deliver that intense nostalgia fans are looking forward to.

Absurdity in video games is a beautiful thing, people. Enter: Lococycle. The upcoming action game from developer Twisted Pixel stars a motorcycle named I.R.I.S. who’s running (riding?) away from the company that manufactured her. The creators have sent out another bike named S.P.I.K.E. to capture I.R.I.S., and it definitely seems like he’s not messing around.

The beauty of Lococycle is in its craziness. I.R.I.S. can turn into a robot of sorts and dish out crazy karate moves. She’s also got some heavy guns to take out anything that gets in her way. Oh, and she’s constantly dragging around some dude, which is absolutely awesome.

I.R.I.S. is being voiced by the always charming Lisa Foiles, while the tough-looking Robert Patrick takes on the role of S.P.I.K.E. If you’re a fan of wackiness galore, watch out for Lococycle on Xbox 360 in 2013.

The day a lot of folks have been waiting for has arrived. Okay, that’s a lie. I know a lot of you are actually waiting for the HD version of Jet Set Radio to launch. Sorry to tell you, but this isn’t that launch day. That said, it is the day that I can share the game’s actual launch date and pricing info with you! That’s something, right? Right?!

As announced by Sega, Jet Set Radio will release its revamped HD rear end on Xbox Live Arcade, PlayStation Network, and PC for $9.99 (also known as 800 Microsoft Points in Xbox 360 land). That’s about right, and I don’t think anyone was expecting it to cost anything less than 10 bucks.

The PlayStation Network version of Jet Set Radio will drop on September 18. Vita owners, however, will have to wait until October 16. If you’re a PlayStation Plus subscriber, you’re a lucky punk because you’ll be able to play the game on September 11. That’s a whole week earlier! Xbox Live Arcade and Steam gamers will be able to download the game on September 19.

I never played the original Jet Set Radio on the Dreamcast, so I’m definitely looking forward to it! Who else is totally stoked?

Capcom announced that it was re-releasing an HD remake of JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure at this year’s Comic-Con. The game was originally released in arcades, and it eventually made its way to the PlayStation and Dreamcast.

Based on the manga of the same name, JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure featured offbeat characters and fast-paced fighting. Now it looks like the 2D fighter will be headed to Xbox Live Arcade and PlayStation Network on August 21 and August 22, respectively. The digital download will sport a price tag of 1600 Microsoft Points/$19.99.

Now, don’t let this reveal confuse you. A brand new game based on the series, JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure: All Star Battle, is currently in development by CyberConnect2, but that title is being published by Namco Bandai. Additionally, that one’s only been confirmed for North America so far.

A favorite among Sonic the Hedgehog aficionados has been officially announced by Sega. Sonic Adventure 2 was revealed as part of the Sega Heritage old school revival during the company’s Sonic Boom event at San Diego Comic-Con.

Sonic Adventure 2 was leaked last month as an Xbox Live Arcade title, so it was fair to assume that the game would be headed to the PlayStation Network, as well. It’s good to see, in an official light, that that’s certainly the case.

Check out the big announcement in the video above. As a huge fan of crowd pops, I absolutely love the reaction from the Sonic faithful when Sonic Adventure 2 appears on the huge screen.

Watch out for more info on the HD remake of the beloved 3D Sonic title.

The Walking Dead has been selling like crazy, and with a few more episodes planned by Telltale, it’s very likely that the success will continue for both the franchise and the studio. Fans of the episodic series can probably look forward to even more Walking Dead goodness down the road, because Telltale plans to continue making games for the series.

In addition to a retail compilation of all the current episodes, the adventure game developer hopes to follow up with even more original titles. Speaking to The Verge, Telltale Senior VP of Marketing announced, “Following the digital release of our fifth episode we will also be coming to North American retail shortly thereafter and this will not be the last The Walking Dead game series that we do.”

If there’s one thing Telltale knows how to do, it’s make a great adventure game. Here’s hoping The Walking Dead finishes strong so fans can have a lot to look forward to with the inevitable second season. Telltale, we’re looking forward to it.

Just two days ago Sega updated its Facebook page with a screenshot of what appeared to be an enhanced version of one of the stages from NiGHTS into Dreams. Revered as a Sega Saturn classic, the game delivered a fantastical on-rails experience that featured wonderfully colorful visuals and cheery music. Of course, all we had was that screenshot and fans’ hopes for an HD remake.

Now, though, Sega has confirmed that NiGHTS into Dream will be getting the HD treatment as it flies onto digital download platforms. In addition to revamped visuals, the game will also include leaderboards, Achievements, and Trophies. And for you purists out there, worry not, for NiGHTS into Dreams will also boast a Saturn mode that lets you play the game with its original visuals intact.

No word on pricing yet, and the exact release date hasn’t been confirmed by Sega, but at least we know NiGHTS into Dreams is coming to Xbox Live Arcade, PlayStation network, and PC. It’s great to see Sega reviving its most popular games for both fans and newcomers to experience.

Electronic Arts has revealed plans to rely solely on digital distribution in the future. While specifics weren’t detailed, EA Games President Frank Gibeau stated that the company currently has great relationships with its retail partners, but said that a massively digital market is inevitable. “We have a clear line of sight on it and we’re excited about it,” said the EA boss in a statement to GameSpot. “Retail is a great channel for us. We have great relationships with our partners there.”

Gibeau stated that the biggest relationship for EA, however, was with gamers. Because of that, EA wants to make its games as widely available as possible. So whether that’s through retail or digital distribution, the publisher will pursue whatever avenue it takes to keep that relationship. “If the gamer wants to get the game through a digital download and that’s the best way for them to get it, that’s what we’re going to do,” continued Gibeau. “It has a lot of enhancements for our business.”

“For us, the fastest growing segment of our business is clearly digital and clearly digital services and ultimately Electronic Arts, at some point in the future … we’re going to be a 100 percent digital company, period. It’s going to be there some day. It’s inevitable.”

Those are some interesting remarks by Gibeau. It’s especially surprising that he said EA has a great relationship with gamers considering so many folks have soured on the company as of late. That said, EA certainly has its fans. Obviously, the company wants to continue to push Origin, which isn’t all that popular, and by going 100 percent digital, it will further promote its online distribution service. It should be fun seeing how gamers react to every single EA game landing on Origin in a few years.

Why celebrate the Fourth of July with fireworks when you can spend the day dying over and over (and over) again in a video game? Major Nelson has released info on some upcoming Xbox Live Arcade titles, and among them is Spelunky, the fiendishly challenging rogeulike platformer from Derek Yu.

First released in 2008 as a freeware download, Spelunky achieved a ton of success and praise due to its retro visual style, catchy soundtrack, and tough gameplay. Now it’s headed to Microsoft’s digital download platform, and if you’re into punishing yourself (how kinky!), you should definitely check this indie gem out.

Even if you’ve already played the original version of Spelunky, there are still a couple of reasons to download the Xbox Live Arcade recreation. This newest version of the game will feature revamped graphics, local co-op, and local deathmatch. I can only imagine how hectic deathmatch mode will be. As for co-op, I guess it’ll be cool having someone to die alongside of.

Spelunky hits Xbox Live Arcade on July 4 for 1200 Microsoft Points (or 15 normal people dollars).

ESRB ratings for Grand Theft Auto III and Grand Theft Auto: Vice City have appeared on the ESRB’s website, reports iGo Gaming. This possibly indicates that the two iconic open world crime games will be landing on digital platforms. Had San Andreas been listed, it’s possible that we could have speculated on an HD collection, but since that’s not the case, the downloadable remakes definitely seem more likely.

Both Grand Theft Auto III and Vice City are rated M for Mature, which should come as no surprise to anyone, because really, why would it? What is worth noting is the fact that both titles are only listed for the PlayStation 3. That said, the games will probably land on Xbox Live Arcade, as well.

Last October, Rockstar Games celebrated the 10-year anniversary of Grand Theft Auto III. With that in mind, it should also be mentioned that this coming October will mark the 10-year anniversary for Vice City, a game that delivered more of what we loved from its predecessor in a brand new setting. I think we can expect both of these classics to resurface sometime before the end of 2012.

Fez developer Polytron released a patch that would fix several bugs in the game such as frame rate issues while auto-saving and several crash instances, among others. Unfortunately, while the patch did indeed fix a lot of the performance problems in Fez, it also came with a bug of its own. Apparently, save files were detected as corrupted after installation. Ouch!

Polytron released an update saying that clearing the Xbox 360′s system cache would fix the problem. If for some reason that wasn’t the case, however, the developer notified fans that there was “no workaround.” Double ouch!

One last update released by Polytron stated that Microsoft had pulled the patch off of Xbox Live. That’s certainly good news, because at least it won’t be available to an even wider audience. It’s just a shame that this bug already affected a few gamers. Polytron explained that it was looking into the problem, and gamers can expect a fix in less than two months. Triple ouch!

Remember Naughty Bear? Yeah, that game wasn’t very good, was it? In any case, publisher 505 Games has sent out a press release announcing Naughty Bear: Panic in Paradise for Xbox Live Arcade and PlayStation Network.

Scheduled to launch sometime in the fall, Panic in Paradise looks to improve on a lot of the gameplay elements from the first Naughty Bear. Improvement is always great, so I’m not writing off the game just yet. As revealed by 505, Panic in Paradise will feature an improved combat system (that’s certainly good news), new leveling element (that’s a nice addition), and equipment customization options (that could be cool). The game will feature 11 areas with 30 missions.

I’m not a fan of being optimistic (no expectations, no disappointments), but if the devs can take the not-so-good Naughty Bear formula, work around its rough edges, and create an actual good game, Panic in Paradise could very well be a fun download. I’ll be keeping a close eye on this one in the hopes that it will be a fun action game experience.

So yeah, more Naughty Bear!

It was previously revealed that the XBLA version of Minecraft would not support split-screen multiplayer. Even though plenty of people knew about this thanks to the good ol’ internet, it would be impossible for everyone to be aware because Microsoft never made it clear on the game’s Xbox Live Arcade page.

That’s all been fixed, though, and the Minecraft listing now sports a nice little disclaimer that reads, “To experience split-screen functionality a high-definition television is required.”

Obviously, there are a few gamers out there with SDTVs that weren’t exactly aware of the HD barrier that stood in front of them and Minecraft‘s wonderful multiplayer gameplay. These folks feel kind of gypped, so Microsoft has promised to refund gamers who were unaware of the requirements to play Minecraft through its support page.

Now, we can make jokes about how it’s weird that people are playing an HD system on an SDTV, but the fact of the matter is that Microsoft should have included the prerequisite on the Minecraft page right from the get-go. Also, in today’s world where paying the bills and eating are more important than a fancy TV, I don’t think anyone is any position to expect the entire population to own an HDTV, even if they do have an Xbox 360.

Famed adventure game developer Telltale Games has reported that The Walking Dead Episode 1: A New Day has officially hit the one million sales mark. That’s awesome news for both Telltale and The Walking Dead, as the game was received quite well by gamers. What that means is that most of those one million sales are made up of satisfied fans who got a great game.

According to Telltale, The Walking Dead is its fastest-selling series. Episode 1 topped sales charts across Xbox Live Arcade, PlayStation Network, and Steam, and because this is just the first of five episodes in the series, we can definitely expect The Walking Dead to continue to rake in revenue for the folks making the games.

Currently, Telltale is planning to release The Walking Dead for iOS platforms this summer. Additionally, Episode 2: Starved for Help is scheduled to land on Xbox Live Arcade, PlayStation Network, PC, and Mac next month. Here’s hoping the next chapter in the series is as great as Episode 1, so the franchise can continue selling well, and so fans of The Walking Dead can keep getting content worth being stoked about.

While an exact figure wasn’t given, Ubisoft noted that sales were 45 percent higher than its previous best-selling XBLA release. Moreover, Ubi says pre-orders are “tracking very well” for the August 17-bound PC release.

The title is currently exclusive to Xbox 360, though it’s scheduled to hit Steam and other digital storefronts later this month. Availability on PSN will come “soon.”

Capcom vaguely states it made the decision due to “various reasons,” further apologizing to fans for any disappointment in an official statement. The project was conceived by Keiji Inafune, who ended his 23-year run at Capcom last year.

Announced last September, the title features exploration elements that have been likened to Castlevania: Symphony of the Night, in addition to a polarity-driven combat system that allows players to switch between light and dark energy alignments. The concept mimics that of Dreamcast shooter Ikaruga.

The accessible yet involving gameplay, combined with stunning HD visuals on a 2D plane, is shaping up into something special. We think. Check out more screenshots after the break for a closer look.

Ubisoft has remained tight-lipped regarding the title following its initial announcement nearly three years ago. It was also subject to a delay in 2009, which saw development duties transferred to Ubisoft’s Shanghai branch.

Given Ubisoft’s year-end release target, here’s hoping a proper unveiling in on the cards soon.

Rearmed 2 does away with the bolted-down mechanics of the original, introducing what we all take for granted in platformers: the ability to jump.

It’ll set you back $14.99 or 1200 MS Points. There’s no word on a Steam release.

The Dreamcast fans are very devoted. You see on eBay people are still buying the games and system. We actually have a Dreamcast collection coming out soon. We are looking to bring some of the old Dreamcast games to market digitally and packaged.

There’s no word on what the compilation will consist of, but expect it to represent some of the best of Dreamcast’s short-lived glory days, akin to the previously released Genesis collection.

The title is a sequel to Bomberman Live, which has sold more than 500,000 units to date. As 8-person online multiplayer returns, Battlefest spices up Hudson’s age-old run ‘n bomb formula with new power-ups like the cluster bomb, rocket bomb and laser bomb.

More than a mere expansion, also included are four new gameplay modes — namely, VIP, Bankroll, Capture the Flag and Capture the Crown.

There’s no word on a PSN release.

Beyond the fact that Ubi is prepping a trilogy release of the first three Splinter Cell titles akin to its recent Prince of Persia revival, little is known about these remakes.

Ubisoft has been on a remake frenzy as of late, between this and the previously announced Beyond Good & Evil HD, which is due out on XBL and PSN next year. At any rate, we welcome the initiative. The original SC titles are classics of an era, offering stealth-oriented gameplay at its finest.

The announcement comes as a result of a fan poll that CAVE ran on its in-house development blog last year. Of the shooters listed, Guwange took the no. 1 spot in popularity.

The XBLA rendition of Guwange features several enhancements apt for retro-revivals, including a wealth of options that allow players to make tweaks to visual settings such as the screen orientation and smoothing intensity.

In addition to the vanilla arcade mode, Guwange features an arrange mode specific to the XBLA release which is designed to be “more accessible” with simplified controls. Topping that off is a mode dubbed “Arrange (Blue),” which targets the hardcore and “those who can’t get enough medieval bullet hell.”

Guwange will cost 800 MS Points ($9.99).

Following its 1999 debut in arcades, the title quickly garnered worldwide appeal when it was ported over to Sega’s now-defunct Dreamcast. The addictive mix of chauffeuring and stunt-based gameplay made for a crazy premise.

The XBLA and PSN rendition introduces upscaled 720p visuals and a 16:9 aspect ratio to boot. Also promised are ranked leaderboards.

Crazy Taxi re-releasing on November 24 [VG247]

Released to critical acclaim circa 2003, the title borrows exploration elements from Zelda and features a charming art style. Due out next year, the HD remake will boast achievements and trophies, backed by “new secrets” and a remastered musical score.

There’s no word if a PC release  is on the cards. The original enjoyed a multi-platform release across PS2, GameCube, PC and Xbox. With Beyond Good & Evil 2 on the horizon, this will certainly serve as a much-welcomed refresher and ignite interest among those that missed out on its debut.

One thing we can discuss in regard to the 360 version is the size of the game. On XBLA there is a 2GigaByte size limit we have to adhere to, currently the title weighs in at 2.1GB and that is without any updates, so either we have to pull a miracle out of the bag with some type of amazing compression system, or ask Microsoft to increase their 2GB limit, however this limit is apparently hardware led, so please let us try and make a miracle happen.

Just Add Water’s frustrations are hardly scathing. Numerous developers have lamented over Microsoft’s restrictions in the past. Many of them have been granted exceptions, most notably Capcom.

Given that the file size limit originally was capped at 50MB and has since climbed to 2GB following developer feedback, chances are Microsoft will either opt to raise the limit once again or grant an exception in this case, if previous responses are any indication.

Xbox360 yes/no? [JAW]

The iPhone version will be the first out of the gate, with a October 7 release. Next is the WiiWare rendition, scheduled to drop on October 11, followed by an October 12 and October 13 debut on PlayStation Network and XBLA respectively.

While Sega has yet to specify a price point for the iPhone version, the others will ring in at $15. If this one takes off, expect more episodes to follow, with Sega having already laid out plans to position Sonic 4 as an episodic effort.

Additionally, the character customization tool is quite extensive. Capcom says players can assemble a do-it-yourself Mega Man to their liking, using custom parts. Abilities are determined based on the parts chosen.

Blending the creative freedom of Little Big Planet with the oft-narrow mechanics of Mega Man makes for an interesting take. We’ll be watching this one closely as more details surface at TGS next week. For more screenshots, hit the break.

A digital effort, Mega Man Universe is slated to hit XBLA and PSN, with a release date TBA.

Capcom’s Mega Man Universe has been shrouded in mystery, until now. In keeping with its “megaified” theme, the company offers up a trio of gameplay videos of the retro-infused side-scroller straight out of PAX. The art style appears reminiscent to that of PSP title Mega Man: Maverick Hunter X, blending 3D polygonal visuals with 2D backdrops.

Some more subtle elements from the 8-bit originals have been left in as well, most notably the pellet-style life meter and image representations of energy tanks and 1UPs. For the most part, it’s a new-age throwback, and so far, we’re liking what we see.

At the tail end of each trailer, Capcom teases that characters from Street Fighter as well as other fan-favorite Capcom properties will be playable. While play styles for secondary characters remain to be seen, with the multitude of attributes Capcom has to work with at their disposal, there’s a near endless amount of possibilities.

View the other two clips past the break. Mega Man Universe is slated to hit XBLA and PSN, with a release date still TBA.

Developed by Housemarque, the same team behind Super Stardust HD, the title is described by IGN as a cross between Prince of Persia and Ikaruga, combining the best bits of both — platforming and polarity driven combat. Like in Ikaruga, foes are immune to bullet sprays of the same polarity, while opposite-colored bullets deal damage. Building upon this mechanic, players can also switch between light and dark forms to shield themselves from enemy attacks.

Also promised are large levels with “branching paths and secrets.” Backed by lush colorful visuals that resemble that of a watercolor storybook, this one looks like it’s shaping up to be a winner. With Ubisoft prepping a formal unveil at PAX, chances are gameplay footage will surface soon.

Outland Preview [IGN]

Following the release of both titles, Microsoft is serving up a platter of four titles in a promotion it has dubbed “The Game Feast.” The initiative will run its course through September 29 to October 20, with a new title featured each week. Additionally, from September 17 to September 20, Microsoft is giving Xbox Live Silver members a free trial pass to several features reserved for the Gold membership tier, including online multiplayer, as well as Last.fm, Twitter, and Facebook integration.

For a full breakdown of what’s to come, hit the jump.

Xbox LIVE Arcade:
September 8: Plants vs. Zombies, 1200 Microsoft Points
September 8: Dance! It’s your Stage, 800 Microsoft Points
September 15: Sonic Adventure, 800 Microsoft Points
September 29: Hydrophobia, 1200 Microsoft Points
October 6: Comic Jumper, 1200 Microsoft Points
October 13: Pinball FX 2, Tables purchased individually, free import from original Pinball FX
October 20: Super Meat Boy, Pricing TBD

Xbox LIVE Deal of the Week** :
Week of September 5th: Select Resident Evil content
Week of September 13:
BUST-A-MOVE Live!, 400 Microsoft Points
Gyromancer, 800 Microsoft Points
Tower Bloxx Deluxe, 400 Microsoft Points
Puzzle Chronicles, 400 Microsoft Points

**Special pricing available for Xbox LIVE Gold Members

Xbox Game Add-Ons
September 2: Crackdown 2 Toy Box available at no cost to Crackdown 2 owners; 560 Microsoft Points for additional content and available worldwide
September 7: Mass Effect 2 Lair of the Shadow Broker , 800 Microsoft Points
September 7: Dragon Age: Origins Witch Hunt , 560 Microsoft Points
September 7: Rock Band Snoop Dog 8 Single Tracks, 160 Microsoft Points for each track and available worldwide

“We wanted to preserve as much as we can of the classic 8-bit Mega Man feel, while allowing players to project their own Mega Man onto the game,” explained Inafune. He added, “We wanted to create a platform where players can play as their favorite version of Mega Man, another Capcom character — or maybe a different character completely. You’ll be able to play as the Mega Man of your dreams.”

Inafune also teased that a sizable Mega Man-centric announcement is on the way, one that involves something fans have “oft-requested.” Mega Man Universe is slated to hit XBLA and PSN. A release date has yet to be announced. In case you missed it, check out the clever Toy Story-esque trailer below.

Inafune: Play as ‘the Mega Man of your dreams’ in Mega Man Universe [Joystiq]

A first-person shooter originally released on PC and Mac in 2005, IllFonic is promising “competitive game play built specifically for consoles” for this rendition of Nexuiz. Set across a series of battle arenas on the fictional home planets of Kavussari, Forsellian and the desolate planet of Atavirta, players can fuel their thirst for galactic warfare in classic multiplayer modes like Team Deathmatch and Capture the Flag. Also featured are stat-tracking leaderboards that integrate with social networking services.

IllFonic plans to expand the shooter beyond its original inception with post-launch downloadable content that encompasses “new games modes, models, and maps.” More screens can be viewed past the break.

Look below for a breakdown of what’s in store:

Limbo (July 21)
Hydro Thunder Hurricane (July 28)
Castlevania: Harmony of Despair (August 4)
Monday Night Combat (August 11)
Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light (August 19)

Each title is priced at 1200 MS Points.  Those that purchase at least three titles featured in the promotion will receive 400 MS Points, while splurging on all five will net you 1200 MS Points in return. Not too shabby for a bonus. Hopefully your wallet can take the hit after Steam’s massive summer mark-down frenzy last week.