Hands on - Nintendo DSi XL

I currently own a Nintendo DS Lite and was never really interested in trading it in when the DSi came out. Nintendo then announced that the DSi will be giving some steroids to grow into the DSi XL (LL for Japan) with bigger screens and... thats it.

Conceptually you'd think it wouldn't matter cause it'll still be sporting the same resolution and the games will look stretched out. But after seeing and handling a DSi XL for the first time, the bigger screens do make an impact. Navigating the touch screen is a breeze with all the free space and the games do look impressive on the bigger screens compared to my DS Lite.

Now I have heard complaints that games that use sprites don't look all that good since they're stretched out and you can point out each pixel but I have also heard that games that use 3D graphics look superb on the XL. The whole stretched sprites thing doesn't really bother me enough to make me not like it but I completely agree with the statement of 3D games looking better on the XL.

I won't go out and trade in my DS Lite this very moment but I gotta say that if you don't have a DS/DSi and you don't mind the girth of the XL but want to play on the bigger screens then consider getting the XL. I can honestly say that the XL is an easy recommend for me and with the 3DS already out, I'm sure the prices for these past generation Nintendo handhelds will go down in a heartbeat.

HUMOR: Street Fighter II: Family Guy Edition

No, this is not M.U.G.E.N but an actual episode from Family Guy. 'Peter Griffin vs. Mr. Washee Washee', Family Guy Season 9 Episode 15, aired April 10, 2011.

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-ws1FMFTO7g&w=480&h=390]

Pre-purchase Dungeon Siege III and get I and II for free

That's right. If you pre-purchase Dungeon Siege III through Steam you will be given free single-player digital copies of Dungeon Siege I and II. Sounds like a good deal to me if you ask me.

In addition, all PC versions of the action-RPG will include Steamworks features including auto-updating, Achievements, Steam Cloud support, and downloadable content.

“Providing Dungeon Siege I and Dungeon Siege II free of charge through Steamworks is Square Enix’s way of showing appreciation to the fans of the Dungeon Siege franchise,” said David Hoffman, executive producer for Dungeon Siege III in the press release.

So all you PC gamer's set to get Dungeon Siege III i suggest you consider this offer. It's two free games no matter what! head over this link to check it out.

Dungeon Siege III is set to be released on June 17 for Europe and June 21 for the US on PC, PS3, and Xbox 360.

SOCOM 4 solo campaign trailer

With SOCOM 4's open beta up and running and the game releasing in a week, Zipper Interactive is gavethe solo campaign some attention by releasing a trailer.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=b50OClV_3UM]

The trailer gives you an idea on what to expect from SOCOM 4's solo campaign. Ops Commander, Cullen Gray and his SEAL team gets thrown into the fray in a mission to capture a militant revolutionary aimed at destroying the world's most vital waterway and disrupting the global economy.  They only have six days to complete their mission. Oh, and there's a badass female korean soldier that joins the SEAL team.

Excited about it? or are you just waiting to get your hands on the full version of SOCOM 4's multiplayer?

Mass Effect 3 info from next issue of Game Informer

Game Informer Magazine's next issue contains a lot of new information regarding Mass Effect 3. Some info may be spoilers so you have been warned but i'm sure people interested have played Mass Effect 1 and 2.

Mass Effect 3 starts with Shepard on Earth. He is on a trial in regard to the events of the Arrival DLC. During the trial, the Reapers attack earth and the prologue involves Shepard escaping to the Normandy to find allies who is currently battling Reaper soldiers.

Squad mates that are confirmed to return are Liara, Ashley/Kaiden, Garrus and James Sanders. Of course, this all depends on your save. So if you want say... Garrus to be on your Mass Effect 3 game don't let him die during Mass Effect 2. James Sanders is still unknown but we do know that this isn't the guy in the teaser trailer. Who is he? have no idea but Jason Statham should voice him.

There are other old squad mates from previous games returning but are not playable. Wrex, Mordin, Legion will return but won't be  playable characters. Anderson will also appear in Mass Effect 3.

Mass Effect 3 will have a "previously on Mass Effect"  similar to Mass Effect 2's interactive comic for the PS3. It sets up your story if your playing the game from scratch. Which is a good idea but i highly suggest you get your saves ready because the fact that your choices matter since ME1 will make a difference.

The Illusive Man is back but with a more prominent role this time around. Cerebrus is still around but is now hell-bent to kill their 2 Billion investment(which is Shepard). why do they want Shepard dead is still unknown but i have a feeling it has something to do with the choice you'll have to make in the end of Mass Effect 2.

More RPG elements will be added in Mass Effect 3. It won't be as much as Mass Effect 1 but will definitely be more than Mass Effect 2. More freedom will be given in character progression with bigger skill trees and abilities that can evolve more than once.

Weapons will be Mass Effect 2 style with a set list. Since their adding more RPG elements to the 3rd, they will be returning the weapon mods concept from ME1.  You will have the option to change certain parts such as barrels, scopes, and so on to improve the weapon's performance and appearance.

All classes can now use all weapon types, but only the Soldier Class can carry all weapon types at the same time. Other classes will have a limited number of slots. It's ok though. For example, you pick the infiltrator class(sniper class), you can at least replace your pistol and use assault rifles together with a sniper rifle.

Mass Effect 3 will have numerous endings. They will have some good endings, some bad but who you have in your squad and which allies you recruit can have a drastic effect on which are available.

There's more we want to know about this game! but at least were finally getting something. Everything mentioned is again on the latest issue of Game Informer and if you have access to that issue enjoy. Hopefully everything mention will stick until the game ships because everything sounds awesome. Can't wait for more info about the last chapter of the Mass Effect series.

Mass Effect 3 has no release date yet but is set to be release at the end of this year on PC, Xbox 360 and Playstation 3.

[Source: neoGAF]