Game Downloads

Developer Metanet dropped a 332 KB bomb on Xbox Live today, in the form of a new level pack for their minimalistic platformer N+. The download adds a whopping 150 single-player levels to the game, as well as 50 co-op and race stages -- roughly one third of the total number of levels originally included with the game. What's an update this substantial go for on the Xbox Live Marketplace? Free of charge, believe it or not.

If you didn't read it already, Phantasy Star Portable is coming to the US. At the Tokyo Game Show, we had the foresight to sit down with Phantasy Star Portable director Satoshi Sakai, and proceeded to grill him about the minute, detailed tidbits about the game that only a true loot whore would care about. Then again, if you're reading this, then that loot whore is you. As a veteran of Phantasy Star Online and Phantasy Star Universe, I wanted to know about the changes to the portable version from the recent console versions (and expansions) of PSU, and Sakai fielded my questions like a champ. Stayed tuned for in-depth, hands-on impressions of Phantasy Star Portable very soon.

Recession Gaming
Get more game for your buck. By Robert Ashley

Patience is a virtue: The excruciatingly long lead time between the public debut of a game and the moment it reaches stores can create an overexcited condition known, scientifically, as a "game boner." As in: "After reading a new Fallout 3 preview, Robert's game boner grew to immense proportions." When a long-awaited release date approaches, take a cold shower. The longer you can wait to buy a game, the cheaper it will be.

Resident Evil 'Zombie Evolution' clip
If you paid attention to our Tokyo Game Show coverage last week, then you've already seen the latest trailers for Resident Evil 5, and if you've checked out the latest issue of EGM, you're all up-to-date on the game's co-op additions to the RE series legacy. But to continue our month-long celebration of all things zombie, we decided to take a moment to consider the franchise's past as well.

Last month ExtremeTech completed their yearly-ish overhaul of their Bang for the Buck PC Build guide to present gamers with a formula for building a rig that will perform without breaking their budget. Though we missed it at the time, we thought those of you considering a PC upgrade in time for the holidays would still appreciate the chance to check this one out. ExtremTech's guidelines can help you create an affordable yet highly customizable system that includes the latest technological advances, including Blu-ray and 64-bit computing.