New XBL Experience Coming November 19

Microsoft's John Schappert revealed during the MS press conference at the 2008 Tokyo Game Show that the highly-anticipated new Xbox Live Experience will go live in 26 different countries on November 19. The new XBL Experience, which will be accessible via free download, will feature customizable avatars, a new party system, a sleeker look, a prime time interactive channel and more.

You can learn all about it right here.

I wonder if we can get EpicBattleAxe t-shirts for our avatars....?

Retro Gaming Rulez: Bionic Commando Rearmed, Chrono Trigger DS

Cleave your despondent Monday in two and rejoice in the divine light that is classic games made anew!

As you should know damn well by now, Bionic Commando Rearmed is live now on PSN, XBLA, and several online PC services. BCR is everything a retro gamer could ever want: a no-apologies 2D platformer, benefiting from modern visual and audio splendor, and filled with all the swinging (see what I did there?), chic, and charm of the original NES powerhouse. Go get the demo now so it can browbeat you (literally) into getting the full game.

In other, though no less awesome, retro news, Square Enix announced today that its hotly-anticipated Nintendo DS revamp of the SNES classic Chrono Trigger will street on November 25th 2008. The remastered RPG will take full advantage of the DS's dual screen display and touch screen capabilities, will feature brand new dungeons, as well as a new Arena mode. Stay tuned to the official site for more info.

Force Unleashed Demo Dated

Last night's episode of GameTrailers TV revealed that the highly anticipated downloadable demo for Star Wars: The Force Unleashed will be made available on August 21 for both the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360. The demo features a scenario where Darth Vader sends you to assassinate a Jedi and face off against rebel and imperial forces alike. In addition to general butt kicking and force usage, you'll be slicing AT-STs in half and slinging enemy troops into the air as the mysterious Secret Apprentice...What more can a man want?

This game is lookin' hot IMO.