Well that didn’t take long…after shutting down the open beta for Final Fantasy XIV on the day it was supposed to launch (as in…yesterday), Square Enix has now announced that the beta is all patched up and will now launch tomorrow, September 2.

As a freshly issued press release puts it:

We would like to take this opportunity to provide an update regarding FINAL FANTASY XIV Open Beta Test, which was announced to be postponed on Aug. 31, 2010.

Starting on Sep. 2, 2010 at 02:00 (GMT), acquisition of registration code required for FINAL FANTASY XIV Open Beta Test will become available on “FINAL FANTASY XIV Open Beta Test Application Site.” For more details, please refer to “FINAL FANTASY XIV Open Beta Test Application Site.

At this point, we’re thinking a link to said website is in order so, uh, here ya go…

Happy beta testing and be sure to let your fellow gamers know what you think about Final Fantasy XIV below!

Here is a great piece of news for all those die hard Dreamcast fanatics out there-Major Nelson just reported that Sonic Adventure will be speeding our way September 15 on the Xbox Live Arcade.

…and that’s it!

Well, a price was given too, 800 MS Points. However, this is all we know for the time being, but of course we will keep you updated as soon as we know what the 411 is.

Let’s switch up things a bit, since there’s not much else to say on Mr. Sonic. What Dreamcast games would you dudes love to see be re-released on the XBLA? I’m sure you all have your absolute favorites, so let’s here ‘em!

While an afore posted article about Crackdown 2’s upcoming DLC gave deets on the DLC itself, this article confirms an actual release date, and that is September 2. Just a quick recap though, the ‘Toy Box’ DLC has a few goodies inside, the best of which (and free) is the ‘Keys to the City’ mode, which basically allows all Agents to activate any cheat at any time and cause even more beautiful explosions, jumps, etc.

Additionally, for 560 MS Points, you could also obtain five new weapons, two new vehicles, Avatar goodness (no, not the film), and 10 new Achievements to unlock.

So Agents, what will it be on September 2-Free DLC or the super duper edition? Drop down below and tell us what will be queued up in your pending downloads tab.

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When EpicBattleAxe.com Features Writer Lorin Baumgarten decided to use a recent edition of his feature article Gaming Matters to draw back the curtain and deliver insight into his experience as guest host on Skirmish 086 of EpicBattleCry, it occurred to me that equally as interesting as the PRODUCT we produce is the PROCESS of making it come to be. Without giving it much thought, I titled the article “Behind The Screams” (because those that know me know that’s how I roll…) and now I’m happy to announce a new periodical feature here on EBA of the same name that will deliver unprecedented access to acts of the Axe.

Why? Well, as someone that has worked in the gaming industry for nearly a decade now, I get a rather large amount on inquiries about “breaking into gaming”, “what my job is like”, and various other questions pertaining to the processes behind the end result. As most of you know, my main gig is working for GameTrailers.com and GTTV while I started EpicBattleAxe as a means to openly discuss the gaming issues of the day…Behind The Screams will attempt to peel back yet another layer and highlight the often hidden nature of a career in gaming.

So, with intros and pleasantries out of the way, let’s light this candle with some insight into one aspect of game media production I get asked about a lot – voice over.
Read the rest of this entry…

While previously rumored, Microsoft just confirmed to the guys at ComputerandVideoGames that they are set to release a new, first party Xbox 360 controller on November 9, 2010 in the U.S. and February 2011 in Europe. The new controller will retail for $64.99 in the U.S. A spokesperson stated to CWG, “the Xbox 360 Wireless Controller with Play & Charge Kit – with Transforming D-pad will be available beginning early 2011 in the UK.”

Where do you fighting fanatics come in you ask? Right…about…now! When you rotate the directional pad 90 degrees, it raises up ‘about a quarter of an inch’, which is hopefully going to assist players with pulling off ridiculous strings of combos.

I’m glad to hear Microsoft is finally listening to the fighting community on this issue, because the Xbox d-pad has been rather infamous since the console’s birth. However, do you think it’s too little, too late? Leave your feedback below and spark up a discussion!

Who doesn’t like meat for dessert? XBLA’s Game Feast will feature four downloadable titles this fall, starting with Hydrophobia hors d’oeuvres and ending with a Super Meat Boy sundae.

Running from September 29 to October 20, Game Feast is the next seasonal installment of Microsoft’s successful Summer of Arcade series, which ends today at midnight.

Major Nelson outlined the full line-up of Game Feast release dates as follows:

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

The same post also mentions a Gold period for Xbox LIVE Silver members from September 17-20, and details upcoming deals and releases for the entire LIVE community.

XBLA may indeed be saving the best for last – Super Meat Boy is “a game where you play as a boy without skin whos girlfriend who is made of bandages gets kidnapped by a fetus in a tuxedo wearing a top hat and a monocle,” and if that doesn’t sound appetizing, I don’t know what does. Play the original Meat Boy right now, check out the Hydrophobia trailers and share your fall feasting plans below!

Via Joystiq

When I prepare for battle, the first things I know to grab are my trusty screen printed t-shirt and a Marvel comic book.

Just kidding – I break the glass containing my Zombie Apocalypse shottie first – but today Enslaved: Odyssey to the West is giving away exclusive tools of war for anyone who pre-orders at GameStop.

Today only, GameStop pre-orders will receive an Enslaved t-shirt and comic book, which the ad assures us (two times, in case we miss the first brightly-lit sign) are GameStop EXCLUSIVES. The retailer is also hosting the Enslaved Home Entertainment Sweepstakes, wherein the grand prize is a Sony 55″ TV, surround sound speaker system, a choice of a PS3 or Xbox 360, an Enslaved statue and a copy of the game. Four first prize-winners will receive the statue and game.

Pre-orders from GameStop will also grant you a code for the playable “Ninja Monkey” skin, which has unlimited ammo.

Enslaved: Odyssey to the West is due to drop October 5 for PS3 and Xbox 360.

Is this enough incentive for anyone to pre-order Enslaved today? Let us know what you think about the game trailers and this exclusive offer in the comments!

If you were hoping to hop into the open beta for Final Fantasy XIV, which was supposed to launch today, well, you’ll just have to hold out a little bit longer. A post on the game’s official website brings word that the beta is being postponed due to a confirmation of “critical bugs” and that a new timeline for release will be issued at a later date.

In addition, Square Enix has decided to cease issuing registration codes for said beta until things get worked out.

That’s all for now, but we’ll of course keep you posted as we learn more.

2K Games announced today the September 7, 2010 release date for Jimmy’s Vendetta, the second downloadable game add-on for the recently released Mafia II. The content will deliver arcade-style gameplay with more than 30 new quests and leaderboard rankings. Jimmy’s Vendetta will be available for players worldwide PSN, XBLMP, and Windows PC for $9.99/800 Microsoft Points.

Here’s an official description:

Jimmy’s Vendetta takes players into an alternate perspective of the mob through the eyes of Jimmy, the guy the other guys call when they need to finish the job. Players will get their hands dirty helping Jimmy clean up other people’s messes as they deal with the Italian and Irish mobsters that reside in Empire Bay. As players progress, a slew of new quests are unlocked, including assassination and timed vehicle pursuits ending in dramatic shootouts and explosive car chases. Execute with deadly head shots or charged explosives, and rack up points for precision-timed vehicular power slides, lofty jumps, and supercharged velocity. Multipliers and combos add bonus points to overall scores that will be immediately posted to thenew online leaderboard system, providing extensive re-playability as players work to rise to the top of the ranks.

So, who here plans on picking this DLC up? Let your fellow “family” know below…

Another day, another “…. Edition” bundle announcement. This time it comes in the form of Disney’s Tron: Evolution, and for $130 you can land yourself a toy version of a Light Cycle! The model, designed by Sideshow Collectibles, also has a neat little housing for it included in the bundle, as well as a drawer to place the game box. Clear that wedding picture off your shelf, because it’s about to be replaced!

This edition will be out for both the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 on December 7. Oh yeah, the actual game comes out December 7 as well! See how quick you forget things when toy models are involved? So, is it just me or does this bundle seem a bit too expensive for what you are getting. I mean, is that toy really worth $70?  For $20 more I can get a fully functional RC car…

What do you think? Am I alone on this feeling? Tell me off (or agree with me) below in the comment section!

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