Rockstar releases more Grand Theft Auto V screenshots to please the masses

Rockstar revealed more screenshots of the much-anticipated Grand Theft Auto V, which is expected to release Sept. 17 on PS3 and Xbox 360 (unless it gets delayed again, but I highly doubt it). They feature a mini-gun, underwater action, skydiving and, of course, police chases. According to the Rockstar Newswire, they are from current-generation consoles. Maybe we'll see the game on the PS4 and the new Microsoft console when they're expected to launch later this year. It would definitely boost up sales.

Get even tinier thoughts at www.twitter.com/JeffHoard921.

Barry Sanders could be on a Madden cover again

Former Detroit Lions superstar Barry Sanders is in the running to be on the cover of Madden 25 when it releases later this year. He is part of the old-school vs. new-school cover contest EA Sports is currently hosting. Sanders advanced through the first round with ease, however Matthew Stafford, who represented the Lions in the new-school bracket, lost in the first round to Doug Martin of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Sanders is up against former running back Marcus Allen, representing the Kansas City Chiefs. If Sanders gets the most votes, he would face either Ray Lewis or LaDainian Tomlinson in the next round.

If Sanders wins it would be the second time being on a Madden cover. He was featured in the background of Madden 2000. The infamous Madden Curse struck when Sanders decided to retire before training camp. So maybe if Sanders wins this year, he'll come back right?

Round two voting ends March 27. The finals are April 17-24.

Get even tinier thoughts at www.twitter.com/JeffHoard921.

Quick thoughts on Gears of War: Judgment

I've been battling the Locust Horde in Gears of War: Judgment, the prequel to the popular Gears of War franchise. Here are some thoughts on the game.

I'm not a big fan of the campaign setup. The story is told through flashbacks and separated into numerous sections for each member of the Kilo Squad. There's no fluidity to it like in past games, and each section takes up to 10 minutes to complete. I don't think I learned anything from a story standpoint, either, so that was disappointing.

Two new modes in the multiplayer are fun, although they are essentially the same thing. Survival mode teams you up with others to stop 10 waves of Locust enemies trying to destroy E-Hole covers and a generator you're protecting. OverRun is the same thing, except you can play as the aliens destroying these bases. It's hectic fun, but unfortunately there's only four different maps at launch to play with.

Check out my full review at www.theoaklandpress.com.

Get even tinier thoughts at www.twitter.com/JeffHoard921.

Dead Space 3, SimCity 4 among free games offered by EA for SimCity fiasco

The SimCity launch has not been great for EA. Server issues have plagued the new game, creating mountains of frustration to players who can't even play what they've bought. EA is now offering those who purchase the game by March 25 a free game from their top hits lineup. These are Battlefield 3, Bejeweled 3, Dead Space 3, Mass Effect 3, Medal of Honor: Warfighter, Need for Speed: Most Wanted, Plants vs. Zombies and, hilariously enough, SimCity 4 Deluxe Edition.

This is actually a nice list of games, especially Dead Space 3 since it just released. Gamers will have until March 30 to redeem their free game. At least 1.1 million have the opportunity so far, since EA just announced that's how much the game sold in two weeks, making it the biggest SimCity launch ever.

Quick thoughts on Castlevania: Lords of Shadow - Mirror of Fate

I've been whipping the undead into oblivion in Castlevania: Lords of Shadow - Mirror of Fate for the Nintendo 3DS. Here are some thoughts on the game.

Mirror of Fate is much more action oriented than past Castlevania handheld offerings. I found myself mashing the attack buttons a lot to take down enemies, and rarely used secondary weapons like throwing axes and fire oil flasks. Overall, it's not a difficult game.

Graphically, the game looks nice, and the 3D effect really shows off the environments well. However, there are some slowdown and frame-rate issues, especially when there are multiple enemies on the screen. I did like the cool cel-shaded look of the cutscenes.

Check out my full review at www.theoaklandpress.com.

Get even tinier thoughts at www.twitter.com/JeffHoard921.

Quick thoughts on Lego City Undercover

I've been collecting hundreds of thousands of Lego studs in Lego City Undercover for the Wii U, which releases March 18. Here are some thoughts on the game.

There is a lot to do in this open-world Lego title from TT Games. While the story takes roughly 12-15 hours to complete, the time it takes to 100 percent the game -  from purchasing more than 100 vehicles to completing car robberies - could be triple that. The city isn't huge, but is filled to the brim with details that's begging to be explored.

Lego City Undercover features a memorable cast and top-notch voice work, so the story never gets boring. There are numerous movie tie-ins like "Titanic" and "The Shawshank Redemption" that may get lost on the younger audience but will give adults a chuckle.

However, loading times are long, from entering specific areas of the city to even just entering the game. There's a nice musical beat on the loading screen, but it'll haunt your dreams after a while.

Check out my full review at www.theoaklandpress.com.

Get even tinier thoughts at www.twitter.com/JeffHoard921.

Former Michigan QB Denard Robinson to be on cover of NCAA Football 14

Former Michigan QB and polarizing athlete Denard Robinson will be on the cover of NCAA Football 14 after beating out former Texas A&M wide receiver Ryan Swope. He will be the third athlete from Michigan to grace the cover of an NCAA Football game. The others are Charles Woodson on NCAA Football 99 and Desmond Howard on NCAA Football 2006.

"It's an honor to go to Michigan, and for us to be on the cover of NCAA Football," Robinson said.

Now the next question: How many Michigan State and Ohio State fans will buy this game?

Quick thoughts on Star Wars Pinball

I've been shooting a pinball at a Stormtrooper and Darth Vader in Star Wars Pinball. Here are some thoughts on the game.

Zen Studios, who have created plenty of Marvel-themed pinball tables, are now focusing their efforts on George Lucas' baby. The first three of 10 promised tables were released recently: "Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back," "Boba Fett" and "The Clone Wars." If this launch pack is any indication, this will end up being an impressive collection.

My favorite table is "The Empire Strikes Back," and it features memorable scenes from the best Star Wars movie. "Boba Fett" is my next favorite as you have the popular bounty hunter complete missions for the Galactic Empire and the Hutts. "The Clone Wars" is good, too, but I'm not too familiar with the subject matter.

Check out my full review at www.theoaklandpress.com.

Get even tinier thoughts at www.twitter.com/JeffHoard921.

Lost Planet 3 releasing June 25 in North America, June 28 in Europe

Remember Lost Planet 3? We haven't heard much about the game, but Capcom has announced it will release June 25 in North America, while Europe will see it a few days later on June 28. It will be available for the Xbox 360, PS3 and PC. It's got Snow Pirates, and a new giant Akrid called the Carrier.

'Angry Kwames' game has players tossing bags of money at Kwame Kilpatrick's head

Embattled ex-Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick is the star of a recently released app called "Angry Kwames," playing off the popular "Angry Birds" games.



The game costs $1.99 and has the player tossing bags of money at Kilpatrick's head. Just like in "Angry Birds," obstacles get in the way. The app is developed by 313games.

According to the description on the Google Play app store, it is a "Fun, addictive game with cool music. Each level will take logic, skill and a little luck...Angry Kwames...can you get them all?" It's rated for Everyone.

Kilpatrick is charged with corruption and still waiting for a verdict as a jury continues to deliberate.