Dyad, the crazy, psychedelic PSN game, now available

Dyad is now available on PlayStation Network for $14.99, or $11.99 for PlayStation Plus subscribers. This colorful, crazy and psychedelic game features 27 levels of mayhem, requiring players to create a "harmonious synthesis of color and sound as you hook, graze and lance enemies."

Go crazy, folks.

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Rockstar releases two screenshots for Grand Theft Auto V

Rockstar has been quiet on Grand Theft Auto V information, but they did release two screenshots on their Asked & Answered feature on their website. One shows a scenic view of the city with a helicopter, and the other a nice, relaxing shot with very impressive water reflections. It's not much, but it's safe to say the game is going to look great.

GTA V sure isn't coming out this year, but expect it sometime in 2013.
  
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Angry Birds Trilogy coming to PS3, Xbox 360 and Nintendo 3DS this holiday. Don't expect it to set the world on fire

It has been reported that Rovio and Activision will be releasing Angry Birds Trilogy for the PS3, Xbox 360 and Nintendo 3DS this holiday. The game will bundle the original Angry Birds, Angry Birds Rio and Angry Birds Seasons, featuring tweaks and additions like Microsoft Kinect and PlayStation Move support, and utilizing the StreetPass feature on the 3DS.

Angry Birds is a worldwide sensation due to its addictive gameplay combined with a cheap price (free in some cases). No price has been announced for this addition, but don't expect it to be a few bucks. Releasing on a console and handheld means higher prices. I would have to guess a minimum could be $19.99, and I'm being generous. While I don't see this being a full $60 for consoles, I would guess around $30-$40, and maybe $30 on the 3DS.

Whatever the price is, it'll be a tough sell. Not only have these games already been played to death, the cheap versions will still exist on PC and smartphones. So why would someone pay more money for a bundle when they could get these three versions individually for less or nothing at all? There's the draw of extra content, but Angry Birds is aimed at casuals who probably don't care about that stuff in the first place.

Selling Angry Birds for cheap put Rovio on the map, but I think it's going to bite back hard come this holiday.

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Quick thoughts on Theatrhythm Final Fantasy for the Nintendo 3DS

I recently got my hands on Theatrhythm Final Fantasy for the Nintendo 3DS. Here are my thoughts on the game so far:

I've had my eye on this game for a while, mainly because of the chibi art style of all these Final Fantasy characters. While it may turn some people off, these cutesy characters fit well with this style of game where you use your stylus to tap, swipe and slide your way to the music.

There are three main modes of play offered: Series, Challenge and Chaos Shrine. Series will take you on a musical journey through all 13 main Final Fantasy games where you'll play through five songs from each one. The beginning and ending themes are kind of boring since all they are is tapping bubbles once they hit the center of the top screen. The field, battle and event music stages are the most fun and offer different variations of gameplay.

Challenge and Chaos Shrine are where the real meat of the game is. In Challenge mode, you can play each song individually on either Basic or Expert difficulty. Do good on Expert and you unlock Ultimate, which literally is the ultimate test. Basic is very easy and Expert is a little harder but manageable. Ultimate is just crazy fast with so many stylus commands all smushed together. Chaos Shrine has you play two different songs in the form of Dark Notes.

There are more than 70 songs available, although you'll be hearing a lot of the same when unlocking Dark Notes in Chaos Shrine mode. Square Enix is offering add-on songs that can be purchased for $1 each, which are played in Challenge mode. It's kind of pricey, but if you really love Final Fantasy music I guess it could be worth it.

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

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Here's a screenshot of Calvin Johnson angrily running away from a Green Bay Packer in Madden 13

If you don't already know, Detroit Lions' superstar wide receiver Calvin Johnson is the cover athlete of Madden 13. EA Sports just released a screenshot from the game, showing Megatron running away from a Green Bay Packer, most likely going for the touchdown.

As you see from the screenshot, Megatron's mad. He wants that touchdown bad, and no stinkin' Packer is going to stop him. Hopefully this is a sign of things to come for the Lions this year.

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Bug your Facebook friends even more with SimCity Social

If you see a bunch of SimCity Social stuff cluttering up your Facebook page, it's because Electronic Arts officially launched the game today, which is based on the popular city simulation franchise that's decades old.

The idea is to build the greatest virtual city ever with the help of friends. If your friends don't care, well, you're out of luck. Expect a heavy dose of Dunkin' Donuts advertising as players can gift Coffee Boosts and Donut Boosts to their friends.

Those wanting to avoid the social experience but still want to play SimCity can either play the older games or wait until February 2013 when SimCity releases for the PC, promising to be bigger and better than ever.

I may mess with SimCity Social a little, since it's SimCity after all, but I'll probably move on real quickly. Don't worry, Facebook friends, I won't beg you for coffee and donuts.

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Quick thoughts on Marvel Pinball 3D for the Nintendo 3DS

Marvel Pinball 3D recently released on the Nintendo 3DS eShop. Here are my thoughts on the game so far.

This next set of tables Zen Studios has released on the eShop brings four familiar pinball tables from the Marvel Pinball series. The Iron Man, Blade, Fantastic Four and Captain America tables from the Xbox 360 and PS3 versions have been shrunk down for the Nintendo handheld.

The top screen is where the gameplay's at and the bottom screen represents the dot matrix display. Since the table is jam-packed on one screen, it's hard to see what's going on if you use a zoomed-out view. I stuck with a closer one.

The use of 3D is great, and this is one of the few games where I like having it constantly on. The game is much clearer and it's easier to follow the pinball, especially when a closer view is used.

Each table has their own specific traits that make them fun to play. However, if you already own the console editions, it comes down to how bad you want to play this game on the go.

Check back at www.theoaklandpress.com for my full review.

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