Bulletstorm demo hitting Xbox Live and PSN on January 25th

For those who don't know what Bulletstorm is about, it's an over the top shooter and as stated by CliffyB (or Dude Huge as some call him) is the "Burnout of shooters." Did that sell you yet? It did for me and after seeing the first trailer that was released last year, it became one of my most anticipated games of 2011! If that didn't, go watch the trailers and gameplay videos that are out there!!!

G4TV.com reported today that a Bulletstorm demo will be released on Xbox Live and the Playstation Network in just a few weeks, which will be the 25th.

Here's what we can expect from the demo when it gets put out:

"In the demo, hero Grayson Hunt will make his way through a ruined building giving you a chance to test out the "Echo" multiplayer mode in which players run through story-mode levels in the game again after completing them, in order to earn a higher score. You'll have 45 skillshots at your disposal to help you out. Playing the demo will also unlock unique optimizations which can be used in the Anarchy mode of the full game later, when it comes out."

Some may not know this, but as the launch comes in closer and closer, those who pre-order the Epic Edition of Bulletsorm will receive a code to participate in the Gears of War 3 beta, whenever that launches, so keep an eye out on that!

Bulletstorm is expected to launch on February 22, 2011

Beenox to Develop Future Spider-Man Games

Activision announced earlier today that developer Beenox will helm all future Spider-Man games. This isn't really a surprise considering the fantastic job they did on "Spider-Man: Shattered Dimensions"

"We are thrilled with this opportunity to continue our close, collaborative relationship with Activision, Marvel and everyone's friendly, neighborhood hero, Spider-Man," said Dee Brown, Studio Head, Beenox. "Being able to map out Spider-Man's interactive future gives us the creative freedom to really craft the best gaming experience for the fans."

What will the next Spider-Man game be? I can only speculate and dream. Creative Director Thomas Wilson has expressed interest in doing more with the Noir or 2099 universe Spidey. *Fingers Crossed* I will say, if Beenox does even half as good as they did with Shattered Dimensions, I'll be there day one to pick the next one up.

PSP2 to be as Powerful as PS3

According to a report from trade site MCV Sony has been telling "Licensees" that the PSP2 will be as powerful as the PS3.

These are big claims that fit in line with Sony's strategy for a new (and still unannounced) handheld device which is "It is specifically requesting richer, more in-depth content to differentiate its device from app-centric Apple and Android devices." The Playstation Phone comes to mind.

The report also mentions that while downloads will play a large role in the handhelds game library, retail games will stay around to help ensure that the handheld has longevity, so no more PSP go situation. There are also talks of some type of phone being included, much like the PSP's current ability to use Skype.

The first announcement of the PSP2 is expected to be January 27th with having subsequent details revealed at GDC and E3.

Now keep in mind, the PSP2 probably won't actually be as powerful as the PS3, but on the smaller screen it's very possible that it could seem like it. We'll be sure to keep you up to date on further announcements.

Silent Hill 8 renamed as Silent Hill: Downpour (+info!)

According to NeoGaf user, brandonh83, who got an early look at the next Game Informer issue has revealed the new title for what will be the next Silent Hill from Konami's successful survival horror franchise, developed by Vatra Games.

Not only have we received new information about the game's new title, but there's also some new info regarding what the gameplay will be like.

Weapons weaken and break, sidequests are optional, and puzzle difficulty options are all elements from what we will be expecting to see. Water will somehow be playing a major role, so who knows how that'll be included.

Silent Hill 8 (Silent Hill: Downpour) was originally revealed at E3 2010.

Independent Games Festival 2011 Finalists Announced

The 13th Annual Independent Games Festival finalists for 2011 have been announced. These are the creme of the crop of indie games, Minecraft is up for 3 awards including the "Seumas McNally Grand Prize." As is the terrifying Amnesia: The Dark Descent.

Other finalists include Supergiant Games' Bastion, Gaijin Games' Bit.Trip Runner, and Messhof's Nidhogg. Those attending the Game Developers Conference in San Francisco will be able to check out all of these games on the show floor starting February 28, 2011. Check out all the nominees below, the IGF awards will be held March 2nd.

Seumas McNally Grand Prize:

• Amnesia: The Dark Descent (Frictional Games)
• SpyParty (Chris Hecker)
• Desktop Dungeons (QCF Design)
• Minecraft (Mojang)
• Nidhogg (Messhof)

Honorable mentions: Neptune's Pride (Iron Helmet Games); Super Crate Box (Vlambeer); Recettear: An Item Shop's Tale (Carpe Fulgur); Bit.Trip Runner (Gaijin Games); Retro City Rampage (Vblank Entertainment).

Excellence In Visual Art

• Bastion (Supergiant Games)
• The Dream Machine (Cockroach)
• Cave Story (2010 Edition) (Nicalis)
• Bit.Trip Runner (Gaijin Games)
• Hohokum (Honeyslug & Richard Hogg)

Honorable mentions: Retro City Rampage (Vblank Entertainment); Cobalt (Oxeye Game Studio); Faraway (Steph Thirion); Helsing's Fire (Ratloop); Flotilla (Blendo Games).

Technical Excellence

• Minecraft (Mojang)
• Confetti Carnival (SpikySnail Games)
• Amnesia: The Dark Descent (Frictional Games)
• Neverdaunt:8Bit (Robot Loves Kitty)
• Miegakure (Marc Ten Bosch)

Honorable mentions: Cobalt (Oxeye Game Studio); Achron (Hazardous Software); Hazard: The Journey Of Life (Demruth); Overgrowth (Wolfire Games); Swimming Under Clouds (Piece Of Pie Studios)

Excellence In Design

• Desktop Dungeons (QCF Design)
• Super Crate Box (Vlambeer)
• Nidhogg (Messhof)
• Faraway (Steph Thirion)
• Minecraft (Mojang)

Honorable mentions: Helsing's Fire (Ratloop); Recettear: An Item Shop's Tale (Carpe Fulgur); Flotilla (Blendo Games); Bo (Mahdi Bahrami); Brutally Unfair Tactics Totally OK Now [B.U.T.T.O.N.] (Copenhagen Game Collective)

Excellence In Audio

• Bastion (Supergiant Games)
• Retro City Rampage (Vblank Entertainment)
• Amnesia: The Dark Descent (Frictional Games)
• Bit.Trip Beat (Gaijin Games)
• Cobalt (Oxeye Game Studio)

Honorable mentions: Bit.Trip Runner (Gaijin Games); Cave Story (2010 Edition) (Nicalis); Jamestown (Final Form Games); NightSky (Nicalis); Planck (Shadegrown Games)

Best Mobile Game

• Shot Shot Shoot (Erik Svedang)
• Colorbind (Nonverbal)
• Helsing's Fire (Ratloop)
• Solipskier (Mikengreg)
• Halcyon (Stfj)

Honorable mentions: Flick Kick Football (PikPok); Shibuya (Nevercenter); Spirits (Spaces Of Play); Tentacles (Press Play); Trainyard (Matt Rix)