Well, what a week it’s been eh? The Nintendo Media summit steals the limelight, giving everyone a date for both Super Mario Galaxy 2 (May 23^rd in America, June 11^th for Europe) and Metroid Other M (June 27^th in America and “Q3” in Europe, which is the equivalent of saying your coursework will be done “soon”). But the real interesting news from the show, for me at least, was Metroid Other M getting some solid details. An interesting mix of 2d side scrolling and 3d FPS you say? Well that sounds fun. Wait, you change them on the fly!? Oh hell yes my friend, sign me up.

Not only that, but it will have a focus on story and action; which sounds like the exact opposite of the Prime series. Thank God. On a completely personal level I disliked the Prime games (yeah, ok, objectively it’s beautiful and clever and unique, but it’s also dull as hell) so this new direction sounds perfect for my tastes. Also, we’re getting Adam Malkovich! For real this time! No objections here, lady!

As for other news, in what can only be described as a “what the hell are you DOING!?” moment for Square Enix, Just Cause 2 will not support XP. Why? I actually used to have Vista, I DOWENGRADED it was that bad. Don’t encourage them you fools! I know I know, Windows 7 is out, but it’s hardly market standard yet. 40% of PC users STILL use XP, including me. I honestly hope someone turns their brain on before releasing this game, it’s such a stupid decision and the game isn’t even Windows exclusive. Bad Square Enix. Bad.

But on a more optimistic note, Steam has been doing a lot to improve itself with its new UI (that’s “User Interface” non-nerds) and the upgrade is… nice. Shiny, sleek and nice. There’s a few issues (You last played this game: Tomorrow. MIND. BLOWN.) but overall I like it. It’s still in beta so there’s plenty of time to update and fix stuff, but I’m a big fan of the new stuff, especially the “grid view” of your games. But the new UI has a real Apple Mac feel to it… maybe because rumours are floating around that say Steam will be supporting OSX in the near feature. A few icons named “osx.menu” have popped up in the program files. My thoughts? They might be able to run Half Life 1 on low graphics, providing you over clock it of course.

On the DLC front it looks like the sequels of the year so far, Bioshock 2 and Mass Effect 2 will both be receiving some micro-transaction fun. Bioshock 2 players can look forward to a Sinclair’s Solution pack that raises the level cap to 50, adds some new masks, new weapon perks and 20 new trials. The best part? It’s 400 Microsoft points. I’m up for that. But even better is the price on Mass Effect 2’s DLC, a big fat nothing, providing you have the Cerburus network of course. The DLC has got several new missions, the most notable part of them being we have a new vehicle ladies and gentleman! The “Hammerhead heavy assault vehicle” will be zooming into the best game on 360, and I personally cannot wait.

And finally, our silly story this week goes to Derby County Councils decision to name a road after Laura Croft. “Lara Croft Way” will prove that Laura will go both ways, provide two massive speed bumps, have a curvaceous bend and will create endless sexual puns for article writers to abuse. Ah, comedy…