NanoBITES captures those small but important morsels of gaming information that otherwise might slip between the cracks.

ITEM! Kaos Studios, the New York based development house responsible for Homefront, is being closed down by parent company THQ. As reported by 1UP, THQ’s new studio in Montreal will be entrusted with future instalments in the series.

ITEM! Finish developer Red Lynx has announced that it is working on a follow up to the wildly popular Trials HD. A physics based motorcycle challenge like its predecessor, Trials Evolution is scheduled for release on XBLA later this year.

ITEM! Nintendo has assigned development of Luigi’s Mansion 2 to Next Level Games, according to a report published on ONM UK. The studio has a history with Nintendo, having contributed to the Mario Smash Football and Punch-Out franchises. Look for Luigi’s Mansion 2 in 2012.

ITEM! Two and half years after third person action game X-Blades was savaged by critics, Konami has announced that Gaijin Entertainment is preparing a sequel. Expect Blades of Time to arrive on 360 and PS3 in early 2012.

ITEM! It looks like we’ll have to wait just a little longer for the latest offering from the creators of Wolfenstein, Doom and Quake. As noted by Kotaku, id Software’s post apocalyptic first person shooter Rage has been delayed until October.

Recent instalments of nanoBITES: 02.06.11 l 26.05.11 l 19.05.11 l 12.05.11 l 05.05.11

NanoBITES captures those small but important morsels of gaming information that otherwise might slip between the cracks.

ITEM! More than six weeks after hackers brought the PSN to its knees, Sony has finally succeeded in bringing the PlayStation Store back online. You can log on now to enjoy long overdue content like imaginative Ubisoft platformer Outland.

ITEM! SEGA has turned to handheld specialist Griptonite Games to revive one of its most venerable franchises. Like the 1987 original, the latest version of Shinobi will be a side scrolling action game. Look for it on the 3DS in September.

ITEM! If you’ve reached the end of L.A. Noire but haven’t yet had your fill of hardboiled drama, Rockstar has you covered. Seven DLC packs are already available for the game and at least two more are on the way, one involving the arson unit, the other vice.

ITEM! Kinect titles have been a little thin on the ground of late, but Majesco is doing its bit to turn things around. As reported by Joystiq, the publisher has just announced Mind ‘n Motion and Take Shape, both of which are certain to have players flailing about like mad.

ITEM! House of the Dead: Overkill is coming to the PS3. Already a cult hit on the Wii, this foul mouthed light gun style shooter will boast new modes, levels and weapons, as well as Move compatibility. Publisher SEGA is aiming for an October release.

Recent instalments of nanoBITES: 26.05.11 l 19.05.11 l 12.05.11 l 05.05.11 l 28.04.11

NanoBITES captures those small but important morsels of gaming information that otherwise might slip between the cracks.

ITEM! Indie developer Hothead Games is set to continue its DeathSpank series of comedic action RPGs. As reported by CVG, DeathSpank: The Baconing is expected to arrive on XBLA, PSN and PC in winter 2011.

ITEM! EA is preparing to release some free DLC for its action horror adventure Dead Space 2. Featuring two new multiplayer environments, the Outbreak pack will be available for the 360 in late May and PS3 in early June.

ITEM! While Dragon Age II wasn’t exactly a unanimous hit with the critics, it appears that BioWare will press ahead with a third instalment of its dark fantasy series. As reported by GameSpot, Senior director Alistair McNally referred to the project by name in a recent tweet.

ITEM! A sequel to Warhawk is in production at Lightbox Studios. Dubbed Starhawk, it will retain the chaotic vehicle based multiplayer of its immediate predecessor, but also restore a full single player campaign to the mix. This PS3 exclusive is due for release in 2012.

ITEM! Military shooter Spec Ops: The Line remains deep undercover. As reported by Game Informer, publisher 2K Games has conceded that the surprise series reboot will ship on 360, PS3 and PC no earlier April 2012.

Recent instalments of nanoBITES: 19.05.11 l 12.05.11 l 05.05.11 l 28.04.11 l 21.04.11

NanoBITES captures those small but important morsels of gaming information that otherwise might slip between the cracks.

ITEM! Multiplayer focused sci-fi shooter Hybrid has been delayed, according to a report published on Kotaku. Developer 5^th Cell, best known for its work on the imaginative Scribblenauts titles, now expects this XBLA exclusive to be released in 2012.

ITEM! Sony has announced an Australian release date for hotly anticipated super hero sequel inFAMOUS 2. Cole will return to shelves on Wednesday 8 June, with original developer Sucker Punch again at the helm.

ITEM! After an extensive period of public beta testing, Microsoft has announced a spring launch window for its retooled historical RTS Age of Empires Online. It will be the first game in the series to emerge in more than five years.

ITEM! With the new Mortal Kombat currently being enjoyed by gamers everywhere (other than Australia), Warner Bros Interactive is looking to cash in on the goodwill. Mortal Kombat Arcade Kollection will bring the first three games in the series to XBLA, PSN and PC this winter.

ITEM! Action packed flight sim Ace Combat: Assault Horizon has a local release date. According to publisher Namco Bandai, the latest game in the long running series will be coming to our shores in October.

Recent instalments of nanoBITES: 12.05.11 l 05.05.11 l 28.04.11 l 21.04.11 l 14.04.11