Welcome back to the week in news! Once upon a time I used to do a daily recap of events linking you to various news story around the world. That got out of hand. Then I started to do a weekly recap of events. That got out of hand once again. Now, I am learning to master the web and will now provide you with a link to my saved news items of the week! Oh, and yes. I start my new week on Sunday!

What happened this week?

• PSP Minis could be playable on PS3
• The link between Michael Jackson and Sonic
• Download a 10gb game from PSN
• Gamers thoughts on micro-transactions
• Microsoft uses the ban hammer again

Find out more

Could Microsoft’s previously touted LIVE anywhere platform be here? Not exactly but this shows you what can happen when you provide an open API for developers to use. Do you hear that Sony?

For $1.99 you can download this app from the iTunes app store and start messaging your Xbox LIVE friends, manage your account, view achievements and your gamercard. As pointed out by Mashable and Joystiq, the fact that Microsoft requires LIVE apps be free while this app requires payment, it would be interesting to see if the payment structure of this app changes or if it would be removed from the app store. Despite the possible future, if this app sounds good to you and worth the price, you can download it here.

Mashable

Another title that I am looking forward to is a Crack In Time. The Crank demo was recently released on PSN and this week the Ratchet demo will be released. Another title that peaked my interest was Forza 3. Unfortunately, I will be holding off from this title as I do not plan to renew my Live account anytime soon. Otherwise, here are some noteworthy releases.

PS3

• Ratchet & Clank Future: A Crack In Time
• Tekken 6
• DJ Hero Bundle with Turntable

360

• Forza Motorsport 3
• Grand Theft Auto: Episodes from Liberty City
• Tekken 6
• DJ Hero Bundle with Turntable

PC

• Borderlands

PSP

• LittleBigPlanet

Wii

• DJ Hero Bundle with Turntable

PS2

• DJ Hero Bundle with Turntable

DS

• Nostalgia

One of the things that has always puzzled me regarding Microsoft and the Xbox 360 was why they did not build a wireless adapter into the 360. The Nintendo Wii has built in wifi as well as the PS3. The PSP has wifi and many many other devices have wifi built-in except the 360. Then I realized that Microsoft wanted to give it’s consumers an option. An option to purchase expensive hardware and accessories from them.

Yes, it is very much optional to purchase, and anyone with a good head to research can find other means to get their 360 online. Personally, I have always been in a position where a wireless access point was needed. Currently, all 3 of my home consoles are using wireless connection. Well, the 360 is using Ethernet to my laptop, but you get my point.

Enter the wireless adapter. This is an updated product supporting the “new” 802.11n wireless standard. Maybe this will be to get you ready for the instant 1080p video streaming? Either way, I say no to overpriced wireless adapters and overpriced hard-drives. Unfortunately, many consumers keep saying “yes” with their wallets so Microsoft will continue to opt out of integrating a wireless card into the 360.

A very cool gameplay trailer from developer Klei Entertainment. This game will be for the Xbox 360 and this is considered a day 1 purchase for me!

(Video: Watch this video on the post page)

Welcome back to the week in review beta! Once upon a time I used to do a daily recap of events linking you to various news story around the world. That got out of hand. Then I started to do a weekly recap of events. That got out of hand once again. Now, I am learning to master the web and will now provide you with a link to my saved news items of the week! It is very possible that next week I will do an audio recap.

What happened this week?

• PSP Minis, small downloadable games, gets mini pricing!
• LittleBigPlanet gets a new demo and ModNation Racers Beta!
• Win $50,000 developing a Xbox 360 game!
• Scene It! goes multiplatform!

Find out more

I finally had time to play the Resident Evil 5 demo last night and let’s say that my first impression was not good at all. In fact, when I died I deleted the demo and turned off the 360.

Why you ask? Controls. I never played any previous RE games so I will take it as just my unfamiliarity with them and that I completely suck at it. LB + RT (or is it RB?) to shoot.  The controls didn’t flow very well for me, especially with the slow game play. I also didn’t like the over the shoulder camera…

You’re probably thinking I am insane and have no idea what I am talking about. Well, I don’t. So I am downloading this again and I will force myself to learn the controls and once I do, I hope that I can really enjoy this. Typically I don’t do second chances on demo’s but I feel compelled for RE5.

If you don’t know, now you know. The Resident Evil demo has finally made it over to our region (it was released in Japan first). Of course, the demo is only available to Gold members so if you have a Gold account and are reading this, queue up your download here. PSN will receive the demo next week.

Gamasutra is reporting that the PS2 was the most played console in 2008 with 31.7 usage minutes. It seems that platform is certainly not giving up your living room but the 360 seems to be giving it a good battle taking on 17.2 usage minutes.

Where does the Wii reside? It comes in 3rd place with 13.4 while the PS3 hits the fifth spot with 7.3 usage minutes.

It seems to be on the 360 at least. A YouTube video has been posted outlining some of the cheats when playing the game. What happened to good ol’ playing games without mods/hacks/cheats? Let’s hope Valve gets it patched up.