My super secret spy network has discovered that Load Inc's Things On Wheels is entering what should be final certification in about a week.  No way to know exactly how long it will take or precisely when the game will be released, but it's on its way and getting close. 

Here's a screen to get y'all ready for the slick, shiny, and racy racer.

8-bit junkies rejoice!  There are some feisty developers toiling away in Rotterdam that found inspiration where you found an obsession.  Codeglue is betting that their brothers and sisters in (pixelated) arms will enjoy the 2D-styling of their upcoming Rocket Riot.   However, simple 8-bit inspiration cannot blunt the challenge of building a next-gen worthy product.  Lucky for us, they feel up to the task and are nearing the completion of the game.

I got a chance to pick the brains of a few members of the Codeglue collective to get some perspective on their history, their game, their process, and most importantly Rocket Riot's invisible ninjas.

Read on to learn more and check out more snaps of Codeglue's base of operations.

Last week we gave you a chance to name two of these cars but the other three are brand new. And yes, they're shiny. I am not complaining though. The stylish curves of the cars and the art-deco inspired house are the main reasons Things on Wheels sits firmly within my radar. Who cares about racing when you can spend your time polishing these cars? What do you mean there's no polishing mini-game? Guess I better start writing that angry letter.

But before I do that, one more tidbit of info. There will be twelve cars total in the game. Simple math tells me there are a mere seven other cars are waiting in the wings, preparing for their day in the sun. Red and black seem like obvious choices for colors, but will we see a purple car?

The other four are after the break. And yes, click them for wallpaper worthy versions.

360Sync has gotten their hands on six new screenshots for the upcoming game Boku Sudoku. The game definately looks like Sudoku and has a clean interface. Anyone have any more ideas about what to say about sudoku? It's almost like looking at screenshots of a Mancala game. Here's to hoping the music will not be as annoying as some similiar games that aren't all that *cough* hard *cough*.

To prove my post title correct, I present two new screenshots from Things On Wheels.

Looks pretty.  And shiny.  Anybody excited yet?

While you think about it, go check out the interview with Dennis Bourdain of Load, Inc. over at (where else?) TeamXbox.  He talks fridges that spit ice cubes, being inspired by ReVolt, flunking lobby design in Mad Tracks, splitscreen in ToW, and what he would do if he was restricted to 150MB on XBLA*.

*ToW currently stands at 900MB of uncompressed data and it's not done yet.

[via TeamXbox]

While I'm pimping TeamXbox, they've also got info on a brand new announcement: Zombie Wranglers. The game takes place in the city of Potters Field which has been (surprise, surprise) become infested with zombies. But not just any ol' zombies. No, these are zany zombies.

All jokes aside, any game with zombies automatically has potential. I'll reserve judgement until I see the "loving Soccer Mom Zombie" in action. But watching a zombie attempt to skateboard should be entertaining, right?

The game will include 4-player co-op and competitive multiplayer (on and offline) and is slated for 2008. TeamXbox hints at Q3 but that's as close to a specific release date as we've got.

We've contacted the appropriate people to confirm that this game is being developed by Frozen Codebase (developers of Screwjumper!) and published by Sierra Online. That, and it's posted on Frozen Codebase's site now.

[via TeamXbox]

If gore is not your thing, turn away now.  Sure, the gore in upcoming XBLA game The Dishwasher is over the top and not terribly realistic.  But quibbles like that didn't stop Fox News from working everyone up into a tizzy over Mass Effect's digital porn status.  Therefore, avert your eyes children.  I don't wanna get sued.  It's time for the adults to enjoy a moment of macabre beauty fresh from the mind of James Silva of Ska Studios.

Go ahead and jump down the rabbit hole my violence-craving friends.  Tell me if your lust for blood and cyborg destruction is satiated.  Sick puppy that I am, it just whets my appetite.

If you dig this game, you will want to check back here tomorrow.  I've got a wee contest and it revolves around The Dishwasher.  Stay tuned.

[via Ska Studios Blog]

While we wait for all 300+ Reiner Knizia games to be translated from a board to a TV, we will be treated to at least one other title from Merscom: Buku Sudoku. Gamasutra is reporting that Merscom is publishing the game and is excited about the game's chances on XBLA. Expect a release in Q2 2008.

The company emphasized three key strengths of the XBLA platform as the pillars upon which the "best console Sudoku experience" has been built. HD graphics allow for highly readable grids and markings (kinda important in Sudoku), the Xbox 360 controller offers "a very fast entry method", and finally, Xbox Live's multiplayer system which can create "multiplayer experiences never before witnessed in a Sudoku game." Of course, I've never played Sudoku in any form of multiplayer. Should be interesting.

Another interesting tidbit: despite their love of the Xbox 360 controller, the game will also leverage the "Big Button" controller that comes with Scene It!.

Either way I'm sure Sudoku addicts will be excited. Need a demo to form an opinion? You can check out the PC demo (60 minute time-limited) and see for yourself how Merscom did Sudoku in the past. However, I've been informed that while the PC version was the original basis for the XBLA game, this new version offers much more than the PC version. Chief among the differences is the presence of multiplayer (competitive and coop).

Screens for your perusal below. Full press release after the break.

Note: This game was announced at E3 under the title "Boku Sudoku". That was just a working title but Buku Sudoku is now the official title.

[via Gamasutra]

Are you tired of looking at pixelated japanese men while slavishly performing mental gymnastics? If so, XBLA's Brain Challenge will be right up your alley. Xbox360Fanboy's got a bunch of screens of the upcoming Brain Training Age Challenge so go see 'em.

Then, come back here and tell me if your "interest" in blonde doctors with glasses is satisfied enough to make this game a purchase.

[via X3F]

Here we are ladies and gents, more screens for an upcoming XBLA game. On the docket today: Rocketmen: Axis of Evil.

I kid Capcom about the lack of actual gameplay shots (of the nine I think only one of them qualifies) but overall the game is looking pretty slick. And to their credit I would imagine that the cutscenes are in-engine. If you wanna see gameplay shots, refer to our earlier screen set or (if you prefer) just make your own snap judgements below.

I gather this game isn't going to make the semi-announced October target. But will the extra wait be worth it?

[via Capcom Unity]