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]

While anxiously awaiting this week's double dip of XBLA fun let me add another game to your "coming very soon" list.  It appears that Poker Smash will follow next week on February 6th.

Poker Smash comes from Void Star Creations and fuses fast-paced puzzle gameplay with, what else, poker.  The game did garner a 9.0 from the Official Xbox Magazine.  Excited yet?

If you wanna know more just check out the official site or some of our previous coverage including some video and a mini-interview with Ryan Ellis of Void Star.

Rez HD may have been a foregone conclusion but the running mate in all those rumors came along for the ride as well. This week marks the release of the afformentioned Rez HD alongside the also capable Chessmaster Live. Both come in at 800MSP.

We've talked plenty about Rez HD, so let's discuss Chessmaster Live a bit. Chessmaster will follow in the footsteps of its mighty PC ancestry with 5 chess variants (including Message Chess which I think is a great touch). Expect a deep range of challenging AI and some clean visuals. And on that note, here are some screens of Chessmaster Live in action.

Usual press release type stuff after the break. Enjoy!

[via Press Release]

Joystiq posted a neat little hands-on with Rez HD today. So, if you're not quite sure what to expect (and you lack the patience to wait for the free trial) head on over there. While you are there you can also get a peek at some nice screens from the game as well.

The juiciest bit of info in the hands on is mentioned almost off hand -- the release date. Apparently, their second take on the rumors floating around were correct. This coming Wednesday (January 30th) will mark the release of Rez HD. Of course, they didn't get that from Q. They just got a confirmation of Rez arriving "in January" and there's only one option left. Two and two together, I suppose. No word on any game that might join it.

Who's ready for some synaethesia?

[via Joystiq]

The ESRB has countered the Australian invasion with a massive counter-punch. Ikaruga has been rated making fanboy's hearts collectively skip a beat and then go searching for the crazy ambidextrous savant video on YouTube. Okay, maybe that was just me. But it gets better. Ikaruga is not the only game that's been added to their list. The new additions are here, and the oldies are after the break.

I am already having trouble just imagining the wait for these games to arrive. Grr.

Additions since last time: (It's clearly been too long.)
Ikaruga
Frogger 2
Brain Challenge
TiQal
Shred Nebula
Shotest Shogi
Rocket Bowl
Triggerheart Exelica
N+
Chessmaster Live
Bliss Island
Poker Smash
Aces of the Galaxy
Cosmic Osmo's Hex Isle

[via ESRB]

We know that Rez HD is "coming soon". We know that extra controllers for Rez HD mean "extra fun". Some fanboys think the game will arrive in two short days. While we wait for word on that, let's focus on something else we know. You have a shot at winning one of fifty (yes, FIVE-ZERO) pre-paid codes for the game. Just go to the official Rez website, enter your info via the register page, and let the joyous winnings shower down upon you!

Press Release after the break.

This week's game, Boogie Bunnies, gives you the opportunity to wrangle a neverending stream of cute and cuddly bunnies. Of course, by wrangle I mean match three of them together. Genius, right?

If bunnies aren't your thing (or you live in Korean or Japan), luckily you have much to look forward to in the upcoming XBLA lineup. Rez HD, Poker Smash, Brain Challenge, and Lode Runner are all "coming soon". Lode Runner will arrive "later in 2008".

What are you saving your points for?

Press Release after the break as per usual.

[via Press Release]

Great news for those of you who have never played the Metal Slug series as Metal Slug 3 is hitting marketplace on Wednesday, January 2nd. It's a great way to start off the new year with one of the greatest 2D games ever. Here's the full details from Gamerscore Blog:

The fourth title in the “Metal Slug” series joins the Xbox LIVE Arcade library as “Metal Slug 3” arrives this Wednesday, January 2 at 9:00 a.m. GMT (2:00 a.m. PST). An update of the original arcade version, "Metal Slug 3" is a run-and-gun video game updated with HD graphics and now features co-op multiplayer over Xbox LIVE. “Metal Slug 3” provides gamers with various route selections within each stage enabling players to play over and over. Join Marco, Tarma, Eri and Fio, the four veterans in the “Metal Slug” series, as they hit the battlefield to stop General Morden from disturbing the order and peace that has begun to return to the world. Throughout the game, various vehicles called “Slugs” are made available to help players in battle and to complete the mission. The game features co-op gameplay for up to two players over Xbox LIVE. Developed by SNK Playmore, “Metal Slug 3” will be available worldwide for 800 Microsoft Points and is rated T for Teen by the ESRB.

For more information on this title visit the official Xbox.com site.

SpongeBob Squarepants Underpants Slam! will arrive on XBLA this Wednesday, December 26th. Not bad timing for all those parents out there looking for a way to survive this weekdays after Christmas with a house full of kids (or are secretly addicted to SpongeBob themselves and need a good excuse to buy the game...shhh!)

The game features a single-player adventure as well as multiplayer over Live and on a single console. Good, because asking the kiddies to share after Christmas is not the easiest of tasks.

Anyone like pineapples under the sea?

Press release after the break.

[via Gamerscoreblog]

In other Hudson Entertainment News, Bomberman Live! is still a hit and is still getting DLC. Just announced in Bomb Up Pack 3 which include 10 new characters, 2 new levels, 1 new game mode, and 2 new leaderboards for good measure.

All this goodness will arrive December 26th so you won't have to pine for very long.

All the details can be found in the press release after the break.

[via Hudson Entertainment]