The folks over at Sierra Online where kind enough to pass along the following video showing some hints on how to win at Gin Rummy:

While the video will probably help out a few folks, am I the only one who learned all I needed to know about Gin Rummy from playing it with my grandparents when I was a kid?

Our forum sleuths turned up TeamXbox's pre-official announcement that Sea Life Safari was due out this week (and they even reviewed it to be helpful).  The real question now becomes, will anything else be joining it?  Though another "real" question would be this: how many games will Sierra release this year?  Though the answer to that question is obviously "a heckuva lot!"

Any Pokemon Snap fans out there looking to pick this one up?

[via TeamXbox, thanks sumhydroponic]

[Update]: Gamerscoreblog has given us the "anything else" for this week.  Turns out Elements of Destruction is joining Sea Life Safari this week.  Anyone have the stomach for a natural disaster game after recent world events?

Think you've got some skills in Aces of the Galaxy? Feel like picking up one of Sierra's XBLA titles mostly free of charge?

Then we've got the contest for you.

Together with Sierra, XBLArcade.com are giving away one of the Sierra's XBLA titles to each of the first three people who complete these steps:

1) Start Playing Aces of the Galaxy

2) Get the “Hero of Vanguardia-7” achievement

3) Make a comment on this post bragging about your skills.

While it looks to be one of the harder XBLA Achievements, Sierra had decided to take almost all the skill out of it with this overly helpful Video that tells you exactly how to beat the game.

Please note that in determining who are the first three, we will be going by when you post that you have the achievement here; not when you actually get the achievement! Also anyone found bragging about their skills without actually getting the Achievement will be disqualified and generally mocked for being the cheater that they are.

'Tis the season for XBLA achievements. The Aces of the Galaxy achievements have also hit all the usual outlets so here's a link for those loath to use a search engine to find this kind of info.

No real surprises here. Most focus on finishing the game on normal or hard difficulty solo or in co-op. You've even got the obligatory "beat the game without dying" achievement common in shooters. Perhaps they lack originality, but will it matter much either way if the gameplay delivers?

[via A360P, thanks Havocks]

To get you pumped up (and presumably to get encourage you to open your wallet) Sierra Online has released two more videos for Assault Heroes 2.  Both feature previews of many of the big bosses you'll be facing in the game.  You've got an out of control demolition crane, a robotic snake, and the ever-popular Mecha-Orca, among others.

Check 'em out and then let me know if you're a sucker like me and likely to spend some points next week.

(Second video after the break)

[via Gametrailers.com]

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]

TeamXbox has apparently buddied up with Sierra Online.  In addition to the Assault Heroes 2 media, they have posted some screens from Sierra Online's upcoming Sea Life Safari.  Our previous knowledge of Sea Life Safari on XBLA was limited to a simple reference on the Aussie ratings board but now we've got a visual to go with the previous gameplay description: "Pokemon Snap styled game underwater, where you take pictures of fish and other wildlife."

TeamXbox leads with a headline saying Sierra has announced the game, but I have been unable to locate such a press release as of this moment.  It's likely that Sierra Online just announced a publishing deal for the XBLA version as WildTangent (the developer) has already released the PC version.  More as I find it.

More gameplay details (as listed on TeamXbox), the trailer for the previous PC version, and link to the PC demo after the break.

[via TeamXbox, YouTube, and SeaLifeSafari.com]

TeamXbox has a major scoop on Assault Heroes 2.  They just posted 3 new videos and 8 new screens of the game, all in glorious HD resolutions.  The biggest revelation inside the bunch is that space is the new combat frontier in the game.

(Links below are the low-res links for the bandwidth or patience-challenged)

Watch the new videos (Access Multiple Weapons On-Foot, Destroy The Rainforest, Hijack Enemy Copters), check out the old trailer (with added hugeness), and peek at the new screens.  I must say, the game appears to be everything I enjoyed about the last game with a slick new coat of paint and just enough new toys to fill me with destructive glee. 

Other tidbits of info after the break.

[via TeamXbox]

Those of you who have been clamoring for more Card and Board games will be happy to know that this Wednesday, 800 Microsoft points will net you Dr. Reiner Knizia's Card game Lost Cities.  While this may not be the top of everyone's list, as a recent convert of the game, I certainly recommend at the very least trying out the demo.

Here's some screenshots to wet your whistle:

Click read more for the official PR:

This week the lineup will be joined by puzzler TiQal and an update to Switchball that adds "smoother gameplay". Without further ado I give you the media alert for the full details:

“TiQal,” a new challenge sure to delight fans of the puzzle game genre, is launching on Xbox LIVE Arcade this Wednesday, March 26, 2008 at 9:00 a.m. GMT (1:00 a.m. PDT).

With graphics inspired by the ancient Mayan culture, “TiQal” takes players on an epic journey to save the village of the same name. Players must demolish enemy block walls by matching squares of the same color and building them up to unleash massive combo points and mind-blowing power-ups.

“TiQal” features 120 levels of easy to learn, yet difficult to master gameplay and 14 formidable power-ups, as well as multiplayer support for up to two players. Partner with a friend in the same room or via Xbox LIVE in co-op mode to rescue the village. Players will also enjoy sumptuous graphics and sound effects, as well as an impressive musical score.

Developed by Slapdash Games, “TiQal” will be available worldwide for 800 Microsoft Points and is rated E for Everyone by the ESRB. For more details on “TiQal” please visit:
http://www.xbox.com/en-US/games/t/tiqalxboxlivearcade/