For those of us who are really into GTA, I mean really into it, can buy the collector sets to end all collector sets reports Take2Games. Here is what it includes:

The Grand Theft Auto IV Special Edition will be presented in a customized Grand Theft Auto metal safety deposit box. The box will contain:

• Grand Theft Auto IV on the Xbox 360™ video game and entertainment system or the PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system, both with special packaging
• The Grand Theft Auto IV Art Book, featuring never-before-seen production artwork from Grand Theft Auto IV
• Selected soundtrack CD from Grand Theft Auto IV, featuring new material from top artists, only available on this release
• An exclusive Rockstar keychain for the safety deposit box keys
• Completing the collection is a limited edition Rockstar duffel bag

This Special Edition will cost $89.99. Not all that bad considering what Halo 3 is charging for that sweet Master Chief helmet you can’t wear or drink out of. The Special Edition, like the game will hit the shelves October 16th. Preorders should be available soon due to the fact this was announced today.

I didn’t know what to think of Catan at first. I was never a big board gamer in my early days, and honestly had never heard of the game before a few months ago. After some prodding by a friend, I decided to give the demo a try. I have to say, I am extremely happy I did! The game provides hours of fun with great offline and online play. Here is the breakdown of some of the facets of Catan:

Presentation and Graphics: The game requires simple graphics and pulls them off well. The game has the look and feel of UNO, except substitute the cards for the game board. The default is a basic board, similar to the real board. You can, however, choose the Living World skin in the options menu. This gives the game board a 3D feel with moving animals and such on the board. The background is also changed from a standard blue background to flowing water. With what the game needs, I think it does a great job. 4 of 5

Sound and Music: You get some fairly standard renaissance-type music. Nothing fancy, but it’s not needed. The sound effects were basically taken straight out of UNO. I figured they could at least record a couple new sounds. 3 of 5

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When I first heard of this release into the XBLA library, I was pumped. I played this game for hours when I got the arcade equivalent for the NES. This game’s beauty was its simplicity. The controls were easy, and there was no real upgrades or special moves, just a good old fashioned button smashing brawler. Upon playing this game this afternoon, I was thoroughly disappointed. Here is the breakdown of some of the facets of Double Dragon:

Presentation and Graphics: The game looks polished and was impressed with the new graphics. The mullets looked good as well. The level designs were still simple and still side scrolling at that is what is expected. The enemies as well as the “dragons” had defined outlines. The menus were pretty standard for a Live Arcade Game as well as the in-game screen with the dragon theme around it. 4 of 5

Sound and Music: The music was classic and straight from the 80’s. I booted up an emulated version of the NES game and it sounds almost exact, but obviously better on my surround sound system. The in-game sounds when fighting are par for the course. Not much going on here, but there were distinct sound bytes for when getting punched, kicked, or hit with a barrel. Nothing special, but all around very good. 3 of 5

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This fall, Activision will bring us what hopes to be a good Spiderman game as opposed to the last few which left something to be desired. They have just launched a website, http://spiderman-friend-or-foe.com/ which will have updated information as well as the option to subscribe to news about the upcoming release. The game promises to take the series in a new direction and fans of the blockbuster comic really hope they do.

There are still waves being made in current-gen systems, and we are happy to report that Hot Shots Tennis 2 is coming to the PS2. At only 29.99, this game is a steal. Combining arcade type game play with the non-stop action of tennis, yeah.. anyway, this game kicks ass. With 14 unique playable characters and five umpires available in the game, all with different attitudes, there should never be a dull moment on grass, clay, or the other one, I guess cement? The game is above the standard visual for current-gen games and has many unlockables including 7 new characters. No word yet if Anna Kournikova is in the game or if she will sit on your face if you win, but definitely check this out if you’re a fan of the Hot Shots series, tennis, or face sitting in general.

There are not that many must have Xbox360 titles, maybe 10-15 at best, but Dead Rising is certainly one of them. You can now pick this title up for $39.99 brand new at amazon.com. They will even ship it to you for free unless you live in like the Ozarks or somewhere weird.

Could this be the killer app that can challenge Gears of War for the best looking game ever to grace consoles? Well, our friends at psu.com report that WarDevil will be coming to the PS3 and will be shrouded in all types of secrecy to boost the hype and give developers the wherewithal to put out what should be a spectacular product. Right now, details are a bit sketchy, but expect more details to come about around TGS2007.

We have all been waiting for this and finally God of War: Chains of Olympus will be available on the PSP. The excitement of the two killer aps can now be taken on the road reports computerandvideogames.com. Expect to beat all kinds of ass as Kratos makes his way through another engaging story.

On Wednesday, at 2:00 AM Pacific Time, you will be able to download 2 new games to your Live Arcade collection, reports Gamerscoreblog.

The first, “Eets: Chowdown”, is a 2D puzzle game that promises to deliver some good humor and better times. You take control of Eets and must navigate him through all kinds of zany action with even crazier characters. Some features include:

• 120 new levels in gorgeous high definition graphics
• Tons of crazy characters, including Marshomechs, Radioactive Ginseng, and Exploding Superpigs.
• Marsho Madness: the crazy, adrenaline-rushing “Eets” action game, where players can play co-op to keep the impending evil marshmallows at bay
• Earn up to 12 Achievements and 200 Gamerscore points

The second, Pinball FX, is a ultra real pinball game that promises to deliver the realest pinball sim yet. And yes, its in HD. Some features:

• Real-time head-to-head mode for online multiplayer competition for up to 4 players
• Three vibrant, 3D pinball tables
• Tables start out simple, but new challenges open up as a player’s skill advances
• Gesture based controls and live chat via the Xbox 360 LIVE Vision Camera
• Earn up to 12 Achievements and 200 Gamerscore points
• Amazing realism that is an industry first for the genre

Both games are 800 microsoft points and are rated E.

As the release date draws nearer, the speculation and plot turns are beginning to twist. Gamespot Forums had an interesting post recently talking about the REAL plot for GTA 4. It turns out, that the much believed protagonist Nikko Bellic, the same lad we saw in the trailer is NOT supposed to be the protagonist. Loot Ninja reported to you much of the background story and settings and these remain true. However, his cousin, Roman Petronov, is the real deal. He becomes disturbed over Nikko’s death, feeling somewhat responsible because he sent him to close a drug deal and Nikko is killed. This leads Roman on a path to indulgence and enjoy his life at anyone’s cost. Now, here for the good part. According, to TheLastBoss.com, Roman will be initiated into several gangs by being kidnapped, hijacked, beaten, and God knows what else. This also shows that the story may not be linear. Multiple plots usually mean multiple endings giving the game’s replay effort an exponential value. Also, aircraft are in the game, with helicopters being accessible. As you know, this could all be true or just fanboy BS, but the poster from Gamespot claims to have broken the Jet Pack in San Andreas. We all know how that turned out. If you have any news or think we are lying through our teeth, please let us know.