Blue Orb has announced that SwitchBlade, an application that lets PC gamers use a console controller to play, will be getting a lot of new features with the advent of SwitchBlade PRO. Foremost is the addition of support for the Sony PlayStation 3's SIXAXIS controller. Details in the full article.

Ok I had a few other puns for the title, but I liked that one best. Anyway, the Energy Ball is a Wind Turbine with an innovative new ball design. Its orb structure is more efficient and more quiet than your run of the mill three-blade turbine, and is powerful enough to provide some of the energy for your home. Go green, get some balls. More details after the read more link.

If you're an avid user of the XLink Kai service, take heed. The team behind XLink Kai has just released version 7.4.15 which, apart from the usual bugfixes found in any update, ups the app's usability for Japanese users. Hit the full article for more info.

Download: kaiEngine-7.4.15-osx-universal.pkg.zip
Download: kaiEngine-7.4.15-linux-x86.tgz
Download: XLinkKai-7.4.15-win32.msi

Still having issues with Epic Games' Unreal Tournament 3 (PS3, Xbox 360, PC)? Then sit up and pay attention as Epic Games is rolling out yet another patch for their critically-acclaimed FPS, and this time the changelog is bigger than ever. Check out the entire story in the full article.

If you've been playing around with JoyToKey for your secret "controller fix" on PC games that otherwise didn't have such support, you might want to try Blue Orb's Switchblade. The free software is loads heavier than the little joystick to keyboard utility but is more inclined for use with the Xbox 360 controller. Plus, it just got more download mirrors.

Data Design Interactive, as you are all probably aware, has a handful of casual Nintendo Wii titles under its belt including Ninjabread Man, Anubis II, and Billy the Wizard.

All of these games have been revealed earlier this year. Anyway, Data Design is sending out word that Nintendo has finally given the go signal on Trixie in Toyland making it the 12th out of 14th Nintendo Wii titles from the company. More on this after the jump!

Want a free one-year subscription to Blizzard's World of Warcraft? If you do, then you might as well join Blue Orb's SwitchBlade promotion, where gamers only need to download and register a copy of SwitchBlade, the software that lets gamers use Xbox 360 controllers in playing WoW. Details in the full article.

Up for some more minigame madness for your Sony PlayStation Portable? I'll take that as a yes. Here to serve up a fine appetizer of his latest project is Sony PlayStation Portable homebrew developer Slasher, with the alpha build of EatEm. Described by some as a combination of Snake and fl0w, this is one homebrew game you should take a look at.




Download: EatEm Alpha

It's "getting to know you" time once again, and today we're going to take a look at the heroes in Nippon Ichi and Hitmaker's upcoming action RPG for the PSP, Dragoneer's Aria. You can check 'em out below courtesy of Siliconera. There are also a few bits of beautiful character art designed by Lineage artist Juno.

Valen
A member of an elite knight corps, which protects the endangered dragons around the world, Valen subsequently becomes the possessor of the Fire Orb. As a child, Valen attended dragoon school where he became good friends with Langley.

Now with the dark dragon threatening the world, Valen must stand strong and defend humanity from the ultimate evil. And yes, we mistook Valen for a girl at first too.

Euphe
Euphe is tough, yet kind hearted and her impulsive nature drags her into the war between good and evil. Upon the dark dragon’s attack on Granatis, Euphe was injured and rescued by Valen.

Her encounter with Valen was love at first sight as she follows Valen throughout the story.
 
Mary
She is the young captain of the infamous pirate ship Mary (named after her). Her ship sunk in heavy tides, so she is now seeking the legendary dragons in hopes that they could lift her ship back up.

Sadly, the first dragon she meets gets killed by the dark dragon and she vows to get revenge.

Ruslon
A guardian of the earth dragon who joins Valen’s team to protect the holy spirits and Mother Nature from the dark dragon’s destructive fury.

Ruslon is extremely proud of his elf heritage and initially looks down on humans and dragoon. However, his encounter with Valen and the rest slowly changes his spiteful personality.

Langley
An accomplished knight that is part of an elite dragoon corps. Langley is a powerful warrior who is also remarkably cunning.

As a child Langley attended the same dragoon school as Valen and became very good friends. Langley’s will and power as a dragoon are tested through his encounters with the legendary dragons.

Dragoneer's Aria is slated for a Summer release in the U.S. Stay tuned for more updates.

Europe will be seeing three new (well, old actually) Sega titles on the Wii Virtual Console this week. All three titles also have a little "orb" theme going on, although the last one's pretty tenuous at best. Anyway, on to the titles.

First up is Sonic Spinball. It's pinball with a Sonic twist, as Sonic (who is shaped like an orb when he does that spinning thing he does so well) tries to thwart Dr.Eggman's (who is also orb-shaped!) plans by causing a volcanic eruption by removing the Chaos Emeralds used to pacify the firey mountain. Sonic Spinball launches this week for 800 Wii Points.

Next, we have Vectorman. This Sega title from the '90s features Vectorman (who's made of - you guessed it - orbs!) as he tries to bring an end to a robot war and bring peace to Earth through the use of his powers of transformation. Vectorman will be downloadable for 800 Wii Points.

Finally, we have The Story of Thor. There are no orbs in this one apart from some of the spirit attacks, but this game's American title is Beyond Oasis and "Oasis" begins with an "O", which looks like - wait for it - an orb! Well, we did say the connection was tenuous. Anyway, this action adventure title can be downloaded for 800 Wii Points. See, even the download costs all have that orb vibe!