Hot off the heels of the Halo 4 Limited Edition package announcement, 2K Games and Gearbox revealed the various special editions gamers can expect when Borderlands 2 launches later this summer. In addition to the regular version of the upcoming shooter, there will be two additional versions available at launch, which include bookoos of extra content. Hit the jump for a breakdown of all of the extras in both of the special editions.

The Deluxe Vault Hunter’s Collector’s Edition (pictured above) will retail for $99.99 and includes an authentic Marcus Kincaid bobble head, map of Pandora, hardbound art book, comic book download and a four sticker set.

The Ultimate Loot Chest Limited Edition (pictured above), will retail for $149.99 and includes an exclusive Steelbook case, numbered certificate of authenticity, creatures of Pandora wide format ID chart, four lithograph postcards, Marcus Kincaid bobble head, hardbound art book, cloth map of Pandora, comic book download and four sticker set.

Also revealed today, in a press release from 2K Games and Gearbox, was that pre-ordering the game in any edition at “participating retailers” will grant access to the Borderlands 2 Premiere Club. This will allow gamers to download the Gearbox Gun Pack, Golden Key, Vault Hunter’s Relic, and the Mechromancer character class when the game is released on September 18.

Microsoft unveiled the Halo 4 Limited Edition package today. Fans willing to drop a Benjamin ($99.99) on the LE edition can expect to receive an impressive array of extra goodies come November 6th. Some highlights of the package include free access to nine DLC maps, unlocked Specializations, and an extended version of the Halo 4: Forward Unto Dawn live-action series. Hit the jump for a complete run down of all of the bonus material.

• War Games Map Pack Access – Access to nine maps (three future competitive multiplayer map packs, each including three locations) available for download post-launch on Xbox Live.

• Specializations – Receive early access to six Specializations, available at launch on Xbox Live, to achieve higher ranks in your Spartan career. In addition to new ranks, Specializations unlock new customization options.

• UNSC Infinity Briefing Packet – An armour customization schematic, a blueprint of the ship itself, and insight into what it means to be one of humanity’s finest warriors: the Spartan-IVs.

• Halo 4: Forward Unto Dawn Special Edition – An extended 90-minute version of the live-action digital series that will bring the “Halo” universe to life as you’ve never seen it, and provide an enthralling backstory leading up to the events of Halo 4.

• Special Video Featurette – Bonus in-fiction content expanding the characters and stories of Halo 4: Forward Unto Dawn

• Special Video Featurette – Bringing Gaming into Reality

• Special Video Featurette – Making of Halo 4: Forward Unto Dawn

• Unique in-game Spartan-IV armor skin

• Unique in-game weapon skin for the Assault Rifle

• Exclusive in-game emblem 

• Xbox Live Avatar prop 

• Xbox Live Avatar Spartan-IV armor set

The Limited Edition Halo 4 package is available for pre-order now.

I spent the better part of yesterday evening down in Central London where I attended the Trials Evolution Launch Party. Hidden in a private room downstairs in one of London’s Après Bars, Ubisoft and Microsoft’s modest event kept the drinks coming in, whilst allowing lucky attendees a chance to get their hands on Bruschetta, Mini Burgers and, of course, give the game a thorough test drive one day before its official release.

Trials HD fans will be happy to know Evolution is bigger, better and badder. Scenery is preferred this time around, as Evolution breaks out of the warehouse and opts for more natural terrain. Graphics are sharper, and generally the tracks look and feel more awesome than ever.

The game maintains the staple 2D perspective, but camera angles are more adventureous on this second outing, and do a teriffic job of following your rider as you bend corners and pull off perspective-breaking jumps. Bikes handle as you’d expect, the key still being knowing when to lean and accelerate.

The Single Player, like HD, is split into levels of difficulty, but includes a License Test area, which allows players to practice and learn new riding techniques. Skill Games are, of course, back with all new additions. Track Central also brings limitless dev-like building tools into the mix, allowing you to create and share across Xbox Live. Seriously, look at what’s already being done.

I spent the majority of my evening trying to break the stonewall record set prior to my arrival while jumping in between the game’s newest component: Multiplayer. Available locally or through Xbox Live, the game pits up to 4 players (each in their own lane to avoid collisions) against one another in real time. The goal? Reach the finish line with fewer faults than your opponents.

Trials Evolution's New Multiplayer Mode

The multiplayer mode, dubbed Supercross, is a series of Single Player tracks split into heats. Players must race through the set number of tracks with as few faults as possible, as these (crashing or falling behind) cost you dear points on the scorecard. Finish 1st and you’ll score a 10, 2nd a 9, so on a so forth. But beware, as the number of faults are tallied and deducted from your total score on that particular heat. This keeps things fresh, as crossing the finish line first doesn’t always land you on top of the scorecard at the end.

Sometimes the race across the finish line can be tight – enter bailouts, which are more useful this time around. Bailouts were turned on in the mode I played, allowing racers to vault off their bikes across the finish line, nicking first place in the process on occasions. This last-gasp tactic gives those with momentum an edge towards the end of the race. That said, bailouts aren’t always the best option, as triggering an early bailout and failing to cross the finish line will score you exactly zero.

These races are usually intense, and the impending dread of falling behind and being forced off screen took me back to the days of Micro Machines on the Mega Drive. It’s also a mode that’s sure to offer friends a real-time alternative to the usual setting and breaking of times on the online leaderboards.

Trials Evolution seems like a no-brainer for fans of Trials HD, the wait sure looks like it’s been worth it and like its predecessor it packs a ton of replay value for a mere 1200 MS Points. Kicking off Microsoft’s Arcade NEXT promotion, you can get your hands on Trials Evolution today through the Dashboard on Xbox Live Arcade.

At the Game Developers’ Conference on Wednesday, Quantic Dream showcased their latest tech demo “Kara”. Conjuring up familiar feelings from 2006 in the process.

While Quantic Dream’s next project is probably a while off, I can’t wait to see what David Cage has in store us.

My Nintendo News is reporting that Crytek plan to announce TimeSplitters 4 at this year’s Electronic Entertainment Expo. This comes just days after a job posting involving the German-based studio was spotted on EA’s wall. Previously EA and Crytek worked on Crysis 2, which was released last March.

The most interesting bit of news is that Crytek is planning on bringing TimeSplitters 4 to the Wii U, alongside the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3. These rumours certainly coincide with Nintendo’s willingness to secure third-party support for their future platform.

Rumours of a future TimeSplitters project have been ongoing for years now, with the last notable bit of news coming from Official PlayStation Magazine UK last summer. Crytek UK, formely known as Free Radical, were picked up by Crytek in 2009.

UPDATE: I’d also like to apologise for a post that is two months late, apparently I didn’t hit the publish button.

Here’s a game that made both me and Nick’s GOTY lists last year, and for good reason.

What came up a lot when discussing our GOTY options was the sheer scope Rocksteady mustered up in Arkham City. There’s just so much to do in and around the game’s 14 hour or so campaign that you’ll often find yourself heading off the unbeaten path every now and again just to solve the occasional riddle, or to break yet another set of chattering teeth, furthering your progress in the game.

The game’s structure also keeps things moving along nicely, jumping between side missions feels natural and Rocksteady do a fantastic job of building up one of Batman’s worst nights in Gotham. The fan-like respect and appreciation for the universe Rocksteady manage to show throughout the game is also staggering.

We feel Arkham City deserves the honour not because of what it does, but because of how well it does it. In fact, no game we played this year felt as fine tuned, polished and complete as Arkham City.

It’s been a good year to be a gamer. A year that will be remembered for its newcomers as much as its onslaught of AAA titles. Narrowing down a list of five of the best games of the year has been uncharacteristically difficult this year. However, when push comes to shove, these are the titles I feel are worthy of GOTY status.

5. Dead Space 2

If it ain’t broke don’t fix it. That’s what I imagine Visceral had in mind when they were working on their brilliant sequel, Dead Space 2. The game really doesn’t deviate much from the formula and mechanics of the original Dead Space. You’re Isaac Clark, you kill necromorphs with your trusty Plasma Cutter, and you generally try to survive the whole disturbing ordeal. However, this year’s sequel adds even more details to an already rich narrative and feels much more complete than the original. In 2011, Dead Space 2 held it down for the survival horror genre. More importantly, it has raised the bar higher for where other survival horror games should strive to achieve.

4. Gears of War 3

Just as with Dead Space 2, Gears of War 3 could be misinterpreted as just a more pleasant looking iteration in the Gears saga. However, when Gears 3 launched this September, it was apparent this was not just Gears 2 with a new coat of paint. The game has over a nine-hour story campaign, four-player co-op, two addicting wave-based co-operative modes, and a full-fledged competitive mode with multiple game types and bonus content. In terms of bang for you buck, Gears 3 goes above and beyond the $60 you probably paid for it. Did I mention it’s also absolutely beautiful? Beyond getting your money’s worth, the story is well executed, paced appropriately, and holds quite a few surprises. Gears 3 certainly did not disappoint, and in my opinion may be the richest Gears experience yet. And that’s exactly why it made the list.

3. L.A. Noire

L.A. Noire definitely deserves to be in the running for Game of the Year. In the months leading up to its release, I was concerned that Noire would end up being GTA 1947. After picking it up and giving the game some time, I walked away thoroughly impressed with how balanced the game was among interrogation, clue finding, and the occasional shoot out. Graphically, the game is gorgeous, which makes the interrogation process and exploring the streets of LA an absolute joy. L.A. Noire’s main story is gripping, the characters are memorable, and its overall presentation makes it one of the best games of 2011.

2. Batman: Arkham City

By tweaking their original formula in Arkham Asylum, Rocksteady truly created the closest thing to a perfect Batman game we’ve every played. Beyond the absolutely breathtaking attention to environmental detail in Arkham City, the game’s narrative is excellent. Rocksteady manages to work in every Batman villain and their mother into the main story, which all culminates into an eerie and suspenseful conclusion. Arkham City is a beautifully morose game that consistently pays tribute to one of the greatest icons in comic book history.

1. Skyrim

Skyrim – I know, I know, Skyrim is a no brainer when it comes to a GOTY nomination. However, as I was a bit late in joining the Skyrim bandwagon, I was hesitant about adding it to my own list of GOTY contenders. After having some time to sit down and explore the game, though, it’s becoming painfully apparent to me why this game deserves the accolades it’s received thus far. The deep role-playing experience Skyrim presents so well goes unmatched this year. In addition to the gameplay, Skyrim is absolutely gorgeous. Environments are detailed and almost ask you to explore them for a couple hundred hours. With its insane replayability, rich and addictive gameplay, Skyrim is a masterpiece and worthy of the Game of the Year title.

This year, more so than others, was a year full of must-have titles, making it extremely difficult to pin down a top five for this list. Over the course of the year, many games surprised, while others downright failed to leave even an impression. So, without further ado, here’s my top five for twenty eleven:

5. Batman: Arkham City

Want more Batman? Well then, Arkham City provides that in spades. And if you’re looking for more of the combat that Arkham Asylum perfected, then look no further.

What surprised me most about this game was the sheer amount of things to do. If you weren’t caught up in the game’s 14 hour main quest, then the game’s side missions had you covered. These self-contained stories are so well crafted that they’re able stand on their own, each more interesting and varied than the last, feeling vastly more developed than the run-of-the mill side missions we’re so used to. Throw in all of The Riddler trophies, collectables, challenges and Calendar Man visits, and Arkham City is game that will have you returning all year round – literally.

4. Shadows of the Damned

The love child of Suda and Mikami, Shadows of the Damned takes its place at number 4 on my list. This punk rock adventure through hell features superb writing from start to finish, Evil Dead references, and enough dick jokes to… shake a dick at.

What I loved most about the game though, was how it did such a great job of humanising the demon world in such an insane and awesome way. I mean, who’d have thought strawberries were so sought after in the underworld? Some of the characters that make up this ride through hell are also worth a mention or two; in particular, Johnson, the charismatic flaming skull side kick that might just be my favourite character of the year next to another “Johnson” on this list. Garcia “Fucking” Hotspur, the game’s protagonist, isn’t too bad either.

And let’s not forget that soundtrack. This hauntingly beautiful arrangement made up of alternative rock and atmospheric jazz composed by Akira Yamaoka gives hell a soundtrack it can be proud of.

Unfortunately this game was pretty much left to rot by EA, and bombed at retail with little to no marketing prior to the game’s launch. I urge anyone remotely interested to check it out. Shadows of the Damned is easily one of this year’s unsung heroes.

3. Dead Space 2

What would this list be without the game that kicked everything off in 2011? I’m talking about Dead Space 2!

Everything from the improved gunplay, to the mind blowing set pieces Visceral employed throughout the game’s stellar 12 hour campaign; Dead Space 2 literally improved upon every aspect from the first game, and then some. The populated metropolis against which the game is set, served as the perfect hub world, giving Issac plenty to explore (schools, malls and churches), and Necromorphs plenty of places to hide.

It’s worth mentioning that I was never a fan of the original Dead Space, which was mostly down to the game’s repetitive nature, and only finished up the original days before the launch of Dead Space 2 – but boy, was that worth it! As a result, every improvement and tweak stood out ten fold. Controls were noticeably tighter, every set piece more epic than the last, and the pacing – well, it barely ever let up.

Oh, and let’s not forget that bit of fan service at the end there. A true sequel in every sense of the word.

2. Portal 2

Speaking of true sequels, let’s talk about Portal 2. Now the original Portal is what I’d like to call a perfect video game, and after finishing Portal 2, I threw it right up there with the first.

Fantastic writing, more puzzles and two of the best characters of the year make up this fantastic sequel to Valve’s first-person puzzle-platformer. Not opting for more of the same, Portal 2 breaks us out of the familiar test chambers and takes us deep into the belly of Aperture Science for more testing, patents, and – you guessed it – science. This slow ride back through time pays off in spades, and making your way back up top through the desolate hidden basement of Aperture Science, all whilst learning the secrets and horrors of a shower curtain manufacturer gone terribly wrong was just damn right amazing!

Furthermore, the inclusion of a two-player co-op mode, Cave Johnson and Wheatley somehow raising the bar Ellen McLain’s character (GlaDOS) set previously, coupled with what is probably the best ending of the year and Portal 2 was an easy choice for my number 2.

1. Superbrothers: Sword & Sworcery EP

For me, Superbrothers: Sword & Sworcery EP marks the day I started taking iOS games seriously. This fantastically arranged audiovisual style adventure game came out of nowhere, and was so well crafted it deserves its place at the top of my GOTY list.

It’s no secret that iOS gaming has taken off in the last couple of years, and while the likes of Doodle Jump and Fruit Ninja are nods to the arcade era with easy pick-up-and-play games, true fleshed out gaming experiences have been hard to come by on Apple’s mobile devices.

Due to the limitations of these devices – by that I mean that they feature no physical buttons – devs have been forced to explore new and interesting ways to play. It’s not a coincidence that the most popular games on these devices all have one thing in common: intuitive control inputs. One of the many ways Sword & Sworcery rocks the boat.

One control input the game seemed to introduce was the hold-to-move mechanic (at least that’s what I like to call it). Tap and hold either side of the screen and watch your character wander towards the direction of your finger. Want to head up those stairs or down an unbeaten path? It’s as simple moving your finger up or down as your character approaches the split in the road. This new control method allowed movement to feel less cumbersome than other iOS titles that employ far more trickier solutions, while still feeling natural and unobtrusive. This mechanic even made its way across to the recent iOS port of LostWinds, and hopefully many more titles in the near future. Seriously guys, it’s crazy how well it works and how much of a natural fit it is for the platform.

It’s also astonishing how well written the whole package is from top to bottom. The quality literature throughout the game is matched only by a fantastic accompanying soundtrack and interesting supporting characters that make up this unmissable adventure game, the first of its kind for iOS.

I do believe, in time, that we’ll look back on Sword & Sworcery as a title that played a huge role in the maturation of iOS games. Moments; the soft tones and hard drums of “Lone Star” that pumped through my headphones as Logfella led me through the woods; the sheer fright I felt when being chased after stealing the Megatome, or even that first time you raised your sword skyward to open the doorway to Mingi Taw. These moments, these unadulterated gaming moments were more pure than any game on this list or any game released this year. Moments I feel will inspire, influence, and define the growth of this platform over the next couple years.

I’ve started to notice a trend when it comes to limited edition SKUs of Wii games released in Europe. I bought the Xenoblade Chronicles Bundle Pack (you know the one with the Red Classic Controller) back in September, and was surprised to see that the box inside differed from the regular edition I’d seen on the store shelf earlier that evening when making my purchase.

Xenoblade Chronicles Bundle Pack

Now it’s quite common to receive different cover arts with special editions, but this wasn’t different, instead it was a compromised version of the regular box art. What do I mean? Instead of the blurb and accompanying text we’re used to seeing alongside images of the game, the back cover is filled with two thirds of disclaimer text (or whatever you call that shit) in, wait for it… SEVEN DIFFERENT FUCKING LANGUAGES!!!

And if that isn’t enough, the front has PEGI and USK ratings on it. Yes, two ratings from two different boards, with “Not to be sold separately” spelt out seven times. I guess there wasn’t enough room on the back, huh?

Regular Edition/Compromised Edition

I know I’m probably part of a handful of people who actually care about this kind of thing, but it really puts me off buying these special editions, so much so that I’ve opted for the regular edition of Skyward Sword. I know, I know, gold Wiimote. How will I live?

Why do they do this? I don’t know. Probably to save money I guess. Whatever the reason, it just seems like a lazy effort on Nintendo’s part. They go to all the trouble of creating different PAL boxes for each territory with the regular editions, but they won’t do the same for the edition you end up paying more for, instead they give you the 7-in-1 edition, take it or leave it. I just don’t get it.

Anyways, here’s your Skyward Sword Limited Edition packaging incase you were wondering:

So I went down to the official Modern Warfare 3 launch in London (Oxford Street) on Monday evening, and to be fair Activision and Microsoft put on a good show, I just couldn’t help but feel EA missed a trick here. As you do at these launches, I got talking with some friends in the queue and thought that it would have been awesome to see EA make an appearance in some capacity, to crash the party so to speak, which got me thinking.

I wanted a repeat of this

How awesome would it have been, with like thirty minutes to go before the clock strikes twelve, to pull up on Oxford Street, theme blaring, with soldiers jumping out the Battlefield 3 tank (they brought one along with them to the launch two weeks ago), handing out free copies to everyone in line (around 750 people)? Totally stealing the show away from Activision in the process.

Now, it would be stupid to assume gamers would walk away from the queue they’ve been standing in for hours, go home with their new copy of Battlefield 3 and live happily ever after, but putting copies of the competition in the hands of the competitor’s user base wouldn’t have been a bad thing – would it? Some might already own Battlefield 3 yes, but for a lot of people in that queue Modern Warfare 3 will be one of the only gaming purchases they’ll make this year – trust me I was there. Better yet, a stunt like that would get people talking, tweeting and definitely steal at least a bit of the limelight away from Activision’s money making machine, especially on the gaming sites and in the morning papers. Who knows, you might even get some converts from it. If not for the new players a stunt like that would bring in, it’s something that would have been worth the press alone right?

Going off EA’s aggressive marketing prior to the game’s release, I, for one wouldn’t have put it past them, and with thirty minutes left to go I was still checking my watch like an anxious kid, waiting for EA to land one final blow. Unfortunately, this never happened