Early hype has been that Guitar Hero 4 would “revolutionize” music games with an incredible new feature.  Are they going to add a keyboard?  How about a kazoo?  No, sadly not.  Instead, the revolutionary new feature is “create a song.”

That’s the word from Game Informer magazine (or at least the word from sources who have seen it).  Players will be able to create songs themselves, minus vocals for legal reasons.  The new songs can then be uploaded and shared with other Guitar Hero players.  Less clear is the information that you will be able to only upload five songs initially, but may be able to upload up to ten based on ratings you receive.  From other users rating your songs?  It’s unclear.

It’s neat to see console games going more and more the Web 2.0 route with user created content.  Still, don’t expect to go too crazy with this new feature.  Activision still makes a ton of money from downloadable content and isn’t likely to grant players too robust of tools that might take the incentive away from downloading new, pricey content.

Well, after much hype and hope, we finally have our first look at Banjo Threeie, the third in the Banjo Kazooie series.  How does it look so far?  Well, actually, it looks a lot like Diddy Kong Racing 2 so far.  Actually, a whole lot like it.

Rare has certainly stumbled as of late.  Kameo wasn’t too bad, but Perfect Dark Zero left most feeling a bit empty.  Viva Piñata actually wasn’t that bad of a game, but it certainly was targeted at a niche market, even if you could get past the super saccharine look.  Many are holding out hope that Banjo will return them once again to their former greatness, but while interesting, these screen shots do nothing to confirm such a return.  Click the images above for larger versions.

Killzone 2 has certainly wowed gamers before.  From the original “target” trailer to the later “actual” trailer, the game has provided plenty of eye candy.  Of course, it has also provided plenty of controversy thanks to that “target” demo.  However, it appears Killzone 2’s critics may finally have to eat their crow.

While showing very little, the new Killzone 2 trailer is a thing of beauty.  Sure, games such as Call of Duty 4 and the recently showcased Gears of War 2 lighten some of its impact, but it still looks like the best thing shown so far for the PS3.  How will the final game turn out?  The original Killzone was no fan favorite, so take every video with a bit of hype and hope, but with a lot of realistic expectations.

The original Gears of War is mostly a take it or leave it kind of game.  With all the hype surrounding it, many were turned off by its less-than-revolutionary gameplay.  Still, those people were obviously in the minority as the game sold a ton and helped cement the Xbox 360’s position ahead of the PS3 for a while to come (no such luck with the Wii).

Now comes Gears of War 2, and if one word could describe this first look it’s “Killzone.”  Killzone, really?  Yes, because what Epic has managed is to take the feel of the original Gears of War and translate it to a much larger action scale.  The change is akin to that from the original NES Contra to Contra 3: The Alien Wars.  This game looks like a war, and you’re in the middle of it.

One can only hope the final game doesn’t get too far away from the core gameplay that made the original such a favorite with fans.

The original Motorstorm was an oddly controversial title.  Odd because who ever considers racing games controversial?  Still, Sony managed to make it just that by over hyping and delivering a disappointing demo that wasn’t quite up to the finished product.

Still, when all was said and done, those who played the game found a very enjoyable racer with some obvious flaws.  If fixed, those mild hiccups could lead to a fantastic sequel.  But a more polished Motorstorm wasn’t enough, it seems, for Sony and they’ve instead gone in a fairly new technology direction.  As reported earlier, Motorstorm 2 will allow you to drive around a tropical island crushing bushes and small trees.

That much was already known, but this new tech demo (said to be only 40% done) shows a fairly impressive evolution from the original game.  The effects of running over vegetation aren’t quite “wow worthy” yet, but they seem to be headed in the right direction.  More impressive were some of the water effects.  With a new four-player mode and online racing again, Motorstorm: Pacific Rift is shaping up to be the game the original should have been.

Mortal Kombat vs. DC Universe might not have won fans over initially with its concept, but it looks to be getting there.  First, was the confirmation that there will indeed be blood within the game.  Now you can finally realize that fantasy of pummeling a bloody Superman.  Second, there’s this new render of Scorpion which appears to be from in-game.  It’s slick and his bone mask looks very cool.  Maybe there could be hope for this match made in Hell after all?  Click the image for a full sized version.

The powers that be over at 30 Rock (namely Tina Fey) have finally revealed the title for their “world’s first” porn video game.  The title?  Gorgasim: The Legend of Dong Slayer.  Yes, it has a that certain catchy vibe that just never lets you forget it once you’ve heard it–no matter how hard you try.

The game and its characters are kept off screen, but that’s obviously for comedic value.  Nothing they could actually show you would ever live up to your expectations (or perhaps down to).  As for the rest of the episode, Matthew Broderick turned in an inspired guest role and Fey proved again that she’s one of the cleverest comedians today doing political satire.

You can watch two of the Gorgasim related clips here, or the full episode over at Hulu.

Think of Mirror’s Edge as the video game version of the chase scenes from the recent remake of Casino Royale.  Or, you know, the chase scenes from the Bourne films…if there already weren’t a game.  Whatever you think of it, just realize it’s one of the most interesting looking games to come along in a while.  The developers seem fairly self-assured that they’ve finally conquered the problem of jumping in a first-person title.  Regardless, they do know how to cut an exciting trailer that mixes some Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time with the previously mentioned films.

Let’s just clear the air right from the start–Baseball Mogul 2009 is not for the arcade crowd.  It’s a stats-loving geek’s dream come true, but it will likely not appeal to most fans of baseball video games.  That being said, those that do fall within its target demographic will find a very enjoyable game with a few unfortunate stumbles.

As noted, the Baseball Mogul series is for those who subscribe to Baseball Weekly, or are just really into fantasy baseball leagues.  It’s essentially the franchise mode of any console baseball game without the excitement of occasionally stepping up to the plate.  Instead, the excitement comes from a well done trade or watching a draft pick make their way from the single A ball all the way to a starting spot in the majors.

The game has a fairly streamlined interface with deep options.  You can set the price of tickets, concessions, or even funds allocated to medical staff.  You can trade, sign, draft, and cut players.  Basically anything you can imagine, and 2009 offers most features accessible from the main screen.  Compare that to 2006 which hid every option under drop down menus.  It’s an improvement, but it could still be a little more user friendly.  Perhaps something more icon driven in the vein of Microsoft Outlook would work?  When it comes time to play you can take on a minute to minute managerial role (a very fun new addition) or simulate mass games at a time.

The game also offers a fairly deep assortment of stats, though maybe not as in depth as you might expect.  You expect things such as batting average, OBP, BB, IBB, etc. in any game these days.  What you miss are some of the more arcane stats such as average outdoors versus dome.  This may seem silly, but past baseball titles have offered it and this is a completely stats driven game.

Stats present another problem with the game versus its 2006 version.  Where that game would routinely churn out somewhat realistic numbers for players, 2009 instead will have 35 home runs lead the league.  That might have been realistic in 1988, but in 2008 multiple players routinely hit 40 or more home runs in a season.  It would be bad as an anomaly, but it seems more the rule.  You’ll also rarely see a 20 win pitcher as they seem to go down with injuries at least a month per season.  Again, this wouldn’t be bad now and then, but it seems like every season the top pitchers are on the DL.

Games like this are hard to judge.  The stats have to be realistic or they’re little fun, but the stats also have to be variable or it becomes too predictable.  Take these issues with whatever grains of salt you will.  This review is not to sound too down on the game.  It’s actually wonderful fun for the geek who loves baseball.  It’s also a nice step up from 2006.  Still, the question for fans of the series will be how much of a step up is it?  For this reviewer, it probably wasn’t enough, though the diehards will love it.

In keeping with the spirit of the Super Smash Bros. Brawl friend code exchange, we have now added a new thread to the forums to exchange Mario Kart Wii codes.  Of course, you can always just post your code into the comments below, as well.  So start exchanging those codes and get out on the race course!