Lunar: Silver Star Harmony is an enhanced remake of Lunar: The Silver Star, coming to the PSP courtesy of XSEED Games in Q1 of 2010. While the game will retail for $29.99, $10 more will net players a special limited edition package containing a soundtrack CD and a set of 13 exclusive "bromide" collector cards featuring the girls of Lunar.

"As the definitive version of Lunar: The Silver Star with completely reworked graphics, a remastered soundtrack containing songs new and old, an enhanced battle system, and additional story elements never before revealed, Lunar: Silver Star Harmony deserved a special Limited Edition version to commemorate the rebirth of this beloved franchise," stated Jun Iwasaki, President of XSEED Games. "For fans of the previous iteration, we've built upon the English script from before to offer returning fans something new while keeping the heart of the original outstanding localization intact."

As I said, it's certainly not the cloth map, soundtrack CD, hardbound instruction manual and making of videos of Lunar: Silver Star Story Complete, but it'll do. They just don't make them like Working Designs anymore.

Me, apparently. Upon being tipped off to the game's availability on the iTunes App Store I hopped right over and picked it up, just to see what it was all about. It's a pretty simply game of blackjack, with Kasumi dealing. As you win cash you unlock new outfits - so far I've unlocked three, including a bikini and a cheerleader outfit - and you can use your cash to buy images in the gallery, which can then be used as wallpaper on your phone.

It's a nifty little game for $3.99, though considering some of the titles you can get for a few bucks more it might be lacking a little substance. Probably worth it if you're a big Kasumi fan, but I'm more of an Ayane sort of guy.

Girls of DoA Blackjack [Tecmo Touch Games - Thanks Corn!]

BattleForge will be available for purchase for both the PC on March 24th, but players keen on making a go of it might want to consider preordering the game to get a leg up on the competition. Preordering the game not only nets you four exclusive units - one for each of the four elements represented in the game - but also levels up your character from the get go, giving you a distinct advantage over those who don't care enough to part with a little money early.

Players wishing to try out the game can sign up now at www.BattleForgeCardHunt.com for the open beta. Give it a try, and if you like it, buy it...early.

I estimate this year that you'll see EA enter this space for some of their games, and a few other big names are absolutely interested. In fact we're in final negotiations with a couple of recognizable names.

We tend to estimate the size of the total pre-paid gaming card business when we do our numbers, and this year we're looking to something between $75-100 million dollars in sales across North America. We see that going to $250-300million in 2009 and being in the region of a half-billion by 2010.

We see this market growing dramatically in the next two to five years.

The whole interview is an interesting look at how the industry deals with retailers via middlemen like GMG; it also points to the popularity of these models that many 'serious' gamers tend to ignore.

EYE OF JUDGMENT Tip: How to Build a Deck [Playstation.blog]

For your own enjoyment, plenty of wallpapers that are not holiday related, including some fabulous desktop worthy World Heroes Gorgeous pieces are just a downward scroll away.

Happy New Year 2008 [SNK Playmore]

With the introduction of the MapleStory iTCG, Wizards of the Coast and Nexon are partnering to take TCGs to the next level by giving players a fully integrated experience between the online and offline worlds. "Unlike codes in other TCGs that redeem online for limited value vanity items, codes in the MapleStory iTCG will unlock exclusive online rewards and game experiences such as highly sought-after artifacts, rare virtual pets, and all-new quests." Says Laura Tommervik, Brand Manager, Wizards of the Coast. The iTCG is also a great way for long-time TCG players to learn about the magical world of MapleStory through a familiar format.

Are there really card game players who need the lure of a new marketing directive to pick up a free to play online game?

Wizards of the Coast Teams up with Nexon America to Release MapleStory iTrading Card Game [BusinessWire]

Remember the poor NINTENDO SIXTY FOOOOOUUUUR kid? While his limitless enthusiasm was endearing, the Excited Pokemon Kid just smacks of demonic possession coupled with an annoying, competitive collector's attitude. Watch as he convulses with joy and hurts-so-good pain after he realizes he's scored the coveted Blastoise card. Michael McWhertor

The Sony people were nice enough to give us a demo of the new PS3 Eye-Toy card game Eye of Judgement.

The game consists of a 3x3 board and the eyetoy. The eyetoy captures all movement on the board and when you place a card on the board a summoned monster shows up on the screen, similar to summoning a monster in Final Fantasy games. Depending on the type of card you play and the arrows on it, the fighter you summon will do battle with an adjacent monster. The battle result is predetermined, so there's no interaction there. At its base, it's just a dolled up card game with only PS2-level graphics.

Oh man, where's the "We belong together" card? That's OK, these are still very cool Tetris-themed Valentine's Day cards.

Happy St. Valentine's Day [4Color Rebellion]