Developed by Gust, Mana Khemia 2: Fall of Alchemy is of course the sequel to Mana Khemia: Alchemists of Al-Revis. New subjects have been added to Al-Revis Academy's curriculum, and two new students share the focus of the story, Ulrika the alchemy student and Raze the combat student, each with their own story to play through. One can expect entertaining turn-based RPG combat and tons of detail-intensive alchemy recipes to collect and create.

The game is hitting the PlayStation 2 on August 25th, and NIS America is packaging it in a premium box, seen here, along with a double-sided poster and the game's soundtrack.

The first Mana Khemia stands as one of my favorite roleplaying games for the PlayStation 2, so I'm barely exaggerating when I say I am awaiting this release surrounded by an ever-increasing puddle of drool. Check out the promo trailer at the link below while I fetch some paper towels.

Holy Invasion of Privacy, Badman! and Mana Khemia 2 [PlayStation Blog]

Come January 22nd, a large chunk of the free content on GameTap is being rolled back into the premium membership, which means that non-paying members of the site have a couple of days to finish what they were doing or pony up some cash for a Gold membership.

There will still be 40 games available for free play, as well as weekly teasers - games that are free to play for a limited time - but for the most part, if you want to get the goods you're going to have to pay. Check out the link below for a full list of what's being pulled.

Free Games Returning to the Gold Vault [GameTap Blog via Blue's News]

The $89.99 limited Collector's Edition of Resident Evil 5 is now available for pre-order across North America, and as you can see they don't price it that high lightly. First you get the special steel case packaging emblazoned with Kijuju writing, which contains the game and a bonus disc filled with art, trailers, and a making of feature...and that's just the beginning of the box.

Along with the steel case, the box also contains a Chris Redfield figurine, a BSAA patch, a Kijuju-inspired pendant, and a lovely Tricell messenger bag to carry it all.

I've yet to pre-order my copy of Resident Evil 5 yet, but I've got a funny feeling I might be making a trip to my nearest game retailer this afternoon to put a little money down. Check out the gallery below for more impressive pics.

Capcom's Resident Evil 5 Collector's Edition Exposed!

Capcom is pleased to announce the Resident Evil 5 Collector’s Edition. First teased last week at the Consumer Electronics Show in Vegas, the Collector’s Edition will be available on day one of the game shipping Friday, March 13, 2009. Available for only a limited time, gamers will be able to pre-order the collectible set starting today at the Capcom store at www.capcom.com. On launch date, the set will be available at all major retailers in North America with a price of $89.99 for the Xbox 360 and PLAYSTATION 3.

For fans of the highly popular series, the box set is not to be missed as it will include a host of never-before-seen collectible items not available anywhere else. All designed around RE5’s Kijuju setting and the game’s in-depth storyline, the box will include a Tricell messenger bag, Chris Redfield figurine, BSAA patch and Kijuju-inspired pendant.

Bringing the entire collection together is a custom made steel case with special art showcasing signature elements of the RE5 campaign - the Kijuju writings, ominous number five and two-player co-op. Inside the steel case is where the real action lies, with a two disc set including the game and bonus disc with additional special features. The Making of Resident Evil 5 feature, first shown at the Tokyo Game Show, will be released on the bonus disc for the first time. A digital art gallery showcasing the game’s incredible HD graphics and impressive art style and a Resident Evil Degeneration Trailer will top off the special features making a bonus disc that is a must-have for all Resident Evil devotees.

Also, when the current "Zephyr" chips are replaced with new, smaller, cooler "Falcon" technology, that will be right on the box as well:

Shop smart. Don't do drugs. Yadda yadda yadda.

Wonderkins Photobucket shots [via joystiq]

Microsoft has just confirmed that HDMI is now standard with the Premium version of the Xbox 360, now priced at $350. The retooled Premium 360, sporting the fancy HDMI, will sport an HDMI logo on the outside of the box, a Microsoft rep told Kotaku.

"Yes, we are offering an HDMI port for Xbox 360 simply as another choice in Xbox 360 owners' games and entertainment experience. Retailers are gradually introducing HDMI-enabled Xbox 360s into the channel to meet demand."

Big kudos to Opposable Thumbs for being the first to get their teeth into this story and Shack News who got their hands on the first picture proof.

Bully came out today, and I leapt out of bed and ran down to Gamestop as fast as my tiny, hairy legs could carry me. Once there, I was presented with a choice by the de-dredded clerk: Bully, just Bully, or fabulous premium box set Bully.

"You get a ball. And a comic book," he said.

I did it for you, sweet readers. All for you.

I secreted that premium box back to my hovel and created photo-documentation of the unwrapping process. There was indeed a ball, a Bully ball, and a comic book with curiously mismatched text and artwork.

I've uploaded a gallery over at our Flickr account, where I will now link you because our onboard galleries seem to be out of commission (surprise).

The game itself is nothing short of delightful, but I've only just started playing. It's agony having to type up posts while it sits next to me, full of fun. Taunting me. Eliza Gauger

Bully Premium Box Set [Flickr]