Is it just me or does this week's XBLA have a man's best friend theme going on? First there's the talking dog in Sam and Max Beyond Time and Space, followed by the hyperactive Pixel from the Axel and Pixel game. I'm not complaining, just saying that it is a weird theme. Other than the XBLA releases, there are also upcoming news about Xbox in general as well as a little bit about the new Guild episode.

Games about surreal situations

Why lump together two games with fantastical situations? Why not throw in games of somewhat different genres? In this case, I also feel bad for Axel and Pixel as they have to compete against one of the more eagerly awaited releases – the second part to the Sam and Max series.

On to the games now. Axel and Pixel is a quirky puzzle solver developed by Silver Wish, a small Czech-based games company. The main protagonist is a painter who is helped on his quest by his faithful dog. Together, they roam a dream world that is best described as absurdist fiction. And this is what adds to its appeal, well, in addition to the fact that it is a fancy little puzzle solver. I get the feeling a few folks might not like the graphics of this; in my case, it was the somewhat nostalgic take that drew my attention. The real test will of course be the puzzles themselves. Make them too hard and casual gamers will flip over to the next game. Opt for easier puzzles and the hardcore gamers will utter choice curse words. That's the worry for most game developers now, isn't it? This game is available for 800 MS points.

And now for the big cheese! The follow-up to the first Sam and Max game arrives in XBLA this Wednesday and jumps up and down fervently for your attention! This hyped-up game needs no further introduction – a crime-solving duo consisting of a snazzy dog and his snarky rabbit friend. It would be right to say that this franchise, in most of its formats, is a cult classic amongst devoted fans and thus, will definitely be one of the most anticipated games arriving in XBLA this month (I am still rooting for you, Axel&Pixel). So what's this new sequel all about? Fighting evil Santa, a vampire as well as head-bopping zombies who love rave? Oookay! This should be fun. The game's going for 1600 MS points.

New Guild Episode: Copying and Stuff

The seventh episode of the 3^rd season is now available! It's called Copying and Stuff. Again, we get to see more of side characters that are part of the main Guildies (Wiggly and Bladezz's younger sister) with hilarious results. And Axis of Anarchy continues to make life hell for the Guild, specifically Bladezz. My favorite comment from this episode has to be Vork's 'casuals' remark. Well, that and Zaboo's 'so much fail' comment. I don't want to give too much away; check it out and see what I mean.

And if you are eager for more behind-the-scenes information, hop over to Felicia Day's blog. She talks about what went on whilst making this episode which will certainly appeal to dedicated Guild fans. Apparently there was a cool scene they had to take out and thus, add in as a DVD extra. I'm definitely curious now.

Xbox News

Alright, so apparently some Xbox users – ones with Gold accounts – might have access to Twitter and Facebook sometime this month! Seems like UK and Europe will be getting access sometime in November though. Read full details at Play.tm.

And now for Rocktober. Reviews about Brutal Legend has been coming through. Some folks have been a bit 'meh' about it, some have given it a thumbs up while saying 'Well, it could have a bit more oomph in gameplay'. Or something to that effect. I'm still waiting for my copy to come through. While on that topic, did you see how Jack Black lent his voice to serve as a reminder to those who pre-ordered it? I know some folks think that's just way out there … but, I also keep in mind that you really need to market and push for folks to notice your product. Give it 100% and all that, right? It does not help that I am a metal fan and thus am a bit more forgiving towards this game.