As we get to the end of the year, game releases and news have been rather mellow. Perhaps it just seems that way because family-orientated games are being promoted in time for the holidays. That is the only way I can explain this week's release, QIX ++.

Yea, I'm not too enthusiastic about the latest release on XBLA. It's called QIX ++ and if, like me, you've never heard of the older version, you are probably thinking QIX … Eh? Checking up on Wiki about the game doesn't exactly convince me to try it out either. It is an arcade game where you move your cursor around a blank screen, unveiling a hidden picture whilst avoiding a demon monster/dragon creature. See what I mean. It comes across as something meant for younger audiences.

The graphics is a bit bland but that wouldn't be a fair criticism. After all, if you are a fan of the old game, you might have fond memories of these graphics. So, to each their own. Try it out if you must. Do keep in mind that the game is marked for 800 MS points.

And there is a catch. Or the game conditions are not exactly clear. I came across a few uhappy grumblings about this game. Apparently, you are provided info about what you would have (different modes, more weapons or whatnot) if you bought the full game. And then, when you dish out a bit of moolah, you find that a lot of this promised content follows a pay-per-bundle sort of scheme. Meaning you have to empty out your wallet … again.

Oh no. This is one … creepy game. It's an XBLA game called Don’t Be Nervous Talking 2 Girls. Fine, there are folks who probably like this game. I hope not, but there probably are folks who dished out the 80 MS points. Possibly because they were curious, but also probably because they needed help in the dating department. However, if you need such assistance, I question the wisdom of trying a mellower version of a Leisure Suit Larry style game. By the way, assuming all gamers or majority of them are male and incompetent in their social lives? Nice!</sarcasm>

In other news ... Twittering!

Major Nelson had news about the parental controls for social networking tools on the Xbox. Yea, with the new update, brats under 18 can hook upto Facebook, Twitter and Last.fm just as long as their parents grant access. While I can understand that MS is playing safe, it also seems somewhat useless. I mean kids can log onto Twitter via their fancy cell phones anyway. Or so I would assume. Have you seen the spiffy new models kids use these days?

Expect me to be gruffy about this. As it is, I'm still annoyed that the new Silent Hill won't be available on the Xbox and now I find that the PS version of the new Final Fantasy game will be nicer than the Xbox one. Prettier looking anway. It's something to do with the latter's data compression format. Alright, so maybe this won't be as noticeable as say extra DLC for a given game. Take Batman: Arkham Asylum.