Bungie adds a multiplayer-chess mode to Halo: Reach. They put together a new ViDoc (video documentary) that goes into more detail. The developers call it Zugzwang Evolved (zugzwang being a German chess term), and they've combined the strategy elements that go with the game of chess with the occasional first-person view. No word yet if this mode will be a part of the upcoming Halo: Reach beta. Great, I can't wait to hear Bobby Fisher call me a "faggot" over the Xbox Live headset. 

 

Blizzard offers new comfort-oriented Diablo 3 merchandise and adds a new matchmaking/dating feature to Battle.net. The company is currently offering Diablo-themed "X-Treme Gamer Blankets" (essentially Snuggies) and body pillows that feature characters from the game. As for the new Battle.net matchmaking service, Blizzard has set up their own online dating service, so lonely gamers can find "someone to pwn noobs with." Maybe to promote it, they should make up some World of Warcraft quests that could help people build up their real-world-social skills. 

 

ThinkGeek is currently selling the iCade, an arcade cabinet dock for the iPad. The $150 device is loaded with some impressive features, such as a "professional-grade arcade stick and microswitch buttons," 2.1 Dolby speakers built into the cabinet, and a 10w USB power adapter. Currently they're waiting for Apple to approve the iCade app which apparently only works when the iPad is connected to the iCade hardware. Keep in mind, the next time you're at a meeting or in class, you might find it a little difficult to pass off using this thing with your iPad as "taking notes."

 

LucasArts and BioWare reveal the new playable Sarlacc Enforcer class for their MMORPG Star Wars: The Old Republic. GameSpot has exclusive information on the Sarlacc pit character (the thing Jaba tried to throw Luke Skywalker into in Return of the Jedi) that "will play a crucial role in the seedy underbelly of The Old Republic's universe, working with Hutt gangsters and bounty hunters to affect the game's political landscape." I think now, the only unplayable species left in the Star Wars universe is the womp rat. But don't be surprised if they throw that in the expansion.

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