Oh my poor Xbox 360, it has been neglected lately. A little white console from Nintendo has been getting all my attention lately. But don’t you worry Xbox 360, you have not been forgotten. I felt that since I reported Nintendo’s Virtual Console releases on Monday, I should at least make mention of today’s offering from Microsoft. In fact, I am going to make an effort to at least mention both XBLA’s and WiiVC’s titles each week, provided of course, they have something to offer. So, today brings us Novadrome. I haven’t gotten to play it yet, and since XBLA hasn’t had a classic in a while, I have no idea as to the quality of this title. Novadrome is a combat driving game with full online multiplayer support. So think of it as Twisted Metal, with (presumably) smaller arenas and the fun Xbox Live experience. Obviously, I can’t yet tell you if it’s worth the 800 points ($10) or not. But then again, you shouldn’t even take my word for it if I could; try out the demo for free.

Today Nintendo announced some details for the next upcoming chapter in the Pokemon series. Pokemon Diamond and Pearl will be hitting stores April 22nd. You will be able to transfer your existing pokemon from the GBA titles, through the GBA slot on your DS. There will be Wifi and local battles and trading with voice chat. Finally, if you pre-order a copy, participating stores will give you a Pokemon stylus.

Now I know most gamers out there hold nothing but disdain for the series, especially folks my age. But before you condemn, I have a confession to make: I like these games. Let me tell you why. Now when I say I like the Pokemon games, I am not speaking for the countless side story games that some refer to as poke-milking the franchise. I am just talking about straight up Pokemon games of the multiple color/gem variety. First of all, Pokemon is basically a classic RPG game with a highly addictive collection mechanic. You must travel around a region collecting Pokemon, by using your Pokemon to catch them. After a time, the Pokemon you use evolve and learn new abilities. Finally, what brings it all together is how fun it is to trade and battle other people playing the game. Now, I understand these games are for kids, but I don’t care. They are fun. Anyway, I am really looking forward to the first Pokemon game for the DS. Even though each Pokemon game is essentially the same game, with just newer Pokemon, I think I will be getting this one. Given that I haven’t played one in years, and that this iteration will feature WiFi battles and voice chat, I am predicting it will be pretty fun. That is, if you like Pokemon games.

Press Release