Bits and Bytes: Gaming update

This week's article is going to touch on some news within the video game world. Here we go!

- Rock Band is releasing another stellar line-up of DLC (downloadable content) this week. We get “D.O.A.” by The Haunted, “Thrasher” by Evile (think of a modern day Slayer that kicks-ass) and “Blinded by Fear” by the newly reunited (for the summer anyway) At The Gates. I can't wait to see how these will play, considering how fast the strumming and the drums are for these songs. Thanks Harmonix for taking all my money (just kidding — keep them coming...especially the “Nevermind” album by Nirvana).

- Speaking of DLC for music games, Guitar Hero 3 had three Dropkick Murphy's songs available for a free download. By the time you read this, I'm not sure if they'll still be free, but I got them because my sister and her boyfriend like the band (I sure as hell don't). And what's the deal with having to buy songs only in packs? I want “Hole in the Earth” by The Deftones, but I don't want Avenged Sevenfold stuff or whatever else comes in the pack. Rock Band is allowing players to choose, so why is this so damn hard.

- IGN and Electronic Gaming Monthly magazine have had some hands-on time with Grand Theft Auto 4. Pick up this month's issue of EGM for some interesting info on how the game plays or go over to IGN.com and search for GTA 4.

- Multiplayer info has also been finally released for GT4. According to PSM Spain, the modes include: Hangmans NOOSE, Car Jack City, Bomb da Base, Bomb da Base II, Mafia Work, Team Mafia Work, Deathmatch, Team Deathmatch, Turf War, Cops N Crooks, Race, GTA Race, Deal Breaker, Free Mode and Car Jack City. All these games supposedly can support up to 16 players and can be customized. More details about these modes and the game will start to flow considering it's a matter of weeks until the game is released. I can't wait.

- Nintendo of America president, Reggie Fils-Aime, recently teased the world by saying that Nintendo has some huge announcements for E3 this year. We know what the big N is releasing up to the summer season, but after that, it remains a mystery. Supposedly a big update to a key Nintendo franchise is coming but Reggie is remaining tight lipped. Any thoughts? I'm hoping for a new Kid Icarus title.