Bits and Bytes: Latest from the gaming world

This edition is going to be another punch and jab edition. Here's some insight, news and gossip!

QUICK THOUGHT — I just finished playing through Mass Effect and I have to say that Bioware did an excellent job. If you loved the Knights of the Old Republic series, then you'll almost feel right at home with this game. You can be a good guy or a total jerk, but you'll still be able to save the galaxy. Numerous dialogue options and real time combat makes this RPG a real treat. Beware: the weapons management system sucks and you'll hardly EVER use money or buy stuff from the stores.

For the achievement junkies: I finished it with over half of the achievements on one play through and started from the beginning with my saved character to grab a bunch more in a short period of time.

Speaking of achievements, the supposed list has been leaked for Grand Theft Auto IV. I haven't taken a close look at them because I would like to have some surprises as I play through the story mode at the end of the month, but I will say there's a clever name for one of the achievements: “COLD COFFEE.” Good one, guys. I hope this isn't a joke.

Echochrome is finally hitting the shelves in early May. This trippy-looking puzzle game featuring a stick man and soothing music has been on my “must have” list since I saw it demoed last year. Too bad I won't get to it on release day...I'll be playing some GTA IV. If you haven't seen this game, go to www.1up.com and search for it.

If you want something else to check out while at 1up.com, you Guitar Hero fans may want to check out the new trailer for Guitar Hero: Aerosmith. Personally, I think the band is overrated and I'm not into them. I may rent this edition of GH just to get some new achievements and play some of the songs from bands that aren't Aerosmith. Other songs that have been announced include: “Dream Police” by Cheap Trick, “I Hate Myself for Loving You” by Joan Jett and a cover of “All Day and All of the Night” by the Kinks. I think I'll be spending my hard earned dough on more DLC for Rock Band instead.

The maps that were only available by purchasing them for Halo 3 have not been released as freebees as three more maps are being readied to be purchased by the game's fans. I actually held off for the maps that are now free. How I did it, I couldn't tell you.

The new Rock Band store is awesome and it looks like the new PS3 store looks to be getting a complete overhaul as well. By mid-April, the store will have a new look and an improved navigation interface. This is a welcome for me because I can't stand the PS3 store.