News Roundup: 29 January 2012

Wooo!  Finally leaving the doldrums of the Holiday Rush!  Starting Tuesday, games actually come out again!  And with new games comes more news.  So, here are a few stories that caught my eye in the last week!

Australia Begins to Debate R+18 Rating

The Australian Parliament will begin discussing adding another rating for games soon.  The bill would allow games that show a lot of gore/blood/violence and other 'unsavory' things to be marketed and sold in the country.  Games like Left 4 Dead came heavily censored into the country or were outright banned before, so this is a great step.  We'll see how long it takes to pass through the political system.  (via Joystiq)

Supergiant Games is Awesome

Soldiers out in the field have it rough enough without being denied great entertainment.  A soldier in Afghanistan wasn't able to get his hands on the amazing Bastion and he asked the company if there were plans for a disc release.  Not only did Supergiant make a special copy for him, they sent it overseas along with some extra goodies.  It's so nice to see companies that go that extra little bit for their fans.  (via Game Informer)

Interesting Approach to DLC

OK, I like figures. I can get behind this in a lot of ways. I don't like the bit of “random” to it. Also disappointing that it's PC and Xbox only. I'm sure they'll release the pieces online eventually (they did it with the Dr Pepper stuff from Mass Effect 2), but still. Dang, may have to get these figures and another copy of the game on Xbox. (via Game Informer)

The Online Pass Graces Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning

Love it or hate it, the content locking pass system is gaining traction.  This time, it strikes again in a fantasy RPG from EA.  Customers who buy the game new will have a faction questline available to them and the Mass Effect tie-in armor.  It doesn't sound like much, but since most of the online passes have been used to keep multiplayer locked, seeing it for a single player experience is a bit odd.  Curt Schilling, head of 38 Studios, responded to the fan outrage on the game's forums.  (via Game Informer, Joystiq and Destructoid)

Christmas is Over, But Let's Celebrate Anyway!  With Science!

Though the holidays have passed us by, a group of jolly souls on the Steam forums are still feeling the holiday spirit.  As such, they are making a Portal-themed Christmas album.  Not much more needs to be said just check out this track from it!  (via Joystiq)