Previously unbeknownst to me, the guys over at the official PlayStation blog have a sense of humor. In an effort to answer some frequently asked questions about the upcoming firmware update for the PS3, Eric Lempel has put all the answers to those burning questions intoblog form. After reading it, though, I have to wonder how frequently some of these question were really asked. Not only does Eric humorously answer up to what his favorite cheese is (mozzarella ftw!...

According to the mysteriously-namedPlaystation Blog, Michael Shorrock, the Director of Third Party Relations at SCEA, has announced thatGeoff Keighlyhas announced thatRockstar Gameshas announced an exclusive, brand new franchise for the PS3. Rockstar has mentioned before that the 360 gave the company some considerable challenges due to the lack of disc storage capacity and how poor people aren’t required to get a hard drive, so itcomes as no shockthat they would want to “make a game that you can truly only do on the Playstion 3…”...

You know we’re crazy forResident Evil 5. After the stellarResident Evil 4, who wouldn’t be? Capcom just sent word that the newResident Evil 5 Web siteis now live. The presentation of this site is super-slick and Flash-heavy, but it’s worth it to wait for the loading. With your mouse, you’re able to navigate through the city of Kijuju, where you’ll see everything from grass huts to seedy dark alleys. You’ll also witness acts of violence by angry Kijujuians, the same guys who beat you down constantly inRE5....

Dante’s not the only onefinding life on the iOS, as Capcom has also announced thatResident Evil Mercenaries Vs.is coming to iPhone/iPod Touch. The game looks to be a standalone version of the “Mercenaries” from Resident Evil 4 iOS. It will feature support for Game Center, as well as online for two-on-two or free-for-all multiplayer. Currently only two playable characters — Chris and Jill — and one map has been revealed....

Just when I thought people were over the music game instruments, another exclusive one comes out. I’m always tripping over the clearance and reduction bin music controllers in stores, but Best Buy wants to offer a new one? At least this one is the ultimate one. At least this one is also a real musical instrument. TheRock Band 3Fender Stratocaster Squier is exclusive to Best Buy. The $279.99 controller will go on sale in March, but the retailer is taking pre-orders right now bothonlineand in stores....

As revealed onGameTrailers TV, Rocksteady Studios is cramming yet another villain intoBatman: Arkham City. It’s the assassin Deadshot, which should be a very fitting inclusion given the open nature of the game. Game director Sefton Hill explains that the side-mission structure allows the team to focus on different aspects of Batman’s character, and based on the footage shown, using Detective mode will be crucial in figuring out what Deadshot’s motives for being in the city are....

We sure are agiantteasethis weekend ain’t we folks? The latest bit of gossip I have for you is sure to tickle your fancy. We reported a couple of weeks ago that Haramonix is working on something that will blow theGuitar Herofranchise out of the water.Now, thanks to reader Farktoid, we have some new information on what Red Octane is potentially working on. Marcus and Red Octane appear to have another plan....

According toCheap Ass Gamer, Microsoft is prepping to announce a few family-friendly-flavored Xbox 360 bundles to follow up on the console’s recent price drops. Reportedly, GameStop has tagged these bundles with an October 8 ship date, andXbox 360 Fanboytells us that Swedish retailer Webhallen has the items in question plastered all over its Web site. As seen above,LEGO Indiana JonesandKung-Fu Pandawill be pack-ins for the Pro and Elite models, whileSega Superstar Tenniswill be included with the Arcade....

Okay, this is a weird one.Hexusis reporting that some Xbox Live users are turning on their consoles to find either a terrible or beautiful thing. Some users are reporting that they have received 500 free Marketplace points for no apparent reason whatsoever. Some users are reporting that they have lost 500 Marketplace points upon checking their data. Hexus took a stab at the free points and supposed that it may have been a result of pre-orderingGrand Theft Auto IV....

Runic Games has a couple more teases forTorchlight IIleading up to E3. On this specific Friday, the studio has honed in on level design and the game’s new environment types. Lead level designer Patrick Blankgoes intoPasses, tighter areas used to connect zones. He also discussesTorchlight II‘s massive Overworld areas, which are much larger than the biggest levels in the originalTorchlight. Of course, dungeons still come into play, and there’s the element of randomness to everything....

Is the PS3 too expensive for you? Not a big fan of Nintendo? Well, here’s a deal you might just want to take advantage of. Micro Center stores are letting people usethese $100 rebateson both Premium and Core Xbox 360 systems. Please keep in mind that there are only 19 stores nationwide, so there is a huge chance you don’t live near one. If you can handle using rebates and youlive near a Micro Center, then I highly recommend you go out and get yourself a 360....

It’s so rare that a game can coax a genuine, non-sardonic smile from a cynical and jaded gamer, but 5TH CELL is doing its best withScribblenauts. You all know about the game by now, and you all know that nearly everybody in the gaming media is fawning over the thing like it’s a newborn golden baby. It’s safe to say that critical success is in the bag. Will commercial success be soon behind?...

I’m of the opinion that we could always use more fast-paced, over-the-top first-person shooters, which is something I cannot talk about without mentioningSerious Sam 3and to some extentPainkiller: Resurrection. Speaking with Eurogamer, Croteam head honcho Roman Ribaric dropped two hints related to Sam’s next adventure. “First,Serious Sam 3will play like the originalSerious Sam.” Thank goodness for that — I imagine 99% of the people who play the series aren’t playing it for the art style (no offense!...