Introversion recently started looking for new developers for a mobile version of DEFCON, according to CVG. The original DEFON was a cult success, heralded by many for its unique apocalyptic premise: players are engaged in a deadly endgame, where the world's superpowers are launching their nuclear weapons. Players must kill as many people as possible through strategic use of their country's nuclear cache.
The game's simplistic graphics would make it an ideal candidate for all handhelds, including cell phones, PSP and DS. Although the awkwardly-worded job ad mentions no specific platform, CVG speculates that it will most likely head to PSP. We're not exactly sure why they'd assume that, but we really hope they're right.

Happy 10th un-birthday, Duke Nukem Forever! As we "celebrate" your un-life, we want to think about a PSP game with an analogous development time: Oblivion. CVG reminds us that the title was supposed to launch by now, possibly in time for the recent PS3 release. They contacted Ubisoft for some word on whether or not the title was actually still in development, but they received a noncommittal "no comment."

Gamestop's release date for the title continues to shift, having moved from last year to this, from April to September, back to April, and now December. Do you think Oblivion will ever come out for our system?

CVG is reporting that Ghost Recon Advanced Warfighter 2 for PSP has been delayed from March 30th to June and Rainbow Six Vegas from May to a much more ambiguous spring. While Driver 76 slid back to June for more development time. Checking EBgames' website revealed indeed GRAW 2 is listed for June, but neither of the other games were listed at the dates CVG gave. This could just be a case of EB's site not being updated yet though, so make sure you call before rushing out for these Ubisoft titles.

[Via DCEmu]

Every Extend Extra started as a freeware PC app that was transformed by the music-loving Q? Entertainment folks. With flashy skins, and groovin' music, does Every Extend Extra continue the music puzzling legacy of Mizuguchi, or does it fall flat on its face? Let's see what the critics have to say:

• CVG (90/100) thinks the game is just as good as its Lumines predecessor: "With all the impressive music and visual tech pushing Every Extend Extra, its easy to forget that when you strip it all away there's a unique and addictive shooter lying underneath. As with Lumines, E3 is a game for those who appreciate a simple yet brilliantly-realised, score-driven experience - otherwise you might just be put off by the limited amount of raw content the game has to offer."
• IGN (81/100) thinks the game's a bit too short-lived, but its pretty looks keep it coming back for more: "Nine stages may not sound like a lot, and truthfully, it's not. But for some cosmic reason it satisfies nonetheless. Each one provides such a distinct arena, complete with unique musical tracks and background animations, that moving through the game gives players an actual sense of accomplishment."
• The Mizuguchi-worshipping 1UP (60/100) gave a surprisingly low review, saying the game's flashy nature is a bit too distracting: "It's extra flashy, extra chaotic, extra confusing. Q Entertainment's unique sense of style is in full effect, but for once that's maybe not such a good thing. All of Mizuguchi's trademark flash and pizzazz actually detract from the experience."

With the exception of 1UP, it appears that the critics enjoy the E3 experience. And although it might be too short, or too flashy, the original Every Extend is included as a nice bonus. The game is now available for the budget price of $30. I'm buying it just for the awesome box art.

You should know that Tetsuya Mizuguchi is a gaming god to me. Lumines is still one of the best games on the system by far, and Mizuguchi's puzzling sequel has me more than a little excited. CVG recently had an intimate discussion with the gaming master, and he had some really crazy, possibly drug-induced things to say:

CVG: Can you tell us a bit about the title song in Lumines 2, 'Heavenly Star'?
Mizuguchi: So the girl in the video, she is 17 years-old. She doesn't exist in this world; she's a future girl. She was born in outer space and she's never touched on this planet yet. This is kind of the big love song for the Earth; she's always dreaming of what kind of place Earth is.

Uh... Okay... Maybe the guy had a bit too much to drink before the interview:

CVG: How important is synesthesia - integrating music and visuals - in Lumines? More or less important than in Rez or Every Extend Extra?
Mizuguchi: Rez is kind of tequila; a very strong shot, but Lumines is like a Sauvignon Blanc; a wine you can drink at Sunday lunch.

Yep. The secret to Mizuguchi's success has to be some kind of chemical influence. Maybe you too can become a successful game designer with the right... materials...

According to GameFront, it appears that the highly anticipated Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Stories will be presented to members of the press in next week's Games Convention in Germany. Also on-hand at the show, according to GamesIndustry.biz is Sonic Rivals, the first ever original PSP platformer starring Sega's famous mascot. With the convention pending, it appears that new screens of both games are making their way around the internet. CVG has posted new screens of Sonic Rivals, featuring the aptly named Silver, who boasts psychic powers. GAME also has new direct-feed screenshots of Vice City Stories in action, showcasing the "new" rocket launcher.

[Thanks, Adriaan!]