Today in Games

Casual offerings on the PlayStation Store for PlayStation 3 have been pretty slim since the system’s launch. A Sudoku game and a generic puzzle pack are about the extent of it. But TikGames and Creat Studios are about to liven up the offerings with three new PlayStation Network games. To be released this Winter (presumably, that extends into early 2009) are Mahjong Tales: Ancient Wisdom, Cuboid, and Magic Ball.

Mahjong Tales: Ancient Wisdom brings the time-tested tile matching gameplay to the PlayStation 3 for the first time ever. A single player quest mode pairs the high def visuals with a narrated story and hand crafted illustrations. A head-to-head Multiplayer mode is included as well as several “quick play” single player modes. Downloadable level packs and a tile editor are planned for later release.

Cuboid puts a dazzling coat of HD paint on the traditional “find the exit” puzzle gameplay. Players are challenged to maneuver a mysterious cube across 66 mystical levels suspended over ancient ruins. A level editor and premium expansion packs are also planned for future release.

PC players may recognize the name Magic Ball from Alawar Entertainment, but they’ve never seen it like this! Taking the familiar Breakout gameplay — bounce a ball with a paddle to destroy bricks — to a dazzling new level, Magic Ball on PlayStation 3 gives players over 40 stages to clear set in fantasy themed lands with pirates and dragons. Online play will be included and 20 more stages will be released for download down the road.

All three titles are based on tried-and-tested gameplay but the high def visual upgrades and streamlined controls promise to draw even the most ancient, jaded gamers back for just one more round. No exact release date or price has been announced but don’t expect any of these games to set you back more than ten bucks.

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