Bulletstorm demo blows up Jan. 25 on Xbox Live, PSN

"It can't possibly be that stupid, can it?"

It's the thought we've had from the moment we first saw the game title (which is still Bulletstorm, by the way) to when we heard an NPC call the player a "butt chugger" and "wiener apprentice," or whatever it is they actually say. Can the game really be this meatheaded and still, by most accounts, be a joy to play? You'll be able to judge for yourself when a demo for the game drops on Xbox Live and PSN on Tuesday, January 25. (If there's a PC demo on the way, EA has made no mention of it.)

The Bulletstorm demo features the score-attack "Echo Mode," which provides a sliver of the campaign with rigid time and weapon constraints, and then compares your score against friends. Your tolerance for being profanely insulted will not, as far as we know, be tested.
Source: EA

Homefront DLC maps to debut on Xbox Live, 'Suburbs' exclusive to Xbox

Homefront is following in Call of Duty's footsteps in more ways than one. As Activision has done for its FPS franchise, THQ is partnering up with Microsoft to offer Xbox Live members first access to all future downloadable content for Homefront, Xbox's Major Nelson announced today at a THQ press event for the game. In addition, the Xbox 360 version of the game will include an exclusive map at launch, dubbed "Suburbs."

Additional details about the map and partnership will be revealed on "Inside Xbox" next week.

Super Street Fighter 4, NFS Shift now on XBL Games on Demand

Fans of downloadable convenience might like to know that Super Street Fighter 4 and Need for Speed Shift are now available via Xbox Live Games on Demand. SSF4 is available for $40, while Shift is a slightly more palatable $30. Oh, Operation Darkness -- the WWII strategy game with vampires and zombies -- is also available today for $40. You know, in case you were waiting for it.

Zeit 2 and random zombie deals on Xbox Live next week

Ubisoft's time-traveling shmup, Zeit 2, is the lone game listed in Major Nelson's latest list of upcoming Xbox Live Arcade releases. If that doesn't quite sate your gaming appetite, Live is also throwing a random "Back from the Dead" promotion by cutting the price of Zombie Apocalypse and The Dishwasher: Dead Samurai to 400 Points ($5) each. Plants vs. Zombies will continue the promotion the following week by going on sale for 800 Points ($10).

Next week will also discount "more than 25 pieces" of DLC from Activision, including Call of Duty map packs, Guitar Hero songs and Arcade games. EA will get its chance starting January 18, with an equally vague promise of "one-time savings" on EA "content." For the full schedule of Xbox Live releases, check past the break.

Deal of the Week (Xbox Live Gold members only)

January 10 - 16

• Zombie Apocalypse - 400 Microsoft Points* (50% off)
• The Dishwasher: Dead Samurai - 400 MSP (50% off)

January 17 - 23

• Plants vs. Zombies - 800 MSP (33% off)

Games On Demand

• January 4: Crackdown 2
• January 11: Need for Speed SHIFT
• January 18: Transformers: The Game
• January 18: Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen
• January 18: Dante's Inferno

Xbox Live Arcade Releases

• January 12: zeit 2 - 800 MSP

Avatar Marketplace

• January 6: New Year's Resolution
• January 6: Food Fest
• January 6: Burton
• January 13: Dinosaur Pets
• January 13: Xbox 360 Gear

*80 Microsoft Points = $1.00