LucasArts, creators of classic games such as the Monkey Island series and Full Throttle (which gave me an excuse to post the glorious gif above), believes that the increase in developers using digital distribution to release games has also increased consumer interest in retro games.

Craig Derrick, producer on the upcoming download only Secret of Monkey Island: Special Edition, told Destructoid that LucasArts decided to update the title due to fan demand, and also because making new IP is “very difficult”.

“We’re experiencing a remarkable increase in retro gaming and nostalgia thanks in part to the digital distribution of games on Xbox Live Arcade, PSN, Wiiware, Steam and iTunes, he said. “We’re seeing that gamers are looking for new experiences, even if they’re found in classic games.

“The age range of the average gamer has significantly broadened and people are open now more than ever to different types of game genres.” - Destructoid

The beauty of releasing old games on any digital distribution platform means that not only those that grew up playing them can relive the good old days, but it also means that quality games are exposed to a new generation. Some gamers may like hunting down dusty copies of old games, but I just prefer easy access on modern platforms. That doesn’t mean I think they should be updated though, and to be honest I prefer the original visuals in Secret of Monkey Island rather than the new HD update on PC and Xbox Live Arcade (thankfully you can switch between the two). However, there are other options available such as the excellent Good Old Games website. Not only does GoG provide a large stable of classic games, but it’s also extremely cheap to boot!

Secret of Monkey Island: Special Edition lands 7 July on PC and Xbox Live.

This week we have a trio of film tie-ins, gardening practice, bad singing and the 3567th installment of a sadly well known franchise. None of them are as exciting as Russell Grant’s Astrology though, which is something I’ve been waiting my entire life for.

Is it hard to tell sarcasm over the Internet?

X-Men Origins: Wolverine (DS, PC, PSP, PS3, X360) 1/5

Can a game based on a film actually be good if your name isn’t Goldeneye? X-Men Origins: Wolverine certainly seems to be trying hard to please more than just the casual crowd who’d just buy the game based on whether or not they liked the film. The game isn’t living up to the films paltry 12A rating and instead is packing in plenty of blood and gore that is strictly not for kids.

Rhythm Paradise (DS) 1/5

The aim of Rhythm Paradise is to tap, flick, slide and hold the stylus on the touch screen to create a beat that matches the background music for the level you’re currently on. Basically it’s a collection of mini-games that introduces a unique set of controls to beat each level. It can be pretty difficult at times, so prepare for some frustration.

Gardening Mama (DS) 1/5

Coming a month earlier than its original 5th June release date Gardening Mama combines the gameplay of Cooking Mama with the love of gardening. This means that it’s a collection of connected mini-games, but instead of cooking stuff you’re planting, growing and picking things instead. More of the same, but if you’re a fan then you’d probably love that.

Dynasty Warriors: Strikeforce (PSP) 1/5

Speaking of “more of the same” Dynasty Warriors hasn’t really evolved much since Dynasty Warriors 2. What I loved about that installment has grown increasingly stale as each installment in the franchise does the exact same thing its predecessor does. That doesn’t stop it selling by the truckload in Asia, but about the only thing setting this installment apart from all the others is that it happens to be on a handheld.

Other releases:

• Marble Saga: Kororinpa (Wii) 1/5
• Hannah Montana: The Movie (DS, PC, PS3, X360) 1/5
• SingStar Pop Edition (PS3) 1/5
• Women’s Murder Club: Death in Scarlet (PC) 1/5
• Coraline (DS, PS2, Wii) 1/5
• Women’s Murder Club: A Darker Shade of Grey (PC) 1/5
• Elven Legacy (PC) 1/5
• Russell Grant’s Astrology (DS) 1/5
• Ultimate Ninja 4: Naruto Shippuden (PS2) 1/5
• Garfield Gets Real (DS) 30/4
• Hysteria Hospital: Emergency Ward (PC) 30/4
• Neverwinter Nights 2: Mysteries of Westgate (PC) 29/4

This is a bit late this week because I’ve been really busy, but better late than never right?

Anyway, this week was one of those weeks where nothing really special comes along. There are no big hitters, unless you count Wanted: Weapons of Fate and Ninja Blade as two. That’s pretty much it though, but that doesn’t mean all the other games are bad, it just means they’ve not been part of the hype machine.

All the games below should already be in the shops.

Wanted: Weapons of Fate (PS3, Xbox 360)

Coming so long after the film it’s based on it’s hard to see how Wanted: Weapons of Fate can garner much attention. Only time will tell how such a big stretch has affected sales, but the game’s aim is to build upon the film. Of course, new story is also complete with curving bullets!

Ninja Blade (Xbox 360)

Microsoft describes it as a “cinematic action game” featuring designs from Keiji Nakaoka, who brought us Lost Planet. It may share similarities with Ninja Gaiden, but this hack-and-slash game is a decent game in its own right.

The Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask (Wii)

It may not be the best Zelda game in the series, but it’s up there near the top. The excellent Majora’s Mask is getting a re-release on the Wii’s virtual console. If you’ve never played, or just want to relive the old days, then now is the time to pick it up.

Disgaea DS (DS)

Nippon Ichi’s massive tactical RPG is getting a release on the DS, meaning that you can suck more of your life away while you’re on the move. New features include randomly generated items and unlockable characters.

• Hei$t (Xbox 360)
• WSC Real 09: World Championship Snooker (PC, PSP,PS3, Xbox 360)
• Lux-Pain (DS)
• Tenchu: Shadow Assassins (PSP)
• A-Train 8 (PC)
• Blast Works: Build, Trade, Destroy (Wii)
• Smiley World Island Challenge (DS)
• Penumbra Collection (PC)
• Europa Universalis Collection (PC)
• Real Madrid: The Game (Wii)
• Pool Hall Pro (PC)
• Let’s Play: Mums (DS)
• Let’s Play: Shops (DS)
• Catan: Die Erste Insel (DS)

It’s only one day a year, and we spend so much money on it that we wonder why we bother, but how can anyone hate Christmas? I know that I’ll always love the presents, the mountains of food, the lashings of alcohol and ‘good’ TV. Of course, I’m hoping that I’ll also get a good video game or two and I’m sure you lot are as well!

The sales started early this year, but they’ll continue on into January; so be sure to check out ButtonSmasher and Pricegrabber in the New Year for the latest bargains, feature articles and gaming news. I can’t really suggest any game for you today as you should have all your presents sorted by now(and if you haven’t then I suggest you go and hide in a cave until it all blows over), but I hope that you get everything you want and you’re enjoying a game in-between the turkey and mince pies.

I’ll be back in a day or two, but until then have a great Christmas!

P.S If Santa hasn’t arrived at your house yet you can check his current location in the world through this handy tracker.