Phantom Dust was an Xbox game that merged card-collecting with arena combat. Although it was fairly well received (especially in Japan), it never took off, becoming a cult classic of sorts. Microsoft had announced a reboot at 2014’s e3, but it ended up being cancelled. Fortunately Xbox head honcho Phil Spencer and lead developer Yukio Futatsugi still had love for the series, and therefore an HD remaster of the game for Xbox One and PC was announced at last year’s E3. While information about the re-release was scarce, Microsoft Game Studios guaranteed that the game would be released before e3, and lo and behold, MS stayed true to its word. Not only that, Phantom Dust is free! The game contains a single player story mode, Xbox Live Anywhere, and a starter deck for multiplayer, so fans can jump into multiplayer right from the get-go (rather than having to unlock cards like in the original Xbox game). Hopefully a second lease on life for this game will allow it to gain the audience it deserves, or better yet, lead to another attempt at a reboot. Expect to see more about the game on an upcoming $20 Game of the Week.

Remedy has recently announced that they are pulling down Alan Wake from Xbox Live, Steam, and all other digital stormfronts and recalling it from storeshelves on Monday May 15 due to licensing issues. If you played the game you already know the game contains music from David Bowe, Depeche Mode, and Old Gods of Asgard (Poets of the Fall). Because music is such an integral part to the experience, Remedy can’t simply remove the songs from the game. Remedy is looking into re-licensing the songs, however it’s unknown when of if it will be possible. If you haven’t played this classic yet, Steam has it, its DLC, and the side game American Nightmare on sale with the entire collection available for $4. It should be noted that this does not affect American Nightmare, as it will still remain on the storefront. Also, if you already own the digital copy of the game, be it on Steam or Xbox Live, you can still download it after next Monday. If you haven’t played this game, now is the perfect time to do so. It’s a highly underrated game that didn’t get the attention that it deserved.

Before Bungie left Microsoft as a second party developer, the company gave us one last hurrah for the Halo franchise. Taking place shortly before the events of the original Halo, Reach follows the exploits of Noble Team, a group of Spartans fighting the covenant on the doomed planet Reach. If you read the novel ‘The Fall of Reach’, you’ll know that the planet is on borrowed time. Stepping in the shoes of Noble Six, you join the group and do what you can to battle the covenant. While you already know the tragic way it will end, you’ll enjoy getting there in the meantime.
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UbiSoft recently threw it’s hat into the Digital Distribution ring with it’s own Uplay service.

Like it or not, digital distribution is here to stay. It doesn’t have to be a bad thing though. For a PC gamer like me, having my games on Steam and downloading them whenever I get a new computer beats the shit out of having to install all my games from disc and entering in product keys. For a console gamer, you can pick up some of the best current and old-school games without leaving your couch. Heck, for smartphone users, you can access fun games with the click of a button. Console development is leaning towards digital distribution, and PC gaming has already been there for years. Several digital distribution services have popped up, each with their own selection. Here are 5 of the best, chosen by their selection, prices, and ease of use.
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In this episode we bring back the fourth chair! Ernie emerges from exile to talk about life, love, Xbox Live. Captain Genius consults the GI Joe Field Manual. Adam is bewildered by animated nerds. Zac tried to keep it all together and not get distracted by the rest of his life happening behind him.

Homework assignment: In time for next week’s show, watch Star Wars Despecialized. No direct download links, but those willing to go where those with peg legs and eye patches only dare should come up successful.

Listen live on this page, or subscribe via RSS or iTunes.
Direct Link:Powetcast 137: Fully Retractable

Continue on for related links, show notes, and the exit music.

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Bastion was developed over the course of two years by a 7-man team of Independent developers. It debuted last year as part of Microsoft’s annual Summer of Arcade promotion, and was recently included in the last humble indie bundle. Playing as a character known as “The Kid”, you explore the broken landscape to find out the secret of “The Calamity”, an event that ruined the world long ago. You wield several upgradable weapons as you travel through a landscape that puts itself together as you travel on it. There is a narrator in the game that provides commentary on everything you do. With its unique art style, Bastion stands out among independent titles, and its gameplay is reminiscent of 16-bit action RPGs like Secret of Mana. If you’re a fan of old school level grinding, you’ll love Bastion.

Evilquest is yet another Xbox Live Indie title that deserves its time in the spotlight. Built in the vein of classic 8 and 16-bit Action-RPGS like Chrystalis and SoulBlazer, Evilquest brings back that retro action that you love. Of course, there is a twist; instead of playing the hero intent on saving the world, you play as the villain who wishes to destroy it. You play as a legendary dark knight who is thrown into prison after being betrayed by a subordinate. After escaping, you vow revenge, killing everyone in your way. Evilquest is easy to pick up and play, and of course you can build your character’s skill levels as you go along. For $1, Evilquest is an excellent throwback to the games of old, so check it out and support independent game developers.

Remember all those old school wrestling games like Wrestlefest, WWF Arcade, Sega Slam, and (more specifically) Nintendo’s Pro Wrestling? You know, how Pro Wrestling gaming used to be before we were spoiled with games like WWF Attitude, WCW/NWO Revenge, No Mercy, Fire Pro Wrestling Returns, and Smackdown vs Raw? Well Xbox 360 Indie developer Action has bought back that retro feel thanks to Action Arcade Wrestling. It’s got a small, but varied selection of wrestlers, and it’s easy to pick up and play. You can even edit your own wrestlers and arenas. There are several match types available including steel cage and tag team. While it doesn’t have the bells and whistles of other wrestling games, it does bring back that nostalgic feel that’s been missing from video game wrestling. At only one dollar (80 ms points), the price is right. By the way, tell your friends to support the developer as well, as word is he’s making a sequel.