With Halo 3 on store shelves, not much has happened this week in terms of downloads... although Nintendo changed all that this morning. Let's get to the action!

Xbox Live Arcade

Sadly, Microsoft didn't offer any new Xbox Live Arcade titles this week. However, a couple of demos did become available. Check out playable demos of NHL 2K8 (now in stores), Clive Barker's Jericho and Thrillville: Off the Rails now.

Hot Play of the Week

Sin and Punishment: Successor To the Earth (Nintendo, Virtual Console) -- Is there even a question as to why we picked this one? Back when it was released in Japan, it was heralded as one of the finest N64 games ever made. That left us scratching our heads as to how we possibly missed it as a US release. No matter -- Nintendo's made up for lost time here. The game continues to be a delightful blast-a-thon, filled with non-stop commotion and constant challenges. More levels would've been nice, but the ones provided have plenty of jolts to spare. Dig in and give yourself some Punishment.


PlayStation Network

By the same token, Sony didn't offer any new games either. However, it did provide some new content for a pair of its hit games. Check out the Speed Master pack for Ninja Gaiden Sigma for a mere $3 or speed around with an extra MotorStorm vehicle for $1. Playable demos for NBA 2K8 and Clive Barker's Jericho also became available, along with an Iron Man movie trailer. It's a blast.

Virtual Console

Now, it's time for "how Nintendo came and destroyed the downloading opposition". Let's see what the big N has in store...

Sin and Punishment: Successor To the Earth (Nintendo, Nintendo 64, 1200 points) -- It's a hair more expensive than the typical N64 release, but it's most definitely worth it. This Treasure-produced action game is outstanding, with beautiful visuals and jam-packed gameplay throughout its multiple levels. Some of the dialogue is cheesy and the game ends too soon, but it's still one of the best games out there. Get it and put it right alongside Gunstar Heroes. RATING: 9 (out of 10)

Super Mario Bros.: The Lost Levels (Nintendo, NES, 600 points) -- Again, it's bumped up in price, but this is still a must buy for any true Super Mario Bros. fan. These levels are quite difficult, taking mastery and skill to get through. However, the essence of Mario runs at full speed here, with classic visuals and music tied in with the entertaining gameplay. Drop six hundred points and prepare yourself for a challenge. There's no reaching the flagpole with 300 ticks on the clock here. RATING: 8 (out of 10)