In a surprising move, the majority of this week's Virtual Goods picks are coming to you on portable devices. Both the PSP and DSi received some solid releases, giving gamers a reason to make sure their batteries are charged. That's not to say that this week was devoid of virtual items for less portable devices; it's just the handhelds featured more quality games worth checking out. Speaking of which... here they are!
echoshift (PSP)
This spiritual successor to the PS3's downloadable classic echochrome brings both a simplistic and beautiful game to the PSP and PSP Go. Instead of rotating the environments to complete the 3D puzzles, echoshift opts to stay in 2D, and allows you to create multiple instances of yourself in time to help you finish the levels. Yes, this game both bends time and minds. $14.99
Grandia PS Classic (PSN, PSP)
The PlayStation version of the Sega Saturn classic RPG can now be yours for the rock-bottom price of $9.99, which is at least one third of what a physical copy of the game would cost you on eBay. It's a deep and beautiful game from famed developer Game Arts, at a reasonable price that you can play on your PS3 and PSP... why haven't you downloaded it yet? $9.99
Borderlands DLC: "The Secret Armory of General Knoxx" (Xbox 360)
It may be the only console-based Virtual Good this week, but in this case, quality makes up for quantity. This week, Gearbox Software is continuing the amazing job that they have already done supporting Borderlands with DLC, with the release of "The Secret Armory of General Knoxx." The expansion adds pretty much everything to the game, from new weapons to a higher level cap, as well as a new area of the world to explore that's bigger than both of the previous add-ons combined. 800 MS Points ($9.99)
Age of Zombies (PSP)
Age of Zombies clocks in as this week's obligatory zombie-themed release, but that's okay because the PSP's DLC was severely lacking in that area. Play as Barry Steakfries as he travels through time to stop the impending zombie apocalypse in this top-down shooter from developer Halfbrick. In addition to killing the undead in Ancient Egypt and Feudal Japan, the trailer seems to promise some kind of zombie T-rex, which, I think, is one of the few untapped species of zombies left. I guess after sheep comes T-Rex. $4.99
Flipper (DSi)
There is virtually no love comparable to of a young boy's love for his goldfish. Flipper is proof of just how far one will go to save the other. Sadly, in this game, it's the boy trying to save the goldfish in screen-spinning, 3D platform-based puzzles, and not the fish trying to save the boy. As enjoyable as Flipper is, a goldfish trying repeatedly to save its owner sounds like a perfect idea for a sequel. 500 DSi Points ($5.00)
MapleStory Update (PC)
Admit it: you play MapleStory every now and then. Everyone has a guilty pleasure, and there's nothing wrong with yours being a cute, 2D, side-scrolling MMO. MapleStory got a big update this week courtesy of its latest patch, adding two new areas for players to explore: Neo City and Kerning Square. Players that head to Neo City are in for a trip into Maple World's future, whereas visiting Kerning Square comes in as a slightly less impressive shopping center. Head to the mall or head to the future; you choose. Free
Star Wars Avatar Accessories and Fret Nice (Xbox 360)
Xbox catches up! Just a quick note that a couple of previous week's Virtual Goods picks are now available on Xbox Live. The Star Wars-themed Home attire is now available for purchase for your Xbox avatar, and Tecmo's unique rhythm game Fret Nice is also now on the Xbox 360.
