In an interview with Tim Schafer, it revealed that Brütal Legend will have a unique feature not presented in many M-Rated games, a profanity filter. This profanity filter will allow the players of Brütal Legend to turn on and off a filter that censors in-game profanity, “bleeping out” swear words, and putting shields over improper visuals.

“But there’s a certain age where – there are certain players who are old enough, but just don’t really like playing with all that stuff. So we actually put two things up: there’s a profanity filter in the game, where you can actually turn it on and it’ll actually bleep all the language out, and it’ll actually cover certain profane things with the ‘parental advisory’ sign, which is in itself is a reference to the PMRC, right, which is part of the history of heavy metal,” said Schafer when speaking to Planet Xbox 360.

“It’s optional, so you can turn it on if you want. There’s also a gore filter, which you can turn off, and you won’t be dismembered and there won’t be blood. It’s for those people who like playing with their kids, or who just don’t like it.”

This filter will open the option for parents to play Brütal Legend with their kids, while protecting their innocents for the time being. Schafer also mentions that bleeping out swear words in the game adds the possibility of making the in-game jokes funnier, and make your imagination run wild with the options of what the person is actually saying.

Gamestop revealed today that North American pre-orders for Batman: Arkham Asylum will receive a code for the “Dem Bones” Challenge Map.

In the challenge map, “Dem Bones”, players will face off against Scarecrow’s army of skeletons. This challenge map will be one of the most challenging maps that the game has to offer, which gives Batman: Arkham Asylum high re-playability. Batman: Arkham Asylum is due out nationwide on August 25, 2009.

Information revealed by Rocksteady’s Sefton Hill confirms that the Batman: Arkham Asylum The Joker dowloadable content is a Sony exclusive. Meaning that The Joker will not be available as a playable character for the Xbox 360 version of the game anytime soon, or in the future.

However, he did have some good news for 360 fans, Hill stated that more downloadable content is in the works for both the Xbox 360 and PS3 versions of the game.

[JOKER EXCLUSIVE TO PS3 FOR GOOD via Wonder Wall Web]

In an interview with Phil Spencer, head of Microsoft Game Studios, it revealed that Project Natal, a new no controller technology that allows games to be played with ones body, will not only feature a number of games at its launch, but that it isn’t the only piece of hardware they plan to release for the Xbox 360 of its kind.

Although there’s currently no new hardware other than Natal in the works, Spencer mentions that, “It’s not about trying to sell consumers a new piece of hardware at the wrong time, it’s about evolving the platform continuously,” meaning that new hardware is necessary for the 360 to move forward. Basically, adjusting its abilities as a console.

As for launch titles, there have been some hints to some of the games that will be releasing with Project Natal at its launch; the amazing artificial intelligence called Milo that Peter Molyneux debut at E3, and when Microsoft  showcased the power of Natal during their press conference at E3 with the painting and dodge ball games.

However, with Natal’s launch upon us, the public has yet to see any other titles that work with Natal. Could this mean a “Wii Sports” like title that utilizes the Xbox 360′s avatars? Let the speculations begin.

[Natal will ‘relaunch’ 360 in 2010 via MCV]

On the Japanese version PSN a game entitled Gomibako, also know as Trash Panic, re-released today. The title is free to download, however, you have to pay 100 yen, or one dollar, for every three lives. You die three times, you have to pay another dollar. The cycle viciously continues until you either decide to stop spending money or stop playing.

Luckily, Trash Panic allows you to gain rewards that are featured in Playstation Home. However, this wasn’t a feature in the original Trash Panic. In the traditional game, you brought the game and played as much as wanted.

Anyway, this is a test run for future games that will run on this pay as you play model. However, is it an alternative for people who play games less and thus do not have to spend as much money as someone who plays regularly? Who knows, but I prefer a to pay for my games up front,  not having to worry about spending another dime.

Note: To view the box-art click the link below (after video).

The box art for the highly anticipated title, Tom Clancy’s Splinter Cell: Conviction, was released yesterday, as well as the information that will be located on the back of the retail box.

The back of the box reads:

You are a fugitive, ruthlessly hunted by the very government you used to serve. Your only choice is to improvise to survive. Experience original gameplay based on improvisation in which your environment is your top weapon. Always on your toes, you need to react on the fly to any changing situations and use the environment and the crowds around you to create diversions and deter your enemies.

As a fugitive, quick thinking and adaptation are essential to turn the situation to your advantage. A gameplay experience delivering 100% adrenaline includes close combat and shooting sequences. To survive, build an underground network of allies who will help you obtain high-tech gadgets and stay one step ahead of your pursuers as you struggle to unmask the forces that frame you.

[Box-art and Details via Game-Debate]

A video showcasing the un-boxing of Modern Warfare 2′s Prestige Edition was posted to the internet yesterday.

This is the most expensive edition of Modern Warfare 2 and comes packed with the Harden Edition of the game, an exclusive art book, and a fohawk head to put your pair of working night vision goggles on. Yes, you heard right, working night vision goggles.

Anyway,  this collector’s bundle seems to be one of the most ambitious bundles ever published. However, without a price point, who knows if this bundle is worth the price? All I know is, it would take a ridiculous price point to get me away from buying a pair of working night vision goggles with my video game.