Featured recently across PCgameshardware.com, Rebellion’s Senior Producer David Brickley had some inspiring words for the upcoming PC release of Aliens vs Predator. The article covers off not only the previously hinted at Dx11 capabilities, but also more advanced graphical techniques that Aliens vs Predator might employ; here’s a taste:

PCGH: Having a closer look at the few released PC Screenshots it becomes clear that a very detailed visual presentation seems to play an important role while developing Aliens versus Predator. Do you leverage very modern rendering techniques like Parallax Occlusion Mapping, Soft Shadows, HDR, a lighting model with Deferred Shading, Screen Space Ambient Occlusion, Shader Model 4.0 or post effects like Tone Mapping, Depth of Field or Motion Blur? If yes can you please give examples how this rendering techniques are utilized in Aliens versus Predator?

David Brickley: Yes! Dynamic lighting and shadows are absolutely key to the atmosphere of AvP: as a Marine you are constantly trying to survive in a dark environment – jumping at shadows and lighting your way forward with a flashlight and flares. Each of the three species sees the environment differently and creatures like the Alien are able to see clearly in areas that would otherwise appear pitch black to both the Marine and the Predator. We would not be able to achieve these kinds of effects without an HDR lighting model and Tone Mapping. Deferred Rendering allows us to use all these effects together in a way that would not otherwise be possible. I remember when we implemented and turned on the Screen Space Ambient Occlusion for the first time and everyone just went “wow!”…it brings a whole new level of lighting realism and solidity to everything. It’s hard to imagine how we ever did without it!

Sounds pretty enticing to me, especially as a PC enthusiast… bring it! Read the full interview and let us know what you think!

For the first time ever, the original games from the early days of Sonic the Hedgehog will be coming to the Nintendo DS. Sonic Classic Collection will be available in Spring 2010, and includes Sonic the Hedgehog, Sonic the Hedgehog 2, Sonic the Hedgehog 3, and Sonic & Knuckles.

The Sonic Classic Collection will offer a new save feature, a first for Sonic the Hedgehog and Sonic the Hedgehog 2, as well as an unlockable video recounting the history of Sonic, offering gamers an in-depth look at the speedy hedgehog.

“The original Sonic the Hedgehog games were the start of a pop culture phenomenon that extended beyond just the video game world,” commented Sean Ratcliffe, Vice-President of Marketing for SEGA of America. “The Sonic Classic Collection will introduce a whole new generation of gamers to this beloved Hedgehog and take them back to his humble beginnings.”

We’re pleased to announce that Super Monkey Ball 2 is now available in the App Store for iPhone and iPod Touch! This all-new game was built from the ground up and takes full advantage of the breakthrough technology on these devices.

“Super Monkey Ball was a huge success for us in the App Store,” said Mike Hayes, CEO of SEGA of America and SEGA of Europe. “When presented with the opportunity to do a second one, we knew we had to jump on it and strive to make it bigger and better than the first one. Addressing fan requests and making sure iPhone and iPod touch gamers had the ultimate Super Monkey Ball experience they were looking for was the driving force behind this latest iteration of the beloved franchise and we know we have delivered.”

Developed by Other Ocean, Super Monkey Ball 2 allows players to more easily pick-up-and-play stunning 3D stages in both single and multiplayer thanks to the refined control system. Playing as some of their favorite characters, including AiAi,  players can take advantage of the accelerometer to steer their monkey towards delicious bananas and a satisfying finish. Adding to the fun, the Super Monkey Ball 2 App also makes all 115 stages of the game available to be played in multiplayer mode using the local Wi-Fi with up to four players.

The Super Monkey Ball 2 App is now available for $9.99 (USD) from the App Store on iPhone and iPod touch or at www.itunes.com/appstore/.

If you’re hungry for more screens, you can see them on on our Flickr page.