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We're received a handful of tips, and Massively confirms it: beta invites for the surprisingly hype-worthy Lego Universe beta have started to roll out. It's something we entirely want in on.

But, alas, no invite for us. Our tips box is only a repository for our own sadness, as others regale us with tales of their conquests; their own acquired beta invites. No, it's fine -- don't worry about us. We're just going to sit in the corner, with our real-life Legos, pretending there are actual people behind those hopelessly optimistic smiles, willing to interact with us in a virtual world.

If you like the Lego (popular entertainment property) series of games, great news: developer TT Games and Lego will be held together like some kind of interlocking toy until 2016 -- by which time, the kid for whom you pretend to buy these games will no longer be a kid.

In the announcement of the renewed deal, WBIE notes that the Lego series, including Star Wars, Indiana Jones, and Batman games (Lego Rock Band isn't mentioned for some reason), has sold "close to 50 million units worldwide." Next up for the Lego/TT Games collaboration are Lego Harry Potter: Years 1-4 this May, and Lego Star Wars III: The Clone Wars this fall.

If we've learned anything about LEGO Universe, it's that the game should not be dismissed. Yes, it's an MMO aimed at younger gamers, but did you see the trailer? Whether you did or not, you need to watch it right now. We've embedded it directly above this post. There should be a play button right in the middle. Click it. We'll wait.

Now, having seen that, know this: The LEGO Universe beta is now accepting signups. We suggest you head over to the signup site and sign up immediately. Unfortunately, no one is guaranteed a slot in the beta so, while you're waiting on confirmation, why not check out some footage of the actual game in action? After that, you can start refreshing your inbox like mad.

[Via Massively]

And here we thought the well of Lego Star Wars material had dried up. Perhaps we've underestimated TT Games, which has revealed that it's constructing a new armed and fully operational entry in the series: Lego Star Wars III: The Clone Wars. Destined for an Autumn 2010 release on the Xbox 360, PS3, PSP, Nintendo DS and Wii, the game will focus on the events of the Cartoon Network animated series, Star Wars: The Clone Wars.

Expect "brand new battle modes, giving players unique, head-to-head combat" and an expanded level editor, allowing potential Padawans and Seperatists the chance to construct their own "customized bases and in-game battlefields." You'll also be able to employ new tactics throughout the game, such as "Squad command, Lightsaber slicing, Lightsaber jumps, long distance Jedi attacks and Grapple Tie-Ups."

Wait, lightsaber slicing? Does that mean the obvious, or the radical ability to slice through lightsabers?

TT Games, purveyors of blocky entertainment the world over, has managed to get copies of Lego Batman into one million UK homes. Rather then employ the controversial "throw it through their front windows" approach, the company has instead adopted a "put it on store shelves and see if they'll buy it" tactic. On paper, the accomplishment of enticing one million UK citizens into buying the game may seem like a great victory for the caped crusader and his young ward, but there are a few caveats.

For one, Lego Batman is on about every system known to man. We're pretty sure we have a ColecoVision copy sitting around here somewhere, so its availability across almost every platform ever has contributed to its ability to get into gamers' hands. Second, there's the Xbox 360 bundle to consider, which managed to sell the game to some people who may not have particularly been in the market for it. Finally, the game released in late 2008 and the initially impressive feat is somewhat dulled by the fact it's had about 15 months to get to the coveted seven figure mark.

Still, congratulations are in order. Everyone who's tried TT Games' adaptation of the tale of Bruce Wayne has walked away generally pleased, so we raise a Batarang in celebration for the UK-based developer. We only have one question: where's Falcone? No, seriously, where is he? He was nowhere to be found in the game!

[Via VG247]

We know we've built a permanent establishment in our cheek in which to house our tongues, but we're being completely sincere when we say that the above trailer for Lego Universe is one of the coolest trailers we've seen in a long time. Who knew that a kid-friendly MMO in which colorful, stackable bricks are collected could cause our adrenaline to rise in a way we only thought really intense episodes of 24 were capable of? We certainly did not know that.

Check out the trailer above, then check out a fresh batch of screenshots below. They're considerably less awesome than the trailer, but they can't really be blamed for their stationary nature.

Left 4 Dead 2 on PC has just received a massive update, with both authoring tools for custom campaigns and a support package for those who just want to play custom games coming down the internet's chimney. That second part might not be so exciting if it weren't for the glorious detail that it "allows running ANY map [their emphasis], including custom maps made for the original Left 4 Dead."

All your old favorites like the Mushroom Kingdom (with zombies) and Lego (with zombies) -- totally playable in Left 4 Dead 2. The only thing that the Left 4 Dead 2 Team asked for in return was "to get to play your custom maps" in their game, so let's all do them a favor and get right on that. We're personally hoping to see a Back to the Future 2 (with zombies) mod by the weekend.

[Thanks, Cj]

We've got a double dose of disappointment in Mistwalker news for you today, folks. Not only is Hironobu Sakaguchi's most recent blog post completely devoid of any Lego building advice, but it also appears that the game he's been working on -- a game said to be nearly done -- won't be announced until "around Spring next year."

According to a translation by Siliconera, the Final Fantasy veteran apologized for his lack of communication on the title and the further delay in any real information. Unfortunately, it seems we still have a bit longer before that Lego Lost Odyssey announcement finally occurs. On second thought ... we can actually wait on that news.

[Via Siliconera]

TT Games has been at it for some time now with its Lego-themed games, taking on everything from Star Wars to Rock Band, each entry coupling the same goofy, self-referential comedy with a family friendly low barrier to entry.

The new trailer for Lego Harry Potter: Years 1-4 takes these recurring tropes and adds them to the world of Hogwarts, Muggles, and He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named, sprinkling in iconic moments from the first four blockbuster books throughout. Without a release date for the game – and with the first half of the final Harry Potter film not hitting theaters until next November – we worry it might be awhile before we get our hands on this block-breaking version of Harry.

Video games and Lego go together like peanut butter and chocolate. We've seen wonderfully bricky homages to Donkey Kong and cuddly little Pokemon, an ingenious way to make your own Zapper and even recreations of other Nintendo consoles -- and now, a full NES set courtesy of MOCpages.

Not only does it come with two controllers and a Lego cartridge, but the builder even went so far as to create a TV and mock gameplay. But, that's not even the kicker: the thing even has a working cartridge slot and power and reset buttons! Head on over to MOCpages to check it out.

[Via Gizmodo]

"omg they're selling out. they are humpin' the cash cow like activision has been till shes dried up . they're gonna beat the rock band name to a pulp until we are absolutely sick and tired of instrument rhythm games." –fffunfarm06

"I'm so sick of these corny games. All of you people should just learn to play with REAL Legos." –Troy Powers

LEGO Rock Band's very existence is something that both the Joystiq staff and community couldn't help but question. However, animator Matt Palmer revealed that developer TT Fusion also had doubts about the bizarre collaboration. "I know people were saying, 'Oh, they're flogging a Lego license again,'" he recalled during a Develop panel. "I'd say about 50 percent of our studio were for the idea, and about 50 percent were against it."

Considering the game actually came out (this week!), it's apparent that the team eventually banded together to finish the project. Why the change of heart, though? "Many of us started realizing that we weren't just skinning one franchise on another," Palmer explained, noting the need to hand animate the blocky Lego celebrity characters to capture their various "signature styles." That's ... something. Right?

At this point, many of you have likely already formed your Final Opinion™ on the blocky cousin to your regular, run-of-the-mill Rock Band: LEGO Rock Band. This latest trailer should then either excite you or induce a lifeless "meh." For us, it's the former, with the best part of this trailer obviously being the brief look at Chuck Norris rocking the guitar, right around the 58-second mark.

Oh, and a little "Final Countdown" certainly doesn't hurt.

Finally, you get to see what Brian May considers "the ultimate accolade:" Queen in Lego Rock Band. Warner Bros. just dished out a new trailer and screens showing Freddie and co. strutting their stuff on the blocky stage. Sadly, the game will only have two Queen tracks, but don't be such a grumpy Gus! Theoretically, you should be able to access those Queen songs you downloaded from the Rock Band Music Store in Lego Rock Band -- granted the songs have been rated as "suitable for all ages."

Oh, and don't expect to rent Lego Rock Band and extract all of its juicy tunes to your regular old Rock Band. Remember: you'll need a special code this time around.

In late April, Final Fantasy creator Hironobu Sakaguchi mentioned on his blog that he was working on a new project, while showing off the totally sweet Lego truck he made in his spare time. Now he's got an update on this mysterious game -- and an update on his Lego modeling.

In the latest blog post, Sakaguchi said, "I am working hard on a new project. Now we are being rushed into the 'finishing' stage. No matter what, I will make it really good...." And judging by the tiny surfing Sakaguchi analog seen above, it appears that as the work picks up on this project, the Lego complexity drops. He's really busy.

And we still don't know what he's busy on! The last Blue Dragon game came out on October 8, so this is something else entirely. We should find out soon ... since it's almost finished, we guess.

[Via RPGSite]