Sometimes, we as people need to see vampires and werewolves being taken out with a good old fashion pistol or a kickass magic spell. We wish this was the crappy Hugh Jackman movie we’re talking about here, but fortunately for us, it’s a co-op video game instead! Indie developer Neocore Games’ upcoming title: The Incredible Adventures of Van Helsing, allows the player to explore the tale of a young supernatural hunter, Van Helsing, in his rise to legend.

If you have somehow managed to NOT pick up Borderlands, Borderlands 2, or the Borderlands 2 Season Pass, today is your lucky day. All three items are on sale on the Xbox LIVE Marketplace. The original Borderlands is going for $9.99, Borderlands 2 is on sale for $39.99, and the BL2 Season Pass is available for 1800 MSP, or $22.50. (It normally costs $30.) These prices are available for today only, so buy them now!

Ever since it was known as "Game #3" way back in 2010 up until now, we've been following BattleBlock Theater with anticipation of The Behemoth's next great game.  We've played the game plenty at a few Penny-Arcade Expos and each time we've been more and more impressed.  We even talked Dan Paladin, art director on the project.  But the one thing that has alluded us is when exactly we'll be getting our hands on the game - which is slated to release on Xbox Live Arcade.

Today we have a trailer that offers a glimpse of the story behind Aliens: Colonial Marines. Fans of the franchise will catch several familiar names and faces. The U.S.S. Sulaco, LV-426, Hadley's Hope, Cpl. Dwayne Hicks, they're all there. The trailer uses quick cuts, but you'll be able to see a few character cameos from the Aliens film.

It's the day after a popular holiday with plenty of gift-giving and many folks are looking for some opportunities for how best to celebrate their new gaming console, or gaming PC setup, with a chance to play some games with families and friends. Well we here at Co-Optimus are happy to point you towards any such "co-opportunities" we may find. Right now, the latest Humble Bundle offers up not one but two DRM free co-op titles: the hyper stylized and violent Shank 2, and the addictive tower-defense meets action RPG Dungeon Defenders. Dungeon Defenders is only available, it should be pointed out, if you pay more than the current (as of 12/26/2012 at 3:50 pm EDT) average of $6.41. As with all other Humble Bundles, though, you get more than just that.

Dead Space 3 launches on Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 and PC on February 5th, but console gamers will be able to get their hands on a demo for the game on January 22nd.  Of course it wouldn't be modern gaming without some sort of hoop or pre-order bonus for access, so if you want to check out the demo a week early on January 15th, you'll need to head to http://demo.deadspace.com and sign up for early access.

The two player co-op adventure/puzzle game Epic Mickey 2: The Power of Two is today's Gold Box deal on Amazon.com.  You can snag the recently released title for just $20 - a savings of 67%.  The game is available for the Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, and Nintendo Wii for the special price and features two player couch co-op through the entire story.   One player takes control of Mickey while the other controls Oswald as you create and destroy universes based on Disney franchises.

It's usually bad news when a downloadable game gets delisted. Even the worst games have their proponents (*cough* Kung Fu Strike). But today I report that Double Fine's Happy Action Theater (which I loved) has been removed from XBLA with no hard feelings or sense of remorse. You see, the recently released Kinect Party (pictured) contains all of HAT's content for exactly the same price. Since the sequel makes the original game basically defunct, I previously speculated that HAT would get delisted or dropped in price. Always bank on my predictions, people!

Microsoft's Kinect peripheral offers some fine opportunities to get in shape while having a bit of fun. Earlier this year, learning also entered the mix thanks to Kinect Nat Geo TV and Kinect Sesame Street TV (only the former of which is co-op). As I explained in our co-op review, I wasn't crazy about the actual game portion of Nat Geo TV, but I did approve of the concept as a whole. It seems the wider Kinect audience appreciated the idea too, as both games will receive a second season on January 7th, right after the holidays.

Every year we get holiday cards from various companies around the industry - whether it's from developers or PR, it's always great to see what interesting card reaches Co-Optimus HQ.  This year we scanned in some of our favorite ones to share with everyone.  

The folks at Misfits Attic have been in the festive mood and decided to create some holiday themed DLC for A Virus Named TOM, their four player co-op action puzzler.  The DLC adds a snowy effect to the game as well as a good ol fashion scavenger hunt.  

The Christmas season is here and the staff are busy wrapping (and unwrapping) their holiday goodies.  But don't worry, there will still be plenty of time to game.