Rovio, the undisputed king of smartphone gaming, has released a video today making a pretty impressive announcement. Angry Birds, a game featuring birds, pigs, and revenge, has been downloaded 500 million times. That’s 500,000,000. Half a billion. The video features some staggering numbers about the franchise, including the total amount of play time, which is hovering at around 200,000 years.

Sony Online Entertainment has made it possible for players to download and play DC Universe Online (DCUO) for free. Starting today, all PC and PlayStation 3 players can create their own legendary superhero (or villain), and join forces with their favorite DC Comics characters, including Superman, Batman and the Joker to either save or destroy the planet.

There are now three access levels in DCUO: Free, Premium and Legendary. All three levels provide access to the game and include all updates and fixes, with each level offering different options and features. DLC content and features will be included for Legendary players, and can be purchased by both Free and Premium players. Free players have access to the base game content, including Gotham City, Metropolis, and all current raids and alerts outside of DLC packs. They also possess the ability to create two characters and join a League.

For the first time ever, the world of NCIS comes to life for consoles and PCs. Fans can now play as their favorite characters from the show and and travel around the world in search of clues to solve complex murder, espionage and terrorist cases. The game features four such cases written and developed by actual series writers.

Investigate crime scenes as agents Ziva David and Tony DiNozzo, conduct forensic analyses as Abby Sciuto, perform autopsies as Ducky Mallard, interrogate and break suspects as special agent Gibbs, and use satellite tracking to apprehend bad guys on the run as special agent McGee.

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James Noir’s Hollywood Crimes for the Nintendo 3DS system makes you the main character in a 3D mind-twisting puzzle adventure. Mastering tailor-made mind games as you solve over 140 puzzles to solve a deadly mystery. The game takes place inside a TV game show, where you are the participant. As you play, you discover a series of murders and a diabolical mastermind that is manipulating and defying you at every turn. Everyone on the set of the show is in danger – especially you!

Capcom has been on fire with these HD remakes lately. From Resident Evil 4 to the Devil May Cry series, you would think Capcom would be running out of stuff to re-release. Proving you wrong is Capcom’s upcoming Resident Evil Chronicles HD, which is an HD remake of two previously Wii-exclusive titles. Included in the collection will be RE: The Darkside Chronicles and RE: The Umbrella Chronicles. Both titles will feature PlayStation Move support.

MechWarrior is coming back as a free-to-play MMO in 2012. The PC-only game will feature Mech combat with an emphasis on player role and community warfare. MechWarrior fans can hit up the official website for more information and to reserve their pilot name.

Chances are, if you’ve played a video game in the past few years, you’re familiar with Nolan North’s voice. He has provided voice work for countless characters, including Nathan Drake from the Uncharted series and The Penguin in Arkham City. Complex has a lengthy interview with Mr. North about how he got into the industry and his influences. Check out the whole interview here.

There’s a new Skyrim video available that showcases how the game’s concept art became reality. The video features several landscapes and character designs that have gone from concept to content. The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim releases on 11/11/11 for the PC, PS3, and Xbox 360 (as if you needed to be reminded.)

Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment and TT Games released a new video for their upcoming game, Lego Harry Potter: Years 5-7. In the video, which shows off absolutely no gameplay, Lego Voldemort spends some quality time in front of a mirror. Lego Harry Potter: Years 5-7 will be available on November 18 for the 360, PS3, Wii, 3DS, and DS.

WWE Magazine has revealed some familiar faces that will be available as “Legends” DLC in WWE ’12. Joining the game’s already large roster will be classic superstars Shawn Michaels, “Macho Man” Randy Savage, and Mick Foley. No word on whether Slim Jim or Mr. Socko will be available as a pre-order bonus.

Halloween is around the corner, and that means two things: you’re about to eat more candy than any one human should consume, and Steam is having a sale. This year’s Halloween Sale features heavily discounted games in every genre imaginable. PC gamers can get both Dead Space games for $16.99, Resident Evil 5 for $9.99, and the first BioShock for just five bucks. Check out the full list of deals here.

Battlefield 3 has only been out for a few days, but people have already found a number of problems with the game. On the game’s official Twitter account, DICE states that they are aware of the many issues plaguing the user base, and that a patch is already on the way. There is no current release for the upcoming patch, but you can get up-to-the-minute information on Battlefield 3 from Twitter.

Defenders of Ardania is a PC tower defense game with a twist. Instead of simply building towers and battling back wave after wave of enemies, Defenders lets you go on the offensive, with 24 different units available to do your bidding. The game features an interactive environment, as shown in this new trailer, that can alter the game under the right conditions.

From Software’s action-role playing nightmare, Dark Souls, is full of monsters that want you to die. This new trailer showcases several bad guys doing what they do best. Players familiar with the game will no doubt experience a few “man, I hate that guy” moments while watching this video.

King of Fighters XIII is getting the King of Pre-Order Bonuses. Everyone who pre-orders the game gets the 4-CD “King of Soundtracks,” while supplies last. The soundtrack, which contains 100 songs, features music from KoF ’94 to KoF XIII.