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TOP SPOT
Rebuttal: Is Infinty Ward Anti-PC? Matt challenges Eric's reflection on Modern Warefare 2's attitude toward PC gamers. 
TOP SPOT
I Think I'm Alone in Hating Kingdom Hearts 358/2 Days This Kingdom Hearts fangirl has found nothing but disappointment with the franchise's latest tale, and it seems that no one else sees how boring the game really is. 
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Wii & PC: The Ultimate Team Is being both a Wii and PC gamer such an odd combination? Brian believes it's the ultimate combination when it comes to experiencing all types of gaming. |
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REVIEW: Rabbids Go Home
Only gamers with a sense of humor need to apply.
REVIEW: C.O.P. The Recruit
It's like GTA, but you're the good guy.
REVIEW: Buzz! Quiz World
Get ready to pick back up your buzzer
REVIEW: LEGO Rock Band
What Will the LEGOs Do Next? |
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360
Supreme Commander 2 Moves Out in March
by Eric Jones | 11/20/09 | 9:55 PM PST
Square Enix hasn't been known for advancements in the real-time strategy genre...or Western-developed games at all for that matter. However, that will change in March 2010, which has been announced as the official release date for Supreme Commander 2, the sequel to 2007's acclaimed RTS by Gas Powered Games. Oh yeah, and there's a new making-of video too!
While we're excited to finally see the game released, I gotta wonder what Square Enix is thinking put it up against of their hugely-anticipated games, which is Finally coming out the same month.
Supreme Commander 2 Moves Out in March
by Eric Jones | 11/20/09 | 9:55 PM PST
Square Enix hasn't been known for advancements in the real-time strategy genre...or Western-developed games at all for that matter. However, that will change in March 2010, which has been announced as the official release date for Supreme Commander 2, the sequel to 2007's acclaimed RTS by Gas Powered Games. Oh yeah, and there's a new making-of video too!
While we're excited to finally see the game released, I gotta wonder what Square Enix is thinking put it up against of their hugely-anticipated games, which is Finally coming out the same month.
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Wii
Mass: We Pray a Dante's Inferno Marketing Stunt
by Christopher Burke | 11/20/09 | 8:22 PM PST
Last week's satirical advertisement for Mass: We Pray, which featured cross-shaped motion controllers and gameplay modes like 'baptism' and 'ring the tower bell', has turned out to be another bit of sneaky marketing for EA's upcoming Dante's Inferno.
All of the game's marketing efforts have tied into the seven deadly sins. Back at E3, EA held a contest asking attendees to take pictures with booth-babes, which tied in with 'Lust'. EA also sent out checks to media outlets as a tie-in with 'Greed'. Apparently the Mass: We Pray advertisement ties in with 'Heresy'.
Seeing these marketing stunts fall flat, I wonder if the controversy EA is trying to raise is doing the game any good.
Mass: We Pray a Dante's Inferno Marketing Stunt
by Christopher Burke | 11/20/09 | 8:22 PM PST
Last week's satirical advertisement for Mass: We Pray, which featured cross-shaped motion controllers and gameplay modes like 'baptism' and 'ring the tower bell', has turned out to be another bit of sneaky marketing for EA's upcoming Dante's Inferno.
All of the game's marketing efforts have tied into the seven deadly sins. Back at E3, EA held a contest asking attendees to take pictures with booth-babes, which tied in with 'Lust'. EA also sent out checks to media outlets as a tie-in with 'Greed'. Apparently the Mass: We Pray advertisement ties in with 'Heresy'.
Seeing these marketing stunts fall flat, I wonder if the controversy EA is trying to raise is doing the game any good.
source: Kotaku
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Wii
Week-Ending Game Endings - 11.20.09 - Resident Evil 2
by David Oxford | 11/20/09 | 4:54 PM PST
I hope this doesn't count as spoilers.
This week, Resident Evil: The Darkside Chronicles came out for the Wii, and I figured a good way of marking the occasion would be to post the ending of one of the games from which it draws, Resident Evil 2.
But, it occurs to me that some peoples' first experience with the story of the game might be through Darkside. So if you're such a person and don't want the RE2 sequence spoiled, then I wouldn't watch these.
On the other hand, if you know it or just don't care, go right ahead. In the case of the former, it might even be fun to compare. First up, we join Claire Redfield...
More after the cut.
Week-Ending Game Endings - 11.20.09 - Resident Evil 2
by David Oxford | 11/20/09 | 4:54 PM PST
I hope this doesn't count as spoilers.
This week, Resident Evil: The Darkside Chronicles came out for the Wii, and I figured a good way of marking the occasion would be to post the ending of one of the games from which it draws, Resident Evil 2.
But, it occurs to me that some peoples' first experience with the story of the game might be through Darkside. So if you're such a person and don't want the RE2 sequence spoiled, then I wouldn't watch these.
On the other hand, if you know it or just don't care, go right ahead. In the case of the former, it might even be fun to compare. First up, we join Claire Redfield...
More after the cut.
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Wii
My Games This Weekend - 11.20.09 - New Super Mario Bros. Wii and WWE
by David Oxford | 11/20/09 | 4:38 PM PST
This weekend, it's more New Super Mario Bros. Wii. The wife and I have already stepped into the dark land of World 8, and will soon make Bowser eat his own shell. So far, the game really hasn't been all that difficult, even with two of us getting in the way of one-another. Nonetheless, it's been quite a fun ride, and I can't wait to go back and start exploring for secrets, Star Coins, and such.
I'm also aiming to get WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2010 for the Wii underway, so keep an eye out for that review soon. In the meantime, I've got the DS version in progress, so hopefully that will show up sometime early next week.
In addition, WWE Survivor Series is this Sunday, and I'll likely have Mario & Luigi: Bowser's Inside Story, aka "the best game in the series" with me. Funny that in one game, I have to ensure Bowser's survival, while in the other, he's soon going to wish he was never born. Such is life.
So, those are my games this weekend, what are yours?
My Games This Weekend - 11.20.09 - New Super Mario Bros. Wii and WWE
by David Oxford | 11/20/09 | 4:38 PM PST
This weekend, it's more New Super Mario Bros. Wii. The wife and I have already stepped into the dark land of World 8, and will soon make Bowser eat his own shell. So far, the game really hasn't been all that difficult, even with two of us getting in the way of one-another. Nonetheless, it's been quite a fun ride, and I can't wait to go back and start exploring for secrets, Star Coins, and such.
I'm also aiming to get WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2010 for the Wii underway, so keep an eye out for that review soon. In the meantime, I've got the DS version in progress, so hopefully that will show up sometime early next week.
In addition, WWE Survivor Series is this Sunday, and I'll likely have Mario & Luigi: Bowser's Inside Story, aka "the best game in the series" with me. Funny that in one game, I have to ensure Bowser's survival, while in the other, he's soon going to wish he was never born. Such is life.
So, those are my games this weekend, what are yours?
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PS3
November Marks the Launch Anniversary of Many a Gaming Platform
by David Oxford | 11/20/09 | 4:08 PM PST
A lot of console and handheld anniversaries are being observed this year, such as the SEGA Genesis, the Dreamcast, and the Game Boy. But November seems to be the month to remember, as many a memorable platform celebrate can celebrate its launch going into the Winter holidays.
First and foremost, one cannot overlook the platforms of this very generation. Earlier this week, November 17th marked the third anniversary of the PlayStation 3's North American launch, while the Wii celebrated its own third just yesterday, November 19th. And at the start of next week, November 22nd, the Xbox 360 will also be able to celebrate, except this will be its fourth.
November Marks the Launch Anniversary of Many a Gaming Platform
by David Oxford | 11/20/09 | 4:08 PM PST
A lot of console and handheld anniversaries are being observed this year, such as the SEGA Genesis, the Dreamcast, and the Game Boy. But November seems to be the month to remember, as many a memorable platform celebrate can celebrate its launch going into the Winter holidays.
First and foremost, one cannot overlook the platforms of this very generation. Earlier this week, November 17th marked the third anniversary of the PlayStation 3's North American launch, while the Wii celebrated its own third just yesterday, November 19th. And at the start of next week, November 22nd, the Xbox 360 will also be able to celebrate, except this will be its fourth.
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Wii
Media: Rabbids Go Home Music Video, Songs on iTunes
by David Oxford | 11/20/09 | 3:53 PM PST
Ubisoft has announced that for those who enjoy the soundtrack to the recently-released comedy-adventure Rabbids Go Home, the tracks can now be purchased and downloaded from iTunes.
To give you a sampling of what you're in for, they have produced the following music video:
Personally, I think more publishers interested in selling the music from their games should consider such an approach.
Media: Rabbids Go Home Music Video, Songs on iTunes
by David Oxford | 11/20/09 | 3:53 PM PST
Ubisoft has announced that for those who enjoy the soundtrack to the recently-released comedy-adventure Rabbids Go Home, the tracks can now be purchased and downloaded from iTunes.
To give you a sampling of what you're in for, they have produced the following music video:
Personally, I think more publishers interested in selling the music from their games should consider such an approach.
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360
FFXIII Gets "T" Rating Long After Nintendo Tried Marketing Original to Adults
by David Oxford | 11/20/09 | 3:08 PM PST
Following the announcement of a release date, The Examiner reports that Final Fantasy XIII now has a rating by the ESRB. And that rating is... T for Teen. Like you thought it would be anything else.
The reason for the rating is Violence (natch), Mild Language (yippee), and Suggestive Themes-- hello. Examiner says that "While the rating shouldn't be a shock to anyone, the use of suggestive themes could be. With the game appearing to have a heavy atmosphere of love and caring, two women who link together to form a car, are surely some other sexual like surprises, the suggestive themes are likely to be minor sequences."
On a related note, did you know that Nintendo once tried to market the original NES Final Fantasy toward adults?
FFXIII Gets "T" Rating Long After Nintendo Tried Marketing Original to Adults
by David Oxford | 11/20/09 | 3:08 PM PST
Following the announcement of a release date, The Examiner reports that Final Fantasy XIII now has a rating by the ESRB. And that rating is... T for Teen. Like you thought it would be anything else.
The reason for the rating is Violence (natch), Mild Language (yippee), and Suggestive Themes-- hello. Examiner says that "While the rating shouldn't be a shock to anyone, the use of suggestive themes could be. With the game appearing to have a heavy atmosphere of love and caring, two women who link together to form a car, are surely some other sexual like surprises, the suggestive themes are likely to be minor sequences."
On a related note, did you know that Nintendo once tried to market the original NES Final Fantasy toward adults?
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PS3
A Good (or at Least Fairly Decent) Look at Sony's Magical Wand
by David Oxford | 11/20/09 | 2:57 PM PST
Click for a larger view
While Microsoft has been quite open with Project Natal, showing it to anyone who will look and taking it on talk show after talk show following E3, Sony has been much quieter about their unnamed motion control peripheral. In most cases, there isn't even a very good look at it to be found online.
That is, until now. Sony gave those in attendance at their media and investors conference a better look at the revised form of what I'm calling the Wonder Wand. As you can see in the image above, it has at least six buttons placed upon it, including the standard four PS face buttons, a big central button between them, and the home button below.
Plus, as you can plainly see by the text, it features force feedback, a gyroscope not unlike that in the Wii MotionPlus, an accelerometer, and something called "rendition by light," which may involve that bulb on top that looks like it should be sticking out of the mouth of a clown.
A Good (or at Least Fairly Decent) Look at Sony's Magical Wand
by David Oxford | 11/20/09 | 2:57 PM PST
Click for a larger view
While Microsoft has been quite open with Project Natal, showing it to anyone who will look and taking it on talk show after talk show following E3, Sony has been much quieter about their unnamed motion control peripheral. In most cases, there isn't even a very good look at it to be found online.
That is, until now. Sony gave those in attendance at their media and investors conference a better look at the revised form of what I'm calling the Wonder Wand. As you can see in the image above, it has at least six buttons placed upon it, including the standard four PS face buttons, a big central button between them, and the home button below.
Plus, as you can plainly see by the text, it features force feedback, a gyroscope not unlike that in the Wii MotionPlus, an accelerometer, and something called "rendition by light," which may involve that bulb on top that looks like it should be sticking out of the mouth of a clown.
source: Siliconera
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Wii
Nintendo Goes Nationwide with Holiday Mall Experience
by David Oxford | 11/20/09 | 2:47 PM PST
There are no doubt numerous games you would like to try out this holiday season. Of course, games aren't cheap, and in this economy, you can't just spend indiscriminately on unproven goods. Rentals are an option, but their prices these days are closer to a down-payment. And then there's piracy, but really, shame on you for even considering it.
What to do, then? Well, Nintendo is providing its own answer in the form of the Nintendo Holiday Mall Experience, which can be found starting November 23rd in 35 malls across America. There, you'll get the chance to go hands-on with hits such as Wii Sports Resort and New Super Mario Bros. Wii, or see first-hand what this whole "Wii Fit Plus" thing is really all about. Other titles on hand will be Style Savvy, Professor Layton and the Diabolical Box, and-- once it's launched on December 7th-- The Legend of Zelda: Spirit Tracks.
Check out the full press release after the cut for further details, plus the most important part-- where to go to find it.
Nintendo Goes Nationwide with Holiday Mall Experience
by David Oxford | 11/20/09 | 2:47 PM PST
There are no doubt numerous games you would like to try out this holiday season. Of course, games aren't cheap, and in this economy, you can't just spend indiscriminately on unproven goods. Rentals are an option, but their prices these days are closer to a down-payment. And then there's piracy, but really, shame on you for even considering it.
What to do, then? Well, Nintendo is providing its own answer in the form of the Nintendo Holiday Mall Experience, which can be found starting November 23rd in 35 malls across America. There, you'll get the chance to go hands-on with hits such as Wii Sports Resort and New Super Mario Bros. Wii, or see first-hand what this whole "Wii Fit Plus" thing is really all about. Other titles on hand will be Style Savvy, Professor Layton and the Diabolical Box, and-- once it's launched on December 7th-- The Legend of Zelda: Spirit Tracks.
Check out the full press release after the cut for further details, plus the most important part-- where to go to find it.
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360
Microsoft to Reveal More of Project Natal at Gamefest in February 2010
by David Oxford | 11/20/09 | 2:29 PM PST
While earlier rumors of information surrounding the release of Project Natal were dismissed a inaccurate, Microsoft has gone on to confirm that it will reveal more information to developers at its Gamefest conferences in February, which are planned for the U.S., U.K., and Japan.
For the multi-track American event, Microsoft says it will be have "two full tracks solely dedicated to disclosing never-before seen details of game development using Project Natal." One will regard designing for the peripheral, while the other discusses the device's technical aspects.
Microsoft to Reveal More of Project Natal at Gamefest in February 2010
by David Oxford | 11/20/09 | 2:29 PM PST
While earlier rumors of information surrounding the release of Project Natal were dismissed a inaccurate, Microsoft has gone on to confirm that it will reveal more information to developers at its Gamefest conferences in February, which are planned for the U.S., U.K., and Japan.
For the multi-track American event, Microsoft says it will be have "two full tracks solely dedicated to disclosing never-before seen details of game development using Project Natal." One will regard designing for the peripheral, while the other discusses the device's technical aspects.
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Wii
REVIEW: Play Any Other Fishing Game but Shimano Xtreme Fishing
by Ryan Olsen | 11/20/09 | 2:13 PM PST
What the Game's About
Shimano Xtreme Fishing brings the sport of fishing right to your living room. You can either be an angler the old fashion way or get more extreme by bow fishing or spear fishing. By requiring using the Wii-mote to simulate fishing movements, Shimano Xtreme Fishing feels more like an arcade fishing game than any simulation.
What's Hot
It safe to assume a lot of hopes weren't pinned on this game turning the gaming masses into fish fanatics. For a game about fishing, Shimano is as over the top as they come. There are tons of fish in the water and you can't go without getting something every cast. When you bow or spear fish, the game starts to go off into FPFS (first-person fish shooter) where you attempt to clear the lake of fish like they were radioactive or something. It's a certified guilty pleasure, but that doesn't save the game from the depths it sinks.
REVIEW: Play Any Other Fishing Game but Shimano Xtreme Fishing
by Ryan Olsen | 11/20/09 | 2:13 PM PST
What the Game's About
Shimano Xtreme Fishing brings the sport of fishing right to your living room. You can either be an angler the old fashion way or get more extreme by bow fishing or spear fishing. By requiring using the Wii-mote to simulate fishing movements, Shimano Xtreme Fishing feels more like an arcade fishing game than any simulation.
What's Hot
It safe to assume a lot of hopes weren't pinned on this game turning the gaming masses into fish fanatics. For a game about fishing, Shimano is as over the top as they come. There are tons of fish in the water and you can't go without getting something every cast. When you bow or spear fish, the game starts to go off into FPFS (first-person fish shooter) where you attempt to clear the lake of fish like they were radioactive or something. It's a certified guilty pleasure, but that doesn't save the game from the depths it sinks.
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PS3
Ratchet & Clank Future: A Crack in Time is the Franchise's Fastest Selling Game
by David Oxford | 11/20/09 | 2:07 PM PST
Ratchet & Clank: A Crack in Time, the latest outing for the dynamic duo from Sony and Insomniac Studios, unfortunately did not manage to blast its way into October's Top 10 software sales as rated by NPD. However, that doesn't mean its sales were unsatisfactory.
In the latest edition of their Full Moon Show podcast, the bad boys of Burbank revealed that A Crack in Time is nonetheless the fastest-selling game yet in the Ratchet & Clank franchise. Impressive, notes The Examiner, as the previous entries have sold over 25 million units combined worldwide.
Of course, one thing working against Ratchet & Clank would be their release date of October 27th, which means the October NPD would only have covered four days of its shelf life so far. It should be interesting to see if it can aspire to greater heights once the November rankings are revealed.
Ratchet & Clank Future: A Crack in Time is the Franchise's Fastest Selling Game
by David Oxford | 11/20/09 | 2:07 PM PST
Ratchet & Clank: A Crack in Time, the latest outing for the dynamic duo from Sony and Insomniac Studios, unfortunately did not manage to blast its way into October's Top 10 software sales as rated by NPD. However, that doesn't mean its sales were unsatisfactory.
In the latest edition of their Full Moon Show podcast, the bad boys of Burbank revealed that A Crack in Time is nonetheless the fastest-selling game yet in the Ratchet & Clank franchise. Impressive, notes The Examiner, as the previous entries have sold over 25 million units combined worldwide.
Of course, one thing working against Ratchet & Clank would be their release date of October 27th, which means the October NPD would only have covered four days of its shelf life so far. It should be interesting to see if it can aspire to greater heights once the November rankings are revealed.
source: The Examiner
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Wii
Aonuma Says Traditional Flow of Zelda Will Change in Next Wii Game
by David Oxford | 11/20/09 | 1:13 PM PST
Yesterday, we learned from franchise director Eiji Aonuma that "some of the internet speculation is right" surrounding the new Legend of Zelda game for Wii. But other than that, he said that further discussion and details surrounding the title would have to wait for the next Electronic Entertainment Expo.
But for IGN, it seems that E3 2010 has come early, for they managed to conduct an interview with Aonuma which reveals a little bit more about the title.
Aonuma Says Traditional Flow of Zelda Will Change in Next Wii Game
by David Oxford | 11/20/09 | 1:13 PM PST
Yesterday, we learned from franchise director Eiji Aonuma that "some of the internet speculation is right" surrounding the new Legend of Zelda game for Wii. But other than that, he said that further discussion and details surrounding the title would have to wait for the next Electronic Entertainment Expo.
But for IGN, it seems that E3 2010 has come early, for they managed to conduct an interview with Aonuma which reveals a little bit more about the title.
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PS3
Mozilla Rejects Rumor of Firefox Coming to PS3
by Zach Carmichael | 11/20/09 | 1:07 PM PST
Yesterday, PlayStation Insider reported that Mozilla's popular web browser, Firefox, would soon be coming to the PlayStation 3 emerged. The credibility of this news was a bit shoddy, however, seeing as how the site has been wrong on multiple occasions. Today, Mozilla dispelled said rumor in an e-mail to PS3Center.net:
Well, there you have it. It seems the PS3's OS will not be getting Firefox -- at least not anytime soon.
Mozilla Rejects Rumor of Firefox Coming to PS3
by Zach Carmichael | 11/20/09 | 1:07 PM PST
Yesterday, PlayStation Insider reported that Mozilla's popular web browser, Firefox, would soon be coming to the PlayStation 3 emerged. The credibility of this news was a bit shoddy, however, seeing as how the site has been wrong on multiple occasions. Today, Mozilla dispelled said rumor in an e-mail to PS3Center.net:
"Nope - not sure how that rumor got started but it's been keeping us busy all day :)"
Well, there you have it. It seems the PS3's OS will not be getting Firefox -- at least not anytime soon.
source: PS3Center
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Wii
REVIEW: The Insanity is Back in Rabbids Go Home
by Ryan Olsen | 11/20/09 | 12:48 PM PST
What the Game's About
Rabbids Go Home is the very first time the mischievous, villainous little bunny type creatures star in their very first game without Rayman. The Rabbids want to make a journey back home and they think that home is on the Moon. To get to the moon, the Rabbids devise a plan to collect junk, pile it on top of each other and set foot on the Moon. Since this article is going on the internet, I'll put it in internet terms: 1. Rabbids want to get home, 2. Collect stuff to pile up, 3. ???????, 4. PROFIT!!!!
Those "?'s" are what the gameplay is all about. You play as two Rabbids who run around the world putting things in a shopping cart to bring to the rest of the Rabbids. That might sound like Katamari Damacy type game, but Rabbids Go Home is more of an adventure game with platforming elements that thrives on the frenzied, chaotic and scatter-brained Rabbids personalities.
REVIEW: The Insanity is Back in Rabbids Go Home
by Ryan Olsen | 11/20/09 | 12:48 PM PST
What the Game's About
Rabbids Go Home is the very first time the mischievous, villainous little bunny type creatures star in their very first game without Rayman. The Rabbids want to make a journey back home and they think that home is on the Moon. To get to the moon, the Rabbids devise a plan to collect junk, pile it on top of each other and set foot on the Moon. Since this article is going on the internet, I'll put it in internet terms: 1. Rabbids want to get home, 2. Collect stuff to pile up, 3. ???????, 4. PROFIT!!!!
Those "?'s" are what the gameplay is all about. You play as two Rabbids who run around the world putting things in a shopping cart to bring to the rest of the Rabbids. That might sound like Katamari Damacy type game, but Rabbids Go Home is more of an adventure game with platforming elements that thrives on the frenzied, chaotic and scatter-brained Rabbids personalities.
November 20, 2009
