RSS
TOP SPOT
The Role of Female Characters in Video Games Part 2 - Samus Aran No other female character in the world of video games carries the same type of love and respect as Samus Aran. 
TOP SPOT
Jaded Since Jade; Has Ubi Gone Soft? There was a time when I looked up to Ubisoft as a beacon of light in what I saw as an otherwise dark and misguided industry. 
TOP SPOT
How to Survive a Zombie Invasion! We all now have enough experience in dealing with the undead, but just in case you need some advice in your preparation, here are some basic dos and don'ts in the imminent Armageddon. 
TOP SPOT
The Conduit is the Wii Version of Perfect Dark The Conduit is a great Wii FPS and an amazing first effort from High Voltage. It has some problems here and there, though. |
|
|
REVIEW: Fallout 3: Point Lookout
Ready for foggy swaps of Point Lookout?
REVIEW: Ghostbusters: The Video Game
Kombo's review of the Wii version
REVIEW: The Conduit
Wii's Perfect Dark Has Arrived
HANDS-ON: The Bigs 2
The boys of summer are back and bigger than ever |
|
 |
 |
|
 |
 |
 |
Wii
Konami Network Business Development Dept. Bringing Contra ReBirth and More to Europe
by David Oxford | 07/03/09 | 4:21 PM PST
Konami has announced the formation of a new Network Business Development Department in Europe, one which is designed to extend the company's online activities across the continent. "The new team is headed by Florian Stronk, who will oversee all future downloadable content and mobile titles, including WiiWare, PSN, XBLA and DSiWare as well as iPhone and other mobile phone platform releases," says the press release.
As part of this announcement, Konami reveals that Gradius ReBirth is available to Europeans today, but even better still is that Contra ReBirth will soon follow in August. This could be considered good news, as Konami of America has yet to mention anything about a U.S. release, but if Europe is getting it, then surely we can't be far behind... right?
Between the two will be DRiiFT MANIA, which is a top-down racer for up to eight players. You can find out more about this and the other titles, as well as the whole department development, via the full press release at GoNintendo.
Konami Network Business Development Dept. Bringing Contra ReBirth and More to Europe
by David Oxford | 07/03/09 | 4:21 PM PST
Konami has announced the formation of a new Network Business Development Department in Europe, one which is designed to extend the company's online activities across the continent. "The new team is headed by Florian Stronk, who will oversee all future downloadable content and mobile titles, including WiiWare, PSN, XBLA and DSiWare as well as iPhone and other mobile phone platform releases," says the press release.
As part of this announcement, Konami reveals that Gradius ReBirth is available to Europeans today, but even better still is that Contra ReBirth will soon follow in August. This could be considered good news, as Konami of America has yet to mention anything about a U.S. release, but if Europe is getting it, then surely we can't be far behind... right?
Between the two will be DRiiFT MANIA, which is a top-down racer for up to eight players. You can find out more about this and the other titles, as well as the whole department development, via the full press release at GoNintendo.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
360
Marvelous Entertainment Ponders Porting Wii Titles to 360 and PS3
by David Oxford | 07/03/09 | 4:11 PM PST
Though Marvelous Entertainment has thrown in a pretty good amount of support for the Wii, the simple fact of the matter is that the returns have not been very favorable in the company's native Japan. In fact, if you'll recall, they've proven themselves to be downright heartbreaking for those involved in the development of said games.
As such, it is perfectly understandable that the company is considering a move into Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 development, one which would see some of their previous Wii titles moved to the power-packed platforms. Siliconera notes that two likely candidates would be Muramasa: The Demon Blade and Arc Rise Fantasia, as they don't rely heavily on the promise of the Wii's motion controls.
Meanwhile, it is noted that the Xbox 360/PlayStation title Rainy Woods is still in development. In addition, Goichi Suda, whose No More Heroes titles are published in Japan under the Marvelous banner, has also recently spoken of taking the franchise to new territory.
Marvelous Entertainment Ponders Porting Wii Titles to 360 and PS3
by David Oxford | 07/03/09 | 4:11 PM PST
Though Marvelous Entertainment has thrown in a pretty good amount of support for the Wii, the simple fact of the matter is that the returns have not been very favorable in the company's native Japan. In fact, if you'll recall, they've proven themselves to be downright heartbreaking for those involved in the development of said games.
As such, it is perfectly understandable that the company is considering a move into Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 development, one which would see some of their previous Wii titles moved to the power-packed platforms. Siliconera notes that two likely candidates would be Muramasa: The Demon Blade and Arc Rise Fantasia, as they don't rely heavily on the promise of the Wii's motion controls.
Meanwhile, it is noted that the Xbox 360/PlayStation title Rainy Woods is still in development. In addition, Goichi Suda, whose No More Heroes titles are published in Japan under the Marvelous banner, has also recently spoken of taking the franchise to new territory.
source: Siliconera
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
PS3
Ratchet & Clank Future: A Crack in Time Preorder Bonuses Divide and Conquer
by David Oxford | 07/03/09 | 4:01 PM PST
For those interested in preordering Ratchet & Clank Future: A Crack in Time, Sony has some good news for you, as well as some awful, horrible, terrible news for you.
Find out what, after the cut! (Ain't I a stinker?)
Ratchet & Clank Future: A Crack in Time Preorder Bonuses Divide and Conquer
by David Oxford | 07/03/09 | 4:01 PM PST
For those interested in preordering Ratchet & Clank Future: A Crack in Time, Sony has some good news for you, as well as some awful, horrible, terrible news for you.
Find out what, after the cut! (Ain't I a stinker?)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Wii
A Donkey Kong Easter Egg Found 26 Years Later
by Jeff Grubb | 07/03/09 | 3:41 PM PST
Many years later he revealed that he did this and that he couldn't even remember how to unlock it. This got Mr. Don Hodges interested:
A Donkey Kong Easter Egg Found 26 Years Later
by Jeff Grubb | 07/03/09 | 3:41 PM PST
Many years later he revealed that he did this and that he couldn't even remember how to unlock it. This got Mr. Don Hodges interested:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Wii
Rumor: Raving Rabbids Invade TMNT Smash Up?
by David Oxford | 07/03/09 | 3:19 PM PST
Presently, there's no telling if this one is true, but if it is, I endorse it one-hundred percent.
French website Puissance-Nintendo has a report from the demo of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Smash Up at the Japan Expo in France, but since I can't read nor speak any language that has a dressing named after it (French, Italian, Thousand Island, etc.), I'll have to simply defer to GoNintendo on this one:
"Rumor has it that the most recent demo has two new playable characters, a Rabbid dressed as Sam Fisher, as well as a Rabbid in a cheerleader outfit. Is Ubisoft sneaking Rabbids into the game for a bit of fun? I won't believe it until I see it for myself!"
I have to admit, it sounds too good to be true-- but I hope it is, just the same. But alas, I am greedy, and I would be satisfied merely by this. If they do this, I want the Teenage Mutant Ninja Rabbids, seen at right, to be selectable, too.
I would also find a Miyamoto Usagi tribute to be acceptable.
Rumor: Raving Rabbids Invade TMNT Smash Up?
by David Oxford | 07/03/09 | 3:19 PM PST
Presently, there's no telling if this one is true, but if it is, I endorse it one-hundred percent.
French website Puissance-Nintendo has a report from the demo of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Smash Up at the Japan Expo in France, but since I can't read nor speak any language that has a dressing named after it (French, Italian, Thousand Island, etc.), I'll have to simply defer to GoNintendo on this one:
"Rumor has it that the most recent demo has two new playable characters, a Rabbid dressed as Sam Fisher, as well as a Rabbid in a cheerleader outfit. Is Ubisoft sneaking Rabbids into the game for a bit of fun? I won't believe it until I see it for myself!"
I have to admit, it sounds too good to be true-- but I hope it is, just the same. But alas, I am greedy, and I would be satisfied merely by this. If they do this, I want the Teenage Mutant Ninja Rabbids, seen at right, to be selectable, too.
I would also find a Miyamoto Usagi tribute to be acceptable.
source: GoNintendo
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
GEN
Big Bird and Elmo Endorse Video Gaming; Oscar the Grouch Mutters Something in Agreement
by David Oxford | 07/03/09 | 2:56 PM PST
It is a well known and widely-accepted fact that Muppets rule, and anyone who does not subscribe to this belief has no soul (also a scientific fact). Sure, a Muppet isn't quite a mop, and it's not quite a puppet, but man...
Anyway, Sesame Street Muppets may not rule to the same degree as their Muppet Show brethren, but are still pretty cool in their own right. Particularly if you're three years old. But regardless of whether you're three or thirty, one has to show them a little appreciation for their recent advocacy of video games.
Big Bird and Elmo Endorse Video Gaming; Oscar the Grouch Mutters Something in Agreement
by David Oxford | 07/03/09 | 2:56 PM PST
It is a well known and widely-accepted fact that Muppets rule, and anyone who does not subscribe to this belief has no soul (also a scientific fact). Sure, a Muppet isn't quite a mop, and it's not quite a puppet, but man...
Anyway, Sesame Street Muppets may not rule to the same degree as their Muppet Show brethren, but are still pretty cool in their own right. Particularly if you're three years old. But regardless of whether you're three or thirty, one has to show them a little appreciation for their recent advocacy of video games.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Wii
Media: Muramasa: The Demon Blade 'Heroes' Trailer
by Chris Holzworth | 07/03/09 | 2:24 PM PST
Muramasa: The Demon Blade, Vanillaware's spiritual successor to Odin Sphere, has got itself a fancy new trailer titled "Heroes." In it, main characters Kisuke and Momohime get their slash and dash on, tearing apart Oni in Genroku Era Japan.
Media: Muramasa: The Demon Blade 'Heroes' Trailer
by Chris Holzworth | 07/03/09 | 2:24 PM PST
Muramasa: The Demon Blade, Vanillaware's spiritual successor to Odin Sphere, has got itself a fancy new trailer titled "Heroes." In it, main characters Kisuke and Momohime get their slash and dash on, tearing apart Oni in Genroku Era Japan.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
PS3
Tecmo Koei Asking Sony for PS3 Price Cut
by Jeff Grubb | 07/03/09 | 12:59 PM PST
Matsubara does not explain if "waiting" means that they have games and announcements that have been delayed due to the slow sales of the PS3. He goes on to explain that while he has asked Sony to cut the price, he doesn't "have a clear view on Sony's situation."
Tecmo Koei Asking Sony for PS3 Price Cut
by Jeff Grubb | 07/03/09 | 12:59 PM PST
Matsubara does not explain if "waiting" means that they have games and announcements that have been delayed due to the slow sales of the PS3. He goes on to explain that while he has asked Sony to cut the price, he doesn't "have a clear view on Sony's situation."
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
360
Analyst Expects Two More GTA IV Episodes by 2011; GTA V in 2011
by Ben Tolmachoff | 07/03/09 | 12:08 PM PST
Following in the footsteps of Michael Pachter's recent plethora of predictions, Todd Mitchell of Kaufman Bros. Equality Research has made predictions of his own regarding Rockstar's hit franchise.
Mitchell expects two more episodes to be released for Grand Theft Auto IV after The Ballad of Gay Tony is put on Xbox Live this fall. If true, that means the exclusive-DLC deal Rockstar has with Microsoft will have run out, possibly resulting in subsequent episodes appearing on the PlayStation Network at the same time as their release on Xbox Live.
Mitchell also expects a new, full-length Grand Theft Auto, subtly titled Grand Theft Auto V to be released some time in 2011. Finally, in a more questionable prediction, Mitchell expects a port of the PSP port of the former Nintendo DS-exclusive Chinatown Wars to be released on the aging PlayStation 2, but Mitchell admits that he isn't too confident about that prediction.
Whether there's any weight to any of these rumors remains to be seen, but fans of GTA should have their fill of rumors for quite a while.
Analyst Expects Two More GTA IV Episodes by 2011; GTA V in 2011
by Ben Tolmachoff | 07/03/09 | 12:08 PM PST
Following in the footsteps of Michael Pachter's recent plethora of predictions, Todd Mitchell of Kaufman Bros. Equality Research has made predictions of his own regarding Rockstar's hit franchise.
Mitchell expects two more episodes to be released for Grand Theft Auto IV after The Ballad of Gay Tony is put on Xbox Live this fall. If true, that means the exclusive-DLC deal Rockstar has with Microsoft will have run out, possibly resulting in subsequent episodes appearing on the PlayStation Network at the same time as their release on Xbox Live.
Mitchell also expects a new, full-length Grand Theft Auto, subtly titled Grand Theft Auto V to be released some time in 2011. Finally, in a more questionable prediction, Mitchell expects a port of the PSP port of the former Nintendo DS-exclusive Chinatown Wars to be released on the aging PlayStation 2, but Mitchell admits that he isn't too confident about that prediction.
Whether there's any weight to any of these rumors remains to be seen, but fans of GTA should have their fill of rumors for quite a while.
source: GameIndustry.biz
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
360
Splinter Cell: Conviction Will Clock In At Around 12 Hours
by Chris Holzworth | 07/03/09 | 12:07 PM PST
While speaking to Official Xbox Magazine, Splinter Cell: Conviction creative director Maxime Beland mentioned that Sam Fisher's next adventure will take roughly 12 hours to complete. Beland told OXM, "…we're going to have the normal mode for normal gamers, that are going to spend 12 hours playing our game and not 30 because they're dying all the time."
That would be me. I gave Splinter Cell: Double Agent the ol' college try back in February, only to shelf the game after a meager five hours of play. In that time, I only reached the fourth mission in the game. There are eleven missions total. Yeah.
Still, many stealth enthusiasts adore Splinter Cell for its difficulty, its emphasis on playing defensively and exercising patience. Has Ubisoft forsaken them, and sold out to garner mainstream appeal? Of course not. Conviction will sport several difficulty levels, including "normal mode" and "realistic mode." Beland describes the latter as "really fucking hard – you're going to need stealth, two bullets is going to kill you, the enemies are going to be super-lethal."
Guess what difficulty level I won't be playing on?
Splinter Cell: Conviction Will Clock In At Around 12 Hours
by Chris Holzworth | 07/03/09 | 12:07 PM PST
While speaking to Official Xbox Magazine, Splinter Cell: Conviction creative director Maxime Beland mentioned that Sam Fisher's next adventure will take roughly 12 hours to complete. Beland told OXM, "…we're going to have the normal mode for normal gamers, that are going to spend 12 hours playing our game and not 30 because they're dying all the time."
That would be me. I gave Splinter Cell: Double Agent the ol' college try back in February, only to shelf the game after a meager five hours of play. In that time, I only reached the fourth mission in the game. There are eleven missions total. Yeah.
Still, many stealth enthusiasts adore Splinter Cell for its difficulty, its emphasis on playing defensively and exercising patience. Has Ubisoft forsaken them, and sold out to garner mainstream appeal? Of course not. Conviction will sport several difficulty levels, including "normal mode" and "realistic mode." Beland describes the latter as "really fucking hard – you're going to need stealth, two bullets is going to kill you, the enemies are going to be super-lethal."
Guess what difficulty level I won't be playing on?
source: 1UP.com
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
GEN
Podcast: Kombo Breaker - Episode 34: The Wide World of Nintendo with Craig Harris of IGN
by Joey Davidson | 07/03/09 | 11:44 AM PST
Nintendo fans, this episode of Kombo Breaker is certainly for you. Craig Harris of IGN's Nintendo channel (specifically the handheld section) rode in to talk with us about where Nintendo is and where it's headed. We talk the good and bad of Wii Sports Resort, MotionPlus, the DSi and the release landscape.
All of this rocks in at one hour, so enjoy it.
As always, we'd love for you to follow us on Twitter (@kombobreaker)! Come contribute to our discussions and learn about guests as we book them. We always ask for questions and suggestions, so join us. You can also send us questions and suggestions to kombobreaker@kombo.com.
Download | Subscribe on iTunes | Episode 34 | 60m
Podcast: Kombo Breaker - Episode 34: The Wide World of Nintendo with Craig Harris of IGN
by Joey Davidson | 07/03/09 | 11:44 AM PST
Nintendo fans, this episode of Kombo Breaker is certainly for you. Craig Harris of IGN's Nintendo channel (specifically the handheld section) rode in to talk with us about where Nintendo is and where it's headed. We talk the good and bad of Wii Sports Resort, MotionPlus, the DSi and the release landscape.
All of this rocks in at one hour, so enjoy it.
As always, we'd love for you to follow us on Twitter (@kombobreaker)! Come contribute to our discussions and learn about guests as we book them. We always ask for questions and suggestions, so join us. You can also send us questions and suggestions to kombobreaker@kombo.com.
Download | Subscribe on iTunes | Episode 34 | 60m
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
360
Activision Defends DJ Hero Pricing
by Bill Shibley | 07/03/09 | 11:29 AM PST
Sometimes it seems like the future of gaming is in peripherals, and leading the charge to clutter your living room with expensive pieces of plastic is Activision. They have Guitar Hero 5, Tony Hawk: Ride and, of course, DJ Hero all set to release by the end of year. With all three of these plastic-thing-plus-game combos costing upwards of 100 bucks, Activison has been heavily criticized on their pricing strategies. DJ Hero, for example, is going to set you back 120 bucks. Are these gaming toys too expensive, or are they fun enough to justify the price? Activision recently made some comments in defense of DJ Hero.
"We believe that DJ Hero will provide tremendous value for our consumers by delivering an all-new interactive music experience with over 100 individual songs that are highlighted in over 80 unique mixes, a wide variety of music from some of the biggest artists including Jay-Z, Eminem, Benny Benassi, Gwen Stefani and Black Eyed Peas among others."
DJ Hero is set to release on October 27th for PlayStation 3, PlayStation 2, Xbox 360, and Wii.
Activision Defends DJ Hero Pricing
by Bill Shibley | 07/03/09 | 11:29 AM PST
Sometimes it seems like the future of gaming is in peripherals, and leading the charge to clutter your living room with expensive pieces of plastic is Activision. They have Guitar Hero 5, Tony Hawk: Ride and, of course, DJ Hero all set to release by the end of year. With all three of these plastic-thing-plus-game combos costing upwards of 100 bucks, Activison has been heavily criticized on their pricing strategies. DJ Hero, for example, is going to set you back 120 bucks. Are these gaming toys too expensive, or are they fun enough to justify the price? Activision recently made some comments in defense of DJ Hero.
"We believe that DJ Hero will provide tremendous value for our consumers by delivering an all-new interactive music experience with over 100 individual songs that are highlighted in over 80 unique mixes, a wide variety of music from some of the biggest artists including Jay-Z, Eminem, Benny Benassi, Gwen Stefani and Black Eyed Peas among others."
DJ Hero is set to release on October 27th for PlayStation 3, PlayStation 2, Xbox 360, and Wii.
source: Eurogamer
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Wii
Wii Sports Resort to be Playable at Six Flags
by Andrew Adam | 07/03/09 | 11:07 AM PST
For those needing more reason to go on vacation for a day, Six Flags will have Wii Sports Resort playable at nine of their theme parks across the USA.
Wii Sports Resort will be available starting the July 4th weekend until the game's release date on July 26. So even if you have no interest in riding the roller coasters, go wait in line to try out some archery, basketball and sword fighting action.
Click the link to see a list of locations.
Wii Sports Resort to be Playable at Six Flags
by Andrew Adam | 07/03/09 | 11:07 AM PST
For those needing more reason to go on vacation for a day, Six Flags will have Wii Sports Resort playable at nine of their theme parks across the USA.
Wii Sports Resort will be available starting the July 4th weekend until the game's release date on July 26. So even if you have no interest in riding the roller coasters, go wait in line to try out some archery, basketball and sword fighting action.
Click the link to see a list of locations.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
360
Patent Suit Getting Real for Mircosoft
by Bryan Roush | 07/03/09 | 10:50 AM PST
I'm not usually one for getting excited over patents, or spending all day looking at legal documents, but this particular patent suit caught my eye today. It seems that Microsoft will be going to court to defend the claim that they created online communication over the internet (using the text and voice function via Xbox Live). Peter Hochstein and Jeffrey Tenenbaum are bringing the suit to Microsoft, claiming they filed a patent in 1994 about "communicating live while playing the same video game in separate locations". Where the plot thickens is that they brought the suit against Sony and Microsoft, but why is Microsoft the only one going to court?
Hit the jump for the dramatic conclusion.
Patent Suit Getting Real for Mircosoft
by Bryan Roush | 07/03/09 | 10:50 AM PST
I'm not usually one for getting excited over patents, or spending all day looking at legal documents, but this particular patent suit caught my eye today. It seems that Microsoft will be going to court to defend the claim that they created online communication over the internet (using the text and voice function via Xbox Live). Peter Hochstein and Jeffrey Tenenbaum are bringing the suit to Microsoft, claiming they filed a patent in 1994 about "communicating live while playing the same video game in separate locations". Where the plot thickens is that they brought the suit against Sony and Microsoft, but why is Microsoft the only one going to court?
Hit the jump for the dramatic conclusion.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
PS3
Valve's Lombardi: Roadblock to PS3 Development "People", Not Hardware
by Christopher Burke | 07/03/09 | 10:23 AM PST
There hasn't been a lot love for the Playstation 3 from Valve. The only appearance the developer has made on the console was through a less-than-stellar port of The Orange Box. Adding insult to injury, Valve regularly explains why they don't want to get involved with the PS3's hardware. As of yesterday, however, it seems a new page in PS3-Valve relations has been turned. Speaking with Joystiq at the Left 4 Dead 2 event in London, Doug Lombardi - Valve's VP of Marketing - had this to say:
Valve's Lombardi: Roadblock to PS3 Development "People", Not Hardware
by Christopher Burke | 07/03/09 | 10:23 AM PST
There hasn't been a lot love for the Playstation 3 from Valve. The only appearance the developer has made on the console was through a less-than-stellar port of The Orange Box. Adding insult to injury, Valve regularly explains why they don't want to get involved with the PS3's hardware. As of yesterday, however, it seems a new page in PS3-Valve relations has been turned. Speaking with Joystiq at the Left 4 Dead 2 event in London, Doug Lombardi - Valve's VP of Marketing - had this to say:"If you look at The Orange Box -- PC: 96 on Metacritic, 360: 96 on Metacritic, PS3 like... 84 or something. That's not even close to where we are right now with the 360 and PC and the reason is people."Read on to find out what this means for future Valve games on Sony's console.
July 3, 2009
