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TOP SPOT
Is Champions Online Ready for Consoles? What works, what doesn't, and how this MMO looks for a possible jump from the PC to the consoles 
TOP SPOT
My Princess is in Another Castle! Both franchises involve saving a princess and the world, but it seems like Mario continues to go off to do his own thing while the Zelda franchise continues to spin its wheels. 
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Raising the Bar for Genre Excellence What do Dead Space: Extraction, Galaga, Half-Life, Super Mario Bros. 3, Final Fantasy and Golden Eye 007 all have in common? 
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Rock Crushes Scissors, Softcore Games Smother Hardcore Games The fall of the gamer, and the rise of the 12 year-old girl |
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REVIEW: Forza Motorsport 3
Speed, Style and Car Porn
PREVIEW: God of War III
Violence Galore
PREVIEW: Heavy Rain
The Hype Continues
REVIEW: Borderlands
Left 4 Dead meets Fallout 3 |
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360
Programmer of Smash TV Has Hope For Fallen Franchise
by Zach Carmichael | 11/06/09 | 8:55 PM PST
A few years ago, when the Gamecube was my primary gaming console, I had the pleasure of getting Midway Arcade Treasures for Christmas. Most of the arcade games on it were a bit cheezy, but Smash TV didn't fall into that category. I can remember spending hours teaming up with my friends to kill hordes of monsters and win prizes.
In a recent podcast, Smash TV programmer Mark Turmell shared his thoughts about the forgotten franchise, including his expectation of another installment.
Programmer of Smash TV Has Hope For Fallen Franchise
by Zach Carmichael | 11/06/09 | 8:55 PM PST
A few years ago, when the Gamecube was my primary gaming console, I had the pleasure of getting Midway Arcade Treasures for Christmas. Most of the arcade games on it were a bit cheezy, but Smash TV didn't fall into that category. I can remember spending hours teaming up with my friends to kill hordes of monsters and win prizes.
In a recent podcast, Smash TV programmer Mark Turmell shared his thoughts about the forgotten franchise, including his expectation of another installment.
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Wii
Week-Ending Game Endings - 11.06.09 - Rayman Raving Rabbids
by David Oxford | 11/06/09 | 5:03 PM PST
With the release of Ubisoft's Rabbids Go Home this week, I thought it would be a good time to take a look back and see how the first encounter between Rayman and the twisted bunnies ended. I never did beat that game, anyway.
...wow. That... that kind of sucks. Seriously, what a downer, and from what I've heard, there aren't any alternate endings, nor could I find any on YouTube (or GameTrailers).
Now I'm glad I never bothered to finish. Hope the other games, Rabbids Go Home especially, do better than this disc of depression.
Week-Ending Game Endings - 11.06.09 - Rayman Raving Rabbids
by David Oxford | 11/06/09 | 5:03 PM PST
With the release of Ubisoft's Rabbids Go Home this week, I thought it would be a good time to take a look back and see how the first encounter between Rayman and the twisted bunnies ended. I never did beat that game, anyway.
...wow. That... that kind of sucks. Seriously, what a downer, and from what I've heard, there aren't any alternate endings, nor could I find any on YouTube (or GameTrailers).
Now I'm glad I never bothered to finish. Hope the other games, Rabbids Go Home especially, do better than this disc of depression.
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GEN
100 Hacks in 10 Minutes
by David Oxford | 11/06/09 | 4:57 PM PST
Instead of his usual speed runs, Ross Miller has instead this week brought us something quite different: 100 hacks in 10 minutes. Weird, wild, crazy, pointless, sadistic, and sometimes even offensive (so don't say you weren't warned), many of these hacks seem to prove that people the world over really just need something better to do with their time.
How many can you recognize?
A lot of Mario and Mega Man love in there... and sometimes both, together. Some look fun to play, others boring, and still others I can't even tell were touched at all.
There's also at least one "official" hack in there; can you spot it?
100 Hacks in 10 Minutes
by David Oxford | 11/06/09 | 4:57 PM PST
Instead of his usual speed runs, Ross Miller has instead this week brought us something quite different: 100 hacks in 10 minutes. Weird, wild, crazy, pointless, sadistic, and sometimes even offensive (so don't say you weren't warned), many of these hacks seem to prove that people the world over really just need something better to do with their time.
How many can you recognize?
A lot of Mario and Mega Man love in there... and sometimes both, together. Some look fun to play, others boring, and still others I can't even tell were touched at all.
There's also at least one "official" hack in there; can you spot it?
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Wii
Nintendo on Wii, DS Features
by Amanda Gibson | 11/06/09 | 4:56 PM PST
Perhaps the most anticipated new Wii addition is the Nintendo Vitality Sensor, due out next year. The sensor will not only measure heart rate, but other things as well. "Based on my experiences, to measure something invisible and have it turn into something tangible like a number like weighing myself on Wii Fit, or to give a numeric value to something invisible in our daily life will be materials of new plays which will feel familiar to us or can improve our lifestyles," said Iwata. He added that the advanced features are what make the sensor so marketable. "If Wii Vitality Sensor is simply a pulsimeter, we did not need such a grandiose announcement. It is a tool to analyze various biological signals by scanning the pulse, in order to make something invisible visible." Iwata promised that more information on the sensor will be given at a later date.
Nintendo on Wii, DS Features
by Amanda Gibson | 11/06/09 | 4:56 PM PST
Perhaps the most anticipated new Wii addition is the Nintendo Vitality Sensor, due out next year. The sensor will not only measure heart rate, but other things as well. "Based on my experiences, to measure something invisible and have it turn into something tangible like a number like weighing myself on Wii Fit, or to give a numeric value to something invisible in our daily life will be materials of new plays which will feel familiar to us or can improve our lifestyles," said Iwata. He added that the advanced features are what make the sensor so marketable. "If Wii Vitality Sensor is simply a pulsimeter, we did not need such a grandiose announcement. It is a tool to analyze various biological signals by scanning the pulse, in order to make something invisible visible." Iwata promised that more information on the sensor will be given at a later date.
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GEN
Podcast: Kombo Breaker - Episode 50: We celebrate 50 episodes with John Davison (Gamepro), Jeff and Dan (Totally Rad Show), and James Stevenson (Insomniac Games)
by Dan Johnson | 11/06/09 | 4:48 PM PST
We promised #50 would be crazy and we feel like we delivered. Nearly two and a half times longer than our recent episodes, this behemoth may seem daunting at first, but we promise you'll want to sit through the whole episode. If for some horrible reason you refuse to do so, we're happy to provide the times for each guest so you can get your fix.
John Davison kicks off our first segment discussing his transition from whattheyplay.com to Editor in Chief of Gamepro Magazine. I know, I know, Gamepro does still exist. John Davison explains why you should care now that he's at the helm. We're convinced!
Totally Rad Show's Jeff Cannata and Dan Trachtenberg join us around the 40 minute mark to launch into a discussion about movie games and moreso game movies, especially in light of the fact that the Prince of Persia trailer has just been released. These guys know their stuff and it was a blast to have Jeff explain to us how Doom the movie could've been good.
Finally James Stevenson, Community Manager over at Insomniac Games, sits down with us to talk about their fantastic new release, Ratchet & Clank: A Crack in Time. The interview starts around the 1:47 mark and delves into a lot of the design choices for the game, and he gives the slightest hint of what might come in the future.
It's hard to believe we've actually made 50 of these things. We just want to offer our sincere thanks to anyone who's been listening since the beginning, all the way to anyone who might've joined us even just last week. We're really privileged to be able to spend time with people from every corner of the gaming realm and hope to only bring you more guests that you (and we) love.
If you're new to the show, make sure you subscribe on iTunes. We'd love some feedback either here or on the iTunes show page itself. Follow us on Twitter (@KomboBreaker) or email us (kombobreaker@kombo.com).
Next week, gaming press legend Garnett Lee graces us with his presence. You won't want to miss it!
Download | Subscribe on iTunes | Episode 50 | 2h 25m
Podcast: Kombo Breaker - Episode 50: We celebrate 50 episodes with John Davison (Gamepro), Jeff and Dan (Totally Rad Show), and James Stevenson (Insomniac Games)
by Dan Johnson | 11/06/09 | 4:48 PM PST
We promised #50 would be crazy and we feel like we delivered. Nearly two and a half times longer than our recent episodes, this behemoth may seem daunting at first, but we promise you'll want to sit through the whole episode. If for some horrible reason you refuse to do so, we're happy to provide the times for each guest so you can get your fix.
John Davison kicks off our first segment discussing his transition from whattheyplay.com to Editor in Chief of Gamepro Magazine. I know, I know, Gamepro does still exist. John Davison explains why you should care now that he's at the helm. We're convinced!
Totally Rad Show's Jeff Cannata and Dan Trachtenberg join us around the 40 minute mark to launch into a discussion about movie games and moreso game movies, especially in light of the fact that the Prince of Persia trailer has just been released. These guys know their stuff and it was a blast to have Jeff explain to us how Doom the movie could've been good.
Finally James Stevenson, Community Manager over at Insomniac Games, sits down with us to talk about their fantastic new release, Ratchet & Clank: A Crack in Time. The interview starts around the 1:47 mark and delves into a lot of the design choices for the game, and he gives the slightest hint of what might come in the future.
It's hard to believe we've actually made 50 of these things. We just want to offer our sincere thanks to anyone who's been listening since the beginning, all the way to anyone who might've joined us even just last week. We're really privileged to be able to spend time with people from every corner of the gaming realm and hope to only bring you more guests that you (and we) love.
If you're new to the show, make sure you subscribe on iTunes. We'd love some feedback either here or on the iTunes show page itself. Follow us on Twitter (@KomboBreaker) or email us (kombobreaker@kombo.com).
Next week, gaming press legend Garnett Lee graces us with his presence. You won't want to miss it!
Download | Subscribe on iTunes | Episode 50 | 2h 25m
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PS3
Random Video of the Day: Grand Theft Auto vs. Frogger
by David Oxford | 11/06/09 | 4:43 PM PST
Here's a surprise: another mashup video from Dane Boe, this time featuring Grand Theft Auto IV and Frogger. I can already see how this wouldn't end well...
Okay, I'll admit: that went the exact opposite of how I expected, which involved Niko attempting to run over Frogger, stopping his car, getting out, and shooting him. And in hindsight, I should have realized that's not how these things work.
Random Video of the Day: Grand Theft Auto vs. Frogger
by David Oxford | 11/06/09 | 4:43 PM PST
Here's a surprise: another mashup video from Dane Boe, this time featuring Grand Theft Auto IV and Frogger. I can already see how this wouldn't end well...
Okay, I'll admit: that went the exact opposite of how I expected, which involved Niko attempting to run over Frogger, stopping his car, getting out, and shooting him. And in hindsight, I should have realized that's not how these things work.
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Wii
My Games This Weekend - 11.06.09 - Gettin' Fit... Plus
by David Oxford | 11/06/09 | 4:36 PM PST
My games this weekend... well, I have some hopes.
I hope to finish up WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2010 for my review, for one thing. My apologies for its lateness, but there were some... technical issues. That, and of course, I do the news day in and day out. Anyway, I have a good idea of what to say, and who knows? Maybe I can say it without going on forever this time.
Of course, before that happens, I still need to finish redoing the living room, which I expect will eat up the better part of the day tomorrow.
In addition, I really need to get started on Wii Fit Plus-- not just to write about it, but because those cold Winter months are starting to set in, and I really, really hate going out in that. So this will hopefully help to offset it.
Those are my games this weekend. What are yours?
My Games This Weekend - 11.06.09 - Gettin' Fit... Plus
by David Oxford | 11/06/09 | 4:36 PM PST
My games this weekend... well, I have some hopes.
I hope to finish up WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2010 for my review, for one thing. My apologies for its lateness, but there were some... technical issues. That, and of course, I do the news day in and day out. Anyway, I have a good idea of what to say, and who knows? Maybe I can say it without going on forever this time.
Of course, before that happens, I still need to finish redoing the living room, which I expect will eat up the better part of the day tomorrow.
In addition, I really need to get started on Wii Fit Plus-- not just to write about it, but because those cold Winter months are starting to set in, and I really, really hate going out in that. So this will hopefully help to offset it.
Those are my games this weekend. What are yours?
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Wii
Papa John's is Giving Away 300 Wii Sports Resort Prize Packages in November
by David Oxford | 11/06/09 | 4:17 PM PST
Ah, Papa John's pizza. Now there is one thing I miss about living in the U.S. But alas, it's not to be had north of the border. Maybe someday, but not today, and certainly not in time to win one of their new Wii Sports Resort Prize Packages.
From now (November 2nd, actually) until November 29th, Papa John's customers can enter for a chance to win one of 300 packages which include a Wii package, Wii Sports Resort, extra Wii Remote, extra Nunchuk, and extra Wii MotionPlus, retailing together for about $330. No purchase is necessary, and you can enter up to five times a day.
Madness? This is Papa John's!
Papa John's is Giving Away 300 Wii Sports Resort Prize Packages in November
by David Oxford | 11/06/09 | 4:17 PM PST
Ah, Papa John's pizza. Now there is one thing I miss about living in the U.S. But alas, it's not to be had north of the border. Maybe someday, but not today, and certainly not in time to win one of their new Wii Sports Resort Prize Packages.
From now (November 2nd, actually) until November 29th, Papa John's customers can enter for a chance to win one of 300 packages which include a Wii package, Wii Sports Resort, extra Wii Remote, extra Nunchuk, and extra Wii MotionPlus, retailing together for about $330. No purchase is necessary, and you can enter up to five times a day.
Madness? This is Papa John's!
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DS
Game Boy Inducted into National Toy Hall of Fame
by David Oxford | 11/06/09 | 3:53 PM PST
While the Nintendo Entertainment System and SEGA Dreamcast recently made it into Good Housekeeping's "Best Toys of All Time" list, the NES's little brother, the Game Boy, may have received a more prestigious honor.
The National Toy Hall of Fame has announced that Portable Power is joining their ranks as they revealed the Game Boy in a ceremony yesterday, where it will join fellow 2009 inductees the ball and Big Wheel.
Game Boy Inducted into National Toy Hall of Fame
by David Oxford | 11/06/09 | 3:53 PM PST
While the Nintendo Entertainment System and SEGA Dreamcast recently made it into Good Housekeeping's "Best Toys of All Time" list, the NES's little brother, the Game Boy, may have received a more prestigious honor.
The National Toy Hall of Fame has announced that Portable Power is joining their ranks as they revealed the Game Boy in a ceremony yesterday, where it will join fellow 2009 inductees the ball and Big Wheel.
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Wii
EB Games Canada Offers 500 Nintendo Point Card for Pre-Ordering New Super Mario Bros. Wii
by David Oxford | 11/06/09 | 3:32 PM PST
Sure, it's not a tin, or cool figures, an artbook, or even a coin, but at least if you pre-order New Super Mario Bros. Wii at EB Games in Canada, you'll at least get something.
As you can see in the illustration above, those who pre-order New Super Mario Bros. Wii will get a neat little NSMBWii card, which can be redeemed for 500 Nintendo Points. Nothing too grand, but hey-- free NES game. That's not too bad for a game you were probably looking at getting anyway.
GoNintendo has the full flier here, which talks about the official Modern Warfare 2 launch event in Toronto, a bonus with a Tony Hawk RIDE pre-order, and a tax credit for Assassin's Creed II.
EB Games Canada Offers 500 Nintendo Point Card for Pre-Ordering New Super Mario Bros. Wii
by David Oxford | 11/06/09 | 3:32 PM PST
Sure, it's not a tin, or cool figures, an artbook, or even a coin, but at least if you pre-order New Super Mario Bros. Wii at EB Games in Canada, you'll at least get something.
As you can see in the illustration above, those who pre-order New Super Mario Bros. Wii will get a neat little NSMBWii card, which can be redeemed for 500 Nintendo Points. Nothing too grand, but hey-- free NES game. That's not too bad for a game you were probably looking at getting anyway.
GoNintendo has the full flier here, which talks about the official Modern Warfare 2 launch event in Toronto, a bonus with a Tony Hawk RIDE pre-order, and a tax credit for Assassin's Creed II.
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PS3
As Seen at the World Series...
by David Oxford | 11/06/09 | 3:09 PM PST
This was passed along to the news e-mail by Kombo Co-Founder and pimpin' PR Director Sean O'Neill. Who knew that Kratos was a Yankees fan?
I wonder if this will be a downloadable skin. They could make the set complete by arming him with a Louisville Slugger and an aluminum bat.
As Seen at the World Series...
by David Oxford | 11/06/09 | 3:09 PM PST
This was passed along to the news e-mail by Kombo Co-Founder and pimpin' PR Director Sean O'Neill. Who knew that Kratos was a Yankees fan?
I wonder if this will be a downloadable skin. They could make the set complete by arming him with a Louisville Slugger and an aluminum bat.
source: Flickr
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Wii
The Mickey Mouse Fans are Revolting
by David Oxford | 11/06/09 | 2:54 PM PST
Messing with a beloved cultural icon can be risky business, especially when there are people who still love that icon.
It has become no small secret that Disney is doing just that, giving Mickey Mouse a modern makeover of equal parts mirth and mischief, and for many, the change has been welcomed.
The Mickey Mouse Fans are Revolting
by David Oxford | 11/06/09 | 2:54 PM PST
Messing with a beloved cultural icon can be risky business, especially when there are people who still love that icon.
It has become no small secret that Disney is doing just that, giving Mickey Mouse a modern makeover of equal parts mirth and mischief, and for many, the change has been welcomed.
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360
Activision CEO Says Modern Warfare 2 Could Be "Biggest Entertainment Launch" of All Time
by David Oxford | 11/06/09 | 2:21 PM PST
Modern Warfare 2 is shaping up to be quite the big release. Really big. Extremely big. Perhaps even absurdly big. So big that when it is released, all the real wars in the world will be put on hold so everyone can play the game.
Okay, maybe not that big.
But close, at least in the eyes of one Mr. Robert "Bobby" Kotick, the Chief Executive Officer of Activision.
Activision CEO Says Modern Warfare 2 Could Be "Biggest Entertainment Launch" of All Time
by David Oxford | 11/06/09 | 2:21 PM PST
Modern Warfare 2 is shaping up to be quite the big release. Really big. Extremely big. Perhaps even absurdly big. So big that when it is released, all the real wars in the world will be put on hold so everyone can play the game.
Okay, maybe not that big.
But close, at least in the eyes of one Mr. Robert "Bobby" Kotick, the Chief Executive Officer of Activision.
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DS
Story Revealed for The Legend of Zelda: Spirit Tracks (SPOILERS)
by Eric Jones | 11/06/09 | 2:09 PM PST
While the full details behind The Legend of Zelda: Spirit Tracks were finally blown out last night, some story segments were still left a mystery.
Well, thanks to some new details (compiled by GoNintendo) we have a full idea of what to expect in the latest installment of one of Nintendo's premiere franchises. Since there's spoilers aplenty, all is posted after the cut, so beware.
Story Revealed for The Legend of Zelda: Spirit Tracks (SPOILERS)
by Eric Jones | 11/06/09 | 2:09 PM PST
While the full details behind The Legend of Zelda: Spirit Tracks were finally blown out last night, some story segments were still left a mystery.
Well, thanks to some new details (compiled by GoNintendo) we have a full idea of what to expect in the latest installment of one of Nintendo's premiere franchises. Since there's spoilers aplenty, all is posted after the cut, so beware.
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PS3
OTX Data Shows Xbox 360 Console Defections to PlayStation 3 for Holiday Sequels
by David Oxford | 11/06/09 | 2:09 PM PST
While Ken might be baffled by the number of people who are going to buy Modern Warfare 2 on the PlayStation 3 over the Xbox 360 (see Editor's Note in the sidebar), it would seem that such a development does not come as a surprise to OTX's GamePlan Insights. Data they've provided to Gamasutra shows that many of those in the market to purchase a sequel this holiday season might be switching over to the Sony style of life, and for more than just one major release.
"In addition to identifying the cash-strapped consumer's most-wanted games for the holiday season, GamePlan Insights previously examined "franchise lineage," or gamer intent to purchase sequels to favorite games," the site says.
OTX Data Shows Xbox 360 Console Defections to PlayStation 3 for Holiday Sequels
by David Oxford | 11/06/09 | 2:09 PM PST
While Ken might be baffled by the number of people who are going to buy Modern Warfare 2 on the PlayStation 3 over the Xbox 360 (see Editor's Note in the sidebar), it would seem that such a development does not come as a surprise to OTX's GamePlan Insights. Data they've provided to Gamasutra shows that many of those in the market to purchase a sequel this holiday season might be switching over to the Sony style of life, and for more than just one major release.
"In addition to identifying the cash-strapped consumer's most-wanted games for the holiday season, GamePlan Insights previously examined "franchise lineage," or gamer intent to purchase sequels to favorite games," the site says.
November 6, 2009
