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TOP SPOT
HDTV vs. SNES Games on a HDTV are beautiful...unless you want to play those on a console made before 2006. 
TOP SPOT
Kombo Breaker - Episode 60 and a Special Edition We have two episodes up for your listening pleasure: Episode 60 with Garth of PopCap games and a special edition with the BioShock 2 dev conference! 
TOP SPOT
Cut the Crap: Quantum Theory is Important Japan is doing what everyone wants, so why the hatred toward Quantum Theory? 
TOP SPOT
Jaded Gamer #7: Music Games Losing the Rhythm? The Maddenitis of the music genre for games has finally caught up with it, and Joey couldn't be happier. |
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REVIEW: Chime
Play some music. Donate to charity.
REVIEW: 0 Day Attack on Earth
Worst. Twin-stick shooter. Ever.
REVIEW: Vandal Hearts: Flames of Judgment
Want a quick RPG with a typical JRPG plot?
REVIEW: Glory of Heracles
Experience as much mediocrity as glory. |
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Wii
Ghost Recon: Future Soldier Coming to Wii, Handhelds
by Eric Jones | 02/09/10 | 2:18 PM PST
Hot on the heels of Ubisoft's announcement of Ghost Recon: Future Soldier, comes official word that the game will be hitting the Xbox 360 and PS3. That's all well and good, but something more shocking is what OTHER platforms the latest in the beloved shooter franchise will be coming to.
Ubisoft has confirmed that the game will also be hitting the Nintendo Wii, as well as the Nintendo DS and PSP platforms when it releases in the Winter of 2010. Ubisoft gave no details on these versions of the game, CEO Yves Guillermot did state that they would be developed by a different team. In particular, the Wii version would be built with a specific mindset towards Wii owners.
In other words, expect super-deformed soldiers shooting paint bullets while playing reloading minigames. The sad thing? You think I'm kidding.
Ghost Recon: Future Soldier Coming to Wii, Handhelds
by Eric Jones | 02/09/10 | 2:18 PM PST
Hot on the heels of Ubisoft's announcement of Ghost Recon: Future Soldier, comes official word that the game will be hitting the Xbox 360 and PS3. That's all well and good, but something more shocking is what OTHER platforms the latest in the beloved shooter franchise will be coming to.
Ubisoft has confirmed that the game will also be hitting the Nintendo Wii, as well as the Nintendo DS and PSP platforms when it releases in the Winter of 2010. Ubisoft gave no details on these versions of the game, CEO Yves Guillermot did state that they would be developed by a different team. In particular, the Wii version would be built with a specific mindset towards Wii owners.
In other words, expect super-deformed soldiers shooting paint bullets while playing reloading minigames. The sad thing? You think I'm kidding.
source: Joystiq
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Wii
Nintendo Magazines Around the World Teasing Surprises
by David Oxford | 02/09/10 | 2:16 PM PST
Does Nintendo have something big in store for March? There seem to be some serious allusions to such a possibility, such as the following from the UK's Official Nintendo Magazine:
Is it all related? I'd say there is a good chance, which just leaves us to wonder: what is it?
Nintendo Magazines Around the World Teasing Surprises
by David Oxford | 02/09/10 | 2:16 PM PST
Does Nintendo have something big in store for March? There seem to be some serious allusions to such a possibility, such as the following from the UK's Official Nintendo Magazine:"That's right – I suggest you mark 12 March in your diaries now, as we have something very special lined up. That's all I can say for now, so until then, enjoy the mag!"Some would say, however, that ONM isn't quite credible enough to carry out such an announcement. But then, Nintendo Power has the following on their teaser for their April issue, as seen in the scan at right (courtesy of GoNintendo, click to enlarge):
"You want creative? You want innovative? Then get ready for next issue. Our in-depth WarioWare D.I.Y. feature will tell you everything you need to know about this groundbreaking game. Plus, we'll celebrate the 20th anniversary of Super Mario Bros. – one of the most successful games of all time – and deliver the verdicts on titles such as Red steel 2, Pokemon HeartGold and SoulSilver Versions,and Infinite Space. And, of course, there'll be a few surprises."Still not enough? Nintendo Everything also adds that the Japanese publication, Nintendo Dream, is also poised to reveal "a surprising new title in a popular Nintendo series" sometime later this month.
Is it all related? I'd say there is a good chance, which just leaves us to wonder: what is it?
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GEN
EA Confirms New Dragon Age, Mass Effect in 2011, Dates Numerous Titles
by Eric Jones | 02/09/10 | 1:13 PM PST
Electronic Arts held their Q3 earnings call yesterday, and pretty much felt it necessary to announce everything coming from the company over the next year, and beyond. Here's the choice details.
- EA offically confirmed a new Dragon Age title, set for release in early 2011. It'll be released for consoles, PC, and handhelds. A developer was not announced, but Bioware is likely behind it.
- EA also officially confirmed something "Far reaching" for the Mass Effect franchise, coming in early 2011. Could it be a large DLC? Or maybe even Mass Effect 3?
- EA confirmed 2011 releases for Dead Space 2, as well as a game we haven't heard about in some time: the unnamed shooter EA is working on alongside Gears of War developer Epic Games.
- For this year, EA confirmed summer releases for the reboot of Medal of Honor, as well as Holiday 2010 releases of Crysis 2, EA Sports MMA, and the new NBA Jam for Wii. Also coming will be two new EA Sports Active games (not just for Wii, so expect some "Arc" and Natal love), a console port of The Sims 3, a new Need for Speed (by Criterion), and a new Harry Potter game.
- Oh yeah, and FIFA, NBA Live, NHL, and Madden sequels are all in the works. Whew!
EA Confirms New Dragon Age, Mass Effect in 2011, Dates Numerous Titles
by Eric Jones | 02/09/10 | 1:13 PM PST
Electronic Arts held their Q3 earnings call yesterday, and pretty much felt it necessary to announce everything coming from the company over the next year, and beyond. Here's the choice details.
- EA offically confirmed a new Dragon Age title, set for release in early 2011. It'll be released for consoles, PC, and handhelds. A developer was not announced, but Bioware is likely behind it.
- EA also officially confirmed something "Far reaching" for the Mass Effect franchise, coming in early 2011. Could it be a large DLC? Or maybe even Mass Effect 3?
- EA confirmed 2011 releases for Dead Space 2, as well as a game we haven't heard about in some time: the unnamed shooter EA is working on alongside Gears of War developer Epic Games.
- For this year, EA confirmed summer releases for the reboot of Medal of Honor, as well as Holiday 2010 releases of Crysis 2, EA Sports MMA, and the new NBA Jam for Wii. Also coming will be two new EA Sports Active games (not just for Wii, so expect some "Arc" and Natal love), a console port of The Sims 3, a new Need for Speed (by Criterion), and a new Harry Potter game.
- Oh yeah, and FIFA, NBA Live, NHL, and Madden sequels are all in the works. Whew!
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360
February's Xbox LIVE Marketplace Updates
by David Oxford | 02/09/10 | 12:41 PM PST
Xbox LIVE Director of Programming Larry "Major Nelson" Hryb has updated his blog to inform us of what to expect over the coming month in the Xbox LIVE Marketplace.
February's Xbox LIVE Marketplace Updates
by David Oxford | 02/09/10 | 12:41 PM PST
Xbox LIVE Director of Programming Larry "Major Nelson" Hryb has updated his blog to inform us of what to expect over the coming month in the Xbox LIVE Marketplace.
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PS3
Even FFXIII's Developers Don't Know What Wada is Saying
by David Oxford | 02/09/10 | 12:23 PM PST
A few weeks ago, Square Enix Chief Executive Officer Yoichi Wada made some comments about the future of Final Fantasy, including that "I really think that the Final Fantasy team could create something completely different," and that the team "should next move on to create and generate some 'next generation' forms of play."
Even FFXIII's Developers Don't Know What Wada is Saying
by David Oxford | 02/09/10 | 12:23 PM PST
A few weeks ago, Square Enix Chief Executive Officer Yoichi Wada made some comments about the future of Final Fantasy, including that "I really think that the Final Fantasy team could create something completely different," and that the team "should next move on to create and generate some 'next generation' forms of play."
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GEN
It May Be The End for Nippon Ichi Software
by Cory Dickson | 02/09/10 | 12:21 PM PST
Nippon Ichi Software may not be with us much longer. This past Friday, the company released its financial earnings for 2009. And it is safe to say that things have taken a turn for the worse. The company was down in profit 97.5 percent for the first nine months. On Friday, the company's price was ¥36,200 (JASDAQ), but then the stock plummeted that morning to ¥7,000 (US$78) before it was frozen.
2009 was a rough year (to say the least) on Nippon Ichi. Hopefully the company can bounce back this year; I would hate to see Prinny & the rest of the Disgaea crew go.
It May Be The End for Nippon Ichi Software
by Cory Dickson | 02/09/10 | 12:21 PM PST
Nippon Ichi Software may not be with us much longer. This past Friday, the company released its financial earnings for 2009. And it is safe to say that things have taken a turn for the worse. The company was down in profit 97.5 percent for the first nine months. On Friday, the company's price was ¥36,200 (JASDAQ), but then the stock plummeted that morning to ¥7,000 (US$78) before it was frozen.
2009 was a rough year (to say the least) on Nippon Ichi. Hopefully the company can bounce back this year; I would hate to see Prinny & the rest of the Disgaea crew go.
source: Kotaku
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Wii
Aussie Hit with $1.5m Fine for Pirating New SMB Wii, Possibly Screws Over Whole Country
by David Oxford | 02/09/10 | 12:07 PM PST
It's just like they say, crime doesn't pay. Unless, of course, you're Nintendo and the crime in question was committed against you. Then it can pay a nice dividend of $1.5 million.
That's how much one Australian was fined for being the first in the world to upload the company's big holiday title, New Super Mario Bros. Wii, to the internet for people to freely obtain and download. The act was committed on November 6th, a week before the game's official release in Australia, which also predated the rest of the world-- even Japan.
Aussie Hit with $1.5m Fine for Pirating New SMB Wii, Possibly Screws Over Whole Country
by David Oxford | 02/09/10 | 12:07 PM PST
It's just like they say, crime doesn't pay. Unless, of course, you're Nintendo and the crime in question was committed against you. Then it can pay a nice dividend of $1.5 million.
That's how much one Australian was fined for being the first in the world to upload the company's big holiday title, New Super Mario Bros. Wii, to the internet for people to freely obtain and download. The act was committed on November 6th, a week before the game's official release in Australia, which also predated the rest of the world-- even Japan.
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360
Media: Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time Super Bowl Movie Ad
by David Oxford | 02/09/10 | 11:43 AM PST
Just in case you for some reason missed the "big game" on Sunday (or, like me, could get the game but not the commercials), here is the 30-second ad for the upcoming film "Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time:"
For this reason or that, I've just never really played a Prince of Persia game, but this does look neat. Maybe I'll go see the movie first, then play the games and tell people I'm doing so because of the movie. Maybe I'll even say "they should make a game on this, it would be great," just to rile all the purists and such types up.
Media: Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time Super Bowl Movie Ad
by David Oxford | 02/09/10 | 11:43 AM PST
Just in case you for some reason missed the "big game" on Sunday (or, like me, could get the game but not the commercials), here is the 30-second ad for the upcoming film "Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time:"
For this reason or that, I've just never really played a Prince of Persia game, but this does look neat. Maybe I'll go see the movie first, then play the games and tell people I'm doing so because of the movie. Maybe I'll even say "they should make a game on this, it would be great," just to rile all the purists and such types up.
source: Topless Robot
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PS3
Headaches and Sickness Induced by 3D
by David Oxford | 02/09/10 | 11:13 AM PST
3D has been garnering a lot of attention as of late. And of course, I don't mean "3D" as in "you don't just move left and right," but actual visuals that pop off the screen and leave you wondering what manner of sorcery you are witnessing.
The 3D resurgence has been most notable in movie theaters, thanks to productions such as Disney and Pixar's "Up" and James Cameron's recent seven-week chart-topper "Avatar." In addition to this, Sony has made no secret of their desire to bring such functionality not only to movies played on the PlayStation 3, but games as well.
However, it seems that the 3D revolution may not be for everyone, and I don't just mean Nintendo Co. Ltd. President Satoru Iwata's dismissal of goofy-looking glasses. In truth, unwanted side-effects could prove problematic for companies wishing to move the technology into the home.
Headaches and Sickness Induced by 3D
by David Oxford | 02/09/10 | 11:13 AM PST
3D has been garnering a lot of attention as of late. And of course, I don't mean "3D" as in "you don't just move left and right," but actual visuals that pop off the screen and leave you wondering what manner of sorcery you are witnessing.
The 3D resurgence has been most notable in movie theaters, thanks to productions such as Disney and Pixar's "Up" and James Cameron's recent seven-week chart-topper "Avatar." In addition to this, Sony has made no secret of their desire to bring such functionality not only to movies played on the PlayStation 3, but games as well.
However, it seems that the 3D revolution may not be for everyone, and I don't just mean Nintendo Co. Ltd. President Satoru Iwata's dismissal of goofy-looking glasses. In truth, unwanted side-effects could prove problematic for companies wishing to move the technology into the home.
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Wii
Fans Petitioning for Oldschool Sonic in Sonic 4
by David Oxford | 02/09/10 | 10:48 AM PST
In all likelihood, SEGA probably thought they nailed it when they released the first teasers, production art and trailer for Sonic the Hedgehog 4.
They had the logo. They had the sounds. They had the music. They had the enemies. They had 2D, side-scrolling gameplay. The story picks up right where Sonic & Knuckles left off. And they had reduced the cast to its core fundamentals. What more could a fan of the oldschool Genesis Sonic the Hedgehog titles possibly want?
The answer, it turns out, is the oldschool Sonic.
There tends to be something of a divide among Sonic fans when it comes to the character, his design specifically. For some, the leaner, more modern hedgehog is their preference, but for others, it's when his eyes went green that everything went south for the franchise.
Fans Petitioning for Oldschool Sonic in Sonic 4
by David Oxford | 02/09/10 | 10:48 AM PST
In all likelihood, SEGA probably thought they nailed it when they released the first teasers, production art and trailer for Sonic the Hedgehog 4.
They had the logo. They had the sounds. They had the music. They had the enemies. They had 2D, side-scrolling gameplay. The story picks up right where Sonic & Knuckles left off. And they had reduced the cast to its core fundamentals. What more could a fan of the oldschool Genesis Sonic the Hedgehog titles possibly want?
The answer, it turns out, is the oldschool Sonic.
There tends to be something of a divide among Sonic fans when it comes to the character, his design specifically. For some, the leaner, more modern hedgehog is their preference, but for others, it's when his eyes went green that everything went south for the franchise.
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360
Netflix Content Coming in 'True HD' to Xbox 360 and PS3 Soon
by Alex Osborn | 02/09/10 | 8:31 AM PST
It was only a matter of time before Netflix sought to match the level of quality the PlayStation Store and Xbox Live Marketplace offers with their movies and TV shows. The mega movie distribution company announced today that streaming Netflix content from your console will soon support 1080p resolution as well as 5.1 surround sound support.
As of right now, all we know is that it will be coming later this year and while only 6% of Netflix's library supports true HD content, that number is sure to increase in the future.
Netflix Content Coming in 'True HD' to Xbox 360 and PS3 Soon
by Alex Osborn | 02/09/10 | 8:31 AM PST
It was only a matter of time before Netflix sought to match the level of quality the PlayStation Store and Xbox Live Marketplace offers with their movies and TV shows. The mega movie distribution company announced today that streaming Netflix content from your console will soon support 1080p resolution as well as 5.1 surround sound support.
As of right now, all we know is that it will be coming later this year and while only 6% of Netflix's library supports true HD content, that number is sure to increase in the future.
source: Kotaku
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360
'Future Soldier' to be the Next Installment in the Ghost Recon Franchise
by Alex Osborn | 02/09/10 | 8:10 AM PST
Tactical shooter fans rejoice! Ubisoft made an official announcement earlier today, confirming the release of a new Ghost Recon title. Subtitled Future Soldier, the latest installment in this series promises to "go beyond the core Ghost Recon franchise and deliver a fresh gameplay experience." Plus, those are planning on picking up Splinter Cell: Conviction in a couple of months will get some hands on experience with the game when the multiplayer beta launches this summer.
Add one to the list of high profile titles to keep on your radar for this holiday season.
'Future Soldier' to be the Next Installment in the Ghost Recon Franchise
by Alex Osborn | 02/09/10 | 8:10 AM PST
Tactical shooter fans rejoice! Ubisoft made an official announcement earlier today, confirming the release of a new Ghost Recon title. Subtitled Future Soldier, the latest installment in this series promises to "go beyond the core Ghost Recon franchise and deliver a fresh gameplay experience." Plus, those are planning on picking up Splinter Cell: Conviction in a couple of months will get some hands on experience with the game when the multiplayer beta launches this summer.
Add one to the list of high profile titles to keep on your radar for this holiday season.
source: IGN
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GEN
HDTV vs. SNES
by Lucas DeWoody | 02/09/10 | 5:56 AM PST
I lost my HDTV virginity in 2006. It came at a time when I was starting the process of breaking ties with Nintendo console exclusivity, something I should have done far sooner. Considering the fact that I was a recovering Nintendo fanboy coming off the slow and agonizing death of GameCube in 2005, and the bone dry Nintendo console game drought in 2006, I was more than happy to "Jump In" with the Xbox 360 and spend the next year enjoying the awesomeness of Perfect Dark Zero, Kameo, Oblivion, and Gears of War in glorious HD. Immediately upon nabbing my 360, I swooped out the door and picked up a brand new 27" Samsung starter HDTV. Joyous with anticipation of the entrancing moment of liquid crystal ecstasy I was about to immerse myself in; I immediately placed that beautiful display in the middle of my entertainment shelf and hooked up all of my consoles to it. I spent the next week playing my new purchase like a mad man. At the end of the next week I decided it was time to mix things up and give the 360 a little break. I wanted to fire up the SNES (my favorite console of all time) and see how she looked on my new 720p beauty. Hoo boy, was I was in for a rotten surprise.
HDTV vs. SNES
by Lucas DeWoody | 02/09/10 | 5:56 AM PST
I lost my HDTV virginity in 2006. It came at a time when I was starting the process of breaking ties with Nintendo console exclusivity, something I should have done far sooner. Considering the fact that I was a recovering Nintendo fanboy coming off the slow and agonizing death of GameCube in 2005, and the bone dry Nintendo console game drought in 2006, I was more than happy to "Jump In" with the Xbox 360 and spend the next year enjoying the awesomeness of Perfect Dark Zero, Kameo, Oblivion, and Gears of War in glorious HD. Immediately upon nabbing my 360, I swooped out the door and picked up a brand new 27" Samsung starter HDTV. Joyous with anticipation of the entrancing moment of liquid crystal ecstasy I was about to immerse myself in; I immediately placed that beautiful display in the middle of my entertainment shelf and hooked up all of my consoles to it. I spent the next week playing my new purchase like a mad man. At the end of the next week I decided it was time to mix things up and give the 360 a little break. I wanted to fire up the SNES (my favorite console of all time) and see how she looked on my new 720p beauty. Hoo boy, was I was in for a rotten surprise.
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Kombo's Game a Day Giveaway! Win a New Game EVERYDAY in February!
by Ken Cauley | 02/08/10 | 11:00 PM PST
CLICK THE ABOVE IMAGE FOR THE OFFICIAL CONTEST PAGE
Kombo's Game a Day Giveaway! Win a New Game EVERYDAY in February!
by Ken Cauley | 02/08/10 | 11:00 PM PST
CLICK THE ABOVE IMAGE FOR THE OFFICIAL CONTEST PAGE
WINNERS:February 2: John Riemer, Virgina February 3: Jonathan Dowell, Pennsylvania February 4: Chris Ryan, Florida February 5: Chris Foster, Michigan February 6: Adam Cuevas, Florida February 7: Josh Minar, Kentucky February 8: Bradley Mosbacher, Missouri
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Kombo Breaker #60: Garth Chateau Talks Addiction and PopCap Games
by Joey Davidson | 02/08/10 | 8:08 PM PST
Number 60 is all up ons us! This week's episode of Kombo Breaker features a previous guest on talking about the recent adventures of PopCap Games.
From Facebook domination to future plans for the Wii, Garth Chateau of PopCap came on to tell us everything he could. Not only that, but Garth also takes time to rattle of a few absolutely absurd stats about Bejeweled Blitz. You'll have to tune in to find out more.
Make sure you do the usual and email us with questions and comments at kombobreaker@kombo.com. Be sure to subscribe on iTunes and leave us a review!
Download | Subscribe on iTunes | Episode 60 | 45m
Kombo Breaker #60: Garth Chateau Talks Addiction and PopCap Games
by Joey Davidson | 02/08/10 | 8:08 PM PST
Number 60 is all up ons us! This week's episode of Kombo Breaker features a previous guest on talking about the recent adventures of PopCap Games.
From Facebook domination to future plans for the Wii, Garth Chateau of PopCap came on to tell us everything he could. Not only that, but Garth also takes time to rattle of a few absolutely absurd stats about Bejeweled Blitz. You'll have to tune in to find out more.
Make sure you do the usual and email us with questions and comments at kombobreaker@kombo.com. Be sure to subscribe on iTunes and leave us a review!
Download | Subscribe on iTunes | Episode 60 | 45m
February 8, 2010
