Starcraft 3D

The modders at Snowflake Entertainment are working on a Warcraft 3 Mod to mirror the gameplay and look of Starcraft: Brood War in 3D. It will have all the same gameplay, all the same characters, story, everything. Just 3D and cool.Why Blizzard can't do it themselves we'll never know. Oh right, they're busy making Starcraft: Ghost.

[Source]

Gaming in 2008 Olympics

O.k. not quite, but there's a move to get it in place. Major League Gaming is being petitioned as an insertion into the 2008 OlympicsEspecially considering that Bejing (the host, duh!) has quite the gaming culture with multi-billion dollar intakes. The Olympic council is frowning on this request, but it is being considered for two reasons. Noone watches the Olympics, and it would be something shocking for people to check out. Also they license the Olympics out for gaming and it really does become a conflict of interest to disallow it at the games. It's likely not goint to happen, but maybe one day. Once China rules the world.

[Source]

Gizmondo Exec. Car Crash Court Case

Remember this?


The Gizmondo Exec that broke that car off a pole in a race? Well, he's pleading not guilty in his case against Grand Theft Suto of his 4 Luxury import cars. If he loses he may be down quite the sum. Hell, his bail alone is $3 million. Just thought I'd let you know.

[Source]

Xbox Live Vision Date Set

Sept 19th will be the day North Americans can pick up their Xbox Live Visions and start looking at eachother. Asia and Europe get theirs October 2nd. Looks like a whole summer full of voices alone, cause you know most of the faces on XBL were made for radio.

[Source]

Game Video: The Night Before Cave Christmas

Alright, the commercials were starting to get dull, now they're fnny gaming videos. This one's the Christmas episode (in June?!) of the Super Mario Bros. Super Show.

Best of E3 Nominees

GameCriticsArawds.com has posted the nominees for this year's best of E3 awards. PC being the big contender with 52 of the nominations (more than 1/2) in their court. Place your bets in the comments, I've left a few of mine below.

Best of Show: Wii
Best Original Game: Spore
Best PC Game: Crysis
Best Console Game: Gears of War
Best Handheld Game: LocoRoco
Best Hardware: Wii
Best Action Game: Lost Planet
Best Adventure Game: Twighlight Princess
Best Fighting Game: Virtua Fighter 5
Best RPG: WoW: The Burning Crusade
Best Racer: Test Drive Unlimited
Best Simulation: Spore
Best Sports Game: Wii Sports
Best Strategy Game: Supreme Commander
Best Puzzle/Trivia/Parlor Game: Wario Ware: Smooth Moves
Best Online Game: Huxley

[Source]

TheKing Dethroned

Long-time gamerscore champ ST TheKing has officially been dethroned by Rance6. The spanish player is only a couple hunfred points ahead, so expect The Return of The King. (Get it? Like in Lord of the rings! Hahaha!!!!!!!!11oneoneone).

[Source]

Game Commercial: Katamari Damacy

I just realised, if the prince had been around during medieval times he'd be the greatest military man in the world. Just think, Odama, but sticky!

Video Games According to Grandma

SomethingAwful.com has posted a whole bunch of images from their Photoshop Friday. This week's theme was games according to grandma, and some of them are pretty funny.

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Small Games Sunday: Granny in Paradise

Play as an old lady, collecting her cats and growing flowers while on the run from tiki men and dogs. Granny in paradise is a decent platformer, that's worth a checkout and maybe a buy (150+ level Deluxe = $20) if you really think it's that funny but the gameplay's really too simple to warrant anything more than the webgame version.

[Source]

New Games This Week

Hitting store shelves this week:

Xbox360:
Hitman: Blood Money

Xbox:
Hitman: Blood Money
Stacked with Daniel Negreanu

PS2:
Puzzle Challenge: Crosswords & More
Hitman: Blood Money
Stacked with Daniel Negreanu

PSP:
Puzzle Challenge: Croswords & More
Race Driver 2006

DS:
Miss Spider: Harvest Time Hop & Fly
Scurge: Hive

GBA:
Scurge: Hive
Juka and the Monophonic Menace

PC:
City Life
Soldier Elite
Hitman: Blood Money
Dark and Light
Stacked with Daniel Negreanu
Act of War: High Treason
Out of the Park Baseball Manager 2006
Half-Life 2: Episode 1
Drop Team

Mobile:
Alien Quadrant 3D

Crush My Dreams Will You?!

Nintendo has officially confirmed that there will be no DS version of Super Smash Bros. Boo!
"Fans should look forward to the Wii version instead of a DS version.", says Iwata. But what will keep me entertained on the long subway rides to my therapist?

At least it has been heard from him that 2 new additional third-party characters will appear in Brawl. Only characters who have been on a Nintendo console may enter in the Master Glove's tournament, so Mega Man is looking like a heavy contender. Sonic's looking good too.

[Source]

Wii60 Alliance

After Peter Moore's comments about the Wii, Xbox fans and Nintendo's devotees have seemingly called a truce and have joined together to form the wii60 alliance. Wii60.com now hosts all things well, Wii60. Or anti-PS3. but then again, who can tell the difference in the fanboyism?

[Source]

Giant 360 Dashboard Update Coming

Microsoft has announced that they will be releasing a giant Xbox 360 update that will enable background downloading, multi-downloads, enhanced control for video/music/DVD, better XBLM organization and Vision integration. It will also allow you to choose whether you want to boot to the dashboard or whatever's in your disc drive when you start the system. The download will be free fast and available to anyone with Xbox Live. Those without XBL will have to wait until the 2nd batch of 360 games come around that will have the update embedded in them.

[Source]

Half-Life 2 Episodes

Half-Life 2: Episode 1 launched recently and by reviews I've seen (no time/money to get it yet) looks pretty decent. And of course, episodes 2 and 3 have now been officially confirmed, so you'll be able to keep playing in that physics run world we all love. But with more DOG!

[Source]

My waste of time.

Sorry I haven't been posting lately, I've been terribly busy with ridiculously important things. I did however, find time to craft a YTMND using Garry's mod and a way too addicting song that I stole from the original. Without further ado, the enabling source button.

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Poll: Reviews for Episode 5

I'm out of ideas for games, but I've got money for a rental, anyone got an opinion on what I should rent/review, fill out the poll below. If the game you want isn't on it, it's because my local Blockbuster doesn't have it. Or I don't care. But put it in the comments anyway, and vote for something else.

GameLife's Melissa Expels Necrophelia Rumours

A while ago Kotaku did a bit of digging and came across this photo of Game Life's Melissa, that sweet innocent, and overtly sexual game reviewer:

With a deal with MTV in the works the show's family friendly image was comprimised, so Melissa made this lovely video.

Their E3 coverage is up and they're still as sthpecial as ever and I think the public is finally willing to put the pettiness behind them. Melissa was young, she was reckless. But she's always been true to her gaming heart. Can we really judge her for that?

Game Commercial: Super Mario Strikers

Heh, that's the thinnest Mario I've ever seen.

Active Downloads coming to Xbox Live

Xbox Live is to recieve an update that will enable background downloading of multiple marketplace items while play goes on. The feature will allow you to play CD's DVD's, Arcade and offline titles, while pausing downloads for online play to prevent lag. Much needed, and I can't wait to finally use my system for something other than downloading yet another Natasha Bedingfield music video.

[Source]

Today's Xbox Live Marketplace Update:

New recently to the XBLM:

Hitman:
Hitman Demo - (Free)

NHL 2k6:
Themes - (150 each)

Oblivion:
Thieves Den Expansion - (150)

PGR3:
Cadillac Pack - (Free)

Free Subscription to EGM

Although this is the ultimate source of video game news, it's nice to have something to read on the go. EGM is giving away Free 1 year subscriptions, but be quick. I don't know how long this is lasting. Hit source for order form.

[Source]

Game Commercial: Kick Ass Kung Fu

Although you won't see it on any console or a PC any time soon, this really does Kick Ass. Maybe you can convince the guys to make you a home version for a quarter million. This is great, really shows what the potential of full motion games still has.

Xbox Anywhere in action

Check out this video from Euro Gamer TV showing the Xbox Live Anywhere service in action. Rather cool stuff, but I'd really like to see the arcade implementation once it's completed.

[Source]

Ubisoft to produce "Lost" game

Fans of the totally whacked storyline and impossibly confusing plot twists will be glad to know a 360/PC game is in production.

"Many of us on 'Lost' have been hardcore gamers for years and the chance to work with Ubisoft, a company behind some of our favorite titles, has excited us to no end," said 'Lost' executive producer Bryan Burk. "With the ability to tell new interactive stories within the 'Lost' universe, we're giddy to be developing a game that, once completed, will be as engaging and fun to play as it is to create."

No word on how it will play, but I just want a hungry hungry hippo style level where you play as Hurley, gorging in the hatch.

[Source]

New Games This Week:

Hitting store shelves this week:

Xbox360:
Table Tennis

Xbox:
Rogue Trooper
Jaws Unleashed

PS2:
Rogue Trooper
Jaws Unleashed
Steamboat Chronicles
Teen Titans

PSP:
Lemmings
Field Commander
Monster Hunter Freedom
2006 FIFA World Cup

GameCube:
Teen Titans

GBA:
Backyard Baseball 2007

PC:
Rogue Trooper
Heroes of Might and Magic V
Devil May Cry 3: Special Edition
Resident Evil 4

Small Games (er...) Monday: Kung Fu Chess

Alright, I was away this weekend, so you get it late. Booo Hoo. It's Kung Fu Chess. Enjoy.

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600 Terabytes?!

While some questioned if Xbox Live's E3 "Bringing it Home" project would be a worthwhile effort. The debate was more about how effective streaming meadia can be as a source of advertisement/entertainment. Well, numbers don't lie so here they are.

Over the week over 600 terabytes (614400 Gigs) of content were downloaded by the over 6 million unique iP users. "To put it in perspective, all the printed material in the U.S. Library of Congress is estimated to be about 20 terabytes." That's alot of content.

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30 Year Console Priceguide

Curmudgeon Gamer has created a chart that breaksdown console prices over the past 30 years. It's interesting to see that Nintendo's never released a system for more (or less) than $200 and that the highest costing systems (3Do and Neo Geo) were the most technically advanced, but because of their cost failed in the long run. Sound like anything familiar?

[Source]

Power Ups to the Peoples

You guys remember jefftheworld right? Well, he's started his own site called Power Ups to the Peoples. It's a cool little community based site that posts user submitted reviews. Check it out if you're interested. If not, check it out and become interested.

[Source]

The PS3 Interface revealed

This slipped by me, but this was taken during E3. Nothing terribly exciting, alot like the PSP design, with a neat Web Browser built in. This means 2 things. Microsoft's going to need to double time a nice web browser before PS3 launches. And Sony's got to steal something even cooler from Nintendo to keep up.

MGS movie confirmed

"False facts aside, a movie project is underway. I have finalized a Class-A contract with a party in Hollywood."

Don't worry. No Bolls can be seen floating in this one, but Hideo has confirmed in his daily E3 guide that yes, there will be an MGS movie coming soon. No word on actors, directors, or anything for that matter. However, Kojima's word is gold (er, silver. None of us are perfect) and we can rest assured he won't let this slip.

[Source]

One Year Later: PS3

Not to mention the 7 controller thing. Sony, Why must you lie to me? I want to love you, I really do.

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Game Commercial: Pitfall

Personally, I'd like to know who was held accountable for all the stolen copies of Pitfall.

Animal Crossing Anime Imminent

It's official, Animal Crossing is so addictive Nintendo's decided you have to watch it while you wait for your DS' batteries to recharge. While the anime will be tested in Japanese markets first don't be surprised if it pokes it's cute little head up north. There's a steady group of players in Canada. You may not see them, but they're there. Just itchin' for bells.

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Small Games Sunday: Mad Tracks

When I heard this game was coming to the XBLA I decided to download and give it a try. Definately cool, kinda like a de-characterized MarioKart. You play little windup cars and theres a neat recharging mechanic that prevents you from going top speed all the time. That old addage about Slow and Steady really comes into play. The demo's rather limiting, but it's cheap if you like it. Or just wait for the Arcade release.

[Source]

New Games This Week

Hitting Store Shelves This Week:

Xbox 360:
X-Men: The Last Stand

Xbox:
Wes Coast Choppers
X-Men: The Last Stand
The DaVinci Code
Fuel

PS2:
Ultimate Board Classics
X-Men: The Last Stand
The DaVinci Code

GameCube:
X-Men: The Last Stand

DS:
X-Men: The Last Stand
New Super Mario Bros.

GBA:
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 2 Pack
Backyard Baseball 2007
X-Men: The Last Stand

PC:
Zoo Tycoon 2: African Adventure
X-Men: The Last Stand
The DaVinci Code
Fuel
Heart of Empire: Rome

It Came From E3: Games (Part 3)

Looks like I've been neglecting the PC announcements, so here you go!

PC:
Crysis

One of the show's true graphical beauties. This game uses the CryEngine 2, which looks to be giving Unreal 3 a bit of heavy competition. Gameplay looks standard for an FPS, but I'll be damned if those faces aren't compelling enough to play the game.

Spore

It seems like Will Wright's little triped has become a sort of mascot for the game. good for him, because he's representing the coolest game ever. Will Wright is a genius and deserves all our praise, I can't think of a serious gamer that isn't dying to get their hands on it.

Shadowrun

Based of the technopunk RPG universe this game is going to do something astounding. This will be the first ever cross-platform multiplayer game, enabling both Xbox 360 and PC players to join the same games and play with or against eachother. The game's groundbreakingnes doesn't stop there as the wild magical elements seem to add a very deep level to the gameplay, making it more interesting as you master skills and spells. This looks very promising and at the very least this game will be remembered as paving the way for a true online gaming community.

Neverwinter Nights 2

Bioware has always done a good job with their RPGs, their next-gen title should be no different. expect all the great D&D action you remember, but with a deeper sense of freedom and posibility.

World of Warcraft: Burning Chaos

A new race for the Alliance has apeared. A mystical greyish ugly lot with great skills in magic. this looks like it will keep all the addicts at bay, for a time.

It Came From E3: Hardware (Part 2)

Some new hardware has surfaced from the depths of E3, not much, but worth mentioning.

Microsoft:
256 MB Memory unit

While the ridiculously overpriced 64 MB Xbox 360 Memory Card provides a suitable way to transfer your gamercard, an arcade game or two and your "Push it to the Limit" MP3, it's not exactly what you would call a portable gaming solution. The new upgraded model has 4 times the space so you can carry plenty of gaming goodness with you, wherever you go. No price has been revealed, but my guess is that it will be the same as the 64 MB with the 64 receving a price drop.

Wireless Gaming Receiver for PC

This little beauty pops right into a USB port on your computer and will accept your wireless 360 controllwers, steering wheels, and any other crazy periphrials Microsoft has yet to show us. I can already hear the shouts of joy from indie game developers across the globe. No longer shall they be tethered to their dev kits.

Sony
PSP Camera

The much rumoured PSP camera finally emerges, and it looks sleek. Some people are complaining that it doesn't match the PSP's colour scheme, but I say who gives a damn. The camera's making YOU look good, not your system. No pricing or date revealed.

Today's Xbox Live Marketplace update:

(Um, and yesterday's...)
E3 2006:

Trailers - (Free):

Chris Brown Live (Just Fine)
Chris Brown Live (Poppin')
Chris Brown Live (Gimme That)
Crackdown Backstage Pass
Backstage Pass - Thursday
Xbox Press Briefing
Showfloor: Behind the Scenes
Spiderman 3
Backstage Pass - Wednesday

Moto GP 2006 Demo - (Free)

XBL Gold Member Theme - (Free)
XBL Silver Member Theme - (Free)
X-Men: The Last Stand Theme 2 - (Free)
X-Men: The Last Stand Theme 3 - (Free)
X-Men: The Last Stand Theme 4 - (Free)
X-Men: The Last Stand Picture Pack 2 - (Free)
X-Men: The Last Stand Picture Pack 3 - (Free)
X-Men: The Last Stand Picture Pack 4 - (Free)
Adidas Soccer Picture Pack - (Free)

Digital Entertainment:
The Promise trailer - 480p/720p (Free)
Poseidon trailer - 480p/720p (Free)

It came From E3: Games (Part 2)

Xbox 360:
Too Human

It looks like a decent game, but I'm kinda getting tired of the good/bad character thing. I really don't feel the need to "become my enemy" I just want to kick their axe.

Viva Pinata

Now this is a game I can get excited about! Something original, albeit kiddie, but original. Cool concept, decent graphics, unique gameplay. Other than the overbearing primary colours i can't really complain. Looks like it will test the "next-gen" markets.

Brothers in Arms: Hell's Highway

That's in-game footage! Looks like the new BiA is set to give CoD a run for it's money. I'm not a fan of controlling your allies, but with those emotional "brotherhood" moments I can't wait to get my hands on this one.

Call of Duty 3

Rather disapointed by this trailer. It's all pre-render and seems like they're saying the only reason to pick it up is the fact the previous games were good. Apparently the Canadian forces are going to be included, so that's pretty cool. I'll play it for sure, but I will need to see more before I even think of buying it.

Blue Dragon

This game looks like a blast. Story and design from the same guy that made Dragon Ball Z, and some rather cool gameplay mechanics. You'll be able to make your own attacks using a move creator. This looks like a pretty decent game and with funding from MS Game studios you know they won't skimp on features.

Splinter Cell: Double Agent

I caught a developer interview with it and apparently there will be a huge element of morality in the game. While I lately find it irritating the way they've done it seems great. You're going to be given 2 sets of tasks every mission, one for the good guys and one for your terrorists. The trick is doing them both to prevent blowing your cover. They're trying to make the game more accesible for n00bs, which is a good thing, but the coolest addition is a more in-depth multiplayer.

Crackdown

At first you may think it's just a GTA ripoff, but they're doing some really cool things with it. You're actually a sort of superhuman that upgrades as you play, gaining stats based on activity (ala Fable/Oblivion/Dungeon Seige). You can also download your friend's characters and "absorb" them for a short while, gaining some of their stats. It'll be 100% co-op compatable from the beginning. It looks like it will be alot of fun, especially with their crazy achievement system. They're using all 100 and making really weird ones, like rocket juggling and farthest fall leaderboards. Some really weird stuff that will provide hours of entertainment, or frustration.

Alan Wake

You can't sleep. That's the game. It'll likely play like a survival horror, but I'd like a demo before I pass judgement.

Play Station 3
Killzone 2

Pre-render again (sigh). i'd really like to see something real from Sony. I want to believe, I really do. I tis a nice pre-render though. Will it ba a Halo killer? Likely not, just like it's predecessor.

Devil May Cry 4

Dante's back and he still kicks ass. Not much revealed about the game, but I'm guessing it'll be hard.

Tekken 6

This game answers the question, yes fighting games can be gorgeous without lots of jubblies on screen. Will it play as well as DoA3, we'll see, but hopes are high.

Wii
Wario Ware: Smooth Moves

This is the perfect game for the Wiimote, all the past games have been amazing and this one looks to add a fun new element to it with the motion sensor. You'll really be seeing some crazy stuff from this game, a must have for Wii adopters, day 1.

Red Steel

Violence, in a Nintendo game?! Well, not really. Thee's no gore in it, but I won't be complaining, motion sensor sword fights! Looks like it'll be a hit for the system, expect online play to be huge.

Sonic: Wildfire

The last pages of 1001 Arabian Nights have gone missing and it's up to Sonic to complete the book again. Using the Wiimote as a scooter-like steering wheel you'll guide sonic as he perpetually sprints, jumps, spin dashes and all that other good stuff. Anyone else feeling a Sega revitalization?

Sadness

This looks like an amazing game, all in Black and White, great story line, full motion video. It looks like it will play like next-gen Space Ace. A game story fans will really be able to get into.

Nintendo DS
Starfox DS

Who doesn't like Falco? Who doesn't hate Slippy? See, Nintendo does know how to evoke emotion. The portable version of the classic better include Live, and voice chat. Because that'd make it good.

Yoshi's Island 2

The princess got a stab at her own title, why not give everyone's favourite saddle-backed dino another shot? The last game was great, and this looks to mirror the fun the last game had.

Diddy Kong Racing DS

Hard to tell whether this will bbe just another MarioKart, but this game was great on the N64. Let's hope it takes a similar approach as MarioKart, combining old levels with a bunch of new ones. Friend Code play is a must, but I hope they include voice chat, something MKDS was seriously lacking.

It Came From E3: Games (Part 1)

Since there's so many new titles I'll only be doing the main ones, but if you want to see something or I miss something important, pipe up in the comments and I'll be glad to add on it.

Xbox 360:

This was the highlight of the show. Even though there's no gameplay footage this has been confirmed as rendered by the 360 and will look like this in the final version (or better). No gameplay notes, story line hints, or even a more tangeable release date has been revealed, but expect plenty of that to come as time progresses. It's good to see the big guy back.

Gears of War

A nice explanation of the basic story line shown. The graphics look great and gameplay looks fun. totally 1uped Squeenix's gunblade with a 40k style gunsaw. There's a countdown on there site for sometime later this week. Most guess a playable demo, and that may not be far off. Looking forward to Emergance Day.

Fable 2

All pre-render, but nice pre-render. It appears the timeline has advanced some. Muskets and other gunnery is now available along with rapiers it seems. Just wondering if anyone else finds this video a little creepy. I'm still having cootie-catcher nightmares.

Dead or Alive Xtreme 2

While Fable 2's giving me nightmares this one's giving me an entirely different kind of nocturnal experience. Looks like the games expanding the minigames quite a bit. Maybe more than Volleyball? Who knows, the title hints, but we'll have to wait to see.


Play Station 3
Final Fantasy XIII

Cool music, cool moves, cool setting. Looks like the game is going to follow a more action oriented combat system, likely similar to that of Kingdom Hearts. Good news for pseudo RPG fans and bored old guard alike.

Metal Gear 4

Nicce video, but it's definately pre-rendered. I find it interesting that trailers like these are more similar to Movie trailers than game trailers. Maybe a hint that story is important once again. Snake looks cool, Raiden looks cool, Robots look COOL.


Nintendo
Super Smash Bros. Brawl

First off, this game looks like so much fun! I can't think of someone who hated the SSMB series. This versions got updated graphics, more noticably in the effects than the characters. In the video we see quite a few new characters, but I'm sure many many more lay beneath as unlockables. I nthe video we see Zero Suit Samus (Metroid), Pit (Kid Icarus), Meta-Knight (Kirby), Solid Snake (Metal Gear) and Wario (Wario World). We also see the inclusion of Nintendogs, whether they're weapons you kick at your opponents or opponents you kick we still haven't seen, but this is one interesting addition. The game will be available for Wii, but will use the Gamecube controllers. Expect to see more 3rd party characters (Sonic's my guess), as well as a deeper storyline (From Miyamoto himself).

Super Mario Galaxy

Mario in space, what more could you ask? Now everyone's favourite plumber will be leaping through the cosmos, fighting the good fight in the name of awesome stereotypes. You use the Wiimote to move him around and bat things away. Some new characters are being added along with new moves acording to Miyamoto. This game has been a long time in the making and looks like it won't dissapoint.

Metroid Prime 3

Samus is back and now you control her arm as you wade through level upon level of fun fun FPS action. expect online play to b e a big factor. Reggie says "It will keep your heart pounding", which is a good thing for those who like their blood to pump.

Legend of Zelda: Twighlight Princess

Navi's here to help your Wiimote aim, she'll fly to where you're pointing to let you know where that arrow or hookchot are going to land. Graphics are looking not bad, but they could be better. then again it was a GameCube game originally, so let's just be thankfull.

Today's Xbox Live Marketplace update:

Servers are still slow but are kinda working.

E3 2006:

Trailers - (Free):

Spiderman 3
Xbox Live Arcade Montage
Xbox 360 Montage
Games for Windows Montage
Xbox Press Briefing
Showfloor: Behind the Scenes
Dead Or Alive Xtreme 2
Ninety Nine Nights
Moto GP 06
Prey
World Series Poker
Enchanted Arms
X-Men the Official Game of the Movie

Gold membership Picture Pack - (Free)
Silver membership Picture Pack - (Free)
X-Men: The Last Stand Theme - (Free)
Adidas Team Geist Theme - (Free)
Adidas Soccer Theme - (Free)

Digital Entertainment:

A Scanner Darkly Trailer - 480p/720p (Free)

Call of Duty 2:
CoD2 Bonus Map Pack - (Free)
CoD2 Skirmish Map Pack - (400)

It Came From E3: Hardware

A bunch of new hardware has been recently shown, here's some pics and a brief explanation of each device.

Microsoft:
HD-DVD Drive

Alright this is the much speculated HD-DVD Drive. It's design closely follows the 360 "inhale" theme. Same colour (Shocker!) It's also got 2 USB ports on the back, a Firewire port and (logically) a power port. It's also able to go horizontally or vertically, just like your system! It comes bundled with that expensive remote noone bothered to get, but here's the best part: It plays HD-DVDs!

The Wireless Headset

This is the new wireless headset. It's shorter and suposedly has better sound reception. I'm not a big fan of the ear humping design (always found it kinda painful), but I'm sure many people'll prefer it over the headstrap. 4 can be used with 4 controlers and will not interfere with one another.

The Wireless Steering Wheel


And here's the wireless steering wheel. I'm pretty sure you're supposed to strap it to a desk or table or upper body, but it looks like it needs something to hold it down which kinda keeps the tether the wirelessness is trying to break. Button layout looks decent, pedals for the floor. It loks like the slot for the headset is leaning to the wireless headset. I don't think the wires is long enough if you're at a (long) arm's length. It will also take the same batteries that are in your wireless controllers so getting a quick charge kit may be for the best.

The Xbox Live Vision

Last up for Bill and co is the Xbox Live Vision, a neat little webcam that allows gesture gaming (flailing your arms), video chat, and face implementation along with a myriad of other features. The camera will pop into a USB port and work with many games to come. Uno already works with it (if you can get a camera somehow), but look for more support for this later in the year.

Sony

The "DualShake" Controller

Alright it's hard to call this new hardware since it looks identical to their old design and it's only new feature is ripping off Nintendo, but it's new nonetheless. The new controller features motion sensitivity (courtesy of Nintendo), a new center guide button and more "trigger like" R2/L2 buttons (courtesy of Microsoft), and a design from back in the grand old day of 1994 (courtesy of... themselves...).


Nintendo
The New Wiimote

Not much change in the Wiimote, but enough to make it noteworthy. A few buttons have been relabled to avoid confusion (a and b are now 1/2). The biggest change though is the addition of a Microphone and a Speaker in the center, enabling great immersion possibilities. For example, when you fire Zelda's bow it'll "twang" in the Wiimote and "Thuck" on the TV. I'm sure voice chat is also obvious, but it'll be up to individual developers to innovate with this tool.

The Wiimote "Shell"

While the initial predesigns showed the Wiimote slotting into a larger shell the new model is actually an add-on just like the Nunchaku. This is a simple controller that provides a way for the Wii to recieve cross-platform ports with ease. The only problem is that if this isn't bundled with the system at launch many gamers may not feel like shelling (sorry) out extra cash.

The Wii-Wii Gun

Much like that fan design we all remember Nintendo's taken a page from their own history book and made this Zapper replica. The Wiimote slides in the tip, with an analogue stick on the back for moving (or fleeing) around. Looks big enough not to feel cramped, but still small enough not to be heavy. This is something I'd feel proud doing a rolling shot with.

Today's Xbox Live Marketplace update:

Good luck downloading Halo 3 crashed the system!

Halo 3:
Halo 3 trailer - (Free)
Halo 3 Theme - (150)
Halo 3 Picture Pack - (80)

Lost Planet:
Lost PLanet Demo - (Free)

Uno:
Trial Game - (Free)
Full Game - (400)
35th Anniversary pack - (FREE)

E3 2006:

Trailers - (Free):
Splinter Cell: Double Agent
Crackdown
Fable 2
Shadpowrun
Alan wake
Forza 2
Gears of War
Too Human
Viva Pinata
Lost Planet
Call of Duty 3
Marvel: Ultimate Alliance
NBA 2K7
Tony Hawk's Project 8
Hitman: Blood Money
Table Tennis
Culdcept Saga
Gears of War TV special

E3 2006: Microsoft Keynote Wrapup

Microsoft stole the show, enjoy the news.

Xbox Live Arcade:

Over 100 indie developers have signed on and countless arcade classics from "misspent childhoods" are coming.

Pac-Man

Ms. Pac-Man

Contra

Super Contra

Frogger

Galaga

Sonic the Hedgehog

Defender

Street Fighter II Hyper Fighting

Time Pilot

Mortal Kombat 3

Scramble

He also showed off a new version of Lumines, called Lumines Live. Available only for Microsoft platforms the game will have all the same gameplay as its Sony counterparts, but thanks to Xbox Live and the joint agreements with Warner Music will have Music videos in the background (Madonna was seen in the video) and can change regularily thanks to constant update tech.
Hardware:
HD-DVD add on was shown, no price, but it has been promised for before the end of Fall. The Xbox Live Vision, the webcam we've all seen has been promised for Holiday season, along with the new wireless headset. No prices for anything, but that'll come soon enough.

Windows Vista:

Peter Moore showed off the possibilites of Windows Vista, proving that PC gaming is far from dead. Built on the latest DirectX technology this new OS will bring about a new era of computer gaming, making games more accesible and more developed than ever before. [

Xbox Live Anywhere:
A new system to expand Xbox Live to cell phones, enabling downloads from the marketplace available on your portable device along with gamercard, friend list, and other info available anywhere in the world. Cross-platform PC (Vista)/360 gaming is now a total possibility. You can even get achievements in either system and it works vice-versa. Now gamers that like PC controls they can play PC, if they like, controller if they like. Downloads from the marketplace also work anywwhere now. Videos, arcade games and other content can now be downloaded anywhere and can be accessed anywhere, cell phone, 360 or PC. That means you buy it once, you play it on any platform.

Game Announcements:
I'll start off by letting you see this.

HALO 3

Alright, now that I've got your attention again; There's 160 titles coming buy Holiday this year. That's alot. I'm not going to name them all, but there are quite a few spectacles coming. Fable 2, Gears of War, Rainbow 6: Vegas, Alan Wake, Viva Pinata, Splinter Cell Double Agent, Grand Theft Auto 4, Shadowrun, Call of Duty 3, and so many more. The amount of support that the console is recieving is astounding. Include all the craziness the Japanese developers are bringing brings one hell of alot of great titles.

E3 2006: Nintendo Keynote Wrapup

Nintendo'sKeynote was this morning, here's the summary.
Video:
Here's some video of the Wii in action.





Launch:
While no info was given on pricepoint or date, we do know it'll be sometime this year. The biggest part of the presentation was title announcement for the system.

Disaster: Day of Crisis
Excite Truck
The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess
Metroid Prime 3: Corruption
Project H.A.M.M.E.R.
Super Mario Galaxy
WarioWare: Smooth Moves
Wii Sports
SD Gundam
Sengoku
Necro-Nesia
Fire Emblem Wii
Dragon Ball Z Wii
Disaster: Day of Crisis
Dragon Quest Swords
Elebits
Red Steel
Rayman 4
Spongebob Squarepants
Sonic the Hedgehog: Wildfire

Wiimote:
Some interesting additions noted, both a microphone and a speaker is in the controller. This allows voice use (obviously), but also allows better sound integration. Zelda's bow will "twang" in the controller and "thuck" in the TV.

DS:
Lots of title announcements

Yoshi's Island 2
Diddy Kong Rading
Final Fantasy III
Starfox DS
Tony Hawk's Downhill Jam
Zelda: Phantom Hourglass
Mario vs. DK Mini
Pokemon DS

E3 2006 Sony Keynote Wrapup

Sony's said their bit and given us a few surprises.

Launch:


So the system will be available on November 17th (11th in Japan) for $549 or $659 CDN, depending on whether ytou want the core or premium er, 20 or 60.

Launch Titles:

6Gun 2 - BattleBorne Entertainment
Avalon - Climax Studios
Dark Sector - Digital Extreme
The Darkness - Starbreeze Studios
Devil May Cry 4 - Capcom
EA Sports Fight Night Round 3 - EA Chicago
Eyedentify - TBA
Fifth Phantom Saga - Sonic Team
Final Fantasy PS3 - Square Enix
Formula One PS3 - SCE Studios Liverpool
The Getaway PS3 - SCE Studios Soho
Heavenly Sword - Ninja Theory
I-8 - Insomniac Games
Infraworld - Quantic Dream
Killing Day - TBA
Killzone PS3 - Guerilla Games
Metal Gear Solid 4 - Kojima Productions
Mobile Suit Gundam - TBA
MotorStorm - Evolution Studios
Ni-Oh - KOEI
Omikron 2 - Quantic Dream
Possession - Blitz Games
Project Delta - Playlogic International
ShadowClan - Tiger Hill Entertainment
Tekken PS3 - Namco
Vision GT - Polyphony Digital
Warhawk PS3 - Incognito Entertainment

The Controller:



After the horrible reaction to the boomerang last year, Sony brought back the old model, but this time (due to legal cases) the DualShock will not be present. Now you get DualShake. But of course the bigest thing is that Sony has Torn a page from Nintendo and added motion sensitivity.

MGS4 Trailer:

They close off the presentation with this pre-rendered gem. Cool story, but I want to see gameplay.

Game Commercial: Christmas Nintendo 64

Yeah, pretty awesome eh?

Today's Xbox Live Marketplace update

New today to the XLM:

E3 2006:
Test Drive Unlimited Demo - (Free)
Sonic the Hedgehog trailer - (Free)
NCAA College Football trailer - (Free)
NCAA Football trailer - (Free)
Stranglehold trailer - (Free)
Bullet Witch trailer - (Free)
Brothers in Arms: Hell's Highway trailer - (Free)
Dance Dance Revolution Universe trailer - (Free)
Rain trailer - (Free)
Dead Rising trailer - (Free)
X-Men III: The Last Stand Picture Pack - (Free)
Adidas Soccer Picture Pack - (Free)
Poseidon trailer - 480p/720p (Free)

General Games Podcast Episode 4

Episode 4: Static Attack!

MP3
-------------------------
Reviews:
Burnout Reenge
Lara Croft Tomb Raider: Legend
Kingdom Hearts 2
FFVII Advent Children

Yeah, sorry for the static in the background this week, but whatever. Enjoy!

Small Games Sunday: Super Mario Blue Twilight DX

I found this cool Mario fangame online, it was actually really popular when it came out. That's because it's awesome. Doenload it, it plays like any other Mario game, but it's got a few cool new little features. Wll Kicking, and other things really make it pretty cool. Give it a shot, it's awesome.

[Source]

New Games This Week

Hitting store shelves this week:

Xbox:
Over the Hedge

PS2:
Over the Hedge

PSP
NBA Ballers: Rebound

GameCube:
Over the Hedge

GBA:
Garfield and His Nine Lives
Tringo

PC:
WarBirds 2006
Rise of Nations: Rise of Legends
SiN Episodes: Emergence
OutRun 2006: Coast to Coast
Over the Hedge
Super Collapse 3

MAC:
Super Collapse 3