Daily Wrap-Up 1.24.08
Posted by Stephen Johnson - Thursday, January 24, 2008 6:01 PM
Here's the big news in the world of videogames, popular culture and technology.
- Grand Theft Auto 4 has a release date: April 29th, 2008.
- THQ's recent financial report revealed today that upcoming videogame Frontlines: Fuel of War will not be coming to the PlayStation 3 after all.
- Check out Xbox Live and you will find three new, classic rock downloadable Guitar Hero 3 tracks!
- According to a post on PS3fanboy.com, the 80 gig PlayStation 3 is being discontinued.
- Rez HD has a release date.
- Inon Zur’s soundtrack for Crysis is coming out next week.
- PS3 Haze delayed.
- Youtube is coming to more phones. Aren't they lucky?
--Read More--
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TAGS: Daily Wrap-Up, Videos
X-Play Gaming Update 01.24.08
Posted by Jonathan Hunt - Thursday, January 24, 2008 5:22 PM
Today, Adam brings you the latest in gaming news, including an official release date for GTA IV, another Haze delay, and word that God of War III won't be available until Christmas of 2009.
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TAGS: PC Gaming, PlayStation 3, Videogames
'Manhunt 2': Re-Banned In U.K.
Posted by Stephen Johnson - Thursday, January 24, 2008 3:39 PM
Ultra-violent videogame Manhunt 2 is banned again in Britain.
In case your'e keeping score: First, the ratings board in Britain gave the game a no-go. Then, last month the Video Appeals Committee lifted the ban after an appeal by Rockstar Games. The board ruled 4-3 that the game was 'unlikely' to cause harm to adults or children and gave it an aduls-only rating.
Today, a High Court judge in London ruled that VAC's decision was flawed by 'a clear error of law' when it came to the test for assessing the question of harm, and ordered the board to reconsider their ruling.
Stay tuned for the continuing legal soap opera!
Metro.co.uk: Judge blocks Manhunt 2 game
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TAGS: Videogames
Massive PSN Update Live
Posted by Stephen Johnson - Thursday, January 24, 2008 2:57 PM
It's a good thing the PlayStation 3 has such a huge hard drive: There's a grip of good stuff available today on the PlayStation Store.
First and foremost is the Devil May Cry 4 demo. You'll want to download this, if just to try out new character Nero's attacks so you're not a total spazz when you get the whole game.
Also:
--Read More--
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TAGS: Videogames
Women...On the Internet!
Posted by Stephen Johnson - Thursday, January 24, 2008 2:21 PM
 We cannot help but point you to Chickipedia.
You know, like Wikipedia but with women.
Then, we can't help but tell you to try to get a real girlfriend. This kind of fanatic devotion to women you will never meet isn't a good way to spend your time.
But then we can't help making a chickipedia entry for Bea Arthur and inviting you all to add to it.
But then the site doesn't work right and erases our hilarious Bea Arthur entry.
In any case, if this appeals to you, check it out. And We expect a Bea Arthur page quickly!
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TAGS: Girls
'Rock Band' Standalone Instruments Coming
Posted by Stephen Johnson - Thursday, January 24, 2008 1:55 PM
Good news for fake rock stars: Harmonix and MTV have announced the imminent release of Rock Band standalone instruments. And the guitar is wireless. Finally, a bass player!
The Rock Band drum set will ship on Feb. 12, for $79.99. The wireless Stratocaster guitar will ship April 1 and will cost $59.99. The PlayStation version of the game will be playable on both the PS2 and the PS3. Also on tap: A game-only version, so players can build their band ala carte.
The release of standalone instruments allows Rock Band musicians to enjoy the full Rock Band experience, including drum, microphone and guitar head-to-head modes, creating a whole new level of competitive fun," said Alex Rigopulos, CEO and co-founder, Harmonix. "We’re also delivering a stand-alone wireless guitar solution for all versions of Rock Band as well as providing the opportunity for consumers to build their band one instrument at a time."
The announcement did not detail the price or date for a standalone Rock Band-branded USB microphone.
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TAGS: Music, Videogames
'Tabula Rasa' Developer Diary: Fault Lever
Posted by Justin Fassino - Thursday, January 24, 2008 1:50 PM
From the crazy mind of Richard Garriott to your PC screen, Tabula Rasa is a hybridized game that falls somewhere between MMORPG and third-person shooter.
Today we've got the thoughts of David Vargo, World Builder on Tabula Rasa, and a look at what the logistical challenges were like creating the game's Fault Lever stage.
I think one of the important things about being a world builder is making a lasting impression on players through visually compelling environments. I’ve tried to accomplish this goal in Fault Lever by keeping the level’s layout believable while fun, providing interesting highlights and details to the backstory, and focusing on the mood or character of these spaces.
--Read More--
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TAGS: PC Gaming, Videogames
Professor Layton and the Curious Trailer
Posted by Justin Fassino - Thursday, January 24, 2008 12:55 PM
Level 5's brain-bending, puzzle-posing perplex-a-thon will be released for the Nintendo DS on February 10.
In the meantime, take one last glimpse at the charming art style and voice acting in this off-beat, baroque adventure through the Curious Village. Players will attempt to solve the mystery behind a grizzly murder by teaming up with Professor Layton and his apprentice to take on various mini-game challenges and brain-teasers.
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TAGS: Videogames
Buffy Cast Reunites
Posted by Ty Colfax - Thursday, January 24, 2008 12:13 PM
 Big fans of Buffy may want to head to the Arclight Theatre in Hollywood for this year’s Paley Fest. Paley Fest is produced by The Paley Center for Media and according to their web site it, “leads the discussion about the cultural, creative, and social significance of television, radio, and emerging platforms for the professional community and media-interested public.”
Wow! Anyway, the cast of Buffy has been scheduled as part of the lineup in what is only being called “Buffy the Vampire Slayer Reunion.” We’re not sure what this is or how it’s going to go down, but full details of the festival’s schedule are said to be announced February 4th. TheFeed will wait with baited breath and keep you updated on this cryptic and pretentious storyline as it unfolds.
The festival is set for March 14-27, 2008.
paleycenter.org
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TAGS: TV
New Bond Film Has A Title
Posted by Mike D'Alonzo - Thursday, January 24, 2008 12:02 PM
 Ok, so we know that the new James Bond film, the follow-up to Casino Royale, has been shooting for a while now, but we didn't know the title of that film until now. The new James Bond film will be called Quantum of Solace. Now, we didn't know what that meant, either, so we had to ask someone, and, thankfully, jpaulding knew that the measurement of solace was a quantum.
So, what they're trying to imply by the title of this film is that James Bond will enjoy a smidgen of quietness, a pixel of calm, a scoch of placid. Hmmm...doesn't sound so exciting, but it's a James Bond movie, so we're guessing that silence doesn't last long.
Variety.com: New Bond film unveils title
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TAGS: Movies
Epic Fail Thursday: Movie Titles
Posted by Stephen Johnson - Thursday, January 24, 2008 12:00 PM
In honor of the title of the next James Bond movie (Quantum of Solace), this week's list of Epic Failures is movie titles. Specifically, we're talking movie titles that fail the movies they are meant to represent. Like, say, Quantum of Solace.
Before you start being like "What about The Incredibly Strange People Who Stopped Living and Became Mixed-Up Zombies? That's a fail title." No, hypothetical reader, it isn't. That title nicely sums up the madcap, energetic, mid 60s youth-culture vibe of that under-rated film. Same with names like K-9 Cop. It's about a dog cop, so it's a perfect title. Fail titles are the opposite. They don't fit the movies they are attached to. Get it?
Here's the list, son:
- Quantum of Solace: James Bond movie titles are supposed to be badass (Live and Let Die) or at least funny (Octopussy), they're not supposed to be oblique and/or wimpy. A "quantum" is a measurement of the smallest amount of energy, and "solace" means comfort or consolation. So, rather than portending a huge amount of ass-whupping, the title of this movie promises just a little bit of caring. Why not call it "A Smidge of Hugs?"
- Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skulls: . When anyone mentions crystals, we think of hippies and when we think of hippies we want to punch you.
- Miller's Crossing: The Coen Brother's stylized tale of Irish mobsters is one of the great crime films ever made, but the title conjures images of a Merchant Ivory style high-brow chick-flick.
- Antz: This animated movie was called "Antz" but was actually about "Ants." Fail.
--Read More--
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TAGS: Epic Fail, Movies
CES 08: Blu-Ray Overview
Posted by Patrick Roche-Sowa - Thursday, January 24, 2008 11:55 AM
At this year's CES, the war between HD Disc formats heated up. With Warner Bros. announcement of Blu-Ray exclusivity right before the convnetion, HDDVD canceled their presentation, which prompted a lot of people to project they've lost the battle and maybe the war.
Anthony Jasionowski, Group Leader from Panasonic, gave us a short overview or Blu-Ray technology, player prices, and what they're looking forward to in the future of high definition home theater. Check it out.
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TAGS: CES, Movies
Nintendo Makes Even MORE Money
Posted by Stephen Johnson - Thursday, January 24, 2008 11:50 AM
According to Nintendo, its sales for the first nine months of its current fiscal year topped $12.3 billion and that its profit exceeds $2.4 billion.
You could buy like 14 hamburgers with that kind of money!
Based on these figures, the company expects the fiscal year's sales to total $15.2 billion, with $2.5 billion of that being profit.
Gold mushroom for all!
Shacknews: Nintendo Sales Top $12 Billion, Profits Exceed $2B
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TAGS: Nintendo DS, Videogames, Wii
YouTube on More Phones Soon
Posted by Ty Colfax - Thursday, January 24, 2008 11:39 AM
 YouTube has a special interface and set-up for the iPhone and some Helio devices. Soon, however, the Google owned love to hate and hate to love video dumpsite is coming to more mobiles.
Among the companies included in the Big Boy YouTube Mobile Club are Motorola, LG, Nokia, and Sony Ericsson (sorry all you Kyocera fanboys.) Of course, the service will only be available on phones with the right type of screens, as well.
Finally, more people will be able to surf the You for funny cat videos while riding the subway or making number 2.
reuters.com: YouTube to Feature on Wider Range of Mobile Phones
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TAGS: Internets Culture, Products, Tech
PS3 'Haze' Delayed
Posted by Stephen Johnson - Thursday, January 24, 2008 11:32 AM
When will you come out, PlayStation 3 Haze?
We want you...badly.
The company expects the title to arrive during the 2008 fiscal year, which runs from April 1, 2008 to March 31, 2009.
Want to know why we're so upset at the extra waiting? Check out our preview.
Shacknews: Haze PS3 Delayed Again
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TAGS: PlayStation 3, Videogames
Crysis Soundtrack Out January 29
Posted by Ty Colfax - Thursday, January 24, 2008 11:05 AM
 Inon Zur’s dynamic and forceful soundtrack for Crysis is coming out next week and will be available in stores and for digi download. It features the sweeping themes and intense action we’ve come to recognize in Zur’s work from past projects like Prince of Persia: The Two Thrones, Men of Valor, and SOCOM II.
Check this out. Buy the album, put it on really loud, and meditate in the dark in the middle of your room. This will blow your mind. By the end, you will either reach nirvana or end up needing to kill. It’s good stuff… except don’t kill anyone. Play Crysis instead.
inonzur.com
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TAGS: Music, PC Gaming, Videogames
'Rez HD' Dated
Posted by Stephen Johnson - Thursday, January 24, 2008 10:55 AM
We're all super excited that Rez may finally get the wide audience it has always deserved. While it received pretty universal critical acclaim, The PS2 version just never caught on in a big way.
The quirky Japanese music/art/shooting/abstraction game is coming to Xbox Live on Wednesday, the 30th in a snazzy HD version with enhancements to the graphics and the music.
It will cost 10 bucks, but it's worth is. Swear.
Check back Monday for an exclusive interview with Rez creator Tetsuya Mizuguchi!
Shacknews: Rez HD Hits Xbox Live Next Wednesday
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TAGS: Videogames, Xbox 360
Nugget From The Net
Posted by Stephen Johnson - Thursday, January 24, 2008 10:39 AM
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80 Gig PS3 Discontinued?
Posted by Stephen Johnson - Thursday, January 24, 2008 9:29 AM
According to a post on PS3fanboy.com, the 80 gig PlayStation 3 is being discontinued
According to the blog, "an anonymous Best Buy employee has sent us a scan of an internal letter, which notifies employees that the 80GB system is being discontinued."
The letter reads:
"The 80GB version of the PS3 is going closeout and won't be replaced at this time...It will come off the planogram on Jan. 28. The 60GB version should already be gone from stores. Only the 40GB version of PS3 will be sold in Best Buy stores at this time."
PS3Fanboy.com: Best Buy discontinuing 80GB PS3
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TAGS: PlayStation 3, Videogames
'Guitar Hero 3' DLC Gets Classic
Posted by Stephen Johnson - Thursday, January 24, 2008 9:16 AM
 Hey, check out Xbox Live and you will find three downloadable Guitar Hero 3 tracks! All are of the classic rock variety:
- Journey's "Any Way You Want It"
- Foreigner's "Jukebox Hero"
- Boston's "Peace of Mind"
All three are, sadly, covers, but covers with fantastic guitar solos. Right now they're only available on Xbox, but we'll bet you they'll be on PSN before you know it.
(via Kotaku)
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TAGS: Music, Videogames, Xbox 360
THQ Cancels PS3 'Frontlines'
Posted by Stephen Johnson - Thursday, January 24, 2008 8:16 AM
THQ's recent financial report revealed today that upcoming videogame Frontlines: Fuel of War will not be coming to the PlayStation 3 after all.
Other casualties: The Juiced series and the Stuntman franchise, as well as the PS2 version of Destroy All Humans: Big Willy Unleashed. The PSP and the Wii versions of Destroy All Humans are presumably still on the the way.
The why: "We have taken actions to strengthen our pipeline and position ourselves to compete aggressively with compelling, high quality games," said THQ president and CEO Brian Farrell.
Additionally, two unannounced titles for the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 have been scheduled for release in the 2010 fiscal year.
We're bummed about Stuntman. That series always seemed to have so much potential.
ShackNews: THQ Cancels Frontlines PS3, Closes Concrete Games; No More Juiced or Stuntman Titles
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TAGS: PlayStation 3, Videogames, Wii
'Grand Theft Auto 4' Release: 4.29.08
Posted by Stephen Johnson - Thursday, January 24, 2008 7:53 AM
Grand Theft Auto 4 has a release date: The much-awaited game is dropping on April 29th, 2008.
Put on your waiting shoes, folks.
"We are so excited to be releasing Grand Theft Auto IV," Sam Houser, Founder and Executive Producer of Rockstar Games said in a press release. "We've pushed ourselves very hard to make something incredible and hope the game sets a new benchmark for interactive entertainment."
Full release under the tag.
--Read More--
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TAGS: Videogames, Xbox 360
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