Daily Wrap-Up 1.28.08
Posted by Stephen Johnson - Monday, January 28, 2008 6:00 PM
Here's what went on today in the world of videogames, technology and popular culture.
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TAGS: Daily Wrap-Up, Videos
X-Play Gaming Update 01.28.08
Posted by Jonathan Hunt - Monday, January 28, 2008 5:18 PM
Today, Adam is here to being you the latest in gaming news, including more on the Mass Effect/FOX News controversy, rumors of a Metal Gear Solid 4 demo, and new screenshots for Resistance 2.
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Former EA Producer Kudo Tsunoda Jumps to Microsoft
Posted by Justin Fassino - Monday, January 28, 2008 4:26 PM
Late last week a Microsoft exec let slip that former EA Chicago studio head Kudo Tsunoda, the man responsible for such hits as Fight Night: Round 3 and such non-hits as Def Jam: Icon, had joined Microsoft Game Studios and  took the position of Project Lead on the next Gears of War title.
Today Microsoft issued a statement to X-Play commenting on these rumors:
""Kudo Tsunoda has joined Microsoft Games Studios, reporting to Shane Kim," it said. Seeing as how Shane Kim is the head of MGS, it is indeed true that Tsunoda is in the Xbox 360 sphere of influence; in what capacity is yet to be confirmed. Circulating rumors point to next month's Game Developers Conference as the unveiling of Gears 2, so more information about this story may come to light ni the coming weeks, and we'll definitely have it for you once the situation is sorted out.
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TAGS: Videogames, Xbox 360
Gamefly's Top Most Requested
Posted by Stephen Johnson - Monday, January 28, 2008 3:32 PM
Check out the top ten most-requested games from online game rental house gamefly for the week ending 1.28.08.
1) Burnout Paradise
Xbox 360
2) Turok
Xbox 360
3) Devil May Cry 4
Xbox 360
4) No More Heroes
Wii
5) The Club
Xbox 360
6) Devil May Cry 4
PlayStation 3
7) Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six Vegas 2
Xbox 360
8) Burnout Paradise
PlayStation 3
9) Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare
Xbox 360
10) Turok
PlayStation 3
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TAGS: Videogames
'King of Kong' DVD Release Party
Posted by Eugene Morton - Monday, January 28, 2008 2:59 PM
 The King of Kong: A Fistful of Quarters is the greatest (videogame based) movie of all time. We know that game-based movies generally suck, but this one isn’t just slightly better than the rest of them, it’s actually really good. That’s why we were so jazzed about the DVD release party, held at the legendary Westwood Arcade in Los Angeles.
If you weren’t in attendance, let us tell you, it was like a hip, Hollywood party, only hardcore gamers were the celebrities. Don’t believe us? Admittedly, it is pretty hard to swallow, but you’ll get all the proof you need later today on AOTS!
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TAGS: Videos
Robot Vs. Puppy!
Posted by Stephen Johnson - Monday, January 28, 2008 2:56 PM
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TAGS: Robot Uprising, Videogames
Hot Coffee Settlement Site Live
Posted by Stephen Johnson - Monday, January 28, 2008 2:15 PM
If you own Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas and you were terribly offended by the Hot Coffee mod that was added to the game, today is your lucky day*! The class-action lawsuit over the game was settled previously, and now, the wronged class (people offended by the Hot Coffee mod) will get their payout.
First, you must swear under penalty of perjury that they were "offended and upset by the ability of consumers to use third party software and/or hardware to modify and alter the Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas First Edition Disc to display the Hot Coffee content," then, it's payday!
Here's the breakdown:
| If you have and submit: |
What you may get: |
| Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas First Edition Disc |
Replacement Disc |
| Detailed Store Receipt |
Cash payment up to $35.00 |
| General Credit Card Statement or Check |
Cash payment up to $17.50 |
| Disc/Purchase Details |
Cash payment up to $10.00 |
| No Disc/Purchase Details |
Cash payment up to $5.00 |
Hopefully, the gaming community and the rest of the world can put this very, very ridiculous controversy to bed.
GTA Settlement Site
* If you were truly offended by a mod for a videogame, please don't read this site any more. You're sure to have your feelings hurt at some point.
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TAGS: Other People's Misfortune, Videogames
New 'Shiren the Wanderer' Screenshots
Posted by Justin Fassino - Monday, January 28, 2008 1:48 PM
Nothing says hardcore like roguelike dungeon crawlers, and Sega is ready to put you to the test with the upcoming DS title Mysterious Dungeon: Shiren the Wanderer.
Players will grind their way through multitudes of randomly generated dungeon maps taking on ruthless enemies. Be careful, though, as dying wipes out your progress and you'll be forced to start from the beginning!
The game is set for release this spring; check out the screen gallery by clicking on the thumbnail.
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TAGS: Videogames
GameSpot Names Editor In Chief
Posted by Stephen Johnson - Monday, January 28, 2008 1:44 PM
Gamespot has a new editor-in-chief: Ricardo Torres will take over the position.
So why are we telling you about a personnel change within another website? Because Torres takes his new position on the heels of controversy and intrigue in the GameSpot editorial department. In case you weren't paying attention: About a month ago Gamespot's editorial director Jeff Gerstmann found himself out of a job. The rumor on the internet: Gerstmann was fired from the website after Eidos complained of a bad review of Kane & Lynch: Dead Men. Gamespot denies it.
"I'm excited to have the opportunity to help further GameSpot's position at the forefront of the industry," said Torres. "I'm eager to continue the site's tradition of excellence and I'm confident we can move forward into 2008 and set a new industry standard for how video games are covered."
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TAGS: Videogames
LEGO Turns 50
Posted by Ty Colfax - Monday, January 28, 2008 1:29 PM
In about 30 minutes, LEGO turns 50 years old and Gizmodo has made a handy timeline of the milestones leading up to this day for all to see. It’s quite interesting and you should look at it.
Ya know, there are 62 lego bricks for every person on the planet. That’s awesome beyond awesome. Now this doesn’t account for those that have been eaten by dogs, little brothers, or vacuum cleaners, but still, pretty awe-inspiring. We are awed.
TheFeed decrees Happy Birthday, LEGO!
And as the nonlate, nongreat Kenny Rogers would say, “You decorated my heart.”
Gizmodo.com: LEGO Brick Timeline
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Nugget From The Net
Posted by Stephen Johnson - Monday, January 28, 2008 1:26 PM
Today's Nugget proves that the internet offers something for everyone. Like, let's say you want to look at pictures of people holding album covers in front of their faces in a humorous fashion. Go to sleeveface.
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TAGS: Nuggets From The Nets
Del Toro In Talks For 'Hobbit'
Posted by Mike D'Alonzo - Monday, January 28, 2008 12:03 PM
 It seems as if all we ever talk about around here is who is going to be directing The Hobbit films. So, it would fall in line that this is another in the same vein. This time, however, the talk is more than speculation, as it seems that Guillermo Del Toro is actually in negotiations to be the director of the films. Del Toro, the director of Hellboy and Pan's Labyrinth, might be just the man to make The Hobbit as Tolkien-rich as fans would like, while keeping a sort of dark edge that would really add to the projects.
Of course, this is all just speculation until he signs the contract. Tomorrow, we could be reporting about how Steven Spielberg has decided to take over the project...or about Justice League, because that's the other thing we talk about around here.
Hollywood Reporter.com: Del Toro doubles up for 'Hobbit'
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TAGS: Movies
Errant Satellite To Kill Us All
Posted by Stephen Johnson - Monday, January 28, 2008 11:53 AM
What are you up to for the next month? Just hanging out? Playing Carnival Games on the Wii? Well, better make it count, buddy.
A U.S. spy satellite has lost power and will be plunging to earth sometime at the end of February through March. Even more awesome: It could contain hazardous materials, and it is unknown where on the planet it might come down! So it could be on top of your damn head! It weighs 20,000 pounds and is the size of a small bus, so ouch, right?
"Appropriate government agencies are monitoring the situation," said Gordon Johndroe, a spokesman for the National Security Council. "Numerous satellites over the years have come out of orbit and fallen harmlessly. We are looking at potential options to mitigate any possible damage this satellite may cause." How's that for reassuring?
In spite of our earlier hyperbole, the satellite probably won't destroy us all, but the government's concern is over the secrets it may (or may not) contain. Usually, when spy satellite come down, they are directed to come down in the ocean so no one can get at their secrets. This satellite, though: Totally out-of-control!
Yahoo!: Disabled spy satellite threatens Earth
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TAGS: Other People's Misfortune
Brits Say Wii in Schools is a Gimmick
Posted by Ty Colfax - Monday, January 28, 2008 11:51 AM
 When faced with the prospect and proposal of Wii games being used in British schools as a physical education tool, campaigners are saying it’s merely a gimmick. Nick Seaton, chairman of the Campaign for Real Education has dismissed a recent proposal, saying, “It looks like another gimmick. It's pandering to the views of the physically idle."
Well, that’s all well and good, but let’s be honest. No one except the one million folks who bought the Wii Fit in Japan actually think playing the Wii is going to keep you in shape. It’s good for you to be up and moving around, but putting it in schools is a little ridiculous when you’ve got all that room outside and all those red kickballs in the closet.
Channel4.com: Computer games scheme is 'gimmick'
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TAGS: Wii
New 'Need for Speed: Pro Street' Screenshots
Posted by Justin Fassino - Monday, January 28, 2008 11:46 AM
Need for Speed: Pro Street has not been very quick in finding the offramp for PSP Boulevard, but the g ame is finally ready to go for the Sony portable, and we've got a few more screenshots of the action.
Click the image to burn rubber while you wait for the game to ship very shortly.
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TAGS: Videogames
Amazon To Feature DRM-Free Tracks
Posted by Stephen Johnson - Monday, January 28, 2008 11:37 AM
The vicious, cut-throat world of music downloading just got cut-throatinger: Amazon is gunning for iTunes' top-dog spot with worldwide launch of Amazon MP3. The on-line storefront is offering DRM-free music from all four major labels, all over the world.
The $.99 tracks are 256kbps MP3 files, so they'll work forever on a PC, Mac, or whatever you have.
MacNews.com: Amazon's Shot at iTunes Heard Round the World
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TAGS: Internets Culture, Music
Xbox Claims Highest Attach Rate
Posted by Stephen Johnson - Monday, January 28, 2008 11:24 AM
Microsoft is proud of itself.
The maker of game consoles and operating systems claims it has the highest "attach rate" of any of the big three consoles, meaning your average Xbox 360 owners buys more games than your average Wii or PS3 owner.
"We're now at a stage where we sell about seven games per console and that's a record certainly for any console and relative to history," Microsoft's chief financial adviser Chris Liddell told CNBC. "So people are now actually spending more on the games and accessories than they are on the underlying console, so that business model that we put in place the last couple of years is certainly starting to fire."
How abot you guys: Are you average? Above average? How many games do you own?
gamesindustry.biz: Consumers buying seven games per console
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TAGS: Videogames, Xbox 360
Woolworths Drops HD-DVD
Posted by Mike D'Alonzo - Monday, January 28, 2008 10:32 AM
Citing the fact that Blu-Ray outperformed HD-DVD at a 10:1 ratio over the holiday season, Woolworths has decided to stop selling HD-DVD products in their stores. Of course, this is in the UK, and none of the major American store conglomerates has decided to stop selling the format yet, but we can only assume it will be a matter of time before HD-DVD goes down in defeat.
In other news, who knew that there was still a Woolworths in the world? We thought that Wal-Mart took care of all of the non-Target superstores a long time ago. Makes us yearn for the days of the five-and-dime, and phosphates with Lana Turner.*
Note: The preceding paragraph was written by Grampa TheFeed.
GamesIndustry.biz: Woolworths drops HD-DVD sales from High Street
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TAGS: PlayStation 3, Tech
'Rez HD,' 'Chessmaster' Comes To Live
Posted by Stephen Johnson - Monday, January 28, 2008 10:26 AM
This is the best week ever for Xbox LIVE Arcade downloads. Two unforgettable titles are coming:
- Rez HD: We're already spent praising this title. Get it. It's the super-plus-goodest. Check out X-Play's exclusive interview with Rez's creator here.
- Chessmaster LIVE: Finally, there will be revenge for poindexter chess club nerds. While the game features five chess variants, different boards, and "message chess," we're most excited by the game's Vision camera support so we can watch you cry like a little baby girl when we take your bishop.
The games will cost 800 MS Points each and be available on Wednesday at 9:00 a.m.
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TAGS: Videogames, Xbox 360
Nintendo's Stocks Fall Per Share
Posted by Mike D'Alonzo - Monday, January 28, 2008 9:56 AM
 Nintendo's stock price is falling, which isn't necessarily good for the company, but it's not bad, either. See, the reason the stocks are falling has nothing to do with the success of Nintendo, or the money they've earned this year, both of which are stellar. Nope, the reason that the stock is falling has everything to do with the fact that the dollar is weakening versus the yen, so the power of the dollar in buying stock isn't what it once was.
So, Nintendo fans and stock investors take solace in the fact that the company is doing just fine, it's just your economy that's in a state of near-collapse. Still, if they could make some more Wiis, that would be nice, since it seems that people still really want to buy them.
Reuters: Nintendo shares tumble despite stellar earnings
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TAGS: Nintendo DS, Videogames, Wii
Sessler Talks 'Mass Effect Vs. FOX News'
Posted by Jonathan Hunt - Monday, January 28, 2008 9:44 AM
Last week, X-Play's Adam Sessler twice addressed the recent controversy with BioWare's space RPG Mass Effect. First, in Sessler's Soapbox, Adam discussed the series of online ravings by a conservative blogger who had never played the game. Then, on Friday, Adam turned his attention to the recent FOX News segment on the game, which incorrectly reported that Mass Effect featured full graphic nudity and sex. Check out the two videos and then let us know where you stand on this issue.
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TAGS: G4, Products, Sessler's Soapbox
Rumor: 120 -160G PS3's Coming?
Posted by Stephen Johnson - Monday, January 28, 2008 9:08 AM
How's this for a huge effin' rumor: The PlayStation 3 models that replace the now-discontinued 80Gig PS3 will feature between 120GB-160GB harddrives, and come with rumble-ready SIXAXIS controllers.
According to tech blog artechnica's mole:
"The Spiderman 3 pack-in will disappear as well once the 80GB unit is gone. In order to maintain a similar value proposition to the 80GB/Spiderman 3 bundle, I expect to see a storage increase to 120 or 160GB at the same price point, plus the new Dual-Shock 3 controller."
So, supposedly, the 80 gig model will be the low-end and the 120-160 will be the top-end. The price of the PS3 will remain the same.
Arstechnica: Mole: 80GB PS3 dead, 120-160GB with Dual Shock 3 incoming
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TAGS: PlayStation 3, Videogames
Music Service Jumps The Gun
Posted by Stephen Johnson - Monday, January 28, 2008 8:32 AM
New downloading service Qtrax sounds too good to be true. The upstart company announced last week that they had secured deals with all four major labels to release over 25 million songs, for free, to play as many times as you'd like. It's advertising supported, but (apparently) only during the actual download of the songs from Qtrax site. Once it's only your hard drive, you can do what you like with the MP3.
But, like most things that sound too good to be true, it might not be happening. Qtrax, apparently let the dogs loose early.
Turns out Warner Music, EMI and Universal have all told the press that no deal has been struck with the company. The labels are in talks with Qtrax, but no final agreement has been reached, apparently. Sony hasn't confirmed their involvement either.
We'll keep you posted on what might be huge news for music fans.
Reuters: Qtrax backtracks on claims of music label deals
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TAGS: Music, Tech
Playboy Mobile Game Coming
Posted by Stephen Johnson - Monday, January 28, 2008 8:07 AM
 Since the days of Strip Poker for the Amiga, we've heard about/seen/played many girlie videogames, but we've never really understood the appeal. But they keep coming out, so they must have a fan base. Today's mobile girl simulator:
Playboy Games Pool Party for your mobile phone. The title features "Playboy-branded, lifestyle themed, non-nude mobile games featuring bikini-clad Playmates." From THQ Wireless, Pool Party is a collection of mini-games including poolside water balloon fights, waterslide slaloms and aquatic mechanical bull riding.
We're perplexed by this game. Usually, you play phone games in public, right? So, would you be down with rocking some Playmate aquatic mechanical bull riding while waiting for a doctor's appointment or riding the bus?
The game comes out this summ |
