Daily Wrap-Up 2.5.08
Posted by Stephen Johnson - Tuesday, February 05, 2008 6:01 PM
Hey! Check out our rundown of everything that happened today in the world of videogames, technology and popular culture:
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TAGS: Daily Wrap-Up, Videos
X-Play Gaming Update 02.05.08
Posted by Jonathan Hunt - Tuesday, February 05, 2008 5:32 PM
Today, Adam brings you the latest in gaming news, including Gearbox Software, a Grand Theft Auto movie, Super Smash Bros. Brawl, and Gears of War 2.
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TAGS: Nintendo DS, PC Gaming, PlayStation 3
Nokia Opens N-Gage Platform for N81
Posted by Brian Leahy - Tuesday, February 05, 2008 3:55 PM
 Nokia's N-Gage hardware was a definite failure (Epic, even), but the new N-Gage platform that runs on their high-end smartphones could turn out much better.
The service, which runs a lot like Xbox Live, is now available on their N81 phone for a preview. Nokia is asking for support in testing the service before they open it up all around.
If you've got an N81, why not give it a try. It's got a few game demos and you'll be doing a service to Nokia.
Yahoo News: Nokia starts roll-out of gaming, networking sites
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TAGS: Tech, Videogames
'Smackdown vs. Raw 2008' Tourney Is ON
Posted by Mike D'Alonzo - Tuesday, February 05, 2008 3:03 PM
Wrestling fans, listen up! If you would like to win tickets to Wrestlemania 24, the granddaddy of all wrestling events, you best learn to play Smackdown vs. Raw 2008 pretty well. Because there's an online tournament, sponsored by HMV, and presented by THQ, that will allow you to do just that, if you're so inclined, and better than all of the other rabid wrestling fans worldwide that might try and knock you off your throne.
So, whether you want to play as 'The Legend Killer' or 'The Deadman,' as 'The Nature Boy,' or even 'The Glamazon,' you best get your finishing moves in order, because there's wrestling to be done, mi luches, and you can bet your last Atomic Drop that someone out there is waiting to Flip, Flop and Fly or drop the Bionic Elbow on you and get you 1-2-3, right in the middle of that squared circle.
In the meantime, registration will continue until February 8th, and you can check out all of the details online.
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TAGS: Sports, TV, Videogames
Munn In 'Complex'
Posted by Stephen Johnson - Tuesday, February 05, 2008 2:50 PM
Have you ever imagined Attack of the Show host Olivia Munn re-enacting scenes from great movie comedies? Say, climbing out of the pool in a red bikini like Phoebe Cates in Fast Times at Ridgemont High? Us too. All the time. Lucky for all of us, the next issue of Mark Ecko's Complex magazine features Munn doing just that.
The issue is out now in New York and L.A. and comes out in the rest of the country on the 12th.
But if you just can't wait, click the cut for a sneak peak at the cover, Judge Reinhold.
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TAGS: G4, Girls
Digital Music Royalty War Heats Up
Posted by Brian Leahy - Tuesday, February 05, 2008 2:42 PM
 As we slide further and further down the digital rabbit-hole, the question of royalties on digital entertainment comes into question. We've already seen the Writer's Guild of America go on strike fueled by this and other issues. It's now time for the RIAA, content providers like Apple, and the artists themselves to fight it out over digital royalties.
It appears that the content providers are siding with the RIAA in claiming that the royalties should be reduced or even abolished for digital music. The publishers and artists, of course, want the opposite to happen, putting more money in their pockets.
"Record companies are suffering a contraction of their business at a time when music publisher revenues and margins have increased markedly," said the RIAA. "While record companies have been forced to drastically cut costs and employees, music publisher catalogs have increased in value due to steadily rising mechanical royalty rates and alternative revenue streams made possible, but not enjoyed, by record companies."
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TAGS: Internets Culture, Music
Gearbox Working on "Megaton" Game?
Posted by Brian Leahy - Tuesday, February 05, 2008 2:29 PM
Gearbox Software, makers of the Brotherhood in Arms series and the upcoming Borderlands (pictured above) are apparently working on a game so incredible that "when you find out what this is, you'll likely agree that I can't oversell this one."
What could the game be? Here is the full job-posting from Gearbox's website:
Gearbox Software is on the lookout for an industry leading Art Director to work on a top secret AAA mega-project. We can’t say the title of the game here, but trust us, it’s huge. If you have aspirations to blow the doors off the industry and want to grow and lead a team of talented artists to work on a megaton project then reach out and touch us today!
Borderlands already looks really good so we're interested to see what they are working on that hasn't been announced yet.
Kotaku.com: Gearbox Hints At Something Huge
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TAGS: Videogames
'Metal Gear Solid: the Essential Collection' Coming Soon
Posted by Ty Colfax - Tuesday, February 05, 2008 2:18 PM
 Metal Gear Solid: the Essential Collection is currently being planned for release on the PS2. The timing is spot on as MGS4 is gearing up for its March 15th release on the PS3, so if you missed any of the first three, they're all going to be included in Essential.
Essential Collection will be released with a suggested retail of $29.99. There's no date yet, but as always keep your eye to the G4 wax and we'll let you know when we do. No word yet if Raiden appears naked in Guns of the Patriots, either. Again, we'll let you know.
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TAGS: PlayStation 3, Videogames
Rumor: 'Dead Rising 2' On The Way?
Posted by Stephen Johnson - Tuesday, February 05, 2008 2:12 PM
The rumor of the day: Dead Rising 2 is a lock.
Okay, seems pretty obvious--Dead Rising was a much-beloved blockbuster so a sequel is likely--but the rumor goes on to say the next chapter in the zombie apocalypse story will be developed without Capcom. Which is bad news.
The source: EGM usually reliable rumor column.
Other gossip: God of War Chains of Olympus may be headed to the PS2, and PS3's Everyday Shooter will likely pop up on the PSP at some point.
1up.com: Rumors: Dead Rising 2, God of War PS2
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TAGS: Videogames
Hollywood Icon Barry Pepper Found!
Posted by Mike D'Alonzo - Tuesday, February 05, 2008 2:06 PM
 We know you've been looking for Barry Pepper since The Green Mile ran its course. We have too. But, we've now found the Hollywood icon, having agreed to lend his voice to the game Prototype, an open world action game in which he will play a 'genetically mutated shape-shifter.' Talk about typecasting!
Also, veteran character actor Paul Guilfoyle (CSI) will appear in the game, as will the hilariously-named Gordon Clap. We are just so thrilled to see that Barry Pepper has returned to us. After all, it's not every day that the man who played both Roger Maris and Dale Earnhardt lends his voice to a game. Kudos, Sierra Entertainment! You have secured a casting coup!
IGN: Sierra Entertainment's Prototype to Feature Barry Pepper and Other Hollywood Talent
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TAGS: Movies, Videogames
Low-Power Chip Runs On You
Posted by Brian Leahy - Tuesday, February 05, 2008 1:37 PM
 MIT researchers are working a new low-power computer chip that could potentially be powered by movement or body heat alone. The chips, which use 70% less power than current chips, could help advance technology exponentially.
As is always the case with cutting-edge research, expect a long delay between this breakthrough and any tangible results that reaches consumers. It is very likely that the first advances of this research are military in nature.
This is good news, however, as companies make the move toward to greener technologies. The lower power requirements should help greatly in this cause.
For example, Intel's lowest power chip uses 2-watts. The processor of the MacBook Air uses 17-watts. The MIT chip uses between 1 and 100 microwatts. 1 watt is 1,000,000 microwatts, by the way. Damn!
Good luck, guys.
Wired: New Super-Efficient Chip Could Run on Body Heat
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TAGS: Tech
Flickr Reacts To Micro-Yahoo
Posted by Stephen Johnson - Tuesday, February 05, 2008 1:33 PM
Users of Internet sites owned by Yahoo are reacting to the proposed takeover of Yahoo! by Microsoft, and they are angry. The protests are beginning at Flickr, and the protesters will do anything to show their discontent. As long as "anything" means taking photographs without leaving their houses, of course.
A recently formed protest group has posted hundreds of images critical of the merger, and some of them are quite hilarious.
Please enjoy.
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TAGS: Internets Culture, Other People's Misfortune, Tech
'Custer's Revenge' Censored
Posted by Stephen Johnson - Tuesday, February 05, 2008 1:23 PM
We were paging through Game Daily's list of the history of naked ladies in gaming (because that's what we do.) and we ran across the above image of Atari 2600 game Custer's Revenge. We thought it was funny because Game Daily pixelated the "nudity" of the huge Atari pixels.
Read the rest of the article here.
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TAGS: Videogames
Police Won't Help 'FFXI' Theft Victim
Posted by Brian Leahy - Tuesday, February 05, 2008 12:50 PM
 Geoff Luurs had $4,000 worth of in-game Final Fantasy XI items stolen from him (most likely from a friend) and attempted to get help from the Blaine, Minnesota police department.
Turns out his in-game loot isn't worth a hill'a'beans in this crazy (real) world. The police refused to help him, stating that his virtual possessions "are devoid of monetary value." Ouch.
So there you have it. The gates are open to invade Second Life and steal as much as possible because according to Minnesota police, it isn't a crime. Go wild, kids.
Wired: Police Refuse To Aid In Virtual Theft Case
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TAGS: Other People's Misfortune, PC Gaming, Videogames
'24' Declines With Bush Popularity
Posted by Mike D'Alonzo - Tuesday, February 05, 2008 12:09 PM
 Remember 2001? When we were searching for some outlet for our aggression against those who would commit atrocity on American soil? That was the fertile environment in which American hero Jack Bauer was born, when 24 premiered. However, as time's gone by and the Bush Administration has lost its flavor, so has Mr. Bauer's popularity.
This isn't just us talking, it's statistics. Oh, and the show's creators. "The fear and wish-fulfillment the show represented after 9/11 ended up boomeranging against us," says the show's head writer, Howard Gordon. "We were suddenly facing a blowback from current events." Specifically in the show's depiction of torture over the course of the last season, post the Abu Ghraib controversy, the ratings really dropped off in the second half of the season.
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TAGS: TV
Freestyle 101: LMNO (Visionaries)
Posted by Frank Meyer - Tuesday, February 05, 2008 12:00 PM
LMNO is a member of Los Angeles hip hop collective The Visionaries, alongside 2Mex, Lord Zen, Dannu, KeyKool and DJ Rhettmatic. The Visionaries latest album is titled We Are The Ones (We've Been waiting For) and is the group’s fourth effort. The group has been acknowledged for its positive impact and contribution to hip hop, and was even recently inducted into the Universal Zulu Nation. Their music was also featured in Oceans Twelve, Volcano High and Midway's NFL Blitz.
Yet LMNO has a solo career as well, and his upcoming album Selective Hearing is due out this March. You can also hear him on the latest CD by fellow Long Beach resident RBX., also a Freestyle 101 vet. LMNO spends his time over the past 12 years touring the world with his group or on the solo tip and has gained a reputation for his explosive live performances.
So Freestyle 101 was stoked when LMNO decided to drop by Reef Studios and kick freestyle about Atari, Pac-Man, the L.A. Raiders, and hip hop. He also had a lot to say about the underground hip hop scene in Los Angeles, and why the city breeds such hungry MCs.
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TAGS: Freestyle 101, G4 Web Exclusive, Music
More Xbox Live Originals Feb 11
Posted by Ty Colfax - Tuesday, February 05, 2008 11:55 AM
 Soon there will be more downloadable Xbox Originals for you to drop your $15 on over in the marketplace. On February 11, you'll be able to play the classic Sid Meier's Pirates!, Ninja Gaiden Black, and Black.
We're hoping the fidelity of Pirates! goes untouched and we get that old world blocky pixel feel of the original Commodore 64, but we know they don't have the jewels to go for it.
Also, there's rumor that more original games are on the way, so keep them eyes open.
ign.com: New Xbox Originals on the Horizon
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TAGS: Videogames, Xbox 360
Prodigy Smashes Language Barrier
Posted by Stephen Johnson - Tuesday, February 05, 2008 11:24 AM
We have a lot to tell you about rapper Prodigy of legendary hip and/or hop combo Mobb Deep. So get comfortable:
- On the technology front: Prodigy's new album, H.N.I.C. Part 2, will be coming out in March. Using "Voxonic Technology," the raps will be translated in 1,400 languages. We think Voxonix voice conversion technology comes from reverse-engineered alien spacecraft or something. Visit the official site and check it out.
- Sadly, on February 13th, Prodigy will begin serving a three-and-a-half year prison sentence for weapons charges. But the rapper/writer/genius doesn't plan on sitting around feeling sorry for himself: "While I'm locked up, I'm going to be writing lyrics, working on the script for my second feature film, Dope, and finish writing an autobiography of my life which will be finished by the time I'm released. My mind is going to be focused and I'll have time to think and map out my entire plan," Prodigy said. We'll be talking to the rapper about his charges, prison sentence and New York's hip-hop cops on the 13th, so check back for the exclusive video.
- Before his stint in the stoney lonesome, Prodigy hooked us up with some off-the-top lyrics! He'll be appearing on G4's own Freestyle 101 on February 19th. Don't miss it; it's musical history made before your eyes.
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TAGS: Music, Tech
New 'Army of Two' Multiplayer Trailer
Posted by Justin Fassino - Tuesday, February 05, 2008 11:10 AM
"Make money online...with extreme prejudice" may be the best new catchphrase in gaming. Seriously, that's hardcore.
The latest Army of Two trailer shows off some multiplayer gameplay and what it's like to take the fight to the internet. There's definitely no absence of bullets; in fact, the only people who died in the video are those not shooting something. Take note.
Army of Two is still on track to be released this spring for the 360 and PS3.
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TAGS: Videogames, Xbox 360
16Gig iPhone Is Here
Posted by Stephen Johnson - Tuesday, February 05, 2008 10:36 AM
 Rejoice, oh Apple-Faithful: The 16gig iPhone is here.
Also: a 32 Gig iPod Touch.
The iPhone is $500, while the littler 8GB model remains at $400. The touch is $500. The 8GB and 16GB versions remain at $300 and $400 respectively.
Rush to your Apple store. Stampede! Or, visit Mac's site to buy it online.
Official Site
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TAGS: iPhone, Tech
Midway, Surreal Go To 'Vegas'
Posted by Stephen Johnson - Tuesday, February 05, 2008 9:54 AM
Midway games and Surreal are working together to bring you a new kind of open-world videogame. Welcome to Vegas features all the fun of going to Vegas without actually leaving your house--we're talking clubs, parties, gambling, girls and everything else you go to Sin City to drunkenly partake in.
We're happy a videogame version of Vegas is coming because the idea of the desert city has alway been better than actually visiting. You always think a trip to Vegas is going to be like Sinatra in the early 60s--full of kicks, gin and suavosity--but in reality, Vegas is full of fat people from the Midwest, over-priced tourist traps and wizened slot jockeys with oxygen tanks monotonously pulling the arm of a machine that will never pay off. Also, it will always cost you everything you have in your bank account, no matter how rich you are.
But a game version of the Vegas fantasy? We're totally onboard! So much more sparkly and exciting than the actuality of that sun-baked hellscape.
This is Vegas is targeting a fall 2008 release for PC, PS3 and Xbox 360. The ESRB rating is still to be determined, though Midway is expecting it to be Mature.
IGN.com: Welcome to Vegas
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TAGS: Videogames
Satin Silver PS3 Luxuriates In Japan
Posted by Justin Fassino - Tuesday, February 05, 2008 9:27 AM
The Japanese get all the cool stuff. Oneechanbara, the Rez trance vibrator, and now a sexy silver-colored PS3 system.
In addition to being all sparkly, the system will come with one of those brand new rumblin' DualShock 3 controllers when the package goes on sale March 6. Based on the silver plastic used for the PSP, we're hoping for an eventual U.S. release, though none has been announced.
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TAGS: PlayStation 3, Videogames
'Octomania' Heads To The Wii
Posted by Stephen Johnson - Tuesday, February 05, 2008 9:04 AM
We don't know about you, but we're crazy for octopi!
Actually, we're obsessed with them in a clinical sense. The many arms, beak-like mouths and sucker-covered, slimy tentacles of the octopus drive us wild with an intoxicating mix of loathing and desire. We've been seeing a doctor about it and taking Lithium, and we thought we were clear of our octopus-mania...but then we heard the news that Octomania is coming to the Wii, and the dreams came flooding back. Oh, God, the dreams.
Atlus games calls it a casual multiplayer puzzle game, but there's nothing casual about it to us. They say it's a story of "mischief and mayhem filled with zany characters." Sounds okay, but then, chillingly, the Atlus promises the game contains "hundreds of thousands of octopi you'll have to deal with."
We've been dealing with octopi for 16 hard years of intense psychoanalysis and electro-convulsive therapy, and now Atlus games says we must contend with hundreds of thousands of beautiful, slithering, sensual, hideous, slime-encrusted octopi on the Wii?
Curse you!
Octomania is scheduled to be on sale March 11, 2008, at a MSRP of $19.99.
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