Daily Wrap-Up 3.6.08
Posted by Stephen Johnson - Thursday, March 06, 2008 6:01 PM
Here's what went down today in the world of videogames, technology and popular culture.
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TAGS: Daily Wrap-Up, Videos
X-Play Gaming Update 03.06.08
Posted by Jonathan Hunt - Thursday, March 06, 2008 5:35 PM
Today, Adam brings you the latest in gaming news, including glitches in Bully: Scholarship Edition, Ziff Davis Media filing for bankruptcy, and Jeff Gerstmann's new website, Giant Bomb.
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TAGS: G4, Videogames, Videos
Huckabee Plays 'Rock Band'
Posted by Stephen Johnson - Thursday, March 06, 2008 4:12 PM
Damn, Mike Huckabee, why didn't you tell us you played Rock Band before you dropped out of the presidential race?
According to the hotline blog (via game politics):
Huckabee spoke to President Bush and many of his supporters… before hosting his entire campaign staff at his home for lasagna and video games…
Huckabee said he originally intended to cook ribs for his staff, but that they would have required nine hours to cook. So several tins of lasagna ably substituted. Staffers gathered in the basement to play Rock Band and hold a final team meeting.
We would have voted for you, Mike.
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TAGS: Music, Videogames
Epic Fail: Videogame Levels
Posted by Jonathan Hunt - Thursday, March 06, 2008 3:12 PM
It's happened to all of us. You're playing an incredible game when you stumble upon a level or mission that makes you frustrated or annoyed or possibly even question the fun of the game as a whole. For this week's Epic Fail Thursday, TheFeed would like to welcome you to our selection of the most Epic Fail Videogame Levels of all time. Take note, we tried to avoid levels in downright terrible games, since pretty much all the levels in bad games are fails. This list is comprised of levels or missions from the games that we hold dear, games that, aside from the mentioned levels, would be just about perfect.
Be sure to let us know what you think of our list? Did we miss any epic fail levels from your favorite games? Feel free to expand on our list in the comments section below.
Speeder Bike Race (Battletoads)
 Okay, I understand that this game is infamously hard, but it's also a lot of fun - except these levels. You're moving so fast you hardly have time to react to the giant concrete blocks flying at your toad. the only warning you get is the block flashing on the right side of the screen moments before it tries to kill you, and by the time you're halfway through, there are so many blocks coming at you so fast one after the other, the blinking blocks blend into one solid block, defeating the purpose of the flashing block acting as a warning. Yes it's just as annoying as it sounds. Also, you have to duck under some of them. How in the hell do you duck on a speeder bike?
-thepattractive
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TAGS: Epic Fail, Videogames
Rumor: Microsoft Surface Balls?
Posted by Brian Leahy - Thursday, March 06, 2008 2:49 PM
 It's grain of salt time. There's a new rumor and it's pointing to a spherical version of Microsoft's Surface being in the prototype phase.
It'd be extremely hard to put the Surface tech into a ball, but hey, we put a man on the moon (allegedly) so anything is possible...
Just imagine, a little computer ball that you touch to interact with it.
Engadget: Microsoft Surface going spherical?
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TAGS: Products, Tech
Blu-Ray Coming To Xbox?
Posted by Stephen Johnson - Thursday, March 06, 2008 2:42 PM
Okay, so the console war is over when it comes to high definition DVD, but the terms of surrender might interest Xbox 360 owners.
Word is, Sony and Microsoft are in talks that might end n the announcement of a Blu Ray drive for the Xbox 360. Such a move would have definite pluses and minuses for Sony. On the negative side, Blu Ray is currently a huge selling point for the PlayStation 3. On the plus side: Extra revenues for Sony’s electronics division. It would also likely add further cost to the 360, meaning a premium edition of the console could be necessary, evening the price-gap between the two consoles.
We'll let you know more when we know more!
FT.com: Sony, Microsoft discuss Blu-ray for Xbox 360
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TAGS: Videogames
Videogames Not Good for Exercise
Posted by Brian Leahy - Thursday, March 06, 2008 2:39 PM
 Leave it to some adult that doesn't understand videogames to point out the obvious.
Newsflash, active games like "Wii Play and Dance Revolution" don't burn enough calories to be considered a replacement for exercise. Also, it's Dance Dance Revolution... do your research.
This all comes from Colleen Greene, a wellness coordinator at the University of Michigan. She notes that these games only burn "60 to 70 calories an hour. This is nowhere near what an actual game or sport should be, which is three to four times that amount."
So, there you have it, go play a real sport. We'll see what she thinks about Wii Fit.
ConsumerAffairs: Active Video Games No Substitute for Exercise
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TAGS: Prostate Health, Videogames, Wii
Nugget From The Net
Posted by Stephen Johnson - Thursday, March 06, 2008 2:28 PM
Feaky web-browser lady lives inside your computer.
Please don't click the link below.
It's just too weird for you.
Seriously. You can't handle it.
Weird Link
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TAGS: Nuggets From The Nets
Behind-The-Scenes At The ESRB
Posted by Stephen Johnson - Thursday, March 06, 2008 2:16 PM
Ever wondered what goes on behind-the-scenes at the videogame ratings board? Well we've got just the magazine for you. This month's Electronic Gaming Monthly contains an editorial from former ESRB rater Jerry Bonner.
Bonner says:
- Raters often don't play the games they rate, instead relying on videos.
- ESRB bases sequel ratings on preceding games in the franchise, terming this “parity.”
The ESRB responded with basically a nuh-uh:
Mr. Bonner’s article contains numerous misleading statements, factual inaccuracies, and misrepresentations… The author also fails to mention the unique and limited nature of his six-month tenure at the ESRB…
Read all about it here, but make sure you pick up EGM this month!
gamepolitics.com: Ex-Game Rater Dishes the Dirt… ESRB Boss Fires Back
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TAGS: Other People's Misfortune, Videogames
'24' Prequel In The Fall
Posted by Mike D'Alonzo - Thursday, March 06, 2008 2:12 PM
 So, it looks like 24 fans might get something a little earlier than the anticipated Winter 2009 season, after all. Producers are working on a 2-hour movie that will bridge the last season and the next, possibly as a stop-gap so that people will be able to remember what Jack Bauer is all about.
The film is scheduled to air in the Fall, and the next season of the show is slated for January. What do you think? Is two years too long to wait for new 24? Will the show even be relevant anymore by the time it's back on the air? Is it worth it?
Hollywood Reporter.com: '24' prequel set
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TAGS: TV
'Audiosurf' is Top Selling Steam Game
Posted by Brian Leahy - Thursday, March 06, 2008 1:46 PM
Audiosurf is audio-awesome. So much so, that it was the top-selling game on Steam for the month of February. Even at $9.95, that's a pretty good deal for the games one creator.
Here's what the game looks like to Gift of Gab's Freestyle 101.
Check out the press release after the jump.
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TAGS: Music, PC Gaming, Videogames
Nugget From The Net
Posted by Stephen Johnson - Thursday, March 06, 2008 1:38 PM
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TAGS: Nuggets From The Nets, Robot Uprising
LG Secrets Make a Chinese Manufacturer Very Happy
Posted by Ty Colfax - Thursday, March 06, 2008 1:30 PM
 A Korean gentleman known merely as Jeong left LG back in 2005 with over a thousand top secret files on plasma display technology on a personal drive. A few months later he was handed a cush job at Chinese competitor Changhong in China. Well, for some stupid reason, he went back to Korea (maybe he forgot his favorite pair of socks) and was promptly arrested by Korean officials.
Changhong is now on track to release their new line of plasmas using the "borrowed" LG technology. Whoa. This is big time international corporate espionage type stuff. In my neighborhood you get killed over some strap like this. Could get really interesting.
engadget.com: Former LG employee leaks $1b in top secret plasma info to Chinese manufacturer
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TAGS: Other People's Misfortune, Products
Notorious B.I.G. Found!
Posted by Frank Meyer - Thursday, March 06, 2008 12:56 PM
 Fox Searchlight has finally cast the man to play Notorious B.I.G. in the upcoming biopic Notorious.
Who?
Rapper Gravy…the guy who got shot in the ass in ‘06 in front of Hot 97!
Yep, Brooklyn-based Jamal 'Gravy' Woolard will play Biggie, while Angela Bassett plays mom Voletta Wallace, Anthony Mackie will portray rival Tupac Shakur, and Derek Luke is set as Sean "Diddy" Combs, who was in the car when Biggie was killed.
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TAGS: Movies, Music
Circuit City's HD-DVD Death Plans
Posted by Brian Leahy - Thursday, March 06, 2008 12:14 PM
So HD-DVD is dead, but some of you may have purchased an HD-DVD player already. If you got it from Circuit City, you're in luck.
Circuit City (in-store only) will let you trade in your HD-DVD player toward the purchase of a Blu-Ray player. We suggest the PlayStation 3. If you got it within the last 30 days... because you're an idiot... they will accept the return as normal.
They will not accept trade-ins on opened HD-DVD movies, though.
Full memo after the break.
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TAGS: Movies, Other People's Misfortune, PlayStation 3
Hollywood Breaks Income Record
Posted by Ty Colfax - Thursday, March 06, 2008 12:00 PM
Hollywood studios brought in a record $9.6 billion in the US and Canada for the 2007 calendar year, thanks mostly to boosted ticket prices. Its unclear how much the writer's strike affected that total, in a town that reportedly lost $2.9 billion because of it. It's possible that the rippling effects of the strike will not be felt in films as immediately as they were in TV.
Ticket sales for movies have leveled off at around 1.4 billion a year and that trend stretches back a few years even as the average cost that Hollywood spends per movie is increasing from around $100 million in 2006 to around $106.6 million last year.
usatoday.com: Movies reel in record $9.6 billion in 2007
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TAGS: Movies
Apple Shows Off iPhone Software, Games
Posted by Brian Leahy - Thursday, March 06, 2008 11:55 AM
While the iPhone 2.0 update with apps won't be released until "late June" they did show off some demos of what could be done on the platform.
The biggest surprise was a demo of Spore from EA. It's unclear how featured the game will be, but the demo showed off the cellular level and tilt controls. The creature customizer was also shown.
SEGA showed off a port of Super Monkey Ball with full tilt controls, which they believe is a natural choice for the iPhone.
AOL showed off a very nice looking AIM application with a good feature-set and controls. Switching between IMs is done by swiping from side-to-side. We'll see how it works with the data connection, though. Hopefully it won't require a constant connection and be more passive.
A few other tech demos were shown and the crowd was generally impressed with the performance and graphics.
Pics after the cut.
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TAGS: Apple, Internets Culture, iPhone
'Rainbow Six Vegas 2' Coop Features
Posted by Stephen Johnson - Thursday, March 06, 2008 11:51 AM
To get a look at some of the co-op features of Rainbow Six Vegas 2, just click the below video. It's for your own good.
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TAGS: Videogames, Videos
McFadden Gets 'NCAA '09' Cover
Posted by Mike D'Alonzo - Thursday, March 06, 2008 11:29 AM
 Arkansas running back Darren McFadden will be one of the four athletes to grace the cover of EA's NCAA '09 football game when it comes out in July.
The other three covers have yet to be determined, but McFadden is the XBox 360 cover man. The PS3 cover will be revealed in time for the NFL Draft in April, and the PS2 and PSP versions will be announced in May, soon after.
On the hilarious side, the Wii cover will feature the winner of the NCAA Football 09 Cover Mascot Challenge, and will be revealed on March 18th, just in time to recover from those St. Patty's Day hangovers you anticipate.
For more information about the game, go to the website.
Also, Darren will be on X-Play this very night to talk about being the cover athlete! Don't miss it!
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TAGS: G4 Web Exclusive, PlayStation 3, Sports
'Baroque' Screenshot Gallery
Posted by Stephen Johnson - Thursday, March 06, 2008 11:17 AM
Baroque for the Wii and PS2 is coming out on 4/8/08.
Here's what it will look like:
Here's a whole gallery!
We realize the game is a bit mysterious. Here's the official description:
You awaken to find the world in ruin, your heart beset with unexplained guilt. A cataclysm has destroyed the cities and empires of men and disfigured the spirit of humanity. In this nightmare, it falls to you to descend a mysterious tower in search of absolution. Battle merciless foes through treacherous dungeons, scour for new items to aid you in your travels, and unlock the secrets of a devastated land. You will find death in the depths, yet learn that death is not the end of the story; in the twisted world of Baroque, it is only the beginning.
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TAGS: Videogames, Wii
Nugget From The Net
Posted by Stephen Johnson - Thursday, March 06, 2008 10:59 AM
Sugar Bush Squirrel, you are the most special squirrel in the world, and a superstar in our eyes.
Viva Sugar Bush!
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TAGS: Nuggets From The Nets
New Guitar Hero Legends Content
Posted by Frank Meyer - Thursday, March 06, 2008 10:56 AM
 Hey rockers, Activision released new downloadable songs for its hit game Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock today.
The Modern Metal pack let's players jam to master recordings of Deftones’ “Hole in the Earth,” Avenged Sevenfold’s “Almost Easy” and Thrice’s “The Arsonist.” The track pack is now on Xbox LIVE Marketplace for Xbox 360 and in the Playstation store for the PS3.
Plus, Activision will be kicking off the St. Patrick’s Day celebrations with a special free track pack from Celtic punk band Dropkick Murphys that will be available later this month. The Dropkick Murphys pack will include master recordings of “Famous for Nothing,” “(F)lannigan’s Ball” and “Johnny, I Hardly Knew Ya” from their hit album The Meanest of Times. This track pack will be available for free to download on Xbox LIVE Marketplace and Playstation store.
That’s all fine and dandy, but if you’re talkin’ about “legends" of guitar rock, where the hell is Michael Angelo of hair metal legends Nitro and his 4-neck axe?!?!? You know,Nitro was better than the Beatles, right?
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TAGS: Internets Culture, Music, PlayStation 3
Apple's SDK Conference Happenings
Posted by Brian Leahy - Thursday, March 06, 2008 10:23 AM
 We'll be waiting until June to get the SDK and updates. Way to crush our dreams, Apple.
Apple is about to open their doors on their SDK Conference, which should hopefully detail the iPhone SDK and plans for 3rd party development.
SDK time! There have been over 1,000 successful web-apps for the iPhone so far according to Apple. We think that number is closer to 10, but what do we know. Well, maybe just Facebook and Google's mobile suite.
The SDK will include four API's: core OS, core services, media layer, and the brand new Cocoa Touch, made specifically for the iPhone.
There will be a ton of features to help iPhone developers including Interface Building support, remote debugging, an iPhone emulator that runs on a Mac, and Xcode support.
EA showed off a demo of Spore running on the iPhone. AOL showed off their new AIM app. SEGA showing off Super Monkey Ball with tilt controls.
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TAGS: Apple, iPhone, Tech
'Facebreaker' Screens
Posted by Stephen Johnson - Thursday, March 06, 2008 10:21 AM
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