Daily Wrap-Up 3.19.08
Posted by Stephen Johnson - Wednesday, March 19, 2008 6:01 PM
Here's what's going down today in the world of videogames, technology and popular culture.
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TAGS: Daily Wrap-Up, Videos
'CoD4' DLC Maps Priced, Dated?
Posted by Brian Leahy - Wednesday, March 19, 2008 4:13 PM
We found out when the next batch of Halo 3 maps were going to release and now it looks like we know when Call of Duty will release theirs... just about 2 weeks before Halo.
Xbox.com now has a page up for the "Modern Warfare Variety Map Pack" for 800 points, to go live on April 3.
This coincides with the release of the Call of Duty 4: Game of the Year Edition that releases on that day. This seems to be a definitive confirmation for the Xbox 360 DLC, but still no word on PS3 maps.
(via Kotaku)
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TAGS: PlayStation 3, Videogames, Xbox 360
Greenpeace Spanks Nintendo
Posted by Stephen Johnson - Wednesday, March 19, 2008 3:51 PM
When you fire up your Wii, you may think you're collecting coins, jumping on an imaginary trampoline and picking fluorescent daisies, but really you're destroying the planet earth.
Nintendo scored .3 out of 10 in the March version of Greenpeace's Guide to Greener Electronics. The only category in which Nintendo did not score the lowest ranking of "Bad" was chemicals management, in which it ranked "Partially Bad." That's like a report card with all "F"s and one "D-".
Still, it's a step up for Nintendo from December, when they scored a 0%. Way to make improvements, Nintendo!
When asked for comment, Nintendo's Reggie Fils-Aime did not say, "Don't you dumb hippies get it? We. Don't. Care."
Wired: Nintendo Fails Greenpeace Test Again
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TAGS: Tech, Videogames
'Vegas 2' Multiplayer: Total Conquest
Posted by Brian Leahy - Wednesday, March 19, 2008 3:19 PM
Vegas 2 dropped and we took a break from Call of Halo Duty 3/4 to try out the multiplayer. We really liked the Total Conquest mode, which is a capture-and-hold gametype that requires a team to hold 3 satellite dishes for 30 seconds to win a round.
Easier said than done.
Here now, the results of that trial:
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TAGS: G4 Web Exclusive, PlayStation 3, Videogames
Zero Punctuation Takes On 'Turok'
Posted by Stephen Johnson - Wednesday, March 19, 2008 3:09 PM
In case you missed last night's preview on X-Play, here's the latest Zero Punctuation, where Yahtzee, the wittiest/complainiest videogame reviewer ever, takes on Turok. SPOILER: He makes fun of it.
Don't forget that X-Play previews the latest episode of The Escapist Magazine's Zero Punctuation each Tuesday night at 8PM ET.
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TAGS: Other People's Misfortune, Videogames
Facebook Gets Chat, More Privacy Features
Posted by Brian Leahy - Wednesday, March 19, 2008 2:52 PM
Facebook has added even more privacy features that allow for deeper customization of who can see your information. You can even exclude specific people to keep that social pariah or stalker from looking at your photos or seeing your wall posts.
Check it out on the updated privacy page here.
Also, Facebook plans to add instant messaging (blurry picture above) to the social networking site, which looks to be included and not an optional application.
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TAGS: Internets Culture, Tech
Cera Cast As 'Scott Pilgrim'
Posted by Mike D'Alonzo - Wednesday, March 19, 2008 2:49 PM
 Michael Cera has been cast as Scott Pilgrim in the film version of the graphic novel, Scott Pilgrim's Little Life, to be directed by Edgar Wright (Shawn of the Dead, Hot Fuzz), about a 23 year-old who falls in love with a girl, and then has to defeat her seven ex-boyfriends before he can have her.
There's a lot of gaming in the books, and we can only imagine that will translate to the big screen, as well. It's sort of a romantic comedy mixed with a superhero film, mixed with the finer points of videogames, all starring the awesome Michael Cera. How can it go wrong?
Answer? Can't.
Cinematical: Michael Cera is Scott Pilgrim!
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TAGS: Comics, Movies
Activision Could Shut Down Sierra?
Posted by Brian Leahy - Wednesday, March 19, 2008 2:40 PM
As part of the Vivendi / Activision merger, Vivendi's development teams will have to essentially re-sell their games to their new Activision overlords. Apparently, this has Sierra worried about their future.
Activision obviously made the move primarily for World of Warcraft and Blizzard, but the other games could get axed in the process.
However, games like Ghostbusters (video below) and The Bourne Conspiracy should be safe.
Next-Gen.biz: Report: Activision Could Kill Off Sierra Projects
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TAGS: Nintendo DS, Other People's Misfortune, PC Gaming
Shred Or Die: Tony Hawk Exclusive
Posted by Frank Meyer - Wednesday, March 19, 2008 2:34 PM
Legendary skate pro Tony Hawk sits down with G4 to chat about his awesome new website, shredordie.com.
Yes, from the people that brought you Will Ferrell’s funnyordie.com comes this high-octane sports site where the fans get to submit videos and vote on them. Filled with both amateur and professional clips ranging from BMX to skating stunts, shredordie.com gives fans some of the coolest content around.
Tony let us in on what the site is all about and what inspired it, and even brought along some choice clips to show off how extreme this site really is!
Enjoy!
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TAGS: G4 Web Exclusive, Internets Culture, Sports
Sessler's Soapbox: Sense and Sensitivity
Posted by Jonathan Hunt - Wednesday, March 19, 2008 2:30 PM
Are you tired of lazy game design? In this week's Sessler's Soapbox, Adam is taking on poor context sensitive design in games. The feature is pretty wonderful when it works, but when it doesn't, it fails on an epic scale. What do you think? How do you feel about context-sensitivity? Any games where you like it? How about ones that annoy you? Check out the video and let us know what you think or share your thoughts on our forums.
Want more Adam? Check out the Sessler's Soapbox Podcast!
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TAGS: G4, Sessler's Soapbox, Videogames
'Tech Deck Live' MMO Announced
Posted by Stephen Johnson - Wednesday, March 19, 2008 12:50 PM
Interactive company Spin Master Studios are launching a new skateboard oriented MMO. Tech Deck Live is browser-based, and inspired by Tech Deck mini-skateboards. Not inspired by actual skateboards, mind you, but by desktop skateboard toys.
Spin Master promises a "high-quality, immersive 3D gaming experience" for you shredders, rippers and schmongers. Tech Deck Live will be free, with pay-for-it premium content available on a monthy subscription basis. Players can explore different places, compete against one another, chat, upgrade and play mini-games.
“We’re excited about combining the authenticity and fun of Tech Deck with the immersiveness of virtual worlds, providing a truly unique online experience for kids,” said John Reale, Vice President of Spin Master Studios.
As you might have predicted for a skating game, it will be extreme. Possibly with gusts up to "radical, dude!"
Look for it here it later this year.
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TAGS: PC Gaming, Sports, Videogames
'Street Fighter' Cast Confirmed
Posted by Mike D'Alonzo - Wednesday, March 19, 2008 12:18 PM
 You knew that Street Fighter was getting a movie makeover, but you didn't know what the cast was...until now. In a press release today, Capcom has announced a 'star-studded' cast for the new Street Fighter film, including Chris Klein (American Pie, Rollerball) and Michael Clarke Duncan (The Green Mile, Talladega Nights), as well as Taboo from the Black Eyed Peas.
Yes, you can smell the star power from your seat, can you not? We can only hope that the mega-wattage of the assembled celebrity involved in this project doesn't overshadow what we hope will be an American film classic, from stem to stern, or go supernova before it ever gets to the cinema.
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TAGS: Movies, Videogames
Where Are All These Rape Games?
Posted by Brian Leahy - Wednesday, March 19, 2008 12:00 PM
All aboard the rape in vidoegames accusation train. Next stop: Wrong Station. This time it's aide to the Mayor of Boston, Larry Mayes conducting.
Larry Mayes, who is Boston Mayor Menino’s director of Health and Human Services, has reportedly "urged lawmakers to view for themselves some “Mature”-rated games, many of which award players points for shooting people, raping women or setting people on fire."
Note that this quote is from a story about Mayes and not something he said verbatim.
Again, we ask that these people point to a single game that allows players to actively engage in rape.
GamePolitics.com: Rape in Video Games? Top Aide to Boston Mayor Says Yes at Legislative Hearing
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TAGS: Other People's Misfortune, Videogames
Beau Bridges in 'Max Payne'
Posted by Mike D'Alonzo - Wednesday, March 19, 2008 11:59 AM
 Beau Bridges has joined the cast of Max Payne, starring Mark Wahlberg as the titular videogame badass, and Mila Kunis as his lady sidekick. Bridges will play B.B. Hensley, an ex-cop and mentor, who helps Max extract his revenge on those who done him wrong.
Filming on the Max Payne movie began on March 3rd in the Canadian metroplex of Toronto, and will likely see the light of day in early 2009. We love Beau Bridges, but think it would be funnier if they'd cast his brother, Jeff, in the role, especially if he did it as The Dude.
Hollywood Reporter.com: Bridges cast in 'Max Payne'
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TAGS: Movies, Videogames
Gnarls Barkley Get Odd Early
Posted by Frank Meyer - Wednesday, March 19, 2008 11:49 AM
 Gnarls Barkley's sophomore album, The Odd Couple, hit iTunes three weeks early when it arrived yesterday. Originally due out April 8, The Odd Couple will hit retail later this week via Downtown/Atlantic.
Why the push up (so to speak)?
Because it leaked online last week and the label decided to get proactive and get busy, that’s why!
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TAGS: Internets Culture, Music
'Justice League' Won't Film In Sydney
Posted by Mike D'Alonzo - Wednesday, March 19, 2008 11:43 AM
 The Justice League film, now entitled Justice League: Mortal, won't be eligible for a tax credit of 40% that films get for having a significant Australian involvement, even though the director of the film, George Miller, and two of the stars, Megan Gale and Teresa Palmer, are Australian. The government is saying that, since the film is being made for an American audience, and is an American story with American accents, it's not sufficiently Australian for the tax credit.
Miller, of course, is incensed, and says that the Australian Film Board will never encourage large-scale filming in the country if they don't open up their way of thinking. This film is a $200 million production, and would have brought a lot of business to the area...business which, we're sure, New Zealand will be happy to receive.
Superheroflix.com: Justice League Kicked Out of Australia and Newly Revealed to Be Mortal
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TAGS: Comics, Movies
Intel's 60-Mile Wi-Fi Router
Posted by Ty Colfax - Wednesday, March 19, 2008 11:41 AM
I ntel has experienced a significant breakthrough in wi-fi tech. They've jazzed up, or rather, greatly simplified, the software in their long-range wi-fi routers so that the bandwidth isn't eaten up by unnecessary confirmation signals. They've been able to extend the signal as far as 60 miles and only have trouble beyond that due to the curvature of the Earth.
The technology is extremely cheap because the hardware already exists and has low-power needs making it easily juiced by solar panels. An urban area with a hard cable connection will be able to communicate with rural areas, where running ground wires is impractical, for around $1000 by purchasing two of the units.
It's already been tested with success in India, Panama, Vietnam, and South Africa. Intel will start selling the device in India later in 2008. Soon, we'll be able to see what the world's more rural internetateers find funny in their lolcatz.
technologyreview.com: Long-Distance Wi-Fi
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TAGS: Products, Tech
'Guitar Hero DS' Revealed
Posted by Stephen Johnson - Wednesday, March 19, 2008 11:39 AM
IGN has the goods on Guitar Hero On Tour, the Guitar Hero for the Nintendo DS.
It works with a snap-on attachment that connects through the Gameboy port to give you fret button, and a pick that comes with the game. Very, very snazzy.
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TAGS: Nintendo DS, Videogames
Joss Whedon's Online Musical Blog
Posted by Mike D'Alonzo - Wednesday, March 19, 2008 11:29 AM
 Nathan Filion and Neil Patrick Harris will star in Doctor Horrible's Sing-Along Blog, a superhero musical blog from the mind of Buffy the Vampire Slayer creator Joss Whedon. Self-described as something that Whedon and his brother came up with during the writers' strike, it will be, presumably, released in several parts online.
The plot has to do with a 'low-rent superhero' and the girl from the local laundromat that he's into. Also promised is a cast of dozens. Given Whedon's success with the musical episode of Buffy, which still airs at movie theaters across the country as a midnight cult hit, we are pretty encouraged that this will be a fun time. Especially given NPH's involvement. Damn, Doogie can sing.
Superheroflix.com: Joss Whedon Developing a Live-Action Superhero Musical for the Web
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TAGS: Internets Culture, Movies, TV
Square Enix Members Pre-Registration Open
Posted by Ty Colfax - Wednesday, March 19, 2008 11:13 AM
Square Enix is just about set to open their "Members" program to American gamers. Although it's unclear exactly what your membership will offer, the site promises "content such as interviews, blogs, giveaway, and more." Membership is free but remember there's no such thing as a free lunch. You'll be giving them your information which they will most likely monetize. Don't panic, this happens all the time.
The site launches ferrealz on March 24 and pre-registering will mean you can be one of the first to discover whatever goodies they've got for us.
SQUARE ENIX MEMBERS
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TAGS: Internets Culture, Videogames
Arthur C. Clarke Dead at 90
Posted by Ty Colfax - Wednesday, March 19, 2008 10:56 AM
 We're missing one of our most brilliant and inventive minds today. Arthur C. Clarke died at 1:30 am local time yesterday in his adopted home of Sri Lanka. He is perhaps best known for his science fiction novels, chiefly the Space Odyssey series which included 2001: A Space Odyssey, a novel and screenplay which he simultaneously penned with the film's eventual director, Stanley Kubrick.
He is also labeled the Godfather of the telecommunications satellite, developing the idea for information bouncers that orbit Earth in the mid 40s. He worked extensively underwater as well, exploring the Indian Ocean and Great Barrier Reef.
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'De Blob' Trailers Released
Posted by Stephen Johnson - Wednesday, March 19, 2008 10:47 AM
Wanna see de Blob? 'Course you do!
The puzzle game comes out on the DS, Wii and the PC on June 27th, and might prove to be the Katamari-style sleeper hit of the summer. Time, as they say, will tell.
DS Trailer:
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TAGS: Nintendo DS, PC Gaming, Videogames
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