Daily Wrap-Up 4.23.08
Posted by Stephen Johnson - Wednesday, April 23, 2008 6:01 PM
Here's what happened today in the world of videogames, technology and popular culture.
- Old-school gorefest beat-em-up Splatterhouse is coming back.
- Microsoft announced today a plan to bring Xbox 360 kiosks to sick kids all the country.
- Europeans will be able to buy the Grand Theft Auto IV bundle.
- Photoshopping Atari 2600 games cracks us up.
- Robert Bowling, the Director of Communications / Community Manager at Call of Duty creators Infinity Ward, wants you to know that he loves his PlayStation 3.
- One-time TV star and matinée idol Jason Priestly wants to play Mario Kart Wii with you at the launch event for the game at New York City's Nintendo World.
- Nintendo Fan Network, which gives baseball fans stats, mini-games, and information on the game while it's happening, will be given away free to Seattle Mariners fans with Nintendo DS.
- Dell has a new concept for an environmentally friendly PC that comes in a friendly bamboo casing.
- Interplay announced that it is making an official sequel in the acclaimed Earthworm Jim franchise.
--Read More--
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TAGS: Daily Wrap-Up, Videos
Sessler's Soapbox: WiiWare Is Coming!
Posted by Jonathan Hunt - Wednesday, April 23, 2008 5:19 PM
When the Wii first hit shelves in November of 2006, everyone was excited about the door of motion control that had just been opened. According to the commercials we saw leading up to that holiday season, the possibilities seemed endless.
Now, we're a year and half in and it seems that aside from Nintendo, developers seemed to have been more interested in wedging in motion-controlled moments to otherwise conventional videogames rather than trying to get the heart of what the Wii can actually do.
Well, that's why WiiWare is here, and that's what's got Adam excited in this week's Sessler's Soapbox. What do you guys think? Can WiiWare change the uninspired drought of third party titles for the Wii? Check out the video and let us know what you think or share your thoughts on our forums.
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TAGS: G4, Sessler's Soapbox, Videogames
Microsoft Hiring For 'Halo' Project
Posted by Stephen Johnson - Wednesday, April 23, 2008 3:46 PM
Microsoft has confirmed that they are hiring a slew of programmers and designers for a non-Bungie Halo project, specifically, a Peter Jackson Halo game.
“A Peter Jackson-helmed Halo project was announced at X06 in Barcelona,” said a Microsoft spokesperson. “Since then, Microsoft Game Studios has been hard at work collaborating with Peter Jackson and Bungie on the development of that project. At this time, it’s necessary to grow the internal team to keep pace with development. Bungie will continue to remain involved in multiple aspects of the Halo Universe with MGS.”
The company is looking for a Creative Director, Producer, Game Engineers and more to “help develop a new experience in the Halo universe.”
MTV.com: Is Microsoft Hiring A ‘Halo’ Team For Peter Jackson This Week? [UPDATED]
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TAGS: Halo 3, Videogames, Xbox 360
GetBack Media Embraces Old People
Posted by Frank Meyer - Wednesday, April 23, 2008 2:36 PM
 There's a new social networking site in town…and its name is Reggie Hammond…er, GetBack Media.
GetBack Media is a social network from the founders of DVD company Shout! Factory that's aimed at people over age 35, launches today filled with music and TV content.
The focus is on pop culture from 1968-90, including a timeline loaded with news and trivia for each year.
"We found that demographic was coming online with full broadband and using social networking," GetBack president Chris Dominguez, a former exec at MTV Networks and iFilm, said. "But there wasn't anything created typically for them."
Oooooooh, take that MySPace and Facebook, you youth-driven bastards!
--Read More--
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TAGS: Internets Culture
'LOL' Available Online Only
Posted by Stephen Johnson - Wednesday, April 23, 2008 2:26 PM
 Agetec's LOL for the Nintendo DS has at its core a peculiar game idea. Here's how it's played:
- You get three friends who have a DS.
- One player writes a challenge on his screen.
- The other players complete the challenge.
- Everyone rates the "entries."
- LOL ?
It sounds a little like the free DS picto-chat thinger that I have never used that. Also: I'm a little unnerved by a game that relies on the creativity of its players. I mean, once I challenge everyone to "Draw a big P*NIS!" and "Draw your mom naked!" I'm out of ideas.
Anyway, you'll be able to order LOL at Agetec's site, if you wanna, on May 30 for $19.99. The website promises it's bound to become a rare title. No doubt.
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TAGS: Videogames
'Rock Band' Wireless Axes In The Wild
Posted by Stephen Johnson - Wednesday, April 23, 2008 2:20 PM
We've shattered over 42 priceless porcelain artifacts from the Ming Dynasty since Rock Band came out. The damn wires on the guitar inhibit our rocking!
Luckily, Rock Band has seen fit to release wireless guitars. They have been spotted in the wild at a Best Buy by an engadget.com reader.
Photo at the link below:
Engadget: Xbox 360 wireless Rock Band guitar starting to show up in stores
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TAGS: Music, Videogames
Best Buy Announces Midnight 'GTA 4'
Posted by Stephen Johnson - Wednesday, April 23, 2008 1:48 PM
Want to know which Best Buy will be open at midnight on launch day for Grand Theft Auto IV?
We have you covered.
Here's the link.
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TAGS: Grand Theft Auto IV, PlayStation 3, Videogames
Metallica Love Guitar Hero; Rock Band TBA?
Posted by Frank Meyer - Wednesday, April 23, 2008 1:22 PM
 In an interview with Rolling Stone, Lars Ulrich -- drummer of heavy metal overlords Metallica -- called video games “f*cking way cool.”
Yes, while professing his love for games, Ulrich said that the gaming offers “many positive things” to young people, and that that Guitar Hero in particular has allowed him to connect with his own kids over music.
“Our kids love playing Guitar Hero and Rock Band,” he admitted. “It's awesome. There's something really positive coming out of videogames. It's so cool to sit there and have your kids talk to you about Deep Purple and Black Sabbath and Soundgarden.”
In fact, the band is so into gaming, there are rumor that Metallica will pull a Motley Crue and will release their next single through Rock Band.
Mcvuk.com: Metallica loves videogames
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TAGS: Internets Culture, Music, PlayStation 3
MSN Music Users Lose
Posted by Frank Meyer - Wednesday, April 23, 2008 1:08 PM
Microsoft just announced that it will no longer supply authorization keys for songs purchased from the defunct MSN Music service.
So all yooz PlaysForSure users that purchased music through them, those tunes will only play on your registered computers (up to 5)…forever! This maneuver also locks the registered PC into whatever OS it's running, so any major OS update or switch would zap all your music into oblivion.
"If you attempt to transfer your songs to additional computers after August 31, 2008, those songs will not successfully play," said Microsoft in a press release.
Damn you Microsoft!!! Daaaaamn yoooou!
Engadget.com: Microsoft turns the DRM screw on MSN Music owners
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TAGS: Internets Culture, Music
'Burnout: Paradise' To Feature Bikes
Posted by Stephen Johnson - Wednesday, April 23, 2008 12:59 PM
Racing and crashing simulator Burnout Paradise will be updatred with, get this, motorcycles!
Here's the official word:
And because we're dedicated to bringing you game-changing new Burnout Paradise content all year, bikes will feature their own game modes, challenges and even some new locations tailored to fit their unique performance and handing characteristics.
The other big news relating to bikes is that we've introduced night-time to Burnout Paradise for the first time.
Criterion: Criterion Games announces motorbikes in Burnout Paradise!
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TAGS: PlayStation 3, Videogames, Xbox 360
Adult Actress Loves Videogames
Posted by Frank Meyer - Wednesday, April 23, 2008 11:39 AM
Isn’t it hot when girls like videogames?
It’s even hotter when a porn star dig ‘em, huh?
Ladies and gents, meet rising adult film starlet Sasha Grey, your favorite new imaginary girlfriend.
Why?
In a recent GiantRealm interview the star of the new Roots video “Birthday Girl” admitted to wishing she was cast in Grand Theft Auto, thinks Leisure Suit Larry should get some ‘tang, and that she recently purchased of a mint, in-box ColecoVision and a copy of Smurf: Rescue in Gargamel's Castle.
--Read More--
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TAGS: Girls, Movies, Videogames
Yahtzee On 'Super Smash Bros.'
Posted by Stephen Johnson - Wednesday, April 23, 2008 11:28 AM
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 Super Smash Bros. Brawl
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: Videogames
'Monopoly' Coming To Consoles In Fall
Posted by Mike D'Alonzo - Wednesday, April 23, 2008 11:22 AM
 How would you like to play Monopoly on your gaming system? Well, if your answer was "hell yes!," then you should be jumping up and down and pumping your fists like a relief pitcher who closed out the 9th inning of the seventh game of the World Series right about now. Because you will. Be able to play Monopoly, that is. We're not sure about the baseball thing. Unless you can. Which, like, good for you.
Oh. Right. Monopoly. So, it's coming for the XBox 360, Wii, and PS2, but not the PS3. So, if the jumping commenced and you only own a PS3, you can stop jumping and start hanging your head like you were the guy that struck out to end the very same inning. Either way, Monopoly's coming this Fall.
Shacknews: Monopoly Hits PS2, X360, Wii This Fall
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TAGS: Videogames, Wii, Xbox 360
Mario Giving Away Cab Rides?
Posted by Mike D'Alonzo - Wednesday, April 23, 2008 11:08 AM
 We're not quite sure what to make of this information, but Mario, yes, that Mario, is in New York, hailing cabs and giving away free taxi rides to New Yorkers, to promote Mario Kart Wii. Now, this would be strange in any city, but in New York, Mario is likely to get cut standing out in the middle of the street trying to get a cab for a surly New Yorker who just wants to get to some large office building or other. It's hard out there for a plumber.
Anyway, if you live in The Big Apple, or you happen to be there tomorrow, between 8-10 AM or 12-2 PM, and you want to run down to the Sheraton on 7th Ave., between 52nd and 53rd, get yourself a free cab ride...and get us a picture, will ya? We're a little curious to see what this would be like in real life.
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TAGS: Videogames, Wii
Miyamoto: Not Many 'Wii Fit' Accidents
Posted by Brian Leahy - Wednesday, April 23, 2008 11:03 AM
Messing up with a video game on camera is a pretty common occurrence in the US. Remember when Peter Moore hit the Xbox Guide Button during some on-stage Rock Band at E3 2007?
Well, Wii Fit has the potential for some truly great filmed accidents. However, creator Shigeru Miyamoto is, "happy to say that with so many out there, we have had relatively few incidents."
How long until someone on a morning talk show trips and takes a dive? We're betting very soon due to the mass-media attention Wii Fit is sure to get.
GayGamer.net: So Far, Relatively Few Wii Fit Incidents (Give It Time)
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TAGS: Videogames, Wii
'Runescape' Player In Weird Crime?
Posted by Stephen Johnson - Wednesday, April 23, 2008 10:49 AM
According to the excellent true crime weblog The True Crime Weblog, a Runescape player may have been involved in a very, very odd crime.
This much is known: Columbia, Tennessee resident Rebecca "Becky" Bargy tied her husband James up, wrapped his face in an ace bandage and left him on the floor of their home for several hours. He suffocated. Becky says it was part of some weird sex thing, but James' sister thinks it was murder.
Here's where the gaming comes in: Someone using the same screen name as Rebecca Bargy, "shorty187blr," could be found on several webpages relating to MMORPGs, mainly Runescape. User shorty187blr was even banned from a Runescape board.
Same person? Maybe. Weird crime? Maybe. Interesting story? Yeah, definitely.
True Crime Weblog: Bad, bad Becky Bargy
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TAGS: Videogames
Nugget from the Net
Posted by Stephen Johnson - Wednesday, April 23, 2008 10:21 AM
Gonintendo reader Mr. Snowflake discovered that the Wii-Mote fits perfectly in his 360 racing wheel.
Two birds for the price of one, baby!
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TAGS: Wii, Xbox 360
Around The Net 4.23.08
Posted by Eugene Morton - Wednesday, April 23, 2008 10:19 AM
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TAGS: Videos
'Prince Caspian' Game Has Bonus Scenes
Posted by Mike D'Alonzo - Wednesday, April 23, 2008 10:18 AM
 The new Chronicles of Narnia game, Prince Caspian, will, of course, have a game to tie in with the picture. The interesting thing about that, however, is that the game will feature two scenes that were shot but not used for the final cut of the movie, which means you're going to get bonus video content in a videogame. How cool is that?
If this game is anything like the quality of The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe, we're going to be very happy, because that game was kinda awesome. Now there's all kinds of new fangled next-gen hardware to be working with, so it's likely to be even better. Sign us up in a hurry.
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TAGS: Movies, Nintendo DS, PC Gaming
Next 'Prince of Persia:' Prodigy?
Posted by Stephen Johnson - Wednesday, April 23, 2008 10:02 AM
A trademark application dredged up by an intrepid internet detective indicates that the next Prince of Persia game may be called "Prodigy."
The website princeofpersiaprodigy.com leads back to Ubisoft.
"Prodigy" means an unusually gifted or intelligent young person; someone whose talents excite wonder and admiration; "she is a chess prodigy"
We can only assume the next Prince of Persia game will be about Miley Cyrus.
Trademork
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TAGS: Videogames
Linden Labs Gets New CEO
Posted by Patrick Roche-Sowa - Wednesday, April 23, 2008 9:46 AM
After a short, public search for a new CEO, Mark Kingdon has stepped up to head Linden Labs, the company that built and maintains Second Life. Having cut his teeth as CEO of Organic Inc., Mark may have his work cut out for him, considering the surge of excitement about the 3D virtual world has died down in the past year and membership numbers may be slipping.
Mark addressed his late addition to the Linden family. "Joining Linden Lab at this moment in its evolution, with so much growth and opportunity on the horizon, is incredibly exciting and I look forward to working with Philip and the Linden Lab team to help Second Life realize its limitless potential..." Just remember, keep it clean Kingdon, and you might get out of this unscathed.
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TAGS: PC Gaming, Videogames
'GTA IV' Leaked???
Posted by Ty Colfax - Wednesday, April 23, 2008 9:38 AM
This morning a PAL version (that's no bueno for Americans) of Grand Theft Auto IV appeared on torrent sites through some dudes called iCON. Apparently they got their hands on a copy and ripped it and now it's available for virtually the entire world for friggin free.
It will be interesting to see what Rockstar does in response. I wouldn't be surprised if they find this dude's house and go 6 stars on him. Hopefully, it will be filmed if they do.
As you'd probably expect, videos are popping up all over the internet, then being squashed.
If you want to watch legit gameplay footage, then tune into G4 on Sunday morning, 9AM PST and 12 noon EST. We'll be breaking into our programming to bring you the broadcast premier of GTA IV gameplay footage.
kotaku.com: Pirated GTA IV Leaked Early Online
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TAGS: Internets Culture, Other People's Misfortune, Videogames
'Earthworm Jim' Is Coming Back
Posted by Stephen Johnson - Wednesday, April 23, 2008 9:29 AM
Interplay announced that it is making an official sequel in the acclaimed Earthworm Jim franchise.
The title, called Earthworm Jim 4, will be developed in conjunction with character creator Douglas TenNapel. Also on the slate: An Earthworm Jim cartoon!
No further details regarding Earthworm Jim 4 -- target videogame platforms, release date -- were made available by Interplay's release. But we will let you know more when we know more.
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TAGS: Videogames
Dell Reveals Bamboo Computer Concept
Posted by Brian Leahy - Wednesday, April 23, 2008 9:22 AM
Dell has a new concept for an environmentally friendly PC that comes in a friendly bamboo casing. It apparently on 70% less power than a standard desktop and is 81% smaller.
No specs yet, but it should cost between $500 and $700.
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