RSS
TOP SPOT
Top 10 Best GameCube Games of all Time We count down to the very best GameCube game ever made. 
TOP SPOT
Review: The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess Is it the best Zelda game of all time? Our spoiler-free review answers that question. 
|
GEN
Capcom E3 Line-up, Mystery Game 'Flock' To be Shown
by Matt Furtado | 07/08/08 | 7:59 PM PST
With E3 quickly approaching, developers are becoming eager to show us what titles they will be showcasing next week. Capcom released their full line-up of E3 titles and a mystery game titled Flock. Could this be the hinted at next-gen favorite scheduled to hit Wii? If so, what could it be? A flock of zombies in the form of Dead Rising?
Capcom E3 Line-up, Mystery Game 'Flock' To be Shown
by Matt Furtado | 07/08/08 | 7:59 PM PST
With E3 quickly approaching, developers are becoming eager to show us what titles they will be showcasing next week. Capcom released their full line-up of E3 titles and a mystery game titled Flock. Could this be the hinted at next-gen favorite scheduled to hit Wii? If so, what could it be? A flock of zombies in the form of Dead Rising?
- Street Fighter IV: Final arcade code running on a heaping handful of arcade machines.
- Resident Evil 5: Game of show? Quite possibly!
- Dark Void: Also playable, also awesome. Snazzed up since CAPTIVATE08 and ready to totally jetpack your face.
- Bionic Commando: New areas and enemies, now playable on console!
- Mega Man 9: Put on your retro hats and prepare for a major challenge.
- MotoGP '08: This year's installment of the fastest-growing motorsport on two wheels. We'll be running the 360 version.
- Neopets Puzzle Adventure: Surprise hit from CAPTIVATE08, we've got more to show on this puzzle adventure game created by the guys who brought you Puzzle Quest.
- Super Street Fighter II Turbo HD Remix: A new batch of characters will be selectable for hi-def brawling.
- Plunder: Something new is happening with our digital pirate's booty...
- Bionic Commando Rearmed: It's almost out, and we're showing it one last time.
- New games-on-the-go from Capcom Interactive, our mobile group
- Plus a new super-secret project, Flock!
source: Capcom
GEN
Star Wars: Battlefront III Shows Up on Amazon
by Phillip Levin | 07/08/08 | 6:50 PM PST
It's always fun when a retailer spoils the surprise of a publisher announcing a new game when E3 is just a week away. Six listings for Star Wars: Battlefront III -- one for each platform -- have shown up on mega-online retailer Amazon.com. No information on the game is provided other than a supposed release date, March 15, 2009. So, if Amazon is to be believed, expect Wii, Xbox 360, PS3, PS2, and DS versions of Battlefront III to be announced in the not-too-distant future (probably at E3).
We'll be meeting with LucasArts next week, so if we get to see it, we'll be sure to let you know.
Star Wars: Battlefront III Shows Up on Amazon
by Phillip Levin | 07/08/08 | 6:50 PM PST
It's always fun when a retailer spoils the surprise of a publisher announcing a new game when E3 is just a week away. Six listings for Star Wars: Battlefront III -- one for each platform -- have shown up on mega-online retailer Amazon.com. No information on the game is provided other than a supposed release date, March 15, 2009. So, if Amazon is to be believed, expect Wii, Xbox 360, PS3, PS2, and DS versions of Battlefront III to be announced in the not-too-distant future (probably at E3).
We'll be meeting with LucasArts next week, so if we get to see it, we'll be sure to let you know.
source: Amazon
GEN
Fanboy Added into Merriam-Webster Dictionary
by Matt Furtado | 07/08/08 | 4:46 PM PST
Every year Merriam-Webster adds new words into their dictionaries. This year the company has added a term we gamers have come far to accustomed with over the years. Ladies and Gentlemen, we introduce the latest entry into modern day vocabulary with the introduction of "fanboy".
Despite the term just being added into the dictionary, Merriam-Webster has known of its existence since 1919. Sure, the definition doesn't address gamers directly, but I think it covers the basics surrounding what a Nintendo/Microsoft/Sony fanboy is.
Hardcore nerds, gamers, and dorks, stand tall and proud, you have just been acknowledged by the Merriam-Webster dictionary for your unparalleled love of a company.
Fanboy Added into Merriam-Webster Dictionary
by Matt Furtado | 07/08/08 | 4:46 PM PST
Every year Merriam-Webster adds new words into their dictionaries. This year the company has added a term we gamers have come far to accustomed with over the years. Ladies and Gentlemen, we introduce the latest entry into modern day vocabulary with the introduction of "fanboy".
Fanboy (1919): boy who is an enthusiastic devotee, such as of comics or movies.
Despite the term just being added into the dictionary, Merriam-Webster has known of its existence since 1919. Sure, the definition doesn't address gamers directly, but I think it covers the basics surrounding what a Nintendo/Microsoft/Sony fanboy is.
Hardcore nerds, gamers, and dorks, stand tall and proud, you have just been acknowledged by the Merriam-Webster dictionary for your unparalleled love of a company.
source: Yahoo
GEN
E3 2008 is Just Around the Corner, Don't Miss our E3 Index Page
by Phillip Levin | 07/08/08 | 4:26 PM PST
It's hard to believe, but E3 kicks off next week. Honestly, it feels like just yesterday that E3 2007 wrapped-up and I was driving home half-asleep from Los Angeles, looking forward to sleeping for 24 hours straight. But, indeed, E3 2008 is really here.
The show doesn't officially start until Tuesday next week, but on Monday, Microsoft is holding the first press conference of E3 2008. So, I'll be driving in to LA on Sunday, and the rest of our team is flying in the same day (except for Lucas, who is trekking across the country in his car, no doubt feeling the pain of record-high gas prices in his wallet).
E3 2008 is Just Around the Corner, Don't Miss our E3 Index Page
by Phillip Levin | 07/08/08 | 4:26 PM PST
It's hard to believe, but E3 kicks off next week. Honestly, it feels like just yesterday that E3 2007 wrapped-up and I was driving home half-asleep from Los Angeles, looking forward to sleeping for 24 hours straight. But, indeed, E3 2008 is really here.
The show doesn't officially start until Tuesday next week, but on Monday, Microsoft is holding the first press conference of E3 2008. So, I'll be driving in to LA on Sunday, and the rest of our team is flying in the same day (except for Lucas, who is trekking across the country in his car, no doubt feeling the pain of record-high gas prices in his wallet).
Continue reading: E3 2008 is Just Around the Corner, Don't Miss our E3 Index Page
GEN
Activision Blizzard Merger Official
by Nathan Grayson | 07/08/08 | 12:47 PM PST
Oh, they grow up and merge into a single being so fast! No, actually, I'm kidding. It took, like, forever. The merger was first announced in December 2007, but today it's finally official.
Now that Vivendi's shareholders have approved the merger, it can finally go forward. The languid dance that is this merger is expected to finally come to a close tomorrow.
My only regret is that Activision Blizzard is going with such a commonplace name. How about Actard, or Blizzavision? Well, at least it's not Actiblizzard -- which seems to have been torn straight from the pages of Dairy Queen's menu. Sounds delicious, though.
The merger's full press release is after the break.
Activision Blizzard Merger Official
by Nathan Grayson | 07/08/08 | 12:47 PM PST
Oh, they grow up and merge into a single being so fast! No, actually, I'm kidding. It took, like, forever. The merger was first announced in December 2007, but today it's finally official.
Now that Vivendi's shareholders have approved the merger, it can finally go forward. The languid dance that is this merger is expected to finally come to a close tomorrow.
My only regret is that Activision Blizzard is going with such a commonplace name. How about Actard, or Blizzavision? Well, at least it's not Actiblizzard -- which seems to have been torn straight from the pages of Dairy Queen's menu. Sounds delicious, though.
The merger's full press release is after the break.
GEN
Capcom to Open its E3 Booth to the General Public on the Last Day of E3
by Phillip Levin | 07/08/08 | 12:01 PM PST
So, you wanna go to E3, right? But you aren't really "a part of the industry" -- other than you fuel it by spending your hard-earned money on the games that come out of it. Capcom's got your back. The publisher today revealed on its blog that it will be opening its E3 booth on Thursday, July 17th to anybody interested in coming by and checking out its line-up. The catch is the booth will only be open for an hour-and-a-half -- 12:00 PM PST to 1:30 PM PST and then, Capcom says, it will "release the hounds" upon all fans who refuse to vacant the premises. Yeah, I don't know how well that's going to go down, but I guess we shall see, won't we? If you want to check out Capcom's E3 booth, go here and follow the directions. Capcom says you can't just show up and expect to be let in.
Oh, and yes, we suddenly feel a lot less special. Thanks, Capcom.
Capcom to Open its E3 Booth to the General Public on the Last Day of E3
by Phillip Levin | 07/08/08 | 12:01 PM PST
So, you wanna go to E3, right? But you aren't really "a part of the industry" -- other than you fuel it by spending your hard-earned money on the games that come out of it. Capcom's got your back. The publisher today revealed on its blog that it will be opening its E3 booth on Thursday, July 17th to anybody interested in coming by and checking out its line-up. The catch is the booth will only be open for an hour-and-a-half -- 12:00 PM PST to 1:30 PM PST and then, Capcom says, it will "release the hounds" upon all fans who refuse to vacant the premises. Yeah, I don't know how well that's going to go down, but I guess we shall see, won't we? If you want to check out Capcom's E3 booth, go here and follow the directions. Capcom says you can't just show up and expect to be let in.
Oh, and yes, we suddenly feel a lot less special. Thanks, Capcom.
source: Capcom
GEN
Ubisoft Accquires Visual Effects Studio Responsible for 300, Sin City
by Phillip Levin | 07/08/08 | 10:56 AM PST
Ubisoft has some pretty big news today. The publisher has announced that it has acquired Hybride Technologies, the visual effects studio responsible for films such as 300, Sin City and the Spy Kids series.
I haven't seen Spy Kids, but both 300 and Sin City had unique, cool-looking visual styles. This is a huge score for Ubisoft, who has several of its own game franchises being adapted to movie form.
Check out the full press release after the jump.
Ubisoft Accquires Visual Effects Studio Responsible for 300, Sin City
by Phillip Levin | 07/08/08 | 10:56 AM PST
Ubisoft has some pretty big news today. The publisher has announced that it has acquired Hybride Technologies, the visual effects studio responsible for films such as 300, Sin City and the Spy Kids series.
I haven't seen Spy Kids, but both 300 and Sin City had unique, cool-looking visual styles. This is a huge score for Ubisoft, who has several of its own game franchises being adapted to movie form.
Check out the full press release after the jump.
GEN
Weekly Poll Results: What Should Kojima Do Next?
by Phillip Levin | 07/07/08 | 7:28 PM PST
At the beginning of each week, we update our Weekly Poll. You can check out the results for last week's poll just below.
What we asked: Do you want another Metal Gear game from Hideo Kojima?
What you said:
I'm with the majority on this one. I want to see a new IP from Kojima.
We've added a new poll question to the site, so get voting!
Weekly Poll Results: What Should Kojima Do Next?
by Phillip Levin | 07/07/08 | 7:28 PM PST
At the beginning of each week, we update our Weekly Poll. You can check out the results for last week's poll just below.
What we asked: Do you want another Metal Gear game from Hideo Kojima?
What you said:
- Yeah, absolutely! (42%)
- No, let's have Kojima do something new (58%)
I'm with the majority on this one. I want to see a new IP from Kojima.
We've added a new poll question to the site, so get voting!
GEN
EMI Releases Video Games Live: Volume 1
by David Oxford | 07/07/08 | 3:48 PM PST
You've heard us talk about Video Games Live before, and now, you'll hear us talk about it again.
Video Games Live has collaborated with EMI Classics in order to release a CD and digital download with a collection of ten tracks from the Video Games Live tour:
Hit the jump for the track listing and further details.
EMI Releases Video Games Live: Volume 1
by David Oxford | 07/07/08 | 3:48 PM PST
You've heard us talk about Video Games Live before, and now, you'll hear us talk about it again.
Video Games Live has collaborated with EMI Classics in order to release a CD and digital download with a collection of ten tracks from the Video Games Live tour:
Video Games Live: Volume One will be released in two stages: The digital release will be downloadable in the UK from July 7th, 2008, with the option to pre-order from a week before that on iTunes and other DSP's (Digital Service Providers) with that capability; the release of the CD and iTunes exclusive, including digital bonus tracks, will be staggered to coincide with Video Games Live events, beginning in San Diego, California on July 24th (North America) and Leipzig, Germany on August 20th (Europe and worldwide).
Hit the jump for the track listing and further details.
GEN
Original Atari Founder Attributes Atari's Struggle to "Not Standing for Anything"
by David Oxford | 07/07/08 | 2:33 PM PST
Once upon a time, before playing video games was commonly known as "playing Nintendo," the phrase "playing Atari" was perhaps almost as synonymous with the pixelated pasttime.
Today, however, mention Atari, and it will likely conjure up one of two trains of thought: To the more knowledgable, it's a company whose name has been passed around like a joint in the back of a VW van. To those slightly less so, Atari is old news, history; does it even still exist?
Needless to say, it has been quite some time since the Atari name was the benchmark for success, and Nolan Bushnell, co-founder of the original Atari over 35 years ago, believes its struggles of late have been because "it hasn't stood for anything."
Original Atari Founder Attributes Atari's Struggle to "Not Standing for Anything"
by David Oxford | 07/07/08 | 2:33 PM PST
Once upon a time, before playing video games was commonly known as "playing Nintendo," the phrase "playing Atari" was perhaps almost as synonymous with the pixelated pasttime.
Today, however, mention Atari, and it will likely conjure up one of two trains of thought: To the more knowledgable, it's a company whose name has been passed around like a joint in the back of a VW van. To those slightly less so, Atari is old news, history; does it even still exist?
Needless to say, it has been quite some time since the Atari name was the benchmark for success, and Nolan Bushnell, co-founder of the original Atari over 35 years ago, believes its struggles of late have been because "it hasn't stood for anything."
GEN
2K Boston's Christopher Kline: No Middle Ground Between Casual and Big-Budget Games
by Nathan Grayson | 07/07/08 | 1:42 PM PST
These days, it's no surprise to hear that your favorite game cost upwards of ten million dollars to develop, nor are Ooos and Awwws heard when a tiny team slings out a casual game for less than half the budget of a big-name title. However, 2K Boston's Christopher Kline, of BioShock fame, doesn't take these sides of game development for granted; he finds them polarizing.
"I think what we realized, which really started that transition back at Irrational, we were doing games that I'd say were mid-budget - maybe USD 3-4 million - that there was no real market left," he told GamesIndustry.biz. "You'd have to do something like what EA is doing and go into the casual market, or you've got to go for a really big blockbuster - just because of the economics, especially for the small independent developers, you're really squeezed out of the middle."
"I think you can probably still get contracts for that kind of work, but there's not a lot of hope there for developers being able to survive - just not enough money to develop new IP and keep staff going," he added.
But as depressing as Kline's Negative Nancy-ing is, he does make a good point. These days, there isn't much room for independent developers unless they're meticulously designing the next Diner Dash clone.
The real question, though, is how completely polarizing this disappointing trend will become. Are we looking at a future where every big-budget gamer's game plays it safe, submerging oodles of cash into the ability to double-jump in yet another rote FPS? Meanwhile, will casual titles be the only force truly grunting in exertion behind our mammoth industry, moving it forward?
Remember kids, only you can prevent this horrific picture of the future from coming to fruition. Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm off to dig up more info on Bioshock 2.
2K Boston's Christopher Kline: No Middle Ground Between Casual and Big-Budget Games
by Nathan Grayson | 07/07/08 | 1:42 PM PST
These days, it's no surprise to hear that your favorite game cost upwards of ten million dollars to develop, nor are Ooos and Awwws heard when a tiny team slings out a casual game for less than half the budget of a big-name title. However, 2K Boston's Christopher Kline, of BioShock fame, doesn't take these sides of game development for granted; he finds them polarizing.
"I think what we realized, which really started that transition back at Irrational, we were doing games that I'd say were mid-budget - maybe USD 3-4 million - that there was no real market left," he told GamesIndustry.biz. "You'd have to do something like what EA is doing and go into the casual market, or you've got to go for a really big blockbuster - just because of the economics, especially for the small independent developers, you're really squeezed out of the middle."
"I think you can probably still get contracts for that kind of work, but there's not a lot of hope there for developers being able to survive - just not enough money to develop new IP and keep staff going," he added.
But as depressing as Kline's Negative Nancy-ing is, he does make a good point. These days, there isn't much room for independent developers unless they're meticulously designing the next Diner Dash clone.
The real question, though, is how completely polarizing this disappointing trend will become. Are we looking at a future where every big-budget gamer's game plays it safe, submerging oodles of cash into the ability to double-jump in yet another rote FPS? Meanwhile, will casual titles be the only force truly grunting in exertion behind our mammoth industry, moving it forward?
Remember kids, only you can prevent this horrific picture of the future from coming to fruition. Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm off to dig up more info on Bioshock 2.
GEN
Take-Two Seeks to Resign Ken Levine to Contract
by David Oxford | 07/07/08 | 12:52 PM PST
It seems that Take-Two is upping the ante in its war against EA, by effectively stating "We will not go quietly into the night! We will not vanish without a fight! We're going to live on! We're going to survive!"
"Today, we sign Ken Levine to a new contract!"
...yeah, slight deviation there at the end. But they're hopeful that deviation will be enough to strengthen their argument that they're worth more than EA can afford.
It's not a done deal yet, however. Talks are at a "delicate stage," according to The New York Post, though so far it looks as though Levine's new contract would give him greater creative control over his projects, in addition to being able to create new franchises. But those concessions are due in part to Take-Two's inability to match what they're paying the creators of Grand Theft Auto IV.
"Levine delivered a big hit for Take-Two and they want to give him a good deal going forward," said one source. "But 'BioShock' isn't 'Grand Theft Auto.' It's not even in the same universe."
And though there is talk of a point-based system being implemented for compensation based on how well a game performs, right now, neither Take-Two's people nor Levine's are saying anything about it.
Take-Two Seeks to Resign Ken Levine to Contract
by David Oxford | 07/07/08 | 12:52 PM PST
It seems that Take-Two is upping the ante in its war against EA, by effectively stating "We will not go quietly into the night! We will not vanish without a fight! We're going to live on! We're going to survive!"
"Today, we sign Ken Levine to a new contract!"
...yeah, slight deviation there at the end. But they're hopeful that deviation will be enough to strengthen their argument that they're worth more than EA can afford.
It's not a done deal yet, however. Talks are at a "delicate stage," according to The New York Post, though so far it looks as though Levine's new contract would give him greater creative control over his projects, in addition to being able to create new franchises. But those concessions are due in part to Take-Two's inability to match what they're paying the creators of Grand Theft Auto IV.
"Levine delivered a big hit for Take-Two and they want to give him a good deal going forward," said one source. "But 'BioShock' isn't 'Grand Theft Auto.' It's not even in the same universe."
And though there is talk of a point-based system being implemented for compensation based on how well a game performs, right now, neither Take-Two's people nor Levine's are saying anything about it.
source: The New York Post
GEN
European Union Tries to Sneakily Ban People from Internet for Life
by David Oxford | 07/07/08 | 12:03 PM PST
Consider this just a friendly notice for any of our European readers.
Looks like a small group of MEPs (whatever those are) are trying to sneak in a law that would see an IP blacklisted for life if the ISP determines you've been file sharing three times... even if you're innocent.
Now, that hardly seems fair.
Unfortunately, we're just finding out about this ourselves... this thing is set to go through today, so if you want to do something about it, you'd better act fast.
European Union Tries to Sneakily Ban People from Internet for Life
by David Oxford | 07/07/08 | 12:03 PM PST
Consider this just a friendly notice for any of our European readers.
Looks like a small group of MEPs (whatever those are) are trying to sneak in a law that would see an IP blacklisted for life if the ISP determines you've been file sharing three times... even if you're innocent.
Now, that hardly seems fair.
Unfortunately, we're just finding out about this ourselves... this thing is set to go through today, so if you want to do something about it, you'd better act fast.
source: WoW Insider
GEN
Now Shipping: Sid Meier's Civilization Revolution, Chocobo's Dungeon, Unreal Tournament 3
by David Oxford | 07/07/08 | 10:15 AM PST
Monday, July 7th:
Now Shipping: Sid Meier's Civilization Revolution, Chocobo's Dungeon, Unreal Tournament 3
by David Oxford | 07/07/08 | 10:15 AM PST
Monday, July 7th:- AMF Bowling Pinbusters (DS)
- Ducati Moto (DS)
- Unreal Tournament 3 (X360)
- Beijing 2008 - The Official Video Game of the Olympic Games (PS3, X360)
- Carnival Games (DS)
- Final Fantasy Fables: Chocobo's Dungeon (Wii)
- Purr Pals (Wii)
- Sid Meier's Civilization Revolution (DS, PS3, X360)
- Wonder World Amusement Park (Wii)
- Sports Party (Wii)
GEN
Podcast: Kombo Breaker: Episode 2 - Screw Games, Let's Do Chores!
by Dan Johnson | 07/04/08 | 6:19 PM PST
The Kombo Breaker Krew (I'm pretty sure I'm joking about that, but I also just might be that lame) returns to give you more talk on the latest news and games. In contrast, though, Sean details his first experience with World of Warcraft and fails to find it a labor of love, and more just a plain labor. Phil picked up Brawl this past weekend in-between his Kid Icarus concept-drawing time (Editor's note: That's a joke) and Dan walks like an aggro-ing Egyptian in the little-known MMO A Tale in the Desert.
The guys also discuss the Dyack debacle and Rock Band 2's announcement with plenty of speculation on whether Rock Band 2 or Guitar Hero: World Tour will reign supreme this fall. Give it a listen and, as always, let us know any feedback you have for us.
Episode 2 [1h:8m]
Podcast: Kombo Breaker: Episode 2 - Screw Games, Let's Do Chores!
by Dan Johnson | 07/04/08 | 6:19 PM PST
The Kombo Breaker Krew (I'm pretty sure I'm joking about that, but I also just might be that lame) returns to give you more talk on the latest news and games. In contrast, though, Sean details his first experience with World of Warcraft and fails to find it a labor of love, and more just a plain labor. Phil picked up Brawl this past weekend in-between his Kid Icarus concept-drawing time (Editor's note: That's a joke) and Dan walks like an aggro-ing Egyptian in the little-known MMO A Tale in the Desert.
The guys also discuss the Dyack debacle and Rock Band 2's announcement with plenty of speculation on whether Rock Band 2 or Guitar Hero: World Tour will reign supreme this fall. Give it a listen and, as always, let us know any feedback you have for us.
Episode 2 [1h:8m]
