2007 VG Freedom Awards

The year is finally over and the verdicts are in – 2007 rocked!!!

We saw some great games as well as some major announcements from top developers from the video game’s most profitable year to date.

So here we are, dressed for the best and ready for the FIRST EVER VG Freedom Awards.

This is the first of what may eventually be hailed as the most illustrious honor in the industry (I hope).

So let’s get right to it:

Best Visuals:

Crysis – PC

I haven’t gotten the chance to play this game directly, but I can say that it is defiantly the best looking game of the year. Call of Duty 4 was the sure-fire winner for a period of time until this gem rose from out of nowhere to provide some splendid visuals that are simply incomparable. Let’s hope we see this on a console sometime very soon.

Best Story:

BioShock – Xbox 360, PC

This is a category usually dominated by RPGs, but this year the underwater shooter takes the gold. I am a little fuzzy on the details, but from what I am told the story and music of BioShock is absolutely amazing. Nevertheless, some props must also go to Assassin’s Creed for its unique presentation and approach.

Best Music:

Halo 3 – Xbox 360

I am a sucker for good music and I feel that a great soundtrack can really make a game. Halo 3’s serene soundtrack adds an additional dramatic element to its presentation that would degrade the gaming experience without it. Super Mario Galaxy is the runner up in this category.

Most Unique Nontraditional Gameplay:

Rock Band – PS3, Xbox 360

If you can afford it, Rock Band appears to be one fun time for you and a few friends. Having a track list very similar to Guitar Hero 3 and the ability to download additional content, Rock Band is a title that may take its unique elements well into 2008 and beyond. The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass is our runner-up.

Best Sports Title (traditional and non):

NHL 08 – PS3, Xbox 360, PC

Surprisingly enough EA managed to clean its hockey franchise up to make this the best sports title of the year. Amazing visuals coupled with solid controls and an immersive dynasty mode makes this an excellent package. Online play and the create-a-play modes are also a new treat to the series. Skate is the runner-up by taking the skateboarding franchise in a more believable direction.

Best Plateformer:

Super Mario Galaxy – Wii

Mario is back – big time. After a disappointing journey in Super Mario Sunshine, Mario has redeemed himself and has breathed new life in the 3D plateforming world. Ratchet and Clank Future: Tools of Destruction doesn’t even come close. This is a must-have, for everyone.

Best Action-Adventure Title:

Assassin’s Creed – PS3, Xbox 360

This is one title that is unique in its presentation and is one of the best looking of the year. The controls are fluid and the gameplay is enjoyable. It is a clear example of one game that actually lived up to its hype. Heavenly Sword would have been a little closer if it was a bit longer.

Best First-Person Shooter:

Call of Duty 4: Modern Combat – PS3, Xbox 360, PC

With the number of outstanding FPS this year, this category is basically the top contenders for game of the year. However, Call of Duty 4 puts together a nearly flawless package with its real-life combat carnage that finally places you in the shoes of the brave men and women fighting currently. Perfect in nearly every way, sorry BioShock.

Best Multiplateform Title:

Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare – PS3, Xbox 360, PC

You may simply read above. Unparalleled and amazing on any plateform you choose to play it on. The Orange Box is close because of the value of its abundance of quality content.

Best Handheld Title:

The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass – DS

Almost any Zelda title is a sure-fire win in any category and Phantom Hourglass is no different. Its unique use of controls will make this the most fun that you’ll have without a TV in-front of you.

Best Wii Exclusive Title:

Super Mario Galaxy

If you need a reason to buy a Wii, here’s one. Mario has always been a title that acts as a flagship for a Nintendo console and Super Mario Galaxy is such a title. The amount of detail and care that Nintendo places into its content is the reason why Nintendo is still afloat today. Nothing compares.

Best Xbox 360 Exclusive Title:

Halo 3

Since BioShock is not technically exclusive, Microsoft’s flagship will do just fine. The best-selling video game of all-time is the 360’s best exclusive – and with good reason. The visuals are decent, the multiplayer is as good as ever, and the story is great. Is there a 360 owner that doesn’t own this one?

Best Playstation 3 Exclusive Title:

Heavenly Sword

This is the closest thing to a draw you can get between Heavenly Sword and Ratchet and Clank Future: Tools of Destruction. However, the presentation of Heavenly Sword is unparalleled in its voice acting and character animation this year. It is a tad bit short and has been know to freeze, but this is one title that effectively uses the SIXAXIS controller.

The VG Freedom 2007 Game of the Year:

Super Mario Galaxy – Wii

It could have been Call of Duty 4, but I have a soft spot for Mario. This game reinvents the 3D plateformer and is an inspiration to developers everyone as to the amount of polished detail that every title should strive for. This is Nintendo creativity at its best. Mario looks, plays, feels, sounds, (and probably smells) its best. Is it the best Mario game ever created? Not too sure, but it certainly is the best game of 2007.

2007 VG Freedom Awards - Coming Soon

Hello everyone it is not often I can speak directly to you, but I am excited for this special occasion!

The first-ever "VG Freedom Awards" will be coming soon!!!!!!!!!

If you have any ideas of what kind of categories, nominees, or awards you want to see, drop me line in the comment box below.


Hope to hear from you there :)
EMJWINGS87

Wii are not so fit

The Chicago Sun-Times recently gave a brief report on the effectiveness of Nintendo's exercise...I mean Wii console.

A report from a British research team found that within a group of teens between the ages of 13 and 15, they burned an average of 60 more calories per hour playing the Wii than they did playing an Xbox 360.

Don't get all excited yet.

Apparently, these extra calories equal to about a quarter of a candy bar according to the researchers.

I will go on record saying that I don't feel that the Wii is a good "exercise" tool, but you also have to look at what games you are playing and how much energy you choose to exert.

With something like Wii Sports you can go all-out with your pitches in baseball. But you can also simply flick your wrist for the same type of pitch.

Which burns more energy?

Also, playing something like Super Mario Galaxy will not cause you to burn any more calories than Halo3. Maybe even less if the Halo deathmatch gets a little heated.

Maybe the best thing is still plan olde diet and exercise.

NHL 08 Review

7.5 out of 10

The battle for the Stanley Cup of all hockey video games has been a tough one for sometime now.

EA’s NHL series and the NHL 2K series by Take-Two interactive have fought back-and-forth as the best hockey title each year.

EA tries to nab the honor this year with NHL 08.

The newest edition to the long-running series shows a few new improvements from its predecessors, but still has its drawbacks.

First off, the visuals of 08 are stunningly beautiful with lush detail in close-up shots of the players. The details in the players’ jerseys are surprisingly deep and vivid and every player is rendered as they should in comparison to their real-life counter parts.

Blurring in the background in replay shots as well as reflections in the helmets and Plexiglas add a sense of realize in a spectacular presentation that sees only minor slowdown in transitions between replays.

The work of announcers Bill Clement and Gary Thorne gives the game a genuine broadcast feel, but does not last long after the phrases from the two announcers are repeated all too quickly.

If I hear “Offensive chance, 3-on-2” one more time, I feel tempted to throw my controller at the screen.

However, I am sure that these two “high profile” announcers were so busy that they could only record a couple dozen phrases in a single afternoon.

Another annoying aspect of the game is in its menu screen and stat presentation.

The menu text is very small and hard to read and practically illegible if you are a poor college kid with a “not so sharp” television. Also, it is a little annoying that in dynasty mode it doesn’t tell you the number of goals or points a player has scored over the season when they score a goal. It has been an NHL series staple for some time and leaves the game feeling not-so-real.

I like to see how many goals my created player has scored throughout the season.

NHL 08’s control scheme is simple and easy to learn – on the classic setting.

The game’s default setting is too difficult and obscure to manage without a hefty learning curve. A slap shot is conducted on the PS3 by pulling the right analogue stick backward and then forward completely which doesn’t sound hard until you have to shot in a pressure situation.

In hockey, that is every time you shot.

Also, the default setting places passing on the right two head buttons on the PS3 – very awkward.

To make matters worse, you are left guessing on some of the controls when switched to the more traditional “classic” control scheme.

Nevertheless, when you can get it to work, it works well and feels very fluid.

It is safe to say that NHL 08 feels closer to a real hockey game than any other on the market thus far.

Powerplays have the right pace and time actually slows down to real 2-minutes if you are playing 5-minute periods. The players don’t feel like they are floating in the ice like in other NHL titles and they take the appropriate positions to form real plays.

One of the more intricate and creative new options in 08 include a “create-a-play” mode. This sometimes difficult option allows you to position your players and player movement to create your own signature plays.

This is an interesting addition – however – hockey is not a game where you can run set plays very often, unless on a powerplay.

You can also take NHL 08 online in head-to-head modes playing a 3-on-3 co-op game, alone in a shootout mode, or test your skills in a league mode. This is a fantastic idea, except I have yet to find someone online when I want to play online.

I guess you need some friends.

Overall, NHL 08 is a smooth and visually appealing hockey game. However, some strange controls, awful commentary, and sometimes jumpy visuals leave this game falling a little short of a shutout.

Still, I would recommend checking it out for any hockey fan.

The Bourne Unfortunate Layout

I know that this is not video game related, but I was browsing some other blogs and stumbled upon "Quique" to find several DVD covers.

I found an alternative to "The Bourne Ultimatum" DVD cover that I haven't seen in stores and wondered why.

Until I took a closer look:


Is that really the best place for the CIA stamp?

For Matt Damon's sake, I hope he hides or no more little Damon's.

I'm sure whoever designed that had a fun discussion with the art department later.

E3 Returns to LA

A recent posting from the "Wired" blog network stated that the Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3) will return to its roots in Las Angeles after making a move to Santa Monica.

The largest video game convention of the year was toned-down dramatically last year after complaints that the "business oriented" conference was turning into a circus.

The Entertainment Software Association said that the skeptical of flashing lights, loud music, and plethora of "booth babes" hindered the business atmosphere and perverted the spirit of the convention - to showcase new gaming technology and software.

Last year's move saw a dramatic change in booth pizazz as well as shifting to a more office/conference room style presentation setting.

All made possible by limiting attendance to invite only.

Sorry kids with too much time on their hands (and weirdos like me).

The potential move back to the LA Convention Center may not promise a return of the technofest of years' past, but may still bring some upset gamers back within speaking terms with the ESA.

Pot Smoking = No Guitar Hero and big money on eBay

Gamespot.com recently reported on one of the funnest stories I have heard in a long time - and serves a valuable lessen.

Kids: don't do drugs because not only won't you get your presents for Christmas, but your parents will make out big-time by selling them on eBay.

A Canada man sold his son's Guitar Hero III game and guitar set for the Wii after discovering that we was smoking marijuana.

Luckily, the father had some interesting things to say with the posting:

"...Then, yesterday, I came home from work early and what to I find? My innocent little boy smoking pot in the backyard with 2 of his delinquent friends."

What's even better is that the Dad sold it for $9,100.01!!!!!!

Since when has Guitar Hero III for the Wii been that hard to find and it certainly shouldn't be worth that much money.

Alas, if that doesn't teach his son a lesson, I don't know what will:

"Sort of a 'Father-Son bonding experience'. While I doubt this will keep him from ever smoking pot again, I think it will make him think twice before doing illegal (well I think pot is still illegal in Canada) drugs on my property."

The father said that he was going to have his son watch the bid finish together - how deliciously cruel.

Here's a lesson to all you kids out there, Don't Do Drugs:

"I am still considering getting him a game for his Nintendo. Maybe something like Barbie as the Island Princess or Dancing With the Stars. These games are in stock everywhere I go, and I know he will just love them."

Downloadable Songs for Guitar Hero III

In a report from 1up.com, it seems that Activision will be releasing downloadable songs for play in Guitar Hero III.

These tracks will be available for purchase via the Xbox Live Marketplace and the Playstation Network.

New tracks should be available for the holiday season (now) and will include a 3-pack track package including "No More Sorrow" by Linkin Park, "Sleeping Giant" by Mastadon, and "Pretty Handsome Awkward" by The Used.

No official word on how much each track will cost and no mention of any support for Wii owners.

This is perhaps the best news for the series yet in that additional songs can be added. The final move would be to allow any song to be playable in the game. I think that is what gamers truly want from the series.

Video Game Consumption on the Rise

If you are thinking video games are just “child’s play” – think again.

The number of hours yearly that individuals above the age of 12 play video games increased more than 32.7 percent between 1999 and 2004 according to a report from the US Census Bureau.

The study, conducted by the media firm Veronis Suhler Stevenson, projects an additional 24.6 percent increase in 2009 which would mean a 65.5 percent change from 1999 to 2009 for the medium.

“Games are a terrific way to both attract and hold people’s attention,” Central Michigan University associate professor of computer science Thomas Ahlswede said.

Video games allow the option for the player to include their own material in the game which is sometimes too good at holding someone’s attention, the associate professor of computer science said.

He said that video games can lead to addiction when the game is too immersive.

“The one downside to games is that they are one more distraction in a world that doesn’t need anymore distractions,” Ahlswede said.

Ahlswede said with the new advancements in technology, there are always newer games available by the time the player finishes the one they are playing.

Consumer spending person per year had also increased by nearly 17 percent between 1999 and 2004 from an average of $28.21 to $32.94 which is projected to reach $44.30 in 2009.

A report from the US Census Bureau shows that video games were only one of two types of products within the toy industry which reported an increase in retail sales between 2001 and 2002, the other being in the pretend play category.

The study from the NPD Group, Inc., a market research firm, reported a 10 percent increase in sales which amounts to more than $10.32 million in retail sales for the industry.

Ahlswede attributes these high numbers to increased availability and interest in the medium as well as more access to computers.

More people are becoming more aware of video games as an entertainment option, he said, and they are in more of a position to spend money on them.

“The big games are growing but I think the small games are growing even faster,” he said. “Above all, online games in every range are really growing.”

A press release from the NPD Group, Inc. noted that 39 percent of the time that children between the ages of 2 and 17 spend playing video games is done so online.

Of online games, 91 percent are free according to the press release.

These online games are increasing in demand, Ahlswede said, because they are games that you can play for only 15 minutes at a time.

The release from the NPD Group, Inc. also reported that children who play video games spend an average of 5 to 15 hours a week playing them.

“I am concerned that some children are spending too much time playing video games and possibly becoming game addicts,” CMU sociology professor David Kinney said.

He said that too much time playing video games could take time away from family responsibilities, chores, and homework.

“Spending an inordinate amount of time gaming precludes children from participating in other family and peer activities that are necessary for healthy socialization,” Kinney said.

CMU freshman Nathan Hochstein said that he spends 10 hours or more per week playing video games.

He said there are times when his video game habits impact his school work, chores, and sleeping.

“Instead of being productive, I play a video game,” Hochstein said.

He recalled one time when he was almost left at home by his mother because he wouldn’t stop playing a video game.

A poll released by the US Bureau of Judicial Statistics showed that 47 percent of respondents felt that video games were responsible for contributing to violence in society in 2001. This percentage increased from 38 percent in 1994.

Video games were the only factor between the lack of adult supervision of children, the easy availability of hand guns, television, motion pictures, and local television news reports that increased between the two dates surveyed.

CMU psychology professor Bryan Gibson said that there is a clear connection in playing violent video games and the likelihood that the player will become more aggressive.

He said that he is familiar with research conducted on the topic which showed that after playing violent video games, the participants of the study were more aggressive when giving the opportunity.

However, Gibson said, not everyone is going to respond in the same way and these individuals were more aggressive because these violent thoughts were fresh in their mind.

Hochstein said that he does not think that video game make the player more violent.

“I think people’s tendencies to be violent are based on their predispositions before playing video games,” he said.

GTA IV Trailer

Grand Theft Auto IV was supposed to be the "big name" blockbuster hit from Rockstar this holiday season.

However, it's second quarter 2008 release date has botched those hopes which will likely reiterate into a 2008 holiday release.

At least Rockstar decided to remind the world that their are still planning on releasing the game sometime with their newest trailer:


Video courtesy of gamespot.com


When do you think we will finally see this game released?

Over 1000 Hits!!!!

Just like any other website, I wanted to mark the day we went over 1000 hits!!!!

It happened so quickly with over 500 hits in the last two weeks.

So, I guess I have to say...

Holiday Gift Guide

Christmas is just around the corner and the holiday season is already in full swing.

Along with the flock of panicked consumers showering the isle ways of major retail chains, so are the year’s biggest games.

But what to buy?

Here is a list of the biggest games this season for each console that would make a fine addition under the tree this year:

Xbox 360

Halo 3

Who would have seen this one coming? Microsoft’s uber-hit series “Halo” returned yet again this past Fall for Master Chief’s third installment in “Halo 3.” More than 4 million copies of the Sci-Fi shooter have been sold to date, so if you don’t already own it you need to pick it up. For info on “Halo 3” click HERE.

BioShock

The lush environments of this ocean shooter are enough to make any Xbox 360 owner happy with glee this holiday season. The storyline is engaging and the gameplay is intuitive. Be sure to pick up this Xbox 360 and PC exclusive.

Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare – Also available on the PS3 and PC

This photo-realistic squeal takes the series in a whole new direction with combat in the current era. The realism of this title is nearly unmatched by any game in the genre. Simply a must have.

Playstation 3

Assassin’s Creed – Also available on the Xbox 360

Imagine scaling a chapel in ancient Jerusalem only to take a “Leap of Faith” into a bed of hay followed by the perfect kill as you assassinate your enemies in this unique gameplay experience. An interesting plot and beautiful visuals make “Assassin’s Creed” a standalone instant classic. For
a full review click HERE.

Ratchet and Clank Future: Tools of Destruction

The “Ratchet and Clank” series has been Sony’s closest thing to a “Mario” figure for the past few years. Therefore, “Ratchet and Clank Future: Tools of Destruction” is a great choice for a well polished platform present. Despite the game’s cartoon-like visuals, everything in the game looks, feels, and sounds amazing.

Heavenly Sword

Although this game suffers from a quick story and some choppy visuals, “Heavenly Sword” is an amazing slasher exclusively for the PS3. If you can’t wait for a new “God of War” for Sony’s behemoth of a console, this is the closet thing you’ll ever get. The combat engine is comprehensive and easy to use and the game utilizes some of the best functionality of the SIXAXIS controller to date. For a full review click HERE.

Wii

Super Mario Galaxy

Touted as possibly the best platformer of all time, “Super Mario Galaxy” is certainly the game to own on the Wii. Join Mario across the universe in this beautiful addition to the series that really proves what the Wii is truly capable of.

Metroid Prime 3: Corruption

This third of the “Metroid Prime” series returns on the Wii. The clever controls of the Wii are utilized fantastically to provide a fluid experience for Wii owners everywhere. Samus is back and is a beautiful as ever.

Guitar Hero III – Also available for Xbox 360, PS3, PS2

“Guitar Hero” finally makes its way to a Nintendo console and the game/guitar bundle is $10 less than everywhere else, except maybe the PS2. The series continues with more songs, new battle modes, and new online modes. Rockers rejoice.

Other mentions across the consoles

Madden 08 – Xbox 360, PS3, PS2, Wii, DS, PSP
Rock Band – Xbox 360, PS3, PS2
The Orange Box – PC, Xbox 360
Crysis – PC
Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass – DS
Brain Age 2 - DS
Final Fantasy Tactics: The War of the Lions – PSP
Crush – PSP

Happy Holiday Hunting!!!

"The Ace of Spades" - 5 Minute Film of Fun

Check out the totally sweet 5 minute film that captured the second place award in the "24-hour film festival" at Central Michigan University, co-written by yours truly:



Tell me what you think.

Happy Thanksgiving!!!

New DS Lite Bundles

After hinting at some sort of new DS release, Nintendo has officially announced that two new Nintendo DS Lite bundles will be released in time for this Christmas.

The first is the "Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass" bundle which includes a gold colored DS Lite with the triforce emblem on the top of the case. This comes complete with a copy of the "Phantom Hourglass" cartridge.




The second are two editions of a "Nintendogs" bundle. A blue and pink version will each come shipped with a copy of the game as well as paw prints across the casing.


Both bundles with be available on November 23 ("Black Friday") and will sell at $149.99 each.

Source: Gamespot.com

Video Game Sales Soar

Gamespot recently published that statistical research from the NPD group suggests increases in the number of video game and console sales.

Below are a list of the top software and hardware sales in October 2007, as published on Gamespot.com:

Top 10 best-selling games of October 2007, according to NPD Group

Halo 3 (regular, collector's, and legendary versions)--Xbox 360--434,000
Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock (with guitar)--Xbox 360--383,000
Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock (with guitar)--Wii--286,000
Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock (with guitar)--PS2--271,000
Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass--DS--263,000
Wii Play with Wii Remote--Wii--240,000
The Orange Box--Xbox 360--238,000
Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock--PS2--232,000
FIFA Soccer 08--PS2--130,000
Brain Age 2: More Training in Minutes a Day--DS--117,000

October 2007 hardware sales, according to NPD Group

Wii--519,000
Nintendo DS--458,000
Xbox 360--366,000
PSP--286,000
PS2--184,000
PS3--121,000

Halo 3 is no surprise, but the Playstation 2 outselling the PS3 by about 60,000 units is a little strange. Perhaps the availability of PS2 games and cost are a large factor.

It is wise for Sony to support their strongest system, but they need to focus on the PS3 if they are going to survive.

Expect an investigative report on video game consumption and usage in the coming weeks.

Every High School, College, and Professional Band Needs to Watch and Learn

This is the coolest halftime show EVER:



Enjoy!!!

Assassin's Creed Review

4 out of 5

One of the year's most highly anticipated games has finally positioned for the kill in "Assassin's Creed" for the Playstation 3 and Xbox 360.

But this is one game that is not what it seems.

Although early previews of the game portray a young assassin traversing the streets of ancient Jerusalem, the game begins sometime between the current era and near future...

(For complete review, please follow link)

Super Mario Galaxy Reviewed

The Wii's biggest release this year receives the console's best review.

"Super Mario Galaxy" is the newest installment in the long-running flagship for Nintendo.

Critical acclaim suggests that "Galaxy" is the best Mario title since "Super Mario 64."

Video reviews below:

Gamespot - 9.5 of 10


1up.com - 9.5 of 10


IGN.com - 9.7 of 10

GamePro.com - 4.75 of 5

Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare Recieves Critical Acclaim

After the release of the highly anticipated next-gen first person shooter "Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare" video game critics have hailed it as "one of the best FPS packages of the year."

'The quality of the content in the campaign is totally top-shelf, and the multiplayer is some of the best around, making this a truly superb package.' - Gamespot

The newest installment of the series places the setting within the current era of combat which is a break away from the World War II environment found in its predecessors.

This seems to be a welcome change and is reflected in critics' reviews:

1up.com - 9.5 of 10

Gamespot.com - 9.0 of 10

GameInformer - 10 of 10

GameSpy - 5 of 5

IGN.com - 9.4 of 10

Yes, Even Electircity Plays Super Mario

Look Ma, No Speakers



Totally geeky, check out the website to see more of how it's done.

Metal Gear Solid 4 Delayed

Konami's baby and the Playstation 3's best hope for console sales has been delayed yet again.

Gamespot has recently reported that "Metal Gear Soild 4: Guns of the Patriots" has been delayed until the second quarter of 2008.

The claim is that further improvements are going to be made to meet everyone's expectations of the game when it is released.

Can Sony wait much longer for this blockbuster release?

We will see when March or April 2008 arrives.

LucasArts and BioWare Team Up

Gamespot has recently reported that developers LucasArts of the Star Wars universe and BioWare of "Mass Effect" and "Knights of the Old Republic" fame are collaborating on a new game.

The recently launched site states that the two developers were working on a "Ground-Breaking Interactive Entertainment Product."

Speculation is that the next-gen game could be a massively mulitplayer online role playing game set in the "Knights of the Old Republic" universe.

No official word or further details aside from the press release on the new site:

SAN FRANCISCO, CA and EDMONTON, CANADA — October 30, 2007 — LucasArts and BioWare Corp. today announced that they have entered into an agreement to create an interactive entertainment product. The product, details of which will be unveiled at a later date, will be developed and published by BioWare and LucasArts, and will push the boundaries of the gaming market by utilizing the strengths of both companies to deliver an innovative, high-quality experience.

Just for Fun: Some Retro Commercials that Should Have Never Been

Original Zelda...a little creepy


Zelda II: Link's Adventure, this ad is as good as the game


Super Mario Cereal: Sweet!


Scary: dumb blondes in space!


Gangsta Atari


The classic Zelda dance!!


If it was only as cool as it sounds/Didn't impair your vision

Xbox 360 Arcade Console Released; VG Freedom Codename: "The Kidbox"

Gamespot has officially reported that Microsoft has released their answer to Nintendo's kid and family friendly Wii gaming console.

Enter: The Xbox 360 Arcade Console.

The $279.99 stripped down Xbox 360 is available now and will come with a wireless controller, HDMI output, a 256MB memory card, and five Xbox Live Arcade games listed below:

PAC-MAN Championship Edition
UNO
Luxor 2
Boom Boom Rocket
Feeding Frenzy

The offical Xbox website says that the console will come with family settings which allows for parental restrictions on Teen and Mature rated video games, DVDs, and Xbox Live content.

Super Mario's Musical Father

The original "Super Mario Bros." Theme by the man himself: Koji Kondo!!!

PS3 vs. Xbox 360

Here's a pretty good comparison of the two consoles.

Which console is truly better: you decide.

Leave a comment below.

Cheaper PS3 Yet Again

Gamespot has recently reported that Sony will be officially releasing a 40 GB version of the Playstation 3 in North American for $399.

On the console's November 2 release it will come bundled with a Blue-ray version of blockbuster film hit "Spiderman 3."

The 40 GB PS3 will have 2 USB ports and will still maintain 802.11 b/g wireless networking capability. However, what is most upsetting of all is the lack of software backwards compatibility for Playstation 2 discs. No word on potential emulation software currently used on the Xbox 360.

The news doesn't end there.

Sony has also announced that the price of the 80 GB version of the Playstation 3 bundled with the game "Motorstorm" has been lowered to $499 and is effective immediately.

This places the 80 GB PS3 only $50 within the $449 Xbox 360 Elite.

I believe Tor Thorsen and Emma Boyes related this Blueray perspective to the price drop best in their Gamespot article.

"That said, the PS3's inclusion of a Blu-ray disc drive may give it an edge to North American audio-visual fanatics still on the next-gen console fence. No 360 can play HD-DVDs without the addition of an external $179 HD-DVD player, which would make the Pro model cost $528 and the Elite cost $628 in the US for comparable functionality. Also, the 40GB PS3 is now the most affordable BD player on the market, with the cheapest standalone BD players still costing over $400. Also, all PS3s have HDMI audio-video outputs, a feature that is standard only on the 360 Elite, though it is being slowly phased into other models."

Capcom's Big Annoucement: Street Fighter 4

Capcom's official website has been a topic as of late due to a countdown labeled "Prepare Yourself."

The clock as expired.

Capcom's big news: "Street Fighter 4"

Not much information has been released about the game concerning which plateform it with be released on or a project release date.

Only a brief trailer has been released without any actual gameplay footage:


(Click on Image to see trailer)

More information can be found at the new game's official website.

This is the first new "Street Fighter" game since the release of "Street Fighter 3" in 1997. The game's tag line "A New Beginning" may imply some interesting changes or suggest a new direction in the series.


This comes to as a disappointment to Playstation 3 who were told that a major release for the PS3 was to be released this week.

Thus far, 1up.com has only announced that Capcom plans to bring "Lost Planet" to the PS3 in early 2008. Let's hope that is not the big news PS3 owners have been waiting for.

New TV Series Stay Afloat

It's not video game related, but still written by me:

CM Life - "Networks Maintain New TV Series"

Please check it out.

Bionic Commando; PS3 Announcement to Come

The Nintendo classic "Bionic Commando" returns once again in a next-gen incarnation on the PC, Xbox 360, and the PS3

Image courtesy of Gamespot.

The release is TBA, but lets hope for a nearby release date soon.

Capcom's official website has a mysterious countdown that ends tomorrow that simply states "Prepare Yourself."

Rumors have circulated that this countdown is linked to what is supposed to be a special announcement for the PS3.

Be sure to check back here for more info tomorrow.

Super Smash Release Date Set

Super Smash Bros. Brawl has an official release date in North America.

February 10, 2008

The official website has updated the release and the game will be officially pushed back from it's original Dec. 3rd release date to February 2008.

The site has also announced that when Super Smash Bros. Brawl ships in Feburary, there will be full Wi-Fi support to play with both registered friends and other players via an internet connection.

Super Smash 2008

Gamespot recently reported two new updates about the highly anticipated "Super Smash Bros. Brawl" for the Nintendo. There is the good and the bad.

First the good.

Sonic is reported to be a playable character in the game. Finally, Nintendo and Sega fans can finally face-off and see which plateforming icon is king.



Now the bad.

You won't be playing Sonic until 2008. The official website for the new Super Smash has reset it's release date to TBA: To Be Announced. A bit of a far cry from the initial Dec. 3rd release date.

The Japan release is set for January 2008, so it may be some time before Wii owners finally get the game they deserve.

New PS3 Version no Backwards Compatibility

Gamespot recently picked up on a story from The Hollywood Reporter stating that a new version of the Playstation 3 will be available state-side despite claims that the new version of the console would be released only in Europe.

The story from The Hollywood Reporter says that the new 40 GB version would be shipped to the US with a $399 price tag around November 2nd.

This new PS3 would be severely stripped down from the now discontinued 60 GB version. It would only have two USB ports as well as no additional memory card readers.

However, what is more concerning is lack of backwards compatibility with Playstation 2 titles. Strangely enough, the new PS3 will still be backwards compatible with PS1 games.

CVG has also recently reported that the Sony Computer Entertainment Europe has announced that there are no longer any plans on continuing with any future backwards compatible Playstation products.

"'...we believe this [backwards compatibility] less important now than when we launched... Furthermore we believe we should now be devoting our resources to the future of PlayStation gaming and delivering next generation experiences', Sony's said in a statement on its plan to phase out the 60GB PS3 in the UK and leave the new cut-down 40GB model as the only one available at retail."

Note that within this statement the information is only in relation to the new Playstation 3 console in Europe, not the United States. A US launch of the 40 GB still has not been confirmed.

It would be a very stupid move for Sony to end backwards compatibly because that function alone is a system selling quality. There may not be the demand in Europe that there is within the US for that functionality.