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.