XMB and Trophies Announced for Wednesday's Update

Gamespot reported today that the much anticipated in-game XrossMediaBar (XMB) functionality and trophy system for the PS3 will be made available after the launch of Sony's 2.4 firmware update on Wednesday.

However, details of these new functions show that Sony's attempt to mimic Microsoft's Xbox Live content is lackluster.

Included is the introduction of the new trophy system which acts as accomplishments that players achieve while playing various titles. This will include bronze, silver, gold, and platinum awards for various accomplishments at various levels of difficulty on select Playstation 3 titles.

There will be some sort of obscure numeric value given to each trophy that will be unknown to the player, but accumulates into an overall rating/ranking.

Sounds like you receive "experience" points and "level up."

Sadly, you will not receive any retroactive trophies for games you have already played and Sony's list of supported titles is incredibly thin: PixelJunk Eden, Super Stardust, Warhawk, BioShock, LittleBigPlanet, MotorStorm: Pacific Rift, NBA 09, Resistance 2, and SOCOM: US Navy SEALs Confrontation.

The additional update involves in-game usage of the XMB.

As of now, players have to exit their game in order to access video, music, picture, internet, and game content.

With this update you should be able to chat with friends while in-game, check your trophy status, and integrate personalized soundtracks to select games from the system's music on the hard drive.

No word on any games with be customizable with this option.

Nevertheless, this sounds just as lame as the trophy system.

There is no incentive to attain trophies other than to brag about your level rating and the in-game XBM doesn't seem to serve any revolutionary purpose.

It feels like Sony is trying to mimic the Xbox Live system, but only doing half of the job.

This content should have been made available at the systems launch.

Sonic Week: Top 5 Sonic Games

To conclude our week long celebration to all things Sonic, we take a look at the top five titles in Sonic history.

Not all too surprising, four of the top five come from the original Genesis series because the classic style of Sonic play is really what Sonic is - and always should be.

With no further ado, enjoy:



#5
Sonic Adventure - Dreamcast









After years of wondering when Sonic would return, he reappeared in his first truly three-dimensional game. Debuting with the launch of the Dreamcast, Sonic Adventure was able to synthesize the fast-paced action of the classic Sonic titles with a 3D graphics engine. The story was okay, but the voice acting was very good and Sonic's speed levels were fantastic. Too bad they diverged from that winning formula in Sonic Adventure 2.


#4
Sonic the Hedgehog - Genesis











The original has to be a part of the list of top five titles. The capability of the Genesis rendering movement that quickly was a shear shock and hailed as a technical achievement at its time. Level designs were fantastic and there was nothing like it on the market aside from Super Mario Bros. However, you were unable to save your game which made the game's difficulty nearly unmanageable and incredibly frustrating after you had already played the game for over an hour.


#3
Sonic the Hedgehog 3 - Genesis











This Sonic title brought more Sonic action to hungry gamers. What was so shocking about this game was that fact that you could actually save your game so it was possible to actually complete the game. Also, some of the gameplay elements were expanded to create unique platforming elements and cool new items such as the fire and lighting power-ups.


#2
Sonic the Hedgehog 2 - Genesis











Pretty much the only fault in this game is...the introduction of Tails. Sonic 2 was bundled with the Genesis so everyone owned and played this game. The difficulty was reduced slightly from its predecessor and integrated more fast-paced action as well. It basically took the best elements from the previous game and integrated it into the entire title. Pure classic!


#1
Sonic & Knuckles - Genesis











Picked by YOU as your favorite Sonic title, Sonic & Knuckles introduces a decent Sonic character and develops him well with his own unique actions such as flying and climbing. The design of the levels, bosses, and even music surpass the previous Sonic titles with creating a nearly perfect synthesis within the genre that the series itself created. The imagination and renovation of this title makes this the best Sonic game, of which the spirit should be re-created in a three-dimensional form.

Sonic Week: Fun with Sonic Titles

Sometimes you need to take a moment sit back and enjoy a series for what it is and have a little fun with it.

So in order to continue our week long celebration to Sonic, here is a compilation of fun videos and cheats from across the Sonic franchise:



Tails Abuse
Sound like you could go to jail for that.



Super Mario Bros. Z
Why mix Mario, Sonic, and Dragon Ball Z? It's actually kind of cool.



Sonic 2 Cheats and Glitches
Caution: it looks like its a sure-fire way to harm your Genesis or cartridge if you try these.




What's Up With Knuckles?
I always thought he was cool too, oh well.



Sonic Music Top Ten
Groove out to some class Sonic tunes.



Mario Trapped in Sonic Title
Something doesn't seem right.



The Things We Learn From Playing Sonic Games
We've all been there before.



Sonic 2 Speed Run
If you've spent this much time watching these videos you might as well check out a cheat-assisted speed run of all of Sonic 2.

Sonic Week: Strange Sonic "Spin"-offs

As inevitable as lame supporting characters are to a successful series, so are spin-off games.

Too bad Sonic has not been as successful as his tube-traveling, Nintendo counterpart.

So we take a look at some notable spin-off games in the Sonic series:


Sonic the Hedgehog Spinball (1993) - Genesis, Game Gear











Sega's attempt at making a Sonic title into a pinball game wasn't the most successful. Although the game had a witty title, the gameplay seemed sluggish and the visuals were not as crisp as Sonic's legitimate counterparts. The controls were as sluggish as the gameplay, which proved some difficulty in a game that relies on reflexes.


Dr. Robotnik's Mean Bean Machine (1993) Genesis, Game Gear











Three years after the release of Dr. Mario for the Nintendo, Dr. Robotnik's Mean Bean Machine emerges. Taking a slightly different spin on the puzzle genre, players must connect groups of four beans of the same color together in any way possible. The beans will congeal together and differing colors will fall apart. Throughout the game you battle Dr. Robotnik's minions has he plots to remove the world of happiness and fun. This was a relatively innovative change in the genre.


Sonic Drift (1994) - Game Gear









Surprisingly, Sonic Drift is a kart racing game that was released two years after Super Mario Kart for the Super Nintendo. Sonic Drift is very similar to Super Mario Kart by gathering all of the characters of the Sonic universe for a go-kart racing title. This game also featured the debut of Amy Rose, Sonic's possible love interest. Another installment of the series was released in 2005 for the Game Gear. Sonic later reprised his role in a racing title with Sonic R for Sega Saturn.


Knuckles' Chaotix (1995) - Genesis 32x











For some reason they wanted to develop a Sonic title without Sonic. Knuckles' Chaotix involves the same formula as games in the Sonic the Hedgehog series, but consisted of only supporting characters. The only notable difference was the ability to play a two-player cooperative game using either a split screen or a single screen with one dominate character progressing the movement on-screen.


Tails' Skypatrol (1995) - Game Gear








Here's an idea, everyone hates Tails - lets make a game with just him! Tails' Skypatrol was a title where you were suspended in the air while the screen automatically moved. Sounds easy. Plus you simply couldn't hit anything on the screen or you would die. Easy right? Wrong. Apparently that caused some issues. Hailed by many as on the worst Sonic titles ever created, Tails' Skypatrol was also one of the hardest with an insane difficulty level. Stupid idea and poor design - gaming gold.


Shadow the Hedgehog (2005) - Gamecube, Playstation 2, Xbox










Shadow the Hedgehog tried to take the series in a more mature direction. Did it work? I haven't heard of Shadow the Hedgehog 2 quite yet. This title took some of the more enjoyable gameplay elements of the Sonic Adventure series, added gun play, and paired it with a decent supporting character. The game received mediocre reviews, but seems to be an interesting spin-off choice.


Mario & Sonic at the Olympics (2008) - Wii, DS












Yes, the first showdown between Sonic and rival Mario in a spin-off for both series and what did they choose for the cover - them running. I wonder who would win that race? Anyway, this title features various summer olympic-style games for characters from both series' to compete. Nevertheless, the gameplay seems pretty lame when you finally get over the fact that both Sonic and Mario are in the same game together...besides Super Smash Bros. Brawl.

Sonic Week: The Lamest Sonic Characters

We all love Sonic, what's not to like? He's super fast, has a cool attitude, and will spin over anyone who gets in his way - plus, he's blue!

However, as with all great franchises, developers feel a need to expand their line-up of characters.

That often provides some horrible and awful monsters known by terms as "sidekicks" and "supporting characters."

Take a look at the list below to see just why Sonic games should only have...Sonic.


Miles "Tails" Powers
Easily one of the worst and most annoying video game characters, and that was established in his debut of Sonic the Hedgehog 2 and he didn't have a voice yet. Tails simply followed you around everywhere you went in Sonic 2 by trailing behind Sonic and providing no help whatsoever other than the amazing ability to fall off of every platform imaginable only to return with his helicopter tails. Then they gave him a small child's voice in later games and that tipped the scale. No thanks, I'll take Sonic any day.

Big the Cat

This stupid looking purple is in-fact stupid and purple - and that's the extent to how interesting he is. He debuted in Sonic Adventure for the Dreamcast and is usually seen with a fishing pole. He had appeared in cameo roles in other Sonic titles such as Sonic Adventure 2 - however - he was removed in all of his cameo scenes in Sonic Adventure 2: Battle for the Gamecube for some reason. Probably because he is lame.







Rouge the Bat

This oddly sexual character was first seen in Sonic Adventure 2 as a "treasure hunter" in some of the lamest levels in the game. Her sass and interesting choice in clothing made her an awkward counterpart to Knuckles - who also liked to star to horrible levels. Regardless, she is a pretty uninteresting character who adds little to nothing to the series.

Cream the Rabbit

Seen with her aptly named companion "Cheese" - a chao - Cream is helplessly captured by Dr. Robotnik/Eggman but it playable after Sonice resues her in Sonic Advance for the GBA. Her ability to fly with her ears is both too cute and too lame for a game that should be Sonic and only Sonic. A prime example of a lame character that takes gameplay way from the reason you bought the game in the first place.

Mighty the Armadillo

It took some looking to find him, but Mighty the Armadillo is truely lame. First appearing in SegaSonic the Hedgehog, the arcade title, Mighty is a pretty beefy looking guy...but is secretly a hippie! Wikipedia describes him best and is only second in lameness to his friend Ray the Flying Squirrel:

Mighty is a gentle and caring pacifist, only using his strength and fighting abilities when there is no other option. He loves to travel, and his dream is to journey to all places of the world. According to the Japanese booklet of Chaotix, Mighty enjoys forest bathing, likes peace and nature, and detests violence.

Ray the Flying Squirrel

You know you are a pretty lame character when your very name is laughable. Ray the Flying Squirrel appeared with Mighty in SegaSonice the Hedgehog and is one of the biggest wusses in video game history - yes, even worse than Tails. Once again, Wikipedia explains it all:

Ray is very timid, often stuttering when nervous, and when he was captured by Robotnik, he was depicted huddling in his "cell" in a traumatized, fetal position. Despite his insecurities, he has become more confident since he met Mighty, and the two share a sort of big brother/little brother relationship. Ray is also quite kind and polite. He is an anthropomorphic, yellow squirrel, who was depicted for a long period only in the attire of shoes and gloves. In more recent appearances, he wears a blue jacket and blue tennis shoes.

Sonic Week: History of Sonic

Hello everyone and welcome to Sonic Week at VGF!

This week is dedicated to the fastest and coolest blue member of the video game community - Sonic the Hedgehog.

We will take a look at various Sonic topics this week all closing with a list of the top 5 Sonic titles coming on Friday. I'm looking for your input as well so be sure to vote for your favorite on the poll and if it is not on the list, be sure to comment and I'll put it up there just for you.

Anyway, to start things off we will be looking at a progressive history of "notable" Sonic games with several spin-offs and appearances elsewhere:

Sonice the Hedgehog (1991) - Genesis












Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (1992) - Genesis












Sonic the Hedgehog 3(1993) - Genesis












Sonic CD (Genesis w/Sega CD attachment) - 1993












Sonic & Knuckles (1994) - Genesis












Sonic 3D Blast (1996) - Genesis, Saturn











Sonic Adventure (1999) - Dreamcast, Gamecube










Sonic Adventure 2 (2001) - Dreamcast, Gamecube











Sonic Heroes (2003) - Playstation 2, Gamecube, Xbox












Sonic the Hedgehog (2006) - Xbox 360, Playstation 3












Sonic and the Secret Rings (2007) - Wii











Sonic Unleashed (Fall 2008) - Playstation 3, Wii, Xbox 360, Playstation 2

The upcoming installment in the Sonic series will include both 3D side-scrolling and 3D adventure gameplay. The official website seems to hint at Sonic "racing against time" to save the world and some sort of warewolf alter-ego. Lets hope this is Sonic's grand rebirth!

Review - Wii Fit

9.0 out of 10








There has been some talk about how the Nintendo Wii has "revolutionized" the gaming industry by appealing to a whole new demographic and in different ways.

First, the Wii amazed everyone with its unique functionality using the Wii-mote and nuncuk attachments, then they incorporated that technology with Nintendo fans' favorite franchies, and now Nintendo is expanding their innovation even further with "Wii Fit."

This exercise-based game featuring a Wii "balancing board" has been hard to come by in stores with limited supply and high demand that is strangly reminiscent of the Wii console's initial launch.

Nevertheless, Wii Fit is yet another step away from hardcore gamers and one step closer to a more general market, because who doesn't like to workout?

Hardcore gamers, that's who.

You begin the game by intergrating your personalized "Mii" into the game and stepping on the Wii Balancing Board for an initial calculation of the your Body Mass Index (BMI).

Yes, this does calculate your weight and how fat you really are, so you might want to do this in private at first. In fact, you might want to play the game in private.

When the game calculates if you are "normal," "overweight," or "obese," you promptly cry in sorrow for the fact that a video game has officially called you fat.

I never knew I was "obese," thank you Nintendo. Which would somewhat make sense because what incentive is there to play it if you have the perfect weight, but I am pretty sure there are a few more factors in determining your BMI, but who is going to argue with a plastic pad?

After calculating your BMI, the game shows your center-of-balance and generously helps you to readjust it to an appropriate location.

The greatest irony: a game calling a gamer both fat and unbalanced.

With your self-esteem reaching a new low, you are given the option to set a goal for yourself to reduce your BMI a certain amount of points and within a designated time frame.

After you're all set, the game lets you perform different activities focused on various elements of your balance, posture, strength, and flexibility.

These yield options to do some yoga, aerobics, strength training, and balancing games.

The first three options are performed with an on-screen male or female trainer and the balancing games are actual games such as the infamous hoola-hoop game and a dance-dance-esque stepping exercise.

Also, the game rewards you with additional exercises and games for spending time exercising.

Nearly all of the exercises prompt you to maintain your balance which you can follow via an on-screen display and from instruction from your virtual trainer.

The game's virtual trainer is very responsive and clear in their directions and will even critique you and provide direction if your balance is slightly. This is one of the most impressive elements of the game.

The Wii Balancing Board is an impressive piece of technology as well as it seems to accurately measure your stance, balance, and pressure. However, it does take some getting used to and may not seem as effective at first.

Also, when the exercises load and calibrate to you personally, the game likes to make an "oh?" type of noise when you step on it...which is a little creepy and makes you wonder if it is making that noise to flatter you or if your weight is proving too much strain on the poor little battery powered device.

That's an interesting obsession that Nintendo seems to have - batteries.

The Wii Balancing Board takes 4-AA batteries as does the Wii-mote and every other device for the console.

With the Wii Balancing Board being a standalone and not very mobile unit, why coouldn't they supply let you plug the thing in?

Overall, Wii Fit is a surprisingly fun and interactive way to burn some calories.

The game tracks the amount of time you play and provides tips and suggestions to take a breaks around the one hour mark.

Your progress is tracked in the game with a wide variety of statistical data to help you meet your goal.

However, one question still remains, it it effective?

Well I haven't had a chance to play it for multiple days at a time, but you do feel it.

The game does a wonderful job of helping you to tone your muscles and you will noticeably feel the strain on your muscles when you are done playing.

Therefore, I would have to say that Wii Fit will be effective at losing weight if you stick with it.

This is a game that could appeal to anyone who wants to shed a few pounds and provides a fun and personalized way of doing so.

You just might want to exercise alone for a while if you are a little embarrassed at looking a little odd exercising in-front of the TV for a change.

Metal Gear Database Coming to PSN

To help you in the endless confusion of the Metal Gear Solid series, Gamasutra reported today that an update to the Playstation store on the Playstation Network will include a database of Metal Gear info.

The interactive information will include info on plot outlines, character profiles, relationship diagrams, and other info.

That will be coupled with additional downloadable content such as new camouflage and music for the in-game iPod.

So get downloading and get caught up in the series...or take a look at our series recap below.

Preview-Review: Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots

9.5 out of 10










Here is the VGF Preview-Review of Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots. Click below for the podcast or take a look at a brief synopsis below:

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Visuals

Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots is hands-down the most impressive Playstation 3 title visually. This is a shear graphical and technical triumph with gorgeous and fantastic cinematics that blends seamlessly with gameplay. Nothing short of superb.


Gameplay

Unfortunately, gameplay can be sparse at times and is not the star of the production. Controls are difficult at times - especially for fans of the series - and usually include some combination of buttons to perform a certain, even something as specific as firing your weapon. Thankfully, camera controls are fully customizable because they are difficult to begin with.

Sound

The sound of MGS4 is as outstanding as the visuals. This is another element of the bar-shattering presentation that makes this an outstanding title. Sounds and music are crisp and appropraite, plus you can use your in-game "ipod" to listen to classic tracks from previous games in the series.


Mutliplayer

Metal Gear Online feels like a valiant attempt to piece together good online content, but falls short in their first attempt. Typical deathmatch and stealth gameplay doesn't function the way you think and you have to sign-up for two separate accounts online because they want you to purchase content such as an additional character - you get one. I would suggest playing Call of Duty 4 online and ignore the money-grabbing online content here, which is upsetting in and of itself because you already paid $60 for the game, you deserve all of their online content. Boo to Konami.


Overall

Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots seems to be an outstanding game thus far (I am about 5-6 hours in). However, it is not a perfect game. In fact, if you haven't ever played a Metal Gear Solid game before, don't play this game and look for why in the podcast. If you are a Metal Gear Solid fan it should prove to be an amazing experience that has to be taken as such rather than merely a video game, but a full presentation. Mastery in storytelling and technically, but with some flaws in gameplay.