via (That Video Game Blog)

Now, this trial has only been seen in one Best Buy location (West Jordan, Utah) by a forum writer for CheapAssGamer who posted a picture on the site. Later, in an interview with a Best Buy rep,Joystiq was able to confirm that Best Buy was indeed conducting a local experiment, but would not say whether or not the experiment would eventually be applied nationally.

I for one hope this experiment goes well… this could really help out some people’s wallets. =)

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This quote from IGN pretty much sums up how I feel about FIght Night:

Remember when the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 were first announced? The games industry was aflutter wondering what the era of high-definition gaming would look like on our shiny new HDTVs. Then a game called Fight Night Round 3 was shown at E3 in 2005 and our worlds were never the same.

I can’t tell you how many countless hours I played that game. I don’t think it left my console for a matter of months.

Here is a video  preview.

Fight Night Round 4... GET SOME IN YO LIFE!!

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Here are some of the features of the game via Amazon:Warhammer Dawn of War II

This soundsl like a pretty cool game to me, but I’m still on the fence. I have always been more of a console gamer so I think the chances of me playing it would greatly increase if Dawn of War 2 was released, on say, the Xbox 360.

So, what do you think, are you going to buy Dawn of War 2?

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The most widely recognized positive impact of video games is that they improve children’s manual dexterity and computer literacy as now many online video games are also very popular. Ever-improving technology also provides players with better graphics that gives a more realistic, virtual playing experience.

But on the contrary, video games are also leading to much more adverse influences over children’s psychology. Various researches indicate that the high level of violence depicted in many video games has a very detrimental impact on children, contributing to increase in violent behavior exhibited by juveniles. The influence is more alarming as the hero of the game is never punished for all the violence that he performs, rather he is often rewarded for the same. As a result, children tend to eulogize and glamorize such violence in their minds. This mindset gets further cemented as these games are highly engaging, point-and-shoot video games allow children to practice their shooting skills, firstly on the TV screens and some actually try to replicate these in real life scenarios.

Researches also show that children are spending longer hours in playing video games. (13 hours per week for boys, on average, and 5 hours per week for girls) thus gradually outplacing more creative childhood activities such as, playing with blocks, colors, books. With such aggressive attitudes being pumped into their innocent minds, children tend to behave weird in their social interactions – often picking up fights with peers and showing disrespect to elders. This is also impacting their academic performance in schools.

Furthermore, playing too much of video games is also inimical to child’s physical health. Some of the common medical problems induced by excessive playing of video games is crooked posture, sight deterioration and damage to joints. Studies also indicate that excessive playing of certain computer/video games can affect the process of brain development which can lead to brain damage in long run.

Given the immense popularity that video games command, banning them completely from your child’s life would not be the right approach. To address this issue, parents have a vital role to play. Psychologists recommend that if parents monitor the amount of time as well as the types of games their children play, children are less likely to show aggressive behavior. As parents, engage your children in discussions about the games they play and exchange views about inappropriateness of violent solutions to real life conflicts. This is also an opportunity to share your feelings and grow closer to your child.

This post was contributed by Holly McCarthy, who writes on the subject of best universities. She invites your feedback at hollymccarthy12 at gmail dot com

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I was browsing around the internet I just wanted to share this site I found where you can Download Games for Wii.

This is what you will get:

•       Access to the fastest Wii Games Downloads on the Internet!
•      Members have unlimited access to the largest database, no restrictions!
•      Direct access to Wii Games, Movies, Music, Tv Shows, Software and more!
•      Free 24 hour Technical Support.
•      No monthly or “Pay Per Download” fees. Join once, limitless downloads!
•      Easy Software to install & use. Step-by-step instructions included.
•      Compatible with all versions!
•      Huge Media Selection. The latest Wii content. Always updated!
•      Free Transferring Software! Instructions also included.
•      Free Step by Step Tutorials to get you started immediately!                     

Over at Unlimited Wii Downloads not only can you download games to your Wii, but they have over 980 million files to choose from, everything from top games (driving, adventure, sports, action, etc) to DVD movies, CD music, and software for your Wii.

If you check this out let me know what you think.

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So continue on to check them out, along with descriptions, scores and excerpts from reviews of the games.

5) Coming in a number 5 we’ve got Dead Space, I’ve got this for PC and it’s a great game, especially if you like horror and sci-fi and gaming, it combines all three things I love in one great package. With it’s great graphics and storyline, it’s one I’d recommend grabbing for yourself or as a gift for the gamer in your life.

Dead Space

Expert Score: 8.8  ( 62 Experts)
User Score: 9.0    ( 67 Users)

Dead Space is a third-person shooter and science fiction survival horror-action game that was developed by California’s EA Redwood Shores. It was published by Electronic Arts and it was released on October 2008 not only for the Sony Playstation 3 but for Microsoft Windows and the Xbox 360 as well.

STRATEGIC DISMEMBERMENT - Shear off limbs with powerful weapons as you carve a bloody path through the alien hordes. Find ways to neutralize attacking enemies effectively or they’ll keep coming at you. When ammo runs low, use telekinesis to pick up objects — even the enemies’ own arms and legs! — and fire them at anything that stands in your way.

“Set in the cold blackness of deep space, the atmosphere is soaked with a feeling of tension, dread and sheer terror. In Dead Space, players step into the role of engineer Isaac Clarke – an ordinary man on a seemingly routine mission to fix the communications systems aboard a deep space mining ship. It is not long before Isaac awakes to a living nightmare when he learns that the ship’s crew has been ravaged by a vicious alien infestation. He must fight through the dead silence and darkness of deep space to stay alive.”

“In the end, EA proves that they can easily compete in the survival horror genre and in some aspect they have mildly reinvented the genre. I think Dead Space could turn out to become a new successful franchise, offering enough quality to even compete against Resident Evil 5. I must say, Resident Evil 4 is a bit better than Dead Space, but EA did a fine job in bringing a fair amount of 

gore and scary moments. I personally found Dead Space a lot scarier than Resident Evil 4, and of course that’s a great compliment. Dead Space combines the sci-fi environments of Metroid Prime with the horror of famous alien movies and some of the gameplay of Resident Evil 4 without the camp of Capcom’s survival-horror classic. Maybe it’s no classic, but I do recommend it.” -Fragland

“Overall, Dead Space is easily the most superb game I have played all year, and for quite some time, actually. The experience they deliver is top-notch and unforgettable. There are hours and hours of gameplay and exploring to be found here and its all amazing. I have only touched the tip of the iceberg of what this game has to offer here. Go buy it now!” -Game Vortex / PS Illustrated

4) at the number four spot we’ve got Bioshock, this one is tons of fun on the PC, and received rave reviews. The PS3 version includes special content not on the other versions either.

Bioshock

Expert Score: 9.0  ( 59 Experts)
User Score: 9.0    ( 48 Users)

Bioshock is a first-person shooter (FPS) video game that was developed by America’s 2K Boston/2K Australia. It was first released in August 2007 for the Windows operating system and the Xbox 360. In October 2008, the Sony Playstation 3 version was released. This version was developed by 2K Marin.

The Playstation 3 version of Bioshock contains content not included in the Windows and Xbox 360 versions. This includes an additional difficulty mode called “Survivor.”

“BioShock is a first-person shooter that lets players do things never before possible in the genre. Nearly everything in the game can be turned into a weapon; players can biologically modify their bodies with plasmids, hack devices and systems, upgrade weapons and craft new ammo variants, and experiment with different battle techniques.

Players enter the game as a castaway in Rapture, an underwater utopia torn apart by civil war. Caught between powerful forces and hunted down by genetically modified “splicers” and deadly security systems, players have to come to grips with a dangerous and mysterious world filled with powerful technology and fascinating characters. With multiple avenues for surmounting challenges on both a moral and tactical level, no encounter ever plays out the same and no two gamers will play BioShock the same way.”

“Should you play Bioshock? If you have any interest at all in shooters, action titles, quasi-RPGs, or some good creepy fun, then the answer is a resounding “yes”. For those who have yet to try this fantastic title, there’s almost no excuse now that it’s hit the PS3.” -GamingNexus

“Despite being over a year old, Rapture shines through the dark sea like a lighthouse on a foggy night. 2K Games has delivered on its promise in providing PS3 owners with an equally impressive port as the original.” -PSU.com

3) At number three we’ve got one of the most controversial games of the year, GTA IV, actually the entire series is mostly controversial, but it’s all part of the fun.

Grand Theft Auto IV GTA IV

Expert Score: 9.3  ( 106 Experts)
User Score: 8.7    ( 669 Users)

Grand Theft Auto IV, also known as GTA 4, is a sandbox-style video game developed by Scotland’s Rockstar North Ltd. This action-adventure video game was published by Rockstar Games and it was released for both the Playstation 3 and the Xbox 360 on April 29, 2008.

The game is set in a fictional city called Liberty City whose landscape and style is based heavily on New York City.

Players of Grand Theft Auto IV takes on the role of an Eastern European war veteran named Niko Bellic. Bellic moved to Liberty City in hope of achieving the American Dream. However, he quickly becomes involved in Liberty City’s world of crime, corruption, and gangs. There, players must pursue a number of missions in order to progress in the game.

“What does the American Dream mean today?

For Niko Bellic, fresh off the boat from Europe,  it is the hope he can escape his past.

For his cousin, Roman, it is the vision that together they can find fortune in Liberty City, gateway to the land of opportunity.

As they slip into debt and are dragged into a criminal underworld by a series of shysters, thieves and sociopaths, they discover that the reality is very different from the dream in a city that worships money and status, and is heaven for those who have them and a living nightmare for those who don’t.

Developed by Rockstar North, Grand Theft Auto IV is available worldwide for Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system, PLAYSTATION3 computer entertainment system and PC.”

“One of the greatest video game stories ever told. It may have its flaws, but it is the most ambitious game made to date and, without a doubt, the best game so far this generation.” -PSU.com

“GTA IV isn’t just a game. It’s a testament to the immense talent and take-no-prisoners mentality that has made Rockstar the company that it is today. Oh, and it just happens to be a heck of a lot of fun. We don’t use the words “must-own title” very often here at GamePro but if you don’t rush out and buy this game on day one, you will miss out on one of the best gaming experiences ever produced.” -GamePro

2) The number three spot is occupied by a game that was recently released, one of the only ones on this list that is fairly new actually, Little Big Planet.

Little Big Planet

Expert Score: 9.1  ( 103 Experts)
User Score: 9.5    ( 86 Users)

elcome to LittleBigPlanet - a world of infinite possibilities, where imagination becomes reality and the powers of creation are firmly in your hands. If you can think of it, you can create it; if you can create it, you can share it; if you can share it, you can play it - and watch our colorful LittleBigPlanet grow and diversify!

Start with your own SackBoy and customize him however you wish. Then run, jump, grab, climb and explore thru over 50 awesome developer levels packed with dangers to navigate, race to win and puzzles to solve. As you play you will learn the skills to build a world of your own by earning creative tools and collecting hundreds of items. Use these items and tools to shape amazing levels of your own, featuring puzzles, challenges, and enemies of your own design. When you are ready, go online to access the LBP community and share your creations for everyone to play

“LittleBigPlanet is without a shadow of a doubt my favourite game to come out this year.  This is a truly unique game and isn’t just a rehash like 90% of the titles out there.  The inclusion of the level creator and community maps lets you think towards to future and what it’ll be like when more games include functionality like this. If you only buy one game this holiday season, make it LittleBigPlanet because you won’t be disappointed.” -Gametactics

“All things considered, I recommend LittleBigPlanet to a wide range of people: creative players, curious gamers, platforming enthusiasts, parents looking for something to share with their kids (playing co-op is so much fun!), etc. The game is everything it promised and more: striking level design, great music, easy controls, addictive gameplay, tons of features and collectables, and amazing physics. Time will tell if this 3D crafted material world will turn into something huge like a “littlebig” gaming genre.” -Cheat Code Central

1) At number one we’ve got one of the most anticipated games of the year, it’s no surprise it tops our list, MGS 4 or Metal Gear Solid 4 Guns of the Patriots

Metal Gear Solid 4 Guns of the Patriots MGS 4

Expert Score: 9.2  ( 151 Experts)
User Score: 9.4    ( 606 Users)

Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots is the final chapter in the saga of Solid Snake which sends him around the world in pursuit of his arch nemesis, Liquid Ocelot. Armed with new gadgets and abilities, Solid Snake must shift the tides of war into his favor, using the chaos of the battlefield to infiltrate deep into enemy territory. In his globetrotting final mission, Snake must sneak deep into enemy locations in the Middle East, South America, and other corners of the earth to foil Liquid Ocelot’s plans for total world domination.

Key Features (Metal Gear Solid 4):

* MGS4 pushes the power of the PLAYSTATION 3 to its limits with cutting edge graphics and surround sound. It also aims to be the hallmark title for the new DUALSHOCK3 controller.
* Command Snake in his final mission which spans the entire globe as he attempts to foil Liquid Ocelot and his massive army of PMCs.
* Influence the tides of war through both passive and active means. Snake can directly aid local militia who engage invading PMCs soldiers, or encourage more fighting to slip past undetected amidst the commotion.
* Unlock custom weapons and modifications as you trade weapons with your black market weapons dealer, Drebin.
* Providing Snake with his most advanced stealth suit to date, OctoCamo, allows Snake to blend in with his environment as it digitally manifests nearby textures in real time.
* Otacon is back to support Snake by providing new high tech gadgets, including Metal Gear Mk. II, the ultimate reconnaissance tool, and Solid Eye, which gives Snake real-time information on enemies and his surroundings.

Key Features (Metal Gear Online):

* Up to 16 players can battle it out individually or as a team
* Sons of the Patriot(SOP) system allows team mates to visually synchronize and monitor each other’s status at all times
* Players can select up to 4 skills to specialize in to match their play style and increase their effectiveness. Close Quarter Combat(CQC), Knife fighting, quickness, alertness, heavy weaponry mastery, demolition, and sniper mastery are just some of the skills you can specialize 

in
* Frequent future downloads will include new maps, new game type modes, skins and weapons

“I try to be in tune with the gaming community, and I’ve made my thoughts clear as to how I feel about the game and read what others think as well, and I came across a comment that really stood out in my mind, with that being that Metal Gear Solid 4 is more of a spectacle than anything else. I can’t say I disagree with this remark in any sense. It’s the series’ own fault as to why it feels this way as well. Metal Gear Solid 3 had left me on such a high emotional note that any kind of expectations that I and other fans may have had seemed impossible to achieve, but Kojima and crew did their best and its an amazing game because of it, but for reasons almost inexplicable I can’t help but think that Metal Gear Solid 4 is in actuality my least favorite in the series. ” -Gamersmark

“Metal Gear Solid 4… I don’t even know where to start. This game has to be the best game of the year. It has it all: good story, awesome graphics, and even great controls.One thing that made me laugh, was after every mission, the game needs to install some files, but they keep you entertained by giving you warnings and tips. Some warnings come up at different times, such as “It’s past 1am, maybe it’s time to take a break”.
This is one of the games, where I wish I was able to give it more than a 5.” -PS3Infection

Source: http://www.testfreaks.com/blog/information/best-of-2008-ps3-games/

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I know there are a lot of Star Trek fans out there so I thought I would share this.

Anytime a new online game is developed there is always
a question of how well it will fit the expectations of the fans.
Everyone has his or her own vision of how the game will look and feel.
One road block for the developers is that the fan base is so wide.
The original Star Trek with and Dr. McCoy started over forty years ago.
Since then we have had several different series and many movies to
widen he fan base. Fan boys want the most intensive graphics and gaming
that can be achieved. No one wants to be disappointed especially after
the long wait they have endured for Star Trek Online.

There are a few things that are unclear but as they
continue to create the game these things will be decided and posted
on the official website. One of the things that have not been decided
yet is the cost structure. Cryptic Studios has not decided if they
are going to have the recurring fee that is the norm for most
online games. They have also not finalized the system requirements.
The would like this game to be played on the PC but they also have
to consider the game graphics and how well it runs on certain systems.
One of the hopes is that PC and console players will be able to
play on the same servers. They don’t foresee any problem with this since the technology is already there.

Starting with in the next month or so Cryptic Studios is going to
continually update their website to bring fans up to date (ie. Star Trek Online Characters).
The site will have a year-by-year timeline. The calendar will provide fans with
updates on what has been going on since the nemesis. It will give them
an idea of what has been going on for the past 30 years when the
game comes out. This way there will be no questions as to what is
going on when the game starts.

The Star Trek Online Game should not disappoint even the most
particular fans. With the updates and the website they should be ready
to jump in and play when the game is released.

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via Absolute Gadget

According to reports streaming around the internet, the Customer Services department is once more bracing itself for a slew of calls from angry users following the update.

The source, quoted on gaming blog Gaming Confidential, said that the department was “bracing itself from irrate callers after the update is released. I’m bringing some aspirin to work this holiday season,” he added.

“The slick move by Microsoft here is that it’s releasing the update on the 19th, just a couple of days after the extended warranty period for launch Xbox 360s end. The owners of these units are headed for some pretty tense times in the weeks to come,” the unnamed rep told the blog.

According to another blog, the new update is causing a loss of sound on HDMI connection. Xbox 360 Fanboy said that the only way to fix the problme at the moment was to remove the hard drive, power up the Xbox, load the dashboard, replace the hard drive and things should be ok. Unfortunately the fix has to be applied every time you want to play games.

Major Nelson, the spokesman for all things Xbox at MS said that the company was “aware some of you may be experiencing a few hiccups along the way”, but failed to mention any RRoD problems.

We’ll let you know if we hear anything further from Microsoft on the issue.

This SUCKS!!

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Hope that helps you guys out with your holiday shopping. All hale Wii Fit!!  LOL… j/k

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