The biggest draw to the cause so far has been the donation from Weta Workshop’s Richard Taylor. Latest ebay bid is at AU $2000 (US $1851.02) for this bad boy. With an assault rifle in hand, Master Chief is helping to create new venting holes for your console (he’s tired of the overheating issues too). Ebay Listing

On a lighter note, there is also a limited edition Crystal Xbox sporting more than 10,000 semi precious stones. This will look great next to 4Apple’s (Flickr user) customized Pink Controller [via TechnaBob]

I don’t have much to say about this, but am simply amazed that this is available online with Sears.com… and why in the hell does it have a yellow hand?

You can have one of your own for just under $10.00.

Don’t worry ladies… there’s a guy version too.

Kratos has made the jump to PS3, but unfortunately this move is to be his last as God of War 3 is the final installment of the series (supposedly). Picking up right where its predecessor left off, Kratos is on the war path and fast becoming the destruction of Mt. Olympus. The gore, fantastic combo system, and over-the-top execution kills are back.

God-killing in style

Right in the opening sequence, we see the immense battle taking place between the Titans and Gods of Olympus. Kratos, armed with chained blades and a massive thirst for blood, nears the top of the mountain on the back of the titan Gaia. This opening picks up exactly where GOW2 left off. For any newcomers of the series, there is a short cut-scene that plays before the main menu that may help with the story’s origin (but not much – I highly recommend playing 1 and 2 if you haven’t had the chance). None-the-less, there is much fun to be had disemboweling, beheading, crushing, slicing, and smashing all types of mythical creatures. I was left in amazement during numerous EPIC encounters that showcase the awesomeness that is Kratos.

As the sadistic spartan makes his way to the top of the mountain, he’ll quickly be knocked back down and must begin his long journey back to the top. He’ll have to collect new weapons, new accessories, and cut through an endless amount of enemies in order to satisfy his hunger for revenge. As his journey progresses, he learns the secret to killing his father, Zeus, and what must be done. What’s interesting about this character, is he is an anti-hero of sorts. Almost villain-like with his complete disregard for the possible consequences of his actions. At various points in the game, I wanted to show some mercy, but that is against Kratos’ nature. He is a relentless warrior who does not care how he meets his goal or how it may affect others.

IT FRIGGIN GLOWS IN THE DARK!

Girls and Guys Tees run at $20

Zip-Up Hoodie $45

Get your size while supplies last…

BuckyBalls Magnetic Building Spheres:

• Dimensions: each ball is 5mm in diameter
• Rare earth, super magnetic balls
• 216 BuckyBalls
• Nifty carrying case
• ADULTS Only, not recommended for children
• Magnet Grade: N35
• Unlimited shapes and patterns

“Good Afternoon, this is Chris”

Unknown caller: “Hi, did you just call me?”

Me: “No, I did not. What number did you see on your caller id?”

Unknown caller: (repeats my phone number)“

Me: “Weird, I didn’t call anyone in the past hour.”

A couple of weeks ago, I had this conversation with numerous callers. Apparently someone was spoofing Lavalife members’ caller ids with my cell phone number.

Thankfully I won’t have to worry about receiving any more texts, picture messages, and more phone calls since Caller-ID spoofing is to be outlawed. The House of Representatives have passed a bill that bans the practice. Here’s an excerpt from the Truth in Caller ID Act of 2010 bill:

Heavy Rain

“Interactive Entertainment” is exactly what this game is. It’s like watching a psychological thriller movie, only that you get to control the actions of the main characters.

In Heavy Rain, you follow the story of 4 characters, a father, a journalist, an FBI agent, and a private investigator. While all of them come from various backgrounds, each character’s story is intertwined as all have been affected by the string of murders conducted by the ‘Origami Killer’.

The high-points of the game are 1) the engaging story and 2) how the game draws you in to feel the anxiety or stress of a given situation. For example ***SPOILER ALERT***, in one of the opening sequences you’re playing as the father and you’re at the mall with your son. As you continue through the mall, your son wanders off and you need to find him. During this part, the developers do an amazing job that let you feel the stress… you literally feel helpless as you maneuver through large crowds of people to find your son.

My main gripes about the game is that it is very short (8 – 10 hours) and has little to no replay value. Although you can go back and repeat story chapters (giving you a chance to relive “what if” moments), you already know the full story.

4 out of 5 stars. Great graphics, amazing story, compelling characters. Can finish within 10 hours and has very little replay value.

Like any good nerd, I ended up watching Spike TV’s Video Game Awards (air date: 12-11-2009). For those of you who are unaware of this geek-driven event, the VGA’s have been around since 2003. A panel of judges nominate the best PC-, Console-, and Handheld-based games of 28 categories, and the winners are then determined by online polling.

Here are some of the notable winners:

• Game of the Year: Uncharted 2: Among Thieves
• Studio of the Year: Rocksteady Studios
• Best Xbox 360 Game: Left 4 Dead 2
• Best PS3 Game: Uncharted 2: Among Thieves
• Best Wii Game: New Super Mario Bros. Wii
• Best PC Game: Dragon Age: Origins
• Best Handheld Game: Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars
• For a complete list, visit Spike TV

Aside from seeing who wins what, I love watching the awards for the world premiere’s and teasers of upcoming titles. Here are few things that I am definitely excited about:

Halo: Reach

This game is based off a sci-fi book written by Eric Nylund called, “Halo: The Fall of Reach.” It gives further insight into the Halo universe and explains the origins of the beloved ‘Spartans’ and the infamous ‘Master Chief’.

[Bungie.com]

Tron: Legacy (Movie)

The original movie broke barriers with its computer animated backgrounds and sequences. The new CGI version, slated for a 2010 release, looks amazing! It’ll be interesting to see where they take the story line.

[Disney.com]

This follow up to Ubisoft’s critically acclaimed Assassin’s Creed (2007), provides for a better, bloodier, and larger-than-life experience that improves on every single facet of the first game. Continuing the story of Desmond Miles, a Matrix-esque story, you jump into a virtual machine called, “The Aminus”. Here he’s able to relive the exploits of his ancestors, placing him in the middle of the never-ending war between the Templars and Assassins. This time around we are introduced to a new ancestor named Ezio Auditore. Taking place in the Italian Renaissance, we are treated to a beautiful backdrop where Desmond relives Ezio’s life in order to learn the ways of the Assassin.

Gameplay

The free-running mechanics are back without much change. It still feels very natural as you control your player to scale 15-story buildings. However, rather than being forced to follow a repetitive mission process, Ubisoft seemed to take a cue from games like Crackdown or Grand Theft Auto. You have your main storyline missions and several side missions that can be completed. Additionally, Ubisoft has introduced a new monetary and weapon/armor/accessories upgrade system.

The Florins you earn from missions, find in treasures, or loot off passerbys (and even dead bodies), can be used to purchase new weapons, armor, and accessories. You can also use your hard-earned cash to invest in your family’s estate.

The family estate is sort of like your headquarters or home-base. It’s where you can purchase special fighting moves and collect the estate’s earnings. The earnings are minimal, but you can upgrade shops and other properties to increase the estate’s value… generating more income for you.

It took me a lot NOT to buy this game upon its release, but I’m glad I waited. Otherwise, I think I wouldn’t have finished any work. This game had me at, “Warning: There is content that may offend some players…”

All of which made the first game great, awesome single-player campaign, great characters, intense action, cool weapons, and an engaging multiplayer, are back… some improved but with some slightly missing the mark.

Gameplay

The game takes place 5 years after the events of COD: Modern Warfare. There is a new terrorist threat to deal with, and like its predecessor you’ll play through the game as several different soldiers. You’ll be treated to a wide variety of conflicts and settings, some involving stealth play or all-out gun fights. There is no shortage of exciting sequences and the action is smooth in its delivery. The shooting mechanics seem to be improved and allow you to really feel as skilled as the character you are playing – quickly switching between targets as you breach an occupied room.

Although the game is short (you can probably get through it in about 6-7 hours), the competitive multiplayer is what will have many gamers coming back for more… and rightfully so. With new maps, a new prestige (or leveling) system, and new weapons, the playing field has changed. For example, you can opt to carry two main weapons rather than a primary and a secondary sidearm.

Special-Ops

My favorite new mode is Special-Ops. You can choose to go it alone or with a friend (via xbox live) and tackle time-, score-, difficulty-, or stealth-based missions. As you progress, you’ll be given a star rating out of a possible 3 stars. After acquiring a certain amount, new levels will be unlocked for you to play through. Some missions require 2 people, like where one player is watching from above with an airplane mounted gun and the other proceeds on foot. Unfortunately there is no matchmaking available, but you can always troll the lobbies for a partner.