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2011-05-28T20:45:00.001-04:00

Testing
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The first place holder price revealed for PSP2

2011-01-27T14:45:00.001-05:00

PSP2 half as powerful as Xbox 360

2011-01-27T13:44:00.000-05:00

Digital Foundry gives their analysis on the capabilities of the just announced PSP2. The GPU performs at the halfway point between the original Xbox and the Xbox 360.

"The PowerVR SGX543 MP4+ chip in a quad-core configuration offered a kind of halfway house in terms of performance between the original Xbox and the massively superior Xenos GPU found within the Xbox 360. "

Given the lower resolution and smaller screen size this should still give the illusion of 360 and PS3 comparable titles.

Cataclysm is Coming!

2010-11-11T23:59:00.004-05:00

Just around the corner is the newest addition to the acclaimed MMORPG World of Warcraft with it's newest expansion Cataclysm. The newest expansion will add many new features to the game such as more playable races, updates to existing zones, new leveling system for high level characters, higher level cap, and many new raids. The newest expansion is looking to be one of the biggest expansions so far with loads of new changes to how the game works as well as to the features that the game makes avaliable to it's players. Every class in the game is getting a overhaul to their specializations as they try to make it easier for players to play their own classes. There are also some changes to the stats for each of the players as they are removing some stats or merging some of them as well as adding a mastery system for players to improve what their class and specialization is best at in it's own unique way. They are still releasing more details about the mastery system. As a different approach to what they have done in the past, instead of adding whole new areas to the game for players to play in, they are changing the existing zones in ways to reflect what happens to the world because of the event of the Cataclysm. So far the game is looking to be another excellent addition to the game and gives us much to look forward to. The game is slated for release on December 7th of this year. Now, tell us what you think about the newest expansion for World of Warcraft in the comments below.

The First OFFICIAL Kinect TV Ads

2010-10-21T03:39:00.003-04:00

Ok a few of you might recall the leaked Kinect ads I posted a couple weeks back. Yes they were rough around the edges but you could atleast see the theme they were going for with the ads. Microsoft immediately had them removed. Well now they're back and much more polished than before. Combine these with the recent exposure from Oprah how do you feel Kinect will fare this holiday? Let us know in the comments!

Click 'Read More' for the videos!

Kinect on XBOX LIVE & Zune Commercial:

Kinect Montage (Dance Central, Kinect Sports, Kinect Adventures!):

Kinect Sports:

Kinect Adventures:

Oprah's audience goes WILD for Kinect (Video)

2010-10-19T17:14:00.001-04:00

When Microsoft goes all out they really go all out. Oprah gave a nice plug for Kinect today on her show and gave everyone in the audience a free Xbox 360 + Kinect. The audience goes wild.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dIi8oxaEAR0

The First KINECT TV Ads Revealed

2010-09-26T05:45:00.009-04:00

A total of 3 Kinect TV ads were just unveiled. One for the Wii Sports inspired Kinect Sports from RARE, another for the Mario Kart inspired Joy Ride and last but not least the Nintendogs inspired Kinectimals. Not much gameplay shown but the concept is nice. Let me know what you think in the comments below. Click the 'Read More' link for all 3 videos.

First KINECT Brain Training Info! (And Footage!)

2010-09-08T02:59:00.004-04:00

The game is about training your brain through body exercises. Similar to the wildly successful Nintendo DS games making the right choices requires you to use your head and timing is key. The game is being developed by Namco Bandai who obtained input from Dr. Kawashima (of Nintendo's Brain Age games).

Some examples of the mini-games include:

"One game has you pop balloons with numbers from largest to smallest or vice versa under a time limit.
Another game: form a pose with your arms or legs, copying the people on the screen.
Another game has you kick a soccer ball with the right mathematical answer into the goal.
Another game has you manipulate a ramp up or down so a car goes into the right colored lane.
Last game shown is PacMan inspired. Guide Pacman with one hand to the fruit in the other hand."

Credit to http://www.andriasang.com/ for the image and details from the event!

Click the "Read More" link for video!

Kinect Brain Training:

Kinect Brain Training: PAC-MAN mini-game

The Pac-Man mini game is meant to test your hand-eye coordination. Basically the Fruit is jumping around on the Left side of the screen and the more you hold your left hand on top as it moves around the more points you get. On the right side of the screen Pac-man follows your right hand. You have to maneuver him around without getting caught by ghosts until the timer runs out to get the points or you die.

Bioshock Infinite (Bioshock 3) announced!

2010-08-13T18:46:00.000-04:00

Click the 'Read more' link for the Press Release and the first trailer! The game looks incredible!

2K Games and Irrational Games Announce BioShock(R) Infinite

Creators of original BioShock(R) look to the sky in the next chapter of the award-winning franchise
2K Games announced today that BioShock(R) Infinite, a first-person shooter, is currently in development at Irrational Games, the studio behind the original BioShock(R) which has sold over 4 million units worldwide. Set in 1912, BioShock Infinite introduces an entirely new narrative experience that lifts players out of the familiar confines of Rapture and rockets them to Columbia, an immense city in the sky. BioShock Infinite is currently planned for release during calendar 2012.
Originally conceived as a floating symbol of American ideals at a time when the United States was emerging as a world power, Columbia is dispatched to distant shores with great fanfare by a captivated public. What begins as a brand new endeavor of hope turns drastically wrong as the city soon disappears into the clouds to whereabouts unknown.

The player assumes the role of former Pinkerton agent Booker DeWitt, sent to the lost city to rescue Elizabeth, a young woman imprisoned there since childhood. He develops a relationship with Elizabeth, augmenting his abilities with hers so the pair may escape from a city that is literally falling from the sky. DeWitt must learn to fight foes in high-speed Sky-Line battles, engage in combat both indoors and amongst the clouds, and harness the power of dozens of new weapons and abilities.

“We are excited to expand the world of BioShock, which is one of the industry’s most critically acclaimed and beloved franchises,” said Christoph Hartmann, president of 2K. “We believe that Irrational Games will lend their meticulous attention to detail and unique storytelling expertise to make BioShock Infinite an incredible entertainment experience that will immerse new and diehard fans of BioShock alike.”

With the original BioShock, Irrational Games won “Game of the Year” awards from Game Informer, IGN, G4’s X-Play, and BAFTA and redefined what players expect from a first-person shooter. “But when it came to begin work on BioShock Infinite,” said Ken Levine, creative director of Irrational Games, “we only had one rule: No sacred cows. This game is both true to what people love about the series and unafraid to question every assumption.”

Levine continued, “In order to explore the floating city of Columbia, we needed an entirely new engine. To bring Elizabeth to life, we had to build brand-new animation and AI systems. To create wide-ranging indoor and outdoor firefights at 30,000 feet, we had to rethink, rebuild and expand the BioShock arsenal. The only thing gamers can be certain of is this: the rules of the BioShock universe are about to change.”

BioShock Infinite is in development for the Xbox 360(R) video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, PlayStation(R)3 computer entertainment system and Games for Windows(R), and is not yet rated by the ESRB

Street Fighter Vs. Tekken and Tekken Vs. Street Fighter Announced!!

2010-07-25T00:26:00.002-04:00

Street Fighter vs. Tekken will be a 2D fighter made by Capcom using the Street Fighter IV engine. While Tekken vs. Street Fighter will be a 3D fighter made by Namco and using the Tekken Engine.

Hit the 'Read More' link to see more screens and gameplay video of it in action! Looks incredible!

VIDEO:

SCREENS:

Kinect vs Wii vs Move - Unbiased Price Comparison

2010-07-20T16:29:00.006-04:00

No matter how you slice it the Wii has the more competitive pricing. But for someone who likes hardcore and casual games the 360 with Kinect makes a compelling proposition especially when 2 player multiplayer comes at no additional cost. The PS3 is undoubtedly the most fully featured but the price disparity between the other systems is huge.

Who do you think will make a bigger Splash this holiday?

Microsoft Kinect at Macy's Atlanta - Kinect Sports Bowling

2010-07-15T22:21:00.002-04:00

Coming to you Live from the Exclusive Kinect Event at Macy's that started today. If you haven't heard of it click here to see if there's an event going on in your area. After my last story a lot of people questioned the level of control you have in Kinect Bowling and if you could Spin? After extensive testing I've come with video footage to prove that YES you can Spin. Just like the real sport it's not easy and will take some time to master. But it CAN be done! And when you pull it off it's pretty awesome!

Click "read more" to see the video of us in action!

For the HD version click here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h5J9dTOfbm4&hd=1

Could this be KINECT's killer app this Fall? (Exclusive Video)

2010-07-14T15:56:00.007-04:00

There's no denying Nintendo has been phenomenally successful with the Wii. A large part of this is attributed to the simple yet addictive aspects of Wii Sports. A pick up and play game comprised of 5 Sports related activities. I can't speak for everyone but one game in that mix gets far more play time than the others. That game is Wii Sports Bowling. RARE has made it their mission to one up Nintendo in almost every regard using the power of Kinect.

Click the "read more" link for video.

Instead of having to memorize button sequences, use a dpad to move around and clumsily swing a remote a specific way you can just play Bowling like you naturally would in real life. True 1-to-1. Let me state this again you natually play bowling like you would in real life. To pick up a ball you simply reach over to the right (or left) and pick it up. To move around you simply move to where you want to go. To put spin on the ball you do all this in your swing. Kinect Bowling is so accurate you can actually throw the ball overhead and your action will be represented on screen. It's that simple. While Dance Central will undoubtedly get the most press coverage this holiday and be a huge hit. I think the game that will be the most play across the most demographics will be a simple minigame called Kinect Sports Bowling. Here's some footage for you to check it out for yourself:

For the HD Version click here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xmVmUn_G5vE&hd=1

Do you think this can have the same impact as Wii Sports? Leave your comments below!

Macy's Hosting Exclusive Kinect Event Next Week

2010-07-09T10:47:00.007-04:00

Great news Kinect fans! On July 15th Kinect will be available to play exclusively at select Macy's locations. Macy's will also be giving away a free Kinect everyday from August 12th - Septemper 10th on their site: http://www.macys.com/mstyelab

Click the 'read more' link for a list of the 13 stores. If you are lucky enough to be around one of these locations I strongly suggest you go check it out!

1) Macy's Herald Square
151 West 34th Street
New York, NY
10001
212-494-5387

2) Macy's South Coast Plaza
33 Bristol Street
Costa Mesa, CA
92626
714-556-0611

3) Macy's State Street
111 North State Street
Chicago, IL
60602
312-781-3939

4) Macy's Pleasanton
1300 STONERIDGE MALL RD.
Pleasanton , CA, 94588
925-463-3333

5) Macy's Roosevelt Field
630 Old Country Road
Garden City, NY
11530
516-746-8200

6) Macy's Lenox Square Mall
3393 Peachtree Road NorthEast
Atlanta, GA
30326
404-231-2845

7) Macy's Valley Fair
2801 Stevens Creek Boulevard
Santa Clara, CA
95050
408-248-3333

8) Macy's Dadeland Mall
7303 S.W. 88TH STREET
Miami, FL
33156
305-662-3566

9) Macy's Tysons Corner
8000 Tysons Corner Center
McLean, VA
22102
703-893-4900

10) Macy's Easton Town Center
4141 Easton Loop
Columbus, OH
43219-6136
614-342-2280

11) Macy's SCOTTSDALE
7014 EAST CAMELBACK RD
Scottsdale , AZ, 85251
480-840-0333

12) Macy's Galleria Mall
5135 West Alabama Street
Houston, TX
832-667-4410

13)Macy's Bellevue Proper
400 BELLEVUE SQUARE ,
Bellevue , WA, 98004
425-688-6076

Biohazard/Resident Evil Revelations First Trailer! (Nintendo 3DS)

2010-06-24T12:39:00.002-04:00

Here's the trailer for Resident Evil Revelations due exclusively on the Nintendo 3DS. The models appears to be stripped downed versions of the ones in Resident Evil 5. Very impressive.

EA Sports Active 2 Demoed (Kinect)

2010-06-21T02:54:00.004-04:00

At E3 I was demoed a little game called Sports Active 2 using the Kinect camera. Looks really interesting and seems to provide a more rigorous workout compared to Your Shape from Ubisoft. Also available for Move, Wii and iPhone/iPod touch. Check out the videos below:

Part 1:

Part 2:

The New Xbox 360

2010-06-14T15:54:00.002-04:00

It looks really really slick. It now has integrated Wi-Fi N. 250GB harddrive. And is supposedly much quieter and energy efficient. It also has a dedicated connect for the Kinect camera. Retail price will be $299.

Looks Like Mortal Kombat is Getting a Rebirth

2010-06-08T14:50:00.002-04:00

Below is a new video that has popped up on the net. Little is known about what this live action short truly is. The speculation right now is that it is a trailer to a new MK movie that will have a game tie in. The short runs about 8 minutes which is all pure awesomeness. They took the lore of MK and turned it on its head to recreate a new imagining of the beloved franchise. After watching this I'm excited to see what becomes of it, hopefully we will know next week!

Project Natal to cost $149 by itself, $299 with 360 Arcade, according to latest rumors

2010-05-27T09:05:00.001-04:00

"Here we go with those trusted sources again. Edge has it on good authority that Microsoft's midlife rejuvenator for the Xbox 360, Project Natal, will cost a cool 149 bucks when purchased as a standalone accessory, or $100 when bundled together with the $199 Xbox 360 Arcade console. That's a mighty steep hill for early adopters to climb, but Microsoft did warn us that Natal will not be an impulse buy. An October 26 date is also proffered for the official launch, but that might shift, leaving us with the same window of expectation as before. Interestingly, the Natal name is expected to definitely change for the final retail product, which we should be learning a lot more about at E3 in a couple of weeks."

Rock Band 3 is Goin' all Piano Man on Us!

2010-05-25T13:04:00.010-04:00

Looks like Rock Band 3 will feature a piano/keyboard instrument as seen in the image below. Although I am a drum man myself, I welcome the addition of new pseudo instruments to spice up the music game genre. Below is an image you will see once you complete the Green Day Rock Band demo that is currently on XBLM. Green Day Rock Band will be released on June 8th.

Red Dead Redemption Bird People Glitch

2010-05-24T12:09:00.003-04:00

Hillarious glitch in Red Dead Redemption...I Believe I Can Fly...

Study Shows Strong Interest In Project Natal

2010-05-22T12:15:00.002-04:00

"More than half of Xbox 360 owners say they are likely to purchase Microsoft's Project Natal motion camera this fall, according to a recent marketing study conducted by consumer research firm OTX.

The study, which screened 1,500 people (weighted towards ages 14-34) who play video games for more than 1 hour a week, said 56 percent of the respondents are 'likely' to purchase the peripheral, with 18 percent of those saying they are 'extremely likely.'

The study also noted that first-person shooters ranked the highest in genres players were most interested in using Project Natal with. Fighting, Action-Adventure, Role-Playing, and Racing games rounded out the top five.

Other genres, such as Fitness and Strategy, did not make the list.

It appears price will be the biggest factor on whether or not Project Natal has a successful launch this coming holiday.

A whopping 59 percent of respondents said 'a low price' was the top influence for purchasing Natal. 'Having the games I like to play' and 'the ability to demo Natal at a retail location' were the second and third highest factors of consideration.

'Having AAA titles at launch' was not a major determining factor.

In terms of product awareness, 44 percent say they are aware of the Project Natal, but 20 percent of those say they know little about the motion camera."

Fable 3 coming to XBOX 360 and PC/ LCE Announced

2010-05-21T17:16:00.007-04:00

Looks like PC gamers are going to be sharing in the Fable 3 love, as it will be released alongside its 360 brethren this holiday season. This will mark the first time the series will be released simultaneously on both console and PC. The 360 version will offer both a regular $59.99 standard version as well as a $79.99 Limited Collectors Version. The PC version will only ship in the standard $49.99 version, but will allow players to purchase all LCE DLC exclusively through Games For Windows. Details on all three versions can be seen below.

Limited Collector’s Edition Includes Unique Memorabilia and Unlocks Additional In-Game Action

Lead a rebellion, start a revolution, and rule a kingdom in “Fable III”. Microsoft Game Studios and Lionhead Studios present the thrilling new chapter in the “Fable” franchise exclusively on Xbox 360 and Windows. Action, drama, adventure and humor propel the story as players choose their journey to become King or Queen of Albion.

“Fable III” will be available in Standard and Limited Collector’s Editions for Xbox 360. The Standard Edition will retail for $59.99/£44.99/€64.99, while the Limited Collector’s Edition will retail for $79.99/£59.99/€84.99. The Windows version will retail for $49.99/£39.99/€54.99, and will also be available for download exclusively on Games on Demand on Games for Windows – LIVE.

The Limited Collector’s Edition also offers unique collectibles that true “Fable” fans won’t want to miss, including downloadable content, also available for Windows users, as well as in-box items that come with the Xbox 360 version. Wrapped up in a distinctive box created in the likeness of a book from “Fable III,” the contents include:

· A new quest: Uncover the mystery of the haunted forests of Silverpines and earn the legendary sword, Wolfsbane, deadly against wolves and balverines.

· Exclusive location: Unlock a new region, ideal for settling down with a family and discovering new treasures.

· “Fable III” playing cards: Created by Lionhead, these cards depict every type of character in “Fable III,” including Heroes, royals, rebels and villains from across Albion and beyond.

· Guild Seal Coin: The coin features a Good side (blue) and Evil side (red) to assist players in making critical decisions that will impact the fate of the world forever.

· A new dog breed: Renowned for its loyalty, the Boxer is a brave canine companion worthy of greatest Queens and Kings.

· One unique outfit: Unearth one male and female outfit from the mysterious, faraway land of Aurora, a new destination in your “Fable III” adventures.

“Fable III” sets the stage for an unparalleled action and adventure experience, in which you will be called upon to rise from revolutionary to ruler of Albion. The choices and sacrifices you make while fanning the flames of revolution, and then as you rule as King or Queen, will lead to an ever evolving world of consequences that will be felt across your entire land.

“Fable III” is not yet rated by the ESRB.

KIllzone 3 goes 3D! Soon to be officically announced?

2010-05-21T17:04:00.006-04:00

Looks like a gamer over at the NeoGaf forums has posted information about an upcoming sequel to 2009's Killzone 2. Here is the information hot off the press:

Just got my mag of Gamepro, and guess what I see. Killzone 3 baby! I'll take pictures of the screenshots later and post them and the information included in the article.
Included in the article (while im reading) - Will show the Helghast have humanity left in them.
- Will have the feeling that "of being in a place far away from home, outnumbered by people who want to kill you." - Will be like Inglorious Basterds. - All of the characters in the screenshots are flying in.. jetpacks?! - Will include arctic levels. - One mission in the game involves rescuing ISA Captain Narville. - Game is playable in 3D! - Have to wear 3D glasses, apparently the 3D effects are "crazy." - Combat is "unchanged from predecessor." - Or is it? Hand to hand combat involves you "Unloading a string of different (and often brutal) attacks on stunned enemies." - The scale is supposed to be "bigger this time." - The Jetpacks are "surprisingly lightweight and agile, Killzone 3's jetpack is easier to maneuver compared to the sluggish incarnations of the gadget found in other games." - New weapon called the Wasp, basically shoots a "flurry of rockets" at an enemy. - Will show off the Helgjast culture. - There is actually a Helghast language, which will be explored in the game.

Army may use Xbox Project Natal, via Microsoft research

2010-05-21T15:29:00.000-04:00

The Army's getting early access to Microsoft's Project Natal motion and voice recognition system for the Xbox as part of an expanded military partnership with Microsoft Research.

Natal could be used to add "Minority Report" style controls to military systems, according to an Information Week report.

The Army is Microsoft's biggest single customer, the story notes, and has a partnership giving it early access to Microsoft research and collaboration with the company's researchers.

Microsoft's been demonstrating Natal and showing its potential beyond the Xbox to wow other big customers recently, including bigwigs attending the company's CEO Summit this week.

Natal's going on sale later this year. Microsoft's expected to reveal its price and other details next month.

An excerpt from Information Week's story:

The partnership began last year as with multi-touch research, which further developed a project called Command and Control Multitouch Enabled Technologies (COMET) by enabling the Army to leverage Microsoft Surface and Microsoft Research's multi-touch expertise. Last month, the effort was given a multi-year extension and tacked on a number of additional Microsoft products.

According to command and control directorate computer scientist Nick Palmer, one of the broader goals of the effort, in addition to increasing usability and productivity, is to decrease costly technology training requirements by relying more heavily on natural, intuitive user interfaces.

Here's an Army video showing possible use of a Microsoft Surface computer.