Gamertell

NPD’s US videogames sales report for June 2008

PJ Hruschak — 2008-07-19T02:00:00-05:00

Section: News, Features, Lists, Consoles, PCs, Handhelds, Gear, Controllers, Updates, Sales-NPD-Group

Independent research group NPD Group has releases its US video game sales numbers for June 2008.

A few games dominated the month, especially Lego Indiana Jones, and Guitar Hero titles, which each took four of the top 20 sales spots (Guitar Hero: Aerosmith was three of them). Topping the chart was Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots for PS3 at 774,600 units (not including games bundled with a system). May 2008’s top game, Grand Theft Auto IV for Xbox 360, dropped down to 11th and its partner release, GTA4 for PS3, came in 19th after being fourth the previous month. Thirteen of the top 20 selling games in June were released that month (June 2008).

The oldest game on the list is New Super Mario Bros. for the DS, and impressively coming in at 18th even after being released longer than two years ago (May 2006). The second oldest is another Nintendo release, WiiPlay (with the WiiMote) released in February 2007, way up in fifth.

As for total game sales, $1.69 billion was sold including hardware, software and accessories. The DS was the to-selling system for the month with 783,000 units followed by the Wii at 666,700, PS3 at 405,500 and the Xbox 360 at 219,800.

Here’s NPD’s top 20 video game sales chart for you to check out:

Read [Forbes] Site [NPD Group] Also Read [Gamertell]

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AT&T releases Spore: Origins mobile game, giving away Spore for PC and Mac (with purchase)

Jeremy Hill — 2008-07-18T23:14:00-05:00

Section: News, PCs, Mac, Windows, Handhelds, Cell-Phones, DS, Smartphones, Game-Companies, Publishers, Genres, Strategy

One of the most anticipated games of 2008, Will Wright’s civilization creation game Spore, will be released for the PC along with Spore Creatures on the Nintendo DS on September 7, 2008. The reach of Spore is also expanding to mobile phones thanks to a new agreement between AT&T and EA Mobile.

Spore: Origins is currently available exclusively to AT&T wireless customers. You’ll only be able to download Spore: Origins from now (July 18, 2008) until September 4, 2008. If you are planning to get high-speed internet service from AT&T you’re in for an extra treat. Now until September 20, 2008, AT&T is throwing in $50 and a free downloadable copy of the full PC/Mac game Spore for new AT&T high-speed internet customers.

Spore is a game that’s all about individual creativity. Everything from your creature to vehicles are completely customizable. You start the game as a single-cell organism that must travel through the water while evolving and avoiding creatures that want to eat you. Before you can make it to solid ground you must decide what characteristics your creature will have. If you go about devouring everything in your path while in the Cell Phase, chances are your creation will eventually become a carnivore as it grows.

From there you must decide how your creature civilization will behave. The choice to be peaceful or chaotic is wide open in Spore. As you reach the end of the game in the Space Phase you can visit planets created by other Spore players from around the web.

Read [Gamertell] Read [Market Watch] Purchase [Spore: Origins]

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i am 8-bit art show returns August 14, 2008

Danielle Riendeau — 2008-07-18T22:42:00-05:00

Section: News, Consoles, Ads & Media, Other Media, Web-Sites

With E3 finally wrapped up and Comic Con just around the corner, it’s time to chill out and take a look at one of game culture’s coolest exhibitions: I am 8-bit. The game-themed fine art show is returning in 2008 to the World of Wonder Storefront Gallery in Hollywood this August 14th. This year, the exhibition is set to be the biggest ever, with work from well-known artists and newcomers alike - a point the promoters are stressing in the press release:

“Over one hundred artists are contributing to this year’s I AM 8-BIT, the show’s largest contingent yet, with a roster of established street and underground talent being added to the mix. “I was a fan of I AM 8-BIT because it was the one art show in LA that strived to incorporate a wide variety of artists, from pop painters to animators to graphic designers,” says curator Derek Puleston. ‘This year, we’ve tried hard to enlist new-to-the-scene artists. I AM 8-BIT has always been about breath and quality of work - not credentials - because ultimately, it’s about great visual storytelling, not fame.”

It all starts with an opening night extravaganza party on August 14th, and runs until September 14, 2008. I’ve always personally loved the work that comes out of the 3-year-old show, since it merges the popular, iconic images we all know and love from games and twists and comments on them using every media you can imagine. As an art nerd and game nerd, it’s like heaven for me. Check out the latest show’s website or peek in this August if you’re in the LA area.

Site [I am 8-bit]

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Telltalle Games releases new Sam & Max trailer, free episode

Jeremy Hill — 2008-07-18T21:42:00-05:00

Section: News, Consoles, Wii, PCs, Windows, Game-Companies, Developers, Genres, Adventure, Game-Genres-Other

If there’s going to be a game based on a dog and a rabbit-type creature who go around busting up crime, there’s no better place for it to go than to the Nintendo Wii. Sam & Max Season 1 will be released Fall 2008 in the United States, Europe, and the United Kingdom.

Sam and Max Season 1 is a port of the popular PC point-and-click series with six episodes making up the entire game. You’ll be able to play the episodes in any order without mixing up the overall story. The hypnosis-themed plot of the game introduces off-the-wall characters with comedy to match.

Telltale Games is also giving out free PC copies of the first Sam & Max Season 2 episode “Ice Station Santa.” All you have to do is sign up for the company’s Monthly Newsletter & Big News or Big News Only between today (July 18, 2008) and July 31, 2008. Telltale Games will then send you a gift code that can be used to get the game for free. You can only get one gift code per e-mail address. Head on over to their website to get in on the deal.

Sam & Max uses a lot of witty dialog to drive the story along. While it would be fun to play as Max, Telltale Games thought it would be better if Sam was the playable character as he’s more mentally stable. Sam & Max is ideal for Wii owners who want to sit down with friends and watch the game play out like a movie. The Wii remote is used by pointing and clicking to wherever you want to go. The game features over three hours of original live music with a jazz soundtrack to catch your ears while playing.

A trailer for Sam & Max Season 1 is posted below.

Read [Gamertell] Site [Telltale Games]

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E3 2008: Microsoft revitalizing Xbox 360 through video content, personalization and games

Jonathan Gronli — 2008-07-18T20:18:00-05:00

Section: News, Features, Opinions, Previews, Consoles, Xbox-360, Conventions, E3

In the wake of changes for the other consoles, Microsoft announced at E3 2008 the new Xbox experiences that will be available to the owners of the console. Changes will bring stuff that the other consoles have to the 360 and will also maximize the console’s personalization possibilities.

One of the things that is going to be available is instant access to more than 10,000 feature films and TV shows thanks to an agreement with Netflix. This will be available to Xbox Live Gold members who are also Netflix subscribers. It will be available for no extra charge through Xbox Live. Films and shows will start showing in as little time as 30 seconds. Users will also be able to search and rate movies and shows. You will also be able to fast-forward, pause and rewind with either their 360 controller or remote.

Xbox Live is getting the Xbox Live Primetime, an evolution in game shows that is slated to start on Xbox Live in September 2008. Xbox Live Primetime will not only allow for the viewing of different game shows like 1 vs. 100 but also allow 360 owners to take part as a contestant. Something like that should be appealing to 360 owners who also enjoy game shows and wish to take part eventually.

Also, the personalizing ability of the 360 is being maximized with Xbox Live Party. Xbox 360 owners will now be able to make their own avatars. Their animation that was shown border between the cutesy Miis on the Wii and the realism of the upcoming PS3’s Home. So you can jump into parties with your friends no matter where they are (as long as they have a 360). You will also be able to share your favorite games, TV shows, movies and pictures with your friends. This program will also includ Must See TV and other TV- and movie-related programs including Netflix, NBC Universal, Universal Studios Home Entertainment, SCI FI Channel, USA Network, Costantin and MGM.

The lineup for the 360 is also bringing a lot of big, potential blockbuster games. Final Fantasy XIII will be the first Final Fantasy to be a part of the Microsoft game list. However, the 360 is also getting such highly anticipated games including Gears of War 2, Fable 2 and Resident Evil 5. That only covers the blockbusters. The 360 will also be getting Lips, Rock Band 2, Guitar Hero World Tour and other music based games, through there will also be new 360 game geared specifically for family and sports fanatics as well. There will also be exclusive TV games including You’re in the Movies and 1 vs. 100 including other exclusive, TV-based content.

Read [G4.com] Also Read [Gamertell]

NOTE: Image borrowed from Gizmodo.

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Kirby Super Star Ultra update from E3 2008

Jeremy Hill — 2008-07-18T19:01:00-05:00

Section: News, Consoles, Consoles-Other, Handhelds, DS, Game-Companies, Publishers, Genres, Action, Adventure, Conventions, E3

Kirby was not forgotten during E3 2008. Our favorite pink eating machine will be featured in a remake of the SNES title Kirby Super Star for the Nintendo DS called Kirby Super Star Ultra. The game will be released on September 22, 2008, and will feature everything we remember in the original plus updated graphics, fully rendered cut scenes, multiplayer and some DS-influenced mini games.

The basic gameplay in Kirby Super Star Ultra has Kirby going from one end of the stage to the other while absorbing different abilities from enemies. If you don’t feel like eating them you call always spit them out as stars or use Kirby’s ability to create Helpers that will aid him throughout the level.

The multiplayer and touch screen functions go together in Kirby Super Star Ultra with up to four players able to play three unique mini games via (single-cart) DS Download Play: “Kirby Card Swipe,” “Kirby on the Draw” and “Snack Tracks.”

There are six different games in Kirby Super Star Ultra with very different objectives. In one game called “Revenge of Meta Knight”, Kirby must destroy Meta Knight’s ship while racing against the clock. Another game named “Spring Breeze” has Kirby tracking down King Dede to get back all the food that was stolen from Dream Land. The DS iteration will also have two new modes called “Revenge of the King” and “Meta Knight Ultra.” These main stories along with the optional mini games guarantee Kirby’s adventures will last quite a while.

Site [E3 Nintendo] Read [OMG Nintendo]

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Naruto, Bleach and Death Note now playing on iTunes

Jenni Lada — 2008-07-18T16:49:00-05:00

Section: News, Ads & Media, TV, Updates

Some fresh anime is now available through iTunes, if you enjoy that kind of thing. Viz Media has decided to make 103 episodes of Bleach, Death Note and Naruto available through iTunes for $1.99 an episode. So far only a sampling of two series are available, in the form of Bleach‘s “The Substitute” and “The Entry” arcs (41 episodes) and Naruto‘s (uncut) first season (25 episodes). The complete Death Note anime (37 episodes) is available. I highly recommend Bleach, its probably the best. Naruto has its moments as well. While Death Note is good, I personally preferred the manga.

Bleach is an anime about Ichigo Kurosaki, a teenager who can see ghosts and accidentally stumbles into the Soul Reaper position - a deceased individual who fights hollows and sends Earthbound ghosts to Soul Society (the afterlife). This happens when he and Rukia, a Soul Reaper, are attempting to protect his family. When she’s injured, he has to temporarily take her powers. Then he sort of ends up stuck with him. It’s a dramatic and occasionally humorous show.

Death Note is a deeper sort of anime, with more thought than action. Light Yagami is an incredibly intelligent high school student who just happens to find a notebook dropped by a Shinigami (death god). Inside are a set of rules - if a person’s name is written in the book, they’ll die. Originally, Light decides to use the book to dispose of criminals, but the police soon set after the mysterious unknown vigilante (among them his own father and the super detective L). It’s an interesting cat and mouse game.

Naruto is a ninja anime. It’s mainly a comedy, but there’s a lot of action and some drama as well. Naruto Uzumaki’s a young boy who had the nine-tailed fox demon sealed into his body shortly after his birth. However, the nine-tailed fox nearly destroyed his home town, the Hidden Leaf Village. The show follows his adventures as he makes friends and works to become the best ninja in the village, and eventually the Hokage (village leader), so everyone will respect and like him.

Read [Anime News Network] Also Read [ICv2]

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Wolfenstein at E3 2008, two videos to oogle

Jonathan Gronli — 2008-07-18T16:02:00-05:00

Section: News, Features, Previews, Consoles, PS3, Xbox-360, PCs, Windows, Genres, 3D, Action, FPS, Shooter, Conventions, E3

At E3 2008, Activision and a representative of id announced that they are working on a follow up for Return to Castle Wolfenstein. Details at the moment are hard to find, outside of the press conference given at E3.

For those of you who haven’t been too involved with the evolution of Wolfenstein, id took the franchise for a turn that made it more popular in 1992 with Wolfenstein 3D. However, the game wasn’t the first. It was inspired by the Muse Software games Castle Wolfenstein (released 1981) andBeyond Castle Wolfenstein (released 1984). Where the later renditions of Wolfenstein were run-and-gun FPS games, the Muse editions it was stealth based. The basic idea for the games though were easy. Ruin the plans of the Third Reich and survive.

Being that Wolfenstein 3d came out 1992, yes this means that Doom is the innovator of the FPS. However, it’s been a struggle between the two franchises to remain on top. Wolfenstein 3D was the first of six episodes being broken up into two trilogies, like Star Wars only with a good second trilogy. It follows B.J. Blazkowicz as he tries to escape a prison camp after being captured trying to find plans for a Nazi operation. Following that is Operation Eisenfaust, which is kind of what Return to Castle Wolfenstein is based off. The Nazis are interested in the occult and are making mutant zombies to use as more troops. Following that episode is Die, Führer, Die! where you take the war directly to Hitler.

Following the success of the original trilogy The Nocturnal Missions, a prequel trilogy, will made. This trilogy follows B.J. as he tries to foil the Nazi plans for chemical warfare. Not included in this trilogy but also released shortly after Wolfenstein was Spear of Destiny, a direct prequel to Wolfenstein 3D. You must recover the spear of destiny. The two most recent and memorable games are RtCW and Wolfenstein: Enemy Territory. RtCW features the Nazis being interested in the paranormal and occult making monsters, zombies and new weapons based off of old dark magics.

Now that we’re up-to-date, the new Wolfenstein game is going along similar lines. The difference is that, rather than being obsessed with horror and the occult, the Nazis are now obsessed with science fiction. They are trying to find their way into unlocking an alternate reality to use the futuristic technology from that reality to try to gain victory. Naturally, you have to stop them. Through the game you will be going through reality and the alternate dimension fight Hitler’s troops in a fight to save the world.

Here’s a video of the announcement of Wolfenstein at Activision’s E3 2008 press conference:

Here’s the trailer shown at E3 2008:

Site [ActivisionMenu] Read [Activision]

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Hunt hidden items in Amazing Adventures Around the World

Jenni Lada — 2008-07-18T15:44:00-05:00

Section: News, PCs, Windows, Game-Companies, Developers, Distributors, Publishers, Genres, 2D, Casual, Puzzle, Web-Sites, Official-Sites

PopCap has released another casual game for people with a sharp eye. SpinTop‘s Amazing Adventures Around the World is another “hidden object” kind of puzzle game, like those ones you used to see in Highlights magazine. This is the second game in the Amazing Adventures series, the first was Amazing Adventures: The Lost Tomb, released November 21, 2007. It’s available on the two sites above in a demo version and a $19.95 retail version.

Amazing Adventures Around the World revolves around a search for the “World Diamond”. To find it though, you must first find over 2,100 items in 100 levels set in 25 locations around the world. Finding items reveals gems and pieces of a stone tablet that will lead you to the “World Diamond.” The game also includes eight addition mini-games (in case your eyes get strained from scanning for small items) and an option where you can choose to have a timer or not.

Right now the game is only at PopCap and SpinTop’s sites, but after September, 2008, it’ll be available almost everywhere. Name an online arcade site, and there’s a really good chance Amazing Adventures Around the World will be there. It will also be available in eight different languages at that time.

Read [GameZebo] Also Read [GamesIndustry.biz] Site [PopCap] Site [SpinTop]

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Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic Online confirmed by Riccitielo

Jonathan Gronli — 2008-07-18T14:33:00-05:00

Section: News, Features, Rumors, Game-Companies, Developers, Publishers, Genres, MMO, Role-Playing, Conventions, E3

At E3 2008 the upcoming Star Wars-based MMO was confirmed by Electronic Arts. It was revealed in a a tongue-in-cheek manner, and quickly confirmed, by EA CEO John Riccitielo.

Riccitielo in an interview with Conde Nast Portfolio magazine said that they have two big name MMOs in the works. One of which is based of the Warhammer franchise, which will launch soon. He then said, “And the one that people are dying for us to talk to them about in partnership with Lucas [Arts is] coming out of BioWare, which is, I think, quite possibly the most anticipated game, full stop, for the industry.” The article continues: “Does Riccitiello mean the oft rumored Knights of the Old Republic Online? ‘Yes,’ he said.”

Beyond that, no real details were given on the game although the buzz going around the announcement all seems to follow the same feeling. With the colossal failure of Star Wars Galaxy, everyone is hoping that the Knights of the Old Republic MMO will follow the same strengths and feel as the immensely successful KotOR games. Another thing that is unclear is how and if Star Wars Galaxy will be cycled out of relevance as a Star Wars MMO. Another thing that was revealed was the plan to launch the game sometime in 2009.

More details and at least some media should be released in the near future since the project was leaked to the public. Hopefully what is being worked on will be well worth the weight.

Read [Conde Nast Portfolio] Also Read [Gamespot] Also Read [Destructoid]

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Important Importables: Gackt

Jenni Lada — 2008-07-18T13:24:00-05:00

Section: Exclusives, Originals, Features, Columns, Japanese Imports, Consoles, PS2, Handhelds, PSP, Gear, Audio, Genres, Action, Role-Playing

As any Japanese video game fan knows, video games and popular music have very close ties in Japan. Singers will have their songs featured in the games. They will be used in advertising campaigns. They may even be called upon for character modeling.

Two weeks ago Important Importables talked about Hikaru Utada, one of the most popular female singers in Japan and her video game connections. This week Important Importables looks at yet another Japanese superstar, Gackt Camui. Gackt is well known for his music, his acting and his contributions to the gaming worldwide. (He’s also incredibly pretty, multilingual and one of my favorite singers.)

So who’s Gackt?

Gackt is an incredibly popular, somewhat etcentric, intelligent, rock star from Okinawa, Japan. He got his musical start in 1995, as the lead singer, pianist and song writer for the Japanese Visual Kei (read = glam-rock/punk) rock group Malice Mizer. After four years he left the group and embarked on a solo career.

His solo career is where he’s flurished. He has released 12 albums (three of them compilations). His music has appeared in animes, movies and video games. He also is an accomplished actor, appearing in movies (Moonchild and Arthur and the Minimoys) and a TV shows (Furinkazan and New Fist of the North Star).

Currently he is still insanely busy. He’s doing solo material and performing with the Japanese rock group S.K.I.N. along with Yoshiki (X Japan), Sugizo (Luna Sea) and Miyavi. He also will be appearing in the 2009 movie Bunraku with Josh Harnett and Demi Moore. Almost all of his music is available on iTunes as well.

Gackt in games.

Gackt’s made contributions to the video game world in two forms. The first is in music. He has provided the theme songs for the PS2 games Bujingai: The Forsaken City and Dirge of Cerberus: Final Fantasy VII.

The second involves motion capture and voice acting. The star of Bujingai, Lau Wong, is based on Gackt. Gackt also did the voice acting for that character and helped with writing the actual game. Also the character Genesis Rhapsodos, from Dirge of Cerberus: Final Fantasy VII and Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII is based on Gackt and was voiced by him in the Japanese versions of the games.

Gackt’s “Redemption” video (the FFVII: Dirge of Cerberus theme):

Recommended Tracks

“Orenji no Taiyo” (w/Hyde from L’arc~en~Ciel) Crescent
“Black Stone” DIABOLOS
“Dispar" DIABOLOS
“Future" DIABOLOS
“Arittake no Ai De” Love Letter
“Illness Illusion” Mars
“Soliel" Moon
“Speed Master” Moon
“No ni Saku Hana no Yo Ni” No ni Saku Hana no Yo Ni CDM
“Papa Lapped a Pap Lopped” Rebirth
“Redemption" Redemption single
“Returner ~Yami no Shuen~” Returner ~Yami no Shuen~ single
“Nine Spiral” Secret Garden single
“Another World” The Sixth Day
“Mirror" The Sixth Day
“Mizerable" The Sixth Day
“Oasis" The Sixth Day
“Secret Garden” The Sixth Day
“Sekirei Seki-ray” The Sixth Day
“Tsuki no Uta” The Sixth Day
“Vanilla" The Sixth Day

COMING NEXT WEEK: Important Portables offers some Jump Ultimate Stars deck suggestions.

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT: Last week Important Importables reviewed Ohimesama Debut.

Site [Gackt Official Website] http://gackt.com/ Site [IMDB: Gackt] http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1374680/

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Gamertell Review: The Dark Knight the movie

PJ Hruschak — 2008-07-18T04:01:00-05:00

Section: Reviews, Features, Opinions, Ads & Media, Movies

Title: The Dark Knight (aka Batman: The Dark Knight, Batman Begins 2, The Dark Knight: The IMAX Experience)
Release Date: July 18, 2008
Company: Warner Bros.
Rating: PG-13
Length: 142 min (2 hours, 22 minutes)
Pros: A lot of great acting, a well-woven story and plenty of psychological creepiness. The more realistic Gotham City is a well-executed contrast to the inner darkness of the characters.
Cons: A little long and a bit too creepy for kids. Only one moment of unbelievability.
Overall Score: Two thumbs up; 93/100; A-; * * * * out of five.

Put away your illusions that this is a big-screen adaptation of Frank Miller’s graphic Novel, The Dark Night Returns. While there is a tiny nod or two to the book, this is continuation of the Batman Begins film with a new origin of at least one DC Comics character and a more realistic, visually brighter yet thematically darker take on Batman.

Just After the Beginning...

You can consider this a prequel to the most common Batman stories where James Gordon (Gary Oldman) is still a Lieutenant, Batman (Christian Bale) is still tweaking his costume and other gadgets, with the help of Lucius Fox (Morgan Freeman), and Joker (Heath Ledger) is just starting to become an arch nemesis.

While one of Batman’s main pseudonyms (being “Dark Knight") is in the film’s title, the darkness is more of an evolution from the story, a bit of psychological necessity that reinforces the ideals of The Bat while helping to maintain extra order in Gotham. But I’m getting ahead of myself (while trying to avoid true spoilers).

A surprising amount of the movie centers around Harvey Dent who is perfectly portrayed by Aaron Eckhart as the good-looking, ass-kicking, incredibly fair and trustworthy lawyer turned politician. He’s now dating Bruce Wayne’s long-time friend and beau from the previous flick, Rachel Dawes, who is now a D.A.. and well played by the slightly aged yet still sweet Maggie Gyllenhaal.

There are many moments of misdirection in the movie that really move the plot along, playing the Joker’s ability to scheme and lie well against Batman’s ace detective and ninja skills. It’s really a crime film with many villains, several heroes and a plot that intertwines the characters and their diverse takes on justice, ethics and even relationships.

Gotham by Day

The overall tone of the movie is reflected in Gothan, which is not the visually gritty, super-CG or modeled cities from previous movies, being much brighter than Batman Begins and no where as stylized as Tim Burton’s takes. Instead, it’s much more realistic, playing host to the (usually) believable action, helping to put an accentuating contrast to the darkness of the characters, underworld and activities of the film’s many villains.

The Joker has never been this creepy on screen. Not even the painted mustache of Caesar Romero was this creepy. Ledger gives a few tiny nods to Jack Nicholson’s Joker performance, taking the lip licking and occasional lip smacking to a whole new level. It’s never made clear if the white face is real or makeup, though it is certainly smudgy, wearing thin and coming off in his hands in parts of the movie, further reinforcing the real-wold feeling. And that makes much of it even creepier and darker than any lighting, music or costumes can convey.

There’s plenty of nice costumes to oogle, however, including Gyllenhaul’s dresses, Joker’s custom suits and Wayne’s well-draped Armani wardrobe. Joker’s hair is less green than poorly bleached which, as any blonde will tell you, can turn a weird shade of green after swimming in a pool a few times.

None of the characters do any ginormous, expository monologues, which were pretty common in the earlier films. Instead, important dialog is given through short conversations, keeping the exposition more bearable than a more stoic or annoyingly introspective delivery. This helps to keep the film moving as well as more than one great actor on the screen at all times.

There are many appearance by other actors as well, including Anthony Michael Hall as a newscaster, and lots of mobsters including well-cast Eric Roberts as Salvatore Maroni. Michael Caine also returns as the uber-wise and a tab snarky butler, Alfred, once again playing perfectly off of Bale. Bale also gives Wayne a comfortable playboy attitude, not only walking in to a party with multiple ladies on his arm but brushing off a heroic act in an appropriately snobbish way.

Keeping the film rather gritty, there’s death, explosions and plenty of action. It’s not quite the constant action as Begins but there’s enough to keep it moving even when you’ve hit a would-be end to the film. Much of the movie’s grit comes not necessarily from a lot of blood, of which there is actually very little, but the implied grotesqueness of the Joker. As I mentioned in my Sneak Peak, this is not a movie for kids.

Batman also does a fair amount of detective work in this film, some of which is offscreen, incorporating technology to his ethically questionable advantage. That allows a bigger nod to earlier Batman comic stories and adding yet another layer to the film’s pretty well woven story. His sometimes questionable actions are a natural reaction to the Joker who has become a pure terrorist and agent of chaos. Moments of the movie will certainly rub a few people the wrong way, as are meant to do, to bring out the film’s intentional inner darkness.

A word for the soundtrack buffs: German composer Hans Zimmer does a wonderful and often subtly appropriate job, neither trying to outdo Danny Elfman’s work nor leave it forgotten. His minimalist approach to the score is also appropriately echoed in several of the film’s settings, including a sparsely filled Bat-Office, which may indicate a pretty good directorial decision.

Ninja Moves

There’s so much going on that the movie feels as if it has three endings, any of which would have sufficed yet each successively adds completion. If there is a fault, it’s that there are too many themes going on so that not all of them receive due time. Even so, the elements meld well enough together to create a cohesive movie and live up to the “Dark Knight” name.

Dark Knight has officially snuck past Batman Begins as my favorite Batman movie. The levels of thematic complexity, great acting, well-dosed action and well-woven story fill this out as a pretty fine movie. While most comic book movies have a hero that is the epitome of right and goodness and go for the family happy ending, expect a well-orchestrated feeling of darkness when you leave the theater.

Site [The Dark Knight] Read [Gamertell] Also Read [Daily Swarm]

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Gaia Online prepares for Rejected Olympics

Lucy Newman — 2008-07-18T02:53:00-05:00

Section: News, PCs, Linux, Mac, Windows, PCs-Other, Ads & Media, Print, Web, Advertisements, Genres, 2D, 3D, Casual, Online, Sports, Strategy, Game-Genres-Other

From July 21 through 27, 2008, Gaia Online will host its very own Rejected Olympics. The event is free and open to registered Gaia members.

Gaia Online is an online hangout that was founded in 2003 and has since become the leading hangout with more than 5 million visitors a month to make friends, play games, watch movies and participate in monthly activities.

This year’s rejected Olympic will have up to 100 new games and Olympic-themed uniforms for avatars, virtual training areas in and an Olympic stadium. When Gaia conducted a survey with more than 75,000 teens and young adults they found that 62 percent interviewed responded that they would like to see something little different than the traditional Olympic-style game.

Gaia has a few line-ups to help users get into the Olympic spirit with games like Rock, Paper and Scissors.

To participate users should register online at Gaia Online. Once registered players can visit the Olympic-inspired art arenas, read comics and chat in the forums. Players can also check online, join a team and compete online in a variety of games from connect the dots to a watermelon eating contest as well as socialize with their friends and fellow Gaians. At the end of the week-long event Gaians from the top three scoring teams will be awarded virtual gold silver or bronze medals for their avatar.

Site [Rejected Olympics] Read [Massively]

Gamertell

Top 10 Gamertell posts for the week of July 13, 2008

NPD’s US videogames sales report for June 2008

AT&T releases Spore: Origins mobile game, giving away Spore for PC and Mac (with purchase)

i am 8-bit art show returns August 14, 2008

Telltalle Games releases new Sam & Max trailer, free episode

E3 2008: Microsoft revitalizing Xbox 360 through video content, personalization and games

Kirby Super Star Ultra update from E3 2008

Naruto, Bleach and Death Note now playing on iTunes

Wolfenstein at E3 2008, two videos to oogle

Hunt hidden items in Amazing Adventures Around the World

Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic Online confirmed by Riccitielo

Important Importables: Gackt

Gamertell Review: The Dark Knight the movie

Gaia Online prepares for Rejected Olympics