Gamertell

PlayFirst releases Diner Dash t-shirts for gals on the go

PJ Hruschak — 2009-07-09T22:36:53+00:00

Section: Gaming News, Handhelds, DS, PSP, iPhone & iPod Touch, Gear, Clothing

For those who might not yet quite enough gaming garb, now you can get T-shirts featuring Diner Dash‘s main character, Flo.

PlayFirst, owners of the Diner Dash franchise, have opened Flo’s Closet where anyone can purchase onlinesix Flo-themed shirts priced US$14.99 to $19.99. The shirts include a large art image on the front featuring a slogan and a smaller slogan hidden elsewhere on the shirt:

The Girl with Gumption / Take a Chance, You Can Do It
Not Another Princess. I’m My Own Fairy Godmother / Dare to make a change.
Roll Up Your Sleeves, Dreams Take Work / Do What You Love
All In a Day’s Work / Believe In Your Dreams
Dream It, Do It / Look At Life Funny Side Up
Elbow Grease is the New Black / Dream Big. Work Hard.

According to the company’s press release, the T-shirts are not simply another income stream:

The launch of Flo’s Closet is deliberate in its timing as it aims to inspire and encourage women to strive towards success in challenging times. A recent study reiterates this potential showing that female business owners are surviving the downward trend better than other businesses and Flo’s in-game character notoriously rejected the corporate life and aggressively pursued a more meaningful venture as a successful restaurateur.

While games offer an enjoyable escape from tough times, Flo’s character also mirrors real life experiences and faces difficult decisions - her ultimate message in the game world and the real world is designed to inspire and empower.

All of the shirts are designed for women and range in size from Small to XXLarge,

The original Diner Dash restaurant management game debuted in 2004 for PC and Mac, spawning several sequels and portable releases (PSP, DS and iPhone).

Site [Everyday Gear] Read [Gamertell]

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Appletell Review: Firemint’s Real Racing for iPhone and iPod touch

NEWS — 2009-07-09T12:52:31+00:00

FROM APPLETELL - If you had to narrow down your choices on racing games to just one on the App Store, you certainly could do a lot worse than Real Racing.
MORE »

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Gamertell Review: Super Robot Taisen OG Saga: Endless Frontier for DS

Jenni Lada — 2009-07-09T12:12:57+00:00

Section: Reviews, Exclusives, Originals, Handhelds, DS, Game-Companies, Developers, Publishers, Genres, 2D, Role-Playing

Title: Super Robot Taisen OG Saga: Endless Frontier
Price: $34.99
System(s): DS
Release Date: April 29, 2009
Publisher (Developer): Atlus (Monolith Soft)
ESRB Rating: “Teen” for Alcohol Reference, Fantasy Violence, Mild Language, Partial Nudity and Suggestive Themes
Pros: Funny script and translation, interesting active battle system, lots of characters (and a cameo or two) and it connects with the Super Robot Taisen: Original Generation and Original Generation 2 GBA games.
Cons: Perhaps too much fan-service? Looks more like a GBA game than a DS game.
Overall Score: Two thumbs up, 93/100, A-, * * * * out of 5

As a female gamer, I expected to be somewhat offended and turned off by Endless Frontier. After all, look at the characters. I’m not into this particular kind of fan service, and I haven’t played any of the Game Boy Advance Super Robot Taisen: Original Saga games.

However, when I saw my friend fighting battles in the game, I couldn’t resist giving Endless Frontier a try. So, I borrowed his copy and set off to see what the game is all about.

A game made for the fans.

Endless Frontier‘s story spans the multiverse, but begins with Haken Browning and his assistant/bodyguard/sidekick Aschen Brodel investigating decaying ship ruins in the Lost Herencia wastelands. There, they come across Kaguya Nanbu, a princess from the world of Kagura Amahara who’s on her coming-of-age pilgrimage. The three decide to join together to continue to explore the ship.

Soon Haken, Aschen, Kaguya and a cast of other characters end up having to travel through and to many different worlds through the Cross Gates, trying to find out who is behind a crystal plague that is being unleashed on all the worlds. The fate of the multiverse is on their shoulders.

Endless Frontier is a cleverly written RPG where you need skills to succeed.

Let’s face it, Endless Frontier is filled with endless fanservice. All the female characters look alike below the neck. There had to be something to keep people who weren’t interested in images of obscenely well-endowed women playing, and that is the battle system and the writing.

Playing Endless Frontier eventually requires a bit of skill, due to the unique battle system. It isn’t your typical RPG, where you pick an action, then you watch your character perform. It allows for a more active approach. When a character’s turn comes up, you can unleash devastating combo attacks on a selected enemy as long as your fighter has enough energy. This is done by pressing the A button at the best moments. If done correctly, combos with over 15 hits can become the norm. You can also bring in backrow characters to pile on. It can be quite entertaining.

It can occasionally grow tiring. After you’ve encountered about 10 random battles in an area, you almost wish there was some sort of auto-pilot to handle those attacks.

Then, there’s the writing. Yes, it’s innuendo-laden, but it’s also quite clever and funny. It makes fun of the fact that every single woman has the same proportions. It occasionally pokes at RPG stereotypes. It even mocks the supposed lady-killer hero Haken Browning. The writing also gives the eye candy characters personality, an unexpected treat.

Another unexpected gem from Atlus.

If you’re offended by women with unnatural proportions and all sorts of suggestive themes, then avoid Super Robot Taisen OG Saga: Endless Frontier. You wouldn’t enjoy yourself. If you’re an RPG fan who enjoys clever writing and interesting battle mechanics, it may be worth a try. It has a surprisingly good story, innovative battles and can be absolutely hilarious.

I didn’t expect to enjoy Endless Frontier as much as I did. It ended up being a bit of a guilty pleasure. I’m not sure if I’m going to go and purchase my own copy, but I’m sure I’d borrow my friend’s again.

Site [Super Robot Taisen OG Saga: Endless Frontier]

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Rumor: Next PSP might include a quad core chip

PJ Hruschak — 2009-07-08T22:47:23+00:00

Section: Gaming News, Features, Rumors, Handhelds, PSP, Gear, Hardware

If you believe a Google translation of a rumor on a foreign language web site, the next PSP may utilize four cores which would give it more processing and graphics power than the original Xbox console.

The English version of Eurogamer claims the translation suggests that a second PSP, which they call PSP2 , and not the PSPgo will have the quad core iteration of the low-power SGX543MP chip, code named “hydra.”

So you can decide for yourself, here’s how Google translates the page followed by the actual entry:

We refer to PSP2, but a hardware that has not yet been officially announced for PSP and should happen in the future PSPGo.

Nos referimos a PSP2, un hardware que aunque todavía no ha sido anunciado oficialmente debería suceder a PSP y PSPGo en un futuro

.
If someone offer an accurate translation, please let us know.

The English version of Eurogamer points out that the possible processor is the same technology currently used in some netbooks and the chip acts as both the CPU and the graphics processor. That would increase the system’s capabilities while decreasing energy requirements. Not a bad idea for any game system.

Just remember, a rumor is unconfirmed information. Sony has yet to confirm or deny the use of any quad core tech in a handheld game system.

Read [Eurogamer.es] Via [Eurogamer] Also Read [Industry Gamers]

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McFarlane’s makin’ more Halo toys

PJ Hruschak — 2009-07-08T18:00:19+00:00

Section: Gaming News, Features, Collecting, Gear, Figures & Toys

McFarlane Toys recently announced the second wave of Halo Odd Pod figures, its 2009 San Diego Comic-Con figure and a small slew of other Halo-themed figures and figure-related products.

The Odd Pod figures are hand-painted, stand 4 inc. tall and are individually boxed. Each has curled hands and comes with an accessory they can hold. The figures in this set include:

The Rookie with pistol
Arbiter with energy sword
Spartan CQB (red) with Spartan laser
Spartan Hayabusa (blue) with dual guns

According to the site, series 2 figures will be released October 2009. Each figure sells for $9.99 or $10.99, depending on the outlet.

The company’s 2009 San Diego Comic-Con-exclusive item will be a 6 in. Toys “R” Us Grifball Spartan in a clamshell package. According to the company’s site, the figure will be avaialble for a limited time through three outlets. Here’s the figure’s description:

This Spartan features the highly coveted Recon armor, plus a Bomb, Gravity Hammer and Sword Hilt. The McFarlane Toys Grifball Spartan marks the first time an action figure has been created based on the Grifball game. The Grifball Spartan is limited to 6,000 pieces and will sell for $15. This exclusive will be available at Comic-Con, July 23-27 [2009] at the San Diego Convention Center at the Toys “R” Us booth, in limited quantity at the Toys “R” Us Times Square store and through ToysRUs.com.

McFarlane is also releasing Halo Series 5 (2009 Wave 2) Equipment Edition figures. These painted action figures stand 6 in. tall and will be packaged in a blister card. Some of the figures include special equipment. The Master Chief, for example, is a clear figure that comes with dual SMGs and a gravity lift. These will be released July 15, 2009, and retail for $12.99 each. Figures include:

Master Chief in active camo
Elite Assault (silver)
Spartan Hayabusa (white)
Elite Combat (brown)
Spartan ODST (violet)
Spartan EVA (pale)
Spartan CQB (Gold)
Sgt. Avery Johnson
Jump Pack Brute
Spartan Eva (crimson)
Spartan Scout (cyan)
Halo Wars Weapon Pack

Also being released July 2009 are:

Halo Team Slayer “Guardian” 2-pack (includes a blue & white Spartan Mark VI with Battle Rifle and Frag Grenade, a red Elite Combat with Carbine Rifle and Plasma Grenade and a bonus Gravity Hammer and Bubble Shield.)
Halo Scout Delux Armor Pack (red) (includes a red Spartan Scout base body with interchangeable CQB, ODST and EVA head, shoulder and chest armor sets. Pack also includes an Assault Rifle, dual SMGs, Shotgun and Frag Grenade)
Halo Mark VI Delux Armor Pack (teal) (includes a teal Spartan Mark VI base body with interchangeable Security, EOD and CQB armor sets. Pack also includes an Assault Rifle, dual SMGs, Shotgun and Frag Grenade)

Site [Spawn]

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Peggle and World of Warcraft collide in an unexpected manner

Jenni Lada — 2009-07-08T17:03:44+00:00

Section: Gaming News, PCs, Windows, Game-Companies, Developers, Distributors, Publishers, Genres, 2D, Puzzle

Love Peggle, but don’t want to actually pay for it? Congratulations, there’s a solution. To help promote the fact that the PopCap games Peggle and Bejeweled can be played in World of Warcraft, PopCap games and Blizzard Entertainment have created and released a free, 10 level Peggle game.

Peggle: World of Warcraft Edition is a 10 level, stand alone game of Peggle that can work on any PC> Each of the levels has a World of Warcraft theme to it (like “Too Soon, Executus”) and the familiar Peggle characters Bjorn and Splork have donned WoW style attire. This version of Peggle includes a normal Adventure Mode, Duel Mode and Quick Play.

The Peggle: World of Warcraft Edition game is a free download. It’s only 13.4mb, so it’s a quick download as well. The only downside is that it is for PCs only, so Mac users won’t be able to experience the WoW and Peggle mashup.

Read [Big Download] Also Read [1Up] Site [PopCap Games]

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Gamertell Review: Naruto: Clash of the Ninja Revolution 2 for Wii

Jenni Lada — 2009-07-08T12:41:06+00:00

Section: Reviews, Exclusives, Originals, Features, Opinions, Consoles, Wii, Game-Companies, Developers, Distributors, Publishers, Genres, Fighting

Title: Naruto: Clash of the Ninja Revolution 2
Price: $29.99
System(s): Wii
Release Date: October 21, 2008
Publisher (Developer): Tomy (Eighting)
ESRB Rating: “Teen” for Cartoon Violence and Mild Suggestive Themes
Pros: Simple control scheme, lots of characters, interesting story mode and lots of arcade mode options.
Cons: Lots of unlocking and some challenges may be too difficult for younger players. No Wi-Fi multiplayer.
Overall Score: Two thumbs up, 90, A-, * * * * out of 5

When an anime is successful, video game publishers waste no time in localizing Japanese games for a worldwide market. Since Naruto is unquestionably one of the most successful series at the moment, this means plenty of Naruto video games.

Naruto: Clash of the Ninja Revolution 2 is one of the latest Wii Naruto games, and one of the best. While it is a straightforward fighting game, it also offers an interesting story mode, a large cast of fighters and interesting “missions” for players to accomplish.

A strange jutsu is turning ninja against ninja.

Naruto: Clash of the Ninja Revolution 2‘s story mode begins with two Anbu members investigating some suspicious looking rogue ninjas. After a battle, the rogues disappear, and the two Anbu come across a village where it appears everyone killed one another for no apparent reason.

It then shifts to Naruto, Kakashi and Gaara. Unknown ninja have found their way into the Hidden Leaf Village, and they’re casting a powerful jutsu on residents. Those affected come under a sort of spell that makes them attack friends. It’s up to the three of them to try and find the rogues while freeing brainwashed friends along the way. Players, as their favorite Naruto characters, have to help the ninjas find out who’s behind this horrible jutsu.

Ninjas have a very active lifestyle.

The control system is very easy to learn and master, and reminds me a bit of Super Smash Bros. Brawl. There’s a normal attack and a strong attack, and those can be combined to lead into additional moves. Special jutsu attacks are typically unleashed by pressing one button. Plus, it’s easy to counter or evade moves. I found the remote and nunchuk control scheme most comfortable, but the Gamecube and classic controllers also worked quite well.

Another plus is the large character roster of over 30 ninja. There are multiple ways to unlock characters in Naruto: Clash of the Ninja Revolution 2, but they can be tedious. Usually it’s an either/or situation. Either win this mission, or play some-hundred battles. I can see frustrated players turning to the internet (like I did) for a completed save file rather than jumping through all the unlocking hoops.

The game also offers quite a bit of variety. There are single or tag matches in the arcade mode portion, as well as four player multiplayer. In arcade mode you can face off against the computer, engage in endless fights or try to accomplish missions. It keeps things from getting boring.

The story mode also stands out from standard fighting games. Two new Anbu characters (think of them as masked spies) are introduced, and the player gets to control many Naruto characters in a quest to protect the Hidden Leaf Village. What stands out here is the point of each match isn’t always to just beat your opponent. Sometimes you have to unleash a certain jutsu or protect another fighter.

A fun, and fairly affordable, Wii fighter.

While Super Smash Bros. Brawl has ingrained itself in the minds of Wii owners as the fighting game, people who’ve beaten that game, enjoy the Naruto animated series or are simply looking for a cheaper fighting game should keep Naruto: Clash of the Ninja Revolution 2 in mind. It’s a solid game with lots of single and multiplayer options. In fact, if it did have Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection multiplayer, it would probably be the best Naruto game released so far.

Site [Naruto: Clash of the Ninja Revolution 2]

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Gamertell Review: 101-in-1 Explosive Megamix for DS

Jenni Lada — 2009-07-08T12:13:03+00:00

Section: Reviews, Exclusives, Originals, Handhelds, DS, Game-Companies, Developers, Publishers, Genres, 2D, Action, Adventure, Arcade, Board, Casual, Children's, Shooter, Puzzle, Racing

Title: 101-in-1 Explosive Megamix
Price: $19.99
System(s): DS
Release Date: April 21, 2009
Publisher (Developer): Atlus (Nordcurrent)
ESRB Rating: “Everyone” for Comic Mischief and Cartoon Violence
Pros: You get 101 games for $20. Some games have the potential to be fun and/or addictive.
Cons: Only 10 games available initially. Some games are dull and/or difficult to beat. The games aren’t organized into sections and genres.
Overall Score: One thumb up and one thumb down, 77/100, C+, * * 1/2 out of 5

Since the DS is one of the more accessible video game systems on the market, it has become home to a plethora of mini-game collections. Typically, these games include between 10 and 30 minigames from all different genres for players to enjoy. Occasionally, they’re shovelware. Touchmaster and Touchmaster 2 are examples of some of the better and well received collections.

Atlus has decided to enter the ring with Nordcurrent’s massive 101-in-1 Explosive Megamix, a gigantic minigame collection that boasts 101 minigames, all of which with touch screen support. Unfortunately, you need to unlock almost all of the minigames, there controls can be finicky and there’s no organization what-so-ever.

101 possibilities to play.

101-in-1 Explosive Megamix is a pretty basic game. There are 101 games included in the collection, with 10 available initially. Everything uses touch screen controls. You swipe left or right to bring the minigame’s icon to the center of the screen. Little icons at the bottom let you check instructions or begin playing the game.

Each game has a target score. The first 10 games all have a target score of 4,000 points. If you pass the game, you receive coins that you can use to purchase/unlock more games. If you play again and pass your top score, you get more coins.

101-in-1 Explosive Megamix* (* 10 available, earn the other 91)

My main issue with 101-in-1 Explosive Megamix is an issue I have with many games and minigame collections - unlocking. 101-in-1 Explosive Megamix has a bit of replay value, but only because you have to keep playing and replaying the game if you want access to all of the games. It feels like false advertising when a game claims to have so many minigames included, then makes you jump through hoops to access all of them. It was like I was playing Family Party: 30 Great Games (Wii) all over again, expecting 30 games and only having about half available at the start.

There’s also very little organization. All the games are accessible from the main menu, and you have to slide left or right to search for the one you want. They aren’t organized by genre, cost or even difficulty. It’s very cumbersome, and it can take quite a while to scroll to the game you want to play.

Despite all that, it does offer everything it promises. There are 101 games included in 101-in-1 Explosive Megamix and quite a few of them are entertaining. Since it is a budget title, it does make sense to pick this up as a casual game to play for a few minutes if you’re bored and don’t want to get drawn into a deeper or longer game.

Slightly better than the standard budget mini-game collections.

If you’re a casual game fan who enjoyed Midway’s Touchmaster games, then by all means pick up 101-in-1 Explosive Megamix. It offers a wide variety of minigames that motivates you to play, and keep playing, by rewarding high scores with coins that can unlock more games. It suffers from some bad organization, but is still better than the majority of minigame collections released for the DS. Some games are hits and others are misses, but with 101 there’s sure to be at least 10 that you’ll enjoy.

However, I’d recommend 101-in-1 Explosive Megamix for older gamers, not children. Kids may be disappointed by the fact that only 10 games are available at the start, and not have the patience to read the directions (a necessity at times) or unlock the other games.

Site [101-in-1 Explosive Megamix]

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Gadgetell Guide: Should I buy headphones or earbuds?

NEWS — 2009-07-07T20:07:58+00:00

FROM GADGETELL - A MP3 player is only as good as its headphones or earbuds. With that in mind, it is very important to decide whether headphones or earbuds are the way to go when listening to music. For me the difference between using headphones and earbuds is relatively simple. However, for others,… MORE »

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Watch Michael Jackson memorial service live online today

NEWS — 2009-07-07T16:30:38+00:00

FROM GADGETELL - If you weren’t one of the few to get your hands on a ticket voucher for the Michael Jackson memorial service, you may be wondering where to watch coverage of the event. Several news outlets and social networking sites will provide continuous live streams throughout the day. The actual memorial… MORE »

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More that 13,000 games in the Apple App Store and counting

PJ Hruschak — 2009-07-07T16:28:50+00:00

Section: Gaming News, Handhelds, iPhone & iPod Touch, Updates, Apple App Store

Yep, that’s right. More than 13,000 games are currently avaialble in Apple’s App Store to help drain the battery on your iPhone or iPod Touch.

According to a chart by Mobclix, there are currently 13,117 games available, comprising 20.7% of the total available apps. Approximately 73% (9500) of those are paid while 27% (3500) are free. The biggest category of games is Puzzles at 16.4% (4200) of all avaialble games followed by Action and Arcade at 11.2% each (2900).

By IndustryGamers’ calculations, the number of games available through the App Store has doubled since March 2009. At that rate, there could be 30,000 to 40,000 games available by the end of the year (2009).

With more than a billion downloads it’s certainly understandable that so many games are available. Both big game makers and independent developers are attracted to the App Store’s relatively quick and inexpensive production and distribution, although it also means a lot of similar apps.

Read [Mobclix] Via [IndustryGamers]

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Gamertell Review: Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Survivor for DS

Jenni Lada — 2009-07-07T12:14:22+00:00

Section: Reviews, Exclusives, Originals, Handhelds, DS, Game-Companies, Developers, Publishers, Genres, 2D, Role-Playing, Strategy

Title: Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Survivor
Price: $29.99
System(s): DS
Release Date: June 23, 2009
Publisher (Developer): Atlus (Atlus)
ESRB Rating: “Teen” for Fantasy Violence, Language, Mild Blood, Partial Nudity
Pros: Nice variety of recruitable demons. Wonderful blend of visual novel, RPG and strategic RPG. Interesting characters and situation. Dialogue changes effect the ending/destiny. Challenging.
Cons: Only one save slot
Overall Score: Two thumbs up, 99/100, A, * * * * 1/2 out of 5

After spending two weeks with Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Survivor, there’s no doubt in my mind that it is one of the blockbuster DS games. Devil Survivor is one of those games you can play over and over, discovering new things every single time. Not only that, it’s one of those rare games which successfully blends multiple genres (visual novel, strategic RPG and RPG) into an entirely new gaming experience.

Every time I’d pick up Devil Survivor to play, I’d get caught up in the virtual version of Tokyo and the characters’ plight. Just one more hour to level up characters and work on fusing and developing demons. One more hour to find out how to prevent the events in that day’s Laplace Email. It’s delightfully deep and addicting!

Seven days to change your destiny and stop a demonic invasion.

The seven days start out normally for the hero and his two friends Atsuro and Yuzu. The hero’s cousin Naoya has called the three to come visit him in Tokyo. When they arrive, Naoya gives Yuzu three Communication Players (COMPs), DS-like devices used for games and communications. The three learn that Naoya has put custom firmware on all three. Atsuro uses his laptop to hack into them and set them up. Suddenly, a program starts running and three demons emerge from the COMPs.

After the hero, Atsuro and Yuzu defeat them, they learn they have become demon tamers. A strange email from The Observer with the subject Laplace Mail arrives. It states a man will die in Naoya’s apartment building from mysterious causes at 4pm, an explosion will happen at 7pm in Minato-ku and the whole Tokyo area will experience a blackout at 9pm. Then, the things in the email start coming true.

Demons are flooding into Tokyo. The government has locked down the area, claiming poisonous gas is the reason. Almost everyone in the area has a death clock over their heads, stating how many days they have left to live. However, Naoya tells his cousin and his friends to survive, and the three find that if they work hard enough, they may be able to change the predictions in the Laplace Mail and cheat death.

With all the branching paths, multiple save slots should be mandatory.

Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Summoner is nearly a perfect game. It’s constructed in a fashion where beginners and advanced RPG and strategic RPG players will have no problem navigating through the game. The story is dark, yet offers hints of optimism depending on the path you choose. There are five different endings to trigger, depending on the hero’s responses to people and actions the party undertakes. Players can also customize their human characters with skills learned from demons, and completely customize their owned demons through fusions. Demon acquisition is also simple, since they can be purchased through auctions.

The most unique aspect of Devil Survivor is, naturally, the battle system. Movement takes place on a strategic RPG style grid, and there are certain skills that can be activated before or after a fight on this grid. Battles with enemies, however, shift to a brief turn-based affair. Each party has a leader, the center character, and two assistant characters. To take down a fight quickly, eliminate the leader characters to make the whole party disappear. It offers the player much more control over battles, and makes it more personal.

Another great aspect of the game, which isn’t often mentioned, is just how customizable the main character is. You not only decide everything he says to people, you decide how he grows. After he levels up, you’re able to upgrade him however you like. I made my main character a magic using tank, only adding agility points if a spell I wanted him to have required it. Since all opponents have elemental weaknesses, I decided an additional magic user would be best for my party. It’s a nice feature that players can customize the hero to fit their playing style.

The only downside I can possibly see to Devil Survivor is the lack of save slots. A Devil Survivor cart only has one save position, so you can’t have a backup save to explore one of the other roads not traveled. Since there are multiple endings, this means you have to replay quite a few times to see them all. Thankfully there is a New Game + option after you beat the game. In New Game + keep all demons you had at the end of your first game, all money left over, your auction rank and all the demon skills you learned from battles. If you didn’t get the Yuzu ending in the previous game, the main character’s range of movement increases.

All DS-owning RPG fans should own Devil Survivor.

Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Summoner is a great game. It has loads of replay value, an interesting story, lots of customization options and an interesting gimmick that’s new and works! It’s one of those games you can buy and constantly carry with your DS to replay, because each time there’ll be something different to see or experience.

Also, despite the somewhat dark subject matter, Devil Survivor doesn’t have a depressing tone. Yes, a lot of horrible and scary things are happening in the game, but the moral for most paths seems to be that the future isn’t set in stone. As long as you try your hardest and are willing to stand up for yourself, you can change not only your destiny, but others as well.

Site [Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Survivor]

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PlayStation Store Update: The Punisher shows no mercy, bonus content, too (July 5 to July 11, 2009)

Lucy Newman — 2009-07-07T00:03:43+00:00

Section: Gaming News, Features, Lists, Consoles, PS3, Handhelds, PSP, Updates, Playstation-Store

This week’s store features The Punisher: No Mercy by Zen Studios available exclusively on the PlayStation Network for $9.99. Frank Castle is back and ready to dish out a whole new kind of punishment to his enemies in this first person shooter game with online multi-player capabilities inspired by the comic book series.

Also new this week, the PlayStation Store has created a separate category for all things Street Fighter from games, game bonus content and movies like the newest movie download Street Fighter: The Legend of Chun Li which explores the origins of the games most popular character Chun Li. This movie is rated PG-13 and is available for rent at $3.99 for SD version, $5.99 for HD version or own the SD version for $14.99.

Downloadable Games:

Mind Quiz (PSP/$9.99)
Capcom Classics Collection Remix (PSP/$19.99)
Tom Clancy’s Splinter Cell Essentials (PSP/$19.99)

Bonus Game Contents:

Little Big Planet Sacktue of Liberty Costume (PS3/Free)
MotorStorm Pacific Rift Monarch Signature Livery Pack (PS3/Free)
Cross Edge Safety Pack (PS3/Free)
Cross Edge Additional Dungeon 2 (PS3/Free)
High Velocity Bowling Ball Pack 6 - 4th of July Americana (PS3/99 cents)
High Velocity Bowling 60’s Surf Ball Pack (PS3/99 cents)
High Velocity Bowling Ball Pack 7 - Route 66 Americana (PS3/99 cents)
Cross Edge New Costume Set 1 (PS3/$3.99)
Quantum of Solace: The Game 007 Camille Map Pack (PS3/$4.99)
Tiger Woods PGA Tour 10 The Predator (PS3/$7.50)
MotorStorm Pacific Rift Speed Expansion (PS3/$9.99)

Guitar Hero World Tour Music Packs:

Epitaph Punk-O-Rama Track Pack (PS3/$5.49)

Individual Songs:

“21st Century (Digital Boy)” by Bad Religion (PS3/$1.99)
“Linoleum” by NOFX (PS3/$1.99)
“Ruby Soho” by Rancid (PS3/$1.99)

Rock Band

Weapon of Choice” by Black Rebel Motorcycle Club (PS3/$1.99)

Music Packs:

Foreigner Pack 01 (PS3/$5.49)

Individual Songs:

“Blue Morning, Blue Day” by Foreigner (PS3/$1.99)
“Feels Like the First Time” by Foreigner (PS3/$1.99)
“Headknocker” by Foreigner (PS3/$1.99)

Warped Tour 2009 Pack 02 (PS3/$5.49)

Individual Songs:

“Hey John, What’s Your Name Again?” by The Devil Wears Prada (PS3/$1.99)
“Image of the Invisible” by Thrice (PS3/$1.99)
“Sweet Talk” by Dear and the Headlights (PS3/$1.99)

Rock Band Unplugged bonus content:

“Losing My Religion” by R.E.M (PSP/$1.99)
“Sin Wagon” by Dixie Chicks (PSP/$1.99)

Qore PSN video news:

Qore Annual Subscription - July 2009 (PS3/$24.99)
Qore Episode 14: July 2009 (PS3/$2.99)

Free Game Videos:

Pulse 7/2 Edition Video (PS3/PSP/Free)
MotorStorm Pacific Rift Speed Expansion Pack Trailer (PS3/Free
MotorStorm Pacific Rift Adrenaline Expansion Pack Trailer (PS3/Free)
Bayonetta E3 Trailer (PS3/Free)

New Movies to Rent or Own:

The Real World: Cancun Season 22. Rated TV-14 (SD Format/$1.99)
The Philanthropist. Rated TV-14 (SD Format/$1.99)
The Philanthropist. Rated TV-14 (HD Format/$2.99)
12 Rounds. Rated PG-13 (Rent/SD Format/$3.99)
12 Rounds. Rated PG-13 (Rent/HD Format/$5.99)
12 Rounds. Rated PG-13 (Own/SD Format/$14.99)
PUSH. Rated PG-13 (Rent/SD Format/$3.99)
PUSH. Rated PG-13 (Rent/HD Format/$5.99)
PUSH. Rated PG-13 (Own/SD Format/$14.99)
The Unborn. Rated PG-13 (SD Format/$14.99)

Wallpapers and Themes:

Anime MBM 7 PSP Theme (PSP/99 cents)
Anime MBM 8 PSP Theme (PSP/99 cents)
4th of July PSP Theme 1 (PSP/99 cents)
4th of July PSP Theme 2 (PSP/99 cents)
Anime MBM 4 Theme (PS3/$1.49)
Farmer’s Daughter Theme (PSP/PS3/$1.49)
Ink Skulls (PSP//PS3/$1.49)
Sniper Girls (PSP/PS3/$1.49)

Read [PlayStation Store Blog] Site [PlayStation]

Full Story » | Written by Lucy Newman for Gamertell. | Comment on this Article »

Help Atelier Annie use alchemy to build a resort and attract a prince

Jenni Lada — 2009-07-06T21:15:35+00:00

Section: Gaming News, Handhelds, DS, Game-Companies, Developers, Publishers, Genres, 2D, Role-Playing, Sim

The Atelier game universe is expanding in North America. NIS America has just announced that it is planning to localize Gust’s DS game Atelier Annie. Siliconera first discovered rumors of the release in the GameFly listings, and now NIS America has confirmed the game release.

Unlike the Atelier Iris series of PS2 games released in America, which feature the whole “save the world” quest with alchemy elements, Atelier Annie is more of a casual simulation game. Instead, players help a lazy young alchemist named Annie generate funds for a resort her grandfather has asked her to build. She does by completing quests for individuals and using alchemy to create items.

It sounds like the sort of game Harvest Moon and Rune Factory fans will enjoy, since you have to traverse monster invested areas, create items to sell, hire workers, develop your area and win the affections of a prince. I know I’m interested.

Read [Siliconera] Via [GoNintendo] Site [Atelier Annie (Japanese)]

Full Story » | Written by Jenni Lada for Gamertell. | Comment on this Article »

Gamertell Review: Harcos’ Mana Energy Potion

Jenni Lada — 2009-07-06T12:01:57+00:00

Section: Reviews, Exclusives, Originals, Gear, Gear-Other

Product: Mana Energy Potion
Price: two for $6.90
Rating: Two thumbs sideways, 73/100, C, * * out of 5
Pros: 50mL of drink. Cute bottle. Portable. Contains Vitamin B1, B3, B6, B12 and C. Has a Enzyme Blend that includes Amylase, Lactase, Cellulase, Lipase and Protease. Initially is very sweet, but subsequent sips are mellow and have just a general citric fruit-esque flavor.
Cons: Like the Health Energy Potion, the protective plastic cover is in one piece so if you’re not careful, you can lose the intricate logo. Smells pungent. Has both an incredibly sweet taste and aftertaste reminiscent of an artificial sweetener and the sour taste of medicine. You’ll smell like the drink after you finish it. Looks like laundry detergent.
Overall: I preferred the Health Energy Potion, but the Mana Energy Potion did provide an energy boost, just like it promised.

Back in February, 2009, Gamertell had the opportunity to sample and test Harcos’ Health Energy Potion, an energy shot drink designed to appeal to gamers.

Today, Gamertell once again samples a Harcos product. This time I’m going to be taste testing and trying out the Mana Energy Potion, Harcos’ original energy shot. Like the Health Energy Potion, it’s a 50mL drink. You can find it alone in stores like Hot Topic, or online at the Harcos site or ThinkGeek.

The Look

The Mana Energy Potion looks a bit different in person than it does in that pretty promotional shot you see above. It seems to be an azure shade of blue. I’m thinking it’s because Harcos used some sort of backlighting, because I couldn’t recreate that shade when I was looking at it. In person, it has more of a cerulean or teal color to it. I think it would look more appetizing if it was the azure color.

Again, like the Health Energy Potion, the Mana Energy Potion bubbles when shaken. Little bubbles appear at the top, making it look soapy or like detergent. Unlike the Health Energy Potion, the Mana Energy Potion’s bubbles disappear within five minutes of being shaken.

When you remove the black, plastic cap, there’s a white protective seal to keep the drink from being tampered with. Always a nice feature. It is a bit difficult to get a hold on it and rip it off, since it’s so tiny.

The Taste

After I opened the Mana Energy Potion, I smelled the drink. It smelled incredibly strong and sweet, but it’s hard to pin down what exactly it smells like. I know this will sound weird, but I think I smelled something flowery. It’s as though there’s this initial strong scent, which smells somewhat spicy and perhaps a little fruity, that hits you right away. Then you smell the faint flowery-perfume scent.

I then took a tiny sip. I don’t know how it happened, but it tasted both incredibly sweet and bitter at the same time. It started out somewhat bitter, perhaps with an acidic taste, then followed with a saccharine sweet taste. It didn’t taste like a product flavored with real sugar. There was also a bit of an aftertaste left behind in the back of my throat. I felt as though I had taken some kind of tea, tossed in five packets of Sweet and Low or Splenda, then drank it.

As I took more substantial sips, I found that I didn’t notice the sweetness as much. I also noticed that there wasn’t really a defined flavor to the drink. If pressed, I’d say it tasted like a citrus fruit drink simply because of the acidic flavor. This was somewhat surprising, because I’d have thought a blue-green colored drink would have a blue raspberry taste to it. It tasted like I was drinking some sort of sweet, artificial drink as opposed to some sort of fruit drink.

The Effects

I woke up at 6:30am on the morning the day I drank the Mana Energy Potion. Usually I start yawning and feeling sleepy around 5pm. I drank the Mana Energy Potion at around 12pm, after I finished my lunch.

I didn’t start yawning until around 10pm. While the Health Energy Potion I sampled had kept me up until 1am, the Mana Energy Potion provided just enough energy to get me through the day but still allow me to fall asleep at my normal time of 11~11:30pm. I’m thinking it’s because this time I drank the energy drink at noon, as opposed to later in the evening.

There’s one other thing, which I almost was going to include in the taste section but decided would fit better here. The weird pungent/spicy/flowery scent of the Mana Energy Potion stuck with me. My breath ended up smelling exactly like the energy drink.

An interesting alternative to the Health Energy Potion

Depending on what you want in your energy drink, you’ll want either the Health or Mana Energy Potions. The Health Energy Potion seems to focus on both energy and the extra folic acid, biotin, ginseng and elderberry added in, while the Mana Energy Potion focuses on the energy and the dietary enzyme blend included in the drink. Both provided a substantial energy boost when needed, so I’d have to say a purchase would be dependent on what flavor a person prefers. I personally preferred the Health Energy Potion’s apple cinnamon flavor to the Mana Energy Potion’s undefined, possibly citrus blend. Plus the Health Energy Potion looked much more appetizing.

Read [Gamertell] Site [Harcos’ Energy Potions]

Full Story » | Written by Jenni Lada for Gamertell. | Comment on this Article »

Happy July 4, 2009!

PJ Hruschak — 2009-07-04T04:01:40+00:00

Section:

Today’s a groovy day to celebrate our nation’s independence with your family.

Go eat some grilled food products, consume a age-appropriate chilled beverage, ignite a state-approved firework or two and, of course, get in some extra time with your favorite, neglected videogame.

If you are hell bent on being at your computer, then head on over to our Gamertell Exclusive Explosive Mashup post from 2007.

Otherwise, go away.

It’s a friggin’ national holiday.

- Gamertell

Full Story » | Written by PJ Hruschak for Gamertell. | Comment on this Article »

Sony Home Update: inFamous space, EA Golf course now open

Lucy Newman — 2009-07-04T03:59:44+00:00

Section: Gaming News, Originals, Features, Lists, Consoles, PS3, Gear, Accessories, Clothing, Figures & Toys, Gear-Other, Genres, 3D, Casual, Online, Role-Playing, Game-Genres-Other

New Places to Visit

inFAMOUS

This week on Sony Home there are several new places to visit starting with the inFAMOUS space now open. Players can explore the Abandoned Docks of Empire City where they can spray paint graffiti on the walls or play Reaper Shock. In this shooting gallery style game, players can shoot bolts of electricity at Reaper targets that pop-up or move across the screen for reward items for avatars and living personal spaces.

Just as it appeared in the teaser video in a previous story on Gamertell, players can also vote or give kudos to the creators of inFAMOUS and share their graffiti with friends with one of the tools they can use in the graffiti mini-game.

Want to hear some strange phone calls? Look around the space for phone numbers and type them into the phone located near the entrance of the space.

Another first for Sony Home with its expanding world, SuckerPunch will be broadcasting exclusive media to the inFAMOUS space.

EA Sports Complex

Another new game is now available at EA’s Sports Complex. EA reorganized its sporting complex to include two floors of Texas Hold’em Poker, a green floor for beginners and a red one for tournament style gaming. A racing track level with extra tracks for players and a level with two golf courses ranges to play on. This will allow players to enter the levels they are looking for from the world map without having to walk up or down the stairs to those areas. Although the pro shops are not open yet for either the golf course or the racing lanes, it will open soon according to the PlayStation Blogs.

Patches and Fixes

Sony has been working on glitches and patches for the different areas across home. Their biggest fix took place last week which would hopefully return items that have gone missing from the player’s inventory and fix a few launching issues for those who wanted to launch into their games from Home. Sony asks if your items are still missing to please visit the PlayStation Forums and report it. They are currently working on a costume issue for those who wanted the Uncle Sam items for the Fourth of July.

Goodies at the Mall

This week there are several freebies and patriotic items available at the Mall today. For those who participated in the Humans vs Hamster dance-off two weeks ago, your prize is now available free at Threads located on the second floor of the mall located in Central Plaza.

Dance-off Items and other freebies available

Those who participated in the dance, should know the human’s won and the prizes available include:

Aviator Helmet for males available free.
Brown Fedora for females available free.
Black G-Force T-shirt for both male and female avatars available free.

Patriotic outfits and items for 4th of July

Uncle Sam’s Hat for both male and female avatars cost 15 cents at Threads.
Uncle Sam’s Tailored Suit Top for both male and female avatars cost 15 cents at Threads.
Uncle Sam’s Red and White Striped Pants for both male and female avatars cost 15 cents at Threads.
America’s Loafers for both male and female avatars cost 15 cents at Threads.
Giant Firecracker ornament at the Furniture store cost 49 cents.

The Return of Xi?

For those who thought Xi was gone for good a message on the virtual PSP news system claims changes are being made and those wanting to complete the game should do it now since it will officially close this weekend to make changes. Leaving Xi addicts like me wondering if a sequel is on its way with more mind boggling puzzles, mini-games and quests. It does make sense that in order for one world to expand some areas have to be moved or closed. Especially with more and more people appearing in the Xi: Alumni Hall recently as they complete the game. As a Xi addict staring at her trophies in her virtual harbor apartment, I sit here and hope all these changes to the Xi Space will mean more mind boggling puzzles to solve, new adventures and quests in the form of a Xi sequel. To make the Alumni Hall accessible, players no longer have to go to the Central Plaza to teleport there, its now located on the world map.

Read [Playstation Blog] Site [PlayStation]

Full Story » | Written by Lucy Newman for Gamertell. | Comment on this Article »

Tatsunoko vs. Capcom takes center stage at Anime Expo 2009

Brian Allen — 2009-07-04T03:19:51+00:00

Section: Gaming News, Consoles, Wii, Genres, 2D, Fighting

Capcom hit us with a surprising announcement at the 2009 Electronic Entertainment Expo: It’s bringing Tatsunoko vs. Capcom:Ultimate All-Stars to the United States on the Nintendo Wii.

At E3 Tatsunoko vs. Capcom picked up multiple Best Fighting Game awards, including the Game Critics award. The much-awaited game’s coming-out tour continues at Anaheim, CA’s Anime Expo July 2 through 5, 2009.

Attendees will get the first chance to put hyper-powered fists to garishly clad faces by visiting booth Booth 437-439 to deal out a few billion damage points. I’m not kidding, they measure damage in this game in this billions for a real “anime” feel.

Tatsunoko is the studio famous for anime hits including Speed Racer and Battle of the Planets. Capcom characters confirmed here include Ryu and Batsu from cult classic Rival Schools.

This game certainly looks like the spiritual successor to the Marvel vs. Capcom games that fighting game lovers still hold in wild-eyed reverence. It’s also a great get for Nintendo, as this definitely falls under the category of titles for the hardcore gamer.

The Anime Expo 2009 is at the Los Angeles Convention center July 2 through 5, 2009. A one day pass for adults is $35, a two day pass is $55 and a four day pass is $70. A four day pass for a child ages 6 to 12 is $30 and children younger than 5 get in for free.

Read [Anime News Network] Also Read [Capcom]

Full Story » | Written by Brian Allen for Gamertell. | Comment on this Article »

Casual Friday: Update for June 27-July 3, 2009

Jenni Lada — 2009-07-03T18:51:22+00:00

Section: Gaming News, Exclusives, Originals, PCs, Windows, Game-Companies, Distributors, Genres, 2D, Action, Adventure, Puzzle

It’s been something of a slow week in the casual game world. For example, most of the Big Fish Games and PlayFirst updates this week were titles that were either members only previously or already launched earlier on other sites. (Enlightenus, Wedding Dash: Ready, Aim Love, Holly 2: Magic Land, Pahelika: Secret Legends, Spiderz, etc…) Very few new casual games debuted.

Of course this helps us appreciate the weeks where tons of games are released. Besides, it isn’t like this week has been terribly barren. Lost Fortunes, Posh Boutique 2, Jane’s Zoo and Mystic Diary: Lost Brother all made their debut.

This week’s best bet is: Lost Fortunes (PC)

Mystic Diary: Lost Brother
Genre: Puzzle (Hidden Object)
Availability: Big Fish Games, Harmonic Flow
Retail Price: $6.99
Platform: Windows XP and Vista
Premise: A magician’s brother has disappeared, and it’s up to the player to help find him. A mystic diary has been left behind, and it can be used to travel around the world to find the lost man.
Demo Available: Yes

Jane’s Zoo
Genre: Strategy (Time Management)
Availability: Realore Studios
Retail Price: $19.95
Platform: Windows
Premise: Jane is saving endangered and exotic animals in Jane’s Zoo by building all sorts of refuges in Africa, Asia and Europe. Players help her manage them.
Demo Available: Yes

Lost Fortunes
Genre: Puzzle
Availability: Harmonic Flow, GameHouse, RealArcade
Retail Price: $9.99
Platform: Windows 2000, XP and Vista
Premise: An evil fortune teller is trying to steal your soul. But don’t despair! You can save yourself and the others she already captured in her crystal ball by playing and solving all sorts of minigames.
Demo Available: Yes

The Magician’s Handbook II: BlackLore
Genre: Puzzle (Hidden Object)
Availability: Big Fish Game Club (members only)
Retail Price: $6.99
Platform: Windows XP and Vista
Premise: All the magicians and fairies have been captured by the magician pirate BlackLore, because he needs their abilities to power his pirate ship. However, you are still save and have the Magician’s Handbook. With its assistance, you can stop BlackLore and set the captured people free. (It should be available to everyone in a week or so.)
Demo Available: Not to the general public

Posh Boutique 2
Genre: Strategy (Time Management)
Availability: GameHouse, RealArcade
Retail Price: $19.95
Platform: Windows 2000, XP and Vista
Premise: Alicia became a successful boutique owner in Posh Boutique, where she took over her grandmother’s stores. Now she’s won the lottery and is able to make all of her stores even more extravagent and lavish.
Demo Available: Yes

Townopolis Gold
Genre: Simulation
Availability: GameHouse
Retail Price: $19.95
Platform: You create and build your own neighborhoods.
Premise: Windows 2000, XP and Vista
Demo Available: Yes

Editor’s Note: Due to so many casual games sites offering game plans or preferred member prices, which can cause a game to have multiple price-points, the games’ average retail prices is mentioned in Casual Friday.

Site [Big Fish Games] Site [PlayFirst] Site [GameHouse] Site [eGames] Site [Alawar Games] Site [Amazon] Site [Reflexive Arcade]

Full Story » | Written by Jenni Lada for Gamertell. | Comment on this Article »

Important Importables: Angel Collection: Mezase! Gakuen no Fashion Leader review for GBA

Jenni Lada — 2009-07-03T12:31:49+00:00

Section: Reviews, Exclusives, Originals, Features, Columns, Japanese Imports, Handhelds, GBA, Game-Companies, Developers, Publishers, Genres, 2D, Casual, Children's, Sim

Title: Angel Collection: Mezase! Gakuen no Fashion Leader
Price: $48.90, but it’s out of print
System(s): GBA
Release Date: April 18, 2003
Publisher (Developer): MTO (MTO)
ESRB Rating: N/A
Pros: You get to co-ordinate your character’s whole outfit, make friends with five characters, visit lots of stores and play a wide selection of mini-games. Plus, those unfamiliar with Japanese will have a fairly easy time playing, since there are few kanji involved.
Cons: The mini-games are rather easy, as is winning over friends. It can also be a bit repetitive.
Overall Score: 8/10

When you look back on a one of your favorite games from the past, fondness and memories are bound to make it seem better than it really was. Thankfully, that’s only partially true for Angel Collection a Japanese Game Boy Advance game for girls that was one of the first import games I ever played. I borrowed the game from a friend again to do a retro-review and see if it is as good as I remembered.

While it isn’t a video game masterpiece, I was delighted to find that it still was a geniunely sweet and enjoyable game, perfect for those just beginning to learn the language. A bit girly, with a story/premise that seems more ridiculous as you age, but still a delightful adventure.

If you want to make friends, you better buy the right clothes.

Angel Collection is really like an elaborate game of dress-up. You create a character, whose dream is to be an idol/model. However, that dream’s pretty far away. After all, you’re only a junior high student. But, there is a chance of being discovered, a contest is being held where fashionable, pretty and co-ordinated girls could earn the chance to live out their dreams.

For the moment though, you have to focus on the small stuff. Make friends with classmates Ayumi, Moe, Minii, Hikaru and Sofie by playing mini-games, hanging out with them, talking to them and wearing clothes that they like. If you do, you’ll earn fashion tips and new clothing. With their advice, you could end up becoming an icon.

Go to school, play a mini-game, shop, make plans, dress up, repeat.

The important thing to remember about Angel Collection is that it is designed for a young audience. So at times, the mini-games may seem overly simplistic and the language a bit childish. Anyone over the age of 13 may initially be enthused about the school mini-games, like basketball, singing, whack-a-mole, cooking and a memory card game, but that enthusiasm will fade fast after playing at the same difficulty level for the fifteenth time. It’s a good game to play in spurts. That way, it doesn’t feel as repetitious.

There’s also quite a bit of variety when it comes to clothing. The various makeup, hair, shoe and clothes stores are all fully stocked with all sorts of items and accessories, and it’s easy to mix and match. Plus, after hanging out with one of the five friends, players have the chance to possibly win a whole outfit in that character’s style with a slot machine mini-game.

If you enjoy dressing up, co-ordinating outfits and life-sim games, it’s an instant win.

While Angel Collection isn’t as grand as I remembered it (years ago, I probably would have given it a 10/10), it’s still a lot of fun. It’s held up well over the years, and I think if it were rereleased, or a new entry in the series was created, it would do very well. If a new entry in the series was created, I wouldn’t be surprised to see Ubisoft pick it up and release it as an Imagine game.

It’s a shame the game is out of print, and thus very difficult to find. However, there was a sequel released called Pichimo ni Narou (Angel Collection 2), also for the GBA, with a similar premise and character design. I’ve never had the opportunity to play it, but it looks quite similar to the original game.

COMING NEXT WEEK: Important Importables will look at places you can find video game soundtracks.

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT: Last week Important Importables discussed the Dreamcasts.

Site [Angel Collection: Mezase! Gakuen no Fashion Leader] Site [Play-Asia] Site [YesAsia] Site [NCSX] Site [Himeya Shop] Site [Strapya World]

Full Story » | Written by Jenni Lada for Gamertell. | Comment on this Article »

Gamertell Review: Droplitz for Xbox Live

Jessica Moen — 2009-07-03T01:56:41+00:00

Section: Gaming News, Reviews, Features, Consoles, Xbox-360

Title: Droplitz
Price: 800 MP (US$8.00)
System(s): Xbox Live
Release Date: 6/24/2009
Publisher (Developer): Atlus USA, Inc.
ESRB Rating: "Everyone"
Pros: Great music and background design, different modes and varieties of game play.
Cons: Very confusing, scoring isn't clear, you can get stuck and are forced to just wait.
Overall Score:One thumb Up , one thumb Down; 79/100; C+; * * 1/2

Atlus, the makers of the popular Shin Megami games has just released a new puzzler called Droplitz. It’s an addictive, rotating, fast moving puzzle game available only on Xbox live.

OK, so maybe the addictive part is debatable but the rest is true.

I found the game to be confusing and short. I couldn’t figure out what I was doing and by the time I did, the game was over. I usually like puzzle games but not when they don’t make sense.

Dropping the Ball

The point of the game is rather simple. You rotate dials (pipes) to make pathways for little droplets of liquid to flow through. The object is to get as many of the droplets as you can into the collectors at the bottom of the puzzle.

As far as points, I gather that you get more points for getting lots of droplets into the collectors and for making multiple paths. What I didn’t understand was with certain paths I would get “2x” points or something like that, and I didn’t see what I did to merit that score, meaning I couldn’t strive to do that again. There were other occurrences where I received a score and wasn't aware why.

When you make a path, it locks into place, so you can’t turn the dials anymore. Sometimes that means that you can’t improve other possible paths so you are at a dead end.

Also after a few droplets hit the bottom, the path you used disappears and the rest of the tiles fall into a new spot, leaving you with a new board to work with. When this would happen, sometimes it would turn out that the dial at the bottom near the collectors would not be able to be turned in such a way that you could make the droplet flow into the collector. So you just have to wait until time passes and the tiles switch again. Which again leaves you at a dead end.

So basically there are two dead ends in the game, possible more. I think if a game is suppose to be fast and addictive, it should not have points in the game where you can get stuck and end up having to just wait for the next part of the game.

Even Flow

The game has different modes which adds to the variety, the modes include classic, zendurance, power up and infection. Each mode changes an element such as speed, object, or score. You unlock the modes by getting various scores in the game. We all know variety is important in a puzzle because you need a break from the repetitiveness, so that’s a good feature.

The best part of the game is the background design. They use many colors and themes in the game, such as forests, bubbles and even coffee. The scenes change as time progresses and you score points, although there are no levels.

The music is nice, too. Light, peaceful and serene, the music plays as you spin your dials and move around the board. It changes with scenes change as well. (If cool scenery isn’t important in a puzzle game, music definitely is.)

One to Think about

I have always been a fan Atlus game (eg the Persona series) and puzzle games in general but am not a big fan of this game.

It is confusing for me in several aspects and, by the time I figured out what I was doing, the game was over. It was too fast, you have to worry about losing all the little droplets and you don’t have time to concentrate on the spinning. I usually like puzzle games and can play them for a while before getting bored or frustrated but I got bored pretty fast with this one.

If you think you would enjoy the strategy and pressure of this game, then go for it. Otherwise, avoid this title.

Site [Atlus] Site [Droplitz]

Full Story » | Written by Jessica Moen for Gamertell. | Comment on this Article »

Hail to the red, white, and blue gadgets

NEWS — 2009-07-02T19:15:01+00:00

FROM GADGETELL - With Independence Day fast approaching here in the States, I thought it would be a nice time to have our own red, white and blue display. Of gadgets, of course. Ready for some bright, fun toys? Here’s a rundown of five I found. 1. The ScandiPhone This thing has apparently… MORE »

Full Story » | Written by NEWS for Gamertell. | Comment on this Article »

Atlus appearing at Anime Expo 2009 July 2-5, 2009

Jenni Lada — 2009-07-02T14:10:50+00:00

Section: Gaming News, Consoles, PS3, Wii, PCs, Windows, Handhelds, DS, PSP, Game-Companies, Publishers, Genres, 2D, 3D, Action, Role-Playing, Conventions

Video game loving Anime Expo 2009 attendees will be able to satisfy their addiction by stopping by Atlus’ booth on the show floor. It’s #1001 if you’re there and interested. The company will be there every day of the convention, so you can stop by anytime between July 2-5, 2009. To see Demon’s Souls (PS3), Trauma Team (Wii), Shin Megami Tensei: Persona (PSP), Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Survivor (DS), Neo Steam: The Shattered Continent (PC) and some other Atlus games.

There will also be free swag and playable demos throughout the convention. The most notable giveaway is a danvas print of Demon’s Souls art. It will be autographed by Takeshi Kajii, the producer of Demon’s Souls. Even better, Kajii will present the framed picture to the winner.

That’s because Takeshi Kajii is going to be at Anime Expo 2009. Atlus is holding a special Demon’s Souls: The Full Story panel on July 4, 2009 at 4pm PST, where Kajii will be speaking about the game. The game’s director, Hidetaka Miyazaki, will also appear in a prerecorded video to offer additional information and insight on the game.

Anime Expo 2009 is taking place at the Los Angeles Convention center. If you didn’t preregister, it’ll be a bit pricey to get in. For adults, a one day pass is $35, a two day pass is $55 and a four day pass is $70. A four day children’s pass for a child between 6-12 is $30, and children under 5 get in for free. The Anime Expo website is still offering “late” online registration, which will save you $5 on any of the above pass options.

Read [GamesIndustry.biz] Also Read [Anime News Network] Site [Atlus] Site [Anime Expo]

Full Story » | Written by Jenni Lada for Gamertell. | Comment on this Article »

Opinion: Only certain kinds of video games can inspire great movies

Jenni Lada — 2009-07-02T12:58:14+00:00

Section: Exclusives, Originals, Features, Opinions, Ads & Media, Movies

Fans have a love-hate relationship with movie adaptations of popular video games. For every successful transition, for example Silent Hill, there’s an In the Name of the King: A Dungeon Siege Tale or Street Fighter: The Legend of Chun-Li. Chances are, the movie isn’t going to live up to the game.

There’s a pattern though, found among the more successful video game movie adaptations. Look at the Resident Evil, Tomb Raider or Silent Hill movies. What do all three of these movies have in common? Not female protagonists, though that is a common tie. All three movies or movie series don’t strictly follow the game. Instead, they follow the spirit of the games.

Silent Hill is loosely adapted from the original Silent Hill movie, throwing in an occasional element from Silent Hill II as well. Tomb Raider possesses the same character and premise, but doesn’t try to exactly mimick any specific Tomb Raider games. The Resident Evil series of movies contains scenarios and characters from the games, but doesn’t try to portray them in the exact same way. These examples prove that video game movies tend to be successful when they follow the spirit of the game, rather than going by the exact letter and script.

So, if we follow this idea, that successful video game movies feature similar locations, series hallmarks and characters, rather than the exact storyline of video game, we can then determine what video games, and what kinds of video games, could make a big-screen transition. A game would either have to have a strict story to follow, like the original Silent Hill, or have an extremely open universe.

There are quite a few games whose storylines that could be altered and adapted to be more straightforward and streamlined. Square Enix’s Parasite Eve or The World Ends with You could work, as each game follows a somewhat linear path. Fatal Frame 2 and Siren could follow in Silent Hill‘s footsteps, showing Mio’s adventures as she struggles to find Mayu in the hidden village or a group of unsuspecting innocents tries to escape from shibuto in Hanuda. Portal, Ico and Shadow of the Colossus could inspire wonderful indepedent or art-house style movies.

Or, a studio could be smart and go with a totally new story based on an established series. I’m sure original Legend of Zelda, Metroid or Grand Theft Auto stories could be created and turned into movie scripts. Maybe follow along the lines of Resident Evil or Tomb Raider and maintain certain series’ staples while constructing a new environment and adventure. Even a simple title like Space Invaders could end up inspiring an Independence Day-esque sci-fi epic.

An argument could be made that, with enough effort and a well written script, any video game could receive a successful video game adaptation. If you look at past endeavors, however, it is still far safer to say that video game movies that choose to follow a more streamlined version of a game’s original story or contain an original story with notable moments from a game will prove more successful and be more widely accepted by fans.

Read [Gamertell]

Full Story » | Written by Jenni Lada for Gamertell. | Comment on this Article »

Michael Jackson’s Moonwalker game drawing eBay interest

Brian Allen — 2009-07-02T02:25:09+00:00

Section: Gaming News, Features, Collecting, Nostalgia

Danielle mentioned that Michael Jackson’s Moonwalker is among the more unique collectibles from theKing of Pop’s career and now speculators are moving the game on eBay.

Bids on a non-working copy of the Sega Genesis game are up to $61 at the time of this article and working copies complete with instruction manuals have fetched as much as $1,000.

Before Jackson’s untimely death, you would have been hard pressed to get $5 for this cartridge even in excellent condition. Some sellers have set pretty lofty goals and set a Buy It Now price of $1,999.99. Good luck with that, guys. For whatever reason, there isn’t as much action on his appearances in Space Channel 5 and Ready 2 Rumble Round 2.

That could be because Moonwalker is sort of a pixelated love letter to Jackson’s classic Smooth Criminal video. Or because of the pure awesomeness of the old Sega Genesis system. With collectibles, you never know what’s going to happen.

Opinions on the game’s actual quality vary. Danielle loved it, while a reviewer at Game Freaks had a completely different take. You can hit eBay and judge for yourself, just don’t buy the $60 non-working copy.

Read [Gamertell] Also Read [PlayStation Lifestyle]

Full Story » | Written by Brian Allen for Gamertell. | Comment on this Article »

Grease the game and the DS and Wii go together like ramma lamma lamma

Jenni Lada — 2009-07-01T19:21:24+00:00

Section: Gaming News, Consoles, Wii, Handhelds, DS, Ads & Media, Movies, Game-Companies, Developers, Publishers, Genres, Music

Yet another contestant for “Movies Games that Shouldn’t Happen” has stepped into the ring thanks to 505 Games and Paramount Digital Entertainment. The two companies have joined together to bring the world Grease the video game. A release date has yet to be announced, but the companies have confirmed that the game will be appearing on the DS and Wii. I guess the companies saw the success of High School Musical and decided the original high school musical deserved games too.

Grease the game is, unsurprisingly, a music and rhythm game. The Wii version will utilize the microphone and remote to allow players to sing and dance along with the cast of Grease in the famous musical numbers. The DS game will likely focus on the dancing aspect, since the press release mentions it will focus on touch screen controls.

No matter how much I think about this, I still can’t convince myself that it isn’t desecrating one of my childhood memories. Even if the DS version of the Grease game ended up being a well-made Ouendan / Elite Beat Agents clone, I’m not sure I could enjoy it. If they want to honor Grease, then include a couple of songs from the movie in an edition of SingStar or something. Don’t make a mockery of the whole thing with new video games. I mean look at how the High School Musical games came out - I don’t think the target audience was even all that thrilled about them.

Read [Worth Playing] Also Read [Casualgaming.biz]

Full Story » | Written by Jenni Lada for Gamertell. | Comment on this Article »

Gamertell Exclusive: Interview with composer Jeremy Soule about the music of zOMG!

Lucy Newman — 2009-07-01T18:23:16+00:00

Section: Exclusives, Originals, Features, Interviews, PCs, Linux, Mac, Windows, PCs-Other, Gear, Audio, Genres, 2D, Adventure, Flash, MMO, Online, Role-Playing, Strategy, Web

Since the launch of zOMG! in 2008 the game’s popularity on Gaia Online have grown by leaps and bounds with more than eight million active online subscribers.

This week Gaia Online celebrates the music of zOMG! during zOMG!fest featuring music composer and symphonist Jeremy Soule and music composer and songwriter Jeff Miyahara who has composed not only music for Gaia Online events such as the more recent Promageddon but have also worked with popular J-pop (Japanese pop music) artists.

This week Gaians have a chance to meet and talk to the composers virtually with a live in-world forum discussion. Gaia users can also receive an exclusive virtual item for their avatar and a chance to purchase the zOMG! game soundtrack.

I was given the opportunity to ask Jeremy Soule a few questions to get a better understanding of what goes into creating the music players hear while playing zOMG!

Soule has composed music for the Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic series, Harry Potter series, Company of Heroes, Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion, Guild Wars and Neverwinter Nights.

I ask Soule where he gets the inspiration to create and compose music for zOMG!

“I worked very much in the same manner for zOMG! as I do for any game in that I try to absorb as much as I can about the game play, art direction and overall mood of the game,” Soule explained. “Dave Georgeson (zOMG! senior producer/creative director) and I had discussed the different themes and goals of the game to a degree where I felt the creative process we had was quite smooth.”

I asked Soule if there were any challenges he had faced when creating the music for a constantly growing game like zOMG!

“The game is ever expanding as it is an online flash based MMO. In this way, we’ve had to think far in advance of how we will grow this property. Fortunately, we have my efforts plus a catalog of thousands of songs from Naxos [Records] to make sure that we never run out of great content,” he said then laughed. “We want the experience to always feel rich, fun, vibrant and a total alternative to boring homework.”
Soule added that he tries to make sure that the music the players hear in the game will be a rich experience for them and tries to incorporate a lot of classical music into the soundtrack of zOMG!

“I wanted players to feel a sense of quality. I strove to write music that was very melodic and in-depth but the music provided by DirectSong’s relationship with Naxos Records ensured that some of the greatest (classical music) composers of all time were represented in the game. The one thing about classical music is that most people take it for granted without really fully appreciating how amazing it really is. Not everything sounds like a prissy harpsichord or big tympani,” Soule explained. “The range of some of the music in zOMG! is quite unsurpassed and quite entertaining. Walt Disney built his company on Classical music and my approach to Gaia has been very similar. We hope that over time, players will gain a real ear for knowing the difference between Debussy and Mozart.”

Right now there’s no definite date as to when Version 1.0 will be released but the zOMG! music fest is still going on for anyone curious about Jeremy Soule or music composer and songwriter Jeff Miyahara as well as a chance to receive a virtual item or purchase the zOMG! soundtrack.

Those interested in trying zOMG! would have to first register for free on Gaia Online and join the rest of the community in zOMG! or participate in one of many games available on Gaia Online or chat with friends.

Site [zOMG!fest] Site [Jeremy Soule’s Official Website] Site [Gaia Online]

Full Story » | Written by Lucy Newman for Gamertell. | Comment on this Article »

Appletell’s Red, White and iBoo giveaway

NEWS — 2009-07-01T17:45:29+00:00

FROM APPLETELL - Appletell is celebrating Independence Day with it Red, White and iBoo giveaway. One winner will get to select a red, white or blue iBoo iPod Docking Station and 2.1 speaker system from Speakal
MORE »

Full Story » | Written by NEWS for Gamertell. | Comment on this Article »

Gamertell Exclusive: Interview with senior producer, creative director Dave Georgeson about zOMG!

Lucy Newman — 2009-07-01T16:52:02+00:00

Section: Exclusives, Originals, Features, Interviews, PCs, Linux, Mac, Windows, PCs-Other, Genres, 2D, Adventure, Casual, Flash, MMO, Online, Role-Playing, Strategy, Web, Game-Genres-Other

Since the free browser-based MMMORPG zOMG! started allowing players in 2008, it has been widely talked about in the forums. Guilds have formed to help others complete quests and meet other players who love the game.

I had a chance to talk with zOMG! senior producer and creative director Dave Georgeson and got an update on what has been happening on zOMG! and find out about future updates.

“We are currently in Open Beta, so it’s only the users that are excited by watching a game change and refine around them that play on a regular basis right now. We’ve had a couple million unique players since we launched Open Beta, however, our focus is not really on driving up the number of users at the moment. Instead, we’re focused on “fun factor” and refining the interfaces and learning curves as we prepare for “Version 1.0” later this year,” Georgeson said and when asked about the “fun factor” that is drawing players to the game. He said, “Lots of things. Our visuals are clearly unique, our game play is flexible and unusual (getting even more so by the time we officially launch).”

He said the Gaia community continues to grow because players have found a unique form of entertainment.

“Our community is creative, intelligent, and enthusiastic. Gaia Online has a community of over 8 million unique people logging into it each month. They come to our site because they can get something here that they can’t get anywhere else,” Georgeson said comparing today’s number of users to the one he remembered when he started at Gaia Online.

“When I came to this company a little over two years ago, we only had 3 million uniques a month. We’re clearly doing something right. zOMG! gives them more of what they already like from the Gaia Online site, and then wrap it all in action, game play, and socialization. We’re a ‘20-ring circus’ that’s getting bigger with each passing day. By the time we launch [the next version] there will be something here for every kind of gamer.”

Georgeson said the most popular feature of zOMG! is the ability to change you avatar’s abilities by swapping rings.

“Our game is all about flexibility, widely-varied features and opportunities, and intuitive gameplay,” he explained. “The system we have for player skills is extremely flexible. We allow players to wear up to eight rings, with each ring being its own skill or power. To change what they are, they merely have to swap out rings. This is even more powerful and flexible than it seems at first glance.”

He said for instance, if no one in your group has the ability to heal you can switch to a healing ring if its in your inventory, then equip.

“Even cooler than that, did one of your friends just join the game as a total newbie? In most MMOs, you (as a veteran player) would be unable to play with that friend because you’d be too powerful to journey with him. Not in our game. You can easily either swap out your rings with less powerful ones, or “suppress” your ring power so that you play at the same level as your newbie friend,” Georgeson said. Then explained that the other popular feature about zOMG! is that its free. “And, of course, it requires no download, thus removing any reason to not try it out. It’s fun, which is what a game is supposed to be, right?”

Right now there’s no definite date as to when Version 1.0 will be released but zOMG! is still fun for anyone curious about the game. It’s not that hard to get started as you have a virtual guide to get you started and familiarize you with the controls of the game.

Better yet, there is no need to download anything to play or participate in this or any other game on Gaia. Just register for free on Gaia Online and join the rest of the community in zOMG!, play one of many games available on Gaia Online or chat with friends.

Site [Gaia Online]

Full Story » | Written by Lucy Newman for Gamertell. | Comment on this Article »

EA discouraging used Sims 3 game sales with registration

Jenni Lada — 2009-07-01T15:26:34+00:00

Section: Gaming News, Exclusives, Originals, Features, Research-Studies, PCs, Mac, Windows, Game-Companies, Developers, Publishers, Genres, 3D, Sim

Thinking about purchasing The Sims 3? Good for you. Thinking about purchasing it used? Think again.

Thanks to certain procedures set in place by EA regarding the game, you must register your copy in order to gain access to The Sims 3 community website and store. If you’ve purchased a used game and someone already registered it, prepare to jump through hoops in hope of attaining access.

I’ve experienced firsthand the ordeal bargain hunters who shop used will have to go through, and chronicled my experience in an attempt to assist other users. With the used game business being so prevalent, I’m sure I’m not the only person who’ll encounter a twisting and turning adventure with a used copy of The Sims 3.

My adventures began shortly after I purchased The Sims 3 at a Goodwill Store in Illinois for $9.99. The box claimed if one registered, the user could receive $10 worth of Sim Points and an additional neighborhood. Since all the appropriate documentation was in the case and the security stickers were still affixed to the top and bottom, I decided I would register and see if I’d be granted access to these bonuses as well.

When I attempted to register at The Sims 3 website, I received an unfortunate error message stating I was unable to register and would not be granted access to certain areas of the site. However, the site didn’t provide an explanation why. I remembered hearing other users who’d purchased the game new had run into similar experiences. I decided to consult with tech support. While it would be nice to get the additional town and free Sim Points, my primary concern was that I would be unable to accessThe Sims 3 exchange, forum or store, and perhaps even be unable to patch the game.

I first touch based with The Sims 3 customer support on June 14, 2009 at 5:43pm. I provided my serial number and stated that the site would not allow me to register due to the serial number being invalid. The site informed me that I would receive a response within 24 hours.

At 7:27am on June 16, 2009 I received my first response. It read as follows:

Greetings,

Thank you for contacting Electronic Arts.

Sorry for the delayed response. Because of our new launch ‘The Sims 3’ we are getting a little higher than normal volume

I have reviewed our Knowledge Base and located an article that may assist with resolving your issue. Our Knowledge Base is consistently updated to ensure that you can reference it for even the most recent issues.

Please go through the below mentioned link:

https://easims.custhelp.com/cgi-bin/easims.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=22219

If you have anyquestions about this material or have any additionalquestions about your issue, please let us know.

Sincerely,

EA Rep _______
PlayerRelations
Electronic Arts

The response sounded automated, as though copied and pasted. It offered instructions on redeeming Free Sim Points. Not what I was requesting help with. I immediately responded at 9:20am with the following.

Hi ______,

The link that you sent me is not applicable to my situation at all. I have gone to My Account and attempted to register my game with the serial number XXXX-XXXX-XXXX-XXXX-XXXX. Every time I enter the serial number, the site states that it is not a valid serial number. So, I am unable to register my game. However, I had no problem installing my game with that serial number.

I received a rather prompt response at 9:58am. The EA Rep asked for my full name, account e-mail address, alternate/active e-mail address, date of birth and zip code. I responded back at 10:17am with the requested information, and also informed the EA Rep I had purchased the game at Goodwill and gave the serial number again.

The EA Rep’s next response came June 17 at 4:26am.

Greetings

Thank you for getting back to Electronic Arts

I would like to inform you that you have provided wrong information .

The registration code that you have provided is : XXXX-XXXX-XXXX-XXXX-XXXX. which has been used for registration for some other email address .The Email address that you have provided is: ______@______.com has not been registered for the given code that you have provided .

Please provide us the correct information regarding your account so that we can assist you further !

Regards

Ea Rep ______

At this point, my suspicions that the previous user had already registered the game were confirmed. Perhaps the other user had purchased the game, was displeased with the bugs, errors and new direction, and donated it. Perhaps the other user had opted to download the free digital copy of the game with the EA Download Manager and decided the actual hard copy was no longer needed.

I then decided to offer a final plea on June 17 at 8:26am.

Is there any way I can still register my used copy of the game so I can have access to patches? The “no ultraspeed” and story mode that won’t turn off are incredibly annoying and I want to be able to patch my copy the second patches are available.

Does EA offer any support or registration options to players who purchased used copies of The Sims 3?

The EA Rep then requested a scanned copy of the manual. I took a photo with my laptop’s webcamera and sent it along.

Meanwhile, I was getting a bit frustrated by the rate at which the issue was being addressed through the online support center. I decided to try my luck with the EA Technical Support hotline. I called right when the line opened at 8am PST on June 17, 2009 to see if I could find any kind of assistance there.

When I first explained my plight, the EA tech support representative offered me this option. Buy another, new copy of the game. “The Sims 3 is available in most major retailers or as a direct download!” he chirped. I then explained that my budget doesn’t really allow for a $49.99 game purchase, especially when I have a copy that I can play, but can’t register.

To his credit, the EA tech support representative I spoke with on the phone was very cheerful and attempted to accommodate me. He asked for the registration code and told me he would try to get the log-in information that accompanied it so I could access the various features. Unfortunately, he was unable to do so.

He then offered another solution. Contact the EA Warranty department and tell them I had lost the manual. He stated that for a $10-13 money order, I could receive a digital manual with a new registration code which I could then use to register my game.

Later that night, at 6:02pm, I received a final email response at the EA help center:

Greetings Jenni,

Thank you for writing back to us.

We searched with code and found that it is already registered to a different EA account (some “__________@____.com” account). If you already posses such EA account then we suggest you to login to game with that EA account to play the game. However, If you do not have any such EA account then we request you to contact the retailer to get a replacement copy of the game.

Should you have any further questions, please take a moment to review our Knowledge Base site at http://support.ea.com or let us know.

ThankYou,

EARep ______
EA Games support.

I came to one conclusion, after my experiences with EA’s technical support. EA does not want people purchasing used copies of The Sims 3.

I decided to try to make contact with one of EA’s press representatives, to try and get an official statement and advice from EA concerning options for users who purchased used copies of The Sims 3. Unfortunately, a press representative from EA could not be reached to comment on EA’s stance concerning used copies of The Sims 3.

In closing, a used copy of The Sims 3 may not be the good deal it appears to be. If you eventually want access to the website and store, you’ll either have to pay at least an additional $10 for a replacement manual with a new registration code or an additional $49.99 for fresh copy of the game. Thankfully, the free downloads in the Sims 3 Store, like the Toyota Prius car, and the game updates don’t require any registration to download and install into your game.

Site [The Sims 3]

Full Story » | Written by Jenni Lada for Gamertell. | Comment on this Article »

Gamertell Review: Steambot Chronicles: Battle Tournament for PSP

Jenni Lada — 2009-07-01T12:53:19+00:00

Section: Reviews, Exclusives, Originals, Handhelds, PSP, Game-Companies, Developers, Publishers, Genres, 3D, Action, Fighting, Role-Playing

Title: Steambot Chronicles: Battle Tournament
Price: $39.99
System(s): PSP
Release Date: June 30, 2009
Publisher (Developer): Atlus (Irem)
ESRB Rating: “Everyone 10+”
Pros: Lots of great voice acting, tons of Trotmobile customization, lots of environmental detail, the main character has lots of dialogue options, Trotmobile battles and missions move quickly and are fun to accomplish. Lots of freedom. Single UMD multiplayer.
Cons: Tank-style controls can be a bit cumbersome initially. It’d be nice of the dialogue options had more of an effect on the actual story. A “save anywhere” or quicksave option would have been nice.
Overall Score: Two thumbs up, 92/100, A-, * * * * out of 5

I missed out on Atlus and Irem’s original Steambot Chronicles for the PlayStation 2, something I’d always regretted since I’d heard it was quite interesting. So, when I heard that Atlus had picked up the PSP game Steambot Chronicles: Battle Tournament, I was quite pleased and excited about the game.

If you played the original Steambot Chronicles, don’t be expecting more of the same in Steambot Chronicles: Battle Tournament. Both are essentially sandbox games, where the player gets to choose what to do and when, but there are substantial differences. Steambot Chronicles was a more story driven, action game. Steambot Chronicles: Battle Tournament is more of an action RPG/fighting combo with more of a focus on the player’s daily life.

Have Trotmobile, will travel.

Steambot Chronicles: Battle Tournament takes place in Orion City and the area surrounding it. The player is a new resident, a Trotmobile driver drawn to the area by the allure of tournaments, fame and fortune.

When he (or she!) first arrives in Orion City, the player befriends a mechanic and learns the basics about upgrading a Trotmobile, taking missions to earn money and fame and entering tournaments to become more established. After spending about ten or fifteen minutes doing that, it’s all in the players’ hands. While Steambot Chronicles: Battle Tournament is about earning the right to participate in battle tournaments, it’s also about doing whatever makes you happy.

For the most part, an incredibly accomodating and personal play experience.

There are a few things players need to adjust to in Steambot Chronicles: Battle Tournament. For starters, the character art doesn’t resemble the anime style used in many games, and instead is reminiscent of Western cartoons and character art.

The controls also take a bit of getting used to. The control scheme for Trotmobiles resemble tank controls, with the square and triangle buttons controlling the right and left arms, the directional pad’s forward and back buttons to move forward and in reverse and the shoulder buttons to change directions. Thankfully, the first few missions and D class battle tournament are fairly simple and provide ample opportunity for players to master their Trot control skills.

Other than that, Steambot Chronicles: Battle Tournament is an incredibly user friendly experience where the player is in complete control. You choose everything your character says. You create the Trotmobile that works best for you. You play only missions you want to play. It’s a wonderful, portable experience.

Plus, it also features single UMD multiplayer, a rarity among PSP games. Instead of needing two to four UMDs to have multiple players participate in Trotmobile battles, you can get by with only one and game-sharing.

Choose your own adventures in a steam-powered world.

Steambot Chronicles: Battle Tournament is a very well-rounded game that ideally appeals to all action-RPG fans. Yes, there is the overall goal of becoming the number one Trotmobile battler in the Orion City tournaments, but this goal isn’t forced upon you. The ultimate goal is to find something you enjoy doing in the game, and then doing it. It’s all about what makes you happy, not following a path Orion City’s NPCs construct for you. It’s more than a game for mech fans, any gamer who enjoys customizing machines, taking on missions and exploring could find Steambot Chronicles: Battle Tournament interesting.

In a way, Steambot Chronicles: Battle Tournament reminds me a bit of the popular Monster Hunter series of games. Except, where in Monster Hunter pretty much every mission involves going out and hunting down monsters, Steambot Chronicles: Battle Tournament offers quite a bit more variety when it comes to objectives for players to fulfill.

Site [Steambot Chronicles: Battle Tournament]

Full Story » | Written by Jenni Lada for Gamertell. | Comment on this Article »

App it Up: Stuck Genie

NEWS — 2009-07-01T12:09:21+00:00

FROM APPLETELL - Stuck Genie will not be a top app for the majority of iPhone gamers, but you’re likely to keep it on your iPhone or iPod touch because it’s always good for a quick gaming session.
MORE »

Full Story » | Written by NEWS for Gamertell. | Comment on this Article »

PlayStation Store Update: An addictive new puzzle, playing the big leagues (June 28 to July 4, 2009)

Lucy Newman — 2009-07-01T00:29:47+00:00

Section: Features, Lists, Previews, Consoles, PS3, Handhelds, PSP, Gear, Audio, Gear-Other, Updates, Playstation-Store

This week’s newest PS3 download is Droplitz by Altus for $9.99. In this game, players must solve puzzles by twisting and connecting mismatched dials to combine or link pipes together to guide the droplets of water down towards the drain. Can we say pipes on acid? Players must work quickly to turn the pipes to safely move the droplets and the more you move, the trickier the pipe combination you must twist and turn to score on various board sizes, different play modes and maps.

This week’s newest movie download will have viewers following the trail of the clumsy French Inspector Jacques Clouseau in The Pink Panther 2 for $14.99 (in SD Format). Starring Steve Martin and John Cleese, this comedy is rated PG for mild language and action.

PlayStation One Classics:

Mobile Light Force (PS3/PSP/$5.99)

Downloadable Games:

Brothers in Arms D-Day (PSP/$14.99)
Chessmaster: The Art of Learning (PSP/$19.99)
Driver 76 (PSP/$19.99)
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (PSP/$19.99)

Featured Demos:

The BIGS 2 Demo (PS3/Free)

Bonus Game Contents:

Little Big Planet Summer Solstice Costume (PS3/Free)
MotorStorm Pacific Rift Wombat Signature Livery Pack (PS3/Free)
Dynasty Warriors Strikeforce Pack 2 (PSP/Free)
Cross Edge Mystery Synth Pack (PS3/Free)
Cross Edge Mighty Rare Pack (PS3/Free)
Cross Edge Additional Dungeon 1 (PS3/Free)
High Velocity Bowling 60’s Surf Ball Pack (PS3/99 cents)
High Velocity Bowling Tiki Polynesian Ball Pack (PS3/99 cents)
Little Big Planet Artist Sticker Pack - Jon Burgerman (PS3/$1.99)
Cuboid Booster Pack (PS3/2.99)
Cuboid Level Editor (PS3/3.99)
Disgaea 3: Absence Of Justice Class World Command Attack Mode (PS3/$3.99)
Cuboid Bundle Pack (PS3/4.99)

Guitar Hero World Tour Music Packs:

Phish Live Track Pack (PS3/$5.49)

Individual Songs:

“Chalk Dust Torture (Live)” by Phish (PS3/$1.99)
“Down With Disease (Live)” by Phish (PS3/$1.99)
“Sample in a Jar” by Phish (PS3/$1.99)

Rock Band Music Packs:

Pearl Jam “Ten” Bonus Pack (PS3/$5.49)

Individual Songs:

“Alive” by Pearl Jam (PS3/$1.99)
“Brother” by Pearl Jam (PS3/$1.99)
“State of Love and Trust” by Pearl Jam (PS3/$1.99)

Maroon 5 Pack 1 (PS3/$5.49)

Individual Songs:

“Little of Your Time” by Maroon 5 (PS3/$1.99)
“Makes Me Wonder” by Maroon 5 (PS3/$1.99)
“Wake Up Call” by Maroon 5 (PS3/$1.99)

Warped Tour 2009 Pack 1 (PS3/$8.49)

Individual Songs:

“21st Century (Digital Boy)” by Bad Religion (PS3/$1.99)
“The Downfall of Us All” by A Day to Remember (PS3/$1.99)
“The Flood” by Escape the Fate (PS3/$1.99)
“I Didn’t Say I Was Powerful, I Said I Was a Wizard” by Chiodos (PS3/$1.99)
“Reinventing Your Exit” by Underoath (PS3/$1.99)

Rock Band Unplugged bonus content:

“Afterlife” by Avenged Sevenfold (PSP/$1.99)
“Dr. Feelgood” by Motley Crue (PSP/$1.99)

Free Game Trailers:

inFAMOUS Commercial (PS3/Free)
Mini Ninjas Gameplay Trailer (PS3/Free
Mini Ninjas Hiro Trailer (PS3/Free)
Monster Hunter: Freedom Unite Handover Video (PS3/Free)
Monster Hunter: Freedom Unite Hunt Video (PS3/Free)
The Saboteur E3 Trailer (PS3/Free)
Darksiders Story Trailer (PS3/Free)
The BIGS 2 Legendary Catches & Big Slams (PS3/Free)
The BIGS 2 Teaser Trailer (PS3/Free)

New Movies to Rent or Own:

Burn Notice, Six Pack - Spy Tricks of the Trade. Rated TV-PG (SD Format/$1.99)
Weeds: Season 4. Rated TV-MA (SD Format/$1.99)
Taken. Rated PG-13 (Rent/SD Format/$3.99)
Taken. Rated PG-13 (Rent/HD Format/$5.99)
Taken. Rated PG-13 (Own/SD Format/$14.99)
He’s Just Not That Into You. Rated PG-13 (Rent/SD Format/$3.99)
He’s Just Not That Into You. Rated PG-13 (Rent/HD Format/$5.99)
He’s Just Not That Into You. Rated PG-13 (Own/SD Format/$14.99)
Waltz With Bashir. Rated R (SD Format/$14.99)

Wallpapers and Themes:

Battlefield 1943 Theme (PS3/Free)
Elven X Theme 5 (PSP/99 cents)
Elven X Theme 6 (PSP/99 cents)
Elven X III Theme (PS3/$1.49)

Read [PlayStation Store Blog] Site [PlayStation]

Full Story » | Written by Lucy Newman for Gamertell. | Comment on this Article »

Gadgetell visits with TechVi to talk about the Pirate Bay sale

NEWS — 2009-07-01T00:21:12+00:00

FROM GADGETELL - Gadgetell’s own JG Mason visited with Doug Aamoth from CrunchGear on Randall Bennett’s tech show, TechVi to talk about the latest Pirate Bay news. The company has been sold to a gaming company. Does this sale make any sense? What’s next from the Pirate Bay guys? Find out what JG… MORE »

Full Story » | Written by NEWS for Gamertell. | Comment on this Article »

Battlefield Heroes sports some MJ inspired threads (updated)

Jeremy Hill — 2009-06-30T16:24:37+00:00

Section: Gaming News, PCs, Windows, Game-Companies, Developers, Publishers, Genres, 3D, Action, FPS, Shooter, Online, Updates, Game-Content

UPDATE: EA is not charging a fee, Battlefunds or otherwise, for the Michael Jackson outfits in Battlefield Heroes.

We can choose to look at EA’s actions in one of two ways - they’re either paying homage to the late Michael Jackson, or cashing in on his death. Either way it will release two awfully familiar costumers for Battlefield Heroes in July 2009.

The first costume is the Smooth Suit inspired by “Smooth Criminal” and the second is the Thuggin Outfit inspired by “Bad.” In order to get these costumes you’ll have to cough up 420 Battlefunds ($3), the currency used to purchase items in Battlefield Heroes. You’ll have to use real money in order to buy Battlefunds in quantities of 700, 1400, 2800 and 7000.

Battlefield Heroes came out of closed beta phase last week and is available to anyone to play online for free. The game will make money via the Battlefunds systems, but maybe it’s a little too soon to charge for Michael Jackson inspired clothing.

Read [Kotaku] Via [IncGamers] Site [Battlefield Heroes]

Full Story » | Written by Jeremy Hill for Gamertell. | Comment on this Article »

Majesco announces The Daring Game for Girls for DS, Wi

Jessica Moen — 2009-06-30T15:28:59+00:00

Section: Gaming News, Originals, Features, Consoles, Wii, Handhelds, DS

All young girls dream of having adventures like rafting down the Amazon, mountain climbing, or exploring deep caves. The Daring Book for Girls series allowed girls to have these adventures while safely sitting on their couch.

This best selling book series by William Morrow (imprint of HarperCollins) is now being made into a series of video games for the Wii and DS, The Daring Game for Girls, by Majesco. Players will take on a series of challenges that will make them feel like they are right in the middle of the action.

The games, like the book series, are designed for the female spirit. It guides players in adventures and activities designed specifically for a girl’s adventurous mind. Boys may have fun with this game too, as long as they are ok with playing as a girl and doing more girl oriented activities.

The Daring Game for Girls will have adventures taken directly from the book series. In this adventure style game, players can choose from a wide variety of characters of different ethnicities and facial features. Aside from cave exploring and mountain climbing, the game will be full of mini games as well, with basketball, freeze tag, arts and crafts, and even spy missions. Players will earn gear and collectibles as they play as well.

There's an educational element as well, with famous women from history popping up and even a few quizzes to test your knowledge. By earning all six different types of badges, including Girl Lore, Life Skills and World Knowledge, girls can unlock the new locations Africa, the Amazon, and Mt. McKinley.

These games are a big step in the effort to get girls interested in video games. Surely any fan of the book series will jump at a chance to play these games on their DS or Wii. The first game is expected to be released October 2009.

Site [Majesco Entertainment.]

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Nintendo Downloads for June 29, 2009

Danielle Riendeau — 2009-06-29T19:31:03+00:00

Section: Originals, Features, Columns, Nostalgia, Opinions, Consoles, Wii, Handhelds, DS, Updates, Wii-Virtual-Console

Can you say, “the dog days of summer”? This Nintendo download update is certainly on the sedate side, with 2 water-based titles on WiiWare (including a fishing game!) and Sudoku (yes, Sudoku!) on DSiWare. I’m interested in the sole VC release, Fantasy Zone II: The Tears of Opa-Opa, and potentially Silver Star Reversi on WiiWare, but if you’re still not satisfied, hell, Natsume does make a mean fishing game. Nintendo adds to it’s virtual game stores each Monday at 9 AM Pacific, and Wii points may be purchased at a rate of $1=100.

Nintendo’s Descriptions:

WiiWare

Water Warfare
Publisher: Hudson Entertainment
Players: 1-8
ESRB Rating: E10+ (Everyone 10 and Older) - Cartoon Violence
Price: 800 Wii Points
Description: Water Warfare is a comical first-person shooter that uses water guns to battle and soak opponents. A map with a particular theme - Playground, Beach, Plaza or Nature Park - is generated automatically when the game begins, so you can think up new strategies each time you engage. Game modes include Single Player Missions, CPU Match and 2-Player Split Screen. On top of that, players with broadband Internet access can use Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection to battle with up to eight players from around the world, or participate in Ranking Mode.

Reel Fishing Challenge
Publisher: Natsume, Inc.
Players: 1
ESRB Rating: E (Everyone)
Price: 500 Wii Points
Description: Reel Fishing Challenge offers a fun and challenging experience for novice fishers and master anglers alike. Put your skills to the test and discover new types of fish in the challenging mission mode, or relax and enjoy the game at your own pace in free play mode. No matter which mode you play, the game’s beautiful graphics and natural setting bring the fishing experience to life. Choose from a variety of lures to attract and hook the game’s numerous fish. Each fish looks and moves like the real thing - it’s the closest you can get to real-life fishing without putting on your waders.

Silver Star Reversi
Publisher: Agetec, Inc.
Players: 1-2
ESRB Rating: E (Everyone)
Price: 500 Wii Points
Description: Silver Star Reversi has two modes: 1-Player mode allows you to play a match against the computer opponent, and 2-Player mode allows you to play against another person. In 1-Player mode, you can choose from five different computer opponents, turn the background music on or off, adjust sound effects and access in-game help features. During each match, you can also redo your last move, save the game at any point, or resign from the game. After a match has ended, you can review each move and resume the match from any point you choose.

Virtual Console

Fantasy Zone II: The Tears of Opa-Opa
Original platform: SEGA MASTER SYSTEM
Publisher: SEGA
Players: 1
ESRB Rating: E (Everyone) - Mild Cartoon Violence
Price: 500 Wii Points
Description: Ten years have elapsed since Opa-Opa restored peace to the Fantasy Zone. Now history is repeating itself, and the planets that make up the Fantasy Zone once again find themselves attacked by the mastermind of the Nenon planet forces. This mastermind is secretly constructing a huge fortress in the Fantasy Zone and aims to put an end to their ambitious plans. Just as he did 10 years ago, Opa-Opa must do battle to save the Fantasy Zone.

Nintendo DSiWare

SUDOKU MASTER
Publisher: Hudson Entertainment
Players: 1
ESRB Rating: E (Everyone)
Price: 500 Nintendo DSi Points
Description: SUDOKU MASTER offers 150 unique puzzles that beginners and experts alike will enjoy. A handful of tutorials will help you learn the rules and controls as you go, and handy features like Write Mode and Temp Numbers make Sudoku pleasantly user-friendly. Feeling confident? Then try your hand at Title Mode to work your way up from Rookie to Sudoku Master. All puzzles were created by Sudoku veteran NIKOLI Co., Ltd., and tips from Sudoku godfather Maki Kaji are offered between games.

Read Nintendo Life

Full Story » | Written by Danielle Riendeau for Gamertell. | Comment on this Article »

Rumor: Sony PSP phone in the works?

NEWS — 2009-06-29T17:20:45+00:00

FROM GADGETELL - In order to stay competitive with Apple, Sony is considering adding cell phone functionality to its portable gaming console, the PSP. The phone and game hybrid may not be marketed under the PSP name, but the device will likely have many of the similar features of the Sony PSP, including… MORE »

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Double the YouTube: Now you can upload 2GB videos

NEWS — 2009-06-29T17:16:07+00:00

FROM GADGETELL - Fans of YouTube should be happy, since they have just doubled the size of uploads for users from 1GB to 2GB. The change counts for regular account holders, no fancy account status needed. According to the company, the increase is to compensate for users’ HD uploads. This is a pretty… MORE »

Full Story » | Written by NEWS for Gamertell. | Comment on this Article »

Gamertell

PlayFirst releases Diner Dash t-shirts for gals on the go

Appletell Review: Firemint’s Real Racing for iPhone and iPod touch

Gamertell Review: Super Robot Taisen OG Saga: Endless Frontier for DS

A game made for the fans.

Endless Frontier is a cleverly written RPG where you need skills to succeed.

Another unexpected gem from Atlus.

Rumor: Next PSP might include a quad core chip

McFarlane’s makin’ more Halo toys

Peggle and World of Warcraft collide in an unexpected manner

Gamertell Review: Naruto: Clash of the Ninja Revolution 2 for Wii

A strange jutsu is turning ninja against ninja.

Ninjas have a very active lifestyle.

A fun, and fairly affordable, Wii fighter.

Gamertell Review: 101-in-1 Explosive Megamix for DS

101 possibilities to play.

101-in-1 Explosive Megamix* (* 10 available, earn the other 91)

Slightly better than the standard budget mini-game collections.

Gadgetell Guide: Should I buy headphones or earbuds?

Watch Michael Jackson memorial service live online today

More that 13,000 games in the Apple App Store and counting

Gamertell Review: Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Survivor for DS

Seven days to change your destiny and stop a demonic invasion.

With all the branching paths, multiple save slots should be mandatory.

All DS-owning RPG fans should own Devil Survivor.

PlayStation Store Update: The Punisher shows no mercy, bonus content, too (July 5 to July 11, 2009)

Help Atelier Annie use alchemy to build a resort and attract a prince

Gamertell Review: Harcos’ Mana Energy Potion

The Look

The Taste

The Effects

An interesting alternative to the Health Energy Potion

Top 10 Gamertell posts for the week of June 28, 2009

Happy July 4, 2009!

Sony Home Update: inFamous space, EA Golf course now open

New Places to Visit

inFAMOUS

EA Sports Complex

Patches and Fixes

Goodies at the Mall

Dance-off Items and other freebies available

Patriotic outfits and items for 4th of July

The Return of Xi?

Tatsunoko vs. Capcom takes center stage at Anime Expo 2009

Casual Friday: Update for June 27-July 3, 2009

Important Importables: Angel Collection: Mezase! Gakuen no Fashion Leader review for GBA

If you want to make friends, you better buy the right clothes.

Go to school, play a mini-game, shop, make plans, dress up, repeat.

If you enjoy dressing up, co-ordinating outfits and life-sim games, it’s an instant win.

Gamertell Review: Droplitz for Xbox Live

Dropping the Ball

Even Flow

One to Think about

Hail to the red, white, and blue gadgets

Atlus appearing at Anime Expo 2009 July 2-5, 2009

Opinion: Only certain kinds of video games can inspire great movies

Michael Jackson’s Moonwalker game drawing eBay interest

Grease the game and the DS and Wii go together like ramma lamma lamma

Gamertell Exclusive: Interview with composer Jeremy Soule about the music of zOMG!

Appletell’s Red, White and iBoo giveaway

Gamertell Exclusive: Interview with senior producer, creative director Dave Georgeson about zOMG!

EA discouraging used Sims 3 game sales with registration

Gamertell Review: Steambot Chronicles: Battle Tournament for PSP

Have Trotmobile, will travel.

For the most part, an incredibly accomodating and personal play experience.

Choose your own adventures in a steam-powered world.

App it Up: Stuck Genie

PlayStation Store Update: An addictive new puzzle, playing the big leagues (June 28 to July 4, 2009)

Gadgetell visits with TechVi to talk about the Pirate Bay sale

Battlefield Heroes sports some MJ inspired threads (updated)

Majesco announces The Daring Game for Girls for DS, Wi

Nintendo Downloads for June 29, 2009

Rumor: Sony PSP phone in the works?

Double the YouTube: Now you can upload 2GB videos