Guitar Hero World Tour Songs

Activision-Blizzard have released the official Guitar Hero World Tour songlist/tracklist and have announced a release date: October 26, 2008. The battle of the virtual bands is officially on, and Guitar Hero World Tour has stepped up to the fight with this official 86 track setlist.

While 86 songs is impressive, what really sets Guitar Hero World Tour apart from the Rock Band soundtrack is that they are all master tracks. I can only imagine the begging and legal nightmare it was, but the on-disc music is the original stuff, offering the one of the biggest, most varied music-rhythm videogame songlists to date.

Guitar Hero World Tour will have you jamming as Jimi Hendrix, The Doors, Van Halen, Metallica, Ozzy Osbourne, Michael Jackson and more of the greatest rock artists of all time. The GHWT setlist spans over 40 years of rock history. But enough with the hype, this is what you came here for, the official 86 track Guitar Hero World Tour songlist: 311 - "Beautiful Disaster" 30 Seconds To Mars - "The Kill" Airbourne - "Too Much Too Young" The Allman Brothers Band - "Ramblin' Man" Anouk - "Good God" The Answer - "Never Too Late" At The Drive-In - "One Armed Scissor" Beastie Boys - "No Sleep Till Brooklyn" Beatsteaks - "Hail to the Freaks" Billy Idol - "Rebel Yell" Black Label Society - "Stillborn" Black Rebel Motorcycle Club - "Weapon of Choice" blink-182 - "Dammit" Blondie - "One Way or Another" Bob Seger & The Silver Bullet Band - "Hollywood Nights" Bon Jovi - "Livin' On A Prayer" Bullet For My Valentine - "Scream Aim Fire" Coldplay - "Shiver" Creedence Clearwater Revival - "Up Around The Bend" The Cult - "Love Removal Machine" Dinosaur Jr. - "Feel The Pain" The Doors - "Love Me Two Times" Dream Theater - "Pull Me Under" The Eagles - "Hotel California" The Enemy - "Aggro" Filter - "Hey Man, Nice Shot" Fleetwood Mac - "Go Your Own Way" Foo Fighters - "Everlong" The Guess Who - "American Woman" Hush Puppies - "You're Gonna Say Yeah!" Interpol - "Obstacle 1" Jane's Addiction - "Mountain Song" Jimi Hendrix - "Purple Haze (Live)" Jimi Hendrix - "The Wind Cries Mary" Jimmy Eat World - "The Middle" Joe Satriani - "Satch Boogie" Kent - "Vinternoll2" Korn - "Freak On A Leash" Lacuna Coil - "Our Truth" Lenny Kravitz - "Are You Gonna Go My Way" Linkin Park - "What I've Done" The Living End - "Prisoner of Society" Los Lobos - "La Bamba" Lost Prophets - "Rooftops (A Liberation Broadcast)" Lynyrd Skynyrd - "Sweet Home Alabama (Live)" Mars Volta - "L'Via L'Viaquez" MC5's Wayne Kramer - "Kick Out The Jams" Metallica - "Trapped Under Ice" Michael Jackson - "Beat It" Modest Mouse - "Float On" Motorhead - "Overkill" Muse - "Assassin" Negramaro - "Nuvole e Lenzuola" Nirvana - "About a Girl (Unplugged)" No Doubt - "Spiderwebs" NOFX - "Soul Doubt" Oasis - "Some Might Say" Ozzy Osbourne - "Crazy Train" Ozzy Osbourne - "Mr. Crowley" Paramore - "Misery Business" Pat Benatar - "Heartbreaker" R.E.M. - "The One I Love" Radio Futura - "Escuela De Calor" Rise Against - "Re-Education Through Labor" Sex Pistols - "Pretty Vacant" Silversun Pickups - "Lazy Eye" Smashing Pumpkins - "Today" Steely Dan - "Do It Again" Steve Miller Band - "The Joker" Sting - "Demolition Man (Live)" The Stone Roses - "Love Spreads" Stuck In The Sound - "Toy Boy" Sublime - "Santeria" Survivor - "Eye of the Tiger" System of a Down - "B.Y.O.B." Ted Nugent - "Stranglehold" Ted Nugent's Original Guitar Duel Recording Tokio Hotel - "Monsoon" Tool - "Parabola" Tool - "Schism" Tool - "Vicarious" Trust - "Antisocial" Van Halen - "Hot For Teacher" Willie Nelson - "On The Road Again" Wings - "Band on the Run" Zakk Wylde's Original Guitar Duel Recording In addition to the amazing soundtrack, Guitar Hero World Tour features a newly redesigned guitar controller, drum kit controller (with crash cymbals) and a microphone. GHWT also differentiates itself from Rock Band with the included "Music Studio" track creator that lets players compose, record, edit and share their own songs with others to play online via GHTunes where one can download user created songs for the game. The virtual music business is really heating up.

The information used to write this article was provided by Activision-Blizzard via a press release. They also offered the following regarding who is developing which version of Guitar Hero World Tour: "Guitar Hero World Tour is being developed by Neversoft Entertainment for the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and PLAYSTATION 3 computer entertainment system. The Wii version is being developed by Vicarious Visions. The PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system version is being developed by Budcat." No word yet as to a PSP, DS, iPhone, or Atari 2600 version of Guitar Hero World Tour.

View the original article here

Magic: Battlegrounds Review

So what happens when the most popular trading card game turns digital: the tabletop turns into a Battleground. Magic: The Gathering- Battlegrounds combines the world of Magic, in all its complexity, into a real-time fighting world. Think Mortal Combat meets trading cards in a complex world of face-paced spell casting and combat. Oh yes, the Magic has just begun.What we have here with Battlefields is a live action fighting game with the sophistication of spellcasting. Magic takes Mortal Combat out of its element and into the elements. And if you though planning which kick to throw was tough, try deciding between nine spells, while running from a goblin warrior.

So what makes this game so good? Think multiplayer. Through the single player mode, you’ll learn the basics of the game. Its actually one large tutorial, and it can be really challenging at times. But through the end, you’ll be one hell of a good spellcaster. The single player will develop your skills so that you can throw down with the skilled online.

View the original article here

Top 10 PS2 Games of 2005

This list represents the cream of the PS2 videogaming crop. The way the list is organized is that each game represents the best it its genre, as well as being ranked against the other games in the list. For example, God of War was not only the best action game of the year, but it is the best PS2 game of the year. The runners up represent the next best PS2 game in the genre, but may not have made the top ten list on its own. Any of the PS2 games listed here is more than worthy of your time. With so many great games, it was a tough pick. God of War, however, claws its way to the top of the list with stellar graphics, lovely music, intense gameplay, and a compelling story. God of War is an action game for grownups. The violence, gore, and mature themes may prevent the kiddies from playing, but the rest of us were stunned by depth and attention to detail. God of War is a contender for best game on the PS2, period. Action game runner-up: Resident Evil 4.

zSB(3,3)I love Psychonauts. Originally slated to be an Xbox exclusive, Microsoft dropped the game and Majesco brought Tim Schaffer's bizarre psychic boy scout game to us all. I love it when the stars align. Psychonauts is one of the most original games on any console. It's bizarre Freudian imagery combined with postmodern humor will bring a smirk to the most cynical faces. It was a real contender for game of the year. Runner-up: Sly 3: Honor Among Thieves Smooth as silk, Soulcalibur III is the most polished and balanced fighter you have ever played. This PS2 exclusive brings new depth to the series with a surprisingly deep character creation system and a solid campaign mode. The campaign mode allows for the unlocking of countless items and artifacts to adorn your created fighter with. The new characters blend seamlessly into this beautiful game. Runner-up:Tekken 5

One of the most original games in years, Shadow of the Colossus pits you against gigantic roaming colossi as you battle to save your love. Climbing the immense colossi is an experience you will not soon forget. The art direction and sense of scale this game brings is jaw dropping. A bit slow at times, Shadow of the Colossus makes up for it in beauty and sheer elegance. If you are looking for a game to call art, Shadow of the Colossus is it. Runner-up: Frame III: The Tormented Picture in your mind how much people love Final Fantasy games, now multiply that by 10. That's how popular the Drag Quest games are in Japan. We are blessed beyond measure to have Dragon Quest VIII in English. With the same art designer as Dragon Ball, Dragon Quest VIII looks like your favorite anime come to life. Despite its humor and silliness, DQ VIII has a deep story that will suck you right in. Runner-up: Indigo Prophecy

Best driving game ever! There, I said it, and I believe it. The amount of cars, courses, and races make this a massive game. But the physics, the sound, and the Xbox 360 quality graphics push it over the top. Playing Gran Turismo 4 with the Logitech Gran Turismo force feedback steering wheel is one of the best gaming experiences out there. The game is deep and complex, it is the canonical driving simulation. Runner-up: Midnight Club 3: Dub Edition This exclusive PS2 game is the

thinking-man's shooter. Strategy is the name of the game as you advance with your troops through Morocco, Poland, and Bangladesh. This is the first version to also include vehicle combat, and the game will never be the same. Socom has been the crown jewel of PS2 online play, and Socom III is no exception; with new maps and vehicle play, the online scene is frantic and fun. Runner-up: TimeSplitters: Future Perfect

Madden has always been a hit, but this year it's better than ever. Finally, something has been done to make passing more difficult. The inclusion of the passing cone, representing the QB's field of vision adds much needed depth to Madden NFL 2006's offense. The fact that you can also take your dynasty team to the PSP and back again is a phenomenal treat, allowing you to progress faster than ever. Runner-up: NHL 2K6 zSB(1,2)I hate it when stereotypes die, but this one is done. Comicbook/movie videogames no longer suck, and 2005 was the year to prove it. King Kong is linear, but it is a thrilling ride the whole way there. With sharp graphics and the ability to play as Kong, the game is engaging and entertaining. Runner-up: The Incredible Hulk: Ultimate Destruction

Air-guitar be gone! You can now live out your rock-n-roll fantasies with the amazing Guitar Hero! Much like other rhythm games, except you play with an excellent guitar controller, how well you play determines how good the song sounds. With tons of licensed music, you'll be rocking out to classics like 'Smoke on the Water' and ' Ziggy Stardust'. With two of the red octane guitars you can have a PS2 battle of the bands. Runner-up: EyeToy Kinetic

View the original article here

God of War III Ultimate Ed.

God of War III Ultimate Edition: Pandora's Box

 God of War III Ultimate Edition Collector's Edition Box Contents - Pandora's Box

© Roger AltizerSo, it's a good idea not to throw away those instructions after all. Opening Pandora's box isn't as intuitive as one may think.

The God of War III Ultimate Edition Pandora's Box is actually a nice piece of video game swag. While I doubt you'd give it to your daughter to use as an evil hope chest, it does hold controllers, games, or peripherals quite nicely. Much more useful than some of the other ridiculous video game collector's edition bonus items out there (Halo 3 Cat helmet, I'm looking at you!).

View the original article here

Duplex sources make distributed details of the fearless's prevarication, art, sounds and occupation modes with Kotaku, noting that the brave testament form the genre of the Telephony of Obligation franchise, transferral an lofty merchandise of philosopher settings, sound multiplayer recreation and a prevarication that ties up nearly all unconsolidated ends from previous titles, including the exam moments of key figures in the periodical' record.
While we haven't seen the occupation in mechanism ourselves, we've spent to zealous lengths to win descending as much as getable the veracity of our sources. We anticipate that the imagery and gaffer info are faithful. That doesn't colligate things can't alteration before accomplishment, but this appears to be a heavy run low of where Time Writer, Hammer Games and Predate Software is on Moderne Action 3 as they add the examination polishing touches.

The spunky opens moments after the cliffhanger point of Fashionable Struggle 2 with the U.S. struggling to split off a attack State criticism. The single-player run leave ping-pong players around the reality as they stand on the nonuple unwanted roles as a Russian Northerner Custodial Services agent, SAS Operational, cell gunner, and AC-130 gunner as healthy as key characters from preceding installments and new recurring characters. The gamy instrument dimension active 15 missions, movement off with the intrusion of Borough by a Indigene ram and wrapper up with a terminal map, as described, seems to be possession with developer Time Ward's tradition of delivering intricate, unforesightful sequences punctuated by lots of shot and pic changes. The spirited also has players brook mechanism of individual vehicles, returning gamers to the AC-130 gunship as a gunner and plopping them downbound in a cell as thing of a U.S. Scaley Conference.

The single-player safari, which appears to roll up most of the unreciprocated questions and property deity of the first two Current Action titles, also introduces new characters who happen to be orientated for hereafter New Action games, especially two Delta Penetrate operatives codenamed "Rime" and "Sandman".

Multiplayer in the spirited returns with a dumpy itemize of playable maps as symptomless as two types of Description Ops modes: "Living" and "Mission".

Final Fantasy XIII PS3 Review

Final Fantasy XIII is a beautiful, epic adventure that has the same quality and volume of content as other Final Fantasy games, but it feels a bit "light" on the RPG side. Think of it as an incredibly beautiful interactive movie and you will be a happy camper, but of you are looking for a deep RPG, this may not be your game. FFXIII will hook you, like a good meal, but it will leave you craving the sides you've become accustomed to having at your other Final Fantasy banquettes. There are a few problems with reviewing Final Fantasy XIII. First, the anticipation for this game is immense, and the frustration over its delay(s) and multiplatform status taint many folks' impressions before they've even played it, and finally, it's Final Fantasy. The reality is Final Fantasy XIII puts many other RPGs to shame, but its sister games are some of the best ever made, and the prequels establish expectations that Final Fantasy XIII doesn't live up to. So, before you accuse me of being nitpicky, know that Final Fantasy XIII is a great game. Now, let's get fussbudgety on Final Fantasy XIII.

Final Fantasy XIII (FFXIII) is gorgeous. Not "hot co-worker you are scared to ask out" gorgeous, but rather "I'm so pretty that publicists hire me to go out with rock stars on public dates" gorgeous. Epic landscapes, creative creatures, awe-inspiring airships, and pretty, pretty people populate both the gameplay and the custscenes. The former are so good, you will yet again wonder why Square-Enix doesn't make movies (they have, with mixed success), the dilemma is that the in-game action is almost too good.

Yes, it's a strange complaint. But the battles look so impressive, as do the transition scenes using the in-game engine that they diminish the impact of the pre-rendered cut scenes. Why is the game being too pretty a bad thing? Well it's a design issue. One of the main motivation mechanisms in FF games are the mini-movies. You play the game long enough, you get rewarded with a Pixar quality short film that forwards the story of the game. But when the game itself looks nearly as good as the movie, the contrast ceases to be as rewarding, and you lose the motivation factor. Don't get me wrong, I love the movies, but if all movies looked as good as Avatar, then it wouldn't be as "amazing" would it? Continuing to be nitpicky, if we still can't render convincing hair, style your characters accordingly. Fang and Lightening, I'm look at you, and your stylists.

FFXIII's story is great, but it really falls apart at the second half. It's an odd design decision, as the first half is almost too linear, but the story keeps you engaged. When you get to Gran Pulse and gain freedom of movement, the story fades into the background. You can go everywhere but have little motivation to go anywhere. Still, it's a good yarn and the characters are all endearing.

Finally, the core gameplay is brilliant. The job system and on the fly switching of "paradigms" keeps the semi-real time combat engaging and challenging. Yes, there's only three characters fighting, and you really only control one, but the strategy switching will keep you more than busy, which is good as the game has no puzzles, minigames, or even towns to keep you occupied. Combat is the only time you will make meaningful decisions outside of upgrading.

FFXIII is great looking, has a deep combat system and a decent story, but it is missing so many FF mainstays that it feels like a giant version of FF lite.

View the original article here

G1 Jockey 3 - PS2

Koei is just crazy about horse racing, and they are hoping you are too. G1 Jockey 3 casts you as a an aspiring jockey, determined to make up for height with speed. If you like horse racing, and the ultra detailed sim / arcade / role playing hybrid genre of games, then have I got the game for youViolence, sex, futuristic weaponry, and stealth action is exactly what G1 Jockey 3 is not about. Instead it is a very deep horse racing role playing / arcade / sim that will push your ability to analyze an insane number of stats and work your way up the ladder as a pro jockey. Ok, there is some violence, occasionally you do whip your horse when you in a clutch situation... and I guess you could call coming up from behind stealth action... but I stand by the fact that there's no sex or futuristic weaponry!

Off the bat, G1 Jockey 3 is slow. Now, the actual racing isn't, but if you dare to step into the quest / career mode you will notice that racing seems to be a very small part of the game. I invited a friend over to experience G1 Jockey 3 firsthand with me and watched as he started a new career. After choosing a name and a stable, from a list of shady owners, he met practically every 2D horse racing character on the planet. First he ran into his competition, other Jr. Jockeys, they threatened him, flirted with him, and generally rambled on about nothing of consequence. Then came his trainer who had mildly interesting and utterly useless information to offer.

Now the voice acting was tolerable, as there was none, and the Japanese synth pop Midi background songs were fun. But I figured it was time to add a little excitement to our gaming session, so I went to make a couple of sandwiches and mix up some Tang. Hey if it's good enough for astronauts, it's good enough for virtual horse jockeys.

When I returned he was staring at the TV, eyes glazed repeatedly hitting the X button. He mumbled something about endless text and having only answered 2 yes / no questions so far. It had been about 20 minutes. Once we waded through what must have been the world's longest non-interactive tutorial it finally looked as though Chris was going to race a horse. But before he would be allowed to, he had to remember the color of the horse. Having guessed wrong, "What! Aren't all horses brown?!?" He had to wade through another week of stats, charts, and babble before getting another shot. This time he guessed right, and he was off to the races.

The race was exciting, if a little short, and he did well and came in last place. Hey, in latter races we would actually wreck our horses by bumping into other riders, so actually finishing is something of an accomplishment.

As far as games go, I've played a lot worse. The graphics, while not stellar, did the job. I actually enjoyed the J-Pop music, and the controls, while totally unintuitive, worked once you figured them out. But is it fun. Mmmmm sorta.

The actual horse racing, and you can just dive in and not have to wade through the career mode, is pretty darn fulfilling. It is less of an arcade experience, and more of a flight simulator, where you have to get the bit just right in the horses mouth, not expend it's energy to quickly, position yourself properly, then beat the tar out of it with a little whip at near the finish line. I know it's evil, but I did feel a tinge of guilty pleasure at the last part.

So how does it rate? That's a tough one, it's certainly a niche title. If you are not into horse racing, I can guarantee you won't be into G1 Jockey 3. But if you are, this may be as close as you'll ever get to being a jockey. The details are on, and it certainly had that sim / role playing feel to it. So for those you who spend more time at the track than with your spouse, I'd give it a solid 3.5 stars, for the rest of us, it lands a solid 1.5. So all in all, I'm giving it a 2.5 due to it's limited appeal and slow, overly detailed nature.

View the original article here

Dead Man's Hand Review

It’s shooting up bottle’s for aim. It’s blowing up moonshine stills near The Nine. Nock the bell hats, and knock the bourbon back: Dead Man’s Hand is one weighted deck.Ever get tired of those static gaming worlds? You’ve got a rocket launcher, but building walls remain sparkle fresh? Bring back the Old West baby.

El Tej?n don’t mess around. Some gunslinger is shooting at you from a high railing, shoot the wood supports and watch for the western style fall. No wine bottle, glass window, barrel or wooden box is safe. And each trick shot will accumulate your Legend. Your weapons of choice remain as true to the times as the scenery around you: rusty pistols, shotguns, and aiming rifles.

Ever been betrayed? Tej?n will tell you all about it. They were The Ten, and then they betrayed our young hero. As The Nine, they are scattered throughout Old West vistas and saloons, and they know your coming. But you know where their headed: six-feet under.

Old Man’s Hand is powered by Unreal technology for smooth gaming play and awesome graphics. Enlisting the music of indie-rockers Calexico, the score is well set. While Dead Man’s 20 adventure scenes could be more in-depth, the content, scenery, gaming environment are very innovative. When you walk through the woods, remember to watch for the log traps. When on your steed, aim for whisky stills. These rickety old salons, riverboats, and mountain vistas set our adventures in good style.

Did I mention you get to shoot a cannon and a gattling gun? No? How about watermelon targets, jail cell battles, and whiskey bombs? This American frontier leaves no stage coach un chased, no hombre unscarred, no poker game undealt. When the dust settles, its time to pay back The Nine, El Tej?n style.

View the original article here

Guitar Hero III PS3 Review

The good news is that they didn't break it. Despite having a new developer (Neversoft, of Tony Hawk fame) Guitar Hero III (3) Legends of Rock is most certainly a Guitar Hero game. Don't worry, there are plenty of new twists in the old GH formula, but it is essentially the same game with a fancier guitar. Unfortunately being that this is the third time we've seen this game you'd expect a more polished product. There are some graphical issues, and 90% of the gameplay is the same as before. Complaints aside, it still has the magic. GH3 is a party right out of the box, just like the last two versions.Let me get to my chief complaint. Why can't I use my old guitars? Seriously? Why can't I use the new PS2 guitar with the PS3 version? And why the heck do we need a dongle? I understand the the Xbox 360 uses an evil protected wireless technology, but the PS3 uses Bluetooth, no real reason for a dongle here folks. Activision, a word of advice, a little good will goes a long way, sell an adapter for the PS2 guitars and your fan base won't even blink at the Rock Band. But to be frank, if I have to purchase a second PS3 guitar when I already own two PS2 guitars I may as well put that cash towards Rock Band. Alright, scolding complete.

Let's do the bottom line up front this time. Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock is a ton of fun and you will have a blast playing it. Yes, there are some issues, but this is the Halo of music games, you want it, they know you want it, and with good reason, it's fun.

Now that you know it's great, let's get to some issues the game has. NEXT GEN GAMES SHOULD LOOK GOOD! Got it? A game that is the third of a series appearing on a next gen system should look superb. Guitar Hero III looks mediocre. The cut scene animations are nice, thank you. But the crowd models look like Pitfall Harry, all jaggy and bumpy. I had to pause the game to laugh at the staircase-like fingers on one of the models, I seriously thought I was playing Guitar Hero PSone Retro Edition.

On the plus side, the boss battles and battle modes are superb. Don't listen to the other whiny reviewers. These play modes are fun, creative, and require skill. One of the toughest things about puzzle/rhythm games is adding new gameplay without breaking the system, this worked perfectly.

Finally, the music is varied and sounds superb, as you would expect. The game is much harder, so be prepared to work for your fun.

View the original article here

Final Fantasy Concert

UPDATE: More FINAL FANTASY concerts have been scheduled. You can read the details and find out the dates here.

"Dear Friends", The FINAL FANTASY symphony concert tour is coming to San Francisco on Monday, March 7, 2005 at 7:30 PM at the Nob Hill Masonic Auditorium. The concert, to be performed by the Symphony Silicon Valley and the San Jose State University Chorale, is the second in a set of long-awaited concerts in North America featuring music from the world-renowned FINAL FANTASY video game series. Join us and enjoy the award-winning music accompanied by exciting and breath-taking graphics from the video games. Tickets will be available starting Friday, January 21, 2005! VIP tickets offering meet and greet opportunities with legendary composer Nobuo Uematsu will also be available.

BOX OFFICE:
The Nob Hill Masonic Auditorium is located in San Francisco at 1111 California Street between Jones and Taylor streets, immediately opposite Grace Cathedral.

PHONE:
Tickets can be purchased by calling 415-292-9191 or toll-free 888-849-4255 (888-TIX-4ALL)

ONLINE:
Tickets can be purchased online at www.masonicauditorium.com.
You may also visit www.masonicauditorium.com/seating.html for a complete seating chart.

For more information, please visit www.square-enix.com/uematsu.

View the original article here

Karaoke Revolution Volume 2

Konami Digital Entertainment – America, a division of Konami Digital Entertainment, Inc., today revealed 35 all-new chart-topping songs included in Karaoke Revolution Volume 2. Making use of any PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system headset/microphone peripheral and the game’s proprietary voice recognition technology, which rates the pitch and rhythm of the player’s vocals, Karaoke Revolution Volume 2 is set to be the hit of summer parties nationwide.

The 35 new instantly-recognizable tunes put the focus right where it should be - the music. Featuring some of the biggest karaoke club classics such as “I Will Survive,” “Sweet Home Alabama” and “We Are Family,” as well as today’s top hits “Toxic,” “The First Cut is the Deepest” and “Genie in a Bottle,” fans will have plenty to sing about. (complete song-list on page 2)

Karaoke Revolution Volume 2 features the original Karaoke and Arcade Modes as well as an enhanced Showtime Mode that will challenge would-be pop stars to move from the smallest venues to the top of the charts. Also new is the Medley Mode where players can link up to five song clips together and perform them all in rapid-fire succession for a unique karaoke experience. The game ships this July for the PlayStation 2.

About Karaoke Revolution
Karaoke Revolution has been praised for its innovation, superb gameplay and sheer enjoyment as a party game for all ages. Critical acclaim for the game reached multi-platinum status when Time Magazine hailed it as the best game of 2003. Converting the PlayStation 2 console into the ultimate karaoke party machine, the series gives players the opportunity to flaunt their singing abilities in the comfort of their own living rooms. Karaoke Revolution is also the first game to rate players on their pitch and rhythm. Karaoke Revolution is developed by leading music video game creator Harmonix Music Systems (http://www.harmonixmusic.com).

-from the publisher

Complete song-list on page 2

View the original article here

DualShock 3 Release Details

The DualShock 3 has finally hit American shores, a full week earlier than expected. The new PlayStation 3 controller brings rumble to the system (a feature many users were upset about missing).

The new and improved DualShock 3 looks nearly identical to the Sixaxis controller that originally shipped with the PS3. Noticeably heavier, the DualShock loses the Sixaxis logo, but features both game activated vibration (rumble) while maintaining full tilt functionality (Sixaxis).

Initially Sony tried to assert that the reason the PS3 didn't support rumble was due to the fact that tilt/motion sensing wasn't compatible with rumble, and later that rumble was simply a "last generation" feature (poor Phil Harrison). In reality rumble is a patented technology owned by a company named Immersion. Sony had lost its initial lawsuit over the technology (Microsoft settled for tens of millions of dollars) and, thus, couldn't include it in their controller. The two companies have settled their differences, and now we all get to enjoy the controller that should have always been... albeit a year and change later than we all expected.

It should be noted that the DualShock 3 officially replaces the Sixaxis controller, which has now been discontinued. The DualShock 3 has an MSRP of $54.95.

Sony has also released the following list of PS3 games that are compatible with/support rumble via the new DualShock 3 wireless controller. Games marked with an asterisk require a downloadable patch in order to activate the DualShock 3's rumble feature. The patch should download automatically.

Here’s the official list of games supporting the DUALSHOCK 3 at launch: (PS3) SCEA - Formula One Championship Edition* (PS3) SCEA - MotorStorm* (PS3) SCEA - Gran Turismo 5 Prologue (PS3) SCEA - PAIN (PSN) SCEA - High Velocity Bowling (PSN) SCEA - MLB 08: The Show (PS3) SCEA - Uncharted: Drake’s Fortune (PS3) SCEA - Resistance: Fall of Man* (PS3) SCEA - Ratchet & Clank Future: Tools of Destruction (PS3) SCEA - Go! Sports Ski* (PSN) SCEA - Folklore* (PS3) SCEA - Heavenly Sword* (PS3) SCEA - Warhawk* (PSN / PS3) SCEA - Super Stardust HD* (PSN) SCEA - Snakeball (PSN) SCEA - Toy Home (PSN) SCEA - PSOne Emulation (PSN) SCEA - Piyotama (PSN) SCEA - PixelJunk Monsters (PSN) SCEA - Blast Factor* (PSN) Sega - Condemned 2: Bloodshot (PS3) Ubisoft - Lost: Via Domus (PS3) Ubisoft - Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six Vegas 2* (PS3) EA - Burnout Paradise (PS3) KOEI - Dynasty Warriors 6 (PS3) Capcom - Devil May Cry 4 (PS3) Atari - Dragon Ball Z Burst Limit (PS3) Disney Interactive - Turok

View the original article here

Phantasy Star Online Episod...

Both the Xbox and GameCube have been blessed with one of the best RPGs out there. Phantasy Star Online gives both systems the kind of quality online experience fans have been clamoring for.

PSO first debuted on the Dreamcast back in '99. Using a heavily modified version of the same game, Phantasy Star Online Episodes I & II give you two complete, deep games to play either off or online.

The offline game is fun, but online is where the magic really happens. Whether hanging out and making trades in the lobby or tackling quests with 3 other people, the community and depth of the game make this an amazing experience. Online gaming veterans and newbies alike will find more than enough in PSO to keep them enthralled for countless hours.

View the original article here

Madden NFL 2005 Review

In order to celebrate 15 years of football glory, EA has blessed PlayStation gamers with Madden NFL 2005 Collector's Edition. Not only is Madden 2005 the best Madden yet, the collector's edition features an amazingly generous serving of special features, all for only $10 more than the stand-alone version of Madden NFL 2005.So what do you get with the Collector's Edition for your $10 extra bucks? Well, the biggest addition is three complete previous versions of Madden from yester-year. Personally, I can't wait to get my hand on that same version of Madden that helped me get a C in my college science class back in '94. Other additions include a thousand question 1 or 2 player Madden trivia game, exclusive making of and nostalgia videos, and the chance to relive some of Madden's greatest moments, in a sort of new Madden challenge. Of course, there is more, but I should leave something for the fanboys to discover.

The big question is, how does it play? Well the major differences between Madden NFL 2005 and Madden 2004 are the new Hit Stick system, Player Attitudes, and the StoryLine aspect of the franchise mode. The Hit Stick makes big tackles easier, pure and simple. The StoryLine addition lets you read about yourself in the paper, and the story that surrounds your team affects how they play. Finally, the new player attitude feature is perhaps the biggest change. Styled after MVP Baseball, you must keep players happy in order for them to play well. I think attitude works for baseball, which is a more individual sport, but with football, I felt like I was babysitting, more than coaching.

Bottom line, Madden is still the top-dawg. This version shines even brighter than last year's, and the additional content of the Collector's Edition make this a must have title for any PS2 sports fan.

View the original article here

Ghostbusters: PlayStation Only

Sony Computer Entertainment Europe, Sony Pictures Consumer Products, and Atari Europe announced to the press that Ghostbusters: The Video Game is going to be a PlayStation exclusive title. The PlayStation 3 (PS3) and PlayStation 2 (PS2) will both be getting Ghostbusters: The Video Game on June 19th with the PSP getting a version sometime in the fall.

To mark the 25th anniversary of Ghostbusters, the game will launch simultaneously with the Blu-ray release of the original movie. Ghostbusters: the Video Game will continue to be multiplatform in North America.

Mark Hardy, European Product Marketing Director at SCEE, was excited about landing the Ghostbusters: the Videogame as a PlayStation exclusive, “We’re committed to bringing the PlayStation family the biggest and best gaming experiences first, and it doesn’t get any bigger and better than this blockbuster title. This summer, PlayStation owners will be the first to grab their proton packs and fight the spirit world. We’d like to wish them the best of luck in their ghostbusting endeavours and, of course, to remind them not to cross the streams!”

He wasn't the only one thrilled by the deal. “With our colleagues at Sony Computer Entertainment Europe publishing Ghostbusters: The Video Game, we are thrilled by the dynamic new Ghostbusters game. We think it will have tremendous appeal to gamers and we can’t think of a better way to celebrate the 25th anniversary of this beloved franchise.” said Mark Caplan, Vice President of Licensing-Interactive for Sony Pictures Consumer Products Inc. “With this superb game launching alongside the Blu-ray release, we will reach existing fans and the next generation, bringing them all into the irresistible Ghostbusters universe.”

In Ghostbusters: The Video Game, players are placed two years after the Ghostbusters 2 movie. Wielding a proton they will be tasked with capturing ghosts and living the supernatural adventure of a Ghostbuster. Recruiting new Ghostbousters to help them, players will once again save Manhattan from ghouls, ghosts and other badies that go bump in the night.

The game has been written by original Ghostbusters writers Harold Ramis and Dan Aykroyd and it reunites members of the original cast for the first time in 20 years. Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, Harold Ramis, and Ernie Hudson have all returned to both offer their likeness and to do the voice overs for the game.Ghostbusters: The Video Game also features performances from fan-favorites William Atherton (Walter Peck), Annie Potts (Janine) and Brian Doyle-Murray (Mayor Jock Mulligan).

Ghostbusters: The Video Game has had to walk a rough road, and has seen multiple publishers, but it has always looked like a superb game and European PlayStationites should be thrilled to have it on their roster of exclusive games.

View the original article here

Call of Duty: Black Ops Review (PS3)

Call of Duty: Black Ops is a great installment in the growing pedigree of story-rich, first-person shooters. It does almost everything well, but doesn’t do much to progress the genre or create innovation in an already saturated FPS market.First and foremost, this game looks great, with beautifully rendered textures and lighting. From the roiling seas of the Bay of Pigs to Russian operatives with faces glistening with sweat in Afghanistan, the world of Black Ops is stunning. There are a few minor upsets, however, that break the spell at critical junctions of the game. An example is the strange, low-resolution vehicle models in Cuba. Perhaps a developer snuck the model in as an homage to the original Cal of Duty games?

The story in "Call of Duty: Black Ops" is a pinnacle of the linear game model, feeling like half-movie and half-game in which you are the hero. Although it isn’t a new method of storytelling in games, it does stand out as one of the best examples on any platform. Black Ops lets you navigate the annals of Cold War history; allowing you to play a pivotal role in events like Vietnam and The Bay of Pigs. For good, or otherwise, you’ll meet John F. Kennedy, Fidel Castro and Robert McNamara in your travels. The game’s most important characters are rich and relatable thanks to the performances of Ed Harris, Gary Oldman and Sam Worthington.

My main critique of this game is that, while beautiful and compelling, it’s not pushing the genre forward. After a series of successful games of its type, Black Ops becomes a simple retelling of a well-used model. With games like Modern Warfare 2 and Battlefield Bad Company 2 paving the way, I would have liked to see more innovation in a product so ripe with potential. It becomes too easy for developers to plateau in their efforts when games like this show such financial success, which can lead to a stagnation in design. I spent a few, glorious hours defending our capitalist democracy from Cold War enemies in Call of Duty: Black Ops. In return, I’d like to see the capitalist model of innovation-means-success take hold in the hearts of the big developers. Challenge our notions of the FPS game, I dare you!

The campaign mode of Black Ops is short and sweet, so to get the best bang for your buck, you’ll want to spend some time with the multiplayer options. This is where the “been there, done that” feeling will hit you. This game does little to change the existing experience for multiplayer gameplay. However, the zombie incursion is back!, This time they aren’t Nazis, just Cold War-era baddies with ill intent and glowing eyes, but they need eradicating nonetheless. The show-stopper for this title is the chance to slay the undead as JFK himself. The voice-acting and dialogue done for this bonus feature is bar none. This game went from a rent-it-and-return it title to a must-own once I sampled White House defense as the iconic leader. In sum, if you’re a fan of this genre of games, you’ll enjoy the latest Call of Duty installment. If you’re a Zombie-fighter, it’s yet another opportunity to show your disdain for the walking dead. If you’re looking for a new experience, this one might be rental.

View the original article here

Little Big Planet Review

Cute and deep? Little Big Planet will suck you in with its amazing visual style and fun game play. Not since Sonic the Hedgehog has a console game been so immediately "fun" to play. Don't let the cute exterior fool you, Sackboy is interested in a lot more than simple platforming, he is the quiet leader of a gaming revolution. If you think playing Little Big Planet is fun (and you will) wait until you try downloading user created levels and then creating your own. Little Big Planet really lives up to it's name, making the complicated world of modding accessible. Little Big Planet is one of those very rare games that will impress you immediately on almost every level. It's the type of game that not only moves systems off of store shelves, but it will make your Wii and Xbox 360 owning friends jealous. As fun as a Mario game and as polished as Halo, Little Big Planet goes further than any console game to date in it's attempt to make user generated content de rigueur for next generation systems.

While both free and pay downloadable content (DLC) has been a resounding success for this generation of consoles, user generated content (UGC) hasn't, until now. Little Big Planet is an outstanding game, cute, fun, and surprisingly competitive when you play with up to three friends. It's real contribution to gaming, in addition to the absurdly adorable Sackboy, is the ability to create and share levels with other players over the PlayStation network.

Not only is it easy to download and share Little Big Planet levels, they are easy to create as well. Operating with a physics and material metaphor things behave as they should in Little Big Planet. If something is made of wood with will drop fast and feel heavy, items made of felt will be floppy and easy to manipulate. With a new twist on the no programming required style of level development, LBP has you use Sackboy and his bevy of tools to create new experiences. Want to made a door that opens? Use a pulley or lever. Want to get people to the next level? Put a platform on a spring, everything will behave as it should.

Running through the provided levels in LBP is fun, but once you get online you realize the entire game was nothing more than an intro level for all the amazing games being created by your peers. Little Big Planet really is the next step in console gaming, and it's a fun one.

View the original article here

Rock Band at Sundance

Park City, Utah, Sundance Film Festival, Jan. 20, 2008

As anyone who has been can attest, Sundance has ballooned over the years from an independent film festival to a media carnival where stars and studios desperately “play” coy in an attempt to get media attention, fans try to sneak into exclusive parties hosted by companies with a tenuous relationship with film, and companies like Microsoft hold press conferences. Oh, and there are movies. This year U2 was there showing their new 3D concert film… you think being a local and in the media I’d have scored a pair of tickets, well, at least the local French teacher was able to take 40 of his students… ahhh, Sundance.

Don’t let me lead you astray, Sundance is a blast and probably your only chance to get pushed aside by a grumpy Quentin Tarantino … I will never wash that shoulder again. Sundance is also getting more and more game as time goes on. Last year it was Slam Dance and the Chasing Ghost Arcade on Main Street, and while the Slam Dance Game Lounge was back it was clearly outdone by the Rock Band/RayBan party.

Now what do Rock Band and RayBan have in common, aside from first letters? Who knows, but they sure no how to host a party, and they are doing it every night of Sundance at the Monkey Bar, just below the world famous Harry O’s. After much wrestling with the bouncer (note to self, pretend to be a blonde wearing a sequence top next time you try to get into a club) I was able to escape the snow outside and meet up with MTV’s Jeff Castaneda and Sean Baptiste from Harmonix. They were both kind enough to share a few minutes and talk about Rock Band, which was set up in the bar karaoke style.

After his stint on the drums, Castaneda was kind enough to answer a few questions regarding Rock Band and the PS3. He sympathized with the lack of Guitar Hero instrument compatibility and let me know that we would be seeing individual Rock Band instruments go on sale in a month. That’s right folks, in a month or so you will be able to buy individual Fender Stratocasters, drums, and mics. PS3 Rock Band owners will finally be able to put together a full band. Remember, you heard it here first!

Castaneda was also quick to point out the lack of cords on the Fender Stratocasters, no biggie, I thought, as it looked just like my PS3 Rock Ban guitar… until I realized they were playing on the Xbox 360. Wireless, official Xbox 360 Rock Band guitars in the wild! Though he was less specific about a release date, he assured me that they worked perfectly and were “on their way soon.” It seems like everyone is getting the Rock Band guitars they’ve been wanting this year.

Jeff was a busy man, running the whole party with finesse only an MTV rep could muster, but, perhaps thanks to jet-lag, I was able to pull Sean Baptiste away for a full interview. Sticking with guitar related news, he let me know that Harmonix and Mad Catz had inked a deal so that the company could build 3rd party Rock Band instruments and accessories. First up? Another guitar. “Trying to get out single guitars is a top priority, it’s moved to first on our list,” Baptiste said. It’s nice to hear, as this has been the number one complaint among PS3 Rock Band owners.

Baptiste continued, “we are all about third party support. Others using our products or making products for our games just makes sense. We’re all about open controller standards.”

When pressed on this point, however, he stated that the controllers weren’t “open source” and that if someone wanted to make a game using their controllers they’d have to work with Harmonix, though they would certainly want to help. In fact when I pitch the hypothetical game, “High school band” the immediate response was, “I challenge you to make a good flugelhorn controller… well, that would actually be pretty awesome.” He assured me that they were very interested in seeing this grow as a platform and not just a game, and that this required two-way interaction with other hardware manufactures and game makers.

When asked if we would be seeing a better version of the guitars, as so many players have complained about defective strum bars, the response was, “they are already out. The new guitars are better, work very well and feel nicer. I am very happy with the new guitar.” So there you have it. If you’ve been holding out for a better built guitar, your wait is over. He reminded me that this was a production on a massive scale, and they simply had to work out a few kinks in the manufacturing process. When asked about the broken drum pedals Baptiste responded, “we are very seriously exploring this issue. The hard thing for us is that our Q&A testers never broke any.” He assured me that they were very concerned and were trying to isolate the problem.

One of the concerns I have heard around the web is the lifespan of Rock Band. How long will it be before we all have to buy new instruments for Rock Band 2? He was unaware of any sort of time line for the product. However, he stated that, “compatibility [of instruments] is a big thing for use. We play our games. We design games we want to play ourselves. We don’t want to have a ton of peripherals we can no longer use lying around either.”

View the original article here

PSP Gear Pouch

The WaterField PSP Gear Pouch and PSP Mini Gear Pouch are treats to own. They are rugged, stylish, and very well designed. Rather than purchase a bag from a computer accessory maker, you may be thrilled by a PSP bag from an active sports bag manufacturer. These Ballistic nylon bags come in a variety of colors and feature tons of pockets to store all your PSP gear in.Both of the WaterField's PSP bags are tough impressive ways to tote around Sony's handheld. The company has a long history making rugged, sports minded, stylish bags. Their messenger bags are some of the best out there. WaterField's experience came through when they designed two of the best soft PSP cases on the market.

The PSP Gear Pouch and the PSP Mini Gear Pouch are both made of black, durable Ballistic nylon. The material feels tough, almost like the material used on motorcycle equipment. They also feature a vertical and horizontal loop at either end, for attaching to other bags or a climbing carabineer. Unfortunately neither comes with a strap.

Both bags come in a variety of colors. On the PSP Gear Pouch the side zipper is accessorised with whichever color you choose. On the PSP Mini Gear Pouch, the color is more pronounced, covering the bottom and ends of the bag.

The PSP Gear Pouch is by far my favorite of the two bags. At 9.75" x 5" x 2" and weighing in at 4 oz., the bag is large enough to carry my PSP, the power adaptor, memory sticks, all of my UMD movies and games and even fit the PSP in while in my Logitech PlayGear Pocket case . To me, this is ideal, a rugged soft-sided case containing my PSP in a hardshell case feels safe, very safe.

The case itself is very attractive and features a side pocket, perfect for throwing in non-PSP items like tickets, keys, or cash. Inside the case are two large pockets for the PSP and the AC adaptor, as well as three small pockets which fit UMD discs perfectly. I have placed 12 UMD discs in the pockets with room to spare.

The PSP Gear Pouch fits everything I ever want to take on the road with me and more. The bag is tough and stylish. It, in conjunction with my PlayGear hard case travel with me everywhere.

The PSP Mini Gear Pouch is every bit as tough and stylish as it's big brother. At 7.7" x 1.3" and weighing only 2 oz., this bag is petite enough to be thrown into your backpack or messenger bag and not take up too much space. It holds your PSP (though it's too small for a hardshell case), four to eight UMD discs and the earbuds.

While the construction and style of the bag are solid, it simply is too small. While it may be fine for bus travel, or trips back and forth from the office or school, the lack of space for the AC adaptor limits the functionality of the bag.

The bag may function very well for those of you who wish to travel light. But if I am just wanting to take my PSP, then I feel safer carrying it in a hardcase in my backpack. The PSP Mini Gear Pouch is a quality bag, but for $10 I'd go with the PSP Gear Pouch.

View the original article here

MX Superfly Featuring Ricky...

MX Superfly finally elevates motocross games to the same level as other action sports titles. A fast and fun ride.MX Superfly offers numerous improvements over MX 2002. The career mode, music library, equipment, gameplay, and number of tracks have all been expanded. The visuals are much sharper, (though it is the 'cleanest' motocross racing I've ever seen). The greatest improvement lies in the career mode. You can play either a racing or freestyle career, earning cash and trophies to advance onto more tacks and unlock new bikes and equipment, all of which are available in the multiplayer mode.

MX Superfly is easy to pick up, but there are plenty of difficult stunts and moves to keep players interested. All in all, Mx Superfly gives you two great games for the price of one, a solid dirt bike racer, and a radical, high flying freestyle game.

View the original article here

Unreal Championship

Unreal Championship is the fragfest Xbox owners have been waiting for. Easily the most fun Xbox live game out there. It's great at home, and even better online.Unreal Championship is sort of like Halo's evil twin sister. She's just as fun and pretty, but where she's lacking depth and polish, she makes up for with carnage. That's real what Unreal Championship is all about, lots and lots of carnage.

Unreal Championship features fast and frantic first person arena combat. While the story is about as thick as a Kraft Single, Unreal delivers adrenaline pumping action and combat. A nice new twist to this version is the inclusion of playable races, each with their own strengths and weaknesses.

The only real minus is the somewhat slow framerate. Sometimes the game will hiccup, even in single player mode. It was the only thing keeping Unreal Championship from bringing home five stars.

View the original article here

UNREAL II: THE AWAKENING He...

Console Version of PC Hit Includes Xbox Enhancements, Multiplayer Game Modes Including Single Player Cooperative Play And Online Competition.

Atari is bringing Unreal® II: The Awakening to the Xbox™ video game system from Microsoft this Holiday season. Unreal II: The Awakening is the follow-up to Epic Games’ 1998 smash PC hit, Unreal. The Xbox version of the game will include console specific enhancements and exclusive multiplayer modes playable on Xbox Live!

“Unreal II: The Awakening raised the bar for single player first person shooters on personal computer, and now Xbox owners will get to experience the same amazing gameplay along with the multiplayer benefits of Xbox Live!,” said Steve Allison, vice president of marketing in Atari’s Los Angeles studio. “The game features a great story, amazing graphics and truly unique gameplay styles that keep it exciting from beginning to end. It’s the perfect title for console shooter fans.”

The Xbox version is in development by Tantalus and Legend Entertainment (an Atari studio) in concert with Epic Games. The game is being modified and tweaked to create better-than-ever performance and controls specifically designed for the Xbox.

In the game, players jump into the scarred combat boots of a grizzled lawman of the future to battle a torrent of bizarre alien creatures and hard-hitting enemy soldiers. The mission: win a brutal galactic race to collect powerful artifacts and stop a malevolent plot to awaken an ancient power. The player will be dispatched to unique worlds with exotic new settings that range from stunningly realistic outdoor terrain to spine-chilling alien cities, archaeological dig sites and more.

The player will be armed with a devastating arsenal, ranging from familiar alien-bashing favorites like the Rocket Launcher and Combat Assault Rifle to all new exotic alien variants modified by your cantankerous ship’s engineer. Those weapons will come in handy versus a large bestiary of creatures, including the fearsome Skaarj from the original Unreal along with a host of all-new enemies, such as the Drakk and the Izarians.

Unreal II: The Awakening for Xbox will include a robust multiplayer component both on- and off-line. Two players will be able to join forces in splitscreen co-op mode to battle through the epic single player campaign as a team of mercenaries. Online play will be supported through Xbox Live! and will feature an all new class-based, team-oriented multiplayer mode.

Under the hood lays the latest Unreal technology from Epic Games, creating the best graphics available on any system. The advanced particle system creates the illusion of blazing fire, drifting smoke and weather effects. Enemies in the game use new AI to find cover during fire-fights, work together in teams and react believably based on the caliber of weapon the player is carrying.

Unreal II: The Awakening for Xbox is expected to ship in the 2003 Holiday season with an estimated retail price of $49.95 and an ESRB rating of “M” for Mature. Additional information about the game can be found online at www.unreal2.com, which features downloadable and streaming game play movies, screenshots and other game information and background.

View the original article here

Full Metal Alchemist - PS2

Square Enix, Inc., the publisher of Square Enix has announced that Fullmetal Alchemist and the Broken Angel will ship to retailers nationwide on January 18, 2005. The action role-playing game will be exclusively for the PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system. Fullmetal Alchemist expands the story in the anime series which airs on Cartoon Network's Adult Swim programming. The tale follows the adventures of brothers Edward and Alphonse Elric on their quest to make right the mistakes of their past.

"The early success of the anime series on Cartoon Network shows the great amount of potential the Fullmetal Alchemist franchise holds in the U.S. market," said Ichiro Otobe, president and COO of Square Enix, Inc. "We anticipate that American players will find the game to be as addicting as the Japanese fans have found it. The Fullmetal Alchemist franchise, which encompasses comic books, a novel, TV animation, and games, has enjoyed a phenomenal amount of success in Japan."

In a forbidden act of alchemy, Edward and Alphonse tried to raise their mother from the dead and lost their left leg and entire body, respectively. Immediately after the accident, Ed sacrificed his right arm to save Alphonse's soul and transplanted him into a suit of armor. The action begins as the two brothers head towards Central City in search of the "Philosopher's Stone," the only object that can return them to their natural states.

Based on the wildly popular anime and manga series in Japan, Fullmetal Alchemist has made its way to America, beginning with episodic programming on Cartoon Network's Adult Swim. The series spans 51 episodes in a story that ranges from tear-jerking drama to hilarious comedy. The anime series has been extremely well received by fans and media alike with a DVD release set for 2005.

Fullmetal Alchemist for the PlayStation 2 expands the tale in the anime series and is accompanied by fast-paced gameplay in which players can " alchemize" objects for use in battle. The story takes place in a lost chapter from the anime series during the Elric brothers' journey to Central. With animated cut scenes and in-game graphics that are the same quality as the TV series, the game ties in seamlessly with its anime counterpart.

The key to gameplay depends on how well the player utilizes the versatile battle system. Over 50 transmutable objects ranging from trees to trash cans litter the landscape, allowing the practice of alchemy to have unlimited potential. In addition to controlling Ed, players can also equip the sub-character Alphonse and call him to aid during heated battles.

Fullmetal Alchemist and the Broken Angel has a suggested retail price of U.S. $39.99 and is rated "T" (Teen).

About Square Enix Co., Ltd. and Square Enix, Inc.

Headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, Square Enix Co., Ltd. (Square Enix) develops, publishes and distributes entertainment content including interactive entertainment software and publications in Japan, North America, Europe and Asia. Square Enix brings two of Japan's best-selling franchises – FINAL FANTASY, which has sold over 60 million units worldwide, and DRAGON QUEST, which has sold over 35 million units worldwide – under one roof.

View the original article here

PS3 Video Game Gift Guide 2009

Looking for a good fight? Or at least a good fighting game? Tekken 6 continues its reign as the 3D fighter to beat.

With new characters, stages, and a "Scenario Campaign" play mode (allowing players to work cooperatively) Tekken 6 brings all the excitement of the arcade fighting game home, but with additional features only available on your video game console.

Tekken 6 is violent by nature, so gift it accordingly.

Compare prices for Tekken 6

View the original article here

Metal Gear Solid 3 Contest

Konami Digital Entertainment - America, a division of Konami Digital Entertainment, Inc., launched the Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater camouflage campaign, in which game fans worldwide can submit their own camouflage designs for inclusion in the video game from May 12 to June 30, 2004. Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater will ship for the PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system in November 2004.

The Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater camouflage campaign invites gamers to step into the famed world of tactical espionage. Starting today, players can access information on the contest and submit their own camouflage designs to be worn by the main character in the game at http://www.konamijpn.com/camouflage/index.html. All submissions will be reviewed by critically-acclaimed creator and producer of the Metal Gear Solid series, Hideo Kojima, and the award-winning design team at Konami Computer Entertainment Japan. Winning entries will be featured in the final game and the creator’s name and design will also be listed on the official Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater website, as well as in the end credits in the game. Three lucky winners will be announced at the Tokyo Game Show in Japan and will also be listed on the Konami website. Along with submitting camouflage designs, players will also be able to download camouflage patterns and incorporate them into the game when it ships this fall.

The definitive stealth action experience is given extraordinary new depth as the gameplay mechanics move beyond enemy surveillance via the series’ signature radar control, to constant consideration of the soldier’s integration with his environment. The new, in-depth “camouflage index” enables players to use the appropriate face paint and camouflage gear to blend into the environment, thereby avoiding enemy detection and aiding players in infiltrating dangerous enemy territory.

Promising an epic adventure similar in scale to that of a major Hollywood motion picture, Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater encompasses all of the elements of the ultimate entertainment experience including edge-of your-seat action, intense stealth gameplay, outstanding visuals and a majestic soundtrack. Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater raises the bar for action games across the board, introducing new features, a new era and a new setting to the series.

Set in the 1960s, Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater thrusts players into a time period rife with political turmoil, where the global political landscape and escalation of war are shaping real world history. Players will plot a dangerous solo mission to infiltrate a heavily guarded enemy territory and uncover highly coveted secrets behind a newly created weapon of mass destruction. Gamers will journey through fully interactive, immersive and open-ended outside jungle environments that bring the realism and stealth combat to a whole new dynamic.

Comprised of some of the best talent in the entertainment industry, the Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater design team is joined by screenwriter Kyle Cooper (Seven, The Hunt For Red October and The Fifth Element), to create an interactive opening sequence for the game. The blockbuster musical score is also composed by Harry Gregson-Williams (Shrek, Armageddon, The Rock, The Replacement Killers, Enemy of the State).

Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater is available to play at Konami’s E3 2004 booth. For more information on the game, please visit: www.konami.com/mgs3.

View the original article here

NCAA Football 2004 - PS2, X...

What isn't there to like about NCAA 2004. It was an awesome football sim, they've expanded the list of schools, songs, and mascots, taken it online (PS2 only...grrr) and added a slew of new features, and unlockables. This is more than a 'minor update' this is a must have football game.Let me be upfront and honest with y'all... I'm not the biggest college football fan. GASP! I know, my buddies all swear it's better than the NFL, the rivalries, the pageantry, the yadda yadda yadaa. I just like pro football better. Maybe it's the lack of a superbowl, or perhaps the fact that players play for four years, tops. Anyway, with that out in the open, I can honestly say I am shocked at how much I liked NCAA 2004. Heck, it may even turn me into a Saturday football fan... maybe.

Let's cut straight to it: It's a fun game to play. If you like football sims, and you liked Madden you'll love NCAA Football 2004. Yes it sorta looks like Madden, yes it kinda plays like Madden, so what keeps this game from being Madden Jr.? Extras, extras, extras.

The scope of the game is mind blowing. There are more teams than colleges I've ever heard of. To top it off, this year they've added 165 new teams, and over 100 new classic teams complete with throwback uniforms and those suicidal leather helmets. Can't find your alma matter (what kind of funky school did you go to?) then just create it.

Choose a division, design uniforms, pick a mascot and a fight song and before you know it Green River Community College is trouncing USC in the Rose Bowl. The stadiums, the pageantry my buddies love so much, it's all here, and I must admit I found myself getting swept up in the moment when my Northwest College Eagles were on the cover of Sports Illustrated. Sniff, it like a dream come true.

Of course the biggest changes this year have to be online play and the EA sports bio. OK, it has to be said by someone, somewhere... EA what the stink are you doing!!! Yes, I appreciate being able to play online with my PS2, but come on, no Xbox Live support? Is this a joke? What does Sony have pictures of y'all in 'compromising situations' at a launch party or what? Get in the game folks, Xbox is a huge sports market and it's just plain silly not to offer Xbox Live Support. OK, I'll put away the soapbox now, and save it for when John Romero decides to release another game. Yes, like all new EA sports titles it does support the PS2 network adaptor, and you can now use that Socom USB headset to trash talk your opponents, the Lower Alabama Mudhawgs, while you play. Perhaps even more interesting is the addition of the EA Sports Bio.

The Bio will track how long, and how well you've played EA Sports games, supposedly all of the new ones. Then, after you rack up a certain amount of hours or achieved certain accomplishments it will unlock items, and secrets in all of your EA Sports games. So let's say you've been playing NCAA 2004, then you pop in that brand new copy off Madden...BOOM you may just start off with a slew of Madden Cards or other unlockables ready to go. Think of it as the EA frequent flyer card, they reward customer loyalty with extra unlockables. Not that they need they loyalty, as they already dominate the video game sports market, but it is a nice touch.

New additions and gimmicks aside NCAA Football 2004 is a solid game. Good graphics (Xbox version does look best, especially if you have HDTV), good sound, great controls and gameplay, and heaps of extra goodies and unlockables. All in all a very worthy purchase, and quite a fun game. Heck, after pounding away at NCAA Football 2004 I may just have to check out a few more games this year.

View the original article here

Chronicles of Riddick PR

LOS ANGELES, Calif. – Vivendi Universal Games in association with Tigon Studios is bringing gamers an intense sci-fi experience from the point-of-view of the most wanted man in the Universe with the new videogame, The Chronicles of Riddick: Escape from Butcher Bay, which will be available on the Xbox video game system from Microsoft. Set before the events of both Universal Pictures' upcoming summer release The Chronicles of Riddick, starring Vin Diesel, and the 2000 cult classic Pitch Black, which first introduced Diesel as enigmatic anti-hero Riddick, the game tells the story of Riddick's dramatic escape from the previously inescapable triple max security slam Butcher Bay, home to the most violent prisoners in the galaxy.

The Chronicles Riddick: Escape from Butcher Bay will blend action and stealth elements, as players navigate Riddick through the harsh environments of the slam - dank tunnels, dimly lit corridors, and other hazardous areas filled with guards, savage inmates and deadly creatures that prowl the darkness. Developed by Starbreeze Studios, and published by Vivendi Universal Games in association with Vin Diesel's Tigon Studios, the game has been rated “M” by the ESRB and is expected to ship in June 2004 at a suggested retail price of $49.95.

"The Chronicles of Riddick: Escape from Butcher Bay is an exciting new chapter in the story of one of the most enigmatic and compelling anti-heroes of this generation," said Luc Vanhal, president and chief operating officer, North America, Vivendi Universal Games. "With groundbreaking 3D technology, and a truly revolutionary game design that fuses frenetic FPS action, stealth, and brutal hand-to-hand combat, this title is on track to be one of the great games of 2004."

"This game is intense in every facet, from action game-play to incredible graphics and chilling psychological moments," said Bill Kispert, vice president, Interactive, Universal Studios Consumer Products Group. "It is an integral experience in understanding the ever-growing mythology of the Riddick universe."

“The Chronicles of Riddick: Escape from Butcher Bay features an original storyline that provides insight into how Riddick evolved into such a complex character,” said Cos Lazouras, production executive, Tigon Studios. “The game reveals secrets about Riddick’s past as well as his epic destiny to come."

In the game, Richard B. Riddick is an intergalactic convict who at the game's start, finds himself captured by mercenaries and locked down in the toughest prison in the galaxy. As this least likely of heroes, players must draw on their character's brains and brutality and attempt the unthinkable - escape from Butcher Bay. Played from a primarily first-person perspective (with special third- person actions), players will have to make maximum use of their environments to achieve their escape, including using shadows, subterfuge and distractions to avoid patrols.

Moving and attacking in darkness is particularly effective for Riddick as his haunting "eye shine" gives him the ability to see without ambient light. However, stealth won't serve every situation and players will be able to take the action up close and personal. As Riddick, players will be able to sneak up behind enemies and snap necks or fight face to face using fists, elbows and grapples. Additionally, players will be able to capture weapons such as shanks, shotguns, or assault rifles and use these to cut a swath of destruction through anyone who gets in their way.

About The Chronicles of Riddick

Vin Diesel reprises his star-making Pitch Black role of enigmatic anti-hero Richard B. Riddick in the new science fiction action-adventure epic, The Chronicles of Riddick, opening June 11, 2004. From Universal Pictures, in association with Radar Pictures and One Race Productions, The Chronicles of Riddick stars Colm Feore, Alexa Davalos, Karl Urban, Linus Roache, Thandie Newton and Dame Judi Dench.

Riddick has spent the last five years on the move among the forgotten worlds on the outskirts of the galaxy, eluding mercenaries bent on collecting the price on his head. Now, the fugitive finds himself on planet Helion, home to a progressive multicultural society that has been invaded by the Lord Marshal, a despot who targets humans for subjugation with his army of warriors known as Necromongers.

Exiled to a subterranean prison where extremes of temperature range from arctic nights to volcanic days, Riddick encounters Kyra, the lone survivor from an earlier chapter in his life. His efforts to free himself and Kyra lead him to the Necromonger command ship, where he is pitted against the Lord Marshal in an apocalyptic battle with possibly the fate of all beings-both living and dead-hanging in the balance.

Written and directed by David Twohy, The Chronicles of Riddick is produced by Scott Kroopf and Vin Diesel. Ted Field, George Zakk and David Womark serve as executive producers.

View the original article here

DRIV3R Review

DRIV3R is a good game. It has some serious design flaws, but it is a good game. Think of is as a nice juicy New York steak, and somebody smothered it with cheese sauce. That's DRIV3R. If you can get by, or scrape off the cheese sauce, you'll find a meaty game you can really sink your teeth into. I'm betting that a lot of folks won't get past the sauce, however.Driving in DRIV3R is one of the best experiences you'll have on your console this summer. The controls are great, the cars, motorcycles, boats, 18 wheelers and, ugh, scooters offer tons of variety and heart thumping good times. The car based missions are some of the most creative I've played. From your standard getaways and chases, to an amazing level where you have to race to steal cars and drive them into the back of a moving semi-truck, ala Knight Rider, you'll be constantly challenged and thoroughly entertained. Unfortunately, they make you get out of the car as well.

Now most of the fellas in DRIV3R are rendered pretty stocky, and Tanner is no exceptio. But come on, go on a diet or something, 'cuz brother, you are s-l-o-w. Tanner not only runs painfully slow, but he swims slower than my nephew, who's four, and wears water wings. Yes, we are all impressed that Tanner can swim, and even drown, but pick up the pace.

Now here's the rub. DRIV3R's graphics are amazing. The car levels are insanely fun and well designed, and the game has so much extra polish that it shines like your mother did when you announced you'd finally be leaving the house.

The cut-scenes, menus, intros and music are Hollywood quality. Really. They wanted it to feel cinematic, and the pulled it off. Right down to the fact that when you 'continue' your game you get .."Previously in DRIV3R", and an impressive narrative review of the game thus far ensues. They hired an impressive cast to do the voice work: Michael Madsen as Tanner, Mickey Rourke as the sinister Jericho, Michelle Rodriguez as the sexy Calita and Ving Rhames as Tanner’s partner, Tobias Jones. Unfortunately, they must have run out of quarters early in the recording sessions as the only voice you here with any regularity belongs to Michelle Rodriguez. Despite the fact that Michael Madsen (of Kill Bill fame) is the voice of the main character, you'll go several levels without hearing a peep from him.

The mystery is how can a game have amazing driving, stellar graphics, tons of shine, and atrocious walking levels? I honestly think the 'B-Team' must have been stuck with the unsexy job of designing the foot levels.

I had a cat once. He truly was the most beautiful, funny, loving little Persian kitty on the planet. Unfortunately he liked to pee everywhere. Tried it all, the vet, multiple boxes, treats, hypnosis, nothing worked. DRIV3R reminds me of that cat. I love it, I really do, but there are some things you just can't live with. Now I lived with that cat for a year, and I'll probably play the heck out of DRIV3R, but I'm a glutton for punishment. You have to ask yourself, are you more apt to like a well rounded game, or an amazing game with some glaring flaws. DRIV3R is the latter. But it gives us hope for 'DRIV4R' or 'Driver 4 Hire', or whatever they call it. If they fix the walking levels, they'll have a top ten hit, easily.

In the end, I opted to be a tad bit generous and give DRIV3R four and not three and a half stars. It has some pretty big flaws, what it does bad, it does pretty bad, but what it does well is simply amazing. I like to think of it as one of the finest driving games out there, packaged with a crappy third person shooter.

DRIV3R carries an ESRB Rating of Mature for violence. There was no language, but a couple of suggestive themes. All in all, no worse than any PG-13 movie I've seen.

View the original article here

RTOTK Review

This truly is the Return of the King. EA took everything great in the Two Towers game and added more. Aside from the slew of new features the game looks and feels like the film. With Gandalf, Frodo, and Sam as playable characters the Fellowship is alive and well. All movie to game conversions should be this good.The Return of the King is nothing short of breathtaking. In what is sure to be one of the most memorable game intros ever, players are treated to DVD quality film clips of the Helm's Deep battle from the Two Towers movie. Just as Gandalf charges down the hill with the Riders of Rohan, in a bit of CG wizardry, the movie fades into the game and you are Gandalf. Even non-gamers will be impressed. It is seamless.

But there's much more to the game than a fancy intro. The single player mission takes three paths to end up at the Cracks of Doom. You can either take the way of the Wizard, the path of the King, or sneak around with the Hobbits. Even better is the all new co-op mode which allows you to team up with a buddy to pound through the levels, together. The interactive environments are not only eye candy, but play a major part of the game. You haven’t lived until you’ve fired trebuchets at oliphants, and kicked siege ladders off of walls while orcs are scurrying up them.

The love truly is in the details, however. The sheer number of movie clips from the upcoming Return of the King is enough to make any LOTR fanboy rush out and buy a copy. In addition to the music and scenes from the movies, there are a number of DVD-like special features, including interviews, concept art, and more. This is a must have title. Everyone involved with the next ‘Matrix’ game should be taking notes… this is how it’s done!

View the original article here

European PS3 Handicapped

Sony Computer Entertainment Europe Announces Hardware Specification of PLAYSTATION®3 for Europe In a move that rocked the gaming world, on February 23rd, 2007, Sony Computer Entertainment Europe released details that the European PlayStation 3 would have different hardware specifications that the North American and Asian PS3s.

The new version of the PlayStation 3 will be launched in Europe, Middle East, Africa and Australasia on the 23rd of March, 2007, as expected. The big shock was then their press release stated that the European PS3 "would utilise a new hardware specification."

According to Sony:

The European PS3 will feature the Cell Broadband Engine, 60 GB hard disc drive, Blu-ray Disc player, built-in Wi-Fi connectivity, SIXAXIS wireless controller. It also embodies a new combination of hardware and software emulation which will enable PS3 to be compatible with a broad range of original PlayStation (PS) titles and a limited range of PlayStation 2 (PS2) titles.

For those of you reading carefully, this means two major changes. First, there is only one version, no 20 gig Wi-Fi-less version. Second, the machine ships with no emotion engine, the brawn and brains behind the PS2. The North American and Asian PS3 have this chip inside, allowing for near complete backwards compatibility. Long story short? As, most likely, a cost-saving strategy, the European PS3 lacks full backwards compatibility, and will likely feature the same update strategy currently employed by the Xbox 360.

In defense of this new hardware configuration, David Reeves, President of SCEE offered the following:

PS3 is first and foremost a system that excels in playing games specifically designed to exploit the power and potential of the PS3 system. Games designed for PS3 offer incredible graphics quality, stunning gameplay and massively improved audio and video fidelity that is simply not achievable with PS and PS2 games. Rather than concentrate on PS2 backwards compatibility, in the future, company resources will be increasingly focused on developing new games and entertainment features exclusively for PS3, truly taking advantage of this exciting technology.

Unfortunately, the only hole in this exuberent defence is that the technology is already there. In fact, I have it in my American PS3. Of course the PS3 games should look better than PS2 games, but the "rather than concentrate on PS2 backwards compatibility" line is a red herring. That concentration has already been paid for. You'd think with the 4D gaming debacle that Sony would learn to cut to the chase and level with consumers by now.

Sony has alluded to the fact that firmware updates, available via download or game discs, will probably increase the list of compatible games. European PS3 owners will be able to check whether their titles are compatible with PS3 at faq.eu.playstation.com/bc. The site will go live on March 23rd, launch day.

Sony is banking that the PS3 will have enough momentum to overcome this handicap. Only time will tell if a) European consumers will tolerate getting a lesser version of the PS3, or b) if the rest of the world will soon be getting a scaled back PlayStation 3 for the same price that those of us paid for launch versions. It will be a bitter sweet launch for the PS3 on March 23rd.

Note: This article contains content sent directly from SCEE:

About Sony Computer Entertainment Europe Ltd.
Sony Computer Entertainment Europe (SCEE), based in London, is responsible for the distribution, marketing and sales of PLAYSTATION 3, PlayStation 2 and PSP (PlayStation Portable) software and hardware in 102 territories across Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Oceania. SCEE also develops, publishes, markets and distributes entertainment software for these formats, and manages the third party licensing programs for the formats in these territories. Between its European debut on 24th November 2000 and the end of September 2006, over 44 million PlayStation 2 consoles have been shipped across the SCEE territories, over 115 million worldwide, making it one of the most successful consumer electronic products in history. Between its European debut on 1st September 2005 and the end of September 2006, over 8 million PSP systems have been shipped across the SCEE territories, with over 24 million shipped worldwide since its Japanese launch in December 2004.

View the original article here

Top Ten PlayStation 3 Gifts Guide: Holiday 2010 Edition

The PS3 is well known for providing HD gaming at resolutions up to 1080p, as well as offering HD movie support via downloaded movies and Blu-ray movies, but it also fully supports both 3D movies and games. In fact, it's one of the easier, and cheaper and higher quality ways to get into stereoscopic 3D at home.

With a 3D HDTV, such as the Sony Bravia 3D TVs, your PS3 can make (certain) games and movies pop out at you, delivering a gaming experience that rivals having things jump out at your in the theater.

From "Gran Turismo 5" and "LittleBigPlanet 2" to "Crysis 2" and "Wipeout HD" playing games in 3D is something that must be experienced to believe. While in some games it does feel like a gimmick, in others you'll wonder how you ever played in 2D.

Sony is offering kits that include a 3D compatible Bravia TV, electronic active 3D glasses (unlike theaters, home stereoscopic 3D glasses shutter rapidly to let only one eye see the screen at a time, but it's so fast it's unnoticeable) and the necessary goods to hook it all up.

With the latest update, the PS3 is more than capable at running 3D games and movies. If you have an early adopter in your house, this will keep him or her ginning for years to come.

View the original article here

Dark Sector Review (PS3)

Wanting to ensure a polished game, developer Digital Extremes finally released Dark Sector (the first next generation title to be announced). Unfortunately, while the graphics are pretty, the controls are complicated and the storyline is a little weak.The game starts in the fictional Lasria, with clever black and white imagery, as black-op Hayden Tenno prepares to execute his mission. The mission goes wrong and he is infected with a mutation that the Lasrian government failed to contain. After becoming infected, Hayden adopts and takes advantage of the mysterious powers he gains from it.

One of these powers is the use of a circular glaive which he can control the flight path of. The glaive serves as both a long and short distance weapon handing out death in a few dozen finishing moves. If the player times the glaive throw perfectly they can use the full power potential of the weapon and actually cut enemies in half. The glaive also has the special ability to temporarily carry fire, electricity, and ice. These have been conjoined into the game making them necessary to progress. For example, there is this strange, almost living-like blockage that Hayden must burn with fire from his glaive to unlock access to a few doors.

In order to obtain fire Hayden needs to find a broken junction box with arcs of electricity shooting out of it to charge his glaive. He can throw his electrically charged glaive into gas leaking out of a pipe to create fire. After charging his glaive with fire he can toss it at the blockage and burn it to bits.

In a Gears of War fashion players can duck behind objects and fire from the third person perspective. The button that allows you to do this is also the button you use to roll. It turns out to be a very finicky control when player is in the heat of an intense blood bath.

Hayden must be facing in the direction of, and standing right next to, the wall, bench, or barricade he plans on hiding behind other wise he will duck and roll right into the field of fire and die within 10 seconds with red, blurred vision and a cheery “you are dead” planted on the center of the screen. The button for the glaive is also multifunctional.

The player can tap it to throw the glaive, double tap it to control the flight path, or hold it to throw it at max power and if aimed nearly perfectly it can pick up an enemies weapon. The most beloved (pain in the ass) button is the one you have to hold to pick up anything. Asking politely, “Excuse me, please don’t shoot at me while I am positioning myself perfectly above this ammo/weapon and taking my time to hold the button so I can pick it up” doesn’t really work. A few choice words, and about a hundred deaths later, it becomes easier to control these buttons, but certainly nothing about them is intuitive.

The game is loaded with bad guys. It starts out as being a slew of different military personnel. The player gets to blow up helicopters and weird mechwarrior-like machines. There are super developed infected monsters. And regular infected monsters which are…zombies! Intense fight scenes, with so many different types of enemies really help to keep the player’s interest. My only word of advice when playing this game is to make sure you take the time to hold the button that picks up the ammo, and pick up as much of it as you can. Every time the player passes into a new section of a level the previous section is locked so they can’t go backward to collect. If you don’t, be prepared to die and curse at your 1080P TV because you’ve died several dozen times because you can’t get past a fight sequence because you ran out of ammo!

It's not that Dark Sector is bad, it simply needed a good consultant, or at least more time in development. The story line seems, litterally, peiced together, as do the levels. This is a clever game that is too rough around the edges to be fully enjoyed.

View the original article here

Start the Party - PS3 Move

"Start the Party" is the perfect game to bust out at, well a party. Easy to understand, silly, and cute, "Start the Party" is competitive silliness done nearly perfectly. I may not sit at home playing it by myself, but I can honestly say, it's going to sit with "Buzz!" as one of my go to party games now. Fun and funny, "Start the Party" pulls people into the action like few games can.There have been a lot of mediocre reviews of "Start the Party" for the PlayStation Move. Most of them tend to focus on either how it's not innovative, claiming it's too similar to the old PlayStation 2 EyeToy games, or how some of the minigames are dull. I think both views come from the wrong place. And to prove this, I busted the game out at two parties, and the game was an unqualified hit.

Folks who try to point out that these are similarities between the PlayStation EyeToy games like "Play" and get the party started have an easy task. Sure the PlayStation Eye game "Start the Party" is more accurate, and uses the PlayStation Move controller instead of using the hand or the body of the player, but really, it's a more advanced version and that's about it. But the real question is, "So what?"

It's not like people really played all that many PlayStation Eye games, and it's certainly not something they've done recently. When I busted out "Get the Party Started" at two different parties no-one made the connection with "Play" and when I brought it up, not a soul knew what I was talking about. So, while it may not be "innovative," it was fun, popular, and novel with the groups of folks I played it with.

As far as the minigames being dull, I can sympathize. When I played it with my partner, we got bored and wanted to flip through them faster, but it was a very different experience with a group. While our scores were tight, with groups it's far more competitive, little differences make bigger differences, and the competition is far more tense.

With two of us, I didn't care who could put more toppings on a pizza, or pop more inflatable fish, or who could slice more fruit with a pirate sword (reminiscent of "Fruit Ninja"). But with four players, the tension was palpable. "Start the Party" became a wacky, wild competition.

The reality is that it's hard to review a party game. It's sort of like playing "Monopoly" or "Checkers" by yourself, the fun just isn't there. Add a few friends, obnoxious ones if you have them, and a good time is around the corner.

Sure cutting hair in patterns, painting on the screen, or brushing alligator teeth seem dull, but I'm telling you, they make wonderful competitions. So is this a great solo-game? Yeah, not so much. Is it an alternative to "Gran Turismo 5?" Probably not. But is it a fun party game for the young and or young at heart? Well, now there's the right question.

View the original article here

How To Save Your PSOne Classic and PS2 Game On Your PlayStation 3

If you've downloaded a PSOne classic to your PS3 this may help. Whether it's Final Fantasy VII, Castlevania: Symphony of the Night, or any of the other great PSOne games available for download, eventually you'll want to save your game.

The original PSOne and PS2 required memory cards to save games on. The PS3 has no memory cards, it utilizes a hard drive. Yet the PSOne classic and PS2 games still ask for a memory card to save files on, even when you are playing them on your PS3. So, how do you use a memory card game save file on your PS3?

The answer is to create an internal (virtual) PSOne or PS2 Memory Card.

Time Required: Approx. 5 minutes required

View the original article here

PS3 Uses NVIDIA Chipset

Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. and NVIDIA Corporation have announced that the companies have been collaborating on bringing advanced graphics technology and computer entertainment technology to SCEI's highly anticipated next-generation computer entertainment system (PlayStation 3). Both companies are jointly developing a custom graphics processing unit (GPU) incorporating NVIDIA's next-generation GeForce and SCEI's system solutions for next-generation computer entertainment systems featuring the Cell* processor.

This collaboration is made under a broad, multi-year, royalty-bearing agreement. The powerful custom GPU will be the graphics and image processing foundation for a broad range of applications from computer entertainment to broadband applications. The agreement will encompass future Sony digital consumer electronics products.

"In the future, the experience of computer entertainment systems and broadband-ready PCs will be fused together to generate and transfer multi-streams of rich content simultaneously. In this sense, we have found the best way to integrate the state-of-the-art technologies from NVIDIA and SCEI," said Ken Kutaragi, executive deputy president and COO, Sony Corporation, and president and Group CEO, Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. "Our collaboration includes not only the chip development but also a variety of graphics development tools and middleware, essential for efficient content creation."

"We are thrilled to partner with Sony Computer Entertainment to build what will certainly be one of the most important computer entertainment and digital media platforms of the twenty-first century,"added Jen-Hsun Huang, president and CEO, NVIDIA. "Over the past two years NVIDIA has worked closely with Sony Computer Entertainment on their next-generation computer entertainment system. In parallel, we have been designing our next-generation GeForce GPU. The combination of the revolutionary Cell processor and NVIDIA's graphics technologies will enable the creation of breathtaking imagery that will surprise and captivate consumers."

The custom GPU will be manufactured at Sony Group's Nagasaki Fab2 as well as OTSS (joint fabrication facility of Toshiba and Sony).

Note:
* "Cell" is the code-name for an advanced microprocessor under development by IBM, Toshiba and Sony Group. Some gaming journalists have also used "Cell" as the codename for the PlayStation 3 (PS3)

About Sony Computer Entertainment Inc.
Recognized as the global leader and company responsible for the progression of consumer-based computer entertainment, Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. (SCEI) manufacturers, distributes and markets the PlayStation game console and PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system. PlayStation has revolutionized home entertainment by introducing advanced 3D graphic processing, and PlayStation 2 further enhances the PlayStation legacy as the core of home networked entertainment. SCEI, along with its subsidiary divisions Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc., Sony Computer Entertainment Europe Ltd., and Sony Computer Entertainment Korea Inc. develops, publishes, markets and distributes software, and manages the third party licensing programs for these two platforms in the respective markets worldwide. Headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. is an independent business unit of the Sony Group.

About NVIDIA
NVIDIA Corporation is a worldwide leader in graphics and digital media processors. The Company's products enhance the end-user experience on consumer and professional computing devices. NVIDIA graphics processing units (GPUs), media and communications processors (MCPs), and wireless media processors (WMPs) have broad market reach and are incorporated into a variety of platforms, including consumer and enterprise PCs, notebooks, workstations, PDAs, mobile phones, and video game consoles. NVIDIA is headquartered in Santa Clara, California and employs more than 2,000 people worldwide.

View the original article here