Archive for February, 2007
Australian Gaming Expo Coming Along Nicely
Haven’t seen this thing get much press (which is surprising considering the amount of good stuff on offer), but the GO3 gaming expo taking place in Perth next month is starting to look quite tasty.
Running between Friday March 30 and Sunday April 1, the event’s split between a conference and a showroom floor, with some extracurricular stuff thrown in around the fringes for colour.
So what’s on offer?:
Plus…a whole lot more stuff, with more speakers and games yet to be finalised. Yeah, it’s in Perth, I know, but to soften the blow they’re offering discount travel and accomodation packages, so if you’re dying to stalk Kojima for a day you can do it on the cheap.
Oh, and yes, we’ll be covering it, so pop back in late March to see how it all shakes down. Hit the link below for the full details.
GO3 Electronic Entertainment Expo 2007
Japanese Gamers Survey
Let the brain picking begin! A new poll researching the online habits of Japanese gamers and game makers has surfaced. Some interesting results:
CONSUMERS
Do you use the networking feature of your console?
- Yes: 89.4 percent
- No: 10.6 percent
On which platform are you using the network feature?
- 21.6 percent: DS
- 19.7 percent: Wii
- 18.1 percent: PSP
- 13.4 percent: PS2
- 13.4 percent: PS3
- 11.8 percent: Xbox 360
- 2 percent: Other
More results after the jump!
CONSUMERS
Which service are you using the most?
- 22.2 percent: Online Gaming
- 16.4 percent: Demos
- 15 percent: Bonuses for games
- 15 percent: Game news
- 14.9 percent: Non-gaming related content
- 12.4 percent: Internet
- 4 percent: Mail
GAME MAKERS
Are you involved in networking services?
- No: 60.7 percent
- Yes: 39.3 percent
What kind of services are you involved into?
- 43.5 percent: Online Gaming
- 30.5 percent: Bonus data
- 13 percent: Game news
- 13 percent: Demos
Eds Note: In the Next-Generation post, there is one last question asking which platform the game makers are involved. Oddly, 39.1 percent said the Xbox 360. That sounds kinda strange, and I couldn’t find the original survey, so not posting that. If anyone does find the original survey, please feel free to post in the comments.
Japanese Game Poll [Next-Gen]
How To Move A Giant Robot
This fortnight’s Roboto-Chan is a little special. Yeah, special, because it deals with something very dear to me (Virtual On) and throws in a whole lot of home-improvementy-type stuff that, because I struggle when confronted with zips and door locks, I find fascinating.
(Don’t read Roboto-Chan? It’s about video games AND giant robots…come on)
Cutting a long story short, writer Ollie owns a Virtual On arcade cabinet. Bastard. But it’s not all biscuits and tea - the thing is heavy, like, half a ton heavy, which makes moving it a pain. But move it he did, so he had to disassemble the entire cabinet, which entails all kinds of electrical fiddling and de-construction and stuff. Then rebuild it all again. Which in turn makes for an interesting post, as he blends his thoughts on the series with all kinds of nerd handyman work.
Good readin’.
COLUMN: ‘Roboto-chan!’: Rebuilding Virtual On [GameSetWatch]
Clip: Nintendo’s Duck Hunt From The 1970’s
The NES version is how most gamers know Duck Hunt. Actually, Nintendo made a light-gun version back in 1976. In hopes of convincing you to buy it, web seller Japan-Games has a fascinating clip of the product, which includes a short unboxing and footage of it in use. While NES users got a pistol, players in the 1970’s got a friggin’ shotgun. Even after thirty years, the game does look like fun. Noisy as all hell, though.
Original Duck Hunt [Aeropause]
Strange Xbox Light Miracle
It’s a sign! From the heavens! Or not. Not sure if this is a hoax, but a poster over at Something Awful claims that his window is warped in such a way that it produces the above symbol. Pretty amazing, huh? If this is true (and we hope it is), someone might want to reinforce that fence so it doesn’t overheat and catch fire.
Xbox Sign [Something Awful via Ozymandias]
Marriage Is Like A Game Boy…
Oh boy. I’ve been waiting months to get an excuse to post about Dinosaur Comics, and now’s my chance (click for larger version).
Not yet having engaged in the sacrament of marriage, I can’t comment on this comic’s accuracy, but man, if it IS like the first time you ever got a Game Boy, sign me up.
So awesome. Go check out the rest of Ryan’s site if you dig it, it’s one of the best web comics out there.
Dinosaur Comics
Sony Says PS3 “Shortages” Fixed By May (Eh?)
For our one reader unable to purchase a PS3, good news. Sony says shortages will let up by May, and the company is on track to ship 2 million PLAYSTATION 3s to North America by March’s end. Says Sony Computer Entertainment America honcho Jack Tretton:
April or May is when we feel like we’re going to catch up to demand and have product fully in stock across North America and stay there.
But isn’t it already staying there, Jack? There already are unsold consoles sitting on store shelves. Your thoughts?
It’s a testament to the fact that we’ve been able to manufacture and ship units on a greater pace than any previous console.
Okay… So Sony’s been able to crank out tons of machines? That’s commendable, and if Sony had sold out every PS3, there would be a backlash. But Jack, aren’t you interested in moving more of the existing machines?
Our goal is to fill shelves across the United States. Our goal is not to have empty shelves, it’s to have full shelves. If we have empty shelves, that’s one less consumer who could have bought a PLAYSTATION 3.
Did he actually say this? Out loud? In front of other people?
Sony Out To Resolve “Shortages” [Reuters]
Gun Envy: New Team Fortress 2 Artwork
No actual screens, but Valve have let slip some of the concept art for the gunwear in Team Fortress 2.
Looks weighty. Deadly, even. Like they’d cut through a man as though he were made of soft, yummy butter.
TF2 brings out the big guns - new art [CVG]
Monkeys, Search And Destroy With Bandai
Hunt for fake monkeys with integrated GPS. Bandai’s Java-based Chimpan GPS for DoCoMo phones with satellite-navigation has players run the application and then physically search for the simian target. Players using phones without GPS log-in and act as assistants, apparently. That sounds boring! Game costs ¥315 (US $2.66) , but memories of wondering city streets looking for fake monkeys are priceless.
Monkey Hunt Game [Digital World Tokyo]
Bone Coming To DS
You best believe this is the news of the day: Bone is coming to the DS.
Cocky young upstarts Xider, who are new to the publishing business, will be releasing the PC port later this year. And let me be the first to congratulate them for stepping into this gaping, Lucasarts-shaped hole in the western DS software lineup.
This might even be the better version. No voice-acting (which was…sub-par) and muddier graphics will only help Telltale’s point-and-clicker.
New publisher Xider to release 12 titles in ‘07 [Eurogamer]
10 Rules To Keep FPS Games In Check
Another day, another “games should be done like THIS” set of commandments. Far from sounding preachy and slightly self-righteous like others, though, having read this it looks pretty spot-on. Here they are, then: ten rules that FPS games need to adhere to in order to avoid being rubbish:
10. The player must always know the objective
9. Know when to take the training wheels off
8. Players want abilities, not gimmicks
7. The story isn’t more important than the game
6. Let the player realize their mistake and survive (sometimes)
5. Make the character’s abilities and options suit the world they inhabit
4. No one lives forever
3. The game world is the real world
2. Create a world that invites, encourages, and rewards smart thinking
1. Get into the action early
Don’t know about the story one (that’s a mighty fine line to tread), but the others all look good to me. Especially #1 - the first time you play Prey the intro is pretty cool (if only for CLUTCH ON THE JUKEBOX), but the second…dear God, it’s excruciating.
Hit the link for the full run-down.
The Academic Word: Ten Maxims Every FPS Should Follow [Game Career Guide, via Gamasutra]
Clip: Otaku RPG Show Down
Now, we’ve seen these live action RPG battle clips before. Just never in Japanese otaku form. Stick around for the surprise ending in which the bullies come to terms with their own otaku-ness.
Otaku FF [Japan Probe]
Harrison: Super Rub-A-Dub Not Our Bowling For Columbine
Newsweek’s N’Gai Croal posted part two of his DICE-era interview with Sony Computer Entertainment Worldwide Studios boss Phil Harrison, asking if any future Sony-developed games will “change people’s view of the kind of subject matter, themes, content, approach that can be taken with games” like, for analogy’s sake, Michael Moore documentary “Bowling For Columbine.”
Harrison, careful not to leak details on unannounced games, responds:
I’d like to believe so, but it’s impossible to predict ahead of time. I don’t think Super Rub-a-Dub is going to be that game. I don’t think it’s an analogy for the human condition. Maybe not games in their entirety, but storylines or characters within games should deal with topics of substance.
Agreed, Phil! Don’t miss the second portion of the chat which also touches on Mr. Harrison’s take on Motorstorm now versus Motorstorm, the Wii’s Miis, and drug abuse in games.
Loot: The Phil Harrison Interview, Part II [N'Gai Croal's Level Up]
Gametap Seeking Indy Games
Sick of burgers and mashed potato, Gametap are casting their hungry eyes over games with a bit more of an exotic flavour.
Turner Broadcasting System has announced GameTap Indies, a new marketing and distribution program designed to introduce independent games to subscribers of its GameTap ‘all you can eat’ PC gaming service.
They reckon it’s an “added distribution channel for independent game developers”, and I’m inclined to agree, since Gametap can get indy games some good exposure. Oh, except for the fact you can’t get Gametap outside North America. That’ll limit their exposure somewhat.
Never mind.
Gametap Launches ‘Indies’ Label, IGF Award [Gamasutra]
Day Note: Busy
To: Ash
From: Crecente
Crap, I’ve been busy today. Mostly working on my feature for the Rocky and GDC stuff. Nothing earth shattering today, but plenty of interesting news. Oh, I posted pics of the PS3 we’re giving away. I think we should kick off the contest next week. Also we’re going to be gettting T-shirts soon, for reals.
Here’s what you missed:
Harold Goldberg dated Jade Raymond
Mortal Kombat coming to the Playstation Store
I’m still laughing about this.
I know it’s from yesterday, but I really enjoyed Mike’s frozen feature.
Alright, have to go spend some more time with God of War II and Motorstorm for upcoming reviews. Also have a bevy of new stuff to go over. Oh, there’s some quasi interesting industry news hitting at midnight or early morning. Not super special, but worth reading.
Stuntman: Ignition Revealed
IGN has the first look at the sequel to the hit PlayStation 2 game Stuntman due to hit the Xbox 360, PS2 and PLAYSTATION 3. The original was published by Atari, but the follow-up will come from THQ and will feature 1000% more lava jumping than its predecessor.
The single player mission mode should satisfy fans of the first, but the online mode for Stuntman: Ignition makes things a bit more exciting. From IGN:
The online mode, playable with up to eight players, is where things start to get new and interesting. Here, you’ll be able to challenge other stuntmen and steal stunts from them in multiplayer arenas. With the included stunt construction toolkit, you’ll be able to plan out your own stunt runs and then take them online to see if anybody can meet your challenge.
Super cool. The game, now under development at new home Paradigm Studios, should hit in the summer time.
Stuntman: Ignition First Details [IGN]
Captain N Now On DVD
Wow. Has it really been nearly a year since we began pining for a Captain N collection on DVD? While that initial lust for awful 80’s cartoons loosely based on NES properties from Capcom, Nintendo and Konami may have faded with time, we’re happy to be reminded that Captain N: The Game Master - The Complete Series has finally been released on DVD.
Featuring all 26 episodes on a four disc set, Captain N from Shout! Factory can be yours for the low, low price of $24 from Amazon.
Videogame animation fans should note that Shout! Factory is having a limited time sale on their Super Mario Bros. Super Show! and Legend of Zelda Animated Series DVD sets. They should also watch for the upcoming release of the Sonic the Hedgehog complete series next month.
Nerdvana!
Captain N The Game Master - The Complete Series [Amazon, via Dan From The BBPS]
Gallery: Age of Conan: Hyborian Adventures
Hmm, these new screens showing the city of Khemi, capitol of Stygia, in upcoming MMO Age of Conan: Hyborian Adventures look a little to generic for my tastes. I don’t know, maybe I’m being unfair, but I was sort of hoping for a look that more closely resembled something from Frank Frazetta or, better still, John Buscema. Yes, I’m a big Conan geek, I can’t help it.
PSP Global Connectivity Within 6 Months
The BBC’s story focusing on the current state of the handheld wars (with the PSP at about 25 million shipped versus 35 million for the DS at the end of ‘06, they say) also features a choice quote from Sony Computer Entertainment Europe spokesfella Jonathan Fargher on the PSP’s future. He drops word on the forthcoming global implementation of location free player capabilities of the Wi-fi ready, handheld gaming machine.
We’re hoping to incorporate that functionality in the very near future - from a local level at the moment to a global level probably within the next six months. If I have my MP3 Walkman or my iPod, or digital camera connected to PS3 then I can access those devices, too.
Okay, cool. Since I’ll probably have my iPod with me when I travel, what about a USB hard drive? Can I access my hundreds of gigs of porn when I’m in Tokyo this September?
The rise of the handheld console [BBC]
Gallery: NY Times Crossword DS Screens
Majesco just sent along these screens for upcoming DS title NY Times CrossworDS. While it looks very cool, it’s still a bummer that it apparently doesn’t support downloadable content. I think a lot of people would even pay for a service that allowed them to update with new crosswords from the NYT.
The game is due out May.
