Archive for April 7th, 2007
Arcade Flyer Art Saturday: Galaxy Wars
It was 1979 and the video game market was just starting to heat up. Taito is looking to create a new game to capitalize on the ever expanding new medium, so they decide to brainstorm…
“What would make a great new game that everyone will love? We’ve done Space Invaders. Asteroids has been done. Wait, I know! We’ll take the gameplay of Space Invaders, throw in some asteroids to keep it interesting and then name it similarly to one of the greatest films of the last ten years! People will HAVE to love it!”
And thus, Galaxy Wars was born.
As I mentioned, the basic gameplay and look of the game was strikingly similar to Space Invaders even down to the color choices. To divert attention from the obvious rip-off, slight changes were made. Instead of firing from a moving platform, you shot your missile from a stationary launch pad and then used the joystick to guide the missile to the top of the screen to blow up the invading space ships. The speed of the missile could also be controlled by holding down the launch button while you were steering. To up the ante a bit, “meteorites” were added that floated about the screen, threatening to blow up your projectile while on the way to it’s destination. Points were awarded for blowing up various ships and ranged from 50-550 depending on the ship. After clearing a level or “pattern” as the back of the flyer calls it, the player was rewarded with rousing inspirational messages like “Good!!”, “Very Good!!”, “Wonderful!!” and Fantastic!!”. Players who failed to score any points were told to “Give Up!!”
What Galaxy Wars lacked in originality, it made up for by creating an awesome flyer and a snazzy looking arcade cabinet. I really love the color choices they made when creating the flyer which was based on the cabinet art. Changing the “outer space” color from dark blue to a weird purple color really adds a psychedelic feeling to the whole thing and makes the picture of the cabinet really pop. It reminds me a lot of the black light posters I used to look at in the back of Spencer’s Gifts back in the day. Perhaps they figured if they could distract players with brightly colored space ships, they might not notice that they were just playing the same two games they had played before, just sort of mashed up together. Also notable is the bizarre logo that leaves you with the feeling that the person who created it didn’t quite have a handle on the concept of perspective.
Stay tuned next week when Arcade Flyer Art Saturday hosts a gallery of flyers from arcade favorites like Contra, Street Fighter and Ghosts ‘n Goblins!
[Flyer courtesy TAFA]
Clip: Funky Fresh Link’s Awakening Rap Commercial
The first Zelda rap commercial has nothing on this one. This guy lays it all down with his phat beats and early 90’s rhyming skillz making the skinny white nerds from the original look like Vanilla Ice.
Actually, I think that’s being far too kind to Vanilla Ice.
Today’s “looks good on paper” video: Super Paper Mario commercial
Filed under: Culture, Nintendo Wii, Action, Adventure, Video
You’ve already been able to see some of our impressions of Super Paper Mario from GDC and watch the first 30 minutes of the gameplay, but watch the first TV commercial? Not until now.
The “Wii would like to play” campaign is slightly creepy, just because we don’t want shadowy Nintendo agents watching us while we get our game on … but if they come bearing Wiis and games, we wont complain too loudly.
You can also watch the introduction of the game after the jump. It’s a lot shorter than the 30 minute gameplay video, and much easier on the patience. With all of the videos available, where’s the game already? Looks like fun.
Continue reading Today’s “looks good on paper” video: Super Paper Mario commercial
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New Crystal Encrusted DS Lites
The Nintendo World Store has been carrying Swarovski crystal covered DS Lites for a while now. When I was there with the Kotaku crew I saw some of them and for the most part, they were pretty basic; single colors or lite patterns. Now the folks at GoNintendo bring the news that the old ones have been removed and replaced by these new kick ass ones.
I’m not really one for covering things in sparkly crystals, but that Link one is enough to make my go out and buy a Bedazzler and try to make one myself. But, if you’re not the crafty type, one of these beauties can be yours for the about the same price as a PS3. Go figure.
Nintendo World Store - New Swarovski crystal DS lite covers [GoNintendo]
Massive GTA IV Ad Hits NYC
The powers that be in the NYC political scene might not be happy with GTA IV’s New York like setting, but that hasn’t stopped Rockstar from touting their game on the streets of that illustrious city. And not just on the street, but on the entire side of a building!
Advertisements on the sides of buildings in New York are nothing new, one only need walk down almost any street to be bombarded with endless billboards. The irony of this particular one however, is inescapable. Let’s see how long it stays up.
[Photo courtesy GayGamer]
Stanford University Cataloging Huge Video Game Collection
Stanford University recently received a windfall of over 25,000 video games and now they are going through the arduous task of archiving them all. The games originally belonged to former Stanford student Steven Cabernetti who passed away recently, leaving behind a staggeringly huge collection, most still in their original shrinkwrap. In the end, the games were gifted to the Stanford Library for use in their history of science and technology collections. CNET has a video up featuring an interview with Stanford archivist Henry Lowood talking about the importance of game preservation not only for the games themselves but for their packaging and manuals as well.
It’s good to know that there are folks out there keeping track of the rich history of video games and making sure that collections such as this one won’t end up in the local dump. Now if I can just figure out how to break in there.
Video: More than 25,000 video games, and counting [CNET News - Thanks, RG]
Clip: Darkness Intro Video
This intro clip from 2k’s upcoming Darkness is a little different from most. There is nary a heart eating monster in sight and instead we get a little glimpse at the mafiosos who also inhabit the game. What starts out as a typical chat between mafia goons turns into a Hollywood style car chase that looks like it would make a really great theme park ride if it weren’t for the all of the cursing and cop killing. NSFW
USC SCA To Offer Machinima Class
Continuing video games‘ slow takeover of the world, the University of Southern California School of Cinematic Arts is going to be offering a seminar on machinima. The class is being created in an effort to bring film and game students together to work on a common project.
CTIN 464, Game Studies Seminar. In this 2 unit class we will develop machinima. This is a perfect cross-division class for film and game students to work together. We will play games, watch films, and discuss the possibilities of machinima as an art form. Documentary machinima will be encouraged, and all topics are fair game, including projects about games. The history of machinima is short, and its full potential is yet to be realized- by aspiring media students.
Machinima being studied and created in a college setting… I never thought I’d see the day. At this rate it shouldn’t be too long before we see Harvard offering classes likeHow To Quickly Level Up Your Warcraft Character and Goldfarming 101.
[Thanks, Sean]
This Day in Gaming, April 7th
2003: Nintendo is forced to lower quarterly profit projections due to slow sales of the Gamecube. Things have changed.
2006: Eidos releases Lara Croft Tomb Raider: Legend for PC, PS2 and Xbox in Europe. Lara Croft is also added to the Guinness Book of World Records as “Most Successful Human Video Game Heroine”. Congrats Lara, but we loved you before you were famous.
Have gaming history, trivia, or famous birthdays you’d like to see in TDIG? Drop us a line at tdig@kotaku.com
Biohazard: Umbrella Chronicles Screens
Jeaux France has posted a ton of screens from the Wii versions of Biohazard: Umbrella Chronicles and Resident Evil 4. if you’ve already played RE4 on another platform, some of these screens will be old hat for you, but the Umbrella Chronicles screens should provide you with something interesting to pass the time. RE4 was definitely the best title in the series so far and I’m hoping that Umbrella Chronicles will be able to capture that same flavor when it hits the shelves later this year.
I’ve posted a couple more shots after the jump for your viewing pleasure, but if you want the full experience be sure to check out Jeaux France’s monster gallery.
[via The Tanooki]
SonyStyle.com Flushes 20GB PS3
More news on the eradication of the 20Bg PS3. It seems that small retailers aren’t the only ones removing the smaller PS3 from their stores. Sony’s official online store, SonyStyle.com, has removed the listing for the 20BG version from their website entirely. Speculation is high about whether or not there will be a PS3 price cut coming in the near future, but does the departure of the 20GB make this any more or less possible?
All I know is, somewhere there is a warehouse filled to the brim with 20GB models that will never get sold, so the least they could do is send me one. Purely for work purposes of course…
20GB PS3 discontinued from Sony’s official store [PS3 Fanboy]
Three Speech retracts PS3 BioShock, but not other release dates
Filed under: Sony PlayStation 3, Microsoft Xbox 360, Business
Three Speech, the “semi-official blog handled by Sony Computer Entertainment Europe,” has retracted their claim that BioShock is coming to the PlayStation 3. The kerfuffle began when Steve Boxer, one of the only non-anonymous writers for the site, stated the PlayStation 3 would be getting the game. He wrote in a post about upcoming games, “Another hotly anticipated title from 2K Games (also appearing on Xbox 360) is BioShock.” Of course, having this posted on Sony Europe’s semi-official blog did bring the statements some weight. The post also stated September would see the releases of Killzone, Heavenly Sword, Ratchet & Clank, Lair and Warhawk. None of these release dates have been retracted, but Sony America says the only game with a confirmed date is Lair in July.
It would be nice to finally get a statement on what Three Speech is to Sony. This is the second time in two weeks Three Speech has gone off-message. They state on their site, “Three Speech isn’t part of PlayStation, but it does get to speak to PlayStation. You could say we’re ’semi official’.” Our requests to Three Speech for the name of their editor and a list of their writers have been ignored previously. We continue to question who Three Speech is and what they represent. If they are a handled by Sony Computer Entertainment Europe, like Sony America says, it might be time to tug the leash.
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Personal Trainer Offers Wii Workout
We’ve all heard the stories about people using Wii Sports as a workout tool, but personal trainer Zander Urquhart of Glasgow, Scotland is taking Wii fitness to new a new level. He has started offering classes that utilize the Wii as a workout machine. He started off by offering the classes fro kids, but then saw the popularity quickly spread to adults as well. Up to four people can participate in each class and according to “University Studies”, players could burn up to 125 calories in a fifteen minute session. Mr. Urquhart is purportedly the first person to use the Wii in this manner, but I doubt he will be the last.
Nintendo should really consider marketing a “Wii Fitness” series. Wii Pilates, Wii Aerobics, Wii Weight Lifiting. It’s a potential goldmine just waiting to be tapped into. What I’m waiting for though is Wii: Sweating To The Oldies featuring a Richard Simmons Mii that barks out orders at you while wearing Dolphin shorts that are two sizes too small.
A WII WORKOUT [Daily Record - Thanks, Craig]
Clip: Japanese Phoenix Wright 4 Trailer
While we here in the US are still lingering over Phoenix Wright 2, the Japanese are already gearing up for Phoenix Wright 4 (aka Gyakuten Saiban 4). This new trailer gives us a peek at some of the new characters including Phoenix’s replacement. He looks cool with his Astro Boy-esque hair although I do miss the Phoenix wings.
I’m looking forward to seeing more of these games and I really hope they make use of the microphone in future US versions. I can’t wait to be sitting on the bus and cause a stir by standing up and shouting “OBJECTION!” as I point into the air much to the dismay of my fellow riders. Now that’s what I call excitement!
Weekly Webcomic Wrapup: beware the Easter Cow edition
Filed under: Culture, Online, Polls
After an insightful episode of South Park that explained the relationship between bunnies, eggs, and the resurrection of Jesus Christ, we decided to do some of our own research into the history of the seemingly bizarre Easter rituals. After becoming bored with that, we thought about easter eggs in the virtual sense — i.e. those hidden treats found on CDs, DVDs and video games.
Celebrate Easter by telling us your favorite virtual easter eggs; while you’re thinking, check out our picks for the week’s best game-related webcomics. Be sure to vote for your favorite!
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Kotaku Originals: From The Nintendo Museum To Living Game Worlds
It was a great week for Kotaku originals! Luke finished up his coverage of G03 with some amazing interviews, Ashcraft tours the Nintendo Museum and I get a peek at some of the amazing things people are doing with games at the Living Game Worlds symposium.
- Monster’s Wii Component Cable
- Rumor: LucasArts New Civil War Shooter
- Feature: Living Game Worlds III
- Clip: Crecente Talks GTA on AOTS
- The PS3 Prize Pack
- Big Brain Gets A Wii Name
- Eibeler’s Platinum Parachute
- Frankenreview: Guitar Hero II (Xbox 360)
- Mini Bash Gets His First Club Nintendo Schwag
- Charticle: The First Four Months
- Gallery: Sony Online Entertainment Denver
- Chattin’ With Goichi Suda About Punks, Killer7 & No More Heroes
- Now Germany Gets the “Nintendo Xbox 360″
- Super Autographed Copy of Resistance
- Feature: Rock Band, The Next MTV?
- More On That Akihabara Tour For Foreigners
- Super Paper Mario Impressions
- Feature: Talkin’ Metal Gear With Hideo Kojima
- PS3 Contest: Teh Winner
- Wii Rock Band Likely
- Harmonix Presser In A Bit
- PS2 Controllers Make the Best Robot Controllers
- Nintendo Museum: Stuff to Buy
- Final Thoughts: The First, And Probably Last, GO3
- Nintendo Museum: Before There Were Video Games
- GO3: The Showroom Floor
- Afternoon At The Nintendo Museum
- GO3: Day 3
- GO3: Chatting With Epic’s Rod Fergusson
- GO3: Cosplay Dos And Don’ts
- This Day in Gaming
Gamespot leaks Xbox 360’s new dashboard
Filed under: Microsoft Xbox 360, Business
Good job Gamespot! Um, we mean, bad, bad job Gamespot. MyGamerCard reports that Gamespot accidentally leaked a video of the information they received about a May 7 update for the Xbox 360’s dashboard. Highlights include:
- 600 Windows Live Messenger contacts for your friends list
- Contact list will integrate Windows Live Messenger and show joinable session status
- Messenger contacts see what game you’re playing and gamertag
- Marketplace has own blade, skin will change independent from theme
- Users will now see what achievement they’ve unlocked onscreen
- Low-power download mode followed by auto-shutdown
- You can watch partially downloaded video files
Now we wait to see what Microsoft says about this video’s authenticity. Maybe they’ll just coyly not answer the question until May 7, jump out from behind the couch, and go, “SURPRISE! You had no idea, did you?”
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Red Octane says two Xbox guitar models ‘defective’
Filed under: Microsoft Xbox 360, Rhythm, Business
After awaiting an official response all week on what Red Octane plans to do about defective guitars some customers received with their copies of Xbox 360’s Guitar Hero II, we’ve received from several tipsters the responses they received from Red Octane. The response brings up nothing but more questions.
Red Octane writes to those with complaints about the guitar, “We have isolated this issue to two model numbers that can be found on the guitar’s packaging. The numbers are 95065 and 95055. We are asking that customers who puchased [sic] their items from a retailer perform an exchange with that respective store (for a model number other than the defective two listed above). Customer’s [sic] who purchased through our online story [sic] can complete an rma request for their defective item and we will exchange it for a fully function [sic] guitar controller. We do apologize for the inconvenience and will resole [sic] these matters.”
Joystiq has been interviewing people all week trying to make sense of this entire issue as Red Octane is less than forthcoming with information. For example, here at Joystiq, we have a 95055 box, with a 95065 sticker placed over the UPC (originally 95055) and a 95065 guitar in the box - everything works fine so far (except star power activation is far less responsive than the PS2 guitar). Over at sister site Xbox 360 Fanboy, where they received a broken controller, they had a 95067 (that is not a typo) box with a 95065 guitar inside. At this point Red Octane acknowledges “defective” models as 95065 and 95055. If you have a defective model guitar, go ahead and return it with Red Octane’s blessing.
[Thank you to everyone we've interviewed and those who sent in tips]
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Joystiq hands-on: HP’s mscape
Filed under: Culture, Hacks, Portable, Wireless, Simulations, Business
HP showed off several of its gaming research and development projects at a recent San Francisco media event. The company said that many of these technologies had been in progress before the VoodooPC acquisition, but Rahul Sood and other VoodooPC leaders were able to see the gaming applications of previous research.
I spent some time trying mscape (”mediascape”) and discussing the project with some of its engineers. This gaming platform — which isn’t meant to compete with a hardware-and-software solution like the DS or PSP — has already been used in the real world, unlike most of the in-progress projects demonstrated.
Mscape sits on a PocketPC or other device, presenting an augmented reality game space. Other game designers and companies have tried to bridge the virtual world and the real world, with games that are played on devices by moving around outside. But HP’s muscle may eventually help push these new experiences to mainstream gamers.
Continue reading Joystiq hands-on: HP’s mscape
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