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The Gamer

The Gamer
News updates of todays games and systems. Keeping up with today news on games, systems, rumors, and other blogs. Also allowing other blogers to spost on my blog in order to keep our readers updated.

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Articles: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7

Articles

Review: Blue Dragon
2007-08-31 03:10:00
Blue Drago n delivers something that Xbox 360 owners have been clamoring for since the console's release: an exclusive next-gen RPG title that offers up an epic experience that's on par with any game with the word 'final' in the title. There's a reason why this game has given the 360 such a lift in Japan: it is, without a doubt, a world class gaming experience.The Beast Without: The characters in Blue Dragon , which were designed by Akira Toriyama of Dragon Ball Z fame, adhere to classic archetypes, from a smarty-pants sidekick and soulful Mother figure to the mysterious mercenary and perpetually shouting munchkin weirdo, but they're rendered with such charming individuality that even the most jaded gamer won't resist their appeal.The main narrative isn't filled with many twists and turns but even the expository cut-scenes are entertaining, even if they do suffer from occasionally awkward translations. The game world is also vibrant and expansive, with nearly every rock and bu...
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Report: Wii may lose ground to PS3, Xbox 360
2007-08-31 02:57:00
A new report by financial media group Bloomberg suggests that Wii may ultimately take a back seat to PS3 and Xbox 360 sales as the latter consoles drop prices and also release casual friendly games to rival Nintendo."This Christmas, Wii will win. But not to the same extent they've been winning," said industry analyst Pelham Smithers. "Next year, the playing field will level even more."One reason the motion-sensing console might lose ground is that many investors feel it's maxed out its growth potential. Nintendo stock has grown 68 percent over last year with similar results the year before due to surging DS and Wii sales. "No where to go but down" seems to be assumption by some investors."It's easy to get bored with games like the hit title Wii Sports after just a few times," analyst Hirotoshi Murakami said. "Whether Nintendo can continue to make games that sell well remains a question. Light users are quick to buy, but, not being serious gamers, they are also quick to get bored....
More About: Xbox 360 , Ground , Report

Review: Metroid Prime 3: Corruption
2007-08-29 05:20:00
Metroid Prime 3: Corruption is, for the most part, Nintendo's first established franchise to really utilize the Wii's motion-sensing strengths. With the exception of WarioWare Smooth moves, Nintendo's franchises on the Wii have consisted of repurposed GameCube games (Twilight Princess and Super Paper Mario) or titles with traditional control schemes that make little to no use of the Wii's features (Mario Party 8, Mario Strikers Charged and Pokemon). Playing through Corruption, you get the sense that this game was developed with the Wii in mind, a feeling that precious few titles have thus far evoked. On the surface, Corruption doesn't look all that different from the first two chapters of the Prime series. The series' exotic extraterrestrial locales and characters are back in full force, and Samus' inventory consists of several series staples. But once you get your hands on the Nunchuck and Wii Remote, and delve into the game's narrative, you really get a sense of the major ...
More About: Review , Metroid , Metroid Prime 3

Unboxed: the new Crimson/Black DS Lite bundle
2007-08-29 05:10:00
The Gamer just got Nintendo's new DS Lite bundle, which includes the new Crimson/Black DS Lite, a copy of Brain Age 2, and a swanky red and black carrying case. Let the full unboxing pics (and giveaway teasing) begin!Here it is -- the whole shebang. This puppy will retail for $149 on August 21st.She certainly seems to be enjoying herself. Maybe I will, too!Once you pry open the ultra-sticky packaging, you'll find an array of delights, including the carrying case, Brain Age 2, a snazzy Nintendo catalog. Oh, and a DS Lite -- almost forgot!Surprisingly nice carrying case. The exteriror is black, but open it up and you'll see dazzling crimson innards! Good call on the color-coordination, Nintendo.Ooooh, baby. THIS is why we play video games. The black trim is eye-catching. And yes, the stylus is black. I have to confess that the "open faced" DS looks a little plain. Sleek, but plain. Crimson-colored buttons (or a d-pad!) would've been a great touch, but it's still easy on the eyes.
More About: Bundle , Unbox , Lack

BioShock draws attention for 'killing' little girls
2007-08-29 05:03:00
The local Massachusetts paper where Irrational Games is based examines the shock value and moral dilemma of killing characters that resemble young girls in the recently released BioShock for Xbox 360 and PC.Steve Adams of Quincy's Patriot Ledger writes, "[BioShock] is testing the limits of the ultraviolent gaming genre with a strategy that enables players to kill characters resembling young girls."Rather than marginalize gaming as a weapon of mass destruction, the article accurately describes the gameplay in which players decide if they want to terminate the "Litt le Sisters" for maximum strength, or rescuing the little boogers for only half the "serum.""As a piece of art, we want to deal with challenging moral issues and if you want to do that, you have to go to some dark places,'' said 2K's Kenneth Levine. ''And 'BioShock' certainly does go to some dark places."Some gamers still don't feel comfortable with the prospects of killing the youngish female characters, however. "...
More About: Girls , Attention , Little Girl

Old Faithful: PlayStation 2 Still Dominates PS3, Xbox 360
2007-08-29 04:59:00
Sony's PlayStation 2 has sold a reported 115 million units worldwide making it the best selling console in history.Since its inception in late 2000 Sony's PlayStation 2 has sold a reported 115 million units worldwide making it the best selling console in history. And given its affordable price and large library of games, it shows no signs of slowing."We encourage third parties to continue development for PS2. If they bring a PS3 version out, they can bring a PS2 version out as well," said Sony's David Reeves in an interview with Reuters. "There is a lot of money still."Indeed there is as PS2 sales continue to impress. The last-gen console has outsold Sony's new flagship, the PlayStation 3, every month since the latter first launched this past October. By comparison, Microsoft's Xbox 360 has only outsold the PS2 twice during its 21 month life. The PS2 has even outsold the popular Wii on several occasions, though the Nintendo console outperforms the PS2 more often than not."What ...
More About: Playstation , Xbox 360 , Faithful , Playstation 2

Xbox 360 title Bioshock holds No. 1 one week after debut
2007-08-28 06:23:00
2K Games' action title Bioshock on Mon. held the No. 1 sales rank at retailer Amazon.com for one week after its high-profile debut on Aug. 21.The first-person shooter took the No. 1 rank for Nintendo Co.'s Wii one week prior at Amazon.com's Computer & Video Games division.Bioshock is a new IP that allows players to genetically alter their body to employ new powers.The title is currently a top-seller at leading retailers, including EBgames.com and GameStop.com.The Xbox 360 sold 170,000 units during the month of July in the latest U.S. retail sales data from NPD Group Inc. By comparison, Wii sold 425,000 units and Sony Corp.'s Playstation 3 sold 159,000 units in the same period.This month, Microsoft price cut all Xbox 360 models from $20 to $50. The latest Xbox 360 Premium models now include HDMI for single-connection high-definition audio and video.
More About: Week , Title , BioShock

Xbox 360 Owners Report Many Problems With Wireless Gaming Receiver
2007-08-25 04:45:00
Some users reported connection problems with the gaming receiver, others said they couldn't get the receiver to work at all, and still others reported conflicts with third-party peripherals. Xbox 360 owners have reported on discussion forums and review sites widespread problems with the wireless gaming receiver, an accessory that enables the use of the videogame's controller with PC games. The receiver is the second Xbox 360 accessory reported this week to be giving Microsoft(MSFT) customers problems. The software maker on Tuesday recalled a part on the wireless racing steering wheel, saying it had been informed about a "very small number" of incidents when components in the accessory overheated and emitted smoke when the unit was plugged into an AC outlet. In the latest set of problems, users reported connection problems with the gaming receiver on review sites of online retailers Newegg.com and Amazon.com, and on Xbox and NeoWin discussion forums. Some buyers said they couldn't...
More About: Gaming , Wireless , Report

Saling The World: BioShock Rocks First Week On Shelves In U.S., UK
2007-08-25 04:43:00
Gamasutra's weekly column, "Saling The World ", covers the top five sellers for every available platform in the United States, Japan, and Europe, providing an important update of sales patterns worldwide.This week's charts, with data taken from August 23rd, 2007, feature a leading debut for BioShock in both the United States and in Europe, while previous sales leader Madden NFL 08 fights to keep up. Data for "Saling The World " comes courtesy of the public sales information on Amazon.com, Amazon.co.uk, and Amazon.co.jp, with sales split out for each platform and territory, and pre-orders disregarded.This results in a true sense of what games are selling worldwide on the real-time updated service, as follows:Nintendo WiiNorth America: 1. Wii Play (Nintendo), 2. Brunswick Pro Bowling (Crave), 3. Big Brain Academy: Wii Degree (Nintendo), 4. Mario Strikers Charged (Nintendo), 5. Mario Party 8 (Nintendo).Japan: 1. Mario Party 8 (Nintendo), 2. Wii Sports (Nintendo), 3. Hajimete no Wii (Ni...
More About: Week , Shelves , Rocks

PS3 turns to TV for boost
2007-08-25 04:34:00
PS3 add-on device will arm Sony's struggling games console with a digital TV receiver and recorderSony has unveiled a new widget that allows its struggling PlayStation 3 to receive and record high-definition TV programmes as the technology giant tries to persuade consumers that the device can do more than play video games. The PlayTV add-on will also be able to transfer recorded TV content to a PSP, Sony’s handheld games console, which is also suffering from lacklustre sales compared to its main rival, Nintendo’s DS. Separately, Woolworths, the struggling UK retailer, said it would slash the price of the PS3 to £375, its “lowest ever level” in the UK, over the bank holiday weekend. The move was revealed as Microsoft today dropped the price of its Xbox 360 Core – the most basic version of the console – to £180 in a pre-announced move. The price for the 20 gigabyte hard-drive model of the Xbox 360 has been cut by £30 to £250. Microsoft’s price cut will still leave N...
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Fastest Selling Game Console: Nintendo Wii
2007-08-24 04:24:00
Nintendo Wii sales worldwide have surpassed lifetime Microsoft Xbox 360 sales in less than a year.VG Chartz reported on Wednesday that as of August 23, Wii worldwide sales will have surpassed life time Xbox 360 sales in less than a year. In so doing, the Wii has become the fastest selling console of all time.According to the study, total Wii units sold stand at 10.6 million, slightly more than the Xbox 360's estimated 10.5 million. Since its release, the Wii has outsold 360 by a margin of more than 2 to 1.By comparison, Sony's PS3 has sold just 4.3 million systems worldwide since launching last November.The news marks the first time that Nintendo has been the leader in both the home console and handheld markets since 1994 when the company's Super NES and Game Boy lines reigned supreme. Currently, the DS and Wii are the top two selling system's in the industry.Additionally, the report claims despite continued shortages, Wii has managed to become the fasting selling console of all...
More About: Selling , Nintendo , Nintendo Wii , Console

Sony has a Go! with new PSP features
2007-08-24 04:13:00
Sony Computer Entertainment Europe (SCEE) has unveiled a range of services for its PlayStation Portable (PSP) handheld console at the Games Convention in Leipzig, including voice and video chat, IM, video downloads, GPS and mapping features.The Go!Video, Go!Explore and Go!Messenger services add to applications including web browsing, RSS feeds and a camera that Sony has added to the PSP since its launch in 2004.Go!Video will be provided through Sony's recently announced joint venture with Sky to allow PSP owners in the UK and Ireland to watch video on demand and on the move."Sky and SCEE have complementary strengths in content, marketing and technology," said Sky chief executive James Murdoch.The Go!Explore satellite navigation package is due for release in the new year and comes as part of a collaboration with TeleAtlas and NavNGo. Go!Explore will provide in-car and pedestrian GPS navigation as well as standard GPS-device features such as points of interest, favourites, a home fun...
More About: Features , Sony , Feat

Microsoft Says Xbox 360 Wheel Overheats
2007-08-24 04:11:00
facing its second Xbox 360 headache of the summer, will replace parts of its Wireless Racing Wheel video game controllers after 50 reports that they overheated and released smoke.The $130 steering wheel-shaped controllers mimic the physical sensations of race car driving for games such as "Forza Motorsport 2." About 230,000 have been sold to consumers worldwide, the company said Thursday.When the unit is plugged into an electrical outlet, its AC/DC adapter can overheat, Microsoft (nasdaq: MSFT - news - people ) said, adding that it's safe to continue using the gadgets with battery power.In July, the software maker said it would spend more than $1 billion to repair hardware problems in the Xbox 360 console itself. At the same time, monthly U.S. sales of the console have lagged behind its top competitor, Nintendo Co. (other-otc: NTDOY.PK - news - people )'s Wii.Microsoft Corp. declined to say how much it would cost to fix the controller problem.Gamers can register online to receive ...
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July NPD Hardware Sales: Wii Skyrockets, PS3 Fails To Beat 360
2007-08-24 04:05:00
Wii is a freight train. Can it be stopped? Nintendo's little game console that could crushed the opposition in July , according to data just released by the NPD group. Putting all rumors that Wii production increases had been "crippled" to rest, Nintendo got 425,000 Wii units onto shelves in the US this month, which were promptly snapped up. It even sold better than the powerhouse Nintendo DS, which was in second place this month with 405,000 units. Here's the full list of hardware sales:Wii: 425,000Nintendo DS: 405,000PlayStation 2: 222,000PlayStation Portable: 214,000 Xbox 360: 170,000PlayStation 3: 159,000Game Boy Advance: 87,000More analysis below. The NPD results for the month of June covered a five-week reporting period, while the July sales were only four weeks. So the rise of Wii production is actually much more pronounced than it initially appears. Last month, Nintendo sold around 76,300 Wiis every week. This month? 106,300 per week.The PlayStation 3's price reconfigurati...
More About: Hardware , Sales , Beat , Hardwar

Pro Evo Soccer 2008 Coming to Xbox 360, PS3 -- But Not to Wii
2007-08-24 04:03:00
Pro Evolution Soccer 2008 is about to make its way to North American gamers, as Konami today announced it will release the game in Winter 2007 for the Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, Nintendo DS, PlayStation 2, PSP and PC DVD-ROM. For those of you keeping track at home, that's every system other than the Nintendo Wii.The new game will include a new AI system that actively monitors the player's onscreen movements and adapts accordingly, forcing players to consider their own strategic play more carefully. Other additions include graphical upgrades and extensive Edit modes in the Xbox 360 , PlayStation 3 and PC-DVD versions.Pro Evo 2008 will feature real players, a variety of licensed teams and a plethora of stadiums. As with previous releases, the timing of all shots is completely controlled by the player, while the new AI ensures that defenders work to close down space and block efforts on goal. Similarly, distribution of passes works along the same lines, with players using the space avai...
More About: Ming

How console development reflects Mac gaming
2007-08-23 05:26:00
While Mac users are still waiting for Madden NFL 08 and likely will be until September at the earliest, the football game has arrived for the newest console systems, and there’s a dispute about the performance difference between the game’s PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 versions. The Xbox 360 version runs at twice the frame rate—60 frames per second versus 30. The issue provides some interesting insight into the development processes used to make these games, and should serve as a warning to Mac gamers who may be expecting too much too soon from new entrants into the Mac game market, like EA. Having spent some quality time with both consoles, I’ve been asked by many friends and colleagues to assess the relative strengths and weaknesses of all three systems currently on the market—Nintendo’s Wii, the PS3 and the Xbox 360. Each system has their relative strengths and weaknesses. From where I sit, I break it down like this: The Wii is the best overall system for innovative game...
More About: Gaming , Development , Console , Cons , Develop

Backbreaking Tackles Coming to Xbox 360 and PS3?
2007-08-23 05:22:00
It's not often that a press release from a relatively unknown company really makes us sit up and take notice, but today's announcement by NaturalMotion definitely falls into that category. NaturalMotion announced today that it is working on an American football game called Backbreaker, exclusively for next-gen consoles (presumably PS3 and Xbox 360).Slated for release in 2008, what makes Backbreaker interesting is that the game is being marketed almost solely on its unique approach to tackling. By using the company's euphoria motion engine, which is already being used in upcoming titles like Grand Theft Auto IV and Star Wars: The Force Unleashed, the company promises that every tackle in the game will be calculated and executed as it happens. In other words, no more canned animations, and a more fluid and natural football experience. This is also why (in addition to the 720p screens and trailer) we're assuming the Wii will be left out here, given the complex computations and phys...
More About: Xbox 360 , Ming , Brea , Breakin

New Football Game, Backbreaker, Unveiled for Xbox 360, PS3
2007-08-23 05:18:00
There's a new football game on the next-gen horizon for 2008, as NaturalMotion announced it's working on its first next-gen game, Backbreaker. NaturalMotion is best known for developing the "Euphoria" animation technology featured in Grand Theft Auto IV and Star Wars: The Force Unleashed.Backbreaker will of course incorporate NaturalMotion's Euphoria "motion synthesis engine," which will mark a departure from all the previous football games you've played, because every tackle in Backbreaker will be calculated by the console rather than just be the result of a standard animation.Although the specific next-gen consoles were not announced, it's safe to assume that Backbreaker will appear on the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3, the same consoles on which GTA IV and The Force Unleashed will appear. The Wii, as popular as it may be, simply can't handle the processing requirements of Euphoria.
More About: Football , Xbox 360 , Game , Foot

PS3 loses neutral player (Paramount) to HD DVD
2007-08-22 05:06:00
Paramount Pictures announced on Monday that it will drop support for Sony's Blu-ray high definition format in favor of exclusively supporting the Microsoft-backed HD DVD. The decision further complicates the HD format war as well as the PS3's value.Paramount officials, who previously released movies in both formats, said HD DVD is better for consumers due to its lower price when compared to Blu-ray, something families will be more willing to purchase according to the company.The announcement affects all all movies distributed by Paramount Pictures, DreamWorks, Nickelodeon Movies, and MTV Films. Universal already exclusively supports HD DVD while Warner Bros. releases movies in both HD formats.Blu-ray still holds the lead in terms of exclusive support, however, as three of the six major film studios support Blu-ray in comparison to the two studios for HD DVD. Sony, Disney, and 20th Century Fox all back Blu-ray. In terms of discs sold, Blu-ray also leads HD DVD by a margin of 2 to 1...
More About: Player , Paramount , Layer , Mount

Sega announces Viking for Xbox 360, PS3
2007-08-22 05:01:00
Sega unveiled a new game, Viking : Battle For Asgard, for PS3 and Xbox 360 at the GC Developers Conference on Tuesday.Gamers take control as Skarin, a promising but troubled young warrior, to protect an ancient empire from an army of evildoers in sort of a Lord of The Rings type way we are told. "Skarin is a cutting edge hero in a fantastic re-imagining of Norse Mythology," said Sega's Gary Knight in a statement. "Experience the violent yet spectacular world of the Vikings and their Gods."Viking: Battle For Asgard will release on Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 in early 2008.
More About: Sega , Anno

Own an Xbox 360 and Nintendo Wii: Do I buy a Sony PS3 for Blu-ray
2007-08-22 02:54:00
I brought an Xbox 360 as soon as they came out a long time ago and although it’s a known fact that they have overheating problems mine has never broke down, but it does get hot and is very noisy.As I have a nice big collection of Xbox 360 games I will not change console now, but I did buy a Nintendo Wii to see what all the fuss was about…I know why now.While the Nintendo Wii is not my main games system for games that I play on my own, it does take over the gaming when we have people over.The Nintendo Wii is amazing for groups of people and I have never known another gaming system so good at getting everyone involved at all ages, although the graphics are a bit rubbish it is the games console of choice when I have people over.Now here is my problem:If you were in my situation and owned the Xbox 360 and Nintendo Wii, would you buy a Sony PS3 for just Blu-ray and Playstation 3 games that are not on the Xbox 360?

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