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Free Copies of Storked for Reviews!
2007-08-15 14:36:00
If you are interested in a free copy of Storked to review for your blog, website or whatever, please contact me, leave a comment or whatever. I will be collecting a list of potential reviewers, and you will receive an email about reviewing the game and getting your free copy when the game is ready to launch. See our Press Page for more info.
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Xbox Live Arcade Wednesday 8/15
2007-08-14 01:41:00
Hexic 2 and Ecco the Dolphin are coming to Live Arcade this wednesday. The latter is a freaking 16 bit classic and is an interesting mix of adventure and puzzle game.
More About: Xbox , Xbox Live , Xbox Live Arcade

BioShock Demo Surprise Launch on Xbox Live
2007-08-13 14:59:00
Without any real word whatsoever, A BioShock demo magically appeared on Xbox Live over the weekend. I don't think it was even really indicated that Bioshock would get a demo, but it does and it is on Xbox Live now. Try it out.
More About: Launch , Demo

Band of Bugs: Red Kingdom Mini Review
2007-08-09 15:37:00
Please see our main review for Band of Bugs HERE since this will only address the new content available in Red Kingdom .So Band of Bugs had a great single player experience, but after I tore through the campaign, I found that online matches were few and far between. Lucky for me, NinjaBee just released Red Kingdom- a new 10 mission campaign along with some other tidbits for only 250 MS points (there's also 2 new map packs...1 is free and the other is 150 pts). I'll just quickly breakdown each feature of the expansion pack:10 new single player missions-Red Kingdom. THANK YOU, this is by far the biggest selling point (for me at least) since the single player campaign ended up being the strongest aspect of Band of Bugs. I absolutely love the humor and missions of this game.New Red Kingdom Tileset- while the new tiles don't match well with the old, It should be noted that the newer levels have much more graphical prowess. There's a sandstorm level, that totally stunned me when i firs...
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Beta Updated
2007-08-07 14:45:00
I have just uploaded a new version of the beta. There was a critical bug that I missed and prevented people from proceeding forward in the levels. The new version happens to have some of the other changes I've made since I compiled the Beta as well. They are:Press R to restart a level at any timeBackspace will rewind/undo minor mistakes (get stuck, miss a jump, etc)Kicking now has a gauge...so press and hold shift and release to kick. Longer you hold the stronger the kick.Enjoy and keep sending in those comments to I can fix problems such as the above which was brought to my attention.

Graduate Games Forum has Launched
2007-08-06 15:52:00
The Graduate Games Forum has been launched with the most recent website update. It has been launched in alongside the Storked Beta in order to consolidate and centrally locate all discussion, bugs, etc. having to do with the Storked Beta. You can visit the forum HERE.
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The Storked Beta is available for Download!
2007-08-06 15:44:00
All I can say is that IT IS A WORK IN PROGRESS! It is playable, but there are already things that I have changed and improved upon. I would love any feedback that you all could give me. You can download the BETA HERE for the remainder of August. You can play and enjoy it until approximately Sept. 15th (When you download it, it is active for approximately 14 days). I will be taking all of your comments, suggestions, and constructive criticisms and will genuinely try to implement them. Everyone has a real opportunity to contribute to this game. Feel free to submit levels to me as well, I would love to include 5-10 community made levels. In order to give everyone an incentive to provide feedback, levels, etc. I will provide contributors with discounted copies of the final game in the fall.
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The Storked Beta should be Coming in the next 48 hours
2007-08-04 16:38:00
Title, pretty much speaks for itself, but the Storked Beta should be available sometime this weekend /early next week. It will have about 6-8 levels and is missing a whole lot of music / background images, etc., but has the fully featured level editor so you can make more levels with all the objects/gadgets etc. A forum will be launching alonside the Beta that will allow people to post bugs/problems/suggestions/etc. Cheers
More About: Hour , Ming , Hours

Halo 3 4 player co-op is a reality!
2007-08-01 19:59:00
I am not surprised and had my fingers crossed on this aspect of Halo 3. You have to give it to Bungie, they take their time and make a complete game. The 1 player game seems to have the longevity of the multiplayer. Well sort of, It will be a lot of fun to play with 4 people even though I anticipated some of the remaining Spartans from the novels to return for this final game. Perhaps they do in later missions...only time will tell. My only complaint is that only 1 person can be a Spartan and everyone else is stuck as an elite. Minor complaint though. Below is some more information on the 2 new characters directly from Bungie's post:"Split-screen co-op is as ever, limited to two players per screen ? but they can if they wish join two other friends online or via System Link.For fictional reasons, we decided to avoid Halo?s slightly surreal compromise of two identical Master Chiefs and rather, use this opportunity to expand the Halo universe just a little bit. Player one will c...
More About: Reality , Halo 3 , Layer

Metal Gear Solid 4 Demo & Metal Gear Online
2007-07-31 14:45:00
Sony has really stepped it up since E3. The PS3 $100 price drop (while limited to the supply of the 60GB model) was immediately successful and boosted the PS3 to the top spot/most sold item on Amazon.com where it currently sits at number 2 today (Wii has reclaimed number 1 most sold in the Video Game Category). Xbox 360 Elite is 22nd. Sony has managed to show a lot of great games for the PS3 lately too. They've kept Metal Gear Solid 4 and Konami has announced another game Metal Gear Online which will feature the multiplayer element a little further down the road. Sony has assured that I will pick up a PS3 in the near future with they current strategy and I am sure many other gamers as well. Metal Gear Solid 4 is a must have title and the Online game sounds fantastic as well. Cheers Sony.
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XBLA Wednesday- Bungie's Marathon and some board games
2007-07-31 14:29:00
Bungie, the team behind Halo, had another sci fi epic for the Mac. This was Marathon and the 2nd in the trilogy, Marthon: Durandal is coming to Xbox Live this Wednesday . Sadly, the game doesn't look like the above concept art, but more like this:The Xbox live Arcade release will offer 4 player splitscreen and cost you $10. What's real interesting about the Marathon games is that they take place in a universe associated with Master Chief. Are there Halo 3 clues or parallels in Marathon? Is that why it is being released close to Halo 3? Only time will tell.
More About: Games , Board , Board Games

Storked Beta is coming
2007-07-17 22:50:00
Keep your eyes peeled for a Stork ed Beta arriving on this blog in the next couple weeks. I am plugging away at getting some levels together to play around with. You will of course be able to create your own levels with the level editor and I am hoping to take submissions for levels to be included in the game. The Beta is coming.
More About: Ming

Bomberman Live next Wednesday!
2007-07-13 20:35:00
Due to the excitement of E3, I completely overlooked the Xbox Live releases which Microsoft didn't really announce until Wednesday anyways. Just in case you didn't know, Sonic and Golden Axe- 2 sega staples arrived on live arcade this wednesday. So Microsoft was late this week, but is early for next week announcing a double dose of Arcade with Bomber man Live (yes!) and Yie Ar Kung Fu (huh?). Check out how sweet Bomber man looks below:

Metal Gear Solid E3 2007 Trailer
2007-07-12 17:02:00
This trailer is certainly not the best MGS4 Trailer out there, but it's the newest and it does reveal that the game will be released in early 2008. The bigger news...MGS4 is remaining PS3 exclusive. Sony has quelled my fears and is having a very big E3. It's becoming a must-own console and I have to get it now...even PSN is coming together. Nice work Sony.
More About: Metal , Gear , Solid , Metal Gear Solid

Halo 3 Campaign Video E3
2007-07-11 18:07:00
Nuff Said
More About: Video , Halo , Campaign , Halo 3

Killzone 2 E3 Gameplay Trailer
2007-07-11 14:18:00
Screen didn't do this game justice...better looking than Gears?
More About: Trailer , Zone , Kill , TRAI , Trail

First Killzone 2 Screen leaked...100% in game
2007-07-10 21:10:00
Well E3 is officially starting today and there will be a slew of information, hype, and just gaming news in general. This screen of Kill zone 2 is REALLY impressive, or at least I think so. Sony seems to be making some moves this summer and perhaps we've all written off the PS3 too early. Killzone 1 was a competent FPS with an amazing universe and artistic style, the gameplay was just formulaic. Hopefully, all the time on Killzone 2 has pushed the franchise forward mechanically as well as visually.
More About: Screen , Game , Zone , Leak

PS3 Price Drop Official
2007-07-09 15:53:00
After Circuit City scans appeared last week, the rumor mill was working at full steam about a PS3 price drop. Sony refused to comment last week, but has finally made the rumor official. As of Tuesday, the 60 GB PS3 will cost $499. Finally, Sony has made a wise play and lowered the price of the PS3. It has become much more tantalizing now. Now Sony just needs some Buzz worthy games at E3 to offer gamers some titles that can only be experienced on PS3. Some titles that would really help Sony: MGS4 (staying exclusive), Killzone 2, God of War 3. Thank you Sony, now I may actually come around again and purchase a PS3.
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Storked: The Brute Penguin
2007-07-06 20:33:00
So here it is, the final penguin reveal...drumroll please....for the Brut e Penguin . Of course, all these penguins will eventually have names, I just haven't finalized that yet so I am using the descriptors for what they can do. The brute penguin is the muscles of the team. He kicks the egg farther and can also lift and throw the egg to get it over obstacles and up to higher places. He sinks in water, allowing him the ability of reaching underwater buttons and other contraptions. His other ability is that he can lift and carry small boxes, which helps clear and create paths. Well that outlines all the penguins. Even these screenshots are dated, due to the massive amounts of graphics and game assets coming together. Look for more information soon.
More About: Stork , Guin

Halo 3 & Bungie Update
2007-07-05 20:35:00
Halo 3 is gearing up for more marketing and hype heading into E3. The above picture comes from the single player campaign and Bungie has said that we will see more of the single player campaign at E3. This 'campaign' shot looks remarkable. Graphics seem to be better when not dealing with the online mayhem of multiplayer.This little Spartan above is known as a CQB or close quarters battle and is one of NUMEROUS armor permutations that are available in multiplayer. This is an absolutely great addition and should add a lot of variety to all the online fragging.This armor permutation is known as EVA or Extra Vehicular Activity. These are the only 2 out of the bag so far, but the more the merrier.Then of course there are the 2 new maps Bungie revealed. Last Resort is above and is a remake of Zanzibar from Halo 2 only much bigger. Below is Epitaph which is a small map that is very dark with a lot of bling corners.What does all of this mean for Halo fans? Well, it certainly shows off how...
More About: Halo , Update , Halo 3

Storked: The Nerd Penguin
2007-07-05 16:44:00
So here's another fresh set of screens from Stork ed! These pictures show off the Nerd Penguin . The nerd penguin ability is that he can acquire and use gadgets. Gadget booths are strewn across levels (or will be) that will endow the nerd with the specified gadget once he enters the booth. Some of the gadgets planned/included will be: Teleport, Egg Bubble, and of course the Rocketpack seen below.When the nerd gets the rocketpack, he is all of a sudden endowed with reaching nearly any part of the level. Holding Up, adds upward force to the penguin allowing him to fly to high places or across immense gaps. The ability button will activate the gadget your are holding or deactivate the gadget in use (this is when the nerd pushes the button on his remote as seen in the first image). Obviously the nerd penguin is fun, due to his many gizmos and versatile abilities...he just doesn't have access to anything without his gadget booths.
More About: Guin

Get ready to be Storked- mo' screenshots
2007-07-03 16:03:00
So decreased blogging has resulted in increased game developing. I have just finished putting all the tilesets, background objects, etc. into the game engine and have actually taken the time to get some screenshots as well. This first one is just a shot of the new tileset with the rockhopper penguin (he's standing in front of some logs) that was shown in the earlier screenshots. I plan on having a post and screenshots about each of the 4 gwins over the next couple of days. I have covered the Rockhopper, so now onto "Sport Gwin"...The Sport/Athletic Penguin's special ability is to throw snowballs. This penguin is also sort of the defacto/default penguin. He sports a stylish red cap and is of average height/speed/strength. Sadly, I cannot really show you yet what snowballs do since they interact with the many game objects that are still awaiting graphics. I can tell you the basics though... Since penguins don't have opposable thumbs, activating switches can be tough...luckily hitti...
More About: Screenshots , Stork , Ready , Get Ready , Cree

July 4th sees Missile Command Released for Xbox Live Arcade
2007-07-02 21:23:00
This release makes a lot of sense- what better way to celebrate the 4th of July than to create your own fireworks over a virtual city as you defend it from Alien Forces. Think of this old arcade Classic as a retro 'Independence Day' where you protect your city from crazy red lines. Of course this release will see updated graphics and will be available for only $5.
More About: Xbox , Arcade , Xbox Live , Xbox Live Arcade , Live

Band of Bugs Review
2007-06-25 20:16:00
So Far Band of Bugs has been slammed by critics and has an average review score of 69/100. DO NOT be swayed by this without trying the game. The basic problem in a lot of these reviews is that they view Band of Bugs as too easy for tactic/strategy game fans and too hard for casual players. My problem with so many of the reviews is that they seem to be reviewing and critiquing the concept of Band of Bugs (create a simplistic and more casual tactics experience) than the actual game itself. Why such glowing reviews when Ninjabee simplified RTS genre in Outpost Kaloki? Aren't RTS fans as hardcore and particular as Tactics/Strategy fans? Apparently not.In the end, a review is just a person's opinion. Typically, I think that all the critics reviews average out correctly, but that doesn't seem to be the case with Band of Bugs. At least, that's not the direction the reviews are heading. I can only hope that I fairly review the game and voice some opinion or perspective that is worthwhil...
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Halo 3 Online Reality Game - Video
2007-06-22 17:15:00
Remember that countdown timer...well it revealed this video Any ideas?
More About: Video , Halo , Reality , Online , Game

Band of Bugs Preview & First Impressions
2007-06-21 16:21:00
So Band of Bugs was released yesterday and I of course immediately downloaded and starting playing this Xbox Live game since after all it's been one that I've been looking forward to and was featured in my top 5 Arcade games to look out for, plus I have mentioned it quite a bit in other posts. I have not had enough time to try out all the features: Level Editor, Online Multiplayer, etc., but I have started the campaign and have some general impressions of gameplay, graphics, etc.Graphics: The Graphics are VERY good for Xbox Live Arcade and very clean. I think they pop a little bit more when the colored team shading is not on, but the convenience of identifying the different teams was not worth leaving off for me. The bugs all move differently and are well animated...Maal walks along, Grasshopper's hop, etc. The thing that really pops about the graphics and presentation are the large 2D pictures of each bug when they talk in the campaign. It's fabulous. I love the 2D style in thi...
More About: Preview , First Impressions , Impressions

Halo 3 Achievement List
2007-06-20 18:57:00
This isn't confirmed or final since the game is not out, but probably give a good idea of what to expect. Enjoy1. LandfallFinish the first mission of the Campaign on Normal, Heroic, or Legendary.20 Points2. HoldoutFinish the second mission of the Campaign on Normal, Heroic, or Legendary.20 Points3. The RoadFinish the third mission of the Campaign on Normal, Heroic, or Legendary.20 Points4. AssaultFinish the fourth mission of the Campaign on Normal, Heroic, or Legendary.30 Points5. CleansingFinish the fifth mission of the Campaign on Normal, Heroic, or Legendary.30 Points6. RefugeFinish the sixth mission of the Campaign on Normal, Heroic, or Legendary.30 Points7. Last StandFinish the seventh mission of the Campaign on Normal, Heroic, or Legendary.40 Points8. The KeyFinish the eighth mission of the Campaign on Normal, Heroic, or Legendary.40 Points9. ReturnFinish the final mission of the Campaign on Normal, Heroic, or Legendary.50 Points10. Campaign Complete: NormalFinish the Campaig...
More About: Halo , List , Achievement , Halo 3

Halo 3 Cryptic Email leads to more Information..plus Box Cover
2007-06-19 15:09:00
Above is the Halo 3 box cover...sweet...and by far superior to Halo 1...and on par with Halo 2. The cover doesn't reveal much and actually makes sense and is pretty similar in theme and overall look to the original CG sequence at E3 when Halo 3 was announced and the poster art. The end concept art is also better than a lot of the fakes and concepts that were circling around.. So Bungie sent out this really cryptic email about history repeating and all which led some fans to discovering this new bungie webpage which features a Halo Comic.While the Comic is pretty interesting...reordering the panels gives you a sequence of numbers that leads to this site which prominently features the symbol that was drawn in the comic. Then there's an alien countdown timer...to what? we'll find out in a day or so, but many fans are speculating that a new video or vidoc will emerge. Finally this all leads to this hello kitty site, which references a different picture that you can see below:So what...
More About: Information , Email , Leads , Cover

Mac Games and More a good place for mac users
2007-06-19 14:34:00
mac games is a great site and blog that focuses on a lot of casual and indie games. Since we here tend to focus on windows based games and console games, mac games and more is an excellent site for indie developers/publishers and gamers a like who are interested in mac games. It's sort of like a mac portal for indie games where you can easily submit content to be featured on the main page in a featured list. The site specializes in all things mac and even has links to ipod accessories and the like. The site has a very nice clean look and blog feel. It's easy to navigate and offers a weekly pick of the best new mac games with links to download the demos and get more information for a multitude of indie mac games. There's some sections for free flash games, freeware games, and mac software, but I think the best part of the site is definitely the weekly picks of great mac games. Of course with all the good, comes the bad...the site does charge $49.00 to be a featured site, feature y...
More About: Games , Place , Good , Users , Lace

Halo 3 Figurines by McFarlane Toys
2007-06-19 14:29:00
Not really much to say about this except that they look good since McFarlane toys is taking over designing the halo line of action figures. The Halo tie-ins seem to be at an all time high for the release of this game. Supposedly there will be some die-cast vehicles as well. If I was 10, I'd definitely be into these, but for now I just like looking at them.
More About: Toys , Halo 3 , Urine , Figurine