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Review: Pokemon Mystery Dungeon: Explorers of Darkness Nothing new or exciting in this DS sequel, but it's not all bad. 
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Review: Ring of Fates Is Everything The First One Was, and a Bit More Final Fantasy: Crystal Chronicles is bigger, better, but in a smaller system. 
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Review: Apollo Justice: Ace Attorney is Guilty of Great Adventure We're ready to hand out our verdict. 
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Special: State of the Industry 2008 Featuring journalists from Kombo, 1UP, Wired, Game Trailers, Totally Rad Show and VentureBeat. |
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Nasdaq Delists Atari
by David Oxford | 05/09/08 | 12:33 PM PST
They'd been warned time after time after time after time... and maybe a few other times, but that's all I feel like finding and coding.
Anyway, with all those warnings, one might figure that Atari, following their plans for unison with Infogrames, would finally pull itself out of the gutter and hold its head high for a change. Others would figure that it was only a matter of time before Nasdaq said "screw it" and just got on with their lives. Unfortunately for Atari, the latter were correct.
Atari now finds itself in possession of a letter that notifies them that their listing has been removed, and trading suspended. Atari officials will be requesting a review of the decision from the Nasdaq Listing and Hearing Review Council, but that does diddly for them in the here and now. Instead, they expect they'll be quoted on the "Pink Sheets," which are an electronic quotation service that allows the continued trading of delisted companies, and maybe the OTC Bulletin Board.
Atari doesn't expect this to affect their planned merger with Infogrames, which was at one point hoped to stave off the delisting for just a little longer, but clearly did not.
Nasdaq Delists Atari
by David Oxford | 05/09/08 | 12:33 PM PST
They'd been warned time after time after time after time... and maybe a few other times, but that's all I feel like finding and coding.
Anyway, with all those warnings, one might figure that Atari, following their plans for unison with Infogrames, would finally pull itself out of the gutter and hold its head high for a change. Others would figure that it was only a matter of time before Nasdaq said "screw it" and just got on with their lives. Unfortunately for Atari, the latter were correct.
Atari now finds itself in possession of a letter that notifies them that their listing has been removed, and trading suspended. Atari officials will be requesting a review of the decision from the Nasdaq Listing and Hearing Review Council, but that does diddly for them in the here and now. Instead, they expect they'll be quoted on the "Pink Sheets," which are an electronic quotation service that allows the continued trading of delisted companies, and maybe the OTC Bulletin Board.
Atari doesn't expect this to affect their planned merger with Infogrames, which was at one point hoped to stave off the delisting for just a little longer, but clearly did not.
source: Atari Press Release
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Activision: Hawk Flying Solo on DS in '08, Rakes in $3 Billion in Revenue
by Tanner Smith | 05/08/08 | 8:55 PM PST
Mighty Activision made $344.9 million in net income for their fiscal year ended March 31. That's $259.1 million above what the publisher made a year ago.
They did it without releasing a single title during their fourth quarter, which ran from January to March this year, despite raking in a net income of $44.2 million (up from a net loss of $14.4 mil) during the 3 month period. Net revenue rose from 1.51 billion to $2.90 billion as well.
With the success of Call of Duty 4 and Guitar Hero III, this comes as little surprise. CEO Bobby Kotick noted, "During the fiscal year, we were the #1 U.S. console and handheld publisher in dollars for the first time ever, according to The NPD Group, and we grew our worldwide share of the console, handheld and PC markets year over year."
The big news concerns Activision's future plans, of course. Guitar Hero will still be getting the star treatment moving forward, hopefully including some big changes to distinguish it from stepbrother Rock Band. The Tony Hawk series, which has arguably been stuck in Neversoft's gutter as of late, won't be getting the next console iteration until next year.
Activision: Hawk Flying Solo on DS in '08, Rakes in $3 Billion in Revenue
by Tanner Smith | 05/08/08 | 8:55 PM PST
Mighty Activision made $344.9 million in net income for their fiscal year ended March 31. That's $259.1 million above what the publisher made a year ago.
They did it without releasing a single title during their fourth quarter, which ran from January to March this year, despite raking in a net income of $44.2 million (up from a net loss of $14.4 mil) during the 3 month period. Net revenue rose from 1.51 billion to $2.90 billion as well.
With the success of Call of Duty 4 and Guitar Hero III, this comes as little surprise. CEO Bobby Kotick noted, "During the fiscal year, we were the #1 U.S. console and handheld publisher in dollars for the first time ever, according to The NPD Group, and we grew our worldwide share of the console, handheld and PC markets year over year."
The big news concerns Activision's future plans, of course. Guitar Hero will still be getting the star treatment moving forward, hopefully including some big changes to distinguish it from stepbrother Rock Band. The Tony Hawk series, which has arguably been stuck in Neversoft's gutter as of late, won't be getting the next console iteration until next year.
Continue reading: Activision: Hawk Flying Solo on DS in '08, Rakes in $3 Billion in Revenue
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Rumor: LucasArts Next to Bolt from ESA?
by Tanner Smith | 05/08/08 | 6:36 PM PST
LucasArts could very well be following Activision and Vivendi in their decision to exit the Entertainment Software Association (the guys behind E3).
As GamePolitics points out, LucasArts is missing from the member list featured on the ESA's website. This change has thus far gone unannounced, giving much speculation into the company's motives. The same scenario occurred shortly before ActiBlizzard made its announcement last week. When contacted, an ESA rep noted that he would "look into that."
Yes good sir, that's not a bad idea.
Rumor: LucasArts Next to Bolt from ESA?
by Tanner Smith | 05/08/08 | 6:36 PM PST
LucasArts could very well be following Activision and Vivendi in their decision to exit the Entertainment Software Association (the guys behind E3).
As GamePolitics points out, LucasArts is missing from the member list featured on the ESA's website. This change has thus far gone unannounced, giving much speculation into the company's motives. The same scenario occurred shortly before ActiBlizzard made its announcement last week. When contacted, an ESA rep noted that he would "look into that."
Yes good sir, that's not a bad idea.
source: GamePolitics
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New Legislation Calls for ID Checks on M, AO Games
by David Oxford | 05/08/08 | 2:46 PM PST
Sometimes, there's just no pleasing some people.
Even with "major improvement" in the enforcement of the M-rating, Variety reports that there is a new video game legislation bill making the rounds, aimed at limiting the access teens have to harmful content.
Known as the "Video Games Ratings Enforcement Act," it was put forth Wednesday by Reps. Lee Terry (R-Neb.) and Jim Matheson (D-Utah), who not only want ID checks to be mandatory for purchases of M rated and AO rated (excuse me a minute while I laugh) games, but also require retailers to post ratings system explanations in stores, lest they face a $5,000 fine.
Wait a sec, I've seen tons of retailers, rental stores, and so forth with ESRB ratings clearly visible, but I don't see the MPAA ratings posted at all. Double-standard much?
New Legislation Calls for ID Checks on M, AO Games
by David Oxford | 05/08/08 | 2:46 PM PST
Sometimes, there's just no pleasing some people.
Even with "major improvement" in the enforcement of the M-rating, Variety reports that there is a new video game legislation bill making the rounds, aimed at limiting the access teens have to harmful content.
Known as the "Video Games Ratings Enforcement Act," it was put forth Wednesday by Reps. Lee Terry (R-Neb.) and Jim Matheson (D-Utah), who not only want ID checks to be mandatory for purchases of M rated and AO rated (excuse me a minute while I laugh) games, but also require retailers to post ratings system explanations in stores, lest they face a $5,000 fine.
Wait a sec, I've seen tons of retailers, rental stores, and so forth with ESRB ratings clearly visible, but I don't see the MPAA ratings posted at all. Double-standard much?
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FTC Finds "Major Improvement" in Enforcement of M-Rating
by David Oxford | 05/08/08 | 2:36 PM PST
A recent secret shopping campaign by the FTC turned up some favorable results where enforcement of the Mature rating for video games is concerned, as only less than 20 percent of underage teenage shoppers were able to procure the goods they sought to obtain.
The FTC says that this is a "major improvement" over other such surveys utilizing undercover shoppers. In 2006, for example, 42 percent of those underage shoppers used were able to obtain M-rated games. Said Patricia Vance, head of the ESRB: "Videogame retailers have clearly stepped up their efforts to enforce their store policies, and they deserve recognition for these outstanding results."
Ironically, the more commonly ignored mediums of DVDs and music saw more success among the undercover shoppers as about half of them were able to obtain items with the R-rated, unrated and "Parental Advisory"-labels. In addition, movie theaters sold R-rated movie tickets to unaccompanied children around 35 percent of the time.
GameStop shone above the rest, be they big-box or specialist, as they turned away a whopping 94 percent of the customers who were underage, with Hollywood Video showing itself to be the worst with 40 percent of the minors able to walk away from their stores with Mature merchandise in tow.
FTC Finds "Major Improvement" in Enforcement of M-Rating
by David Oxford | 05/08/08 | 2:36 PM PST
A recent secret shopping campaign by the FTC turned up some favorable results where enforcement of the Mature rating for video games is concerned, as only less than 20 percent of underage teenage shoppers were able to procure the goods they sought to obtain.
The FTC says that this is a "major improvement" over other such surveys utilizing undercover shoppers. In 2006, for example, 42 percent of those underage shoppers used were able to obtain M-rated games. Said Patricia Vance, head of the ESRB: "Videogame retailers have clearly stepped up their efforts to enforce their store policies, and they deserve recognition for these outstanding results."
Ironically, the more commonly ignored mediums of DVDs and music saw more success among the undercover shoppers as about half of them were able to obtain items with the R-rated, unrated and "Parental Advisory"-labels. In addition, movie theaters sold R-rated movie tickets to unaccompanied children around 35 percent of the time.
GameStop shone above the rest, be they big-box or specialist, as they turned away a whopping 94 percent of the customers who were underage, with Hollywood Video showing itself to be the worst with 40 percent of the minors able to walk away from their stores with Mature merchandise in tow.
source: FTC
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THQ and Marvel Form Exclusive Superhero Squad Game Licensing Agreement
by David Oxford | 05/08/08 | 1:48 PM PST
Ok, I don't really know just how much we'll really look at covering this, given it's aimed a bit younger than the norm around here. But hell, people like LEGO Indiana Jones, Batman, and Star Wars, so why not? Let us know if you want to see more as the following develops.
Anyway, following THQ's report that they're getting their asses kicked in the kids market and are aiming their resources at "more strategic franchises" comes their announcement today that they've entered into an agreement that gives them the exclusive rights to produce games for anything that will play games, based on the Marvel Superhero Squad franchise. The games are slated for Fall of 2009, so don't worry, you'll have time to get used to the idea.
For those who don't know what that is... hmm, how do I put this? Ok, imagine your favorite Marvel Heroes, drawn sort of like the original Mega Man, but without the anime eyes. And you've more or less got the idea that they're turning loose on 6-8 year olds the world over.
THQ and Marvel Form Exclusive Superhero Squad Game Licensing Agreement
by David Oxford | 05/08/08 | 1:48 PM PST
Ok, I don't really know just how much we'll really look at covering this, given it's aimed a bit younger than the norm around here. But hell, people like LEGO Indiana Jones, Batman, and Star Wars, so why not? Let us know if you want to see more as the following develops.
Anyway, following THQ's report that they're getting their asses kicked in the kids market and are aiming their resources at "more strategic franchises" comes their announcement today that they've entered into an agreement that gives them the exclusive rights to produce games for anything that will play games, based on the Marvel Superhero Squad franchise. The games are slated for Fall of 2009, so don't worry, you'll have time to get used to the idea.
For those who don't know what that is... hmm, how do I put this? Ok, imagine your favorite Marvel Heroes, drawn sort of like the original Mega Man, but without the anime eyes. And you've more or less got the idea that they're turning loose on 6-8 year olds the world over.
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Key Programmer from Nintendo Blasts Off to Microsoft
by David Oxford | 05/08/08 | 9:24 AM PST
Shacknews has reported that Colin Reed, a long-time programmer for Nintendo who has worked in key roles on such titles as Metroid Prime: Hunters as Technical Lead and Pikmin as Main System Programmer, has left the company after 11 years to join other former Nintendo employees next door at Microsoft.
There, he will be joining the team responsible for Forza Motorsport, a racing-sim series headed up by internal studio Turn 10. Up to the time of his departure, Reed had been working on an undisclosed project for Nintendo.
This of course comes just after the recent departure of three high-profile staff members from Retro Studios, who created the Metroid Prime series.
Key Programmer from Nintendo Blasts Off to Microsoft
by David Oxford | 05/08/08 | 9:24 AM PST
Shacknews has reported that Colin Reed, a long-time programmer for Nintendo who has worked in key roles on such titles as Metroid Prime: Hunters as Technical Lead and Pikmin as Main System Programmer, has left the company after 11 years to join other former Nintendo employees next door at Microsoft.
There, he will be joining the team responsible for Forza Motorsport, a racing-sim series headed up by internal studio Turn 10. Up to the time of his departure, Reed had been working on an undisclosed project for Nintendo.
This of course comes just after the recent departure of three high-profile staff members from Retro Studios, who created the Metroid Prime series.
source: Shacknews
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Analyst Says Guitar Hero: On Tour Set to Rock Sales Charts
by Nathan Grayson | 05/07/08 | 6:20 PM PST
Guitar Hero, without a guitar? Madness! Not so, says Signal Hill Capital Group analyst Todd Greenwald. Instead, he says this thing:
"We think this title, never having been released on any handheld platform, has the potential to sell several million units at launch, at a $49.99 price point. Furthermore, our retail channel checks show that big-box retailers are preparing to support the release very heavily. Wal-Mart, Target, and Best Buy should all be giving Guitar Hero: On Tour significant shelf space this summer."
Whoa, whoa, Guitar Hero: On Tour costs $49.99? Also, everything else.
Seriously though, Mr. Greenwald certainly takes a few factors into account that the majority hardcore, jaded Guitar Hero junkies may not. With the game's promotional materials serving as Wal-Mart's uncharacteristically colorful wallpaper, people's eyes will have to gaze on it at some point.
However, there's another side to the story. As I noted earlier, the DS is not a guitar.With the GH:OT attachment, it's more of an accordion. Sure, rockin' out to your favorite riffs is one of Guitar Hero's selling points, but it's only half of the equation. The other half? Big plastic guitar. And, as much fun as I'm sure it'll be to toss on a blonde wig, grab your DS, and jam in crowded public sector, it just won't match the sensation of gliding up and down the fret buttons, and tilting your axe to activate star power. Sadly, the DS does not support the rock 'n' roll dream.
But who knows? Do you plan to pick up GH:OT in spite of its lack of a large plastic peripheral? Regardless, we'll know whether or not Greenwald is right when the game releases this June.
Analyst Says Guitar Hero: On Tour Set to Rock Sales Charts
by Nathan Grayson | 05/07/08 | 6:20 PM PST
Guitar Hero, without a guitar? Madness! Not so, says Signal Hill Capital Group analyst Todd Greenwald. Instead, he says this thing:
"We think this title, never having been released on any handheld platform, has the potential to sell several million units at launch, at a $49.99 price point. Furthermore, our retail channel checks show that big-box retailers are preparing to support the release very heavily. Wal-Mart, Target, and Best Buy should all be giving Guitar Hero: On Tour significant shelf space this summer."
Whoa, whoa, Guitar Hero: On Tour costs $49.99? Also, everything else.
Seriously though, Mr. Greenwald certainly takes a few factors into account that the majority hardcore, jaded Guitar Hero junkies may not. With the game's promotional materials serving as Wal-Mart's uncharacteristically colorful wallpaper, people's eyes will have to gaze on it at some point.
However, there's another side to the story. As I noted earlier, the DS is not a guitar.
But who knows? Do you plan to pick up GH:OT in spite of its lack of a large plastic peripheral? Regardless, we'll know whether or not Greenwald is right when the game releases this June.
source: Gamedaily
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SNK Doesn't Pride Itself on Customer Service, But Will Help Anyway
by David Oxford | 05/07/08 | 4:28 PM PST
Well, this is certainly an interesting scenario. A gent by the name of Chris Bradshaw, aka Gilgamesh, contributor to CCAcomics.com and owner of Kikouken.com, made a recent-- well, not so recent anymore-- purchase of SNK vs Capcom Card Fighter DS at his local Best Buy, only to discover it had a fatal glitch. After trying a new copy and a different system, he went to the only people that could help remedy the situation: SNK themselves. But with no response from the sales department, he did what anyone in his position would do (if they'd thought of it): He started dialing extensions. And along the way...
Even better, Herman called Bradshaw back, and left the following message, seen after the jump.
SNK Doesn't Pride Itself on Customer Service, But Will Help Anyway
by David Oxford | 05/07/08 | 4:28 PM PST
Well, this is certainly an interesting scenario. A gent by the name of Chris Bradshaw, aka Gilgamesh, contributor to CCAcomics.com and owner of Kikouken.com, made a recent-- well, not so recent anymore-- purchase of SNK vs Capcom Card Fighter DS at his local Best Buy, only to discover it had a fatal glitch. After trying a new copy and a different system, he went to the only people that could help remedy the situation: SNK themselves. But with no response from the sales department, he did what anyone in his position would do (if they'd thought of it): He started dialing extensions. And along the way...
"Eventually I did get in touch with someone who gave me the information I needed, but not before I left a message on SNK USA President Ben Herman's machine. I can't tell you what I said verbatim, however I did tell him about how I have been attempting to contact someone at his office for almost two months now because I need to return a defective game (I didn't specify which game because I didn't think it mattered, a warranty is a warranty) and that I was now dialing every number I could find and making myself as big of a pain in the ass as possible (and yes, I did use those words) until someone finally talked to me."
Even better, Herman called Bradshaw back, and left the following message, seen after the jump.
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Customer Sent Home From EB Games; Is Actually Quite Happy About It
by David Oxford | 05/07/08 | 2:26 PM PST
This wouldn't be the first time I've ever heard of someone being refused a sale of a M-rated game at retail, simply on account of having a minor with them at the time. However, this would be the first time I've known the person refused to actually be happy about it.
After being refused a second-hand copy of BioShock due to the presence of his 15-year old kid brother, and because it was his brother, had he been a parent with his son, the store would apparently have been okay by it. At first outraged, he gave it some further thought and came to believe that the situation was actually a good thing:
So, what do you think? Is this a good move that should be taken by more stores which sell M-rated games, or was this EB Games clerk way off base? I think I already know which way the pieces will fall on this one...
Customer Sent Home From EB Games; Is Actually Quite Happy About It
by David Oxford | 05/07/08 | 2:26 PM PST
This wouldn't be the first time I've ever heard of someone being refused a sale of a M-rated game at retail, simply on account of having a minor with them at the time. However, this would be the first time I've known the person refused to actually be happy about it.
After being refused a second-hand copy of BioShock due to the presence of his 15-year old kid brother, and because it was his brother, had he been a parent with his son, the store would apparently have been okay by it. At first outraged, he gave it some further thought and came to believe that the situation was actually a good thing:
I had stormed out of the store in utter confusion and disbelief, but when I let my rage subside, I realized that this wasn't such a bad thing after all. Maybe if more stores had this policy the media would give M rated games a break! Well eventually I'm sure they will have to one way or another. Either they'll be tired of beating the same old dog or their audience will be. Especially since, in a couple of years, most of their audience would have grown-up with video-games and see them for what they truly are: Interactive Entertainment. A co-worker also told me that liquor stores have the same policy for people who walk in with minors so it's not totally unprecedented.
What this boils down to is that I was initially peeved at being turned down and sent home, but now that I've had the time to cool down and collect my thoughts, I see it as a positive move on the part of EB Games and I commend them for making it!
So, what do you think? Is this a good move that should be taken by more stores which sell M-rated games, or was this EB Games clerk way off base? I think I already know which way the pieces will fall on this one...
source: Towards Mecca
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Stop Uwe Boll, Get Free Gum
by David Oxford | 05/07/08 | 2:03 PM PST
Wow, who could pass up writing about this?
You might have heard about Uwe Boll's claim that if over one million people said they wanted him to stop making movies (or at least video game-based movies), that he would do just that. Turns out that when these people began to organize, well, he didn't take it so well.
And now, whether people even care or not, they just got a bit more incentive to sign StopUweBoll.Org's petition, as Stride Gum has thrown in their support for the effort by promising that if the petition reaches one million signatures by 5pm PDT on May 14th, everyone who signed gets a free pack of their gum via a digital coupon ("making this the most important week in the history of time").
"Since gamers are one of our most supportive groups, we've been looking for ways to return the favor," said Gary Osifchin, Stride North American Marketing Director. "And what better way is there to get gamers' backs than by helping them rescue their cherished videogames from the clutches of Uwe Boll?"
"Look, it's nothing personal against the guy. Maybe his non videogame-based films are unbelievable! But we've seen such intense passion for this cause that we couldn't help but get involved," said Osifchin. "Let the signing continue."
Now, if you'll excuse me, I have a petition to sign, regardless of whether Boll honors his word or not. You can see the original press release in full after the cut.
Stop Uwe Boll, Get Free Gum
by David Oxford | 05/07/08 | 2:03 PM PST
Wow, who could pass up writing about this?
You might have heard about Uwe Boll's claim that if over one million people said they wanted him to stop making movies (or at least video game-based movies), that he would do just that. Turns out that when these people began to organize, well, he didn't take it so well.
And now, whether people even care or not, they just got a bit more incentive to sign StopUweBoll.Org's petition, as Stride Gum has thrown in their support for the effort by promising that if the petition reaches one million signatures by 5pm PDT on May 14th, everyone who signed gets a free pack of their gum via a digital coupon ("making this the most important week in the history of time").
"Since gamers are one of our most supportive groups, we've been looking for ways to return the favor," said Gary Osifchin, Stride North American Marketing Director. "And what better way is there to get gamers' backs than by helping them rescue their cherished videogames from the clutches of Uwe Boll?"
"Look, it's nothing personal against the guy. Maybe his non videogame-based films are unbelievable! But we've seen such intense passion for this cause that we couldn't help but get involved," said Osifchin. "Let the signing continue."
Now, if you'll excuse me, I have a petition to sign, regardless of whether Boll honors his word or not. You can see the original press release in full after the cut.
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THQ: Now Hiring and Firing
by David Oxford | 05/07/08 | 11:31 AM PST
Even though they're making a killing with Nickelodeon properties and making big plans for its WWE cash cow, there's one thing that THQ didn't make this year: A profit.
As a result, THQ President and CEO Brian Farrell outlined his plans to get the company back on a profitable track in an analyst call following their recent financial results. Part of the reason involves, with but a few exceptions, games which were "simply not competitive" and showing "insufficient game quality," in addition to the "most crowded market for kids in recent memory," thanks to Nintendo's first-party dominance and the recent music-game craze. It didn't help that they overspent in marketing titles such as Juiced and Stuntman.
One big change in store involves more competitive titles, new management talent to oversee development, and a four-stage greenlight approval process that would ensure that games met "key competitive technological and gameplay feature benchmarks." In addition, they're realigning their cost structures and focusing their resources towards "more strategic franchises."
However, with all the good must come some bad, including the layoff of some 200 employees, those which Farrell describes as having more "last gen" skill sets, focused on platforms such as the PS2. But he still plans to bring in more people, bringing the company's total from 2400 to just under 2700 by year's end.
Finally, Farrell mentions they have the rights and are looking into possible markets for Company Of Heroes Online, which would be free to play but feature microtransaction downloads, and other products of that ilk.
THQ: Now Hiring and Firing
by David Oxford | 05/07/08 | 11:31 AM PST
Even though they're making a killing with Nickelodeon properties and making big plans for its WWE cash cow, there's one thing that THQ didn't make this year: A profit.
As a result, THQ President and CEO Brian Farrell outlined his plans to get the company back on a profitable track in an analyst call following their recent financial results. Part of the reason involves, with but a few exceptions, games which were "simply not competitive" and showing "insufficient game quality," in addition to the "most crowded market for kids in recent memory," thanks to Nintendo's first-party dominance and the recent music-game craze. It didn't help that they overspent in marketing titles such as Juiced and Stuntman.
One big change in store involves more competitive titles, new management talent to oversee development, and a four-stage greenlight approval process that would ensure that games met "key competitive technological and gameplay feature benchmarks." In addition, they're realigning their cost structures and focusing their resources towards "more strategic franchises."
However, with all the good must come some bad, including the layoff of some 200 employees, those which Farrell describes as having more "last gen" skill sets, focused on platforms such as the PS2. But he still plans to bring in more people, bringing the company's total from 2400 to just under 2700 by year's end.
Finally, Farrell mentions they have the rights and are looking into possible markets for Company Of Heroes Online, which would be free to play but feature microtransaction downloads, and other products of that ilk.
source: Gamasutra
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Internally Developed Doom 4 Announced by id Software
by David Oxford | 05/07/08 | 11:13 AM PST
Today, id Software announced the fourth installment in the Doom franchise, and that it would be developed internally, the company's first since Doom 3, some four years ago. They are also internally developing Rage, a Mad Max-like post-apocalyptic shooter.
There have been no announcements as to which platform they will develop the game for, though Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, and PC seem the most likely culprits. Wouldn't it be cool to see the game which practically invented the FPS genre re-invent itself on the Wii, though? However, no details of its expected release have been revealed so far, nor of the game's content, except that it will take place on Earth.
After Doom 3, id produced Quake 4 and Enemy Territory: Quake Wars, which were developed externally by Raven Software and Splash Damage, respectively. Over the last decade, there have been significant gaps between id's own internally developed releases, which makes the current situation an unusual circumstance.
According to CEO CEO Todd Hollenshead, "Doom is part of the id Software DNA and demands the greatest talent and brightest minds in the industry to bring the next installment of our flagship franchise to Earth."
Internally Developed Doom 4 Announced by id Software
by David Oxford | 05/07/08 | 11:13 AM PST
Today, id Software announced the fourth installment in the Doom franchise, and that it would be developed internally, the company's first since Doom 3, some four years ago. They are also internally developing Rage, a Mad Max-like post-apocalyptic shooter.
There have been no announcements as to which platform they will develop the game for, though Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, and PC seem the most likely culprits. Wouldn't it be cool to see the game which practically invented the FPS genre re-invent itself on the Wii, though? However, no details of its expected release have been revealed so far, nor of the game's content, except that it will take place on Earth.
After Doom 3, id produced Quake 4 and Enemy Territory: Quake Wars, which were developed externally by Raven Software and Splash Damage, respectively. Over the last decade, there have been significant gaps between id's own internally developed releases, which makes the current situation an unusual circumstance.
According to CEO CEO Todd Hollenshead, "Doom is part of the id Software DNA and demands the greatest talent and brightest minds in the industry to bring the next installment of our flagship franchise to Earth."
source: Gamasutra
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Nintendo Channel Launched in US of A and Its Hat
by David Oxford | 05/07/08 | 10:36 AM PST
Good news, everyone! If you've just woken up and noticed that your Wii is glowing with a blue light, then first of all, don't worry, it's not contagious.
Actually, it would seem to be the sign that Nintendo of America has finally launched the Nintendo Channel, which was originally scheduled to be released alongside WiiWare on May 12th. For those that have forgotten, the Nintendo Channel is Nintendo's method of promoting Nintendo from within Nintendo, with previews, news, and information about Wii and DS games, plus downloadable demos for your Nintendo DS.
A rather thorough catalog of Nintendo and third-party Wii and DS titles is also available, with information on the games, videos, and even links to websites where you can purchase the products. In addition, you can also rate any game you've spent more than an hour with, so other people will know just how much you hate Ninjabread Man... oh, wait, maybe not (that'd require spending an hour with it).
It's a free download, with nothing to lose but a little space on your Wii's internal memory, but if you've already got the Forecast, Everybody Votes, and Check Mii Out Channels, then this one will probably be a must as well, and it's unlikely you'll miss the space.
Nintendo Channel Launched in US of A and Its Hat
by David Oxford | 05/07/08 | 10:36 AM PST
Good news, everyone! If you've just woken up and noticed that your Wii is glowing with a blue light, then first of all, don't worry, it's not contagious.
Actually, it would seem to be the sign that Nintendo of America has finally launched the Nintendo Channel, which was originally scheduled to be released alongside WiiWare on May 12th. For those that have forgotten, the Nintendo Channel is Nintendo's method of promoting Nintendo from within Nintendo, with previews, news, and information about Wii and DS games, plus downloadable demos for your Nintendo DS.
A rather thorough catalog of Nintendo and third-party Wii and DS titles is also available, with information on the games, videos, and even links to websites where you can purchase the products. In addition, you can also rate any game you've spent more than an hour with, so other people will know just how much you hate Ninjabread Man... oh, wait, maybe not (that'd require spending an hour with it).
It's a free download, with nothing to lose but a little space on your Wii's internal memory, but if you've already got the Forecast, Everybody Votes, and Check Mii Out Channels, then this one will probably be a must as well, and it's unlikely you'll miss the space.
DS
Media: LEGO Batman's Pictures Are Dead
by David Oxford | 05/07/08 | 9:43 AM PST
Good news/bad news time, kiddos! The good news is, we have new LEGO Batman screenshots! The bad news is, with the title available for pretty much every active platform under the sun, these are actually from the PC version. But the good news is, it's friggin' LEGO, so I doubt there's really all that much of a difference. And as for the inclusion into the DS and PSP sets, well, there's not really anything else, and it's doubtful that they'll look that much worse, even then.
It's the small touches you have to appreciate, such as Two-Face flipping a LEGO stud there. Plus, as you can see here, Batman has costumes with both the old "yellow moon" bat-symbol, and the original/recent plain bat.
Fun fact: The reason for the addition of the yellow circle was because DC couldn't trademark a plain bat by itself. Makes you wonder if the law changed, or if maybe just using a more stylized bat is what got them by.
Media: LEGO Batman's Pictures Are Dead
by David Oxford | 05/07/08 | 9:43 AM PST
Good news/bad news time, kiddos! The good news is, we have new LEGO Batman screenshots! The bad news is, with the title available for pretty much every active platform under the sun, these are actually from the PC version. But the good news is, it's friggin' LEGO, so I doubt there's really all that much of a difference. And as for the inclusion into the DS and PSP sets, well, there's not really anything else, and it's doubtful that they'll look that much worse, even then.
It's the small touches you have to appreciate, such as Two-Face flipping a LEGO stud there. Plus, as you can see here, Batman has costumes with both the old "yellow moon" bat-symbol, and the original/recent plain bat.
Fun fact: The reason for the addition of the yellow circle was because DC couldn't trademark a plain bat by itself. Makes you wonder if the law changed, or if maybe just using a more stylized bat is what got them by.
