TOP SPOT
Review: Castlevania: Order of Ecclesia is Perhaps the Best in the Series A must-have for fans. |
GEN
HDTV vs. SNES
by Lucas DeWoody | 02/09/10 | 5:56 AM PST
I lost my HDTV virginity in 2006. It came at a time when I was starting the process of breaking ties with Nintendo console exclusivity, something I should have done far sooner. Considering the fact that I was a recovering Nintendo fanboy coming off the slow and agonizing death of GameCube in 2005, and the bone dry Nintendo console game drought in 2006, I was more than happy to "Jump In" with the Xbox 360 and spend the next year enjoying the awesomeness of Perfect Dark Zero, Kameo, Oblivion, and Gears of War in glorious HD. Immediately upon nabbing my 360, I swooped out the door and picked up a brand new 27" Samsung starter HDTV. Joyous with anticipation of the entrancing moment of liquid crystal ecstasy I was about to immerse myself in; I immediately placed that beautiful display in the middle of my entertainment shelf and hooked up all of my consoles to it. I spent the next week playing my new purchase like a mad man. At the end of the next week I decided it was time to mix things up and give the 360 a little break. I wanted to fire up the SNES (my favorite console of all time) and see how she looked on my new 720p beauty. Hoo boy, was I was in for a rotten surprise.
HDTV vs. SNES
by Lucas DeWoody | 02/09/10 | 5:56 AM PST
I lost my HDTV virginity in 2006. It came at a time when I was starting the process of breaking ties with Nintendo console exclusivity, something I should have done far sooner. Considering the fact that I was a recovering Nintendo fanboy coming off the slow and agonizing death of GameCube in 2005, and the bone dry Nintendo console game drought in 2006, I was more than happy to "Jump In" with the Xbox 360 and spend the next year enjoying the awesomeness of Perfect Dark Zero, Kameo, Oblivion, and Gears of War in glorious HD. Immediately upon nabbing my 360, I swooped out the door and picked up a brand new 27" Samsung starter HDTV. Joyous with anticipation of the entrancing moment of liquid crystal ecstasy I was about to immerse myself in; I immediately placed that beautiful display in the middle of my entertainment shelf and hooked up all of my consoles to it. I spent the next week playing my new purchase like a mad man. At the end of the next week I decided it was time to mix things up and give the 360 a little break. I wanted to fire up the SNES (my favorite console of all time) and see how she looked on my new 720p beauty. Hoo boy, was I was in for a rotten surprise.
GEN
Kombo's Game a Day Giveaway! Win a New Game EVERYDAY in February!
by Ken Cauley | 02/08/10 | 11:00 PM PST
CLICK THE ABOVE IMAGE FOR THE OFFICIAL CONTEST PAGE
Kombo's Game a Day Giveaway! Win a New Game EVERYDAY in February!
by Ken Cauley | 02/08/10 | 11:00 PM PST
CLICK THE ABOVE IMAGE FOR THE OFFICIAL CONTEST PAGE
WINNERS:February 2: John Riemer, Virgina February 3: Jonathan Dowell, Pennsylvania February 4: Chris Ryan, Florida February 5: Chris Foster, Michigan February 6: Adam Cuevas, Florida February 7: Josh Minar, Kentucky February 8: Bradley Mosbacher, Missouri
GEN
Kombo Breaker #60: Garth Chateau Talks Addiction and PopCap Games
by Joey Davidson | 02/08/10 | 8:08 PM PST

Number 60 is all up ons us! This week's episode of Kombo Breaker features a previous guest on talking about the recent adventures of PopCap Games.
From Facebook domination to future plans for the Wii, Garth Chateau of PopCap came on to tell us everything he could. Not only that, but Garth also takes time to rattle of a few absolutely absurd stats about Bejeweled Blitz. You'll have to tune in to find out more.
Make sure you do the usual and email us with questions and comments at kombobreaker@kombo.com. Be sure to subscribe on iTunes and leave us a review!
Download | Subscribe on iTunes | Episode 60 | 45m
Kombo Breaker #60: Garth Chateau Talks Addiction and PopCap Games
by Joey Davidson | 02/08/10 | 8:08 PM PST

Number 60 is all up ons us! This week's episode of Kombo Breaker features a previous guest on talking about the recent adventures of PopCap Games.
From Facebook domination to future plans for the Wii, Garth Chateau of PopCap came on to tell us everything he could. Not only that, but Garth also takes time to rattle of a few absolutely absurd stats about Bejeweled Blitz. You'll have to tune in to find out more.
Make sure you do the usual and email us with questions and comments at kombobreaker@kombo.com. Be sure to subscribe on iTunes and leave us a review!
Download | Subscribe on iTunes | Episode 60 | 45m
GEN
Kombo Breaker Special Edition - BioShock 2 Developer Conference
by Joey Davidson | 02/08/10 | 7:59 PM PST

Our own Matt Green got word from up on high of a little conference call with the developers of BioShock 2. He dialed in, of course.
But he went above and beyond the call of duty and recorded over an hour of tasty BioShock 2 tidbits. Story decisions, character investigation, game elements and more are all discussed within.
So, BioShock fans, strap in and enjoy.
The regular, weekly episode of Kombo Breaker will be up soon after this one.
Download | Subscribe on iTunes | 1h 15m
Kombo Breaker Special Edition - BioShock 2 Developer Conference
by Joey Davidson | 02/08/10 | 7:59 PM PST

Our own Matt Green got word from up on high of a little conference call with the developers of BioShock 2. He dialed in, of course.
But he went above and beyond the call of duty and recorded over an hour of tasty BioShock 2 tidbits. Story decisions, character investigation, game elements and more are all discussed within.
So, BioShock fans, strap in and enjoy.
The regular, weekly episode of Kombo Breaker will be up soon after this one.
Download | Subscribe on iTunes | 1h 15m
GEN
Electronic Gaming Monthly Now Accepting Subscriptions
by David Oxford | 02/08/10 | 5:02 PM PST
Attention, Electronic Gaming Monthly faithful: your ship has just come in.
BigDownload reveals that the new version of the magazine, revived by original founder Steve Harris, is now taking subscribers. In addition to 6- and 12-month subscriptions to the print magazine, subscribers will also get "premium" weekly access to EGM[I]: The Digital Magazine.
Electronic Gaming Monthly Now Accepting Subscriptions
by David Oxford | 02/08/10 | 5:02 PM PST
Attention, Electronic Gaming Monthly faithful: your ship has just come in.
BigDownload reveals that the new version of the magazine, revived by original founder Steve Harris, is now taking subscribers. In addition to 6- and 12-month subscriptions to the print magazine, subscribers will also get "premium" weekly access to EGM[I]: The Digital Magazine.
DS
Lara Croft Fans May Need to Raid a Tomb of Their Own for This Art Book
by Kombo Staff | 02/08/10 | 4:31 PM PST

Fans of Tomb Raider, get ready-- this isn't going to be cheap.
Lara Croft Fans May Need to Raid a Tomb of Their Own for This Art Book
by Kombo Staff | 02/08/10 | 4:31 PM PST

Fans of Tomb Raider, get ready-- this isn't going to be cheap.
GEN
Console Wars "A Bit Silly," Says 2K Marin
by David Oxford | 02/08/10 | 12:03 PM PST
During an interview with 2K Marin's BioShock 2 Creative Director Jordan Thomas, Destructoid brought up the issue of "fanboyism" and the "console wars," which they say had PlayStation 3 owners calling BioShock rubbish-- that is, until it appeared on their chosen platform. They went on to ask Thomas of what he thought of the ongoing war of attrition.
"There's a cognitive effect known as 'confirmation bias' which leads people to latch onto conclusions that support their preferences and ignore data which doesn't," he explained. "This leads to wild, unreasoning loyalty to a chosen platform, sports team, or brand of soda."
Console Wars "A Bit Silly," Says 2K Marin
by David Oxford | 02/08/10 | 12:03 PM PST
During an interview with 2K Marin's BioShock 2 Creative Director Jordan Thomas, Destructoid brought up the issue of "fanboyism" and the "console wars," which they say had PlayStation 3 owners calling BioShock rubbish-- that is, until it appeared on their chosen platform. They went on to ask Thomas of what he thought of the ongoing war of attrition.
"There's a cognitive effect known as 'confirmation bias' which leads people to latch onto conclusions that support their preferences and ignore data which doesn't," he explained. "This leads to wild, unreasoning loyalty to a chosen platform, sports team, or brand of soda."
DS
Media: Sonic & SEGA All-Stars Racing Demo and Theme Hit Marketplace, Character Site Updated
by Kombo Staff | 02/08/10 | 11:32 AM PST
There is some great news today for Xbox LIVE members, as SEGA has announced that the Sonic & SEGA All-Stars Racing demo is now available for download on the Xbox LIVE Marketplace. Playable in the demo are Sonic the Hedgehog (of course) and the Rare bear-bird duo of Banjo and Kazooie.
Via TSSZ News, here is a video of the demo in action:
In addition to the demo, there is a premium Xbox theme to be had for 240 points. If you'd like to get a good look at how the theme looks across your 360 dashboard, check out the pics on SEGA's blog.
Media: Sonic & SEGA All-Stars Racing Demo and Theme Hit Marketplace, Character Site Updated
by Kombo Staff | 02/08/10 | 11:32 AM PST
There is some great news today for Xbox LIVE members, as SEGA has announced that the Sonic & SEGA All-Stars Racing demo is now available for download on the Xbox LIVE Marketplace. Playable in the demo are Sonic the Hedgehog (of course) and the Rare bear-bird duo of Banjo and Kazooie.
Via TSSZ News, here is a video of the demo in action:
In addition to the demo, there is a premium Xbox theme to be had for 240 points. If you'd like to get a good look at how the theme looks across your 360 dashboard, check out the pics on SEGA's blog.
GEN
Lego Star Wars III: The Clone Wars Scheduled for Autumn 2010
by Jeff Grubb | 02/08/10 | 10:45 AM PST

Traveler's Tales, Lucasarts, and Lego hit it big with Lego Star Wars, so it is no surprise that they would go back to the well anyway they could find. With the Cartoon Network's popular The Clone Wars, TT may have found a source of material that they could not resist.
With a release date of Autumn 2010 for the PS3, Xbox 360, Wii, PSP, and DS it is likely that this game will try to hit at the same time as the next season of the show starts.
TT isn't planning on simply reskinning the last Lego Star Wars. Instead, they have some improvements in store.
Lego Star Wars III: The Clone Wars Scheduled for Autumn 2010
by Jeff Grubb | 02/08/10 | 10:45 AM PST

With a release date of Autumn 2010 for the PS3, Xbox 360, Wii, PSP, and DS it is likely that this game will try to hit at the same time as the next season of the show starts.
TT isn't planning on simply reskinning the last Lego Star Wars. Instead, they have some improvements in store.
GEN
Nomura Starting Work on Kingdom Hearts III, Reveals Sora Was...A Furry?
by Eric Jones | 02/08/10 | 10:40 AM PST
With Final Fantasy XIII coming close to its North American release date, we're hearing a lot more from Tetsuya Nomura, the game's character designer and practical figurehead of Square Enix. Of course, with the latest Final Fantasy in the books, the question now becomes when we'll see a proper sequel to one of Nomura's other best-known franchises, Kingdom Hearts.
When asked about a possible Kingdom Hearts III in an interview with Famitsu, Nomura said "Regarding III, fans and partners alike are pressing us for it, so we'll work to realize it as soon as possible." Which basically means that it's coming. Begin the wars over what platform it should be on now!
Oh yeah, and another small tidbit. Nomura also confirmed that main character Sora looked far different than he initially did when the original Kingdom Hearts released. Fans are well of aware of the initial Key-Chainsaw weapon, but it turns out Sora also had beat ears and a tail. Yes, he was a furry. You won't look at him the same ever again, will you?
Nomura Starting Work on Kingdom Hearts III, Reveals Sora Was...A Furry?
by Eric Jones | 02/08/10 | 10:40 AM PST
With Final Fantasy XIII coming close to its North American release date, we're hearing a lot more from Tetsuya Nomura, the game's character designer and practical figurehead of Square Enix. Of course, with the latest Final Fantasy in the books, the question now becomes when we'll see a proper sequel to one of Nomura's other best-known franchises, Kingdom Hearts.
When asked about a possible Kingdom Hearts III in an interview with Famitsu, Nomura said "Regarding III, fans and partners alike are pressing us for it, so we'll work to realize it as soon as possible." Which basically means that it's coming. Begin the wars over what platform it should be on now!
Oh yeah, and another small tidbit. Nomura also confirmed that main character Sora looked far different than he initially did when the original Kingdom Hearts released. Fans are well of aware of the initial Key-Chainsaw weapon, but it turns out Sora also had beat ears and a tail. Yes, he was a furry. You won't look at him the same ever again, will you?
source: Joystiq
DS
Nintendo Download - 2/8/10: Deadly Viruses and Heroic Vegetables Make for a Memorable Week
by Kombo Staff | 02/08/10 | 10:00 AM PST
I don't think anyone saw this one coming. On today's Nintendo Download, Sunsoft has released Blaster Master: Overdrive, which Sunsoft's Victor Ireland describes as being "halfway between" a remake and a sequel to the original; "more like a re-imagining." Check out the official trailer:
"It's based on the original US storyline," he explains, "but some things are changed. For example, the hero (Alexander/Alex) in this one is an adult trying to save his family...AND MANKIND. :) Mix of old and new mutants, mix of similar and new bosses, somewhat different ending."
This looks like just what the doctor ordered, and it's going for 1,000 Wii Points. That's not all that's available now, though; check out the Nintendo Download press release after the cut, and beneath that, the full Blaster Master: Overdrive presser.
Nintendo Download - 2/8/10: Deadly Viruses and Heroic Vegetables Make for a Memorable Week
by Kombo Staff | 02/08/10 | 10:00 AM PST
I don't think anyone saw this one coming. On today's Nintendo Download, Sunsoft has released Blaster Master: Overdrive, which Sunsoft's Victor Ireland describes as being "halfway between" a remake and a sequel to the original; "more like a re-imagining." Check out the official trailer:
"It's based on the original US storyline," he explains, "but some things are changed. For example, the hero (Alexander/Alex) in this one is an adult trying to save his family...AND MANKIND. :) Mix of old and new mutants, mix of similar and new bosses, somewhat different ending."
This looks like just what the doctor ordered, and it's going for 1,000 Wii Points. That's not all that's available now, though; check out the Nintendo Download press release after the cut, and beneath that, the full Blaster Master: Overdrive presser.
GEN
Now Shipping - 2/8/10 - BioShock, Data East, Inferno, Star Ocean, Monkey Ball
by David Oxford | 02/08/10 | 9:38 AM PST
Monday, February 8th:
Now Shipping - 2/8/10 - BioShock, Data East, Inferno, Star Ocean, Monkey Ball
by David Oxford | 02/08/10 | 9:38 AM PST
Monday, February 8th:- Family Party: 30 Great Games Winter Fun (Wii)
- BioShock 2 (360, PS3)
- Dante's Inferno (360, PS3, PSP)
- Data East Arcade Classics (Wii)
- Scene It? Twilight (DS)
- Shiren the Wanderer (Wii)
- Star Ocean: The Last Hope International (PS3)
- Super Monkey Ball Step & Roll (Wii)
- World of Outlaws: Sprint Cars (360)
GEN
Cut the Crap: Quantum Theory is Important
by Kyle Wattenmaker | 02/08/10 | 5:19 AM PST
Everyone knows that Japanese game developers are on their back foot. Kojima himself has expressed concern for both the market and the state of development in Japan. Bloggers across the Internet bash the Japanese for ignoring the evolution of the industry. The Japanese have earned this scorn. Lost Planet has enemies with giant glowing red weak spots. JRPGs have had the same story with different window dressings for more than twenty years.
Now we have a game called Quantum Theory. Quantum Theory is clearly inspired by Gears of War, an entirely Western styled game. What does the collective Internet do? Bash it into oblivion. This is garbage. If the game is bad, just say so. Do not submit to hypocrisy and attack a Japanese game that is finally acknowledging Western tenets when we have been aching for years for this exact thing to happen.
Cut the Crap: Quantum Theory is Important
by Kyle Wattenmaker | 02/08/10 | 5:19 AM PST
Everyone knows that Japanese game developers are on their back foot. Kojima himself has expressed concern for both the market and the state of development in Japan. Bloggers across the Internet bash the Japanese for ignoring the evolution of the industry. The Japanese have earned this scorn. Lost Planet has enemies with giant glowing red weak spots. JRPGs have had the same story with different window dressings for more than twenty years.
Now we have a game called Quantum Theory. Quantum Theory is clearly inspired by Gears of War, an entirely Western styled game. What does the collective Internet do? Bash it into oblivion. This is garbage. If the game is bad, just say so. Do not submit to hypocrisy and attack a Japanese game that is finally acknowledging Western tenets when we have been aching for years for this exact thing to happen.
DS
Week-Ending Game Endings - 02.05.10 - Countdown to Sonic & SEGA All-Stars Racing: Beat
by Kombo Staff | 02/05/10 | 4:58 PM PST
Keeping things short and sweet this week. Next up on the Sonic & SEGA All-Stars Racing countdown is Beat from Jet Set Radio Future:
Part 2 after the cut.
Week-Ending Game Endings - 02.05.10 - Countdown to Sonic & SEGA All-Stars Racing: Beat
by Kombo Staff | 02/05/10 | 4:58 PM PST
Keeping things short and sweet this week. Next up on the Sonic & SEGA All-Stars Racing countdown is Beat from Jet Set Radio Future:
Part 2 after the cut.
DS
Pre-Order Sonic & SEGA All-Stars Racing at EB Games in Australia, Get Sonic Racer Toy
by Kombo Staff | 02/05/10 | 10:43 AM PST

Australian gamers who plan on pre-ordering Sonic & SEGA All-Stars Racing from EB Games are in for a treat... that is, if they're planning to get it for the Wii or Nintendo DS (they don't seem to have the Xbox 360 or PlayStation 3 versions in their system). While supplies last, pre-ordering will net you one of the racing toys we reported on previously (likely of the smaller variety).
Making this more interesting is the presently unknown status of the Ryo Hazuki forklift DLC in Australia; might the toy be a replacement for the versions which don't receive DLC? Or might they add the 360/PS3 versions later and offer the toy instead? We'll just have to wait and see.
Pre-Order Sonic & SEGA All-Stars Racing at EB Games in Australia, Get Sonic Racer Toy
by Kombo Staff | 02/05/10 | 10:43 AM PST

Australian gamers who plan on pre-ordering Sonic & SEGA All-Stars Racing from EB Games are in for a treat... that is, if they're planning to get it for the Wii or Nintendo DS (they don't seem to have the Xbox 360 or PlayStation 3 versions in their system). While supplies last, pre-ordering will net you one of the racing toys we reported on previously (likely of the smaller variety).
Making this more interesting is the presently unknown status of the Ryo Hazuki forklift DLC in Australia; might the toy be a replacement for the versions which don't receive DLC? Or might they add the 360/PS3 versions later and offer the toy instead? We'll just have to wait and see.






















