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June 30, 2006
For your viewing pleasure
There are not words to describe this video, other than it's a hit with the folks on AGI. Feel the power.
Posted by Redmond Carolipio at 12:52 PM | Comments (0)
June 29, 2006
Kaz Hirai discusses PS3 game prices
Gamasutra has an entry about Sony Computer Entertainment America president Kaz Hirai tackling the touchy subject of game pricing in an interview with Official PlayStation Magazine.
Feel the power of the excerpt:
When asked whether PlayStation 3 games would be priced in the same range as Xbox 360 titles (currently $59.99 for most high budget titles), Hirai suggested that: “Generally speaking, over the past twelve years or so, there has been a consumer expectation that disc based games are maybe $59 on the high end to $39 on the low end. So, what I can say now is, I think it would be a bit of a stretch to think that we could suddenly turn around and say ‘PS3 games now $99.99’."
Here's more from the Sony headman:
“I don't think consumers expect software pricing to suddenly double. So, the quick answer is that we want to make it as affordable as possible, knowing that there is a set consumer expectation for what software has cost for the past twelve years. That's kind of the best answer I can give you. So, if it becomes a bit higher than $59, don't ding me, but, again, I don't expect it to be $100.�
Posted by Redmond Carolipio at 2:44 PM | Comments (0)
Take out Zarqawi yourself
Kuma Reality Games, which crafts titles around current events, has released the open beta of "The Death of Zarqawi," an interactive simulation of, you guessed it, the attack that ended up killing the al-Qaida leader of Iraq, Abu Musab al-Zarqawi. Players can either call in the airstrike (which is what really happened) or attempt a ground assault and try to take Zarqawi alive. The game is a free download.
Posted by Redmond Carolipio at 12:22 PM | Comments (0)
GameTap debuts news program
Today will be the debut of GameTap News, which is GameTap's maiden voyage into the world of gaming journalism. The weekly show is hosted by Victor Lucas and promises a "deep dive on the big stories of the day and the little known facts that gamers care about."
You can check out GameTap to see for yourself.
Posted by Redmond Carolipio at 12:11 PM | Comments (0)
More pirate games. Arr.
I'll say this so far about "The Legend of Jack Sparrow" for the PS2: It looks great if you don't move around too much. Yes, having Johnny Depp's voice is a plus, but not if that voice and character is weighted down with herky-jerky gameplay and a frame rate that's not quite, uh, ship shape. I'll elaborate more in the review and on AGI tomorrow if we get to it.
Just got TWO MORE "Pirates" related games (PSP and DS), this time dealing with the actual "Dead Man's Chest" movie that's coming out on the 7th. They're both action games, but each of them has unique features. The PSP one sounds fun, in addition to controlling Jack Sparrow and fight the bad guys -- but there's also a nifty-sounding multiplayer mode where you get to pick a variety of pirate ships and spend time blasting other ship into oblivion. You can unlock the Black Pearl, which I imagine would be the equivalent of the battlecruiser in "Star Control" for the Genesis, and I guess you can unlock the Flying Dutchman as well. Interesting -- moreso than the PS2 version, at least so far.
The DS version gives you control of three characters (Jack, Will and Elizabeth) and features some cute pirate minigames like Walk the Plank. It's also got some playable enemy characters as well.
Looks like it's going to be all pirates, all the time this week. Then of course, come "Prey," the game with the throbbing valves that spew out body parts. Aw yeah.
Posted by Redmond Carolipio at 11:38 AM | Comments (0)
June 28, 2006
Online soccer + Korean gamers + World Cup = BOOM
Electronic Arts has announced more than 100,000 peak concurrent users for "FIFA Online" in its first month of launch in Korea. If you don't know what "peck concurrent users" are, it just means that 100,000 people are playing the game at the same time. The announcement says the number is a new record, putting FIFA Online ahead of racing and fantasy titles.
EA also announced that the largest number of people who have played FIFA Online (a PC game only available in Korea) is 600,000 people. The game was released on May 25.
Posted by Redmond Carolipio at 4:27 PM | Comments (0)
'Prey' and Captain Jack
Since AGI turned into an virtual odyssey on Friday, I wanted to spill a little more thoughts on the 360 demo of "Prey" I got to check out earlier that day.
We touched on how disgusting the game can be (spouts covered in mucus were throbbing and vomiting out body parts -- outstanding), as well as the biological nature of the weapons. What I think could separate the game from being just another gooey FPS is the Native American angle. Other than "Turok," I can't think of any other character off the top of my head that approaches anyone like Tommy, "Prey's" hero.
One thing I was fascinated with was the "deathwalk," which basically allows you to fight your way back to life after you get taken out. You're in a barren field, your body is floating in the middle of it, and you have to use the spirit bow to shoot phantom birds that are swirling around. Shooting a red bird gives you health; a blue one boosts your spirit. Deathwalk is timed, so if you're a crappy shot, you could end up with nil health when you come back -- or you just perish altogether.
There's also a spirit bird that follows you around, and it grants you certain abilities, like reading and understanding alien text and speech. The bird also does typical companion stuff, like distract the enemy.
Also interesting were some of the mechanics of spirit walking. It's not timed, but range-based, were a well-placed door or wall subtly indicates to the player that they can't go any farther. This'll be a big hit in multiplayer, where people are already stashing their bodies and spirit walking all over the place.
But before we get to all the on the 10th, its more movie game time. Morale is not high after "X-Men: The Official Game" and "Da Vinci Code," but given the timeliness of the movie, I'm tackling "Pirates of the Caribbean: The Legend of Jack Sparrow" from Bethesda Softworks, who put out "Oblivion."
The last "Pirates of the Caribbean" game was a simulator, while this one's an action hack-and-slash title. I come in with no expectations, but I've head early reports that it's actually not bad. At least they managed to get Johnny Depp in it, so that'll bring in some cred.
Of course, "X-Men" had actors' voices, too. Argh. Or in this case, arrrrgh. Check the pic below and draw your own conclusions.
Posted by Redmond Carolipio at 2:18 PM | Comments (0)
Gaming for the incarcerated
Check out the Game Politics entry on the concept of video game systems being used to entertain prisoners. As the piece points out, there's two schools of thought -- those who don't think inmates deserve the chance to play on the PS2, and those who think it helps maintain/improve jail safety by giving those on lockdown something to do other than lift and walk around in the yard.
The St. Petersburg Times in Florida ran a story Sunday about a privately run jail that allows its inmates a few hours of PS2 time.
According to the story, the games they play are rated no worse than T for Teen, and the equipment wasn't bought with tax dollars. The story also notes a similar games-in-prison movement in Missouri, which was banned by that state's governor last year.
Posted by Redmond Carolipio at 11:51 AM | Comments (0)
iPods put on hold?
CNNMoney reports that an analyst believes the next wave of Apple's world-dominating iPods could be held back. The main questions regard Apple using a chip from a new supplier, and ways to increase the machine's battery life.
The analyst, Shaw Wu of American Technology Research, thinks the nano might be pushed back to December, while the next video iPods could be on hold all the way until early next year.
Posted by Redmond Carolipio at 11:23 AM | Comments (0)
June 21, 2006
ESA and lawmakers party on
Seriously -- the Entertainment Software Association and Cali politicians hung out and played some games.
Before anyone says anything about "dogs and cats living together," check out Game Politics for the full story.
About 150 people reportedly attended the event, and family-friendly games like DDR were on hand for the partiers to enjoy.
Interesting ... most of the time we hear about how at odds the game industry and lawmakers are, so it's could be shocking to see them chilling out and enjoying each others company.
Part of me wonders why little events like this haven't happened sooner -- surely all would benefit by exposing these lawmakers (some of whom don't play, I imagine) to other bodies of work that don't include sex and violence.
However, could something also have been accomplished by showcasing stuff OTHER than E-rated titles? True, ESA numbers show that those kinds of games are top sellers, but what about something like "God of War," or "Shadow of the Colossus." Perhaps even the controversial titles could have been on hand, so some of these lawmakers could see that there's more to the M-games than just the capacity for blood.
Or, am I being naive in thinking the lawmakers would see that? Are they not ready for the "games as art form" viewpoint? Maybe not, since such a stance could cost a few of them some votes. As a source of mine told be about the game violence issue, it's the "newest political football for people to play with."
Posted by Redmond Carolipio at 1:18 PM | Comments (1)
British court: PS2 ain't a computer
It turns out that the British Court of Appeal didn't but Sony's argument that the PS2 is a computer and not a video game console. This means Sony loses out on a multimillion dollar rebate. It's an interesting item to see, given the recent statements from Sony execs that claim the forthcoming PS3 is a computer that essentially means the end of the PC presence in the home.
Posted by Redmond Carolipio at 9:19 AM | Comments (0)
June 20, 2006
Summer 'Prey' and 'Head Coach'
Finally, a break in the small drought that plagues the summer months.
First there's "Prey," which I'm ready to pencil in as a must-have title for the PC and 360. I dig going with a Native American main character -- not because I'm on some cliched "aw look, an Indian hero" kick, but because their history and legends are territories gaming has a chance to really explore. If done correctly, it could be good for gaming. Everyone knows the gameplay and visuals will be tight, but I'm interested to see how this Tommy dude comes off. I get to check it out on Friday and will hopefully get to spit some knowledge about that on All Games Interactive. I'm normally there on Thursday, but I get to check out Ludacris that night.
I'm also awaiting my maiden voyage into EA's "NFL Head Coach," which is essentially armchair quarterbacking at its best. It's a coaching sim, where you get to live and control every aspect of being a head coach for an NFL team, from developing the team's philosophy to making adjustment during a game.
I'll be honest ... I don't know about this one. I like debating strategy and talking all kinds of football-related stuff and looking at numbers (I'm in a couple of fantasy leagues), but I'm a little skeptical about how "exciting" building a team actually is. Part of the reason I like sports games is that I like directing the people on the field and making them do things I (and other average Joes) could never hope to pull off on a field/court. I like having THAT control.
Maybe I just don't like having to "manage" others or watching stuff unfold -- perhaps that's why I never got into RTS. Just too much watching. See the pic below.
Check back during the week for more gaming words.
Posted by Redmond Carolipio at 7:15 PM | Comments (0)
June 19, 2006
NHL, NHLPA sign with EA and 2K
The National Hockey League and the NHL Players Association signed a multiyear, non-exclusive deal with both EA and 2K Sports. Outstanding.
Regardless of what you think of hockey, anything that promotes competition between is GREAT, especially when it comes to sports games. It opens the door to innovative thinking in terms of gameplay, and gives people a choice instead of having to be beaten over the head with the same game engine year after year. There's more than one play to bring across the same sport, and I like seeing different companies take a stab at it.
Of course, it IS hockey, and I don't know who half the players are -- but the thing is, an outstanding game could change that, or at least make me look in the sport's direction -- even if an entire season of it was canceled.
Posted by Redmond Carolipio at 6:10 PM | Comments (0)
Getting serious
I've been delinquent in my posts recently, so my apologies. I've been cracking away on our story about the so-called "serious games" movement. I say so-called because I've surprisingly run into a couple of people that can't stand the term itself. David Wertheimer of the Institute for Creative Technologies flat-out said, ''I hate it. I think it was used back then to counter the frivolity people associated with the word 'game. But now it doesn't work.'"
Talking to him also included a pretty outstanding mini-talk about the merits of Dungeons & Dragons, and how all you had back then was a dice, some stuff to read, and your imagination. I still remember intricate details about my dwarf many years ago, and he still remembers what level(s) his characters were. My dwarf rocked.
One person you won't find in the story, sadly, is Tracy Fullerton, an interactive media prof at USC who runs the Game Innovations Lab. We talked some about 'Cloud,' which I had heard of, but never got the chance to play until a few days ago.
Fullerton told me that she's had some people say they've experienced a wealth of emotions whenever they play this game. I invested a few hours into the game, and I didn't think flying through the air and messing with clouds could be so captivating -- after all, I'd just seen an eyeful of 'Superman' from EA.
In a lot of ways, "Shadow of the Colossus" prepared me for the atmosphere. Minimal text, intricate controls and a lot of investment in the feelings tied to what you were doing. In "Shadow," you had a chance to feel sad whenever you killed one of the giants, while in "Cloud," the simple feeling of flying around would take you back to your childhood, or whatever the last time you've wished you could fly. I'd label my experience as pleasant and innocent, which is something I've needed since some of my life was wasted on playing "Jaws Unleashed."
Posted by Redmond Carolipio at 4:17 PM | Comments (0)
June 13, 2006
PSP: 'Tomb Raider: Legend', 'MGS Digital Graphic Novel'
Eidos announced today that "Tomb Raider: Legend" for the PSP is primed for a June 21 release. The game will include three new multiplayer modes: racing, obstacle courses and treasure hunting. There's also going to be PSP-exclusive music, wallpaper and images.
Today, Konami shipped "Metal Gear Solid Digital Graphic Novel," also for the PSP. For those unfamiliar with the title, this isn't really a normal game, per se. It's an uber-interactive comic, where the players/readers can "flip" through the pages at whatever speed they like, and the experience is heightened through music, animation and sound effects. The game focuses on the first "Metal Gear Solid," and it was one of the more intriguing offerings from Konami at E3. Though I'll admit, I think anything from Kojima is intriguing.
Posted by Redmond Carolipio at 5:05 PM | Comments (0)
June 12, 2006
Checking the inbox
Just in case I forgot about Sony's dominance in the market, Sony announced that the month of May was good to them as the PS2 and the PSP ranked as the top-selling hardware and portable platforms in the U.S., so says data from the NPD Group. The release notes that PS2 sold about 232,000 units, compared to 221,000 for the 360. PSP sold 160,000 units, while the Game Boy Advance checked in at 152,000.
Elsewhere, Capcom named Charles Bellfield as their VP of marketing, although with games like "Lost Planet" on the way, he's probably not going to need that much help.
Brazilian soccer star Adriano will bless the cover of Konami's "Winning Eleven: Pro Evolution Soccer 2007." The game will bring the acclaimed soccer series to the Xbox 360, marking the franchise's maiden voyage into next-gen.
Posted by Redmond Carolipio at 3:43 PM | Comments (0)
June 9, 2006
Can't stop gaming? Head to Amsterdam
A detox clinic for addicted gamers is opening in the Netherlands.
Courtesy of Smith & Jones Addiction Consultants in Amsterdam, gamers who can't peel away from the screen will be able to take part in a four to eight-week program, which involve talking to therapists and "efforts to build patients' interests in alternative activities." The program is set to start in July.
The story features 28-year-old Hyke van der Heijden, who originally came to the clinic for drug addiction.
His chunk of the story is troubling:
Hyke van der Heijden, 28, a graduate of the Amsterdam program, started playing video games 20 years ago. By the time he was in college he was gaming about 14 hours a day and using drugs to play longer.
"For me, one joint would never be enough, or five minutes of gaming would never be enough," he said. "I would just keep going until I crashed out."
Van der Heijden first went to Smith & Jones for drug addiction in October 2005, but realized the gaming was the real problem. Since undergoing treatment, he has distanced himself from his smoking and gaming friends. He says he has been drug- and game-free for eight months.
What really bothers me about that part of the story is that it casually links drug use and game use, as if they're one and the same. There's the reference to his "smoking and gaming friends" as well as the fact that he's been "drug and game-free" for eight months. There's another addict, Tim, who also played a lot of games, then USED DRUGS to keep playing longer.
I'm no doctor, but the last time I checked, smoking and drugs generally fill your body with poison. That's fact. Gaming doesn't do that -- unless you count some of the extra pounds you gain if you're sitting at home for 17 hours a day and eat a lot.
I'll admit that gaming can certainly be addictive, but to just lump them in with drug use reeks of carelessless, and anybody who reads this story that doesn't fully know the industry is going to buy it.
Let's make one thing clear: Game addict does NOT equal drug addict.
I did a story on gaming addiction a couple of years ago, where I wrote about two guys who were hardcore EQ players. All they did was play and play, eventually shutting out the outside world to the point where other aspects of their lives suffered. One killed himself. The other didn't.
And as far as I know, neither of them touched drugs.
My biggest worry is that some parents are going to see this story and think "My kid likes to play games -- good God, he might be on drugs!"
Yeah, it sounds silly. But there are plenty of silly people out there.
Posted by Redmond Carolipio at 10:52 AM | Comments (0)
June 8, 2006
FTC ruling on Hot Coffee
Gamespot reports that the Federal Trade Commission handed down its final ruling on the "Hot Coffee" scandal, where several sex minigames were discovered in "Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas" from Rockstar Games.
The ruling declared that Take-Two Interactive (Rockstar's parent company) "failed to disclose important information about the game's content to consumers" and promises an $11,000 fine for every violation -- which, as GameSpot points out, could either mean Take-Two gets a financial slap on the wrist, or that it gets fined for every caffeinated GTA copy sold.
The "Hot Coffee" scandal gained the attention of Sens. Hilary Clinton and Joe Lieberman, who wanted Take-Two probed by the FTC. Clinton has also been an advocate for a universal rating system that covers all media.
Posted by Redmond Carolipio at 12:03 PM | Comments (0)
June 7, 2006
Louisiana's Jack attack
You can check out GamePolitics and Gamasutra for the exact details, but it appears the Louisiana Senate has passed HB1381, which targets violent video games.
Jack Thompson, the Florida attorney who's made it his life's mission to battle against the game industry (hence the "Crusader Jack" tag you'll hear lots of gamers use) helped assemble the bill, which nows goes to Louisiana governor Kathleen Blanco to be signed into law.
The bill's aim is give a judge the power to determine if a game is inappropriate to minors and can be pulled from the shelves. Anyone caught selling an inappropriate game to a minor could get hit with a $100 to $2,000 fine, along with a prison term of up to one year.
"So, what are you in for?"
"I sold GTA to a 17-year-old."
Naturally, the ESA and friends are going to battle this one to the death, and as history shows, they're probably going to win.
What's a little creepy about the Jack attack lately is that he's poring over past rulings, trying to crack the defenses -- as opposed to some other lawmakers, who just seem to be firing bills out there to be killed, like legislative lemmings.
For me, the real threat may come in the future. In a story I did a couple years ago on game violence, several people pointed out to me that the next generation of legislators will have grown up with the industry, and will therefore "get it."
That makes sense, but couldn't it have the opposite effect? So far, the people who've pitched these game bills either don't play them, have no idea how the industry works, or both.
But if the next wave of legislators includes a few gamers, would that make them better equipped to battle the game industry? Does the door swing both ways?
Imagine: someone who grew up with games and who "gets it" -- gets it enough to go on the legislative attack.
Posted by Redmond Carolipio at 10:20 AM | Comments (0)
June 6, 2006
Xbox 360 update cometh today
Microsoft announced that its spring update of the Xbox 360 is available, touting more than 125 new features for Live users. The update will be available to Xbox Silver or Gold members, and it's also free. According to the press release, the download takes less than a minute.
Some of the features include new playback options for DVDs and downloaded media, the ability to queue up six Live Marketplace downloads at a time, as well as tweaked navigation of Marketplace itself to make it easier for users to find the stuff they want.
For those who want to see the complete list of features in the update, here it is.
Posted by Redmond Carolipio at 7:52 AM | Comments (0)
June 2, 2006
PS3 to be a PC killa?
On All Games Interactive we talked about how Sony's Phil Harrison apparently told a German magazine that the PS3 would make PCs obsolete. You can see the story on GamePro.
Harrison's decree?
"The PlayStation 3 is a computer. We do not need the PC."
Before cutting loose with the expletives, keep in mind that Harrison's words were translated into English, so I'm hoping that the hyperbole is a result of a translation gaffe -- and NOT someone actually saying that Nov. 17 will be pour-out-a-little-liquor time for PCs.
I hope that's not the case. It's been very strange watching Sony turn into the Tony Montana of the gaming industry. You can't help but get this crazy-eyed, I'm-invincible feeling every time one of their top guys makes a statement. It's turning a lot of people off, which isn't good if you say your $600 system is going to make their $1,500 rig obsolete. Not what the people want.
Posted by Redmond Carolipio at 4:18 PM | Comments (0)
First impressions of 'Hitman: Blood Money'
I keep thinking of a coloring book whenever I'm playing this game. You certainly have the freedom to color outside of the lines, but the intention is clearly there for you to stay within them. Any deviation outside of the lines leaves you thinking like you're doing something wrong.
Visually, it looks pretty good, but at this point, we should be expecting every next-gen game to look that way.
So far, I've taken out a crooked theme park owner, a gangster, a Colombian drug czar and his son, as well as a pedophile opera singer and his U.S. Ambassabor buddy. Now I'm out to bust someone out of a shady rehab clinic for alkies.
So, the missions are plenty creative, but the biggest problem I've run into so far in the game is artificial intelligence of the characters. It's wacky. Sometimes enemies are as dumb as bricks, as you can open a door right behind some of them without any kind of reaction. Other times, they have Spidey sense -- whip out a weapon in an area where no one sees you and the suspicion level skyrockets. What?
It's still to early for me to pass judgement -- right not, all I can say is that it's intrguing enough for me to want to keep playing. I do like the performance-based system, where I get more money if I excel at being invisible for each "job." You can even use the money the buy intel or lower your notoriety level (bribing witnesses and such).
Posted by Redmond Carolipio at 3:35 PM | Comments (0)
Game bill signed in Minnesota
If you're an underage gamer toting around an Adults Only or Mature-rated title, you might end up getting slapped with a $25 fine.
That's the crux of SF0785, which Gov. Tim Pawlenty signed into law yesterday afternoon, according to GamePolitics, which also has a statement from Entertainment Software Association head honcho Doug Lowenstein.
And ... the cycle starts all over again. Bill/law gets signed, ESA protests law, judge (likely) tosses game bill. Except this is coming after the buyer.
Posted by Redmond Carolipio at 2:51 PM | Comments (0)