And you thought not having to pay for online service would SAVE you money...
2:01 PM, October 30, 2006
According to Gizmodo:
Sony's upcoming PlayStation 3, due on US shores on November 17, sucks up 380 watts of power, a far cry from the PS2 which sips a mere 45 watts. That means the PS3 uses more than twice the 160 watts consumed by the Xbox 360. The PS3's 380 watts will cost you around $40 a year to run if you play it two hours a day.
Ouch!
"GoW" everywhere and PS3 ads
10:41 AM, October 30, 2006
I saw the "Gears of War" trailer at two movie theaters this weekend. It's amazing on the big-screen. I'm more hyped for this game than anything in years.
Did anyone see the completely creepy PS3 ad with the baby doll?
You didn't?
Here, cover your eyes:
October 27, 2006
Does the Intercooler kill Xbox 360s?
11:46 AM, October 27, 2006
One of the big complaints about the 360 when it came out was that the system often overheated and broke down. Peripheral maker Nyko released the Intercooler 360 that the company claimed would cool the hot box down and prevent lock ups.
But according to this GWN story, the Intercooler might itself be causing 360s to break. The device apparently sucks too much electricity that the console needs, particularly at startup, according to some tech support people at Microsoft that GWN talked to.
YouTube version of the GoW ad
11:17 AM, October 27, 2006
Here is another format of the Gears ad.
The song in the spot is "Mad World" originally by Tears for Fears. This is the version from the "Donnie Darko" movie soundtrack sung by Gary Jules and orchestrated by Michael Andrews.
October 26, 2006
Gears of War ad
2:42 PM, October 26, 2006
Compare and contrast with the Sony ad posted yesterday.
On the one hand, Sony needs to be a little more descriptive, since it's selling a new console with a new technology that a lot of people might not ever have heard of. Microsoft, on the other hand, gets to sell games, since gamers already know what the 360 is all about.
But man, this Gears of War ad is leagues better than the PS3 video. It's haunting, exciting and mysterious. I hope this music makes it into the actual game.
Toys R Us to launch Wii pre-order campaign
1:47 PM, October 26, 2006
Didn't get in on those GameStop Wii pre-orders?
Never fear. Toys R Us will be taking Wii pre-orders this Sunday.
Burger King games for Xbox and 360
10:22 AM, October 26, 2006
I saw a strange ad in my Offical Xbox magazine. It's the creepy Burger King plastic-guy with Xbox 360 rings in his eyes. The copy reads (something like this): "Real Xbox Games at Burger King - 11-19-06."
After searching around the web, it looks like there really will be Burger King branded Xbox and Xbox 360 games starting November 19. Looks like they will sell for $4 with a value meal purchase.
Could these really be any good?
I remember a similar promotion: the Kool-Aid game on Intellivision. I loved that game... really.
October 25, 2006
At least Sony has a good ad agency
4:06 PM, October 25, 2006
It doesn't hurt that they got Lance Henriksen to do the voiceover. That guy could radiate cool while reading the nutritional info off a box of Fruit Loops.
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"The only thing you'll need more of is time." How about money?
Fan-boy Wii spot
10:37 AM, October 25, 2006
October 22, 2006
You must be at least this tall to get splattered by this ride
12:23 AM, October 22, 2006
Doug Note: Pure evil. I needed that laugh!
October 20, 2006
Texas Gamer - Are Wii having fun yet?
10:28 PM, October 20, 2006
Nintendo invited yours truly to the fourth annual Nintendo Fusion Tour as they made their way through the Lone Star State with a stop in the Big D. For those of you unfamiliar with the tour, it's a concert event with some of the hottest new names in music, but it's also an outlet for Nintendo to showcase some of their high profile games and hardware. And this year eager gamers and music lovers were the first to get some hands-on time with the new Wii console a full month before launch.
Click below to read my first impressions.
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I'm really interested in getting a shot at playing this thing. The control system is truly unique. And who knows, with the 360 and PS3 pushing the limit of my budget, this may ultimately be my choice for next-gen system. Also, I like the family/group angle that Nintendo is going for here.
October 19, 2006
100gig HD coming to 360?
2:16 PM, October 19, 2006
Engadget is reporting that Microsoft has announced a 100gig hard drive for the Xbox 360 (at least in Korea).
Please let this be true.
Tony Hawk's Project 8 demo on Xbox 360, Friday!
11:48 AM, October 19, 2006
Good news for the weekend. The Tony Hawk’s Project 8 demo will be available on the Xbox Live marketplace this Friday (October 20).
Free fun is always good!
Xbox Live down all night
10:24 AM, October 19, 2006
Xbox Live seems to have been down, A LOT, Wednesday.
I thought it was my wireless network but after reading message boards it seems it was down everywhere. There was supposed to be maintenance to the Live network this week, but it seems it went long.
Anyone have the same problems?
I really wanted to play Lumines Live last night :(
October 18, 2006
What features would you like to see in the PS4, Xbox 720 and Nintendo Whatever?
2:12 PM, October 18, 2006
By now, this little video has pretty much made the rounds, where a Microsoft executive says they're already working on the successor to the Xbox 360.
That's SOP for any console maker, and i'm sure Sony and Nintendo are doing the same sorts of early preparations.
So let's help those guys out a bit. Here are some of my thoughts on what I'd like to see in the next generation of systems, probably due some time around 2009/2010. Feel free to chime in with your own wish lists.
Splinter Cell: Double Agent today
10:08 AM, October 18, 2006
Splinter Cell: Double Agent hits most stores today.
I'm picking up my 360 copy tonight (maybe... if... I... can.. break... away... from... work.........).
The demo confounded me. First thoughts soon...
October 17, 2006
I thought it was just me (TotemBall).
4:47 PM, October 17, 2006
Victor has summed up my thoughts exactly.
Check out his review of TotemBall for the Xbox 360 and Xbox Live Vision Camera: HERE.
Victor note: Microsoft should be ashamed of themselves. There are so many great games waiting to be ported to Arcade, and this piece of dog poo made it to the front of the line? Makes me wanna buy an overpriced pre-order PS3 off eBay...
Tony Hawk Project 8 Track List
11:43 AM, October 17, 2006
Activision sent over the track list from the Tony Hawk Project 8 soundtrack (The Dead Milkmen?!? YEA!)
Enjoy (continued after the jump):
76% Uncertain – "Radio"
Aurelius- "Hemlock"
Bad Religion - "Social Suicide"
Black Mountain – "Druganaut"
Charizma & PB Wolf – "Devotion"
Claus Grabke – "Cause"
Cryptic Slaughter – "Lowlife"
Damian Marley – "Move"
Dead Milkmen, The – "Punk Rock Girl"
Die Young (TX) – "Anthem of the Prodigal Son"
Eagles of Death Metal – "Chase The Devil"
Funk Face – "Zoo York City"
Gnarls Barkley – "Gone Daddy Gone"
October 16, 2006
Dallas thief makes off with Xbox 360
12:47 PM, October 16, 2006
Of course, the real question is: Core or Premium?
Victor update: The consensus seems to be "Core." What a moron. I'm surprised he didn't nab a DS Phat on the way out, too.
That poor man. I'd at least grabbed an extra controler, or you know, A HARD DRIVE.
Thieves are dumb.
No one messes with Ethan Albright
12:16 PM, October 16, 2006
It must be pretty cool to be a professional football player and be able to play as yourself in the latest edition of Madden, right?
Not if you're Ethan Albright.
The 12-year vet and offensive lineman for the Washington Redskins apparently holds the dubious honor of having the lowest rating of any player in Madden '07. In other words, if you were picking a squad for your new pro team that you'd just purchased, and the last two players available were Albright and, oh, I don't know, Kim Jong-il, you'd probably ask your scouts if Kim could handle some occasional special teams duties.
So, Albright, in what has to be a ghost-written piece -- or else Albright has a long and lustrous career ahead of him in the world of comedy -- unloads on on John Madden, the nerds at EA, Rod "He Hate Me" Smart and anyone else responsible for his Cro-Magnon player rating.
It's the funniest NFL-related thing I've ever read. Plenty of NSFW language, if that sort of thing upsets you.
Wii videos
10:28 AM, October 16, 2006
After watchin the clips I'm more excited about the Wii than I've ever been. Tennis looks SO much fun. Seriously!
Marc Note: You have got to check this one clip out. And listen very closely after the older gentleman takes his swing. I'm going to assume he had beans for lunch before taking on the back 9.
October 13, 2006
The new and improved E3
5:12 PM, October 13, 2006
Well, it's official. E3 next year won't be the hyperactive extravaganza that all games journalists love to hate. This will be kindler, gentler, and, above all, a lot smaller.
The big question mark is whether all the major game publishers and hardware makers are still going to use the event as a chance to make all their big announcements for the year, or whether this will end up as just another minor tradeshow. Hopefully the industry is smart enough to realize it needs a big annual show to generate mainstream awareness. But we'll see.
Full, official announcement after the jump, if you're interested in that sort of thing.
MGC, Saturday in Allen!
2:35 PM, October 13, 2006
Come out to the the Midnight Gaming Championship at the McDonalds in Allen, TX (104 Central Expy S.).
Make sure you register on the MGC website, check-in begins at 8:00 PM.
Get all the details HERE!
I need to get to practicin' my Guitar Hero skills!
Texas Gamer sings the "Pre-Order Blues"
11:53 AM, October 13, 2006
I'm a little frustrated over the way one specific retailer is handling the Pre-Ordering of the new consoles. I won't name names, but like most gamers, it's where I stop to buy games.
This past week, on two seperate occasions, I stood in line for hours wanting to be one of the first to pre-order the PS3 and Wii. I was the third in line for the PS3 pre-order and the first in line for the Wii. Surely you would think I've locked myself in to be one of the first to be enjoying my new Wiimote and Blu-Ray DVD play..uh, I mean PS3.
But in an attempt to make sure their coorporate arses are covered this time around and not have a repeat of last year's 360 pre-order fiasco, this retailer is making every attempt to make sure consumers know that putting down a deposit does not guarantee you a unit on launch day. In fact it goes on to say that by pre-ordering you now have the right to be in line with the rest of the folks who pre-order in hopes of getting your hands on a system.
October 12, 2006
CONFIRMED: Wii pre-orders starting tomorrow
11:37 AM, October 12, 2006
I just talked to a spokesman for GameStop, and he said all stores will begin taking Wii pre-orders Friday when they open. A $50 deposit is required.
While there will be more Wii pre-orders available than there were PS3 pre-orders, the spokesman said GameStop is not releasing any exact numbers.
As with the PS3 pre-orders, online Wii pre-orders will be conducted separately and at a later date.
So go get in line!
October 11, 2006
Here we go again... Wiiiiiiiiiiiii!
6:17 PM, October 11, 2006
Rumors are flying around that Wii-orders, oops, I mean PRE-orders for Nintendo Wii start this Friday at your local game stores (the ones with the initials EB and GS).
I'm still tired.
BattleZone for PSP
6:03 PM, October 11, 2006
Got this box-art from Atari today. Am I the only one that loves this cover??
We're getting older...
1:44 PM, October 11, 2006
One of my news room colleagues sent this to me:
According to comScore Media Metrix, the second quarter results of Game Metrix, a quarterly syndicated study found that video games have much broader appeal than teenage boys. On average, gamers are 41 years of age with an average annual income of $55,000. Further, females account for 52 percent of the gaming audience. The average gamer has been online for nine years and 84 percent have broadband access at home.
October 10, 2006
Wha? Wii not as svelt as I thought...
5:29 PM, October 10, 2006
Since it's unveiling I have been impressed with sleek and sexy Nintendo Wii.
Since I'm not privy to pre-launch Wii experience, I was pretty much convinced the console was a completely self-contained unit.
I had NO idea about this: the dreaded SENSOR BAR. The Wii has gone from a sleathy box, to a wire-stringing nightmare (or maybe a little bad-dream). This reminds me of that Pikachu game that came with the microphone... wires everywhere.
Nintendo, that's not fair!
What if it breaks? What if it gets lost? What if it gets dusty? Where's it gonna go in my home-theater rack?
$100 bet that this thing is eliminated in future Wii versions.
Wii-diculous.
Victor note: Yeah, this may be a little bit of a nasty surprise to a lot of gamers. While Nintendo hasn't exactly denied the existance of the bar, they have definitely been underplaying it, since it detracts from the "magic wand" mythos that's been built up around the Wiimote. Oddly, Sony's motion-sensitive controller for the PS3 -- which has been widely dumped on as a Wiimote rip-off -- seems to have the exact same functionality as the Wiimote, but without the sensor bar.
If Sony ends up building a better Wiimote than Nintendo, that would certainly eliminate a lot of the rationale for buying a Wii.
Unless you really want Zelda, Mario and Metroid.
Video games, the Swedish mafia and a Ferrari
12:49 PM, October 10, 2006
SOURCE: Wired
Wired magazine has a great story up right now on the improbable rise and fall of Gizmondo.
The company made a handheld game device -- also called Gizmondo -- that was designed to compete with the PSP and DS.
The little handheld had all sorts of interesting technology under the hood, but cost too much and suffered from a weak game lineup. What's really interesting, though, is that the company was almost a complete sham, run by Swedish thugs more concerned with lining their pockets than making games. The whole thing unraveled when one of the company's executives crashed his $1 million Enzo Ferrari in California earlier this year, and police started plucking at the various loose threads in his story. Wired does a superb job of collecting all the threads and weaving them into an absolutely fascinating tale.
What I find the most odd, though, was that Gizmondo was not a total fraud. In 2005, I had a chance to test out the Gizmondo device at E3, and it really was kind of cool. In the game Agaju: The Sacred Path, rotating the console would cause your in-game camera to rotate, as well.
Apparently, while most of the guys running the company were crooks, they did put some money into research and development. Just an all around oddball situation.
PS3 Pre-Order lines are short
8:19 AM, October 10, 2006
I'm here at a Gamestop in S. Arlington. Am number 3 out of 6.
Very surprised that the lines are not longer. Stay tuned. Wondering if the price is scaring consumers away or if word just didn't get out as much as I thought.
Doug note: All gone at my local store. More people were outside in the rain (17+ wet souls) than were inside the mall across the street (6 dry and air conditioned que-goers).
The disclaimer that comes stapled to our pre-order receipts is lovely: "the reservation deposit will only guarantee a spot in line when your reserved product becomes available... the reservation deposit does not guarantee receipt of a system available to purchase at launch." I guess that covers the stores when your reserve shows up in March.
Victor note: I suspect GameStop would rather not be doing pre-orders, and, in fact, would rather that the PS3 not come out this year at all. The supplies are going to be so limited that most people who want to buy a PS3 this year will not be able to do so. But Sony probably is determined to pull off even a "paper" launch before Christmas, so GameStop has to come up with some way to sell these things to the slobbering hordes. Pre-orders -- with lots of disclaimers -- are probably the most sane way to handle the hordes. But it's like firing an employee: there's really no good way to do it.
PS. What was the sentiment among the other gamers in line? Is the PS3 too expensive? Do they want a Blu-ray player? Were they all actually Sony employees?
Marc Note: Our store had a total of 8 and the manager guaranteed us that there would be a unit waiting for us on launch day. Interestingly enough we were able to pick which SKU we wanted. I thought this was odd since the store knew they were getting eight, but yet had the option between the two versions. We did not get the disclaimer that Doug mentioned although I paid for mine in full as opposed to a deposit. I plan on expensing it :)
The line never grew any bigger than the 8 of us, in fact it was pretty underwhelming.
next up...Wii
Did Victor just call us Slobbering Hordes?
Doug note: Yeah, what's up with THAT Victor? I've been up since 4:30 am... be nice!
Victor again: No, no, no. You are gentlemen of impeccable taste, exquisite manners and exemplary personal hygiene. I meant those other gamers. You know, like this buffoon trying to sell his PS3 pre-order for a mere $7,900.
PS3 Pre-Orders NOW!
6:52 AM, October 10, 2006
GameStop and EBGames are taking PS3 pre-orders this morning (Tuesday, October 10) on a first-come-first-served basis.
Stores have very limited supplies (some in the single digits) and are expected to sell out their pre-orders in minutes.
The cost of a pre-order? $100.
Run.
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I'm here at a local Gamestop. Been here since 7am. Only 3 of us in line. Hmmmmm...
October 9, 2006
Cry Havok and let slip the dogs of war!!!
8:55 PM, October 9, 2006
This just in and confrimed....
Gamestop and EB Games will be taking limited in store Pre-Orders for PS3 starting Tuesday, October 10!
Weekend flashback: Target stores ramping up for Wii and PS3, pre-orders (?), and Need for Speed Carbon
9:45 AM, October 9, 2006
• I visited a Super Target store this weekend. They already had shelf-space and labeling for Nintendo Wii and Sony Playstation 3.
I tooks some phone cam pics... will post in a bit.
• The mall-type game stores ENSURE me that pre-ordering starts this week.
• If you haven't done so already, check out the Need for Speed: Carbon demo in the Marketplace on Xbox Live (Xbox 360).
Before you even start to race, there's a cool little feature called "Auto Sculpting" that lets you re-form the shape your chosen car. You can modify the rims, the tires, the hood, the roof, the sides, the front and the rear of your vehicle. This is one of the coolest things I've seen in a while. I love this sort of customization as compared to just tacking on parts that take forever to earn.
The racing feels very similar to last years NfS except it's in the dark. I was sad that the graphics still aren't up to the 60fps benchmark set by the Burnout games and they still have that weird "bumpy-cam" feel to them. It's not distracting, just weird.
So far, I'm really enjoying the demo. I can't wait for the final, it looks like a great game.
I'm really looking forward to the the online "knockout pursuit" games. It's the standard "knockout" racing where after each lap the last car across the finish-line is eliminated from the race. The kicker with "NfS:C" is that if you're knocked out, you become a police car and get to exact your revenge for the rest of the race.
October 6, 2006
MGC Saturday (Oct. 7) in Red Oak
8:14 PM, October 6, 2006
Giant PS3 ads in NYC
2:52 PM, October 6, 2006
GIZMODO.com
Check out these huge PS3 ads in New York, from Gizmodo.com: HERE.
The more promotional stuff I see from Sony, the more I think we might actually see PS3's on November 17th.
Lord of Halo
1:13 AM, October 6, 2006
Halo meets The Two Towers. Too cool.
Doug note: Where's Warcraft South Park when we need it?! :)
October 4, 2006
For those about to Rock....
7:22 PM, October 4, 2006
In anticipation of the release of Red Octane's Guitar Hero II, the sequel to last year's hugely successful, um, Rock Star simulator, I decided to warm up my fingers using the first installment as well as a demo disc of the upcoming sequel. A year later, it is still my favorite PS2 game! What made it even more enjoyable was the new Freedom V wireless guitar controller from The Ant Commandos. I'll have a full review of the controller and the game when it ships, but, this Freedom V just feels right. Not being tethered to your PS2 allows you so much more freedom and the ability to release your inner Eddie Van Halen. Although, my wife didn't appreciate the flying scissor kicks off of the desk while rocking out to Blue Oyster Cult. These guys at The Ant Commandos even have an amplifier that you can plug into your console! Word has it they can crank to 11! The demo disc of GH II only has a few songs, but they are sweet. "You really got me", "YYZ" to name a couple. For a list of some more of the confirmed song titles click here. The game releases in early November.
Still no pre-orders...
6:01 PM, October 4, 2006
I have called stores everyday this week. No one is taking pre-orders for Wii or PS3. I've been told that stores will have definitive answers next week.
I am thinking we need to have a "live from the scene" punchbutton web-cast-line-party the night before these things finally go on sale.
Any thoughts?
October 3, 2006
Xbox 360 HD-DVD now available for pre-order
10:28 AM, October 3, 2006
It's going to be $199, available on November 30. This gives you a few days to sell an organ after you buy your Wii and PS3!
October 2, 2006
My visit to Ensemble Studios: first thoughts
5:40 PM, October 2, 2006
My full story on Ensemble Studios is scheduled to run in The Dallas Morning News this Thursday, but I thought I'd share some initial reactions from my visit yesterday. Consider it an appetizer.
Video from MGC (9/30)
10:54 AM, October 2, 2006
We have a video clip from Saturday's Midnight Gaming Championship.
Check it out HERE.
Photos later today....
October 1, 2006
GameStop sales conference
12:47 PM, October 1, 2006
You can read my official account of the show here. But there are a few other things gamers might want to know.
Click on to read the rest my impressions.
- And you thought not having to pay for online service would SAVE you money...
- "GoW" everywhere and PS3 ads
- Does the Intercooler kill Xbox 360s?
- YouTube version of the GoW ad
- Gears of War ad
- Toys R Us to launch Wii pre-order campaign
- Burger King games for Xbox and 360
- At least Sony has a good ad agency
- Fan-boy Wii spot
- You must be at least this tall to get splattered by this ride
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