Gary's Blog

Just a place to find out what's on my mind, or what's occupying my time whilst I avoid actual "work."

 

VGN for September 9th, 2005

Video Game news:

Games get you off the couch.
By LOU KESTEN, Associated Press Writer
Wed Sep 7,10:37 AM ET
 
Every article about America's obesity epidemic seems to mention video games. That's not surprising, considering that video games have been blamed for juvenile delinquency, low SAT scores, teenage promiscuity, high gasoline prices and just about every other problem facing the nation.

But being a dedicated gamer doesn't mean you have to turn into a Jabba the Hutt-sized couch potato, particularly if your regimen includes selections from the ever-growing genre of rhythm games.

To play games like Konami's "Dance Dance Revolution," you have to replace your controller with a floor pad and try to match the onscreen action by stepping on different sections. Even the most devoted gym rats will work up a sweat during a good "DDR" session.

Any of the following games are a good bet to get you up off your La-Z-Boy:

_"Pump It Up: Exceed" (Mastiff, $59.99, for the     PlayStation 2,     Xbox): "Dance Dance Revolution" remains the most popular rhythm game in America, but in Asia it's being challenged by "Pump It Up." Likewise, "DDR" experts will find themselves challenged by this newcomer, thanks to a simple gameplay twist. Instead of having pressure points directly to the left, right, front and back of the player, the "Pump It Up" pad puts them on the corners, demanding quite a bit more agility.

Burnout Revenge goes gold.
Posted: 11:22 on 07 Sep 2005
By: Jon Wilcox

The countdown to Revenge and Legends continues with the announcement of lots of gold...

Electronic Arts has announced that Burnout Legends for PSP, and Burnout Revenge for Xbox and PlayStation2, has gone gold ahead of their release on September 16th and 23rd respectively. Set to include a raft of gameplay enhancements and modes, Burnout Revenge continues to develop the franchise picking up where Burnout 3: Takedown, whilst Burnout Legends takes the best of the first three titles and gives them an update for PSP.

New Xbox Live details.
Posted: 18:21 on 08 Sep 2005
By: Chris Leyton

Xbox Live subscriptions will no longer need a credit card as Microsoft attempt to expand the appeal of its online service...

Microsoft today delivered further details on how the Xbox Live service will shape up on the Xbox360. In addition to the free Xbox Live Silver membership, Xbox Live Gold membership will cost $49.99 for a year’s service throughout N America, with European pricing set to follow shortly.

An Xbox Live Gold Pack contains 12 months subscription, the new Xbox 360 headset, Xbox Live Arcade games, Microsoft Points for use in the Xbox Live Marketplace and a mail-in rebate for up to $20 off any Xbox 360 title.

Perhaps the biggest attempt to appeal to a larger audience is the fact that credit cards will no longer be required to create an account, removing a significant barrier. Gamers can purchase 12 month Xbox Live subscription cards via cash or other payment methods at any participating retailer.

PS3, 360 Sonic leads wave of Sega announcements

Publisher reveals next-gen Hedgehog and current-gen Sonic Riders for 2006; Chromehounds dated and detailed.
It might not have been the fabled "Segaton," (but hey, what is?) but today's flurry of announcements from Sega will elate devotees of the publisher. Late Thursday PDT, the company took the wraps off two heretofore unknown projects and dated one of its top next-generation titles.

First up was the announcement that yes indeed, there is a next-generation Sonic game in the works. Billed as a "re-invention" of the classic franchise, Sonic the Hedgehog will make its debut on the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 sometime during 2006.

Presiding over the game's development will be none other than Yuji Naka, who, along with character designer Naoto Ohshima, created the original Sonic game for the Sega Genesis in 1991. According to Sega, Naka will "create the most intense sensation of speed ever experienced in videogames" with "an innovative combination of art, physics and game design."

"We are proud to re-create our famous friend, Sonic, for a new generation of gamers on PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360," said Naka. "With Sonic the Hedgehog, we have gone back to our starting point, more than 15-years ago, to reinvent the attitude and speed that made our hero a legend. The 'rebirth of Sonic' will offer an unparalleled sense of speed that is only possible using the processing power afforded by the new systems."

Sega also had good news for Xbox, GameCube, or PlayStation 2 owners. The company simultaneously announced Sonic Riders, a new title that "integrates extreme sports, high-speed racing and head-to-head battles," will ship in winter 2006 for all three platforms.

 

What I've been playing:

Nothing, I was in Atlanta and St. Augustine for a week.

I didn't even have teh intarwebs.

Shocking.

Anime News:

Anime Explosion next week?

Me at Dragon*Con.  Choking them all out.

posted by: Gary1059 at 07:08 | link | comments |