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 April 14th, 2006

Video Game News:

Tomb Raider hits big.
Elizabeth Millard, newsfactor.com Wed Apr 12, 11:20 AM ET

Cyber hottie adventurer Lara Croft has garnered a Guinness

World Record as the most successful human video-game heroine of

all time, according to Eidos Interactive, publisher of the

"Tomb Raider" franchise.

The record-keeping organization awarded the recognition because

Croft has transcended the boundaries of video games, Guinness

noted.

The award comes at the same time that Eidos is shipping a new

Croft game, "Tomb Raider: Legend." The game is already the top

seller in the UK, and is expected to do robust business

worldwide.

Lady Killer

Since first arriving on the scene ten years ago, Lady Lara

Croft has sold more than 28 million games globally. But she has

also made the leap into other arenas, expanding her profile

even among those who do not game. She "appeared" onstage with

U2 and has had magazine spreads featuring her image.

In addition to being the focus of multiple comic books, she

reached the mass market mainly through two film versions of

"Tomb Raider," in which she was played by the alluring, yet

intimidating Angelina Jolie.

Croft has even warranted a novel about one of her adventures --

The Man in Bronze, published in 2005 -- in which the femme

fatale killed a man while kissing him.

Football On-line free for all

A free weekend of Xbox Live Gold during the second week of

May...
Posted: 16:26 on 13 Apr 2006
By: Jon Wilcox

Microsoft has today announced the Xbox Live Football

Free-For-All, a week long event that sees the online benefits

of the Xbox Live Gold account to Silver members for free. The

event is tied to the launch of EA's 2006 FIFA World Cup on

April 28th, and continues the partnership between Microsoft,

EA, and adidas that has recently seen the announcement of the

Xbox Cup competition and limited edition blue Xbox 360s.

Beginning on Monday, 8th May at 08:01 through till Monday 15th

May at 07:59, the Football Free-For-All will also include

events specific for Gold members including new downloads and

gamer pictures. England footballer Ledley King spoke about the

event saying, "The Xbox Live Football Free-For-All Week is a

great chance for everyone to take on their friends over Xbox

Live and I'll certainly be looking out for some of my team

mates online to give them a game!"

PS3 still in the dark.

Jay Wrolstad, newsfactor.com Fri Apr 7, 1:25 PM ET

How much would you be willing to shell out for the PlayStation

3, with its eye-popping graphics, superior sound quality, and

other home-entertainment features? The price tag for Sony's

next-generation gaming console could be pretty steep when it is

released, according to recent revelations by the company,

although there is some confusion over just what the company

said.

An executive with Sony Computer Entertainment Europe this week

reportedly told a French radio station that the PS3 would list

at 499 to 599 euros, which translates to some $600 to $750.

That's considerably more than Microsoft's
Xbox 360 console, which sells in the $300 to $400 range.

In the wake of this news, Sony clarified that estimate, saying

the figures given were for a Blu-Ray high-definition video

player, and were in U.S. dollars, not euros. Those numbers

might make more sense, given that Blu-Ray players are expected

to sell in the $500 to $1,500 range.

Movie stuff on 360

Next generation home entertainment takes another step with the

introduction of Xbox Movie Showcase content...
Posted: 11:26 on 12 Apr 2006
By: Chris Leyton

Gearing up towards a conflict that is far more then just about

videogames with Sony, Microsoft today announced a partnership

with Paramount Pictures to launch the first-ever Xbox Movie

Showcase.

Featuring free, high-definition downloadable content from

"Mission: Impossible III" and "Nacho Libre", the Xbox Movie

Showcase also includes HD trailers, exclusive theme packs and

pictures to customise the Xbox 360 dashboard around either

film.

In addition, stars of Paramount Pictures films will also

participate in the Xbox "Game with Fame", providing gamers the

chance to compete with celebrities such as Jack Black

Commenting on the announcement, Gerry Rich, president of

worldwide motion picture marketing, said, "This ground-breaking

agreement takes interactive marketing and digital entertainment

to new heights, representing the perfect match between gamers

and the summer movies they can't wait to see."

What I've been playing:

Wait for it...Oblivion!!

Tomb Raider!

Convention Corner:

Jacon!

April 28th to the 30th
returning to the Sheraton World Resort.

Manga Masquerade: Hearts of the kingdom

JACON is pleased to present the Black & White Manga Masquerade

Ball. This is a new event for 2006, and we hope you will help

us make it a success.

Join us Saturday evening in 9 p.m in the Main Events room for

an evening of glamour and fantasy. Our DJ will be spinning a

selection of classic 80s and 90s tunes until midnight. There is

no extra charge for this event--it’s free with your regular

JACON admission!--but you MUST adhere to the dress code in

order to be admitted. First, you must wear a mask. Simple “Lone

Ranger”-style masks will be available for sale prior to the

Masquerade, or you may bring your own. If you’re feeling

artistic, you can join us for our mask-making workshop.
Clothing

Secondly, this is a FORMAL event. What does that mean? For the

gentleman, it means jacket, tie, collared shirt, dress slacks

and dress shoes. Ladies, any kind of evening wear such as a

prom/homecoming dress or cocktail dress (and dress shoes) is

acceptable.

What NOT to wear: jeans, t-shirts, sneakers, casual shoes, any

casual clothing and “club wear.” Costumes that consist of

formal wear, such as a princess or formal Asian clothing, are

allowed; othwerwise, leave it behind.
Activities

We have several special activities planned for the night,

including a charity dance auction, where you could have the

priviledge of dancing with one of the lovely ladies of our

“prom court,” Or maybe you’d like to take a spin with Joey

Snackpants? Will one of our JACON guests be your dance partner?

We also have a fantastic door prize: A Kingdom Hearts prize

pack (includes: Kingdom Hears 1 and 2, a strategy guide, and a

playstation 2. You MUST be present to win, so plan to stay the

evening with us.
After the Masquerade

A rave style dance will follow the Masquerade. The rave is open

to all and has no formal dress code.

Animusical!

What happens when you mix popular anime, a few video games, the

elements of an anime music video, cosplay to the extreme,

choreography, and Broadway show tunes?

The Wasabi Animusical.

Having premiered at JACON 2005 in Orlando, Florida, this unique

experience was created and designed by Wasabi Anime's creative

staff to "add something different" to the Florida convention

season.  Anime fans are creative by nature, and taking cosplay

to a full blown stage show only seemed to make sense.

Pt. 1

Pt. 2

posted by: Gary1059 at 06:46 | link | comments |