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Rush Plays Rock Band Backstage at The Colbert Report
So, when Rush was backstage at The Colbert Report last week, they played "Tom Sawyer" on Rock Band and now there's video of it. I kind of expected it to be a funny demonstration of how unlike playing real instruments Rock Band really is, with these three seasoned pros failing the song about 30 seconds in. But as it turns out, they did pretty well, which is either a testament to Rock Band's accuracy, Rush's gaming skillz or my inability to correctly anticipate the outcome of web videos. (Hint: I thought Dramatic Chipmunk was going to be totally undramatic.) So, when Rush was backstage at The Colbert Report last week, they played "Tom Sawyer" on Rock Band and now there's video of it. I kind... more
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Scoop: Military Recruits Children: Game Violates Int Law
In May of 2002, the United States Army invaded E3, the annual video game convention held in Los Angeles. At the city's Convention Center, young game enthusiasts mixed with camouflaged soldiers, Humvees and a small tank parked near the entrance. Thundering helicopter sound effects drew the curious to the Army's interactive display, where a giant video screen flashed the words "Empower yourself. Defend America ... You will be a soldier."(1)
The Army was unveiling its latest recruitment tool, the "America's Army" video game, free to download online or pick up at a recruiting station, and now available for purchase on the Xbox, PlayStation, cell phones and Gameboy game consoles. Since its release, the "game" has gone on to attain enormous popularity with over 30,000 players everyday, more than nine million registered users, and version 3.0 set for launch in September. "America's Army" simulates the Army experience, immersing players in basic training before they can go on to play specialized combat roles. Most of the gameplay takes place in cyberspace where virtual Mideast cities, hospitals and oil rigs serve as backdrops for players to obliterate each other. As a "first person shooter," the game allows players to "see what a soldier sees" in real combat situations - peek around corners, take fine aim, chose weapons that replicate those actually used by the US Army.
For the game's commercial developers, realism is one its strongest selling points. Console version programmers were shipped to military training facilities in Wyoming, where they ran boot camp obstacle courses, fired weapons at the shooting range and got whisked around on helicopters. Back at hip, safe San Francisco Bay Area game companies, Army weapons specialists worked with developers to ensure aim, fire, sound and reload functions for all of the game's weapons were as close to the real thing as possible. The Army also ensured that players learn real weapons skills such as breath control and the reload time for a M4 carbine. And in order to edge closer to the Army's goal of "realism" and "authenticity," several of the game's missions are based on actual combat experiences in Iraq and Afghanistan. Even the training simulators and firing ranges are modeled on the real life versions at Ft. Benning, Ft. Lewis and Ft. Polk. In a 2005 press release, Ubisoft, the multimillion-dollar publisher of the console version of the game, wrote that "America's Army" is the "deepest and most realistic military game ever to hit consoles," hoping that it gave players a "realistic, action-packed, military experience."(2) In May of 2002, the United States Army invaded E3, the annual video game convention held in Los Angeles. At the city's Convention Cen... more -
California Extreme pinball and arcade expo
A little video to memorialize our trip to California Extreme!
Last weekend, I brought my trusty digital camera to the California Extreme classic arcade and pinball convention in San Jose, CA.
Set to the music of the New Pornographers, this shaky-hand footage is from Saturday, July 19, 2008, at Parkside Hall. Marvel at the throngs of arcade enthusiasts! Balk at Revenge from Mars and Cactus Canyon! Be astounded by Top Skater and Lucky Hand! And witness much, much more!
For an incomplete list of exhibited games, visit caextreme.org/games A little video to memorialize our trip to California Extreme! ... more -
The big fat problem that Fat Princess exposes
"You have likely read by now that some female gamers are quite upset over the Sony title Fat Princess. In the game players control a princess whom they must feed to make her fat enough that she can’t be caught. Yes, it is far from the Shakespeare of games. However, the notably crude game concept has offended some, and they’re being vocal about it..." "You have likely read by now that some female gamers are quite upset over the Sony title Fat Princess. In the game players control a ... more
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New girly videogames based on teen movies
Because videogames, let's be honest, have so far mostly appealed to only half the population (the one with doodles), videogame makers have long been racking their brains trying to come up with a way to attract that other half (the ones with hoo-has). It's that eternal dance of nerds trying to woo ladies and failing miserably. But now they've got a new plan that's sure to work! Video games based on girly movies like Mean Girls, Clueless, and Pretty In Pink.
Paramount is developing all of these as so-called "casual titles." We don't really know what that means (maybe our brother site Kotaku does), but we like to guess challenges include fighting all the junior girls in a hallway battle royale, running around the Valley dodging muggers and the sleazy Elton's car, and trying to do the Duckie prom dance while dodging Bolo tie projectiles. Squeeeeallll doesn't it sound fun? So much better than those games where you just indiscriminately kill people. Right?
Because videogames, let's be honest, have so far mostly appealed to only half the population (the one with doodles), videogame makers ... more -
Grand Theft Auto vs Barbie Horse Adventures
Barbie Horse Adventures was never this much fun!
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Nintendo lawsuit means controllers could get yanked from shelves
...thankfully not the WiiMote, but let's face it, the WaveBird is a pretty awesome controller. I was so bummed that it was pulled a few months back, and now it looks as if the classic controller could get the same treatment.
What do you think, will these suddenly spike in value and start popping up on eBay? ...thankfully not the WiiMote, but let's face it, the WaveBird is a pretty awesome controller. I was so bummed that it was pulled a fe... more -
Madden 09 goes all Tron on you this season
A new mode may remind movie fans of a certain Disney classic...
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Nintendo Wiimote from the Future
Take your games with you "on the go" with Wii 2 Go virtual console right on the Wiimote
Make phone calls, listen to MP3s and view and edit photographs all right from from the Wiimote. Take your games with you "on the go" with Wii 2 Go virtual console right on the Wiimote ... more -
The Funniest Video Games Bugs & Glitches
Los bugs mas divertidos. created by ossian. http://www.frikicity.org http://blogs.gamefilia.com/ossian
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Jimi Hendrix featured in 'Guitar Hero' video game
The Seattle-based company Experience Hendrix, which controls the rock icon's musical legacy, is providing Hendrix's music and likeness for the latest "Guitar Hero" video game, said Aaron Grant, a spokesman for publisher and developer Activision and Red Octane.
It's the first time Hendrix's likeness will be showcased in the game.
An avatar of Hendrix as well as the song "The Wind Cries Mary" and a live version of "Purple Haze," which was recorded in 1969 at the San Diego Sports Arena, will be included on "Guitar Hero World Tour." The fourth edition of the popular game franchise is scheduled for release October 27.
"World Tour" will be the first "Guitar Hero" to feature playable drums and a microphone. iReport.com: Do you shred on "Guitar Hero?"
Experience Hendrix provided Activision and Red Octane with various songs from Hendrix, who famously played the Woodstock music festival in 1969 and died of a drug overdose in 1970. Other Hendrix tunes would be released as downloadable content for the game, Grant said. The Seattle-based company Experience Hendrix, which controls the rock icon's musical legacy, is providing Hendrix's music and likeness... more -
Video Games- Not going anywhere soon!
"The video game industry looks set for at least another year or two of strong growth, driven by geographical expansion, a strong hardware lineup and growing pool of casual gamers, industry executives said.
Hardware makers' broader reach beyond the established markets of North America, Europe and Japan would open up new business opportunities for hundreds of software makers and follow the lead of other technology sectors turning to emerging markets for growth.
"With the overall market expanding like this, we should be able do better and better if we really buckle down."
Another growth driver is the widest variety ever of game hardware available, which caters for a broader range of game players and enables software publishers to create multiple revenue streams from a single title
"The video game industry looks set for at least another year or two of strong growth, driven by geographical expansion, a strong hardw... more -
New addition for Wii Remotes announced at E3
Nintendo's upcoming Wii MotionPlus accessory for the revolutionary Wii Remote controller again redefines game control, by more quickly and accurately reflecting motions in a 3-D space. The Wii MotionPlus accessory attaches to the end of the Wii Remote and, combined with the accelerometer and the sensor bar, allows for more comprehensive tracking of a player’s arm position and orientation, providing players with an unmatched level of precision and immersion. Every slight movement players make with their wrist or arm is rendered identically in real time on the screen, providing a true 1:1 response in their game play. The Wii MotionPlus accessory reconfirms Nintendo’s commitment to making games intuitive and accessible for everyone. Nintendo will reveal more details about the Wii MotionPlus accessory and other topics Tuesday morning at its E3 media briefing. Nintendo's upcoming Wii MotionPlus accessory for the revolutionary Wii Remote controller again redefines game control, by more quickly... more
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Video games are about connectivity
The E3 Media & Business Summit kicked off in full force Tuesday (July 15) with big name producers promising bigger and better features and games. Online interaction seems to be the theme of new consoles and games.
Speaker:Matt Barlow, Microsoft's General Manager of Marketing for XBox The E3 Media & Business Summit kicked off in full force Tuesday (July 15) with big name producers promising bigger and better feat... more -
California Extreme Arcade and Pinball Show July 19-20 2008
Well into the Spring and Summer Geek Events Season in the Bay Area, San Jose this weekend hosts "California Extreme" - "the 'Classic Arcade Games Show'.", "an annual celebration of coin operated pinball machines, video games and other novelties you once found in game arcades. All games on display are set for free play, so leave your quarters in the ash tray in your car. You won't need 'em."
Seriously, this is a ton of fun - and if the games aren't enough, perhaps you're interested in some pinball pointers, or are interested in Donkey Kong II, or some classic arcade trivia - Saturday features a full speaker lineup. Well into the Spring and Summer Geek Events Season in the Bay Area, San Jose this weekend hosts "California Extreme" - "the 'Classic ... more -
More video game art is now museum quality
In a step toward acceptance as fine art, video games have spawned their own pictures at an exhibition.
A look at the art featured at 'Into the Pixel' at the Electronic Entertainment Expo .
In a step toward acceptance as fine art, video games have spawned their own pictures at an exhibition. ... more -
Exclusive: Hendrix Comes to Guitar Hero
The ultimate guitar hero, Jimi Hendrix, is finally coming to the Guitar Hero game franchise, according to Janie Hendrix, who oversees his estate. The Hendrix estate, which had difficulty locating the original masters until now, has delivered multiple songs — including “Purple Haze,” “Foxy Lady” and “Little Wing” — to GH’s developers The ultimate guitar hero, Jimi Hendrix, is finally coming to the Guitar Hero game franchise, according to Janie Hendrix, who oversees ... more
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For God of War 2 Fans: Hold Devil's Pot of Tea
Credit goes to Chris O'Neill for this brilliant cartoon, funny as hell.
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"Rubicon" as performed by The C64 Orchestra
World premiere of their rendition of Rubicon, played at The Paradiso in Amsterdam on July 5, 2008.
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Sonic Unleashed gets a little hairy and viral
Sonic gets a new console title, and with it two new trailers.
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