Chrono Cross Cross Stitch Blows Gamers' Minds

I would probably go blind creating a cross stitch so detailed and so small, but not Domingo over at the Sprite Stitch forums.

Domingo created this amazing cross stitch piece from the original ChronoCross game with 90 colours. Amazingly, this artist is planning on redoing the piece with over 120 colours.

Also Domingo is in the process of creating another piece from the game, which you can check out here.

Doctor Octoroc Builts a Castle for Doctor Wily

No matter how many cool bead sprite items I create or see, no one will ever top the bead creations of Doctor Octoroc.

I've showcased his 3D Perler Bead mini consoles on Destructoid.com before and now he's come up with the coolest decoration for your evil genius lab.

Created from the original sprite from Mega Man 2, Doctor Wily's Skull Castle is a layered bead sprite containing 47 seperate bead sprite pieces on 14 layers which combined contain over 22,000 beads.

It took approximately 80 hours over the course of 6 months, using 2 full bottles of glue and a whole lot of foam core. This picture, from the side, shows the thickness, and layout of the layers, which is comparable to an architectural topographic map model

I don't know about you but that piece makes me what to weep sweet tears of joy. That is the friggn' most awesome thing I have ever seen created in bead sprites.

To see more of his bead sprite art, check out his flickr page here.

Kudos Doctor, Kudos.

Dissidia: Final Fantasy - Tidus vs Jecht

Watch new footage from Dissidia: Final Fantasy, Square Enix's fighting game featuring characters from the Final Fantasy world beating the mana out of each other.

The video shows Tidus from Final Fantasy X working out some daddy issues as he squares off against his father, Jecht.

New Kingdom Hearts Items hit the US SquareEnix Store Soon: DO WANT!

The Square Enix Online Store is releasing some sweet new Kingdom Hearts merchandise!

Three new keychains featuring 3 different keyblades: Kingdom key, Oblivion and Oath Keeper.

Also they are releasing a charm bracelet featuring 7 unique charms representing Sora, Mickey, Roxas, Kairi, the Heartless, a heart, and the keyblade.

All very cool and its too bad that the US store still doesn't ship to Canada.

Little Big Planet Trailer: I am Sack Boy

Now Introducing Sack Girl!

Review: Rock Band for the Nintendo Wii

Rock Band
MTV Games, EA Games, Harmonix Music
Available for the Playstation 3, Playstation 2, Nintendo Wii & Xbox 360

Last week I talked about my first experience with the Guitar Hero series, so this week I thought I’d follow up with the other popular music game taking the gaming world by storm, Rock Band. I’ve been holding off on buying this franchise because I couldn’t justify spending $169.99 on a videogame, but when I got the chance to get this game without forking out an arm and leg, I couldn’t resist.

Rock Band, for those of you living under a rock, is a videogame that comes with a fake guitar controller; a fake drum set controller and a microphone which all can be used to rock out to your favourite tunes. Players must follow a series of coloured coded bars with their instruments to recreate the music. The cool thing is you really do feel like you’re playing an instrument especially with the drum set.

While Rock Band for the Playstation 2, Playstation 3 and Xbox 360 have been out on the market for a few months now, my Nintendo Wii version just joined the party recently and unfortunately doesn’t have all the bells and whistles that its brother versions do. Though priced the same, the Wii version doesn’t include any online play, character customization or any downloadable content. You can buy an expansion game to add more songs to your track list, but the game really could have done with some downloadable tracks instead.




Missing content aside, the game does have a long list of sweet tracks to choose from with artists like Weezer, Garbage, Nirvana, Kiss, etc. and you can play with up to 3 players straight out of the box, 4 if you buy another guitar to play bass. This makes for a great party or family game which will attract all ages and skill levels. The single player game allows you to play from all four instruments through quick play or career mode.

The guitar controller is a lot stiffer than the guitar hero controller I have which made it really hard to hit the notes perfectly. After practicing for a while, I found strumming hard was the only way to get a good response out of the controller. So in other words, this new technique killed my hand and I was forced to move on to the drums.

The drum set controller is setup much like a real drum set with 4 pads, a kick pedal and two real drum sticks. To work them, you hit the colour drum pad to match with the colour note on the TV screen and while this in theory seems easy, you have to think about how hard playing real drums are and apply that to this. Some people might be better at the drums than others, but I’m not one of them. Plus the drums are extremely loud and you tend to hear the clacking of the drum sticks on the pads rather than the beat of the drums on the game’s soundtrack, which really sucks. Felt pads for the drum pads can help with the noise though.

Singing in the game isn’t any different than singing in Singstar or American Idol; as long as you aren’t tone deaf than you can’t really screw up the song. The neat part about the singing though is that you can buy a Rock Band microphone stand or use a real one to play guitar and sing at the same time. Multi-tasking for the win! But if that doesn’t work for you, then just pawn the microphone off on your woman or your talented male friend.




If you actually pull your head up out of the note track for a minute or two, you’ll actually notice that Rock Band sports a rock band playing in the background during the game play. A fuzzy looking, rock impersonation of the band you might be trying to play at that specific moment. While this is neat, I really didn’t pay much attention to it as I was too busy glued out the notes rolling down my music bar. Audio is pretty damn good for the Nintendo Wii and even the microphone sounded decent coming through my $300 sound system.

Considering that the gaming market is struggle to find games that everyone in the family can play and enjoy together, especially in a large group, I think Rock Band is a great game for anyone to own on any console. However it’s hard to justify buying the Wii version at the same price as the PS3 or Xbox 360, when it’s missing some key components like online play and downloadable content. Still I know the Wii version will fly off the shelves either way and I highly recommend this series on any system.

Rating 8 out of 10
Buy it!

This is my Pile of Shame

The guys over at The BBPS.com have been posted their "Piles of Shame" this week, otherwise known as the games they purchased and barely touched or never finished, so I'm posted my pile of shame as well.

Each of us have our reasons for not getting around to playing the games we want to and mine are reviewing and writing about other videogames. Poor me, huh? But honestly, it sucks having to play a game for review purposes when you don't want to especially when about 5 games you DO WANT TO PLAY are sitting about 20 feet from you.

This games are games I purchased and never got past the first few levels or finished. The Twilight Princess one is really killing me because I got stuck on the boss battle in the prison level and just never picked it up again. GUILT FACTOR!

Final Fantasy I&II - too hard and I got the PSP versions to play, but just can't bring myself to sell this copy of the game now.
Blue Dragon - just got distracted after a few levels.
Oblivion - my character is a vampire which really killed the game for me.
Zack & Wiki - I bought, reviewed, and never moved past the ice level. I really need to sit back down with it cause it really is a fabulous game.

This is my pile of shame. There are a few more that I reviewed and but didn't finish, but I don't feel bad about it. 3/4 of a game is better than nothing. These are the ones I feel bad about.

So are there any games in your pile of shame? Tell me about them and continue the posts!

X'08 Hands On Impressions: Mortal Kombat vs. DC Universe

Midway was on hand at X'08 to show of a couple of their upcoming games including the much anticipated Mortal Kombat vs DC Universe. While Midway is still keeping the storyline behind this crazy mash up title to themselves, I'm guessing it has something to do with the general premise for the whole Mortal Kombat series: the Emperor comes to the DC Universe wanting to take over the realm and who better to compete in tournament to save the world but the super heroes from that world?

Even though Midway did sent a rep to over see the demos at the event, Reid wasn't exactly familiar with MK vs DC, so I had to feel my way through the demo. It was nice to finally meet the guy behind all my press releases though.

Midway has only released a partial list of the available characters in the game and only a small portion of those characters like Superman, Scorpion, Batman, Sonia Blade were playable characters in the demo. I chose to fight with Catwoman because she's my favourite baddie in the DC universe.

My first fight was against Scorpion and he was really easy to take down. Almost too easy. You’d think the demo was set on easy "journalist" mode or something to make us feel like experts at the game. Most of the moves are pretty straight forward - kick, punch, jump, round kick, etc, and catwoman could scratch at her opponents and use her whip on them.

When you managed to send your opponent flying over the edge of the level, your character would jump on top and continue to fight on the way down. This fighting was accomplished with a series of buttons that you plugged in as they popped up on the screen. Get them in right and you land on top of your opponent when you both hit the ground, but get them wrong and you become the landing pad.

Some levels allowed you to do this more than once and other levels changed the falling sequence with smashing through a series of walls. You still had to follow the series of buttons though to come out on top.

My second and third opponents were Superman and Sonya Blade which were much harder than Scorpion to defeat. Sonya as my third level enemy actually managed to defeat me in a round and that's when I gave up the controller to someone standing behind me.

I didn't manage to uncover any brutalities or fatalities, nor did my rep know how to active them, but they are included the game. Each character has a normal finishing cinematic with a basic defeat: Catwoman cracked her whip after each time I finished off my opponent with a normal kick or punch.




I was quite impressed with the game visually and how it played. The characters are quite detailed and Midway has been working with the DC artists to make sure everything is just right about each character. MK fans will be happy to know that some characters like the Joker do have fatality moves as seen in the newest video released by Midway.

Expect a full length review later when the game is released in stores.

The Girl Gamer Visits Microsoft's X'08 in Toronto

While everyone else is spending last week checking out the latest in gaming at Leipzig GC 2008 or packing their gear for the upcoming PAX 2008 convention, Mike from Attack This! and I was checking out the latest in the gaming from Microsoft at the X'08 preview event in Toronto.

Since I don't get to jet set off to any of the big gaming events due to money and time issues, X'08 is one of the two gaming events I get to look forward to every year in my local area. The X event is put on by Microsoft to showcase all the upcoming Fall and Holiday titles coming to the Xbox 360.

This year's event was held in downtown Toronto in a bar called Circa, which is a pretty amazing looking bar with multiple levels and even a special room decorated in vinyl toys.

Several developers were on hand at the event like Activision, Midway, Warner Bros. Interactive, Square Enix, Electronic Arts, 2K Games, Sega, Ubisoft, Konami, THQ, Epic Games, Disney Interactive, and even a few small developers were there showing off their independent Xbox Live Arcade titles.

While no big announcements are ever released at the X event, Microsoft did decide to bring in the big guns with Cliff Bleszinski, who was on hand for interviews about his upcoming title, Gears of War 2, which was playable on the show floor.

While there were tons of big titles to play like Rock Band 2, Guitar Hero: World Tour, Call of Duty: World at War, I was only able to get my hands on a few titles for which I will be posting my hands on impressions soon.

I will say Microsoft definitely knows how to throw a party with tons of food, a open bar and a nice swag bag, though none of the t-shirts fit me. All of them were one size fits standard male geek and I'm standard female geek. All the better to sleep in I guess.

Big howdy to Jimmy at The BBPS.com and the gang at This Week in Geek! Sorry we didn't get to spend more time with you at the event.

So stay tuned for all my hands on game previews.

Playstation Store Downloads for August 22, 2008

Downloadable Games
The Last Guy ($9.99)
You are the chosen one, a zombie hero from the Himalayan mountains, and it is up to you to rescue the last survivors on Earth by leading them to safety through zombie-infested streets. Make your way through 15 detailed real-world cities, shown from a classic arcade style overhead view, and lead them to the Escape Zone before time runs out in this frantic, addictive game. Download the full game today!
ESRB Rated E10+
File size: 605 MB

Add-on Game Content
Warhawk Fallen Star Pack ($7.99)
Download the Warhawk Operation Fallen Star Booster Pack today to experience the fast-paced action of Warhawk like never before! Infantry take flight with the fast and deadly Icarus Mk.1 Rocket Pack in the remote, forested Tau Crater battlefield, the crash site of an experimental Chernovan capital ship. Rejoin the unfriendly skies with Operation Fallen Star!
File size: 172 MB

Warhawk Booster Combo ($15.99)
Purchase three Warhawk Booster Packs for the price of two! Booster Combo includes the Warhawk Operation: Omega Dawn, Operation: Broken Mirror, and Operation: Fallen Star Booster Packs, which add an enhanced level of teamwork and strategy with new battlefields and vehicles.
File size: 446 MB

Rock Band
Build your Rock Band library by purchasing these song game tracks. For song credits, visit www.RockBand.com.

“She Does” - Locksley ($0.99)
“Don’t Make Me Wait” - Locksley ($0.99)
“Don’t Make Me Wait” - Locksley ($0.99)
“All Over Again” - Locksley ($0.99)
Locksley Pack 1 ($2.99) - includes: “All Over Again,” “Don’t Make Me Wait,” and “She Does” by Locksley.
File sizes: 13.5 MB - 22.3 MB (singles), 56.6 MB (track pack)

Game Demos (free)
NHL 09 Demo
Winner of seven sports video game of the year awards. Try the all-new Be A Pro mode - step onto the ice and play an entire career as you level-up and progress from the AHL to the NHL. Play the first true console sports MMO game, allowing you to assemble a team and play as yourselves in 6-on-6 online team play in the new EA SPORTS Hockey League. If you love sports video games, try this demo.
ESRB Rated E
File size: 0.98 GB

SOULCALIBUR IV Demo
Check out this demo of Soulcalibur IV to experience this renowned weapon based fighting game. With HD graphics, destructible armor, character customization and online vs. modes, Soulcalibur IV reinvents itself while also bringing STAR WARS guest characters, Darth Vader and his Secret Apprentice, to add to the fighting.
ESRB Rated T
File size: 878 MB

Game Videos (free)
SOCOM Confrontation Extraction trailer
File size: 71 MB (HD)

LittleBigPlanet Leipzig “Sackzilla” Trailer
File size: 77 MB (HD)

Motorstorm Pacific Rift Leipzig Trailer
File size: 288 MB (HD)

PAIN Trauma Mode Trailer
It’s time to show people who’s the real master of PAIN in this new mode included in the Amusement Park add-on environment. All you have to do is launch, hurt your character, and get a good score. Sounds simple enough, right? Yeah, well then your opponent has to hurt the same body part and outscore you. Simple rules, incredibly fun game play. Have a look, and get ready to TRAUMAtize!
File size: 54 MB (HD)

GT5 Prologue Play the Pros with Tanner Foust!
Go behind the scenes with the special ‘Play the Pros’ competition, featuring Gran Turismo 5 Prologue, aboard the PlayStation Experience Truck at X Games 14. This time around, five lucky fans got the chance to go head-to-head against drift and rally racing champion Tanner Foust in Gran Turismo 5 Prologue. Download this exciting video today.
File size: 172 MB (HD), 285 MB (1080)

Brothers in Arms: Hell’s Highway Machine Gun & Bazooka Video
Download now to watch machine gun and bazooka teams tear through your enemies.
File size: 7.48 MB (SD), 29 MB (HD), 37 MB (1080)

Brothers in Arms: Hell’s Highway Squad Gameplay Video
Download now to see how you can direct and lead your squad to conquer hell’s highway.
File size: 13 MB (SD), 50 MB (HD)

Facebreaker Audition Video #1
Leaked tapes from the Facebreaker boxer auditions show how the outrageous cast of Facebreaker got their gigs in the ring!
File size: 184 MB (HD)

Facebreaker Audition Video #2
Leaked tapes from the Facebreaker boxer auditions show how the outrageous cast of Facebreaker got their gigs in the ring!
File size: 159 MB (HD)

Facebreaker Audition Video #3
Leaked tapes from the Facebreaker boxer auditions show how the outrageous cast of Facebreaker got their gigs in the ring!
File size: 153 MB (HD)

Madden NFL 09 Gameplay Trailer
Continuing 20 years of innovation, Madden NFL 09 offers an unprecedented experience. From the life-like visuals to the innovative shadowing system to the new audibles, this game is unlike any other. Check out what the buzz is about in this video about the entire gameplay experience in Madden NFL 09.
File size: 68 MB (HD)

Madden NFL 09 Madden Moments Trailer
In Madden NFL 09, the Madden Moments feature puts you in one of several memorable scenarios from last season. Your goal is to successfully complete scenario set before you based on last season’s actual outcomes. Can you recreate and live up to last years most memorable Madden Moments?
File size: 66 MB (HD)

Madden NFL 09 Play Call Trailer
The Play Call screen now allows you to view the information you need without pausing the game. You are able to view player stats, replays, and tips. Challenges are also made in this screen. This feature allows you to see a lot of information at once without interrupting the flow of the game.
File size: 63 MB (HD)

Top Spin 3 Player Creator Trailer
Live the dream and get yourself in the game! Investigate immense new player creator technology in Top Spin 3, looking good has never been so easy.
File size: 69 MB (HD)

Movie and Blu-ray Trailers (free)
Quantum Of Solace Trailer
QUANTUM OF SOLACE continues the high octane adventures of James Bond (DANIEL CRAIG) in CASINO ROYALE.
File size: 26 MB (SD), 90 MB (HD), 136 MB (1080)

Prom Night Trailer
A suspenseful horror film! An obsessed murderer is viciously hunting down a beautiful girl on her prom night, killing anyone who gets in his way.
File size: 91 MB (HD), 89 MB (1080)

PS3 Wallpaper (free)
The Last Guy Wallpaper (x2)
Customize the background of your PS3 system with this new The Last Guy Wallpaper.
File size: 8 KB - 1.58 MB

PLAYSTATION Store for PC
Here is this week’s content release for the PLAYSTATION Store for PC. To download these games to your PSP, navigate to http://store.playstation.com. There, you’ll find descriptions of the content and directions on how to get started.

PSP Themes (free)
Cake Mania: Baker’s Challenge theme

PSP Wallpaper (free)
PSP Wallpapers Series 1 wallpaper (x3)
Hot Shots Golf Open Tee 2 wallpaper (x2)
Cake Mania: Baker’s Challenge wallpaper (x3)

SCEA Announces Updated PSP 3000

In conjunction with a global announcement by Sony Computer Entertainment Inc., Sony Computer Entertainment America today announced the North American availability of the updated PSP system. Available on October 14 in the previously announced Ratchet & Clank: Size Matters PSP Entertainment Pack, the updated PSP will feature a new LCD screen with a wider color gamut and anti-reflection technology, as well as a built-in microphone to enhance both multi-player gaming and Skype calls.

The form factor and overall functionality of the current, slimmed-down PSP-2000 will remain the same with the updated PSP system. SCEA today also announced the PSP 4GB Memory Entertainment Pack $199.99, which will include the updated PSP, a 4GB Memory Stick PRO Duo and a PSNetwork voucher to download Everyday Shooter for PSP system. In addition to the bundles, the updated PSP will be available as a stand-alone product later this year.

“As we head into the holiday shopping season, both of these new Entertainment Packs represent a significant value for gift-givers, combining the updated PSP and its enhanced screen with content that showcases the PSP’s gaming and entertainment functionality,” said Peter Dille, senior vice president, marketing and PLAYSTATION Network, SCEA.

“The 4GB Memory bundle is geared toward the digital entertainment enthusiast who likes to bring their media files on-the-go and download content from the PLAYSTATION Network. The Ratchet & Clank: Size Matters bundle is a great family-friendly option centered on one of the most beloved PlayStation franchises.”

As announced at the E3 Media & Business Summit, the Ratchet & Clank PSP Entertainment Pack will be available for $199.99 on October 14.

The Ratchet & Clank: Size Matters PSP Entertainment Pack includes:

- Updated Mystic Silver PSP system; the first updated PSP available on store shelves
- Ratchet & Clank: Size Matters – In this PSP Greatest Hits title, Ratchet and Clank go back to the franchise's roots with classic Ratchet & Clank gameplay. While on a much needed vacation, Ratchet and Clank’s rest and relaxation time is suddenly cut short as they soon find themselves lured into a mysterious quest.
- “National Treasure 2: Book Of Secrets” UMD video – Join Nicolas Cage on a heart-pounding adventure that will have you on the edge of your seat in a race to find the Lost City of Gold. Grounded in history, imbued with myth and mystery, Disney’s “National Treasure 2: Book Of Secrets” takes you on a globe-trotting quest full of adrenaline-pumping twists and turns — all leading to the final clue in a mysterious and highly guarded book containing centuries of secrets.
- Echochrome PSNetwork voucher – Featuring an elegant black and white art design, echochrome is a puzzle game unlike any other. With gameplay based on optical illusions, players must utilize five simple laws of perspective to join walkways, hide dangers, and create new paths to reach the “echos,” or shadow guides. Download echochrome for PSP from Playstation Store (http://store.playstation.com) to your Memory Stick PRO Duo with the included voucher.
- 1GB Memory Stick PRO Duo – Store your photos, music, videos, downloadable games and game saves.

The PSP 4GB Memory Entertainment Pack will be the first bundle to feature a 4GB Memory Stick PRO Duo, offering plenty of storage for saving movies and TV shows downloaded from the recently launched PSNetwork video delivery service. The bundle will be available in November for $199.99.

The PSP 4GB Memory Entertainment Pack includes:
- Updated Piano Black PSP system
- 4GB Memory Stick PRO Duo – Store more photos, music, videos, downloadable games and game saves.
- Everyday Shooter PLAYSTATION Network voucher – A colorful and music-driven arcade shooter, Everyday Shooter won three awards at the Independent Gaming Festival at the 2007 Game Developers Conference. Unlike traditional arcade shooters, in Everyday Shooter each on-screen interaction is a note, chord, or riff that plays in harmony with each level’s unique music track.

The title is available for PS3 and will be making its debut for PSP. Download Everyday Shooter for PSP from Playstation Store to your Memory Stick PRO Duo with the included voucher.

In addition to the new PSP Entertainment Packs, an updated PSP in Piano Black will be available later this year as part of the PSP Core Pack, which includes an AC adaptor and battery pack for $169.99.

It's Not a Glitch. He's Just That Good.

Proof that EA has a wicked sense of humour and a great marketing team.

There was a video posting on You Tube showing a glitch in the old Tiger Woods PGA Tour 08 where Tiger makes a shot while standing on top of water. Electronic Arts decided to response to this video in their new marketing campaign for Tiger Woods PGA Tour 09.

Review: Command & Conquer 3: Kane's Wrath

Command & Conquer 3: Kane’s Wrath
Electronic Arts, Breakaway Games
Available for Xbox 360, PC

During the time when Nintendo 64, Playstation and Dreamcast reined the console market, I turned my gaming habits over to the PC and took a special interest in real time strategy games like Warcraft, Starcraft and Command and Conquer. Once the Playstation 2 came out though, it was back to console gaming as my main source of gaming entertainment and I pretty much stopped playing RTS games because they all ran terribly on consoles.

But so many game companies moving the RTS genre over to the console market with successful results lately, it didn’t take me long to pick up the newest addition in one of my favourite series, Command & Conquer on the Xbox 360.

Command & Conquer 3: Kane’s Wrath follows the rise of Kane after the word of his demise reaches the Brotherhood of Nod and the GDI forces. Kane enlists you, the player, to help him rebuilt the Brotherhood and take down GDI before he reveals he has escaped from death’s grip. During the single player, you control the forces of NOD as you carry out Kane’s commands in an epic struggle against GDI, the new brotherhood, the Black Hand and other factions.

For skirmish and multiplayer games, you can now choose from not only the core factions of GDI, Nod and Scrin, but now there are an additional six sub-factions: The Steel Talons, ZOCOM, Black Hand, Marked of Kane, Reaper -17 and Traveler-59. The sub-factions use the same building and unit types as the faction from which they are derived, but they also bring new units and more specific advantages to the battlefield. In addition to the sub-factions and their new unit types: the main factions have new units as well as an epic unit now.

Also in single player mode, you can play Kane's Challenge which is exclusive to the Xbox 360 version of Kane's Wrath and replaces Global Conquest Mode from the PC version. Similar to the General's Challenge game in Command & Conquer: Generals - Zero Hour, you can choose one of the3 factions or 6 sub-factions to pit against all armies spanning ten challenges, all the while Kane is mocking you.

Some RTS games tend not to transfer over well to console, but surprisingly C&C 3 works really well on the Xbox 360. Smaller maps make it much easier to find your troops and the control scheme is specifically designed to make it easier to select one or multiple units at a time. The menu systems are easier to navigate, but there could have a bit more in game instructions on what each unit does and how to control their special moves. The boot camp tutorial really only covered the basics.





The graphics have been hugely updated since the last time I played Command & Conquer back in the early nineties, but that’s to be expected on a HD system. What made me happiest of all was to see that the developers kept all the live action cut scenes with actors like Joseph D. Kucan, Carl Lumbly, and Natasha Henstridge. This game was so much better with those sweet cut scenes still in them. CGI is great in some games, but this game will never be the same if they removed the live actors.

Audios is a little repetitive when you’re clicking on the same units over and over again, but you just ignore it after a while and the music in game is mostly just random battle music. Nothing really to write home about. Truly the best part is just listening to the grand acting in the cut scenes; listening to Joseph D. Kucan as Kane is like listening to God speak. You just have to listen to him and nothing else.

This really has been a great week for game reviews. The fanboy in me was so happy to sit down and play this series again. I love this series back then and I still love it now. It’s probably the only military war game that I’ve ever really liked. Definitely a buy if you haven’t already bought it for your PC.

Rating: 10 out of 10
Buy it!

Playstation Store Downloads for August 21, 2008

Downloadable Games
Ratchet & Clank Future: Quest for Booty ($14.99)
The search is on for the most valuable treasure in the galaxy: Clank! The swashbuckling action in Ratchet & Clank Future: Quest for Booty begins one year following the intense ending in Ratchet & Clank Future: Tools of Destruction.
ESRB Rated E10+
File size: 2.33 GB

EA SPORTS Live Score Tracker ($0.99)
Brought to you by EA SPORTS, use your PS3 to get live fantasy football score updates. Available exclusively with teams from FANTASY.EASPORTS.COM, the Live Score Tracker is designed for fantasy players to stay updated with fantasy football scores.
ESRB Rated E
File size: 71.8 MB

Add-on Game Content
Hot Shots Golf Out Of Bounds: Kratos Character ($1.99)
Tee off as Kratos from God of War and dominate the links. We know Kratos swings the Blades of Chaos with unbridled fury, but the Ghost of Sparta also swings a mean 3 wood. When he’s not toppling the gods from Mount Olympus, even Kratos needs a way to blow off steam. Download the character add-on and you won’t just break par - you’ll destroy it!

HAZE Domination Pack (free)
Discover 4 exclusive multiplayer maps and a totally new team game mode: the Capture and hold mode.
File size: 312 MB

Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock Dragonforce Track Pack ($6.25)
“Heroes of Our Time,” “Revolution Deathsquad,” and “Operation Ground and Pound” as performed by Dragonforce. For all song credits please visit www.redoctane.com
File size: 140 MB

Rock Band
Build your Rock Band library by purchasing these song game tracks. For song credits, visit www.RockBand.com.

“Through Being Cool” - Devo ($1.99)
“Girl U Want” - Devo ($1.99)
“Rio” - Duran Duran ($1.99)
“Girls on Film” - Duran Duran
“Get Your Rock On” 1 The Janitors ($0.99)
File sizes: 16.1 MB - 44.3 MB

Game Demos (free)
The Last Guy Demo
You are the chosen one, a zombie hero from the Himalayan mountains, and it is up to you to rescue the last survivors on Earth by leading them to safety through zombie-infested streets. Make your way through detailed real-world cities, shown from a classic arcade style overhead view, and lead them to the Escape Zone before time runs out in this frantic, addictive game. Download the demo today!
ESRB Rated E10+
File size: 210 MB

STAR WARS The Force Unleashed Demo
Unleash the full potential of the Force as you embark on an epic journey that takes you from being Darth Vader’s secret apprentice to becoming the galaxy’s first Rebel Agent.
ESRB Rated T
File size: 1.32 GB

NFL Head Coach 09 Demo
Brought to you by EA SPORTS, NFL Head Coach 09 demo gives gamers the opportunity to make all the decisions that a real NFL head coach makes. Gamers can sign free agents, chose gameplans, create plays, scout players and make all the critical calls to build a champion.
ESRB Rated E
File size: 1.26 GB

Leipzig Game Videos (free)
SCEE Leipzig Software Compilation
File size: 68 MB (HD)

Ratchet & Clank Future: Quest for Booty Launch Trailer
File size: 68 MB (HD), 111 MB (1080)

inFamous Leipzig Trailer
File size: 65 MB (HD)

Warhawk Fallen Star Video
File size: 66 MB (HD)

Game Videos (free)
The Last Guy Cities Trailer
You are the chosen one, and it is up to you to rescue the last survivors on earth by leading them to safety through zombie-infested streets. Make your way through detailed real-world cities, shown from a classic arcade style overhead view, and lead them to the Escape Zone before time runs out in this frantic, addictive game. See some of the cities featured in the game in this latest trailer.
File size: 104 MB (HD)

PAIN Clown Toss Mode Trailer
Spank the Monkey? Pshhht…that’s SOO “Downtown”! It’s all about the Clown Toss this time, one of six exciting Modes in the PAIN Amusement Park Add-on environment. No monkeys and no mimes here. Remember those panes of glass? Child’s play! They’re now exploding barrels. Oh, and to REALLY show your skills, throw in a Pimp Slap or two to improve on your best times.
File size: 59 MB (HD)

PAIN Hot n’ Cold Mode Trailer
Hot n’ Cold is one of six hot Modes included in the PAIN Amusement Park Add-on environment. Get your Ooch skills in order if you’re gonna tackle this - you’re gonna need ‘em. Use your momentum from the exploding teddy bears scattered around the park to maneuver your character around in a hunt for the hidden secret bear. You have five launches and all the Ooch you can keep going. Are you up to the challenge?
File size: 41 MB (HD)

Vampire Rain Altered Species Trailer 5
It’s another dreary rain-soaked night in the city. A young women walks towards her destination, seemingly unfazed by the dirt-infused water that stains her clothes. Suddenly, a heavier footstep echoes through the mire. Is she being followed? She silently prays so, slowly baring her fangs. The stalker is now the stalked.
File size: 112 MB (HD)

Vampire Rain Gameplay Trailer #2
Evil has taken over the night. Take it back. Save the human race from the Nightwalkers in Vampire Rain: Altered Species. Experience a variety of characters and weapons, intense heart pounding battles, and online multi-player mode. When the rain falls, blood will spill.
File size: 64 MB (HD)

BiA Hell’s Highway Making of #1: Operation
Check out the story behind the largest airborne invasion in history, Operation Market Garden, and why the soldiers named it Hell’s Highway.
File size: 66 MB (SD), 242 MB (HD), 343 MB (1080)

Brothers in Arms Hell’s Highway Making of #2: Roll Call
Check out the story behind the largest airborne invasion in history, Operation Market Garden, and why the soldiers named it Hell’s Highway.
File size: 68 MB (SD), 246 MB (HD), 349 MB (1080)

Madden NFL 09 Backtrack Video
Miss a play and want to know what went wrong? Check out the All-New EA Sports BackTrack. This tool allows you to see where your play went wrong and shows you a percentage rate of success it would have in the NFL. BackTrack gives you feedback on what went wrong and what to look for in future attempts.
File size: 77 MB (HD)

Madden NFL 09 Rewind Video
Did that play not go as you had hoped? Check out Madden NFL 09’s new EA Sports Rewind feature. Rewind allows you to redo a play that didn’t go as planned. You are able to select 0, 1, 3, 5 or unlimited rewinds at the start of the game. You can use this tool to improve your Madden skills by completing a play over and over again or spot an opponent Rewinds to create a more challenge experience.
File size: 69 MB (HD)

Madden NFL 09 Virtual Trainer Video
Want to improve your Madden skills? In Madden NFL 09’s Virtual Training Center, John Madden hosts you as you test your skills to determine your Madden IQ. Your score grows with you as you improve throughout your Madden career.
File size: 69 MB (HD)

PS3 Themes (free)
Ratchet & Clank Future: Quest for Booty Theme
Customize your PS3 system with a cool Ratchet & Clank Future: Quest for Booty theme. This theme allows you to change up the look of your background and XMB icons. Download today!
File size: 5.84 MB

inFamous Theme
Customize your PS3 system with a cool inFamous Theme. This theme allows you to change up the look of your background and XMB icons. Download today!
File size: 3.65 MB

PS3 Wallpaper (free)
Ratchet & Clank Future: Quest for Booty Wallpaper
Customize the background of your PS3 system with this new Ratchet & Clank Future: Quest for Booty wallpaper.
File size: 286 KB - 1.34 MB

Motorstorm Pacific Rift Leipzig Wallpaper
Customize the background of your PS3 system with this new Motorstorm Pacific Rift Leipzig wallpaper.
File size: 789 KB - 956 KB

TNA iMPACT! Wrestling Wallpaper (x3)
Customize the background of your PS3 system with this new TNA iMPACT! Wrestling wallpaper.
File size: 166 KB - 422 KB
PLAYSTATION Store for PC
Here is this week’s content release for the PLAYSTATION Store for PC. To download these games to your PSP, navigate to http://store.playstation.com. There, you’ll find descriptions of the content and directions on how to get started. For more on the PLAYSTATION Store for PC, please click here.
Downloadable Games
* Jeanne D’Arc ($22.99) (also downloadable via PS3)

Game Videos (free)
* Ratchet & Clank Future: Quest for Booty Launch Trailer
* Jeanne D’Arc trailer
* Yggdra Union official trailer

PSP Wallpaper (free)
* Hot Shots Golf Open Tee 2 Wallpaper (x2)
* Yggdra Union Wallpaper (x3)

New Resident Evil 5 Trailer - Leipzig Convention 2008

More footage from Resident Evil 5 was shown at the Leipzig 2008 convention this week in this brand new trailer released by Capcom.

This game just keeps getting better and better. I can't wait to get my hands on it.

The Girl Gamer Heads to X'08 and Fan Expo this Week

This is completely full of epic week for me.

Tomorrow I'm going to Toronto to check out all the new and upcoming games for Xbox 360 and Games for Windows at Microsoft's X'08. I attended this event last year and though the building lost power an hour after I got there, it was still a great day and loved every minutes of it.

On Saturday I'll be hitting Toronto again for the Fan Expo which is 5 conventions in one: Science-fi, Gaming, Horror, Anime and Comic Books. There I'll be checking out all the vendors, stopping in on some Q&A sessions with some celebs and hopefully get to meet, Electric Playground host, Victor Lucas at the G4 Booth.

I'll hopefully have lots of coverage for you when I catch my breathe on Monday after all the excitement.

Now, back to Too Human!

Review: Civilization Revolution

Civilivation Revolution
2K Games, Firaxis Games
Available on Xbox 360 & Playstation 3

Given the list of the confirmed games I knew were coming out this season and lack of my favourite franchises on that list, I knew didn't have a lot of titles to get extremely excited over this year. This week’s review however, was one of those games I have been counted down the weeks and days to. Sid Meier's Civilization Revolution is a newly, re-imagined sequel to the popular Civilization franchise made specifically for the consoles. As a fan of this popular PC series, I couldn't wait to jump on the couch to finally play this long awaited title.

Simplified and streamlined to make the game easier to control for newcomers to the series, Civ Rev has trimmed away all the micro-managing of the previous games and focused more on basic victory goals, smaller maps, and easier to navigate menus. While this may be great system to use with console games or for new players, I actually found I missed having my cities starve from lack of food or being able to set my gem mines up. For those little details though, I guess I’ll just have to run back to my old PC version of Civilization every once in a while.

The victory system has been simplified into four main goals: world domination, scientific achievement, cultural achievement, and economic achievement. The single player game has you pick from one of 16 civilizations which you must lead to victory through one of those 4 goals. You can modify your single player experience through difficultly, scenarios, or the random game of the week option. These options can either increase or decrease the time needed to reach a specific goal victory.




The multiplayer, while a little slow between turns, work pretty good on Xbox Live and the PS3 Network. You have the choice of ranked or match making games with up to 3 other playrs. There are leader boards and the game supports voice and video chat, though I only suggest video chat with the people you trust. There are some scary people on Xbox Live at 3am in the morning who like to eat cheetos and play Civ Rev in the buff.

The graphics are a larger, glossier cartoon version of its predecessors. With smaller maps, the icons have been enlarged and animated for easier distinction from other units. Your advisors which pop up from time to time to help you through the game are cartoons which look a lot like some recent political figures. Oddly they also have adapted to the language of simlish or something similar if that statement going to get somebody sued. There is a bit of cool jungle beats throughout the game but not as much as previous versions. My favourite feature in my previous civ game was the groove music that played throughout the main game play and sadly none is featured here.

While I've been wasting away the hours glued to my TV screen with the new Civilization Revolution, I doubt it will be replacing any of the PC versions in their glorious reign any time soon. I like that I can sit and play this simplified version on my console, but I missed the micro-managing and I missed the groovy tunes during the game play. Fans of the series could either hate this game or love it to death. For myself, it really depends on how retro I feel that day and today I’m feeling like change it good, so buy it.

Rating 9 out of 10
Buy it!

Gamer Fetish.com: Sexy Naked Girl + Games = Strangely Erotic Situations (SO NSFW)

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Electric Playground launches new show: EP Daily - UPDATED

[UPDATED: It looks like EP Daily has replaced The Lab with Leo Laporte on G4TechTV, so expect to catch the show multiple times a day. The newer episodes should be on around 6pm or 8pm and run 30mins.]

With the crappy segments Attack of the Show has been feeding us lately, G4TechTV Canada has been ripe for its own version of a daily news show tailored just for geeks to come flying in to save the ratings.

Luck for us, Victor Lucas and Greedy Productions have the answer to AOTS's epic fail and it starts today. It's called EP Daily and it's a daily news show that plans to cover the latest in gaming, comic books, movies, TV shows, gadgets, toys & collectables, conventions, animation, music, web programming, and sports.

Don't worry though about those non-geeky catergory because all topics covered in the show will be made geeky. Athletes on the show will be talking about their newest videogame and musicians will be talking about their latest song or soundtrack in the a videogame.

EP Daily will be seen 5 days a week, Electric Playground will still be on one day a week, and in the Fall, a new show called EP Canada will also be launching that will profile talented Canadian working in the gaming, entertainment and tech industry.

The shows' coverage will also be expanding as perminant crews will start popping up in places like Toronto, Los Angeles, San Franciso, Montreal, and there is already a crew in Australia.

Finally all these shows will be available on G4TechTV and CityTV in Canada, and also available on G4TV.com and through G4's On Demand service in the US.

Unfortunately G4TechTV hasn't updated their schedule yet for Monday (I'm writing this on Sunday), so I'll just have to keep your eyes peeled for the new show today like me.

3 New Mega Man Bosses Revealed

While there has been a Boss menu screen for Mega Man 9 floating around the internet this week, Capcom officially released details for 3 of the 9 bosses.

Concrete Man:
Created to construct a dam, Concrete man can actually design a dam and
supervise its entire construction. He has stubborn a stubborn
personality and will tell off any lazy robots.

Weapon: Concrete Shot
Concrete shot creates a temporary foothold as soon as it touches the
ground. It can also be used to stop enemies in their tracks.

Tornado Man:
Works for the Weather Manipulation Office to help control and stop the
formation of large storms all over the world.

Weapon: Tornado Blow
Tornado Blow launches a huge tornado that covers the entire game area.
Heavy enemies will take damage, but lighter ones will be blown entirely
off-screen.

Magma Man:
Magma Man serves as the safety control robot at a large geothermal power
plant. He is able to work in incredibly hot environments and loves to
visit hot spas.

Weapon: Magma Bazooka
Magma Bazooka shoots a cluster of fireballs that spread out after
launching. It can also be charged by holding down the shot button.

Stay tuned for more Mega Man 9 boss information!

And the Parent of the Year Award Goes to...

Happy Birthday Lil Derrik! Now let's blow out your candles, so we can go bust some caps in some gangsters and then finish the night with some brews and some hos.

Nice birthday cake for a 4-year-old kid who shouldn't even know what Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas is. Great parenting there.

[Via Wonderland]

Playstation Store Downloads for August 14, 2008

Downloadable Games
Bionic Commando: Rearmed ($9.99)
Featuring intense shooting and iconic grappling action, this amazing update gets a HD makeover and more! Discover a remixed musical score, enhanced gameplay, new weapons, online rankings and new unlockable content for the upcoming sequel. Team up in the new 2-player co-op mode and take your own path while still in view on the split screen! Download the game today!
ESRB Rated M
File size: 373 MB

PS1 Classics for PS3/PSP
Street Fighter Alpha
FIGHT! The classic Street Fighter Alpha: Warriors’ Dreams returns! With an improved Super Combo system based on Super Street Fighter II Turbo, the addition of the “Alpha Counter,” “Air Blocking,” and “Chain Combos,” Street Fighter Alpha set a new standard in arcade-style fighting gameplay. Download this PSone Classic today!
ESRB Rated T
File size: 80 MB

Add-on Game Content

Rock Band
Build your Rock Band library by purchasing these song game tracks. For song credits, visit www.RockBand.com.

* “Constant Motion” - Dream Theater ($0.99)
* “Aesthetics of Hate” - Machine Head ($0.99)
* “My Curse” - Killswitch Engage ($0.99)
* “Clouds Over California” - DevilDriver ($0.99)
* “Runnin’ Wild” - Airbourne ($0.99)
* “Sleepwalker” - Megadeth ($0.99)
* Roadrunner Records Pack 1 ($5.99) - includes “Runnin’ Wild” - Airbourne, “Clouds Over California” - DevilDriver, “Constant Motion” - Dream Theater, “My Curse” -Killswitch Engage, “Aesthetics of Hate” - Machine Head , and “Sleepwalker” - Megadeth.

File sizes: 22.5 MB - 48.8 MB (singles), 221 MB (track pack)

Price Promotion: these tracks will become to $1.99 on 8/21. The track pack will become $9.99 on 8/21.

Game Demos (free)
Bionic Commando: Rearmed Demo
Featuring intense shooting and iconic grappling action, this amazing update gets a HD makeover and more! Discover a remixed musical score, enhanced gameplay, new weapons, online rankings and new unlockable content for the upcoming sequel. Team up in the new 2-player co-op mode and take your own path while still in view on the split screen! Download the free trial today!
ESRB Rated M
File size: 373 MB

1942: Joint Strike Demo
Based on the popular arcade series, 1942: Joint Strike combines classic top-down shooting with amazing 3D HD graphics. Maneuver aircraft carriers to take on waves of enemy fire and face off with huge enemy bosses. Recruit a wing man locally or online to employ Joint Strike attacks, combining firepower into one explosive barrage. With a whole new arsenal, prepare to rejoin the battle!
ESRB Rated T
File size: 129 MB

NHL 2K9 Demo
NHL 2K9 brings fun back to hockey video games with a brand-new in-game presentation system, pick-up-and-play controls and hard-hitting action. The NHL 2K9 Demo consists of one 3 minute period with two teams to choose from, the Detroit Red Wings and Pittsburgh Penguins. Download now!
ESRB Rated E10+
File size: 637 MB

Tiger Woods PGA Tour 2009 Demo
Take on the world in Tiger Woods PGA TOUR 08. Save your most amazing - and unthinkable - performances and post on EA SPORTS GamerNet, a revolutionary interactive gaming hub that hosts user-created content online. Set the bar high by posting your top moments, and take on challenges set by others, to determine the world’s greatest golfer once and for all.
ESRB Rated E
File size: 1006 MB

Game Videos (free)
The Last Guy Gameplay Trailer 2
You are the chosen one, and it is up to you to rescue the last survivors on earth by leading them to safety through zombie-infested streets. With a classic arcade style overhead view, make your way through detailed real-world cities and use your heat vision to find people hiding in buildings. Then lead them to the Escape Zone before time runs out in this frantic, addictive game. Download the latest trailer today to see the game in action.
File size: 92 MB (HD)

Bionic Commando: Rearmed: The Making Of - Part 3
Explore the re-making of a classic side-scroller in part 3 of this 3-part documentary that looks at how Bionic Commando was brought back into action!!
File size: 290 MB (HD)

Bionic Commando: Rearmed Launch Trailer
Download the trailer today!
File size: 95 MB (HD)

Saints Row 2 – Gangs Trailer
Five years have passed since your crew betrayed you. Seek revenge and reclaim your throne as the rightful king of Stilwater.
File size: 192 MB (HD)

Vampire Rain Gameplay Trailer 1
Vampire Rain: Altered Species provides a whole new way to play action-stealth games. Save the human race from the Nightwalkers who have taken over. Experience a variety of characters and weapons, intense heart pounding battles, and online multi-player mode. It’s time to fight or die.
File size: 58 MB (HD)

Vampire Rain Running Alley Trailer
A quiet city street proves to be more deadly than it looks. Be careful at night—you’ll never know who (or what) is lurking in the shadows, waiting for its next meal. The Nightwalkers have been classified as highly dangerous and incredibly destructive. But how can you defeat such a strong and violent enemy? Keep your weapons close, move quickly, and always be the one to strike first.
File size: 50 MB (HD)

Legendary Behind the Scenes Teaser Trailer
When rogue art thief Charles Deckard is tasked to steal Pandora’s Box, he accidentally opens it, releasing mythological beasts into an unprepared world. Now, giant griffons rule the skies, ravenous werewolves stalk the streets and Deckard is left branded with a signet that is the secret to man’s salvation.
File size: 48 MB (HD)

Madden NFL 09 Buzz Video
Find out what the buzz is around the release of Madden NFL 09. Get a first look at the enhanced animations and the visual jump that Madden 09 possesses and see why this is the best Madden NFL ever produced!
File size: 69 MB (HD)

Madden NFL 09 Announcers Video
See why this is the best audio featured in any Madden NFL game to date. You will be able to experience the exciting new audio including John Madden delivering game analysis. Chris Collinsworth and Tom Hammond also provide detailed play-by-play and color commentary to the game. You don’t want to miss Madden NFL 09!
File size: 59 MB (HD)

Madden NFL 09 Presentation Video
From the exterior shots to the ticker, the second you turn on the game, you are going to notice the new look and feel of Madden NFL 09. The authentic visuals create a completely innovative view to the game.
File size: 108 MB (HD)

Marvel Ultimate Alliance 2 : Fusion
Reveal Trailer for Marvel Ultimate Alliance 2 - Fusion
File size: 53 MB (HD)

Mirror’s Edge Story Trailer 1
Faith and other couriers used to be ignored by the police. But things have changed. And now Faith is being hunted.
File size: 83 MB (HD)

AST Dew Tour - Cleveland FMX Jam Session
A compilation of the best moments from the FMX Jam Session at the second stop of the AST Dew Tour in Cleveland, Ohio.
File size: 90 MB (HD), 149 MB (1080)

AST Dew Tour - Cleveland Skate Thrills
A compilation of the best moments in Skateboard Park and Skateboard Vert from the second stop of the AST Dew Tour in Cleveland, Ohio.
File size: 91 MB (HD), 150 MB (1080)

AST Dew Tour - Cleveland BMX Highlights
A compilation of all the moments to remember in BMX Dirt, BMX Vert and BMX Park from the second stop of the AST Dew Tour in Cleveland, Ohio.
File size: 122 MB (HD), 202 MB (1080)

AST Dew Tour - Hear it from Nyquist
BMX Dirt athlete Ryan Nyquist talks about strategies across courses and how each dirt course on the Dew Tour brings something different to the competition. .
File size: 93 MB (HD), 154 MB (1080)

PS3 Themes (free)
BioShock Theme
Customize your PS3 system with a cool BioShock Theme. This theme allows you to change up the look of your background and XMB icons. Download today!
File size: 3.70 MB

Bionic Commando: Rearmed Theme (x2)
Customize your PS3 system with a cool Bionic Commando: Rearmed Theme. This theme allows you to change up the look of your background and XMB icons. Download today!
File size: 7.09 MB - 7.19 MB

PS3 Wallpaper (free)
Bionic Commando: Rearmed Wallpaper (x2)
Customize the background of your PS3 system with this new Bionic Commando: Rearmed Wallpaper
File size: 208 KB - 472 KB

PLAYSTATION Store for PC
Here is this week’s content release for the PLAYSTATION Store for PC. To download these games to your PSP, navigate to http://store.playstation.com. There, you’ll find descriptions of the content and directions on how to get started. For more on the PLAYSTATION Store for PC, please click here.

PS1 Classics for PS3/PSP
Street Fighter Alpha ($5.99)

PSP Themes (free)
Bionic Commando: Rearmed Theme (also downloadable via PS3)

PSP Wallpaper (free)
Hot Shots Golf Open Tee 2 Wallpaper (x2)
Madden NFL 09 Wallpaper (x2)

Review: Aerosmith Guitar Hero

Guitar Hero: Aerosmith
Activision, Red Octane
Available for PS3, Xbox 360, PS2 & Nintendo Wii

I have to admit, amongst all the Rock Band and Guitar Hero hype, I have managed still to avoid purchasing any of the games in either series so far. But I have finally caved; I got a copy of Guitar Hero Aerosmith to finally pop my Rock God cherry on and all you lucky people get to hear about my first encounter with the phenomena known as Guitar Hero.

Though most people would probably start off their first trip into the world of Guitar Hero with one of the main title games, I decided to get the Aerosmith bundle because I figured if I know 90% of the songs then I know I might have chance in hell of actual playing the game on medium or even expert. Those thoughts soon turned to dust after I played my first session and discovered that playing this game is pretty damn hard even when you know the song. If I couldn't get a decent score on easy, I knew there was no way I was ever trying medium or expert.

As I write this review, I've been playing this game for about week now and though I still suck, I can at least get 90% or higher on the first 5 songs on easy which is better than before. Maybe if I memorize the notes and practice really hard, maybe I’ll be able to play one of the harder songs perfectly in like a million years from now.

Guitar Hero: Aerosmith one of the first games in the series to be dedicated almost entirely to a legendary rock band and it won't be last; with other bands like Metallica and the Beatles possibly getting their own Guitar Hero games, fans of the series can except more add-on titles dedicated to legendary rockers. Non-Aerosmith mega fans shouldn't toss this game by the way side though as GH:AS has tracks mixed in from past Aerosmith opening acts like Lenny Kravitz, The Cult, and The Clash, in order to break up the all-Aerosmith, all-time channel.




For Mega Aerosmith fans, this game has all the right features to delight you: past historical venues for you to rock out in, interviews from the band members about specific events and songs, songs from every generation and album and best of all, a boss battle with Joe Perry. Fans will be happy to know they get to play with a virtual Aerosmith during career mode while they travel through a virtual history lesson of the band's career and there are tons of unlockables.

Newbies will probably like this game compared to the main titles in the GH series, because the tracks are a little bit easier to play and the content is a lot easier to unlock. I picked up GH 2 just to compare the two games and I found myself running back to my easy, familiar Aerosmith after only a few rounds of Foo Fighter's Monkey Wrench and Guns & Roses' Sweet Child of Mine. I didn’t unlock those tracks by the way, someone in my household who’s more talented at the game did.

Visually I don't know how much you can rant and rave about how cool a virtual Steven Tyler looks before someone is going to look at you cock-eyed, but honestly I have to give the art designers and motion capture guys credit because virtual Steven Tyler looks and performs just like real Steven Tyler. Kudos to the designer who made the hottie Japanese school girl guitarist, because she is the best character to date in the GH series, and I can say that without even needing to play the other games.

Audio ... do I even need to go there? The whole game is master tracks from Aerosmith which rock as much as they did the first time I heard them. Best of all, no sappy Aerosmith love ballads were included in this game, so no one has to put up with their girlfriend playing "Don't want to miss a thing" over and over again.

I know there are going to be a lot of GH fans that will be questioning their need for an add-on game dedicated to a single band, but as my first experience with the Guitar Hero series, I really liked this title and found it to be a better starting point for me then Guitar Hero II. But really I think your decision for buying this game comes down to two things: how big your dedication to owning every game in the series is and how big of an Aerosmith fan you are. Answer those and then decide to buy it or not.

Rating 8 out of 10
Buy it!

New NHL 2K9 Game Play Trailer

Of course, where's there EA's NHL 09, there's going to be 2K Sports' NHL 2K9 as well. Both as titans in the hockey videogame arena and fans will be dying to find out which game is better this year especially with the 2K gitches and bad EA controls last year.

New EA NHL 09 Trailer featuring Air Bourne

The 20th incarnation of EA's Madden hit store shelves today with Madden 09 and though every will be sick with the Madden flu today, EA still has other franchise to work on. The launch date of NHL 09 is just around the corner and as such, EA released a new trailer yesterday to start the hype.

New My Sims Kingdom Trailer

New My Sims Kingdom trailer that gives us more information on the upcoming EA franchise game. It appears that your Sims will be given the task of rebuilding the Kingdom at the request of the King. Your Sim will have to travel the land to find the elements to rebuild the Kingdom one building or object at a time.

Sound pretty cute to me!

Review: Final Fantasy Tactics A2: Grimoire of the Rifts

Final Fantasy Tactics A2: Grimoire of the Rifts
Square Enix
Available now for the Nintendo DS

In Final Fantasy Tactics A2: Grimoire of the Rift you start your adventure in the present day, much like the previous FF Tactics game, but this time the main characters aren’t creating a make believe world to adventure in. No, you see school's out and a mischievous Luso Clemens is facing detention to make up for his bad behaviour that day. Alone in the library, he stumbles upon an ancient book with magical powers that summons him to the mystical land of Ivalice. Warped into the middle of a battlefield, Luso joins Cid and his clan to set off on an adventurous journey looking for a way home. Is it me or does this game sound like it needs a luck dragon and a child-like Empress?

Now in the past, (I loved The Never-ending Story, by the way), this storyline premise has made for a riveting adventure, but when Square Enix put this idea into pixelated reality, somehow it just didn't capture my attention. Maybe it's because I've heard it before or maybe it's because the characters had no depth, no back story and I could care less if this little punk ever gets back home. Characters like Yuna and Cloud move you, but Luso and the gang’s personalities were flat and down right boring.

FFTA2 is a tactics game, much like previous instalments in the Final Fantasy Tactics series, which means players control a team of adventures through a turn-based battle system on a chess board like environment. While I've had problems with some tactics games in the past like Heroes of Mana, the smaller battle fields and turn-based system in this game allow me to see all my characters at once and control them one at a time, which made battles much easier.





The Battle system has been tweaked to include stat bonuses and laws from a Judge that watches over Cid's clan during battle. The job system is still available to help characters learn new skills and spells. The game can be played with the control pad or with the stylus, while I experimented with both - eating while playing this game will require the use of the stylus - I found the control pad the quickest way to hand out commends to your team.

During Luso's Qwest to find his way home, Cid and the gang can take on side quests to earn loot and experience. Most quests are pretty easy to finish as long as you read your objects; try and finish it just by clearing the board and you could fail the quest.

While I didn't find the storyline to keep me dazzle throughout the game, I did somehow find the game play to be very addictive. I found myself racing to finish a quest or convert my loot in order to see what item or quest would pop up next, before I finally had to shut down my DS and go back to work or head off to bed.

Visually the game is glowing with colourful environments and gorgeous characters, but do we ever expect anything less from Square Enix. Their developers could make a plate of cheese look stunning on the Nintendo DS. Each character was given a unique look that changes with every new job they take on and I especially loved how cute the moogle looks in all his little outfits.

The original music for the game is composed by Hitoshi Sakimoto, but several pieces were taken from Final Fantasy Tactics Advance and Final Fantasy XII for the soundtrack. I actually found the bulk of the game's soundtrack to be very soothing and almost spiritual like. Between the music and encompassing game play, I actually found this game to be a great way to reduce stress; perfect for bringing to work to play on breaks.

Final Fantasy Tactics A2: Grimoire of the Rifts has certainly been updated enough to hold this reviewer’s attention for several hours at a time. I think old FF Tactics fans will like this new version and I think it will attract a new legion of Square Enix RPG fans, if they’re willing to put down Final Fantasy XII for a bit.

Rating: 7 out of 10
Buy it!

How to Decorate your Game Room the Crafty Way

I've been making my bead sprite crafts for about a year now and I've tried to think about as many possible uses for them as I could by now. One of those ideas so far is as a wall ornament.

So far I haven't put the idea into use, but Greg aka Gpinzone over at The BeadSprites forum has and I think he mastered the idea perfectly.

Using the bead sprites he created from Perler Beads over the course of 8 months, he managed to cover his entire game room with the creations for a wicked looking effect. He stuck the 8-bit art pieces on his walls and even created bigger pieces and had them framed to hang on his wall.



If anyone wants to see a larger, more detailed pictures of the rooms, just click each picture above for the full size view.