My Rayman Raving Rabbid Plushie - Bet You Want One Too?

I've been wanting my very own Rayman Raving Rabbid plushie for ages now and finally I'm going to have one to call my own. Best of all, I'm the first kid on the block to own one!

After putting out the call for my very own rabbit plushie on Etsy, Catsicle answered my prayers with this amazing piece of craftsmanship. She created a cute french maid outfit and even a little plunger for him at my own request. It was love at first sight.

And not just for me apparently, because Catsicle is now added a normal rabbid plushie as a recurring item on her Etsy store, so that you too can own a cute rabbid bent on world domination for only $40 plus shipping.

Actually they are so hard to find, this is why I put out the order for a custom plushie in the first place, so grab them now while they last.

PlayStation Store revamp coming

Sony Computer Entertainment America (SCEA) today announced that it will revamp the PLAYSTATION®Store for PLAYSTATION®3 (PS3) in mid-April with a new, more dynamic look and improved navigation. Currently an integrated online storefront, the PLAYSTATION Store will live natively on PS3, enabling customers to more easily and quickly locate and purchase games, and download demos, game videos, Blu-ray movie trailers and other game-related content for PS3.

To enable enhancements to be made to the store, no additional downloadable content will be posted prior to the revamp, starting April 3. However, customers will be able to access, browse, shop and download from the PLAYSTATION Store during this period. Regularly scheduled PLAYSTATION Store content updates will resume with additional games and game-related
items, including the downloadable version of the highly-anticipated exclusive PS3 title Gran Turismo 5 Prologue, the next installment of the billion dollar selling racing franchise and intense precursor to Gran Turismo 5.

In the PLAYSTATION Store, customers can use their PLAYSTATION Network accounts and virtual wallets to seamlessly purchase and download content for PS3. The PLAYSTATION Store revamp will not affect PLAYSTATION Network accounts or the virtual wallet system. There are currently more than 3.5 million registered PLAYSTATION®Network accounts in North America.

The PLAYSTATION Store can be accessed via XMB (XrossMediaBar). Customers accessing PLAYSTATION Store starting in mid April will be prompted to download a free firmware update, which will automatically enable access to the new PLAYSTATION Store.

VANA’DIEL COLLECTION 2008 COMING TO PC

Compilation of FINAL FANTASY XI with all 4 expansion packs will ship to PC platform April 15th 2008

LOS ANGELES (March 31 , 2008) – Square Enix, Inc., the publisher of Square Enix™ interactive entertainment products in North America, announced today that they will be launching The Vana’diel Collection 2008 for the Windows/PC platform--a compilation of FINAL FANTASY XI, along with all four of its expansion packs, RISE OF THE ZILART, CHAINS OF PROMANTHIA, TREASURE OF AHT URHGAN, and the most recently-released, WINGS OF THE GODDESS, allowing players to experience every leg of the entire Vana’diel saga in one package.

Originally released in 2002, FINAL FANTASY XI, the first online game in the award winning FINAL FANTASY series, introduced the mystical, ever-changing world of Vana’diel to legions of fans. In November of 2007, Square Enix released the game’s fourth expansion pack, WINGS OF THE GODDESS to a community that has more than 500,000 active subscribers and over 1.7 million active characters from around the world.

The latest expansion, WINGS OF THE GODDESS, takes players in a journey through time, to experience the Vana’diel of 20 years past. Featuring new jobs, new environments and new questions, the expansion will take players to a very different Vana’diel—one on the brink of war. Recently, WINGS OF THE GODDESS conducted a major content update, implementing job and battle system improvements, new campaign elements, new quests for dancers and scholars, new items and equipment and much more.

VANA’DIEL COLLECTION 2008 is rated T (Teen). Please visit the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) Web site at www.esrb.com for more information about ratings. The official FINAL FANTASY XI: WINGS OF THE GODDESS Web site can be found at http://www.playonline.com/ff11us/index.shtml.

UNCOVER LOST MEMORIES WITH FINAL FANTASY FABLES: CHOCOBO’S DUNGEON

The Iconic FINAL FANTASY Mascot makes its Wii™ Debut on July 8, 2008

LOS ANGELES (March 31, 2008) – Square Enix, Inc., the publisher of Square Enix™ interactive entertainment products in North America, announced today that it will launch FINAL FANTASY® FABLES: Chocobo’s Dungeon® for the North American market on July 8, 2008. Coming exclusively to Wii, the game brings a loveable cast featuring Chocobo and his friends to the next-generation platform for the first time.

Veteran character designer Toshiyuki Itahana delivers a uniquely compelling visual world in which a cast of beloved FINAL FANTASY characters leads players through an immersive storyline. With a carefully crafted narrative and a grand mystery to unravel, FINAL FANTASY FABLES: Chocobo’s Dungeon will captivate gamers looking for a multifaceted RPG experience.

Players of all skill levels will appreciate everything this game has to offer, from the intuitive Wii controls and adorable characters, to the intricate story and versatile job system. Chocobo, a FINAL FANTASY fan favorite, takes on trademark job classes from the franchise such as black mage, knight, and scholar. Players can unlock more jobs as they progress through the game. The ever-changing dungeons and unexpected twists and turns offer hours of engrossing gameplay as players explore the newest adventure in one of the world’s most popular RPG franchises.

STORY

Chocobo and Cid, FINAL FANTASY mainstays-turned-treasure hunters, are magically transported to a mysterious town whose people’s memories are lost with each bell toll of the clocktower. One day, a strange boy named Raffaello arrives and creates dungeons of memories to help the townspeople remember who they are. Now it’s up to Chocobo to journey through the dungeons and retrieve everyone’s memories.

FEATURES

· A charming, vibrant game world coupled with an engaging storyline and challenging turn-based battles to create a fun and entertaining RPG environment

· A compelling gaming experience utilizing a variety of classic FINAL FANTASY job classes such as the knight, black mage and white mage to aid Chocobo in his fight against evil

· Character designer Toshiyuki Itahana, from the FINAL FANTASY CRYSTAL CHRONICLES® series and FINAL FANTASY FABLES: Chocobo Tales®, lends his trademark art style

· Duel against friends via Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection in addictive card battles featuring popular FINAL FANTASY creatures in a unique 3D pop-up book style

· Collect hidden letters throughout the adventure and form special phrases to unlock secret dungeons and job classes

· The signature Mog House offers arcade-style mini-games that can be played with intuitive Wii Remote controls

FINAL FANTASY FABLES: Chocobo’s Dungeon has not yet been rated. Please visit the Entertainment Software Rating Board website at www.esrb.org for more information about ratings. FINAL FANTASY FABLES: Chocobo’s Dungeon will be available in North American retailers for the suggested retail price of $39.99 (USD). The official website can be found at http://na.square-enix.com/fffcd

Legend of Zelda Corset

The Vintage Doctor has done it again! Created another sweet masterpiece with these amazing, Legend of Zelda corset available on Etsy.com for only $99.98. Get it now before it sells out!

Dead Fantasy II

I was so happy to see the sequel to Dead Fantasy finally posted on Game Trailers.com after such a long wait. The amazing mash up of Final Fantasy and Dead or Alive Girls kicking each other butts in beautiful 3D graphics worthy of any top game studio is just so amazing to watch. I love this video and the last one.

Why hasn't any studio snapped Monty Oum and his small team yet?

Review: Zack and Wiki: Quest for Barbaros’ Treasure

Capcom
Available for the Nintendo Wii

It’s not very often that I go back and review an older title, but Zack and Wiki: Quest for Barbaros’ Treasure is just one of those games I just had to revisit, if only just to convince a few readers to save this game from the depths of the bargain bin.

Zack, a young pirate boy and a golden, helicopter monkey named Wiki travel the world searching for adventure and treasure, along with aside their goofy gang, The Sea Rabbits. During a treasure finding mission, the gang is attacked by Captain Rose, a rival treasure hunter and once the dust settles, Zack and Wiki discover a treasure containing the golden head of Captain Barbaros. The true adventure begins when Barbaros promises them his ship and treasure in exchange for finding all his missing body parts.



Each stage in the game contains puzzles that Zack and Wiki must solve in order to reach a treasure chest that contains a piece of Barbaros body. Zack must use items found in the stage to solve the puzzles, but he can only carry one at a time and can only use them on non-movable items. Wiki can turn into a bell, which when rung will turn enemies into useful items for Zack to use. In order to use items, the player must use the wii remote like the item: for example, you must pull the remote back and forth to use a saw on wooden poles.



The puzzle solving can be extremely hard in this game and even though you can buy hint coupons, you may still find the puzzles extremely hard. With lots of enemies to kill you, Zack can die a lot and starting levels over several times can be frustrating. You can revive Zack at a safe point with platinum tickets, but any cheating will diminish your puzzle score and getting a perfect score on each level is key to getting a 100% overall game score. As frustrating as the puzzle solving is, you can’t help but keep coming back to the game and when you finally do solve a level, it really gives you that great sense of accomplishment.

Capcom’s hidden treasure, Zack and Wiki has been over looked and underappreciated by many due to its misleading outer shell, but if you put the goofy graphics and annoying sound effects aside, Zack and Wiki is a really great game that will test your brain. For all the old Lucas Arts adventure game fans looking for something besides the new Sam and Max games to fill their days, this is your next gaming purchase and with such a low sticker price of $29.99, how could any one say no?

Rating: 9 out of 10
Buy it!

Penny Arcade - A Preview? It is broken?

I kept trying to load up Penny Arcade today and the server couldn't be found. Finally when I did find it, this ugly looking screen popped up, instead of the normal screen. Is Penny Arcade changing the look of the site or did someone break it? The site has a title of Penny Arcade - A Preview? A preview of what?

A bad geo-cities looking website? What gives? Someone better not have hacked my favorite web comic or head are going to roll!

New Screenshots for Dracula: Origin

Having successfully tackled the myth of Cthulhu in the award-winning Sherlock Holmes - The Awakened, Frogwares is once again venturing into a disturbing and fantastic universe, the world of the Prince of Darkness, in an adventure which combines romance, mystery and horror.

Young, charming and devout, Dracula was once an ardent defender of Christianity but lost his faith in God when he is abandoned by his one true love who marries another. Count Dracula then makes a pact with the Prince of Darkness, and becomes a vampire with an insatiable thirst for
blood and vengeance, doomed to eternal damnation.

In the game, you play the role of Professor Van Helsing, the celebrated vampire hunter, on the hunt for Dracula, while Dracula himself is on a quest for a mysterious manuscript which will give him the power to raise the dead. Your goal is to prevent Dracula from finding and using this
manuscript, but also to kill him, in order to liberate the souls of all those who have had the misfortune to cross his path.

Using conventional Point & Click gameplay, Dracula: Origin is a superb adventure supported by impeccable graphics and a rich storyline which takes you to London, Egypt, Austria, and of course, to Transylvania, the famous home of the great vampire. Through a combination of 2D
environments and animated 3D characters, the game faithfully reproduces the world imagined by celebrated author Bram Stoker, with all its associated motifs (horror, love, blood, crucifixes, stakes, garlic, etc.), in a disturbing, fully-realized and absorbing Gothic atmosphere.

Dracula: Origin for Windows is set for release in May 2008.

For further information please visit the official website at
http://www.dracula-origin.com/

To see the full gallery of new screen shots, click here.

Sam & Max Go To Hell!

Dog and rabbity-thing to descend into fiery depths and duel with the devil himself in the epic Season Finale this April

SAN RAFAEL, CA, March 26, 2008 – After months of building anticipation, the groundbreaking episodic game series Sam & Max Season Two has reached its climax. Now Telltale can at last reveal details about the exciting Sam & Max Season Two finale. With souls on the line and the fate of mankind hanging by a thread, Sam & Max will come face to face with their biggest, baddest adversary ever. The episode, entitled What's New, Beelzebub?, will debut Thursday, April 10 for subscribers of Turner Broadcasting's GameTap service (www.gametap.com). Its worldwide release will follow one day later, on Friday, April 11, from Telltale's website (www.telltalegames.com).

What's New, Beelzebub? caps a five-game season that has been gaining momentum since November. During this time, Sam & Max have faced off against a demonically-possessed Santa in the North Pole, visited the tropics to stop a cataclysmic volcano eruption, stormed a trendy Eurotrash nightclub overrun with dancing zombies to vanquish their vampire leader, and launched across space and time to track down their missing friend Bosco. Now, judgment day is at hand, and it's time for a showdown with the guy downstairs to bargain for Bosco's soul. But, in the corporate wasteland known as Hell, not even Sam & Max are safe from eternal damnation. Can they wiggle free from Satan's grasp, or have they finally reached the end of the line?


The Sam & Max series has been widely heralded as one of the best examples of successful episodic gaming. In Season Two, the model has been used to piece out a clever and humorous story month by month, gradually growing suspense and winning the praise of critics and fans as seemingly unrelated threads and increasingly varied scenarios have woven into a surprising and compelling plot. As the most epic and off-the-wall Sam & Max episode yet, What's New, Beelzebub? promises to close the season with a bang.

Anticipation is already high for those following the series, but it's not too late for new players to dive in. All Sam & Max Season Two episodes can be purchased from Telltale's online store through a full season set or as individual episodes and are also available as part of a GameTap subscription. Additionally, customers who purchase the Season Two bundle from Telltale will be eligible to get a DVD that includes all five episodes along with bonus content for just the cost of shipping and handling. Emails will be sent to qualifying customers when the DVD is available for ordering.

The success of the Sam & Max game series has fueled a renaissance for the franchise. Telltale recently released a special 20th Anniversary Edition of Sam & Max creator Steve Purcell's Surfin' the Highway comic collection after a decade out of print, and a DVD box set of the 1997 animated series has just been published by Shout Factory. Both are available in Telltale's online store, along with other Sam & Max merchandise.

Check out the trailer here.

SQUARE ENIX ENRICHES A BELOVED FRANCHISE WITH

The Highly Anticipated Prequel Ships to Retailers Today,

Delivering a Tale of Epic Proportions to Fans across North America

LOS ANGELES (March 25, 2008) – Square Enix, Inc., the publisher of Square Enix™ interactive entertainment products in North America, announced that CRISIS CORE™ -FINAL FANTASY® VII-, the much awaited prequel to one of the most influential titles in video-gaming history, has shipped to North American retailers today.

Before Cloud and Sephiroth’s now legendary confrontation and the ensuing battle that captivated millions of gamers worldwide, there was Zack Fair and his simple yet whole-hearted ambition to become a SOLDIER 1st Class. Players will now discover what was hitherto left untold, as they journey through the exciting and intriguing world of CRISIS CORE -FINAL FANTASY VII-, developed exclusively for the PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) system. Offering a compelling narrative coupled with breathtaking graphics and an action-packed battle system, this latest entry in the COMPILATION OF FINAL FANTASY VII series is sure to captivate both fans of the original FINAL FANTASY VII and newcomers alike.

Launch Event
To celebrate the arrival of this highly anticipated entry in the COMPILATION OF FINAL FANTASY VII, Square Enix is hosting an exclusive launch party at the PLAYSTATION®Store @ Metreon in San Francisco today, March 25th, at 6:00 p.m. The event will be limited to 200 attendees who will have the opportunity to purchase CRISIS CORE -FINAL FANTASY VII-. Fans will also be able to get a first-hand look at concept art and all-new merchandise, win raffle prizes, and much more! The first 100 attendees in line will also receive a special commemorative shirt.

Strategy Guide
Fans can complete their gaming experience with the CRISIS CORE -FINAL FANTASY VII- Signature Series Guide, now available from BradyGames.

BradyGames is proud to present the CRISIS CORE -FINAL FANTASY VII- Signature Series Strategy Guide. This one-of-a-kind strategy guide provides everything you need to get the most out of CRISIS CORE -FINAL FANTASY VII-; complete walkthroughs, detailed maps, in-depth coverage of all magic and skills, expert boss tactics, and a complete bestiary, and that’s not all! This awesome strategy guide also includes bonus content, an exclusive foldout and more! This strategy guide is the one and only official resource that allows you to play CRISIS CORE -FINAL FANTASY VII- at its maximum potential!

Visit www.bradygames.com and order your copy of the CRISIS CORE -FINAL FANTASY VII- Signature Series Guide today and receive a 20% discount! (Coupon code BGCCFF08)

Mobile Content
CRISIS CORE -FINAL FANTASY VII- content, including an assortment of VideoRings, is now available on mobile service provider Helio. Helio members can access the VideoRings microsite by entering “FANTASY” (3268279) on their mobile device and then pressing the “Jump” key. For more information on Helio, visit http://www.helio.com.

STORY

Seven years prior to the events of FINAL FANTASY VII—

The Shinra Company is rapidly increasing its influence through its monopoly on mako energy and military might. With the burgeoning city of Midgar as its base and symbol of prosperity, Shinra is on the verge of establishing absolute dominance over the world. SOLDIER is a group of skilled combat operatives within Shinra. The elite within the group—those strong enough to be deemed SOLDIER 1st Class—are respected and idolized by the citizenry.

Zack is a young SOLDIER 2nd Class who aspires to become a 1st. He spends his days carrying out assignments under the guidance of his 1st Class mentor, Angeal. During an operation in Wutai, a large number of SOLDIER members, led by 1st Class operative Genesis, go missing. The severity of the situation prompts Shinra executives to deploy even more SOLDIER operatives in hopes of bringing an end to the war with Wutai—and conducting an investigation into the mass desertion. The ones assigned to the mission are Zack, Angeal, and the 1st Class hero who is known the world over as Sephiroth...

What truths lie behind Genesis's disappearance? What secrets bind the three SOLDIER 1st Class operatives? For Zack, a cruel and fateful struggle awaits...

FEATURES

* Complete the FINAL FANTASY VII experience and reunite with the most recognized RPG characters created by world-renowned character designer Tetsuya Nomura
* Witness stunning graphics and gorgeous CG cutscenes coupled with top-notch voice acting in a 16:9 widescreen presentation, made possible by the PSP system
* Innovative DMW (Digital Mind Wave) system enhances the action-packed real-time battle system, allowing players to unleash special attacks or call upon iconic FINAL FANTASY summons
* Take on challenges with the all-new “Hard Mode” developed exclusively for the North American audiences
* Acquire unique accessories made available through 300 side missions to further enrich the gameplay experience

CRISIS CORE -FINAL FANTASY VII- is rated T (Teen). Please visit the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) website at www.esrb.org for more information about ratings.
CRISIS CORE -FINAL FANTASY VII- will be available at North American retailers for the suggested retail price of $39.99 (USD). The official website can be found at http://www.crisiscore.com/.

Happy Easter from The Girl Gamer!

HAPPY EASTER TO ALL THE CRAZY RABBITS OUT THERE!
REMEMBER TO EAT LOTS OF CHOCOLATE BUNNIES
AND SPEND YOUR EASTER CASH ON GAMES!

Here's the original Easter Egg of Gaming for you:
The Creator's Credit in "Adventure" for the Atari 2600.

Review: Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: Ring of Fates

Gamers, I’m back this week with another gem from the developers at Square Enix, Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: Ring of Fates for the Nintendo DS. The Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicle series got its start on the Gamecube system back in 2004 as more of a Secret of Mana hack and slash RPG, rather than the turn based RPG we’ve come to expect from most Final Fantasy games.



The latest instalment, Ring of Fates is actual a prequel in the Crystal Chronicles storyline and focuses on twin brother and sister, Yuri and Chelinka as they journey to defeat the evil that has plagued their land. You play with Yuri as your sword welder and Chelinka as your magic caster, but you don’t actual switch between them, but rather play them as one character. More characters will join your team as you work your way through the story and will add their special skills to the cause.



Game play controls allow you to attack monsters at will, jump, climb, carry items, cast magic and perform a special attack. The stylus is used for the special attacks and magic and the d-pad/buttons for normal controls which made it a bit awkward switching back and forth between the two during battle. If stylus would have been used for menu and map functions only, the controls would be easier during battle and I would have probably died less.

Multiplayer mode allows you to join up with three friends to battle together, but you can also play alone to level up your custom character. You can create up to 8 different characters from 5 different races, the Clavats, the tiny melee class, Lilties, the archer-types, Selkies, and magic class, Yukes. New loot and equipment can be found in multiplayer mode and it is well-worth the time if you want to explore the game beyond the story mode.



Since I’m still without an amazing RPG like Final Fantasy XII or Kingdom Hearts to sweep me off my feet right now, I’m happy to snuggle up with FFCC: RoF in bed at night. This cute, little RPG series has enough dungeons and enemies to keep battling long into the wee hours of the morning, and so I definitely recommending it to all the other lonely Final Fantasy and RPG fans out there.

Rating: 7.5 out of 10
Buy it!

"Break the Ice" Anime Music Video

Generally I am not a fan of Britney Spears, but lately I haven't exactly been hating her new album. I hated all her previous albums and I still have her at the top of my death pool list along with Paris Hilton, but to be completely honest, I don't hate this new video for "Break the Ice".

If Britney kept doing all her music videos like this one from here on out, I think people might actually start to like her ass again. Hopefully that "To be continued" ending means she'll make another music video like this.

I bet you're wondering why I like this video of all videos? How could this one be different than say the one where you have to endure her skanky, trailer park body grinding around a pole, while you try not to puke at the butt cellulite slipping through her fishnet stocking?

Because this music video doesn't have one shot of Britney in it! Its all done in anime, and not like Pokemon, Hello Kitty anime, we're talking Cowboy Bebop, Akira, hardcore anime!

Geeks rejoice cause we broke through into the mainstream again with this Britney video. Soon we'll have all those Hollywood types bowing to our every command, including not screwing with the plot line of Fan Boys.

Enjoy!

EIEIO 2008: Insecticide Trailers

Insecticide: Justice PC Trailer
Get ready for a hard boiled tale about a hard shelled squad of detectives.



Insecticide Cinematic
Go behind the scenes and see what happens when bugs become the dominant species and take over human cities.

Star Wars Retrospective: Part One

Game Trailers.com has posted part one of their Star Wars videogame retrospective. Enjoy!

The Lab with Leo has been Cancelled

Anyone scanning G4 TechTV.ca in the last month or listening to Leo Laporte's podcast this week would know by now that The Lab with Leo Laporte has been canceled by the morons at Rogers Media.

I honestly don't know how these companies keep canceling Leo's show, especially when he's so popular with the tech crowd. He's had at least 4 tech shows now, all which were very good and shouldn't have been canceled. Truthfully, I'm mad to see another show go.

Hopefully Leo will hang in there like always and find a new project in the industry to keep him going. I wish Leo all the best and I hope that the next employers that he works for actually understand how valuable he is.

Here's to hoping that Leo's next project is another TV project that ends up on a Canadian TV station.

My Favs Pieces from Deviant Art this Week

Man's First Video Game by *ShadowRunner27

vIDEo gAME sUiCide.... by ~uNDer3fOLdinGstARs

And my new Xbox red rings on start up

So today I received my Xbox after sending it out for repair and guess what?!

They send me a "new" Xbox 360 and halfway through the setup process the bitch red rings again. No freeze, no delay, just red rings every time its turned on.

At least my last console let me watch a movie on it or try to run a game before it froze and then red ringed. Needless to say I'm pissed and I'm pissed even more that I had the tech support guy trying to trouble shoot like it was my hard drive or power supply.

This time I better get a brand new console in a brand new box, instead of a piece of crap refurbished console. Plus they actually told me to call back, since my other repair hasn't finished processing.

Microsoft hates me. I must have killed a puppy or something

Review: Army of Two

[Writer's Note: This game is so awesome that it red-ringed my Xbox 360!]



Army of Two
Publisher: EA
Developer: EA Montreal
Available now for PS3 and Xbox 360

Army of Two from EA takes the traditional third-person shooter and adds something extra: a partner. Never go in battle alone ever again.

Gamers play as ex-army rangers that work for a private military contractor that sends them on secret missions around the world. Gamers must work with their team mate to not only complete the missions at hand, but to become the most lethal team around. All of the game play missions, tactics and strategies were developed with the two player team work in mind.

Luckily for those people who don’t have a gamer room-mate, the game allows you to play with an AI team mate or have friend jump in or out at any time during the game for some real two player action. Best of all, the AI team mate works just as well as a real player.



Army of Two utilities an agro system which is extremely important in the game, as it allows one player to draw fire, while the other player sneaks around the enemies to fire upon them from behind. Players must also provide cover for each other, heal each other and you can even drag your team mate to safety, while taking out the enemy.

Missions in the story mode are short and repetitive, but the online mode is really where the fun begins. You can play with a friend or the AI team mate to take out other teams in a variety of modes and level designs. The winning team is one that kills the most and makes the most money. Call of Duty 4 fans will definitely get addicted to the online play in this game.

The graphics are solid looking with its rough, war torn landscapes and even rougher looking enemies. The music and sound fits well with the environments and may have you rocking along.

From two-man parachute jumps to sniping to an all out assault, Army of Two showcases the power of working together not only to gets the job done but to eventually saves the world too.

Rating: 8 out of 10
Buy it!

Street Fighter IV: Chun Li Vs C. Viper

Check out the female newcomer, C. Viper as she battles with Street Fighter veteran, Chun Li in a new trailer for Street Fighter IV.

I had Street Fighter 2: Turbo when I was a kid and though I liked Chun Li, I only ever finished the game with Tomahawk and Cammy. That game was friggn' hard for me, because I never mastered the special combos.

The Star Wars Retrospective Trailer

A while back Game trailers.com posted a series of videos that chronicled all the Final Fantasy games ever released and well, now it seems they are going to do the same for Star Wars. Check out the trailer for the video series that will begin posting on March 15th, 2008.

Use the force!

Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: My Life as a King: Japanese Kingdom Expansion Trailer

Another new trailer for the upcoming Wii Ware game, Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: My Life as a King. I can wait to play this game. It will be well worth the 1500 Wii points.

Yummy Videogame Foods

We found more videogame food to feast your eyes on! From my new favorite videogame recipe site, Snack or Die, I found these delicious looking Mario Block Brownies. The recipe is available on the site.

You can also find the recipe for these yummy Rayman Raving Rabbids cookies. I wonder if they scream when you bite into them? That's horrible to say, isn't it?


Shroyer Sweets made this cute, little Mario cake and she even made the Pinarha plants out of icing.

She also made this Mario and Mario Kart groom's cake for her husband's brother.

Gaming for Cheap: First Level of Apollo Justice: Ace Attorney

Capcom has provided a neat Nintendo DS embed for gamers to play a mock trial from their game, Apollo Justice: Ace Attorney. Sweet, huh?

Personally I've only played the first Phoenix Wright game, so I have a few other games to play in the series before I grab this one.

Just press start on the DS above and play through the demo.

Sweet Jazz Version of Observatory Theme from Super Mario Galaxy

Sweet You Tube video. I want this on my iPod.

This Week's PSN Download - Mar 6th

Downloadable Games

Rocketmen: Axis of Evil (free demo, $10.99 CDN full game)
Join Nick Sion, Alec Mink and the rest of the Alliance of Free Planets in their white-knuckled, frenzied struggle to free the Solar System from the tyrannical grip of Lord Invictus and the Legion of Terra! With its distinctive cel-shaded art style, engaging storyline, RPG elements and non-stop action, this shooter promises to keep players coming back for more!
ESRB Rated E
File size: 124 MB

Rock Band
Build your Rock Band library by purchasing these song game tracks. Rock Band Grateful Dead Pack 1 includes all six songs. For song credits, visit www.RockBand.com.

“Casey Jones” -Grateful Dead ($2.99 CDN)
“Sugar Magnolia” -Grateful Dead ($2.99 CDN)
“Truckin’” - Grateful Dead ($2.99 CDN)
“Franklin’s Tower” - Grateful Dead ($2.99 CDN)
“I Need A Miracle” - Grateful Dead ($2.99 CDN)
“China Cat Sunflower” - Grateful Dead ($2.99 CDN)
Grateful Dead Pack 1 ($10.99 CDN)
File sizes: 21.4 MB - 36.5 MB (singles), 175 MB (Track Pack).

Add-on Game Content
Guitar Hero III: Modern Metal Track Pack ($7.25 CDN)
“Almost Easy” as performed by Avenged Sevenfold, “The Arsonist” as performed by Thrice, “Hole in the earth” as performed by Deftones. For all song credits please visit www.redoctane.com
File size: 46.2 MB
Game Videos
NBA Ballers: The Chosen One Trailer
Live the Game. Play the Life.
File size: 30 MB (HD)

Movie and Blu-ray Disc Trailers
Hancock Theatrical Trailer (free)
There are heroes… there are superheroes… and then there’s Hancock (Will Smith). With great power comes great responsibility – everyone knows that – everyone, that is, but Hancock.
File size: 21 MB (SD), 78 MB (HD), 103 MB (1080)

21 Theatrical Trailer
Every year Vegas takes people for millions. On March 28 Ben Campbell is going to get it all back.
File size: 31 MB (SD), 115 MB (HD), 153 MB (1080)

PS3 Themes
Lost Planet Theme (free)
Customize your PS3 system with a cool Lost Planet theme. This theme allows you to change up the look of your background and XMB icons.
File size: 2.37 MB
PS3 Wallpaper
(3) Condemned 2: Bloodshot wallpaper (free)
Customize the background of your PS3 system with this new Condemned 2: Bloodshot Wallpaper.
File size: 817 KB - 1.91 MB

Downloadable Games
*flOw ($8.99 CDN)
*Ape Escape: On the Loose ($15.99 CDN)
Game Videos (free)
* God of War Chains of Olympus Trailer
* Ape Escape On the Loose behind the scenes #1
* Ape Escape On the Loose behind the scenes #2

PSP Wallpaper (free)
* Ape Escape On the Loose wallpaper
* Warriors Orochi Wallpaper (x6)

VEHICLES, TRACKS AND ADDITIONAL FEATURES CONFIRMED FOR GRAN TURISMO 5 FOR PS3

Famed Racing Franchise’s 5th Installment Will Include Over 60 Vehicles, Six Tracks and a Host of Additional Features for North American PLAYSTATION®3 Users

FOSTER City, Calif., March 6, 2008 – Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. (SCEA) announced today the robust vehicle roster, track list and a host of additional features for the April 17 North American availability of Gran Turismo™5 Prologue, exclusively on PLAYSTATION®3 (PS3™). Gran Turismo 5 Prologue is the latest installment of the billion dollar selling racing franchise and intense precursor to Gran Turismo™5. Headlining the roster of over 60 vehicles and 14 additional tuned cars is the Ferrari 599, the Nissan GT-R and the Audi R8 4.2 FSI R Tronic. Players can race these cars and many more around six meticulously rendered tracks, including Daytona International Speedway®, London City track and a series favorite, High Speed Ring. Furthermore, additional features will be available to North American consumers, including a Drift Mode, Car Tuning, two-player split screen racing and a new set of offline and online Race Events.

“This impressive vehicle lineup and the additional features that cater to North American racing fans are great compliments to Gran Turismo 5 Prologue’s stunning 1080p graphics and revolutionary online features,” said Scott A. Steinberg, vice president, product marketing, SCEA. “Fans are sure to be pleased with the first Gran Turismo product for sale on PLAYSTATION 3.”

Vehicle Roster

Acura NSX '91
Alfa Romeo 147 TI 2.0 TWIN SPARK '06
Alfa Romeo Brera Sky Window 3.2 JTS Q4 '06
Amuse S2000 GT1 Turbo
Amuse/Opera Performance Gran Turismo 350Z RS
Art Morrison Corvette'60
Aston Martin DB9 Coupe '06
Audi R8 4.2 FSI R tronic '07
Audi TT Coupe 3.2 quattro '07
Blitz Dunlop ER34 '07
BMW 135i Coupe '07
BMW 135tii '08
BMW M3 Coupe '07
BMW Z4 '03
Chevrolet Corvette Z06 (C6) Tuned Car
Chevrolet Corvette Z06 '06
Citroen C4 Coupe 2.0VTS '06
Clio Renault Sport V6 24V Tuned Car
Daihatsu Copen Active Top '02
Daihatsu OFC-1 '07
Dodge Viper GTS
Dodge Viper SRT10 Coupe
Dodge Viper SRT10 Coupe Tuned Car
Ferrari 512BB '76
Ferrari 599 '06
Ferrari F40 '92
Ferrari F430 '06
Ford Focus ST '06
Ford GT '05
Ford GT Tuned Car
Ford Mustang V8 GT Coupe Premium '07
Honda Integra TYPE R '04
Honda NSX Type R '02
Jaguar XK Coupe '06
Lancia Delta HF Integrale Evoluzione '91
Lexus IS F '07
Lexus IS F Tuned Car
Lotus Elise 111R '04
Lotus Elise 111R Tuned Car
Lotus Elise '96
Lotus Elise Tuned Car
Mazda Atenza Sport (2007 Tokyo Motor Show reference exhibit)
Mazda RX-7 (FD) Special Tuned Car
Mazda RX-7 Spirit R Type A (FD) '02
Mazda RX-7 Spirit R Type A (FD) Tuned Car
Mazda RX-8 Type S '03
Mercedes-Benz SL 55 AMG '02
Mine's BNR34 Skyline GT-R N1 base '06
Mini Cooper-S '06
Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution IX GSR '05
Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X GSR Premium Package '07
Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X GSR Tuned Car
Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution IX GSR Tuned Car
Nissan Fairlady Z Version S '07
Nissan GT-R '07
Nissan GT-R Proto '05
Nissan Skyline Coupe (V36) Tuned Car
Nissan Skyline Coupe 370GT Type SP '07
Nissan Skyline Coupe Concept '07
Nissan Skyline GT-R V-spec II Nur '02
Nissan Skyline Sedan 350GT Type SP '06
Peugeot 207GTI '07
Peugeot 307cc Premium AVN '04
RE Amemiya FD3S RX-7
Renault Clio Renault Sport V6 24V '00
Subaru Impreza Sedan WRX STI spec C Type RA '05
Subaru Impreza WRX STI (18inch BBS Wheel Option) '07
Suzuki Cappuccino '95
Suzuki Cappuccino Tuned Car
Suzuki Cervo SR '07
Suzuki Swift Sport '07
Suzuki Swift Sport Tuned Car
TVR Tamora '02
TVR Tuscan Speed 6 '00
Volkswagen Golf GTI '01
Volkswagen Golf V GTI '05

Track List

Gran Turismo 5 Prologue will feature six tracks, each with two track layouts.

Suzuka Circuit
Fuji Speedway
Daytona International Speedway®
Eiger Nordwand
London City Track
High Speed Ring

Gran Turismo 5 Prologue Additional Features for North America:

* Drift Mode – The player’s drifting technique is measured based on drift angles, racing lines, and speeds within evaluation zones located at various turns on the course.
* In Depth Car Tuning – Players have the ability to adjust the vehicle’s performance, including power, weight, tires and suspension.
* Two-player Split Screen Racing – Allows players to race head-to-head against friends and foes offline.
* New Race Events – New racing events and time trials are available for players to race both offline and online. Gran Turismo 5 Prologue supports up to 16 players racing online simultaneously.

Gran Turismo 5 Prologue will feature various innovative and revolutionary modes to harness the PS3’s capabilities while further developing an automotive lifestyle and global community. Among them is Gran Turismo™TV, a new dedicated online channel available exclusively from PLAYSTATION®Network that delivers worldwide motorsport programming and manufacturer content. A new in-cockpit view features real-time gauges and human animations that accurately represent the true performance and handling of each vehicle.

More dynamic and adjustable Artificial Intelligence, a user homepage called My Page and a new physics engine round out some of the other features players can expect in Gran Turismo 5 Prologue. To extend the realistic driving experience, Prologue is also compatible with the new DUALSHOCK®3 wireless controller, which has vibration functionality.

Gran Turismo 5 Prologue will be available for $39.99 CDN SRP on Blu-ray Disc™ (BD) and as a download via PLAYSTATION®Store (CDN price not available). The BD version will offer added value with an exclusive behind-the-scenes High Definition (HD) video feature called "Beyond the Apex".

The independent Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) rating for Gran Turismo 5 Prologue is “E” for “Everyone.” For more information about the ESRB visit www.esrb.org.

About Gran Turismo™

With more than 48 million units shipped worldwide, the award-winning Gran Turismo™ franchise for the PlayStation®, PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system and PLAYSTATION®3 is regarded as the best and most authentic driving simulation ever created due to its true-to-life graphics, authentic physics technology and design. Since the inception of the Gran Turismo franchise, famed creator Kazunori Yamauchi and Polyphony Digital Inc. in Japan have revolutionized the racing category as we know it today. Polyphony Digital’s offerings provide users with the most true-to-life driving simulation in the industry and a unique medium for automotive manufacturers to showcase their products.

Shipping my baby off in a coffin to Microsoft

With lightening speed, my coffin showed up today and so I packed my Xbox 360 up to go to the Purolator store. I hope Microsoft can fix it as fast as they send their fulfillment boxes.

Crappy thing is, my Xbox can still run movies from my computer through it, but the moment you launch any game, then the damn thing freezing and then red rings on reboot.

I stuck a note in for the Microsoft tech about that. I wanna make sure they fully test the darn it before sending it home. I figure they will but I don't want to get a call from them and have them tell me its fine, when its not.

Keep your fingers crossed for me, so hopefully I got a new machine altogether.

G4 Tech Correspondent Search

G4 is now looking for correspondents without boobs to host their tech related shows, which is nice and makes the last contest with the ladies not as bias as before. I still think that G4 should have done a contest for correspondents that allowed both genders to enter at the same time, but if G4 wants to do it this way that's fine.

Contestants have 30 days to enter on Got Cast.com and campaign for votes and then the top ten winners will be considered by G4 to be a host for their tech shows. Contestants have to post a bio, pictures and videos of themselves to help people vote for them.

I just hope all these contests means that G4 will be bringing new tech shows to their channels, because with only two decent tech shows, the American G4TV channel isn't that fun to watch. At least I have Electric Playground, Reviews on the Run, Torrent, CNET TV and The Lab with Leo to watch here on G4TechTV in Canada. :)

My Xbox 360 Red Ringed Today.

This morning I booted up the old Xbox 360 to play a few games and it decided to freeze on me during a one of those indie XBLA games. So I reboot and the game freezes on the start up screen. I reboot again and it suddenly freezes and then the red ring pops up.

I turned it off, waited a few moments and it worked. Pressed start on the title screen for Army of Two and the console red rings again. GOD DAMN IT!!!!!

So the coffin from Microsoft is on the way and I have nothing but my Wii, DS and PC to play on. I don't mind except I have to find another Xbox 360 to review Army of Two on and my bf is without a console to play on. I hope Flight Sim shows up soon, so he can play that on the PC at least.

Co-Creator of Dungeons & Dragons Passes Away Today

The official hasn't been passed down yet, but apparently the co-creator of the game, Dungeons & Dragons has passed away today. Gary Gaygax passed away at the age of 69. His son contacted the owners of Troll Lord Games, a company that publishes some of his books and then the news was posted in the forums.

Gary and David Anderson were basically the fathers of table top role-playing games and their game has spawned hundreds of companion books, 4 edition releases, quite a few videogames and a couple of movies. D&D also influenced hundreds of the RPGs in over the last 30 years or so.

Basically role-playing games wouldn't be if it weren't for D&D. Today I weep along side my fellow geeks as I mourn the loss of someone who got me through high school. Yes, I was a D&D geek and a White Wolf and Rifts geek too. I guess he rolled his last save.

Gary Gygax was survived by his wife and six children.

Goodbye Dungeon Master, we appreciate all the adventures and joy you've brought to all of us.

New Edition of Bully getting teachers up in arms

So apparently the teacher associations around the world are just waking up to the game, Bully and the stupid controversy that it caused the first time it came out. As usual the teacher associations and the 4 million teachers that they represent are claiming the game promotes bullying in schools, even though they actually haven't play the game to see what its really about. Most people see the name and a video or two and assume the game is all about bullying when its really about a former bully protecting the nerds from the bullies at his new school.

The CTF, which is spearheading the call for a ban on sales, says there is a link between violent video games and aggressive behaviour in children. (Some studies support this conclusion, while others do not.)

"What it does is it encourages kids to target other kids, to be a bully with other kids. This doesn't help us as teachers in the work that we're doing at school. It also targets teachers at the school as well," Ms. Noble said.

I'm probably the last person to defend violent videogames like GTA or Postal, but this isn't about stupid violent games, its about the first amendment. Whether there's a game promoting violence in schools or not, it doesn't matter, because Rockstar has the right to make that type of game. If you don't like a game fine, but don't tell other people not to play it or try to ban it, if you haven't even played the game yourself.

Monday, a spokesman noted that Bully won several awards and said critics are overreacting.

"As a matter of principle, we hope everyone starts off by saying, 'Okay, we know this is an entertainment experience,'" Rodney Walker said. "Video games are not just for children. This game happens to be about high school and it's a tough kid in a tough environment, but it's also one of the funniest games you will play. And if you don't have our sense of humour, we respect that, but we think that fans'… voice has to be at least as important as the detractors."

[Via Globe and Mail]

AWARD-WINNING FRANCHISE MAKES ITS DEBUT ON PSP® (PLAYSTATION®PORTABLE) WITH GOD OF WAR®: CHAINS OF OLYMPUS

Third Installment of the Multi-Million Unit Franchise is a Prequel to the Infamous Story of Kratos and his Epic Odyssey Against the Gods

FOSTER CITY, Calif., March 4, 2008 – Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. (SCEA) announced today the North American release of God of War®: Chains of Olympus, exclusively for PSP® (PlayStation® Portable). Collaboratively developed by Sony Computer Entertainment’s Worldwide Studios, Santa Monica Studio and Ready at Dawn® Studios, the acclaimed development team that brought you the best-selling Daxter™ for PSP, the highly-anticipated God of War: Chains of Olympus combines stunning graphics, intense action and an intricate new storyline that delivers yet another tale of epic proportions from the dark and brutal world of Greek Mythology.

Following in the footsteps of its predecessors, God of War: Chains of Olympus is set to deliver everything that fans have come to expect from the God of War franchise. With high fan anticipation and a 94% rating on GameRankings.com, supported with the following review scores from leading gaming media outlets: PlayStation the Official Magazine – 5/5 and the Editor’s Choice Award, Game Informer – 9/10 and the Handheld Game of the Month Award, Game Pro – 4.75/5 and the Editor’s Choice Award, IGN.com – 9.4/10 and the Editor’s Choice Award, 1Up.com – 9.5/10, and Gamezone.com – 9.5/10, God of War: Chains of Olympus is poised to set a new standard for PSP titles.

“God of War: Chains of Olympus is a stellar achievement that truly shows off the capabilities of PSP and fully demonstrates our efforts to bring highly-innovative and unique content to PSP,” said Jeff Reese, director, software marketing, SCEA. “If you’re a fan of the God of War universe or even just the action-adventure genre, God of War: Chains of Olympus delivers an epic gameplay experience and is a-must-own title.”

About God of War: Chains of Olympus

God of War: Chains of Olympus is a prequel to the first installment of the franchise, and begins with Kratos embarking on a journey across mysterious new environments that are engulfed in darkness and completely untouched by mortals. The Gods have been rendered powerless from the state of their world, leaving Kratos with only one choice – he must square off against the most vicious of demonic creatures from Greek Mythology and choose between saving his soul or the ancient world from imminent and total destruction.

Armed with a set of brand new combat moves, magics and weapons that compliment existing favorites, players must lead the Spartan Warrior through foreboding environments, while unraveling story-driven puzzles and battling creatures from the dark underworld. Packed with intense action, epic backdrops and set pieces, and a new captivating storyline, God of War: Chains of Olympus delivers an engaging gameplay experience from start to finish, emblematic to that which fans have come to expect and love of the franchise.

Retro Gaming Stickers: my secret stash

Small fact about my childhood: When I was in school, we had a different item to collect each year as a ongoing fad. Grade 5 it was marbles, Grade 6 it was stickers, Grade 7 it was pogs and in Grade s it was magic cards. I gave up on the fad collections once Magic: the Gathering cards started up, but I did fall into sticker, marble and pog fads.

Last night I was going through some old binders looking for a scrap book to use for my Pulse articles and I came across my old sticker books. Flipping through the pages I found a bunch of old videogame stickers for PacMan, Popeye and Mario Bros. I decided to scan them and post them for all my readers to see.

The top stickers actually came from Nintendo Power I think. I even found some old controller decals in my sticker book but they weren't that great, so I didn't scan them. Anyhoo, enjoy the retro goodies.

Review: Dragon Quest Swords: The Masked Queen and the Tower of Mirrors

Dragon Quest Swords: The Masked Queen and the Tower of Mirrors
Square Enix
Available for the Nintendo Wii

Dragon Quest Swords is basically the shell of an RPG with a bit of rail shooter and action game tossed in for something a little different, and though it may have looked good on paper, the concept fails to create a magical experience for DQ fans.

You play your stereotypical young hero setting off on his first journey into the big wide world full of monsters and as usual you are joined by your mentor, a royal and a hottie who help you battle the monsters along the way. As the story unfolds you discover the Queen has been entranced by a demon mask and you must free her from the spell and send the demon back into the depths of the unknown, before your kingdom is destroyed.

Each chapter gives you an area to venture out into where you must follow a set trail, much like a rail shooter, and on those paths there are groups of monster that attack you. While in battle mode, you must use your Wii remote like a sword to hack and slash at your enemies. Problem is if you hold the remote wrong, the strokes will miss and you lose points on your final score, but if you try and hold it right for perfect hits, you’ll waste time and end up dead a lot sooner.

Your battle companions, except for healers are pretty much useless if you don’t give them orders throughout the battle. If you give them a set attack command, they’ll hit once every 5 battles, but give them a heal command and they‘ll hit 3 or more times in one battle.



The graphics are probably the prettiest I’ve seen on the Wii since Twilight Princess, with its mix of cell shaded characters and beautiful rendered backgrounds. The characters’ voices are annoying at best with their horrible accents and repetitive in-game chatter. The dialog sounded like something out of a very bad production of a Medieval Times dinner show with all the thees and thous and afeareds. Is afeared even a word?

I wouldn’t suggest buying this game, especially since the game is about 20 hours in length, but don’t be afraid to rent it, if you’re a DQ fan. I honestly hope that Dragon Quest IX is amazing, because the last two DQ game weren’t spectacular and I’m starting to miss the DQ RPG format. There are enough rail shooters and Pokemon wannabes to go around Square Enix, so stop ruining such a great series with gimmicks.

Rating: 6 out of 10
Rent it