Advertisements  Everyone's favourite trashtalkin' Sony boss Ken Kutaragi has been called a "marketing genius" in an interesting post on the official Playstation forum. The writer explains Kutaragi's new status by pointing out an old strategy Sony are repeating by including the Blu-ray disc drive in the Playstation 3.The high price of the PS3 is daunting many people even before the console is released, but it is given perspective when compared with the current price of a standalone Blu-ray drive - which starts at in or around $2,000. With Sony's backing, the format has a big chance of becoming the standard in the next few years; Kutaragi's stroke of "genius" is that people will look at the PS3 and see a cut-price high-definition drive, much like the PS2 was seen as the cheapest DVD player you could buy when it was released. The post serves as a good intro to the whole world of high-def TV as well as heaping praise on our buddy Kutaragi, read the full thing below. It makes all sense now. Ken Kutaragi is a genius via The Console Wars Related: Kutaragi Justifies Expensive PS3 Kutaragi rounds up PS3 features, pricing still unclear More Kutaragi banter on PS3 pricing Kutaragi reiterates PS3 as a 'computer' I like Ken Kutaragi The Kraziness of Ken Kutaragi Kutaragi on PS3 backwards compatibility, more 360 attacks (14 June) PS3 Not a Toy, But a Linux Supercomputer Sony's Kutaragi: MS playing catch up with PS2? (10 June) Kutaragi: Microsoft Still Not a Blackbelt (2 June) Ken Kutaragi: PS3 An "Entertainment Supercomputer" (25 May) "Father of PlayStation" Ken Kutaragi (5 April) Discussion >> By Rob
 Cubed3.com has some more Revolution rumours to stir us up ahead of Nintendo actually saying something themselves. According to an anonymous tipster, the Revolution's controller will use technology that is currently on the market, and that's why the company have kept it heavily under wraps, fearing that Sony or Microsoft would nab their ideas if they were to reveal it too early: Apparently it will use technology that is already on the market, but a clever re-working of the idea. The revolution is to come in the way this is implemented, taking the idea of the DS and expanding upon it greatly. He tells gamers to think along the lines of turning a TV into a large touch-screen in a similar way to how Duck Hunt used to work! Then mix in the idea of gyroscopes and apparently we will all be shocked. Check out the article and new images Related: Sega boss talks Revolution Revolution images nothing more than trickery Nintendo Revolution Tech Demo Screens? Another Nintendo Revolution Pic Hits the Web Revolution Controller "Big Gun" Hidden From Devs? EA snub Revolution? Nintendo Revolution "Deepthroat" Dropping Hints? Wireless Router For Nintendo Revolution, DS? Revolution To Be Much Cheaper than Xbox 360, PS3 Discussion >> By Rob
 **Updated Below**Engadget has been emailed an explanation on how to get homebrew code running on the PSP 2.0 firmware. It looks like Sony missed something fairly obvious when they tried to shore up the security holes; the method involves simply putting the unofficial code into a folder called Update. The console is fooled into thinking you're updating the PSP and allows you to run the code. Head over to Engadget for the full instructions: this will not update you psp this is for 2.00 version psp only. The 2.00 psp will only read the file UPDATE as not corrupt any other file name in the game folder will read as corrupt. That is why the folder is named UPDATE and the security of the 2.00 psp will only read updates. and the updates have to be higher then 2.00 so that is why it reads as psp version update 2.10 which is fake. This will not update your psp. This is only for 2.00 psp. I’m not responsible for your psp breaking. this is not a update and is only for 2.00 pspa update to not be corrupt. I also have a video of this working in the video you can see me filming with my bad digital camera showing you the version 2.00 the wallpaper function and the web browser the me going to the game file and running the homebrew New PSP Browser Reviewed New PSP Update "Tough Cookie To Crack" (28 July) PSPouch for PSP McRae and TOCA join PSP launch PSP Hacks and Mods List Discussion >> By Rob
 Vivendi have announced the demo for F.E.A.R. is available to download now. The single-player demo includes one level to give a taste of the game before it's released this October.Also announced were the final system specs that will be required to play; a 1.7 GHz processor, 512MB of RAM and 64 MB GeForce 4 Ti or ATI Radeon 9600 or equivalent are minimum requirements. To play as the game is intended, a 3.0GHz processor, 1GB of RAM and a 256 Radeon 9800 Pro or equivalent are recommended. Download the demo (662MB) - View the full list of specs Related: WhatisFear.com F.E.A.R. Beta Slots Up For Grabs Vivendi pushes F.E.A.R. release forward? (23 June) F.E.A.R. Hands-on F.E.A.R. among CNN's six games to watch this Christmas Discussion >> By Rob
 Highly-placed sources in the U.K. games industry have told the respected Gamesindustry.biz that the Xbox 360 will launch in Europe on the 25th of November, with the U.S. launch a few days earlier.Microsoft are expected to make the official announcement at the German Games Convention in Leipzig on the 17th of this month. The sources also say that Microsoft are not 100% certain on the price of the console at this stage, and recent comments by Ken Kutaragi that the rival PS3 will be "expensive" may sway the company to raise their price. While no concrete price was mentioned by the sources, they said a whopping £299 Sterling (about €430, $530) was "looking more likely" after Sony's recent announcements: "The original plan was UKP 249, but now that Sony is talking about the PS3 being expensive, UKP 299 is looking more likely," according to one source - although it was admitted that this pricing is a "best guess" based on information from Microsoft, not an official figure by any means. MS: PS3 Won't be Affordable in Normal Households Kutaragi Justifies Expensive PS3 PS3 most expensive console ever/Xbox 360 shortages? PS3 pricing speculation continues 'Win My E3 Faceplate contest' winners announced Leaked Xbox 360 Photos Xbox 360: $299, According to Wal-Mart Half Life 3 coming to Xbox 360? Attachable Keyboard for Xbox 360 Controller? Bill Gates Plays Up Xbox 360 Head-Start Designing the Xbox 360 User Interface PS2 Pricecut Trick for Xbox 360 Launch? Discussion >> By Rob
 Microsoft have criticized Sony for planning on releasing the PS3 at a price that will be unaffordable in normal households, but recent remarks from Ken Kutaragi give some justification for the high price. The Sony boss explained that the PS3 will be packed with HDTV features from its very launch so that it will be able to live 10 years in the market, the reasoning being that consumers will get years out of the console before they need to buy something new: We're currently shifting from standard TVs to HD TVs. But in the next couple of years, most flat-panel TVs will be full HD. We're releasing the PS3 with full HD features from the start so that consumers won't have to buy another version of the console in the future. For the same reason, we're using Blu-ray as the PS3's disc format. MS: PS3 Won't be Affordable in Normal Households Bill Gates: Xbox 360, PS3 Both "Ferrari's" PS3, Linux or Tiger? PS3 pricing speculation continues Juicy PS3 Details in PSM Mag PS2 Pricecut Trick for Xbox 360 Launch? Discussion >> By Rob
 It appears that Ridge Racer 6 will be one of the launch titles for the Xbox 360, at least according to Namco.They've sent out a release giving some details on the online aspect of the game, and state that the game "will be available for the Xbox 360 at launch in North America". The first inkling that RR6 would be a 360 launch title came with its listing for a Fall 2005 release on a recent list from Namco. The rest of the new press release explains that players will be able to compete in online races through Xbox Live, and that a world-wide leaderboard will be available that you can upload your personal scores to. Gamers will also be able to download content like new cars through Xbox Live, or download "ghost data" that lets you virtually race against your friends when they're not online. Related: Ridge Racer 6 for Xbox 360 Launch? Ridge Racer 6 screenshots Discussion >> By Rob
 If playing the 40-odd Atari 2600 games pre-installed on the Flashback 2 just isn't nostalgic enough and you want to use the genuine old-school cartridges, a handy how-to is now available to do just that.With a few components and a lot of soldering, you can add a port that will accept the cartridges, though be warned that the "cosmetic" part of the article hasn't been completed yet and the port will look much like the image on the right when you're finished. It also goes without saying that you should read the disclaimer at the start of the article before you go hacking open your console. Hacking the Atari Flashback 2 Console - Cartridge Port Mod via Kotaku Related: Atari Flashback 2 To Include Activision, Homebrew Games Atari Flashback 2 (19 May GREAT GAMES NEVER GO OUT OF STYLE: ATARI FLASHBACK 2.0 ANNOUNCED (April '05) Original Atari Flashback console: Atari 7800 experience Discussion >> By Rob
 Gamespot has a translation of a recent interview Microsoft's Peter Moore gave to Famitsu, in which he talked some Xbox 360.He reiterated the Microsoft strategy of expanding the games industry out to non-gamers with the Xbox 360; the company plan to appeal to a much wider market than the core of 18-34 year old males, and have a grand goal of reaching one billion customers with the console. In contrast, he said Sony's strategy seems to be to make gaming even more exclusive than it currently is by selling the Playstation 3 at a very high price, unaffordable in normal households: When asked how he felt about Sony Computer Entertainment and its PlayStation 3, Moore said that most consumers believe the Xbox 360 and PS3 to be similar in terms of their hardware and market strategy. However, Moore believes otherwise. He explained that Microsoft's main concern with the Xbox 360 is to expand the gaming industry's gamer population. After listening to SCE president Ken Kutaragi speak on the PS3, he believes that SCE is trying to push the industry into a different direction. Moore emphasized that the PS3's price won't be affordable to normal households. 'Win My E3 Faceplate contest' winners announced Leaked Xbox 360 Photos Xbox 360: $299, According to Wal-Mart Half Life 3 coming to Xbox 360? Attachable Keyboard for Xbox 360 Controller? Bill Gates Plays Up Xbox 360 Head-Start Designing the Xbox 360 User Interface PS2 Pricecut Trick for Xbox 360 Launch? Discussion >> By Rob
 Another fascinating concept come to life, in the form of Nintendo pads turned musicians. Developed by a group calling themselves 'Recyclism', they have created a gadget that transforms regular retro Nes controllers into musical instruments.The project is called 'RES' (Recycling Entertainment System), and the controllers all plug into a black box which gives a person the ability to create some awesome sounds. You can check out four videos over in the project section of the Recyclism site. Following on from my previous post about the work of Recyclism (Benjamin Gaulon) and my previous posts about game controllers as instruments, I introduce you to The Res® (Recycling Entertainment System). 6 NES controllers, midi signals and Max/MSP allow players to jam together WoodCube - Super-Nintendo, Playstation and N64 (28 04 05) Nintendo Revolution images nothing more than trickery Nintendo Revolution Tech Demo Screens? Another Nintendo Revolution Pic Hits the Web Revolution Controller "Big Gun" Hidden From Devs? EA snub Revolution? Nintendo Revolution "Deepthroat" Dropping Hints? Discussion >> By Gary
 More PS3 news coming in, a recent article on Sony's website confirmed a few key features, while remaining on the fence with others. The article reiterates Kutaragi's vision of a super-computer, of course the PS3 will be quite the capable games machine, but the article stresses certain 'PC' like features such as video and photo editing, which will be standard features on the next Playstation.Also, more hints that the PS3 may indeed run a Linux or Mac OS, as the article states Sony is still yet undecided on the operating system. The operating system has also yet to be clarified. The integrated Cell processor will be able to support a variety of operating systems (such as Linux or Apple's Tiger). PS3 pricing speculation continues Juicy PS3 Details in PSM Mag PS2 Pricecut Trick for Xbox 360 Launch? New PSP Browser Reviewed Another Nintendo Revolution Pic Hits the Web Revolution Controller "Big Gun" Hidden From Devs? EA snub Revolution? Attachable Keyboard for Xbox 360 Controller? Discussion >> By Gary
 Over on the official Nintendo website, they have posted an interview conducted by Nintendo Power magazine with Simon Jeffrey, President of Sega. Jeffrey talks about old Sega classics and the possibility of porting some games over to the GamCube and indeed the Nintendo Revolution console. Not giving too much detail away, when asked about a possible joint venture with Nintendo and its next-gen console, the Sega boss said: Well, there's nothing that we can talk about at this point in time. But there's absolutely nothing to rule it out, either. (Wry smile) NP also delve into the continuing success of Sonic the hedgehog and ask Jeffrey why exactly has the speedy hedghod stood the test of time when so many others have fallen behind and sometimes even slipped out of peoples' minds altogether.It's classic character design. It's the same as the Looney Tunes characters or the Disney characters that were created back in the '40's and '50's. So much thought and process went into building Sonic originally back in those days. Many of the other characters that came out of the 16-bit era were created in very a reactionary way. Game companies saw how well Sonic was doing, saw how well Mario was doing, and then they all decided they have to have the cute, woodland critter game. There wasn't really a whole lot of thought process that went into creating those characters. Sonic has, as a franchise, been very, very scientifically and creatively evolved, really. And so each iteration of the Sonic franchise has had a lot of thought and care and attention and love put into it. So itÂs really about that. It's maintaining the integrity of the original character rather than just exploiting and diluting what Sonic is all about. Revolution images nothing more than trickery Nintendo Revolution Tech Demo Screens? Another Nintendo Revolution Pic Hits the Web Revolution Controller "Big Gun" Hidden From Devs? EA snub Revolution? Nintendo Revolution "Deepthroat" Dropping Hints? Wireless Router For Nintendo Revolution, DS? Revolution To Be Much Cheaper than Xbox 360, PS3 Discussion >> By Gary
 Good old 1up.com examines the common cliches we as gamers are all too familiar with . Everything, from the predictable end boss, a damsel in distress, box or crate that you know is breakable.Exploding barrels steal the number one spot, while pushing crates out of the way comes up the rear in 2nd place with even bullet-time registering on the list. Has it been that long since bullet-time? Fans of tired old gaming conventions, rejoice! After nearly 200 issues of gaming goodness, we've noticed that the more things change, the more they stay the same. This month, we're talking big heads, big breasts, and big explosive barrels—oh my!—in our roundup of the the most tired gaming clichés (and even listing some surprise offenders). As always, bring your complaints to the EGM message boards. By Gary
 Star Wars legend George Lucas recently made an appearance at the Association for Computing Machinery's Special Interest Group where he made a speech on the importance of AI in games. The producer stressed the importance of speech recognition in order to really draw gamers into a more immersive experience while gaming.to a point where you can talk to a game and it will talk back Lucas said.Hoping for a graduate degree in AI myself, I hope more people in the industry start to agree with him, so that I might have a nice video game job out of college. Personal bias aside, how would you rank the importance of AI in games today? How much more would like to see? Or, if none of those, what is your funniest experience with bad AI (i.e. a bot that ran straight into a corner and never left)? LucasArts to Showcase Star Wars Battlefront II at DigitalLife Event Lucas targets TV, live-action Star Wars series 'Star Wars' used to blast kidney tumours Discussion >> By Gary
 It seems the Chinese government is going on an all out assault on so-called 'violent games'. Chinese gamers under the age 18 will no longer be able to play their favourite games online if it is possible to kill another player in the game. Under new plans announced by China's Ministry of Culture (MOC) and Ministry of Information Industry, online game operators have been ordered to create identity authentication systems that will prevent minors from playing games that contain so called 'Player Kills' (PK). Gamers will be forced to enter digits from their Citizen ID Card before being let into their games.Minors should not be allowed to play online games that have PK content, that allow players to increase the power of their own online game characters by killing other players," Liu Shifa, head of the MOC's Internet Culture Division, which drafts policies governing the online gaming market, told Interfax. "Online games that have PK content usually also contain acts of violence and leads to players spending too much time trying to increase the power of their characters. They are harmful to young people. 1.5 million people play WoW in China Discussion >> By Gary
 THQ have confirmed that the endlessly-delayed S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Shadow of Chernobyl will not see a release until April 2006 at the earliest.The reason given for the delay is the busy period gameswise we'll see at the end of this year, and that the company want to give it the best chance possible to succeed by making sure there's "enough time in the oven for it". S.T.A.L.K.E.R in April 06 or later Related: S.T.A.L.K.E.R. website Oblivion-lost.com - #1 S.T.A.L.K.E.R. Source No S.T.A.L.K.E.R. For 2005 (8 July) GSC Game World - developer THQ S.T.A.L.K.E.R. - Live From Chernobyl Zone (1 June) Stalker dx9 trailer - The toughest enemy (16 May) 17 New S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Shadow of Chernobyl Movies (21 April) Discussion >> By Rob
 Capcom have announced that the Playstation 2 version of the acclaimed Resident Evil 4 will hit the shelves in the U.S. on the 25th of October this year, with the European release slightly later on the 4th of November. Eurogamer reports that the game is "surprisingly close to the GameCube original", though some compromises were made; namely the texturing in the PS2 version will be slightly less rich than its GameCube counterpart, and the facial detail will also be slightly reduced. A wave of previews in print magazines is also expected for the last week of this month. Eurogamer: Resident Evil 4 PS2 dates set Related: Official Capcom site for Resident Evil 4 Official Resident Evil Portal More Resident Evil 5 Details Resident Evil 5 Trailer Hits The Web (21 July) Resident Evil 5 Announced for PS3, Xbox 360 (20 July) Original Resident Evil Coming To Nintendo DS? Two More Resident Evil Movies? (14 June) Resident Evil 4 Bowls Over Half-Million Mark (9 June) Discussion >> By Rob
 A playable demo has been released for Dungeon Siege 2, the upcoming hack-and-slash RPG from Gas Powered Games.The demo includes a tutorial section up to the Elven Shrine area of the Mercenary campaign and some intro movies for the game. The file also comes in at a whopping 1.4 Gb so it will take some time to download. Gamingstation.com has some mirrors where the demo can be downloaded, and system reqs and other info are available on Worthplaying.com Related: Official site for Dungeon Siege II Gas Powered Games Dungeon Siege II Interview Liotta to star in Dungeon Seige movie Gas Powered Games Announce Supreme Commander (22 June) Discussion >> By Rob
 Shacknews has two more high-res Quake IV screenshots to drool over as we wait for the game to be released. One shows two close-up character models, while the other shows a mechanised unit in battle. Check out the new screens here The game is being developed by Raven Software in co-operation with id Software, and is due to be released for PC and Xbox 360 later this year. Related: Teaser website for Quake IV Quake IV Trailer Raven Software id Software A Look At The Characters of Quake IV Will Quake 4 Run On Your Machine? Quake Coming to a Mobile Near You Quake 4: Storyline Details Emerge Discussion >> By Rob
 Codemasters has announced that Colin McRae and TOCA, destined for the PSP, will now be joining a Long list of other games on the European release date for the Sony portable games console on September 1st.Colin McRae is set to keep the trend fans of the rally game have come to expect, retaining all previous features and even the ability to play up to 8 people wireless multiplayer races. TOCA will also be sporting wireless multiplayer support, while holding true all the features of the PS2 version. In TOCA you get to race a variety of vehicle classes including Open Wheel Grand Prix, Super Truck racing, Rally, Rallycross, Ice-Racing, Formula Ford, Classic Racing, Convertible racing, Street Racing, Stockcar Oval Racing, GT Racing, Performance Cars, DTM and V8 Supercars. You can compete in over 30 championships spanning the globe, from Chicago to Europe on 52 circuits, including Laguna Seca and Hockenheim. As with Colin McRae, you also get a sharable demo and wireless replay sharing. Unfortunately, neither Colin nor TOCA feature single-game-disc multiplayer. New PSP Browser Reviewed New PSP Update "Tough Cookie To Crack" Gamesindustry: Sony launches PSP web browser update (27 July) Sony unloads over 5 million PSPs worldwide Blizzard Planning Diablo, Starcraft for DS/PSP? Free Worldwide Shipping Offer For PSP, Nintendo DS Discussion >> By Gary
 TimesOnline.co.uk recently scored an interview with the creator of Pacman, Toru Iwatani. They reminisce on the classic yellow hero who has stood the test of time, with his 25th birthday not long ago, Pacman is what gaming legends are made of.The original idea behind the game was inspired by a slice of pizza. Iwatani sits down and tells the whole story, starting exactly 26½ years ago when a 24-year-old Namco programmer strolled into a now demolished restaurant in central Tokyo, called Shakeys. It was here that he ordered the marguerita pizza that, with one slice removed, provided the visual inspiration for Pac-Man's famous profile. Pac-Man Guitar for the retro gamer/musician Pac-Man smashes Guinness Book of World Records Pac Man's 25th Birthday, And We Salute Him Discussion >> By Gary
 EA has announced its 'Bond Girl' for the upcoming 'From Russia with Love' game. Pop star Natasha Bedingfield will be lending her voice and her likeness to the character 'Elizabeth Stark', daughter of the Prime Minister.The game is set in the original 60's Bond era featuring movie based missions as well as original action-intensive sequences, a broad and deep variety of gameplay and fully integrated vehicles," said Jon Rissik, Senior Marketing Director EA Europe. "Natasha Bedingfield is an exceptional British talent and was a natural choice for this part. The game will of course be starring none other than the original Bond from the film of the same name (Connery), plus Maria Menounos from Fantastic Four.You may remember they've done this before - squeezing a digital Kelly Brook into Need For Speed Underground 2. It is, of course, all about securing pre-release coverage in the mainstream press. And I've fallen right into their despicable trap. Related: From Russia With Love screens Official website Discussion >> By Gary
 Playstation 3 pricing speculation has been thrown back into centre-field as recent comments from Nividia chief executive Jen-Hsun Huang stir up some talk, when the Nvidia heavyweight compared his firm's new approach to graphics card pricing to Sony's PS2 plans.Komical-Kutaragi has maintained a stance of 'the PS3 will be expensive' throughout E3 and beyond, suggesting he wants his next-gen console to be something people are willing to work overtime to afford. In a recent interview over at Beyond3d, Huang's response to questioning over pricing of Nvidia's new 7800 graphics card was: We need to price it at a level the enthusiasts will buy it at, that's the way that we think about pricing. NVIDIA boss on PS3 pricing plans Related: Juicy PS3 Details in PSM Mag PS2 Pricecut Trick for Xbox 360 Launch? New PSP Browser Reviewed Another Nintendo Revolution Pic Hits the Web Revolution Controller "Big Gun" Hidden From Devs? EA snub Revolution? Attachable Keyboard for Xbox 360 Controller? Discussion >> By Gary
 Major Nelson has announced the winners of the Xbox 360 'Win My E3 Faceplate contest' competition recently held on his blog.Nelson and a group from the Xbox 360 design team were at hand to judge the 1,200 entries but alas, there can be only one and that is 'No Sleep' pictured above. The runner up was 'Choco 360' You can check out all the entries (some of which ooze creativity) over on flickr. After much debate, and weeks of discussionÂ
I am pleased to announce the winner of the ÂWin My E3 Faceplate contest. There were over 1,200 entries in the contest, all of which you can view up on the Xbox 360 Flickr group that I created. I first want to thank everyone for their hard work. The designs that you created were amazing. Everyone at Xbox (and across Microsoft) is amazed at the creativity and talent we have in the communityÂ
nice work everyone! Thanks to the Xbox Design team who took time out of their hectic days to help judge! Leaked Xbox 360 Photos Xbox 360: $299, According to Wal-Mart Half Life 3 coming to Xbox 360? Attachable Keyboard for Xbox 360 Controller? Bill Gates Plays Up Xbox 360 Head-Start Designing the Xbox 360 User Interface PS2 Pricecut Trick for Xbox 360 Launch? Discussion >> By Gary
 A group of protestors, calling themselves the "Peaceoholics", made their way to Rockstar Games' offices in New York. The youth-group were giving out about a game Rockstar have not yet even released, 'Bully'. These people know absolutely nothing about the game (outside of its title) yet they have felt it appropriate to stand outside Rockstar's offices chanting "Hey hey, ho ho, Rockstar Games has got to go." Some of the signs carried by the gang said "Put the cuffs on Rockstar, not youth", and "Prosecute Rockstar Games, they are felons", as if to suggest that the games developer is somehow responsible for mentally deficient teens and young-adults. Rockstar describe "Bully" as: a game where players take the role of a "troublesome schoolboy" who "stands up to bullies, gets picked on by teachers, plays pranks on malicious kids, wins or loses the girl, and ultimately learns to navigate the obstacles of the fictitious reform school." Although the game is expected to get a Mature (M) rating, there is no official word just yet and very little is actually known about the game's storyline, other than what Rockstar has told us.Either way, this is hardly the kind of publicity the New York-based developer would care for at such a time when "Hot Coffee" is spilling all over the place. Politicians have been tainted by the controversial beverage (via one controversial lawyer) and it has been a troubling few months for Rockstar North and parent company Take Two. Although the game is not yet rated (an M for Mature tag seems a certainty) and Rockstar has revealed next to nothing about the actual gameplay, Bully has already made some waves. Given the developer's history with controversial titles and the lasting taboo of violence in a school setting ever since the Columbine High School shootings, it's a safe bet this won't be the last bit of protest directed Rockstar's way over its latest offering. Thompson bullies Rockstar over upcoming game Complete Ban on GTA: San Andreas in Australia Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. Announces Federal Trade Commission Inquiry(26 July) Did Rockstar damage the gaming industry? Federal Investigation to Reheat Hot Coffee Clinton Statement Praises ESRB, Smacks Rockstar Rockstar Admit Percolating Hot Coffee Discussion >> By Gary
 Extremetech.com runs through the known features of Windows next OS, and looks at Microsoft's emphasis on games this time around.As they sat down to design the new OS, the company looked at exactly what people spend most of their time doing on Windows PC's. As it turned out, 35.5% is spent browsing the Web and surprisingly, the number two activity at 18% is gaming. So in Vista, Games will get its own listing alongside Computer, Pictures, Music and Documents in the Start menu. Clicking it opens the new Games Explorer, which will act much like Windows Media Player by displaying the box art for your installed games, as well as data like publisher, title and ESRB rating: The Games Explorer is also where you'll go to set parental controls for games. You can limit each user account to only playing games with a certain ESRB rating, but you can get a lot more granular if you wish. You may want to let your child play games with brief nudity, but not realistic blood and gore, for instance. There's a long list of descriptors that fit in with the ESRB content descriptors that accompany the ratings. When a game is locked out, you won't get any information other than its title, and even the box art is hidden. Vista and gaming, a winning combination? Discussion >> By Rob
 The first wave of acceptance emails have been sent out for the Alpha test of Dungeons & Dragons Online, the MMO port of the classic fantasy game.The game has been in development by Turbine Entertainment for over two years, and is scheduled for release later this year. The Alpha test marks the first chance the public has had to try out the game, and the company plan to gradually let more and more players into the closed test. To be among the first to try it out, sign up for the test here; Turbine have said that they give preference to members of the D&D Online community forums, so it might boost your chances to sign up there as well. Related: Dungeons & Dragons Online official site Screenshots TurbineGames.com Gamespot D&D Online preview Like D&D? Don't Apply to Join the Israeli Army Discussion >> By Rob
 Tomb Raider: Legend, the seventh instalment in the long-running series, is to make its world premiere at the German Games Convention in Leipzig later this month.For the first time, attendees will be able to get a hands-on impression of the game with playable demos on the show floor. The game made a behind closed-doors appearance at the E3 back in May. As well as showing off the game, producers will be on hand to answer questions from fans at the conference, which runs from the 17th to the 21st of August. The game is being developed for the Xbox, Xbox 360, PS2 and PSP and was due for release at the end of this year, but it may not see a release until 2006. Tomb Raider: Legend gets world premiere at Leipzig Related: TombRaider.com Tomb Raider: Legend trailers Tomb Raider site updated; new screens and interview Angelina Jolie not voicing Croft in 'Legend' Saucy Tomb Raider: Legend screens surface Tomb Raider's Djimon Hounsou and Bono to tackle poverty Discussion >> By Rob
 The Daily Mirror is reporting that rap star Eminem has some games-specific demands for the venues he will hit on his upcoming tour. The dressing rooms must be turned into fully-equipped games parlours with an "arcade-style ambience":The singer insists that his play room - which has to "comfortably accommodate eight persons" - is kitted-out with full-sized electronic games, a monster TV with PlayStation, ping-pong table and basketball hoop. What no Toy Soldiers? Vivendi Hint at 50 Cent and Scarface Sequels 50 Cent: Bulletproof, Official Trailer 50 Cent Game revealed, Gangster style Discussion >> By Rob
 Capcom's Jun Takeuchi has given a new interview with Famitsu magazine, giving some more details on Resident Evil 5. The main points are: · The production is still in the early stages, and storyline details are still up in the air. · The game is to include real physics; Takeuchi mentioned Epic's Unreal 3 as a possible provider. · RE5 is to be a sequel to the main storyline threaded through the series, in contrast to the side-story diversion of part 4. · The framerate is to be doubled from previous games in the series to 60fps. · The gameplay won't be too linear; Takeuchi pointed to Half-Life 2 as a good example of this, but didn't say RE5 would take an identical approach. Also revealed in the interview is the extraordinary amount of detail put into the recently-released RE5 trailer; the developers painstakingly created models for the muscles and teeth of the main character to achieve realistic facial expressions. Takeuchi declined to say whether or not the character is indeed Chris Redfield, the hero of the original Resident Evil. Takeuchi talks Resident Evil 5 Related: Resident Evil 5 Trailer Hits The Web (21 July) Resident Evil 5 Announced for PS3, Xbox 360 (20 July) Official Resident Evil Portal Original Resident Evil Coming To Nintendo DS? Two More Resident Evil Movies? (14 June) Resident Evil 4 Bowls Over Half-Million Mark (9 June) Discussion >> By Rob
 The official list of releases Namco have lined up for the U.S. this year has started speculation that the sixth Ridge Racer will be one of the launch titles for the Xbox 360.No release date was given for the game when it was recently announced, but Namco's list has it pencilled in for a Fall 2005 release: The Ridge Racer franchise has been a mainstay for Sony's PlayStation format since 1994 after a previously successful stint in video arcades. A launch on Xbox 360 would be an obvious coup for Microsoft, but there's still no confirmation that the game's exclusive. PS2 Pricecut Trick for Xbox 360 Launch? Leaked Xbox 360 Photos Xbox 360: $299, According to Wal-Mart Half Life 3 coming to Xbox 360? Attachable Keyboard for Xbox 360 Controller? Bill Gates Plays Up Xbox 360 Head-Start Designing the Xbox 360 User Interface Discussion >> By Rob
 Jack Thompson could have another game to bash next month with the release of Eidos Interactive's Total Overdose: A Gunslinger's Tale in Mexico. According to Gamespot, the game takes its cues from Thompson's current favourite, Grand Theft Auto. Players will be able to hijack cars, mow down enemies and generally roam about looking for trouble:The tongue-in-cheek game will feature a variety of special moves, such as wall climbs, flips, and pirouettes with dual-wielded submachine guns. Gamers can also listen to a Latin-infused rock soundtrack while exploring various Mexican locations hunting unlockables. Thompson bullies Rockstar over upcoming game Jack Thompson after Sims 2 'nudity' Jack Thompson Goes Head-to-Head (6 June) Background information on Jack Thompson Jack Thompson's stopkill.com Discussion >> By Rob
 Ok, this looks like pure fun and the dream of any Mario fan out there. Joystiq are linking to a demonstration of Super Mario Brothers in virtual reality. I have included the video link to the demonstration below. This virtual reality setup was created by students from Carnegie Mellon University. After putting on the virtual helmet and starting the game, you must move your hands up and down to make Mario run, then to jump you simply put one hand in the air. It looks like the bloke is really enjoying it, as are the onlookers. Virtual Reality Mario Brother Demostration Related: Super Mario World OST by one-man band Engineers pay tribute to Mario in massive art display Next 3D Mario Coming to Revolution Mario Techno Tune Climbs Japanese Charts Nintendo nut sells out Discussion >> By Gary
 Chess/Doom 3 fans will be happy to know that someone has taken the time to create a chess game based around the popular shooter by id Software. The board appears to be floating amid the Mars environment that Doom 3 was infamous for.What I have released here is 12+ hours of work. The idea was to make a chess-themed DM map with static pieces, but then I decided to take it a step further to see if this concept was feasible. In a beta build, I'd make the board about 125% its present size, to allow easier maneuvering of the pieces. Doom ported to calculators Carmack Tackles DOOM For Cell Phones Igniq Doom 3 Mods list Discussion >> By Gary
 Gamespot will be getting their hands on a single-player sample of the upcoming F.E.A.R. game at the end of the week. The good news is, everyone will be able to give their own eager hands a piece of the action (huh?) as Gamespot will be making the demo available through their download service, DLX. The game was developed by Monolith Productions and the official demo will be released by Vivendi Universal on Friday. In the game you play a new recruit, thrown in to investigate strange activities in a compound. F.E.A.R. is apparently set to scare the pants of even the hardest veteran gamer. If you thought Doom 3 was scary, then you might want to sit this one out. The full game is slated for release to PC on October 11th with an M (mature) rating. F.E.A.R. (First Encounter Assault Recon) is a spooky paranormal-themed FPS focused on an elite task force sent to investigate some unusual doings in a strange compound. As a new recruit, gamers will be thrown into the fire with an experienced team against unusual enemies led by a psychically enhanced defector. The horror aspect is further compounded by in-game hallucinations ("The walls are bleeding!") and Shining-like little girls running through the corridors. F.E.A.R. Beta Slots Up For Grabs Vivendi pushes F.E.A.R. release forward? (23 June) F.E.A.R. Hands-on F.E.A.R. among CNN's six games to watch this Christmas Discussion >> By Gary
 Some recent posts concerning pictures of Nintendo's next-gen console have turned out (big surprise?) to indeed be the work of photoshop. First posted by a fan on the newsgrounds message boards, when the poster claimed to have seen Nintendo's next-gen controller. The news was then picked up by Joystiq, but the submitter later confessed to some photoshop shenanigans.The next trickery came in the form of purported screenshots of a tech-demo, apparently being rendered on the Nintendo console, but this later has been confirmed as nothing more than images taken from a render gallery using Splutterfish Brazil rendering software. With this most recent information debunked, there still remains no true public representation of Revolution's controller or indeed the visuals it can produce, beyond a modest demo shown at this year's E3. With information still sparse, it is hoped that Nintendo president, Satoru Iwata, will confirm more details about the machine at the forthcoming Tokyo Game Show this September. Nintendo Revolution Tech Demo Screens? Another Nintendo Revolution Pic Hits the Web Revolution Controller "Big Gun" Hidden From Devs? EA snub Revolution? Nintendo Revolution "Deepthroat" Dropping Hints? Wireless Router For Nintendo Revolution, DS? Revolution To Be Much Cheaper than Xbox 360, PS3 Nintendo's E3 Interactive Floor Display Classic Nintendo titles remade on Revolution? (23 June) Revolution Controller Mockups Gallery Discussion >> By Gary
 Apparently the Chinese government, seeing the rapid rise of online play by its game-nut nation, has decided to do some serious investing to capitalize on this constantly growing market. Reports are coming in suggesting that over a billion pounds (15bn China Yuan/$1.8 bn) is set to be invested in studios across the country, in order to create games to meet the demand of their online gaming community. Over the last six months alone, it has been estimated that gamers in China have spent upwards of four billion yuan ($483m/£273m) on items for the lives they live while they're online. Experts in the region have been keenly watching the region's rapid uptake of online games - and Internet use in general - over the last six months. During that time it has been estimated that gamers have spent about four billion yuan ($483m/£273m) on items for their online alter egos. The Chinese government reported that the total number of internet users in the country was up nine million to 103 million in the same time period. And, famously, World Of Warcraft debuted in June and its subscription rate ramped up so quickly that Chinese users accounted for almost 45 per cent of the user base after just a month. So it's easy to see why China would want its native online games market to be buoyed by home grown content generating profits from local cash flow. Juicy PS3 Details in PSM Mag PS2 Pricecut Trick for Xbox 360 Launch? New PSP Browser Reviewed Another Nintendo Revolution Pic Hits the Web Revolution Controller "Big Gun" Hidden From Devs? EA snub Revolution? Attachable Keyboard for Xbox 360 Controller? Discussion >> By Gary
 A one-man band has crafted together the entire Super Mario World soundtrack using all the different instruments. Playing each instrument himself, he constructed the entire game piece by piece.The files are hosted over at Archive.org, go check it out. The complete soundtrack to Super Mario World Related: Engineers pay tribute to Mario in massive art display Next 3D Mario Coming to Revolution Mario Techno Tune Climbs Japanese Charts Nintendo nut sells out Haunted NES For Sale On eBay (15th March 05) New eBay Auction - Haunted SNES (19th March 05) Micro-Sized NES Controller Giant NES Controller NES Controller Belt Buckle Discussion >> By Gary
 Next-gen.biz is reporting that the new GameBoy Micro will see a Japanese release on the 13th of September, the 20th anniversary of the release of Super Mario Bros. on the Famicom. Unfortunately, the report hasn't been confirmed by Nintendo yet so it should be treated as rumour. Nintendo unveiled GameBoy Micro with a surprise announcement at the E3 back in May. The tiny console will feature the brightest handheld screen ever produced by the company, and will be marketed towards the "image conscious" gamer when it's released. While we wait on an official release date, the full specs of the Micro can be viewed on Wikipedia, and images can be viewed on the official Japanese site. Nintendo Dates Micro Game Boy via Engadget Related: Nintendo's E3 press conference video GameBoy Micro Unveiled (17 May) Discussion >> By Rob
 Spanish site Secretgamezone.net has a nice batch of photos leaked from a recent Microsoft event that pretty much gives away the store in terms of information about the Xbox 360. Among the images is the slide featuring the QWERTY keyboard we posted on earlier, a slide showing all the devices the 360 can connect to (PSP included), detailed tables of technical specs, and new screenshots of Project Gotham Racing, Gears of War and Ghost Recon 3. Check out the images with English translation Via Gamepro Related: Xbox 360: $299, According to Wal-Mart Half Life 3 coming to Xbox 360? Attachable Keyboard for Xbox 360 Controller? Bill Gates Plays Up Xbox 360 Head-Start Designing the Xbox 360 User Interface PS2 Pricecut Trick for Xbox 360 Launch? Discussion >> By Rob
 EA Games have clarified that Marlon Brando's voice will definitely appear in the new Godfather Game. A rumour had appeared that the deceased actor's recording sessions were unusable and an impersonator would have to fill in as Vito Corleone. There was a smidgen of truth in the rumour however; EA have told 1UP that Brando was unable to complete all of the needed lines in the single recording session he made for the game, and perhaps an impersonator will still be needed to complete the dialogue: "Typically we require multiple sessions with an actor and we were not able to record his complete dialogue before his passing," Related: No Brando for Godfather Game? The Godfather The Game official website No Godfather game in '05, Cube release not likely Brando's recordings not fit for Godfather game? (13 July) Coppola No Fan of Godfather Game (9 April) Caan, Duvall join Brando to voice Godfather (2 Feb) Discussion >> By Rob
 PSP firmware 2.0, which includes the new browser for the console, is due to be released in the U.S. on the 12th of August. The update also includes improvements in audio and video support, the ability for two PSP's to share photos wirelessly, and users can now add any image as the console's wallpaper.Users will be able to download the update from the official PSP site next week, though if you don't feel like waiting, the Japanese version can be gotten early from PSPupdates.com The Japanese version is said to work perfectly on U.S. PSP's, though be warned: Sony have said installing it on the U.S. hardware will render the warranty void. Related: New PSP Browser Reviewed New PSP Update "Tough Cookie To Crack" PSPouch for PSP Blizzard Planning Diablo, Starcraft for DS/PSP? Free Worldwide Shipping Offer For PSP, Nintendo DS Legend of Heroes RPG For PSP In September Updated Space Invaders Coming To PSP Enjoy your Big Mac, and PSP? Discussion >> By Rob
 A new batch of five unofficial Nintendo Revolution images have shown up on the Web, this time showing what are purported to be screen grabs taken from technical demos running on the console. The images are very impressive, leading CVG.com to inquire whether or not they're just a little too good to be genuine: Still our gaming senses are a little twitchy as if anything, these pics look a little too good given Nintendo's aim is to come in at a slightly lower spec than both PS3 and Xbox 360. Still who knows? If the Revolution can deliver this kind of graphical quality, then more power to its arm. Another Nintendo Revolution Pic Hits the Web Revolution Controller "Big Gun" Hidden From Devs? EA snub Revolution? Nintendo Revolution "Deepthroat" Dropping Hints? Wireless Router For Nintendo Revolution, DS? Revolution To Be Much Cheaper than Xbox 360, PS3 Nintendo's E3 Interactive Floor Display Classic Nintendo titles remade on Revolution? (23 June) Revolution Controller Mockups Gallery Discussion >> By Rob
 According to some chatty employees of U.S. retail giant Wal-Mart, the Xbox 360 will go on sale at a price of $299.99, and the games will cost $59.99.The Wal-Mart sources are not named, so these prices should be taken with a healthy doubt until Microsoft make their official announcement. However, the price is around about what was expected after J Allard said the console would cost "in the neighborhood" of $300 back in May: Naturally a smidgeon of sceptism should be maintained until Microsoft makes an official announcement, however the $299.99 price point hardly appears to be out of the bounds of possibility and suggests a pound/dollar equation when Microsoft's next-gen format is launched upon UK shores later in the month. As widely believed games appear to be slightly more expensive then many would hope with the likes of Perfect Dark Zero and Project Gotham Racing 3 marked at $59.99. Half Life 3 coming to Xbox 360? Attachable Keyboard for Xbox 360 Controller? Bill Gates Plays Up Xbox 360 Head-StartDesigning the Xbox 360 User Interface PS2 Pricecut Trick for Xbox 360 Launch? J Allard - XBox 360 to Cost About $300 (28 May) PS3 to be "expensive" Xbox 360 links Discussion >> By Rob
 So you've finally got your PSP, but now you need something to carry it 'round with you in style. It came with a case, but it's just not fashionable enough? A company named Vaja are selling PSPouches for those looking to give their PSP a nice expensive home. The pouches (that actually look like purses) feature a magnetic flap, UMD disk slots for memory sticks and enough colours to keep anyone happy.Vaja today introduced their new line of Classic cases for the PSP, the PSPouch and the PSPouch Retro. They feature a double snap-magnetic closure, 2 slots for UMD storage, 4 slots for Memory Stick Duo storage, and a zip compartment for accessories. Personalization is also available, and there are several colors available. The PSPouch sells for $140.00 and the PSPouch Retro sells for $160.00, and both are available now from Vaja's online store. Cool Browser-based FPS Image of New "Portable TV" PSP Service Discussion >> By Gary
 Just when you thought it couldn't get any worse for Rockstar Games. After San Andreas has been given an 'adults only' rating, and even banning in Australia. Let us also not forget of the granny who is trying to sue Rockstar and parent company Take-Two over false and misleading packaging. Now comes an even more worrying dilemma for the already bruised games developer. An anti-bully organization, 'Bullying Online' has hit out at Rockstar's upcoming title 'Bully', demanding that it be banned. The foundation is worried that the game may lead people to act out what they see in the game. Of course they have no basis for saying this, nothing to suggest that this would happen. Bully Online's Liz Carnell has said: This game should be banned. I'm extremely worried that kids will play it and then act out what they've seen in the classroom.... Bullying is not a game by any stretch of the imagination. We have around four suicidal children contacting us every day Also, just when you thought Jack Thompson might be content with getting San Andreas into the debacle it's in, the anti-game lawyer is now targeting Rockstar's bully game. Thompson is already putting pressure on the game's developers and certain retailers.A check of Internet web sites today reveals that Wal-Mart, GameStop, ToysRUs, and Amazon.com are all presently pre-selling the game with no questions asked as to age of the buyers. says Thompson.Currently there is no decision as to a rating for the game but most industry sources expect the game to be tagged with an 'M' rating, which will mean it cannot be purchased by anyone under the age of 17. In another statement, Thompson asks Take-Two president Paul Eibeler to reconsider the game's upcoming release. "I and others are today calling upon you to stop the release of Bully," the statement, in part, read. Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. Announces Federal Trade Commission Inquiry(26 July) Did Rockstar damage the gaming industry? Federal Investigation to Reheat Hot Coffee Clinton Statement Praises ESRB, Smacks Rockstar Rockstar Admit Percolating Hot Coffee (22 July) Take-Two press release announcing ratings change id CEO voices concerns over Hot Coffee Discussion >> By Gary
 One problem facing dedicated online gamers, more notably MMORPGs, is our tendency as humans to require sleep at the end of the day, con sarnit !! I want to stay up and continue playing.Well, if you're looking for alternatives to giving into your body's demands, head on over to Tech manifesto. They have a long list of liquids that will do their darndest to keep your eye-lids from closing come the early hours of the morn'. There are many high caffeinated energy drinks on the market. Which ones work the best? In this article, Tech Manifesto will show you all the caffeine levels and ingredients in these products resulting in all night gaming experience. Battlefield 2 Co-Op Mod No Brando for Godfather Game? F.E.A.R. Beta Slots Up For Grabs A Look At The Characters of Quake IV Cool Browser-based FPS Discussion >> By Gary
The upcoming release of PSM magazine is set to have a lengthy write-up of some more Playstation 3 details. The mag claims to have juicy new info on the next-gen console. Maxconsole.net are reporting on some of the news that the article will be looking at.The mag wishes for their sources to remain anonymous. Firstly, the PS3 will not support PS2 and PS1 peripherals. You will of course be able to play PS2 and PS1 games on your PS3 as was stated by comical-Kutaragi himself, but only with the controller that comes with the new console. Apparently, when Sony revealed the new Playstation 3's specs at E3 earlier this year, they were not concrete and purportedly they are being improved as we speak, with more system memory and some other low-level upgrades that are said to be making the people producing the games 'simply giddy'. Next up is the PS3's harddrive. Unlike the PS2's, this one will not be used for gaming. Instead, it will be solely used for storage. Everything from photos, mp3s, downloaded movies and such. With the PS3's networking capabilities, all of this content will be accessible to any capable device on the home network. If you are the owner of a PSP, you will be able to use it to control many aspects of your PS3. For one, if the console is in 'sleep' mode, you will be able to access and use the media stored on the harddrive via Wi-Fi. You will also have the power to switch it on and off via the PSP. Probably the most promising news for gamers, is that if you do not have a HD-TV setup by the time the PS3 rolls out, you will be able to lower the resolution of your game so that you can play at a better frame-rate for the setup you have. Of course, most of you will step over your own mother to get the right equipment to use this bad-boy. So, for the guts of you, lowering the graphics/resolution will probably not be an option, but at least it's there. We've received a lot of letters asking about how PS2 will be backwards compatible with PS2 and the original Playstation if it doesn't have memory card slot. Well, we have an answer, and it's both good and bad. First, the bad news: All of those old memory cards you have won't be usable with PS3. Okay then, wha's the solution? Sony has actually decided to only use Memory Stick Duo cards(the same format PSP uses) for PS3 save data. However, if you play a PS1 or PS2 game on PS3, the system will treat the Memory Stick like it's a normal memory card. This is different from the PS2, which requires you to use a PS1 memory card for PS1 saves. What this means is that you won't be able to use any of your old saves if you play PS1/PS2 games on PS3(wonder if a DexDrive will work...). But there's an upshot to all this: Downloading and sharing saves via PC for all three Playstations and PSP(hint, hint) will be easy as pie. PS2 Pricecut Trick for Xbox 360 Launch? New PSP Browser Reviewed Another Nintendo Revolution Pic Hits the Web Revolution Controller "Big Gun" Hidden From Devs? EA snub Revolution? Attachable Keyboard for Xbox 360 Controller? Discussion >> By Gary
 Softpedia.com are reporting on a recent Spanish presentation of Microsoft's Xbox 360. What's interesting is they claim one of the slides contains the Valve logo accompanied by 'Half Life 3', hinting at a possible future release of the next iteration of Bill's green machine.We all know the hl2 expansion "Aftermath" is headed our way this fall, but just imagine if Microsoft scored a deal with Valve for Half Life 3 while the Xbox 360 is let out of the gates first. It would be a huge blow to Sony's PS3 one would have to argue. The sheer popularity of the game would be a huge moral booster for team Xbox, who of late have taken a lot of stick as a result of having no high-definition DVD disks for the launch of the next-gen console. So far, this is the first clue which points out that Valve might be having plans for Half Life 3, especially since this fall might bring the Half Life 2: Aftermath add-on. Attachable Keyboard for Xbox 360 Controller? Bill Gates Plays Up Xbox 360 Head-Start PS2 Pricecut Trick for Xbox 360 Launch? Designing the Xbox 360 User Interface Valve's gonna kick yo ass Discussion >> By Gary
 AusGamers.com are hosting a Co-Op mod for Battlefield 2 that allows 2 players to venture through many of the single-player missions in the popular online shooter.The creator of the mod "Codebasher" took 16 regular single-player maps from the game and added up to 32 bots for each map. So if you're not good enough to play single-player alone or just fancy a new angle on the game, this might be right up your street. I took the 16 player single player maps, added up to 32 bots, overlayed 32 or 64 player boundaries to open up space, then added control points and equipment close to the perimeter of the 16 player pathing mesh resulting in a whole new experience. For the flyboys, where practicable I also added missing aircraft and choppers to the airfields. The end result was much larger maps than 16 player with six to seven control points instead of only three or four. This altered the flavour of some to give a new perspective on a number of maps. Battlefield 2 sells 1 million units worldwide EA advise fans to uninstall Battlefield 2 Battlefield 2 GPU Wars, ATI Vs Nvidia EA expected to tackle BF2 server issues EA launch first Battlefield 2 patch Battlefield 2 video card dilemma Battlefield 2 demo, mirrors and torrent Discussion >> By Gary
 A new image of Nintendo Revolution hardware has been making the rounds, though it's anyone's guess exactly which part of the hardware. An informant tells Joystiq that the image is of "a component of the Revolution’s interface", and that it's not the controller, despite the forum thread it appeared in initially billing it as the "Revolution Controller Revealed". Judge for yourself over on newgrounds.com Related: Revolution Controller "Big Gun" Hidden From Devs? EA snub Revolution? Nintendo Revolution "Deepthroat" Dropping Hints? Wireless Router For Nintendo Revolution, DS? Revolution To Be Much Cheaper than Xbox 360, PS3 Nintendo's E3 Interactive Floor Display Classic Nintendo titles remade on Revolution? (23 June) Revolution Controller Mockups Gallery Revolution Controller Sans Buttons Mock-up Miyamoto: Nintendo Revolution interface "the big gun" Miyamoto: Nintendo Revolution Controller Still Being Designed (8 June) Discussion >> By Rob
 EA denied all of Marlon Brando's voice work for the new Godfather game was unusable last month, but new reports have it that the company have indeed dropped the recordings and an impersonator is lined up to provide the voice of Vito Corleone.Apparently the oxygen tank the actor was using during the recording sessions hampered his voice so much the recordings were unusable: Brando attended a recording session in the months leading up to his death last year (01JUL04), but the use of an oxygen tank to aid his breathing diminished the quality of his voice. The Godfather The Game official website No Godfather game in '05, Cube release not likely Brando's recordings not fit for Godfather game? (13 July) Coppola No Fan of Godfather Game (9 April) Caan, Duvall join Brando to voice Godfather (2 Feb) Discussion >> By Rob
 Xbox365.com have scooped one of the more interesting Xbox 360 rumours thus far: that a miniature keyboard will be able to plug into the console's controller. An image received by the site shows page 15 in what's purportedly a Microsoft presentational slide, a diagram on the slide shows a QWERTY keyboard attached to a standard Xbox 360 controller. A translation of the Spanish-language slide says the keyboard will be used for text-messages and in-game chat. Attachable Keyboard for Xbox 360 Controller? Related: Bill Gates Plays Up Xbox 360 Head-Start PS2 Pricecut Trick for Xbox 360 Launch? Designing the Xbox 360 User Interface The mystery of the missing Xbox 360 cables Xbox 360 Motherboard Image? Xbox Summit, Games List Xbox 360 Aspirations Xbox 360 Comes With A Child-Lock Xbox Live reaches 2 million Japan facing Xbox 360 delay? Xbox 360 links Discussion >> By Rob
 Vivendi have announced a new promotion, and a chance for gamers to be among the first to try out the upcoming first-person-shooter F.E.A.R.The company are offering 1200 beta keys as a reward for those who successfully navigate their way through a new dark, disturbing Flash-based site: Those of a nervous disposition should perhaps take a look at something a little more sedate, such as a Care Bear fan site perhaps as this terrifying sneak peak into the Japanese horror styled FPS extrava-gun-za (very clever I know) features blood, giggling girls and disturbing scribblings aplenty. Vivendi pushes F.E.A.R. release forward? (23 June) F.E.A.R. Hands-on F.E.A.R. among CNN's six games to watch this Christmas Discussion >> By Rob
 Gamespot have posted up some new screens and an in-depth look at the characters in the long-awaited Quake IV.The feature goes into why Raven Software named the characters the way they did, and is part one of an ongoing designers diary series that will give a peek into the making of the game. Quake IV is expected for release near the end of this year for both PC and the Xbox 360. Gamespot: The Characters of Quake IV - New character screenshots Related: Teaser website for Quake IV Quake IV Trailer Raven Software id Software Will Quake 4 Run On Your Machine? Quake Coming to a Mobile Near You Quake 4: Storyline Details Emerge Quake IV multiplayer for QuakeCon in August Discussion >> By Rob
 Wonderland links to George A. Romero's Land of the Dead, an impressive first-person-shooter you can play in a browser window. All that's required is a modern browser with Shockwave installed:The world as you know it is gone. The Dead walk the earth and the living hide in the shadows. YOU must venture into the Land of the Dead to grab the things you need to stay alive. Things like food, medicine and batteries. Pardus - Massively Multiplayer Online Browser Game Over 30 online flash games DHTML Lemmings Discussion >> By Rob
 The rumour of a Playstation 3 conversion for the 1997 classic Final Fantasy VII started after a tech demo of the game's intro sequence rendered on the PS3 was shown at the E3.Last month, more fuel was added to the fire when Electronic Gaming Monthly claimed that Square Enix were indeed working on a conversion, though we couldn't get really excited about it because Square Enix offered no official confirmation. So Gamespot decided to catch up with some reps from the company and press them for a definite answer: Square Enix's initial response to our inquiry about whether or not the tech demo is suggestive of a full game being in the works fell in the realm of carefully worded corporate response. The reps noted that, as was mentioned at E3, the demo was created to show just how power of the PlayStation 3 technology. As a result, it is a tech demo only and is not intended to indicate that a PS3 remake of FFVII is presently under active development at the company. Gamespot pressed on further, and an Enix rep revealed that the company are listening intently to all the feedback over the tech demo and the very idea of a PS3 conversion, and will bear it in mind for their future projects:They affirmed that the resulting reaction from fans over the demo footage and the content related to FFVII being shown at the party has been overwhelmingly positive. As a result, provided fan reaction continues to be feverishly positive over the demo and the very notion of a FFVII remake, it's certainly something that Square Enix would bear in mind when planning future projects. View the Final Fantasy VII PS3 tech demo Advent Children UMD Release Date Announced FFVII: Advent Children Price & Details (14 June) FF VII: Advent Children Japanese Release on 14 Sept Final Fantasy VII For PS3? Final Fantasy VII at the E3 (18 May) Discussion >> By Rob
 In the latest Steam update, Valve has offered up a challenge to developers of multi-player mods out there to play team Valve in one of their endeavours with the Half Life 2 engine. Some months back, the team behind the highly popular Half Life 2: Capture the Flag mod, played Valve in a contest that is still being disputed however, the CTF team has challenged Valve to another match and this time it will be aired live on SourceTV for the whole community to watch. Valve will be releasing details in the coming weeks on how to connect to a SourceTV server in order to watch the match. The gauntlet has been thrown down once again by the CTF team, and we're more than happy to meet the challenge. This time around, however, we'll be using SourceTV so the entire community can watch the match as it happens. This should eliminate any question as to the true victor. HL2: The Lost Coast Hands On Another CS: Source mapping contest DoD Source/HL2: Lost Coast Status Update Lombardi: Folks will be quite pleased with DoD: Source Valve Unveil Developer Community Site (29 June) Doug Lombardi talks Steam (29 June) Valve: Getting Closer To HL2: Lost Coast Release (27 June) HDR, wtf? Discussion >> By Gary
 Now you can take Doom with you wherever you go, even into class. Now even college folk can enjoy a stint of Doom without arousing too much suspicion. I mean, who's gonna suspect mr calculator?The classic first person shooter from id Software has been ported over to TI-83 and TI-84 calculators. Cellphones aren't allowed, or you got yours taken away, and don't even talk about Game Boys or PSPs on campus. Man, high school is such a bummer. Until they ported Doom to TI-83 and TI-84 calculators, that is. Just don't try and break one of these out when you're in world history or whatever, probably not a the best idea, kid. Carmack Tackles DOOM For Cell Phones Igniq Doom 3 Mods list Discussion >> By Gary
 This has to be the most lazy-ass idea for a competition I've ever seen. Over on the official Xbox website, they are urging fans to go grab a demo disk of Battlefield 2: Modern Combat for the Xbox, then go play it on Xbox Live for as long as they can starting from August 2nd until the 8th. Basically, the player who has logged the most hours of play wins the grand prize of a trip for two to a Battlefield 2: Modern Combat community event! Gee, what a crappy prize to boot, and what a crappy idea for a competition. What ever happened to winning something for merit and distinction. This competition basically praises some lazy bastard for growing his ass even bigger playing games for 6 days.(wait, maybe it's not all that bad) You'd better hurry, because the Battlefield 2: Modern Combat' Demo Play & Win contest starts August 2, 2005. The hardy Xbox Live gamer who logs the most hours playing the game during the week of August 2 to August 8 will win the Grand Prize, a trip for two to a Battlefield 2: Modern Combat community event! Ten first place winners get signed and framed game concept art, and 25 runners-up will score a copy of the full retail game. Check out the Official Contest Rules. Halo 2 steals show at G-Phoria Awards MTV's Best Soundtrack Awards for videogames Discussion >> By Gary
 G4's 3rd annual G-Phoria games awards show was recorded for TV on July 27th at the at the Los Angeles Center Studios, and although the recording is not due to the be broadcast until August 9th, the results of the show have already been made available.Halo 2 appears to have swept up winning a whooping 7 awards, Half Life 2 trailing behind with a measly 1 award for 'Best Graphics':
The event was largely about entertainment, spending little time on the actual games, and the pomp and circumstance of the award-giving. This largely made for a more enjoyable show, while still clearly tied to the games they represented, with host Wilmer Valderrama (of That 70s Show) arriving on the scene attached to a giant Katamari. MTV's Best Soundtrack Awards for videogames Discussion >> By Gary
 Slashdot links to a really cool looking Half Life 2 mod, you play a combine soldier stuck way out in the middle of the Death Valley desert (where all the Antlions are). You have been chosen as an elite member of your squadron to rise through the ranks to Commander.Your first mission is to provide relief support to an outpost somewhere in the Death Valley desert. Following the events of Antlion Troopers, you again play a young combine soldier. Due to you exemplary performance in the first antlion encounter the Combine Advisors have started you on a path to become a commander. They have placed you under the care of Commander Vesque to train in the abilities needed to be a proper commander. Your first mission as a trainee is to provide relief support to an outpost somewhere in the Death Valley desert. The antlions there have been quite agitative and the defensive machinery has been failing. Without operational thumpers the base is slated to quickly fall to the whim of the antlion mobs. Related: New DoD: Source Gameplay Trailers Valve Unveil Developer Community Site (29 June) Doug Lombardi talks Steam (29 June) Valve: Getting Closer To HL2: Lost Coast Release (27 June) Doug Lombardi Interview, DoD Source development still unclear (26 June) DoD: Source News Update & HL1: Deathmatch Source Revamp (13 June) DoD: Source Screenshots Collection Discussion >> By Gary
 Some good news coming in for fans of the Final Fantasy franchise. After MS announced at E3 that Square Enixs' first game published for the Xbox 360 would be Final Fantasy XI, the Japanese publisher has recently announced it will be showcasing the game in Leipzip, Germany between August 17-21.Many are expecting to get a first-hand look at the game in a playable demo, and although Enix has not specifically said there would be playable demos, they did say: European gamers will get their first look at the next generation gateway to the world of Vana'diel and will be able to explore some of the fantastic areas within the game. The Japanese publisher also announced that Final Fantasy XI: The Vana'diel Collection will ship August 16th to PCs. The bundle includes the original game plus 2 expansion packs.Xbox 360 FFXI invades Germany Related: Bill Gates Plays Up Xbox 360 Head-Start PS2 Pricecut Trick for Xbox 360 Launch? Designing the Xbox 360 User Interface The mystery of the missing Xbox 360 cables Xbox 360 Motherboard Image? Xbox Summit, Games List Xbox 360 Aspirations Xbox 360 Comes With A Child-Lock Xbox Live reaches 2 million Japan facing Xbox 360 delay? Xbox 360 links Discussion >> By Gary
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