I just hope the job cheats are still there. I loved being able to max out levels in just a few battles.

I agree with the point that the load times are skewed since they talk about basically a full reboot to start. My question for the developers is this though:
Why not do dynamic and or background loading while the game is playing? Incremental loading can easily shorten that time. Honestly, one big game I'd love to get is B-boy for the PSP, but after I saw the video showing the load time, I may not get it now.

Just so you know, arcades in Japan are almost always packed with players and their fans. HL2 was always full (if I remember correctly, at the Sega place in Shinjuku and Akiba). Personally, I couldn't watch too long due to the large amount of human chimneys.

I triple the comment on the Joypolis in Odaiba.
It's pretty fun (I've been twice in the past two years) and the half-pipe ride is pretty amazing. I do have to admit I was scared out of my pants on last years Grudge/Cellphone-based haunted house. It was definately a spectacle that many Japanese probably won't forget: a tall black man screaming like a bitch and running out at full speed. Needless to say, my girlfriend wasn't impressed. Also, if anyone does go, make sure you're not taller than 6' and try to ride the airplane, jeep or river boat rides. You will have your gonads crushed.

Damn...

Oh well.. Same ole, same ole.

I do have to say that movie was funny though. Too bad it might cost her her job.

Who knows, maybe 'Matty' got some at the interview.

Dammit... You guys just don't listen do you..

I said it earlier (http://www.nintendowiifanboy.com/2006/09/14/the-wii-is-region-free/#c2108388) but I guess if it doesn't come from IGN, no one listens. Even still, if you read (not even that carefully) they NEVER said it was region free. They only said Nintendo first-party games are region free. They didn't hide this or use backtalk

The whole gaming/gadget media needs to get a smack for this one. Engadget, Joystiq, Wired, Gizmodo, Kotaku... read and listen a little.

You know what?
This actually might be good. Think about it... If people think of games as potential works of art, then they might hold more value (to the rest of the non-gaming world). Granted I think labelling something as a critique vs reviewing is an exercise in sematics as they are relatively the same thing. I don't think this will change the industry but as for CMP, I'd actually read their 'critiques' just because I think it'd be rather interesting to read. They have their own niche on reviewing style. Nice :)

And for the record, Vladmir, thank you for not adding any personal statements to this. Your last Wii posts were horrendous. Keep it going on this level with minimal rant... and I still stand by my comments I left too.

These comments make you guys sound like the ranters in the Gawker network.
Kotaku and Gizmodo blow because they don't report - they rant. I have officially cut them off my RSS feeds and I no longer submit tips to them. I like Weblogs because most of the stuff you report are factual with wit and minimal rant.

If you want to rant, quit (or be fired) and work for the numbskulls at Gawker.

Seriously.

Vladmir...

You have NO idea of what you're talking about. Plain and simple.

Two viewpoints: Consumer and Investor.
- Consumers want something that works well and is within their budget. That's it.
- Investors what their company to make a profit and show that they will in the future. That's it.

Companies that sell at a loss initially with the HOPES that they make a future profit after cost reductions and other indirect ways are risky. Bad risky. Companies that out the gates make a profit and can increase demand and continue to increase profit are the best companies to invest in. All companies want to be in that situation. ALL OF THEM. That's it.

You obviously don't invest (in stocks or funds) and probably don't buy much stuff. No seasoned consumer nor investor would make such a assine, idiotic statement AND 'rebuttal'.

I've gone over your previous posts (all 36 of them) and you have a tendency to rant with no info. Maybe you should even read your own post on Nintendo being used as a case study (http://www.joystiq.com/2006/09/09/nintendos-8-bit-power-play-a-staple-for-mba-courses/)

Editors... this is a definate +10 to firing Vladmir. To think he had the nerve to attack Penny Arcade with blanks. But then again, more hits means more money (eCPM).

It's amazing how much QR codes are integrated in Japan. You'll find them in magazines, websites, billboard, trains, graffiti, etc... I wouldn't be surprised if someone has a QR tattoo.