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The Game Archaeologist goes to Earth & Beyond: The highlights
For this month's Game Archaeologist expedition, I deliberately wanted to look at an older MMO that was -- for whatever reason -- no longer with us. After voting on a handful of these titles, Massively readers selected Earth & Beyond for March's focus, and I have to say that I'm intrigued. Personally, I prefer science fiction over fantasy nine times out of ten, even though most of the MMOs that grace my desktop (with the exception of Star Trek Online) are fantasy games. Sci-fi has had an awfully difficult time making headway into the field of MMOs, with plenty of underperforming or canceled titles littering the way. I've heard it explained that the fantasy genre is easier for the common person to grasp because it uses elements of our past -- primarily the medieval period -- to provide a familiar baseline, whereas sci-fi's futuristic setting requires world-building from scratch. Whatever the case may be, Earth & Beyond never really caught on the way that EVE Online did, and its miniscule population (GameSpot reported 20-25K subscribers six months before its shutdown) was not enough for Electronic Arts to keep it running. But between 2002 and 2004, Earth & Beyond reached for the stars and gave its own spin on how a sci-fi MMO could work. Let's take a look today at what made Earth & Beyond unique, what it gave the industry, and how it may help upcoming space MMOs avoid a similar fate.
Elektrobit and Wistron MIDs pop up under lock and key at CEATEC: hands-on
Remember that new and improved reference MID that Elektrobit (better known as EB) announced back at IDF? Yeah, that very device was on hand at Intel's booth at CEATEC, though not a soul was allowed to touch it. The unit was neatly planted beneath freshly Windexed glass alongside three others, two of which certainly put an impressive label on Wistron. We did learn that the EB slate would boast a 3.97-inch capacitive touchscreen with an 800 x 480 resolution, though further details on the lot were scant. Have a peek below to see if EB's take on the niche MID might actually cause you to take notice.%Gallery-75235%
EB improves reference MID, adds new UI and haptics support
We still get the impression that MIDs are struggling to find a market that cares about them, but with Intel refusing to give up hope just yet, a raft of manufacturers are on hand at IDF to showcase new reference designs. Take EB for example, which teased us briefly with its MID Reference at Computex. Now, the outfit is using the spotlight in San Francisco to announce a few key improvements on the device, which was produced in collaboration with Intel (surprise, surprise) and Ericsson. The highlights are an improved user interface and application framework -- which work together to improve multitasking -- and the inclusion of haptics, which enables the display to vibrate in response to a touch. The reference MID is primed and ready to be snapped up by some other manufacturer and introduced as their own, but the question remains: do we have any takers?%Gallery-73698% Show full PR text EB INTRODUCES GROUNDBREAKING ADVANCEMENTS TO ITS MOBILE INTERNET DEVICE (MID) REFERENCE DESIGNSophisticated New Features AddressConsumer Demands, Resulting in a Captivating Multimedia Experience powered by Intel winning technologiesSAN FRANCISCO (Intel Developer Forum 2009), September 22, 2009 - Building upon its next-generation EB MID Reference Device that was showcased earlier this year at COMPUTEX TAIPEI 2009, EB, Elektrobit Corporation (OMX: EBC1V), a leading developer of cutting-edge embedded technology solutions for automotive and wireless industries, is applying its creative expertise to unveil today, at INTEL DEVELOPER FORUM 2009, optimized features to its MID reference design. Working with Intel and Ericsson, the upgraded design transforms the device with stylish, multimedia improvements that are necessary in providing a fulfilling end-user experience.According to projections from ABI Research, worldwide MID shipments are expected to exceed 90 million units by 2012. With the global demand for flexible interfaces and multimedia functionality on the rise, EB has continued to spearhead the efforts of meeting customer needs by growing its pipeline of innovation, delivering new reference devices that customers and end-users require. Responding to the demand set by business professionals and young adults seeking flexible devices offering a pocket-able, media-centric experience that incorporates the power of a desktop computer for on-the-go portability, EB has further enhanced its MID reference design to answer the demands of the market, including:· An improved user interface (UI) and application framework – This enables users to multi-task and personalize the device through cutting-edge desktop features. The result takes self-expression to a heightened level of sophistication, providing an intuitive way for end-users to interact with phones and network services that operate as powerfully as the sense of touch itself.· Leveraging latest UI technologies, such as 3D, plasma desktop and haptics – EB has designed an experience that offers vivid, sophisticated appearances. Leveraging haptics makes it possible for end-users to touch and manipulate objects effortlessly, which is vital to exceeding user expectations of what a device should deliver."As consumers continue to seek out new devices that offer unique value and sophisticated applications in a pocket-able form factor, the rapid development of the MID market is something to pay close attention to," said Kevin Burden, Practice Director, Mobile Devices, ABI Research. "In an effort to keep up with consumer demands craving innovative products, partnering with a design shop that has particular expertise with MIDs, can add competitive advantages for vendors in the battle for consumer electronics market share." A complete EB MID Reference Device can be tailored to a customers' brand and target market requirements with a wide range of cellular connectivity options. By licensing EB's sophisticated MID reference design technology coupled with device customization services, customers - including wireless, CE and PC original device and equipment manufacturers, wireless operators, among others - gain the framework to quickly and cost-effectively bring to market innovative MID solutions that aim to increase competitiveness and revenue-potential."Since 2007, we have collaborated with both Intel and Ericsson on the world's first MID reference devices, we've leveraged our expertise and understanding of MIDs to transform basic concepts into cutting-edge designs that would enhance the end-user experience," said Vesa Kiviranta, vice president, EB Wireless Solutions. "The intuitiveness brought forth by advanced technological features in our reference design further adds to our credibility and extensive knowledge of the MID market."EB MID Reference Device was recently named a runner-up in the Best of 4G Awards for Best Mobile Internet Device, which was presented at the 4G World conference and expo. 4G World is an annual event that explores the entire ecosystem for next generation networks.
Five new Moorestown-based MIDs announced at Computex
Pardon us while we take this opportunity to snag a nap, but seriously, we just cannot muster any excitement whatsoever about Mobile Internet Devices. Stuck somewhere between capable smartphones and these newfangled smartbooks, MIDs seem to be carving out a niche that precisely no one cares about. Though, we can say we're stoked about the forthcoming introduction of Moorestown -- the Atom needs a successor in the worst way. At any rate, those still hanging on in hopes of a turnaround have introduced new MIDs today at Computex, with EB, Quanta, Inventec, Aava Mobile and Compal (despite its recent skepticism) showcasing their wares. If you honestly think you could see yourself purchasing one of these unwanted devices in the next year or so, we've got plenty of images down there in the read link.[Via MIDMoves]
EB: Play Haze for a week, then get your money back
In what's bound to be one of the most bizarre trade-in deals ever, EB Games in Canada is offering a unique deal for customers who pre-order the PS3 FPS Haze: they can return it a week later for a full refund.The deal, as seen on their website, states that customers who pre-order the Ubisoft game will be able to pick it up on the release date and play it for a full week, then be able to sell the used game back to EB for full retail price. The deal only applies if the game, case and manual are kept in good condition, and if the game is returned within a week of purchase. If we were Sony or Ubisoft, we would be less than thrilled with this promotion, which seems to suggest that Haze is only worth a week's investment of time. Then again, a sale is a sale, and maybe more Canadians will be tempted to purchase the title, if they know ahead of time that they don't have to keep it.
Intel demos rock-solid VoIP call on MID
Yeah, we know. We've seen this EB MID engineering sample kicking around for nearly a year now. However, this is the first time we've seen it running a rock-solid, VoIP application on that tiny Silverthorne, eh hrm, Atom processor. So solid, in fact, that Intel purposely crashes the OS while the VoIP call keeps on kicking. That piece of magic comes via VirtualLogix who keep the network stack and audio running in a virtualized Linux instance while the main OS reboots. Pretty compelling glimpse of a future without voice contracts. Don't believe us? Check the video after the break.
Rumor: Wii Fit priced at $69.99?
Considering that the game won't be released on American shores until early 2008, it's probably much too early to consider any announced price for Wii Fit to be definite. Nintendo of America president Reggie Fils-Aime even stated that the company still needs to research the cost of its Balance Board controller before pricing can be accurately determined.Wii Fit's product pages at EB Games and GameStop, however, list a placeholder price which is pretty much in line with what we're expecting -- $69.99. That might seem like highway robbery to those who naively hoped for the usual $50, but when you compare it with the expensive fares people will be paying to play games like Guitar Hero 3 or Rock Band, the bundle's pricing doesn't seem too unreasonable. Our only concern is that $70 might be too much for the casual audience Nintendo is hoping to attract with Wii Fit.%Gallery-4745%[Via Digg]
Phoenix Wright: Sales for All
Amazon has cut the price of Phoenix Wright: Justice for All, the sequel to everyone's favorite court-based adventure game, bringing it down to $19.99. We don't expect this deal to last for long, so race your shopping cart to the checkout lane as fast as your feet will allow.If for some reason, God forbid, you haven't played Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney yet and are hesitant to start the series midway through, don't forget that you can also pick up a used copy at GameStop or EB Games for as low as $21.99! We admit, that's still pretty expensive for a game as old as this one, but it's better than paying full price. All you'll need to take advantage of this sorta-bargain is the coupon we posted earlier this morning.
Save $5 on overpriced used games at EB/GS
We've always thought that GameStop and EB Games's used titles were, at the very least, $5 too expensive, especially when you consider the pittance they reward you with for trading in your games, old or new. The thrifty among you will find some solace in this coupon that both companies sent out last night, enticing you to "Save $5 when you buy any used DS game priced $14.99 or higher."You'll have a better selection picking out your game from the stores' shelves, but the coupon code, "EBC3002763," should also work with online purchases. If you head to their "Used Games" pages now, you might be able to scavenge preplayed titles like Elite Beat Agents and Resident Evil: Deadly Silence before the wolves descend upon them and tear their availability from your grip. Check past the post break for the coupon.
Hooked fishing attachment for Wii appears on EB site
We know what they're going to say about Hooked, which just had its innovatively cumbersome controller attachment appear on the EB Games site. They're going to say "Look, you've got something that looks like a fishing rod, you're sitting, you're making casting motions, you've apparently got $60 to spend on the thing (so gas money's not the problem) ... Why not just go fishing?"But we know you. We know that if there are two things you love in this crazy, mixed-up world, they're worms and online multiplayer, and if you can save a few of the first by partaking in the second, you've got to take that chance. You can finally sell your Zebco 11T Platinum Ultralight on Sept. 3.[Via CVG]
EB's Mobile Internet Device snagged by Engadget Chinese
We've got to give credit where it's due, and our Chinese extension is definitely delivering the hands-on goods of late. The most recent device to get caught under their camera is EB's Menlow-based MID UMPC, which was seen still sporting a 4.8-inch 1,024 x 600 resolution display and packing Red Flag Linux, WiFi, Bluetooth, GPS, a 3.5-millimeter headphone output, and WWAN connectivity to boot. Of note, it seems that the version they caught could still see some changes before the final release, but do your eyes the favor of hitting the read link and viewing the gallery for yourself.
EB's Menlow-based MIMD UMPC remembers to bring the sexy
No offense, Amtek, we're sure that McCaslin-based U560 of yours has ample reason to be so big and ugly, but we're going to put our dollars on this "MIMD" (Mobile Internet Multimedia Device) Menlow-based UMPC from EB if you don't mind. Yes, it's the same "MID" device which Intel was proudly showing back in April only now with a bit of meat around the source. Along with the promising advances brought by Intel's UMPC-oriented Menlow chipset, the MIMD promises Mobile WiMax, HSDPA, GPS and a 4.8-inch high resolution screen. We should be seeing this one running Linux and hitting sometime in 2008. McCaslin, we hardly knew ye.[Via UMPCPortal]
Pawn shop law delays used game purchases
Reader Jeff sent us the sad news that his home EB in Toledo, Ohio had been unable to sell him a used game because the city has put the store into the same category as pawn shops, meaning it has to hold on to games it purchases from customers for 30 days before they can be resold. As any Halo 3 fan who waited 14 hours for the beta yesterday can tell you, that might as well be 300 years.We were all set to scoff at Jeff's misfortune, until we discovered that this is becoming a fairly common issue in states such as Florida and Utah, though waiting periods in different areas vary. Though EB's probably not crazy about the arrangement (what with the more than 50% profit they make on most used games), if it leads to more new games sold, it could be good news for publishers, which don't make any cash on "pre-played" title sales. Of course, this debate hides the more pressing issue: You could have to wait for something. Have you suffered the indignity of having to buy a yucky, 31-day-old game yet?
Somewhat more Sedate Truck found at Gamestop
This profoundly limited-edition copy of Excite Truck was spotted on the shelf at GameStop. Evidently, an employee drew this charmingly quaint alternate boxart instead of using the default GameStop display box for loose games. You can see from the little motion lines that the truck is clearly excited, which is a much subtler approach than the usual bright colors and EXTREME explosions.We totally prefer the lunch-break line art shown here to the real boxart, but we're still a little shocked that they're selling this copy as a new game with no discount.[Via Siliconera]
WRUP: Getting ready for the weekend stock edition
Not much on the weekly releases radar this week, so maybe you don't have much planned in the way of gaming this weekend? Well, what about the rest of you? What about the people who still can't find a Wii? What are they to do? Well, the news this week shows the Wii will be in stock at Gamestop and EB, at least, so perhaps you want to get up early and try over there? Of course, there's always the long shot of entering a contest ...Remember, if you can't find a Wii, there's always those kids meal toys from Wendy's to cheer you up!Previous posts: What were you playing?
Finally, Wii at Gamestop and EB this Sunday
Looks like Gamestop can stop complaining about the Wii shortage -- this week. We received an internal Gamestop email (pictured at right) from one of our more reliable tipsters. The memo states that participating stores will receive 200 copies of Gamestop's sales flyers by today, which they must hold on to until Friday. The stores that received these flyers will receive "additional product featured in this ad." The stores are to hold all Wii hardware they receive this week for Sunday, along with the Xbox 360 Elite and PS2 (that puppy is still hot). This memo we received comes from the mid-East Coast. If you have a decent relationship with your Gamestop proprietor than you may be able to politely ask if they'll be a part of this little thing. Our source tells us that his store already has about 20 Wii, along with ten Xbox Elites (including black 120 GB hard drives, controllers and charge kits). So it looks like the first indicator your local shop is part of this sale is to check Friday and see if they've put out the flyers -- then get there early Sunday if you're still in need of Wii (or really want an Elite).[Thanks Anonymous]
360 display boxes vandalized, Wii evangelized
var digg_url = 'http://digg.com/gaming_news/Xbox_360_display_boxes_vandalized_Wii_evangelized'; If we're to believe Dustin Wilson's assurances, the mischief above wasn't a product of Photoshop or any other methods of internet chicanery. He actually scribbled the Wii endorsement onto the Xbox 360 display boxes with a white paint marker while one of the game shop's employees was distracted. This episode of When Keeping it Wii Goes Wrong was created as an entry for the EvWiiwhere Challenge hosted by N+, a MyOpera community for Nintendo fans. The contest called for readers to take pictures of the word "Wii" spelled out in unconventional ways, but we're sure this wasn't what the site had in mind. We might have our gripes with all the Electronics Boutiques and GameStops out there, but vandalizing other people's property just isn't cool, especially when it's at the expense of a worker who's just doing her job. But who knows, maybe this sort of joke will catch on with other retailers? If you think about it, this would be a great way to promote the Xbox 360 to customers inside the shop, while at the same time catching the interest of people outside who see the storefront's Wii wisecrack. It's genius!
Gamestop/EB sells Wii for low price of $549.92
Gamestop's Chief Operating Officer Dan DeMatteo is so mad about the Wii shortage that he's gonna show Nintendo ... he's gonna show them by charging customers who want a Wii $549.92 for a bundle. Gamestop and EB games will send you a Wii for that price starting April 23. For all the contents in the bundle, it's not really a bad deal -- you know, if you ignore the whole legal issue. Oh, there will also be an additional $9.99 shipping charge due to the "unusual size and weight" of the bundle.If you aren't part of the masses who have become disenchanted with the Wii since launch and are tired of waiting for the Sunday flyer to tell you when the console is available, then here's the chance to finally get your hands on the elusive Wii. Seriously, we don't know what's worse, the fact that a system with (relatively speaking) antiquated technology is so difficult to manufacture and is in short supply, or that you have to purchase an extra $100 in games you'll only play a couple times? The decision on which two games those are we leave up to you.[Via EvilAvatar]
Gamestop visits the future and brings back a list
Feel like planning your game purchases for the rest of the year? We can help, with this list of release dates and prices from EB/Gamestop's point-of-sale system. There's some reasonably exciting stuff on there, like Manhunt 2 (August 1st), Dewy's Adventure (September 3rd), and NiGHTS: Journey of Dreams (October 1st), as well as stuff that is slightly less mass-appeal, like Escape from Bug Island and CSI 4: Hard Evidence. There's a large cluster of EA stuff marked as being released on November 1st, but we suspect that date is a placeholder. For that matter, don't take any of these release dates as ironclad.The full list is available for browsing after the break. It's still useful even if you don't plan to go into Gamestop for some reason.
Circuit City guarantees Super Paper Mario, puts money where mouth is
Of the many scandalous practices that game shops often subject us to without fear of reprisal, pre-order harassment is one of the worst. Not only will you be sneered at and interrogated for not reserving a new release, you'll be castigated in front of your friends and family, your manhood and the chasteness of your mother called into question. We are told that someone will also sneak under you and tie your shoelaces together so that you'll trip when you try to walk away. This is the reality of video game retailers around the country.Buying from electronics superstores like Best Buy or Fry's cuts down on the unchecked tomfoolery that governs mall-based game shops, but Circuit City is taking an extra step to satisfy its customers. As marked in last Sunday's advertisements, if you're not able to find a copy of Super Paper Mario at Circuit City tomorrow after 2 PM, the store will compensate you with a $20 gift card.A guarantee and good will gesture like that puts Circuit City at the top of our list of places to buy Super Paper Mario and other games from. We'll just have to make sure that we wear our velcro strap shoes when we go to cancel our pre-orders. [Via Opposable Thumbs]
