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Champions Online lets you vie for the kingship on a hill
Who doesn't want to be recognized as the king of a hill? No matter where you go, as long as people can see the hill, they will know that the hill is all yours. That's probably not quite why Champions Online has added its brand-new King of the Hill PvP mode to the game, but it's certainly on the list. It's a chance for heroes to fight for dominance of a given point, with the attackers steadily gaining in power as the defenders struggle to hold their spot for seven minutes. Wondering how the mode came into being or just want to see how it will play? Then peek past the break for a video walkthrough of this new opportunity to take up arms against your fellow costumed crusaders. Or take a look at the recent Behind the Mask column covering just this mode, which should put you well on your way to asserting dominance over the hill of your choice. It's good to be the king.
Behind the Mask: I'm the king of the world (or the hill)
For the third week in a row, I'm covering Champions Online's PvP, and this week I'll be talking about the new King of the Hill gametype that was available for playtest last week on PTS. As of this writing, KOTH is not live yet, and I suspect it won't be until after the anniversary event. Still, this is sort of a sneak preview of the gametype, and I'll be sharing my experiences, some potential strategies, and some of the issues raised by the playtesters with the new mode. For the first time ever, I actually had a chance to play with a lot of the PvP regulars. For whatever reason, whenever I play in PvP I do not see many of the big name PvPers. It was good to see some familiar forum faces and match myself against them for the first time. How did I fare? Well, hit the jump and you'll find out.
Alter-Ego: Nine tips for PvP in DC Universe Online
First things first: I'm going to admit openly that I'm not even close to the world's best PvPer, as anyone who has ever faced off in PvP against me can tell you. Up until recently, I tended to be the ultra-carebear player who generally avoids PvP combat altogether (outside of EVE Online). However, by ignoring PvP in DC Universe Online, one also ignores a decent chunk of the game's content. Between the open-world Green Lantern ring wars, quests to take on heroes or villains of a certain level range, Arena matches, and Legends play, there's a lot to do -- not to mention the challenge of playing on a PvP server. Worse still, PvE players will find their quest logs become cluttered messes full of PvP-related quests that can't be dropped -- an annoying prospect at best. So with this in mind, I've compiled a handful of general tips for those PvE fans who don't tend to mess with PvP in DC Universe Online as well as players who have only dabbled in it. Are there I-win-button tips behind the break? Not really. However, it's good solid advice that's helped me improve my skills from utterly noobtastic insta-death to holding my own. If that sounds interesting to you, then join me behind the break for the list!
King of the Hill makes the high-def leap
While The Simpsons were announced for HD last week, its Peggy, Luanne, Lucky and the rest of the gang actually going high-def first. For hardcore fans of King of the Hill, you surely noticed that last night's episode was the first ever in high-definition, and we're told that it will be aired in HD from now until eternity. Or whenever the show is canceled, whichever comes first. Any other traditionally SD programs want to follow suit? We're digging this trend![Via AVSForum, thanks Michael]
Dude, Get Your Own campaign expands to television
Sony has unveiled more details on its ambitious "Dude, Get Your Own" advertising campaign for PSP. The promotion will focus on PSP's ability to play games and multimedia and should proudly showcase PSP's new, lower price. According to Sony, a television commercial will be airing now through the end of May on a variety of shows targeted specifically to teens. PSP fans will want to tune in to shows such as King of the Hill (FOX), South Park (Comedy Central), Adult Swim (Cartoon Network), the NBA Playoffs (TNT), Saturday Night Live (NBC), and WWE Smackdown (CW) to catch the new ads.Online ads can also be found on IGN.com, Gamespot.com, ESPN.com and Maxim.com. Additionally, Sony plans to send promotional materials through direct mail. Later this week, Sony will be launching a new "Dude, Get Your Own" website, which will go into further detail about PSP's capabilities. (Hopefully, they'll create a new educational video, unlike the one featured here.)This aggressive stance from Sony is certainly appreciated. There are too many myths about our handheld that must be dispelled: hopefully, this advertising campaign will make others experience the system and join the PSP Fanboy ranks.
HDTV Listings for May 7, 2006
What we're watching: NBA Playoffs second round matchups are finally upon us. Spurs vs. Mavericks is going on now while the Pistons take on Lebron & the Cavaliers at 3:30 on ABC. NHL Playoffs have hit round dos as well with Anaheim and Colorado dropping the puck at 3 on NBC. Desperate Housewives and Grey's Anatomy continue their usual Sunday night scheduling but we'll probably catch Team America: World Police on Showtime.No NASCAR, Malcolm or War at Home today for Fox so no HD whatsoever. Why can't we get 720p King of the Hill?Our traditional high-def listings continue below.
Giga-what? Giga-who?
You've probably heard all the talk about the new Toshiba Gigabeat S Series Portable Media Center. It's the video-capable 5G iPod killer announced by Toshiba and Microsoft over at CES this week. It's supposed to come out this quarter in 30GB for $299 flavor and 60GB for $399 flavor.It looks good. Nice screen and nice device and if I didn't already have a 5G iPod (or any iPod for that matter), I might consider buying one for the Vongo compatability alone. However, the Gigabeat, like all products of its ilk, is no iPod killer. Why? Look at it. Look at any of these iPod killers. They either are trying to cram too many features in or they are trying to in some way shape or form appear similar to the iPod. They are all followers to a device that has already permeated the market.When an iPod killer does come, as it eventually will, it's not going to be an MP3-player with video capabilities. It's going to be an entirely new creature of technology. Like a cellphone that dominates the market. Or some other unknown gadget that reaches cult status because it is lighter than a feather, is powered by the wind, displays holograms, and looks really cool. The iPod is the cult right now and all these multiple cool devices, even though they are undeniably cool are not going to be able to knock the iPod off the top of the hill.
