kush-games
Latest
Blue Jackets' Nash to front NHL 2K9
Sure he and his team may have missed the playoffs yet again and are likely fantasizing about what might have been while swinging at balls from the back nine, but that hasn't stopped Columbus Blue Jackets' young-yet-impressive captain Rick Nash from scoring cover duty on Take Two's fall release of NHL 2K9. Also worthy of note from 2K is that developer Visual Concepts has "taken over" development duties for this latest game in the franchise -- as opposed we assume to working in tandem with fellow studio Kush Games -- and that the devs are rebuilding the title "from the ground up."Not to take anything away from three-time All Star Nash, but it's still an odd choice, at least by team standings, given the Blue Jackets' once again abysmal campaign during the 2007-08 regular season that saw the fledgling team rank near the bottom of both the Western Conference and overall league in points. However, perhaps those who make these kinds of decisions are hoping this is the sort of voodoo that will turn Ohio's NHL franchise around -- sort of like a reverse Madden curse.
Classic stadiums added (for a price) to MLB 2K7
If you're looking for a good way to connect with your grandpa (and you're tired of him reading you the good parts from The Princess Bride) you may want to consider a new, 800-point ($10) pack of six classic stadiums recently released for MLB 2K7. With the "Historic Stadium Bundle" you'll be able to play at Sportsman's Park, Forbes Field, Griffith Stadium, Shibe Park, Polo Grounds and Crosley Field. If your baseball history skills leave something to be desired, you can find some more information on Major Nelson's blog. That way, you won't be completely unable to relate when gramp-gramp starts waxing nostalgic about Polo Grounds' "oddly-shaped outfield fence." If you only have time to learn the ins-and-outs of a couple of stadiums though, you can also purchase them in two-packs for 300 points ($3.75).
Can I get some peanuts and a dog with that MLB 2K7 trailer?
2K Games unveiled new in-game footage of MLB 2K7 for the 360 at this week's CES as the baseball season quickly approaches. If it weren't for some jerky fielder movements, static looking crowd, and zombie-looking eyes, we would have thought this was an actual broadcast (almost). So is this good enough realism for our Japanese friends who prefer cartoony players until uncanny valley no longer exists? And while not perfect, it's definitely impressive. MLB 2K7 hits the 360, Xbox, PS3, PS2, and PSP this March.
New developer wants to work on PSP
Indie developers just love downloadable and mobile games, so it makes sense when a new developer forms and ventures into these less risky waters. According to gamesindustry.biz another new developer has expressed interest in creating mobile games and most importantly, wants to work on PSP. OneNine is the name of the new outfit and they are comprised of former employees of Activision, Vicarious Visions, Gameloft, Digital Extremes, and Kush Games. The company had this to say about their focus, "OneNine is dedicated to making great games for both casual and hardcore markets, on all possible platforms. We are looking to expand into DS and PSP development as well as games for the web.downloadable and Xbox Live Arcade markets." The article did not mention any game specifics in regards to the PSP, so we'll all have to wait to see what OneNine has up their sleeves. Just in case they need help coming up with a PSP game idea, I'm going to go call OneNine to pitch that geriatric Rascal racer I've always dreamed of.
Surprise -- Derek Jeter to grace MLB 2K7 cover
New York Yankees Shortstop Derek Jeter will have his mugshot plastered on the front of all copies of Major League Baseball 2K7. This should come as no big revelation, as the seven-time All Star has previously adorned the covers of the last two annual editions. Jeter has also appeared serially on game boxes for the now-deceased All-Star Baseball franchise from Acclaim. Say what you will about Electronic Arts for lack of innovation, but at least they swap out cover athletes every year (thanks in no small part to the curse). To be fair, 2K Sports is hoping MLB 2K7 will be a reinvention of the franchise. According to designer Ben Brinkman, "First year, drill down to the core and get the core baseball game going. Year two, add some cool features, maybe some tersely modes, maybe redesign franchise. The third year, just wrap it up into a nice bow and nail it." So if not this year, expect MLB 2K9 to be the real winner. MLB 2K7 will come to bat Spring 2007 for PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, PSP, PS2, and the original Xbox.
