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Xbox 360 gets backwards compatibility update
Taking a moment away from E3, Major Nelson updated his blog to give the latest information on Xbox 360 backwards compatibility. The whole list of new titles can be found after the break, and you can always go to Xbox's site to get the full list. This would typically be the part where we'd say something about how silly it is that the Xbox 360 has backwards compatibility issues in the first place, but now he's not the only guy in town with a problem. There aren't that many original Xbox games that are still worth worrying about. Our concern is more with the new version of the PS3 which will have "limited backwards compatibility," especially when there was nothing limited about its compatibility before. Oh well, if you're planning on getting the PS3 and you have a favorite old game on the system, make sure to check it will still work -- or got get yourself a current PS3 model while you still can.
Here's your chance! Win The Urbz for the Nintendo DS
Just as we promised here's your chance to win a free copy of The Urbz: Sims in the City for the brand new Nintendo DS. Be the first person to comment on this post with the codeword "circular", and we'll hook you up with a little something to play on your new toy. Like we said before, remember to authenticate your comment via email, and that the contest is limited to residents and the United States and Canada (but you probably haven't read this far yet). Good luck! UPDATE: Dennis wins this one! Make sure you check back tomorrow when you'll have a chance to win Madden NFL 2005.
The Urbz: get hip now!
It's Sims in the city! Alas, after poor console sales of the Sims, EA decided it needed to get more hip with its latest offering, opting to strip away the basic Sims formula, replacing it with glitz & glamour, and of course, attitude. The Urbz is basically a popularity contest, and not unlike real life, you succeed by wearing the right clothes and telling people what they want to hear (don't worry, for you real life losers EA provides all of the right choices, all of the time). There's little here to appreciate beyond the somewhat entertaining character animations, as the entire game can be unlocked in a matter of hours. Perhaps the greatest lesson the Urbz has to offer is, when you strip away the fashion trends, all social crowds are the same. PS2 Xbox GameCube
The Urbz: Sims in the City sneaks out
In all the hubbub about Halo 2, Half-Life 2, Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas and Everquest 2, it sure is easy to lose track of other upcoming titles. Somewhere in this frenzy The Urbz: Sims in the City has been shipped to stores. This would usually cause quite a stir, but these days we had to find a press release to get the scoop. Weird. The marketing guy puts on his shades in this excerpt and inserts the word "cool" (please note the (TM)s)... "The Urbz(TM): Sims in the City(TM) is all about three things: cool city style, building your reputation, and living the dream in a 24/7 city that never sleeps. It gives players the opportunity to create and control their sims in a completely unique way and in a very different environment," said Sinjin Bain, Executive Producer and Vice President.
The Black Eyed Peas coming to a Sims game near you
If you like The Black Eyed Peas, you'll be happy to know that the band will be making an appearance in The Urbz: Sims in the City. Electronic Arts, A&M Records and iTunes have teamed up to offer the first cross-media album featuring a single band. The band will appear in the game itself, where they'll provide nine tracks that will be available on iTunes with a special download card. The intriguing part of the deal is that the tracks will be recorded in the creepy, but convincing, language of The Sims games - Simlish. That should make the album eligible for the New Age section of your local music store.
Official DS launch titles!
Nintendo has announced which games will accompany the DS for its North American launch. The first wave is short, but sweet. You'll have your choice between Super Mario 64 DS, Spider-Man 2, Madden 2005, the Urbz, and Mr. Driller. Also due out by the end of November are: Asphalt Urban GT, Feel the Magic: XY/XX, Metroid Prime: Hunters, Ping Pals, PictoChat (built-in), Rayman DS, Ridge Racer DS, & Tiger Woods PGA Tour 2005.
EA expands its horizons with Urbz toys
Taking a hint from the Japanese, EA is cashing in on the game-to-toy phenomenon. The gaming giant has plans to release a line of Urbz figures to coincide with the release of the game. EA is looking to market to the large number of females (especially "tweens") who enjoy the original Sims games. It's a decent scheme (i.e. there's a lot of potential money to be made), as both the game and the toys will help sell each other. Atomic Toys is set to handle the manufacturing bit.
