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Dead Space dev diary: Zero-gravity gameplay
Not that we needed any more convincing, but this video has made it quite clear that Dead Space is going to float our boat. Also, our space crates, malformed monsters, severed heads and whatever other detritus happens to be in a room robbed of its gravity. It's nice to know that despite the game's claustrophobic interiors and highly pressurized situations, we'll occasionally be set free from Newton's irritating pull and soar right into the gaping maw of space.(Note: The video is lying about the release date.)
Dead Space NA release bumped up to Oct. 14
At this rate, Dead Space will be coming out tomorrow. Clearly taking note of the immense terror and confusion imparted by its decision to release Dead Space earlier than expected, EA has announced that the outer space corridor creeper has been moved forward a week ... again! That's like, the opposite of a delay. You can now catch the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 versions in North American stores on October 14th (PC guys are still on for the 20th). That is, if you're confident enough to leave the house, knowing that the world has become a very sick and unusual place.
Dead Space Animated Comic: Issue 5
Something totally gross is afoot on the intergalactic mining vessel USG Ishimura. The latest issue of the animated Dead Space comic is now available for your viewing pleasure, complete with subtle pans, focus pulls, and just enough squishy sound effects to get the whole thing across.As far as video game advertising goes, we've gotta say these comics/videos are pretty effective. Watching these chumps try and kill the space-baddies is pretty frustrating when we all know that you need to strategically dismember them. You can't just shoot willy-nilly! And seriously, how do you expect to do any damage without a badass spacesuit and accompanying laser triton? You know what, forget it! We'll just do it ourselves ... drat, advertising! In case you're behind, here are the previous issues: Dead Space Animated Comic: Issue 1 Dead Space Animated Comic: Issue 2Dead Space Animated Comic: Issue 3Dead Space Animated Comic: Issue 4
Godfather 2 detailed -- less GTA; more RPG, RTS, board game
Xbox World 360 magazine brings forth details of EA's forthcoming Godfather 2 game – helpfully extracted by sister-publication CVG – describing the sequel as "Scarface meets Total War." To further contextualize that pairing, the game is dropping some of that GTA-clone vibe in favor of the far less popular "sandbox game with RPG, RTS and erm, board game elements"-vibe.If the game isn't content straddling just one game type, why should locales be any different? Following the plot of its cinematic namesake, Godfather 2 jet-sets from Miami to Havana to New York City. Want more numbers? The game packs six character classes – "bruiser, demolitions expert, arsonist, medic, safe cracker and engineer" – and each character can have one of twelve different "personalities." Here's some simple back-of-the-box math for y'all: six character classes times twelve personalities equals an amazing 72 playable characters (except not really). Other features include "Don's View" (that's where the RTS magic comes in) and a perks system (thanks, board games!). No word on multiplayer, but EA's just getting this hype machine started before the game's ought-nine release. Give 'em time.
Dead Space Animated Comic: Issue 4
We hope you're in the mood for some illustrated dismemberment -- the fourth installment of EA's Dead Space animated comic dropped last night, bringing the origin story of the title's unsettling setting (the mining station USG Ishimura) a bit closer to completion. This chapter's all about life lessons, really -- for instance, when your space station is being besieged by an aggressive alien organism, perhaps the morgue isn't the best place to hang out. Also, while serving as an intergalactic janitor on said station, perhaps peering down darkened, infested air ducts isn't the best course of action.Life lessons, swearing (NSFW, BTW), and halved torsos, all posted after the break.
Dead Space box art a hands-off affair
Boy, they're not kidding when they urge you to keep your arms and legs inside the vehicle at all times, especially not when said vehicle happens to be the Ishimura, Dead Space's monster-infested milieu. Though some might view this trip down the carpal lane as a disturbing warning of what's to come (and bite your face off) in EA's outer space horror, we urge you to wrist assured and see this strategically severed hand beckoning you closer, luring you into a gripping and atmospheric adventure. %Gallery-26677%
Dead Space Animated Comic: Issue 3
The Dead Space media train continues this week, beginning with yesterday's "strategic dismemberment" video, our interview this morning with producer Glen Schofield who explains why we should care about Dead Space, and keep a bloodshot eye peeled for our updated hands-on later today (refresher: here's our previous hands-on).Now you can add the latest issue of the Dead Space animated comic to the week's list, bringing the backstory of the Ishimura and the mysterious Marker one step closer to completion. Turn the lights down, put your headphones on, and creep yourself out after the break. In case you're behind, here are the previous issues: Dead Space Animated Comic: Issue 1Dead Space Animated Comic: Issue 2
NAD launching VISO TWO / VISO FIVE all-in-one receivers
Not even two months after NAD introduced a trio of new receivers, the firm is hitting back with a pair of new all-in-one characters. Up first is the VISO TWO DVD / CD Receiver (pictured above), which givers users 1080i DVD upscaling and plays nice with DVD-Audio discs, too. Furthermore, you'll find an AM / FM tuner, readiness for XM Radio / iPods and ports galore including HDMI, S-Video, composite, RS-232 and an undisclosed amount of oomph to drive a pair of speakers. Stepping up to the VISO FIVE (shown after the break), you'll find DVD upconverting, DVD-A support with full bass management and support for DTS / Dolby ProLogic II. Beyond its ability to support surround sound, it looks to mimic its lesser-spec'd sibling in all other areas. Sure, these things look mighty sexy, but we'd recommend that you chew on the facts above for a tick and decide whether or not either one even sounds worthy of your $1,299 / $1,799.
Guardian headphones tattle when the volume gets cranked
Here's one that the carefree kiddos are sure to hate. Hamilton Electronics has unveiled a wired set of headphones dubbed Guardian, which put an interesting twist on limiting the volume that one hears. Rather than including some form of internal volume diminisher, these cans sport red and green LCDs on an earcup which light up depending on how loud you've got the music cranked. As you'd expect, the green LED signifies that the volume within is perfectly acceptable, while nudging that knob to 11 will cue the red light to glow, consequently leading your paranoid mother to remove them from your head entirely. Yeah, you'll have to hand over $39.95 to pick 'em up, but trust us, it's for your own good.[Via I4U News]
Do iPods cause ear infections?
According to a recent health column in The Australian, iPod earbuds in and of themselves will not cause ear infections. Prolonged use, however, may irritate the ear canal making it more prone to infection. Ear buds can also pick up material from an outer ear infection and transfer it into the inner ear. The risk is pretty slight says column writer Dr. Linda Clabresi. Of more concern to her is the risk to long-term hearing caused by constant exposure to loud music. "Constant loud music will cause a premature deterioration in a person's hearing. A good rule of thumb is if people around you can easily hear what you're listening to via earphones, it's too loud."
