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Rumored Contra 4 preorder gift: 20th anniversary pack?
We sped through a jungle full of enemies and flipped over exploding bridges to report this gossip to you as soon as we heard about it -- Contra 4 preorders will come bundled with a set of 20th anniversary goodies.We usually try to not let the internet's random scuttlebutt addle our brains with its false promises and outright lies, but if you can remember the Castlevania 20th anniversary pack that accompanied Portrait of Ruin's release, you'll understand why we're finding it so hard to contain ourselves after hearing this rumor. Konami rewarded Castlevania fans who reserved the game and paid a five-dollar premium with a 48-page art book, a 20th anniversary soundtrack CD, a Castlevania stylus and cart case, and a small timeline/poster, all packaged in a black box with a faux-wax seal.So, what're you hoping will be included in this hypothetical preorder bonus? More branded accessories? A CD with Contra tracks remixed by Virt?! A sweaty bandanna?!!! Yeah right, we wish. See also: Nintendo Power poster: Contra 4 porn[Via CAG]
Happy 25th Birthday, compact disc!
Has it really been a quarter-century since the first compact disc was pressed, finally freeing us from the infernal routine of rewinding our mix tapes? Well sure enough, Philips was kind enough to inform us that its very first CD rolled off the production lines on August 17th, 1982, which history will forever remember -- perhaps unfortunately -- as a copy of ABBA's The Visitors. Nonetheless, this first widely-produced optical disc format would end up changing our lives forever, ushering in the era of lossless copies, easy music sharing, and an unwanted little friend we've come to know as DRM. Now with some 200 billion discs having been sold worldwide -- and probably twice as many distributed gratis by AOL in its dial-up heyday -- it would seem that the original shiny little platter is unquestionably in its golden years, with more convenient or capacious formats replacing it on almost every front. So Philips, the readers and editors of Engadget are proud to join you in saluting the revolutionary product you helped pioneer -- and also offer our condolences that things, um, haven't worked out quite so well for you in the transition to MP3. If you want to learn some of our (mostly embarrassing) first albums on disc, keep reading after the break...
HP celebrates 35th anniversary of HP-35: launches 35s calculator
Feel that? That's the unexpected stir of nostalgia welling inside your dorktic-loin. Rest easy, you're not alone. In fact, that picture aroused a deeply seeded HP fanboi-ism long obscured by thick slabs of drab computing plastic and opaque printer ink. The 35s marks the 35th anniversary of the industry defining HP-35 pocket scientific calculator (and death of the sliderule) -- a first to offer basic trig and exponential functions. While HP preserved the original's reverse Polish notation, gone is the single-line of red LEDs which illuminated the childhood wonder of so many budding engineers. The new 35s also introduces an algebraic entry mode for those who find RPN entry just a bit too, well, reversed. Of course, it's fully modern with 800 storage registers, 100 built-in functions, and a large 2-line alpha numeric display with adjustable contrast. Better yet, the 35s will only set you back $60 compared to the $395 it cost back in 1972 -- that's a lot more 8-tracks for your swank Ford Mercury Capri, eh Pops?Read -- HP-35 anniversary video Read -- HP 35s
Tomb Raider Anniversary looking less chunky in new screens
A fresh batch of screen shots from Lara Croft's upcoming Tomb Raider Anniversary go-round on the PSP shows a prettier and less "chunkier" Tomb Raider than Legend was, though at this point we're more curious as to how it plays. Last year's Tomb Raider Legend turned out pretty decent, but frame rate issues, chunky textures and clunky controls hurt the overall reception of the title. Feast your eyes on the recent released screenshots of the PSP-bound title and let us know if this reiteration is still on your radar. Despite the slight delay from its original June release, Tomb Raider Anniversary is still on the agenda for a late July arrival. Lets hope the extra time spent on its development results in a classier and smoother ride. %Gallery-4525%
Tomb Raider episodic content in September
Eidos UK announced that Tomb Raider: Anniversary will be 4 pieces of episodic content, playable through Tomb Raider: Legend, with the first two episodes releasing in September. The complete set, (including a the Croft Manor as a free download), will come to 2400 MS points, or 600 Microsoft points per episode. Since playing requires having Legend handy, those strictly wanting the content alone can wait until later in the year for the retail release. So, in short we were right, but it still leaves a question lingering. Since the episodes will be tied to Legend, is there going to be a maximum of 250 Gamerscore to be given out, if it even has additional Achievements? If that's the case, then what about the retail release, will that have 1000 Gamerscore? Either way, this could be breaking new ground on Xbox Live.[Via Joystiq. Thanks, Bob]
Six years of Segway: the profound effect on the human race
We'll admit, every so often a certain well-constructed spoof just catches you right, and in the case of the always-witty Onion, a perfectly executed mini-newscast covering the "profound effect" of the Segway really demonstrates how much of a non-factor this thing has been. Since the original launch in 2001, a good amount of folks have avoided the two-wheeled human transporter for one reason or another -- you know, things like uncontrollably reversing, it being banned in their country, the astonishingly high pricetag, and the oh-so-critical embarrassment factor -- and the "revolution" that it was supposed to spark has still not lit a flame. Sure, Jackie Chan may have demanded that the cast members on the set of Rush Hour III all get to their places via Segway, but c'mon, we'd surmise that the vast majority of dignified individuals would rather gallop around in a horse hoof alerting hybrid than face public humiliation on one of these things. Regardless of its impact (or glaring lack thereof), be sure to hit the read link if you need a chuckle. [Warning: link contains mild profanity][Thanks, Ben]
Today's raidingest video: Tomb Raider
Some of us have been jonseing for each successive Tomb Raider adventure ever since Lara Croft decided that messing up archaeological sites wasn't just for Indy. (Where were the interns and study? No, Kurtis Trent and Short Round don't count.) The June 5 launch of the original, remade with updated graphics (and we can only hope controls), as Tomb Raider: Anniversary is just around the corner. The tombs aren't going to just raid themselves; our video pick is the latest trailer for the back-to-her roots game. We don't see much that we didn't already know -- surprise, the game has "mild suggestive themes" -- but we're sure fans will appreciate the latest look at Lara. See the video after the break.
Disney Mobile talks (some) numbers
One of the lovely perks of existing as a tiny entity within a global megacorporation is that you can be a little coy with your public disclosure and get away with it. That's exactly the game kid-friendly Disney Mobile is playing as it gears up to celebrate its first anniversary, completely ignoring the burning question of subscriber count to concentrate on inane stats like how many people use its GPS tracking services (30 percent, by the way) and the balance of adult users to kids (56 to 44 percent). Sub count is particularly interesting here for a couple reasons: first, all eyes are on the still-maturing MVNO market as players try to find their niches and stake their claims against the big guys, and second, stablemate ESPN Mobile bit the dust last year for lack of interest. To be fair, Disney Mobile's target demographic is utterly different than ESPN's was -- and kiddie phones seem to be hot items these days -- so it's entirely possible all's well in the Magic Kingdom; until Disney decides to release more deets or the division closes up shop, though, it's all speculation.[Via Techdirt]
Long-distance TV broadcasts hit 80 year anniversary
We've already seen broadcast radio cross the century mark, and while 80-year anniversaries aren't exactly the most memorable under normal circumstances, television is certainly not in a normal predicament. Four score ago, the Indianapolis Star reported that "television, a scientific dream ever since the telephone was perfected, has at last been realized," as an image made its way some 200 miles from Washington, D.C. to Whippany, New Jersey, and then 22 miles by wireless to New York City. 80 years later, OTA broadcasts as we know them are at a turning point, as ATSC signals look to take over for the existing analog flavor, and companies are already chomping at the bit to get in while the getting is good. Furthermore, television as a whole has hastily garnered a newfangled medium in just the past few years, as the internet connected generation can now look to their browser to catch up on recent programming. The not-so-subtle revolutions that have occurred in the world of TV have happened at a breakneck pace, and considering all the luxuries we're starting to enjoy, we doubt things will slow down anytime soon. So here's to 80 years of keeping us pudgy, obliterating our motivation to socialize, and giving mega-corps a means to an end, and if you're interested in just how much has changed in just eight decades of the 'tube, be sure and hit the read link for a comprehensive report.
Happy second anniversary, WoW Europe!
Shane Dabiri is a bit wordy about it -- talking about the arena system opening up on the 16th, the future opening of the Black Temple where players will encounter Illidan, and the growth of the European community -- I think his basic message can be summed up as follows:Happy birthday to you, happy birthday to you, happy birthday WoW Europeeee... Happy birthday to you!And I think that's a sentiment we can all agree with. Congrats, Europe, for making it through two WoW-filled years. Try not to have too much fun celebrating your big day.
Square Enix surprise: its a PSP port of a GBA port of NES games
It looks like EGM's Rumor Mill is starting to develop into truth. "Square Enix is whipping up a wild lineup for PSP this year ... These guys are serious too! I'm talking new games, remakes of old classics, and an all-new, unexpected Final Fantasy spinoff that will make the fanboys flip."Well, we can check off "remakes of old classics" off the list: Square Enix just announced their "20th Anniversary Series," which will be heading to PSP. First two games on the table? Final Fantasy Anniversary Edition and Final Fantasy II Anniversary Edition. Both games will feature the enhancements of the Nintendo-published Final Fantasy I & II Advance: Dawn of Souls, and also include new CG movies and "further enhancements."While these aren't the games we've been clamoring for, I guess it's a step in the right direction. Any support from Square Enix is better than none, right? As it stands now, I'd much rather wait for Crisis Core than these remakes of remakes. Hopefully, we'll see the rest of the "wild lineup" that EGM hinted at.[Thanks, zaki! Via The Magic Box][Update 1: Scans are available at Jeux-France.]
Apple web site features teaser shot
Is it a sunrise? A monolith? The light from an oncoming train? Whatever it is, it's now decorating the website of everyone's favorite fruit-flavored company.Presumably we may expect big things this year from AAPL.[via MacRumors]
Pentax unveils shiny LX Gold SLR to celebrate 60 years
What better to snap oodles of pictures at your Thanksgiving feast than with a gravy-proof (and gold-plated) SLR? Taking a note from the bevy of other Midas-touched gizmos out there, the Asahi Pentax LX Gold sports a thoroughly blinding paint job with faux-alligator accents to add an extra layer of tacky to an already gaudy device. Apparently aiming to bring back a taste of 1981 (when the 10 millionth Pentax SLR rolled off the production line; pictured after the jump), the company is seemingly reintroducing the vivid shooter to celebrate 60 years of staying afloat. Of course, we aren't sure how many of these splendiferous units will be offered up (or wanted at all), but we're sure it'll rock quite a premium for those somehow interested.
2nd anniversary contest announced!
Like everyone else, I saw the announcement on the game's loading screen. But I wasn't overly impressed with the rewards, nor did I see anything about how to enter. Lucky for us, all you have to do to learn these things is read a dense text-only page of legalspeak. And lucky for you, I've done that and condensed the information into handy bulletpoints. (However, to get the full details, you may still want to check the official rules.)To enter, you must fill the following requirements. Accounts fitting the criteria will be automatically entered. Have a World of Warcraft account in good standing as of October 29th, 2006. (I.e. not permanately banned.) Be a resident of the United States (excluding Florida, Rhode Island, Puerto Rico, and other U.S territories and possessions). The exclusions aren't because Blizzard hates Floridians -- but because of regulations regarding contests in those areas. Be 18 years old or older. Sorry, kids. The prizes are actually better than first glance would tell you -- each week's prizes are an improvement over the last. During the first week, two winners will be chosen every business day to receive a $100 JINX gift certificate During the second week, two winners will be chosen every business day to receive a Razor Copperhead Precision mouse, a Razor Mantis Control Speed Mat, and a Barracuda HP-1 Headset. During the third week, one winner will be chosen every business day to receive an 80GB video iPod. During the forth week, one winner will be chosen every business day to receive a 1GB NVIDIA GeForce 7950 graphics card and a $100 JINX gift certificate. During the fifth week, for players who have had an active account since November 29, 2005, one winner will be chosen every business day to receive an XPS Gaming Laptop, a $100 JINX gift certificate, and a 2-year World of Warcraft subscription.
Capcom releases budget Resident Evil & DMC collections
As Capcom prepares to usher in the next-generation, the company has elected to do some last-minute house cleaning, shoeing a pile of its prized current-gen titles out the door. In celebration of the 10th anniversary of the Resident Evil franchise and the 5th anniversary of the Devil May Cry franchise, Capcom has prepared two budget-priced collections: For GameCube: Resident Evil, Resident Evil Zero & Resident Evil 4 ($40, exclusively at EB Games/GameStop) For PlayStation 2: Devil May Cry, Devil May Cry 2 & Devil May Cry 3: Dante's Awakening Special Edition ($30) The two gems of these collections are Resident Evil 4 and the original Devil May Cry. That said, unless you're looking to round out your archives, there are better ways to invest in Capcom product. You tried Okami yet? [Via press releases]
Engadget Spanish turns 1!
Wow, time really flies. Just a little over a year ago we had a bun in the oven called Engadget Spanish, and now it's all grown up and celebrating its first birthday. Next thing you know it's gonna be thiiis big and off to college, married, and with little Engadget spinoffs blogs of its own, and we'll just br here still blogging in English with our empty nest syndrome, hopefully collecting blogger social security. Oh, by the way, we hear they're giving something away -- but we won't spoil the surprise. Feliz cumpleaños Engadget Español!
Carnival of Gamers celebrates first anniversary
It's that time of month again -- the Carnival of Gamers has made its fourteenth stop, coincidentally marking its first anniversary (there were two last June). This regular collection of game writing from around the blogosphere is a delightful way to get some alternate opinions aired and always seems to be worth the reading time.This month's edition covers casual vs hardcore gaming; the Wii; violence and politics; modern MMO issues; and a few other juicy topics from co-op gaming to the ESRB. There's plenty of thought-provoking material in true Carnival style.See also:Carnival of Gamers gets n3rfedCarnival of Gamers rolls on to Virgin WorldsCarnival of Gamers gathers under Slashdot's tent
30 years in Apple products: the good, the bad, and the ugly
Has it really been 30 years since two buddies named Steve sold off their prized possessions (Woz's HP calculator and Jobs' VW van) to raise money and launch a company? Has it really been 30 years since the two Steves, tired of selling blue boxes, built the Apple I and began selling it for $666.66? Yes, it has, and if you don't believe it, just compare Jobs' hairlines from '76 and today. And while the company has become known for many things, from its groundbreaking GUI to the iTunes Music Store, we know Apple has always been a hardware company at heart. So here's to you, Apple: the good, the bad and, yes, the ugly from the past 30 years. Happy Birthday.
CNN reflects on Apple's great turnaround
I'll admit it, when I was in college (early 90's), I had pretty much resigned myself to the fact that Apple's days were numbered. After Steve's departure and the parade of boring, beige boxes that followed (not to mention the bad press, failed Newton and the ultimate vaporware, Copeland) I begrudgingly admitted that it might be time to learn Windows. The rest, as they say, is a different story.CNN Money takes a nice look at Apple's turnaround from down-and-out computer company to the darling that it has become. My favorite quote from the article:"Apple has struck a cultural nerve, especially with Generation X and Gen Y, while Windows and PC are viewed in essence as 'My parents' computer',' said Tim Bajarin, president of technology research firm Creative Strategies."I love it. Windows as the Buick of the computer world. You can read the full article here.
How would you convince a PC user to switch?
We've all tried to fill this role at some point in our lives. Sometimes we get the job done, and other times, well...Dell is still in business, aren't they? BeLight Software wants to celebrate Apple's upcoming anniversary by bringing a few more sheep into the fold. Describe to them whatever successful technique you've used in the past, and the top three suggestions will win a 12 month subscription to either Macaddict or Macworld magazine. Now, we all know how annoying an evangelist on a mission of conversion can be, so don't pound those poor Windows users over the head. You get more flies with honey.[Via MacMove]
