bob
Latest
LotRO lorebook updated with Bob and Nob
A different kind of lorebook entry has gone up under the Lord of the Rings Online site's points of interest series. It's not a look at one of the game's many locations -- this time, we get to meet two characters, Bob and Nob, that inhabit the game. Bob and Nob are two hobbits that help out Barliman Butterbur in running the famous Prancing Pony Inn. Butterbur is absent-minded and a tad incompetent, so a lot of responsibility falls on his assistants to ensure that business is taken care of. In-game, you'll find Nob just outside the Prancing Pony, and Bob is inside in the kitchen, and you can read more about them at the new lorebook entry before your visit.
The New York Times finds EVE Online intriguing
The New York Times published an article on EVE Online this morning. NYT writer Seth Schiesel focused on EVE's growth and emphasis on player freedom.Hilmar Petursson (CCP's CEO) told Schiesel in a phone interview that there are "basically two schools of thought for operating an online community. There is the theme-park approach and the sandbox approach. Most games are like Disneyland, for instance, which is a carefully constructed experience where you stand in line to be entertained." He said that CCP takes the sandbox approach, creating a world where players are free to define their own experiences.The article also describes the current political climate in EVE Online's worth, including the Band of Brothers blueprints scandal and other things. If you're already an EVE player, you won't find anything new in the article, but if you're not, it's bound to be an eyebrow-raising read.
Oblivion, Band of Bugs and Lumines DLC deets
There's a couple of games getting new content today, so rather than spread the details across numerous posts (that'll only leave some dazed and confused) we've bundled all the new downloadable content news right here.Today, Oblivion fans can get access to their own castle with the free The Fighter's Stronghold expansion download. Just be sure to keep your newly accessible living quarters clean and fresh. XBLA game Band of Bugs is also feeling the DLC love today with a the new 250 Microsoft point Ninja Sticks of Fury expansion that adds new achievements, a new shadowy character and more challenges to the Band of Bugs universe. Finally, Lumines Live! owners will be getting a new 400 Microsoft point Rockin' Holiday Pack expansion and two free skins ("Heavenly Star" and "Breeze") this Wednesday. Don't own Lumines Live! you say, well good news for you, because it was also announced that starting this Wednesday Lumines Live! will be permanently discounted to 800 Microsoft points. Smile.Read - Oblivion The Fighter's Stronghold DLCRead - Band of Bugs Ninja Sticks of Fury DLCRead - Lumines Live! DLC and discount pricing
Apple's iPhone marketing dude clears up some points
Who better to field questions about the iPhone than the guy from Apple's own guided tour video, right? Pioneer Press' Julio Ojeda-Zapata had a chance to chat with him on a couple occasions (turns out he's Bob Borchers, Apple's senior director of worldwide product marketing for the iPhone) and he was able to squeeze answers to a couple pressing matters out of him -- things like "WTF is with the recessed headphone jack?" and "can the iPhone be upgrade to 3G, please?" The answers are all pretty predictable ("we had to" and "it's a hardware issue" for these two, respectively) but it's a good read nonetheless. We especially like the bit promising "a lot of improved functionality that will be rolled out on a regular basis."
Majesco bursts onto Wii with Bust-a-Move Bash!
If ever there was an appropriate time to usher in another Bust-a-Move sequel, it's now -- or rather, early next year.Killer app this is not, but Majesco's Bust-A-Move Bash! should be perfectly suited for Wii's motion-controlled simplicity. Toss in an 8-player every Bub n' Bob for itself mode -- we assume this means online compatibility -- and Blast has got the fixin's for a worthwhile diversion. Fingers crossed for a budget price.
Progressive scan, 16:9 included in Downhill Jam
A rather excited fan of the site recently sent in an email correspondence with one Alex Ness of Toys For Bob, the developers behind Tony Hawk's Downhill Jam. While this reader could've used the opportunity to pry loose release information for the console or exclusive content in the game, instead his main focus was whether or not the game would support progressive scan and include an option for 16:9 aspect ratio. According to the email, these are to be included:"We're working on supporting progressive scan and widescreen right now and should definitely get it in before we ship."So there you have it, word directly from Alex Ness at Toys For Bob that Tony Hawk's Downhill Jam will support 480p and 16:9. Our readers, they are the best![Thanks enbob89!]
Yet another classics compilation, this time from EA
If the upcoming Capcom Classics Reloaded or the insanely awesome Sega Genesis Collection aren't enough retro games for you, then you might want to check out EA's offering. Gamespot recently spotted a Gamestop listing (these names always confuse me) called EA Replay, and it should feature the following games:B.O.B.--1993--SNES and Genesis Budokan--1990--Genesis Desert Strike--1993--SNES and Genesis Jungle Strike--1993--SNES and Genesis Haunting Starring Polterguy--1993--Genesis Mutant League Football--1993--Genesis Road Rash--1992--Genesis, later on 3DO Road Rash II--1993--Genesis Road Rash III--1995--Genesis Syndicate--1995--SNES, 3DO, Jaguar Ultima: The Black Gate--1994--SNES Virtual Pinball--1993--Genesis Wing Commander--1993--SNES Wing Commander: The Secret Missions--1993--SNESWhile these may franchises may not be as famous as Sonic or Street Fighter, there are still some heavy-hitters there. Personally, I can't wait to get back into Road Rash, while many should get excited about Wing Commander. But, compared to Sega's 30 game offering, will EA's less than blockbuster lineup be able to compete?
Bob Ross game contest
Announced on the first day of E3 week, we feel absolutely ashamed that we neglected to bring this wonderful bit of news to you. Turns out 6 lucky winners will have the chance to showcase their art in the upcoming Bob Ross video game. Guidelines, for the moment, are: Only landscape paintings completed using the Bob Ross Wet-on-Wet Technique ® will be accepted. Submission must be the entrant's own original work (using the instructions from Bob's books and DVDs is encouraged) Entrants will be required to assign all copyrights for their submitted work to Bob Ross Interactive LLC, AGFRAG Entertainment Group and Bob Ross Incorporated. Entrants will be required to authorize use of their name, brief biographical information and images for publicity and publication to Bob Ross Interactive LLC, AGFRAG Entertainment Group and Bob Ross Incorporated. A more comprehensive set of guidelines is due to be posted in June.[Thanks AssemblyLineHuman!]
AGFRAG interview on Bob Ross game
The Nintendo Gal got ahold of Joseph Hatcher, owner of development house AGFRAG, and put him through a gauntlet of questions aimed at getting more information on the Bob Ross game that is destined to hit the Wii, DS, and PC. The interview doesn't exactly drop any huge bits of news pertaining to the title, but Joseph does confirm that the nunchuck attachment is not used in the game. Regardless, it's still a nice brisk read that sheds some light on where the idea came from and what Joseph hopes to accomplish with this title.
Bob Ross painting on the Revolution?! [Update 1]
Either the April Fool's jokes are starting early this year or the Gaming Gods have smiled greatly upon us Nintendo-loving gamers. Go Nintendo links to a press release on the official Bob Ross (R.I.P.) website stating a game based on Bob Ross' teachings is to hit the Revolution. Supposedly in collaboration with development house AGFRAG, the game aims to "utilize the unique inputs that the Nintendo DS and Nintendo Revolution have that can truly immerse the players while they learn to paint like Bob Ross and can play the addictive and fun games that we have planned for the title. " So not only can we expect some tutorial-based gameplay, but some minigames as well? Cruel joke or miraculous blessing? [Update: It's truth! Looks like RawmeatCowboy got an email from AGFRAG confirming that the game is indeed headed to the Revolution and DS. Rock! Thanks Adam Blinkinsop!] [Via Go Nintendo]
