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Rumor: Wrath of the Lich King Collector's Edition box
Here's some good Wrath of the Lich King rumor-juice for you tonight. Pictured to the right is what has shown up on the internet as a Wrath of the Lich King Collector's Edition box. I for one think it looks real. It was posted on the Paladin Schmaladin blog two months ago, although reader Allen just tipped us to it this evening.The poster over there notes that the box comes from her friend Gene, who supposedly works at a printing facility. Gene couldn't get one out of the printing factory, so instead he snapped an image of the box with his cellphone.Through Paladin Schmaladin, we're also told that the printing press had the WotLK box orders pushed back four months. This could be an indication that Lich King will be coming out later than expected, although since Blizzard hasn't really announced a release date, we'd probably never know the difference.Nonetheless, enjoy your nightly WotLK rumor. It looks to be a good one.Click the image for a larger high-res version.
MMOGology: Mobile MMOGs
Several weeks ago at Apple's Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) Steve Jobs announced the 3G iPhone. The announcement wasn't much of a shock to industry experts since other cell phones have been using 3G networks for several years. In order to remain competitive, it was only natural for Apple to hop on the 3G bandwagon. What was, perhaps, more unexpected was the consumer friendly price point of $199.00. Of course there are a few not-so-hidden caveats involved with that sweet price point. First you have to qualify for the subsidized price, then there's the mandatory two year contract with AT&T and an increase in the price of the iPhone's data plan. Regardless, what it means to gamers is a budding mobile gaming platform. The iPhone now has its own software developer's kit (SDK), 3G network capabilities, and is priced to sell. Increased accessibility, higher data transfer speeds, and the ability for developers to conjure up new applications can only mean good things for the future of mobile MMOGs – especially on the iPhone. Of course, maybe the future of mobile MMOGs seems so bright because its current state is so dim. As someone who has never even attempted to play an MMOG on a mobile device, I'm curious as to what exactly is out there and if anything is worth my time. If you're curious too, join me for some more info on mobile MMOGs after the break. I'll discuss the current state and limitations of the platform, some existing offerings, and take a look at what the future might hold.
MMObile: extensions of our social and gaming networks
How many times have you wanted to check on your game stats, switch skill training, or buy something at an auction house while you were nowhere near your computer? We have a host of mobile devices and services available to us with speed increases every year, but still connections to our online social networks are quite limited when we're not in front of our computers. Shouldn't more companies focus on allowing our mobile devices to act as extensions of our computers and consoles? That's what Tom Sperry, CEO and President of Exit Games Inc. thinks. He lays out his vision for how things can improve, in this scenario:
Layton has a puzzle to solve on your mobile phone
We love Professor Layton. No, not the game, the man. Actually, we do love the game, too. We just love to love things!Looks like Japan loves the guy enough to warrant the series extending itself over to cell phones. The first game, Professor Layton and the Curious Village is already available and even comes pre-installed on Panasonic's new DoCoMo handset, the P906i. This port of the first title features new puzzles not found in the DS game.Also worth noting is that Professor Layton's London Holiday, a brief DS demo that was handed out to folks at last year's Tokyo Game Show, will be available to mobile phone gamers soon.[Via Game | Life]
Japan can now buy MSpoints via cell phone
We haven't heard news such as this since the last time Microsoft was showing off the so far poorly executed Live Anywhere. Beginning Monday, the Japanese phone service provider NTT DoCoMo will allow its users to pay for MSpoints or a Gold Subscription right from their phone. Any purchases made via the "DoCoMo Mobile Payment Service" are charged to the phone bill, thus bypassing any form of credit card information going to MS. While a move such as this isn't exactly out of character for a company, we have to wonder about the practicality of it for the masses. The most useful situation would be if you were the type of player who uses point cards and doesn't have any CC info associated with their Gamertag. Buying points via phone could save a trip to the store AND keep the evil empire away from your bank info. However, if this comes to the US we foresee many, many XBL brats using their phones to avoid bugging mom and dad for their credit cards ....
The Wii saves cell phone gaming
We'll never understand the drive to play cell phone games. Even if phone hardware is powerful enough to render high-quality visuals, the experience is all but ruined by the fact that every cell phone ever has a completely terrible interface for playing games (sorry, iPhone, but we could do with at least one button!) When there are awesome portable game systems available, we don't see the need to play games on our phones. Of course, that's us, and we sort of identify as fanboys of a certain non-phone handheld game system."Ares" of the UIQ Evangelist blog solved the interface problem using a program called MobiPad that enables the Wiimote to connect to phones via Bluetooth. Now he can play the phone version of SSX3 with a decent d-pad. There's no waggle or anything, but just not being terrible is a quantum leap for mobile game controls.
Someone thinks BioShock on mobile phones is a good idea
Quick, name one thing that could improve the epic, graphically and acoustically rich experience that is BioShock. If you said "squeezing it onto a cell phone with a three inch screen, tinny speakers and a memory cache the size of my old 486" then you could probably get a job at mobile developer IG Fun, which has just secured the mobile phone rights to the game."We're trying to do great things and BioShock on mobile promises to offer a whole new gaming experience and unmatched excitement amongst mobile gamers the world over," said IG Fun CEO Sean Malatesta. Unmatched excitement, you say? Surely you don't think BioShock mobile will be more exciting than IG Fun's other mobile "hits" like Rush Hour 3 and the improbably named Good Night Mr. Snoozleburg. Because that would just be crazy.[Via X3F]
Mobile WoW officially being considered
var digg_url = 'http://digg.com/playable_web_games/WoW_may_be_coming_to_a_mobiles_device_near_you'; Here's another one from the files of things we've desired/dreaded for years. In a post-DICE interview with Blizzard cofounder Frank Pearce, MTV learned that Blizzard is definitely thinking about making some kind of mobile WoW interface. He says it would probably just allow you to chat and monitor auctions and mail, without actually being able to buy and sell things. Still, I don't think I'm exaggerating much when I say hundreds of thousands of players would use an app like that. When last this was discussed here on WoW Insider, many of you were of the opinion that a mobile WoW would be yet another infringement on our already dwindling time for "real life," and that's a definite threat, but ultimately I think it's just as easy (or as hard) to exercise self-control on a cell phone as on a PC. Other fun news from that interview: Players in Taiwan have the shortest wait time for tickets Blizz is working on a way to stream a trial version of WoW so people who want to try the game can be playing in 10 minutes. Is that even possible? Edit: Apparently, not only possible but already achieved. Magic! Wrath "should feel at least as substantial as BC" The movie was delayed by the just-ended WGA strike, but the project is now running again and looking for directors. Pearce: "When we talk about the quality of our movie and the quality of the movie we want to see delivered, we're talking about the 'Lord of the Rings' trilogy. That's what we want to deliver, that kind of epic experience." Yeah, good luck with that. [via Joystiq]
Hands-on with an HD Radio prototype phone
During a brief booth visit at iBiquity, we had opportunity to see what's coming for the HD-Radio people, and the future does include mobile. We've no details to offer here as there were really none to get, but hey, pics are at least something. The device is a bit weak in the knees, but we think the HD Radio types will likely bust out some nice sets, perhaps we'll even see something from partner Samsung.%Gallery-13281%
Cell phones take a cue from Wii, use nunchuk controller
We'll be damned if we'll ever play a game on our cell phone (actually, that's a lie: we played Snake once). Our gigantic, meaty paws aren't designed to play on such a small device. Besides, we already have a portable device for games. It's called a DS.But, the market is booming enough to demand peripherals be manufactured. The latest of which takes a cue from the Wii in the pictured nunchuk controller. Brought to you by manufacturer Zeetoo, the device is bluetooth-enabled and dubbed the Zeemote. The underside of the controller even has analog stick and buttons. And, they're even working on a motion-sensitive version, as we speak.
Square Enix announces Final Fantasy IV sequel!
... for cell phones. In February, Square Enix will release Final Fantasy IV: The After -- Return to the Moon for FOMA 903i and better cell phones on NTT DoCoMo's network, with a release on au's phones to follow a month later. The game stars Theodore, a descendent of reformed Dark Knight Cecil, and takes place on the moon. None of the things we just said matter, because those cell phones are way more powerful than anything we've got outside Japan, and we are approximately 0% likely to see this game, ever.Yes, it is a crime and an insult that this game is not on the DS. Like it or not, cell phones are pretty much the only mobile device that Japan has more of than DSes, and the only device for which Square Enix could farm out a cheapo sequel to a major Final Fantasy game and get away with it.
Dr. Kawashima to ... cell phones?
Millions of DS users have found themselves charmed by Dr. Kawashima. Afterall, he's not bad looking for bodiless head, and he's a doctor. Mom would be so pleased!It seems, though, that the popular handheld is not enough to keep the good doctor satisfied, since later this month he'll be debuting on European cell phones (or mobiles, as they call them in those parts). The Brain Age ripoff game, called Brain Coach with Dr. Kawashima, will be licensed by Namco Bandai (not Nintendo), and will use daily exercises to track your level of brain aptitude. That sounds familiar ...And to think, we actually believed his sweet, encouraging words as we struggled with our math equations! When all this time he was just looking for younger, slimmer handhelds to play with. We thought you were different, Dr. Kawashima, but you just had to go and break our hearts.
Is Dell readying a new mobile device?
There appears to be some speculation floating around that Dell is about to cannonball itself into the mobile pool, big time. According to whispered rumors from dark hallways (AKA Forbes), the company is putting together a smartphone / multimedia device which might be rearing its head sometime early in 2008. The device -- being developed with the help of Taiwanese company Quanta -- will sport video and audio playback, as well as internet functionality. The rumors are strengthened by the company's addition of former Motorola cell phone executive vice president Ron Garriques, and with the dropping of its PDA and DAP products, there's certainly a gaping void left open for a new device. Of course, it also doesn't hurt that Dell's recent acquisition of Zing and trademarking of the "Zingspot" moniker suggests the company is getting into content distribution -- perfect for a shiny new convergence device. Only time will tell if the PC powerhouse can get into the very-crowded smartphone game, too. [Via InformationWeek]
Today's IP-never-dies video: Lucy and Honeymooners
MTV's Stephen Totilo "somehow wound up with an exclusive" about new casual games based on The Honeymooners and I Love Lucy. While most of us are scratching our heads about the properties, maybe this signals a new trend for old IP; there's that Dirty Dancing game after all. Clearly, these titles aren't for us. (And by "us," we mean people who get jokes about the potential for cake and also think that those jokes are played out.)Beanbag Studios anticipates launching at least one Lucy trivia game and one Honeymooners bowling game this year. Yes, these PC and cell phone games are being built into long-term franchises. Witness videos of each game after the break.
Nintendo won't stop making hardware
Sure, it may be a while before some new Nintendo hardware comes along, but according to Nintendo's president Satoru Iwata, the company will never dedicate itself to only making software. Iwata was asked if the company would consider giving up on its hardware, as changes and additions to cell phones are making other portable devices irrelevant. He responded, "Nintendo is clearly much stronger when we can combine both hardware and software development than when we have to focus on software. I just cannot think of any reason why we would abandon a weapon which brings us such a great advantage. I just cannot imagine Nintendo's future as a dedicated software content provider." Iwata also said that there is room for both the DS and mobile phones in the market, and therefore the two won't have to merge together. So, never fear folks. Even when if cell phones do take over the world, Nintendo will keep chugging out hardware for us all as long as you keep on buying it.[Via Aussie-Nintendo]
iHome intros the iHC5 mobile phone dock
Looking for a totally elaborate, complicated, and kind-of-ugly dock for your iPhone or media-playin' mobile device? You're in luck, because iHome is about to deliver the goods... big time. Enter the iHC5, a remote-controlled, Bluetooth-equipped, 4-speaker-sporting pile of accessory goodness. The system -- which is made to handle all kinds of phones -- features AVRCP and A2DP profiles, has dual alarms for getting you out of bed, and has a line-in for hooking up your CD or MP3 player. Sure, it's not the coolest looking thing in the world, but if you really need a self-contained docking solution for your mobile phone, you could do worse, couldn't you? No word on a release date, though it'll cost you $149.99 when it hits shelves.[Via iLounge]
Hey! Listen! It's your phone
Do you like this cell phone holder with an embroidered Link on it? Would you be willing to pay $14 for it? Well, you can't. Providing further proof that we're bad people, we can only tease you with this wonderful handmade phone case, and link to an Etsy store from which you can't buy it.Well, maybe you can: the seller takes commissions, so you may be able to convince her to make you one like this. Or maybe even a bigger case, for some kind of handheld video game system? By the way, the other cases for sale, while not game-themed, are also adorable. [Via Wonderland]
Get out of your current cell contract
Thank you, Wired.The #1 hindering factor in purchasing an iPhone -- at least for most people I know -- is that they're mired in contracts with other, lesser-blessed carriers like Verizon or T-Mobile. And often cancellation fees are steep, too steep to warrant a cancellation just (hah, just) to buy an iPhone. (Imagine tacking $200 to that $600 price tag.) Well, the good folks -- particularly Daniel Dumas -- at Wired has you covered with 8 ethically-questionable-but-incredibly-clever tips to salvage your soul from the wireless devils.A few of the gems include changing your address to an area where your provider doesn't offer coverage (nulling the contract); demanding the physical paperwork (if they can't produce it you're free); or faking your own death. Check the full article for more tips, details on how to get it done, and the odds of each tip's success.
Halo ARG causes 300+ calls to unwitting college student
It's all fun and games until someone gets 300 cell phone calls in a matter of days. That's what your mom might say about the story of Michael VanderZand, an innocent bystander whose cell phone got accidentally drawn into an alternate reality game promoting Halo 3.It all started when ARG followers came across what looked like a cell phone number template in the Xbox Live motto for a mysterious Bungie.net user called Adjutant Reflex. The number led followers to VanderZand's cell phone which, coincidentally, had a Red vs. Blue audio clip as his voice mail message. The message set off alarm bells for callers, and the number was soon being passed around message boards and ARG sites all over the 'net.In actuality, VanderZand is just a Halo fan and a business and marketing student from Michigan who has nothing to do with the game (Or is that just what he wants us to think? No. It's true). In an interview with Hushed Casket, VanderZand seemed mostly bemused, especially with some of the more nervous callers. "Most of you wouldn't even respond when you got a live person on the phone. ... How do you expect to get anywhere if you don't even have the balls to respond?" he asked. We bet these same people don't even have the guts to ask Jenny for a good time when they call 867-5309.
First post on NES-Emulating Phone Fanboy
A little something different: it's not a DS, but it is at least similar in that it's a handheld device that plays Nintendo games. If there's only one thing we want in life, it's the ability to have hundreds of NES games on hand at any moment. Let's forget the legal issues right now and just marvel at the technical wonder of a cell phone that not only comes preloaded with a NES emulator, but is designed with a reasonable button layout to play them.Welcome to the future. If you had told us twenty years ago that there was a portable device that could store and play NES games, we would have been impressed. If you had told us that it would also have a TV-out, we would say 'neat.' But there is no way we would have conceived of the idea that such functions would be extras on a telephone that also has a digital camera. Okay, we'll stop forgetting now and get to the major problem: downloading NES ROMs is illegal and violates Nintendo's copyright. Even backing up games you own is questionable. Oh, well, this phone probably won't make it to the US anyway, so we won't be forced into any moral dilemmas.[Via Wireless Info]
