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Toyota's 2020 Highlander approaches the pinnacle of SUV practicality
If you're in the US and mulling a new car purchase, there's a pretty strong chance you're considering an SUV. Fair enough: Americans are pretty much over sedans at this point. In any case, Toyota has a refreshed version of its popular Highlander that might be right up your alley, but after a few moments ogling it at the New York Auto Show, one thing is clear: it's not happy to see you.
Enter at Your Own Rift: Song of a superhero
When it comes to fantasy MMOs, we've been there so long and done that so often that we hardly think about the framework that supports these worlds and our assumptions about them. This is doubly the case when it comes to who we are: We are always talented warriors or wizards who are out to do noble good deeds and get all, like, awesome and stuff. But we are mortal. We are people, just the best of people. We have adventuring spirits. Except that this doesn't quite apply to RIFT. When you really look at it, our characters in RIFT aren't generic adventurers. Who we are is not only clearly stated time and again but made an integral part of the game and its story. It's an important distinction that's worth examining. We are Ascended. Another word for that is "superhero."
Square Enix braces investors for 'extraordinary losses' in last fiscal year
On the eve of its quarterly presentation to investors and analysts, Square Enix today sent out a "revised" (uh-oh) forecast for the financial results of the last fiscal year, which ended March 31, 2011. Stakeholders should bring their ponchos -- they're in for stormy weather. In February, with nine months in the books, the publisher was confident it could hold onto its threadbare profits, forecasting a meager ¥1 billion ($12 million and change) in net income at the close of the fiscal year. While the unforeseen and devastating Great East Japan Earthquake in March knocked out more than half of that forecast income -- costing Square Enix roughly ¥0.6 billion in amusement facility closures and repairs -- other factors contributed more significantly to the company's now bleak outlook. So how bad is it? Square Enix currently anticipates a ¥12 billion (nearly $150 million) net loss for the 12-month period, a negative 226 percent change from the previous fiscal year (which brought in ¥9.509 billion in income). Further, accounting for additional subtractions from the balance sheet, the company is bracing investors for "total extraordinary losses of approximately ¥16.0 billion during the fiscal year." If there's a silver lining, it's in the publisher "introducing a tightened selection standard regarding title lineup" -- which cost Square Enix about ¥4.5 billion in the short term due to project cancellations, including a Highlander game and Gun Loco. But, ideally, this quality control will "strengthen" the company's critical video game segment in the long run, and perhaps restore Square Enix to its former glory.
Square Enix confirms cancellation of Highlander game we forgot existed
It's usually bad news bears for the fate of a particular game when we go nearly three years without hearing so much as a peep about it from its creators -- hence our general lack of surprise at Square Enix's recent revelation that Highlander: The Game's development has been halted. The project was nearly as old as Mr. MacLeod himself, having been in development since 2005 for the Xbox 360, PS3 and PC under the wing of publisher Eidos and French developer WideScreen Games. Though Square confirmed the canning to IGN, it would not share details as to exactly why the project went south. We heard that it was due to the development team's proclivity for decapitating one another with giant broadswords, citing "research," but keep in mind that we just totally made that up.
Team Fortress 2 update adds Highlander mode
It's indicative of Valve's creativity that we don't play Team Fortress 2, but we still get excited about the game's hilarious updates. In its most recent patch, TF2 received the new "Highlander" mode, in which teams are composed of nine players -- but each team can only have one of each class. In other words, "There can be only one (Spy, Sniper, Heavy, etc.)." This not only sounds like an interesting new mode, but it also gives us occasion to link to the intro for the Highlander television series, which scientists recently concluded is the coolest intro sequence in the history of mankind. We're also guessing the ultra-Scottish Demoman class gets some sort of intangible benefits while playing in this mode, but that's just pure speculation.
Breakfast Topic: What's the best pun name you've ever seen?
We've all seen some Alliance kiddie named "ikillhoarde" or a Warlock named "ifearyoudie." After all, what Horde wouldn't run for cover from a Hunter who's named after his very death? And woe is the person who actually thinks he can get away from a Warlock's fear. Phear the lock, baby.Add titles into the mix. "Doora the Explorer" is probably my favorite of all time. Every time I see someone named that I yell out "Swiper, No Swiping!" Of course insert the obligatory NSFW Kevin Smith reference here.Another favorite of mine that I've seen is "Highlander the Immortal."What's the best pun name that you've encountered in the game? Ever thought about renaming your character to make yourself pun-famous?
Insider Trader: Jewelcrafting, the final stretch part 1
Despite the overwhelming support from our readers during our brief but flower-tastic adventures as HKO-Insider, I will be unable to delve any further into the professions of the Flower Kingdom. That's okay; they were prejudiced against jewelcrafters anyway.Two weeks ago, I posted Insider Trader's guide to the final stretch of Alchemy, and Runstadrey posted the following comment in response: Excellent article, very in depth and thorough. I'm eagerly awaiting the same treatment for my stalled JC.How could I resist a request preceded by flattery? I might have even produced this last week, had patch 2.4 not have dropped; after all, we can't have all of our jewelcrafters stalled mid-level. I am looking forward to reading the comment section for this guide, as the cheapest way on paper always varies because of unique server economies.For the first part of the guide, which will show you how to reach 355 jewelcrafting in the cheapest manner possible, pass on through the break. Each week, Insider Trader takes you behind the scenes of the bustling sub-culture of professional craftsmen, examining the profitable, the tragically lacking, and the methods behind the madness. For more guides to maximizing your chosen profession, check out the final stretches for Leatherworkers and Alchemists alike. For a complete list of profession guides, feel free to peruse our directory.
Movies that could make good MMOs: Highlander
Yes, I know there's a Highlander game coming out, but it's not an MMO, and that's kinda too bad, 'cause there are some features inherent in the franchise that could make fun game mechanics. First, we have characters who actually DO regenerate health over time, proven in both movies and tv show. This is a favorite conceit in many MMOs, and it's rarely explained. Here, it's baked right in.Second, there is a history's worth of weapon and combat styles to choose from, and every conceivable ethnicity and culture type awaiting the player. And they needn't be limited to historical accuracy, either, as dear old Ramirez attests -- your warrior can use any style she likes. After all, she's had centuries to learn, and the whole world to teach her.
Highlander shots, no screens can be their equal
We'd like to promise that we're going to stop making jokes about the upcoming Highlander video game from Eidos, but it ain't gonna happen (we're still frantically trying to find a use for the word "quickening" as a pun). While it may be amusing to poke fun at the aging franchise, we must admit that the recent slew of screenshots to emerge for the game have piqued our interest. Granted, we're not sure if we're seeing actual gameplay or not, but it shows promise, if only conceptually. After all, sword-swinging action that spans multiple centuries sounds like perfect fodder for a video game. You might say these screens are quickening our pulse (there we go). Check them out in the gallery below.%Gallery-14217%
See first screens from Highlander game
When we told you about a new trailer for Highlander Tuesday, we bemoaned the lack of information about the game (or any art that included actual people for that matter). Today, it seems as if our prayers have been answered with some new images from the game giving us a glimpse at the titular Immortal, as well as some of the locations he'll be traveling to like New York City and Pompeii.What we don't know is if these screens are from in-game footage or if they're just concept art. We've emailed Eidos for more info but, in the meantime, feel free to postulate your theories below.%Gallery-14179%
Highlander game exists, remaining fan excited
In our many travels, we have met all manner of geek, nerd, and weirdo. Sure, we all know about Trekkies and Browncoats and Jedi wannabes, but there is another more secret class. We are speaking, of course, of the Highlander nerd. The kind of nerd that swings a replica samurai sword as he screams "there can be only one!" his voice distorted by the rattling of a retainer. It is for this fan (and for all the fans that have successfully grown out of their "awkward phase") that we inform the masses about the impending Highlander video game from Eidos. Not only does the game exist, but there is a trailer for it as well. We should warn you though, the video -- much like all the latest entries in the Highlander franchise -- is of extremely poor quality. Also, the fact that the protagonist has lived for hundreds of years and somehow managed to retain his thick Scottish brogue is a little strange. Still, we're sure these annoyances are mere trifles to the dedicated Highlander fan, so click on to see the trailer for yourself.
See first trailer for Highlander game
When you don't know much about a game (definitely the case with Eidos' upcoming Highlander title) you have to kind of go with your gut. After watching this new trailer for the game though, we have to admit that our guts are pretty stymied.OK, so let's start with the things that make us nervous. 1. This game was announced in 2004. Troublesome. 2. This video doesn't feature any gameplay. 3. The quality is really terrible. 4. No one contacted us to let us know it was up. There's good news too, though: 1. Despite the quality, the backgrounds look pretty good. 2. The voice actor does a fairly solid job. 3. The Quickening!We guess if we were pressed to give the trailer a passing or failing grade, we'd have to withhold the gold star thanks to the inclusion of the line "Others may lose their head in battle." ... Do you get it? Because you have to cut an Immortal's head off. Really. Someone wrote that. Oh well, we'll keep our fingers crossed.
