holiday
Latest
Analyst: Wii could be a contender
Not long ago, analysts told us that Nintendo's lack of third party support was going to destroy the gaming industry. Today, however, we're told that Nintendo's strong third party base was going to propel the system into a great position in the console wars. Yes, you read that right -- those "informed opinions" are complete opposites.If anything, we expected analysts to dogpile on Nintendo's lower price as the reason it might succeed. After all, analysts are all about that money, and even the Wii's games will be cheaper than those for the 360 and PS3. But to be told the lynchpin of Nintendo's success wil be that very thing that was set to destroy the earth (well, the gaming market) only months ago?Well. That just makes us giggle. Are we sure they're not just making it all up? There's one thing they're right about, at least. With a solid launch lineup, a lower price tag, and Sony's determination to shoot themselves in the foot, Nintendo will definitely be a contender this holiday season.
Gears of War still TBD, Too Human could slip to 2007
Two of Microsoft's most important titles planned for 2006 are still without public release dates. Last Friday, Xbox.com temporarily posted an October 2 release date for Gears of War -- the same date used by several online retailers. This date was later revoked, replaced with "TBD." Similarly, Too Human's release date had been listed as "TBD 2006," but has since been revised to just "TBD."While 'Emergence Day' -- that's slang for 'Gears of War release date' -- will most certainly hit in 2006, chances are, Too Human will slip into 2007. Too Human's E3 build was incredibly rough, and there's no sense in rushing a final version before the year's out, especially since you run the risk of releasing in Gears' shadow -- not to mention the other guys' console launches.As for Gears of War, October sounds about right. Judging from the E3 build, the game is certainly on track for that date. Plus, it would be wise to release Gears in advance of PlayStation 3 -- and Wii too. No game is going to stand up to the wave of hype that will flood our senses when those consoles drop. But, release Gears a month before the PS3 launch, get us hooked -- get us a bit distracted -- and you might capture some brand loyalty -- a lil' mindshare -- and generate enough word of mouth to convince holiday shoppers that Xbox 360 is, not just the only console readily available, but the console with a killer-app to boot.Read - "Xbox.com: Gears of War's New Release Date is...TBD"Read - "Too Human Release Date MIA"
Breakfast Topic: On Holiday with Azeroth
The problem with becoming immersed in WoW is that it's hard to leave behind -- I'm at the Develop conference at the moment, and whenever there's an hour or so of downtime I'm tempted to just log in and.. you know, check auctions or something.I succumbed to the temptation when I discovered a convenient wireless access point.. on the beach. What's the oddest place you've taken WoW? Or do you have more self-control than I -- can you leave it behind happily?
Holidaying with another self
What do you do when the pressures of endgame all become too much? When the PvP grind gets you down, and raiding just isn't doing it for you any more?Spend some time away from it all, in an exotic location where everything's new again -- make an alt. Preferably a cross-faction alt.It sounds idyllic, in principle. Start life from scratch again, in a town where nobody knows your name. Learn new skills! Have fantastic adventures! Spend four hours killing wolves and only regain a fraction of your former power! (Eh?)
Holidays in Azeroth - Love 'em or Hate 'em?
Have you noticed the way holidays in Azeroth seem to strangely coincide with holidays in the real world? Noblegarden shows up on Easter, Hallow's End on Halloween, the Feast of Winter Veil on Christmas, and the Lunar Festival on the Chinese New Year. Sure, CM Caydiem would always come up with fascinating reasons why each of these holidays fit properly in to Azeroth's lore, but doesn't it break down the immersiveness of an alternate reality when you see someone who looks suspiciously like Santa Claus sitting in the middle of Ironforge? I enjoy the change of pace provided by Azeroth's holidays as much as anyone else, but I do wonder whether Azeroth has any of its own holidays. So what's your take on Azeroth's holiday schedule - love it or hate it?
Noblegarden comes to Azeroth on Sunday
If real-life chocolate eggs aren't enough for you, you'll be able to find some in Azeroth on Sunday thanks to the feast of Noblegarden. Themed as "bringing communities together", there will be an egg hunt across the major cities with festival attire and goodies to find.Of course, the regular world events are still going on: the Darkmoon Faire is in Elwynn until Sunday (if you haven't been lately, mini tank races are a fun minigame), the Gurubashi Arena Booty Run goes on daily and there should also be the weekly Stranglethorn Fishing Extravaganza this Sunday. It's also an Alterac Valley "Call to Arms" weekend; more reasons to log in this Easter!
TUAW Survey: What Apple/Mac-related stuff are you giving this season?
This survey goes out to all you TUAW readers who are giving gifts around this time of year in celebration of one holiday or another: What Apple and/or Mac-related stuff are you giving this season?Is there a musician on your list just dying for a MIDI keyboard for GarageBand? How about that family member you have who is the last person on earth without an iPod? Let's also not forget that student in your life who just came into owning an iBook, but still needs a decent case to groove around town with.So feel free to (anonymously) spill your Apple/Mac holiday gift plans, but remember: we're not liable if your lucky recipient checks TUAW and figures out who you are and what they're getting. Disguise your identity in the comments as you see fit.
iPod Garage releases Holiday Nanobook
The iPod Garage has produced a free, downloadable eBook that quite thoroughly covers what you're going to want to know about the iPod nano. The Holiday Nanobook features articles, commentary and reviews of third party accessories, plus the winners of their photo contest. If you're giving an iPod nano this year, why not print this out and wrap them up together (It's 159 pages, so use the printer at work)?The Holiday Nanobook is free and available here.
