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Game store clerks risk all, speak out ... anonymously
Games Radar's "Confessions of a Game Store Clerk" has more info than you would ever want to know about working at a video game store. Way more.The anonymous interview with eight current and former employees includes 17 pages of juicy details on such hot-button issues as who "mistreats" them the worst (hint: the customers) and State of Emergency ("that game sucked so bad"). Kudos to Games Radar for the mysterious neck-down photos of the unnamed clerks. These guys are really putting their asses on the line. If anyone found out they worked at Gamestop ... they might never score a date again.
Wii Warm Up: Where do you shop?
We know lots of gamers who have pretty adamant stances either for or against certain retail outlets, so we thought it might be an appropriate bone upon which we could throw down this fine morning. Let's not pull any punches. Where do you shop -- and what stores will you avoid unless there is absolutely no alternative? Share your experiences, the good and the bad, and hey ... you can throw in some ugly if you feel so inclined.
PlayStation Store adds free MLB demo and more
A ton of new updates will hit the PLAYSTATION Store today. Trailers for the incredible PlayStation Home, online-only Warhawk, quirky Network title Super Rub'A'Dub, and various Paramout Pictures movies make up the latest video additions to the Store. More significant, though, is the addition of a playable demo of Major League Baseball 2K7. According to the press release, "Major League Baseball 2K7 redefines the pure baseball video game experience with true, next-gen details, all-new throwing mechanics and a revolutionary presentation system. Major League Baseball 2K7 features stunning, lifelike player models, Signature Style animations, Inside Edge data and more."Sure thing. With the low price of admission (free), we're willing to try anything. And with the newly-added background downloading feature, we'll be able to watch a movie while we wait for the download to finish.
Japan gets five more PS1 games
American gamers haven't enjoyed an update since Wipeout, and European gamers don't have any PS1 games available on the PLAYSTATION Store yet. That hasn't stopped Sony from updating their archive of PS1 titles in Japan. The newest update brings 5 more games, bringing the total number of downloadable titles to 36: Gunners Heaven (SCEJ) Galaxy Fight (Sun Denshi) Hard Edge (Sun Denshi) Arcade Hits Raiden (Hamster) Tall Unlimited (Hamster) As usual, PSP owners must have a PS3 in order to access the PLAYSTATION Store. When Sony will choose to fix this flaw?See also:Retro Reviews[Via IGN]
Puzzle Quest loved by Penny Arcade, tossed aside by game shops?
Ever since Infinite Interactive released a PC demo for Puzzle Quest: Challenge of the Warlords, gamers have been scrambling to find a DS or PSP copy of the title. The addictiveness of its Puzzle/RPG blend is matched only by its apparent rarity in stores. NeoGAF forumer Eric P aptly described the game and its limited distribution when he posted, "If Bejeweled is crack, then this is Space Crack that you can only buy from Space Crips in Space Angeles's space ghettos."Don't expect those Space Crips or your local shop to hang onto unsold copies for too long, though. According to Penny Arcade, Electronics Boutique stores in Canada might already be taking the game off their shelves due to disappointing sales. Considering that this much sought-after title was released only a week ago, ousting it this early in its lifetime seems downright unconscionable. We really hope this isn't a trend that other North American retailers will follow.Meanwhile, both the DS Fanboy and Penny Arcade offices have been caught by Puzzle Quest's steely grip, rendering us incapable of focusing our thoughts on anything else. Tycho and Gabe have drawn up two comics about the title in just the past week, dedicating several posts to their adventures obtaining and playing the game.Infinite Interactive's Steve Fawkner published a short comic of his own, explaining Puzzle Quest's shipment shortage. Check it out past the post break.
Is it cheaper to fake a battery repair than to buy new?
Notebook batteries aren't cheap these days, and our own Conrad Quilty-Harper from across the pond (of both TUAW and Engadget fame) blogged a little experiment to give his MacBook some new mobile legs. With a total of 11 parts replaced in six months (which is far more than required to put a machine to sleep for good), he decided it was time Apple threw him a bone and called support for a battery replacement. The Apple rep told him that if he didn't return his old 'n busted battery upon receiving the shiny new one, they would charge him £71 (~$138 USD). Fair enough, but a trip to the UK Apple Store online revealed that new batteries off the shelf cost £99 (~$192) - and that's quite a difference in price no matter where you hang your hat.Now we aren't sure if the math works the same way in other countries or even the US, and we don't exactly condone calling Apple for no good reason to score or even swap out for a new battery, especially since Apple could very well charge you anyway for making a bogus call and sending them a perfectly functioning battery (i.e. - pull this stunt at your own risk). This might be useful, however, if you're truly experiencing power issues whilst untethered and saving every penny on a replacement counts.
PlayStation Store hits the web ... sort of
We've been clamoring for a version of the PLAYSTATION Store that doesn't involve owning a PS3. For whatever reason, Sony seems to think that making PSP downloads available on a system that isn't called a "PSP" is a smart decision. Well, hopefully Sony's web version of the PLAYSTATION Store is leading us in the right direction. It features all the recent updates made to the PLAYSTATION Store, including the latest downloadable PSP title, Wipeout. The only problem? You can't actually buy anything from this Store yet: it's just for perusal purposes only.But certainly Sony will eventually be able to translate this interface for PSP? The system features a capable online browser that can handle transactions. Why not allow PSP users to simply browse and purchase items directly from their PSP internet browsers? We hope Sony's working on something--and soon.[Via PS3 Fanboy]
Def Jam Icon demo heads to the PlayStation Store
On Thursday (tomorrow), Sony will be updating the PlayStation Store with a new playable demo that (shock!) isn't a racing game: Def Jam Icon. EA's music-inspired fighter hasn't earned the greatest critical praise, but at a price of "free," it'll probably be worthwhile to check out the demo. Also available on the store will be videos of the already-released Resistance: one trailer and three behind-the-scenes features that cover gameplay, concept art and level design. [Via 1UP]
GDC 07: Calling All Cars impressions
Calling All Cars, David Jaffe's upcoming PlayStation Store-exclusive game, was available for play on the GDC show floor. The game, which has you competing against up to three other players, has you controlling wacky cop cars trying to catch criminals. The game is easy to pick up, fast, and most importantly, totally fun.Playing with three other players resulted in a game of total chaos and mayhem. The cars were incredibly responsive, and the various weapons created constant clashes. The levels were highly destructible, encouraging players to enter total rampages.Be sure to check out Calling All Cars when it hits the PlayStation Store later this week.
Spy shots: Apple Store The Domain
Upon reading our post about the opening of the newest Texas Apple Store, TUAW reader Dave grabbed his camera and headed down to the shopping center. He snapped the photo above for us, as well as another he's got posted at his site. Not that we condone covertly photographing unopened Apple Stores. But thanks, Dave! We appreciate the shots.
Apple Store Marina, San Francisco Details Emerge
Valleywag is reporting that the trendy-yuppified Marina district on the north end of San Francisco will soon be graced with what will be the third Apple Store in the already high-tech city. The store will replace the Walgreens at 2102 Chestnut (there's another 24 hour location 2 blocks away), a block down from Peet's, and neighboring the Gap. The location will be 6,600 square feet, and is being designed by the same architects (Bohlin Cywinski Jackson) who designed the 5th Avenue cube. A plan for the exterior of the structure will be presented to the city planning commission on March 22nd.Say what you will about the Marina (and those who frequent it!), it's about to get a lot more interesting.
R-Type Delta adds to our Japanese PS1 envy
As if Sony were mocking Steve's latest blog entry, they've released seven new old PSone titles to the (still PS3-only) PlayStation Store, bringing up the downloadable catalogue up to 31. Each of these games can be purchased for a paltry ¥525 (US$4.33). Shanghai Dynasty (Success) The Drugmania (Hamster) R-Type Delta (Irem) Ore no Shikabane o Koete Yuke (SCE) Puzzle Mania (Hamster) Pet in TV (SCE) Yaku: Yuujou Dangi (Idea Factory) To compare, America has only received 11 games so far, at a higher price of $6. Of those 11, we've only been able to recommend 4 of those games. Please Sony, if you're not going to give us more releases, at least give us better ones.[Via Joystiq]
Destruction Derby in the PlayStation Store tomorrow
As if Sony were mocking my recent Retro Review, yet another racing game is heading to the PlayStation Store tomorrow: Destruction Derby. Like all other PSone titles available through the download service, it'll cost you a mere $5.99. But honestly Sony, were there no other games on the PSone back in the day? Was it just racing games in the 32-bit era? I remember you used to have RPGs, action games, platformers ... etc.[Via IGN]
2XTreme added to PlayStation Store
... And no one cares. Honestly, Sony, when are we going to get some real classics through your currently PS3-only PlayStation Store? You'll be able to take control of one of four extreme vehicles (snowboards, bikes, inline skates, and skateboards) in four extreme environments (Japan, Africa, Las Vegas, and Los Angeles).[Thanks, sean!]
PSP sells comfortable sandals
Warning: Completely useless news story ahead.Is there anything the PSP can't do? Ultraneo, passing through the stores of Japan, stumbled upon this unique way of using the PSP. It seems to be hanging on a store shelf, displaying a video of people walking around in sandals. I'll assume that all those diagrams of horrifyingly distorted feet are meant to extol the virtues of foot health: wear these sandals, buy them now!What will be next? I'm hoping to see a PSP sell panties.[Thanks, JIMMY!]
Tekken appears on PS3 with more features, for less money
I reported earlier that Tekken: Dark Resurrection would appear on PlayStation 3 as a downloadable title via the PlayStation Store. It looks like the game's finally out... in Japan. The monstrous 830MB download features all the functionality of the PSP version of the game, such as ghost battling, but now comes in glorious 1080P full-HD. To add insult to injury, there's multiplayer included (no need for multiple machines and discs!), and the cost: a measly 2000 yen ($17).Some of you disagreed with my prediction that the PS3 version would be cheaper. Looks like Sony's trend is to release PSP games... and then make them better and cheaper on the PS3. Does that sound fair to you?[Via Joystiq]
Our most wanted PSone games
We have faith that one day, the PlayStation Store will be accessible via PSP without the need for a PS3, and will flourish into a glorious realm of classic games, one that will be untouched by the competition. Of course, homebrew users will rip their own games ... but for the rest of us, this is my personal wishlist of PSone games that I'd like to see available for download.
Medievil appears on Sony's battered PlayStation Store
While Japan enjoys a healthy addition of PSone games to the PlayStation Store, including Dino Crisis and R-Type, Americans are left with Medievil, a questionable-at-best addition to the store. Why, you ask? Didn't they already make a PSP remake of this game? It seems like Sony has to stop giving us games that already have PSP-exclusive sequels and remakes available.This paltry update to the PSone library certainly doesn't make me want to jump and down and celebrate. However, for the sake of Retro Reviews, I would've downloaded it... if it was possible. The PlayStation Network is being hammered right now, most likely in preparation of the hotly-anticipated Gran Turismo HD demo.[Thanks, sean! Via PS3 Fanboy]
Apple Launches iTunes Store New Zealand
After tons of rumors and speculation, the New Zealand iTunes store debuted today. The online store offers over two million songs, with individual tracks priced at NZ$1.79, music videos at NZ$3.59 and many albums at NZ$17.99. Many New Zealand artists are featured exclusively in the New Zealand store, including Fat Freddy's Drop, Brooke Fraser, Tim Finn, The Datsuns and Bic Runga as well as extensive catalogues from New Zealand greats including Shihad, Crowded House, The Black Seeds, Breaks Co-Op, Elemeno P and Dei Hamo.
Zune 2.0: How Microsoft could beat the iPod
Besides being snarky and asking why Microsoft bothered in the first place, I've been thinking about the more significant aspects of the Zune, such as what it means (and could mean) to the market and the culture of the industry. There is a lot to be said about the fact that Microsoft is paying a record label tax on every device sold and the terrifying precedent that sets, as well as the IP-trampling and DRM-wrapping Wi-Fi sharing feature. Through all this I realized that Microsoft *could* have a great product on their hands - if they got to working on some true innovation (instead of - at best - an unpolished gimmick), and cleaned out the criticism todo list. It wouldn't be easy, especially in light of the uphill battle that seems to be getting steeper by the week, but it could theoretically be done, and we all would be better off if it happened (remember: competition is good for you and me). After the break, I've listed a a few fundamental elements and features that could propel the Zune not simply into the position of a justifiable contender to the DAP throne, but that of a truly innovative and culturally significant product like the iPod has become.
