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Guitar Hero said to not be dead yet, will continue to rock from beyond the grave
It was with heavy heart that we reported in February the Guitar Hero franchise was dead, done in by an addiction to half-baked sequels and a growing tolerance of commercialization. It felt like the series being put out to pasture was for the best, but maybe this old rocker still has some life in its leopard-print pants yet. Dan Winters at Activision sat down with gamesindustry.biz and clarified that "the brand won't go away," that the company just isn't going to release a new one this year. You know what that means: next year you'd better be ready to dust off those flimsy guitars and rock once again like it's 2009.
Xperia Play to be exclusive launch device for Gameloft's BackStab action game
It has begun. The Xperia Play, a device that promises to take mobile gaming to its next level of awesomeness, just scooped itself a one-month exclusive on a brand new action adventure game. BackStab, produced by mobile game makers Gameloft, has a "free roaming 3D environment" (old school 3D, not the fancy new stuff), filled with some decidedly yummy-looking graphics and what appears to be an emphasis on battling multiple enemies at once. All we're seeing here reminds us of desktop or console games, not the usual mobile fare, so we're most intrigued to see this game in action. It'll hit all of Android eventually, but for the first 30 or so days after its launch in Q2 2011, it'll be only on Sony Ericsson's Xperia Play. Check it out in the gallery below.
Nintendo 3DS review (Japanese)
It's been almost a year since Nintendo revealed the 3DS to the world, trotted it out at E3, held proudly by a flotilla of genetically-cloned and identically-dressed ladies. Of course we knew about it long before that, but when it comes to glasses-free 3D screens seeing is believing. After that first glimpse we were left intrigued by the technology, but we wouldn't say we were exactly believers. Now, after spending about a week living with one of Nintendo's $250 consoles, working with one, gaming with one, and practicing kana with one, we've seen the light. The fancy-pants screen works, but it only does so with a lot of caveats. %Gallery-118552%
N64oid brings Nintendo 64 emulation to Android devices
There's not exactly a shortage of video game emulators for Android devices, but there has been one notable, 64-bit exception. That's finally been rectified with the just-released N64oid application, however, which finally brings emulation of Nintendo 64 games to the platform -- and, like the other emulators from developer Yongzh, it's conveniently available right in the Android Market (for $5.99). As you might expect, there are a few glitches and hiccups to be found even on high-end phones like the Nexus S, but it does seem to run remarkably well for an initial release and, as Download Squad points out, you can also use a separate, freely-available app to add some Wiimote controls to the proceedings. Also, it means you can play Goldeneye on your phone. Video after the break. [Thanks to everyone who sent this in]
Arcade Table's Stealth brings high design, crazy price tag to tabletop arcade
The tabletop arcade market isn't exactly a crowded one these days, and for the most part we'd say that's for good reason -- remember those Pac-Man-induced neck spasms? Then again, most arcade tables don't look like this. The Stealth console system from the aptly-named Arcade Tables offers 60 classic games, including Pac-Man, Donkey Kong, and Galaga, in a high gloss cocktail table, sporting an HD LCD screen with an 89-degree viewing angle, built-in speaker system, and two-player controls. Okay, so the thing costs $3,300, which is more than a touch too rich for our blood, but wouldn't it be nice if more throwback consoles looked a little more, well, Stealth-y.
TI-Nspire calculator: yes, it plays Doom
Sure, folks have ported games over to the good ol' number cruncher for ages, but getting a fully rendered classic like Doom to run on a calculator is a different feat altogether. The folks over at omnimaga have successfully moved a beta version of nDoom (a reworked version of the original id Software's FPS) over to a Texas Instruments TI-Nspire and -- with all things considered -- the game runs shockingly smooth. As of right now, the only proof of concept is the video you see above, with a tragic crash bringing all things dangerous to a dismal halt. We're looking forward to a fully working version of nDoom because, you know, video games and calculators are two things close to our nerdy hearts.
GAEMS Xbox 360 traveling case gets sleek redesign, still won't help you spell correctly
The last rendition we saw of the GAEMS console-carrying case looked more like a giant lunch box than a solution to your portable gaming needs. If you're still interested in bringing your Xbox 360 on the road, the company has redesigned the case and it now supports the fat and slim versions of the 360 and even the PS3-skinny. What's new in this compact carrying case is the fact there's actually room to store the console, controllers and power brick. It comes bundled with a remote, HDMI cable and power supply to power the speakers and LED screen. If you're road trippin' any time soon and want this beast, you can save yourself 20 bones by pre-ordering before April 20th and you'll receive the $300 case come June.
Videogame hardware and software sales declining, time to roll out some new consoles?
There was a time when you couldn't go three years without having to shell out $300 for the latest and greatest videogame console, something with mind-blowing graphics and slight refreshes of the games you'd already bought twice before. Those days are past, with the Xbox 360 over five years old and the PlayStation 3 four, yet neither having any replacements in the wings. Perhaps this is partly why videogame hardware sales are declining, down eight percent in January compared to this time last year according to NPD. Software sales are meanwhile down five percent and we're hearing reports that Mario is falling behind on payments for his Mediterranean villa. Maybe it's'a time to downsize, big guy.
Activision kills Guitar Hero division to the consternation of fake musicians everywhere
Guitar Hero had its time in the sun as one of the most successful franchises in musical gaming. Still, it's been no secret that the once-respected brand, owned by Activision, has experienced pretty steep declines in the past few years, especially on the lackluster Guitar Hero 5. So, surprising or not, the announcement today that Activision would disband the Guitar Hero team and kill off development of the next title in the series is a sad bit of news to hear (though in fact, not as sad as hearing, say, Chinese Democracy). This announcement comes on the heels of larger-scaled layoffs at Activision, and more cuts are rumored in the DJ Hero division, as well. At least we still have Rock Band, right?
Sega Genesis CDX now portable thanks to Ben Heck (video)
It's no Bill Paxton Pinball, but Ben Heck's portable Sega Genesis CDX is certainly up there in terms of superfluous gaming mods. As Heck points out, a lot of the console's games were "FMV nonsense," but, like most gaming systems, the 1994-released CDX had its ardent supporters. For those of you who fit the description, Heck's combined the CD drive and motherboard from an old CDX with a chopped six-button Genesis controller, an old camcorder battery, and a four-inch LCD screen to bring you a bulky but portable console. Now you can enjoy a game of Snatcher at the laundromat while your Sonic the Hedgehog Underoos hit the spin cycle. Check out the video after the jump.
Flee for Android puts vintage LCD gaming on your cellphone (video)
No, that's not some long-abused handheld video game you've never heard of -- although it is a video game, and you do hold it in your hand. That's a screengrab from Flee, the game which recreates for Android users (version 1.6 or above) the LCD games of the past. In addition to its rough 'n ready look and straight forward game play, this bad boy features 96 levels, global scorecard, tons of music, and -- this is our favorite part -- when you press down on the screen, it simulates the effect of pressing down on an LCD. Not bad for €1, eh? There is also an ad-supported 'lite' version in case you're not ready to make the steep investment. Video, QR codes after the break.
Operation Pure Wind demolishes over 600 arcade machines... on video!
For a soul-crushing show of government power, one need look no further than this video of six hundred arcade game consoles being destroyed in a public ceremony by the Jinan Municipal Public Security Bureau in the People's Republic of China. The soothingly named "Operation Pure Wind" took place earlier this month, focusing on illegal and unlicensed criminal activity, including pornography and electronic gambling, and resulted in some 165 arrests. Sure, they're only Baccarat games, but who knows? Maybe if they hadn't been brought up in such a terrible environment they'd have grown up to become Galaga or Mappy consoles. Either way, it's quite sad. Video after the break.
OnLive WiFi beta goes live for all members, your Ethernet cable sings a sad song
As any hardcore gamer would likely attest, we'd still recommend keeping whatever rig you're running OnLive on connected to the world wide web via a patch cable, but if you simply must cut and run, at least a cable-free setup is being officially supported now. From the onset, many OnLive beta users were using a bridge in order to stream their games over the air, but the company has been toiling in the labs to create an officially supported solution that better takes into account the uncertainties of wireless connections. According to Steve Perlman, OnLive's founder and CEO, the technology "handles many real-world WiFi scenarios including management of interference, congestion and drop-outs if you get out of range," and it'll even allow users to lose their connection entirely for up to five minutes without forgetting their place in the game. It's recommended that beta testers use wireless networks that can sustain at least 3Mbps, but feel free to press your luck and the service's boundaries in one fell swoop.
Call of Duty: Black Ops Prestige Edition ships with full-blown RC spy vehicle
We tell ya, these game bundles are getting completely out of hand... and we love it. If you reckoned that Modern Warfare 2 Prestige Edition bundle was hot stuff, wait till you get a load of this. Call of Duty: Black Ops Prestige Edition (promo video beyond the break) just went up for pre-order at select retailers in the US, and if we had to guess, we'd surmise that every last one of 'em will claimed in just a few hours. Aside from getting a beastly box, the game itself and some sort of medal, the package also includes a fully functional RC spy car, complete with a camera that sends back video and audio to the owner's LCD-equipped controller. There's absolutely no telling what the MSRP on this thing will be, but our comrades over at Joystiq are pegging it at $149.99. Mom, dad -- go ahead and add this to our holiday wish list.
Fan Faire 2010: DCUO panel video offers more superpowered info
With an exciting backstory trailer having recently been released at San Diego Comic-Con, many have been anxiously scanning for any new scrap of information about DC Universe Online -- especially with release coming soon! Thankfully, for those who were unable to attend this year's Fan Faire, the team members at Sony Online Entertainment have posted video from the panel to their Facebook page. These three videos offer a great overview of the game for everyone from relative newcomer to DC devoted, as well as explaining things in a bit more detail than we'd previously heard. There's also a brief Q&A with the audience afterward that may or may not answer some of your own questions. If you're curious for more news about DC Universe Online (or perhaps still on the fence about pre-ordering) then be sure to check out the hot new panel videos after the break! [Via Misanthrope at DCUOSource]
Motion capture game teaches tween girls to avoid the come-ons of boys from the Metaverse
The University of Central Florida has been awarded a $434k grant to develop a video game for tween girls. The game, which is still in development, is apparently designed to allow girls to "practice" rejecting peer pressure from boys for sex and make outs. Of course, the only natural way to immerse the player in such a game is to put her into a motion capture suit, where her jittery marionette of an avatar is surrounded by the most diabolical 3D models of teenage males obtainable on that $434k budget -- if it was paid to Neal Stephenson in 1992. "It's a place to practice where there aren't any social consequences," says Professor Anne Norris, who is heading the project. But who will protect them from the psychological consequences, Anne? And will there be any escape from the meta-virus? Check out the unintentionally hilarious video after the break.
Rock Band 3 crashing into living rooms on October 26
Look, it's summer break. What better to do than learn a little piano in preparation for the upcoming release of Harmonix's Rock Band 3? The next installment -- which promises to bring all sorts of new kit to the market -- was finally given a release date today, and not surprisingly, it'll be quickly climbing the Santa Lists of rug-rats the world over. According to the company, the title will ship on October 26th in North America, with the Wii, PS3 and Xbox 360 versions priced at $59.99 sans hardware and the DS rendition at $29.99. Hop on past the break if you're interested in learning about your wealth of pre-order options.
Activision unveils gnarly new Guitar Hero axes for Warriors of Rock
Some of you might be surprised that a game as simple as Guitar Hero is on the precipice of its sixth iteration, and others still will just want to know what the latest axe is going to look like it. Well, behold! Today we're witnessing the debut of the new "shredding-friendly" design, replete with cutaway sections in the body and an aggressive, modern look. The cutaways are possible thanks to an internal redesign concentrating the electronics into the neck and fretboard, which will also allow you to swap different bodies around the controller parts. Yes, that does mean you'll be able to play without any body appendages at all, if you wanna be all contrarian about it. Another design, a GameStop exclusive, is also on show, and you can see it just after the break.
3DTV-enabled Super Stardust HD turns up early on UK PSN?
A few UK PlayStation 3 gamers have found they already have access to the 3D version of Super Stardust HD, reporting it "looks gorgeous" and (presumably thanks to the recent update) automatically adjusts the TV to the proper settings and prompts the player to slip on their shutter glasses. While the PSN store only shows a few updates, if you already have the game (and a 3DTV, of course) deleting it and redownloading should nab the new version. Of course, if 2D is the way to play we'd recommend holding off as a few have reported the new edition is limited to 720p resolution only, instead of the original 1080p. While that might be necessary to keep everything exploding smoothly in 3D at 60 frames per second, per eye, we're sure existing HDTV owners would appreciate every pixel they can get, so until we get some official release notes we'd leave this to the early adopting glasses wearers only.
PS3 firmware 3.30 sneaks in remote play from PC, bitstream audio options
Additional trophy sorting and 3D gaming readiness should have been enough to satisfy and PS3 owner after the latest v3.30 system update (hey, at least it didn't take anything away this time) but there's a couple other surprises in store. If you're the kind of person who loves (or hates) their beeps and bloops, there's a toggle for Bitstream Direct (output audio with the original digital signal prioritized) or Mix (mixed with sound effects such as button sounds and then converted to bitstream format) on Blu-ray movies, while future VAIO PC owners can get a taste of remote play without any PSP intermediary. Other, unconfirmed, reports include updated Flash compatibility, enhanced region free Blu-ray movie playback, the usual complaints of bricked or otherwise busted consoles as well as erroneous claims of an updated EULA that maintains Sony can update your PS3 whenever it wants (newsflash - it's always said that.) Sure, you can always wait for a custom build from Geohot instead, but we've got a Fat Princess to rescue.
