http://www.digitalbattle.com Game News For the Masses Tue, 24 Nov 2009 06:38:30 +0000 http://backend.userland.com/rss092 If you still haven't gotten into the MAG beta and have been dying to do so you now have one more way of snagging an invite -- G4TV apparantly has 1,000 beta invites that they are giving away between now and 11:59 PM tomorrow night. All you have to do is head here [1], enter in things such as your name, date of birth and street address and then sit tight and hope you get an email with a beta invite code. As for those of you who don't get accepted into the beta, well, you'll just be stuck waiting for the next round of invites or January 26th, 2010 when the game makes its way onto store shelves. [1] http://g4tv.com/games/ps3/62019/mag/contest/48/mag-sweepstakes#content http://www.digitalbattle.com/2009/11/23/g4tv-giving-away-1000-mag-beta-invites/ Where’s Our Hulu App, Apple? [1] Samsung S5150 Olivia [2] Creative Unveils New Third Generation Vado Design [3] Fesler-Moss gets their hands on 2010 Camaros [4] Van Damme and Lundgren are Back Together: Universal Soldier Regeneration [5] [1] http://www.cybertheater.com/wheres-our-hulu-app-apple/ [2] http://www.mobilewhack.com/samsung-s5150-olivia/ [3] http://www.image-acquire.com/creative-unveils-new-third-generation-vado-design/ [4] http://www.carbuyersnotebook.com/fesler-moss-gets-their-hands-on-2010-camaros/ [5] http://www.screenhead.com/reviews/van-damme-and-lundgren-are-back-together-universal-soldier-regeneration/ http://www.digitalbattle.com/2009/11/23/today-on-some-of-our-blogs-9/ The Nintendo DSi XL isn't even out in North America yet and already the guys over at PC Watch [1] have taken the time to completely break down the device giving us a closer look at its internals. To be fair, the handheld is out in Japan as the Nintendo DSi LL, which is the device these guys are actually breaking down. The sites completely in Japanese but you're going ot have to head over there if you want to check out the new extra large DSi in all of its broken down glory. via [2] andriasang [1] http://pc.watch.impress.co.jp/docs/topic/other/20091121_330812.html [2] http://www.andriasang.com/e/blog/2009/11/23/dsill_live_and_nude/ http://www.digitalbattle.com/2009/11/23/ninteno-dsi-xl-gets-broken-down/ Cheaters are never welcomed, no matter what. Especially in MMOs, where players are paying for the experience to play. NCsoft has announced [1] that over 16,000 players from North America and Europe have been banned for not only using exploits, but for spamming other players with advertisements and, of course, gold farming, which is the thorn in the eye of every MMO. [1] http://kotaku.com/5411443/aion-bans-many-many-many-players http://www.digitalbattle.com/2009/11/23/aion-bans-16000-players/ Valve has always had some cool stuff in their official store (like headcrabs!), now they've updated [1], timely enough, with holiday cards with both Team Fortress 2, Left 4 Dead 2 and even Left 4 Dead as well. They're priced at $16 for 10 cards. Check them out at the Valve store [2]. [1] http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/22/valve-selling-team-fortress-2-left-4-dead-themed-greeting-cards/ [2] http://store.valvesoftware.com/ http://www.digitalbattle.com/2009/11/23/team-fortress-2-l4d-2-holiday-cards-available/ The all-conquering MMORPG World of Warcraft was released on this day, five years ago. Since then, the game has sold a whopping 15 million units world wide, and has an active subscriber count of 12 million. Oh, and it generates Blizzard a good $1 billion in revenues a year. Talk about huge numbers... http://www.digitalbattle.com/2009/11/23/wow-celebrates-5th-anniversary/ As we reported [1] a while ago, Microsoft's latest Xbox 360 update blocks access to all third party media storage devices which are not certified by Microsoft. Datel, which sits on a hefty market share of Xbox 360 accessories, are suing [2] Microsoft for said actions, and had this to say regarding the lawsuit. "Microsoft has taken steps to render inoperable the competing Datel memory card for no visible purpose other than to have that market entirely to themselves. They accomplished their recent update by making a system change that will not recognize or allow operation of a memory card with greater capacity than their own. We believe that with the power Microsoft enjoys in the market for Xbox accessories this conduct is unlawful." Datel hopes the lawsuit will end in their favor and "restore competition" on the market, as they put it. [1] http://www.digitalbattle.com/2009/10/19/new-xbox-360-updated-locks-out-unauthorized-memory-units/ [2] http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/23/datel-suing-microsoft-over-max-memory-card-lockout/ http://www.digitalbattle.com/2009/11/23/datel-sues-microsoft-over-third-party-storage/ If you didn't know, Tony Hawk Ride [1] hit store shelves just about a week ago with little to no media coverage (probably considering the fact that it wasn't, well, very good). The title's biggest selling point is the skateboard peripheral that it uses exclusively but the fact that  the board only works with one game had gamers a bit unsure as to whether or not they will purchase it. Luckily, Mr. Hawk himself has come forth today in an interview with GameSpot UK [2] to let us know that not only is a sequel to the game in the works, but that the board will be utilized for future surfing and snowboarding titles. There's no telling on when these new titles will be hitting the shelves but we'll be sure to keep you posted as more information is made known. [1] http://digitalbattle.com/tag/tony-hawk-ride [2] http://www.gamespot.com/news/6241085.html http://www.digitalbattle.com/2009/11/23/tony-hawk-ride-sequel-in-the-works-board-to-work-with-surfing-and-snowboarding-titles/ It seems that Nintendo did a good thing by offering a black edition of the Wii in Europe (in addition to Japan), so well that it's almost out of stock, as MCV reports [1] that sales have increased almost 60% since the black Wii was introduced last week. Nintendo plans only on having the black Wii available for this holiday season, and is in limited supply only. [1] http://www.mcvuk.com/news/36614/Wii-sales-leap-as-Xmas-factor-kicks-in http://www.digitalbattle.com/2009/11/23/black-wii-selling-great-in-europe/ It's no surprise that Valve has already released a patch for Left 4 Dead 2 -- the company is usually one of the developers that frequently updates their games. It's no different with Left 4 Dead 2, which gets the following fixes: * Fixed performance problem when rendering lots of decals, notably when fighting tanks with shotguns * Fixed rcon response not working on Linux dedicated servers * Fixed matchmaking problem matching into Advanced and Expert games * Fix bug that would cause other specials to try to pummel a player a Charger disconnects or reconnects * Fixed versus mode results panel being cut off in transition stats screen in non-english * Found games: fixed non-player entries drawing the wrong type of icon in the selected item name label * Game mode selector on main menu now takes keyboard input Check out our Left 4 Dead 2 review [1] as well. [1] http://www.digitalbattle.com/2009/11/17/left-4-dead-2-review/ http://www.digitalbattle.com/2009/11/23/valve-patches-left-4-dead-2/ If you've played through Infinity Ward's Modern Warfare 2 [1] you'll know that the campaign's story line revolves largely around things that could realistically happen. Sure, it's fun but imagine a few aliens running around and then you'd really have yourself a game. While that may seem impossible to be in such a game, Modern Warfare 2 writer Jesse Stern let us know that such things were actually considered when Infinity Ward was thinking up the plot for the game. Below is a quote taken from a GamePro [2] interview with Stern: “In the beginning we talked about having things in Modern Warfare 2 like outbreaks, viruses, chemical warfare, and even outlandish things such as aliens and the living dead,” OK, we can live without zombies in the campaign but Infinity Ward [3], can we please get a Taliban Zombie Spec Op mission? [1] http://digitalbattle.com/tag/modern-warfare-2 [2] http://www.gamepro.com/article/features/213011/modern-warfare-2-writer-the-airport-level-was-a-risk-we-had-to-take/ [3] http://digitalbattle.com/tag/infinity-ward http://www.digitalbattle.com/2009/11/23/modern-warfare-2-writer-speaks-on-what-could-have-been/ Toys R Us [1] has today released a press release letting us know that they will now begin accepting used console trade-ins much like competitor GameStop [2] has been doing for some time now. This program allows you to trade in everything from the Xbox 360 and Wii to the PS1 and Nintendo 64. Of course, you're only going to be able to get yourself a gift card for the trade-in instead of cold hard cash but you win some you lose some, right? Check out the press release after the break. Toys“R”Us Expands ‘Big Gift’ Layaway to include video game hardware; adds video game hardware trade-in for gift card program Company Promises Aggressive Video Game Hardware and Software Deals Throughout Holiday Season, Including Buy One, Get One Half Off and $25 iTunes Gift Card with Purchase of Select Hot Games Beginning Sunday, November 22 WAYNE, NJ (November 18, 2009) – Toys“R”Us today announced it has expanded its popular “Big Gift” layaway to include video game hardware and is also introducing a new video game hardware trade-in program. Now gift-givers have even more convenient ways to pay and save with these additional value offerings just in time for the holiday season, whether they are looking to buy new hardware, rid their basement of old items or both! “Since the introduction of the ‘Big Gift’ layaway last month, the number one request we’ve received from customers is to expand the program to include video game hardware, and we’re responding by providing more convenient payment options for these items,” said Jerry Storch, Chairman and CEO, Toys“R”Us, Inc. “At the same time, we’re adding a video game hardware trade-in program in our stores for customers who may be looking for ways to save on Christmas gifts for loved ones or to upgrade their own gaming systems.” “Big Gift” Layaway Expands to Include Video Game Hardware Effective immediately, video game hardware is now included in the company’s “Big Gift” layaway offering. Through the program, customers can reserve some of the hottest items of the season early when supply is at its best, and make a series of small payments over time. Video game hardware such as Nintendo Wii, DS and DSi, Microsoft Xbox 360 and Sony PlayStation 2, PlayStation 3 and PlayStation Portable systems and related accessories can be placed on layaway. Customers nationwide have been taking advantage of the “Big Gift” layaway as an option for gifting large items such as bikes, Power Wheels®, play kitchens, dollhouses, cribs and more since its introduction in October. Placing a product on layaway at any Toys“R”Us store requires a deposit of 20% of the total purchase, including all applicable taxes, and a $10 service charge. Payments may be made at the store at any time in the form of cash, check, credit card, debit card or gift card. Items must be paid for in full by December 6 to ensure the gift is available for pickup before Christmas. A fee will apply to canceled layaway orders*. *The program is not available in Maryland at this time. Stores in Ohio and Rhode Island have different policies for canceled orders. See stores for details. Video Game Hardware Trade-In Program Introduced Beginning Friday, November 20, customers can trade in used video game hardware at Toys“R”Us stores nationwide in exchange for Toys“R”Us gift cards**. Whether a dad trades in the Nintendo Game Boy Advance from his childhood and uses the gift card he receives to buy toys for his own kids or an avid gamer wants to upgrade to the newest gaming system, customers will appreciate being able to turn outdated video game hardware into savings on their next Toys“R”Us purchase. Video game hardware systems eligible for the trade-in program include: Microsoft – Xbox 360 Core/Arcade, Xbox 360 Premium 20 GB, Xbox 360 Premium 60 GB, Xbox 360 Elite, Xbox 360 Halo Edition and Xbox Original Sony – PlayStation 3 20 GB, PlayStation 3 40 GB, PlayStation 3 60 GB, PlayStation 3 80 GB, PlayStation 3 160 GB, PlayStation 3 Slim 120 GB, PlayStation 2 Original, PlayStation 2 Slim, PlayStation 1, PlayStation Portable Original, Slim and Go Nintendo – Wii, DSi, DS Lite, DS, Game Boy Advance SP, Game Boy Advance, Game Cube and Nintendo 64 Customers can participate in the video game hardware trade-in program at Toys“R”Us stores in the United States as follows: * Used video game hardware may be brought to a Toys“R”Us Guest Services desk. * Hardware will then be scanned and prices will be offered for each item. * Customers confirm that they want to accept the offer to exchange any, or all, of the hardware they brought to the store. * Once the transaction is complete, customers receive an activated gift card equal to the total worth of all hardware traded. * Immediately upon receiving the gift card, customers can purchase any product from iPods and toys to candy and diapers at any Toys“R”Us or Babies“R”Us location or online at Toysrus.com. This new trade-in option for video game hardware supplements a video game trade-in program offered since September in Toys“R”Us stores nationwide. ** Video game hardware trade-in is unavailable at Toys“R”Us Holiday Express locations and select Toys“R”Us locations. See stores for details. [1] http://digitalbattle.com/tag/toys-r-us [2] http://digitalbattle.com/tag/gamestop http://www.digitalbattle.com/2009/11/23/toys-r-us-now-accepting-console-trade-ins/ Way of the Samurai has been one of the more interesting franchises this decade. The third installment in the series follows the same principle: you play a Samurai ancient Japan, during a time where different groups and clans are at war, and you don't have alliance to any particular one of them. You're free to do what you want, fight whoever you want. Despite the great premise and open ended gameplay, the series has suffered from various issues, ranging from controls to combat, and sadly, the third installment doesn't improve much on those ends. The gameplay can mostly be described as Grand Theft Auto in ancient Japan -- at least to the extent that you play a character and have a number of possibilities, can pick and chose your fights. Way of the Samurai features a truly open ended gameplay, where the choices you take will lead you in different paths -- in all, there are a possible 15 endings to the game. While the game is open ended, the game world is not large by any means. There are only half a dozen or so locations and towns, which can all be explored in a few hours. The sandbox style is a great feature, but when the sandbox is very small, it really becomes pointless. Which is very much the case with Samurai 3. You can start off anywhere you want, and your possibilities are open from the get go. You can talk to people, and chose to kill them immediately, which, of course will affect your game. The people you kill won't be respawed for the remainder of the game, so chose your friends and enemies wisely. However, there are some flaws to the system, some will simply be replaced by another character, doing the same job, and unaware that the guy he replaced was cut in half by your sword. You can also kill the head of a clan, his bodyguards, and then rule the clan. However, that's easier said that done (obviously). You can also do simpler tasks than killing, for instance, doing side gigs for people, delivering messages, finding items etc. This quickly gets boring, as your rewards are rarely worth the effort. Combat wise, the game is somewhat awkward. It's not a straight sword slashing game like Assassin's Creed. Instead, it's a ratings based combat, and the one who has better skill ratings, will usually win, no matter how good you are with the controller. It's a strange mix with the worst from turn-based action and the worst from button mashing, and the result is really disappointing. As a game that's based on sword fighting and Samurais, this is quite a big let down. Technically, the game looks dated, even though it's the first time the series is featured on the Xbox 360 and PS3, and looks something that would pass as "gorgeous" on the Xbox, half a decade ago. Likewise, there are serious camera issues, which pop up at the worst times; during combat. While the game has a great premise and story, its execution is too poor to recommend to anyone, especially since there are so many great RPGs out there these days. The Good: Interesting concept Good story The Bad: Bad execution Horrendous visuals Camera issues Combat isn't really skill based Overall score: 4/10 http://www.digitalbattle.com/2009/11/22/way-of-the-samurai-3-review/ Sony Ericsson XPERIA X10 most likely coming to AT&T [1] Matrox M9188 8 Display Card [2] Epson develops “0.52-inch:1.56 Mp” HD panel for Electronic Viewfinders [3] New Moon Tears up the Box Office [4] [1] http://www.mobilewhack.com/sony-ericsson-xperia-x10-most-likely-coming-to-att/ [2] http://www.cybertheater.com/matrox-m9188d-8-display-card/ [3] http://www.image-acquire.com/epson-develops-052-inch156-mp-hd-panel-for-electronic-viewfinders/ [4] http://www.screenhead.com/reviews/new-moon-tears-up-the-box-office/ http://www.digitalbattle.com/2009/11/22/today-on-some-of-our-blogs-8/ Whenever a game is released on the PC, piracy is always an issue, with a piracy rate of 90% according to some (for every game that's sold, 9 are pirated). The PC edition of Modern Warfare 2 faced another possible hurdle: the boycott. However, as we showed earlier this month [1], it didn't really work, as everyone is playing MW2 these days. Infinity Ward's Robert Bowling said that MW2 was its most successful PC game to date, saying: "The PC version of Modern Warfare 2 has actually outsold the PC version of Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare in it's first week. Essentially, all this percentage proves is that the console versions sold great, not that the PC version sold poorly". The percentage he's talking about? 3%. The amount of PC sales accountable for the overall sales of Modern Warfare 2. Just 3%. [1] http://www.digitalbattle.com/2009/11/14/modern-warfare-2-boycott-works-yeah-right/ http://www.digitalbattle.com/2009/11/21/modern-warfare-2-sells-just-fine-on-pc/ Those who purchased Modern Warfare 2 keys on grey-market, in other countries or as part of a discount group of keys which were sold to Internet Cafes, have now been banned from playing online, Valve revealed today. Valve's BurtonJ says: "If you purchased just a cd key for the game then you purchased from an illegitimate seller and the game has been revoked." He went on to say that users should try and get a refund for their keys and get a legitimate copy of the game. Perhaps through Steam. http://www.digitalbattle.com/2009/11/21/steam-bans-grey-markey-mw2-keys/ There were rumors about a playable UAV in Battlefield Bad Company 2, as a replacement for artillery. It's now a fact, as the video above shows, the UAV is playable, and includes weapons which can target units on the ground, in addition to spotting and providing visual cover. http://www.digitalbattle.com/2009/11/21/bad-company-2-uav-gameplay/ If there ever was a title that captivated the essence of "milking the cow", it's probably the Nintendo SEGA fusion with Mario and Sonic -- two of the most iconic game characters of all times. It's especially bad considering the game itself isn't original, but based on the "Olympics" brand, this time, Winter Olympics. So in essence, you got the same characters in a known environment. But is the game fun? Hard to say, which is exactly the point of this review. The original Mario and Sonic at the Summer Olympic Games featured some known characters and a ton of mini games, some of which were quite fun, despite rather retarded controls at times. However, it was still fun and offered decent multiplayer gameplay for some folks in a living room, wiggling their remotes, and, as they'll be happy to hear, the new game continues down the same path. This time though, it's the Winter Olympics and it's set in Vancouver in 2010. The range of mini games is impressive, a dozen of them, from skiing and showboarding, to hockey and bobsled. There's even a curling game -- which is quite a bit more fun that it seems (and definitely more fun that it appears in real life). The gameplay involves a lot of wiggling with your Wii remote, but one overall factor plays in almost throughout all games; the feeling that it could have been better. The hockey game could have been great, but instead it's simplistic and very easy, as with downhill skiing. The only mini game that seems to rise above the others, and quite surprisingly so, is Curling, which blends a perfect combination of controls and aiming, and can even get quite addictive. We don't really feel any of that in the other mini games, which, sadly enough, seem like the developer didn't put in enough effort, as the controls are pretty much the same: keep wriggling your remote and you'll win. Or get across the finish line. As you play through the games, you earn coins which you can spend in a shot to improve your gear, get outfits and some custom icons for your gear, in case you need to pimp your snowboard. Visually, the game resembles Wii Sports a lot, and most of other offerings by Nintendo. Not bad by any means, but certainly something that's easy on the eye and geared towards the casual audience. This runs throughout the whole game -- "casual" -- every sense of it is too simplistic and seems to be intended for mom and pops and their little 4 year-old. Hardcore gamers will naturally be disappointed, as there isn't enough challenge, and the controls are basically "waggle-waggle-waggle-pause-waggle-waggle-waggle". Etc. It's a great game if you have some casual gamer friends and looking for something to play with, besides chainsawing through the Gears of War campaign. But even then, the game could have been better, and could have offered something more than just cute characters and lots of snow. The Good: Easy to pick up and play Casual audience will love it The Bad: Too easy Controls are repetitive Overall score: 6/10 http://www.digitalbattle.com/2009/11/20/mario-sonic-at-the-olympic-winter-games-review/ We always knew that Steam was a massive endeavor, continuously filling up the treasure chests in Valve's basements. But we never really knew how big a chunk of the market it has, and now Stardock, one of its competitors, says that Steam has about a 70% of the digital distribution market share on the PC, which, as Kotaku points out [1], is about the same market share that Apple has in the digital music download sector. This can only add to the criticism that Valve and Steam should be separated into different companies. But don't count on that any time soon. [1] http://kotaku.com/5409036/stardock-steam-has-70-of-pc-download-market http://www.digitalbattle.com/2009/11/20/steam-has-70-of-pc-download-market-says-stardock/ Sony's Kaz "Riiidge Racer" Hirai said during a presentation yesterday that Sony expects the PlayStation Network for the PS3 and PSP to generate $500 million in revenues this fiscal year, but, he also added another thing, a far more disturbing picture... Hirai mentioned that Sony was looking into "premium subscriptions" for the online service, much like Xbox Live Gold on the Xbox 360. The PS3's bit selling point has always been that it's free to play online, and that may change soon. Hirai is quoted by CVG [1] saying, "Especially in the online area, we are studying the possibility of introducing a subscription model, offering premium content and services, in addition to the current free services." Great. Just as we thought the PS3 was catching up to the Xbox 360. [1] http://www.computerandvideogames.com/article.php?id=227771 http://www.digitalbattle.com/2009/11/20/sony-looking-into-paid-subscriptions-for-ps3-online-area/