Starting in 1996, Alexa Internet has been donating their crawl data to the Internet Archive. Flowing in every day, these data are added to the Wayback Machine after an embargo period.
Our friends over at XBLArcade have uncovered quite a bit of info on the upcoming THQXbox Live Arcade games that were announced last month. We're perhaps most intrigued by Elements of Destruction, in which players take control over the forces of nature to wreak havoc on the denizens of earth (as a resident of tornado country, we're curious to see how well this goes over around here ...). The graphics look fairly impressive for an XBLA game, and the promise of controlling tornadoes, lightning, and fire is very interesting.
The other games covered include SpongeBob SquarePants: Underpants Slam, ScrewJumper, and Rocket Riot. SpongeBob sounds like what you would expect: a side-scrolling platformer with lots of stuff to collect. ScrewJumper has players falling down a mineshaft, attempting to destroy equipment as they go, and finally rocketing back out to safety. Rocket Riot is a shooter with an 8-bit feel to it and the ever popular addition of a main character with a jetpack.
Hit the "read" link for more details and screenshots.
In their continuing series on correct pronunciation -- hopefully, you still remember how to say Fils-Aime -- MTV's Multiplayer blog has posted a brief recording with Ninja Gaiden creator Tomonobu Itagaki. In the video posted above, you'll learn how to correctly pronounce Ninja Gaiden (of course, we always said it right, Itagaki-san), Helena, and Itagaki's name itself. While we appreciate the public service announcement, we think Itagaki's time might be better spent doing some Ninja Gaiden anger management counseling. Game be frustrating, yo.
You might think it was enough that Rock Bandand Guitar Hero III were facing off at retailers this holiday, but no. Not only must one game eventually best another, but it seems that their respective company executives must compete for the ultimate sales hyperbole. You may recall that EA's CEO recently advised Rock Band purchasers to line up a day in advance to secure a copy. Not to be left behind, Activision CEO Robert Kotick stated in a conference call that Guitar Hero III may be hard to find this holiday as well, even though the company touts "an unprecedented amount of global supply."
At this rate, we're expecting EA to announce that Rock Band will now be so scarce that it won't actually be available for purchase.
Following a little artwork leakage, the Capcom Blog has lifted the curtain on the Super Street Fighter II Turbo HD Remix creative process by showing off some of their art assets.
Producer Rey Jimenez posted a bundle of two month old SSFIITHDR artwork assets to show how the art process is moving ahead and some of the challenges they're facing. The artwork can be downloaded in PSD form here (zipped up) and shows each fighter's art in various stages of development. In his blog post Jimenez also uses art samples to illustrate what changes have yet to be made and how their quality control works. So, give the art a download and be the little nit picky QA grinch you've always wanted to be, but remember that this is all work-in-progress stuff ... be tough though.
If anyone, anywhere had doubts about the monstrous success of Guitar Hero III, said doubts can officially be put to rest. Activision has announced that Guitar Hero III has made over $115 million dollars in its first seven days of availability. This makes Guitar Hero III the biggest launch in Activision's history, and they are pleased to note that Guitar Hero is the number one selling franchise in North America through September (really? bigger than the Halofranchise?). The press release also notes that three more downloadable song packs should be available this month. To put it succinctly, we're betting the execs at Activision are congratulating themselves for acquiring Red Octane (and thus the Guitar Hero name) right about now.
As for Rock Band, well, it's got some mighty big shoes to fill.
The one worrisome question mark we've hard regarding Assassin's Creed has been the game's control scheme. We've wondered how exactly combat will play out, how fleeing enemies works and if the counter weapon system would be effective and enjoyable. And it's possible the Ubisoft crew heard our worried cries, because today they tried to calm our Assassins anxiety with a new video titled Developer Diary: Fight System. It's a super brief and basic overview of how the controls work during fights and combat in Assassins, but maybe it'll put your control worries to rest ... if at least for a bit.
Never once have we thought to use the word "cute" to describe Kane & Lynch -- a game about robbing banks at gunpoint, among other things -- but it really seems the best word to describe the video embedded above. Most of the video is simply listening to Lynch talk about how much he likes the Grand Theft Auto series, and how excited he is to play GTAIV. Of course, we all know it's been delayed until next year, so it looks like he'll have to wait. As we said, it's a cute video (it's also got some salty language, so watch at your own discretion). Give it a watch and give the folks at Eidos some props for their cleverness.
Today, Bizarre's Boom Boom Rocket received a long awaited title update (the expansion content is still vaporware) that adds spiffy new peripheral support as well as a few general fixes.
According to Bizarre Creations' latest Studio News post, the BBR title update adds guitar and dance map peripheral support, an enhanced scoring system, better VGA support and an improved fireworks rendering engine. Among those additions, the update also fixes other general bugs and gameplay issues, all of which you can view after the break. Anyone up for some Boom Boom Guitar Herocket?
So, you've got a shiny new Xbox 360 and you're all set up to play except for one thing: your Gamer Picture. It's an important step in creating your online identity after all. Heck, even veterans like to change things up once in a while. So, if you find yourself still saddled with stupid green circles or that weird Darth Vader skull thing, we've got just the solution for you. Introducing the Gamerpic Scout from MyGamerCard.net. More or less, the Scout is simply a Gamerpic search engine. Just enter a word -- "zombie" for example -- and you'll be directed to all the Gamerpics associated with that word (you can also search for pics by Gamertag). Click on one of the icons that pops up -- let's say Master Chief from Halo 3 -- and it will tell you how much it costs and whether or not it's still available.
One of the more interesting features is that the engine keeps track of both the most and least popular Gamerpics. You'd be surprised how many Gamerpics aren't being used by anyone at all (mostly sports related ones). If it's time for a change, or if you're new to the scene, head over to MyGamerCard.net and check it out.
Posted Nov 6th 2007 10:30AM by Dustin Burg Filed under: News
And you thought we didn't notice your 80+ comments on the previous announcement post for Microsoft's X Marks the Spot giveaway. Well, we noticed and we're just as crazy (look to the right for proof) about solving the ten daily puzzles, so feel free to use this post to discuss, help eachother and win.
But, for those who aren't familiar with the green X game, listen up. If you head on over to the X Marks the Spot giveaway page you'll be able to register (unless you have Firefox*) and start your search. Each day, for 36 days, they'll post ten daily clues that lead to various gaming or sponsor related websites. Then, on each website, you'll have to spot a word that has a green X in its spelling. That friends is the keyword that'll answer the question and give you an entry. Each entry you unlock (ten total per day) will enter you into daily, weekly and grand prize drawings, so the more you answer the more chances you'll have at winning goods. But know that every day's questions are different and can only be answered the day they are live, so there's no going back. Good luck and help eachother out, because we want a fanboy winning a new car or Dew mini fridge!
*Good eyes, but the Firefox "clue" is total bologna. We just felt like messing with your head, but nice clue spotting nonetheless.
We knew we forgot something yesterday, but couldn't put our finger on it. And after waking up this morning, turning on the old PC and reading about this week's box office releases we thought ... "umm, we forgot about posting This Week in HD DVD ... now where'd my Pop-Tarts go?" So, here are this week's new HD DVD releases that include some themed HD DVD movie bundles as well as super new release I Now Pronounce You Chuck & Larry. Yeah, we're a little late, but we think you'll agree that our list still remains quite enjoyable.
It's official future rockstars, EA, Harmonix and MTV Games have just announced that development on Rock Band is complete and the game has gone gold. It is currently being whisked away to an undisclosed manufacturing plant to be pressed to disc and nestled next to its numerous peripherals all packaged in one giant box. Or at least some copies will. In the press release announcing Rock Band's gold status, EA also confirmed that the game will be available in two flavors this year, the $169 peripheral bundle and as a stand alone game for $59. And we're glad to see the two flavor confirmation, because for a while we've received mixed messages regarding how it would release to retail at launch. Rock Band will be available November 20th and now you have two purchasing options.
It's time to announce the winners of last week's Fanswag Weekly giveaway. Lest you've already forgotten, the grand prize was a copy of Two Worlds along with a hardcover edition of the Two Worlds tabletop RPG manual and a spiffy pendant. Three runners-up also got one of these pendants. First thing's first, our runners-up are: SCL, Corey, and Gil-Galad. Our grand prize winner is ... jackson2_15! Congratulations to our winners. You're prizes are on their way.
As always, keep an eye out for our next Fanswag Weekly giveaway. There's one every Wednesday, so there's always something to win. See you then.
It's okay, folks, the wait is over. Yes, a fresh new episode of the Xbox 360 Fancast is now available for consumption. Make sure you pair it with the appropriate beverage. May we suggest a fine Port? This week we discuss Wal-Mart's Guitar Hero III bundling chicanery, Elder Scrolls Online, ninjas and pirates, American football, and oh so much more. Turn on, tune it, and ... um, listen to our podcast?
Get the Fancast [iTunes] Subscribe to the Podcast directly in iTunes (MP3). [RSS MP3] Add the Xbox 360 Fanboy Podcast feed (in MP3) to your RSS aggregator and have the show delivered automatically. [MP3] Download the MP3 directly.
This isn't specifically 360 related, but it's an issue that strikes at the heart of all gamers. Or, rather, it's a person that strikes at the heart of all gamers: Jack Thompson. Our friends at Sarcastic Gamer (see Fancast 034) have taken it upon themselves to create a parody song about none other that our old buddy, John Bruce Thompson. The song is based on the Plain White T's hit, "Hey There Delilah" and, as you might expect, is hilarious. We've got the first minute of the song right here:
"Hey Mr. Thompson"
If you like what you hear, you can listen to the rest in the latest episode of the Sarcastic Gamer podcast (the song is about 35 seconds in). If you really like what you hear, we suggest you get to work making a music video, as the song is just begging for one.
We knew we forgot something yesterday, but couldn't put our finger on it. And after waking up this morning, turning on the old PC and reading about this week's box office releases we thought ... "umm, we forgot about posting This Week in HD DVD ... now where'd my Pop-Tarts go?" So, here are this week's new HD DVD releases that include some themed HD DVD movie bundles as well as super new release I Now Pronounce You Chuck & Larry. Yeah, we're a little late, but we think you'll agree that our list still remains quite enjoyable.
