As I was looking for video game news this morning, I came across a story at Gamespot regarding the details of the Limited Edition version of Perfect Dark Zero (quick summary, the $59.99 LE version will "come on two discs, in a collector's case, with a comic booklet and collectible holographic glyph cards"). The end of the Gamespot article reads, "Those hoping to get a little insight on the game's release date are going to have to wait. Microsoft has announced only that Perfect Dark Zero will be released 'this holiday.'" Well, Lunabean can do a little better than that...we think.

Continue reading "Perfect Dark Zero - Launch Title Confirmation?"

Atari, Inc. today announced that Indigo Prophecy (known as Fahrenheit in Europe) has gone gold and development is complete. The "suspense-filled adventure video game" tells the story of Lucas Kane, a man who unwillingly commits a murder, then becomes burdened with an ability to see through the eyes of other murderers as they commit their crimes. You will play through the game as Lucas, but also as the two police officers assigned to the crime, providing the game with "innovative cause-and-effect gameplay". Indigo Prophecy has also received much acclaim for its stunning cinematics, and a line between gameplay and cut-scene which is "virtually invisible".
We are excited for this North American September 20th release (September 16th in Europe) for the PS2, Xbox and PC, and we will begin a walkthrough and strategy guide for the game soon thereafter.
Pre-order Indigo Prophecy | Rent Indigo Prophecy (or put it in your Gamefly Q) | Read Atari's Press Release

Continue reading ""Indigo Prophecy" Goes Gold"

PlanetMG.com is reporting GTA: Liberty City Stories (PSP) is on track for an October release, and has disclosed some new information about the game. First and foremost, they are telling us the gameplay and design will remain the same as the PS2 versions of the series. However, instead of playing lowly convicts who are working their way up the GTA crime ladder, you will be starting at the top, as Tony Cipriani, the infamous Liberty City mob boss. Other details include the size of the map, which will be comparable to that of Vice City (impressive, since this is a PSP game), and the return of the music we so love (you can even play music from your memory stick).
Pre-order GTA: Liberty City Stories | Put GTA: Liberty City Stories in your Gamefly Q

Thursday - September 8, 2005

It was only a matter of time. The Tony Hawk Helmet Cam is now a reality. The lightweight cam attaches to a helmet, has no wires, records sound and video, and comes with a 32MB memory card which will hold up to 30 minutes of your kick flips, ollies, and of course, crashes (sorry, I don't have the skateboarding "crash" lingo down). The cam is bundled with software which allows for adding animation, text, credits, and music. Now you too can be an extreme sports TV star! Just make sure you're strapping it to your helmet and not somewhere else.

Continue reading "Break Your Neck...On Video!"

GamesIndustry.biz is today reporting that Rupert Murdoch's News Corp will purchase IGN for $650 million. News Corp is the corporation that owns Fox News, the New York Post, DirectTV, Sky, TV Guide, The Sun, and several other media companies. Add to that list gaming/men's site IGN. As opposed to IGN, Lunabean is not worth $650 million, is not beholden to any corporation, and is owned and operated by two people in their apartment. Why News Corp didn't woo us, I just don't know. Maybe Viacom will call...

In an earnings projection report released yesterday, Take Two announced that their upcoming game "Bully" will be pushed back to at least Spring of '06. The game, centered around a British prep school, Bullworth Academy, where the main character, as described by Rockstar, is a "troublesome schoolboy" who "stands up to bullies, gets picked on by teachers, plays pranks on malicious kids, wins or loses the girl, and ultimately learns to navigate the obstacles of the fictitious reform school." Well, that's one less walkthrough we have to worry about this Holiday season. I am disappointed, though, as I was looking forward to the inevitable boycott and uproar surrounding the game, especially from our good friend, Jack Thompson (more info).

Friday - September 9, 2005

Microsoft has confirmed details of Xbox LIVE as it relates to the Xbox 360. Actually, there is no difference between the current Xbox LIVE and Xbox LIVE for the 360, they are the same service, and both the original Xbox and Xbox 360 will be on the same Xbox LIVE. That being said, Xbox LIVE will be getting more features and a new pricing structure. Let's make this as easy as possible. There will be a free Xbox LIVE service, named "Silver", which allows access to voice and text chat, the marketplace, game demos, and movie/TV trailers. The other option is Xbox LIVE "Gold". This service is what we're all used to already, namely that you can play games against online opponents and use the matchmaking feature.

Continue reading "Xbox 360 LIVE: The Breakdown"

Thanks to Joystiq for adding a piece to the puzzle that is OrigenXbox360.com [story]. If you right click, zoom-in, on the lower left branch of the tree trunk you will see a latin phrase, "in hoc spatio arbor noster floruit, fecundus pomies Elysii ignoti, qui in loco ludent electi, ab Originis angelis circumdati." Translation, "In this space our tree has flourished abundant with the unknown fruits of Elysium, who will play in the chosen place, surrounded by the angels of Origen." Here we go...

We are pleased to announce that the LB Darkwatch Walkthrough and Strategy Guide is complete. As always, we offer the free, ad-heavy, online version as well as a PDF Screenshot Version and a PDF Text Version, both of which are beautiful PDF documents, complete with bookmarks for ease of navigation. If you are one of our many LunaPass members, you have access to both versions along with over 75 other guides. The Darkwatch Guide, for the PS2 and Xbox, offers advice on fighting, weaponry, powers, and bosses. It also includes Tainted Victim locations and will work for both Good and Evil players. We hope you enjoy our latest guide!

Monday - September 12, 2005

In usual Rockstar fashion, the developers of one of the most controversial video game series, Grand Theft Auto, waited until late Friday night to launch its newest website for its newest title, GTA: Liberty City Stories for the Sony PSP. Still new to the world of the PSP (we bought ours only a couple of weeks ago), I am awestruck by both the screenshots and the trailer for the upcoming game. Kudos, Rockstar. Kudos.
To boot, we now have an official release date for the game. While the general site reads, "Coming in October", the trailer rewards us with an exact date: 10.25.05.
Visit the official GTA: Liberty City Stories website | Some GTA: LCS details | Pre-order GTA: Liberty City Stories | Put GTA: Liberty City Stories in your Gamefly Q

I am oh so pleased to announce the completion of our Death, Jr. Walkthrough and Strategy Guide. Our very first PSP guide will carry you through the various levels of Death, Jr., it will provide you with boss strategies, and it will give you the locations of every single Special Item (at time of publication, we're the only online guide to offer such a Special Item list). The introduction to the guide is available for free online, and will answer your basic Death Jr questions. For the full guide, please purchase our low-cost $5.95 PDF guide, subscribe to the LunaPass (where you'll have access to ALL of our guides for only $15.95), OR wait a couple of months for us to release the full free version online. Enjoy!

Congrats to the California state legislature for proving that politicians care little for the people, the Constitution, or difficult paths which lead you to what is right. Nope. What they prefer are things that make them look good. What am I talking about, you ask? I'm sorry, I just get so carried away when it comes to this, I sometimes forget you all are out there. I'm talking about California's Saturday vote, which "overwhelmingly" passed through the Senate and assembly, restricting the sale of violent video games to minors.

Continue reading "Opinion: Cali. Passes Violent Game Restriction Legislation"

Tuesday - September 13, 2005

While it will be another week before the sales reports of yesterday's Game Boy Micro release in Japan are available, Reuters is today reporting that Japan's gamers welcomed the 2.8 ounce Game Boy Micro with pre-orders. "Solid orders" and "70 per cent of entire GBM stock pre-sold" are comments coming out of store owners in Japan. What's more, Nintendo's target GBM audience, young adults aged 25 to 35, are, indeed, attracted to this miniature Game Boy, particularly the "limited edition" Famicon version, which was designed "in the color of the once-popular Famicon game console", which many 25 to 35 year olds played in the 80s.
The GBM will launch in the US on September 19th and in Europe on November 4th.
Read the Reuters article | Pre-order the Game Boy Micro

Sony Computer Entertainment Europe (SCEE) has announced a recall of certain AC adaptors sold with the slimline PS2. The adaptors, made between August 2004 and December 2004, were sold with slimline PS2's with model numbers: SCPH70002, 70003, and 70004. The problem is that the power cord may overheat causing "injury". My guess is that they don't want any fires to start. If you have one of these faulty powercords, Sony recommends unplugging it from the wall and waiting for a replacement. To get a replacement, visit: www.ps2ac.com. Until then, play your Xbox...as long as you got a new power cord for it. Why can't manufacturers make decent power cords? Geez.

Continue reading "PS2 Slimline Recall in Europe"

Thanks to Wired magazine's Clive Thompson for pointing out something I never knew existed en masse, and that's the video game novel. Thompson, who "polished off a stack of gaming novels" to write his article discovered a few things about our beloved game characters one would never know without reading such a novel. For example, Sam Fisher (Splinter Cell) lives in a condo, enjoys gourmet cooking, has a college-age daughter, and he thinks the Iraq war is a "bad idea". What's more, Lara Croft (Tomb Raider) is frustrated by sexist cultures, including her own, and Master Chief (Halo) has trust issues when it comes to his subordinates.
While the video game novel is far from "literature" it provides another level to one's gaming experience, particularly because, when playing a game, you are the character. These books provide gamers with what is supposed to be going on in their own thoughts. Creepy.
Read Thompson's article | Buy Splinter Cell: The Novel

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The video game season has begun and we discuss our three brand new Strategy Guides: Death Jr., Darkwatch, Geist. We also delve into upcoming guides including, Nintendogs, Indigo Prophecy, Cold War, and Sly 3. Also, Allison drops knowledge regarding the California Ban on Violent Games. We report on some other news and release dates for the week.

Continue reading "Lunabean Video Game Radio - Sept. 12, 2005"

Wednesday - September 14, 2005

Throughout the entire build up to the launch of the Xbox 360 Microsoft had promised that there would be a simultaneous world-wide launch. Granted, something that is hard to pull off, but hey, they're Microsoft. Now it appears, as reported at Gamespot, that Robbie Bach has announced that the US will get the Xbox 360 first (phew!) with Europe and Japan following seven to ten days later. This is still a very narrow window and MS can get away with saying it launched world-wide in the same Holiday season, but still, it would have been fun to know that my counterparts in Japan and Europe would be standing in line along with me waiting for the green halo of light to become part of the family. The reason, "just to give us a chance to manage the logistics." We'll see how well they do in just a few months.

MSNBC yesterday published an article detailing the new age of E-Sports sponsorship and how pro-gamers are becoming more common in the US. The event that sparked this article was the World Cyber Games held in NYC last week. This US qualifying event will make winners eligible for the championships to be held in Singapore in November. The article discusses how the US is behind the rest of the world when it comes to cyber athletes and sponsors. For example, in South Korea, the most wired country in the world, there are three cable channels that broadcast non-stop video game action. Johnson & Johnson recently announced that a subsidiary will sponsor a 6-man Counterstrike team, the first non-game company to do so in the US. Of course, the article did have to refer to gamers at the event as, "pale young men". Oy. What about the Frag Dolls? Hmm? Hey, gaming is only getting bigger and companies will soon hop on the bandwagon.

Namco Hometek Inc. announced today the launch of the official teaser site for the highly anticipated RPG, "Tales of Legendia". "Tales of Legendia" is the latest title in the Namco's tremendously successful "Tales" series (Tales of Symphonia was Lunabean's 2004 Game of the Year) and currently has a February 2006 North American release date and is a PS2 exclusive.
The Tales of Legendia website provides the new game's storyline, character backgrounds, and "unique Crossover Linear Motion Battle System (X-LiMBS)".

Continue reading ""Tales of Legendia" Site Launches"

One of the biggest games to come out for the Xbox 360 will be the RPG, Blue Dragon. The game is being made by Mistwalker Studios. Mistwalker was recently founded by gaming guru, Squaresoft founder and Final Fantasy creator, Hironobu Sakaguchi. Not only are his talents being put into the game but he is coordinating with Dragon Ball creator Akira Toriyama and Final Fantasy composer Nobuo Uematsu. With talent like that, how could you go wrong? To get some backround on the game, you can read 1up.com's recent interview with Sakaguchi which reveals various details of the game, most of which are technical shadow rendering stuff. Hey, it got me excited!

Thursday - September 15, 2005

Today's Microsoft press conference, held at the annual Tokyo Game Show, finally gave gamers what they've been asking for since the announcement of the Xbox 360: A release date. As Jer reported yesterday Microsoft had prepared the world for a not-so-simultaneous launch (although close), and, today, they followed through on that promise. North Americans can expect to purchase their new next-gen consoles on November 22nd (two days before Thanksgiving), Europeans on December 2nd, and Japanese on December 10th.
For more details on today's press conference (including Japan's Xbox 360 launch titles), please check out Gamespot's rather impressive coverage.

Last December we told you of the federal raid of three Washington D.C. area game stores, all part of a chain called Pandora's Cube, which was, at one time, infamous for its distribution of modded video game consoles and pirated games. Today it is being reported that the owner of Pandora's Cube, Biren Amin, has been sentenced to five months in prison with three years of supervised release, including five months of home confinement. He was also fined $247,237.05 and ordered to complete 80 hours of community service. This was the fourth conviction stemming from the raids. All parties were sentenced for conspiring to commit felony copyright infringement and conspiring to violate the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA), although Amin's punishment was the most harsh.
Read the whole story

Continue reading "Modder Gets Prison Time and Hefty Fine"

You have a cute and cuddly puppy. Now what? Lunabean is here to answer your most basic puppy training questions and give you advice on everything from teaching your dog to beg to how to score the most points possible in the Disc Competition. The LB Nintendogs Walkthrough and Strategy Guide is currently in a rough draft stage. Once completed, you will be able to purchase the PDF version of the guide or you can join the LunaPass and get all of our PDF walkthroughs and strategy guides for one low price!

Apparently, when Nintendo decided to name its next-gen console the "Revolution", they weren't kidding around. At today's Tokyo Game Show, Nintendo President Satoru Iwata finally revealed the console's ground-breaking controller, "an all-new freehand-style unit held with one hand", which, "gives a lightning-quick element of interaction, sensing motion, depth, positioning and targeting dictated by movement of the controller itself."
View Pictures of Revolution Controller
Read Nintendo's Revolution Controller Press Release

Continue reading "Photos: Nintendo Reveals Revolution-ary Controller"

Friday - September 16, 2005

For your viewing pleasure, Nintendo has made available a webcast of Nintendo President Satoru Iwata's 50-minute keynote address at the Tokyo Game Show. During the speech Iwata unveils the revolutionary single-handed controller for the next-gen Nintendo console, aptly named the Revolution.
To view the English translation of the speech, go here: http://www.irwebcasting.com/050916/03/index.html
[update]Now that I've watched the presentation in its entirety, all I can say is, Nintendo, seriously, just revolutionized gaming. While I suggest watching the entire presentation to view the scope of the Nintendo plan, if you fast-forward to about 28:30, you'll find a fantastic video of the new controller, and all the info you want to know about it.

While the Tokyo Game Show tends to focus more on hardware, much of the attention this year is going to the next installment of the Metal Gear Solid series, Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots for the PS3. The TGS has brought us many MGS4 details, some hi-res screens, a MGS4 website, and, hopefully, the release of a MGS4 trailer. Among details revealed, we have a title (as stated above). We now know previously released images in Japan's Famitsu magazine, were, indeed, images of an aged, but still bad ass, Solid Snake. We know the events in the game happen in the far future, much beyond those of MGS2: Sons of Liberty. And, we know Snake will have a small robot friend.
For more details on the game, and some lo-res screens, check out the reports at Gamespot, Gamespy and 1Up. For the hi-res screens, hop on over to the currently slow loading Korean site, Ruliweb.

Monday - September 19, 2005

We're two months and three days away from the North American launch of the Xbox 360, and Microsoft is already talking price cuts. Don't get too excited, as the launch price remains the same (US$399.99 for standard system, US$299.99 for core system), however, as part of Microsoft's Xbox 360 marketing strategy, the company has now pledged to "cost-reduce" the console every year. For more on Microsoft's Xbox 360 marketing strategy, including a wider selection of titles and lessons learned from the PS2, read today's Reuters Tech article One game system to rule them all.

"Battalion Wars", the long anticipated real-time strategy game for the Nintendo Gamecube, has finally left its manufacturing studio and is on its way to your favorite video game store. Previously named "Advance Wars: Under Fire", this port title is expected to bring the greatness of the successful GBA game ("Advance Wars") to your Gamecube.
With more than 20 elite mission, each of which can be approached with your own fighting style (are you a stealthy attacker, or a charge and shoot type?), it is your job to bring the ugly global war to an end. This is not a run and destroy war game. This game is all about strategy.
Buy "Battalion Wars" | Rent "Battalion Wars" from GameFly

Continue reading ""Battalion Wars" Ships for Gamecube"

Tuesday - September 20, 2005

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We are back in action coming out with our first Nintendo DS guide: Nintendogs Strategy Guide. We also discuss Mario Superstar Baseball, Indigo Prophecy, Genji: Dawn of the Samurai, and Burnout: Legends. On the news front, we disect the new Nintendo Revolution controller, Metal Gear Solid 4, and the Xbox 360 release date and pricing plan. We also fill you in on this week's releases.

Continue reading "Lunabean Video Game Radio - Sept. 20"

We are pleased to announce the LB Nintendogs Strategy Guide. The guide covers the basics of caring for your dog, training your dog, a complete breakdown of each of the menus, advice on walking your dog, shopping, and of course on the three competitions. This guide is great for anyone who wants a leg-up (pun intended) on the competition or who rented the game and doesn't have a manual. The advice on training alone is worth purchasing this lovely PDF guide. Ruff!

Jack Thompson, the famed ambulance chasing attorney who blames all of society's ills on video games, has worked himself up into, yet, another tizzy, as Rockstar pokes fun of a fictional character with the initials "JT" on its new GTA: Liberty City Stories website.
In traditional Rockstar/GTA fashion, spoof websites have been created to generate hype for the game. These spoof sites can be found inside the e-mailbag on top of the "GTA: LCS" site. Among the e-mails is one from JT@CitizensUnitedNegatingTechnology.org, where the author begins with the statement, "The internet is unambiguous evil. The only things worse than the internet are computer games and liberals." Clearly, this is just the beginning.

Continue reading "Rockstar has fun at Jack Thompson's expense"

Wednesday - September 21, 2005

Well, go ahead and throw Kindred Blades out the window (just be careful not to hit anybody). Today, Ubisoft announced the official subtitle for Prince of Persia 3. And the winner is, The Two Thrones. Prince of Persia: The Two Thrones is one of my top anticipated games for this Holiday season. The game combines the best elements of Sands of Time and Warrior Within while throwing in another playable character, chariot battles, and a huge Babylon environment. It is due out in December for all systems.
Pre-Order "PoP: TT" | Rent "PoP: TT" from Gamefly

Continue reading ""Prince of Persia 3" Gets a Name"

Ubisoft today announced that they have released a PC playable demo for the upcoming Brothers in Arms: Earned in Blood. The demo includes one solo map, one solo/co-op map and various extras like character biographies, historical documents, etc. Earned in Blood is another of my top anticipated games for this season. I loved the original, which came out this past March, and it was one of the few Xbox LIVE games that I was inextricably addicted to. BiA: Earned in Blood is due out in mid-October for the PS2, Xbox, and PC.
Pre-Order "BiA: Earned in Blood | Rent "BiA: Earned in Blood" from Gamefly

Continue reading ""Brothers in Arms: Earned in Blood" Playable Demo"

Bowen Research has released a study which concludes, "More than two thirds of all video gamers feel that video games already surpass, or will soon at least equal movies, music and books in delivering an emotional impact." Hugh Bowen, of Bowen Research, calls the results "striking". I call this study "striking". Are you kidding me that someone funded this research? Are you kidding me that people are shocked that gamers become emotionally invested in the characters with whom they spend hours upon hours? Are you kidding me that we're told over and over again that violence in games affect gamers, but, somehow, that doesn't translate to other elements of the story? Research like this drives me nuts, as it only exemplifies the divide between gamers and those who judge gamers.

Continue reading "There's no crying in gaming! Or is there?"

Our host will be upgrading our server this evening, and they have told us to expect 4 - 6 hours of down time. We were told this would happen around 8pm, yet we're not clear as to whether that's our time (PDT) or their time (EDT). I have a feeling it's their time, which is only good because I should be able to have my Lunabean back before I go to bed, meaning I'll sleep better through the night. Cross your fingers for us...I hate this stuff. At least I'll have Genji and/or Indigo Prophecy to keep me busy.

Joystiq is reporting on a flurry of GBA rumors today, which suggest Nintendo has stealthily launched a backlit GBA SP, with a screen that is actually brighter than the Nintendo DS and the Sony PSP. As rumor has it, "the old on/off side-lighting button has been replaced with a button that now toggles between two (backlit) brightness levels." It has also been said that new backlit GBA SP is only available in Graphite and Pearl Blue. NintendoGal has some pictures of the new GBA SP, while the gang over at Gaming-Age Forum claim the rumors are true. Why the stealth launch? Perhaps to not steal the GBA Micro thunder, which just launched on Monday.
I'll be going to my local EB later today, and I'll find out what they know. Until I see it for myself, or Nintendo puts out a press release, I have to leave it in the rumor category...for now.
Update: We have confirmation from our local EB. It's not in yet, but expect it in the next couple of days!!!

Starting on October 24th, Nintendo will offer a limited-edition Nintendo DS "Best Friends" bundle, featuring a specially colored Nintendo DS system and a "Best Friends" edition of the incredibly popular Nintendogs. Gamers will get to choose between a Pearl Pink or Teal color DS, each available only in the special bundle. Also, the "Best Friends" edition of Nintendogs will feature the six most popular breeds chosen from the three current Nintendogs editions: Labrador retriever, golden retriever, German shepherd, beagle, Yorkshire terrier and miniature dachshund.
View the Nintendo DS "Best Friends" Box Art

Continue reading "Nintendo to Launch Nintendogs DS Bundle"

Thursday - September 22, 2005

If you didn't know, the Nintendo World Store is now open. This Mecca of gaming will welcome gaming god, Shigeru Miyamoto, this Sunday, Sept. 25, from 11am to 1pm. Miyamoto is the legendary Nintendo designer who created Mario, Zelda, Donkey Kong, and Nintendogs. The first 200 people in line will receive an autograph from Miyamoto and the first 10 people in line will be able to interact with Miyamoto via the "Bark Mode" (wireless) feature of Nintendogs. If you are the type of person who would rather meet a game designer than a Hollywood actor, then this is the event for you. Lunabeanie NewYorkerNick may want to make an appearance and take pics for us...huh...huh?

Continue reading "Meet Miyamoto in NYC"

In the immediate aftermath of the GTA: San Andreas "Hot Coffee" scandal, where it was discovered that Rockstar had embedded some sexually explicit material into the game (unlocked only by installing a mod or inserting a cheat code), a lawsuit was filed by an 85-year-old grandmother who claimed she would have never purchased the "M" rated game for her 14-year-old grandson had she known he could unlock such sexually explicit material. According to the woman's lawyer, "No parent would knowingly buy an adult-only video game for their children." Today, a mother from St. Louis has jumped on the "games for 17-year-olds are fine for my kids, but NOT those for 18-year-olds" bandwagon.

Continue reading "Second Lawsuit Over GTA's "Hot Coffee" Filed"

Gamespot is today reporting on an article in the French newspaper, "Les Echos," in which Ubi CEO, Yves Guillemot, says that his company would be powerless if Electronic Arts (EA) initiated a hostile takeover. Ubi has been in EA's sights for some time as we reported in February. Ubi is not necessarily worried about a takeover due to the fact it is one of the premier video game publishers and a premium price would have to be paid. Ubisoft is best known for its Tom Clancy and Prince of Persia games. Ubi's stock price spiked yesterday on these rumors.

Friday - September 23, 2005

Nintendo of Europe has today announced a Nintendo DS price cut, to take affect on October 7th, the same day as the European launch of Nintendogs. Those in the UK can expect a ?10 price drop, bringing the cost to ?89.99. The rest of Europe will be seeing a 20 ? price drop, bringing the cost to 129 ?. What's more, Europeans will be seeing a bundle similar to the one announced for North America a couple of days ago, although, instead of a "Best Friends" version of the game, where the six most popular breeds are included, they will get the regular "Dachshund" version, which will come with the pink DS, or the "Labrador" version, which will come with the blue DS (check the press release for images). The bundles will be available for ?99.99 (149 ?), which means Europeans can pretend there was no DS price cut, and they are simply receiving Nintendogs> for free! Tr?s bon!
Oh, and when the game launches in Europe, don't forget about our Nintendogs Strategy Guide.

Continue reading "Europe Gets DS Price Cut for "Nintendogs" Launch"

An extremely bizarre situation is currently taking place in the World of Warcraft, where a "virtual disease", created by "WoW" developer/publisher Blizzard, has spiraled out of control and is killing off "WoW" characters by the thousand. As a member of the Shacknews Forums puts it:

Blizzard adds in a new instance, Zul'Gurub. Inside is the god of blood, Hakkar. Well, when you fight him he has a debuff called Corrputed Blood. It does like 250-350 damage to players and affects nearby players. The amazing thing is SOME PLAYERS have brought this disease (and it is a disease) back to the towns, outside of the instance. It starts spreading amongst the general population including npcs, who can out generate the damage. Some servers have gotten so bad that you can't go into the major cities without getting the plague (and anyone less than like level 50 nearly immediately die).

GM's even tried quarantining players in certain areas, but the players kept escaping the quarantine and infect other players.

Thanks to Lizking for pointing this story out, and Car1gt for linking to two helpful videos, here and here.

While Ali is slashing away at enemies in Genji: Dawn of the Samurai, I have begun playing Indigo Prophecy (Farenheit in the UK). The best way I can describe the game at this point is to say that it is the first "thriller" that I've played. It's not like playing a movie, it's more like playing a true crime novel. The gameplay is unique and very effective. This is definitely a game you should try. While I'm working on the guide, you can visit the Indigo Prophecy Help Thread on our message boards if you are stuck.

Buy Indigo Prophecy | Rent Indigo Prophecy from Gamefly

A quick visit to EBGames's Xbox 360 site reveals the company's pricey Xbox 360 bundles have sold out. The top of the page reads, "We are currently sold out of our popular Xbox 360 bundles. Check back frequently for more opportunities to pre-order an Xbox 360, Microsoft's next-gen gaming system that ships November 21." This is a nicer message than what is found on Amazon's Xbox 360 page, which simply states, "This item is currently not available." Funny, because it was yesterday, before the EB shortage came to light.
Could this possibly suggest an Xbox 360 shortage at launch? To be safe, go reserve your Xbox 360 at your favorite game retailer today (EB stores are still taking pre-orders), or plan on standing in line at 4am on November 22nd.

I will spend this weekend fighting my way through 12th century Japan, as I try to protect my Genji samurai clan from the Heishi. I must travel the lands in search for Amahagane, mystical stones which provide me with godlike powers. The Heishi have control of most Amahagane, which is how they defeated my people. I must get them back!!!
If you find yourself on a similar weekend adventure, please check in on my growing Genji: Dawn of the Samurai Walkthrough and Strategy Guide. If you're beyond the reach of my guide, feel free to ask for Genji help on our message boards.

Monday - September 26, 2005

We've been keeping our eyes on origenxbox360.com for the past month or so. If your not familiar with the site, it is Microsoft's mysterious viral marketing campaign which shows a tree with fruit, two bunnies, and a countdown clock. Well, that countdown clock is set to expire tomorrow. What will be revealed? That's anyone's guess, but according to the press release, " Origen is...The debut of next generation gaming. A real place dedicated to gaming pleasures. A place to play Xbox 360 before anyone else. A place to play all the Xbox 360 launch titles. A place to take on other gamers."

Continue reading "OrigenXbox360.com - We Find Out Tomorrow"

Eidos Interactive has today announced a delay in the release of 25 to Life, a game which can only be described as, "Eidos's attempt at 'GTA'". Bill Gardner, CEO of US Publishing, says of the delay, "Following the recent management change and restructure, Eidos is able to reevaluate its calendar of releases giving us the opportunity to make changes in the best interest of the business. It is in light of this review that we have decided to move the ship date for "25 to Life" from October 2005 into next year."
That Eidos management change and restructure sure has taken its toll on the company's 2005 releases, as earlier this year, when "25 to Life" was moved back from an August release to an October release, Eidos quietly moved "Tomb Raider: Legend" and "Hitman: Blood Money" from "Holiday 2005" to "Winter 2006". At least we'll have an exciting post-holiday gaming season.

While I'm currently without a press release regarding the shipment of "Sly 3", my local EB confirms they're expecting it to arrive tomorrow, meaning the newest installment in Sony's Sly Cooper series has shipped. Expect to see the beginnings of a Lunabean "Sly 3" strategy guide on Wednesday.
Also shipping today is "The Suffering: Ties that Bind", the sequel to last year's hit "The Suffering". According to Midway's press release, "The Suffering: Ties that Bind" begins shortly after the first game ended, as the game's hero, Torque, arrives in Baltimore after leaving the haunted prison where he was being held behind. Of course, it wouldn't be a game if the hauntings didn't, somehow, escape from prison along with Torque. Mwahahahahahaha!

Continue reading ""Sly 3" and "The Suffering: Ties that Bind" Ship"

Tuesday - September 27, 2005

I tried not to write about this. I saw the story break yesterday, it gave me a giggle, then I opted to ignore it. After all, it's a mobile phone game, and Lunabean doesn't do mobile phone games. However, as an "O.C." fan (hey, I'm part of the "90210" generation...I need these shows to feel normal), I have to quickly say something about it as others who are writing about the game clearly don't watch the show, and I wonder if Gameloft, the game's publisher, even has.
According to the press release writers seem to be picking from, "Gameplay will be akin to The Sims, with players aiming to make their characters fit in the OC world, date the right people and move in the right social circles." I'm sorry, but was Marissa trying to "date the right people" when she went temporarily gay? Was Summer trying to move into the "right social circle" when she opted for the geeky Seth Cohen? And what about Ryan? He knows he's not going to gain popularity by punching every single person who gets in his way, but he does it anyway. OH, and let's not forget about the creepy Jerri Ryan character who, you know, is going to come after Kirsten for leaving her alone at her creepy alcoholic retreat cabin.
Point being, the show is about so much more than social circles and popularity, and I just can't stand it being treated as such...is that weird? :)

CNet's Gaming Blog is reporting on an article posting on ARS Technica that has published rumors of Nintendo Revolution specs. ARS Technica attributes the rumored specs to be from someone who, "had previously pegged the Xbox 360's specs almost spot on prior to any official Microsoft announcement." So, take the rumors as you will, I'm just reporting them because it's fun.

Continue reading "Nintendo Revolution Specs Leaked?"

And OrigenXbox360 is...the lamest viral marketing campaign since the dawn of time. Well, OK, there is the one I tried to start to promote the making of more pirate games, but that's a different story. Yes, the countdown clock has reached zero at OrigenXbox360.com (well, at least it has in the UK) and what is revealed is a contest where you can enter to win trips to an Xbox 360 launch party in the US. Hmm? A contest. Not Halo 3, not a a world wide launch of gaming hubs, that some people had speculated, and not any other hardware or software news. A contest. Do I sound disappointed? I am. Still, the launch party will most likely take place in Times Square where MS will reveal an Xbox 360 store...big whoop. Hey, MS, you guys are launching the next generation of gaming and this is what you came up with?

Continue reading "And OrigenXbox360 is... [UPDATE]"

It seems Activision has incurred the ire of the police commissioner of NYC, Raymond Kelly, who is asking for Activision's soon-to-be-released game, True Crime: NYC to be boycotted. The second in the True Crime series, follows the exploits of a fictional police force, the thinly veiled PDNY, who tend to break laws and provide a generally vigilante approach to crime fighting. Kelly says, "It's totally inappropriate. It's a tough job, a dangerous job, and this undermines what police officers try to do" (NY Daily News). Enter retired NYPD detective, Bill Clark, who helped with the game and is best known for his technical help on "NYPD Blue". Says Kelly of Clark, "I'm saddened that even some former members of the department are linked to that video game."

Continue reading ""True Crime: NYC" Draws Heat"

Wednesday - September 28, 2005

G4TV's interview with Nintendo President Satoru Iwata has revealed that Iwata is pushing for "Mario 128" to be a launch title for the next-generation Nintendo console, the Nintendo Revolution. "Personally I am pushing very strongly on Mr. Miyamoto to make Mario one of the launch titles for the Revolution," said Iwata in the interview. I'd love to be a fly on the wall for that conversation.
Also in the interview, Iwata apologizes for the delay in The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess, but reminds us all they kept their promise by releasing the title for the Gamecube. However, with that being said, Iwata does hint the game may take advantage of the new Revolution controller. Interesting.
Watch the G4TV Iwata interview

I'm pleased as punch to release today our Genji: Dawn of the Samurai Walkthrough and Strategy Guide. Our Genji guide will walk you through every level of the game and will provide you with the best strategies in defeating the game's many enemies. Genji was a short and bloody game, but it was a lot of fun, and worth a rent. If you find yourself stuck in the game and need Genji help, please feel free to use our free guide, or, if you want our ad-free and beautifully bookmarked PDF version, please go here.

Thursday - September 29, 2005

If you feel gamers have received a bad rap in the public eye (and what gamer doesn't?), you should hop on over to Wired News Online, where you may find a glimmer of hope for the future of gamers in Clive Thompson's article, Gamers Get a Hollywood Makeover. In the article, Thompson points to a scene in "The 40-Year Old Virgin" which actually depicts gamers in a realistic light. Thompson then contrasts this with previous images of Hollywood gamers during a time when directors, themselves, had no clue about gaming, and ended up forming a culture that didn't understand gamers. Now that the Nintendo Generation has grown up and are sitting in director's chairs, we may begin to see a change. Now we just need the Nintendo Generation to start filling political seats, so our nation's leaders will stop treating us like ultra-violent wannabe cop-killers who could snap at any moment.
Read the article

Gamespot is today reporting on details for the upcoming Prince of Persia game for the Sony PSP. The game, a reworking of last Fall's Prince of Persia: Warrior Within, features a new projectile attack system and graphics and gameplay similar to that of the PS2 version. Although the game is very similar to the console version, Ubisoft promises new puzzles and level designs. Hopefully, they won't include all of the bugs present in the console version.
Pre-Order "POP: PSP"

Ubisoft has today announced it will publish Flow: Urban Dance Uprising, the first and only breakdancing and hip hop video game, for the Sony PS2. The game, supported by the Sony EyeToy, "features classic breakdancing gameplay and a soundtrack of hip hop artists including the Sugar Hill Gang, Kurtis Blow, and Eric B & Rakim". Breakdancing gamers can compete with as many as seven players, or move through the 100 break-dancing challenges and 10 different urban settings on their own time. Expect to see Flow: Urban Dance Uprising in stores during the Holiday 2005 season.
Read Ubi's Press Release

Continue reading "Ubisoft Announces Breakdancing Game"

Friday - September 30, 2005

When in Rome...hmm? For some reason that logic just doesn't apply when you are Sony and you run an ad featuring a young man donning a crown of thorns with the slogan, "Ten Years of Passion". The ad, run only in Italy, caused quite an uproar forcing Sony to apologize, saying, the "spirit of the message was misunderstood". Would that be the Holy Spirit? Sony may as well have run a holy trinity ad featuring all three Playstations. Geez, what were they thinking? Now, that ad running in the US. That would be a different story. For the Reuters story about this, go here.

I have completed the rough draft of the LB Indigo Prophecy (Farenheit) Walkthrough and Strategy Guide. Today, I'll be taking screenshots and by the end of the weekend will have the PDF Versions for sale. This is a great game with many choices and alternatives. My guide covers everything you need to know from how to get each of the different endings to how to match up evidence in a variety of ways. Enjoy!

Some industry analysis released by Piper Jaffray today has the video game industry abuzz with a speculated mid-2006 release of a second generation PSP, which would come with a hard drive. Again, this is speculation, but the reasoning behind it seems fairly solid. First, Sony will need something to compete with the next generation Nintendo Game Boy, which is expected to be released next year. Second, Sony wanted the PSP to compete with Apple's iPod. The current version doesn't come close. Third, Sony may need a distraction from a potential late season 2006 release for the Sony PS3, which, at this point, I feel could be pushed back to 2007. This brings up another point of analysis by Piper Jaffray, which is that the Xbox 360 will lead the market through 2008.
Interesting stuff. Read the article here.