Comic Book Guy would be so proud. A limited edition The Simpsons movie branded Xbox 360 Pro...wow! And, when I say limited, I mean limited. Only 100 will be made. That's rarer than Radioactive Man #1...rarer than a Krusty the Clown cocktail shaker...rarer than an unopened first-edition Malibu Stacy doll...I could go on, but won't.

The consoles will be given away at "special events and promotions" in conjunction with the July 27 release of The Simpsons Movie. We'll keep you in the loop in case any of the promotions actually sound like something that you could win. I want one so bad!

Also, check out the new The Simpsons game preview. Although it's not due out until autumn and has nothing to do with the movie, it's still exciting.

Friday - May 11, 2007

A new play has opened in San Francisco's "Playhouse" theatre titled, "First Person Shooter." According to the two reviews I read, it follows a group of friends who have a killer app video game, a violent video game, and form a start up in Silicon Valley.

Soon after they release the game, a school shooting occurs which eerily resembles their game. Both sides get lawyered up and friendships begin to disintegrate as various moral issues are explored.

Obvioulsy, I haven't seen the play, so I can't comment on it. However, I can comment on the fact that video games are increasingly becoming part of the cultural landscape of America. It's good that "art", in the form of a play, is taking on issues surrounding violent games. Nonetheless, I feel that the audience seeing the play (patrons of the arts...not patrons of video games) is going in with the preconception that violent video games equal school shootings.

Are plays like this more damaging than good? Is any discussion about violent games a good thing even if that discussion is predisposed to assume that games equal violence?

official site

SEGA yesterday announced Condemned 2: Bloodshot, a follow up to the Xbox 360 launch title, Condemned: Criminal Origins. The first Condemned was truly disturbing, throwing you into a pyschological nightmare where you were put so on edge that even a slight noise or the appearance of a mannequin out of the shadows was enough to make you scream. The game excelled because of it's atmospherics, which were detailed, eerie, and yet familiar (a department store, for example).

SEGA promises that Bloodshot will evolve the series, adding a new combat system which features a lot of hands on action and grapples. You will once again play as Ethan Thomas, disturbed ex-investigator who is called back to duty to find his missing partner. The game will debut for the Xbox 360 and PS3 in early 2008.

Read the Press Release

Monday - May 14, 2007

Dear Customer,

You have signed up to receive release date changes for:

Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots

http://www.gamestop.com/product.asp?product_id=T000316

Old Release Date - 9/1/2007
New Release Date - 3/1/2008

Thank you for visiting EBgames.com!

NOTE: The product release date is the best estimate as to when the product will become available. These dates are subject to change at anytime. EBGames.com is in constant communication with product vendors to provide you with the most accurate release dates possible.

• Pac-Man® (NES, 500 Wii Points)
• Ninja Gaiden™ (NES , 500 Wii Points)
• Ninja Spirit (TurboGrafx16, 600 Wii Points)

Wednesday - May 16, 2007

Thursday - May 17, 2007

• Good month overall: A 20% year-over-year increase with $838.6 million in hardware, software and accessory sales.



• Software sales = "meh": Software sales remained stagnant at $389.8 million (last year's number was $395 milliion.



• Software sale breakdown: Handheld software sales surged 61% to $141.5 million, thanks to Pokemon Diamond and Pearl DS titles. Console software sales, on the other hand, fell 19% to $248.3 million. Keep in mind, April of '06 bragged Kingdom Hearts 2 and The Elder Scrolls: Oblivion. April '07 bragged very little.



• Nintendo games selling like gangbusters: Nintendo held the top four spots on the software sales chart with Pokemon Diamond (DS, 1.045 million), Pokemon Pearl (DS, 712,000), Super Paper Mario (Wii, 352,000), and Wii Play w/ Remote (Wii, 249,000).



• Nintendo hardware selling like hotcakes: Hardware sales were up 52% to $338.4. In first place was the Nintendo DS with 471,000 units sold. The Wii came in second with 360,000 units sold. The PS3 came in 7th, between the Game Boy Advance and Gamecube, with 82,000 units sold.

The PS2, with God of War II has taken its last breath, and granted, it was an impressive gasp, but I predict that the days of seeing the PS2 at the top of the hardware sales for all consoles is now over.

We're pleased to announce the completion of the Lunabean Spider-Man 3 (Xbox 360) walkthrough and strategy guide.

This guide is all you need to make your way through this web-slinging adventure for the Xbox 360. Please note, this guide will also help you with missions and strategies for the PS3 version. However, the controls mentioned are specific to the Xbox 360 and it does not contain the content exclusive to the PS3.

It includes a complete walkthrough for the game's story mode and explains all of the extras including activities, crime fighting, and a map of the locations of all tokens so you can get a 100% completion (if you dare).

More info

Friday - May 18, 2007

Okay, Mangojoyride, pervertdhermit, GabrielSaxon, and The Gurbil. I get it. You are better than me at Halo 3 multiplayer. In my defense (and that's sorely lacking in-game) I have only played four matches and I am improving. In fact, I had a great match before these level sixes and sevens really took it too me...three kills in a row and I won the match! Take that.

Yes, the Halo 3 beta is enjoyable, but I can't do it for more than an hour or so. I just get bored of it. I'm more of a puzzle-solving, story-driven gamer, so while this is fun, it's not my favorite. In fact the only multiplayer I've ever become addicted to is Brothers in Arms.

Here's one tip, though, that really drove me nuts. I'm an inverted Y-Axis kind of guy and I couldn't figure out where to adjust the control settings. If that's driving you crazy too, just hit Start and move the control stick to the right to open up the Settings menu. I just didn't see it there before.

Now, happy Halo-ing and look out for an ever improving LUNABEAN!

This weekend, you have the chance to sample the LB 'Bully (Canis Canem Edit)' Walkthrough and Strategy Guide for FREE!

This game was overlooked and is actually one of the better games I played last year. It puts you right into the midst of a prep school, has wonderful writing, and follows a school year complete with the change in seasons.

To access the FREE guide, simply visit the LB Bully (Canis Canem Edit) Walkthrough and Strategy Guide between now and 9pm PST on Sunday, May 20, 2007. This is a $5.95 value (Adobe Reader required).

If you like what you see, you can sign up for the LunaPass, our exclusive subscription service which gives you instant access to ALL of our walkthroughs for only $14.95.

You can also purchase any of our walkthroughs a la carte by visiting LunabeanGuides.com.

Have a great weekend and happy gaming!

Download Now, for FREE!
LB Bully (Canis Canem Edit) Walkthrough and Strategy Guide

Sign up for the LunaPass

A lot of you may be new to Halo or Halo multiplayer. You may be confused and overwhelmed by the Halo 3 demo, what with getting killed almost instantly and not knowing what does who and why goes where. See, I told you that you're confused.

It is for this reason that I humbly offer some very basic tips to get you through your first few sessions of the Halo 3 beta. If you're already an expert, and have some helpful tips to add, please do so in the comments section.

• Learn your controls - If the controls don't feel right to you, ie, you need to invert the Y-Axis, then hit "Start" and push right on the Left Control Stick to enter the "Controls" menu. It is here that you can adjust your controls to your liking. Also, go into "Button Layout". Here you'll see what each button does. Be sure to note your "Reload" (RB) and the "Melee Attack" (B).
• Learn some Weapons basics - You don't have to be a seasoned pro to earn some kills, but it does help if you know what the heck your weapons are doing. If your weapon has a zoom feature, you can use it by clicking down on the Right Control Stick (R3). In general, you'll want to use long range weapons like the Sniper Rifle and the Battle rifle from a distance and weapons like the shotgun close up in order to be most effective. The first few times you play, pick up lots of different weapons and see which ones you like.
• Jump when under attack - This is one of those general multiplayer rules. If you're under fire, jump. You are harder to hit when you're jumping. If you're just travelling from cover to cover, you don't have to jump as that may make you more obvious.
• Learn to use and love your Melee attack - The melee attack (B) is basically an elbow bop to the face. If you're in close quarters with an enemy, this is a very effective attack.

• If you're not moving, you don't show up on radar - Just keep that in mind. Run to where you want to go, stop, look around, run to the next location.
• To switch between types of grenades, hit LB
- I say this because I really like the spike grenade (don't know the real name of it). If you toss this type of grenade at an enemy, it'll stick into him and blow him up.
• Active camoflauge doesn't make you invisible
- The blue orbs that you see are active camoflauge. Pick one up to activate it. You are definitely harder to see, but don't go around thinking you're invisible.
• Dual-Wielding weapons is cool
- Certain types of weapons can be dual-wielded, meaning that you can hold one in each hand. If you're holding a one-handed weapon, like the SMG, then when you walk over another one-handed weapon, you'll be prompted to pick it up with the other hand. While dual-wielding, you cannot throw grenades, so keep that in mind.

That's all of the sage advice I have for you now. If I think of anything else, I'll add to this post. Happy gaming!

Monday - May 21, 2007

Nintendo today announced their complete summer lineup and of most interest to us here at Lunabean HQ is that Metroid Prime 3 Corruption will debut on August 20th.

I've always been a big fan of Metroid games and a big fan of the Metroid Prime series. In fact, I'd go so far as to say their some of my favorite games. We'll definitely be on a walkthrough and guide for the game the moment it launches.

Also of note is Super Mario Strikers (Wii, July 30), Brothers in Arms (Wii, Sept.), Brain Age 2 (DS, Aug. 20), Chibi-Robo: Park Patrol (DS, Sept. 24), and Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney Trials and Tribulations (DS, Sept.)

Read the complete summer lineup

Wedbush's video game analyst Michael Pachter is predicting that GameStop, who report Q1 earnings on May 23rd, will come in at or just above analyst expectations. Q1 covers sales from Feb., March, and April.

"We expect the company to report results at or slightly above the high end of its guidance," said Pachter, "and EPS of $0.17" -- slightly ahead of consensus EPS estimates of $0.16.

I never put much stock in what Michael Pachter, or video game analysts in general, predict and this case is no different.

Personally, I predict that GameStop will report earnings in the $0.20 - $0.22 per share range, beating expectations by a wide margin. My reasoning for this is that February sales for both hardware and software were very strong, Pokemon Diamond and Pearl debuted on April 23rd, giving it about 12 days of sales before Q1 ended on May 5th, and Guitar Hero sales have been brisk. Add in the crazy Nintendo sales numbers in general over the past three months and a more tightly run ship over at GameStop and you have the makings for a strong quarter.

After GameStop reports earnings on Wednesday, I'll be sure to let you know if I was right or wrong, and why.

Tuesday - May 22, 2007

Of interest to almost the entire gaming world is news that the website for Nintendo's Super Smash Bros. Brawl has gone live.

The site, in its current form, is known as Smash Bros. Dojo and will feature daily weekday updates from game creator, Masahiro Sakurai. As of now, it has information on How to Play, Stages, and Music.

The other category headings are grayed out and include Characters, Game Modes, Items, and Notices. As the game gets closer to it's still TBD release date, I'm sure we'll see more and more info fill in the gaps.

I like the fact that Nintendogs is somehow going to be part of it. Go Jenny! (my beagle)

Super Smash Bros. Brawl Website

• Donkey Kong Country 2™: Diddy's Kong Quest™ (SNES®, 1-2 players, 800 Wii Points)
• Streets of Rage™ 2 (Sega Genesis, 1-2 players, 800 Wii Points)
• Blazing Lazers (TurboGrafx16, 1 player, 600 Wii Points)

The LA Times today has a decent preview of this summer's games. If you just want a quick look at what's being offered to us gamers, then this is the read for you.

Summer Games Preview

Nintendo today released five new screenshots for Metroid Prime 3 Corruption and the logo. I'm not sure why they chose the screens they did, because in all honesty, they're not really that impressive. Not to worry though...we're looking for great gameplay, not cutting edge graphics. Judge for yourself.

More pics after the break...

Wednesday - May 23, 2007

The other day, I made a prediction that GameStop, who reported earnings this morning, would do better than what Michael Pachter, video game analyst at Wedbush, predicted.

Well, it looks like round one goes to Michael Pacther. He and his fellow analysts had a consensus estimate of $0.16 to $0.17 per share. I predicted earnings of $0.20 to $0.22 per share. GameStop today reported earnings of $0.18 per share, excluding a $0.03 debt-retirement charge.

What does this all mean? GameStop's profit doubled year on year and their earnings came in just above analyst estimates, meaning they're right on track. The stock price is down about 3% right now, however, once everything shakes out and people realize that GameSpot's guidance for the rest of the year remains strong, the stock will rebound.

GameStop said sales of products like Guitar Hero II, the DS, and the Wii are bringing in new customers and expanding the market.

Gamestop boosted its profit forecast for the year by 2 cents to as much as $1.42 a share. The company reiterated its forecast for sales to rise as much as 21 percent, with sales at stores open at least a year rising as much as 16 percent.

In other words, `"You have a near monopoly in a segment that's growing,'" said Robert Blews, research analyst with Cherry Hill, New Jersey-based Penn Capital Management, which overseas $5 billion, including GameStop shares. (source)

Why was I wrong?

Activision today announced the next installment of Guitar Hero (Guitar Hero 3) for the PS2, PS3, Xbox 360, and Wii to be available this fall. The game doesn't break the mold by any means but features a new licesnsed Les Paul guitar and a variety of new tracks, eleven of which were announced today.

• Paint It Black (by The Rolling Stones)
• Cherub Rock (by Smashing Pumpkins)
• Sabotage (by Beastie Boys)
• The Metal (by Tenacious D)
• My Name is Jonas (by Weezer)
• Knights of Cydonia (by Muse)
• Rock And Roll All Nite (as made famous by Kiss)
• School’s Out (as made famous by Alice Cooper)
• Slow Ride (as made famous by Fog Hat)
• Cult of Personality (by Living Colour)
• Barracuda (as made famous by Heart)

Note that the first six titles are by the actual artists. Activision actually got the licenses to use those songs, as opposed to the "as made famous by" of the other announced songs, and of previous Guitar Hero games.

That's a big step for the game and lends a lot of creedence to this latest version...speaking of creedence...wouldn't some CCR be great?

The game also features a new wireless controller (guitar) and will feature downloadable content on those systems which can handle it (Wii, PS3, and Xbox 360).

Hey, I'm just very excited about "Sabotage". Now, I just have to find a car hood to slide over.

Read the press release

Ubisoft yesterday announced that they are making a Beowulf game based on the holiday film being made by Robert Zemeckis.

Ubi confirms that the movies' two stars, Angelina Jolie and Anthony Hopkins, are signed up to do voice work for the game. They also say that the game will, "reinvent the hack and slash genre."

This sounds awesome.

MCVUK.com

Thursday - May 24, 2007

Ubisoft this week held a two day promotional event featuring game trailers, previews, and news. Held in Paris, this Ubi bacchanalia was known as Ubidays.

Here, I offer you my take on games previewed at Ubidays. I've included on the games that I care about and they're listed in the order that I most liked the video.

Haze - PS3, Xbox 360, PC

Finally, a game for the PS3 that I want, and want bad! It's being developed by Free Radical (TimeSplitters and the group who broke off from Rare after developing Goldeneye and Perfect Dark), land it ooks amazing.

It's been a long time since a game's graphics have wowed me, but this did it for me. It also is representative of the Ubi motif for many of their upcoming games: a post-apocalyptic world in the strain of Children of Men. I'm so in.

So many more videos await!

So says a University of Illinois study which concludes that boys' exposure to gaming magazines influences their body image.

Wow, amazing. A study that concludes that young boys' body images are influenced by what they see or read. What's next? A study that reveals that young boys like Star Wars, insects, beating on their sisters, and ice cream?

The other day, Metroid Prime 3: Corruption got a release date of August 20. It didn't take long for Amazon.com to offer it up for pre-order.

Amazon is a great way to secure the most sought after games without having to run out on a wild search for the game on release day. It also helps us if you pre-order using any of the links in this story.

We'll write a walkthrough when the game comes out, so why not help us help you.

Pre-order Metroid Prime 3: Corruption

Friday - May 25, 2007

I have begun playing Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End and am currently in the midst of writing a Lunabean Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End walkthrough and guide. There's not much to see as of yet, however, check back often for updates.

So far, despite the fact that the game ranges between terrible and awful, I am enjoying it. It is that rare game that is so bad it's good; a perfect distraction.

LB's Pirates 3: At World's End walkthrough.

Tuesday - May 29, 2007

We've known about it for a while, but today we have confirmation that Activision's Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare (PS3, X360, PC) is in development at Infinity Ward, the developer of the first two Call of Duties.

For the first time in the series, the game will not be a WWII shooter but will instead focus on, well, modern warfare. The setting is an unnamed Middle Eastern country where a warlord dictator is raising havoc.

You'll play as a number of different special forces units in a variety of circumstances: sniper, gunship, stealth, etc. We expect the game to launch Holiday '07. If you haven't seen the trailer, here you go.

Anybody familiar with the book of Ecclesiastes knows the phrase, "There is nothing new under the sun." Well, Bible author (God), I beg to differ (free will).

I came upon some amazing video-game inspired parasols: Boo and a Phoenix Wright Ace Attorney-inspired "Objection" parasol. With summer right around the corner, it's a great way to avoid cancer, and look good doing it. I rest my case!

Parasols

Wednesday - May 30, 2007

After the long holiday weekend I'm back on track with the Lunabean Pirates of the Caribbean 3: At World's End walkthrough (PS2, Wii).

Now that I have a few more days of playing under my belt, I have to say that I continue to enjoy this subpar game. I don't know what it is, but it's actually put together quite well. It just plays as if it's out of 2002.

Anybody up for a game of Pirate Dice?

Lunabean Pirates of the Caribbean 3: At World's End walkthrough

Thursday - May 31, 2007

Update: We now have a complete 'The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass' Walkthrough and Strategy Guide. Please enjoy!

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Nothing gets my gaming joy meter up (get your mind out of the gutter, sicko!) like news regarding Zelda. In this case, it's eight new Zelda Phantom Hourglass screenshots. How awesome do those look? The game will hit the DS this holiday season, raising the gaming joy meter of millions of gamers (hey, what did I say about that gutter and your mind?).

In other DS news, Nintendo yesterday announced that the Nintendo Wi-Fi connection has topped 5 million gamers and 200 million gaming sessions. When the Wii finally gets around to having some Wi-Fi enabled games, we'll see that number grow quite a bit. For comparison's sake, Xbox Live has 6 million subscribers.

Zelda Phantom Hourglass screenshots

Wi-Fi tops 5 million press release