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It's Wednesday, time for Zero Punctuation

post from Gaming Nexus on 13 February 2008 12:33:00 PM. © Gaming Nexus

by: Charles Husemann
NEWS - It's that time of the week again, this week Yahtzee takes on Simcity Societies. While I'm up for anything that include Jeremy Clarkson and a cheap shot at God games it does feel a bit off this week. There is a little add on at the end that explores the secondary part of the relationship between a Heavy and Medic in TF2 but I'm not sure it really saves the piece.
More On : EIC Ramblings | Gaming Nexus | Comment

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Maxis founder joins Red Mile, goes from SimCity
to Sin City

post from Joystiq on 13 February 2008 12:30:00 PM. © Joystiq

Filed under: Business

Jeff Braun, who started Maxis in 1987 with Will Wright and co-created SimCity, is now a "strategic adviser" for Sin City developer Red Mile. Braun will work with Red Mile president Glenn Wong to make the best use of the Sin City license and turn the company best known for GripShift and, oy vey, Jackass: The Game into something better.

Braun believes the big challenge for Red Mile is to run with Sin City and make it a triple-A title so that the company can become a top-tier publisher. Wonder if that means we should still expect an early '09 release? Working with Glenn Wong, who was a former president at EA Canada, Braun believes the company can achieve its goals. Hopefully this means Red Mile is going to put some serious work into Sin City and it'll be a licensed game we can eagerly anticipate.

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City Life: RCN Goes All Digital ... Trouble
Begins Already...

post from Cathode Tan on 13 February 2008 12:24:00 PM. © Cathode Tan

For RCN users in Chicago, soon you'll be able to have any kind of television you want ... as long as it is digital. Our condo association sent out notices about the change so we went ahead and ordered a couple converter boxes. One for the TV, one for the Mac Mini.

The last time I had digital cable was with Comcast and it was an absolute disaster. Channels would disappear, the quality was inconsistent and Comcast's final technical solution was "well, you could always just use the analog." At the time, it kinda annoyed me, but honestly didn't seem like that bad of a scenario when we got this place and couldn't get DirectTV.

Thing is, I'm an engineer and there's something about digital TV that bugs me. OK, there's something about converter boxes that bug, really, but here in the US that is one and the same. The converter box offers me nothing I really need. It solves no real problem that I had. Sure, it's nice to have a better looking picture ... but I wasn't really putting that in the "problem" category. Same goes for all the other features digital offers - VOD, channel guide, etc.

The problems it has already added, however, are pretty annoying. As I type this, for instance, I have no channels. I have a channel browser bar, which is sure nifty, but there's no actual corresponding image to go with that channel. Now an optimist would say that it is an impressively clear black, at least. I would say it just kind of sucks. My suspicion is that RCN, in their usual folksy low budget kind of way, has underestimated the level of demand that taking a major metro area into digital would have and that instead of taking the advertised ten minutes to download the needed feed - it might be a couple hours.

My other suspicion is that something went wacky with the activation. Can't really do anything about either one except look at a perfectly black screen and wait for. Six. Teen. Minutes.

The second annoyance is that the Mac Mini's main function lately is to serve as a DVR via Elgato's fine EyeTV product. Digital cable pretty much annihilates that because you can't change channels anymore without point the special remote control to the special converter box. That's the future for you - television in any room, stuck in a little box and let out when you ask it nicely. Perhaps in the far, far future we will have technology that will free television and allow a TV to access it easily. Perhaps we could call this space aged technology an antenna.

With crap like this, it is simply no wonder why people torrent stuff. Why wouldn't you? The only real downside is not getting to watch something when it airs. If you're willing to wait a day or so, though, you get a perfectly clear version of your show without commercial interruption. These days you can even grab in HD without much fuss except the extra time to download it.

And unlike digital cable ... torrents would actually fix a problem for me. That being my digital cable of course.

Now on the line with them. Apparently FCC rules forces them to use a security scenario more restrictive - and I do not exaggerate here - than my bank. Plus I had to spend about ten minutes reviewing my account information with them before even getting that point. This woman has an accent which is hard to place, but I would put it at something like southern screeching ... but it might be an eastern dialect.

I think Chicago offers a decent selection of over the air HD. That plasma is looking sweet yet.

OK, after reviewing my address (even though I'm calling about the cable box they just sent me) and asking if my cables were hooked up cables correctly (I asked her politely that if I had not hooked them up correctly if I could see the little channel bar ... ) and asking about my info channel (oh no, you said input channel) ... she finally just re-activated the converter and it mysteriously spurred to life minutes later.

This was exactly how my support calls with Comcast went. Deja vu all over again.

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Turbine Continues To Impress With LOTRO Book 12
[MMO Update]

post from Kotaku on 13 February 2008 12:20:17 PM. © Kotaku

Turbine continues to kick the living crap out of most other MMORPGs feature-wise with the announcement of the latest free content update, Book 12: The Ashen Wastes. Book 12 introduces a mechanic that so many MMOs need but so very few utilize - the outfit system. Basically it allows you to customize the gear your character wears without affecting your armor stats, meaning that no matter what armor you put on, you can maintain the look you want. You wanna be known as the hobbit in hot pink pants? You can be that hobbit without worrying about your look changing every time you find a better piece of armor. They're also introducing barbershops where you can deck your character out in one of more than 50 new hairstyles, which is nifty indeed. On the actual game front, they are introducing The Delving of Frór, a 12-player raid dungeon that switches between player character and player monster control based on the faction winning the battle in the Ettenmoors, sort of like the Darkness Falls dungeon in Dark Age of Camelot. Enhanced player housing, over 100 new quests, and the chance to recover the ancient ring Narchuil round out the impressive feature list in Book 12. Hit the jump for more details, while I ponder the reactivation question for the umpteenth time.

TURBINE and Codemasters Online gaming TO uNVEIL BOOK 12: the ashen wastes FOR THE LORD OF THE RINGS ONLINE?
2007 MMO of the Year* Introduces New Free Content Update for Subscribers
WESTWOOD, MA - February 13, 2008 - Turbine, Inc. and Codemasters Online announced the details of the fourth free content update for subscribers to The Lord of the Rings Online?: Shadows of Angmar?. Book 12: The Ashen Wastes continues the epic story of The Lord of the Rings Online, adds substantial new features that provide players ability to truly personalize their heroes and an inventive new region that blends the challenge of a 12-player raid with the action of player-vs-player combat. Book 12: The Ashen Wastes will be available to subscribers of The Lord of the Rings Online on February 13, 2007 in North America and February 14, 2007 in Europe.
"The Lord of the Rings Online has taken the world by storm, winning multiple awards and continuing to expand with compelling content updates such as Book 12," said Jim Crowley, president and CEO of Turbine, Inc. "We're very excited about the response to the new additions to Monster Play and we know that the ability for players to customize and personalize their characters by using our new outfit system or by visiting one of the many barbershops throughout Middle-earth, will add an entirely new level of fun and enjoyment to the game. We are dedicated to our continued delivery of the best persistent online experience available and we look forward to sharing our plans for the future of this franchise in the coming months."
NEW FEATURES:
Ø More Customization - Book 12 introduces the Outfit system which features new gear and options to let players truly customize their hero's appearance without impacting the stats of their armor. Players can also visit one of the many new barbershops in Middle-earth where they can choose from one of more than 50 new hairstyles.
Ø The Delving of Frór -- Monster Play evolves in Book 12 with an innovative new dungeon that implements 12-player raid mechanics into a dynamic player-vs-player (PvP) environment. The Delving of Frór is controlled by the faction currently winning the battle in the Ettenmoors. Players who gain access to this vast new public dungeon will participate in a challenging raid that pits them against fearsome foes while they face the constant threat of an opposing faction gaining control of the Ettenmoors above and quickly transforming the Delving of Frór into an all-out PvP battle.
Ø Housing Enhancements -- The player housing system, which was introduced in Book 11, has been significantly enhanced to provide players with even more control over the items they place in their home. A host of new trophies and other bind-on-acquire items have been added to help players make their home reflect their unique tastes and accomplishments in Middle-earth.
Ø The Epic Continues! -- Elrond sends players to rescue Laerdan from Amarthiel deep within Carn Dûm. Through their investigations, players will discover the location of Narchuil, the ancient Ring Amarthiel lost at the Battle of Fornost. Players will battle an Angmarim sorcerer, but only manage to recover half of the ring before returning to Rivendell to inform Gandalf.
Ø Over 100 New Quests -- The story continues for players as they aid the Fellowship and encounter new adventures in Middle-earth.
The Lord of the Rings Online delivers an interactive experience brimming with life and filled with the familiar people, places and monsters from the most beloved fantasy adventure of all time. From the quaint surroundings of the Shire to Angmar, the vile kingdom of the Witch-king, players will experience the world of Middle-earth as never before. The Lord of the Rings Online is available for purchase at major retailers across North America and Europe. For more information, or to download a free trial, visit www.lotro.com or www.lotro-europe.com.

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ZOMG: From the makers of Velociraptor Safari
comes Jetpack Brontosaurus

post from Destructoid - Hardcore video game blog on 13 February 2008 12:12:06 PM. © Destructoid - Hardcore video game blog

There isn't really a damn thing to say here except that the folks at Flashbang Studios are f*cking geniuses. The only thing we know about Jetpack Brontosaurus is that you're a Brontosaurus that flies around with a Jetpack. The premise and the concept art has me sold already.

Seriously, these guys need to start making games for XBLA, WiiWare and PSN. Off-Road Velocirapter Safari is still fun and some of their other games are great too. We shall of course let you all know when this game is out.

Hopefully, the next game they make is something based on GuitarAtomik's Cyborg T-Rex clothesline. That would be the bee's knees.

[Word up, PrinceofCannedPeaches.]

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Is the PSN Network really that bad

post from bits bytes pixels & sprites on 13 February 2008 12:04:15 PM. © bits bytes pixels & sprites

I may be alone in my opinion on this, but I really think the PSN Network has gotten a bad rap. I picked up a PS3 a few months ago and honestly didn’t see the reason for all of the complaints. Online gaming hasn’t failed me, the friends list isn’t that bad, and [...]

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Designing Games That Are Accessible To Everyone

post from Gamasutra Feature Articles on 13 February 2008 12:00:00 PM. © Gamasutra Feature Articles

In this Gamasutra feature, AudiOdyssey co-developer Glinert explains why usability and accessibility are vital for creating tomorrow's hits, focusing on design principles for targeting and satisfying the disabled gamer.

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A look back at GDC 2007

post from Joystiq on 13 February 2008 12:00:00 PM. © Joystiq

Filed under: Culture, Nintendo DS, Features, PC, Sony PlayStation 3, Nintendo Wii, Microsoft Xbox 360, GDC

Next week, the Joystiq crew will pack their precious belongings (a laptop, some clothes, and a towel) before flying off to the 2008 Game Developers Conference in San Francisco. So now seems about as good a time as any to reflect back on last year's GDC for a taste of what's to come. Sure, there's a dearth of playable demos when compared to E3 or TGS, but what other trade show can say they redefined the role of adhesive in internet conversations?

Keep reading for our remembrances of the keynotes (what's Game 3.0 again?), last year's big news (Harmonix and EA are doing what?), the sessions and interviews (the Wii is how many Gamecubes duct-taped together?), and the whole culture of GDC (Miyamoto made quite a splash).

Continue reading A look back at GDC 2007

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WTF: American Lost Odyssey packaging is extremely
ghetto

post from Destructoid - Hardcore video game blog on 13 February 2008 11:55:47 AM. © Destructoid - Hardcore video game blog

The American version of the Lost Odyssey packaging sucks. Period. On the left hand side of the above image is the American packaging. It shoves three discs onto one spot and leaves the fourth disc in a little sleeve on the booklet portion. The right hand side of the image is the International packaging. The case is bigger and was designed to contain all four discs properly.

Who in their right mind thought this was a good idea? JRPGs are known for their amazing cases (look at all the PS1 JRPGs). It's bad enough that the Xbox has next to no RPGs as it is, and when they do, it seems like they half ass everything. Sure, there are people who probably don't give a shit and just want to play the game. But in most cases, the people that buy these types of games are the hardcore collectors that try to keep everything nice and pristine.

None of this compares to Jared from GameTap review copy though. Now that's awesome.

[NeoGAF and CronosBlade's C-Blog.]

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-packaging-is-extremely-ghetto-70121.phtml

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DBZ: Burst Limit Pushes Cel-Shading To The Limit
[Gallery]

How much further can we take cel-shading? The first cell-shaded game, Jet Set Radio for the Xbox, completely knocked me on my ass with its (then) unique visual style, but since then the only game to do anything truly amazing with it was Capcom's Okami, which traded clean lines for brush strokes to create a unique artistic look. While Namco Bandai's Dragon Ball Z: Burst Limit doesn't do anything truly innovative with cel-shading, it does manage to clean up those jaggy lines that have annoyed me in the past, presenting a style that's as clean as crisp as the process is likely to get.