Sony Announces PS3 Price Cuts Now, Nintendo To Release Lower Priced Wii This Xmas

Posted on August 17, 2011 by geelw

Yup, the ongoing economy issues worldwide have made these price cuts necessary, but it's also the beginning of the build up to new consoles (which should more than likely be announced at next year's E3 for a 2013-2014 launch by my calculations). At its Gamescom 2011 press conference, Sony announced that effective immediately, the core 160GB PlayStation 3 model will now retail at $249.00 and the core 320GB console for $299 in the US.

Sony also announced a new value model PSP without Wi-Fi support at the event, but as far as I can tell, this model is only set for an European release at a price point of 99 Euros. I'd hope that this model makes it to US shores, as there are literally TONS of UMD games out there that will sell if bundled with the new lower-priced unit.Read more »

Nintendo @E3 2011: Day 2 and 3 Wrap-Ups

Posted on June 10, 2011 by geelw

http://www.youtube-nocookie.com/v/ijsKPaw1A5s?version=3&hl=en_US&rel=0

Bang and POW! Here are Nintendo’s own E3 videos featuring a ton of cool games and info. I’ll also be posting all of the 3DS and Wii trailers starting next week in case you missed them. Wii U videos as as well are coming. As for the stock drop as a result of the Wii U announcement… Hell, am I the ONLY one who got that darn presentation? Analysts are dopes ESPECIALLY if they’re not game developers or gamers. All I’ll say is this sort of inane speculation that drives stock prices down is ridiculous.

http://www.youtube-nocookie.com/v/wrbU-8YntzU?version=3&hl=en_US&rel=0

EA E3 2011 Press Conference

Posted on June 8, 2011 by geelw

http://www.youtube-nocookie.com/v/nELXefM2kZg?version=3&hl=en_US&rel=0

Yup, it’s the whole darn thing warts and all, so pull up a chair and grab a nice cold drink if you haven’t seen it yet. I’m buried under news, trailers and assorted updates, but who isn’t? Off to NOT raise some hell and look at more games – back later…

Konami’s Pre-E3 Video Is Brilliant Stuff

Posted on June 3, 2011 by geelw

http://www.youtube-nocookie.com/v/26RtjPO3p4Y?version=3&hl=en_US&rel=0

Absolutely one of the best and funniest presentations I’ve seen, Konami provided a pre-E3 showing that was informative and innovative while showing off a number of upcoming titles. I’m absolutely grabbing that Metal Gear Solid HD collection, the Silent Hill HD collection, NeverDead and a few other games. Kojima’s got a great sense of humor as you’ll see, but his “Transfarring” idea is one of the best uses of PSp/NGP and PS3 connectivity to date. Amusingly enough, I’d thought of this when the PSP was announced, but I don’t make games. Still, why Sony didn’t do this (or think of it) is a bit odd. Nevertheless, it’s a phenomenal idea I can see other publishers jumping on, particularly in this day and age of people whining about games being too short or not getting enough value out of that sixty bucks. Anyway, go watch the video and enjoy the cool surprise at the end…

PrE3: Sega Lineup Packed With Aliens, Hedgehogs & Other Warm, Fuzzy Stuff…

Posted on June 3, 2011 by geelw

Yeah, yeah, Thor wasn't all that hot (except for the DS version, which rocked in an solid, reliable old-school way – go WayForward!), but let's move on, shall we? It looks as if Sega has a pretty smoking 2011-2012 lineup, as you'll see from the long list below the jump.Read more »

Activision Shakes Up The Toy & Gaming Scene With New Spyro This Fall

Posted on February 11, 2011 by geelw

http://www.activisionvideo.com/flowplayer/flowplayer-3.2.5.swf

I've seen plenty of cool “interactive” toys before (most of which I recall from a few trade shows over the years) mainly geared towards kids that could be connected to PC's for online gaming. Then there were a few oddball Japanese toys I can also recall that could sync to game consoles which failed to take off outside of that country. This year, It looks as if Activision has taken that formerly nascent technology to the next level by blending old and new elements and taking the idea to the Wii (and eventually 3DS) starting this fall. Skylanders – Spyro's Adventure is a unique collaboration between Activision and it's Novato, CA-based studio Toys For Bob that looks to give kids a great reason to collect and hang on to a really cool set of figurines. What's here is being touted as “a wholesale change in the interaction between toys and video games, opening up new possibilities and revenue streams for both industries.” A bold statement, no doubt… but it just may be correct. This has been tried previously in gaming, but I'll surprise you all with that in a feature I'm planning in a few weeks.

Full press release, screens and an event video below the jump – Toy images to come in a separate posting. I'll get some hands-on time at Toy Fair over the next few days and get back to you folks with a report.

Some Friday Night Frights From WBIE…

Posted on February 4, 2011 by geelw

Um…. Hmmmmm. ONE of these promo images from WBIE I got this week scares the hell out of me and one doesn’t. I’ll leave you to decide which one. Let’s hope I’m all wrong for being a bit jittery… Maybe it’s all that caffeine or lack of sleep (one leads to another and next thing you know… you’re all wacky about the littlest things)…

Conduit 2 Weapons Trailer (Plus a Few Other Things)

Posted on January 19, 2011 by geelw

http://www.youtube-nocookie.com/v/nTFjslQxneQ?fs=1&hl=en_US&rel=0

Here's a look at some of the many different weapons from Conduit 2, High Voltage's followup to their groundbreaking Wii FPS. Sega of America has confirmed a new March 22, 2011 release date for the game, which is indeed a good thing. Since I'm in a really good mood (being the only person I know who's never played Angry Birds on a device I own is part of that), I may as well run the other two game trailers – enjoy!

Review: Lost in Shadow

Posted on January 9, 2011 by geelw

Platform: Nintendo Wii

Developer: Hudson

Publisher: Hudson

# of Players: 1

ESRB Rating: E 10+ (Everyone 10 +)

Official Site

Score: B+

Ethereal, innovative, methodically paced yet wholly rewarding, Hudson's Wii exclusive Lost In Shadow is one of those artistic gems that should appeal to gamers across a few different genres. The dreamlike visuals and puzzles that revolve around light and shadow play will draw in fans of games such as ICO or echochrome or the original Price of Persia, the platforming elements are fun and challenging for young to older players and the overall innovation and intriguing story will please fans of games with more than flashy graphics going for them. While it isn't quite perfect, it's amazingly well designed and has a way of keeping you hooked in as you traverse back and forth through some pretty trippy stages that play with your perceptions.

Hudson’s Lost In Shadow Drifts Into Stores

Posted on January 4, 2011 by geelw

http://www.youtube-nocookie.com/v/rhHrVrx5Pe0?fs=1&hl=en_US&rel=0

Hudson’s innovative adventure/platform/puzzle/action game (it does everything!) is in stores NOW. Go buy a copy if you have a Wii (you can thank me later). While I’m waiting for my reviewable to show up, you can keep yourselves busy reading some of my previous coverage on this gem.